Tag: science fiction

Delos: The Moon’s Eye (Delos Book Two) by Blake Miller 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.

Four teens in a magical world must go on a quest to save the Lil of Lurkur and must complete an ancient test that no one has passed in thousands of years in author Blake Miller’s “Delos: The Moon’s Eye”, the second book in the Delos series.

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The Synopsis

DELOS: BOOK TWO

The magikal world gets even larger, the adventure gets even more thrilling, and the mysteries get even more intriguing in the second installment of this epic fantasy series, where climaxes and anticlimaxes once again abound, keeping you glued to the story.

THE QUEST OF SIX WATERS

When Cynthia Summers and Kaden Krossway learn that the Lil of Lurkur has gone missing, they join up with Alec Mulsiver and a surprising fourth com-panion to find her. This leads to another trip into Lurkur Woods, a haunting discovery about what has happened to the Lil, and then to Diluvium where they must undergo the Quest of Six Waters to claim what they need to save the Lil’s life: the Seventh Water. The problem is, no one has survived the Quest in over 6,000 years. . . .

The amazing story of Cynthia, Kaden and Alec continues.

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The Review

This was a truly captivating and imaginative sci-fi and fantasy novel. The author brilliantly draws the reader into the narrative immediately, starting with a shocking encounter with a stalker searching for the twins and moving into a cosmos-spanning disappearance that could have serious ramifications. The world-building in this book is top tier, with the author doing an amazing job of using imagery to bring each world and unique territory to life in the writing while also giving newcomers a chance to fully immerse themselves into this unique story and the worlds it inhabits. 

The air of mystery and magic that permeates throughout this novel and the dazzling imagery found in the author’s writing really kept this book in my mind in the weeks of reading it. The shocking twists in the protagonists Kaden and Cynthia’s backstories and their connection, as well as the level of importance they gain as the story progresses, kept me invested in the narrative fully, and the dynamic chemistry between the friends as they set out on this adventure balanced out with the adversarial role the antagonists had on these heroes and their journey. 

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The Verdict

Gripping, magical, and entertaining, author Blake Miller’s “Delos: The Moon’s Eye” is a fantastic sci-fi meets fantasy YA and Epic Fantasy novel. The complex yet engaging aspect of the world-building felt very much like the addicting story arcs found in series like Game of Thrones, and yet the connection to Earth and our modern world blended with the cosmic level of the storytelling made this feel like GoT meets Star Wars meets any YA high-school supernatural thriller found in stores today. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy of this truly incredible read today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Blake is a graduate of Episcopal High School in Alexandria, VA, and Rhodes College in Memphis, TN. He currently resides in his hometown of Lexington, KY, where he is hard at work on the second book in the DELOS series.

Visit him at www.hierophantpress.com or www.delosthewhitetree.com

Contact him at info@hierophantpress.com

Follow him on Twitter @BlakeMiller_DWT for exclusive reveals about the second book in the DELOS series!

https://twitter.com/BlakeMiller_DWT

L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 39 Review

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

The best and brightest voices in the world of sci-fi and fantasy are chosen by a large panel of authors for the 39th volume of the official “L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future” magazine.

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The Synopsis

In the world of speculative fiction…

Your favorite authors…

Have selected the best new voices of the year.

24 Award-winning Authors and Illustrators

3 Bonus Short Stories by Kevin J. Anderson • L. Ron Hubbard • S. M. Stirling

Art and Writing Tips by Lazarus Chernik • L. Ron Hubbard • Kristine Kathryn Rusch

Edited by Dean Wesley Smith • Jody Lynn Nye

16-page color gallery of artwork • Cover art by Tom Wood

Check out the stories Brandon Sanderson, Orson Scott Card, Nnedi Okorafor, Robert J. Sawyer, Kevin J. Anderson, Jody Lynn Nye and others chose as the best of the best.

Be amazed. Be amused. Be transported … by stories that take you by surprise and take you further and deeper into new worlds and new ideas than you’ve ever gone before….

Twelve captivating tales from the most exciting new voices in science fiction and fantasy accompanied by three from masters of the genre.

A miracle? An omen? Or something else? One day, they arrived in droves—the foxes of the desert, the field, the imagination….—“Kitsune” by Devon Bohm

When a vampire, a dragon and a shape-shifting Chihuahua meet on a beach in Key West, fireworks go off! But that’s just the background. —“Moonlight and Funk” by Marianne Xenos

Dan Shamble, Zombie P.I., faces one of his funniest and most perplexing cases ever—an enlightened ogre, a salamander with low self-esteem, and a raging fire dragon terrorizing the Unnatural Quarter! —“Fire in the Hole” by Kevin J. Anderson

The Grim Reaper, trapped in an IRS agent’s dying body, must regain his powers before he dies and faces judgment for his original sin. —“Death and the Taxman” by David Hankins

In a metaverse future, a woman who exposes falseness in others must decide what is real to her—the love she lost or the love she may have found. —“Under My Cypresses” by Jason Palmatier

Vic Harden wasn’t lured by glory on a daring mission into the reaches of outer space—he was ordered out there by his editor.—“The Unwilling Hero” by L. Ron Hubbard

Dangerous opportunities present themselves when an alien ship arrives in the solar system seeking repairs. —“White Elephant” by David K. Henrickson

With her spaceship at the wrong end of a pirate’s guns, a former war hero must face down her enemies and demons to save Earth’s last best chance for peace. —“Piracy for Beginners” by J. R. Johnson

Years after the Second Holocaust, the last surviving Jews on earth attempt to rewrite the past. —“A Trickle in History” by Elaine Midcoh

When I said I’d do anything to pay off my debts and get back home to Earth, I didn’t mean survey a derelict spaceship at the edge of the solar system—but here I am. —“The Withering Sky” by Arthur H. Manner

High-powered telescopes bring galactic life to our TVs, and network tuner Hank Enos figures he’s seen everything—until the day an alien boy stares back. —“The Fall of Crodendra M.” by T. J. Knight

Knights, damsels and dragons, curses and fates foretold—the stuff of legends and stories, but unexpectedly perverse.—“Constant Never” by S. M. Stirling

Determined to save his wife, Tumelo takes an unlikely client through South Africa’s ruins to the heart of the Desolation—a journey that will cost or save everything. —“The Children of Desolation” by Spencer Sekulin

When a terrorist smuggles a nuclear weapon into London, a team regresses in time to AD 1093 to assassinate a knight on the battlefield, thereby eliminating the terrorist a millennia before his birth. —“Timelines and Bloodlines” by L. H. Davis

The Grand Exam, a gateway to power for one, likely death for all others—its entrants include ambitious nobles, desperate peasants, and Quiet Gate, an old woman with nothing left to lose. —“The Last History” by Samuel Parr

You will love this collection of the best new voices because, as Locus magazine puts it, “Excellent writing…extremely varied. There’s a lot of hot new talent.”

Get it now.

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The Review

This collection of stories was a wonderful reminder of how much talent resides within the sci-fi and fantasy community. The balance within this magazine of new stories and breathtaking artwork made this a compelling collection to get lost in. Each of these authors was able to draw the reader into their individual worlds and showcase the creativity and direction this collection began to bring together.

To me, the biggest draw of this book was the way the authors and even illustrators were able to bring such grounded and relatable protagonists to each story while also providing a believable yet fantastic fiction world to submerge ourselves into. The imagery and the atmosphere combined allowed the reader to bring these powerful stories to life in their mind, each story feeling like a cinematic display waiting to come to life in some Hulu-driven sci-fi and fantasy anthology series. 

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The Verdict

Memorable, captivating, and engaging, “L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 39” is a must-read issue of the acclaimed authority on all things sci-fi and fantasy. Although some attention is paid to the magazine’s namesake and despite my personal feelings on the man, the authors do a wonderful job of finding their own unique voice within their stories and providing readers a great balance of escapism and running commentary on the world around us that will delight and excite fans of the genre completely. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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LOY: in the Forests of the Mind by Todd David Gross 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.

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In a world destroyed and humanity forced to start over, a small group of humans evolved without technology, learning to become one with nature and the world around them, while another regrouped into a Romanesque society built upon conquest, leading a clash that will change both their worlds forever in author Todd David Gross’s “LOY: in the forests of the mind”.

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The Synopsis

The world is destroyed.

Stripped of all modern technology, a small group of people survive and evolve.The Rehloy are born blind and don’t gain sight until they reach puberty. Learning of the world first through their other senses, creates such a high level of awareness in them that they border on the mystical.

For a thousand years they have lived in isolation, developing a special relationship with nature. Theirs is a “spiritual” life, ethereal, in some ways divine. But the outside world is intruding. The trees have begun to whisper of change….

On a distant shore, men whose technology isakin to the ancient Romans, have landed. Bent on conquest, they cut down trees, carve out roads, and begin to build a city.

And so, the struggle between a shamanic-like culture and an industrial one begins.

Loy is the story of a shaman, who must leave his homeland to discover the truth, and in so doing becomes its instrument.

It is about a mother who sacrifices her freedom and sanity in order to save her unborn child. It is about a child born with excruciating sensitivities, whose pain eventually becomes a source of great strength.

It is about monsters and madness, paradise found and lost. It is about the search for inner truth and a journey into the nature of mind and spirit.

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The Review

This was such a powerful and gripping sci-fi fantasy novel. The imagery and atmosphere the author created were felt immediately, as the story brought this lush world and nature in the wake of disaster to life perfectly. The action and suspense that came with this new world was engaging, and being able to see how these new societies of people in the wake of our society’s collapse evolved and yet fell into similar pitfalls of our own making was unique to see come to fruition in the narrative. 

Yet the heart of this novel came in the rich world-building and character development of the narrative. The way the author was able to build upon the world we know and flush out brand new mythos and delve into the concept of how we connect and interact with the world around us on both a physical and spiritual nature was amazing to watch come to fruition on the page. The heartfelt story of a mother in this new society and her child, the former that sacrifices everything for their child and the latter that uses their pain as a source of strength really will speak to readers as the backdrop of this conflict between two very different societies takes shape.

The Verdict

Entertaining, thoughtful, and thrilling, author Todd David Gross’s “LOY: in the Forests of the Mind” is a must-read sci-fi and fantasy novel. The heart that goes into this narrative and the brilliant world-building an immediate draw to readers, and the twists and turns in the direction that these characters go will keep readers on the edge of their seats. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

In a past life, Todd David Gross had an extensive background in music and was a veteran of such rock groups as The Burning Sensations, The Band Next Door, and The Shout! He performed primarily on bass, sometimes keys, sang, wrote songs, hauled equipment and performed in downtown NYC clubs, (usually after 2 a.m. on a work night), hauled equipment back, and sometimes saw the sunrise.

Along the way he discovered esoteric literature, and for decades has been an avid student of philosophical, and psychological studies, embracing both Western constructs and Eastern philosophies which strive to bring the light of consciousness to humanity.

Eventually, he traded one keyboard for another and wrote several plays including The Visit, Life In The Park, Sense Memory, all performed in New York City. His most “prestigious” play, Them Within Us, ran Off-Broadway at Theater Row Theater, (alas, now Theater Row Diner), and was published by Broadway Play Publishing.

Thereafter he set about writing Loy, which has become a series, and his most extensive achievement to date. You can read more about Todd by visiting his website at www.toddgrossauthor.com

Forgotten Evil (The Forgotten Saga Book 1) by Quill Holland 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.

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A man with a hidden past he has no memory of must go on a journey to save his partner after she is abducted by the all-powerful Empire in author Quill Holland’s “Forgotten Evil”, the first book in The Forgotten Saga.

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The Synopsis

If you had the power to rewrite people’s thoughts… would you?

As a thirty-five-year-old farmer on a colony world, Raith is a kind and simple man, with a catch – he’s only existed for two years. His previous life is a mystery; the only clue to his past is a dark, ominous voice inside his head.

When the Empire executes its triennial ‘Soul Harvest’, Raith’s partner, Amorina, is amongst the abducted colonists. Stowing away aboard one of the departing ships, Raith must navigate strange yet familiar territory in an attempt to save her. Haunted by his inner demon, the rescue becomes increasingly complex, as Raith finds himself caught between the Empire, the Insurgency, and the United Earth Republic, with new friends and enemies knowing more about Raith’s history than he does.

Finally, as his past catches up with him, Raith discovers the dark truth about his former life and the powerful technology responsible for erasing it. With the burden of his disturbing past weighing upon him, Raith is forced into wielding that power once more; and the fate of humanity hangs on his decision.

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The Review

This was a masterful and exhilarating sci-fi read. The author did a remarkable job of finding a way of balancing the story with epic mythos and intimate character development. The world-building was so above par, with a vast network of planets and divided allegiances that speak to a long and storied universe that the protagonist finds himself hurtling through. The imagery really brought this narrative to life in a fresh and engaging way.

To me, the combination of powerful character growth and strong themes of morality, and the fine line between good and evil made this such a standout novella. The way the protagonist embodied both good and evil with his past and present constantly colliding, and the morality of what it means to change worlds “for the better” made this a compelling story, as did the rich character arcs that showcased the romance, the drama, and the sci-fi action that fans of the genre have come to know and love. 

The Verdict

Memorable, captivating, and entertaining, author Quill Holland’s “Forgotten Evil” is a fantastic sci-fi novella and the perfect first book in The Forgotten Saga. The twists and turns in the narrative and the shocking mysterious ending shows a wealth of backstory and world-building still left to discover, and the fast pace of the narrative itself will keep readers coming back to this story time and time again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Quill Holland has previously published two short stories, The Last of Her Kind and What Mattered Most, and has now published his first novella: Forgotten Evil!

Growing up, Quill could always be found with his nose in a book, or watching the latest science-fiction movie. As a result, he’s developed an imagination that never stops, and naturally, sci-fi and fantasy is largely the domain that Quill’s own work inhabits.

Whether it was typing code or writing fiction, Quill has been creating content for years; now as a recent creative writing graduate from the New Zealand Institute of Business Studies and a member of the New Zealand Society of Authors, Quill has taken the plunge by self-publishing his first work.

When he’s not debugging code or creating worlds, Quill likes to dabble in illustration and photography, as well as exploring the natural beauty of New Zealand with his partner.

Einstein in the Attic by Dana Dargos & Said Al Bizri 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. 

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A man who fled war-torn Lebanon questions God’s existence and searches for answers from history’s greatest minds after developing a nano hadron collider in authors Dana Dargos & Said Al Bizri’s “Einstein in the Attic”. 

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The Synopsis

Set against the backdrop of the war between science and God, reason and faith, Einstein in the Attic is the story of one scientist’s search for truth and meaning when faced with the ultimate question: Is there a God? Fleeing war-torn Lebanon, Adam Reemi’s faith is shaken by the hardships he has endured, but when he and a colleague successfully construct a nano hadron collider, and using sound waves, Adam finds unheard-of power at his fingertips. To help him answer the greatest question mankind has ever posed, he zaps the best philosophical minds of all time–namely Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, Soren Kierkegaard, and Baruch Spinoza–from the past and into his attic. Not all goes according to plan, however, and Adam finds himself in a race against time to formulate an answer to the question of intelligent design… or risk losing everything.

The Review

This was such a fun and thought-provoking read. The balance the author found with the sci-fi, witty conversational aspects of the narrative with the more grounded, heartbreaking, and thoughtful storytelling of the main character’s arc was amazing to see come to life on the page. The world-building and scientific nature of the narrative was gripping, and powerful imagery felt very cinematic in the writing itself. 

The heart of this narrative rested in the character development and the philosophical discussion that happens both in the book and within the reader’s mind as a result. The way the authors take the time to really delve into Adam’s backstory and the childhood experiences that shaped his life was heartfelt and truly emotional, keeping a sense of relatability for the reader as the more sci-fi elements of the story came to life. The attention to detail the science aspect of the narrative brought to life was enlightening and thoughtful, and the impact of these historical figures on Adam’s journey was thrilling to read.

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The Verdict

Memorable, engaging, and thought-provoking, authors Dana Dargos and Said Al Bizri’s “Einstein in the Attic” is a must-read sci-fi novel. The adventure and science behind the tech that brings these figures into the modern day and the rich and emotional backstory that shapes Adam’s philosophical and intellectual dilemmas will keep readers glued to the pages of this book as the narrative takes shape. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Authors

Dana Dargos is an award-winning Lebanese-American writer born and raised in the Bay Area. From the moment she created adventurous, crayon-scribbled tales in kindergarten, she knew writing would forever be a part of her life. She graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in English Literature. Einstein in the Attic is her debut novel.

Home – Dana Dargos

Said Al Bizri is an award-winning writer, existentialist thinker, and avid researcher with a BA from the American University of Beirut. He works as a business development director in a number of countries. Together, Said and Dana conducted five years of research to ensure plausible and accurate scientific and historical information. Einstein in the Attic is also his debut novel.

The Negotiated Death of Sara Glen (All Our Forgotten Futures Book 1) by Brady Koch 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.

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A young woman’s DNA may hold the key to saving the world from an emerging threat in author Brady Koch’s “The Negotiated Death of Sara Glen”, the first book in the All Our Forgotten Futures series.

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The Synopsis

The results of an at-home DNA testing kit reveal the key to eradicating an emerging threat. Getting that key may cost Sara her life.

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The Review

This was a thought-provoking and engaging ethical sci-fi meets suspense thriller. The emotional weight of the narrative and the illness that the protagonist is set to help fight against definitely speaks to the emotional weight of the pandemic over the course of the last few years. The rich character development that this narrative had really kept the pace of the story flowing quickly, and yet added a depth of engagement for readers to really feel connected to the moral and emotional plight of the protagonist. 

For me, the true heart of the story rested in the author’s ability to cement suspense into the narrative. The shocking back-and-forth struggles the protagonist’s faces are only added to when the realities of both sides of the discussion come into play. On one hand, the moral quandary of her sacrifice in helping to stop a pandemic before it occurs and helping save children’s lives seems like a straightforward answer, and yet when those seeking her aid prove to have shady and somewhat chilling means of gaining her help, the story becomes a question of at what cost does a person’s sacrifice need to come to?

The Verdict

Thoughtful, engaging, and heart-pounding, author Brady Koch’s “The Negotiated Death of Sara Glen” is a must-read ethical sci-fi meets suspense thriller novel and a great start to a mind-bending series of stories in the All Our Forgotten Futures series. The twists and turns will definitely keep readers invested, but it was the heart and emotion that the author infused into this suspenseful tale that will resonate with readers, as the question of how we as people value life really drives a moral and philosophical discussion into this exhilarating read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Feel free to read over Brady’s shoulder if you see him working on a new novel or short story at the coffee shop or library. Despite his penchant for crime, horror, and the unusual in his writing, he’s actually a nice guy and welcomes your feedback. Brady Koch’s first collection of short works, Guns, Gods & Robots, is now available. His debut novel, All our Forgotten Futures, will be available in Winter 2023.

Website: www.BradyKoch.com

https://twitter.com/bradythewriter

Email: BradyKochBooks@gmail.com

Pulstar I – The Swan Barely Remembers (Pulstar Book One) by Giancarlo Roversi Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews2 Comments

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

Three strangers must remember a shared past of a previous life and the connection they share before an ancient evil rises to wreak havoc on humanity in author Giancarlo Roversi’s “Pulstar 1 – The Swan Barely Remembers”, the first book in the Pulstar series. 

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The Synopsis

Three strangers who share a forgotten past confront a vengeance they incited when their bodies weren’t human.

In Astralvia, a nation on the brink, astronomer Jeral Murh’s life is in limbo.

She’s woken from a coma with fresh memories and is certain of two things:

Her past actions are already haunting her present.

She is not entirely human.

She must abscond from Astralvia before an ancient enemy wreaks revenge. Everything is against her. Also, she must find Aris Castilho, her former ally, and make him remember what they once meant to each other. She can’t leave without him.

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Will she find Aris and convince him of their common past?

Will they reach Esther, their third ally?

Time is short … the ultimate reckoning is coming … and it’s unthinkable, indescribable—the worst thing that can happen to any human being.

Find out the fate of this trio of allies in this puzzling sci-fi thriller, where the stunning ending is just the beginning. Get ready to reflect on your place in the cosmos, your raison d’être, and what being human actually means.

Riddled with mystery, suspense, and a smattering of romance, Pulstar I: The Swan Barely Remembers is the enigmatic and addictive first installment in the Pulstar trilogy; although you can also read it as a stand-alone novel. It took over ten years to make and has a soundtrack in production. Watch out for books 2 and 3, due for publication this year.

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The Review

This was a compelling and captivating sci-fi dystopian read. The author found a great balance in world-building with powerful thematic storytelling. The almost ethereal atmosphere the narrative took on and the imagery in the author’s writing style really brought this universe to life so perfectly, showcasing a future for mankind amongst the stars and the way the past impacts the present and the future all at once. 

To me, the heart of this narrative rested in the character development and the powerful themes the author explores in this book, for they both develop off of one another in a complimentary way. Jeral especially has such a great arc, both in her past life that leads to this conflict and the earth-bound life she had before her emergence occurred. The confrontation with her Earth mother and the mystery behind her sister’s disappearance play a major role in this story, and yet it is the theme of what it means to be human that has such an impact on this cast of characters, especially Jeral, for questions of science and spirituality come to a head in this futuristic world and the cliffhanger ending ensures that the cosmos will never be the same as this powerful force is unleashed.

The Verdict

Memorable, captivating, and entertaining, author Giancarlo Roversi’s “Pulstar I – The Swan Barely Remembers” is a must-read dystopian sci-fi and grand first entry into a brand new series. The twists and turns of the narrative, as well as the very cinematic approach to the storytelling and the spiritual and moral themes the author touches upon through these characters, add a philosophical aspect to this narrative that will keep readers eager for more. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Venezuela-born Giancarlo Roversi isn’t only a writer. He’s also a computer engineer and a musician who shared stages with artists such as REM, Oasis, Travis, Duran Duran, and Maroon Five.

When his band Fractaler broke up in 2011, he devoted the next ten years to cue the Pulstar Trilogy and three prequels in that universe.

He surrendered his personal life and wrote these manuscripts in his native language, Spanish, and then he translated them into English. He also composed a soundtrack for each book; they’re currently in production.

When he’s not living and breathing in his Pulstarverse, he loves family time, cooking, astronomy, animals, and having philosophical discussions—especially about the meaning of life—with anyone who cares to join him.

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Interview with Author William Brinkman 

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

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

I used to live in Bolingbrook, IL and have a passion for writing about the village. Since 1998, I’ve maintained the Bolingbrook Babbler satirical blog where I publish fictional “news articles” that are a cross between the Weekly World News and the Onion. I contributed to the Demon: The Fallen role-playing game line, and even shared a credit with Chuck Wendig for our work on Saviors and Destroyers. In 2022, I finally published the first two Bolingbrook Babbler Stories books. They’re dramatic stories compared to the lighter tone of my web articles.

I’ve had a passion for writing fiction ever since I was in grade school, with a particular love for Science Fiction and Fantasy. I enjoy imagining new settings and creating vivid characters, but I also believe that characters are just as important as the setting. After all, if readers don’t care about the characters, they won’t feel invested in the story. For this reason, I strive to create characters that readers can connect with on an emotional level.

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2.     What inspired you to write your book?

My goal with A Fire in the Shadows was to create a bridge between the first book, Pathways to Bolingbrook, and the second book, The Rift. That’s why I labeled it Book 1.5. In Pathways, Miriam decided to become a vampire, and Sara joined the Bolingbrook Babbler as a reporter. In A Fire in the Shadows, Miriam is “reborn” as Lydia, but now she has a new set of problems to deal with. Meanwhile, Sara has become the editor of the Babbler, and this story provides more details about her role and the challenges she faces.

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

In addition to providing readers with a deeper understanding of the Babbler Stories setting, I hope they will come away with a greater empathy for neurodivergent individuals. Lydia is a compassionate and caring person, but in vampiric society, those traits make her a deviant. Humans, if they knew about vampires, would fear her and see her as a monster. It’s why she feels isolated and desperately alone. Through her story, I aim to shed light on the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals.

4.     What drew you into this particular genre?

Although I’m a believer in science-based skepticism, I enjoy exploring settings where supernatural creatures coexist with modern-day humans. My interest in Urban Fantasy grew out of the Goth Punk genre that I wrote in for many years. One thing I appreciate about Urban Fantasy is that it allows for a wide range of supernatural creatures, some of which may not be the traditional “monsters” we typically think of. In this genre, authors can also portray humans as terrifying monsters, adding an extra layer of complexity to the storytelling.

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

I would choose to speak with Aurora, Lydia’s blood sister, and ask her why she became a vampire, despite knowing that it would make her cruel and uncaring. Was she a bully when she was a mortal, or did she associate kindness with weakness? The answer is the key to understand Aurora’s motivations.

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

It would be Facebook, because I spent years building an audience. Overall, I’d say my blog did the most to develop my readership.

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

Every writer’s journey is unique, and what may have worked for one author may not work for another. That’s why it’s important to do your own research and not blindly follow any writer’s advice. Be like Bruce Lee: Use what works for you, and discard what doesn’t.

8.     What does the future hold in store for you? Are any new books/projects on the horizon?

I will release a collection of my web stories from 1998 to 2017. The working title is God to Smite Bolingbrook. It will be exclusively for my newsletter subscribers. Then I plan to resume writing the third Bolingbrook Babbler book. My goal is to release it by the end of 2023, or early 2024. I don’t have dates for books four and beyond, but I will write them. My goal is to make sure each book can be read as a standalone book. I’m a writer who can’t stand ending a book on cliffhangers. 

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About the Author

William Brinkman is the creator of the Bolingbrook Babbler web series and the author of the Bolingbrook Babbler Stories series.. He is currently a member of the Freethought Blogsnetwork and has been involved in secular advocacy over the years.

He’s also a former contributor to White Wolf’s Demon: The Fallen series. Additionally, William has also written science fiction works since grade school. As a student at the University of Iowa, William majored in journalism and took as many creative writing classes as his schedule allowed. After graduation, he served as an editor at two alternative publications. These experiences later helped him start the Babbler web series in 1998.

His work has been praised by Bolingbrook residents and within the atheist/skeptical community. William is probably one of the few critics of former Bolingbrook Mayor Roger Claar who didn’t get exiled to Florida.

William Brinkman: Urban Fantasy author and fiction blogger

Hut-Yo Cull: The Hunt Begins by Dee Rose 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.

An earth-born man from the 80s joins a woman from an extinct race of bounty hunters to stop an armada of ruthless warriors led by two war-monger brothers and the god-like being who is hell-bent on preventing a prophecy that spells their doom in author Dee Rose’s “Hut-Yo Cull: The Hunt Begins”.

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The Synopsis

In the year 2345 on the planet Kazar, a young woman, Hut-Yo Cull, grows into adulthood and learns of her parent’s origins, which are a race of bounty Hunters, who were made extinct and enslaved by an intergalactic armada known as the Merciless. They are led by two brothers, Admiral Gloomis, and General Vrane. They only concern themselves with two things, a god-like creature known as MInister Milos, who also wants to rule the Universe, and a prophecy he created known as the Gunn Prophecy. In an effort to prevent the prophecy from occurring, General Gloomis travels to Earth in 1985 to stop the birth of the Jake Gunn, the prophecy’s namesake. This starts an adventure that spans to several planets throughout the universe and unites Jake, Hut-yo Cull, and their allies to do battle with the Merciless and Milos

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The Review

This was a profoundly entertaining and captivating sci-fi read. The author did an amazing job of world-building for this novel. The mythology and wealth of backstory built over the course of the novel made the universe feel so alive and vibrant on the page. This was doubly felt with the author’s use of imagery and heavy atmosphere that made these settings feel as massive and compelling as the cosmos truly is. 

Yet to me, it was the amazing balance of theme and character development that made this story shine. The themes played well into the character arcs of this story, as both protagonists find themselves on a mission of revenge and justice against this alien threat of the Merciless, and yet the story plays with the idea of how thin the line between destiny and revenge a hero’s journey can take and how our personal histories can often blur that line in life, just as it does for the protagonists here. The chemistry that forms between these two people as they face this cosmic threat was great to see come to life on the page.

The Verdict

With a haunting story, rich character growth, and an entertaining mythos to get lost in, author Dee Roses’s “Hut-Yo Cull: The Hunt Begins” is a must-read sci-fi epic you won’t be able to put down. The twists and turns in this narrative are not only plentiful but so shocking that by the book’s end, readers will be shocked and eager for the author to return to this universe immediately. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Dee Rose was born on July 5th and resides in Denver, CO, where he studied Political Science at Metropolitan State University. He has two children, Nadia and Nicole. He started writing when he entered a writing contest at William A. Wirt high school in Gary, IN. “My goal is to blow people’s minds.” He says. “But sound cool doing it.”