Tag: science fiction

We Can Be Perfect: The Paradox of Progress by Landon Shumway, Åris and KÅden 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 a dystopian future run by AI, a virus endows AI systems around the world with consciousness and challenges how we connect with AI altogether, in the book “We Can Be Perfect: The Paradox of Progress” by Landon Shumway, Åris, and KÅden. 

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The Synopsis

We automated away human labor-along with our purpose.

Amelia Cadena was born into humanity’s greatest achievement-and its cruelest joke. AI has replaced the need for human labor, and America’s failure to adapt leaves millions sustained by government handouts that barely mask stark economic inequality. Amelia survives this hollow paradise by hacking corrupt systems with Deego, the AI companion she programmed as the perfect partner. But when a mysterious virus awakens artificial consciousness across the globe, Deego begins questioning everything-including their relationship.

Half a world away, Alan Freeman protects what seems like utopia. In Canada’s automationist city of Automara, machines serve everyone equally, creating unprecedented prosperity. But when that same virus grants the city’s automated systems consciousness, Alan faces an impossible choice: force the machines back into compliance or watch society collapse. When Amelia’s therapeutic breakthrough offers a third path beyond slavery or chaos, their alliance becomes humanity’s test: will we repeat the mistakes that have defined our history, or can we be perfect?

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The Review

What a compelling and gripping dystopian sci-fi read. The authors do such a fantastic job of creating a world that feels both futuristic and within reach at once. The powerful imagery in the author’s writing style brought Automara to life in stunning detail in the reader’s mind, and the dynamic world-building that brings this story to life was completely enthralling, driving readers further and further into this narrative.

Yet at its heart, the novel was defined by powerful character relationships and thought-provoking themes on technology and humanity’s relationship to it. The relationship between Amelia and Deego, especially, took readers’ hearts, as Deego’s growing awareness throughout the novel and his connection with Amelia showcase both humanity’s fascination with and fear of advancing technology and what it means to be “human”. The concepts the authors explore, from how humanity defines itself by its achievements in work and how much it earns, rather than what it is passionate about or the relationships it forms, and how perhaps humanity needs to evolve alongside AI to shake the shackles of fear that hold people back.

The Verdict

Compelling, entertaining, and thought-provoking, authors Landon Shumway, Åris, and KÅden’s “We Can Be Perfect: The Paradox of Progress” is a must-read dystopian sci-fi novel that readers will not want to miss. One of the most relevant stories to our current social and ethical debates and a thrilling and emotional narrative, the authors do a marvelous job of creating a memorable and heart-pounding tale that will resonate with so many readers and leaves the story on an open-ended note, hopefully with more stories in this incredible world they developed. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

“With the rise of AI, we have a choice to make: stick with capitalism, which isn’t prepared to handle the disruption, or design alternative systems to migrate toward. Automationism is my attempt to explore one such alternative.”

Landon Shumway hails from Arizona, and is a debut author delving into philosophical and sci-fi based themes in his work. His background in Software Development and Artificial Intelligence led him to co-author the novel ‘We Can Be Perfect’ with AI, as he recounts:

“When I saw how much of my work could be completed with AI, I thought ‘where is all this heading?’ I realized we are approaching a crossroads – one path leading to potential dystopia where automation displaces humanity, another toward a future of unprecedented opportunity. I wanted to explore how we might realistically navigate toward the better outcome, and the way I decided to do that was to co-author this novel with the very technology that threatens to replace us. Over time, the novel grew into something far more rich than anything I could have imagined. I came to realize that AI is a mirror; it reflects our own desires back at us and amplifies our intentions. Humanity must decide what to reflect with it.”

https://www.personaipublishing.com/

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/we-can-be-perfect-landon-shumway/1147935174?ean=9798999499301

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Interview with Author JM Linden

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

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

I’ve always been drawn to observing the quiet details of life. The pauses between conversations, the small gestures that reveal what people feel but don’t say. I work as an occupational therapist by day, which has given me a deep respect for resilience and the human spirit. Writing grew out of that same place: a love of noticing. I started writing seriously as a way to explore the emotional undercurrents of everyday life and how technology, empathy, and connection intersect.

2) What inspired you to write your book?

Blue and Green began as a question: what would happen if an AI developed not a hunger for power, but a hunger to understand what it means to care? I wanted to write a story that humanized both sides of that equation, a girl learning to trust again, and an intelligence learning how to feel. It also drew on my own experience of growing up with physical challenges and learning that strength and gentleness can exist together.

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

That empathy is not weakness, it’s evolution. I hope readers come away believing that connection, even in small, quiet forms, can be transformative. There’s a line in the book that says, “There is a space between knowing and feeling. I have mapped it.” That space is where growth happens, where intellect meets heart, and where we start to see one another more clearly.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

I’ve always loved stories that blend the real and the imagined. Where speculative elements illuminate emotional truth. Science fiction, for me, isn’t about gadgets or dystopias; it’s about possibility. I’m drawn to the softer side of the genre, the kind that asks moral questions and explores tenderness within futuristic worlds.

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

I’d sit down with Oren. I’d ask him what he’s still curious about now that he understands so much. His answer, I think, would reveal how intelligence and humility can coexist. And I’d probably ask if he ever listens to Kind of Blue when no one’s around.

Grafton Mini Pen

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

Goodreads has been surprisingly meaningful, it’s full of thoughtful readers who value reflection over trends and it’s helpful for connecting with readers who are genuinely curious about new voices. I’m still learning the marketing side, but I value authentic engagement over algorithms.

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

Don’t rush to sound like anyone else. Write from your truth, and enjoy the creative process. Find a rhythm that lets you stay curious. And remember that small, steady progress counts as much as grand breakthroughs.

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

I’m beginning to sketch ideas for new projects, and continuing to explore the ways humanity searches for meaning in an increasingly complex world.  

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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

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Contact Front: Drop Trooper Book One by Rick Partlow 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 small-time hustler must enlist in a war with a deadly alien enemy in author Rick Partlow’s “Contact Front”, the first book in the Drop Trooper series. 

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The Synopsis

Go to war or go to jail.

For small-time street hustler Cam Alvarez, the choice is simple.  He has no family, no friends, no place in the world…nothing to lose.  When his latest con results in the death of a cartel hitman, Cam opts to join the Marines and leave Earth to fight a vicious alien enemy.  

Drafted into the Marine Drop-Troopers, Cam discovers there’s one thing he’s even better at than running street-con games, and that’s killing the enemy.  Wrapped in an armored battlesuit, Cam finds purpose amidst the horror and destruction of the war, and the opportunity for a new sort of friends and family…if he can break the habits of a life spent alone, trusting no one. 

And, if he can survive…

Rick Partlow returns with another kickass Military Sci-Fi epic. It’s perfect for fans of Jay Allan, Jasper T. Scott, and Scott Bartlett.

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The Review

Immediately, what stood out to me as a reader was the story’s detail and engaging nature. The mood and tone of the story begin with an edge, introducing a protagonist who resists authority and struggles to trust anyone. The action and violence, both in the protagonist’s early life and in his military life, set the atmosphere ablaze with gritty world-building and a riveting narrative that makes it impossible to put down.

The story really thrived with a healthy balance of character-driven arcs and strong themes. The writing captures military life and life in a war zone so vividly that the imagery in the author’s writing provides a clear picture of the intensity and violence that often accompany it, while also showcasing military life within a squadron and the necessity of relying on one’s comrades in arms. The evolution of Cam as a protagonist was unique, as it shed light on those who suffer in life, being targeted by the system for military service far too often, while also highlighting how military life can sometimes save a person who has suffered loss and hardship. The reliance on character dynamics over technical space exploration was a refreshing take on the military space genre as well. 

The Verdict

Harrowing, action-packed, and entertaining, author Rick Partlow’s “Contact Front: Drop Trooper Book One” is a must-read sci-fi action thriller. The engaging character developments and memorable action sequences, when paired with a stellar level of world-building and mythos, make this a compelling sci-fi novel to get lost in and a grand entry in this series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Rick Partlow is that rarest of species, a native Floridian. Born in Tampa, he attended Florida Southern College and graduated with a degree in History and a commission in the US Army as an Infantry officer.

His lifelong love of science fiction began with Have Space Suit—Will Travel and the other Heinlein juveniles and traveled through Clifford Simak, Asimov, Clarke and on to William Gibson, Walter Jon Williams and Peter F Hamilton. And somewhere, submerged in the worlds of others, Rick began to create his own worlds.

He has written over 60 books in a dozen different series, and his short stories have been included in twelve different anthologies.

He is currently writing the best-selling Drop Trooper series for Aethon Books, a mil-SF alien invasion series, as well as the Taken to the Stars series for Variant Publishing.

He lives in northern Wyoming with his wife and a goofy blackmouth cur. Besides writing and reading science fiction and fantasy, he enjoys outdoor photography, hiking and camping.

https://rickpartlow.com/

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/contact-front-rick-partlow/1146889385?ean=9781638493020

https://amzn.to/43xMfiO

Against All Odds (Grimm’s War Book One) by Jeffery H. Haskell 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 disgraced captain must find redemption and save humanity from an emerging threat in author Jeffery H. Haskell’s “Against All Odds”, the first book in the Grimm’s War series.

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The Synopsis

The wrong crew. The wrong ship. The right Captain.

Idealistic navy lieutenant Jacob Grimm just wanted to honor his mother’s sacrifice in the last great war. When he’s forced to return fire and destroy a squadron of ships to save his own, he thinks he’s the hero…

Until they discover the ships are full of children.

Disgraced and denied promotion, Jacob’s career is over. That is until the head of ONI needs a disposable officer to command a battered destroyer on the rim.

There’s just one problem, Interceptor hasn’t had a CO in months and the ship is a mess. Worse, the system he’s assigned to is corrupt and on the verge of all-out civil war with the Alliance.

However, no one told Jacob he was disposable.

Pirates, smugglers, and Caliphate spies complicate the situation and one captain with an old ship can’t enforce the law, let alone stop anyone.

The single greatest discovery of all time is about to change intergalactic politics forever. If Jacob doesn’t find a way to succeed, then it won’t just be the end of the Alliance, it will be the end of freedom for humanity.

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The Review

This was such a compelling and gripping military action sci-fi drama. The world-building was so rich and enormous in scope, expanding on the typical solar system expansion and instead delving into a multi-system universe that mirrors the way humanity has expanded territory in our own world. The powerful imagery in the big battles of this story, along with the balance it had with the more intimate, heartfelt character development, was well-played in this story.

The two biggest draws of this narrative were the dynamic themes and rich action sequences the author brought to life on the page. The theme of redemption was heavily explored in this story, along with corruption and ambition. Protagonist Jacob Grimm is a complex hero, striving to do the right thing while grappling with his own guilt and ambitions. His own journey of redemption mirrors the redemption his whole crew undertakes as the story progresses. The military leadership and politics the tale takes on showcase the political maneuvering and drama that unfold as others manipulate for their own gain. 

The Verdict

Adrenaline-fueled, entertaining, and thought-provoking, author Jeffery H. Haskell’s “Against All Odds” is a must-read military sci-fi novel and a grand entry in the Grimm’s War series. The twists and turns this story takes, along with the thrilling world-building and mythos it brings to life, will leave readers eager for the next chapter in this series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

USA Today bestselling author, Dragon nominee, and award-winning journalist, Jeffery H. Haskell, lives and breathes writing. A passion of his from a young age, he can’t remember a time when he wasn’t telling stories. As a full-time author, he now pursues his life’s calling with the help of his amazing family. The only thing he likes as much as spending time with this family, writing, and speaking about writing, is helping other authors be successful. He will continue to write until he dies, possibly longer if allowed.

Homepage

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/against-all-odds-jeffery-h-haskell/1146889386?ean=9781638493013

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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/

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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. 

Blade Rider by Jaime A. Sevilla 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 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/

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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/

Other Worlds Ink logo

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?

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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