Posts Tagged ‘sci-fi’
It Came From…. By Jim Nemeth And Bob Madison ~ Peek Inside And Giveaway
Posted: March 10, 2024 in Fantasy, giveaways, horror, Science FictionTags: fantasy, film history, Horror, sci-fi
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31 Days Of Thrills And Chills #29 ~ The Swarm by Frank Schatzing
Posted: October 29, 2023 in horror, reviews, Science FictionTags: 31 Days Of Thrills And Chills, Horror, review, sci-fi
Welcome to My 31 Days Of Thrills And Chills 2023! I missed doing this the last couple of years due to Covid and so excited to do it again. I’ll be sharing reviews and lots of extra spooky stuff every day leading up to Halloween. I hope you’ll join me!
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I’m sharing all kinds of books, movies, and other spooky stuff for every day in October. Gots to get those scares on for the 31st!
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The Swarm
by Frank Schatzing
Genre: Science Fiction / Horror
MY REVIEW
Our oceans have been called the last great frontier. Depths no man can enter. Could there be intelligent life? I can’t help but wonder. And what if that life resents us? Have had enough of our plundering and damage to an ecosystem they also depend on to survive? Could you blame them if they used the very thing we all need to defend themselves?
This is a huge book. I can’t remember if it was gifted to me or I bought it. The synopsis was intriguing and I love books where nature plays a vital role in humanities survival. The cast of characters is large. It couldn’t be otherwise with so many sciences needing to be included in order to explain what’s attacking and why. As each new species of marine life turns on us, those who specialize in that field of study are introduced. From Orca who attack and kill us, to whales who sink our ships and crustaceans that poison us, it’s a race to find answers. Man can’t live without the oceans.
When a mission is planned to try to communicate with the intelligence in the depths, many rose to the occasion. Sadly, some died. Some also chose to remain with their families and try to ride it out. Those who went out to meet the unknown had no guarantees they would ever come home. But, someone had to go.
I mentioned this was a large book. That said, I never lost interest or felt tempted to skip ahead. Even in the scientific bits. They were explained in ways a layman like me could understand. The scenes where marine life that we trusted turned on and attacked us were vicious. It made me angry at their betrayal. Then I was saddened when I learned what was behind it. And when the group goes down there. Where the enemy is. Those scenes were so suspenseful. I couldn’t get enough. Had to know what was down there. Whether it could be reasoned with. Wondered what the fate of mankind would be.
I loved this book and thought what a great movie it would make. They went one better. There is now a television series and I’m watching it now. Just a couple of episodes into it but I’m hooked already and can’t wait to see how closely the film follows the book.
5 STARS
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Synopsis
For more than two years, one book has taken over Germany’s hardcover and paperback bestseller lists, reaching number one in Der Spiegel and setting off a frenzy in bookstores: The Swarm.
Whales begin sinking ships. Toxic, eyeless crabs poison Long Island’s water supply. The North Sea shelf collapses, killing thousands in Europe. Around the world, countries are beginning to feel the effects of the ocean’s revenge as the seas and their inhabi-tants begin a violent revolution against mankind. In this riveting novel, full of twists, turns, and cliffhangers, a team of scientists discovers a strange, intelligent life force called the Yrr that takes form in marine animals, using them to wreak havoc on humanity for our ecological abuses. Soon a struggle between good and evil is in full swing, with both human and suboceanic forces battling for control of the waters. At stake is the survival of the Earth’s fragile ecology — and ultimately, the survival of the human race itself.
The apocalyptic catastrophes of The Day After Tomorrow meet the watery menace of The Abyss in this gripping, scientifically realistic, and utterly imaginative thriller. With 1.5 million copies sold in Germany — where it has been on the bestseller list without fail since its debut — and the author’s skillfully executed blend of compelling story, vivid characters, and eerie locales, Frank Schatzing’s The Swarm will keep you in tense anticipation until the last suspenseful page is turned.
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The above cover is the one I own in hardback.
Here’s an alternative cover.
Which do you like the most?
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Click on the covers for more Thrills And Chills reviews.
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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!
For a list of my reviews go HERE.
For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE
To see all of my giveaways go HERE.
31 Days Of Thrills And Chills #16 ~ Jurassic Resort: The Trillion Dollar War by Brent Reilly
Posted: October 16, 2023 in Freebies!, horror, reviewsTags: 31 Days Of Thrills And Chills, Horror, review, sci-fi
Welcome to My 31 Days Of Thrills And Chills 2023! I missed doing this the last couple of years due to Covid and so excited to do it again. I’ll be sharing reviews and lots of extra spooky stuff every day leading up to Halloween. I hope you’ll join me!
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I’m sharing all kinds of books, movies, and other spooky stuff for every day in October. Gots to get those scares on for the 31st!
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Jurassic Resort 3
The Trillion Dollar War
by Brent Reilly
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Genre: Horror / Science Fiction
MY REVIEW
Whoa. Nonstop action again. This is a wild series. And this time it’s personal. Two boys are being used as bait in a deadly game of vice. They’ll have to outsmart the dinosaurs and turn the tables on the bad guys if they’re to stay alive until rescue comes.
So many chilling scenes. Some crazy dinosaur action. Great bad guys that I wanted to become dinosaur chum. And a favorite character of mine. Raptor Ray! They shouldn’t have messed with his grandson. He’s out for blood. And delivers his own kind of justice.
I can’t wait to read more about Raptor Ray. The author gave him his own series and that’s what I’ll be reading next. I imagine it will be just as bloody fun as this series was.
4 STARS
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Synopsis
100 million people have crossed a portal to dinosaur times to build a self-sustaining society before aliens destroy humanity. But, in South America, a different war is being waged, using two boys as bait. Greed, vengeance, and hatred are back as those kids use their knowledge of dinosaurs to fight the gunmen hunting them. Raptor Ray flies to rescue his grandson from an army of mercenaries before he is 67 million years too late.
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Click on the covers for more Thrills And Chills reviews.
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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!
For a list of my reviews go HERE.
For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE
To see all of my giveaways go HERE.
Interview With The Authors ~ Pets In Space 8
Posted: October 8, 2023 in Anthology, Romance, Science FictionTags: anthology, romance, sci-fi
.Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for Pets in Space 8. Blast off into adventure with the eighth installment of Pets in Space, a dynamic anthology of 11 never-before-seen science fiction romance stories!
This blog tour is organized by Lola’s Blog Tours and the tour runs from 3 till 16 October. You can see the tour schedule here.
Pets in Space 8
By R.J. Blain, Susan Hayes, Honey Phillips, Skye MacKinnon, Arizona Tape, Carol Van Natta, Tana Stone, S.J. Pajonas, Carysa Locke, JC Hay, Gail Koger and Elva Birch
Genre: Science Fiction Romance Anthology
Age category: Adult
Release Date: 3 October 2023
Blurb:
Join the PETS IN SPACE crew!Blast off into adventure with the eighth installment of PETS IN SPACE, a dynamic anthology of 11 never-before-seen science fiction romance stories! Rocket through the multi-verses brimming with heart-pounding escapades, swoon-worthy romances, and the best pet sidekicks ever!
Each story will pull you into the far-flung corners of the cosmos with intrepid heroes and heroines you’ll want to cheer for as they fight to save their world and find their happily ever afters. You’ll adore the furry, feathered, and scaly friends who have come to help their brave human companions on their quests.
This limited-edition anthology includes novellas by some of the biggest names in science fiction romance including USA TODAY bestselling authors R.J. Blain, Susan Hayes, Honey Phillips, Skye MacKinnon, Arizona Tape, Carol Van Natta, Tana Stone, S.J. Pajonas, Carysa Locke, JC Hay, plus award-winning authors Gail Koger and Elva Birch.
The Pets in Space 8 authors continue their vital support of Hero-Dogs.org, the non-profit charity that provides trained service dogs for disabled U.S. veterans and first-responders.
So, grab your space helmet to discover adventure and love — buy Pets in Space 8 today!
Links:
– Goodreads
– Bookbub
– Amazon
– B&N
– Kobo
– Google Play
– Apple
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Enjoy this Interview with the authors of Pets in Space 8
1) Tell us a bit about your story in Pets in Space 8?
– Tana Stone: When Tegan takes a job as a midwife for the galaxy’s only all-female bounty-hunting crew, she thinks the job will be simple. Deliver some babies, earn some credits, repeat. She doesn’t expect to make an unscheduled stop on the deadly planet that’s home to the Den of Thieves. But she needs medical supplies, and she’s assigned two brawny Dothvek barbarians to protect her, not to mention the ship’s shapeshifting pet glurkin, Pog. What could go wrong?
– Arizona Tape and Skye MacKinnon: The Alien’s Falconer is a sapphic (f/f) romance between space pirate Georgia and spaceship captain Ellabee who she’s trying to rob. Caught in the battle of wills between the two strong women is Georgia’s alien parrot who will do his best to turn them from enemies into friends – and maybe more…
2) What was the inspiration for your story in Pets in Space 8?
– Carol Van Natta: Earlier this year, I went on three-week visit to Australia, and I fell in love with the Daintree Rainforest, west of the Great Barrier Reef. I’d already been planning my story, Stellar Drift, so I set all the action in a continent-sized rainforest on a colonized planet in the far future. The rainforest is lush, mysterious, and full of history, traits that are reflected the main character Sairy, a pilot who has many secrets. Forest ranger Houyen, determined to find the source of a fever that’s spreading, was inspired by the indigenous elders in Daintree who want to preserve the land and their way of life, while accepting that change is inevitable.
– Arizona Tape and Skye MacKinnon: This book is part of the Aliens and Animals series, a sci-fi romance where each standalone novel includes some sort of animal. Captain Ellabee has appeared as a side character in the book 3, The Alien’s Farmer, and Pets in Space 8 was the perfect opportunity for us to write an entire story about her.
Until now, most of the animals have been from Earth (Highland cows, sheep, even a rhino) so we really wanted to come up with an alien animal for this book. Since Georgia is a space pirate, giving her an alien parrot seemed like the natural thing to do.
3) Introduce the main characters in your story in Pets in Space 8, and describe them in one sentence each.
– Carol Van Natta: In Stellar Drift, my story in Pets in Space 8, a forest ranger convinces a pilot to help him look for the source of a deadly fever that is spreading. Exploration pilot Sairy Sarvand has lived in the rainforest for the past three years, hiding from her past, until kind and sexy Ranger Houyen Albasrey asks for help only she can provide. Houyen can’t resist mysteries, whether it’s figuring out what’s causing a fever or wanting to get to know the elusive Sairy better.
– Arizona Tape and Skye MacKinnon: Abducted from England by aliens as a teenager, Georgia has become a space pirate to survive. She’s accompanied by a parrot-like alien bird who echoes her words back to her, somewhat making up for her lonely existence.
Ellabee is the blue-skinned captain of her spaceship and commands her alien crew with ease. Don’t mistake her kindness for weakness though, she’ll stop at nothing to protect what matters to her.
4) What does the pet in your Pets in Space 8 story look like and what part does the pet play in the plot?
– Tana Stone: My pet, Pog, is a Lycithian shape-shifting glurkin. His natural form is a small, round puff of bright-green fur with tiny feet and little black eyes tucked into the fluff BUT he can shift into any form at will. This talent comes in handy when my story’s protagonists are running from dangerous mercenaries.
– Arizona Tape and Skye MacKinnon: Aba, the resident alien parrot with four beady eyes, four wings, and both scales and feathers that change colour depending on his mood. He keeps our space pirate company when she’s alone, repeats unhelpful phrases, and blurts out all sorts of secrets.
5) What was the inspiration for the pet in your story for Pets in Space 8?
– Carol Van Natta: Kayala is a genetically engineered pet made to look like a big, scary gargoyle, the kind you can find on top of gothic castles in Europe. She was inspired by two rescued pitbulls owned by my friend. Despite the breed’s bad press, they’re two of the sweetest, most loving dogs you’d ever want to meet. And as I once knew a Great Dane that aspired to be a lapdog (only his head would actually fit in anyone’s lap), I gave that trait to Kayala as well.
– Arizona Tape and Skye MacKinnon: We wanted to give our lonely space pirate Georgia a nice companion and what better than one that can talk back? Of course, since she’s in space, we needed something a little more exotic than a regular parrot, so that’s how alien parrot Aba was born.
6) If your story is part of a series, tell us how your story in Pets in Space 8 relates to the rest of the series.
– Tana Stone: My story, RESCUE, is part of my Barbarians of the Sand Planet series. Pog is a member of the all-female bounty-hunting crew (and the personal pet of the Lycithian shape-shifter and bounty hunter Bexli). He’s integral to the women’s bounty-hunting enterprise and scampers around their ship at will. When the crew takes on a midwife, Pog takes to her quickly, which is how he becomes enmeshed in the adventure.
– Carol Van Natta: Stellar Drift is set in my Central Galactic Concordance universe. There’s a big damn story arc going on in the main series that starts with Last Ship Off Polaris-G. It’s about evolution, rebellion, and romance, plus grand adventures and all sorts of space opera goodness. Stellar Drift and the stories I’ve written for previous Pets in Space anthologies are all standalone sidetrips (with pets!) that can be read in any order, with a few Easter eggs for fans of the main series.
– Arizona Tape and Skye MacKinnon: The Alien’s Falconer is part of the Aliens and Animals series and it links back to the previous book in the series, The Alien’s Farmer. We don’t want to give any spoilers, but our space captain Ellabee plays an important part in bringing two people together and we spend a lot of time on her ship.
You can find out more about the series HERE
7) What do you like most about writing about pets?
– Arizona Tape and Skye MacKinnon: We love pets, they’re wonderful companions. Everyone deserves one, even fictional people. Otherwise they get a bit lonely. And coming up with alien pets is so much fun!
8) Do you have any pets yourself? If so, tell us about them.
– Tana Stone: I have two dogs and three cats–all rescues! Our two dogs are lab mixes–one black and one yellow–and they are the first line of defense when it comes to deadly UPS and Amazon delivery trucks. Two of our cats are tabbies–one brown and one orange–and we got them as kittens less than a year ago. They love shredding upholstery and stalking flies. Our other cat is a neurotic calico who prefers to be seen and heard (and given treats) but not touched.
– Carol Van Natta: I adore cats, and have been honored to share my home with quite a few over the years. My current feline companions are Captain and the Fluffbot. They’re rescued litter-mates, brothers, and a bonded pair, meaning twice the silliness because they’re still teenagers. Captain is a short-haired black kitty who ever-so-politely steals toys from my desk. Fluffbot is a medium-haired black kitty who likes supervising all the action from the highest cat tower available. They have informed me that my next Pets in Space story damn well better feature cats as the heroes. 😺
– Arizona Tape and Skye MacKinnon: Yes, Arizona has a lovely cuddly dog called Fudgestick who snores loudly and keeps her company while she writes. Skye has a hyperactive kitten called Valkyrie who often can’t decide whether she wants to cuddle or nibble on her human. They’re still working on the question on who owns the keyboard.
9) What was your favorite part of writing your story for Pets in Space 8?
– Arizona Tape and Skye MacKinnon: For Arizona, her favourite bits are the ones with the alien parrot Aba. He’s such a mischievous character and always causing trouble, which is right up her wheelhouse.
Skye liked writing the dynamic between the two main characters: they start as enemies, with both trying to outwit the other, but slowly realise they’re more similar than they thought and that what they feel for each other might be more than just animosity…
10) What’s next on your writing schedule? And what’s at the top of your to-be-read list?
– Arizona Tape and Skye MacKinnon: Skye is writing the third book in her Starlight Monsters series, My Big Scaly Alien Naga, an action-packed, spicy monster romance which is set to release early next year. She’s currently reading the latest releases in the Intergalactic Dating Agency, preferably paired with a large mug of tea and some dark chocolate.
Arizona is working on her paranormal romance series with fated mates (Crescent Lake Shifters) There are animals there too (bears and dragons), but they’re of the shifter variety!
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Pets in Space links:
– Website
– Pets in Space® Facebook Readers Group
– Twitter
– Newsletter Signup
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Hero Dogs Charity
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Proud supporters of Hero-Dogs.org, Pets in Space® authors have donated over $18,000 in the past seven years to help place specially trained dogs with disabled veterans and first responders. 10% of all pre-orders and the first month’s royalties of Pets in Space 8 will again go to Hero-Dogs.org. Open your hearts and grab your limited-release copy of Pets in Space 8 today and help this worthy charity! https://www.hero-dogs.org/
The Authors:
– R.J. Blain
– Susan Hayes
– Honey Phillips
– Skye MacKinnon
– Arizona Tape
– Carol Van Natta
– Tana Stone
– S.J. Pajonas
– Carysa Locke
– JC Hay
– Gail Koger
– Elva Birch
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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!
For a list of my reviews go HERE.
For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE
To see all of my giveaways go HERE.
The Jade Labyrinth by Alanna MacKenzie ~ Peek Inside And Giveaway
Posted: October 5, 2023 in giveaways, Science Fiction, YA FantasyTags: excerpt, fantasy, giveaway, sci-fi, YA
.Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for The Jade Labyrinth by Alanna Mackenzie. In The Jade Labyrinth a young rebel leader undertakes a perilous mission to reprogram the artificially intelligent rulers of a colonial empire, traversing through hostile landscapes and braving grueling mental and physical challenges.
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This blog tour is organized by Lola’s Blog Tours and the tour runs from 2 till 15 October. You can see the tour schedule here.
The Jade Labyrinth (The Jade Chronicles #3)
By Alanna Mackenzie
Genre: Science Fiction/ Fantasy
Age category: Young Adult
Release Date: 12 September, 2023
Blurb:
A meeting. A maze. A perilous journey back to an Empire on the edge of chaos.
Walter Saltanetska, leader of the Jade Rebellion, is nearly ready to return to the heart of the AI-ruled Empire that has branded him a treasonous fugitive. His mandate is clear: to reprogram the AI Masters before their earth-destroying habits spiral out of control.
First, he must brave gruelling training in a land fraught with danger—rugged mountains haunted by spirits, a parched desert patrolled by watchful drones, and a labyrinthine cave guarded by armed robots. As his physical, mental, and magical abilities are tested by harrowing encounters, Walter must work to resist forces that threaten to destabilize his mission.
The biggest threat he faces is not one he encounters along the course of his journey, but one that originates within him. Walter returns to the Empire’s capital in a mind-altering disguise that proves to be a double-edged sword. Drawing him closer to a soul mate who rekindles his admiration for the AI Masters, it also distances Walter from the human emotions that sparked his desire to join the Rebellion. In his final showdown with the AI Masters, Walter must keep his mind under control, or risk jeopardizing the mission that he and his allies are counting on to reverse a looming tidal wave of destruction.
The thrilling third installment in The Jade Chronicles, The Jade Labyrinth weaves dystopian science-fiction with high fantasy while exploring an essential subject: the perils and promise of artificial intelligence.
Links:
– Goodreads
– Amazon
– Barnes & Noble
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Enjoy this peek inside:
Waiting for night to fall was the hardest part. The tedium was made worse by lining up to pass the security checkpoint, and afterwards they broke camp and had to wait a few more hours until dinner was ready. The traders appeared to be in good spirits, Tyrian most of all. He drank copious amounts of brandy and mulled wine that night around a blazing campfire and ordered his fellow traders to sing and strum various eclectic instruments. One was a sitar, an oriental-sounding instrument from the Southern Jungles, another was a khoborga, a traditional Xeyan’na flute that had a harsh ring to it, and the third type of instrument was a meyre, a hollowed-out drum stretched with leather hide.
The revelry did not interest Walter, but he was grateful for the distraction. He was intending to discreetly slip away after dinner to do his work, but Tyrian grabbed him by the wrist just as he finished the last of his curried chickpeas.
“Will you be staying for the entertainment?” Tyrian asked boorishly. As drunk as he was, the lead trader seemed oddly lucid, and the way his moss-green eyes bored into Walter made the young man shiver.
“I’m tired. Think I’ll have an early night tonight,” Walter replied.
“Your friend… she’s a pretty one,” Tyrian drawled, gazing across the campfire toward Eva, who was bobbing her head in time with the music. “I was hoping she’d join in the diversions.”
Walter set his jaw. The last thing he wanted was this unrefined trader making designs on his friend Eva. Now that he thought of it, the trader had seemed romantically interested in her from the beginning. Although Walter had first attributed the trader’s lingering gaze to curiosity about her mixed-race origins, he now realized it was because of something more. But Walter recognized an opportunity for further distraction. He hated to do this to his friend, but he needed every advantage he could get with these wily traders.
“She’s an excellent dancer,” Walter exclaimed, and as soon as the words were out of his mouth he regretted them. He had no idea how well Eva danced, and he didn’t want to put her on the spot. But what better way to ensure that he could work uninterrupted than to have Eva distract the traders with a dance?
“Is that so?” Tyrian said. “Well, let’s see it, then.”
Walter reddened as Tyrian called across the campfire to Eva, causing the sitar player’s melodious rhythms to stop abruptly. “Pretty lady,” Tyrian drawled, taking another swig of brandy. “Your friend here says you can dance.”
Eva glanced at Walter, and the rebel leader tried to convey an expression of pleading in his eyes. Eva caught on, but Walter could see that she was not pleased with him.
“My friend is too flattering,” she replied coldly, “but I do enjoy dancing. With a partner, of course,” she added.
Walter froze. He half-expected her to invite him to dance with her, but instead she beckoned for Tyrian to come closer. The brilliance of her strategy was apparent. As the three instrumentalists began their tune, a sharply cadenced flamenco, Eva bowed before Tyrian and held out her arms in an invitation. The lead trader eagerly accepted the offer, and the other traders formed a circle around them, cheering and clinking their brandy-filled glasses as the music grew more animated. Walter watched for a few moments in rapt fascination; he was not so captivated by the dancing itself, but rather by the sheer resourcefulness of his friend, who had been able to gracefully choreograph a routine in mere seconds.
With the traders’ attention thoroughly diverted, Walter was able to relax as he crept away into the shadows of the gloomy late-autumn night. The temperature was plunging as the sun had recently set, and Walter felt the assaulting chill of the air once he left the campfire. To avoid any encounters with the traders, he decided to do his work in the open air, behind a nearby rock formation, rather than in one of the wagons.
It all happened very quickly. Walter consumed the lydion—about half a teaspoonful was all that was required—and immediately he felt his mind shift into a different gear. He studied the code of his spyware detection program, and with fresh eyes, determined what its weaknesses were and how they could be shored up. It was startlingly easy to spot them with his newly heightened sense of awareness, a sort of hyper-sensitivity to the nuanced cause and effect of any computational system.
As the lydion permeated his body, Walter’s mind became clear, focused, and unplagued by anxieties. He often felt that way after a seizure, as though a buildup of tension within his brain had erupted, clearing away the debris from his neural pathways. With lydion, he felt as though he could accomplish the most complex programming task in a matter of minutes. There was nothing getting in the way—no distracting ego, and most importantly, no emotional baggage attached to any task he set out to accomplish. A meditative sense of calm accompanied his work, along with the feeling that he was conserving energy that would have otherwise dissipated.
Within twenty minutes, the upgraded program was completed. Walter could still hear the reassuring background noise of the drumming and the swirling, exotic melodies of the sitar and the khoborga. As the new spyware program ran, he felt tranquil, but poised to react to any hint of a result. And, within a few more minutes, he found it: a backdoor trojan horse, almost negligible in its size, that had burrowed its way onto the tablet’s hard drive.
Investigating its origins, he saw the culprit. A mail attachment that somebody named ‘vokyrv81’ had delivered a few days ago into his inbox, that he had opened mindlessly, revealing an advertisement for hotels in the Barrens. He realized, too, that the name spelled backwards was that of the trader he and Eva had been speaking to, Vrykov. He cursed himself for having opened the attachment, for it was doing its grisly work to mine the contents of his tablet.
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Earlier books in the series:
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– The Jade Rebellion (The Jade Chronicles #1)
– The Jade Talisman (The Jade Chronicles #2)
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About the Author Alanna MacKenzie:
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Alanna Mackenzie lives in Vancouver, Canada. She holds degrees in History, French studies, and Law from the University of British Columbia. An environmentalist at heart, she believes in using the law as a tool for social and environmental change. When she is not pursuing that passion, she can be found brainstorming the next chapter in her novels, playing Irish fiddle tunes on the violin, and hiking West Coast trails.
You can find and contact Alanna Mackenzie here:
– Website
– Facebook
– Twitter
– Goodreads
– Amazon
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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!
For a list of my reviews go HERE.
For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE
To see all of my giveaways go HERE.
31 Days Of Thrills And Chills #2 ~ Jurassic Resort by Brent Reilly
Posted: October 2, 2023 in horror, reviews, Science FictionTags: Horror, review, sci-fi
Welcome to My 31 Days Of Thrills And Chills 2023! I missed doing this the last couple of years due to Covid and so excited to do it again. I’ll be sharing reviews and lots of extra spooky stuff every day leading up to Halloween. I hope you’ll join me!
.
.
I’m sharing all kinds of books, movies, and other spooky stuff for every day in October. Gots to get those scares on for the 31st!
~~~~~
Jurassic Resort
by Brent Reilly
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Genre: Science Fiction / Horror
MY REVIEW
I don’t know what I was expecting when I started this book, but not what I got. In a fun way. Dinosaurs are being designed to be used to fertilize planets so we can colonize them. There’s wormholes, portals, real dinosaurs and an alien invasion that will happen in 45 years. Wiping out all life on Earth.
There are some unlikely heroes. Raptor Ray, a cross between dinosaur and human DNA. He looks like a large lizard but he’s got the intellect of a human and can speak to dinosaurs. Then there’s Tom. A T-Rex Ray has been trying to befriend. A huge predator on their side would come in handy.
Dinosaur fights galore and a weird plot made this such a fun read.
4 STARS
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Synopsis
Author has sold 300,000 books and is briefly giving away 61 ebooks — get yours now! An alien fleet arrives in 50 years to exterminate humanity, but physicists discovered a portal to dinosaur times. Only by putting people in the past can we survive the future. All we must do is create a self-sustaining population in a world dominated by Earth’s fiercest creatures. What could go wrong?
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Click on the covers for more Thrills And Chills reviews.
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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!
For a list of my reviews go HERE.
For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE
To see all of my giveaways go HERE.
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The Zone by Stu Jones ~ Review And Giveaway
Posted: July 18, 2023 in giveaways, reviews, Science Fiction, thrillerTags: giveaway, review, sci-fi, thriller
ASIN: B0C7DQ18TW
Publisher: Dropship Publishing (July 11, 2023)
Publication Date: July 11, 2023
Language: English
Blade Runner meets Judge Dread and The Running Man in this no-holds-barred cyberpunk thriller from Dragon Award Nominee Stu Jones. Start this neon-soaked thrill ride today!
In a tech-addicted dystopia, a young cop struggling to survive is forced into a high-octane gladiatorial grudge match, where sinister corporate overlords pull the strings and humanity’s fate hangs in the balance.
ONE WAY IN. NO WAY OUT
In the super-city of Neo Terminus, millions of tech-addicted fans surround a walled-off inner-city wasteland to watch nano-boosted gladiators called Enforcers fight to the death in the Conglomerate-controlled event known as The Zone. Enforcers are promised wealth and celebrity—if they survive.
Officer Chance Griffin fights to clean up the mean streets of Neo Terminus, and scrape together enough money for his infant son’s vital surgery. Driven by his family’s need, Chance signs on as an Enforcer for The Conglomerate.
As Chance rises to the top of the Enforcer ranks, The Glom’s mysterious Founders coerce him into competing in the greatest Zone trial ever conceived. Chance knows he’s the favorite to win. He believes his family is safe. He believes his son will get the medical care he urgently needs.
Chance is wrong.
Too late, he uncovers a plot by The Glom to rig the trial and enslave the citizens of Neo Terminus, ensuring obedience—forever.
Blinded by fame and fortune, and used as a pawn by the corporate machine, Chance resists. But he is about to discover that every deal with the devil has its price…
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MY REVIEW
The tagline is correct. The first thing that came to my mind was Judge Dredd. I really liked the 1995 release with Sylvester Stallone and loved the 2012 release with Karl Urban. Yum. And the plot had me thinking of Hunger Games. Gabriel Kess reminded me of Seneca Crane, organizing the players and the game play. And The Fifth Element with Bruce Willis helped me visualize the city of Neo Terminus.
Of course, being an Enforcer and fighting in The Zone is filled with danger. Death is a threat at any given moment. Officer Chance Griffin has a personal reason for becoming an Enforcer for The Conglomerate. He has to live. His family needs him. This added to the suspense as I’d really come to care for the family.
Being a sci-fi, action thriller, The Zone was everything I’d hoped for and more. Fleshed out characters that I loved, liked and loathed. Action from the get go. And danger, fighting, death and triumph. At 436 pages, I was surprised how quickly I finished the book and could happily have read more….. and more.
5 STARS
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You can purchaseThe Zone at the following Retailers:
Photo Content from Stu Jones
A veteran law enforcement officer, Stu Jones has served in patrol, narcotics, criminal investigations, as an instructor of firearms and police defensive tactics and as a team leader of a multi-jurisdictional SWAT team. He is trained and qualified as a law enforcement SWAT sniper, as well as in hostage rescue and high-risk entry tactics. Recently, Jones served for three years with a U.S. Marshal’s Regional Fugitive Task Force – hunting the worst of the worst.
A Dragon Award Nominee, Jones is the author of multiple sci-fi/action/thriller novels, including the multi-award-winning It Takes Death To Reach A Star duology and Condition Black, written with co-author Gareth Worthington (Children of the Fifth Sun, A Time for Monsters).
Known for his infectious storytelling and blistering action, Jones strives to create thought-provoking reading experiences that challenge the status quo. When he’s not chasing bad guys or writing epic stories, he can be found planning his next adventure to some remote or exotic place.
Jones is represented by Italia Gandolfo of Gandolfo Helin & Fountain literary. He lives in Alabama with his wife, two children, and a golden-doodle who thinks he’s human.
WEEK ONE
JULY 12th WEDNESDAY A Bronx Latina Reads REVIEW
JULY 13th THURSDAY fundinmental REVIEW
JULY 14th FRIDAY Casia’s Corner REVIEW
WEEK TWO
JULY 17th MONDAY TTC Books and More REVIEW
JULY 18th TUESDAY FUONLYKNEW REVIEW
JULY 19th WEDNESDAY Rajiv’s Reviews REVIEW
JULY 20th THURSDAY Crossroad Reviews REVIEW
JULY 21st FRIDAY Insane About Books REVIEW
WEEK THREE
JULY 24th MONDAY Movies, Shows, & Books REVIEW
JULY 25th TUESDAY Laura’s Bookish Life REVIEW
JULY 26th WEDNESDAY #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee REVIEW
JULY 27th THURSDAY Living in a Bookworld EXCERPT
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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!
For a list of my reviews go HERE.
For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE
To see all of my giveaways go HERE.
The Word Of The Muse by Bridgette Dutta Portman ~ Reviews And Giveaway
Posted: May 17, 2023 in Fantasy, giveaways, reviews, Science FictionTags: fantasy, giveaway, review, sci-fi, YA
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Welcome to my post during the blog tour for The Word of the Muse by Bridgette Dutta Portman.
The Word of the Muse, the thrilling conclusion to the Coseema Saga trilogy, is perfect for fans of space opera, portal fantasy, art-based magic, coming-of-age adventures, and novels about mental health, confidence, and finding the hero in ourselves.
This blog tour is organized by Lola’s Blog Tours and the tour runs from 8 till 21 May. You can see the tour schedule here.
The Word of the Muse (The Coseema Saga #3)
By Bridgette Dutta Portman
Genre: Science Fiction/ Fantasy
Age category: Young Adult
Release Date: 25 April 2023
Blurb:
A daring rescue. A villain in pursuit. A battle for the suns themselves.With Coseema off planet, Olive has bought herself some time—but the clock is ticking. After a risky rescue mission, she and her friends make their way to the center of the rebellion against Emperor Burnash, who is desperate to capture Olive and claim her power for his own. Without her journal, Olive must rely on her newfound courage to elude Burnash and help her friends. But that courage is put to the test as she and Coseema clash in a final showdown—one that will decide the fate of a star system.
The Word of the Muse, the thrilling conclusion to the Coseema Saga trilogy, is perfect for fans of space opera, portal fantasy, art-based magic, coming-of-age adventures, and novels about mental health, confidence, and finding the hero in ourselves.
Links:
– Goodreads
– Bookbub
– Amazon
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MY REVIEW
The pace of the story really picked up between the first and second book in the series. In The Word Of The Muse it’s fast and furious. Will Olive retrieve the pen she so desperately needs to save the universe she’s created? Will those she cares about survive? Will she remain in the universe she created or will she return home? Or will it all implode?
I can’t tell you the answers as that will spoil things. I can tell you this was my favorite of the three books. Not just because I got my ending and my answers. But also, because these characters became genuine and I very much enjoyed watching them grow and step up in some dangerous and suspenseful situations.
Now that the series is finished I’m curious what the author pens next. Could it be a new series with some of the old characters and worlds? Or something else just as intriguing as this sci-fi/fantasy portal adventure. I’ll be watching to find out.
5 STARS
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Earlier books in the series:
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– The Twin Stars (The Coseema Saga #1)
– The Silver Sail (The Coseema Saga #2)
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MY REVIEW FOR THE TWIN STARS
Just imagine boarding an airplane, passing through a portal and entering a universe you’d created with your own imagination. That’s what happened to Olive. She’d given up ever finishing the story after the passing of her grandmother. Looks like the story is writing itself now.
Wow, what a universe it was. The world building was incredible and it was easy to visual much of it. Thanks to all of the shows and movies I’ve watched in the sci-fi/fantasy genre, my own imagination showed me a lot.
The plot was very intriguing. Especially as I’d not read much about portals. I do remember when I was a young girl, creating a magical world in my mind that I could enter through an old tree stump in my backyard. Since this began on an airplane, I wonder if I’ll think of this series the next time I get on one.
There was a diverse cast of characters in this story too. They were fleshed out and well represented. Some I liked more than others. And some I didn’t care for at all. But yeah, I don’t think I was supposed to like those.
While the story wasn’t fast paced, I didn’t mind. The author was creating a universe, showing it to me. And introducing lots of different personalities of all ages and sexes. I imagine the next two books may read more swiftly as this has all been done in The Twin Stars and things will be more familiar. Looking forward to more soon.
4 STARS
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MY REVIEW FOR THE SILVER SAIL
I was left with many questions and loads of curiosity about where the series was headed after finishing The Twin Stars. The Silver Sail picks up pretty much where the first book left off. I quickly and easily fell through the portal again and was shown so much more about the universe and the consequences Olive and other’s face after a damaging loss.
The first book wasn’t fast paced. That’s to be expected when building a new world. This one zipped along at a much faster clip, with so many more challenges and dangers and some planet hopping too. Many of these characters are growing on me and I’m developing a strong dislike for a certain villain. Which makes me invested in the lives of these character’s as they grow and face so many new things. I’m really excited to read The Word Of The Muse and see how it all ends. What a great title for the conclusion to an exciting series.
4 Stars
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About the Author:
Bridgette Dutta Portman is an author, playwright, and teaching artist. Dozens of her plays have been produced across the United States and overseas. She holds an MFA in creative writing from Spalding University, as well as a PhD in political science from the University of California, Irvine. She is past president of the Playwrights’ Center of San Francisco and is currently a member of Same Boat Theater Collective, the Pear Playwrights’ Guild, and the Dramatists’ Guild. She recently joined the board of the Pear Theatre in Mountain View, CA. The Twin Stars is her debut novel, and the first of a planned trilogy. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband Deepanshu and their two young children.
Author links:
– Website
– Newsletter
– Facebook
– Twitter
– Instagram
– Goodreads
– Amazon
There is a tour wide giveaway for the blog tour of Word of the Muse. One winner wins a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble gift card (winner’s choice).
For a chance to win, enter the rafflecopter below:
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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!
For a list of my reviews go HERE.
For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE
To see all of my giveaways go HERE.
Mid-Flight by Lisa Wilkes ~ Peek Inside And Giveaway
Posted: April 7, 2023 in giveaways, Romance, Science FictionTags: giveaway, romance, sci-fi
Welcome to my stop on the virtual book tour for Mid-Flight organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.
Author Lisa Wilkes will be awarding a $15 Amazon or B&N Gift Card to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Don’t forget to enter!
And you can click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
Mid-Flight
by Lisa Wilkes
Genre: Sci-Fi / Romance
Synopsis
2037 was a really bad year.
Lexi Brennan’s best friend was killed in a plane crash. Two weeks later, an intergalactic crisis threatened the fate of humanity. Authorities responded by launching a genocide.
Lexi opposed this vicious attack. Then again, what could she do? An eccentric flight attendant drawn to glamorous trysts, she felt powerless to incite change.
Until tragedy struck close to home. Suddenly, Lexi was forced to acknowledge the widespread atrocities. She uncovered a network of lies along with an opportunity to restore basic human rights. To protect others, Lexi would have to launch a movement that could destroy everything important to her, including her promising new romance.
Purchase Links – Author’s Website / Amazon
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Enjoy this peek Inside:
Jason had almost reached the door to the tarmac when his armband lit up with an alert. Employee 89348—Sensitive information. Do not disclose.
Jason pressed his thumb to the side of the device, confirming he understood the clandestine nature of the message.
Meteor struck SK8474, Flight 2434, over Annapolis, MD. Right engine exploded on impact. No survivors.
Jason stopped in his tracks. The screen displayed five crew members’ names. None of them sounded familiar, but that didn’t matter. This was his airline. These were his people.
Someone placed a hand on Jason’s shoulder. He turned around to face Shelly, who was in worse shape than he’d ever seen her. The tears were no longer a discreet glint in the corner of her eye. Now they tumbled down her face steadily.
“I’m sorry,” she mouthed, her words barely audible over the deafening roar of Jason’s own heartbeat. “She’s one of a kind. A real legend.”
Jason blinked, unsure which crew member Shelly was referring to. His arm buzzed once more, and he stared at the screen in disbelief. Another SkyLine plane had been obliterated. Flight 4339. This time over Olympia, Washington. Six employees had been killed.
Colleen Johnson’s name illuminated his screen, but Jason knew it was a mistake.
He couldn’t fathom a world vicious enough to slaughter the best damn captain at SkyLine Airways. Not under these circumstances. Not on the eve of her fiftieth birthday, with so much to look forward to.
Colleen was a hero, a leader, and a trailblazer. Jason refused to accept that she was gone.
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About Author Lisa Wilkes:
Lisa Wilkes has spent 13 years as a flight attendant, jetting across the globe and collecting inspiration for her writings. Her debut novel, Flight Path, is a fast-paced romance laced with serendipitous encounters. This book follows a daydreaming stewardess as she learns to navigate a new terrain: unconditional love.
In her second novel, Mid-Flight, Lisa transports readers to the year 2038. A flight attendant begins to unravel after her best friend is killed in a plane crash. In the throes of unspeakable grief, she uncovers a political ploy to decimate one-fifth of the population. To combat this sinister plan, she must risk everything. Including her breathtaking new romance.
Lisa’s writing is provocative and timely, with a focus on societal issues and powerful internal conflict. Flight Path’s readers will appreciate Mid-Flight’s emphasis on hope and redemption, while newcomers to Lisa’s work will be drawn to the power of her storytelling.
Links: Website / Goodreads / Amazon / Facebook / Instagram / Etsy
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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!
For a list of my reviews go HERE.
For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE
To see all of my giveaways go HERE.
Last Chance by Darren E. Watling ~ Peek Inside And Giveaway
Posted: January 18, 2023 in comedy, giveaways, Science FictionTags: comedy, giveaway, sci-fi
Welcome to my stop on the virtual book tour for Last Chance organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.
Author Darren E. Watling will be awarding a $15 Amazon or B&N Gift Card to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Don’t forget to enter!
And you can click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
Last Chance
by Darren E. Watling
Genre: Comedy / Sci-fi
Synopsis
The earth’s epilogue was a forgone conclusion.
Our World selects seven of the best human beings that man, woman, and other could put their faith in, to ensure human existence, each displaying traits of a master in his/hers/its field.
However, not all traits are in the best interest of humankind.
Out of this World places seven hospital patients on a Plan B shuttle. Life was difficult on Earth. A new planet presents new problems. The ex-Fruit and Nut Friendly Psychiatric Hospital patients are up for the challenge.
Into the Other World—The Twist. Not only a mid-1900s dance, it is also associated with a lemon, a warped shape, a frame of mind, a warped frame of mind, a face you pull from sucking lemons and an end of story, unexpected finish, not to be given away, glancing at the back cover.
Enjoy this peek inside:
“The court versus Jarred Pork,” the bailiff announced.
“Another serious offence. Jaywalking again. Unbelievable. What have you got to say for yourself, hmm? Well? Speak up, speak up,” the judge said, his thick and fearsome eyebrows alternating up and down.
“If the court pleases, Your Honour . . .” Sid, the defence lawyer, started.
“I’m not too pleased so far but ‘carry on, Sid’.”
“I’m the accused’s attorney. I will speak for Jarred as the accused is mute.”
The judge gave a heavy sigh and adjusted his black gown. “Very well, continue.”
“Jarred went out looking for his husband, as he hadn’t returned with an asthma puffer for their great-grandson., Wheelchair-bound, Jarred left the child with a trusting neighbour. As Jarred left their tiny unit, the red-bearded, dreadlocked kiddies friend, Molly Lester sang a kiddie song, and everyone assumed the child was safe, sport. (It is said Molly was heard on the phone: Hey, Dad! Bring Bill over. I’ve got another one. Presumably, another child to nurture, teach and explain what fine examples of human beings they are).
“I’ve heard enough from that man’s/woman’s/its mouth. Guilty! Throw away the key, like a rapper!” “Next, and this better be good, Johnny,” Clint said, as Sid swapped out and Johnny became the new defence lawyer.
“You sure are a weird lawyer Johnny, but I like you.”
“The court versus Harlett Sexton Action. The Honourable Judge Clint Eros presiding,” the bailiff stated.
“Oh, you poor thing. What have they got you in here for?” the judge showing compassion to the DD’s.
Harlette continued chewing gum as she spoke, “Well, Clinty, I’m pretty sure it’s a case of mistaken identity. I was on my way to make another porn movie, and the next thing I remember was a police officer saying I hit something or something.”
“You have a very strong defence Miss Action,” the unbiased judge claimed. “Let the prosecution begin.”
From chapter ‘Clint’ part three – Into the Other World
About Author Darren E. Watling:
Born Darren Edward Watling, Subiaco, Western Australia, 1966. Darren excelled in English, maintaining ‘A’s, throughout his schooling and wrote a play, ‘Laughing Gas’, for his school at the age of 10. Credited with one small, published article, Darren found inspiration and reward, arriving at his latest piece, ‘Last Chance’.
He completed an apprenticeship, as a fitter, at Princess Margaret Hospital, while continuing his passion for short story writing.
Traveling Australia for three years on a private bus gave Darren a beginning to the experiences and continued, humorous outlook he has on life.
Darren approached his mother Jill Stubbs Mills and asked for her blessing to take her short story, ‘Deception’, and rewrite it into a novel. (The feedback from her publisher about her story was exceptional). Jill agreed to her son’s request. Sadly, Jill now suffers with dementia, but, keeps her sense of humour.
Various forms of employment, including a movie extra, a welder on a crocodile farm, a drummer for a touring band and currently a roof plumber, gave Darren considerable ‘fuel’, for a fired up, comedic novel.
Darren has had several passions over the past 56 years while walking this Earth. Drums, Karate, tennis and continuing today- comedic writing.
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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!
For a list of my reviews go HERE.
For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE
To see all of my giveaways go HERE.