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Technicolour Sandbox
Technicolour Sandbox is a quirky melange of off-beat, might-just-happen, speculative science fiction stories, held together by an underlying adhesive from the virtual and digital universe—an inevitable epoch the world is approaching in leaps and bounds. These six short stories carry the basic theme, whether it’s a mere mention or a full-on metaverse experience.
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From Mars, with (Love) Terror: Could a habitat simulation be, in fact, a virtual minefield to navigate? It’s worth a thought when reality becomes so skewed as to make one wonder.
Puff of Smoke & Quantum Qubits: Entities created from the energies of real life and the virtual world. Is that even possible? It appears so, since a would-be empress enters Real Life to find the emperor she must free.
Trans-galactic Dreaming: Can astral travel really be as simple as falling asleep? And can one return from such travels?
Cabin Cruising: Will our elderly end up going on virtual cruises? What’s to stop its abuse – and meddling offspring who only want their inheritance and the old out of the way?
Adnile: Drenched in a world inhabited by everything fantasy, from dragons to faeries—but is it real? And why does the queen remember her mortal self?
The Robot and the Goldfish: Can a robot evolve to have emotions so he can watch sunsets with his fish? And can a robot suffer grief and loss, then make things right for his well-being?
* * *
From Mars, with (Love) Terror: Could a habitat simulation be, in fact, a virtual minefield to navigate? It’s worth a thought when reality becomes so skewed as to make one wonder.
Puff of Smoke & Quantum Qubits: Entities created from the energies of real life and the virtual world. Is that even possible? It appears so, since a would-be empress enters Real Life to find the emperor she must free.
Trans-galactic Dreaming: Can astral travel really be as simple as falling asleep? And can one return from such travels?
Cabin Cruising: Will our elderly end up going on virtual cruises? What’s to stop its abuse – and meddling offspring who only want their inheritance and the old out of the way?
Adnile: Drenched in a world inhabited by everything fantasy, from dragons to faeries—but is it real? And why does the queen remember her mortal self?
The Robot and the Goldfish: Can a robot evolve to have emotions so he can watch sunsets with his fish? And can a robot suffer grief and loss, then make things right for his well-being?
165 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 11, 2023
2 people want to read
About the author
T.K. Toppin
29 books59 followers"I tell lies, write them down, and call it fiction."
T.K. Toppin writes character-driven tales, loaded with mystery, intrigue and adventure, navigating the realms of Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction and Space Opera. Previously with small press publishers, she is now immersed in indie publishing, embracing its many challenges and delights. A member of SFWA, T.K. is also an award-winning author, her novel The Dark Without, received Literary Titan's Book Award.
Born, raised and living in Barbados, when T.K. is not writing, can be found studiously working on her doctorate in Procrastination by binge-watching shows on streaming networks, doing absolutely nothing, and juggling the baffling realm of social media marketing.
T.K. Toppin writes character-driven tales, loaded with mystery, intrigue and adventure, navigating the realms of Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction and Space Opera. Previously with small press publishers, she is now immersed in indie publishing, embracing its many challenges and delights. A member of SFWA, T.K. is also an award-winning author, her novel The Dark Without, received Literary Titan's Book Award.
Born, raised and living in Barbados, when T.K. is not writing, can be found studiously working on her doctorate in Procrastination by binge-watching shows on streaming networks, doing absolutely nothing, and juggling the baffling realm of social media marketing.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 27, 2023
This collection of short stories has to be one of the most aptly named books I've read in sometime. The stories are vivid, rich with themes and thoughts that rapidly pull the reader into their worlds with aplomb, keeping them there with differing styles of prose to match the context. I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of short stories and will be seeking out further books by this author. Highly recommended.
March 18, 2024
An engaging array of offbeat science fiction short stories that captivate with their vivid imagination. One standout tale, "Cabin Cruising," follows the exploits of a geriatric sleuth, eliciting hearty laughter and leaving a lasting grin on this reader's face.
December 12, 2024
Being a huge fan of short story collections, both as a writer and reader, and as a past editor for a small literary press, I was more than intrigued to dig into SF writer T.K. Toppin’s TECHNICOLOR SANDBOX. I had read a few of her novels, and was eager to find out what she’d do with the compact format. Loved it!
This is an off-beat compilation of stories that range from humorous to outrageous (imagination-wise) to heartfelt. One of the stories that really jumped out for me, was, CABIN CRUISING, which follows a crusty old woman who is “sent” on a cruise by her children. Toppin dials up the satire on this one, hitting the salty tone of the elderly woman perfectly! Another that really touched me was THE ROBOT AND THE GOLDFISH. I don’t want to say too much about this one, but it is superbly realized and drawn.
If you like quirky short stories and surprises, TECHNICOLOR SANDBOX is sure to please!
This is an off-beat compilation of stories that range from humorous to outrageous (imagination-wise) to heartfelt. One of the stories that really jumped out for me, was, CABIN CRUISING, which follows a crusty old woman who is “sent” on a cruise by her children. Toppin dials up the satire on this one, hitting the salty tone of the elderly woman perfectly! Another that really touched me was THE ROBOT AND THE GOLDFISH. I don’t want to say too much about this one, but it is superbly realized and drawn.
If you like quirky short stories and surprises, TECHNICOLOR SANDBOX is sure to please!
May 4, 2024
An interesting mix
I loved all the Barbadian inferences - "Barbados the little island in the Caribbean chain that sticks out like an outtie rather than falling in line like an innie and this one - I may have stress-eaten my way through several coconut breads or cassava pone."
My favorite short story was Cabin Cruising. The way the old girl was talking had me cracking up. What her children did to her was just wrong though - placing their mother in the metaverse without her consent. Granted she wouldn't have gone on her own, but still.
I loved the true look at self, analyzing how life truly was for her - self-reflection. I loved it.
My second favorite story was Robot and the Goldfish - a grief and loss experience.
I loved all the Barbadian inferences - "Barbados the little island in the Caribbean chain that sticks out like an outtie rather than falling in line like an innie and this one - I may have stress-eaten my way through several coconut breads or cassava pone."
My favorite short story was Cabin Cruising. The way the old girl was talking had me cracking up. What her children did to her was just wrong though - placing their mother in the metaverse without her consent. Granted she wouldn't have gone on her own, but still.
I loved the true look at self, analyzing how life truly was for her - self-reflection. I loved it.
My second favorite story was Robot and the Goldfish - a grief and loss experience.
November 26, 2023
General rule for booklovers. If it’s written by TK Toppin don’t hesitate to read it! Such a fabulous book with quirky characters, original plot lines and endings you’ll never guess. Bravo TK!!
May 16, 2024
At 165 pages, this book really should not have taken me the length of time it took for me to read it. However the first two stories were such a struggle for me to read that I truly was not drawn to “picking up” (read: opening the kindle app) the book to continue. If I was a DNF’er, honestly this book would have made that pile based on those first two stories.
I will say though that thankfully the stories got better as I gradually progressed through the book. It made me feel like the first two stories were written in the young author years and the subsequent stories produced after a few years of writing under the belt.
Can’t say this book endears me toward speculative fiction but kudos to the author for being able to put their wilddddd imagination on paper.
I will say though that thankfully the stories got better as I gradually progressed through the book. It made me feel like the first two stories were written in the young author years and the subsequent stories produced after a few years of writing under the belt.
Can’t say this book endears me toward speculative fiction but kudos to the author for being able to put their wilddddd imagination on paper.
November 15, 2023
T. K. Toppin is a must buy author for me and I was thrilled to read her latest book, Technicolour Sandbox: a collection of short stories with the theme of the virtual and digital world.
My favourites were Cabin Cruising and The Robot And The Goldfish.
The first for the feisty, sock em in the eye elderly lady, getting her own back on children anxious to dispose of her on a virtual 'cruise.' Loved how this dealt with autonomy and consent as we age.
The second was simply a gloriously poignant exploration of love, emotion, grief and the nature of humanity.
For a modern, relevant sci fi take on the possible changes and pitfalls that await us, pick up Toppin's 5⭐ book.
My favourites were Cabin Cruising and The Robot And The Goldfish.
The first for the feisty, sock em in the eye elderly lady, getting her own back on children anxious to dispose of her on a virtual 'cruise.' Loved how this dealt with autonomy and consent as we age.
The second was simply a gloriously poignant exploration of love, emotion, grief and the nature of humanity.
For a modern, relevant sci fi take on the possible changes and pitfalls that await us, pick up Toppin's 5⭐ book.
July 29, 2024
A great title, cover which reflects the quality of this book.
I love having my imagination stretched and this took my mind to places I never thought possible. Poignant at times, tense and exciting at others, there is something for everyone here. I particularly enjoyed the story titled Trans-Galactic Dreaming. The idea of beings from 2 planets over huge distances connecting, and for them to be living relatively similar - yet different - mundane lives, brought in some lovely humour to a fascinating concept.
This is an original collection of short stories and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I love having my imagination stretched and this took my mind to places I never thought possible. Poignant at times, tense and exciting at others, there is something for everyone here. I particularly enjoyed the story titled Trans-Galactic Dreaming. The idea of beings from 2 planets over huge distances connecting, and for them to be living relatively similar - yet different - mundane lives, brought in some lovely humour to a fascinating concept.
This is an original collection of short stories and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
December 14, 2023
This is a great collection of short stories from an up and coming scifi author I love to read. Each one is different from the next and stands out on its own. I loved starting out with "From Mars with Terror" not Love. Its like "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" on steroids. Just that first story dragged me helplessly through the entire book. T.K. has a great imagination and a scientific mind that makes her stories such a memorable read.
October 23, 2024
Leaves you wondering, “What if…?”
The stories within the sci-fi anthology Technicolour Sandbox are described as quirky and off-beat, and I couldn’t agree more! Each tale will leave you pondering, if not the possibilities, then the ramifications of such events should they ever come to be. My favorite is “The Robot and the Goldfish” (depicted on the fabulous cover), which speaks to a robot’s journey of self-discovery.
The stories within the sci-fi anthology Technicolour Sandbox are described as quirky and off-beat, and I couldn’t agree more! Each tale will leave you pondering, if not the possibilities, then the ramifications of such events should they ever come to be. My favorite is “The Robot and the Goldfish” (depicted on the fabulous cover), which speaks to a robot’s journey of self-discovery.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews