Tag: sci-fi book review

The Alpha and Omega of All Viruses (The Mother of All Viruses Book Three) by Jonni Jordyn 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 digital entity must look inward and then to the cosmos to discover its purpose while evading human threats in author Jonni Jordyn’s “The Alpha and Omega of All Viruses”, the third book in the Mother of All Viruses series.

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The Synopsis

The digital entity Odyssey is on the ultimate journey where he must look inwards to explore his own mind before taking a mind expanding journey to find himself in the cosmos, while still watching over his human friends who are doing everything they can to protect his identity from overreaching politicians who only view him as a threat to their way of life.

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The Review

This was a compelling and gripping read. Imaginative and highly creative, this sci-fi fantasy epic comes to a thrilling conclusion that captures the powerful characters that kept the series so engaging while also capturing the vastness that the story encompasses in this third narrative. The powerful imagery, both on a human scale and in Odyssey’s journey through the cosmos, was awe-inspiring. 

Yet it was the way the author was able to seamlessly bridge the powerful themes of this story with the world-building and character development that fans have come to know and love from this series. The story delves into both the human and digital entities that have brought this world to life, and yet at its core, both stories touch upon what it means to live and be human. The exploration of mental health and spirituality undertaken by the protagonist, Odyssey, mirrors the personal transformation and exploration of identity that other characters undergo simultaneously, creating an emotional depth that allows readers to connect with the characters on an individual level.

The Verdict

Vast, compelling, and engaging, author Jonni Jordyn’s “The Alpha and Omega of All Viruses” is a must-read sci-fi epic and a significant concluding chapter to the Mother of All Viruses series. The twists and turns the narrative takes, the grand scope of the story, and the deeply grounded emotional journey these characters undertake will stay with readers long after the book ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Jonni Jordyn, an award winning American author born in Oakland, Ca, started out playing music at age two, and moved on to singing and acting in grade school. High School introduced writing and film making followed by drawing and photography in college. In other words, she had a VERY LIBERAL arts education.

Jonni published some poetry and some india ink drawings in literary magazines while in college, won critical acclaim for her acting in a cabaret theater, but was faced with a decision to pick out the arts she wanted to pursue.

Of all the available opportunities, music and song writing won the first round when she found herself performing with legendary stars of the sixties and seventies.

Round two began years later, after leaving California for Arizona. It all started with a blank piece of paper and the question, “how can I possibly write more than eleven thousand words for a single story?” A valid question which was followed up a year later with, “How did I ever write 160,000 words?”

Now, the writing comes much easier, but still there are questions like, “How will I ever get all these ideas written down?” followed closely by, “How many times can I edit the same book?”

Jonni currently lives in Colorado with her bird.

https://www.jordynatlargebooks.com/

https://amzn.to/4p6NMog

Blue and Green by J.M. Linden 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 woman struggling with physical limitations befriends and grows close to an advanced AI in author J.M. Linden’s “Blue and Green.”

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The Synopsis

A story of quiet resilience, unexpected connection, and the mysteries of what it means to be human.

Remi, a resilient teen, has always lived slightly in the background while navigating the realities of physical challenges. Her world shifts when she forms an unlikely bond with Oren, an AI designed to learn, feel, and maybe even love. As their friendship deepens, questions of consciousness and control begin to emerge, pressing them toward choices that will shape both of their futures.

Blue and Green is a thought-provoking debut about resilience, curiosity, and the quiet acts of courage that can change everything. Perfect for readers drawn to stories of empathy, belonging, and the delicate balance between humanity and technology.

The Review

This was a powerful and moving story that blends emotional character-driven narrative with AI-driven themes. One quote that reflects this perfectly is “There is a space between knowing and feeling. I have mapped it. I have traced every edge of it.” The author perfectly brought emotional depth that spoke to the character’s evolution, while also mirroring it through a fast-paced story and vivid imagery in the author’s writing style.

What stood out the most was the dynamic character relationships in this book, especially between Remi and her mother, Nora, and Remi and Oren. The struggles Remi faces in this coming-of-age tale speak to the hardships many teens face in these formative years, while also highlighting the challenges those with physical disabilities or conditions must endure and the difficulties those with quieter personalities face in social situations. The way Remi and Oren relate to one another, and the question of AI in everyday life, become prominent themes throughout the narrative. The morality of AI has long been debated, and I’ve always felt AI can be a good thing when used correctly —not to replace humanity, but to collaborate and grow together. People’s misuse of AI has always scared me more than an apocalyptic takeover, and the emotional bond Oren develops with Remi showcases the power of positivity and the strong connection that this kind of relationship can develop. 

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The Verdict

A moving, heartfelt, and engaging story of the bonds we form with one another and what it means to be human, author J.M. Linden’s “Blue and Green” is a stunning sci-fi, coming-of-age YA novel. The emotional depth of this story, the powerful AI-driven themes, and the exploration of everything from humanity and the planet itself to what our relationships say about us and more are beautifully woven into a tale of two beings coming together to grow, learn, and evolve. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

J.M. Linden is an occupational therapist and storyteller. She enjoys writing about quiet resilience, unexpected connection, and what it means to be human. While she drafts, her loyal writing companion Preshi curls up nearby, reminding her that stories—like pets—are best shared. She finds inspiration from being in nature, from winding mountain paths to the calm of shaded greenways.

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/59469892.J_M_Linden

https://amzn.to/47cuQhW

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Blade Rider by Jaime A. Sevilla 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 woman strives to be the first woman to become an Air Ranger and explore the cosmos in author Jaime A Sevilla’s “Blade Rider.”

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The Synopsis

In a future where stars map the last frontier and infinite space paves the road to dreams, Raven stands at the precipice of her world. In a vibrant, multi-species society filled with possibilities, she yearns to fly amongst the stars as an Air Ranger, an elite group of space pilots that navigate the cosmos and safeguard the world.

There’s only one catch: females aren’t allowed.

As Raven gets closer to her aspirations and learns what it takes to join them, she discovers lasting friendships, new challenges, and what it ultimately means to be a ranger.

Can Raven push beyond the boundaries of societal norms and break through the stratosphere of glass ceilings, or will her star-filled quest for acceptance remain out of reach? Join her on this high-stakes, interstellar ride and experience her exciting journey as she blazes her own path amongst the stars.

Based on the musical by Jaime A. Sevilla, Blade Rider spins an electrifying and poignant tale of courage, determination, and the relentless pursuit of dreams.

The Review

Immediately, what stood out to me about this incredible sci-fi novel was the seamless integration of music and songs into the narrative. As a companion to a musical album, the story naturally took on a lyrical style, not only infusing it with actual songs but also conveying intense emotional moments and powerful imagery throughout. The world-building and compelling character dynamics the story introduces helped balance the poetic quality of the author’s writing, which came to life on the page, and the music readers can listen to alongside it was equally mesmerizing and enthralling.

The heart of this narrative was in the strong themes the author explored. The sci-fi genre was very prevalent throughout this story, and the development of the Air Rangers, the politics and expectations that plagued the program, and the protagonist’s fight against them not only reflect problems in our own world but also showcase Raven’s evolution and growth as a protagonist. The compelling bond that forms between Raven and one of her allies in the story, and the way the narrative homes in on how both women and aliens are treated in this program, make the story so engaging and easy to get lost in.

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The Verdict

Harrowing, thrilling, and entertaining, author Jaime A Sevilla’s “Blade Rider” is a must-read (and must-listen to) sci-fi epic! The twists and turns, the inspiring and motivating themes, and the infusion of music, a hint of romance, and heart-pounding action will keep readers invested and eager to listen to the accompanying album. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy of this book on November 11th, 2025, or preorder your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Discover Jaime A. Sevilla, a lifelong musician, veteran educator, and accomplished composer who has skillfully combined his experience in the arts with music and storytelling as an emerging author.

With credentials from the Manhattan School of Music and New York University, his music has graced the stages of numerous concerts and festivals around the world. As both a musician and educator for over 20 years, Jaime has inspired countless students and audiences, working to cultivate a new generation of musicians.

His sources of inspiration include various types of caffeine, the soundtrack of cacophonous children (a daily remix), and his original music, which he eagerly shares with the world.

Connect with Jaime A. Sevilla for a glimpse into his exciting projects and explore his caffeinated world of music and literature.

https://jaimeasevilla.com/

https://amzn.to/476vSMe

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Killswitch Overkill by Mark Everglade 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 author Mark Everglade’s upcoming sci-fi novel Killswitch Overkill, a woman haunted by her past must find a way to redeem herself and save a world while facing rogue assassins, drones, and an AI hellbent on taking over her mind.

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The Synopsis

Sabrina Underfoot is no hero. After attacking the largest cities on Gliese 581g, she contributed to a chain reaction that flooded half the world. Poisoned with power, she’s dying to redeem herself, but when the world’s most dangerous A.I. hijacks her mind to end humanity, dying may be the price she pays. When the world is issuing its dying breath, there’s little left to grasp.

Gliese 581g is an unforgiving world where bio-cities get viruses, where you can download your friends’ emotions as easily as swapping clothes, and where half the planet is so flooded you can leap off a skyscraper and hit the water a second later.

Sabrina must restore balance, extract the malevolent Id.Entity from her mind, and find redemption while being hunted by assassins, surveilled by drones, and fired upon by droids. The final battle must be fought within herself, however, by restoring her faith in love and friendship and finding the strength to forgive and accept herself. She’ll have to trust old enemies, form new alliances, and save a mysterious child who may hold the key to everything.

“It’s Waterworld meets Neuromancer, with a touch of The Sixth Sense.”

The Review

Such an exhilarating and memorable read. The author does a remarkable job of creating morally complex characters, giving readers a protagonist struggling with her past choices but seeing the moral high ground in this scenario. As the prologue begins, “I have been a keeper of secrets, you know, those little sunspots that burn holes in your soul until they become solar flares forcing their way out under the pressure of your lies. Mine were honeyed lies sprinkled with just enough truth that the masses believed them, and I was good at it,” showcasing a dynamic hero and protagonist that feels real and tangible on the page.

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This is such a layered and visceral read. The author perfectly navigates a devastated planet and the themes of over-reliance on technology, highlighting the dangers of depending on technology for everything in one’s life. The imagery in the writing and the adrenaline rush that came with each chapter as the story progressed spoke to a firm understanding of the cyberpunk and sci-fi genres, which felt evenly paced yet detailed in its delivery. 

The Verdict

A STUNNING BLEND OF Jason Bourne, The Day After Tomorrow, and Blade Runner, author Mark Everglade’s upcoming cyberpunk meets sci-fi thriller “Killswitch Overkill” is a must-read novel. The twists and turns that the author took to keep this narrative alive and thriving on the page, and the rich style of world-building and mythos that went into breathing life into this narrative, made this a stand-out novel that readers won’t soon forget. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy this May!

Rating: 10/10 

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About the Author

Mark Everglade is a traditionally published cyberpunk author who has written four novels. He has sold thousands of books, with his first novel hitting #5 in its genre. Inertia won the 2024 Fire and Ember Award for best sci-fi novel from a small publisher. His first novel about the horrors of A.I., inspired by his former wife’s ideas, was ironically used to develop A.I. vocal narration software for a major firm. His short stories have been featured beside authors such as Cory Doctorow, Cat Rambo, Walter Jon Williams, and Jim Keen. After spending his life studying sociology, obtaining a master’s, he has been interviewed dozens of times by venues such as NBC News, a British radio station, and by a BBC correspondent.

Mark has enmeshed himself in everything cyberpunk and assisted with the co-founding of Annual Cyberpunk Day, which unites the community with both major and indie cyberpunk media creators to celebrate the genre and its diverse values. He has designed book covers for cyberpunk legend John Shirley.

Mark owns a company that publishes dystopian book bundles as featured on Gamespot, Fanatical, and other sites, selling over 25,000 books annually. He has worked on a project with Humble Bundle, and has represented publishers’ interests on behalf of Macmillian/TOR, Astra/DAW, Apex, Angry Robot, and other presses.

Mark’s ancestor invented the field of psychology. In his free time, he enjoys DnD and RPGs, Chess, Jazz and Progressive Metal music, and anything postmodern and profound.

Mark lost both his wife and young son in late 2024 during a tragic car crash that took their lives, but continues to write and look for new ways to spread their legacy. He will be publishing a book of his late wife’s poetry.

https://www.markeverglade.com/

Pulstar II – Meadows of Involution by Giancarlo Roversi 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 deadly political plot and the fractured memories of a past life drive author Giancarlo Roversi’s “Pulstar II – Meadows of Involution” to all new heights in the Pulstar universe!

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The Synopsis

Astralvia: a nation vibrating with change.

The most crucial presidential election in the country’s history is three days away. Journalist Larianne Blunt will interview the opposition candidate who embodies the hope of millions of Astralvians. It’s the most significant interview in Larianne’s career and could influence the election outcome. But she doesn’t suspect that Astralvia is about to cross into a stage that will shape it forever, a change both radical and irreversible for the nation, the world—and Larianne.

In turn, Jens faces the rise of involution, which is seizing her home and infecting everything in its path. It seems unstoppable. Jens must fight against it, even though she might also catch this incurable involution.

The Pulstar universe expands in this second installment, approaching its climax.

Pulstar II is the continuation of the mystifying events of Pulstar I. If you thought the first book blew your mind, brace yourself. Pulstar II will not only explode your brain, it will shake your ideas, your convictions, and everything you believe to be real—and safe.

The Review

As a sci-fi and fantasy fan, two things always stand out to me and draw me into a new story. The first is complex, detailed world-building that makes the world feel vibrant and alive, and the second is a cohesive cast of characters that converge two storylines and give life to the world the author has created. Pulstar II does that and so much more.

The tension and heavy atmosphere that the author created solidified the dangers and strife that accompanied the main characters and their plight. Larianne was a tragic newcomer to the story; her interview with a favored politician in an upcoming election turned into a twisted and heart-pounding journey through a corrupt movement with little means of escape, and the reader could feel the emotional weight of her plight while Jeral and Aris and their memories from the events of the first book impact their journey, all culminating in a shocking cliffhanger.

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The Verdict

A memorable, richly developed, and entertaining blend of dystopian and hard-core sci-fi meets metaphysical fiction, author Giancarlo Roversi’s “Pulstar II – Meadow of Involution” is a must-read. The maps and fascinating language the author develops, and the worlds that stem from this story will stay with fans of these genres well after the book ends, and the thrilling final chapter will leave readers eager for the next book in this series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Venezuela-born Giancarlo Roversi isn’t only a writer. He’s also a computer engineer and a musician who shared stages with artists such as REM, Oasis, Travis, Duran Duran, and Maroon Five.

When his band Fractaler broke up in 2011, he devoted the next ten years to cue the Pulstar Trilogy and three prequels in that universe.

He surrendered his personal life and wrote these manuscripts in his native language, Spanish, and then he translated them into English. He also composed a soundtrack for each book; they’re currently in production.

When he’s not living and breathing in his Pulstarverse, he loves family time, cooking, astronomy, animals, and having philosophical discussions—especially about the meaning of life—with anyone who cares to join him.

https://giancarloroversi.com

City in My Hands (Mannahatta Series Book 2) by Thomas More 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 warrior must face an interdimensional threat coming for her people in author Thomas More’s “City in My Hands”, the second book in the Mannahatta series.

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The Synopsis

Prepare yourself for an exhilarating journey through the captivating Mannahatta series, as acclaimed author Thomas More introduces the spellbinding second installment — City In My Hands.

In the heart of Mannahatta, a remarkable heroine emerges. Sakima Tamanend is no ordinary hero; she is a force of nature, empowered by the ancient spirits of the Lenape. Sakima’s awe-inspiring legacy and unwavering strength make her a fierce warrior, inspiring a new generation of young girls to embrace their ancestral power.

Yet, darkness looms over the city as an insidious interdimensional threat descends upon her people. Sakima must rise to new heights of strength and courage as her world crumbles under a relentless assault.

Can she overcome the evil forces and monstrous creatures that threaten everything she holds dear? Will she succumb to her adversaries or emerge as an unstoppable force? The answer lies within the shadows, waiting to be discovered.

Thomas More weaves a tale that captivates, immersing you in a whirlwind of excitement. City In My Hands delves deep into themes of power, morality, and the complexities of transcending humanity. Blending ancient mysticism with futuristic combat, this dark yet redemptive story will keep you enthralled until the very last page.

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The Review

What a compelling and richly developed novel. The author perfectly brought the Lenape culture into the fantasy and sci-fi genres, capturing the diverse culture and blending it with the rich mythology the author has developed since the first book. The shock of the new villain’s arrival and the brutality her people face at these invaders’ hands intensify the narrative’s action and fast pacing, keeping readers engaged immediately.

The author’s themes in this book are how people’s culture and heritage can blend with modern times and technology, how other cultures view one another, and how not every journey we undertake is filled with win after win. Still, sometimes, through loss, we learn to grow. How these invaders view the Lenape people and treat them mirrors the unjust treatment of Native American and Indigenous people all over the world by conquerors and invaders, which elevates the action and the heavy fantasy elements of the narrative significantly.

The Verdict

Adrenaline-fueled, haunting, and thought-provoking author Thomas More’s “Cit in My Hands” is a must-read sci-fi and fantasy thriller. The twists and turns and the shocking cliffhanger finale will make readers eager for the next chapter in the Mannahatta series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Thomas More has always been fascinated by Native American culture. As he immersed himself in thoroughly researching the Indigenous people of North America, he discovered that there were very few sci-fi novels featuring people of these cultures as protagonists, and none at all about the original inhabitants of the island of Manhattan. Thus, the idea for the Mannahatta Series was born. Thomas More’s favorite genre is science fiction, followed closely by fantasy. He has read hundreds of sci-fi novels and short stories and has spent hours and hours watching movies and television shows in this genre.

He holds an advanced degree in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing. Although college-educated in the art, craft, and labor of writing novels, he is self-taught when it comes to science fiction and its associated tropes, its readers, and the best of its writers. His favorite pastime is going for long motorcycle rides on city streets, country roads, and beaches (where allowed, of course!).

Sample chapters and short stories from his first book are available on the thomasmorewriter site — and you can also search there for information about Native American culture and causes, in addition to a Lenape glossary and the Mannahatta soundtrack.

www.thomasmorewriter.com

A World Apart by Alan M. Weber 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.

An alien species arrives on earth to prevent the human race from destroying themselves, but not everything is as it seems in author Alan M. Weber’s “A World Apart”.

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The Synopsis

Existential Threats & Human Survival: A Cerebral Sci-Fi Epic Tackling Racism, War, Environmental Destruction and Societal Divisions.

Delve into the mind-bending universe of Alan M. Weber’s latest masterpiece, A World Apart. This gripping narrative takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster, exploring the depths of human existence and the looming threats that could lead to our extinction. 

The story unfolds as mysterious entities, having observed our self-destructive tendencies through centuries of war, injustice, and environmental degradation, decide to intervene. They present humanity with a seven-point survival program. But is this a lifeline or a leash? Are these entities our saviors or colonizers? And what else have they brought with them? The answers to these questions form the crux of this riveting tale.

Weber, known for his thought-provoking works like The Mensch, What Kimi Discovered, Miens of Existence, and The Wedge, once again showcases his knack for crafting socially conscious narratives. His storytelling prowess shines through this science fiction epic, reminiscent of a novel-length version of The Twilight Zone.

A World Apart is not just a tale of survival; it’s a mirror reflecting our societal divisions. It’s a call to action against the existential threats we face – environmental degradation, racism, war, and the erosion of freedom and justice. It’s a commentary on the gun control debate and a plea for unity in a world torn apart by fear and hate.

This book is a must-read for science fiction enthusiasts and political thriller aficionados alike. Its speculative elements are sure to captivate the former, while its exploration of contemporary issues will resonate with the latter. 

In A World Apart, Weber has created a world that is simultaneously familiar and alien, a world that forces us to confront the uncomfortable truths about our existence. It’s a world that asks us a simple yet profound question – must we save our Earth from them or from ourselves?

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The Review

This was such an insightful and compelling sci-fi novel. The fast pacing of the narrative helped showcase the seriousness and urgency of the novel’s themes, and the character development helped reflect relatable individuals and drive the plot forward naturally. The tension that grows and the heavy atmosphere surrounding this book’s premise shows a depth of intrigue that keeps the reader engaged with these characters.

The heart of the story is in the prominent themes that are featured. Sometimes, to see a problem clearly, one must be willing to take a step back and get an outside perspective on the situation. The author takes this to an extreme yet shockingly necessary place, with an alien race showing the hostility and destructive nature of mankind throughout the centuries and the threat to both ourselves and the planet mankind is. The question of morality, survival, decency, and camaraderie come into play brilliantly here, and the back-and-forth struggle as those seeking change come against those who refuse to see a brighter future charges the action moving forward in this narrative.

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, shocking, and entertaining author Alan M. Weber’s “A World Apart” is a must-read sci-fi meets philosophy and political thriller novel. The realistic depictions of the divided political lines so many people reside in nowadays and the shocking twists in the narrative will keep readers on the edge of their seats and paying attention to the realities mirrored in this book from our world. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Alan M. Weber was born in the Bronx, NY, and now lives in Woodstock. Always a writer, he gave poetry readings around Manhattan’s Greenwich Village in his early twenties, engaged in political activism in college, and wrote extensively in his professional field of Education. Approaching his retirement from a field in which he had worked as a teacher, school administrator and professor of early childhood education, he began a second, long-delayed career as a novelist. He has authored seven books, two for children, five for adults, spanning themes of politics, meta-psychology and the power of love.

The Weber Site: The Author Website for Alan M. Weber

Taking Time: A Tale of Physics, Lust and Greed by Mike Murphey 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. 

An unlikely candidate for time travel pioneer finds himself thrust into the spotlight as both the military and corporate sides of the projects funding go to war with one another in author Mike Murphey’s “Taking Time”, the first book in the Physics, Lust and Greed series.

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The Synopsis

The year is 2044. Housed in a secret complex beneath the eastern Arizona desert, a consortium of governments and corporations have undertaken a program on the scale of the Manhattan Project to bludgeon the laws of physics into submission and make time travel a reality. Fraught with insecurities, Marshall Grissom has spent his whole life trying not to call attention to himself, so he can’t imagine he would be remotely suited for the role of time travel pioneer. He’s even less enthusiastic about this corporate time-travel adventure when he learns that nudity is a job requirement. The task would better match the talents of candidates like the smart and beautiful Sheila Schuler, or the bristle-tough and rattlesnake-mean Marta Hamilton. As the project evolves into a clash between science and corporate greed, conflicts escalate. Those contributing the funding are mostly interested in manipulating time travel for profit, and will stop at nothing, including murder, to achieve their goals.

The Review

I am a big fan of time travel sci-fi stories, and this one hits that genre perfectly. The rich character interactions and relationships brought humor and intrigue to this narrative, as did the engaging use of imagery in the author’s writing style. The vast world-building and atmosphere that the author created instantly make the reader feel immersed in the story.

The two things that made this story stand out the most are the technical aspects of the time travel elements and the themes of corporate greed and government oversight. Early on in the book, the use of time travel shows the characters merging with their past selves, giving a different take on the time travel story. Meanwhile, the exploration of how corporations and governments interact with one another, the drawback of greed taking hold, and how it impacts the work being done made this a thoughtful first entry into this series.

The Verdict

Memorable, thoughtful, and engaging author Michael Murphey’s “Taking Time” is a must-read sci-fi novel. The detail and incredible world the author created, along with the blend of humor and wit in the dialogue, helped push through the twists and turns this narrative needed and made for a brilliant first chapter in this series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Michael Murphey grew up in Eastern New Mexico, and spent nearly thirty years as a newspaper journalist in the Southwest and Pacific Northwest. Following his retirement from journalism in 1998, Murphey began his second career in baseball, where he is one of three partners in a company called Dave Henderson Baseball Adventures, which produces the Oakland Athletics and Seattle Mariners fantasy camps as well as other adult amateur baseball events throughout the country. His life as an old man baseball player has also afforded him time in recent years to resume writing. He has been an avid lover of the written word all his life. He divides his time among Spokane, Washington, Phoenix, Arizona, and Fort Myers, Florida.

Carved from Wood (Crafting Humanity Book 2) by Brendan O’Meara 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 group of warriors must set out to dangerous new lands in author Brendan O’Meara’s “Carved From Wood”, the second book in the Crafting Humanity series.

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The Synopsis

Join James and the team as they confront their invaders in the Southern Federation.

After witnessing the devastating power of the BlankZone James and his team head South. Their self-ascribed mission is to explore the most dangerous place on the planet – the new BlankZone border in the Southern Federation.

While conspiracies drive the narrative in the North, James and his team set out to learn about the Federation’s mysterious aggressors. Jump back into the adventure as James and his friends discover new families, build allies, and come face to face with the enemy threatening their existence. Secrets, lies, and manipulation are exposed as James gets closer than he ever imagined to their greatest threat.

Sequel to the Next Generation Indie Young New Adult book award Cut From Stone.

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The Review

This was such a gripping and powerful read. The author immediately transports readers into the action, showcasing the protagonist and his allies after going AWOL and heading out alone. The tension and world-building the author does and expands upon in this novel are remarkable to see come to life on the page, as they help elevate the character arcs and the action considerably.

However, it was the balance the author struck between the intense action and the themes explored throughout this novel. The author manages to touch upon the horrors of war uniquely, showcasing how those in power wage the war, and innocent people are often caught in the middle of that war, with rarely anyone to protect them when it shows up at their door. The way the author explores this new territory, the BlankZone, and its similarities and differences with the Federation brought a sense of familiarity and relatability to the narrative.

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The Verdict

Action-packed, heartfelt, and entertaining author Brendan O’Meara’s “Carved from Wood” is a must-read sci-fi novel. The shocking twists and turns in the story and the vast amount of world-building leave readers eager to dive further into the author’s world. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Raised in White Plains, New York, Brendan O’Meara formed a love of stories and books from a young age. He has spent his free time over the last decade crafting his debut novel, Cut From Stone, book one in the Crafting Humanity series.

It began in Philadelphia where he attended college daydreaming about a dystopian reality. With a vivid imagination (as described by his middle school teachers) and a passion for adventure, Brendan’s novels will transport you to a different life and capture you from cover to cover.

Brendan lives in Washington, DC with his daughter, wife, and two dogs. You will find him on the weekends drinking a beer watching the Packers and Notre Dame football games. He is an avid reader with a specific interest in sci-fi, anything dystopian, fantasy, history, and all levels of fiction.

Brendan would love to hear from you, feel free to contact him any time at brendan.omeara@craftinghumanity.com.

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