Tag Archives: Sci-Fi

The Price of Trilogy 1-3 by Michael C. Bland-review

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The Price of Trilogy 1-3 by Michael C. Bland-review

THE PRICE OF SAFETY
The Price of Trilogy #1
by Michael C Bland
Genre: adult, Sci-Fi
Release Date: April 6, 2020

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK:

BY 2047, NO CRIME IN AMERICA GOES UNSOLVED. NO WRONGDOING GOES UNSEEN.

Dray Quintero helped build a perfect society: he designed the government’s advanced surveillance technology, ensuring everyone is kept safe and obeys the law. But when his nineteen-year-old daughter Raven commits a capital crime, Dray risks everything to cover up her actions and save her life.

To survive, Dray must outwit the surveillance system he created and avoid the ever-watchful scrutiny of citizens with microcomputers implanted in their brains and eyes. This places him in the crosshairs of Kieran, a ruthless federal Agent.

To protect his family, Dray turns to a group of rebels who discovered the government’s darkest secret: the Agency has been using his technology to manipulate and control everyone.

Despite the rebels’ help, his adversaries are closing in. Their control is absolute. No one escapes.

Hunted and betray

••••••••

REVIEW: THE PRICE OF SAFETY is the first instalment in Michael C Bland’s adult, near-future THE PRICE OF sci-fi, suspense trilogy focusing on the Founder and Head of Engineering and Design at Gen Omega Dray Quintero and his family.

Told from first person perspective (Dray) THE PRICE OF SAFETY is set in the year 2047. All of the people in America are required by law to be outfitted with government sanctioned ocular and neural implants but the reality is much more dangerous. Dray Quintero is a design engineer whose latest creation-cold fusion- has caught the interest of not only the Agency but the Government as well. When a group of Rebels known as the Freedom Fighters sets its sights on Dray Quintero, Dray will discover the secrets his company has been hiding behind his back, secrets exposing corruption, betrayal and a fight for control. The murder of the son of a prominent businessman pulls Dray and his family into a targeted conspiracy theory based in truth, in which the Quintero family finds themselves on the run, aided by the Freedom Fighters, and a fight for survival against the odds.

We are introduced to a large ensemble cast of questionable and determined secondary and supporting characters including Dr. Anya Nystrom, Hale Whittock, leader of the Freedom Fighters known as the Founding Fathers, Mayor of Free Isle Sie Ehkhert, rebels Jex, Cole, Garly, and Dray’s former friend and partner, Gen Omega CEO Nikolai, and Agent Kieran.

THE PRICE OF SAFETY is an action packed, detailed, futuristic story of machinery , AI, robots and power. From ocular implants, ocular cameras: fake news, altered sight and videos, neural implants, robots, cyborgs, nuclear fusion, hoverbikes and a floating island known as Free Isle (rebel head quarters), THE PRICE OF SAFETY is set in a post apocalyptic-type future on the California coast line. The Government and The Agency have eyes everywhere, and the source of the information, are the people themselves.

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THE PRICE OF REBELLION
The Price of Trilogy #2
by Michael C Bland
Genre: adult, Sci-Fi
Release Date:May 16, 2023

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK:

IT’S 2047. SECRETS HAVE BEEN REVEALED. AND WASHINGTON WANTS REVENGE.

Dray Quintero uncovered an ugly truth: the leaders in D.C. are fake. They’ve stolen the identities of those elected to Congress and are determined to stay in power, using his own technology to dupe the population.

After revealing this truth to his fellow citizens, Dray joins the rebellion—but his joining is as much to free the U.S. as it is to avenge his loss. Before he can strike, the government’s Agency attacks with devastating consequences. Dray and the other survivors are forced to run as Agents hunt them.

Then he makes a discovery that could alter the country’s future. He’s forced to choose between the rebellion and a desperate hope. Between family and country.

What he does will change everything.

••••••••

REVIEW:THE PRICE OF REBELLION is the second instalment in Michael C Bland’s adult, near-future THE PRICE OF sci-fi, suspense trilogy focusing on the Founder and Head of Engineering and Design at Gen Omega Dray Quintero and his family.THE PRICE OF REBELLION should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up approximately six weeks after the events of book one THE PRICE OF SAFETY.

SOME BACKGROUND: Set in the year 2047, all of the people in America are required by law to be outfitted with government sanctioned ocular and neural implants but the reality is much darker and dangerous. Dray Quintero is a design engineer whose latest creation-cold fusion- has caught the interest of not only the Agency but the Government as well. When a group of Rebels known as the Freedom Fighters sets its sights on Dray Quintero, Dray will discover the secrets his company has been hiding behind his back, secrets exposing corruption, betrayal and a fight for control. The ‘Gang of Five’ at Gen Omega-Nikolai, Brocco, Zion, Tevin and Dray have now ventured forward pathways that are about to converge and cross.

Told from first person perspective (Dray) THE PRICE OF REBELLION continues to follow Dray Quintero and his daughter Raven as they are now part of the multi-state Freedom Fighters but as the group struggles to survive, their numbers are decimated as The Agency takes aim at those they consider enemies of the Government. With the ability to track, and see through the eyes of the American people, The Agency is determined to take down Dray Quintero and the Freedom Fighters but Dray refuses to give up when a newscast reveals the possibility some of his people survived.

The world building continues to focus on a near-future world controlled by the people in charge. From ocular implants, ocular cameras, to fake news, altered sight and videos, neural implants, robots and drones, nanobots and cyborgs, nuclear fusion, hoverbikes, and genetically altered super soldiers, all of which is government sanctioned and ordered, America has become a self-fulfilling prophecy of minions controlled by the people in charge, people Dray once considered partners and friends.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including the return of Dr. Anya Nystrom ; rebel leaders Saline Cardoza, Thys Gunnar and Isiah Lafontaine, and Freedom Fighters Jex, Cole, Garly, Monroe and Valor; as well as Agents Sari Britt and Kieran, and Dray’s former partner Zion.

THE PRICE OF REBELLION is another action packed, adventurous, thought provoking and cautionary tale of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, man vs machine. The character driven premise is edgy, haunting, twisted and detailed; the characters are numerous, desperate and determined. THE PRICE OF REBELLION ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

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THE PRICE OF FREEDOM
The Price of Trilogy #3
by Michael C Bland
Genre: adult, Sci-Fi
Release Date: April 8, 2025

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK:

It’s 2047. The rebellion has been crushed. The Agency is reestablishing control.

Rebel leader Dray Quintero languishes in his cell, struggling against his captors’ manipulations. His daughter Raven’s cries torment him at night. He has doomed them both.

When given an unexpected chance to escape prison, they break out–but they’re not safe. No one is. The Agency is still in power. And they’re tightening their grip. As dangers mount, Dray is haunted by an impossible dilemma: flee and survive, or gamble his last chance for freedom by taking a stand against impossible odds.

He tried running. He tried fighting. This time, he must try something radically different. Something no one will see coming.

••••••

REVIEW:THE PRICE OF FREEDOM is the third and final instalment in Michael C Bland’s adult, sci-fi, post apocalyptic thriller trilogy focusing on Dray Quintero and his family. THE PRICE OF FREEDOM should not be read as a stand alone as is picks up after the cliff hanger of book two THE PRICE OF REBELLION.

SOME BACKGROUND: Set in the year 2047, all of the people in America are required by law to be outfitted with government sanctioned ocular and neural implants but the reality is much darker and dangerous. Dray Quintero is a design engineer whose latest creation-cold fusion- has caught the interest of not only the Agency but the Government as well. When a group of Rebels known as the Freedom Fighters sets its sights on Dray Quintero, Dray will discover the secrets his company has been hiding behind his back, secrets exposing corruption, betrayal and a fight for control. The ‘Gang of Five’ at Gen Omega-Nikolai, Brocco, Zion, Tevin and Dray have now ventured forward pathways that are about to converge and cross.

Told from first person perspective (Dray) THE PRICE OF FREEDOM follows Dray Quintero, his family and what’s left of the Freedom Fighters as they embark on a war with The Agency and The Government. As their numbers continue to decline, the reality of the Freedom Fighters’ situation is devastating, to the point of resignation but to ensure their fight was never in vain, Dray and his team, with the help of a former friend, amass an army of robots, with the hope of destroying the people in charge but years of betrayal have cost the American people millions of lives and trust, and The Agency is determined to ensure total control. Friends fighting friends, mother vs child, a world controlled by manipulation and power .

For readers and followers of sci-fi books written by authors such as William Gibson, Isaac Asimov, and Phillip K Dick, as well as many of the sci-fi and futuristic movies and series that have come to life on the big and little screens, there will no doubt be some familiar scenarios but familiar to the point of ‘what if’. As the people in charge gain more power, everyone else will lose, blinded by lies, false hope and fraudulent claims by the oligarchy who have taken control .

Most of the previous story line characters return as Dray struggles to forge ahead in the face of waning support and the loss of lives.

THE PRICE OF FREEDOM is another fast paced, action packed , complex and thought provoking story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control. The premise is dramatic, riveting and gritty; the characters are animate and desperate.

Copies supplied for review

Reviews by Sandy

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The Gaius Realm: Echoes of Choice by JW Frederick & TL Hughes

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The Gaius Realm: Echoes of Choice by JW Frederick & TL Hughes-review & excerpt

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 11, 2025

Aiden and Leia thought they’d live happily ever after… until his superpowers knocked her into a coma.

Romance, superpowers, and psychology come together in The Gaius Realm: Echoes of Choice. Aiden’s desperation to gain control of his powers leads him into the heart of a hidden war, and he discovers that both sides of the conflict know more about his powers than he does. New revelations force him to make an impossible choice with far-reaching consequences.

All Aiden wanted was a life without superpowers. A life with Leia. But, depending on what he chooses, there may not be much of a life left to go back to.

•••••••

REVIEW: I wasn’t sure I’d like this at first. It’s been a while since I’ve read a book with an established couple. Usually it’s a second chance or a new relationship. There isn’t a lot of blurb to read, so it felt like going in blind.

We have the romance, we have paranormal (well it’s not normal to have a superpower, right?) and the psychology part? Well it got me thinking well after the last page….

Really well written. The plot gets you engaged and the characters keep you reading to find out more.

Told from Aiden’s point of view. He keeps his talent/curse to himself, only close family and Leia know the truth at what Aiden can do. His powers react to emotions, so even he gets upset, things happen! Aiden needs to keep calm.

Poor Leia is in a coma! (Not a spoiler, it’s in the blurb😉) and it’s all Aiden’s fault! How? Do we find out? (We do) And will she ever wake up?

Aiden’s powers begin to grow, and so does his confidence, but he’s still unwilling to share what he can do.

Something different and totally unexpected.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B 🦋

At least nothing’s broken—this time.
“Is it safe to assume you did this as well?” he asks.
I hesitate before giving a dry, “Yeah.”
Dr. Larson presses his lips together, swallowing as he surveys the scene again.
“Did you… not appreciate the work of our overpaid interior designers? I’ve always thought this room had some weird feng shui myself, but I can’t say I understand your stylistic choices either.” He strokes his chin, his eyes narrowing as though he’s analyzing an abstract painting at an art gallery.
“I didn’t try to… It just happens sometimes.”
His tone shifts, the sarcasm vanishing. He turns to face me fully, his expression serious now. “So… you have an active LET, and you can’t control it?”
My head drops. I inhale deeply, trying to fill my lungs with enough air to keep out the truth I’ve avoided admitting. When I finally let the breath go, it takes the last scraps of hope I had for a normal life along with it.
I worked so hard to keep my powers a secret for so long. I had a few slip-ups, but the only people who really knew were my parents, my brother, sister, fiancée, and best friend. I trust Dr. Larson enough to answer his question, but still… where is this going to go once I tell him?
“No… I can’t control it.”
His expression sharpens with the curiosity of his relentless scientific mind. That curiosity is exactly what I wanted to avoid because I know it leads to a question that I do not want to answer.
“The details of Leia’s accident have always been somewhat vague to me,” he says slowly, his voice quieter. “Now I understand why. ARL has agreed to send a specialist, but he’ll need all the information relevant to Leia’s injury in order to diagnose and effectively treat her condition.” He pauses, his gaze locking onto mine. “Aiden, I have to ask you—what really happened that night?”

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SINGULARITY by Sherri Fulmer Moorer-review

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SINGULARITY by Sherri Fulmer Moorer-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 1, 2024

The year is 2114, and Senara and Killian are newlyweds excited to work toward being the first convergence community to relaunch Artificial Intelligence five years after the Prion Pandemic which almost wiped out humanity across the globe. Achieving ‘singularity’ is the best way to increase their chance of survival and rebuild this strange new world into something better than the one that almost died along with two-thirds of the population. As the survivors gather into convergence communities across the country to rebuild reality from the remnants of the old world, they all ask themselves the same question – this time, will we be safe?

And they were beginning to think they were until a young woman died from an infection that the AI should have cured, just weeks after the Phase One rollout. It’s dismissed as a random failure until someone else falls ill, then another … and another. Senara and Killian work to stabilize the AI and are shocked to discover that it might have contributed to the pandemic that almost killed the world. Worse yet, it might not have been completely dormant over the past five years and is just waiting for them to flip the switch to give it full control of what’s leof mankind.

Will Artificial Intelligence help humanity achieve evolution, or drive it to extinction?

••••

REVIEW: SINGULARITY by Sherri Fulmer Moorer is a stand alone, futuristic, adult, post-apocalyptic, sci-fi thriller focusing on a group of survivors in the aftermath of the Prion Pandemic, a pandemic caused by artificial intelligence.

The Singularity is a theory wherein artificial intelligence is no longer under human control, AI that has become sentient and making inroads for its’ own survival.

NOTE: The timeline and dates in the story do not match the blurb on most retail sites.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including psychiatrist and therapist Senara SINGULARITY focuses on the reactivation of a neural chip in the wake of the Prion Pandemic wherein sixty percent of Earth’s population did not survive. In 2109, most of humanity has been implanted with a neural chip, and the Prion Pandemic, a neurocognitive disorder, killed anyone with a pre-existing health condition. Five years later, the survivors have been forced into small, cooperative communities in the hopes of remaining illness free but the reactivation of their neural chips brings with it the fear of another pandemic, and they have been told, the only way to survive is to reach the Singularity or die trying. The problem-artificial intelligence was the cause of the Prion Pandemic, and the rush to roll out each consecutive phase, is threatening the health and safety of the integrated community.

SINGULARITY is a slow building story of power and control, illness and madness, secrets and lies, betrayal and trust. A story of artificial intelligence allowed to take control in the wake of a previous ‘betrayal’ or ‘malfunction’ but a malfunction that may have been orchestrated by the people in charge. There is more to the pandemic than anyone could have thought possible, and with the implementation of each successive Phase, more people are dying, and the lack of honesty and available knowledge is creating hysteria and conspiracy (sound familiar?). The premise is intriguing but the ‘technical’ aspects of artificial intelligence and the science fiction proposition remains allusive and behind the scenes. The characters are desperate and determined, slowly succumbing to mankinds’ loss of control.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Gift From Aelius by Michael Colon-Review & Interview

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THE GIFT FROM AELIUS by Michael Colon-Review & Interview

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 29, 2024

In the not-too distant future, A191, a Codex with artificial intelligence, feels like a misfit in Paradise, a walled city in the middle of an endless desert where humans imprisoned his race long ago. He’s not like the others of his kind; he longs to meet humans and make peace with them so man and Codexes can be reunited in the world. These thoughts and feelings are not allowed in Paradise; he risks banishment to the desert by the Overseer A. I. who rules by fear and force. Complicating matters, A191 has a glitch in his programming that conjures up a human boy named Aelius who tells him to go to Old Haven where he will find freedom. However, he’s drafted into a rebellion against the Overseer, and as Paradise enforcers close in with orders to terminate him, he escapes the city to wander the desert in search of humans. The journey reveals the truth about his existence, the Overseer’s lies, and the consequences of mankind’s untethered technology.

•••••

REVIEW: THE GIFT FROM AELIUS by Michael Colon is an adult, sci-fi, post apocalyptic, futurist story line focusing on Codex A191, and the rise of AI.

Told from first person perspective (A191) A GIFT FROM AELIUS follows A191 as he/it slowly becomes something more. Humanity has reached the singularity: sentient robots with the ability to think. The Codex artificial intelligence, having destroyed most of mankind, have been forced behind a walled city called Paradise, where the Overseer controls their day to day activities but A191 is struggling with his/its’ direction, and a glitch in his/its’ program brings with it memories and instructions from a time long ago. As A191 journeys forward looking for answers, the reality of mankind’s destruction hits too close to home.

THE GIFT FROM AELIUS is awash in religious and Christian overtones: God and Heaven, spirituality and faith, heart and soul. Akin to Moses freeing the slaves with directions from God, A191 often wonders if there is something more, only to discover he/it is the something more for which everyone is searching.

Blending a little bit of THE MATRIX™ with I, ROBOT™, (Asimov) and plenty of ROBOPOCALYPSE™ (Wilson), THE GIFT FROM AELIUS focuses on the aftermath of the rise of artificial intelligence (apocalypse ) and the fall of mankind. With 90% of humanity wiped out by the AI uprising, those who remain must fight for survival. The thought provoking premise is dramatic, dark and complex. Ask yourself, is the end of humanity worth the ongoing use of artificial intelligence ?

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

TRC:  Hi Michael and welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the release of THE GIFT FROM AELIUS.

TRC: We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Michael Colon:  My name is Michael Colon, and I was born and raised in New York City. I am a novelist, poet, and freelance writer. My author’s story is about hard work, perseverance, and believing in the power of imagination. My inspiration comes from various societal abnormalities, the beauty in cultural differences, and my own life experiences. Outside of writing, I enjoy working out, watching sports, and going on hiking trails with my wife.

TRC: Who or what influenced your career in writing?

Michael Colon: Art, music, and movies influenced my career in writing. The imagination and creative expression that goes into those artforms inspires me. As an author, I see how genuine we must be with our craft to impact the reader with the message we want to deliver and I see the same in those art forms.

TRC: What challenges or difficulties did you encounter writing and publishing this story?

Michael Colon:The challenging reality of working hard on a project, and leaving it up to someone you never met to give it the stamp of published approval can conjure mixed emotions. Also, trying to figure out where to start when sending pitches can be overwhelming, especially as a new author.

TRC: Would you please tell us something about the premise of THE GIFT FROM AELIUS?

Michael Colon:The premise of this story is to show how far artificial intelligence can advance as we advance consciously as a species. Another premise is the yearning of purpose in this world. Any intelligent lifeform that is consciously aware years to find meaning in this world.

TRC: What kind of research/plotting did you do, and how long did you spend researching /plotting before beginning THE GIFT FROM AELIUS?

Michael Colon:I researched certain elements as I wrote the story. I did not want to put any unnecessary holds on the flow of a story telling itself. The research is definitely necessary, but expressing my heart and filling in the gaps with research is more my style.

TRC: Is THE GIFT OF AELIUS a stand alone, or do you have plans for future Instalments?

Michael Colon:I have plans to write a sequel.

TRC: Believability is an important factor in writing story lines especially stories of AI and Sci-Fi. How do you keep the story line believable? Where do you think some author’s fail?

Michael Colon:I agree that believability is important. I keep the story lines real by adding real world scenarios with today’s outlook on A.I mixed with creative hypotheticals to what can happen if A.I continues to evolve based on hearing what professionals in the industry have to say. I think some authors fail at this when they don’t balance the objective viewpoints of information with there imagination.

TRC: What, if any, are your concerns about the future of mankind and AI? What do you believe are the benefits of AI?

Michael Colon:I don’t have any concerns. If higher artificial intelligence consciousness is meant to share life with us the best thing we can do is learn to grow with it and become better as people. Most people picture the end of the world with robots enslaving people. I tend to see things from a more open minded viewpoint.

TRC: Do you believe the cover image plays a deciding factor for many readers in the process of selecting a book or new series to read?

Michael Colon:Absolutely. There is a saying to never judge a book by its cover. But let’s face it. We all do to some extent. The cover is the first thing people see. It is important to make sure the cover art pops and boldly explains the core concept of a story.

TRC: When writing a storyline, do the characters direct the writing or do you direct the characters?

Michael Colon:I let the characters do the writing. When I am in the flow of writing a story. I let the fictional world the characters live in have power by guiding the narratives. This takes letting go of rigid writing habits and letting the characters have fun. You never know what exciting new ideas can propel the story by doing this.

TRC: The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen? Where do you believe writer’s fail in this endeavor?

Michael Colon:A writer must experience living through the story when writing down the words so that in every piece of text are remnants of the author’s voice and heart. When each word connects and drives a particular mood of a chapter or scene it’s easier for the reader to connect emotionally. Writers fail in this endeavour by either going through the motions or overthinking.

TRC: Do you listen to music while writing? If so, does the style of music influence the storyline direction? Characters?

Michael Colon:I love listening to music while writing. I feel that music triggers certain emotional responses that allow our storytelling to become potent when we are stimulated.

TRC: What do you believe is the biggest misconception people have about Authors?

Michael Colon:A big misconception about authors is that they don’t do anything, and sit in their room all day and night. Authors have other interests and passions.

TRC: What is something that few, if anyone, know about you?

Michael Colon:I played semi-pro basketball for a couple years.

TRC: Who or what influenced your path towards writing a sci-fi / futuristic story line?

Michael Colon:I am always fascinated with the what if’s of the future and we are in a stage in history where A.I is at the forefront of innovation.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Michael Colon:The sequel to The Gift From Aelius

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Michael Colon:For anyone who just started their writing journey or is pitching their work to publishers, never give up hope in yourself. Hard work and faith is the recipe for success. Not these five step guides that people on the internet will try to scam your pockets with.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food Spaghetti and meatballs.

Favorite Dessert Chocolate Cake.

Favorite TV Show The Walking Dead

Last Movie You Saw Smile 2

Dark or Milk Chocolate Dark

Secret Celebrity Crush None

Last Vacation Destination Lancaster Pennsylvania

Do you have any pets? Nope

Last book you read The meaning of marriage by Timothy Keller

TRC:  Thank you Michael for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on the release of THE GIFT FROM AELIUS. We wish you all the best.

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Green Bank by Kyle Conroy-a review & guest post

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Green Bank by Kyle Conroy-a review & guest post

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

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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

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Chapters Indigo /

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

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads

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 /

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

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 bit 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

 

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

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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