The Final Evolution (Avery Cates 5)
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Review
'A violence-filled tale redeemed by Cates's hard-edged narrative voice. There is no prologue detailing Cates's convoluted backstory; instead, Somers draws readers in with witty dialogue and trusts them to catch up. Cates and his protégé, Remy, have taken on a murder-for-hire assignment targeting a Bolivian despot following the disintegration of the System of Federated Nations. Their client pays them in information about a man on Cates's personal hit list. What could be a standard hard-boiled, noirish plot is enhanced by science fiction elements: Cates has been physically augmented, and one of the obstacles in his path is an Angel, a person with psionic ability and delusions of a divine mandate to rule the world. Readers will enjoy the imaginative tale' --Publishers Weekly
'A damn good time' --Sfx
'Somers is an author of some powerful genre talents' --The Bookbag
'A damn good time' --Sfx
'Somers is an author of some powerful genre talents' --The Bookbag
Product Description
The world is dying. With avatars replacing humans and the birth rate non-existent, the human race is almost extinct. Only one man could save it - and it's not Avery Cates. In the end, it comes down to Canny Orel, Avery's long sought after nemesis - transformed now into something other than human - and Cates. And when Cates chances on a way to trick the advantage away from the old master, he suddenly has a choice to make: get his long-delayed revenge, or save the world.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Having originally come across Jeff as a recommendation from Lilith Saintcrow I was more than pleasantly surprised at the depth of character, the rich world building and of course the depth of human depravity to which the world has sunk. It's cleverly constructed and with so many positive lead characters in the literary world, its always refreshing to have the antihero at the centre of the story.
Over the series Avery has battled his way through, struggled for each breath and come damn close to death a number of times. Yet whilst realising that there were only so many stories to which a hero can lead it was always going to be interesting to see which way Jeff would take it. Here, everything collides in this fast paced Sci-Fi thriller as old enemies are at the centre as Avery struggles against the odds, the enemies and himself.
All in, with solid pace, good prose and cracking characterisation is a tale that readers of the series will devour and love to pieces. Great stuff and it's with a sadness to see Avery's last adventure as it really has been a highlight from start to finish.
Over the series Avery has battled his way through, struggled for each breath and come damn close to death a number of times. Yet whilst realising that there were only so many stories to which a hero can lead it was always going to be interesting to see which way Jeff would take it. Here, everything collides in this fast paced Sci-Fi thriller as old enemies are at the centre as Avery struggles against the odds, the enemies and himself.
All in, with solid pace, good prose and cracking characterisation is a tale that readers of the series will devour and love to pieces. Great stuff and it's with a sadness to see Avery's last adventure as it really has been a highlight from start to finish.
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
The Final Evolution is the fifth book in the Avery Cates sci-fi series by Jeff Somers however this is the first I've read.
Avery Cates is your average hard-ass tough guy. There are lots of guns, augmented brains, avatars with downloaded artificial intelligence, psychics that can control your actions and did I mention guns? It's certainly action packed and has some good themes going on but I think I have missed out by starting this far in. It takes a while for any sort of plot to form and I think if you don't like action based fiction, you won't enjoy this. Whilst I would much rather have the back story of the plague (I still have no idea what it was) and Avery's history with Orel. I'm sure these won't be a problem for the seasoned fan.
There were moments that shined amongst the gunfire and the end redeemed it for me. Overall bit long and probably not my cup of tea, but one for the action sci-fi fan.
I received a copy from the publisher to review but all opinions are my own.
Avery Cates is your average hard-ass tough guy. There are lots of guns, augmented brains, avatars with downloaded artificial intelligence, psychics that can control your actions and did I mention guns? It's certainly action packed and has some good themes going on but I think I have missed out by starting this far in. It takes a while for any sort of plot to form and I think if you don't like action based fiction, you won't enjoy this. Whilst I would much rather have the back story of the plague (I still have no idea what it was) and Avery's history with Orel. I'm sure these won't be a problem for the seasoned fan.
There were moments that shined amongst the gunfire and the end redeemed it for me. Overall bit long and probably not my cup of tea, but one for the action sci-fi fan.
I received a copy from the publisher to review but all opinions are my own.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
6 reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Not the best of the series but still a page turner
30 Dec 2011
Format:Mass Market Paperback
Well I loved the series and this book was another page turner. The interplay between Avery and Grisha is especially fantastic; any book that gets me laughing is worthwhile.
Unfortunately this book does not live up to the quality of the earlier books in the series. The whole story felt a little forced and the plot did not have the inspiration and creativity I have come to expect. Even the usually stellar descriptions of drinking horrible booze were, on average a little lacking. (that said, there is a gem in there concerning Marko and his lack of drinking expertise)
My main gripe is; I feel the only reason Mr. Somers went the direction he did with the ending was to try to avoid the norm, there is merit in that but I don't think it was the right choice. Jeff mentions on his blog that some disgruntled readers wish that Avery (a sociopath) had ended up with a girl and walked into the sunset. That is not the problem. The problem is that out of the blue a convenient reason for the human race to die out is created with no explanation. There are also hints at the origin of the "Angles" which does not get tied off or resolved in any way. And finally, I just don't believe that a structured society like the "System" could be so fragile and lack redundancy in the supply chains of their various industries to such a gross extent.
Simply put, of all the apocalyptic scenarios I have read this is the least believable. This is not to say that the way Avery acts is out of character or even that his ending is unexpected. It is the broader scope and global outcome that is unbelievable.
Rant off :), all that being said I couldn't put the book down and it is simply a pleasure to get to step into even a little of Avery's universe. I am being a little harsh for sure; this is in part because of the quality of the previous books in the series.
All things considered, I will certainly be looking forward to and purchasing future works from Mr. Somers
Unfortunately this book does not live up to the quality of the earlier books in the series. The whole story felt a little forced and the plot did not have the inspiration and creativity I have come to expect. Even the usually stellar descriptions of drinking horrible booze were, on average a little lacking. (that said, there is a gem in there concerning Marko and his lack of drinking expertise)
My main gripe is; I feel the only reason Mr. Somers went the direction he did with the ending was to try to avoid the norm, there is merit in that but I don't think it was the right choice. Jeff mentions on his blog that some disgruntled readers wish that Avery (a sociopath) had ended up with a girl and walked into the sunset. That is not the problem. The problem is that out of the blue a convenient reason for the human race to die out is created with no explanation. There are also hints at the origin of the "Angles" which does not get tied off or resolved in any way. And finally, I just don't believe that a structured society like the "System" could be so fragile and lack redundancy in the supply chains of their various industries to such a gross extent.
Simply put, of all the apocalyptic scenarios I have read this is the least believable. This is not to say that the way Avery acts is out of character or even that his ending is unexpected. It is the broader scope and global outcome that is unbelievable.
Rant off :), all that being said I couldn't put the book down and it is simply a pleasure to get to step into even a little of Avery's universe. I am being a little harsh for sure; this is in part because of the quality of the previous books in the series.
All things considered, I will certainly be looking forward to and purchasing future works from Mr. Somers
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
The Final Evolution - Jeff Somers - 5 out of 5 Stars
8 July 2011
Format:Mass Market Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Avery Cates is back in The Final Evolution by Jeff Somers. This is the final chapter in the Avery Cates saga (for now?) and it ties up loose ends and brings us to a satisfying conclusion. The first book "The Electric Church" has always been my favorite in the series mainly because the first person writing style and an author not afraid of using the "F" word like it is used in everyday life, in other words if you don't like that word then you would truly miss out on a great reading experience. The Electric Church was the introduction that set us off on this action packed journey and The Final Evolution for me is right up with there now and coming in a close second which makes it a really good bookend.
In The Final Evolution we have Avery Cates on his hunt to track down and finally take out Canny Orel who has now placed himself in a Monk body with the God Augmentation. The rub is that in order to save the human race Avery must decide on taking Canny Orel alive or giving in to his vengeance and taking him out once and for all.
That's all you are getting from me as far as plot details, this book is a fast paced cyberpunk explosion of gun toting adventure and I wouldn't want to ruin a second of it. If you have not read the first 4 books in the series then you should probably stop reading this right now and go to your favorite book store and just pick up the entire series and start reading through them in order. One of the great things about Jeff's writing over many other authors is his ability to push the story and not bore the reader with recaps of the last book in the series. If you are reading this book then most likely you read the prior books and if you didn't then you will most definitely want to or you are going to be lost and we wouldn't want you lost with such a thrill ride that is there to be taken.
There is one part in the Final Evolution that you see Avery break from his hard style and you get a glimpse of the man inside. Be looking for this moment around the time when Avery is dealing with irradiated people who have been pushed by Canny Orel to do his bidding. It is basically just one line but it highlights the growth of the character and the culmination of all the pressures and stress that Avery has been through. It is a crack that has been placed in that hard exterior but it is a perfect placement for it and really pulls you into the characters psyche. If you have followed the character this long then it really hits you.
Suffice it to say that this is the perfect ending to a thrilling series. You get an ending that fits the character completely and does not disappoint. While this may be the end of the line for the Avery Cates series (for now?) I am anxiously awaiting new characters and future books from Jeff Somers. I'm interested in seeing what new worlds he brings us in the future.
1 Star - Bad/ 2 Stars - underwhelming/ 3 Stars - Good/ 4 Stars - Very Good/ 5 Stars - Excellent
In The Final Evolution we have Avery Cates on his hunt to track down and finally take out Canny Orel who has now placed himself in a Monk body with the God Augmentation. The rub is that in order to save the human race Avery must decide on taking Canny Orel alive or giving in to his vengeance and taking him out once and for all.
That's all you are getting from me as far as plot details, this book is a fast paced cyberpunk explosion of gun toting adventure and I wouldn't want to ruin a second of it. If you have not read the first 4 books in the series then you should probably stop reading this right now and go to your favorite book store and just pick up the entire series and start reading through them in order. One of the great things about Jeff's writing over many other authors is his ability to push the story and not bore the reader with recaps of the last book in the series. If you are reading this book then most likely you read the prior books and if you didn't then you will most definitely want to or you are going to be lost and we wouldn't want you lost with such a thrill ride that is there to be taken.
There is one part in the Final Evolution that you see Avery break from his hard style and you get a glimpse of the man inside. Be looking for this moment around the time when Avery is dealing with irradiated people who have been pushed by Canny Orel to do his bidding. It is basically just one line but it highlights the growth of the character and the culmination of all the pressures and stress that Avery has been through. It is a crack that has been placed in that hard exterior but it is a perfect placement for it and really pulls you into the characters psyche. If you have followed the character this long then it really hits you.
Suffice it to say that this is the perfect ending to a thrilling series. You get an ending that fits the character completely and does not disappoint. While this may be the end of the line for the Avery Cates series (for now?) I am anxiously awaiting new characters and future books from Jeff Somers. I'm interested in seeing what new worlds he brings us in the future.
1 Star - Bad/ 2 Stars - underwhelming/ 3 Stars - Good/ 4 Stars - Very Good/ 5 Stars - Excellent
The Final Evolution
8 April 2012
Format:Mass Market Paperback
I was very disappointed by the ending no matter how fitting it seemed for Avery. other than that I really liked the story and the whole series.
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