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The Transfer Problem
A GLOBAL BANK IS HIDING A DARK SECRET
An artificial intelligence algorithm has been secretly implanted into its computer system …
A TERRIFYING NEW ADVANCE IN TECHNOLOGY
… but this aggressive and highly sensitive AI is good: so good that it bankrupts the entire world economy.
A frighteningly realistic new thriller, The Transfer Problem is an adrenaline-fueled mystery that takes readers to the heart of a dark cyber world. Ethan, an introverted banker with a traumatic past, falls in love with Anna, an enigmatic scientist with whom he shares an academic interest in the philosophy of existence and consciousness. But with the reappearance of Ethan’s rogue brother Robert - a hacker who is forbidden from using technology - the hypothetical turns all too real: Robert convinces Ethan to let Anna transfer a conscious mind into Ethan’s trading algorithms.
But when Anna’s experiment goes well - too well, in fact, with world-altering consequences - Ethan finds himself on the run, searching for answers to Anna’s mysterious past and looking desperately for a way to give humanity its future back.
With nail-biting action and smart, technical themes, The Transfer Problem asks what it means to exist, to be real, and to be human. But it also asks an even bigger question: how far would you go to avenge yourself?
An artificial intelligence algorithm has been secretly implanted into its computer system …
A TERRIFYING NEW ADVANCE IN TECHNOLOGY
… but this aggressive and highly sensitive AI is good: so good that it bankrupts the entire world economy.
A frighteningly realistic new thriller, The Transfer Problem is an adrenaline-fueled mystery that takes readers to the heart of a dark cyber world. Ethan, an introverted banker with a traumatic past, falls in love with Anna, an enigmatic scientist with whom he shares an academic interest in the philosophy of existence and consciousness. But with the reappearance of Ethan’s rogue brother Robert - a hacker who is forbidden from using technology - the hypothetical turns all too real: Robert convinces Ethan to let Anna transfer a conscious mind into Ethan’s trading algorithms.
But when Anna’s experiment goes well - too well, in fact, with world-altering consequences - Ethan finds himself on the run, searching for answers to Anna’s mysterious past and looking desperately for a way to give humanity its future back.
With nail-biting action and smart, technical themes, The Transfer Problem asks what it means to exist, to be real, and to be human. But it also asks an even bigger question: how far would you go to avenge yourself?
- GenresThriller
260 pages, Paperback
Published April 18, 2022
16 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 10, 2022
If you feel slightly daunted by the idea of a book whose plot involves financial trading algorithims, neural networks and artificial intelligence, you needn’t worry because The Transfer Problem works perfectly well even for the technologically challenged (like myself). The author also does a good job of trying to explain some of the concepts.
The story moves back and forth in time so it’s advisable to note carefully the dates at the head of each chapter. Having said that, the shifts in time add to the suspense and as the book progresses the action coalesces around a few key dates. One date in particular sees some especially exciting scenes as the financial markets go into freefall.
The idea that the world’s financial systems – and everything which depends on them – could be disrupted by a rogue algorithm might seem unlikely but the book makes it feel frighteningly possible. The author’s technology background I’m sure helps with the feeling of authenticity. I suspect he may also be a diver as there’s a dramatic underwater scene at one point in the book.
The relationship between Ethan and his older brother, Robert, is a complicated one. Events in their childhood meant they had to fend for themselves for a lot of the time with Ethan often being on the receiving end of Robert’s practical jokes. However, fast forward and the combination of Robert’s love of practical jokes and highly technical brain add up to something much more formidable. As events unfold, it becomes apparent that Ethan, Robert and Anna may have very different motives for the operation they jointly undertake; in fact, they may have very different motives from the ones they profess.
If you thought a spider, a petty cash account and a teddy bear were rather unlikely ingredients with which to fashion a high-tech thriller, then The Transfer Problem will make you think again.
The story moves back and forth in time so it’s advisable to note carefully the dates at the head of each chapter. Having said that, the shifts in time add to the suspense and as the book progresses the action coalesces around a few key dates. One date in particular sees some especially exciting scenes as the financial markets go into freefall.
The idea that the world’s financial systems – and everything which depends on them – could be disrupted by a rogue algorithm might seem unlikely but the book makes it feel frighteningly possible. The author’s technology background I’m sure helps with the feeling of authenticity. I suspect he may also be a diver as there’s a dramatic underwater scene at one point in the book.
The relationship between Ethan and his older brother, Robert, is a complicated one. Events in their childhood meant they had to fend for themselves for a lot of the time with Ethan often being on the receiving end of Robert’s practical jokes. However, fast forward and the combination of Robert’s love of practical jokes and highly technical brain add up to something much more formidable. As events unfold, it becomes apparent that Ethan, Robert and Anna may have very different motives for the operation they jointly undertake; in fact, they may have very different motives from the ones they profess.
If you thought a spider, a petty cash account and a teddy bear were rather unlikely ingredients with which to fashion a high-tech thriller, then The Transfer Problem will make you think again.
December 23, 2022
My one thing about tech thrillers is I have no frame of reference - my own tech knowledge is so sparse, I'm ill-qualified to judge the likelihood or otherwise of the tech details. But a gripping page-turner, with likeable, interesting characters and plenty of plot swerves, this most definitely is.
Read it in about three sittings, even ignoring the tennis, so gripped was I. Belter.
Read it in about three sittings, even ignoring the tennis, so gripped was I. Belter.
June 7, 2022
Very, very interesting and satisfying read. Four stars (my rating scale is shown at the end of this review.) Note: I received a free copy of this in exchange for a review. I believe my reviews are nonetheless unbiased.
The title is quite well-chosen, as the author is exploring the well-used theme in science fiction books of the lossless transfer of the consciousness of an organic creature into a digital form. While the idea is not new, the creatures involved are unique, and the author explores both the methodology, as well as the implications, more effectively than many other treatments.
And he does so in the context of an excellent thriller. There are good guys, bad guys, good bad guys, bad good guys, and unexpected others that contribute to a global catastrophe the characters strive to handle. This makes the book enjoyable to those who don't want to dive deeply into the details of the Transfer Problem, yet leaves some interesting meat for those that do.
Also, nicely, the book resolves the story AND sets up a sequel. I'm starting to get very irritated at authors that don't actually end one story at the end of a long read, but set up the next book ... that I must now wait months / years to read, during which time I'll have forgotten the first book. This one tells a complete story, but then at the very end opens the door to ideas of what might come next - without leaving you hanging.
Good book, good effort. I recommend it.
My rating rules are as follows:
- Five stars is when you read a book to the end, put it down, take a deep breath, pick it up and start reading it all over again - or you would if you weren't so anxious to read the next book in a multi-book series. Or, it's simply good enough that it merits a - rare - five-star rating.
- Four stars is when you tell yourself : ”This is good, this is well-written, this is full of interesting ideas/characters/plot points, I like it - and I know I will never read it again." But you search out the author's other books.
- Three stars is when you read it to the end, put it down, move on, and proceed to forget all about it - and the author - in the next instant.
- Two stars when it's so bad that it makes you cringe, or sigh, and want to write a review, but you can't remember the name of the book or dislike it so much that you don't.
- One star when you can't read past chapter 3, even as penance for your sins.
The title is quite well-chosen, as the author is exploring the well-used theme in science fiction books of the lossless transfer of the consciousness of an organic creature into a digital form. While the idea is not new, the creatures involved are unique, and the author explores both the methodology, as well as the implications, more effectively than many other treatments.
And he does so in the context of an excellent thriller. There are good guys, bad guys, good bad guys, bad good guys, and unexpected others that contribute to a global catastrophe the characters strive to handle. This makes the book enjoyable to those who don't want to dive deeply into the details of the Transfer Problem, yet leaves some interesting meat for those that do.
Also, nicely, the book resolves the story AND sets up a sequel. I'm starting to get very irritated at authors that don't actually end one story at the end of a long read, but set up the next book ... that I must now wait months / years to read, during which time I'll have forgotten the first book. This one tells a complete story, but then at the very end opens the door to ideas of what might come next - without leaving you hanging.
Good book, good effort. I recommend it.
My rating rules are as follows:
- Five stars is when you read a book to the end, put it down, take a deep breath, pick it up and start reading it all over again - or you would if you weren't so anxious to read the next book in a multi-book series. Or, it's simply good enough that it merits a - rare - five-star rating.
- Four stars is when you tell yourself : ”This is good, this is well-written, this is full of interesting ideas/characters/plot points, I like it - and I know I will never read it again." But you search out the author's other books.
- Three stars is when you read it to the end, put it down, move on, and proceed to forget all about it - and the author - in the next instant.
- Two stars when it's so bad that it makes you cringe, or sigh, and want to write a review, but you can't remember the name of the book or dislike it so much that you don't.
- One star when you can't read past chapter 3, even as penance for your sins.
April 17, 2022
"Well I gather it's all a bit British. Army on the streets, but rather apologetic, spending most of their time accepting cups of tea from concerned homeowners".
The premise of the transfer problem is fascinating - if we transfer someones consciousness, how can we prove that the technology with the consciousness is fully the same as the person it came from?
The book covers a great amount of sci-fi, ai based considerations following the chaotic actions of Anna, a Russian-Japanese computer science genius.
I loved the premise but for unknown reasons, this specific book didn't click so well with me.
Thank you NetGalley for the Arc.
The premise of the transfer problem is fascinating - if we transfer someones consciousness, how can we prove that the technology with the consciousness is fully the same as the person it came from?
The book covers a great amount of sci-fi, ai based considerations following the chaotic actions of Anna, a Russian-Japanese computer science genius.
I loved the premise but for unknown reasons, this specific book didn't click so well with me.
Thank you NetGalley for the Arc.
May 11, 2022
This is an exciting fast paced thriller. The science fiction revolves around artificial or not so artificial intelligence and is explained in an intelligent and mostly comprehensible way - it sparked my interest and I made the effort to understand it even though it meant rereading a few passages. The story is very clever, well plotted and very readable although it keeps you on your toes. It is important to note the chapter headings as the timeline zigzags around. I loved Ethan as the reluctant hero, he comes across as the innocent with his dry wit and slightly naive persona, but is he though? I enjoyed the way that his relationships with Anna and his brother Robert were revealed and developed throughout and the interactions between them were spiced with humour and wit. The plot is very credible, eerily so, financial fraud and the country going to pot but with enough action and gadgets to keep it in the fantasy world.
I loved it.
I loved it.
December 16, 2021
This is that rare thing: a technothriller where the author actually knows what he’s talking about when it comes to technology. The funny banter between the characters is actually funny, and the plot is genuinely gripping. Like if Neal Stephenson wrote a book with Douglas Adams.
November 26, 2021
Adam Saint writes smart speculative fiction with nail-biting twists and turns. In his debut novel, The Transfer Problem, he has crafted a heart-pumping near-future technothriller packed full of big ideas about the nature of existence and humanity—one that's also a page-turner that will keep you gripped throughout. As soon as you begin to wonder how far away we are from exactly the kind of technological possibilities he describes, you'll realize: we may already be there.
July 16, 2022
This book was a pleasant surprise. I have read numerous Sci-Fi books that use the same troupe and this one was surprising original. A rich and compelling story that had me hooked from the beginning.
Ethan is highly intelligent and he works for a bank looking for trends in the financial markets that can be exploited for profit. He has a chance encounter with Anna, a research scientist, that shares his interests, is brilliant, and not surprising he falls in love.
Anna is researching methods that will enable a mind to be uploaded to a computer. She has developed a way to transfer a brain; however, the mind is destroyed in the process. Hence, the transfer problem. She wants to do some testing and needs a powerful computer. She enlists Ethan to help her access the bank’s massive computing power. The results are spectacular. Too good actually.
The world’s financial systems are in chaos as a result of the experiment. Ethan is on the run from the government and he soon discovers that his brother, Robert, is behind all this. He must find Robert and unravel the mystery of Anna if everything is going to be returned to normal.
I thought the plot was inventive and the pacing was good. In addition, there were so many little things that happened and details given that enriched this story. I enjoyed the complexity and did not find it was, in any way, off-putting. It was obvious that the author had a deep understanding of the technology involved and he was able to make me understand without being so technical that I got lost.
The best thing about this book are the characters, especially Ethan. The character development was slow and methodical. There was a lot going on and the author slowly peeled away the layers to reveal a character that I become deeply invested in.
Thoroughly enjoyable and I loved how the story unfolded so organically. It is not only fast paced but well crafted. If you are a fan of thrillers, be sure you read this one.
I received a free electronic copy in exchange for my honest review. For more of my reviews, and author interviews, see my book blog at www.thespineview.com.
Ethan is highly intelligent and he works for a bank looking for trends in the financial markets that can be exploited for profit. He has a chance encounter with Anna, a research scientist, that shares his interests, is brilliant, and not surprising he falls in love.
Anna is researching methods that will enable a mind to be uploaded to a computer. She has developed a way to transfer a brain; however, the mind is destroyed in the process. Hence, the transfer problem. She wants to do some testing and needs a powerful computer. She enlists Ethan to help her access the bank’s massive computing power. The results are spectacular. Too good actually.
The world’s financial systems are in chaos as a result of the experiment. Ethan is on the run from the government and he soon discovers that his brother, Robert, is behind all this. He must find Robert and unravel the mystery of Anna if everything is going to be returned to normal.
I thought the plot was inventive and the pacing was good. In addition, there were so many little things that happened and details given that enriched this story. I enjoyed the complexity and did not find it was, in any way, off-putting. It was obvious that the author had a deep understanding of the technology involved and he was able to make me understand without being so technical that I got lost.
The best thing about this book are the characters, especially Ethan. The character development was slow and methodical. There was a lot going on and the author slowly peeled away the layers to reveal a character that I become deeply invested in.
Thoroughly enjoyable and I loved how the story unfolded so organically. It is not only fast paced but well crafted. If you are a fan of thrillers, be sure you read this one.
I received a free electronic copy in exchange for my honest review. For more of my reviews, and author interviews, see my book blog at www.thespineview.com.
January 14, 2022
A good mix of tech and sci-fi, along with a little humor. I don't think this will be considered a book for generating deep thinking, just decent entertainment. I stayed mostly engaged, and liked the premise.
Thanks very much for the free ARC for review!!
Thanks very much for the free ARC for review!!
March 13, 2022
There’s so many things about this one that I loved. The one thing I loved the most is seeing characters that approach the concept of transferring your conscience into a machine in a more realistic, human way. I enjoyed the humour touches in this book, they work perfectly and make the characters relatable and likable. The story uses the transferring of a conscience into a machine in a refreshing way and it's told in a way that gets your attention from page one. Truly a unique and enjoyable read.
June 19, 2022
Check out this review and more on my blog, Maya’s Reviews.
Listen to this review and more on my podcast, Maya's Reviews.
---
Thank you to Deixis Press for providing me with a copy novel in exchange for an honest review.
I am unable to provide a full list of content warnings since I was unable to finish reading this novel.
---
// Quick Statistics //
Overall: 2.5/5 Stars
Characters: 2/5 Stars
Writing: 2/5 Stars
Setting: 1/5 Stars
Plot: 4/5 Stars
Memorability: 2/5 Stars
---
// Quick Review //
Due to its promising and intriguing premise, I had looked forward to reading this novel. However, it was clearly for a specific target audience that I am unfortunately not a part of.
----
// Other Information //
Publisher: Deixis Press
Page Count: 260 pages
Release Date: April 18, 2022
Series: None
Tags: Adult, Fiction, Science fiction, Techno thriller, Technology, Thriller
---
// Review //
First of all, I want to mention that The Transfer Problem is not necessarily a bad book, but it just was not for me. The premise interested me due to the promise of an “adrenaline-fueled mystery that takes readers to the heart of a dark world”. I am a huge fan of mysteries and thrillers, so I decided to give this techno-thriller a try. I was enjoying the book and its mysteriousness until it got too technical. I don’t know what I expected from a techno-thriller, but the number of descriptions of technology seemed overbearing. This heavy emphasis was important to the book but made me bored. I am just not a person who loves pages of technology… I am not a woman in STEM.
Besides this, I was disappointed with the characters in the novel. I went into this book wanting to appreciate and like them, but I felt so disconnected from them that this felt impossible. The first few chapters seemed promising, however the further the story continued I felt less and less interested in what happened to the characters and who they were. The novel follows the story of Ethan and Anna—also Robert—who are attempting to transfer a conscious mind into Ethan’s trading algorithms. The potential to transfer oneself into a computer is definitely interesting and made me want to read the novel. However, as I mentioned earlier there was so much focus upon technology that I was lost and was unable to focus on the book.
---
// Wrap Up //
Although this book was not for me, there were definitely aspects that will appeal to others.
---
FOLLOW ME: Twitter || Tumblr || BookBub || BookSiren || Anchor || YouTube || Spotify || Google Podcasts || Apple Podcasts
Listen to this review and more on my podcast, Maya's Reviews.
---
Thank you to Deixis Press for providing me with a copy novel in exchange for an honest review.
I am unable to provide a full list of content warnings since I was unable to finish reading this novel.
---
// Quick Statistics //
Overall: 2.5/5 Stars
Characters: 2/5 Stars
Writing: 2/5 Stars
Setting: 1/5 Stars
Plot: 4/5 Stars
Memorability: 2/5 Stars
---
// Quick Review //
Due to its promising and intriguing premise, I had looked forward to reading this novel. However, it was clearly for a specific target audience that I am unfortunately not a part of.
----
// Other Information //
Publisher: Deixis Press
Page Count: 260 pages
Release Date: April 18, 2022
Series: None
Tags: Adult, Fiction, Science fiction, Techno thriller, Technology, Thriller
---
// Review //
First of all, I want to mention that The Transfer Problem is not necessarily a bad book, but it just was not for me. The premise interested me due to the promise of an “adrenaline-fueled mystery that takes readers to the heart of a dark world”. I am a huge fan of mysteries and thrillers, so I decided to give this techno-thriller a try. I was enjoying the book and its mysteriousness until it got too technical. I don’t know what I expected from a techno-thriller, but the number of descriptions of technology seemed overbearing. This heavy emphasis was important to the book but made me bored. I am just not a person who loves pages of technology… I am not a woman in STEM.
Besides this, I was disappointed with the characters in the novel. I went into this book wanting to appreciate and like them, but I felt so disconnected from them that this felt impossible. The first few chapters seemed promising, however the further the story continued I felt less and less interested in what happened to the characters and who they were. The novel follows the story of Ethan and Anna—also Robert—who are attempting to transfer a conscious mind into Ethan’s trading algorithms. The potential to transfer oneself into a computer is definitely interesting and made me want to read the novel. However, as I mentioned earlier there was so much focus upon technology that I was lost and was unable to focus on the book.
---
// Wrap Up //
Although this book was not for me, there were definitely aspects that will appeal to others.
---
FOLLOW ME: Twitter || Tumblr || BookBub || BookSiren || Anchor || YouTube || Spotify || Google Podcasts || Apple Podcasts
June 30, 2023
The Transfer Problem is an entertaining if somewhat convoluted techno-thriller.
Ethan is a banker - the trading large amounts sort, not the clerk at your local branch sort. His girlfriend, Anna, is a scientist researching how to replicate a conscious mind into a machine - the "transfer problem" of the title. Ethan's brother Robert is a hacker, theoretically banned from accessing any type of technology. It doesn't take a brain of Anna's calibre to see where this is going - yep, it's an elaborate heist.
What follows is a wild and highly improbable tale about money, cyber security, the nature of consciousness and revenge. The chapters whizz about the timeline with wild abandon which is disorientating at first, but bear with it, it all makes sense in the end. You do have to suspend disbelief considerably though, or you will end up screaming "but they just wouldn't DO that!" at some of the characters' actions - there's one particular policeman who would be in a LOT of trouble! The one thing that is terrifyingly realistic is the speed that the first world would fall into chaos if the banking system were to face a serious threat.
It's bonkers, but fast paced and fun, and I defy you to find another book that weaves such an energetic and labyrinthine plot out of a spider and £6.11 of petty cash.
Thanks to Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read this boisterously engaging thriller.
Ethan is a banker - the trading large amounts sort, not the clerk at your local branch sort. His girlfriend, Anna, is a scientist researching how to replicate a conscious mind into a machine - the "transfer problem" of the title. Ethan's brother Robert is a hacker, theoretically banned from accessing any type of technology. It doesn't take a brain of Anna's calibre to see where this is going - yep, it's an elaborate heist.
What follows is a wild and highly improbable tale about money, cyber security, the nature of consciousness and revenge. The chapters whizz about the timeline with wild abandon which is disorientating at first, but bear with it, it all makes sense in the end. You do have to suspend disbelief considerably though, or you will end up screaming "but they just wouldn't DO that!" at some of the characters' actions - there's one particular policeman who would be in a LOT of trouble! The one thing that is terrifyingly realistic is the speed that the first world would fall into chaos if the banking system were to face a serious threat.
It's bonkers, but fast paced and fun, and I defy you to find another book that weaves such an energetic and labyrinthine plot out of a spider and £6.11 of petty cash.
Thanks to Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read this boisterously engaging thriller.
July 1, 2023
Well, I spent quite a lot of this book feeling a bit confused about the plot, but I cautiously recommend it to people better able to understand how you can bring down society by plugging someone into a computer! Ethan is a banker, in love with a mysterious scientist. He also has a psycho brother who isn’t allowed anywhere near tech. Ethan allows girlfriend Anna (and probably his brother)to do some sort of experiment with the bank’s petty cash account, and before we know it there is a worldwide crisis, with plane hijacking, EMP bombs and all sorts.
The mixed up timelines were a bit of an added complication, and I would have appreciated a bit more explanation of some plot points. I’m still wondering how Ethan was able to crash land a jet and walk away. But this is an interesting premise and it’s quite funny in places too. Just not really my thing.
Read with The Pigeonhole.
The mixed up timelines were a bit of an added complication, and I would have appreciated a bit more explanation of some plot points. I’m still wondering how Ethan was able to crash land a jet and walk away. But this is an interesting premise and it’s quite funny in places too. Just not really my thing.
Read with The Pigeonhole.
May 12, 2024
This was an interesting thriller. Ethan, who works in finance, gets wrapped up in a series of events involving his brother, Robert, a hacker and his academic girlfriend, Anna. Anna wishes to test out her theories around the transfer problem - moving consciousness into a computer system - at Ethan's work. And then events unravel...
The narrative follows multiple timelines which help keep the pace up and the action consistent. To me there seemed to be a tongue in cheek nod to James bond / mission impossible - Ethan often is described as incompetent and describes himself as being a lousy action hero. But the novel certainly has an action thriller vibe similar to those films, and the tech speak was well explained and understandable for those of us not in the know!
A unique, fun and interesting book.
The narrative follows multiple timelines which help keep the pace up and the action consistent. To me there seemed to be a tongue in cheek nod to James bond / mission impossible - Ethan often is described as incompetent and describes himself as being a lousy action hero. But the novel certainly has an action thriller vibe similar to those films, and the tech speak was well explained and understandable for those of us not in the know!
A unique, fun and interesting book.
July 2, 2023
Didn't want to rate any lower as it was pretty clear this book wasn't for me, it has a very specific target audience.
The premise was interesting and there were parts of the book I was gripped as the writing was great, very clever, then there were parts were I was completely lost as the writing was just "too clever" and I was overwhelmed with over-flowery words and/or technical jargon.
I also was unsure about the ending, felt like it was setting things up for another book.
Like I said, this book should go down well with it's target audience, with thanks to the author and Pigeonhole for the opportunity.
The premise was interesting and there were parts of the book I was gripped as the writing was great, very clever, then there were parts were I was completely lost as the writing was just "too clever" and I was overwhelmed with over-flowery words and/or technical jargon.
I also was unsure about the ending, felt like it was setting things up for another book.
Like I said, this book should go down well with it's target audience, with thanks to the author and Pigeonhole for the opportunity.
July 2, 2023
It’s a difficult book to review as the basic bones of a really good plot are definitely present, but the execution didn’t work overall for me. I’ve come out the other end glad that I’ve read it, but the plot jumped around so much that during the process, I thought there were bits missing. The gaps were sort of filled in later in the book, but I think some tighter editing could have made this a far better book. However I’d probably read a sequel as I did like the characters. Thanks to Pigeonhole & the author for the opportunity.
June 30, 2023
The Transfer Problem by Adam Saint is a story about sibling rivalry, causing a global crash, a love story and a very disturbed female.
The story is full of technical jargon and is a very eccentric story that meanders through a global crash when all the money disappears, to visiting different countries, to a love triangle with a very sick and disturbed female.
I felt underwhelmed by the characters, storyline and the theme, not really for me.
The story is full of technical jargon and is a very eccentric story that meanders through a global crash when all the money disappears, to visiting different countries, to a love triangle with a very sick and disturbed female.
I felt underwhelmed by the characters, storyline and the theme, not really for me.
July 2, 2023
Well I finished reading, (although I must admit to skimming some of the technical stuff) largely to see if everything would eventually make sense. Sadly it didn't.
Despite some good descriptive writing, the theme of the book, all the technical jargon, and a very fractured timeline has left me very confused, or perhaps bemused.
The premise was good, but it simply wasn't explained so that a reader could understand.
Despite some good descriptive writing, the theme of the book, all the technical jargon, and a very fractured timeline has left me very confused, or perhaps bemused.
The premise was good, but it simply wasn't explained so that a reader could understand.
July 2, 2023
There are some highlights to this book and some passages of inspired and talented writing. The story of 2 genius misfit brothers orphaned at an early age and brought up by a negligent grandmother is worthy and much preferable to the confusing bizarre plot involving spider brains, mind transference and the destruction of the banking system.
The ending was too inconclusive for my taste and the characters unlikeable.
Thanks to pigeonhole for the opportunity to read this odd book.
The ending was too inconclusive for my taste and the characters unlikeable.
Thanks to pigeonhole for the opportunity to read this odd book.
July 3, 2023
I enjoyed the book in fitsand starts. Some chapters I skimmed and others I enjoyed.
The idea of transferring someone's consciousness into a machine was interesting but the story was hard to follow at times and the ending was a bit unsatisfactory.
Thank you to Pigeonhole for bringing the book to my attention but, unfortunately, it wasn't for me.
#PH
The idea of transferring someone's consciousness into a machine was interesting but the story was hard to follow at times and the ending was a bit unsatisfactory.
Thank you to Pigeonhole for bringing the book to my attention but, unfortunately, it wasn't for me.
#PH
December 31, 2021
Great premise, but I was disappointed in this book. I found the writing to be overly verbose and pretentious, the characters shallow and dialog too over the top. The transfer problem itself is interesting, but the plot and delivery here didn’t do it for me.
June 30, 2023
2.5🌟 I read it and I still couldn’t tell you what it was about. Too much jargon and a leaning towards using too many words. I read through Pigeonhole and one whole stave was [Spoiler] about the deployment of an EMP.
July 28, 2023
https://fromtheheartofeurope.eu/the-transfer-problem-by-adam-saint-brief-note/
Failed to grab me and I put it down after 50 pages.
Failed to grab me and I put it down after 50 pages.
June 28, 2023
I had to stop reading this book about a quarter of the way through. It was too convoluted, confusing and poorly written for me.
July 1, 2023
Not for me - too much unnecessary jargon
September 2, 2024
Book Review:
The Transfer Problem by Adam Saint is an economic sci-fi thriller. Ethan is a cautious guy working in the server room of a big bank in London. He is running programs that are set to take advantage of discrepancies in currency exchanges/valuations. When he meets Ana, a scientist experimenting on spider brains, he is pulled between her and his brother Robert's criminal tendencies.
I love it when a book puts us right in the action, and the story starts at the most exciting part of the story. Ethan hijacks a plane in an attempt to escape authorities. It's an excellent intro and the rest of the book is told in a nonlinear fashion catching you up in a way that makes each reveal more impactful.
The best section of the story is when the world banking system begins to collapse. The author takes his time letting the tension escalate and it feels like the climb of a tall roller coaster. There is a section of the book that takes Ethan to Egypt and the story slows down a bit, but picks right back up as he fights for his life and tries to get back home.
I thought it was very easy to follow, but also difficult to predict which made for an entertaining read! The title derives from the theoretical conflict of a true self if consciousness is able to transfer out of the original host body. If that was possible and your mind could be uploaded into a machine, are YOU considered to be the human you or the person in the machine...
The Transfer Problem by Adam Saint is an economic sci-fi thriller. Ethan is a cautious guy working in the server room of a big bank in London. He is running programs that are set to take advantage of discrepancies in currency exchanges/valuations. When he meets Ana, a scientist experimenting on spider brains, he is pulled between her and his brother Robert's criminal tendencies.
I love it when a book puts us right in the action, and the story starts at the most exciting part of the story. Ethan hijacks a plane in an attempt to escape authorities. It's an excellent intro and the rest of the book is told in a nonlinear fashion catching you up in a way that makes each reveal more impactful.
The best section of the story is when the world banking system begins to collapse. The author takes his time letting the tension escalate and it feels like the climb of a tall roller coaster. There is a section of the book that takes Ethan to Egypt and the story slows down a bit, but picks right back up as he fights for his life and tries to get back home.
I thought it was very easy to follow, but also difficult to predict which made for an entertaining read! The title derives from the theoretical conflict of a true self if consciousness is able to transfer out of the original host body. If that was possible and your mind could be uploaded into a machine, are YOU considered to be the human you or the person in the machine...
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