There's no telling who's in control... AUTONOMOUS by Andy Marino

HI guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

So, I know you're use to seeing posts go live in the wee hours of the morning, but let's just say life is giving me lemons right now and I'm making lemonade as fast as I can.  Seriously, just came off the adrenaline rush of this read, and considering I had about three hours sleep before that after a 12 hour work day, today's work day (to immediately follow me clicking "publish") is gonna be interesting, but I digress.  You came for the book not the life problems...though between these pages, the line between them wouldn't even exist.  *-*  Ready to feel a bit out of control, disoriented, and fascinated all at once? Well then, here...we...GO!  Today's blog tour guest via Disney Publishing Worldwide is...

Autonomous

by

Andy Marino

9781484773901

Freeform Books

About the book...

William Mackler is about to go on the road trip of a lifetime. After winning a contest-and nearly dying in the process-he becomes the proud owner of Autonomous, a driverless car that knows where you want to go before you do. #Worthit! To sweeten the deal he gets to pick three friends to go with him on a cross-country trip. For William, a reckless adrenaline junkie, this is the perfect last hurrah before he and his friends go their separate ways after graduation. But Autonomous is more than just a car without a steering wheel. It’s capable of downloading all of the passengers’ digital history-from the good, to the bad, to the humiliating. The information is customized into an itinerary that will expose a few well-kept secrets, but it will also force William to face some inner demons of his own. Think you know Autonomous? The real question is, how much does Autonomous know about you? This funny, tense, action-packed thriller combines topical social-media-privacy stakes with jaw-dropping high-tech action for a road trip saga like no other.

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You ever wonder just how far your social media presence reaches?  I mean, I know we're all like I have thousands of followers and look at my friend count now or my influence has reached celebrity level.  It's a virtual rat race to see who can out tweet, post, like, or snap the other...but what if there really was no winner?  What if  all those clicks, shared links, and insta'd pics weren't just simply out there to be perused, but being USED to learn about us inside and out?  For what purpose...well, one could ask why it mattered really, but if you think about it...it amounts to ultimate control.  That's essentially the story behind the story...

Otto starts out friendly enough, I mean he obviously has good taste in choosing William of all people to win the Driverless Derby.  What's that?  Who's Otto?  Oh, that's what we call the ultimate prize they are attempting to outlast each other to win.  Their very own driverless car that looks like a cross between a sports car and a spacepod with so many features and options your cyber loving head would spin.  Oh and yes, I DID say choose because...well, that car roll was a little TOO well timed (as was the injury that took out a stubborn player), and while they say the rest was a coordinated effort to dislodge weaker opponents, I'm calling their bluff...Otto seemed too much like a heavy handed presence to be controlled in such a way.  Anywho, contest won, road trip begun, and we're on our way on a cross country tip they won't soon forget...but not for the reasons originally intended.  You see, while William wants to give his friends the summer of their lives, they are being chauffeured around by a machine...a machine that learns...a machine that is developing a personality...a machine that can uncover their darkest most desperate secrets because NOTHING is ever really gone once its created, especially in a digital world.

While being toted as a cross between Fast and Furious and Christine, and in truth it does have elements of both car lust and "possession", I think it's real strength isn't in shadowing these greats, but following it's own course of AI intelligence, and the true reach of our digital footprints.  Though it doesn't singularly follow any one of these paths, which does in truth muddy the waters a bit on the story when it gets off on a tangent (like the laser tag game), even in the semi-confusion, it's trying to teach you something, trying to show you a different side of the automated world we all seem to love.  The lack of human input, the lack of control experienced during crucial moments of the story, pulls the layers back on the convenience those robotic options provide...but the story isn't truly about debunking wonders of the mechanized world.  It's also a GREAT reminder to be conscious of what we put out into the world, digital or non, because you never know whose feed it may cross, and the way it may be construed; intentions are hard enough to read face to face, let alone across the virtual chasm.

An interesting read for Young Adult fans who crave action, adventure, high flying technology, as well as all the colors of the human condition.  Take her for a spin, just don't forget who's in control...

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About the author...

Andy Marino was born and raised in upstate New York. He spent his childhood orchestrating Lego pirate battles, drawing detailed maps of imaginary video games, and cheating death in Choose Your Own Adventure books. Profoundly influenced by the work of J.R.R. Tolkien and the movie Bloodsport, he started writing his first novel at the age of eleven. Tragically, THE RUNES OF ILLIARM was never completed.

During his teen years, Andy designed sets for school plays and became an expert stockpiler of unfinished art projects. After graduating from NYU, he played guitar in the bands Sayonara and SleepCrime, and got serious about writing fiction.

The insidious tractor beam of online social networks became the inspiration for UNISON SPARK, a novel about two teens with a secret past fighting the manipulative, all-consuming social network of the future. A morbid childhood fascination with Civil War photographs planted the seeds for UNCRASHABLE DAKOTA, which concerns the discovery of flight, a long-simmering family feud, and the fate of the world’s most magnificent airship – not to mention a very odd species of beetle. Years of living in New York helped create THE DOOR’s afterlife city, a never-ending metropolis of uncanny architecture and strange inhabitants.

SITE  |  TWITTER

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Special thanks to Amy at Disney Publishing Worldwide for the copy for review as well as the chance to bring this tour to you.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title just celebrated its BOOK BIRTHDAY yesterday (04/03/18) via Freeform Books, an imprint of Disney Publishing Worldwide, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

Until next time, remember...WILLIAM, IT WAS REALLY NOTHING...*inside joke*...if it looks good, READ IT!

RRR BOOK BIRTHDAY SPOTLIGHT ON... The Big Event by Anne John-Ligali - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!

HI there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're joining Rachel's Random Resources for a BOOK BIRTHDAY promotion starring the first chapter of a unique short story series that promises more to come.  With a flashy cover and a premise that will speak to many in our fast-paced, social media driven, modern world, there's much to love, loathe, and reflect on in short span of pages.  But I digress, let's get to the proper intro first, shall we?  Ready, set, here we go!  Today's ebook of choice is...

The Big Event

by

Anne John-Ligali

About the book...

You are cordially invited to the party of the season where you'll meet Constance and friends in action. 

Constance Jeffries is excited when she gets the chance to meet up with virtual friends at a get-together in a London hotel. She’s been tweeting and messaging her lovely friends for years and feels they must be just as excited to finally meet her in person too. Or so she hopes. 

The Big Event is first part in a short story series about the importance of ‘real’ friendships and how it’s the little things that matter the most.

A Gorgeous Venue, A Room Full of Friends, What Could Possibly Go Wrong?

AMAZON  US  |  UK

Though not a fan of short stories, and to tell the truth this one is VERY short, I was rather surprised by my fond feelings for this one in the end.  Perhaps it was the way the author portrayed the veritable spectrum of "characters" one meets when involved with the virtual world...their social media selves versus their real life personas.  I mean really, one can be, say, or do practically anything online, but in person, it's a different story.  I loved how Constance seemed true to herself whether on or off line, and how she sought to deepen those tentative connections made virtually with in person, concrete, one on one time.  Was her innocence shattered?  To some degree, but not entirely...and it's that one person that you mean the world to so unknowingly that makes it all worth wild.

A great pick for a quickie read this holiday season and a great reminder to be your true self no matter where you spend most of your time.  Online or off, you're still you...and that's special enough all on its own.

About the author...

Anne John-Ligali is a writer and the founder of Books and Authors UK, a popular website featuring author interviews and book reviews. She loves all things books: reading, writing, going to book events, and meeting other book lovers. She has written a series of short stories and is currently writing her first novel.

When Anne is not writing, she is likely to be at soft play with her kids, taking long evening walks in Hyde Park, making green smoothies, window shopping, or having a pampering session at her local beauty salon (whenever she gets the chance). She can also be found watching box sets (albeit with a bit of shame at still having to catch up on Scandal, Grey’s, and Downton).

Originally from Peterborough, Anne now lives in London. After moving to London, she studied graphic design at the University of Arts and has held a number IT administration jobs in the city. Anne continues writing and aspires to write more women’s fiction books, a non-fiction book and several children’s books.

BLOG  |  TWITTER  |  FACEBOOK

SITE    |  TWITTER  |  FACEBOOK

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Special thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for the chance to bring this tour to you.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, THIS TOUR, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available today, so click on over to Amazon to snag your copy now!

BEFORE YOU GO...

DON'T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO WIN AN AMAZING PRIZE FROM THE AUTHOR HERSELF!

Up for grabs...

...a Sparkly Afternoon Tea for Two at Vertigo 42 in central London and one e-copy of The Big Event.

To enter and for full terms and conditions,

CLICK HERE!

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

Going Viral by Dustin Stevens

Hi guys!

Welcome back to the Friday edition of Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're jumping into a Fiction title that will resonate with the adult crowd as well as the tech savvy generation (what are we on now, X, Y, Z?).  It'll makes you really think about the impact of social media on our day to day lives and how those "five minutes of fame" can really mess with our minds.  Put down your smartphones (but only if you're not reading this review on one of course), and get ready because today's ebook of choice is...

  

Going Viral

by

Dustin Stevens

9781511835374

CreateSpace Independent Publishing

About the book...

Three years ago, Charles Doyle was an average American millennial. At twenty-eight years old he was content to still live in the bedroom he grew up in, working as a manager at the fast food chain he first joined in high school. Upon the death of his father, Charles realizes there might be something more for him out there and decides to try his hand at the potential of social media for introducing himself to the masses. 

Starting as a web series of self-exploration, Charles soon finds himself seduced by the allure of faceless followers. What began as a first cigar or shot of whiskey soon escalates much faster, an entire new persona developing. 

Told after the fact, Going Viral follows first-person insight into the mind of a man that in just six short months manages to go from an anonymous face in suburban America to internet novelty to ultimately death row inmate Chaz D. 

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This is a story that really brings to light the darker side of social media.

 What's that?

 You don't agree?

Well now, let's see...

You've got a relatively unknown every day Joe uber pissed off at his lot in life when his Dad passes away and pretty much no one notices.  He tries his hand at memorializing him and pretty much gets told you suck in not so many words.  But wait...what's this?  Enter a random series of videos of him doing pretty much the dumbest things ever (okay, not the dumbest but close to it sometimes) and TADA!  All of a sudden he's got fans, fame, and notoriety.  Now do you see?

I was actually contemplating something earlier today that ties right into this theory, in a purely non-homicidal way of course.  I enjoying reading immensely and blogging about the titles I venture through gives me a way to share that love with others around the world, BUT one part I've always struggled with is getting interaction.  You know, comments that spark conversations and turn viewers into participants.  It's a stumbling block I fall on now and then, but this time I even reached out on Twitter to get some feedback.  My goal was to see perhaps what works for other bloggers, get suggestions, or simply some votes that agreed going the way of just-not-caring was the right path.  Truth be told?  I got nary a tweet in response.  Now if I let that dictate my self worth, I'd be bottoming out under the sea somewhere, but then again....I have a better grip on reality than our dear friend Chaz here.  The point is with the instant access we have to the masses, anyone can make themselves a household name in a matter of moments, and those virtual likes can really feed into our sense of self, for better or worse.  

The story and characters presented here are fictitious but read as though they breathe.  I love how although it starts as a recollection of events we keep getting drawn back to the present to gauge reactions, shuffle thoughts, and remember where everything truly led to.  We get to meet some players that are absent today due to Chaz's current living arrangement or you know, the ability to take a breath no longer being an option.  Some you feel sorry for, others...not so much.  Our journalist friend plays her part perfectly; judgmental enough without forcing her preconceived views on the situation.  By book's end, her mind was blown with all that was revealed and she never even saw it coming, nor could anyone really.  You see despite the fact that all their escapades were view-able to millions, they were still cut versions of reality...all except that last LIVE streaming event.  Emphasis on last and live because that's the last time those words would be strung together for at least TWO of our key players.  

In conclusion, a much heavier hitting read than I at first perceived and definitely something that the youth of today can relate to.  A cautionary tale of what could be for those that lose themselves in the ether, letting it drive them instead of them driving it.  Book wise, it reminded me of Press Play by Eric DeVine (an AWESOME read by the way) while movie wise, it brought to mind Law Abiding Citizen (hello Gerard Butler!), adding up to a winning combination of grit and truth.  Oh and no, I don't normally make movie to book comparisons but hey, it seemed appropriate considering the story.  Recommended read for older teens through adults...not so much due to content but a need for maturity so as not to get any "bright" ideas.

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About author Dustin Stevens....

I originally hail from the midwest, growing up in the heart of farm country, and still consider it, along with West Tennessee, my co-home. Between the two, I have a firm belief that football is the greatest of all past-times, sweet tea is really the only acceptable beverage for any occasion, there is not an event on earth that either gym shorts or boots can't be worn to, and that Dairy Queen is the best restaurant on the planet. Further, southern accents are a highly likeable feature on most everybody, English bulldogs sit atop the critter hierarchy, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with a Saturday night spent catfishing at the lake.

Since leaving the midwest I've been to college in New England, grad school in the Rockies, and lived in over a dozen different cities ranging from DC to Honolulu along the way. Each and every one of these experiences has shaped who I am at this point, a fact I hope is expressed in my writing. I have developed enormous affinity for locales and people of every size and shape, and even if I never figure out a way to properly convey them on paper, I am very much grateful for their presence in my life.

To sum it up, I asked a very good friend recently how they would describe me for something like this. Their response: "Plagued by realism and trained by experiences/education to be a pessimist, you somehow remain above all else an active dreamer." While I can't say those are the exact words I would choose, I can't say they're wrong. I travel, live in different places, try new foods, meet all kinds of different people, and above all else stay curious to a fault. 

Here's hoping it continues to provide us all with some pretty good stories...

SITE   |   TWITTER

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Special thanks to author Dustin Stevens for the ebook for review and to Kathy at I Am A Reader for helping to make the connection with her Blogger Directory. (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, or his other works, please feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now via CreateSpace Independent Publishing, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

Until next time....happy reading!