Of Friction by S.J. Lee

Sam “Valkyrie” Ryan is in turmoil. Wrestling with her brother’s decision to retire after their next mission, the recon specialist fights to sway his choice. Yet, her emotions take a back seat as they’re assigned to safeguard a crucial reconciliation summit between the Altered and Humans, threatened by terrorists advocating human supremacy.

Amidst the chaos, Sam finds herself drawn to a captivating female medic but struggles to maintain focus as events spiral out of control. As tensions escalate unpredictably, Sam is blindsided by secrets from the past, uncovering a sinister plot aimed at humanity’s destruction.

“Of Friction presents a fully realized, lived-in post-apocalyptic world that thoughtfully grapples with complex themes of humanity, the self, and the costs of progress,” writes Tiffany H. in their 5-star review. “Lee weaves suspense with Sam’s intense character drama adeptly, drawing the reader in from the first words. The narrative’s pacing keeps the tension high throughout the book, and while Lee will slow the movement down on occasion, she excels at twists that pick things back up.”

“Couldn’t put it down!” writes Anonymous in their 5-star review. “Lee strikes a great balance between world-building and gripping action. Can’t wait for the next one!!”

Our Greater Good by Matthew Topic

Once hailed as a beacon of unity, technology sparked a devastating war. In the city of Cumberland, ruled by the deity Fortis, Patrick Franklin questions the citizens’ apparent contentment amidst limited freedoms. Exiled for his curiosity, he discovers a hidden world of excess among the outcasts. Readers couldn’t wait to find out if he would uncover the truth and ignite a revolution.

“Highly recommend for anyone (especially book clubs) looking to invoke conversation!” writes Mark in their 5-star review. “The parallels the author draws to today’s cultures shine a whole new light on them. A great story, told by a great writer!”

“Very interesting read,” writes Anna in their 5-star review. “This novel uses a dystopian angle to question humanity’s technological advances, leading to a series of existential, but necessary, reflections on our world.”

Nanoland by Jack McGuigan

Nanoland, the idea of legendary filmmaker Frank Nano, promises an immersive experience on a Florida island. But when attractions turn deadly, Alicia Amandi, a disillusioned actress, must lead survivors to safety. As they confront the park’s dark secrets and its founder’s legacy, Alicia realizes the thin line between fantasy and reality may be their downfall. Can they escape Nanoland’s grasp, or will they be lost in its sinister depths forever?

“I laughed, I gasped, I laughed some more!” writes Anonymous in their 5-star review. “Without too many spoilers, I’m going to be thinking about churros and sloths for a while now, and if that’s not enough to convince you to read this book, I’m not sure anything will.”

“Oh, this was fun!” writes Ann D. in their 5-star review. “As much as it warned of the dangers of a monolithic media corporation centered on a theme park, there was also a sense of happy nostalgia through all Nanoland meant to Maddie and Ethan. Nanotechnology is one of my favorite sci-fi tropes, so I loved seeing it deployed in a different way here.”

A Universe Upon Us by Marc B. DeGeorge

Ceri and her parents flee Earth’s destruction aboard a colony ship, only to find themselves in a nightmare. Forced into combat against another faction, Ceri’s childhood is stolen. When her friend Efa confesses forbidden love, Ceri must decide whether to honor her friend’s plea or risk losing the only trust she has left.

“Romeo and Juliet…in SPACE!” writes Ben P. in their 5-star review. “In the future, we have ruined Earth and have fled to other universes. On the spaceship carrying humanity’s last hope, all is not well. Those woken up early have split into two factions fighting each other over the limited resources. Enter our band of heroes and two star-crossed lovers. I enjoyed reading how this band got together in this origin story. I can’t wait to see where the series goes after taking off in this opening book.”

“The earth is dying so a ship will be sent out with families to find a new place to live. Once there they will be awoken expecting peace but it will not end that way. A war will be started as the children are trained to kill. One day her friend tells her she has fallen in love with the enemy. This is a Juliet and Romeo tale. Brilliant,” writes Anonymous in their 5-star review.

Post-Apocalyptic Joe in a Cinematic Wasteland – Episode 2: It’s The End Of The World As We Know It, And I Don’t Feel Fine by Joe Gillis

Following a nuclear apocalypse, Joe believed he was the sole survivor—until a mysterious voice pierced the static of his radio. Trapped in an underground bunker with fading memories, Joe battles the suffocating solitude threatening his sanity.

A startling revelation suggests Joe may not be alone, prompting him to reconsider everything he thought he knew about the wasteland and his existence within it. Readers enjoyed finding out if he truly is the last survivor or if something else lurks in the bunker’s depths.

“Post Apocalyptic Joe gets better and better. I have no idea where this story is going,” writes Anonymous in their 5-star review. “When I think I’ve got it figured out, with this Gillis throws a twist and takes the story into a different direction. And I love the pop culture references.”

“This is the second episode of Joe’s that I have been on and once again it was a totally enjoyable read. I love his humor and his survival tactics in the post-apocalyptic world. This was another fun, quick read,” writes Anonymous in their 5-star review. “I can’t wait for episode three.”