Tag Archives: Dystopian

Dispocalypse: Post-Apocalyptic Fantasy by Michael Rothman: On Tour

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This post was most recently updated on February 23rd, 2017

Dispocalypse by Michael RothmanDispocalypse by Michael Rothman

Publisher: M & S Publishing, L.L.C. (June 1, 2016)
Category: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic, Epic Fantasy, Young Adult
Tour Date: Oct and Nov, 2016
ISBN: 978-0989089494
ASIN: B01GIIEDXW
Available in: Print & ebook,  406 Pages
Dispocalypse

In a post-apocalyptic world ruled by a Governor who is both feared and worshipped, Willow is a seventeen-year-old girl who is just trying to get through her last year of studies. But when her father dies, she experiences strange dreams that change everything about how she looks at the world and at herself.

Haunted by the tragedy, Willow begins pushing herself beyond anything she could have imagined she was capable of. It’s only when she catches the attention of some of the Governor’s minions that her world is turned upside-down.

“Michael Rothman is a writer with interests in many areas: from fantasy adventures to nail-biting science fiction thrillers.  As a result, his stories are like a roller coaster that carry you away into imaginative worlds where surprises abound, and the only thing that you can expect, is the unexpected.  So sit back and enjoy the ride!”-David Farland, New York Times Bestselling Author

Praise for Dispocalypse by Michael Rothman

“The duality of worlds was very interesting and it hooked me completely especially with the way Willow was made out in those scenes. The presence of a world we are familiar with and then another which had totally different geography and races drew me in slowly but steadily.
The world building was unique and it was a blend of dystopia and fantasy. I believe that was my favourite part of the book. It’s not usual that fantasy elements are introduced into a dystopian/apocalyptic tale. And it has more of a feel of the events happening after apocalypse so it was appropriately named too.

Overall,  the read was a great enjoyable one with ample fighting and adventures. I can recommend this to fantasy and dystopian lovers equally.”- Floryie, Travelogue Of a Book Addict

“I like how this book kept me guessing. It certainly didn’t expect the book to go to the places that it did. You think that one thing will happen, but the story surprises you and goes a totally different direction. The lack of predictability was quite refreshing.
The pacing in this was great! I was surprised how fast I was able to read this once I got started. Nothing seemed to drag. The flow was just perfect.  I highly recommend this book! It is one of the most unique stories that I have had the pleasure of reading. The meshing of genres really makes this one stand out.”- Vanessa [Queen Alchemy ], The Alchemy of Ink

I loved reading it, and can truly say it’s unique! I love how it’s written, and the wording/tone really drew me in. The prologue is somewhat confusing, and it took me a chapter or so to really understand what was happening, but it was a quick read, and easy to follow after that. I also enjoyed the illustrations, an added bonus in any story!

“I loved the characters, and felt the plot was unique, and well thought out. I enjoyed the quick pace, and read a large portion of the book in one sitting!
For this time this is a stand along, still I still have some questions, but I would love another book to answer them! XD (OK so I really just want to visit Willow’s world again!)”-Stephanie, Adventures Thru Wonderland

“Dispocalypse is a Shannara-esque post-apocalyptic return of magic tale, rich with prophecy, redolent with the stink of evil, and vibrant with the undaunted clamors of a young woman who will not allow her will to be constrained. It walks a delightful line between science fiction and fantasy and delivers a tale sure to please readers looking for unusual adventure fiction.”- Big Dave, Amazon Reviewer

About Michael RothmanDispocalypse by Michael Rothman

Michael Rothman  is an Army brat, a polyglot, and the first person in his family born in the United States. Given his first-born American status, hegrew up with English as his third language. As a child, he always had an active imagination and would continuously drive his family crazy with a myriad of “what if” questions.

After a while, they shoved him at the local public library and that’s when he was finally introduced to the world of books, and more specifically, science fiction and fantasy novels. His earliest influences were J.R.R. Tolkien’s classics as well as those of Isaac Asimov. Titles such as these tickled his imagination both as a child and into adulthood.

Website: http://www.michaelarothman.com
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/MARothman2/?ref=bookmarks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MichaelARothman

Buy Dispocalypse by Michael Rothman

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Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus Nov 1 Excerpt & Giveaway

Our-Wolves-Den Nov 7 Excerpt & Giveaway

Rockin’ Book Reviews Nov 9 Review, Interview, & Giveaway

Anastacia Amazon Reviewer Nov 9

JBronder Book Reviews Nov 17 Review & Excerpt

The Avid Reader Nov 18 Review & Giveaway

Lisa’s Writopia Nov 23 Review

Lisa’s Writopia Nov 23 Interview

Infinite House of Books Nov 29 Interview

CM Eiler Amazon Reviewer Nov 30 Review

 

Deal Sharing Aunt Nov 30 Review

Dispocalypse by Michael Rothman

Denise R. Stephenson, author of ‘Isolation’: on Tour

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This post was most recently updated on August 15th, 2014

Publisher: Mill City Press (April 15, 2014)
Category: Dystopian, Science Fiction, Apocalyptic & Post-Apocalyptic, Political Thriller, Medical Thriller
ISBN: 13: 978-1-62652-760-7
Tour Dates: June 15-July 30, 2014
Available in: Print and ebook, 383 Pages

Isolation depicts a bleak but recognizable future in which the fear of contagion reaches a fever pitch as a bacterial epidemic catapults the US into an apocalyptic crisis.

Touch is outlawed. Mothers like Maggie bind their infants’ hands, terrified they might slip fingers into mouths. Gary, a Sterilizer, uses robots to scour the infected, avoiding all contact with human flesh. Trevor, the Chief Enforcer, watches, eager to report any and all infractions.

One inadvertent touch will change all of their lives.

Read or Listen to An Excerpt

Praise for Isolation:

“I was fortunate enough to read a preview copy of Isolation and I have to say it is a timely and thought provoking, if not haunting, look into the future.  I can’t imagine simple day-to-day tasks like getting food at the market being either impossible or dangerous. Written from a variety of perspectives and far-reaching communities, it kept the reader wondering, “Could this really happen to me?  Could this be part of my world?”  This book made me look into the foods I eat, the lifestyle I live and the value of my friends and family. To what extent would I go to keep those I love safe? Looking for answers kept me turning the pages.”– Michelle Keeton

“Denise Stephenson’s novel Isolation is situated in a not-too-distant future, one we can all imagine, in which bacterial diseases decimate human populations world-wide. Though other novelists and filmmakers have relied on viruses to frighten us with tales of pandemic diseases, Stephenson makes bacteria seem much, much more dangerous—in part, because the vast majority of bacteria we come in contact with are necessary for our survival. For one thing, we can’t digest food without the help of bacteria in our stomachs.

In Isolation, government agencies struggle with the question of how to isolate the dangerous bacteria from the life-saving sort. Eventually, hospitals are turned into Anti-Bacterial Centers, robots are used to cleanse individuals who are exposed, touching one’s face is banned, then touching others is banned, and finally everyone is quarantined inside their own homes in a final, desperate attempt to stop the spread of the lethal bacteria. It’s a frightening vision, but each step, each decision, makes perfect sense in light of the threat of contagion.

It’s a gripping tale, at once outrageous and yet plausible. Through news articles, a scientific report and a press release inserted throughout the novel, Stephenson reveals how woefully unprepared American society is for this sort of calamity.

In spite of the doomsday vision the book presents, it remains hopeful and optimistic by focusing on the lives of individuals. In the direst of circumstances, their humanity, their compassion, and their hope shines through.”– Bob Mayberry

“Isolation” paints a bleak picture. In order to keep humankind safe, the government imposes increasingly stricter bans on touching. From Do-not-touch one’s own nose and eyes to, in the end, the Total-Touch-Ban. People live in ever more isolation; at times, confined to their homes like prisoners.

While the prospect of living in, or even reading, about such a world may not sound appealing to everyone, Stephenson’s lovingly created characters, who accompany the reader from the present to a future two to three generations away, confirm that our species can adapt and survive.

Stephenson’s care to give each of her main characters a distinctive voice makes, in turn, the reader care about them; and that is what makes “Isolation” a pleasure to read.”– Irene Gerold

“Isolation gripped me. It’s a mesmerizing dystopia about the quiet and deadly menaces in our lives. These dangers may be hidden in the jargon of the latest government health report, lurking under the frilly curl of a romaine lettuce leaf, or triggered by a minor cut to a finger while using an ordinary kitchen knife. The characters in Isolation are people I know. It was easy to imagine myself as a sister, friend, or neighbor to any of them – or most of them.

I was in the story wondering, “What would I crave? What would I do for my family and my friends? Isolated, what could I do to fight back?” These questions linger.

The story is well paced, well written, and scary. Stephenson’s research is excellent. It provides a persuasive foundation for explaining why the home-bound isolation of the population becomes the awful solution for stopping the spread of disease. The story compelled me to mull my complacency about the safety of our food, drugs, and government promises to always protect our freedom.“- Karen Baum

About Denise R. Stephenson:

DENISE R. STEPHENSON resides in Oceanside, CA, but she has lived in all the isolated locales of this novel at one time or another. Her publishing history is primarily academic, though as a member of Attention Deficit Drama, she has written and produced monologs and short plays. This is her first novel.

Website: http://denisestephenson.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeniseStephensonIsolation
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BookArts_Denise 

Buy Isolation:

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Follow the Tour:

Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus June 16 Excerpt & Giveaway
Library Educated June 17 Review
Creating Serenity June 18 Review
Room With Books June 18 Interview & Giveaway
Reviews From The Heart June 19 Review & Giveaway
Paranormal Romance & Authors June 24 Review
Always a Book Lover June 25 Guest Post
Lightning Chronicles June 27 Review
Elizabeth McKenna Romance Author July 1 Interview
Deal Sharing Aunt July 2 Review
Deal Sharing Aunt July 3 Interview  & Giveaway
Books & Quilts July 9 Review
Mary’s Cup of Tea July 10 Review
Manic Mama of 2 July 10 Review
TreeHouse July 12 Giveaway
Book Talk With Alana July 14 Review
Book Talk With Alana July 14 Interview
Nerdophiles July 15 Review
Nerdophiles July 16 Interview & Giveaway
She Treads Softly July 17 Review
Kritters Ramblings July 18 Review
fuonlyknew July 21 Review & Giveaway
fuonlyknew July 22 Guest Post
Open Book Society July 23 Review
Open Book Society July 23 Excerpt & Giveaway
Cassandra M’s Place July 24 Review & Giveaway
Giveaways and Glitter July 25 Review
Two Children & a Migraine July 28 Review, Guest Post  & Giveaway
JeanzBookReadNReview July 30 Interview

 

 

Roland Hughes, Author of John Smith: Last Known Survivor of the Microsoft Wars: On Tour

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This post was most recently updated on March 27th, 2014

Publisher: Logikal Solutions, May 30, 2013
ISBN-13: 978-1-939732-00-2
Category: Dystopian, Science Fiction
Tour Dates: January, 2014
Available in: Print, ebook & Audio, 272 pages

What if the Mayans got the start of the end correct because they had survived it once before? What if our written history was just as accurate as the old tale about three blind men describing an elephant? What if classic science fiction writing and television shows each got a piece of it correct, would you know which ones? If your eyes can only see a tiny portion of a collage do you know it is a collage?

Many might jump to the knee-jerk assumption that this book is a sequel to “Infinite Exposure” but they would be wrong.  This book does occur after that book and will make reference to the outcome of the prior book, but it is definitely not a sequel.

“John Smith” ties together Atlantis, cell phones, the Mayans, God, the Egyptians, “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea”, and the outcome of the terrorist attack yet to come all in the form of an interview between the last known survivor of the war and a reporter for the largest newspaper of its day, serving 5000 people twice monthly.

During the course of this interview the reporter and reader will learn what did and did not survive, both this time and the previous times.  Throughout the course of this interview both blatant and subtle nods are made to such works as “1984”, “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea”, “Peter Pan”, “Battlestar Galactica” (the new one), “Star Trek TNG”, and “Babylon 5” because one must both acknowledge greatness and build on what the fans already know.

To steal a line from the Rolling Stones, “but what was-in you is the nature of this game.”  When one finishes reading this book they should fall into exactly two categories:  The morally offended and those who sit around for days questioning their beliefs and the true meaning of life.

The book should be incredibly easy for an organization like the SyFy channel to turn into a film or made for TV movie, interspersing clips from old movies and shows, with or without sound, where their topics are being discussed and where they are being directly referenced.

Praise for John Smith: Last Known Survivor of the Microsoft Wars:

“John Smith is the last known survivor of the Microsoft Wars, which are not directly related to the Microsoft company we all know today. The story begins with a young reporter interviewing a man who lives in the bunker, which allowed him to survive the Microsoft Wars. One of the first things said to this young woman is that she has no frame of reference to ask any questions of the Microsoft Wars. This leads into a discussion of many things including nuclear power and subsequently, warfare. Religion is explained to Susan Krowley, the reporter, as well as many other things that no longer exist. She experiences a computer and telescope, first hand and becomes intrigued at the International Space Station.
Roland Hughes spins a very diverse tale, which makes you think about the world around you in a new way.  This is a publication that makes you think, it is a very enjoyable read for those that enjoy science fiction and tales of things that may just be true. As I began the book I thought I would find the interview style annoying to read, but I was sucked in within a few pages.”-D. Martin, Amazon Reviewer

“I believe that Roland Hughes’ novel should be considered as important as ‘1984’ and Aldous Huxley’s ‘Brave New World’. Highly recommended as a thought provoking and fascinating read.”–Susan Parkinson

“This story freaked me out a little bit. It reminded me of “Cell” by Stephen King where the technology causes you trouble. What if this book were true and all the what ifs in it were also true? The world as we know it would be extremely different. I often think about the Mayan calendar and wondered why they picked what they did. I was also nervous about my computer crashing on 1/1/2000.   This was definitely a thought provoking book for me and I will be wondering about some what ifs for awhile.”  – Vicky, Deal Sharing Aunt

“Intriguing style of writing. Microsoft Wars is written from the point of view of a reporter interviewing an individual who is supposed to be the last known survivor from a war or series of wars that involved Microsoft. The book is set in the future – although I certainly hope the future painted in this book is not one that we follow after. I was very entertained as this fictional history unfolded. The story is not overly complicated but still done in a way that draws a reader into the setting. Definitely worth five stars in my opinion.”– CherylH72, Barnes & Noble Reviewer

“It has a great storyline that makes you wonder can this happen, truly? Can we honestly do what he tells Susan in his interview. It was amazing at some of the history he told her, ranging from all time era’s. I laughed when she had no idea what a computer was, or a microwave. It makes you think about how one with no knowledge of the past can truly affect the future. Microsoft Wars is a great read, a good page turner. Once I started it I had to finish it. Roland Hughes has a great story that will have you thinking and guessing about the facts and fiction stories that are told. Some things I could believe some are just myths to some, but I will leave that up to you. I gave enough information, but there is so much, much more I am leaving out.   This is a must read.  I look forward to more of his stories, once you start you won’t put it down. I know I will be wondering what will happen.  
Five Stars.”– Ana Torres,  Barnes & Noble Reviewer

About Roland Hughes:

Roland Hughes is the president of Logikal Solutions, a business applications consulting firm specializing in VMS platforms. Hughes serves as a lead consultant with over two decades of experience using computers and operating systems originally created by Digital Equipment Corporation (now owned by Hewlett-Packard).

He is the recipient of the 2008 Best Books Award Winner in the category Business: Computers/Technology/Internet for his book, ” The Minimum You Need to Know About Service Oriented Architecture” and a 2009 Finalist Eric Hoffer Awards.

Website: http://www.johnsmith-book.com

Buy John Smith: Last Known Survivor of the Microsoft Wars:

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Follow the Tour:

So Many Precious Books Mar 3 Guest Post & Giveaway
Voracious Reader Mar 6 Review
Reading for Sanity Mar 7 Review
Sweeps4Bloggers Mar 10 Valerie Review & Giveaway
Joystory Mar 11 Review
Readers Muse Mar 12 Review
Readers Muse Mar 13 Guest Post
My Readers Block Mar 17 Review
Cassandra M’s Place Mar 18 Review & Giveaway
So Many Precious Books Mar 21 Review
Tracy Riva Mar 27 Review & Interview