What do you think?
Rate this book
Pop Travel #2
Simulation
In 2082, androids are an essential part of daily life. Some are helpful, some would make better toasters, and some are so human-like they’re creepy. Back in Atlanta, Detective Cooper’s latest client has him searching for her boyfriend who she thinks was replaced by a simulation, an illegal clone android. The guy also happens to be a popular new congressman.
To make matters more complicated, Cooper keeps crossing paths with his ex, FBI Agent Geri Harper, as they seem to be looking for the same guy. Cooper knows he’s getting close when Geri is kidnapped, but when she resurfaces in Washington and goes on a killing spree, he knows it isn’t her. Now under suspicion himself, Cooper must find the real Geri to prove her innocence, not to mention hunt down the powerful villain behind it all. Never a dull moment.
To make matters more complicated, Cooper keeps crossing paths with his ex, FBI Agent Geri Harper, as they seem to be looking for the same guy. Cooper knows he’s getting close when Geri is kidnapped, but when she resurfaces in Washington and goes on a killing spree, he knows it isn’t her. Now under suspicion himself, Cooper must find the real Geri to prove her innocence, not to mention hunt down the powerful villain behind it all. Never a dull moment.
- GenresScience FictionFantasy
295 pages, Paperback
First published September 14, 2015
297 people want to read
About the author
Tara Tyler
12 books46 followersTara Tyler has had a hand at everything from waitressing to rocket engineering. After living up and down the Eastern US, she now writes and teaches math in Ohio with her three active boys and Coach Husband.
Currently, she has two series, The Cooper Chronicles (techno-thriller detective capers) and Beast World (MG fantasy) She's an adventure writer who believes every good story should have action, a moral, and a few laughs!
Currently, she has two series, The Cooper Chronicles (techno-thriller detective capers) and Beast World (MG fantasy) She's an adventure writer who believes every good story should have action, a moral, and a few laughs!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 29, 2015
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
After the pleasant surprise that was the first novel in this series, Pop Travel, I was really looking forward to this book. However, as the story seemed quite finished with the first book, I was wondering what was going to happen in this novel.
Fast forward two years, and meet all the characters from the first book again. This felt a little bit odd at times, because except for some awkwardness between Cooper and Geri, there didn't seem to be much difference in the interactions between the different characters even though they apparently hadn't really stayed in contact for that time.
Which brings me to my biggest problem with the book. It's not uncommon but it manages to annoy me every single time when the main characters seem to be the only people ever to uncover some kind of a big plot/conspiracy, especially so if this happens due to extreme coincidence or sheer luck. I don't read novels like this for their believability of course, but am I to believe that Cooper, who hasn't really achieved a lot in two years time, would just happen to stumble again in 'the case of the century'? And what a luck that Geri was just working this case as well, of all cases.
But when I just put these issues aside I quite enjoyed myself. It was a quick and easy read. Near the end I kind of lost some interest, but it was no chore to finish the book. I would read the next book in the series as well.
Simulation is the second book in the Pop Travel series, after Pop Travel.
Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review during this blog tour!
After the pleasant surprise that was the first novel in this series, Pop Travel, I was really looking forward to this book. However, as the story seemed quite finished with the first book, I was wondering what was going to happen in this novel.
Fast forward two years, and meet all the characters from the first book again. This felt a little bit odd at times, because except for some awkwardness between Cooper and Geri, there didn't seem to be much difference in the interactions between the different characters even though they apparently hadn't really stayed in contact for that time.
Which brings me to my biggest problem with the book. It's not uncommon but it manages to annoy me every single time when the main characters seem to be the only people ever to uncover some kind of a big plot/conspiracy, especially so if this happens due to extreme coincidence or sheer luck. I don't read novels like this for their believability of course, but am I to believe that Cooper, who hasn't really achieved a lot in two years time, would just happen to stumble again in 'the case of the century'? And what a luck that Geri was just working this case as well, of all cases.
But when I just put these issues aside I quite enjoyed myself. It was a quick and easy read. Near the end I kind of lost some interest, but it was no chore to finish the book. I would read the next book in the series as well.
Simulation is the second book in the Pop Travel series, after Pop Travel.
Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review during this blog tour!
February 7, 2017
Just finished reading “Simulation: A Pop Travel Novel” by Tara Tyler. I won a signed copy of this book on Goodreads.com, and I would like to say thank you Tara. The first book “Pop Travel” was fun and exciting, and this one was even more fun and even more action packed. A very creative and imaginative science fiction/thriller detective/agent romp. We have time travel, androids, robot and simulations and they are all battling each other. Who are the humans and who are the simulators? You do have to pay attention and it’s just a fine journey from start to finish. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series!!!! (Hint, Hint)
Synopsis: (from back cover): In 2082, androids are an essential part of daily life. Some are helpful, some would make better toasters, and some are so human-like they’re creepy. Back in Atlanta, Detective Cooper’s latest client has him searching for her boyfriend who she thinks was replaced by a simulation, an illegal clone android. The guy also happens to be a popular new congressman.
To make matters more complicated, Cooper keeps crossing paths with his ex, FBI Agent Geri Harper, as they seem to be looking for the same guy. Cooper knows he’s getting close when Geri is kidnapped, but when she resurfaces in Washington and goes on a killing spree, he knows it isn’t her. Now under suspicion himself, Cooper must find the real Geri to prove her innocence, not to mention hunt down the powerful villain behind it all. Never a dull moment.
Synopsis: (from back cover): In 2082, androids are an essential part of daily life. Some are helpful, some would make better toasters, and some are so human-like they’re creepy. Back in Atlanta, Detective Cooper’s latest client has him searching for her boyfriend who she thinks was replaced by a simulation, an illegal clone android. The guy also happens to be a popular new congressman.
To make matters more complicated, Cooper keeps crossing paths with his ex, FBI Agent Geri Harper, as they seem to be looking for the same guy. Cooper knows he’s getting close when Geri is kidnapped, but when she resurfaces in Washington and goes on a killing spree, he knows it isn’t her. Now under suspicion himself, Cooper must find the real Geri to prove her innocence, not to mention hunt down the powerful villain behind it all. Never a dull moment.
February 18, 2017
I read the first Pop Travel book a long time ago. Despite that, I've never forgotten that endearingly bumbling character, Cooper. However, this time he doesn't seem to bumble quite as much as I recalled from the first book. In fact, the entire cast is tighter, stronger, and more appealing. The villain was someone I could truly despise and somewhat empathize with at the same time. I loved that very human aspect. Geri seemed more the star of this book, and rightly so. Her hard wit and sarcasm are easy to love.
Now being based in a futuristic society, the perils they face all have to be tech-centric, and the political currents behind advancement vs ethics feels very true to today. At the same time, I love that the author has adopted her own terms for technology--which also make the story world feel truer to reality as language constantly evolves, and so do the monikers we favor.
The romance aspect is present, but definitely not dominant. In fact, I loved the filter it was viewed through--seeing past love, new love, and the kind that endures through an analytical perspective. On that front, I see this book as equally appealing to both men and women.
All in all, for the futuristic thriller reader, this is a fantastic read. Definitely one not to pass by.
Content warning: Brief disturbing imagery. And explosions. (Wait, should that be a warning or an encouragement?)
Now being based in a futuristic society, the perils they face all have to be tech-centric, and the political currents behind advancement vs ethics feels very true to today. At the same time, I love that the author has adopted her own terms for technology--which also make the story world feel truer to reality as language constantly evolves, and so do the monikers we favor.
The romance aspect is present, but definitely not dominant. In fact, I loved the filter it was viewed through--seeing past love, new love, and the kind that endures through an analytical perspective. On that front, I see this book as equally appealing to both men and women.
All in all, for the futuristic thriller reader, this is a fantastic read. Definitely one not to pass by.
Content warning: Brief disturbing imagery. And explosions. (Wait, should that be a warning or an encouragement?)
September 10, 2015
FBI Agent Geri Harper is saddled with a new agent who's cute and peppy and totally annoys her. They're given what seems to be a mundane case about DNA sequencing gone wrong, but it leads them to something much larger. It also has Geri crossing paths with her ex, Detective Cooper. Seems their cases might actually be linked. When they uncover possible evidence that a new congressman might be a simulation (an android replica of someone), things turn from dangerous to deadly.
A fantastic second book in the thrilling Pop Travel series. The originality of the story and characters hooked me in the first book. We still have the extraordinary writing and view of the not so distant future, and of course, the awesome characters, but this plot had extra oomph to it! It's fast-paced and suspenseful, and barely left me time to catch my breath.
I love the dynamics of Geri and Cooper's relationship, even when they're not together! I'm happy to see Hasan back with all his eccentricities, and I particularly liked the new agent, Aimee. She's young yet highly intelligent, and has a few surprises up her sleeve. Literally! As for the villain, Crews, grrr! He's one of those ones I love to hate. Rotten through and through.
A glowing 5 stars for Simulation. I can't wait for more from Tara Tyler!
A fantastic second book in the thrilling Pop Travel series. The originality of the story and characters hooked me in the first book. We still have the extraordinary writing and view of the not so distant future, and of course, the awesome characters, but this plot had extra oomph to it! It's fast-paced and suspenseful, and barely left me time to catch my breath.
I love the dynamics of Geri and Cooper's relationship, even when they're not together! I'm happy to see Hasan back with all his eccentricities, and I particularly liked the new agent, Aimee. She's young yet highly intelligent, and has a few surprises up her sleeve. Literally! As for the villain, Crews, grrr! He's one of those ones I love to hate. Rotten through and through.
A glowing 5 stars for Simulation. I can't wait for more from Tara Tyler!
February 12, 2016
The second installment in Tyler's techo-thriller detective series. I liked the first book a lot (even though the idea of pop travel still terrifies me...) and thought the characters were a lot of fun to hang out with, so I was excited to have the opportunity to go on another adventure with them. I particularly liked Geri in this book, and I could totally relate to her initial interactions with Aimee. I love when Hasan shows up in a scene (he cracks me up), and I'm honestly worried about what will happen to Geri and Cooper—as in, I've spent more than one afternoon pondering their relationship. You know a book/series is good when its characters stick with you after you've finished reading.
It's a fun series, and I look forward to the next one.
It's a fun series, and I look forward to the next one.
May 14, 2016
This is the 2nd book in this series. FBI Agent Geri Harper has a new peppy new recruit. Nerves frazzled by the newby they are given a case about DNA sequencing gone wrong, but nothing to far out there for them. It gets more complicated though and has Geri crossing paths with Detective J. L. Cooper. He was the lead character in the first book in the series, Pop Travel. The dynamics of their relationship is an enjoyable read, despite the fact they are Ex's. Fun. adventure and intrigue abound. I hear there will a book 3 in the not so distance future, I will be watching for it.
June 6, 2017
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review).
(This review may contain spoilers).
While I haven't read the first book in this series, I still found this book to be quite easy to read and follow. There was a bit of information dumping, but on the whole, I found the plot to be interesting and engaging. And there were some really good moments of banter between a lot of the characters.
While I did think there were some instances where the romance didn't exactly fit...and scenes where the romance felt somewhat over the top... I did like seeing Geri and Cooper interact together. And it was really good to see Geri as a strong female character, although I didn't really like her partner. Aimee had some interesting moments, but I felt she was a fairly stereotypical character. And the attraction between her and Hasan didn't really feel real.
It was good to see the kind of technology there was in the world, though I would have liked to see more of the pop travel, as I wasn't sure how it worked. It was interesting to see how androids had become a main fixture in the world, and how the potential use of them in the police force was a political debate.
I did find it a bit disappointing that so many of the male characters came across as sexist. I would have liked to see a bit more variation, even if there would still have been some people with those attitudes.
I did feel it didn't work so well to have the book keep switching to Crewes' perspective, as it meant there was very little kept secret and virtually no twists. I think the book would have benefitted from only sticking to one perspective. And I was a little disappointed that there was very little grey in the character of the main villain, especially given that his past indicated he was a good man. It would have been good to see something of what caused him to change in such a drastic way.
I did like seeing Cooper's relationship with both his brother and the people he had to work with, but I would have liked to see a bit more of both and the latter without being coloured by one of his friends affected by the closest pretty woman.
I did enjoy reading this book and in the future, I would probably read the rest of the books in this series.
(This review may contain spoilers).
While I haven't read the first book in this series, I still found this book to be quite easy to read and follow. There was a bit of information dumping, but on the whole, I found the plot to be interesting and engaging. And there were some really good moments of banter between a lot of the characters.
While I did think there were some instances where the romance didn't exactly fit...and scenes where the romance felt somewhat over the top... I did like seeing Geri and Cooper interact together. And it was really good to see Geri as a strong female character, although I didn't really like her partner. Aimee had some interesting moments, but I felt she was a fairly stereotypical character. And the attraction between her and Hasan didn't really feel real.
It was good to see the kind of technology there was in the world, though I would have liked to see more of the pop travel, as I wasn't sure how it worked. It was interesting to see how androids had become a main fixture in the world, and how the potential use of them in the police force was a political debate.
I did find it a bit disappointing that so many of the male characters came across as sexist. I would have liked to see a bit more variation, even if there would still have been some people with those attitudes.
I did feel it didn't work so well to have the book keep switching to Crewes' perspective, as it meant there was very little kept secret and virtually no twists. I think the book would have benefitted from only sticking to one perspective. And I was a little disappointed that there was very little grey in the character of the main villain, especially given that his past indicated he was a good man. It would have been good to see something of what caused him to change in such a drastic way.
I did like seeing Cooper's relationship with both his brother and the people he had to work with, but I would have liked to see a bit more of both and the latter without being coloured by one of his friends affected by the closest pretty woman.
I did enjoy reading this book and in the future, I would probably read the rest of the books in this series.
November 1, 2015
I read the first book in this series (Pop Travel), enjoyed it and looked forward to diving into this one. And although the first book did make it easy to know where each character was coming from, SIMULATION can be read as a stand-alone.
This story starts two years after Cooper uncovers the truth behind the disappearances due to Pop Travel. Cooper has broken relations with Geri, and although I found this a little disheartening, the change in their relationship added a nice spring board for a new type of tension between them.
The book is told mostly from three point of views: Geri, Cooper and Crews. Each of them has a very different voice and the switch from one to the other flows well, never with a moment's confusion. As they each pursue their own directions and interests, it becomes clear that somehow they're all headed toward the same central point, but the intrigue and mystery is complicated enough to keep the exact details unclear until the very end. I enjoyed following each of their steps, wondering what was really behind the investigations. And I loved to hate the 'bad guy' because they most certainly deserved it.
There's a wonderful new character, Aimee, who adds a fresh breath of air with her positive, cheery attitude. She clashes nicely with Geri creating a fun and much needed lightness to the otherwise serious atmosphere. Unlike the others, she's full of surprises and adds an entire new area of mystery on the side.
Like in the first book, there's a nice balance between action and information. Twists and turns are masterfully placed, making it hard to guess what is coming next or where the investigations are headed. And just when it seems that everything is resting on digging up more clues, the heroes find themselves in dangerous situations which even they aren't sure they'll make it through. I didn't want to put this down and was genuinely curious as to where things were headed next.
This is an intriguing detective story sprinkled with exciting science fiction elements which leaves one guessing until the very end. I enjoyed the read and can't wait to see what comes next.
This story starts two years after Cooper uncovers the truth behind the disappearances due to Pop Travel. Cooper has broken relations with Geri, and although I found this a little disheartening, the change in their relationship added a nice spring board for a new type of tension between them.
The book is told mostly from three point of views: Geri, Cooper and Crews. Each of them has a very different voice and the switch from one to the other flows well, never with a moment's confusion. As they each pursue their own directions and interests, it becomes clear that somehow they're all headed toward the same central point, but the intrigue and mystery is complicated enough to keep the exact details unclear until the very end. I enjoyed following each of their steps, wondering what was really behind the investigations. And I loved to hate the 'bad guy' because they most certainly deserved it.
There's a wonderful new character, Aimee, who adds a fresh breath of air with her positive, cheery attitude. She clashes nicely with Geri creating a fun and much needed lightness to the otherwise serious atmosphere. Unlike the others, she's full of surprises and adds an entire new area of mystery on the side.
Like in the first book, there's a nice balance between action and information. Twists and turns are masterfully placed, making it hard to guess what is coming next or where the investigations are headed. And just when it seems that everything is resting on digging up more clues, the heroes find themselves in dangerous situations which even they aren't sure they'll make it through. I didn't want to put this down and was genuinely curious as to where things were headed next.
This is an intriguing detective story sprinkled with exciting science fiction elements which leaves one guessing until the very end. I enjoyed the read and can't wait to see what comes next.
October 13, 2015
Excellent sci-fi thriller!
The year is 2082 and our favorites private detective and FBI Agent are back! Cooper and Geri are brought together once again, thanks to their line of work, for another wild ride. Androids are pretty common in this world, and it's pretty cool if you want dependable help. It also really is amazing advancement for technology . . . until SIMULATIONS become a reality. What are these? Well . . . cloned androids who can be exact replicas of real life people. And they're not legal, in fact, no one really believe they can exist, so when "Geri" makes an appearance in Washington and goes on a killing spree, it complicates things. How can Cooper help prove her innocence, take down the powerful villain behind it all, and not come off as insane? Well, you must read to find out.
The characters and relationships drove this book along with the action! Cooper and Geri are not a couple anymore, so it was fun to see their roles a bit different now as exes. I enjoyed the back and forth and how the author portrayed these two characters in a whole different situation. I thought it was so realistic to see them acting a bit awkwardly with each other—what else happens when you're around someone you care about, but have made mistakes and you're not sure how to fix things? I also liked seeing the extra spunk in Geri's personality! As readers we'd know it was there, but didn't see as much of it in Pop Travel given she was undercover. This was just such a thrill to see their growth as characters, but mostly that they're still human and make mistakes as such. Even eccentric Hasan is back . . . and to boot, we get Aimee, another young quirky FBI agent. She's partnered with Geri . . . and boy, do they entertain the reader!
The story is fast paced and truly a fantastic second book in the blood-tingling Pop Travel series. The uniqueness and creativity in these novels are phenomenal! And the humor? Just perfectly sprinkled through out the book. I look forward to more Cooper and Geri in the future!
The year is 2082 and our favorites private detective and FBI Agent are back! Cooper and Geri are brought together once again, thanks to their line of work, for another wild ride. Androids are pretty common in this world, and it's pretty cool if you want dependable help. It also really is amazing advancement for technology . . . until SIMULATIONS become a reality. What are these? Well . . . cloned androids who can be exact replicas of real life people. And they're not legal, in fact, no one really believe they can exist, so when "Geri" makes an appearance in Washington and goes on a killing spree, it complicates things. How can Cooper help prove her innocence, take down the powerful villain behind it all, and not come off as insane? Well, you must read to find out.
The characters and relationships drove this book along with the action! Cooper and Geri are not a couple anymore, so it was fun to see their roles a bit different now as exes. I enjoyed the back and forth and how the author portrayed these two characters in a whole different situation. I thought it was so realistic to see them acting a bit awkwardly with each other—what else happens when you're around someone you care about, but have made mistakes and you're not sure how to fix things? I also liked seeing the extra spunk in Geri's personality! As readers we'd know it was there, but didn't see as much of it in Pop Travel given she was undercover. This was just such a thrill to see their growth as characters, but mostly that they're still human and make mistakes as such. Even eccentric Hasan is back . . . and to boot, we get Aimee, another young quirky FBI agent. She's partnered with Geri . . . and boy, do they entertain the reader!
The story is fast paced and truly a fantastic second book in the blood-tingling Pop Travel series. The uniqueness and creativity in these novels are phenomenal! And the humor? Just perfectly sprinkled through out the book. I look forward to more Cooper and Geri in the future!
September 29, 2022
See my full review here: http://alyshadeshae.com/2015/10/07/blog-tour-simulation-by-tara-tyler/
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review.
Warning: This review will contain spoilers for “Pop Travel” the first book in this series and possibly a few spoilers for this book. Nothing major for this book, but just in case that was your warning. It will also be a bit more scattered than usual because I’m just going to talk about things that popped (hehe) out at me in one way or another. :-)
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review.
Warning: This review will contain spoilers for “Pop Travel” the first book in this series and possibly a few spoilers for this book. Nothing major for this book, but just in case that was your warning. It will also be a bit more scattered than usual because I’m just going to talk about things that popped (hehe) out at me in one way or another. :-)
December 7, 2015
Would you really want life eternal? Just as when asked would I want to go to heaven, I think, hmm –might it not get boring after a while? Once you have done everything and been everywhere, what is there left to do? ‘Course if you are a megalomaniac you can always find some mischief – or can you?
This is really a story about cloning brains and robots and as I have been watching ‘Humans’ on TV, I can see the appeal of all the nice bodies you could have – imagine if you could sculpt away all your bad parts and improve all your good parts. I would be six foot tall, red-haired, slim and very athletic. I would have long slim legs with a nice thigh gap and my breasts would support themselves, I would definitely have a bikini ready body... oh well. I can but imagine what I would look like. But would I want to live that long? No, actually I wouldn’t. If you believe that every day could be your last, then you act as your best person. You do good rather than bad/evil. You assume that you may well die today/tomorrow and thus there will be no time to address your bad bits, no time to right those wrongs. Life eternal could definitely lead to selfish, self-absorbed, moralistically challenged people. You could use your clone (if you were still alive) to do your work, and to do all the things you don’t want to/ couldn’t/ wouldn’t normally, do. And this has got to be bad.
I sort of see why people might want to clone a beloved pet and this is actually now done – there is Britain’s first cloned dog – would normally cost £60,000 (!) but she won a competition for her.
I found this book amusingly written but not as exciting or innovative as Pop Travel. I am giving this 3.5 stars - .5 for the humour.
This is really a story about cloning brains and robots and as I have been watching ‘Humans’ on TV, I can see the appeal of all the nice bodies you could have – imagine if you could sculpt away all your bad parts and improve all your good parts. I would be six foot tall, red-haired, slim and very athletic. I would have long slim legs with a nice thigh gap and my breasts would support themselves, I would definitely have a bikini ready body... oh well. I can but imagine what I would look like. But would I want to live that long? No, actually I wouldn’t. If you believe that every day could be your last, then you act as your best person. You do good rather than bad/evil. You assume that you may well die today/tomorrow and thus there will be no time to address your bad bits, no time to right those wrongs. Life eternal could definitely lead to selfish, self-absorbed, moralistically challenged people. You could use your clone (if you were still alive) to do your work, and to do all the things you don’t want to/ couldn’t/ wouldn’t normally, do. And this has got to be bad.
I sort of see why people might want to clone a beloved pet and this is actually now done – there is Britain’s first cloned dog – would normally cost £60,000 (!) but she won a competition for her.
I found this book amusingly written but not as exciting or innovative as Pop Travel. I am giving this 3.5 stars - .5 for the humour.
January 4, 2017
This book was wonderfully written. The characters had wonderful personalities and the romance didn't seem awkward and forced. The plot was extremely interesting and it was obvious that a lot of thought and detail was put into the scientific and setting research. Overall, a great read!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews