Showing posts with label science fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label science fiction. Show all posts

November 29, 2020

Soul Augmented by Kas Smith

 


Soul Augmented is an interesting and thought-provoking cyberpunk and dystopian science fiction and the first in the Soul-Augmented Book Series created by Kas Smith.

Obsessed theoretical physicist Joshua Smith doesn’t realize just how much he loves his girlfriend, Savannah, until she falls into a coma following a spectacularly disastrous night. Savannah’s condition, however, is not unique. Around the world, millions of people fall into irreversible and inexplicable coma.

As Savannah lies unconsciously on her hospital bed, Joshua is racked with guilt for all the times he neglects her and chooses to spend his time and energy on his work instead of to her. Oblivious of the connection between the rise of natural disasters and the irreversible comas, Joshua vows to do everything he can to find a cure for her condition.

An unexpected visit from a representative of an extremely powerful secret society gives Joshua hope to save Savannah but he is yet to decide whether or not he is ready for the implications of his decisions.

Basically, this book has a common enough plot, a man who is so engrossed about his work that he forgets about everything else including the most important thing he has, the love of a great woman, until he lost it. What makes it exciting and interesting is the portrayal of a possible future of the planet. The rise of natural disasters, use of much, much improved and versatile mobile phone called in the book as genius control device, mode of transportation called octopede, and the ordinariness of augmented reality, everything that totally appeals to a science fiction enthusiast.

These same things, however, would deter other readers who prefer the usual and everyday things they see in their present reality. Having said that, I think it would be sensible to say that this book is great but only to a specific set of readers. May I also add that there are scientific terminologies that others would find unappealing like quantum teleportation and Higgs boson,

Being into quantum mechanics, I find this book very interesting that I plan to read the next book in the series very soon.

Congratulations to Kas Smith (@KasSmith_writer) on such a very interesting book. For more books by the author, click HERE.

August 23, 2019

U-10 by Sam B. Miller II



U-10 is an exciting and suspenseful science fiction thriller by Sam B. Miller II.

While on a mission to remove Insurgents from dusty settlements on the hills of Afghanistan, Lt. Ty Lavender and the rest of the Orion Squad stand witness to the thundering crash of an unidentified flying object. After finding a strange satchel and a box of cards from the crash site and getting rid of a few Insurgents sneaking on them, Lavender and his men leave and get into position around the perimeter of the crash site. Shortly after, a group of people wearing full coverage combat gear arrives and takes over the crash site.

Meanwhile, the lone passenger of the UFO is watching from a distance, near where his escape pod has landed. Extremely confident that the inhabitants of this planet are too primitive and too intellectually inferior to understand advanced technology, the passenger feels apprehensive when he sees the U-10 draped over the shoulder of one of the humans. Little does he know that there are much more to the humans than he knows.

This is an exciting and suspenseful, fast-paced and easy to read science fiction thriller. The plot is unpredictable and offers a series of twists and turns making the book a real deal page-turner. Though the concept of an alien aircraft crashing down the desert seems quite trite and overused, the introduction of U-10, a survival tool with multiple uses involving single-use cards that produce advanced and sophisticated but disposable weapons, is enough to put sci-fi fans on the edge of their seats. Characters are provided with sufficient back stories to make them life-like which makes it easy to visualize them as real people. Moreover, the author creates the perfect protagonist in Lt. Ty Lavender, the smart, brave, compassionate, and loyal soldier and leader. More than the vividly described scenes, I love the depiction of human attributes including loyalty, concern, and compassion as well as zealotry, greed, and narcissism.

Congratulations to Sam B. Miller II (@SamBMillerII) for another great book! For more books by the author, click HERE!

February 26, 2019

Reclamation by Brysen Mann


Reclamation is an exciting and suspenseful science fiction book and the second installment of The Xeno Manifesto Book Series created by Brysen Mann.

Deep beneath the peak of Mt. Rainer, Frank Smirnov is perplexed. He is overwhelmed by the magnitude of his discovery. Everything he knows about himself and the world is undermined by the enormity of the undeniable facts staring him in the face. As per practical advice from a friend now departed, he doesn’t trust anyone, not Zachariah Allmas whom he ended up with, and not even the mythical creatures who are keeping him safe, for now.

If he really is the one foretold to save mankind, he has no idea how exactly he is going to do it. Right now, he needs to find out more about the Committee which is hell-bent on terminating his existence, and the best way to start is with the man who knows the Committee better than he or anyone he knows, for that matter, does.    

Meanwhile, Felix Belette gathers all the Team Leaders. Their directive is to find the traitor at all cost and bring him to Belette alive, so that Belette could extract every shred of information from him in the slowest and most agonizing process. Little does Belette know what awaits him when Zach is finally found.

This is just as intriguing and as exciting as the first book, The Xeno Manifesto. Unlike in other book series that usually introduce subplots, this second installment stays consistent with the first book and simply moves the plot forward. It is unpredictable with exciting twists and turns that though not altogether shocking are surprising enough. Scenes and settings are thoroughly described including the special abilities of the mythical creatures. The book has a satisfactory ending and promises a more exciting third installment.

Admittedly, I enjoyed this book a lot. However, I find the pacing of the plot slower than that of the first book that very little is added to the story. Moreover, there are too many noticeable errors within the entire book that detract from the overall reading experience.

Congratulations to Brysen Mann (@brysen_mann) on another exciting book!   

January 1, 2019

My 2019 Book List

I have read 118 books in 2018. Just like the previous years, most of them are by independent authors and are self-published. As a professional book reviewer, sometimes I feel like reading books become ‘work’ which, technically, in my case, is true. So, when writing reviews becomes too tedious and stressful, I read for fun. The following list is that of books that I chose to read for personal amusement.

1. Surprise Me by Sophia Kinsella
2. The Giver by Lois Lowry
3. Magic Strings of Frankie Presto by
4. Acceptable Risk by Robin Cook (reread)
5. Hidden Riches by Nora Roberts (reread)
6. Sands of Time by Sidney Sheldon
7. IQ84 by Haruki Murukami
8. The Zahir by Paulo Coelho
9. The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas
10. Kindred Spirits by Rainbow Rowell
11. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (reread)
12. Little Men by Louisa May Alcott (reread)

That looks like a short list, doesn’t it? Well, if you want, you may add your book to that list. Here is the list of the books I read and reviewed in 2018. Mainstream books, however, are not reviewed. They are popular enough as they are and some are even overrated and don’t need reviews for promotion.

15. Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas
18. The Witch’s Journey by Elaanie S.
24. Brand Real by Vasken Kalayjian
29. Nightmares, The Lost Lullaby by Jason Segel
30. Pillow Talk: The Legend of Lorelie Begins by Daria J. Wagoner
36. Library of Souls by Ransom Riggs
39. The Manifesto Murders by Nick Airus
57. Angels among Us by Hannah Conway
59. Gone by Michael Grant
60. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
61. Revival from the Shoulder by Paul Juby
69. Attachments by Rainbow Rowell
76. Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray
83. Beyond Wealth to Long-Term Prosperity by Naseem Mariam
99. Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
116. I Can See Peace by Julie Penshorn
117. The Woodspeople by Marc Remus
118. Of Zots and Xoodles by Zarqnon the Embarrassed

If you want to add your book on next year’s list, you may CLICK HERE. The blog author, however, reserves the right to refuse books that are beyond her field of expertise.  

October 31, 2018

Paralytic State by Steven Orlowski



Paralytic State is a metaphysical science fiction written by Steven Orlowski.

Jaron Brundt is a world famous virtuoso guitar player. After replacing the legendary Tod Vas as the lead guitar player for the Darren ‘Loud’ Ray band, Jaron is about to become a big time rock star.

He is in the middle of recording his major label debut with the band when he feels that he is losing his dexterity. Before the end of the recording session, he is diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord.  He is given 3 – 5 years to live. After twenty five years, however, Jaron is still alive, albeit in paralytic state.

A former fan turned Virtual Warden at Aeternalis Federal Penitentiary finds Jaron to be the perfect candidate for a new but secret virtual reality program funded by the Federal government, where a person’s consciousness is transferred to a computer and live in a virtual reality world where he can walk, talk, and play guitar. But once he enters Aeternalis, there is no turning back.

Basically, I love the concept of this book. It brings up the most important issue of all, a person’s mortality. By portraying the main character as an extraordinarily talented young man with a promising career ahead of him, the author successfully presents the glaring truth that life is but temporary. Everything we have at the moment, the things we enjoy in life, the skills we learn, and the special abilities we possess may disappear at any moment and there is nothing we can do about it. No amount of money or fame can buy us health and vigor.

Furthermore, the choice presented to Jaron between living in a virtual world free of sickness and disease and living in the physical world with his family but confined in a wheel chair unable to take care of himself, is a wake-up call. It answers the basic questions ‘what and who are we living for?’

Except for the several errors that make reading a less pleasurable experience, I love the book including the lengthy explanation about ALS and the possibility of a virtual reality program.

Congratulations to Steven Orlowski (@SteveO_Writer) on such an informative and insightful book. For more books by the author, click HERE.  

May 24, 2018

Hell Holes by Donald Firesmith



Hell Holes: WhatLurks Below is a paranormal novel and is the first in the two-book Hell Holes Book Series written by Donald Firesmith.

When giant holes appear overnight along the North Slope near the Arctic Circle, Kevin Kowalski, a representative of an oil company calls geology professor from University of Alaska Fairbanks Jack Oswald to fly over and investigate. Naturally, the oil company wants Jack to find out what’s causing the formation of holes and the likelihood that another one may open up under the pipeline, in which case, the company would face financial and environmental disaster.

Right away, Jacks picks his wife and colleague, Dr. Angela Menendez, a climatologist, to come with him as well as two of his graduate students, newly- weds Mark and Jill Starr. As they are preparing for their trip to the North Slope, a mesmerizingly beautiful photo-journalist, Aileen O-Shannon, invites herself and appoints herself as the fifth member of the team.

Upon their arrival, they are met by Kevin Kowalski himself and Bill Henderson, a wildlife biologist whose job is to watch over their backs and protect them from wild animals that might interfere with their research. However, no amount of planning or safety measures would prepare them for what lurks below.

With a consistently fast pacing, the book is told in the first person perspective of Professor Jack Oswald. It is intriguing and suspenseful and as soon as the action began, it didn’t stop until the last page of the book. Quite unpredictable and with surprising revelations, this book is perfect for paranormal, suspense and horror fans.

However, it seems like the author focuses more on the plot and the scene descriptions leaving the characters a little under-developed that short back stories wouldn’t hurt. Moreover, there are some noticeable errors within the entire book (like neckless instead of necklace).

Congratulations to Donald Firesmith (@DonFiresmith) on such an enjoyable book! For more books by the author, click HERE.

February 4, 2018

The Xeno Manifesto by Brysen Mann


The Xeno Manifesto is an exciting thriller novel by Brysen Mann.

Frank Smirnov has always known he is different. Not only is he an orphan who is oblivious of his roots, but he also displays ‘Powers’ he doesn’t comprehend especially when he is in a fit of rage. An unexpected friendship sparks his interest in mystical ‘Beings,’ an interest that leads him to a mind-blowing discovery that might question everything he knows about the world and the origin of mankind.

This is an exciting and suspenseful book and the author successfully keeps it interesting until the last page. In addition to a very promising premise which is introduced in a fast paced series of events, the characters are thoroughly portrayed in ample back stories. The mystery is suspended as the author shifts the plot by introducing another set of characters with equally ample back story. The excitement continues as the plot converges in a surprising and unexpected twist. This is, indeed, one exciting and enjoyable suspense thriller.

However, other readers may find the timelines a bit confusing. Moreover, though the back stories are ample, too ample in fact that some readers may feel being thrown off the plot, and seemingly sufficient, there are details that sound ambiguous. Furthermore, I find the ending inconclusive which leaves some questions unanswered. Finally, there are too many noticeable errors within the entire book that can easily be fixed by another round of editing.

Still, I enjoyed the book and I recommend it to fans of suspense, thriller and science fiction. The most important part of the book, for me, is the moral issue in instigating mass destruction to save the planet. I think that is one thing everybody should think about.

Congratulations to Brysen Mann (@brysen_mann) on such an exciting novel.           

January 29, 2018

Dawn of Chrysalis by Sam B. Miller II


Dawn of Chrysalis is the exciting second installment of the Origin of F.O.R.C.E. Series created by Sam B. Miller II.

After the failed invasion of planet Earth by the Chrysallaman Empire, another possible threat is detected. This time, it comes from a race with even more advanced technology and weaponry than the fearsome and extremely arrogant Chrysallamans.

While Whatsit and other members of F.O.R.C.E. go on a mission to gather information about the invaders that threaten to wipe-out the entire Chrysallaman race, Dr. John Heinbaum and his team are busy modifying weapons and developing technology in the ultra-secret laboratory hidden in the dessert. With very little information on what they are up against, however, humans must work with the Chrysallaman colonists for a better chance at success against their common enemy.

If I like the first book in the series, Origin of F.O.R.C.E, I like this second installment even more. With space travel and space fighting, the book is a real-deal suspenseful science fiction novel featuring laser beams, bubble shields and artificial black holes.

Moreover, the author features not only the friendly, accommodating and compassionate side of the humans but also the vindictive, duplicitous, and treacherous attributes, that, along with a tad of romance, effectively thickens the plot. My favorite part of the book is the complicated friendship between the eccentric and egotistical Astro-Physicist Dr. John Heinbaum and the red-haired hellion and weapons specialist Capt. Jerome McPherson. Reading about them is so much fun.

However, in addition to the several noticeable errors within the entire book, I find the physics part too technical for me. Though I believe the physics cannot be helped, another round of editing should be considered.


Congratulations to Sam B. Miller II (@SamBMillerII) on another enjoyable book. For more books by the author, click HERE. 

January 1, 2018

My 2018 Book List

I have read 135 books in 2017. As a book reviewer, most of those books are by independent authors while a few are mainstream books which I read for fun an amusement. This year, I made a short list of only 10 books to give space for other and most likely books by indie authors. If you are a book author, you may want to add your book on this list. 

1. Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas
2. Library of Souls by Ransom Riggs
3. Gone by Michael Grant
4. The Girl on the Train by Tate Taylor
5. The Timekeeper by Mitch Albom
6. Attachments by Rainbow Rowell
7. The 9th Life of Louis Drax
8. The Lost Lullaby by Jason Segel and Kirsten Miller
9. Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray 
10. David Copperfield by Charles Dickens

Yes. There are two classic novels on my list and yes I seriously want to read them. 

Anyways, here is the list of books I read in 2017. You may click the title for the review of a particular book. Mainstream books, however, are not reviewed, basically because I do believe they don't need it.

1. The Key by Marianne Curley
10. Winter by Marissa Meyer
26. Indeath by Cornelia Funke
38. The Shadows of Olympus
41. Nightlord Sunset by Garon Whited
48 Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
50. The Apostates Book Three: Lake of Fire by Lars Teeney
51. Artemis Fowl and the Time Paradox by Eoin Colfer
55. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by J.K. Rowling
56. The Necromancer by Michael Scott
59. The Dramen Lore by Mukta Sharma
61. Hollow City by Ransom Riggs
69. Domestic Violence in Lebanon: A Depth Psychological Perspective by Maysar Sarieddine
71. The Sleepwalker Tonic by Jason Segel and Kirsten Miller
75. God Without Religion: An Alternative View of Life, the Universe and Everything by Dr. Michael Arnheim
77. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
80. Furthermore by Tahere Mafiti
84. Living in Light, Love and Truth by Kaye Iliopoulos
86. Harry the Happy Mouse by ngk
93. We Are the Ants by Shawn David Hutchinson
97. Origins by Dan Brown
103. Shit My Dad Says by Justin Halpern
112. My Not So Perfect Life by Sophie Kinsella
120. The Timekeeper by Mitch Albom
126. Fifty Shames of Earl Grey by Fanny Merkin
129. Superhighway by Alex Fayman
132. Holding up the Universe by Jennifer Niven