William L. Stuart

author of The Gemstone Chronicles Series

dystopia

Lights Out (Lights Out #1) by Joey Paul – My Review!!

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I decided to dip my toes into the dystopian genre for my latest read and chose Lights Out (Lights Out #1) by Joey Paul. Read on for my thoughts!

Lights Out Cover

Synopsis (from the author):

Ever since the war ended, the United English Cityships have had equality. The rules are clear. You are born, you live and the day following your sixtieth birthday, you are sent off for your final sleep.

Lock is a firm believer in the system. It means that everyone is truly treated equally. It’s only when she checks in an attendee who claims to be younger than her chip says that Lock starts to realise there may be someone gaming the system.

The problem is the corruption goes higher than Lock could even begin to imagine. As her belief in the world she lives in starts to crumble, Lock finds herself wanting justice for those who have gone before their time.

Can she do it? Or will they silence her before she can get the word out?

What I liked:

Lights Out was an interesting read and there are many things in it that could apply to today’s world.  However, that is not the focus of my review. Lock, our protagonist, is a good character. There was ample diversity in the book and I liked the idea of everyone treated the same. But, as with most “utopian society” ideas, it really isn’t fair. The mystery is who makes the decision and how can it be stopped? And, does society even want it stopped? No spoilers from me, so you’ll just have to read it to find out!

What I didn’t like:

For me, the story dragged in a few places and it took a while to get to the heart of the story. Some of the characters were a little underdeveloped (Chris, for example), and there was too much repetition in the characters’ mannerisms.

Overall impression:

Lights Out by Joey Paul had many good elements. Lock’s character was good, the storyline intriguing, and the mystery behind who was gaming the system added a nice touch. If you enjoy dystopia, read this one!

My rating:

4 Stars

Connect with Joey Paul:

Find Joey Paul on her Amazon Author Page or her website and discover this prolific author and her many books (and maybe pick up a few). While you’re there, please consider leaving a comment or a review!

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Rings of Polaris Collection by Paul Alan – My Review!!

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Rings of Polaris Collection – My Review!!

Rings of Polaris Cover

Science fiction shows up in my recommendation occasionally and when they do, I take a good look at the blurb before committing. Rings of Polaris Collection by Paul Alan looked good and I added it to my TBR list. Here are my thoughts!

Synopsis (from the author):

Masterfully crafted by Paul Alan, the ‘Rings of Polaris’ series fuses science fiction, dystopian fiction, and action – in an adventure giving Arthur C. Clarke a run for his money.
Readers are invited to strap in with Jason and Rebel Lexis on a mission across the vast wasteland that was once Earth to the surface of Mars. While nobody will deny science fiction’s timeless popularity, both readers and critics are currently crying out for wholly-unique new narratives that don’t succumb to recycling of the “same old” concepts.

What I liked:

Rings of Polaris had the interesting characters, cool, technology, and galaxy-altering intrigue that I enjoy in science fiction novels. Jason and Rebel Lexis fill the characters’ role nicely, especially Rebel Lexis’ emergence as an almost human syn. Jason has enough baggage to allow him to be a brooding hero. The tech on the ships was a bonus. With plenty of action, a touch of mystery, and a bit of time travel, the book entertained me!

What I didn’t like:

I thought the book could have used another round with an editor. I usually don’t comment on particular words or writing style unless it throws me from the story. In Rings of Polaris, the word ‘albeit’ was overused and, after the first couple of appearances pulled me from the story. In addition, I felt there were some rambling parts that didn’t connect with the story as a whole.

Overall impression:

Rings of Polaris Collection had some excellent good sci-fi elements. Good characters, solid technology (including the syns), and the intrigue all make for an entertaining read. Sci-fi fans will enjoy it!

My rating:

3.5 Stars (rounded to 4 stars)

Connect with Paul Alan:

Find Paul Alan on his Amazon Author Page and his Facebook page. When you visit, please consider leaving a review or a comment and maybe pick up a book or two!

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2121: Twilight’s Last Gleaming by Karl J. Morgan – My Review!!

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2121: Twilight’s Last Gleaming – My Review!!

2121 Twilight's Last Gleaming by Karl J. Morgan Cover

Occasionally, I like to read a bit of dystopia. Because of this, Amazon sends me recommendations in the genre. My latest dystopian recommendation was 2121: Twilight’s Last Gleaming (Revolution Book 1) by Karl J. Morgan. Here are my thoughts.

Synopsis (from the author):

Is America’s future in the hands of a fourteen year-old boy? Jack Kennedy is growing up in a nation destroyed by a corrupt, uncaring government. While the elites live in splendor in their domed city centers, the masses live in squalor and poverty. Farmers struggle to survive in walled villages to protect themselves from the terrorists and gangbangers who ravage the countryside. The elderly are banished as there is no will or money to support them. The promise of our country has become a dystopian nightmare where life is hard and hope is an illusion.

Until now, Jack’s life has been good. When his best friend ventures to the nearby Ottumwa Free City to look for his former coworkers, Jack hitches a ride and discovers our president’s horrific secret. The truth is revealed in the slaughterhouse, and their lives will never been the same again.
In this fast-paced action thriller, Jack and his friends and family must fight the most violent and terrifying forces of man and nature to stay alive. If they succeed, perhaps there is hope for all of us; if not, we are doomed and America will be forever lost.

What I liked:

Karl J. Morgan did a good job of blending hopelessness and hopefulness into a thrilling book. Jack Kennedy and his girlfriend Alexis are teens forced to fight for their lives and perhaps for a better future. The horrors they and the rest of the US face make for some creepy moments, and the picture painted in 2121: Twilight’s Last Gleaming is grim to say the least. Abe, a former Marine, was my favorite character, though Jack and Alexis are good, too. Overall, I enjoyed the book.

What I didn’t like:

I thought a few of the battle scenes were overdone. In addition, some of Abe’s skills were over the top. Lastly, the teens’ parents seemed more disconnected than I thought they should be.

Overall impression:

2121: Twilight’s Last Gleaming (Revolution Book 1) has plenty of action, good characters, and moves quickly. The battle scenes provided an excellent picture of the state of the United States in the dystopian setting. I have to warn that there is strong language throughout, so this one is for older teens and above. If you like dystopian novels with an underlying current of hope, read this one!

My rating:

4 Stars

Connect with Karl J. Morgan:

Discover more about Karl J. Morgan and his books on his website and his Amazon Author Page. While you’re there, please consider leaving a review or a comment and maybe buy a book or two!

Connect with me:

I’m on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest. Say hi and let’s start a conversation! And don’t miss a post. Subscribe to the blog! I look forward to meeting new friends!

History’s Prisoners by James Garmisch – My Review!!

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History’s Prisoners (Invasion #1) – My Review!


History's Prisoners by James Garmish Cover

Dystopia and science fiction often go well together and History’s Prisoners (Invasion #1) by James Garmisch is no exception. This one came to me from an Amazon recommendation and I’m glad it did!

Synopsis (from the author):

Moments before his execution, Huan is given a clear choice: infiltrate the Global Resistance—or die, and never see his children again.

The Alliance is collapsing, and Huan, a former economist for the worldwide government, knows how it was engineered. History has been reset, the children of dissidents re-educated, and the family unit abolished. The facade of utopia is evaporating.

Meanwhile, beyond the city walls, the separated lands are shifting from despair to chaos. Smoldering discontent is about to explode. Huan is neither a soldier nor a spy, but he will have to become both—and quickly—if he is to survive and to save the family that does not know him.

What I liked about History’s Prisoners:

History’s Prisoners grabbed my attention from the start. The encounter between Doon and Reanna, followed by the battle, sets the stage for this sci-fi dystopian book. Well-written, plenty of action, behind the scenes political maneuvering, and a hint of romance, makes this a good read. And I can’t forget to mention Sasha and his memorable character! 

What I didn’t like about History’s Prisoners:

For me, the details of the world, though entertaining, slowed the story. In addition, many parts were too predictable.

Overall impression of History’s Prisoners:

History’s Prisoners (Invasion #1) was a good dystopian sci-fi novel. Well-written, memorable characters, and an eerie parallel to current events (on both sides of the political aisle and society in general), the book entertained me, but kept me wondering at the same time.

My rating:

4 Stars

Connect with the Author: 

Find out more about James Garmisch and his books on his Amazon Author Page or his website. While you are at it, please consider leaving a review to let him know your thoughts on his book!

Connect with me: 

I appreciate you taking time to read this review! Please leave me a comment or connect with me on social media. I’m on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest. I enjoy meeting new friends, so say hi on the socials or drop me an email at bill@williamlstuart.com!

The Threat Below (Brathius History Book 1) by Jason Latshaw – My Review!!!

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The Threat Below (Brathius History Book 1) – My Review!!!

The Threat Below Cover

The Threat Below (Brathius History Book 1) was in my Kindle recommendations recently. The title intrigued me, and the blurb sounded good, so I decided to give it a shot. Read on for my thoughts!

Synopsis (from the author):

Three hundred years ago, something arose and pushed humanity to the brink of extinction. Now, a small remnant – the descendants of the few survivors who were able to escape the massacre below – lives above the clouds, on the top of a mountain. But there’s been a change. Their water supply is being poisoned. Someone, or something down below is trying to kill them. Now an expedition, including seventeen year-old Icelyn Brathius, must descend and face the monsters that wiped out civilization centuries ago.

As Icelyn faces dangers in a world humans are not meant to survive, she learns that not everything is as it seems, uncovers an ancient revelation, and then faces a choice that may change the fate of everyone above and below the clouds.  Will Icelyn be strong enough to both survive and bear the terrible secret?

Join Icelyn Brathius as she leaves everything she has ever known to journey to the place no one was ever supposed to go.

What I liked:

The Threat Below was a fresh take on dystopia. The premise of a handful of humans clinging to life at the top of a mountain, while the threat to their existence lurked just below the cloudline fascinated me. Add to it the rigid society existing among the humans, the clear class distinction inherent in their world, the background intrigue for power, and the stage is set for a great tale. Icelyn, with her conflicting feelings about two males and a predestined future, makes a compelling character. The two rivals for her attention become unwilling participants in her quest. But, I have to stop there as you’ll get no spoilers from me. Overall, a good read!

What I didn’t like:

At times, the story was slow. Additionally, I didn’t understand why they sabotaged the water supply in that way. Other than that, good book.

Overall impression:

The Threat Below (Brathius History #1) was a good read! Though slow in spots, the characters, action, and story kept me interested. I recommend this one to anyone who enjoys dystopia with a scientific twist!

My rating:

4.5 Stars (rounded to 5 Stars)

If you’ve read or plan to read The Threat Below by Jason Latshaw, please consider leaving a review. As an author, I know the value of reviews, and I’m sure Jason Latshaw would appreciate it!

Connect with the author:

If you want to connect with Jason, you can find him on his Amazon Author page. Stop by, check out The Threat Below and his other books, and say hi (and maybe leave that review we talked about)!

Connect with me:

If you liked (or didn’t) my review, leave a comment and let me know. You can also drop me an email at bill@williamlstuart.com, or connect with me on the socials. Find me on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest, so don’t be shy, say hi!

Subnormal by Stuart Kenyon – My Review!!

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Subnormal – My Review!!

Subnormal Cover

Subnormal by Stuart Kenyon showed up in my Amazon recommendations. Although I don’t read dystopia often, the blurb interested me and I picked it up. The book didn’t disappoint! Read on for my review!

Synopsis (from the author):

Imagine a utopia where every person has a purpose and not a single life is wasted.

Britain has become a hive-like world, with even the weakest and most vulnerable playing their part in the nation’s transformation. Crime is low, employment high.

But all is not quite as it seems. Though the revolution was quiet and bloodless, countless lives have been torn apart before our very eyes. Whilst the silent majority are mysteriously duped into collaboration, dissenters are ignored or punished. Democracy, civil liberties and equality are replaced by corruption, discrimination and segregation.

Paul, who has Asperger’s Syndrome, knows slavery in the Zone is intrinsically unnatural. His first personal rebellion at Industrial Zone Four is crushed and he is forced to suffer alone for years in silence. Until his younger brother, Tommy, is also declared “subnormal” and sent to the Zone following an accident.

Allied with a handful of fellow Zoners and free-thinkers from the outside world, the brothers defy the powers-that-be. Can they beat the odds and restore to the British people a freedom few can remember?

What I liked:

Subnormal presented a dystopian UK, where the government systematically and silently controls the populace. They classify citizens they can’t control or who have issues (as defined by the government) as subnormal and place them in work zones. The Zoners face horrible treatment and brutal control. Despite the odds, our heroes, all considered subnormal, band together and strike out against the oppression. Will they succeed? No spoilers from me! Paul and his brother are great characters, and Paul’s Asperger’s is key to the story. The other well-developed characters include a former soldier, a scientist, and a single mom trying to regain her son. Each plays an important role in the story. All told, a scary but entertaining read.

What I didn’t like:

it was difficult for me to accept the ease with which the government controlled the populace. In addition, the evil government was too stereotypical. Lastly, the Zoners’ took action too easily in a police state.

Overall impression:

Subnormal by Stuart Kenyon was a gritty, disturbing look at a dystopian UK. Filled with both good and evil, the story moves quickly. If you enjoy dystopia, give this one a read!

My rating:

4 Stars

Connect with the author:

Have you read Subnormal? What about Stuart Kenyon’s other books? If so, please consider leaving a review where you purchased the book(s). Connect with Stuart Kenyon through his website.

Connect with me:

Did you enjoyed my review? Disliked my review? Please leave me a comment and let me know. Let’s connect on the socials, too. Find me on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest. I look forward to getting to know new friends! Let’s start a conversation!