Tag Archives: science fiction

WTH – Streetcab Seshjack by Olle Ordsmed @OlleOrdsmed

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MY REVIEW

First off, I want to let you, the reader, know that this book is outside my reading genre. I am venturing into the unknown, for me. I am reading more ‘digitally’ targeted stories to stretch my imagination and open my mind to new possibilities. My rating may not do the book justice for those who thrive in the cyberpunk world.

Maybe because I am unfamiliar with cyberpunk and this is a novella, but I was confused in the beginning. It took me a while to get involved in the story, a whodunit, a who took ‘my’ money story.

It is definitely a wild ride into the digital world. All I could think of to relate the story to was The Matrix, but I never watched the movie in it’s entirety. I knew the moment Aed gave control to Null, he would regret it, but he does get his answers. I think it is a wake up call for all of us. No matter what…you can be hacked. Where there is a will, there is a way.

I had numerous WTH moments, but, you in the know, know. For a virtual reality novice like me, it took me a while to get involved, but, once I did, I had to know the outcome. No one is immune to betrayal and I had to know whodunit.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Streetcab Seshjack by Olle Ordsmed.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
3 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Aedan Namakoto is a man torn between two lives. Online, he is the respected founder of a VR network promising virtual worlds free from invasive ads and surreptitious surveillance. Offline, he’s a guilt-ridden single father in poor health, working obsessively to escape the past.

But one day his two lives collide.

When a mysterious hacker pulls off an impossible crypto heist, Aedan is left broke and his network on the brink of bankruptcy. Desperate to take back what’s his, Aedan seeks help from his estranged brother, the powerful CEO of a rivaling VR network. But an enemy is a dangerous ally. And when Aedan does the unthinkable — borrowing a body against the will of its owner — he is betrayed in the worst possible way.

  • Genre: Cyberpunk, Fantasy, Fiction, Novella, Science Fiction
  • 94 pages, Kindle Edition
  • Published July 19, 2023
  • ISBN: 9789152764183 (ISBN10: 9152764184)
  • Language: English

ABOUT OLLE ORDSMED

Olle Ordsmed is a science fiction writer fascinated by humankind’s struggle to adapt to her own inventions. He made his literary debut in 2023 with the cyberpunk novella Streetcab Seshjack.
To pursue a career as an author, he alternates yearly between working as a software developer and writing full-time. His go-to remedies for writer’s block are night walks and pitch-black showers.

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Giveaway – Dominion: First Blood by Richard Mann @rgmannauthor @SilverDaggerSxx

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Humans and Vampires unite in a holy war against an ancient alien menace.

Independence Day meets Underworld.

Hero

Dominion First Blood Book 1

by Richard Mann

Genre: SciFi, Apocalyptic Fantasy

Lost in the desert our modern day hero SAS Captain “Bullet Proof Pete” has strange visions of a priest and an ancient book of prophecy, and a sword of unspeakable power. The Archangel Michael appears when all seems lost and tells him his destiny and his ancient name.

His visions continue, a dark cave, something diabolical within, a blackened sky and an ancient race of aliens invade earth in a monstrous ship. A woman of strange beauty appears in his dreams trying to contact him.

A brilliant archaeologist makes a shocking discovery in modern Iraq.

The magnetic Lucia and Count Cassian – vampires since the dawn of civilisation meet with the US President to persuade him of the impending threat. They also seek the ancient Hero contained in the book of prophecy.

In a frantic race against time our hero goes to New York to find out aboutthe alien agenda, but surrounded by alien forces he is saved at the last minute by two mysterious vampires.

Former enemies, both human and vampire, must become friends. But can humankind learn to set aside their petty conflicts and unite in a common cause?

Issues of race, religion and class are now irrelevant in a fight against a common and vicious enemy – determined to conquer earth and enslave its people. And one human holds the key – Caius.


“I wanted to write something that plays out in the imaginations of readers like a movie,” explains the author. “At its core it’s fiction, but the novel also asks some much deeper questions about race, religion and the basic survival of humankind. I believe readers will turn the last page with plenty to think about.”

Continuing, “There’s lots for everyone – including hardboiled hallmarks of sci-fi and fantasy for those who like a solid read, as well as lots of technical descriptions and some rather advanced weaponry, for readers who have a taste for the unconventional!”


**Only .99cents!**

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Vendetta

Dominion First Blood Book 2

Our modern-day hero SAS Captain “Bullet Proof Pete” and East End gangster Vinnie find themselves in Los Angeles and discover the shocking truth about the alien agenda.

His waking visions continue – ancient battles by the Nile and a family in ancient Rome.

Lucia and Count Cassian – vampires since the dawn of civilisation finally meet the ancient Hero contained in the book of prophecy, “Bullet Proof Pete” aka Caius. Together they battle the aliens in a cruel guerilla war, but Peter soon finds himself torn between his wife Jennifer and the magnetic and sexy Lucia.

But Why is she familiar – is this the woman in his visions?

At last they discover critical information about the aliens and their monstrous ships as a counteroffensive begins, but then Lucia tells Peter Jennifer has been taken. But where is she and what is the connection between Jennifer and Lucia?

Meanwhile on the alien mothership a secret conspiracy is uncovered and something diabolical is released to Earth.

Our hero has a waking dream of a dark cave, with something terrible inside and is gripped by terror. He now realises that there are forces of darkness and light at work on both sides of the conflict. Can he fight his own battles and become the warrior everyone expects him to be?

The US President stands alone – all seems lost. But then our hero turns up with important new information and physic Lucia informs them of a shocking revelation that changes everything. In a frantic race against time former enemies, both human and vampire, must become friends.

But can humankind learn to set aside their petty conflicts and unite in a common cause?

Issues of race, religion and class are now irrelevant in a fight against a common and vicious enemy – determined to conquer earth and enslave its people. And one human, and his supernatural sword, holds the key – Caius.


Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads


Caius

Dominion First Blood Book 3

Lucia and Count Cassian – vampires since the dawn of civilisation team up with the ancient hero contained in the book of prophecy.

The nightmares of our hero, SAS Captain “Bullet Proof Pete” become a reality when he must face his ultimate challenge – only then will he become the warrior he is destined to be.

The leader of the alien cult shock troops steals the ancient book of knowledge so he can gain occult power over mankind and their ancient enemy the nightcrawler vampires. But it contains a secret that could change everything.

Peter, now Caius the demi-god and his lifelong friend Vinnie, are desperate for information about the whereabouts of their kidnapped wives, but then a befriended alien clone reveals vital information, raising their hopes.

The traitor US general is now beginning to regret his allegiance to the alien cause as the mothership retreats to a safe distance – He aligns himself with the alien cult leader as they make plans of their own.

Caius and his team prepare for the final assault. Will he find his wife Jennifer and will he find out what he has suspected all along about Lucia the femme fatale vampire and his wife?

In a nail-biting climax all will be revealed.

This Sci-Fi Thriller will grab you by the scruff of the neck and take you on a roller coaster ride…sometimes horrific, sometimes comic, always gripping – It will keep you guessing right until the climatic finale.


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Richard Mann grew up in being an avid reader of books, even from an early age he loved the literary giants Tolkien, Michael Moorcock, Frank Herbert and Douglas Adams. He is also a big fan of Bernard Cornwell, the historical novelist and Frederic Forsyth, the great thriller writer. (Hint: If you love these authors you will love Richard’s books). He started writing at 16 but the dream faded until a few years ago when he started writing again. During his twenties he studied business studies and accountancy. During this time he also studied Shaolin and Wing Chun Kung Fu and even starting a school with a friend. He has worked as an accountant, Software developer in the City of London for banks and insurance companies, and is now an author.

HERO- Dominion First Blood is his first book. His mercurial book is action packed, fast paced, and guaranteed to keep the reader turning pages to the end. This wholly original book falls within the thriller, fantasy horror, and sci-fi genres. It combines incredible action, hair-raising scares and big laughs. It will shock the reader into thinking about his own place in the world. Warning: This book may keep the reader up all night!

Richard is a fellow Member of the Association of Accounting Technicians, Member of the Institute of Analysts and Programmers and a Member of the British Computer Society. He is 57, married to Brenda, has two sons and lives in Berkshire.

The best way to keep up with his latest news is to sign up for his newsletter.

www.richardmannblog.com


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Techy Aliens – Xenome by Vivek Pravat @VPravat @booksirens

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I want to thank Book Sirens & Vivek Pravat for the opportunity to read and review Xenome.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

All I had to see was…a remote Pacific Island, something new birthed and not of this world, and I was curious. But, it was a little over my head when it came to the scientific information.

We started out with something I am familiar with, Holly’s mother being found dead. She goes to Melanesia to search for answers. All kinds of red flags were flying for me, and I asked myself, “Would I do it?” It doesn’t take long for danger to mount, guns blazing and bullets flying.

Holly needs to be on her toes, because danger and betrayal lurk around every turn. She has her boyfriend, David, at her side, and he is the only person she can trust. He is injured early on, and she is left to her own devices. As the story develops, other characters come into play that will be important to her.

The something new birthed is nothing I anticipated and I like that, but Vivek’s scientific explanations were confusing and stopped the flow of the story. I think others, more technically minded will grasp the concept quicker than I did, but once we got past that, the action ramps up, evil rises, betrayal and friendship come from unlikely sources, and savagery and death surround her.

I do love an author who isn’t afraid to kill off their characters, even ones I have come to count on and was saddened when they died a grisly death, but I have to consider the players in a game of world domination. Greed and power are at the forefront and the players will stop at nothing to go where no man has gone before. (LOL) Haven’t humans learned not to play God? Nothing good comes of it.

In the Afterword, Vivek Pravat shares elements of the story that are fact and fiction.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Xenome by Vivek Pravat.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

ON A REMOTE PACIFIC ISLAND, SOMETHING NEW HAS BEEN BIRTHED. SOMETHING NOT OF THIS WORLD…

Holly Truong is a field biologist on the verge of an experimental breakthrough on swarm intelligence. But when she receives news that her estranged mother has been found dead in faraway Melanesia, she is compelled to put everything on the back burner and go in search of answers.

Waiting for her there is an experiment of a completely unexpected kind: a recreation of alien life, made possible by a secret SETI program called Metis Eye. Earth is now host to a bizarre new life form—one utterly unlike anything the planet has seen in its four and a half billion years of existence.

However, as shocking as the revelation is, a deeper, far more terrifying secret lurks in the heart of the jungle. A secret that if left uncovered could mean the end of civilization itself.

Nature, red in tooth and claw, has returned to claim its dominion, and Holly is about to find out that she is the only one standing in its way.

  • Genre: Action and Adventure, Aliens, Fiction, Genetic Engineering, Horror, Science Fiction,Technothriller
  • 450 pages, Kindle Edition
  • Expected publication July 31, 2023

ABOUT VIVEK PRAVAT (from his website)

Vivek writes books under the pen name Vance Pravat. Software engineer by profession, the author has been an ardent fan of science fiction since childhood. During the course of his work, he has lived and worked in several countries around the world, and prides himself on his ability to assimilate alien cultures and cuisines with all the gusto of some benign version of the Borg.

His love for fiction that doesn’t hesitate to ask big questions eventually compelled him to overcome the demands of his day trade and pen his first book.

His main areas of interest are AI, philosophy, history, physics, and geopolitics. When he is not too busy writing, reading, or entertaining his baby daughter, he likes to indulge in PC role-playing and collectible card games.

He is always happy to chat with his readers and can be found just an email or a PM away.

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Review – The Parade by Matt J Pike @booksirens @SoothsayerMatt

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MY REVIEW

The Parade is my first Matt J Pike novel. I was looking for some apocalyptic/dystopian books and came across it, so I clicked. Even though it is the fifth book in the Apocalyptic Survivor series, it is the first book in the Apocalypse Survivors Subseries, I never felt lost. And it is a great cover, that Matt designed himself.

My name is Zoe Carter, this is my story, and the story of all the members of the Norwood Hub during and after the impact of Comet 2014DM3 in April 2014.

How would you spend your time if you knew a comet would hit the Earth? Would you give up and part like it’s 1999? Would you be a prepper and gather resources, hunkering down to see who is left standing? Would you gather arms and weapons to protect yourself?

I love apocalyptic books, because I wonder what I would do. I think in desperate times, the best and the worst of humanity comes to light…and The Parade has a lot of the worst. Sometimes there is no choice, it’s a me or them situation.

Violence, vendettas, selfishness and greed – that’s what came out in us the most.

Of course, you have those who step up to lead, often through fear, and making sure they get what’s theirs first. When food runs out, they have a big target on their back. People have to have someone to blame. The simplest injury could mean death, as medical supplies run out or are non existent, not enough, or no doctors to help.

The ‘grenade’ event was quite clever.

An unlikely group of characters were drawn together for protection and survival. No one can predict who will survive and not all of them do. We have some sad moments, but that was to be expected. We have plenty of violence and death, and that was to be expected too. Your friend can quickly become your enemy. There are no winners in an apocalypse, just survivors. Would you be one of them?

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Parade by Matt J Pike.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

“Perhaps, like the scars left on the world we live in, the scars left on our species will take decades to heal – centuries even. May I – we – be forgiven for what we have done.” Zoe Survivor
You’ve heard from the heroes. Now get ready for the villains…
In the latest instalment of his award-winning Apocalypse Survivors series, Aussie author Matt J Pike returns to where it all began with a new origin story – this one told from the perspective of the bad guys. But when life on earth has been all but wiped out by an comet, simple ideas of good and evil aren’t as simple as they appear.
As the comet unleashes an ash cloud over the planet, stealing the sun and bringing on permanent winter, a brutal new era dawns for humanity. In a small corner of the world, in a broken city called Adelaide, a group of survivors gather on The Parade, a resource-rich shopping strip that offers shelter, warmth, water and food. What unites them is the simple desire to survive, what divides them is how far they’re prepared to go to make that happen.
In the power play for control of this frightening new world, one thing is clear. No one is getting through unscathed!
There is no good and bad. Only survival.

  • Genre: Apocalyptic, Dystopian, Fiction, Science Fiction
  • 242 pages, Paperback
  • Published May 25, 2023

ABOUT MATT J PIKE (from Amazon)

Like the legendary R M Williams, Matt was born in Jamestown in rural South Australia. But that’s where the remarkable similarities between these two end. While Reginald went from bushman to world renowned millionaire outback clothing designer, Matt is a complete dag who was lured by the city lights of Adelaide. Kindergarten in the big smoke was a culture shock, but it is here he first discovered his love of storytelling.

In high school that love found an outlet in a series of completely unflattering cartoons about fellow students and teachers alike. He survived long enough to further his art into a successful career in multimedia design but, like a zombified leech, the lure of the written word gnawed at him, forcing him to pen his first novel, the award-winning sci-fi comedy epic, Kings of the World. It was followed the next year by Amazon Australia dystopian sci-fi best-seller Apocalypse: Diary of a Survivor.

Matt donates part-proceeds of each book sold to find a cure for Rett Syndrome, a neurological condition the youngest of his three children, Abby, has.

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Would you want a super power? How To Start Your Own Country by Stephen Henning #stephenhenning

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Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I have been with Samantha and James Blake since the beginning. Their parents did their best to keep them safe, keep their identities hidden. Lolly is Sir Michaels’ daughter. She is responsible for many deaths, but, since, meeting James, she has done a one eighty.

Sir Michael is trying to recruit all the people with superhero powers to populate Liberation Island and has a flash drive with the names of many of those with superpowers, and those who may develop them later in life. His goal is to give them a save haven, to protect them from governments and people that would like to ‘own’ them for their own designs. It sounds like a good idea, but, I am leery. Is that the real reason? Does he have an ulterior motive?

I won’t tell you who has possession of the flash drive once it has been taken from Sir Michael. That would ruin the fun of you finding out for yourself, but there are those that would do almost anything to get it.

Samantha is missing. Is she alive? Dead? Does someone have her?

You can find out what the book is about by reading the synopsis, so I won’t go into that. I will tell you, Lolly has become my favorite character. I love a good bad guy, and she has definitely proven she is not to be messed with. No one approves of James and Lolly being together, especially with her background. It would be hard to think she could change from a blood thirsty killer to a young woman wanting to do the right thing and be with her boyfriend.

He is her conscience. Can love conquer all?

It all comes down to…who you can trust. Where can you be safe? Many ruthless people would love to keep them hostage, use them for their own gain. Money? Power? Weapons?

We shall see how it plays out in this mini series that is part of the Class Heroes series. So buckle up and hold on tight. I am sure there is a lot of action, danger and intrigue to come.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of How To Start Your Own Country by Stephen Henning.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

AMAZON SYNOPSIS

Freedom always has a price

How to Start Your Own Country is a mini series of three episodes within the overall Class Heroes book series. It continues the adventures of James and Samantha Blake, and a small group of people who have developed special abilities.

Previously, in Class Heroes….

Teenage twins Samantha and James Blake have developed superpowers following a bus explosion caused by pharma-tech mogul Sir Michael Rosewood.
Al Lester, known as the Alchemist, triggered nationwide riots in the UK by giving out ‘Super D’, a drug which temporarily gives users super strength.
Sir Michael, who’d been captured by the British security services, was rescued by his daughter Lolly.
Samantha and Al are both missing, presumed dead, following an attempt to kidnap them by the Russian mafia.
Sir Michael, reluctantly aided by Lolly, has established a small community for people with superpowers on an artificial island between Britain and France, where they continue their mission to find other people with abilities.
Deenpal Mander, a teenager with the power to heal people from any illness or injury, has escaped the clutches of a gang of evil people-traffickers, and has reached out to Sir Michael for help…

In How to Start Your Own Country Episode 1 “The Rise of Superhero Island”:

Sir Michael’s recruitment drive for superheroes is finally paying dividends, but a jealous rival threatens to sabotage his plans; James and Lolly’s ill-advised relationship heats up; Deen is terrified by the changes happening to his body; and the mystery surrounding Sam and Al’s disappearance is revealed.

ABOUT STEPHEN HENNING

Stephen Henning

 I began writing the first Class Heroes book on my laptop in February 2011, but these stories have probably been continually playing in my head since I was aged five or six, when I would act them out with toys and with my friends. I then branched out into using pencils, colouring pens and paper, moving on to writing pads and then my first computer.

So, as you’ve probably gathered, I have always enjoyed making up stories and the super-hero genre has been one of my favourites.

The CV-type stuff is that I went to Sheffield Hallam University to study English. I then trained and briefly worked as a journalist in Salford. After that, I moved into publishing – which was great. An interesting and fun industry to be in and fascinating to see how books are put together and sold.

After that I started doing technical writing, which led me to start my own business with my friend and colleague Andrew Butters. My love of writing, generally, led me back to writing fiction. Our company, Elucidox Ltd, publishes the Class Heroes books.

If you want to know a bit more about me, what kind of super powers I have and the kind of super villains I have to tangle with on a daily basis, then feel free to watch Rage. This is a short film, that took a long time to make. It’s a simple day in my life :-). Actually it’s just a fun movie that I made with the very kind help of some of my best mates. We had a laugh doing it, hope you like it too. And if you do, then why not explore the super world of the Class Heroes books?

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MY STEPHEN HENNING REVIEWS

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Review – Sketching Rebellion by Felicia Ketcheson @booksirens

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I want to thank Book Sirens and Lava Lake Books for the opportunity to read and review Sketching Rebellion by Felicia Ketchseon.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I grabbed Sketching Rebellion by Felicia Ketcheson not realizing it was going to be a series. It seems like most of the books I read any more are series. It’s okay, as long as I get to find out the final result, beginning to end, but that doesn’t always happen. Anyways I did enjoy Sketching Rebellion. I was on a binge of apocalyptic/dystopian reading and got a little click happy, grabbing willy nilly.

Sketching Rebellion’s target audience is teen and young adult. I do enjoy a good coming of age story and Breel was a fascinating character. Normally, I like a little more brutality and depth of despair in my apocalyptic reading, but the blurb states that Breel is seventeen years old, so that is a clue for the target group.

As usual, those in power wield a heavy sword to keep everyone in line, using the threat of execution for the slightest infraction, like sketching/drawing, when she is forbidden to do so. How far can you push someone, no matter the age, before they push back? And what happens when they do?

One of the scariest things is…there is no punishment for those who report other citizens. In fact, they are rewarded for it. Who can you trust? You can never be sure what is going on in someone’s mind. Family turning in family, friends turning in friends, coworkers…Instead of ‘lock her up’, it’s take her out.

Some of the most unlikely people will be those who support taking action against the regime. Some will fall, and the ending….I was saddened, afraid for the ones who chose to reshape their world into something better. BUT, that is for another day. I am hooked and I look forward to finding out what comes next. I rated Sketching Rebellion with the target audience in mind.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Sketching Rebellion by Felicia Ketcheson.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Conformity is mandatory. But seventeen-year-old artist Breel rebels anyway.

In the city of Lexum, personal choice is nonexistent, and defiance is severely punished. Breel is alone in seeing the injustices in her world. Isolated due to her beliefs and haunted by the disappearance of her uncle, she finds solace in the forbidden act of drawing. Creating art is a rebellion against an oppressive regime that stifles self-expression.

When a glimmer of hope emerges in the form of a resistance group, Breel faces a decision. Will she risk execution to join their fight for a society which would celebrate rather than condemn her artistic skills? Or will she continue hiding her non-conformity?

The outcome of her choice will not only define her own fate but may also set in motion a revolution that could reshape her world forever.

2022 Killer Nashville Claymore Award finalist (Juvenile/YA) .

  • Genre: Apocalyptic, Dystopian, Fiction, Science Fiction, Suspense, Technothriller, Thriller, Young Adult
    [ Previously published as Intercludae.]
  • 320 pages, Paperback
  • Published July 1, 2023

ABOUT FELICIA KETCHESON

Felicia Ketcheson is the author of Intercludae, which was a 2022 Killer Nashville Claymore Award finalist (Juvenile/YA category). At age seven, she wrote her first book about a dog, cat, and bee. Four years later, she randomly started writing a short novel, catapulting her into the world of series writing. When she’s not devising ways to destroy the lives of her fictional characters, she works as a medical researcher and database developer. Database developing is a passion she simultaneously loves and hates. She lives in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada.

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Early Review – Fault by Lumen Reese @ZoominLumen

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I want to thank Book Sirens and Lumen Reese for the opportunity to read and review Fault.

It will be released on 8.24.23 and is available for Preorder.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I love the awesome cover for Fault by Lumen Reese. It told me everything I needed to know. I love creature features and eagerly cracked open my ereader to begin.

And begin we did. An earthquake that sunk part of the California coast gave the creature its freedom. It reveled in it.

Lucille Bennet is in Montana for work when it hits. Her children are lost, but she refuses to leave them for the creature to eat. She proceeds to build a submarine and enters the quarantine zone to retrieve their bodies. Things sure didn’t go the way I thought and I love it.

She is rescued by a ship called the Last Chance. A ship of criminals and rejects. It is dangerous, not just for her, but anyone that takes on the job. It is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. They go to the most dangerous place, where the creature is, searching for oil. Yeah, keep drilling and maybe you’ll find another creature. Only one of three workers will survive the mission.

I am not going to share a ton of details, because the blurb stayed nondescriptive. The parts of the book share a separate character and their point of view. We have some romance and a few laughs. She wins over the crew by cooking good food and with a little help from those she makes friends with.

Fault by Lumen Reese unraveled like a B movie, and I devour them like the creature devoured anything that got in its way. Fault seems to be a bit different, not just a creature feature, but scifi and a bit of time travel?

The beginning was action packed and set the hook. The middle introduces us to the cast of characters and life aboard the Baton Rouge. The end is tense and thought provoking. All in all a very satisfying read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of Fault by Lumen Reese.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS REVIEW

A grieving mother.
A monster.
A ship crewed by the damned.

The Thing swam out of the magma in the Earth’s core and clawed its way up through the San Andreas Fault on the night that a chunk of the California coast sank into the Pacific. Millions died, including the two children of Lucille ‘Ceely’ Bennett, an accomplished engineer stranded in rural Montana when the cataclysm occurred. Ceely builds a submarine, complete with mechanical arms and a set of harpoons -the biggest on the market- with the intention of going down among the ruins of Los Angeles to collect her daughters’ bodies.
A mother’s love -and fury- drive her to hunt the creature across oceans and decades in this story of grief and revenge.

  • List: Fantasy, Horror, Queer, Science Fiction
  • 396 pages, Paperback
  • Expected publication August 24, 2023

ABOUT REESE LUMEN

Writer of diverse science fiction, fantasy and horror from Michigan. I failed many math classes in high school to write first drafts of the books I’ve published. It was worth it.
I think that a story should be entertaining, but should handle important social and class issues in order to be an accurate portrayal of our world. I value honest resolution over shock-value, and happy endings wherever possible, especially for my LGBT characters.
You can find me on Twitter @ZoominLumen
Or follow me on Goodreads for sales and announcements.

FAULT is a SCIENCE FICTION/HORROR novel.
(Out August 24, 2023! Available in ebook and paperback.)

THE BRIDE HUNT OF ELK MOUNTAIN is a SPECULATIVE/SCIENCE FICTION novel.
(Out now! Available in ebook and paperback.)

MONSTER MIDWIFE is a FANTASY/HORROR novel.
(Out now! Available as an ebook.)

TRIAL OF THE LOVEBIRD BUTCHER is an URBAN FANTASY/THRILLER novel.
(Out now! Available in ebook and paperback.)

CLAIRE GOT HERSELF IN TROUBLE is a YA/NEW ADULT CONTEMPORARY novel. A portion of all proceeds go to Planned Parenthood.
(Out now! Available in ebook and paperback.)

MONARCH FALLS is a SCI-FI MYSTERY novel. (1st in the FOUR QUARTERS OF IMAGINATION TRILOGY)
(Out now! Available as an ebook.)

THE UNDESIRABLES is a WWII THRILLER.
(Out now! Available as an ebook.)

ROMANI and ROMANI: AMBASSADORS were the first two parts of a trilogy that I started when I was seventeen. At the time, I intended to bring awareness to an underrepresented and much maligned group, in a story about how the privileged in our society have a moral responsibility to help the less fortunate. I have since decided that I did not have the right to be telling that story, and have unpublished both books.

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Giveaway – Golden Cord Of Light by Heidi Skarie @XpressoTours

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Golden Cord of Light
Heidi Skarie
(Star Rider, #6)
Publication date: June 17th 2023
Genres: Adult, Science Fiction

When darkness descends can a few courageous heroes save their planet?

Princess Morisa’s world is turned upside down. She planned to be a priestess living at a monastery for the rest of her life. But now she’s being sent to a foreign country and is expected to use her special powers to entice the prince to marry her. How can she seduce him when it goes against everything she’s been taught?

Prince Everette is embroiled in the world of politics and rebellion. With his father leaving for war and his mother ill, he’s the regent ruler and head of the military. As if that isn’t enough, he’s expected to be polite to the feisty Princess Morisa, who is staying at the palace for the summer.

Everette and Morisa’s stormy relationship intensifies as the warring world around them erupts. Can they put aside their differences long enough to keep the most dangerous sorcerer in the galaxy from destroying their planet? Or will the galaxy plunge into darkness?

Golden Cord of Light is the thrilling sixth book in the Star Rider Universe. If you like bigger-than-life heroes and heroines, evil sorcerers, space battles, romance, and mysticism, you’ll love Heidi Skarie’s exciting novel.

Buy Golden Cord of Light for an amazing adventure full of passion and excitement set among the stars.

Goodreads / Amazon

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EXCERPT:

A dark shadow moved somewhere above them. Morisa looked up, thinking it was an animal or perhaps a guard who’d followed them. The shape left the cliff top and came flying down toward Baymond. It happened so fast she didn’t have time to react. The being landed on Baymond and they both fell to the ground. Baymond’s head slammed against a rock and he lay still. The other figure, a man, rose and turned to her. In the moonlight, Morisa’s knees weakened as she stared at the huge man before her. His cold eyes held dark power and she instantly knew he was a sorcerer.

She moved past her fears and readied herself for battle.

His fist flew toward her face. She twisted aside and slammed her heel into his gut. He gasped, doubling up, and she kneed him in the chin. Her robe hampered her movements as she dodged away from him.

He came after her and dealt her a forceful kick, sending her sliding across the rocky shoreline. She rolled with the fall, then sprang up and defensively put her fists in front of her face.

The sorcerer sent out a blast of psychic energy that knocked her to her knees. The spell held such power that she couldn’t escape. In agony, she focused on breaking his incantation. Her whole body began to feel hot as she chanted a counter spell. When her power hit his spell, they both flew backward.

Trembling, Morisa rose and pulled her crystal out of her pocket. She held it in front of her, calling upon its energy. Before she could activate it, the sorcerer hit her wrist. The crystal flew out of her hand and onto the sand. He slammed his fist into her temple and she collapsed onto the ground. She rolled onto her stomach, trying to ignore her throbbing headache as she searched for her crystal. He kicked her in the ribs and her side exploded in pain. A cold chill went through her — this was a real fight, not a match. Her life and Baymond’s depended on her skills and training.

Morisa expected to be struck again as she hunted in the dark for her crystal. Instead, she heard movement behind her. Glancing up, she saw Baymond had regained consciousness and fought the sorcerer. She turned her attention back to her search and spotted a gleam of violet light where the moonlight touched her crystal. She crawled forward and grabbed it, then drew on its healing energy to give her strength. Still weak, she looked back toward Baymond and watched the fight in fascination. Baymond moved with a grace, skill, and fluid control she’d rarely seen. He fought on a level beyond mind and body. His strength radiated out from the center of his being as he delivered forceful blows.

The sorcerer’s foot slammed into Baymond’s chest and the youth staggered backward, barely retaining his stance and breathing raggedly. He looked like his body couldn’t withstand much more abuse. Blood flowed from a wound on his forehead and dripped into his eyes. He wiped it aside and blocked another kick, then slammed his fist into the sorcerer’s throat. A killing blow if delivered with enough force, but with Baymond’s declining strength it only knocked the sorcerer to the ground.

As he fell the sorcerer stuck out his leg and hooked it against Baymond’s. The youth fell to the sand, landing hard enough to knock the wind out of him.

The sorcerer was instantly on him and closed his hands around his throat. Baymond struggled frantically to pry open the man’s hands. Morisa concentrated on the power of the crystal. The psychic powers surrounding them had caused it to turn black in her hand. She visualized the crystal clearing as she called on the Lady Mother for help. Soon, she felt vibrating energy and the crystal glowed violet again. She pointed it toward the sorcerer and sent out a beam of light.

The sorcerer cried out in agony as if he’d been stabbed in the back, then he collapsed across Baymond. The crystal’s power sliced back into Morisa’s hand and went through her being like a bolt of electricity. She collapsed.

When she regained consciousness, she saw Baymond’s anxious face above her. “Get up quickly,” he said in a rasping voice. When she pushed her blistered hand against the sand to rise, she winced in pain.

The sorcerer stirred next to them. Baymond grabbed Morisa’s arm and pulled her to her feet. “Let’s get out of here!”

The sorcerer also rose, standing between them and the pathway up the cliff. He raised his hands in the air, drawing on dark powers.

“Get to the ocean. Swim back,” Baymond yelled. When she hesitated, he said, “Run! Now.”

Author Bio:

Heidi Skarie’s life as a writer began when she had a dramatic dream about a futuristic world at war. The vivid dream was like watching an action/adventure movie. Excited about the dream, she recorded it upon awakening. That night the dream continued where it left off. After six nights, Heidi had a hundred-page journal recording the series of dreams. This awakened her interest in writing, which continues to be one of her greatest passions today.

Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter


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Zombalicious – The Infected by Perry Prete @PerryPreteBooks #Zombies

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Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

First off, I LOVE THE COVER! I have been indulging in my need for an apocalyptic fix and The Infected by Perry Prete was a great addition to my binging. The Infected is an original take on a zombie apocalypse.

John awakens, not even remembering his name, as one of The Infected.

We meet Carrie Jordan when she is alone. She is a badass. She does what is necessary to survive. I thought I knew where this was going, but….

The humans rule the day, the zombies the night. I knew John and Carrie would have to come together at some point, seeing they are the main characters, but I didn’t anticipate how. Perry Prete is not afraid to kill any of his characters off, so, even though I came to like a couple of others and thought they might join up with Carrie, it was not to be.

We do have all the grossness of zombies, attacking and eating most anything they can get their hands on. Even mice, fox, and other animals became zombified. One of the grossest moments to me, was when Perry Prete had a zombie with their lip ripped off, and as the zombie attacked another, they didn’t realize they were eating their own lip. LOL People travel miles alone, sometimes meeting up in small groups for the protection it offered. Big groups did the normal, used and abused others they considered beneath them and disposable. Of course, The Walking Dead came to mind and made visualizing Carrie’s dilemma easy.

I had many notes in my ereader, but because I was surprised by the ending, I didn’t want to share too much. I didn’t see it coming and I want you to enjoy finding out for yourself. The ending deserves a star of it’s own and I LOVED IT! I could see it playing out in my mind. I was sad, angry, may have even cheered when….I love an author who writes with such mastery that the book comes to life right before my eyes. If you are looking for some zombies that are a little bit different, The Infected by Perry Prete is a must read.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Infected by Perry Prete.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREAD BLURB

A virus infects the world, altering human DNA. The Infected live at night, humans during the day. Each group avoids the other, as humans search for an area free of The Infected until an unlikely bond occurs between the two.

  • Genre: Fiction, Horror, Science Fiction, Zombies
  • 234 pages, Kindle Edition
  • Published July 4, 2022 by Sands Press

ABOUT PERRY PRETE

Perry Prete

Perry Prete is a Canadian crime writer and paramedic. His first novel, All Good Things, introduced us to Ethan Tennant, a City of Ottawa paramedic who looks at crimes from the medical perspective.

Perry continues to work full-time as a paramedic and uses his thirty plus years of life changing and sometimes dramatic experiences to bring realism to his gripping medical novels. His other works include, The Things That Matter Most and All Good Things.

He is also a business owner, specializing in the pre-hospital care field. His company sells medical equipment across North America, primarily to EMS agencies.

A native of Sudbury, Ontario, Perry, graduated from Fanshawe College in London but now lives and works in Brockville, Ontario.

MY PERRY PRETE REVIEWS

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Review & Giveaway – The Genes Of Isis by Justin Newland @JeanBookNerd

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MY REVIEW

I had to stop when I saw the vibrant yellow cover and see what The Genes Of Isis by Justin Newland was about. Then I saw angels and grabbed it. The Genes of Isis by Justin Newland wasn’t quite what I though it would be and it took me a while to get into it, but it is worth a read if you are into science fiction, fantasy, and historical fiction. I love when I can recommend a debut novel.

My name is Akasha. I am mother of you all. You are the children of angels. And this is out story.

The Helios is a tribe of angels that, like I have seen before, think they have all the answers. They came to Earth to move humans to a new stage of evolution by delivering the Surge.

Horque comes to Earth with the Solarii, another tribe of angels to fix what the problem the Helios created when they made the hybrids.

Akasha has a premonition that foretelsl of all their extinctions with a great flood. So many moments reminded me of a religious and an Egyptian story.

I am not a church goer, but I have enjoyed some Christian books and those with a religious tone. The Genes of Isis by Justin Newland is one of those. Many things sounded familiar, especially the polluting of religion for personal reasons. Political intrigue and revenge are alive and well. Is this where pyramids came from? I would think they would be more aware of Karma. 🙂

Issa made a deal with the devil and, at first, I though she was just a nice person. As the story comes together, I find she is so much more. Who knows what would have happened without her.

The Genes Of Isis by Justin Newland is hard for me to rate. I wasn’t very far into the book and wondered if this would be one of those I wouldn’t finish. I was confused. Not just by the names, which I create my own way of pronouncing them in my head, making the reading easier, but figuring out what was going on…Is it Gods and angels? Is it aliens? A third or half of the way through, the religious tones emerged and things were coming together. All in all, I would recommend if this is your type of story and like immersing yourself in a fantasy world of fantasy.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Genes Of Isis by Justine Newland.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
3 Stars

SYNOPSIS

Akasha is a precocious young girl with dreams of motherhood. She lives in a fantastical world where most of the oceans circulate in the aquamarine sky waters.

Before she was born, the Helios, a tribe of angels from the sun, came to Earth to deliver the Surge, the next step in the evolution of an embryonic human race. Instead they spawned a race of hybrids and infected humanity with a hybrid seed.

Horque manifests on Earth with another tribe of angels, the Solarii, to rescue the genetic mix-up and release the Surge.

Akasha embarks on a journey from maiden to mother and from apprentice to priestess then has a premonition that a great flood is imminent. All three races – humans, hybrids and Solarii – face extinction.

With their world in crisis, Akasha and Horque meet, and a sublime love flashes between them. Is this a cause of hope for humanity and the Solarii? Or will the hybrids destroy them both? Will anyone survive the killing waters of the coming apocalypse?

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE 

Praise for THE GENES OF ISIS

“The novel is creative, sophisticated, brilliant! I couldn’t ask for a more Egyptian-esque book!” —Lauren, Books Beyond the Story

“The book is exquisitely written, with good characterization and a compelling plot… Thoroughly recommended.” —Jennifer’s Reviews  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JUSTIN NEWLAND’s novels represent an innovative blend of genres from historical adventure to supernatural thriller and magical realism. His stories explore the themes of war and religion, and speculate on the human’s spiritual place in the universe.

Undeterred by the award of a Doctorate in Mathematics from Imperial College, London, he conceived his debut novel, The Genes of Isis (Matador, 2018), an epic fantasy set under Ancient Egyptian skies.

The historical thriller, The Old Dragon’s Head (Matador, 2018), is set in Ming Dynasty China in the shadows of the Great Wall.

The Coronation (Matador, 2019) was another historical adventure and speculates on the genesis of the most important event in the modern world – the Industrial Revolution.

The Abdication (Matador, 2021) is a supernatural thriller in which a young woman confronts her faith in a higher purpose and what it means to abdicate that faith.

His work in progress is a two-book series, The Island of Angels. Set in the Elizabethan era, it’s an epic tale of England’s coming of age. The Mark of the Salamander (to be published September 2023) takes us across the open seas of discovery with Sir Francis Drake while The Midnight of Eights culminates the series with the repulse of the Spanish Armada.

Author, speaker and broadcaster, Justin appears on LitFest panels, gives talks to historical associations and libraries and enjoys giving radio interviews and making podcasts.

Born three days before the end of 1953, he lives with his partner in plain sight of the Mendip Hills in Somerset, England.

PHOTO CONTENT FROM JUSTIN NEWLANDWEBSITE: 

Website / Facebook / Instagram

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  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
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  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
  • Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
  • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
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