MATTHEW ASLETT
Author
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Matthew Aslett has spent his entire career in the technology industry, initially as a journalist and subsequently as an industry analyst with a focus on data, analytics and artificial intelligence. He lives in The Cotswold's with his wife and four children.
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In late 2018 I set myself a challenge to write a 50,000-word novel in 6 months. Initially published a year later, The System has now been revised with a second edition, published as an ebook in February 2025. It is available for free from Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Fable, Kobo, Smashwords, Thalia, and Vivlio, and (hopefully soon) Google Play, and for $0.99 on Amazon (I'm working on that...).
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ABOUT THE SYSTEM
Earth. The near future. Following the collapse of liberal democracy amid The Truth Wars, society is governed by The System; an artificial intelligence created to automate the management of Earth's limited resources.
Human beings exist in a perpetual state of isolation and are no longer required to think for themselves. The majority of human physical and mental labour has been eliminated. Human creativity is nonexistent and humanity's overall physical, mental and emotional wellbeing is in decline.
In a bid to save humanity, The System selects Tom Burton to be launched on a one-way mission to Mars. The mission will test Tom to his limits as he battles to save his own life, and is confronted by his understanding of The System, the concept of 'truth', and what it means to be human.
REVIEWS FOR THE SYSTEM
Great read
Really enjoyed this book. I love the way Tom's world is so closely linked to our own reality, it's very thought provoking. *****
Fascinating so much truth in this book.
So clever what a concept. The System sequel please what will happen to Tom? Shines a light into the world we live in. I was gripped. *****
Really enjoyed this book.
Entertaining and informative, with twists and turns. Evokes the storytelling of HG Wells, where this future becomes very real – as if it could actually happen. As if it’s already happening. ****
Brilliant read and concept.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, although, with every good book I read, I really didn’t want it to end. I want to know what happens going forward, Toms character is strong and with the authors writing you get a real sense of the environment and can imagine yourself living in their life. The writing style is fluid and descriptive. As for the concept and backstory of how they are living this dystopian life, it’s actually so easy to imagine it happening in our current political landscape. Brilliant and terrifying. Would absolutely recommend this book. I loved it. *****
Thought provoking and a page turner
This "future dystopia" novel skips elaborate introductory scene setting; it quickly establishes a credible world via sparse facts and a spare prose style. Think George Saunders or a Black Mirror episode. The plot kicks in early, and unfolds in ways both surprising and compelling. The author cleverly evolves the language and tone to support the developing story. It's an adventure story that is thought provoking, without the thought provoking elements overwhelming the story. V nicely done. ****
Really good story, built on current tech and politics, imagining the future they produce.
This is a solid science fiction story very much based on current events... The technology forecasting is believable. The political foundation is solid for this work of fiction. Most of all, though, the story is interesting. The role of the individual, even in so automated a society, turns out to be important still. And as events unfold, things are not all as they seem. The last third of the book plays out a compelling adventure. I loved the ending. My only regret is that I wish I knew what happened next! ****
If you like Ursula Le Guin you'll love this and I'm looking forward to a part 2! ****
A great story
A great story with classic elements of sci-fi - technology, tension, and human emotion. And some Easter eggs for music lovers.
A Sci-Fi Story in the Truest Sense
The best Sci-Fi writers a) know who to realistically weave technology into their stories b) are able to tell a good story with a good pace c) add subtle (and not so subtle) commentary about humanity and the human condition. I will not say that Matt Aslett is the next Asimov, but his first attempt at a book certainly exceeded my expectations....
Don't want to give up any spoilers, but encourage anyone with a Kindle to give this book a read and leave your review. You'll be pleasantly surprised, especially if you're a fan of a certain avant-guard musical star from the past. ****
