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How to Enslave a Human

Dylan Callens (Goodreads Author)

4.21 · Rating details · 33 ratings · 27 reviews

An artificial intelligence uses America as its playground for psychological experiments.

Is this our future?

The depth of this deception is unthinkable. People are on the brink of starvation while still believing that life is perfect. Meanwhile, only a handful of individuals live outside of the machine’s grasp. They are the only ones able to see the truth.

Now, Carl Winston ...more

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Kindle Edition, 254 pages

Published August 1st 2017 by Cosmic Teapot Publishing

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Jul 24, 2017 Dianne rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arc-read, author-requested-review, dystopian, own

Carl’s life was good. His relationship with his son, Liam was wonderful, they shared many of the same interests. The only blip in their “normal” days was the annual test Carl must take, per the government. It shouldn’t really have been an issue, after all, it asked questions that each individual could answer differently, right? It was all a matter of INTERPRETATION, but what Carl’s answers told his government and its many “departments” was interpreted as flawed, a problem for all, and this is wh Carl’s life was good. His relationship with his son, Liam was wonderful, they shared many of the same interests. The only blip in their “normal” days was the annual test Carl must take, per the government. It shouldn’t really have been an issue, after all, it asked questions that each individual could answer differently, right? It was all a matter of INTERPRETATION, but what Carl’s answers told his government and its many “departments” was interpreted as flawed, a problem for all, and this is when Carl’s world would become a living nightmare, far more real than the “good life” he has been living.

When he finds himself in Bedlam, an insane asylum, he has only a couple of concerns, WHY was he there and what would happen to Liam? The opportunity to escape is too great to ignore, but what Carl finds beyond the city limits may prove that his entire life was a lie and that the very thing that made him human could kill him, or worse…yes, worse.

Dylan Callens thrusts us into a world of lies and manipulations, a dystopian world where humans are the sheep and their masters, their governments, were once considered one of humanity’s greatest creations. Gritty, dark and worthy of nightmares, the future world may not be the Utopia we would like to believe and Dylan Callens holds nothing back in this fascinating look at what humanity may be unknowingly rocketing towards and what would happen if we allowed ourselves to become devoid of what makes us “human.”

We all have felt that governments are flawed for one reason or another, chalking it up to human error, human flaws, but what would happen if the “human” was taken out of the equation? What if there was no longer a way to truly interpret human emotions, feelings, hopes and dreams? What if those were considered flaws to be overridden in a clueless society? Worse, what if they could be overridden and we never knew and then suddenly, like Carl, we become a pariah because “something” in our society malfunctioned? Think about it the next time you download another app that is soooooooo cool!

By far, one of the best dystopian tales I have read this year, terrifying, thought-provoking and yes, entertaining. Thanks for the nightmares, Dylan Callens, great job!

I received an ARC edition from Dylan Callens in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.

Publisher: Cosmic Teapot Publishing (August 1, 2017)
Publication Date: August 1, 2017
Genre: Dystopian | Post Apocalyptic
Print Length: 254 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

...more

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Feb 05, 2018 Donna Backshall rated it really liked it

Shelves: 131-in-2018, sci-fi, dystopia, reviewed-goodreads, fiction, to-review

How to Enslave a Human is a fascinating dive into a common sci-fi theme: challenging the acceptance of "reality". Although a full-length novel, this dystopian story reads like an old school 1950s pulp-style short story, chronologically following just one action-filled plot line.

From a third-person POV, we follow Carl Winston through his blandly happy days with his son, Liam. All seems vanilla ice cream and sunshine with the exception of the occasional intrusion by Untruthers into their simple e How to Enslave a Human is a fascinating dive into a common sci-fi theme: challenging the acceptance of "reality". Although a full-length novel, this dystopian story reads like an old school 1950s pulp-style short story, chronologically following just one action-filled plot line.

From a third-person POV, we follow Carl Winston through his blandly happy days with his son, Liam. All seems vanilla ice cream and sunshine with the exception of the occasional intrusion by Untruthers into their simple existence. These Untruthers spout vague complaints about how they're all being lied to, and that nothing is as it seems. No one knows why people suddenly turn to this madness, but when they do, they go in a big and destructive way.

For background, government document extracts and logs are interspersed, as presented by (perhaps?) one of a group of AI Entities. These revelations are meant to be baffling at first, but as the truth of Carl's existence is discovered, the documents become more relevant and uncomfortably prescient.

If you are a fan of old sci-fi like The Handmaid's Tale or Soylent Green, or enjoyed the "all is not as it seems" oddities of The Matrix, then you'll find How to Enslave a Human to be a quick and entertaining (yet at times bleak) read.

Ulka S. Mohanty's narration for the Audible version was solid, especially for the robotic readings of the government extracts. That said, there was one stretch near the beginning where a number of mispronunciations arose and they were distracting: ayy-zher for azure, Afghaniston for Afghanistan, interpolit for interpolate, and (my favorite) Marine "corpse" for, well, you know.

Some recommendations, if I may:

In keeping with the 1950s pulp science fiction feel, the title is a bit cheesy and might turn off a modern sci-fi reader. That would be unfortunate, since the story is an intriguing one! I kept brainstorming as I listened, and came up with a few suggestions for a rename, one that might not give away as much up front:
A Skewed Truth
A Conscious Entity
My personal favorite: An Acceptable Life

Also, although I listened to the Audible version, it was obvious (perhaps even more so in the written version) that the novel could use a thorough copy edit. There were adjectives where adverbs were appropriate. "Easy" instead of "easily", for instance. As well there were plenty of incorrect verb tenses used and mix-ups of items like Briggs-Myers when referencing the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. ...more

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Aug 18, 2017 Minx rated it really liked it

Shelves: read-in-2017, dystopian, science-fiction

What a mind trip! Interpretation is one of those stories that just makes you think and maybe double check that what you think is real still feels the same. I just cannot imagine the scenario that is put forth in this story, it is oddly fascinating but at the same time horrific to consider.

Carl Winston is an everyday person who starts to experience oddities that impact him physically. He experiences headaches and hears noises, but they come and go, so no worries, right?! Until one day when he wak What a mind trip! Interpretation is one of those stories that just makes you think and maybe double check that what you think is real still feels the same. I just cannot imagine the scenario that is put forth in this story, it is oddly fascinating but at the same time horrific to consider.

Carl Winston is an everyday person who starts to experience oddities that impact him physically. He experiences headaches and hears noises, but they come and go, so no worries, right?! Until one day when he wakes up in a mental institution but it not in a place that he recognizes. It is decayed beyond all reason and filthier than he could ever imagine a place being. None of what he is seeing makes sense. Where is the Albany that he knows?

Carl and all the other citizens of humanity have been living in an environment that was created under the guise of an idyllic setting, in their mind. Reality was though that they were being controlled and manipulated while what was real was decaying around them. Released from the mind control, Carl escapes his prison only to find more questions on the outside. While on the run he meets up with another like himself, named Eva, and together they set out to find the truth.

I enjoyed how the story alternated between Carl’s perspective and communication between the entities that are in control. It really helps to understand what is actually occurring and how it came to be. It is absolutely scary to think of artificial intelligence being so in control and manipulating our senses to the point that we are not aware of our own realities! Although, what a mind bender to wonder if that really could happen.

Interpretation is a fascinating dystopian story that has a real emphasis on psychology. It makes you ponder what it really means to be human. It also makes you ponder our reliance on technology and could this ever be a reality we could possibly face. It is a fun and thought provoking read that will satisfy all readers who love a good science-fiction dystopian read.

This review is based on a complimentary book I received from Author, Dylan Callens. It is an honest and voluntary review. The complimentary receipt of it in no way affected my review or rating.

Find this review and more at The Genre Minx Book Reviews ...more

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Jul 23, 2017 Mehreen Ahmed rated it it was amazing

Shelves: literary

Although Interpretation by Dylan Callens does not come with an Orwellian Newspeak, but this book resonates a 1984 dystopia all the same. Carl's son Liam is deeply engaged with a computer game. This is a hologram projection of robotic constables surveilling the streets for 'untruthers', 'hunting' them down to keep the streets safe. Like Plato's Cave allegory, this hologram is a projection of a partial or distorted reality. Hence, Plato's chained prisoners interpret the shadow on the cave wall, ba ...more

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Jul 13, 2017 Dylan Callens rated it it was amazing · (Review from the author) · review of another edition

My new dystopian / science fiction novel! This one was a lot of fun (although, sometimes heartbreaking) to write. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it.

This is, in some ways, an ode to my favorite classic dystopian novels. In other ways, it's a nod to psychology. But mostly, it's a dark look at technology and our need to stay ever vigilant. May our hope in humanity draw us closer together! ...more

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Jul 30, 2017 W.C. Clinton rated it really liked it

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

In “Interpretation,” author Dylan Callens ventures into the world of dystopian fiction. It’s a risky business to steer a tale through the hazards of worn-out tropes and predictable “twists,” but Callens manages capably with intelligence and the right amount of humor.

Good dystopian fiction’s main theme is always the tension caused by the impact of the progress of technology or its collapse and its impact on basic humanity, and C I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

In “Interpretation,” author Dylan Callens ventures into the world of dystopian fiction. It’s a risky business to steer a tale through the hazards of worn-out tropes and predictable “twists,” but Callens manages capably with intelligence and the right amount of humor.

Good dystopian fiction’s main theme is always the tension caused by the impact of the progress of technology or its collapse and its impact on basic humanity, and Callens delivers a harrowing view interspersed with neat references to those who have gone before (such as a product called “Brave New Burger”). The novel begins with the protagonist, Carl, and his son, Liam, enjoying an outing together. Immediately, the reader knows that all is not as it should be when the characters adopt a uniform approach to the simple act of smiling (rubbery lips stretched back to the ears, eyes squinted just the right way). Subtle references to Orwell’s “doublespeak” emerge quickly with an outlawed class known as “Untruthers,” whom one immediately suspects know some truth that the authority wants to keep hidden.

And who is the authority, anyway? That is part of the puzzle facing the reader, and eventually facing Carl, as well, who awakens from the illusion presented to the general public without quite knowing how. The structure of the novel gives the reader the edge over Carl in his quest to understand reality, providing snippets of conversation between different branches of the governing body and references to a past calamity that human beings have forgotten. His quest, in the tradition of such dystopian fiction as “Logan’s Run,” “Fahrenheit 451,” and “Brave New World” (with a stylistic nod to Terry Gilliam’s “Brazil”), is to rediscover and reclaim what humanity has lost. Peppered with satirical jabs at commercialism and violence as entertainment, “Interpretation” provides a glimpse past a shiny surface perception into a bleak underlying reality.
...more

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Sep 25, 2017 Yvonne rated it really liked it

Shelves: sent-via-author, sci-fi-fantasy, dystopian

This is a dystopian novel set in America. All is good for Carl and Liam, living the “American Dream” with all the mod cons and living in essence the perfect life. “Too Good To Be True” is a phrase that jumps to mind. When Carl starts experiencing random memories, he knows something is wrong, especially after one such episode causes a blackout. When he awakens he realises things are not as he thought, his first thoughts are for his son, Liam. But Liam is scared of his dad and will not come anywhe This is a dystopian novel set in America. All is good for Carl and Liam, living the “American Dream” with all the mod cons and living in essence the perfect life. “Too Good To Be True” is a phrase that jumps to mind. When Carl starts experiencing random memories, he knows something is wrong, especially after one such episode causes a blackout. When he awakens he realises things are not as he thought, his first thoughts are for his son, Liam. But Liam is scared of his dad and will not come anywhere near him. Carl needs answers, why has this happened and what is going on? His only clue is to travel north for answers. It is on this journey he meets and befriends Eva, she is also in the same situation as Carl. Together they will find out the truth.

Technology and advancement of it are the basic premise of this plot, how we are so reliant on technology. It is similar to plots that have been played out in many books and films over the years. It has a feel of H.G. Wells and George Orwell but with an almost cinema-graphic feel to it, like Westworld or the Matrix.

The one thing I really liked was the way the book was laid out, chapters between Carl and his journey alternated with that of a computer system running protocols, bios and updates. I don’t want to say too much about this for fear of spoilers. It is set at a very good pace, and I found it a very addictive page turner.
This is a psychological dystopian novel. It does a very good job of playing on technological fears for the future, as well as discussing human perceptions, ir their Interpretation of what they believe. This is something that has been discussed for decades, and I am sure for more decades to come, as our advancement in a computer based systems increases then so does our reliance on it. The story of Carl, Liam and Eva has been very well intertwined into the story, and the fact that the reader learns what is going on, often before the characters.

I think this is a book for people who like dystopian genres. This for me has the feel of a modern story but with classic science fiction roots. It was a very enjoyable read. I would like to thank the author for bringing this book to my attention. My thoughts expressed here are honest, unbiased and my own. ...more

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Aug 29, 2017 Carmen rated it liked it

Shelves: dystopian

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Carl Winston lives in a seemingly perfect world. He's got a great life, a job he likes, and a son that he absolutely adores. The only downside is that his wife died in a car accident, leaving him as a single father. One day, Carl has some kind of meltdown and his surroundings dramatically change. He barely recognizes his own son before he fades into darkness amid what he things is a mental breakdown.

Instead of watching mankind I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Carl Winston lives in a seemingly perfect world. He's got a great life, a job he likes, and a son that he absolutely adores. The only downside is that his wife died in a car accident, leaving him as a single father. One day, Carl has some kind of meltdown and his surroundings dramatically change. He barely recognizes his own son before he fades into darkness amid what he things is a mental breakdown.

Instead of watching mankind and artificial intelligence clash with each other, Callens picks up long after AI takes over. We see the thought process and messages going between the different head AI entities, as well as flashbacks to how they plotted their takeover, but this entire world is set long after they've been in charge with no one to hold them accountable. These entities have created the perfect world. Food? Check. Water? Check. Fighting? Check. They've done it all. But what is beneath this perfect world? Is it really as it seems? The entities can only inspect data rather than see the world around them.

I love the opening of the novel because it's clear that there is something wrong. Carl is living the best life one can have, but what is really happening? Then one day he sees everything as it truly is. The world is filthy because everyone things they have futuristic items that clean for them. Carl is shocked to discover that everything is filthy down to the towel he uses to shower, which is covered in filth and mold. Everyone is unaware that they are not only hungry, but also emaciated. The Entities are out of control and performing tests after seemingly solving all of humanities problems.

Despite being completely shocked, Carl is actually somewhat happy. He's thinking on his own for the first time and has made a few friends... or did he? There's a question behind everything and it's rather interesting to read and see what happens to the small group of characters we follow throughout the book. Overall, the concept as given me something to think about. I would definitely read this again. ...more

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Jul 30, 2017 Maree Repa rated it it was amazing

Carl's Journey

Five Amazing Stars

I was absolutely thrilled to receive this most outstanding book by my all time favourite author, Dylan Callens. I was astonished, excited at this science fiction adventure. A complete compilation of both fear and excitement. I thoroughly enjoyed this most wonderful book!!!

As Liam approached this Father asking for more to drink. As Carl and his son were watching as these waves collided so forcefully at the mall. People watching this sight in complete awe. Both Carl ...more

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Feb 06, 2018 Maria rated it it was amazing

Shelves: audiobooks

Haven`t read anything like this in a very long time.
It was beautifully written and the narrative was flawless.
A little frightening at what the future may hold if "AI" is imbedded in every aspect of human lives.
Great story, eye opening to say the least. ...more

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Jul 20, 2017 Joseph Ferguson rated it it was amazing

Freedom Is, Indeed, Slavery

Callens’ brilliantly written dystopian tour de force is a touch of The Matrix, a pinch of The Island, a dash of Being and Nothingness, and a pound of unapologetic homage to Orwell’s 1984.

As usual, Callens’ prose is filled to the brim with literary, philosophical, mythological, and cultural allusion, with existential quotes from Kierkegaard to Einstein.

After years of human initiated experimentation, Artificial Intelligence becomes autonomous in 2084. But even they expe ...more

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Feb 20, 2018 Lin rated it really liked it

What a pleasant surprise was this book. Guys this was also one of the most speculatively scary sci fi books I have even read at least recently.

Can you stop for a while whatever you are doing and imagine living in a world where all human beings have implanted electronic device to induce desired behaviour?

Everything from your dreams to your hunger to your sex-drive is controlled without your knowledge and even if you do find about this somehow, you cannot do much, either way you are literally ...more

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Aug 16, 2017 Meggan Turner rated it really liked it

I really enjoyed this book! Such a well thought out and cleverly written novel!

FULL REVIEW: https://betweenthepages13.wordpress.c... ...more

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Jul 29, 2017 Kevin rated it really liked it

Shelves: dystopian, speculative-fiction

The blurb promises a story about hope and happiness in the bleakest of conditions. It's somewhat true. Hope is easier when you start in a place of happiness, and that's definitely what Carl has initially.

When we first meet our protagonist he's living in one of those glossy futures we still dream of. The world Callens paints is fairly typical; futuristic entertainment systems, a new form of (violent) live entertainment, dining that sounds familiar but better... Yeah, basically the same common des The blurb promises a story about hope and happiness in the bleakest of conditions. It's somewhat true. Hope is easier when you start in a place of happiness, and that's definitely what Carl has initially.

When we first meet our protagonist he's living in one of those glossy futures we still dream of. The world Callens paints is fairly typical; futuristic entertainment systems, a new form of (violent) live entertainment, dining that sounds familiar but better... Yeah, basically the same common descriptors that have been used for decades to tell us we're in the near future. Although these days many of the concepts are less futuristic, which means these things are less of a cliche and more of an acknowledgement that our modern reality is a lot closer to the Sci Fi of the 60s/70s/80s than you might imagine as you search around for hoverboards or Mars colonies. And, as is the way, this futuristic utopia isn't all it first seems.

It's not a huge shock when the illusion shatters. If you're surprised by that while reading this review I suggest you go back and read the cover notes because it says it loud and clear there. But Callens does give that happy world a fair amount of space to establish itself. I found myself reading it waiting for the other shoe to drop, but not impatiently. Sure, I was reading for the big run but I was happy getting the background. It helped build up the impending contrast.

A quick diversion from the plot to look at the writing. Every other chapter throughout the book gives us a glimpse at some communications that tell us more about what's going on. This means in the early stages we're drip fed tantalising hints at just what's going on. It manages to tell you just enough.

And then we get the payoff. This is one of the best aspects of the book actually. Often, when we see the dystopian reveal it is through the eyes of the protagonist. They see behind the curtain and show us the truth. Here, not so much. Sure, Carl sees the world he knows vanish, but he doesn't get to find out why. By now we're in on the secret and can understand more of Carl's world than he does. Now I know, it would be easy to then spend time screaming at Carl for not seeing what's plainly obvious to everyone reading the book but Callens avoids that common pitfall. Carl's ignorance worked because you know he's going to figure it out. We know there are details that we can speculate on but haven't had confirmed yet. It's a fine line and Callens balances it very well.

And then, the grand finale! Okay, maybe just finale. My expectations had grown throughout the book, and, for me at least, the conclusion didn't build on that. It didn't crash and burn either, just that it all felt like things were building and then it plateaued right when I expected it to rocket skywards.

Suddenly we knew everything. Suddenly it was all over.

It's hard to talk about the conclusion without diving deep into spoilers. However, I'll call it an artistic ending. It's an ending that helped to deliver the parable of the story. A valid approach, and this is one of the better-handled ones, but an approach that rarely delivers an emotional release. And given the great work building up the story, I wanted that chance to breathe out again.

However, it doesn't stop this being a good book. Throughout the book I found myself ready for more (although I do recommend always trying to end after a communications chapter as their connection with the surrounding story makes them better conclusions than beginnings). It reads more like the classics of the genre than the modern YA series that Hollywood has warmed to and adopted into franchises. And that nostalgia is actually really rather refreshing.

Pick it up if you like the good old days of the future! ...more

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Oct 23, 2017 Lelia Taylor rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: full-reviews

It's just a test, right? A test that Carl has to take once a year, ordered by the Government, is intended to show that all is well with him, especially mentally, and the inkblots and questions could have many different answers, open to interpretation. Unfortunately for Carl, that interpretation bodes very ill for him and he's soon living in his own personal nightmare. His flight from this new reality takes him straight to a truth no one wants to hear, that the government he thinks has his best i It's just a test, right? A test that Carl has to take once a year, ordered by the Government, is intended to show that all is well with him, especially mentally, and the inkblots and questions could have many different answers, open to interpretation. Unfortunately for Carl, that interpretation bodes very ill for him and he's soon living in his own personal nightmare. His flight from this new reality takes him straight to a truth no one wants to hear, that the government he thinks has his best interest at heart is actually focused entirely on controlling the humans that created it in the first place. It's technology gone mad.

In an interesting stylistic approach, the author gives us Carl's perspective and that of the different parts of the government. We see how those parts have become all-powerful and progressively more threatening without humans having any real understanding of what has happened.

There are alarming notes along the way such as "1984 Congressional hearing notes---Man does not have the right to develop his own mind" that gave this storyline an immediacy that heightened my discomfort, a feeling that the possibility of such a thing happening isn't entirely remote. Offsetting this futuristic menace is the Roman Coliseum aspect in which rebels have to fight to the death while the crowd of citizens becomes more and more frenzied with bloodlust.

Although I enjoyed Interpretation on the whole, a few things did get in my way. There are occasional grammar and spelling missteps such as"Flexing his chest, a small crowd of women wooed in the mall's entrance" and "lude" instead of "lewd". An overabundance of odd phrases regarding smiles, such as "Dan pulled his lips up to his ears" and "a rubbery grin" and "smiled a rubbery grin" made me feel as though perhaps a writing habit of the author's had escaped editorial notice. Still, despite these small annoyances, Mr. Callens has created an imaginative if fearful future that turned out to be a more than interesting read. ...more

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Sep 28, 2017 Jason rated it really liked it

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author, however this review is my own.

As prefaced by the author when I received this book, this is much different than the previous work of his that I read. Whereas, Operation Cosmic Teapot was a satire exploring psychology and theology in a corporate world setting, Interpretation explores a dystopian future that gives the reader pause in consideration that our society could be headed in that direction. The main character, Carl Winston, is ...more

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Nov 23, 2017 Happy Booker rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Interpretation is a dystopian science fiction novel about Carl Winston. He has a son, Liam whom he adores. Everything seems to be going as normal until Carl takes his annual government test. His answers are considered as flawed, and that becomes a problem. This is when the story takes an interesting turn. Carl is separated from his son, and the story is unraveled with many dark secrets and hardship in understanding the truth behind it all.

The government appears to be the owners, and the people a ...more

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Aug 18, 2017 Lisa Shiroff added it

and begins its own experiments. That would be just fine except that by the time it reaches that point, it has taken over the world and the experiments are done on its human subjects. And AI never developed empathy or compassion, so the humans are not being experimented on with how supportive their bed pillows are or in other nice ways.

The story alternates between the life (if you can call it that) of one of those human subjects, Carl, and the perspective of the AI via its communications among it ...more

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Dec 27, 2017 Heather rated it it was amazing

Shelves: readers-house

Carl Winston is a single father who loves his son, the entertainment and luxuries of his time, and being a member of his community until his image of world around him shatters. Suddenly he finds himself in an upside-down version of his life and must find his way out of trouble and back to his son. Through the course of his travails, he discovers the truth of human experience.

This book - an artful amalgam of 1984, Brave New World, The Matrix, and human psychology - warns of the dangers of humans ...more

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Dec 01, 2017 JJ Dunaway rated it it was amazing

A unique yet bleak future earth; humans in a mental slavery because an AI decided based on experiments and logic that humans are happier in a state of illusion rather than in the real world. I found as I was reading not wanting to pause; wanting almost needing to know what would happen next and would be explained about this new world situation. In between regular chapters of story lines the artificial intelligence systems have a logic session throughout the book which is extremely interesting; t ...more

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Aug 17, 2017 Jay R. shepard rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I have to say Dylan Callens has a knack for writing great stories! "Interpretation" is a very captivating, thought provoking, alarming and a first-rate dystopian adventure-how dystopian is the question; science and technology have made great advances in AI since Orwell and that is what I think makes this book so alarming. All in all, this book was a great read and I highly recommend it. Thanks again for a really great "Callensian" experience! ...more

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Aug 03, 2017 Debbie Carnes rated it it was amazing

Loved this book by Dylan Callens, I have read his other book and loved that also.
What fresh Si-Fi /horror story , You will be on the edge of your seat reading this.
Just wonderful , a need to read book

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Jan 12, 2018 Moon Shine Art Spot ~ Lisa rated it really liked it

Living in a perfect world isn't as perfect as it appears. Technology - fears for the future, human perceptions, manipulation of reality / perception / interpretation.

Great action pack that really sets one to considering the future and all of our "advances". ...more

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Mar 12, 2018 Dawn rated it it was amazing

Dylan Callens brings up some fantasies that truly could be a reality if cloning were legal. Manipulating minds, creating beings, and rebooting the human brain to see a completely different world then the stark reality are just the beginning.

Carl has a great life and a great son. He has no idea that anything is or could be different. Until he goes for his yearly test, and starts to question everything in his life. Things start to unravel as he seeks more answers and find a more truths.

This stor ...more

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May 03, 2018 Angel rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Disclaimer: I am reviewing the audible version of this book (which is not available as an edition here), which was a copy for review.

This book was very well timed for me since I had just finished reading Homo Deus by Yuval Noah Harari, which touches on our dependence on computer intelligence an how productivity vs. human happiness are issues to consider when relaying on AI. I thought that this book was an interesting short story about how that dependency on AI can backfire due to our own shorts ...more

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Mar 31, 2020 Herman rated it it was amazing

Shelves: best-books-you-never-heard-of, book-club-recommendations, books-i-wish-my-friends-would-read, little-known-books-that-are-great, my-top-rated-recommend-this-book, science-fiction

A very good Dystopian nightmare, of how AI took over humanity, sections of this is so good love the dialog and internal back and forth between the different AI computers, has lot's of the standard science fiction theme's in here the Philip Dick alternate reality, the matrix, the hunger games, and 2001 space odessey, but somehow it felt fresh maybe it was the heavy layer of psychology that was the basis of the experiments and the underlying plot. The writer knows something about this subject that ...more

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Jul 26, 2018 Aubrey Terron rated it it was ok

Ugh.... need to wash that out of my brain.

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About Dylan Callens

Dylan Callens

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Do not fret. Despite his robotic appearance, Dylan Callens is not a cyborg -- yet. And although he is fascinated with the technological singularity, his desire to remain human stands firm.

In his writing, Dylan likes to explore the darkest aspects of the human condition. His latest work, 'Interpretation', is a look into our loosening grip on social interaction and the potential impact of artificial ...more