Off The Grid: Trade Edition

by E. Denise Billups

Justine wakes to her android digital companion, DANA, attuned to her breath, heartbeat, and every emotion 365 days of the year. The year is 2410, and technology runs every facet of human life. Convinced humans have sacrificed their autonomy, Justine wants to unplug from the digital world. When she learns of the off-the-grid community of Merrick, she believes these people have the right idea. But after Justine’s boss goes missing, strange events begin to take place, and people start going off the grid. Will human and computer merge to save their common future, or is it already too late? This is the trade paperback edition of Off The Grid, with a 5" x 8" trim size.

Genres: Short Stories, Horror

38 pages, Paperback

Published January 13, 2021

About the author

E. Denise Billups is an American author born in rural Alabama, raised in New York City, formed by a multicultural environment. Previously a Wall Street Portfolio Analyst, Denise now writes haunting paranormal mysteries, suspense, and thrillers. The rigors of ballet shaped her childhood and earlier years — a discipline she carried into her writing. Today, Denise lives in New York City, where she’s a fitness fanatic by morning, a writer by day, and an avid reader during her free time. When she’s not penning her next thriller, she’s lost in the pages of a book, indulging her passion for literature or surrounding herself with friends and family. For more insight into Denise’s world of fiction, visit her website at edenisebillups.com.

Reviews

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Off the Grid is a great example of a short story that will lure in readers for an author's full-length novels. e Denise Billups has created a clever science-fiction tale set in a pseudo-dystopian world where computers run our lives. An artist is using an interesting medium to display their talent, and when the agent visits his home, things take an unusual turn. Meanwhile, another employee of the art gallery begins to discover what's really happening inside these changing landscapes. What a way to pack a punch... highly recommended! Billups knows exactly how to create a setting filled with such beautiful descriptions and imagery, you are immediately drawn in.

[Bibiana Krall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Off the Grid by E. Denise Billups is an interesting mix of gothic horror, dystopian and science fiction in short story form. "Like an extra limb, DANA senses my health, needs, desires, and dreams. I wonder how people survived without the Android assistant in the past and worry we’ve become too reliant on technology."

The future "wired" world setting in Charleston was a perfect alternate for the strange town of Merrick in an unnamed state where a famous artist creates his masterpieces. It reminded me of some of the unusual places I have been in the mountains of North Carolina or Georgia when my navigation stops working and I need coffee or gas.

Some of the classic themes brought forth about technology potentially diminishing human progress and the things that haunt us when we choose our own path is evergreen. You will never, ever guess what's happening or look at at an art gallery the same ever again.

Poor Maggie has no clue what she's just stepped into, actually no one does and that's what made this a thrilling and fast (one sitting) read that dropped a freaky twist at the end.

I prefer stories that use psychological suspense to draw me in, and along with that, this story is entertaining and totally unique. It would make a fabulous Black Mirror episode. You should read it!

[Cathleen Maza · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Off the Grid" is a longer short story that is a well executed combination of the dystopian and horror genres. Not only does it present readers with the dilemma of humans becoming far too dependent on their electronic devices, but also throws in a walloping dose of good old-fashioned horror. (Just what's in that successful artist's paint?) While following the last pages of the story can get a bit trippy, which actually fits right into the action, this makes for a very interesting and recommended short read.

[JJ Broenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

twilight zone futuristic

An intriguing story about art that is more of a portal. Great imagery explained throughout and I quickly felt a connection to the characters; even though this is set in a highly digital world in the 2400’s.