Customer Reviews

Forced Conversion

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I haven't read much, if any, any Sci-Fi in the past 20 years, but picked up "Forced Conversion" based on a recommendation. Though the backdrop of the novel is undeniably science fiction, the meat of the story is an engrossing morality play centered on two protagonists caught up in a skirmish between two opposing factions -- one a ruthless governmental enforcement squad and the other a group of religious zealots intent on protecting their beliefs. The ethical and moral questions the characters face are intriguing and thought-provoking and the conflicts they must address create enough page-turning tension to make Forced Conversion a very engaging read. I would recommend it highly.

I had just finished re-reading Ray Bradbury's "Fahrenheit 451" and was contemplating the issues and choices that the main character in that story, Guy Montag, had to face as the result of his sudden reawakening and recognition of the morally bankrupt society he found himself in (a society of government mandated book burning and mindless entertainment aimed at pacification), when I decided to pick up a copy of "Forced Conversion" as my next read. To my delight, I found that Mr. Bingle's story, graphic and brutal though it may be at times, centering on a speculative near-future of government-forced conversion of humanity to eternal virtual worlds sustained by self-replicating computers (a nasty, messy, and ultimately fatal process), easily as entertaining and thought-provoking as Mr. Bradbury's classic "451." The story is fast-passed, and like Guy Montag, the ConFoe Derrick is faced with a reawakening to the morally and diametrically opposed (and mutually exclusive as we come to learn) processes of forced conversion verses self-determination (religious, criminal, debauched, or otherwise). The ending is so surprising that, like me, you'll probably have to read it at least three times to make certain your eyes aren't playing tricks on you, at which point you'll gasp inwardly. Afterwards, you'll challenge yourself as to which option would be better: forced conversion or death? If you like thought-provoking and cutting edge entertainment, I recommend "Forced Conversion," and not just to fans of science fiction.

In the not so distant future, out of control population growth and exponentially rising crime and disease has made earth a less than desirable place to live. Science has advanced to the point that a mind can be downloaded into a virtual reality utopian world, but entry is one way as the body dies. The Mandatory Conversion Act makes it illegal not to convert.

Most earthlings reside in the VR realms; the locations are top secret and heavily guarded to keep the computers from terrorist attacks. There remain some outlaws refusing to convert; the Conversion Forces (ConFoes) like Derek hunt these renegades down to either kill them or force them to convert. Derek meets a Mal, who believes conversion is anti-religious. Scientists and religious believers who know where the computers are hidden unite to try to destroy the devil's machines.

The protagonist enlisted into the ConFoes because his paraplegic sister would have movement inside the VR realm. He plans to join her once his enlistment time ends. He hates the real world where he detests his fellow troops who are violent sociopaths and is forced to kill those who try to murder him because of the uniform he wears. There is plenty of action that flows to and from Derek while readers will also ponder the ethical issues that raise the overall quality of this strong sci fi.

Harriet Klausner

Ask this question: What price would you pay for a life of eternal bliss to the end of time? Your body AND your soul? In creating a story around this question, Forced Conversion earns its five-star review.

In the realm of "near-future" science fiction, Forced Conversion is on top of the game. The battle between the Confoes, whose supposed earth-saving mission is to convert people from the "pain" of flesh and bone to the "heaven" of chosen, endless virtual reality inside a computer chip, and the mals, those "zealots" whose religion is to save the body and, more importantly, the soul from conversion, and the loss of choice, goes beyond weaponry. It's a battle of and for the heart of humanity. This author has made it clear that, as with most issues, there is no clear right or wrong, but a true answer lost in shades of gray. Along the way, Forced Conversion provides the thrill of the chase, of confrontation, and frightening resolution. And we see the ingenious way this author uses trappings of today's society, in humor and in poignant satire, to show that what is portrayed in Forced Conversion is not just fiction, but frighteningly possible. To the end, Forced Conversion leaves you wondering, and enjoying, the possibilities of what has happened to the not-too-distant society. But the most enjoyable fact about Forced Conversion, is its can't-put-it-down, can't wait-to-pick-it-up-again story. Along with the thought-provoking, creative story, it's just plain fun to read.

I wasn't sure what to expect after reading the blurb of this book, but it was different enough to make me want to read it and I'm glad I did. The situation that the main character finds himself in and how he has to wrap his mind around situations foreign to him made for good storytelling. Not heavy science fiction, but a story of a possible future and how a man must face things that he is not prepared to face. I look forward to Bingle's next novel, I know I'll be reading it.

I so thoroughly enjoyed this book that I had dreams about it later. I just couldn't stop thinking about it, such a great concept and subject matter. Upon finishing the book I could have picked it up and reread it again. Especially loved the awesome detailed descriptions and the pacing of "Forced Conversion." I love it when a book can take me away and this one definitely did. Just get this one already!

In a future world where humanity has decided to move en masse to artificial reality, on self-replicating computers, the only threat to the new world is those that chose to stay behind. Thus, the Conversion Forces (ConFoes) must enforce the mandatory conversion. Circumstances force together a conflicted ConFoe and a defiant Mal. Meanwhile, reality is not as stable as one might think....

An interesting science fiction tale about science, artificial reality, and what it means to be human. Like the movie Total Recall, you'll be left wondering where reality ends and the virtual world begins.

Ask this question: What price would you pay for a life of eternal bliss to the end of time? Your body AND your soul? In creating a story around this question, Forced Conversion earns its five-star review.

In the realm of "near-future" science fiction, Forced Conversion is on top of the game. The battle between the Confoes, whose supposed earth-saving mission is to convert people from the "pain" of flesh and bone to the "heaven" of chosen, endless virtual reality inside a computer chip, and the mals, those "zealots" whose religion is to save the body and, more importantly, the soul from conversion, and the loss of choice, goes beyond weaponry. It's a battle of and for the heart of humanity. This author has made it clear that, as with most issues, there is no clear right or wrong, but a true answer lost in shades of gray. Along the way, Forced Conversion provides the thrill of the chase, of confrontation, and frightening resolution. And we see the ingenious way this author uses trappings of today's society, in humor and in poignant satire, to show that what is portrayed in Forced Conversion is not just fiction, but frighteningly possible. To the end, Forced Conversion leaves you wondering, and enjoying, the possibilities of what has happened to the not-too-distant society. But the most enjoyable fact about Forced Conversion, is its can't-put-it-down, can't wait-to-pick-it-up-again story. Along with the thought-provoking, creative story, it's just plain fun to read.

Thoughtful, fast-paced and disturbingly realistic, 'Forced Conversion' grabs you from the first paragraph and takes you on a gutsy ride of body, mind and soul. This book is a sci-fi action adventure in the genres best, most morally valuable tradition. It shows us what could be, gives us time to think up reasons why it couldn't happen, then shows us just how it might happen anyway. I love those kind of stories, but hate the authors that write them. They don't let me feel safe at night.

(In the interest of full disclosure, I have to say that I have known the author for years and have always thought he had a certain creative and intellectual genius. That said....)

One of the things I look for in a story is how the very first line grabs my attention. Then I look at the first paragraph. Finally, the first chapter. This probably drives some writers crazy, but my time is limited. If a book can't get me excited in the first chapter, then I move on to another story. This book grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go. The first paragraph was particularly arresting, especially given the threat of global islamic terrorism we now face. I read the first paragraph, set the book down, looked at my wife, and said, "Wow".

In essence, the book asks a series of straight-forward questions:

What if the earths population continued to rise as resources continued to fall?

What if religious fundamentalism made it worse?

What if famine, over-population, pollution and an explosion of regional conflicts, some of them nuclear, were a result?

What if technology became so advanced that it could, literally, solve all our problems, but only if EVERYONE embraced it?

What if those who didn't agree, who were, in fact, convinced that to agree meant the cost of their immortal souls, were forced to participate anyway?

And finally, what if this vision of the future was so realistic and so solidly founded on our current understanding of the world that you, the reader, would have a hard time saying it COULDN'T happen?

No, this book will definitely not make you feel safe at night.

I have seen reviews that compare Don Bingle to Robert Heinlein. I disagree. Heinlein would have written about 100 more pages, put them right before the last chapter of this book, and ended with an attitude of "life is hard, bitter and disappointing. Too bad." Not Don Bingle. Sure Don reminds you of Heinlein, as well as Bruce Sterling, Tom Cool and Charles Sheffield. But Don has his own darkly wonderful ending to his story. One that seems to say, "Yes. Life is hard, yours sucks .... and that's just the way it is. Do the best you can."

That's what I like best about this story. There are heroes here of many different shades of gray. All of them, including, perhaps, mankind itself, is just doing the best they can. Did they make the right decision? Well, you'll just have to decide that for yourself.

Visceral, bloody -- and one hell of a page turner! Bingle tackles the philosophical issues surrounding uploaded consciousness in a fresh, exciting way. This is the debut of a major novelist -- don't miss it. (I said this on the dustjacket, and I'm happy to repeat it here ...)