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The Gaia Collection #1
The Gaia Effect
In City 42 Corporation look after you from cradle to grave. They protect you from the radiation outside the wall. They control the food, the water, the technology and most important of all, the continuation of the human race. Kira and Jed Jenkins were lucky enough to win Collection but when their friends start falling pregnant naturally, everything changes. How long has Corporation been lying to them? Is it really toxic outside the wall? As the group comes to terms with the changes in their lives they discover there is a much more powerful and ancient force at work, trying to bridge the gap between man and nature.
228 pages, Paperback
First published December 16, 2016
11 people are currently reading
789 people want to read
About the author
Claire Buss
32 books238 followersSign up for Claire's newsletter: http://eepurl.com/c93M2L
Claire Buss is a multi-genre author and poet based in the UK. She wanted to be Lois Lane when she grew up but work experience at her local paper was eye-opening. Instead, Claire went on to work in a variety of admin roles for over a decade but never felt quite at home. An avid reader, baker and Pinterest addict Claire won second place in the Barking and Dagenham Pen to Print writing competition in 2015 with her debut novel, The Gaia Effect, setting her writing career in motion.
~Writing passionately and hopelessly addicted to cake~
Claire's Books:
The Gaia Effect, a hopeful dystopian novel and winner of the 2017 Raven Award for favourite Scifi/Fantasy novel, was published in 2016.
The Gaia Project, the sequel to The Gaia Effect and second book in The Gaia Collection, published in October 2018.
The Gaia Solution, the third book in The Gaia Collection, is on Kindle pre-order right now and will be published in paperback and ebook on 8th November 2019.
The Rose Thief, a humorous fantasy inspired by Claire's love of Terry Pratchett and set in Roshaven was published in November 2017. It won the Raven Award for best Sci-fi/Fantasy book in 2019.
The Silk Thief, Roshaven Book 2.
The Bone Thief, Roshaven Book 3.
The Interspecies Poker Tournament, a humorous fantasy novella, set before The Rose Thief in the city of Roshaven, published in May 2019.
Ye Olde Magick Shoppe, a humorous fantasy short story from the world of Roshaven, published 2019.
Tales from Suburbia, a collection of humorous plays, blogs and short stories was published in July 2017 *available as an audiobook*
Tales from the Seaside, winner of the 2018 Best Indie Book, is a collection of humorous short stories inspired by life at the seaside with two small children, published in July 2018 *available as an audiobook*
The Blue Serpent & other tales, a collection of flash fiction stories, published in March 2018.
Flashing Here & There, a second collection of flash fiction stories, published in July 2019.
Claire has had two short stories published in 2017. 'Underground Scratchings' can be found in the sci-fi and fantasy anthology Tales from the Underground, published by Inklings Press. 'Patient Data' can be found in the sci-fi anthology The Quantum Soul, published by SciFi Roundtable. A joint short story, A Christmas Badger, was written with CH Clepitt and published in the Sparkly Badgers' Christmas Anthology. Dress Like An Animal flash fiction and Afraid of the Dark poem can be found in Haunted - The Sparkly Badgers' Anthology.
She has also published a series of poetry books - Little Book of Verse, Little Book of Spring, Little Book of Summer, Spooky Little Book, Little Book of Autumn, Little Book of Winter, Little Book of Love & Little Book of Christmas.
You can follow her on Twitter @grashopper2407, Facebook.com/busswriter and visit her website www.clairebuss.co.uk for more information about Claire and her writing.
Thank you for visiting my page! Please Follow my profile for important updates. And thank you for your reviews!
Claire Buss is a multi-genre author and poet based in the UK. She wanted to be Lois Lane when she grew up but work experience at her local paper was eye-opening. Instead, Claire went on to work in a variety of admin roles for over a decade but never felt quite at home. An avid reader, baker and Pinterest addict Claire won second place in the Barking and Dagenham Pen to Print writing competition in 2015 with her debut novel, The Gaia Effect, setting her writing career in motion.
~Writing passionately and hopelessly addicted to cake~
Claire's Books:
The Gaia Effect, a hopeful dystopian novel and winner of the 2017 Raven Award for favourite Scifi/Fantasy novel, was published in 2016.
The Gaia Project, the sequel to The Gaia Effect and second book in The Gaia Collection, published in October 2018.
The Gaia Solution, the third book in The Gaia Collection, is on Kindle pre-order right now and will be published in paperback and ebook on 8th November 2019.
The Rose Thief, a humorous fantasy inspired by Claire's love of Terry Pratchett and set in Roshaven was published in November 2017. It won the Raven Award for best Sci-fi/Fantasy book in 2019.
The Silk Thief, Roshaven Book 2.
The Bone Thief, Roshaven Book 3.
The Interspecies Poker Tournament, a humorous fantasy novella, set before The Rose Thief in the city of Roshaven, published in May 2019.
Ye Olde Magick Shoppe, a humorous fantasy short story from the world of Roshaven, published 2019.
Tales from Suburbia, a collection of humorous plays, blogs and short stories was published in July 2017 *available as an audiobook*
Tales from the Seaside, winner of the 2018 Best Indie Book, is a collection of humorous short stories inspired by life at the seaside with two small children, published in July 2018 *available as an audiobook*
The Blue Serpent & other tales, a collection of flash fiction stories, published in March 2018.
Flashing Here & There, a second collection of flash fiction stories, published in July 2019.
Claire has had two short stories published in 2017. 'Underground Scratchings' can be found in the sci-fi and fantasy anthology Tales from the Underground, published by Inklings Press. 'Patient Data' can be found in the sci-fi anthology The Quantum Soul, published by SciFi Roundtable. A joint short story, A Christmas Badger, was written with CH Clepitt and published in the Sparkly Badgers' Christmas Anthology. Dress Like An Animal flash fiction and Afraid of the Dark poem can be found in Haunted - The Sparkly Badgers' Anthology.
She has also published a series of poetry books - Little Book of Verse, Little Book of Spring, Little Book of Summer, Spooky Little Book, Little Book of Autumn, Little Book of Winter, Little Book of Love & Little Book of Christmas.
You can follow her on Twitter @grashopper2407, Facebook.com/busswriter and visit her website www.clairebuss.co.uk for more information about Claire and her writing.
Thank you for visiting my page! Please Follow my profile for important updates. And thank you for your reviews!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
April 19, 2017
The Gaia Effect is a wonderful quick story. It has all the elements of a great dystopian novel whilst maintain originality in the current trend that is leading to a lot of repetitive notions.
Truthfully, I’m always a bit nervous when entering a new dystopian novel. I love dystopian stories, yet I feel as though I’ve read them all. I feel as though things are becoming far too repetitive; I feel as though the something different we’re all searching for is appearing less and less frequently. Thus, when I enter new dystopian novels I do so with a bit of tentatively – it’s a case of hoping for the best whilst expecting the worst (well, not the worst exactly, but I do not expect a mind blowing read just the kind that will happily pass the time). Fortunately, The Gaia Effect did give something different – it gave me that something more.
All dystopian novels have trademarks that are a necessary aspect of the story. The corruption; the darkness; the need for change. I could write a massive list, but everyone knows what to expect by now. The first big hurdle any author of the genre faces is to ensure all of these elements are given ample attention. Side-by-side with creating a new world, The Gaia Effect manages to deliver all of the necessary aspects. The world is unique and intriguing, the way of life compelling and in need of change, and the characters pull us into their lives.
In fact, I was so pulled into the world that I worked my way through this one in a single sitting. The first couple of chapters I was a little bit unsure, I was wrapping my head around the world building, yet once the momentum got going I found I could not put the story down. I was curious as to what would happen next, I was in drastic need of answers. You know there are secrets to be uncovered, and I found myself eager to see how the reveals would come about. Without a doubt, the world gripped me throughout.
The entire story was original, giving us something different in a plagued world. I do not wish to say too much, but this one takes a very simple notion and turns the story into something wonderful. There is more depth to the story than the synopsis initially had me believing, the story has more elements that quite a few of the dystopian novels out there. There are more elements brought into this one than a simple corrupt future.
Honestly, it was a wonderful read. I would have liked for the story to be a bit longer, I would have liked to spend more time in the world than I did, but as it was the story made a very enjoyable quick read. If you’re a fan of dystopian novels and you’re looking for something a bit different to the current trend of teenagers and their life or death situations, then this book is very much for you.
A wonderful read, one I’m pleased to have won in a blog tour giveaway.
Truthfully, I’m always a bit nervous when entering a new dystopian novel. I love dystopian stories, yet I feel as though I’ve read them all. I feel as though things are becoming far too repetitive; I feel as though the something different we’re all searching for is appearing less and less frequently. Thus, when I enter new dystopian novels I do so with a bit of tentatively – it’s a case of hoping for the best whilst expecting the worst (well, not the worst exactly, but I do not expect a mind blowing read just the kind that will happily pass the time). Fortunately, The Gaia Effect did give something different – it gave me that something more.
All dystopian novels have trademarks that are a necessary aspect of the story. The corruption; the darkness; the need for change. I could write a massive list, but everyone knows what to expect by now. The first big hurdle any author of the genre faces is to ensure all of these elements are given ample attention. Side-by-side with creating a new world, The Gaia Effect manages to deliver all of the necessary aspects. The world is unique and intriguing, the way of life compelling and in need of change, and the characters pull us into their lives.
In fact, I was so pulled into the world that I worked my way through this one in a single sitting. The first couple of chapters I was a little bit unsure, I was wrapping my head around the world building, yet once the momentum got going I found I could not put the story down. I was curious as to what would happen next, I was in drastic need of answers. You know there are secrets to be uncovered, and I found myself eager to see how the reveals would come about. Without a doubt, the world gripped me throughout.
The entire story was original, giving us something different in a plagued world. I do not wish to say too much, but this one takes a very simple notion and turns the story into something wonderful. There is more depth to the story than the synopsis initially had me believing, the story has more elements that quite a few of the dystopian novels out there. There are more elements brought into this one than a simple corrupt future.
Honestly, it was a wonderful read. I would have liked for the story to be a bit longer, I would have liked to spend more time in the world than I did, but as it was the story made a very enjoyable quick read. If you’re a fan of dystopian novels and you’re looking for something a bit different to the current trend of teenagers and their life or death situations, then this book is very much for you.
A wonderful read, one I’m pleased to have won in a blog tour giveaway.
September 11, 2017
It felt like taking the Nestea plunge, reading some of these pages. So breathtakingly refreshing to read a story set in the dystopian future that doesn't look like another version of the Road Warrior.
The author makes it easy for the reader to become engaged and involved. Mind you, that sometimes comes at a cost... Especially when a character that you have interest in is taken away from you.
I was also rather pleased with the level of Science Fiction woven into the story. It helped create a believable world without ever getting bogged down in terminology or jargon.
The only takeaway I have in reading the story is that I think I would have preferred a little more depth and detail into the characters. That translates to the book being longer of course, but I think with the storyline the author delivers, it would pay off.
The author makes it easy for the reader to become engaged and involved. Mind you, that sometimes comes at a cost... Especially when a character that you have interest in is taken away from you.
I was also rather pleased with the level of Science Fiction woven into the story. It helped create a believable world without ever getting bogged down in terminology or jargon.
The only takeaway I have in reading the story is that I think I would have preferred a little more depth and detail into the characters. That translates to the book being longer of course, but I think with the storyline the author delivers, it would pay off.
Read
June 17, 2017Not your daddy’s Post-apocalyptic novel
I’m not a huge fan of the dystopian genre, but the Gaia Effect was a nice change up from the typical doom and gloom that bogs down most post-apocalyptic books. The Gaia Effect is set after an apocalyptic event, but instead of having humanity revert to its primal state as is typical in this genre, humanity moves forward into a carefully controlled and manipulated future designed to ensure humanities survival, just not as it was before. So, instead of Mad Max, we have Logan’s Run.
As the blurb suggests, the pivotal event for the book is pro-creation and the level at which society is willing to see their human writes in exchange for safety via the Corporation. And although the storyline itself is driven by the pregnancy dilemma, the book is actually a much deeper exploration of the choices we are currently making as a society with regard to our planet and our government and how those choice could easily manifest in the future.
Do you know those animated films that are allegedly made for kids, but have such a strong underlying adult tone that you have to wonder who the intended audience really is? That is The Gaia Effect. The author has a dark sense of humor and pokes fun at our current state through her world building and characters. There are times when you know you shouldn’t be laughing, but you can’t help it because ‘I don’t care who you are, that’s funny right there.’ In fact, I would describe the writing itself as sterile, but after finishing the book and getting to know the author’s wicked sense of humor, I can’t help but wonder if it wasn’t intentional. After all, the people in the book are all sterile, so why not the writing. I’m probably overthinking…but maybe not.
Anyhow, this is a good read, even if you don’t like dystopian fiction. And I don’t. So my four-star rating should tell you a thing or two.
I’m not a huge fan of the dystopian genre, but the Gaia Effect was a nice change up from the typical doom and gloom that bogs down most post-apocalyptic books. The Gaia Effect is set after an apocalyptic event, but instead of having humanity revert to its primal state as is typical in this genre, humanity moves forward into a carefully controlled and manipulated future designed to ensure humanities survival, just not as it was before. So, instead of Mad Max, we have Logan’s Run.
As the blurb suggests, the pivotal event for the book is pro-creation and the level at which society is willing to see their human writes in exchange for safety via the Corporation. And although the storyline itself is driven by the pregnancy dilemma, the book is actually a much deeper exploration of the choices we are currently making as a society with regard to our planet and our government and how those choice could easily manifest in the future.
Do you know those animated films that are allegedly made for kids, but have such a strong underlying adult tone that you have to wonder who the intended audience really is? That is The Gaia Effect. The author has a dark sense of humor and pokes fun at our current state through her world building and characters. There are times when you know you shouldn’t be laughing, but you can’t help it because ‘I don’t care who you are, that’s funny right there.’ In fact, I would describe the writing itself as sterile, but after finishing the book and getting to know the author’s wicked sense of humor, I can’t help but wonder if it wasn’t intentional. After all, the people in the book are all sterile, so why not the writing. I’m probably overthinking…but maybe not.
Anyhow, this is a good read, even if you don’t like dystopian fiction. And I don’t. So my four-star rating should tell you a thing or two.
March 15, 2018
I love Dystopian novels and this book didn't disappoint at all.
For a debut novel this had everything you could wish for in a dystopian book, a massive catastrophe that effects the whole planet, some evil dictator-type people running the place - always for the greater good, and the heroes who know something isn't quite right with the world so go out and try to dig deeper into it to find out what.
With this book the dictators are called Corporation who have assumed responsibility of City 42 after a radiation event caused everyone to become sterile.
The heroes are a group who are looking into this as some of their friends are becoming pregnant naturally.
Overall the book is a great mix of mystery, crime, friendship and anti-government, and I was able to keep reading it at a fast pace due to all the action and the fact that it was such an enjoyable book to read.
For a debut novel this had everything you could wish for in a dystopian book, a massive catastrophe that effects the whole planet, some evil dictator-type people running the place - always for the greater good, and the heroes who know something isn't quite right with the world so go out and try to dig deeper into it to find out what.
With this book the dictators are called Corporation who have assumed responsibility of City 42 after a radiation event caused everyone to become sterile.
The heroes are a group who are looking into this as some of their friends are becoming pregnant naturally.
Overall the book is a great mix of mystery, crime, friendship and anti-government, and I was able to keep reading it at a fast pace due to all the action and the fact that it was such an enjoyable book to read.
February 9, 2019
Who knew dystopian fiction could be uplifting. I didn’t and I was moved to find out.
July 3, 2017
Brilliant Post-Apocalyptic Science Fantasy.
"That's Gaia. She is the spirit of the Earth, dedicated to keeping the life force of the planet in balance."
City 42 is a domed enclosure where the remnants of humanity can live safe from the uninhabitable world outside. It is run by the Corporation for the benefit of all. Jed and Kira want to become parents so, of course, they apply to be given a baby and are delighted when their parental status is approved. But what is odd is that, although it is common knowledge it shouldn't happen since everyone was left sterile by radiation, three of their friends fall pregnant in the old fashioned way. They set out to try and find what is really going on and in so doing uncover an intricate web of lies woven around their entire society.
This is a well written and engaging futuristic dystopia which is kind of as if Margret Attwood met George Orwell and they sat down together to conceive a plot. The addition of a powerful supernatural element is uplifting and - unlike most dystopias - so is the ending. I am not a fan of the genre, but this one is very well done and very well written, so much that it made me forget my prejudices. Using extensions of modern technology in ways that help create a grounding sense of reality, whilst also opening the door to a more spiritual dimension.
'The med-tech had told her that changes in her magnetic auras due to the pregnancy could affect her implants, and as some of the tech was in beta test, there were still kinks in the software.'
The strength of this book is in its characters. They are all believable and engaging, very well written. The pace is maintained well throughout with the right amount of tension kept for most of the book. The world building is excellent, drawing convincingly on modern technology and projecting developments in a way that makes it easy for the reader to relate to. I particularly like the way the future of social media is is explored.
The dialogue is generally very well written and convincing, which is a good thing as a lot of the story is progressed through dialogue. There are some interesting references and symbols as well. I did wonder if the use of a bee was inspired by the Merovingians or 'The Secret World', or referencing the ancient Greek belief in the bee as a link between nature and the underworld maybe, or simply a symbol of nature and pollination. Oh - and if you ever wondered if there is something in the water, there really is!
“It's a bit odd that they all know each other isn't it?”
So what is not to like? For me not very much at all and the two things I found irritating another reader might not. The way the point of view hovered around at times was a bit distancing and distracting. It even seemed to shift to third person plural here and there and as a result, I sometimes felt as though I was watching it on TV rather than living it with the characters. Also for me, personally, sometimes things were a tiny bit too convenient. The set-up of Jed and Kyra's friends and their occupations and contacts, for example. A pre-existing social group that just happens to have the contacts/jobs they need. But neither of these was enough to spoil what I found to be a thundering good read.
I can't finish this review without mentioning the utterly awesome cover which I would love, poster-sized on my wall. It is worth an extra star on its own and is what confirmed me in my final rating. If you are a fan of the post-apocalyptic genre and want something different which is rooted in hope and gives insight and ideas, rather than diving ever deeper into apathy and despair, this is a must-read.
"That's Gaia. She is the spirit of the Earth, dedicated to keeping the life force of the planet in balance."
City 42 is a domed enclosure where the remnants of humanity can live safe from the uninhabitable world outside. It is run by the Corporation for the benefit of all. Jed and Kira want to become parents so, of course, they apply to be given a baby and are delighted when their parental status is approved. But what is odd is that, although it is common knowledge it shouldn't happen since everyone was left sterile by radiation, three of their friends fall pregnant in the old fashioned way. They set out to try and find what is really going on and in so doing uncover an intricate web of lies woven around their entire society.
This is a well written and engaging futuristic dystopia which is kind of as if Margret Attwood met George Orwell and they sat down together to conceive a plot. The addition of a powerful supernatural element is uplifting and - unlike most dystopias - so is the ending. I am not a fan of the genre, but this one is very well done and very well written, so much that it made me forget my prejudices. Using extensions of modern technology in ways that help create a grounding sense of reality, whilst also opening the door to a more spiritual dimension.
'The med-tech had told her that changes in her magnetic auras due to the pregnancy could affect her implants, and as some of the tech was in beta test, there were still kinks in the software.'
The strength of this book is in its characters. They are all believable and engaging, very well written. The pace is maintained well throughout with the right amount of tension kept for most of the book. The world building is excellent, drawing convincingly on modern technology and projecting developments in a way that makes it easy for the reader to relate to. I particularly like the way the future of social media is is explored.
The dialogue is generally very well written and convincing, which is a good thing as a lot of the story is progressed through dialogue. There are some interesting references and symbols as well. I did wonder if the use of a bee was inspired by the Merovingians or 'The Secret World', or referencing the ancient Greek belief in the bee as a link between nature and the underworld maybe, or simply a symbol of nature and pollination. Oh - and if you ever wondered if there is something in the water, there really is!
“It's a bit odd that they all know each other isn't it?”
So what is not to like? For me not very much at all and the two things I found irritating another reader might not. The way the point of view hovered around at times was a bit distancing and distracting. It even seemed to shift to third person plural here and there and as a result, I sometimes felt as though I was watching it on TV rather than living it with the characters. Also for me, personally, sometimes things were a tiny bit too convenient. The set-up of Jed and Kyra's friends and their occupations and contacts, for example. A pre-existing social group that just happens to have the contacts/jobs they need. But neither of these was enough to spoil what I found to be a thundering good read.
I can't finish this review without mentioning the utterly awesome cover which I would love, poster-sized on my wall. It is worth an extra star on its own and is what confirmed me in my final rating. If you are a fan of the post-apocalyptic genre and want something different which is rooted in hope and gives insight and ideas, rather than diving ever deeper into apathy and despair, this is a must-read.
July 5, 2017
I always feel awkward reviewing books that I’ve gotten for free. There’s always this social niggling in the back of my head to give it five stars and praise it no matter what I really thought. Unfortunately this doesn’t work in the honour system. Luckily for The Gaia Effect, truth does it justice.
When I first started this book I admit I was a little put off by something. The idea of reading ANOTHER dystopian novel had me wary. After all, how many times could it be done before you started to notice patterns in the structure, almost making it procedural? Luckily, and this is the highest praise I’ll give for this book, it does not wonder into those territories.
The Gaia Effect, without spoilers, isn’t a truly dark or gritty read. In fact I felt the opposite. There was a lightness to it that wasn’t a detriment to its plot. It surprised me. Usually in these sorts of stories there’s basically no hope for anyone, but it’s quite the opposite here. That’s the whole point. The future is bright. One of the things that led this driving force was its sense of wit.
There are certainly parts of this book that remind me of others. Needless to say The Handmaid’s Tale, but also Cloud Atlas and, surprisingly, The Giver (which is only surprising, I suppose, given it is a Young Adult novel).
I’ve rated this 3, but to be honest it’s worth 3.5, bordering on 4. It was an enjoyable read. However, and this is not something I would often complain about, especially with sci-fi works, it is TOO SHORT. A great tale needs a greater length, and I feel that if the author had spent just a tad more in details here and there, added more, put back what they possibly cut, then readers would have more time to truly immerse themselves in the book.
Also, with such an intriguing and rather personal plot, perhaps I would have connected more with Jed and Kira if it had been told in their words, narrated by either one of them or both in turns. There are times when the author’s style in describing things is a little wooden, unbelievable, and this is grating.
Also, I didn’t connect with the grammar. A great many times it just wasn’t as perfect as I demand with a book, and it was there from the very get-go. It might be a little thing but it has the ability to take me out of a world when I am distracted by the misplaced commas, or the lack of.
The Gaia Effect is definitely one of the more intriguing science-fiction ideas I’ve read in a while, and one that hopefully will involve some further stories in this realm.
If you love your sci-fi weird, I highly recommend it. If you like your sci-fi short and sweet, I’d suggest it.
When I first started this book I admit I was a little put off by something. The idea of reading ANOTHER dystopian novel had me wary. After all, how many times could it be done before you started to notice patterns in the structure, almost making it procedural? Luckily, and this is the highest praise I’ll give for this book, it does not wonder into those territories.
The Gaia Effect, without spoilers, isn’t a truly dark or gritty read. In fact I felt the opposite. There was a lightness to it that wasn’t a detriment to its plot. It surprised me. Usually in these sorts of stories there’s basically no hope for anyone, but it’s quite the opposite here. That’s the whole point. The future is bright. One of the things that led this driving force was its sense of wit.
There are certainly parts of this book that remind me of others. Needless to say The Handmaid’s Tale, but also Cloud Atlas and, surprisingly, The Giver (which is only surprising, I suppose, given it is a Young Adult novel).
I’ve rated this 3, but to be honest it’s worth 3.5, bordering on 4. It was an enjoyable read. However, and this is not something I would often complain about, especially with sci-fi works, it is TOO SHORT. A great tale needs a greater length, and I feel that if the author had spent just a tad more in details here and there, added more, put back what they possibly cut, then readers would have more time to truly immerse themselves in the book.
Also, with such an intriguing and rather personal plot, perhaps I would have connected more with Jed and Kira if it had been told in their words, narrated by either one of them or both in turns. There are times when the author’s style in describing things is a little wooden, unbelievable, and this is grating.
Also, I didn’t connect with the grammar. A great many times it just wasn’t as perfect as I demand with a book, and it was there from the very get-go. It might be a little thing but it has the ability to take me out of a world when I am distracted by the misplaced commas, or the lack of.
The Gaia Effect is definitely one of the more intriguing science-fiction ideas I’ve read in a while, and one that hopefully will involve some further stories in this realm.
If you love your sci-fi weird, I highly recommend it. If you like your sci-fi short and sweet, I’d suggest it.
April 3, 2018
Claire Buss has created an enjoyable and believable world with The Gaia Effect. I enjoyed the story, as I felt it provided all the essential elements you expect in a dystopian world, but with its own unique situation. As a mother of small children, my interest was piqued right from the start, with the system of reproduction the Corporation uses, and the unexpected pregnancies.
The book was well-written, a solid 3.5 stars for me, and I’ll definitely look out for more from this author in future.
The book was well-written, a solid 3.5 stars for me, and I’ll definitely look out for more from this author in future.
May 31, 2017
This was a very easy book to read, and I didn't want to put the book down (I had to sleep at some point, though). Loved that technology like communications and watches are now implants in people. Loved the concept of having to apply to get a baby. The story is well-thought out, and it shows the friendship and loyalty of the characters in the story, and how supportive they are in the face of adversity.
April 11, 2018
Fast-paced, entertaining read. Some of the details in the post-apocalyptic world are reminiscent of Fahrenheit 451. Interesting cast of characters, and neither the ever-present and all-knowing Corporation nor the defiant Anti-Corp movement appear to be either 100% good or evil, which makes for a thought-provoking read. Highly recommend.
January 2, 2017
This is right up my street as a book. although it had a sci-fi, dystopian future backdrop, this is a book about the events that test a friendship, and how friendship binds you together in the face of adversity.
In the future, corporations control cities across an earth that was broken by humanity itself. All aspects of life are catered for but also denied to many. Housing, food, water and even children are allocated only to those who tow the corporate line.
But all that changes with the appearance of a mysterious blue lady and her wild familiars...
The characters are superbly crafted;
Martha; fiercely defiant of her privileged family, comes to take on the ultimate responsibilities.
Ruth; subversive and independent, yet hiding unbearable pain and torment as her motivation.
Dina; so young and yet to really find herself, she shows great strength in putting herself at incredible risk for all.
Jed; responsible, dependable, strong, law enforcement; he finds himself at the centre of events as they spin out of his control and understanding.
and finally Kira; our narrator for this novel and as much as the host and protagonist of the events as Gaia herself. Mother, wife and friend; she embodies the core elements that Gaia is trying to wrest from the corporations control.
In the future, corporations control cities across an earth that was broken by humanity itself. All aspects of life are catered for but also denied to many. Housing, food, water and even children are allocated only to those who tow the corporate line.
But all that changes with the appearance of a mysterious blue lady and her wild familiars...
The characters are superbly crafted;
Martha; fiercely defiant of her privileged family, comes to take on the ultimate responsibilities.
Ruth; subversive and independent, yet hiding unbearable pain and torment as her motivation.
Dina; so young and yet to really find herself, she shows great strength in putting herself at incredible risk for all.
Jed; responsible, dependable, strong, law enforcement; he finds himself at the centre of events as they spin out of his control and understanding.
and finally Kira; our narrator for this novel and as much as the host and protagonist of the events as Gaia herself. Mother, wife and friend; she embodies the core elements that Gaia is trying to wrest from the corporations control.
June 24, 2017
This review took a little longer to write for one simple reason - my wife kept stealing my Kindle to finish the book before me.
Not only that but she wanted more too - which has to be a good sign. She said it was like walking into a movie 20 minutes in and wishing she had more of the back story.
When I finally wrestled the book from her grasp, I really enjoyed the tale. Let's set the scene - we're in a future where babies are collected, not born, and where becoming pregnant is an impossibility. An impossibility that comes to pass, pitching a group of friends in the middle of a battle between the Corporation that runs society, and those who would resist it.
There's a very realistic feel to the nature of the friendships at the heart of the book, as they face up to the situation they find themselves in. As the strict order of society begins to unravel in the wake of the revelation of a pregnancy, science and mysticism both play a part in the ongoing story. Is it Gaia playing her part? Or simple science?
Honestly, it's a really enjoyable tale - and one I thoroughly recommend. As for my wife? She hollers over that she wants a sequel. If one comes along, I'll be sure to read it first before I tell her it's on my Kindle.
Not only that but she wanted more too - which has to be a good sign. She said it was like walking into a movie 20 minutes in and wishing she had more of the back story.
When I finally wrestled the book from her grasp, I really enjoyed the tale. Let's set the scene - we're in a future where babies are collected, not born, and where becoming pregnant is an impossibility. An impossibility that comes to pass, pitching a group of friends in the middle of a battle between the Corporation that runs society, and those who would resist it.
There's a very realistic feel to the nature of the friendships at the heart of the book, as they face up to the situation they find themselves in. As the strict order of society begins to unravel in the wake of the revelation of a pregnancy, science and mysticism both play a part in the ongoing story. Is it Gaia playing her part? Or simple science?
Honestly, it's a really enjoyable tale - and one I thoroughly recommend. As for my wife? She hollers over that she wants a sequel. If one comes along, I'll be sure to read it first before I tell her it's on my Kindle.
June 19, 2018
This book can probably best be described as family-oriented dystopian fiction. That may seem unusual, and it is, in the best possible way. The futuristic society is not like any that I've yet come across. Some of the usual elements are there, like having everything automated. But the storytelling is clever and the use of typical futuristic tropes is highly creative.
In this world, if you're lucky enough to be chosen, you can have a baby almost at the touch of a button. The story begins with a pair of hopeful parents, Kira and Jed Jenkins, preparing for collection---the process of picking up their baby from the Powers that Be.
As a parent myself, so many of the metaphors in the story, particularly surrounding motherhood, resonated. Even in our contemporary society, it can often feel as though forces outside ourselves have all the control about what we do with our bodies: whether or not we have babies, how we choose to do so, and how we care for them once they're born. I found myself nodding at the way this post-apocalyptic world somehow manages to distill all that and make it market-controlled. It's not a stretch to envision it.
Although Kira and Jed probably occupy the greatest amount of on-page time, this is truly an ensemble cast with a host of wonderful characters. Each of the women or couples experiences parenting in a different way. Kira and Jed bring home their baby as a product of science but choose to parent the "old-fashioned" way. The other women all become pregnant naturally, each under a different set of circumstances. I loved all of them, and as the story unfolded, I felt connected to them through shared experiences.
The story itself is fast-paced and, unlike many books of its kind, down to earth in its language and structure. That leaves readers free to enjoy the storytelling rather than being too caught up in endless descriptions of world-building and scientific concepts.
It's a good thing, because the storytelling invites deep thought. While there are certainly some terrible things being done, it's also clear that there aren't really "good guys" and "bad guys." It's a struggle between people who all want to do what's best in a world that's been made nearly uninhabitable. The tension is more between rigid thinking and open-mindedness, which can be found on both sides in this story.
There's not a clean, perfect resolution. Anyone looking for every last loose end to be tied up will be disappointed. However, the end is significantly more hopeful and uplifting than is sometimes found in dystopian literature. This is one story about one city in the futuristic world. I would love to revisit this society and see what has become of the characters, or perhaps take a peek into a different city and see what's happening there.
For an excellently constructed world, a story that invites readers to think about our own society, and a hopeful ending, this gets 5 stars.
In this world, if you're lucky enough to be chosen, you can have a baby almost at the touch of a button. The story begins with a pair of hopeful parents, Kira and Jed Jenkins, preparing for collection---the process of picking up their baby from the Powers that Be.
As a parent myself, so many of the metaphors in the story, particularly surrounding motherhood, resonated. Even in our contemporary society, it can often feel as though forces outside ourselves have all the control about what we do with our bodies: whether or not we have babies, how we choose to do so, and how we care for them once they're born. I found myself nodding at the way this post-apocalyptic world somehow manages to distill all that and make it market-controlled. It's not a stretch to envision it.
Although Kira and Jed probably occupy the greatest amount of on-page time, this is truly an ensemble cast with a host of wonderful characters. Each of the women or couples experiences parenting in a different way. Kira and Jed bring home their baby as a product of science but choose to parent the "old-fashioned" way. The other women all become pregnant naturally, each under a different set of circumstances. I loved all of them, and as the story unfolded, I felt connected to them through shared experiences.
The story itself is fast-paced and, unlike many books of its kind, down to earth in its language and structure. That leaves readers free to enjoy the storytelling rather than being too caught up in endless descriptions of world-building and scientific concepts.
It's a good thing, because the storytelling invites deep thought. While there are certainly some terrible things being done, it's also clear that there aren't really "good guys" and "bad guys." It's a struggle between people who all want to do what's best in a world that's been made nearly uninhabitable. The tension is more between rigid thinking and open-mindedness, which can be found on both sides in this story.
There's not a clean, perfect resolution. Anyone looking for every last loose end to be tied up will be disappointed. However, the end is significantly more hopeful and uplifting than is sometimes found in dystopian literature. This is one story about one city in the futuristic world. I would love to revisit this society and see what has become of the characters, or perhaps take a peek into a different city and see what's happening there.
For an excellently constructed world, a story that invites readers to think about our own society, and a hopeful ending, this gets 5 stars.
February 21, 2018
Really liked this book, the story was original and well written. The corporation rules over it's population with rationed water, rent control and ever evolving technology. Anti corp, a terrorist group, rails against this rule The city is enclosed in a force field, protecting the population from the outside....or is it keeping them from discovering the truth of their existence?
November 30, 2020
Claire Buss' The Gaia Effect, the first book of a trilogy, is a hopeful postapocalyptic novel - set in a post-radiation earth, where humanity lives in domed cities and natural pregnancies are a thing of the past. Kira and Jed Jenkins are thrilled when the win the lottery-style allocation to be assigned a (lab-grown) baby and make the radical decision to rear their child 'naturally' without the use of a Nan-nan. But the sightings of a mysterious blue lady and long extinct bees, followed by a string of strange occurrences lead Kira and Jed along with their friends to question all that they know to be true. Is there life outside the high-tech, consumerism of the Corporation? What secrets are they hiding?
This is a delightful novel with a strong focus on family life and pregnancy while including mystery, dystopian aspects, sci-fi technology, corporate shenanigans and the balance of nature.
This is a delightful novel with a strong focus on family life and pregnancy while including mystery, dystopian aspects, sci-fi technology, corporate shenanigans and the balance of nature.
September 14, 2019
looking at synopsis, not giving anything away if I compare to aeon flux. i'm biased(post war future)/one of my fave recipes(anyone?)you'll see similarities n distinctions. if this gets yer attention, then i'm pretty sure you'll like(very sure). got a little complexity too(it's got levels). did you like logan's run? that's too much of a hint, but you'll like if you liked the other/n if you don't know, read this first
March 5, 2019
A blockbuster in print! Claire Buss's debut novel tackles the genre with evident enthusiasm. Likeable characters and an interesting plotline make this dystopian sci-fi a decent thriller. Further character development on the less likeable members of the cast would have strengthened it for me.
March 16, 2018
I gave this a 4 stars or 8/10. My thanks to the Author and Publisher via TBConFB for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.
It's no secret that I enjoy a good dystopian themed book and this is one that fits the bill nicely. In this debut story by Claire Buss we meet the occupants of City 42, their lives are pretty much controlled by the Corporation from birth to death. The Corporation control everything and leave nothing to chance, even how babies are created and what characteristics they may have. They make people believe that life outside the wall is toxic and dangerous. They monitor everything that goes on within the city walls, keeping their eye on everyone.
Meet Kira and Jed Jenkins, their luck is and they have been chosen to win a Collection. As parents to be there are choices they have to make once they have collected their offspring in how the child is reared. In an unusual turn of events some of their friends begin to fall pregnant naturally, this is pretty much unheard of and it's not long before things begin to change in all their lives. What is happening to allow this to happen? It's not long before the Corporation are getting involved.
As events start to happen, is the Corporation all it portrays itself to be? Are the residents of City 42 starting to rebel against the Corporation or has there always been a minority that have never completely believed in all that they've been told?
This reads well as a standalone, it's well written and is engaging as a concept for a dystopian future. It's very thought provoking and would make a great reading group read there is plenty of material that can be discussed. From tweeting about reading this and communicating with the Author, I have found out that a second book is in the process of being written to continue on with the story of City 42 and it's inhabitants. I for one will be interested to see how this progresses and will look forward to reading more in the future.
It's no secret that I enjoy a good dystopian themed book and this is one that fits the bill nicely. In this debut story by Claire Buss we meet the occupants of City 42, their lives are pretty much controlled by the Corporation from birth to death. The Corporation control everything and leave nothing to chance, even how babies are created and what characteristics they may have. They make people believe that life outside the wall is toxic and dangerous. They monitor everything that goes on within the city walls, keeping their eye on everyone.
Meet Kira and Jed Jenkins, their luck is and they have been chosen to win a Collection. As parents to be there are choices they have to make once they have collected their offspring in how the child is reared. In an unusual turn of events some of their friends begin to fall pregnant naturally, this is pretty much unheard of and it's not long before things begin to change in all their lives. What is happening to allow this to happen? It's not long before the Corporation are getting involved.
As events start to happen, is the Corporation all it portrays itself to be? Are the residents of City 42 starting to rebel against the Corporation or has there always been a minority that have never completely believed in all that they've been told?
This reads well as a standalone, it's well written and is engaging as a concept for a dystopian future. It's very thought provoking and would make a great reading group read there is plenty of material that can be discussed. From tweeting about reading this and communicating with the Author, I have found out that a second book is in the process of being written to continue on with the story of City 42 and it's inhabitants. I for one will be interested to see how this progresses and will look forward to reading more in the future.
December 28, 2016
I am lucky enough to have read this book twice! As one of Claire's beta readers, I was able to see two versions of it, including a sneak preview of the final version over the summer. As well as a compelling story with intrigue and corruption in a post-apocalyptic world, Claire tackles the themes of motherhood, friendship and how modern technology impacts our lives. She has cleverly created a fascinating futuristic world, but with characters that face many of the same issues we are dealing with today.
May 29, 2017
In City 42, Corporation takes care of everything for you. They protect you from the radiation outside of the wall. They also control the food, water, technology, and most importantly, who is privileged enough to be able to have children! Jed and his wife, Kira, are lucky enough to win collection and are given a beautiful baby girl. But, then, some of their friends become pregnant naturally. How long has Corporation been lying to them? Is it really toxic outside the walls or would it be safe for people to begin to live outside again? As the small group of friends begins to start looking for answers they find more questions but they also that there are powerful forces at work that are more powerful and ancient than the ones that are trying to keep them under control.
I was fortunate enough to be given a copy of The Gaia effect in exchange for an honest review and I really found the concept to be interesting. I particularly enjoyed the characters and their relationships with each other. I found it interesting that most of the group wanted to experience motherhood as naturally as possible, even Kira, who was got her baby through collection, instead of using all of the technological advances that could make things easier for them. My favorite character was definitely Martha and Kira and my favorite relationship was the one between Ingrid and Pete. He definitely knew how to draw Ingrid out of her shell. I hope there's going to be a sequel that shows what happens next to this little group of friends and the rest of City 42. There's so much potential here!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/178...
I was fortunate enough to be given a copy of The Gaia effect in exchange for an honest review and I really found the concept to be interesting. I particularly enjoyed the characters and their relationships with each other. I found it interesting that most of the group wanted to experience motherhood as naturally as possible, even Kira, who was got her baby through collection, instead of using all of the technological advances that could make things easier for them. My favorite character was definitely Martha and Kira and my favorite relationship was the one between Ingrid and Pete. He definitely knew how to draw Ingrid out of her shell. I hope there's going to be a sequel that shows what happens next to this little group of friends and the rest of City 42. There's so much potential here!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/178...
March 17, 2018
I've always been intrigued by the stories of Gaia and am now more than a little concerned about the environmental consequences of our actions. Claire Buss' imagining of a dystopian future seems uncomfortably real; the only saving grace is that in her book the human species comes to terms with its foolishness.
Parts of the "Gaia Effect" reminded me of Suzanne Collin's "Hunger Games" series -- similar imaginings of a Corporation, the naming of the cities. But Buss' imagining its inhabitants seems kinder somehow as some humans at least, are still in touch with their humaneness.
Buss imagines a world where the human race has pretty much finished what it started 200 years ago (present time). There is not a single plant alive (the four women's delight at a real live fern are disarmingly reminiscent of Wall-e's reaction to a tree). I liked how Buss shows how technology is so integrated that sometimes one wonders whether the protagonists are more android than human. Some interesting twists and turns in the story arcs (Martha, Ruth) that keep the page turned. Unlike other dystopian novels which drive home some rather harsh lessons on environmental destruction, Buss' message is gentler somehow -- the idea that we are less likely to screw up when given a second chance, is refreshing.
Parts of the novel need editing and the transition between scenes isn't always smooth. I think the language too could be re-worked (ex: One character used the word 'frag/fraggin' four times in three sentences). But overall, an interesting, engaging book.
Parts of the "Gaia Effect" reminded me of Suzanne Collin's "Hunger Games" series -- similar imaginings of a Corporation, the naming of the cities. But Buss' imagining its inhabitants seems kinder somehow as some humans at least, are still in touch with their humaneness.
Buss imagines a world where the human race has pretty much finished what it started 200 years ago (present time). There is not a single plant alive (the four women's delight at a real live fern are disarmingly reminiscent of Wall-e's reaction to a tree). I liked how Buss shows how technology is so integrated that sometimes one wonders whether the protagonists are more android than human. Some interesting twists and turns in the story arcs (Martha, Ruth) that keep the page turned. Unlike other dystopian novels which drive home some rather harsh lessons on environmental destruction, Buss' message is gentler somehow -- the idea that we are less likely to screw up when given a second chance, is refreshing.
Parts of the novel need editing and the transition between scenes isn't always smooth. I think the language too could be re-worked (ex: One character used the word 'frag/fraggin' four times in three sentences). But overall, an interesting, engaging book.
March 24, 2017
When I read the blurb for the first time, I got huge Brave New World (because of the pregnancies) and Nineteen-Eightyfour (because of the whole big Corporation watching over you from cradle to grave, brrr) vibes. It really made me curious about the book and hope that it wouldn’t be a far cry from those huge works of dystopian literature. And luckily, it wasn’t! Where I normally have a hard time reading any science fiction novel, I didn’t with The Gaia Effect. Not at all. It was both futuristic AND believable!
Just like the day of today, a big part of the daily news gets spread via a kind of social medium. It took me some time to figure out how the chatnames worked, but when I finally did (they were abbreviations for the character’s and corporation’s names) I thought it was a lovely addition to the story! You really get to see how social media works and what’s good about it, but also what’s wrong about it. The wrong part about it is all the gossip and the inciting messages which, of course, made it more exciting for me, as a the reader. Although I was really glad I could read it, safe and sound, on the couch in my 2017 home. (Things got nasty, real quick).
At the same time I found it hard to really bond with the main characters somehow, and I couldn’t really get a good grip on how this futuristic world looked like. I think I missed discriptions of the surroundings and the characters were a bit too sketchy, in my opinion. All this made me not care that much about the horrible events in the book, although I knew they were absolutely horrific!
All in all, I loved the cautionary tale that The Gaia Effect is. On some days I could really cry about what we’re all doing to this beautiful Earth we borrowed and The Gaia Effect shows one possible outcome. And I can tell ya, it’s not a pretty one.
3.5/5 ★
*I received an ebook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*/5!
Just like the day of today, a big part of the daily news gets spread via a kind of social medium. It took me some time to figure out how the chatnames worked, but when I finally did (they were abbreviations for the character’s and corporation’s names) I thought it was a lovely addition to the story! You really get to see how social media works and what’s good about it, but also what’s wrong about it. The wrong part about it is all the gossip and the inciting messages which, of course, made it more exciting for me, as a the reader. Although I was really glad I could read it, safe and sound, on the couch in my 2017 home. (Things got nasty, real quick).
At the same time I found it hard to really bond with the main characters somehow, and I couldn’t really get a good grip on how this futuristic world looked like. I think I missed discriptions of the surroundings and the characters were a bit too sketchy, in my opinion. All this made me not care that much about the horrible events in the book, although I knew they were absolutely horrific!
All in all, I loved the cautionary tale that The Gaia Effect is. On some days I could really cry about what we’re all doing to this beautiful Earth we borrowed and The Gaia Effect shows one possible outcome. And I can tell ya, it’s not a pretty one.
3.5/5 ★
*I received an ebook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*/5!
January 21, 2018
“The Gaia Effect” an imaginative post-apocalyptic tale begins after an “Event” that left the land toxic and people living behind walls, their food, water, technology and reproduction controlled by the Corporation. The story opens in City 42 where junior archivist Kira Jenkins and her Force detective husband Jed Jenkins have won the lottery and on Collection Day pick up their baby girl Grace. But the day holds strange happenings after Jed like many others see a long extinct bee and a beautiful blue woman.
Word quickly spreads of rape, pregnancies and a miscarriage, all which affect Kira’s friends Ruth Maddocks, Martha Hamble, Dina Grey and Jed’s sister Ingrid. As Anti-Corp’s spying heats up, the populace begins to ask questions as an explosion rips apart a Corporation building Kira and her friends are swept away discovering a place where an ancient power works with man to bridge a gap that resulted from the devastation of the earth.
Short in length with few background details, the plot line is still engrossing even with these shortcomings. Set on Earth after an “Event” the Corporation controls the life of every citizen even determining who can have one of the babies grown in the lab and given a name by the state. Intensity and suspense build when news of pregnancies and a miscarriage shake the authority of the Corporation after a bee and blue woman are seen. Smoothly paced and incorporating futuristic innovations like synth-caf and the NanNan 3000 as well as Corporation Board updates to give insight into their decisions as hostility in the city rises the action escalates with protests, an explosion and a vengeful shooting.
Although plot-oriented and not character-driven one of the strengths of the book are the compelling personalities dealing with fear spawned by the sudden changes in their lives, the insecurity of a society under siege because of lies and a failed conspiracy as well as anxiety and tragedy closer to home.
I enjoyed reading “The Gaia Effect” with its shades of “the Handmaid’s Tale” and “the Giver” and will look for more novels in future by Claire Buss.
Word quickly spreads of rape, pregnancies and a miscarriage, all which affect Kira’s friends Ruth Maddocks, Martha Hamble, Dina Grey and Jed’s sister Ingrid. As Anti-Corp’s spying heats up, the populace begins to ask questions as an explosion rips apart a Corporation building Kira and her friends are swept away discovering a place where an ancient power works with man to bridge a gap that resulted from the devastation of the earth.
Short in length with few background details, the plot line is still engrossing even with these shortcomings. Set on Earth after an “Event” the Corporation controls the life of every citizen even determining who can have one of the babies grown in the lab and given a name by the state. Intensity and suspense build when news of pregnancies and a miscarriage shake the authority of the Corporation after a bee and blue woman are seen. Smoothly paced and incorporating futuristic innovations like synth-caf and the NanNan 3000 as well as Corporation Board updates to give insight into their decisions as hostility in the city rises the action escalates with protests, an explosion and a vengeful shooting.
Although plot-oriented and not character-driven one of the strengths of the book are the compelling personalities dealing with fear spawned by the sudden changes in their lives, the insecurity of a society under siege because of lies and a failed conspiracy as well as anxiety and tragedy closer to home.
I enjoyed reading “The Gaia Effect” with its shades of “the Handmaid’s Tale” and “the Giver” and will look for more novels in future by Claire Buss.
December 1, 2019
The world this story takes place in is at once both horrible and believable. Something like this could probably be reality in a two hundred years. At first glance, it's a rather glum view of the world – almost dystopian – but there's hope hidden underneath the surface, and it doesn't really begin to show until quite late in the story.
Overall, the story is well written, but it takes a while to get going, and it wasn't until I was about halfway through that I felt I had a good grasp of where it was headed. That's also about the time the story picks up the pace and starts getting more interesting. If you've just started reading, and are on the fence, I recommend sticking it out.
Things that didn't quite work for me:
A lot of the emotional attachment in the story is done through the pregnancies of some of the female characters. This isn't something I have any close personal experience with, so it didn't really click with me. It was interesting to see this dealt with on such a personal level in a sci-fi setting though.
Things that did work for me:
The social commentary, and the way there were characters on both sides of the fence having very different opinions about the situation in the world was interesting to follow.
The sweeps presented between many of the scenes in the book added a lot of depth to the world, but without taking up nearly any space in the story.
Overall, the story is well written, but it takes a while to get going, and it wasn't until I was about halfway through that I felt I had a good grasp of where it was headed. That's also about the time the story picks up the pace and starts getting more interesting. If you've just started reading, and are on the fence, I recommend sticking it out.
Things that didn't quite work for me:
A lot of the emotional attachment in the story is done through the pregnancies of some of the female characters. This isn't something I have any close personal experience with, so it didn't really click with me. It was interesting to see this dealt with on such a personal level in a sci-fi setting though.
Things that did work for me:
The social commentary, and the way there were characters on both sides of the fence having very different opinions about the situation in the world was interesting to follow.
The sweeps presented between many of the scenes in the book added a lot of depth to the world, but without taking up nearly any space in the story.
March 24, 2017
The people of City 42 live inside a dome that protects them from radiation on the outside of the dome. Inside the dome everything and everyone is controlled by Corporation who has control of their food, water and how babies are made and how life is continued. Babies are created in a lab and if you want to be a parent you have to apply and then be approved for collection before having or getting your baby.
While Corporation makes sure you have clean water to drink they also add a little something to the water to keep everyone sterile. But the thing is no one but the top dogs know about the little something that is added to the water. The people are being lied too.
Jed and Kira Jenkins applied for and was approved for collection while all of their friends are becoming pregnant the old fashion way. What is going on? Some of them are also being visited by a blue lady. Who is this blue lady and what does she want with them?
What is going on with the Corporation? How are all these women becoming pregnant all of a sudden? Has the Corporation been lying to them? What are they hiding?
I really enjoyed reading about the lives of the people who live in City 42. I really enjoyed all of the gadgets they have that helped to make their lives easier. I really loved the auto baby bottle warmer thingy. Oh and I liked how if someone called you on your house phone and you had to leave you could just have the transferred to like your personal device and take the call with you without any interruption.
I also like that while reading The Gaia Effect I would get so lost in the story that I would forget where I was in the real world and what was going on around me. I kept wanting to see when the little blue lady was going to pop up next and who was she going to appear to. Each character took me on an amazing journey; all their own; one which I hope to visit again soon.
If you have not read The Gaia Effect then I would like to suggest that you do and real soon. Well that is if you like futurist, science fiction or dystopian type books.
While Corporation makes sure you have clean water to drink they also add a little something to the water to keep everyone sterile. But the thing is no one but the top dogs know about the little something that is added to the water. The people are being lied too.
Jed and Kira Jenkins applied for and was approved for collection while all of their friends are becoming pregnant the old fashion way. What is going on? Some of them are also being visited by a blue lady. Who is this blue lady and what does she want with them?
What is going on with the Corporation? How are all these women becoming pregnant all of a sudden? Has the Corporation been lying to them? What are they hiding?
I really enjoyed reading about the lives of the people who live in City 42. I really enjoyed all of the gadgets they have that helped to make their lives easier. I really loved the auto baby bottle warmer thingy. Oh and I liked how if someone called you on your house phone and you had to leave you could just have the transferred to like your personal device and take the call with you without any interruption.
I also like that while reading The Gaia Effect I would get so lost in the story that I would forget where I was in the real world and what was going on around me. I kept wanting to see when the little blue lady was going to pop up next and who was she going to appear to. Each character took me on an amazing journey; all their own; one which I hope to visit again soon.
If you have not read The Gaia Effect then I would like to suggest that you do and real soon. Well that is if you like futurist, science fiction or dystopian type books.
March 25, 2017
I don't normally read sci-fi books (I am not ashamed to admit that I am more of a chick-lit reader!), but The Gaia Effect caught my attention. Without divulging too much details, the book is set in a futuristic era where technology is more powerful than natural/humans. The struggles of the main characters are relatable and I love how the female characters fight for their beliefs and principles. I can even relate to one character and made me wonder what i live in such backdrop with such issues? I imagined a number of actors who can play the roles effectively. For a debut novel, Claire Buss has a bright future! I am looking forward to her next work!
September 5, 2017
The post-apocalyptic fantasy story, The Gaia Effect, is set in a realistic version of where our world could end up in a future where atomic warfare had ravaged the land. I thoroughly enjoyed the interactions of the group of friends from very different backgrounds, where they come together for the joy of family and motherhood. With its fast-pace and diverse scenes, this book delivered a convincing story filled with emotion, angst, and hope. Anyone middle grade or older could appreciate the story and learn how we can work together for a common cause and become victorious against all odds.
February 25, 2018
Fast paced, imaginative story that will be enjoyed by readers of Dystopian fiction. Many years in the future, the earth has been contaminated and people live in protected cities. Corporate reigns supreme, since through their technology the inhabitants receive everything from their drinking water to genetically engineered children processed in a lab. But a change is coming, heralded by the sighting of a mysterious blue lady, calling the everything the inhabitants believe about their very existence into question.
June 28, 2018
This is a dystopian sci-fi thriller with a heart. A fully realised world that is worryingly plausible where technology has run to the nth degree and automation facilities all aspects of life -including the production of babies. For in this future, humans are sterile and society is overseen by an Orwellian Corporation. And the construct whereby people live in safe-zone cities (in this case, City 42) and the outside world is irradiated, only adds to the claustrophobic feel of the narrative. And yet there is hope, as Kira and Jed, and their group of friends begin to realise (I shan’t expand any further on that for fear of spoilers!). This is a fast-paced, pithy story which has a strong moral underpinning it. It is full of exciting threads which lead to an explosive denouement... I’m looking forward to the sequel!
January 1, 2020
The theme is now a classic : a post apocalyptic world where humans live secluded in self autonomous cities.
From there, the author developps a fast paced book with very likable characters. So I kept turning pages till the end, wanting to know more about this well structured world.
Still it remains a first book, suggesting so much, with so many ideas that could be developped more and are not. In Hollywood, they would make a whole trilogy with everything included in this book :-). Worth a read.
From there, the author developps a fast paced book with very likable characters. So I kept turning pages till the end, wanting to know more about this well structured world.
Still it remains a first book, suggesting so much, with so many ideas that could be developped more and are not. In Hollywood, they would make a whole trilogy with everything included in this book :-). Worth a read.
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