Start reading Amped on your Kindle in under a minute. Don't have a Kindle? Get your Kindle here.

Deliver to your Kindle or other device

 
 
 

Try it free

Sample the beginning of this book for free

Deliver to your Kindle or other device

Read books on your computer or other mobile devices with our FREE Kindle Reading Apps.
Sorry, this item is not available in
Image not available for
Color:
Image not available

To view this video download Flash Player

 

Amped [Kindle Edition]

Daniel H. Wilson
3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (131 customer reviews)

Print List Price: $15.95
Kindle Price: $11.99 includes free wireless delivery via Amazon Whispernet
You Save: $3.96 (25%)
Sold by: Random House Digital, Inc.
This price was set by the publisher

Formats

Amazon Price New from Used from
Kindle Edition --  
Hardcover $17.77  
Paperback $12.98  
Audio, CD, Audiobook, Unabridged $26.60  
Multimedia CD --  
Audible Audio Edition, Unabridged $20.95 or Free with Audible 30-day free trial
Summer Reading
Summer Reading
Browse the best books of summer including blockbusters, beach reads, and editors' picks in our Summer Reading Store.

Book Description

Technology makes them superhuman. But mere mortals want them kept in their place. The New York Times bestselling author of Robopocalypse creates a stunning, near-future world where technology and humanity clash in surprising ways. The result? The perfect summer blockbuster.

As he did in Robopocalypse, Daniel Wilson masterfully envisions a frightening near-future world. In Amped, people are implanted with a device that makes them capable of superhuman feats. The powerful technology has profound consequences for society, and soon a set of laws is passed that restricts the abilities—and rights—of "amplified" humans. On the day that the Supreme Court passes the first of these laws, twenty-nine-year-old Owen Gray joins the ranks of a new persecuted underclass known as "amps." Owen is forced to go on the run, desperate to reach an outpost in Oklahoma where, it is rumored, a group of the most enhanced amps may be about to change the world—or destroy it.

Once again, Daniel H. Wilson's background as a scientist serves him well in this technologically savvy thriller that delivers first-rate entertainment, as Wilson takes the "what if" question in entirely unexpected directions. Fans of Robopocalypse are sure to be delighted, and legions of new fans will want to get "amped" this summer.

Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought


Editorial Reviews

Review

PRAISE FOR DANIEL H. WILSON’S AMPED:

“A fast-paced narrative, not too far away at all from everyday experience, that treats an unsettling question: How long will tolerance last once you can buy a better brain? Mr. Wilson recognizes that, in the modern world, the battlegrounds would be legal and political, not just physical.”
The Wall Street Journal

“Wilson’s latest novel is AMPED, a post-apocalyptic high-tech apocalypse set in the same mold as his spectacular debut, Robopocalypse.  Wilson is a roboticist by trade and he combines his background in space and engineering with a knack for fast-paced narrative.  Wilson has done a very good job with AMPED.  [He] taps into something primal with AMPED, some of the deep questions about medical ethics, the social effects of technology, and the way that class and politics make technological questions much harder to resolve.”
Cory Doctorow, Boing Boing

“With AMPED, Wilson has taken another step to claiming the late Michael Crichton’s crown as the public’s sci-fi thriller writer of choice.  Wilson hits all the notes in the right order and the book’s pace is relentless.  And perhaps best of all, he leavens his cautionary message with good-sized dollops of fistfights and gunfire.  AMPED might have a commendable message about tolerance and civil rights, but Wilson doesn’t let the message get in the way of our fun.”
Richmond Times-Dispatch

“Fast-paced…fascinating…for hardcore sci-fi readers, AMPED offers plenty of juicy details to savor.  As he showed in his bestselling thriller Robopocalypse, Daniel H. Wilson can write.  The Carnegie Mellon-trained roboticist has a voice and style very much like Stephen King.  But unlike King, Wilson also has the chops to base the weird beings in his stories on hard science. “
Wired’s Geek Dad

“Entertaining…propulsive… AMPED [is] a gripping story of a community of Amps trying to make it in the middle of a prejudiced Oklahoma, where regular humans strike back at anyone with a telltale port on their temple.  A piece of trenchant political science fiction about how we mistreat those who are different. “
The Onion A.V. Club

“Thrilling…First he gave us helpful advice for the robot uprising, then he wrote the robot war novel Robopocalypse.  Now Daniel H. Wilson is turning his attention to the plight of cyborgs and posthumans with his dystopian new novel AMPED.”
I09.com

“Wilson’s newest novel, AMPED, shares with its predecessor [Robopocalypse] a solid basis in current scientific technology – in this case, neural implants that treat a variety of conditions.  AMPED imagines a not-too-distant world, when these ‘superabled’ people – made stronger, smarter, faster by the devices in their heads – are perceived as a threat to unaltered or ‘pure’ humans. “
Tulsa World

“A fast-paced, futuristic thriller that’ll make you think, especially about the dangers of us-versus-them demagoguery.”
Fredericksburg Free-Lance Star
 
"This is a terrific book on any number of levels, doing what sf has always been able to do best: showing us a possible future so that we can not only attempt to avoid it, but we can also look at its echoes as they already exist in our own time."
Fantasy & Science Fiction

“Wilson keeps the action and fear-based prejudice ever-present without sacrificing depth.  The story’s heart is the moral quandary Owen faces once he knows his implant only responds to his deepest thoughts, keeping the reader wondering how far he will go and how much he is willing to sacrifice.”
Publishers Weekly
 
“Provocative…A thoughtful, well-written novel which deals with the often tense interplay between machines and humans.  Wilson, whose prose is always a step above the norm, is at his strongest creating amp augmented action sequences and in conjuring situations which explore the boundaries between humankind and its technological creations.”
Kirkus Reviews
 
“Absorbing…Wilson is no stranger to exploring the intersection of technology and humankind.  In AMPED, certain individuals have technology embedded under their skin.  These humans are smarter and faster than norms – and because most of the federally funded upgrades went to the needy, the formerly dumb and afflicted ‘amps’ are scaring the ‘pure’ humans.  The not-so-distant future is a hotbed of class war and civil unrest.”
Portland Mercury

Review

Raves for the New York Times Bestseller
Robopocalypse


“An ingenious, instantly visual story of war between humans and robots.”
—Janet Maslin, The New York Times

“It’s terrific page-turning fun.”
—Stephen King, Entertainment Weekly

Robopocalypse reminded me of Michael Crichton when he was young and the best in the business. This novel is brilliant, beautifully conceived, beautifully written (high-five, Dr. Wilson) . . . but what makes it is the humanity. Wilson doesn’t waste his time writing about ‘things,’ he’s writing about human being— fear, love, courage, hope. I loved it.”
Robert Crais, #1 New York Times bestselling author

Robopocalypse will grip your imagination from the first word to the last, on a wild rip you won’t soon forget.”
—Clive Cussler, New York Times bestselling author

“The parts of this book enter your mind, piece by piece, where they self-assemble into a story that makes you think, makes you feel, and makes you scared.”
—Charles Yu, author of How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe

Robopocalypse is . . . a gripping, utterly plausible, often terrifying account of a global apocalypse. . . . [The novel has] heart, in the form of character arcs, wherein heroes learn and change and grow, and we get to root for them.”
—Cory Doctorow, BoingBoing.net

“An Andromeda Strain for the new century, this is visionary fiction at its best: harrowing, brilliantly rendered, and far, far too believable.”
Lincoln Child, New York Times bestselling author of Deep Storm

Product Details

  • File Size: 2127 KB
  • Print Length: 290 pages
  • Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0385535155
  • Publisher: Vintage (June 5, 2012)
  • Sold by: Random House Digital, Inc.
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B006L7CJ6O
  • Text-to-Speech: Enabled
  • X-Ray: Enabled
  • Lending: Not Enabled
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #33,632 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)
  • Would you like to give feedback on images?

Customer Reviews

I'm not going to recap the story, but will just the book is fast paced, well written and fun. bionichands  |  24 reviewers made a similar statement
I had limited time each day to read and had difficulty putting the book down. Steve  |  15 reviewers made a similar statement
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
43 of 55 people found the following review helpful
2.0 out of 5 stars No real substance April 29, 2012
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Vine™ Review (What's this?)
It's a quick read, but it won't be long until you realize it's a story you've heard before...it's sort of like eating a rice cake. No real substance. It struck me as the sort of novel written for the sole purpose of being turned into a movie. Though unlike Robopocalypse, there's nothing remotely fresh about the premise of Amped. In fact, it's like reading a book about superheroes where you don't care about any of the superheroes.

Owen thought he was an ordinary guy who had an implant to control his epilepsy. After Owen's father's research is seized by the FBI, he learns he's not just an amp, he's a ~special snowflake~ super amp. He goes on the run, and thus begins his journey. The plot is fairly predictable and so is the premise. You've seen it in X-Men and every other movie/novel that pits superhumans against normals.

As far as the writing style is concerned, I didn't care for Owen Gray's voice. It's an awkward blend of narration and description, blended in a way that doesn't quite work. Descriptive in the way an author would think so it never jives with Owen's voice. As it's told in first-person point of view, it should've invested me more in his character. Instead, the novel relies heavily on the plot so character development is almost nonexistent, one of Wilson's major shortcomings.

Given the lack of character development, it should come as no surprise that the romance feels contrived. And it makes no sense that Owen somehow is better at combat than guys who were in the special forces. Oh wait, it does -- he's the self-insert Marty Stu protagonist. That would explain why we only ever learn a few things about him.

Chapters aren't framed in the script-like manner Wilson used in Robopocalypse; in Amped, he incorporates news articles for more or less the same effect. Again, it proves to be a crutch for his weak world-building skills. Many are unnecessary, as the information is provided during the story. So they feel like awkward interruptions.

Another failing of the novel is that it doesn't paint a compelling enough argument for the amps. They act like normal humans don't have a right to be upset about smarter/stronger amps replacing them. So from the reader's perspective, it puts them at a disadvantage as far as garnering any sympathy goes. Wilson never overcomes that hurdle so in turn I never found myself rooting for the amps. Especially since many of them aren't nice guys.

There's only one major action scene in the first two parts. It's well written, Wilson really nails the action sequences. But there really needed to be more going for it early on. Some of the chapters are started too far into the scene. The first chapter is guilty of this. Instead of having an investment in what's happening via a good tension build-up, the reader spends more time trying to figure out what's happening and why is it happening.

Part three sets a great pace, and the sprint to the conclusion is fast and gripping. None of the "revelations" are surprising, but for the most part, the climax is satisfying. A little quick and too easy, perhaps, but it's the best part of the book.

Unfortunately, it was too little too late for me. For the most part, the story itself is uninspiring and unoriginal; I didn't think Wilson breathed enough life into it to make it a good novel. While Wilson isn't a bad author by any means, I hardly found Amped to be the "techno-thrill ride" it's advertised to be.
Was this review helpful to you?
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars hits the ground running and hardly pauses for breath October 17, 2012
Format:Hardcover
Wow. Amped by Daniel H. Wilson is a great and thought-provoking book. It hits the ground running and hardly pauses for breath.

The book opens with a twenty-nine-year-old math teacher perched on the roof of his high school, pleading with one of his students not to jump. It's some time not too far in the future. Medical implants called amps are in use throughout the world. At first, they were used to control epileptic seizures and artificial limbs. Then a government program brought them to children and others suffering from fetal alcohol syndrome and low IQs. The amps can assist with medical issues, but Neural Autofocus implants can also amplify intelligence.

The young woman on the roof has an amp and has lost a case before the Supreme Court, which declared that "implanted citizens are not a protected class." The math teacher has an amp too, but only to control his epilepsy. His amp is only for medical purposes. At least that what he's been told.

A quasi-religious group called Pure Pride and led by a charismatic senator arises, protesting the use of amps. Members of Echo Squad, a secret military organization with a special class of amps, are suspected of terrorism. Offices are bombed. Medical research is seized. People with amps are herded into ghettos and stripped of their rights.

Scattered throughout the book are fictional court cases referencing real ones (like Brown v. Board of Education), news updates from the BBC, CNN, and various real newspapers, acts of Congress, a recall notice from the Food and Drug Administration, and the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. These have the effect of making the book seem like a nonfiction memoir of real events rather than a novel.

Amped feels current and relevant, and it touches on all kinds of societal issues. Although they are not mentioned, Amped will make you think about such issues as U.S. immigration policies, the Catholic Church's stance on birth control and abortion, and the fight over health care. It will make you remember Oklahoma City and 9/11. And it will make you think about charismatic leaders pushing their own agendas and what personal demons might lay behind their actions.

But don't let all this talk about heavy issues put you off Amped. It's a great read, fast-paced and with interesting characters and plenty of plot twists. It will make a great book for discussion, whether at a formal book club or around your dinner table.

There is an added bonus for those who live in Galesburg, Illinois. The book is divided into parts, and each part starts with a quotation from a real person. Part 2 opens with Carl Sandburg's poem The Hammer.
Comment | 
Was this review helpful to you?
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book creates a very similar sense of adventure to Robopocalypse. It explores through an exciting story how technology can be save us or destroy us. The plot explores a possible future in which many people are living with implants that correct physical and mental disorders or damage. They also can enhance intelligence. This leads to many average citizens feeling jealous and threatened by their modified neighbors. With very little prompting from a power hungry madman, people turn on each other and create a less-than class and legalize prejudice. In a diverse society such as ours, this is always a real danger. This novel reminds us why it is very important to legalize and teach all children that all people have equal human rights. It protects us all.
Michael Travis Jasper, Author of the Novel "To Be Chosen"
Comment | 
Was this review helpful to you?
Most Recent Customer Reviews
1.0 out of 5 stars Hyped
Do yourself a favor....do not buy this book, unless of course your an adolescent boy. This is a very poorly written book with a thin plot and cookie cutter characters. Read more
Published 20 days ago by M. Lowe
3.0 out of 5 stars A great premise that does not deliver.
Humans implanted with computers is a great starting point for a story. Unfortunately this story never really gets going in any interesting way. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Johannes Beer
3.0 out of 5 stars could be better
like so many books with an exciting premise, this one runs out of steam and never reaches its potential. Read more
Published 1 month ago by janet p. engeman
4.0 out of 5 stars Great read!!!
I found the story interesting and it is one of those books that you don't want to put down! If you like sci-fi you will like this one.
Published 1 month ago by Sevey54
4.0 out of 5 stars Great read from start to finish.
I was stuck in the airport for over seven hours and while I was there I decided to look through the book store. Came upon this book and downloaded it to my kindle. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Bill Barnard
5.0 out of 5 stars Fun, Fast Paced, Unique
Amped is a great book to read when you're in the mood for a bit of post-apocalyptic style science fiction. Read more
Published 1 month ago by SevereWX
4.0 out of 5 stars Fun, Quick Read
Amped kinda reminded me of X-men in a way. The story was fun and engaging though it seemed to lack depth. Would definitely recommend.
Published 1 month ago by Todd Alan Leafman
4.0 out of 5 stars Must read for class discussion with teens.
I believe that the subject of this book would inspire many levels of discussion within a classroom. There are deep questions here. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Christine Quist-McVicker
5.0 out of 5 stars great work
One of the best books I gave read in a while, great concept, interesting plot. I have been bored wuth recent scifi, this book definitely got my interests peaked again
Published 2 months ago by Pen Name
4.0 out of 5 stars Engaging, but funky ending...
What a cool concept! People can become mentally augmented to give them a better ability to control prosthetic limbs, control seizures, see, or hear. Read more
Published 2 months ago by R Schmidt
Search Customer Reviews
Only search this product's reviews

More About the Author

Daniel H. Wilson was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma and earned a B.S. in Computer Science from the University of Tulsa. After earning a Ph.D. in Robotics from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, he moved to Portland, Oregon where he has authored seven books.

You can visit his website at www.danielhwilson.com

What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?



Forums

There are no discussions about this product yet.
Be the first to discuss this product with the community.
Start a new discussion
Topic:
First post:
Prompts for sign-in
 


So You'd Like to...


Look for Similar Items by Category