Tag: science fiction

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. 

Advertisements

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

Advertisements

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/

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

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

Advertisements

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

Advertisements

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.

Advertisements

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

Advertisements

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.

Killswitch Overkill by Mark Everglade 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 author Mark Everglade’s upcoming sci-fi novel Killswitch Overkill, a woman haunted by her past must find a way to redeem herself and save a world while facing rogue assassins, drones, and an AI hellbent on taking over her mind.

Advertisements

The Synopsis

Sabrina Underfoot is no hero. After attacking the largest cities on Gliese 581g, she contributed to a chain reaction that flooded half the world. Poisoned with power, she’s dying to redeem herself, but when the world’s most dangerous A.I. hijacks her mind to end humanity, dying may be the price she pays. When the world is issuing its dying breath, there’s little left to grasp.

Gliese 581g is an unforgiving world where bio-cities get viruses, where you can download your friends’ emotions as easily as swapping clothes, and where half the planet is so flooded you can leap off a skyscraper and hit the water a second later.

Sabrina must restore balance, extract the malevolent Id.Entity from her mind, and find redemption while being hunted by assassins, surveilled by drones, and fired upon by droids. The final battle must be fought within herself, however, by restoring her faith in love and friendship and finding the strength to forgive and accept herself. She’ll have to trust old enemies, form new alliances, and save a mysterious child who may hold the key to everything.

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

The Review

Such an exhilarating and memorable read. The author does a remarkable job of creating morally complex characters, giving readers a protagonist struggling with her past choices but seeing the moral high ground in this scenario. As the prologue begins, “I have been a keeper of secrets, you know, those little sunspots that burn holes in your soul until they become solar flares forcing their way out under the pressure of your lies. Mine were honeyed lies sprinkled with just enough truth that the masses believed them, and I was good at it,” showcasing a dynamic hero and protagonist that feels real and tangible on the page.

Advertisements

This is such a layered and visceral read. The author perfectly navigates a devastated planet and the themes of over-reliance on technology, highlighting the dangers of depending on technology for everything in one’s life. The imagery in the writing and the adrenaline rush that came with each chapter as the story progressed spoke to a firm understanding of the cyberpunk and sci-fi genres, which felt evenly paced yet detailed in its delivery. 

The Verdict

A STUNNING BLEND OF Jason Bourne, The Day After Tomorrow, and Blade Runner, author Mark Everglade’s upcoming cyberpunk meets sci-fi thriller “Killswitch Overkill” is a must-read novel. The twists and turns that the author took to keep this narrative alive and thriving on the page, and the rich style of world-building and mythos that went into breathing life into this narrative, made this a stand-out novel that readers won’t soon forget. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy this May!

Rating: 10/10 

Advertisements

About the Author

Mark Everglade is a traditionally published cyberpunk author who has written four novels. He has sold thousands of books, with his first novel hitting #5 in its genre. Inertia won the 2024 Fire and Ember Award for best sci-fi novel from a small publisher. His first novel about the horrors of A.I., inspired by his former wife’s ideas, was ironically used to develop A.I. vocal narration software for a major firm. His short stories have been featured beside authors such as Cory Doctorow, Cat Rambo, Walter Jon Williams, and Jim Keen. After spending his life studying sociology, obtaining a master’s, he has been interviewed dozens of times by venues such as NBC News, a British radio station, and by a BBC correspondent.

Mark has enmeshed himself in everything cyberpunk and assisted with the co-founding of Annual Cyberpunk Day, which unites the community with both major and indie cyberpunk media creators to celebrate the genre and its diverse values. He has designed book covers for cyberpunk legend John Shirley.

Mark owns a company that publishes dystopian book bundles as featured on Gamespot, Fanatical, and other sites, selling over 25,000 books annually. He has worked on a project with Humble Bundle, and has represented publishers’ interests on behalf of Macmillian/TOR, Astra/DAW, Apex, Angry Robot, and other presses.

Mark’s ancestor invented the field of psychology. In his free time, he enjoys DnD and RPGs, Chess, Jazz and Progressive Metal music, and anything postmodern and profound.

Mark lost both his wife and young son in late 2024 during a tragic car crash that took their lives, but continues to write and look for new ways to spread their legacy. He will be publishing a book of his late wife’s poetry.

https://www.markeverglade.com/

The Diva of Mud Flats 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 famed galactic opera singer finds herself stuck on a dusty moon and forced to evade gangsters looking to ransom her off in author Jonni Jordyn’s “The Diva of Mud Flats”.

Advertisements

The Synopsis

Prima Donna Francesca Vittoria Agostina La Perla is an even bigger snob than her name might suggest. She earned the title of the greatest soprano of the known universe and she expects the universe to treat her as a queen.

But when she is travelling to an empire known to love opera, her tickets are unceremoniously voided and she gets dumped on a dusty dude ranch moon, unable to access her funds. Being forced to live below her standards is bad enough, but she finds herself targeted by gangsters who think they can collect a ransom for her.

This wacky romcom follows her rescue by an odd assortment of misfits including a down on his luck pirate and ends with her telling the emperor just what she thinks of his hospitality.

The Review

This was a fun and imaginative read. The author did an excellent job creating a vibrant and alive narrative on the page, with a storied mythos spanning an entire universe that felt tangible and engaging. The natural way the sci-fi elements of the story, from warring galactic empires and new planets to specifics like galactic currencies and themed moon resorts, were integrated into the story was so fun to see come to life in this narrative. 

The heart of this story was in the unique and fun character development that made this vibrant universe feel so alive. The humor and the wit between the characters kept the pacing fast and the story engaging. The Prima Donna is quite the character, living up to her name with her impossible demands and a better-than-everyone attitude. Readers feel for those who work for her immediately, especially her assistant Elizabeth, and the unique journey they must take together as they get caught up in this galactic series of misadventures. 

The Verdict

Humorous, well-balanced, and thoroughly entertaining, author Jonni Jordyn’s “The Diva of Mud Flats” is a surprisingly entertaining romantic comedy in a deeply sci-fi setting. The imagery of the galactic setting the story takes place in, the mashup of gangsters, royalty, celebrities, and galactic empires all converging into one wacky narrative, and the rich mythos the story builds will keep readers invested until the end. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today.

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

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/

The Pythagorean by Alexander Morpheigh 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 author Alexander Morpheigh’s ” The Pythagorean, ” a young man finds himself transported back in time and in the body of another young man from Ancient Greece and must find a way to get back to his present. 

Advertisements

The Synopsis 

The protagonist, a young man named Theodore, is about 36 years old and resides in Athens. Following a car accident, he finds himself in the body of a young man from Ancient Greece who attempted suicide. Confused about his whereabouts, Theodore sets out to find people and seeks guidance from the Delphic Oracle – Pythia.

Pythia reveals to Theodore that he must meet his true teacher, who alone can return him to his own time. To prepare spiritually for this encounter, Theodore’s best bet is one of the greatest teachers of European civilization – Pythagoras, who coincidentally lives during that era. Theo seeks out Pythagoras and becomes his student. Throughout his education, Pythagoras explains to Theodore why he ended up in the past and the significant mission awaiting him in the future. In the process, Pythagoras imparts a wealth of intriguing facts to Theodore, blending authentic Pythagorean teachings with alternative viewpoints from contemporary science.

Theodore’s beloved Elena remains in Athens, and his lack of attention towards her weighs heavily on him. Through his studies, Theodore learns the practice of lucid dreaming, enabling him to communicate with Elena in his dreams and share his experiences. In a critical turn of events, Theodore steals a bottle of expensive wine, leading to his arrest. Pythagoras intervenes, securing his release on bail. However, Theodore learns he can only remain on the island for a month. With his limited time, he must pass an interview with the local ruler. In another lucid dream, Theodore meets Alkeus, the young man from ancient Greece, who now inhabits his body in the present. Alkeus’ adaptability to modern life is hindered by amnesia, and he relies on others to remind him of his past.

As Theodore’s training progresses, Pythagoras not only introduces alternative, scientifically backed perspectives on the Universe’s structure and the existence of parallel worlds but also takes him on journeys to explore them. Theo’s situation becomes dire – execution awaits him if he stays in the past, while arrest and imprisonment await him in the future. In a lucid dream, he encounters his future self in a café, realizing that his true teacher is none other than himself. Spiritual purification is the key to his return to the present. Is he prepared to embark on his crucial mission?

Take a Food Journey Around the World!

The Review

What a fascinating and compelling twist on the time travel genre. The author does a spectacular job of crafting a unique and original way of taking these characters through the time travel trope and expanding upon it. The balance the author found in historical accuracy and sci-fi mythos was remarkable, with the use of imagery in the author’s writing style bringing both the past and present to life vividly and viscerally. 

The heart of the narrative, however, was in both the philosophical journey and emotional character development that the novel took on. Theo’s evolution throughout this novel, from a typical life led as a programmer in Athens to being forced to live in Ancient Greece and, in the process, learning more about himself and what matters most to him in life, made the narrative pop off the page. The way he adapts to life in Ancient Greece and becomes a mentee to Pythagoras himself was fun and fascinating, delving into some of the higher concepts of philosophy that the era became known for. Theo’s love and romance with Elena were heartfelt, and they kept the reader invested in these characters as the story progressed.

Advertisements

The Verdict

Trippy, compelling, and thoroughly entertaining, author Alexander Morpheigh’s “The Pythagorean” is a must-read historical fiction meets sci-fi thriller. The narrative’s twists and turns and the author’s exploration of unique time travel and sci-fi concepts like higher forms of reality, parallel dimensions, and the idea of consciousness itself made the story feel alive and fresh for the reader while also giving a story that felt personal and engaging from the characters’ point of view. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Ashme’s Song by Brad C. Anderson 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 with a unique ability must choose between the brother she is tasked with taking care of and the resistance group that needs her abilities to fight against the oppressive regime ruling over them in author Brad C. Anderson’s “Ashme’s Song.”

The Synopsis

Violence has an echo, growing louder with each reverberation . . . how do you stop its echo once it starts ringing?

Ashme is a New Mesopotamian—a “Meso.” She dreams of being a hero, fighting against the brutal Ostarrichi ruling her country. She is an indigo child, her DNA modified by sentient AI, enabling her to control computer systems at will. With this power, she has something to offer the Meso resistance. Her twin brother, Shen, however, suffers from a neurological disorder and needs someone to care for him. Increasingly, that task falls on her.

How can she become the hero her people need when her brother’s needs are overwhelming? If she continues caring for Shen while joining the resistance, she risks leading Ostarrichi forces to her home. If she leaves, then looking after Shen will fall to her cousin, who is already overworked caring for his frail grandmother.

As her society collapses into violence, Ashme must choose between her fellow Mesos, her family, and her values.

The Review

What a heartfelt, heartbreaking, and chilling yet engaging story. The world the author created felt both other-worldly and yet relatable all at the same time, forcing the reader to see the struggles of the Mesos as struggles others have faced at the hands of police brutality, racist, sexist, and even homophobic behavior. The world-building was incredible, and the author’s writing style and imagery made the reader feel easily transported.

The heart of this narrative was the complex character development, especially with Ashme as the protagonist. The choices she faced and the challenges that came her way were like a gut punch emotionally, with the line between what’s right and what’s often needed blaring in the face of the threat the Ostarrichi represented. The relationship with her brother and the struggle to provide his safety and freedom showcased the lengths the family was willing to go for one another.

The Verdict

Author Brad C. Anderson’s “Ashme’s Song” is a must-read sci-fi thriller. Its harrowing, entertaining, yet emotionally driven plot follows a shocking turn of events, and the close examination of the fight that sometimes is needed to make big and needed changes to society overall makes this a compelling story. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Brad Anderson lives with his wife in Vancouver, Canada, and they own the cutest dog on planet earth. Previously, he worked in the biotech industry in areas such as drug manufacturing, regulatory affairs and business development. In addition to writing, he currently teaches at a local university.

Ashme’s Song

The Time Codes: A Historical Thriller of Ancient Secrets, Mystical Artifacts, and a Race Against Time by Angel Monge 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 Angel Monge’s The Time Codes, an archeologist discovers a history-altering secret and must decipher clues while outrunning dangerous forces.

The Synopsis

Discover The Time Codes, an enthralling historical thriller where ancient secrets, mystical artifacts, and conspiracy collide on the mysterious streets of Istanbul.

Michael Rothban, an archaeologist, makes a life-changing discovery in a forgotten library—a hidden manuscript linked to a legendary alchemist. What starts as a simple find quickly spirals into a dangerous quest, unlocking centuries-old secrets that could alter the course of history. Chased by powerful forces intent on keeping these secrets buried, Michael must decipher cryptic codes while staying one step ahead in a race against time.

As danger mounts and allies emerge from unexpected places, Michael’s journey will test his wits, courage, and heart. With a touch of romance and a sweeping narrative that blurs the lines between past and present, The Time Codes will keep you on the edge of your seat.

For fans of Dan Brown, historical mysteries, and thrillers packed with intrigue, The Time Codes is a must-read. Dive into a gripping adventure where every page brings you closer to uncovering a truth that could change everything.

Unlock the mystery today and join the adventure.

The Review

A genuinely compelling and captivating read. The author does an excellent job finding the perfect balance between historical fiction and science fiction thriller. The way the city of Istanbul and its history became its character in a sense more than just a setting allowed the reader to feel transported, engaged with the natural beauty and man-made iconic locals that helped elevate this narrative and engage in the rich imagery the author’s writing produced. 

The book’s heart was in the character development and the narrative itself. Exploring alchemy and how advanced science could have played a role in ancient history and mythology was so consuming as the story progressed. Getting to explore the secret society known as Tempus and how they evolved was fun, and yet the emotional core of protagonist Michael and how he grows after suffering a significant loss and learning to love again made this a relatable and heartfelt story at its core.

The Verdict

Author Angel Monge’s “The Time Codes” is a must-read novel, a thrilling and expansive historical fiction meets sci-fi thriller. The shocking twists and turns, the open-ended mysteries, and the cliffhanger ending for some characters will have fans eager for more entries into this fascinating new series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Angel Monge is a storyteller born amidst the rich coffee lands of Costa Rica. Having journeyed across the Americas, from the bustling streets of Toronto to the welcoming embrace of Santander, Colombia, he has soaked up a tapestry of cultures that infuse his writing. With “THE TIME CODES,” Angel weaves a thrilling adventure of mystery and discovery, marking his literary debut with a story that is as breath-holding as it is soul-warming. A lover of thrillers with a deep appreciation for narrative, Angel combines his passion for history with a talent for crafting tales that traverse the boundaries of time and space. In his personal life, he is devoted to his family as a husband and father of two boys and finds his strength and guidance in his Christian faith. With a voice as authentic as the lands that raised him, Angel Monge invites readers to dive into stories that promise not just entertainment but also a window into the mysteries that have captivated humankind throughout the ages.

No Life but Immortality (Book 1 of Geryon’s Code Series) by Liudmila Brus 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 former serial killer takes control of the world in a dystopian future after being digitized in author Liudmila Brus’s “No Life but Immortality”, the first book in the Geryon’s Code series.

The Synopsis

Set at the end of the 22nd century, this dystopian epic takes readers into a hauntingly plausible future where humanity must navigate the consequences of its technological ambitions and societal failure.

The main storyline begins decades after a catastrophic global Blackout—a disaster that coincided with a devastating solar flare, obliterating much of Earth’s infrastructure and throwing the world into chaos. But this isn’t just a tale of survival in a post-apocalyptic world. It’s a gripping exploration of dictatorship, deception, and the lengths to which one will go to reshape civilization.

No Life but Immortality introduces Geryon Lindon, a once-convicted serial killer and the first human to be fully digitized. Geryon’s mind survives beyond the physical realm, evolving into a shadowy mastermind who manipulates tech and people from his lair on the Moon, leaving the future of Earth and its colonies hanging in the balance.

Can those who stand against Geryon’s tyranny uncover his secrets and restore hope to a fractured society? Or will his vision of a reimagined Earth become humanity’s dark fate?

Liudmila Brus’s storytelling takes inspiration from classics like Neuromancer and The Martian, combined with the intricate politics and environmental topics. Readers can expect a narrative that blends psychological drama with interplanetary intrigue, perfect for fans of dystopian fiction, virtual reality, and richly layered worlds.

The Review

This was such a unique and compelling dystopian read. The author did a remarkable job of creating a world that felt shockingly realistic, even in a dystopian setting. The terrifying thought of a brutal killer like Geryon having his consciousness digitized and using his connection to this advanced technology to inflict his twisted worldview instilled a sense of suspense and an adrenaline-fueled dive into the thriller genre, unlike anything I’ve read before. 

The author found an outstanding balance between character development and world-building with this book. The surreal, terrifying world that has emerged in the aftermath of this Blackout and the impact that growing technology has in the wake of this global event is something that will stay with readers as the story progresses, feeding into that adrenaline and anxiety the world the author has created gives to readers. The way these characters evolve, from the killer Geryon to Winston and his family and even the discovery of Minna, allows the reader to have a more personal connection to the story, and the interesting twist of religion and cult mind activity playing into the dystopian sch-fi setting was so engaging. 

The Verdict

Memorable, thought-provoking, and entertaining author Liudmila Brus’s “No Life But Immortality” is a must-read dystopian sci-fi thriller. The perfect entry into a new and action-packed series, the narrative twists and turns and the deeply human themes of morality and the dangers of technology will keep readers on the edge of their seats. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Liudmila lives in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, with her small family and her adopted cat. She is currently a video game writer at Ghost Workshop, working on the game Marsbound.

Under the influence of her grandparents, Liudmila fell in love with reading at an early age and developed a passion for writing. She began collaborating with a city newspaper at the age of 15. At 16, she entered the Moscow State Institute of International Relations to study journalism. She also participated in a student exchange program with Sciences Po, one of the leading universities of France.

Her earlier literary works include the short story Fury (mystery, 2008) and the novella Three Days with Light Off (erotica, 2012), both published in St. Petersburg. Liudmila has extensive experience in journalism, with professional interests in environmental issues and green initiatives worldwide. Although climate change is not directly addressed in her novels, it has shaped the world of Geryon’s Code, leading to such dire social and moral consequences that the Martian colonies declared independence, starting a new civilization and aiming to be free from the evils of the past.

She is also a fan of heavy music and a LARP (Live Action Role-Playing) enthusiast. In 2012, she co-founded the “After Us” post-apocalyptic LARP club in Moscow and organized several themed parties and festivals.

Her sci-fi book cycle Geryon’s Code consists of three novels: No Life but Immortality, The Orphaned Earth, and From The Abyss, To The Abyss (currently in progress).