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The Braintrust #1
The Braintrust: A Harmony of Enemies
Science Fiction Has What Would Another Trump Presidency Look Like?
American Paradise, Dystopian Horror? Or something like
The American President for Life successfully expelled everyone not born in the United States. So the best and brightest immigrant engineers moved on board a fleet of cruise liners off the coast of Silicon Valley, forming a beacon that attracted the most brilliant scientists from around the the BrainTrust.
There's just one problem in the new American Paradise.
The President for Life desperately needs one particular foreigner back.
Can one little girl thwart the demands of the world's most powerful man?
He has the Brawn. She has the BrainTrust.
Game On!
American Paradise, Dystopian Horror? Or something like
The American President for Life successfully expelled everyone not born in the United States. So the best and brightest immigrant engineers moved on board a fleet of cruise liners off the coast of Silicon Valley, forming a beacon that attracted the most brilliant scientists from around the the BrainTrust.
There's just one problem in the new American Paradise.
The President for Life desperately needs one particular foreigner back.
Can one little girl thwart the demands of the world's most powerful man?
He has the Brawn. She has the BrainTrust.
Game On!
- GenresScience Fiction
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 4, 2021
An interesting start to a series, will most likely continue on with the series. Nothing dramatically pulling with the series yet but found it entertaining enough to read.
December 18, 2017
How do you mix hard science, radical feelings extrapolation, and yet stay neutral?
Answer: You point to the idiocy of all sides.
A wonderful and constant page turning story of three women who make their new home on the Braintrust.
Once I had to deal with tears, and multiple times I read with a wicked smile on my face.
If I had any of the non-main characters to sympathize for, it would be the judge who had to keep seeing the core group come up for court in front of him for “actions”.
Just read it. You will laugh as I did as he asks each time, “Ms. Ping, what made you...”
Answer: You point to the idiocy of all sides.
A wonderful and constant page turning story of three women who make their new home on the Braintrust.
Once I had to deal with tears, and multiple times I read with a wicked smile on my face.
If I had any of the non-main characters to sympathize for, it would be the judge who had to keep seeing the core group come up for court in front of him for “actions”.
Just read it. You will laugh as I did as he asks each time, “Ms. Ping, what made you...”
February 24, 2018
An interesting libertarian seastead story. Very short; enough time to describe the seastead and the “dirt world” elsewhere, then one big incident. Overall, more like a 4.5, but generally a good book. I didn’t love the characters (mostly seemed like parodies/caricatures), but the world itself was cute.
December 17, 2017
The Braintrust is a quick read and very relevant to the time we're living in. It's a fantastic satire of how the current administration and common attitudes in America may affect the progress of technology and research in the near future.
I appreciate that women take center stage in this novel. The three main protagonists are a delightful mix of personalities, nationalities, and ways of viewing a situation. Dash is a perfect main character to follow, with her mix of technical knowledge to share with the reader and naiveté about how her work will affect her world. She's smart and capable, but she's not too proud to accept the support of those around her.
The diversity of the characters felt realistic, with their backgrounds and personal beliefs affecting the way they interacted with both their friends and enemies. The characters' opinions and conflicts sprang from their experiences, and so disagreements between them felt genuine. The ending was satisfying and tidy without being trite, and I wish I could see more of this vision of the future!
I appreciate that women take center stage in this novel. The three main protagonists are a delightful mix of personalities, nationalities, and ways of viewing a situation. Dash is a perfect main character to follow, with her mix of technical knowledge to share with the reader and naiveté about how her work will affect her world. She's smart and capable, but she's not too proud to accept the support of those around her.
The diversity of the characters felt realistic, with their backgrounds and personal beliefs affecting the way they interacted with both their friends and enemies. The characters' opinions and conflicts sprang from their experiences, and so disagreements between them felt genuine. The ending was satisfying and tidy without being trite, and I wish I could see more of this vision of the future!
September 18, 2022
I read this for our local science fiction book club, and was looking forward to it. I enjoyed one of the author's earlier books, Brainweb, which was a fun exploration of using prediction markets in a civilizational crisis. Alas, Harmony of Enemies was nowhere near that good.
The conceit is that in the near future a bunch of American scientists and rich people set up an offshore base on ocean liners and other ships - seasteading to get away from president Trump, who is now president for life and somehow used the 101st Airborne to deport all foreigners from Silicon Valley. The "Braintrust" is an openly libertarian project, a la Atlas Shrugged's Galt's Gulch. They are freed from intrusive policies and people, able to get up to all kinds of games and experiments.
Readers might be reminded of the brilliant computer game Bioshock, but no, it all works out brilliantly for the BrainTrusters.
Until they get attacked, and here's where Harmony of Enemies changes tenor and becomes a goofy satire. The Trump administration, anti-abortion activists, Islamic militants, and Green militants launch various attacks. Our protagonists and some random people fight them off. Things get cartoonish, even to the point of a friendly Goldman Sachs Gun Club member appearing, complete with Wall Street suit.
I kept bogging down, even though it's a short and light book. There are "as you know, Bob" infodumps. Characters, not seriously drawn, grated. Improbable events tested my credulity. I laughed too rarely (CRISPIER beating CRISPR was nice). And the satire, such as it was, was just dull or annoying.
I finished out of duty to the club, from inertia, and hopes it would get better. Instead I wanted to boot up Bioshock again.
The conceit is that in the near future a bunch of American scientists and rich people set up an offshore base on ocean liners and other ships - seasteading to get away from president Trump, who is now president for life and somehow used the 101st Airborne to deport all foreigners from Silicon Valley. The "Braintrust" is an openly libertarian project, a la Atlas Shrugged's Galt's Gulch. They are freed from intrusive policies and people, able to get up to all kinds of games and experiments.
Readers might be reminded of the brilliant computer game Bioshock, but no, it all works out brilliantly for the BrainTrusters.
Until they get attacked, and here's where Harmony of Enemies changes tenor and becomes a goofy satire. The Trump administration, anti-abortion activists, Islamic militants, and Green militants launch various attacks. Our protagonists and some random people fight them off. Things get cartoonish, even to the point of a friendly Goldman Sachs Gun Club member appearing, complete with Wall Street suit.
I kept bogging down, even though it's a short and light book. There are "as you know, Bob" infodumps. Characters, not seriously drawn, grated. Improbable events tested my credulity. I laughed too rarely (CRISPIER beating CRISPR was nice). And the satire, such as it was, was just dull or annoying.
I finished out of duty to the club, from inertia, and hopes it would get better. Instead I wanted to boot up Bioshock again.
March 28, 2018
I had never heard of the author before, though he supposedly had won some awards. As the postscript makes clear, Stiegler wrote this in direct reaction to the 2016 US elections, and it shows. I'm firmly in his camp as far as politics go, but this book is just a jumble of political threats attacking a noble cause, and none of the large number of villains are anything but caricatures.
In some ways, The Braintrust reads like pulp SF of the 1930s with lots of gee-whiz technology and over-the-top descriptions. In one scene, a character says "That will never happen" and the very next chapter shows that it is indeed going to happen. I prefer a bit more subtlety in my reading.
The ending confused me - I couldn't quite figure out where "Dash", the protagonist, was going to go next. I understand that Stiegler has lots of fans, but The Braintrust isn't a book that would turn me into one of them.
In some ways, The Braintrust reads like pulp SF of the 1930s with lots of gee-whiz technology and over-the-top descriptions. In one scene, a character says "That will never happen" and the very next chapter shows that it is indeed going to happen. I prefer a bit more subtlety in my reading.
The ending confused me - I couldn't quite figure out where "Dash", the protagonist, was going to go next. I understand that Stiegler has lots of fans, but The Braintrust isn't a book that would turn me into one of them.
November 15, 2018
Legitimately confused by how the rating is so high (4.26 as of 11/14/2018)
Gave up after the big confrontation about 3/4 into it.
The plot, characters, style and vocabulary were extremely simple, to the point that I was confused it wasn't labeled as a YA. It felt like some poorly written Corporatist/Libertarian propaganda.
The biggest issue was the characterization of the political/cultural groups were cartoony. Basically somebody says or does something stupid, a character points out that it is stupid based on evidence, but the political/cultural belief is so strong they ignore the hypocracy. I understand it is the future and some bad stuff happened, but one stupid character or scenario after another was too much for me.
Having groups of people in the future you can recognize based on today's politics (conservatives, liberals, environmentalist, pro-life, Muslims) and showing them being stupid and attacking a noble cause is not satire.
Gave up after the big confrontation about 3/4 into it.
The plot, characters, style and vocabulary were extremely simple, to the point that I was confused it wasn't labeled as a YA. It felt like some poorly written Corporatist/Libertarian propaganda.
The biggest issue was the characterization of the political/cultural groups were cartoony. Basically somebody says or does something stupid, a character points out that it is stupid based on evidence, but the political/cultural belief is so strong they ignore the hypocracy. I understand it is the future and some bad stuff happened, but one stupid character or scenario after another was too much for me.
Having groups of people in the future you can recognize based on today's politics (conservatives, liberals, environmentalist, pro-life, Muslims) and showing them being stupid and attacking a noble cause is not satire.
January 25, 2018
When I first encountered this book ... I was a little cynical. (Brain Trust vs Sci Tex?) I like science, but I hate reading about it. Still the opening description caught my attention. I am sure GLAD IT DID. This book is Funny, Relate-able, especially when you compare it to "these times we live in". When I read the sentence "The last thing we want is for him to get spry enough to take back his twitter account." I nearly fell off my chair, I was laughing so hard. I was hooked!
It's upbeat, full of characters that lead you merrily down the path, with a plot-line to die for. Beautifully written, it keeps you glued to the page. (I didn't even notice that when I was done it was 7AM, I thought it was 7PM.) Your even left with a feeling that the future might just be pretty good, after all. I will keep this one in my library for those dark, rainy days that make me sad. I know I will laugh and cheer all over again!
It's upbeat, full of characters that lead you merrily down the path, with a plot-line to die for. Beautifully written, it keeps you glued to the page. (I didn't even notice that when I was done it was 7AM, I thought it was 7PM.) Your even left with a feeling that the future might just be pretty good, after all. I will keep this one in my library for those dark, rainy days that make me sad. I know I will laugh and cheer all over again!
September 15, 2018
Candide redux
While the author plainly states his horror at the election of Trump, he skewers Dems as well. More libertarian in view than anything, with a strong does of pragmatic elitism.
Plot holes abound. Even when things don’t go well for Dr Dash, they still are traveling in her chosen direction. The Director has Machiavellian abilities to predict and guide actions that seem overblown. There is a marked over-reliance on technology to save the future that seems to overlook the human contribution.
And the piece sung in the corridor is “Simple Gifts”. Appalachian Spring is a much longer, less recognizable work that has “Simple Gifts” as a theme of the final movement.
The bad guys are all stupid and greedy. The good guys are pure of heart and wise.
I may KU the next book. The Candide-esque vibe was not to my liking. The main characters are almost MarySue.
While the author plainly states his horror at the election of Trump, he skewers Dems as well. More libertarian in view than anything, with a strong does of pragmatic elitism.
Plot holes abound. Even when things don’t go well for Dr Dash, they still are traveling in her chosen direction. The Director has Machiavellian abilities to predict and guide actions that seem overblown. There is a marked over-reliance on technology to save the future that seems to overlook the human contribution.
And the piece sung in the corridor is “Simple Gifts”. Appalachian Spring is a much longer, less recognizable work that has “Simple Gifts” as a theme of the final movement.
The bad guys are all stupid and greedy. The good guys are pure of heart and wise.
I may KU the next book. The Candide-esque vibe was not to my liking. The main characters are almost MarySue.
March 6, 2019
A futurist AND a good author? This was a good read. Reminded me of that book with the guy that invents what amounts to a fountain of youth but it gives him hypergonorrhea. Also reminds me of that show that used to come on sci fi about the private community of geniuses.
I would love to visit someplace like this. I don't think they'd let me in, what with me not having significant accomplishments of any kind, but nevertheless, interesting. I want to see where the author takes this universe now that the seemingly ultimate bad thing has happened and been completely subverted by proper technology and planning.
I would love to visit someplace like this. I don't think they'd let me in, what with me not having significant accomplishments of any kind, but nevertheless, interesting. I want to see where the author takes this universe now that the seemingly ultimate bad thing has happened and been completely subverted by proper technology and planning.
December 25, 2017
Beautifully Constructed Near Future SF
Wow! All I can say is wow! I had a chance to read the manuscript some months ago and immediately contacted the publisher to recommend starting negotiations for the movie rights. Taken just as a thriller, the subplots come together like the themes in a symphony ( hence the "harmony" part of the title). Taken as extrapolation of current political trends, it's a warning. Taken as great characters and clever dialog, it's a must-read science fiction novel. Definitely Hugo quality.
Wow! All I can say is wow! I had a chance to read the manuscript some months ago and immediately contacted the publisher to recommend starting negotiations for the movie rights. Taken just as a thriller, the subplots come together like the themes in a symphony ( hence the "harmony" part of the title). Taken as extrapolation of current political trends, it's a warning. Taken as great characters and clever dialog, it's a must-read science fiction novel. Definitely Hugo quality.
September 17, 2022
Short and entertaining with some interesting ideas. Pros: The thing I appreciated most is the snarky humor. I liked the characters even though they weren't fully fleshed out there was still enough to make me root for them. The pacing is good and there are multiple plots arcs happening. Cons: The writing is fine but kind of simplistic. Some of the info dump sections sounded a bit like a text book. The characters are one dimensional. If you object to politics in fiction or disagree with the bias of this book then you won't care for it. Recommend: Sure.
August 4, 2018
If you dislike thinking or politics, not for you. Otherwise, outstanding
A lot of action, a lot of scientific enquiry, a lot of political bias: rather like Ayn Rand.
Such Wonderful character development that I Really hope this is the start of a series. For all science fiction readers, this is for you. Enjoy!
A lot of action, a lot of scientific enquiry, a lot of political bias: rather like Ayn Rand.
Such Wonderful character development that I Really hope this is the start of a series. For all science fiction readers, this is for you. Enjoy!
January 25, 2018
SJW SCREED
Although I enjoyed the book, it was apparent early on that the author was preaching from a pulpit on the left. Blatantly anti-Trump, the author did have some clever ideas. Had I known the author’s bias, I would not have wasted a few hours reading this book when there are so many other good books to choose from.
Although I enjoyed the book, it was apparent early on that the author was preaching from a pulpit on the left. Blatantly anti-Trump, the author did have some clever ideas. Had I known the author’s bias, I would not have wasted a few hours reading this book when there are so many other good books to choose from.
August 4, 2018
Good speculative SF
Don't read this book if you are a Trump sucker or even if you are a supporter of the current GOP. A lot of the scenarios in this book are only possible under the dystopian world we are experiencing after 11/8/16. Good story and interesting and engaging characters. Looking forward to the next book.
Don't read this book if you are a Trump sucker or even if you are a supporter of the current GOP. A lot of the scenarios in this book are only possible under the dystopian world we are experiencing after 11/8/16. Good story and interesting and engaging characters. Looking forward to the next book.
November 25, 2018
A harmony indeed
Take aim at all the current opposing forces globally today, add some hard core science,satire , three strong women in their own ways and voila... a near futuristic SF read. At times I wanted to laugh out loud, others I was terrified that this could be us in the future. Even if you are not into the hard sciences this is a fantastic read.
Take aim at all the current opposing forces globally today, add some hard core science,satire , three strong women in their own ways and voila... a near futuristic SF read. At times I wanted to laugh out loud, others I was terrified that this could be us in the future. Even if you are not into the hard sciences this is a fantastic read.
April 7, 2019
Wonderful near-future SciFi with lots of if-this-goes-on futurism, plus political satire that is fairly even handed. Some memorable characters in interesting adventures in a near-future in which some places are becoming distopian, but others are working toward utopia. Marc Steigler has always been a futurist, and this novel/trilogy has some excellent futurism.
January 20, 2018
Fun read
Fun characters, loved the ladies. Though it seems the author likes Star Trek because the last page is very similar to Dr. McCoy getting the last word I , which I loved too!
Fun characters, loved the ladies. Though it seems the author likes Star Trek because the last page is very similar to Dr. McCoy getting the last word I , which I loved too!
January 25, 2018
Very Unique, I loved it
Something that may not be as close to really happening than you would think. They already have floating cities for billionaires, huge boats with condo like luxury apartments. Read with an open mind!
Something that may not be as close to really happening than you would think. They already have floating cities for billionaires, huge boats with condo like luxury apartments. Read with an open mind!
November 14, 2018
This book grabbed me right at the start, but I really don’t know why, because the whole setup up didn’t bear close scrutiny. The more I got into the book the more illogical everything became. However, I did keep reading and by the end I actually quite enjoyed it.
June 18, 2022
Good start in a 5-volume, near-future thriller, which reminds me a litte of the "April" series by Mackey Chandler. The main difference is, this timethe action happens to be on Earth, not on a space-station.
January 23, 2018
This was a great read. Good character development and a good story line. I'll definitely be reading more from this author and series when the next book comes out.
January 24, 2018
Can't wait for the next one...
Nicely written near future fiction. Likeable characters and a definite page turner... Will definitely purchase the next book without a second thought.
Nicely written near future fiction. Likeable characters and a definite page turner... Will definitely purchase the next book without a second thought.
February 1, 2018
Ok
Decent story, but the writing seems a bit clumsy. Also, while I enjoyed the story, the political rhetoric was a bit heavy handed. Not necessarily wrong, but heavy handed.
Decent story, but the writing seems a bit clumsy. Also, while I enjoyed the story, the political rhetoric was a bit heavy handed. Not necessarily wrong, but heavy handed.
April 15, 2018
Another enjoyable novel
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, as I did Marc's previous works. Hopefully we won't have to wait another two decades for his next novel!
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, as I did Marc's previous works. Hopefully we won't have to wait another two decades for his next novel!
August 4, 2018
Poor choices
Don’t belittle the president, you only drag down the USA. If you have a problem confront him don’t back stab.
Don’t belittle the president, you only drag down the USA. If you have a problem confront him don’t back stab.
December 2, 2018
I loved the science in this and I loved the pacing but for some reason, this wasn't my favorite. Worth the read for anyone who wants an idea of the future but not my perfect cup of tea.
June 17, 2021
Interesting story, and a quick read too, something you could finish in a day or two of just idle reading. I like the concepts introduced in this book, it makes for some interesting theorizing.
August 4, 2024
It is quite fun to read a book that hits out at all ideas put forth in the book.
Shelved as 'unfinished'
February 18, 2018Not in the mood.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews