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The Time I'm Given: Six days to make it real
Zee owes her life, indeed her very existence to the company. But she is dependent on them for her continued existence, and is legally property of the company.
Now the competition has made a breakthrough that could change all of that. She has six days to infiltrate the competition, then find, and steal the secret that could set her free.
Along the way she explores the idea of what it might mean to become a real person. She also has to make hard decisions about how she will treat people she thinks of as friends.
There is so much to do, so much to gain, and so much to loose in the six days she has. She will have to decide how she will use the time she is given.
Now the competition has made a breakthrough that could change all of that. She has six days to infiltrate the competition, then find, and steal the secret that could set her free.
Along the way she explores the idea of what it might mean to become a real person. She also has to make hard decisions about how she will treat people she thinks of as friends.
There is so much to do, so much to gain, and so much to loose in the six days she has. She will have to decide how she will use the time she is given.
255 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2015
1 person is currently reading
1 person want to read
About the author
Guy Wheatley
8 books20 followersGuy Wheatley grew up as a military dependent living on or near military bases until age thirteen. He started junior high school in his family hometown of Gillett Arkansas where his father taught him to hunt and fish. He played football in high school and held farm related jobs during the summers throughout high school and college. He also spent one summer as deck crew on a Mississippi River tow boat.
Leaving college before graduating, he took a job running an insurance agency for Planters and Merchants Bank in Gillett. Two years later he took up the same position for Merchants and Planters Bank in Hughes, Arkansas, just about 45 minutes east of Memphis Tennessee.
He had been doing freelance editorial cartoons for several years and eventually took a job with the Texarkana Gazette as an editorial artist. His interest in technology led him to be an early adopter of computers in the newsroom where he became “The computer guy.”
Eventually he moved from graphics to technology and became the Technical Services Administrator at the Texarkana Gazette. During this time he went back to school and received his BAAS degree with a concentration in English at Texas A&M – Texarkana. No longer with the Gazette, he is exploring the next phase of his career.
He is an avid reader but has also contributed several articles and columns to the Gazette throughout his career. He also wrote the “Texarkana Bikers Blog,” a motorcycle blog, for the paper.
Leaving college before graduating, he took a job running an insurance agency for Planters and Merchants Bank in Gillett. Two years later he took up the same position for Merchants and Planters Bank in Hughes, Arkansas, just about 45 minutes east of Memphis Tennessee.
He had been doing freelance editorial cartoons for several years and eventually took a job with the Texarkana Gazette as an editorial artist. His interest in technology led him to be an early adopter of computers in the newsroom where he became “The computer guy.”
Eventually he moved from graphics to technology and became the Technical Services Administrator at the Texarkana Gazette. During this time he went back to school and received his BAAS degree with a concentration in English at Texas A&M – Texarkana. No longer with the Gazette, he is exploring the next phase of his career.
He is an avid reader but has also contributed several articles and columns to the Gazette throughout his career. He also wrote the “Texarkana Bikers Blog,” a motorcycle blog, for the paper.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 1, 2018
Guy Wheatley has managed to capture a unique look into the future of a world where a being may be composed of both human skin and bones and a partly synthesized brain. It is the beginning of a new age, a new technology that is both astonishing and frightening where corporations own reconstituted humans. This perspective is rendered in detail and very personally from the viewpoint of the developing “being” Zee. Her mission is to steal a missing component from another firm that she needs to make her able to exist for more than six days at a time outside her incubator before her synthetic brain burns out. She has six days to make her life “real.” This is Book one of the Given Series and I would recommend it.
December 30, 2017
Wow! This is one of the most original storylines I've come across! The characters are sympathetically constructed and the world they inhabit is believable. The story is set not too far in the future so there are no flying cars or anything too dissimilar to the world we know. The tech is a different matter, though, and the way it is depicted is "mind-blowing"! I thoroughly recommend this book! Just be aware that there are copious spelling mistakes, missing words and general errors that I'm sure the Author will be correcting soon!
March 15, 2018
I really am not a si-fi or futuristic book reader, but Mr. Wheatley sent me a copy of this book for perusal, and I accepted.
I liked the characters right away, and felt myself rooting for Zee. The book is based in the future, with some cool technology that I can actually imagine queuing up to purchase! Through twists and turns I became more excited to see how it ended!
I recommend this book.
I liked the characters right away, and felt myself rooting for Zee. The book is based in the future, with some cool technology that I can actually imagine queuing up to purchase! Through twists and turns I became more excited to see how it ended!
I recommend this book.
February 28, 2019
Really enjoyed reading this book. The story line is so intriguing, and the characters are captivating. I can't wait to pick up the next one.
March 15, 2018
This is a fabulous story that had me hooked from the beginning. Guy B Wheatley has done a great job with this very clever book. I’ve always enjoyed a story that gets you thinking about what might be possible with the human body, and what Scientists could achieve. Elsa, the main character definitely ticks all the boxes when it comes to an altered and enhanced human being. It’s not only the characters that make this such an enjoyable story, but the plot is very good as well.
Elsa Lanchester was very close to being a normal human being, however the courts didn’t agree, especially since she didn’t have her own brain function, and was put together by a company called Androgen. Each time Elsa left the laboratory at Androgen, she had a limited life span until she had to return, and spend time in stasis, where they had to add neurons to her brain from human donors. Of course all this takes time, and it meant Elsa didn’t get out very much. Now there’s a chance with her next mission, if she can steal something from one of her employer’s competitors, then there may be a chance that Androgen can fix her brain to work like a normal human being. Going under cover is what Elsa thrives on, however there is still a limited time period that she will have to get the sample required, and get back to her lab. Seeing what a normal human life can offer her, has really given Elsa incentive to achieve her goal. You can’t help but be pulled into this story. It’s well worth a read.
Elsa Lanchester was very close to being a normal human being, however the courts didn’t agree, especially since she didn’t have her own brain function, and was put together by a company called Androgen. Each time Elsa left the laboratory at Androgen, she had a limited life span until she had to return, and spend time in stasis, where they had to add neurons to her brain from human donors. Of course all this takes time, and it meant Elsa didn’t get out very much. Now there’s a chance with her next mission, if she can steal something from one of her employer’s competitors, then there may be a chance that Androgen can fix her brain to work like a normal human being. Going under cover is what Elsa thrives on, however there is still a limited time period that she will have to get the sample required, and get back to her lab. Seeing what a normal human life can offer her, has really given Elsa incentive to achieve her goal. You can’t help but be pulled into this story. It’s well worth a read.
January 30, 2020
The Time I'm Given by Guy Wheatley was an entertaining experience. The plot is original and solid. The scientific groundwork sounds believable, at least for a layperson. The main character Zee/Elsa/Emily appears more human than one would expect given the circumstances. She's a character it's easy to sympathize with, even though she's on a doubtful, criminal mission (who wouldn't do the same). Her feelings around the elements that are missing in her life come across as very real, especially her dilemma when getting a new friend she knows she'll have to let down. There's also some very funny moments, especially the way she has to solve a particular problem near the climax of the story. Poor rats!
The other characters in the story are basically side-characters, however, from Zee's descriptions as well as her interaction with them you get a good feel of who they are and what they mean to Zee. We don't get to know a lot about the setting and surroundings of this story, which is congruent with the main character's situation and status (she doesn't know much herself), but you don't bother too much because her main mission keeps your attention. Moreover, at the end things really fall into place. Especially in the epilogue.
Great read!
The other characters in the story are basically side-characters, however, from Zee's descriptions as well as her interaction with them you get a good feel of who they are and what they mean to Zee. We don't get to know a lot about the setting and surroundings of this story, which is congruent with the main character's situation and status (she doesn't know much herself), but you don't bother too much because her main mission keeps your attention. Moreover, at the end things really fall into place. Especially in the epilogue.
Great read!
November 24, 2021
The Time I’m Given: Six Days To Make It Real by Guy B. Wheatley is a fantastic and somewhat scary step into the future. Technology is advancing all the time and giving us new ways of living our life. It seems it is just a matter of time before we will be able to live longer due to technology. This is the idea behind this novel. Zee has lived her life and has now dedicated part of her brain to a large corporation. The company will them replace parts of her brain which will allow her to live longer. The tradeoff is that she is now completely reliant on the corporation to keep her alive. She must bow to them otherwise she will lose everything. But an opportunity has come up that will allow her to gain her freedom. The only catch is she only has 6 days to pull it off before her brain gives out.
This was an awesome fantasy and science fiction novel. The characters are developed nicely, and the narrative moves along at a fast pace. The story forces the reader to ask themselves lots of questions about mortality, what it means to be free, and what you are willing to do to extend your life. The big question for me was whether I would even be willing to extend my life...even with freedom. Fans of thrillers and science fiction will really enjoy this new world.
This was an awesome fantasy and science fiction novel. The characters are developed nicely, and the narrative moves along at a fast pace. The story forces the reader to ask themselves lots of questions about mortality, what it means to be free, and what you are willing to do to extend your life. The big question for me was whether I would even be willing to extend my life...even with freedom. Fans of thrillers and science fiction will really enjoy this new world.
February 13, 2019
Somehow, The Time I'm Given is not listed under science fiction in the Kindle categories. The sci-fi aspect is the entire premise that the novel is built on, which is obvious even from the summary. Fans of the genre might miss this and what a shame that would be.
There were some editing issues, "all ways" instead of always and "you" where "your" would be the correct word for instance. The "all ways" mistake was all over the book. Missing commas, paragraph long sentences... human editors, people, they can't be replaced by spell check or even the best grammar checking programs.
The Time I'm Given gave me a run for my money when it came to reviewing. I feel like I can't say much without blowing it totally. Zee is Susan who is dead but she's not dead, she's Zee. Zach is the potential love interest but also someone who absolutely cannot be so. I badly want to talk about that but in the interest of not spoiling the whole book for everyone, I'll stop. All of the stars I'm giving are for creativity in terms of the plot.
There were some editing issues, "all ways" instead of always and "you" where "your" would be the correct word for instance. The "all ways" mistake was all over the book. Missing commas, paragraph long sentences... human editors, people, they can't be replaced by spell check or even the best grammar checking programs.
The Time I'm Given gave me a run for my money when it came to reviewing. I feel like I can't say much without blowing it totally. Zee is Susan who is dead but she's not dead, she's Zee. Zach is the potential love interest but also someone who absolutely cannot be so. I badly want to talk about that but in the interest of not spoiling the whole book for everyone, I'll stop. All of the stars I'm giving are for creativity in terms of the plot.
February 19, 2019
It’s a race against the clock.
Thank this was a good read. Once I started reading it I couldn’t put it down. They story was new, interesting, well written and the characters were well developed and thought out! Zee is a created being who can only live as a human for 6 days before returning to the company to have her human brain “recharged”. In a new development the companies competition discovers a new technology that could let Zee live for much longer than 6 days at a time! The risks are deadly for Zee but the benefits could potentially change her life. The tension as high as Zee embarks on a race against the clock to find this life changing technology. I can’t wait to read the sequel to this book! I have a feeling I will not be disappointed! Wheatley has a way with works and puts a lot of time into creating his characters!
Thank this was a good read. Once I started reading it I couldn’t put it down. They story was new, interesting, well written and the characters were well developed and thought out! Zee is a created being who can only live as a human for 6 days before returning to the company to have her human brain “recharged”. In a new development the companies competition discovers a new technology that could let Zee live for much longer than 6 days at a time! The risks are deadly for Zee but the benefits could potentially change her life. The tension as high as Zee embarks on a race against the clock to find this life changing technology. I can’t wait to read the sequel to this book! I have a feeling I will not be disappointed! Wheatley has a way with works and puts a lot of time into creating his characters!
November 14, 2021
“The Time I'm Given” is the first book in the Given series by author Guy B Wheatley, and a thrilling science fiction story.
In a futuristic scenario, the main character, Zee, has to make life-changing decisions within 6 days. And during that time, events are happening at an accelerated rate. This action-packed plot really kept my eyes glued to the page. There was never a dull moment and it kept me engaged the whole time.
This is one of the most catching books in the sci-fi genre I have encountered. With a surprisingly relatable cast of characters and a fascinating plot surrounding the phenomenon of cyborgs, it will surely appeal to many readers.
In a futuristic scenario, the main character, Zee, has to make life-changing decisions within 6 days. And during that time, events are happening at an accelerated rate. This action-packed plot really kept my eyes glued to the page. There was never a dull moment and it kept me engaged the whole time.
This is one of the most catching books in the sci-fi genre I have encountered. With a surprisingly relatable cast of characters and a fascinating plot surrounding the phenomenon of cyborgs, it will surely appeal to many readers.
November 16, 2021
A gripping thriller!
“The Time I’m Given” is a compelling novel where the main character, a woman called Zee, realizes she is fully devoted to her job, to the point of having her life controlled by a contract created by the company she works for. She has got only six days to change her reality, a short time if you ask me, to make a complete change and to start believing in herself.
Although I did not find the cover attractive, I was surprised because the story kept me at the edge of my seat from the very first chapter.
I congratulate the author, called Guy Wheatley, because he was able to trap my mind and keep me thinking in the two hundred and something pages this story has.
“The Time I’m Given” is a compelling novel where the main character, a woman called Zee, realizes she is fully devoted to her job, to the point of having her life controlled by a contract created by the company she works for. She has got only six days to change her reality, a short time if you ask me, to make a complete change and to start believing in herself.
Although I did not find the cover attractive, I was surprised because the story kept me at the edge of my seat from the very first chapter.
I congratulate the author, called Guy Wheatley, because he was able to trap my mind and keep me thinking in the two hundred and something pages this story has.
November 18, 2021
When I think about good science fiction tales, I imagine something just exactly like this one, where all the characters get trapped in two worlds and their role in each of them is just necessary for the story to flow accordingly.
Given its title, I thought the storyline was going to be a bloody one, with death as its main theme, however, the main aim of Zee, the protagonist, is to live as much as possible. She and the rest of the characters in the story are well-crafted. The author has attributed them characteristics which make them look as if they are real people. This is a good quality book and I am eager to read the upcoming ones!
Given its title, I thought the storyline was going to be a bloody one, with death as its main theme, however, the main aim of Zee, the protagonist, is to live as much as possible. She and the rest of the characters in the story are well-crafted. The author has attributed them characteristics which make them look as if they are real people. This is a good quality book and I am eager to read the upcoming ones!
November 20, 2021
This book dives into a futuristic world where technology and the human body combine. ‘The Time I'm Given: Six Days to Make it Real’ by Guy B. Wheatley, the first book in the Given series, is an intriguing and unique sci-fi book that follows Zee and her quest to continue living. Wheatley takes the reader on a journey to the future where the brain can live on even after death. It’s a very interesting concept and with technology constantly evolving, it made me think more about what is possible or what could be possible. Filled with some twists and turns, this book keeps the reader engaged and the story line is well thought through. I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it!
November 21, 2021
This is the first book in the series “Given”, which promises to be a great fiction and adventure novel. In this great beginning, the protagonist, an adult woman, works for a company which dominates her life. The narrative gets more and more complex and her situation desperate as this woman is forced to infiltrate into the competition. With this difficulty to solve, the life of this protagonist and the development of the story arouse a feeling of curiosity and eagerness to know more and continue reading.
The whole series is a collection of five books and after finishing this one I cannot wait to get the other ones. I highly recommend it.
The whole series is a collection of five books and after finishing this one I cannot wait to get the other ones. I highly recommend it.
October 25, 2019
I didn’t think a book about bladder cancer could be so interesting, but this account of one man’s battle with that dreadful disease is so well-written, so honest, and so inspirational, I couldn’t put it down. Any small errors in punctuation, etc., are easily overlooked because of the engaging prose. It is humorous – the author makes it clear that a good attitude is vital in overcoming all obstacles, financial and otherwise, that come along with this fight for one’s life. Highly, highly recommended to anyone facing this situation, whether in person or with a loved one.
November 24, 2019
Opening the cover of this book I was immediately gripped by the young man speeding through city streets with a beautiful, young, dead woman at his side.
This is a well researched, well thought out work of near science fiction that enthralled me immediately and left me waiting impatiently to hear more about my friends, the main characters of the story, Zach and Zee. Fortunately this is the first of a 6 part set and I was able to get my occasional fix while searching for other titles by this author.
This is a well researched, well thought out work of near science fiction that enthralled me immediately and left me waiting impatiently to hear more about my friends, the main characters of the story, Zach and Zee. Fortunately this is the first of a 6 part set and I was able to get my occasional fix while searching for other titles by this author.
February 1, 2019
Wow! This is a fantastic read with a fresh and intriguing storyline. You won't put it down once you start. The characters are well written, and you won't get lost in the tech talk. Definitely a book for sci-fi tech fans and even newbies will enjoy this one.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews