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Vinestead Universe #5
Hybrid Mechanics
Open your eyes, my son, and behold the machinery of the world…
Armando Carrillo has always lived with the nagging feeling that the world wasn’t real, but he never expected to wake up naked in an abandoned underground bunker with a computer screen behind him flashing the words CLIENT DISCONNECTED.
After the discovery that his life in Austin, Texas was nothing more than a computer simulation, Armando must unravel the mystery of his true existence and figure out who put him in the simulation in the first place, and more importantly, why.
With ancient generators spewing noxious gasses into the underground facility and massive screens flashing ominous warnings, Armando will have to find a way to escape his cavernous tomb, not only to save his life, but the lives of the three other Austinites who were plugged in with him.
Set in the Vinestead Universe and brimming with twists and clever one-liners, Hybrid Mechanics is another irresistible mash-up of technology, mystery, gunplay, and subtle sexual tension from Science Fiction author Daniel Verastiqui.
Hybrid Mechanics is the fifth book in the Vinestead Anthology, a series of novels that take place in the same universe but are not direct sequels. For more information, visit danielverastiqui.com.
Armando Carrillo has always lived with the nagging feeling that the world wasn’t real, but he never expected to wake up naked in an abandoned underground bunker with a computer screen behind him flashing the words CLIENT DISCONNECTED.
After the discovery that his life in Austin, Texas was nothing more than a computer simulation, Armando must unravel the mystery of his true existence and figure out who put him in the simulation in the first place, and more importantly, why.
With ancient generators spewing noxious gasses into the underground facility and massive screens flashing ominous warnings, Armando will have to find a way to escape his cavernous tomb, not only to save his life, but the lives of the three other Austinites who were plugged in with him.
Set in the Vinestead Universe and brimming with twists and clever one-liners, Hybrid Mechanics is another irresistible mash-up of technology, mystery, gunplay, and subtle sexual tension from Science Fiction author Daniel Verastiqui.
Hybrid Mechanics is the fifth book in the Vinestead Anthology, a series of novels that take place in the same universe but are not direct sequels. For more information, visit danielverastiqui.com.
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Published April 8, 2019
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About the author
Daniel Verastiqui
13 books68 followersDaniel Verastiqui is a cyberpunk science fiction author based in Austin, Texas. With eight books published, he explores the intersections of technology and humanity in vivid, futuristic worlds. He is currently writing The Vinestead Anthology, a series of novels set in a shared universe yet standing alone as unique stories. His work offers a thrilling mix of suspense, action, and thought-provoking themes that delve into an alternate digital age where technology threatens the world and everyone in it.
His next book, House of Nepenthe, is scheduled for release in 2025. Visit danielverastiqui.com for more details.
His next book, House of Nepenthe, is scheduled for release in 2025. Visit danielverastiqui.com for more details.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
April 9, 2019
Have you been begrudgingly perusing political news headlines, day after day, and think to yourself, “this can’t be real”? Hybrid Mechanics, Verastiqui’s 5th installment in the Vinestead Universe, answers back, “what if it’s not? What if this is all a simulation?”
I’ve been following Verastiqui’s work since Xronixle – his first – and I’ve had the pleasure of seeing his writing continuously improve, culminating into this fantastic mix of Cyberpunk Futurism and modern-day existential crises of the true nature of reality.
This book follows a group of strangers in non-linear fashion, including a burnt-out IT manager, a tenacious YouTube personality, and an ex-GI mamma's boy and man of faith, who through a series of “glitches” find themselves woke in the real world. Where are they, how did they get there, and who put them there? Verastiqui weaves a cunning narrative that answers these questions while raising even more, reaching a nail-biting denouement that will send shivers down to your solar plexus.
Verastiqui’s trademark descriptive style and signature wit is thankfully present throughout the story: clever dialogue, multi-dimensional characters, sexual subtleties and exploring of gender identities, The Matrix-style virtual realities, religion, synthetic humanoids, and cliff-hanging chapter conclusions that only makes you want to keep reading. Pop culture-savvy readers will enjoy Verastiqui’s humorous allusions, and if you’re familiar with the Austin, TX area you’ll absolutely get a kick out of his local references.
This book is much deeper than the surface level would lead you to believe – figuratively and literally. Verastiqui is at the top of his form and I can’t wait for his next book.
I’ve been following Verastiqui’s work since Xronixle – his first – and I’ve had the pleasure of seeing his writing continuously improve, culminating into this fantastic mix of Cyberpunk Futurism and modern-day existential crises of the true nature of reality.
This book follows a group of strangers in non-linear fashion, including a burnt-out IT manager, a tenacious YouTube personality, and an ex-GI mamma's boy and man of faith, who through a series of “glitches” find themselves woke in the real world. Where are they, how did they get there, and who put them there? Verastiqui weaves a cunning narrative that answers these questions while raising even more, reaching a nail-biting denouement that will send shivers down to your solar plexus.
Verastiqui’s trademark descriptive style and signature wit is thankfully present throughout the story: clever dialogue, multi-dimensional characters, sexual subtleties and exploring of gender identities, The Matrix-style virtual realities, religion, synthetic humanoids, and cliff-hanging chapter conclusions that only makes you want to keep reading. Pop culture-savvy readers will enjoy Verastiqui’s humorous allusions, and if you’re familiar with the Austin, TX area you’ll absolutely get a kick out of his local references.
This book is much deeper than the surface level would lead you to believe – figuratively and literally. Verastiqui is at the top of his form and I can’t wait for his next book.
August 18, 2020
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway, for which I am very grateful. The following is my unbiased review of it.
After winning this book, I had a few trepidations about it. I somehow missed that this is the fifth book in a series, a condition I try to avoid due to not knowing the backstorys. I needn't have worried, though. This book is a stand alone novel, as apparently are the other four in the series. Buy without fear, dear readers.
The premise of this book really appealed to me. I've thought from time to time that this world in which we live sometimes doesn't make sense. Especially lately. Too much like Heinlein's Crazy Years, only worse. It wasn't until I studied computer modeling and simulation that I began to wonder if simulated reality were possible. And in the process found a whole new genre of science fiction. This book is an excellent example of that genre, and I shall look up the others by this author.
You should, too.
After winning this book, I had a few trepidations about it. I somehow missed that this is the fifth book in a series, a condition I try to avoid due to not knowing the backstorys. I needn't have worried, though. This book is a stand alone novel, as apparently are the other four in the series. Buy without fear, dear readers.
The premise of this book really appealed to me. I've thought from time to time that this world in which we live sometimes doesn't make sense. Especially lately. Too much like Heinlein's Crazy Years, only worse. It wasn't until I studied computer modeling and simulation that I began to wonder if simulated reality were possible. And in the process found a whole new genre of science fiction. This book is an excellent example of that genre, and I shall look up the others by this author.
You should, too.
July 4, 2019
This was a great read. There are several storylines that are advanced throughout and the way in which everything is brought to resolution was, for me, very satisfying. The book manages to stand on its own, meaning you don’t have to have read the earlier books to enjoy it; however, those who have read the others will have a different and perhaps richer appreciation for what the author has done here. If you’re a fan of sci/fi this is a great read. If you’re a fan of the author’s earlier work it’s a must read. Good pacing and just an all around well done book. I could make comparisons to other books that are in a similar vein but don’t want to spoil the experience or mislead anyone. Just read it, you won’t be sorry.
April 7, 2022
Took a bit but a good story
Interesting kind of wish there was a book 2 I did enjoy different concepts than I am to but a good story
Interesting kind of wish there was a book 2 I did enjoy different concepts than I am to but a good story
May 17, 2019
Copy of my review posted on Amazon:
My new favorite book by Daniel Verastiqui. I was wondering since the cover blurb gives away some of what the story is about. But even though you think you know where it's going, there are some surprises. All in all, a fun story and well written. A lot of Austin, TX references, if you're into that.
My new favorite book by Daniel Verastiqui. I was wondering since the cover blurb gives away some of what the story is about. But even though you think you know where it's going, there are some surprises. All in all, a fun story and well written. A lot of Austin, TX references, if you're into that.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews