БABUSHKA
Echoes of Immortality (Book 1)
Blade Runner meets Golden Girls in this Cyberpunk Epic!
In the aftermath of a world-shattering war, Gred stands as a frozen sanctuary—a city where time itself seems to have stopped. Its ruling class, preserved by a miraculous anti-aging serum, maintains an iron grip on power while the dwindling youth struggle to find their place in a future that grows more uncertain by the day.
When a shocking scandal exposes the University's involvement in an underground trade of the immortality drug, Gred's carefully maintained facade begins to crumble. As the Syndicate scrambles to contain the crisis, Doctor Anastasia Zakharovna finds herself at a pivotal moment, forced to confront her past and the true cost of her life's work. She stands at a crossroads between her duty to the city and the seductive promise of her revolutionary research.
Her choice will not only determine the fate of Gred's citizens but will challenge humanity's very understanding of life, death, and what lies beyond.
Experience a Futuristic Thrill!
Ideal for fans of cyberpunk classics like William Gibson's Neuromancer, Jay Kristoff's The Illuminae Files, and Richard K. Morgan's Altered Carbon, Babushka: Echoes of Immortality is filled with intense firefights, complex political intrigue, ruthless backstabbing, and immersive virtual reality. Dive into a world where the facade of immortality hides perilous secrets, alliances are forged and broken, and every decision could alter the fate of the last city on Earth.
24 Reviews • Average Rating: 4.6
★★★★★
Babushka Reader Coming Soon!
- + Accessible online and offline
- + Responsive for all devices
- + AI glossary assistant
- + Free short stories from the world of Babushka delivered periodically
- + Free future editions of existing books
- + Immersive reading experience with soundscapes and background music
- + Interactive character profiles with backstories and illustrations
- + Reader chat room for discussions and fan connections
- + In-depth lore exploration of the world of Babushka
- + Integrated note-taking, bookmarking, and text highlighting
- + Customizable themes and fonts for a personalized reading interface
- + Accessibility features including text-to-speech and high-contrast modes
- + Stay tuned for ongoing feature enhancements and exciting new updates!
"Bladerunner Meets Golden Girls"
Dunya Bocharov
Dunya gets around in her Skelet exoskeleton - the only thing that lets her walk after what the war did to her legs. She works contract jobs as a cryptographer, bouncing from gig to gig just trying to make rent in a city that grinds people down. The war took her family, and she's been running from the religious upbringing that used to give her comfort but doesn't make sense anymore. Her partnership with Vesna is the one stable thing in her life - they watch each other's backs hunting rogue AIs through Gred's streets. The Arkyv calls to her with its buried secrets and alternate realities, but what really keeps her up at night is how the line between digital and real keeps blurring. Sometimes her dreams feel more real than waking life, and that's what terrifies her most.
Martin Erlic
Martin Erlic is an olive oil producer and science fiction author from the Dalmatian coast of Croatia.
In addition to running his family's orchard and producing authentic Croatian olive oil, Martin has poured his love of Eastern European culture into his debut novel, Babushka: Echoes of Immortality. Set in a post-war metropolis where immortality reigns, the plot follows Doctor Anastasia Zakharovna through a web of power and deceit. When he's not tending to his olive groves or writing, Martin can be found spending time with his family in their little village by the sea.
Reviews
24 Reviews • Average Rating: 4.6
★★★★★
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Pulls you in right away 🥹
This book is so well written that reading it feels like listening to a classical music. Very well put together and thought out. The adventures of the characters are very engaging and you don’t want to put the book down till you finish. Story is so well crafted that you fall in love with it right away. 🥰 Highly recommend. It’s an 11/10.
Babushka is for the girlies…
that are tired of reading about surface-level female protagonists pining for questionable men. In Babushka we have complex characters navigating a futuristic world where immortality is possible thanks to an anti-age serum. I commend this novel for its unique blend of plot elements, impressive world building, and writing that feels philosophical at times.
Thought-provoking and intense!
Babushka was not what I was expecting. It’s got depth, action, and such a wild futuristic world! Anastasia's character is complex, and I love that she's flawed and real. Sometimes, the science stuff was a bit heavy, but it added to the vibe. Definitely not a light read but worth every page!
Unique but dense
This book has A LOT going on. Gred is so detailed it feels like a character itself. Anastasia’s journey through her past and present gets you thinking. It can get intense and dark, but that’s what I loved. Some parts were a bit too science-y for me, but I can’t deny it’s gripping.
Slow start, but it pays off!
At first, I wasn’t sure I’d like it because it’s kind of slow and there’s so much world-building. But it’s so worth it. Anastasia’s story is fascinating, and the city of Gred is beautifully dark and complicated. I’m totally invested now.
Wow. Just wow.
This is unlike any other book I’ve read. The mix of cyberpunk and philosophy is mind-blowing. Anastasia is such a unique character, and the themes really hit home. Not an easy read, but so worth it.
A Compelling and Relatable Heroine
Dunya is such a well-written character, with a dark and troubled past that many women can deeply relate to. Her journey is raw and genuine, full of self-doubt and moments of vulnerability, yet she never comes across as a Mary Sue. Instead, her strength feels earned, and the obstacles she faces only make her growth more powerful. Watching her push through her struggles kept me captivated, and her story continues to resonate with me even days later.
Not for everyone but I loved it
Babushka is deep, gritty, and complex. Not everyone will get it, but if you’re into sci-fi with a philosophical twist, you’ll love it. It’s definitely not your typical action-packed SFF read, but it has substance.
Heavy themes but worth it
Gred is both beautiful and terrifying. Zakharovna’s struggle with her morals and the city’s issues make for a compelling story. Some parts are tough to read, but the plot and themes are so unique!
Mind-Bending and Unforgettable
Exovegeta, the immortality drug in this story, had me hooked—not just because it eerily reminded me of that familiar kitchen spice (intentional or not, who knows!), but because of the haunting reality these women endure. They must take this drug daily, staying perpetually old to avoid an even darker fate: being condemned to a virtual prison for eternity as punishment. The stakes are chilling, and the world of Gred is a dystopian masterpiece that challenges your understanding of freedom and control. The moral dilemmas and intense psychological twists make it an unforgettable read. Highly recommend for those who crave a story that stays with you long after the last page.
Complicated but brilliant
If you’re looking for an easy read, this isn’t it. But if you want something that challenges you, Babushka delivers. The characters, the setting, everything is so well thought out. I had to take breaks, but it’s an amazing book.
Impressive world-building
The detail in this book is insane. You can tell the author put a ton of work into creating Gred and its history. Sometimes it felt a bit heavy, but I was all in by the end. I can’t wait for more!
Unforgettable world-building!
I don’t think I’ve ever read a sci-fi book that feels this immersive. The city of Gred is so vividly described that I could almost feel the chill and weight of its history. The anti-aging serum subplot and the tension with the Board was fascinating. This book goes beyond typical cyberpunk, digging into what it means to preserve power and who truly benefits.
Not just about Anastasia!
Anastasia may be central to the story, but the other characters truly shine as well. Nadia provided a compelling foil for Vesna during her recovery, adding depth to their dynamic. Dimitra was a cold-hearted thug, but an absolute badass you can’t help but admire. And Yana brought a spark of youthful brilliance, like a kid sister who’s way too smart for her own good. The political intrigue between the University and the Board kept me hooked, and every character added a unique layer to the questions of morality and science. This world feels alive and intricately built—an amazing read.
A complex plot that makes you think
Babushka dives into ethics and science in a way I didn’t expect from a cyberpunk book. The tension between the characters and their loyalty to Gred vs. their own ambitions kept me hooked. I loved the layers in the plot. From the mysterious AI Babushka to the drug trade scandals. Each chapter added a new twist, making it a challenging but rewarding read.
An AI unlike any other
The AI, Babushka, only appears in one chapter, but that chapter left such an impression. Babushka isn’t just a tool; it feels almost alive, with a mysterious agenda of its own. Its brief interaction with Maria brought up so many questions about control and evolution. Even though we don’t see Babushka much, the way it has subtly influenced society and the ethical questions it raises stuck with me long after. I only wish there was more!
Science fiction with a purpose
This isn’t just action or romance. It’s a philosophical exploration wrapped in sci-fi. The use of virtual reality, the anti-aging serum, and the corrupt University system are all elements that could feel like typical sci-fi tropes, but here they’re so well integrated that they become part of the story’s bigger purpose. One of the most unique reads of the year!
Intense and thought-provoking
Gred’s society is so hauntingly realistic that it feels like a warning about where we might be headed. The old babushkas clinging to power, the younger generation struggling to have a voice. It all feels disturbingly familiar. Anastasia’s internal struggle mirrors society’s. This book is more than just a story; it’s a look at our world through a dark lens.
Cyberpunk done right!
I’ve read a lot of cyberpunk, but Babushka stands out for its depth. The level of detail in the tech and social systems in Gred is phenomenal. The use of virtual reality as a form of control, the anti-aging drug market, and the intense firefights make it thrilling but also meaningful. It’s gritty, real, and brilliantly written.
Perfect for fans of political thrillers
I went into Babushka expecting a typical sci-fi adventure but got so much more. The political tensions between the University and Syndicate feel like something out of a spy thriller. There’s this constant push and pull of power, with Anastasia caught in the middle. The stakes are high, and the ending had me on the edge of my seat.
Morally complex and fascinating
Babushka doesn’t shy away from difficult topics. Anastasia isn’t a clear-cut hero. You can’t help but wonder who’s really in control here. Is it Babushka, the Board, or the Syndicate? Every character, even the minor ones, is dealing with some moral dilemma. It makes you question your own beliefs.
A masterpiece in world-building
Babushka’s world is so intricate that it feels like you’re stepping into a fully realized future. Every scene, every piece of tech, and every character has a role in making Gred feel alive. The anti-aging serum’s impact on society, the city’s isolation, and the use of VR as escapism are handled so well. This book made me want to dive deeper into Gred and its secrets.
Deep but sometimes confusing
There’s no doubt that Babushka is a unique story. The themes of loyalty, power, and technology are fascinating, and I loved how it made me question what immortality would really mean for society. Some of the tech terms and scientific details got a little overwhelming for me, which made it hard to keep up in some parts. But the plot is so intense and the characters feel real. They’re messy and flawed, just like real people. It’s worth the read if you’re okay with a challenge.
I finished it, but out of spite
I’ll admit, I finished it anyway, but mostly out of spite. The language and style didn’t work for me at all. I found it distracting and hard to get fully engrossed. I felt like I was just slogging through it half the time. But the world-building was good enough to keep me reading. The city of Gred and the way the anti-aging serum has warped society is so well-crafted that I wanted to see it through, even if the writing itself wasn’t my favorite.
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