Biohacked & Begging

ARC Copy...it was an intriguing yet frightening portrayal + speculation of ideas of what biotechnology can actually do for humans as a whole and the possibilities/futures it could open up. Designer food, drugs and so forth has never been so interesting and scary at same time.

An intriguing collection of shorts, some even flash fiction short, exploring a future of nano-bots, implants,and more. It's a future that is dystopian in feel, oft-putting, uncomfortable, treacherous, one where perhaps we are all unsure what all this advanced technology has bought us. Are we better off enhanced, implanted, nano-botted? Or are we just as insecure, nervous, and unsure. Some real gems here among others that didn't fascinate entirely.

Biohacked & Begging is the second volume of flash fiction shorts in the Nudge the Future series which is a selection of speculative stories that push the realms of possibility. It depicts a dystopian future that is both frightening and intriguing and is intensely thought-provoking giving the reader food for thought about whether we can live alongside advanced technology or whether we are doomed to be enslaved by AI creations. There are some fantastic ideas here and the worlds created in each instance are profoundly imaginative, although of course, it's subjective when it comes to which you find most entertaining and enjoyable.

This is a must-read for speculative fiction fans and those with an interest in cutting edge science and technology but it touches on issues of our existence, too. I loved it and will be seeking out more work of Mr Oram's in the future.

Many thanks to Cameron Publicity & Marketing Ltd for an ARC.

This novel is a collection of science fiction short stories set in the future. Each story has the characters interacting and playing with futuristic technology that we can only dream of today. Some of the stories also feature social commentary on today's society, whether it's the way we treat the elderly or the sick. A few of my favorite stories were Biohacked & Begging, ReConned, and Capitalist Crumbs.

Beautiful cover that fits nicely with a great, well written novel.

<b>Biohacked & Begging</b> ★★★★★
What would happen if empathy was forced onto people? The best story in the anthology as it makes you think about the secrets and feelings humanity hides.

<b>Mr. Enhancement</b> ★★
A man with weird enhancements at a show/circus. Wasn't sure what the purpose of the enchancements were.

<b>Dormant Status</b> ★★★★
Alexia is no longer the most popular person on the internet and is determined to fix that. I know how the story would end, just not the particulars.

<b>Pumped-Up Presidents</b> ★★
President Putin and President Trump (descendants of the current ones) fight for resources on a live internet stream. Felt far, far too American and political of a story.

<b>I Am Blue</b> ★★★
Only half a page long. Cute story but too short to have substance.

<b>The Envoy of the Ultimate Observer</b> ★★★★★
Interesting story that follows an alien living on Earth appraising humanity and their worthiness for continual survival. I love the commentary on humans: additive substances, body modifications and the hieracy of species (all lifeforms on Earth).

<b>Effort Less</b> ★★★★
Great story that takes place in the future about a man unhappy at work. It can definitely be seen as a reflection of today's society.

<b>ReConned</b> ★★★★
Great story about the dangers of technology.

<b>Syrup and Cigarettes</b> ★★★
An addict gets in trouble with his dealer. I liked the story except the abrupt and incomplete ending.

<b>Capitalist Crumbs</b> ★★★★★
Great story about corporation war and its affects on the citizens.

<b>The Queen's Heart</b> ★★
The Queen is dying of caner and needs radical new therapy to survive. I couldn't get into the story as I found it boring and the characters were uninteresting.

<b>Zygosity Saves the Day</b> ★★★★
An aunt and her niece try to save Beatrice from an old age home. Loved the detail and description of the medical system in the future.

<b>Modified Manhood</b> ★★★★
Story was king of dull until the twist ending which was surprising and amazing.

<b>Kept Apart</b> ★★★
Two kids try to find and get into a club. Not sure why it was so difficult as I am not sure what was wrong with them.

<b>From Dust to Digital and Back</b> ★★★
Strange story that I'm not sure what it was about. Something digital, maybe a person's impact on the internet or the impact of the internet on an individual?

<b>The Cathedral of Crows</b> ★★★★
A strange tale featuring a Cult that worships cows and technology. It could be an allegory of humanities over dependence on technology.

<b>Zenith</b> ★★★
Story features a group arguing with an A.I.

<b>Connections Count</b> ★★★★
A super complex story about a girl unhappy with her future. I liked the idea of colours representing your value, even if it has been done numerous times in literature. The concept would make a good dystopian novella.

<b>The Never-Ending Nanobot Nectar</b> ★★★
Sasika is having trouble with black market nanobots. Interesting story about nanobots that work too well.

<b>The Potential</b> ★★
No idea why he was so mad about hr having an ex show up.

<b>Happy Forever Day</b> ★★★★
A super short story about a family's disagreement regarding aging and treatment. Good overall with a funny uncle.

<b>Mr. Lindberg</b> ★★★★
The MC makes a living by visiting people and interacting with them face to face. Perhaps this story is a commentary of today's society.

<b>The Blockchain Blues</b> ★★★
Story features a weird, new government. It was interesting but I didn't find it plausible.

<b>Come Closer, Come Under My Skin</b> ★★★★
This features four stories the feature numerous characters experimenting with new technology. The technology is for sex, TV/food, communications and dating. I really enjoyed them all but my favorite was the family and community stories. I can related to the guy and how horrible it would be, but also feel his life could have been easier had he been a good father and helped out.

<b>Placodermi Protection</b> ★★★★
A story that evolves around society's attempts to take care of and protect the dying coral. Interesting idea but it didn't feel realistic.

Thanks to Netgalley for this ARC.

Everything about this book is aesthetically pleasing to me. The cover, title, and summary.
Very happy that Netgalley let me snag this.

Anyone that is a fan of Cyber Punk is going to enjoy this.

These stories were quite good. Liked the variety and imagination. Many were very short but still worked.

I really appreciate the ARC for review!!