Beta: A Technological Nightmare

De: Sammy Scott

Narrado por: Shawn Compton

Michael Danvers’ life of self-imposed seclusion is interrupted when he receives a strange invitation: the unique opportunity to move into and beta-test a fully automated, state-of-the-art smart home. A true marvel of modern innovation, the house is controlled by a sophisticated AI that ensures all routine tasks are taken care of, limitless forms of entertainment are just a voice command away, and nearly every physical need is met with efficiency. But soon, Michael realizes that what at first presented itself as a futuristic utopia may be quickly devolving into a technological prison.

©2023 Sammy Scott (P)2023 Fright Night Audio

MASTERFUL

WOW, this was a freaking ride - very much appreciate that this book was featured in the Books of Horror "indie brawl," which is how I came across it - it's been in my library for a while and it actually won best book this past year (2024), and I see why so many people gush over this one - the horror element takes some time to build to, but definitely worth the wait - I enjoyed every second leading up to it, but figured I would mention that for other readers - hands down one of the best books I've read in any genre - just masterfully crafted - would definitely recommend to anybody that loves a horror novels - great read!

Amazing And Original

What an amazingly written story! Well thought out, emotional, claustrophobic, and feeling. This is my favorite book of 2024!

Bruh

Let me tell you … First of Charlie, ohh Charlie. Then Ella just WOW. Ezra, adorable…. And Rachel WTF just tell him why.

AMAZING BOOK

worth listening to

This was a creative story. I actually wasn't going to finish it because the first 2/3rds of the book were not very interesting. It kept bouncing between 2 different stories and I was losing interest. then the twist came in and I was instantly hooked.
I'm pretty frustrated about the racheal bit not being explained by the end.

The Best of 2023

I loved this book. I listened to it in one day all at once. I couldn't stop.

Wow

Great story with Smart House vibes only darker. Excellent story and story telling. 👏 👌

the film electric dreams but with modern technology

Well-written and moody with a great overall tone. My only real issue with this book is that its basically just the exact same plot of the 80's film Electric Dreams but set in a modern world, centering (in a very meta way) around a writer. This took a while to get going and never really got scary, but it was still well done and enjoyable, making you think about how much trust we put in technology these days. I listened to it on audiobook and the narration was really well done

The Overall story was excellent

This story was truly awesome, outstanding and just a great work of fiction. I cannot explain without giving away spoilers. I heard how good this book was but I stayed away from knowing what it was about which I’m glad I did. This is definitely the book to read. Soooo put down all other books and start this immediately. You will not be disappointed. Great job Sammy Scott. I also listened to the audiobook and will say the performance and narrator did a great job.

“Ouch, Charlie, that really hurt!”

Phew 😮‍💨. This was incredible. The storyline has me uncomfortable the entire time, and the narrator was phenomenal and perfect for the role. This one gets all the stars, I loved it!

For fans of early Lincoln Child and Blake Crouch

No spoilers

First just want to say this is not a horror it's techno thriller, things could possibly maybe go horribly wrong like a nightmare yes hence the word nightmare in the title but it's very much a techno thriller and this is such a very good one. I absolutely love techno thrillers and this is the first one I've listened to in a long time that really had an impact when listening I thought wow let me stop and think about that a moment, that has been rare for me as of late.

Because of all the great Amazon and other good reviews and the subject matter is right up my alley I decided to give it a try and wow it's fantastic, took me a few hours to really get attached to the story but when I did it wouldn't let me go I listened in one sitting it's hard not to.

Yes the style and tone remind me of a few of my favorite authors Lincoln Childs early works and also a little Blake Crouch and Daniel Suarez to. I don't know maybe it's not necessarily the writing style that reminds me of those authors as Sammy Scott has his own style here but rather the joy and emotions I felt when first reading those authors.

if you like techno thrillers or into AI or just like a really interesting thought-provoking story you would be missing out if you don't listen to this one. What I will say about the story it is as much about human emotion and interaction as it is about AI to human connections and no more about the story I really hate spoilers.

Narration is on point and goes smooth with the characters and story, great stuff there as well. I will be following this author from now on we could see big things from him I hope and expect to.