Category: reviews

the patient routine by luna rey hall Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

TW: Themes and scenes involving mental illness, excessive violence, death/dying, suicide/self-harm, and transphobia. Reader discretion is advised.

When Ashton finds themselves in the hospital after several panic attacks, they are soon stuck in an isolated hospital after another patient is brought in with an unknown ailment in author luna rey hall’s “the patient routine”. 

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The Synopsis

Ashton is convinced they are dying. whether it be from cancer, heart disease, or a fungal infection, they know something bad is always about to happen. after a night of health-related panic attacks, & urged by a voice in their head, Ashton decides to check in to the ER again but when another patient is brought in with an unknown ailment that puts the entire hospital on lockdown, Ashton may be trapped in their worst nightmare.

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The Review

This was such a thoughtful and compelling body horror and psychological thriller novel. The first thing that really stands out in this novel is the unique writing style that the author uses in this book, as it comes across as a mixture of poetry and string of consciousness, giving a unique insight into the protagonist’s mindset. The chilling imagery and the haunting atmosphere of the hospital setting made the protagonist’s journey feel more engaging as time went on.

The heart of this narrative was in the psychological horrors and struggles of the protagonist and how they bled out into the narrative overall. The character’s personal struggles with their body, their trauma, and the intrusive thoughts that plague them are not only relatable to so many people but are illustrated hauntingly in the author’s writing style to help illustrate the struggles in a unique way. The strong representation of LGBTQ characters and struggles was great to see play out in a natural way and kept the reader invested in the story as it developed. 

The Verdict

Haunting, captivating, and engaging, author luna rey hall’s “the patient routine” is a must-read horror and psychological thriller novel. The twists and turns in the narrative and the intimate character development the author is able to achieve made this a compelling novel you won’t be able to put down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

luna rey hall is a queer trans non-binary writer. they are the author of “space neon neon space” (Variant Lit, 2022), “no matter the diagnosis” (Game Over Books, 2023), “the patient routine” (Brigids Gate Press, 2023), and “loudest when startled” (YesYes Books, 2020), longlisted for the 2020 Julie Suk Award. they are the winner of the 2013 Patsy Lea Core in Memorial Award for Poetry. their poems have appeared in The Florida Review, The Rumpus & Raleigh Review, among others. they live in St. Paul, MN. find more information at lunareyhall.com.

Cursebreakers by Madeline Nakamura Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A professor of magic struggling with his own mental health must face a powerful curse affecting the city of Astrum while being caught between scheming magical academics and a power-hungry military in author Madeline Nakamura’s “Cursebreakers”. 

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The Synopsis

Adrien Desfourneaux, professor of magic, must survive his own failing mental health and a tenuous partnership with a dangerous ally in order to save the city of Astrum from a spreading curse.

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Adrien Desfourneaux, professor of magic and disgraced ex-physician, has discovered a conspiracy. Someone is inflicting magical comas on the inhabitants of the massive city of Astrum, and no one knows how or why. Caught between a faction of scheming magical academics and an explosive schism in the ranks of the Astrum’s power-hungry military, Adrien is swallowed by the growing chaos. Alongside Gennady, an unruly, damaged young soldier, and Malise, a brilliant healer and Adrien’s best friend, Adrien searches for a way to stop the spreading curse before the city implodes. He must survive his own bipolar disorder, his self-destructive tendencies, and his entanglement with the man who doesn’t love him back.

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The Review

This was a compelling read. The blend of dark academia with adult fantasy storytelling was remarkable to see come alive on the pages of this book. The world-building and imagery the author infused into their writing allowed the story to shine and brought to life the rich city of Astrum in a way that felt almost cinematic in its display. 

The heart of this story resided in the themes and character arcs that the author explored. Protagonist Adrien is a uniquely complex and flawed hero, and yet someone you still want to root for as time goes on. The exploration of mental health and the importance of taking control of your own mental health journey is great to see come to life through Adrien’s story, and the way the author was able to infuse important relationships into the story without including romance as a plot device was great to see come to life in this book as well.

The Verdict

Compelling, thrilling, and entertaining, author Madeline Nakamura’s “Cursebreakers” is a must-read adult fantasy and dark academia read. The conflict that arises between the academics of this city and the more strength-driven military might of the Vigil was fascinating to see come to life on the page, and the twists and turns this narrative takes will keep fans eager for more from this remarkable author. If you haven’t yet, be sure to preorder your copy of this book or read it on September 12th, 2023! 

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Madeleine Nakamura is a writer, editor, and lifelong fantasy devotee. She began writing her first novel the day she realized a computer science degree wasn’t happening. She graduated from Mills College in Oakland with a degree in creative writing. She is based in Los Angeles, California.

https://madeleinenakamura.com/books/

Mistress of the Rock (The Cyprus Mysteries Book 1) by Myron Edwards Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews2 Comments

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A veteran of the Gulf War returns to the island of Cyprus where his nightmares began in an attempt to rid himself of that nightmare once and for all, only to discover the line between mythology and reality is not as solid as he thought in author Myron Edwards’s “Mistress of the Rock”, the first book in the Cyprus Mysteries series. 

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The Synopsis

All is fair in love and war. Or is it?

For Richard Cole, ex-veteran of the First Gulf War, the memories of conflict have become the nightmares of his reality, and only by confronting them can he begin to live again.

He returns to the Island of Cyprus some twenty years later to where it all began, for a vacation with his wife, Julie. But a chance discovery places him in a dilemma, as he learns that Greek Gods and mortals should never mix.

Now, with Richard powerless to stop the momentum of a phenomenon that tests him to his limits, challenging all that he knows and loves against a fantasy of myth and legend, he must struggle to find the truth between what is real and what is not; but at what cost?

On the island of love, one man’s obsession turns to possession, as his mind, body, and soul are trapped between two worlds and two women.

‘Mistress of the Rock is a very possessive spirit; she does not give her affections lightly.’ As Richard Cole is about to discover.

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The Review

This was a fascinating and gripping fantasy read. The balance the author struck in the buildup of Richard’s character arc and the fantasy-driven Greek mythology aspects of the narrative were superb, and the detail the author put into the everyday life of Richard really made the reader feel the relatability of the character. 

The imagery and the atmosphere made the story really come to life on the page. The author’s writing style allowed the pacing to build up slowly and capture the shock and awe that comes with discovering the realities of the existence of the Greek gods. The larger-than-life battles with the gods themselves and the themes of love, betrayal, and passion perfectly reflected the internal battle within Richard as a character and made the reader become really invested in the arc of his story. 

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and captivating, author Myron Edwards’s “Mistress of the Rock” is a must-read fantasy novel. Infused with elements of horror, adventure, and intrigue, the author not only delves into the impacts of war on those who were forced to fight in them but the power of mythology and how we relate to it as well. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Born in 1952 in Orsett, Essex in England, the youngest son to Welsh parents Iris and Bill Edwards. Upon leaving school, he went into the travel industry, where he travelled the world, working in travel agencies, tour operators and airlines for some 30 years. In 1976 Myron began freelance writing for BBC, radio and television, his credits include the Two Ronnies, Week Endings, and the News Huddlines. In 1980, he joined JWT advertising, as a copywriter writing his first TV commercial for dog food inside 10 days. His love for the creative never left him and in 1987 he created Tubewalking, a new map concept, to help people get around London easier on foot, which still operates today. In 1990 he married Niki, whose family background is Greek Cypriot. On a family trip to Cyprus, visiting Aphrodite’s Rock for the first time, the beginnings of his passion to write the story of Mistress of the Rock came into fruition. Moving his family in 2005 to Cyprus to live, gave him the opportunity to write, as during this time he worked on campaigns for TV and Radio in an advertising agency in Limassol. The first manuscript of the book was completed in 2007, released by a local publisher it had a limited audience, but was well received by those who had read it. He has now completed the sequel and is working on the third part of this story. Myron has three children, two sons and one daughter all grown up.

https://www.myronedwardsbooks.com/

Simiakia by Lori Windows Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A young man on a path of crime and vices finds himself working the ranch that he was arrested for trying to steal from, and in the process not only finds himself but his connection to his own heritage in author Lori Windows’s “Simiakia”.

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The Synopsis

It was not whimsy that had brought him together with this red horse to run this race. It was the justice of time.

Raised without hope or pride in his heritage to what promises to be a short life of crime, alcohol, and drugs, Nez Perce teenager Al George gets an unexpected second chance. A heist gone wrong ends up with him working on probation at the very Idaho ranch he and his “friends” tried to rob, owned by Celia Bolt, who left her own rich-but-dysfunctional family to move West many years ago, and the taciturn Morgan Kyles, who has his own checkered past.

Over the course of the summer of 1986, Celia and Morgan work out the thorny details of their relationship, while Al regains his pride and his sense of self as he works with the ranch’s signature Appaloosas, finds love—and finally, through a deep bond with one very special horse, reconnects with his Nez Perce heritage and discovers the truth of his strange, recurring dreams of an Indian brave on a very special horse, striving to protect his people from the soldiers pursuing them.

For everyone involved, one summer changes everything.

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The Review

This was an incredible and moving read. The author does a great job of capturing the serenity and moving power of nature and the wildness of the Western genre. The detail the author put into the world of ranching and horse management and what goes into making that kind of property run smoothly was incredible, as was the detail that went into horse care and the relationships we form with these majestic creatures. The imagery in the author’s writing made the settings feel vibrant in both the past and the present and kept the reader engaged in the evolving narrative.

To me, the heart of this story rested in the rich character dynamics and backstories that the author brought to life. In particular, I loved both Al and Celia’s journey and the way the ranch seemed to give them each a new lease on life. The story felt very much like a commentary on finding our true selves through meaningful changes to our lives, and these two characters illustrated this perfectly. Blend this with a powerful look into Native American history and culture, and this book really felt impactful and thoughtful in its approach. 

The Last Weeks of Abraham Lincoln: A Day-by-Day Account of His Personal Political and Military Challenges

The Verdict

Memorable, thought-provoking, and entertaining, author Lori Windows’s “Simiakia” is a must-read Western novel. The heart and emotional core of these characters’ journey and the connections they make while working this ranch, as well as the heart-pounding final chapters, made this a gripping story. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Lori Windows grew up enamoured of the writings of Grey, Brand, Terhune, London, Burroughs, and Farley. Her father set her on a horse when she was two years old, and she has now ridden horses on six continents. In 1982, she discovered the sport of distance racing. She and her variety of horses and mules have amassed multiple national titles and more than 63,000 sanctioned race miles.

Maybe You Should Give Up: 7 Ways to Get Out of Your Own Way and Take Control of Your Life by Byron Morrison Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Byron Morrison shares the tips and lessons he learned to stop himself from self-sabotaging in all aspects of his life and finally regain the control needed to move in a positive direction in life in the book “Maybe You Should Give Up”. 

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The Synopsis

The counter-intuitive guide to get out of your own way, stop sabotaging yourself and take control of your life.

Byron Morrison knows exactly how frustrating it can be to feel like you’re your own worst enemy. For years he’d sabotage everything from his health to his relationships and his professional success. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to change, if anything, he knew exactly what he needed to do to create the life he wanted. Yet he’d get stuck in a never-ending cycle of making some progress, only to then lose motivation, fall off track or do something that would undo all his hard work.

Eventually, he had enough, and he committed to figuring out what was actually going on. In doing so, he discovered that the biggest barrier in the way of his success…was himself. It was the sabotaging voice that caused him to overthink and doubt himself. All his thoughts and fears that kept him trapped in his own head. His patterns and behaviors that kept him stuck.

Tired of taking one step forward and two steps back, he realized he needed to do something different. So, he gave up. Not on his goals and dreams, but he gave up being controlled by fear. He gave up living in the past. He gave up comparing himself to others. He gave up on being so hard on himself. And he gave up putting off his happiness. 

And it worked. He was able to finally take his career to the next level, open himself up to more connected relationships, get into the best shape of his life and find happiness in himself.

Along the way, through extensive research and working with people in 15 countries, he discovered that there are seven mental barriers that all of us struggle with. It is these mental barriers that keep us stuck and stop us from taking the actions we know we need to take to create the life we want. 

‘Maybe You Should Give Up’ is going to help you identify and break through those seven mental barriers. You’ll discover cycle-breaking techniques that have been broken down into easy-to-follow steps that will empower you to get out of your own way and stop sabotaging yourself.

Maybe You Should Give Up is a book about empowerment. About helping you break through everything that is standing in the way of the life that you want.

The Review

Immediately I was struck by the author’s personable and engaging writing style. The voice the author found within the writing allowed the reader to feel more connected to the author’s message and oftentimes made it feel like a casual conversation rather than a book. So often self-help books will preach or speak at the reader rather than to the reader, and the author really did an amazing job of finding that balance between education and inspiration that this genre of book needs.

The overall emotional core of the book’s message resides in the embracing of failure. By accepting setbacks and the loss that comes from failure, the author shows how we can overcome our self-sabotaging ways, focusing instead on building ourselves up and clearing the mental barriers in our own minds to become our best selves, such as the barriers that form around our need to compare ourselves to others and their achievements or allowing our fears to control our actions.

The Verdict

Compelling, insightful, and empowering, author Byron Morrison’s “Maybe You Should Give Up” is a must-read nonfiction book for self-help and empowerment. The fast pace of the book and the detail the author goes into for each mental barrier to overcome made this a stellar book to get lost in. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating 10/10

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About the Author

Byron Morrison is a bestselling author and mindset and performance coach, specializing in helping people get out of their own way and take control of their lives. For the last 8+ years, he has worked with CEOs, entrepreneurs and business leaders from around the world to reach their full potential. His books and work have been featured on TV, as well as promoted on radio shows and podcasts globally. He resides out of Warwick in the UK, but to date has worked with clients in 14 different countries, primarily in the UK and North America.

https://www.byronmorrison.com/

Recruited (The Elisha & Elijah Chronicles Book 1) by DC Gomez Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

In a dystopian future in which the world has been ravaged by a war between mankind and witches, and subsequently a zombie outbreak, one witch must take on a deadly assignment to find a potential cure for humanity in author DC Gomez’s “Recruited”, the first book in The Elisha & Elijah Chronicles. 

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The Synopsis

Zombies. Necromancer-Kitty. How can a witch be bored with this combination?

Nobody knows who did the most damage, the witches or the humans. But the results are the same, the world is destroyed. The war made it easier for the spread of the virus, and even more zombies now roam the world.

With the war over, Elisha enjoys her quiet life watching her familiar control zombies for landscaping duties. Yeah, she is truly bored to death.

It’s no wonder, when her mortal enemies knocked at her door with a job offer she is willing to entertain it. Curiosity can be deadly, even to a powerful witch. But is Elisha ready to follow this mission through?

* Recruited is book one in the Urban Fantasy/ Post-apocalyptic Series The Elisha & Elijah Chronicles. Recruited takes us sixty-five years in the future where a terrible plague follow by an even more destructive war has left the world in shambles. Now with a potential cure to save the human race, the only one they can turn to is their own nemesis.

The Review

This was definitely one of the most unique twists on a zombie apocalypse tale with a magical dystopian setting. The rich world-building and fast pace of the novel really immerse the reader into this setting, and the pacing also allows for more action to take place which establishes the protagonist’s strength and heroism. The tension between the humans and witches is palpable, as the opening chapter of the book explores the chilling nature of the war and the animosity that still exists between them.

The character development and witty banter of the characters made this novel what it is today. The story allows Elisha as a character to shine, not only revealing her gifts but her humorous attitude with her ally Elijah and the people she meets on the way. The power of the character’s arc is something that is both fun and engaging, allowing the reader to instantly get lost in Elisha’s world with ease.

The Verdict

Action-packed, fast-paced, and entertaining, author DC Gomez’s “Recruited” is a must-read dystopian fantasy and sci-fi novel that will keep readers enthralled as the story progresses. With a cliffhanger ending and a brilliant balance found between the magic of the witches and the mythological background, the author taps into, this is one fantastic read you won’t want to miss. Be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

D. C. Gomez, is a fast-talking extra-quirky Dominican with a dark sense of humor.

She used to enjoy long walks at the park and all that fun outdoors activities; unfortunately, due to a mysterious condition she is now allergic to the sun.

Rumor has it, that her true nature is coming out and her vampirism is now showing. If you would like to learn more about her, or join her at an event, check out her website at dcgomez-author.com. We promise she doesn’t bite (much…).

One for Ahl (The Ahlian Chronicles Volume 1) by H.H. Moss Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A young woman chosen by her people to become a part of a hero program must battle demons both within and around her and find a way of helping the refugees she comes from in author H.H. Moss’s “One for Ahl”, the first book in the Ahlian Chronicles series.

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The Synopsis

When refugees from the war-torn country of Ahl face extreme discrimination, Jane is nominated to represent her people in Listuan’s hero program, which trains a handful of idolized saviors for each generation. However, instead of bringing peace to the refugees, Jane is possessed by a demon of forgotten origins and targeted by a powerful abuser. Pulled into conflicts both ancient and young, Jane must fight for control and search for her purpose, all without understanding her past.

The Review

This was a truly masterful fantasy world the author crafted. The world-building that went into making the world of Ahl and all its accompanying lands was breathtaking thanks to the rich imagery the author utilized in their writing. The mystery behind Jane and her connection to Astrid and her role in the world she was forced into as a whole were great to see explored in this narrative and kept the reader engaged as the action and fantasy world grew naturally.

The heart of the narrative rested in the themes the author explored and the dynamic character developments that occur. The themes of social inequality, destiny, mental health awareness, and LGBTQ character development made this book truly impactful, yet felt natural to the world-building and story beats that the book held. It also added to the protagonist’s evolution, as Jane’s mental health and the impact of the dangers the magical and supernatural world around her have on her mind is extensively explored, and the LGBTQ background of these characters plays naturally to the world in a refreshing way.

The Verdict

If The Hunger Games included fantasy and supernatural elements, then author H.H. Moss’s “One for Ahl” is a must-read LGBTQ-driven fantasy novel and a great first book in the author’s “The Ahlian Chronicles Series. The twists and turns in the narrative and the cliffhanger ending will have fans enraptured by the author’s narrative, and the rich setting and natural progression of the mounting tension in the story will have readers hanging onto the author’s every word. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Hannah H. Moss (she/they) has been writing stories for as long as she can remember, from her hyperlexic childhood continuing into her adult life. She writes to process the traumas and personal growths resultant of entering adulthood in a less than ideal world.

While Moss currently lives in California with her husband, their daughter, and the family cat, they move often and consider Kanagawa, Japan, their favorite “home” of many.

https://www.ahlianchronicles.com/

@h.h.moss_author

I WAS PICTURING A DIRTY TAVERN, THEN SHE COMES AT ME WITH ELECTRIC CHANDELIERS AND CHAMPAGNE.

♬ original sound – H.H. Moss | Author

Exposed: A Circle of the Red Lily Novel Book 1 by Anna J. Stewart Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A Hollywood photographer with trust issues in authority and a detective who happens to be the police commissioner’s son stumbles upon a mystery involving photos of a dead woman, a notorious murder conviction, and a secret society that will do anything to maintain its deadly control over the Hollywood Elite in author Anna J. Stewart’s “Exposed: A Circle of the Red Lily Novel”. 

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The Synopsis

Working as a Hollywood photographer means Riley Temple has seen it all. But then she finds herself staring at the chilling image of a dead woman. When her questions about the film lead to violence, she reluctantly turns to the only person who can help. Detective Quinn Burton, the police commissioner’s son. Her history with the LAPD is complicated, her trust in authority, tenuous. But to find those responsible and protect those closest to her, she’s willing to do anything. Even trust a cop.

After more than a decade on the job, Quinn knows a dangerous situation when he sees it and Riley Temple is up to her ears in trouble. But not for the reason she thinks. The pictures she’s stumbled on call into a question a notorious murder conviction—one that powerful people have a vested interest in keeping in place. Seeing this case through means betraying someone: his job, his family, or the woman he’s falling in love with.

As old secrets are revealed, Quinn and Riley find themselves targeted by members of a secret society that has long maintained violent control over Hollywood’s powerful elite. A society that, until now, has remained hidden in the shadows. A society that will stop at nothing to keep their secrets buried.

The Review

I was instantly enthralled by this novel. The author does an incredible job of balancing out the romance with the suspense thriller aspect of the narrative. The way the author delves into the fabric of old Hollywood meeting a modern-day setting was so fascinating, as it allowed the characters to get lost in the glitz and glamor that was old Hollywood while confronting the seedy underbelly of the powerful elite that has always ruled the town. 

The chilling and haunting nature of the narrative and the people behind the horrific murders that the story all elevated the rich character dynamics at play between the protagonists and the atmosphere that was built up. The way the author explores a modern-day Hollywood photographer in a way that adds heart and depth to their backstory and their personality as a whole was refreshing, as most stories portray these characters as sleazy or opportunistic. The emotional connection that forms between Quinn and Riley is great to see, and the connection to the greater world around them allows the tension to build not only between them but the greater setting as well.

The Verdict

Haunting, engaging, and thrilling, author Ann J. Stewart’s “Exposed” is a must-read romantic suspense thriller and a great introduction to the author’s Circle of the Red Lily series. The twists and turns that this narrative takes and the cliffhanger final pages will keep readers hanging onto the author’s every word. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Award-winning, USA Today and national bestselling author Anna J Stewart writes sweet to sexy romances for Harlequin and ARC Manor’s CAEZIK (Kay-Zehk) Romance. Her sweet Harlequin Heartwarming books include the Butterfly Harbor series as well as the ongoing Blackwell continuity series. She also writes the Honor Bound series for Harlequin Romantic Suspense and has contributed to the bestselling Coltons. Her Circle of the Red Lily romantic suspense series, published by CAEZIK, will launch with EXPOSED in November of 2022.

A Holt Medallion winner (BRIDE ON THE RUN), as well as a Golden Heart, Daphne DuMaurier, and National Reader’s Choice finalist, Anna loves writing big community stories where family found is always the theme. Since her first published novella with Harlequin in 2014, Anna has released more than fifty novels and novellas and hopes to branch out even more (horror romance, anyone?). Anna lives in Northern California where (at the best times) she loves going to the movies, attending fan conventions, and heading to Disneyland, her favorite place on earth. When she’s not writing, she is usually binge-watching her newest TV addiction, re-watching her all-time favorite show, Supernatural, and wrangling two monstrous cats named Rosie and Sherlock. Visit Anna online at www.AuthorAnnaStewart.com and sign up for her newsletter (giveaways in every issue!).

SYMUTAL by Dean Alexandrou Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A young hacker hired to update security for a private company in the future must battle government agents as the world heads towards the point of no return and the arrival of the Algorithm Singularity in author Dean Alexandrou’s “SYMUTAL”.

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The Synopsis

“The ping of the oven cut like a shard of glass through brain tissue, tearing apart the cloth of melancholia that she wore like a hood.”

The year is 2057. In one month humanity will have passed the point of no return – the Algorithm Singularity. Automated systems that run society will have cast a net too tight to break free from. As the singularity approaches, Omicore becomes the first private company to build a server farm on the Moon, out of reach of terrestrial interference.

“The counter response from a system too complex for us to understand will be both unpredictable and deadly.”

Page, a socially awkward but prodigal hacker is hired by Omicore to work on their next generation security, using a new form of simulated consciousness. When government agents try to shut the company down the unfinished research is the only thing standing in their way, and must fight back for all of humanity.

“Nothing is legal when it challenges the authority of those who make the laws.”

The Review

This was a compelling and gripping sci-fi thriller. The author does a fantastic job of touching upon the theme of the dangers of A.I. and the harm that can come with allowing the technology to advance without any laws or supervision, and the problems that can come with automating every aspect of our lives. The real dangers that technology has gone unchecked can have on everyday life is perfectly illustrated in the opening chapter of the book, showing how the lack of human emotion or empathy can leave a cold and calculating worldview that doesn’t allow for room to grow, and punishes people for possibilities rather than actual misdeeds.

The imagery and tension the author built were perfectly captured in the cold settings and a detailed look at the process of programming and coding, let alone the technology behind A.I. and automated systems in general. The character development balanced the detached technology aspect of the narrative and gave readers an emotional investment in the story as the fight for humanity truly began, even amongst themselves.

The Verdict

Memorable, action-packed, and engaging, author Dean Alexandrou’s “SYMUTAL” is a must-read sci-fi thriller of 2023! The twists and turns in the narrative, the shocking fates of the characters, and the emphasis the author puts on both the possibility and the dangers of A.I. made this story flow smoothly and kept me enraptured with the narrative until the book’s final page. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

I was born in Dubai UAE, moved to England when I was 5, and grew up in London. Currently I live in Bangkok Thailand with my girlfriend. My background has been a mix of different careers and locations, with a lot of technology roles (I have spent a lot of time as a programmer, and digital nomad), and have also had a few forays into the entertainment industry. Suffice to say I find it difficult to completely categorise myself in any normal, sensible way!

Much of this contrasting medley of places manifests itself through my writing, and will be apparent in the book Symutal, whose story is interwoven between Earth, the Moon, and virtual reality, but with a strong interlinking storyline. It is speculative, dystopian fiction, but with occasional scenes borrowed from my own experiences.