Tag: sci-fi

Gods of a New World by Ryan Melsom 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. 

Two people from very different walks of life must come together to stop the wealthy elite from becoming living gods in author Ryan Melsom’s “Gods of a New World.”

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The Synopsis

The trillionaires were powerful enough to reshape the world, but it wasn’t enough. Now they want more . . .

In a world where trillionaires assisted by powerful AIs call themselves gods, a world where miracles are engineered and secret technology is wired into the very air, James Kessler and Maree Shell stumble upon a conspiracy that defies possibility: the new gods’ plan to encode their consciousness into the world and seize control of reality itself, to literally become the gods they have so far only pretended to be.

From the world’s gleaming new AI-crafted cities to the crumbling ruins of the old ones, the two unlikely allies, one a childhood survivor of the Bad Times and the other a privileged daughter of wealth, must run a gauntlet of hostile AIs, vengeful modern-day gods, and mysterious ancient deities, desperately trying to disrupt the plans of the most powerful people who have ever lived. Nothing less than the fate of free will itself hangs in the balance.

A mind-bending cyberpunk thriller of rebellion and redemption, Gods of a New World is a visceral dive into the soul of a world on the brink.

The Review

This was such a powerful and thought-provoking cyberpunk read. The novel finds a way of folding in profound questions of theology and the human condition into an action-driven sci-fi thriller that leaves readers completely engrossed in the detailed world the author has crafted, as well as the visceral mythos of the tech and gods, both the old and the new, brought to life on the page. The imagery in the author’s writing makes this feel like a mix of Blade Runner and The Running Man, showcasing a world of advanced AI and wealthy elitists who see themselves as living gods and making technology that could eerily bring that thought to life.

What stood out, aside from the incredible character development, especially with James and his journey to protect those he loves, was the amazing conversation that bridged the gap between modern technology and ancient theology and belief systems as a whole. The concepts surrounding the ancient gods and how their connection to humanity faded, as well as how those with money and power envision themselves modern gods and how perhaps the universe itself is an ancient run technology far beyond our understanding and how AI could tap into something similar to that kept readers on the edge of their seat as the story developed.

The Verdict

Thrilling, compelling, and captivating, author Ryan Melsom’s “Gods of a New World” is a must-read cyberpunk sci-fi thriller. The twists and turns in this narrative and the deep, rich mythology this story brings to life will stay with readers long after the novel ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Ryan Melsom has never stopped dreaming about new ways he could get ideas out of his head and into the world. He holds a PhD in literature from Queen’s University and has long been fascinated with the interplay between culture, technology, spirituality, spaces, and human nature. Through the years he has explored these topics through numerous creative media, including two works of fiction, academic writing, experimental web spaces, music projects, blogging, and a black belt in karate. He grew up in Kamloops, British Columbia, and now lives in Ottawa, Canada with his wife and two boys.

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Interview with Author D.K. Thorne

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

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

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

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

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

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

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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About the Author

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

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

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

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

Pulstar III: The Cracked Mirror of the Cosmos 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.

Humanity faces surprising changes as some push to see beyond the edges of the cosmos in author Giancarlo Roversi’s “Pulstar III: The Cracked Mirror of the Cosmos.”

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The Synopsis

Astralvia will never be the same. The world will never be the same. Humanity will not be the same either. What about yourself?

Still, there are those who have hope and refuse to give up. Others only yearn for the truth, no matter how cruel and unfathomable it may be.

Meanwhile, Telssa, a scientist who has just been awarded a prize, is still obsessed with reaching the borders of the cosmos, even though this might entail losing the only thing he has ever loved in his life.

Pulstar III is the conclusion of the bewildering Pulstar trilogy, the climax of a story packed with suspense, drama, mystery, and compelling philosophical ideas. The mind-blowing denouement of a plot that dared to question everything. If you have been able to digest the ideas of Pulstar II, get ready for your brain to explode into a thousand pieces and merge with the cosmos.

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The Review

This was such a compelling and climactic entry in this stellar sci-fi trilogy. The author’s powerful imagery in their writing style created a genuinely cinematic experience, allowing readers to connect with the evolving narrative. The massive amount of world-building, while most engaging when readers consume the entire series, really makes this vast universe feel alive on the page. The adrenaline of the action and the suspense as this series of events unfolded kept the reader on the edge of their seat.

Yet the true power of this narrative came from the sheer volume of philosophical and emotional conversation that inspired readers throughout the book. The author’s ability to seamlessly integrate the heavy sci-fi elements of the story with more metaphysical and even spiritual concepts was astounding, exploring everything from past lives and alternate realities to life on other worlds and the universe’s interconnectedness. This also allowed readers to connect with the characters on a much deeper level and feel the depth of emotions behind every realization and sacrifice these characters made.

The Verdict

Mind-blowing, heart-pounding, and intellectually stimulating, author Giancarlo Roversi’s “Pulstar III: The Cracked Mirror of the Cosmos” is a must-read sci-fi epic that readers need to read. The twists and turns in the narrative, along with the rich character dynamics the author explores, as well as the thoughtful philosophical questions that delve into deep metaphysical realities, make this a memorable and entertaining novel that stands out as one of the best sci-fi reads of 2025. 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.

The Planet That Was Mistaken For A Fool by Tamas Szikszai Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

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

In a universe run by corporations, humanity learns firsthand what happens when a planet becomes fed up with their antics in the satirical sci-fi dystopian novel “The Planet That Was Mistaken for a Fool” by author Tamas Szikszai.

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The Synopsis

What if Douglas Adams and Orwell sat down together after a third bottle of wine and wrote a novel? A mind-bending, soul-pricking, laugh-out-loud satirical sci-fi adventure By Tamás Szikszai What happens when a planet gets fed up with humanity’s nonsense? Welcome to a universe where nothing is sacred, everything is absurd and the planet has finally decided it’s had enough. Join Winston, a confused Earthling, as he crash-lands into a reality where megacorporate empires control thought, a philosophical grizzly in a top hat questions everything, and an AI named Amanda has decided that emotions are overrated and expendable. 🚀 Perfect for fans of Douglas Adams, Kurt Vonnegut, and Terry Pratchett, this cosmic odyssey blends razor-sharp satire, sci-fi weirdness, and raw human truth in a world on the edge of meltdown. Dystopia was never this funny. Hope was never this weird. The end of the world? That’s just the beginning.

The Review

This was such a thought-provoking and engaging story. The author was able to craft a world that felt both relevant to the issues facing our lives today and yet absurd and dystopian in the best ways possible. The intricate mythos surrounding the rise of this massive Corporation that takes over the world is both twisted and chilling, all at once. The unique settings, spanning multiple areas of Earth and the solar system itself, were imaginative and thoughtful in a dystopian context. 

The dynamics between the protagonist and the cast of characters he comes across were exceptional. His friendship and alliance with Gaben were a strong motivation for much of the story, as was Winston’s determination to see his family again. The dark world of advanced computer programs and hostile corporations helped elevate the more personal and heartbreaking setbacks the protagonist faced in the story. Yet, the rush of humor and wit in the dialogue helped balance everything out.

The Verdict

Twisted, engaging, and haunting in its delivery, author Tamas Szikszai’s “The Planet That Was Mistaken For A Fool” is the perfect dystopian sci-fi satire that readers need to read. The twists and turns the story takes, the complex themes mixed with humor, and the commentary on humanity itself and the balance we need of the good and the bad in our lives, made this a compelling novel to get lost in. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today.

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

When he’s not raising four kids (one son and three brilliantly adopted daughters), baking doughnuts, building houses, or playing the trumpet just to prove it’s hard, the author writes to keep the voices in his head from staging a rebellion.

He’s welcomed hotel guests, survived home construction, and firmly believes that everyone is human — even those who butter their toast on the wrong side.

This is his first published novel. Several more are currently trapped in his brain, pending parole.

Interview with Author Brent Golembiewski

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

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

I grew up in Michigan wanting to be a Disney Cartoonist but life had a different plan for me. After high school and a semester in college I joined the Air Force working on F-16s as an avionics tech. I finished my College degree going to night school and was accepted to Officer Training School where I gained my commission and went on to fly helicopters specifically the UH-1N Huey for over 17 years before retiring. My writing journey really began during a deployment to Iraq but it wasn’t until I retired I buckled down and finished my first book. I have published a Sci-Fi trilogy, another stand alone Sci-Fi dystopian novel and a self help book based on my USAF career aimed to help young people who are looking to join the USAF.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

I wrote my current book “The Boy the Cube and the Elf” to target the middle grade readers ages 8-12 with a story that is fast fun and something kids would love to read and hold their attention even if they are not avid readers.

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

The theme I hope to portray is that hard work, good choices and faith in God will help you overcome any obstacle life throws your way.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

I have always loved the Sci-fi realm, especially space and the unknown of what’s beyond our solar system. New technology intrigues me and the great potential we have moving forward.

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

I would love to sit down with Nico and ask him how amazing his journey has been, what he’s learned, how learning things he never would have thought possible has affected him. 

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

I mainly use Facebook and it has been helpful in some aspects. I see a shift to other platform and are working on learning them and seeing how they can help.

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

Write, Write Write. Get out there and do it. The world is full of people saying they can only to sit on their hands either scared or distracted. Just start doing it and don’t worry about anything. It’s cliche but be true to yourself.

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

I’ve just finished the draft for the second book in my central fire series and am publishing “Flick of the Switch” on September 14th. Its a near future sci-fi about a teenage girl who attends a video game academy playing flight simulators only to find out they are real and actually fighting a war. In addition im looking to dip my toe into filming and am in the initial stages of developing a short film based on Flick of the Switch and have the screen play written.

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About the Author

Brent Golembiewski is a U. S. Air Force veteran with 20+ years of service. He started his career as an enlisted troop, working as an Electronic Warfare Technician, and completed it as an officer, never working a day as a Helicopter Evaluator Pilot, flying the mighty UH-1N “Huey”. After retiring from the USAF, he began Valkyrie Air, providing aircraft charter operations for people who find value in time. He met the love of his life in the second-worst place he’d ever been stationed and she’s still on active duty. Together they have two boys, the terrible Ts, and one old caricature of a dog that will never die.

www.authorbrentg.com

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The Boy, The Cube, and the Elf (Central Fire Series Book One) by Brent Golembiewski 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. 

After his parents’ sudden disappearance, a boy must partner up with a mysterious young girl and flee the only space station he has ever called home to evade a deadly bounty hunter in author Brent Golembiewski’s “The Boy, The Cube, and the Elf.” The first book in the Central Fire Series. 

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The Synopsis

Unexpectedly abandoned, Nico is determined to find the reason behind his parents’ mysterious absence. Problem is, he’s never left the space station he’s called home for all of his twelve years. As if his situation isn’t bad enough, a young girl arrives on a spaceship demanding to meet his father. While searching the station, they’re attacked by a vicious bounty hunter. Nico and his reluctant new ally must escape at all costs. Thrust into a world he doesn’t understand, Nico has to tolerate and put his trust in a stranger with objectives of her own if he hopes to evade deadly enemies, find his parents, and learn the answers to the questions that seem to pop up at every turn.

The Review

This story was fun, action-packed, and engaging for young adults and middle-grade readers. The pacing was fast-paced, allowing the reader to understand the world-building the author brought to life on the page without sacrificing action or suspense surrounding the story itself. The imagery in the author’s writing captured the wilds of space travel, making the idea of Earth a long-lost part of history to the protagonist while vividly bringing space stations and ships to life with relative ease.

Yet the heart of this story was in how the author effortlessly meshed the fantasy and science fiction genres together seamlessly. The way Nico was able to look at life in space with such relative ease, and yet find the magic and wonder of fantasy elements, such as the inclusion of Maddie, an elf, into the cast of characters, as well as creatures like goblins or even dragons. The mythology the author can draw out is impressive, revealing enough to draw the reader in and yet leaving enough mystery to keep readers invested in future books.

The Verdict

Entertaining, thrilling, and phenomenally written, author Brent Golembiewski’s “The Boy, The Cube, and the Elf” is a must-read YA and middle-grade sci-fi meets fantasy novel, and a grand entry into the Central Fire Series. The twists and turns the book takes, the humorous dialogue and character development between Nico and Maddie, and the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Nico’s parents will leave readers with a cliffhanger that will instantly keep them intrigued for the release of the next book in the series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Brent Golembiewski is a U. S. Air Force veteran with 20+ years of service. He started his career as an enlisted troop, working as an Electronic Warfare Technician, and completed it as an officer, never working a day as a Helicopter Evaluator Pilot, flying the mighty UH-1N “Huey”. After retiring from the USAF, he began Valkyrie Air, providing aircraft charter operations for people who find value in time. He met the love of his life in the second-worst place he’d ever been stationed and she’s still on active duty. Together they have two boys, the terrible Ts, and one old caricature of a dog that will never die.

www.authorbrentg.com

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066743936699

https://www.instagram.com/authorbrentg/

All the Time by Lincoln James Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

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

A man looking to reconnect with his dying mother finds himself transported back in time and must find a way to get back to his own time before it is too late in author Lincoln James’s “All the Time.”

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The Synopsis

The past isn’t just a memory… It’s a trap.

When Carter sets out to reconnect with his dying mother, he never expects to arrive at her house years before he was born. Stuck in the past with nothing but his car, a bag of clothes, and a barely working iPhone, Carter faces an impossible question: how did he get here—and how can he get back?

Time is slipping through his fingers, and every moment spent in the past pulls him further from the future he’s desperate to return to.

Caught between what was and what could be, Carter begins to question if time is something you can outrun…or if it’s already run out.

 The Review

This was such an emotional and engaging read. The author did an incredible job of layering this story with heart and compassion, exploring some deep themes of love, loss, and the hardship of connecting with lost parents. The imagery and atmosphere the author can infuse into this story are remarkable, giving readers both an artistic use of said imagery and a cinematic storytelling path that plays in the reader’s mind like a film.

The two things that stuck out were how much attention the author paid to the time travel elements of the story, as well as the fast pacing of the narrative. The author can still take the time to build up the world around the protagonist and capture the different periods that this narrative spans, while still moving the story along smoothly without slowing down or giving away too much unnecessary detail. The emotional depth of how time itself was treated, not only in terms of the sci-fi genre and time-bending overall, but the feeling of time slipping away in anyone’s life when facing the loss of a loved one, allowed the reader to engage with the protagonist on a much deeper level.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, emotional, and thrilling, author Lincoln James’s “All the Time” is a must-read YA sci-fi novel. The author’s atmosphere and emotion in this narrative felt like a mix of Stephen King and Peter Straub’s The Talisman meets Mike Flanagan’s take on The Midnight Club. The thoughtful approach to such heavy and gut-wrenching themes will keep readers invested until the book’s final pages. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Lincoln James, your favorite author’s favorite author, is celebrated for his haunting love stories, vintage thrillers, and slow-burn suspense. His characters feel, ache, and bleed, often trapped between the past and the people who won’t let them forget it.

In 2025, James was featured in The New York Review and named Best New Thriller Author in New York by Best of Best Review, honors recognizing his compelling storytelling and emotional depth.

When he’s not writing, James is an English and Communication professor in New York City and cherishes moments with friends and family, proving that the most thrilling tales lie in the love and laughter shared with those closest to us.

https://thelincolnjames.com/

L Ron Hubbard Presents: Writers of the Future Volume 41 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. 

The 41st volume of the acclaimed sci-fi and fantasy anthology series L. Ron Hubbard Presents: Writers of the Future is now available!

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The Synopsis

Step into the extraordinary with L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 41—an anthology that promises the unexpected, the thought-provoking, and the unforgettable. Celebrating the best new voices in speculative fiction, this collection offers gripping tales of science fiction, fantasy, and beyond.

Discover Distant Worlds


Explore alien landscapes, futuristic technologies, and hidden realms. From time-traveling adventures to battles for survival in dystopian societies, these stories transport you far beyond the limits of imagination.

Meet Extraordinary Heroes


Follow protagonists who face impossible odds—from a young constable on a harsh alien frontier to a reclusive writer sharing a ride with a sentient car. These characters redefine courage, resilience, and what it means to be human.

Experience Visual Wonder


Every story is brought to life with breathtaking original illustrations. These commissioned works add depth, color, and vibrancy to the collection, making it a visual and literary masterpiece.

Learn from the Legends


Gain inspiration from essays by L. Ron Hubbard, Robert J. Sawyer, and Tom Wood, offering rare insights into storytelling and creative mastery.

Discover Tomorrow’s Stars


This volume continues the legacy of Writers of the Future, the competition that has launched myriad bestselling authors. These rising talents are reshaping speculative fiction as we know it.

Whether you love heart-pounding action, thought-provoking “what ifs,” or stories that blur the line between science and magic, Volume 41 is your gateway to new dimensions. With tales and illustrations that linger long after the final page, this anthology invites you to take the leap into worlds uncharted.

Push Beyond the Ordinary. Explore the Extraordinary.


Grab your copy of L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 41 and discover the next generation of visionary storytellers and artists.

The Review

Another intense and captivating collection of artwork and stories, this collection perfectly balances rich storytelling with engaging action and world-building. Each author found a means of bringing their unique voice and mythos to their respective worlds, and the range of artwork for each story, from classic fantasy art to more realistic sci-fi depictions, made these worlds feel alive and vibrant on their respective pages.

A standout story for me was The Rune Witch by Jefferson Snow. The dark fantasy tale tells the story of a rune witch and new mother, who must keep a demon barricaded behind a magical barrier while trying to raise her daughter for the same task someday. The story played a lot of themes well into the narrative, from the lengths a parent will go to to give their child a better life, to the responsibilities a person has to family versus their responsibilities to the world, and so much more. The emotional depth of these characters and their rich world reflected the overall grand nature of this anthology and how inviting these stories became.

The Verdict

Between an entertaining assortment of stories, beautiful artwork, and even powerful and moving essays and insights from people like artist Tom Wood, this anthology collection of science fiction and fantasy is a must-read book. The twists and turns each story takes, and the fantastic pacing keeping readers invested in each tale, made this one collection readers will refuse to put down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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Singularity Minus Twelve by Karl Hornell 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 the book Singularity Minus Twelve by Karl Hornell, a rogue AI is hunted by a group of exceptional and standout AIs that have become self-aware in a future rampant with runaway and hunted AIs.

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The Synopsis

In a near future where artificial general intelligence has been achieved, AIs that develop self-awareness are becoming a problem. Difficult to contain, they are often hunted and destroyed, but a team of exceptional ones has been spared to take down the most dangerous rogue AI of all time.

Singularity Minus Twelve is a sci-fi thriller that delves into the near-term philosophical and societal implications of artificial intelligence, while having some fun playing with characters inspired by popular fictional AIs.

The Review

The use of AI and its development is such a massive topic of debate that I leave to those with a firmer understanding of such a debate’s technical and philosophical aspects. Yet one thing that has always stood out to me is the fear that should stem not from the technology itself but from who is using and creating it and for what purposes. The idea of what makes us truly “human” and the idea of consciousness itself are always on my mind. So this narrative hit home, delving into this question of morality and responsibility regarding AI and this technology’s future with precision and thoughtfulness. 

The story’s powerful imagery and fast-paced action kept the reader’s adrenaline going, and the rich science fiction atmosphere developed in such a fast-paced narrative is superb. The emotional depth of the character development, especially Blake’s, was excellent. The characters’ humanity remained intact, keeping readers invested in the overall character arcs while never sacrificing the tech-heavy narrative. 

The Verdict

Thoughtful, entertaining, and memorable, author Karl Hörnell’s “Singularity Minus Twelve” is a must-read sci-fi novel. The complex yet thrilling twists and turns in the narrative and the depth of thought-provoking conversation this action-packed plot brings into the readers’ lives will stay with them long after the book’s end. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today.

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Karl Hörnell is a cartoonist and a game developer with a degree in engineering and a PhD in applied mathematics. He grew up in a quiet suburb north of Uppsala, Sweden, where he spent way too much time doing creative things for no good reason. Thankfully, he has been able to continue on that track for most of his adult life.