Maria Savva's Blog - Posts Tagged "sci-fi"
#ShortStoryMonth - Book Review: Odin's Eye, by Maria Haskins
Odin's Eye by Maria HaskinsMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was captivated by the cover of this book and when I read about the author's inspiration for the title and cover on her blog I was intrigued. Maria Haskins' writing definitely fits into the literary fiction genre. These are stories that are to be savoured. There is a depth to the tales that can only be fully appreciated by taking time to really read and digest every sentence, every nuance. Each sentence is skillfully crafted.
One of this writer's strengths is that she is able to describe something so succinctly and with such precision that everything she writes becomes a picture in the mind of the reader. Her stories show a deep understanding of the human condition.
All the stories are science fiction and are set in the near or distant future. They are set on different planets, different worlds. The characters are so well depicted and seem like real people telling their tale. We see things through their eyes, we feel their fear and sense their concerns.
These twelve stories will make you think about what could happen if science became so advanced that we were able to travel easily through time and space.
All of the stories transported me to different times and strange new worlds and each one contains insightful observations about life and people. The stand out story for me was 'Lost and Found', a tale about an astronaut, who is the only survivor after a crash, waiting to be rescued. That one is just perfect, in my opinion. It would make a great movie or short film.
Other favourites include 'Bethel', an expertly crafted story about the prisons of the future and what they might be like; 'Life Line' that will make you think about the concept of reality and what it actually is; and 'The Child', a very interesting tale about choices and the repercussions.
All the stories are brilliant and I'm glad to have discovered such a talented writer.
Take a trip into the future with these twelve short stories. You won't be disappointed.
View all my reviews
Favourite reads of 2015, so far...
It's already June. Oh well, they say time flies when you're having fun, so I must have been having a lot of fun :)
I thought I would take the opportunity for a mid-year look back at some of my favourite reads of 2015.
In no particular order, here are a few I'd recommend if you're currently searching for your next read.
Eli's Coming by Darcia Helle
Excerpt from my review: "...a supernatural thriller with elements of fantasy and suspense. [...] When we meet Eli he is at a kind of crossroads in his life because he has found love but there is a dark secret that he is keeping and something that could threaten his new love and also his own life. The secret is slowly and steadily revealed as the story unfolds and his past comes back to find him.
I really enjoyed Eli's Coming. The dark fantasy element is fascinating. I'm pleased that this is the first in the series and am looking forward to the next book!"
Amazon links:
US: http://www.amazon.com/Elis-Coming-Cha...
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Elis-Coming-C...
Living the Dream by Tim Baker
Excerpt from my review: "This book had me hooked from the start and kept me interested throughout. It's a fun and fast-paced read with lots of surprising twists and turns. [...] The book revolves around a series of strange recurring dreams that many of the characters have been having. [...] It's a complex tale involving many different characters and the author did a fantastic job with it. This would make a great movie!"
Amazon links:
US: http://www.amazon.com/Living-Dream-Ti...
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Living-Dream-...
Easy Target by Jenny Hilborne
Excerpt from my review: "This is book two in a series, but I had not read book one and still enjoyed it immensely. I like the fast-paced style of the author's writing. [...] In this novel, Lucinda Fitchett or "Fitch" as she is known, has no recollection of events one evening after waking up in her own flat not sure how she got there after a night out. She has a very troubled past and is wary when contacted by someone who says he knows what happened to her. Fitch is determined to find out the truth [...] an action packed crime thriller that will keep you guessing until the end."
Amazon links:
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Easy-Target-I...
US: http://www.amazon.com/Easy-Target-Ins...
Weird: A Henry Ian Darling Oddity Missive One
Excerpt from my review: "First in a series, in this 'weird' story, we're introduced to Henry Darling and follow him on his first adventure. [...] It kept me hooked from the start and it's wonderfully imaginative. Henry has been through an experience that changed him and now he collects oddities. His wife and his unlikely friend Brett are his companions and helpers. This is a truly unique story from a talented writer. [...] If you haven't read any of this author's work, 'Weird' would be a great place to start."
Amazon links:
US: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00R...
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0...
The Cestus Concern by Mat Nastos
Excerpt from my review: "This is a fantastic book. It kept me hooked from the start. I loved the humourous interaction between Mal and his best friend Zuz.
Mal wakes up to find he's a cyborg and has no memory of the past 11 months of his life. In his quest to find out the truth he has to battle many government agents and man-made adversaries. It's a rollercoaster ride from page 1 with scene after scene of action packed adventure."
Amazon links:
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Cestus-Co...
US: http://www.amazon.com/The-Cestus-Conc...
Dreams of a Calico Mouse: The Poems of Dorien Grey
Excerpt from my review: "Dorien Grey's "Dreams of a Calico Mouse" is the perfect example of the type of modern poetry that I enjoy. It's almost storytelling but in verse, and it contains heartfelt messages. The themes in this collection include: love, old age, regret, and dreams. A couple of the poems made me chuckle, and then there were a couple of them that nearly made me cry. All of them kept me interested and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole book. This is an accomplished collection of all types of poetry including some haiku."
Amazon links:
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0...
US: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J...
Odin's Eye
Excerpt from my review: "Maria Haskins' writing definitely fits into the literary fiction genre. These are stories that are to be savoured. There is a depth to the tales that can only be fully appreciated by taking time to really read and digest every sentence, every nuance. Each sentence is skillfully crafted. [...] All the stories are science fiction and are set in the near or distant future. They are set on different planets, different worlds. The characters are so well depicted and seem like real people telling their tale. We see things through their eyes, we feel their fear and sense their concerns. [...] The stand out story for me was 'Lost and Found', a tale about an astronaut, who is the only survivor after a crash, waiting to be rescued. That one is just perfect, in my opinion. It would make a great movie or short film."
Amazon links:
US: http://www.amazon.com/Odins-Eye-Maria...
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Odins-Eye-Mar...
I thought I would take the opportunity for a mid-year look back at some of my favourite reads of 2015.
In no particular order, here are a few I'd recommend if you're currently searching for your next read.
Eli's Coming by Darcia Helle
Excerpt from my review: "...a supernatural thriller with elements of fantasy and suspense. [...] When we meet Eli he is at a kind of crossroads in his life because he has found love but there is a dark secret that he is keeping and something that could threaten his new love and also his own life. The secret is slowly and steadily revealed as the story unfolds and his past comes back to find him.
I really enjoyed Eli's Coming. The dark fantasy element is fascinating. I'm pleased that this is the first in the series and am looking forward to the next book!"
Amazon links:
US: http://www.amazon.com/Elis-Coming-Cha...
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Elis-Coming-C...
Living the Dream by Tim Baker
Excerpt from my review: "This book had me hooked from the start and kept me interested throughout. It's a fun and fast-paced read with lots of surprising twists and turns. [...] The book revolves around a series of strange recurring dreams that many of the characters have been having. [...] It's a complex tale involving many different characters and the author did a fantastic job with it. This would make a great movie!"
Amazon links:
US: http://www.amazon.com/Living-Dream-Ti...
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Living-Dream-...
Easy Target by Jenny Hilborne
Excerpt from my review: "This is book two in a series, but I had not read book one and still enjoyed it immensely. I like the fast-paced style of the author's writing. [...] In this novel, Lucinda Fitchett or "Fitch" as she is known, has no recollection of events one evening after waking up in her own flat not sure how she got there after a night out. She has a very troubled past and is wary when contacted by someone who says he knows what happened to her. Fitch is determined to find out the truth [...] an action packed crime thriller that will keep you guessing until the end."
Amazon links:
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Easy-Target-I...
US: http://www.amazon.com/Easy-Target-Ins...
Weird: A Henry Ian Darling Oddity Missive One
Excerpt from my review: "First in a series, in this 'weird' story, we're introduced to Henry Darling and follow him on his first adventure. [...] It kept me hooked from the start and it's wonderfully imaginative. Henry has been through an experience that changed him and now he collects oddities. His wife and his unlikely friend Brett are his companions and helpers. This is a truly unique story from a talented writer. [...] If you haven't read any of this author's work, 'Weird' would be a great place to start."
Amazon links:
US: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00R...
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0...
The Cestus Concern by Mat Nastos
Excerpt from my review: "This is a fantastic book. It kept me hooked from the start. I loved the humourous interaction between Mal and his best friend Zuz.
Mal wakes up to find he's a cyborg and has no memory of the past 11 months of his life. In his quest to find out the truth he has to battle many government agents and man-made adversaries. It's a rollercoaster ride from page 1 with scene after scene of action packed adventure."
Amazon links:
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Cestus-Co...
US: http://www.amazon.com/The-Cestus-Conc...
Dreams of a Calico Mouse: The Poems of Dorien Grey
Excerpt from my review: "Dorien Grey's "Dreams of a Calico Mouse" is the perfect example of the type of modern poetry that I enjoy. It's almost storytelling but in verse, and it contains heartfelt messages. The themes in this collection include: love, old age, regret, and dreams. A couple of the poems made me chuckle, and then there were a couple of them that nearly made me cry. All of them kept me interested and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole book. This is an accomplished collection of all types of poetry including some haiku."
Amazon links:
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0...
US: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J...
Odin's Eye
Excerpt from my review: "Maria Haskins' writing definitely fits into the literary fiction genre. These are stories that are to be savoured. There is a depth to the tales that can only be fully appreciated by taking time to really read and digest every sentence, every nuance. Each sentence is skillfully crafted. [...] All the stories are science fiction and are set in the near or distant future. They are set on different planets, different worlds. The characters are so well depicted and seem like real people telling their tale. We see things through their eyes, we feel their fear and sense their concerns. [...] The stand out story for me was 'Lost and Found', a tale about an astronaut, who is the only survivor after a crash, waiting to be rescued. That one is just perfect, in my opinion. It would make a great movie or short film."
Amazon links:
US: http://www.amazon.com/Odins-Eye-Maria...
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Odins-Eye-Mar...
Book review: The World According To Want, by Julie Elizabeth Powell
The World According To Want by Julie Elizabeth PowellMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
I always look forward to reading anything by Julie Elizabeth Powell. She's one of the most imaginative writers I know. This short story sees the author take a different direction with her writing (unsurprisingly as she is very experimental and writes in different genres). "The World According To Want" is a science fiction short story set one thousand years in the future. The author explores what could happen if the world changed in such a way that people were given the chance to have whatever they want. We meet two characters who are disillusioned about how the world has changed and are both in their own way trying to make a difference. It's a quick and interesting read that will make you think.
The author has included some enjoyable and thought-provoking bonus content: two poems and a flash fiction piece.
View all my reviews
Book Review: Just Plain Weird, by Tom Upton
Just Plain Weird by Tom UptonMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Definitely one of my favourite reads this year. Storytelling at its best. It's just so imaginative and yes, "weird"!
Teenager Travis leads quite a dull life until he meets the new neighbours, Eliza and her father Doc.
Travis and Eliza's first adventure together is read edge-of-your-seat stuff, and then the story just gets even more strange and engrossing.
This is a really entertaining mix of sci-fi, romance, adventure, and fun. It would make a great movie.
It's quite fast-paced with lots of interesting ideas, and plenty of twists and turns.
It could have done with a proofread, but I'm giving it five stars because it's such an amazing story. I loved the ending and the last line was just perfect.
View all my reviews
People Are Strange (Book 5 in the Mind's Eye Series) - Out Now!
I'm pleased to announce that book 5 in the Mind's Eye series has just been published on Amazon Kindle!
Book description:
We are more than what we say
And less than what we wish
Living together, separately,
United by division
Connected, disconnected
Oh, People Are Strange
*12 Stories and 7 poems, inspired by 19 photographs*
I have contributed 2 new short stories to the anthology, "Sand and Water" and "Somewhere In Time".
These two stories are among the 'strangest' I have ever written, which I think goes well with the title "People Are Strange" :)
As with all the books in the series, all the stories and poems in the anthology were inspired by photographs.
The photos for People Are Strange were provided by Martin David Porter and Helle Gade. The photo for the front cover is by Kim Stapf and there is a poem inspired by that photo also in the collection.
The cover design is by Julie Elizabeth Powell.
Other short stories in People Are Strange were contributed by Darcia Helle, J. Michael Radcliffe, Julie Elizabeth Powell (whose names you'll recognise from books 1-4 of the series). Two new writers joined us for People Are Strange: Maria Haskins and Thomma Lyn Grindstaff. I invited them because I love their writing!
The poems in this collection are by Helle Gade and Ben Ditmars.
I've read this book and have to say I think it's one of the best that we've published so far in the series. There's something magical about it. There are so many interesting stories and thought-provoking poems.
Get your copy on Amazon:
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...
Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01L...
Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/...
Amazon FR: https://www.amazon.fr/gp/product/B01L...
Amazon ES: https://www.amazon.es/gp/product/B01L...
Amazon IT: https://www.amazon.it/gp/product/B01L...
Amazon DE: https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B01L...
Amazon NL: https://www.amazon.nl/gp/product/B01L...
Amazon IN: https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B01L...
Amazon MX: https://www.amazon.com.mx/gp/product/...
Amazon JP: https://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B...
Amazon BR: https://www.amazon.com.br/gp/product/...
Book Review: WaR: Wizards and Robots by will.i.am and Brian David Johnson
WaR: Wizards and Robots by will.i.am and Brian David JohnsonMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. It's a fun, young-adult, sci-fi/fantasy adventure.
Ada Luring is a teenager living an average life when her world is turned upside down. The plot is set some years into the future and there are a lot of references to futuristic technological advances throughout, which make the story interesting and thought-provoking. It sparks the imagination with ideas of future technology and how people could be living in the next couple of hundred years. The fun thing about fantasy is that no one really knows, so it's interesting to read other people's ideas about such things.
Earth is threatened by an evil attack set to take place in the future and Ada is called upon to help to avoid the catastrophe. This book cleverly skips between the past, present, and future as we follow the Ada, along with her companions, in their quest for answers in an attempt to prevent the impending destruction of Earth.
As indicated by the title, this book features wizards and robots. A team of killer robots are threatening to destroy everything. Ada and her friends soon discover there is more to this than meets the eye.
Ada's companions include a wizard from the past and a robot from the future, as well as her own pet robot.
I think this book can be enjoyed by all ages, although it is in essence a young-adult book.
The story is compelling and I found myself looking forward to finding out what would happen next.
There are a lot of action-packed scenes that keep the story moving forward. The main characters Ada and Geller are enchanting and endearing.
The idea behind the book is intriguing and it's written in a enthralling way. It kept my interest throughout.
The ending really brings everything together nicely. Definitely worth reading.
View all my reviews
