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Empathy #1
Imminent Dawn
Four people. One study. The internet-access brain implant to bind or destroy them all.
Art-school dropout Chandra would do anything to apologize for her role in her wife’s coma—including enroll in the first round of human trials for an internet-access brain implant.
At first, the secretive research compound is paradise, the perfect place to distract Chandra from her grief. But as she soon learns, the facility is more prison than resort, with its doctors, support staff, and her fellow patients all bent on hatching plots of their own, no matter how invested they might seem in helping her communicate with her wife.
Making matters worse, a dark wave of uncertainty crashes down on the compound, forcing Chandra to become an unlikely but pivotal player in conspiracies stretching from the highest levels of the North American Union government to the lowest dredges of its shadowy hacking collectives.
To save herself and her wife, Chandra and her newfound friends from the study will have to overcome the scheming of a ruthless tech magnate, the naïveté of an advancement-hungry administrative assistant, and the relentless pursuits of an investigative journalist, all of whom are determined to outpace the others in their own quests to resurrect lost love, cover their tracks, and uncover the truth.
A twistedly delightful clockwork of intrigue and suspense, EMPATHY: Imminent Dawn is an electrifying sci-fi debut from author r. r. campbell.
Art-school dropout Chandra would do anything to apologize for her role in her wife’s coma—including enroll in the first round of human trials for an internet-access brain implant.
At first, the secretive research compound is paradise, the perfect place to distract Chandra from her grief. But as she soon learns, the facility is more prison than resort, with its doctors, support staff, and her fellow patients all bent on hatching plots of their own, no matter how invested they might seem in helping her communicate with her wife.
Making matters worse, a dark wave of uncertainty crashes down on the compound, forcing Chandra to become an unlikely but pivotal player in conspiracies stretching from the highest levels of the North American Union government to the lowest dredges of its shadowy hacking collectives.
To save herself and her wife, Chandra and her newfound friends from the study will have to overcome the scheming of a ruthless tech magnate, the naïveté of an advancement-hungry administrative assistant, and the relentless pursuits of an investigative journalist, all of whom are determined to outpace the others in their own quests to resurrect lost love, cover their tracks, and uncover the truth.
A twistedly delightful clockwork of intrigue and suspense, EMPATHY: Imminent Dawn is an electrifying sci-fi debut from author r. r. campbell.
379 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 28, 2019
About the author
R.R. Campbell
3 books22 followersR.R. Campbell is an International Book Awards finalist, the founder of the Writescast Network, and the co-founder of Kill Your Darlings Candle Company. His science fiction debut, IMMINENT DAWN, premiered as the number one new release for its genre on Amazon. He also publishes contemporary fiction as Ryan R. Campbell. He lives in Stoughton, Wisconsin with his wife and their two cats, Hashtag and Rhaegar.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 26, 2019
3.5 Stars. This book is a little out there. It’s well written and well imagined, I’m just not sure if I really liked the story. I first want to mention I would not really put this in the lesfic category. There is one lesbian character but she is one of many characters. The POV in this book switches between characters every new chapter. Also, while this book is science fiction, I would more say this was futuristic with almost a light dystopian feel. This book takes place on Earth in the future.
This book is a little hard to understand at times. There was so much going on, it was hard to realize who was doing what. The main story is based on this new brain implant called EMPATHY. It connects the user’s brain to the internet so that any answer is just a thought away. People can also communicate to each other, with their minds, if they both have the implant. The problem is that many people want control of this new technology. And will stop at nothing to get it.
I was interested enough to read the whole book. It just had so much going on that I was a little confused at times. And while most threads were resolved, the book does still end with some questions. I did notice it was a book 1, so hopefully everything will be answered. I’m on the fence if this would be a series I want to continue reading or not.
If you are interested in science fiction as in futuristic implants and AI, this story might work for you. It’s well written just not exactly what I was hoping for.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
This book is a little hard to understand at times. There was so much going on, it was hard to realize who was doing what. The main story is based on this new brain implant called EMPATHY. It connects the user’s brain to the internet so that any answer is just a thought away. People can also communicate to each other, with their minds, if they both have the implant. The problem is that many people want control of this new technology. And will stop at nothing to get it.
I was interested enough to read the whole book. It just had so much going on that I was a little confused at times. And while most threads were resolved, the book does still end with some questions. I did notice it was a book 1, so hopefully everything will be answered. I’m on the fence if this would be a series I want to continue reading or not.
If you are interested in science fiction as in futuristic implants and AI, this story might work for you. It’s well written just not exactly what I was hoping for.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
January 24, 2019
My mind is blown right now so this review may not make much sense. This is a superb science fiction thriller which I chose because the blurb sounded interesting but it didn’t prepare me for the complex and suspenseful journey I was taken on.
Set in the future, the story is told in third person from the point of view of four of the characters. Chandra has signed up for the human trial portion of a programme called EMPATHY where a brain implant will give the recipient internet access and thereby a connectivity with other recipients. She blames herself for the coma her wife is in and hopes this could save her.
EMPATHY is Wyatt Halman’s brainchild and he has every intention of protection his work from the world at large and most specifically from the agents of the North American Union. The facility is run more like a prison than a research centre and ensuring that information stays within the walls is a top priority.
Meredith Maxwell, a senior journalist with the Star-Globe, receives and email hinting that the EMPATHY is not turning out to be the success it was hoped and indicating that the rumours of seizures are true. She is not one to turn away from a potentially dangerous investigation.
Ariel’s is the point of view I found most interesting because her role is the most difficult to pin down. There is so much to this story that it is difficult to give a précis that encompasses most aspects.
The story line is wonderfully twisted and getting used to the terminology and the number of characters took a few chapters so it is by no means an easy read but it is absolutely worth it for sci-fi fans. At around 600 pages it is also not a quick read. The writing of this novel apparently took five years since its inception and I’m not sure if I have the patience to wait five more for book two.
Book received from Netgalley and NineStar Press for an honest review.
Set in the future, the story is told in third person from the point of view of four of the characters. Chandra has signed up for the human trial portion of a programme called EMPATHY where a brain implant will give the recipient internet access and thereby a connectivity with other recipients. She blames herself for the coma her wife is in and hopes this could save her.
EMPATHY is Wyatt Halman’s brainchild and he has every intention of protection his work from the world at large and most specifically from the agents of the North American Union. The facility is run more like a prison than a research centre and ensuring that information stays within the walls is a top priority.
Meredith Maxwell, a senior journalist with the Star-Globe, receives and email hinting that the EMPATHY is not turning out to be the success it was hoped and indicating that the rumours of seizures are true. She is not one to turn away from a potentially dangerous investigation.
Ariel’s is the point of view I found most interesting because her role is the most difficult to pin down. There is so much to this story that it is difficult to give a précis that encompasses most aspects.
The story line is wonderfully twisted and getting used to the terminology and the number of characters took a few chapters so it is by no means an easy read but it is absolutely worth it for sci-fi fans. At around 600 pages it is also not a quick read. The writing of this novel apparently took five years since its inception and I’m not sure if I have the patience to wait five more for book two.
Book received from Netgalley and NineStar Press for an honest review.
March 29, 2019
*wipes brow and flops heavily into writing chair* Okay, folks, this week’s read was a doozy. As many of you know, the majority of my reading history has been focused on romance or novels with a strong romantic subplot. I’m a bit of a novice when it comes to reading epic tales with intense, mind-twisting plots. (Not to say romance novels can’t have intricate and intriguing plots—because they can and quite often do—but they don’t compare to the amount of brain-power and focus it takes to make sense of a science fiction or fantasy.) That all being said, Imminent Dawn by R. R, Campbell was definitely one of those long, twisty, challenging reads… and, I adored it.
Yes, I’ll admit it took me some time to get into the read. Coming from a romance background, I find it difficult to connect with characters if there are more than two POVs. I also find it challenging to wrap my mind around huge new worlds with lots of creative words and ideas far outside my modern day comfort zone. (And this can often be true with historical reads too.) However, once I dug in my heels and kept reading, I found myself anxious to see what would happen next. I’m not sure I “bonded” with the characters in the same way I might have had there been less POVs, but the richness of the story and the world Mr. Campbell created went a long way toward making up for that.
This story is a rollercoaster of intrigue, suspense, and gorgeously crafted wonder. Once I latched onto the story, I couldn’t put it down. The writing is beautiful and the world building is superb. It took me a while to get a firm grasp on it all, but that could very likely be due to my inexperience with this genre. I could tell Mr. Campbell put a great deal of effort and love into the telling of this tale.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys well-developed, deep, research-invested scifi stories, but I would also strongly suggest anyone into fantasy or dystopian futuristic novels give it a go. As are all NineStar Press releases, this has an LGBTQ+ twist, but a subtle one. It isn’t a romance and it doesn’t pretend to be, yet there’s some wonderful moments of love, compassion, and position representation that make this a delightful addition to the world of LGBTQ+ fiction.
Yes, I’ll admit it took me some time to get into the read. Coming from a romance background, I find it difficult to connect with characters if there are more than two POVs. I also find it challenging to wrap my mind around huge new worlds with lots of creative words and ideas far outside my modern day comfort zone. (And this can often be true with historical reads too.) However, once I dug in my heels and kept reading, I found myself anxious to see what would happen next. I’m not sure I “bonded” with the characters in the same way I might have had there been less POVs, but the richness of the story and the world Mr. Campbell created went a long way toward making up for that.
This story is a rollercoaster of intrigue, suspense, and gorgeously crafted wonder. Once I latched onto the story, I couldn’t put it down. The writing is beautiful and the world building is superb. It took me a while to get a firm grasp on it all, but that could very likely be due to my inexperience with this genre. I could tell Mr. Campbell put a great deal of effort and love into the telling of this tale.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys well-developed, deep, research-invested scifi stories, but I would also strongly suggest anyone into fantasy or dystopian futuristic novels give it a go. As are all NineStar Press releases, this has an LGBTQ+ twist, but a subtle one. It isn’t a romance and it doesn’t pretend to be, yet there’s some wonderful moments of love, compassion, and position representation that make this a delightful addition to the world of LGBTQ+ fiction.
January 9, 2019
It’s an awesome privilege to be among the first to read this book. Campbell shifts between multiple perspectives with ease, bringing to life a cast of unique and authentic characters. At the same time, he unveils an alternate America that feels complete, as if it’s just on the other side of the mirror. No spoilers, but the well-placed plot hooked me immediately and reeled me in with unexpected twists aplenty. What’s more, Campbell’s examination of the blurred line between man and machine draws out possibilities that are intriguing, troubling and all too real-feeling. Overall, this is an excellent start to the series. I can’t wait to read more!
February 2, 2019
So, I really was looking forward to this one, as its a sci-fi novel with an lgbt twist in it. I was a little disappointed in the fact that there really is only one lgbt character who plays a pivotal roll in the story, but that didn't stop me from liking most of the premise.
Chandra is in a study where a powerful research company is trying to link people's brains to the internet, and thus each other. Think Ghost in the Shell. The program is called EMPATHY as the supposed main goal is to actually allow people to see into each others' thoughts. Chandra desperately wants to reconnect with her comatose wife, and because of that she becomes the prize subject of the lead researcher Wyatt. But then things start happening to patients and reports get out that it is caused by the EMPATHY program.
There's a decent sized cast that is a little hard to follow, as it seems everyone of them is embroiled in their own mini thriller plot. It does all lead back to EMPATHY, though, and the creator of the program. Wyatt and Chandra have the same drive: to reconnect with their wives, yet Chandra has kept her sense of humanity. Wyatt, on the other hand, turns into a ruthless mad scientist archetype with his only focus being the success of EMPATHY. There are other characters that are highlighted, such as Meredith the reporter, and Ariel the lab assistant, but I looked forward to Chandra's chapters the most. Simply because she's the best of the cast. Meredith did grow on me, and Ariel's eventual clash with a rogue AI was fun too, but that was a really slow setup.
I think this is a solid debut, with some hiccups along the way. There were some great things here that I hope the author continue with in his second book.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and NineStar Press in exchange for my honest opinion.
Chandra is in a study where a powerful research company is trying to link people's brains to the internet, and thus each other. Think Ghost in the Shell. The program is called EMPATHY as the supposed main goal is to actually allow people to see into each others' thoughts. Chandra desperately wants to reconnect with her comatose wife, and because of that she becomes the prize subject of the lead researcher Wyatt. But then things start happening to patients and reports get out that it is caused by the EMPATHY program.
There's a decent sized cast that is a little hard to follow, as it seems everyone of them is embroiled in their own mini thriller plot. It does all lead back to EMPATHY, though, and the creator of the program. Wyatt and Chandra have the same drive: to reconnect with their wives, yet Chandra has kept her sense of humanity. Wyatt, on the other hand, turns into a ruthless mad scientist archetype with his only focus being the success of EMPATHY. There are other characters that are highlighted, such as Meredith the reporter, and Ariel the lab assistant, but I looked forward to Chandra's chapters the most. Simply because she's the best of the cast. Meredith did grow on me, and Ariel's eventual clash with a rogue AI was fun too, but that was a really slow setup.
I think this is a solid debut, with some hiccups along the way. There were some great things here that I hope the author continue with in his second book.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and NineStar Press in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 1, 2019
This was a fascinating book filled with new-to-me concepts and danger. Danger to individual characters both medically and morally. I can't even imagine being hooked up to a massive network, just sitting in my brain. Once I started reading, I could barely stop to sleep. The characters were all individual, motivated and driven...to a point. The book was well-paced and I enjoyed the format of the chapters each focusing on an individual. I didn't find juggling the characters difficult at all.
Now, that being said, there were a couple things that bothered me. Mostly toward the end.
Woodward, for one. He was dropped, just like a bag of rocks. He just disappeared and then was forgotten. He deserved better than that.
A couple of other characters dropped off the face of the book too, but it sounds like their stories pick up in the next book, so I'll be patient.
The ending itself was chopped. I understand that there is another book, and I understand that this book was pretty large and can't go on forever, but a smoother ending would have been nice.
However, I am very glad I was approved for an ARC, and I definitely plan on buying the next book.
Now, that being said, there were a couple things that bothered me. Mostly toward the end.
Woodward, for one. He was dropped, just like a bag of rocks. He just disappeared and then was forgotten. He deserved better than that.
A couple of other characters dropped off the face of the book too, but it sounds like their stories pick up in the next book, so I'll be patient.
The ending itself was chopped. I understand that there is another book, and I understand that this book was pretty large and can't go on forever, but a smoother ending would have been nice.
However, I am very glad I was approved for an ARC, and I definitely plan on buying the next book.
January 20, 2019
Imminent Dawn is more than just a techno-thriller (though it is an awesome techno-thriller). Imminent Dawn brings together an incredible wide-ranging group of characters who sometimes knowingly work against each other, but more often are drawn into a complex set of circumstances where they don't fully realize the dangers they face.
The ability to log on to the internet at will, with no device, just your brain. Sounds great, right? One of the main characters, Chandra, discovers that this ability comes with a price. Is it one she can pay? The brilliant, hard-driven scientist who created the technology may have ulterior motives in promoting his vision beyond making life better for humanity. Add in several other characters within and outside the secretive compound where the research takes place, and you have a fantastic thriller where the tension builds, and no one is fully in command of the mystery gradually spinning out of control.
Campbell has written a book with a great plot and even greater cast of characters. Unique and refreshing. A great read.
The ability to log on to the internet at will, with no device, just your brain. Sounds great, right? One of the main characters, Chandra, discovers that this ability comes with a price. Is it one she can pay? The brilliant, hard-driven scientist who created the technology may have ulterior motives in promoting his vision beyond making life better for humanity. Add in several other characters within and outside the secretive compound where the research takes place, and you have a fantastic thriller where the tension builds, and no one is fully in command of the mystery gradually spinning out of control.
Campbell has written a book with a great plot and even greater cast of characters. Unique and refreshing. A great read.
January 13, 2019
This book will rip your heart out and stomp on it many, many times. I hope you understand how much of a compliment that is.
February 4, 2019
This book was provided for free by the publisher and Love Bytes in exchange for an honest review.
This review was first posted to Love Bytes: LGBTQ Book Reviews. It has been slightly edited here for content.
Some books demand your full attention right from the start, and Imminent Dawn is one of them. It’s a complex, meaty sci-fi thriller that switches points of view at a lightning pace, showing us half a dozen key players within EMPATHY—a test study of an implant that allows its users to access the internet and connect with each other inside their minds. Everyone has their own motives and own agendas, their own loyalties and secrets, and as the project becomes more and more challenging, the relationships quickly erode.
Taking place in a slick, uber-organized future, this story begins right as the implant finally works for one of their test subjects, Chandra. Chandra only wants EMPATHY so she can connect with her wife, who is in a coma after an accident. But the creator of the implant, Wyatt Halman, and his three adult children all want Chandra to be the face if the project, despite Chandra’s continuing questions about the implant’s effectiveness. We also see the story through Meredith, a cynical reporter who wants to reveal what’s really going on behind the secretive study, and Ariel, an underappreciated Halman aid who gets in over her head with a bit of destructive code.
There are a lot of characters in this book, and some are better than others. I was the most invested in the Halman family and the dysfunctional relationship with each other and their empire. The patriarch, Wyatt, wants to leave behind a legacy, but his kids don’t inspire much hope, despite their devotion. And his continuing grief for his late wife mars all of his decision-making when it comes to EMPATHY. Meredith is the most relatable, realistic character, and Chandra’s love for her wife is the heart of the book. We really get to know and understand everyone as the drama unfolds.
However, it’s impossible to ignore all of the terrible decisions these characters make. We’re led to believe these are bright, brilliant people—scientists, doctors, artists, writers. But they make rash judgments and silly errors at every turn. Meredith is supposedly a brilliant journalist, yet she never seems to ask the right questions or really even write anything of substance. And Ariel and Chandra blunder their way through grade-school espionage, failing to understand basic computer and security protocols even though they live in and work for some of the most tech-savvy people in the world. Even smaller characters like hackers and security guards make silly mistakes that feel more like cop-outs than real conflicts. I know these are supposed to be real people, not slick secret agents, but common sense was so lacking that they seemed more like teenagers than rational adults.
There are some absolutely thrilling bits of sci-fi, though, that kept me completely on edge. I held my breath when Chandra’s implant was hacked and she was basically body-snatched by an AI virus who controlled her like a puppet. And I was completely stunned by a scene in which Wyatt uses a specific brain in a test study without thinking of the consequences beforehand. There are a lot of weird missteps in characterization in this book, but in contrast, there are some excellent, action-packed scenes that kept me invested.
Though I wouldn’t recommend this book to a lot of readers, I’m intrigued by the idea of a sequel. This first installment is basically page after page of characters making terrible decisions, and the second book seems to be about them having to deal with the fallout. I think Campbell will take it up a notch and really raise the stakes for Chandra, Meredith, and what remains of the Halman clan. This is a book for a patient reader, one who doesn’t mind a long book that takes time to pick up steam. I think the payoff will be excellent, but I hope that the next book works through some of the pacing issues to make it the true thriller it wants to be.
This review was first posted to Love Bytes: LGBTQ Book Reviews. It has been slightly edited here for content.
Some books demand your full attention right from the start, and Imminent Dawn is one of them. It’s a complex, meaty sci-fi thriller that switches points of view at a lightning pace, showing us half a dozen key players within EMPATHY—a test study of an implant that allows its users to access the internet and connect with each other inside their minds. Everyone has their own motives and own agendas, their own loyalties and secrets, and as the project becomes more and more challenging, the relationships quickly erode.
Taking place in a slick, uber-organized future, this story begins right as the implant finally works for one of their test subjects, Chandra. Chandra only wants EMPATHY so she can connect with her wife, who is in a coma after an accident. But the creator of the implant, Wyatt Halman, and his three adult children all want Chandra to be the face if the project, despite Chandra’s continuing questions about the implant’s effectiveness. We also see the story through Meredith, a cynical reporter who wants to reveal what’s really going on behind the secretive study, and Ariel, an underappreciated Halman aid who gets in over her head with a bit of destructive code.
There are a lot of characters in this book, and some are better than others. I was the most invested in the Halman family and the dysfunctional relationship with each other and their empire. The patriarch, Wyatt, wants to leave behind a legacy, but his kids don’t inspire much hope, despite their devotion. And his continuing grief for his late wife mars all of his decision-making when it comes to EMPATHY. Meredith is the most relatable, realistic character, and Chandra’s love for her wife is the heart of the book. We really get to know and understand everyone as the drama unfolds.
However, it’s impossible to ignore all of the terrible decisions these characters make. We’re led to believe these are bright, brilliant people—scientists, doctors, artists, writers. But they make rash judgments and silly errors at every turn. Meredith is supposedly a brilliant journalist, yet she never seems to ask the right questions or really even write anything of substance. And Ariel and Chandra blunder their way through grade-school espionage, failing to understand basic computer and security protocols even though they live in and work for some of the most tech-savvy people in the world. Even smaller characters like hackers and security guards make silly mistakes that feel more like cop-outs than real conflicts. I know these are supposed to be real people, not slick secret agents, but common sense was so lacking that they seemed more like teenagers than rational adults.
There are some absolutely thrilling bits of sci-fi, though, that kept me completely on edge. I held my breath when Chandra’s implant was hacked and she was basically body-snatched by an AI virus who controlled her like a puppet. And I was completely stunned by a scene in which Wyatt uses a specific brain in a test study without thinking of the consequences beforehand. There are a lot of weird missteps in characterization in this book, but in contrast, there are some excellent, action-packed scenes that kept me invested.
Though I wouldn’t recommend this book to a lot of readers, I’m intrigued by the idea of a sequel. This first installment is basically page after page of characters making terrible decisions, and the second book seems to be about them having to deal with the fallout. I think Campbell will take it up a notch and really raise the stakes for Chandra, Meredith, and what remains of the Halman clan. This is a book for a patient reader, one who doesn’t mind a long book that takes time to pick up steam. I think the payoff will be excellent, but I hope that the next book works through some of the pacing issues to make it the true thriller it wants to be.
February 5, 2019
For some reason, I went into this book thinking I was going to get a 'Black Mirror: San Junipero' type story. It couldn't be further from what I imagined, in the best way possible. If I had to pitch this book it would be 'San Junipero' but instead of being in the world created by the technology we get to see the behind the scenes of the technology and the sinister ways in which the tech is tested.
The story follows Wyatt, the mastermind behind EMPATHY; Meredith, a reporter who's getting the inside scoop from the facility; Ariel, a staff member who is struggling to deal with conflicting powers inside the facility; and Chandra, a patient, the first to properly connect to the "cerenet" who doesn't quite realise that her innocent reasoning for wanting to be part of the EMPATHY trial is going to cause her more problems than she ever thought possible.
For the most part, the characters were well fleshed out and I could definitely tell them apart as they had their own unique voices. If I had to pick out anything however, it would be the consistent anger that seemed to bubble under every character. It wasn't unjustified anger but it always seemed to be handled in the same way regardless of who it was, which at times felt a little out of character.
Overall, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read and I'm excited to read Mourning Dove!
Thanks to NineStar Press and NetGalley for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The story follows Wyatt, the mastermind behind EMPATHY; Meredith, a reporter who's getting the inside scoop from the facility; Ariel, a staff member who is struggling to deal with conflicting powers inside the facility; and Chandra, a patient, the first to properly connect to the "cerenet" who doesn't quite realise that her innocent reasoning for wanting to be part of the EMPATHY trial is going to cause her more problems than she ever thought possible.
For the most part, the characters were well fleshed out and I could definitely tell them apart as they had their own unique voices. If I had to pick out anything however, it would be the consistent anger that seemed to bubble under every character. It wasn't unjustified anger but it always seemed to be handled in the same way regardless of who it was, which at times felt a little out of character.
Overall, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read and I'm excited to read Mourning Dove!
Thanks to NineStar Press and NetGalley for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 11, 2019
Imminent Dawn was a wonderful novel that was interesting to read and a lot of fun to read. I loved getting to follow each of the main characters through the story and seeing what their true motivations were. The world building that R.R. Campbell came up with impressive. The setting of the story was enough like our current world that it was easy to see the jump to the world he created.
Even though this is an LGBTQ Sci Fi novel, with a female gay lead, that is not the focus of the novel. The character being a lesbian never came into play, this story is more about everything else happening in the world. It’s so nice to see a novel where being gay isn’t the focus of the story, it is something we need to see more of in writing, especially Sci Fi.
The only reason for a 4 – Star is that this novel took me a bit to get into, I’m not saying it’s a slow start, it just took me a bit to get into, but once I was there I was there and I zipped through the book. Well down R.R. Campbell I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
Even though this is an LGBTQ Sci Fi novel, with a female gay lead, that is not the focus of the novel. The character being a lesbian never came into play, this story is more about everything else happening in the world. It’s so nice to see a novel where being gay isn’t the focus of the story, it is something we need to see more of in writing, especially Sci Fi.
The only reason for a 4 – Star is that this novel took me a bit to get into, I’m not saying it’s a slow start, it just took me a bit to get into, but once I was there I was there and I zipped through the book. Well down R.R. Campbell I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
June 11, 2019
It was a slow paced story, once it got going, it was fine. It was very intriguing, it had lots of different layers from lots of different viewpoints. You didn’t really connect a 100% with anyone, it shifted too much for that. That being said you still wanted to learn what the hell was going on.
I really enjoyed the science elements with the technology, was interesting to see. It had plenty of twists and turns to keep you on your toes.
(Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the Author. Does not affect my review)
I really enjoyed the science elements with the technology, was interesting to see. It had plenty of twists and turns to keep you on your toes.
(Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the Author. Does not affect my review)
March 7, 2019
3.5
There were some things about this book that I loved and some things that I hated. Chandra is the only likeable one of the 4 narrators. I wanted to smack both April and Meredith and I'm really really mad about
There were some things about this book that I loved and some things that I hated. Chandra is the only likeable one of the 4 narrators. I wanted to smack both April and Meredith and I'm really really mad about
February 18, 2019
REVIEW
I love discovering Authors I haven't read before, so that's what had me taking a closer look at this title. Then when I read the blurb it made me think of Body Parts by Jessica Kepp and The Unit by Ninni Holmqvist.
The cover is appealing and eye catching enough and with the title “Imminent Dawn” and its potential meaning it made me want to pick up the book and learn more. The blurb then further sold the book to me with its Sci-Fi elements the whole humanisation of the big experiment and what it could mean for one of those taking part. It could be the only way she gets to communicate with her wife who is in a coma.
I was instantly engrossed and really enjoyed the first chapter but then irritatingly things tailed off and much slower paced and more the backstory. The whole series title EMPATHY fits extremely well. There’s a lot going on in this book. Dr Wyatt Halman is the one that is behind the whole idea of internet access brain implant. Those in Dr Wyatt’s immediate circle are his family, consisting of his children and his brother-in-law. Still Dr Wyatt hold back on some of the important experiment details. He keeps all the necessary details on paper, locked away in his safe. To which is immediate family will only gain access to upon his death.
Dr W Halman is a strange man, willing to use the brain of someone very dear to him to test his theories. Whilst reading the book I went through a lot of different feelings and thoughts on him as a character. When the reader discovers the losses in his family you feel sympathy, but then there’s all the mistakes and side effects of the trial that he is hiding.
I loved the character of Chandra, who becomes the face of Dr Wyatt Halman’s experiments. At first Chandra doesn’t care what it takes she will consent to anything for a slim chance of being able to talk to her wife once again who is in a coma. Her wife, Kyra was involved in an accident, one that Chandra ends up feeling entirely responsible for. Without giving away anything too spoilerish both Chandra and Kyra end up with their worlds turned upside down.
Another character I loved was Meredith, stuck working as a journalist at an, at best “middle of the road” newspaper. Then suddenly she starts receiving inside information about what is going on, and going wrong at the Human/Etech research compound. All workers and those taking part in the experimental research are cut off from the outside world for the duration of the experiment and they have all signed contracts to this effect. Meredith ends up not just putting her career on the line but her finances, and even her life.
My immediate thoughts upon finishing the book were that I was glad I persevered with it and read it to the end. Although at times it was a slower pace than I would have preferred, I did end up enjoying the book as a whole.
To finish up although I found this book a slower, more in depth, sci-fi read I am interested in more of the EMPATHY Series and what is still to come.
I love discovering Authors I haven't read before, so that's what had me taking a closer look at this title. Then when I read the blurb it made me think of Body Parts by Jessica Kepp and The Unit by Ninni Holmqvist.
The cover is appealing and eye catching enough and with the title “Imminent Dawn” and its potential meaning it made me want to pick up the book and learn more. The blurb then further sold the book to me with its Sci-Fi elements the whole humanisation of the big experiment and what it could mean for one of those taking part. It could be the only way she gets to communicate with her wife who is in a coma.
I was instantly engrossed and really enjoyed the first chapter but then irritatingly things tailed off and much slower paced and more the backstory. The whole series title EMPATHY fits extremely well. There’s a lot going on in this book. Dr Wyatt Halman is the one that is behind the whole idea of internet access brain implant. Those in Dr Wyatt’s immediate circle are his family, consisting of his children and his brother-in-law. Still Dr Wyatt hold back on some of the important experiment details. He keeps all the necessary details on paper, locked away in his safe. To which is immediate family will only gain access to upon his death.
Dr W Halman is a strange man, willing to use the brain of someone very dear to him to test his theories. Whilst reading the book I went through a lot of different feelings and thoughts on him as a character. When the reader discovers the losses in his family you feel sympathy, but then there’s all the mistakes and side effects of the trial that he is hiding.
I loved the character of Chandra, who becomes the face of Dr Wyatt Halman’s experiments. At first Chandra doesn’t care what it takes she will consent to anything for a slim chance of being able to talk to her wife once again who is in a coma. Her wife, Kyra was involved in an accident, one that Chandra ends up feeling entirely responsible for. Without giving away anything too spoilerish both Chandra and Kyra end up with their worlds turned upside down.
Another character I loved was Meredith, stuck working as a journalist at an, at best “middle of the road” newspaper. Then suddenly she starts receiving inside information about what is going on, and going wrong at the Human/Etech research compound. All workers and those taking part in the experimental research are cut off from the outside world for the duration of the experiment and they have all signed contracts to this effect. Meredith ends up not just putting her career on the line but her finances, and even her life.
My immediate thoughts upon finishing the book were that I was glad I persevered with it and read it to the end. Although at times it was a slower pace than I would have preferred, I did end up enjoying the book as a whole.
To finish up although I found this book a slower, more in depth, sci-fi read I am interested in more of the EMPATHY Series and what is still to come.
February 13, 2019
This is a Sci-fi/tech/romance thriller that does not disappoint.
From the get-go, this novel has a unique feel. Each chapter is presented from the perspective of a specific character. At first this seems challenging, but it quickly becomes apparent why R. R. Campbell chose this style. The author chooses to pick the POV of the pivotal character in each of the main events. It’s really quite a fantastic orchestration of timing and perspective. I found myself yearning for an individual’s thoughts and actions in the next chapter as a result of the current chapter I was reading, only to have my urges fulfilled with the next chapter being from the exact characters perspective I was hoping for. This was quite a unique, wild and fun aspect of this book.
I LOVED the plot. It’s a part Black Mirror, part The Hunger Games, part *insert tech-thriller*. This marriage of genres is pure genius. It works so well.
Meredith is a patient in a study that is designed to see if humans can become interconnected in a deeper way through a microchip insertion which allows access and interaction in an online world. That interaction is thought to be able to create a more empathetic human experience. By in large, the study is a family affair. The Halmans, with Wyatt at the helm, are the people in control of the study. Each of them is a character in the story - each with devoted time in the lime-light. Some are certainly more complex characters than others, but the family is relatable. They’re brilliant, dysfunctional, pragmatic, emotional, etc. – exactly what a real world family is like…human. Meredith has her reasons for entering the study, and the Halmans each have their own reason for participating in the study.
There are multiple side-plots that ultimately converge into the main idea beautifully. This is because the story is told so well. There’s journalists, news anchors, body guards, a dog, AI characters, characters being resurrected from death, corrupt government officials, assassins and even more. This mixing of the core of the Empathy study with the side plots makes for so much suspense. There were many times, leading up to the moments an in-the-study-character would interact with an out-of-the-study-character, I was on the edge of my seat. The person-to-person moments of stress and raw emotion were done very well in this book. My blood would be boiling while reading the actions of a character, and on the next page I’d feel so sorry for that same character I just loathed.
The book is a certified page-turner, but only seems like the tip of the iceberg. There is so much left to be told. Potential implications at the very highest levels of government are left on the table. Much is left to be desired in the next book. April cannot come soon enough.
From the get-go, this novel has a unique feel. Each chapter is presented from the perspective of a specific character. At first this seems challenging, but it quickly becomes apparent why R. R. Campbell chose this style. The author chooses to pick the POV of the pivotal character in each of the main events. It’s really quite a fantastic orchestration of timing and perspective. I found myself yearning for an individual’s thoughts and actions in the next chapter as a result of the current chapter I was reading, only to have my urges fulfilled with the next chapter being from the exact characters perspective I was hoping for. This was quite a unique, wild and fun aspect of this book.
I LOVED the plot. It’s a part Black Mirror, part The Hunger Games, part *insert tech-thriller*. This marriage of genres is pure genius. It works so well.
Meredith is a patient in a study that is designed to see if humans can become interconnected in a deeper way through a microchip insertion which allows access and interaction in an online world. That interaction is thought to be able to create a more empathetic human experience. By in large, the study is a family affair. The Halmans, with Wyatt at the helm, are the people in control of the study. Each of them is a character in the story - each with devoted time in the lime-light. Some are certainly more complex characters than others, but the family is relatable. They’re brilliant, dysfunctional, pragmatic, emotional, etc. – exactly what a real world family is like…human. Meredith has her reasons for entering the study, and the Halmans each have their own reason for participating in the study.
There are multiple side-plots that ultimately converge into the main idea beautifully. This is because the story is told so well. There’s journalists, news anchors, body guards, a dog, AI characters, characters being resurrected from death, corrupt government officials, assassins and even more. This mixing of the core of the Empathy study with the side plots makes for so much suspense. There were many times, leading up to the moments an in-the-study-character would interact with an out-of-the-study-character, I was on the edge of my seat. The person-to-person moments of stress and raw emotion were done very well in this book. My blood would be boiling while reading the actions of a character, and on the next page I’d feel so sorry for that same character I just loathed.
The book is a certified page-turner, but only seems like the tip of the iceberg. There is so much left to be told. Potential implications at the very highest levels of government are left on the table. Much is left to be desired in the next book. April cannot come soon enough.
January 27, 2019
When Chandra signs up for a medical study to implant the internet directly into her brain she hopes to communicate with her partner who is in a coma, but she soon finds out that there is more to this study than meets the eye.
I found Imminent Dawn to be a really nicely constructed read. Its very obvious that a lot of thought has gone into the plot lines by R.R. Campbell and there are a lot of threads to the story. The idea of having a narrative switch perspectives per chapter between 4 main characters was nicely done. I didn’t feel like I preferred one story line to the others which meant the pacing stayed consistent for me throughout and I wasn’t rushing to get to a different storyline which can easily happen in similar books. I think the only storyline that was a little weak was Wyatt’s – his seemed a little repetitive at times as he questioned whether his children were actually worth his legacy.
The only thing holding this book back from being 5 stars for me was the fact that the plot got a little over complicated and convoluted in places. Every character seemed to be being manipulated by someone else or have their own constantly changing agenda and that times four characters is a lot to keep track of! The plot also felt a little drawn out in the middle although I liked the fact that it actually had an end. Although this is the first book in the Empathy series it didn’t really end abruptly or on too much of a cliff hanger which I appreciated.
I also felt that I actually wanted a bit more background on the technology and how it actually worked and what had come before it. We got little flashes into other things – (h)ARMONY and comPASSION for instance, but it was never really explained what these were. The whole interface of EMPATHY I found a little hard to imagine which was a shame as I felt the author probably had an in-depth idea in his head but it doesn’t quite translate as clearly as it could have done to the reader.
Overall Imminent Dawn is a great introduction to a wider series and an interesting story – I just felt it got a little too complex for its own good in places! Thank you to NetGalley and Ninestar Press for the chance to read the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews check out www.kindig.co.uk
I found Imminent Dawn to be a really nicely constructed read. Its very obvious that a lot of thought has gone into the plot lines by R.R. Campbell and there are a lot of threads to the story. The idea of having a narrative switch perspectives per chapter between 4 main characters was nicely done. I didn’t feel like I preferred one story line to the others which meant the pacing stayed consistent for me throughout and I wasn’t rushing to get to a different storyline which can easily happen in similar books. I think the only storyline that was a little weak was Wyatt’s – his seemed a little repetitive at times as he questioned whether his children were actually worth his legacy.
The only thing holding this book back from being 5 stars for me was the fact that the plot got a little over complicated and convoluted in places. Every character seemed to be being manipulated by someone else or have their own constantly changing agenda and that times four characters is a lot to keep track of! The plot also felt a little drawn out in the middle although I liked the fact that it actually had an end. Although this is the first book in the Empathy series it didn’t really end abruptly or on too much of a cliff hanger which I appreciated.
I also felt that I actually wanted a bit more background on the technology and how it actually worked and what had come before it. We got little flashes into other things – (h)ARMONY and comPASSION for instance, but it was never really explained what these were. The whole interface of EMPATHY I found a little hard to imagine which was a shame as I felt the author probably had an in-depth idea in his head but it doesn’t quite translate as clearly as it could have done to the reader.
Overall Imminent Dawn is a great introduction to a wider series and an interesting story – I just felt it got a little too complex for its own good in places! Thank you to NetGalley and Ninestar Press for the chance to read the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews check out www.kindig.co.uk
March 10, 2019
Full disclosure – I was provided a copy of this book by the author; however, I have voluntarily chosen to write a review. All opinions are my own.
A cyber thriller that will stay with you
Imminent Dawn is the first book in the EMPATHY series by author R.R. Campbell. Set in the future, Imminent Dawn follows main character Chandra Adelhadeo as she volunteers herself up to be basically a human guinea pig for human trials for a cerebral implant known as EMPATHY. If she is a successful test subject, she may finally find a way to communicate with her comatose wife. If she fails, she could end up like her beloved Kyra or worse. As she sequesters herself in the Human/Etech research center with the other test subjects Chandra learns that the outer shell that is being portrayed to the world may not be the entire story. With test subjects falling ill and disappearing in the night and administration’s refusal to acknowledge these incidents as nothing more than anomalies Chandra finds herself stepping out of the role of the “face” of the study and more into the role of antagonist and conspirator. What was supposed to be a means to an end for Chandra to communicate with Kyra has turned into a nightmare that she may not be able to escape.
Imminent Dawn is a strong introduction into the world of the future as seen by R.R. Campbell. Set far enough ahead that AI and cerebral implants are feasible, but not too far as to have a heavily “sci-fi” feel there is a healthy balance between old and new. While the story is mainly focused on Chandra and her reasons for joining the study there are also sub-plots in play that eventually weave themselves into the overall tapestry of the narrative. As I read through, I was impressed with how Campbell structured the story and the events to lead up to the climax which was I could easily see played out in a television drama or big screen production. While there is a pretty definitive end point to this story, I still have questions about the fate of a few pivotal players. With the announcement of the next novel in the series “Mourning Dove” to be released later this year I am hoping to have many of my questions answered as I am sure that the story is far from over.
A cyber thriller that will stay with you
Imminent Dawn is the first book in the EMPATHY series by author R.R. Campbell. Set in the future, Imminent Dawn follows main character Chandra Adelhadeo as she volunteers herself up to be basically a human guinea pig for human trials for a cerebral implant known as EMPATHY. If she is a successful test subject, she may finally find a way to communicate with her comatose wife. If she fails, she could end up like her beloved Kyra or worse. As she sequesters herself in the Human/Etech research center with the other test subjects Chandra learns that the outer shell that is being portrayed to the world may not be the entire story. With test subjects falling ill and disappearing in the night and administration’s refusal to acknowledge these incidents as nothing more than anomalies Chandra finds herself stepping out of the role of the “face” of the study and more into the role of antagonist and conspirator. What was supposed to be a means to an end for Chandra to communicate with Kyra has turned into a nightmare that she may not be able to escape.
Imminent Dawn is a strong introduction into the world of the future as seen by R.R. Campbell. Set far enough ahead that AI and cerebral implants are feasible, but not too far as to have a heavily “sci-fi” feel there is a healthy balance between old and new. While the story is mainly focused on Chandra and her reasons for joining the study there are also sub-plots in play that eventually weave themselves into the overall tapestry of the narrative. As I read through, I was impressed with how Campbell structured the story and the events to lead up to the climax which was I could easily see played out in a television drama or big screen production. While there is a pretty definitive end point to this story, I still have questions about the fate of a few pivotal players. With the announcement of the next novel in the series “Mourning Dove” to be released later this year I am hoping to have many of my questions answered as I am sure that the story is far from over.
February 3, 2019
hen Chandra signs up for to be one of the first humans to test EMPATHY — an implant that gives its host mental access to the internet and a means of connecting with others telepathically — she is swept into an electrifying swarm of secrets, hidden agendas, and challenges that threaten to shatter everything she thought she knew.
R.R Campbell’s science fiction, IMMINENT DAWN, delivers exactly what it promises: a Black-Mirror-esque sci-fi thriller delving into the dark relationship between humans and technology — complete with all the thrills, brain hacking, and conspiracy theories to keep you reading.
You can read my full review on my blog at Ravenous For Reads
R.R Campbell’s science fiction, IMMINENT DAWN, delivers exactly what it promises: a Black-Mirror-esque sci-fi thriller delving into the dark relationship between humans and technology — complete with all the thrills, brain hacking, and conspiracy theories to keep you reading.
You can read my full review on my blog at Ravenous For Reads
January 31, 2019
I was honored to beta read an early draft of Imminent Dawn and have enjoyed the published version immensely. It’s always fun to see the many changes a manuscript goes through before it’s finally released into the wild. I’m glad I was trusted with the task.
Imminent Dawn is a thrilling sci-fi, fantasy. I love the multi-points of view that help the reader piece together secrets surrounding the trials for a brain implant Chandra desperately needs to work.
This is not a story easily forgotten! I’m so excited it’s finally been published and that r.r.campbell is able to share it with the world. Congratulations again!
Imminent Dawn is a thrilling sci-fi, fantasy. I love the multi-points of view that help the reader piece together secrets surrounding the trials for a brain implant Chandra desperately needs to work.
This is not a story easily forgotten! I’m so excited it’s finally been published and that r.r.campbell is able to share it with the world. Congratulations again!
March 14, 2019
Imminent Dawn by R.R. Campbell is not your run-of-the-mill sci-fi novel. For one, it takes place in the near future in a world that looks much like ours today—except for all the cool technology—not all of which is benign. This is truly a suspenseful thriller with a fast-paced plot line and well-developed characters whose smart dialogue keeps us turning the page. If you’re someone who thinks all sci-fi takes place in outer space—this genre has a lot more to offer. And Campbell’s work is a particularly fine way to prove that.
March 3, 2019
R.R. Campbell introduces us to a world not unlike our own, complete with advancements that blur the line between technology and humanity. He weaves a story of political intrigue and one man's unrelenting drive to launch EMPATHY: the tech that will connect all of humanity, and more importantly, reunite him with his wife.
The book is a great start of the series and is a must-read for sci-fi and cyberpunk fans. Can't wait for the next installment!
The book is a great start of the series and is a must-read for sci-fi and cyberpunk fans. Can't wait for the next installment!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2019
Thrilling yet poignant, this book is guaranteed to keep you up turning pages. The author dives right into the action and moves quickly, all while developing sympathetic, dynamic characters. Set in a pseudo-dystopia, the political and technological aspects of the story, while fictional, are chillingly timely. This novel could stand alone, but I am so excited for Mourning Dove!
February 4, 2019
Campell is a master story teller. Imminent Dawn is a thriller of a read with twists and turns that beg for just one more page. The story, switching between multiple narratives, is well done and crisp. This novel is a breath of fresh air in the Sci-Fi genre!
November 6, 2019
A sleek gorgeous cover for a sleeker futuristic thriller
R.R. Campbell’s IMMINENT DAWN is a lustrous, futuristic tale, proving once again, as is so often the case with good science fiction, that human technological intervention into what nature has so well designed will surely go awry. In this case the situation is one we may find ourselves grappling with in the not too distant future: the insertion of computer chips and attendant software into the human brain. Of course, those conducting the experiments, Dr. Wyatt Halman and his offspring, tout all the wonderful benefits to humanity that will come from the EMPATHY project, but we know better than to believe these people playing God, and we root against them at every turn.
Luckily, we have great characters to embody the early opposition, as well as the initial hopes and dreams for the project that turn to disenchantment and ultimately fear. Chandra is a patient who volunteered to receive the EMPATHY implant in the desperate hope it would allow her to communicate with her wife, Kyra, who lay comatose and out of Chandra’s reach. Meredith is a plucky reporter who chases down rumors that all is not well inside the EMPATHY project, where the participants are walled off and forbidden all outside contact. There are several good secondary characters, and then there is Dr. Halman, the guy we love to hate.
Campbell’s characters and seamless, well-executed plot, told from multiple points of view, will pull you through the story at a breakneck pace to the spectacularly harrowing conclusion. And then, if you’re like me, you’ll be itching to read the next book in the series, MOURNING DOVE. Read IMMINENT DAWN. You will be glad that you did.
4.5 stars, rounded up
R.R. Campbell’s IMMINENT DAWN is a lustrous, futuristic tale, proving once again, as is so often the case with good science fiction, that human technological intervention into what nature has so well designed will surely go awry. In this case the situation is one we may find ourselves grappling with in the not too distant future: the insertion of computer chips and attendant software into the human brain. Of course, those conducting the experiments, Dr. Wyatt Halman and his offspring, tout all the wonderful benefits to humanity that will come from the EMPATHY project, but we know better than to believe these people playing God, and we root against them at every turn.
Luckily, we have great characters to embody the early opposition, as well as the initial hopes and dreams for the project that turn to disenchantment and ultimately fear. Chandra is a patient who volunteered to receive the EMPATHY implant in the desperate hope it would allow her to communicate with her wife, Kyra, who lay comatose and out of Chandra’s reach. Meredith is a plucky reporter who chases down rumors that all is not well inside the EMPATHY project, where the participants are walled off and forbidden all outside contact. There are several good secondary characters, and then there is Dr. Halman, the guy we love to hate.
Campbell’s characters and seamless, well-executed plot, told from multiple points of view, will pull you through the story at a breakneck pace to the spectacularly harrowing conclusion. And then, if you’re like me, you’ll be itching to read the next book in the series, MOURNING DOVE. Read IMMINENT DAWN. You will be glad that you did.
4.5 stars, rounded up
January 15, 2020
The premise of this book intrigued me because it sounds like something that could happen not too far in the future. Dr. Wyatt Halman has created EMPATHY. A nanochip he implants in peoples' brains that allows them to connect on other levels. EMPATHY allows them to feel each other's thoughts and to know every detail of their pasts. It removes all secrets.
Chandra's wife is in a coma. Chandra gets the implant because she wants more than anything to save her wife's life. Wyatt, the Doctor is taking risks beyond his control. His experiments and EMPATHY are killing people, but he's not sharing that information. Meredith is a journalist who gets too deeply involved in the story. Her life is in danger. And Ariel is the spy who is trying to put it all together.
I enjoyed this book because it's fast paced and winds into an action packed ending, but I found the beginning - four points of view - hard to follow. The tension is great, but I got confused by all the government groups and the four 'voices' didn't seem that different to me. That's why I'm giving it 4 stars.
Chandra's wife is in a coma. Chandra gets the implant because she wants more than anything to save her wife's life. Wyatt, the Doctor is taking risks beyond his control. His experiments and EMPATHY are killing people, but he's not sharing that information. Meredith is a journalist who gets too deeply involved in the story. Her life is in danger. And Ariel is the spy who is trying to put it all together.
I enjoyed this book because it's fast paced and winds into an action packed ending, but I found the beginning - four points of view - hard to follow. The tension is great, but I got confused by all the government groups and the four 'voices' didn't seem that different to me. That's why I'm giving it 4 stars.
February 9, 2020
Fantastic!
I'm usually not much of a sc-fi reader, but I was intrigued by the premise of this book and decided to give it a try. Boy, was this a great ride! I was absolutely mesmerized by the technology in the book, the integration of humans and tech. Giving real-life a sci-fi boost for sure. Reading this story, you're constantly reminded that situations like the ones described really aren't that far-fetched. The characters were likeable when they needed to be, and downright sinister when they most certainly needed to be. I scream-laughed, cried, rooted for the good guys, was nervous when times got rough and mysterious. And just when I thought like I had things figured out, guess what...? NOPE. And I loved every second of it!
As soon as I finished this volume, I immediately bought the second. Can't wait to see where this story goes. But I do know one thing--it's going to be incredible.
Kudos to r.r. for a fantastic story.
I'm usually not much of a sc-fi reader, but I was intrigued by the premise of this book and decided to give it a try. Boy, was this a great ride! I was absolutely mesmerized by the technology in the book, the integration of humans and tech. Giving real-life a sci-fi boost for sure. Reading this story, you're constantly reminded that situations like the ones described really aren't that far-fetched. The characters were likeable when they needed to be, and downright sinister when they most certainly needed to be. I scream-laughed, cried, rooted for the good guys, was nervous when times got rough and mysterious. And just when I thought like I had things figured out, guess what...? NOPE. And I loved every second of it!
As soon as I finished this volume, I immediately bought the second. Can't wait to see where this story goes. But I do know one thing--it's going to be incredible.
Kudos to r.r. for a fantastic story.
November 10, 2019
Author Ryan Campbell takes his readers on an adventure of emotion and intrigue. Is there a genre for science fiction mystery/intrigue? If not there should be. This tail of twisted loyalties and interesting characters is an complicated puzzle and a race against powers that want to subvert artificial intelligence for profit and power. It may seem like an old theme, but the characters wound up in this plot surprise and entertain in a refreshing new way. It’s a run through the labyrinth without a map. This first installment of what I assume will be an trilogy had me picking up volume 2 (Mourning Dove) immediately. Imminent Dawn has Characters you care about and a plot that keeps you turning pages well past your bedtime.
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