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mxsallybend's review against another edition
4.0
Although I've had a copy of Robopocalypse on my shelf since it was released last year, it never quite made it to the top of my TBR pile. That is an issue I plan to rectify soon, based on the fact that Amped turned out to be one of my favourite reads of 2012.
This is a book that works on two levels - it's both a thoroughly enjoyable adventure and a deeply thoughtful look at class warfare and social prejudice. Wilson has previously been compared favourably to Michael Crichton, and based on this, I can definitely say the comparison is warranted. Both gentlemen know how to spin a yarn that pairs scientific and technical concepts with philosophical and political ideals, all without boring the reader or coming across as preachy.
The science here is fascinating, a minor tweak to humanity designed to correct our flaws and failings. Originally intended to heal, the very first implants allowed the blind to see and the deaf to hear; it gave epileptics control over their seizures; it enabled children with birth defects or mental impairments to function 'normally'; and, when paired with some mechanical enhancements, it allowed the physically disabled to walk. However, the bio-mechanical implants have an interesting side-effect, enhancing other abilities along the way. Suddenly, amped children are not only functioning normally, but are proving to be super-intelligent; and amped adults are not only moving as if they'd never lost a limb or use of their body, but are proving to be super-strong and super-fast.
It doesn't take long before significant divides begin to form in society. with 'normal' humans feeling left behind, fearing a future in which they cannot compete. As the story begins, the Supreme Court has ruled that amped individuals are no longer human . . . no longer protected from harassment or discrimination . . . and no longer able to enter into contracts, own property, or have any legal standing. Bolstered by the hate-mongering of the Pure Human Citizens Council, society has turned on its amped neighbours, confining them to slums and trailer parks, just waiting for an excuse to exterminate them all.
Against that backdrop we have the story of one man, implanted as a child, who is only beginning to comprehend the extent of his abilities. As someone who never really considered himself to be fully amped, Owen acts as an intermediary for the reader, allowing us to truly appreciate what society has come to. As he explores his potential - and, ultimately, his choice to either preserve or destroy - we also get to explore what it means to be human, and what it means to be amped.
Surrounding Owen are some strong supporting characters, but if there's one failing it's that almost all of those characters are amped. Normal humans are not portrayed positively at all (with one notable exception), presenting a rather one-sided view of the conflict. Much of that is due to Owen being the narrator, and it does help to drive home the message of how quickly and how thoroughly we can latch onto our differences and use them as excuses to hate one another, but it does make for a rather bleak and hopeless tale.
The story moves a long at a brisk pace, with some big budget action scenes near the end that really work well. There are also a few interesting twists along the way, and even if I suspected the biggest one about halfway through, the way it played out was more than satisfactory. An all-around great summer read, Amped is a story that will open your eyes as it entertains you, and really make you think about how little it would take to turn us against one another.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
This is a book that works on two levels - it's both a thoroughly enjoyable adventure and a deeply thoughtful look at class warfare and social prejudice. Wilson has previously been compared favourably to Michael Crichton, and based on this, I can definitely say the comparison is warranted. Both gentlemen know how to spin a yarn that pairs scientific and technical concepts with philosophical and political ideals, all without boring the reader or coming across as preachy.
The science here is fascinating, a minor tweak to humanity designed to correct our flaws and failings. Originally intended to heal, the very first implants allowed the blind to see and the deaf to hear; it gave epileptics control over their seizures; it enabled children with birth defects or mental impairments to function 'normally'; and, when paired with some mechanical enhancements, it allowed the physically disabled to walk. However, the bio-mechanical implants have an interesting side-effect, enhancing other abilities along the way. Suddenly, amped children are not only functioning normally, but are proving to be super-intelligent; and amped adults are not only moving as if they'd never lost a limb or use of their body, but are proving to be super-strong and super-fast.
It doesn't take long before significant divides begin to form in society. with 'normal' humans feeling left behind, fearing a future in which they cannot compete. As the story begins, the Supreme Court has ruled that amped individuals are no longer human . . . no longer protected from harassment or discrimination . . . and no longer able to enter into contracts, own property, or have any legal standing. Bolstered by the hate-mongering of the Pure Human Citizens Council, society has turned on its amped neighbours, confining them to slums and trailer parks, just waiting for an excuse to exterminate them all.
Against that backdrop we have the story of one man, implanted as a child, who is only beginning to comprehend the extent of his abilities. As someone who never really considered himself to be fully amped, Owen acts as an intermediary for the reader, allowing us to truly appreciate what society has come to. As he explores his potential - and, ultimately, his choice to either preserve or destroy - we also get to explore what it means to be human, and what it means to be amped.
Surrounding Owen are some strong supporting characters, but if there's one failing it's that almost all of those characters are amped. Normal humans are not portrayed positively at all (with one notable exception), presenting a rather one-sided view of the conflict. Much of that is due to Owen being the narrator, and it does help to drive home the message of how quickly and how thoroughly we can latch onto our differences and use them as excuses to hate one another, but it does make for a rather bleak and hopeless tale.
The story moves a long at a brisk pace, with some big budget action scenes near the end that really work well. There are also a few interesting twists along the way, and even if I suspected the biggest one about halfway through, the way it played out was more than satisfactory. An all-around great summer read, Amped is a story that will open your eyes as it entertains you, and really make you think about how little it would take to turn us against one another.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
weltenkreuzer's review against another edition
3.0
Spannendes Thema kurz und bündig zu Ende gedacht, vom Stil her allerdings zu nüchtern und unpersönlich
alyssaht's review against another edition
3.0
Not sure what I was expecting from the description of the book but I didn't expect the story he wrote. Not quite enough twists and turns for me plot wise. Interesting future with technology and a few, not so subtle, conclusions about technology and our relationship to it. Overall though it was worth reading. Kinda refreshing to read a sci-fi/dystopian book written for adults for a change. :)
kidclamp's review against another edition
3.0
After the excitement of Robopocalypse I had really been looking forward to this book, but in the end I was a little disappointed.
In the future some humans have had hardware installed in their brains to fix illnesses, these implants not only fix them, but amplify their natural abilities. As more 'amped' humans are created, natural humans begin to fear them and, with the help of an angry politician, war begins.
It certainly was full of action, but there was so much action it almost overwhelmed the story and took away from the debate about whether we are slaves to or masters of the technology we create. The characters too didn't get enough time to develop and I ultimately just didn't care too much about their fates.
In the future some humans have had hardware installed in their brains to fix illnesses, these implants not only fix them, but amplify their natural abilities. As more 'amped' humans are created, natural humans begin to fear them and, with the help of an angry politician, war begins.
It certainly was full of action, but there was so much action it almost overwhelmed the story and took away from the debate about whether we are slaves to or masters of the technology we create. The characters too didn't get enough time to develop and I ultimately just didn't care too much about their fates.
commander's review against another edition
2.0
The author has an unusual style of writing, use of words and metaphors, that captured my interest right away. The plot was pedestrian and unoriginal. Some of the science was suspect, although the writer has a Carnegie Mellon PhD.
jbatchelor's review against another edition
5.0
I was a little skeptical that this book could live up to Robopocalypse, but this book was great. The story raises some interesting and pertinent topics will make you think. We may be a ways off from having computers installed in our brains to fix brain injuries, but I wouldn't be surprised to see it in my lifetime.
bebbiie's review against another edition
5.0
I adored this book!! It was so so good I couldn't stop reading it, I will be picking up his other book as soon as I can :)
exholalia's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
pagesuncovered's review
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5