Uniquely original immersive experience

From the very first page, Earthcore Book 1: Rotovegas by Grace Bridges thrusts readers into the vibrant world of Rotorua, New Zealand, a setting as crucial to the story as the characters themselves. The geothermal springs of Mokoia Island are not merely a backdrop but a character in their own right, brimming with ancient power and mystery. The author’s depiction of the cultural and natural beauty of the region breathes authenticity into the narrative, making Rotorua a living, breathing entity.

 

About the book: Earthcore - Rotovegas

Anira, the protagonist, is a marvel of character development. Her transformation from a reluctant teen vacationer with a fear of volcanoes into a formidable hero is both believable and inspiring. The cognitive powers she acquires from the hot springs not only add an intriguing layer to her character but also set the stage for a gripping story filled with energy, suspense, and emotion. Anira’s struggle to control her newfound abilities and understand their origin is portrayed with depth and sensitivity, making her journey relatable and compelling.

The supporting characters also have unique abilities that add a delightful layer of complexity and camaraderie that generates tension and growth, from the heart of the story. This ragtag team’s evolution from distrustful individuals to a united force is a testament to the author’s skill in creating believable teenage characters as they face challenges with bravery and resilience.

As the climax builds to a thrilling crescendo, the stakes are high, and the resolution is both satisfying and hopeful. The book concludes with a sense of accomplishment and unity, leaving readers eager for more.

5 out of 5 stars

BookHooup Review of Earthcore: Rotovegas

The intricately woven plot is peppered with clever clues and unexpected twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The blend of action and adventure, combined with fantastical Maori beings and cultural lore, elevates the story to a truly immersive experience.

Earthcore is a uniquely original and imaginative tale that skillfully combines action, fantasy, and cultural richness. It celebrates diversity, teamwork, and the magic hidden in the natural world. With its rich cultural tapestry and inventive storytelling this book is a must-read for fans of dynamic characters and reluctant heroes.

I'm looking forward to reading the series.

About the author: Grace Bridges

Grace Bridges has been in love with language and art, and the art of language, for her entire life. She’s a semi-professional cat herder and also translates German and French. Indie publishing and freelance editing have been her focus for the past ten years, including 40+ titles in her Splashdown Books brand. She has written several novels in space opera, Irish cyberpunk, and in 2017 the EARTHCORE science mythology YA series set in New Zealand. Her short stories and non-fiction appear in many anthologies and online magazines. Grace loves to show people that it’s easy to make books—but also insists on top quality writing and design. She has served five years on the committee of New Zealand writers' group SpecFicNZ and is its current president. See www.gracebridges.kiwi for information on her art, fiction and non-fiction, editing work, and more.

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As BookHookup I received a free review copy of this book from the author but was not compensated for reviewing or recommending it. Some links in this post are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliate sites.

Action packed YA dystopian fiction

Payback (Lockdownland Book 2) by Michael Botur picks up with the life of 20-year-old Eden Shepherd as she is released from jail early. Her sentence has been suspended for crimes committed during the year-long biodome experiment of book one, Moneyland. As she steps into freedom, she tries to pick up her middle-class life with her daughter, Hope, who was born under the dome and raised by Eden’s Mumshine during her incarceration. All she wants is to get back to normal life. But normal isn’t coming back to her dystopian world where the technological growth of AI has become uncontrollable and irreversible. 

 Eden’s father has given himself over to The Cloud (virtual world) along with half the people she knows. She is determined to rescue her father and bring him home. This one task works as a springboard for the entire plot. When she makes it to the Cloudport, she witnesses the sad reality of the existence of row upon rows of victims of The Cloud. Before they can return home, Eden, her Mumshine, and daughter are trapped within another biodome where Eden’s new arch-enemy is a vengeful father out to make her pay for the death of his child in the first biodome experiment.

Eden hooks up with feral kids who have made a life in the old mall, scrounging for what they need for daily life. As Eden works to find her place in this new social order she searches for a way of escape and quickly runs into trouble with adults who have turned against their children and mindlessly follow the vengeful “Father.”

 

@donnasundblad #Payback #book #booktok #bookreviewer #bookrecommendations #blackphoenixbooktour #bookish #dystopianbooks #yabooks ♬ original sound - Donna Sundblad

Book Review: Payback

Payback is the second novel I’ve read featuring Eden Shepherd. There is no dead space in this relevant, action-packed dystopian fiction that shines a light on why we are right to fear things like government mass surveillance or living in virtual reality. Eden Shepherd is a strong female protagonist who continues to grow and build on skills learned in book one, Moneyland. She discovers more about her family history, faces tough decisions, more loss, and the reality that her world is under constant surveillance. But Eden is a fighter. She will resist.

Payback is dark, and often painful as it paints a vision of a totalitarian future, but it also provides a ray of hope in Eden Shepherd who believes she can forge a way to a new beginning with her daughter. It reminds us that we still have a chance to change things for a better world. A future where factions learn to live in unity, democracy restored, and AI’s function is limited. I recommend this book to those who enjoy dystopian fiction like The Hunger Games series or The Maze Runner books. 

I received a copy of this book through Black Phoenix Book Tours and have not been compensated for reviewing or recommending it. Some links in this post are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliate sites.

 

About Author Michael Botur

Michael Botur, born 1984, is a writer originally from Christchurch, New Zealand, who now lives in Whangarei with his wife and two kids. He is author of four short story collections and published Moneyland in 2017.

Botur holds a Masters in Creative Writing from AUT University and a Graduate Diploma in Journalism Studies from Massey University, as well as degrees in arts and literacy. He has been making money from creative writing since the age of 21 and was in 2017 proud to be included in the University of Otago collection 'Manifesto Aotearoa: 101 political poems'. Today, he makes his living from writing as a columnist, corporate communications writer, blogger, advertising writer and journalist. He has published creative writing in international literary journals Newfound (US), Weaponizer (UK), The Red Line (UK), Swamp (Aus) and most NZ literary journals including Landfall, Poetry New Zealand, 4th Floor, JAAM and Tākahe. Botur has published journalism in most major NZ newspapers including New Zealand Herald, Herald on Sunday, Sunday Star-Times, as well as many magazines.

Botur has a long history of volunteering, including working with Maori and Pasifika literacy, Youthline, ESOL refugee tutoring, and assisting stroke patients, and in Whangarei is involved in improv theatresports and performance poetry.

Botur’s books include 'Moneyland,' ‘Payback,’ 'LowLife,' 'Spitshine', 'Mean' and 'Hot Bible’ and all available on Amazon.com. Most of Botur's short fiction is offered for free at https://nzshortstories.com/

For information on Michael Botur’s writing services, head to http://www.michaelboturwriter.com/