Tag Archives: Science Fiction

Book Review: Altitude & Arrogance by Bella G. Raine

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Altitude & Arrogance by Bella G. Raine

An Action and Adventure Romance Book published on (06/14/25)

I received an Advanced Review Copy (or ARC) on Reedsy Discovery

Summary:

“That was the fundamental difference between pilots and passengers—fear didn’t get a seat up front.”

A fiery enemies-to-lovers romance takes flight when a daring test pilot and a secretive tech heir are forced into a high-stakes mission that threatens not just their hearts—but the fabric of reality itself.

Keywords:

Romance, Pilots, Flying, Aliens, Encounter, Love Triangle

My Review:

The writing in this book is rich, emotional, and often poetic. The author blends sharp, realistic dialogue with thoughtful, reflective moments. The story feels deep and intense, with lots of vivid descriptions and strong word choices. These details give the book a dramatic, cinematic feel. But sometimes the writing gets so detailed that it’s hard to follow the plot. You really have to focus while reading, since the meaning is often hidden between the lines. This book is less like a fast-paced action story (Independence Day) and more like a slow-burning, thoughtful film (Nope). You can’t just skim or read without fully paying attention.

This isn’t a typical science fiction novel. It mixes elements of sci-fi, thriller, romance, and literary fiction. If you like stories that blend genres, you might enjoy what this one offers.

However, the poetic style has some downsides. The heavy use of metaphors can sometimes make the story harder to understand. The pace slows down in some scenes, especially during long inner thoughts. Some emotional moments like grief, fear, and wonder happen all at once, which weakens their impact. The dialogue sometimes feels over-the-top, and important scenes can be unclear because there’s too much focus on description.

Still, the book stands out for its ambition and depth. It explores big ideas such as identity, love, loss, and choice, presented in a thoughtful and serious tone. The final scene leaves a strong impression and hints that the story isn’t over yet.

On the other hand, the romance subplot doesn’t work as well for me. The writing feels slow and repetitive in the early chapters, and the emotional side of the romance is underdeveloped. The romantic tension shows up too soon, before we’ve had a chance to connect with the characters.

This book is a good fit for readers who enjoy poetic writing, exploring deep emotions, and engaging with thoughtful themes. But if you prefer fast pacing, strong romance, or a clear story structure, it might not be for you. It’s a bold book with flashes of brilliance.

This novel was published on 06/14/25 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 2.50

Links for more information:

Goodreads

Book Review: Atomica: Between Sea and Sky by Heather McKenzie

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Atomica: Between Sea and Sky by Heather McKenzie

A Fantasy/Sci-Fi Novel published by House of Hebyzie (08/27/24)

Summary:

“If you’re not doing things the hard way, then you’re not living…” (Page 40, ebook).
“Never judge based on appearances. Sometimes the most unassuming can be the deadliest.” (Page 114, ebook).

Eva is a protector. Even when she fails in her duty and is captured, her loyalty and determination do not falter. Kade is a hunter on a mission. When Eva and Kade are shipwrecked together, they will be forced to rely on each other to survive. But it’s not just the two of them on the island. Mysterious forces, harsh weather, deadly animals, and the villainous Raiders stand between them and their survival.

Keywords:

Capture, Escape, Hiding, Secrets, Mission, Mind, Protection, Shelter, Island, Power, Fight

My Review:

In a perfect mashup between fantasy and science fiction, I’m compelled by both main characters Eva and Kade. They both have a strong, compelling, nearly single-minded purpose. In the beginning, we learn that Kade’s and Eva’s missions are at odds with the other’s. And then they meet. When will they discover what the other is hiding and how will that turn out when they are slowly becoming more and more reliant and trusting of each other? I couldn’t put the book down until the inevitable happened. The build-up to the end was a slow burn of constant tension that kept me at the edge of my seat frantically turning pages.

It annoyed me that Kade could quiet down the force that propelled him to his mission at all costs when he didn’t believe he was laser-focused on the end goal. He knew he was getting sidetracked by Eva. I didn’t believe him when he tried to persuade the force that what he was doing would ultimately serve the end goal. I’m waiting to see how this force and Kade’s free will ultimately clash.

My favorite character, though, was the conflicted Rowan of the Raiders. We see him through Eva’s story as he doesn’t have his own narrative. One of Eva’s first encounters with him shows that he is not who he appears to be. This mystery pulled me to the end almost as much as the tension between Eva and Kade and the survival story that ties the characters together.

I’m excited to see where this story goes next and what is going to happen to Rowan, Eva, Kade, and Zolaya.

Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of this story in exchange for my honest review.

This novel will be published by House of Hebyzie on 08/27/2024 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 4.50

Links for more information:

Heather McKenzie’s Website

Goodreads

Book Review: Time Rift (Relic Trilogy Book 3) by Claudia Blood

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Time Rift (Relic Trilogy Book 3) by Claudia Blood

A Sci-Fi YA Action Novel published by Dragon Bane Publishing (04/15/21)

Summary:

After rescuing Horizon and promising to keep the time rift from exploding, Z-Crew must find each other and figure out how to stop the destruction. Pulling Horizon out of time has set in motion events that will lead to the destruction of time and the planet. They must work with Ravenne… to stop Ravenne. But will they have enough time?

Keywords:

Assassin, Planet, Jungle, Orphan, Family, Survival, Attack, Mystery, Time Travel, Space, Evil, Power, Tracking, Alien Planet, Seer, Relic, Daughter, Safety

My Review:

Book two ends mid-action and book three picks right back up in this action and doesn’t stop. Book three is like a continual drawn-out climax with some travel in-between. Not just travel by foot but also time travel. This third book gets more into the nitty-gritty science fiction aspect that was hinted at in the previous two books of the series. At times I got lost with the description and action in and around this time travel as it became more and more entwined into the plot and scenes of the novel.

If you like a page-turner that doesn’t slow down, you’ll enjoy this fast-paced finale. I would have liked to see more character nuances and some slower-paced scenes or perhaps more attention to subplots, but that’s just my preference.

The ending was satisfying and thankfully answers all the open questions from the previous two novels.

This novel was published by Dragon Bane Publishing on 04/15/2021 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 4.00

Links for more information:

Claudia Blood’s Website

Goodreads

Book Review: Lies & Legacy (Project Gene Assist Book 3) by Allie Potts

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Lies & Legacy (Project Gene Assist Book 3) by Allie Potts

A Science Fiction/Cyberpunk/Dystopian Novel published by Axil Hammer Publishing (03/26/20)

Summary:

Juliane wakes out of her cryogenic sleep to a devastated world where her legacy, her tech, is not being used the way she intended. What’s left of humanity is on the brink of war as those with the opportunity have stepped up to seize control. Can Juliane stop them? Stephen is convinced that Juliane can stop the drain, the key to halting the power-hungry new world leaders. All he has to do is find her before it’s too late.

Keywords:

Genetic Engineering, Science and Technology, Rivals, Technology,  Future, Dystopian, Survival, Dark Ages, War, New Government, Towers, Grit, Magic, Evolution, Economic Collapse, New Order, Salvation, Friendship, Romance

My Review:

It was difficult to pick up this third book after so much time between finishing book two. I couldn’t remember who the characters were, their relationships to each other, or what they wanted and how they got there. The third book starts off where book two ends without a lot of re-explanation of what happened before and it took a few chapters to get back into the swing of the plot and hooked into the current dilemmas. If I hadn’t immediately skipped to chapter one, I would have seen the handy recap of characters at the end of the book listed in the table of contents that would have helped me sort out who is who. If you’re also not reading each book right after the other I would highly recommend browsing the contents at the end of the book as a great refresher into the many characters.

I couldn’t wait to see how the isolated characters finally met up in the end. I did enjoy reading their separate journeys as they traveled through the post-apocalyptic landscape. I also enjoyed the growing romances between several of the characters and felt it added more depth to this novel.

Every time Juliane used her abilities for something small, like lighting up a dark space with her own body and technology, I was fascinated. The small details in the world building were well done and very intriguing. Juliane, as a strong female main character from the previous novels, continues to be a leader in this third novel of the series.

This novel was published by Axil Hammer Publishing on 03/26/2020 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 4.25

Links for more information:

Allie Potts’ Website

Goodreads

Twitter

Book Review: Dangerous Territory: a Keltin Moore Adventure (The Adventures of Keltin Moore Book 3) by Lindsay Schopfer

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Dangerous Territory: a Keltin Moore Adventure (The Adventures of Keltin Moore Book 3) by Lindsay Schopfer

A Steampunk Science Fantasy Novel published through Amazon Digital Services (06/01/19)

Summary:

Keltin Moore is a beast hunter starting his own beast hunting company with two of his faithful companions: Bor’ve’tai the Loopi and Jaylocke the Weycliff Wayfarer. Their first job takes Bor’ve’tai and Jaylocke away together to hunt a smoke beast while Keltin holds down the office by himself. Not even a day later Keltin is tasked with an emergency beast hunting job and a secret assignment. Without being able to wait for his companions, he is off north to Krendaria once again.

Keywords:

Fighting, Hunting, Prey, Beasts, Determination, Heroics, Strategy, Politics, Discrimination, Hate, Farming, Working Together, Survival, Thoughtfulness, Injury, Escape, Stealth

My Review:

Keltin Moore’s world is much like stepping into the fictional wardrobe of Narnia with all sorts of creatures, most of them unfriendly. The Beast Hunter’s monsters are varied in form, function, and appearance. I really enjoyed the imaginative world building of the monsters themselves and the weaponry made to defeat them. The author gives the reader the perfect amount of description for both amidst the action of the hunt scenes.

Much like with the other Keltin Moore book I read, the start of the novel builds the world slowly, re-introducing the reader to Keltin and the new problem he must solve. Keltin himself has grown into an entrepreneur yet he remains humble. I really enjoyed his embarrassment and the way he would normalize himself anytime he was being described overly heroically. If I had an Uncle in a fantasy novel, I would like him to be Keltin.

This book reminded of the narrative ease of the Tarzan novels and once the main plot was revealed, I was hooked into the story and didn’t put the book down.

This novel was published through Amazon Digital Services 06/01/2019 and is available on Amazon here.

TLDR Star Rating: 3.75

Links for more information:

Author Website:  www.lindsayschopfer.com

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Lindsay-Schopfer/e/B007EF3MQS

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LindsaySchopfer

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lindsayschopfer

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7078379.Lindsay_Schopfer

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lindsayschopfer?ty=h

Book Review: Electric Grids (Electric World Book 2) by M. Black

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Electric Grids (Electric World Book 2) by M. Black

A Sicence Fiction/Cyberpunk Novel published (04/25/18)

Summary:

After finally escaping the Electric Gardens, Lexi and her friends find a post-apocalyptic world on the outside of the Tins’ compound. They don’t have time to stop and admire the wasteland because they are being pursued by the Tins. With a Tin of their own, they have a destination in mind, to find the other enlightened Tins and band together.

Keywords:

Science Fiction, Robotics, Apocalypse, Technology, Dystopian, Teenagers, Strict, Escape, Rules, Secrets, Control, Power, Powerless, Desperation, Friendship

My Review:

Electric Grids jumps in right where Electric Gardens left off and pulls the reader immediately back into the sci-fi universe Black has created.

The idea behind the story was solid and intriguing. The concept of robots taking over the world is not new, but the details in Electric Grids come from fresh sci-fi eyes.

A lot of details are left out or glossed over and the writing style does a lot of telling versus showing. For instance, the birth of baby Seth happens nearly instantaneously and without sensory details one would expect with the birth of a baby in the middle of nowhere with limited medical supplies and no doctor.

This novel was published on 04/25/2018.

TL;DR Star Rating: 3.25

Links for more information:

Goodreads

Amazon

Book Review: Tar by Taylor Hohulin

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Tar by Taylor Hohulin

A Post-Apocalyptic Science Fiction Novel published by Amazon Digital Services, Inc. (11/27/18)

Summary:

For as long as Brendan has been alive, there has been tar in the world. Tar infiltrated the world as an infection that took over the bodies of people who got too close to it. Tar attacks the body by hollowing out the insides and replacing blood with blight. There is no cure. Brendan has managed to survive as a salvager, trading his finds for a fitful night of rest in one of the converted hotels that offer safe shelter. The only protection from tar is to stay away from it and those infected, but as easy hauls dwindle in Brendan’s town of Newhaven he must venture to new places and take more risks. Brendan has never known a world without tar and he has become very good at avoiding it, until one day when another gang of salvagers bumps into him. That same day, Brendan runs into another stranger who believes that Brendan is the key to ridding the world of every last speck of tar. If Brendan believes this stranger and goes with him on this quest, would he be better off without a world of tar?

Keywords:

Cyberpunk, Evil, Tar, Post-Apocalyptic, Survival, Mistrust, City, Infection, Distance, Monsters, Avoidance, Salvage, Shelter, Ruin, Power

My Review:

Every book I’ve read by Taylor Hohulin is better than the last. The writing style sucks you into the first page. Being thrust into the middle of an action sequence keeps you reading past the first page. The world Hohulin has built keeps you reading through to the end of the first chapter. By then you are hooked and you haven’t even gotten to the good part yet.

The three main characters were fully developed and had such distinct personalities and backstories. They all felt so alive and real. Brendan does everything he can to stay alive down to the careful skepticism of every stranger, acquaintance and even friend. He doesn’t let down his guard. Almost all his actions are propelled by his strong will to survive. He is one of the most selfish people you will read about. Hohulin cleverly builds Brendan’s character throughout the book, showing us just how far he will go to survive and then puts Brendan into a position where he will have to make a difficult choice. Is there an alternative? Can Brendan make this kind of decision? As a reader, I was so hopelessly obsessed with Brendan and the way he approached the apocalyptic world he lives in, that I finished this book in less than two days.

I loved Krystal! She was the empathetic do-gooder who was easily taken advantage of, always looking for the good in people. And yet, years and years after the apocalypse, she still survives. She is the opposite of Brendan in so many ways and yet they are friends. She is smart and tech-savvy but also the voice of reason and humanity for Brendan. Will she be able to influence him enough that he can set aside his own will to survive and help others or will he finally prove to her that the world is a terrible place?

What is tar? It is more than a simple alien substance. It creates the worst monsters out of people. It is a substance that zombifies its host, but also sticks to inanimate objects, waiting for any victim to walk too close.

This novel was published by Amazon Digital Services, Inc. on 11/27/18 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 5.0

Links for more information:

Taylor Hohulin’s Website

Twitter

Goodreads

Book Review: Sunlight 24 by Merritt Graves

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Sunlight 24 by Merritt Graves

A New Adult Science Fiction Novel to be published (10/03/18)

Summary:

“You need power to be heroic, but there’s no way to get it if you’re shackled. So, you have to start as the villain, grab the power, and then put the shackles on.”

Dorian Waters, along with the majority of humanity, cannot afford the nano-implants and genetic augmentations that are now available. Without Revision, Dorian, will never be as smart, as fast, or as good at anything as those who can afford to Revise. He, along with many others, is fast being left behind. Not only can he not compete in the same sports leagues, but he is fast losing any prospects for a job, a career, or a worthwhile life. And that’s no way to live. But Dorian has one trick up his sleeve. All he needs to do is get enough money to Revise and then the smarts that come with that upgrade will help him buy more Revisions. All he needs is that first push, that first bit of cash, to get him started. After that first Revision, there’s no going back and it’s like Dorian has pushed himself down a steep slope and with every passing moment, every little Revision, the momentum pushes him further and faster toward the bottom. And there’s no stopping, only an imminent impact.

Keywords:

Upgrade, Genetic Manipulation, Genetic Augmentation, Implants, Speed, Robberies, Thefts, Criminals, Mastermind, Choice, Self-Enhancement, Anxiety, Worry, Regret, Unravel, Police

My Review:

Ethan is the partner in crime – willing to take everything to its farthest – which makes him the greatest partner, but also the worst in the end. Ethan will pull Dorian in, but he will also pull him in so far that neither of them will be able to crawl back out.

Dorian is smarter than he gives himself credit for and he gives himself enough quite a bit of credit. It’s just not enough to compete with the Revised… Being your best and trying your hardest isn’t enough because the rich kids can purchase better genes and are suddenly twice as good without even trying.

I fell in love with more than just the characters. Their situations and how they felt about their own lives was so tangible, so real that I empathized with them and their actions. Dorian IS a good guy. He spent five years trying to help a guy who had crippling anxiety. He spent years helping his brother pretend to be empathetic and cope with who he is.

I didn’t know what was coming, but I knew something was coming. Something big that was going to blow everything up for Dorian. The ending was everything I wanted it to be and more.

I was so intrigued with everything Jaden… Jaden is this black hole that is drifting closer to planet Dorian, ready to swallow him up.

I loved all the little details of this book and can’t wait to read more by Merritt Graves.

This novel will be published on 10/03/2018

TL;DR Star Rating: 4.75

Links for more information:

Goodreads

NetGalley

Book Review: Lakes of Mars by Merritt Graves

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Lakes of Mars by Merritt Graves

A Space Opera Science Fiction Novel to be published (09/04/18)

Summary:

“There was so little I understood about this place. It all felt like I was teetering on the edge of a nightmare.”

“What kind of worlds would there be if people invented monsters and no one tried to stop them?”

Aaron expected to be sent to the rim; he expected to die. Instead, Aaron is assigned to Corinth and some other luckless foot-soldier assigned to the rim as a fatality statistic. Corinth is a training ground for students and home to some of the most elite scientists. The first rule of Corinth is to not break the rules, but Aaron and the other new students don’t even know the first rule yet. The superiors look the other way when certain rules are broken, but come down hard on those in their way and it won’t take long for Aaron to stick his nose out too far.

Keywords:

Science Fiction, Space Opera, Death, Planet, Colonize, Friendship, Fighting, Points, Blood, Classes, Science, Lab

My Review:

I was instantly sympathy with the main character, Aaron. Even though he chose his fate to be a suicide, an act of intervention (that we learn the details about later), gives him a kick in the butt to do otherwise with his life. It’s the camaraderie with the other students at Corinth and the sticking up for Sebastian that helps to show him that he wants to live. That he has something to fight for. Aaron spends a lot of time with his inner thoughts and turmoil regarding the morals in the choices he will make. I was right there with him, analysing the problem, and trying to find a solution where people wouldn’t die. It never felt black and white, I was torn about it as much as Aaron.

The lingo for the fights is above my head, but I could feel the excitement and follow the big picture. The specific tech lingo gave the scenes more authenticity, especially within the science fiction genre. My vocabulary; however, was challenged, in a good way. The writing style was smooth, yet complex. I was only confused by the time jumps with chapters.

The classes and the professors appeared authentic, and the information was delivered scientifically and logically. I felt like those classes truly exist somewhere in a universe somewhere. On that note, the world building was incredible.

The plot was built layer by layer into a flawless stack-up that slowly unraveled. Not everything was easy for the characters. They made mistakes. Wrenches were thrown in their plans. New developments arose. It was like watching a real life catastrophe unfold in slow motion. This book had one of the most suspenseful and well-written climaxes that I’ve read.

This novel will be published on 09/04/2018

TL;DR Star Rating: 4.75

Links for more information:

Goodreads

NetGalley

Book Review: Electric Gardens (Robot Dystopia) by M. Black

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Electric Gardens (Robot Dystopia) by M. Black

A Sicence Fiction/Cyberpunk Novel published (03/15/18)

Summary:

Lexi019 has lived most of her life under the tight control of the robots known as Tins. After the apocalypse, the Tins stepped up to herd and shelter the remaining humans. Lexi019 and some of the others aren’t so sure that the world is uninhabitable outside the Tins’ compound. The Tins’ rules are so strict that Lexi019 would rather take her chances outside. Leaving isn’t an option and escaping might prove more difficult than Lexi019 and her friends can handle by themselves.

Keywords:

Science Fiction, Robotics, Apocalypse, Technology, Dystopian, Teenagers, Strict, Escape, Rules, Secrets, Control, Power, Powerless, Desperation, Friendship

My Review:

 

The world building details in this novel were interesting and full-fledged. I loved reading about this entirely different robotically-run world. Since it’s been over a decade since the ‘apocalypse,’ I wonder what life looks like outside of the Tins’ compound and how the Tins’ technology works.

Lexi019 was very young when she joined the Tins’ compound, so her memories of the world outside of the Tins are vague and mostly unknown. This reminded me of the Maze Runner series and I sense a big reveal or a twist about the world outside of the Tins.

The pacing was a bit flat in the middle of the book and the ending was somewhat abrupt (though concluding of the main action/goal of the characters). The action and Lexi019 carried the book from the beginning to the end. The subplot with Digit was also very intriguing and I wanted to see more of that develop.

The Tins confused me. They appeared to have absolute control over the humans with their very strict rules and their very strict consequences for breaking those rules. Being meshed sounds absolutely horrible! Even with this absolute control, Lexi019 and others are able to go behind the Tins back and get away with quite the number of shenanigans they shouldn’t have been able to get away with.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions shared are 100% my own.

This novel will be published on 03/15/2018.

TL;DR Star Rating: 3.50

Links for more information:

Goodreads