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70th out of 1,495 books
—
11,999 voters
Wool (Wool #1)
by
Hugh Howey (Goodreads Author)
They live beneath the earth in a prison of their own making. There is a view of the outside world, a spoiled and rotten world, their forefathers left behind. But this view fades over time, ruined by the toxic airs that kill any who brave them.
So they leave it to the criminals, those who break the rules, and who are sent to cleaning. Why do they do it, these people condemne...more
So they leave it to the criminals, those who break the rules, and who are sent to cleaning. Why do they do it, these people condemne...more
Kindle Edition, 1st Edition, 56 pages
Published
July 30th 2011
by Broad Reach
(first published July 29th 2011)
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Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
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3,000)
Apr 09, 2013
The Holy Terror
rated it
2 of 5 stars
Shelves:
ebook,
science-fiction,
dystopia,
short-stories,
post-apocalyptic,
male-protagonist,
self-published,
2012,
adult
Basically what my two stars boils down to is this: I had too many questions by the end and I didn't feel attached to any of the characters. I didn't think the "big reveal" was all that exciting or as terrifying as I'm sure it was meant to be either. And the more I found out about the world, such as the technology or what happened in the past, the more questions I had that were never answered. I realize this is a short story and it continues on, but if you're going to sell me a book it needs to f...more
A Badass Hidden Gem...
http://badassbookreviews.com/badass-h...
OMG, this short story was absolutely fantastic. Who is this author and why is he not on everyone's radar. Must read, don't think about it, it's a short story and won't take up much of your time and I think it's only 99 cents, just go get it! Hurry...go.......why are you still reading this...gooooo
Go now...
http://badassbookreviews.com/badass-h...
OMG, this short story was absolutely fantastic. Who is this author and why is he not on everyone's radar. Must read, don't think about it, it's a short story and won't take up much of your time and I think it's only 99 cents, just go get it! Hurry...go.......why are you still reading this...gooooo
Go now...
Book 1 of the Wool Omnibus. Short at some 49 pages – and its got my attention.
The remnants of mankind live in a giant circular Silo going into the ground – outside is an uninhabitable waste with toxic corrosive air. We aren’t really told what’s happened. People can view the outside world through a screen that’s fed from four live feed camera’s outside. Problem - the cameras need to be cleaned. Problem - going outside is a death sentence. Solution – send out condemned criminals to clean the camer...more
The remnants of mankind live in a giant circular Silo going into the ground – outside is an uninhabitable waste with toxic corrosive air. We aren’t really told what’s happened. People can view the outside world through a screen that’s fed from four live feed camera’s outside. Problem - the cameras need to be cleaned. Problem - going outside is a death sentence. Solution – send out condemned criminals to clean the camer...more
Jun 19, 2012
Stacia ~ Mistress of Mediocrity
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommended to Stacia ~ Mistress of Mediocrity by:
Regina
Shelves:
adult
I want to go out. I want to go out. I wanttogoout.
4.5 stars. Holy _____ . You can choose which word to insert there but you might want to pick something much stronger than cow. Because the word I'm thinking is pretty strong with a lot of caps and exclamation points following it.
People (ahhh...yes, the very abstract and almost imaginary use of "people") have been telling me to read this short for a while now. I should have been listening sooner. Btw... Wool is a very condensed little read. It...more
Nicely done. I like the way Howey presents his society and how Holton questions what he thinks he knows. Good setup. Satisfying conclusion.
***
4/9/2013
I had been going to read the rest of this series, as well as the stand-alones. But after reading this post, and the comments, I think I'll just give it a miss.
We all do stupid, embarrassing, or offensive things without realizing it. It happens. We apologize politely and try not to do it again, right? Well, no, some people choose to double down on b...more
***
4/9/2013
I had been going to read the rest of this series, as well as the stand-alones. But after reading this post, and the comments, I think I'll just give it a miss.
We all do stupid, embarrassing, or offensive things without realizing it. It happens. We apologize politely and try not to do it again, right? Well, no, some people choose to double down on b...more
The absolute best in apocalyptic short stories! Dystopian, post-apocalyptic, horror - take your pick, this little tale covers it all. I would LOVE to see more from this author, and from this scary, scary world!
**Edit & update - There IS more! I've picked up WOOL 2, 3, & 4, and Mr. Howey informs me WOOL 5 should be out sometime in February. Go now, my pretties, and pick up tales 1-4. The Genius demands it!
**Edit & update - There IS more! I've picked up WOOL 2, 3, & 4, and Mr. Howey informs me WOOL 5 should be out sometime in February. Go now, my pretties, and pick up tales 1-4. The Genius demands it!
Feb 29, 2012
Wendy Darling
marked it as to-read
First three installments of this dystopian series are FREE today for Kindle. Fantastic reviews and ratings for this author, sounds like it's worth checking out!
Thanks to Michelle for the nudge. :)
Thanks to Michelle for the nudge. :)
3.5 stars. This short story would make a great episode of The Twilight Zone. Set in a post-apocalyptic and uninhabitable world where the survivors live in an underground missile silo, criminals are sent outside to clean the sensors and cameras so everyone inside can continue to see what's out there. They are also supposedly sent to their deaths due to the toxic air, but no one really knows because they never come back. It's a wonder they actually complete their cleanings before going off over th...more
I read this novella for two reasons. First, Michelle's review and second, because the ebook was offered for free from Amazon. I am so glad for these nudges because the book was a lot of fun. The kind of fun that only a decent post-apoc and creepy dystopian story can deliver. One of my favorite kinds of literary fun.
The set up to the story is simple as the novella is only 59 pages. It is told from the point of view of one character - -both in the present time of the story and through brief flash...more
The set up to the story is simple as the novella is only 59 pages. It is told from the point of view of one character - -both in the present time of the story and through brief flash...more
Mar 14, 2012
Penny
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
dystopian lovers or lazy readers (it's pretty small)
Recommended to Penny by:
GoodReads
Amazing
I'm lost for words...
This was good!
After Hunger Games and Uglies, I thought I'd never find a good dystopian book (no ladies and gentlemen, Divergent didn't make it up there). Yet I stumbled upon this one (thanks to GR friends of mine that I saw had given good ratings).
We saw a dystopian world, ascared terrified crowd, a manipulative goverment and a great an everlasting love. A love I might add that we saw from the end. I mean, it was already there when we started reading, we never saw...more
I'm lost for words...
This was good!
After Hunger Games and Uglies, I thought I'd never find a good dystopian book (no ladies and gentlemen, Divergent didn't make it up there). Yet I stumbled upon this one (thanks to GR friends of mine that I saw had given good ratings).
We saw a dystopian world, a
Jun 11, 2012
Wendy F
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommended to Wendy F by:
Regina
Shelves:
2012,
dystopian-apocalyptic
Whoa.... (Imagine that a deeply shocked, whoa...)
I had no idea that a short could make me feel like that...
How can a book you can read in a 1/2 hour really make you feel such strong emotion?
I used to think that reader/character connection comes from page count. I mean, how else are you going to find enough time to really know who they are and connect to them on that certain level? Sometimes it does, depending on what the author is trying to overcome, (See Dan & Vadim). Well, I've come to re...more
I had no idea that a short could make me feel like that...
How can a book you can read in a 1/2 hour really make you feel such strong emotion?
I used to think that reader/character connection comes from page count. I mean, how else are you going to find enough time to really know who they are and connect to them on that certain level? Sometimes it does, depending on what the author is trying to overcome, (See Dan & Vadim). Well, I've come to re...more
I simply love, love, love destopian novels.
A very quick and easy read. A bit confusing at the beginning, with twist at the end for good measure.
Will be reading no. 2 next.
A very quick and easy read. A bit confusing at the beginning, with twist at the end for good measure.
Will be reading no. 2 next.
I am not sure where I am in this novel I got it from Netgalley (thank you very much) there are no page numbers but from the index it seems to be the whole omnibus. I've broken down and jumped on the bandwagon, and yes it is brilliantly written.
Each sentence is crafted to evoke a specific vision, emotion, and even memory that is embedded in our animal self. We all have the same fears, desires, insecurities, and paranoid thoughts. Somehow Hugh Howey has tapped into all those base elemental DNA, b...more
Each sentence is crafted to evoke a specific vision, emotion, and even memory that is embedded in our animal self. We all have the same fears, desires, insecurities, and paranoid thoughts. Somehow Hugh Howey has tapped into all those base elemental DNA, b...more
Jun 11, 2012
Isamlq
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommended to Isamlq by:
Stacia ~ the professional insomniac, Regina
My life is too tight…
My skin is too tight.
The walls are too tight
This is why I love GR! Books that I’d not have even look twice at come to my attention. Wool is a short, short read but it’s its ending that packs a wallop. The back and forth between three years past and then his present read both compelling… if at first a little unclear.
His memories of Allison on her wanting the inconsiderable, then him coming to a similar point were equal parts confusing and intriguing. Then those little t...more
My FAVORITE Adult indie read for 2012.
Plot: Holston is an aging man, weighed down by his desperation over wanting to leave his home in an underground silo. His wife is already dead because she dared to break the stringent rules of their community, and the sentence was to go outside, above ground, and clean the lenses on the cameras that reveal the outside world's view. That outside world is filled with toxic gases that will destroy anything in minutes, so this punishment truly is a death sentenc...more
Plot: Holston is an aging man, weighed down by his desperation over wanting to leave his home in an underground silo. His wife is already dead because she dared to break the stringent rules of their community, and the sentence was to go outside, above ground, and clean the lenses on the cameras that reveal the outside world's view. That outside world is filled with toxic gases that will destroy anything in minutes, so this punishment truly is a death sentenc...more
Great little story that I suspect will stick with me for a while. It was hard while reading it not to get too caught up in a guessing game about how things would unfold. The writing style is nicely descriptive and the story itself is engaging and memorable. Highly recommended.
Memorability Factor: 9/10
::::::::::::::::UPDATE:::::::::::::::::::::::
This turned out to be one of my favorite reads of 2012. The are currently running an art contest on Facebook for art made by fans, inspired by WOOL. No I...more
Nutty NUUT readOpening: The children were playing while Holston climbed to his death; he could hear them squealing as only happy children do.
#72 TBR Busting 2013
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
There is something horrifyingly disturbing and breathtakingly efficient about this little story. I know that it is part of a series, an omnibus that in fact also has sequels, but I have chosen to rate part #1 as it is, simply because it is quite complete all by itself.
I am struck by a comparison to other recent dystopian-themed books. I have read a few and have been feeling that something is off; it is probably the playful romances that take place in most of them. It detracts from the starkness...more
I am struck by a comparison to other recent dystopian-themed books. I have read a few and have been feeling that something is off; it is probably the playful romances that take place in most of them. It detracts from the starkness...more
This review is actually for all 5 parts of Wool (Kindle versions). Really enjoyed this story; so much so that I'm going to try out H. Howey's other novels.
*I wasn't aware my posts were public even with my privacy settings on. Here's an extended quick review:
Wool parts 1-5 is available for the Kindle and in paperback. I stumbled on this gem while on Amazon and decided for 99 cents and fantastic reviews, I'd try Wool 1 and could purchase the rest of the series from there.
Part 1 - H. Howey sets the...more
*I wasn't aware my posts were public even with my privacy settings on. Here's an extended quick review:
Wool parts 1-5 is available for the Kindle and in paperback. I stumbled on this gem while on Amazon and decided for 99 cents and fantastic reviews, I'd try Wool 1 and could purchase the rest of the series from there.
Part 1 - H. Howey sets the...more
This short story was an extremely well written page turner. The story is about human society that is force to live underground, because of the toxic environment of the Earth’s atmosphere above. The theme of the book makes you question the characters forced reality, and if everything is what it seems. When you think you can predict the ending, it turns out not to be as expected. I'm sure you’ll breeze through, and move on, as I did to Wool 2.
This review is for the first five of the WOOL series.
WOOL is AWESOME on 142 levels. They are so good, one must say as little as one can about them so that you don't ruin it for the new reader. With that, here's my review.
The WOOL series of short stories began as a stand alone tale that soon grew to five, well-received short stories that weave a dyspotian tale of human perseverance. Set in the distant future, the world outside is toxic. People live and die beneath the earth in silos. Except for a...more
WOOL is AWESOME on 142 levels. They are so good, one must say as little as one can about them so that you don't ruin it for the new reader. With that, here's my review.
The WOOL series of short stories began as a stand alone tale that soon grew to five, well-received short stories that weave a dyspotian tale of human perseverance. Set in the distant future, the world outside is toxic. People live and die beneath the earth in silos. Except for a...more
One hundred and fifty years ago, there was an uprising. Holston and everyone else who lives in the silos have only heard legends about their ancestors who once lived life outside, where the sky is rumored to be blue, not gray; the grass is rumored to be green, not brown. The only way they can see the outside world is through the cameras that are cleaned of the supposedly poisonous particles smeared onto them by the condemned.
Three years ago, Holston's wife Allison discovered deleted programs tha...more
Three years ago, Holston's wife Allison discovered deleted programs tha...more
Short post-apocalyptic novel. The Earth has been decimated, the descendants of the survivors live in a converted missile silo. The Sheriff's wife uncovers deleted files and hidden computer programs that lead her to believe that the conditions outside the silo aren't what is being shown on the external monitors. She pretends she's gone crazy and gets herself put out of the silo. Three years later the Sheriff is convinced she was right and gets himself put out. He learns the truth of what's outsid...more
Fascinating and definitely worth reading.
I would not like to review this book without talking a bit about the context in which it comes to exist, coming as it does at the forefront of a possible shift in what we consider to be the business of publishing, both for that reason alone and because it's important to understand how it's structured. If you are only interested in a review of the content contained in it, you will probably want to skip to the last paragraphs.
Within the last few years, self...more
I would not like to review this book without talking a bit about the context in which it comes to exist, coming as it does at the forefront of a possible shift in what we consider to be the business of publishing, both for that reason alone and because it's important to understand how it's structured. If you are only interested in a review of the content contained in it, you will probably want to skip to the last paragraphs.
Within the last few years, self...more
I won this one from a Goodreads giveaway.
I'm a sucker for dystopian stories, so I happily gobbled this up in one sitting.
I was worried that something as complicated as a dystopian world wouldn't translate well in a short story, but it worked for me. We're given just enough information to know what's going on, and we can fill in the rest of the details ourselves. The jumps in time were easy to follow.
(view spoiler)...more
I'm a sucker for dystopian stories, so I happily gobbled this up in one sitting.
I was worried that something as complicated as a dystopian world wouldn't translate well in a short story, but it worked for me. We're given just enough information to know what's going on, and we can fill in the rest of the details ourselves. The jumps in time were easy to follow.
(view spoiler)...more
Jan 16, 2012
Tami
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
goodreads-giveaways,
2012
I haven't received my copy yet, just received notice I had won. 12/27/11
I recevied my copy 12/31/11 and hope to start soon. I have 6 plus my current read in front. 01/03/12
Started and finished 01/15/12
Dystopia: Thousands of people live underground, but if they climb to the highest level of their silo living, they can see outside through lens set up in various rooms. The Sheriff is responsible for enforcing the law and if you break the law, you have to go outside. Another part of the law is that...more
I recevied my copy 12/31/11 and hope to start soon. I have 6 plus my current read in front. 01/03/12
Started and finished 01/15/12
Dystopia: Thousands of people live underground, but if they climb to the highest level of their silo living, they can see outside through lens set up in various rooms. The Sheriff is responsible for enforcing the law and if you break the law, you have to go outside. Another part of the law is that...more
A short fast read (one you can easily fly through in one siting), but definitely worth picking up. It's impressive how quickly the author gets you invested in the main character and the environment in which these peope live. The first thing I did upon finishing the story is buy the next two in the series... a testimate to the addictive quality of the world created for this story.
UPDATE: I've now finished the series, and they just keep getting better after this book. The WOOL series as a whole i...more
UPDATE: I've now finished the series, and they just keep getting better after this book. The WOOL series as a whole i...more
it's not easy to impress in less than 50 pages, but hugh howey knows how to do it! this is the best start of a dystopian novel i've read in ages. can't wait for the omnibus to arrive and to read on!
"Better to go out to see the world one time with his own eyes, than to be burned alive with the plastic curtains"
i'm going to keep this review very simple: everyone - read this novella. it's worth every single second you'll spend reading it.
"Better to go out to see the world one time with his own eyes, than to be burned alive with the plastic curtains"
i'm going to keep this review very simple: everyone - read this novella. it's worth every single second you'll spend reading it.
The first part of a 5 part series of short stories, this is the tale of the Sheriff and his wife. We learn about the cleaners and what they experience during cleaning the lenses that allow the residents to see the world outside. It is a sad, gripping story that sucks you into the world that Howey has created. The entire series together is SO fantastic - go get it now!
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Sword and Laser: Discuss Book 1: Wool | 111 | 434 | May 18, 2013 05:16pm | |
| SciFi and Fantasy...: What did you think of this book? | 3 | 57 | May 03, 2013 11:35am | |
| The Sword and Laser: 56 pages?!?!?! (n/m, S&L updated the book link to the Omnibus edition) | 7 | 194 | Apr 28, 2013 08:46am | |
| Apocalypse Whenever: March 2012, GR Author: Wool by Hugh Howey | 88 | 312 | Jan 26, 2013 04:31pm | |
| SciFi and Fantasy...: Wool *Book 1 Spoilers Only* | 39 | 286 | Jan 25, 2013 02:04am | |
| The Sword and Laser: Book Trailers- What's your take? | 27 | 142 | Aug 31, 2012 09:27pm |
I'm the author of WOOL, a top 5 science fiction book on Amazon. I also wrote the Molly Fyde saga, a tale of a teenager from the 25th century who is repeatedly told that girls can't do certain things -- and then does them anyway.
A theme in my books is the celebration of overcoming odds and of not allowing the cruelty of the universe to change who you are in the process. Most of them are classified...more
More about Hugh Howey...
A theme in my books is the celebration of overcoming odds and of not allowing the cruelty of the universe to change who you are in the process. Most of them are classified...more
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“My life is too tight, he wanted to say. My skin is too tight. The walls are too tight.”
—
15 people liked it
“Better to go out to see the world one time with his own eyes, than to be burned alive with the plastic curtains.”
—
2 people liked it
More quotes…
Hmm? What do you mean?"
There's a new book with Wool #1-5 that...more
updated Apr 27, 2013 01:25pm
Apr 27, 2013 05:46pm