The Blissful Plague (All Our Forgotten Futures Book 4) by Brady Koch Review

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

A mother and daughter must traverse a broken world and face their past together in author Brady Koch’s “The Blissful Plague”, the fourth book in the All Our Forgotten Futures series.

Advertisements

The Synopsis

Twelve-year-old Maggie, her mother, and their loyal dog, Penny, traverse desolate cities, guided by a well-worn travel book. A chance encounter with a solitary boy, entangles them in the perils of Plantation Oaks, a seemingly safe haven.

As secrets unravel, revealing the reasons behind their endless voyage, Maggie and her mother grapple with their complex past. This poignant tale speaks to survival, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between a mother and daughter, emphasizing the strength it takes to navigate a shattered world.

Take a Food Journey Around the World!

The Review

As a longtime fan of series like The Walking Dead, The Last of Us, and author Alexandra Bracken’s “The Darkest Minds”, this story really spoke to me. I’ve been covering this series all year, and this fourth novella was truly character-driven. The relationship between this mother and daughter, and the connection to the overall narrative started in book 1, made their story feel intimate and emotional, highlighting the impact that this world has had on their journey.

The mythos of this story and the emergence of the “feral” people that resulted from this global pandemic made the reader feel emerged into this story. The imagery of the author’s writing style really captured the lonely, abandoned feeling that the story brought forth in its setting. Yet, the heart and hope that the characters bring to the world help elevate this dystopian story to new heights.

Holiday Bundles

The Verdict

Heartfelt, thoughtful, and entertaining, author Brady Koch’s “The Blissful Plague” is a fantastic dystopian read and the perfect conclusion to this narrative. The emotional bond between the mother and daughter of this story, and the examination of how we as a people overcome overwhelming odds (reflected in the way we faced the global pandemic of our world), made this a gripping story that is not to be missed. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Feel free to read over Brady’s shoulder if you see him working on a new novel or short story at the coffee shop or library. Despite his penchant for crime, horror, and the unusual in his writing, he’s actually a nice guy and welcomes your feedback. Brady Koch’s first collection of short works, Guns, Gods & Robots, is now available. His debut novel, All our Forgotten Futures, will be available in Winter 2023.

Website: www.BradyKoch.com

Twitter: @BradyTheWriter

Email: BradyKochBooks@gmail.com

The Hotline at the End of the World (All Our Forgotten Futures Book 3) by Brady Koch Review

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

A man working a hotline at the CDC sees an opportunity to end a global plague when a woman the world has been searching for may be on the line with him in author Brady Koch’s “The Hotline at the End of the World”, the third book in the All Our Forgotten Futures series. 

Advertisements

The Synopsis

In a world paralyzed by an unprecedented outbreak, Clint mans the CDC hotline, a solitary beacon of dwindling hope. Then, one fateful day, a call comes in. Clint finds himself navigating a delicate situation involving a mysterious woman, hinted at in classified files, who may possess the coveted cure. As the world remains under a suffocating lockdown, Clint’s every word, every choice, holds the weight of untold futures.

“The Hotline at the End of the World” is a gripping narrative of responsibility and suspense, set in a reality where a single phone call can alter the course of humanity.

ABN Banner

The Review

This was a gripping and compelling short story. The author is able to weave together plot points from the previous two entries in this series to illustrate the desperation and sorrow that has overtaken the world, emphasizing in particular the importance of book one protagonist Sarah. The fast pace of the narrative and gripping imagery really elevate the tension that has built over time in this world.

The character development and world-building that this story does for the All Our Forgotten Futures series was incredible. The subtle moments of the narrative, such as the protagonist scratching at a phantom limb illustrate the things and people that are missing from his own life and the way this story builds towards an emotional and fantastic final entry into this dystopian-level sci-fi thriller. 

The Verdict

Engaging, mesmerizing, and thought-provoking, author Brady Koch’s “The Hotline at the End of the World” is a must-read short story and emotional read. The twists and turns that drive this story forward and the shocking end that leaves the future on a somber note yet filled with endless possibilities make this a thoughtful and caring story to get lost in. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Feel free to read over Brady’s shoulder if you see him working on a new novel or short story at the coffee shop or library. Despite his penchant for crime, horror, and the unusual in his writing, he’s actually a nice guy and welcomes your feedback. Brady Koch’s first collection of short works, Guns, Gods & Robots, is now available. His debut novel, All our Forgotten Futures, will be available in Winter 2023.

Website: www.BradyKoch.com

Stone Souls by James Rourke Review

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

Two people adjusting to life in an American Utopia discover the true cost of peace and the extreme methods that some of the new nation’s leaders are willing to go to in order to preserve that Utopia in author James Rourke’s “Stone Souls”.

Advertisements

The Synopsis

What price would you pay to become a member of a vibrant society where poverty and crime have been eradicated? Medical advancements render cancer no deadlier than the common cold. You can teleport to your next destination. Art flourishes and intellectual accomplishments are celebrated the way lesser nations celebrate athletic contests.

The only cost is your soul.

Raymond and Karen Butler, as new citizens of the Common States of America, endeavor to embrace the nation’s demanding vision. The allure of prosperity collides with the ferocious realities of initiation. Their struggle to accept new customs and modes of thinking unfolds under the cruel gaze of Kurt “Stone” Adams, the secretary of internal security, who defends the nation he loves with revolutionary intensity.

Would you sell your soul for Utopia?

ABN Banner

The Review

This was a gripping and haunting sci-fi dystopian read. The world-building was excellent, really doing an amazing job of bringing this “Common States of America” to life in a visceral way. The horrors and shocking events that readers see come to life by this new hierarchy in order to maintain their “utopia” is terrifying, and coupled with the religious and philosophical discussions that bring to mind social and political issues our own world is facing at this time, this book is filled with so much tension.

To me, the heart of this narrative was in the unique character perspectives and the language used in this new world that speaks to the foundations of this society as a whole. The perspective readers get from both the newcomers to this society and the person practically running things was great to see as it gave a balanced viewpoint of this society, and the language very much reminded me of an almost cult-like mentality, as it often referenced a distrust of the outside world and showcased an often brutal hand of authority and standards that were impossible to live up to, leading to tragedy.

The Verdict

Memorable, haunting, and engaging, author James Rourke’s “Stone Souls” is a must-read dystopian sci-fi novel. The book’s commentary on our over-reliance on technology as a whole and the cost of perfection and a utopian society at the cost of humanity and morality as a whole made this a truly one-of-a-kind story and will stick with readers long after the book’s end. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

James Rourke has been a high school teacher of history, psychology, and philosophy for twenty-eight years. His commitment to these three disciplines guides his writing . “The Comic Book Curriculum” is praised for revealing “how major superheroes and their stories raise some of the deepest and most important ethical and psychological questions we all need to ask and answer.” This aspect of storytelling, the quest to tell stories that entertain, challenge, and uplift the reader, inspires James in his fiction as well.

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

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. 

Advertisements

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

Advertisements

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

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.

Advertisements

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

Advertisements

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

The Rebellion Awakens (Sentrys of Terrene: Book One) by TC Marti Review

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

A leader within the growing Insurgency against an Imperial war machine must test his faith after being taken to an Imperial stronghold, while two other rebels find a young girl who could turn the tide of the war in author TC Marti’s “The Rebellion Awakens”, the first book in the Sentrys of Terrene series and the latest entry into the Elementals universe the author has crafted.

Advertisements

The Synopsis

War!

A strike from underground bases won the Insurgency’s first victory against Vranom Imperials.

During the battle, Insurgency spies intercepted a blueprint regarding the Imperials’ superweapon, the Fusion Bomb, constructed with enough Source energy to wipe out an entire landmass.

Commander Tage-Ras Svendson intends to celebrate the Insurgency’s victory after relaying the stolen plans before a confrontation with the notorious Venn Rhine forces him into a Vranom stronghold. With only a disembodied voice giving directions, Tage faces the ultimate test of faith.

Meanwhile, in Vranom’s capital city of Sunrise, two insurgents stumble across a girl who may hold a key to restoring justice to the lost world.

The Rebellion Awakens is Book I in the post-apocalyptic dystopian military science fantasy Sentrys of Terrene Series. Inspired by Star Wars with a touch of Avatar: The Last Airbender, join Tage-Ras Svendson, Sabre Kjaergaard, and Ren Elk-Jaer as they battle the People’s Republic of Vranom and expose the global superpower’s lies regarding the extinct Sentry Order.

The Review

This was a wonderful blend of action and epic sci-fi fantasy storytelling. The latest entry into the Elementals saga is the perfect way to jumpstart “phase II”, and the way the author is able to blend elements of the other books in the saga with this new world and its own mythos was remarkable to see come to life. The society for which this rebellion is born highlights the somber and fear-state atmosphere that compels the characters forward in their journey. 

The character growth and powerful themes really hit home in this novel. The cast of characters all played great roles in this story, but the character who best showcased the wonder and terrors of this world that the reader could relate to was Sabre, who found within herself her own form of rebellion by reading ancient texts hidden by her father and discovering the true ways of this world for herself, which flies in the face of the faith and government that they are all sworn to abide by. The concept of a fear-state and ruthless government rule is a dystopian nightmare that plays heavily into our own current state of affairs in the world, which makes for truly engaging and frightful narratives.

The Verdict

Mesmerizing, haunting, and entertaining, author TC Marti’s “The Rebellion Awakens” is a fantastic dystopian and post-apocalyptic thriller and a must-read first book in the Sentrys of Terrene series. The twists in the author’s story and the wealth of character development and dynamics will keep readers engaged with this narrative, and the rich mythos and world-building will have fans enthralled by this brand-new series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10 

Advertisements

About the Author

TC Marti has been an avid reader/writer for over three decades. He is the author of the Elementals Universe, a shared speculative fiction universe spanning multiple series. He is also a workout fanatic, and a fan of Arizona sports teams.

Dusk Upon Elysium by Tamel Wino Review

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

A researcher for a trailblazing VR program hoping to perfect the system gets lost in the darkest recesses of the system itself and must confront his past and the darkness humanity has been plunged into in the real world in author Tamel Wino’s “Dusk Upon Elysium”. 

Advertisements

The Synopsis

From the award-winning creator of Ékleipsis comes a dystopian narrative of affliction and obsession.

The world as we know it is forever lost. A deadly virus has scourged the planet and ravaged billions. Under the harsh ruling regime, survivors were “cleansed” and confined to isolated units, perpetually tormented by hunger, desolation, and desperation.

Among them is Geoff, a researcher for the trailblazing Paradiso, an authority-regulated virtual-reality program that allows users to momentarily escape their waking lives via implanted chips. He is devoted to perfecting the system—a vessel to preserve future hopes and dreams, where immense worlds prevail, brimming with vast possibilities.

But before long Geoff finds himself thrusted into the darkest recesses of these alternate realities, where he must confront not only his past but persevere against the unknown, fighting for his very existence.

Is all this magnificence just a grandiose illusion? Could there ever be salvation from the living hell into which mankind has plummeted?

The Review

This was a truly engaging novel. The author does an amazing job of capturing the grittiness of this world the author has created. The vivid imagery the author employed here did an excellent job of capturing the rich juxtaposition of the shocking dystopian reality of the real world with the atmospheric and beautiful scenery within Paradiso, bringing this sci-fi epic to life expertly.

The heart of this narrative had to be the dynamic character development and the stellar world-building that the author crafted. The emotional core of Owen’s past meeting the present day and the psychological effect of being so immersed into this virtual world help build upon the mythos of this illness-ravaged world that has left humanity on the brink of extinction and a powerful military keeping the survivors “in check”, mirroring some of our own fears in the heights of the recent global pandemic we all endured.

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, entertaining, and haunting in its delivery, author Tamel Wino’s “Dusk Upon Elysium” is a must-read sci-fi dystopian novel of 2022. A great way to end the year for fans of these genres, the balance the author found between the mind-bending genres and the emotional core of these characters and their arcs made this story truly shine. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Tamel Wino is a horror/thriller short fiction writer from the resplendent British Columbia whose works focus largely on madness and human morality. He attended the University of Western Ontario, majoring in health sciences and psychology which only furthered his interest in human nature.

With inspirations including Alice Munro, Joe Hill, Stephen King, Margaret Atwood and Edgar Allan Poe; Tamel’s expositions are strongly grounded in traditions of dark fiction. Yet, with his bold, evocative narrative voice and incisive plot construction, Wino is paving a new movement within the space.


When he’s not reading or scribbling away on his laptop, Tamel loves listening to jazz, rewatching good ol’ classic movies and travelling.

A King Ascends (The Tyrea Trilogy Book One) by Jane Mckay Review

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

A man stolen away from his home planet must fight to rescue both his family and his world from a grueling threat and fight a villain for the right to rule his world in author Jane Mckay’s “A King Ascends”, the first book in The Tyrea Trilogy.

The Synopsis

A thrilling science fiction story of good and evil.

The sentient planet, Tyrea, is in danger. Unaware of the problem, Jon Tor is happy in doing work that he loves but knows something terrible has happened on his home planet when he is kidnapped, injured, and flees for his life. He desperately needs to save not only his family but his entire planet. Friends, on and off the planet, gather to help him survive the struggle to get home in time. He is facing an additional problem because he needs to survive long enough in order to put himself into the hands of his enemy. The two men must come together to battle for the right to rule.

Who will outwit the other and win?

The Review

This was a powerful and thrilling dystopian sci-fi novel. The author did an incredible job of diving head-first into the narrative’s action and showcasing the rich and diverse cast of characters and world-building the author. The tension the author infused into the story and the heavy atmosphere that builds as the weight of this planetary threat makes itself known was greatly felt in this story.

Yet it was the engaging character development and mythology the author built, along with a moving series of themes, that made this story feel alive on the page. The protagonist’s tale of tragedy and overcoming hardships was both relatable and inspiring, and the natural way in which the world around him adapts and engages with the advanced tech and multiple alien species was great to see. The emotional weight of the protagonist’s story and the themes of loss, love, and the grieving process overall made this a masterful sci-fi adventure.

The Verdict

Memorable, adrenaline-fueled, and entertaining, author Jane Mckay’s “A King Ascends” is a must-read sci-fi and dystopian epic, and the perfect opening story in the growing The Tyrea Trilogy series. The twists and turns this narrative takes and the action-packed adventure the protagonist finds himself on against the sinister villain keep the reader invested until the book’s final pages. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Jane McKay is a graduate of Ohio State University with a BA in Geography. She loves her field because it touches on all the other sciences and allows her imagination to soar with lots of ‘what if’ questions. All her life she has wondered about the world outside her door. Credit through has to be given to her family who have kept her firmly grounded on this home planet. That’s okay, it only causes her to dream more. The best hope she has is to gather new friends to share her dreams.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BG86X98Q/ref=x_gr_w_glide_sin?caller=Goodreads&callerLink=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goodreads.com%2Fbook%2Fshow%2F62832573-a-king-ascends%3Fac%3D1%26from_search%3Dtrue%26qid%3D4bFqEhJw87%26rank%3D2&tag=x_gr_w_glide_sin-20

Sky Curse (Book One): The Chosen Five by Janet Kravetz Review

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

In a futuristic world where climate change is worsening and mental health and population control have gotten out of control, one woman seeks a means of using technology to prevent a total apocalypse in author Janet Kravetz’s “Sky Curse: The Chosen Five”, the first book in the Sky Curse series. 

Advertisements

The Synopsis

The Sky Curse series follows Cecilia Miller, a coder of artificial dreams living in the year 2045. It’s a time when climate chaos has become the norm and the collective mental health of humanity has fallen to a grave state. The world’s population has grown to a horrific twenty-five billion people, maxing Earth to its limit. Most are planning to abandon Earth and leave it to its fate as they colonize a new world through Titan pioneering (those beings are called Universalists). However, there are those who still hold on to hope for Earth and a humanity untainted by AI (those beings are called Localists). As humanity struggles to survive, it seems like only technology can help, and Cecilia is determined to be the one to bring it about. When planet Earth faces apocalyptic events, she must summon her resolve and resilience if she’s to have a chance to save this world.

The Review

This was such an intense, captivating conspiracy thriller that meets YA sci-fi and a dystopian novel. The novel read like a very mature story, with strong characters who represented the complexities of this novel’s themes. The tension and atmosphere the author creates in this novel were so palpable and captured the reader’s attention, allowing the narrative to shine through brightly. The characters felt organic and honed into the world around them so well, and each character, including the protagonist, became a vocal representation of the themes the narrative brings to life. 

What stands out in this novel are the incredibly complex themes and the rich world-building the author utilizes. The themes the author explores included the advancements in technology, climate change, humanity’s impact on the world, and the slippery slope between controlling humanity and curbing destructive behaviors. The reader is immediately treated to the themes through the advanced AI systems, virtual reality becoming virtual dreams and even the protagonist’s status as a Cyborg. The idea of a “big brother” state and the question of how much control humanity has on the impact of the world around them and how much is left up to fate was incredible to read and watch unfold on the page.

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, adrenaline-fueled, and entertaining, author Janet Kravetz’s “Sky Curse: The Chosen Five” is a must-read sci-fi meets dystopian conspiracy thriller novel of 2022! The concept and execution of this narrative felt very much like George Orwell’s 1984 meets Issac Asimov’s expansive sci-fi collection, including I, Robot. The intimate way the author is able to capture the concept of finding one’s voice and stepping into your own power made this such a rich and unique story. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Janet Kravetz (sometimes writing under the pen name Topaz Ruby) is an award winning author, poet and artist as well as a mental health advocate.   

Janet was born in Ukraine and grew up in Israel, where she had a career in legal research and public policy, joining the Israel Bar in 2009. Soon thereafter she immigrated to Nova Scotia, Canada and continued working in the field of legal research and public policy, while volunteering with various local committees for the promotion of diversity and inclusion. She speaks Russian, Hebrew and English. 

In 2013 she launched a career as an award-winning poet and in 2014 as an award-winning author, when her self-published book of poetry and art “Reaching Beyond Ourselves – Leading a Spiritual, peaceful and Diverse World” won the international Beverly Hills Book Awards for both content and presentation (under the pen name Topaz Ruby). In the following years Janet turned to writing more poetry and also a few unpublished manuscripts about topics of spirituality, mental health, diversity and the environment. She writes in plain language that children and immigrants can understand.

https://www.authorjanetkravetz.com/