What do you think?
Rate this book
Feral Machines
When the interstellar wildlife sanctuary Casaverde is quarantined due to an mysterious outbreak of malaria, Andrew Salazar must turn to military surplus synthetic life-forms to help him in his work as warden. But Andrew soon discovers that the synthetics are far more complex creatures than he first imagined and that something more deadly than an old-world disease is stalking Casaverde.
78 pages, ebook
Published August 1, 2010
1 person is currently reading
200 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 20, 2014
three for the story.
but only one for the crappy formatting and several typos in the ePub copy I bought for four dollars directly from weightless books.
a disappointment, as such.
you'd think a publisher with the balls to charge that much for a novella this short would at least make sure said novella didn't look like a bible tract about the apocalypse someone printed by hand in a basement.
or something.
but only one for the crappy formatting and several typos in the ePub copy I bought for four dollars directly from weightless books.
a disappointment, as such.
you'd think a publisher with the balls to charge that much for a novella this short would at least make sure said novella didn't look like a bible tract about the apocalypse someone printed by hand in a basement.
or something.
February 25, 2019
More philosophical than I expected.
For a novella, Hale takes on some meaty moral issues and weaves them quite adroitly in this futuristic tale. Repression of individual freedom is the primary overarching theme that touches on several aspects. As per usual, the world building is enveloping and the characters multi-faceted; a reason that Hale is a solid go-to for quality m/m reads.
Gift from ♥A Different Cupid♥--thank you!
For a novella, Hale takes on some meaty moral issues and weaves them quite adroitly in this futuristic tale. Repression of individual freedom is the primary overarching theme that touches on several aspects. As per usual, the world building is enveloping and the characters multi-faceted; a reason that Hale is a solid go-to for quality m/m reads.
Gift from ♥A Different Cupid♥--thank you!
January 26, 2016
I loved this sci-fi novella. It took me back to my childhood and pulled out a long forgotten memory of the 1970's film 'Silent Running', although I much prefer this story. I think stories that take you back to long forgotten events are stories that have a kind of power of their own.
This was a simple story with beautiful imagery and a gently developing love. I also liked the world building and it had a lovely balance between sci-fi and romance. This is definitely one for a slow re-read. I do enjoy Ginn Hale's stories because her stories and her worlds are always so unique and creative. As with all her stories I wish this one had been much longer.
This was a simple story with beautiful imagery and a gently developing love. I also liked the world building and it had a lovely balance between sci-fi and romance. This is definitely one for a slow re-read. I do enjoy Ginn Hale's stories because her stories and her worlds are always so unique and creative. As with all her stories I wish this one had been much longer.
November 24, 2017
4.5 Stars
A little bit RoboCop, a little bit Silent Running...I loved everything about this story.
I loved the moral dilemmas of weighing the well-being & autonomy of a person against the potential exploitation of an entire planet. I loved the ethical conundrum posed regarding ownership of sentient beings and trying to reconcile that frustration while also trying to provide for all of the struggling colony's needs & repairs. I adored how this whole tale explored what it means to be human, too.
The writing is vivid, the future setting so detailed that it was easy to picture. This really should be a movie.
A little bit RoboCop, a little bit Silent Running...I loved everything about this story.
I loved the moral dilemmas of weighing the well-being & autonomy of a person against the potential exploitation of an entire planet. I loved the ethical conundrum posed regarding ownership of sentient beings and trying to reconcile that frustration while also trying to provide for all of the struggling colony's needs & repairs. I adored how this whole tale explored what it means to be human, too.
The writing is vivid, the future setting so detailed that it was easy to picture. This really should be a movie.
January 25, 2014
Casaverde is a habitat for wildlife, featuring many species that are extinct on their native planets. However, a recent malaria outbreak has reduced the volunteers that have maintained the habitat to just two members: our main character Andrew and a half-crazed technician named Rannon. Due to Rannon's inability to work, because of his psychological state after the outbreak, Andrew is finding it impossible to maintain the Casaverde he's loved and worked for in the past 8 years.
So he purchases three synthetic life forms that were destined to be scraped. Synthetics seem to be composed of three components: an outer armor, a neural "sheath" that covers the third biological component - usually a human or some other animal species. One of the synthetics, AK-0019, is of the human variety.
Feral Machines is an escapist's dream come true. Ginn Hale does a masterful job in presenting something familiar enough for us to imagine (i.e. a habitat for wildlife and diseases, like malaria), but infusing enough science fiction details to make it original (i.e. synthetic life forms and new species of animals and plant life). The writing, while not as lyrical as her other works (such as Wicked Gentlemen), is still good-ol' classic Ginn Hale goodness.
Her characters (both Andrew and the synthetics) were engaging, especially the two BZs (the other synthetic life forms Andrew purchased). There were some conflicts that occur with Casaverde - some political, some Rannon-induced problems, but most of it was ethical. Such as the purchase of synthetics, as they don't normally have a will of their own.
This novella isn't an action-packed thriller and there is no sex. It's pretty tepid in terms of conflict, but the story is well written, the world is well constructed, and the characters were a treat to read about. Everything also comes to a satisfactory conclusion.
I just only wished I read this story earlier!
So he purchases three synthetic life forms that were destined to be scraped. Synthetics seem to be composed of three components: an outer armor, a neural "sheath" that covers the third biological component - usually a human or some other animal species. One of the synthetics, AK-0019, is of the human variety.
Feral Machines is an escapist's dream come true. Ginn Hale does a masterful job in presenting something familiar enough for us to imagine (i.e. a habitat for wildlife and diseases, like malaria), but infusing enough science fiction details to make it original (i.e. synthetic life forms and new species of animals and plant life). The writing, while not as lyrical as her other works (such as Wicked Gentlemen), is still good-ol' classic Ginn Hale goodness.
Her characters (both Andrew and the synthetics) were engaging, especially the two BZs (the other synthetic life forms Andrew purchased). There were some conflicts that occur with Casaverde - some political, some Rannon-induced problems, but most of it was ethical. Such as the purchase of synthetics, as they don't normally have a will of their own.
This novella isn't an action-packed thriller and there is no sex. It's pretty tepid in terms of conflict, but the story is well written, the world is well constructed, and the characters were a treat to read about. Everything also comes to a satisfactory conclusion.
I just only wished I read this story earlier!
September 4, 2021
4 stars for the cutest robot sidekicks ever plus the awesome concept of a planet-wide wildlife sanctuary. I loved this short story. (I liked the romance well enough, but it wasn't really the strength of the story)
May 25, 2019
Absolutely brilliant! I'd rate this ten stars if I could. World building, characters, plot, everything... LOVED it, and will reread it many times, I'm sure.
Just as good the third time around!
Just as good the third time around!
May 9, 2016
This was a sweet and easy read, but I really felt it lacked some depth. Of course, it is a novella, so that goes part of the way to explaining it. Still, though, throughout the entire thing I just found myself feeling disconnected. I was really aware of the fact that I was reading something with a great premise, and great characters, and tons of potential that was just not being met. There's nothing that I found actually bad about this book. It just left me wanting.
That said, the premise really was lovely, and what world building there was was pretty interesting. I was still invested in the characters and their journey also. I just really wished there was more to sink my teeth into. However, it's such a short read that I still think it's worth picking up if you're looking for a sci-fi flavored romance.
That said, the premise really was lovely, and what world building there was was pretty interesting. I was still invested in the characters and their journey also. I just really wished there was more to sink my teeth into. However, it's such a short read that I still think it's worth picking up if you're looking for a sci-fi flavored romance.
October 11, 2015
A full five stars.
Captivating, heartwarming, unique. As with most of Ginn Hale's work, I loved it!
Captivating, heartwarming, unique. As with most of Ginn Hale's work, I loved it!
May 31, 2023
Started off a bit slow for me but it quickly grabbed my attention. Wish I could have read it all in one sitting but I actually fell asleep while reading that's how exhausted I was... (Not an indication of this book by any means!)
Really enjoyed a lot of the concepts and world here. They're mentioned enough to get the point across but not burden a short story with all the details. That being said, I would really love another from this world. Maybe just another short with everyone.
The relational development between Thomas and Andrew was well done and I especially liked how Thomas slowly regained his human memories. That was probably vital to their relationship. Well, that, and how Andrew frees both him and the BZs pretty quickly. It was so interesting to see all their personalities. And I freakin' loved Gunner and Pokes. They thoroughly amused me and helped set off the seriousness of both Andrew and Thomas. Too freakin' cute with their bird songs, dances and carols.
Pokes regularly greeted Andrew by simply shouting "NO!" at him.
"I am selling you to yourself, Mr. Thomas Liu." Andrew indulged in a self-satisfied grin. "These other chips are for Pokes and Gunner."
To Andrew's surprise, Thomas suddenly grabbed him and pulled him into a grateful embrace. Andrew allowed Thomas to hold him for as long as he wanted, happy with the thought that he could no longer order Thomas to stop.
Really love the quote below. It shows Thomas' feelings at that moment and how he's coming to terms with his humanity as he slowly remembers. Also, since he doesn't know if he could actually take the armor off and survive, he's grateful for what he has then.
"I'm not that isolated," Thomas said. "I can care about something and choose to protect it. Right now that's enough humanity for me."
Andrew was totally prepared to end his chances for the sanctuary (freakin' love that idea!), even with only three weeks remaining. It showed true character with realizing he was essentially treating Rannon as a hostage and like the synthetics he previously owned. Thomas chose to possibly die in order to help Andrew's cause after seeing his devastation. I truly appreciated how Andrew was by himself and didn't try to coerce or have a pity-party around the others. It might have just been his despair but I thought that part was very well done. It left the others to make their own decisions without influence. Of course Andrew was in tears, but they weren't for show.
The ending here was very fitting and I could not believe a better one could exist. xD Absolutely loved what the BZs did and Andrew and Thomas' reactions. No more drums, lol!
The thing I had a problem with was how quickly Thomas recovered after removing his armor. I felt like it should have been more of a struggle for him to move. However, I could also see it being that way since he was so determined, and he seemed like the type (especially with the background rebellion going on) that would move forward no matter his pain or disorientation.
I was wondering exactly how this was going to turn into a romance because of how Thomas was turned but it worked quite well. Then again, I love Ginn Hale so am not really surprised!
Then Gunner let out a loud wolf-whistle.
"Get a room!" Pokes shouted, and both BZs made a series of snickering sounds.
Really enjoyed a lot of the concepts and world here. They're mentioned enough to get the point across but not burden a short story with all the details. That being said, I would really love another from this world. Maybe just another short with everyone.
The relational development between Thomas and Andrew was well done and I especially liked how Thomas slowly regained his human memories. That was probably vital to their relationship. Well, that, and how Andrew frees both him and the BZs pretty quickly. It was so interesting to see all their personalities. And I freakin' loved Gunner and Pokes. They thoroughly amused me and helped set off the seriousness of both Andrew and Thomas. Too freakin' cute with their bird songs, dances and carols.
Pokes regularly greeted Andrew by simply shouting "NO!" at him.
"I am selling you to yourself, Mr. Thomas Liu." Andrew indulged in a self-satisfied grin. "These other chips are for Pokes and Gunner."
To Andrew's surprise, Thomas suddenly grabbed him and pulled him into a grateful embrace. Andrew allowed Thomas to hold him for as long as he wanted, happy with the thought that he could no longer order Thomas to stop.
Really love the quote below. It shows Thomas' feelings at that moment and how he's coming to terms with his humanity as he slowly remembers. Also, since he doesn't know if he could actually take the armor off and survive, he's grateful for what he has then.
"I'm not that isolated," Thomas said. "I can care about something and choose to protect it. Right now that's enough humanity for me."
Andrew was totally prepared to end his chances for the sanctuary (freakin' love that idea!), even with only three weeks remaining. It showed true character with realizing he was essentially treating Rannon as a hostage and like the synthetics he previously owned. Thomas chose to possibly die in order to help Andrew's cause after seeing his devastation. I truly appreciated how Andrew was by himself and didn't try to coerce or have a pity-party around the others. It might have just been his despair but I thought that part was very well done. It left the others to make their own decisions without influence. Of course Andrew was in tears, but they weren't for show.
The ending here was very fitting and I could not believe a better one could exist. xD Absolutely loved what the BZs did and Andrew and Thomas' reactions. No more drums, lol!
The thing I had a problem with was how quickly Thomas recovered after removing his armor. I felt like it should have been more of a struggle for him to move. However, I could also see it being that way since he was so determined, and he seemed like the type (especially with the background rebellion going on) that would move forward no matter his pain or disorientation.
I was wondering exactly how this was going to turn into a romance because of how Thomas was turned but it worked quite well. Then again, I love Ginn Hale so am not really surprised!
Then Gunner let out a loud wolf-whistle.
"Get a room!" Pokes shouted, and both BZs made a series of snickering sounds.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2012
At first glance, Ginn Hale’s novella, Feral Machines, seems to be a scary sci-fi story, with its menacing title and an intimidating Robocop-like character on the cover. However, just like one of the characters in the piece, outer appearances don’t always reflect what’s happening on the inside. You should already know, gentle reader, that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover (though I’m totally guilty of this myself on occasion).
In case you didn’t read the blurb about this story: spoiler alert! It’s basically a sweet romance set on the colony planet of Casaverde. Andrew Salazar is one of two colonists left on the lonely outpost, trying to persuade the Powers That Be to officially recognize the untainted place as a sanctuary for plants and animals threatened by extinction. The only other remaining human is mentally unstable, and has decided to live out in the jungle, away from Andrew. The place is getting too hard to manage on his own, and outbreaks of malaria get worse each time they strike. So Andrew orders a few sentient machines (“synthetics”) to be delivered to his remote area to assist him. Initially, the synthetics are very robot-like, and follow orders quickly and quietly. However, their own unique personalities rapidly surface, and Andrew garners intriguing information about the most human-like of the synthetics, information that leads to dramatic changes in all their so-called lives. Okay, I know I already qualified my review with my “spoiler alert” warning, but I don’t want to give away too much of the story. So let me just say that this novella was a true pleasure to read. I’m more of a fantasy-genre type of guy, but I enjoy good science-fiction now and then. The brevity of the piece allows for a quick read, but honestly, I loved the story so much that I didn’t want it to end (sorry for the cliché, but it’s totally warranted). Download this novella now! (But you don’t have to start it until you’re done with what you’re currently reading).
In case you didn’t read the blurb about this story: spoiler alert! It’s basically a sweet romance set on the colony planet of Casaverde. Andrew Salazar is one of two colonists left on the lonely outpost, trying to persuade the Powers That Be to officially recognize the untainted place as a sanctuary for plants and animals threatened by extinction. The only other remaining human is mentally unstable, and has decided to live out in the jungle, away from Andrew. The place is getting too hard to manage on his own, and outbreaks of malaria get worse each time they strike. So Andrew orders a few sentient machines (“synthetics”) to be delivered to his remote area to assist him. Initially, the synthetics are very robot-like, and follow orders quickly and quietly. However, their own unique personalities rapidly surface, and Andrew garners intriguing information about the most human-like of the synthetics, information that leads to dramatic changes in all their so-called lives. Okay, I know I already qualified my review with my “spoiler alert” warning, but I don’t want to give away too much of the story. So let me just say that this novella was a true pleasure to read. I’m more of a fantasy-genre type of guy, but I enjoy good science-fiction now and then. The brevity of the piece allows for a quick read, but honestly, I loved the story so much that I didn’t want it to end (sorry for the cliché, but it’s totally warranted). Download this novella now! (But you don’t have to start it until you’re done with what you’re currently reading).
June 12, 2016
My review on Prism Book Alliance
This is a quiet science fiction on a remote planet with only very few inhabitants. It has this far-away and secluded feel to it without getting boring and claustrophobic that you sometimes find in these stories.
The strengths of this novella lie in the atmospheric setting, the interesting and even endearing synthetics (creatures combined of living and mechanical forms), and the overcoming of loneliness and finding someone to share your life with.
I think the characters—synthetics and humans—are all well-crafted and three-dimensional, without spelling everything out for the reader, and the love story between Andrew and Thomas is tender and sweet.
As is to be expected from Ginn Hale, FERAL MACHINES is well written, and being one of her earlier works, you can see the potential that she’s by now come to fully use.
If you’re looking for a shortish and interesting science fiction, I’d say you found the right book and would recommend giving this a try.
______________________
Genre: science fiction, romance
Tags: m/m, lonely planet, synthetics
This is a quiet science fiction on a remote planet with only very few inhabitants. It has this far-away and secluded feel to it without getting boring and claustrophobic that you sometimes find in these stories.
The strengths of this novella lie in the atmospheric setting, the interesting and even endearing synthetics (creatures combined of living and mechanical forms), and the overcoming of loneliness and finding someone to share your life with.
I think the characters—synthetics and humans—are all well-crafted and three-dimensional, without spelling everything out for the reader, and the love story between Andrew and Thomas is tender and sweet.
As is to be expected from Ginn Hale, FERAL MACHINES is well written, and being one of her earlier works, you can see the potential that she’s by now come to fully use.
If you’re looking for a shortish and interesting science fiction, I’d say you found the right book and would recommend giving this a try.
______________________
Genre: science fiction, romance
Tags: m/m, lonely planet, synthetics
June 12, 2019
This was a short quick read that I wanted more of this book. Andrew Salazar is one of two colonists left on the lonely outpost he tries to persuade the Powers That Be to officially recognize the untainted place as a sanctuary for plants and animals threatened by extinction. The only other remaining human is mentally unstable, and has decided to live out in the jungle away from Andrew. The place is getting too hard to manage on his own, and outbreaks of malaria get worse each time they strike. So Andrew orders a few sentient machines ("synthetics") to be delivered to his remote area to assist him. Initially, the synthetics are very robot-like, and follow orders quickly and quietly. However, their own unique personalities rapidly surface and Andrew garners intriguing information about the most human-like of the synthetics information that leads to dramatic changes in all their so-called lives. I wanted more from this book like more about the character's. This was my first time reading this author this book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
November 30, 2017
I first read this a few years ago, when I had recently gotten a Nook and you could read free for an hour at a Barnes & Noble bookstore. I got the Tangle anthology to be able to have that and other stories in print.
I just got the individual e-book novella and reread it. I particularly enjoyed the world-building and Andrew's viewpoint as he develops compassion towards other sentient beings when he had previously been so focused on protecting the flora and fauna of Casaverde. Not that it's wrong to wish to conserve endangered species, but there were ruthless aspects to the way Andrew was going about it at first.
I felt that there was enough information included for the reader to be able to appreciate the world and the situations the characters were in. It was woven into Andrew's thoughts, familiar as he was with the situation. That method is better than an infodump. This was a novella, but it was satisfying for me in what was given. I would have liked more of the characters and their world, because I found it fascinating, but I didn't need it.
I just got the individual e-book novella and reread it. I particularly enjoyed the world-building and Andrew's viewpoint as he develops compassion towards other sentient beings when he had previously been so focused on protecting the flora and fauna of Casaverde. Not that it's wrong to wish to conserve endangered species, but there were ruthless aspects to the way Andrew was going about it at first.
I felt that there was enough information included for the reader to be able to appreciate the world and the situations the characters were in. It was woven into Andrew's thoughts, familiar as he was with the situation. That method is better than an infodump. This was a novella, but it was satisfying for me in what was given. I would have liked more of the characters and their world, because I found it fascinating, but I didn't need it.
August 22, 2017
Wonderful world building and wonderful characters.
I just wish there was more pages. I want to know more about synthetics. The book has been painted with broad strokes as it is a novella. It does deserve a novel sized version just for the world alone.
April 14, 2023
This was my first book with AIs and what a super little book it was. Andrew who is on a planet with 1 other human buys some AIs, one who is humanoid and 2 BZs, Gunner and Pokes.
The BZs were so funny and Thomas turned out to be a human turned into a machine.
Too short but oh so good
The BZs were so funny and Thomas turned out to be a human turned into a machine.
Too short but oh so good
January 19, 2018
Top-quality sci-fi.
June 30, 2025
Entertaining enough that I'm not put out at spending four bucks to give this author a try, and, thankfully, not magnificent enough that I want to break the bank buying more. If this were a KU author, I'd probably go for bingeing, but my heart's not broken, and it was a reasonably quick and engaging read, so, win.
Love the details and the depiction of the BZ bots, and the overall story, but the ending felt... unfinal? Unsatisfying? Inconclusive? Not sure, but I'll leave it at that.
Love the details and the depiction of the BZ bots, and the overall story, but the ending felt... unfinal? Unsatisfying? Inconclusive? Not sure, but I'll leave it at that.
January 1, 2025
4.5⭐
Another incredibly interesting concept from Ginn Hale. I enjoy that she brings another story with ecological considerations. Immersive and addicting, with a romance that should have been given just a few more pages.
Another incredibly interesting concept from Ginn Hale. I enjoy that she brings another story with ecological considerations. Immersive and addicting, with a romance that should have been given just a few more pages.
September 21, 2016
Warden Andrew Salazar is having a difficult time trying to protect Casaverde Colonial Wildlife Sanctuary from the hands of the greedy government which wants to exploit its natural resources. On the brink of exhaustion, he acquires three battle synthetics, a human like AK and two non-human Bzs to help him look after the Sanctuary. Soon, the three war machines become more than he ever expected them to be…
Any person who ever reads my reviews knows that I love everything Ginn Hale writes. Feral Machines is a clear example of why I love her stories so. Set in a world where wilderness rules, it tells us the story of Andrew, a young man whose ideals took him to Casaverde to protect and study the nature contained there. Five years later, a bout of malaria has obliged most of the volunteers to abandon the planet, leaving only Andrew and Rannon, another volunteer who went rogue after his mind snapped because of the isolation of their situation. Andrew cannot cope any longer, that's why he uses his remaining resources to buy three war synthetics who were about to be destroyed: one human-genetic based AK and two smaller Bzs. As soon as they arrive, Andrew treats them as more than machines, giving them names of their own choice, Thomas, Gunner and Pokes. The more freedom Andrew grants the synthetics, the more clearly they develop distinguishable personalities. Soon, Andrew depends on them for survival, they become his family and he even finds love in Thomas, who little by little is able to remember his past as a rebel and the reasons which led him to become a synthetic. There is a really nice paradox in how the machines turn out to be the best wardens for Casaverde, bonding with nature almost immediately and showing much more empathy than humans would ever do. They are machines designed for destroying, but they are perfect for protecting. Another paradox is how Rannon, who is supposed to be the evil character in the story, is portrayed as no more than a victim and eventually becomes Casaverde's hero. And that's only two of the things I could highlight. There are more layers to the story, about the greed of governments, the rightfulness of owning another being (human or not), whether the end justifies the means used to achieve it, etc… It is worth reading it more than once to get it all.
But above all this, it is the writing. Ginn Hale builds a world in a relatively short story without overwhelming the reader with too much data or explanations. We learn what we must without it interrupting the flow of the story. The characters, whether human or not, are deeply described, and you think you get to know them pretty well. From the first page, you feel like you've plunged in a dream like reality where you know and understand. A dreamt-world I would love to visit… Just like all the ones Ginn has created.
I cannot recommend this enough. It. Is. So. Good.
Any person who ever reads my reviews knows that I love everything Ginn Hale writes. Feral Machines is a clear example of why I love her stories so. Set in a world where wilderness rules, it tells us the story of Andrew, a young man whose ideals took him to Casaverde to protect and study the nature contained there. Five years later, a bout of malaria has obliged most of the volunteers to abandon the planet, leaving only Andrew and Rannon, another volunteer who went rogue after his mind snapped because of the isolation of their situation. Andrew cannot cope any longer, that's why he uses his remaining resources to buy three war synthetics who were about to be destroyed: one human-genetic based AK and two smaller Bzs. As soon as they arrive, Andrew treats them as more than machines, giving them names of their own choice, Thomas, Gunner and Pokes. The more freedom Andrew grants the synthetics, the more clearly they develop distinguishable personalities. Soon, Andrew depends on them for survival, they become his family and he even finds love in Thomas, who little by little is able to remember his past as a rebel and the reasons which led him to become a synthetic. There is a really nice paradox in how the machines turn out to be the best wardens for Casaverde, bonding with nature almost immediately and showing much more empathy than humans would ever do. They are machines designed for destroying, but they are perfect for protecting. Another paradox is how Rannon, who is supposed to be the evil character in the story, is portrayed as no more than a victim and eventually becomes Casaverde's hero. And that's only two of the things I could highlight. There are more layers to the story, about the greed of governments, the rightfulness of owning another being (human or not), whether the end justifies the means used to achieve it, etc… It is worth reading it more than once to get it all.
But above all this, it is the writing. Ginn Hale builds a world in a relatively short story without overwhelming the reader with too much data or explanations. We learn what we must without it interrupting the flow of the story. The characters, whether human or not, are deeply described, and you think you get to know them pretty well. From the first page, you feel like you've plunged in a dream like reality where you know and understand. A dreamt-world I would love to visit… Just like all the ones Ginn has created.
I cannot recommend this enough. It. Is. So. Good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2013
I thought this would be a hard-core sci-fi novella with lots of robotic things happening (maybe even robot fights?) but it's nothing of the kind. It's about how technology exist hand in hand with what's natural. Andrew Salazar (is it just me or did he get honourable mention in The Rifter as the guy who had sexual tension with John Toffler?) purchases used synthetics from the Military in order to help him during his stay in Casaverde. I've just finished reading Robopocalypse, so I was pretty much thinking, 'Robots. Does this mean he's going to do a robot?' But synthetics are not exactly robots. Even the BZs (they're super cute, btw. Pokes and Gunner are the best)--which look like nothing made by nature--possess instincts, distinct personalities, and actually operate on some organic level. The AK--which looks humanoid and is probably the character on the cover--actually used to be human. And the story also has to do with how the AK becomes Thomas Liu once again.
Aside from the technology and the man on man romance, this is also about politics, how bigass corporations exploit natural resources, and basically nature, OK? I love how Andrew is so enthusiastic about his work. To the point of 'No fuck malaria! I'm doing the thing!' For someone like Thomas, who register touch and temperature in a mechanical way, I can definitely see Andrew's appeal. He's just so human, you know?
All in all, it's a fun little romp. I liked it.
Aside from the technology and the man on man romance, this is also about politics, how bigass corporations exploit natural resources, and basically nature, OK? I love how Andrew is so enthusiastic about his work. To the point of 'No fuck malaria! I'm doing the thing!' For someone like Thomas, who register touch and temperature in a mechanical way, I can definitely see Andrew's appeal. He's just so human, you know?
All in all, it's a fun little romp. I liked it.
June 28, 2016
A beautiful scifi, with a dash of gay romance.
The story takes place on a planet that is a haven for endangered species of plants and animals, but also happens to be pretty wealthy in minerals (and other resources?) that make it attractive to business interests. Our main character is a on a mission to make sure that the planet doesn't fall into the hands of the wrong people. He just has to make sure the planet is continuously inhabited by humans for a certain number of years. The problem is that he is being constantly sabotaged by those that would gain a lot of money if he fails. There's another human on the planet, that used to be his friend, but has now kind of lost his mind, so he's more of a hindrance than a help.
As a last resort he buys 3 military grade combat "droids" that were set to be taken out of commission. Two of them are strange multi-armed sentient robots, and the third, Thomas, is human like.
And it's the best decision he ever made :D
(Must mention that the love story is pretty tame, with only a few kisses "on screen").
The story takes place on a planet that is a haven for endangered species of plants and animals, but also happens to be pretty wealthy in minerals (and other resources?) that make it attractive to business interests. Our main character is a on a mission to make sure that the planet doesn't fall into the hands of the wrong people. He just has to make sure the planet is continuously inhabited by humans for a certain number of years. The problem is that he is being constantly sabotaged by those that would gain a lot of money if he fails. There's another human on the planet, that used to be his friend, but has now kind of lost his mind, so he's more of a hindrance than a help.
As a last resort he buys 3 military grade combat "droids" that were set to be taken out of commission. Two of them are strange multi-armed sentient robots, and the third, Thomas, is human like.
And it's the best decision he ever made :D
(Must mention that the love story is pretty tame, with only a few kisses "on screen").
December 15, 2014
Very good sci-fi story about planet intended for wild life sanctuary and it's flailing caretaker and the android's he buys to help.
I have to say that Gunner and Pokes stole the show several times but they are really fun little androids, with tentacles!, so I was all too happy to hear about their antics. Thomas is one big mystery the whole book and we never really get to know him. And as he is the other MC, or at least the romantic counterpart for Andrew, it's somewhat odd. Andrew's interest in Thomas and his feelings are easy to see as the story is told from his POV but Thomas' reason's for doing anything aren't clear at all.
But despite that I really enjoyed the story and the world is very interesting one. All those animals and plants overtaking everything humans have build and then the two tentacled androids build for war enjoying it all to the gills. Great fluffy read for an afternoon.
I have to say that Gunner and Pokes stole the show several times but they are really fun little androids, with tentacles!, so I was all too happy to hear about their antics. Thomas is one big mystery the whole book and we never really get to know him. And as he is the other MC, or at least the romantic counterpart for Andrew, it's somewhat odd. Andrew's interest in Thomas and his feelings are easy to see as the story is told from his POV but Thomas' reason's for doing anything aren't clear at all.
But despite that I really enjoyed the story and the world is very interesting one. All those animals and plants overtaking everything humans have build and then the two tentacled androids build for war enjoying it all to the gills. Great fluffy read for an afternoon.
January 15, 2013
I have read this story in the Tangle anthology and this was definitely one of my favorites, if not the favorite. Surprisingly though, character wise this story affected me in the negative way. I always thought that if the reader is affected by the characterization - be it positively, or negatively, that means that the writer did his or her job well. It is just amusing to me that this is one and the only work by Ginn Hale (and I am a huge fan of her work) where I hated the main character a lot. I also think that another testimony to the quality of this novella is that I have read it more than a year ago (or was it even longer? Whenever Tangle first appeared in paperback) and I still remember today how much I ended up hating Andrew. I cannot tell you why I hated him though without spoilers, you have to read to find out (and likely you are not going to have the same reaction as I did :)).
October 10, 2021
Taken from my 2012 review of Tangled.
I loved it so much I bought the ebook. And the anthology in print.
Ginn Hale is quickly becoming one of my most favourite authors. Hale's world-building is phenomenal and the characters which populate them, amazing. I loved the hopelessly desperate setting of Feral Machines, loved poor Andrew's desperate need to gain self-governancy for Casaverde despite the crazed Rannon on-planet and the off-world commercial and government forces trying to stop him. This story of friendship and humanity ended the anthology on a wonderful note.
I loved it so much I bought the ebook. And the anthology in print.
April 20, 2011
Great short story from a solid story-teller. A lone survivor on an isolated world holding out for the day when a blockade of the wildlife-park planet ends. His only companion has gone mad, so what does he do? He orders cyborg robots! Let the romance ensue. Very creative and captivating. Loved it!
April 4, 2014
Short but so sweet. This author could most likely, and may, write other genres. Very talented. This short story is head and shoulders above the crush of romance books of any length. Beautiful characterizations in a wild, lush world. Fascinating, courageous yet flawed characters. I smiled, I nearly cried, I gasped, I laughed, and I sighed. I'll be looking at more of Ginn Hale's books.
November 5, 2013
Imagery was a bit hard for me I kept on designing Thomas after Robocop in my head. The story itself was fascinating with the whole idea of a there being a sanctuary for all endangered species and how long a plant has to be inhabited.
September 19, 2014
Surprisingly, considering the characters this is truly uniquely an enjoyable novella with, emotionally happy ending. I liked the storyline, the character and how Ginn Hale wrote the story. Thump up!!
RECOMMENDED!!
RECOMMENDED!!
November 15, 2022
So short but utterly brilliant! I can't imagine a better ending than what this author wrote. And every one of the four main characters are wonderful and complex and completely human, not to mention humane, no matter their form or original intended function.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews