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Editorial Reviews
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. But when a small group of five terraformers working on Venus return to Earth, they discover that every other human in the solar system has been gruesomely murdered. Now, James Keats and his four companions must discover what happened to the rest of humanity and fight back if they wish to avoid the same, horrifying fate. Welcome to the post-human era.
About the Author:
David Simpson is the bestselling author of Post-Human and its sequel Trans-Human as well as the Horror/Sci-fi novel Exitless.
Related Reviews
Gripping and entertaining and thought provoking Sci-Fi
David Simpson creates a fascinating picture of the future in his first novel. Which in some respects seems like a possibility in our ever changing technological world. Simpson creates a very insightful story that examines the possible dangers of a Post-humanistic world and crafts a very enjoyable story around this premise. The characters are great and the adventure is fun to read! I have read 2/3 of his novels and I am looking forward to more thought provoking and enjoyable reading experiences from this exciting new author!
This is an excellent book and the best singularity related book I have read so far. If you are aware of the singularity and especially if you are a fan of Ray Kurzweil's predictions, then this is the book for you. It is very fast-paced and action packed.
Awesome start to an original and exciting series (and would be great as a movie)
I'm writing this review after having read both Post-Human (Trans-Human) and the sequel Trans-Human (Post-Human Sequel) in just one day! I didn't start out with the intention of reading both books in a day and only downloaded it because I saw it was free and thought, why the heck not, but the story and the author's style of writing grabbed me right away. I have an iPad and these editions look beautiful on the Kindle App, and I just couldn't pull myself away once I got reading. I read the book in about 4 hours and it was in my mind so much that, though I wanted to save the sequel, I ended up picking it up and reading it too. I was just going to read the first few chapters but then, holy crap, the inciting incident is so big (I won't give spoilers) that I ended up unable to put that one down too.
First of all, I love the world that this author creates. It's weird, because I want to live in it, yet I don't. I want to be one of the post-humans because they have it so easy and they have such amazing abilities, but I'd also hate to live in that world because I'd have to be careful what I was thinking.
I really want to see this as a movie and it would be a hell of a lot better than the crap we're subjected to year after year by Hollywood. That these characters can fly, are immortal, are nuclear powered, and are mentally connected to the internet at all times while still seeming really genuine, likeable, and believable is an achievement on the part of the author. It would be great to see a movie version since we rarely see a movie that combines the action, pace, and special effects audiences want with the character and story that a good movie needs. I think Post-Human would have that with a decent director.
I saw a review on here that questioned some of the science and didn't like the characters. Well, being an avid science fiction reader and a tech geek, I can tell you that little if any of the science in this book is impossible, and much of what is in the book is already coming true. The "mind's eye" is already on the way in the from of contact lenses that will display augmented reality and anyone who got a Jawbone Up bracelet this christmas knows that devices that wake you up out of the right sleep cycle are already here. Nanotechnology is coming soon too, and, as for A.I., IBM just announced they'll have a computer with the same processing power as the human brain by 2019, so watch out! As for the characters, I think they are called dynamic characters that have character arks and they make for good and exciting stories. All the characters progress and change in the book. Apparently some people want flat characters in their novels. Go back to the 19th century, dude.
if you like (or love) this book as much as I did, you have to get the sequel! No book is for everyone, but I really got to say that for the people who are fans of Post-human, you will definitely love Trans-Human too. I got these for free, but they're totally worth the 99 cents. You can't go wrong.
First of all, I love the world that this author creates. It's weird, because I want to live in it, yet I don't. I want to be one of the post-humans because they have it so easy and they have such amazing abilities, but I'd also hate to live in that world because I'd have to be careful what I was thinking.
I really want to see this as a movie and it would be a hell of a lot better than the crap we're subjected to year after year by Hollywood. That these characters can fly, are immortal, are nuclear powered, and are mentally connected to the internet at all times while still seeming really genuine, likeable, and believable is an achievement on the part of the author. It would be great to see a movie version since we rarely see a movie that combines the action, pace, and special effects audiences want with the character and story that a good movie needs. I think Post-Human would have that with a decent director.
I saw a review on here that questioned some of the science and didn't like the characters. Well, being an avid science fiction reader and a tech geek, I can tell you that little if any of the science in this book is impossible, and much of what is in the book is already coming true. The "mind's eye" is already on the way in the from of contact lenses that will display augmented reality and anyone who got a Jawbone Up bracelet this christmas knows that devices that wake you up out of the right sleep cycle are already here. Nanotechnology is coming soon too, and, as for A.I., IBM just announced they'll have a computer with the same processing power as the human brain by 2019, so watch out! As for the characters, I think they are called dynamic characters that have character arks and they make for good and exciting stories. All the characters progress and change in the book. Apparently some people want flat characters in their novels. Go back to the 19th century, dude.
if you like (or love) this book as much as I did, you have to get the sequel! No book is for everyone, but I really got to say that for the people who are fans of Post-human, you will definitely love Trans-Human too. I got these for free, but they're totally worth the 99 cents. You can't go wrong.
This is the first book by David Simpson I read and it's excellent! I subsequently read its sequel Trans-Human (also excellent). These novels are set in the period when mankind has already reached the stage that Ray Kurzweil calls "the Singularity," where artificial intelligence far outstrips that of its human makers.
And it's seemingly a world of ceaseless wonder, peace and plenty, where nanobots are injected into the body to maintain youthful effectiveness (making people virtually ageless), allowing humans to fly via implants in their spines and to transport themselves seemingly effortlessly across great distances, even on inter-planetary trips.
But something goes awry. The giant super-computer that controls all of this, begins to see humans as insignificant insects that are more hindrance than help...and it immediately decides what must be done - it takes out "the grid" that sustains all modern life.
James Keats and four fellow researchers are spared only because they were temporarily separated from the grid...along with "the purists" a group of humans who continued to live naturally off the grid, without benefit of the AI and its nanotechnology. The rest of the story is a wildly imaginative struggle of man against machine that ultimately brings the post-humans and the purists to a better understanding and even a begrudging respect for one another....I'm not a major sci-fi reader (I think the last Sci-fi book I read was Herbert's "The White Plague") but these two books are excellent.
And it's seemingly a world of ceaseless wonder, peace and plenty, where nanobots are injected into the body to maintain youthful effectiveness (making people virtually ageless), allowing humans to fly via implants in their spines and to transport themselves seemingly effortlessly across great distances, even on inter-planetary trips.
But something goes awry. The giant super-computer that controls all of this, begins to see humans as insignificant insects that are more hindrance than help...and it immediately decides what must be done - it takes out "the grid" that sustains all modern life.
James Keats and four fellow researchers are spared only because they were temporarily separated from the grid...along with "the purists" a group of humans who continued to live naturally off the grid, without benefit of the AI and its nanotechnology. The rest of the story is a wildly imaginative struggle of man against machine that ultimately brings the post-humans and the purists to a better understanding and even a begrudging respect for one another....I'm not a major sci-fi reader (I think the last Sci-fi book I read was Herbert's "The White Plague") but these two books are excellent.
A well written SciFi adventure
POST-HUMAN is a well written SciFi thrill ride set in a not too hard to imagine future where humans have almost anything they could want thanks to the development of nanotechnology and a global AI controlling them all, The story is based in a world where technology is King but all the characters are at the very core of it all still human. After surviving an accident during the latest "update" a small group of people find themselves on the run having to fight for their own lives and the lives of every human in the universe leading to a fun filled and action packed adventure that you will enjoy
The story whilst occurring in a futuristic world that is still the stuff of dreams is still believable and engaging it's written in a way that lets you see the world that James Keats and his friends inhabit, it makes you want to read the story and find out what happens.
Fans of good SciFi and people who like the TERMINATOR franchise and The Matrix will recognise such common themes as "What if computers become self aware" or "What if the human race advances to a point where we create technology that turns against us" - While those elements may be commonplace in movies, TV shows and books they are tackled in Post-Human in a fresh and unique way - It is unlike any other "world" I've ever read about, creating such a world could easily have led a less talented author to produce a tonne of garbage but David does not fall into that trap - It's brilliantly written and will make for a fine addition to any collection.
The conclusion to the book is well thought out and gives a satisfying end to the book while still allowing for future adventures in the same "world".
And did I mention it is full of action and adventure and that you will enjoy reading it?
Post-Human
The story whilst occurring in a futuristic world that is still the stuff of dreams is still believable and engaging it's written in a way that lets you see the world that James Keats and his friends inhabit, it makes you want to read the story and find out what happens.
Fans of good SciFi and people who like the TERMINATOR franchise and The Matrix will recognise such common themes as "What if computers become self aware" or "What if the human race advances to a point where we create technology that turns against us" - While those elements may be commonplace in movies, TV shows and books they are tackled in Post-Human in a fresh and unique way - It is unlike any other "world" I've ever read about, creating such a world could easily have led a less talented author to produce a tonne of garbage but David does not fall into that trap - It's brilliantly written and will make for a fine addition to any collection.
The conclusion to the book is well thought out and gives a satisfying end to the book while still allowing for future adventures in the same "world".
And did I mention it is full of action and adventure and that you will enjoy reading it?
Post-Human
This is SUCH a good book!
I read this book while doing pilates all the time!
Cool Characters and awesome plot
I read this book while doing pilates all the time!
Cool Characters and awesome plot
THE book that revived my interest in sci-fi
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.
Futuristic sci-fi romp with echoes of 2001
In David Simpson's novel Post-Human, I was struck by how quickly he was able to get me interested in the characters and the situation. It wasn't so much that the individuals that made up the core cast were of particularly outstanding, but the pacing and plot early on were just right to build up the world and intrigue me profusely.
My first impression was that the novel is kind of a cross between Arthur C. Clarke's 2001: A Space Odyssey, with technology similar to the Green Lanterns of DC Comics. Everyone is equipped with special suits that fix injuries, access the internet, maintain their bodies (causing agelessness), and serve as weapons when need be. Essentially, everyone has a power ring.
I loved the way the plot went early on. The twist about a quarter of the way through was set up beautifully, and it really made me want to continue reading. It was certainly a novel that I found myself easily able to get lost in. Simpson's prose is strong throughout, and it is overall a very well-constructed novel.
If I had to point out a flaw, I would suggest the dialog could have been better. It was sometimes serviceable, but there were times when I thought I might have stumbled upon a script by the fine folks that brought you Plan 9 From Outer Space. It is something I can relate to, as I struggle more with dialog than anything else, but it could still be a lot better. It is really the weak point of the novel.
Some will criticize the fact that it is super-soft sci-fi, as the technology is pretty much entirely implausible, but this doesn't bother me. I am not the type of person to read science fiction for perfect science, as I don't believe it's really about the science at all. It is a creative canvass for telling a story, and hopefully, to have something to say beyond what is obviously on the surface of the words. A good science fiction has something to say about society, about the real world, outside of just being a romp with lasers, monsters, and explosions.
All said, I think this is a solid book, with heart and potential. The dialogue is really something that hampers it's awesomeness, but I have high hopes for the sequel. Writers are bound to get better as they write more, and I certainly like the world Simpson built for Post-Human.
My first impression was that the novel is kind of a cross between Arthur C. Clarke's 2001: A Space Odyssey, with technology similar to the Green Lanterns of DC Comics. Everyone is equipped with special suits that fix injuries, access the internet, maintain their bodies (causing agelessness), and serve as weapons when need be. Essentially, everyone has a power ring.
I loved the way the plot went early on. The twist about a quarter of the way through was set up beautifully, and it really made me want to continue reading. It was certainly a novel that I found myself easily able to get lost in. Simpson's prose is strong throughout, and it is overall a very well-constructed novel.
If I had to point out a flaw, I would suggest the dialog could have been better. It was sometimes serviceable, but there were times when I thought I might have stumbled upon a script by the fine folks that brought you Plan 9 From Outer Space. It is something I can relate to, as I struggle more with dialog than anything else, but it could still be a lot better. It is really the weak point of the novel.
Some will criticize the fact that it is super-soft sci-fi, as the technology is pretty much entirely implausible, but this doesn't bother me. I am not the type of person to read science fiction for perfect science, as I don't believe it's really about the science at all. It is a creative canvass for telling a story, and hopefully, to have something to say beyond what is obviously on the surface of the words. A good science fiction has something to say about society, about the real world, outside of just being a romp with lasers, monsters, and explosions.
All said, I think this is a solid book, with heart and potential. The dialogue is really something that hampers it's awesomeness, but I have high hopes for the sequel. Writers are bound to get better as they write more, and I certainly like the world Simpson built for Post-Human.
This book is amazing!!! I truly enjoyed reading it from start to end. Such a fascinating science fiction! MUST READ THIS BOOK if you held such fascination in post-humanistic world.
Single best book i have read in 2012
This is the single best book I have read in 2012, and the best science fiction book overall. It's a sign of the strength of Post-Human (and Trans-Human) that the ideas stick with you for days afterwards. I read a lot -- about a book a day most of the time -- but even though I read Post-Human and Trans-Human in a couple of nights two weeks ago, I still find myself thinking about them rather than what I have read since.
Excellent fun, fast moving sci-fi.
I really liked the idea of an "advanced" humanity and the perils of AI.
Great writing, really fun book.
Very highly recommended.
Would recommend NOT reading the book description, there is a spoiler in my opinion.
I really liked the idea of an "advanced" humanity and the perils of AI.
Great writing, really fun book.
Very highly recommended.
Would recommend NOT reading the book description, there is a spoiler in my opinion.
I picked this book up through my kindle. I couldn't believe how quick I was clicking the pages, trying to see what was going to happen. It really makes the mind work. I loved how the book flowed and all of the unique characters.
It amazes me how sci-fi people can come up with this stuff. I think this book would make an excellent movie.
It has love, intrigue, action and a good ending.
Love it. Can't wait to crack open the sequel.
It amazes me how sci-fi people can come up with this stuff. I think this book would make an excellent movie.
It has love, intrigue, action and a good ending.
Love it. Can't wait to crack open the sequel.
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. All ready downloaded Trans-Human
A Well Crafted World & A Good Beginning to a Series
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. Seriously, none of them but James knew about the existence of maps & atlases? The library? The magnetic field of Mercury? 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 though I couldn't understand why the group found the fact that they were meat eaters a problem when it's shown that the first meal James eats in the book is a bagel with a poached egg. Animal products as food, replicated or not, shouldn't be squickifying. 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. Seriously, none of them but James knew about the existence of maps & atlases? The library? The magnetic field of Mercury? 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 though I couldn't understand why the group found the fact that they were meat eaters a problem when it's shown that the first meal James eats in the book is a bagel with a poached egg. Animal products as food, replicated or not, shouldn't be squickifying. 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.).
SciFi worth reading, even for non scifi fans
David Simpson is an excellent writer, he takes a genre that I wouldn't usually pick up and I find it impossible to put down. The writing style just takes you by the hand and leads you through the book.
This is an "AI takes over the world" tale but told so beautifully and so detailed without being overly techie.
Can't wait to read the next.
This is an "AI takes over the world" tale but told so beautifully and so detailed without being overly techie.
Can't wait to read the next.
I read Science Fiction to escape. Post-Human is pure fun and enjoyment for those of us who like to go back to a childlike wonder and excitement as to where we'd like to go and what we'd like to be. It moved along quickly, without bogging down into heavy scientific explanation.
Post-Human is the best in its genre I've read in years!
"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!!!!! "
As an avid sci-fi and fantasy reader, I often take chances on lesser known authors and books to find a new favorite. This is one gamble that paid off. I couldn't stop reading. Just downloaded the sequel to my kindle.
Post-human: curled up with a good book
This story is one of the most refreshing stories I have read. I'm not usually a fan of fiction, but I found the story gripping and the characters genuine. Overall, a great read. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Great read! Well written.
If you enjoy science-fiction, add this book to your christmas list.
People with a science background will enjoy interpreting the concepts for real-world applications.
If you enjoy science-fiction, add this book to your christmas list.
People with a science background will enjoy interpreting the concepts for real-world applications.
5/5!!! Absolutely loved the book, couldn't put the book away once i started reading it. Great read!!! I honestly do not enjoy reading books but this one is definitely one of my (few, but!) favourites!
I have a hard time finding books that keep my attention, but I couldn't put this one down. I'm looking forward to his other books.
Excellent and extremely creative book!
This futuristic story is written in a unique, creative way that keeps the reader captivated until the very end. It encompasses romance, action and fantasy in an intriguing, yet easy to read manner. It was so refreshing to pick up this novel and not be able to put it down. I haven't felt this way about a book in years. This is definitely a five-star novel.
I recommend This Book To Anyone who LOVES a FAST PACE, Young Adult Novel.
I highly recommend this book. Post-Human is smart, fast paced, and an excellent value at 99 cents. Like Amanda Hocking's books, Post-Human is one of those shining rare examples of what the writing business of the future will be like. Thanks to the Kindle, with no publisher to get in the way and inflate prices, writers like David Simpson can directly reach their audience and keep the price dirt cheap. Post-Human is a hell of a lot better than most of the novels on Amazon. It's fast, action packed, and reading it on your Kindle, tablet, PC or phone is a hella lot more fun than watching a lame TV show with bad special effects or waiting for the one (If we're lucky) good sci-fi movie that comes out per year. Hopefully Simpson's sales will be high enough soon that he can write full time and turn out more of these cheaply priced gems in the future. His three novels are fantastic, but they are not enough for me!
I'm a big sic-fi fan. When I read Post-Human (Trans-Human) I knew right away I had to leave a review. The "science" this author uses in his book are being develop right now in the real world!
I don't know if the new web series show "h+" is an adaptation of Post-Human, it sure looks very similar. I can't wait to read the sequel.
Keep the books coming!
P.S. I joined your fan page on FB.
I don't know if the new web series show "h+" is an adaptation of Post-Human, it sure looks very similar. I can't wait to read the sequel.
Keep the books coming!
P.S. I joined your fan page on FB.
This was a free e-book. Had good reviews so I thought I'd give it a spin. Started out slow, I guess because the author took the time to acquaint us with the characters (This was a good thing). About a third of the way in things picke up & the last third of the book it really picked up! I love these books about computers developing into sentient beings. Gave it 4 stars simply because I reserve 5 stars for very, very, few books. You'll like it!
A UNIQUE SCI-FI THRILLER TO BE SAVORED!
"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
I thought this book was a great read! Very creative and innovative....it instantly had me captivated and wanting to read more. I haven't read of a lot of futuristic novels so this inspired me to explore different avenues of literature. This could be turned into a action-packed screenplay :)
I picked up 'Post-Human' on the recommendation of a friend. Worth every penny! It's great to have a new sci-fi author on the scene (especially a Canadian one; we are in short supply). Simpson crafts a fantastic and plausible(in a sci-fi sort of way) tale about the consequences of taking downloading and the internet too far. What I like about the novel is that the author takes the natural progression of computers to the extreme level. With the rate of speed of developing technology, we always have to wonder how far it could possibly go. The novel answers that question without being preachy or getting too heady. I like the novel for its simplicity and complexity. The concept isn't over-the-top or ridiculously dense; it is a simple story. But, the subtext is rich with commentary on God, religion, and humanity. I don't want to give too much away, but I recommend 'Post-Human' to anyone who loves comic books and sci-fi. It's great to have a new Canadian author who isn't pre-occupied with the bush, the land, the weather, and isn't Margaret Atwood!
I purchased this based on the price and positive reviews, but was sorely disappointed. Character development was completely devoid, and all of the characters seemed to have severe bipolar disorder. They oscillated between emotional distress and psychotic rage, threatening to kill everyone around them with their absurd super-powers.
Oh, and on that point, I understand that sci-fi involves the suspension of disbelief, but you have to give the reader at least a thread of credibility to hold on to.... I can accept nano-robots that enhance brain function, longevity, and health, but implants that allow you to fly like superman and shoot ray-beams like the green lantern? Seriously? And everyone in the world has these crazy super-powers?
And they don't kill each other with them? I just can't go there. It gives the author too much of a cop-out when his characters get into trouble, and eliminates the need for things like character development and storyline... just shoot the bad robots with your magic ray-beam.... Oddly enough we never learn how a group of average people who have never actually used their powers without the aid of external computerized guidance systems can suddenly manage to turn them into amazingly accurate and powerful weapons.
To the Author - One more thing on the "science" of science fiction, at least do a little research on your subject. Making up a nuclear reactor that can fit inside a spinal implant is absurd. And starting a chain reaction in it up with a bullet impact is even more absurd. If you need to give your heroes some sort of amazing power supply, either base it on some technology that is so far in its infancy that nobody will know better (i.e. quantum mechanics), or just make something up completely (i.e. Iron Man's arc reactor). Basing it on well established science, then making it impossibly small / powerful / etc. just doesn't work.
I really wanted to like this story, but the two dimensional characters with bipolar disorder, and the thin plot made it impossible. In the end it sort of reminded me of a bad Dr. Who episode, but without the great character development and witty humor. Everyone just runs around shooting things for no good reason until the smart guy miraculously saves the day with some absurdly contrived plot device.
Only reason I gave 2 stars is that I felt the overall story concept was good, but poorly executed....
Oh, and on that point, I understand that sci-fi involves the suspension of disbelief, but you have to give the reader at least a thread of credibility to hold on to.... I can accept nano-robots that enhance brain function, longevity, and health, but implants that allow you to fly like superman and shoot ray-beams like the green lantern? Seriously? And everyone in the world has these crazy super-powers?
And they don't kill each other with them? I just can't go there. It gives the author too much of a cop-out when his characters get into trouble, and eliminates the need for things like character development and storyline... just shoot the bad robots with your magic ray-beam.... Oddly enough we never learn how a group of average people who have never actually used their powers without the aid of external computerized guidance systems can suddenly manage to turn them into amazingly accurate and powerful weapons.
To the Author - One more thing on the "science" of science fiction, at least do a little research on your subject. Making up a nuclear reactor that can fit inside a spinal implant is absurd. And starting a chain reaction in it up with a bullet impact is even more absurd. If you need to give your heroes some sort of amazing power supply, either base it on some technology that is so far in its infancy that nobody will know better (i.e. quantum mechanics), or just make something up completely (i.e. Iron Man's arc reactor). Basing it on well established science, then making it impossibly small / powerful / etc. just doesn't work.
I really wanted to like this story, but the two dimensional characters with bipolar disorder, and the thin plot made it impossible. In the end it sort of reminded me of a bad Dr. Who episode, but without the great character development and witty humor. Everyone just runs around shooting things for no good reason until the smart guy miraculously saves the day with some absurdly contrived plot device.
Only reason I gave 2 stars is that I felt the overall story concept was good, but poorly executed....
Nice Read for Fans of Hard Sci-Fi
I judge my science fiction based upon a modified version of the Baen criteria, and for this one I was looking at is the technology something I can understand, is the storyline plausible (especially in light of the technology), and was it an overall good read. I think Mr. Simpson hits it on those fronts, and he must have done a pretty good job as I have thought about this book for several days after reading it - considering the number of books I read on a monthly basis, that is impressive (to me, at least) as I may already be on my 4th or 5th book since reading this one. Without having a spoiler, this one really focuses in on the technology of the future and doesn't have the shoot `em up aspects of humans vs. aliens that many people enjoy.
As I type this review, the Kindle price is just 99 cents - you're going to get a lot more than that in value. If you like "hard" science fiction, I would highly recommend this one!
As I type this review, the Kindle price is just 99 cents - you're going to get a lot more than that in value. If you like "hard" science fiction, I would highly recommend this one!
I found this book to be too light on science, story craft and characterization. For me a "post human" story would have something other than a ride off into the sunset ending and be a bit more satisfying than a comic book.
It is fast paced and it has some great ideas, indicating that Mr Simpson is indeed an emerging writing talent but he needs to work a little harder to write good back story that will successfully carry his ideas to a wide audience of critical thinkers.
I look forward to more writings from David Simpson and more satisfying stories as his craft develops.
Harry
It is fast paced and it has some great ideas, indicating that Mr Simpson is indeed an emerging writing talent but he needs to work a little harder to write good back story that will successfully carry his ideas to a wide audience of critical thinkers.
I look forward to more writings from David Simpson and more satisfying stories as his craft develops.
Harry
I am at the halfway mark for this book, and already I've seen some unforgivable errors.
A centurion is a group of roman soldiers, not someone who is over a hundred years old. The word you want is "centenarian".
A layer is a hen that is providing eggs. The word you want is "lair" as in "the enemy's dark lair".
A hanger is a device used for holding clothes. The word you want is "hangar", as in "there were lots of planes in the hangar".
I really hate that people who can't use the English language are being published. These errors are disturbing and detract from what is an ok story so far. Still, all I can think of now is roman soldiers and egg-laying chickens and designer closets. It's distracting. Editors are not that hard to find. Employ one.
A centurion is a group of roman soldiers, not someone who is over a hundred years old. The word you want is "centenarian".
A layer is a hen that is providing eggs. The word you want is "lair" as in "the enemy's dark lair".
A hanger is a device used for holding clothes. The word you want is "hangar", as in "there were lots of planes in the hangar".
I really hate that people who can't use the English language are being published. These errors are disturbing and detract from what is an ok story so far. Still, all I can think of now is roman soldiers and egg-laying chickens and designer closets. It's distracting. Editors are not that hard to find. Employ one.
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.
Simpson's Post-Human (Trans-Human) series is the only transhumanist science fiction that goes far enough. This is the best science fiction series I have ever read! Part 2 (Trans-Human (Post-Human) is even BETTER!
Have you actually read this book! Horrid
Hm...I can't rate this as '0' stars? I could only stomach the first 30 pages or so before deleting it from my Kindle app.
Character Development was atrocious. For individuals with relative IQ's of 200 you would think the main set of characters were children, exhibiting unrealistic views of the world and other individuals not like themselves. And frankly, naming a main character "Old Timer" becomes annoying after about the 3rd time you hear him addressed. The technologists revulsion to meat is certainly understandable but the reaction to offered food including a chicken leg in a time of dire need was met with extreme derision. The overt pettiness of the main characters turned me off instantly. If the main characters had lived in a small space station out near Pluto their entire lives then were forced to Earth I might give them slack for their offensive behavior towards the Purists.
There is no real science in this fiction. Nanotechnology is supreme and offers miraculous powers, aging is effectively curtailed, you can even fly to Venus in under an hour without a spacesuit or air supply! Mars was terraformed in 5 years by humanity. Unfortunately the first and only artificial intelligence decides to put a damper on things--the human race. The AI is insane with a Godhead, decides to destroy humanity and create a race of machines. You can guess the rest of story.
Once again I assumed that with such a high rating from so many individuals that the book would merit reading. Even at $0.99 I feel cheated.
Amazon--is there a way to block authors so you don't have to see their works in a search listing?
Character Development was atrocious. For individuals with relative IQ's of 200 you would think the main set of characters were children, exhibiting unrealistic views of the world and other individuals not like themselves. And frankly, naming a main character "Old Timer" becomes annoying after about the 3rd time you hear him addressed. The technologists revulsion to meat is certainly understandable but the reaction to offered food including a chicken leg in a time of dire need was met with extreme derision. The overt pettiness of the main characters turned me off instantly. If the main characters had lived in a small space station out near Pluto their entire lives then were forced to Earth I might give them slack for their offensive behavior towards the Purists.
There is no real science in this fiction. Nanotechnology is supreme and offers miraculous powers, aging is effectively curtailed, you can even fly to Venus in under an hour without a spacesuit or air supply! Mars was terraformed in 5 years by humanity. Unfortunately the first and only artificial intelligence decides to put a damper on things--the human race. The AI is insane with a Godhead, decides to destroy humanity and create a race of machines. You can guess the rest of story.
Once again I assumed that with such a high rating from so many individuals that the book would merit reading. Even at $0.99 I feel cheated.
Amazon--is there a way to block authors so you don't have to see their works in a search listing?
I downloaded the sample. Where are the "th"s? There are many words in the sample that begin with "th" but are truncated. Is this an inside joke?
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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 crud. 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
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.
*I received this product for review through the Goodreads First Reads program, but that doesn't affect my opinion. Honesty ftw!