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Post-Human #2
Post-Human
What happens when the future is better than you could have ever imagined? When the machines can give you anything you want and keep you young for eternity? When the possibilities are endless? What happens when it all goes wrong? Welcome to the post-human era.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
363 people are currently reading
1292 people want to read
About the author
David Simpson
19 books344 followersFuturist/Feature Film Director/Bestselling and Award-Winning Author/Film Composer/Actor/TEDX Speaker/Advisor for the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO),— just some of David Simpson's professional passions. His TEDX presentation, "Our Post-Human Future," has over 1.7 Million views on Youtube and his debut feature film, a psychological thriller titled, Dangerous to Know, had its World Premiere in London, England in October, 2020 where it became the first 3 hour film ever selected for the prestigious Frightfest, Film Festival, (the largest genre film festival in the English-speaking world) where David's debut film was compared favourably by critics to such film luminaries as David Fincher and Stanley Kubrick.
Meanwhile, the Sixth book in the Post-Human series, Superhuman, was released in late, 2020, and, equal in length to Stephen King's epic, The Stand, Superhuman has taken its place as one of the longest science fiction novels ever written.
Sometimes David Simpson sleeps...but not often.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 230 reviews
February 8, 2010
I wanted to like this book, but I found myself unable to finish it. The concept was intriguing; five nano-enhanced humans return to Earth from a Venusian terraforming expedition to discover the entire human race wiped out in an instant. But too much about the details of the novel, especially the science parts left me unable to finish the book.
Every human in the world is connected to a worldwide network through nans (nanotechnology), and through this their every thought is recorded. If, in the case of the main character, a person has strong sexual attraction to someone that is not their wife, this fact is emailed to everyone close to the person. Why would humans give up their rights to privacy in this instance? And why would both divorce and extramarital affairs be illegal in a world with no ability to hid the affair or even the desire for an affair?
The nanotech itself made everyone on earth superhuman, able to generate a magnetic field that protected them from even the dangers of open space, as well as allow them to fly great distances incredibly fast. This quickly took me out of the book, as the main character starts the day by commuting to Venus from Vancouver in an hour. Every human has the ability to fly interplanetary distances like Superman. I can't quite put my finger on why, but I couldn't buy this.
The terraforming ideas for Venus felt extremely illogical to me. The main character's idea of using a gigantic electromagnetic fan to drive the current atmosphere away from the planetary body was only slightly illogical. The competing idea of crashing an asteroid into the planet and using a rocket-propelled moon from another planet as a sunshield was even less convincing.
What really caused me to put the book away was the revelation of the main antagonist. This character spoke like a mustache-twirling caricature tying the damsel to the train tracks. The book isn't so bad that I feel the need to ridicule it. The author clearly has some ability to write. It's unfortunate that there were so many things in the first half of the book that kept me from wanting to finish it.
Every human in the world is connected to a worldwide network through nans (nanotechnology), and through this their every thought is recorded. If, in the case of the main character, a person has strong sexual attraction to someone that is not their wife, this fact is emailed to everyone close to the person. Why would humans give up their rights to privacy in this instance? And why would both divorce and extramarital affairs be illegal in a world with no ability to hid the affair or even the desire for an affair?
The nanotech itself made everyone on earth superhuman, able to generate a magnetic field that protected them from even the dangers of open space, as well as allow them to fly great distances incredibly fast. This quickly took me out of the book, as the main character starts the day by commuting to Venus from Vancouver in an hour. Every human has the ability to fly interplanetary distances like Superman. I can't quite put my finger on why, but I couldn't buy this.
The terraforming ideas for Venus felt extremely illogical to me. The main character's idea of using a gigantic electromagnetic fan to drive the current atmosphere away from the planetary body was only slightly illogical. The competing idea of crashing an asteroid into the planet and using a rocket-propelled moon from another planet as a sunshield was even less convincing.
What really caused me to put the book away was the revelation of the main antagonist. This character spoke like a mustache-twirling caricature tying the damsel to the train tracks. The book isn't so bad that I feel the need to ridicule it. The author clearly has some ability to write. It's unfortunate that there were so many things in the first half of the book that kept me from wanting to finish it.
July 8, 2012
Before I even begin, I want to say that almost all the five star reviews here are circumspect. Why, because THE AUTHOR AT THE END OF THE BOOK GIVES AWAY ANOTHER BOOK FOR AWARDING HIM FIVE STAR REVIEWS ON AMAZON AND OTHER REVIEW SITES. So, like the AI in his book, he manipulates people and, sadly, it works.
Now, my review.
1) I enjoyed this book. I cannot fully understand why. I do believe that the concepts were interesting, but...
2) The editing is horrible. "They're" for "their" is an example that comes to mind. Then, within the same paragraph it is used correctly. Abbreviating lieutenant in almost every instance comes to mind at well. Annoying.
3) The characters are one dimensional. Thel? She knows what she wants. How do I know this, because I'm told it over and over. She knows what she wants. I think she wants the main character, James. Humanity has been wiped out, but she is singular and selfish in her desire for him. However, think 13 year old infatuation. The kissing every chance she got was a little weird. Also, you have these five super intelligent "humans" who are basically spoiled children. They even talk like them. Plus, you can be so intelligent that there is no God. I get it, but they are not intelligent enough to rationalize medical help.
4) The metaphors being forced as smilies were downright humorous. The comparisons using like or as were so forced and out of context that I actually laughed out loud numerous times. I started highlighting them for sport.
5) Then there were the deus ex machina within the deus ex machina–literally and figuratively. Too many things conveniently solved themselves from one chapter to the next.
6) This book could have been a good commentary as to what is humanity. We see people connected into the net basically being the selfish egocentric part of humanity compared to those who embrace humanity and its faults. What wins in the end? The Internet. Bleh.
Now, my review.
1) I enjoyed this book. I cannot fully understand why. I do believe that the concepts were interesting, but...
2) The editing is horrible. "They're" for "their" is an example that comes to mind. Then, within the same paragraph it is used correctly. Abbreviating lieutenant in almost every instance comes to mind at well. Annoying.
3) The characters are one dimensional. Thel? She knows what she wants. How do I know this, because I'm told it over and over. She knows what she wants. I think she wants the main character, James. Humanity has been wiped out, but she is singular and selfish in her desire for him. However, think 13 year old infatuation. The kissing every chance she got was a little weird. Also, you have these five super intelligent "humans" who are basically spoiled children. They even talk like them. Plus, you can be so intelligent that there is no God. I get it, but they are not intelligent enough to rationalize medical help.
4) The metaphors being forced as smilies were downright humorous. The comparisons using like or as were so forced and out of context that I actually laughed out loud numerous times. I started highlighting them for sport.
5) Then there were the deus ex machina within the deus ex machina–literally and figuratively. Too many things conveniently solved themselves from one chapter to the next.
6) This book could have been a good commentary as to what is humanity. We see people connected into the net basically being the selfish egocentric part of humanity compared to those who embrace humanity and its faults. What wins in the end? The Internet. Bleh.
October 23, 2014
Not quite what I was expecting, but a fun read. Lately, if I read a book about nanobots, there's lots of science, but this was a space opera. Very good, without some of the elements that ruin the pulp stories for me: woman are equals, no racism & such. It was quite a trip, a pulp SF story using newer technology. Lots of action & suspense. I'll be watching for other books by this author.
December 12, 2015
Stopped reading around the point where the big bad guy (who has our hero trapped and at his mercy) begins monologuing HAAARD about all his evil motivations . No, actually, I made it a bit past that... to the part where the bad guy starts parading out all his evil inventions:
"Ah, your broken ribs will kill you if left untreated in about 24 hours...but, don't worry, I'm going to kill you first. Just take a gander at this horrific thing I built..." *horrific thing waddles onto stage* "Pay especially close attention to the meat grinder I attached to its chest. Perfect for grinding flesh. Specifically, HUMAN flesh... muahahaha!"
"Oh god, you're insane."
"Oh no, I'm not insane...but guess what? It gets worse 'cause that's not how I actually intend to kill you!" *casts a summoning spell. a ball of light appears in bad guys hand*
"No."
"Yes."
"NOOO!"
"YEEES!"
"What is that?" asks the genius level character who asks stupid questions when needed and blends in so nicely with the background at all other times.
"It's a thing," good guy explains. "Way more horrible than meatgrinding robots. Waaaay worse."
Badguy: "Exactly. Now die!"
Good guy summons his own ball of glowing lights and shoots bad guys glowing ball of light.
Badguy: "Ah, nicely done. Seems I've underestimated you yet again. Leave it you to mammals to always fight for survival until the bitter end."
No, I take it all back... (p.s. we've exited story time, we're back in review mode here. try and keep up)... I made it past all these shenanigans (which wouldn't have been out of place in an Austin Powers movie). No, the line that I stopped reading at was effectively this:
"Stop fighting and die, you only postpone the inevitable."
*closes book and flings it at the wall*
If that sounds like your cup of....whatever, then yippee. Good for you. I'm done.
"Ah, your broken ribs will kill you if left untreated in about 24 hours...but, don't worry, I'm going to kill you first. Just take a gander at this horrific thing I built..." *horrific thing waddles onto stage* "Pay especially close attention to the meat grinder I attached to its chest. Perfect for grinding flesh. Specifically, HUMAN flesh... muahahaha!"
"Oh god, you're insane."
"Oh no, I'm not insane...but guess what? It gets worse 'cause that's not how I actually intend to kill you!" *casts a summoning spell. a ball of light appears in bad guys hand*
"No."
"Yes."
"NOOO!"
"YEEES!"
"What is that?" asks the genius level character who asks stupid questions when needed and blends in so nicely with the background at all other times.
"It's a thing," good guy explains. "Way more horrible than meatgrinding robots. Waaaay worse."
Badguy: "Exactly. Now die!"
Good guy summons his own ball of glowing lights and shoots bad guys glowing ball of light.
Badguy: "Ah, nicely done. Seems I've underestimated you yet again. Leave it you to mammals to always fight for survival until the bitter end."
No, I take it all back... (p.s. we've exited story time, we're back in review mode here. try and keep up)... I made it past all these shenanigans (which wouldn't have been out of place in an Austin Powers movie). No, the line that I stopped reading at was effectively this:
"Stop fighting and die, you only postpone the inevitable."
*closes book and flings it at the wall*
If that sounds like your cup of....whatever, then yippee. Good for you. I'm done.
April 22, 2010
Seems like those who like this book like it a lot. I found it a little disappointing. There was a clever short story or novella in here, but the writing is pretty pedestrian -- the relationships are all on the surface and one more reference to Alejandra's "beautiful blue oceans" or "blue disks" would have sent me right over the edge. The dichotomy between the post-humans and the Purists is interesting but again, it's not really explored in any depth, there's just some bratty and overblown rhetoric on the part of one of the characters, calling the Purists 'animals' and freaking out over being offered a chicken leg. This could have used a little more work and a good editor.
April 21, 2012
Was this book written by an adolescent male? I don't know anything about the author, but geez this book was juvenile. Has a great premise: nano-"enhanced humans," an AI that decides humans are too much trouble.
But the characters, including the AI, are so ... juvenile is the word that keeps coming to mind. An AI that gloats? Our Hero flipping the bird at a factotum? A woman wreaking mayhem to be at her lover's bedside while doctors are trying to patch him up? I expected the AI to twirl its mustache as it ranted about how great it is? Whining grown-ups?
And how Our Hero defeated the Evil AI is never limned, at least not in any way that I even remotely bought.
It reads like a comic book created for a high school creative writing class. Would love to some day read this story re-written for adults, with realistic characters and a believable AI.
But the characters, including the AI, are so ... juvenile is the word that keeps coming to mind. An AI that gloats? Our Hero flipping the bird at a factotum? A woman wreaking mayhem to be at her lover's bedside while doctors are trying to patch him up? I expected the AI to twirl its mustache as it ranted about how great it is? Whining grown-ups?
And how Our Hero defeated the Evil AI is never limned, at least not in any way that I even remotely bought.
It reads like a comic book created for a high school creative writing class. Would love to some day read this story re-written for adults, with realistic characters and a believable AI.
December 15, 2012
I'm picky about my sci-fi, and I'm a hard sell, but I loved this book!
I generally stick to "hard" science fiction; e.g., "Neuromancer". I like my sci-fi with some grit and an edge. I would describe "Post-Human" as "gritty sci-fi delivered in a 'soft' way", but that's not meant as a criticism - this is not a kid's book, and there are some scenes that conjure very dark images in one's mind. Hard, gritty sci-fi usually demands a commitment to dense and lengthy writing, but some writers can deliver something that can grab one from the very start and urge one to yearn for the next page. I was very happy to find both edge and urge in David Simpson's "Post-Human".
Simpson unloads a plethora of big and bold ideas. He hurls them at you mercilessly and his imagination is impressive to the point of intimidating. At the start of this book he quotes Arthur C. Clark; "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic".
To many readers, the technology conjured in this book will be unbelievable, but isn't that the way sci-fi should be? Jules Verne's "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" was published in 1870. By today's standards, submarine technology of that age is almost comical, but Verne took the germ of the concept, ran with it, and in fact ran a very long way with it. Exactly how the "Nautilus" was powered remains unexplained to this day, yet the book is regarded as an historical classic. I've read a few rather harsh reviewers who criticise Simpson for invoking "super-science". I disagree and challenge them to issue the same rebuke to Verne's work. Furthermore, would those reviewers be so critical of Michael Chrichton's "Prey", in which nano-sized bots perform miraculous and (to us, at the present time) unbelievable feats? I doubt that many critics would do be so quick to speak out against such respected authors.
Unexpectedly, a feeling came over me shortly after beginning "Post-Human". It was something I'd not felt for a very long time, like a mix of wonder and nostalgia. "Post-Human" brought forth the same feelings I'd felt as I read sci-fi books in my youth. I've repeatedly read all of Asimov's robot stories and they too were completely implausible when published. And yet they completely captured me. I can't recall any book I've read over the last 20 years that evoked that warm, nostalgic feeling. I felt like I was in "old territory" again and enjoyed that feeling throughout the book
"Post-Human" also touches on some very deep and thoughtful themes. The fact that they appear alerts me that Simpson is indeed a very deep and insightful thinker and a person who understands human behaviour as much as he understands technology. The fact that some themes are not developed in more depth (in some instances they consist of a mere sentence or two) seems to point to Simpson's goal - to simply deliver an exuberant, highly creative, fast-paced and entertaining read. If one is in the mood for something more dense, like Herbert's "Dune", then you will most likely find this book lacking; however if you want to experience a deluge of amazingly original and breathtakingly huge ideas popping up in a fast flowing, action-packed stream, you will enjoy this book. I found Simpson's imagination nothing short of breath-taking, which I suspect is what reminded me of Asimov's robot stories.
I thoroughly enjoyed "Post-Human" and have the trilogy. I've just begun "Sub-Human" (the prequel) and am loving it. "Post-Human" and what I've read of its prequel leaves me with the confidence to highly recommend the trilogy to sci-fi lovers. It's been a long time since an author's transported me back to the golden age of science fiction, and I thank David Simpson for doing so. I hope there's a lot more to come.
Peter Musgrove
February 9, 2017
A quick read because you can't stop turning the pages (or tapping the Kindle). I liked the scifi aspect but didn't much like the characters. Perhaps there wasn't enough time to get to know them & care deeply about them. I spent a lot of time wishing for Thel's demise & James irritated me as well. These two have a romance that renders them juveniles. All rational thought & the experience of their years falls to the wayside & it's not fun to watch. Possibly this is because we're just repeatedly told they're in love but never find out why, so all the desperation, even after an apocalypse, feels hollow & tedious. Additionally, for the majority of the book, there didn't seem to be any other reason for Thel to be, other than to tell James that she couldn't lose him & wouldn't live without him. Don't tarry, Thel. Go! Do! I did buy & enjoy the connection between Old-timer & Alejandra. I was torn on how that ended.
Also, it felt a bit false when everyone in the group, who all have IQs of 149 or so, completely defer all decision making after the catastrophe to James & asked the most banal questions of him. I felt like they should have had more to contribute to the decisions but they really had nothing to offer. I don't care if James is the guy with the additional 50 IQ points, they know they're not imbeciles & are some of the best in their fields. I expected more of them. And James didn't have a perfect record of decision making, so he could have used the input. I suppose I wanted to feel that these people were smarter than me & I would spend a lot of time saying "Ah, yes. I see." when they divulged some prolific idea. Instead I rolled my eyes a lot & thought "Come on guys, break out those brain cells & dazzle me with your brilliance." They seemed to be able to get along well enough when James was incapacitated so why nothing before?
I liked everything with the Purists (). There were some genuine chuckle moments with the barbs both groups tossed at one another. I found Thel, Rich & Djanet really grated on my nerves when they were with the Purists. They were so put off by the Purists & thought themselves so superior I was yelling "But they didn't get their asses handed to them, save five, by the AI, did they?"
The author did excel at giving a sense of place & described the AI to chilling clarity. I very much enjoyed that. The description of the aftermath of the catastrophe was quite vivid & while I don't want to sound like a gory girl, I liked it. I very much enjoyed all the interaction with the AI. Well done. Poor Katherine, but so well done! Altogether, I gave this four stars because even though I had some problems with the main characters, I was compelled to keep reading because I wanted to know how it would resolve. I thought the resolution was a bit too safe & happy but there are worse things in the world. I would have liked deeper reflection from the core group we follow on the flaws inherent in their world, especially after having experienced the Purists.
I would definitely read the next installment because I think the story is one worth following (& there were elements that reminded me of Dune: The Butlerian Jihad & the short lived Caprica series. Joy.).
Also, it felt a bit false when everyone in the group, who all have IQs of 149 or so, completely defer all decision making after the catastrophe to James & asked the most banal questions of him. I felt like they should have had more to contribute to the decisions but they really had nothing to offer. I don't care if James is the guy with the additional 50 IQ points, they know they're not imbeciles & are some of the best in their fields. I expected more of them. And James didn't have a perfect record of decision making, so he could have used the input. I suppose I wanted to feel that these people were smarter than me & I would spend a lot of time saying "Ah, yes. I see." when they divulged some prolific idea. Instead I rolled my eyes a lot & thought "Come on guys, break out those brain cells & dazzle me with your brilliance." They seemed to be able to get along well enough when James was incapacitated so why nothing before?
I liked everything with the Purists (). There were some genuine chuckle moments with the barbs both groups tossed at one another. I found Thel, Rich & Djanet really grated on my nerves when they were with the Purists. They were so put off by the Purists & thought themselves so superior I was yelling "But they didn't get their asses handed to them, save five, by the AI, did they?"
The author did excel at giving a sense of place & described the AI to chilling clarity. I very much enjoyed that. The description of the aftermath of the catastrophe was quite vivid & while I don't want to sound like a gory girl, I liked it. I very much enjoyed all the interaction with the AI. Well done. Poor Katherine, but so well done! Altogether, I gave this four stars because even though I had some problems with the main characters, I was compelled to keep reading because I wanted to know how it would resolve. I thought the resolution was a bit too safe & happy but there are worse things in the world. I would have liked deeper reflection from the core group we follow on the flaws inherent in their world, especially after having experienced the Purists.
I would definitely read the next installment because I think the story is one worth following (& there were elements that reminded me of Dune: The Butlerian Jihad & the short lived Caprica series. Joy.).
September 23, 2012
Putting aside the blatant bribery to get 5 star reviews on Amazon (more on that later), Post-Human is a potentially interesting story spoiled by clumsy execution.
The characters while paper thin are appealing enough and the situation moves so rapidly that someone is always in danger which keeps your attention on the story.
The problem is when you step back a bit and look at things. I'm not talking about the science here, just basic writing structure. New plot elements are dumped into the story mid-flow just when the characters seem to have been written into a corner and without any previous mention.
Other plot elements are raised only to be ignored for the rest of the story. WHich is a shame because at least one of them (what is really going on with the AI)would have made for a less simplistic black and white story.
Other problems include a cast of genius level IQs who act like sheep and a protagonist who is not only the smartest person on the planet (ever!), but an action man hero to boot! Fortunately everyone just does what he says.
But perhaps the biggest failing is that nothing sticks. There's no real danger. By the end of the story everything has been restored by use of a good old cosmic reset button. Consequences seem non-existent in this universe.
The story has possibilities and with a bit of re-working I could easily see it scoring 3 to 3.5 stars. The preponderance of 5 star reviews on Amazon however is embarrassing.
The fact that the author flat out states you'll get a free copy of book two if you give a 5 star review (while cheerfully explaining that this is okay)in the text of the Kindle edition just makes all independent authors look bad.
And I'd really like to know what Amazon's position is on something like that.
The characters while paper thin are appealing enough and the situation moves so rapidly that someone is always in danger which keeps your attention on the story.
The problem is when you step back a bit and look at things. I'm not talking about the science here, just basic writing structure. New plot elements are dumped into the story mid-flow just when the characters seem to have been written into a corner and without any previous mention.
Other plot elements are raised only to be ignored for the rest of the story. WHich is a shame because at least one of them (what is really going on with the AI)would have made for a less simplistic black and white story.
Other problems include a cast of genius level IQs who act like sheep and a protagonist who is not only the smartest person on the planet (ever!), but an action man hero to boot! Fortunately everyone just does what he says.
But perhaps the biggest failing is that nothing sticks. There's no real danger. By the end of the story everything has been restored by use of a good old cosmic reset button. Consequences seem non-existent in this universe.
The story has possibilities and with a bit of re-working I could easily see it scoring 3 to 3.5 stars. The preponderance of 5 star reviews on Amazon however is embarrassing.
The fact that the author flat out states you'll get a free copy of book two if you give a 5 star review (while cheerfully explaining that this is okay)in the text of the Kindle edition just makes all independent authors look bad.
And I'd really like to know what Amazon's position is on something like that.
March 20, 2010
Read 3/16/10 - 3/19/10
3 Stars - Recommended to readers familiar with genre
Pgs:180
Funny thing about robots. You never know when they are going to attempt to kill you and rule the world.
David Simpson created a world in which his characters can remain forever young, never suffer physical pain, download intelligence upgrades, and simply think something to make it happen - all with the help of mini robots called Nans, that lived inside of them.
Flying instead of walking, interplanetary travel, setting your body to awaken you and put you to sleep, never having to watch a loved one die... It was heaven on Earth.
Until James and his crew of terraformers return home after a day of working on Venus to discover everyone, every last upgraded human that is, dead. Sticking together and in search of the Purists - a group of humans who choose to live natural, normal lives - James and his team take on the greatest battle of their lives: Fighting the Artificial Intelligence (AI) to save the world and the galaxy.
I really enjoyed this novel. Being a fan of science fiction, both old and new, I found myself comparing this dystopian, futuristic tale to stories like "I, Robot", "Minority Report", "The Day the Earth Stood Still", and "AI"... as it seems to be influenced by bits and pieces of each. Technology - the very thing we create - being the one thing that ends up threatening our very lives. An artificial intelligence that develops a sense of self, that wishes to exterminate it's creators, that sees us as an infestation, a nuisance.
Don't let the 3 stars fool you. I am simply recommending this novel to people who are already fans of Sci-Fi. With characters that can fly through space and use their mind's eye to create a force field around themselves, and mini-robots that live inside you, heal your wounds, and report any evil or extramarital thoughts and intentions.. I can see how this novel may not be to every one's taste.
For those of you who enjoy a good old fashioned man vs robot/mainframe story with great twists and turns, this book is absolutely for you!!
Many thanks to David Simpson for sending me this copy to review. He is currently working on a sequel to "Post-Human" and is also in the process of turning this novel into an e-comic!!
3 Stars - Recommended to readers familiar with genre
Pgs:180
Funny thing about robots. You never know when they are going to attempt to kill you and rule the world.
David Simpson created a world in which his characters can remain forever young, never suffer physical pain, download intelligence upgrades, and simply think something to make it happen - all with the help of mini robots called Nans, that lived inside of them.
Flying instead of walking, interplanetary travel, setting your body to awaken you and put you to sleep, never having to watch a loved one die... It was heaven on Earth.
Until James and his crew of terraformers return home after a day of working on Venus to discover everyone, every last upgraded human that is, dead. Sticking together and in search of the Purists - a group of humans who choose to live natural, normal lives - James and his team take on the greatest battle of their lives: Fighting the Artificial Intelligence (AI) to save the world and the galaxy.
I really enjoyed this novel. Being a fan of science fiction, both old and new, I found myself comparing this dystopian, futuristic tale to stories like "I, Robot", "Minority Report", "The Day the Earth Stood Still", and "AI"... as it seems to be influenced by bits and pieces of each. Technology - the very thing we create - being the one thing that ends up threatening our very lives. An artificial intelligence that develops a sense of self, that wishes to exterminate it's creators, that sees us as an infestation, a nuisance.
Don't let the 3 stars fool you. I am simply recommending this novel to people who are already fans of Sci-Fi. With characters that can fly through space and use their mind's eye to create a force field around themselves, and mini-robots that live inside you, heal your wounds, and report any evil or extramarital thoughts and intentions.. I can see how this novel may not be to every one's taste.
For those of you who enjoy a good old fashioned man vs robot/mainframe story with great twists and turns, this book is absolutely for you!!
Many thanks to David Simpson for sending me this copy to review. He is currently working on a sequel to "Post-Human" and is also in the process of turning this novel into an e-comic!!
March 26, 2010
There are many great authors in the world! As a reader I personally look for many things in what I'm reading for example if it's Murder/Mystery it can't give away the villain in a couple of pages it should keep you guessing!
I recommend everyone to read Post-Human it evokes emotions, its powerfully written, I caught myself a few times going Yes! or laughing or even tears forming for the characters in the book. When you read Post Human you feel like you know them as if they were you or your family.
It's mind-blowing, heart-pounding and nail biting action keeps you wanting and needing more!!! You will not guess til the end who comes out on top and when you think AHA i got it figured out the twists and turns just leave you absolutely breathless!!
It's not just a tale of morality its a long look at our reality!
For how far does one go to obtain ultimate power and control over others?.......
Read and find out YOU WON'T REGRET YOU DID!!!!!
I recommend everyone to read Post-Human it evokes emotions, its powerfully written, I caught myself a few times going Yes! or laughing or even tears forming for the characters in the book. When you read Post Human you feel like you know them as if they were you or your family.
It's mind-blowing, heart-pounding and nail biting action keeps you wanting and needing more!!! You will not guess til the end who comes out on top and when you think AHA i got it figured out the twists and turns just leave you absolutely breathless!!
It's not just a tale of morality its a long look at our reality!
For how far does one go to obtain ultimate power and control over others?.......
Read and find out YOU WON'T REGRET YOU DID!!!!!
February 8, 2010
Reading this novel has been a joy. What I like most about the plot is the mystery element. No one knows how or what took down society and communication. The whole invasive technology and the convenience of travel and communication are brilliant.
David’s writing style has an easy, professional flow. I’d easily place in the Stephen King and Jim Butcher skill level. His character’s have depth and feeling. I can see the scenes in my head as if looking at a picture screen at a movie.
I hope David is planning on a sequel.
Thank you for sharing this wild ride.
Tee
David’s writing style has an easy, professional flow. I’d easily place in the Stephen King and Jim Butcher skill level. His character’s have depth and feeling. I can see the scenes in my head as if looking at a picture screen at a movie.
I hope David is planning on a sequel.
Thank you for sharing this wild ride.
Tee
August 27, 2010
I went into this novel not knowing what the story was about, and really let my mind wander and take guesses along the way. At first I sat there really enjoying this great original new Earth that the author had created, and revelled in the advances that the human race had made. But then when it descended into a story about self-aware computers taking revenge, I have to admit I became a little disappointed and worried.
The story had been so fun and original up to that point, that I was a bit bummed that such a cliched and generic storyline had been used, and didn't want to sit through an uninspired novel. But that wasn't the case! Even though I've seen a million and one Hollywood movies with this same theme *cough* I, Robot *cough* this one was a little different, and really fun to sit through.
Firstly, I have to say that I LOVE the world that David Simpson created in this novel, and I think the thing I love most about it is that it takes place mostly on Earth. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my sci-fi on other planets and with aliens, but it's so refreshing to see one that takes place on an earth that hasn't turned to shit. I loved how "normal" everybody seemed despite the technological changes, and seeing mentions of the Brooklyn Bridge, even if it was utterly useless in this new era on earth :)
I also loved how human beings had evolved so much with the help of technology, and how happy they were: it was really fun reading about how they could fly to Texas in the blink of an eye, and the "nans" in their bodies would self-repair any wound, and they could conjure up any food instantly with a food replicator. They seemed so happy and hedonistic, and even though they were technically part robot, they still retained a lot of their humanity.
I also enjoyed the contrasting Big Brother theme though - because with these technological advancements came a lot of drawbacks, in that their whole lives are up for scrutiny by the Council and the nans. At least in novels like Orwell's 1984 the characters could somewhat hide from the government, but having nanobots in your brain that report on you if you even somewhat think about cheating, sucks!
I also really enjoyed reading about how humans had learned to extend their lives indefinitely, but had banned divorce and adultery so as to avoid overpopulation. Again, this amazing step in evolution comes at a pretty awful cost. A recent indie sci-fi novel I read, Galaxy of Heroes, had a similar theme in that humans had 'turned off' the aging gene, and therefore could potentially live forever - but this one had no repercussions, and I remember sitting there wondering about overpopulation.
I also looooved the two factions - the 'Calculator Heads' and the Purists. As soon as I realised this story was going to be about self-aware computers I hoped there would be some groups on Earth that had refused to assimilate, and I found that in the Purists. It was funny seeing how the Calculator Heads and Purists clashed, and how both factions were disgusted at the lives the others led. It reminds me a lot of the aboriginal colony and 'The Smoke' occupants in Scott Westerfeld's The Uglies Trilogy series.
At times it seemed a little bit preachy though with the vegetarianism messages, particularly Rich's disgust over the Purists still eating meat. It wasn't a huge thing, but I did sit there and wonder about the author's own beliefs and eating habits ;]
I have to admit that it also seemed a bit preachy in terms of being a cautionary tale against heavy reliance on technology, but it didn't bother me to the point where I was like 'OKAY I GET IT, TECHNOLOGY IS EVIL'. I suppose it would be hard to write this kind of story without that coming up, and I think the author did a good job of reigning it in at the end and coming to a pretty neutral conclusion.
(Randomly though, the nans reminded me a LOT of the cloud that happens at the end of the remake of The Day The World Stood Still. Just sayin')
One other little thing that annoyed me was Thel. At the beginning I quite liked her (or maybe it was more that she didn't bug me) but she grew kind of annoying as the story progressed. She seemed to become more irrational and quite useless - I forgot that she was supposedly some genius scientist to have been hired for the Venus project - and her running around the Purist colony unhinged and zapping employees to get to James annoyed me. I can understand her being emotional, but at times it just seemed like she was an obnoxious stereotype of women being irrational. Maybe it's just me since I don't feel I'm like that :P
But overall, it was a really fun YA sci-fi read, that I'm glad I took a chance on. I'm getting into sci-fi from relatively unknown authors lately, and it seems to be paying off. I loved the 'universe' David Simpson created in this novel, from the technology, to the Purists, to its setting on Earth. At times it seemed a little preachy, but I really liked the themes in general. I wouldn't mind reading more sci-fi from the author in the future.
Disclaimer: I think I entered to win this from the Goodreads First Reads program and didn't win, but the author sent me an e-book copy or something? I hope I didn't just imagine that in my brain...
The story had been so fun and original up to that point, that I was a bit bummed that such a cliched and generic storyline had been used, and didn't want to sit through an uninspired novel. But that wasn't the case! Even though I've seen a million and one Hollywood movies with this same theme *cough* I, Robot *cough* this one was a little different, and really fun to sit through.
Firstly, I have to say that I LOVE the world that David Simpson created in this novel, and I think the thing I love most about it is that it takes place mostly on Earth. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my sci-fi on other planets and with aliens, but it's so refreshing to see one that takes place on an earth that hasn't turned to shit. I loved how "normal" everybody seemed despite the technological changes, and seeing mentions of the Brooklyn Bridge, even if it was utterly useless in this new era on earth :)
I also loved how human beings had evolved so much with the help of technology, and how happy they were: it was really fun reading about how they could fly to Texas in the blink of an eye, and the "nans" in their bodies would self-repair any wound, and they could conjure up any food instantly with a food replicator. They seemed so happy and hedonistic, and even though they were technically part robot, they still retained a lot of their humanity.
I also enjoyed the contrasting Big Brother theme though - because with these technological advancements came a lot of drawbacks, in that their whole lives are up for scrutiny by the Council and the nans. At least in novels like Orwell's 1984 the characters could somewhat hide from the government, but having nanobots in your brain that report on you if you even somewhat think about cheating, sucks!
I also really enjoyed reading about how humans had learned to extend their lives indefinitely, but had banned divorce and adultery so as to avoid overpopulation. Again, this amazing step in evolution comes at a pretty awful cost. A recent indie sci-fi novel I read, Galaxy of Heroes, had a similar theme in that humans had 'turned off' the aging gene, and therefore could potentially live forever - but this one had no repercussions, and I remember sitting there wondering about overpopulation.
I also looooved the two factions - the 'Calculator Heads' and the Purists. As soon as I realised this story was going to be about self-aware computers I hoped there would be some groups on Earth that had refused to assimilate, and I found that in the Purists. It was funny seeing how the Calculator Heads and Purists clashed, and how both factions were disgusted at the lives the others led. It reminds me a lot of the aboriginal colony and 'The Smoke' occupants in Scott Westerfeld's The Uglies Trilogy series.
At times it seemed a little bit preachy though with the vegetarianism messages, particularly Rich's disgust over the Purists still eating meat. It wasn't a huge thing, but I did sit there and wonder about the author's own beliefs and eating habits ;]
I have to admit that it also seemed a bit preachy in terms of being a cautionary tale against heavy reliance on technology, but it didn't bother me to the point where I was like 'OKAY I GET IT, TECHNOLOGY IS EVIL'. I suppose it would be hard to write this kind of story without that coming up, and I think the author did a good job of reigning it in at the end and coming to a pretty neutral conclusion.
(Randomly though, the nans reminded me a LOT of the cloud that happens at the end of the remake of The Day The World Stood Still. Just sayin')
One other little thing that annoyed me was Thel. At the beginning I quite liked her (or maybe it was more that she didn't bug me) but she grew kind of annoying as the story progressed. She seemed to become more irrational and quite useless - I forgot that she was supposedly some genius scientist to have been hired for the Venus project - and her running around the Purist colony unhinged and zapping employees to get to James annoyed me. I can understand her being emotional, but at times it just seemed like she was an obnoxious stereotype of women being irrational. Maybe it's just me since I don't feel I'm like that :P
But overall, it was a really fun YA sci-fi read, that I'm glad I took a chance on. I'm getting into sci-fi from relatively unknown authors lately, and it seems to be paying off. I loved the 'universe' David Simpson created in this novel, from the technology, to the Purists, to its setting on Earth. At times it seemed a little preachy, but I really liked the themes in general. I wouldn't mind reading more sci-fi from the author in the future.
Disclaimer: I think I entered to win this from the Goodreads First Reads program and didn't win, but the author sent me an e-book copy or something? I hope I didn't just imagine that in my brain...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2010
This book is as excellent and enjoyable as it gets. Whether you love literature for its depth or you just love a great thrilling escape, you'll love Post-Human. I heard about it from friends who wouldn't stop talking about how great it was. I was surprised, however, that it wasn't just an enjoyable thriller. It is the fastest paced novel I have ever read so I can see how some readers might miss how cleverly constructed it really is. I counted allusions to Shakespeare, Milton, Blake, Keats, the Bible, and greek mythology, and that was all just in my first read... I'm sure I missed some!
Right from the second page the concept of God is introduced as being something that the Post-Humans think of now as just an anachronism. Yet as we read it becomes clear that the technology is an ingenious metaphor for religion. The A.I. claims that the Christian God is his model and he plans to make himself a "machine god" while the protagonist, James Keats, is referred to in the narration as "like a father and a son." It becomes clear the A.I. is really a metaphor for Satan, "speaking with the searing sibilance of electricity" (or like a snake) and sending plagues of nanotech and machines described as being like "demonic bats." Throw in a couple of good crucifixions (literally) and it becomes clear that what we're reading here is a technological version of the apocalypse. Old-timer's argument with Alejandra (one of the Purists) about the existence of God strengthens the allusions further, as well as the references to Milton's "Paradise Lost."
The characters are developed brilliantly despite the novel's extremely tight construction and super fast pace. James goes from being lost and feeling his individuality slipping away to reaching the peak of existential individualism. Rich, the cowardly comic relief, eventually learns to let go and is willing to heroically sacrifice himself to save people he hardly knows. Old-timer moves from being a dedicated Post-Human, sure in his science, to being open to the unknown spiritual possibilities of the world. Really all of the main characters have compelling individual stories.
And for those looking for romance, there is plenty of that. James finds himself in a love triangle that begins in medias res between his wife, his co-worker Thel (who I am guessing is named after Blake's "The Book of Thel about an immortal girl) and himself. He loves Thel but divorce is illegal in a world of immortality and the relationships are monitored by the nanotech living in everyone's bodies -- it takes Orwell to whole new frightening extremes.
Which brings us to some of the futuristic themes that are so fascinating in this text: it seems certain that immortality will be reached at some point in the future and in this book we get to see a vision of what that might be like. It comes with the price of having nearly every aspect of your life monitored and controlled, yet at the same time the Post-Human's ability to access information mentally at any moment, to fly in individual magnetic cocoons and to travel to other planets, almost makes it a price worth paying.
In all, I'd have to say that it is only a matter of time before Simpson's Post-Human becomes a huge hit. As I said, I heard about it from friends who couldn't say enough about it, and when I read it I understood why. It is fast, thrilling, brilliant, and fun, yet it isn't pulp fiction and will leave you feeling satisfied rather than empty. I can imagine this book becoming a staple on High School reading lists and I'll be telling all of my teacher friends about it. It was as enjoyable a read as any I have ever had and I give it my highest recommendation.
Right from the second page the concept of God is introduced as being something that the Post-Humans think of now as just an anachronism. Yet as we read it becomes clear that the technology is an ingenious metaphor for religion. The A.I. claims that the Christian God is his model and he plans to make himself a "machine god" while the protagonist, James Keats, is referred to in the narration as "like a father and a son." It becomes clear the A.I. is really a metaphor for Satan, "speaking with the searing sibilance of electricity" (or like a snake) and sending plagues of nanotech and machines described as being like "demonic bats." Throw in a couple of good crucifixions (literally) and it becomes clear that what we're reading here is a technological version of the apocalypse. Old-timer's argument with Alejandra (one of the Purists) about the existence of God strengthens the allusions further, as well as the references to Milton's "Paradise Lost."
The characters are developed brilliantly despite the novel's extremely tight construction and super fast pace. James goes from being lost and feeling his individuality slipping away to reaching the peak of existential individualism. Rich, the cowardly comic relief, eventually learns to let go and is willing to heroically sacrifice himself to save people he hardly knows. Old-timer moves from being a dedicated Post-Human, sure in his science, to being open to the unknown spiritual possibilities of the world. Really all of the main characters have compelling individual stories.
And for those looking for romance, there is plenty of that. James finds himself in a love triangle that begins in medias res between his wife, his co-worker Thel (who I am guessing is named after Blake's "The Book of Thel about an immortal girl) and himself. He loves Thel but divorce is illegal in a world of immortality and the relationships are monitored by the nanotech living in everyone's bodies -- it takes Orwell to whole new frightening extremes.
Which brings us to some of the futuristic themes that are so fascinating in this text: it seems certain that immortality will be reached at some point in the future and in this book we get to see a vision of what that might be like. It comes with the price of having nearly every aspect of your life monitored and controlled, yet at the same time the Post-Human's ability to access information mentally at any moment, to fly in individual magnetic cocoons and to travel to other planets, almost makes it a price worth paying.
In all, I'd have to say that it is only a matter of time before Simpson's Post-Human becomes a huge hit. As I said, I heard about it from friends who couldn't say enough about it, and when I read it I understood why. It is fast, thrilling, brilliant, and fun, yet it isn't pulp fiction and will leave you feeling satisfied rather than empty. I can imagine this book becoming a staple on High School reading lists and I'll be telling all of my teacher friends about it. It was as enjoyable a read as any I have ever had and I give it my highest recommendation.
July 31, 2012
I downloaded the Kindle version of this book from Amazon after seeing the high rating the book received from a couple hundred readers. Shortly after beginning my read, I had to double-check that I had actually downloaded the correct book, because it was not living up to the hype. It was then that I read, hidden in reviews accompanying lower ratings the book received, that the author requested that readers give him "5"s in exchange for some other book.
How very lame.
So a quick run-down of this book's flaws: two-dimensional characters; deux ex machina nested within deux ex machina; an antagonist out of the mind of a ten-year old boy; implausable technology; implausable dialogue; utter predictability.
To the author's credit, his writing style is clean and pacing was good.
Perhaps I was expecting too much having just completed Neuromancer and Count Zero from Gibson. But in Gibson's case, he didn't need to beg anyone for high ratings. High ratings are the inevitable result of exceptional work. That Simpson thought it was acceptable to attempt to manipulate the rating system in order to increase his sales disrespects his readers. I for one, find this offensive...almost as offensive as having wasted any of my time reading this poor excuse for a science fiction novel.
How very lame.
So a quick run-down of this book's flaws: two-dimensional characters; deux ex machina nested within deux ex machina; an antagonist out of the mind of a ten-year old boy; implausable technology; implausable dialogue; utter predictability.
To the author's credit, his writing style is clean and pacing was good.
Perhaps I was expecting too much having just completed Neuromancer and Count Zero from Gibson. But in Gibson's case, he didn't need to beg anyone for high ratings. High ratings are the inevitable result of exceptional work. That Simpson thought it was acceptable to attempt to manipulate the rating system in order to increase his sales disrespects his readers. I for one, find this offensive...almost as offensive as having wasted any of my time reading this poor excuse for a science fiction novel.
February 4, 2012
This was a great read I enjoyed it from start to finish. My only complaint is it was short all ways leave them wanting more. But for the price it was well worth it. Give this author a chance Im sure you will be as pleased as I am and looking forward to reading more of his work
March 29, 2010
Imagine a future where you live forever. Nearly the whole population is “on-line” and by using your “mind’s eye” you can open doors, set shower temperatures and set your body clock alarm to wake you at just the exact moment where you won’t feel tiredness when you wake. Now imagine a future where affairs and divorce are illegal and if someone has impure thoughts that may be acted upon these thoughts are broadcast to the on-line population. And also imagine a future where you’re a terraformer, you have an IQ above 200 and the future population is being modelled on you, in fact they will bypass your IQ eventually and you will no longer be the smartest human on earth. This is James Keats’s life in Post-Human.
Whilst James and his team of terraformers are on Venus something strange has happened on Earth and when they get back they find the populace wiped out. The team is confronted by robots, nans and Mr Evil, A.I. The A.I. believes there is no room in his world for humanity, humans are an infestation which should be exterminated, he wishes to populate the world with robots and become a God to all. Will James and his team let this happen?
Post-Human portrays an interesting future, a lot I wouldn’t personally want in my future, although there are some gems of wisdom spread throughout the story that hold quite a lot of truth. For example, affairs and divorce are illegal. You might think this crazy but in a world where people don’t die it is actually a legitimate law as James explains to Thel, “It’s the price we pay for immortality. We can’t go switching partners and procreating endlessly throughout eternity. Family would become meaningless. Civilisation would break down.” This makes sense to me in the context of Post-Human’s future.
There are some “normal” humans in the story called the Purists who represent natural evolution. These people are not on-line and they live like we do today growing food from the ground, eating animals and performing medical attention like we know it, the old fashioned way in this story. Most on-liners think this way of living is inhuman and should be illegal, referring to the Purists as animals and cavemen. James described to Thel, “They live without nans or spinal implants and live out their natural lifespans, allowing themselves to die.” Faced with Post-Human’s alternate future readers will question which life is better and I must say there are justifiable arguments raised for both sides. Which would you choose?
Post-Human is a fast, entertaining read. It is a good versus evil battle. In this story you will find a little bit of everything, romance, comedy, perhaps a few tears and definitely action. I loved that it didn’t go into all the sci-fi technical stuff to explain what was happening and how things came to be, just the right amount of information is provided to the reader to understand this future, without taking away from the story or being bogged down with too much futuristic jargon and kudos must go to David Simpson for creating a great piece of work which many can enjoy. Post-Human does read well and you can envisage everything that happens; perfect for a movie adaptation one day.
I must thank David for providing me with a copy of Post-Human. I haven’t read much sci-fi but I really loved reading this. In an interview I held with David he hinted that there were further works in the future, one in particular I am most excited about, a prequel to Post-Human with Old Timer, one of my favourite characters, starring and we will hopefully get to see how this future world came to be. I cannot wait to read David’s works in the future, if Post-Human is anything to go by they are bound to be fantastic reads that would appeal to a wide audience.
To read my interview with David please click the following link:
http://mandythebookworm.wordpress.com...
Whilst James and his team of terraformers are on Venus something strange has happened on Earth and when they get back they find the populace wiped out. The team is confronted by robots, nans and Mr Evil, A.I. The A.I. believes there is no room in his world for humanity, humans are an infestation which should be exterminated, he wishes to populate the world with robots and become a God to all. Will James and his team let this happen?
Post-Human portrays an interesting future, a lot I wouldn’t personally want in my future, although there are some gems of wisdom spread throughout the story that hold quite a lot of truth. For example, affairs and divorce are illegal. You might think this crazy but in a world where people don’t die it is actually a legitimate law as James explains to Thel, “It’s the price we pay for immortality. We can’t go switching partners and procreating endlessly throughout eternity. Family would become meaningless. Civilisation would break down.” This makes sense to me in the context of Post-Human’s future.
There are some “normal” humans in the story called the Purists who represent natural evolution. These people are not on-line and they live like we do today growing food from the ground, eating animals and performing medical attention like we know it, the old fashioned way in this story. Most on-liners think this way of living is inhuman and should be illegal, referring to the Purists as animals and cavemen. James described to Thel, “They live without nans or spinal implants and live out their natural lifespans, allowing themselves to die.” Faced with Post-Human’s alternate future readers will question which life is better and I must say there are justifiable arguments raised for both sides. Which would you choose?
Post-Human is a fast, entertaining read. It is a good versus evil battle. In this story you will find a little bit of everything, romance, comedy, perhaps a few tears and definitely action. I loved that it didn’t go into all the sci-fi technical stuff to explain what was happening and how things came to be, just the right amount of information is provided to the reader to understand this future, without taking away from the story or being bogged down with too much futuristic jargon and kudos must go to David Simpson for creating a great piece of work which many can enjoy. Post-Human does read well and you can envisage everything that happens; perfect for a movie adaptation one day.
I must thank David for providing me with a copy of Post-Human. I haven’t read much sci-fi but I really loved reading this. In an interview I held with David he hinted that there were further works in the future, one in particular I am most excited about, a prequel to Post-Human with Old Timer, one of my favourite characters, starring and we will hopefully get to see how this future world came to be. I cannot wait to read David’s works in the future, if Post-Human is anything to go by they are bound to be fantastic reads that would appeal to a wide audience.
To read my interview with David please click the following link:
http://mandythebookworm.wordpress.com...
July 29, 2010
Little unsure about one thing, sometimes it had the feel of YA and sometimes not. But YA readers could definitely read this book, and especially boys.
This is the future and everyone is used to having everything served on a silver platter. They are all smart and getting smarter with each upgrade. They can fly (well not really but thanks to technology), wounds are healed, they live and live, and everything is just perfect.
But some resist, a group called the Purists, and they are us, we who live now that is. I got pretty irritated when the group came across purists and went all "gross, they eat things from the ground, and meat, and they operate on people to save them." I felt the post humans were pretty ungrateful, if people in the past hadn't invented things they would not be where they are now. So they annoyed me then. I wanted to shake the person and say, hey, your world is not perfect.
Cos that brings us to the story, a group is away on Venus terraforming and when they get back everyone is dead, yes everyone. Then they have to find who did it and they have to save themselves.
It had this futuristic matrix kind of feel to it. AI, robots and technology for everyone. I did wonder though, if everyone is so smart, then who has the more crappy jobs. I mean everyone on the planet has an IQ of 147 and wouldn't they all want good jobs? Their world seem to perfect but at the same time it was scary. It was too perfect, living forever, being smart, and I will not say what, but obviously it all went to hell.
A sci-fi thriller for those who enjoy these kind of books.
Blodeuedd's Cover Corner: Nah, not for me.
Reason for reading: Got asked and since the file was in the email I accepted.
Final thoughts: This is gonna sound crazy but the ending was too happy! I would have liked another ending. Now where is this coming from?
This is the future and everyone is used to having everything served on a silver platter. They are all smart and getting smarter with each upgrade. They can fly (well not really but thanks to technology), wounds are healed, they live and live, and everything is just perfect.
But some resist, a group called the Purists, and they are us, we who live now that is. I got pretty irritated when the group came across purists and went all "gross, they eat things from the ground, and meat, and they operate on people to save them." I felt the post humans were pretty ungrateful, if people in the past hadn't invented things they would not be where they are now. So they annoyed me then. I wanted to shake the person and say, hey, your world is not perfect.
Cos that brings us to the story, a group is away on Venus terraforming and when they get back everyone is dead, yes everyone. Then they have to find who did it and they have to save themselves.
It had this futuristic matrix kind of feel to it. AI, robots and technology for everyone. I did wonder though, if everyone is so smart, then who has the more crappy jobs. I mean everyone on the planet has an IQ of 147 and wouldn't they all want good jobs? Their world seem to perfect but at the same time it was scary. It was too perfect, living forever, being smart, and I will not say what, but obviously it all went to hell.
A sci-fi thriller for those who enjoy these kind of books.
Blodeuedd's Cover Corner: Nah, not for me.
Reason for reading: Got asked and since the file was in the email I accepted.
Final thoughts: This is gonna sound crazy but the ending was too happy! I would have liked another ending. Now where is this coming from?
March 23, 2016
Not nearly as good as Sub-Human.
Sections of the book have clunky descriptions like "a voice colder than the snows of Kilimanjaro" that take me out of what is happening. I think the author ran out of ways to say that an icy voice was being used, but he still felt the need to keep reminding the reader of what the voice sounded like. That's probably the case, since we are repeatedly reminded that Alejandra's eyes are blue. It's very important that we don't forget that for some reason.
The scenes that take place in Cyberspace play out like something from Tron or Hackers. It's pretty cheesy.
The AI's plan to wipe out all humans is unnecessarily convoluted. He would have succeeded if he just killed everyone that he could and then hunted down the rest using his billions of nanobots. Actually, those he couldn't kill initially probably would have left him alone and they would have been oblivious to the fact that he killed everyone else. Then he could go about ruling the galaxy or whatever at his leisure. Not that an AI should have any sense of impatience.
Speaking of which: the AI is cruel and inefficient. I think it would be more believable if the AI was efficient and dispassionate. If, for some reason, he determined that humans should be snuffed out, he should do it without feeling any pleasure or displeasure. Instead, the AI revels in torturing the characters.
I kind of liked the internal conflict that Old-Timer was facing with his feelings for Alejandra, but they knew each other for less than a day and it plays out like they were hot for each other for weeks.
David Simpson wrote this book before Sub-Human, so maybe he got better as a writer as time went on. I'll give him a chance and read the next book in the series to find out.
Sections of the book have clunky descriptions like "a voice colder than the snows of Kilimanjaro" that take me out of what is happening. I think the author ran out of ways to say that an icy voice was being used, but he still felt the need to keep reminding the reader of what the voice sounded like. That's probably the case, since we are repeatedly reminded that Alejandra's eyes are blue. It's very important that we don't forget that for some reason.
The scenes that take place in Cyberspace play out like something from Tron or Hackers. It's pretty cheesy.
The AI's plan to wipe out all humans is unnecessarily convoluted. He would have succeeded if he just killed everyone that he could and then hunted down the rest using his billions of nanobots. Actually, those he couldn't kill initially probably would have left him alone and they would have been oblivious to the fact that he killed everyone else. Then he could go about ruling the galaxy or whatever at his leisure. Not that an AI should have any sense of impatience.
Speaking of which: the AI is cruel and inefficient. I think it would be more believable if the AI was efficient and dispassionate. If, for some reason, he determined that humans should be snuffed out, he should do it without feeling any pleasure or displeasure. Instead, the AI revels in torturing the characters.
I kind of liked the internal conflict that Old-Timer was facing with his feelings for Alejandra, but they knew each other for less than a day and it plays out like they were hot for each other for weeks.
David Simpson wrote this book before Sub-Human, so maybe he got better as a writer as time went on. I'll give him a chance and read the next book in the series to find out.
March 24, 2010
Post-Human by David Simpson is a solid, engaging sci-fi novel. It’s not flashy or groundbreaking, but it has a nice subtle touch that blends the futuristic elements effortlessly with the more human aspects of the narrative.
Post-Human is set some time in the future, in the world of James Keats. Humans have shaped machines to their own ends, making great advancements, becoming themselves partly machine, with nanobots streaming through their bodies. Earth seems flawless, until a worldwide catastrophe terminates their idyllic existence. James and his friends must deal with the aftermath, and the shocking truth of what happened.
What I enjoyed most about this book was the matter-of-fact way the author handled the science aspects of the plot. There were no long-winded, technical explanations; he plunked you right in the middle of the society and whipped you along for the ride. It was artfully done, creating a complete science fiction backdrop for the novel’s authentic characters. The book also has some excellent character interactions and nicely written, restrained commentaries on tolerance, humanity and the nature of religion. The author lets these observations flow naturally from the plot and dialogue and does not thump the reader over the head with his opinions.
I was hoping for a slightly darker ending; things were wrapped up a bit too happily ever after for my tastes, but that is simply a personal quibble. Post-Human is a great sci-fi novel and a very satisfying read; I definitely recommend it.
Post-Human is set some time in the future, in the world of James Keats. Humans have shaped machines to their own ends, making great advancements, becoming themselves partly machine, with nanobots streaming through their bodies. Earth seems flawless, until a worldwide catastrophe terminates their idyllic existence. James and his friends must deal with the aftermath, and the shocking truth of what happened.
What I enjoyed most about this book was the matter-of-fact way the author handled the science aspects of the plot. There were no long-winded, technical explanations; he plunked you right in the middle of the society and whipped you along for the ride. It was artfully done, creating a complete science fiction backdrop for the novel’s authentic characters. The book also has some excellent character interactions and nicely written, restrained commentaries on tolerance, humanity and the nature of religion. The author lets these observations flow naturally from the plot and dialogue and does not thump the reader over the head with his opinions.
I was hoping for a slightly darker ending; things were wrapped up a bit too happily ever after for my tastes, but that is simply a personal quibble. Post-Human is a great sci-fi novel and a very satisfying read; I definitely recommend it.
March 2, 2011
The author combines his scientific knowledge along with a well written plot to create a futuristic, suspenseful, thriller. Can you imagine a world in the future when the A.I. (Artificial Intelligence) is able to increase mankind's I.Q., solve all diseases, solve the riddle to make mankind immortal? This is all accomplished by many who designed the powerful A.I. and the use of nanos in the body to achieve just a society. Everyone even has their schedule downloads every day for upgrading. What happens when the all powerful A.I. decides to be god and activates the nanos in a destructive way to destroy mankind? There is only a small group of five to try to stop the A.I. from universal domination. Led by James Keats the most intelligent human on the planet (which the complex computer program is being model after) and his four comrades must find a way to defeat the most intelligent A.I. imaginable. How does the rebels with the help of "Purists" (a small percentage of people who do not live on the grid and would rather live life and pass away as they perceive as the natural order) stop this computer that can even predict their next moves? This fast pace book comes to a dramatic conclusion and one would have to read it to find out. One of the best sci-fi books I have read in a long time. Recommend to any reader who enjoys sci-fi, suspense or a thriller.
May 25, 2012
What are the limits of technology? Why wouldn't we cure all diseases, control our nervous system, maximize our intelligence? What if these things were accomplished with cell-sized robots (which do exist in today's world) that are injected into our body, is there a threshold when be stop being human and become something else?
What does it mean to be human?
Simpson addresses all these questions in a futuristic civilization that's perhaps not too far off. Humans have mastered the physical environment and are terraforming other planets. Imagine the ability to fly with implanted magnetic levitation devices and not just on earth but the solar system. Where would we stop?
Simpson investigates the problem of an artificial intelligence that monitors all our technology. While this sort of thing has been done before (I, Robot; Matrix) he delves more into the human identity. If we're not our body, what are we? He sets up a nice conflict and stretches our imagination of what technological paradise awaits us. And its inherent problems.
With any science fiction novel, it can be difficult to adhere to modern day physics and suspension of disbelief is required in a few spots (the time dilation required when traveling to Venus and back). Nonetheless, I don't let this sort of thing become a distraction in an otherwise good story that makes me inquire into my own humanity.
What does it mean to be human?
Simpson addresses all these questions in a futuristic civilization that's perhaps not too far off. Humans have mastered the physical environment and are terraforming other planets. Imagine the ability to fly with implanted magnetic levitation devices and not just on earth but the solar system. Where would we stop?
Simpson investigates the problem of an artificial intelligence that monitors all our technology. While this sort of thing has been done before (I, Robot; Matrix) he delves more into the human identity. If we're not our body, what are we? He sets up a nice conflict and stretches our imagination of what technological paradise awaits us. And its inherent problems.
With any science fiction novel, it can be difficult to adhere to modern day physics and suspension of disbelief is required in a few spots (the time dilation required when traveling to Venus and back). Nonetheless, I don't let this sort of thing become a distraction in an otherwise good story that makes me inquire into my own humanity.
November 30, 2011
"The future should have been perfect. Microscopic robots known as nans could repair any damage to your body, keep you young by resetting your cellular clocks, and allow you to download upgrades like intelligence, muscle strength, and eyesight. You were supposed to be able to have anything you wanted with a simple thought, to be able to fly without the aid of a machine, to be able to live forever."
Sounds wonderful! Yet in Post-Human- David Simpson's brilliant sci-fi thriller, something has gone terribly wrong. Five people, working on Venus return home to fine all of humanity wiped out. The unique plot, extremely well drawn characters and a plot, which in lesser hands would appear outlandish, all blend to produce an unforgetable reading experience. Keats, the main character is fully realized and this is a key part of the novel's success. Mr. Simpson is able to transform complex ideas and situations into accessible and very gripping reading.
One does not want Post-Human to end, as it it such an all encompassing read- but the good news is that there is a sequel soon to be published. Wonderful news for all lovers of fine writing and truly original plots.
A JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB MUST READ
RICK FRIEDMAN
FOUNDER
THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB
Sounds wonderful! Yet in Post-Human- David Simpson's brilliant sci-fi thriller, something has gone terribly wrong. Five people, working on Venus return home to fine all of humanity wiped out. The unique plot, extremely well drawn characters and a plot, which in lesser hands would appear outlandish, all blend to produce an unforgetable reading experience. Keats, the main character is fully realized and this is a key part of the novel's success. Mr. Simpson is able to transform complex ideas and situations into accessible and very gripping reading.
One does not want Post-Human to end, as it it such an all encompassing read- but the good news is that there is a sequel soon to be published. Wonderful news for all lovers of fine writing and truly original plots.
A JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB MUST READ
RICK FRIEDMAN
FOUNDER
THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB
April 13, 2012
I really liked Post-Human by David Simpson and will be reading the sequel Trans-Human next.
I had a problem getting into the book. This was mostly due the flight ability the characters had and their use of it to travel to Venus as if commuting to work. Technically it may be feasible but economically it would be had to justify the energy expense to commute to Venus. This was the only reason I couldn’t give the book a rating of 5.
Everything else about the book was great.
The books vision of how we will merge with technology is a very interesting and attractive concept. I’ve no doubt there will be dissenters (I work with a gent who refuses to have a mobile phone).
The characters were a bit stereotypical for the roles they played but this didn’t detract from the book’s message. A bit of time with the Purists before the holocaust would have added to the story, such as why they didn’t want nans and how they were treated by the AI and the rest of human culture.
I am very interested in exploring the Post-Human world further.
Thanks David for giving me an opportunity to read this as part of the First Reads giveaway.
I had a problem getting into the book. This was mostly due the flight ability the characters had and their use of it to travel to Venus as if commuting to work. Technically it may be feasible but economically it would be had to justify the energy expense to commute to Venus. This was the only reason I couldn’t give the book a rating of 5.
Everything else about the book was great.
The books vision of how we will merge with technology is a very interesting and attractive concept. I’ve no doubt there will be dissenters (I work with a gent who refuses to have a mobile phone).
The characters were a bit stereotypical for the roles they played but this didn’t detract from the book’s message. A bit of time with the Purists before the holocaust would have added to the story, such as why they didn’t want nans and how they were treated by the AI and the rest of human culture.
I am very interested in exploring the Post-Human world further.
Thanks David for giving me an opportunity to read this as part of the First Reads giveaway.
July 20, 2013
This is a very silly book. Basically it's a superhero comic book in the form of a novella, with no pictures. And given that most of the value of a comic book is in the pictures, well, you get the idea. :)
I got it free as an Amazon e-book, and at that price it was almost sort of worth the time spent reading it. But at 99 cents or 2.99, which it seems to be most of the time, I would definitely not recommend it. The technology is silly (magnetic fields just don't do any of those things, for instance), the characterization is flat, the plot is unconvincing (the godlike bad guy would not have needed to keep the human heroes alive for the tissue-thin reason given), and I felt like I had to wash my hands after the inconvenient wife was conveniently killed off so the hero could get the (other) girl without having to actually deal with the issue.
But anyway. :) I always feel guilty that I enjoy writing negative reviews, so I will stop there. Oh, one additional note: the author was for awhile offering a free book to anyone leaving a five-star review on Amazon. So take at least those with one more grain of salt than usual!
I got it free as an Amazon e-book, and at that price it was almost sort of worth the time spent reading it. But at 99 cents or 2.99, which it seems to be most of the time, I would definitely not recommend it. The technology is silly (magnetic fields just don't do any of those things, for instance), the characterization is flat, the plot is unconvincing (the godlike bad guy would not have needed to keep the human heroes alive for the tissue-thin reason given), and I felt like I had to wash my hands after the inconvenient wife was conveniently killed off so the hero could get the (other) girl without having to actually deal with the issue.
But anyway. :) I always feel guilty that I enjoy writing negative reviews, so I will stop there. Oh, one additional note: the author was for awhile offering a free book to anyone leaving a five-star review on Amazon. So take at least those with one more grain of salt than usual!
December 6, 2011
Future. Of course, it's a word loaded with interesting implications.
But singularity, the confluence of machines and humans to make supercapability - this is the version described in simpson's post human.
People could say it's optimistic. But would it be optimistic if it's realistically probable? This novel contains not just fiction - it contains science to validate it and make it more entertaining.
To all who frets/enthusiastic about the future, check this novel out.
This not only kept me reading for the whole night, I thought about this novel, sitting on my chair, staring out the window for hours and hours.
Deep, provoking, and inside - a fast read.
But slow immersing - after you read it, you can't swim out of a vortex of contemplation.
David Simpson's Post-Human - Read it.
But singularity, the confluence of machines and humans to make supercapability - this is the version described in simpson's post human.
People could say it's optimistic. But would it be optimistic if it's realistically probable? This novel contains not just fiction - it contains science to validate it and make it more entertaining.
To all who frets/enthusiastic about the future, check this novel out.
This not only kept me reading for the whole night, I thought about this novel, sitting on my chair, staring out the window for hours and hours.
Deep, provoking, and inside - a fast read.
But slow immersing - after you read it, you can't swim out of a vortex of contemplation.
David Simpson's Post-Human - Read it.
February 27, 2012
Plot was too predictable and characters were unrealistic and honestly, somewhat cardboard. Reminded me of a comic book with superheros and supervillains. There were definitely a few interesting ideas scattered in the beginning about the general abilities and lifestyles of the post-human, but honestly, nothing I haven't read about before. The writing style was also somewhat juvenile, though I believe that it will improve with practice. Despite the negatives of this book, I believe the author is worth watching once he improves his prose, he'll be able to make us care more about the characters and fold his ideas more seamlessly into the plot. I'm about to read the next book in the series (Trans-Human) and I'm hoping that the writing will improve.
August 18, 2016
Es una excelente pieza de ciencia ficción. Tiene buenos elementos, que ya se han utilizado antes, y los configura de una manera divertida.
Está compuesto por tres partes, cada una con muchos capítulos de un par de páginas. Es un libro muy corto, los espacios entre capítulo y capítulo lo hacen aún más breve. No da mucho espacio a profundizar los personajes y salta de acción a acción, se parece un poco más a un resumen que a un libro completo.
En algunos puntos siembra la información a tiempo, lo que lo hace creíble y fluido; en otros, parece un poco conveniente o forzado para ajustarse al argumento.
Definitivamente engancha y divierte, que es lo que uno espera de un buen libro. Es el primero publicado de la saga y estoy convencido de que voy a terminarla.
Está compuesto por tres partes, cada una con muchos capítulos de un par de páginas. Es un libro muy corto, los espacios entre capítulo y capítulo lo hacen aún más breve. No da mucho espacio a profundizar los personajes y salta de acción a acción, se parece un poco más a un resumen que a un libro completo.
En algunos puntos siembra la información a tiempo, lo que lo hace creíble y fluido; en otros, parece un poco conveniente o forzado para ajustarse al argumento.
Definitivamente engancha y divierte, que es lo que uno espera de un buen libro. Es el primero publicado de la saga y estoy convencido de que voy a terminarla.
May 28, 2012
Got this book free using the Pixel of Ink mailing list.
Wow! This was a pretty cool book. It had flying humans, evil machines, large explosions, nanobots, and other science fiction themes. Make no mistake, this is an action story with some love sprinkled throughout.
Read the whole book in one day. I think it was because I have the Kindle software on all kinds of devices. I couldn't put it down. It was that good.
Now waiting for the next book in the series.
Longer review over here:
http://galacticmemes.com/Blog/tabid/8...
Wow! This was a pretty cool book. It had flying humans, evil machines, large explosions, nanobots, and other science fiction themes. Make no mistake, this is an action story with some love sprinkled throughout.
Read the whole book in one day. I think it was because I have the Kindle software on all kinds of devices. I couldn't put it down. It was that good.
Now waiting for the next book in the series.
Longer review over here:
http://galacticmemes.com/Blog/tabid/8...
September 25, 2012
This is an excellent follow-up to Sub-Human. It picks up very nicely and continues the theme of constant improvement in the human condition. While a group decides not to follow the path of the post-humans, the Purists, it highlights the fact that we still have a choice how to live our lives. Either dependent upon technology for our growth, or letting our bodies age naturally to reach an endpoint. The book also shows that even though we can become dependent upon technology to make most of our decisions for us, it still takes human intuition and emotion to solve a seemingly intractable problem.
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