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Jim Keen
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The Paradise Factory: A 2055 Post Apocalyptic SciFi Thriller (The Alice Yu Sci-Fi Series Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Jim Keen (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 234 ratings
She's a policewoman with a past. In a future ruled by AI, one bad decision could get her killed... or worse.

Former UN Marine Alice Yu is a beat-down cop running from guilt in a ruined city. Brutally ambushed and left for dead, she's powerless to prevent a ruthless crime boss from abducting her NYPD partner. Though it will cost her job in a world with 99% unemployment, she vows to bring him back from the lawless and forbidden Fourth Ward Territory.

Fighting through injuries and resurfacing trauma, Yu tracks her mentor's trail. But when her war born PTSD flares in the face of a cartel death squad, her bloody background could spell her demise. And if she doesn't succeed, the entire city is doomed.
Can Yu save the man she failed, or will her quest for redemption become a suicide mission?

If you like the post-apocalyptic technothrillers of A.G. Riddle, Hugh Howey and William Gibson, you’ll love the thrilling Alice Yu series. Buy The Paradise Factory to discover this amazing new world today!
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  1. Book 1 of 4
    The Alice Yu Sci-Fi Series
  2. Print length
    236 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    April 11, 2020
  5. File size
    2.9 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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From the Publisher

Sci Fi cyberpunk detective action thriller
Sci Fi cyberpunk detective action thriller crime
The Paradise Factory
This Automatic Eden
The Genesis Engine
Pattern*Spec
Contact Binary
New York 2055
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Customer Reviews
4.2 out of 5 stars 234
4.6 out of 5 stars 81
4.4 out of 5 stars 74
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Gripping, thoughtful and fast paced, this is why we read science fiction! With excellent world-building, complex characters and interesting questions about humanity's future, this book will keep you turning the pages from the first word."— Matthew Goodwin, author of the 'Into Neon' science fiction series.

"A fantastic work that will delight both cyberpunk and general science fiction fans alike. The themes of machine autonomy, political conflict, and trust provide a backdrop to thrilling action scenes and strong characters..." — Mark Everglade, 'Cyberpunk Book Reviews & Interviews.'

"Escape from New York meets Cyberpunk! Instead of Snake we get Alice and she's no less badass. Perfect read for lovers of action-driven science fiction." — Anna Mocikat, author of the 'Behind Blue Eyes' science fiction series.

"An intense, captivating read. Deserves shelf space next to Gibson and Stephenson. Highly recommended!"— D.L. Young, author of the 'The Machine Killer' science fiction series.

"Jim Keen skillfully weaves real-life concerns about AI and automation together with a gripping crime thriller narrative"— Jon Richter, author of 'Auxiliary, London 2039.'

Reader Praise for "The Paradise Factory"

"★★★★★ It's books such as this that make wading through all the piles of junk Sci-Fi books worth the effort. From the first sentence to the last, it does not let go. You won't soon forget this one." M Neuffer.

"★★★★★ Huge fan of cyberpunk since the days of Neuromancer, Snow Crash, etc. I've been following the genre since the beginning. Jim Keen has hit this one out of the park well done and thank you." Ken R.

"★★★★★ This series should be up there with Gibson, Hertling, and Stephenson in the Cyberpunk world." Rick. G.

"★★★★★ This book is head and shoulders above most Kindle scifi books, and it has one of the most exciting and innovative chase scenes I've ever read." Kate. B.

"★★★★★ The Paradise Factory is right up there with the classics ... standouts for me are the real and surreal characters, the fresh take on near-future New York City, and the awesome world building." Mike S.

"★★★★★ This is not your neon soaked '80s sci-fi but a grimy, dirty world that is all too possible. Amazing characters and a fast pace, I can't wait for the next one." Sleestak 75.

From the Author

I hope you enjoy visiting New York in the 2050s and meeting Alice Yu. While she may be deep undercover and hard to find, I'm not. I'm always delighted to correspond with readers, and you can find me at jimkeen.com.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B086HWQ5Y1
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Transmission Digital
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 11, 2020
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.9 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 236 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 4 ‏ : ‎ The Alice Yu Sci-Fi Series
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 234 ratings

About the author

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Jim Keen

Jim Keen

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I write books about the people who fascinate me in worlds that amaze me. What is humanity’s future post AI? What happens when automation consumes the workforce? What will colonies look like on the Moon, Mars, and Europa? What if X happens?

I love crime, thrillers, and stories about people with secrets. If there’s not a big twist along the way, I’d never write the first word.

My own story has had its own share of curves and surprises. I’ve been writing about intelligent machines, spaceships and desperate heroes since my childhood, but that happened while I pursued a twenty-year career as an architect. After working and winning awards in London, Sydney, and New York, I left that profession behind to become a full-time author.

The international bestselling Alice Yu series takes place forty years from now, in a world transformed by mechanical intelligences—AI’s big brother. Yu is a loner cop atoning for past sins. Through the series she discovers what it is to be human, while becoming something much more in the process. If you like the steely future noir of William Gibson, James S. A. Corey, and Martha Wells, you’ll love these sci-fi thrillers.

Alongside the Alice Yu trilogy, I’ve written four free novellas, plus drawn hundreds of illustrations and designs from the future. You can get all of those for free at https://jimkeen.com.

I hope you like the Alice Yu series, its inhabitants and settings. I love hearing from readers, so drop me an email anytime at jim@jimkeen.com and let’s chat.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
234 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's plot captivating, with one describing it as a fast-paced cyberpunk thriller. Moreover, the world-building receives praise for its great vision of the future, and customers appreciate the well-developed characters. Additionally, the writing style is well-received, with one customer noting how the author provides just enough description to immerse readers.

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19 customers mention "Plot"19 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the plot of the book, describing it as fantastic cyberpunk with a captivating story and world. One customer highlights the innovative chase scenes, while another notes it's a fast-paced thriller.

"...The book is fast-paced and action-driven and I enjoyed it from the beginning till the end...." Read more

"Finally Finished this book and Wow! Beautiful concepts, storytelling and visualizations!..." Read more

"...This is cyberpunk, so you want some interesting, plausible tech and a messed-up social power structure that is a twisted reflection of our own...." Read more

"...for me are the real and surreal characters, the fresh take on near-future New York City, and the really freakin' awesome worldbuilding...." Read more

14 customers mention "Readability"14 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a fantastic and fun read, with one customer particularly praising the worldbuilding.

"The Paradise Factory was not what I expected but it was a great book nevertheless...." Read more

"...This is a really great and fun read book! So happy I discovered this author through a friend last year...." Read more

"A fast-paced cyberpunk thriller, The Paradise Factory is defiantly worth your time...." Read more

"...the fresh take on near-future New York City, and the really freakin' awesome worldbuilding...." Read more

14 customers mention "World building"14 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the world-building in the book, describing it as an impressive vision of the future with great imagination.

"Impressively detailed and comprehensive world-building and well-developed characters, but the ending is (almost literally) a bit of a deus." Read more

"...I’ve been a big fan of science fiction and this is a great addition to my collection. Jim keen has really crafted a work of art with this story...." Read more

"...This is cyberpunk, so you want some interesting, plausible tech and a messed-up social power structure that is a twisted reflection of our own...." Read more

"...The standouts for me are the real and surreal characters, the fresh take on near-future New York City, and the really freakin' awesome..." Read more

10 customers mention "Character development"10 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the well-developed characters in the book, with one customer noting it's a refreshing change from stock characters.

"...needed here because with Alice Yu, the author has created a badass female character who is tough as nails...." Read more

"Impressively detailed and comprehensive world-building and well-developed characters, but the ending is (almost literally) a bit of a deus." Read more

"...The standouts for me are the real and surreal characters, the fresh take on near-future New York City, and the really freakin' awesome..." Read more

"I like this genre , this is a great mix, great character development, all have depth, well worth reading all 3 books, add in the free novellas ...." Read more

8 customers mention "Writing style"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, finding it well-crafted, with one customer noting how the author provides just enough description to immerse readers, while another describes it as a full-on white knuckle read.

"Impressively detailed and comprehensive world-building and well-developed characters, but the ending is (almost literally) a bit of a deus." Read more

"...His vivid and imaginative descriptions of this world draw you in and keep you hooked throughout the entire story...." Read more

"...The author gives just enough description to immerse you, while keeping the pace as fast and tight as Fury Road, Inception, and Dark Knight...." Read more

"...It’s all in the details, and Keen knows how to season his narrative with snippets of descriptive information that make this futuristic environment..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • GhostintheShell
    5.0 out of 5 stars Cyberpunk meets Escape from New York
    Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    The Paradise Factory was not what I expected but it was a great book nevertheless. Judging by the cover I expected a typical cyberpunk story set in a shiny megacity with high-tech and low life. However, this book is very different.
    It paints a horrifying future in which 99% of the population are damned to endure low-life while only very few profited from the destruction of the world as we know it.
    After the second industrial revolution, the majority of the world's population have lost their jobs to machines. But instead of a shiny happy world where no one has to work and people sing Kumbayah as many people believe automatization will bring, Jim Keen paints a much more realistic, and horrifying picture.
    Mass unemployment led to mass poverty with only the elites profiting from the "change".
    The story is set in New York and in the book, it hardly has anything in common with the city we know today. The privatized police have given up on most parts of the city and now anarchy is ruling.
    The heroine is Alice Yu, an NYPD officer and former marine, who enters a law-free zone to save her partner who has been abducted there.
    In many ways, the story reminds of Escape from New York; Keen's New York of the future looks very similar to what Carpenter has shown us in the movie. It is grim, it is dirty, it is hopeless.
    The whole setting reminded me of the movie so much, that I was constantly waiting for Snake to show up and save the day. However, Snake isn't needed here because with Alice Yu, the author has created a badass female character who is tough as nails. If I ever get into trouble I want Alice to come and save me.
    The book is fast-paced and action-driven and I enjoyed it from the beginning till the end. The only critique I have is that the story is set in the 2050s and I doubt we will be able to build a colony on Mars until then and then go to war with them.
    Other than that, I recommend this book to fans of cyberpunk and post-apocalyptic dystopia stories.
    I'll certainly pick up book 2!
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Greg
    4.0 out of 5 stars Impressive world-building
    Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Impressively detailed and comprehensive world-building and well-developed characters, but the ending is (almost literally) a bit of a deus.
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  • SevenOneEight
    5.0 out of 5 stars Finally finished - A new player in science fiction has arrived!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 16, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Finally Finished this book and Wow!

    Beautiful concepts, storytelling and visualizations!

    This is a really great and fun read book! So happy I discovered this author through a friend last year. I’ve been a big fan of science fiction and this is a great addition to my collection. Jim keen has really crafted a work of art with this story. His vivid and imaginative descriptions of this world draw you in and keep you hooked throughout the entire story. Given this is a series, I cant wait to see where this continues - and maybe he considers selling this for a screen adaptation...? With tons of suspense, I would almost describe it as a thriller.

    My takeaway: We all really need to think about AI and how it is shaping our present and (our children's) futures.

    There are some very powerful and frieghtening implications in this story regarding AI.
    This is a good place to start really thinking about what type of future we want - or don't want!

    Fans of serious science fiction should check this out.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • lynguy1
    3.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining and Intense Cyberpunk
    Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2020
    THE PARADISE FACTORY by Jim Keen is the first book in the Cortex series and is a New York 2055 cyberpunk story. Alice Yu is a New York policewoman and a former United Nations marine. The book starts with her and her partner being ambushed. He is abducted and she is left on the street injured. With New York bankrupt and 99% unemployment, she elects to bring her partner back from the forbidden Fourth Ward Territory against orders and without backup. As she works to rescue her partner, a young boy, Red, is trying to deliver a letter to Manhattan. Their paths cross and they team up on the lawless Brooklyn Bridge that is ruled by a criminal empire.

    The story line is interesting with a setting where sentient machines leading to a breakdown in the human social order and Alice and Red’s dual tasks. However, the writing style of flashbacks and switching points of view between Alice and Red broke up the rhythm and flow of the story for me. Both Alice and Red were characters that you could root for and both had clear goals. The world building needed some work to fully satisfy me. The plot twists were believable and several were unexpected. The ending was dramatic.

    Overall, this was an entertaining and intense read. It includes several themes including PTSD, sentient machines, unemployment, greed, criminal empires, murder and much more. While my rating is three stars, I do plan to read the next book in the series. I recommend this to science fiction and cyberpunk fans.

    Thanks to BooksGoSocial and Jim Keen for a complimentary ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Marlin Seigman
    4.0 out of 5 stars A Page-Turner
    Reviewed in the United States on April 18, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    A fast-paced cyberpunk thriller, The Paradise Factory is defiantly worth your time. But don't let the fast pace fool you, there is plenty of world-building, provided partially by epigraphs at the start of each chapter. The novel follows Alice, a member of the NYPD, as she risks her career and her life to find her missing partner with the help of her AI suit, who can have a bit of an attitude, and a street kid named Red, who is on a mission of his own. This is cyberpunk, so you want some interesting, plausible tech and a messed-up social power structure that is a twisted reflection of our own. Keen delivers. His NYC of 2055 is not one I would want to live in. But I will revisit with the next novel in the Cortex series.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Gabri0
    5.0 out of 5 stars Must-read
    Reviewed in Italy on August 18, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    An highly entertaining, fast-paced cyberpunk novel.
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  • RonCo47
    5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 21, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I have enjoyed reading this book, however the end came to quickly, I hope that the next book keeps me wanting to read on, well done and keep up the good writing.
    Report
  • Jason Krish
    5.0 out of 5 stars believable dystopian future
    Reviewed in Canada on May 6, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I will admit i am not the biggest fan of this type of genre but i got drawn in to the story. Took me a bit to wrap my head around some of the story bits (reading while putting up with a migraine is not a great idea either) but i kept reading as i wanted to know more.

    What i enjoyed most that the heroine in the story is not perfect. She has issues and vices but seems to try to do right even in spite of what is going on around her (and to her). You find out some of her reasons as the story goes on and can see the story hooks crop up here and there just teasing you to find out more.

    I preordered book 2 and eagerly await it to continue the dive into her story and this universe more. For the price you cannot go wrong.
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  • Mike C
    4.0 out of 5 stars Gripping
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 27, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I could not put this down, it was a great read. Really exciting action and interesting take on future tech and it's impact on society.
    Report
  • antonio
    1.0 out of 5 stars The expectation was low, but damn, this beats it
    Reviewed in Italy on December 30, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Wasn't expecting much out of the book, it's the writer's first novel if I recall correctly, however it couldn't meet the lowest of standards I had. Maybe I'm wrong but here's my gripes with it:
    - Cyberpunk elements are not interesting, they have minor differences from what we've already seen in the genre. Conscious AI and super fast computers but with nothing new to say.
    - World building and characters leave something to be desired, both feel like the focus was on the more boring aspects, felt like it had lots of potential.
    - The book, which you pay full price for, is actually cut in half and you can get the rest digitally by signing up to the author's mailing list. Not sure if this is gonna be the next big marketing ploy used in this industry, but it sure doesn't feel like a free "extra" if it's tied in that close with the book you already bought.
    The pros:
    -The only good thing out of the whole book were the fighting scenes. Very nicely choreographed.
    Report

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