Tag: sci-fi

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

BLOG TOUR: CAPTAINS OF OARTHECA: THE OARTHECAN STAR SAGA BY JAMES SIEWERT

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Blog Tours, Book EventsLeave a comment
Captains of Oartheca - James SiewertJames Siewert has a new MM sci-fantasy romance out, Oarthecan Star Saga book 3: Captains of Oartheca.

Welcome to Oartheca—a world of shattered beauty and stolen futures.

Where noble Barons rule with ironclad grace, and loyal drones unquestionably obey. A wounded world, rich with history and pride, struggling to heal… while war still smoulders at its edges.

Hoping to change the fate of all Oarthecans, Captain Rowland Hale II and Toar Grithrawrscion embark on a mission as herculean as it is perilous: to bring Oartheca under the aegis of the Coalition of Allied Planets, and in doing so, usher in a new era of strength, stability, and peace.

But nothing on Oartheca is so easily won. Not peace. Not unity. And certainly not the truth.

In Captains of Oartheca, James Siewert sees our heroes challenge empires, defy impossible odds, and confront the terrible cost of hope. But when victory demands everything they are—and all they have—can they pay the price?

Warnings: Explicit sex scenes between consenting adult males

About the Series

An action-oriented, sci-fi extravaganza staring heroes who battle vicious foes, overcome galactic obstacles, find true love, all while just happening to be men-who-love-men. For adults only, the Oarthecan Star Saga will thrill readers with cinematic battles, daring romances and authentic, one-of-a-kind characters that rise to face challenges through bravery, courage and loyalty.

Amazon | Universal Buy Link

Excerpt

Captains of Oartheca meme

Get the hell off me!’ I shout angrily, futilely pushing at the rhino of a man smothering me. Goddamn he’s heavy but I’m giving it everything I’ve got, trying to wriggle free. I manage to get my head out from under the behemoth and turn to try and see what the hell is going on.

‘Stay down, Baron!’ the security guard overtop of me orders, his voice hard and urgent. There’s another bright green flash, and this time I see a plasma shot streak harmlessly into the skies, followed soon by more yelling and the sounds of intense struggle.

Annoyingly, cyan telemetry floods my cybernetic ocular display—suit’s integrity is down to ninety-two percent, but no injuries, and my shields are regenerating. That shot was a point-blank, direct hit. Thank God for top-tier CAPS engineering—anything less, and I’d be dead.

‘No!’ I hear a man yell. ‘No, he killed my brother!’

What?

‘Evacuate, evacuate!’ a stronger voice booms, and the man over top of me begins to ease up slightly; I immediately scoot out from under him and try to get a decent look around.

There’s a pile of security guards clustered together—it looks like there are three of them surrounding a fourth, having driven him to his knees. One is wrenching the kneeling man’s rifle from his hands, but the man is not letting go anytime soon. It takes the butt of another security guard’s rifle being driven into the side of his head before his grip finally weakens, and the gun is wrenched free.

The rhino then steps in front of me, blocking my view of the struggling men. I scowl and try to push him out of the way, but this guy’s a stormcoat, maybe a snowcoat, and I don’t even budge him a centimetre.

‘This way, Baron. Now,’ He pushes into me, using his superior bulk to knock me back. With one hand on my shoulder, he spins me around so that I’m facing away from the scene.

‘Where is Ton?’ I demand, trying to slip this guy’s grasp but his grip on my shoulder is firm—not painful, thanks to my exosuit’s kinetic absorption—but I’m not getting free unless I put up a serious struggle, which I don’t think is the wisest of things to do right now.

‘We’ll meet at the safe-point. Hurry, Baron, straight ahead,’ the rhino orders, and I follow as he steers me deeper into the docking bay. He sets a brisk pace—nearly a jog—we’re moving fast. A tug on my shoulder turns me left toward an open corridor, where two guards stand ready, rifles raised and scanning.

‘Inside, Baron.’ I’m not used to being manhandled like this, but I know if this dude wanted to, he could pick me up like an infant. He’s at least letting me move under my own power, so I do as I’m told, and head into the corridor.

We head down a gently sloping, well-lit cement tunnel—hopefully toward the safe-point rhino-guy mentioned. He’s stopped steering me, but with only one path ahead, we keep moving. After about thirty seconds, a circular portal sealed by sliding doors appears and opens as we approach.

‘Through the doors, Baron,’ my escort says. I step into the next tunnel, and he follows, tapping commands into a wall-mounted keypad. The doors slide shut behind us, leaving me to figure out what comes next.

The security guard then turns to face me, placing his hand over his heart, his fingers splayed, and gives me a deep bow. ‘We are secured now, Baron. The safe-point is just down this hall.’

‘Thank you,’ I reply genuinely. ‘I prefer Captain Hale, however. What’s your name, officer?’

‘Second Lieutenant Crahlstran Grithrawrclan, OSS Navy, Captain Hale,’ the man answers. ‘I’ve been assigned to you as your personal security representative. Are you injured?’

I immediately shake my head. ‘No, my suit took the damage. I’m fine. Where is m’Ton? Or the High Baron Grithrawr?’

‘At or en route to the safe-point. Please, if you will follow me, Captain,’ Crahl offers, extending his hand down the new corridor. With him leading the way, I follow as we descend further, until we reach another set of closed sliding doors. Crahl enters a command on the keypad, and they open. He stands aside to allow me to enter first.

Author Bio

James Siewert

James and his husband live in beautiful British Columbia, Canada. Part-time office drone, part-time storyteller, full-time sci-fi and fantasy enthusiast (and some spooky ghost tales), James couldn’t find enough stories involving guys like him and his hubby are: big men with big hearts, full of big ideas!

Taking matters into his own hand, James seeks to share high adventure, low-angst stories where the heroes are solid blokes who take centre stage. Come join the adventure and explore bold new worlds full of authentic characters, gripping scenes, lush imagination and a touch of mushy stuff – there’s a whole galaxy waiting for you to discover!

Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21531168.James_Siewert

Author Liminal Fiction (LimFic.com): https://www.limfic.com/mbm-book-author/james-siewert/

Author Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/James-Siewert/author/B095T25ZSB

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Captains of Oartheca Interview Questions

For Anthony Avina

What inspired you to write Captains of Oartheca?

As the next instalment of the Oarthecan Star Saga, Captains asks whether two people can remain true to each other in the face of ideological conflict, cultural clashes and all-out war. And not just war with a cannibalistic race of slavers, but war between yourself and the man you love. Captains of Oartheca seeks to answer that question.

How did your experience writing Allure of Oartheca influence Captains of Oartheca?

Allure was my first published novel and laid the foundations for brand spanking new universe that’s seen through the eyes of two unique men: a highly intelligent cyber-human wrestling with his morals, and a soft-hearted alien werebear from the other side of the galaxy. 

Those are two highly distinct lenses, and that meant having to step deep into their radically different ways of thinking. Yes, Rowland’s thoughts bounces around in his head—and so naturally, his inner monologue is going to reflect that. Toar loves to ramble on, so yes, he’s heavy-handed with his verbiage. It’s part of their character and part of what makes them more than just typical protagonists who act rather than think.

After Allure, there was a lot to feedback, especially around the topic of depth and detail. It seems that some folks crave the straightforward approach to novel writing, while others enjoy being so completely immersed in detail that the world feels alive enough to breathe on its own. Seems that while deep in a thick forest, some readers will feel lost, while others will feel found.

With Captains, I’ve tried to meet both groups halfway, despite Allure teaching me that some readers prefer their sci-fi served with a healthy dose of comfortable predictability and a ‘by-the-book’ story approach. 

Some readers found Allure heavy on world-building. How did you approach that balance in Captains?

In Allure, I established a universe from scratch, complete with its history, politics, biology, and languages. That necessitated focusing on the detail of my ‘rules’ for how my universe worked. Everything from a realistic system of faster-than-light travel to bringing authenticity and uniqueness to the cultures of never-seen-before species. No easy feat, but without these rules, science-fiction risks spilling into the world of magical fantasy.

But having put in the work, by Captains, I can trust the reader will know how to walk the surface of Oartheca without needing a hand to hold on to. The story’s streamlined, but I’ve not skimped on the lavish detail when there’s a call for it. True, not every reader will want to decode the important nuances of a high denning, but for those that do? Captain’s got you covered.

What do you want readers to take away from Captains of Oartheca?

That men-who-love men are more than just a genre or trope—we’re real people that exist, and our voices have a place in the universe. That men can be strong without needing a heart of stone. That empathy isn’t supposed to be easy. That love isn’t a blindfold. That sometimes, the cost is too high. That war changes everything, but war itself? War never changes.

How would you describe your evolution as a writer between Allure and Captains?

That I don’t need to apologise for being my authentic self. In Allure, I built the house. In Captains, I moved in. If someone wants to walk through the front door and join me, they’re very welcome. I’ve laid out a feast that will satiate a hungry soul. But if they’d rather stay outside and just critique the paint colour? That’s fine too. 

PRESS RELEASE: KILLSWITCH OVERKILL, THE NEWEST EPIC BY CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED AUTHOR, MARK EVERGLADE

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Creative Edge Publicity Press Releases, PRESS RELEASESLeave a comment

Released and published by Rockhill Publishing


The book is available worldwide in e-format in May 2025


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


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.

Amazon.com: Killswitch Overkill eBook : Everglade, Mark: Kindle Store

More from Mark Everglade:

As a planet spins out of control, a young geophysicist, Ash, and her father must solve the
ecological crisis using the latest cybernetics, while evading an oppressive regime profiting off
the destruction. 

Gliese 581g is the last remaining colony of the human race,
located twenty light years from Earth. The planet was once tidal
locked to its sun, with one side draped in darkness and the other
half always bright. This changed after a radical group
called O.A.K. increased the planet’s rotation to bring daylight cycles
to all in the name of equality. All was not well, however, as decades
passed, and new generations dealt with continual floods as the
newfound sunlight melted the icecaps. Entire neighborhoods went
aquatic from rising sea levels.


Soon, the planet was spinning out of control, with sunrises
occurring every few hours.


Ash Rivenshear works as a geophysicist at Geosturm, a company
contracted by the New Order to monitor the geological crisis. As she investigates the planet’s
increasing rotation, she uncovers classified data indicating that someone is intentionally
manipulating it to their own ends. An attack on her life is made to cover up the intel. After surviving,
she contacts her estranged father for help, Severum Rivenshear. Having no idea he had a
daughter, Severum agrees to help, but the tension of his absence throughout her life builds as he
works to build a relationship with her.


Ash and her father discover a research lab where Severum uncovers a connection between
Geosturm and the Old Guard, a scion of the now defunct Government of Evig Natt led by Eduardo
Culptos. The Old Guard seek to restore their power over the hemisphere by accelerating the planet’s
rotation at breakneck speed, exacerbating the negative ecological effects, as they convince the
public that the planet was better off in darkness. They’re motivated by the wealth they obtained back
when light was scarce and commodified, and seek a restoration of their influence. Severum catches
glimpse of a scientist being held captive at the lab during his reconnaissance, but he’s forced to back
down due to being outnumbered, and unable at the age of sixty-nine to fight efficiently due to his war
injuries.


Severum approaches K.O.A., an offshoot of O.A.K., for help at their commune where he obtains
equipment, and cybernetic upgrades to offset the effects of aging. Eventually, he learns that most of
those effects were in his mind and not actual limitations.

Amazon.com: Inertia: 9781945286704: Everglade, Mark, Paris, Athina: Books
Inertia eBook : Everglade, Mark, Paris, Athina: Amazon.ca: Kindle Store

What Readers are Saying:

“Severum is positioned as a critique of our vision of a neat split between nature and
corporate existence. The tension of a world that is now connected but with cultural
practices that reflect that old divide was fun to explore!”_ Dr. Joseph Hurtgen, Sci-Fi
Scholar and Professor

About Mark:

Mark Everglade has spent his life studying social conflict. He runs the
website www.markeverglade.com where he reviews cyberpunk media
and interviews the greats. He also runs Cyberpunk Day each year with a
group dedicated to bringing dystopian fiction to a new generation. His
short stories have been featured beside legendary authors like Cory
Doctorow and Walter Jon Williams.

Blue and Green by J.M. Linden Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

A young woman 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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Aria’s Compass: Happiness Playbook for Tweens and Teens by Parul Sharma Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

A young woman’s discovery of a family secret helps her navigate the science of feelings in author Parul Sharma’s “Aria’s Compass.”

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The Synopsis

What if your feelings had a voice, and it sounded a lot like you

Aria worries. A lot. About friendships, school, being “too much” or “not enough.” 

But everything changes the day she finds a tiny AI companion named Zylo and a glowing compass hidden in her late grandfather’s trunk in her attic.

As Aria follows the clues he left behind, she uncovers a hidden Echo Room, and a family secret tied to her emotions. With the help of her friend Eli and the tech her grandfather built, Aria begins to understand the science of feelings, and the power of listening to them.

Aria’s Compass is a story for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed, invisible, or different. It’s about curiosity, courage, and finding the tools to navigate your own inner world.

Because sometimes, the bravest thing you can do… is feel.

The Review

This was such a compelling read. The author does an incredible job of building a story and a cast of characters that feel relatable and enthralling. The unique blend of fantasy and sci-fi elements, such as the AI companion and the connection this tech had to a person’s emotions, was a great way to highlight the story’s emotional core. The power of the author’s use of imagery was astounding, capturing the sensory aspects of anxiety and the protagonist’s struggle with creativity and wit.

The short yet powerfully introspective story is best when readers connect with its characters, especially the protagonist, Aria. The reality of anxiety and the stresses teens face these days, especially in social situations, was expertly navigated through Aria’s journey. The lessons the author poured into the narrative, primarily through narrative devices like the compass Aria discovers or anything of her late grandfather’s tech, made this a story filled with emotional depth that readers can connect with.

AudiobooksNow

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging, author Parul Sharma’s “Aria’s Compass” is a must-read sci-fi, coming-of-age novel. The fast-paced narrative, its twists and turns, and the emotional depth of its themes will keep readers invested in the characters and in the sense of warmth and hope the narrative inspires. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

I am a global leader, neuroscience coach, speaker, and strategist, blending science, psychology, and leadership to help people unlock their highest potential. From boardrooms to brainwaves, my work focuses on future-ready Women and leadership

Think Ahead. Act Boldly. Lead Consciously.

https://www.instagram.com/ariascompass

https://amzn.to/47vkglX

BLOG TOUR: GEAR BOX 1: GEAR CHILD BY MARK DAVID CAMPBELL

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Blog Tours, Book Events, Book PromotionLeave a comment
Gear Child - Mark David Campbell

Mark David Campbell has a new queer YA sci-fantasy book out (gay, lesbian, homonormative) Gear Box book 1: Gear Child.

From our beloved teddy bear to our cherished first car, we form deep emotional bonds with inanimate objects. Will AI machines inevitably develop the capacity to love us in return?

In a post-apocalyptic world that survives on garbage left over from the Gawd Wars eight generations ago, Sunny Boy, a semi-organic machine initially made to emulate a thirteen-year-old, and later modified as an eighteen-year-old, longs to be loved. His quest to find a family takes him from a farm in Winnipeg to the far reaches of the known galaxy. When Sunny Boy becomes embroiled in an ancient battle between a collective intelligence and a parasitic alien crystal, the boundaries between organic and inorganic life are called into question.

Warnings: Very low sex and violence (no gun play)

Series Blurb

The Gear Box Trilogy, which includes: Gear Child, The Arena of Mayhem, and The Wayward Star, is a journey of the heart that takes you from a devastated post-Gawd Wars Earth, across the Solar System to the far reaches of the galaxy, and explores the line between inanimate machine and animate life form.

Told from the perspectives of Sunny Boy, Fancy Larry, and Loofah—three AI machines—who understand the world around them through symbols, metaphors, and allegories. Along with their capacity for creative thought, empathy, and growth, they likewise struggle with issues of self-identity and self-esteem. Most of all, Sunny Boy, Fancy Larry, and Loofah, like any intelligent being, crave acceptance and long to be loved.

Gear Box Trilogy

Buy Links:

Gear Child: Universal Buy Link | Goodreads

The Arena of Mayhem: The Arena of Mayhem | Goodreads

The Wayward Star: The Wayward Star | Goodreads

Find All Three Books Here (Click on the Cover for More Details)

Excerpt

Gear Child meme

From Chapter Thirteen

I unlatched the glass, and a salty, humid breeze blew into the cabin like it was saying welcome. In no time, the burnt land below us gave way to water, and the Captain veered the airship southward.

In the distance, I made out the silhouettes of broken and battered glass and steel towers all jutting out of the ocean like fingers of drowning men reaching up to be saved. I watched as the shadow of our airship glided along the surface of the water, silently sliding over the towers.

“Is that a city?”

“Once was.” The Captain nodded. “Greatest in the world. But that’s all that’s left of it.”

“Why is it underwater?”

“Ha!” the Captain snorted. “It happened a long time ago, during the Gawd Wars and the Great Flood, when my great-great-great-granddaddy was a boy.” The Captain scratched his head. “See, way back then, everybody had their own books full of old stories about Gawd. Most of the stories were the same, but everybody told them in a different way.” He furrowed his brow. “People started fighting and killing one another to prove their way of telling the stories was right, and the way other people told the stories was wrong.”

I looked at him with my mouth hanging open, trying hard to understand why people wanted to kill each other over a bunch of old stories.

“Was Gawd bad?”

“No, I don’t think so.” He shook his head. “But by the time everybody got tired of killing one another and blaming it on Gawd…” The Captain cleared his throat. “They’d already blown up all the big cities and poisoned the land. And as if that weren’t enough, they’d also melted the polar ice caps and flooded everything remaining along the coast.” Taking his beard in his hand, he stroked it a couple of times. “People don’t talk much about Gawd anymore.”

“Is that the hand of Gawd?” I pointed to a giant green hand sticking up above the surface of the water, holding what looked like a torch.

“No. That’s the hand of a giant woman. She was one of the idols they used to worship a long time ago.” He eased the throttle and floated the ship in closer so I could get a better look.

“What happened to her?” I tried to make out her body and head below the surface of the water, but all I saw was a cluster of barnacles and algae.

“I guess she got old and tired, and people had no use for her anymore.” The Captain veered the ship southward and pulled on the big wheel. Leaving the city of dead fingers behind, we continued on down the coast, rising slowly toward the jet stream, again.

“Oh, please! Who do you think designed robos in the first place—the military! And it wasn’t only for cleaning and sex.”

“Only those who get caught are sorry.”

I thought about all the people who had died, and I felt sad, but mostly I felt sad because my name would never be recorded there or anywhere else.

“Hey, kid, don’t feel bad. It’s not about you. That boy’s head’s so full of crap, he wouldn’t know a ray of sunshine even if it was beaming up his butt hole.”

He swept the scanner across the pilot’s groin, looked at it, and laughed. “You’ve got nothing to worry about. Your sperm look like a bowl full of goldfish somebody forgot to feed.”

“I thought I was dead.” He grasped both my hands. “Who are you? Some kind of a superhero?”

I felt my face flush. “No, I’m only a robo.”

He took my hand and kissed it. “Not to me.”

“Something tells me we’ve just met the resistance.”

Spinner frowned. “Beyond those doors, there’s nothing for me. I’m not like you.”

“I’m a robo, like you.”

“No, you’re not!” Spinner practically spat out the words. “You can grow, adapt, and evolve. I can’t. This is all I can ever be.”

“We’ll go to the opera and art galleries. You’ll learn about second-hand stores and how to shop for bargains, we’ll create and redecorate, dance the night away, and sit in cafes trashing the latest clothing trends until the sun comes up.”

Author Bio

Mark David Campbell

I have a passion for science/speculative fiction that is socially and culturally driven. Maybe that’s why I studied anthropology and archaeology.

My recent publications include: Eating the Moon (NineStar Press, 2021), a dystopic story of an elderly anthropologist who stumbles across a hidden society where homosexuality is the norm and heterosexuals are marginalized. Secrets of Ishtabay (Ninestar Press, 2023) is the story of a Maya village in Belize, which struggles with its transition to globalization after the completion of a highway linking it to the outside world. The Homework Assignment (Polar Borealis Magazine of Canadian Speculative Fiction, March 2025) is a short story about an anthropology professor who asks his students to imagine first contact with an alien intelligence with whom they share only one sense.

Currently, I live in Milan, Italy, with my husband. When I’m not writing, I work with Italian sociologists, biologists, and psychoanalysts, assisting them with their English academic publications. I enjoy reading both classic and newer books, immersing myself in steampunk and futurism. I love adventure stories, and most of all, I want to fall in love with a great MC. I am dyslexic, which means I can’t spell, and I have a love/hate relationship with computers and the internet.

Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markdavid.campbell.9

Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/14116939.Mark_David_Campbell

Author Liminal Fiction: https://www.limfic.com/mbm-book-author/mark-david-campbell/

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Gear Child by Mark David Campbell Exclusive Excerpt Chapter Nine

“Ladies and gentlemen, the moment you’ve all been waiting for has arrived!” Fancy Larry stood on a bale of hay with his arms stretched outward, his ball of fleece carefully arranged on his head, and his face all chalky white.

Both Grease Spot and I looked around, but there were no ladies or gentlemen in the barn.

“What moment?” Grease Spot asked.

“The farm is upgrading with newer task-specific robos.” Whenever he was excited, Fancy Larry spoke in an alto tone.

“Are they going to terminate us?” Grease Spot said.

“Well, I overheard the guards this morning. They are sending the older robos to the toxic dumps, and the higher-end robos, like us, are going to be shipped to Winnipeg City and reprogrammed for urban cleaning and sanitation duty.” Fancy Larry clasped his face in his hands. “All my dreams have finally come true.”

I looked at Grease Spot. “I don’t know anything about the city.”

Grease Spot patted my head. “Don’t worry,” he said, even though he had a dreadful expression on his face.

On the night before we left the farm Grease Spot and I sat on the worktable, as usual, while Old Gus finished his dinner.

“Things in New Winnipeg City are a mite different than things here on the farm,” Old Gus kept sniffing like he had a cold.

“You boys promise me you’ll do exactly what you’re told to do and don’t look them gots directly in the eyes.”

“We promise,” we said in unison.

“You won’t have me no more to come running to when you got a problem.” Old Gus’s eyes filled with tears, and he dropped his head.

Grease Spot slid himself off the table, went over to the bed, and flopped down with his head on Old Gus’ lap. Old Gus bent over, wrapped his arms around him, and buried his face in Grease Spot’s fiery red hair. “My boy, my beautiful, mechanical boy,” Old Gus cooed while he cuddled and rocked Grease Spot.

As I sat there and studied them, I pictured my lambs all alone in the barn, and I wanted to cradle and rock them, one last time. I slid off the table and, without saying a word, went to the sheep shed.

All night long, as I hugged my lambs, I thought about Old Gus and Grease Spot over in the mechanics shed without me, the two of them huddled together in the dark on that steel cot. I couldn’t understand why Old Gus had never cradled me that way.

Grease Spot was only a machine, like me, wasn’t he?

The Butterfly’s Stroke and Other Stories by Annmarie SanSevero 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. 

Author Annmarie SanSevero leads readers into a collection of speculative fiction that explores mystery and the supernatural in “The Butterfly’s Stroke and Other Stories.”

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The Synospis

An Intricate and Harmonious Dance Between Humanity and Technology

Dive into Annmarie SanSevero’s gripping collection of speculative fiction, where suspense, mystery, and the supernatural collide with the frontiers of science. Each story pulses with themes of hope, resilience, and the ethical complexities of technological advancements. 

A testament to the human spirit, these tales weave suspense, mystery, and supernatural elements into a tapestry of speculative fiction that resonates with contemporary societal issues. Don’t miss your chance to experience these unforgettable narratives and embark on a journey that both challenges and inspires.

The Review

This was such a powerful collection of short stories. The speculative fiction genre always knows how to push the envelope and get readers really thinking critically and taking in all considerations. The dynamic character development and fast-paced yet monumental story points in each short story really hit both emotional and psychological notes, resonating with readers as they dive deeper into the collection.

The powerful imagery and strong themes really were the backbone of this collection. The stories each brought a profound discussion to the table, from the titular story’s exploration of technology left unregulated, to the story “Heresy of Peace” delving into the topic of division and war amongst groups of people, whether it be due to politics, religion, or ideology as a whole, and how that division could be the undoing of everyone. The heartfelt emotional pull of these stories and the thrilling twists each one houses make this collection truly shine.

Grafton Mini Pen

The Verdict

Engaging, thoughtful, and uniquely human in a very genre-specific collection of stories, author Annmarie SanSevero’s “The Butterfly’s Stroke and Other Stories” is a must-read short story collection of speculative fiction. The twists and turns, the compelling characters, and the thought-provoking themes will keep readers invested in every tale. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Annmarie SanSevero grew up in New York City but was transplanted to the south in high school. She writes stories about hope, courage, and resilience in fantasy, science fiction, steampunk, and mystery. She loves exploring the human experience and wants readers to feel like they can do more than survive. They can be world changers.

When she’s not writing, Annmarie enjoys learning just about everything (yep, she’s a nerd), playing violin, tap dancing, and singing. One day, she wants to go LARPing.

Annmarie SanSevero

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https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-butterflys-stroke-and-other-stories-annmarie-sansevero/1147479747?ean=2940181885394

Interview with Author Tamas Szikszai 

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

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


I’ve always had the annoying habit of asking “why?” far too often, which usually results in either a headache or a story. Writing became my way of turning that endless curiosity — and occasional confusion — into something entertaining rather than just irritating to friends and family.

2) What inspired you to write your book?


The spark came from the idea that if planets could think, they might eventually get fed up with us treating them like clueless background props. Add a dash of dystopia, a sprinkle of absurdity, and a hefty nod to Douglas Adams, and suddenly I had a novel on my hands.

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


That reality is often stranger, funnier, and more fragile than we think and questioning the system isn’t just allowed, it’s necessary. Also, never underestimate the comic value of an overworked, underappreciated bureaucrat.  I hope readers will reflect on how our world is slowly ‘spoiling’ the entire plot before we even get to the ending. By that, I mean the dangerous amount of power handed to giant corporations and the not-so-charming, manipulative tendencies of AI. It worries me that some people are already treating it like a therapist — which is both hilarious and terrifying, and not in a good way.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?


I love the collision between the bleak seriousness of dystopian sci-fi and the irreverent humour of satire. When you mash them together, you get stories that can make readers laugh, cringe, and think all at the same time.

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


Probably Mr. Smith, the man with the bear’s body. I’d ask: “How do you buy shirts?” Because let’s be honest, some mysteries are too big to leave unsolved.

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


Goodreads has been great because it connects directly with readers who are already book-obsessed. Instagram is fun too—though I suspect most people are there for the cat photos, not my dystopian ramblings.

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


Write the book you would love to read, not the one you think will sell. And finish it even if halfway through you’re convinced it’s terrible, because that’s usually the point where it starts to get interesting.

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


Yes, my book is the beginning of a larger universe. I already have two more novels outlined, each diving deeper into the absurd machinery of our so-called “reality.” Whether the universe is ready for them is another question entirely.

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Author Bio

Tamás Szikszai is a Hungarian author whose debut English-language novel, The Planet That Was Mistaken for a Fool, blends dystopian science fiction with sharp, satirical humour. Deeply inspired by George Orwell and Douglas Adams, Tamás aims to explore the absurdities of modern society while making readers laugh, think, and occasionally wonder if they’ve accidentally stepped on a Lego. When he’s not writing, he enjoys ska music, strange philosophical debates, and imagining planets with extreme opinions.

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