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Digital Extremities #1
Digital Extremities
A collection of eight stories, Digital Extremities shines a spotlight on ordinary people in a callous yet hopeful future. Set across small towns and remote islands, where neon flickers against old buildings and oaks, this collection paints a unique view of a traditionally cyberpunk setting.
In 2089, a woman miscarries and seeks a way to find peace amidst overwhelming grief. Years later, a young man must find a way to pay rent outside of his job at the glassblowing studio. A pair of students, excited to go to college, install new hardware that promises to improve their cognitive functions. A private investigator searches for a missing child who has a reputation for embarking on risky adventures. Each tale is shaped by love, loss, and perseverance, weaving a vision of life outside of the megacities.
In 2089, a woman miscarries and seeks a way to find peace amidst overwhelming grief. Years later, a young man must find a way to pay rent outside of his job at the glassblowing studio. A pair of students, excited to go to college, install new hardware that promises to improve their cognitive functions. A private investigator searches for a missing child who has a reputation for embarking on risky adventures. Each tale is shaped by love, loss, and perseverance, weaving a vision of life outside of the megacities.
245 pages, Unknown Binding
First published September 24, 2024
6 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Adam Bassett
8 books35 followersAuthor of the Copper & Ash series, the Digital Extremities series, and other short fiction. Big fan of storytelling and worldbuilding.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 28, 2025
Digital Extremities is a delightful and interesting collection of stories from the future. Bassett gives us small snippets of people’s lives and how they go about navigating the world and maneuvering through dilemmas.
Stylistically, this book kept reminding me of World War Z. Each story was set in the same world, around the same time, featuring the same technology. This made it easy to carry over information and continue picturing a world where people modified themselves with enhancements and shiny chrome.
The stories typically focused on one person and ranged from a major dilemma to a slice of their life. I enjoyed familiarizing myself with each character and getting to know the world around them. The best part was probably what was unspoken. While characters faced decisions or hardships, I often found thought-provoking questions nagging at me about what else could go wrong with the current technology or what would happen if they had made a different decision. This did not make the stories feel lacking, just opened up my mind to more possibilities.
While Bassett does a wonderful job digging in with tension, he has mastered the slower, quieter moments: playful banter, reminiscing about times past, and ruminating over a hobby.
I listened to this one on audio, and I found the narrators to be excellent. No bias at all. With a wide cast of characters from all over the world, the accents were impeccable, and the differentiation was excellent.
Digital Extremities offers a glimpse into a world we may know someday, which brings excitement over technological advancements to assist in helping the elderly or finding a lost child. It also quietly lays out the ways in which this tech could fail us.
If you enjoy cyberpunk adventures, short sci-fi stories, and tales that say more with fewer words, this one is for you.
A FanFi Addict review
Stylistically, this book kept reminding me of World War Z. Each story was set in the same world, around the same time, featuring the same technology. This made it easy to carry over information and continue picturing a world where people modified themselves with enhancements and shiny chrome.
The stories typically focused on one person and ranged from a major dilemma to a slice of their life. I enjoyed familiarizing myself with each character and getting to know the world around them. The best part was probably what was unspoken. While characters faced decisions or hardships, I often found thought-provoking questions nagging at me about what else could go wrong with the current technology or what would happen if they had made a different decision. This did not make the stories feel lacking, just opened up my mind to more possibilities.
While Bassett does a wonderful job digging in with tension, he has mastered the slower, quieter moments: playful banter, reminiscing about times past, and ruminating over a hobby.
I listened to this one on audio, and I found the narrators to be excellent. No bias at all. With a wide cast of characters from all over the world, the accents were impeccable, and the differentiation was excellent.
Digital Extremities offers a glimpse into a world we may know someday, which brings excitement over technological advancements to assist in helping the elderly or finding a lost child. It also quietly lays out the ways in which this tech could fail us.
If you enjoy cyberpunk adventures, short sci-fi stories, and tales that say more with fewer words, this one is for you.
A FanFi Addict review
July 17, 2025
Three and a half stars.
In one sentence: it's what a mainstream author will be writing about in roughly 40 years. Everyday stories with a touch of science fiction—a gadget here, climate change there, etc. Non-violent tales about daily life in a future that feels increasingly close.
Formally, it's cyberpunk. It's good, but I can't quite recommend it. However, I want to read more stories by the author.
In one sentence: it's what a mainstream author will be writing about in roughly 40 years. Everyday stories with a touch of science fiction—a gadget here, climate change there, etc. Non-violent tales about daily life in a future that feels increasingly close.
Formally, it's cyberpunk. It's good, but I can't quite recommend it. However, I want to read more stories by the author.
May 21, 2025
This review was originally published on Before We Go Blog
Filled with equal parts heart and hurt, Digital Extremities is a Black Mirror-esque collection of eight cyberpunk sci-fi short stories that span decades, continents and many different minds. It’s thrilling yet quiet, hopeful yet cautionary, soothing yet gut wrenching, but most of all, it’s an extraordinary exploration of what it means to be human in a world that grows increasingly alien.
From my (admittedly limited) experience with the cyberpunk genre, I was fully expecting this collection to prioritise themes over character work, but the opposite couldn’t be more true. Bassett takes a very character-driven and almost slice-of-life approach to the storytelling in Digital Extremities, which gave each of these stories a strong emotional core that made them all the more impactful and engaging to me.
Right from the very first story, Alone / Together, I realised that Bassett was not afraid to mess with my emotions, and I was so here for it. Each story instantly pulled me in and offered different things to ponder and reflect on, and I really appreciated the brutally raw yet gently soothing exploration of themes of love, loss, fear, family, friendship, hope, sacrifice, humanity, transhumanism, and the dangers of progress.
Seeing how the world and technology progressed from the first story set in 2089 till the last story set in 2166 was both slightly terrifying and morbidly fascinating to me, especially through the eyes of so many different yet equallly relatable people with authentically diverse backgrounds and with the refreshing backdrop of such remote and small town environments. Moreover, I was pleasantly surprised by the subtle connectivity of these short stories, which brought Digital Extremities into an unexpectedly satisfying and cohesive whole.
For me, the stories Alone / Together, 36 Broadway Avenue, and Fireworks Above the Badlands packed the biggest punch, but I think different readers will resonate with different stories depending on their preferences and the baggage they bring into the reading experience. Some stories admittedly ended a bit abruptly and left me a bit wanting by the end, but at the same time I can appreciate that Bassett didn’t tie everything into a neat little bow and left so much room for interpretation. Real life, after all, doesn’t bother with satisfying closure and perfect conclusions.
Between Bassett’s emotionally engaging storytelling and the exceptionally immersive audiobook performance from Joe James and Aven Shore, I was truly hooked from start to finish. Even if you think you don’t enjoy short story collections or the sci-fi/cyberpunk genre, I would highly recommend Digital Extremities, because this is just human storytelling in all its most tragically beautiful messiness.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ALC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Filled with equal parts heart and hurt, Digital Extremities is a Black Mirror-esque collection of eight cyberpunk sci-fi short stories that span decades, continents and many different minds. It’s thrilling yet quiet, hopeful yet cautionary, soothing yet gut wrenching, but most of all, it’s an extraordinary exploration of what it means to be human in a world that grows increasingly alien.
From my (admittedly limited) experience with the cyberpunk genre, I was fully expecting this collection to prioritise themes over character work, but the opposite couldn’t be more true. Bassett takes a very character-driven and almost slice-of-life approach to the storytelling in Digital Extremities, which gave each of these stories a strong emotional core that made them all the more impactful and engaging to me.
Right from the very first story, Alone / Together, I realised that Bassett was not afraid to mess with my emotions, and I was so here for it. Each story instantly pulled me in and offered different things to ponder and reflect on, and I really appreciated the brutally raw yet gently soothing exploration of themes of love, loss, fear, family, friendship, hope, sacrifice, humanity, transhumanism, and the dangers of progress.
Seeing how the world and technology progressed from the first story set in 2089 till the last story set in 2166 was both slightly terrifying and morbidly fascinating to me, especially through the eyes of so many different yet equallly relatable people with authentically diverse backgrounds and with the refreshing backdrop of such remote and small town environments. Moreover, I was pleasantly surprised by the subtle connectivity of these short stories, which brought Digital Extremities into an unexpectedly satisfying and cohesive whole.
For me, the stories Alone / Together, 36 Broadway Avenue, and Fireworks Above the Badlands packed the biggest punch, but I think different readers will resonate with different stories depending on their preferences and the baggage they bring into the reading experience. Some stories admittedly ended a bit abruptly and left me a bit wanting by the end, but at the same time I can appreciate that Bassett didn’t tie everything into a neat little bow and left so much room for interpretation. Real life, after all, doesn’t bother with satisfying closure and perfect conclusions.
Between Bassett’s emotionally engaging storytelling and the exceptionally immersive audiobook performance from Joe James and Aven Shore, I was truly hooked from start to finish. Even if you think you don’t enjoy short story collections or the sci-fi/cyberpunk genre, I would highly recommend Digital Extremities, because this is just human storytelling in all its most tragically beautiful messiness.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ALC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
July 20, 2024
I received an advance reader copy of this book for reviewing purposes.
I mean the star rating should already give it away:
I am a HUGE fan of this collection of short stories! What I loved the most about it was the focus on slice of life stories and characters in this cyberpunk setting. Instead of having some action-packed story with lots of shooting and netrunning and big cybercrime, this book deals with "normal" people in a world that is dominated by corporations, greed and technology.
The stories also play in a variety of places, instead of just in the US or Japan. I especially enjoyed the happenings in Argentina and Norway and so on. Through that the whole world feels connected, and you get the idea that literally everybody's life has been impacted in some capacity.
The cast is also quite diverse and there are unique POV characters and all of them are interesting in their own way. Following their lives, their struggles, their motivations was an absolute joy.
I always enjoy slice of life stories. I'm not the biggest fan of huge plots all the time and plot twists on every page. So this was pretty much exactly what I was looking for in a cyberpunk book for a LONG time.
Thank you so much for writing this, I hope I'll be able to get my hands on a physical copy as well, when it's going to be released!
I mean the star rating should already give it away:
I am a HUGE fan of this collection of short stories! What I loved the most about it was the focus on slice of life stories and characters in this cyberpunk setting. Instead of having some action-packed story with lots of shooting and netrunning and big cybercrime, this book deals with "normal" people in a world that is dominated by corporations, greed and technology.
The stories also play in a variety of places, instead of just in the US or Japan. I especially enjoyed the happenings in Argentina and Norway and so on. Through that the whole world feels connected, and you get the idea that literally everybody's life has been impacted in some capacity.
The cast is also quite diverse and there are unique POV characters and all of them are interesting in their own way. Following their lives, their struggles, their motivations was an absolute joy.
I always enjoy slice of life stories. I'm not the biggest fan of huge plots all the time and plot twists on every page. So this was pretty much exactly what I was looking for in a cyberpunk book for a LONG time.
Thank you so much for writing this, I hope I'll be able to get my hands on a physical copy as well, when it's going to be released!
June 18, 2024
Digital Extremeties packs a pensive punch in just a few bite-sized stories, all of which invite the reader to look beyond the shining chrome and indispensable convenience of body modification and confront the potential ramifications and unintended consequences technological advancement brings.
Far from a collection of heavy-handed cautionary tales, Bassett has created a wonderfully thoughtful and at times unsettling cyberpunk setting where everything from the characters' personal relationships to their memories can be manipulated by technology--for better or for worse.
Digital Extremeties is a technically adept, easily digestible look into transhumanism and its consequences.
Far from a collection of heavy-handed cautionary tales, Bassett has created a wonderfully thoughtful and at times unsettling cyberpunk setting where everything from the characters' personal relationships to their memories can be manipulated by technology--for better or for worse.
Digital Extremeties is a technically adept, easily digestible look into transhumanism and its consequences.
May 23, 2025
A wonderful exploration of hope in a technologically evolving world.
Bassett creates rich imagery, lived in worlds and glimpses of beauty hidden amongst a tech heavy backdrop.
Each story inside this collection showcases the ways in which humans work together in the face of challenges which may very well become our reality in the not too distant future.
I am really looking forward to reading more from this author. The audio narration was also great!
Bassett creates rich imagery, lived in worlds and glimpses of beauty hidden amongst a tech heavy backdrop.
Each story inside this collection showcases the ways in which humans work together in the face of challenges which may very well become our reality in the not too distant future.
I am really looking forward to reading more from this author. The audio narration was also great!
January 18, 2025
I did a cover reveal for this book but didn’t have it on my actual TBR yet until I discussed it more with the author. While I don’t quite agree with the cozy comment for the book, I still am glad I picked this up.
As is always the case with a short story collection, I enjoyed some a good bit more than others but overall it was a very interesting mix that worked well together. I liked seeing some of the small connections between stories and thought the world they were set in was really cool. The world-building and emotions of some of the stories has really stuck with me over the last few months.
Some of the characters and stories introduced I would love to have as a basis for entire novels. I’d devour those.
As is always the case with a short story collection, I enjoyed some a good bit more than others but overall it was a very interesting mix that worked well together. I liked seeing some of the small connections between stories and thought the world they were set in was really cool. The world-building and emotions of some of the stories has really stuck with me over the last few months.
Some of the characters and stories introduced I would love to have as a basis for entire novels. I’d devour those.
June 26, 2024
This was a wicked collection of unique, original, engaging short stories. Each take is deeply immersive but the anthology as a whole reads as cohesive and super well put together.
This author has a really fresh voice and I will absolutely be reading more by Adam Bassett.
This author has a really fresh voice and I will absolutely be reading more by Adam Bassett.
June 20, 2025
With both Digital Extremities Adam Bassett has put out some fascinating and intriguing futuristic (and mostly) dystopian cyberpunk works. I found myself really enjoying it and was glad I read Digital Extremities before I started on Animus Paradox.
Recently I was offered a few audiobook codes for Adam Bassett’s two works by the author himself. In exchange for an honest review, I took him up on it.
In D.E., we’re treated to eight tales of the future where the distinctions between human and computer are blurred, if not eliminated completely. Short stories can be a great playground for authors -- letting them play around with an interesting idea or two without committing to an entire novel. Bassett really got creative with these eight stories, and they have incredible range. I’ll highlight a few…
Alone / Together is the first story Bassett showcases and for good reason. It’s a gut punch, especially if you’ve ever loved someone so much you’d do anything for them. It’s a whole lot of melancholy wrapped up in a little over a half-hour of reading time. There was almost a Gift of the Magi quality to it, but with sadness and regret acting in place of love and sacrifice.
The middle stories of the collection are absolutely worthy as well, ranging from sacrificing the past to move on with your future and the effect that integrating technology more into our lives and bodies will have. I also appreciated Bassett setting stories all over the world from America to Norway to Italy, where the last story is set -- Fireworks Above the Badlands.
When I was finished with Digital Extremities, I found myself really invested in the final story in the collection -- and more so with the characters. And Bassett must’ve felt the same way, because Animus Paradox takes off immediately following the events in Fireworks Above the Badlands.
As for the audiobook experience, Adam Bassett got a couple of great narrators -- Joe James and Aven Shore for D.E. Both have great voice and inflection, especially for the type of stories Bassett is telling.
I recommend Digital Extremities, especially for fans of a cyberpunk future.
Recently I was offered a few audiobook codes for Adam Bassett’s two works by the author himself. In exchange for an honest review, I took him up on it.
In D.E., we’re treated to eight tales of the future where the distinctions between human and computer are blurred, if not eliminated completely. Short stories can be a great playground for authors -- letting them play around with an interesting idea or two without committing to an entire novel. Bassett really got creative with these eight stories, and they have incredible range. I’ll highlight a few…
Alone / Together is the first story Bassett showcases and for good reason. It’s a gut punch, especially if you’ve ever loved someone so much you’d do anything for them. It’s a whole lot of melancholy wrapped up in a little over a half-hour of reading time. There was almost a Gift of the Magi quality to it, but with sadness and regret acting in place of love and sacrifice.
The middle stories of the collection are absolutely worthy as well, ranging from sacrificing the past to move on with your future and the effect that integrating technology more into our lives and bodies will have. I also appreciated Bassett setting stories all over the world from America to Norway to Italy, where the last story is set -- Fireworks Above the Badlands.
When I was finished with Digital Extremities, I found myself really invested in the final story in the collection -- and more so with the characters. And Bassett must’ve felt the same way, because Animus Paradox takes off immediately following the events in Fireworks Above the Badlands.
As for the audiobook experience, Adam Bassett got a couple of great narrators -- Joe James and Aven Shore for D.E. Both have great voice and inflection, especially for the type of stories Bassett is telling.
I recommend Digital Extremities, especially for fans of a cyberpunk future.
September 1, 2024
Overall, I really enjoyed these stories! My favorite was the last one, about a PI searching for a missing boy. I enjoyed how cohesively the stories fit together.
July 17, 2024
Sit around the campfire and turn off your lens. We’re telling some Sci Fi tales with this short story collection from Adam Bassett.
Digital Extremities is a solid Sci Fi selection, all truth be told. Bassett curates tales that depict a not-too-distant future and runs a heavy dose of feels through them. Prepare yourself to be moved one moment and deeply uneasy the next. This is a very real experience we’re hurtling towards.
Generally speaking the stories all lean into a central theme of life on the outskirts. The megacity life spills out into the rural areas Bassett covers and in most cases is rejected. The technology in Bassett’s future is an evolution of what we’re used to today. Imagine if the Google Glass actually is converted into a lens that fits over your actual eye. Yikes. Or how about logging your memories in a chip that inserts directly into the analogue port, you know, the one that’s wired in to your head?
We’ve chartered this sort of territory before with the excellent Love, Death and Robots and Black Mirror. Although Bassett isn’t intent on doom and gloom, rather the focus is an honest look at what life could really be like in the areas of society that aren’t so quick to accept new technologies and methods.
Body Mods
Rather than dissect every story here, I’m just covering this book broadly. The subtlety of the worldbuilding throughout the book is fantastic. Bassett has either travelled here from the future and written what he can recall or he’s just very good at this genre.
Tiny details like the descriptions of body modifications, subdermal neon lights or replacement metal fingers for example are just a few of the plethora of minute details each story portrays. Compare these to the substantial concepts like the oceans rising and global temperatures increasing that lead to Svalbard’s rise as an upcoming cultural hub and are so cleverly realised. It all contributes to these stories feeling so real and effective.
These smaller communities are so isolated from the concept of the mega city where the rich go to escape climate change is often stark. The story of those “left behind” as it were is a compelling read. Although the stakes are low in a grand scheme of things, these stories all feel important from character to character. These people we learn about are just doing their best to get by and there are moments where they are forced to do terrible things with no other choice. It’s tough outside the city.
And, throwing my hat into the ring when it comes to content warnings – I appreciated the care the author took in outlining any areas readers may struggle with. While some books don’t need content warnings, the intimacy of DE and the reader is such that these stories can really hit home. That’s a testament in a way to the author’s writing.
Final Thoughts
Signing off on this one simply by saying this is an intimate read that has so much to offer. It’s genuine and pragmatic in what it does and it’ll make you reflect on a lot of things.
Digital Extremities is a solid Sci Fi selection, all truth be told. Bassett curates tales that depict a not-too-distant future and runs a heavy dose of feels through them. Prepare yourself to be moved one moment and deeply uneasy the next. This is a very real experience we’re hurtling towards.
Generally speaking the stories all lean into a central theme of life on the outskirts. The megacity life spills out into the rural areas Bassett covers and in most cases is rejected. The technology in Bassett’s future is an evolution of what we’re used to today. Imagine if the Google Glass actually is converted into a lens that fits over your actual eye. Yikes. Or how about logging your memories in a chip that inserts directly into the analogue port, you know, the one that’s wired in to your head?
We’ve chartered this sort of territory before with the excellent Love, Death and Robots and Black Mirror. Although Bassett isn’t intent on doom and gloom, rather the focus is an honest look at what life could really be like in the areas of society that aren’t so quick to accept new technologies and methods.
Body Mods
Rather than dissect every story here, I’m just covering this book broadly. The subtlety of the worldbuilding throughout the book is fantastic. Bassett has either travelled here from the future and written what he can recall or he’s just very good at this genre.
Tiny details like the descriptions of body modifications, subdermal neon lights or replacement metal fingers for example are just a few of the plethora of minute details each story portrays. Compare these to the substantial concepts like the oceans rising and global temperatures increasing that lead to Svalbard’s rise as an upcoming cultural hub and are so cleverly realised. It all contributes to these stories feeling so real and effective.
These smaller communities are so isolated from the concept of the mega city where the rich go to escape climate change is often stark. The story of those “left behind” as it were is a compelling read. Although the stakes are low in a grand scheme of things, these stories all feel important from character to character. These people we learn about are just doing their best to get by and there are moments where they are forced to do terrible things with no other choice. It’s tough outside the city.
And, throwing my hat into the ring when it comes to content warnings – I appreciated the care the author took in outlining any areas readers may struggle with. While some books don’t need content warnings, the intimacy of DE and the reader is such that these stories can really hit home. That’s a testament in a way to the author’s writing.
Final Thoughts
Signing off on this one simply by saying this is an intimate read that has so much to offer. It’s genuine and pragmatic in what it does and it’ll make you reflect on a lot of things.
August 23, 2024
A great collection of stories to really teleport you to a CyberPunk-esque version of the world we live in. Each story has a unique setting storyline, and he does a really good job of painting the word pictures of the atmosphere, environment, and emotions of the characters. I only wish some of them were a bit longer, because I got invested!
July 19, 2024
What a wonderful, immersive collection of short stories! As someone who is completely new to cyberpunk, these stories were unique and piqued a new interest for me. I felt like I was able to learn what to expect from a world full of high tech thanks to the author’s consistency throughout his stories. My favorite part about many of these stories was the mystery and/or suspense that kept me engaged and reading, especially in 36 Broadway! Great plots, great writing, definitely worth adding to your TBR!
June 18, 2024
In Digital Extremities, Adam Bassett uses a world that’s anything but ordinary to examine what it means to be human. The eight stories in the collection will take you through the gamut of emotions and leave you heartbroken, hopeful, and sometimes reeling with existential dread (in a good way). Come for the cyberpunk vibes, stay for the real connections between characters and the quiet contemplation on what life is truly about—and what people will do to help those they hold dear.
July 31, 2024
This is a lovely blend of cyberpunk stories that left me hanging on to every word. This is outside of the scope of what I usually read, and I was incredibly impressed with the depth, intensity, and variety of the stories that Bassett wove together to bring “Digital Extremities” to life.
January 23, 2025
I was fortunate enough to read an early copy of this collection courtesy of the author! I found it to be thought-provoking and clearly inspired, and I especially enjoyed "Atlantic Essentials" and "Fireworks Over the Badlands".
"Atlantic Essentials" was, interestingly enough, one of the least 'techy' of these stories, but I felt it captured some of the uglier realities of a cyberpunk world in a way that was all too raw and real. The ending landed with a twist and punch but quietly and a bit devastatingly.
"Fireworks Over the Badlands" was a thriller in a unique setting (true old world meets new). This one held a really tight pace and some of the story's setting genuinely stressed me out. I guess I have claustrophobia? What a way to find out. (To explain more would spoil it a bit.)
I'd recommend this collection for folks looking for "softer" cyberpunk or sci-fi that leans more existential, or those who are intimidated by sci-fi and want a more accessible entry point to the genre!
P.S. There is a digital edition of this on Campfire that comes with character/scene artwork and maps made by the author that I think is 1) just awesome and 2) helps add to the overall tone and atmosphere of the collection! Check that out if that's your kind of thing.
"Atlantic Essentials" was, interestingly enough, one of the least 'techy' of these stories, but I felt it captured some of the uglier realities of a cyberpunk world in a way that was all too raw and real. The ending landed with a twist and punch but quietly and a bit devastatingly.
"Fireworks Over the Badlands" was a thriller in a unique setting (true old world meets new). This one held a really tight pace and some of the story's setting genuinely stressed me out. I guess I have claustrophobia? What a way to find out. (To explain more would spoil it a bit.)
I'd recommend this collection for folks looking for "softer" cyberpunk or sci-fi that leans more existential, or those who are intimidated by sci-fi and want a more accessible entry point to the genre!
P.S. There is a digital edition of this on Campfire that comes with character/scene artwork and maps made by the author that I think is 1) just awesome and 2) helps add to the overall tone and atmosphere of the collection! Check that out if that's your kind of thing.
January 27, 2025
This collection of stories is highly creative, smartly written, and has a lot of heart. I already know that it will be on my “favorite reads” list for the year. Bassett has found a fan in me.
August 16, 2024
This collection of short stories set in a cyberpunk type world is delightful! Adam is an incredibly impressive indie author who put together a collection of stories that make us think about the impacts of technology in the everyday life of regular people. Each story is set in different places throughout the world with varying technologies. And while each story follows individuals, as a whole everything feels so connected; slices of a whole life, if you will.
What I really loved about these stories is that you really are left to think about the good and the bad, and the gray area that exists in a world with advanced technology. Things aren’t simply good or bad, which rings true to the world we live in today as we consider emerging technologies.
If you’re new to cyberpunk, this is a great introduction that highly recommend.
What I really loved about these stories is that you really are left to think about the good and the bad, and the gray area that exists in a world with advanced technology. Things aren’t simply good or bad, which rings true to the world we live in today as we consider emerging technologies.
If you’re new to cyberpunk, this is a great introduction that highly recommend.
August 13, 2024
I was given this as an ARC to read and review. It's a collection of short stories, and unfortunately it isn't very good. The prose is fine, but the content is predictable and not very engaging. All of the stories are about the trouble technology brings. After about 4 of these stories I stopped reading.
July 23, 2024
I've given this collection of short stories a 4 star rating, only because partial star ratings are not possible. Not because I think the writing or the stories themselves were bad, but I think a 3.5 rating is more accurate for my sense of entertainment. Let me elaborate. Each of the stories felt incomplete. That's not really the word I want to use, but it's what comes to mind. Just as I was getting into what Mr. Bassett was writing, and I was indeed, getting into each of them, the story ended. I craved more detail and an ending, or resolution. I wasn't getting that with Digital Extremities. I guess this is why I don't read a lot of short story collections. But, let me make it clear that my dissatisfaction was not with the skill of the writer. Mr. Bassett seems to have fine story telling skills. I'm sure that many readers will disagree with me after reading the collection for themselves. And that's good. We each should take the time to consider for ourselves how we enjoy a work of art and not let some random reviewer dictate if we will like it or not.
As a side note. I have to give kudos to Mr. Bassett for the inclusivity he provided to many of his readers. It was nice to see such diversity being shown, without being the focal point of the plot. No grand waving of social equality flags, no parades to support this group, or that one. Just people being people and living together in the world. I like that!
As a side note. I have to give kudos to Mr. Bassett for the inclusivity he provided to many of his readers. It was nice to see such diversity being shown, without being the focal point of the plot. No grand waving of social equality flags, no parades to support this group, or that one. Just people being people and living together in the world. I like that!
September 12, 2025
I listened to Digital Extremities on audiobook, and before I delve into the short stories themselves, I must commend the narrators Joe James and Aven Shore for bringing them alive.
This collection takes the typical cyberpunk world we all expect in our futures, from body modification to brain enhancement, and flips the paradigm of what we expect of such a world on its head. There are odd flashes of silky-smooth equipment and fast-paced action, delving into the murky world of the corporate, and the shine of the new. But Bassett wants to focus on the human amid the machine, the soul at the centre of the hybrid he envisages for us. And to that end, amid the cyberpunk aesthetic, we get stories that contain bitterness and joy, family and friendship, the hunt for the truth or the lost soul among the rise of technology.
That is not to say these tales are not gripping; they are. What can be more important than understanding our humanity as technology threatens to overwhelm us? But they are not filled with the cybernetic dazzle you might expect – and they are better for this. Bassett has the ability to make the mundane shine, and packs depth into his stories to make you think. One of my favourites is Brand New Eyes ‒ it just hits home. To say more would spoil the narrative ‒ a simple story for those of us with grown children.
If you’ve come for the flash cars and modded weaponry, you’ll be disappointed at first. But hang on in, and you’ll feel more human for it.
This collection takes the typical cyberpunk world we all expect in our futures, from body modification to brain enhancement, and flips the paradigm of what we expect of such a world on its head. There are odd flashes of silky-smooth equipment and fast-paced action, delving into the murky world of the corporate, and the shine of the new. But Bassett wants to focus on the human amid the machine, the soul at the centre of the hybrid he envisages for us. And to that end, amid the cyberpunk aesthetic, we get stories that contain bitterness and joy, family and friendship, the hunt for the truth or the lost soul among the rise of technology.
That is not to say these tales are not gripping; they are. What can be more important than understanding our humanity as technology threatens to overwhelm us? But they are not filled with the cybernetic dazzle you might expect – and they are better for this. Bassett has the ability to make the mundane shine, and packs depth into his stories to make you think. One of my favourites is Brand New Eyes ‒ it just hits home. To say more would spoil the narrative ‒ a simple story for those of us with grown children.
If you’ve come for the flash cars and modded weaponry, you’ll be disappointed at first. But hang on in, and you’ll feel more human for it.
August 30, 2024
A deep and often thought-provoking collection of short stories, that could have come straight out of an episode of ‘Beyond Belief, Fact or Fiction’.
Digital Extremities offers a look into the future—a future where body modifications are commonplace. It also offers a glimpse at the struggles humanity will face with rising sea levels, temperatures, and—for some—a lack of opportunities and employment.
The stories vary in length, and I found that I enjoyed the longer stories most of all, namely, ’36 Broadway Avenue’ and ‘Fireworks Above the Badlands’. Others stories in the collection started to pick up pace, and then… they were over. I guess that’s the point of short stories though, right? Leave them wanting more…
I really appreciated the connection between ‘External Memory’ and ’36 Broadway Avenue’, with the MC from Avenue appearing, seemingly a few years later. There were a few other little details spread out as well, which showed that, though self-contained, these stories were all happening in the same world, with the same problems.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading through this collection, and would definitely read more stories set in this world!
Digital Extremities offers a look into the future—a future where body modifications are commonplace. It also offers a glimpse at the struggles humanity will face with rising sea levels, temperatures, and—for some—a lack of opportunities and employment.
The stories vary in length, and I found that I enjoyed the longer stories most of all, namely, ’36 Broadway Avenue’ and ‘Fireworks Above the Badlands’. Others stories in the collection started to pick up pace, and then… they were over. I guess that’s the point of short stories though, right? Leave them wanting more…
I really appreciated the connection between ‘External Memory’ and ’36 Broadway Avenue’, with the MC from Avenue appearing, seemingly a few years later. There were a few other little details spread out as well, which showed that, though self-contained, these stories were all happening in the same world, with the same problems.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading through this collection, and would definitely read more stories set in this world!
August 2, 2024
Cyberpunkers thirsty for more chrome and neon should absolutely pick up this collection.
Bassett offers a genuinely unique take on the genre that contributes to the conversation in a valuable and insightful way. He's saying something fresh here. It's not just another puddle-drenched cityscape dripping with lambent light. Here is a completely novel perspective; a new layer to the greater genre conversation.
When Night City is languishing in effulgent sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll, what's happening in the rural 'n remote? How is the economy thriving and dying in the place beyond the pines? What do suburban teens crave in a world with cybernetics? What morally terrifying options are made available to victims of the darkest night of the soul?
This cyberpunk miscellany offers a speculative social history of the common folk surviving in the mundane world. Any fan of the genre should gobble this anthology right up and supplicate the mortal gods wasting away in their radiant, night-soaked spires for the glut.
Bassett offers a genuinely unique take on the genre that contributes to the conversation in a valuable and insightful way. He's saying something fresh here. It's not just another puddle-drenched cityscape dripping with lambent light. Here is a completely novel perspective; a new layer to the greater genre conversation.
When Night City is languishing in effulgent sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll, what's happening in the rural 'n remote? How is the economy thriving and dying in the place beyond the pines? What do suburban teens crave in a world with cybernetics? What morally terrifying options are made available to victims of the darkest night of the soul?
This cyberpunk miscellany offers a speculative social history of the common folk surviving in the mundane world. Any fan of the genre should gobble this anthology right up and supplicate the mortal gods wasting away in their radiant, night-soaked spires for the glut.
November 20, 2024
Adam Bassett’s Digital Extremities hit me right in the soul. It’s cyberpunk with a heart, threading together the stark beauty of human resilience with the cold inevitability of a tech-dominated future. Each story in this anthology feels like a perfectly crafted puzzle piece, showcasing people navigating loss, love, hope, and some haunting existential dilemmas, all through a futuristic lens.
The characters are so real it hurts, their humanity shining brightly through the chrome and circuitry. Whether it’s grief over a lost child, the tension of economic survival, or the bittersweet longing for connection in a world that feels increasingly disconnected, these stories manage to feel intimate and universal all at once.
If you’re a fan of thoughtful, emotional science fiction, or just want to have your heart simultaneously broken and stitched back together, do yourself a favor and read Digital Extremities. It’s not just a collection of stories, it’s an experience.
The characters are so real it hurts, their humanity shining brightly through the chrome and circuitry. Whether it’s grief over a lost child, the tension of economic survival, or the bittersweet longing for connection in a world that feels increasingly disconnected, these stories manage to feel intimate and universal all at once.
If you’re a fan of thoughtful, emotional science fiction, or just want to have your heart simultaneously broken and stitched back together, do yourself a favor and read Digital Extremities. It’s not just a collection of stories, it’s an experience.
July 3, 2024
🔅 𝔸ℝℂ ℝ𝔼𝕍𝕀𝔼𝕎 🔅
Grateful for the opportunity to read an advance reading copy of the author's awesome work!! Loved every page of it.
𝑫𝒊𝒈𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝑬𝒙𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔 is a well written book, containing a collection of eight different stories that take place over a span of years and in different locations, way far in the future.
Each story is unique, adventurous and dark, but so very captivating. The writing kept me glued to the book. I was engrossed in it from beginning to the end. The descriptions of places, the cybernetics/enhancements, the foreign locations and languages, and some of the characters struggles were so well put into words, I was fascinated.
This was a very lovely surprise, and a great read in my opinion, so if you also enjoy reading sci-fi, make sure to add it to your list. Estimated publication date, 𝟮𝟰 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰‼️
▌│█║▌║▌║║▌║▌║█│▌
Grateful for the opportunity to read an advance reading copy of the author's awesome work!! Loved every page of it.
𝑫𝒊𝒈𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝑬𝒙𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔 is a well written book, containing a collection of eight different stories that take place over a span of years and in different locations, way far in the future.
Each story is unique, adventurous and dark, but so very captivating. The writing kept me glued to the book. I was engrossed in it from beginning to the end. The descriptions of places, the cybernetics/enhancements, the foreign locations and languages, and some of the characters struggles were so well put into words, I was fascinated.
This was a very lovely surprise, and a great read in my opinion, so if you also enjoy reading sci-fi, make sure to add it to your list. Estimated publication date, 𝟮𝟰 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰‼️
▌│█║▌║▌║║▌║▌║█│▌
September 18, 2024
If you're a fan of low stakes stories with a prominent human element, set in a cyberpunk setting, you'll enjoy this and find a lot of meloncholic nostalgia. It is a great set of stories.
Adam wrote something special here. He mentioned to me that all of the stories have a basis in his own anxieties. I think that writing something so realistic based on fantastical elements is important and very noble.
I give this book a four star rating because I think it is an above average read with so much to offer. It is a great book and allows the reader a window into the world. I only want more because we need more stories like this. It isn't a perfect book but it is worth it to read. Take the risk and spend some time reading this book.
Adam wrote something special here. He mentioned to me that all of the stories have a basis in his own anxieties. I think that writing something so realistic based on fantastical elements is important and very noble.
I give this book a four star rating because I think it is an above average read with so much to offer. It is a great book and allows the reader a window into the world. I only want more because we need more stories like this. It isn't a perfect book but it is worth it to read. Take the risk and spend some time reading this book.
July 17, 2024
Digital Extremities is a book for those who truly love to read. Not just for the heck of it but for the intricate details and the small things that matter about each stories. While each story doesn't give you the typical 'happily ever after' ending, it leaves you wondering about the characters and their journeys for just a little while longer. And personally, I love that feeling! The stories set in different times and places in the future, there are still the small things about the characters that keep them real and loveable. The world Adam created is something far yet close to what you might see infront of you - and might even leave you thinking about the future (maybe a little too much)
July 18, 2024
Touching' and 'cyberpunk' might not often intersect, but they do with Digital Extremities. It swings from moving to haunting in an instant, searching for our humanity in an increasingly dim future. Bassett both honours the legacy of the genre while keeping one fixed firmly on new horizons with a collection which spans the world. Brand New Eyes gives a simple family drama a sci-fi gut punch while 36 Broadway Avenue sets two fascinating characters against a ticking time-bomb. Each of these stories bring something great to the table.
August 15, 2024
I received an advanced reader copy of Digital Extremities from the author.
This collection of short stories puts the reader into the lives of people in the future where body modification and high technology exist. The author shows us how these technologies might be used in the lives of normal people. The use of varying cultures and locations adds to the stories and sends the reader into different possible slices of life.
The stories are well written and edited.
I enjoyed the journey into snippets of possible futures and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for cyberpunk.
This collection of short stories puts the reader into the lives of people in the future where body modification and high technology exist. The author shows us how these technologies might be used in the lives of normal people. The use of varying cultures and locations adds to the stories and sends the reader into different possible slices of life.
The stories are well written and edited.
I enjoyed the journey into snippets of possible futures and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for cyberpunk.
September 22, 2024
What a fascinating read! Digital Extremities is a collection of short stories that examines what those on the extremities of a cyberpunk society would look like. The perspectives we don't normally get.
It's got a Black Mirror feel without the complete bleakness.
This anthology does feel very literary fiction for the cyberpunk genre, but I really enjoyed the fresh voice and unique perspective that leans to the genre.
Overall, I'm very happy I picked this up, and I look forward to seeing what else Bassett has in store for future projects.
It's got a Black Mirror feel without the complete bleakness.
This anthology does feel very literary fiction for the cyberpunk genre, but I really enjoyed the fresh voice and unique perspective that leans to the genre.
Overall, I'm very happy I picked this up, and I look forward to seeing what else Bassett has in store for future projects.
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