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Silicon World #0.5
Silicon Dawn
A SILICON MAN PREQUEL
THE LINE BETWEEN MAN AND MACHINE HAS BEEN CROSSED...
AND THERE IS NO TURNING BACK.
A diabolical serial killer stalks the city of the future…
Hunting the people who build the machines.
And it's up to two cops to unravel a terrible conspiracy.
The world is still reeling form the devastation of the Omega Virus and struggling to rebuild. A growing android workforce has given rise to the Human Defense League and anti-AI sentiment is at an all-time high.
Adam, one of the first of the new X-3000 models, arrives into this hostile future. Field-tested on the Luna colonies, now assigned to Earth, Adam is paired with homicide detective Jane Malveaux, who has little love for synthetics.
Before long both Malveaux and Adam must cast aside their differences and join forces to solve a case that will test both man and machine.
Note: This prequel can be read before or after Silicon Man.
THE LINE BETWEEN MAN AND MACHINE HAS BEEN CROSSED...
AND THERE IS NO TURNING BACK.
A diabolical serial killer stalks the city of the future…
Hunting the people who build the machines.
And it's up to two cops to unravel a terrible conspiracy.
The world is still reeling form the devastation of the Omega Virus and struggling to rebuild. A growing android workforce has given rise to the Human Defense League and anti-AI sentiment is at an all-time high.
Adam, one of the first of the new X-3000 models, arrives into this hostile future. Field-tested on the Luna colonies, now assigned to Earth, Adam is paired with homicide detective Jane Malveaux, who has little love for synthetics.
Before long both Malveaux and Adam must cast aside their differences and join forces to solve a case that will test both man and machine.
Note: This prequel can be read before or after Silicon Man.
- GenresScience FictionRobots
202 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 25, 2015
30 people are currently reading
461 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 13, 2016
Prepare yourself for the incredible story before Silicon Man
Adam is an android tasked with helping out an investigation into what looks to be a serial killer. The catch is, the serial killer looks to be killing former employees of the company who makes the androids that are being used (including Adam). He is partnered up with a detective who doesn’t seem to like “his kind” or in her words “its kind”. Which makes for an interesting dichotomy.
Joe Hempel does the narration for this and he just keeps getting better and better. I LOVED his work on Surviving AI, and I didn’t think it could get much better than that. But low-and-behold lies Silicon Dawn. What an incredible narration job done by Joe. His pacing is perfect. You can listen to it at almost any speed an understand him. The quality is amazing — studio-quality with no issues at all.
The story was fascinating to me. It’s a perfect mix of detective/murder mystery and a futuristic AI-laced science fiction tale. I have not read Silicon Man, and now that I’ve read Silicon Dawn, I’m kind of glad I didn’t. Now I get to jump into Man with some expectations of what is to happen and a little more back-story to the events that go down. Now, because I didn’t read Silicon Man, I cannot comment on how this story ties into the main story, but I assume it does so very well.
Adam is such a unique main character. His partner, Jane Malveuax doesn’t like him at first, but seems to change as she works with him more and more. I think the most interesting part was just watching their relationship grown (and shrivel) throughout this book.
Massa is a wordsmith, I didn’t feel like there was a single word out of place in this whole novel. Combine that with Hempel’s ability to make you feel at ease even with the most intense situations, this book was a superstar for me.
It kind of reminded me a bit of I, Robot (the movie, I never read the book by Clarke), but more in the future and after solving the issues of the uncanny valley.
Overall, this Silicon Dawn is a must read for any Sci Fi junkie. And if you’re a murder mystery fan, this book may surprise you.
I tell you how I know this was an incredibly well thought out book; in the last 30 minutes or so the book could have ended numerous times and I would have been okay with it. Honestly, I was waiting for Hempel to say “This has been Silicon Dawn” about 5 or 6 times before the book actually ended.
Adam is an android tasked with helping out an investigation into what looks to be a serial killer. The catch is, the serial killer looks to be killing former employees of the company who makes the androids that are being used (including Adam). He is partnered up with a detective who doesn’t seem to like “his kind” or in her words “its kind”. Which makes for an interesting dichotomy.
Joe Hempel does the narration for this and he just keeps getting better and better. I LOVED his work on Surviving AI, and I didn’t think it could get much better than that. But low-and-behold lies Silicon Dawn. What an incredible narration job done by Joe. His pacing is perfect. You can listen to it at almost any speed an understand him. The quality is amazing — studio-quality with no issues at all.
The story was fascinating to me. It’s a perfect mix of detective/murder mystery and a futuristic AI-laced science fiction tale. I have not read Silicon Man, and now that I’ve read Silicon Dawn, I’m kind of glad I didn’t. Now I get to jump into Man with some expectations of what is to happen and a little more back-story to the events that go down. Now, because I didn’t read Silicon Man, I cannot comment on how this story ties into the main story, but I assume it does so very well.
Adam is such a unique main character. His partner, Jane Malveuax doesn’t like him at first, but seems to change as she works with him more and more. I think the most interesting part was just watching their relationship grown (and shrivel) throughout this book.
Massa is a wordsmith, I didn’t feel like there was a single word out of place in this whole novel. Combine that with Hempel’s ability to make you feel at ease even with the most intense situations, this book was a superstar for me.
It kind of reminded me a bit of I, Robot (the movie, I never read the book by Clarke), but more in the future and after solving the issues of the uncanny valley.
Overall, this Silicon Dawn is a must read for any Sci Fi junkie. And if you’re a murder mystery fan, this book may surprise you.
I tell you how I know this was an incredibly well thought out book; in the last 30 minutes or so the book could have ended numerous times and I would have been okay with it. Honestly, I was waiting for Hempel to say “This has been Silicon Dawn” about 5 or 6 times before the book actually ended.
May 15, 2015
What an awesome ride
This book grabbed me right from the start. I had already read the book that this is a prequel for, but it stands on its own for any new reader.
It is a great read with some good twists and turns for any robotics scifi fan.
There are some serious issues here for thought as well. One day we will have these types of issues, things to think about.
A good scifi read that also made me stop and think about some society issues. What more can you ask for?
This book grabbed me right from the start. I had already read the book that this is a prequel for, but it stands on its own for any new reader.
It is a great read with some good twists and turns for any robotics scifi fan.
There are some serious issues here for thought as well. One day we will have these types of issues, things to think about.
A good scifi read that also made me stop and think about some society issues. What more can you ask for?
May 14, 2015
Fantastic read. Shades of Bladerunner, and looks at the dichotomy and stress of artificial life unsure where it stands in the soul department.
Do androids really dream of electric sheep?
4.5/5
Do androids really dream of electric sheep?
4.5/5
May 5, 2015
(I received a free copy of this book.)
I read Massa's Silicon Man quite some time ago and really enjoyed it. I found it to be a cool robot story with a 90's action movie feel. My only mark against it was I found it lacked warmth, humor, or romance.
This, a prequel to Silicon Man, delivers the same explosive action, but adds those elements I found lacking in the previous entry (but not too much, the dudebros won't roll their eyes I promise). The main character is a lady cop, who partners up with Adam, a cutting edge android who's human enough you could say he had a soul.
The action scenes were cinematic as they moved across the page. There was a mystery to solve, trying to track a serial killer, searching for clues, trying to establish motive. There was soul searching as Adam grappled with ideas of religion and what it means to be human. There was humor as Malveaux learned that Adam had a knack for witty comebacks. There was a hint, just a tiny flicker of romance as she developed a bond of friendship with Adam despite her misgivings.
There were twists I didn't see coming as the mystery unfolded to a tense, crackling climax. If the first book was a bit like Robocop meets Blade Runner, this one was a bit like Terminator 2 meets Isaac Asimov's Robot series.
I loved it, honest truth. I'm not a big fan of serial killer or murder crime fiction, and some of the scenes were grisly enough that I don't think I'd want to watch a live action movie version of this. I'm just too squeamish, sorry. But it was a great story and I've already recommended this book to a few of my friends.
This series continues to improve and I hope we get to see more of Malveaux and Adam!
I read Massa's Silicon Man quite some time ago and really enjoyed it. I found it to be a cool robot story with a 90's action movie feel. My only mark against it was I found it lacked warmth, humor, or romance.
This, a prequel to Silicon Man, delivers the same explosive action, but adds those elements I found lacking in the previous entry (but not too much, the dudebros won't roll their eyes I promise). The main character is a lady cop, who partners up with Adam, a cutting edge android who's human enough you could say he had a soul.
The action scenes were cinematic as they moved across the page. There was a mystery to solve, trying to track a serial killer, searching for clues, trying to establish motive. There was soul searching as Adam grappled with ideas of religion and what it means to be human. There was humor as Malveaux learned that Adam had a knack for witty comebacks. There was a hint, just a tiny flicker of romance as she developed a bond of friendship with Adam despite her misgivings.
There were twists I didn't see coming as the mystery unfolded to a tense, crackling climax. If the first book was a bit like Robocop meets Blade Runner, this one was a bit like Terminator 2 meets Isaac Asimov's Robot series.
I loved it, honest truth. I'm not a big fan of serial killer or murder crime fiction, and some of the scenes were grisly enough that I don't think I'd want to watch a live action movie version of this. I'm just too squeamish, sorry. But it was a great story and I've already recommended this book to a few of my friends.
This series continues to improve and I hope we get to see more of Malveaux and Adam!
May 17, 2015
Adam has no idea what to expect when he sets foot on earth. A string of murders leads him into a heart pounding discovery around every turn.
What I liked: Anything with robots and I'm screaming like a Fangirl. I heard William Massa was creating this book and I couldn't wait to get my hands on it! I love the way this author writes. Fast-paced. Had my heart pounding quite literally in some scenes. I hated having to put it down! In every book I've read by this author I love the creative way he describes things, as well as the fast-paced story that feels like a movie. If you enjoy robots, dystopian, or sci-fi without bogging you down with tons of confusing concepts, then you'll enjoy William's book! I really liked Adam, and seeing things through a robot's eyes was very unique.
What I didn't like: NOTHING. I always write the 'what I didn't like' in a review. But when its an author I'm a Fan girl of, I have nothing critical to say!
You'll love Silicon man if you read this one first. Silicon man and Fear the Light were the first two books that got me hooked on this awesome author.
What I liked: Anything with robots and I'm screaming like a Fangirl. I heard William Massa was creating this book and I couldn't wait to get my hands on it! I love the way this author writes. Fast-paced. Had my heart pounding quite literally in some scenes. I hated having to put it down! In every book I've read by this author I love the creative way he describes things, as well as the fast-paced story that feels like a movie. If you enjoy robots, dystopian, or sci-fi without bogging you down with tons of confusing concepts, then you'll enjoy William's book! I really liked Adam, and seeing things through a robot's eyes was very unique.
What I didn't like: NOTHING. I always write the 'what I didn't like' in a review. But when its an author I'm a Fan girl of, I have nothing critical to say!
You'll love Silicon man if you read this one first. Silicon man and Fear the Light were the first two books that got me hooked on this awesome author.
May 31, 2015
This is a very well written sci-fi thriller! I really enjoy the first book in this series,
and have been wanting to read a follow up book. Well, William gave us readers a prequel thriller instead. I liked it, and I liked it a lot. I gave Silicon Man a 5-Star review and I am giving this one 5-stars as well.
To say it is written in the vein of Blade Runner is not really fair. Yes, they both deal with androids and how they fit into our society, but Silicon Man and Dawn can both stand on their own.
After all, both Shane and High Noon are classic western movies, but they are great for their own reasons. Not all sci-fi android thrillers are the same. I enjoy watching Blade Runner (all 5 versions) and I like this series as well. A low cost book, give it a shot and you will see I am not off-base on this review.
and have been wanting to read a follow up book. Well, William gave us readers a prequel thriller instead. I liked it, and I liked it a lot. I gave Silicon Man a 5-Star review and I am giving this one 5-stars as well.To say it is written in the vein of Blade Runner is not really fair. Yes, they both deal with androids and how they fit into our society, but Silicon Man and Dawn can both stand on their own.
After all, both Shane and High Noon are classic western movies, but they are great for their own reasons. Not all sci-fi android thrillers are the same. I enjoy watching Blade Runner (all 5 versions) and I like this series as well. A low cost book, give it a shot and you will see I am not off-base on this review.
June 3, 2015
I loved the first book, Silicon Man, and was anxiously awaiting the sequel. Instead, surprise of surprises, a prequel came along. It’s tough to put a label on the genre, part techno-thriller, part mystery, part co story, but it is so much more than that. I found myself thinking long after I read it, and had to go back a read it again. There is such growth in the main characters, Adam, a mech-unit, and Jane, a homicide cop.
After I finished the book, all I could do was sit there and say, “WOW!”
You’ve got to read this one… and then… the others…
Some readers said they felt it read like a screenplay and I agree. To me, that’s not a negative in this case. I was totally in Bill Massa’s world that he created.
I did receive a free copy of the book, but that did not affect my review. Well, truth be told, I received 2 versions, the second one because the author took the time to make sure some typos were corrected. That shows me the mettle of the author.
After I finished the book, all I could do was sit there and say, “WOW!”
You’ve got to read this one… and then… the others…
Some readers said they felt it read like a screenplay and I agree. To me, that’s not a negative in this case. I was totally in Bill Massa’s world that he created.
I did receive a free copy of the book, but that did not affect my review. Well, truth be told, I received 2 versions, the second one because the author took the time to make sure some typos were corrected. That shows me the mettle of the author.
June 23, 2015
I received this book as part of a Goodreads Firstreads promotion for an honest review. Silicon Dawn by William Massa is not a book I would normally read as I am not a huge Sci Fi fan, but I am glad I took a chance and read it. Although it is the second book in a series, it can stand on it's own. Detective Jane Malveaux and model X3000 Adam are assigned to find out who is murdering people on earth. But the people being killed happen to be the ones making the machines.... Lots of plot twists will leave you wanting to finish the book to see what happens and how Adam and Jane put aside all there differences to sole the case.
August 7, 2020
Massa is the Man! I love his writing style. Its fast paced, almost as though he is writing for tv or cinema but I find that the characters aren't lacking in depth like so many other authors that employ similar styles. You don't have to have read Silicon Man to read this, as its a prequel, but I did happen to read Silicon Man and I am pleased to say this one is just as good or even better. Keep it up Mr. Massa.
May 15, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. It was entertaining, full of action and emotions. I loved how the main character (Jane ) is very guarded and not very trusting towards Adam. He is not human and she struggles with what to do, what to say and how to react. I loved when she finally breaks and says thank you to him or it, even tho she still thinks of Adam as a machine for most of the story in the end her very human emotions win and she thinks about him as something more than a machine.
This story is really awesome, you will get sucked into the story right away with all the things that happen and you won't be bored for a second. The characters are great and the story will keep your attention all the way till you are finished reading. The story has a few twists and some mystery. I really loved it! Definitely worth a read, I will recommend to all my friends.
This story is really awesome, you will get sucked into the story right away with all the things that happen and you won't be bored for a second. The characters are great and the story will keep your attention all the way till you are finished reading. The story has a few twists and some mystery. I really loved it! Definitely worth a read, I will recommend to all my friends.
August 24, 2015
An interesting realistic future techno thriller in a world where the tides of progress in the realm of artificial intelligence and robot technology are at odds with the philosophical questions that come up in reference to them. Massa takes the reader on a high tension journey through this semi-near future world and only pauses the action long enough to allow the characters to address the questions of sentience and self-awareness. I surely will find out where this goes following this entry and recommend the same for others.
April 28, 2015
As a fan of the Silicon Man book I had been looking forward to reading this and it did not disappoint. Silicon Dawn is an excellent science fiction thriller. A detective (Jane Malveaux) is paired with a robot to investigate some disturbing murders. Jane must put aside her prejudices and work with the robot. She begins to question her understanding of robots as they work together to solve the case.
I would definitely recommend this book, as well as Massa's other books. His stories are amazing.
I would definitely recommend this book, as well as Massa's other books. His stories are amazing.
May 31, 2015
Man and Machine
I was very surprise about the prequel. If your familiar with the first book, than this one goes into depth of how machines basically changing the structure of society. The uncertainty how man will compete or survive against it's nemesis (mech). Leaves the reader some what grateful with common bond between Adam and malveaux.
I was very surprise about the prequel. If your familiar with the first book, than this one goes into depth of how machines basically changing the structure of society. The uncertainty how man will compete or survive against it's nemesis (mech). Leaves the reader some what grateful with common bond between Adam and malveaux.
June 7, 2015
Just getting started
I feel like this book was just an appetizer and now I want the whole meal. The story seemed novel despite the basic topic being popular right now. Something seemed to be missing in the development of the human-android relationship but didn't interfere with my enjoyment.
I feel like this book was just an appetizer and now I want the whole meal. The story seemed novel despite the basic topic being popular right now. Something seemed to be missing in the development of the human-android relationship but didn't interfere with my enjoyment.
May 7, 2015
i was impressed with how exciting this book was. it kept getting better and better the further I read into the story. very suspenseful. i enjoyed the skill of Massa discussing the blurred lines between AI and being Human.
May 12, 2015
I loved this book. It has great characters and a great storyline. The build up of the story keeps your interest and then puts you through a roller coaster of fun that has you on the edge of your seat.
May 19, 2015
I just love this world of human and AI! William Massa brings it all to life with characters that you care about, especially an android named Adam.
August 24, 2015
Remind me of Asimov
Reminds me some of Asimovs work not as well rounded as it could had been but not bad at all
Reminds me some of Asimovs work not as well rounded as it could had been but not bad at all
April 5, 2016
Another interesting book in the Silicon World series. I like the author's style.
Good narration.
Good narration.
September 25, 2022
Skip this cop & android book. Read Asimov’s “Robot” series instead
This book was a well-meant gift, so I read it to say a proper thank you. It’s more a YA read, about SFPD Inspector Jane Malveaux who has uncanny valley feels about her new partner, Adam. He is an advanced humanoid android from Luna Colonies, and the first on earth, where people hate mechs. Malveaux & Adam’s first case together: a murder. My thoughts: a 2014 TV show had a similar police duo, but I first remembered Elijah & Daneel.
The author’s bio notes his “obsession with Star Wars, Blade Runner, Alien, X-Files and Star Trek.” No oldies, so he could’ve missed Isaac Asimov’s classic Robot Series, beginning with “The Caves of Steel,” published in 1954. Detective Elijah Baley, Asimov’s protagonist, is an Earth-human cop forced to partner with R. Daneel Olivaw. The R is for Robot, albeit one that appears as human as Baley. R. Daneel is the first positronic humaniform-robot on Earth, where humans hate robots. Elijah & Daneel’s first case: a murder.
“Silicon Dawn” should be a science-fiction police procedural, but it’s weak on protocols, procedures, and detecting. I recommend Isaac Asimov’s classic series—of which book #3 is titled “The Robots of Dawn.” I think I’ll reread Asimov’s Robot series, since they’re in my Kindle.
2.5 stars
This book was a well-meant gift, so I read it to say a proper thank you. It’s more a YA read, about SFPD Inspector Jane Malveaux who has uncanny valley feels about her new partner, Adam. He is an advanced humanoid android from Luna Colonies, and the first on earth, where people hate mechs. Malveaux & Adam’s first case together: a murder. My thoughts: a 2014 TV show had a similar police duo, but I first remembered Elijah & Daneel.
The author’s bio notes his “obsession with Star Wars, Blade Runner, Alien, X-Files and Star Trek.” No oldies, so he could’ve missed Isaac Asimov’s classic Robot Series, beginning with “The Caves of Steel,” published in 1954. Detective Elijah Baley, Asimov’s protagonist, is an Earth-human cop forced to partner with R. Daneel Olivaw. The R is for Robot, albeit one that appears as human as Baley. R. Daneel is the first positronic humaniform-robot on Earth, where humans hate robots. Elijah & Daneel’s first case: a murder.
“Silicon Dawn” should be a science-fiction police procedural, but it’s weak on protocols, procedures, and detecting. I recommend Isaac Asimov’s classic series—of which book #3 is titled “The Robots of Dawn.” I think I’ll reread Asimov’s Robot series, since they’re in my Kindle.
2.5 stars
October 8, 2022
I really like it.
The audiobook version is about 4h with an interesting twist near the end, for sure has elements of Ghost in the Shell and draws inspiration of Philip K. Dick's work.
I wish the author could write another one of Silicon World series, it is much enjoyable, well written and I do like the approach (as Lars Lundström did in Äkta människor) with the mech/androids/come to self awareness about their role in our future society.
Recommended.
The audiobook version is about 4h with an interesting twist near the end, for sure has elements of Ghost in the Shell and draws inspiration of Philip K. Dick's work.
I wish the author could write another one of Silicon World series, it is much enjoyable, well written and I do like the approach (as Lars Lundström did in Äkta människor) with the mech/androids/come to self awareness about their role in our future society.
Recommended.
May 8, 2016
This is a shorter story, but it's packed full of important information pertinent to the story. No wasted time on unneeded scenes. The lower key scenes are important for character growth, but they are extremely short. We spend 99% of the story moving through the mystery.
If you like stories that are similar to I Robot the movie, this is really a story for you!
This story ends on a note that sets up the world for a new potential future. Good or bad is yet to be seen, but the technology could be used either way. Now I'm more curious as to what the future holds with the technology present and mechs.
****FULL REVIEW****
*I requested to review a copy of this audiobook for an honest review from the author or narrator.
Inspector Jane Malveaux is already not fond of the mechs for personal reasons, but when her partner is killed at a homicide crime scene because of Adam's presence, Malveaux believes the robots should not be on the police force. Malveaux is put on the case of a killer. They find there are more murders of cyberneticists. It's going to take more than electronics to find the sick killer on the loose, and that's where Malveaux comes in. Adam is here to learn and prove that mechs can help. Paired as a team, Malveaux and Adam need to work together with what makes them who they are to solve the case, each bringing a different view to the case.
Joe Hempel narrates this story with a clean background and seamless chapters. He does softer tones for Malveaux, being female, and stronger tones for the males. He expresses the feel of what Adam is saying with tones that fit the moment, giving Adam a bit more feel to his in-humanness, as he grows and becomes more human to us. There is, however, one sentence that is repeated toward the end of the story (**which Audible is fixing**), but if that is all I can find wrong, we are doing great.
The 1st chapter is set up with people's responses to the mechs that are created to resemble humans and are everywhere. There is a lot of strong feelings and the first few chapters express the views of both sides of the coin for us.
We see the mech Adam grow in his ways. He uses cues to react as he thinks should be done with people in different circumstances. He also struggles with why humans would act with such cruelty and brutality in being serial killers. Adam, after a nice talk with the Captain, decides to stay on the case and maybe he can find other patterns besides emotions to help solve the case. As the story goes and we get Adam's view in the story, we start to see he's more human than many think. Adam has views on the world, opinions in a sense. Like when he sees pleasure mechs, he doesn't really approve of them. He sees death early in his arrival on Earth and it seems to affect him. Adam keeps surprising us with his kindness and gestures of human type feelings throughout the story. Even Malveaux is surprised at times at Adam's actions and helpful ways on the case.
We are on a mystery case where the cyberneticists were killed a month ago and left with parts of mechs and messages from the bible and for humankind. I had a feel for how everything would turn out, but was curious as to how the positions of the dead bodies would relate to the killer. In the end, William makes the connection for me. And it worked! I was impressed with the relation and story telling here as it was a bit different.
This is a shorter story, but it's packed full of important information pertinent to the story. No wasted time on unneeded scenes. The lower key scenes are important for character growth, but they are extremely short. We spend 99% of the story moving through the mystery.
If you like stories that are similar to I Robot the movie, this is really a story for you! The world and interaction is very similar.
This story ends on a note that sets up the world for a new potential future. Good or bad is yet to be seen, but the technology could be used either way. Now I'm more curious as to what the future holds with the technology present and mechs.
If you like stories that are similar to I Robot the movie, this is really a story for you!
This story ends on a note that sets up the world for a new potential future. Good or bad is yet to be seen, but the technology could be used either way. Now I'm more curious as to what the future holds with the technology present and mechs.
****FULL REVIEW****
*I requested to review a copy of this audiobook for an honest review from the author or narrator.
Inspector Jane Malveaux is already not fond of the mechs for personal reasons, but when her partner is killed at a homicide crime scene because of Adam's presence, Malveaux believes the robots should not be on the police force. Malveaux is put on the case of a killer. They find there are more murders of cyberneticists. It's going to take more than electronics to find the sick killer on the loose, and that's where Malveaux comes in. Adam is here to learn and prove that mechs can help. Paired as a team, Malveaux and Adam need to work together with what makes them who they are to solve the case, each bringing a different view to the case.
Joe Hempel narrates this story with a clean background and seamless chapters. He does softer tones for Malveaux, being female, and stronger tones for the males. He expresses the feel of what Adam is saying with tones that fit the moment, giving Adam a bit more feel to his in-humanness, as he grows and becomes more human to us. There is, however, one sentence that is repeated toward the end of the story (**which Audible is fixing**), but if that is all I can find wrong, we are doing great.
The 1st chapter is set up with people's responses to the mechs that are created to resemble humans and are everywhere. There is a lot of strong feelings and the first few chapters express the views of both sides of the coin for us.
We see the mech Adam grow in his ways. He uses cues to react as he thinks should be done with people in different circumstances. He also struggles with why humans would act with such cruelty and brutality in being serial killers. Adam, after a nice talk with the Captain, decides to stay on the case and maybe he can find other patterns besides emotions to help solve the case. As the story goes and we get Adam's view in the story, we start to see he's more human than many think. Adam has views on the world, opinions in a sense. Like when he sees pleasure mechs, he doesn't really approve of them. He sees death early in his arrival on Earth and it seems to affect him. Adam keeps surprising us with his kindness and gestures of human type feelings throughout the story. Even Malveaux is surprised at times at Adam's actions and helpful ways on the case.
We are on a mystery case where the cyberneticists were killed a month ago and left with parts of mechs and messages from the bible and for humankind. I had a feel for how everything would turn out, but was curious as to how the positions of the dead bodies would relate to the killer. In the end, William makes the connection for me. And it worked! I was impressed with the relation and story telling here as it was a bit different.
This is a shorter story, but it's packed full of important information pertinent to the story. No wasted time on unneeded scenes. The lower key scenes are important for character growth, but they are extremely short. We spend 99% of the story moving through the mystery.
If you like stories that are similar to I Robot the movie, this is really a story for you! The world and interaction is very similar.
This story ends on a note that sets up the world for a new potential future. Good or bad is yet to be seen, but the technology could be used either way. Now I'm more curious as to what the future holds with the technology present and mechs.
September 20, 2016
The edition I read was part of the Silicon World: Man vs. Machine collection.
Although it is a prequel to Silicon Man, this is a standalone complete story that is set in the same world ten years before the events of the other book. The two books can be read in any order, and you don't need to have read one to make sense of the other.
This was a quick read, not enormously deep, perhaps, but with plenty of action and good writing. This, and the sequel, are the kind of books you can picture as movies, and it was fun to be taken along for the ride.
Although it is a prequel to Silicon Man, this is a standalone complete story that is set in the same world ten years before the events of the other book. The two books can be read in any order, and you don't need to have read one to make sense of the other.
This was a quick read, not enormously deep, perhaps, but with plenty of action and good writing. This, and the sequel, are the kind of books you can picture as movies, and it was fun to be taken along for the ride.
April 1, 2017
Completely fantastic! 4.5 Stars!
Silicon Dawn is the prequel to Silicon Man, book one in the series, and it follows Adam, an AI who is visiting Earth for the first time. He ends up as the partner for a homicide detective who is working on a case of anti-AI murders.
Silicon Dawn is a delightful mix of Blade Runner-esque storytelling and murder mystery elements that combine to make one addicting story! It’s fast paced, fantastically written, and poses a ton of questions about what it means to be alive and to have humanity. All AI stories generally pose those questions at some point, but Silicone Dawn stands out among the AI stories I’ve read and seen simply because it offers us a fresh perspective; that of an AI. We get to spend time in Adam’s head as he navigates new social situations and a world where AI’s are not entirely welcome. It’s really something to be able to experience those moments of learning and adapting that we normally see from an outside point of view; not only does it give depth to the story itself, but it also help build connections between the reader and the AI involved. I love a good mystery, especially when it keeps me guessing and catches me off guard, and that is exactly what Silicon Dawn did. I also love that it’s not some simple who-dun-it where the mystery is all tied up neatly and the characters are essentially back at a clean slate, but instead a mystery that leaves a lot hanging in the balance despite being solved because things like this have lasting impressions. Initially I was a little afraid of the length. Nearly 4 hours just doesn’t seem like enough time for a full story to occur and I’ve experienced a quite a few pointless prequels, but all of that was unfounded. Not only did we get a full and complete story, but it provided some great insight into the characters that will appear in the main books and also laid some pretty detailed groundwork in the world building department.
Joe Hempel, our narrator, did a wonderful job! He has excellent pacing, which is a must when you have someone who likes to switch up the reading speeds. If the pacing is off then you end up with chipmunks on the fast end or a huge bout of impatience at the normal speed, and Joe has no such issues. He really adds a little extra kick to the already solid writing with his attention to the voices, emotions, and inflections.
A fantastic story with an equally fantastic narrator means that I am super excited to be able to add the rest of this series to my TBR pile!
Silicon Dawn is the prequel to Silicon Man, book one in the series, and it follows Adam, an AI who is visiting Earth for the first time. He ends up as the partner for a homicide detective who is working on a case of anti-AI murders.
Silicon Dawn is a delightful mix of Blade Runner-esque storytelling and murder mystery elements that combine to make one addicting story! It’s fast paced, fantastically written, and poses a ton of questions about what it means to be alive and to have humanity. All AI stories generally pose those questions at some point, but Silicone Dawn stands out among the AI stories I’ve read and seen simply because it offers us a fresh perspective; that of an AI. We get to spend time in Adam’s head as he navigates new social situations and a world where AI’s are not entirely welcome. It’s really something to be able to experience those moments of learning and adapting that we normally see from an outside point of view; not only does it give depth to the story itself, but it also help build connections between the reader and the AI involved. I love a good mystery, especially when it keeps me guessing and catches me off guard, and that is exactly what Silicon Dawn did. I also love that it’s not some simple who-dun-it where the mystery is all tied up neatly and the characters are essentially back at a clean slate, but instead a mystery that leaves a lot hanging in the balance despite being solved because things like this have lasting impressions. Initially I was a little afraid of the length. Nearly 4 hours just doesn’t seem like enough time for a full story to occur and I’ve experienced a quite a few pointless prequels, but all of that was unfounded. Not only did we get a full and complete story, but it provided some great insight into the characters that will appear in the main books and also laid some pretty detailed groundwork in the world building department.
Joe Hempel, our narrator, did a wonderful job! He has excellent pacing, which is a must when you have someone who likes to switch up the reading speeds. If the pacing is off then you end up with chipmunks on the fast end or a huge bout of impatience at the normal speed, and Joe has no such issues. He really adds a little extra kick to the already solid writing with his attention to the voices, emotions, and inflections.
A fantastic story with an equally fantastic narrator means that I am super excited to be able to add the rest of this series to my TBR pile!
July 4, 2015
A short teaser prequel to Silicon Man
I've got to say that Massa's writing has matured since he wrote Silicon Man, the classic android gains sentience story. This piece shows that his work in character development has matured, as he is able to grow the one Detective from a position from hating mechs to respecting her new android partner.
Other than that, there is not a lot of substance here - tracking down a serial killer of cyberneticists that left Synthetika, the Android factory, a year earlier. At the same time, the factory is being attacked by the Human Defense League, who wants android production halted. Adam, a new generation android, indistinguishable from man, except for power bars on the back of the neck, Adam teams up with homicide detectives to solve the murder and bring them to justice. All they do is slavishly follow the leads they are given.
A lesser version of Asimov, but not good in its own right. The makers are superfluous in this story. This sets up the potential conflict of androids and humans. Massa does do a good job foreshadowing that, but none of the creator issues.
If you have already read Silicon Man, it makes sense to read it. If you're going to read Silicon Man, read this first...
I've got to say that Massa's writing has matured since he wrote Silicon Man, the classic android gains sentience story. This piece shows that his work in character development has matured, as he is able to grow the one Detective from a position from hating mechs to respecting her new android partner.
Other than that, there is not a lot of substance here - tracking down a serial killer of cyberneticists that left Synthetika, the Android factory, a year earlier. At the same time, the factory is being attacked by the Human Defense League, who wants android production halted. Adam, a new generation android, indistinguishable from man, except for power bars on the back of the neck, Adam teams up with homicide detectives to solve the murder and bring them to justice. All they do is slavishly follow the leads they are given.
A lesser version of Asimov, but not good in its own right. The makers are superfluous in this story. This sets up the potential conflict of androids and humans. Massa does do a good job foreshadowing that, but none of the creator issues.
If you have already read Silicon Man, it makes sense to read it. If you're going to read Silicon Man, read this first...
April 15, 2020
You Won't Be Bored (Audiobook)
Silicon Dawn is action packed from start to finish with its mix of murder mystery, detective story and sci-fi. This story shows us the shaky beginnings of a great detective duo and I sincerely hope there are more stories of Jane Malveaux and Adam in the future.
Adam is endearing as he embraces the human experience, including humor. Jane despite her horrible past experience with a mech learns to look past that and see Adam as an individual.
William Massa paints a wonderful picture warts and all of future earth and the beings that live upon it. I am told that Silicon Dawn was originally a screen play for Warner Bros. but sadly it was released from its contract when I Robot went into production. I hope they reconsider it in the future as this story and the one that follows, Silicon Man, are perfect for the big screen.
Joe Hempel's timing, characterization vocals and inflections are well down. He allows you to thoroughly enjoy the story and characters.
This audiobook was provided by the author/narrator/publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review.
Silicon Dawn is action packed from start to finish with its mix of murder mystery, detective story and sci-fi. This story shows us the shaky beginnings of a great detective duo and I sincerely hope there are more stories of Jane Malveaux and Adam in the future.
Adam is endearing as he embraces the human experience, including humor. Jane despite her horrible past experience with a mech learns to look past that and see Adam as an individual.
William Massa paints a wonderful picture warts and all of future earth and the beings that live upon it. I am told that Silicon Dawn was originally a screen play for Warner Bros. but sadly it was released from its contract when I Robot went into production. I hope they reconsider it in the future as this story and the one that follows, Silicon Man, are perfect for the big screen.
Joe Hempel's timing, characterization vocals and inflections are well down. He allows you to thoroughly enjoy the story and characters.
This audiobook was provided by the author/narrator/publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review.
May 16, 2016
I was offered a copy of this book in audio format from the narrator in exchange for an honest review.
This story happens 10 years before the events in Silicon Man. The new android model X3000 is successfully been tested in the space colonies but its arrival on Earth will just enhance the already existing conflict headed by the HDL. If in Silicon Man androids wanted to count with basic rights, here we see a first glimpse of them wanting to be human.
There have been several cybernetists murdered in mysterious circumstances, and all evidence points to the HDL, but the police will need special help to find the murder behind these macabre crimes.
I always enjoy a science fiction thriller with cybernetic touches because sometimes they make you think about the big questions in life. It is amazing how in an under four hours book we could see some many things, the characters evolving and posing quite some deep questions.
Joe Hempel is fantastic as always, and he helps us get sucked by the story. I will definitely enjoy anything narrated by Hempel!
I love the world created by William Massa, and I would like to read more about it, especially if it is narrated by Joe Hempel.
This story happens 10 years before the events in Silicon Man. The new android model X3000 is successfully been tested in the space colonies but its arrival on Earth will just enhance the already existing conflict headed by the HDL. If in Silicon Man androids wanted to count with basic rights, here we see a first glimpse of them wanting to be human.
There have been several cybernetists murdered in mysterious circumstances, and all evidence points to the HDL, but the police will need special help to find the murder behind these macabre crimes.
I always enjoy a science fiction thriller with cybernetic touches because sometimes they make you think about the big questions in life. It is amazing how in an under four hours book we could see some many things, the characters evolving and posing quite some deep questions.
Joe Hempel is fantastic as always, and he helps us get sucked by the story. I will definitely enjoy anything narrated by Hempel!
I love the world created by William Massa, and I would like to read more about it, especially if it is narrated by Joe Hempel.
May 16, 2016
Silicon Dawn is a top notch Sci-Fi read that grabs you in the first couple of pages. This book is a prequel to the authors other book Silicon Man and can be read before or after said book. For me I thought I would start with the prequel and test the waters.
The author paints a world on a crossroad. One way leads to a world where humans and androids live happily together. The other path leads to a world where androids rule the roost. In telling this story the author touches on a lot of modern day concerns.
The story throws together a cutting edge android detective and a human detective that has massive personal trust issues with.....you guessed it androids. The interplay between these characters is a highlight of the book along with the first rate thriller that throws them together.
William Massa has set some very solid foundations and concepts for this tale. I look forward to delving into Silicon Man soon and see if he capitalises on all this great groundwork.
The author paints a world on a crossroad. One way leads to a world where humans and androids live happily together. The other path leads to a world where androids rule the roost. In telling this story the author touches on a lot of modern day concerns.
The story throws together a cutting edge android detective and a human detective that has massive personal trust issues with.....you guessed it androids. The interplay between these characters is a highlight of the book along with the first rate thriller that throws them together.
William Massa has set some very solid foundations and concepts for this tale. I look forward to delving into Silicon Man soon and see if he capitalises on all this great groundwork.
December 9, 2016
This is a great mix of action, murder/mystery and sci-fi. You can not help but love AI Adam, he is unique, unassuming, intelligent and caring. The development of the relationship between AI hating Jane Malveuax and Adam is captivating, complex and thought provoking. Adams development and increasing self awareness is both scary and fascinating, it makes you wonder how you would react when faced with a man made "machine" that looks and acts totally human. One that is capable of independent thought, personal growth, superhuman power and can act altruistically. At what point does a machine stop being a machine and become a new species? The narration on the audiobook is excellent. Joe Hemple does a great job of bringing the characters to life and imparting feeling and tension into the story. You are easily drawn along on this fast paced, exciting mystery; my only complaint is that it left me wanting more. I received the audiobook at no cost and under no obligation.
July 6, 2019
Humans and mechs now are so close people can't tell them apart, but that doesn't mean that the prejudice isn't still there, really now it is worse than ever. But Adam just goes on and is determined more than ever to show his worth and how much the mechs can help humans and that they won't hurt the humans Will the humans ever accept the mechs or Adam?
This is a interesting book on so many levels, but beside the obvious this book is full of action, suspense and twists. Some you might see coming but others you won't see coming, but either way this book will have you reading or if you are lucky enough listening past your bedtime to see what happens next. The audio narrated by the very talented Joe Hempel is awesome he brings the story to life while listening he makes each character individual in your brain and the world they live in so vivid it is amazing, you won't be disappointed in either format you choose.
This is a interesting book on so many levels, but beside the obvious this book is full of action, suspense and twists. Some you might see coming but others you won't see coming, but either way this book will have you reading or if you are lucky enough listening past your bedtime to see what happens next. The audio narrated by the very talented Joe Hempel is awesome he brings the story to life while listening he makes each character individual in your brain and the world they live in so vivid it is amazing, you won't be disappointed in either format you choose.
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