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Billy and the Cloneasaurus
Six billion identical clones make up the entire population of Earth, and William 790-6 (57th Iteration) is exactly like everybody else. In his one year of life he will toil in suburban mediocrity and spend as much cash as possible in order to please his corporate masters. When 790’s first birthday (and scheduled execution) finally rolls around, a freak accident spares his life.
Living past his expiration date changes 790 profoundly. Unlike other clones he becomes capable of questioning the futility of his own existence. Seeking answers in the wilderness, he discovers a windmill with some very strange occupants, including a freakish, dinosaur-like monstrosity. Which is especially strange since every animal on earth is supposed to be extinct…
Dark, haunting, and blisteringly satirical, BILLY AND THE CLONEASAURUS is the story of one “man’s” attempt to finally become an individual in a world of copies.
Living past his expiration date changes 790 profoundly. Unlike other clones he becomes capable of questioning the futility of his own existence. Seeking answers in the wilderness, he discovers a windmill with some very strange occupants, including a freakish, dinosaur-like monstrosity. Which is especially strange since every animal on earth is supposed to be extinct…
Dark, haunting, and blisteringly satirical, BILLY AND THE CLONEASAURUS is the story of one “man’s” attempt to finally become an individual in a world of copies.
195 pages, Paperback
First published June 22, 2014
27 people are currently reading
510 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Kozeniewski
46 books437 followersStephen Kozeniewski (pronounced "causin' ooze key") is a Splatterpunk Award-winning author and two-time World Horror Grossout Contest champion. His published work has also been nominated for the Voice Arts and Indie Horror Book Awards, among other honors. He lives in Pennsylvania with his fiancée and their two cats above a fanciful balloon studio.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
March 19, 2017
Billy And The Cloneasaurus by Stephen Kozeniewski:
4 “Transcendental” Stars.
“Every William got it in his head to go to work at the same time, pop off to lunch at the same time, run off to the cleaners at the same time, and end the night with a nightcap at the same time. It was the way it had always been, and the way it always would be." ~ William 790-6 [Call him Will (it’s impolite to go by number)].
To say Will 790-6’s birthday didn’t turn out the way it was supposed to (and always should), is a bit of an understatement. Unlike the other 3,650 Wills in Williamsport-6, he didn’t get slurried on his 365th day of life. Now he’s 366 days old (which is one day older than any Will has ever lived before - maybe), the population is 3,651 (which is one Will more than any Williamsburg has ever had before – maybe) and there are two 790-6s (which is one 790-6 too many – for sure).
“They were beings of a banal evil far beyond imagining. They were the keepers of the status quo." ~ Will 790 (The “Veteran”, not The “Replacement”).
He returns to the William factory to be slurried, of course. After all, loyalty to The Corporation is part of a Will’s universal genetic code. Like his average intelligence. And fear of the unknown (which is ridiculous, given his inherent lack of curiosity).
“The ghoulish William ushered 790 into the tube. Two plaintive knocks came from behind the hard plastic. 790 was mouthing something. The ghoul pressed a button. ‘Go ahead,’ he said into the intercom.
‘Please don’t. I’m an individual.’
The ghoul shrugged and threw the switch.”
~ Will (the “ghoul”) & Will 790 (The “Replacement”, not The “Veteran”).
But, as it never happens (maybe), the wrong Will 790 gets slurried, and The “Veteran” Will 790 survives another day MORE. That’s two days MORE than any Will has ever lived before (maybe). Which causes Will 790 (“The new, the old, the original, the replacement, the only one left, and the only one there would ever be again”)… (maybe)… to wonder, for the first time ever: if he’s capable of living two days MORE than any other Will in history, what MORE is he capable of?
“ ‘I don’t want to pretend I’m something I’m not,’ 790 said, ‘but I’m tired of being what everyone expects me to be. I know I can be more than the heritage of my body.’
Wilson brought the torch down first on one shoulder, then the other.
‘Then I dub thee… Billy.’ "
~ Billy (Nee 790) & Wilson (Nee 6).
In Stephen Kozeniewski’s transcendental allegory Billy And The Cloneasaurus, the Platonic Cave like Williamsport-6 provides an apt setting for Billy’s story as his lighthearted quest for individual enlightenment eventually leads to deeper, more poignant revelations about western society in general and it’s obsession with consumerism and capitalism in particular.
Indeed, given all 3,650 Williams in Williamsport-6 are so enslaved by the endless cycle of work and spend that they’re too busy to notice there’s MORE to life than working and spending; perhaps the most valuable lesson to be learned is that the pursuit of MORE is less important than the realization that there’s MORE to pursue.
Exactly how much MORE Billy pursues and where his pursuits take him I won’t say. Which means you’ll have to read this book. Which means you’ll have to work more hours to earn enough money to buy this book. Which means, when you finish this book, you’ll have to work more hours to earn enough money to buy another book. Which means…
DAMN IT, KOZENIEWSKI! WHAT HAS YOUR TRANSCENDENTAL THINKING DONE TO ME???
“He vowed that, from that day forth, he would never be forced into the role that had been pre-assigned for him. He would think outside the boundaries of what he had been told he could accomplish. He would finally be an individual.”
~ Billy (“The new, the old, the original, the replacement, the only one left, and the only one there would ever be again”) (Maybe).
Billy And The Cloneasaurus by Stephen Kozeniewski:
4 “Transcendental” Stars.
For information about my rating system, see my profile page.
4 “Transcendental” Stars.
“Every William got it in his head to go to work at the same time, pop off to lunch at the same time, run off to the cleaners at the same time, and end the night with a nightcap at the same time. It was the way it had always been, and the way it always would be." ~ William 790-6 [Call him Will (it’s impolite to go by number)].
To say Will 790-6’s birthday didn’t turn out the way it was supposed to (and always should), is a bit of an understatement. Unlike the other 3,650 Wills in Williamsport-6, he didn’t get slurried on his 365th day of life. Now he’s 366 days old (which is one day older than any Will has ever lived before - maybe), the population is 3,651 (which is one Will more than any Williamsburg has ever had before – maybe) and there are two 790-6s (which is one 790-6 too many – for sure).
“They were beings of a banal evil far beyond imagining. They were the keepers of the status quo." ~ Will 790 (The “Veteran”, not The “Replacement”).
He returns to the William factory to be slurried, of course. After all, loyalty to The Corporation is part of a Will’s universal genetic code. Like his average intelligence. And fear of the unknown (which is ridiculous, given his inherent lack of curiosity).
“The ghoulish William ushered 790 into the tube. Two plaintive knocks came from behind the hard plastic. 790 was mouthing something. The ghoul pressed a button. ‘Go ahead,’ he said into the intercom.
‘Please don’t. I’m an individual.’
The ghoul shrugged and threw the switch.”
~ Will (the “ghoul”) & Will 790 (The “Replacement”, not The “Veteran”).
But, as it never happens (maybe), the wrong Will 790 gets slurried, and The “Veteran” Will 790 survives another day MORE. That’s two days MORE than any Will has ever lived before (maybe). Which causes Will 790 (“The new, the old, the original, the replacement, the only one left, and the only one there would ever be again”)… (maybe)… to wonder, for the first time ever: if he’s capable of living two days MORE than any other Will in history, what MORE is he capable of?
“ ‘I don’t want to pretend I’m something I’m not,’ 790 said, ‘but I’m tired of being what everyone expects me to be. I know I can be more than the heritage of my body.’
Wilson brought the torch down first on one shoulder, then the other.
‘Then I dub thee… Billy.’ "
~ Billy (Nee 790) & Wilson (Nee 6).
In Stephen Kozeniewski’s transcendental allegory Billy And The Cloneasaurus, the Platonic Cave like Williamsport-6 provides an apt setting for Billy’s story as his lighthearted quest for individual enlightenment eventually leads to deeper, more poignant revelations about western society in general and it’s obsession with consumerism and capitalism in particular.
Indeed, given all 3,650 Williams in Williamsport-6 are so enslaved by the endless cycle of work and spend that they’re too busy to notice there’s MORE to life than working and spending; perhaps the most valuable lesson to be learned is that the pursuit of MORE is less important than the realization that there’s MORE to pursue.
Exactly how much MORE Billy pursues and where his pursuits take him I won’t say. Which means you’ll have to read this book. Which means you’ll have to work more hours to earn enough money to buy this book. Which means, when you finish this book, you’ll have to work more hours to earn enough money to buy another book. Which means…
DAMN IT, KOZENIEWSKI! WHAT HAS YOUR TRANSCENDENTAL THINKING DONE TO ME???
“He vowed that, from that day forth, he would never be forced into the role that had been pre-assigned for him. He would think outside the boundaries of what he had been told he could accomplish. He would finally be an individual.”
~ Billy (“The new, the old, the original, the replacement, the only one left, and the only one there would ever be again”) (Maybe).
Billy And The Cloneasaurus by Stephen Kozeniewski:
4 “Transcendental” Stars.
For information about my rating system, see my profile page.
April 29, 2017
Very interesting and disturbing world of clones
Rtc
Rtc
June 25, 2016
Can you imagine what it's like to live in a world full of 6 million people just like you? I mean literally - a world of clones, each a balding, middle-age man named William. Add to that the fact that you live for only one year before you're sen to a machine that chops you up and feeds you to the next group of Williams being "born" that day.
Things change, though, when something goes wrong and 790 lives past his death date due to an accident that leaves the machine in need of repairs. That one moment leads to a series of moments - and questions - that change THIS William's life completely.
Having read Stephen's book, Braineater Jones, I went into this book with thoughts in mind, but really having no idea where this story was going (I will admit that I didn't even read the book description, but had stared at the cover for weeks on my Kindle... curious). This definitely wasn't what I expected, but should have been, considering the off-beat humor that he has throughout Braineater.
I really enjoyed this book. I like Billy and the other characters, and seeing how, even though they were clones, they had their differences. There were parts that made me laugh, and other parts that made me just sit there at the Kindle and stare... or maybe glare is the word I'm looking for. I also like how the story came together in the end.
If you're looking for a fun book that doesn't take long to read... or much brain use... and like a good chuckle, you should check this book out. (And Braineater Jones, too.)
Things change, though, when something goes wrong and 790 lives past his death date due to an accident that leaves the machine in need of repairs. That one moment leads to a series of moments - and questions - that change THIS William's life completely.
Having read Stephen's book, Braineater Jones, I went into this book with thoughts in mind, but really having no idea where this story was going (I will admit that I didn't even read the book description, but had stared at the cover for weeks on my Kindle... curious). This definitely wasn't what I expected, but should have been, considering the off-beat humor that he has throughout Braineater.
I really enjoyed this book. I like Billy and the other characters, and seeing how, even though they were clones, they had their differences. There were parts that made me laugh, and other parts that made me just sit there at the Kindle and stare... or maybe glare is the word I'm looking for. I also like how the story came together in the end.
If you're looking for a fun book that doesn't take long to read... or much brain use... and like a good chuckle, you should check this book out. (And Braineater Jones, too.)
October 16, 2019
Okay, you have got to be kidding, sir! First, you think of an idea that has already been done. Then you give it a title that no one could possibly like. Didn't you think this through??? It was on the bestseller lists for 18 months, sir! It was adapted into one of the most popular movies of all time! WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?? ...I mean thank you, write again!
June 14, 2019
While the title might seem silly and the story starts off light, this book really touches on several topics and does so in an intelligent manner. It really is a deeper satire on life than I expected. Hell, I was expecting some fun entertainment similar to Kozeniewski's BRAINEATER JONES; instead I got some fun entertainment with a commentary and emotion.
William 790-6 (57th iteration) is a clone; one of the billions of clones that make up the population of Earth. All identical. All following the same patterns of life. Normally on a William's first year anniversary of their birth, they are recycled back into the system so that the next iteration can come along. Due to a freak set of circumstances, William 790-6 (57th iteration) survives while the 58th iteration is recycled. The 57th iteration starts to learn and grow. He begins to question his life and want more. He questions his job and the futility it provides. And then he discovers a windmill with some occupants who encourage his growth. Occupants who want more from him and which he is happy to provide.
As I mentioned above, the story starts off light and comical. In addition to the freak events that allow the 57th iteration to live being humorous, the simple logistics of every character being named William is pretty fun. But as I kept reading, the satire elements crept in. Here was someone of the world that simply wanted to be an individual, to be special, to not be one of the mindless masses. And isn't that what most of us want? To feel special and unique. Here was someone who questioned why everyone acted the same even if it ended up with negative effects. For example, everyone leaving work at the same time just to sit in traffic when leaving 20 minutes later would avoid the problem. And isn't that what most of us think? That if everyone was logical instead of a mindless drone, that things would work better. And then William 790-6 (57th iteration) questions the company where he works and the crass consumerism that it creates. Again, something most of us have probably wondered as we yearn for that electric car, Dyson fan, newest iPhone, or whatever object of the moment is cool. And finally, the ending. I'm not sure if satires usually end in this manner but the ending is where I was slapped in the face that this is still a horror story. A horror story where a happy ending was never guaranteed. Any time that you feel liked you were slapped in the face by a book, you know that it had an impact. It touched something inside. You want others to feel that impact too. So, go out, buy and read this book. Revel in being an individual. If everybody ends up buying and reading the book, then at least you can feel secure in knowing that you are the 1st iteration.
William 790-6 (57th iteration) is a clone; one of the billions of clones that make up the population of Earth. All identical. All following the same patterns of life. Normally on a William's first year anniversary of their birth, they are recycled back into the system so that the next iteration can come along. Due to a freak set of circumstances, William 790-6 (57th iteration) survives while the 58th iteration is recycled. The 57th iteration starts to learn and grow. He begins to question his life and want more. He questions his job and the futility it provides. And then he discovers a windmill with some occupants who encourage his growth. Occupants who want more from him and which he is happy to provide.
As I mentioned above, the story starts off light and comical. In addition to the freak events that allow the 57th iteration to live being humorous, the simple logistics of every character being named William is pretty fun. But as I kept reading, the satire elements crept in. Here was someone of the world that simply wanted to be an individual, to be special, to not be one of the mindless masses. And isn't that what most of us want? To feel special and unique. Here was someone who questioned why everyone acted the same even if it ended up with negative effects. For example, everyone leaving work at the same time just to sit in traffic when leaving 20 minutes later would avoid the problem. And isn't that what most of us think? That if everyone was logical instead of a mindless drone, that things would work better. And then William 790-6 (57th iteration) questions the company where he works and the crass consumerism that it creates. Again, something most of us have probably wondered as we yearn for that electric car, Dyson fan, newest iPhone, or whatever object of the moment is cool. And finally, the ending. I'm not sure if satires usually end in this manner but the ending is where I was slapped in the face that this is still a horror story. A horror story where a happy ending was never guaranteed. Any time that you feel liked you were slapped in the face by a book, you know that it had an impact. It touched something inside. You want others to feel that impact too. So, go out, buy and read this book. Revel in being an individual. If everybody ends up buying and reading the book, then at least you can feel secure in knowing that you are the 1st iteration.
August 24, 2022
An interesting concept and a fun story to listen too. Started off a little slowly but it really built up steam and by the end I was both mad and sad for our poor 790.
September 15, 2015
Review from Horrorunderground.org
Billy and the Cloneasaurus
Severed Press
Author: Stephen Kozeniewski
In a strange twist of being the last man on the world, William, or more aptly known as William 790-6 (57th iteration), is the last person on the planet, sort of. Technically speaking, there are over 6 billion people on this planet, they all just so happen to be clones. They share similar looks and personality, to varying degrees of course. So, living in a world where everyone is the same, what does it mean to be unique?
When William 790-6’s first birthday rolls around, he is up for his mandated Logan’s Run style execution. An accident unfolds and William’s life of mediocrity and mundaity is spared. Being the only clone around to do so, William begins to question his existence and sets out on a path to find answers and meaning beyond drinking his life away. On his trek, William stumbles upon a settlement of people living in the wilderness, including the titular dinosaur.
Much like the previous book of Kozeniewski’s that I read, The Ghoul Archipelago, this story is one of dystopian satire. Unlike Ghoul, Billy and the Cloneasaurus is less a horror story and more of a low-concept sci-fi story with bizarro flirtations. That’s not to say that this isn’t a horror story, on the contrary. The horror in Billy is much more subtle and only pops in from time to time. Think more Outer Limits and Twilight Zone than the large scale freights of Ghoul.
Once again, Kozeniewski tells a story that is brimming with social commentary. Each chapter ends in a slyly intelligent way that forces me to reflect upon it. The themes of greed and identity are common subjects that every person is able to relate to. The story is bleak, yet often humorous and the main character in Billy, is one that I would love to see even more of.
Billy and the Cloneasaurus is a complex, thought-provoking story that is oddly inspiring. Kozeniewski is a rich voice that booms over his peers. I am coming to think of him as the closest thing to the reincarnation or spiritual successor of Ray Bradbury.
Billy and the Cloneasaurus
Severed Press
Author: Stephen Kozeniewski
In a strange twist of being the last man on the world, William, or more aptly known as William 790-6 (57th iteration), is the last person on the planet, sort of. Technically speaking, there are over 6 billion people on this planet, they all just so happen to be clones. They share similar looks and personality, to varying degrees of course. So, living in a world where everyone is the same, what does it mean to be unique?
When William 790-6’s first birthday rolls around, he is up for his mandated Logan’s Run style execution. An accident unfolds and William’s life of mediocrity and mundaity is spared. Being the only clone around to do so, William begins to question his existence and sets out on a path to find answers and meaning beyond drinking his life away. On his trek, William stumbles upon a settlement of people living in the wilderness, including the titular dinosaur.
Much like the previous book of Kozeniewski’s that I read, The Ghoul Archipelago, this story is one of dystopian satire. Unlike Ghoul, Billy and the Cloneasaurus is less a horror story and more of a low-concept sci-fi story with bizarro flirtations. That’s not to say that this isn’t a horror story, on the contrary. The horror in Billy is much more subtle and only pops in from time to time. Think more Outer Limits and Twilight Zone than the large scale freights of Ghoul.
Once again, Kozeniewski tells a story that is brimming with social commentary. Each chapter ends in a slyly intelligent way that forces me to reflect upon it. The themes of greed and identity are common subjects that every person is able to relate to. The story is bleak, yet often humorous and the main character in Billy, is one that I would love to see even more of.
Billy and the Cloneasaurus is a complex, thought-provoking story that is oddly inspiring. Kozeniewski is a rich voice that booms over his peers. I am coming to think of him as the closest thing to the reincarnation or spiritual successor of Ray Bradbury.
July 30, 2014
Having read Kozeniewski's previous two works, I wasn't quite sure what to expect with Billy and the Cloneasaurus. Madcap zombie adventures like Braineater Jones? Hardcore horror like The Ghoul Archipelago? I wasn't very far into Billy when I realized that this was something else entirely---a unique dystopia that takes the biting satire of Ghoul to a whole new level. In this, we get to see Kozeniewski's depth as an author, as he is able to switch genres with aplomb.
On some levels, Billy only has one character---William, whose many copies populate the world. Each William is in many ways the same, an expertly drawn everyman who likes nothing better than to go to the bar and drink an Olde Williame. And yet, every William is just a little bit different based on his role. The team lead becomes a little overbearing, and the psychologist likes to ask cryptic, probing questions, but at heart, each is still a William. Even our hero, who struggles against his nature.
A hallmark of Kozeniewski's previous work is his ability to create something uniquely disturbing, and rest assured, fans, Billy is no exception. It may take awhile to get there, but be content that when you get to the end, you will appreciate every dark twist.
Billy and the Cloneasaurus is a fascinating tale that brings to mind 1984 and The Matrix but manages to be wholly unique and absolutely worth the read.
On some levels, Billy only has one character---William, whose many copies populate the world. Each William is in many ways the same, an expertly drawn everyman who likes nothing better than to go to the bar and drink an Olde Williame. And yet, every William is just a little bit different based on his role. The team lead becomes a little overbearing, and the psychologist likes to ask cryptic, probing questions, but at heart, each is still a William. Even our hero, who struggles against his nature.
A hallmark of Kozeniewski's previous work is his ability to create something uniquely disturbing, and rest assured, fans, Billy is no exception. It may take awhile to get there, but be content that when you get to the end, you will appreciate every dark twist.
Billy and the Cloneasaurus is a fascinating tale that brings to mind 1984 and The Matrix but manages to be wholly unique and absolutely worth the read.
August 21, 2014
Another thoughtful read by Mr. Kozeniewski of William, a clone, who finds himself questioning his uniqueness in a world of duplicates obeying willingly and sacrificing themselves only to be scrapped and have the process start all over again.
Will William evoke change or will he continue to be just another cog in the system in a society of greed to keep the money flowing?
Don't dwell too long on what's on the pages of this book or you'll find yourself questioning the motives of your employers and your own self-worth.
Although this is not my normal type of read, I felt it was very well written which never comes into question with Mr. K's work.
Give it a try. Be sure to let me know what you think.
Check out www.HorrorAfterDark.com for more reviews and giveaways.
Will William evoke change or will he continue to be just another cog in the system in a society of greed to keep the money flowing?
Don't dwell too long on what's on the pages of this book or you'll find yourself questioning the motives of your employers and your own self-worth.
Although this is not my normal type of read, I felt it was very well written which never comes into question with Mr. K's work.
Give it a try. Be sure to let me know what you think.
Check out www.HorrorAfterDark.com for more reviews and giveaways.
June 10, 2018
This book rocked! I described it to a friend as being 1984 meets The Lego Movie! I didn’t really have any idea of what to expect. I hadn’t read the synopsis or any reviews of it. I just knew it was by an author I wanted to check out.
What really sticks with me is the tone throughout the story is pretty level regardless of what’s happening, but that’s just a thin covering of the real tone of the story.
Billy and the Cloneasaurus was right up my street and is a fantastic modern day dystopian that is gripping and memorable. Definitely worth checking out!
What really sticks with me is the tone throughout the story is pretty level regardless of what’s happening, but that’s just a thin covering of the real tone of the story.
Billy and the Cloneasaurus was right up my street and is a fantastic modern day dystopian that is gripping and memorable. Definitely worth checking out!
November 28, 2022
Really enjoyed this. Bit darker than I was expecting but I sure liked it as an allegory for living a repetitive lifestyle surrounded by others shaped by the same media and education as yourself as well as just a straightforward tale of clone life on a large scale. Quick read and good clean fun.
December 31, 2018
Freaked me out but such an interesting read!
March 16, 2022
BILLY AND THE CLONEASAURUS – Audio Book
Written By - Stephen Kozeniewski
Read By - Steve Rimpici
‘Six billion identical clones make up the entire population of Earth, and William 790-6 (57th Iteration) is exactly like everybody else. In his one year of life, he will toil in suburban mediocrity and spend as much cash as possible in order to please his corporate masters.’
If you go into this five-hour audiobook expecting a science-techie-thrill-ride-a-minute-fast-paced-jaunt as we follow the mundane life of a William a.k.a. Will (or several), then you will be disappointed—that’s not what this story is about.
If you are interested in listening to a comical Dystopian Science Fiction short read by Steve Rimpici, a.k.a Steve-2, I recommend BILLY AND THE CLONEASAURUS.
Thank you, Stephen-1 Kozeniewski, for providing me with an Audiobook of BILLY AND THE CLONEASAURUS at the request of an honest review.
Written By - Stephen Kozeniewski
Read By - Steve Rimpici
‘Six billion identical clones make up the entire population of Earth, and William 790-6 (57th Iteration) is exactly like everybody else. In his one year of life, he will toil in suburban mediocrity and spend as much cash as possible in order to please his corporate masters.’
If you go into this five-hour audiobook expecting a science-techie-thrill-ride-a-minute-fast-paced-jaunt as we follow the mundane life of a William a.k.a. Will (or several), then you will be disappointed—that’s not what this story is about.
If you are interested in listening to a comical Dystopian Science Fiction short read by Steve Rimpici, a.k.a Steve-2, I recommend BILLY AND THE CLONEASAURUS.
Thank you, Stephen-1 Kozeniewski, for providing me with an Audiobook of BILLY AND THE CLONEASAURUS at the request of an honest review.
September 29, 2021
Billy and the Cloneasaurus is a fun ride. It tells the story of Will, a William clone in a world made exclusively of William clones (a real nightmare for anyone like me, who happens to have a brother named Bill). It's a classic dystopian novel where through a set of ridiculous accident Will survives his required termination after 1 years and begins to develop his own identity. What sets Kozeniewski's novel apart is how damn funny it is. Where novels he namedrops—Fahrenheit 451 and 1984—are more dour, Kozeniewski finds the humor in a world full of Wills.
I listened to the audiobook, and Steve Rimpici (a Kozeniewski clone?) gets the voices perfect, giving all of the Wills a voice like David Lynch's in Twin Peaks.
I listened to the audiobook, and Steve Rimpici (a Kozeniewski clone?) gets the voices perfect, giving all of the Wills a voice like David Lynch's in Twin Peaks.
June 30, 2015
Surprisingly good. Full review www.thebooksbeyond.blogspot.com
April 8, 2022
Very cool story with an old school Sci fi feel to it. My first read from Kozeniewski and will definitely read more.
July 31, 2017
William 790 (later known as Billy) is a good clone. He goes to work every day in his boring insurance sales job, has the same thing to eat every night, catches the ball game with the other clones, sleeps, and gets up and does it all over again. Each clone gets 1 year of life and then he gets slurried. It’s a world of monotony, Williams as far as you can see. Yet Billy manages to avoid getting slurried due to a freak accident. He then starts questioning his life and this entire existence.
I initially tried to read the ebook but then switched over to the audiobook. The beginning reminded me of that movie Ground Hog Day. Billy does the same routine again and again, even after the freak accident because that’s what his replacement would have done. So it was a little slow for me as I kept waiting for something more to happen. When I switched over to the audiobook, things moved along more quickly for me.
Billy has to get sneaky, something he isn’t programmed for. He learns about an odd building somewhere in the wilds in between two Williamsport cities. Yep. All the cities have ‘William’ in their name and everyone lives in the glorious country of Williamerica. Privately, this was all rather amusing to me since my husband is Bill. Ha!
OK, so Billy starts showing some initiative and the story gets more interesting. He stops to pee by the road and he happens to see this weird building (a windmill) and as he goes to investigate he finally comes across the cloneasaurus! Yes! Since this little guy is on the cover and in the title I really wanted to meet it. This reptile understandably freaks Billy out, since all animal life has been extinct for several generations of Williams. From there, Billy meets the William that made the cloneasaurus and then we finally get our one and only female, Willa.
The second half of the book was way more interesting than the first. Billy starts looking at the top of the hierarchy and how he can go on living. He’s also fascinated with Willa and some awkward conversations occur which are amusing to the reader but rather embarrassing for Billy. He’s never used his personal equipment for self gratification so he’s in the dark about natural procreation.
I was a little disappointed that Willa didn’t get a bigger role. She’s well read, educated in a biochemistry lab, raised by a man with radical political ideas. She has a lot of potential to be a force to change things. But then nothing other than being the romantic interest of the tale ensues for her. Sigh…
The ending was down right creepy. I loved the ending. It really made the book for me. Things don’t go as Billy had hoped nor how I expected things to go.
The Narration: Steve Rimpici was a really good fit for this book. He sounds just like a mild mannered boring accountant. He makes a really good William 790…. along with all the other Williams in this world. Honestly, it was probably a real challenge to come up with nuanced voices that all sound very similar and yet can remain distinct in a conversation. He did this with capturing each characters emotions. I found the conversations between multiple Williams easy to follow. He had a believable female voice for Willa.
I initially tried to read the ebook but then switched over to the audiobook. The beginning reminded me of that movie Ground Hog Day. Billy does the same routine again and again, even after the freak accident because that’s what his replacement would have done. So it was a little slow for me as I kept waiting for something more to happen. When I switched over to the audiobook, things moved along more quickly for me.
Billy has to get sneaky, something he isn’t programmed for. He learns about an odd building somewhere in the wilds in between two Williamsport cities. Yep. All the cities have ‘William’ in their name and everyone lives in the glorious country of Williamerica. Privately, this was all rather amusing to me since my husband is Bill. Ha!
OK, so Billy starts showing some initiative and the story gets more interesting. He stops to pee by the road and he happens to see this weird building (a windmill) and as he goes to investigate he finally comes across the cloneasaurus! Yes! Since this little guy is on the cover and in the title I really wanted to meet it. This reptile understandably freaks Billy out, since all animal life has been extinct for several generations of Williams. From there, Billy meets the William that made the cloneasaurus and then we finally get our one and only female, Willa.
The second half of the book was way more interesting than the first. Billy starts looking at the top of the hierarchy and how he can go on living. He’s also fascinated with Willa and some awkward conversations occur which are amusing to the reader but rather embarrassing for Billy. He’s never used his personal equipment for self gratification so he’s in the dark about natural procreation.
I was a little disappointed that Willa didn’t get a bigger role. She’s well read, educated in a biochemistry lab, raised by a man with radical political ideas. She has a lot of potential to be a force to change things. But then nothing other than being the romantic interest of the tale ensues for her. Sigh…
The ending was down right creepy. I loved the ending. It really made the book for me. Things don’t go as Billy had hoped nor how I expected things to go.
The Narration: Steve Rimpici was a really good fit for this book. He sounds just like a mild mannered boring accountant. He makes a really good William 790…. along with all the other Williams in this world. Honestly, it was probably a real challenge to come up with nuanced voices that all sound very similar and yet can remain distinct in a conversation. He did this with capturing each characters emotions. I found the conversations between multiple Williams easy to follow. He had a believable female voice for Willa.
February 26, 2019
I received a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
William-790 was just another William going about his day with all the other Williams. But on the day he was to be replaced, something happened. Something that had never happened. He lived past his deadline. Living now in the unknown, 790 looked for some kind of meaning behind it all but found so much more.
I really had no idea what to expect from this novel. I think perhaps from the title I thought it would be a bit of a silly story, and to an extent it was a little. I was glad to read something a bit more light-hearted, but still with an intriguing storyline. But then things became so much darker than I expected, in a really good way. It’s easy to read through this novel, put it down, and think “well, that was good.” But I think what the author has really achieved is giving readers the opportunity to analyze ourselves and our current society. Maybe not so much as a Truman Show kind of way, but at least about our priorities. Like 790, we too should question the way things are and our priorities as a society.
What’s really nice about this book is that not only will it age well (there are only a few pop culture references, but more in the past) but it will hold up to multiple readings. Yes, the big reveals won’t have the same impact but there will definitely be things the reader will miss, or will focus in on during later readings.
Billy and the Cloneasaurus is a wonderful story highlighting current issues in our society, and is a warning for what may come. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who believes we as a whole can be so much more than we currently are.
William-790 was just another William going about his day with all the other Williams. But on the day he was to be replaced, something happened. Something that had never happened. He lived past his deadline. Living now in the unknown, 790 looked for some kind of meaning behind it all but found so much more.
I really had no idea what to expect from this novel. I think perhaps from the title I thought it would be a bit of a silly story, and to an extent it was a little. I was glad to read something a bit more light-hearted, but still with an intriguing storyline. But then things became so much darker than I expected, in a really good way. It’s easy to read through this novel, put it down, and think “well, that was good.” But I think what the author has really achieved is giving readers the opportunity to analyze ourselves and our current society. Maybe not so much as a Truman Show kind of way, but at least about our priorities. Like 790, we too should question the way things are and our priorities as a society.
What’s really nice about this book is that not only will it age well (there are only a few pop culture references, but more in the past) but it will hold up to multiple readings. Yes, the big reveals won’t have the same impact but there will definitely be things the reader will miss, or will focus in on during later readings.
Billy and the Cloneasaurus is a wonderful story highlighting current issues in our society, and is a warning for what may come. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who believes we as a whole can be so much more than we currently are.
March 17, 2020
When I first read what this book is about, I tought: oh no, this story will be too upsetting, because I can't imagine a world, where I must live with 6 billion identical clones of myself in the same planet, I mean what happens, when someone comes to me and tells "go fuck yourself, boy"—it would surely take decades, to complete the task, not to mention, I'm a gentleman, and so am I, so I would invite myself for a romantic dinner before the sexual intercouse, imagine the restaurant bills...
Anyhow, this book isn't really about a group sex with myself, it's more about less upsetting things, like loosing your personality forever, becoming a meaningless entity in an empty world, that"s only purpose is to make a few dollars, and the only reason it doesn't smash you and throw you out in the end like a used coke can is because you will do even this favour for the system and jump into a grinder machine willingly. (Smart choice by the way to name all the clones in the book Will.)
All in all, it was a nice distopian fable, a good, though sometimes too direct critique of capitalism, the only thing I didn't liked about it is the scene where I had to copulate with every singe clone of myself!
Oh, wait, that wasn't in the book.
No, no, so the only thing I didn't like about the book, that the writer deals with sensitive subjects, like individuality, and when the protagonist gets an extra year by accident in a world, where every of his fellow clones is killed after a year, he comes to the conclusion, that now he has the time to become something, that none of his clones could ever be, a real individual. This realization happened too soon for me, and I imagine in a world of clones, there wouldn't be even a word for being an "individual", the direct tought to become different from someone couldn't even exist, maybe just in a form of a feeling, or a very faint shadow of a feeling, nothing too direct, not like this (even if it's not his toughts directly, but the story teller's "translation" of his character's toughts, it's still too frontal): "He would think outside the boundaries of what he had been told he could accomplish. He would finally be an individual..."
Anyhow, it was great, but should have been a bit longer.
And yeah, this is excatly what I said to me after copulating with myself, but there are sooo many clones to go.
Anyhow, this book isn't really about a group sex with myself, it's more about less upsetting things, like loosing your personality forever, becoming a meaningless entity in an empty world, that"s only purpose is to make a few dollars, and the only reason it doesn't smash you and throw you out in the end like a used coke can is because you will do even this favour for the system and jump into a grinder machine willingly. (Smart choice by the way to name all the clones in the book Will.)
All in all, it was a nice distopian fable, a good, though sometimes too direct critique of capitalism, the only thing I didn't liked about it is the scene where I had to copulate with every singe clone of myself!
Oh, wait, that wasn't in the book.
No, no, so the only thing I didn't like about the book, that the writer deals with sensitive subjects, like individuality, and when the protagonist gets an extra year by accident in a world, where every of his fellow clones is killed after a year, he comes to the conclusion, that now he has the time to become something, that none of his clones could ever be, a real individual. This realization happened too soon for me, and I imagine in a world of clones, there wouldn't be even a word for being an "individual", the direct tought to become different from someone couldn't even exist, maybe just in a form of a feeling, or a very faint shadow of a feeling, nothing too direct, not like this (even if it's not his toughts directly, but the story teller's "translation" of his character's toughts, it's still too frontal): "He would think outside the boundaries of what he had been told he could accomplish. He would finally be an individual..."
Anyhow, it was great, but should have been a bit longer.
And yeah, this is excatly what I said to me after copulating with myself, but there are sooo many clones to go.
December 21, 2022
I wasn't sure what to expect from this one. It is well written, engaging and thought provoking. Are we all just socio-cultural clones going through the motions and serving the powers that be all the time on a doomed train ride to personal and societal oblivion? This is difficult stuff to grappled with and even more difficult to stomach given the bleak but logical ending of this book. This is not a criticism of the author, their skill or the book - but in a difficult enough real world a little fictional hope goes along way.
February 21, 2024
Fun sci-fi story with a darker message.
For me it had echoes of Fahrenheit 451.
For me it had echoes of Fahrenheit 451.
October 22, 2018
I liked it more than I didn't, not every story has to have a happy ending. I'm not sure that the ending fit very well with what had come before in the book, it was certainly unexpected.
January 30, 2021
If you hate your job, love The Simpsons, and dystopian fiction then this gem is for you! An absolutely bleak look at capitalism for those of us sick of the daily grind. Again, the writing is top-notch, witty and punch-in-the-face honest. I am a huge fan of Mr. Kozeniewski's work! The Hematophages and Braineater Jones down...and I look forward to The Ghoul Archipelago next!
October 13, 2020
I feel very strongly that this should be a lot more widely-read than it is! Very unique concept and the writing is great. It's dystopian sci-fi but I'd say it leans into horror also because I was full of existential dread reading it. I never like to say too much about a book because I prefer to go into books with as little info as possible, but I highly recommend this one!
February 19, 2025
Billy and the Cloneasaurus was the book that most surprised me last year. I had never read anything by this author so I went into the book with no expectations. I actually listened to the audio book and was instantly drawn in to the bizarre world. (Side note: If you have the means to do so, please listen to the audio book. This may be the best example of the narrator hitting a character’s voice perfectly. The narration probably made this very good book into a great book!)
I was also surprised by this because I wasn’t expecting the amount of depth that was woven into a relatively short book. This is a post-apocalyptic sci-fi world that is filled with clones, 6 billion copies of an unassuming, bland, and unremarkable man named William. Each city in this world is neatly organized with 3,650 duplicates of the same middle-aged man who fit into their role within the society for their term of 365 days at which point they are slurried (yes, it means what you would probably guess) and they are simply replaced by another identical Will. These Williams all share the same physical features (middle aged, balding, a little bit of a gut, and not very fit), and the same personality (rule-followers, prefer routine and predictability, and compliant). And then this city is duplicated with other identical cities around the world. Trust me, it feels ridiculous at first, but, please, PLEASE, stick with it.
We focus on William 790-6 on the day when he and ten other Williams are due to be slurried. Due to a malfunction with the slurry machine, Will (as everyone casually calls each other) is asked to come back in the morning to be slurried first before the next day’s ten Williams are processed. This causes a cascading effect, because the next version of William 790 has already been “decanted” (or born). Which of the two William 790-6s “owns” the car? Which one should drive? When they get home, who gets the bed, and what about food since they are given an exact ration of ramen noodles each week? And it spirals from there. The “older” Will 790 begins to realize that he would rather not die, and this radical thought (at least in this world it is unheard of) takes him places that no other Will would ever dare to go.
The world is beautifully crafted, making it seem so very plausible that this system would work, and maintain itself perpetually. There are so many little touches that are written into this world, so many casual conversations that only add deeper nuance. It also makes the reader wonder, as the story unfolds, and as Will 790 moves into uncharted territory, if there is more going on than any of the Wills ever realize.
Regarding the characters – or can I say character (singular) since everyone we meet in the book is an exact copy of each other – they are done brilliantly. It is especially seen as they all feel the innate pull to stay in their lanes, unquestioning the status quo. Will 790 is constantly questioning if what he is doing is permissible, let alone right. Will Will 790 become an unlikely “hero”?
Finally, the story is going somewhere, but it constantly takes the reader into unexpected directions, culminating with an ending that is both unbelievable but strangely appropriate. Again, I listened to this audio book together with my 14-year-old son. The depth of the story, and the implications from what it all represents, led to hours of conversation between the two of us, trying to unpack all its intricacies.
For example, the Wills are told day in and day out to do their part to help the Corporation which is responsible for every aspect of their lives by buying more and more. This is symbolic for what our society could become if large businesses begin to get more and more control, and the theoretical horrors that could ensue if capitalism was monopolized. This book is not only thought provoking on a story aspect, but on a political one as well.
I highly recommend this book, especially if you are looking for:
- A short stand-alone (187 pages) – although we would love to see more written about this world, maybe from the time when this world was developed?
- A horror comedy – there are creepy elements, but also a lot of funny ones as well
- A book that is not in everyone’s spotlight, but should be – it has been out since 2014 and only has 120 reviews in Goodreads (as of the writing of this review).
Seriously, everyone. Give this a chance!!!
I was also surprised by this because I wasn’t expecting the amount of depth that was woven into a relatively short book. This is a post-apocalyptic sci-fi world that is filled with clones, 6 billion copies of an unassuming, bland, and unremarkable man named William. Each city in this world is neatly organized with 3,650 duplicates of the same middle-aged man who fit into their role within the society for their term of 365 days at which point they are slurried (yes, it means what you would probably guess) and they are simply replaced by another identical Will. These Williams all share the same physical features (middle aged, balding, a little bit of a gut, and not very fit), and the same personality (rule-followers, prefer routine and predictability, and compliant). And then this city is duplicated with other identical cities around the world. Trust me, it feels ridiculous at first, but, please, PLEASE, stick with it.
We focus on William 790-6 on the day when he and ten other Williams are due to be slurried. Due to a malfunction with the slurry machine, Will (as everyone casually calls each other) is asked to come back in the morning to be slurried first before the next day’s ten Williams are processed. This causes a cascading effect, because the next version of William 790 has already been “decanted” (or born). Which of the two William 790-6s “owns” the car? Which one should drive? When they get home, who gets the bed, and what about food since they are given an exact ration of ramen noodles each week? And it spirals from there. The “older” Will 790 begins to realize that he would rather not die, and this radical thought (at least in this world it is unheard of) takes him places that no other Will would ever dare to go.
The world is beautifully crafted, making it seem so very plausible that this system would work, and maintain itself perpetually. There are so many little touches that are written into this world, so many casual conversations that only add deeper nuance. It also makes the reader wonder, as the story unfolds, and as Will 790 moves into uncharted territory, if there is more going on than any of the Wills ever realize.
Regarding the characters – or can I say character (singular) since everyone we meet in the book is an exact copy of each other – they are done brilliantly. It is especially seen as they all feel the innate pull to stay in their lanes, unquestioning the status quo. Will 790 is constantly questioning if what he is doing is permissible, let alone right. Will Will 790 become an unlikely “hero”?
Finally, the story is going somewhere, but it constantly takes the reader into unexpected directions, culminating with an ending that is both unbelievable but strangely appropriate. Again, I listened to this audio book together with my 14-year-old son. The depth of the story, and the implications from what it all represents, led to hours of conversation between the two of us, trying to unpack all its intricacies.
For example, the Wills are told day in and day out to do their part to help the Corporation which is responsible for every aspect of their lives by buying more and more. This is symbolic for what our society could become if large businesses begin to get more and more control, and the theoretical horrors that could ensue if capitalism was monopolized. This book is not only thought provoking on a story aspect, but on a political one as well.
I highly recommend this book, especially if you are looking for:
- A short stand-alone (187 pages) – although we would love to see more written about this world, maybe from the time when this world was developed?
- A horror comedy – there are creepy elements, but also a lot of funny ones as well
- A book that is not in everyone’s spotlight, but should be – it has been out since 2014 and only has 120 reviews in Goodreads (as of the writing of this review).
Seriously, everyone. Give this a chance!!!
December 6, 2018
This book had a great premise and the execution wasn't bad either. I enjoyed the slow reveal of the twisted setting and the humour throughout. The ending seemed abrupt, but then it threw in a couple of twists that made it fitting. Great little book, decent sci-fi.
February 17, 2015
Remember high school? Everyone had the same haircut, wore the same type of clothes, liked the same music, as we all expressed our “individuality,” like unwitting clones. What if the entire world’s population was made of up clones with the same likes, dislikes, attitude towards work, if they were all like me, could be fun, who knows? Alas, Stephen Kozeniewski’s world is filled with men named William in his satirical tome, Billy and the Cloneasaurus. All runs smoothly, because everyone knows what to expect, when to expect it and who to expect things from, until William 790-6 faces his expected expiration date and was about to be added into the slurry that fed and helped create the next William to take his place. One mishap and the William recycling machine is shut down and William 790-6 discovers the impossible, life after your expiration date, only to realize that there is more to “living” than being in a boring society where repetition is the norm. Was he learning about what really living is? Was he learning to think for himself? To plan for survival?
Hiding out in the wilderness, William is shocked to find “others” in hiding, attempting to re-build the world as it should be, or as close as is possible. Has he stumbled upon the meaning of really living, of being an individual? He has learned to question his existence. Where did he and all of the other Williams come from? Why was their world created? It only takes one person to think outside of the box to create change, to start a revolution, is William that square peg on a board of round holes?
To be honest, I read the title, prior to the synopsis and was totally clueless as to what I was getting into. Now that I’ve traveled through Stephen Kozeniewski’s world, the brilliance of his tale shines through! With humor, and some jagged edges that will pierce your mind, the realization hits that; this may not be too far-fetched! Has Mr. Kozeniewski found a way to take over our minds, if only for a brief time? There is more here than meets the eye, but if pondering the what- ifs in life isn’t what you are looking for, this is still one heck of a read! The only thing missing is Rod Serling, unless Alfred Hitchcock is available. A tale of clones written in a unique style…hmmm this is beyond out of the box reading, try it, everybody's doing it.
I received this copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: June 22, 2014
Publisher: Severed Press
Genre: Sci-Fi | Dystopian
Print Length: 166 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Hiding out in the wilderness, William is shocked to find “others” in hiding, attempting to re-build the world as it should be, or as close as is possible. Has he stumbled upon the meaning of really living, of being an individual? He has learned to question his existence. Where did he and all of the other Williams come from? Why was their world created? It only takes one person to think outside of the box to create change, to start a revolution, is William that square peg on a board of round holes?
To be honest, I read the title, prior to the synopsis and was totally clueless as to what I was getting into. Now that I’ve traveled through Stephen Kozeniewski’s world, the brilliance of his tale shines through! With humor, and some jagged edges that will pierce your mind, the realization hits that; this may not be too far-fetched! Has Mr. Kozeniewski found a way to take over our minds, if only for a brief time? There is more here than meets the eye, but if pondering the what- ifs in life isn’t what you are looking for, this is still one heck of a read! The only thing missing is Rod Serling, unless Alfred Hitchcock is available. A tale of clones written in a unique style…hmmm this is beyond out of the box reading, try it, everybody's doing it.
I received this copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: June 22, 2014
Publisher: Severed Press
Genre: Sci-Fi | Dystopian
Print Length: 166 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
March 27, 2015
Stephen Kozeniewski's "Billy and the Cloneasaurus" is biting, thoughtful dystopian fiction from Severed Press. Clones, dinosaurs, and a corrupted "Williamerica" paint a frightening alternate reality where the idea of individuality and capitalism are distorted to the nth degree. It's a call-to-arms, if you will, and a well-timed one at that. Critics of dystopian fiction always bemoan the genre's inherent "preachiness" and bitch far too much about the potential for pretentiousness on the authors' part. Be assured, dear readers, that "Billy and the Clonesaurus" doesn't fall prey to preachiness or pretentiousness. I would happily say so if it did. Mean-spirited zingers are fun to write but funnier to read. And I do try to please.
The novel's satirical undertone is entertaining and relevant. HOWEVER (and there must be a capitalized however in any review, right?) given the author's unsubtle disdain for clichés, I couldn't help but be irritated by his approach to one of the minor (but which should have been major) characters, which is, perhaps, the novel's biggest flaw.
Without giving away spoilers, one of the "occupants" in the mysterious windmill happens to be a woman. And like most dystopian stories (written by men) women are treated as an afterthought to the Grand Political Message or as mere accessories to the Crippling Male Angst that drives the subversive action to its conclusion. Willa suffers from the same fate, unfortunately, which knocked the five-star rating I had going in down to a four.
It seems Willa's only function is to literally have sex with the male hero. Odd. Because she would be in a better position than any of the other Williams to Save The World (or at least play SOME part in it) due to her radical upbringing and fondness for politics. But no. Willa is just the well-read virgin who waits in her room while her father and Billy make all the important decisions. I'm ignoring the weird incest/clone, uncomfortable age difference here for propriety.
The ending wasn't surprising or satisfying, but happily-ever-afters and dystopian horror don't play well together. This book entertained and I would recommend it to lovers of bizarro and speculative fiction. Four stars out of five for "Billy and the Cloneasaurus."
The novel's satirical undertone is entertaining and relevant. HOWEVER (and there must be a capitalized however in any review, right?) given the author's unsubtle disdain for clichés, I couldn't help but be irritated by his approach to one of the minor (but which should have been major) characters, which is, perhaps, the novel's biggest flaw.
Without giving away spoilers, one of the "occupants" in the mysterious windmill happens to be a woman. And like most dystopian stories (written by men) women are treated as an afterthought to the Grand Political Message or as mere accessories to the Crippling Male Angst that drives the subversive action to its conclusion. Willa suffers from the same fate, unfortunately, which knocked the five-star rating I had going in down to a four.
It seems Willa's only function is to literally have sex with the male hero. Odd. Because she would be in a better position than any of the other Williams to Save The World (or at least play SOME part in it) due to her radical upbringing and fondness for politics. But no. Willa is just the well-read virgin who waits in her room while her father and Billy make all the important decisions. I'm ignoring the weird incest/clone, uncomfortable age difference here for propriety.
The ending wasn't surprising or satisfying, but happily-ever-afters and dystopian horror don't play well together. This book entertained and I would recommend it to lovers of bizarro and speculative fiction. Four stars out of five for "Billy and the Cloneasaurus."
September 17, 2014
Billy and the Cloneasaurus takes science fiction back to its satirical roots. Much in the vein of 1984 or Fahrenheit 451, the story uses a richly imagined futuristic world to hold a mirror up to today's world. The parallels are not hard to see - William clones are created for the sole purpose of becoming contented consumers controlled by The Corporation. The titular character, officially known as William-790, is an office drone whose sole purpose in life is to be a good little worker ... Just as Corporate America would want its employees to be.
That is, until one day, an accident leads him to form independent thoughts.
And that's where the story really starts moving. Billy finally leaves the confines of his captalist dystopia and discovers a whole new world. Or should we say, a Brave New World? This book reminded me a lot of Huxley's classic sci-fi novel, but with more black humor (and a more straightforward storyline!). The narrative is told in a tongue-in-cheek third person with Kozeniewski's signature wit. The juxtaposition of this society's horrors and a glib attitude give the story a darkly comedic ring.
A satirical criticism of capitalist greed set against a disturbing dystopian future, Billy and the Cloneasaurus is a witty and intelligently written novel with echoes of the sci-fi Grand Masters.
That is, until one day, an accident leads him to form independent thoughts.
And that's where the story really starts moving. Billy finally leaves the confines of his captalist dystopia and discovers a whole new world. Or should we say, a Brave New World? This book reminded me a lot of Huxley's classic sci-fi novel, but with more black humor (and a more straightforward storyline!). The narrative is told in a tongue-in-cheek third person with Kozeniewski's signature wit. The juxtaposition of this society's horrors and a glib attitude give the story a darkly comedic ring.
A satirical criticism of capitalist greed set against a disturbing dystopian future, Billy and the Cloneasaurus is a witty and intelligently written novel with echoes of the sci-fi Grand Masters.
July 26, 2014
'Billy and the Cloneasaurus' is the story of one clone's attempts to become an individual.
This is a smart, funny, horrifying read that left me both amused and disturbed. Billy, or William 790, is a clone in a town full of Williams who all think alike, behave alike and willingly walk into a slurry machine on their first birthday, to be replaced by a new clone who is exactly the same. When an accident saves William 790 from this fate, he begins to think about the meaning of his life, and so his adventure begins.
This book is built on a brilliant idea and that idea has been executed with zeal. I was entertained throughout and delighted in the world Kozeniewski created, reluctant to leave when the story was finished. This is a totally unique and unforgettable read which was thought-provoking as well as amusing. There is also a horror element which was more subtle than in Kozeniewski's zombie novels, but was just as disturbing. I love this writer's style and I can't wait to see what he comes up with next!
Overall this is an immensely entertaining and thought-provoking read. Highly recommended. Science fiction fans pick this book up right now and get ready for a real treat!
This is a smart, funny, horrifying read that left me both amused and disturbed. Billy, or William 790, is a clone in a town full of Williams who all think alike, behave alike and willingly walk into a slurry machine on their first birthday, to be replaced by a new clone who is exactly the same. When an accident saves William 790 from this fate, he begins to think about the meaning of his life, and so his adventure begins.
This book is built on a brilliant idea and that idea has been executed with zeal. I was entertained throughout and delighted in the world Kozeniewski created, reluctant to leave when the story was finished. This is a totally unique and unforgettable read which was thought-provoking as well as amusing. There is also a horror element which was more subtle than in Kozeniewski's zombie novels, but was just as disturbing. I love this writer's style and I can't wait to see what he comes up with next!
Overall this is an immensely entertaining and thought-provoking read. Highly recommended. Science fiction fans pick this book up right now and get ready for a real treat!
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