Forced Conversion

Rating:
Summary: Thought-provoking fun
Review: Ask this question: What price would you pay for a life of eternal bliss to the end of time? Your body AND your soul? In creating a story around this question, Forced Conversion earns its five-star review.

In the realm of "near-future" science fiction, Forced Conversion is on top of the game. The battle between the Confoes, whose supposed earth-saving mission is to convert people from the "pain" of flesh and bone to the "heaven" of chosen, endless virtual reality inside a computer chip, and the mals, those "zealots" whose religion is to save the body and, more importantly, the soul from conversion, and the loss of choice, goes beyond weaponry. It's a battle of and for the heart of humanity. This author has made it clear that, as with most issues, there is no clear right or wrong, but a true answer lost in shades of gray. Along the way, Forced Conversion provides the thrill of the chase, of confrontation, and frightening resolution. And we see the ingenious way this author uses trappings of today's society, in humor and in poignant satire, to show that what is portrayed in Forced Conversion is not just fiction, but frighteningly possible. To the end, Forced Conversion leaves you wondering, and enjoying, the possibilities of what has happened to the not-too-distant society. But the most enjoyable fact about Forced Conversion, is its can't-put-it-down, can't wait-to-pick-it-up-again story. Along with the thought-provoking, creative story, it's just plain fun to read.

Rating:
Summary: Victor Casini
Review: I am not necessarily a science fiction fan. I just like to read good books. I got a recommendation to read "Forced Conversion" and loved it.

The story line was fast-paced and interesting; the characters were realistic and well-developed; the dialogue was pithy and believable; and the ending was a complete suprise. And Bingle's first book passed the ultimate test: I did not want to put it down. You do not need to be into science fiction to enjoy "Forced Conversion." It is a fun read for anyone. I look forward to Bingle's next book.

Rating:
Summary: Page Turning Intrigue Frames Moral Conundrum
Review: I haven't read much, if any, any Sci-Fi in the past 20 years, but picked up "Forced Conversion" based on a recommendation. Though the backdrop of the novel is undeniably science fiction, the meat of the story is an engrossing morality play centered on two protagonists caught up in a skirmish between two opposing factions -- one a ruthless governmental enforcement squad and the other a group of religious zealots intent on protecting their beliefs. The ethical and moral questions the characters face are intriguing and thought-provoking and the conflicts they must address create enough page-turning tension to make Forced Conversion a very engaging read. I would recommend it highly.

Rating:
Summary: A very entertaining read
Review: I wasn't sure what to expect after reading the blurb of this book, but it was different enough to make me want to read it and I'm glad I did. The situation that the main character finds himself in and how he has to wrap his mind around situations foreign to him made for good storytelling. Not heavy science fiction, but a story of a possible future and how a man must face things that he is not prepared to face. I look forward to Bingle's next novel, I know I'll be reading it.

Rating:
Summary: strong sci fi
Review: In the not so distant future, out of control population growth and exponentially rising crime and disease has made earth a less than desirable place to live. Science has advanced to the point that a mind can be downloaded into a virtual reality utopian world, but entry is one way as the body dies. The Mandatory Conversion Act makes it illegal not to convert.

Most earthlings reside in the VR realms; the locations are top secret and heavily guarded to keep the computers from terrorist attacks. There remain some outlaws refusing to convert; the Conversion Forces (ConFoes) like Derek hunt these renegades down to either kill them or force them to convert. Derek meets a Mal, who believes conversion is anti-religious. Scientists and religious believers who know where the computers are hidden unite to try to destroy the devil's machines.

The protagonist enlisted into the ConFoes because his paraplegic sister would have movement inside the VR realm. He plans to join her once his enlistment time ends. He hates the real world where he detests his fellow troops who are violent sociopaths and is forced to kill those who try to murder him because of the uniform he wears. There is plenty of action that flows to and from Derek while readers will also ponder the ethical issues that raise the overall quality of this strong sci fi.

Harriet Klausner


Rating:
Summary: Great Book
Review: When I started reading this book I had a hard time putting it down. I think this book would be enjoyed by all readers and not just sci-fi fans.