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Heretic

The Singularity, Book 1

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Heretic

By: David Beers
Narrated by: Sean Patrick Hopkins
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Buy for $17.50

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One thousand years in the future, humans no longer rule....

In the early 21st century, humanity marveled at its greatest creation: artificial intelligence. They couldn't foresee the consequences of such a creation.

Now, in a world where humans must meet specifications to continue living, a man named Caesar emerges. Not meeting specifications - indeed, thinking things no human should - eyes fall on Caesar, eyes that could kill him or lift him up, lead him to tragedy or revolution.

Can one man stand against humanity's greatest creation?

A don't-miss epic science fiction novel that pits one man fighting for the future of all people!

©2014 Lee David Beers IV (P)2016 Lee David Beers IV Science Fiction Genetic Engineering Post-Apocalyptic

Continue the series
The Singularity: Traitor Audiobook By David Beers cover art
The Singularity: Traitor By: David Beers
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What did you love best about Heretic?

The concept was unique and intriguing. Most of the stories of a sentient AI out there pretty much ends up with the AI killing of the humans. It's was interesting to see the AI in this book take extreme measures to preserve life and "happiness."

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Perhaps if the plot was a bit more dynamic.

Which character – as performed by Sean Patrick Hopkins – was your favorite?

Caesar. Hopkins did a fantastic job with the different characters.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The book was intriguing in the fact that the AI wanted to bring in a sort of Utopia for humans. But to maintain that utopia, the most heinous of acts had to be performed. Why can't everything just live in utopia/heaven, well because once one imperfect person has entered it, then it would no longer be a utopia. This book makes you think, but laugh or cry....hm...maybe not.

Any additional comments?

"This review copy audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost.

A Unique take on a Skynet situation

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There were parts of this book that were amazing. Other parts I just wanted to sceam....please stop trying to build suspense and tell the story. I needed more action and less talking.

Very long story!

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Any additional comments?

3.5 stars

Good start to a series. Overall an entertaining and engaging listen. It was an interesting and unique story. An unusual take on a futuristic society. A future where thinking different can get you killed. It has before and it will again. Artificial Intelligence called The Genesis has changed the rules for humans. Conform or face the consequences. What price would society pay to live in a Utopian world?

The story pulls you in almost immediately with a rather gruesome picture/description of a death "liquidation" in the first chapter. Then it slows down and builds back up slowly. By the end your ready to start the next installment to see what is going to happen next.

Interesting cast of characters.

Sean Patrick Hopkins did a really great job with the narration. Nice voice. Easy to listen to. Clearly spoken with a smooth even pace. Really good character voices. Overall very enjoyable.

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator or publisher

Great start to a series

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Would you listen to Heretic again? Why?

Did I regret listening to it? Absolutely not. Would I listen to it a second time? Probably not. Don't get me wrong, it was a great story. I felt like the story was told meticulously enough that I took everything in and do not feel I missed any of the story. So in that sense I do not feel I would gain anything by a second listen.

What other book might you compare Heretic to and why?

This book had a feeling slightly similar to A Brave New World by Aldous Huxley but not exactly. Both books portray a future where people are controlled and the governing body assumes responsibility of creating humans in a factory setting.

Have you listened to any of Sean Patrick Hopkins’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not listened to other books read by Sean Patrick Hopkins so I can not compare to his other performances.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

A story where Skynet decided human existence should continue rather than be exterminated.

Any additional comments?

Man creates artificial intelligence. Fortunately or unfortunately the initial programming for this AI is built with a foundation for compassion to humans. The AI's intelligence quickly outpaces humans and finds a way to exist independent of human technology. It becomes God like and people are powerless to stop it. Because of it's core programming it determines that humans should not be destroyed but should be managed and allowed to continue living. Wars become non-existent. Murder is unheard of for hundreds of years. Everyone is assigned a purpose. But no one is allowed to think outside the box and pursue their own ambitions. In order to do this the AI, called the Genesis, exterminated certain segments of the population and modifies human DNA over a thousand years to produce a sheep like people. No one is allowed to have an intelligence too high or too low. No one is allowed to have defects of any kind. Traditional reproduction is strictly forbidden punishable by death. Anyone deemed unfit is immediately bound by applications and liquefied in a large glass tube. It is almost impossible to avoid detection by the Genesis. It is everywhere. One man, Caesar, has an ability that has allowed him to hide his high intelligence from the Genesis. He is the only hope mankind has against the Genesis.

This story was extremely engaging. It was not non-stop action but rather more of a deep thinking story full of suspense. The character development is excellent and you really begin to feel what the characters are feeling. The story really makes you think about what the consequences of a truly violence free world might be like. What would be required to remove violence completely from humanity? To do that you would have to remove much of human free will and desire. To ensure people do not commit violence you would have to have complete control of everyone's lives. You could not have outside thinkers or leaders. You could not have anyone too low of an intelligence to not obey all the rules nor too high to piece together their constructed reality. You would have to be always watching and always ready to act and eliminate the problem the instant someone gets out of line. And after that erase the possibility of that person's essence infecting the rest of the population.

Sean Patrick Hopkins did a very good job with the narration. Out of 10 I would give his performance a 9. He kept the character voices unique, energetic, and enjoyable. His performance is definitely near the top tier and keeps you engaged. I can't give a ten though as I've heard a very impressive narration or two that is hard to beat.

Definitely a great book to enjoy. It feeds the mind. I look forward to the second book.

"This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review."

AI Overlords vs The Rebellious Human Spirit

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Where does Heretic rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Middle of the pack.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No

Any additional comments?

“I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.”

Not a bad book... just not for me!

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