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Mary Fan
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Artificial Absolutes (Jane Colt Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Mary Fan (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 92 ratings
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Jane Colt is just another recent college grad working as an Interstellar Confederation office drone—until the day she witnesses her best friend, Adam, kidnapped by a mysterious criminal. An extensive cover-up thwarts her efforts to report the crime, shaking her trust in the authorities. Only her older brother, Devin, believes her account.

Devin hopes to leave behind his violent past and find peace in a marriage to the woman he loves. That hope shatters when he discovers a shocking secret that causes him to be framed for murder.

With little more than a cocky attitude, Jane leaves everything she knows to flee with Devin, racing through the most lawless corners of the galaxy as she searches for Adam and proof of her brother’s innocence. Her journey uncovers truths about both of them, leading her to wonder just how much she doesn’t know about the people she loves.
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  1. Book 1 of 3
    Jane Colt
  2. Print length
    377 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    February 21, 2013
  5. File size
    1.2 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  9. See all details
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Bundle price: Kindle price
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"In this thrilling science fiction-adventure series launch, Fan introduces a society where interstellar travel is an everyday reality, computers infiltrate every aspect of human life, and the forbidden technology of artificial intelligence may be closer than most people suspect...[T]he fast-paced action is balanced by thoughtful meditations on what it means to be human. Readers will zip through this exciting story and immediately hunt down the sequels."-PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (starred review)

"I really, truly enjoyed this book in a way I did not expect... I was surprised more than once with the all the twists and turns; Ms. Fan knows how to plot a novel. Definitely recommend!"
- NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Kate Moretti


"Artificial Absolutes is skillfully crafted and artfully written, with convincing characters and plenty of action. I like when science fiction makes sense and this was completely believable. I especially enjoyed the philosophical undertones that were just there without being distracting... I am happy to add this to my five star collection." -Bestselling author Nancy Madore


"Artificial Absolutes was a very engaging read, I really enjoyed it. The world building was very in-depth with no two planets being alike. The plot was just as detailed, filled with twists and turns that I totally didn't see coming."-READERS' FAVORITE


"The mystery in this story was incredible and really kept me at the edge of my seat." - Offbeat Vagabond


"... engaging characters and a story with conflicts and struggles that are universal to all humans across time." -Big Al's Books & Pals


"... the combination of youthful bravado and deeper philosophies made for a tremendous read." - Random Musings of a Curious Mind

From the Back Cover

Deception spares no part of the galaxy.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00BJBW5B6
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Red Adept Publishing (February 21, 2013)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 21, 2013
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.2 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 377 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 194021503X
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 92 ratings

About the author

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Mary Fan

Mary Fan

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Mary Fan lives in New Jersey, where she is currently working in financial marketing. She has also resided in North Carolina, Hong Kong, and Beijing, China. She has been an avid reader for as long as she can remember and especially enjoys the infinite possibilities and out-of-this-world experiences of science fiction and fantasy.

Mary has a B.A. in Music, specializing in composition, from Princeton University and enjoys writing songs as much as writing stories. She also enjoys kickboxing, opera singing, and exploring new things—she’ll try almost anything once.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
92 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy the book's pacing and storytelling. They find the characters well-developed and multidimensional. The writing style is described as clear and easy to read. Readers appreciate the thoughtful philosophical discussions and religion elements. The compassion, love, and heartbreak are portrayed in touching ways. The visual quality is appreciated, with well-described beautiful scenes and an interesting universe.

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PacingCharacter developmentWriting stylePhilosophyCompassionVisual qualityFriendshipRobots
23 customers mention "Pacing"23 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's pacing. They find it worth getting through the backstory to get to the exciting ride. The storytelling is great, with an intricate plot that's easy to follow. The action and intrigue are described as breathtaking and the words seem to fly. Overall, the book is considered a satisfying science fiction work with good character development.

"...that the characters' thoughts and discussions are changed by breathtaking action, and you never know what to expect from the next page...." Read more

"...There are slow paced moments interspersed with action, action and more action, so that the words seem to fly off the page and hit you in the face...." Read more

"...can read the description for that, but just know it is a science fiction action adventure, that in a lot of ways reminded me of Firefly Serenity...." Read more

"...It is enjoyable to read because the flow of the book is smooth, the characters are lovely, and there are a lot of well described beautiful sceneries..." Read more

11 customers mention "Character development"11 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the well-developed characters. They find them multidimensional, with a spunky yet irresistible heroine.

"...I was immensely impressed by the author's mature writing style. The characters, the plot, the setting - everything is so well done that it's..." Read more

"...The characters are well developed: some of them thrill you, others annoy you, still others make you think ‘why are they there?’..." Read more

"...The characters are wonderful and you really feel like you know them and care about them almost from page one...." Read more

"...enjoyable to read because the flow of the book is smooth, the characters are lovely, and there are a lot of well described beautiful sceneries...." Read more

9 customers mention "Writing style"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and understandable. They appreciate the well-crafted world-building without being overdone. The plot is organized and the mystery keeps readers engaged.

"...the book is that I felt like I was watching a movie - the descriptions are so well done that I had no problem visualizing everything I was reading..." Read more

"...wants to do to humanity is frightening, but also compassionate and understandable. It is unlike anything I’ve read before on this subject...." Read more

"...The novel is lean: no excessive descriptions of anything. But the descriptions are sufficient to all the messages they convey...." Read more

"...The world-building is powerful, without being blantant, and the situations feel natural...." Read more

6 customers mention "Philosophy"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's philosophy engaging. They appreciate the character's thoughtful pondering of deep philosophical issues and the well-thought-out religious discussion. The reasoning is logical and valid, and the conspiracy theories are included. Overall, readers describe it as an enjoyable read that unfolds step-by-step in a plausible and thrilling manner.

"...The author must have taken her time and delved deeply into spiritual and philosophical issues in order to do some of the themes justice...." Read more

"...The religion discussion is well thought out. The novel is lean: no excessive descriptions of anything...." Read more

"...What a ride! Jane is a multidimensional character who ponders deep philosophical matters, smirks in the face of danger, handles a starship and a..." Read more

"...us closer and closer to the truth, which is revealed step by step, very plausibly, and often thrillingly...." Read more

5 customers mention "Compassion"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book compassionate and understandable. They describe the characters as touching and the situations as natural.

"...What it wants to do to humanity is frightening, but also compassionate and understandable...." Read more

"...that experienced by the characters created in the novel are very touching. The religion discussion is well thought out...." Read more

"...and a variety of weapons, and shows all of the skills, including compassion, needed to evade and overcome a galaxy of antagonistic forces on her..." Read more

"...world-building is powerful, without being blantant, and the situations feel natural...." Read more

5 customers mention "Visual quality"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's vivid descriptions of beautiful scenes and an intriguing mystery plot. They find it easy to visualize the technology at work and appreciate the well-blended cyberpunk themes with Jane's self-discovery journey.

"The mystery plot is smart and attractive. The adventures that Jane and Devin were forced into are breath taking, but not over exaggerating...." Read more

"...of the story: Fan has thought out every detail and makes it easy to visualize the scene and the technology at work, so the story makes sense...." Read more

"...something in the Heinlein or Vonnegut style and while the cover looks great, it doesn't really paint that picture for me, but it was recommended by..." Read more

"...There is a heavy cyber-punk theme blended artfully with Jane's intense journey of self-discovery and search for love...." Read more

3 customers mention "Friendship"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the friendship in the book. They find the romance and emotional journey believable, and the conversations between the characters are well-written.

"...The emotional journey and familial bonding/estrangement is brilliantly done...." Read more

"...The romance and friendship make perfect common sense. The emotions that experienced by the characters created in the novel are very touching...." Read more

"...The characters, their personalities and the conversations between them were all top notch and her descriptions of the locations and vehicles left..." Read more

3 customers mention "Robots"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the robots in the book. They find the robots well-described so that readers can visualize them. The book combines some of the best robotic AI like Asimov's without using too many references to his works.

"...Without spoilers, I’d have to say this book combines some of the best robotic AI, like Asimov, yet without the complete destructiveness readers have..." Read more

"...For example, the robots are terrifically described so that you can visualize them without giving every nut, bolt and flux capacitor gigawatt..." Read more

"Take one spunky yet irresistible heroine, a dangerous galaxy, killer robots, deceptive androids, and virtual worlds that would make Isaac Asimov,..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • avidbookreader
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant Sci-Fi Book
    Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    ARTIFICIAL ABSOLUTES by Mary Fan was one of my most expected releases of the year, and now that I've finished reading it, I want to say it exceeded all of my expectations!

    Artificial Absolutes is a terrific sci-fi book featuring Devin and Jane Colt. From the beginning, I was impressed by the depth of the characters' characterization. The flashbacks that the author provided in the first chapters let me connect with Devin and Jane on a much deeper level than I usually do with characters in other books. The author does a great job bringing her characters to life.

    Devin meets Sarah DeHaven, the most famous singer in the galaxy, while Jane meets Adam Palmer, a Via priest, who makes Jane like him in a way she cannot explain. It's when Devin proposes to Sarah that action picks up. Jane witnesses Adam being kidnapped. Devin and Jane's father is shot, and Devin is #1 suspect. From now on, Artificial Absolutes turns into a real rollercoaster of a read. Devin flees together with Jane who hopes to find Adam. What I loved about the book is that I felt like I was watching a movie - the descriptions are so well done that I had no problem visualizing everything I was reading about.

    What I appreciated in AA was that the characters' thoughts and discussions are changed by breathtaking action, and you never know what to expect from the next page. I was deeply moved by the story of Devin and Jane's mother's death and the impact it had on Devin.

    I was immensely impressed by the author's mature writing style. The characters, the plot, the setting - everything is so well done that it's surprising that AA is a debut novel. I can't wait to read the next book by this author!

    I really enjoyed reading about the futuristic sci-fi world created by Mary Fan, and I'd like to thank her for the superb read! If you are a sci-fi lover, Artificial Absolutes is a must-read for you! And I can't help mentioning how much I love the title of this book!
    4 people found this helpful
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  • James Butler
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great sci-fi thrill ride
    Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Artificial Absolutes is a roller coaster ride. There are slow paced moments interspersed with action, action and more action, so that the words seem to fly off the page and hit you in the face. The characters are well developed: some of them thrill you, others annoy you, still others make you think ‘why are they there?’ much like real life.

    The plot revolves around Artificial Intelligence, that holy grail some tech geeks think will set them free. Many people have postulated what a truly thinking machine would do to humanity, and most of it isn’t pretty. So what makes this book different from the rest?

    The mother AI seems to have a different mindset from most fictional portrayals of sentient, man made creations. Without spoilers, I’d have to say this book combines some of the best robotic AI, like Asimov, yet without the complete destructiveness readers have grown to know and love/hate about their evil artificial intelligence.

    Artificial Absolutes has some standout plotting and narrative. The author must have taken her time and delved deeply into spiritual and philosophical issues in order to do some of the themes justice. There’s monotheism to atheism in this book, all represented with respect and knowledge.

    The main crux of the book, of course, the rogue AI is quite interesting once you meet it, late in the book. It’s reasoning is valid and logical. What it wants to do to humanity is frightening, but also compassionate and understandable. It is unlike anything I’ve read before on this subject.

    Devin and Jane Colt start off on an adventure that is sure to change their lives, when their father is nearly killed by... someone. The authorities have it all wrong, even though the evidence is strong. Fugitives, they flee into the darker recesses of this galaxy/solar system, looking for answers. What they find, along with Jane’s and Devin’s friends, is both shocking and impossible to believe. The story leads to a logical and successful conclusion when the killer is at last revealed and its plot exposed. Without giving away spoilers, that’s about as detailed as I can get, lol.

    A fantastic read, fully worth it by the time you finish. At times, the pages fly by so fast you don’t eve realize it, at others, the pace creeps along, almost begging you to put it away, then the action slaps you across the face. I would give it 4 ½ stars if I could, rather than 4.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Chris
    5.0 out of 5 stars Edge of your seat!!! Loved it!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Let me start by saying I loved this book! I had read the author's Firedragon books (I highly recommend them if you are into lots of kickass action by the way), but what really made me want to read Artificial Absolutes was the Publisher's Weekly review that praised it. I don't always agree with Publisher's Weekly, but they sure were right this time.

    I am not going to get too much into the story. You can read the description for that, but just know it is a science fiction action adventure, that in a lot of ways reminded me of Firefly Serenity. Which is cool, because I LOVE Firefly! This is a VERY fast paced action story. But don't get me wrong there is great story development, and character development throughout. The emotional journey and familial bonding/estrangement is brilliantly done. The characters are wonderful and you really feel like you know them and care about them almost from page one.

    This book is scifi, but I don't mean that like, every space opera with a laser gun is considered scifi. This is REAL scifi--"SCIENCE fiction." The book doesn't bore you to tears with the science of everything, yet somehow she still manages to make it feel like real science fiction. For example, the robots are terrifically described so that you can visualize them without giving every nut, bolt and flux capacitor gigawatt rating!

    The book takes you on a wild ride with lots of twists and turns and death defying leaps! You will think you have everything figured out and then it'll slap you upside the head! I highly recommend this book and will definitely be reading the rest in the series. Mary Fan is quickly becoming one of my favorite new scifi and fantasy writers!
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Terencetino
    5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely marvellous!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 7, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    I'm a big fan of sci-fi films but less so sci-fi books. There are exceptions though and this is a case in point. So, now I'm a fan of Fan.

    The world-building in this book is highly imaginative and exceedingly well done, right down to the fine detail. I love the idea of a 'slate' [a foldable laptop/tablet]. I want one!

    As with all books I really enjoy, it is the power, pace and intrigue of the storytelling that shine through. As well as a tight plot there is plenty of action, including space craft dog-fights, robot gunners and laser shoot-outs.

    Alongside the action the author explores the thought-provoking themes of artificial intelligence and new religions and how they intersect and collide.

    All the way through, believable, likeable, yet flawed characters provide the depth and emotional attachment to this fabulous 'other' world. It's interesting how the lead characters [brother Devin and sister Jane] develop and grow with the jeopardy that surrounds them and how their own relationship changes.

    And all topped off with a satisfying, if surprising ending.

    Film-wise the book reminded me of a YA version of 'Blade Runner' in some ways and also hints of 'Star Wars'.

    No doubt a sequel [or even a prequel] is nigh.

    Lots to enjoy here.
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  • Tomb Owler
    5.0 out of 5 stars A rollercoaster of a read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 14, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    A cracking tale of fights and escapes and conspiracies, set in a wonderfully and intricately evoked future world. The story rattles along at a fine pace, twisting and turning its way to and fro across the galaxy, encountering mercenaries, shoot-on-sight robots, light-speed travel, hackers and a sinister corporation. A fun ride which takes a little time to get going but, once it does, there's no getting off until the very end.
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  • Ana
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Existential Sci Fi.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 12, 2014
    I found this to be a thoroughly enjoyable read, which I tore through in no time at all. A futuristic tale revolving around two siblings, Artificial Absolutes is an existential consideration of consciousness and intelligence, interwoven with a classic adventure-style tale of survival. All is not what it seems however, for as Jane and Devin Colt struggle through their own personal journeys and developments, so too must they unravel the greater mysteries of what is developing in the artificial intelligences of this futuristic world.

    Jane is anything but plain. Throughout the narrative she demonstrates a strong will, well rounded character, and determination to succeed in both rescuing her boyfriend, and proving her brother's innocence. She's feisty, but not overly so, and skilled in those things essential for space travel-flying space ships, toting weaponry, laughing derisively in the face of danger-however these traits are balanced with a subtle self awareness and a conscious consideration the wider meaning of the events that befall her. This allows her to remain believable, despite unbelievable circumstances, and suspension of disbelief is a cinch throughout. I found myself really routing for both Jane and her brother, and am pleased to say that neither character disappointed.

    I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good science fiction tale that includes a balance of consideration for technology and human (and inhuman) nature. I'll certainly be reading more from this author, and look forward to future releases.
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