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The Transhuman Project
When a video of Molly Richards is taken out of context and goes viral, she’s thrust into the upper echelons of social media stardom and becomes an overnight success in a country where Life Channel ratings reign supreme. As Kadar’s fastest-rising celebrity, her life becomes a media circus, a show put on for the shallow national audience salivating for the next new thing.
But in a world where image is king, danger and death hide among the shadows. In the nearby country of Pacifica, the brutal Caezar turns his citizens into robotic weapons who infiltrate Kadar as sleeper transhumans. They walk among the populace, unaware they are pawns in the madman’s personal arsenal.
Only Molly, her friends, and an elite group of Kadarian fighters known as the Cyber Knights fully understand the transhuman threat, and only they can break the Caezar's terrorist grip on both Pacifica and Kadar. Battling Fire Bots and humanoid agents, they seek to put a stop to the Caezar's tyranny by unraveling the secrets buried between layers of deception.
And they have to do it all while smiling and waving for the cameras.
As Molly and her friends peer behind the glitz and glamour, they discover something more frightening and more sinister than anything they’ve encountered yet...the truth.
What readers on Amazon and Goodreads are
★★★★★ "Fun and fast-paced!”
★★★★★ "This book is that it's so incredibly relevant.”
★★★★★ "Wonderful sci-fi, young adult adventure!”
★★★★★ "Grabs your attention and surprises up to the end!”
★★★★★ "This is one of those books that encourages you to think and reflect on our own world.”
★★★★★ "My only five-star read of the year!”
★★★★★ "An exciting weave of truth, lies, expectations and survival molds with a science fiction world in a dangerous game.”
★★★★★ "The Transhuman Project will pull you into its world and have you racing through the pages wondering what is going to happen next.”
But in a world where image is king, danger and death hide among the shadows. In the nearby country of Pacifica, the brutal Caezar turns his citizens into robotic weapons who infiltrate Kadar as sleeper transhumans. They walk among the populace, unaware they are pawns in the madman’s personal arsenal.
Only Molly, her friends, and an elite group of Kadarian fighters known as the Cyber Knights fully understand the transhuman threat, and only they can break the Caezar's terrorist grip on both Pacifica and Kadar. Battling Fire Bots and humanoid agents, they seek to put a stop to the Caezar's tyranny by unraveling the secrets buried between layers of deception.
And they have to do it all while smiling and waving for the cameras.
As Molly and her friends peer behind the glitz and glamour, they discover something more frightening and more sinister than anything they’ve encountered yet...the truth.
What readers on Amazon and Goodreads are
★★★★★ "Fun and fast-paced!”
★★★★★ "This book is that it's so incredibly relevant.”
★★★★★ "Wonderful sci-fi, young adult adventure!”
★★★★★ "Grabs your attention and surprises up to the end!”
★★★★★ "This is one of those books that encourages you to think and reflect on our own world.”
★★★★★ "My only five-star read of the year!”
★★★★★ "An exciting weave of truth, lies, expectations and survival molds with a science fiction world in a dangerous game.”
★★★★★ "The Transhuman Project will pull you into its world and have you racing through the pages wondering what is going to happen next.”
301 pages, Paperback
Published January 15, 2019
63 people want to read
About the author
Erin Rhew
6 books100 followersErin Rhew is an author and fitness trainer. Since she picked up Morris the Moose Goes to School at age four, she has been infatuated with the written word. She went on to work as a grammar and writing tutor in college and is still teased by her family and friends for being a member of the "Grammar Police." In her free time, Erin enjoys acting, running, kickboxing, and, of course, reading and writing.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 19, 2019
Check out this and many other YA book reviews on my blog: Meet Your New Favorite Book.
If you are looking for a quick, easy read, this is a good one!
I read this in between working on lots of homework and starting my internship, which is taking up most of my "spare time," since I also work full time. I was still able to get through this book in just a few days, though.
It is fun and fast-paced, and I loved the similarities it draws to today's society, with the Kadarans obsessed with their Life Channels and constantly streaming every second of their lives and watching every second of other people's lives. Thinking about just how similar Kadar's culture is to ours and how quickly our culture could become just like Kadar's is kind of scary.
But I digress...
This book was well written. The author did a great job with character development and world-building. I loved Molly! (And sometimes I also wanted to kick her).
I did get a little irritated with the love story in this book, though. However, I'm not a big fan of most romantic plots in stories.
This is the first book I've ever read by Erin Rhew, but I don't plan for it to be my last!
I received a copy of this book from the publishers to be a part of this blog tour, which was organized by Xpresso Book Tours.
If you are looking for a quick, easy read, this is a good one!
I read this in between working on lots of homework and starting my internship, which is taking up most of my "spare time," since I also work full time. I was still able to get through this book in just a few days, though.
It is fun and fast-paced, and I loved the similarities it draws to today's society, with the Kadarans obsessed with their Life Channels and constantly streaming every second of their lives and watching every second of other people's lives. Thinking about just how similar Kadar's culture is to ours and how quickly our culture could become just like Kadar's is kind of scary.
But I digress...
This book was well written. The author did a great job with character development and world-building. I loved Molly! (And sometimes I also wanted to kick her).
I did get a little irritated with the love story in this book, though. However, I'm not a big fan of most romantic plots in stories.
This is the first book I've ever read by Erin Rhew, but I don't plan for it to be my last!
I received a copy of this book from the publishers to be a part of this blog tour, which was organized by Xpresso Book Tours.
January 23, 2019
One of the things I love about this book is that it's so incredibly relevant. Over the last decade social media has become a huge driving force in our society. Now everyone with a Facebook page, blog, You Tube account, Twitter, or Instagram page has a voice.
And in each case, they are vying for your attention and your "likes."
Right now, social media is still somewhat passive, though, that is gradually changing. With the #MeToo and other such movements, these platforms are having more and more societal influence. So, what if we jumped ahead a hundred years in the evolution of social media? What kind of power will it hold?
That's exactly the question that Erin's book explores.
Molly Richards and crew, affectionately known as the Pentad, flee the oppressive, warmongering nation of Pacifica into the bordering country of Kadar. Kadar is an advanced, free society that is ruled by social media popularity. The Pentad had stolen the plans to Pacifica's most powerful weapon, The Transhuman Project, and given it to the Kadarians, hoping that they will be able to neutralize the threat.
Unfortunately, Kadar was not as welcoming as they'd hoped.
Not only do they hold the Pentad in captivity, but a video of Molly goes viral and suddenly she finds herself at the top of the social media ratings. She has no desire for her fandom or the attention it garners, but the unstoppable machine has been put into motion. The media specialists descend and help perpetuate their false story, in hopes of keeping her in the top spot. All the while this is happening, she and the rest of the Pentad are fighting to save Kadar from the evil leader of Pacifica, the Caezar, as he develops more sophisticated weapons in a grab for power.
What's especially intriguing about this book is that the government of Kadar is more puppet that leader. That the true power in this nation is whomever has the highest ranking spot in the Life Channel program.
Imagine if you will, the loudest, most obnoxious blowhard on Facebook, having any sort of power over the government.
et, this is exactly what has happened.
Filled with intrigue, mystery, self-sacrifice, unlikely heroes, action, and even a smattering of romance, Erin's new book, The Transhuman Project, will have you flipping the pages until the very end.
And in each case, they are vying for your attention and your "likes."
Right now, social media is still somewhat passive, though, that is gradually changing. With the #MeToo and other such movements, these platforms are having more and more societal influence. So, what if we jumped ahead a hundred years in the evolution of social media? What kind of power will it hold?
That's exactly the question that Erin's book explores.
Molly Richards and crew, affectionately known as the Pentad, flee the oppressive, warmongering nation of Pacifica into the bordering country of Kadar. Kadar is an advanced, free society that is ruled by social media popularity. The Pentad had stolen the plans to Pacifica's most powerful weapon, The Transhuman Project, and given it to the Kadarians, hoping that they will be able to neutralize the threat.
Unfortunately, Kadar was not as welcoming as they'd hoped.
Not only do they hold the Pentad in captivity, but a video of Molly goes viral and suddenly she finds herself at the top of the social media ratings. She has no desire for her fandom or the attention it garners, but the unstoppable machine has been put into motion. The media specialists descend and help perpetuate their false story, in hopes of keeping her in the top spot. All the while this is happening, she and the rest of the Pentad are fighting to save Kadar from the evil leader of Pacifica, the Caezar, as he develops more sophisticated weapons in a grab for power.
What's especially intriguing about this book is that the government of Kadar is more puppet that leader. That the true power in this nation is whomever has the highest ranking spot in the Life Channel program.
Imagine if you will, the loudest, most obnoxious blowhard on Facebook, having any sort of power over the government.
et, this is exactly what has happened.
Filled with intrigue, mystery, self-sacrifice, unlikely heroes, action, and even a smattering of romance, Erin's new book, The Transhuman Project, will have you flipping the pages until the very end.
February 14, 2019
The Transhuman Project is the first book I've ever read by Erin Rhew, but I have to say, it was absolutely 100% one of my favorites. In fact, it's my only five-star read of the year (so far), so that should tell you what a great read it is.
The story is about a girl named Molly who is trying to save her friend from the clutches of the evil Caezar of Pacifica. Her bravery and heroic deed is captured on film, though, and when the video goes viral in the country of Kadar, Molly becomes a celebrity, even though she has absolutely no desire to be famous at all.
The Kadarians are obsessed (like, insanely) with fame and viewing other people's lives 24/7. It's kinda crazy. Think of the E! Network/Channel on TV and times that by a million. Take the Kardashians (which is what Kadar made me think of every time I saw it in the book) and multiply their fame and constant need for attention by a billion. That's what being a Life Channel celebrity in Kadar is like.
The girl who used to be number one? She's ousted from the top spot by Molly, and it irks her to no end. But how low will she stoop to regain her fame? And what, exactly, is the Caezar up to with his transhuman project? You'll have to read it to find out.
I thoroughly enjoyed every second of this book. It was well-written, with characters who were really well-developed. They had flaws. They had traits you could relate to. They were both likeable and unlikeable. I especially liked Molly. She was a tomboy who didn't care anything about fame and celebrity status. And even though she struggled with it, she still did what she could to "play her part" and keep the Kadarians happy and unaware of what was really going on.
The plot is paced nicely, and the descriptive world-building had me imagining myself in the story alongside the characters. It's intense, it's emotional at times, and I loved it so much.
If you enjoy YA sci-fi, you'll definitely want to grab a copy of The Transhuman Project. I'm giving it 5 stars, and I'd highly recommend it.
The story is about a girl named Molly who is trying to save her friend from the clutches of the evil Caezar of Pacifica. Her bravery and heroic deed is captured on film, though, and when the video goes viral in the country of Kadar, Molly becomes a celebrity, even though she has absolutely no desire to be famous at all.
The Kadarians are obsessed (like, insanely) with fame and viewing other people's lives 24/7. It's kinda crazy. Think of the E! Network/Channel on TV and times that by a million. Take the Kardashians (which is what Kadar made me think of every time I saw it in the book) and multiply their fame and constant need for attention by a billion. That's what being a Life Channel celebrity in Kadar is like.
The girl who used to be number one? She's ousted from the top spot by Molly, and it irks her to no end. But how low will she stoop to regain her fame? And what, exactly, is the Caezar up to with his transhuman project? You'll have to read it to find out.
I thoroughly enjoyed every second of this book. It was well-written, with characters who were really well-developed. They had flaws. They had traits you could relate to. They were both likeable and unlikeable. I especially liked Molly. She was a tomboy who didn't care anything about fame and celebrity status. And even though she struggled with it, she still did what she could to "play her part" and keep the Kadarians happy and unaware of what was really going on.
The plot is paced nicely, and the descriptive world-building had me imagining myself in the story alongside the characters. It's intense, it's emotional at times, and I loved it so much.
If you enjoy YA sci-fi, you'll definitely want to grab a copy of The Transhuman Project. I'm giving it 5 stars, and I'd highly recommend it.
February 13, 2019
Erin Rhew is one of my favorite YA authors, starting with The Fulfillment Series, and now THE TRANSHUMAN PROJECT. In this new sci-fi release, we meet the group known as "the Pentad": Molly, Ryder, Mac, Tash, and Jason.
The Transhuman Project itself is a plan put into action by the Caezar, Pacifica's evil ruler, to turn humans into weapons. The Pentad don't know who to trust with the information they've learned about the Project, but they know that the Caezar must be stopped.
With good intentions, the group escapes Pacfica, with Pacifica's plans for the weapon in hand, to Kadar, a country ruled by social media ratings. In Kadar, every moment of every day is being recorded and broadcast, and the most powerful, famous people in the country are the highest-ranking Life Channel stars, playing it up for the masses.
Molly's just a regular, tough, kickass chick who wears cargo pants and T-shirts, not sequins and heels like the Life Channel stars in Kadar. But when she reluctantly becomes the top-rated Life Channel celebrity, she's thrust into the spotlight, and even has to fake a romantic interest in her friend, Jason (even though she kind of digs fellow badass, Ryder), to keep up appearances. All while trying to stay in favor with Kadar's rulers, deal with the betrayal of a friend, and save the world.
In addition to Molly's story in Kadar, Mac carries a story of his own, leaving the group to partake a special mission. Mac's a smart-ass who enjoys the history of the world before, and who talks in old-fashioned cliches. His loyalty and love for his friends knows no bounds. (Note: As much as I love the characters of the Pentad, I could have read an entire book on Mac!).
THE TRANSHUMAN PROJECT is one of those books that encourages you to think and reflect on our own world. Not only will you fall in love with the characters, the adventure and mission, and the friendship and drama of the story, but you'll see that life in Kadar is scary-close to what we have now, with social media influencers, advertisers, and celebrities. The difference, of course, being that Molly wants no part of the celebrity life, while the influencers we watch clearly do.
A skilled and artful author, Ms. Rhew has created an amazing world with stand-out characters, that hopefully will continue as a series. I highly recommend this YA sci-fi for its spin on social media, and for the action, adventure, friendship, and love that this group encompasses and endures in their attempt to rid their world of evil.
The Transhuman Project itself is a plan put into action by the Caezar, Pacifica's evil ruler, to turn humans into weapons. The Pentad don't know who to trust with the information they've learned about the Project, but they know that the Caezar must be stopped.
With good intentions, the group escapes Pacfica, with Pacifica's plans for the weapon in hand, to Kadar, a country ruled by social media ratings. In Kadar, every moment of every day is being recorded and broadcast, and the most powerful, famous people in the country are the highest-ranking Life Channel stars, playing it up for the masses.
Molly's just a regular, tough, kickass chick who wears cargo pants and T-shirts, not sequins and heels like the Life Channel stars in Kadar. But when she reluctantly becomes the top-rated Life Channel celebrity, she's thrust into the spotlight, and even has to fake a romantic interest in her friend, Jason (even though she kind of digs fellow badass, Ryder), to keep up appearances. All while trying to stay in favor with Kadar's rulers, deal with the betrayal of a friend, and save the world.
In addition to Molly's story in Kadar, Mac carries a story of his own, leaving the group to partake a special mission. Mac's a smart-ass who enjoys the history of the world before, and who talks in old-fashioned cliches. His loyalty and love for his friends knows no bounds. (Note: As much as I love the characters of the Pentad, I could have read an entire book on Mac!).
THE TRANSHUMAN PROJECT is one of those books that encourages you to think and reflect on our own world. Not only will you fall in love with the characters, the adventure and mission, and the friendship and drama of the story, but you'll see that life in Kadar is scary-close to what we have now, with social media influencers, advertisers, and celebrities. The difference, of course, being that Molly wants no part of the celebrity life, while the influencers we watch clearly do.
A skilled and artful author, Ms. Rhew has created an amazing world with stand-out characters, that hopefully will continue as a series. I highly recommend this YA sci-fi for its spin on social media, and for the action, adventure, friendship, and love that this group encompasses and endures in their attempt to rid their world of evil.
February 15, 2019
An exciting weave of truth, lies, expectations and survival molds with a science fiction world in a dangerous game.
They are on a mission to stop the Transhuman Project and the man behind it, the Caezar. But when a mission ends with the near death of one of the team, Molly is caught on film as she saves her team member's life—a single moment of emotion taken out of context. Being taken to a nearby society where their Commander awaits them, Molly finds that the video has been released on the show which everyone in the society is addicted to, and she is now the star. The earlier star, one which comes from a line of them, is not about to have her place taken away and plots against Molly. But that is not the plot Molly is concerned about most. Her entire team is in danger.
From the very first page, I was swept up into this world. Not only are Molly and her team members an interesting bunch, but the world around them is well woven. The science fiction and imagination is clear, but there is a haunting truth to the society as well which reminds of modern society. It makes a very powerful mix. Add a cast of characters with quirks, issues, heart, determination and loyalty, and it's a group to root for until the very last page.
The pacing is well done. With the complicated various layers of intrigue, it's hard to guess what will happen next. There's a lot coming at the team from different sides, and this doesn't include the personal relationship issues within the team itself. Boring is just not the word for this tale.
While I was very caught up in this book and enjoyed it immensely, I did keep glancing back to see if this was the second book in a series. While the author tries to fill in the gaps of the past little by little, I always felt like I'd been thrown into the middle of the tale. The team's predicament and relationships are completely based on their last mission and their build-up as a team including their relationships to the commanders. The information does trickle in somewhat as the book continues,
but the basis for all of this is missing and leaves a big hole, which pulls out of the story again and again.
This is a well-written book with tons of action and a plot to grab until the very end. I enjoyed every page and can't wait to see more from the author. However, I do wish the story would have started much earlier and would love to dive into that beginning tale.
I received a complimentary copy and was so caught up in the book that I wanted to leave my honest thoughts.
They are on a mission to stop the Transhuman Project and the man behind it, the Caezar. But when a mission ends with the near death of one of the team, Molly is caught on film as she saves her team member's life—a single moment of emotion taken out of context. Being taken to a nearby society where their Commander awaits them, Molly finds that the video has been released on the show which everyone in the society is addicted to, and she is now the star. The earlier star, one which comes from a line of them, is not about to have her place taken away and plots against Molly. But that is not the plot Molly is concerned about most. Her entire team is in danger.
From the very first page, I was swept up into this world. Not only are Molly and her team members an interesting bunch, but the world around them is well woven. The science fiction and imagination is clear, but there is a haunting truth to the society as well which reminds of modern society. It makes a very powerful mix. Add a cast of characters with quirks, issues, heart, determination and loyalty, and it's a group to root for until the very last page.
The pacing is well done. With the complicated various layers of intrigue, it's hard to guess what will happen next. There's a lot coming at the team from different sides, and this doesn't include the personal relationship issues within the team itself. Boring is just not the word for this tale.
While I was very caught up in this book and enjoyed it immensely, I did keep glancing back to see if this was the second book in a series. While the author tries to fill in the gaps of the past little by little, I always felt like I'd been thrown into the middle of the tale. The team's predicament and relationships are completely based on their last mission and their build-up as a team including their relationships to the commanders. The information does trickle in somewhat as the book continues,
but the basis for all of this is missing and leaves a big hole, which pulls out of the story again and again.
This is a well-written book with tons of action and a plot to grab until the very end. I enjoyed every page and can't wait to see more from the author. However, I do wish the story would have started much earlier and would love to dive into that beginning tale.
I received a complimentary copy and was so caught up in the book that I wanted to leave my honest thoughts.
October 9, 2021
This book is one of those I went into with only a knowledge of the author and her previous book series but no idea on the premise and I must say I am delighted I read this one.
There are some books that you love and straight away are hoping have more to come and this was one of those offerings.
A true talent and a brilliant book.
There are some books that you love and straight away are hoping have more to come and this was one of those offerings.
A true talent and a brilliant book.
April 27, 2025
Wow this books was an awsome read. The story is gripping and suspenseful. It never slows down and keeps you wanting to read another chapter. If this books peeks your interest I would really recommend you read it.
April 11, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the ending and I felt the character development for the main characters was solid.
February 15, 2019
Social media has become more popular than ever. All anyone wants to do is set before their TV or devices and get into their neighbor’s business leaving no one’s life private anymore but if said person puts their whole life out there for anyone who wishes to see to look at then it is no longer private and they Undoubtedly want everyone to know their business.
A video of a young girl Molly goes viral and the next thing she knows she is an overnight success and she now has her own Life Channel where everyone can see her life playing out right before their eyes day after day. Molly and her friends have been swept away to this life, a life that they want no part of but were not given a choice.
Molly doesn’t want her life on display for everyone to see but she has no choice but to play along for now. Most people are thrilled to have their life splashed across the internet and be the star. Molly is followed around with video cameras wherever she goes recording her life.
Although this is live reality TV where their real life is being recorded and they have no script to follow there are certain things and rules that they have to follow and pretend to be someone or something they are not. It may be live TV but their lives are fake.
In the outside world the Caezar is turning humans into robotic weapons that are called Transhuman. The average person like Molly and her friends have no way of knowing who has been changed and who has not. They get word that the Caezar has planted a Transhuman in to their world at the Life Channel and now they must find out who it is before it is awakens and puts everyone in danger.
Molly and her friends are the only people they can rely on to help them stop the Caezar from turning humans. They have only have a short window of time to stop him and are racing against the clock to stop the Caezar before he can implement his plan.
The Transhuman Project will pull you into its world and have you racing through the pages wondering what is going to happen next and how it all is going to end.
Do I recommend The Transhuman Project? Well of course I do as it filled with mystery and suspense with a group of people who care more for each other than they ever knew or knew they were capable of doing.
A video of a young girl Molly goes viral and the next thing she knows she is an overnight success and she now has her own Life Channel where everyone can see her life playing out right before their eyes day after day. Molly and her friends have been swept away to this life, a life that they want no part of but were not given a choice.
Molly doesn’t want her life on display for everyone to see but she has no choice but to play along for now. Most people are thrilled to have their life splashed across the internet and be the star. Molly is followed around with video cameras wherever she goes recording her life.
Although this is live reality TV where their real life is being recorded and they have no script to follow there are certain things and rules that they have to follow and pretend to be someone or something they are not. It may be live TV but their lives are fake.
In the outside world the Caezar is turning humans into robotic weapons that are called Transhuman. The average person like Molly and her friends have no way of knowing who has been changed and who has not. They get word that the Caezar has planted a Transhuman in to their world at the Life Channel and now they must find out who it is before it is awakens and puts everyone in danger.
Molly and her friends are the only people they can rely on to help them stop the Caezar from turning humans. They have only have a short window of time to stop him and are racing against the clock to stop the Caezar before he can implement his plan.
The Transhuman Project will pull you into its world and have you racing through the pages wondering what is going to happen next and how it all is going to end.
Do I recommend The Transhuman Project? Well of course I do as it filled with mystery and suspense with a group of people who care more for each other than they ever knew or knew they were capable of doing.
December 28, 2019
A young warrior woman raised from birth in a prison setting, finds herself, once more in a prison. Having made a bid for freedom, Molly and a small team had volunteered to rid their planet of a cruel dictator.
This dictator had developed a new weapons system, Transhumans. Transhumans are a merger of war weapons and humans. The transhuman is a walking bomb. Not easily detected which adds to their effectiveness.
Molly, and her team having been 'rescued' from being transformed into these weapons, find themselves on a neighboring land of Kandar. Once again Molly experiences being in a form of prison that glitters and shines. Molly learns that she is a new rising 'star' of reality television. Molly's clothes, jewelry, food, and even love was selected for her.
What is really going on? Who can she truly trust? Someone in her small group has been altered, can Molly save them in time?
This is an interesting fantasy novel of the future. Would you go 'along' with the program, or would you find yourself rebelling in order to attain true freedom? These are questions I found myself asking.
Read this interesting novel for yourself and think about it. The action scenes are well written as well. I'm hoping for a prequel as I would love to see what happened during the transhuman engagement.
This dictator had developed a new weapons system, Transhumans. Transhumans are a merger of war weapons and humans. The transhuman is a walking bomb. Not easily detected which adds to their effectiveness.
Molly, and her team having been 'rescued' from being transformed into these weapons, find themselves on a neighboring land of Kandar. Once again Molly experiences being in a form of prison that glitters and shines. Molly learns that she is a new rising 'star' of reality television. Molly's clothes, jewelry, food, and even love was selected for her.
What is really going on? Who can she truly trust? Someone in her small group has been altered, can Molly save them in time?
This is an interesting fantasy novel of the future. Would you go 'along' with the program, or would you find yourself rebelling in order to attain true freedom? These are questions I found myself asking.
Read this interesting novel for yourself and think about it. The action scenes are well written as well. I'm hoping for a prequel as I would love to see what happened during the transhuman engagement.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews