Tag: science fiction

Orange City (Orange City, #1) by Lee Matthew Goldberg 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 city where outcasts get a second chance at life leads to an ad executive having his eyes opened to the prison they’re in and the monster who runs their lives in author Lee Matthew Goldberg’s “Orange City”, the first in the Orange City series.

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The Synopsis

Imagine a secret, hidden city that gives a second chance at life for those selected to come: felons, deformed outcasts, those on the fringe of the Outside World. Everyone gets a job, a place to live; but you are bound to the city forever. You can never leave.

Its citizens are ruled by a monstrous figure called the “Man” who resembles a giant demented spider from the lifelike robotic limbs attached to his body. Everyone follows the man blindly, working hard to make their Promised Land stronger, too scared to defy him and be discarded to the Empty Zones.

After ten years as an advertising executive, Graham Weatherend receives an order to test a new client, Pow! Sodas. After one sip of the orange flavor, he becomes addicted, the sodas causing wild mood swings that finally wake him up to the prison he calls reality.

A dynamic mash-up of 1984 meets LOST, ORANGE CITY is a lurid, dystopian first book in a series that will continue with the explosive sequel LEMONWORLD

The Review

A haunting and breathtaking sci-fi and dystopian novel, author Lee Matthew Goldberg brings a truly gritty world to life. The author does an amazing job of delving into the thin line between “good” and “evil” that many of these characters share, as morality within a society plays a major role in the narrative. 

The imagery used in this book does a great job of fusing the colorful and in-your-face advertising that has taken over our world over the last few decades with the action-driven and darker side of technology in our society. The pacing of the narrative really is what draws the reader in, presenting figures like E and the menacing ruler known simply as “Man” so that readers are instantly hooked and driven to delve into this fantastic world the author has built.

The Verdict

A shocking, intense yet engaging sci-fi and dystopian novel, author Lee Matthew Goldberg’s “Orange City” is a great start to this brand new series. Exploring themes of consumerism, addiction, and technology, this story does a wonderful job of creating a mythos that readers can really delve into nature, and makes this a must-read book. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Lee Matthew Goldberg is the author of the novels THE ANCESTOR, THE MENTOR, THE DESIRE CARD and SLOW DOWN. He has been published in multiple languages and nominated for the Prix du Polar. His first YA series RUNAWAY TRAIN is forthcoming in 2021 along with a sci-fi novel ORANGE CITY. After graduating with an MFA from the New School, his writing has also appeared in The Millions, Vol. 1 Brooklyn, LitReactor, Monkeybicycle, Fiction Writers Review, Cagibi, Necessary Fiction, the anthology Dirty Boulevard, The Montreal Review, The Adirondack Review, The New Plains Review, Underwood Press and others. 

He is the editor-in-chief and co-founder of Fringe, dedicated to publishing fiction that’s outside-of-the-box. His pilots and screenplays have been finalists in Script Pipeline, Book Pipeline, Stage 32, We Screenplay, the New York Screenplay, Screencraft, and the Hollywood Screenplay contests. He is the co-curator of The Guerrilla Lit Reading Series and lives in New York City. 

Follow him at LeeMatthewGoldberg.com

https://twitter.com/LeeMatthewG

Travelers (Nel Bently #1) by V.S. Holmes Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews3 Comments

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

A young archeologist must contend with angry militants in Chile, a dangerous benefactor to her dig and a growing mystery that could define her career and change history as we know it in author V.S. Holmes’ “Travelers”, the first in the Nel Bently series.

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The Synopsis

No One Fights Dirtier Than an Archaeologist

Archaeologist Nel Bently has her own crew, her own research, and a private patron to fund her passion for dirt. With her trowel barely into the dry earth of Chile’s coast, however, Nel learns she and her crew are being watched.

Los Pobladores, known to Nel only as vandals and looters, take issue with any archaeologist brave or stubborn enough to set boots on their land. Nel is both and far from willing to give up the site that will make her career. She must keep her crew, her friends, and her life’s work safe, but with a benefactor playing chess with their lives, and angry militants who may actually have a point, Nel is ready to fight dirty.

X-FILES meets LARA CROFT in this snarky sci-fi about where we came from, and where we’re going

The Review

A fantastic, short yet powerful sci-fi adventure, Travelers was an amazing start to this series. The author has crafted a beautiful tapestry of archeology and history, science-fiction drama and LGBTQ+ driven characters, and did so in a way that felt cohesive and engaging all at once. 

The story and characters did a great job of drawing the reader in immediately, from Nel’s relationship early on with her archeology friend Mikey to Nel’s journey as the site’s discoveries lead to some shocking twists and turns. What really stands out was the author’s way of incorporating real archeology techniques and methodology into the narrative, giving both the characters and their work within the novel a more realistic approach. 

Another thing that really was great to see was a strong, female-driven narrative and protagonist as well as a powerful LGBTQ+ sci-fi hero. Nel’s hold-no-bars approach to the challenges in this novel made her a true standout, and the emotional highs and lows she underwent helped to showcase just how much her character grew overall throughout the narrative, making this one of the more engaging sci-fi series with a LGBTQ+ protagonist. 

The Verdict

A memorable, entertaining and investing read, author V.S. Holmes’ “Travelers” is a must-read start to an incredible sci-fi saga. With emotional and action-packed twists and turns and an ending that leaves open some great story possibilities for future books, the author has crafted a masterful narrative and memorable characters that many readers will be able to identify with. If you haven’t yet, grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

V. S. Holmes is an international bestselling author. They created the REFORGED series and the NEL BENTLY BOOKS. Smoke and Rain, the first book in their fantasy quartet, won New Apple Literary’s Excellence in Independent Publishing Award in 2015. In addition, they have published short fiction in several anthologies.

When not writing, they work as a contract archaeologist throughout the northeastern U.S. They live in a Tiny House with their spouse, a fellow archaeologist, their not-so-tiny dog, and own too many books for such a small abode. As a disabled and queer human, they work as an advocate and educator for representation in SFF worlds.

https://vsholmes.com/index.html

Splurge Dealers & Banshee Addicts by Douglass Goodman 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 futuristic sci-if thriller explores the power of addiction as a plot to control the world by a powerful threat behind the scenes forces humanity and a secret society to join forces, with two special agents caught in the middle in author Douglass Goodman’s “Splurge Dealers & Banshee Addicts”.

The Synopsis

This book is about addiction and its future. The future is not bright. Here are your two choices for our society’s ultimate fate. Will the rampant addiction be to a new drug (Splurge) that gets us high on rationality? Or would you rather have what’s behind door number two, an addiction to an internet of emotional sharing (Banshees)? I should also mention that this latter addiction is part of a conspiracy to control the world. Are you on the side of Splurge Dealers or Banshee Addicts? Those are the choices of our hero, Hunter, a drug-enhanced agent for the DCIA and his new partner, Sammi, who has her own dark secret.

An imaginative, narrative exploration of addiction. It has the high stakes, deadly suspense and hidden conspiracies of a thriller. The what-ifs of science fiction. The gut-emotional impact of horror. Plenty of outrageous sex and lots of humor. It’s fun, taut, thrilling, but more importantly it gives you characters and dilemmas to think and talk about addiction, its consequences and its possible futures.

The first step is to admit you’re powerless. You can’t help yourself. You must read this book.

The Review

An exhilarating story that teeters between a sci-fi adventure and an action thriller, Douglass Goodman delivers a wonderful book that readers can get easily invested in. The analysis of addiction as a whole and the commentary on how so many people will end up substituting one addiction for another was felt heavily throughout this narrative and brought depth to the sci-fi genre.

The multiple POVs throughout the novel was refreshing, giving readers a chance to explore multiple facets of this futuristic universe the author has created. The dialogue shifts evenly between outrageous humor and inner dialogue to thought provoking conversations where readers have to see what is truly more important: emotions or rational thinking, especially in this narrative where a powerful force is set to weaponize emotions through technological addiction. Can one survive without the other?

The Verdict

A mesmerizing, evenly paced and powerful story that felt like it would have been home in a great late 70’s, early 80’s sci-fi film. This is a must read novel and a great way to kick off 2021. Be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

https://reedsy.com/discovery/book/splurge-dealers-banshee-addicts-douglas-goodman

https://amzn.to/35ioqgS

Unchipped: The Resort by Taya DeVere 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. 

After being chased around the world, a group of survivors desperately fighting a war against a corporation putting devices to control the population inside of everyone’s heads find hard truths and shocking revelations in author Taya DeVere’s “Unchipped: The Resort”, the fifth book in this ever growing sci-fi series. 

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The Synopsis

In a war-torn world, they’ve found their sanctuary… if not for those bodies in the basement.

The rebels against the Happiness-Program have finally found a place to hide, an abandoned resort in Iceland complete with a luxury hotel. Everything would be perfect here if not for their memories, haunting them each in different ways.

For Bill, it’s the friend he left behind in California… not knowing whether she’s alive or dead. For Luna, it’s the man from City of Serbia, inviting her to give up on the rebellion and return home to him. For Ava it’s the woman who used to take care of her, and who she expects to hear from any day.

For rebel leader Kaarina, it’s the need for revenge… and the basement of the hotel may give her the opportunity. Because the basement contains four stasis capsules, and the unconscious bodies of four men and women… the founders of the Happiness-Program.

If they can wake up the founders, the rebels could finally be free forever. They could strike a blow against the enemy, turning the tide in the ongoing war. But waking up the all-but-dead can have unforeseen consequences…

***If you liked Brave New World, you’re going to love the Unchipped series!

***Get free early access to Unchipped short stories, plus the Unchipped prequel, The Meeting, by signing up for my newsletter @TayaDeVere (dot) com!

The Review

A truly fantastic entry into this growing sci-fi world, the author shocks fans and newcomers alike with the twists and turns this latest chapter introduces. The true threat of Dr. Solomon and her creations comes to light in this read, giving readers a glimpse into the terrifying blueprint the antagonist has laid out before them. 

The personal character relationships are strong within this book, as several of the protagonists from the first several books finally come together, but each is given their own struggles and secrets to overcoming in this narrative, making this short yet powerful read shine all the brighter. Kaarina and Luna especially have strong and emotional arcs, especially in the final chapter as the twists keep coming and coming to the rag-tag group of survivors. 

The Verdict

A powerful, creative and entertaining read, author Taya DeVere’s “Unchipped: The Resort”, is a must-read in the growing sci-fi universe the author is creating. With shocking moments and powerful imagery used throughout the narrative, the book’s shocking cliff-hanger will leave readers on the edge of their seat, desperately waiting for book six in the series to arrive. The perfect read and gift for the sci-fi fan in your life, be sure to grab this and the previous entries in the Unchipped universe today!

Rating: 10/10

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Unchipped: Kaarina Review
Unchipped: William Review
Unchipped: Enyd Review
Unchipped: Luna Review
Unchipped: The Meeting Review

About the Author

Taya is a Finnish-American author, writing contemporary fiction and dystopian sci-fi. After living, working, and traveling in America for seven years, she now lives in Finland with her partner-in-everything Chris, their dog Seamus, three bunny-boys (Ronin, Baby, and Loki), and her horse of a lifetime, Arabella.

Taya’s restless feet have taken her all over Finland, the United Kingdom, and North America. Her new dystopian series “Unchipped” is inspired by the real-life characters she’s met on her travels. Cultural differences, social issues, and behavioral psychology have always fascinated Taya. “Unchipped” tells the story of the world in 2085, when technology has replaced people’s need to truly connect with one another. The series describes what it feels like to be an outsider and takes an in-depth look at the unlikely friendships between perfectly imperfect people across the globe. 

Justice. Kindness. The fact that all beings on this planet are equally important. Taya’s world revolves around these values every day, and they play a substantial role in her storytelling as well.

Taya’s writing is inspired by authors such as Margaret Atwood, Peter Heller, Hugh Howey, and C.M. Martens.

Teija’s author site: https://www.tayadevere.com

Her Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Taya-DeVere/e/B07KRJPMTV

The Unchipped series page on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08CHKB96S

Facebook: www.facebook.com/tayadevereauthor

Instagram: www.instagram.com/tayadevere_author

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/tayadevere

Bookbub: www.bookbub.com/authors/taya-devere

Possessed President by Amo Sulaiman 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. 

Two outsiders must traverse a self-destructive America in order to rescue a Possessed President in author Amo Sulaiman’s “Possessed President”. 

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The Synopsis

Full of thought-provoking symbolism leavened with both crazy antics and danger, Possessed President, Resman—the responsibility man—and his bodyguard Osray.

The pair descend from the celestial city of Atlantis to travel across America, teaching its citizens to take responsibility for not only their own actions, but the effects their actions have on everything around them.

Their goal: confront the president of the United States about the federalist policies that are driving America and Americans to self-destruction.

Resman quickly develops a following, and soon “Resmanism” is sweeping across America and around the world. 

The Review

A truly unique blend of political drama, science fiction, and fantasy, “Possessed President” is a powerful read that explores the divisiveness and lack of responsibility that has plagued the United States for years. Exploring the impact of policies similar to the ones we see being implemented now in the United States, the novel fuses this political unrest with a one-of-a-kind sci-fi epic storyline.

The use of beings from another world as the protagonists and bringing an outsider’s perspective to the situation in the United States was an inspired choice. The inclusion of mythological settings like Atlantis, as well as the unique chemistry and growing relationship between Earl-Dylan and Osray, made the story shine and the pace smooth.

The Verdict

Action-packed, thoughtful and creative, “Possessed President” by Amo Sulaiman is a must-read sci-fi and political drama. The pacing of the novel is lengthy yet engaging throughout and makes for the perfect read for the upcoming U.S. Election looming over us all and the deep, philosophical, and moral questions the narrative poses to the reader. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Ignored Tags: $0118, $0119

Born in Guyana and continuing his education in Canada, AmoSulaiman received a B.A. degree in philosophy and psychology at the University of Guelph in Ontario. He then completed his Master s degree in philosophy in Montreal. Shortly after this, he went to Switzerland where he did his Doctorate in Philosophy at the University of Bern and a BA in English and American Literature. He has been living in Switzerland ever since.

He is the author of two books on philosophy, one on English literature, and several other novels, including Proud City. This is also followed by Destroyer and El Nobis.

https://www.amoinfo.info/index.html

Unchipped: Luna (Unchipped #4) by Taya DeVere Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews3 Comments

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

A young woman living outside the city of Serbia is forced to choose a life of happiness or instead help keep the rebellion hidden in book four of author Taya DeVere’s sci-fi series, “Unchipped: Luna”. 

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The Synopsis

They want her talent. She wants her life.

Luna lives in a run-down old farmhouse outside City of Serbia, her only companions the alcoholic Reverend Marić and a constantly growing pack of half-feral dogs. As one of the last Unchipped still alive in the area, she lives by her wits as a hacker and thief.

When a spy from the City exposes her presence there, Luna is offered a choice: see her life destroyed or find the rebels who have been giving the Chipped so much trouble.

It isn’t a question of whether she can do it – Luna is the best, and if she starts to look for them then the rebels are doomed. But all she wants to do is to live a peaceful life, surrounded by her dogs and her books. Then she meets Jovan, the strangely gentle man she suspects of having betrayed her to the Chipped. Can Luna trust her new friend… or is his kindness a trap?

***Get early access to Unchipped short stories, plus the Unchipped prequel, The Meeting, by signing up for my newsletter! 

The Review

A great next chapter in this ever-growing sci-fi epic series! The relationship between Luna and Maric immediately draws the reader in, while the complex character growth of Luna over the course of this story keeps the reader invested wholeheartedly in the narrative. 

The suspense and mystery behind Luna’s allies is a great addition to the Unchipped universe. Between the rebels she is being forced to find and new allies like Jovan, the reader is always on the edge of their seat, eager to see which of these characters Luna can trust, and who is waiting to stab her in the back. 

The Verdict

The fire and intensity of Luna’s character and the high-octane action and suspense of the narrative make author Taya DeVere’s “Unchipped: Luna” a must-read in the epic sci-fi drama. Driven, creative and evenly-paced, this was an amazing read that you won’t want to miss, so be sure to grab your copy of this amazing book today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Taya is a Finnish-American author, writing contemporary fiction and dystopian sci-fi. After living, working, and traveling in America for seven years, she now lives in Finland with her partner-in-everything Chris, their dog Seamus, three bunny-boys (Ronin, Baby, and Loki), and her horse of a lifetime, Arabella.

Taya’s restless feet have taken her all over Finland, the United Kingdom, and North America. Her new dystopian series “Unchipped” is inspired by the real-life characters she’s met on her travels. Cultural differences, social issues, and behavioral psychology have always fascinated Taya. “Unchipped” tells the story of the world in 2085, when technology has replaced people’s need to truly connect with one another. The series describes what it feels like to be an outsider and takes an in-depth look at the unlikely friendships between perfectly imperfect people across the globe. 

Justice. Kindness. The fact that all beings on this planet are equally important. Taya’s world revolves around these values every day, and they play a substantial role in her storytelling as well.

Taya’s writing is inspired by authors such as Margaret Atwood, Peter Heller, Hugh Howey, and C.M. Martens.

Teija’s author site: https://www.tayadevere.com

Her Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Taya-DeVere/e/B07KRJPMTV

The Unchipped series page on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08CHKB96S

Facebook: www.facebook.com/tayadevereauthor

Instagram: www.instagram.com/tayadevere_author

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/tayadevere

Bookbub: www.bookbub.com/authors/taya-devere

Unchipped: Enyd (Unchipped #3) by Taya DeVere Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews3 Comments

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

A strict program director in England who feels compelled by God to protect the children she is in charge of at any cost finds herself pushed to the limits in author Taya DeVere’s “Unchipped: Enyd”, the third book in the Unchipped sci-fi epic series. 

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The Synopsis

Is she doing God’s work, or something far more sinister?

Safely hidden behind a high fence that shields it from the rest of the world, Kinship Care provides a safe haven for children from City of England. Kinship Care is supported by the Happiness-Program… but there’s a catch. To keep the food shipments coming, program director Enyd must provide fraudulent “proof” of the plague ravaging the city–photos of children suffering–to deter those tempted to leave the program.

It’s been easy enough with a sinner like Ava, the only Unchipped child at Kinship Care, who keeps violating the rules by trying to contact her mother. Surely God would approve of the relatively mild punishments Ava has brought upon herself.

But now they want more. More shocking material. More pain. More punishment. More proof to show the good people in the city what it’s like for those who defy the program. How far will Enyd go before she says enough?

***Get early access to Unchipped short stories, plus the Unchipped prequel, The Meeting, by signing up for my newsletter! 

The Review

A shocking and intense follow-up to the first two books in the series, Enyd proves to be one of the author’s most complex characters yet. A woman driven by blind faith and bad experiences, Enyd continuously travels down a dark path in order to protect the souls of the children she’s in charge of, even at the cost of the physical harm to young Ava, a “sinner” who’s only crime is a desire to reach her lost mother.

The way the author incorporates the previous characters of the series into the narrative is truly masterful in this narrative, as Kaarina and her growing revolution seek Ava and others in hopes of rescuing them. Soon Enyd finds herself torn between the promised life she expected and the well-being of those she was put in charge of, and getting to see the very skewed viewpoint of a character like Enyd was fascinating to see unfold, as it is reminiscent of many other people’s skewed viewpoints that are clouding our world’s society today in a much more public eye.

The Verdict

Brilliantly written and masterful in its delivery, author Taya Devere’s “Unchipped: Enyd” is a truly entertaining read. Elevating the mythology to new heights, the author does a great job of showcasing the growth of this resistance to the world of the Chipped and Doctor Solomon that Kaarina is building, and promises to showcase a rich sci-fi world that the author is building. Action-packed and leaving readers with a shocking ending, this is a novella not to be missed in this epic series. Be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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Unchipped: The Meeting Review
Unchipped: Kaarina Review
Unchipped: William Review

About the Author

Taya is a Finnish-American author, writing contemporary fiction and dystopian sci-fi. After living, working, and traveling in America for seven years, she now lives in Finland with her partner-in-everything Chris, their dog Seamus, three bunny-boys (Ronin, Baby, and Loki), and her horse of a lifetime, Arabella.

Taya’s restless feet have taken her all over Finland, the United Kingdom, and North America. Her new dystopian series “Unchipped” is inspired by the real-life characters she’s met on her travels. Cultural differences, social issues, and behavioral psychology have always fascinated Taya. “Unchipped” tells the story of the world in 2085, when technology has replaced people’s need to truly connect with one another. The series describes what it feels like to be an outsider and takes an in-depth look at the unlikely friendships between perfectly imperfect people across the globe. 

Justice. Kindness. The fact that all beings on this planet are equally important. Taya’s world revolves around these values every day, and they play a substantial role in her storytelling as well.

Taya’s writing is inspired by authors such as Margaret Atwood, Peter Heller, Hugh Howey, and C.M. Martens.

Teija’s author site: https://www.tayadevere.com

Her Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Taya-DeVere/e/B07KRJPMTV

The Unchipped series page on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08CHKB96S

Facebook: www.facebook.com/tayadevereauthor

Instagram: www.instagram.com/tayadevere_author

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/tayadevere

Bookbub: www.bookbub.com/authors/taya-devere

Unchipped: William (Unchipped #2) by Taya DeVere Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews4 Comments

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

A middle-aged man struggling not only with his own personal struggles but with life as one of the Unchipped who is faced with an impossible choice in author Taya DeVere’s “Unchipped: William”, the second in the Unchipped series. 

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The Synopsis

For the Unchipped, safety is nothing but an illusion…

Bill is one of the lucky few. While the other Unchipped near the City of California scavenge for food amid the constant threat of gunfire, Bill’s spent the last two years at the Mansion–a haven for the select few who design products to be sold in the green city. He’s safe for now… unlike his friend Kaarina, who is leading a revolution on the other side of the world.

Bill is the Mansion’s CEO, but he’s haunted by the act of violence that got him the job. Danger lies beyond the protective gates of this repressive sanctuary, but a carefree existence inside the City of California remains mysterious, intriguing… and unattainable.

When he discovers the trailer just outside the fence, Bill is forced to make an impossible choice. Defend the Mansion by killing the intruders… or let them live and risk everything he has?

***Get early access to Unchipped short stories, plus the Unchipped prequel, The Meeting, by signing up for my newsletter!

The Review

A fantastic follow-up to the author’s first novella, the series brilliantly begins focusing on other characters as the narrative spans the globe. Getting to see life for the person the first novella’s protagonist Kaarina was speaking to across the world, William is a complex individual and makes for a compelling protagonist to follow. 

The story offers a more gritty and dystopian look into the distant future, as California has become a place of violence and chaos for those not privileged enough to be one of the Chipped living in the AR-cities. The struggle for survival for the Unchipped is equally balanced by expert character study, especially for protagonist Bill, who’s own struggles with mental health make him a truly relatable character. 

The Verdict

Expertly crafted and engaging, author Taya DeVere’s “Unchipped: William” is the perfect sequel to the series first novella. The mythology continues to grow and develop as each novella is poised to focus on new characters in the series while still integrating the original characters evenly. The action and emotional beats are hit exactly where they need to be in this story, so be sure to grab your copies today!

Rating: 10/10

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Unchipped: The Meeting Review
Unchipped: Kaarina Review

About the Author

Taya is a Finnish-American author, writing contemporary fiction and dystopian sci-fi. After living, working, and traveling in America for seven years, she now lives in Finland with her partner-in-everything Chris, their dog Seamus, three bunny-boys (Ronin, Baby, and Loki), and her horse of a lifetime, Arabella.

Taya’s restless feet have taken her all over Finland, the United Kingdom, and North America. Her new dystopian series “Unchipped” is inspired by the real-life characters she’s met on her travels. Cultural differences, social issues, and behavioral psychology have always fascinated Taya. “Unchipped” tells the story of the world in 2085, when technology has replaced people’s need to truly connect with one another. The series describes what it feels like to be an outsider and takes an in-depth look at the unlikely friendships between perfectly imperfect people across the globe. 

Justice. Kindness. The fact that all beings on this planet are equally important. Taya’s world revolves around these values every day, and they play a substantial role in her storytelling as well.

Taya’s writing is inspired by authors such as Margaret Atwood, Peter Heller, Hugh Howey, and C.M. Martens.

Teija’s author site: https://www.tayadevere.com

Her Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Taya-DeVere/e/B07KRJPMTV

The Unchipped series page on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08CHKB96S

Facebook: www.facebook.com/tayadevereauthor

Instagram: www.instagram.com/tayadevere_author

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/tayadevere

Bookbub: www.bookbub.com/authors/taya-devere

Unchipped: Kaarina (Unchipped #1) by Taya DeVere Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews4 Comments

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

A young woman fighting for survival learns the fabled world of the Chipped isn’t as glamorous as they once thought in author Taya DeVere’s “Unchipped: Kaarina”, the first in the Unchipped sci-fi series.

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The Synopsis 

A civilization reliant on AR. Unchipped refugees forced outside its walls. Can a lone underdog save humanity from itself?

In the two years since the Great Affliction, the Happiness-Program has transformed a civilization on the brink of extinction into an organized, beautiful, and happy society. However, for the Unchipped–those whose chips can’t connect to the system–living a comfortable life remains out of reach.

Kaarina, one of the Unchipped, would give anything to live inside the walls of the city again. Haunted by her mother’s suicide and alone except for Bill, another Unchipped thousands of miles away whose thoughts are inexplicably linked to hers, Kaarina fights for survival, defending her beloved animals from the other savage Unchipped. But when her horse’s illness drives her into the city to find medicine, she becomes acquainted with a Chipped man who makes her question everything.

Now a new fix to the system promises her the chance to finally be normal… just as she begins to learn life in the perfectly augmented reality may not be all that she imagined.

***If you love Brave New World, you’re going to love the Unchipped series!

***Get early access to Unchipped short stories, plus the Unchipped prequel, The Meeting, by signing up for my newsletter! 

The Review

A brilliant story, the author has created a fantastic blend of science-fiction storytelling with a post-apocalyptic vibe. The first novella in this series takes readers into the heart of this series’ mythology, where Kaarina discovers the world of the Chipped is vastly different than what she and her fellow Unchipped believe. 

The character development and growth is equally on par with the myth building the author does with the mythology of this universe. From the mysterious Doctor Solomon who seems to be in charge of the entire program to the seemingly savage nature of the other Unchipped, this was a fascinating deep-dive into a whole new sci-fi universe like no other. 

The Verdict

Examining a distant future where a bid to save the lives of humanity comes at the cost of freedom, author Taya Devere’s “Unchipped: Kaarina” is a one-of-a-kind introduction into a highly addictive new sci-fi series. Full of action, suspense and dystopian themes, this is a book readers won’t be able to put down. Be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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Unchipped: The Meeting Review

About the Author

Taya is a Finnish-American author, writing contemporary fiction and dystopian sci-fi. After living, working, and traveling in America for seven years, she now lives in Finland with her partner-in-everything Chris, their dog Seamus, three bunny-boys (Ronin, Baby, and Loki), and her horse of a lifetime, Arabella.

Taya’s restless feet have taken her all over Finland, the United Kingdom, and North America. Her new dystopian series “Unchipped” is inspired by the real-life characters she’s met on her travels. Cultural differences, social issues, and behavioral psychology have always fascinated Taya. “Unchipped” tells the story of the world in 2085, when technology has replaced people’s need to truly connect with one another. The series describes what it feels like to be an outsider and takes an in-depth look at the unlikely friendships between perfectly imperfect people across the globe. 

Justice. Kindness. The fact that all beings on this planet are equally important. Taya’s world revolves around these values every day, and they play a substantial role in her storytelling as well.

Taya’s writing is inspired by authors such as Margaret Atwood, Peter Heller, Hugh Howey, and C.M. Martens.

Teija’s author site: https://www.tayadevere.com

Her Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Taya-DeVere/e/B07KRJPMTV

The Unchipped series page on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08CHKB96S

Facebook: www.facebook.com/tayadevereauthor

Instagram: www.instagram.com/tayadevere_author

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/tayadevere

Bookbub: www.bookbub.com/authors/taya-devere