Uroboros Saga (book five)

Uroboros Saga (book five)

 Arthur Walker

As of now, April 13, 2016, I’m caught up on all the books (5) of Arthur Walker’s Uroboros Saga. This, simply put, in the basest of terminology, is a great series. Book five further expands the plot, with more characters arriving, the pasts of others revealed, and enough action and schemes (both altruistic and nefarious) to warrant either a deep initial reading, or a complete reread. Walker’s imagination seems nearly endless. The story keeps growing, as opposed to funneling down to a finite conclusion. This is a unique form storytelling (and not just sci-fi)…unless one doesn’t like open-ended books, then this might not be your thing. Each of these books is a fluid piece of the whole (and for those who are not aware or have conveniently forgotten, Tolstoi’s War and Peace, is actually five books, available to modern readers in one mammoth volume).

I will admit to having little offhand to compare this to. Obviously, the homage to Rand’s Atlas Shrugged is there, as are the Gods from Greek and Roman epics (those who venture among the masses for self-amusement, to render guidance, or out of plain old boredom with the clouds and mountain tops). However, my knowledge of Greco-Roman mythology is limited so I will refrain from making an ignorant fool of myself. There are also hints of Asimov’s Robot/Foundation series, R. Daneel Olivaw could easily be in this. But no, this is entirely Walker’s work. Perhaps, it says more about Walker’s world and imagination, that both defy an easy, direct comparison. Uniqueness is rarer than we realize, and Uroboros Saga is a refreshing original.

As I think back to when I read book one (in December ’15), I remember thinking I’d not read anything like it before. Now, five months and four books later, I still not read anything like it. From its setting, to the plot, to the POV shifts, to the time-frame jumps, Uroboros Saga is unlike anything I’ve read (or seen, or heard about, or even thought about).

I’ve stated this in earlier reviews, but I am planning on going back to boo one, and rereading the entire series (plus book six, et al, whenever Walker releases future installments). (And by the way, this is a parenthetical review, as apparently, today my brain is working in smiley/frownies). Excellent book, excellent series, which keeps getting better.

For links to reviews of Walker’s other work, check out his PotDS page

https://poetsofthedeadsociety.wordpress.com/arthur-walker/

Links

 Amazon: rohttp://www.amazon.com/Uroboros-Saga-Book-Arthur-Walker-ebook/dp/B014GMDXLA/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ArthurHWalker

“Falling for Q46F”

“Falling for Q46F”

Jason Werbeloff

Genre: post zompoc

Sub-genre: solo survivor

Novel, novella, short story: short story

Serial or stand alone: stand alone

Setting: unspecified urban

Characters: Q46F

Synopsis: Q46F is a pseudo cyborg who has lived alone for the past 27 years. In the post zompoc world where only zombies inhabit the planet, Q46F has made life of routine. Maintaining the bunker made of zombie bits and pieces is the sole reason for existence. Until a radio message arrives. Then the routine is abandoned as the lonely Q46F seeks out the sender of the message, who is only six very dangerous blocks away.

Thoughts: “One cannot be too careful around undead toenails.” To me this was one of those funny out-of-the-blue lines which makes reading talented authors so much fun. And “Falling for Q46F” is a lot of fun. A quick read, full of AI and zompoc wit. Q46F is the narrator telling a story of loneliness and loss. It misses the Master, who had an unfortunate encounter with those afore mentioned undead toenails. Werbeloff has created a sympathetic lead character, which though a machine, is the last remnant of humanity. The reader cares for this quirky, witty machine, whose exhaust port repeatedly trembles. And the ending is both tragic and potential renewing. An excellent original short story with a different take on the post zompoc world.

About the author: “Jason Werbeloff is a novelist and philosopher. He loves chocolate and his Labrador, Sunny. He’s interested in the nature of social groups, personal identity, freedom, and the nature of the mind. His passion is translating philosophical debate around these topics into works of science fiction, while gorging himself on chocolate.” He has several short stories available from Amazon. He is also the author of the novels Solace Inc, The Solace Pill, and Hedon.

Links

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Falling-Q46F-Jason-Werbeloff-ebook/dp/B00VADWFEA/

Website: http://www.jasonwerbeloff.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/solaceseries

Uroboros Saga (book four)

Uroboros Saga (book four)

 Arthur Walker

In book four, Walker changes the POV from Silverstein, Ezra, Taylor, to three characters introduced earlier in the series: Kale, Brook, and Perfidy. There is also a different storyline involving Dragos, set on Mars. A nice change of pace, and a welcome alternate perspective on the events surrounding Vance Uroboros’s corrupted global shutdown plan. As with the previous three books, the concepts are deeply imbedded in science, computers, and the jargon reflects this. However, it is readable (a few clarifying Google searches might be in order, but the plot still flows without too many What-the-hell-is-thats?). And as in the earlier books, the story moves quickly, with plenty of action and witty dialogue and banter. Also, Walker keeps the reader guessing, as the storyline continues to expand, rather than narrowing to an eventual finite conclusion: A revelation leads to myriad others. One of the many reasons I love this series is the unpredictability and the continual influx of new characters, new schemes, new motivations. Book four is no different with Marshal, Jennifer, Archie et al joining the cast. The emergence of Kale (another of Vance Uroboros’s clones) as a lead works especially well. He’s not one to sit idly by and act as Silverstein’s/Vance/s minion. Excellent work from Walker. I’m looking to forward to being able to read the entire series from book one to at least book five in one uninterrupted sitting. This series is good enough to warrant multiple readings. It is one of those which contains much more than can be absorbed in just a single reading. As I’ve said in previous Uroboros reviews, this is excellent, epic, deep, and entertaining, the way sci-fi should be.

I’m the first to admit to not being the biggest TV or film fan. I’m a reader and I prefer to let my imagination visualize the story. However, it is fun to speculate from time to time about who would be a good fit for a particular character. Now having read four books from Walker, his vision would make an excellent television series. But just who should play these characters?

Well, the first name which jumped out at me was Harrison Ford as either Helmet or Madmar. Though Malcolm McDowell is another option. Perhaps Tom Hardy as Vance/Silverstein/Kale. The biggest problem I have is I don’t watch very many TV shows or movies, so my knowledge of who’s out there is decidedly limited. I’m open to suggestions (and this might be a bit of speculating fun). Emilia Clarke as Taylor? Kate Beckinsale as Marshal? Sean Bean somewhere, just because I’m a huge fan. And Ezra? Hmmm, with creative camera work I’d say someone like…well someone not old, and not young, smaller but strong. Ah, well, this is what speculation is all about, pondering for hours about who and how. Which is what reading is all about.

Links

 Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Uroboros-Saga-Book-Arthur-Walker-ebook/dp/B00TXKWIM6/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ArthurHWalker

Uroboros Saga (book three)

Uroboros Saga (book three)

Arthur Walker

Book three picks up where book two ended, continuing the story of Silverstein, Taylor, and Ezra, has they search to uncover the vast plot which has shutdown Earth’s financial institutions, thereby sending the globe into paralysis, a plan Silverstein created and implemented, though he has no memory of doing so. As with the two previous books, part three is an intelligently complex tale encompassing everything from genetic manipulation to self-aware AIs to cities on the moon and mining operations on Mars.

The story and concepts are deep, and once I’ve completed the whole series I look forward to an intensive reread beginning with book one. Many questions from the earlier books have now been answered, but many new ones have replaced them, continuing the intrigue. Walker’s not only an adept storyteller, he also has a gift for incorporating contemporary computer technologies and scientific advances into his plot. As I said in an earlier review, he has skillfully brought those lofty concepts down to a level a layman can understand.

That is not to say Uroboros Saga is for the superficially entertained, because it is decidedly not. There is much going on here, and the reader is required to invest a bit of themselves if they hope to understand it all. I know I’ve not “gotten” everything, which is why I look forward to a future reread, uninterrupted, from start to finish. One thing I did pick up with book three is a hint of Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged. Vance Uroboros (Silverstein) has a fair share of idealistic John Galt in him. I’m looking forward to seeing where this goes with book four. The idea of one man, or a group of people having enough power to shutdown the world is a frightening one. Rand recognized it back in the 1950’s, and if anything, the possibility of such an individual paralyzing the entire globe, whether for personal ambition, sociopathic spite, or altruistic revolution, is even more likely. The Earth is figuratively smaller, and more tech system-dependent. And even, say in the case of Walker’s Silverstein/Vance, what begins as a Robin Hood type crusade, can be selfishly manipulated by others with more of a King John leaning.

All in all, an excellent, intelligent, deep sci-fi/dystopian/warning tale, which somehow, keeps getting better and better.

Links

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MQ5JOMW

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ArthurHWalker

Uroboros Saga (book two)

Uroboros Saga (book two)

Arthur Walker

The epic saga continues, picking up where book one ended. Walker’s intricate plot progresses, with the three leads, Silverstein, Taylor, and Ezra (along with some new allies) searching for the primary evil-doer, Madmar. The imagination at work here is pure fun to read. Nothing is predictable, the characters are quirky, the locales varied, the plot a snaking tendril with myriad offshoots. Walker has a knack of the lasting unexpected and the reversal of perceived character.

Take Truman for instance, one of the newcomers to book two. When first introduced he is depicted one way, but he quickly flip-flops, and his personality is quite different than what transpired in his initial scene. He also become one of my favorite characters, rattling off some humorous lines, which were both childish and poignant. After reading book one, I’ve learned to anticipate abrupt plot shifts and the cycling of characters (which is realistic, considering in book two Silverstein is still amnesiac and Madmar’s dastardly plan isn’t known in its entirety and the story moves quickly from Finland to the Balkans and back to Port Montaigne). Rather than guess at what is going to happen, I found it far better to sit back and let Walker’s excellent story unfold without my ineffectual clairvoyance. Since I can’t predict it, there is no point in trying.

I know Walker is also a game developer and has in-depth knowledge of how and why computers function and communicate. He uses this effectively, without bogging the story down with language and concepts a layman has no chance of understanding. Obviously, AIs are a key component to the story, as are complex algorithms, and other such techno-speak. They are presented in such a way as to be understandable, without the reader requiring a computer science degree. And yes, this a “dumbing” it down for us less educated in the intricacies of our binary companions.

And the AIs are here to serve the story, as one more piece in Walker’s vast world, which spans the globe, extends to the moon, and stretches to the edge of the solar system. The AIs are no more or less important than say cloning, genetic experimentation, global financial collapses, memory wipes, crazy sociopaths, or any other individual element. All of those pieces blend together remarkably well.

Satisfying, funny, intelligent, quirky, at times off the wall, but above everything, book two of the Uroboros Saga is a great read, every bit as good as Book 1. And yeah, there is something oddly cool about talking, gun-toting dogs and bears. And yeah, they fit into the storyline without raising an eyebrow. Genetic engineering can do some unique things. Walker has written some unique things, and has created an elaborate sci-fi epic.

Links

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Uroboros-Saga-Book-Arthur-Walker-ebook/dp/B00JQIJ79M/

 Twitter: https://twitter.com/ArthurHWalker

Uroboros Saga (book one)

Uroboros Saga (book one)

Arthur Walker

As a reader I tend to make my own somewhat untraditional associations, which do evolve as I delve deeper into a book. From the first chapter, I was reminded of Neville Shute’s Kindling. However, soon I was comparing the initial Uroboros book to the film Total Recall. By the end I had nothing to compare it. Walker’s book is a refreshingly complicated affair, sprouting multiple tentacles with each passing chapter. Rather than peeling away layers to get down to the core, here one is removed only to reveal two more, and then four, and so on.

This is a fascinatingly intricate dystopian work of corporate-greed, cloning, AIs, and gene-manipulation. Throw in some main characters who know nothing about their true natures, and this plot becomes a veritable casserole. A mighty tasty one, I must add. The imagination at work here is astounding. The three primary characters, Silverstein, Taylor, and Ezra, are the backbone of this tale. Which with the vast amount of science, technology, the huge, social tiered-city of the future, the plethora of characters (some staying, some merely passing through), and a pending global apocalypse, Walker has done a remarkable thing in keeping those three main characters at the forefront, and not losing them in the myriad alleys of downtown, midtown and uptown, the numerous clones, the doctors, scientists, drones, cops, collectors, and everything else he has going on.

I’ve nothing against a straight forward A to Z story. Star Wars (the first one, which I cannot bring myself to refer to as either A New Hope or Episode IV) is my all-time favorite movie and story. The plot of Star Wars is as simple as it gets: good boy defeats bad guys. But, I also enjoy an intricate storyline and as Walker’s Uroboros unfolds the plot becomes progressively more complex. This isn’t Luke flying down a trench, unexpectedly saved by Han, as Tarkin’s moment of triumph goes up in a poorly designed exhaust port. No, Walker’s exhaust port leads to a junction point, with each diverging, snaking ductwork leading to a plethora of reactors. Each of which, might cause a self-destruct, or merely lead to more piping.

In the end, Star Wars and Uroboros both accomplish the same thing: they tell a damn entertaining story. Walker’s imagination is a large one. The socially-stacked city of Port Montaigne is one such example. Uptown being on top, built above midtown and downtown. This is one of those clever ideas which make reading so much fun. The wordplay, it seems so obvious after someone has done it. But uptown has always referred to either a geographic area or a socially affluent one. Here it is the social elite, but it also quite literally “up.” A whole section of the city built on the penthouse premise, leaving the lesser citizens in the perpetual shadow, amid the descending ash and refuse of their monetary “betters.” And that is just one example of an impressive imagination at work.

Uroboros is an awesomely thought-out, wonderfully well-written, and intriguingly plotted sci-fi adventure-thriller-warning-homage.

Links

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Uroboros-Saga-Book-Arthur-Walker-ebook/dp/B00E2Z0XVK/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ArthurHWalker

“//End User”

“//End User”

(from the collection Gristle & Bone)

Duncan Ralston

Genre: Apocalypse

Sub-genre: Techno-apoc

Novel, novella, short story: short story

Serial or stand alone: from the author’s collection Gristle & Bone

Setting: urban, non-specific

Characters: Mason, “Jenna”

Synopsis: Mason is a skeptic. Not the religious kind, no, his skepticism is to things human. Big things, government things hidden in deep bunkers. When he starts to receive strange emails sent from his own account, he figures it is those nefarious, shadowy agencies announcing his theories were no longer appreciated. However, the messages are much more than a government protected its secrets.

Excerpt: “The final message from Mason’s mysterious Spammer was a link. He didn’t want to see what this person—or persons—had to show him, but curiosity trumped logic yet again. Logic wasn’t having a very good day.

Squinching his eyes shut, Mason clicked it.

He heard the rumble and screech of a subway train.

No, his mind screamed. No, no, NO!

But his eyes confirmed the answer was indeed yes. Yes, it was College Station. Yes, the timecode was just about the time of the suicide—or murder—and yes, he was more than a little terrified. His heart leapt like a cat in a cage as he muted the sound.

The train entered a crowded station. Passengers filed out, passengers filed in. The doors closed, and the train rolled on. The security camera had a good view of the Designated Waiting Area, looking down on the benches and waste cans, the suicide hotline phone—diplomatically (as was Canadian custom) referred to as the “Crisis Link”—and the yawning black mouth of the exit tunnel.

A few riders were left on the platform, one of whom was a man in a trench coat who stood on the yellow line, much too close to the tracks. A few more people filed in: a woman with an overly large stroller (what Mason liked to call a Baby Mobile Command Unit); a man walking while staring at his tablet; a gaggle of teenage girls laughing and acting generally annoying; and a man with a bushy beard and stained coveralls, who looked like he could have been homeless.

Suddenly a huge spark of electricity zapped out from the covered cables on the wall. Tablet Man, who’d been leaning against the wall to read, jumped out of the way, his large feet kicking out comically as he backed into Trenchcoat. Trenchcoat stumbled, still much too close to the tracks. He swung his arms in a circular motion to regain his balance, the tail of his coat whipping out behind him like an actor in a John Woo movie.

Too late. Trenchcoat disappeared behind the ledge. Smoke began to rise, presumably from the third rail, as a crowd gathered. The homeless-looking man ran for the edge and reached out. A charred hand came up from the tracks, grasping at it….

The homeless man jerked a look to the left. He jumped to his feet and waved his arms frantically.

Bystanders leapt back in terror as the train rushed in, filling the void, wincing as the train crushed the man in the trench coat to death.”

 

Thoughts: Ralston’s Gristle & Bone was the first thing I ever read on my Kindle. That was back in March. I’ve read many works since then. And even after all those words written by many talented writers, “//End User” is still my favorite apocalyptic story. The ending really funny. The ironical humor reminded me of scenes from Shute’s On the Beach. Technology gone awry is a fascinating apocalyptic sub-genre. Here it is done with wit and human intelligence. Though the AI is remarkably “well-developed.”

About the author: In addition to Gristle & Bone, Duncan has also published the collection Sweat & Blood. His full length novel, Salvage, was released in 2015. He lives in Toronto with his girlfriend and dog. Duncan is also slated to be the first contributor (outside of myself) to Poets of the Dead Society.

Links

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Gristle-Bone-Duncan-Ralston-ebook/dp/B011HOABNS/

Website: http://duncanralston.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/userbits

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/duncanralstonfiction