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Lost. Leap. Loop.
Lost. Leap. Loop. is a compelling science fiction novel that journeys through time, relationships, and the vibrant complexities of human emotion. Following the life of Driti Raj, a freelance artist based in Bengaluru, the narrative begins with her mundane yet intricate life filled with art, family, and the challenges of love. As Driti becomes entangled in a mysterious painting that transcends time and reality, the story spirals into an engaging exploration of alternate timelines, self-discovery, and emotional resilience.
The writing is rich with evocative imagery. Take, for instance, the vivid description of Driti’s painting, “The Woman in the Lush Art,” where the lush backdrop and enigmatic female figure pulse with life and mystery. The author captures the artist’s process beautifully, drawing readers into the emotional and technical intensity of creation. The prose occasionally becomes overwrought, leaning on descriptions that, while poetic, slow the pace. Still, these moments are offset by the story’s emotional depth and its heartfelt portrayal of relationships.
The central theme of navigating life’s unpredictabilities is handled with grace. The scenes where Driti confronts rejection from a client, only to turn the “blurred” artwork into a personal masterpiece, are particularly touching. It is a metaphorical nod to life’s imperfections being part of its beauty. These moments of resilience and self-acceptance resonated deeply with me, as did the interactions between Driti and her loving yet traditional parents. Their generational and cultural clash over marriage choices adds a layer of realism and relatability to an otherwise fantastical plot.
Lost. Leap. Loop. is a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit, the power of love across timelines, and the universal longing for belonging and purpose. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy reflective, character-driven science fiction with a touch of family drama. It’s a novel for those who find beauty in life’s imperfections and who believe in the transformative power of art and love.
Pages: 142 | ASIN: B0DKPBJC7P
Dual Murder Mysteries
The Scorching: The World in My Hands follows a select group of humans who are brought to live on alien ships when the Earth is headed for global collapse. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The original concept came from wanting to write about a very possible near future in terms of the ‘The Scorching’ and the environmental situation we have been developing through indifference. Once I had the world in my head, I then needed to ensure there were engaging stories to be told. In this case, dual murder mysteries involving people with little-to-no power within an organisation very used to being in control.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from and how did it change as you were writing?
The plantships were a concept from Just Press Play, and in a way were a reference to the benign role of the Drathken. They have grown a ship that acts with automaticity, and though the humans try to influence what happens, their only real impact is on the internal society. The ship runs itself, and this evolved as I wrote into the concept of the Seed Queen and how the ship finds its next home. You can take this as an allegory – the public can have a say in how we want our world to function, but the real power acts in the background of society.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The lack of voice those without power truly have, and where ultimate control of what happens to us and our world lies. My main characters have stark choices to make, and you, as the reader, may not agree with the direction they take when faced with survival.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
I would like to explore two more themes within The Scorching. One would be the can of worms opened in this book about what was known in the 1950s about climate change. This would likely be a short novella. The other, an exploration of the new Earth once the Drathken have completed their mission to deal with the damage to our atmosphere. Of course, they would need to be fun stories, one full of intrigue, the other more action-orientated.
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Sinister Stories and Twisted Tales: The Ultimate Anthology of Sci-Fi & Cosmic Horror
Sinister Stories and Twisted Tales delivers an electrifying collection of cosmic horror and darkly imaginative short stories. Fourteen haunting narratives come to life within these pages, weaving a spell of terror and fascination. From a little boy who encounters a deceptively innocent yet malevolent dog on his birthday to a father driven to desperation in a realm of dark trade and a young girl fighting to escape sacrifice in a dystopian world, the tales plunge deep into the human psyche.
Author Anthony Abraham’s writing has an eerie tone that is skillfully employed, keeping readers enthralled and teetering on the edge of their seats. His storytelling is infused with suspense and dread. The author’s skill lies not only in crafting vivid and terrifying plots but also in his ability to give each story a unique voice while maintaining an interconnected universe that binds the anthology together.
The variety in this collection is remarkable. Abraham seamlessly navigates through genres like sci-fi, cosmic horror, philosophy, and dystopia, ensuring there’s something to unsettle every reader. Yet, the real brilliance is in how each story connects to the next, creating a tapestry of terror that is as cohesive as it is unpredictable.
Characters come alive with depth, from compelling protagonists to memorable side characters. Each conversation is sharp and purposefully written. World-building is intricate but never overwhelming, striking a balance that leaves room for the imagination to fill in the dark corners. A unique feature of this anthology is the inclusion of video links, which elevate the reading experience. These multimedia elements add another layer of immersion, drawing readers even deeper into Abraham’s twisted universe. The result is a sensory experience that is both thrilling and unsettling.
With mind-bending twists and heart-stopping surprises, Sinister Stories and Twisted Tales is a horrifying adventure that challenges boundaries. Abraham succeeds in building fourteen distinct worlds that are well-paced and spellbinding. His anthology stands out as a must-read for horror enthusiasts and those looking for an immersive experience in the dark corners of fiction.
Pages: 222 | ASIN: B0D2S3Y62N
LITERARY TITAN 