Tag: dystopia

Book Review: The Emotion Collector: Awakening by Richard French

Categories Cyberpunk, Dystopian, noir, Science-Fiction, Science-Fiction Fantasy, Speculative-Fiction, Surreal FictionLeave a Comment on Book Review: The Emotion Collector: Awakening by Richard French

Book Details:

Author: Richard French
Release Date: 17 November 2025
Series: Convergence Series
Genre: Dystopian, Speculative Fiction, Cyberpunk, Metaphysical Sci-Fi
Format: E-book 
Pages: 393 pages
Publisher: Indie Pen Press
Blurb:
In a world where emotions are harvested as hazardous waste, an elite Collector absorbs a child’s love—and awakens.
Senior Collector Emma Thorne is the state’s most precise weapon until a four-year-old’s pure love fractures her conditioning. When her collection field fails on an immune stranger, everything she believes crumbles.
Emma discovers the brutal truth: emotions aren’t waste—they’re living energy linked to planetary health, and the Council’s “peace” is killing the world. Her mother is the architect of suppression. Project Terminus will permanently sever human feeling within hours.
For readers who devoured Delirium and The Giver, but crave the hard science and hope of Nexus.
To save humanity, she must sacrifice everything she is to restore the world’s heart.
Pre-order your copy now and be one of the first to discover what happens when the weapon learns to love.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

The Emotion Collector: Awakening by Richard French blends science fiction, philosophy, and pure human emotion into something that defies easy categorization. It is an ambitious, multi-layered exploration of emotion, memory, morality, and what it truly means to feel.

The premise is instantly fascinating: in a world where emotions can be extracted, stored, and traded, one person begins to question whether humanity is losing the very thing that makes it human. But this isn’t just a cyberpunk “what if,” it’s a deeply reflective journey through consciousness, loss, and redemption. French uses his protagonist’s awakening as a mirror for all of us, how much of our inner life is ours to control, and how much is shaped by the systems we live within?

What makes the novel shine is its philosophical and psychological richness. French intertwines emotional introspection with speculative science, blurring the line between technology and spirituality. The world-building is subtle but effective, while the emotional undercurrents remain raw. Each supporting character feels like a fragment of the larger question the novel poses: can emotion exist without consequence, or is pain the price of depth?

Stylistically, The Emotion Collector: Awakening balances poetic introspection with crisp pacing. French’s prose has rhythm, with one moment meditative and the next sharp and cinematic. Thematically, it sits comfortably alongside works like Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro or The Giver by Lois Lowry, but its voice is entirely its own, more speculative and abstract, with a touch of existential wonder.

The Emotion Collector: Awakening is a beautifully written exploration of emotion, consciousness, and control. This book offers both intellectual stimulation and emotional resonance, a rare and rewarding combination.

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Book Review: The Convergence: Broken Magic by Richard French

Categories Dystopian, noir, Speculative-Fiction, Surreal FictionLeave a Comment on Book Review: The Convergence: Broken Magic by Richard French

Book Details:

Author: Richard French
Release Date: 1 March 2025
Series: Convergence Series
Genre: Dystopian, Speculative Fiction
Format: E-book 
Pages: 184 pages
Publisher: Indie Pen Press
Blurb:
Federation Enforcer Samantha Reed has orders to kill Connor Blake—the one person whose soul was torn from hers when the Federation shattered magic itself.
Reality is fracturing across the galaxy as the Convergence approaches, a cosmic force trying to heal what was broken. The Federation claims Connor’s rebellion is causing the breakdown, but when Samantha confronts him, stolen memories surface: their connection isn’t coincidence—it’s the echo of a bond artificially severed centuries ago.

Their unified magic doesn’t combine separate powers—it remembers what they were before the Federation broke everything apart. But every moment they spend reconnected awakens the truth the Federation desperately hides: the artificial separation is failing, and only their restored unity can stabilize reality’s collapse.
As the cosmos continues to unravel, the Federation’s leader plans to use the Convergence’s healing energy as a weapon to make the separation permanent—even if it destroys existence in the process. The choice isn’t between order and chaos, but between artificial control and natural wholeness.
For readers who devoured Shadow and Bone and The Ten Thousand Doors of January, this is forbidden unity with the fate of reality hanging in the balance.
When remembering their true connection means choosing between Federation loyalty and cosmic healing, will Samantha embrace what was stolen from them—or let the universe fracture forever to preserve a lie?
Get your copy now and discover why some bonds refuse to stay broken.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Every once in a while, I stumble on a sci-fantasy that feels both classic and new, and The Convergence: Broken Magic did exactly that for me. Richard French builds a world where magic has been split (politically, philosophically, and literally) and the cost of that fracture touches everything. What I loved most is how the book stays emotional even while juggling heady ideas; the opening teases the cosmic stakes with “shadow and light” patterns that feel sentient, immediately hinting this isn’t just good-vs-evil but a deeper question of how things were broken, and whether they can be made whole again.

The chapters (especially in the middle) blend brisk action with chewy ideas about power, control, and institutional memory without drowning you in exposition. I especially enjoyed how the story frames “unified” magic as something natural and healing, while forced control breaks people and worlds; a theme that gives the battles real emotional stakes.

Author French’s prose is clean and unfussy, letting the math-meets-myth logic of the magic system carry the wonder. The antagonist’s motivation, born from trauma and fear, adds dimension to the conflict and avoids mustache-twirling; policy, paranoia, and grief entwine into a believable agenda that feels tragically real. This nuance makes the late-book confrontations land harder because the “villain” isn’t simply wrong; he’s convincingly afraid of what ungoverned power can do.

The finale pays off the promise of the title, with sacrifice, restoration, and an earned sense of hope. Without spoiling anything: the book argues that wholeness requires consent and cost, not coercion, which is a beautiful take for a series opener. I closed the book feeling satisfied yet curious about where this universe goes next, which is always my favorite way to end the first in a series. If you like high-stakes magic systems grounded in character and consequence, this belongs on your TBR.

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Book Review: Burn My Shadow Issue #2 by Sebastiano Lanza

Categories Comics/Graphic Novels, Dark Fiction, Dystopian, Graphic-Novel, noir, Surreal FictionLeave a Comment on Book Review: Burn My Shadow Issue #2 by Sebastiano Lanza

Book Details:

Author: Sebastiano Lanza
Release Date: September 22, 2025
Series: Burn My Shadow (Book 2)
Genre: Graphic Novel
Format: E-book 
Pages: under 100 pages
Publisher: Markosia Enterprises
Blurb:
In Leipzig, Tharmas devises a plan to kidnap Thomas Crowley. To do so, he’ll need assistance from a quite extravagant tech wizz, a rather inhumane amount of patience, and a very light footstep. Even so, plans rarely unfold as first imagined.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Burn My Shadow #2 takes readers deeper into its dystopian, cyberpunk-inspired world, where surveillance and control dictate every aspect of existence. This issue ramps up the tension by placing Tharmas and young K in the thick of shadowy deals, infiltration missions, and encounters with faceless enforcers. At the same time, we see propaganda speeches from the ruling elite, dripping with doublespeak that reframes oppression as progress. The contrast between the cold sterility of those in power and the grim desperation of those in the streets makes for a sharp and unsettling read.

The writing is dense with themes of compliance, resistance, and survival, while the artwork excels at amplifying the mood. Stark whites and clean lines dominate the scenes of propaganda, while the rain-soaked cityscapes and back-alley dealings pulse with grit and urgency. Tharmas, weary yet determined, is fleshed out further as a morally complex anti-hero, while K brings both innocence and moral tension to the story.

Issue #2 successfully balances world-building with forward-moving plot, setting up the confrontation with Crowley that promises bigger stakes ahead. Though some of the political speeches may feel lengthy, they reinforce the chilling reality of this authoritarian future. With its mix of noir tension, political allegory, and cinematic visuals, Burn My Shadow #2 is a gripping continuation that solidifies this series as one to watch out for.

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Book Review: BILLY 9F by David Finley

Categories Dystopian, Humor, satire, Science-Fiction, Surreal FictionLeave a Comment on Book Review: BILLY 9F by David Finley

Book Details:

Author: David Finley
Release Date: 3 November, 2021
Series:
Genre: YA Dystopian Satire, YA Humor, YA Adventure, YA Science Fiction
Format: E-book 
Pages: 204 pages
Publisher: FINWORKS
Blurb:
Like Orwell’s 1984 — but even funnier!
In a grim School-centred dystopia where humour is outlawed and laughter—even a single HA!—is met with an excruciating electric shock to the neck, Billy 9F is the ultimate threat: he’s a Class Clown. When he’s labeled a menace for his extremely convincing and sublimely funny fake snot, barf and turd pranks, Billy joins a underground comedic resistance movement with a mysterious new student, Jamie 9F, her mysterious grandfather, the Major, an ultra-mysterious revolutionary leader named Poopoo the Clown, and Billy’s not-at-all

mysterious but highly malfunctioning android mentor, Uncle Mike. To free his imprisoned parents, save his little sister’s life and liberate the joyless populace, Billy must fully realize his own natural-born gifts and harness the awesome power of laughter.
Darkly funny, fast, and surprisingly hopeful, BILLY 9F is perfect for readers 12 years of age to infinity who love page-turners with big ideas—and lots of laughs.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

David Finley’s Billy 9F is a wildly inventive YA dystopian satire that blends absurdist humor with biting social commentary. The novel follows Billy, a schoolboy living in a rigid system where laughter is outlawed, rules are enforced with demerits and “Pain Collars,” and conformity is the highest value. His life takes a strange turn when his parents gift him “Uncle Mike,” a 57-year-old man who becomes both an irritating companion and an unlikely ally. From there, Billy stumbles into secret wars with clowns, underground resistance movements, and surreal teachers who bulldoze into dining rooms mid-meal.

What makes the book compelling is its sharp use of comedy as rebellion. Whether it’s fart jokes elevated to acts of protest, or the way “outside laughter” becomes a weapon against authoritarian control, author Finley underscores the importance of humor as survival. The recurring presence of Uncle Mike, bumbling, exasperating, yet oddly endearing, adds both comic relief and thematic depth. Jamie and the Major, resistance figures who guide Billy, give the narrative more emotional resonance and direction.

From an editorial perspective, the book occasionally overindulges in repetition. Uncle Mike’s constant chatter and some extended slapstick routines could have been trimmed without losing impact. Still, the playful prose, the creativity of its dystopian world, and the rhythm of dialogue keep the pages turning.

Overall, Billy 9F is equal parts absurd, satirical, and heartfelt. It asks readers, young and old alike, to remember the radical power of laughter in a world that insists on taking itself too seriously.

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Book Review: The Ghost Whisperer by Andrew Masseurs

Categories Action, Dystopian, noir, Post Apocalypse, Surreal Fiction, ThrillerLeave a Comment on Book Review: The Ghost Whisperer by Andrew Masseurs

Book Details:

Author: Andrew Masseurs
Release Date: 1 June 2025
Series: A Day in the Life Series (Book 5)
Genre: Post-Apocalypse, Thriller, Dystopia, Survival Horror
Format: E-book 
Pages: 428 pages
Publisher: –
Blurb:
‘A Tale of Revenge!’
Vengeance! Lucy is hunting down the men who did her wrong. One victim at a time! How can she achieve this in a world full of vicious predators both human and inhuman and who is the unlikely stranger she has grown an alliance with? Can Michael, Shelby and the Uncles of the Apocalypse free Tim, Steven and Mr Oscar from the horrific chains of The Hunter and most importantly will Horacio complete the twelve tasks to become an Uncle?

Will Tony, Luke and Matt survive the wrath of a woman scorned and what dreams are haunting Teresa’s nightmares?
All these questions and more will be answered in the exciting fifth book in the A Day in the Life Series. A book you won’t want to miss and will not be able to put down. The vengeful, merciless tale of, ‘The Ghost Whisperer!’
Join in the fight to survive…

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

The fifth instalment in Andrew Masseurs’ A Day in the Life series, The Ghost Whisperer, is a relentless plunge into a brutal, post-apocalyptic nightmare where survival is never guaranteed and alliances are as fragile as the bodies that make them.

Author Masseurs wastes no time immersing us in his bleak, creature-infested world; a place where monstrous predators roam freely, the cold itself feels like a weapon, and trust is as dangerous as betrayal. Through a web of interlinked perspectives the novel balances the intimacy of personal vendettas with the sweeping scale of survival horror.

The prose is cinematic yet gritty, pulling you through narrow corridors, ice-bitten roads, and tense face-offs that feel like they could detonate at any second. The atmosphere is relentless, and even moments of camaraderie are undercut by the knowledge that trust can be a death sentence.

What author Masseurs does brilliantly is layer human conflicts over the already hostile environment. The grotesque, otherworldly predators are terrifying, but it’s the moral compromises, the fractured loyalties, and the moments of desperation that make the novel so unnerving. You never quite know whether the real danger is outside the door or sitting across from you at the fire.

While it’s part of a series, The Ghost Whisperer stands strongly on its own, though readers familiar with earlier books will appreciate the deeper character arcs and recurring threads. It’s violent, tense, and at times deeply unsettling, but it also has an undercurrent of resilience that serves as a reminder that even in a world this far gone, vengeance, loyalty, and survival are still deeply human drives.

The Ghost Whisperer is a gritty, atmospheric continuation of the A Day in the Life saga that blends creature horror with the even sharper horror of human nature. Not for the faint-hearted, but highly recommended for fans of apocalyptic fiction that doesn’t pull its punches.

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Book Review: Face in the Sand (Burn My Shadow Issue #1) by Sebastiano Lanza

Categories Comics/Graphic Novels, Dark Fiction, Dystopian, Graphic-Novel, noir, Surreal FictionLeave a Comment on Book Review: Face in the Sand (Burn My Shadow Issue #1) by Sebastiano Lanza

Book Details:

Author: Sebastiano Lanza
Release Date: March 27, 2025
Series: Burn My Shadow (Book 1)
Genre: Graphic Novel
Format: E-book 
Pages: under 100 pages
Publisher: Markosia Enterprises
Blurb:
November 2113. Tharmas and K – outcasts of society – are in dire need of supplies. They journey to Leipzig, the nearest megalopolis. Here, Tharmas comes to knowledge of an impending speech by Thomas Crowley – the head of public relations of the European Commission. Tharmas is positive Mr Crowley holds a dark truth, which will lead him to what he’s after.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

From the very first panel, Face in the Sand pulls you into a bleak, wind-scoured world where survival is as much about grit as it is about sheer luck. This opening issue of Burn My Shadow doesn’t waste time with exposition dumps, instead, it drops us straight into the desperate trek of Tharmas and K, two unlikely companions bound together by necessity. Hunger gnaws, water runs low, and the only constants are the endless desert and the shadow of danger that seems to follow them.

The sepia-toned palette by Iacopo Calisti sets the perfect tone for this dystopian landscape where the muted colours aren’t just aesthetic, but they press down on you, almost making you feel the grit in your teeth and the oppressive heat on your skin. The dialogues keep the pacing sharp, giving urgency to their terse exchanges and adding weight to the silences between them.

What I loved most was how quickly the author establishes a sense of moral tension. This isn’t just another survival story; it’s about the choices you make when the world has stripped away comfort, civility, and certainty. The city they eventually reach is no haven, it’s a place of masks (literal and metaphorical), rigid control, and desperation. The faceless enforcers are unsettling, their uniform anonymity acting as a chilling contrast to the raw humanity of the people scraping by.

The action sequences are tight and cinematic. The supply run chase had me flipping panels with bated breath. If this first issue is any indication, Burn My Shadow promises a gritty, morally complex journey where every step forward costs something. It’s tense, atmospheric, and unflinching. It is a story that asks how far you’d go to survive, and who you might become along the way.

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Book Review: HUMAN by Brett Hodnett 

Categories apocalyptic, Dystopian, noir, Post Apocalypse, Speculative-Fiction, Surreal FictionLeave a Comment on Book Review: HUMAN by Brett Hodnett 

Book Details:

Author: Brett Hodnett  
Release Date: 2 April 2025
Series:
Genre: Apocalyptic, Post-Apocalyptic, Dystopian, Speculative Fiction
Format: E-book 
Pages: 242 pages
Publisher: –
Blurb:
A remarkable exploration of family, society, and what makes us human, HUMAN will take you from the post-apocalyptic world of the near future, to the two very different societies that emerge 15 million years later, where those few surviving individuals have evolved to become something that we might not fully recognize as human.
When Ayla’s research takes her to a remote river in Canada’s far north, Chris brings their daughter to an isolated island in the southern Pacific. Though at opposite ends of the earth, they both awaken one morning to black skies, and a night that doesn’t end. Slowly, Ayla and Chris begin to realize that humanity has been…

… inexplicably wiped out, and only their isolation has saved them. Besides the handful of people around them, they are now alone in the world. As they struggle to build new ways to live, they must also struggle with how to let go of their past.

Millions of years later, when their descendants finally meet, they have evolved to become two very different kinds of humans, with two very different civilizations. As each tries to build a better world for themselves, navigating love, loss, betrayal and success within their own societies, their biggest challenge may be to recognize the humanity of the other.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Spanning timelines that leap not just decades but millions of years, HUMAN is a genre-bending, mind-expanding tale that defies easy categorization. At its heart, this novel is about survival, of the individual, the species, and above all, of meaning. What happens when humanity is pushed to its limits? What remains?

We begin in the aftermath of an environmental apocalypse, with Ayla and a group of survivors trying to rebuild society from the ashes of catastrophe. This is not your typical dystopia. There’s a measured quietness here, an introspective tone that lingers on community, on language, and on grief. As the book unfolds, we shift to completely different worlds—one thousands of years in the future, under the ocean, with genetically evolved descendants of humanity like Kakapen and Emee; and then again, even deeper into a far-flung speculative future.

What’s striking is how seamlessly author Hodnett moves between perspectives. The transitions from Ayla and Luke, to Edvar and Ilusia, to Isko, to Kakapen and Emee, and beyond—all build toward a cumulative meditation on what it means to be human in any form. Despite wildly different settings and physical realities, there’s a throughline of connection, love, and the need to be seen.

The novel is also deeply anthropological. It’s not just worldbuilding, it’s world-layering. We see how cultures form, how language evolves, and how rituals replace memories. And even when society becomes alien, the emotions remain achingly familiar.

Stylistically, the writing is clean, at times sparse, but rich with internal reflection. Author Hodnett allows silent moments to breathe and trusts the reader to engage with the ideas without excessive exposition. And while some readers may find the multi-era structure disorienting, I found it quite satisfying as if I were reading a long, braided essay disguised as speculative fiction.

If I have a quibble, it’s only that certain sections—especially in the second and third narrative strands—could benefit from more emotional grounding. Sometimes the ideas leap ahead of the character arcs. But the final act brings it all together with poignant clarity.

In short, HUMAN is an ambitious, genre-straddling novel that asks questions instead of giving answers. It’s perfect for readers who loved Cloud Atlas, The Overstory, or Annihilation—and for anyone who finds themselves wondering, not just what our future holds, but what kind of people we become to survive it.

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Book Review: The Heart of Resistance by A. D. Griffey

Categories Action, Adventure, Alternate History, Dystopian, Fantasy, noir, Science-Fiction, Science-Fiction Fantasy, steampunk, Surreal Fiction, Young AdultLeave a Comment on Book Review: The Heart of Resistance by A. D. Griffey

Book Details:

Author: A. D. Griffey
Release Date: March 25, 2025
Series:
Genre: Steampunk Fantasy, Dystopian Fiction, Science-Fantasy, Alternate History, Young-Adult, Coming Of Age
Format: E-book 
Pages: 405 pages
Publisher: GBE Press
Blurb:
Janna Tulli, a disillusioned airship mechanic, is on the run from her father’s fruitless rebellion.
Elsie, an orphan trapped in the miserable workhouse system, dreams of a better life.
Princess Yvonnia, heir apparent to the fractured nation of Sial, is forced to seek aid from the imperialists who threaten her people.
Arthur Pendington, former captain of the Imperial Dreadnought Formidable, is out for revenge against the empire that made him into a monster. With nothing but his wits, a rag-tag crew, and an ill-gotten airship, Arthur plans to destroy the remaining dreadnoughts: weapons of terror that rain destruction on the Odolian Empire’s enemies and civilians alike.

Arthur’s impossible mission pulls them all into his inescapable orbit, threatening to shatter the Odolian establishment and tear apart the lives of his few remaining friends. Set in a Dickensian world of flintlocks, airships, class warfare, and colonialism, this swashbuckling steampunk adventure is packed with action, political intrigue, and unforgettable characters who will stay with you long after the final page.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

The Heart of Resistance is a richly imagined steampunk odyssey set against the backdrop of imperial tyranny and crumbling rebellion. As someone who thrives on character-driven narratives and deeply layered world-building, I found this novel thoroughly immersive, even when it treaded familiar thematic ground.

Told in a multi-POV structure, the story braids together the lives of Janna—a disillusioned rebel mechanic; Elsie—a workhouse orphan desperate for a life beyond servitude; and Arthur Pendington—a once-loyal imperial captain turned insurgent. Each voice brings a distinct texture to the story. Janna’s inner turmoil, especially, stood out to me—her gritted realism, biting wit, and the slowly unraveling weight of her past were brilliantly done. There’s a raw, authentic edge to her arc that reminded me of classic literary rebels, but with a modern grit.

The prose walks the line between efficient and occasionally ornate, particularly in describing the cityscapes of Gorand or the infernal machinery of dreadnoughts. The scenes involving airships and skydocks were kinetic and cinematic, and the combat sequences (especially the boarding and escape scenes) had real tension. I appreciated how the authors avoided glamorizing war; they instead chose to emphasize the psychological wear and the slow erasure of ideals, which felt honest.

If I had a critique, it would be about pacing (my old nemesis). The novel begins with a sharp hook and builds well, but midsections—especially the early Elsie chapters—sag slightly. I found myself yearning for a tighter edit in parts to match the intensity of the opening and climax. Some emotional beats also felt rushed when they could have been lingered on for greater impact. That said, the world itself never falters—it feels lived-in and vividly rendered.

Overall, this is a strong debut from the Griffeys. It carries the weight of classic resistance literature while still feeling timely. For readers who love character-driven science fantasy with rebellion, found family, and just the right amount of grit, The Heart of Resistance is well worth your time.

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Book Review: Of Gods and Men Book 1: Men by Harrison F. Kraus 

Categories Dystopian, Epic Fantasy, Fantasy, High fantasy, Mythic Fantasy, Science-Fiction Fantasy, Surreal FictionLeave a Comment on Book Review: Of Gods and Men Book 1: Men by Harrison F. Kraus 

Book Details:

Author: Harrison F. Kraus 
Release Date: February 16, 2025
Series: Of Gods and Men (Book #1)
Genre: Epic Fantasy, Science Fantasy, Dystopian
Format: E-book 
Pages: 413 pages
Publisher:
Blurb:
The war to end all wars has already been fought—and darkness has won.
In the realm of Aezigar, gods clashed, dragons roamed, and mortals fought for survival. But when the war between light and shadow reached its end, the god of darkness, Umbra, emerged victorious. His dominion is unchallenged, his hunger insatiable. Now, even as the land of Aezigar suffers beneath Umbra’s shadow, the god of darkness turns to a new world to conquer: Earth.
But Umbra’s conquest is far from assured. On Earth, unexpected powers awaken in the unlikeliest of Earth’s inhabitants: an uncertain younger brother, a fiery older brother, an ignored son, an aspirant student, and a hardened military captain. Soon these heroes begin to discover their extraordinary connections to their parallel selves in Aezigar.

Meanwhile, in his arrogance, Umbra has left embers of rebellion still smoldering in Aezigar. In that alternate universe, the heroes begin to stand against a world dominated by the forces Umbra left to rule in his absence: a hunter in service to the darkness, two brothers fleeing for their lives, a coward hiding in enemy lands, a leader of a shattered people, and a reaver seeking plunder in the chaos.
Now, the fate of two worlds hangs in the balance. Will the heroes of two worlds be able to stop the darkness that the heroes of Aezigar alone could not? Or will the light of both worlds be extinguished forever?
…
Of Gods and Men is a sweeping blend of fantasy and superhero genres, crafted for those who crave epic tales of courage, sacrifice, and hope. Spanning two worlds—modern Earth and the fantastical realm of Aezigar—it weaves multiple interconnected storylines into a grand narrative of rebellion, redemption, and resilience. With heroes shaped by their struggles and choices that echo across realities, this is a story where every action carries weight, every bond is tested, every sacrifice matters, and the fate of entire worlds hangs in the balance. Prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey of parallel worlds, godlike battles, and the enduring fight against darkness.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Of Gods and Men by Harrison F. Kraus is one of those rare debut fantasy novels that manages to feel both classic in scope and refreshingly contemporary in voice. I absolutely love ambitious worldbuilding, and author Kraus doesn’t hold back. From the icy intensity of the Sicarius hunting dragon-like Serpentes in Aezigar, to the quiet heartbreak of Samuel Turner’s humble teenage life unraveling in rural Pennsylvania, the dual narrative arcs are handled with surprising nuance.

What stood out most to me is how the novel explores the human condition through both grounded and mythic lenses. Sam, in particular, is a character who grows on you, his discomfort in his own skin, his awkward, uncertain crush on Kelly, and the surreal changes happening in his body reminded me of early King meets Percy Jackson but with a more literary edge. There’s a subtle emotional current running through the domestic scenes that really worked for me, even as the broader fantasy arc began to kick in.

The prose is confident, cinematic at times—especially during the Sicarius’s icy, violent quests—and the structure is intelligently paced, divided cleanly into “parts” that mirror thematic progression. However, I felt the book occasionally overextended itself, particularly in the slower exposition-heavy sections, and some of the dialogue between younger characters could’ve been more organic.

Still, this is an author with undeniable promise, and I’m really curious to see where Book 2 leads. For readers who enjoy morally complex anti-heroes, mythic beasts, and parallel worlds brimming with elemental power, Of Gods and Men offers a bold and thoughtful entry point into a much larger saga.

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ARC Review: The Price of Freedom (The Price of Trilogy Book 3) by Michael C. Bland 

Categories Dystopian, Science-Fiction, Speculative-Fiction, Surreal Fiction, ThrillerLeave a Comment on ARC Review: The Price of Freedom (The Price of Trilogy Book 3) by Michael C. Bland 

Book Details:

Author: Michael C. Bland 
Release Date: April 8, 2025
Series: The Price of Trilogy (Book #3)
Genre: Speculative Fiction, Science Fiction, Thriller, Dystopia
Format: E-book 
Pages: 286 pages
Publisher: World Castle Publishing, LLC 
Blurb:
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

Rating: 5 out of 5.

What a ride! The Price of Freedom is one of those books that grabs you by the collar in the first chapter and doesn’t let go, not even at the final page. Author Bland beautifully crafts Dray Quintero’s story in this adrenaline-packed book that blends high-stakes action with razor-sharp commentary on surveillance, manipulation, and the cost of resistance. As someone who values character depth and emotional complexity in thrillers, I was floored by how intimately we journey through Dray’s pain, resilience, and impossible choices.

There’s something especially gutting about watching a father try to save his daughters while the entire weight of a dystopian surveillance state bears down on him. You feel every beat of Dray’s desperation. You rage with him. And you hope, desperately, for just one win in a world where every turn seems stacked against him. The pacing is relentless but not rushed. The stakes are high, the tech scarily plausible, and the emotional beats are gut-wrenching. The writing is crisp, cinematic, and rich with detail without being heavy-handed, a rare balance that, as an editor, I truly admire.

I especially appreciated how the story doesn’t sacrifice nuance for action. Even the “villains” are layered, their motivations rooted in ideology, not caricature. And Talia, what a revelation! Her strength and intellect, especially given her condition, give the story a compelling edge. She’s a standout character I won’t soon forget.

The Price of Freedom is sci-fi with a soul. It asks all the right questions: What are we willing to sacrifice for safety? How far can one man be pushed before he breaks? And when the system is rigged, what does true freedom even look like? This book is for fans of thought-provoking speculative fiction with a heart that is gritty, bold, and impossible to put down.

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Book Review: Bell Tower by Raphael Pond 

Categories Dystopian, Science-Fiction, Speculative-Fiction, Surreal Fiction1 Comment on Book Review: Bell Tower by Raphael Pond 

Book Details:

Author: Raphael Pond 
Release Date: February 18, 2024
Series:
Genre: Science Fiction Thriller, Magical Realism, Hard Science Fiction, Dystopia 
Format: E-book 
Pages: 304 pages
Publisher: Vine Leaves Press
Blurb:
In a future where one phrase can heal any pain, there exists a meditation unlike any other: Solosis. It’s a practice that forms an empathetic bond between two souls, unlocking unparalleled healing power. But its secrets are fiercely guarded by Sasha Sumzer, a mysterious meditation teacher with a darker agenda.
Sasha is determined to bring down Axiom, the social media giant that has reshaped society with its revolutionary Glow Domes-devices that have replaced smartphones and altered daily life forever. While Glow Domes captivate the masses, Sasha believes the human mind is the final frontier for true liberation.

As an unsuspecting group of individuals stumbles upon Sasha’s teachings, they become entangled in a dangerous game that forces them to question whether Solosis is a tool for healing or a weapon for control. To discover the truth, they must confront their deepest fears and decide what they’re willing to sacrifice to save the nation’s collective consciousness.
In this gripping thriller, the battle for the mind has begun-and the line between healing and manipulation is dangerously thin.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Bell Tower by Raphael Pond is one of those books that seamlessly blends near-future dystopian elements with philosophical introspection, creating a story that lingers long after you finish the book. It’s a bold, high-concept novel that explores the intersection of technology, consciousness, and the power of connection—while keeping the reader thoroughly entertained.

At its heart, the novel follows Sasha Sumzer, a meditation teacher with a hidden agenda, who seeks to dismantle Axiom, a powerful social media giant that has entrenched itself in people’s daily lives through Glow Domes—devices that have replaced traditional smartphones and fundamentally altered human interaction. His mission? To awaken a society trapped in digital sedation and remind them of what it truly means to be present. Alongside him is an ensemble cast of intriguing characters, each caught in the web of modern technology and its insidious grip on free will.

Author Pond’s world-building is brilliant. The Glow Domes feel quiet plausible. They feel like an unsettling next step in our already tech-saturated lives. The idea that people are so plugged into their devices that they’ve lost the ability to think creatively or meaningfully engage with the world is chilling, yet entirely believable. Sasha’s unique approach adds a fresh and poetic touch to the rebellion against mindless digital consumption.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its philosophical depth. It doesn’t just critique social media and corporate overreach; it asks deeper questions about identity, control, and the nature of human experience. Sasha’s meditative techniques and the concept of Solosis introduce a fascinating spiritual aspect that contrasts sharply with the mechanical, algorithm-driven world of Axiom.

That said, the book’s pacing can be uneven at times. While the philosophical discussions are fascinating, they occasionally slow down the action, making some sections feel a bit dense. Also, Sasha himself, though a compelling character, sometimes feels more like a symbol than a fully realized person. I would have liked to get inside his head more, beyond his mission-driven persona.

But despite these minor quibbles, Bell Tower is a refreshing and thought-provoking read. If you’re a fan of speculative fiction that makes you reflect on the world we live in (think Black Mirror meets The Giver) this book is absolutely worth reading. Raphael Pond delivers a story that challenges, inspires, and might even change the way you look at technology, meditation, and the human mind.

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Book Review: The Fossilarchy: It’s a WAR for the WORLD by Tom Clark

Categories Dystopian, Environmental Fiction, Political, Political Fiction, Speculative-Fiction, Surreal Fiction, ThrillerLeave a Comment on Book Review: The Fossilarchy: It’s a WAR for the WORLD by Tom Clark

Book Details:

Author: Tom Clark
Release Date: March 7, 2022
Series:
Genre: Climate Fiction, Political Thriller, Speculative Fiction
Format: E-book 
Pages: 394 pages
Publisher: Aurora House
Blurb:
As the world burns and floods, humanity stares into the abyss of climate apocalypse… but hey, a planet is a small sacrifice for a few more years of profits and executive bonuses.
Meet the Fossilarchy, the fossil fuel industry and its political cronies, cause of the climate crisis, doyen of denial.
All-powerful, it has captured government and nations. Ever-growing, it won’t stop until it has consumed the Earth.

In this epic tale of revenge, power, greed and travel, some start to think the unthinkable: Only sabotage will save the world.
But it will be dangerous. How can it be done without detection and retribution?
Don’t miss this fast-paced, action-packed thriller set against a global backdrop and the horror-comedy show of Australian climate politics.

“As a huge fan of modern climate fiction, it was exciting to see the action-thriller genre taking up the mantle in this excellent work by author Tom Clark.” 
– KC Finn, Author, for Readers’ Favorite

“Engrossing…. the tension ebbs and flows throughout… descriptions of the Australian landscape and surrounding waters are picture-perfect……. a gripping and timely environmental tale with a combustible mix of deadly elements
– Kirkus Book Reviews.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

The Fossilarchy by Tom Clark is an ambitious, thought-provoking, and intensely relevant novel that plunges headfirst into the intersection of political power, environmental destruction, and activism. Tom Clark crafts a narrative that reads like a high-stakes thriller, yet beneath the surface, it is a scathing critique of the fossil fuel industry and the systems that sustain it.

What stands out most is how Clark brings his themes to life through an electrifying, multi-layered plot. The story unfolds in a near-future world where climate activism has escalated into sabotage and direct attacks on fossil fuel infrastructure. As industries and governments scramble to suppress the resistance, tensions rise to the boiling point. The novel doesn’t shy away from the moral dilemmas at the heart of this struggle: How far should people go to stop an industry that is actively destroying the planet? Can sabotage ever be justified, or does it simply fuel the oppressive mechanisms of the powerful?

The characters, while sometimes more symbolic than deeply nuanced, are engaging in their own ways. Activists, politicians, and corporate titans collide in a game of high-stakes chess, each trying to outmanoeuvre the other. Clark does a great job of highlighting the contradictions within both the movement and the industry, showing how power and corruption seep into every facet of society.

One of the novel’s strongest aspects is its pacing. The story moves quickly, with tension building in each chapter. The writing is clear, and while the exposition can sometimes feel heavy-handed, it’s clear that author Clark is deeply passionate about the subject. The book is not just a call to action, it’s a wake-up call, delivered with all the urgency of a world teetering on the edge.

That being said, The Fossilarchy can sometimes feel more like a manifesto than a novel. While its message is important, some sections are dense with political and economic discourse that might slow the momentum for some readers. The book shines brightest when it lets the narrative drive home its themes rather than spelling them out in long stretches of dialogue or exposition.

Overall, this is a gripping and eye-opening read, perfect for anyone interested in climate activism, political thrillers, or stories that challenge the status quo. It’s bold, urgent, and not afraid to ask the big questions. While the balance between storytelling and message could be fine-tuned, The Fossilarchy is undeniably compelling and leaves a lasting impression.

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Book Review: Penny for Your Memories by Dexter Johnson

Categories Dystopian, Science-Fiction, Speculative-Fiction, Surreal Fiction, Suspense, ThrillerLeave a Comment on Book Review: Penny for Your Memories by Dexter Johnson

Book Details:

Author: Dexter Johnson
Release Date: December 9, 2024
Series:
Genre: Science-Fiction, Dystopian, Speculative Fiction
Format: E-book 
Pages: 269 pages
Publisher: –
Blurb:
In the year 2160, EchoTech has revolutionized how people experience the world. With its cutting-edge devices, anyone can relive—or even “live”—any memory, turning personal recollections into a form of entertainment for the masses. Memories are no longer just what we remember; they’re experiences to be consumed, shared, and sold.

Brendan, a devoted user of EchoTech, regularly escapes into the memories of others through his EchoVisor. But when his routine existence is suddenly shattered by unexpected events, Brendan is thrust into a hidden world of secrets, conspiracies, and shocking revelations that challenge everything he thought he knew.
As Brendan embarks on a journey to uncover the truth, he begins to confront the deeper questions of what it truly means to live. In a society where memories are bought and sold, the line between reality and illusion blurs—and Brendan must navigate this complex new reality to find answers about identity, human connection, and the price of experience.

Review

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Penny for Your Memories by Dexter Johnson is an absolute gem of a sci-fi thriller that grabbed me from page one and didn’t let go. Set in the year 2160, it introduces a future where memories aren’t just personal anymore—they’re commodities to be consumed, shared, and even sold. EchoTech’s ingenious devices make it possible to dive into other people’s recollections, and this fascinating premise alone was enough to hook me.

The protagonist, Brendan, is a regular user of EchoTech’s EchoVisor, comfortably lost in the memories of others. But when his seemingly routine life takes a dark turn, the story unfolds into a gripping journey of secrets, conspiracies, and mind-bending revelations. Brendan’s transformation from a passive observer to someone actively questioning his reality is beautifully paced and layered with emotional depth. His struggles felt quiet relatable, even amidst the futuristic backdrop.

What I absolutely loved about this book is how it brilliantly blended the plot twists with thought-provoking questions. What does it mean to truly live? How do we define reality in a world dominated by manufactured experiences? Author Johnson doesn’t just craft an exciting story; he forces one to think long after the book is over.

The world-building is incredibly immersive, from the sleek, futuristic gadgets to the eerie consequences of a society built on memory manipulation. Author Johnson’s writing is simple yet cinematic—I could see every detail as if I were wearing an EchoVisor myself!

If you’re a fan of speculative fiction that challenges your perception of reality while delivering edge-of-your-seat thrills, Penny for Your Memories is a must-read!

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Book Review: The Uncles of the Apocalypse: A Day in the Life Series, Book Four by Andrew Masseurs

Categories apocalyptic, Dystopian, Post Apocalypse, Thriller1 Comment on Book Review: The Uncles of the Apocalypse: A Day in the Life Series, Book Four by Andrew Masseurs

Book Details:

Author: Andrew Masseurs
Release Date: August 26, 2024
Series: A Day in the Life Series (Book #4)
Genre: Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic Fiction
Format: E-book 
Pages: 354 pages
Publisher: –
Blurb:
Who will survive?
They called it, The Vanishing. When the world’s population mysteriously disappeared and predatory species walked the earth.
Horror! The Uncles of the Apocalypse have found themselves prisoners in a house stalked by The Hunter and his chained minions. The owner of the house, Tiberius, a soothsayer and dreamer, has prophesied one of the uncles will die and one will be chosen to be a minion of the hunter. Join author Andrew Masseurs on an action packed, heart stopping, thrilling adventure to find out who will survive and who will be chosen in Book Four of the A Day in the Life award winning series, The Uncles of the Apocalypse.

You can read the 1st installment of this series for free here and start your journey to the dystopic world of A Day in the Life series today!

Review

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Wow, just wow! Andrew Masseurs does it again with The Uncles of the Apocalypse. If you thought the previous books in the Day in the Life Series were riveting, this fourth installment is an absolute powerhouse. With heart-pounding action, rich character development, and a hauntingly vivid post-apocalyptic world, this book had me hooked from page one.

The story masterfully balances tension and camaraderie as we follow the titular “Uncles” on their perilous journey to survive in a world turned upside down. Tim, Mr. Lee, and the rest of the group are thrown into increasingly dire situations where their loyalty, wit, and sheer determination are put to the ultimate test. What makes this series shine, though, is its ability to blend intense action sequences with deeply emotional moments.

The dynamic between the characters—particularly Mr. Lee’s almost Zen-like calm in the face of danger—keeps the narrative grounded even amidst chaos. Author Masseurs’ prose is cinematic. Whether it’s a harrowing encounter with monstrous creatures or a quiet, reflective moment between friends, you feel like you’re right there with them. The way the author handles Tim’s internal struggles and Mr. Lee’s mysterious motivations adds depth and makes you care deeply about their fates.

What truly sets this book apart is its exploration of hope and humanity in a world filled with despair. Author Masseurs asks the big questions—what makes life worth fighting for? How do we hold on to our humanity when the world has lost its soul? Yet, he delivers these profound themes through a story that’s as entertaining as it is thought-provoking.

If you’ve been following the series, you won’t be disappointed. And if this is your first foray into Author Masseurs’ apocalyptic universe, trust me—you’re in for one unforgettable ride. The Uncles of the Apocalypse is a masterclass in storytelling, and I can’t wait to see where this series takes us next. Five stars, hands down!

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Book Review: Days of Fury: A Day in the Life Series, Book Three by Andrew Masseurs

Categories apocalyptic, Dystopian, Post Apocalypse, Thriller1 Comment on Book Review: Days of Fury: A Day in the Life Series, Book Three by Andrew Masseurs

Book Details:

Author: Andrew Masseurs
Release Date: August 22, 2024
Series: A Day in the Life Series (Book #3)
Genre: Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic Fiction
Format: E-book 
Pages: 280 pages
Publisher:
Blurb:
Who can you trust?
They called it, The Vanishing. When the world’s population mysteriously disappeared. Where new predatory species stalk the earth. Where every turn could lead to certain death. In book three of the A Day in the Life award winning series we will find out what happened to Teresa, Michael and Pup on that fateful night of terrors. When Shelby and Lucy found themselves separated from their family. In a world that sees humanity as a virus that must be eradicated. The worst enemy could be yourself or the person standing next to you.
How did Teresa come to hold the fatal dagger’s handle? Who is the villainous Tony? How did Steven become a prisoner? What new secrets is the Earth unveiling?
All will be revealed and more, in this must-read thrilling sequel, Days of Fury.

You can read the 1st installment of this series for free here and start your journey to the dystopic world of A Day in the Life series today!

Review

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Days of Fury by Andrew Masseurs is an impressive continuation of the A Day in the Life series, (A Day in the Life being the first book in the series and The Day After being the second), bringing character depth and high stakes together in a memorable and moving story. In this third installment, Masseurs takes us deeper into the minds and hearts of characters we’ve grown to love, navigating a world as dangerous as it is desolate. Having read the first two books, I was already invested in these characters, but Days of Fury brings a whole new level of intensity and emotional resonance with it.

Teresa is, without a doubt, the heart of this story. Her journey is filled with vulnerability and strength, as she wrestles with questions about identity and loyalty in a world that demands she choose survival over connection. Author Masseurs beautifully portrays her inner struggle, making her both relatable and inspiring. Watching Teresa adapt and grow through impossible odds is one of the most compelling parts of the series, and here, she shines as both a survivor and a complex, fully-realized character. On the other hand, Paul Tully, with his gritty resilience and complex morality, adds an edge to the story that keeps you guessing. His character is flawed yet incredibly human, and his interactions with others reveal layers of toughness and hidden compassion. Paul’s tough exterior and moments of vulnerability make him a character who is hard to forget.

Then there’s Lucy, whose moments of introspection and connection bring a warmth to the story, even as she faces her own trials. Her dynamic with Steven is one of the book’s unexpected highlights—a blend of humor, affection, and mutual support that offers a glimmer of hope amid all the darkness. The author does an excellent job of making these relationships feel genuine and necessary, as they give the characters a reason to fight on, even when things seem hopeless.

The world itself is unforgiving, but what makes Days of Fury stand out is how it explores the characters’ minds, pushing them to face not only physical dangers but also emotional ones. The writing is exceptional and vivid, painting a landscape as rich in emotional depth as it is in dystopian desolation.

Author Masseurs has created a powerful, thought-provoking read that’s about much more than a post-apocalyptic world; it’s about resilience, love, and the raw strength it takes to keep going. If you’re a fan of dystopian novels with strong character arcs, Days of Fury is a must-read.

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Book Review: Profana’s Faceless by Mason S. Haynie

Categories Dark Fiction, DystopianLeave a Comment on Book Review: Profana’s Faceless by Mason S. Haynie

Book Details:

Author: Mason S. Haynie 
Release Date: July 13, 2024
Series:
Genre: Dystopian, Dark Fiction
Format: E-book 
Pages: 276 pages
Publisher: –
Blurb:
There are secrets we must learn to exist. After the devastation at The Kolosaio, a wounded Ecclesia and the fledgling community of Profana must discover unique means of staying alive in their shared desert wasteland. Can they heal the scars of past faults and reconstruct? Meanwhile, inexplicable new threats attempt to shatter their paradigms and transform reality altogether. The question both Amaru and Saios must face is this: what do you find when you look into mystery?

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Profana’s Faceless by Mason S. Haynie is a dark and complex exploration of survival, identity, and the mysteries that define our existence. Author Haynie explores the story of a community struggling to rebuild and find purpose after a catastrophic event against the backdrop of a desert wasteland! What is there not to like about this book?!

I would like to commend the author on the atmospheric world-building and the richly descriptive prose that was able to evoke a sense of desolation and tension that permeated every page. The book’s desolate world is not just a backdrop; it’s a character in itself, actively shaping the lives and decisions of its inhabitants.

The characterisation of all the major characters is compelling, revealing their complexities and vulnerabilities in a way that feels authentic and relatable. The interplay between their need for survival and their search for meaning adds depth to the story, making their journey both physically and emotionally engaging.

The novel’s central theme—the exploration of mystery and the unknown—is handled with a deft hand. The author raises questions about the nature of reality and the secrets we must confront to survive. The introduction of new, inexplicable threats serves to heighten the tension and challenge the characters’ understanding of their world, leading to moments of existential reflection that will echo in the readers’ minds long after the book is over.

In spite of all these amazing things, the novel’s dense narrative and philosophical undertones may pose a challenge for some readers. The pacing, while deliberate and effective in building suspense, occasionally slows down in favour of introspection.

Overall, despite these minor drawbacks, Profana’s Faceless is a thought-provoking and atmospheric read that rewards readers who appreciate layered storytelling and philosophical concepts. I’d strongly recommend it to all readers, as it is a haunting tale that lingers in the mind, inviting readers to look into the mysteries of their own lives and consider what they might find.

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Book Review: Future’s Dark Past (Time Forward Trilogy) by J L Yarrow

Categories Dystopian, Science-Fiction, time-travelLeave a Comment on Book Review: Future’s Dark Past (Time Forward Trilogy) by J L Yarrow

Book Details:

Author: J L Yarrow
Release Date: March 14, 2024
Series: Time Forward Trilogy
Genre: Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Time-Travel
Format: E-book 
Pages: 352 pages
Publisher: The Story Plant
Blurb:
The catastrophic Purge War at the end of the twenty-first century destroys planet Earth, jeopardizing the future for the remnants of humanity. Horrific repercussions roll across the ages until, generations later, a scientific group called the Time Forward Project harnesses a deep-space wormhole in which they can travel through time. They find the portal unstable and shrinking, but they have little choice but to take desperate, drastic measures and journey back to prevent the war.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Future’s Dark Past by J L Yarrow is the first instalment of the Time Forward Trilogy and is a masterful blend of dystopian urgency and time-travelling escapades. This book captivated me from the very first page, presenting a haunting vision of a post-apocalyptic Earth and the extraordinary efforts of humanity to salvage its future.

Int his book, author Yarrow’s writing is both thrilling and thought-provoking, and the execution of the book’s premise is nothing short of exhilarating. The world-building is impeccable, and the scientific complexities of time travel are explained with clarity, making the complex concept accessible without diluting its intellectual depth.

Future’s Dark Past is a gripping, intelligent, and emotionally charged story that is a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction and anyone intrigued by the possibilities and perils of altering the past to secure the future.

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Book Review: Gods of IMAGO (IMAGO #2) by Greg Belliveau

Categories Dystopian, FantasyLeave a Comment on Book Review: Gods of IMAGO (IMAGO #2) by Greg Belliveau

Book Details:

Author: Greg Belliveau
Release Date: August 15, 2023
Series: IMAGO (Book #2)
Genre: Fantasy
Format: E-book 
Pages: 381 pages
Publisher: Rogue Phoenix Press
Blurb:
It has been ten years since Christopher Dante, the last storyteller, defeated the Ghul in the abandoned subway tunnels under Cogstin, and now he has vanished without a trace. There are rumors and whispers of a new evil emerging, ancient, dark, beyond the Black Mountains, a Horned God who rules the skeleton people of the north. Welcome to Gods of IMAGO, book two in the stunning IMAGO Series. Gods of IMAGO is literary dystopia at its absolute best, blending amazing world-building with thought provoking, artful prose in an unforgettable, page-turning experience that will haunt the reader long after the last sentence.

Review

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Gods of IMAGO by Greg Belliveau is the second book in the IMAGO series. Without a doubt, this book is a literary masterpiece that had me glued to its pages from the very first page to the haunting final sentence. I have not read the first book (though now I’m going to go back and read it) and this book can be read as a standalone as all the necessary details are provided by the author whenever necessary. I was thoroughly impressed with author Belliveau’s mastery of world-building and storytelling. He has done a marvellous job of creating a dystopian realm filled with intrigue, danger, and ancient evils.

The prose is both thought-provoking and artful, weaving the suspense and mystery beautifully and keeping me on the edge of my seat throughout the story. For me, what really sets Gods of IMAGO apart from other contemporary fantasy novels is its richly imagined world, filled with well-developed characters and immersive settings. Every aspect of the world feels meticulously crafted and brimming with depth.

Overall, Gods of IMAGO is a literary tour de force that delivers an unforgettable experience. Author Belliveau’s brilliant storytelling combined with his unparalleled world-building make this book a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction and literary thrillers alike.

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Book Review: Don’t Feed the Beast: But Do Punish the Free-Riders (Triumvirate Book 1) by Solveig Larssen

Categories Dystopian, Political, Political Fiction, Science-Fiction, Speculative-Fiction, Suspense, ThrillerLeave a Comment on Book Review: Don’t Feed the Beast: But Do Punish the Free-Riders (Triumvirate Book 1) by Solveig Larssen

Book Details:

Author: Solveig Larssen
Release Date: March 1, 2024
Series: Triumvirate (Book #1)
Genre: Dystopian, Science Fiction, Political Fiction, Thriller
Format: E-book 
Pages: 152 pages
Publisher: Ostkorridor Books
Blurb:
Mountainland, the richest, proudest, and freest nation in the world, has resorted to forming a militia and creating incarceration camps to stem the influx of migrants… Fjordland, the most civilised, equal, and just nation in the world, is falling apart, unable to accommodate its newfound diversity…
Meanwhile, life is getting worse on the Savannah and in the Jungle, with autocratic high-tech city-states and abundant cheap labour to exploit. Somewhere, amidst it all, only the rootless global technology organisations seem to prosper.
Eskild, the sympathetic Brotherhood bear, expelled and humiliated—is on his journey to visit his younger, liberal siblings, Dag and Selma. Justice has deteriorated in the world because Selma, to navigate the changes of globalisation, has abandoned her old ways.

If Eskild cannot persuade Selma to support a new order that promises peaceful coexistence among all parties, even with the sinister C-Cult, Fjordland will cease to be a liberal democracy. Globalisation will grind on, forcing most people to join the workforce of the disruptive transnational platform organisations.
Don’t Feed the Beast is the first book in the Triumvirate series, featuring delightful fable animals in a dystopian world. It’s a fast-paced story, perfect for readers who want to explore our changing world.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Don’t Feed the Beast: But Do Punish the Free-Riders by Solveig Larssen is a thought-provoking exploration of a dystopian world grappling with issues of migration, diversity, and justice. Set in the contrasting nations of Mountainland and Fjordland, author Larssen weaves a beautiful narrative that reflects the complexities of our modern society. Through the eyes of characters like Eskild, Dag, and Selma, the novel explores the challenges of globalisation and the rise of disruptive transnational platform organisations.

Author Larssen’s storytelling is both immersive and timely, offering a glimpse into a world where justice hangs in the balance. The addition of delightful fable animals adds a lot of character and depth to the narrative, making it an absolutely brilliant read. As the first book in the Triumvirate series, Don’t Feed the Beast sets the stage for a compelling saga that promises to delve deeper into the themes of peace, coexistence, and societal change.

It is a fast-paced novel, but I did feel that the character development might have suffered because of it. Though as this book is a part of a series, I will hold my judgement on characterisation for now. However, the author’s ability to tackle complex social issues within a dystopian framework is commendable. Overall, Don’t Feed the Beast is a wonderful read and I’d recommend it to all dystopian and sci-fi readers.

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Book Review: The Blizzard’s Secrets by DJanée

Categories DJanée, Dystopian, Fantasy, Young AdultLeave a Comment on Book Review: The Blizzard’s Secrets by DJanée

Book Details:

Author:  DJanée
Release Date: 15th September 2022
Series:
Genre: Historical Fiction
Format: E-book 
Pages: 89 pages
Publisher:
Blurb:
Something is not right in the peaceful community of Taliver, and Daia knows it. But there’s more at stake than she realizes.
An enjoyable short read. A suspenseful young adult dystopian novella filled with plot twists and cliffhangers that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Taliver is a peaceful community. After rigorous training and relentless hard work under the studious mentorship of Taliver’s Seer, Daia is entering a new stage in her life and preparing for her induction ceremony as Taliver’s new Commander of the Forces.
Just days before her ceremony, Daia discovers dark secrets in Taliver’s past, and the Ruler begins to make strange, questionable decisions that leave Daia suspicious and concerned for her people. Daia bravely takes matters into her own hands as the soon-to-be Commander and seeks answers for herself.

However, she suddenly finds herself caught in a web of lies and deceit that runs deeper than she could ever have imagined. Little does she know, an even greater challenge awaits her. Struggling to distinguish truth from lie, Daia is forced to face an ultimate test that no amount of training could have prepared her for.

Featuring a strong sense of empowering individualism, personal growth, and determination, The Blizzard’s Secrets is an enthralling page-turner filled with earth-shattering discoveries that will keep you engaged from start to finish. It is a wonderful quick read for fans of false utopias, pursuits of justice, plot twists, and strong protagonists.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

DJanée’s “The Blizzard’s Secrets” is a tantalizing journey into the heart of a dystopian world that feels both eerily familiar and shockingly unique. Set in the ostensibly tranquil community of Taliver, the novella captivates readers right from the outset.

As we follow Daia, a young woman poised to become the Commander of the Forces, we’re quickly drawn into a narrative that is as much about personal growth as it is about political intrigue. DJanée has skillfully painted a character who is fierce, intelligent, and undeniably human. Daia’s evolution from a disciplined apprentice to a leader grappling with profound truths is both believable and inspiring.

One of the novella’s standout features is its intricate plot, rife with unexpected twists and revelations. Just when you think you’ve grasped the depth of Taliver’s secrets, DJanée throws another curveball, keeping readers on their toes and ensuring the pages keep turning.

The theme of “empowering individualism” is beautifully woven throughout the story. Amidst the backdrop of a false utopia and the shadows of deceit, Daia’s pursuit of justice and truth is a testament to the indomitable spirit of humanity. Her journey underscores the importance of questioning, of seeking truth, and of standing up for one’s beliefs even when the path is fraught with danger.

For fans of dystopian tales, “The Blizzard’s Secrets” offers a fresh perspective in the genre. Its concise format makes it an ideal pick for those seeking a compelling story that can be devoured in a single sitting. Yet, despite its brevity, DJanée ensures the world-building is rich, the characters are multi-dimensional, and the plot leaves a lasting impact.

In conclusion, “The Blizzard’s Secrets” is a must-read for anyone who cherishes tales of resilience, intrigue, and the unyielding pursuit of truth. DJanée has crafted a world that is both haunting and captivating, and I eagerly await her next literary venture.

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Book Review: Match by Emma Grace

Categories Dystopian, Emma Grace, Fantasy, High fantasyLeave a Comment on Book Review: Match by Emma Grace

Book Details:

Author: Emma Grace
Release Date: 1st February 2023
Series:
Genre: Dystopian Fiction
Format: E-book 
Pages: 210
Publisher:
Blurb:
Katie Davis has had her whole life planned out for her since birth. She, along with every other citizen of Carcera, is predestined to marry her perfect Match. She knows that she will eventually have two children, and that none of the citizens will never leave the Border, the wall of stone encircling the city. No one could have predicted, however, the harrowing night that forces Katie and her three best friends to flee for their lives only days after their Matching Ceremony. With nowhere to go, Katie and her friends must make impossible choices at every turn.
They are faced with life-altering decisions, such as whether or not to join the Underground, a resistance army dedicated to overthrowing Borders. The smaller choices seem just as unfathomable as the larger ones-what to eat for dinner, what to do in their free time, and even what to wear. When their luck begins to run out, they are left with only two options: fight, or die.
Match is the first installment of The Matchbook Trilogy.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Match by Emma Grace is an action-packed dystopian novel that will take you on an adventurous and emotions rollercoaster ride. It is the first book in the Matchbook trilogy.

Author Emma Grace has done a fabulous job of creating a realistic and intricate world that pulls in the readers right from the beginning and keeps them thoroughly engaged till the very last page, ending the book on a perfect cliffhanger. This book has rich and well-developed characters and is an excellently plotted novel that is fast-paced and laced with tense and unpredictable twists and turns. Overall, the writing is good and complimented the plot very well.

I would definitely recommend this book to all dystopian fiction fans and fans of elaborate and intrinsic world-building in fantasy novels. This book is a perfect read for anyone wanting to explore a series by a talented new author.

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Book Review: A Touch Of Death (The Outlands Pentalogy #1) by Rebecca Crunden

Categories Dystopian, Rebecca Crunden, Science-Fiction FantasyLeave a Comment on Book Review: A Touch Of Death (The Outlands Pentalogy #1) by Rebecca Crunden

Author: Rebecca Crunden
Release Date: 23rd February 2017
Genre: Dystopian, Science-Fiction-Fantasy
Series: The Outlands Pentalogy – Book #1
Edition: E-book
Pages: 306
Publisher: –
Blurb:
A thousand years in the future, the last of humanity live inside the walls of the totalitarian Kingdom of Cutta. The rich live in Anais, the capital city of Cutta, sheltered from the famine and disease which ravage the rest of the Kingdom. Yet riches and power only go so far, and even Anaitians can be executed. It is only by the will of the King that Nate Anteros, son of the King’s favourite, is spared from the gallows after openly dissenting. But when he’s released from prison, Nate disappears.
A stark contrast, Catherine Taenia has spent her entire life comfortable and content. The daughter of the King’s Hangman and in love with Thom, Nate’s younger brother, her life has always been easy, ordered and comfortable. That is, where it doesn’t concern Nate. His actions sullied not only his future, but theirs. And unlike Thom, Catherine has never forgiven him.
Two years pass without a word, and then one night Nate returns. But things with Nate are never simple, and when one wrong move turns their lives upside down, the only thing left to do is run where the King’s guards cannot find them – the Outlands. Those wild, untamed lands which stretch around the great walls of the Kingdom, filled with mutants and rabids.

Book Review

★★★★

A Touch Of Death by Rebecca Crunden marks a really promising start to The Outlands Pentalogy series. This book has everything that can be expected of a good dystopian story – detailed and extensive world-building, believable characters, intriguing plotline, engaging twists and turns, even pace and oscillating tension. I enjoyed reading this book a lot and can’t wait to read the next one in this series.

The characterization is the backbone of any dystopian novel and thankfully, this book had not only believable and relatable characters but also the ones you easily fall in love with. I liked both Catherine as well as Nate and can’t wait to read more about them in the following parts.

The writing was pretty good and complemented such a tremendous plot well. The pacing was nice and even and the tension kept on increasing and decreasing in sync with the plot structure which kept me hooked throughout the book, from start to the very end. The book ended on a great note, setting high expectations for the sequel.

As I said, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to all dystopian lovers.

You can also read this review on Goodreads and Amazon

Book Review: Beautiful Disaster by C.J.

Categories C.J., Dystopian, Speculative-FictionLeave a Comment on Book Review: Beautiful Disaster by C.J.

Author: C J
Release Date: 4th September 2018
Genre: Dystopian, Speculative Fiction
Series:
Edition: e-book
Pages: 448
Publisher: –
Blurb:
When chemists Danny and Kevin accidentally create the ultimate beauty product–with a little inadvertent help from Danny’s biochemist girlfriend, Maggie–they’re convinced they’ve hit the jackpot. After all, who wouldn’t pay anything for the ability to permanently remove blemishes, burns, and even scars especially when one of its side effects prolongs the user’s life indefinitely.
But a discovery like that is one many would kill for–something the three quickly learn when they are targeted by a rival corporation and their murderous corporate spy, Suzanne. Even worse, it isn’t long before the unstable formula reveals another side effect. One decidedly nasty. If Maggie, Danny, and Kevin can’t figure out a way to fix it, the world will soon learn that there’s a heavy price to pay for beauty.
As the three scientists struggle to save humanity from potential disaster, they will have to overcome deadly mercenaries, the sociopathic Suzanne, and the man pulling everyone’s strings: the mysterious Boss. Will this Beautiful Disaster be the beginning of a brand-new world or the end of mankind?.

Review

★★+1/2

Beautiful Disaster by C.J. is a unique new dystopian book with a fresh concept and a good plot.

I finished this book pretty quickly in spite of the book being 400 plus pages long which is a good thing and was mostly possible because of the simple writing style of the author. Though, in many instances, I felt that the writing needed some polishing. I liked the storyline and the concept, which was different from what I generally always expect from a dystopian book.

The characterisation was okay, it wasn’t too bad but I wasn’t really impressed by it. I liked the characters just enough to finish the book, so the characterization could have used more work, though as I said, it wasn’t too bad either, I just wasn’t able to feel a connection to any of the leads. For me, this was more of a plot dominated book than a character driven one.

I’d recommend this book to anyone looking to explore a new title (and/or author) in dystopian or speculative genres and won’t mind a plot-driven story.

this review is also posted on Goodreads and Amazon

ARC Review: Killing Adam by Earik Beann

Categories Dystopian, Earik Beann, Science-FictionLeave a Comment on ARC Review: Killing Adam by Earik Beann
Author: Earik Beann
Release Date: 1st January 2019
Genre: Science-Fiction, Dystopia
Series: 
Edition: e-book
Pages: 224
Publisher: Profoundly One Publishing
Blurb:
The world runs on ARCs. Altered Reality Chips. Small implants behind the left ear that allow people to experience anything they could ever imagine. The network controls everything, from traffic, to food production, to law enforcement. Some proclaim it a Golden Age of humanity. Others have begun to see the cracks. Few realize that behind it all, living within every brain and able to control all aspects of society, there exists a being with an agenda all his own: the singularity called Adam, who believes he is God.Jimmy Mahoney’s brain can’t accept an ARC. Not since his football injury from the days when the league was still offline. “ARC-incompatible” is what the doctors told him. Worse than being blind and deaf, he is a man struggling to cling to what’s left of a society that he is no longer a part of. His wife spends twenty-three hours a day online, only coming off when her chip forcibly disconnects her so she can eat. Others are worse. Many have died, unwilling or unable to log off to take care of even their most basic needs.After being unwittingly recruited by a rogue singularity to play a role in a war that he doesn’t understand, Jimmy learns the truth about Adam and is thrown into a life-and-death struggle against the most powerful mathematical mind the world has ever known. But what can one man do against a being that exists everywhere and holds limitless power? How can one man, unable to even get online, find a way to save his wife, and the entire human race, from destruction?

Review

★★★

Killing Adam by Earik Beann is a new dystopian science-fiction novel with a refreshing new take on the alternate reality concept. I enjoyed reading this book mostly because of the author’s unique concept in which the focus was more on the people left int he real-world rather than focusing entirely on the alternate reality and the people living a virtual life.

I’ve read a decent number of books revolving around the subject of artificial intelligence and I must admit that, in most of the places, the author has done a good job in paying attention to details in creating this world. While at the same time, I felt the plot could have been a little bit more polished and just a little more pronounced. At some places the writing was good, but in some rare instances the writing felt crude and the dialogues felt redundant. The characterization wasn’t overly complex and felt a bit lacking in terms of being realistic and relatable.

Another issue I had with the plot is that it didn’t give any clear idea on how exactly the altered reality was – I did appreciate the fact that the story revolved around the world outside the altered reality, i.e., the real dystopic world, but I would have really liked it if at least some idea of the other world would have been given too, just enough to let the readers know what was going on on the “other side.”

Still, overall, it was an enjoyable book and made for a nice winter read which was clean and quick to read. I’d recommend it to readers who want to explore a light science-fiction story on altered reality. But if you like intricate plots with complex and multi-layered characters then this book might not be for you.

this review is also posted on Goodreads and Amazon (not up yet)

Book Review Altered Seasons: Monsoonrise by Paul Briggs

Categories Dystopian, Paul Briggs, Science-FictionLeave a Comment on Book Review Altered Seasons: Monsoonrise by Paul Briggs
Author: Paul Briggs
Release Date: 15th June 2018
Genre: Science-Fiction, Dystopia
Series: Altered Seasons (Book #1)
Edition: e-book
Pages: 394
Publisher: Secant Publishing LLC

Blurb:

Altered Seasons: Monsoonrise is a top recommendation for cli-fi (climate change fiction) readers seeking more depth than the usual approach to life-threatening environmental changes. – D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review. A few weeks with no sea ice in the Arctic Ocean are enough to trigger a chain reaction that alters the Northern Hemisphere beyond recognition. Isabel Bradshaw, an engineer, tries to find security for her family in an increasingly chaotic world when they are driven out of their home on the Chesapeake Bay.

Review

★★★★

Altered Seasons: Moonrise by Paul Briggs is a refreshing new take on the climate-change fiction with a fresh perspective that has faith in the human race coming together instead of counting on its downfall under the pressure and stress of a global disaster.

This book is a welcome take on the very popular disaster fiction and, for a change, doesn’t repeat the same age-old theme of the world falling apart at the seams under the weight of a global threat. Instead, this book focuses on how societies can come together and try to fight and re-build the threats that we all will inevitably face. The situations in this book are very relatable and characterization pretty good.

I enjoyed reading this book through the voices of different main characters (I always enjoy reading multiple POV books,) but at times it did feel like some narratives could have been a bit more polished and better. Still, looking at the entire pictures, it didn’t affect the plot (the real hero of the book) a lot, so I’m not complaining.

Overall, it is a decently written novel with great execution and good command over the language as well as the genre of writing – science-fiction and dystopia. The author’s unique style of writing (I’d say it was very theatre-like) was a very interesting and though it took me a while, eventually, I got used to the way the notes were made and even started liking it by the end of the book. The world-building was one of the best parts of this book as the author cleverly presented the world in a way that was both easy enough to grasp and complex enough to make it highly interesting to understand. The story itself was good and the concept so close to reality that it was hard to not be able to relate to the happenings in the story.

I’d recommend it to everyone who loves reading sci-fi and dystopian fiction, especially one that revolves around climate change.

this review is also posted on Goodreads and Amazon

Book Review: Frozen (Heart Of Dread #1)

Categories Books Reviews (by Author), Melissa De La Cruz, Michael Johnston34 Comments on Book Review: Frozen (Heart Of Dread #1)

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Author: Melissa De La Cruz and Michael Johnston
Release Date: 2nd October, 2014
Series: Heart Of Dread Series
Genre: Fantasy | Romance | Post-Apocalyptic | Supernatural | Science-Fiction | Dystopian | YA | Adventure 
Edition: Kindle
Pages: 365
Publisher: Orchard Books
Source: NetGalley

Continue reading ➞ Book Review: Frozen (Heart Of Dread #1)

Book Review: Lord Of The Flies

Categories Books Reviews (by Author), William Golding20 Comments on Book Review: Lord Of The Flies 
15732006Author: William Golding
Release Date: 1954
Series: None
Genres: Classics|YA|Brit-Lit|Adventure|Dystoia| Sci-Fi
Pages: 230
ISBN NO.: 978-0-571-20053-5
Publisher: Penguin India

Blurb

A plane crashes n a desert island. The only survivors area a group of schoolboys. At first they revel in the freedom and celebrate the absence of grown-ups.

Soon though, as the boys’ fragile sense of order begins to collapse, their fears start to take on a sinister, primitive significance. Suddenly, the world of cricket, homework and adventure stories seems a long way away. The boys are faced with a more pressing reality – survival – and the appearance of a terrifying beast who haunts their dreams.

Continue reading ➞ Book Review: Lord Of The Flies

Book Review: Cell by Stephen King

Categories Books Reviews (by Author), Stephen King14 Comments on Book Review: Cell by Stephen King

9780340922743

Stephen King
Stephen King

Author: Stephen King
Release Date: January 24, 2006
Genre: Horror-Zombies, Post Apocalyptic, Thriller, Dystopia
Pages: 499
ISBN NO.: 978-0-340-92153-1
Publisher: Hachette India

Summary

Continue reading ➞ Book Review: Cell by Stephen King