Today, I am delighted to have author C.S. Boyack or Craig from Entertaining Stories over to tell you all about his fantastic new book, Grinders.
Thanks for the invitation, Robbie. I’m here to talk about my new book, Grinders. I’ll let the blurb speak as to the plot and characters today, because this post is about the environment the story is placed in.
Grinders is in a sub-category of science fiction known as cyberpunk. This is neither dystopia nor utopia, but a futuristic world where computer technology is a driving force. Which is getting me to the main topic today: Solving Problems Creates New Ones.
Science Fiction is a great exercise for any author. We have to ask ourselves where we will be in the future based upon what we see today. I see a world where Alexa and Siri are pretty prominent. A world where home security runs through a doorbell camera. We are addicted to our phones, and technology is replacing a lot of jobs.
We have environmental problems, social problems, political problems, and many more that I won’t highlight to keep this post from becoming a list. Add all of that into my writer’s stew and what does the broth taste like? (Cooking reference for Robbie.)
In the future, we’ve solved our energy crisis by relying on solar power. In it’s first form, this became the Electronic Forest. I read about some scientists who grew carbon fibers inside woody plants that could serve as electrical wiring. Obviously, I built on that for the story and the forest uses photosynthesis to create electricity that flows from the leaves to the roots of the forest, and into cables that send it into the city.
I thought this was pretty cool, because it provides wild areas and a home for wildlife. People are greedy, though, so this is being torn out in the story because it’s been superseded by more efficient technology and the land is valuable. This is one example of the good and the bad. The forest was a lovely thing, but it’s been replaced by something better… at what cost?
Our personal digital assistants and home security systems have all been upgraded into one of two things. People either own a home robot of some kind, or have a holographic assistant. Either of these can control the household, order groceries, or lock the doors at night. They are so capable that most entry level jobs were replaced by them as well. We have in-house restaurant apps, with food delivered by robots. Where are the people supposed to work? I even have cyber cops and doctors in the story. These are usually projections of actual people emitted by a cruiser or ambulance. This could be a good thing, because an actual MD can direct the EMTs at an emergency, or a holographic cop could do something like direct traffic. Those servers, secretaries, and clerks are lost forever, though.
Working from home is a big deal in the world of Grinders. This has created a kind of cyber shut-in. People never actually need to leave their houses. They have some kind of AI to arrange grocery delivery (via drone, no driver required), all their work is online, and even entertainment is readily available without going outside. Most people still do, but there are a large number of these people in future San Francisco where the story is placed. I wanted this to be both good and bad, because that’s how real life is. Sure, it cuts down on traffic, small altercations, and (I swear I didn’t plan this, but today we have something new) the spread of disease. The cost is our loss of humanity, obesity, and unawareness of the real world. There is an app if they want to walk through the forest, so the loss of the Electronic Forest is no big deal to them. These people still get to vote, but they have no idea what happens outside their door.
Plastics are a big problem today. In Grinders there are a lot of paper cups and straws, because we’ve reduced the use of plastic. However, the politicians have classified plastics as a hazardous substance, and there is a reference to a Superfund clean up site. I don’t detail a lot about this, and you can imagine doing away with plastics as a good thing, but fencing off specific areas will cost jobs, drop home values nearby, and create other problems.
This is my deeper dive into the environment for those who like that kind of thing. In the actual story, you’re going to have to infer some of this, because good stories are about characters and plot. I’m not going to blatantly call everything out, (Okay, a few things) but you will be able to get the gist as you read it. In fact, I hope it makes you think just a bit.
I’ve come full circle now. You’ve seen some of the cyber and some of the punk that goes into this genre. I hope you can see that it isn’t all flash or grimdark. Real life comes with a scoop of good and bad, and that is a constant in my futuristic San Francisco. I hope some of you will give it a chance.
Now it’s time for me to drop a cover and blurb, along with the purchase link. Thanks again to Robbie for letting me spread the word on her site today.
Blurb
Jimi Cabot made one mistake as a starving college student. When she went to work for the San Francisco Police Department, it nearly cost her the job. The union stepped in and they had to reinstate her. They did so by assigning her to the duty nobody wants, Grinder Squad.
Grinders are people who use back room surgeries to enhance their bodies with computer chips, and various kinds of hardware. Jimi is sure that if she can just bust one grind shop, it will be her ticket back.
Paired with a veteran cop, she soon learns that Grinder Squad is a cash-cow for the department. They are nothing more than glorified patrol cops, and generally get the worst assignments.
Matchless is the most wanted grinder of all time. He disappeared years ago, leaving only the evidence of those he enhanced during his career. With these pieces, Jimi picks up the cold trail to try working her way back to more respectable duty.
Grinders is a cyberpunk story set in a world where global warming has eroded coastlines, and society has solved many of our current problems by replacing them with new ones. There are cyber shut-ins, cyber-currency skimming schemes, and more in this futuristic tale.
This book also takes the opportunity to poke a stick at current issues that seem to have lasted into the future. Entitled people, helicopter moms, overzealous homeowner associations, and lack of decent jobs are all present. Never preachy, these issues make up the day to day work of a patrol officer.
I hope you enjoy Grinders as much as I enjoyed bringing it to you.
Purchase Grinders by C.S. Boyack
Purchase link: http://mybook.to/Grinders
Contact C.S. Boyack
You can contact Craig at the following locations:
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A recent review of Grinders
5-star verified purchaser on Amazon
Boyack’s done it again. I have no clue where he gets his ideas, but his well certainly hasn’t run dry.
GRINDERS introduces us to people who illegally modify their bodies with technological upgrades and the police squad tasked with stopping them. Sort of. Really, the grinder squad is a punishment for cops and no one really seems to care that people are paying for enhancements. Lou is a vet, marking time until his retirement. He’s partnered with Jimi, a young cop with a mistake in her past and a desire to make her way out of the grinder squad—by making a huge grinder bust.
The interplay between Jimi and Lou is stellar. She makes the grizzled cop care a little more, and he teaches her patience and wisdom. Typical mentor/mentee relationship, right? Wrong. This is so much more. There’s humor, there’s poignancy. There’s a real emotional connection, both between the two of them and between them and the readers. Throw in an exceptional cast (both real and virtual), and you’ve got a full and diverse pool of characters. The villain is driven and a tad demented. I loved viewing the world from his perspective. And the POV at the end (which I won’t spoil) was a HUGE payoff for me. It really brought everything together in a clever and satisfying way.
Thanks for the information about Craig’s book. I’ve read some other great things about Grinders from others who have read it, and I picked it up today. The whole concept of solving problems creates new ones is an interesting topic. I suppose that’s how we keep so many people employed because we have to hire others to resolve the issues that come along.
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I look forward to reading what you think of this book, Pete. Craig is a great author. I have this on my TBR too.
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I’m honored that you took a chance on it. There is a lot going on, but it never deviates from the main plot. Hope you enjoy it.
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Every time I read your posts, I get more excited about this book, Craig. Thanks for hosting, Robbie!
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Thanks, Teri. I put a lot of effort into it. There are some environmental posts in this tour, but it doesn’t reach the point of distraction. I think it balances well with the plot and characters, but readers will have to decide that one.
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Thanks Teri, I am also looking forward to this one. I seem to have less reading time now we are working from home than before.
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Thanks so much for lending me your space today. I’m always happy to return the favor. Thanks for the extra effort to include one of the early reviews, too.
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My pleasure, this sounds like a smashing book.
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Hope you enjoy it when it reaches the top of your pile.
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Reblogged this on Entertaining Stories and commented:
Solving problems always seems to create new ones. That’s the topic on the Grinders blog tour today. I’m at Robbie’s place, and hope you’ll come chat. Robbie is a pretty diverse author herself, so look around while you’re there. Maybe you’ll find a couple of additional books to add to your list.
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Thank you for sharing, Craig, and for the shout out.
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Hope the traffic benefits us both today.
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Hey… I recognize that review!
I loved Grinders. The Electric Forest captured my interest, as did so many other little touches Craig put in the story. The worldbuilding was exceptional. Lovely to see the work highlighted here. Best wishes, Craig, and thanks for hosting, Robbie.
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Thank you, Staci. Your comments really help.
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My pleasure, Staci. A great review of Craig’s book. I am really looking forward to this one.
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Another great post for Grinders and a wonderful review. I’m looking forward to reading this when I get the chance. Best of luck with everything, Craig.
Thanks for showcasing Craig and his latest book, Robbie 🙂
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Thanks for stopping by, Harmony. Luck is something I always accept.
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Thanks for visiting. I also have this book on my TBR and am looking forward to reading it soon.
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I loved Grinders, Robbie, and am so glad to see Craig here today. The electric forest was one of my favorite things, too, and I was sad that it was going to be replaced. 😦 But it was just one of SO many things in Craig’s future world that blew me away. His fantastic imagination really ran wild in this book, and I was fascinated by all the scenarios he came up with. Grinders is a super fun read, and this was a great post! Thanks Craig and Robbie. Sharing!! 🙂
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Always appreciate comments from someone who’s read the story. It isn’t hard to imagine other intriguing places in this environment. What would Sacramento be like, Boston, Orlando, etc.
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Orlando is only a few feet from being underwater, anyway. It would turn into Atlantis. 😀
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Hi Marcia, I am a great lover of imagination in books and Craig’s is incredible. He is the adult version of my favourite children’s author, Eva Ibbotson.
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The cover is eye-catching and the concept is intriguing. Thanks for letting us know, Robbie. Best to Craig. Hugs all around.
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Thanks for stopping by, Teagan.
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HI Teagan, thanks for visiting. I also think Craig’s cover is very eye catching and the premise of this book is interesting and entertaining.
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The book sounds delightful. Good luck on the tour!
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I’ve been enjoying the heck out of this tour. I’m dabbling it out, instead of blasting it all in one week. Seems to be working better, and it’s much easier on me.
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Thank you, Jacqui. I think it is very original.
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Thanks for hosting Craig today, Robbie.
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My pleasure, John. Thanks for popping in.
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😁
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Craig did a wonderful job of creating a future San Francisco in GRINDERS. I enjoyed Jimi’s cat robot, who could talk and sounded exactly like I’d expect my cat to, and Lou’s holographic housemate. Technology might have advanced, but peoples’ needs stay pretty much the same. Lou’s deep attachment to the horse he rode when he was a mounted policeman was touching.
Thanks to both of you for a great post.
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I love those testimonials in the comments. Thanks for saying all that.
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I also think this book with its interesting and different technology twists and overlay of the future onto the world we know is a great idea. I am looking forward to reading it.
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I have a few of Craig’s books on my list already and you’ve just reminded me to push them up. Thanks, Robbie and good luck to Craig!
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Thanks, Olga. I’m honored to make the list. Hope you enjoy the ones you’ve chosen.
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I have three, Olga, but I am good at over-committing myself with reviews and have yet to get to them. It will be soon though. This shut down we are all experiencing has made me busier than ever at work which is unexpected but a good thing.
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A great review, Robbie and Craig’s book sounds very nice to read. Will definitely try getting a copy of the book.
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You’ve made my day, thanks.
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Thanks Craig I loved the way Robbie wrote about you so beautifully.
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Hi Kamal, I love Craig’s books. My favourite to date is The Yak Guy which I found fascinating.
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Yak Guy has been out long enough to earn a free day. I wonder if all the quarantined people would appreciate that.
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A lot of people seem to be reading more, so probably.
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Great to hear that Robbie. Will surely read his books he sounds very interesting 😊😊😊😊
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Reblogged this on Archer's Aim and commented:
Great premise for a book. Have a look at Grinders by C. S. Boyack.
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Thanks for sharing.
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You’re welcome.
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Grinders is a great story and probably my favorite to date of Craig’s work. It’s a highly inventive world, with many underlying threads that relate to our own world and concerns. Highly recommended!
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Thank you for saying so here. I tried to go with the genre, but some ties to modern society wove their way in. I think it makes it more relatable.
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Hi Mae, now I have to read this very soon to see if I like it more than The Yak Guy which is my current favourite of Craig’s book. I must say thought, that I have enjoyed all of his work to date.
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I know you’ll love Grinders, Robbie. All of Craig’s work is excellent, but I think he really outdid himself with this one!
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Hi Robbie and Craig – thanks for introducing me to Grinders. How timely that we are currently in our own cyber worlds. You have a great imagination – sounds like an exciting story!
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That was pure dumb luck, but a few folks who are sequestered away might relate to those parts of the story. Thank you for your kind words.
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Thanks for visiting and commenting, Barbara. I am a big fan of Craig’s writing.
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Craig is awesome! Thanks for promoting Grinders for him. 🙂
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My pleasure, I like his books too.
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Thanks for stopping over, Rachel.
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I enjoyed learning more about the cyberpunk genre!
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Thanks for visiting, Liz. Craig is a great writer.
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It was a fun playground. I like to challenge myself, and it was a good challenge.
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It is fun to be able to play at one’s writing, every now and again.
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