Book Review Tuesday: Grinders by C. S. Boyack

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Warm and cozy window seat with cushions and a opened book, light through vintage shutters, rustic style home decor. Small cat on window seat, along with coffee cup by pillow, Words Book Review Tuesday superimposed over imageHappy St. Patricks Day, everyone! Whether you’re Irish or not, ’tis a day for the wearing’ o’ the green, and a tip o’ the hat to the wee folk. Right now, we could all use a little luck given the state of the world in view of Covid-19. Whatever your corner of the planet, I hope you stay safe and well. If you’re stuck inside, it’s the perfect time to catch up on your reading.

With that in mind, let’s jump into this week’s book review!

Book cover for Grinders, a speculative fiction novel features neon lights and holographic images by C. S. BoyackJimi Cabot, and her partner Lou, are two cops assigned to the “Grinder Squad” in a futuristic San Francisco. Grinders are people who have their bodies altered through illegal surgeries which use computer chips to provide enhanced senses. Despite their department assignment, Jimi and Lou usually find their days eaten up by the drudgery of routine patrol and domestic disturbance calls—until they happen upon a trail that may lead to the most wanted grinder in police databanks.

There is strong parallel storyline involving the grinder they’re after, enabling the reader to see both sides of the situation. Beyond that, however, there is so much more that goes on in this book. I loved the friendship that developed between Jimi and Brandi (a grinder), and I loved Lou’s tie to Sailor, the horse he rode when he was on mounted patrol before the division was disbanded.

Most intriguing of all is the world Boyack has created. One that includes a “grid” for travelling, bots in all shapes and sizes, and a constant bombardment of advertising. “Holobarkers”­—floating globes broadcasting advertisements—roam the streets, swarming around people with their messages. Cars and buses flash moving advertisements and 3D holographic images are found everywhere. There is an “electric forest” (one of my favorite elements), in the process of being torn down because it is already considered old technology. Holographic spiders and jack-o-lanterns bob around on Halloween, and a 3D King Kong climbs a building to promote a movie. The creativity of this world is off the charts. Every page brings some new wonder or futuristic element that is vividly portrayed. Between the story and inventions, I was mesmerized. A highly original work!

AMAZON LINK
Genre: Cypberpunk > Science Fiction

Grinders is quite the gritty and colorful world. I could so see this as a series on Netflix! 🙂

97 thoughts on “Book Review Tuesday: Grinders by C. S. Boyack”

  7. I, too, was blown away by the creativity involved in bringing this world to life. I don’t know why, as Craig never disappoints. Wonderful review, Mae. Wishing Craig all the best. He deserves it; this was a great work.

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  9. Craig made his world so real, I’m thankful I live now and not in the future:) Phone spam is annoying, but all of the holobarkers and technology would make me frazzled. The characters were so real, so solid, though, I felt for them. I was even rooting for the lab rats. And he pulled off a satisfying ending.

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  15. Craig’s world-building sounds so creative – but if I had those holobarkers flying around me, I’d probably be knocking them down with a baseball bat. I hate commercials. Hoping to start this one soon!

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  16. A super review for a book that is so packed full of entertainment, it boggles the mind! At the risk of beating a dead horse–Sorry, Lou! Holographic, of course!–I have to add that I agree with everyone’s assessment of Craig’s fertile imagination. Holy Moly, was this an engrossing world! I absolutely loved it. And oh, yeah. The story. Trust me, it worked to perfection, as well. Cool characters, an interesting “villain,” some fun critters being taught wild and crazy skills, and an all around treat to read. I hope to be reviewing Grinders soon, too, if my energy level keeps improving over the next day or two. Congratulations, Craig, on a job well done, and thanks, Mae, for such a great review! Sharing! 🙂

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  17. Reblogged this on The Write Stuff and commented:
    Thought I’m still not feeling up to putting together my own posts yet, I figured today would be a good day to share a review from another site. Check out Mae Clair’s thoughts on <Grinders, Craig Boyack’s latest release. Such an imaginative and entertaining tale! As soon as I gather up a bit more energy, I’ll be reviewing this one, myself. In the meantime, stop by to see what Mae has to say, and then head over to Amazon to grab your copy! You’ll be glad you did! Don’t forget to share, thanks, and thanks to Mae for a super post! 🙂 ❤

    Liked by 2 people

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  26. Pingback: Mae Clair reviews Grinders by C. S. Boyack | Sue Vincent's Daily Echo

  28. Pingback: Spotlight: Grinders by C.S. Boyack – Penstricken

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