BLOG TOUR: Avatars Inc.: A Sci-Fi Anthology edited by Ann VanderMeer

Welcome to the Official Blog Tour for Avatars Inc: A Sci-Fi Anthology edited by Ann VanderMeer! Today, on our tour stop, we have my thoughts on this interesting collection of short stories AND a tour-wide giveaway to share! Be sure to check it out and grab your copy now! Follow the tour, HERE!


Genre:
Science Fiction Anthology
Short Stories
Publish Date:
March 13, 2020
Publisher:
XPRIZE

Synopsis:
Mars 2080

While on a mission to mars in the year 2080, a young astronaut encounters a decommissioned robotic Avatar unit, partially buried in the Martian dust.

She poops open the cranial casing to find its central processing chip, still intact. She holds the chip up to her visual display unit to reveal its contents. Within moments, she is flooded with what-seem-to-be “memories” from the life of the avatar.

This is Avatar Inc’s 24th successful mission, as part of an overall campaign to physically retrieve, preserve and archive the memory cards from their most valuable robotic avatar unitis.

They searched the world, and deep into the solar system, to acquire the chips that contain avatar memories spanning the 21st century.

These are those memories.



All stories available to read and download for free at:
Avatars Inc.



*Contributing Authors*
Creator:
Eric Desatnik

SL Haung, Sarah Pinsker, JY Yang, Kelly Robson, Nino Cipri, Jeffrey Ford, K Chess, Indrapamit Das, Robert Reed, Paul McAuley, Julianna Baggot, Ken Liu, Merc, Fenn Wolfmoor, Pat Cadigan, Tom Sweterlitsch, James S.A. Corey, Adrian Tchaikovsky, Johanna Sinisalo, Tade Thompson, Dr. Harry Kloor, Charles Yu, Aliette de Bodard, Julie Novàkovà, and Madeline Ashby  

~~~~~

Praise for CURRENT FUTURES: A SCI-FI OCEAN ANTHOLOGY

“Ann VanderMeer’s outstanding Current Futures: A Sci-Fi Ocean Anthology, is a selection of stories about climate change and the future of our oceans, all by some of the best writers working today...on the XPRIZE’s website, it is as indispensable as anything on this list.” —Jonathan Strahan, Reviews Editor, Locus

“Ann VanderMeer’s Current Futures: A Sci-Fi Ocean Anthology is a required-reading, online-only “sci-fi ocean anthology” sponsored by XPRIZE.” —Liza Goren Trombi, Editor-in-Chief, Locus

**In 2020 the most recent anthology from XPRIZE, Current Futures: A Sci-Fi Ocean Anthology, was named to the Locus Recommended Reading list of 2019**


**4 Short stories from Current Futures: A Sci-Fi Ocean Anthology were included in the Short Stories section of the Locus Recommended Reading List of 2019**

~~~~~

**About the Editor**

Photo Content from Ann VanderMeer

Over a 30-year career, Ann VanderMeer has won numerous awards for her editing work, including the Hugo Award and World Fantasy Award. Whether as editor-in-chief for Weird Tales for five years or in her current role as an acquiring editor for Tor.com, Ann has built her reputation on acquiring fiction from diverse and interesting new talents. As co-founder of Cheeky Frawg Books, she has helped develop a wide-ranging line of mostly translated fiction. Featuring a who’s who of world literature, Ann VanderMeer’s anthologies include the critically acclaimed Best American Fantasy series, The Weird, The Time Traveler’s Almanac, Sisters of the Revolution, and the forthcoming Big Book of SF (Vintage).

Stacy connected with Ann VanderMeer
     

~~~~~

*My Thoughts*

Note: This Review contains NO spoilers

Avatars Inc.: A Sci-Fi Anthology is a collection of stories and chapters that span through the twenty-first century. On the surface, this book seems like another simple avatar read, machines in lieu of the human body. There are no wars, no underlying mysteries, or some greater threat to humanity that brings all the chapters together. In Avatar Inc, there is no greater purpose for these avatars besides the betterment of human existence and exploration. Each person piloting an avatar is simply doing their job, getting a set of new legs, but what makes this anthology so meaningful are the experiences each author offers the reader.

Each chapter offers a new experience, a different life, and each narrator a different message. The very first chapter alone starts out strong. This chapter begins with opening a box, like a metaphor for the start of this book. It thrusts the reader into the perspective of a young man in California who wants to take care of his elderly grandmother across the ocean, on another continent, through an avatar. The narrator wants to be a good grandson, but in the end, it changes into so much more; protests, freedom, and the safety of his loved one turn into a message, “Free Hong Kong.” Despite the machinery seeming cold, the stories in Avatar Inc.: A Sci-Fi Anthology are very humane.

Some chapters are a hit or miss in terms of keeping my attention. My favorites included, yes, the first chapter, but also many of the later chapters that describe a dystopian Earth and humanity looking to save it from pollution. One chapter describes a symphony of colors and the gift of sharing experiences, another narrator describes the avatar bodies as wholly theirs by rejecting their human body, and another has an AI avatar with moral values. Whichever chapters I am referring to, I would like others to see for themselves as Avatars Inc.: A Sci-Fi Anthology is a pleasant read.

My rating:

~~~~~

***The Giveaway***

Giveaway Open Internationally | Must be 13+ to Enter
-ends June 15, 2020

Note: Not Responsible for Lost & Damaged Prizes in Your Mail Box
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Blog Tour Organized by

BLOG TOUR: When A Heart Trips by Dominique Laura

Welcome to the Official Blog Tour for Dominique Laura's When A Heart Trips! Toto share! day, on our tour stop, we have an exclusive excerpt to share! Be sure to check it out and grab your copy now!

Genre:

Young Adult

Contemporary Romance

Publish Date:

May 28, 2020

Synopsis:

I never thought I’d catch serious feelings for someone at seventeen—isn’t life

complicated enough at this age?—let alone for my polar opposite.

I’m the quiet, reserved bookworm.

He’s the popular, confident jock at the center of every party.

He’s also kind, charming, and sweet.

The determined wide receiver worms his way past my defenses.

I see a side of him no one else does,

and he makes me feel things I’ve only ever read about.

He isn’t my perfect match, but at some point,

I can’t ignore what my heart is trying to say.

So, what happens when a heart trips?

Well, at some point, the fall is unavoidable,

and I'm falling headfirst into something I didn't want in the first place.

I asked for a crush, not for this.

   

*Excerpt*

CHAPTER 1

“I really want a crush,” I muse out loud, pencil tapping on the edge of my desk while I daydream about someone who may or may not exist. 

“A Crush? Like the soda?” my best friend, Erin, questions from beside me, eyes narrowing in confusion.

“No, a crush like a person.” My eyes narrow right back at her in response.

She sighs, shaking her head in slight annoyance. “You want to have a crush is what you’re saying? Then don’t say you want a Crush because my mind immediately jumps to soda.”

“That’s legit what I said,” I say in defense, brow raising. 

“Fine, so you want a crush. What brought this on?” 

“It sounds lame, but I read about relationships all the time, and I’m starting to wonder what that’s like, ya know? Also, not that this should matter, but we’re seniors, and I’ve never really liked someone. Someone who made me giggle and blush and invaded my dreams. I just want to know what the fuss is; if it’s possible for me to even experience butterflies and goosebumps and that other cliche stuff.”

“You know what would really help with finding a crush?” Erin asks, smirk in place.

“What?” The word comes out slowly since I never know what’ll come out of her mouth. She’s Latina and feisty, and filters don’t exist in her world, which works for our friendship because I’m the same way, just a smidge less confident.

“Kickbacks. Friday night football followed by a kickback would help,” she states matter-of-factly. “I admire your love of books and your ability to read an ungodly amount each weekend, but going out and actively socializing is the best way to meet new people, guys included. That’s how you’ll find someone to crush on, I guarantee it.”

“I go to kickbacks,” I half-heartedly defend, knowing full well that she has a really good point.

“Yeah, when I practically drag you, and even then you end up in some corner with your nose buried in your phone while you read on your Kindle app.”

My eyes widen, and she tsks. “Oh yeah, I pay attention, Devon. You’re not fooling anyone.”

I groan, only slightly embarrassed at having been caught. “Fine, you do have a point, but it’s not as easy for me as it is for you. I mean, sure, I can socialize with the best of them, but it’s rarely genuine, and it’s not the most fun—it’s uncomfortable and forced.”

“Maybe it’s not the most fun because you don’t actually try or make any effort,” she tells me bluntly before her eyes turn sympathetic. “You’ve gotta get out of your shell and out of your books. Live in the real world with me.”

Her words might sound insulting to anyone else, but not to me. She means well, and I trust her. She’s not one for ill intent, despite her brutal honesty and sharp tongue most of the time. 

“Fine. I’ll try it your way this weekend,” I concede, nodding my head with conviction. 

Erin’s eyes light up at my words. “Perfect. Most of the parties and kickbacks are starting this weekend anyway, so it’s the perfect time for you to integrate yourself.”

“I feel like I’m going to regret this later, aren’t I?” I grumble, mostly to myself.

“Oh, most definitely, but what’s life without some regrets, am I right?” She gives me a wink.

~~~~~

**About the Author**

Dominique Laura is a Southern California girl who grew up in the suburbs of Los Angeles.

Her dog is her child, and her favorite. Dominique is an advocate for love, mental health, and happily ever afters. Sarcasm is her go-to for any situation. She writes sweet, sometimes sexy romances tha range from young adult to new adult to contemporary. Cows are her favorite animal, and she is the absolute worst at talking about herself.

Stay connected with Dominique Laura

      

Blog Tour Organized by

TITLE REVEAL: Things That Should Stay Buried by Casey L. Bond

Surprise! Surprise! We have the Title & Blurb Reveal for Casey L. Bond's latest novel, Things That Should Stay Buried! Be sure to check it out! Cover Reveal to follow...

Genre:

Young Adult

Epic Fantasy/Mythology

Publish Date:

August 28, 2020

Cover & Trailer Designer:

Melissa Stevens/ The Illustrated Author Design Services

Synopsis:

Some destinies are written in the stars. Others must be bought with blood… 

The Zodia are real. Clawing their way from a long-forgotten tomb, they emerge, ravenous to claim everyone born under their star signs. Plotting to resurrect kingdoms no human knew existed, they are driven by a hunger for vengeance against the one who buried them: Aries. 

Larken is a natural born sprinter, but even she can’t outrun the darkness closing in. A shelter-in-place order has been issued, causing widespread panic. Some brush the alarm off as a drill, until people begin to disappear... vanishing without a trace. Left with only one option, Larken’s brother does what he must to save her life... and calls forth Aries. 

Considered a traitor by his own kind, only Aries has the power to stand against the Zodia. But he can’t do it alone. Mystically bonded to Larken, the pair must band together for the fight to come if either hope to make it out alive. Neither anticipated the passion that would ignite between them. Yet, in a world suddenly thrust into chaos, it may be the key to their survival. 

The Zodia are out for blood with their attentions inexplicably focused on Larken. When long buried truths finally come to light, will their love be their salvation or their curse?

~~~~~

Early Praise for Things That Should Stay Buried

“A mesmerizing and haunting twist on a familiar tale you don’t want to miss. “ - Cameo Renae, USA Today bestselling author of the Hidden Wings Series

“Casey L. Bond reaches for the stars to bring us Things That Should Stay Buried. The Zodia are beautiful, dangerous and to die for.”- New York Times Bestselling Author Chanda Hahn

~~~~~

**About the Author**

Casey L. Bond lives in West Virginia with her husband and their two beautiful daughters. She likes goats and yoga, but hasn't tried goat yoga because the family goat is so big he might break her back. Seriously, he's the size of a pony. Her favorite books are the ones that contain magical worlds and flawed characters she would want to hang out with. Most days of the week, she writes young adult fantasy books, letting her imaginary friends spill onto the blank page.

Casey is the award-winning author of When Wishes Bleed, the Frenzy series, and fairy tale retellings such as Riches to Rags, Savage Beauty, Unlocked and Brutal Curse. Learn more about her work at www.authorcaseybond.com.

Stay connected with Casey L. Bond

       

  

Title Reveal Organized by

RELEASE DAY BLITZ: When A Heart Trips by Dominique Laura

Today, we are thrilled to celebrate the release of Dominique Laura's When A Heart Trips! Be sure to check it out and grab your copy now!

Genre:

Young Adult

Contemporary Romance

Publish Date:

May 28, 2020

Synopsis:

I never thought I’d catch serious feelings for someone at seventeen—isn’t life

complicated enough at this age?—let alone for my polar opposite.

I’m the quiet, reserved bookworm.

He’s the popular, confident jock at the center of every party.

He’s also kind, charming, and sweet.

The determined wide receiver worms his way past my defenses.

I see a side of him no one else does,

and he makes me feel things I’ve only ever read about.

He isn’t my perfect match, but at some point,

I can’t ignore what my heart is trying to say.

So, what happens when a heart trips?

Well, at some point, the fall is unavoidable,

and I'm falling headfirst into something I didn't want in the first place.

I asked for a crush, not for this.

   

~~~~~

**About the Author**

Dominique Laura is a Southern California girl who grew up in the suburbs of Los Angeles.

Her dog is her child, and her favorite. Dominique is an advocate for love, mental health, and happily ever afters. Sarcasm is her go-to for any situation. She writes sweet, sometimes sexy romances tha range from young adult to new adult to contemporary. Cows are her favorite animal, and she is the absolute worst at talking about herself.

Stay connected with Dominique Laura

      

Release Day Blitz Organized by