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Day Eight #1
The Reborn
Present day: Secret technology. Genius millionaires. A simulated human. Hidden chambers. And in the middle of it all: Trevor Leighton.
When Trevor Leighton stumbles upon a distress note written by the daughter of multi-millionaire Damon Winters, he attempts to do the right thing: turn it in. But the note isn’t what it seems, and it leads Trevor on a dangerous path to uncover the most incredible technology the world has ever known: a super intelligent human being simulating inside a computer program. Not only did Trevor unwittingly have a hand in creating the simulated human, but his new work to alter it will push his life – and the world – one step closer to a catastrophic event.
Part I of the Day Eight series is just the beginning of Trevor’s thrilling adventure to prevent a disaster far worse than any ever conceived by humanity.
When Trevor Leighton stumbles upon a distress note written by the daughter of multi-millionaire Damon Winters, he attempts to do the right thing: turn it in. But the note isn’t what it seems, and it leads Trevor on a dangerous path to uncover the most incredible technology the world has ever known: a super intelligent human being simulating inside a computer program. Not only did Trevor unwittingly have a hand in creating the simulated human, but his new work to alter it will push his life – and the world – one step closer to a catastrophic event.
Part I of the Day Eight series is just the beginning of Trevor’s thrilling adventure to prevent a disaster far worse than any ever conceived by humanity.
203 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2012
23 people are currently reading
427 people want to read
About the author
Ray Mazza
3 books16 followersRay Mazza, like all life, was born of stardust from the echoes of a supernova. Then he grew up in Connecticut, which was nearly as glamorous, before taking root in the Silicon Valley with his wife.
He holds degrees in Computer Science and Physics from Colby College, as well as a Master of Entertainment Technology degree from Carnegie Mellon. His technical background and entertainment degree both heavily influence his novels.
When Ray isn't writing, he's the lead designer and creative director of hit video games. His favorite game that he's developed is The Sims 3.
He holds degrees in Computer Science and Physics from Colby College, as well as a Master of Entertainment Technology degree from Carnegie Mellon. His technical background and entertainment degree both heavily influence his novels.
When Ray isn't writing, he's the lead designer and creative director of hit video games. His favorite game that he's developed is The Sims 3.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 17, 2012
So, I have on the table next to me three books by Ray Mazza. These books make up The Day Eight Series. They are self-published and most experienced readers know that a great number of the self-published are fair to middling and I am usually tempted to grade them on a curve, the thought process being, " Well, it's pretty good considering it's a do-it-yourself job and she did it all herself." This is much the same thought process I have when I do handyman work around the house and I proudly show it off to my wife - it's pretty good but certainly not professional.
I let these three books sit on my to-be-read pile for about a month.
Why?
I was not in the mood for, "Well, it's pretty good, considering..."
So, I pick up book one and about 15 pages in I am thinking, "Where is he going with this?" I read the back cover a couple of times and decided to give it a few more pages. Where are the human simulations running on computers? Where's the "catastrophic event" coming from?
By page 35 I decide I kind of like the main character, Trevor Leighton, and I'll ride it out a bit more.
On page 71, we hit pay dirt. My mind is blown. We are introduced to the simulations. Most importantly, we are introduced to how they are developed. Such a simple idea (and complex at the same time). Good sci-fi takes you to new places and shows you some new stuff. Great sci-fi takes what you already know and puts a little tilt to it, a twist that makes you see everything in a new way. It's all the same. It's all different...
Read more at: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2012/...
My reviews for the entire series can be found here: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/searc...
I let these three books sit on my to-be-read pile for about a month.
Why?
I was not in the mood for, "Well, it's pretty good, considering..."
So, I pick up book one and about 15 pages in I am thinking, "Where is he going with this?" I read the back cover a couple of times and decided to give it a few more pages. Where are the human simulations running on computers? Where's the "catastrophic event" coming from?
By page 35 I decide I kind of like the main character, Trevor Leighton, and I'll ride it out a bit more.
On page 71, we hit pay dirt. My mind is blown. We are introduced to the simulations. Most importantly, we are introduced to how they are developed. Such a simple idea (and complex at the same time). Good sci-fi takes you to new places and shows you some new stuff. Great sci-fi takes what you already know and puts a little tilt to it, a twist that makes you see everything in a new way. It's all the same. It's all different...
Read more at: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2012/...
My reviews for the entire series can be found here: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/searc...
August 31, 2012
I always fear buying a digital only book, not that there are not great writers in tye digutal print world. It is that money is not as easily spent on something you do not get enjoyment out of. I have no reservations recommending this first book. It was a quick read, which for me means I liked it. It had a good plot that I picked up early and was a subject that interested me.
The concepts of AI's has a place in our contemporary stories. I found this slant on the typical genre to be refreshing and not as bogged down as I have found the at times. Trevor is a likable character for the simpke reason he is flawed. He is more like us than typical characters can be in sci-fi and techno-thrillers.
Mr. Mazza thanks you for writing such an enjoyable story. I am moving on to the second book.
The concepts of AI's has a place in our contemporary stories. I found this slant on the typical genre to be refreshing and not as bogged down as I have found the at times. Trevor is a likable character for the simpke reason he is flawed. He is more like us than typical characters can be in sci-fi and techno-thrillers.
Mr. Mazza thanks you for writing such an enjoyable story. I am moving on to the second book.
September 26, 2012
oh my gosh. oh my GOSH!! got this on free kindle tips and tricks. It is heart stopping good. I finished this and promptly bought the second. The story is complex and very intriguing. Read it. you will not regret it!!
September 2, 2012
Loved it! I just downloaded the next two books in the series. It's a fast read filled with fantastic ideas about the future of AI. Oh, there's political intrigue, national security issues, and meaning-of-life stuff, too. Can't wait to see where this is going, but I'm afraid some of it is going to break my heart (which is a good thing when reading a great novel.)
September 4, 2012
Good book. I was a little confused about some of the computer stuff but the book flowed and wasn't too complicated. I started to wonder at the end who was real and who was AI, but that was probably the authors intention.
September 7, 2012
What a fantastic book. Was free download on Amazon.
October 4, 2012
LOVED it. Seriously. Definitely kept me guessing. Surprised by how plausible it is - for once I didn't cringe when an author wrote about programming, AI, etc.
February 28, 2025
A genius billionaire is influencing the future through his tech company. Diverting, not too long, and fairly well written, but possibly not intriguing enough to continue to the next two books in the series, Two stars because I liked it enough to finish it.
October 26, 2012
My expectations were really non-existent when I downloaded the first book in The Day Eight series by Ray Mazza. A tweet from a friend let me know the first book in the series, The Reborn, was a $.99 download on Amazon. I wanted to support the author, who not only wrote a trilogy, which is an amazing accomplishment, but he also choose to self-publish it. What I didn't expect was that I would devour the entire series in a short period of time.
The series is about the development and evolution of simulated humans by a technology company in New York City, called Day Eight. Mazza develops the human and simulated human characters similarly, and in the prologue, you don't necessarily know who are the simulates. When we do finally meet Ezra - the most advanced simulate - at the end of the first book, I had to go back to re-read the prologue to fully grasp her evolution. Also at the center of the story is Trevor an employee at Day Eight. A majority of the story is told from Trevor's point of view as he goes from being in awe of the advancement of technology beyond what he thought was possible to the realization that the evolution of the stimulants may not be for the good of everyone.
The Reborn, Of Mice And Hitman, and The Spiritual Singularity are all compelling thrillers. Mazza weaves in the science (which I love) without bringing a halt to the story. The story also makes you think about what lines we can or should cross for the sake of advancements in science. Do you sacrifice a few for the sake of many?
The series reminds me of Kurt Vonnegut's Player Piano in the way it highlights the worst and best parts of human evolution. I highly recommend the series.
The series is about the development and evolution of simulated humans by a technology company in New York City, called Day Eight. Mazza develops the human and simulated human characters similarly, and in the prologue, you don't necessarily know who are the simulates. When we do finally meet Ezra - the most advanced simulate - at the end of the first book, I had to go back to re-read the prologue to fully grasp her evolution. Also at the center of the story is Trevor an employee at Day Eight. A majority of the story is told from Trevor's point of view as he goes from being in awe of the advancement of technology beyond what he thought was possible to the realization that the evolution of the stimulants may not be for the good of everyone.
The Reborn, Of Mice And Hitman, and The Spiritual Singularity are all compelling thrillers. Mazza weaves in the science (which I love) without bringing a halt to the story. The story also makes you think about what lines we can or should cross for the sake of advancements in science. Do you sacrifice a few for the sake of many?
The series reminds me of Kurt Vonnegut's Player Piano in the way it highlights the worst and best parts of human evolution. I highly recommend the series.
November 5, 2012
Sometimes, or most times, technology goes beyond our wildest dreams. Every new advance opens a new world of possibilities and changes our world to a point of no return. But what if one of those creations were so life changing that would have to be kept a secret? How far do you think technology will go?
In The Reborn, the first of a three part novel, Trevor finds himself facing a whole new world. This is a fast, thrilling, and full of mystery first part that serves as the perfect platform to a great series.
Trevor is a worker at Day Eight Company. One day, in his routinely agenda, he decided to use the internet at his office to download some movies (pretty risked don’t you think? In my opinion is way too funny and real) and because of this his whole life gives a 180 degrees turn. And he is dragged to a place he never dreamt of.
Trevor has to face a whole new world, hidden from the eyes and ears of the ordinary people. A world where the most unbelievable advances are real. Trevor gets in touch with his boss, Damon Winter, and he will show him all the secrets that have being secluded in the insides of the company buildings.
The most amazing thing we get to know in book one is: Simulated humans. My mind was blown when I first read about Simulants, this intelligent software, program; project (any name you want to give it).
You may think that the science-fiction, or all the computer vocabulary, or the explanations of how a computer works, would be a bit overwhelming, however the author makes a great work trying to explain everything in a way easy to follow and understand.
Book one makes a wonderful job introducing us in the story and giving a wide panorama of the things to come. This book also present a lot of questions, that will help keep you interested in the rest of the story.
(Just so you know, I received a paperback copy of the book in exchange for an honest review).
In The Reborn, the first of a three part novel, Trevor finds himself facing a whole new world. This is a fast, thrilling, and full of mystery first part that serves as the perfect platform to a great series.
Trevor is a worker at Day Eight Company. One day, in his routinely agenda, he decided to use the internet at his office to download some movies (pretty risked don’t you think? In my opinion is way too funny and real) and because of this his whole life gives a 180 degrees turn. And he is dragged to a place he never dreamt of.
Trevor has to face a whole new world, hidden from the eyes and ears of the ordinary people. A world where the most unbelievable advances are real. Trevor gets in touch with his boss, Damon Winter, and he will show him all the secrets that have being secluded in the insides of the company buildings.
The most amazing thing we get to know in book one is: Simulated humans. My mind was blown when I first read about Simulants, this intelligent software, program; project (any name you want to give it).
You may think that the science-fiction, or all the computer vocabulary, or the explanations of how a computer works, would be a bit overwhelming, however the author makes a great work trying to explain everything in a way easy to follow and understand.
Book one makes a wonderful job introducing us in the story and giving a wide panorama of the things to come. This book also present a lot of questions, that will help keep you interested in the rest of the story.
(Just so you know, I received a paperback copy of the book in exchange for an honest review).
April 3, 2013
I completed The Reborn. It was a very fast read. It was very different than I anticipated, but in a good way. The book is split into three parts and this is the first. I intend to continue with the other sections. I almost rated this book a 4, but some of the situational conversations were highly technical. Multiple times I would read a section and would think "what are these people talking about and am I supposed to understand all of the details in order to comprehend the relevance to the story plot?". I like the concept of an omnipotent uber-corporation who is manipulating multiple fields of discipline and is secreting away highly advanced technology.
January 28, 2013
This was very well written. I found myself growing very fond of the main character. But even though the story left me hanging and I am curious about what happens next I haven't gotten the second book. I think its because I can't get into the idea that disconnecting a simulated human "born" in a computer would be an ethical problem. It felt like that is where the author is going, that these are real people created from a computer program and they should be treated as equally with humans. So being unable to suspend belief enough to go along with this idea I don't think I'm going to "get it." But I do think this writer has real talent and found the book very interesting.
February 17, 2013
I'm not normally much of a sci-fi reader, but this looked interesting (and was free, who can say no that that?) so I picked it up. I found it well written and a fun, interesting read, and I will definitely be looking for parts 2 & 3.
July 13, 2013
Got this book as a freebie through pixel of ink. Thought this was going to be just another okay tech story, but have been unable to out the book down. Purchasing the next two ebooks. Fun, exciting read.
September 12, 2013
As to be expected in a serial, the end leaves you hanging, but this novella's story was not developed enough to make want to continue the series.
That is too bad, because there were some interesting concepts.
That is too bad, because there were some interesting concepts.
May 29, 2015
Interesting tech
I enjoyed reading this book and thought that the technology behind it is a very interesting concept. This was a good start, now on to the next book to see where this goes...
I enjoyed reading this book and thought that the technology behind it is a very interesting concept. This was a good start, now on to the next book to see where this goes...
November 10, 2012
Fantastic start to a series
Check out more of my review at http://specsandginger.wordpress.com
Check out more of my review at http://specsandginger.wordpress.com
December 31, 2012
Brilliant ideas from a brilliant writer. I can't wait to dig in to the next book.
October 18, 2013
Geek SciFi. Interesting but be prepared to buy book two.
April 3, 2014
Parts I & II were interesting and held my attention. I did not love the third book, it got too scientific for me.
November 25, 2015
Paradigm shift
Never thought I'd live to see it. I think now I just might. A feel good about the future book.
Never thought I'd live to see it. I think now I just might. A feel good about the future book.
March 18, 2016
Interesting plot line
Engaging book. Some inconsistencies with the main character, Trevor. He is smart yet not very bright. Acts like a twelve year old than a thirty year old.
Engaging book. Some inconsistencies with the main character, Trevor. He is smart yet not very bright. Acts like a twelve year old than a thirty year old.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews