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The Ein Particle
One girl discovers what it means to be human in a world ruled by ancient technology in this riveting high tech sci-fi adventure by breakout author Koen Martens
Young Tlana, unaware of the totalitarian convictions of those she admires and emulates, is a promising student of human consciousness and devout scholar of the holy texts governing society.
But when she is chosen to be this year’s sacrificial lamb and die for the common good, cracks appear in her convictions and she flees.
She discovers society is not as benign as she once thought. Worse, her only hope is to hide among those she most despises.
Ashamed and confused, she reluctantly embraces their cause as her own.
With a ruthless leader on her tail and war between continents brewing, can she hold on to her new-found identity? Or will she succumb to the dark and ancient secret that lurks beneath the surface?
Young Tlana, unaware of the totalitarian convictions of those she admires and emulates, is a promising student of human consciousness and devout scholar of the holy texts governing society.
But when she is chosen to be this year’s sacrificial lamb and die for the common good, cracks appear in her convictions and she flees.
She discovers society is not as benign as she once thought. Worse, her only hope is to hide among those she most despises.
Ashamed and confused, she reluctantly embraces their cause as her own.
With a ruthless leader on her tail and war between continents brewing, can she hold on to her new-found identity? Or will she succumb to the dark and ancient secret that lurks beneath the surface?
438 pages, Paperback
First published June 17, 2023
1 person is currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Koen Martens
14 books20 followersKoen Martens is a science fiction author and retired hacker with a degree in artificial intelligence. A software architect by day, Koen has worked with quantum computers, lithography machines, cloud servers and
many other high-tech gadgets. Koen’s experience lends a great degree of realism to his writing and provides him with a healthy dose of scepticism towards humanity’s unhealthy relationship with technology.
While born in the Netherlands, Koen, together with his husband, now lives in Sweden. In his spare time, he can often be found roaming the woods of Skaraborg (getting lost despite the assistance of gps navigatio
n), behind a pinball game (or inside with a soldering iron) or at a live jazz concert.
many other high-tech gadgets. Koen’s experience lends a great degree of realism to his writing and provides him with a healthy dose of scepticism towards humanity’s unhealthy relationship with technology.
While born in the Netherlands, Koen, together with his husband, now lives in Sweden. In his spare time, he can often be found roaming the woods of Skaraborg (getting lost despite the assistance of gps navigatio
n), behind a pinball game (or inside with a soldering iron) or at a live jazz concert.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 17, 2023
Interesting story. Would recommend
October 24, 2023
This book has amazing concepts with poor execution. I received a copy of this book from Voracious Readers & chose it because the synopsis had me fully invested but sadly I feel like this author could have benefited from a group of Beta readers providing feedback before publication. The history of the races of people in this book are never fully explained and I feel it would have benefited from a brief overview either at the front or back of the book (I read it on kindle so front would make more sense). A lot of the names, places and job titles in this book are unusual and difficult to pronounce and I found myself skimming them, now I get it, this is sci fi, I don’t expect a Dave and Sue, but at least make your characters accessible. The world building felt rushed and the instalove story line was unbelievable to the point I went back and read over some of the pages in case I’d missed something. Sadly a miss for me although it was made up of a lot of great ideas which weren’t allowed the space to be fully explored.
June 26, 2023
I am not as well read in sci-fi as I am in other genres I enjoy, but this blurb hooked me in. A religious-based government/belief system requiring a human sacrifice and things not being as truthful and beneficial as they seem? What's a great set-up for a sci-fi book! It took me a while to settle into the rhythm of the spelling and likely pronunciation of words/names in this book, and it dove right into using them, and I needed to figure them out as I went along. Once I caught on, my reading pace sped up as I enjoyed the plot, weaving around me through various viewpoints. The technology introduced allowed for some clever explanations, points of view, and chaos to the characters, which made the world seem even more real and detailed. I was constantly wondering what was going to happen next and what information was going to be revealed. I would definitely read more by this author.
May 26, 2023
This is a powerful, well-developed sci-fi drama. The characters are well defined and the different background venues totally believable. It starts slowly and is full of twists throughout, but keeps the readers' attention consistently. My only complaint is the time jumps that occur at times which (I believe is the author's way to avoid lengthy "dead" periods in the storyline. That I can appreciate, but I found getting back into the storyline after such breaks slightly disconcerting. Overall this is an enjoyable example of true Science Fiction storytelling. I do not believe in reiterating a storyline as I feel it steals from other readers' enjoyment. I encourage any pure sci-fi fan to try this novel. You will surely enjoy jt! I received an ARC and this is my honest appraisal of this book.
January 28, 2025
Promising and intriguing, the book raises the reader's soaring expectations, suggesting a compelling battle of religion, technology, shattered beliefs and society realities.
The battle, however, is less engrossing and cogent that initially advocated.
The story is suitable for young adult readers willing to meditate, question and probe into the communities they are part of, reminding us all that critical thinking and a strong general knowledge are the torches we need through the wild tangle of life and professed discourse.
Interesting yet cumbersome and quite unplausible at times, The Ein Particle reads like a debut science fiction / fantasy narrative. I would recommend it to curious and patient readers, who have a flair for soft sci-fi and a passion for object/human-naming and languages (characters have unusual, quirky names that may raise an eyebrow every now and then and bring a smile on the reader's face when trying to pronounce them out loud).
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I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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Memorable quotes:
Despite their intelligence–or because of it?–they had a distinct lack of social skills.
'The Ein Particle, described as a wave function that is its own inverse, is key to linking the classical and the quantum mechanical realms of consciousness.'
‘A society as much as an individual will always resist change, whether that change is for better or worse. People tend to cling to the familiar, even if it harms them in the long run. Change is best brought about gradually, unnoticeably. And even then, you have to tread carefully.’
The battle, however, is less engrossing and cogent that initially advocated.
The story is suitable for young adult readers willing to meditate, question and probe into the communities they are part of, reminding us all that critical thinking and a strong general knowledge are the torches we need through the wild tangle of life and professed discourse.
Interesting yet cumbersome and quite unplausible at times, The Ein Particle reads like a debut science fiction / fantasy narrative. I would recommend it to curious and patient readers, who have a flair for soft sci-fi and a passion for object/human-naming and languages (characters have unusual, quirky names that may raise an eyebrow every now and then and bring a smile on the reader's face when trying to pronounce them out loud).
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I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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Memorable quotes:
Despite their intelligence–or because of it?–they had a distinct lack of social skills.
'The Ein Particle, described as a wave function that is its own inverse, is key to linking the classical and the quantum mechanical realms of consciousness.'
‘A society as much as an individual will always resist change, whether that change is for better or worse. People tend to cling to the familiar, even if it harms them in the long run. Change is best brought about gradually, unnoticeably. And even then, you have to tread carefully.’
The trouble with cataclysmic events, though, was that they were disruptive and violent and not without victims and pain. And pain itself triggered resistance, forcing one back into the familiarity of the lies, twisted further to cope with the new data. Only when the lie was twisted beyond its capacity to take more would the strain snap, the backlash forcing one to acknowledge the truth.
[...]
The trick, then, was to spin a lie so enticing that it was impossible to resist, and then very slowly bleed the strain of the twists until all that was left was the truth.
January 8, 2024
*Received a free copy via Voracious Readers*
I think the premise of this book was very interesting. We see a lot of corrupt religion and gods in fantasy but not as much in scifi and I was really interested in how religion and control interfaced with technology. Unfortunately, I really needed more obvious/infodump worldbuilding because while I thought all of the cultures were interesting I didn't fully understand how they worked.
Tlana/Julana as a character didn't work for me. Her insecurity combined with everyone else knowing she is amazing was just overdone. I understand that part of it was being a minority in a hegemonic culture but it was exhausting to read. Also she fell in love with Durayo in about five minutes.
Overall Tlana felt very much like a young YA protagonist but I think the worldbuilding was too subtle/complicated for it to be a good read for that audience. And the hivemind incest/masturbation.
I think the premise of this book was very interesting. We see a lot of corrupt religion and gods in fantasy but not as much in scifi and I was really interested in how religion and control interfaced with technology. Unfortunately, I really needed more obvious/infodump worldbuilding because while I thought all of the cultures were interesting I didn't fully understand how they worked.
Tlana/Julana as a character didn't work for me. Her insecurity combined with everyone else knowing she is amazing was just overdone. I understand that part of it was being a minority in a hegemonic culture but it was exhausting to read. Also she fell in love with Durayo in about five minutes.
Overall Tlana felt very much like a young YA protagonist but I think the worldbuilding was too subtle/complicated for it to be a good read for that audience. And the hivemind incest/masturbation.
November 20, 2023
We start right in the middle of the action. No boring and endless pages of back story and exposition. And it stays in the middle of that action all through out. I could not put it down.
The exotic names and descriptions well integrated in the story get me right in the story. I loved the representation of queer and polyamorous aspects in the characters. Subtle and not in your face, but integral to the story. The different characters provide different perspectives on the world of this story. Slowly but steadily this colours in the details.
I received it for free from voracious readers in return for an honest review.
The exotic names and descriptions well integrated in the story get me right in the story. I loved the representation of queer and polyamorous aspects in the characters. Subtle and not in your face, but integral to the story. The different characters provide different perspectives on the world of this story. Slowly but steadily this colours in the details.
I received it for free from voracious readers in return for an honest review.
October 6, 2023
There was a bit of a learning curve with this story in the beginning, and the multiple POV's cause a bit of confusion. However, once the story really gets going, it was rather engaging and definitely had you wondering what would happen next. Overall, if you are a fan of sci-fi, you will probably really like this book.
Received as a complimentary copy from Voracious Readers.
Received as a complimentary copy from Voracious Readers.
September 4, 2023
Interesting story. Would recommend
August 5, 2023
Great cover art and intriguing Science Fiction premise. The book is overall solid with a lot of science-based concepts and intricacies that really give it potential. There are some things that made me struggle, mostly the terms and names. It became very hard to read and I had to make considerable effort to follow along with the point and storyline. It has promise to be even more entertaining with a little more ease of reading.
I received this as an ARC without compensation for an honest review.
I received this as an ARC without compensation for an honest review.
June 19, 2023
The Ein Particle by Koen Martens is a riveting sci-fi masterpiece that takes readers on an exhilarating adventure filled with action, suspense, and profound philosophical questions. This enthralling tale follows the courageous young girl Tlana, who defies destiny and discovers the true nature of power, gods, and the lengths one must go to bring about change.
From the very first page, readers are drawn into a richly crafted universe where ancient rituals and futuristic technology coexist.
Koen Martens demonstrates superb storytelling prowess throughout the Ein Particle. The prose is engrossing, the pacing is masterful, and the characters are multi-dimensional and relatable. The world-building is exceptional, creating a unique and believable universe that readers will yearn to explore further.
This is a must-read for fans of the genre and a testament to the author's skill.
From the very first page, readers are drawn into a richly crafted universe where ancient rituals and futuristic technology coexist.
Koen Martens demonstrates superb storytelling prowess throughout the Ein Particle. The prose is engrossing, the pacing is masterful, and the characters are multi-dimensional and relatable. The world-building is exceptional, creating a unique and believable universe that readers will yearn to explore further.
This is a must-read for fans of the genre and a testament to the author's skill.
May 25, 2023
The Ein Particle by Koen Martens is one fine read. The civilization is perhaps an imaginative projection of a civilization modeled on Aztec or Mayan beliefs - but wit vastly more advanced technology. Mental mesh networks, a dominant class of people, the Ikayotli, and yearly sacrifices. The words used, such as 'techmotilistlem' and the sacrifice theme made me imagine a world in which the Aztecs had progressed and become dominant. This may not have been the author's main purpose but it was evoked for me. The main character was a person who strives to become part of the dominant class and is deeply ingrained in the belief system. Her evolution to rebel against the system is gradual, it is against all her beliefs, yet she becomes a fugitive and is hunted by the infrastructure of the ruling class. imagine a world in which mental implants are almost universal and any person can be located and all communications via the mental networks are monitored. The struggle the individual versus authoritarianism is a theme in Koen Martens "Forced to be Free Omnibus" and is further explored in the "Ein Particle". The action, characterization and plotting are excellent. Absorbing and entertaining. I await the next installment in this series.
June 2, 2023
This is my opinion and it may differ from other readers.
This is the story of one young woman living in a "cult like" society where a young woman is sacrificed, once a year, to please and appease their god so that they may continue to live in peace and prosperity.
Tlna is a master in the teachings and she whole heatedly believes in them.
That is until she is designated to be this years' sacrifice. Then, she runs away, and joins the rebel camp.
The book is long to read, the pronouns he and she are so often used in a confusing way leaving ton wander if the characters are male or female, the story is typical of this type of situation.
A 3 star rating is the maximum I can give this book.
This is the story of one young woman living in a "cult like" society where a young woman is sacrificed, once a year, to please and appease their god so that they may continue to live in peace and prosperity.
Tlna is a master in the teachings and she whole heatedly believes in them.
That is until she is designated to be this years' sacrifice. Then, she runs away, and joins the rebel camp.
The book is long to read, the pronouns he and she are so often used in a confusing way leaving ton wander if the characters are male or female, the story is typical of this type of situation.
A 3 star rating is the maximum I can give this book.
May 23, 2023
4.5/5 stars.
The Ein Particle ticks A LOT of boxes for me. It has the intelligent, agent-based treatment of imperialism that I appreciated so much about A Memory Called Empire, the culture and technological issues that pop up are interesting, and the plot is compelling. The book is not perfect - the Ein Particle plays a deceptively small role in the book and Tlana isn't always the strongest character - but it is REALLY close. Love it, highly recommend, can't wait for the sequel!
The Ein Particle ticks A LOT of boxes for me. It has the intelligent, agent-based treatment of imperialism that I appreciated so much about A Memory Called Empire, the culture and technological issues that pop up are interesting, and the plot is compelling. The book is not perfect - the Ein Particle plays a deceptively small role in the book and Tlana isn't always the strongest character - but it is REALLY close. Love it, highly recommend, can't wait for the sequel!
May 29, 2023
I really enjoyed the way Koen Martens wrote this, it had everything that I was hoping for from the description. The characters were strongly written and they did everything that I was hoping for in this type of book. It was a great writing style and it left me wanting more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 25, 2023
Received as a review copy from Story Origin, this is an honest review. Unfortunately, it was the very unique names of its characters the authors used that it hard to keep track of everybody and remember each individual's stack in the story.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews