Tag: Brad C. Anderson

Shapers of Worlds Volume V Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

Authors featured in the award-winning podcast The Worldshapers share a new collection of science fiction and fantasy stories in the book “Shapers of Worlds Volume V”. 

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The Synopsis

The fifth and final installment in a series of powerhouse anthologies featuring some of today’s top authors of science fiction and fantasy

From outer space to inner space, from realms of the never-were to those of the here-and-now and the soon-to-be, the twenty-four authors in this fifth and final collection of science fiction and fantasy by writers featured on the Aurora Award-winning podcast The Worldshapers plunge readers into fantastic worlds filled with unforgettable characters.

Teenagers are disappearing in a mysterious grove, and no one knows why—not even those who escape it. The god of love finds magical arrows just don’t cut it in the modern world of digital matchmaking. A prisoner discovers he has been stripped of thirty-five years of memories as punishment for a crime he cannot remember. Far from being a refuge from humdrum reality, dreams become a trap for one young man when he encounters those who dwell there. A man who hunts angels for a living has the tables turned on him by the last angel he corners. Talking beasts from the island of a certain infamous doctor arrive in London to make their way in the world of men, only to be caught up in the ongoing Martian invasion . . .

Shapers of Worlds Volume V showcases stories by Brad C. Anderson, Edo van Belkom, J. G. Gardner, Olesya Salnikova Gilmore, Chadwick Ginther, Evan Graham, M. C. A. Hogarth, M. J. Kuhn, L. Jagi Lamplighter, Kevin Moore, Robin Stevens Payes, James S. Peet, Omari Richards, Lawrence M. Schoen, Alex Shvartsman, Alan Smale, Richard Sparks, P. L. Stuart, Brad R. Torgersen, Hayden Trenholm, Brian Trent, Eli K. P. William, Edward Willett, and Natalie Wright. Every story is illustrated with an original black-and-white drawing by Wendi Nordell.

Travel into the past, the present, and the future in stories set in our world, in deep space, in the land of dreams, and in worlds of pure imagination, shaped by an outstanding roster of authors featuring many bestsellers and award-winners. All you have to do is turn the page . . .

The Review

What a stellar collection of stories. The range that both the narratives and the author’s writing work in showcases this collection’s depth of talent, with stories ranging from deep sci-fi madness to heartfelt character studies and so much more. Each story can establish memorable characters in such a way. Short time stood out, such as in the story Coming of Age by Edo van Belkom, which takes a story of a failed colonization settlement on another world which affects the maturation of those born on the planet, and examines not only a close-knit father/son relationship, but the difficulties of growing up and facing the world on our own, while also exploring facing things on one’s terms. 

I loved the fusion of genres throughout these stories. The authors find ways of quickly bringing fantasy or mythological elements into heavily sci-fi narratives and creating worlds that simultaneously feel unreal and very relatable. One great example was Cupid 2.0 by Brad C. Anderson, with the god Cupid facing a new reality in the modern world of social media and dating apps, and the exploration of profits versus love for dating app companies.

The Verdict

Creative, thoughtfully crafted, and entertaining, “Shapers of the World Volume V” is a must-read anthology collection of sci-fi, fantasy, and even horror elements. The twists and turns in each story and the inventive twist on genre fusion propel each story forward, and these elements will stay with readers long after the last story ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Ashme’s Song by Brad C. Anderson 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 with a unique ability must choose between the brother she is tasked with taking care of and the resistance group that needs her abilities to fight against the oppressive regime ruling over them in author Brad C. Anderson’s “Ashme’s Song.”

The Synopsis

Violence has an echo, growing louder with each reverberation . . . how do you stop its echo once it starts ringing?

Ashme is a New Mesopotamian—a “Meso.” She dreams of being a hero, fighting against the brutal Ostarrichi ruling her country. She is an indigo child, her DNA modified by sentient AI, enabling her to control computer systems at will. With this power, she has something to offer the Meso resistance. Her twin brother, Shen, however, suffers from a neurological disorder and needs someone to care for him. Increasingly, that task falls on her.

How can she become the hero her people need when her brother’s needs are overwhelming? If she continues caring for Shen while joining the resistance, she risks leading Ostarrichi forces to her home. If she leaves, then looking after Shen will fall to her cousin, who is already overworked caring for his frail grandmother.

As her society collapses into violence, Ashme must choose between her fellow Mesos, her family, and her values.

The Review

What a heartfelt, heartbreaking, and chilling yet engaging story. The world the author created felt both other-worldly and yet relatable all at the same time, forcing the reader to see the struggles of the Mesos as struggles others have faced at the hands of police brutality, racist, sexist, and even homophobic behavior. The world-building was incredible, and the author’s writing style and imagery made the reader feel easily transported.

The heart of this narrative was the complex character development, especially with Ashme as the protagonist. The choices she faced and the challenges that came her way were like a gut punch emotionally, with the line between what’s right and what’s often needed blaring in the face of the threat the Ostarrichi represented. The relationship with her brother and the struggle to provide his safety and freedom showcased the lengths the family was willing to go for one another.

The Verdict

Author Brad C. Anderson’s “Ashme’s Song” is a must-read sci-fi thriller. Its harrowing, entertaining, yet emotionally driven plot follows a shocking turn of events, and the close examination of the fight that sometimes is needed to make big and needed changes to society overall makes this a compelling story. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Brad Anderson lives with his wife in Vancouver, Canada, and they own the cutest dog on planet earth. Previously, he worked in the biotech industry in areas such as drug manufacturing, regulatory affairs and business development. In addition to writing, he currently teaches at a local university.

Ashme’s Song

Duatero by Brad C. Anderson 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 soldier and his team must take a final stand to protect Earth’s abandoned colony of Duatero from a deadly ecosystem that poisons crops and turns humans into mindless monsters in author Brad C. Anderson’s “Duatero”.

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The Synopsis

Majstro Falchilo Kredo has devoted his life to protecting the abandoned earth colony of Duatero from Malamiko, the indigenous ecosystem that makes their crops fail and whose contamination turns humans into mindless monsters. But Malimiko is changing, becoming more dangerous, more aware, even as the ancient technology they use to combat fails piece by precious piece. Kredo and his fellow soldiers must risk everything or see all they hold precious wiped away and forgotten. Kredo is prepared to sacrifice himself—and anyone around him—to do his duty. But what if the price demanded is even higher?

The Review

The author did such a great job of crafting a vivid and unique world. The story of Duatero was mesmerizing, bringing the study of society and how it evolves (or doesn’t evolve) over time in response to the natural dangers of a world to life. The natural character growth and dialogue let both familiar yet unique to the narrative, as the speech and dialogue of the characters felt unique to the characters and their world, and yet the camaraderie and the personal issues they face also felt realistic and something that people could relate to if they were in a similar situation, making these characters very relatable. 

The world-building and mythos of this world were what really stole the show here. The way the author was able to create a threat and danger that dwelled not in the minds and hearts of mankind solely, but in the natural ecosystem of an entire planet, was a great way to explore the biology of the sci-fi genre and the language and terminology that the characters used highlighted the rich mythos that was developed for this science fiction meets dystopian adventure. 

The Verdict

Haunting, action-packed, and entertaining, author Brad C. Anderson’s “Duatero” is a must-read sci-fi dystopian read of 2022. A unique and creative tale, the rich characters that are both flawed yet highly emotional in their delivery and the impact this harsh world has on those surviving in this lost colony create an engaging story that will have readers drawn into the narrative wholeheartedly. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Brad C. Anderson lives with his wife and puppy in Vancouver, Canada. He teaches undergraduate business courses at a local university and researches organizational wisdom in blithe defiance of the fact most people do not think you can put those two words in the same sentence without irony. Previously, he worked in the biotech sector where he made drugs for a living (legally!).

His stories have appeared in a variety of publications. His short story, Naïve Gods, was longlisted for a 2017 Sunburst Award for Excellence in Canadian Literature of the Fantastic. It was published in the anthology Lazarus Risen, which was itself nominated for an Aurora Award.

Ashme’s Song
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