Saturday, September 14, 2013

Blog Tour Stop & Book Review: Semmant by Vadim Babenko


Semmant
by Vadim Babenko

Genre: Literary Fiction

Purchase Link: Amazon


Book Description

A brilliant scientist creates a brilliant robot. Working together, they beat the stock market. But which one will survive the battle for love?

When Bogdan Bogdanov, a troubled cybernetics genius, creates Semmant, a robot living inside a computer, he feels on top of the world. Semmant takes on the capital markets and makes money with the ruthless efficiency of a machine. Bogdan grows richer by the day, but when he falls deeply for the irresistible Lidia, Semmant’s artificial mind faces a new challenge. The robot becomes involved in a genuine human drama and is forced to confront the cruelty of real life.  He discovers the eternal joy of what it means to have free will, but it takes him to a destination no one could have predicted.

This is a tale of lust and affection, an erotically charged story of betrayal and murder. It explores the scope of human feelings from a truly unique point of view. Universal chaos and the strict laws of society; precise mathematical rules and the elusive nature of love: all interact and clash, working together and against one another. Tragedy looms, but free will fights back – bringing hope that lasts forever.

My Review


After reading the book synopsis, I was under the impression that Semmant (the robot) would play the main role, but the book is truly about the inner workings of the cyber genius, Bogdan Bogdanov. He grew up with vagabond parents that traveled across Europe and at a young age he was sought out for his intelligence, and taken from his family to a school with other gifted children.

Bogdan lost whatever childhood he had and transforms into a studious being that is incredibly bright. As he matures, it seems like he is too smart for his own good. He fights with reality, always looking for a logical answer and struggling with the emotional side of life. When he creates the perfect Semmant, his financial power escalates as the robot conquers the stock market. This success only creates a larger monster within Bogdan.

Love and lust are a central focus in this story. Bogdan constantly searching for love, but falling for lust time and time again. He gets what he wants and then sabotages the situation. He is never satisfied. Ultimately, Semmant is dragged into this war of love vs. lust and is tormented within the struggle.

Finally, Bogdan turns his back on the wrong woman. His life spirals out of control as she seeks revenge. Semmant is a serious and heavy read. Author, Vadim Babenko has created an interesting world with a plot that is sure to make readers think. 

About the Author


Vadim Babenko left two “dream” jobs – cutting-edge scientist and high-flying entrepreneur – in order to pursue his lifelong goal to write full-time. Born in the Soviet Union, he earned master’s and doctoral degrees from the Moscow Institute of Physics & Technology, Russia’s equivalent to MIT. As a scientist at the Soviet Academy of Sciences he became a recognized leader in the area of artificial intelligence. Then he moved to the U.S. and co-founded a high-tech company just outside of Washington, D.C. The business soon skyrocketed, and the next ambitious goal, an IPO on the stock exchange, was realized. But at this peak of success, Vadim dropped everything to set out on the path of a writer and has never looked back. He moved to Europe and, during the next eight years, published five books, including two novels, The Black Pelican and A Simple Soul, which were nominated for Russia’s most prestigious literary awards. His third novel, Semmant, initially written in Russian and then translated with the author’s active participation, is published exclusively in English.

Find out more at www.vadimbabenko.com


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