Quantum Consequence (A Tale of Physics, Lust and Greed Book 5) by Mike Murphey Review

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

Two time-travelers must confront the truth of who they are in order to face a deadly threat in a parallel universe in author Mike Murphey’s “Quantum Consequence”, the fifth book in the A Tale of Physics, Lust and Greed series.

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The Synopsis

After foiling the political ambitions of a would-be American dictator, time-traveling lovers Marta Hamilton and Marshall Grissom return to their life in the Caribbean only to confront the murder of a friend and inherit responsibility for a gutsy 10-year old boy. Throughout their unlikely and tumultuous relationship, Marta has harbored suspicions that her time-traveling companion is not being honest with her. Is Marshall really the bumbling, good-hearted klutz she has come to love and trust? Or is he the cunning, cold-blooded assassin Gillis Kerg suspects him to be? In this fifth tale of physics, lust and greed, a bizarre parallel universe and a monstrous product of artificial intelligence will impose a costly consequence requiring both Marta and Marshall to face the truth of her most haunting question: “Who are you, Marshall Grissom?”

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The Review

This perfectly complex, driven narrative immediately thrusts readers into the action. The immense world-building that the author brings to life on the page gives readers a brilliant look at the scope of the universe this series inhabits, and the detail that goes into each setting gives the story an almost cinematic quality. The heavy use of sci-fi elements like time travel and parallel worlds adds depth and fantastic imagery to the narrative.

The balance of humor and heart defined the book itself. For a rich sci-fi narrative, the author did an incredible job of constantly infusing humor into the dialogue and situations the protagonists found themselves in, adding fresh air and levity to the dangers they found themselves in. Yet amongst the humor, the characters also exhibited heart, showcasing a depth of emotions and feelings between themselves and for themselves, as both Marshall and Marta grew and evolved to new levels in this story.

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The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and entertaining author Mike Murphey’s “Quantum Consequence” is a fantastic humorous sci-fi narrative that readers will happily get lost in. The twists and turns in the story and the shocking and emotional final chapters will keep readers on the edge of their seats, eager for more from this incredible author. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

A native of eastern New Mexico, Mike Murphey spent nearly thirty years as an award-winning newspaper journalist in the Southwest and Pacific Northwest. Following his retirement from news journalism, he and his wife Nancy entered in a seventeen-year partnership with the late Dave Henderson, all-star centerfielder for the Oakland Athletics, Boston Red Sox and Seattle Mariners.

Our company, Dave Henderson Baseball, produced the Oakland A’s and Seattle Mariners Fantasy Camps for twenty years. The Murpheys have also partnered with the Roy Hobbs adult baseball organization in Fort Myers, Florida. Mike’s love of fiction, cats, baseball and sailing affords him to split his time between Spokane, Washington, and Phoenix, Arizona, where he enjoys life as a writer and old-man baseball player.

To receive a free Short Story – OLD MAN BASEBALL here …. https://www.mikemurpheybooks.com/freebies

or visit my website ….https://www.mikemurpheybooks.com/

Weapons of the Mind (The Renegades Trilogy Book 1) by Paul Kivelson and Owen B. Greenwald Review/Preview

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

A woman must flee the order she spent her life serving when she is framed for a mission gone wrong in authors Paul Kivelson and Owen B. Greenwald’s “Weapons of the Mind”, the first book in the Renegades Trilogy.

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The Synopsis

Master your emotions. Perform your duty. Follow the Tenets. Tala has lived these rules for twenty years: the rules of an Enhancer. Then a mission goes wrong, and she finds herself framed, branded Renegade, and called to face judgment. Fleeing means violating the Tenets, the moral precepts of her order. Yet in that moment, she finds she cannot stay.

Hunted by the endless forces of the Galactic Coalition and her own mentor, famed Renegade killer Exemplar Scratch, Tala will pursue the proof of her innocence to the very heart of the galaxy. But cling as she might to the tatters of her honor, she cannot deny the true purpose of her mission: revenge. And the further Tala strays from the Tenets’ path, the greater the risk she runs of losing herself.

In a galaxy of strange aliens and hostile humans, danger casts its shadow on every wall. Friendships are forged, lost, and tested. And the lies that keep the galaxy running just might be about to come crashing down.

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The Review

Upon delving into this book, one is immediately struck by its unique atmosphere. The narrative is steeped in a chilling tension, allowing readers to experience the protagonist’s struggle in a way that is both captivating and unsettling. The familiar theme of overcoming adversity is masterfully woven into the story, adding depth and resonance to the narrative. 

The heart of this narrative was in the world-building and mythos of the universe the authors created. The detail that went into the worlds that made up this galaxy and the alien species that populated those worlds, as well as the corporations and government agencies that helped funnel the cast of characters into such a tense narrative, made this feel like the perfect read for those who enjoy Star Wars and Mass Effect. The mystery surrounding the reason for protagonist Tala’s frame and the emotional challenge to maintain her duty and sense of worthwhile searching for answers and staying alive all allowed the worlds around her to flourish and feel alive on the page.

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The Verdict

Thoughtfully crafted, mesmerizing, and entertaining, authors Paul Kivelson and Owen B. Greenwald’s “Weapons of the Mind” is a must-read epic sci-fi meets space opera. The drama, the tension, and the thrilling adventure readers are promised are elevated to new heights with outstanding character development and remarkable world-building that will keep readers eager for more from this fantastic writing duo. 

If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Authors

Paul Kivelson studied creative writing at Stanford with his undergraduate advisor Adam Johnson. His fiction has been published in the Adelaide Literary Magazine and the Schuylkill Valley Journal. Currently, he is pursuing a master’s degree in family therapy. His most recent work, Weapons of the Mind, is being released by Will Dreamly Arts and Publishing. But he is best known for his love of board games and his tendency to world-build more ideas than he’d ever possibly have time to write.

https://www.paulkivelson.com

Owen B Greenwald is the award-winning author of the Big Bet series and of Weapons Of The Mind, set for release in November 2023 from Will Dreamly Arts Publishing. He is also the lead designer for the board game Anna’s Roundtable. He lives in Santa Clara, CA with his wife Jenna and his dog Kubo. He is an ardent believer in the power of stories to enrich and transform lives.

Despite the incoming glut of AI-generated entertainment, Owen plans to keep writing. Join him at www.owenbgreenwald.com

L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 40 Anthology Review

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

A brand new collection of short stories, artwork and more await sci-fi readers in L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 41”. 

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The Synopsis

Spine-tingling

Breathtaking

Mind-blowing

Experience these powerful new voices—vivid, visceral, and visionary—as they explore uncharted worlds and reveal unlimited possibilities.

Open the Writers of the Future and be carried away by stories—and illustrations—that will make you think, make you laugh, and make you see the world in ways you never imagined.

Twelve captivating tales from the best new writers of the year as selected by Writers of the Future Contest judges accompanied by three more from L. Ron Hubbard, Nancy Kress, S.M. Stirling. Each is accompanied by a full-color illustration.

Plus Bonus Art and Writing Tips from Gregory Benford, Bob Eggleton, L. Ron Hubbard, Dean Wesley Smith

“When her owner goes missing, a digital housecat must become more than simulation to find her dearest companion through the virtual world.—“The Edge of Where My Light Is Cast” by Sky McKinnon, art by Carina Zhang

No one came to his brother’s funeral. Not even the spirits. Étienne knew it was his fault.—“Son, Spirit, Snake” by Jack Nash, art by Pedro N.

Man overboard is a nightmare scenario for any sailor, but Lieutenant Susan Guidry is also running out of air—and the nearest help is light years away.—“Nonzero” by Tom Vandermolen, art by Jennifer Mellen

Mac wanted to invent a cocktail to burn itself upon the pages of history—but this one had some unexpected side effects.—“The Last Drop” by L. Ron Hubbard and L. Sprague de Camp, art by Chris Arias

Dementia has landed Dan Kennedy in Graydon Manor, and what’s left of his life ahead seems dismal, but a pair of impossible visitors bring unexpected hope.—“The Imagalisk” by Galen Westlake, art by Arthur Haywood

When a teenage swamp witch fears her mama will be killed, she utilizes her wits and the magic of the bayou—no matter the cost to her own soul.—“Life and Death and Love in the Bayou” by Stephannie Tallent, art by Ashley Cassaday

Our exodus family awoke on the new world—a paradise inexplicably teeming with Earth life, the Promise fulfilled. But 154 of us are missing.…—“Five Days Until Sunset” by Lance Robinson, art by Steve Bentley

Spirits were supposed to lurk beneath the Lake of Death, hungry and patient and hostile to all life.—“Shaman Dreams” by S.M. Stirling, art by Dan dos Santos

A new app lets users see through the eyes of any human in history, but it’s not long before the secrets of the past catch up with the present.—“The Wall Isn’t a Circle” by Rosalyn Robilliard, art by Guelly Rivera

In the shadows of Teddy Roosevelt’s wendigo hunt, a Native American boy resolves to turn the tables on his captors, setting his sights on the ultimate prey—America’s Great Chief.—“Da-ko-ta” by Amir Agoora, art by Connor Chamberlain

When squids from outer space take over, a punk-rock P.I. must crawl out of her own miserable existence to find her client’s daughter—and maybe a way out.—“Squiddy” by John Eric Schleicher, art by Tyler Vail

Another outbreak? This time it’s a virus with an eighty percent infection rate that affects personality changes … permanently.—“Halo” by Nancy Kress, art by Lucas Durham

Planet K2-18b is almost dead, humanity is enslaved, and it’s Rickard’s fault. Now in his twilight years, he’d give an arm and a leg for redemption. Literally.—“Ashes to Ashes, Blood to Carbonfiber” by James Davies, art by May Zheng

What if magic could undo the unthinkable, and undo Death itself? Would you use it no matter the cost? What would you sacrifice for love?—“Summer of Thirty Years” by Lisa Silverthorne, art by Gigi Hooper

Joe is a prospector tasked with exploring the cosmos on behalf of an all-powerful government. Breadna is a toaster. There have been weirder love stories, but that’s unlikely.—“Butter Side Down” by Kal M, art by Selena Meraki

24 Award-winning Authors and Illustrators

16-page color gallery of artwork

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The Review

This was yet another fantastic collection of short stories and artwork. The promise these writers showcase and the attention to detail each of their stories possesses are remarkable to see come to life on the page. Each story feels like a fantastic yet contained world that readers can easily pick up, get lost in, and then return as they please. 

There are some fantastic stories in this upcoming anthology. Still, as someone interested in future technology and sci-fi as a whole, as well as the paranormal and spirituality, one story I loved seeing come to life is Shaman Dreams by S.M. Stirling, as the author found a way to bridge the gap between these two schools of thought. And it isn’t mentioned enough, but the artwork in this book is incredible, as seen in this short story, produced by artist Dan dos Santos.

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The Verdict

Breathtaking, imaginative, and Gripping, “L Ron Hubbard Presents: Writers of the Future Volume 40” is a must-read anthology that everyone should preorder today. The fantastic world-building and characters the anthology has become known for, as well as the gripping mythos that each tale encapsulates, make this a must-read book. If you haven’t yet, preorder your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

The Mage of Terra: Warriors of Mirral by Katrina Zari Review

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

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A new band of heroes must work together on yet another alternate Earth as the people of Earth reach to the stars in author Katrina Zari’s “The Mage of Terra: Warriors of Mirral”.

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The Synopsis

If you have already read “The Queen of Nordern” then you probably know about the Mirral world, an alternate version of Earth.

But what if there are more worlds?

In this book, a world called Terra is another version of Earth, where humanity took a path of space exploration and travel.

Unfortunately, this world has also expanded in inequality, where the Core planets are rich and powerful, while the outsiders have to maintain a low life.

A small spaceship crew of undesirables meets a young girl with very unusual abilities and a strange history. Follow their adventures to find out about the world of Terra.

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The Review

This was another thrilling and captivating read. The author did a phenomenal job crafting a unique narrative connected to the original novel, yet it was vastly different in genre and setting. The imagery the author conjures up through their writing expertly showcases the intensity of the action and the cosmic scope of the narrative overall.

The way the author crafts these new characters and the shocking connections they share to the original story make this an exciting novel. The world-building and in-depth character development engage the reader with the narrative, and the rich atmosphere the author develops will bring readers into the world of Terra and the Mirral universe.

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The Verdict

Remarkable, thought-provoking, and entertaining author Katrina Zari’s “The Mage of Terra” is a must-read sci-fi and fantasy book. The narrative’s twists and turns, the dynamic world-building, and the cliffhanger ending will leave readers eager for book 3. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Katrina Zari, an author born and raised in Russia, spent a significant time of her life immersed in its rich culture before transitioning on a life-changing journey to the United States two decades ago. Her decision to relocate was driven by love, as she followed the one and only person who held her heart. Throughout her upbringing, Katrina developed a strong passion for literature, particularly science fiction, fantasy, and related genres. The local public library became her second home, where she would lose herself for countless hours in the captivating stories written by Asimov and Bradbury, King and Tolkien, Verne and Stephenson, or any other Si-Fi book she could access.

Inspired by these literary giants, Katrina’s creative mind was crowded with stories of her own imagination. She always wrote stories in her head, inspired by those great books. She was adding her own characters and coming up with their new adventures. It was no surprise that her stories predominantly featured a courageous female protagonist, a reflection of her deep understanding of these inspiring heroines whom she gladly associated herself with.

Years later, she found the courage to transition those stories from her thoughts onto paper.

L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 36: Anthology of Award-Winning Science Fiction and Fantasy Short Stories REVIEW

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

A new group of talented, future sci-fi writers bring their stories to the world in the latest edition of the “L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 36: Anthology of Award-Winning Science Fiction and Fantasy Short Stories” anthology. 

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The Synopsis

Sci-fi and fantasy of tomorrow . . .

. . . selected by masters of today.

Where can you find the hottest new talent all in one book?

Right here. This year’s winning stories include a diverse collection of brilliantly realized worlds of dystopian politics, magical realism, post-apocalyptic adventure, and romance, dark fantasy and more.

You’ll love this anthology because these writers push the boundaries—and break beyond them . . . these illustrators envision the impossible—and render it real . . . these stories challenge the way we see ourselves—and present the world in a new way.

Buy Writers of the Future Volume 36.

24 Award-winning Authors and Illustrators

Bonus short stories by: L. Ron Hubbard • Katherine Kurtz • Jody Lynn Nye • Nnedi Okorafor

Art and writing tips by: Echo Chernik • L. Ron Hubbard • Mike Perkins • Sean Williams

Edited by: David Farland

16-page color Gallery of Artwork

Cover art by: Echo Chernik

Soar to new heights of Science Fiction & Fantasy.

Get to know tomorrow’s brightest creative talents chosen by some of today’s bestselling authors and celebrated artists including Kevin J. Anderson, Orson Scott Card, Larry Elmore, Brandon Sanderson, Dan dos Santos, and Robert J. Sawyer.

The future of science fiction and fantasy is in your hands.

Anthology includes: 12 award-winning stories, 16 full-color illustrations, 4 bonus stories, and 4 articles offering art and writing tips.

___________________________

4 bonus short stories:

“Borrowed Glory” by L. Ron Hubbard: For a single day of glory and the settlement of a dispute among immortals, a life can be a satisfactory price.

“The Green Tower” by Katherine Kurtz: The magic is strong in the Green Tower, and two young girls struggle to discover its secrets.

“The Phoenix’s Peace” by Jody Lynn Nye: The Phoenix has always been the guardian of Dembia. Now there’s trouble in the land, and mysteriously, the Phoenix has left two golden eggs.

“The Winds of Harmattan” by Nnedi Okorafor: A young woman seeks her destiny in the African winds of Harmattan.

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The Review

These were truly great, compelling science fiction stories. The authors each brought a great balance of compelling character development and rich science fiction development to their stories. The incredible artwork the magazine features is breathtaking. The style was very reminiscent of late 70s, and early 80s sci-fi storytelling. The style plays well with the genre and the anthology as a whole, as it speaks to the futurism aspect of the narratives found within.

To me, the heart of these stories rested in the fantastic blend of imagery in the author’s writing styles and the fantastic character growth that the stories brought forth. One story in particular, Catching My Death, is a great blend of sci-fi and fantasy, incorporating ideas of the supernatural and death itself into a modern, tech, and business-savvy world and showcasing the balance between life and death in a whole new light. 

The Verdict

Mesmerizing, haunting, and entertaining, “L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 36: Anthology of Award-Winning Science Fiction and Fantasy Short Stories” is a must-read sci-fi anthology. The compelling narratives powerful illustrations, and exceptional talent of these future authors will both engage and thrill readers who are looking to see the future of this beloved genre. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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Sons of Empire: A World of Arras Novel by Chandler McGrew Review

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

Two young men destined for greatness must set aside their aspirations to discover the haunting path of modern warfare in author Chandler McGrew’s “Sons of Empire: A World of Arras Novel. 

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The Synopsis

A gripping new historical fantasy series from the bestselling author of supernatural thrillers originally published by Bantam/Dell like Cold Heart and Night Terror.

The World of Arras has come a long way since the nearly forgotten time of the Altmages. Empires rise fueled by greed and the increasing power of the Technomagedoms of Kardith Bath in Verileon and the Gost Fabrika in Tautonia. And two young men, one destined for the Magehood and the other for political power, must set aside their dreams to learn the ways of modern war. One of them will end up dead, but for the good of Empire he cannot be allowed to stay that way.

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The Review

The author did a fantastic job of capturing the in-depth mythos and history of this fictional world in which the narrative takes place. The way the author is able to infuse powerful imagery into their writing allows the reader to feel instantly transported to this world as if the grim, dark alleyways of the capital city were surrounding the reader at any given moment. 

The atmosphere and character development really drove this story forward, as did the genre mashup the author was able to create here. The tension builds as the two protagonists find their lives changing in ways they could have never imagined and the visceral nature of the world they inhabit makes this world feel alive and powerful. The way the author built on themes and storytelling related to sci-fi, fantasy, and history in one narrative and still wrote strong characters that felt real and jumped off the page was great to see come to life. 

The Verdict

Thrilling, mesmerizing, and entertaining, author Chandler McGrew’s “Sons of Empire” is a fantastic history meets sci-fi and fantasy novel and the perfect start to the World of Arras series. The twists and turns in the narrative and the ideal marriage of these genres allowed the history and cultures the author established in this world to come to life beautifully. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Although he is the author of four critically acclaimed supernatural/suspense thrillers from Bantam and numerous KDP titles including epic fantasy, Chandler McGrew, lives in quiet seclusion in the mountains of Maine. He writes ten to twelve hours a day, fueled by liberal doses of coffee and Pepsi, with only an occasional dollop of single malt scotch to take the edge off.

Born in Texas he lived for almost a decade in Alaska where his first novel, Cold Heart, is set. I Love a Mystery called the book a ‘tense and satisfying read.’ While the Contra Costa Times said it was ‘The best opening 10 pages I’ve read this year…reads like a good martini tastes: icy cold, with flecks of terror where the ice chips should be.’

Not a bad start for a man who didn’t begin to write professionally until he was in his forties.

Chandler followed Cold Heart with Night Terror, a psychological thriller about a woman who has lost her only son and believes she may be losing her mind as well. Like all his novels the book is peopled by characters who might be your next door neighbor. Or they might be escapees from a boobie hatch. The Denver Post said the novel ‘…plays on the primal fears that cause most adults to lose sleep.’

That’s an adequate description of all of Chandler’s work.

The Darkening, his third book, is a dark, apocalyptic thriller in which two very different individuals must not only find each other but themselves as well before discovering the path that will lead them to salvation. Publisher’s Weekly, the industry standard, said of the book that it was an “addictive…one part Rapture drama, one part Lovecraftian horror story, one part blood-soaked chase… a thrilling one-sit read.”

Which brings us to In Shadows, McGrew’s latest which the Chicago Tribune called “…a born-to-be-a-TV-series story.”

McGrew has the uncanny knack for touching readers and frightening the bejeesus out of them at the same time. And now he delves deeper and deeper into the fantastic world of Verileon.

https://www.chandlermcgrew.com/

The Northern Route by Walter Robinson Review

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

In the midst of a large corporate conglomerate pushing galactic expansion, an aging detective and a private security forces agent find themselves in a rush for survival in the midst of a massive conspiracy in author Walter Robinson’s “The Northern Route”. 

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The Synopsis

In the distant star cluster Messier 4, the vast and stagnant civilization of the Apeilous sits on the verge of its next great expansion. Several massive corporations have merged to start the Endeavor, the most far-reaching economic and humanitarian effort in history.

Vesta Amore leads a small team of private security specializing in the protection of whistleblowers and corporate defectors. She has no interest in the Endeavor until she is swept off her feet by the suave leader of the Fortuna Corp, an equal partner in the Endeavor. Balancing her altruism with the realities of power, Vesta joins the Fortuna as they work to establish a supply route along the contested northern border.

Cal Sunn is a career detective looking forward to retirement. When the Maressellya Corp backs out of joining the Endeavor, they hear rumors of a defector in their ranks and put Cal on the case. What starts as a simple assignment becomes a fight for survival as he works to untangle a shadowy conspiracy that threatens the Apeilous. With the Fortuna’s backing, he and his crew rush to uncover the plot.

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The Review

This was a powerful and engaging read. The author did an incredible job of crafting a diverse cast of characters that drove the reader to find themselves amongst them all, and the attention to detail the author paid to the writing, especially the imagery and character development, allowed the reader to really picture the vast universe the author had brought to life on the page. 

To me, the heart of this narrative rested in the author’s world-building, which allowed the universe to thrive and feel vibrant and alive to the reader. The author not only honed in on the worlds that populated this fictional universe, but also the different cultures, class systems, and social aspects of these characters’ lives, as well as the way the story touched upon our own world’s love of corporations and the power they wield over us all, made this a compelling sci-fi read.

The Verdict

Harrowing, intriguing, and entertaining, author Walter Robinson’s “The Northern Route” is a must-read sci-fi adventure. The world-building, the mystery and intrigue the conspiracy brings to life, and the way the author was able to weave in genres like corporate espionage and thrillers into the narrative really made an impact on the reader, and fans of shows and series like The Expanse will really fall in love with this compelling novel. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today! 

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Walter Robinson is a speculative fiction author based in Western PA. A classically trained engineer with experience in product development and advanced materials manufacturing, he has a passion for telling the human stories that are fundamental to the built world. When he isn’t writing or drawing, Walter spends his time designing and fabricating.

https://www.svf-state.com/

SYMUTAL by Dean Alexandrou Review

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

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

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The Synopsis

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

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

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

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

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

The Review

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

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

The Verdict

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

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

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

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

Kingdom Society: Broken Reality by Nathan Helm Review

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

A hero in the making must face a challenging new threat as he and his allies seek a new teacher and discover the temptation of a new power in author Nathan Helm’s “Kingdom Society: Broken Reality”, the second book in the Kingdom Society.

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The Synopsis

After the events of the evil Black Hood, Alyeth finds himself struggling with internal conflict at every turn. Given the opportunity, he goes with his master Xylok, Ezra, Koren, and Cindrel to learn from a powerful warlock Pyrres Galhon in Stonehaven. During his training, he learns of new forces in the universe that have their own plans for him, as well as learning more about his new teacher. When all seemed to be well on a normal Nature Extravaganza, Alyeth finds himself trapped in a precarious situation created by the devious Game Master. Alyeth must use his own instincts and intuition to find and save his team, as well as struggling with the new choice of power he is offered. Come join this action-packed adventure full of love, excitement, and new discovery and find out where our hero will end up!

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The Review

This was a powerful fusion of science fiction and fantasy! As a newcomer to the series, I found the author did a wonderful job of introducing the characters in a way that made the events of the first book feel alive and fresh in this world, giving enough information to move forward in this new adventure. The world-building and mythology the author establishes made the sci-fi and fantasy elements of the narrative feel natural and cohesive in this universe, making this a compelling read.

To me, the heart of this narrative rested in character development and world-building. For me, some of the most interesting characters in a story prove to be the ones who skate the line between good and evil, and Korath is a great example of this, as his tragic backstory serves as the prologue to this narrative. The action and adventure this story breeds with him at the forefront, along with protagonist Alyeth, made this a memorable reading experience.

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The Verdict

Memorable, adrenaline-fueled, and entertaining, author Nathan Helm’s “Kingdom Society: Broken Reality” is a must-read sci-fi and fantasy novel and a great addition to this growing series. The cosmic and elder god elements of the narrative and the tension that builds over time, both internally for Alyeth, and externally as these champions are chosen, made the series of twists and turns building throughout this narrative so compelling. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Award-Winning Author Nathan Helm doesn’t just have style, he puts the funk right into fantasy. Spending his days typing much faster than should be humanly possible, he creates stories for you to love and cherish. When he’s not driving his big rig bringing goods to all the country, he spends his time hunting, fishing, skiing, hiking, narrating audio books, singing, watching anime, going to church, and spending time with friends and family. He hopes you love the books to come, with two separate books series titled Dreamwalker, and Planet Conquest in the works, he will not leave you with a dull moment for years to come. You can follow this author on all social media by searching Author Nathan Helm or @thefunkyfantasyman. Author website is in the works, and he looks forward to the journey with all of you. Because as he says, “There’s nothing more important than making your fans happy!” God Bless you all and happy reading!