Blog Tour Review: The Babel Apocalypse

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the THE BABEL APOCALYPSE by Vyvyan Evans Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway! 

About The Book:

Title: THE BABEL APOCALYPSE (Songs of the Sage #1)

Author: Vyvyan Evans

Pub. Date: May 2, 2023

Publisher: Nephilim Publishing

Formats:  Paperback, eBook

Pages: 388

Find it: Goodreads, https://books2read.com/THE-BABEL-APOCALYPSE 

"They who control language control everything."A dystopian, cyberpunk, sci-fi odyssey that will make you think about language in a whole new way.

Language is no longer learned, but streamed to neural implants regulated by lang-laws. Those who can't afford language streaming services are feral, living on the fringes of society. Big tech corporations control language, the world's most valuable commodity.

But when a massive cyberattack causes a global language outage, catastrophe looms.

Europol detective Emyr Morgan is assigned to the case. His prime suspect is Professor Ebba Black, the last native speaker of language in the automated world, and leader of the Babel cyberterrorist organization. But Emyr soon learns that in a world of corporate power, where those who control language control everything, all is not as it seems.

As he and Ebba collide, Emyr faces an existential dilemma between loyalty and betrayal, when everything he once believed in is called into question. To prevent the imminent collapse of civilization and a global war between the great federations, he must figure out friend from foe-his life depends on it. And with the odds stacked against him, he must find a way to stop the Babel Apocalypse.

“A perfect fusion of SF, thriller, and mystery—smart speculative fiction at its very best.”- Kirkus

"With a perfect blend of Sci-Fi, mystery, and thriller, its unique method of crashing a near-future Earth society had me hooked from start to finish."- Reedsy

MY REVIEW:

The Babel Apocalypse is a cyberpunk-esque story that involves the weaponization of language against the world's population, power struggles, and the targeted use of information. Just a quick note, this book has a couple of suggestive things that make it best for adult readers - however, it isn't overly mature. The book follows Emyr, a Europol detective who ultimately is trying to save the world. It details his uncovering clues and a secret plot. It has plenty of action, plenty of intrigue, and a lot of noticeable cyberpunk themes. 

I really liked the linguistic components and discussion of linguistics. I also like the way they were utilized in this book's broader world. The worldbuilding was really interesting and I'd definitely like to see more of it. The book has an ending that just threw me for a loop. I feel like there has to be more to tell and I want to read it if there is. I liked the characters and I liked the depths of their personal struggles and demons. I also like that things unfold gradually, though a couple of times I was like "this is connected to this right? This person did this thing, didn't they?" and I was right. However, it was nothing that would be story ruining or lessen the experience. It was all smaller details that interconnected, which I enjoyed. 

Overall, I like the cyberpunk themes present in this story and I like the pacing. It was quick, the book had lots of layers, and I enjoyed the experience I had with it. I need more! I give The Babel Apocalypse a Lone Star rating of ✯✯✯✯ stars. This one was definitely giving me Cyberpunk and Samuel R. Delany's Babel-17 vibes, albeit with TONS of distinct differences. It was just the worlds, the broader cyberpunk genre themes, and the use of language as the centerpiece. Given that I enjoyed those things, this one is a great way to explore those themes some more and get that vibe, if desired. I do recommend this book, specifically for sci-fi fans. 

About Vyvyan Evans:

Dr. Vyvyan Evans is a native of Chester, England. He holds a PhD in linguistics from Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., and is a Professor of Linguistics. He has published numerous acclaimed popular science and technical books on language and linguistics. His popular science essays and articles have appeared in numerous venues including 'The Guardian', 'Psychology Today', 'New York Post', 'New Scientist', 'Newsweek' and 'The New Republic'. His award-winning writing focuses, in one way or another, on the nature of language and mind, the impact of technology on language, and the future of communication. His science fiction work explores the status of language and digital communication technology as potential weapons of mass destruction.

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Giveaway Details: 

1 winner will receive a finished copy of THE BABEL APOCALYPSE, US Only.

Ends May 9th, midnight EST.

Rafflecopter Link:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e2389ba21671/

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

4/24/2023	Mythical Books	Excerpt/IG Post
4/24/2023	#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog	Excerpt/IG Post
4/25/2023	Two Chicks on Books	Excerpt/IG Post
4/25/2023	A Backwards Story	Excerpt/IG Post
4/26/2023	Cara North	Excerpt/IG Post
4/26/2023	Jazzy Book Reviews	Excerpt/IG Post
4/27/2023	Books and Kats	Excerpt
4/27/2023	jeff_of_allmedia	IG Post
4/28/2023	Reads by Radus	Excerpt/IG Post
4/28/2023	Two Points of Interest	Review

Week Two:

5/1/2023	Rajiv's Reviews	Review/IG Post
5/1/2023	Review Thick And Thin	Review/IG Post
5/2/2023	Confessions of the Perfect Mom	Review/IG Post
5/2/2023	Breysreviews	IG Review/TikTok Post
5/3/2023	Brandi Danielle Davis	IG Review/TikTok Post
5/3/2023	Texan Girl Readz	Review/IG Post
5/4/2023	Country Mamas With Kids	Review/IG Post
5/4/2023	The Real World According To Sam	Review
5/5/2023	@enjoyingbooksagain	IG Review
5/5/2023	The Momma Spot	Review