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True Teryn
Sci Fi Adventure of Lilla discovering the greatest secret in the Seven Galaxies (The Last Lumenian Book 2)
S.G. Blaise
2022 Finalist
311 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
True Teryn is a work of fiction in the fantasy and science fiction genres and serves as the second installment in The Last Lumenian series. It is suitable for the general reading audience and was penned by author S. G. Blaise. The book continues the story of Lilla as she attempts to recruit the deadliest army that the Teryn emperor can offer, but she will not be granted the boon without the blessing of the Teryn Guardian Goddess, Laoise. Laoise’s only condition is a quest for Lilla to recover the Heart Amulet but she quickly finds herself trapped and in danger, and the only way out is for her to uncover a secret at the heart of the Teryn people.
This book showcases excellent genre writing as it constantly balances action, danger, humor, and heart-warming character development. S. G. Blaise has managed to take an epic story of interstellar conflict and empires that span stars whilst also finding moments to zoom in on Lilla’s personal journey and development, always doing so with an excellent sense of pacing that keeps the story moving and interesting as it unfolds. The lore of The Last Lumenian series is rich and deep, and the author wisely included a glossary to help newcomers get up to speed with the universe in which the adventure takes place. Overall, True Teryn is a brilliant adventure story that takes readers on an exciting journey across the stars and into the heart of its lead character all whilst ensuring that series readers and newcomers alike will find something to love.
True Teryn is a work of fiction in the fantasy and science fiction genres and serves as the second installment in The Last Lumenian series. It is suitable for the general reading audience and was penned by author S. G. Blaise. The book continues the story of Lilla as she attempts to recruit the deadliest army that the Teryn emperor can offer, but she will not be granted the boon without the blessing of the Teryn Guardian Goddess, Laoise. Laoise’s only condition is a quest for Lilla to recover the Heart Amulet but she quickly finds herself trapped and in danger, and the only way out is for her to uncover a secret at the heart of the Teryn people.
This book showcases excellent genre writing as it constantly balances action, danger, humor, and heart-warming character development. S. G. Blaise has managed to take an epic story of interstellar conflict and empires that span stars whilst also finding moments to zoom in on Lilla’s personal journey and development, always doing so with an excellent sense of pacing that keeps the story moving and interesting as it unfolds. The lore of The Last Lumenian series is rich and deep, and the author wisely included a glossary to help newcomers get up to speed with the universe in which the adventure takes place. Overall, True Teryn is a brilliant adventure story that takes readers on an exciting journey across the stars and into the heart of its lead character all whilst ensuring that series readers and newcomers alike will find something to love.
Recommend this book:
Mayan Shadows
The Crystals of Ahrum (The Maxwell Barnes Adventure Thriller Series)
Craig A. Hart, S.J. Varengo
2022 Honorable Mention
292 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Debjani Ghosh for Readers' Favorite
A motley crew of characters, consisting of an archaeologist, Max, his best friend, Axel, a young Mayan sporting a skateboard, Bembe, and Isabel, a Spanish beauty, is out to find the lost crystal of Ahrum. It is rumored to possess the capability of restoring the long-lost Mayan Empire. However, an evil, delusional man, Estrada, desperately seeks the crystal too for his nefarious ends. Will Max and company succeed in their endeavor? Read Mayan Shadows: The Crystals of Ahrum by Craig A. Hart and S. J. Varengo to find out.
Mayan Shadows by Craig A. Hart and S. J. Varengo is a fast-paced, action-packed adventure tale. Not a single page is devoid of action. It has a gripping beginning and sets the tone for the entire book. Thanks to the duo's visually descriptive writing, it felt as if I was the one on the treasure hunt, trudging through the jungles of Guatemala. The book also has bits of romance. Moreover, I liked all the characters but Max and Bembe were my favorites. I liked Max’s fearless attitude. Despite several obstacles in the way, he never grew morose and kept on hunting for the treasure, albeit with help from his friends. On the other hand, Bembe’s funny antics injected humor into the story. Further, the dialogs between the characters pack a lot of punch and wit. Overall, I enjoyed reading this adventurous story set in Guatemala. I recommend this book to lovers of the action/adventure genre.
A motley crew of characters, consisting of an archaeologist, Max, his best friend, Axel, a young Mayan sporting a skateboard, Bembe, and Isabel, a Spanish beauty, is out to find the lost crystal of Ahrum. It is rumored to possess the capability of restoring the long-lost Mayan Empire. However, an evil, delusional man, Estrada, desperately seeks the crystal too for his nefarious ends. Will Max and company succeed in their endeavor? Read Mayan Shadows: The Crystals of Ahrum by Craig A. Hart and S. J. Varengo to find out.
Mayan Shadows by Craig A. Hart and S. J. Varengo is a fast-paced, action-packed adventure tale. Not a single page is devoid of action. It has a gripping beginning and sets the tone for the entire book. Thanks to the duo's visually descriptive writing, it felt as if I was the one on the treasure hunt, trudging through the jungles of Guatemala. The book also has bits of romance. Moreover, I liked all the characters but Max and Bembe were my favorites. I liked Max’s fearless attitude. Despite several obstacles in the way, he never grew morose and kept on hunting for the treasure, albeit with help from his friends. On the other hand, Bembe’s funny antics injected humor into the story. Further, the dialogs between the characters pack a lot of punch and wit. Overall, I enjoyed reading this adventurous story set in Guatemala. I recommend this book to lovers of the action/adventure genre.
Recommend this book:
Out Front the Following Sea
Leah Angstman
2022 Bronze Medal
334 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite
Out Front the Following Sea by Leah Angstman is an epic tale that we don’t expect but definitely need. This is the story of Ruth Miner, who lives during the high period of voyages and discovery. It is also a time when superstition and blind belief are pervasive and a time when it is challenging to be a woman. Accused as a witch after the murder of her parents, Ruth’s life is about to take a turn as her irrational town demands her execution. Ruth flees and becomes a stowaway aboard a ship. She encounters Owen, a sailor who is aware of her innocence and has long been drawn to her from their years of friendship. But Owen will be facing his own challenge, too, as his French lineage doesn’t stand well with an English commander. They are in a time when King William is waging war between French and English settlers in 1689 New England. This places Ruth in a predicament between saving Owen or herself.
Out Front the Following Sea magnificently captures the color of its time and settings. Leah Angstman is an emerging voice in historical fiction that you should take note of. She is an old soul who writes with the same flair that Hawthorne displayed in The Scarlet Letter and Jack London in The Sea Wolf. She paints a past America without concealing its flaws, creating a lucid narrative that really takes you back in time. I can’t even begin to describe her facility in detailing the nautical exploits of which she shows a good grasp. On top of this, she manages to explore the romantic relationship between Ruth and Owen. This is a fascinating fusion of history, intrigue, adventure, action, and romance—an enlightening tale about the past that will immediately pull you in from the very first page.
Out Front the Following Sea by Leah Angstman is an epic tale that we don’t expect but definitely need. This is the story of Ruth Miner, who lives during the high period of voyages and discovery. It is also a time when superstition and blind belief are pervasive and a time when it is challenging to be a woman. Accused as a witch after the murder of her parents, Ruth’s life is about to take a turn as her irrational town demands her execution. Ruth flees and becomes a stowaway aboard a ship. She encounters Owen, a sailor who is aware of her innocence and has long been drawn to her from their years of friendship. But Owen will be facing his own challenge, too, as his French lineage doesn’t stand well with an English commander. They are in a time when King William is waging war between French and English settlers in 1689 New England. This places Ruth in a predicament between saving Owen or herself.
Out Front the Following Sea magnificently captures the color of its time and settings. Leah Angstman is an emerging voice in historical fiction that you should take note of. She is an old soul who writes with the same flair that Hawthorne displayed in The Scarlet Letter and Jack London in The Sea Wolf. She paints a past America without concealing its flaws, creating a lucid narrative that really takes you back in time. I can’t even begin to describe her facility in detailing the nautical exploits of which she shows a good grasp. On top of this, she manages to explore the romantic relationship between Ruth and Owen. This is a fascinating fusion of history, intrigue, adventure, action, and romance—an enlightening tale about the past that will immediately pull you in from the very first page.
Recommend this book:
Diver Creed Station
Oliver Phipps
2022 Silver Medal
232 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Mona Hawke for Readers' Favorite
Diver Creed Station by Oliver Phipps is a science fiction adventure. In the distant future, civilization is being rebuilt after a catastrophic war. The survivors began restoring a virtual reality facility they had discovered, where people enter specially designed pods to embark on virtual experiences. Oray is a maintenance worker, or diver, who works on the lower level of the simulations. He and his virtual assistant repaired glitches in the system. When Oray’s assistant began obsessing about an oath, it seemed he was also glitching. Oray hoped that if he went along with his assistant’s request, the problem would be resolved. Instead, what unfolded was that Oray and his wife found themselves on a quest to locate lost divers who drifted through virtual worlds until they could not return to the real world.
Diver Creed Station is a mind-bending adventure through multiple virtual realities. I love books about simulated worlds, but they can sometimes come across as sterile and cold. Oliver Phipps did a marvelous job of adding a human touch to a story about Artificial Intelligence controlling simulated worlds. Themes of love and friendship are the underpinnings of the novel, while the technology used in the plot sets the stage perfectly. The situations that the characters experienced were often dire, yet I found the writing uplifting as the characters supported each other and acted selflessly on behalf of one another. It had me hooked and reminded me that it’s easier to keep going when you do it for someone else. It’s a fun story that fans of dystopian science fiction would enjoy.
Diver Creed Station by Oliver Phipps is a science fiction adventure. In the distant future, civilization is being rebuilt after a catastrophic war. The survivors began restoring a virtual reality facility they had discovered, where people enter specially designed pods to embark on virtual experiences. Oray is a maintenance worker, or diver, who works on the lower level of the simulations. He and his virtual assistant repaired glitches in the system. When Oray’s assistant began obsessing about an oath, it seemed he was also glitching. Oray hoped that if he went along with his assistant’s request, the problem would be resolved. Instead, what unfolded was that Oray and his wife found themselves on a quest to locate lost divers who drifted through virtual worlds until they could not return to the real world.
Diver Creed Station is a mind-bending adventure through multiple virtual realities. I love books about simulated worlds, but they can sometimes come across as sterile and cold. Oliver Phipps did a marvelous job of adding a human touch to a story about Artificial Intelligence controlling simulated worlds. Themes of love and friendship are the underpinnings of the novel, while the technology used in the plot sets the stage perfectly. The situations that the characters experienced were often dire, yet I found the writing uplifting as the characters supported each other and acted selflessly on behalf of one another. It had me hooked and reminded me that it’s easier to keep going when you do it for someone else. It’s a fun story that fans of dystopian science fiction would enjoy.
Recommend this book:
Hope Ignites
A Post-apocalyptic Family Adventure (Shattered Sunlight Book 3)
E.A. Chance
2022 Gold Medal
344 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite
A doctor leaves her job and family behind to rescue her oldest daughter from a prison camp in the thrilling dystopian novel, Hope Ignites by E.A. Chance. Two years ago, a solar flare brought the world to a halt, and the power-hungry vice president took over. Dr. Riley Poole Cooper and her oldest daughter Julia were at a conference on the east coast when it hit. Her two younger children and parents remained behind in Colorado, and after many hardships, Riley and her new husband, Coop, made it back home. Unfortunately, Julia was captured and placed in a prison camp. When Riley receives the location where Julia is incarcerated, Riley drops everything and begins the dangerous journey to rescue her daughter. Because she left without telling Coop, her colleagues, or her family, Riley is on her own. Unfortunately, when Riley reaches her destination, she discovers that Julia is no longer there. Despite the fact she is confronted with poisonous rattlesnakes, drug runners, capture, prison camp, and her nemesis, Colonel Yeager, Riley is determined to rescue her daughter. With everything going against her, can Riley survive?
Hope Ignites: A Post-apocalyptic Family Adventure (Shattered Sunlight Book 3) by E.A. Chance is a thrilling dystopian novel. Brimming with excitement and danger from the first page until the last, this book is a spellbinding and unforgettable adventure. With a riveting plot and gripping scenes, the intensity escalates to an exciting and explosive conclusion. Building on the previous novels, the background and the characters are well-defined and relatable, giving this book the ability to be read as a standalone. Everyone who enjoys post-apocalyptic dystopian novels with strong heroines will not want to miss this series!
A doctor leaves her job and family behind to rescue her oldest daughter from a prison camp in the thrilling dystopian novel, Hope Ignites by E.A. Chance. Two years ago, a solar flare brought the world to a halt, and the power-hungry vice president took over. Dr. Riley Poole Cooper and her oldest daughter Julia were at a conference on the east coast when it hit. Her two younger children and parents remained behind in Colorado, and after many hardships, Riley and her new husband, Coop, made it back home. Unfortunately, Julia was captured and placed in a prison camp. When Riley receives the location where Julia is incarcerated, Riley drops everything and begins the dangerous journey to rescue her daughter. Because she left without telling Coop, her colleagues, or her family, Riley is on her own. Unfortunately, when Riley reaches her destination, she discovers that Julia is no longer there. Despite the fact she is confronted with poisonous rattlesnakes, drug runners, capture, prison camp, and her nemesis, Colonel Yeager, Riley is determined to rescue her daughter. With everything going against her, can Riley survive?
Hope Ignites: A Post-apocalyptic Family Adventure (Shattered Sunlight Book 3) by E.A. Chance is a thrilling dystopian novel. Brimming with excitement and danger from the first page until the last, this book is a spellbinding and unforgettable adventure. With a riveting plot and gripping scenes, the intensity escalates to an exciting and explosive conclusion. Building on the previous novels, the background and the characters are well-defined and relatable, giving this book the ability to be read as a standalone. Everyone who enjoys post-apocalyptic dystopian novels with strong heroines will not want to miss this series!
Recommend this book:
Gravity Is Heartless
The Heartless Series
Sarah Lahey
2021 Finalist
360 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Francis Mont for Readers' Favorite
Gravity Is Heartless by Sarah Lahey is an adventure story playing out in 2050, with both technological advances and climate change reaching unimaginable levels. Following the exponential growth of both, the two are on a collision course, threatening the survival of the entire human species. The protagonist, Quinn Buyers, is a climate scientist who is thrown into the main conflict between warring factions in the age-old fight between conscience and greed. Throughout the novel, she is confused, scared, angry, desperate, lonely, and in love, in spite of herself. She is following the inevitable and “heartless” logic of her predicament and realizes that it is “hard work being not unhappy.” She is fully determined to do the right thing but doesn’t let anyone tell her what the right thing is. She is her own woman, and she will figure it out for herself and will pursue it with courage and determination.
This is an impressive first novel by Sarah Lahey with its scope, literary qualities, and philosophical insight. It has several accomplishments that contribute to the 5-star rating: highly entertaining, thought-provoking, intriguing, and meticulously researched. The intended target audience ranges from techno-geeks to political activists, addressing humanity’s main problems from social stratification to climate change. The language is clear and literate, employing a vast and varied vocabulary, displaying the occasional burst of humor. The psychology of the main character is finely drawn and quite believable, as well as endearing and sympathetic. The world-building is extensive, displaying an impressive depth of imagination, coupled with a vivid descriptive style. This makes reading it a very personal experience. What’s unusual in sci-fi books is the clearly defined ethical lines that the protagonist has to negotiate all through the novel. I highly recommend Gravity Is Heartless to readers who are looking for intellectual stimulation and, at the same time, an entertaining adventure in the not too distant future.
Gravity Is Heartless by Sarah Lahey is an adventure story playing out in 2050, with both technological advances and climate change reaching unimaginable levels. Following the exponential growth of both, the two are on a collision course, threatening the survival of the entire human species. The protagonist, Quinn Buyers, is a climate scientist who is thrown into the main conflict between warring factions in the age-old fight between conscience and greed. Throughout the novel, she is confused, scared, angry, desperate, lonely, and in love, in spite of herself. She is following the inevitable and “heartless” logic of her predicament and realizes that it is “hard work being not unhappy.” She is fully determined to do the right thing but doesn’t let anyone tell her what the right thing is. She is her own woman, and she will figure it out for herself and will pursue it with courage and determination.
This is an impressive first novel by Sarah Lahey with its scope, literary qualities, and philosophical insight. It has several accomplishments that contribute to the 5-star rating: highly entertaining, thought-provoking, intriguing, and meticulously researched. The intended target audience ranges from techno-geeks to political activists, addressing humanity’s main problems from social stratification to climate change. The language is clear and literate, employing a vast and varied vocabulary, displaying the occasional burst of humor. The psychology of the main character is finely drawn and quite believable, as well as endearing and sympathetic. The world-building is extensive, displaying an impressive depth of imagination, coupled with a vivid descriptive style. This makes reading it a very personal experience. What’s unusual in sci-fi books is the clearly defined ethical lines that the protagonist has to negotiate all through the novel. I highly recommend Gravity Is Heartless to readers who are looking for intellectual stimulation and, at the same time, an entertaining adventure in the not too distant future.
Recommend this book:
A River of Fortune
Paula Welch
2021 Honorable Mention
271 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Saifunnissa Hassam for Readers' Favorite
Paula Welch's action novel A River of Fortune is set in Friars Meadow, a small town in the county of Devon. Maggie Malloy, 27, loses her job at the Provincial Financial Solutions company when it closes its branch in the town. On a regular hike along the River Dart, Maggie finds a Provincial security case near the river's edge. She realizes it is the missing case from the hijacking and robbery of an armored security van. She makes a fateful decision to keep the 1.2 million pounds in the security case; she knows it's illegal, a crime. But with the money, she puts into action a plan to bring much-needed prosperity to her hometown. She reveals the source of money and her plan to her closest friends. With their loyalty and help her plan is phenomenally successful. But Maggie's success in reviving Friars Meadow attracts the attention of other people: vindictive politicians, criminals, and Special Branch investigators.
I particularly liked A River of Fortune for its principal character, Maggie Malloy, and the tight interweaving of the different threads in the story. I liked Maggie's character development; caring, compassionate, loyal to her close-knit group of friends, Eva, Chloe, Morwenna, Julie, and Anaya. Her decision to keep the money is reckless but she is determined to do good with the cash. She turns her ordinary life into an extraordinary one; she is no longer afraid to make new decisions and vows to take full responsibility for her actions if and when her crime is exposed. I liked the dialogues, the descriptive narrative creating a vivid picture of life in Friars Meadow. Through the detailed lives of Maggie's friends, I could imagine how Maggie's plan turns Friars Meadow into a strong, thriving community. But there is no escaping the continuous undercurrent of lurking danger, and crime and criminal characters are present throughout the story. A well-crafted novel by Paula Welch in which the action plays out in both deliberate and unpredictable ways!
Paula Welch's action novel A River of Fortune is set in Friars Meadow, a small town in the county of Devon. Maggie Malloy, 27, loses her job at the Provincial Financial Solutions company when it closes its branch in the town. On a regular hike along the River Dart, Maggie finds a Provincial security case near the river's edge. She realizes it is the missing case from the hijacking and robbery of an armored security van. She makes a fateful decision to keep the 1.2 million pounds in the security case; she knows it's illegal, a crime. But with the money, she puts into action a plan to bring much-needed prosperity to her hometown. She reveals the source of money and her plan to her closest friends. With their loyalty and help her plan is phenomenally successful. But Maggie's success in reviving Friars Meadow attracts the attention of other people: vindictive politicians, criminals, and Special Branch investigators.
I particularly liked A River of Fortune for its principal character, Maggie Malloy, and the tight interweaving of the different threads in the story. I liked Maggie's character development; caring, compassionate, loyal to her close-knit group of friends, Eva, Chloe, Morwenna, Julie, and Anaya. Her decision to keep the money is reckless but she is determined to do good with the cash. She turns her ordinary life into an extraordinary one; she is no longer afraid to make new decisions and vows to take full responsibility for her actions if and when her crime is exposed. I liked the dialogues, the descriptive narrative creating a vivid picture of life in Friars Meadow. Through the detailed lives of Maggie's friends, I could imagine how Maggie's plan turns Friars Meadow into a strong, thriving community. But there is no escaping the continuous undercurrent of lurking danger, and crime and criminal characters are present throughout the story. A well-crafted novel by Paula Welch in which the action plays out in both deliberate and unpredictable ways!
Recommend this book:
Masters of the Broken Watches
Razi Imam
2021 Bronze Medal
349 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Foluso Falaye for Readers' Favorite
Masters of the Broken Watches by Razi Imam begins with Vietnamese fisherman Pham Kai making plans to catch the rare su vang fish in the South China Sea and save his wife from cancer with its proceeds. While risking being captured and tortured by the Chinese Navy for trespassing, Pham Kai discovers a new species of fish that could validate Step Evolution. The story centers on this discovery, with different parties making efforts to destroy or secure the discovery. While the governments of China and the US race to seize the discovery, a group called the Paramarines, consisting of adventurers, linguistics, and scientists from the US, Pakistan, Israel, and several other countries acts to exploit it for the benefit of humanity. Will the Paramarines be able to fend off the two governments chasing after them while they search for a breakthrough?
Razi Imam adroitly merges sci-fi with adventure, nautical, and paranormal fiction to deliver a top-level narrative that grabs you by the throat and leaves you panting for more. There are so many brilliant, mind-blowing ideas, which have broadened my scope of imagination. From in-ear translation devices, laser-guided stealth missiles, dark matter particles to time dilation and medical breakthroughs, the concepts in Masters of the Broken Watches have done much more than satisfy my hunger for sci-fi for a good while. It was remarkably easy to read the book because of Razi's great writing style. The characters are portrayed strongly and realistically and the events are fast-paced and hard to predict. If you love a dynamic sci-fi narrative, Masters of the Broken Watches is one book you shouldn't miss!
Masters of the Broken Watches by Razi Imam begins with Vietnamese fisherman Pham Kai making plans to catch the rare su vang fish in the South China Sea and save his wife from cancer with its proceeds. While risking being captured and tortured by the Chinese Navy for trespassing, Pham Kai discovers a new species of fish that could validate Step Evolution. The story centers on this discovery, with different parties making efforts to destroy or secure the discovery. While the governments of China and the US race to seize the discovery, a group called the Paramarines, consisting of adventurers, linguistics, and scientists from the US, Pakistan, Israel, and several other countries acts to exploit it for the benefit of humanity. Will the Paramarines be able to fend off the two governments chasing after them while they search for a breakthrough?
Razi Imam adroitly merges sci-fi with adventure, nautical, and paranormal fiction to deliver a top-level narrative that grabs you by the throat and leaves you panting for more. There are so many brilliant, mind-blowing ideas, which have broadened my scope of imagination. From in-ear translation devices, laser-guided stealth missiles, dark matter particles to time dilation and medical breakthroughs, the concepts in Masters of the Broken Watches have done much more than satisfy my hunger for sci-fi for a good while. It was remarkably easy to read the book because of Razi's great writing style. The characters are portrayed strongly and realistically and the events are fast-paced and hard to predict. If you love a dynamic sci-fi narrative, Masters of the Broken Watches is one book you shouldn't miss!
Recommend this book:
Impermanent Universe
Vern Buzarde
2021 Silver Medal
284 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Impermanent Universe is a sci-fi thriller written by Vern Buzarde. Tess Carrillo, a lead computer scientist at NASA, loses her semblance of a normal life the day a mysterious software hack leads to the death of two astronauts, including her boyfriend Ryan Quinn, aboard the spaceship, Essex. After going through a depressive spiral, Tess gets her chance to redeem herself when charismatic billionaire Dr. Anton Satoshi offers her a job to create an advanced quantum supercomputer named Prajna. Meanwhile, ex-Silicon Valley tech mogul Milo Ackerman starts working toward ridding society of technology by using extreme radical methods. Things get complicated as Prajna turns prescient while harboring an inherent dislike for humans. Furthermore, the past springs up unexpectedly on Tess with the news of Essex's trajectory back to Earth.
Author Vern Buzarde weaves an intricate plot, seamlessly incorporating multiple scientific theories to create a pulsating sci-fi thriller that keeps you hooked throughout the pages. Impermanent Universe is an enthralling page-turner of a novel. The non-linear narrative fits in perfectly with the themes of the book, which explore topics such as the nature of reality, the state of sentience, nanobot technology, and much more. Most of the characters seem to be used as tools to move the plot forward and explore the themes in which the narrator is interested. But some of the major characters, such as Tess, Dora, Dr. Satoshi, and Prajna, are well-realized with distinct personalities, making them compelling to read. Impermanent Universe is one of the best sci-fi novels I've read this year. I highly recommend it to sci-fi fans.
Impermanent Universe is a sci-fi thriller written by Vern Buzarde. Tess Carrillo, a lead computer scientist at NASA, loses her semblance of a normal life the day a mysterious software hack leads to the death of two astronauts, including her boyfriend Ryan Quinn, aboard the spaceship, Essex. After going through a depressive spiral, Tess gets her chance to redeem herself when charismatic billionaire Dr. Anton Satoshi offers her a job to create an advanced quantum supercomputer named Prajna. Meanwhile, ex-Silicon Valley tech mogul Milo Ackerman starts working toward ridding society of technology by using extreme radical methods. Things get complicated as Prajna turns prescient while harboring an inherent dislike for humans. Furthermore, the past springs up unexpectedly on Tess with the news of Essex's trajectory back to Earth.
Author Vern Buzarde weaves an intricate plot, seamlessly incorporating multiple scientific theories to create a pulsating sci-fi thriller that keeps you hooked throughout the pages. Impermanent Universe is an enthralling page-turner of a novel. The non-linear narrative fits in perfectly with the themes of the book, which explore topics such as the nature of reality, the state of sentience, nanobot technology, and much more. Most of the characters seem to be used as tools to move the plot forward and explore the themes in which the narrator is interested. But some of the major characters, such as Tess, Dora, Dr. Satoshi, and Prajna, are well-realized with distinct personalities, making them compelling to read. Impermanent Universe is one of the best sci-fi novels I've read this year. I highly recommend it to sci-fi fans.
Recommend this book:
The Reunions
Tammy Mellows Series Book 3
Tina Hogan Grant
2021 Gold Medal
308 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
The Reunions is the third installment of Tina Hogan Grant's Tammy Mellows series. Tammy Mellows continues to fish for crabs off the coast of Malibu alongside her boyfriend, Dwayne, while raising her son, Matt. As the years pass by, Tammy is constantly reminded of her mother's wish to see her three daughters together once again after living separately since their parents' divorce. After a particularly unrewarding season, Tammy and Dwayne find themselves forced to give up fishing and relocate to the mountains. As family members die over the years, Tammy feels ever more determined to fulfill her mother's wish. But a cancer diagnosis puts Tammy's plans in disarray as she finds herself fighting for survival. Can she make her mother's wish come true? Will the sisters ever be reunited?
The Reunions is an entertaining slice-of-life novel that recounts the adventures of a tenacious woman who always finds a way to overcome every obstacle life throws at her. Author Tina Hogan Grant's immersive narrative puts the reader into Tammy's world, where you feel every momentous occasion in Tammy's life intimately. The characters are well-realized and have grounded realistic arcs that make them easily relatable. Tammy is a likable protagonist who holds her relationships with her close friends and family in the utmost regard. The narrative is somewhat of a slow burn, but it only makes the story more compelling. Despite being the third book of the Tammy Mellows series, The Reunions also functions seamlessly as a standalone. I will recommend it to readers who enjoy slice-of-life adventure stories.
The Reunions is the third installment of Tina Hogan Grant's Tammy Mellows series. Tammy Mellows continues to fish for crabs off the coast of Malibu alongside her boyfriend, Dwayne, while raising her son, Matt. As the years pass by, Tammy is constantly reminded of her mother's wish to see her three daughters together once again after living separately since their parents' divorce. After a particularly unrewarding season, Tammy and Dwayne find themselves forced to give up fishing and relocate to the mountains. As family members die over the years, Tammy feels ever more determined to fulfill her mother's wish. But a cancer diagnosis puts Tammy's plans in disarray as she finds herself fighting for survival. Can she make her mother's wish come true? Will the sisters ever be reunited?
The Reunions is an entertaining slice-of-life novel that recounts the adventures of a tenacious woman who always finds a way to overcome every obstacle life throws at her. Author Tina Hogan Grant's immersive narrative puts the reader into Tammy's world, where you feel every momentous occasion in Tammy's life intimately. The characters are well-realized and have grounded realistic arcs that make them easily relatable. Tammy is a likable protagonist who holds her relationships with her close friends and family in the utmost regard. The narrative is somewhat of a slow burn, but it only makes the story more compelling. Despite being the third book of the Tammy Mellows series, The Reunions also functions seamlessly as a standalone. I will recommend it to readers who enjoy slice-of-life adventure stories.
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