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The Sensory Deception Paperback – Unabridged, August 6, 2013

by Ransom Stephens (Author)

4.1 515 ratings

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“I can’t believe I ate a seal. And really enjoyed it.”

Moments after venture capitalist Gloria Baradaran experiences what it’s like to be a polar bear―really be a polar bear―she knows she’s found something revolutionary. Farley Rutherford and his team―migraine-tortured neurologist “Chopper” Vittori and über-geek engineer Ringo Hayes―have created sensory saturation, a virtual reality system that drops users into the psyches of endangered animals as they fight for survival, and they believe the profound experience could turn the indifferent masses into avid environmentalists.

Ringo’s hardware is ready to go, but the pressures to get the system off the ground are immense. The money-men want more bang for their buck, and that includes bigger, more dangerous animals, and―more than anything―the ability to turn the machines into profitable games. But to Farely and his team, this is anything but a game. To some, in fact, this is a cause they’d kill for…

The Sensory Deception is a mind-blowing, globe-trotting ride that will take readers from cut-throat Silicon Valley boardrooms to the pirate ships off the Somali coast to the devastated rain forests of the Amazon all to ask the question: What is a human life worth compared to that of an entire planet?

Print length

428 pages
Language

English
Publication date

August 6, 2013
Dimensions

5.5 x 1 x 8.25 inches
ISBN-10

1611099196
ISBN-13

978-1611099195
See all details

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Thoroughly gripping and quite smart, I found myself swept up in the story.” ―Robert A. Burton, MD, author of A Skeptic’s Guide to the Mind

“Writers get asked to provide cover quotes for a great many books. Most, sadly, are forgettable. Some, on the other hand, are quite good, and the rare few are exceptional. Rarer still are the ones that make your jaw drop. Ransom Stephen’s The Sensory Deception is one of those very rare few. Smart but never pretentious or heady, exciting without being mere noise, The Sensory Deception provides an insider’s look at the world of the mind, video games, and venture capital, all wrapped up in a seductive, breathtaking tale of all-too-human folly. Stephens’ characters are brilliant and real and fated to make sensational, dangerous errors, all on the path to realizing the larger truth of their real humanity. I wish I could back and read it all over again―right now.” ―David Corbett, award-winning author of The Art of Character

“As with his debut, The God Patent, Ransom Stephens swings for the fences with The Sensory Deception―and he hits another home run, somehow managing to incorporate virtual reality, Somali pirates, the plight of sperm whales and the deforestation of the Amazon into a thrilling and unique story of romance and adventure.” ―Robert Kroese, author of Mercury Rises

“Ransom Stephens amps up the tension with his realistic portrayal of virtual reality. A rollercoaster of a ride using the relationship between the senses and the mind, Stephens builds a story with unrelenting momentum.” ―Robin Burcell, bestselling author of The Black List

“The Sensory Deception has it all―page-turning action (in such far-flung locations as Somalia and the Amazon rainforest), the bleeding edges of immersive virtual-reality, the rarified world of Silicon Valley startups, eco-activists, Somali pirates, psychotropic substances, and more. Deception is impeccably researched, from the biology of whales, to the neurology of perception, to the socio-economics of modern-era pirates. The story starts at a galloping pace, and never lets up. Dr. Ransom Stephens, a physicist turned novelist, follows-up his previous The God Patent exploration of science and religion with a new science thriller that mines the depths of human consciousness, and the potentials of technology to lift our race to new evolutionary heights.” ―Steven Meloan, author of The Shroud

“Ransom Stephens’ imagination is limitless in his ability to lead the reader through scenarios across the globe…The Sensory Deception is a worthy read with fascinating concepts.” ―pressdemocrat.com

About the Author

Ransom Stephens is a former physics professor and fifth-generation Californian. After earning his PhD from the University of California–Santa Barbara, he conducted cutting-edge particle physics research and taught at the University of Texas at Arlington. He then moved into the high-tech arena, leaving academia to work for a wireless web start-up. Drawing on his scientific work, Stephens penned the techno-thriller The God Patent. He lives in Petaluma, California.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ 47North (August 6, 2013)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 428 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1611099196
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1611099195
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.1 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 1 x 8.25 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #10,073,290 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #51,799 in Mystery Action & Adventure
- #74,078 in Thriller & Suspense Action Fiction
- #327,362 in Science Fiction (Books)

Customer Reviews:
4.1 515 ratings

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About the authors

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Ransom Stephens
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Author, speaker, and physicist, Ransom Stephens writes fantasy, science fiction, and popular science. He writes novels built on big ideas that feature characters who face difficult decisions. His goal is to make you think, make you laugh, and make you cry -- or at least two out of three.
His latest, The Book of Bastards, is a rollicking, bawdy fantasy of chivalry and revenge.
In Too Rich to Die and The 99% Solution, three keyboard-wielding musketeers take you around the world on thrill rides that will leave you questioning centuries of world history; The Sensory Deception is a story of environmentalism and idealism gone wrong; and his first novel, The God Patent, is a perspective-altering story of science and religion.
His popular science book, The Left Brain Speaks The Right Brain Laughs: a look at the neuroscience of innovation & creativity, is an irreverent take on how our brains work and how we can work them better.
If you've read one of Ransom's books, please post a review at your favorite book site, like this one. Whether a sentence or an essay, he'll appreciate the boost as much as the advice.
You can follow Ransom’s Rants on writing, science, politics, and beer at all the usually places, plus if you'd liked to receive the famous*, life-changing* Ransom’s Notes--in which he provides amusement* and insights* into how* and why* we live, in addition to updates on his latest books (and get a free e-copy of one of his novels!)--hie thee to
https://subscribe.ransomstephens.com (cut and paste the link).
(* Your experience may vary. Average results: 29% life-altering, 53% useful, and now just 18% boring!)
Ransom is represented by Laurie McLean, Founding Partner of the Fuse Literary agency.
Bookbub: bookbub.com/authors/ransom-stephens
Friend: facebook.com/ransomstephens
Like: facebook.com/RansomsBooks
Watch: www.youtube.com/user/DocRansom
Contact: ransom at ransomstephens.com
Stalk: @ransomstephens
Web: ransomstephens.com
See more on the author's page
Ransom Stephens PhD
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Author, speaker, and physicist, Ransom Stephens writes fantasy, science fiction, and popular science. He writers high concept fiction and tries to make you laugh and cry and keep you awake at night. His latest, The Book of BasCENSOREDtards, is a rollicking, bawdy fantasy of chivalry and revenge. His Timeweavers series features three keyboard-wielding musketeers (and a beagle) who can calculate the probabilities of different timelines: Too Rich to Die is the story of the world’s first trillionaire, a techie scrooge whose greed threatens world peace; and The 99% Solution pits oligarchs and anarchists in a hopeless battle of conflicting utopias. The Sensory Deception is a story of environmentalism and idealism gone wrong, and his first novel, The God Patent, is a perspective-altering story of science and religion (and the only novel you’ll ever read that includes Feynman diagrams!).
His popular science book, The Left Brain Speaks The Right Brain Laughs: a look at the neuroscience of innovation & creativity, is an irreverent take on how our brains work and how we can work them better.
If you've read one of Ransom's books, please post a review at your favorite book site, like this one. Whether a sentence or an essay, he'll appreciate the boost as much as the advice.
Ransom is represented by Laurie McLean, Founding Partner of the Fuse Literary agency.
He prefers tea to coffee and beer to wine, and hopes to share one with you someday.
See more on the author's page

Customer reviews

515 global ratings

How customer reviews and ratings work

Customers say

Customers find the premise interesting, compelling, and exciting. They also say the book is filled with engaging characters. Readers praise the writing quality as well-written, lucid, and fast-paced. Opinions are mixed on the plot, with some finding it interesting and original, while others say some plot details are completely unfeasible. Reader opinions are mixed also on the detail, with those who find it intelligent and believable, while those who say it's a little too detailed in the technical aspect.

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Readability Character development Writing quality Pacing Creativity Plot Detail

55 customers mention "Readability"48 positive7 negative

Customers find the premise of the book interesting and compelling. They enjoy the action and messages. Readers also mention the story is interesting but inconsistent. They appreciate the fascinating ideas and tons of action.

"...Overall, I kept turning the pages and enjoyed the action and the messages...." Read more

"...The science is imaginative and thought provoking, but it doesn't move the story." Read more

"This was a great book. I read a lot and this book really stood out with great characters and an interesting and seemingly well researched plot...." Read more

"...than those relatively minor gripes, The Sensory Deception is a really good book and I'm not unhappy to have spent my time reading it." Read more

27 customers mention "Character development"21 positive6 negative

Customers find the characters engaging and enjoyable. They say the story is well-written and they can visualize the characters easily.

"...the characters are fun, have chemistry, and are unpredictable enough to keep you wondering what will happen next...." Read more

"...He does it well, so the pacing is good. Most of the characters are complex enough to be really interesting, although the male and female leads are..." Read more

"Stephens creates compelling characters, but sacrifices crucial background and development of them by getting lost in the science of his concept...." Read more

"...It was however, somewhat lightweight in character development...." Read more

23 customers mention "Writing quality"19 positive4 negative

Customers find the writing quality of the book well-written, readable, and surprising. They say it's literary enough to please them. Readers also appreciate the well-rounded characters and engaging plots.

"...The writing is certainly strong enough to carry the blatant proselytizing, although if you are the type to deny global warming, don’t bother...." Read more

"...The writing was rich and full of great lines, one of my favorites being: "Bupin had just earned a penny of respect - a currency Chopper rarely..." Read more

"This is a great story, well-written and filled with engaging characters and enough action to keep the reader hooked...." Read more

"...It seemed to me the writing was well done, things followed a sequence and characters were well discribed...." Read more

5 customers mention "Pacing"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the pacing of the book good, fast, and lucid. They say it's a thriller that keeps them guessing.

"...He does it well, so the pacing is good...." Read more

"...Fascinating.It's a fast-paced read...." Read more

"...The characters could use some work, but the writing is lucid and moves right along. I'd read another by this author." Read more

"...The characters are interesting and different and the pace of the book is quick...." Read more

4 customers mention "Creativity"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book creative, original, and unique. They also describe the story as innovative.

"...This story is a well told, unique one. The characters are interesting and different and the pace of the book is quick...." Read more

"...Lots of geek-speak, but understandable. Lots of twists; very original. Makes me want to try the VR!!" Read more

"Innovative and compelling..." Read more

"Very cool..." Read more

22 customers mention "Plot"15 positive7 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the plot. Some mention they like the story and can visualize the characters easily. They also say it has lots of twists and is fascinating. However, others say some plot details are completely unfeasible and the story wraps in an odd manner.

"...the characters are fun, have chemistry, and are unpredictable enough to keep you wondering what will happen next...." Read more

"This is a great story, well-written and filled with engaging characters and enough action to keep the reader hooked...." Read more

"Stephens creates compelling characters, but sacrifices crucial background and development of them by getting lost in the science of his concept...." Read more

"...It seemed to me the writing was well done, things followed a sequence and characters were well discribed...." Read more

12 customers mention "Detail"8 positive4 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the detail in the book. Some mention it's quite detailed, intelligent, and believable. However, others say it'd drag in spots and the technical aspects seem inconsistent with reality.

"...parts (such as how fire behaves in a tropical forest) are meticulously researched and laid out in detail, all the while blending into and supporting..." Read more

"...Also, some of the tech details seemed inconsistent with reality, and some plot details completely unfeasible...." Read more

"It's good, readable, surprising and smart...." Read more

"...Otherwise if you have patience this is really a book about nature and technology." Read more

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Top reviews from the United States

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Greg Marcus

Innovative and compelling

Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2013

Verified Purchase

If you like a book that makes you say "that's so cool" than this is the book for you. If you want science fiction that truly explores a new direction, here it is!

Stephens brings together some of the most cutting edge technology available today, and makes a leap that is so unexpected that it works brilliantly.

Imagine that you could record the sensory perception of an animal, and transmit it to people through virtual reality. And imagine that the experience was so real that it shut down the higher brain functions, to allow the instincts from the basal part of the brain to take over. The result is a thrilling experience that puts you in the mind and body of an animal. You know the expression "one death is a tragedy, a million deaths is a statistic?" Stephens takes statistics about animals real.

Cool ideas get you a three star review. What makes this story a five star are the story and the characters. Turning a technology into a product isn't easy, and the efforts to build a company, complete with crazy rich VC, are a key part of the story flow. the characters are fun, have chemistry, and are unpredictable enough to keep you wondering what will happen next.

I love this book, and will buy for friends and family.

3 people found this helpful

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DonMaker

A techno-thriller meant to stimulate our ecological consciousness

Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2013

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The true purpose of literature, regardless of genre, is to express the human condition and give an opinion on our behavior. “The Sensory Deception” is not what I would call “hard-core” sci-fi, which is to say a lot of cutting-edge or futuristic science that drives a story. However, I would certainly say that it meets my criteria for literature.
The main sci-fi in this story is “virtual reality”, which is fairly old. In fact, I wrote a novel 15 years ago describing pretty much the same thing, only without the more recent whiz-bang stuff Stephens describes. Being a scientist, he explains the hardware and software a lot better than I did. The equipment used to record the required data is pretty much what is used for special effects in a lot of movies. From that standpoint, it’s only mildly interesting. One of the subplots is the venture capital world of Silicon Valley, which Stephens depicts very accurately, and somewhat sympathetically.
However, this book is actually about full-on, militant environmentalism. While the beginning is somewhat slow, the book becomes a techno-thriller to some extent. Although I have a background in engineering/construction management, the strong bias toward protecting the earth’s ecology was very appealing to me. To some extent, Stephens even made a case for some of the “piracy” that goes on in Somalia, in the sense that he depicts how the local politics and interference of the developed nations forced the natives out of their traditional industries and into desperate measures. However, the main focus is on how the rain forest is being systematically and maliciously destroyed, which is decimating our natural resources and our atmosphere. Other ecological themes are explored.
Okay, on to writing. Stephens’ forte is the typical short, punchy action style popular in the genre. He does it well, so the pacing is good. Most of the characters are complex enough to be really interesting, although the male and female leads are pretty much stereotypes of the beautiful, heroic protagonists. The book starts in the gimmicky “medias res”, which is written in present tense, switches throughout most of the book to flashback in past tense (or normal narrative style), then reverts back to present tense for the ending. This bothered me, having to make that reading shift for no discernible reason.
Overall, I kept turning the pages and enjoyed the action and the messages. The writing is certainly strong enough to carry the blatant proselytizing, although if you are the type to deny global warming, don’t bother. If you are concerned about the future of the earth, you might enjoy this novel.

Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2023

Verified Purchase

Stephens creates compelling characters, but sacrifices crucial background and development of them by getting lost in the science of his concept. The final chapters made me wish I knew more about these people and less about coding. The science is imaginative and thought provoking, but it doesn't move the story.

Helpful

Marlina

A fun, interesting, and excellent read

Reviewed in the United States on April 14, 2017

Verified Purchase

This was a great book. I read a lot and this book really stood out with great characters and an interesting and seemingly well researched plot. The central concept described in the book really resonated with me personally and that was an interesting bonus. The writing was rich and full of great lines, one of my favorites being: "Bupin had just earned a penny of respect - a currency Chopper rarely spent." I am not one to highlight lines just because they amuse me, but I did in this book! I look forward to reading more from this author and have just purchased his other book, the God Patent. However, not to saturate myself, I moved on first to a new book from an author I have previously enjoyed, and I dare say that his characters and writing are not lighting me up as much as the ones in this fine book.

One person found this helpful

Helpful

Top reviews from other countries

Myron Naturkach

Interesting read.

Reviewed in Canada on June 12, 2018

Verified Purchase

I didn't think I would like it when I started reading, but I enjoyed it very much. The idea of VR in real life situations is intriguing. Thank you for a very good story.

Sharon Duquette Morrissey

Awesome book!

Reviewed in Australia on February 2, 2017

Verified Purchase

I'm not really good at expressing how a book has made me feel as I'm definitely no author, but I can honestly say that this book had me from page one and has to be the best book I have read in a very long time. Ransom Stephens you are a legend! This novel is going to be in my head for quite a while that's for sure.

Cypylyca

I enjoyed this book as much as I did his first ...

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 27, 2016

Verified Purchase

I enjoyed this book as much as I did his first novel, although the final part did not have as much foreshadowing as I needed. I admire Stephens' speculative ability. He expands technology, both positively and negatively, in its effects on society and on individuals. It was a book I hated to finish 're.

Kshitij Gupta

Four Stars

Reviewed in India on July 25, 2016

Verified Purchase

Good read

pieroni claudio

Nice read

Reviewed in Canada on March 16, 2018

Verified Purchase

I liked it a lot but i felt it could have been great. Some parts felt a bit..forced but an overall nice experience

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