Downtime Shift, by Robert Holding - Interesting AI concepts

Downtime Shift

Love this science fiction novel. Thanks, again, to Booktasters, for expanding my horizons and for great reading pleasures. My review is up on GoodReads. 

Downtime Shift by Robert Holding
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you, Booktasters and Robert Holding, for a free copy of this book in exchange for a honest review. Sorry that it took me so long to read, but it's not a reflection on the content.
I thoroughly loved reading this book, and has already started to read the next follow-up, Infinity Shift. (Thanks, Robert Holding, for sending it as well). It is good escapism in these uncertain times.
I got a glimpse into time travel, an omnipotent AI called EYE and different societies and the ways they live. "Earthers" and "Spacers", and a choice in the way of living. The EYE resetting society, and manipulating it, creating Fork Time... Shifties following their prime directive, or going against it. All interesting concepts that keeps you bound until the very last page.
I would have loved to learn more about the heroine, Evelyn. About her time before Downtime, and also her time with the Spacers. More character development are welcomed for Evelyn and Stan. I would also have loved to read more about Spacers and the societies in space.
For Science Fiction lovers, there are some interesting concepts to wrap you head around.
I give this book 5/5 for the interesting storyline and keeping me hooked until the last page. I want to read more!

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Mona Lisa on the Moon, Thirty-two Thousand years in the making - Vol 1 Review

I had the perfect book to get me through the first 21 days of lock-down. We are now in the extended final two weeks. Thank you, Booktasters, and George B, for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.


Volume 1, Mona Lisa on the Moon, Thirty-Two Thousand Years in the Making by George B
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you, Booktasters, and George B, for a free copy of this book. It was especially great to read during this time of lock-down during the Covid-19 pandemic. This is my review in exchange: I love a good science fiction novel. I love this one, especially! It has all the allure of what I enjoy about a futuristic novel. Volume 1, Mona Lisa on the Moon, Thirty-Two Thousand Years in the Making, is the first in a series. I hope the next one is coming soon, because it ended in a cliff-hanger.

I totally agree with the premise that the earth has had many high civilisations (and many life cycles), which were wiped out, and started again. Higher evolved beings, with much longer earth lives, living and working with artificial intelligence in harmony. Exploring space, and terra-forming and populating other celestial bodies. With all the challenges (and other life forms) that comes with it! This novel is set in a time frame thirty two thousand years ago. Mind-boggling, but totally believable. (Looking forward to the movie/series edition).

The heroine and main characters are mostly too good to be true, but it did not bother me at all. It was great reading a story where, although the suspense is high, we can expect the outcome to be in their favour. (Mostly...). The plot do not get bogged down with elaborate descriptions, but enough to sustain a good story. Saving earth, saving humans on other planets, as well as saving other life forms in the universe... It's all part of their daily existence.

Maybe it's because we are living in strange times, locked in our homes, that I enjoyed this escapist science fiction even more. I recommend this to all who dream of better futures, where we are in charge of our own destiny! One day we will be where Mona Lisa is! Thank you, George B, for making us dream.


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The Darkest side of Saturn - Tony Taylor - a review

I love reading science fiction. The more we read and dream of plausible futures, the more we are prepared for it! Or maybe not? That's debatable. :-)

I got a free copy from Tony Taylor through BookTasters, the author The Darkest Side of Saturn: Odyssey of a Reluctant Prophet of Doom. Booktasters is really a great way to read good books. I have to post reviews afterwards, but it's part of the allure of reading good literature. I try to be positive, but I give my honest opinions about a book. As you will see below...

daughters, by Stuart Land - Book review

daughters, by Stuart Land - Review on Good Reads

I start so many books nowadays, to loose interest and not really wanting to continue. Although I do not like abandoning a book, I struggle to finish it. Does it say something about my reading style, or how much we have changed with regards reading behaviour in our multi-media world? Luckily "daughters" by Stuart Land gripped me immediately, and I could not wait each evening to find out what is the next shocker in this gripping tale. If you like science fiction and human behaviour stories, this is a great read. As a mom of daughters, this also hit a nerve, as I could only imagine how I would feel if my daughters get pregnant at age 12-13.

daughters by Stuart Land
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book. Since the moment I started reading, I wanted find out more and why this was happening. Virgin daughters getting pregnant worldwide, changing the story of human survival... I cannot say more, as I do not want to spoil the story-line for future readers. I love a good SciFi story, and this story ticks all the boxes. The story are made even more plausible by the use of biological science throughout. It is well-researched. The well-rounded characters also adds to the allure of the story. I would definitely recommend this story for a movie script.
Well done, Stuart Land!
Disclaimer: I got this book for free through a suggestion by Booktasters on Twitter, with the undertaking that I do a review afterwards. I even changed my review from 4.5 to 5 when I read the end of the story. You'll know when you read the end of the story.

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