Category: Book Reviews

Book review: ‘Exploring the Complexity of Human Intelligence’ by Ansh Verma

Ansh Verma is a researcher, author, and philosopher based in Dhanbad, Jharkhand (India). He researches almost everything that can be observed, felt and/or read, including technology, politics, divine, war, behavioral, engineering, investments, military, finance, and mathematics. Post graduation, Verma has almost 20 years of experience in thinking and making sense of the world. His new book “Exploring the Complexity of Human Intelligence” is a comprehensive exploration of prevalent misconceptions that cloud our understanding of intelligence.

“Exploring the Complexity of Human Intelligence” – the core topic of this enlightening book is intelligence and the myths surrounding it. Such myths include the misleading notion of left-brain/right-brain dominance and the widespread belief in using only a fraction of our brain’s capacity. Other topics include gender differences when it comes to intelligence, emotional intelligence, the aging mind and how to address cognitive decline, neuroplasticity, and the cultural biases in IQ testing that can affect people who have different types of cultural intelligence.

In the Introduction, the author writes that the purpose of this book is “to empower readers with accurate knowledge about human intelligence.” By doing so, he hopes readers will understand that intelligence is made up of different factors and then arms them with the information necessary to make appropriate life choices. Chapter 1: Defining Intelligence defines intelligence as more than just what a typical IQ test might measure and that it includes a wide variety of cognitive capacities and aptitudes. In Chapter 2: Nature vs. Nurture, he clarifies the connection between genetics and environment and how they shape cognitive aptitude. In Chapter 3: Brain Myths and Cognitive Abilities, readers can learn all about the various learning styles and the importance of evidence-based approaches to education.

The rest of the book consists of:

Chapter 4: Creativity and Problem Solving
Chapter 5: Learning Styles and Intelligence
Chapter 6: Gender and Intelligence
Chapter 7: Emotional Intelligence
Chapter 8: Memory and Forgetfulness
Chapter 9: Nature of Intelligence in Children
Chapter 10: The Aging Mind
Chapter 11: Neuroplasticity and Learning
Chapter 12: Intelligence and Success
Chapter 13: Intelligence in Different Cultures
Chapter 14: Genetics and Intelligence Revisited

Overall, this is an extremely insightful and deeply researched book on intelligence – how it is made up of different factors but it is continuously changing and adapting, especially when it comes to emotional intelligence and neuroplasticity. By using down to earth language and examples of real people when describing the different learning and intelligence types, the author makes the subject easy to understand. This is a must read for readers interested in a deep study of intelligence and the complexities of the human mind.

“Success is, therefore, a multifaceted concept, and one’s ability to excel in a particular field is influenced by a complex interplay of various attributes and factors.”

*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Book review: ‘Journey Within’ by Ansh Verma

‘The Journey Within’ is an excellent guide for personal growth and development. Photo: Amazon

Ansh Verma is a researcher, author, and philosopher based in Dhanbad, Jharkhand (India). He researches almost everything that can be observed, felt and/or read, including technology, politics, divine, war, behavioral, engineering, investments, military, finance, and mathematics. Post graduation, Verma has almost 20 years of experience in thinking and making sense of the world. His book “Journey Within” is an eye opening guide that examines the profound significance of self-discovery and purpose in leading a fulfilling and prosperous life. 

‘Journey Within’ by Ansh Verma – Personal growth and development begins with getting to know yourself, your values, and your purpose in life. This is important not just for personal reasons since being a well rounded and fulfilled person affects those around us. In Chapter 1: Introduction, the author explains that individuals who are happy with themselves can inspire others and that “this ripple effect of positive impact contributes to creating a more harmonious and fulfilling society.”

Readers are guided in this transformative journey of self discovery beginning with Chapter 2: Understanding The Inner Self by learning to recognize just how important it is to truly get to know themselves. In Chapter 3: Embracing Mindfulness and Meditation the author explains that by practicing mindfulness and focusing on the present, they lessen the regrets about the past and the worries about the future. In Chapter 7: Embracing Change and Transformation readers learn about the importance of adopting a growth mindset because it makes them more resilient when faced with challenges and helps them view failures as opportunities to grow. Other notable chapters include Chapter 10: Embracing Gratitude and Abundance, Chapter 13: Living with Purpose and Intention, and Chapter 19: Empowering Others on Their Journey.

Since the chapters are short, it is easy to read through and reference back to specific topics. The most important lesson to be learned from “Journey Within” is that working on yourself can make a big impact in the world because “a healthy relationship with oneself is a foundation for healthy relationships with others.” This is an excellent book to read if you are working on self improvement because it emphasizes the importance of exploring who we are, fully understanding our values, passions, and strengths, and aligning our actions with our authentic selves.

*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Book review: ’10 Habits of Highly Successful People’ by Ansh Verma

’10 Habits of Highly Successful People’ contains essential information for people interested in personal development. Photo: Amazon

Ansh Verma is a researcher, author, and philosopher based in Dhanbad, Jharkhand (India). He researches almost everything that can be observed, felt and/or read, including technology, politics, divine, war, behavioral, engineering, investments, military, finance, and mathematics. Post graduation, Verma has almost 20 years of experience in thinking and making sense of the world. His new book “10 Habits of Highly Successful People” is an essential guide that breaks down the main essential habits and characteristics of successful individuals.

“10 Habits of Highly Successful People”  – Sometimes life can get so hectic that we often forget that there are easier and better ways to cope with life’s struggles. While there are other books out there that address personal development, I like this one because the author uses language that is easy to read and understand and the tone is not condescending at all. Because it is a short read, he gets down to the point without fillers like background stories or endless examples of how people have successfully implemented these habits into their lives. Since each habit is a chapter, it makes it so convenient to go back and re-read at your own pace. He also gives tips and key points on how to implement these habits into your daily routine.

The chapters are as follows:

Goal Setting
Time Management
Continuous Learning
Positive Mindset
Networking
Consistency
Embracing Failure
Health and Wellness
Financial Responsibility
Gratitude and Empathy
Bonus: Wisdom from Japanese Traditions

Some of these habits are well known, like Networking, Time Management, and Goal Setting, but some of them are more personal, like Positive Mindset and Continuous Learning. My favorite ones are Embracing Failure and Gratitude and Empathy. Embracing Failure – it is not easy to accept and learn from failure but it is an important part of the growth process because it creates resilience. We should not let failure define our worth or potential. Gratitude and Empathy – “highly successful individuals embody gratitude and empathy in their interactions with others.” We can do this by reflecting on the things we are grateful for and putting ourselves in other’s shoes. I highly recommend this book if you are interested in self help books about personal growth and development, not just success in terms of money and status.

*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Book review: ‘Digest on Genetics’ by Ansh Verma

‘Digest on Genetics’ is a deep study of genes and heredity. Photo: Amazon

Ansh Verma is a researcher, author, and philosopher based in Dhanbad, Jharkhand (India). He researches almost everything that can be observed, felt and/or read, including technology, politics, divine, war, behavior, engineering, investments, military, finance, and mathematics. Post graduation, Verma has almost 20 years of experience in thinking and making sense of the world. His new book “Digest on Genetics”  is an enlightening journey into the captivating realm of genetics and a deep study of genes, heredity, and the diversity within living organisms.

“Digest on Genetics” – Genetics is the study of genes and heredity and understanding how they replicate, recombine, and mutate. It provides insight into how organisms evolve and adapt to their environment. In turn, this information proves valuable in fields such as medicine, agriculture, and evolutionary biology.

To help readers understand genetics, the author begins with Introduction To Genetics where he discusses Gregor Mendel, the Austrian monk who is considered the patriarch of modern genetics, and his contributions. In DNA Structure and Replication, readers can learn all about DNA replication, cell division, and inheritance. The material starts to get more interesting but complicated in Genes and Chromosomes where he discusses genes and alleles but he manages to make it easy to follow and understand. The rest of the book consists of chapters like Genetic Variations and Mutations (the consequences of mutations on gene function), Genetic Disorders, and Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, which brings up the “possibility of creating designer babies or enhancing human traits through genetic manipulation…” I found The Philosophy of Genetic Studies particularly interesting because it addresses the ethical dilemmas surrounding genetic engineering, such as genetic privacy.

Despite its small size, this book contains so much information about genes, genetics, and the pros and cons of genetic engineering in general. Whether you want information about the science of genetics or how it can be used to personalize a patient’s healthcare by targeting specific genes, the information is easy to process and understand. It is recommended for readers interested in all things related to genetics.

*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Book review: ‘The Gravity Guide: Unveiling the Universe’s Hidden Force’ by Ansh Verma

‘The Gravity Guide: Unveiling the Universe’s Hidden Force’ is the new book by Ansh Verma. Photo: Amazon

Ansh Verma is a researcher + author + philosopher based in Dhanbad, Jharkhand (India). He researches almost everything that can be observed, felt and/or read, including technology, politics, divine, war, behavioral, engineering, investing, military, finance, and mathematics. Post graduation, Verma has almost 20 years of experience in thinking/making sense of the world. His new book “The Gravity Guide: Unveiling the Universe’s Hidden Force” is an exploration of gravity and the universe in general.

“The Gravity Guide: Unveiling the Universe’s Hidden Force” – In this excellent guide about all matters related to gravity, the author starts by asking readers if they have ever wondered about the role that gravity plays in nature and everyday life. By first defining how gravity works in “the gentle descent of a leaf” to simply helping us get out of bed in the morning, he creates excitement about the topic, leaving readers wanting to learn more. So he goes back to the beginning, for some interesting back history on how some of the greatest scientists, like Sir Isaac Newton, became involved in studying about gravity. He gradually moves on to explain the role of gravity in terms of the universe and how it affects the tides and how it keeps the universe together, leading to a discussion on black holes.

To wrap it all up, Chapter 7 has a Q&A section with questions such as: How does gravity hold the solar system together? and What’s the difference between weight and mass? No science book is complete without a few experiments, so Chapter 8 has practical experiments to help students not only see but feel the principles of gravity in action. Such experiments include The Pendulum Swing and Water Drops on a coin and make science come alive.

In layman terms, the author skillfully explains gravity and science so that everyone, even if they are not science experts, can understand. So if you if always wanted to know more about gravity but were afraid the topic would be too complicated, or don’t know where to start, give this book a try. You will never look at gravity the same way again.

*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Book review: ‘Baby X’ by Kira Peikoff

‘Baby X’ is the new speculative fiction novel by Kira Peikoff. Photo: Amazon

Kira Peikoff has a degree in journalism from New York University and master’s in bioethics from Columbia. She works in biotech communications helping spread the word about transformative developments in the life sciences. Peikoff is a proud member of The Authors Guild, International Thriller Writers, and Mystery Writers of America. She is the author of “Mother Knows Best,” “Living Proof,” “No Time to Die,” and “Die Again Tomorrow.” In her exciting new thriller, “Baby X,” when any biological matter can be used to create life, stolen celebrity DNA sells to the highest bidder–or the craziest stalker. With a vivid imagining of the future, Gattaca meets Black Mirror in Kira Peikoff’s “Baby X.”

“Baby X” – In the near-future United States, where advanced technology can create egg or sperm from any person’s cells, celebrities face the alarming potential of meeting biological children they never conceived. The story begins when famous singer Trace Thorne grows tired of being targeted by the Vault, a black market site devoted to stealing DNA. Sick of paying ransom money for his own cell matter, he hires bio-security guard Ember Ryan to ensure his biological safety. 

Ember will do anything she can to protect her clients. She knows all the Vault’s tricks–discarded tissues, used straws, lipstick tubes–and has prevented countless DNA thefts. Working for Thorne, her focus becomes split when she begins to fall for him, but she knows she hasn’t let anything slip–love or not, his DNA is safe. But all bets are off when she and Thorne are confronted by Quinn, a pregnant woman who claims that Thorne is the father of her baby.

The story hooks you in from the first paragraph: “Across the café, Quinn watched the happy couple. They hadn’t noticed her yet. But they would soon.” Set in 2055, technology has advanced to the point where having babies the ‘normal’ way is a concept of the past. Children conceived this way are known as Unforeseens. Couples can now have their DNA collected and use it to create designer babies known as Elites. During the Selection process, embryos with disabilities and inherited diseases are passed on and the Selected go on to become a couple’s new child. This future also includes self driving vehicles and smart eye lenses that are used to answer the phone, email, and to use a computer. All of these technologies are so believable that they become secondary to the thrilling story of the three main characters: Quinn – a surrogate, Lily – an aspiring journalist, and Ember – a bio-security guard. The narration alternates between the three as their stories eventually meet in a final jaw-dropping plot twist.

Due in part to highly descriptive language: “Her trust was eroding like the ground in an earthquake, with aftershocks of panic jostling the foundation that remained,” the story flows smoothly. The well developed and relatable characters draw the reader in and each turn of the page brings one surprising twist after another. The author gives readers a chilling look into the future when biogenetics becomes the norm but is still ethically dubious and affects people’s everyday lives.

Overall, “Baby X” is a brilliant work of speculative fiction that raises concerns about genetic engineering while exploring the universal themes of family, love, power, and corruption. It is a definite must-read and recommended for readers who enjoy medical thrillers the likes of Robin Cook, Michael Palmer, and Blake Crouch.

“He never questioned his own willingness to cross the line. That had been the scariest part……The realization had shaken her faith in reality. It was like learning that the person she loved was an AI with no moral compass whatsoever.”

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Book review: ‘A Digest on Cryptocurrency’ by Ansh Verma

‘A Digest on Cryptocurrency’ is the new book by Ansh Verma and an in-depth look at cryptocurrency. Photo: Amazon

Ansh Verma is a researcher + author + philosopher based in Dhanbad, Jharkhand (India). He researches almost everything that can be observed, felt and/or read, including but not limited to technology, politics, divine, war, behavioral, engineering, investing, military, finance and mathematics. Post graduation, Verma has almost 20 years of experience in thinking/making sense of the world. His new book “A Digest on Cryptocurrency” covers a wide range of topics – the history of cryptocurrency, the different types of cryptocurrencies, and cryptocurrency and the future of finance, that provide a comprehensive understanding of cryptocurrency.

“A Digest on Cryptocurrency” – This expanded digest gives readers a comprehensive and detailed exploration of the diverse aspects of cryptocurrency. Newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts will find it equally helpful, as it includes recent developments in the field. Ansh Verma defines cryptocurrency, covers the history behind it, describes the different types of cryptocurrencies, lists the challenges and concerns surrounding it, which include environmental concerns due to its significant energy consumption, and how it can be used in industries such as gaming and space exploration.

He begins in Introduction to Cryptocurrency by defining it “a revolutionary form of digital or virtual currency that operates on the principles of cryptography and blockchain technology.” He explains the concept, how blockchain technology makes it work, and its basic decentralized structure. In History of Cryptocurrency, he gets deep into the history of this digital currency, including the early beginnings of Bitcoin and the background of Satoshi Nakamoto, its creator. For anyone really interested in Blockchain Technology, this chapter goes heavily into how it works, its core features, and how it can be used to ensure security and transparency in cryptocurrency.

The rest of the book is divided as such:
Cryptocurrency Mining
Popular Cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrency Exchanges
Crypto Wallets
Cryptocurrency Investment and Trading
Decentralized Finance (DeFi)
Cryptocurrency Regulations
Cryptocurrency and the Future of Finance
Cryptocurrency and Environmental Concerns
Cryptocurrency in Everyday Use
Challenges and Opportunities in Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency in the Media and Public Perception
NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens)
Cryptocurrency and Space Exploration
Cryptocurrency and Gaming Economies
Quantum Computing and Cryptocurrency Security

Overall, “A Digest on Cryptocurrency” is an extremely helpful guide to all matters concerning cryptocurrency. From the history of this innovative digital currency, to the wide variety of uses in various industries – as well as its challenges and concerns, readers will no doubt find these topics informative. The chapters are short and structured to make it convenient to re-read those of particular interest at any given time. Ansh Verma has a way of making any topic easy to follow and understand and this one is no different. If you are looking for a book that fully explains all the concepts of cryptocurrency, then this one is a must-read.

*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Book review: ‘Journey of Awakening and Higher Consciousness’ by Jane Kim Yu

‘Journey of Awakening and Higher Consciousness’ is the compelling new book by Jane Kim Yu. Photo: Amazon

Dr. Jane Kim Yu holds a Doctorate in Pharmacy from the renowned St. John’s University. From a young age, she dreamt of becoming an author and sharing her vision through artistic creation. This dream came true with the publication of her debut book, “Journey of Awakening and Higher Consciousness.” Jane’s work is a testament to her three driving passions: eloquent writing, intricate creative expression, and a deep-seated spirituality. These are demonstrated in her life and through her newsletter Soul Secrets, where she discusses hope, love, life, and the beauty of it all from our humanity to our divinity to the grace that guides our life. Her work bridges the gap between the empirical and the ethereal, resonating with readers and art aficionados alike. (Amazon, 2024)

Modern life, with its chaos and overwhelming noises coming from every direction, can leave us in a constant state of anxiety and longing for inner peace. Jane Kim Yu’s debut book is an inspirational journey into healing, higher consciousness, and discovering what makes us uniquely human. She focuses on themes like love and enlightenment to help readers rediscover themselves and reach the ultimate in higher consciousness. The journey into becoming whole again begins with a return to love itself because, after all, we are love incarnate. Love does not mean being in a constant state of nirvana and never experiencing pain, it merely means learning to process our emotions in an effort to get to know ourselves better.

The author shares her experiences, lessons learned, and how her personal journey transformed her and helped her find peace. Her tips for better living include meditation, prayer, walking (spending time in nature), getting involved in music and the arts, writing/journaling, and having a circle of trusted friends and mentors/professionals. I like that the tone of her writing is calm, soothing, and relaxing, without sounding condescending. Hopefully, this book will be released as an audiobook with her as the narrator. The language is poetic and easy to understand, so the words just flow through the pages.

Everybody’s journey is unique, but we all long for peace and living a life with purpose. If you keep an open mind, “Journey of Awakening and Higher Consciousness” can be an insightful guide to a more meaningful existence. Let the author’s wisdom and soothing narrative propel your own path of self discovery. Namaste.

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La vida moderna, con su caos y ruidos abrumadores que provienen de todas las direcciones, puede dejarnos en un estado constante de ansiedad y anhelo de paz interior. Este primer libro de Jane Kim Yu es un viaje inspirador hacia la curación, la conciencia superior y el descubrimiento de lo que nos hace singularmente humanos. Se centra en temas como el amor y la iluminación para ayudar a los lectores a redescubrirse a sí mismos y alcanzar lo último en conciencia superior. El viaje hacia el regreso a ser completo comienza con un retorno al amor mismo porque, después de todo, somos el amor encarnado. Amar no significa estar en un estado constante de nirvana y nunca experimentar dolor, simplemente significa aprender a procesar nuestras emociones en un esfuerzo por conocernos mejor.

La autora comparte sus experiencias personales, lecciones aprendidas y cómo su viaje personal la transformó y la ayudó a encontrar la paz. Sus consejos para vivir mejor incluyen la meditación, la oración, caminar (pasar tiempo en la naturaleza), involucrarse en la música y las artes, escribir en un diario, y tener un círculo de amigos y mentores/profesionales de confianza. Me gusta que el tono de su escritura es tranquilo, tranquilizador y relajante, sin sonar condescendiente. Con suerte, este libro se lanzará como un audiolibro con ella como narradora. El lenguaje es poético y fácil de entender, por lo que las palabras simplemente fluyen a través de las páginas.

El viaje de cada persona es único, pero todos anhelamos la paz y vivir una vida con propósito. Si mantienes una mente abierta, “Viaje al Despertar y a la Conciencia Superior” puede ser una guía perspicaz para una existencia más significativa. Deja que la sabiduría y la narrativa relajante del autor impulsen tu propio camino de autodescubrimiento. Namasté.

*The author was contacted for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Book review: ‘The Essential Guide to Chair Yoga for Seniors’ by Laura Garrett

‘The Essential Guide to Chair Yoga for Seniors’ an essential guide to better physical and mental well being. Photo: Amazon

Laura Garrett is a successful cookbook writer and hobby book author known for her ability to make even the most complex tasks approachable and enjoyable for beginners. She continues to inspire and educate people through her work, sharing her love of cooking and hobbies with a wider audience. Her new book “The Essential Guide to Chair Yoga for Seniors” is an essential guide to help readers, not just seniors, improve their overall physical and mental well being. (Amazon, 2024)

“The Essential Guide to Chair Yoga for Seniors” makes yoga accessible to seniors looking to improve the quality of their life regardless of their fitness level or mobility. In the first chapter Welcome Note from the Author, she states that as a wellness author and practitioner working with seniors, she “.. saw a need for an exercise form that was not only safe and accessible but also enjoyable and beneficial in the long term.” That’s when she discovered the benefits that chair yoga has for seniors. This book includes exercises to help improve your strength, mobility, and balance. More importantly, it also features personal stories from her students as proof of how chair yoga has helped them regain the ability to perform everyday tasks and in the long run, finding a renewed sense of independence and confidence.

The book is divided into nine chapters including The Benefits of Chair Yoga (strength, mobility, mental health), Mobility Exercises, Strength Exercises, Mindfulness Exercises, and Advanced Exercises. She takes readers through the entire process, from breath exercises, to warm up stretches, and the various exercises. The exercises are listed with illustrations, using plain language, and detailed step by step explanations that include duration and how many sets to do. The chapters on mindfulness meditation, breathing techniques, and relaxation practices, aside from being important parts of a holistic yoga practice, are especially helpful for seniors looking to manage stress, improve mental clarity, and create a sense of inner peace.

Overall, it is not just an exercise book, it is an essential guide for seniors looking to improve their overall physical and mental fitness. The last chapter, Additional Resources, has other resources to consider including YouTube channels, fitness programs, and other useful books, which makes it especially beneficial not just for seniors, but for caregivers who work with seniors. It is highly recommended for readers interested in incorporating yoga into their routines, whether they are seniors, have mobility issues, or just beginners.

*The author was contacted for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Book review: ‘The Girl from Wudang’ by PJ Caldas

‘The Girl from Wudang: A Novel About Artificial Intelligence, Martial Arts and Immortality’ by PJ Caldas. Photo: Amazon

PJ Caldas, a.k.a PJ Pereira, the author of multiple best-selling novels in Brazil, was named one of the most important writers of the 21st century by the Dictionary of Brazilian Literature. He published four books inspired by the mythology carried to the country by the African diaspora and reached the top five best-selling titles multiple times. PJ is also a martial artist with 40 years of experience in combat sports, including kempo, karate, tai chi, and Brazilian jiu jitsu. In 2023 he was named Jury President of the Artificial Intelligence Awards at the Art Director’s Club and curated a Global immersive exhibit of designers collaborating with AI, called ADC101+1, as a way to explore the use of this emerging technology as a creative tool. His new book “The Girl from Wudang” is a story about immortality, martial arts, and AI that will change the way you look at life, science, and the crazy times we are living in.

“The Girl from Wudang” – My Name is Tigress and I am immortal. This is my story. Embark on a mind-bending journey with Tigress as she navigates the confusing jumps of conscience that throw her between tender moments of her childhood practicing Tai Chi in China, the most violent cage fights in California, and a secret lab where scientists experiment with her brain. She was raised in a traditional Chinese setting, immersed in Tai Chi and the Dao, but life soon takes her to California where she gets involved in professional fighting, which she loves. The story begins with an internet Blackout and Tigress is watching it unfold on television in her Oakland home and then decides to go for a jog around the neighborhood. Trouble always seems to find her, or she goes looking for it, but either way, she gets involved in a brutal street fight. Then there is a flash and she is transported to another location. This is Tigress’ life, and she shares her experiences as well as the journey that completely changes her life.

In “The Girl from Wudang,” PJ Caldas gives readers a look into the life of a confident, strong, and self-reliant fighter who evolves from a street fighter to a selfless immortal being. She is a trained fighter, and at first she is smug, but her intent is to teach women to fight: “When it comes to fighting, here’s the difference between a guy and a girl: we know they underestimate us. And I love to make them regret that.” Searching for a way to alleviate her chronic headaches, she allows herself to be part of an experiment and that is where cutting edge technology steps in. Tigress is telling her story, so it is in the first person point of view and the narration, especially the fight scenes, are highly descriptive: “My heels smash his sternum, making a crack and a puffing sound, though momentum and idiocy keep pushing his hips forward.” At first, the footnotes seem out of place, but they become useful when explaining Chinese culture and the author’s thought processes and other background information. The action is fast paced but the sudden jumps in location can seem confusing and some of the fight action is bloody and violent. Regardless, this speculative science fiction novel expertly combines ancient traditions, modern day technology/science, spirituality, and martial arts. It is a must read for fans of cyberpunk and science fiction thrillers by William Gibson and Stieg Larsson.

“This strange dimension where I live, this place nerds call ‘the cloud’ isn’t the Dao of my ancestors. Though, from where I stand, I can hear everything.”

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.