ltwardwriter's review against another edition
5.0
Well, 'The Unfortunate Expiration of Mr. David S. Sparks' was absolutely a delight to read. The story begins with David Sparks realizing that he has no memory of who he is or why he's where he's at. While this could have been a risky beginning to hook me in as a reader, it was executed well and paid off.
Aicher skillfully weaves between the unknown timeline and one from the past (aka the reader's present world). Many stories that focus on a confused character in search of themself tend to impose that confusion onto the reader. Aicher managed to avoid that entirely. While David lives in two worlds, it's easy enough to follow what's going on as well as learn who these characters are. On top of an interesting story set in a plausible, dystopian future, the writing style is thoroughly engaging.
I don't like comparing authors, but there's a Gaiman-feel to Aicher's writing style. $5 words are intermixed with layman's language so that the reader not only feels enriched, but can easily follow the tale, enjoy the characters and world. In the most complimentary way possible, it's detailed yet uncomplicated writing which is absolutely something I personally love.
I absolutely loved and highly recommend 'The Unfortunate Expiration of Mr. David S. Sparks.' A perfect weekend read for sci-fi or speculative fiction lovers.
Aicher skillfully weaves between the unknown timeline and one from the past (aka the reader's present world). Many stories that focus on a confused character in search of themself tend to impose that confusion onto the reader. Aicher managed to avoid that entirely. While David lives in two worlds, it's easy enough to follow what's going on as well as learn who these characters are. On top of an interesting story set in a plausible, dystopian future, the writing style is thoroughly engaging.
I don't like comparing authors, but there's a Gaiman-feel to Aicher's writing style. $5 words are intermixed with layman's language so that the reader not only feels enriched, but can easily follow the tale, enjoy the characters and world. In the most complimentary way possible, it's detailed yet uncomplicated writing which is absolutely something I personally love.
I absolutely loved and highly recommend 'The Unfortunate Expiration of Mr. David S. Sparks.' A perfect weekend read for sci-fi or speculative fiction lovers.
cheyannelepka's review against another edition
5.0
So, disclaimer – I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review! And I am very glad that I did!
With well-built, complex characters and just the right amount of mystery, this book had me guessing right to the very end who should be trusted – if anyone. Thrusting readers into a world where the main character knows next to nothing is a difficult thing to do and Mr. Aicher does it masterfully, presenting just enough questions to keep the reader engaged.
The world-building is exceptional, the characters live within the world, rather than on it, and I would be very interested to see more fiction written in the future he’s created. Some of the little details were down-right disturbing (the wigglers, oh my goodness, still getting shivers) – in the best way possible, of course. The juxtaposition of a green world against the danger it poses to the humans is a refreshing change from the smog-filled, metal dystopian futures that are so common-place in science fiction. It’s a potential future that definitely strikes very close to home, and will make readers think about the world that we currently live in and the path that we might be on.
Mr. Aicher has a captivating writing style which stole me away and had me reading late into the night! I’m definitely looking forward to more from him. This is the type of book that will appeal to a wide variety of readers. I highly recommend it to anyone who’s looking for an easy-to-read science fiction with just enough reality in it to send shivers up your spine.
With well-built, complex characters and just the right amount of mystery, this book had me guessing right to the very end who should be trusted – if anyone. Thrusting readers into a world where the main character knows next to nothing is a difficult thing to do and Mr. Aicher does it masterfully, presenting just enough questions to keep the reader engaged.
The world-building is exceptional, the characters live within the world, rather than on it, and I would be very interested to see more fiction written in the future he’s created. Some of the little details were down-right disturbing (the wigglers, oh my goodness, still getting shivers) – in the best way possible, of course. The juxtaposition of a green world against the danger it poses to the humans is a refreshing change from the smog-filled, metal dystopian futures that are so common-place in science fiction. It’s a potential future that definitely strikes very close to home, and will make readers think about the world that we currently live in and the path that we might be on.
Mr. Aicher has a captivating writing style which stole me away and had me reading late into the night! I’m definitely looking forward to more from him. This is the type of book that will appeal to a wide variety of readers. I highly recommend it to anyone who’s looking for an easy-to-read science fiction with just enough reality in it to send shivers up your spine.
supersnowflakegirl's review
4.0
Worth the read!
Wonderfully well done and imagined. The science is well thought out and it all flows like a river. Reminds me a great deal of Dune and the varying viewpoints that encompassed it. And I gave it 4 stars only because I know people don't believe a 5 star rating.
Wonderfully well done and imagined. The science is well thought out and it all flows like a river. Reminds me a great deal of Dune and the varying viewpoints that encompassed it. And I gave it 4 stars only because I know people don't believe a 5 star rating.
tavenorcd's review against another edition
4.0
William F. Aicher’s The Unfortunate Expiration of Mr. David S. Sparks immediately thrusts readers into a strange world of biotechnology, virtual reality, and post-modern political turmoil. David S. Sparks, the singular point of view throughout the story, provides readers with a window into a bleak post-apocalyptic outlook of the world, mired with chemical warfare, bioengineering mishaps, and political conspiracies. David is just as foreign to this new world as anyone who picks up this tale.
That narrative device serves as both a blessing and a curse for Aicher, for the slow introduction to the world for both reader and character creates a sometimes tedious and confusing pace at the start of the story. However, as David slowly understands the strange world that surrounds him, I, too, began to connect the dots, and by the time I finished the first third, I was along for the ride. I think anyone who latches onto the creativity of the first few pages will stick through the immediate yet understandable fog that rests upon the first portions of the story.
Sparks truly excels through its characters and setting. Whether it’s David, Bethany, the Preservationist, Alice, or even Ghost, this novel is peppered with a memorable cast. And its locales, from plasticity to the eyefields to a few other locations I won’t spoil, they build a world that’s strangely believable in its absurdity.
There’s just two aspect of the story, from a science fiction perspective, that I take issue with, that pulled me out of the believability and immersion near the end, though I won’t spoil those events for readers. I will say they’re issues that are most likely particular to my tastes, and not those of most science fiction aficionados.
Well done, William F. Aicher. Now it’s time to see those scores!
Writing: 8/10. Aicher’s language is easily understandable, and I particularly appreciate his choice to use short chapters. Especially during the confusing portions at the beginning of the story, they helped me stay engaged with natural stopping points.
Characters: 10/10. I can’t say there’s a single character in this story that lacked some sort of depth. I loved them all, especially Ghost. He’s a cool dude.
Setting: 9/10. On each page, you can tell Aicher spent a lot of time thinking through the history and place of his world. I applaud the creativity; though he loses a point for a particular pseudo-scientific explanation that I oppose.
Plot: 7/10. While overall I loved the plot of this tale, a few choices along the way caused a few point drops. I won’t spoil, but one particular option felt just a bit too deus ex machina for my tastes.
Overall: 8.5/10. With a score of 8.5, Sparks receives a high four stars, one of our few reviews to break above the 8 point mark. Well done!
That narrative device serves as both a blessing and a curse for Aicher, for the slow introduction to the world for both reader and character creates a sometimes tedious and confusing pace at the start of the story. However, as David slowly understands the strange world that surrounds him, I, too, began to connect the dots, and by the time I finished the first third, I was along for the ride. I think anyone who latches onto the creativity of the first few pages will stick through the immediate yet understandable fog that rests upon the first portions of the story.
Sparks truly excels through its characters and setting. Whether it’s David, Bethany, the Preservationist, Alice, or even Ghost, this novel is peppered with a memorable cast. And its locales, from plasticity to the eyefields to a few other locations I won’t spoil, they build a world that’s strangely believable in its absurdity.
There’s just two aspect of the story, from a science fiction perspective, that I take issue with, that pulled me out of the believability and immersion near the end, though I won’t spoil those events for readers. I will say they’re issues that are most likely particular to my tastes, and not those of most science fiction aficionados.
Well done, William F. Aicher. Now it’s time to see those scores!
Writing: 8/10. Aicher’s language is easily understandable, and I particularly appreciate his choice to use short chapters. Especially during the confusing portions at the beginning of the story, they helped me stay engaged with natural stopping points.
Characters: 10/10. I can’t say there’s a single character in this story that lacked some sort of depth. I loved them all, especially Ghost. He’s a cool dude.
Setting: 9/10. On each page, you can tell Aicher spent a lot of time thinking through the history and place of his world. I applaud the creativity; though he loses a point for a particular pseudo-scientific explanation that I oppose.
Plot: 7/10. While overall I loved the plot of this tale, a few choices along the way caused a few point drops. I won’t spoil, but one particular option felt just a bit too deus ex machina for my tastes.
Overall: 8.5/10. With a score of 8.5, Sparks receives a high four stars, one of our few reviews to break above the 8 point mark. Well done!
paulblakeauthor's review
5.0
This was a great read. Highly enjoyable from the first page. Very clever splicing of two plotlines for the same character. The support characters were well balanced with their own personalities and their own wants and needs. Masterful exposition of a detailed and believable world.
marianc6f98's review
4.0
A world made uninhabitable by pesticides and dirty bombs, genetically-engineered crops and pollution, and within this world, the inevitable division of human society into classes, factions, revolutionaries and those who turn their back on society. A world where science is both savior and slayer. This is the world David Sparks wakes into, to be immediately threatened by a man with a chain saw.
The story, while set in the near future, is strong in elements from folk tale and mythology: the dangerous wild wood, the wise hermit, the ‘wizards’ who abuse their power; the glass castle where food is abundant; the concept of the sacred twins. Rich in world-building, asking questions about the limits of science and the definition of humanity, The Unfortunate Expiration of Mr David S. Sparks follows the protagonist’s physical and intellectual journeys to understand the world he is in – and who he is.
Is the book successful in delineating these quests? Perhaps not entirely. World-building takes precedence over character-building, and there are times when too much information is handed to the reader in a chunk of exposition. But the story itself is compelling, and there are enough hints leading to the climax to keep a reader wondering if they’ve worked the story out or not. Worthy of 4 stars to this reader.
The story, while set in the near future, is strong in elements from folk tale and mythology: the dangerous wild wood, the wise hermit, the ‘wizards’ who abuse their power; the glass castle where food is abundant; the concept of the sacred twins. Rich in world-building, asking questions about the limits of science and the definition of humanity, The Unfortunate Expiration of Mr David S. Sparks follows the protagonist’s physical and intellectual journeys to understand the world he is in – and who he is.
Is the book successful in delineating these quests? Perhaps not entirely. World-building takes precedence over character-building, and there are times when too much information is handed to the reader in a chunk of exposition. But the story itself is compelling, and there are enough hints leading to the climax to keep a reader wondering if they’ve worked the story out or not. Worthy of 4 stars to this reader.
sihah's review
5.0
From start to finish, this book is a complete science fiction masterpiece. I was hooked right away. Science fiction is one of my all time favorite genres and William Aicher knows exactly what he’s doing.
He creates a world where David S. Sparks is dropped, with no memories, into a very dangerous place. He meets what is essentially a terrorist, who befriends him and takes him on a long journey through some really interesting places (as you can see I’m trying not to spoil anything).
There are a great deal of things that are super creepy and somewhat gross that happen to David on his journey, but they make the story so much better. There’s all this action and adventure and mishaps in this world David knows nothing about.
There’s a huge reveal about ¾ of the way through that I never saw coming. And, to be honest, I have a really easy time guessing plot points. The fact that William Aicher managed to keep me in the dark until he was ready for me to know that information is incredible. I actually had to stop reading for a few days to recover.
The prose and overall writing structure of David Sparks flows so smoothly from one idea and one chapter to the next. The writing is incredible and so professional. This has got to be in my top 5 favorite books I’ve read this year.
Great job, William, I look forward to reading more from you.
He creates a world where David S. Sparks is dropped, with no memories, into a very dangerous place. He meets what is essentially a terrorist, who befriends him and takes him on a long journey through some really interesting places (as you can see I’m trying not to spoil anything).
There are a great deal of things that are super creepy and somewhat gross that happen to David on his journey, but they make the story so much better. There’s all this action and adventure and mishaps in this world David knows nothing about.
There’s a huge reveal about ¾ of the way through that I never saw coming. And, to be honest, I have a really easy time guessing plot points. The fact that William Aicher managed to keep me in the dark until he was ready for me to know that information is incredible. I actually had to stop reading for a few days to recover.
The prose and overall writing structure of David Sparks flows so smoothly from one idea and one chapter to the next. The writing is incredible and so professional. This has got to be in my top 5 favorite books I’ve read this year.
Great job, William, I look forward to reading more from you.
jayeless's review
3.0
There is a lot to like about this book. It deals with the potential environmental catastrophe facing this planet, from over-pollution to the collapse of food production. It imagines what human societies might look like after the crisis, with some in dome cities, others taking their chances scavenging in the poisonous wilds, others yet trying to establish free colonies. It also examines another interesting question, that of what is consciousness – can you transfer it into a computer system? Can you make copies of consciousness – make duplicate people? The pace of the book is brisk, with just enough description to bring its various locations vividly to life – humid biospheres, creepy fields of eyes…
This novel's downfall, I felt, was in the characterisation. While the setting and background information were thoroughly established, the characters and the relationships between them were not so convincingly portrayed. There was an entire romance that developed over the course of one "then a few weeks passed" paragraph. David Sparks himself lacked a strong identity, which is of course the point of the book, but it made him a less-than-gripping protagonist. Most of the side characters seemed to lack depth, too. There are a lot of things Aicher did well, but strong characterisation was not one of them.
Overall, your enjoyment of this book is going to vary depending on what you want to get out of it. If you're looking for a philosophical futuristic mystery with an ominous warning about where our society's wanton environmental destruction is taking us, then jump right in – it's excellent at being that. If you were hoping for more of a character-driven tale through the future, then recalibrate your expectations. I enjoyed this book, but it wasn't all I'd hoped it would be.
This novel's downfall, I felt, was in the characterisation. While the setting and background information were thoroughly established, the characters and the relationships between them were not so convincingly portrayed. There was an entire romance that developed over the course of one "then a few weeks passed" paragraph. David Sparks himself lacked a strong identity, which is of course the point of the book, but it made him a less-than-gripping protagonist. Most of the side characters seemed to lack depth, too. There are a lot of things Aicher did well, but strong characterisation was not one of them.
Overall, your enjoyment of this book is going to vary depending on what you want to get out of it. If you're looking for a philosophical futuristic mystery with an ominous warning about where our society's wanton environmental destruction is taking us, then jump right in – it's excellent at being that. If you were hoping for more of a character-driven tale through the future, then recalibrate your expectations. I enjoyed this book, but it wasn't all I'd hoped it would be.
thelibraryofalexandra's review
3.0
A futuristic post-apocalyptic, dystopian, mind-bending thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seats. A completely wonderful sci-fi novel that overwhelms the senses. A feat of impossible imagination and a triumph of the sci-fi genre.
…
The Unfortunate Expiration of Mr. David S. Sparks tells the mind-bending thriller of a man, named David, who wakes up in confusion, unsure of the world he seems to be in and his memories of a different reality. It’s enough to give anyone an existential crisis. What follows is an adventure. A captivating adventure as we, as the readers, walk side-by-side with David in a post-apocalyptic world of fear, of ocean artificially created ocean serpents (which gave me actual nightmares, thanks Aicher), and well-thought-out characters who work to enhance David’s, and thus ours, understanding of the world that has become his reality.
Forcing us to question how the handling of our world can fundamentally be the ruination of humanity, Aicher delves deeper and forwards a narrative that touches on the moralistic facade of society; that is, greed, corruption, classism, and betrayal. It is much more than just a sci-fi novel, it is more of a commentary on our society through the lens of an amnesiac narrator and the way in which humans act when pushed into a corner.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Mr David S. Sparks was the writing itself. As the reader, you are walking alongside David on the journey – basically, it’s like your on his shoulder, witnessing what he observes, what he learns and the people along the way. It is a novel where the reader is not placed in the position of being omniscient or omnipresent because the narrator (who is David) is not an all-knowing entity. And that is one of the greatest elements which makes The Unfortunate Expiration of Mr David S. Sparks are thrilling, suspenseful and, excuse the language, bloody amazing sci-fi novel.
Allie
…
The Unfortunate Expiration of Mr. David S. Sparks tells the mind-bending thriller of a man, named David, who wakes up in confusion, unsure of the world he seems to be in and his memories of a different reality. It’s enough to give anyone an existential crisis. What follows is an adventure. A captivating adventure as we, as the readers, walk side-by-side with David in a post-apocalyptic world of fear, of ocean artificially created ocean serpents (which gave me actual nightmares, thanks Aicher), and well-thought-out characters who work to enhance David’s, and thus ours, understanding of the world that has become his reality.
Forcing us to question how the handling of our world can fundamentally be the ruination of humanity, Aicher delves deeper and forwards a narrative that touches on the moralistic facade of society; that is, greed, corruption, classism, and betrayal. It is much more than just a sci-fi novel, it is more of a commentary on our society through the lens of an amnesiac narrator and the way in which humans act when pushed into a corner.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Mr David S. Sparks was the writing itself. As the reader, you are walking alongside David on the journey – basically, it’s like your on his shoulder, witnessing what he observes, what he learns and the people along the way. It is a novel where the reader is not placed in the position of being omniscient or omnipresent because the narrator (who is David) is not an all-knowing entity. And that is one of the greatest elements which makes The Unfortunate Expiration of Mr David S. Sparks are thrilling, suspenseful and, excuse the language, bloody amazing sci-fi novel.
Allie
lilyn_g's review
4.0
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author for review consideration. This does not influence my review.
The Unfortunate Expiration of Mr. David S. Sparks (heck of a title) kept me guessing. These days, that's about the highest compliment I can give. Right away I was wondering exactly what had happened to this dude. There were a few times when I thought I knew what direction things were going in, only to find out I was so very wrong. Normally, by the fifty percent mark in a book at the latest, I know basically how a book is going to turn out, and what rating I'm going to give it. Not so much in this case.
The author doesn't waste a lot of time on description, but he gives it to the reader when it's necessary. I appreciate that. It makes the scenes where he does go into detail even more impactful. There are a few scenes that stand out in my mind. Like the field growing body parts. Or a certain scene right after an unintentional swim. That one had my gorge rising.
As for the characters themselves: David and Rosa are okay. I liked Ghost more than both of them, probably. However, none of them really make much of an impression except for Calvin. Calvin is not a likable fellow. Calvin needs punched pretty much every time he opens his mouth.
The pacing is good. The exploration of a future where we've screwed things up so badly and not been able to really escape from it is interesting. David's journey and his decisions are enough to make a person think.
The only real pick I have with The Unfortunate Expiration of Mr. David S. Sparks is that the writing needs tightened up a bit. Though I understood the necessity, I rolled my eyes a bit at the super-convenient way the 'need to know' backstory was related. Having a character with memory-related issues being told the way things are is a classic device, but it's not a great one. I'd rather just read something setting the scene ahead of time than be forced through an awkward recitation later. There's some repetitiveness in the writing that could use some work as well. It's not super-present, but enough so that I remember thinking it a handful of times when reading/listening.
The narrator, Scott R. Smith, did a good job. His character voices were all very distinct. This distinctiveness might be part of the reason I ranted a little bit about Calvin earlier. Every time Calvin spoke, I tensed up. The man's voice was so arrogant, unpleasantly accented, and... and... Yeah. I maintain that Calvin just needs punched.
Overall, The Unfortunate Expiration of Mr. David S. Sparks has a few issues, but the author is talented enough that I had to finish the book. I was so curious about what he was doing, and where things were going to end up. If you like futuristic mystery, this one is definitely worth your time.
The Unfortunate Expiration of Mr. David S. Sparks (heck of a title) kept me guessing. These days, that's about the highest compliment I can give. Right away I was wondering exactly what had happened to this dude. There were a few times when I thought I knew what direction things were going in, only to find out I was so very wrong. Normally, by the fifty percent mark in a book at the latest, I know basically how a book is going to turn out, and what rating I'm going to give it. Not so much in this case.
The author doesn't waste a lot of time on description, but he gives it to the reader when it's necessary. I appreciate that. It makes the scenes where he does go into detail even more impactful. There are a few scenes that stand out in my mind. Like the field growing body parts. Or a certain scene right after an unintentional swim. That one had my gorge rising.
As for the characters themselves: David and Rosa are okay. I liked Ghost more than both of them, probably. However, none of them really make much of an impression except for Calvin. Calvin is not a likable fellow. Calvin needs punched pretty much every time he opens his mouth.
The pacing is good. The exploration of a future where we've screwed things up so badly and not been able to really escape from it is interesting. David's journey and his decisions are enough to make a person think.
The only real pick I have with The Unfortunate Expiration of Mr. David S. Sparks is that the writing needs tightened up a bit. Though I understood the necessity, I rolled my eyes a bit at the super-convenient way the 'need to know' backstory was related. Having a character with memory-related issues being told the way things are is a classic device, but it's not a great one. I'd rather just read something setting the scene ahead of time than be forced through an awkward recitation later. There's some repetitiveness in the writing that could use some work as well. It's not super-present, but enough so that I remember thinking it a handful of times when reading/listening.
The narrator, Scott R. Smith, did a good job. His character voices were all very distinct. This distinctiveness might be part of the reason I ranted a little bit about Calvin earlier. Every time Calvin spoke, I tensed up. The man's voice was so arrogant, unpleasantly accented, and... and... Yeah. I maintain that Calvin just needs punched.
Overall, The Unfortunate Expiration of Mr. David S. Sparks has a few issues, but the author is talented enough that I had to finish the book. I was so curious about what he was doing, and where things were going to end up. If you like futuristic mystery, this one is definitely worth your time.
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