Tag: young adult sci-fi

Bon Echo and The Competition by Colette Bos 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 science competition leads a young woman to discover the secrets of her family and a means of protecting the world from grave threats in author Colette Bos’s “Bon Echo and the Competition”, the first in the series. 

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The Synopsis

Meet Maven, a young woman of rare brilliance and insatiable curiosity. She is a true original, and her unique perspective on the world around her makes her a captivating friend on this thrilling journey to uncover the world’s most elusive secrets. Join Maven as she re-reads her much-loved diary, recounting adventures with her fellowship, her newfound love, and her awesome feathered friend, a “Hybrid Owl Technology,” as she discovers ancient secrets about her family’s past and the true origins of her feathered friend. These secrets may be vital to protecting the planet from some of its greatest threats. All meet while competing in one of the world’s biggest high school science competitions. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves a thrilling adventure story filled with captivating characters, mesmerizing natural settings, and an all-consuming romance that will leave you feeling like you’ve witnessed an extraordinary love. Follow us at “Bon Echo and The Competition,” an exciting science-based quest filled with surprising adventures, discoveries and true love.

The Review

The author’s powerful grasp on relationships and the impact those relationships have on our journey was fantastic to see come to life on the page. Readers are immediately enthralled with protagonist Maven and her connections with the supporting cast. The relatability of the tension between her and her brother and the camaraderie between her and her friends instantly draws the reader into the narrative.

The theme of climate change and the impact we as a civilization have on the climate was a powerful message to embody throughout this book. The use of journal entries to give a first-person perspective on the narrative was inspired, as it gave more insight into Maven as a protagonist. The concept of hidden histories and forgotten civilizations was engaging and left readers eager for more from this YA sci-fi novel. 

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, imaginative, and entertaining author Colette Bos’s “Bon Echo and The Competition” is a must-read YA Sci-Fi. The twists and turns in the narrative, the heartfelt romance that blooms between the protagonist and Thomas, and the world-building that kept the protagonist engaged with the adventurous path she found herself on made this a memorable story. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Colette is a talented writer and web developer who has turned her passion for science fiction and environmental causes into a new creative writing direction. With a background in Geography, she has taken a more focused approach to exploring ecological themes in her work. Her debut book, “Bon Echo and The Competition,” the first in the Bon Echo Science Fiction series, is a captivating blend of science fiction and romance. Set in a world where environmental issues are at the forefront, Colette weaves a beautiful story of adventure and love that will captivate readers until the end. With her remarkable talent for storytelling, Colette is sure to leave a lasting impression on the science fiction genre.

Soulworm by Edward Willett 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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A would-be defender from another world finds herself hiding within the mind of a young teenage girl in our world, there to stop a powerful entity known as the Soulworm from destroying the world as it possesses the best friend of the girl she is hiding within in author Edward Willett’s “Soulworm”. 

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The Synopsis

She was never meant to be sent into the strange parallel world known as Earth . . . but now, trapped inside the mind of a teenager like herself, she must find a way to save it from destruction.

For years, Liothel has waited in vain for her powers to manifest themselves, so that she can become a full-blown Warder, defender of the realm of Mykia from the mind-controlling spirit creatures known as soulworms. But when a soulworm escapes from the Warden’s citadel through a magical portal into the parallel world of Earth, it is her spirit that, entirely by accident, is sent in pursuit.

She finds herself, a helpless, unsuspected observer, in the mind of Maribeth, a teenage girl in the small Canadian prairie city of Weyburn, Saskatchewan, in 1986—and discovers the soulworm has possessed Maribeth’s best friend, Christine.

Somehow, she must find a way to save Earth from the plague of death and destruction the soulworm and its offspring will release if allowed to spread across the unprotected planet. Only she knows the danger—and only she can stop it.

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The Review

This was a memorable and captivating read. The author did an excellent job of world-building in this book, touching upon the fictional world that Liothel hails from and the mythos of their culture and society as a whole. The way he was able to integrate this new world into our own and showcase how their powers and worldviews manifest within the minds and world of these teenage girls was incredible. The tension that builds and the way the battle brewing between Liothel and the Soulworm entity mirrors the growing drama between Maribeth and Christine was fantastic to see play out on the screen.

The fantastic storytelling of the author’s fictional world and the imagery found within the writing style of the author’s work made this a thrilling and enthralling read. The way action and suspense of this YA read play into the theme of finding one’s purpose in life, making this a heartfelt and memorable reading experience that is not to be missed.

The Verdict

Mesmerizing, engaging, and thought-provoking, author Edward Willett’s “Soulworm” is a must-read sci-fi meets fantasy YA read. The twists and turns in the narrative, as well as the infinite world of possibility that is presented to the protagonist of this story, make this a crafty and creative read that is impossible to put down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Sign up for Edward Willett’s writing newsletter for the latest on new books, interviews, appearances, and more!

https://mailchi.mp/f6014fab4f2d/edward-willetts-writing-newsletter

Edward Willett is an award-winning author of more than sixty books science fiction, fantasy and non-fiction for both children and adults. He’s also host of the Aurora Award-winning podcast The Worldshapers: “Conversations with science fiction and fantasy authors about the creative process.” (http://www.theworldshapers.com). He successfully Kickstarted and edited a new anthology, Shapers of Worlds, featuring authors who were guests during the first year of the podcast.

Among his novels are twelve published by DAW Books, one of the premier publishers of science fiction and fantasy publishers: Lost in Translation, Marseguro (which won the 2009 Aurora Award for best English-language science fiction or fantasy book by a Canadian author), and its sequel Terra Insegura (a finalist for the 2010 Aurora Award); Magebane (written as Lee Arthur Chane); the Masks of Aygrima fantasy trilogy for DAW Books, written as E.C. Blake; the stand-alone science fiction novel The Cityborn. His Worldshapers series began with Worldshaper (“a rollicking contemporary fantasy,” Publishers’ Weekly said in a starred review), and continued with Master of the World and The Moonlit World. His latest is The Tangled Stars, a humorous far-future space-opera adventure. Willett is also the author of The Shards of Excalibur modern-day YA fantasy series for Coteau Books, I Tumble Through the Diamond Dust, a collection of science fiction and fantasy poetry published by Your Nickel’s Worth Publishing, and Paths to the Stars, a collection of his short fiction; Blue Fire a YA fantasy written as E.C. Blake, and Star Song, a YA science fiction novel that was a finalist for the Aurora Award for Best Canadian YA Science Fiction or Fantasy Novel, all published by Shadowpaw Press

His YA fantasy Spirit Singer, recently re-published by Shadowpaw Press, won a Saskatchewan Book Award; he’s been shortlisted many other times.

Willett is represented by literary agent Ethan Ellenberg.

Born in Silver City, New Mexico, Willett lived in Bayard, New Mexico, and Lubbock and Tulia, Texas, before moving to Weyburn, Saskatchewan, with his family when he was eight years old.

He studied journalism at Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas, then returned to Weyburn as a reporter/photographer for the weekly Weyburn Review, eventually becoming news editor. In 1988 he moved to Regina, Saskatchewan, as communications officer for the Saskatchewan Science Centre, and in 1993 he became a fulltime freelance writer. He still resides in Regina.

Besides being a writer, Willett is a professional actor and singer who has performed in dozens of plays, musicals and operas in and around Saskatchewan, hosted local television programs, and emceed numerous public events.

He’s married to a telecommunications engineer and has one daughter and a black Siberian cat named Shadowpaw.

Zarya Episode II: Sochi Unleashed (Zarya: Guardians of Cydnus Series Book 2) by Jackiem Joyner 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 survival of a technologically advanced world running low on oxygen forces Zarya to navigate a politically charged arena while her father searches for a means of resurrecting a project that might save their people in author Jackiem Joyner’s “Zarya Episode II: Sochi Unleashed”, the second book in the Zarya: Guardians of Cydnus Series.

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The Synopsis

In Zarya Episode II Sochi Unleashed, the fate of Cydnus, a highly advanced desert world, hangs in the balance. With oxygen levels beginning to deplete, this politically divided planet stands on the brink of an existential crisis.

In the heart of the advanced city of New Cebrenia City, Zarya, along with her father, Aaron, and friends Kizzy and Marco, must navigate a complex web of political strife. With Vice Chairman Eros’s dark plots threatening their progress, the security of their only political ally, the chairman, is under threat.

Their most powerful asset is Sochi, Zarya’s advanced AI Airboard. Yet, Sochi’s newfound ability to control other machines presents both significant opportunities and risks.

Meanwhile, Aaron embarks on a perilous journey into the cosmos, driven by desperation to resurrect a long-abandoned project that might be Cydnus’s last hope. His mission, shadowed by his past, is a race against time, with the future of Cydnus at stake.

Zarya Episode II: Sochi Unleashed delves into the intricate relationship between sentient beings and technology, bravery amidst uncertainty, and the struggle for survival. As Zarya, her allies, and Sochi traverse this journey, the tale evolves into a saga filled with challenges and triumphs. Welcome to Cydnus, a world teetering on the brink of an uncertain future, in this captivating narrative.

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The Review

This was a fast yet epic read. The author did an incredible job of building upon the mythos the author created in book one and elevating the world-building through some pretty incredible political and action-packed strife for the characters. The strong imagery that the author’s writing has really brings out the heavy sci-fi elements of the narrative.

The balance of rich character development with the strong themes that reflect on our own society made this such a compelling short read. The pressures of their world’s fate and the threats that surround them help elevate Zarya’s evolution, and the desperation of Aaron’s mission elevates the depths of their dedication to their world. The themes of AI and our relationship with evolving technology, as well as almost cult-like reverence for political and powerful figures in our society that turn violent, made this a fantastic read.

The Verdict

Memorable, action-packed, and engaging, author Jackiem Joyner’s “Zarya Episode II: Sochi Unleashed” is a must-read sci-fi and YA short story, and a great entry in the Zarya: Guardians of Cydnus series. The twists and turns in the growing world the author has captured and the fantastic way today’s world plays out across this futuristic landscape made this a thought-provoking read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Jackiem Joyner has loved Science Fiction ever since he was a child, fascinated by all the stories and imaginations of futuristic worlds. But it wasn’t until later in his life, after experiencing huge success in the recording business, that he decided to put pen to paper – the result of which is his debut novel, Zarya.

Gathering from his experiences traveling the world as a recording artist, he developed a knack for good science fiction stories after reading several books a month. Having used and operated many devices from the future, he incorporated exciting equipment and imaginary scientific ideas into dramatic thrillers that are sure to keep readers on edge.

Jackiem was born in Norfolk, Virginia and spent most of his young adult life in Syracuse New York before moving to Los Angeles, California where he currently resides. In addition to writing fun stories, Jackiem Joyner has experienced huge success as a recording artist, with multiple songs peaking at number 1 on the billboard charts and 5 international records released.

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Araña and Spider-Man 2099: Dark Tomorrow by Alex Segura 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 hero who lost her mentor finds help from a man in the future who has lost his way as a hero himself in author Alex Segura’s “Araña and Spider-Man 2099: Dark Tomorrow”, the latest YA Marvel novel!

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The Synopsis

Araña is a Spider-Girl lost in time. . . . Miguel is a Spider-Man who’s lost his way. . . . Together, they’re our only hope.

Araña. It means spider—and it also means Anya Corazon. She was a normal Brooklyn teenager with normal Brooklyn problems—until a few months ago, when she was gifted with amazing spiderlike abilities, from super-strength and heightened agility to web-slinging. A powerful mentor guided her on how best to use these new powers for good—until Anya lost him, just as she lost her mother, just as she’s about to lose everything she knows.

Nueva York. It is the future of New York City, the home of the Spider-Man of 2099, and where Anya finds herself stranded, tossed across the century. And Nueva York’s Spider-Man, billionaire CEO Miguel O’Hara, is Araña’s only hope of getting home. But Araña and Spider-Man are about to discover that the enemies they face have dark and powerful connections to both heroes—and that this unlikely team across time will need to save much more than each other. . . .

Alex Segura, the Anthony Award–winning author of Secret Identity and Star Wars Poe Dameron: Free Fall, brings two fan-favorite Spider-Verse heroes together in prose for the first time in this thrilling new time-hopping adventure.

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The Review

This was such an incredible read. The author did an amazing job of world-building and making this corner of the Marvel universe his own. The action and adventure of the narrative were greatly fleshed out in this novel, and the story of a young woman thrust into an ancient war between two organizations and forced to become a part of a grand destiny felt fresh and unique to this world, giving a new voice to the Spider-verse as it were. 

For me, the heart of this narrative was in both Anya’s and Miguel’s stories. The shared feeling of loss and fear of responsibility that they face in going after the conspiracy that ties them together were great themes to explore through these characters. Getting to see some more Hispanic culture and representation with these characters was amazing as well, and their story is something that would be great to see explored in future MCU-related storylines in the future. 

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The Verdict

Memorable, action-packed, and entertaining, author Alex Segura’s “Araña and Spider-Man 2099: Dark Tomorrow” is a must-read YA sci-fi and fantasy novel and a brilliant addition to the Marvel Universe as a whole. The twists and turns in the narrative, the shared history of family loss and surprise betrayals that both Miguel and Anya experience, and the imagery all brought this narrative to life in a brilliant way. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Alex Segura is the bestselling and award-winning author of Secret Identity, which the New York Times called “wittily original” and named an Editor’s Choice. NPR described the novel as “masterful,” and it received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, and Booklist. Alex is also the author of Star Wars Poe Dameron: Free Fall, the Pete Fernandez Miami Mystery series, and a number of comic books – including The Mysterious Micro-Face (in partnership with NPR), The Black Ghost, The Archies, The Dusk, The Awakened, and more. His short story, “90 Miles” was included in The Best American Mystery and Suspense Stories for 2021 and won the Anthony Award for Best Short Story. By day he is the Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Oni Press, with previous stints at Archie Comics and DC Comics.

A Miami native, he lives in New York with his wife and children.

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Pirates of Marauda: Circles in Time by Forest Fox 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 father and his children find themselves on an adventure through time and space when they are shipwrecked on an island filled with pirates who never age, Jurassic-age creatures, and a group of people known as the Children of Eden in author Forest Fox’s “Pirates of Marauda: Circles in Time”, the first book in the Pirates of Marauda series. 

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The Synopsis

Technology from the age of Eden… Out on one of their treasure-hunting diving adventures, brothers Eli and Zoe and their Dad come upon an earthshaking discovery when a powerful tropical storm leaves them shipwrecked on an unknown tropical island. In the jungle, they encounter nineteenth-century buccaneers who never age but can barely fend off the Jurassic creatures who rule this place. As they all try to escape the island, they come upon Shakti, a captivatingly beautiful princess, who leads them to her people, the Children of Eden. They soon learn that these people from another world have been conducting a desperate experiment with their crystal technology, in which the trio themselves have become the unintended victims. Pirates of Marauda: Circles in Time is Book 1 of the Pirates of Marauda trilogy, an adventure through space and time.

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The Review

This was a fast-paced and captivating YA read. The author does a wonderful job of capturing the adrenaline and wonders that the characters experience as they come into contact with this shocking new world. The world-building and mythos the author delves into were richly developed, and harken back to some of the myths, legends, and conspiracy theories that have found a resurgence in our modern world today, including the ancient land of Mu and Lemur, among other things. 

The character growth and rich imagery really helped bring readers into this narrative naturally. The chemistry between the father and his sons was jumping right off the page, and the way the author was able to incorporate elements of their own lives and bring them into the background of these characters added a depth of naturalness and relatability that the narrative needed. The setting of this narrative was so expertly brought to life, and the descriptive way the world was brought to life elevated the action and adventure elements of the narrative completely.

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The Verdict

Memorable, action-packed, and entertaining, author Forest Fox’s “Pirates of Marauda: Circles in Time” is a brilliant YA Sci-Fi and Fantasy novel and a great first entry into the Pirates of Marauda series. The twists and turns in the narrative and the rich mythology the author develops bring such a depth of world-building for the reader to get absolutely lost in, making this a stellar read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Author FOREST FOX brings his love of adventure to the page in this whirlwind fantasy saga, The Pirates of Marauda trilogy, about what happens when he and his two sons, while on a treasure hunting, diving expedition in the Bermuda Triangle, find a sunken flying saucer that turns out to be the craft that brought Adam and Eve to this planet.

The germinating idea for the story was inspired by a drawing by his son, award-winning artist Eli D’Elia. The author delights in weaving fact with fiction and folklore in this highly original tale, which also serves as a whimsical medium to depict his unconventional philosophy of life.

The author is also a SF Bay Area singer/songwriter and recording and performing artist.

Known in the world of paintball as Magic Carpet Bob, he was 1991 World Paintball Champion with his Team Ironmen, and is resident pro at Paintball Jungle in the Napa Valley.

https://www.forestfoxpress.com/

Forever Child: A Novel of the Future by Mark Lavine 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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Two children born to very different worlds switch places and discover the hardships and struggles that await them in author Mark Lavine’s “Forever Child: A Novel of the Future”.

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The Synopsis

In the year 2315 you will live for hundreds of years and never age beyond eleven-years-old. That is, if you’re one of the lucky ones. But the not-so-lucky ones are disturbingly close, and they’re threatening your safety, security, and even your deepest beliefs. Soon, it will be all-out war.

Three-hundred years into the future…

And the world has changed. Among a chosen few, life expectancy is now hundreds of years; these are the forever children, and science has found a way to keep them in a nearly endless childhood. Secure in their giant hives, they have left the outsiders, who must live natural lives, to fend for themselves.

This is the story of Kianno and Seelin, two children who find themselves trading places in this strange new world, one leading the life of a forever child and the other growing up in the anarchy of the outside world. Their lives come together again in surprising and unexpected ways, as they both become involved in a fierce struggle between the two worlds.

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The Review

This was a brilliant and captivating read. The author did an amazing job of world-building in this narrative, giving readers a feeling of dystopia meets futurism in this story. The imagery the author infused into the writing of this book allowed the reader to get a clear image of this vast new world, both on the outside and within the hives in the forever children reside. The fast-pacing of story allowed the reader to fully immerse in this world and get a sense of the history that has developed without sacrificing any of the action or suspense that comes forward.

Yet in the heart of this narrative rested a great sense of character development, as both Kianno and Seelin’s journey helped to emphasize the hardships and pitfalls of life both inside and outside of the hives. The melding of science, faith, and what it means to be a family all became prominent themes within the story, and the gripping action helped bring these two protagonist’s stories to life as the unique vision of the future the author conjures up takes a firm hold in the reader’s mind.

The Verdict

Memorable, thought-provoking, and entertaining, author Mark Lavine’s “Forever Child: A Novel of the Future” is a must-read YA Sci-Fi novel that felt like the perfect mix of Brave New World meets The Giver. The twists and turns in the narrative and the emotional connection that these characters form, especially with the side character Sofia and the protagonists, made for an engaging and remarkable story that couldn’t be put down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Mark Lavine is the author of four novels: Dr Prozac, ForeverChild, Victimless Crimes, and Windekind. He lives in the mountains of Vermont with his wife, daughter, and King Charles Spaniel (Luna). Luna follows him tirelessly on his many hikes and cross-country skis through the woods near his home. Luna sleeps tirelessly while Mark spends a few hours of every day working on his next book. He also loves to play classical piano, and Beethoven in particular. To get acquainted with his work, Mark recommends ForeverChild for scifi fans, and Windekind for thriller fans. 

http://www.marklavine.net/

City at My Feet (Mannahatta Series Book 1) by Thomas Moore 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. 

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A young woman must go through a portal and save her sister from a hideous mythological beast in author Thomas Moore’s “City at My Feet”, the first book in the Mannahatta Series. 

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The Synopsis

If you are looking for a captivating novel with an amazing heroine and which includes parallel universes, mythology, and time travel all in one, then look no further than City At My Feet, Book 1 of the Mannahatta Series.

From the very start of the novel (the “ordinary life” phase, if you are a fan of the hero’s journey) we are introduced to an alternative and futuristic culture, a culture that still honors its past as well as its present. The land is an alternate version of Manhattan wherein the Europeans had never arrived.

We meet Sakima (suh-KEE-muh), a young woman intent on being a warrior and we learn about her dreams. She is a character you’ll love and root for as she battles against impossible odds. Soon after, her dreams are put to the test as she uses a portal to go to current-day New York City to save her younger sister who had been kidnapped by a gigantic and hideous mythological monster called Yakwahe (yuh-KWAH-hay). We also meet her sympathetic parents, family, and friends, each who play a key part in this story’s plot.

Sakima’s adventure gets her nearly destroyed many times in many places in the multiverse (called the Many Worlds in her culture) as she fights this monster as well as human monsters; gains friends; and discovers her own strengths and weaknesses.

This is a great, page-turning read, the first in a series (the second book comes out in the Fall of 2023). Read City At My Feet for a fun, shocking, and satisfying story. Highly recommended and look for more soon from this aspiring new author, Tom More!

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The Review

I absolutely loved this book. The author did such an incredible job of world-building in this narrative, immediately introducing readers to a world in which Europeans never landed on the North American continent, and the Native American people were allowed the thrive and grow. The narrative then expands to multiple worlds, and the creature development the author draws upon was unique and something not seen often in modern-day YA fantasy and sci-fi series.

Yet to me, it was the character development and cultural inclusivity that really stood out to me. Seeing the emphasis the author put on having a strong, powerful yet relatable, and vulnerable female protagonist was great to see come to fruition, as she embodied the need to embrace our true selves and fight for the future we want for ourselves. The attention to detail the author paid to Native American lore and culture was also amazing, as the culture played a major role in the development of Sakima as a protagonist and the role that family played was also greatly explored through that cultural lens. 

The Verdict

Thrilling, captivating, and entertaining, author Thomas Moore’s “City at My Feet” is a must-read YA Sci-Fi and Fantasy novel and a great start to the Mannahatta series. The amazing development of this protagonist, the epic world-shattering action that keeps the reader’s blood pumping, and the thoughtful imagery that brings these worlds to life in the reader’s mind made for a brilliant reading experience. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Thomas More holds an advanced degree in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing. Although college-educated in the art, craft, and labor of writing novels, he is self-taught when it comes to science fiction and its associated tropes, its readers, and the best of its writers. His favorite pastime is going for long motorcycle rides on city streets, country roads, and beaches (where allowed, of course!).

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Preview of City At My Feet:

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Pebble Adventure of a Drone by Jane McKay 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 drone from a dying world must try to save the remnants of its people while also protecting the people of Earth who quickly become its new family in author Jane McKay’s YA sci-fi adventure, “Pebble Adventure of a Drone”.

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The Synopsis

The small drone sped away from its dying star.

It did not look back at the doomed orb as it traveled through black space. It had a single mission – find a new viable planet and report. Many years of travel later it saw a possible candidate for its mission. The drone spied the blue-washed planet ahead. Would it find a world for its people or be doomed to a lonely existence on a faraway world?

Read the exciting story of Pebble as it helps to battle for its new family on its new home world, Earth. Can it help protect them from a menace from outer space?

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The Review

This was an exhilarating, fun, and engaging sci-fi and YA read. The passion and world-building the author was able to accomplish in this book were remarkable, as the grand mythos surrounding the universe and Earth’s place within it came into focus with the introduction of Pebble into this family’s life. The heightened stakes of the threat to Earth and the universe-spanning settings gave readers a remarkable glimpse into the author’s mindset and creativity, crafting a unique narrative that resonates with young adult readers.

The vast wealth of character development and the memorable imagery found within the author’s writing style was the heart of this narrative. The connection Pebble made with the young family who lucked their way into finding it was so amazing to read and see come to life on the page, as it challenged our notion of what humanity and emotional connections really are and what limits (if any) exist in this universe. The descriptive and action-packed nature of the narrative really made this feel like a cinematic experience as well.

The Verdict

Captivating, thought-provoking, and entertaining, author Jane McKay’s “Pebble Adventure of a Drone” is a must-read YA sci-fi adventure. The book felt as if Wall-E met E.T. with a hint of Superman-adjacent lore mixed into the story, and readers will love the ode to sci-fi that the author draws into the narrative while also providing an emotional and well-developed cast of characters that will resonate with the reader overall. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Jane McKay is a graduate of Ohio State University with a BA in Geography. She loves her field because it touches on all the other sciences and allows her imagination to soar with lots of ‘what if’ questions. All her life she has wondered about the world outside her door. Credit through has to be given to her family who have kept her firmly grounded on this home planet. That’s okay, it only causes her to dream more. The best hope she has is to gather new friends to share her dreams.

Cut From Stone by Brendan O’Meara Review

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

A teenager living in a world split in half between two different factions is chosen to be one of several teens to be transformed into elite soldiers in author Brendan O’Meara’s “Cut From Stone”. 

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The Synopsis

The world is fresh from humanity splitting in half – the BlankZone in the East and the Federation in the West. As an inevitable attack from the BlankZone looms, the Federation makes swift, mysterious, and unexpected moves to prepare.

James, a 17-year-old living in the Federation, is drafted by the military. He learns he has been selected to join a group of skilled teens who will be transformed into elite human weapons. Follow James and his friends as they mature from teenagers to lethal warriors. Together, they will face life altering events as they navigate a new existence dedicated to protecting their friends, families, and humanity at all costs. 

The Review

This was a brilliant YA Sci-Fi and Dystopian read. The author did an incredible job of layering the narrative with world-building and an atmosphere that took on the quality of futuristic historical fiction in many ways. The tension and drama that the author brought to life did an incredible job of highlighting the struggles of this dystopian future in which our world is divided, and the detailed way the settings were brought to life really made this world feel alive and realistic in a lot of ways.

Yet to me, the biggest draw of this novel was the author’s incredible character growth for his cast of characters and the pacing of the action itself. While a military dystopian YA read, the book did a great job of keeping the narrative more character-driven than action, allowing the more bloody aspects of this narrative to be something alluded to or trained for before actually heading into the thick of things. The relatability of the characters and the complex journey the protagonist in particular goes on allows readers to really become invested in his struggles and keeps the reader grounded in this new reality fully.

The Verdict

Harrowing, entertaining, and captivating, author Brendan O’Meara’s “Cut From Stone” is a great first chapter in the author’s “Crafting Humanity” series and a brilliant must-read sci-fi and YA dystopian read. The twists and turns in this world and the physical and emotional toll this adventure takes on the chosen teens allow for a more personal and driven approach to the genre than ever before, and readers will be hard-pressed to put this book down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Raised in White Plains, New York, Brendan O’Meara formed a love of stories and books from a young age. He has spent his free time over the last decade crafting his debut novel, Cut From Stone, book one in the Crafting Humanity series.

It began in Philadelphia where he attended college daydreaming about a dystopian reality. With a vivid imagination (as described by his middle school teachers) and a passion for adventure, Brendan’s novels will transport you to a different life and capture you from cover to cover.

Brendan lives in Washington, DC with his daughter, wife, and two dogs. You will find him on the weekends drinking a beer watching the Packers and Notre Dame football games. He is an avid reader with a specific interest in sci-fi, anything dystopian, fantasy, history, and all levels of fiction.

Brendan would love to hear from you, feel free to contact him any time at brendan.omeara@craftinghumanity.com.

Follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Amazon.

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