Tag: Speculative fiction

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.

Book highlight: ‘To Thrive or To Fall’ by Trinity Johnson

‘To Thrive or To Fall’ is a post apocalyptic novel by Trinity Johnson. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Post apocalyptic novels are usually set in the future after a major event changed the world people inhabited. They often explore possible responses to the destruction of the world or society and how they are trying to survive in their new surroundings. That is what makes them so fascinating and one of my favorite genres of science fiction. Today I would like to highlight one such novel: “To Thrive or To Fall” by Trinity Johnson. If you enjoy reading books set in a post-apocalyptic setting mixed with fantasy, science-fiction, action, and romance, then this is a story that you will surely enjoy. It is available on Barnes & Noble.

Trinity Johnson is a passionate author who enjoys writing purposeful books of different genres which are meant to teach and entertain. She is creating BagHead Scoop which is an ever-growing company founded with the belief of increasing the level of happiness through books and animation. There is also BookUp+Chill which is a YouTube channel that showcases book trailers to bring the story and characters to life. Between entertainment and teaching lessons, there is something for everyone. In her post apocalyptic novel “To Thrive or To Fall,” the result of radiation from nuclear war and the impact of a meteorite created a new world and has divided humanity into four kingdoms: Acropolis, Bunker 50, Oasis State, and Xanadu City. (Trinity Johnson, 2023)

“To Thrive or To Fall” – More than 100 years ago, World War III broke out amongst all countries. Nuclear war ravaged the planet and once it finally ended, the atmosphere was left with its radiation. To make matters worse, a meteorite struck the Earth and changed the world as our ancestors knew it. This event was called, ‘The Descent.’

However, something miraculous happened. When the radiation from the bio-weapons used in World War III mixed with the impact of the meteorite, a major chemical reaction spread everywhere, evolving humanity into something more. Now people are divided into four kingdoms: Acropolis which resides in the mountains, Bunker 50 which is made up of bunkers, Oasis State that dwells near the lakes, and Xanadu City which is underground.

Easy-going Fleur Solace from Xanadu and stern Atlas Aslan from Acropolis were close friends as children. But after a terrible misunderstanding, they were forced apart by their nations. Ten years later, the two young adults have become the ambassadors of their kingdoms and must work together to unify their people.

However, with tensions from the past, new personalities, potential traitors, and seemingly orchestrated attacks, will they be able to win against each other and the dangerous political arena?

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‘To Thrive or To Fall’ book trailer
Meet the characters of ‘To Thrive or To Fall.’

New book release: ‘Black’ by Skyler Van Kirk

‘Black’ is the exciting new novel by Skyler Van Kirk. Photo: Skyler Van Kirk, used with permission.

I am excited about today’s new book release news. It combines historical and speculative fiction. Stories in speculative fiction take place in a setting other than the real world, a parallel universe of sorts. These are some of the most artistic works of literature because they immerse the reader in either futuristic, dystopian, or imagined worlds. Now picture, if you will, a novel that puts forth the question: is the chief in the oval room really in charge, or is it the fury of the people that fuels the country? In Skyler Van Kirk’s “Black,” the time is coming when the Commander in-Chief will be in direct confrontation with the potent retribution of the people. Sounds exciting, right? If you enjoy the types of novels that explore such topics, pick up your copy today. It is available on Amazon.

Skyler Van Kirk’s journey began in the heart of a sprawling urban wilderness. The raw material of fantasy, woven into the very fabric of this concrete jungle, was the crucible that forged his inspiration to awe-inspiring heights. From those pulsating streets, his words ascended. The strokes of his pen metamorphosed into narratives of passion, love, epic drama, and heart-wrenching tragedy. What was once a pursuit of artistic expression has now become a relentless odyssey to push the boundaries of his readers’ emotions to their limits. When it comes to the sky, it does not get any higher! His new book, “Black,” is about the true power of the Commander-in-Chief and what happens when the pale faces behind the most protected building on the planet have to face the vengeance of the people who built it. (Skyler Van Kirk, 2023)

“Black” – In the past, dreams were taken away by force. Labor was forced and ran by profit. This country was built on a billion-dollar business. Laws were made to keep certain people mentally and physically broken. Families were ripped apart, all for the fortune of this country. Women were used, men were emasculated, and children became the worst victims. Yet, through all of this, they survived. One day they became free, or did they?

In the present, it seems that in generations down the line, certain people are still fighting for the American dream. It is supposed to be better, yet it is not. It is supposed to be easier but it is not. Our children learn that with their ancestors this country would not exist. The people in power are fighting hard to hide their dirty little secrets. People in power are going as low as to rename what really happened to so many people. The one word that still haunts them is “Slavery.”

Now here we are in the future, and things have actually changed. We have our first female president in history. The commander-in-chief is a woman, a woman who is supposed to be a beacon of hope. Yet, just like in the past with every action, there is a reaction. Our newly elected president really thinks she can solve this country’s number one problem. A problem that has been growing for decades, “Debt.”

Regrettably, that ember of hope has morphed into a venomous mirage, adorned by people dressed in powerful deceptive lies. The Commander-in-Chief, seated atop the pinnacle of universal power, desperately clings to a perilous conviction: Only by rebirthing relics from the darkest past of history can she exorcise the unsurmountable national debt.

The past seems to fade into the dark hushed abyss, vanishing like a fridged whisper in the night, while it unfurls its mighty wings. A vengeful lineage, no longer willing to be pawns in the government’s game, stands fortified. No longer shall the heavens rain down fire and brimstone upon, for this time this generation will go to war.

The ancestors of this country were scared by new land and therefore forced into shackles. Now, the juggernaut of a government must finally come face to face and grapple with a nation that has thrown on war paint like the gladiators of yesteryears. How then, will a governance contend with the people who hold them up? The People are finally awake from years of slumber and refuse to yield.

Welcome to black.

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New book release: ‘Chronicles of a Lost Tomorrow’ by Wayker Arenas

‘Chronicles of a Lost Tomorrow: A True Account of a Journey Through Time’ is the new time travel science fiction novel by Wayker Arenas. Photo: Amazon

Besides thrillers, science fiction novels are my go-to for escapist novels. They are entertaining because they stretch the imagination and when you add time travel and a dystopian setting, it becomes an epic. Such is the case in today’s new book release by Wayker Arenas, “Chronicles of a Lost Tomorrow: A True Account of a Journey Through Time.” It is the story of a man from the present timeline who gets an unexpected journal of a time traveler that details his and his wife’s tragic life spent locked in a totalitarian cult-controlled timeline. This well written odyssey of a time traveler reads like a modern work of literature and is sure to please fans of the genre. Get your copy today and find out what happens to this weary traveler – it is available on Amazon.

Wayker Arenas is an author, engineer, and devoted father of two. He finds solace in reading, relishes writing, and engaging in discussions about ideas. His life is a harmonious blend of technical expertise and literary passion, shaping his unique perspective on the world. In his new book “Chronicles of a Lost Tomorrow: A True Account of a Journey Through Time,” readers are immersed in an exciting and thought-provoking story that spans the present and a dystopian future. (Amazon, 2023)

“Chronicles of a Lost Tomorrow: A True Account of a Journey Through Time” – The book begins with the time traveler journal, and as you read through the chapters, you get immersed in the time traveler couple’s fight for existence in his time machine as their only means of escape. The time traveler unravels the complexities of this repressive dictatorship with each entry, learning the cult’s dark secrets and experiencing the deadly effects of their control. It immerses readers in extensive journal entries, providing a first-hand account of the time traveler An’s voyage through time. He faces various hurdles and roadblocks along the way that put his perseverance and resourcefulness to the test, pushing him to confront his own fears and limits.

The novel addresses themes of history, power, capabilities, and the human propensity for destruction through dangerous ideologies via the time-traveler’s findings and experiences. The journal serves as a window into the past, present, and future, emphasizing the repercussions of unrestrained tyranny in the disguise of kindness, as well as the indestructible tenacity of the human will. The story mixes suspense, mystery, and philosophical musings, engrossing readers until the very last page. It is an immersing and thought-provoking story that blends science fiction, our current society, dystopia, and philosophical examination. It challenges readers to consider the nature of the human mind, men and women in natural balance, the value of accountability, the value of freedom, and the possibility of the implications of a society that breaks down due to lack of balance.

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Book review: ‘The Vanished’ by Simon Rosser

‘The Vanished’ is the latest book in the Robert Spires series by Simon Rosser. Photo: Amazon

“The Vanished” may be book 9 of the Robert Spires series but it is an excellent read as a stand alone novel. It begins with Vanessa and Stefan hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains as what begins as a hiking adventure ends with Stefan’s disappearance. This event is just the latest in similar disappearances that have been occurring in the area so the UK’s Global Environmental Command, GLENCOM for short, dispatches Robert and Agent Belinda Caruso to investigate since it is thought that they might have some environmental connections.

Along with the disappearances, for decades now, there have been cases of  cattle and other livestock mutilations in neighboring farms that look as if they were done by scalpel or laser technology. No tracks or other evidence as to who might be responsible for the unexplained deaths has ever been found but there might be reason to believe that there might be an extraterrestrial link since there have also been instances of unusual lights in the night sky. Robert Spire and Agent Belinda Caruso team up with Spire’s old friend, ex-U.S. Marine Travis Dexter and the deeper they dig, the clearer it becomes that the U.S Military might be involved.

While the topics of farm animal mutilations, missing hikers, and mysterious lights in the sky are common occurrences in the real world, the author brilliantly combines them to create an intriguing yet unnerving science fiction adventure. Far from giving clear explanations for them, he does give a possible, though chilling, reason for the disappearances that could very well happen and leaves the way open for expanding on this story, including which mysterious government agency may be involved. It also serves as a warning to humanity without coming off as preachy or condescending.

The characters are believable and relatable, but giving the assassins for hire brothers the stereotypical ‘Deliverance-like’ characteristics makes them seem cartoonish at most. The language is easy to follow and understand and makes the story flow naturally. Overall, ‘The Vanished’ is a must-read and thrilling science fiction novel and is recommended for readers who enjoy science fiction, UFO/alien stories and appreciate speculative fiction.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

New book release: ‘The Memory Index’ by Julian R. Vaca

‘The Memory Index’ is Julian R. Vaca’s new young adult novel. Photo: Amazon

Julian R. Vaca has been a creative writer for over a decade. He is a staff writer on PBS’s Reconnecting Roots, a nationally broadcast show that drew in millions of viewers over its first two seasons. He is also the co-writer of Pencil Test, a feature-length documentary with Disney animation legend Tom Bancroft as executive producer. In his new speculative Young Adult science fiction novel “The Memory Index,” the world treats memories like currency, so dreams can be a complicated business. Perfect for fans of Neal Stephenson and Philip K. Dick. (Amazon, 2022)

“The Memory Index” – In an alternative 1987, a disease ravages human memories. There is no cure, only artificial recall. The lucky ones—the recollectors—need the treatment only once a day. Freya Izquierdo is not one of those. The high school senior is a “degen” who needs artificial recall several times a day. Plagued by blinding half-memories that take her to her knees, she is desperate to remember everything that will help her investigate her father’s violent death. When her sleuthing almost lands her in jail, a shadowy school dean selects her to attend his Foxtail Academy, where five hundred students will trial a new tech said to make artificial recall obsolete. She is the only degen on campus. Why was she chosen? Freya is nothing like the other students, not even her new friends Ollie, Chase, and the alluring Fletcher Cohen. Definitely not at all like the students who start to vanish, one by one. And nothing like the mysterious Dean Mendelsohn, who has a bunker deep in the woods behind the school. Nothing can prepare Freya and her friends for the truth of what that bunker holds and what kind of memories she will have to access to in order to survive