What do you think?
Rate this book
The Altering Machine
Devastation and regret follow four lives forever changed by the mysterious Altering Machine and its corrupt creator…
Becky. Dana. Jeremy. Allison.
Four strangers whose lives are connected by a harrowing invention built by Paul Henderson, a highly intelligent man obsessed with beauty and willing to obtain it by any means–even if that includes manipulation or kidnapping unsuspecting people for test subjects.
While Paul’s dark desires run deep, each victim possesses their own flaw taken to extreme and dangerous lengths–careless infatuation, persistent self-loathing, reckless choices and irresistible curiosity that leads them into the clutches of his dreadful fantasy.
And although little hope remains for those transformed by the machine, their undying pursuit of justice gradually exposes the tangled web of Paul’s many unfathomable deeds.
Becky. Dana. Jeremy. Allison.
Four strangers whose lives are connected by a harrowing invention built by Paul Henderson, a highly intelligent man obsessed with beauty and willing to obtain it by any means–even if that includes manipulation or kidnapping unsuspecting people for test subjects.
While Paul’s dark desires run deep, each victim possesses their own flaw taken to extreme and dangerous lengths–careless infatuation, persistent self-loathing, reckless choices and irresistible curiosity that leads them into the clutches of his dreadful fantasy.
And although little hope remains for those transformed by the machine, their undying pursuit of justice gradually exposes the tangled web of Paul’s many unfathomable deeds.
299 pages, Paperback
Published February 29, 2024
1 person is currently reading
1101 people want to read
About the author
Erika Harken
4 books32 followersErika's first memory of her love for writing comes from elementary school, where she was given a small (but very exciting!) blank book to fill as an assignment. In the years since, she's written all kinds of stories throughout middle school, high school, and college, and in 2022, she decided to finally become a published author.
Erika keeps her inspiration fresh by writing about flawed and courageous characters in fantasy, romance, and thrillers. Some of her favorite activities are campfires, movie nights, and looking at dreamy coastal homes online.
Links:
Newsletter • Instagram • Facebook
Erika keeps her inspiration fresh by writing about flawed and courageous characters in fantasy, romance, and thrillers. Some of her favorite activities are campfires, movie nights, and looking at dreamy coastal homes online.
Links:
Newsletter • Instagram • Facebook
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 13, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this story; it’s a suspense filled book like I’ve never read before! All of the stories had a way of weaving together. It makes one ask…would life TRULY be everything you hoped for if you got exactly as you wished? 😏
April 5, 2024
My official rating is 2.5 stars, but I am rounding up to 3. I received a copy of this title from the author in exchange for an honest review; I appreciate the opportunity to review this title and thank the author for giving me a copy to read.
First off, I want to say that I enjoyed the premise of this book. Its rating is on the lower side of the scale, but none of that is because of the creativity. The idea was cool and something I’d never seen before, and I really appreciated the creativity and science that went into it.
What I did knock points off in my book for are:
1. Typos. I’m not sure how the book was edited (if it went through an editor at all) but I counted at least six misuses of to/too throughout the story, along with some capitalization errors, like Biology. Even if the book didn’t get scanned by an editor, I can only assume that Microsoft Word (or any other writing program) would pick up these grammatical errors and flag them for review. I’m not sure. All I know is that it was a bit distracting, and I found myself looking for more errors instead of focusing on the story.
2. Characterization/character development. This was the biggest issue in the first part (Becky’s story). *Spoilers for the rest of the second point* Becky had told Paul a few times before she was altered that she was not only accepting of her imperfections but actually viewed herself and her physical appearance in a positive and healthy light. Once she is altered (forcibly, I should add) she’s just… cool with it? She immediately accepts the fact that her alteration is permanent (even though Paul had enough incentive at this point to lie, I would think ). Then, at the end of her story, when she is coughing blood and literally about to die, she tells Paul that she hopes that she’s still beautiful. That felt a bit out of character for the Becky we got to know before her alteration. It didn’t seem her brain was altered like the rest of her, so I don’t think that’s the reason behind her emotional flip-flopping.
3. Superpowers. I was under the impression that this novel focused on beauty obsession and the effects that it has on someone mentally fragile and dangerous to others. In the third part (Jeremy’s story) we kind of move past that and into the realm of superpowers. Jeremy is altered and can read confessions (which I don’t know how that would work to begin with since Paul had alluded to him needing to manually change the DNA sequences in his computer program. TLDR, the machine shouldn’t just be able to give Jeremy what he and Julie had just talked about).
Overall, I enjoyed the story, but I felt that there were more than a few things that nagged at me while I read it. I wouldn’t let these critiques deter anyone from reading this story because it was entertaining. I just think that a bit more attention to the points above could be applied to future works from this author, which I will be looking out for.
First off, I want to say that I enjoyed the premise of this book. Its rating is on the lower side of the scale, but none of that is because of the creativity. The idea was cool and something I’d never seen before, and I really appreciated the creativity and science that went into it.
What I did knock points off in my book for are:
1. Typos. I’m not sure how the book was edited (if it went through an editor at all) but I counted at least six misuses of to/too throughout the story, along with some capitalization errors, like Biology. Even if the book didn’t get scanned by an editor, I can only assume that Microsoft Word (or any other writing program) would pick up these grammatical errors and flag them for review. I’m not sure. All I know is that it was a bit distracting, and I found myself looking for more errors instead of focusing on the story.
2. Characterization/character development. This was the biggest issue in the first part (Becky’s story). *Spoilers for the rest of the second point* Becky had told Paul a few times before she was altered that she was not only accepting of her imperfections but actually viewed herself and her physical appearance in a positive and healthy light. Once she is altered (forcibly, I should add) she’s just… cool with it? She immediately accepts the fact that her alteration is permanent (even though Paul had enough incentive at this point to lie, I would think ). Then, at the end of her story, when she is coughing blood and literally about to die, she tells Paul that she hopes that she’s still beautiful. That felt a bit out of character for the Becky we got to know before her alteration. It didn’t seem her brain was altered like the rest of her, so I don’t think that’s the reason behind her emotional flip-flopping.
3. Superpowers. I was under the impression that this novel focused on beauty obsession and the effects that it has on someone mentally fragile and dangerous to others. In the third part (Jeremy’s story) we kind of move past that and into the realm of superpowers. Jeremy is altered and can read confessions (which I don’t know how that would work to begin with since Paul had alluded to him needing to manually change the DNA sequences in his computer program. TLDR, the machine shouldn’t just be able to give Jeremy what he and Julie had just talked about).
Overall, I enjoyed the story, but I felt that there were more than a few things that nagged at me while I read it. I wouldn’t let these critiques deter anyone from reading this story because it was entertaining. I just think that a bit more attention to the points above could be applied to future works from this author, which I will be looking out for.
April 4, 2024
I have read this book as a free review copy and thank the publisher, BookSirens and the author Erika for this copy. This review is based on my reading this book and giving my honest feedback based on the reading.
What are the possibilities if someone has a machine that can alter you at the DNA level and change you to a better or more beautiful you?
Would you take the plunge if there are no perceivable side effects?
This thriller starts with such a machine and the creators obsession with a particular face/person and also his painful memories of his late mothers vain self obsession. This also seems to have shaped the thoughts of the creator of the machine who seems to have strange lines of thought and seemingly does not recognise social norms and barriers and displays sociopathic tendencies.
This story is a medical thriller and is right in my zone. Erika has written four stories that are connected and brings them to a meeting point by the end. The stories are well written and characters have their points. The machine at the centre of the story is well conceived and taps at the human vanity point which is a particular standard of physical beauty that everyone aspires for and forces people to undertake painful processes even under the scalpel to keep their features and/or enhance them.
The story also shows us the fallacy of believing in the god complex and that a persons altered state and altered destiny could be changed by a person.
The other stories are all equally moving and pertinent and Erika has to be appreciated for bringing it all together properly.
The ending is a cliffhanger that begs for a sequel.
Loved the book and highly recommended.
What are the possibilities if someone has a machine that can alter you at the DNA level and change you to a better or more beautiful you?
Would you take the plunge if there are no perceivable side effects?
This thriller starts with such a machine and the creators obsession with a particular face/person and also his painful memories of his late mothers vain self obsession. This also seems to have shaped the thoughts of the creator of the machine who seems to have strange lines of thought and seemingly does not recognise social norms and barriers and displays sociopathic tendencies.
This story is a medical thriller and is right in my zone. Erika has written four stories that are connected and brings them to a meeting point by the end. The stories are well written and characters have their points. The machine at the centre of the story is well conceived and taps at the human vanity point which is a particular standard of physical beauty that everyone aspires for and forces people to undertake painful processes even under the scalpel to keep their features and/or enhance them.
The story also shows us the fallacy of believing in the god complex and that a persons altered state and altered destiny could be changed by a person.
The other stories are all equally moving and pertinent and Erika has to be appreciated for bringing it all together properly.
The ending is a cliffhanger that begs for a sequel.
Loved the book and highly recommended.
March 6, 2024
I am reviewing this ARC with no compensation or promise of reward. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Erika for granting me access to this book prior to it being published. Find my review below!
Favourite Line In Book •
“If a surgeon can cut and reshape the skin to improve beauty, then why can’t it be done on a molecular level? Radiation can easily alter DNA… no knives or scars involved. All radiation is fatal in large doses. but maybe, it still could be the answer…”
My Review •
THIS WAS SO AMAZING. I am the biggest fan of medical thrillers due to my medical background. This had such a fun futuristic scientific vibe to it. We got four different stories, but they all came slamming together at the end and all got twisted together. The author did an incredible job at the execution of pulling parts through the previous stories and bringing it forward into the next one in micro snippets and random sentences. I honestly think this was perfect. I wouldn’t have changed a single thing…well…except the cliffhanger. That was wildly unfair, as I was so beyond ready to see how these stories wrapped up. Note to the author…there better be a second book so I can see how this continues on!!!! Wildly awesome book. Can’t wait for you all to read it! When I gained access to this book, it was still unpublished…but its publish date was February 29th 2024. Grab a copy of this as soon as possible if you like medical thrillers!
My Rating •
5/5⭐️
0/5🌶️
0/5🩸
Favourite Line In Book •
“If a surgeon can cut and reshape the skin to improve beauty, then why can’t it be done on a molecular level? Radiation can easily alter DNA… no knives or scars involved. All radiation is fatal in large doses. but maybe, it still could be the answer…”
My Review •
THIS WAS SO AMAZING. I am the biggest fan of medical thrillers due to my medical background. This had such a fun futuristic scientific vibe to it. We got four different stories, but they all came slamming together at the end and all got twisted together. The author did an incredible job at the execution of pulling parts through the previous stories and bringing it forward into the next one in micro snippets and random sentences. I honestly think this was perfect. I wouldn’t have changed a single thing…well…except the cliffhanger. That was wildly unfair, as I was so beyond ready to see how these stories wrapped up. Note to the author…there better be a second book so I can see how this continues on!!!! Wildly awesome book. Can’t wait for you all to read it! When I gained access to this book, it was still unpublished…but its publish date was February 29th 2024. Grab a copy of this as soon as possible if you like medical thrillers!
My Rating •
5/5⭐️
0/5🌶️
0/5🩸
April 3, 2024
This was SO unlike anything I’ve ever read before. It was actually my first medical-ish thriller but after this it’s definitely a genre I’ll be looking into more. Now on to my thoughts…
This is told in four separate stories but they all connect in some way. The author did a really good job at meshing all the stories together and I didn’t really feel like any parts had unanswered questions or unexplained events(besides the cliffhanger at the end obvi).
In the first 2 stories I wasn’t convinced this was exactly my style, not the authors fault but by time I got to the third story? I was hooked! Jeremy and Allison’s stories really tied it all together for me and actually made me wish there was more to this book!
Overall it’s a easy, quick read. The Altering Machine is, to me, really unique and really made me think about a few things.
This is told in four separate stories but they all connect in some way. The author did a really good job at meshing all the stories together and I didn’t really feel like any parts had unanswered questions or unexplained events(besides the cliffhanger at the end obvi).
In the first 2 stories I wasn’t convinced this was exactly my style, not the authors fault but by time I got to the third story? I was hooked! Jeremy and Allison’s stories really tied it all together for me and actually made me wish there was more to this book!
Overall it’s a easy, quick read. The Altering Machine is, to me, really unique and really made me think about a few things.
January 13, 2025
A brilliant mind is a dangerous mind.
I first read Dark Beauty by Erika Harken a few years ago. I’m so glad she finally decided to expand that novella into a full length novel.
Erika’s writing is clean, concise and to the point, but she also is descriptive enough for readers to picture her characters and settings. The expanse of Dark Beauty includes the back story of Paul, a brilliant scientist, obsessed with perfection. In The Altering Machine really tells four stories in one, but each separate scenario eventually connects, forming the overall novel. I thought this was not only clever, but very entertaining. This is certainly a novel that can be enjoyed by many age levels. Some topics may be sensitive for certain readers, Erika’s delivery is tasteful and entertaining. I’m looking forward to any of her future works, including the sequel to Lucid!
I first read Dark Beauty by Erika Harken a few years ago. I’m so glad she finally decided to expand that novella into a full length novel.
Erika’s writing is clean, concise and to the point, but she also is descriptive enough for readers to picture her characters and settings. The expanse of Dark Beauty includes the back story of Paul, a brilliant scientist, obsessed with perfection. In The Altering Machine really tells four stories in one, but each separate scenario eventually connects, forming the overall novel. I thought this was not only clever, but very entertaining. This is certainly a novel that can be enjoyed by many age levels. Some topics may be sensitive for certain readers, Erika’s delivery is tasteful and entertaining. I’m looking forward to any of her future works, including the sequel to Lucid!
July 24, 2024
This is such an amazing psychological/medical thriller and very suspenseful book! The storyline is super original and unique. I was entertained and totally sucked in to the book from the beginning. The idea of a mind and body DNA altering machine is pretty wild! I enjoyed the different characters stories and how they were all tied together in the end. The author did an excellent job with the writing of the story and it is a fast and enjoyable read.
The ending did leave me hanging, so I’m ready for the sequel!
Thank you to Book Sirens and Erika Harken for an e-copy of this fantastic book!
The ending did leave me hanging, so I’m ready for the sequel!
Thank you to Book Sirens and Erika Harken for an e-copy of this fantastic book!
June 12, 2024
What an interesting story. I picked this story up just because the plot was super intriguing to me.
3.5 is my official rating so I rounded but my big this was character development. The characters were so flat and I just needed a little bit more humanization to them. If I wasn’t so annoyed with all the female characters I would have loved this story!!
The plot was excellent and I love how it all played out!
3.5 is my official rating so I rounded but my big this was character development. The characters were so flat and I just needed a little bit more humanization to them. If I wasn’t so annoyed with all the female characters I would have loved this story!!
The plot was excellent and I love how it all played out!
March 24, 2024
Such an interesting journey writing this book! It was fun to plan four different stories that weave together and bring the reader deeper into the rabbit hole of Paul and his devious plans for personal satisfaction. Definitely think twice about what you wish for!
June 6, 2024
Far fetched
I read a lot of psychological thrillers. This one was a bit far fetched for me but I did read it all
I read a lot of psychological thrillers. This one was a bit far fetched for me but I did read it all
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews