Customer Reviews

The Discovery of Socket Greeny

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I was lucky enough to receive this book and am quite glad I did. Bertauski has taken a bedtime story he told his son and evolved it into the first of a trilogy involving duplicates, Minders, Psychics, random monkeys, other worlds and distant mothers. The story starts off in the future in a classroom where some kids can go Virtualmode, this is the internet projected, sort of like plugging into the matrix, but with different worlds, sims and hacks. Right away I thought that 'oh this is a story about virtual vs. real world, interesting'. And at first that's exactly what it was. Then at our hero, Socket's, sim's death a shadow splits the virtual world they were hacking in half, and from there it goes down hill. Turns out Socket has some genetic variables that enable him to have certain 'abilities'. People who realize these abilities fully are called Paladins.

I felt really bad for Socket, after the Shadow's appearance and save, his entire world is flipped, and his mother is the one who ushers him into this new world. This world is alien, techie, and filled with psychics who test his abilities day after day. Time runs differently here, as well as travel and projection. Socket, and the readers, are utterly confused, trying to grasp at the small straws they give him, yet feeling that there are deeper meanings and messages within everything. Turns out Socket's dad had Paladin attributes, and so did his mom. Most Paladins are bred, not born, but there's one other like him but amplified. Pivot. He's human born and has the most amazing powers the Paladins have ever seen. Are they trying to test or recruit Socket? I won't say much more, but Bertauski flips the readers around again when Socket probes a mind and discovers just what the Paladins are saving humanity from.

This book was fun to read. I enjoyed the complexity that Bertauski wrote about, and the imagination is took to weave so many complicated things together like aliens, AI, and so on. I am looking forward to the next two in the series called The Training of Socket Greeny and (what I'm really curious about) The Legend of Socket Greeny. I also can't wait to see if and when this author decides to make another series just how much of a curve ball he'll throw us.

Article first published as Book Review: The Discovery of Socket Greeny by Tony Bertauski on Blogcritics.

As technology takes hold in the world of today, imagine a world of tomorrow where virtual mode is used in every school system in the land. Leaving skin behind and entering into the internet, taking on a sim as a body, being who or whatever you want. But certain areas are approved through the schools and yet as with any rule, these are made to be broken, and other areas are hacked into, and small private wars are fought with other schools. Socket Greeny's best friends are Chute, and Streeter. Streeter is the one with the computer savvy, and also the hacker extraordinaire. Chute is kind of like Socket's friend, but also like his girlfriend as well.

On a day like any other, as they find themselves in their hacked universe, a small war ensues with the rival school. Socket's sim is damaged beyond repair, and as his team covers him, protecting his simulated body from further damage, he makes an amazing discovery. He can feel, and touch, which should be impossible in virtual mode. This is only simulation and not real and yet, it feels real. No pain but definitely real. He sees a shadow of someone familiar, and yet his friends have no idea, they cannot see or hear anything unusual. But they do know that Socket is acting odd, talking to no one that is there. As they are attacked once more, Socket pulls from deep inside and causes time to stand still; giving his team time to get together, but with the stand still, the earth begins to split, right up the middle, enclosing everything in its path. He blacks out and when he awakes he is back in his chair at school, the virtual mode is down and all hell has broken loose.

And he feels wrong somehow. Everything is different, as he and his friends Chute and Streeter are escorted to the office for creating problems, he finds that his mom has called and will be picking him up. Now he knows that trouble has found him, and yet, when she picks him up she does not comment on his day. She takes him to her place of work. Here she introduces him to some of the people that she works for, and he finds that he will be tested and probed for his experiences and his thoughts.

His life as he knows it has just taken a huge curve, and he will be tested beyond endurance, and learn things about his parents that he never knew. He is in danger at every turn, and he continues to outpace his guides, in a game of life and death. Will he be able to help save the human race, or is it too late. Has it all been left too long? Will he ever be able to see Streeter and Chute again?

In The Discovery of Socket Greeny, Tony Bertauski takes us deep into the virtual mode, to a world of imagination. Everything you want to do and whoever you want to be is possible. He sets up a group of heroes, shining knights if you will, a group of those with extraordinary powers who have chosen to save the human race. Time is of the essence and Socket has become a part of a larger picture, one he is not ready for. The time has come for him to fulfill his destiny, and to step into his father's shoes.

But who is he to trust when it is known that there is a traitor in their midst. He is pulled away from everything he knows and from his friends from home. His mom is acting like she does not know him most of the time, and he is never on his own. Everything he does is poked and prodded, and he is not ready to be what they want. An yet, he knows deep down that it is exactly what he wants, but will it be too late?

His friends stand by him even when he disappears for a length of time, and forgive him for much. They love him and will do whatever it takes to bring him back to who he was. Little do they know that they too are being sucked into a war that is soon to happen.

The characters are interesting, and at times quite brazen. I have problems understanding his mother, but she does have some redeeming qualities. When Socket needs her, he finds that he cannot always rely on her. The bad guys are deep from within the virtual mode itself and are ready to use it to take over the earth. There are some fun creative animals which show themselves to be quite useful, but are also very serious and yet frolicsome.

This is a great novel for the Young Adult, or even those that are just young at heart. It is fast paced with incredible insight. The friendships are close and the interplay among Sprocket, Streeter and Chute is just plain fun. This is just what I remember about being young, but Sprocket has to grow up fast, and I believe that there is just the right amount of adventure to keep you reading. I recommend this book for your young reader, and believe that they will enjoy the adventure.

This Book was received a a free E-Book from the author. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.

"You're wondering who I am

(Secret, secret, I've got a secret)

Machine or mannequin

(Secret, secret, I've got a secret)

With parts made in Japan

(Secret, secret, I've got a secret)

I am the modern man"

(lyrics by Styx)

This is a great sci-fi book for the iY generation, and even more so for iYs of the male persuasion, who will appreciate the mix of video game, adventure and cloak and dagger.

The young hero of the title is a regular kid of the future, linking his sim into virtualmode and chatting with his friends through a communication device planted in his cheek, when an untoward occurrence changes his entire life, and he learns that he hasn't a clue who he really is, and that in fact, all is NOT well in the real world.

Strenuous tests and challenges await him in a world he never knew existed, and it becomes apparent that he possesses an awesome talent, and even more apparent that he has no idea how to control it. Naturally, a plot for world domination is afoot, and the reluctant hero and his friends must face down an unstoppable army before it's too late.

Written in age-appropriate language for the target audience, this book has a wonderful mix of technology, action-adventure, video-game style violence, fantasy and raging hormones.

"The problem's plain to see

Too much technology

Machines to save our lives

Machines de-humanize"

Amanda Richards

December 7, 2010

I really enjoyed this book. Sci-Fi is tricky stuff, but if you delve into this book you will soon recognize all the elements needed for great science fiction. The characters are well grounded - you can't believe the crazy stuff unless you believe the mundane things and the author did an excellent job of creating a normal teen in Socket Greeny. Long before you realize his future role in the Paladin Nation, you come face to face with the fact that this is a normal teenager who likes junk food, hanging out with his friends, and video games. His voice is authentic and believable whether he is talking to his friends, bemoaning his relationship with his mother, or getting to know Spindle, the robot assigned to his care. His friends Chute and Streeter are also memorable, well constructed characters. They add humor and a touch of romance to a story already filled with enough action and adventure that kept me turning the pages well into the night.

The world building is excellent. The author did an excellent job of introducing new aspects of Socket's universe throughout the book. Just when I thought we had met everybody and learned everything, the next chapter would bring new wonders: giant spider-like crawling machines, the eat whatever you want cafe, constantly morphing decor, nojakks, Lookits, Servy's, virtualmode, and perhaps my favorite of all... Grimmets. You'll just have to read the book to find out what those are, but believe me, you are in for a treat.

The pacing here is terrific. I read the book straight through because it is just so easy to become engrossed in Socket's story. The author manages to include some interesting philosophy and insights into the nature of humanity, free will and what distinguishes us from machines. We are left to ponder our roles and responsibilities and the sacrifices that we all sometimes have to make. All of this is stuffed into a great adventure that is sure to appeal to any fan of science fiction. I am well past my YA years and I fully enjoyed this story. It has an epic feel to it that I remember from reading Card's Ender's Game and some of Heinlein's early work.

The author was kind enough to provide me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I am heading now to purchase the next installment of the series because I've just got to find out what happens next. While there are a couple of editing miscues and an awkward transition or two, that's not nearly enough to diminish my enthusiasm for a highly original, well written, and very entertaining book. Recommended.

Socket Greeny is a normal teen. He enjoys video games over home work and virtual mode over class work. He and his friends Skeeter and Chute enjoy a good hack into other worlds in Virtual Mode. But little did Socket know soon his real life would be hacked into and he would disappear into another world he didn't even know existed. Socket Greeny is the future of the world but only his Mom and few friends of his Dad know it. Can Socket handle the weight of the world on his shoulders or does this new world get the best of him?

This book was great. I loved it. From start to finish there was not a dull moment. Of course not, this book is about teens. But not only that the author filled this world with interesting beings and characters that captured you from the start.

This book is part of a Trilogy and immediately after I finished it I bought the other 2 books.

I recommend this book for anyone who likes a good interesting story regardless of your favorite genre, this is one to read!

~ Melissa from 1000 + Books to Read Blog

I can't speak for all science fiction lovers, but for me The Discovery of Socket Greeny does exactly what I want SF to do: it tells a great story while presenting me with new ideas and new perspectives. It's a short hop from there to new insights and pondering ethical dilemmas - even the supposed good guys are using some questionable methods, and I can sort of see why the bad guys want what they want. This kind of complexity isn't nearly as common in YA novels as it should be, and Bertauski is to be congratulated for not talking down to his audience. There are layers to everything and everyone, and Socket himself may be destined for big things but he's still very much a wounded child, which makes him very relatable. Despite being full of action, excitement, and what could amount to global apocalypse, it's still at heart a story about being human, with all the ups, downs, joy and misery that entails.

Plus, come on, virtualmode, grimmets, cell phone implants, futuristic sports and a showdown that doesn't just blur the line between reality and virtuality but obliterates it? What's not to love?

What I liked best about the book, though, is its understanding of the essential human condition. Everyone is damaged, everyone compensates or copes as best they can, and everyone is deserving of compassion, even the bad guys.

More! Book 2 can't arrive soon enough!

This one reminds me of Hackers and all other movies to do with sims and gaming. It's really cool though because everyone is pretty much plugged in and then the whole book shifts and it's in space and it's just really cool. I was sold on this one and I can't wait for the next.

I learned of this book from a friend.I was impressed by both the author's ability to lay a great background while being able to hold the reader's attention. Mr. Bertauski has written a good book that paints a vivid picture of a reality that did not exist for the reader prior to reading the book. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

Bertauksi starts out the first book in his series strong, immediately throwing Socket into life-changing digital mayhem within the first chapter. Though it grabbed my attention, in a sense it was a bit too strong. There is no opprotunity to see the depth of Socket's friendship with his two best friends, and as a result, they just become names that Socket misses when he is taken underground and studied by the Paladin Agency. This is sort of a shame because Chute and Streeter play an enormous role towards the end of the book. Socket himself is a very likeable character. He curses quite a bit, but the salty languge only works to create a more authentic character. He thinks, feels, and acts like a high school kid with a chip on his shoulder, but not to the point where he is annoying.

The middle of the book (when Socket is taken underground) is met with lots of cool new technology and fantastical elements. In a way, Bertauski has blended elements of everyone's favorite sci-fi flicks to create this futuristic Paladin-protected world. We get wormholes, computer-like wrist watches, robots with artificial intelligence, virtual realities, hoverboards, and then some! Sci-fi geeks and non-geeks alike will have no trouble keeping up with the new terminology and technological concepts because most of them are well described or are grounded enough in today's technology that they don't need to be described to death.

The story doesn't really pick up until the middle of the book, but when it does, boy does it pick up. Once Socket is released from Paladin custody, I could not put this book down. Socket's friends come back in a series of action-packed scenes that would not only make Tom Cruise geen with envy, but show a genuine friendship between the three that was not shown us before in the beginning of the book. Seriously, you can't get anymore extreme then fighting giagantic robotic spiders trapped in a virtual RPG world.

Overall, the book ends on a great note. This was probably the best sci-fi/cyberpunk story that I've read in a long time, regardless of my complaints about the beginning. I really can't wait to start reading the second book in the series!

When this book submission came to me , I had debated whether or not to give it a try. Sci Fi really isn't my genre but as I sat at my desk I kept rereading the blurb and I finally decided to give it a try.

I will admit I was confused and wasn't sure from the way it started out which way this book was going, not sure if it was because partly due to the fact it was in the virtual world then as I continued on I started to feel the connection and the bonds of these friends.

Another thing that ran through my mind that maybe this is one book my son would actually enjoy. He isn't much of a reader and found it hard to find anything that might peek his interest. He is a big video gamer and I think this topic would be just right for him.

I really enjoyed the way Tony wrote and though at the beginning I was confused it didn't take long to really find the groove, once I got past the hump it was a fast read.

Would I recommend ? Yes in fact, I will be telling my son about it and I also mentioned to my best friend who's favorite genre is Sci Fi.