Tag Archives: Sci-Fi

Green Bank by Kyle Conroy-a review & guest post

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Green Bank by Kyle Conroy-a review & guest post

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 27, 2024

Catching lightning will make you. Its thunder may break you.

Colin Brook exists in a life of contrived solitude, especially for a man in his late twenties. He leaves little wake as he meanders between school and a quiet home life in Virginia with his father and sister. However, during a trip to the heart of the National Radio Quiet Zone in Green Bank, West Virginia, he becomes the epicenter for a quake that ripples beyond comprehension. In a matter of days, Colin goes from unremarkable to the opaque target of powerful players in the defense industry. As dire as this attention is, Colin has also caught the interest of two Green Bank residents who may possess far more powerful and destructive capabilities.

Green Bank is a sci-fi thriller that explores the boundaries and vulnerabilities of consciousness. With captivating but often conflicted characters, the story navigates the consequences of imbalanced relationships, the foundations of the cosmos, and how altruism can go severely wrong even with the best of intentions.

••••

REVIEW:GREEN BANK by Kyle Conroy is an adult sci-fi, dystopian stand alone story line focusing on soon to be thirty year old, reclusive college student Colin Brook, and an ensemble cast of doctors, professionals, specialists and otherworldly beings.

Approximately ten years earlier, Navy corpsman Aidan and John disappeared through a black hole in a secret government facility in Hawaii. Fast forward to present day, thirty year old college student Colin Brook, while on a bike ride in Green Bank, West Virginia finds himself in the National Radio Quiet Zone where his life will alter into something more but Colin’s journey into the forests of Green Bank did not go unnoticed- the US military and a defense company contracted by the government vie for control of Colin Brook.

The world building is detailed, complex and comprehensive. From the physical and the metaphysical, sociological, philosophical, and psychological constructs of the here and now; to the understanding of the consciousness, all based in theory and conjecture, as to the vulnerability of a weakened or susceptible mind. Explanations defy the justifications; reality and fact give way to illusions and imagination, where the mind may or may not conceive of the impossible.

There is a large ensemble cast of questionable and colorful characters including brother and sister Colin and Vera Brook, and their adopted father Mike; Dr. Claudia Bessel, CTO of Valence Dr. Hetuwa Fernandez; Dieter Randolph, Rainer Cameron, lady in the woods Faiza, and former Navy corpsmen Aidan and John. Not everyone is who they appear to be.

GREEN BANK is a science fiction story of power and control, secrets and lies, imagination and determination, acceptance and assent. The premise is twisted, haunting and edgy; the characters are dynamic, tragic, animated and startling. Kyle Conroy pulls the reader into a story of what if? Or how?

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

For more on Kyle and Green Bank: https://bio.site/kyleconroy

From Black Holes to Broken Hearts: The Journey of Writing My Debut Sci-Fi Novel

Over ten years ago, I had the inkling to write a book—sci-fi, specifically. This inkling was melded together with push and pull factors. The push factors were 1) nurturing a drive to finish what I start and 2) getting out of my 9-to-5 headspace, finding a creative outlet. The pull factors were 1) deep interests in black holes, dark matter, and consciousness and 2) wonder with the complexity of relationships.

Push Factor 1: Finish What You Start

Whether it is a book, a house project, marathon, or some other goal, we often confront milestones that we truly want—or need—to achieve. As with many things in life, it’s easier said than done. Well, writing a sci-fi novel was my milestone. I thought of the idea of this book over a decade ago and started actually writing it eight years ago. Several times I thought of abandoning it, fearing it was not worthwhile. But with each page completed, that path became clearer. Anytime I needed a boost, I just looked back at what I had done thus far. You can always assure yourself that you are that much closer once you’ve made the slightest progress.

Push Factor 2: Get out of Your Headspace

I may never be able to support myself purely as an author, and that is perfectly fine. I enjoy my career, but there are times when I just need a blank slate upon which I can just create. In my orderly, time-bound jobs, I rarely get the opportunity to just create art. But it is an extremely important outlet for anyone. Music, sculpting, woodworking, and more all provide an outlet for people, sharing their views of and experiences in our collective world. Given how impactful storytelling has been for me as a reader, I felt a certain level of obligation to return the favor in the best way possible.

Pull Factor 1: Black Holes, Dark Matter, and Consciousness

Sci-fi begins right where our current understanding of the universe ends. That’s why it is my favorite genre—you get to take that step into the unknown, letting creativity grow from theories and accepted truths. Black holes and dark matter arguably fascinate (perhaps terrify, too) anyone that really dwells on them. And they have appeared heavily throughout books and movies, but I wanted to take a different approach to them both. Weaving in consciousness allowed me to explore another opaque field of science and create a delicate bridge between the deep mysteries of the universe and everyday people.

Pull Factor 2: Complexity of Relationships

The core of any good story is the impact of the characters. Regardless of wild, exotic concepts, action, themes, etc., the characters usher the story along. I wanted Green Bank to fascinate a reader while keeping them grounded with plausible characters navigating life in fathomable ways. Specifically, I wanted to explore relations amongst the characters, showing how the experiences that they have with one another readily impact decisions they make in the future. And as complex as relationships may be, you can distill them down to basic drivers. These drivers also serve as key inputs to surveillance technology present in Green Bank.

I hope this post serves not just as a catalyst to read Green Bank but also as motivation for anything you have been seeking to do in your life. At one point in time, my story was just neurons firing off in my head. But with patience and consistency, it became a published book. Never has holding a book in my hand felt so meaningful, let alone people actually reading it and, hopefully, liking it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Stay curious. Keep exploring the magic you still have to share with the world.

All the best,

Kyle

SOCIAL MEDIA: Amazon Author / Goodreads/ 

Kyle Conroy is an exciting new voice in the world of science fiction, blending real-world expertise with vivid imagination. With a background in space exploration, defense, cybersecurity, and research, Kyle brings an authentic and technical edge to the stories he crafts. His passion for astrophysics—particularly the mysteries of black holes and dark matter—shapes the thrilling and mind-bending worlds he creates.

When not delving into cosmic wonders, Kyle enjoys spending time in national parks, visiting/supporting animal sanctuaries, and unwinding with a good thriller novel. His unique combination of scientific knowledge and love for storytelling promises to captivate and inspire readers on a journey beyond the stars.

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HE IS JENSEN: Part One (Windwalkers 4) by Lisa Renee Jones-review

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HE IS JENSEN: Part One (Windwalkers 4) by Lisa Renee Jones-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 25, 2024

He loved only one, but he was never what she needed, never the right man for her. The best thing he ever did was walk away from Layla before he destroyed her life. Proven over and over again, most recently when he ended up tricked by his own government into taking an “immunization” that turned him into something not quite human, a super soldier, a GTECH.

But as a threat develops that could destroy the world, he believes one beautiful, talented scientist might be able to help them find much-needed answers. That woman is Layla. The problem is that the enemy knows this, too, and he must get to her before they do. And once he finds her, will she hate him too much to accept his help and to offer hers? Because what neither of them can know, is that they might just mean life or death to each other.

•••••

REVIEW: HE IS JENSEN: Part One is the fourth instalment in Lisa Renee Jones’ adult WINDWALKERS sci-fi, urban fantasy series. This is US GTECH soldier Jensen Prescott, and astrobiologist Layla Walters’ storyline. HE IS JENSEN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty, but I recommend reading the series in order for backstory.

SOME BACKGROUND: Some years earlier, government scientists working at Area 51, injected US soldiers with alien DNA creating a super soldier known as GTECH who continue to evolve with super powers but along the way the soldiers have split into two warring factions: The Zodius group who follow a former Renegade-Julian Rain, the leader of the rebel movement, a man determined to control the world: and The Renegades,a special operations group comprised of GTECH and civilians, desperate to save humanity from the addictive street drug known as ICE.

NOTE: HE IS JENSEN is the re-release and reimagined story first introduced as Sterling /The Storm That is Sterling (Zodius Series) but has been completely rewritten with new content, characters, names and premise.

Told from three first person perspectives (Jensen, Layla and Julian) HE IS JENSEN follows in the wake of Layla’s abduction by the Zodius Group. Approximately fourteen years earlier, Layla and Jensen were newly embarking on a high school relationship when Jensen disappeared leaving Layla wondering what went wrong. Fast forward to present day, Layla is an astrobiologist who finds herself a prisoner of Julian Rain, a prisoner forced to research the street drug called ICE, looking for a cure to its’ deadly withdrawal but Layla isn’t Julian’s only prisoner, her would be rescuer is the boy she knew in school, the man who would discover there is more to Layla than meets the eye.

The world building focuses on the past, the present and a potentially deadly future for our story line heroine. Julian Rain is determined to take control, creating a world dependent upon the street drug ICE but Jensen is struggling to come to terms with a possible betrayal from his own Renegade troops.

The relationship between Jensen and Layla is one of second chances, of a sorts. A high school romance that was abruptly halted before is began, is forced to pick up in the wake of death threats against our story line couple. There are no $ex scenes as our couple find themselves fighting for their lives.

The secondary and supporting characters include the introduction of Tad Bensen, and the return of Creed, Maddox, Caleb and Julian Rain.

HE IS JENSEN: Part One introduces the next arc of the series, as the Renegades must stop the distribution and production of the street drug ICE, before humanity loses control. The premise is intriguing, dark and dramatic; the characters are dynamic and desperate. HE IS JENSEN: Part One ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one HE IS CREED Part One

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT series. Suzanne Todd (producer of Alice in Wonderland) on the INSIDE OUT series: Lisa has created a beautiful, complicated, and sensual world that is filled with intrigue and suspense. Sara’s character is strong, flawed, complex, and sexy – a modern girl we all can identify with.

In addition to the success of Lisa’s INSIDE OUT series, she has published many successful titles. The TALL, DARK AND DEADLY series and THE SECRET LIFE OF AMY BENSEN series, both spent several months on a combination of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling lists.

​Prior to publishing Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by the Dallas Women’s Magazine. In 1998 Lisa was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.

To find out about Lisa Renee Jones’ upcoming releases and giveaways, sign up for her newsletter here

For more information on Lisa Renee Jones  and her books visit: https://www.lisareneejones.com/

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Unlocked (E-labs Trilogy 1) by Peter L Kraft-review

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Unlocked (E-labs Trilogy 1) by Peter L Kraft-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 5, 2024

A discovery that shatters the boundaries of human potential. A race against time to control it.

In the hidden depths of Switzerland’s E-Labs, Dr. Natalia Accorsi and her team have made a breakthrough that could redefine humanity—a series of mysterious “combinations” that unlock extraordinary abilities lying dormant in the human body. Telekinesis. Telepathy. Accelerated healing. Abilities that defy imagination.

But with unimaginable power comes unimaginable danger.

As word of their discovery spreads, sinister forces emerge from the shadows, determined to seize the unlocking technology and tilt the global balance of power. Natalia is thrust into a deadly game of espionage, greed, and ambition, where the price of failure is global chaos.

Caught in a storm of conspiracy and manipulation, Natalia and her team must navigate the dangerous world of unlocked potential, all while grappling with the ethical boundaries of their work. With each new combination revealed, the stakes rise higher, and the line between savior and destroyer grows dangerously thin.

In a world on the brink of destruction, unlocking humanity’s potential may be the only way to save it—or doom it forever.

•••••

REVIEW:UNLOCKED is the first instalment in Peter L. Kraft’s adult E-LABS sci-fi, dystopian trilogy focusing on the hidden powers of the human mind.

Told from third person perspective UNLOCKED focuses on the ‘unlocking’ of the mind’s hidden powers. Hired by researcher Dr. Gustaf Remaley, Dr. Natalia Accorsi heads an all star team of scientists as they struggle to uncover the potential of the human brain, and in its’ wake set into motion the destructive nature of mankind. As Natalia and her team continue to build the codes that will change humanity, the inconceivable becomes a reality when betrayal becomes the catalyst in the war for the ultimate control.

UNLOCKED is a story written as a contemplation of what if; a reflection and introspection of the present; a written narrative that mirrors some of today’s questionable innovations including the pros and cons of AI; and the likelihood for war. The team at Evereldis Labs are attempting to rewrite what it means to be human but in doing so the psychokinesis aka PK is wielded as a weapon for those willing to pay the price.

UNLOCKED is a philosophical, psychological and mythological look at the human potential. A techno-thriller of manipulation and betrayal, power and control. Peter L. Kraft’s style of writing is a technical narrative yet descriptive portrayal combining science fact, science fiction and speculation. The premise is detailed, complex and thought provoking. The cast of characters are desperate, determined, destructive and questionable. UNLOCKED ends on a big of a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Only Cold Depths by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review

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Only Cold Depths (Galactic Bonds 4) by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review

 

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Description:
A WOMAN WHO CAN’T CONTROL HER POWER . . .
Everyone knows the name Vesper Quill. I used to be a lowly lab rat working in a Regal-owned corporation, but thanks to my truebond with Kyrion Caldaren, I’m now one of the most wanted fugitives in the Archipelago Galaxy.

Kyrion and I have spent the last few weeks avoiding bounty hunters, along with the Arrows, the elite Imperium warriors tasked with capturing us. Now we’ve journeyed to a distant planet that’s supposed to be a refuge for truebonded couples, but when new enemies appear, we’re once again in grave danger.

As a seer, inventor, and engineer, I’m skilled at figuring out how things work, but I can’t quite understand my growing magic and newfound psionic abilities. The clock is ticking, and if I don’t figure out how to tap into my power, I’ll doom myself to a gruesome fate, along with Kyrion.

A MAN WHO CAN’T LET GO OF HIS FEAR . . .
As Kyrion Caldaren, I’m used to being respected and feared, especially given my telekinesis, telepathy, telempathy, and other powerful psionic abilities. What I’m not used to is being on the run, but as a rogue Arrow, I’ll do anything to protect Vesper.

Just when I think we’ve finally reached a safe haven, trouble finds us again, reigniting all my fears about losing Vesper.

When the cold depths of our enemies’ plan are finally revealed, the truth is more terrifying than anything I could imagine. Soon Vesper and I are fighting for our lives again, but even with our growing truebond power, this is one battle we might not survive.

 

Barb’s Review:  Only Cold Depths by Jennifer Estep is the 4th book in her Galactic Bonds Sc-Fi/Fantasy series. As noted, many times, I am a big fan of Jennifer Estep, having enjoyed all her fantastic series.  I was thrilled to learn that she was starting a different kind of new series, and after reading this second book, I can’t wait for more.

Vesper Quill, our heroine, is on the run with her truebond, Kyrion Caldaren; with both of them being the most wanted fugitives.  Always avoiding Bounty Hunters, Arrows, Psionics, and Imperium warriors determined to capturing them. They are now journeying to a different planet that welcomes truebond couples.

Vesper is a seer, as well as being a successful inventor/ engineer: but she still needs to increase her powers to use her magic or psionic abilities. Kyrion is also very powerful, maybe more so with his Psionic Arrow abilities; he is determined to protect Vesper at any cost.  Together their truebond continues to grow.

Vesper and Kyrion arrive at House Collier, who are accepted as they are truebond; the family allows them to live in their House.  Siya, one of the daughters, is in charge of the security, with her team using Hammers as vicious weapons.  Asterin, one of the other daughters, is friends with Vesper, and she helped solve some problems in past attacks in the Imperium. To Vesper and Kyrion’s surprise, they are invited to a ball, and they are shocked that House Zimmer was invited, bringing along Zane, Wendall and Beatrice. Vesper is not happy, as the Zimmer family have always ignored her as part of their family; but their appearance forces her to listen to some truths, which they want to bring her back into the family.  Of course, Vesper hates Zane, but by the end, she will begin to accept both Zane and Wendall. 

Vesper is early at meeting with Asterin, and notices someone is trying to steal equipment; which leads her to Esmine and Pollux, with their team.  Throughout most of the book, both Esmine and Pollux are determined to kidnap either Vesper or Kyrion, which will lead into and exciting, wild, suspenseful threat against Vesper, Kyrion, Zane and Asterin.  Will they survive?

What follows is an exciting, non-stop suspenseful, intriguing, violent captivating story that kept me unable to put the book down. Vesper continued improve her magic powers, as well as being mentally able to reach out to Kyrion. She was a fantastic heroine, smart, savvy, with amazing abilities. I loved seeing Vesper & Kyrion work together to fight against their enemies, with their truebond romance continuing to increase. The last half of the book was extremely tense and exciting, with some twists and surprises along the way.

Only Cold Depths was a terrific intriguing Space/Sci-Fi adventure filled with secrets, lies, betrayal, magic, elemental, tense and danger.   Only Cold Depths was very well written by Jennifer Estep.  I can’t wait to see what Jennifer has in story of us.

••••••••••

Sandy’s Review: ONLY COLD DEPTHS is the fourth instalment in Jennifer Estep’s adult GALACTIC BONDS sci-fi, fantasy , space-opera-esque series focusing on the former leader of the Arrows Kyrion Caldaren,and thirty-seven year old R&D tech specialist / seer Vesper Quill. ONLY COLD DEPTHS should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events of book three ONLY HARD PROBLEMS.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Kyrion and Vesper) ONLY COLD DEPTHS continues to focus on the truebond relationship between our story line couple, a bond both are having difficulty accepting as true in the face of the unknown. A bounty has been placed focusing on our story line couple who seek respite and refuge on a distant planet but another betrayal threatens the lives of Kyrion and Vesper, who find themselves battling the enemy and the instability of their truebonded power.

Meanwhile, a marriage mart for the hand of Lady Asterin Armas, once again, brings Vesper’s half brother out of hiding, a brother she has never trusted, a man she believes is targeting our story line couple.

ONLY COLD DEPTHS is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and magic, greed and obsession, dysfunctional family values and deception. The premise is detailed, dramatic and inviting; the characters are animated and energetic; the romance is fated and seductive. ONLY COLD DEPTHS ends on a HEA for now-there is more story to be told.

Copies supplied for review

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An Academy for Liars by Alexis Henderson – a Review

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An Academy for Liars by Alexis Henderson – a Review

 

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Description:
Lennon Carter’s life is falling apart.

Then she gets a mysterious phone call inviting her to take the entrance exam for Drayton College, a school of magic hidden in a secret pocket of Savannah. Lennon has been chosen because—like everyone else at the school—she has the innate gift of persuasion, the ability to wield her will like a weapon, using it to control others and, in rare cases, matter itself.

After passing the test, Lennon begins to learn how to master her devastating and unsettling power. But despite persuasion’s heavy toll on her body and mind, she is wholly captivated by her studies, by Drayton’s lush, moss-draped campus, and by her brilliant classmates. But even more captivating is her charismatic adviser, Dante, who both intimidates and enthralls her.

As Lennon continues in her studies her control grows, and she starts to uncover more about the secret world she has entered into, including the disquieting history of Drayton college, and the way her mentor’s tragic and violent past intertwines with it. She is increasingly disturbed by what she learns. For it seems that the ultimate test is to embrace absolute power without succumbing to corruption . . . and it’s a test she’s terrified she is going to fail.

 

 

Review:

An Academy for Liars by Alexis Henderson is a standalone Dark Academia novel.  We meet Lennon Carter, our heroine, who recently withdrew from school, and to her shock she catches her fiancée having sex with her bff.  She quickly leaves, driving his car, as she stops at a mall, completely devastated.  She hears a phone ringing, and answers the call, which turns out to be for Lennon. She is summoned to participate in an entrance exam at Drayton College, which is a magical school that is hidden in Savannah.  After driving for eight hours, she enters an elevator to the administration, where she meets Dante, who will become her advisor.

Lennon was thrilled with Drayton’s campus and meeting all the brilliant classmates; many who became her friends. After passing the test, Lennon begins to learn how to master her power, which takes a toll over her body and mind; she is captivated by her studies, as well as learning the ability of persuasion. Lennon slowly begins to be captivated and enthralled by her advisor, Dante, despite him determined to not become involved.

Lennon continues her studies, as her control to her magic escalates, and she learns more about the history of Drayton, and the disturbing things she discovers; such as her becoming a new gatekeeper. Lennon will need to uncover the dark and haunting abilities that continue to grow, and the disturbing corruption from the school counselors; who push her to increase her dark powers.  Can she survive?

Lennon must use her powers to protect the school, but can she risk those who might destroy her.  As things escalate, she must learn to wield her powers to defeat the enemies, who are determined to take control of her powers. 

What follows is an exciting and dark story line, with tension, horror, and paranormal elements; there is a slight forbidden love story.  An Academy of Liars was a terrific read, so very well written by Alexis Henderson.  If you enjoy dark academia, you need to read An Academy of Liars, which is filled with politics, secrets, lies, betrayal; keeping me glued to the finale. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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FAILSAFE by Jeff Sylvester-a review

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FAILSAFE by Jeff Sylvester

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /B&N paper /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 3, 2024

The world runs on code, and not all code is safe. This is why Anna Flynn has a job.

Matter Manipulation Devices alter the physical world, turning dreams into reality. But some dreams are treacherous, and the streets are filled with mods that manipulate matter in illegal and dangerous ways.

As a seasoned MMD agent, Anna fights back against the criminals who misuse these devices and traffic in illegal mods. When she intervenes in a plot to assassinate one of the world’s most respected political leaders, her methods draw the ire of her superiors, and she finds herself under investigation from her own agency.

Increasingly isolated and unsure whom she can trust, Anna works to unravel a conspiracy that would unleash the worst potential of matter manipulation technology on the world.

•••

REVIEW: FAILSAFE is the first instalment in Jeff Sylvester’s adult, futuristic, sci-fi series focusing on Agent Anna Flynn, and the MMD agency

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Agent Anna Flynn, FAILSAFE focuses on the MMD Matter Manipulation Devices that can alter the physical world but when the ‘failsafe’ feature is removed, the MMD becomes a dangerous weapon. With many rogue agencies and cult-like groups struggling to gain control of the MMD for the masses, a mole or someone within the agency is working in opposition to the agency directive. With the help of her husband, tech genius Daniel Flynn, and her partner Agent Lisa Williams, Agent Anna Flynn battles the people in charge to uncover the truth, and the take down of a rogue group calling themselves A Better Way.

The world building is complex and detailed as Anna Flynn struggles to prove not only her innocence but the reality of what could happen and why. When the MMDs are modified and the failsafe removed, the world itself sits on the precipice of destruction

We are introduced to Agent Lisa Williams with the Matter Manipulation Device Agency; their boss Director Jada Davis; Director Elaine Guerrero; Agent Lucas Ward, Agent Carrie Yang; Mayor Delacruz, Councilwoman Savitri Shah; and Jennifer Zha aka Naomi White. Everyone is suspect, no one can be trusted.

FAILSAFE is a story of secrets and lies,power and control, betrayal and vengeance, manipulation and transactions, family and friendships. The character driven premise is captivating, entertaining and exciting; the characters are determined, dynamic and destructive. FAILSAFE ends on a bit of a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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THE SANDCASTLE IN THE RAIN by SR Emonts-review

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THE SANDCASTLE IN THE RAIN by SR Emonts

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 20, 2024

Earth, 2163. 15 years after a nuclear war, only 12 fledgling settlements of humans remain on Earth, in cities sheltered from the radioactive ashes.

Artificial life, the instigator of the war, was banished to the seven colonies. Only Doctor Wasserman and his band of Outcasts have managed to evade justice, striking at the Settlements from their hidden fortress in the forsaken wastelands, THE SANDCASTLE.

MOTHS, a special police unit that hunts Organic Hazards, are all that stand between humanity and destruction.

Yet Rookie Officer Joan Lyon cares more about finding her long lost mother than following orders, and her Training Officer, Peter Ramsey, merely wishes to run out the clock until he can retire and reunite with his family in the space colonies.

When Wasserman steals a datacore from Delphi Datacore, a company that can predict events before they occur, Joan and Peter aren’t just fighting the enemy—they’re fighting their own futures.

3 Criminals
2 Detectives
1 Mystery

•••••

REVIEW: THE SANDCASTLE IN THE RAIN by SR Emonts is an adult, sci-fi, post apocalyptic thriller set in the year 2163, fifteen years after a nuclear war, focusing on MOTHS training officer Detective Peter Ramsey, and twenty year old rookie Joan Lyon.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspective with first person thoughts and ideations, THE SANDCASTLE IN THE RAIN follows Peter Ramsey and Joan Lyon as they are tasked with taking down the people responsible for the theft of a datacore, and the possibility of a mole working on the inside. A group of resistance fighters known as Outcasts, those who have chosen to live outside of the settlements, are determined to stop the people in control, refusing to abide by the memory wipes, memory banks, AI, cloning, robots and more but as Peter and Joan continue their search for the Outcast fortress known at the Sandcastle, the reality of what is threatens the partnership and the existence of every living soul.

THE SANDCASTLE IN THE RAIN is a complex and multi-layered story, reminiscent of Blade Runner ™ with a little bit of I, Robot™ and Do Androids Dream of Electric Sleep™. A nuclear apocalypse has destroyed most of the planet with only a few pockets of domed, protected settlements. Technology is such that memories can be removed and stored; humans can be cloned; AI is a part of every day life, and robots do the menial labor that was once a fact of life. Those who live on the peripheral of society want changes, want control, and those in control want to keep the status quo but all is not as it appears to be, and Peter and Joan are about to discover there is more than they could have ever imagined.

I did have a few issues: the point of view changes between third person, and first person internal dialogue without notice; without breaks; and often without acknowledgement throughout most of the story. There are no italics or bold lettering to differentiate between third, and first person internal dialogue. The jumps occur within the same paragraph, and sometimes in the same sentence. I was confused at times, as some of the switch from third to first is acknowledged within the sentence or paragraph structure but the majority of the switches are never corroborated or recognized. I will be honest- I contacted the author regarding the POV jumps, and he claims it was intentional.

Overall, THE SANDCASTLE IN THE RAIN is a fascinating and thought-provoking story but the POV jumps was disconcerting and confusing.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Primal Mirror by Nalini Singh – Review & Giveaway

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Primal Mirror by Nalini Singh – Review & Giveaway

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple / BAM / Bookub

 

Description:
Daughter of two ruthless high-gradient telepaths, Auden Scott is not the child her Psy parents wanted or expected, even before her brain injury. Her thoughts are scattered, her memories fuzzy—or just terrifyingly blank. The only thing she knows for certain is that she must protect her unborn baby…a baby she has no recollection of conceiving and who draws an abnormal intensity of notice from her dead mother’s closest associates.

Leopard alpha Remi Denier is a man driven by the primal instinct to protect. Protect his pack, protect his allies… and protect the mysterious woman who has become a most unlikely neighbor. With eerie eyes that see too much and a scent that alters in ways disturbing and impossible, Auden Scott is the enemy…but nothing about this strange Psy is what it seems, Remi’s feline heart as fascinated by her as the human half of his soul.

Then Auden asks Remi to help her shatter the wall of secrets that is the Scott bloodline. What they unearth will reveal a nightmare beyond imagination. This time, the battle is to the death…

 

 

Review:

Primal Mirror by Nalini Singh is the 8th book in her Psy-Changeling Trinity series. I can’t say enough about Nalini Singh.  She has become my go to author, as I love her Psy-Changeling and Guild Hunter series.   She never fails to give us a sensational story, wonderful characters, and each book continues to flow seamlessly.  No one does world building so smoothly and flawlessly better than Nalini Singh.   Once again, in Primal Mirror, Nalini has created a masterpiece that grabs hold of me and never ever let’s go until the very end.

We meet Remington (Remi) Denier, our hero, who is the alpha of RainFire, a pack of cats. RainFire is slowly continuing to grow, especially with Remi’s close connections with Lucas (leader of Dark River) and Aden (leader of the Arrows). Remi enlists the aid of the Arrows to track down who owns part of the land near their territory.

Auden Scott, is the daughter of two evil high-gradient telepaths (Shoshanna and Henry Scott), who were part of the Psy Council. Auden was considered a disappointment to her parents, even though she had a powerful psy gift. Shoshanna Scott was evil, and knew she was about to die; so, she set up a plan to experiment on Auden, to take over her mind. 

Remi first meets Auden near his land, and senses something is not right with her; as her scent is quick to change, as she seems far away. But Remi hears her talking about her ability to read about his mother.  Remi finds himself fascinated by Auden, and in a short time they will meet again; discovering that she is now pregnant. Remi is shocked, when during his security rounds, he sees Auden all alone, with no one to help her, in case of emergency; his alpha instincts rise to protect her. Remi does sense two different personalities, but it is the real Auden who asks Remi to help her shatter the secrets that are causing damage to her brain.  She knows she can’t trust her assistant and doctor who have been doing things without her overall knowledge; and her baby is part of their secrets. Auden and Remi slowly become close with both finding themselves falling for each other. Remi, with some help from his pack, will do all he can to protect Auden and the baby; with members of RainFire, as well as others making sure to protect them.

I did enjoy getting knowing the members of Remi’s pack (Rina, Finn, Lark, Angel, Kit, etc) who were wonderful secondary characters.  Loved how they all came together to help Remi and Auden, and Liberty (baby); not to mention Alden, Arrows, Lucas, Krychek, Zaira, Tamsyn, just to name a few.

While Remi and Auden are in the process to stop the enemies, and work on fixing Auden, the PsyNet is severely on its last days; as many will die, unless another network can be provided.  At the last moment, Auden’s baby might be a temporary solution, with her high gradient power, and the hope for Auden to survive against her mother’s nightmare.

What follows is an exciting, suspenseful, intriguing and action-packed story, with me unable to put the book down. Primal Mirror was a tense and emotional story between Auden and Remi, as well as, Liberty, The romance between them was wonderful and I love how the RainFire team accepted Auden and Liberty. 

Nalini Singh once again gives us another wonderful story in Primal Mirror, which was so very well written by Nalini Singh, which has always been the norm. She never fails to captivate me with her engaging creative stories, fantastic plots, and seamless world building; wonderful couples in each and every story; super secondary characters and fantastic world-building.   I loved every moment of Primal Mirror.  As I have noted many times, if you have not read Nalini Singh, you are missing a gem of an author.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

Nalini Singh’s publisher is offering a hard copy of PRIMAL MIRROR   to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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