Singularity: Rise of the Posthumans Review by Ally Barber
Published by Pro Se Productions, LLC
Reviewed by Ally Barber
ABOUT THE BOOK
The Technological Singularity Event left the world’s governments trembling. War ravaged the land as humans faced off with the Nanite Army of Fire. Eventually the world was plunged into darkness. When the world regained its senses technology had been reduced to the level of the 1800’s. The world governments no longer existed, until one Dr. Fulbright began rebuilding English society in New Southampton. Fate seemed to intervene when Dr. Fulbright’s lab exploded and carved a giant crater in the center of the city. With Dr. Fulbright dead, the struggling city was left without guidance or authority. Authority was regained when brutal Queen Anne anointed herself the new city monarch. Anne quickly established a brutal regime bathed in blood and violence. In light of death and oppression, the people of New Southampton seek saviors. In the darkness, some have heard the call for Revolution. Beings that have crawled out of the time of the Singularity to give the people hope. Many call these harbingers of salvation the Posthumans. The Posthumans have risen from the ashes. Singularity: Rise of the Posthumans. From Pro Se Productions.
Genre: Fantasy Story Collection
172 Pages
MY REVIEW
4 out of 5 stars
In a world that is both futuristic and reminiscent of the past, tyranny reigns and oppression is systemic. The society of New Southampton is one of class conflict, technology, and mutations. In Singularity: Rise of the Posthumans a group of imaginative and laudable authors contribute their own creativity to the formation of this foreign and dark world, forming an entertaining and exciting collection of stories.
I typically am not one to be drawn in by the steampunk/cyberpunk genre, but after reading Singularity I honestly believe that almost anyone would enjoy this collection. Each of the stories were very exciting and there was rarely a dull moment amidst all of the action. The characters in each of the stories were captivating and interesting, tenacious and complicated in their own ways. The plots of the stories themselves were fascinating and several times I found myself disappointed that they ended – many could have easily stood alone and been extended as novels. Singularity is also an absorbing exploration of the issues of ambiguous morality, class conflict, and tyranny.
My main issue with Singularity: Rise of the Posthumans is the timelessness of it. By this I mean that the time period in which the stories is set is not constant and is frankly befuddling. Though the stories are ostensibly meant to be set in the future, much of the description and dialogue hearkens to a long ago past, which was personally quite confusing and kept me distracted for much of the work. This confusion was worsened by the fact that the time period seemed to change between certain stories as some were more obviously in the future while others seemed to be very much in the past. Personally, this represents a lack of cohesion in world-building between the different authors and somewhat detracts somewhat from the value of the book.
Singularity is an exciting and entertaining read on all accounts; this simply cannot be disputed. Though the time setting of the stories is confusing and detracts a bit from the work, any reader of Singularity: Rise of the Posthumans is sure to be entertained and captivated by the creativity and vision of the assorted authors and their additions to the world in which the book exists.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
David Michelinie has been a professional writer for over 40 years. He has written more than 600 comic book stories, spanning genres from westerns to war to horror to super hero. In addition to his comics work, David has published two novels, has had short stories published in anthologies (WEREWOLVES: DEAD MOON RISING) and periodicals (Spider-Man Magazine), and has written scripts for the Nicktoons animated series, “Iron Man Armored Adventures.” His comic book biography of Mother Teresa won the Catholic Book Award for Best Children’s Book, and his work on the acclaimed Iron Man “Demon In A Bottle” saga was awarded a Certificate Of Merit from a prestigious anti-alcoholism foundation.
Jennie Wood is the creator of Flutter, a graphic novel series published by 215 Ink. The Advocate calls Flutter one of the best LGBT graphic novels of 2013. Bleeding Cool lists Flutter as one of the 15 best indie comics of 2014. She is also the author of the YA novel, A Boy Like Me, which is a Next Generation Indie Book Awards finalist, an INDIEFAB Book of the Year finalist, and one of Foreword Reviews' 10 Best Indie YA novels for 2014. Jennie is an ongoing contributor to the award-winning, New York Times best-selling FUBAR comic anthologies. She writes non-fiction features for infoplease.com and teaches at Grub Street, Boston's independent writing center. More: http://jenniewood.com/.
Nancy Hansen is an avid reader and prolific writer of fantasy and adventure fiction for over 25 years, Nancy A. Hansen is the author of the novels FORTUNE’S PAWN, PROPHECY’S GAMBIT, MASTER'S ENDGAME and FORGED BY FLAME, anthologies TALES OF THE VAGABOND BARDS, THE HUNTRESS OF GREENWOOD, and THE WINDRIDERS OF EVERICE, novellas COMPANION DRAGON'S TALES: A FAMILIAR NAME and co- author of FINDING WAXY. Her short stories have been featured in multiple issues of Pro Se Presents, and she has a tale each in Pro Se Anthologies THE NEW ADVENTURES OF SENORITA SCORPION, TALL PULP, THE NEW ADVENTURES OF THE WHIRLWIND, and MONSTER ACES, while the E-story TO RULE THE SKY is offered as a Pro Se SINGLE SHOT. Nancy has also contributed stories to both Airship 27’s SINBAD: THE NEW VOYAGES Volume 1 and Mechanoid Press’ debut book, MONSTER EARTH, and the charity anthology THE LOST CHILDREN. Her first pirate novel, JEZEBEL JOHNSTON: DEVIL'S HANDMAID was a recent release from Airship 27 as well. Nancy currently resides on an old farm in beautiful, rural eastern Connecticut with an eclectic cast of family members, and one very spoiled dog.
Lee Houston, Junior is the writer-creator of Hugh Monn, Private Detective and Alpha the superhero, published by Pro Se Press. His other creative credits include serving as the Editor-In-Chief of The Free Choice E-zine (www.thefreechoice.info) and writing numerous short stories. His complete bibliography can be found on his Amazon Author's page.
In what he laughing refers to as his “spare” time, Lee is an avid reader of pulps, science-fiction, detective/mystery stories, fantasy, and comic books.
Brant Fowler is the Co-Publisher of Last Ember Press (www.lastemberpress.com), where he writes the comic books Wannabez and The Last Ember. He won an Editor's Choice Award for his poem The Abyss while in college. The Eye of the Mind is his first published prose work. Brant was born in Georgia, raised in Arizona, South Carolina (on a wildlife preservation island), and Kentucky, and now resides in Texas with his dog Trixie.
Chris Magee was born into a military family and lived a nomadic lifestyle until finally landing in Lebanon, MO, which he considers home. After graduating high school, Chris himself, entered the military and became nomadic once again. During his third deployment to Operation Desert Storm, Chris and his squad, members of the elite Special Airborne Ranger Seal Artillery Composite Provisional squad, part of Team 'Merica, discovered a cache of gold bullion while on a suicide mission. Being the sole survivor of the mission (making him a suicidal failure), he decided to keep the gold for himself, instantly becoming a billionaire. Chris then embarked on what he felt he was truly meant to do, be a billionaire playboy with no real job. This led to many adventures doing "special" contracts with the CIA, FBI and CBS. In his free time, Chris enjoys keeping the world safe for himself, chasing very attractive younger women and spending time with his wife and children.
Jaime Ramos is a fiction writer who resides in the St. Louis area with his wife, son, two dogs and a cat. Jaime has been writing fiction since he was a young child. Jaime sold his short-story “Exile of Avalon” in 2014. Jaime serves as Chief Editor and creator of the super-hero themed anthology “Singularity: Rise of the Posthumans,” which is being published by Pro Se Productions. Jaime also is an assistant editor on the book “Legends of Pulp,” published by Airship 27. Jaime is currently under contract to publish two pulp novels in 2016.
Jaime enjoys football, movies, cooking and playing make-believe with his son Thomas. Jaime has an idyllic life with wife Phyllis, who is a constant source of encouragement.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for writing a review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.
https://www.amazon.com/Singularity-Rise-Posthumans-David-Michelinie/dp/1533534209/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1467376537&sr=8-1&keywords=singularity%3A+rise+of+the+posthumans
Published by Pro Se Productions, LLC
Reviewed by Ally Barber
ABOUT THE BOOK
The Technological Singularity Event left the world’s governments trembling. War ravaged the land as humans faced off with the Nanite Army of Fire. Eventually the world was plunged into darkness. When the world regained its senses technology had been reduced to the level of the 1800’s. The world governments no longer existed, until one Dr. Fulbright began rebuilding English society in New Southampton. Fate seemed to intervene when Dr. Fulbright’s lab exploded and carved a giant crater in the center of the city. With Dr. Fulbright dead, the struggling city was left without guidance or authority. Authority was regained when brutal Queen Anne anointed herself the new city monarch. Anne quickly established a brutal regime bathed in blood and violence. In light of death and oppression, the people of New Southampton seek saviors. In the darkness, some have heard the call for Revolution. Beings that have crawled out of the time of the Singularity to give the people hope. Many call these harbingers of salvation the Posthumans. The Posthumans have risen from the ashes. Singularity: Rise of the Posthumans. From Pro Se Productions.
Genre: Fantasy Story Collection
172 Pages
MY REVIEW
4 out of 5 stars
In a world that is both futuristic and reminiscent of the past, tyranny reigns and oppression is systemic. The society of New Southampton is one of class conflict, technology, and mutations. In Singularity: Rise of the Posthumans a group of imaginative and laudable authors contribute their own creativity to the formation of this foreign and dark world, forming an entertaining and exciting collection of stories.
I typically am not one to be drawn in by the steampunk/cyberpunk genre, but after reading Singularity I honestly believe that almost anyone would enjoy this collection. Each of the stories were very exciting and there was rarely a dull moment amidst all of the action. The characters in each of the stories were captivating and interesting, tenacious and complicated in their own ways. The plots of the stories themselves were fascinating and several times I found myself disappointed that they ended – many could have easily stood alone and been extended as novels. Singularity is also an absorbing exploration of the issues of ambiguous morality, class conflict, and tyranny.
My main issue with Singularity: Rise of the Posthumans is the timelessness of it. By this I mean that the time period in which the stories is set is not constant and is frankly befuddling. Though the stories are ostensibly meant to be set in the future, much of the description and dialogue hearkens to a long ago past, which was personally quite confusing and kept me distracted for much of the work. This confusion was worsened by the fact that the time period seemed to change between certain stories as some were more obviously in the future while others seemed to be very much in the past. Personally, this represents a lack of cohesion in world-building between the different authors and somewhat detracts somewhat from the value of the book.
Singularity is an exciting and entertaining read on all accounts; this simply cannot be disputed. Though the time setting of the stories is confusing and detracts a bit from the work, any reader of Singularity: Rise of the Posthumans is sure to be entertained and captivated by the creativity and vision of the assorted authors and their additions to the world in which the book exists.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
David Michelinie has been a professional writer for over 40 years. He has written more than 600 comic book stories, spanning genres from westerns to war to horror to super hero. In addition to his comics work, David has published two novels, has had short stories published in anthologies (WEREWOLVES: DEAD MOON RISING) and periodicals (Spider-Man Magazine), and has written scripts for the Nicktoons animated series, “Iron Man Armored Adventures.” His comic book biography of Mother Teresa won the Catholic Book Award for Best Children’s Book, and his work on the acclaimed Iron Man “Demon In A Bottle” saga was awarded a Certificate Of Merit from a prestigious anti-alcoholism foundation.
Jennie Wood is the creator of Flutter, a graphic novel series published by 215 Ink. The Advocate calls Flutter one of the best LGBT graphic novels of 2013. Bleeding Cool lists Flutter as one of the 15 best indie comics of 2014. She is also the author of the YA novel, A Boy Like Me, which is a Next Generation Indie Book Awards finalist, an INDIEFAB Book of the Year finalist, and one of Foreword Reviews' 10 Best Indie YA novels for 2014. Jennie is an ongoing contributor to the award-winning, New York Times best-selling FUBAR comic anthologies. She writes non-fiction features for infoplease.com and teaches at Grub Street, Boston's independent writing center. More: http://jenniewood.com/.
Nancy Hansen is an avid reader and prolific writer of fantasy and adventure fiction for over 25 years, Nancy A. Hansen is the author of the novels FORTUNE’S PAWN, PROPHECY’S GAMBIT, MASTER'S ENDGAME and FORGED BY FLAME, anthologies TALES OF THE VAGABOND BARDS, THE HUNTRESS OF GREENWOOD, and THE WINDRIDERS OF EVERICE, novellas COMPANION DRAGON'S TALES: A FAMILIAR NAME and co- author of FINDING WAXY. Her short stories have been featured in multiple issues of Pro Se Presents, and she has a tale each in Pro Se Anthologies THE NEW ADVENTURES OF SENORITA SCORPION, TALL PULP, THE NEW ADVENTURES OF THE WHIRLWIND, and MONSTER ACES, while the E-story TO RULE THE SKY is offered as a Pro Se SINGLE SHOT. Nancy has also contributed stories to both Airship 27’s SINBAD: THE NEW VOYAGES Volume 1 and Mechanoid Press’ debut book, MONSTER EARTH, and the charity anthology THE LOST CHILDREN. Her first pirate novel, JEZEBEL JOHNSTON: DEVIL'S HANDMAID was a recent release from Airship 27 as well. Nancy currently resides on an old farm in beautiful, rural eastern Connecticut with an eclectic cast of family members, and one very spoiled dog.
Lee Houston, Junior is the writer-creator of Hugh Monn, Private Detective and Alpha the superhero, published by Pro Se Press. His other creative credits include serving as the Editor-In-Chief of The Free Choice E-zine (www.thefreechoice.info) and writing numerous short stories. His complete bibliography can be found on his Amazon Author's page.
In what he laughing refers to as his “spare” time, Lee is an avid reader of pulps, science-fiction, detective/mystery stories, fantasy, and comic books.
Brant Fowler is the Co-Publisher of Last Ember Press (www.lastemberpress.com), where he writes the comic books Wannabez and The Last Ember. He won an Editor's Choice Award for his poem The Abyss while in college. The Eye of the Mind is his first published prose work. Brant was born in Georgia, raised in Arizona, South Carolina (on a wildlife preservation island), and Kentucky, and now resides in Texas with his dog Trixie.
Chris Magee was born into a military family and lived a nomadic lifestyle until finally landing in Lebanon, MO, which he considers home. After graduating high school, Chris himself, entered the military and became nomadic once again. During his third deployment to Operation Desert Storm, Chris and his squad, members of the elite Special Airborne Ranger Seal Artillery Composite Provisional squad, part of Team 'Merica, discovered a cache of gold bullion while on a suicide mission. Being the sole survivor of the mission (making him a suicidal failure), he decided to keep the gold for himself, instantly becoming a billionaire. Chris then embarked on what he felt he was truly meant to do, be a billionaire playboy with no real job. This led to many adventures doing "special" contracts with the CIA, FBI and CBS. In his free time, Chris enjoys keeping the world safe for himself, chasing very attractive younger women and spending time with his wife and children.
Jaime Ramos is a fiction writer who resides in the St. Louis area with his wife, son, two dogs and a cat. Jaime has been writing fiction since he was a young child. Jaime sold his short-story “Exile of Avalon” in 2014. Jaime serves as Chief Editor and creator of the super-hero themed anthology “Singularity: Rise of the Posthumans,” which is being published by Pro Se Productions. Jaime also is an assistant editor on the book “Legends of Pulp,” published by Airship 27. Jaime is currently under contract to publish two pulp novels in 2016.
Jaime enjoys football, movies, cooking and playing make-believe with his son Thomas. Jaime has an idyllic life with wife Phyllis, who is a constant source of encouragement.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for writing a review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.
https://www.amazon.com/Singularity-Rise-Posthumans-David-Michelinie/dp/1533534209/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1467376537&sr=8-1&keywords=singularity%3A+rise+of+the+posthumans
RSS Feed
