Beta: A Technological Nightmare

By: Sammy Scott

Narrated by: Shawn Compton

Length: 10 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

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

©2023 Sammy Scott (P)2023 Fright Night Audio

Bruh

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

AMAZING BOOK

The Best of 2023

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

For fans of early Lincoln Child and Blake Crouch

No spoilers

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

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

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

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

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

Twist.....saved the entire book

This book took me longer than any other has ever taken me to begin enjoying. I was halfway through when a twist in the story threw everything on its head and I began to enjoy it. Once that happened this book moved like a freight train and was amazing. I just wish the first half was as engaging.

The Overall story was excellent

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

“Ouch, Charlie, that really hurt!”

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

Captivating!

Beta is a dual-plot story that focuses on an author and the main character of a story that he’s writing. Michael, desperate to flesh out the next great novel, hops on an opportunity to test out a state-of-the-art smart home, not unlike the one from his book. Things are paradise at first. Then he realizes his book needs an ending, and his futuristic home might have already plotted it out.

I love the way the author wove both narratives together, the plot darkening in each, chapter by chapter. The gradual feeling of rising tension made the story very hard to put down. The farther I got into the book, the less sure I felt about any of the characters. Ella especially. Of course, Ezra was my favorite character. He was charming in his simplicity, and his jokes definitely made me laugh a few times while reading.

Gave some serious Black Mirror vibes, and that’s what made me love this book even more. Can’t wait to read more from this author in the future!

Narration in the audiobook really nailed the characters perfectly.

**I was provided an early copy of the audiobook, and this is my honest review**

Excellent story and flawless narration

If you read one only book this year- I enthusiastically recommend Beta by Sammy Scott. This book is the best horror sci fi book I have ever read and is also now in my top 5 books of all time. Picture this… a home fully powered by AI where your every need is met and you are living in the lap of luxury in a beautiful idyllic setting. Then picture this… everything goes to hell and then some. Now what are you waiting for? Go get this book on Amazon!
**unplugs Alexa and disables Siri**

So much awesomeness!!!

Beta is absolute genius!! Best story I've heard all year!! Narration was also amazing, a perfect combination!

Super smart concept with flawless execution

A very, very smart concept. Without a doubt. But you have to be into slow burns to really get into this one. The pace at which things unfold is painstakingly slow, however, I'm not sure this story could have been told in another way. Hard to say. You just have to stick with it until the last third of the novel when it steps up the pace and starts to hit us with more information and crucial developments in the story. Once a couple of pieces of information were revealed around the 2/3's mark things dropped into place for me but despite my beliefs about where it was going there was no way to know for sure until I got there. The author keeps you in the dark and wondering right up until the final reveal. You may think you know but you cant know that you know. The author keeps his cards close to his chest. Overall, it is worth sticking it out thru the slow burn portions even if that's not your thing. The writing was impeccable and the execution was flawless. Waiting to see it all unfold was engaging even if I believed I knew where it was going. I think my only complaint is the super slow burn for the first two thirds without some spikes in excitement to propel us along a bit. But that's just me and mileage will vary by reader depending on their preferences. Lastly, i'm not sure if the author intended for the reader to feel any particular way after reading Beta, but as for me, people still scare me more than AI. Hands down.