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Final State #1
Interest
It’s all the news channels can talk about: the White House has been bombed, there's chaos in the streets, and the United States has found itself in the throes of a violent revolution.
Surrounded by panicked people, washed-up journalist Len Savitz takes the crisis in stride. It’s nothing that a stiff drink won’t cure. After all, bad news only hurts optimists.
But when the mysterious leader of the rebels cherry-picks him to acquire certain information for her, Len is forced to go on an investigative mission where he uncovers millennia-old secrets and unwittingly triggers a chain of disturbing events that will determine the future of humankind.
Author Kevin Gaughen’s dynamic debut novel, Interest, creates a seamless alternate reality behind real-world political tensions while keeping pace with its page-turning plot. Interest is as riveting as it is thought-provoking.
Who really runs the world we live in? The further Len digs, the darker the answers appear to be…
Surrounded by panicked people, washed-up journalist Len Savitz takes the crisis in stride. It’s nothing that a stiff drink won’t cure. After all, bad news only hurts optimists.
But when the mysterious leader of the rebels cherry-picks him to acquire certain information for her, Len is forced to go on an investigative mission where he uncovers millennia-old secrets and unwittingly triggers a chain of disturbing events that will determine the future of humankind.
Author Kevin Gaughen’s dynamic debut novel, Interest, creates a seamless alternate reality behind real-world political tensions while keeping pace with its page-turning plot. Interest is as riveting as it is thought-provoking.
Who really runs the world we live in? The further Len digs, the darker the answers appear to be…
311 pages, Paperback
First published April 24, 2015
359 people are currently reading
3511 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Gaughen
3 books120 followersKevin Gaughen holds a degree in writing from Carnegie Mellon University. In his spare time, Gaughen enjoys night photography, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and engaging in pointless arguments on the Internet. He currently lives in Pennsylvania with his wife and their three kids.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
May 21, 2019
"Review from the author..." Everyone takes those seriously, right?
August 7, 2015
I went into this book with much apprehension over a letter the author included to his readers in the beginning of the book (the author will be removing this letter from future copies of this book).I had all intentions of deducting stars over the content of this note.(see post on this subject here). I had every intention of ripping this book to pieces in my review, and was looking forward to it. Well, there is nothing to rip apart. I found a minor issue near the beginning. I flipped the book over, stared the picture of the author in the eyes, and actually addressed him outloud, "Your ass is mine!" I then, as much as it embarrasses me to admit, cackled at the thing and gave it a murderous glare. (I admit, I am a lot little dramatic and enjoy the hell out of ripping someone a new asshole.)
Synopsis (Amazon):
It’s all the news channels can talk about: the White House has been bombed, there's chaos in the streets, and the United States has found itself in the throes of a violent revolution.
Surrounded by panicked people, washed-up journalist Len Savitz takes the crisis in stride. It’s nothing that a stiff drink won’t cure. After all, bad news only hurts optimists.
But when the mysterious leader of the rebels cherry-picks him to acquire certain information for her, Len is forced to go on an investigative mission where he uncovers millennia-old secrets and unwittingly triggers a chain of disturbing events that will determine the future of humankind.
Author Kevin Gaughen’s dynamic debut novel, Interest, creates a seamless alternate reality behind real-world political tensions while keeping pace with its page-turning plot. Interest is as riveting as it is thought-provoking.
Who really runs the world we live in? The further Len digs, the darker the answers appear to be…
Author Kevin Gaughen’s dynamic debut novel, Interest, creates a seamless alternate reality behind real-world political tensions while keeping pace with its page-turning plot. Interest is as riveting as it is thought-provoking.
Who really runs the world we live in? The further Len digs, the darker the answers appear to be…
Excerpt:
"Is this Mr. Leonard Savitz?" The voice was female.
"Speaking. Who's this?"
"I just killed the president of the United States. I would like to meet with you."
"Hilarious. Who's this?"
"Today your daughter Octavia is wearing the yellow Steelers shirt that you bought her last fall. Your ex-wife, Sara, who drives a green SUV, just picked her up from kindergarten." The woman's tone was eerily flat.
The blood drained from Len's face.
Tomorrow we will find you."
My thoughts:
Kevin Gaughen has written an amazing story that will have you asking yourself, what if? After finishing this book, I was left with so much to process. It is a big universe out there, what is the chance we are really alone in this universe? What if humans weren't the ones in control, and hadn't ever really been?
This is well thought out and executed nicely. I really enjoyed this book. My brain will not stop thinking about this. I can't even bring myself to give deductions for the letter. I hope this author has more to come in the future. Plus, the cover of the book is great.
I won this book in a contest.
About the author:
Kevin Gaughen holds a degree in writing from Carnegie Mellon University but has spent most of his working life in the real estate business. However, with his debut novel, Interest, he’s finally pursuing his true calling as an author. In his spare time, Gaughen enjoys night photography, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and engaging in pointless arguments on the Internet. He currently lives in Pennsylvania with his wife and their three kids.
Synopsis (Amazon):
It’s all the news channels can talk about: the White House has been bombed, there's chaos in the streets, and the United States has found itself in the throes of a violent revolution.
Surrounded by panicked people, washed-up journalist Len Savitz takes the crisis in stride. It’s nothing that a stiff drink won’t cure. After all, bad news only hurts optimists.
But when the mysterious leader of the rebels cherry-picks him to acquire certain information for her, Len is forced to go on an investigative mission where he uncovers millennia-old secrets and unwittingly triggers a chain of disturbing events that will determine the future of humankind.
Author Kevin Gaughen’s dynamic debut novel, Interest, creates a seamless alternate reality behind real-world political tensions while keeping pace with its page-turning plot. Interest is as riveting as it is thought-provoking.
Who really runs the world we live in? The further Len digs, the darker the answers appear to be…
Author Kevin Gaughen’s dynamic debut novel, Interest, creates a seamless alternate reality behind real-world political tensions while keeping pace with its page-turning plot. Interest is as riveting as it is thought-provoking.
Who really runs the world we live in? The further Len digs, the darker the answers appear to be…
Excerpt:
"Is this Mr. Leonard Savitz?" The voice was female.
"Speaking. Who's this?"
"I just killed the president of the United States. I would like to meet with you."
"Hilarious. Who's this?"
"Today your daughter Octavia is wearing the yellow Steelers shirt that you bought her last fall. Your ex-wife, Sara, who drives a green SUV, just picked her up from kindergarten." The woman's tone was eerily flat.
The blood drained from Len's face.
Tomorrow we will find you."
My thoughts:
Kevin Gaughen has written an amazing story that will have you asking yourself, what if? After finishing this book, I was left with so much to process. It is a big universe out there, what is the chance we are really alone in this universe? What if humans weren't the ones in control, and hadn't ever really been?
This is well thought out and executed nicely. I really enjoyed this book. My brain will not stop thinking about this. I can't even bring myself to give deductions for the letter. I hope this author has more to come in the future. Plus, the cover of the book is great.
I won this book in a contest.
About the author:
Kevin Gaughen holds a degree in writing from Carnegie Mellon University but has spent most of his working life in the real estate business. However, with his debut novel, Interest, he’s finally pursuing his true calling as an author. In his spare time, Gaughen enjoys night photography, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and engaging in pointless arguments on the Internet. He currently lives in Pennsylvania with his wife and their three kids.
July 30, 2015
My fiance won this book in a GoodReads giveaway but I got my hands on it first. I read the back cover, was overwhelmed by curiosity, and decided to read through it. Even though I've tabled about 15 other books I really need to read, this one took priority. Why? Because it's really good. It was so good in fact, that I finished it in a day.
In the story you follow the adventures of Len, a journalist and functioning alcoholic. Len is drafted into the service of a mysterious woman known only as Neith. When I say drafted, what I really mean to say is that Len is given absolutely no choice in the matter whatsoever as his ex-wife (otherwise known as the Tchogol from hell), and his daughter Octavia, have been kidnapped. To prevent spoilers I'll just say that the book contains adventure, judo, aliens, evil octopi, one of which reminded me of Agent Smith from the Matrix. I had myself a hearty chuckle picturing Agent Smith as evil Octodad. There's also a female Russian arms dealer that kicks all kinds of ass.
Will you like this book if you get it? Damn straight, so get to it!
It's easily the best book I've read in a really long time.
In the story you follow the adventures of Len, a journalist and functioning alcoholic. Len is drafted into the service of a mysterious woman known only as Neith. When I say drafted, what I really mean to say is that Len is given absolutely no choice in the matter whatsoever as his ex-wife (otherwise known as the Tchogol from hell), and his daughter Octavia, have been kidnapped. To prevent spoilers I'll just say that the book contains adventure, judo, aliens, evil octopi, one of which reminded me of Agent Smith from the Matrix. I had myself a hearty chuckle picturing Agent Smith as evil Octodad. There's also a female Russian arms dealer that kicks all kinds of ass.
Will you like this book if you get it? Damn straight, so get to it!
It's easily the best book I've read in a really long time.
July 7, 2015
Do you like science fiction and freedom? Damn right you do. Well, then you are going to love this book. A skilled mix of political commentary, plausible well researched science fiction, and seat of your pants fate of the species thrills. An impressive first outing for author Kevin Gaughen. Can't wait to see what's next.
February 5, 2021
Hahaha. What a stupid book. So dumb its entertaining in the way children’s shows sometimes catch an adult and keep you watching Sesame Street.
July 28, 2015
Goodreads win. Will read and review once received.
This was a pretty good science fiction book. I was surprised by how much I found myself getting lost in the pages. I am a very picky reader when it comes to the science fiction genre. This book hooked me from start to finish, even the cover is something i really liked. One thing I did skip over in the book is the rape scene. Rape scenes make me uncomfortable, but it didn't take away from the book that much. I definitely will be keeping an eye out for more books by this author.
This was a pretty good science fiction book. I was surprised by how much I found myself getting lost in the pages. I am a very picky reader when it comes to the science fiction genre. This book hooked me from start to finish, even the cover is something i really liked. One thing I did skip over in the book is the rape scene. Rape scenes make me uncomfortable, but it didn't take away from the book that much. I definitely will be keeping an eye out for more books by this author.
August 8, 2018
Interest (Final State Book 1) is a dream come true for the conspiracy theorist, the secret alien invasion believer or just a lover of fantastic dystopian sci-fi. But it's not quite dystopian in the traditional sense; Interest throws you into a world on the edge of breaking down... and the fantastic protagonist, journalist Len Savitz, gets dragged from the comfort of his booze and depression, on the edge of a world he once knew, into a web of conspiracies, lies and terrorist cells that quite literally want to wipe humanity from the planet. Aliens, AI's, the end of the world with a dash of the Illuminati, you get it all. The writing is fast-paced, multi-dimensional, suspenseful and intriguing, leaves you wanting more for sure.
August 2, 2015
Absolutely riveting. Really grabs and shakes you. free from goodreads. Highly reccommend
July 28, 2015
i was really impressed with this book. it only took a few days to finish because i didn't want to put it down :) i'd recommend it as a very good read
January 11, 2018
I hate the over use of the phrase "thought provoking" in book reviews so I'll try to describe this book in another way. Ever read a sci-fi that is complete fiction and not even remotely possible to happen in real life...yet the more you read you just keep thinking, "This is exactly what is happening in our world minus the octopus aliens"? This book is like that. It explains so much but does it in a fun sci-fi way. Its a really great read. Similar to Robert Sawyer's Quantum Night.
Now I don't feel so bad being behind on my student loan payments.
Now I don't feel so bad being behind on my student loan payments.
April 8, 2018
This book was an entertaining read. I like the author’s style and am looking forward to read more of Kevin’s books.
April 8, 2018
Story makes you think
April 8, 2016
...\\\*|||*///...
Winners are encouraged but not required to review the books they win. (Duly noted.)
In compliance with FTC guidelines, if you review the book, please disclose in your review that you received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads. (Done.)
...\\\*|||*///...
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
This is, hands down, one of my new favorite sci-fi books. I only gave it 4 stars for two reasons:
1. Octavia was a bit too cutesy for my taste, and her dialogue was slightly stilted. And she only seemed to talk when it was convenient, as opposed to constantly chattering as children are prone to do. Okay, not ALL kids are talkie-talkie, but we were supposed to believe this one was a box of constant sunshine, which I could only buy if her personality were more consistently present. It felt like Len was all, "I haven't seen you in so long, I missed you, I love you, now SCOOT so Daddy can screw the beautiful Russian lady, kaythnxbai." I understand why the author felt the character was necessary -- to soften up the tough-ass protagonist and give readers a reason to cheer for him; to give him a reason for the choices he made; to provide that important message toward the end; etc. -- but I don't think the author really knew what to do with her. Which I totally get, since I can't write kids, myself.
2. There were a few too many errors to overlook. I can let one or two pass, but more than that exemplifies one of the disasters of self pub. I don't know that this book was self pub, but if it was trad pub, the author ought to be very angry with whomever was charged with editing. I'd be pissed. And if it was self pub, the author should consider hiring an editor. This book is simply too good to have so many errors.
I loved this story from the opening sequence all the way through the letter at the end indicating that aliens told humanity to get their shit together. I loved the concept of slavery via debt. I loved the questions raised about who's running what. I loved the suggestion that leaders are psychopaths, and followers are incapable morons, and creators are pretty much where it's at. I kind of want to get an "X" tattooed on me just in case anyone's watching, so they know which group I'm in.
I can't wait to read more from this author, you guys. He's a great story teller. I'm so glad I won this book, or I might've missed a real gem.
Winners are encouraged but not required to review the books they win. (Duly noted.)
In compliance with FTC guidelines, if you review the book, please disclose in your review that you received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads. (Done.)
...\\\*|||*///...
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
This is, hands down, one of my new favorite sci-fi books. I only gave it 4 stars for two reasons:
1. Octavia was a bit too cutesy for my taste, and her dialogue was slightly stilted. And she only seemed to talk when it was convenient, as opposed to constantly chattering as children are prone to do. Okay, not ALL kids are talkie-talkie, but we were supposed to believe this one was a box of constant sunshine, which I could only buy if her personality were more consistently present. It felt like Len was all, "I haven't seen you in so long, I missed you, I love you, now SCOOT so Daddy can screw the beautiful Russian lady, kaythnxbai." I understand why the author felt the character was necessary -- to soften up the tough-ass protagonist and give readers a reason to cheer for him; to give him a reason for the choices he made; to provide that important message toward the end; etc. -- but I don't think the author really knew what to do with her. Which I totally get, since I can't write kids, myself.
2. There were a few too many errors to overlook. I can let one or two pass, but more than that exemplifies one of the disasters of self pub. I don't know that this book was self pub, but if it was trad pub, the author ought to be very angry with whomever was charged with editing. I'd be pissed. And if it was self pub, the author should consider hiring an editor. This book is simply too good to have so many errors.
I loved this story from the opening sequence all the way through the letter at the end indicating that aliens told humanity to get their shit together. I loved the concept of slavery via debt. I loved the questions raised about who's running what. I loved the suggestion that leaders are psychopaths, and followers are incapable morons, and creators are pretty much where it's at. I kind of want to get an "X" tattooed on me just in case anyone's watching, so they know which group I'm in.
I can't wait to read more from this author, you guys. He's a great story teller. I'm so glad I won this book, or I might've missed a real gem.
July 6, 2015
Make no mistake, this book is good. It is. The premise isn't new, but it's spun in such a way that it could easily be part of the History Channel's alien show lineup. And much more fun to watch.
The disappointment in the book came from the rape scene. It felt forced, unnecessary, and only added for the reason to have the hero save the damsel in distress who, I'm sure, could have done the saving for herself had she been given the opportunity and not roped into the 'love interest' trope. Admittedly, though the story was interesting, it was hard to continue on reading after that scene.
The story follows washed-up journalist Len Savitz as he's captured and then told "you will work for us or else". This takes him on an investigative journey that uncovers millenia old secrets and sets in motion a chain of events that will determine the fate of humankind.
It's a mixture of Dean Koontz and a bit of Dan Brown (sans religion) thrown in. There are Japanese temples, squid people, and a whole lot of WTAH IS GOING ON HERE, MAN?!
The book is a fun read, but heavy handed with the politics and just where the characters (perhaps the author?) stands on many issues concerning the modern world. The pages turn quickly enough, and the plot is well thought out, but the story gets bogged with its own protagonist and just what happened to him in the past to make him the way he is in the story. There is certainly enough telling, so much so that the reader feels a certain disconnect, like a child trying to read over the shoulder of someone bigger than they are and only getting half the story. A little more "show" would go a long way into bringing the reader deeper into the story.
Overall, however, I found the book entertaining. It's a conspiracy book, and a good one. It'll be interesting to see if the author continues on in this vein.
The disappointment in the book came from the rape scene. It felt forced, unnecessary, and only added for the reason to have the hero save the damsel in distress who, I'm sure, could have done the saving for herself had she been given the opportunity and not roped into the 'love interest' trope. Admittedly, though the story was interesting, it was hard to continue on reading after that scene.
The story follows washed-up journalist Len Savitz as he's captured and then told "you will work for us or else". This takes him on an investigative journey that uncovers millenia old secrets and sets in motion a chain of events that will determine the fate of humankind.
It's a mixture of Dean Koontz and a bit of Dan Brown (sans religion) thrown in. There are Japanese temples, squid people, and a whole lot of WTAH IS GOING ON HERE, MAN?!
The book is a fun read, but heavy handed with the politics and just where the characters (perhaps the author?) stands on many issues concerning the modern world. The pages turn quickly enough, and the plot is well thought out, but the story gets bogged with its own protagonist and just what happened to him in the past to make him the way he is in the story. There is certainly enough telling, so much so that the reader feels a certain disconnect, like a child trying to read over the shoulder of someone bigger than they are and only getting half the story. A little more "show" would go a long way into bringing the reader deeper into the story.
Overall, however, I found the book entertaining. It's a conspiracy book, and a good one. It'll be interesting to see if the author continues on in this vein.
August 8, 2015
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads. Looked interesting so I entered the giveaway and to my surprise received a free copy. This is not the type of book I would normally read but I am so glad I did. I would buy a book from this author in the future. I liked the way he wrote...his story flowed. I felt like I knew the characters (Len, Natalia, and yes the aliens) I could not wait to turn the page and see what would happen next. I loved the imagination it took to make this book so interesting. Also made me stop and think what society would do if we lost worldwide communication. Great Book...I would recommend to anyone. Had to update and give this 5 stars because I have found myself rethinking this book over the past few days. Found myself telling friends about it...when a book sticks with you it should get 5 stars.
September 26, 2015
I received a free signed copy of the book 'Interest' from the author in a Goodreads Giveaway. Thank You!(Arigatō)
When I entered the giveaway I was a little hesitant because I normally don't read books about aliens. However the concept of overthrowing the Government was something I'm familiar with. So I decided to try it.
Simplified it's a story about a journalist who gets abducted. His abductors force him to go to a monastery where he finds out some of the greatest secrets of man-kind. He comes back to the United States and slowly starts helping his abductors. Aliens, Corrupt Government, and a struggle to survive.
This book was a fantastic mix of truth and fiction mixed together to make a compelling story. It got off to a slow start for me and really started to get interesting during Chapter Eight. From there it was a smooth flowing piece, I enjoyed it immensely.
When I entered the giveaway I was a little hesitant because I normally don't read books about aliens. However the concept of overthrowing the Government was something I'm familiar with. So I decided to try it.
Simplified it's a story about a journalist who gets abducted. His abductors force him to go to a monastery where he finds out some of the greatest secrets of man-kind. He comes back to the United States and slowly starts helping his abductors. Aliens, Corrupt Government, and a struggle to survive.
This book was a fantastic mix of truth and fiction mixed together to make a compelling story. It got off to a slow start for me and really started to get interesting during Chapter Eight. From there it was a smooth flowing piece, I enjoyed it immensely.
July 26, 2015
I won this as a goodreads givewaway & Wow this was def a great book. For his first novel i give him a lot of credit. The plot was good the characters were great and the twists were perfect. There was action, suspense, & it had that sci-fi thriller theme to it. I'm not even into polotics & it still pulled me in & as the book goes on the better it gets. It really makes you think about the world and how are goverments are. I can't wait to see what else he writes in the future & i'll def be looking into him. I recommend this to anybody that likes sci-fi thrillers, anybody who likes things that kinda have to do with goverment conspiracy, & anybody who just likes action period. Overall it was a great book in my opinion.
July 26, 2015
First allow me to say, I received this book from a Goodreads Giveaway.
This book blends American History with Sci Fi elements so skillfully that the two seem to merge.
It gives a vivid accounting of how the banking system got such a death grip on the "common" man, while giving you pause to think, "Are we the ONLY ones?". The answer is most likely just as shown in the book, we are not only NOT the only inhabitants of the Universe, but not all the smartest.
Mankind has always been destructive to mankind, and this book gives a theory as to why and how such things got to be socially acceptable.
In all, a book I read cover to cover without putting down, reading it far into the night, a scary thing to do, all things considered.
Hopefully this author will write many more.
This book blends American History with Sci Fi elements so skillfully that the two seem to merge.
It gives a vivid accounting of how the banking system got such a death grip on the "common" man, while giving you pause to think, "Are we the ONLY ones?". The answer is most likely just as shown in the book, we are not only NOT the only inhabitants of the Universe, but not all the smartest.
Mankind has always been destructive to mankind, and this book gives a theory as to why and how such things got to be socially acceptable.
In all, a book I read cover to cover without putting down, reading it far into the night, a scary thing to do, all things considered.
Hopefully this author will write many more.
October 3, 2015
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway.
Upon first inspection of this book, especially the cover, I thought that this would be the normal science-fiction story where aliens invade Earth and one human gathers survivors and leads them to victory. How delightfully wrong I was. Kevin Gaughen has written an amazing science-fiction-thriller with a plot that I did not see coming. The story is fast-paced, but still delivers the correct amount of explanation without dragging the story. The protagonist, Len, is a journalist who becomes an unwilling factor of the struggle for the survival of society and mankind as we know it. If you love science-fiction, this book is definitely for you. You will never see the plot twists coming. I cannot wait to see what the author creates next.
Upon first inspection of this book, especially the cover, I thought that this would be the normal science-fiction story where aliens invade Earth and one human gathers survivors and leads them to victory. How delightfully wrong I was. Kevin Gaughen has written an amazing science-fiction-thriller with a plot that I did not see coming. The story is fast-paced, but still delivers the correct amount of explanation without dragging the story. The protagonist, Len, is a journalist who becomes an unwilling factor of the struggle for the survival of society and mankind as we know it. If you love science-fiction, this book is definitely for you. You will never see the plot twists coming. I cannot wait to see what the author creates next.
August 12, 2015
I received this book as part of a Goodreads First Reads giveaway. I have to say that this is not my usual read but it pulled me in from the first page. It was really hard to put down once I started. I loved the whole sci-fi/political thriller. The twists and turns kept me on edge and wondering what would happen next.....And I particulary loved the cover. Cant wait for the next book from this author.
August 2, 2015
First I won this book to read on Goodreads, Thanks!
I enjoy the book not something I usually read but it was good and easy to read. I found the SiFi/politics interesting and kept me turning the pages.
I thought in some areas there was to much build up like the whole thing in Japan and the religion part. But then I thought the beginning was slow and not even about what was going on in the country.
It's worth the read Kevin and keep up the good work!
I enjoy the book not something I usually read but it was good and easy to read. I found the SiFi/politics interesting and kept me turning the pages.
I thought in some areas there was to much build up like the whole thing in Japan and the religion part. But then I thought the beginning was slow and not even about what was going on in the country.
It's worth the read Kevin and keep up the good work!
January 3, 2016
This is normally not the kind of book I would pick up and read but the cover enticed me and the fact that I won it on Goodreads didn't hurt either. The author Kevin Gaughen took me to a place that only my imagination has been before but kept it real by using real life examples. The best one was his example of how our generation is so much poorer than our ancestors. The ending was a twist I didn't expect which is always a good way to end a book. I enjoyed this book - thank you.
July 27, 2015
The tentacles of the rapacious octopi reaching into US towns and homes in “Interest” makes this too realistic for night time reading, but it’s a totally ensnaring Science Fiction experience. Enjoyed the easily understood explanations of complex money matters. Thanks, Kevin Gaughen. Good luck with this book and the others you’ll surely write.
January 17, 2016
I really enjoyed this book! It was fast-paced and exciting. I liked how the author worked in stories and experiences from the main character's past into the story. It added an extra layer and gave insight into what the character was feeling and why. It was a good read and I would recommend it!
October 30, 2015
I seldom read sci-fi, but this book really interested me and I was not disappointed. A very interesting story with elements of sci-fi, politics and society. Thought-provoking and fast-moving action. A really good debut.
I got this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.
I got this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.
July 25, 2015
This boos is very intense sci/fi and political thriller. I could not put it down.
September 13, 2015
Give this book a shot, I found it a great read. Very fast paced story telling and a fun premise to go with.
[Won this book from good reads giveaway]
[Won this book from good reads giveaway]
August 4, 2015
There is a lot going on in this book. Aliens, internal threats and self aware computers. This books has it all as well as a great story line.
July 22, 2017
I actually won this book on this site, read it, then never left a review. Rather rude for the recipient of a free book, right? I didn't realize it until recently when my daughter stumbled across this book on a shelf and decided to read it. She loved it and kept asking me, "Do you remember...?" or telling me "I'm at that part when....!" and I realized I had no idea what she was talking about.
I decided to re-read the book after she finished it, and I'm glad it did. While Len was not the most likable of characters, and some of the plot lines were more 'out there' than others (I can't call them out without spoilers), the book itself was a unique read. It's strength is that it is a new approach to the world, which I always enjoy. This isn't an 'old plot re-contrived into a new book' and is a story that I've never read. If you like subtle aliens, this is a good book for you. If you prefer brutal, war-driven first contact stories, keep looking :)
I decided to re-read the book after she finished it, and I'm glad it did. While Len was not the most likable of characters, and some of the plot lines were more 'out there' than others (I can't call them out without spoilers), the book itself was a unique read. It's strength is that it is a new approach to the world, which I always enjoy. This isn't an 'old plot re-contrived into a new book' and is a story that I've never read. If you like subtle aliens, this is a good book for you. If you prefer brutal, war-driven first contact stories, keep looking :)
February 27, 2018
I liked this book. As I was reading it I was comparing it to War of the Worlds and The 5th Wave. I was also thinking this should really be a trilogy but the book does stand alone if it was the only one. After taking a second look in Goodreads I can see that after the title it says (Final State #1) so obviously there is more to come.
While this book easily fits into the Sci Fi genre, it poses a theory as to why we will not succeed in fulfilling the American Dream (being better off than our parents) and why we have accumulated so much debt. It made me wonder a bit about the Federal Reserve and what it is and what it is not. (The title of this book "Interest" is in reference to the interest we pay, not that some entity has an interest in us. And sure enough, book #2 is called Principle.)
While this book easily fits into the Sci Fi genre, it poses a theory as to why we will not succeed in fulfilling the American Dream (being better off than our parents) and why we have accumulated so much debt. It made me wonder a bit about the Federal Reserve and what it is and what it is not. (The title of this book "Interest" is in reference to the interest we pay, not that some entity has an interest in us. And sure enough, book #2 is called Principle.)
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