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RedDevil 4: A Novel
RedDevil 4 is spine-tingling techno-thriller based on cutting edge research from surgeon and inventor Eric C. Leuthardt. Renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Hagan Maerici is on the verge of a breakthrough in artificial intelligence that could change the way we think about human consciousness. Obsessed with his job and struggling to save his marriage, Dr. Maerici is forced to put his life's work on the line when a rash of brutal murders strikes St. Louis. Edwin Krantz, an aging, technophobic detective, and his partner, Tara Dezner, are tasked with investigating the horrifying killings. Shockingly, the murders have all been committed by prominent citizens who have no obvious motives or history of violence. Seeking an explanation for the suspects' strange behavior, Krantz and Denzer turn to Dr. Maerici, who believes that the answer lies within the killers' brains themselves. Someone is introducing a glitch into the in-brain computer systems of the suspects―a virus that turns ordinary citizens into murderers. With time running out, this trio of unlikely allies must face a gauntlet of obstacles, both human and A.I., as they attempt to avert disaster.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published February 4, 2014
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546 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 22, 2014
I didn't come to this novel with many expectations. The cover description didn't exactly entice me, but I figured I could give it a shot to surprise me. And surprise me it did. This is by far my least favorite read of 2014 thus far, though the Hugo Award packet may offer a few surprises in the near future. From the first chapter, I knew I would hate this book, and by page 100, I gave up because it showed no signs of improving. If there's one good thing to say about having picked up RedDevil 4, it's that I learned never to read anything written by Douglas Preston or Steve Berry, both of whom provided cover blurbs; if Preston found anything here that "blew [his] mind," he clearly doesn't know a cliche when it smacks him repeatedly in the eyes. And if Berry thought I'd "[savor] a peck into the psyche [and] one into the future as well," I'd just assume he doesn't know what words mean.
In short, this is going to be a mean review. Prepare yourself.
Almost all of RedDevil 4's problems are a result of its structure. Billed as a thriller, Leuthardt's novel follows the typical structure of a James Patterson-esque novel. This might not be a problem if the novel remained focused on a title character, as Patterson mostly does in the first of his Alex Cross novels, Along Came a Spider; RedDevil 4, however, shifts between multiple characters: Hagan, Krantz, Trent (a seemingly random virtual reality user), Reverend Elymas (who uses special drugs to enhance his "performance"), the Chameleon (a drug dealer), and some other mostly irrelevant figures. There are so many POVs in the first 100 pages that the novel's main plot points -- mysterious murders and Hagan's invention -- make little to no progress. This is a 300-page novel, and yet barely anything of note actually occurs in the first third. Even when things do happen, they are painfully cliche and hopelessly detached from anything resembling actual people. These are the second and third biggest problems with this novel.
A poorly structured novel is fully capable of transcending its limitations if it can provide adequate characters to distract the reader from the other issues. RedDevil 4, unfortunately, doesn't have adequate characters. Hagan, the apparent protagonist of the novel, is about as wooden and cookie-cutter as you can get. Scientist working overtime to create some newfangled thing? Check. Is he pressured by corporate interests? Check. Does he have marital problems because he works too much? Check. Does he try to justify those problems by saying "but I is gonna make sumfin good, dood"? Check. One can certainly write a scientific cliche well, but Leuthardt provides so little actual emotion and depth to Hagan's character that you could have deleted him from the first 100 pages and not have noticed at all. There's nothing new about Hagan's archetype. We've seen this dozens of times before. It's like being on autopilot. When I see scientists in this situation, I desperately hope they won't be like Hagan. In this case, I found myself utterly disinterested in what was happening with Hagan; I didn't care about his marital issues because they felt as common place and desensitized as breathing.
The other characters are equally as undeveloped. Trent doesn't appear to have any real connection to any of the other narratives, nor are his internal emotions, motivations, or desires demarcated in any way other than the most basic sense. Like Hagan, Trent (and most any other character here) could be deleted without causing any real damage to the existing narratives. Additionally, none of the characters seem to be connected in any significant way, except for the Chameleon and Elymas, who have a "business" relationship (drugs). It's as if Leuthardt started out by writing three bog standard genre novels, and then he shoved them all together and called it RedDevil 4. I'm sure the dots are connected later on in the novel, but I couldn't get over the lifelessness of the characters to convince myself the rest was worth reading. Even if I could get over the characters, though, the rest of the novel reads just as cliche. AI inventions are not new to science fiction, nor are scientists with marital problems, virtual reality users who become obsessed with the virtual and unearth weirdness, etc. The closest thing to "new" in this novel are the religious elements, but these are mostly stuck in the background. A novel about the public's debates over the moral and ethical questions raised by artificial intelligence (with a side of terrorism) might actually make for an interesting read. But, again, that's not RedDevil 4.
In short, I pretty much hated this book. I'm not one to quit on a read, but I found Leuthardt's RedDevil 4 a pointless literary venture into familiar territory. Wooden characters, overly simplified prose, shoddy structure, and eye-rolling cliches are not for me. I'd rather read James Joyce's Ulysses again...
In short, this is going to be a mean review. Prepare yourself.
Almost all of RedDevil 4's problems are a result of its structure. Billed as a thriller, Leuthardt's novel follows the typical structure of a James Patterson-esque novel. This might not be a problem if the novel remained focused on a title character, as Patterson mostly does in the first of his Alex Cross novels, Along Came a Spider; RedDevil 4, however, shifts between multiple characters: Hagan, Krantz, Trent (a seemingly random virtual reality user), Reverend Elymas (who uses special drugs to enhance his "performance"), the Chameleon (a drug dealer), and some other mostly irrelevant figures. There are so many POVs in the first 100 pages that the novel's main plot points -- mysterious murders and Hagan's invention -- make little to no progress. This is a 300-page novel, and yet barely anything of note actually occurs in the first third. Even when things do happen, they are painfully cliche and hopelessly detached from anything resembling actual people. These are the second and third biggest problems with this novel.
A poorly structured novel is fully capable of transcending its limitations if it can provide adequate characters to distract the reader from the other issues. RedDevil 4, unfortunately, doesn't have adequate characters. Hagan, the apparent protagonist of the novel, is about as wooden and cookie-cutter as you can get. Scientist working overtime to create some newfangled thing? Check. Is he pressured by corporate interests? Check. Does he have marital problems because he works too much? Check. Does he try to justify those problems by saying "but I is gonna make sumfin good, dood"? Check. One can certainly write a scientific cliche well, but Leuthardt provides so little actual emotion and depth to Hagan's character that you could have deleted him from the first 100 pages and not have noticed at all. There's nothing new about Hagan's archetype. We've seen this dozens of times before. It's like being on autopilot. When I see scientists in this situation, I desperately hope they won't be like Hagan. In this case, I found myself utterly disinterested in what was happening with Hagan; I didn't care about his marital issues because they felt as common place and desensitized as breathing.
The other characters are equally as undeveloped. Trent doesn't appear to have any real connection to any of the other narratives, nor are his internal emotions, motivations, or desires demarcated in any way other than the most basic sense. Like Hagan, Trent (and most any other character here) could be deleted without causing any real damage to the existing narratives. Additionally, none of the characters seem to be connected in any significant way, except for the Chameleon and Elymas, who have a "business" relationship (drugs). It's as if Leuthardt started out by writing three bog standard genre novels, and then he shoved them all together and called it RedDevil 4. I'm sure the dots are connected later on in the novel, but I couldn't get over the lifelessness of the characters to convince myself the rest was worth reading. Even if I could get over the characters, though, the rest of the novel reads just as cliche. AI inventions are not new to science fiction, nor are scientists with marital problems, virtual reality users who become obsessed with the virtual and unearth weirdness, etc. The closest thing to "new" in this novel are the religious elements, but these are mostly stuck in the background. A novel about the public's debates over the moral and ethical questions raised by artificial intelligence (with a side of terrorism) might actually make for an interesting read. But, again, that's not RedDevil 4.
In short, I pretty much hated this book. I'm not one to quit on a read, but I found Leuthardt's RedDevil 4 a pointless literary venture into familiar territory. Wooden characters, overly simplified prose, shoddy structure, and eye-rolling cliches are not for me. I'd rather read James Joyce's Ulysses again...
December 22, 2023
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RedDevil4 is a techo-medical thriller written by Eric C. Leuthardt, a top neurosurgeon and a pioneer in neuroprosthetics (brain-computer interfaces). One of the most prolific inventors with over 800 patents granted or pending, and now, bestselling novelist about a terrifying computer virus that infects neural implants.
I should say first off I thought this was terrible. The writing was unbelievably bad considering Leuthardt must have had a team of people looking out for him. It has received good reviews online and from prominent authors, but it was so bad it was difficult to read. This is a negative review.
Taking place in the near future, where almost everyone has a neural implant to conduct daily life (think internal internet complete with video chats), three separate incidents happen where people turn berserk and murderous. Enter the crusty curmudgeon police detective (picture a technophobe like Columbo) and his female partner, described "hot and smart, but what a pain in the ass". Yes, she is whipsmart, and is so beautiful she makes the guys stand around and stare. Either that, or when she interjects an opinion, she's told to "Whoa, hold on there, Tiger". (It's difficult to work around women, right?) Hard to believe his characters were written in 2015, not to mention this is supposed to be in the future.
Enter the neuroscientist/artificial intelligence researcher to help make sense of it all. Dr. Maerici is the character that gets to spout all the neuroscience jargon to the reader (and the detectives), blended into conversations as part of the story. When it goes into the theories of future prosthetics and implants, it is very interesting - but the way it set within a lame mystery thriller does it a disservice. A prominent billionaire, a leader in the community with a disabled son is one of the cases, another is a ruthless nano-drug dealer, and the other a gay florist (another badly written character).
They track down the source of it all but by that point the writing was so bad I just wanted out. One of the reviews online says he is a "veteran scientist but rookie novelist, and it shows a little". For me, reading about a technofuture where they have needless sexism, homophobia, and quote old TV shows like The Odd Couple, immediately takes me out of the story.
I was really looking forward to it, and was so disappointing! All I can say is - he did actually write a book, and it got published, so I'm happy for him. I wish him well, but this was so badly written it was a tough go without reward - except it's over.
One of the few stinkers I've read in a long time.
RedDevil4 is a techo-medical thriller written by Eric C. Leuthardt, a top neurosurgeon and a pioneer in neuroprosthetics (brain-computer interfaces). One of the most prolific inventors with over 800 patents granted or pending, and now, bestselling novelist about a terrifying computer virus that infects neural implants.
I should say first off I thought this was terrible. The writing was unbelievably bad considering Leuthardt must have had a team of people looking out for him. It has received good reviews online and from prominent authors, but it was so bad it was difficult to read. This is a negative review.
Taking place in the near future, where almost everyone has a neural implant to conduct daily life (think internal internet complete with video chats), three separate incidents happen where people turn berserk and murderous. Enter the crusty curmudgeon police detective (picture a technophobe like Columbo) and his female partner, described "hot and smart, but what a pain in the ass". Yes, she is whipsmart, and is so beautiful she makes the guys stand around and stare. Either that, or when she interjects an opinion, she's told to "Whoa, hold on there, Tiger". (It's difficult to work around women, right?) Hard to believe his characters were written in 2015, not to mention this is supposed to be in the future.
Enter the neuroscientist/artificial intelligence researcher to help make sense of it all. Dr. Maerici is the character that gets to spout all the neuroscience jargon to the reader (and the detectives), blended into conversations as part of the story. When it goes into the theories of future prosthetics and implants, it is very interesting - but the way it set within a lame mystery thriller does it a disservice. A prominent billionaire, a leader in the community with a disabled son is one of the cases, another is a ruthless nano-drug dealer, and the other a gay florist (another badly written character).
They track down the source of it all but by that point the writing was so bad I just wanted out. One of the reviews online says he is a "veteran scientist but rookie novelist, and it shows a little". For me, reading about a technofuture where they have needless sexism, homophobia, and quote old TV shows like The Odd Couple, immediately takes me out of the story.
I was really looking forward to it, and was so disappointing! All I can say is - he did actually write a book, and it got published, so I'm happy for him. I wish him well, but this was so badly written it was a tough go without reward - except it's over.
One of the few stinkers I've read in a long time.
February 16, 2014
A word of caution: I like the Hard type of Science Fiction and so I did enjoy this book immensely. If you do not know what Hard Science Fiction is, you might want to go look it up and perhaps stay away from this book. For the rest of you, please welcome in an exciting new author to the field and pray that he is not a one shot Johnny. But if he is, well, what a shot.
RED DEVIL 4 is set in St. Louis about 40 years into the future. Forget about PCs and telephones, now you are connected to everything and everyone just by mentally activating your neuroprosthetics implants. And this is just a minor element in the future world as portrayed by Eric Leuthardt. Like the late Michael Crichton before him, Leuthardt has the diplomas and practical, working knowledge to back up everything scientific he writes about. This future is growing more real and possible by the moment.
The story itself is a murder mystery revolving around several killers who are and are not killers and the pair of detectives who are trying to wrap their minds around that possibility. There is also a medical researcher, Hagan, who is on the verge of a major cyber/neurological break though, if only he didn’t have to try to solve the crimes but through a medical viewpoint.
The chapters are time stamped and you can read through each in approximately real time giving the book an immediacy you might not otherwise feel. There are multiple points of view from the dozen or so main characters, but they are so well done and in such style so as to enhance the reader’s enjoyment and understanding of the story and the science it holds.
This book is not for the feint of heart and designed for the reader who wants an intellectually stimulating, highly fascinating and deeply involving read. I won this wonderful book through Goodreads .
RED DEVIL 4 is set in St. Louis about 40 years into the future. Forget about PCs and telephones, now you are connected to everything and everyone just by mentally activating your neuroprosthetics implants. And this is just a minor element in the future world as portrayed by Eric Leuthardt. Like the late Michael Crichton before him, Leuthardt has the diplomas and practical, working knowledge to back up everything scientific he writes about. This future is growing more real and possible by the moment.
The story itself is a murder mystery revolving around several killers who are and are not killers and the pair of detectives who are trying to wrap their minds around that possibility. There is also a medical researcher, Hagan, who is on the verge of a major cyber/neurological break though, if only he didn’t have to try to solve the crimes but through a medical viewpoint.
The chapters are time stamped and you can read through each in approximately real time giving the book an immediacy you might not otherwise feel. There are multiple points of view from the dozen or so main characters, but they are so well done and in such style so as to enhance the reader’s enjoyment and understanding of the story and the science it holds.
This book is not for the feint of heart and designed for the reader who wants an intellectually stimulating, highly fascinating and deeply involving read. I won this wonderful book through Goodreads .
June 12, 2014
Imagine a world where people are connected wirelessly to everything… from the internet to their homes, cars, jobs… each other. Set in the near-future, this sci-fi thriller will rock you to your core.
Neuroprosthetics… a simple chip implanted in the brain and the user is connected to everything and everybody. Thoughts become actions, people can live in a completely artificial environment… a virtual reality of life, and the drug of choice is a class of neuro-stimulating computer codes that could be brain-altering. Dr. Hagan Maerici, an expert and developer in the field is knee deep in a series of murders committed by well-known individuals with no motives. Could these deaths have been brought on by a code that will enable an Artificial Intelligence to think and act on its own?
When people start dying, Police Detective Edwin Krantz and ex-Navy SEAL Tara Dezner are called in to work with Maerici, but soon find that skirting the law may be the only way solve the mystery.
With a large, but interesting and relevant cast of characters, Red Devil 4 is the ultimate techno-thriller to date, and closer to being a reality than we would like to believe.
Neurosurgeon, biomedical engineer, and neuroprosthetic pioneer, Eric C. Leuthardt, M.D., spins a tale of the future and the scenario that could so easily come to pass. His knowledge of the subject matter translates well to the pages and enables the reader to understand exactly how the brain works and how this new technology could affect us all. Leuthardt’s characters are believable and the story flows well throughout, taking the reader on a harrowing adventure through the mind. Intelligent, awesomely frightening, and technologically credible, Red Devil 4 is a snapshot of a future gone decidedly wrong and a projection of chaos for all. Don’t miss it!
DJ Weaver
For Suspense Magazine
Neuroprosthetics… a simple chip implanted in the brain and the user is connected to everything and everybody. Thoughts become actions, people can live in a completely artificial environment… a virtual reality of life, and the drug of choice is a class of neuro-stimulating computer codes that could be brain-altering. Dr. Hagan Maerici, an expert and developer in the field is knee deep in a series of murders committed by well-known individuals with no motives. Could these deaths have been brought on by a code that will enable an Artificial Intelligence to think and act on its own?
When people start dying, Police Detective Edwin Krantz and ex-Navy SEAL Tara Dezner are called in to work with Maerici, but soon find that skirting the law may be the only way solve the mystery.
With a large, but interesting and relevant cast of characters, Red Devil 4 is the ultimate techno-thriller to date, and closer to being a reality than we would like to believe.
Neurosurgeon, biomedical engineer, and neuroprosthetic pioneer, Eric C. Leuthardt, M.D., spins a tale of the future and the scenario that could so easily come to pass. His knowledge of the subject matter translates well to the pages and enables the reader to understand exactly how the brain works and how this new technology could affect us all. Leuthardt’s characters are believable and the story flows well throughout, taking the reader on a harrowing adventure through the mind. Intelligent, awesomely frightening, and technologically credible, Red Devil 4 is a snapshot of a future gone decidedly wrong and a projection of chaos for all. Don’t miss it!
DJ Weaver
For Suspense Magazine
January 25, 2014
I received this book from the goodreads first reads program. The premise for the story is great. It is almost a cautionary tale such as Orwell's "1984". However the layout of the story left me confused. It jumps from one narrator to another every few pages and doesn't always identify the narrator. Sometimes one narrator will be called by two different names is as many pages. I was excited to read this story, but found myself defeated by the disorganized chaos of it all.
March 3, 2014
Well I tried to read this book 3 times and I seemed to get lost. Sorry sir I'm afraid it was just not up my alley. I have passed it on to my Brother-in-law who was looking forward to reading it.
July 22, 2016
I understand why people like this, but it is a complete disconnect with my vision.
March 17, 2014
Red Devil 4: Dr. Eric Leuhardt
Think about it: A few electrodes implanted in your brain and you're connected wirelessly not merely to a computer system, but to the Internet, to your car, to your home--to other people. Thoughts become actions as you literally move through information as if it were a physical environment. But what about the dark side? Could your brain be hacked? Could a class of neuron-stimulating computer codes become the heroin or meth of tomorrow? And what about people who opt out of "real life," choosing instead to spend their days in a computer-generated virtual reality?
All of these questions will be answered in the course of the novel titled RedDevil 4, a fast-paced, fascinating (and terrifying!) techno-medical thriller that follows prominent neuroscientist Hagan Maerici as he's brought in to help solve a series of murders where the suspects, it seems, have had their brains hacked with malevolent computer code--a precursor to the real battle that lies ahead.
Dr. Hagan Maerici is focusing his work on creating and an artificial intelligence named Omid. Omid follows his every command and can do just about anything we can with the help, guidance and technology provided by this man. The year is 2053 and most people young, old but not the very elderly called technophobes are connected to the world through implants in the brain allowing them believe it or not to connect with other people, make phone calls, access information, keep track of their staffs, drive their cars with a single command and obtain information in seconds. Entering his car he is able to access his wife if he needs her, which he would prefer not to, phone his office and get his daily schedule and updates on his patients and speak and connect with Omid. Imagine being able to drive your car and not have to deal with the traffic, the sights and create a screen or images that are more pleasing to you. But, although this doctor has high expectations for creating this artificial intelligence and the breakthrough comes through, hoping it will increase profits for his company, something terrifying changes it all. Imagine an AI that thinks and acts on its own. But, there is much more as the author introduces us to Trent Devron the son of the man who is behind the research and Hagan’s superior. Trent was in a fatal accident that cost his mother her life and he lost mobility and is deformed in many ways. Escaping life is his solution as he spends much of his time in many different virtual reality arenas playing games, meeting people and even attending parties. But, there is much more as we meet the man called the Chameleon whose temperament, physical appearance and facial expressions change within seconds, as does a chameleon that hides who he really is. Dangerous and dealing in drugs this man and those that work for him focus their attention on girls that please them, giving them drugs to hype them up and hopefully getting access to some that are so powerful it will blow their minds.
As the author explains the various parts of the brain and the end result of each of the victim’s whose brains were hacked by a virus that comes to be known as Red Devil 4, the author on pages 149-150 explains what is happening within each of their brains. This deadly virus putting them in different states of comprehension attacks three victims. So, what are Edwin Krantz a police detective and former Navy Seal Tara Dezner going to do when they are the ones handling the murders and find that circumventing the law and the privacy act might be the only way to save lives? Dr. Hagan Maerici is the doctor handling all three cases since they are all his patients. When calling up the brain patterns of Dr. Devron we learn just how elaborate and extensive the technology is and how he can call up the information without even being in the same room as the images fly in front of him and the holographs and shapes outline his brain. The end result is frightening as the author explains that it seems, “ that the amygdala is not communicating with the rest of his brain,” explaining why they did not see the damage right away. They claim he has something called decoherence and that both his amygdala and brain are not working in unison but separately. The rest you will have to learn when enter the room and witness the exam yourself. Trent Devron seems to be able to do more than he was before and his brain seems more stimulated and smarter. Entering his virtual world he encounters a woman that lures him in with red eyes. Calling her the blue woman with the red eyes why would she present him with this gift and just what does this mean? As Trent tries to figure this out dark images and memories of his past flood and begin to circle around him. When you read pages 158-159 you will see the same think he experiences and join him as he takes a trip to the desert and then back to the stark and sterile waiting room hoping to see his father. Gerald Oberweiss is the next victim and his diagnosis is not quite the same. This patient saw the team looking at him but failed to respond. Did you ever meet someone that was so cold they were looking right through you as if you were not there? Read the full analysis to learn more on pages 166-167. This story takes place within the time span of just a little over a day and although it seems like things should be happening over a longer time period it does not. Each chapter takes place within minutes of the one before and the events happen quite close together.
Dr. Maerici is so engulfed in his work and his mission to complete his goals with the AI that he loses sight of the real world, his relationships and his life. So bent on creating Omid and wanting to perfect him he does not see many of things or events that are unfolding right in front of his eyes. Tossing his wife’s feelings aside and not really concerned about her wants and needs we see a man that lives for his work and blocks out all of the rest.
Neuroprosthetics: Imagine having a chip implanted in your brain allowing you to be connected to other humans and allowing them access to your thoughts, wants and needs. Imagine doctors being able to call up a patient’s records from a remote location even their car. Imagine the police having access to your file, your history and your life just by requesting it out loud. Imagine two detectives communicating telepathically you might say without your knowledge while you are standing right in front of them. People are many different priorities and as we get to know Hagan, Edwin Krantz and Tara, we learn a lot about human behavior, wants and needs that that the author just might be trying to teach each one of them different lessons. Selfishness, greed, money, power, control and success come to mind as some of the issues that are brought to light. Love, understanding, relationships and hope just might pull through but first who is controlling RED DEVIL 4 and can it be stopped?
Dr. Hagan Maerici is at the center of the controversy as he just might be the prime suspect or reason for what is happening. The Chameleon, a powerful drug lord is the third victim and his reactions to the doctor and stimuli do not mirror the other two victims. Mumbling: “Not me Red Devil,” he provides the first real clue to the mystery. Just what is Red Devil? Several different voices are heard including a Reverend Elymas who has become so enamored with the Chameleon and hooked on his drugs that what happens to this shyster you might say who milks his congregations for all they are worth, is frightening. Reenter the room with the Chameleon and learn more about what happens when the left side of your brain cannot function because it lacks sensory stimulus. You might want to move your finger or your hand but when you have a “neglect, you are permanently in a state in which you never notice something either from the side of your body or from that side of your environment that would induce a reaction.”
Getting to know one of the main characters you will see many different changes within this person’s personality and get to understand the underlying focus that has this person under the control of Red Devil 4. Read Saturday at 3:11 P.M. and hear the voice of this person, feel his energy and learn more. The author uses his extensive knowledge and research linking this to other illnesses like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. As he defines Anton’s syndrome related to one of our victims and he continues how Omid operates, what is Artificial Intelligence and just how committed is Omid to Hagan? In order to save everyone someone has to gain control of the operating system within the brain of two men. Within pages 238-240 the author sums up the doctor’s findings and we learn what has to be done, as there is now a fourth victim.
Omid is the key to success he hopes and although he might be an AI his feelings are that of a father to a son. Getting it from all sides Hagan has to decide where his loyalties truly lie and how to defuse Red Devil 4, which is housed within the brain and body of someone. Dangerous and deadly if they do not stop it more victims will die. What happens you might think is unethical as laws are bent, privacy clauses are pushed aside and Hagan, Tara and Edwin race the clock to stop a deadly killer. The final chapters are heart stopping and will keep you glued to the printed page waiting to learn the fate of so many as the author crafts an ending that is so unique and so different from any mystery thriller or science fiction novel that you have ever read. Omid is at the helm. Can he control the implants in the victims hoping for cortical slowing in the core? Find out what the link is and how they have to proceed to stop Red Devil 4.
Just how they attempt to stop Red Devil 4 will not only keep readers captivated reading the final pages and minutes but will make you wonder if in the future this could really happen. Can they stop what they set in motion? How are they going to expand the consciousness of someone by networking with more human brains? Find out as you hold your breath, don’t move a muscle and read the emotional ending. Red Devil 4: AI/Implants vs. the way information is accessed today? What would you want for your future?
Fran Lewis: Reviewer
Let’s give this: FIVE GOLDEN WORKABLE IMPLANTS
Think about it: A few electrodes implanted in your brain and you're connected wirelessly not merely to a computer system, but to the Internet, to your car, to your home--to other people. Thoughts become actions as you literally move through information as if it were a physical environment. But what about the dark side? Could your brain be hacked? Could a class of neuron-stimulating computer codes become the heroin or meth of tomorrow? And what about people who opt out of "real life," choosing instead to spend their days in a computer-generated virtual reality?
All of these questions will be answered in the course of the novel titled RedDevil 4, a fast-paced, fascinating (and terrifying!) techno-medical thriller that follows prominent neuroscientist Hagan Maerici as he's brought in to help solve a series of murders where the suspects, it seems, have had their brains hacked with malevolent computer code--a precursor to the real battle that lies ahead.
Dr. Hagan Maerici is focusing his work on creating and an artificial intelligence named Omid. Omid follows his every command and can do just about anything we can with the help, guidance and technology provided by this man. The year is 2053 and most people young, old but not the very elderly called technophobes are connected to the world through implants in the brain allowing them believe it or not to connect with other people, make phone calls, access information, keep track of their staffs, drive their cars with a single command and obtain information in seconds. Entering his car he is able to access his wife if he needs her, which he would prefer not to, phone his office and get his daily schedule and updates on his patients and speak and connect with Omid. Imagine being able to drive your car and not have to deal with the traffic, the sights and create a screen or images that are more pleasing to you. But, although this doctor has high expectations for creating this artificial intelligence and the breakthrough comes through, hoping it will increase profits for his company, something terrifying changes it all. Imagine an AI that thinks and acts on its own. But, there is much more as the author introduces us to Trent Devron the son of the man who is behind the research and Hagan’s superior. Trent was in a fatal accident that cost his mother her life and he lost mobility and is deformed in many ways. Escaping life is his solution as he spends much of his time in many different virtual reality arenas playing games, meeting people and even attending parties. But, there is much more as we meet the man called the Chameleon whose temperament, physical appearance and facial expressions change within seconds, as does a chameleon that hides who he really is. Dangerous and dealing in drugs this man and those that work for him focus their attention on girls that please them, giving them drugs to hype them up and hopefully getting access to some that are so powerful it will blow their minds.
As the author explains the various parts of the brain and the end result of each of the victim’s whose brains were hacked by a virus that comes to be known as Red Devil 4, the author on pages 149-150 explains what is happening within each of their brains. This deadly virus putting them in different states of comprehension attacks three victims. So, what are Edwin Krantz a police detective and former Navy Seal Tara Dezner going to do when they are the ones handling the murders and find that circumventing the law and the privacy act might be the only way to save lives? Dr. Hagan Maerici is the doctor handling all three cases since they are all his patients. When calling up the brain patterns of Dr. Devron we learn just how elaborate and extensive the technology is and how he can call up the information without even being in the same room as the images fly in front of him and the holographs and shapes outline his brain. The end result is frightening as the author explains that it seems, “ that the amygdala is not communicating with the rest of his brain,” explaining why they did not see the damage right away. They claim he has something called decoherence and that both his amygdala and brain are not working in unison but separately. The rest you will have to learn when enter the room and witness the exam yourself. Trent Devron seems to be able to do more than he was before and his brain seems more stimulated and smarter. Entering his virtual world he encounters a woman that lures him in with red eyes. Calling her the blue woman with the red eyes why would she present him with this gift and just what does this mean? As Trent tries to figure this out dark images and memories of his past flood and begin to circle around him. When you read pages 158-159 you will see the same think he experiences and join him as he takes a trip to the desert and then back to the stark and sterile waiting room hoping to see his father. Gerald Oberweiss is the next victim and his diagnosis is not quite the same. This patient saw the team looking at him but failed to respond. Did you ever meet someone that was so cold they were looking right through you as if you were not there? Read the full analysis to learn more on pages 166-167. This story takes place within the time span of just a little over a day and although it seems like things should be happening over a longer time period it does not. Each chapter takes place within minutes of the one before and the events happen quite close together.
Dr. Maerici is so engulfed in his work and his mission to complete his goals with the AI that he loses sight of the real world, his relationships and his life. So bent on creating Omid and wanting to perfect him he does not see many of things or events that are unfolding right in front of his eyes. Tossing his wife’s feelings aside and not really concerned about her wants and needs we see a man that lives for his work and blocks out all of the rest.
Neuroprosthetics: Imagine having a chip implanted in your brain allowing you to be connected to other humans and allowing them access to your thoughts, wants and needs. Imagine doctors being able to call up a patient’s records from a remote location even their car. Imagine the police having access to your file, your history and your life just by requesting it out loud. Imagine two detectives communicating telepathically you might say without your knowledge while you are standing right in front of them. People are many different priorities and as we get to know Hagan, Edwin Krantz and Tara, we learn a lot about human behavior, wants and needs that that the author just might be trying to teach each one of them different lessons. Selfishness, greed, money, power, control and success come to mind as some of the issues that are brought to light. Love, understanding, relationships and hope just might pull through but first who is controlling RED DEVIL 4 and can it be stopped?
Dr. Hagan Maerici is at the center of the controversy as he just might be the prime suspect or reason for what is happening. The Chameleon, a powerful drug lord is the third victim and his reactions to the doctor and stimuli do not mirror the other two victims. Mumbling: “Not me Red Devil,” he provides the first real clue to the mystery. Just what is Red Devil? Several different voices are heard including a Reverend Elymas who has become so enamored with the Chameleon and hooked on his drugs that what happens to this shyster you might say who milks his congregations for all they are worth, is frightening. Reenter the room with the Chameleon and learn more about what happens when the left side of your brain cannot function because it lacks sensory stimulus. You might want to move your finger or your hand but when you have a “neglect, you are permanently in a state in which you never notice something either from the side of your body or from that side of your environment that would induce a reaction.”
Getting to know one of the main characters you will see many different changes within this person’s personality and get to understand the underlying focus that has this person under the control of Red Devil 4. Read Saturday at 3:11 P.M. and hear the voice of this person, feel his energy and learn more. The author uses his extensive knowledge and research linking this to other illnesses like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. As he defines Anton’s syndrome related to one of our victims and he continues how Omid operates, what is Artificial Intelligence and just how committed is Omid to Hagan? In order to save everyone someone has to gain control of the operating system within the brain of two men. Within pages 238-240 the author sums up the doctor’s findings and we learn what has to be done, as there is now a fourth victim.
Omid is the key to success he hopes and although he might be an AI his feelings are that of a father to a son. Getting it from all sides Hagan has to decide where his loyalties truly lie and how to defuse Red Devil 4, which is housed within the brain and body of someone. Dangerous and deadly if they do not stop it more victims will die. What happens you might think is unethical as laws are bent, privacy clauses are pushed aside and Hagan, Tara and Edwin race the clock to stop a deadly killer. The final chapters are heart stopping and will keep you glued to the printed page waiting to learn the fate of so many as the author crafts an ending that is so unique and so different from any mystery thriller or science fiction novel that you have ever read. Omid is at the helm. Can he control the implants in the victims hoping for cortical slowing in the core? Find out what the link is and how they have to proceed to stop Red Devil 4.
Just how they attempt to stop Red Devil 4 will not only keep readers captivated reading the final pages and minutes but will make you wonder if in the future this could really happen. Can they stop what they set in motion? How are they going to expand the consciousness of someone by networking with more human brains? Find out as you hold your breath, don’t move a muscle and read the emotional ending. Red Devil 4: AI/Implants vs. the way information is accessed today? What would you want for your future?
Fran Lewis: Reviewer
Let’s give this: FIVE GOLDEN WORKABLE IMPLANTS
January 4, 2018
So, I really hated this book when I first started reading. The writing seemed juvenile. I had to struggle not to just put it down. The characters were 2 dimensional, unlikeable caricatures. Poor neurosurgeon - his mean old boss, his complaining wife - whine, whine, whine. The old detective - just wants to garden, oh, gee, is it time to retire? - his younger female partner - smarter than everyone, cold as ice. An Indian character's accent was embarrassing. The description of the gay characters was embarrassing. It's 30 years in the future -will we really still be reacting the same way? And why is an 83-year-old man is still considered 'weak', i.e. at this point, you'd think 83 would be like, maybe 63? And then there was the use of adjectives as if a Thesaurus had been given to a not-too-bright high school student who was then told to write a story. One character is a 'sanguine red' on one page, only to be a 'sanguine rose' on the next, with a 'not saguine' reply later on. A woman had pear-shaped breasts and a man had a pear-shaped body. It got to a point where I was folding the corners over as I found yet another annoying item.
BUT THEN. Once it took off, it really did. What wonderful descriptions - comparing the brain to numerous radio stations, for example. The characters developed personalities, and I started to care about them. I got totally involved. The scientific information was descriptive, yet made sense to a layman. It really picked up and started to race along, getting more and more exciting, with a great ending. What it comes down to, I think, is something I have been noticing recently: BAD EDITING. In the end, I really enjoyed the story; it was as if the writer got going with a poor setup and no input, and then just took off running. I recommend this, his first, book.
BUT THEN. Once it took off, it really did. What wonderful descriptions - comparing the brain to numerous radio stations, for example. The characters developed personalities, and I started to care about them. I got totally involved. The scientific information was descriptive, yet made sense to a layman. It really picked up and started to race along, getting more and more exciting, with a great ending. What it comes down to, I think, is something I have been noticing recently: BAD EDITING. In the end, I really enjoyed the story; it was as if the writer got going with a poor setup and no input, and then just took off running. I recommend this, his first, book.
December 15, 2018
I loved the premise of this book - even more because it's written by someone who knows where we are heading - however I struggled to enjoy the way it was written. On balance it was worth sticking with it to the end - fascinating, but it was not my favourite read.
December 31, 2017
Intriguing ideas. Hard to follow. Maybe his next effort will be better.
March 16, 2014
REDDEVIL 4 was an engaging science fiction thriller. It is 2053 and cell phones are obsolete. Everyone has a neuroprosthetic implant that connects people and allows them to access all manner of data. But that doesn't stop crime. Edwin Krantz and his partner Tara Dezner are called in on a case where multi-billionaire Dr. Marcus Devron has apparently killed his maid of 40 years in a particularly gruesome manner. Since Dr. Devron is also in medical distress, he is taken to the hospital.
Dr. Hagan Maerici is a neurosurgeon who is doing research for Dr. Devron. He is trying to make a self-aware artificial intelligence. His research is so compelling that he is withdrawing from everyone including his wife. When Dr. Devron arrives, Dr. Maerici and his team examine him and finds some anomalies. Before he can figure out what has happened, two more cases are found. A florist has killed his partner of many years and a drug lord has killed his lawyer. All of them have in common that they were very wealthy and were all patients of Dr. Maerici. They also have in common that one part of their brain has disassociated with the rest of their brain.
Maerici, Krantz and Dezner need to work quickly to find out what has gone wrong with these three and to stop the problem from becoming an epidemic.
Despite the dense science in this one, the characters were well-rounded and sympathetic. Dr. Maerici is especially well-drawn as we see him torn between his failing marriage and his near success with creating an independent artificial intelligence. We see him getting pressure from his boss to produce results and we see him guiding his group of residents and medical students.
Krantz and Dezner were also well-developed. Krantz is a widower and a sort of technophobe who hasn't updated his neuroprosthetic but who has well-developed people sense that helps him in his investigations. Dezner is a former Navy SEAL who is totally up-to-date on both the technology of the time and the theory behind it. She is also alone because her dedication to her duty has cost her her marriage. She finds in Maerici a person a lot like her.
I mentioned the dense science. There was an awful lot about the workings of the human brain that made perfect sense as I was reading it but I couldn't repeat now to save my life. The science was integrated quite seamlessly that it didn't slow down the pace of the story.
I recommend this thriller to fans of mysteries and science fiction.
Dr. Hagan Maerici is a neurosurgeon who is doing research for Dr. Devron. He is trying to make a self-aware artificial intelligence. His research is so compelling that he is withdrawing from everyone including his wife. When Dr. Devron arrives, Dr. Maerici and his team examine him and finds some anomalies. Before he can figure out what has happened, two more cases are found. A florist has killed his partner of many years and a drug lord has killed his lawyer. All of them have in common that they were very wealthy and were all patients of Dr. Maerici. They also have in common that one part of their brain has disassociated with the rest of their brain.
Maerici, Krantz and Dezner need to work quickly to find out what has gone wrong with these three and to stop the problem from becoming an epidemic.
Despite the dense science in this one, the characters were well-rounded and sympathetic. Dr. Maerici is especially well-drawn as we see him torn between his failing marriage and his near success with creating an independent artificial intelligence. We see him getting pressure from his boss to produce results and we see him guiding his group of residents and medical students.
Krantz and Dezner were also well-developed. Krantz is a widower and a sort of technophobe who hasn't updated his neuroprosthetic but who has well-developed people sense that helps him in his investigations. Dezner is a former Navy SEAL who is totally up-to-date on both the technology of the time and the theory behind it. She is also alone because her dedication to her duty has cost her her marriage. She finds in Maerici a person a lot like her.
I mentioned the dense science. There was an awful lot about the workings of the human brain that made perfect sense as I was reading it but I couldn't repeat now to save my life. The science was integrated quite seamlessly that it didn't slow down the pace of the story.
I recommend this thriller to fans of mysteries and science fiction.
November 3, 2014
In the year 2053 technological advancements have made vast and wondrous strides. Neuroprosthetic implants allow for instant contact and up-to-date access to news and information, medical advancements mean almost instantaneous diagnoses, and one scientist has almost succeeded in creating artificial intelligence. But some do not see this as advancement. Some believe this new world is an abomination. Religious leaders prompt followers into very public and sometimes violent protest while the other side of the spectrum would see everyone connected in one vast network. In the midst of all of this, a series of murders has the police baffled. Three similar crimes all at the same time in three different locations. And in each case the killer was apprehended. There's no doubt the cases are connected but can the police figure it out before there are more deaths?
This tv season I've gotten completely hooked on Fox's new sci-fi police procedural Almost Human. All along I've been longing for something along those lines to read as well and Eric C. Leuthardt's REDDEVIL 4 seems to be exactly that!
Apparently Leuthardt is a neurosurgeon. I admit this was something of a concern for me as a reader - I've definitely come across some professionals who are easily able to plot and write great fiction while integrating their profession and knowledge into the story but I've also read others where the focus becomes too much on the author's day job and less on the actual storytelling. Fortunately Leuthardt seems to have the balance down pat. Be warned, though, the science is quite heavy in this one; there was a lot that went over my head in terms of actual explanation behind the tech and the drugs. On the flip side, the actual mystery is really intriguing and in spite of the complicated dollar words (I'm exaggerating a little) the plot moves rather quickly.
Sections alternate between a number of characters, especially in the beginning with The Chameleon, Hagan, both of the Devrons, Krantz, etc. The character list does whittle down some as the various victims start to fall! And the crimes (and the descriptions of the scenes) are pretty brutal.
All in all, REDDEVIL 4 is a smart debut and a great futuristic twist on a classic police procedural theme.
This tv season I've gotten completely hooked on Fox's new sci-fi police procedural Almost Human. All along I've been longing for something along those lines to read as well and Eric C. Leuthardt's REDDEVIL 4 seems to be exactly that!
Apparently Leuthardt is a neurosurgeon. I admit this was something of a concern for me as a reader - I've definitely come across some professionals who are easily able to plot and write great fiction while integrating their profession and knowledge into the story but I've also read others where the focus becomes too much on the author's day job and less on the actual storytelling. Fortunately Leuthardt seems to have the balance down pat. Be warned, though, the science is quite heavy in this one; there was a lot that went over my head in terms of actual explanation behind the tech and the drugs. On the flip side, the actual mystery is really intriguing and in spite of the complicated dollar words (I'm exaggerating a little) the plot moves rather quickly.
Sections alternate between a number of characters, especially in the beginning with The Chameleon, Hagan, both of the Devrons, Krantz, etc. The character list does whittle down some as the various victims start to fall! And the crimes (and the descriptions of the scenes) are pretty brutal.
All in all, REDDEVIL 4 is a smart debut and a great futuristic twist on a classic police procedural theme.
July 30, 2014
RedDevil 4
First and foremost, Red Devil 4 is an excellent medical science fiction thriller rich with convincing detail. Clearly the author knows what he’s talking about and didn’t simply “read a book once” about the workings of the human brain. The characters are well-drawn, convincing and easily visualized, their behavior well-motivated and consistent. Suspense was in the “nail-biting” range, the ending impossible to predict yet ultimately satisfying.
The cautionary tale element is clear as man dabbles with brain implants and the development of artificial intelligence but even more chilling is the fact the author is not only a neurosurgeon but also involved in bioengineering, hinting at the potential for a dark prophetic element underlying the story’s premise.
Ethical implications related to medical and legal issues were well-stated and thought-provoking to say the least. The fact that first and foremost medicine is indeed a profit-making business was readily apparent; helping people is purely incidental. Even the challenges of balancing a career with relationship and family obligations were addressed, particularly where a person’s life’s work has the potential of effecting a paradigm shift, making the characters even more believable and human.
I’m not one who cares for graphic or gratuitously gory descriptions but the author managed to make them tolerable, often using surprising bits of dry humor that had me laughing out loud. If you’re a fan of Michael Crichton I especially recommend this book. It’s highly intelligent and masterful in technique. I’m a picky and discriminating reader who continually has “editor mode” running in the background. As such there were a few metaphors that seemed inappropriate for a book set in the year 2053 and whoever the copy editor was missed numerous minor flaws like missing words. Nonetheless, I thoroughly enjoyed this book as a connoisseur of outstanding writing skill regardless of genre.
First and foremost, Red Devil 4 is an excellent medical science fiction thriller rich with convincing detail. Clearly the author knows what he’s talking about and didn’t simply “read a book once” about the workings of the human brain. The characters are well-drawn, convincing and easily visualized, their behavior well-motivated and consistent. Suspense was in the “nail-biting” range, the ending impossible to predict yet ultimately satisfying.
The cautionary tale element is clear as man dabbles with brain implants and the development of artificial intelligence but even more chilling is the fact the author is not only a neurosurgeon but also involved in bioengineering, hinting at the potential for a dark prophetic element underlying the story’s premise.
Ethical implications related to medical and legal issues were well-stated and thought-provoking to say the least. The fact that first and foremost medicine is indeed a profit-making business was readily apparent; helping people is purely incidental. Even the challenges of balancing a career with relationship and family obligations were addressed, particularly where a person’s life’s work has the potential of effecting a paradigm shift, making the characters even more believable and human.
I’m not one who cares for graphic or gratuitously gory descriptions but the author managed to make them tolerable, often using surprising bits of dry humor that had me laughing out loud. If you’re a fan of Michael Crichton I especially recommend this book. It’s highly intelligent and masterful in technique. I’m a picky and discriminating reader who continually has “editor mode” running in the background. As such there were a few metaphors that seemed inappropriate for a book set in the year 2053 and whoever the copy editor was missed numerous minor flaws like missing words. Nonetheless, I thoroughly enjoyed this book as a connoisseur of outstanding writing skill regardless of genre.
March 21, 2014
Science & murders in the latter half of the 21st century. A book that mixes the new sciences with the old crimes of murder .It is 2053 and scientists have learned how to embed electronic devices in humans that allow you to accomplish certain tasks without really doing them. It has become the age of artificial intelligence or AI ! You are able to mentally call up images of those you want to converse with and see them as a 'globe' in front of your eyes. Your car drives itself and if you desire to 'play' in the ethereal world you are able to conjure up the right images.
However, even in this world, there are criminals taking advantage of innocents for money and power. The major one in this book is the Chameleon, a high priced drug dealer providing exotic experiences for money. And those who don't pay up...die!There is also Professor Devron and his chief researcher Dr.Hagan Maerici working to improve implant communication devices. Suddenly bodies are showing up and old time detective Edwin Krantz and his young tech savvy associate, Tara Dezner must solve the mysterious, unrelated? deaths.
Hagan is under pressure from the institute that Marcus Devron created to complete his project...the artificial student...Omid. There is the risk of losing his grant money and his wife Anna is ready to divorce him because she is justifiably angry that Hagan is always tied up in his lab. Then the horrifying murders start to pile up and Krantz and Dezner and Maerici must team up to discover what form of evil has been created in the form of this new Artificial Intelligence!
Eric Leuthardt has created a nail-biting scenario of the future. Once hooked , you will not be able to put down his story!
However, even in this world, there are criminals taking advantage of innocents for money and power. The major one in this book is the Chameleon, a high priced drug dealer providing exotic experiences for money. And those who don't pay up...die!There is also Professor Devron and his chief researcher Dr.Hagan Maerici working to improve implant communication devices. Suddenly bodies are showing up and old time detective Edwin Krantz and his young tech savvy associate, Tara Dezner must solve the mysterious, unrelated? deaths.
Hagan is under pressure from the institute that Marcus Devron created to complete his project...the artificial student...Omid. There is the risk of losing his grant money and his wife Anna is ready to divorce him because she is justifiably angry that Hagan is always tied up in his lab. Then the horrifying murders start to pile up and Krantz and Dezner and Maerici must team up to discover what form of evil has been created in the form of this new Artificial Intelligence!
Eric Leuthardt has created a nail-biting scenario of the future. Once hooked , you will not be able to put down his story!
March 17, 2014
RedDevil 4 was a cautionary tale about what can go wrong when you let technology take over. I was most impressed with the detail and clarity that the author provided for driving around St. Louis in the central corridor near Forest Park.
The basics for the book showcase how different people adapt to technology and how they fall all across the spectrum. Many people in this future year now have neuroprosthetics implanted in their brains and Dr. Maerici, the main character for all purposes, is at the front of this new research and he is working hard on more AI advances. Due to these implants, people no longer use cell phones or text as it is all displayed right in front of their eyes written in blue or a caller appears as a white dot... Not surprisingly, people rely on the technology to enhance all of their senses and pretty much all of their entertainment. On the flip side of "no technology" are some holy rollers who are a very vocal group.
Often I felt like I was watching an episode of CSI where Dr. Maerici and Detective Dezner (the female detective assigned on the case who, of course, used to be a Navy Seal and who knows all about neuroprosthetics and AI) talk back and forth with one another with techno-speak. It seemed like the two of them were in a different book completely for much of the time.
Though I did find the book interesting and unique, I will not be picking up any of his future books. I felt the author really just wanted to showcase that he was the smartest guy in the room (as Dr. Maerici, who shares the same specialty with the author in real life). If that was the goal, I'd say mission accomplished!
The basics for the book showcase how different people adapt to technology and how they fall all across the spectrum. Many people in this future year now have neuroprosthetics implanted in their brains and Dr. Maerici, the main character for all purposes, is at the front of this new research and he is working hard on more AI advances. Due to these implants, people no longer use cell phones or text as it is all displayed right in front of their eyes written in blue or a caller appears as a white dot... Not surprisingly, people rely on the technology to enhance all of their senses and pretty much all of their entertainment. On the flip side of "no technology" are some holy rollers who are a very vocal group.
Often I felt like I was watching an episode of CSI where Dr. Maerici and Detective Dezner (the female detective assigned on the case who, of course, used to be a Navy Seal and who knows all about neuroprosthetics and AI) talk back and forth with one another with techno-speak. It seemed like the two of them were in a different book completely for much of the time.
Though I did find the book interesting and unique, I will not be picking up any of his future books. I felt the author really just wanted to showcase that he was the smartest guy in the room (as Dr. Maerici, who shares the same specialty with the author in real life). If that was the goal, I'd say mission accomplished!
June 15, 2014
After reading many disappointed books I've decided there's simply not enough time with so many books to read. So I usually give each book at least 100 pages before turning it down. I'm fortunate that by the time I got to 92 page the story finally turned to fast mode I finished the book within a day. Not many books do that to me.
Sci-Fi is usually not my genre. My last memorable sci-fi books were Prey and Digital Fortress which I read a long time ago and loved. This book certainly rank among them. At first I was cynical, must be abt an artificial intelligent that tries to overpower human race. But this book surprised me in so many levels. Not only the narrations, the imagery, the voice, the depth of the characters, the intrinsic overlapping layers of the plot all exceeded my expectations. I was literally in tears as I come to the conclusion of the book.
I'm happy this is my first summer book. This is the only time of the year that I'm able to immerse myself in books. I usually read more books in this two months period than the whole year. This book kick started my summer with Adrenaline boost.
Sci-Fi is usually not my genre. My last memorable sci-fi books were Prey and Digital Fortress which I read a long time ago and loved. This book certainly rank among them. At first I was cynical, must be abt an artificial intelligent that tries to overpower human race. But this book surprised me in so many levels. Not only the narrations, the imagery, the voice, the depth of the characters, the intrinsic overlapping layers of the plot all exceeded my expectations. I was literally in tears as I come to the conclusion of the book.
I'm happy this is my first summer book. This is the only time of the year that I'm able to immerse myself in books. I usually read more books in this two months period than the whole year. This book kick started my summer with Adrenaline boost.
April 17, 2014
Science Fiction is Considered Science Fact
I have a radio program and what I do is interview authors.
Red Devil 4 packs as much punch as any other fiction novel currently on the market. It is filled with plausible plots, focused on the concept of technology and mankind interfacing (brain implants) human consciousness and micro technology (computers).
Eric Leuthardt is a highly respected and notable neurosurgeon and biomedical engineer in modern history. This man is ranked as one of the most prolific inventors in the world, and has contributed to many medical advances which focus on brain technology.
Highly recommended for any science fiction, thriller, suspense or anyone interested in bio technical advances.
Listen to my interviews:
Greg Grasso
Host, Chapter One
Author interview radio program
iinterviewauthhors@gmail.com
visit my pod site http://iinterviewauthors.com/
listen to interviews http://greggrasso.buzzsprout.com
or access through www.marshallpl.org
I have a radio program and what I do is interview authors.
Red Devil 4 packs as much punch as any other fiction novel currently on the market. It is filled with plausible plots, focused on the concept of technology and mankind interfacing (brain implants) human consciousness and micro technology (computers).
Eric Leuthardt is a highly respected and notable neurosurgeon and biomedical engineer in modern history. This man is ranked as one of the most prolific inventors in the world, and has contributed to many medical advances which focus on brain technology.
Highly recommended for any science fiction, thriller, suspense or anyone interested in bio technical advances.
Listen to my interviews:
Greg Grasso
Host, Chapter One
Author interview radio program
iinterviewauthhors@gmail.com
visit my pod site http://iinterviewauthors.com/
listen to interviews http://greggrasso.buzzsprout.com
or access through www.marshallpl.org
May 30, 2014
This is a novel about a neuroscientist working on artificial intelligence and human brain/computer interactions written by a neuroscientist who works on artificial intelligence and human brain/computer interactions. As one might expect, this is pretty "heady" stuff. Add to this the author's penchant for utilizing seldom-used vocabulary and lots of medical terminology and one is frequently challenged just to figure out what the author is describing.
Despite all of that, this is a captivating story about artificial intelligence gone amok. Even though the story is set 40 years in the future, something tells me the types of things described in this novel are much closer. The book is worth reading just for for insights into a fascinating technology that will affect us all.
P.S. -- Being an alum of Washington University, I enjoyed that the book was set at Washington University in St.Louis and was written by a faculty member of WU's Medical School.
Despite all of that, this is a captivating story about artificial intelligence gone amok. Even though the story is set 40 years in the future, something tells me the types of things described in this novel are much closer. The book is worth reading just for for insights into a fascinating technology that will affect us all.
P.S. -- Being an alum of Washington University, I enjoyed that the book was set at Washington University in St.Louis and was written by a faculty member of WU's Medical School.
March 15, 2014
An interesting debut novel I was sent to review. I thought the characters were fun and the timeline, taking place just under three days, was a sensational way to create tension. Author Leuthardt expertly brings readers up to speed with the science of the book without belittling them.
The final confrontation that begins outside a mansion got a little too comic booky for me. Additionally, the final two pages of the book are completely unnecessary and explain for those too dense to understand the motivations of one character. The ending of the book was fine before this and the epilogue completely appropriate, but those two pages stuck out like a bad 1970s made-for-television movie. Just terrible and they lessen the novel.
Still, for a first novel, this was fun to read and I'm looking forward to see how Leuthardt grows as he continues to write.
The final confrontation that begins outside a mansion got a little too comic booky for me. Additionally, the final two pages of the book are completely unnecessary and explain for those too dense to understand the motivations of one character. The ending of the book was fine before this and the epilogue completely appropriate, but those two pages stuck out like a bad 1970s made-for-television movie. Just terrible and they lessen the novel.
Still, for a first novel, this was fun to read and I'm looking forward to see how Leuthardt grows as he continues to write.
February 6, 2014
I very much enjoyed this book. If you enjoy thriller books that will keep you thinking I definitely recommend checking this one out. The chapters are short, and excitement is constant, so it easily kept me engaged. I was surprised by a couple of the other reviewers comments, I personally loved the way the mystery unfolds in pieces, and I didn't have a problem following the characters as you gradually learn more about them as the story builds.
The future technology that the author bases the book around is very cool (I don't want to say too much and give anything away). I love how vivid some of the scenes are described; parts are unlike anything I've read before. This book would make an awesome movie! Hope you enjoy as much as I did. This is one of my new favorites!
The future technology that the author bases the book around is very cool (I don't want to say too much and give anything away). I love how vivid some of the scenes are described; parts are unlike anything I've read before. This book would make an awesome movie! Hope you enjoy as much as I did. This is one of my new favorites!
May 4, 2014
This is a book about a game virus and a fledgling AI that meet and have conflict. The supporting characters are all people who interact with the two entities and are either part of the problem or trying to solve it. The character development takes forever to get off the ground and by page 100, I’m still having trouble with the plot which has not yet developed enough to keep my interest. I’m not sure if it is because of the short chapters that don’t allow a lot of character or plot development or the number of POVs that the story presents. Either way I couldn’t relate to the characters or the setting. Ready Player One would be a better choice.
January 28, 2014
I received this book from a goodreads firstreads drawing.
A science fictional medical thriller about a series of murders committed by seemingly unconnected perpetrators.
Not a mystery with much of a puzzle. The science fiction elements are for the most part well done, and interesting, but the book never really flows like it should. Every time it seems to be going somewhere it loses momentum. I blame the shifting point of view format, which can be very effective, but is also tough to master.
A science fictional medical thriller about a series of murders committed by seemingly unconnected perpetrators.
Not a mystery with much of a puzzle. The science fiction elements are for the most part well done, and interesting, but the book never really flows like it should. Every time it seems to be going somewhere it loses momentum. I blame the shifting point of view format, which can be very effective, but is also tough to master.
April 3, 2014
What a great look at the future direction of technology! Think about all the possibilities as you read Red Devil 4. A gripping, fast paced, eye opening read that leaves you wondering how far we really want our bodies and technology to merge.
You read in the papers today about the direction we are heading and now Red Devil 4 shows you the potential -- the good and bad. All exposed in a fabulous, well written read by a Dr who works in the brain daily and lets you in on a world just beginning to unfold.
You read in the papers today about the direction we are heading and now Red Devil 4 shows you the potential -- the good and bad. All exposed in a fabulous, well written read by a Dr who works in the brain daily and lets you in on a world just beginning to unfold.
April 3, 2014
The last time I read a book like this was in high school, Orwell's 1984 - and in many ways life certainly has imitated art. Could Red Devil 4 be giving us a glimpse in to what humanity will become in 2053 and beyond? How far will our obsession and drive for more technology takes us, and at what cost? After reading Red Devil 4 you may be wanting a time machine to take you back to 1984, when cell phones were as big as a car battery and life was a lot less scary.
October 8, 2015
Awesome!
Always looking for new books that are this exciting, and really dive into the science of how their inner worlds work. This was a great sci fi thriller, which had some genuinely new things to say when contemplating bridging the gap between minds and computers. My favorite book I've read this year!
Always looking for new books that are this exciting, and really dive into the science of how their inner worlds work. This was a great sci fi thriller, which had some genuinely new things to say when contemplating bridging the gap between minds and computers. My favorite book I've read this year!
May 13, 2016
This book has a fascinating premise, and it came close to brilliance a few times. However, the segmented writing style, which often included chapters of only one to two pages long, made it less enjoyable than it could have been. Typos and repetitious word choices also diminished my reading experience. Overall, I'm glad I stuck with this book, but I wouldn't read it again.
March 23, 2016
St. Louis author. Recommended by Jack Bader. Not bad. Kind of gruesome for my tastes. Interesting premise on neuroprosthetics and quantum computing. Quantum entanglement with the human brain? Hmmm.
July 26, 2016
This was a Goodreads book win. I thought it was an easy read, thought provoking and I liked the ending.
August 12, 2014
Did not like this one. Too gross and not interesting enough to finish.
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