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
★★★★★
Please include your theory on the true identity of Pra Matron Vatraliyna in your review. This helps verify your purchase and allows your review to be featured on this site.
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!
Okay, real talk? This book DESTROYED me emotionally. Like, I went in thinking it'd be some cool cyberpunk adventure and came out questioning my entire existence lol. Anastasia is such a mess (in the best way) and watching her spiral while trying to save everyone is absolutely brilliant. Fair warning: it gets DARK. But if you're into books that make you stare at the ceiling at 3am thinking about mortality and power structures, this is your jam.
Dense read, but worth the commitment
As someone who typically gravitates toward lighter sci-fi, I found myself both challenged and rewarded by this novel. The author doesn't hold your hand, there's an expectation that you'll keep up with the intricate political machinations and scientific concepts. Gred feels lived-in, authentic in its decay and complexity. The rich narrative detail creates incredible depth in both character development and thematic exploration. This isn't beach reading; it's literature that happens to be set in the future.
A slow burn that ignites brilliantly
I'll be honest, I almost DNF'd this around page 50. The pacing felt deliberate, and I was immersed in the rich details of Gred's history and political structure. But something made me push through (probably stubbornness), and I'm SO glad I did. Once the pieces start clicking together, it's like watching a master chess player reveal their strategy. The payoff is incredible. Anastasia's arc from the flashbacks to present day is absolutely perfect. Now I'm that person recommending it to everyone while telling them to trust the process.
Philosophical cyberpunk at its finest
Look, I've been reading sci-fi for thirty years. Gibson, Dick, Stephenson, the whole canon. This book sits comfortably alongside the masters while carving out its own unique territory. The philosophical underpinnings aren't just window dressing; they're integral to the plot mechanics. When Anastasia grapples with the ethics of immortality, it's not abstract, it's visceral, immediate, consequential. The author trusts their readers to engage with complex ideas without dumbing them down. Rare to find that level of intellectual respect in genre fiction these days.
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.
Polarizing but brilliant
This book is going to divide readers, and honestly? Good. We need more fiction that takes risks. Some people are going to bounce off the dense prose and moral ambiguity. Others (like me) are going to devour every uncomfortable truth it serves up. The violence isn't gratuitous—it's purposeful. The politics aren't black and white—they're messy and human. If you want your protagonists morally pure and your endings tied up with a bow, skip this. If you want to be challenged, disturbed, and ultimately changed by what you read, dive in.
Beautiful brutality
There's something almost poetic about how this book handles violence and beauty. Gred is described with such lush, gorgeous detail that you almost forget it's a dystopian hellscape until reality crashes back in. The juxtaposition is intentional and masterful. Zakharovna's internal monologue during the more brutal scenes had me highlighting passages—not because they were pretty, but because they were TRUE in a way that made my chest tight. This book doesn't flinch from difficult topics, and neither should you if you pick it up.
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.
Emotionally exhausting (in the best way)
Y'all... I had to put this book down THREE times because it was just too much. Not because it was bad—because it was TOO GOOD. Like, I'd read a chapter and then need to go for a walk and process what just happened to my soul. The emotional weight of these characters is HEAVY. Anastasia carrying all that guilt and responsibility? Vesna's redemption arc? I was SOBBING. Literally had to explain to my roommate why I was crying over a sci-fi book at 2am. Worth every tear though.
A world-builder's masterclass
From a technical standpoint, this is exceptional work. The author has clearly done their homework, the political systems, the technology, the social hierarchies all feel internally consistent and believable. You can trace the logical progression from our current world to Gred's dystopian reality. The attention to detail in everything from the architecture to the slang is remarkable. As someone who writes fantasy myself, I found myself taking notes on how to create a world that feels this lived-in and authentic. Highly recommend for anyone interested in the craft of speculative fiction.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
