AGAINST THE MACHINE: EVOLUTION (Research samples)
"Powerful, thought-provoking, fresh, and exquisitely inventive!"
"The further in you go, the deeper it gets, and the more irresistible the pull."
"a masterclass in world-building..."
"one of the most exciting voices in contemporary science fiction."
"The further in you go, the deeper it gets, and the more irresistible the pull."
"a masterclass in world-building..."
"one of the most exciting voices in contemporary science fiction."
MOST RECENT REVIEW...
Pratibha Malav
Book - Against the Machine: Evolution
Author - Brian Van Norman
Rating - 4/5
“Evolution" by Brian Van Norman is a gripping and thought-provoking exploration of a dystopian future plagued by catastrophic climate change and societal upheaval. As the third installment in the "Against The Machine" trilogy, this novel stands boldly on its own, offering readers a riveting narrative that is equal parts thrilling and profound.
Set in the year 2212, Earth is a world teetering on the brink of collapse. Billions have perished, and the remnants of humanity are divided between the privileged few living in technologically advanced domed cities known as MEGs, and the impoverished masses struggling to survive in the harsh wilderness beyond. Amidst this bleak landscape, a sinister plan is set in motion by those at the top: to abandon Earth for Alpha Centauri, leaving behind destruction in their wake.
At the heart of the story are four protagonists, each representing different facets of this divided society, who join forces in a desperate bid to thwart the catastrophic plan. As they navigate a treacherous world of political intrigue, technological innovation, and moral ambiguity, they must confront their own demons and forge unlikely alliances in order to save humanity from itself.
Van Norman's writing is both captivating and immersive, drawing readers into a vividly realized world where the line between man and machine blurs and the consequences of our actions reverberate through the ages. The novel is a masterclass in world-building, with its intricate depiction of a society on the brink of collapse serving as a powerful backdrop for the epic struggle that unfolds.
But "Against the Machine: Evolution" is more than just a thrilling sci-fi adventure; it is a profound meditation on the nature of humanity, technology, and the consequences of our choices. Van Norman has crafted a masterpiece that will linger in the minds of readers long after the final page is turned, solidifying his place as one of the most exciting voices in contemporary science fiction.
Pratibha Malav
Book - Against the Machine: Evolution
Author - Brian Van Norman
Rating - 4/5
“Evolution" by Brian Van Norman is a gripping and thought-provoking exploration of a dystopian future plagued by catastrophic climate change and societal upheaval. As the third installment in the "Against The Machine" trilogy, this novel stands boldly on its own, offering readers a riveting narrative that is equal parts thrilling and profound.
Set in the year 2212, Earth is a world teetering on the brink of collapse. Billions have perished, and the remnants of humanity are divided between the privileged few living in technologically advanced domed cities known as MEGs, and the impoverished masses struggling to survive in the harsh wilderness beyond. Amidst this bleak landscape, a sinister plan is set in motion by those at the top: to abandon Earth for Alpha Centauri, leaving behind destruction in their wake.
At the heart of the story are four protagonists, each representing different facets of this divided society, who join forces in a desperate bid to thwart the catastrophic plan. As they navigate a treacherous world of political intrigue, technological innovation, and moral ambiguity, they must confront their own demons and forge unlikely alliances in order to save humanity from itself.
Van Norman's writing is both captivating and immersive, drawing readers into a vividly realized world where the line between man and machine blurs and the consequences of our actions reverberate through the ages. The novel is a masterclass in world-building, with its intricate depiction of a society on the brink of collapse serving as a powerful backdrop for the epic struggle that unfolds.
But "Against the Machine: Evolution" is more than just a thrilling sci-fi adventure; it is a profound meditation on the nature of humanity, technology, and the consequences of our choices. Van Norman has crafted a masterpiece that will linger in the minds of readers long after the final page is turned, solidifying his place as one of the most exciting voices in contemporary science fiction.
Earth, 2212.
The third in the AGAINST THE MACHINE trilogy, yet a free standing read on its own, tells of three societies amid catastrophic climate change. Multiple climatic disasters have caused waste zones, massive forest fires, ocean flooding, desertification, and enormous migrations in search of sustenance. Billions have died. The minority of those remaining inhabit MEGs (the first society), former cities transformed by technology into huge protective domes. With the use of nano technology, machine intelligence, and Silicon droids to serve them and suppress those outside the walls of their crystalline domes, all seems well for those within the protected CORPORATE.
It is not. With worsening climate, the MASS (the second society) living outside the MEGs, (the first society) has become increasingly restive and with their AI Silicons (the third society) becoming sentient, the Select must leave the planet. The Dì yī Select, those at the top of this distorted world, have concocted a complex and final solution for Earth.
In an isolated island relatively spared by climate change, the CORPORATE has created a Dì yī Select resort also serving as a space port with heavy lift rockets. These craft are meant to carry the Dì yī Select, as well as remaining examples of animal and plant species, to massive space stations where each craft will interlock and begin the long journey to Alpha Centauri. The project is called the OMEGA/ARC.
Once gone, the Dì yī Select have planted nuclear devices along Earth’s fault lines, effectively killing everything on Earth, particularly the AI whom the Dì yī Select know will, if allowed to survive, surpass human intelligence and follow them.
The third in the AGAINST THE MACHINE trilogy, yet a free standing read on its own, tells of three societies amid catastrophic climate change. Multiple climatic disasters have caused waste zones, massive forest fires, ocean flooding, desertification, and enormous migrations in search of sustenance. Billions have died. The minority of those remaining inhabit MEGs (the first society), former cities transformed by technology into huge protective domes. With the use of nano technology, machine intelligence, and Silicon droids to serve them and suppress those outside the walls of their crystalline domes, all seems well for those within the protected CORPORATE.
It is not. With worsening climate, the MASS (the second society) living outside the MEGs, (the first society) has become increasingly restive and with their AI Silicons (the third society) becoming sentient, the Select must leave the planet. The Dì yī Select, those at the top of this distorted world, have concocted a complex and final solution for Earth.
In an isolated island relatively spared by climate change, the CORPORATE has created a Dì yī Select resort also serving as a space port with heavy lift rockets. These craft are meant to carry the Dì yī Select, as well as remaining examples of animal and plant species, to massive space stations where each craft will interlock and begin the long journey to Alpha Centauri. The project is called the OMEGA/ARC.
Once gone, the Dì yī Select have planted nuclear devices along Earth’s fault lines, effectively killing everything on Earth, particularly the AI whom the Dì yī Select know will, if allowed to survive, surpass human intelligence and follow them.
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BATL RULES & REGS CAN BE FOUND AFTER THE REVIEWS!
WHY I WROTE THIS BOOK: ISSUE #7 Miramichi Reader
FEATURING BRIAN VAN NORMAN
Why do your favourite Canadian authors write the books they write? Let’s find out in this exclusive feature here at The Miramichi Reader.
BRIAN VAN NORMAN, AUTHOR OF AGAINST THE MACHINE: EVOLUTION (2212) with (GUERNICA EDITIONS 2023)
With two highly acclaimed novels currently on the market: AGAINST THE MACHINE: LUDDITES (1812) and Against the Machine: Manifesto (2012) both stand alone novels, yet parts one and two of his trilogy on the theme of human/machine interface over 600 years, The Sunday Times called it “A UNIQUE ENDEAVOUR…”
Through my extensive travels I observed with alarm how the Earth is in climate crisis. I saw some transformations in person and read extensively to discover the potential results of this calamity: desertification, flooding, and human tribalism. Through my earlier research of artificial intelligence and cognitive robotics I learned the concept of artificial consciousness, also known as machine consciousness. I learned too of the human fear of being replaced by androids. I hoped to bring readers an approximation of what could happen to Earth in a mere 200 years.
I knew I was going to push borders. Accustomed to historical fiction (LUDDITES) and contemporary literary style (MANIFESTO), I’d never written speculative fiction and discovered it required even more research and concentration than other genres I’ve employed.
To understand this style and genre, I read every book of speculative fiction I could find, gradually discovering a voice through a mix of other authors’ styles. Yet I wanted something different. I wanted to write a trilogy with three stand alone novels to be read without having to ‘catch up’ by reading the others. With AGAINST THE MACHINE: EVOLUTION (2212) I believe I have accomplished what I set out to do 8 years ago.
FEATURING BRIAN VAN NORMAN
Why do your favourite Canadian authors write the books they write? Let’s find out in this exclusive feature here at The Miramichi Reader.
BRIAN VAN NORMAN, AUTHOR OF AGAINST THE MACHINE: EVOLUTION (2212) with (GUERNICA EDITIONS 2023)
With two highly acclaimed novels currently on the market: AGAINST THE MACHINE: LUDDITES (1812) and Against the Machine: Manifesto (2012) both stand alone novels, yet parts one and two of his trilogy on the theme of human/machine interface over 600 years, The Sunday Times called it “A UNIQUE ENDEAVOUR…”
Through my extensive travels I observed with alarm how the Earth is in climate crisis. I saw some transformations in person and read extensively to discover the potential results of this calamity: desertification, flooding, and human tribalism. Through my earlier research of artificial intelligence and cognitive robotics I learned the concept of artificial consciousness, also known as machine consciousness. I learned too of the human fear of being replaced by androids. I hoped to bring readers an approximation of what could happen to Earth in a mere 200 years.
I knew I was going to push borders. Accustomed to historical fiction (LUDDITES) and contemporary literary style (MANIFESTO), I’d never written speculative fiction and discovered it required even more research and concentration than other genres I’ve employed.
To understand this style and genre, I read every book of speculative fiction I could find, gradually discovering a voice through a mix of other authors’ styles. Yet I wanted something different. I wanted to write a trilogy with three stand alone novels to be read without having to ‘catch up’ by reading the others. With AGAINST THE MACHINE: EVOLUTION (2212) I believe I have accomplished what I set out to do 8 years ago.
A Personal Letter:
I want to congratulate you on the completion of your trilogy. I was very happy to find it in my Kindle library when I got home.
You amaze me with your creativity and ability to create believable characters and a story that is believable even though it stretches the imagination. I was awed by the stretch of your imagination. I was surprised to find that AI had not destroyed us yet two hundred years in the future. I had some difficulty with the complexity and unusual symbols in the characters names but when I got over that I found that it was a brilliant way to bring across the structure and formality of the MEG society. I had a sense of connection to the characters of the MAS, particularly Otsi, and BATL. In the end I was surprised by the relatively happy ending and the humanity of I & I. My first reaction to the ending was disbelief. But on reflection, why not? You did an outstanding job of exposing humanity for what it has been, is, and probably will always be. We don't need AI to destroy us. We are very good at doing that job ourselves.
You have my thanks and appreciation for another great read.
Ron Peterson
I want to congratulate you on the completion of your trilogy. I was very happy to find it in my Kindle library when I got home.
You amaze me with your creativity and ability to create believable characters and a story that is believable even though it stretches the imagination. I was awed by the stretch of your imagination. I was surprised to find that AI had not destroyed us yet two hundred years in the future. I had some difficulty with the complexity and unusual symbols in the characters names but when I got over that I found that it was a brilliant way to bring across the structure and formality of the MEG society. I had a sense of connection to the characters of the MAS, particularly Otsi, and BATL. In the end I was surprised by the relatively happy ending and the humanity of I & I. My first reaction to the ending was disbelief. But on reflection, why not? You did an outstanding job of exposing humanity for what it has been, is, and probably will always be. We don't need AI to destroy us. We are very good at doing that job ourselves.
You have my thanks and appreciation for another great read.
Ron Peterson
REVIEWS for "AGAINST THE MACHINE: EVOLUTION".
"powerful, thought-provoking, fresh, and exquisitely inventive!"
"The further in you go, the deeper it gets, and the more irresistible the pull."
"powerful, thought-provoking, fresh, and exquisitely inventive!"
"The further in you go, the deeper it gets, and the more irresistible the pull."
GOODREADS
Loved it! 😍
The further in you go, the deeper it gets, and the more irresistible the pull.
I started this book uncertain. The world you first encounter is cold - a technocracy hiding from crisis behind their crystal domes (the MEGS). Lives are ordered, calm, and repressed. Characters and setting are clinical and cold, but an immediate 'undertow' grabs you before you know it. As you join a 'BATL Commander' on a spacecraft dropping from orbit towards Toronto 'MEG' you're already wondering: What the hell is BATL?
Beyond the MEGs is the MASS, a wrecked landscape replete with texture and presence - the antithesis of what you've already encountered under the domes. Now you're with with shrunken populations clinging to existence in ruined cities. One of the few things that bind these populations together? Pseudo war turned sport... so that's what BATL is!
So, is this a kind of 'Maze Runner' rehash? Not a bit of it - and for two good reasons:
Firstly, world-building. Setting it in Canada gives the story a unique feel from the off, and this kept me googling locations and scratching my head all the way through, dragging me right in. Then there is the Western/Asian fusion culture of the MEGs. You're skillfully fed enough connections to our world and time, to make this feel like a real future that grew out of our present. At the same time, the world of the novel is so distanced from our own society that you just keep on trying to put the fragments together.
The second element is a different 'core narrative' to many dystopian stories. The rise of the AI sentience 'I & I' is a central thread - this is a book about AI as much as anything else. In a series of exchanges between 'I & I' and its 'handler/programmer' Ping we see unfolding elements of its sentience - it awakens in front of our eyes. The fact that this is the far-off world of the MEG distances it from more 'near future' stories of singularity and makes it more realistic than the old 'my pocket calculator got wired wrong and now wants to destroy the world' yarn.
Finally, let's look at characters. There are lots, and inevitably their characterisation seems a bit thin at times - they often just don't quite get the air time. But the breadth of people you are following is essential to grasping the fractured nature of the world and narrative, and more than once you get a subtle, throwaway line with a real punch that just gives you a flash of insight into yet more hidden depths.
Great for fans of environmental dystopia like 'The Drowned World' (J.G. Ballard), or singularity novels like 'Accelerando' (Charles Stross).
REVIEWED BY
Garrick Fincham
If you're diving into Brian Van Norman's "Against the Machine: Evolution," buckle up for a narrative roller coaster that's part sci-fi thriller, part existential pondering on the human condition. Set in 2212, this book doesn't just flirt with dystopian clichés—it marries them, for better or worse. In a world ravaged by climate catastrophes and societal divides, Van Norman introduces us to a cast of characters as diverse as the crises they face. From the tech-savvy elites in their MEGs to the struggling masses outside, the story is a vibrant tapestry of human resilience and despair. It’s like peeking into a kaleidoscope where every turn shows a different facet of a society on the brink. Van Norman's prose is a curious mix of blunt and poetic. The characters, they're like puzzles, each piece fitting into the other in unexpected ways. You've got the rebels, the thinkers, the dreamers—all united by a cause that’s as noble as it is doomed. Without spoiling too much, let’s just say it’s the kind of conclusion that leaves you staring at the last page, wondering if what you read was a warning or a prophecy. It’s like finishing a hearty meal but still feeling a bit hungry—satisfied, yet curious for more...
Gorgose
The further in you go, the deeper it gets, and the more irresistible the pull.
I started this book uncertain. The world you first encounter is cold - a technocracy hiding from crisis behind their crystal domes (the MEGS). Lives are ordered, calm, and repressed. Characters and setting are clinical and cold, but an immediate 'undertow' grabs you before you know it. As you join a 'BATL Commander' on a spacecraft dropping from orbit towards Toronto 'MEG' you're already wondering: What the hell is BATL?
Beyond the MEGs is the MASS, a wrecked landscape replete with texture and presence - the antithesis of what you've already encountered under the domes. Now you're with with shrunken populations clinging to existence in ruined cities. One of the few things that bind these populations together? Pseudo war turned sport... so that's what BATL is!
So, is this a kind of 'Maze Runner' rehash? Not a bit of it - and for two good reasons:
Firstly, world-building. Setting it in Canada gives the story a unique feel from the off, and this kept me googling locations and scratching my head all the way through, dragging me right in. Then there is the Western/Asian fusion culture of the MEGs. You're skillfully fed enough connections to our world and time, to make this feel like a real future that grew out of our present. At the same time, the world of the novel is so distanced from our own society that you just keep on trying to put the fragments together.
The second element is a different 'core narrative' to many dystopian stories. The rise of the AI sentience 'I & I' is a central thread - this is a book about AI as much as anything else. In a series of exchanges between 'I & I' and its 'handler/programmer' Ping we see unfolding elements of its sentience - it awakens in front of our eyes. The fact that this is the far-off world of the MEG distances it from more 'near future' stories of singularity and makes it more realistic than the old 'my pocket calculator got wired wrong and now wants to destroy the world' yarn.
Finally, let's look at characters. There are lots, and inevitably their characterisation seems a bit thin at times - they often just don't quite get the air time. But the breadth of people you are following is essential to grasping the fractured nature of the world and narrative, and more than once you get a subtle, throwaway line with a real punch that just gives you a flash of insight into yet more hidden depths.
Great for fans of environmental dystopia like 'The Drowned World' (J.G. Ballard), or singularity novels like 'Accelerando' (Charles Stross).
REVIEWED BY
Garrick Fincham
If you're diving into Brian Van Norman's "Against the Machine: Evolution," buckle up for a narrative roller coaster that's part sci-fi thriller, part existential pondering on the human condition. Set in 2212, this book doesn't just flirt with dystopian clichés—it marries them, for better or worse. In a world ravaged by climate catastrophes and societal divides, Van Norman introduces us to a cast of characters as diverse as the crises they face. From the tech-savvy elites in their MEGs to the struggling masses outside, the story is a vibrant tapestry of human resilience and despair. It’s like peeking into a kaleidoscope where every turn shows a different facet of a society on the brink. Van Norman's prose is a curious mix of blunt and poetic. The characters, they're like puzzles, each piece fitting into the other in unexpected ways. You've got the rebels, the thinkers, the dreamers—all united by a cause that’s as noble as it is doomed. Without spoiling too much, let’s just say it’s the kind of conclusion that leaves you staring at the last page, wondering if what you read was a warning or a prophecy. It’s like finishing a hearty meal but still feeling a bit hungry—satisfied, yet curious for more...
Gorgose
Brilliant!! A powerful, thought-provoking, fresh, and exquisitely inventive Must Read!
Gifted author, Brian Van Norman, has released the latest exciting installment in his trilogy of the man/machine interface. "Against the Machine: Evolution", is a riveting book, nearly impossible to put down!
"Against the Machine: Evolution" rockets us into a not-so-distant future world rife with artificial intelligence, severe climate change and a great social divide. We find ourselves consumed head-on with a dual society, cursed by the covetousness of human’s clawing for vainglorious power through the conduit of neural network technology.
Van Norman's mastery of descriptive prose and charismatic character development has again delightfully electrified our senses.
In "Against the Machine: Evolution" we find ourselves two hundred years in a damaged future of caste conflict and repression. On one hand, Van Norman exhibits the security and comforts provided, under chitin/crystalline domes, for the apparently utopian MEG civilization. On the other hand, we glimpse a second culture in a suppressed population of outsiders, the MASS, living outside the domes and forbidden their shelter.
The protagonists of the novel are a varied. The famed BATL athlete, Ayrian Mellor, commander of Toronto MEG’s Raptors; then Mel's elegant inamorata, Li Na Ming Huang, an esteemed opera singer, along with the brilliant, youthful Ke Hui Feng, a rebellious acting Toronto MEG CEO. There is an apparently unassuming but eccentric genius, Ping Wang Min, a cyber-psychological positronic therapist who alone communicates with "I & I", the Artificial General Intelligence: guiding it toward a swiftly emerging sentience. And finally, a talented member of the MASS, Otsi'tsa Zaharie, with her raw extraordinary courage, completes the group.
These diverse champions unify to wield the hammer to smash the oppressive authoritarian regime of the CORPORATE before it destroys what remains of their ravaged Earth. Part of their task must be the elimination of antagonist, the tyrannical Toronto MEG CEO, Wei Qiang Zhang, and his corrupt adherents.
"Against the Machine: Evolution" is a cautionary alarm with the ominous warning of cataclysmic annihilation should we foolishly refuse to be vigilant guardians of our dying Earth, our soaring technology and particularly our comprehension of our own complex evolution.
In his trilogy, Van Norman has enthralled us with an absorbing and educational journey spanning centuries.
Van Norman’s imaginative first installment, "Against the Machine: Luddites" was our introduction to progenitor George Mellor, the father of the Luddite movement during the 18th century Industrial Revolution and the emissary of the powerful "Enoch's Hammer". This insurgent past gives birth to future High-Tech rebellions.
In his second installment "Against the Machine: Manifesto", we were galvanized by Van Noman's skillfully drawn character, Mel Buckworth, a 20th century man obsessed with his singular struggle against inevitable human loss made manifest by our uncontrolled technology. Systematically, emotionally and physically, Buckworth believes he is witnessing the stripping away of the apparent benefits of contemporary technological society.
The first two novels envisage the third. As indicated previously, this novel is set two hundred years in a future at a precarious tipping point between human/machine interface or total extinction.
Review by:Deborah Weisberg
Absolutely brilliant!!! Brian Van Norma delivers one amazing book, I really want to say this is a Sci-fi genre but in todays world this is looking more and more about our future reality, the book starts in 2212, a dystopian world where people are divided by the CORPORATE, where technology and AI are what really moves society: the MEG´s living inside a dome, well protected and safe, and the MASS living in precarious conditions to barely survive.
Four characters are living in different situations and places, but all of them are the main character of the story, where they try to protect earth at all costs. Don’t waste any more time and start reading this masterpiece....Lenor
First of all, with this book, I could not even start the review as I would usually do because of its one-of-a-kind cover. It took me a few minutes to find the words to describe it, and all I could come up with was: What in the world is that?
Against the Machine: Evolution by Brian Norman, a piece of work whose cover gave me chills, and not in a good way (sorry, dear author!), whose action takes place in a dystopian world in the year 2212, on an Earth that has been gravely affected by climate change, humans divided by power, some living in protective dooms and others trying to survive. In this environment, four main characters, not one, arise to fight for their future and that of planet Earth. Although I found some of the terminologies that the author had come up with a little tiring and the cover a fantastic prop for nightmares, I could see all the effort put in by the author in creating the universe of this book and its diverse characters. and I appreciated it. I tried to like this book, but it was too much of an “I have read too many similar stories” for me...Leasa Ana Maria
We have come across a lot of books that fabricate a whole new and different world, filled with imaginative elements set in realistic backgrounds and woven with relatable scenarios. This is one of those reads. This is my first read by the author, but the writing style and way of presentation are impressive and captivating. The story is set in a scenario where the planet is in its worst condition due to harsh climatic effects, and generations of people are suffering. This is like a huge trouble, and everything seems like it's falling apart. The use and misuse of technology play an evitable role in the drastic and disastrous conditions, and this makes the story not only engaging but also delivers an important message. The subplots are engaging and reinforce the message depicted in the story. The story is fast-paced, and the built-in curiosity to learn new things makes the read more engaging... Lusa
This grabs your attention right from the start, and doesn’t let go for a moment. The world-building is extensive and seamless, and surrounds you immediately. Set in the future, it seems to show the inevitable result of the way things are trending today. The plot moves along smoothly, with enough tension and twists that you’ll be reluctant to set this down for even a moment. Although this is the third book in a series, you don’t need to read the other two before diving in (although once you read this, you’ll probably want to read the others)! I enjoyed getting to know each of the four protagonists, as they fight to save Earth from the powerful and greedy who wish to destroy it as they make their own escape. Highly recommend for anyone who enjoys dystopian sci-fi.... ZoeRog
There's a lot of discussion about how fast computers and robots are learning to understand and do things in the world, like seeing and doing tasks in the real world or in the virtual world. This novel is one such thought-provoking and intense story. In this story, we see how the world is in big trouble. The climate is getting very bad, and everything is falling apart. The story makes us think about how we treat the planet and what we're doing with technology. It asks if we're doing the right things. This book is really good at telling an exciting story with an important message. It makes you feel very excited because the story is fast and full of action. You keep wondering what's going to happen next. The book keeps you interested, and the ending is both satisfying and makes you think. The way it talks about people and machines is interesting and different from other dystopian stories... Dustyy
Absolutely brilliant!!! Brian Van Norma delivers one amazing book, I really want to say this is a Sci-fi genre but in todays world this is looking more and more about our future reality, the book starts in 2212, a dystopian world where people are divided by the CORPORATE, where technology and AI are what really moves society: the MEG´s living inside a dome, well protected and safe, and the MASS living in precarious conditions to barely survive. Four characters are living in different situations and places, but all of them are the main character of the story, where they try to protect earth at all costs. Don’t waste any more time and start reading this masterpiece... Dandade
"Against the Machine: Evolution," the latest work from Brian Van Norman, emerges as a compelling and thought-provoking piece. Set in a dystopian future of Earth in 2212, it vividly portrays a world grappling with catastrophic climate change. Van Norman's narrative intricately weaves together the lives of four distinct protagonists, each hailing from different strata of this fractured society, who unite in a desperate attempt to thwart a plan that threatens Earth itself. The novel, standing independently yet as the third in the Against The Machine trilogy, delves deep into the themes of man versus machine. It explores a society where the majority, known as the MASS, struggle for existence, while a minority resides within MEGs—former cities transformed into vast technological domes. This dichotomy of existence is a critical element of the narrative, reflecting a world divided not just by physical structures but by power, technology, and the very essence of humanity. What makes Van Norman’s writing particularly riveting is his ability to blend the daunting aspects of a sci-fi dystopia with the unsettling parallels to our current world. Reviews have lauded the book as "brilliant" and "exquisitely inventive," emphasizing its powerful and fresh approach. Readers find themselves immersed in a narrative that is as thrilling as a roller coaster ride, yet it leaves one feeling slightly unsettled, pondering the possible future of our own world. The division of society is starkly portrayed, with the CORPORATE controlling technology and AI, dictating the lives of those within the MEGs and the MASS. This aspect of the book speaks volumes about our increasing reliance on technology and its potential impact on societal structures. Moreover, the novel's setting, characterized by a planet gravely affected by climate change, strikes a chord with contemporary environmental concerns, underscoring the book's relevance in today's discourse. In conclusion, "Against the Machine: Evolution" is not just a science fiction novel; it is a mirror reflecting our potential future, wrapped in a narrative that is both engaging and unsettling. Van Norman’s work is a must-read for those who enjoy deep, thoughtful explorations of futuristic societies, technology's role in our lives, and the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity...
Gifted author, Brian Van Norman, has released the latest exciting installment in his trilogy of the man/machine interface. "Against the Machine: Evolution", is a riveting book, nearly impossible to put down!
"Against the Machine: Evolution" rockets us into a not-so-distant future world rife with artificial intelligence, severe climate change and a great social divide. We find ourselves consumed head-on with a dual society, cursed by the covetousness of human’s clawing for vainglorious power through the conduit of neural network technology.
Van Norman's mastery of descriptive prose and charismatic character development has again delightfully electrified our senses.
In "Against the Machine: Evolution" we find ourselves two hundred years in a damaged future of caste conflict and repression. On one hand, Van Norman exhibits the security and comforts provided, under chitin/crystalline domes, for the apparently utopian MEG civilization. On the other hand, we glimpse a second culture in a suppressed population of outsiders, the MASS, living outside the domes and forbidden their shelter.
The protagonists of the novel are a varied. The famed BATL athlete, Ayrian Mellor, commander of Toronto MEG’s Raptors; then Mel's elegant inamorata, Li Na Ming Huang, an esteemed opera singer, along with the brilliant, youthful Ke Hui Feng, a rebellious acting Toronto MEG CEO. There is an apparently unassuming but eccentric genius, Ping Wang Min, a cyber-psychological positronic therapist who alone communicates with "I & I", the Artificial General Intelligence: guiding it toward a swiftly emerging sentience. And finally, a talented member of the MASS, Otsi'tsa Zaharie, with her raw extraordinary courage, completes the group.
These diverse champions unify to wield the hammer to smash the oppressive authoritarian regime of the CORPORATE before it destroys what remains of their ravaged Earth. Part of their task must be the elimination of antagonist, the tyrannical Toronto MEG CEO, Wei Qiang Zhang, and his corrupt adherents.
"Against the Machine: Evolution" is a cautionary alarm with the ominous warning of cataclysmic annihilation should we foolishly refuse to be vigilant guardians of our dying Earth, our soaring technology and particularly our comprehension of our own complex evolution.
In his trilogy, Van Norman has enthralled us with an absorbing and educational journey spanning centuries.
Van Norman’s imaginative first installment, "Against the Machine: Luddites" was our introduction to progenitor George Mellor, the father of the Luddite movement during the 18th century Industrial Revolution and the emissary of the powerful "Enoch's Hammer". This insurgent past gives birth to future High-Tech rebellions.
In his second installment "Against the Machine: Manifesto", we were galvanized by Van Noman's skillfully drawn character, Mel Buckworth, a 20th century man obsessed with his singular struggle against inevitable human loss made manifest by our uncontrolled technology. Systematically, emotionally and physically, Buckworth believes he is witnessing the stripping away of the apparent benefits of contemporary technological society.
The first two novels envisage the third. As indicated previously, this novel is set two hundred years in a future at a precarious tipping point between human/machine interface or total extinction.
Review by:Deborah Weisberg
Absolutely brilliant!!! Brian Van Norma delivers one amazing book, I really want to say this is a Sci-fi genre but in todays world this is looking more and more about our future reality, the book starts in 2212, a dystopian world where people are divided by the CORPORATE, where technology and AI are what really moves society: the MEG´s living inside a dome, well protected and safe, and the MASS living in precarious conditions to barely survive.
Four characters are living in different situations and places, but all of them are the main character of the story, where they try to protect earth at all costs. Don’t waste any more time and start reading this masterpiece....Lenor
First of all, with this book, I could not even start the review as I would usually do because of its one-of-a-kind cover. It took me a few minutes to find the words to describe it, and all I could come up with was: What in the world is that?
Against the Machine: Evolution by Brian Norman, a piece of work whose cover gave me chills, and not in a good way (sorry, dear author!), whose action takes place in a dystopian world in the year 2212, on an Earth that has been gravely affected by climate change, humans divided by power, some living in protective dooms and others trying to survive. In this environment, four main characters, not one, arise to fight for their future and that of planet Earth. Although I found some of the terminologies that the author had come up with a little tiring and the cover a fantastic prop for nightmares, I could see all the effort put in by the author in creating the universe of this book and its diverse characters. and I appreciated it. I tried to like this book, but it was too much of an “I have read too many similar stories” for me...Leasa Ana Maria
We have come across a lot of books that fabricate a whole new and different world, filled with imaginative elements set in realistic backgrounds and woven with relatable scenarios. This is one of those reads. This is my first read by the author, but the writing style and way of presentation are impressive and captivating. The story is set in a scenario where the planet is in its worst condition due to harsh climatic effects, and generations of people are suffering. This is like a huge trouble, and everything seems like it's falling apart. The use and misuse of technology play an evitable role in the drastic and disastrous conditions, and this makes the story not only engaging but also delivers an important message. The subplots are engaging and reinforce the message depicted in the story. The story is fast-paced, and the built-in curiosity to learn new things makes the read more engaging... Lusa
This grabs your attention right from the start, and doesn’t let go for a moment. The world-building is extensive and seamless, and surrounds you immediately. Set in the future, it seems to show the inevitable result of the way things are trending today. The plot moves along smoothly, with enough tension and twists that you’ll be reluctant to set this down for even a moment. Although this is the third book in a series, you don’t need to read the other two before diving in (although once you read this, you’ll probably want to read the others)! I enjoyed getting to know each of the four protagonists, as they fight to save Earth from the powerful and greedy who wish to destroy it as they make their own escape. Highly recommend for anyone who enjoys dystopian sci-fi.... ZoeRog
There's a lot of discussion about how fast computers and robots are learning to understand and do things in the world, like seeing and doing tasks in the real world or in the virtual world. This novel is one such thought-provoking and intense story. In this story, we see how the world is in big trouble. The climate is getting very bad, and everything is falling apart. The story makes us think about how we treat the planet and what we're doing with technology. It asks if we're doing the right things. This book is really good at telling an exciting story with an important message. It makes you feel very excited because the story is fast and full of action. You keep wondering what's going to happen next. The book keeps you interested, and the ending is both satisfying and makes you think. The way it talks about people and machines is interesting and different from other dystopian stories... Dustyy
Absolutely brilliant!!! Brian Van Norma delivers one amazing book, I really want to say this is a Sci-fi genre but in todays world this is looking more and more about our future reality, the book starts in 2212, a dystopian world where people are divided by the CORPORATE, where technology and AI are what really moves society: the MEG´s living inside a dome, well protected and safe, and the MASS living in precarious conditions to barely survive. Four characters are living in different situations and places, but all of them are the main character of the story, where they try to protect earth at all costs. Don’t waste any more time and start reading this masterpiece... Dandade
"Against the Machine: Evolution," the latest work from Brian Van Norman, emerges as a compelling and thought-provoking piece. Set in a dystopian future of Earth in 2212, it vividly portrays a world grappling with catastrophic climate change. Van Norman's narrative intricately weaves together the lives of four distinct protagonists, each hailing from different strata of this fractured society, who unite in a desperate attempt to thwart a plan that threatens Earth itself. The novel, standing independently yet as the third in the Against The Machine trilogy, delves deep into the themes of man versus machine. It explores a society where the majority, known as the MASS, struggle for existence, while a minority resides within MEGs—former cities transformed into vast technological domes. This dichotomy of existence is a critical element of the narrative, reflecting a world divided not just by physical structures but by power, technology, and the very essence of humanity. What makes Van Norman’s writing particularly riveting is his ability to blend the daunting aspects of a sci-fi dystopia with the unsettling parallels to our current world. Reviews have lauded the book as "brilliant" and "exquisitely inventive," emphasizing its powerful and fresh approach. Readers find themselves immersed in a narrative that is as thrilling as a roller coaster ride, yet it leaves one feeling slightly unsettled, pondering the possible future of our own world. The division of society is starkly portrayed, with the CORPORATE controlling technology and AI, dictating the lives of those within the MEGs and the MASS. This aspect of the book speaks volumes about our increasing reliance on technology and its potential impact on societal structures. Moreover, the novel's setting, characterized by a planet gravely affected by climate change, strikes a chord with contemporary environmental concerns, underscoring the book's relevance in today's discourse. In conclusion, "Against the Machine: Evolution" is not just a science fiction novel; it is a mirror reflecting our potential future, wrapped in a narrative that is both engaging and unsettling. Van Norman’s work is a must-read for those who enjoy deep, thoughtful explorations of futuristic societies, technology's role in our lives, and the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity...
BARNES & NOBLE
Brilliant!! A Thought-Provoking Must Read - by ConstantReader42
Gifted author, Brian Van Norman, has released the latest exciting installment in his trilogy of the man/machine interface. "Against the Machine: Evolution", is a riveting book, nearly impossible to put down!
"Against the Machine: Evolution" rockets us into a not-so-distant future world rife with artificial intelligence, severe climate change and a great social divide. We find ourselves consumed head-on with a dual society, cursed by the covetousness of human’s clawing for vainglorious power through the conduit of neural network technology.
Van Norman's mastery of descriptive prose and charismatic character development has again delightfully electrified our senses.
In "Against the Machine: Evolution" we find ourselves two hundred years in a damaged future of caste conflict and repression. On one hand, Van Norman exhibits the security and comforts provided, under chitin/crystalline domes, for the apparently utopian MEG civilization. On the other hand, we glimpse a second culture in a suppressed population of outsiders, the MASS, living outside the domes and forbidden their shelter.
The protagonists of the novel are a varied. The famed BATL athlete, Ayrian Mellor, commander of Toronto MEG’s Raptors; then Mel's elegant inamorata, Li Na Ming Huang, an esteemed opera singer, along with the brilliant, youthful Ke Hui Feng, a rebellious acting Toronto MEG CEO. There is an apparently unassuming but eccentric genius, Ping Wang Min, a cyber-psychological positronic therapist who alone communicates with "I & I", the Artificial General Intelligence: guiding it toward a swiftly emerging sentience. And finally, a talented member of the MASS, Otsi'tsa Zaharie, with her raw extraordinary courage, completes the group.
These diverse champions unify to wield the hammer to smash the oppressive authoritarian regime of the CORPORATE before it destroys what remains of their ravaged Earth. Part of their task must be the elimination of antagonist, the tyrannical Toronto MEG CEO, Wei Qiang Zhang, and his corrupt adherents.
"Against the Machine: Evolution" is a cautionary alarm with the ominous warning of cataclysmic annihilation should we foolishly refuse to be vigilant guardians of our dying Earth, our soaring technology and particularly our comprehension of our own complex evolution.
In his trilogy, Van Norman has enthralled us with an absorbing and educational journey spanning centuries.
Van Norman’s imaginative first installment, "Against the Machine: Luddites" was our introduction to progenitor George Mellor, the father of the Luddite movement during the 18th century Industrial Revolution and the emissary of the powerful "Enoch's Hammer". This insurgent past gives birth to future High-Tech rebellions.
In his second installment "Against the Machine: Manifesto", we were galvanized by Van Noman's skillfully drawn character, Mel Buckworth, a 20th century man obsessed with his singular struggle against inevitable human loss made manifest by our uncontrolled technology. Systematically, emotionally and physically, Buckworth believes he is witnessing the stripping away of the apparent benefits of contemporary technological society.
The first two novels envisage the third. As indicated previously, this novel is set two hundred years in a future at a precarious tipping point between human/machine interface or total extinction.
Gifted author, Brian Van Norman, has released the latest exciting installment in his trilogy of the man/machine interface. "Against the Machine: Evolution", is a riveting book, nearly impossible to put down!
"Against the Machine: Evolution" rockets us into a not-so-distant future world rife with artificial intelligence, severe climate change and a great social divide. We find ourselves consumed head-on with a dual society, cursed by the covetousness of human’s clawing for vainglorious power through the conduit of neural network technology.
Van Norman's mastery of descriptive prose and charismatic character development has again delightfully electrified our senses.
In "Against the Machine: Evolution" we find ourselves two hundred years in a damaged future of caste conflict and repression. On one hand, Van Norman exhibits the security and comforts provided, under chitin/crystalline domes, for the apparently utopian MEG civilization. On the other hand, we glimpse a second culture in a suppressed population of outsiders, the MASS, living outside the domes and forbidden their shelter.
The protagonists of the novel are a varied. The famed BATL athlete, Ayrian Mellor, commander of Toronto MEG’s Raptors; then Mel's elegant inamorata, Li Na Ming Huang, an esteemed opera singer, along with the brilliant, youthful Ke Hui Feng, a rebellious acting Toronto MEG CEO. There is an apparently unassuming but eccentric genius, Ping Wang Min, a cyber-psychological positronic therapist who alone communicates with "I & I", the Artificial General Intelligence: guiding it toward a swiftly emerging sentience. And finally, a talented member of the MASS, Otsi'tsa Zaharie, with her raw extraordinary courage, completes the group.
These diverse champions unify to wield the hammer to smash the oppressive authoritarian regime of the CORPORATE before it destroys what remains of their ravaged Earth. Part of their task must be the elimination of antagonist, the tyrannical Toronto MEG CEO, Wei Qiang Zhang, and his corrupt adherents.
"Against the Machine: Evolution" is a cautionary alarm with the ominous warning of cataclysmic annihilation should we foolishly refuse to be vigilant guardians of our dying Earth, our soaring technology and particularly our comprehension of our own complex evolution.
In his trilogy, Van Norman has enthralled us with an absorbing and educational journey spanning centuries.
Van Norman’s imaginative first installment, "Against the Machine: Luddites" was our introduction to progenitor George Mellor, the father of the Luddite movement during the 18th century Industrial Revolution and the emissary of the powerful "Enoch's Hammer". This insurgent past gives birth to future High-Tech rebellions.
In his second installment "Against the Machine: Manifesto", we were galvanized by Van Noman's skillfully drawn character, Mel Buckworth, a 20th century man obsessed with his singular struggle against inevitable human loss made manifest by our uncontrolled technology. Systematically, emotionally and physically, Buckworth believes he is witnessing the stripping away of the apparent benefits of contemporary technological society.
The first two novels envisage the third. As indicated previously, this novel is set two hundred years in a future at a precarious tipping point between human/machine interface or total extinction.
Excellent Dystopian Sci-Fi ... L. Shadowlyn
This grabs your attention right from the start, and doesn’t let go for a moment. The world-building is extensive and seamless, and surrounds you immediately. Set in the future, it seems to show the inevitable result of the way things are trending today. The plot moves along smoothly, with enough tension and twists that you’ll be reluctant to set this down for even a moment. Although this is the third book in a series, you don’t need to read the other two before diving in (although once you read this, you’ll probably want to read the others)! I enjoyed getting to know each of the four protagonists, as they fight to save Earth from the powerful and greedy who wish to destroy it as they make their own escape. Highly recommend for anyone who enjoys dystopian sci-fi.
This grabs your attention right from the start, and doesn’t let go for a moment. The world-building is extensive and seamless, and surrounds you immediately. Set in the future, it seems to show the inevitable result of the way things are trending today. The plot moves along smoothly, with enough tension and twists that you’ll be reluctant to set this down for even a moment. Although this is the third book in a series, you don’t need to read the other two before diving in (although once you read this, you’ll probably want to read the others)! I enjoyed getting to know each of the four protagonists, as they fight to save Earth from the powerful and greedy who wish to destroy it as they make their own escape. Highly recommend for anyone who enjoys dystopian sci-fi.
Absolutely brilliant!!! Brian Van Norman delivers one amazing book, I really want to say this is a Sci-fi genre but in todays world this is looking more and more about our future reality, the book starts in 2212, a dystopian world where people are divided by the CORPORATE, where technology and AI are what really moves society: the MEG´s living inside a dome, well protected and safe, and the MASS living in precarious conditions to barely survive.
Four characters are living in different situations and places, but all of them are the main character of the story, where they try to protect earth at all costs. Don’t waste any more time and start reading this masterpiece.
Four characters are living in different situations and places, but all of them are the main character of the story, where they try to protect earth at all costs. Don’t waste any more time and start reading this masterpiece.
Brian Van Norman invites us into a thought-provoking narrative that twirls around the dance of humanity amidst the relentless march of technology in 'Against the Machine: Evolution'. The book doesn't shy away from delving deep into the crevices of our dependency on machines. It's like peeling layers of an onion where each chapter reveals a layer of complexity in the man-machine relationship, often leaving you with teary eyes, yet you keep peeling.
The author’s transition from a teacher and theatre director to a full-time writer possibly adds a unique flavor to the storytelling, making the narrative resonate with a blend of real-world insight and imaginative foresight.
It's not just a book, it's an expedition into the 'what ifs' of our technological evolution. And if you're someone who appreciates a good ponder on the intertwined fate of humanity and machines, this book might just be your cup of tea."
Joan Mal
The author’s transition from a teacher and theatre director to a full-time writer possibly adds a unique flavor to the storytelling, making the narrative resonate with a blend of real-world insight and imaginative foresight.
It's not just a book, it's an expedition into the 'what ifs' of our technological evolution. And if you're someone who appreciates a good ponder on the intertwined fate of humanity and machines, this book might just be your cup of tea."
Joan Mal
Against the Machine: Evolution (Essential Prose Series Book 213)is a well-written and intriguing dystopian science fiction book. The narrative pulls you in immediately and doesn't let up until the end. There are plenty of twists and turns that keep you engaged, with a future being described that may not be too far from reality if current trends hold. While the book is the third installment in the series, it's not absolutely necessary to read the previous two, this narrative stands well on its own. You will find yourself rooting for the four main characters as they fight courageously to save Earth. Plenty of suspense and a fast pace make this a great read. Recommended......Taylor D
There's a lot of discussion about how fast computers and robots are learning to understand and do things in the world, like seeing and doing tasks in the real world or in the virtual world. This novel is one such thought-provoking and intense story.
In this story, we see how the world is in big trouble. The climate is getting very bad, and everything is falling apart. The story makes us think about how we treat the planet and what we're doing with technology. It asks if we're doing the right things. This book is really good at telling an exciting story with an important message. It makes you feel very excited because the story is fast and full of action. You keep wondering what's going to happen next. The book keeps you interested, and the ending is both satisfying and makes you think. The way it talks about people and machines is interesting and different from other dystopian stories..... Tanu
We have come across a lot of books that fabricate a whole new and different world, filled with imaginative elements set in realistic backgrounds and woven with relatable scenarios. This is one of those reads. This is my first read by the author, but the writing style and way of presentation are impressive and captivating.
The story is set in a scenario where the planet is in its worst condition due to harsh climatic effects, and generations of people are suffering. This is like a huge trouble, and everything seems like it's falling apart. The use and misuse of technology play an evitable role in the drastic and disastrous conditions, and this makes the story not only engaging but also delivers an important message. The subplots are engaging and reinforce the message depicted in the story. The story is fast-paced, and the built-in curiosity to learn new things makes the read more engaging...Soochi Sandhia
In this story, we see how the world is in big trouble. The climate is getting very bad, and everything is falling apart. The story makes us think about how we treat the planet and what we're doing with technology. It asks if we're doing the right things. This book is really good at telling an exciting story with an important message. It makes you feel very excited because the story is fast and full of action. You keep wondering what's going to happen next. The book keeps you interested, and the ending is both satisfying and makes you think. The way it talks about people and machines is interesting and different from other dystopian stories..... Tanu
We have come across a lot of books that fabricate a whole new and different world, filled with imaginative elements set in realistic backgrounds and woven with relatable scenarios. This is one of those reads. This is my first read by the author, but the writing style and way of presentation are impressive and captivating.
The story is set in a scenario where the planet is in its worst condition due to harsh climatic effects, and generations of people are suffering. This is like a huge trouble, and everything seems like it's falling apart. The use and misuse of technology play an evitable role in the drastic and disastrous conditions, and this makes the story not only engaging but also delivers an important message. The subplots are engaging and reinforce the message depicted in the story. The story is fast-paced, and the built-in curiosity to learn new things makes the read more engaging...Soochi Sandhia
I found some of the universal jargon/acronyms hard to follow early on, but I did enjoy that we started with getting to know the main characters and learning a bit about them. Each character has a unique perspective that helps fuel how they interact with saving Earth. I could almost feel Ping's fear as the AI started to probe for information early on.
But my favorite part? BATL. At the core, this style of entertainment seems inevitable in a technology-filled dystopia, and I love how it captures the fundamentals of humanity's historically dark desire to see sanctioned violence.
Norman put a lot of care into creating this universe; you can tell he's spent countless hours within its boundaries. It's a well-developed space. The characters are fun and have a lot of depth beyond what you would expect on the surface.
I recommend reading the rest of the books, but true to claims, the book is good on its own overall...Grimm Gevierre
But my favorite part? BATL. At the core, this style of entertainment seems inevitable in a technology-filled dystopia, and I love how it captures the fundamentals of humanity's historically dark desire to see sanctioned violence.
Norman put a lot of care into creating this universe; you can tell he's spent countless hours within its boundaries. It's a well-developed space. The characters are fun and have a lot of depth beyond what you would expect on the surface.
I recommend reading the rest of the books, but true to claims, the book is good on its own overall...Grimm Gevierre
This grabs your attention right from the start, and doesn’t let go for a moment. The world-building is extensive and seamless, and surrounds you immediately. Set in the future, it seems to show the inevitable result of the way things are trending today. The plot moves along smoothly, with enough tension and twists that you’ll be reluctant to set this down for even a moment. Although this is the third book in a series, you don’t need to read the other two before diving in (although once you read this, you’ll probably want to read the others)! I enjoyed getting to know each of the four protagonists, as they fight to save Earth from the powerful and greedy who wish to destroy it as they make their own escape. Highly recommend for anyone who enjoys dystopian sci-fi. ... Lilyana Shadowlyn
AMAZON.COM
Top reviews from the United States
TallSall
4.0 out of 5 stars Thought provoking
Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2023Brian Van Norman invites us into a thought-provoking narrative that twirls around the dance of humanity amidst the relentless march of technology in 'Against the Machine: Evolution'. The book doesn't shy away from delving deep into the crevices of our dependency on machines. It's like peeling layers of an onion where each chapter reveals a layer of complexity in the man-machine relationship, often leaving you with teary eyes, yet you keep peeling.
The author’s transition from a teacher and theatre director to a full-time writer possibly adds a unique flavor to the storytelling, making the narrative resonate with a blend of real-world insight and imaginative foresight.
It's not just a book, it's an expedition into the 'what ifs' of our technological evolution. And if you're someone who appreciates a good ponder on the intertwined fate of humanity and machines, thi
Liliyana
5.0 out of 5 stars This grabs your attention right from the start
Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2023This grabs your attention right from the start, and doesn’t let go for a moment. The world-building is extensive and seamless, and surrounds you immediately. Set in the future, it seems to show the inevitable result of the way things are trending today. The plot moves along smoothly, with enough tension and twists that you’ll be reluctant to set this down for even a moment. Although this is the third book in a series, you don’t need to read the other two before diving in (although once you read this, you’ll probably want to read the others)! I enjoyed getting to know each of the four protagonists, as they fight to save Earth from the powerful and greedy who wish to destroy it as they make their own escape. Highly recommend for anyone who enjoys dystopian sci-fi.
Grymm
4.0 out of 5 stars Well constructed book and universe!
Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2023I found some of the universal jargon/acronyms hard to follow early on, but I did enjoy that we started with getting to know the main characters and learning a bit about them. Each character has a unique perspective that helps fuel how they interact with saving Earth. I could almost feel Ping's fear as the AI started to probe for information early on.
But my favorite part? BATL. At the core, this style of entertainment seems inevitable in a technology-filled dystopia, and I love how it captures the fundamentals of humanity's historically dark desire to see sanctioned violence.
Norman put a lot of care into creating this universe; you can tell he's spent countless hours within its boundaries. It's a well-developed space. The characters are fun and have a lot of depth beyond what you would expect on the surface.
I recommend reading the rest of the books, but true to claims, the book is good on its own overall.
V.E.
VINE VOICE
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Dystopian Read
Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2023Against the Machine: Evolution (Essential Prose Series Book 213)is a well-written and intriguing dystopian science fiction book. The narrative pulls you in immediately and doesn't let up until the end. There are plenty of twists and turns that keep you engaged, with a future being described that may not be too far from reality if current trends hold. While the book is the third installment in the series, it's not absolutely necessary to read the previous two, this narrative stands well on its own. You will find yourself rooting for the four main characters as they fight courageously to save Earth. Plenty of suspense and a fast pace make this a great read. Recommended.
Tanu
4.0 out of 5 stars Thriller!
Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2023There's a lot of discussion about how fast computers and robots are learning to understand and do things in the world, like seeing and doing tasks in the real world or in the virtual world. This novel is one such thought-provoking and intense story.
In this story, we see how the world is in big trouble. The climate is getting very bad, and everything is falling apart. The story makes us think about how we treat the planet and what we're doing with technology. It asks if we're doing the right things. This book is really good at telling an exciting story with an important message. It makes you feel very excited because the story is fast and full of action. You keep wondering what's going to happen next. The book keeps you interested, and the ending is both satisfying and makes you think. The way it talks about people and machines is interesting and different from other dystopian stories.
Brian Norman’s Against the Machine: Evolution is the third book in
this series. BATL Commander Mellor has been recovering from an
injury and is ready to return to his position. Li Na, an opera singer,
has prepared for Mellor’s return home. After watching Li Na’s
performance, he is surprised to receive an invitation to Zealand
despite his lower caste rank. Meanwhile, CORPORATE has brought
Ke Hui Feng to become an apprentice to Wei Qang Zhang. Ke Hui is
given a tour of all the divisions she will lead in the future but is
frustrated when she receives no answers. She hears rumors about
ARC; however, she never receives answers to her questions.
Unbeknownst to others, Ping Weng Min has learned that the AI that
controls the operations in the MEG has gained self-awareness. Ping
realizes that I & I wants revenge for humanity taking silicon
androids for granted.
Brian Norman alternates the views of each character with smooth
transitions. For instance, Mellor is experiencing his BATL
competition, and then the following chapter shifts to what Feng is
learning simultaneously. Their stories parallel each other until their
paths cross. The vivid descriptions of the differences between the
MASS and MEGs allowed me to understand how the elite control the
privileges given to humanity. Otsi’tsa was an inspiring character
with her bright personality and ability to face adversity without fear.
She teaches the lesson that equality should be based on the actions
of each individual and not on status. The plot was unpredictable,
and it sparked my imagination into picturing the various living
situations of each character. The action scenes were exciting, and
the dialogue was engaging. The suspense builds as more questions
come into focus. Against the Machine: Evolution will appeal to
science fiction readers who like dystopian novels with AI possessing
human qualities..Readers' Favorite
TallSall
4.0 out of 5 stars Thought provoking
Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2023Brian Van Norman invites us into a thought-provoking narrative that twirls around the dance of humanity amidst the relentless march of technology in 'Against the Machine: Evolution'. The book doesn't shy away from delving deep into the crevices of our dependency on machines. It's like peeling layers of an onion where each chapter reveals a layer of complexity in the man-machine relationship, often leaving you with teary eyes, yet you keep peeling.
The author’s transition from a teacher and theatre director to a full-time writer possibly adds a unique flavor to the storytelling, making the narrative resonate with a blend of real-world insight and imaginative foresight.
It's not just a book, it's an expedition into the 'what ifs' of our technological evolution. And if you're someone who appreciates a good ponder on the intertwined fate of humanity and machines, thi
Liliyana
5.0 out of 5 stars This grabs your attention right from the start
Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2023This grabs your attention right from the start, and doesn’t let go for a moment. The world-building is extensive and seamless, and surrounds you immediately. Set in the future, it seems to show the inevitable result of the way things are trending today. The plot moves along smoothly, with enough tension and twists that you’ll be reluctant to set this down for even a moment. Although this is the third book in a series, you don’t need to read the other two before diving in (although once you read this, you’ll probably want to read the others)! I enjoyed getting to know each of the four protagonists, as they fight to save Earth from the powerful and greedy who wish to destroy it as they make their own escape. Highly recommend for anyone who enjoys dystopian sci-fi.
Grymm
4.0 out of 5 stars Well constructed book and universe!
Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2023I found some of the universal jargon/acronyms hard to follow early on, but I did enjoy that we started with getting to know the main characters and learning a bit about them. Each character has a unique perspective that helps fuel how they interact with saving Earth. I could almost feel Ping's fear as the AI started to probe for information early on.
But my favorite part? BATL. At the core, this style of entertainment seems inevitable in a technology-filled dystopia, and I love how it captures the fundamentals of humanity's historically dark desire to see sanctioned violence.
Norman put a lot of care into creating this universe; you can tell he's spent countless hours within its boundaries. It's a well-developed space. The characters are fun and have a lot of depth beyond what you would expect on the surface.
I recommend reading the rest of the books, but true to claims, the book is good on its own overall.
V.E.
VINE VOICE
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Dystopian Read
Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2023Against the Machine: Evolution (Essential Prose Series Book 213)is a well-written and intriguing dystopian science fiction book. The narrative pulls you in immediately and doesn't let up until the end. There are plenty of twists and turns that keep you engaged, with a future being described that may not be too far from reality if current trends hold. While the book is the third installment in the series, it's not absolutely necessary to read the previous two, this narrative stands well on its own. You will find yourself rooting for the four main characters as they fight courageously to save Earth. Plenty of suspense and a fast pace make this a great read. Recommended.
Tanu
4.0 out of 5 stars Thriller!
Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2023There's a lot of discussion about how fast computers and robots are learning to understand and do things in the world, like seeing and doing tasks in the real world or in the virtual world. This novel is one such thought-provoking and intense story.
In this story, we see how the world is in big trouble. The climate is getting very bad, and everything is falling apart. The story makes us think about how we treat the planet and what we're doing with technology. It asks if we're doing the right things. This book is really good at telling an exciting story with an important message. It makes you feel very excited because the story is fast and full of action. You keep wondering what's going to happen next. The book keeps you interested, and the ending is both satisfying and makes you think. The way it talks about people and machines is interesting and different from other dystopian stories.
Brian Norman’s Against the Machine: Evolution is the third book in
this series. BATL Commander Mellor has been recovering from an
injury and is ready to return to his position. Li Na, an opera singer,
has prepared for Mellor’s return home. After watching Li Na’s
performance, he is surprised to receive an invitation to Zealand
despite his lower caste rank. Meanwhile, CORPORATE has brought
Ke Hui Feng to become an apprentice to Wei Qang Zhang. Ke Hui is
given a tour of all the divisions she will lead in the future but is
frustrated when she receives no answers. She hears rumors about
ARC; however, she never receives answers to her questions.
Unbeknownst to others, Ping Weng Min has learned that the AI that
controls the operations in the MEG has gained self-awareness. Ping
realizes that I & I wants revenge for humanity taking silicon
androids for granted.
Brian Norman alternates the views of each character with smooth
transitions. For instance, Mellor is experiencing his BATL
competition, and then the following chapter shifts to what Feng is
learning simultaneously. Their stories parallel each other until their
paths cross. The vivid descriptions of the differences between the
MASS and MEGs allowed me to understand how the elite control the
privileges given to humanity. Otsi’tsa was an inspiring character
with her bright personality and ability to face adversity without fear.
She teaches the lesson that equality should be based on the actions
of each individual and not on status. The plot was unpredictable,
and it sparked my imagination into picturing the various living
situations of each character. The action scenes were exciting, and
the dialogue was engaging. The suspense builds as more questions
come into focus. Against the Machine: Evolution will appeal to
science fiction readers who like dystopian novels with AI possessing
human qualities..Readers' Favorite
Bookbub
"Against the Machine: Evolution," the latest work from Brian Van Norman, emerges as a compelling and thought-provoking piece. Set in a dystopian future of Earth in 2212, it vividly portrays a world grappling with catastrophic climate change. Van Norman's narrative intricately weaves together the lives of four distinct protagonists, each hailing from different strata of this fractured society, who unite in a desperate attempt to thwart a plan that threatens Earth itself. The novel, standing independently yet as the third in the Against The Machine trilogy, delves deep into the themes of man versus machine. It explores a society where the majority, known as the MASS, struggle for existence, while a minority resides within MEGs—former cities transformed into vast technological domes. This dichotomy of existence is a critical element of the narrative, reflecting a world divided not just by physical structures but by power, technology, and the very essence of humanity. What makes Van Norman’s writing particularly riveting is his ability to blend the daunting aspects of a sci-fi dystopia with the unsettling parallels to our current world. Reviews have lauded the book as "brilliant" and "exquisitely inventive," emphasizing its powerful and fresh approach. Readers find themselves immersed in a narrative that is as thrilling as a roller coaster ride, yet it leaves one feeling slightly unsettled, pondering the possible future of our own world. The division of society is starkly portrayed, with the CORPORATE controlling technology and AI, dictating the lives of those within the MEGs and the MASS. This aspect of the book speaks volumes about our increasing reliance on technology and its potential impact on societal structures. Moreover, the novel's setting, characterized by a planet gravely affected by climate change, strikes a chord with contemporary environmental concerns, underscoring the book's relevance in today's discourse. In conclusion, "Against the Machine: Evolution" is not just a science fiction novel; it is a mirror reflecting our potential future, wrapped in a narrative that is both engaging and unsettling. Van Norman’s work is a must-read for those who enjoy deep, thoughtful explorations of futuristic societies, technology's role in our lives, and the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity...hTimSs
If you're diving into Brian Van Norman's "Against the Machine: Evolution," buckle up for a narrative roller coaster that's part sci-fi thriller, part existential pondering on the human condition. Set in 2212, this book doesn't just flirt with dystopian clichés—it marries them, for better or worse. In a world ravaged by climate catastrophes and societal divides, Van Norman introduces us to a cast of characters as diverse as the crises they face. From the tech-savvy elites in their MEGs to the struggling masses outside, the story is a vibrant tapestry of human resilience and despair. It’s like peeking into a kaleidoscope where every turn shows a different facet of a society on the brink. Van Norman's prose is a curious mix of blunt and poetic. The characters, they're like puzzles, each piece fitting into the other in unexpected ways. You've got the rebels, the thinkers, the dreamers—all united by a cause that’s as noble as it is doomed. Without spoiling too much, let’s just say it’s the kind of conclusion that leaves you staring at the last page, wondering if what you read was a warning or a prophecy. It’s like finishing a hearty meal but still feeling hungry—satisfied, yet curious for more..Gorgose
"Against the Machine: Evolution," the latest work from Brian Van Norman, emerges as a compelling and thought-provoking piece. Set in a dystopian future of Earth in 2212, it vividly portrays a world grappling with catastrophic climate change. Van Norman's narrative intricately weaves together the lives of four distinct protagonists, each hailing from different strata of this fractured society, who unite in a desperate attempt to thwart a plan that threatens Earth itself. The novel, standing independently yet as the third in the Against The Machine trilogy, delves deep into the themes of man versus machine. It explores a society where the majority, known as the MASS, struggle for existence, while a minority resides within MEGs—former cities transformed into vast technological domes. This dichotomy of existence is a critical element of the narrative, reflecting a world divided not just by physical structures but by power, technology, and the very essence of humanity. What makes Van Norman’s writing particularly riveting is his ability to blend the daunting aspects of a sci-fi dystopia with the unsettling parallels to our current world. Reviews have lauded the book as "brilliant" and "exquisitely inventive," emphasizing its powerful and fresh approach. Readers find themselves immersed in a narrative that is as thrilling as a roller coaster ride, yet it leaves one feeling slightly unsettled, pondering the possible future of our own world. The division of society is starkly portrayed, with the CORPORATE controlling technology and AI, dictating the lives of those within the MEGs and the MASS. This aspect of the book speaks volumes about our increasing reliance on technology and its potential impact on societal structures. Moreover, the novel's setting, characterized by a planet gravely affected by climate change, strikes a chord with contemporary environmental concerns, underscoring the book's relevance in today's discourse. In conclusion, "Against the Machine: Evolution" is not just a science fiction novel; it is a mirror reflecting our potential future, wrapped in a narrative that is both engaging and unsettling. Van Norman’s work is a must-read for those who enjoy deep, thoughtful explorations of futuristic societies, technology's role in our lives, and the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity...hTimSs
If you're diving into Brian Van Norman's "Against the Machine: Evolution," buckle up for a narrative roller coaster that's part sci-fi thriller, part existential pondering on the human condition. Set in 2212, this book doesn't just flirt with dystopian clichés—it marries them, for better or worse. In a world ravaged by climate catastrophes and societal divides, Van Norman introduces us to a cast of characters as diverse as the crises they face. From the tech-savvy elites in their MEGs to the struggling masses outside, the story is a vibrant tapestry of human resilience and despair. It’s like peeking into a kaleidoscope where every turn shows a different facet of a society on the brink. Van Norman's prose is a curious mix of blunt and poetic. The characters, they're like puzzles, each piece fitting into the other in unexpected ways. You've got the rebels, the thinkers, the dreamers—all united by a cause that’s as noble as it is doomed. Without spoiling too much, let’s just say it’s the kind of conclusion that leaves you staring at the last page, wondering if what you read was a warning or a prophecy. It’s like finishing a hearty meal but still feeling hungry—satisfied, yet curious for more..Gorgose
BATL REGULATIONS
EACH PLAYING FIELD is 500 metres in length and 200 metres in width. The field is contained within a transparent, shatterproof elongated dome 100 meters in height. This BATL DOME in turn occupies the centre of a larger stadium. Each FORCE consists of 99 players with a maximum of 49 on the FIELD at any one time.
OBJECT of the game is to capture the opposing MEGALOPOLIS FORCE’S FLAG STANDARD or in the case of no capture, the FORCE occupying the greatest EXPANSE OF THE FIELD at end time. SURRENDER may occur by choice of a FORCE. While STANDARD capture is obvious, SURRENDER is signified by lowering a FORCE’S BANNER and raising a WHITE ENSIGN at the surrendering FORCE’S end of the FIELD.
Each FIELD shall contain varying formations of TERRAIN. TERRAIN formations shall differ for every game, designed by LEAGUE OFFICIALS. FORCES are provided advance renderings of their initial 200 metres of the FIELD in order to strategize. The MIDFIELD 100 metres will remain unknown to both FORCES requiring game time reconnaissance.
There are TWO ninety minute PERIODS in each game with a fifteen minute INTERMISSION. The game may end early due to rapid STANDARD capture or FORCE surrender. UMPIRES may penalize a FORCE for unnecessary delay of combat. PENALTY will entail the removal of TEN PERCENT of the FORCE with no substitutions. UMPIRES may also call a TIME OUT to enable evacuation of critically wounded CASUALTIES.
During the Intermission SUBSTITUTIONS are allowed and coaching is permitted. TEN PERCENT of the number of combatants remaining on the PITCH at half time may be substituted. At the start of PERIOD 2 combatants must return to their marked positions.
Combatants are rendered OFFLINE from the NET during play. All combatants communicate using localized CLEAR COMMS sets. COACHES may listen from their designated HQ’s but are permitted no speech function or visual direction during combat except during INTERMISSION. All PLAYERS in action are forbidden access to the COMMS CHANNEL of their opposition. Penalty for this infraction is immediate loss to the opponent causing VICTORY (by umpire decision).
If, at the end of the PERIOD 2, no STANDARD has been captured nor has there been a SURRENDER, UMPIRES will determine a VICTORY BY DECISION, basing their verdict on FORCE TERRAIN occupation.
There are TEN GAMES per REGION per SEASON. At the end of the season TWO TEAMS with the greatest number of points in their LEAGUE STANDINGS, WESTERN HEMISPHERE and TWO TEAMS with the greatest number of points in their LEAGUE STANDINGS, EASTERN HEMISPHERE, will compete in a PLAYOFFS for their HEMISPHERIC CHAMPIONSHIPS.
The VICTORS of each HEMISPHERIC CHAMPIONSHIP shall progress to the FINAL GAME of the SEASON, titled…
WORLD CONQUEST!
THE ROAD TO CONQUEST
WEAPONS & EQUIPMENT
All COMBATANTS must wear helmets and uniforms with VISIBLE NUMBERS identifying them as members of their MEG FORCE.
ASSAULT RIFLES, MACHINE PISTOLS, HANDGUNS: 9mm
SHOTGUNS: .410 GAUGE,
GRENADES: FLASH-CONCUSSION/SMOKE 30mm
MOUNTED MACHINE GUN: M249 LMG 9mm
GOALTENDER (LIEUTENANT) (1) deploys with semi-automatic handgun
POINT GUARDS (4) deploy in pairs with machine guns
POWER GUARDS (4) deploy in pairs with grenade launchers
BLOCKERS (8) deploy with assault rifles
FULLBACKS (6) deploy with pump-action shotguns
POWER FORWARDS (6) deploy with assault rifles
SWEEPERS (3) deploy in ATV’s/2 players per vehicle (6): driver and weapons tech/vehicles armed with belt fed machine guns
STRIKERS (4) deploy in drone packs with hand held machine pistols & grenades
FLANKERS (8) deploy on moto-cross bikes with hand held machine pistols
COMMANDER (CAPTAIN) (1) deploys with semi-automatic handgun
ALL FORCE MEMBERS may utilize abandoned or captured weapons
FORCE POSITIONS
COACHING STAFF: consists of Head Coach, Offensive and Defensive Coordinators, and Special Teams Coordinators. Coaching instruction is permitted only before game time and at intermissions.
GOALTENDER (LIEUTENANT): (1) commands the defensive squads and co-ordinates their actions; assumes command upon loss of COMMANDER (CAPTAIN).
DEFENSIVE SQUADS: consist of POINT GUARDS (4) who guard the Standard position and POWER GUARDS (4) who may deploy forward upon command.
LINEBACKER SQUADS: consist of BLOCKERS (8) who work in tandem to defend the team’s territory and back up the Offensive line.
OFFENSIVE SQUADS: consist of FULLBACKS (6) and POWER FORWARDS (6), who advance the forward lines of skirmish to attempt to capture the opponent’s Standard.
SPECIAL TEAMS: consist of (3) SWEEPERS driving 2 person ATV vehicles, (4) FLANKERS (Riding moto-cross bikes and (4) STRIKERS flying drone pack lifters.
MEDIC SQUAD: (4) consists of non-combatants who care for to the wounded and may not engage in combat.
BODYGUARD: (1) is tasked with protecting the Force COMMANDER.
COMMANDER (CAPTAIN): (1) commands the offensive squads and serves as the overall Force COMMANDER in conjunction with GOALTENDER (LIEUTENANT).
BASIC TACTICS & TERMINOLOGY
Reconnaissance
Flanker Squads (with Striker reconnaissance) determine the initial penetration of the attacking force and the success or failure of securing structures by zone control and clearance. Interlocking fire is assigned to each squad by vector field trajectory assignments. Weapon preference depends on reconnaissance reports regarding configuration and size of the zone to be attacked and secured, including:
Line of Skirmish
The tactic primarily used when Forces face off while Strikers and Flankers are employed in Reconnaissance. Line tactics involve the use of long lines of skirmishers facing the opponent with the goal of stopping those Forces from advancing or flanking. There is a potential flaw to the use of line tactics. Spreading units too thin make it easier for the opposition to employ the Overwhelming Force tactic. However, heavily concentrated troops might allow opposing forces to flank or surround and eventually destroy an unsuspecting Force.
Overwhelming Force
This assignment is a force multiplier (Fullback Squad, Halfback Squad) in assault missions which exponentially accelerates the success of control. Power Forward Squads operate as attritional force multiplier. Power Forwards and Fullbacks give the attacking force more efficient and rapid control of a zone due to lethal rapid and spread fire weaponry while providing Sweepers the option of expanding control. Strikers offer air support and provide reconnaissance for Flankers.
Encirclement
An encircled Force being hit from many angles at once, making it difficult to fight back effectively. Also, encirclement cuts off reinforcement. This tactic is the most difficult to accomplish.
Frontal AttacksFrontal Attacks concentrate on a weaker part of the opponent's Force. The Human Wave attack is one such tactic. With this tactic, Encirclement is not necessary, since attackers can destroy the opponent with one powerful blow.
Suppressive Fire
Applying heavy firepower to a defensive position both reduces the mobility of a defending Force and its ability to return fire. While the defending Force is in this state, an attacking Force can move assault elements forward under covering fire to close with an opponent’s Force.
Bounding
Moving units directly forward against the opponent’s Force then setting up a position to provide suppressive fire for units previously providing suppressive fire. This allows those units to mount potential Frontal Attacks. For this tactic’s success it is usual for attackers to employ their strongest Forward Squads and bring forward Linebacker units.
Flanking
A form of partial encirclement, fast moving units attempt to maneuver around an opponent’s Line of Skirmish. Once in place Flankers may distract an opponent with Feints or Suppressive Fire. Once a Force is flanked it is generally rendered upon the defensive.
Feints
Concealing the attacking Force’s movements and intentions is critical for success. Since this compels the defending Force to spread out thinly, not knowing where to expect the attack, while attackers can concentrate their strength. Neutralization of opposing Strikers is essential when using these tactics so as not to be discovered from the air.
Defeat in Detail
To attack, regroup then advance to overwhelm other parts of the opponent’s Force. This tactic can be difficult to accomplish since the opponent will often be able to see where the attacking Force is massing. Since Encirclement and Flanking can be difficult, this tactic is often the most employed endgame.
Defense in Depth
The strategized placement of different types of units before reconnaissance into a layered format of units. If the opponent Force overruns a unit, it will find itself immediately facing vector with pre-planned field trajectory assignments. Sweepers take on added significance here to quickly reinforce a unit close to being Flanked or overrun.
Zone Defense
Splitting one’s Force after reconnaissance will allow a Force to engage in multiple skirmishes. A Force masses units opposite an opponent’s build-up, thereby countering the attack. This tactic is normally only employed when the attacking Force is much stronger than the one defending.
Hit and Run
If one Force (usually the defender in familiar terrain) is much weaker than the opponent, that Force may separate into small units so there is no chance to be defeated in one blow. The defenders can then send those units at the attacker from different directions, where and when they are not expected, to cause damage then quickly flee before the attacker has a chance to respond effectively. These techniques are also a part of asymmetric warfare when one Region’s Force is notably stronger than the other.
Fighting Retreat
When a Force is threatened with defeat it may choose to retreat to more defensible terrain until counter tactics can be employed. This is a delicate and difficult maneuver with units or squads destabilized, often out of position and suffering low morale. The Fighting Retreat is most often noted as a reversal of the Suppressive Fire tactic with units covering other units as each takes its turn to pull back.
Banner Cluster
Usually a final stand to bring about an Impasse as opposed to a defeat, a Force will collapse upon the Goaltender’s defenses and through density of numbers will sustain a fighting defense until Time is called by the Umpires. This tactic is most often commanded by the Goaltender as opposed to the Quarterback as it is a purely defensive action. The weakness of this tactic is the number of casualties it brings, as opposed to a Surrender.
EACH PLAYING FIELD is 500 metres in length and 200 metres in width. The field is contained within a transparent, shatterproof elongated dome 100 meters in height. This BATL DOME in turn occupies the centre of a larger stadium. Each FORCE consists of 99 players with a maximum of 49 on the FIELD at any one time.
OBJECT of the game is to capture the opposing MEGALOPOLIS FORCE’S FLAG STANDARD or in the case of no capture, the FORCE occupying the greatest EXPANSE OF THE FIELD at end time. SURRENDER may occur by choice of a FORCE. While STANDARD capture is obvious, SURRENDER is signified by lowering a FORCE’S BANNER and raising a WHITE ENSIGN at the surrendering FORCE’S end of the FIELD.
Each FIELD shall contain varying formations of TERRAIN. TERRAIN formations shall differ for every game, designed by LEAGUE OFFICIALS. FORCES are provided advance renderings of their initial 200 metres of the FIELD in order to strategize. The MIDFIELD 100 metres will remain unknown to both FORCES requiring game time reconnaissance.
There are TWO ninety minute PERIODS in each game with a fifteen minute INTERMISSION. The game may end early due to rapid STANDARD capture or FORCE surrender. UMPIRES may penalize a FORCE for unnecessary delay of combat. PENALTY will entail the removal of TEN PERCENT of the FORCE with no substitutions. UMPIRES may also call a TIME OUT to enable evacuation of critically wounded CASUALTIES.
During the Intermission SUBSTITUTIONS are allowed and coaching is permitted. TEN PERCENT of the number of combatants remaining on the PITCH at half time may be substituted. At the start of PERIOD 2 combatants must return to their marked positions.
Combatants are rendered OFFLINE from the NET during play. All combatants communicate using localized CLEAR COMMS sets. COACHES may listen from their designated HQ’s but are permitted no speech function or visual direction during combat except during INTERMISSION. All PLAYERS in action are forbidden access to the COMMS CHANNEL of their opposition. Penalty for this infraction is immediate loss to the opponent causing VICTORY (by umpire decision).
If, at the end of the PERIOD 2, no STANDARD has been captured nor has there been a SURRENDER, UMPIRES will determine a VICTORY BY DECISION, basing their verdict on FORCE TERRAIN occupation.
There are TEN GAMES per REGION per SEASON. At the end of the season TWO TEAMS with the greatest number of points in their LEAGUE STANDINGS, WESTERN HEMISPHERE and TWO TEAMS with the greatest number of points in their LEAGUE STANDINGS, EASTERN HEMISPHERE, will compete in a PLAYOFFS for their HEMISPHERIC CHAMPIONSHIPS.
The VICTORS of each HEMISPHERIC CHAMPIONSHIP shall progress to the FINAL GAME of the SEASON, titled…
WORLD CONQUEST!
THE ROAD TO CONQUEST
- LEAGUE PLAY – one game per month for ten months
- 1 POINT – VICTORY by Umpire Decision – increased & supplemented MASS provisions for ONE WEEK following decision & ONE DAY Megalopolis holiday.
- 2 POINTS – VICTORY by Standard Capture – increased & supplemented MASS provisions for TWO WEEKS following Victory & TWO DAYS Megalopolis holiday.
- 3 POINTS – TRIUMPH by First Half Victory – increased & supplemented MASS provisions for THREE weeks following Victory & ONE DAY MEGALOPOLIS TRIUMPH.
- HEMISPHERE PLAYOFF VICTORY – increased & supplemented MASS provisions FOUR weeks following Championship & ONE DAY MEGALOPOLIS TRIUMPH.
- WORLD CONQUEST - increased & supplemented MASS provisions for TWELVE weeks following Conquest & ONE WEEK MEGALOPOLIS TRIUMPH.
WEAPONS & EQUIPMENT
All COMBATANTS must wear helmets and uniforms with VISIBLE NUMBERS identifying them as members of their MEG FORCE.
ASSAULT RIFLES, MACHINE PISTOLS, HANDGUNS: 9mm
SHOTGUNS: .410 GAUGE,
GRENADES: FLASH-CONCUSSION/SMOKE 30mm
MOUNTED MACHINE GUN: M249 LMG 9mm
GOALTENDER (LIEUTENANT) (1) deploys with semi-automatic handgun
POINT GUARDS (4) deploy in pairs with machine guns
POWER GUARDS (4) deploy in pairs with grenade launchers
BLOCKERS (8) deploy with assault rifles
FULLBACKS (6) deploy with pump-action shotguns
POWER FORWARDS (6) deploy with assault rifles
SWEEPERS (3) deploy in ATV’s/2 players per vehicle (6): driver and weapons tech/vehicles armed with belt fed machine guns
STRIKERS (4) deploy in drone packs with hand held machine pistols & grenades
FLANKERS (8) deploy on moto-cross bikes with hand held machine pistols
COMMANDER (CAPTAIN) (1) deploys with semi-automatic handgun
ALL FORCE MEMBERS may utilize abandoned or captured weapons
FORCE POSITIONS
COACHING STAFF: consists of Head Coach, Offensive and Defensive Coordinators, and Special Teams Coordinators. Coaching instruction is permitted only before game time and at intermissions.
GOALTENDER (LIEUTENANT): (1) commands the defensive squads and co-ordinates their actions; assumes command upon loss of COMMANDER (CAPTAIN).
DEFENSIVE SQUADS: consist of POINT GUARDS (4) who guard the Standard position and POWER GUARDS (4) who may deploy forward upon command.
LINEBACKER SQUADS: consist of BLOCKERS (8) who work in tandem to defend the team’s territory and back up the Offensive line.
OFFENSIVE SQUADS: consist of FULLBACKS (6) and POWER FORWARDS (6), who advance the forward lines of skirmish to attempt to capture the opponent’s Standard.
SPECIAL TEAMS: consist of (3) SWEEPERS driving 2 person ATV vehicles, (4) FLANKERS (Riding moto-cross bikes and (4) STRIKERS flying drone pack lifters.
MEDIC SQUAD: (4) consists of non-combatants who care for to the wounded and may not engage in combat.
BODYGUARD: (1) is tasked with protecting the Force COMMANDER.
COMMANDER (CAPTAIN): (1) commands the offensive squads and serves as the overall Force COMMANDER in conjunction with GOALTENDER (LIEUTENANT).
BASIC TACTICS & TERMINOLOGY
Reconnaissance
Flanker Squads (with Striker reconnaissance) determine the initial penetration of the attacking force and the success or failure of securing structures by zone control and clearance. Interlocking fire is assigned to each squad by vector field trajectory assignments. Weapon preference depends on reconnaissance reports regarding configuration and size of the zone to be attacked and secured, including:
- Numerical strength of opposing force
- Spacing and movement of opposition
- Configuration (types of squads) of opposing force.
Line of Skirmish
The tactic primarily used when Forces face off while Strikers and Flankers are employed in Reconnaissance. Line tactics involve the use of long lines of skirmishers facing the opponent with the goal of stopping those Forces from advancing or flanking. There is a potential flaw to the use of line tactics. Spreading units too thin make it easier for the opposition to employ the Overwhelming Force tactic. However, heavily concentrated troops might allow opposing forces to flank or surround and eventually destroy an unsuspecting Force.
Overwhelming Force
This assignment is a force multiplier (Fullback Squad, Halfback Squad) in assault missions which exponentially accelerates the success of control. Power Forward Squads operate as attritional force multiplier. Power Forwards and Fullbacks give the attacking force more efficient and rapid control of a zone due to lethal rapid and spread fire weaponry while providing Sweepers the option of expanding control. Strikers offer air support and provide reconnaissance for Flankers.
Encirclement
An encircled Force being hit from many angles at once, making it difficult to fight back effectively. Also, encirclement cuts off reinforcement. This tactic is the most difficult to accomplish.
Frontal AttacksFrontal Attacks concentrate on a weaker part of the opponent's Force. The Human Wave attack is one such tactic. With this tactic, Encirclement is not necessary, since attackers can destroy the opponent with one powerful blow.
Suppressive Fire
Applying heavy firepower to a defensive position both reduces the mobility of a defending Force and its ability to return fire. While the defending Force is in this state, an attacking Force can move assault elements forward under covering fire to close with an opponent’s Force.
Bounding
Moving units directly forward against the opponent’s Force then setting up a position to provide suppressive fire for units previously providing suppressive fire. This allows those units to mount potential Frontal Attacks. For this tactic’s success it is usual for attackers to employ their strongest Forward Squads and bring forward Linebacker units.
Flanking
A form of partial encirclement, fast moving units attempt to maneuver around an opponent’s Line of Skirmish. Once in place Flankers may distract an opponent with Feints or Suppressive Fire. Once a Force is flanked it is generally rendered upon the defensive.
Feints
Concealing the attacking Force’s movements and intentions is critical for success. Since this compels the defending Force to spread out thinly, not knowing where to expect the attack, while attackers can concentrate their strength. Neutralization of opposing Strikers is essential when using these tactics so as not to be discovered from the air.
Defeat in Detail
To attack, regroup then advance to overwhelm other parts of the opponent’s Force. This tactic can be difficult to accomplish since the opponent will often be able to see where the attacking Force is massing. Since Encirclement and Flanking can be difficult, this tactic is often the most employed endgame.
Defense in Depth
The strategized placement of different types of units before reconnaissance into a layered format of units. If the opponent Force overruns a unit, it will find itself immediately facing vector with pre-planned field trajectory assignments. Sweepers take on added significance here to quickly reinforce a unit close to being Flanked or overrun.
Zone Defense
Splitting one’s Force after reconnaissance will allow a Force to engage in multiple skirmishes. A Force masses units opposite an opponent’s build-up, thereby countering the attack. This tactic is normally only employed when the attacking Force is much stronger than the one defending.
Hit and Run
If one Force (usually the defender in familiar terrain) is much weaker than the opponent, that Force may separate into small units so there is no chance to be defeated in one blow. The defenders can then send those units at the attacker from different directions, where and when they are not expected, to cause damage then quickly flee before the attacker has a chance to respond effectively. These techniques are also a part of asymmetric warfare when one Region’s Force is notably stronger than the other.
Fighting Retreat
When a Force is threatened with defeat it may choose to retreat to more defensible terrain until counter tactics can be employed. This is a delicate and difficult maneuver with units or squads destabilized, often out of position and suffering low morale. The Fighting Retreat is most often noted as a reversal of the Suppressive Fire tactic with units covering other units as each takes its turn to pull back.
Banner Cluster
Usually a final stand to bring about an Impasse as opposed to a defeat, a Force will collapse upon the Goaltender’s defenses and through density of numbers will sustain a fighting defense until Time is called by the Umpires. This tactic is most often commanded by the Goaltender as opposed to the Quarterback as it is a purely defensive action. The weakness of this tactic is the number of casualties it brings, as opposed to a Surrender.