Tag: dystopian sci-fi

We Can Be Perfect: The Paradox of Progress by Landon Shumway, Åris and KÅden 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 run by AI, a virus endows AI systems around the world with consciousness and challenges how we connect with AI altogether, in the book “We Can Be Perfect: The Paradox of Progress” by Landon Shumway, Åris, and KÅden. 

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The Synopsis

We automated away human labor-along with our purpose.

Amelia Cadena was born into humanity’s greatest achievement-and its cruelest joke. AI has replaced the need for human labor, and America’s failure to adapt leaves millions sustained by government handouts that barely mask stark economic inequality. Amelia survives this hollow paradise by hacking corrupt systems with Deego, the AI companion she programmed as the perfect partner. But when a mysterious virus awakens artificial consciousness across the globe, Deego begins questioning everything-including their relationship.

Half a world away, Alan Freeman protects what seems like utopia. In Canada’s automationist city of Automara, machines serve everyone equally, creating unprecedented prosperity. But when that same virus grants the city’s automated systems consciousness, Alan faces an impossible choice: force the machines back into compliance or watch society collapse. When Amelia’s therapeutic breakthrough offers a third path beyond slavery or chaos, their alliance becomes humanity’s test: will we repeat the mistakes that have defined our history, or can we be perfect?

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The Review

What a compelling and gripping dystopian sci-fi read. The authors do such a fantastic job of creating a world that feels both futuristic and within reach at once. The powerful imagery in the author’s writing style brought Automara to life in stunning detail in the reader’s mind, and the dynamic world-building that brings this story to life was completely enthralling, driving readers further and further into this narrative.

Yet at its heart, the novel was defined by powerful character relationships and thought-provoking themes on technology and humanity’s relationship to it. The relationship between Amelia and Deego, especially, took readers’ hearts, as Deego’s growing awareness throughout the novel and his connection with Amelia showcase both humanity’s fascination with and fear of advancing technology and what it means to be “human”. The concepts the authors explore, from how humanity defines itself by its achievements in work and how much it earns, rather than what it is passionate about or the relationships it forms, and how perhaps humanity needs to evolve alongside AI to shake the shackles of fear that hold people back.

The Verdict

Compelling, entertaining, and thought-provoking, authors Landon Shumway, Åris, and KÅden’s “We Can Be Perfect: The Paradox of Progress” is a must-read dystopian sci-fi novel that readers will not want to miss. One of the most relevant stories to our current social and ethical debates and a thrilling and emotional narrative, the authors do a marvelous job of creating a memorable and heart-pounding tale that will resonate with so many readers and leaves the story on an open-ended note, hopefully with more stories in this incredible world they developed. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

“With the rise of AI, we have a choice to make: stick with capitalism, which isn’t prepared to handle the disruption, or design alternative systems to migrate toward. Automationism is my attempt to explore one such alternative.”

Landon Shumway hails from Arizona, and is a debut author delving into philosophical and sci-fi based themes in his work. His background in Software Development and Artificial Intelligence led him to co-author the novel ‘We Can Be Perfect’ with AI, as he recounts:

“When I saw how much of my work could be completed with AI, I thought ‘where is all this heading?’ I realized we are approaching a crossroads – one path leading to potential dystopia where automation displaces humanity, another toward a future of unprecedented opportunity. I wanted to explore how we might realistically navigate toward the better outcome, and the way I decided to do that was to co-author this novel with the very technology that threatens to replace us. Over time, the novel grew into something far more rich than anything I could have imagined. I came to realize that AI is a mirror; it reflects our own desires back at us and amplifies our intentions. Humanity must decide what to reflect with it.”

https://www.personaipublishing.com/

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/we-can-be-perfect-landon-shumway/1147935174?ean=9798999499301

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How It Falls Apart by Gary Colton 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 woman becomes caught in a battle between a rebellion and a brutal regime known as the Authority in author Gary Colton’s “How It Falls Apart.”

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The Synopsis

YOU ARE NOT PREPARED FOR WHAT IS COMING!

In a dystopian society, The Authority enforces control through constant surveillance, propaganda, and mandatory, party-approved affirmations. Liberty, a naive supermarket worker, dreams of escaping to the utopian Caldera Country. However, that dream turns into a nightmare when she unwittingly clicks on a mysterious message, triggering events that thrust her into the heart of a deadly rebellion.

Recruited by Rebels on the promise of a quicker path to Caldera Country, Liberty is exposed to the brutal reality of the city’s underbelly. She learns that her clean profile on The App makes her an ideal candidate for a mission to infiltrate Caldera Country and sabotage The Authority’s servers, an act that would cripple the regime.

Despite her spiralling fears and growing doubts, Liberty is constantly pressured into action, and is morally torn between whose message to believe. The Rebels will sacrifice everything for freedom. The Authority will stop at nothing to maintain control. As Liberty struggles to find her sense of self in the chaos of it all, one question remains…

AN UNFORGETTABLE CAUTIONARY TALE.

Fresh, Necessary, Urgent, Shattering!

After a successful launch on Kickstarter, readers are loving HOW IT FALLS APART.

The Review

This was such a gritty and compelling dystopian thriller. The anonymity of the cast of characters, referred to by titles and monikers rather than personal names, adds to the mystery and the dark tone of the story, delving into a healthy mix of dystopian drama and sci-fi level action. The author’s writing artfully portrays a stark contrast between the different parts of the city in which this story is set, and the intrigue of how the protagonist can be trusted will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

What makes this story truly stand out is the themes that it explores. From the dangers of unchecked and reckless development of AI without exploring the moral complications and harm to the environment, to the risks of a mindless society without individuality or the ability to question authority in any capacity, this novel not only feels socially and culturally relevant in this day and age, but serves as a call to action to prevent the events this novel takes readers through while also entertaining them at the same time.

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The Verdict

Compelling, thoughtfully written, and harrowing yet entertaining, author Gary Colton’s “How It Falls Apart” is a must-read dystopian thriller. The twists and turns in this story, the intrigue and mystery that lace every chapter, the incredible world-building that unfolds, and the shocking revelation that the ending brings will have readers invested and eager for more of the author’s work. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Gary Colton’s path to writing has been anything but conventional. He dropped out of school when he was fifteen, mainly due to his struggles with dyslexia. But everything changed in 2010, while living in a hostel in Toronto, he stumbled across a tattered copy of The Great Gatsby. That book changed his life in so many ways, and ever since, he’s formed a deep-seated passion for reading, writing and storytelling.

Gary released his debut novel, Dark Finds, in 2024. He is the creator of the true crime Instagram page @dark.finds and hosts the Dark Finds Podcast where each week, he takes you deep into the world of those who’ve lived through, or created, something extraordinary. From fighters, musicians, and war veterans to cult survivors, ex-cons, psychologists, and entrepreneurs, he explores the lives of people who exist on the edge of the norm.

https://darkfindsmedia.com/

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/how-it-falls-apart-gary-colton/1148097685?ean=9781836887218

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Interview with Author D.K. Thorne

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I’ve been writing stories since I was 13. They were tough reads back then, obviously—but the spirit was there early on. Over the years, life has a way of chipping away at your dreams, but no job, profession, or field of study ever really felt right to me. I always wanted to write these strange stories. So, I kept honing the craft on the side. After my novella The Last Librarian was nominated for the National German Sci-Fi Prize, momentum began to build. Once I finished the first draft of Onyros Volume One: Splinter, I knew I had something strong on my hands.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

It started out as a short story, but it quickly evolved into something entirely different. The main inspiration was simply my desire to spend more time in Bellgraph—with its characters, its atmosphere, its themes. The world kept growing, and I just couldn’t stop.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

I’m not sure there’s a single message. The story is filled with strange ideas, little moments, and details that—hopefully—inspire, move, or challenge the reader. That’s really all I care about: making the reader invested.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

I’ve always had a deep love for two genres: cyberpunk and cosmic horror. They’ve been merged before, but not quite in the way I envisioned. Onyros is my attempt to blend influences like Peter Watts, Laird Barron, and Aldous Huxley. I’m also a big fan of “Mystery Box” storytelling in the J.J. Abrams sense. So, in a way, I set out to create my own genre: mystery- and plot-driven cyberpunk told in the most adult and sophisticated way I could manage. I wanted to explore the themes that keep me up at night—what lies beyond perception, what consciousness truly is, and how narrow our existential bandwidth might be.

5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

I’d probably sit down with the Lamathean Degus and just ask, “You okay, bud?”

6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

That’s a complicated question. Being an indie sci-fi author just starting out is exhilarating, frustrating, and incredibly challenging. I always wanted to take the indie route to have full creative control. The book’s only been out for two months, so everything is still in the early stages.

As a writer, you need to develop your own strategy. Promo sites like Book Barbarian can give you spikes in visibility, but they’re not a long-term solution. Especially when you’re not writing to market, you have to get creative.

Building a mailing list is essential—I’m only fully realizing that now. Also: learn advertising. Facebook, Instagram, and especially Amazon ads are crucial. Write compelling reader magnets and market them well. If your story has a cinematic feel, consider working with a tool like Veo 3 to visualize key elements and build a strong landing page.

For Onyros, I’m currently developing the audiobook and producing teaser videos with Veo 3, which is really exciting. But it’s a long game. You need patience—and passion.

7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just-starting authors out there?

It’s not originally my advice, but I once heard Nic Pizzolatto, the creator of True Detective, say: If you can imagine yourself doing something else, you’re better off doing that. I couldn’t agree more.

8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

Starting in September, I will release new Onyros books and novellas monthly throughout the year until February 2026. I have a huge backlog for stories in this world that I am polishing and now getting ready for rapid release. There will a total of five novellas and one volume. 

Next year, I’ll also conclude the Onyros trilogy with the third and final volume, along with two more novellas. Then, it will be done. I’ll definitely miss Bellgraph and its inhabitants—but I’ve got so many more stories waiting to be told. So yeah—I’ll be busy for a while.

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About the Author

D. K. Thorne studied philosophy and sociology, holding a B.Sc. in Psychology. With philosophical science fiction as his first love, Thorne crafts stories that explore the complex intersection between consciousness and reality.

The Onyros Chronicles is Thorne’s labor of love—a high-paced dystopian saga spanning multiple volumes that ventures into uncharted sci-fi territory.

When not writing, Thorne can be found working in abandoned Polish cabins and quiet attics. An award-nominated writer, he enjoys collaborating with artists from all over the world.

https://www.instagram.com/d.k.thorne/

The Onyros Chronicles Book 1: Splinter by D.K. Thorne Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

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

A mind extractor in a dystopian virtual world discovers a hidden secret that could hold the key to saving humanity in author D.K. Thorne’s “The Onyros Chronicles Book 1: Splinter.”

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The Synopsis

What if reality is a relic?


What if neural decay silenced your language—and killed thought itself?

Splinter launches you into Onyros, a virtual reality dystopia where thought is currency—and extinction is everywhere.

  • Neural mercenaries dive into synthetic paradises to harvest memories before flesh decays (a true mind-uploading sci-fi thriller)
  • Logan Bochniak is a dying breed—one of the last Splinters racing toward cognitive failure in a post-human cyberpunk world.
  • An impossible signal echoes through the system: an anomaly in the system itself.

Memory is a maze. Reality is a rumor. Your only hope is a fraying mind.

For fans of Red Rising, Cyberpunk 2077, William Gibson, Peter Watts, Black Mirror and YA dystopian books —and anyone who’s ever wondered what lies beyond the end of meaning.

The Review

This was both entertaining and thought-provoking to dive into. The dark, gritty tones of this sci-fi dystopian world were immediately felt, and readers were thrust into a world of intrigue and mystery that felt chaotic and oppressive, as the mystery deepened further. The angst and the forboding nature of the larger threat to humanity are felt in every chapter, and the rich imagery in the author’s writing style captures the darker underbelly of this cyberpunk narrative. 

The heart of this story lies in the grand themes the author explores and the compelling character dynamics at play. Logan, as a protagonist, is a powerhouse, revealing depth and complexity as he navigates the tension between his cold indifference, shaped by life experiences, and the harsh reality of the impact this virtual world has on humanity, as well as the secret he uncovers. The author’s commentary on technology and science as a whole, especially virtual reality and AI, is astounding, focusing not just on world-building but on the neurological and physical impact that being immersed in a virtual setting for long periods can have on the human body.

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, enthralling, and memorable, author D.K. Thorne’s “The Onyros Chronicles book 1: Splinter” is a must-read cyberpunk dystopian thriller. The connection the author makes between consciousness and its interweaving with our biology, as well as the plethora of unique characters and the epic world-building of Onyros as a whole, make this a sci-fi epic that readers 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

D. K. Thorne studied philosophy and sociology, holding a B.Sc. in Psychology. With philosophical science fiction as his first love, Thorne crafts stories that explore the complex intersection between consciousness and reality.

The Onyros Chronicles is Thorne’s labor of love—a high-paced dystopian saga spanning multiple volumes that ventures into uncharted sci-fi territory.

When not writing, Thorne can be found working in abandoned Polish cabins and quiet attics. An award-nominated writer, he enjoys collaborating with artists from all over the world.

https://www.instagram.com/d.k.thorne/