Scan barcode
debbiesilkserif's review against another edition
2.0
Received via Hydra/Random House Books and NetGalley in exchange for an completely unbiased review.
Also posted on Silk & Serif
Every once in a while I come across a novel that clearly isn’t written for me. This doesn’t mean the novel isn’t a wonderful book on its own or isn’t worth someone else’s reading efforts; merely that for myself something didn’t “click”. I wasn’t satisfied on a base level with this book and I’m not certain if it was the main character, something about the plot, or the writing style – but this one just didn’t cast the same spell over me as most post-apocalyptic novels tend to and I couldn’t really put my finger on why.
Rhona Long is a survivor – a survivor who, after her death, has herself is cloned so that she may continue leading the human existence against the machines that crushed civilization. The vestiges of humanity need a leader to hold hope of overcoming the mechanical horrors they created in hopes of making human life everywhere easier. Unfortunately, an attack occurs on the bunker where Rhona’s clone is being grown and she must flee with her life without having any memories of her life before waking up in the cloning tank.
Meanwhile, Camus, the new leader of the human resistance and Rhona 1.0’s lover, struggles to accept the return of the love of his life in the form of a clone who remembers nothing. Rhona did not tell Camus about the clone program and he struggles to fight his attraction for the clone-who-is-not-her.
It’s a tall order when any novel attempts to create a narrative so close to the original Terminator story line: the end of civilization due to the computers we created to make life easier, the computers hunting humanity because we are a threat, the life of survivors hiding from these machines. Unfortunately, I’ve yet to read a novel that really captures the complexity and genius behind the Terminator franchise. Machinations also failed live up to it’s iconic predecessor and quickly becomes a novel about a clone finding her way in this new world and invokes a love triangle to add a little more suspense into the mix for female readers.
The fact that Machinations did not live up to my admittedly over ambitious expectations wasn’t at the heart of my dissatisfaction with Machinations. I couldn’t connect with the main character and half way through I wasn’t invested in the characters - not for a lack of effort on the author’s part with her colorful character histories, the evolution of clone Rhona understanding of the world and some interesting character interactions. Maybe I just wasn’t in the mood for this sort of novel, I’ll never know. Machinations just didn’t engage me emotionally or intellectually for some unknown reason. I'm relatively certain, regardless of why I didn't enjoy this novel as much as anticipated, my issues were probably due to the fact that a basic ingredient was missing for me. I definitely suggest others check out Machinations if they are a science fiction or post-apocalyptic romance fan.
This novel will appeal to readers who enjoy post-apocalyptic fiction, love triangles, romantic suspense, novels that end with plot twists and love interests with English accents.
Also posted on Silk & Serif
Every once in a while I come across a novel that clearly isn’t written for me. This doesn’t mean the novel isn’t a wonderful book on its own or isn’t worth someone else’s reading efforts; merely that for myself something didn’t “click”. I wasn’t satisfied on a base level with this book and I’m not certain if it was the main character, something about the plot, or the writing style – but this one just didn’t cast the same spell over me as most post-apocalyptic novels tend to and I couldn’t really put my finger on why.
Rhona Long is a survivor – a survivor who, after her death, has herself is cloned so that she may continue leading the human existence against the machines that crushed civilization. The vestiges of humanity need a leader to hold hope of overcoming the mechanical horrors they created in hopes of making human life everywhere easier. Unfortunately, an attack occurs on the bunker where Rhona’s clone is being grown and she must flee with her life without having any memories of her life before waking up in the cloning tank.
Meanwhile, Camus, the new leader of the human resistance and Rhona 1.0’s lover, struggles to accept the return of the love of his life in the form of a clone who remembers nothing. Rhona did not tell Camus about the clone program and he struggles to fight his attraction for the clone-who-is-not-her.
It’s a tall order when any novel attempts to create a narrative so close to the original Terminator story line: the end of civilization due to the computers we created to make life easier, the computers hunting humanity because we are a threat, the life of survivors hiding from these machines. Unfortunately, I’ve yet to read a novel that really captures the complexity and genius behind the Terminator franchise. Machinations also failed live up to it’s iconic predecessor and quickly becomes a novel about a clone finding her way in this new world and invokes a love triangle to add a little more suspense into the mix for female readers.
Machinations is an interesting entry into the post-apocalyptic genre that will please readers looking for plenty of intrigue and romantic suspense.
The fact that Machinations did not live up to my admittedly over ambitious expectations wasn’t at the heart of my dissatisfaction with Machinations. I couldn’t connect with the main character and half way through I wasn’t invested in the characters - not for a lack of effort on the author’s part with her colorful character histories, the evolution of clone Rhona understanding of the world and some interesting character interactions. Maybe I just wasn’t in the mood for this sort of novel, I’ll never know. Machinations just didn’t engage me emotionally or intellectually for some unknown reason. I'm relatively certain, regardless of why I didn't enjoy this novel as much as anticipated, my issues were probably due to the fact that a basic ingredient was missing for me. I definitely suggest others check out Machinations if they are a science fiction or post-apocalyptic romance fan.
This novel will appeal to readers who enjoy post-apocalyptic fiction, love triangles, romantic suspense, novels that end with plot twists and love interests with English accents.
mcbeezie's review
4.0
This book is reminiscent of Terminator as noted in many of the reviews. What I really like about it is the character development within the backdrop of the post-apocalyptic world. You really see Rhona struggle with her "new" life and identity. I really enjoyed the story and look forward to more. Thanks to Netgalley for letting me read this in exchange for my honest review.
laclos's review
5.0
Machinations is a fast-paced post-apocalyptic sci-fi based in our world in some not-to-distant future where the machines have turned on us. I saw this book compared to the Matrix meets The Hunger Games and as I got further along, I could totally see where that comp came from. Rhona is a Mockingjay type figure in a world that desperately needs heroes. She's a snarky wise-ass much of the time, but she's also caring and extremely likable. She's also a clone of herself which is was a totally new premise to me and I thought it added a cool complexity to the story, raising philosophical questions about what is a person's identity?
There's a love story and a ton of action, so you know - awesome.
There's a love story and a ton of action, so you know - awesome.
daynpitseleh's review
3.0
I received this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was compared to Robopocalypse, and I almost didn't request it because I really didn't like Robopocalypse. I know a ton of people did, but honestly, I really hated it. I'm glad I didn't let the comparison cloud my opinion of Machinations, because I did end up enjoying this book. It does feature an uprising of machines, but it goes beyond that into cloning, and issues of personality and memory. It's a decent sci-fi novel with some pop culture references and a light romance sprinkled in. If this sounds like it would be up your alley, I'd definitely recommend it.
This was compared to Robopocalypse, and I almost didn't request it because I really didn't like Robopocalypse. I know a ton of people did, but honestly, I really hated it. I'm glad I didn't let the comparison cloud my opinion of Machinations, because I did end up enjoying this book. It does feature an uprising of machines, but it goes beyond that into cloning, and issues of personality and memory. It's a decent sci-fi novel with some pop culture references and a light romance sprinkled in. If this sounds like it would be up your alley, I'd definitely recommend it.
l1brarygirl's review
2.0
*I received an electronic ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
I just wanted more out of this book. More about the machines - who/what is this higher echelon? How did Rhona's memories of death get transferred if her body was never recovered? Just, eh.
I was extremely upset as it was marketed to me as "for fans of [b:Red Rising|15839976|Red Rising (Red Rising, #1)|Pierce Brown|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1461354651s/15839976.jpg|21580644]" This is not like Red Rising at all!!
UPDATE: Just saw there is a sequel, [b:Counterpart|28587612|Counterpart (Machinations, #2)|Hayley Stone|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1465397760s/28587612.jpg|48754852], I will not be reading it.
I just wanted more out of this book. More about the machines - who/what is this higher echelon? How did Rhona's memories of death get transferred if her body was never recovered? Just, eh.
I was extremely upset as it was marketed to me as "for fans of [b:Red Rising|15839976|Red Rising (Red Rising, #1)|Pierce Brown|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1461354651s/15839976.jpg|21580644]" This is not like Red Rising at all!!
UPDATE: Just saw there is a sequel, [b:Counterpart|28587612|Counterpart (Machinations, #2)|Hayley Stone|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1465397760s/28587612.jpg|48754852], I will not be reading it.
urlphantomhive's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 Stars
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
Machinations follows Rhonda, recently returned from the dead (she's a clone of her previous self) because her job, as a hallmark of the rebellion against the machines isn't over.
In this robot-apocalypse, where the bots have decided to fight 'the war to end all wars' by exterminating people, what drew me most was the struggles Rhonda had with coming to terms with one) dying and second) coming back.
It made a nice and interesting read and I certainly plan to read the sequel as well.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
Machinations follows Rhonda, recently returned from the dead (she's a clone of her previous self) because her job, as a hallmark of the rebellion against the machines isn't over.
In this robot-apocalypse, where the bots have decided to fight 'the war to end all wars' by exterminating people, what drew me most was the struggles Rhonda had with coming to terms with one) dying and second) coming back.
It made a nice and interesting read and I certainly plan to read the sequel as well.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
pip94's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this. There is nothing really new in terms of the story, but I ended up loving it. The action is done really well and the plot is engaging throughout - I sped through this book. I loved Rhona as a characters - I loved her sarcastic humour and thought she was a great heroine. Although I would have preferred a purely platonic relationship between certain characters, I thought the hint of a love triangle was done quite well and I loved that the majority of the time they are honest about their feelings. It could have been a bit less romance focused but that's a minor complaint - while reading I enjoyed every second. Overall I very much enjoyed this and I will definitely be checking out the nxt book!
imamandajulius's review against another edition
5.0
Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy of this book.
I really enjoyed this book! Part Hunger Games, part classic "the machines have taken over", and just a dash of human cloning. Can't wait for the sequel(s)!!
Click here for full review.
I really enjoyed this book! Part Hunger Games, part classic "the machines have taken over", and just a dash of human cloning. Can't wait for the sequel(s)!!
Click here for full review.
mariahaskins's review
5.0
Hayley Stone's science fiction novel 'Machinations' is a real page-turner: action packed from the first page to the last, suspenseful, and with just enough heart, romance, and humour to make it shine. The setting is a post-apocalyptic world where the machines humanity programmed have turned against us. That world is close and real enough to our own time to make the story feel both believable and uncomfortably familiar at times: the people in Stone's world still remember the same TV-shows, music, books, and pop-culture that we know, but their circumstances have irrevocably changed.
The main protagonist, Rhona Long, is the beating heart of this story and I love how Stone twists this character by making her a clone, activated after the original Rhona dies. This gives Rhona a vulnerability and unpredictability that is refreshing, and also inserts a sense of "anything can happen" into the story, and adds complexity to Rhona's relationships (both romantic and not).
One of the real joys of reading this book is the dialogue: sharp, smart, quippy, and unsentimental. There's a gallows humour shining through in much of Rhona's inner thoughts and her conversations with the other characters, and I really loved the vigor and freshness of that. There is so much happening in this book: just when you think the characters will get a breather, everything is knocked for a loop again. Fast-paced, well-written, and post-apocalyptic with a sense of humour and humanity. Great stuff.
The main protagonist, Rhona Long, is the beating heart of this story and I love how Stone twists this character by making her a clone, activated after the original Rhona dies. This gives Rhona a vulnerability and unpredictability that is refreshing, and also inserts a sense of "anything can happen" into the story, and adds complexity to Rhona's relationships (both romantic and not).
One of the real joys of reading this book is the dialogue: sharp, smart, quippy, and unsentimental. There's a gallows humour shining through in much of Rhona's inner thoughts and her conversations with the other characters, and I really loved the vigor and freshness of that. There is so much happening in this book: just when you think the characters will get a breather, everything is knocked for a loop again. Fast-paced, well-written, and post-apocalyptic with a sense of humour and humanity. Great stuff.
debbiesilkserif's review against another edition
2.0
Received via Hydra/Random House Books and NetGalley in exchange for an completely unbiased review.
Also posted on Silk & Serif
Every once in a while I come across a novel that clearly isn’t written for me. This doesn’t mean the novel isn’t a wonderful book on its own or isn’t worth someone else’s reading efforts; merely that for myself something didn’t “click”. I wasn’t satisfied on a base level with this book and I’m not certain if it was the main character, something about the plot, or the writing style – but this one just didn’t cast the same spell over me as most post-apocalyptic novels tend to and I couldn’t really put my finger on why.
Rhona Long is a survivor – a survivor who, after her death, has herself is cloned so that she may continue leading the human existence against the machines that crushed civilization. The vestiges of humanity need a leader to hold hope of overcoming the mechanical horrors they created in hopes of making human life everywhere easier. Unfortunately, an attack occurs on the bunker where Rhona’s clone is being grown and she must flee with her life without having any memories of her life before waking up in the cloning tank.
Meanwhile, Camus, the new leader of the human resistance and Rhona 1.0’s lover, struggles to accept the return of the love of his life in the form of a clone who remembers nothing. Rhona did not tell Camus about the clone program and he struggles to fight his attraction for the clone-who-is-not-her.
It’s a tall order when any novel attempts to create a narrative so close to the original Terminator story line: the end of civilization due to the computers we created to make life easier, the computers hunting humanity because we are a threat, the life of survivors hiding from these machines. Unfortunately, I’ve yet to read a novel that really captures the complexity and genius behind the Terminator franchise. Machinations also failed live up to it’s iconic predecessor and quickly becomes a novel about a clone finding her way in this new world and invokes a love triangle to add a little more suspense into the mix for female readers.
The fact that Machinations did not live up to my admittedly over ambitious expectations wasn’t at the heart of my dissatisfaction with Machinations. I couldn’t connect with the main character and half way through I wasn’t invested in the characters - not for a lack of effort on the author’s part with her colorful character histories, the evolution of clone Rhona understanding of the world and some interesting character interactions. Maybe I just wasn’t in the mood for this sort of novel, I’ll never know. Machinations just didn’t engage me emotionally or intellectually for some unknown reason. I'm relatively certain, regardless of why I didn't enjoy this novel as much as anticipated, my issues were probably due to the fact that a basic ingredient was missing for me. I definitely suggest others check out Machinations if they are a science fiction or post-apocalyptic romance fan.
This novel will appeal to readers who enjoy post-apocalyptic fiction, love triangles, romantic suspense, novels that end with plot twists and love interests with English accents.
Also posted on Silk & Serif
Every once in a while I come across a novel that clearly isn’t written for me. This doesn’t mean the novel isn’t a wonderful book on its own or isn’t worth someone else’s reading efforts; merely that for myself something didn’t “click”. I wasn’t satisfied on a base level with this book and I’m not certain if it was the main character, something about the plot, or the writing style – but this one just didn’t cast the same spell over me as most post-apocalyptic novels tend to and I couldn’t really put my finger on why.
Rhona Long is a survivor – a survivor who, after her death, has herself is cloned so that she may continue leading the human existence against the machines that crushed civilization. The vestiges of humanity need a leader to hold hope of overcoming the mechanical horrors they created in hopes of making human life everywhere easier. Unfortunately, an attack occurs on the bunker where Rhona’s clone is being grown and she must flee with her life without having any memories of her life before waking up in the cloning tank.
Meanwhile, Camus, the new leader of the human resistance and Rhona 1.0’s lover, struggles to accept the return of the love of his life in the form of a clone who remembers nothing. Rhona did not tell Camus about the clone program and he struggles to fight his attraction for the clone-who-is-not-her.
It’s a tall order when any novel attempts to create a narrative so close to the original Terminator story line: the end of civilization due to the computers we created to make life easier, the computers hunting humanity because we are a threat, the life of survivors hiding from these machines. Unfortunately, I’ve yet to read a novel that really captures the complexity and genius behind the Terminator franchise. Machinations also failed live up to it’s iconic predecessor and quickly becomes a novel about a clone finding her way in this new world and invokes a love triangle to add a little more suspense into the mix for female readers.
Machinations is an interesting entry into the post-apocalyptic genre that will please readers looking for plenty of intrigue and romantic suspense.
The fact that Machinations did not live up to my admittedly over ambitious expectations wasn’t at the heart of my dissatisfaction with Machinations. I couldn’t connect with the main character and half way through I wasn’t invested in the characters - not for a lack of effort on the author’s part with her colorful character histories, the evolution of clone Rhona understanding of the world and some interesting character interactions. Maybe I just wasn’t in the mood for this sort of novel, I’ll never know. Machinations just didn’t engage me emotionally or intellectually for some unknown reason. I'm relatively certain, regardless of why I didn't enjoy this novel as much as anticipated, my issues were probably due to the fact that a basic ingredient was missing for me. I definitely suggest others check out Machinations if they are a science fiction or post-apocalyptic romance fan.
This novel will appeal to readers who enjoy post-apocalyptic fiction, love triangles, romantic suspense, novels that end with plot twists and love interests with English accents.