What do you think?
Rate this book
The Synth Crisis #0
Dhata Mays: Prequel to the Synth Crisis
In a war between man and machine, he must find a way to protect them all...
After a devastating war forced humans to rely on synths for survival, the two have learned to coexist peacefully.
Until now...
When detective Dhata Mays is called in to investigate a homicide, what he uncovers threatens the serenity of this futuristic society. The gruesome murder means only one thing: someone is ready to incite another war. Now, it's up to Dhata to ensure that the truth stays hidden--to protect both sides of the battle. But can he be unbiased in a black and white world that forces him to take sides?
Unknown Binding
First published January 26, 2018
109 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
About the author
Greg Dragon
58 books233 followersGreg Dragon brings a fresh perspective to fiction by telling human stories of life, love and relationships in a science fiction setting. This unconventional author spins his celestial scenes from an imagination nurtured from being an avid reader himself. His exposure to multiple cultures, multiple religions, martial arts, and travel lends a unique dynamic to his stories. You can enjoy excerpts from his work by visiting his website at https://gregdragon.com.
Join Greg's mailing list for free stories/books & new releases: http://gregwrites.co
Facebook: http://facebook.com/anstractor
Twitter: http://twitter.com/hobdragon
Join Greg's mailing list for free stories/books & new releases: http://gregwrites.co
Facebook: http://facebook.com/anstractor
Twitter: http://twitter.com/hobdragon
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 23, 2020
Love the narrator and writing. These characters are so catching I totally plan on reading more of the series. I appreciate the free copy.
December 6, 2020
Pretty good
I liked this story. I liked Dhata and I liked the location. I kind of imagined the Tampa Bay area after a war. This futuristic detective story got me interested in the next book. I think I might like this series.
I liked this story. I liked Dhata and I liked the location. I kind of imagined the Tampa Bay area after a war. This futuristic detective story got me interested in the next book. I think I might like this series.
May 8, 2018
Fun. Short.
July 31, 2018
( Format : Audiobook )
"Nobody threatens me and mine."
Set in the twenty second century after war has devastated vast tracts of the U.S., humans and synthetics uneasily co-exist, the latter being almost impossible to determine from their human counterparts. But someone is targeting the synths, ruthlessly hacking individuals to death. And the police don't really seem interested.
But one officer, Dhata Mays, and his partner, Jason, are horrified by the brutally and the uncaring attitude of their fellow officers and intend to put an end to it, single handed, if necessary. Interesting characters set in a bleak landscape, this is a detective story without much futuristic S.F. This is a shortish novella, obviously intended to introduce the lead protagonist to readers in advance of a series. As such, concentration is more on the nature of the man himself and the unstable, corrupt society around him. But the story is still acceptable, if rather frenetic.
Narrator Tucker McDougall gives a good performance, with individually distinct character voicings and a pleasantly intoned, well paced reading of the text, a slightly lagubrious tone capturing the attitude of the main protagonist.
My thanks to the rights holder of Dhata Mays who, at my request, freely gifted me a complimentary copy of the book via Audiobook Boom. I look forward to further books in the series.
"Nobody threatens me and mine."
Set in the twenty second century after war has devastated vast tracts of the U.S., humans and synthetics uneasily co-exist, the latter being almost impossible to determine from their human counterparts. But someone is targeting the synths, ruthlessly hacking individuals to death. And the police don't really seem interested.
But one officer, Dhata Mays, and his partner, Jason, are horrified by the brutally and the uncaring attitude of their fellow officers and intend to put an end to it, single handed, if necessary. Interesting characters set in a bleak landscape, this is a detective story without much futuristic S.F. This is a shortish novella, obviously intended to introduce the lead protagonist to readers in advance of a series. As such, concentration is more on the nature of the man himself and the unstable, corrupt society around him. But the story is still acceptable, if rather frenetic.
Narrator Tucker McDougall gives a good performance, with individually distinct character voicings and a pleasantly intoned, well paced reading of the text, a slightly lagubrious tone capturing the attitude of the main protagonist.
My thanks to the rights holder of Dhata Mays who, at my request, freely gifted me a complimentary copy of the book via Audiobook Boom. I look forward to further books in the series.
July 31, 2018
I quite enjoyed this. It was a little bit futuristic noir, a little bit Maze Runner. Hell, there might even have been a little Elijah Baley in Dhata. It was a good mix. Yes, Dhata was just a little too perfect—a little too tough, with too many connections in all the wrong places to somehow be one of the few clean cops left around. But I liked him and the book all the same. The writing was sharp (though occasionally oddly formal), the mystery progressed at a nice pace, and the persecution of Synths could easily be read as an allegory. I look forward to reading more about him. And Tucker McDougall did a marvelous job with the narration.
On a side note, it's worth knowing that there is a glossary at the end of the Kindle edition that I think may be missing in the Audible version, which is a shame. I needed it for some of the slang.
On a side note, it's worth knowing that there is a glossary at the end of the Kindle edition that I think may be missing in the Audible version, which is a shame. I needed it for some of the slang.
August 17, 2018
Disclaimer.
I had requested and received audible version of this book for free from the author, in exchange for an unbiased review.
What I liked about the book -
Before you read "The Judas Cypher", you should read "Dhata Mays". This one is the prequel to that book and gives you a lot of the backstory of the main character and makes him all that more relatable. I was lucky enough to read these two in sequence and loved every minute of it.
What I disliked about the book -
Nothing specific that I can think of.
Narration -
Tucker McDougall does a fantastic job with the narration in both the books. The world comes alive.
I had requested and received audible version of this book for free from the author, in exchange for an unbiased review.
What I liked about the book -
Before you read "The Judas Cypher", you should read "Dhata Mays". This one is the prequel to that book and gives you a lot of the backstory of the main character and makes him all that more relatable. I was lucky enough to read these two in sequence and loved every minute of it.
What I disliked about the book -
Nothing specific that I can think of.
Narration -
Tucker McDougall does a fantastic job with the narration in both the books. The world comes alive.
August 29, 2018
Wow, cool futuristic thriller! Action-packed story, very well written and narrated. Loved it! Dhata is a complicated dude, and he's badass. He's a detective in a futuristic society trying to find a balance between good and evil to keep things from going crazy.... what a ride! Definitely interested in listening to more in the series, and now I'm on to the next one, The Judas Sypher. Yay! Very nicely done.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
June 6, 2019
Made it to about 20% and just didn't care enough. The relationships between humans and synths is still not sufficiently clear at that point to have a feel for why events are important in the bigger picture. Dhata seems an interesting character, I just am not getting a feel for his world. Some terms used are not explained clearly either. (I don't expect a literal definition, but a clearer contextual one would be nice.) Just not my cup of tea. If I didn't have a huge 'to read' list, I might have plowed on, as it looks like it has promise - but other books call! May revisit.... 2.5 stars
July 30, 2018
Futuristic detective story
I like detective stories and this one is set in the future. It had a few typos but nothing that I really cared about. The one thing that Idid care about was his use of words and initials without explaining what they meant or why they were used. This book gave a sample of the next one and it had a glossary. I wish I would have known that as I was reading this book. I did like the story though and may even read another some time.
I like detective stories and this one is set in the future. It had a few typos but nothing that I really cared about. The one thing that Idid care about was his use of words and initials without explaining what they meant or why they were used. This book gave a sample of the next one and it had a glossary. I wish I would have known that as I was reading this book. I did like the story though and may even read another some time.
September 14, 2018
Dhata Mays (the Synth Crisis Book 0) is my second read from author Greg Dragon. The prequel to The Judas Cypher, gives you more background to Dhata Mays (the main character in both books). Another short, enjoying & entertaining blend of the mystery & science fiction genres. I’ll definitely be reading more from Greg Dragon. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
September 16, 2018
Greg Dragon got a nice writing style, his books are easy to understand and have enough twists to make all his stories interesting and enjoying.
Using Tucker McDougall for narration is a perfect choice to go audio.
I fully recommend this series to all.
My honest review even so that I got this audiobook for free.
Using Tucker McDougall for narration is a perfect choice to go audio.
I fully recommend this series to all.
My honest review even so that I got this audiobook for free.
July 28, 2020
This futuristic crime thriller is a well-done, future-gone-bad story. The vibe reminds me of Blade Runner. The hero is almost like a superhero, in that he devotes himself to justice as he sees it. That part almost reminds of the old movie Serpico.
One thing - sometimes the font changes for a few paragraphs. It was not too distracting, but I just wondered about it.
One thing - sometimes the font changes for a few paragraphs. It was not too distracting, but I just wondered about it.
September 23, 2024
Interesting post-apocalyptic world. Pretty good characters. I’m not a big fan of justice only being served by breaking the laws Detective Mays was supposed to uphold. I think there needs to be bit of “good” in the systems to balance things out. Having the future depend on the actions of a few vigilante cops is very gloomy.
June 28, 2018
A shorter tale, but very well written. The action is well paced and keeps you engaged without feeling rushed. This was more of a detective novel than sci-fi, and the characters were a bit cliche, but overall the book was very enjoyable.
August 11, 2018
Review of Dhata Mays
I had the kindle read this eBook to me in one afternoon, while I did some chores. Wow. What a good story.
I will definitely read more from this talented writer!
I had the kindle read this eBook to me in one afternoon, while I did some chores. Wow. What a good story.
I will definitely read more from this talented writer!
October 20, 2018
Pretty good
I enjoyed the story overall but it needed more detail toward the end explaining how the bad guy was captured. And more explanation of the world and disaster, and where synth s came from.
I enjoyed the story overall but it needed more detail toward the end explaining how the bad guy was captured. And more explanation of the world and disaster, and where synth s came from.
November 29, 2018
Rose
I enjoyed reading about how this police detective pursued the enemy even though so many others did not approve of what he was doing. Other characters were very interesting and it was fun finding out everyone's details.
I enjoyed reading about how this police detective pursued the enemy even though so many others did not approve of what he was doing. Other characters were very interesting and it was fun finding out everyone's details.
May 24, 2021
This is a really interesting idea! The plot could have been very good if only it had had a little more polish. I will see what else this writer has written, as the ideas are different to your normal dystopian world adventure!
June 14, 2021
Mesmerizing
This is a great noir story with a main character who grabs your interest. The story is well-paced with plenty of action and a little romance. Set in a futuristic Tampa, Florida, it will keep you mesmerized.
This is a great noir story with a main character who grabs your interest. The story is well-paced with plenty of action and a little romance. Set in a futuristic Tampa, Florida, it will keep you mesmerized.
March 16, 2022
Noir dystopia.
The world didn't end with the War for Peace. Humans created the synthetic people to rebuild the world , but feel a lot of intolerance. Dhata mays is a detective who tries to keep order in Tampa Florida.
The world didn't end with the War for Peace. Humans created the synthetic people to rebuild the world , but feel a lot of intolerance. Dhata mays is a detective who tries to keep order in Tampa Florida.
July 21, 2022
CITIZEN, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
It's a violent and dangerous world if you're a synth, and every shadow may hide an enemy. But you have friends out there too... you just have to know where to look. There is so much to love about this story. Don't miss it!
It's a violent and dangerous world if you're a synth, and every shadow may hide an enemy. But you have friends out there too... you just have to know where to look. There is so much to love about this story. Don't miss it!
July 1, 2023
Loved this book!
Hard to put down. My hometown of a possible future. Lived 5 minutes from Ybor City and am familiar with the locales. This thrilled the heck out of me. Totally possible scenarios. Thought provoking author.
Hard to put down. My hometown of a possible future. Lived 5 minutes from Ybor City and am familiar with the locales. This thrilled the heck out of me. Totally possible scenarios. Thought provoking author.
July 18, 2025
This ebook was a good Sci-Fi short read. It deals with future androids who emulates humans and is being killed. Dhata Mays is a true detective to find the murder of several androids.
It kept my interest. I would also recommend it for friends and family.
It kept my interest. I would also recommend it for friends and family.
July 9, 2018
This felt like a hard boiled cop story set in a not too far of figure. Not a bad book...but too much cop and not enough future for me.
January 3, 2020
Great read
Well written story about the future and a police officer investigating multiple murders of synthetic humans by a crazy cult leader.
Well written story about the future and a police officer investigating multiple murders of synthetic humans by a crazy cult leader.
March 3, 2021
Great book.
I loved the characters and the world.
The tech was low-key but very interesting.
I will read on in this series.
I loved the characters and the world.
The tech was low-key but very interesting.
I will read on in this series.
March 10, 2021
Reasonably enjoyable
Decent police shoot-em-up pitting futuristic cops against a human cult who intend to cleanse the world of androids after an unspecified war
Decent police shoot-em-up pitting futuristic cops against a human cult who intend to cleanse the world of androids after an unspecified war
December 22, 2021
I really do love these stories. The setting is intriguing. The writing is superb. And Dhata is kick-ass. A nice nod to the noir fiction I love, as well as the futuristic SF I enjoy.
September 4, 2022
Gritty police mystery in an apocalyptic future Miami. Keeps you going.
April 25, 2023
A Different Type of Cyber
What a read. An innovative look at what the future may bring. Interesting analogy. Could not put this book down.
What a read. An innovative look at what the future may bring. Interesting analogy. Could not put this book down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews