Bot

Standing ovation, very well written, unique, thoroughly enjoyed, on my bookshelf, can't wait to read more, I'm freakin hooked! Love love love the attitude, feel and flow of this story, 6 stars! Great 13 chapters.

Bot

Spunky, no-nonsense prose, we know the sub-genre so well we can almost hear the post-apocalyptic wind howling and you write this with both homage and aplomb. Blade Runner meets Logan's Run, we have a kick-arse bounty hunting hero that Bobba Feit would want to read about in his down-time. I like the speak to camera stuff, intimate, like a western sheriff in some frontier town.

Cool basically, prose which doesn't take itself too seriously. Stylish too. Retro, yet modern. Like the new Mini Cooper, bigger, shinier than the old one, but with enough of its motifs to be sexy. Enjoyed it very much and deserves a space on my shelf very soon, best wishes - Andrew W. Good luck with it, but I don't think luck will have anything to do with it.

I am backing your book after reading the first chapter. I would definitely buy this book in a shop after reading that. Can't wait to read more! :)

one word- amazing

I often wonder how Sci fi can continue to be interesteing once every type of scenario, monster and outer space evil has been used up. You have just shown me how, Backed. Pete

I just started reading this and already I'm intrigued. The concept is a real hook in itself, but the well-crafted writing and flow make it an easy choice for my shelf.

Congratulations on your publication! That's great!

The pitch for your book is quite catching, I'm adding it to my watchlist to read as soon as I have a chance, sounds like one my husband would really enjoy as well!

If you have a chance I would love for you to take a look at my book Why Didn't Someone Tell Me? The Truth About Love. It is aimed at teen and young adult women, and discusses the realities of love and romance that no one talks about. It has lots of scripture in it, and my hope is that it will help young ladies gain godly perspective about their futures and the beauty that God has in store for them.

Best of luck with your book!
RJ Stanley

Given the way things are going, perhaps it will happen sooner than 2062?

Best Regards,
Rian Torr
New London Masquerade

Hehehe ok I backed your book ! Coz I like it ! Well done when is it out in print ?

First, Eponymous, I want to congratulate you for making the Desk in record time: 40+ days! I must own to a touch of envy, as I'm still plugging away after 2+ years. The sentiment, though, doesn't diminish my admiration of your fascinating bot-cop, who (or which) assumes even more vivid character in your revised version.

I was drawn to your page by our mutual appreciation of Diane Henderson's PASCUAL'S BIRTHDAY, which strikes me as inspired and well written, a neat character study with a fanciful twist. Since our literary taste runs in similar veins, I jumped to the conclusion that you'd like my own novel THE DOCTOR OF SUMMITVILLE.

Not that it's theme is at all like hers or yours, but rather that it's serious writing in its own genre. I see it as a realistic, edgy love story, historical in its depiction of medical practice around 1930. The featured medical case is well researched and intrinsic to the plot. If this interests you, I hope you'll enjoy the novel (complete here) and give it a turn on your shelf. --Best regards, Bill

I can easily see why this was voted up so fast. The pitch made me ask so many questions I had no choice but to read it. This is something I could see on my Nook in no time. Highly starred!

A very interesting apocalypse book.
With a very interesting plot, with good strong characters.
Your pitch pace and power are very good, and your dialogue adds the right amount of tension.
You have done your homework by checking the market at the moment, and working to this market.
I especially like your descriptive pieces that add good structure to your writing.
You seem to be a natural storyteller.
I would read on and enjoy this book.
Well done.

I'm not normally a sci-fi fan, but after a slow start I was totally grabbed by your book. I think it was your hero's anger management issues which did the trick: a human touch amid all the hardware and weaponry. And I was fascinated as America slowly unfolded before me, with its shocking spectacle of vast deserts, flooded cities and, of course, a small area of desirable living space monopolized by those in control.
Great ideas, scintillating prose, and a very timely picture of what awaits us if we don't get our act together - which looks unlikely at the moment.
Look forward to seeing Bot published - or is it already?
regards, Rosemary

I really enjoyed the first 4 chapters, and I typically have zero interest in sci-fi. The narrator is very engaging and I feel his top about to blow already. In order to honor other books here, I have to move on to more on my watchlist, but great job! I read some of the comments below and although the premise doesn't necessarily make sense to me (I literally didn't understand what had happened regarding corporations) that is my main problem with sci-fi in general. I have a very hard time suspending my disbelief. Great job, i can see how it moved so quickly up the list. Caitlin Avery "Lightning in my Wires".

Great, the story is developing with an insight into the politics of it all and I love it. White Shirts and Menials, just like it's always been. I like the short chapters that give you a mini-sized bite whenever you want it, easily digestable and very tasty. I'll be back!!

I've a million and one second chapters to read but came back to this one. The character is starting to develop and don't yer just love cops with anger mangement problems, who hate their bosses and are going to do things their way, cos let's face it the bot he's chasing is a right 'super twat'. I can see Bruce Willis aleady on his chopper. What a great idea as well to put this into easy-to-read short chapters that keep the reader engaged. I've only read two chapters and I know already the Coalition ain't gonna be too happy about this outcome. Well done Roxy a very enjoyable read and although there's little action up to now, I know it's coming - big time.

I don't know what to call you. It sounds like T-Rex but will Roxy do? Brilliant, you have set the scene well and I like all the technical detail. Equally, given the state of planet Earth at present, we are already toast unless an ice-age does come along to rescue us. I'm relaxed with the story which is also good sign. Too many stories on this site where you don't know where you are. It moves along at a good pace and is very engaging. Do we have good cop and bad cop? I'm surprised the Corporate Coalition have allowed the Internet, haven't they learnt what a dangerous tool that is to the masses. I hope it provides the spark for a revolution, history does have a habit of repeating itself. I don't know if this is deliberate but some of your sentences are not sentences. Could this be that Powerpoint has finally got rid of people writing and talking in sentences?

Especially with certain creaky models.
Or they rarely do under normal circumstances and conditions.

are examples.

I will put this on my watchlist and promise to read further chapters. I'm already intrigued by what is certain war between the have's and the have not's.

Well done in what was an enjoyable read.

Hey ER... I can see why this book made the ED. It has been written very well and you've managed to captivate the ambiance of the whole world through your protagonist's thoughts. Looking forward to reading more and seeing how the story progresses. Well done.

Thank you, Jake, and everyone else continuing to read, support, and provide feedback on this novel. You can find further excerpts of it, as well as the actual full cover, on my webbie now @ http://Eponymous.weebly.com. (Hot link on me profile page!)

Hey ER,
Have finally got round to reading the first four chapters. I can see why this book made the ED. It has been written very well and you've managed to captivate the ambiance of the whole world through your protaganist's thoughts. Looking forward to reading more and seeing how the story progresses.
Well done.
Jake
To Rise an Angel

um..wow. unique. backed and starred.

Congratulations on making the Editor’s Desk! I hope that the outcome will be everything you want it to be.

I enjoyed reading your manuscript. Science Fiction is not my favorite genre, but the world of BOT is an intriguing one. Your protagonist, the bot hunter, is compelling and his personality comes through loud and clear. The first-person narration provides a sense of immediacy to his mission and underlines his position as a solitary, isolated, and lonely figure. He seems to be the representative of his age.

For your revision, I would suggest that you focus on developing your main character further. I would do this by really elaborating on the source of your protagonist’s anger. He is angry at everyone. Why? In your forward (which I think is one of the best parts of the text), you communicate a sense of what has been lost in this post-apocalyptic climate. Besides the bot, what has the protagonist lost? Why is he taking the search for the missing bot so personally? As I see it, the bot hunter’s journey is psychological as well as physical. The major action of the text is the protagonist’s emotional development or lack thereof. I think that a focus on the source of your main character’s angst will correct the criticism from reviewers that your plot lacks movement and action. I hope this helps!

PamelaEdits
pamelaedits.blogspot.com
@PamelaEdits on Twitter

ER,
NEED MORE!!!! LOL Congrats on staying at first place for and entire month and getting to the ED. Good luck!
D.Barker
The Rohubot Chronicles

Hello Eponymous :) I just read the first few chaps now, and was impressed. It's good - unique, set in a fantastic yet believable, fun world. And the voice of the narrating character is solid and consistent, making a case for reader enjoyment. Congrats on securing the coveted ED title, you've earned it. Good luck with Bot...

THANK YOU so much for taking the time to read and comment today. I am still welcoming feedback on this love-it or hate-it novel, even though it's already gotten a gold medal!

Eponymous Rox

Hello Eponymous :)

I just read the first few chaps now, and was impressed. It's good - unique, set in a fantastic yet believable, fun world. And the voice of the narrating character is solid and consistent, making a case for reader enjoyment. Congrats on securing the coveted ED title, you've earned it. Good luck with Bot.

If you get around to sampling my book, I'd be delighted to read your impressions.

Toodles!
-Throck

A compelling read, done in such an interesting way. The worlds grim future told by one lone robot cop, so original :-)

Just finished the reading of the chapters you provided and found it to be interesting and a good read. Not sure I understand your Don Quixote theme. The Don Quixote themes were deception, chivalry and a little crazyness, so the only similarity is the crazyness of both characters in your story. Maybe in later chapters you show more of that theme. While the amount of profanity may limit your audience, it does show the anger issues of the main character.

While not the most original idea put to paper – the movie Hardware springs instantly to mind in terms of setting, as well as the comic Robohunter in terms of characters etc, but I do think the writing is effective and stylish. The voice grabs instantly. A gripe would be – and I know this is a bit hypercritical coming from someone like me - but I don’t think it needs to have swearing in it, as it seems to take away from the overall ambiance of the story. Not that there seems to be much - swearing, I mean. Anyway, I’ll be interested to see the HC review when you get it as this does seem to be a rather commercial property. Good luck with it!

Jonny Sambuca as featured in No Exit ta Bleak City

Who did your cover? It is genius

Oh my...not usually my genre. And I'm hooked. EXCELLENT writing. WOW!

Just read your first chapter. You brought me into the action but got me comfortable with your character at the same time. He has a very believable voice. Congratulations on making it to the editor's desk and being ranked at number one. What an honor! Thank you for reaching out to me and sharing your work. Hope you'll check out my novel if you have time. Thanks again!

Jonie - Leave Me Asking

E.R.
Thanks for introducing me to your book. I read the first four chapters and then skipped forward. I was looking for a moral or something deep I could learn from this. Perhaps the reason I didn't find it, is because the book is not complete yet. I liked your impressions of the future condition and geography of earth. Especially the Great Lakes - my homeland. Your writing is full of energy. The bouny hunter is definitely a very passionate dude! I hope he gets his man (or bot!)

Sorry I ignored your request to link your website to mine, Bon Libra--it's my policy to provide hot link's directly to the individual authors I'm promoting there. Mine's a totally free service, a pet project, not a commercial enterprise. (Meaning: I was not passing judgment about the quality of your content or writing, so there's no reason to be petty and snarky now.)

You need to work on your flow. Especially when you use the first person, it needs to sound like a speaking voice. Perhaps you like David Foster Wallace's style, with all his qualifiers, I don't. They're like jumbled logs in a current. One has to negotiate through them. and that, as the roots of the word suggest, is not leisure.

You need to work on your flow. Especially when you use the first person, it needs to sound like a speaking voice. Perhaps you like David Foster Wallace's style, with all his qualifiers, I don't. They're like jumbled logs in a current.
One has to negotiate through them. and that, as the roots of the word suggest, is not leisure.

Not my cup of Rooibos, dude. sci fi too strong for my taste buds. the messages speak well of it, therefore i shall say: may you do as well as you desire, and even better. My SOPHIA and (nonfiction) AN INCONVENIENT REALITY may not be your cuppa, but do give them a squiz and let me know your opinion. Hopefully you will discover something beneficial betweem the pages. Cheers.

Now this is what I call writing dangerously and still getting away with it, which to me is what most Sci-Fi writers are good at. Can't help but think of the movie "I Robot" every time I read a chapter of this unique story.
I don't particularly think it is the actual story that makes this top of the pile, but the amazing "no holds barred" writing technique that is being used.

What can I say?.................Amazing!

Phillip.D.Curwood.

I have read the first chapter completely and I can see why this book is on the top of the pile. The setting is perfect and I just sailed through what Reaper had to say. Loved it.

Bailey

This is not my usual kind of read but I like the voice and it seems an intriguing story. It's always hard to describe somewhere that doesn't exist but I feel I can picture what this place is like after only a few chapters. After reading what I have I am still waiting for something to happen though! He's chasing the bot who has just started showing signs of meltdown but could do with a little more action to get me hooked.
Will add you to my shelf and wish you the best of luck, although you are at the pinnacle now!

Bot

Spunky, no-nonsense prose, we know the sub-genre so well we can almost hear the post-apocalyptic wind howling and you write this with both homage and aplomb. Blade Runner meets Logan's Run, we have a kick-arse bounty hunting hero that Bobba Feit would want to read about in his down-time. I like the speak to camera stuff, intimate, like a western sheriff in some frontier town.

Cool basically, prose which doesn't take itself too seriously. Stylish too. Retro, yet modern. Like the new Mini Cooper, bigger, shinier than the old one, but with enough of its motifs to be sexy. Enjoyed it very much and deserves a space on my shelf very soon, best wishes - Andrew W. Good luck with it, but I don't think luck will have anything to do with it.

Title: yep. It's got one.

Cover art: corny as hell, but fun.

Short pitch: excellent. Too many writers don't understand that 'short' doesn't mean 'you must use all 25 words'.

Long pitch: gives a 'love it or hate it' flavour of what's to come. I'm in the right mood for this sort of thing today, so I'll read on.

Foreward: nice and short. I groan when I see endless pages of prologue. This looks like it won't be a problem. It isn't. It sets the scene in a very workmanlike fashion.

Chapter one: risky to have an entire chapter in which nothing actually happens, but the style is so easy to read, I didn't especially notice until the end, and I'm certainly going to continue.

Chapter two: not much happens in this chapter either, apart from one recounted brief episode about Roto being put into sleep mode. So why am I reading on? Because you've somehow hooked me.

Chapter three: still nothing happening! He sees what might be a bird. That's it. The rest of the chapter, like the previous two, is filling in the details of the world you've created. I'm still reading because this filling in is so gripping. Shouldn't be, as it's breaking the rules, but it is.

Chapter four: I'm running out of time here, so this will have to be the last for now. Stuff happens! Then the story goes off on a tangent again. 'But anyway, I'm rambling.' Yes, you are, but when the rambling is that entertaining, please feel free to ramble away.

General impression: the best sci-fi I've ever read on this site. Very refreshing to read. Assured, confident and classy writing.

I enjoyed your chapter 1 & 2. I'm new here and started with your book first, it being number 1. Great job with the outstanding word usage.
Lauren

Didn't think your book would really be my style but decided to look at it anyway. You caught my attention in the Introduction and was definitely hooked after the first few paragraphs. Have happily backed your book and good luck with it.

Annie Starsong

Excellent. backed.
a few small suggestions:
+ in consort -> concert, collaboration, or conjunction.
+ I wouldn't capitalize The in front of Center
+ breakdown -> meltdown
+ the sentence starting Otherwise is a run-on, followed by a fragment. re-group those ideas.

Scott Rhine -- House of the Holy

This has got a great beat to it. Pulses with vitality. The narrator has charm and charisma and wins us over pretty quickly. I’d probably do away with the “between you and me” refrain which I noticed a couple of times. You do a great job of creating a complicit intimacy with your reader without this rather overt trick. But this is splendid writing, great storytelling.

I've read the foreward and chapter1 and although I'm no expert on the genre, I think it's excellent. I read mainly crime novels, but will take another look at Bot later.
Good luck with your number one position.

Carole Pitt

Enjoying this...

It sounds very interesting

one word- amazing

backed with pleasure, am reading more as soon as i am finished writing this, i like the flow, not a sf fan but i like the feel of this
nice work x

Yes Man!! You are at the top!

This is excellent writing! ... I love all the incidental comments and humor from Reaper and it leads to a very immersing experience. Love what i read. I would buy this if published!

Cheers
Ram

This is entertaining, very well written and believable. Science fiction is a difficult genre because of the complexities of time, changes of earth's atmosphere, politics, society, inventions, etc., but you have definitely mastered it. I would read more, but it's always disappointing to get hooked in a book and then hit a brick wall. I'll look forward to reading "Bot" on Kindle. Jesselowe

I really like this. The voice sounds like Mickey Rourke from "Sin City" - love that movie. Hardcore, tough and no-nonsense. As another reviewer wrote, it does sound a little Mad Max-ish as well. I think you have nailed your character voice and that's uber-awesome. Keep up the great work and I have definitely put this on my shelf. Please finish! :)
~ Meg

I've read 5 chapters. You have a wonderful author voice. I wouldn't normally read Sci fi, but I'm glad I did. I don't know if I have read or seen something like this before, but there is a likeness to the author Margaret Atwood.
It is pacey, as well as humorous and an interesting take on modern technology. Just a thought - I wonder if it would benefit from beginning at Chapter 4. Backed.
Best of luck with this
Marilyn

ER
I'm a fan of sci-fi but only in the movies. Reading this however, changed all that. i like the way you simplified the 'reaper's' narration. it's simple and understandable that even those not familiar with the 'gizmo' language. you'll get my backing, that's all i can do.

ER
I'm a fan of sci-fi but only in the movies. Reading this however, changed all that. i like the way you simplified the 'reaper's' narration. it's simple and understandable that even those not familiar with the 'gizmo' language. you'll get my backing, that's all i can do.