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Aether #4
Axon Drift
Travel back in time to the year, 2050...
In the sprawling super cities of the future, where dreams of wealth and love are packaged as entertainment, there exists Sybarite Island, the ultimate televised escape for lovelorn singles. Each week, hopefuls vie for a chance to enter the dream realm, where desires materialize and fantasies come to life.
When a catastrophic power surge plunges the island into a nightmare, the line between dream and reality blurs, and paradise becomes a deadly trap. As Calypso fights for survival and uncovers the sinister truth behind the show, she must navigate a treacherous landscape where nothing is as it seems, and the price of dreams and ambition may be higher than they ever imagined.
Axon Drift is a gripping tale of ambition, betrayal, and the dark side of the pursuit of human connection in a futuristic world where dreams can turn deadly.
Welcome to the Aether Series by Bibiana Krall
A collection of short fiction speculating on the future. From cults to A.I. and beyond...you will find these stories surreal, modern and realistic enough to make you wonder if this dystopian world is what waits for us on the other side. All the important questions we want to ask, but no one can answer exist in the Aether.
In the sprawling super cities of the future, where dreams of wealth and love are packaged as entertainment, there exists Sybarite Island, the ultimate televised escape for lovelorn singles. Each week, hopefuls vie for a chance to enter the dream realm, where desires materialize and fantasies come to life.
When a catastrophic power surge plunges the island into a nightmare, the line between dream and reality blurs, and paradise becomes a deadly trap. As Calypso fights for survival and uncovers the sinister truth behind the show, she must navigate a treacherous landscape where nothing is as it seems, and the price of dreams and ambition may be higher than they ever imagined.
Axon Drift is a gripping tale of ambition, betrayal, and the dark side of the pursuit of human connection in a futuristic world where dreams can turn deadly.
Welcome to the Aether Series by Bibiana Krall
A collection of short fiction speculating on the future. From cults to A.I. and beyond...you will find these stories surreal, modern and realistic enough to make you wonder if this dystopian world is what waits for us on the other side. All the important questions we want to ask, but no one can answer exist in the Aether.
55 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 13, 2024
1 person want to read
About the author
Bibiana Krall
35 books200 followersCome visit the Holiday Bookshop, www.bibianakrall.com grab a copy of 'The Getaway' by Bibiana Krall (a holiday short story with a heaping dose of nostalgia and a sweet HEA) while it's still on sale and have a safe and peaceful holiday! Thank you for another amazing year! Take care out there! 
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 14, 2024
The Greek gods are back, baby! Coming soon, to a galactic channel near you, a dating game romp in paradise, hosted by the fantabulous Hera, goddess of racy romance and hedonistic entertainment. Thousands of years have passed since their glory days in ancient Greece, but the passage of time and the evolving humans with their AI bot babes have given them a new lease on controlling, delighting, and tormenting species around the galaxies. Your pleasure awaits...OBEY!
The year--2121, join our heroine, Calypso aka the former Minerva, as she drifts to Sybarite Island, relishing the bacchanal debauchery only trips through Delirium can provide as she tries to discover the who, what, where, and why of her latest meta traipse. Memory lapses, who cares? What's a few fried neuro-cells anyway? Insights from a renegade champion and an AI bot give her some idea of what's to come, but will she be able to escape the latest mind drift or end up in the eternal arms of a fizzling cad? Dazzle down the runway and find out!
A shizzle read to the future, and what it may bring. Read if you dare...OBEY!
The year--2121, join our heroine, Calypso aka the former Minerva, as she drifts to Sybarite Island, relishing the bacchanal debauchery only trips through Delirium can provide as she tries to discover the who, what, where, and why of her latest meta traipse. Memory lapses, who cares? What's a few fried neuro-cells anyway? Insights from a renegade champion and an AI bot give her some idea of what's to come, but will she be able to escape the latest mind drift or end up in the eternal arms of a fizzling cad? Dazzle down the runway and find out!
A shizzle read to the future, and what it may bring. Read if you dare...OBEY!
May 21, 2024
A Riveting Exploration of Dreams and Reality
"Axon Drift" is another captivating addition to Bibiana Krall's Aether Series. In this installment, Krall expertly immerses readers into the dream realm of Sybarite. An AI-conceived island where the boundaries between reality and dreams blur. A world of bots, perfect bodies, and an ever-present command to "Obey." A fantasy where bikini-clad contestants vie for a private date with the Greek god Hermes. However, the seemingly idyllic setting conceals hidden dangers. As Minerva navigates this metaverse, she questions everything, gradually uncovering a sinister truth.
Set in 2025, "Axon Drift" is relevant as AI becomes increasingly pervasive in our lives, presenting a vision that is both a dream and a potential nightmare. This short story is a must-read for fans of speculative fiction, fantasy, and dystopian narratives.
"Axon Drift" is another captivating addition to Bibiana Krall's Aether Series. In this installment, Krall expertly immerses readers into the dream realm of Sybarite. An AI-conceived island where the boundaries between reality and dreams blur. A world of bots, perfect bodies, and an ever-present command to "Obey." A fantasy where bikini-clad contestants vie for a private date with the Greek god Hermes. However, the seemingly idyllic setting conceals hidden dangers. As Minerva navigates this metaverse, she questions everything, gradually uncovering a sinister truth.
Set in 2025, "Axon Drift" is relevant as AI becomes increasingly pervasive in our lives, presenting a vision that is both a dream and a potential nightmare. This short story is a must-read for fans of speculative fiction, fantasy, and dystopian narratives.
May 14, 2024
If you aren't already more than a little concerned about AI and the big picture, "Axon Drift" by author Bibiana Krall may be just the push that you need. Welcome to 2050, where reality TV has upped it's game big-time on the dating scene. Bots abound, as do the revived Greek gods, on this bizarre twist of a reality show where the "winner" gets to canoodle with the dreamiest (or maybe not) god ever. But beware, mere mortals, because this island paradise isn't all that it seems to be; especially when a power surge blurs the lens of reality and sends all control asunder. And what is the truth behind the beauty? You'll have to read it for yourself and come to your own conclusions on that score. Suffice it to say, though, that "Axon Drift" is a wild ride through treachery, betrayal, and well disguised pursuits of power. Kudos to this newest addition to the Aether Series...a serious must-read for fans of speculative fiction.
June 12, 2024
The book is a gripping addition to Bibiana Krall's Aether Series. This speculative short fiction, the reader is transported to Sybarite Island, a televised utopia for singles where dreams and fantasies come to life.
But this paradise is quickly overshadowed by a catastrophic power surge that pushes the island into chaos, blurring the lines between dream and reality.
"It’s not the loneliness that lengthens the cracks. In the long run, it’s the isolation."
As protagonist Calypso fights for survival, she uncovers the evil truth behind the ideal show. Krall smartly weaves a tale of ambition, betrayal, and the dark side of human connection, set in a futuristic world where the cost of dreams may be deadly.
The Aether Series explores pressing questions about our future, delving into themes of AI, cults, and dystopian realities.
"Axon Drift" stands out as a modern, surreal narrative that is disturbingly realistic, leaving readers to ponder the potential paths our society might take. This is a thought-provoking and thrilling read, perfect for those hardcore sci-fi enthusiasts.
But this paradise is quickly overshadowed by a catastrophic power surge that pushes the island into chaos, blurring the lines between dream and reality.
"It’s not the loneliness that lengthens the cracks. In the long run, it’s the isolation."
As protagonist Calypso fights for survival, she uncovers the evil truth behind the ideal show. Krall smartly weaves a tale of ambition, betrayal, and the dark side of human connection, set in a futuristic world where the cost of dreams may be deadly.
The Aether Series explores pressing questions about our future, delving into themes of AI, cults, and dystopian realities.
"Axon Drift" stands out as a modern, surreal narrative that is disturbingly realistic, leaving readers to ponder the potential paths our society might take. This is a thought-provoking and thrilling read, perfect for those hardcore sci-fi enthusiasts.
June 11, 2024
The intriguing new tale "Axon Drift" from Bibiana Krall's Aether Series is worth reading. This time, Krall leads us to the artificial intelligence-created island of Sybarite, where it is difficult to distinguish between dreams and reality. The only law on this island, followed by robots and perfect human-like creatures, is to "Obey." The narrative centers on a bikini contest in which participants vie for a date with Hermes, the Greek god. Sybarite appears to be a picture-perfect paradise at first glance.
But all is not as it seems. The main character, Minerva, starts to feel uneasy as she explores this odd universe. She starts to wonder what is real and what isn't, and when she discovers a sinister secret, everything transforms. Set in 2025, "Axon Drift" shows us an exciting but terrifying future of artificial intelligence and is highly relevant to our lives now as it grows more and more integrated into our technology.
This short novella is essential reading for anybody who enjoys fantasy, dystopian, or speculative fiction. "Axon Drift" is an engaging and thought-provoking book because to Bibiana Krall's inventive and captivating storytelling. It's a tale that will stick with you and serve as a warning about the pros and cons of our technological future.
But all is not as it seems. The main character, Minerva, starts to feel uneasy as she explores this odd universe. She starts to wonder what is real and what isn't, and when she discovers a sinister secret, everything transforms. Set in 2025, "Axon Drift" shows us an exciting but terrifying future of artificial intelligence and is highly relevant to our lives now as it grows more and more integrated into our technology.
This short novella is essential reading for anybody who enjoys fantasy, dystopian, or speculative fiction. "Axon Drift" is an engaging and thought-provoking book because to Bibiana Krall's inventive and captivating storytelling. It's a tale that will stick with you and serve as a warning about the pros and cons of our technological future.
June 20, 2024
Set against the backdrop of Sybarite Island, “Axon Drift: A short story about the Future” by Bibiana Krall is about Calypso. Calypso lands on Sybarite Island and is enjoying her stay along with the AI driven bots, robots and human like creatures enjoying the fantasy world of nature. When a bikini contest is held for the singles out there to win over the greek god “Hermes”, Calypso participates in the contest to win the show without knowing about the further danger lurking around Hermes. How Calypso escapes the danger and further moves ahead forms the crux of the story.
The story is short and is completely AI driven inspired by greek mythology as well. The story clearly depicts about the future of AI and robots and how humans inventions can lead us to a robotic life in the forthcoming years. The characters in the story are made to follow just one law and that is “OBEY”. The storyline communicates to us how Artificial Intelligence along with their further technology can rule over humans also weighing the pros and cons of technological future.
A must read book for people who love fantasy and sci fi. The writing is simple and crisp making the tale interesting and innovative. The author has written the novel in such a way that the characters and the scenarios can be imagined in our minds while reading it. An essential read for people to know how AI can overtake and control our lives in the near future.
The story is short and is completely AI driven inspired by greek mythology as well. The story clearly depicts about the future of AI and robots and how humans inventions can lead us to a robotic life in the forthcoming years. The characters in the story are made to follow just one law and that is “OBEY”. The storyline communicates to us how Artificial Intelligence along with their further technology can rule over humans also weighing the pros and cons of technological future.
A must read book for people who love fantasy and sci fi. The writing is simple and crisp making the tale interesting and innovative. The author has written the novel in such a way that the characters and the scenarios can be imagined in our minds while reading it. An essential read for people to know how AI can overtake and control our lives in the near future.
June 12, 2024
It starts with Minerva, who wakes up on a beautiful beach feeling calm, even though she almost died moments before. The vivid descriptions of clear waters and swaying palm trees draw the reader into her strange new world. Minerva meets new friends who help her through various challenges. She escapes a knife fight and flies through a data cloud above Sybarite's reef. Along with Helios, she faces intense heat and explosions, ending up in a dark cave guided by Persephone. It mixes science fiction with fantasy, creating a gripping adventure. The simple, engaging story and unexpected twists make it a great read for fans of the genre.
June 16, 2024
Interesting story
It’s a short story from the Arther series by Bibiana Krall. The story is set up in future. Usually when we picture the future it’s dystopian for example polluted air, concrete jungle, dirty water bodies etc. but this story is set up in a beautiful island with crystal clear water. The island’s name is Sybarite island.
There is a catch in this beautiful place as well which turns deadly. The characters involved are interesting and I never got bored of reading this story.I Highly recommend it.
It’s a short story from the Arther series by Bibiana Krall. The story is set up in future. Usually when we picture the future it’s dystopian for example polluted air, concrete jungle, dirty water bodies etc. but this story is set up in a beautiful island with crystal clear water. The island’s name is Sybarite island.
There is a catch in this beautiful place as well which turns deadly. The characters involved are interesting and I never got bored of reading this story.I Highly recommend it.
June 19, 2024
Axon Drift" by author Bibiana Krall is a newest addition to Aether Series is worth reading,thought-provoking and engaging read that leaves a lasting impression, prompting readers to ponder the future trajectory of human evolution and artificial intelligence with all the twists and turns. Krall leads us to sybarite island equivalent to paradise , calm water, greens,all peace full, difficult to distinguish between dreams and reality. Eagerly waiting for the next one. Recommended.
June 16, 2024
A short story
There’s a safe haven for single love lorn people in a beautiful island named Syborite island. But all is not well. There are something sinister going on which the characters in the story tries to tackle through and saving their lives. Read for yourself to enjoy this book. It’s a short interesting story set up in future. I recommend it highly.
There’s a safe haven for single love lorn people in a beautiful island named Syborite island. But all is not well. There are something sinister going on which the characters in the story tries to tackle through and saving their lives. Read for yourself to enjoy this book. It’s a short interesting story set up in future. I recommend it highly.
May 30, 2024
Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2024
As always, Bibiana’s work is fresh and really fun. This is a really entertaining twist on Greek mythology, and it keeps you in with how wild and funny it is. Can’t wait for the next one!
As always, Bibiana’s work is fresh and really fun. This is a really entertaining twist on Greek mythology, and it keeps you in with how wild and funny it is. Can’t wait for the next one!
July 24, 2024
"Axon Drift" by Bibiana Krall is a fascinating story set on the AI-created island of Sybarite. In this strange place, reality and dreams mix, and people must always "Obey." Minerva, the main character, joins a bikini contest to win a date with the Greek god Hermes. But she soon realizes things are not what they seem. As she explores, she uncovers a dark secret. The story, set in the near future, makes us think about the role of AI in our lives. Krall's storytelling is engaging and the world she creates is vivid and mysterious. This short novella is perfect for fans of fantasy, dystopian, and speculative fiction. "Axon Drift" is a must-read that stays with you, reminding us of the possible dangers of advanced technology.
June 23, 2024
"Axon Drift: A Short Story About The Future" (Aether Book 4) by Bibiana Krall is an exhilarating and thought-provoking addition to the Aether Series. Set on the AI-created island of Sybarite, this novella masterfully blurs the lines between dreams and reality, creating a world that is both alluring and unsettling.
Minerva, the protagonist, enters a surreal bikini contest where the ultimate prize is a date with Hermes, the Greek god. Initially, Sybarite appears to be a perfect paradise, a utopia where fantasy comes to life. However, as Minerva delves deeper into this strange world, her growing unease leads her to a dark and disturbing secret that changes everything.
Krall's storytelling is both inventive and immersive, drawing readers into a tale of ambition, betrayal, and the hidden dangers of technological advancement. The narrative also follows Calypso, who battles for survival after a catastrophic power surge throws the island into chaos. As Calypso uncovers the sinister truth behind the island’s facade, Krall skillfully explores themes of isolation, human connection, and the dystopian potential of AI.
"Axon Drift" is a must-read for fans of fantasy, dystopian, and speculative fiction. Krall’s vivid and captivating writing paints a chilling yet compelling vision of the future, making the story resonate deeply with readers. This novella not only entertains but also serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and potential pitfalls of our rapidly advancing technological world. It's a story that will stay with you, urging you to reflect on the paths our society might take.
July 8, 2024
Long short story, part of a series.
This is not the first in the series, but was classed as a stand-alone book. It may be better to read the others first to have a clearer idea of the world in which this tale takes place.
The reader is as disorientated and confused as the main character with the author throwing both straight into the action. This was a good device, but I remained confused about the nature of the main character other than she wanted autonomy and control of her own body. In an early encounter, another character with whom she interacts says they are both holograms. The setting in which she becomes aware is a constructed reality show where attractive "people" compete to go on heterosexual dates with others, some of whom are based upon Greek mythology. However, as this is set in the future, there is Artificial Intelligence and participants who are not completely human in the audience as well as the show.
There were several issues arising to do with stereotypical assumptions and what each party wants out of the encounter as well as superficial attraction versus deeper connection. I liked many of the descriptions, but felt unsatisfied by the end. A quick read, but I don't want to spend time reading it again.
I received a free advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is not the first in the series, but was classed as a stand-alone book. It may be better to read the others first to have a clearer idea of the world in which this tale takes place.
The reader is as disorientated and confused as the main character with the author throwing both straight into the action. This was a good device, but I remained confused about the nature of the main character other than she wanted autonomy and control of her own body. In an early encounter, another character with whom she interacts says they are both holograms. The setting in which she becomes aware is a constructed reality show where attractive "people" compete to go on heterosexual dates with others, some of whom are based upon Greek mythology. However, as this is set in the future, there is Artificial Intelligence and participants who are not completely human in the audience as well as the show.
There were several issues arising to do with stereotypical assumptions and what each party wants out of the encounter as well as superficial attraction versus deeper connection. I liked many of the descriptions, but felt unsatisfied by the end. A quick read, but I don't want to spend time reading it again.
I received a free advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 12, 2024
Minerva awakens on a stunning shoreline, feeling unexpectedly serene after narrowly surviving a perilous ordeal. The pristine seas and gently moving coconut trees draw her into her fresh realm. She encounters companions who assist her in overcoming obstacles. She dodges a battle with knives and soars through a network of data above Sybarite's coral. Together with Helios, she endures severe heat and blasts, ultimately finding refuge in a shadowy cavern led by Persephone.
This novel blends elements of science fiction and fantasy, crafting an exhilarating journey. Its straightforward plot and unexpected turns render it an excellent choice for enthusiasts of the genre. Minerva's odyssey highlights her discovery of resilience and camaraderie. Every chapter is brimming with thrill, offering a delightful retreat into a universe where possibilities are endless. Whether you're a fan of science fiction or just dipping your toes into it, this book promises to be an enjoyable and enthralling read.
This novel blends elements of science fiction and fantasy, crafting an exhilarating journey. Its straightforward plot and unexpected turns render it an excellent choice for enthusiasts of the genre. Minerva's odyssey highlights her discovery of resilience and camaraderie. Every chapter is brimming with thrill, offering a delightful retreat into a universe where possibilities are endless. Whether you're a fan of science fiction or just dipping your toes into it, this book promises to be an enjoyable and enthralling read.
May 17, 2024
Axon Drift exerts a magnetic pull on the imagination until the surreal tropical island of Sybarite is firmly in your mind's eye. Gauzy evenings of lavish feasts and salt-tinged breezes ruffling the expensive fabric of the most stylishly clothed guests fill the pages with what should be a paradise. The underlying rot of technologically manipulated 'reality' seeps around the edges until the fantasy of perfection can no longer be maintained.
Involvement of the old Gods of mythology add to the growing unsettling-ness. Helios, Hermes, and Hera are represented in the guise of 2050 personae while retaining their historic traits. Juxtaposing the ancient and the ultra-futuristic creates a delicious world of chaos and uncertainty.
The dystopian horror of Axon Drift is a wonderful creation by Bibiana Krall. Even more horrifying is seeing that some of this is already evolving. This fourth book in the Aether series is excellent reading.
Involvement of the old Gods of mythology add to the growing unsettling-ness. Helios, Hermes, and Hera are represented in the guise of 2050 personae while retaining their historic traits. Juxtaposing the ancient and the ultra-futuristic creates a delicious world of chaos and uncertainty.
The dystopian horror of Axon Drift is a wonderful creation by Bibiana Krall. Even more horrifying is seeing that some of this is already evolving. This fourth book in the Aether series is excellent reading.
June 9, 2024
“It’s not the loneliness that lengthens the cracks. In the long run, it’s the isolation.”
Welcome to the future. Imagine a blend of ‘The Hunger Games’, ‘The Matrix’, ‘The Truman Show’ and a gruesome version of ‘Love Island’ and you’ll be in ‘Axon Drift’ territory.
The adventures of the central character Minerva/Calypso proceed at a cracking pace as she navigates her way through a dangerous Alice-in-Wonderland dreamscape in her search for the truth of her situation.
This is a short read, but Bibiana Krall is nonetheless able to craft some intense world-building without interrupting the narrative flow. She creates an island where everything has a ring of familiarity, yet at the same time, has the Shakespearean Tempest’s “wondrous strangeness” about it.
“A crescent moon was pinned to the sky like a secret wish, and the ocean glowed with an eerie phosphorescence.”
‘Axon Drift’ is the fourth book in the author’s ambitious ‘Aether’ speculative fiction series. Bring on Number 5!
Welcome to the future. Imagine a blend of ‘The Hunger Games’, ‘The Matrix’, ‘The Truman Show’ and a gruesome version of ‘Love Island’ and you’ll be in ‘Axon Drift’ territory.
The adventures of the central character Minerva/Calypso proceed at a cracking pace as she navigates her way through a dangerous Alice-in-Wonderland dreamscape in her search for the truth of her situation.
This is a short read, but Bibiana Krall is nonetheless able to craft some intense world-building without interrupting the narrative flow. She creates an island where everything has a ring of familiarity, yet at the same time, has the Shakespearean Tempest’s “wondrous strangeness” about it.
“A crescent moon was pinned to the sky like a secret wish, and the ocean glowed with an eerie phosphorescence.”
‘Axon Drift’ is the fourth book in the author’s ambitious ‘Aether’ speculative fiction series. Bring on Number 5!
June 26, 2024
Axon Drift is a wild ride that mixes a hard core dating competition and the Greek gods. It starts with a woman waking up on a fantasy version of an Island that differs from the more dystopian reality of every day life. The problem? She has no idea who she is but she realizes she better learn fast as the games have begun.
This story gives you lush settings, beautiful people and a great pace. You have to figure things out along with the main character. It is really entertaining and not predictable. I really enjoyed feeling like I was reading a story where I couldn't guess the end. I would definitely recommend this book.
This story gives you lush settings, beautiful people and a great pace. You have to figure things out along with the main character. It is really entertaining and not predictable. I really enjoyed feeling like I was reading a story where I couldn't guess the end. I would definitely recommend this book.
July 2, 2024
"Axon Drift" is a thrilling book about a robot island where dreams turn scary. People who like stories about the future and robots will love this. It's easy to read and very exciting!
July 5, 2024
A seed was planted. From a wild dream in 2020... to now, four years of short, Science Fiction speculating about the future, and imagining what it might look like never fails to surprise.
Many thanks for supporting this experimental series. I'm calling this the intergalactic dating show... stay tuned!
Logan's Run X The Handmaid's Tale!
Many thanks for supporting this experimental series. I'm calling this the intergalactic dating show... stay tuned!
Logan's Run X The Handmaid's Tale!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews