Spotlight on David Massie and the Hidden Underworld, Andrew M. Nehring's Upcoming Sequel

Perfect for fans of “Stranger Things,” kid genius returns in thrilling new installment of time-traveling middle grade sci-fi

 CHICAGO – Kid genius David Massie is excited for things to finally return back to normal when he gets back to middle school after saving the world and solving the mystery of the Quantum Flux. But life is far from normal in Andrew M. Nehring’s latest installment of his middle grade sci-fi series, “David Massie and the Hidden Underworld,” (Aug. 9, 2022, Books Fluent)

 Sure, history class might be boring, but it gives him a chance to spend time with Rory, the girl he’s crushing on, so David doesn’t mind. Soon, he’ll be done with eighth grade and going on to high school. The only thing that’s missing is his older brother, Morgan, who vanished years ago. Otherwise, life couldn’t be better.

 
But history turns out to be anything but dull when CP, the Time Cop who accompanied David on his adventures through time and space, turns up outside the classroom. CP alerts David that the Time Police Depot has been decimated by a dark armored warrior, and he’s the only Time Cop left alive. Soon, David, Rory and CP are off on an interstellar journey, battling aliens, ancient gods and giants on their quest. They must travel back in time to rebuild the very reality gates they risked their lives to destroy — or watch as the universe crumbles at the hands of an evil force beyond their wildest dreams.

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The Immortality Engine by George Mann

The series keeps getting better.  I found this edition very difficult to put down.   Sir Maurice’s habits are still disturbing but the action was non-stop.   Mann’s depiction of an alternative London is great fun.  The steampunk theme is true to form.  The mixing of the arcane with steampunk is an interesting twist. 

Veronica’s sister Amelia is a sidebar character that is a bit puzzling.   The cover illustrator deserves accolades.  I love the cover.

I enjoyed the book and the series. 

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Sweep of Stars by Maurice Broaddus

 

This appears to be a dystopian novel.   I never got a clear picture on that.   Sometime in the future society is split apparently along racial lines but I’m sure of either.   I found the book confusing.  Sometimes interesting with the drop troops but the in-depth sociology was less than exciting.   The jump gate seemed more exciting than it was.   Overall, I didn’t care for the book, it may be the bees knees (very dated reference) to somebody but not for me.

 

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The Osiris Ritual by George Mann

Sir Maurice Newbury is a deeply flawed secret agent of the UK’s Queen Victoria.    His addiction to opium appears to cloud his judgement rather than provide him with the clarity of thought he claims.   A mysterious mummy and two rogue agents provide the gist of the plot.

Newbury and his assistant Miss Veronica Hobbes have a complicated relationship.   Complicated relationships seem to be the norm.  Treachery pops up in surprising places along with a dubious magician and an Egyptian curse.  Steam punk attributes abound in the story.  I particularly enjoyed the steam powered motorcycle.

Newbury’s friend, Bainbridge, fears for Newbury’s wellbeing.   Newbury has deep feelings for Miss Hobbes but is afraid to express them and put her in danger.

I’m enjoying Mann’s visions of a steampunk alternative earth.

I recommend the book and the series. 

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Rosebud by Paul Cornell

This is a bizarre book.  A group of disembodied artificial intelligences are serving on a miniscule spaceship and they encounter an alien ship.   Their reactions to the ship and to the disturbances to their memory and behavior seems to motivate the plot.  I’m sure there is a message here, but it was indiscernible to me.

I’m sure this will appeal to someone who has esoteric tastes.

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The Affinity Bridge by George Mann

This is UK steampunk.  The book has the flavor of Sherlock Holmes.   There is more to meet the eye in the relationship between Sir Maurice Newbury and Miss Veronica Hobbes.  They, with the able assistance of Sir Charles Bainbridge the Chief Inspector of Scotland Yard, fight sinister influences in an alternate London.

The period is set with hydrogen dirigibles filling the sky and mechanical men roaming the streets.   A plague possibly originating in India is ravaging the downtrodden of London.   Newbury, an agent of Queen Victoria, is tasked with finding the cause of an airship crash.   Miss Hobbes is his unlikely assistant.

Mann sets an admirable stage.   The characters are flawed and interesting.  The steampunk trappings are entertaining.

I enjoyed this YA novel and recommend it. 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

LOCKLANDS by Robert Jackson Bennett

 Berenice and Sancia are, again, battling to save the world.  The villains are the same and yet not.  The daunting power of the being they battle is overwhelming.  The development of the hive mind added a new variable to the battle.

Bennett has created an intricate and convoluted environment to stage is morality play.   The power of “magic” is inexhaustible and infinite in capabilities.  Knocking on god’s door asking for change is not unique but Bennett has provided the door knockers with their own quirky characteristics. 

The illustration of sacrifice for the common good is moving and well written.

I enjoyed the book and the series.

 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned