PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Indie author Sammy Scott‘s first novel, BETA, is set to be one of the best novels, if not THE best novel, of the year. It easily became one of my favorites from 2023, and was one of the best debut novels I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. Or, in this case, listening to.
Beta Synopsis
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.
While this is not a uniquely new idea (do those even exist anymore?), this story is presented in a new and interesting way. This book is very meta and self-aware, and I love the fact that Sammy Scott acknowledges that the novel doesn’t exist in a vacuum. He references other similar works of fiction within the story, such as Dean Koontz’s Demon Seed and Alex Garland’s Ex Machina. Despite the similar subject matter, BETA still has plenty of fresh ideas and clearly establishes itself as an entirely separate entity.
What really caught me off guard about this story was not the terrifying idea of technology run amok, but the raw emotion contained within this tale. Initially content and complacent in his seemingly idyllic test house, Michael becomes increasingly paranoid and panicky as this dream home becomes a nightmare. And there is so, so much more. This book has me questioning not only my relationship with technology but also my relationship with other people. There were some incredibly insightful moments, so much so that I had goosebumps inside on an 80°F day.
Shawn Compton did an incredible job of narrating this. Every character, human and digital alike, was given a unique voice, which really made this audiobook feel like listening to a movie.
This incredible book was released in all formats on September 1, 2023, and is available on Amazon. I recommend checking it out as soon as possible in your preferred format. It will make you think, and question, and feel things, and it is an experience that you don’t want to miss!
