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Amid The Imaginary

Amid The Imaginary

Tag Archives: Cli-Fi

Book Release! Syzygy: The Complete Novel

03 Tuesday Apr 2018

Posted by amidtheimaginary in Messages

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Tags

Book Release, Cli-Fi, Indie Author, YA Sci-Fi

syzygy-omnibus-cover

A century after a genetic engineering disaster eradicates human life on Earth, two young rebels risk everything to save their struggling lunar outpost: Ash, reluctant champion of a DNA archive effort that runs dangerous missions back to Earth; and Skye, a cunning scavenger from a tribe of outcasts. Their fractious alliance reveals shocking truths concealed for generations and sparks one desperate hope for the future of their species.

This complete edition unites all six installments of the Syzygy hexalogy—Transient Phenomena, Opposition Effect, Retrograde Motion, Escape Velocity, Red Shift, and Right Ascension—along with a previously unpublished prequel novelette.

syz

Anela says: I’ve read all six installments of this thoughtful and thrilling Sci-Fi series, and can’t recommend it enough!

Book one of the series is free so grab it today, or better yet, download the full omnibus! The eBook is available for $4.99 on Amazon or via Kindle Unlimited.

Book Trailer!!

Right Ascension (Syzygy Book Six)

02 Monday Apr 2018

Posted by amidtheimaginary in Reviews

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Tags

Book Reviews, Cli-Fi, Indie Author, Self Published Book, YA Sci-Fi

syzygy-6

Title & Author: Right Ascension (Syzygy Book Six), J. K. Ullrich

Genre & Publication Date: YA Sci-Fi/Cli-Fi, January 30, 2018

Book Description: *Spoiler, sorry*

First Line: *Also spoiler*

My Take: This book was provided to me by the author for review.

I’ve been reviewing installments of this series for some time and I’m happy to report the finale brought everything together, delivering an awesome conclusion to an incredibly unique story.

Reviewing the last book of a series is tough because I don’t want to spoil any of the twists or reveals. Just know there are plenty of them. Plenty of action too, and the experiences Skye and Ash (our main characters) went through, together and separately, in the course of these adventures felt true and real. Bit by bit, they got to know each other, and found there was plenty to learn even from someone they thought was their enemy: Trust and acceptance. Confidence and loyalty. The lesson of blind belief. Survival comes not in a vague sense of purpose and a fuzzy concept of the future, but in accepting hard truths with a willingness to change direction because of them. That’s real courage.

The Magical: The science! This author excels at putting the ‘Science’ in Science-Fiction. From atmospheric realities, to DNA sequencing, to the components needed to create a viable ecosystem, all of this amazing info is expertly folded in with a fictional story in such a way that it feels incredibly real. Not to say that I’m rooting for the apocalypse here, but if it happened, I am now totally up on facts I need to know:)

The Mundane: Just a small nit: One of the characters was on a mission that isolated them from everyone for a really long time. I’d anticipated more readjustment when they returned and were around people again, like discomfort to the noise and nearness of others, especially groups of them. This person seemed to roll back into the swing of things with an ease I doubted. I can barely stand crowds even without long bouts of solitude.

Summary of Thoughts: Well researched, full of thoughtful themes and developed characters, this is a marvelous Sci-Fi series that I think everyone will love, from YA to adult. Grab the first installment free on Amazon.

I really can’t wait to see what new ideas are coming next from this author.

five-star-review

Many thanks to author J. K. Ullrich for providing a copy of the book to review.

Want to know more about the author and her work? Check out her website here

Red Shift (Syzygy Book Five)

01 Wednesday Nov 2017

Posted by amidtheimaginary in Reviews

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Tags

Cli-Fi, Indie Author, Science-Fiction, Self Published Book, Young Adult

red shift

Title & Author: Red Shift (Syzygy: Book 5), J. K. Ullrich

Genre & Publication Date: Sci-Fi/Cli-Fi, October 17, 2017

Book Description: WARNING: As this is book five, read the description with caution if you haven’t read the first four books. REMINDER: Book One is FREE

“In the fifth installment of the “Syzygy” hexalogy, the long-divided clans of lunar survivors reconnect at last, but a century of distrust isn’t easily overcome. Determined to forge an alliance between their fractious communities, Ash and Skye undertake a second Earth mission. Old enemies and new revelations await them. As dark truths about the past threaten humanity’s fragile chances for the future, only Ash and Skye’s evolving partnership can unite the survivors…if it can withstand their own shattered hopes and unthinkable loss.”

First Line: *CENSORED*SPOILER*

My Take: This book was provided to me by the author for review.

Again, I’m going to avoid any specific detail on the goings-on in this book since it’s the fifth book and I don’t want to spoil anything.

Lots of twists and turns, nothing uncommon with this series, but there was also more attention to the interpersonal on this one than in previous installments. This was nice to draw us in on the relationships and the real emotional toll that this entire saga is taking on our heroes. There are losses, unexpected allies, terrible betrayals, personal revelations–all that in a novella! I can feel us rounding the bend toward the conclusion of the series but the surprises keep on coming and I HAVE NO IDEA HOW IT’S GOING TO END. This right here is what I love best about Indie books. I read plenty of traditional published stuff too but self-published works are always full of plot surprises I haven’t seen before. This series is no exception.

The Magical: Awesome ending! Definitely unexpected. Dear God, what’s going to happen now????

The Mundane: In certain scenes there were a few too many characters on stage that I didn’t know well or had seen maybe a couple of times. This caused some confusion and slowed the pace for me, though it may be a me-problem thing since I have trouble remembering the names of real humans if I’ve only interacted once or twice.

Summary of Thoughts: Currently this book is $0.99 on Amazon like the others (Except book one is FREE). A great installment in the continuation of this series which–I’ll just keep on sayin’ it–I highly recommend if you love compelling Sci-Fi.

four-star-review

Many thanks to author J. K. Ullrich for providing a copy of the book to review!

Want to learn more about the author and her work? Explore her website here

In the Spotlight: Red Shift (Syzygy: Book 5)

19 Thursday Oct 2017

Posted by amidtheimaginary in Messages

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Tags

Book Series, Cli-Fi, Free Books, Science-Fiction, Self Published Book

If you haven’t read this awesome Sci-Fi series, get started today with book one “Transient Phenomena”. Available for FREE on Amazon! Check out my review of it here

Red Shift (Syzygy: Book 5)

By J. K. Ullrich

red shift

In the fifth installment of the “Syzygy” hexalogy, the long-divided clans of lunar survivors reconnect at last, but a century of distrust isn’t easily overcome. Determined to forge an alliance between their fractious communities, Ash and Skye undertake a second Earth mission. Old enemies and new revelations await them. As dark truths about the past threaten humanity’s fragile chances for the future, only Ash and Skye’s evolving partnership can unite the survivors…if it can withstand their own shattered hopes and unthinkable loss.

Buy it today on Amazon!

The full review coming soon to the blog (Preview: It’s amazing!!)

Escape Velocity (Syzygy Book 4)

28 Friday Jul 2017

Posted by amidtheimaginary in Reviews

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Tags

Book Review, Book Series, Cli-Fi, Indie Author, Science-Fiction, Self Published Book

syzygy-cover-pt-4

Title & Author: Escape Velocity (Syzygy Book 4), J. K. Ullrich

If you’re just learning about this series, I recommend starting with my review of book one: Transient Phenomenon

Genre & Publication Date: Sci-Fi/Cli-Fi, June 27, 2017

Book Description: “After surviving disaster and betrayal on Earth, Ash and Skye return to Luna with news they hope will unite their rival colonies. But not everyone welcomes the change their discovery promises to bring. Can they save their two communities, or will the conflict shatter their nascent partnership…and with it, the last chance for a nearly extinct human race?

“Escape Velocity”, the fourth volume in the “Syzygy” novella series, will thrill fans of contemporary science fiction classics like Orson Scott Card’s “Ender’s Game” and Margaret Atwood’s “Oryx and Crake”. Don’t miss Part I, “Transient Phenomena”, Part II, “Opposition Effect”, and Part III, “Retrograde Motion”, also available for Amazon Kindle.”

First Line: *Censored for spoilers*

My Take: This book was provided to me by the author for review.

Another awesome installment in this series that is becoming one of my favorites. After an unexpected turn of events Ash and Skye are forced to drastically alter their plans. Things are turning more dangerous than when they faced a spore infested planet, and some truths they held close are challenged by betrayal. As they risk their lives to work toward a potential solution to mankind’s greatest catastrophe, they’re confronted by political posturing and power grabbing rhetoric masquerading as salvation. I really enjoyed the intrigue and the fact that there are still allies even among people who might seem like enemies at first (and vice versa as well). This made the lunar communities feel so real to me.

The personal journey of our main characters Ash and Skye continue. I love how they keep learning new things about themselves and each other as they face these dangers. Each installment has me getting to know them on a deeper level than the previous one. I also love how they proactively strategize. Yeah, things are looking bleak, but dammit, they’re still going to fight for their people. And if one plan fails and they manage to survive, well then, they’ll try again. Their mix of pragmatism and optimism is addicting and I’m dying to see what happens next.

The Magical: The scientific research set against the backdrop of ignorance and politicking was a great juxtaposition and an excellent example of how humanity ended up in this situation in the first place. It really had me growling with frustration–not that my tolerance at the moment for this kind of thing is stretched thin as a wafer cookie or anything. I mean, after all, if it weren’t for politics I might still think the world is round. (Apologies if the sarcasm dripping off that fell onto your device. I’ll pass out towelettes.)

The Mundane: Something really awful happened to one of the main characters (it was really cool too but, you know, in an awful way). It wasn’t contrived feeling at all and really altered the dynamic between the two protagonists in a believable way. So, the thing I noticed is really minor given everything else and maybe no one else would see it, but I wondered why later it didn’t seem like the experience troubled the character it happened to other than some lingering physical stuff. I expected this person to grapple with it mentally a bit more, kind of in the way someone who survived a near drowning would be nervous about going near the water again.

Or maybe I’m just a sickie and wanted to read more about a favorite character’s suffering. There’s always that possibility.

Summary of Thoughts: Currently this book is $0.99 on Amazon. If you haven’t caught on to the fact that this is an awesome series by all the four and five stars I keep giving it (and my dedicated gushing about it), then here’s an extra reminder: It’s amazing! And NEW. I feel like I run across so many recycled plot lines and genre formulas these days. This story line is one I’ve never read anything like before (and y’all know I read constantly). A poignant look at our potential future through the lens of an environmental crisis that isn’t all that fictional. This is yet another fantastic installment just as strong as the rest.

four-star-review

Many thanks to author J. K. Ullrich for providing a copy of the book to review!

Want to learn more about this author and her work? Explore her website here

Free Book in Awesome Sci-Fi Series

17 Saturday Jun 2017

Posted by amidtheimaginary in Messages

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Cli-Fi, Free Books, Indie Author, Science-Fiction

Hi everyone! Been out this week with some righteous strep throat which I’m finally recovering from *hugs bottle of Penicillin*. The hubby has had to do everything for the house and kids and me, besides the full-time job. We work as a team on these things so I know it had to be exhausting.

In his words: “I figured out that I can do it all on my own, I just really don’t want to.”

He also found time to do a huge batch of yummy homemade chicken noodle soup for me. He’s an amazing, incomparable guy. That internship I decided to take in Holland where we met keeps paying off. Thank you past-Anela, for your bold, nerdy self.

Anyway, I’ll be back next week with regular blogging but I wanted to do a shout out for a Free book that’s available this weekend only:

syzygy-1

This series was part of my Five-Star Roundup post you can check out here. Here’s my original review of book one. The blurb:

Ash was never supposed to visit Earth. After a genetic engineering catastrophe wiped out civilization, the survivors—inhabitants of a lunar mining colony—planned to rebuild on Mars. That was before a group of rebels seceded to the dark side of the moon, taking critical materials with them. Now conscripted teenagers scavenge the ruined third planet for species to use in terraforming. At fifteen, Ash is the best diver in a generation. But when tragedy strikes, he vows to end his colony’s dependence on its old homeworld at any cost.

Skye has never set foot on Earth. It’s not even visible from the moon’s far side, although the exiles’ mystic leader promises they will return home someday. Skye has discovered something that could realize this long-awaited dream, but she’s an outcast among outcasts, and no one will listen to her plan. To save her people, she might have to betray them.

Worlds collide when Ash and Skye meet, blurring the boundaries between enemies and allies, deception and truth. Their choices could preserve a future for humanity…or finally drive it to extinction.

Fans of contemporary science fiction classics like Orson Scott Card’s “Ender’s Game” and Margaret Atwood’s “Oryx and Crake” will enjoy “Transient Phenomena”, the first installment of the “Syzygy” novella series.

A fast-paced and intriguing Sci-Fi series that is just cracking along the entire way. The fourth installment is coming out on June 27th so now is a great time to get caught up. If you’d like to read an excerpt, there’s one up on the author’s page right now.

Or you can just go grab a FREE copy on Amazon (Do it!)

Have a great weekend and I’ll see you next week!

Retrograde Motion (Syzygy Book 3)

16 Thursday Mar 2017

Posted by amidtheimaginary in Reviews

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Book Reviews, Cli-Fi, Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic, Science-Fiction

51Xh6zeqvHL

Title & Author: Retrograde Motion (Syzygy Book 3), J. K. Ullrich

Genre & Publication Date: Science-Fiction/Cli-Fi novella, January 31, 2017

Book Description: ““Whatever’s going on here, it’s bigger than any one of us.”

Ash and Skye’s rogue mission to Earth uncovers a secret with profound implications for their rival lunar colonies. But threads of conspiracy reach all the way back to the moon, and a traitor in their midst is determined to keep the truth buried. With their air supplies running out, Ash and Skye’s only chance is an unprecedented alliance…with one another.”

First Line: Anela says, “Can’t put the first line in here because it would be a huge spoiler to the previous two books. Sorry!”

My Take: This book was provided to me by the author for review.

Treading carefully with this review since it’s the third book in the series and some seriously awesome and unexpected things happened at the end of book two that I don’t want to ruin for everyone. This third installment of Syzygy is packed with loads of intriguing twists and turns and some reveals that I didn’t see coming. A new group has come on scene with our two main characters, Skye and Ash, calling into question many of the truths both have believed their entire lives (Excellent job with the science involved in explaining them!). Now they have to figure who is behind the lies and why. At the same time they are forced to make drastic choices in order to bring vital information back to their people on the moon settlements all while trying to evade forces intent on making sure they never leave Earth alive. *pants* There was so much going on I was grateful I didn’t have to breathe through a filter mask like Ash and Skye while reading this or I’d have surely passed out.

Another great ending too, so not what I thought would happen. I had a total, “Whaaaat??” moment. Nice.

The Magical: The evolving relationship between Skye and Ash has me hooked. Enemies in the beginning, they are slowly starting to respect each other’s courage and sense of duty to their respective peoples, despite that those peoples are in conflict. I love the natural pace of this change.

The Mundane: If I had to point something out it would be that the first handful of pages felt a touch on the slow side. Didn’t matter in the long run though because I knew I’d suddenly be falling through the pages, which I did.

Summary of Thoughts: Currently this novella is $1.99 exclusively on Amazon. Be sure to check out my reviews of the first two installments if you’re new to this series: Transient Phenomena (Book One) and Opposition Effect (Book Two). Syzygy is such a unique story. I really haven’t read anything like it and I read all the time (Face-in-book syndrome, right here). Part Post-Apocalyptic, part Dystopian, all Science-Fiction, it’s a blunt confrontation with the mistakes of mankind and the slender hope for a future–if we can learn from the past.

If you’re on the hunt for good Sci-Fi, pick up book one today!

four-star-review

Many thanks to author J. K. Ullrich for providing a copy of the book to review!

Want to learn more about this author and her work? Explore her website here

Opposition Effect (Syzygy Book 2)

05 Monday Dec 2016

Posted by amidtheimaginary in Reviews

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Book Review, Cli-Fi, Indie Author, Science-Fiction, Self Published Book

51fm-kdtwll

Title & Author: Opposition Effect (Syzygy Book 2), J. K. Ullrich

Genre & Publication Date: Science-Fiction/Cli-Fi, October 23, 2016

Book Description: “In this second volume of the Syzygy series, colonial hero Ash and renegade Skye forge an uneasy partnership, launching an unauthorized mission that could mean survival for the lunar-dwelling remnants of the human race. But when their distrust undermines the effort, conflict between their teammates leads the entire company into disaster. Can Ash and Skye survive each other, and the shocking discovery that shatters every belief they held true?

Fans of contemporary science fiction classics like Orson Scott Card’s “Ender’s Game” and Margaret Atwood’s “Oryx and Crake” will enjoy the “Syzygy” novella series.”

First Line: “I can’t believe you talked me into this,” Rowan grumbled, drifting in front of the shuttle’s hatch.

My Take: This book was provided to me by the author for review.

The continuation of this Sci-Fi series takes readers on a return journey to Earth with a mission that could either be a complete disaster or the salvation of the human race — love it when a story puts the stakes as high as they can get. The mission itself is clandestine in nature because the leader of Ash’s colony flat out told him not to do it, but since the death of someone close to him (avoiding spoilers here), Ash isn’t quite as biddable as he once was. He wants a way to get humanity on its way to making Mars the new home in THIS lifetime, rather than the achingly slow progression it’s taking now. Even if the information source behind this mission comes from an enemy (our second protag, Skye), he’s willing to risk it. It’s a bold move that makes me really like the guy. Skye is still an enigma to me and her demeanor can seem chilly with a pinch of snark, but yet there’s this inner pain she struggles with that keeps her in my good graces. Most of that bluster comes from her struggle and her desperation. The interactions between her and Ash had me smirking frequently.

The mission itself is helluva rollercoaster with one obstacle after another thrown at them. Action, intrigue, and a load of twists that I did not see coming which is something I don’t say often!

The Magical: The reveals at the end, definitely! Of course, I can’t tell you why because that would be spoiler-y, but what a crescendo!

The Mundane: I thought Ash should’ve put a bit more thought into who would be on his team for the mission. The trust he placed in the person who helped him make his choices seemed a little flimsy considering he’s leading the mission. He’s not usually a leader though so maybe that’s why he dropped the ball on that part.

Summary of Thoughts: This second installment is an awesome follow-up to part one (read the review of the first novella Transient Phenomena). Things are escalating quickly, the intensity of the story along with it, leaving me and my theories of what was going to happen in the dust. I can’t tell you how much I hunt for that sort of thing in my reading  and how rarely I find it. If you haven’t gotten into this series yet, get started now. I definitely recommend it and cannot wait for part three!

five-star-review

Many thanks to author J. K. Ullrich for providing a copy of the book!

Want to learn more about this author and her work? Explore her website here

Transient Phenomena (Syzygy Book 1)

05 Friday Aug 2016

Posted by amidtheimaginary in Reviews

≈ 8 Comments

Tags

Book Review, Book Series, Cli-Fi, Indie Writer, Science-Fiction

syzygy-1

Title & Author: Transient Phenomena (Syzygy Book 1), J. K. Ullrich

Genre & Publication Date: Science-Fiction & Cli-Fi, June 26, 2016

Book Description: “Ash was never supposed to visit Earth. After a genetic engineering catastrophe wiped out civilization, the survivors—inhabitants of a lunar mining colony—planned to rebuild on Mars. That was before a group of rebels seceded to the dark side of the moon, taking critical materials with them. Now conscripted teenagers scavenge the ruined third planet for species to use in terraforming. At fifteen, Ash is the best diver in a generation. But when tragedy strikes, he vows to end his colony’s dependence on its old homeworld at any cost.

Skye has never set foot on Earth. It’s not even visible from the moon’s far side, although the exiles’ mystic leader promises they will return home someday. Skye has discovered something that could realize this long-awaited dream, but she’s an outcast among outcasts, and no one will listen to her plan. To save her people, she might have to betray them.

Worlds collide when Ash and Skye meet, blurring the boundaries between enemies and allies, deception and truth. Their choices could preserve a future for humanity…or finally drive it to extinction.

Fans of contemporary science fiction classics like Orson Scott Card’s “Ender’s Game” and Margaret Atwood’s “Oryx and Crake” will enjoy “Transient Phenomena”, the first installment of the “Syzygy” novella series.”

First Line: Even trespassing had a languid elegance in low gravity.

My Take: This novella was provided to me by the author for review.

Post-apocalyptic scenario in which we wrecked Earth and drove ourselves to near extinction? Check. Humans in space? Check. Split philosophies on what the fate of humanity (what’s left of it) should be which fractured mankind into two groups? Check. A hero who doesn’t feel like a hero, dealing with tragedy and desperation, plagued by hope? A heroine with cunning and drive, braving her people’s disdain to try to save them? These two thrown together in an all or nothing gamble that could get them cast out by both groups, killed, or maybe, just maybe, restore humanity’s future? Check! Check! Check! This story supplied everything on my Sci-Fi shopping list.

As a fan of this Indie author (For my review of her novel Blue Karma, click here) I’m always impressed by the depth of research she obviously completes to put in this level of detail. Genetic sequencing, decontamination protocols, biological and atmospheric hazards, and let’s not forget the physics of living on the moon. It’s a fully imagined reality, down to the science of what caused the catastrophe which drove mankind from Earth–an element that has an all too non-fictional slant to it and will leave you feeling a tad worried for our future. Okay, maybe more than a tad.

The Magical: Once again, awesome world building. Every facet of this universe feels like it was in place long before I got here, as if I opened a door and strolled into it. No info dumping. The history logically and realistically imagined and conveyed. I was one happy geek reading this.

The Mundane: So, the two main characters are Ash and Skye, only it takes quite a while before Skye is actually named in the book. Her sections are all “she” and “the girl” references. I wasn’t entirely clear why there was this anonymous element to her part and it kind of distanced me from her. We get to know her name when her story joins Ash’s, and I still very much like her characer, but I don’t know why she had to remain nameless until then.

Summary of Thoughts: Currently this book is $0.99 on Amazon. Action, adventure, lunar living, moral ambiguity, put together in this Sci-Fi/Cli-Fi package with a very non-fictional thread. It’s a great read that I definitely recommend and I’m looking forward to the next installment!

four-star-review

Many thanks to author J. K. Ullrich for providing a copy of the book to review!

Want to know more about the author and her work? Explore her website here

“Blue Karma” Birthday Book Bargain!

27 Friday May 2016

Posted by amidtheimaginary in Messages

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Cli-Fi, Fantasy, Indie Writer, Self Published Book

Hey all, a great book I once reviewed, Blue Karma, is on sale for just $0.99 for a short time!!It’s an action packed Cli-Fi novel. Go get your copy today!

Blue

If you’d like to read my review of the book, click here

The author, J K Ullrich, has more details about it on her blog at the post link below:

On May 27, 2015, I became a published author with the release of Blue Karma. I can’t believe my debut novel is a year old already. To celebrate, it’s going on sale! The Kindle Countdown…

Source: “Blue Karma” Birthday Book Bargain!

Amid the Imaginary

I'm a Hapa Haole Hawaiian girl living in chilly Minnesota, reading, writing and working full-time while raising my family.

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