Tech and Tensions: ‘Sentience Hazard’ and the Fight for AI Supremacy

‘Sentience Hazard’ is the exciting new science fiction thriller by Alexandru Czimbor. Photo: Reader Views

Speculative fiction books exploring science fiction and artificial intelligence (AI) captivate readers by presenting futuristic worlds where technology evolves beyond human control. These narratives often explore the ethical dilemmas, power dynamics, and societal shifts brought on by AI, sparking questions about humanity’s future. Themes such as sentience, autonomy, and the consequences of machine learning challenge readers’ perceptions of technology and its role in society. AI-driven speculative fiction offers thrilling, thought-provoking plots, while engaging readers’ imaginations and fears about a rapidly advancing technological landscape. This blend of innovation and existential uncertainty is what makes the genre so compelling.

I recently read and reviewed “Sentience Hazard” by Alexandru Czimbor for Reader Views and highly recommend it for fans of speculative fiction centered around artificial intelligence.

Alexandru Czimbor is an award-winning author who was born and raised in Transylvania, Romania during the oppressive communist regime of Nicolae Ceaușescu. He has lived in the United States since 2001 and spends his summers in Europe. Alexandru taught at a Romanian university, worked in the software industry, and has been an executive since 2011. He has a master’s degree in computer science and studied at UTCN Cluj-Napoca and ETH Zürich. In his latest book is “Sentience Hazard,” a tense global standoff looms as China’s superior AI technology threatens to tip the scales of power. (Barnes & Noble, 2025)

“Sentience Hazard” – Set in 2053 and amidst the chaos of an AI standoff, Zhèng Yang, a renegade Chinese scientist unveils vital intel, sparking a race against time. As the US scrambles for a solution, François DeSousa, a maverick French genius and Professor Ian Ndikumana, a Scottish-African professor offer controversial expertise. Love, sacrifice, and ingenuity converge in a battle for humanity’s future.

The US and Chinese artificial beings, developed with radically different principles, share one essential quality: their cognitive abilities go well beyond those of any human being. The future of the world hangs in the balance. Can humanity survive the clash between two sentient forces of its own creation?

Finalist in:

  • 2024 Cygnus Science Fiction Awards
  • 2024 Independent Author Network Book of the Year Awards
  • 2024 American Writing Awards
  • 2024 Literary Global Book Awards

Recipient of:

  • Literary Titan Book Award
  • Outstanding Creator Award
  • Pinnacle Book Award
  • Firebird Book Award
  • Book of the Earth Award
  • 2024 BREW Science Fiction of the Year

Laugh, Learn, and Love: ‘Sis Boom Baa!’ Brings Joy to Young Readers

Dragons, dinosaurs, and daring adventures await in the delightful new children’s book ‘Sis Boom Baa!’ Photo: Amazon

Children’s books captivate young readers through vibrant illustrations, engaging stories, and relatable characters. They spark imagination, curiosity, and emotional growth, often teaching valuable life lessons in an entertaining way. The use of simple language and rhythmic patterns makes them accessible to early readers, while interactive elements like rhyme, repetition, and humor keep children engaged. By exploring diverse themes such as friendship, kindness, and adventure, they create a sense of empathy and creativity. Their appeal lies in the magical combination of fun and learning that resonates with young minds.

Ready to explore a world where laughter meets adventure? Presenting ‘Sis Boom Baa!,’ a whimsical children’s fantasy adventure designed for ages 6-12 and beautifully illustrated by the talented Bill DeOre. This enchanting tale is bound to captivate young minds and tickle funny bones while imparting timeless values. (WooGirl Public Relations, 2024)

Cappy McGarr is an Emmy-nominated co-founder of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor and the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. He’s one of few people to be appointed to the Kennedy Center by two different presidents. His writing has been published in the New York Times, Politico, and USA Today. His memoir, “The Man Who Made Mark Twain Famous,” is available at retailers everywhere.

Chandler Dean is a Brooklyn-based comedian and speechwriter whose satire has been featured in The New Yorker, McSweeney’s, Reductress, and Hard Drive. He is a director at the speechwriting firm West Wing Writers, where he co-leads the firm’s humor practice. He has previously worked for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and Full Frontal with Samantha Bee.

‘Sis Boom Baa!’ – This is the tale of a kingdom once saved by Princess Lil’ Cap and Sir Hud the Brave…

Princess Lil’ Cap and Sir Hud the Brave live a happy, peaceful life in a beautiful castle. But what happens when they’re betrayed by an old friend and banished from the kingdom? To get back home, they’ll learn how to improvise, accept help from others, embrace bravery, and believe in themselves.

Join Princess Lil Cap and Sir Hud the Brave as they navigate a thrilling journey to return home after being betrayed and banished from their kingdom. They encounter dragons, dinosaurs, and trolls that challenge their courage and impart life-changing lessons.

Enjoy a tale that hilariously pokes fun at classic fantasy tropes while offering deep conversations between parents and children. It embraces crucial virtues such as bravery, empathy, confidence, humility, and forgiveness throughout this rollicking adventure.

Parental Advisory: This book features awesome creatures like dragons and dinosaurs. You should only read this book to your child if they enjoy awesome things.

Grade Level: 4 – 6

From Concept to Creation: A Conversation with Author Ashlee Vitz

Ashlee Vitz is the autor of the new YA novel ‘Amber Armitage and The Aztec Trials.’ Photo: Barnes & Noble

Ashlee Vitz is a teacher, actor, and writer from Indiana who discovered her Aztec heritage years after being adopted as an infant. She enjoys life in the Midwest with her husband and daughter, performs with Crossroads Repertory Theatre in the summers, and cherishes teaching her students at Center Grove High School. Her debut novel “Amber Armitage and The Aztec Trials” is a young adult fantasy adventure that takes readers on a fast-paced journey through ancient Aztec myths, family secrets, and self-discovery.

Interviewing an author is always an exciting experience. It offers a unique opportunity to ask about their creative process, explore the themes in their work, and uncover personal insights that often aren’t found in the books themselves. I love asking about their inspiration, challenges, and the journey that led to the creation of their latest project. This allows readers to connect deeper with the author and their work. Whether it’s debut authors or seasoned writers, each interview brings fresh perspectives, making it a rewarding experience for the author and my readers.

Last week I had the chance to ask Ashlee a few questions about her debut novel “Amber Armitage and The Aztec Trials.”

Sandra: What inspired you to write “Amber Armitage and The Aztec Trials”?
Ashlee:
The common advice is to write what you know. Amber is an adopted girl from Indiana, and so am I. I met my maternal biological grandmother many years ago, but it was only a few years ago that she shared that I was the great-great-great-great-granddaughter of an Aztec chief. I knew nothing about Aztec society, and I thought writing this novel would be a great way to dive into research on that culture and finally make myself write a novel. Publishing my own fantasy work has been a dream of mine since childhood.

S: Can you share a little about the main character, Amber Armitage? What makes her unique?
A:
Amber takes us on a journey of discovering what family really means. There isn’t a lot of work out there that has a young adult character leading us through this aspect of the coming-of-age story.

S: What challenges did Amber face during her trials, and how do they reflect her character development?
A:
This is a hard question to answer without giving away any of the story! In general terms, much of what Amber has to endure requires her to take an extremely honest look at her life and herself. This is one of the hardest trials we all face. Amber is doing it in the heightened world of fantasy. Yet, just as we all grow in the real world when we understand ourselves better, that’s the kind of character development she undergoes as well.

S: Were there any specific themes or messages you wanted to convey through this book?
A: I want readers of this book to consider this question: What is family? I also want my readers to consider the complexities that come along with adoption for all parties involved.

S: How did your research process look when writing about the Aztec civilization?
A: That was a fascinating journey. I devoured several books and tried to find films on the topic. Film was much harder to find. I even came across a movie called Quetzalcoatl, but it ended up being a B-level horror film. It made me laugh a lot, but did not help me write the book! I did find several online history experts with interesting short videos, which were extremely helpful.

*Note: Quetzalcoatl is a highly revered god of the Aztecs. He plays an extremely important part in the novel.

S: What was the most surprising lesson you learned while writing this book?
A: Just like Amber, I met my biological mother during my first year of college. While writing this book and bringing each character to life, it was the first time I truly stepped into what it must’ve felt like for my mother when I met my biological mother. That was an excellent lesson in sympathy for me.

S: What role do supporting characters play in Amber’s journey and how do they influence her decisions?
A:
Amber’s roommate, Kess, is both comic relief and her guide through much of Aztec culture. I hope readers love her as much as I do! In addition to Kess, Amber’s mother and her biological mother present her with many choices and their own advice, leaving it up to Amber to decide whom she’s going to listen to.

S: Do you have any plans for a sequel or further adventures for Amber Armitage?
A:
Some of my favorite authors often say that their readers ask excellent questions that they hadn’t considered when beginning to write. So, if there are questions that I find intriguing, yes, I would love to address them in a sequel to this first story.

Thank you to Ashlee Vitz for taking the time to answer my questions. Fantasy novels centered around mythology and ancient civilizations are fascinating, especially when the protagonist is out to learn more about her family history. Such is the case in this book.

Read more about the Aztec culture: Aztec Civilization and History: Aztecs.

You can read my review of “Amber Armitage and The Aztec Trials” and get your own copy here.

What are your thoughts on ancient civilizations such as the Aztec? Have you used any DNA testing site as a tool to finding relatives?  Was it a positive or negative experience?

Ancient Secrets, Modern Heroine: A Review of ‘Amber Armitage and The Aztec Trials’

‘Amber Armitage and The Aztec Trials’ is the debut YA novel by Ashlee Vitz. Photo: Barnes & Noble.

Ashlee Vitz is a teacher, actor, and writer from Indiana who discovered her Aztec heritage years after being adopted as an infant. This experience was the inspiration that led her to write “Amber Armitage and the Aztec Trials,” her debut novel. She enjoys life in the Midwest with her husband and daughter, performs with Crossroads Repertory Theatre in the summers, and cherishes teaching her students at Center Grove High School. Her debut novel “Amber Armitage and The Aztec Trials” is a young adult fantasy adventure that takes readers on a fast-paced journey through ancient Aztec myths, family secrets, and self-discovery. (Amazon, 2024)

“Amber Armitage and The Aztec Trials” – Amber, an 18-year-old adopted girl from Indiana, discovers her true Aztec heritage through a DNA test that leads her on a thrilling, mystical journey. Raised in a loving home, Amber always sensed something more beneath the surface of her ordinary life. Her world is turned upside down when she meets her biological mother and learns of her connection to the ancient Aztec god Quetzalcoatl. With her newfound powers, Amber must face challenges that blend reality with mythology, uncovering secrets of the past that could change her future forever. Will Amber embrace her heritage in time to stop the resurrection of an ancient power, or will her world fall under the shadow of the Aztec gods?

Review:

“Amber Armitage and The Aztec Trials” by Ashlee Vitz is a captivating blend of adventure and mythology that follows the spirited Amber Armitage on her quest to discover the mysteries of her family background and her link to the ancient Aztec world. Her journey of self discovery leads to a series of trials that test her courage and intellect.

Vitz’s storytelling is vivid and immersive, bringing the culture and history of the Aztecs to life, while the prose is descriptive and poetic: “…all sporting an image of some kind of creature, most of them with their teeth bared, as though they were only moments away from popping off the wall to make the onlooker their last meal.” The narrative is fast-paced, with each trial presenting new challenges that keep readers engaged.

Amber is a relatable protagonist. Her growth throughout the story is inspiring and authentic as she learns the importance of family, friendship, resilience, and embracing her heritage. The supporting characters are well-developed, add richness to the story, and complement Amber’s journey. Vitz skillfully weaves in themes of bravery and self-discovery, making the novel resonate with a wide audience.

Overall, “Amber Armitage and The Aztec Trials” is an enchanting read that will appeal to young  readers and fans of adventure alike. It explores the intersection of personal identity and ancient history and is recommended for fans of YA fantasy, mythology, and coming-of-age stories.

“He would never know it, but his words made a young woman in the woods cry with gratitude that night, and where her tears fell, dead orange and red leaves turned bright green with new-found life.”

Rating: 5 out of 5.

A Beacon of Hope: Exploring Trevor Dutcher’s ‘The Keepers of the Light’

‘The Keepers of the Light’ is the exciting new YA magical fantasy novel by Trevor A. Dutcher. Photo: Amazon

Fantasy books for young readers open up magical worlds filled with adventure, friendship, and imagination. These stories often feature brave heroes, mythical creatures, and enchanted realms, inviting children to explore their creativity. Popular series like “Harry Potter” and “Percy Jackson” not only entertain but also teach valuable lessons about courage, loyalty, and resilience. Fantasy encourages readers to dream big, confront challenges, and embrace their unique identities. With vibrant descriptions and engaging plots, these books ignite a love for reading and inspire young minds to embark on their own fantastical journeys. Ultimately, they foster a sense of wonder and possibility in every child.

This month, there’s a new fantasy book coming by Trevor A. Dutcher – “The Keepers of the Light (Logan LeVec Book 1) – “What if an entire world depended on you to preserve their very existence?”

Trevor A. Dutcher is a practicing attorney who writes fiction for fun. “Michael McGillicuddy and the Most Amazing Race” was his debut novel with many more in the works. “The Keepers of the Light” is his new YA novel and will be released on October 27, 2024. It is available for pre-order on Amazon.

Review:
Logan LeVec is a normal, well adjusted twelve year old. He lives with his parents and his older brother Bryce, who loves to torment him, and has a close relationship with his grandfather Gideon. Gideon is always entertaining him with outlandish fantasy stories and this worries Logan’s mother because she fears Gideon is losing his grip on reality. When Gideon passes away, Logan discovers that the stories were all true and meant to be a form of training to prepare him for his higher purpose, to become a Keeper of the Light.

With the help of Muggins the Elementalist, and Ginny the girl next door, Logan enters Cameria through a magic portal in a tree. Cameria is a magical place but it is under attack because Karma is stealing the Light; she is vengeful and wants to destroy Cameria. To be able to help, Logan must be anointed a Keeper of the Light, defeat Karma and release the Light in order to return Cameria to its original glory. No pressure there. If he fails, Cameria will be lost forever. One of Karma’s weapons is an enchanted mirror she uses to force people to “reflect” on their wrongdoings. With Muggins and Ginny by his side, Logan must defeat Karma and her army of dissenters before the darkness overwhelms Cameria and all the goodness disappears for good.

“The Keepers of the Light” by Trevor Dutcher is a fascinating blend of adventure and personal growth set against a richly imagined setting. The story follows an unlikely hero tasked with picking up where his grandfather left off and save a world threatened by darkness and evil.

Dutcher’s prose is rich and descriptive, drawing readers into a vivid landscape filled with compelling characters and intricate folklore. The world-building in Cameria is impressive; the author creates an intricate mythology that feels original and timeless. The pacing is well-balanced, maintaining tension and excitement while allowing for moments of self-reflection. Underlying the fantasy aspect, there’s also courage, sacrifice, and the enduring power of hope. Each character is well-developed, especially Muggins and the different regions of Cameria, giving them unique strengths and vulnerabilities that make them relatable. The first person narrative immerses readers into Logan’s innermost thoughts and struggles. While exploring the themes of friendship and good versus evil, it illustrates how diverse individuals can come together for a common cause regardless of background.

Overall, “The Keepers of the Light” is a captivating coming of age fantasy story with exciting settings and characters. Even though it’s a young adult novel, it’s entertaining for all ages and the imaginative storytelling keeps readers immersed in the adventures of Logan and Ginny. It is an easy read and is recommended for fans of fantasy and adventure with likeable characters. Since this is Book 1, I’m sure there are more to come, making this the beginning of an exciting series.

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

Rating: 5 out of 5.
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‘Ruby & Onyx’: A Comprehensive Review of Summer Grace’s Latest Work

‘Ruby & Onyx’ is a coming of age fantasy novel by Summer Grace.

Summer Grace is a debut author, with “Ruby & Onyx” as the first part of a series. Summer is passionate about writing stories that inspire as much as they entertain, and she hopes that this book will inspire more women to believe in themselves and embrace their inner strength. (Amazon, 2024)

“Ruby & Onyx” – Trapped in the remote village of Carcera, Radya dreams of an impossible life: a life outside of the magical barrier, a life of love and adventure, and a life free from the menacing red eyes haunting her nightmares. Those delusions are just dreams, until those red eyes turn corporeal and reveal a fate foretold from ages past. Forced to reckon with an arranged marriage to the Prince of Mendacia, who irritates her as often as he quickens her pulse, Radya must navigate an unfamiliar world of magic, lies, and deception. The closer she gets to the truth, the more people get hurt. Each revelation comes at cost, threatening to ignite a war between Kingdoms and lovers. Will Radya choose this new life, despite the profound repercussions? Or will she follow her dreams, which connect her to yet another life unknown?

Review:
The story begins with Radya noticing a strange man on the other side of the barrier that surrounds the small village where she grew up. She knows he shouldn’t be there and he’s asking too many questions and without any warning, he rushes the barrier, only to be reduced to ashes. This experience haunts here and one day, out of nowhere, she is whisked away to a castle in a faraway land and given an ultimatum. Within 30 days, she must decide if she wants to go through with an arranged marriage or risk war among the neighboring kingdoms. The people she thought she knew turn against her and she can’t trust what she sees and hears. Regardless of what she chooses, her life will never be the same.

“Ruby & Onyx” is a captivating contemporary romance that examines the complexities of love and identity. The prose is both haunting and lyrical, immersing readers in the characters’ emotional landscapes: “Despite how annoying he is, I can’t help but notice his beauty. But even the scales of a snake’s skin can be alluring.” Radya’s journey of self-discovery and healing is portrayed with depth and nuance, while the rich character development and vivid descriptions of the setting enhance the overall reading experience. The author skillfully balances moments of intense drama with lighter, more intimate scenes, ensuring a well-rounded narrative that resonates on multiple levels. Despite being brief, the romantic scenes are intense without being graphic or vulgar.

Overall, “Ruby & Onyx” is a beautifully crafted tale that explores themes of love, loss, and self- discovery. Whether you’re drawn to stories of strong-willed heroines or tales of love set against a backdrop of danger and intrigue, this book will not disappoint. It’s a must-read for fans of contemporary romance who appreciate a story that is as emotionally resonant as it is romantically fulfilling.

“Before I can run, before I can stop what’s about to happen, our hands meet. The second they do, an explosion of sound and color booms around us, and the room melts into a blur like watercolors washing away.”

*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.

Navigating the Universe of ‘Loka’: An Insightful Review of S.B. Divya’s Futuristic Novel

‘Loka’ (The Alloy Era Book 2) is the new hard science fiction novel by S.B. Divya. Photo: Amazon

S.B. Divya is the Hugo- and Nebula-nominated author of “Meru” in the Alloy Era series, “Machinehood,” “Runtime,” and the short-story collection “Contingency Plans for the Apocalypse and Other Possible Situations.” Her stories have been published in various magazines, such as Analog and Uncanny; on Tor.com; and in several anthologies, including Seasons Between Us and Rebuilding Tomorrow. She holds degrees in computational neuroscience and signal processing and she worked for twenty years as an electrical engineer before becoming an author. In her new book is “Loka (The Alloy Era Book 2),” finding a place to belong becomes a girl’s ambitious quest. It is a thrilling epic about space, humanity, and self-discovery. (Amazon, 2024)

“Loka” – Sixteen year old Akshaya is the hybrid daughter of Jayanthi (from the first book “Meru”), a human mother, and Vara, an alloy – a genetically engineered posthuman. She’s the future of life on the planet Meru, but Akshaya has other plans. Before choosing where her future lies, she wants to circumnavigate the most historic orb in the universe—the birthplace of humanity: Earth.

Akshaya’s parents reluctantly agree to her participation in the Anthro Challenge – one with no assistance from alloy devices, transport, or wary alloys themselves who manage humanity and the regions of Earth called Loka. It’s just Akshaya, her equally bold best friend, Somya, and a carefully planned itinerary, traveling continent by continent across a wondrous terrain of things she’s never seen before including blue skies, sunrises, snowcapped mountains, and roiling oceans.

As the adventure unfolds, the travelers discover love and new friendships, but they also learn the risks of a planet that’s not entirely welcoming. On this journey—exciting, dangerous, and life-changing—Akshaya will discover what human existence really means.

Review:

“Loka” continues the thrilling saga with an imaginative blend of futuristic technology and humanity’s ever present sense of belonging and identity. The story begins with Akshaya and her friends aboard Chedi, a conscious megaconstruct with a cylindrical body traveling through space. It is the only home she has ever known so she is naturally curious about what else is out there. Divya world-building is amazing, as she creates a rich, immersive environment that blends futuristic technology with traditional concepts like family, friends, and relationships, offering a fresh perspective on the genre. The vivid descriptions and innovative technologies bring the story to life, immersing readers in a vividly constructed universe: “…the chromatophores made me a hybrid – altered enough not to be entirely human, but not so different as to count as an alloy.”

The extensive character development makes the characters relevant. Akshaya’s internal conflicts and growth are portrayed with depth and empathy, making her journey both engaging and relatable. Everything she is experiencing along the way is new to her, so her reactions are emotional: “I listened to the sound of raindrops outside, the wind spattering them in bursts every few minutes. A rainstorm!” The plot unfolds with a series of unexpected twists and turns, maintaining a brisk pace while exploring thought-provoking themes about humanity’s relationship with technology and nature. The secondary characters also receive significant attention, enriching the narrative and adding layers to the central plot. The narration is in the first person point of view through Akshaya’s eyes and the language is easy to understand.

Overall, “Loka” is a thought-provoking and imaginative read that will appeal to fans of speculative fiction and those interested in the intersection of technology and humanity. With its steady pacing and unexpected twists, it offers a compelling continuation of the series. It’s a must-read for fans of speculative fiction who appreciate a fusion of high-tech and traditional elements, delivering both excitement and thoughtful exploration of its themes: identity, friendship, and perseverance.

“I ached in a hundred places, but I was too exhausted to care. We had crossed the Euphrates, I had survived hours of being alone, and we were together again. In that moment, nothing else mattered.”

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

Rating: 4 out of 5.

‘The Watchers’: Adapting A.M. Shine’s Epic Tale for Film

The movie adaptation of ‘The Watchers’ is in theaters now. Photo: Amazon

Book to movie adaptations bring beloved characters and intricate plots to life, yet often spark debates among fans about the faithfulness to the source material. Directors face the challenge of condensing rich narratives into a cinematic format, risking either losing nuance or gaining new perspectives. Successful adaptations capture the essence of the book while leveraging the unique power of film to enhance emotion and spectacle. These adaptations continue to captivate audiences worldwide. The most current one is “The Watchers” by A.M. Shine; the movie adaptation, produced by M. Night Shyamalan and starring Dakota Fanning, is currently out in movie theaters nationwide. 

A.M. Shine writes in the Gothic horror tradition. Born in Galway, Ireland, he received his Master’s Degree in History there before sharpening his quill and pursuing all things literary and macabre. His stories have won the Word Hut and Bookers Corner prizes and he is a member of the Irish Writers Centre. His debut novel, “The Watchers,” has received critical acclaim. It is a horror adventure set in the remote and sinister forests of Ireland. (Amazon, 2024)

“The Watchers” – You can’t see them. But they can see you.

This forest isn’t charted on any map. Every car breaks down at its treeline. Mina’s is no different. Left stranded, she is forced into the dark woodland only to find a woman shouting, urging Mina to run to a concrete bunker. As the door slams behind her, the building is besieged by screams.

Mina finds herself in a room with a wall of glass, and an electric light that activates at nightfall, when the Watchers come above ground. These creatures emerge to observe their captive humans and terrible things happen to anyone who doesn’t reach the bunker in time.

Afraid and trapped among strangers, Mina is desperate for answers. Who are the Watchers, and why are they keeping the humans imprisoned, keen to watch their every move?

New book release: ‘Neon Lights and Plane Tickets’ by Eli Alemán

‘Neon Lights and Plane Tickets: A Cosmic Poetic Prose Collection’ Photo: Eli Alemán, used with permission.

Poetry is a type of artistic writing meant to stir a reader’s emotions or imagination. It is very near to my heart because it is the first type of writing I used to express myself. Combined with science fiction, one of my favorite genres of novels, it makes for a unique reading experience. This is the case in today’s new book release: “Neon Lights and Plane Tickets” by Eli Alemán. It is a sci-fi poetic prose collection with themes of horror, science fiction, and urban legends and poems such as: District, Phantasmagoric Reverie, The Bloody Birth of Conscience, and Layers of Silence. If you love poetry and science fiction, this is one poetry collection that should be next on your TBR (to be read) list. “Neon Lights and Plane Tickets” is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Goodreads. Pick up your copy today and experience this fascination book of poetry. 

Eli Alemán has been an avid reader since childhood, spending countless hours immersing herself in fantastic worlds and daydreaming of being a part of them. An adventurous and curious spirit led her to become a world traveler and a scientist. She is a microbiologist currently working on marine biology research. She loves nature and the ocean. Despite her field’s logical and analytical nature, her artistic heart beats strong. Eli Alemán is an award-winning artist and now author. Her favorite genres are science fiction, fantasy, horror, and comedy.

“Neon Lights and Plane Tickets” – Neon Lights and Plane Tickets is a sci-fi-themed collection of poetic prose, featuring tales of cosmic horror and galactic urban legends. Explore lush and vibrant cities across the universe, the terrifying creatures they hide, and their inhabitants’ adventures (or misadventures, as the case may be). Bright neon lights and illusions of technological advancement are fine distractions to keep their rotting societies hidden within their foundations—reflections on the intricacies of human nature. (Amazon, 2024)

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New book release: ‘Death’s Lament (Alleria’s Domain)’ by Tal Storm

‘Death’s Lament (Alleria’s Domain)’ is the new fantasy novel by Tal Storm. Photo: Tal Storm, used with permission.

Fantasy novels are so exciting to read because they often transport you to other worlds and realms filled with mythical and magical beings. Magic and a quest for power usually play a big part. If fantasy novels are your go to for escapist reads, consider today’s new book release. “Death’s Lament (Alleria’s Domain)” by Tal Storm is a dark fantasy story about a young noble girl named Darah Mata. She gets turned into a vampire by her uncle and is forced to learn the dark art of Necromancy. She is tortured for any of her failings and despite the pain, she still yearns for her freedom. Sounds exciting, doesn’t it? Pick up your copy of “Death’s Lament (Alleria’s Domain)” on Amazon and find out what happens to Darah.

Tal Storm is an author, a groundskeeper, and a small engine repairman. When not working on equipment, his mind wanders to another world filled with fun fantasy and sci-fi stories. Now, he wishes to share these tales with everyone who loves to share in the joy of fantasy. (Tal Storm, 2023)

“Death’s Lament (Alleria’s Domain)” – In Alleria, the Tel’eev Ascendency’s war of conquest sent ripples throughout the world. This is true for Darah Mata, who has been turned into a vampire by the machinations of her uncle. Now, she is forced to learn the dreaded magic of necromancy while being tortured for any failings. Will she be able to attain the freedom from this torment that she seeks?

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Necrohamster wearing a dark cloak. Photo: Tal Storm, used with permission.