~Spotlight: Empty Fists by Mangalam Shiva~

Empty Fists by Mangalam Shiva "God, why has this happened to me? I have never hurt anybody in my life. I have been sincere to God, to my work, to my husband....Yet, I have to suffer this cruel brutality. Why?"

A software professional who led a charmed life, finds that life destroyed by a single brutal incident… A man on his deathbed realizes a life spent in the US chasing money, filled his pockets but left him empty… An ambitious reporter with her dreams within grasp, finds them turning into dust… A beautiful woman is locked in a battle against unwanted male attention with shocking results… Meet these characters - strong, inspiring, wayward, cynical, ambitious, and share their journey, in this contemporary anthology of ordinary lives, extraordinary insights.

Reviews:  

Empty Fists is an anthology. A collection of short stories reflecting on the different aspects of life faced by every individual. There is love, friendship, struggle, even loss. This is a collection of stories that will truly touch your heart from beginning to end.

 

One of the best parts of Siva’s writing is his ability to convey emotion through each of his characters. Even though there’s a mix of male, female, or even animal, I still felt something tug at my heart with every story. A different message was conveyed in each tale but it wasn’t hard to find them and to learn from them. Shiva paints a very plain and clear picture of what he wants to say and he does it in such a way that readers of all ages can enjoy his work.

-Valicity Garris

Empty Fists is a collection of short stories that tackle multiple themes but the primary focus of the stories is on the difficulties faced by women in their daily lives. Many women are ostracized and exploited in today's world in spite of the progress of civilization. The stories in this collection highlight the struggles and tragedies in the lives of women while also venturing to portray the desires, failures, agony and ecstasy which are part of human existence.

I liked most of the stories. They have a lot of depth and emotions are expressed brilliantly. The author has a good grip on language though at times he uses unnecessary adjectives and that affects the flow of the story. I was particularly impressed with the story about a stray dog and how the dog understands the things that happen around him. This unique point of view surprised me pleasantly. These stories need attention not just because they are commendable pieces of literary fiction, but also because they expose the dark side of society defined by oppression and violence.

-Saradia Chatterjee

Where you can find Empty Fists:

http://www.amazon.com/Empty-Fists-Mangalam-Shiva-ebook/dp/B010NNOQI0/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8

Interview with Mangalam:

1.  Tell me about your book and why you decided to write it.
EMPTY FISTS, book by me in my pen name MANGALAM SHIVA, has short stories. We human beings always think that we are superior to animals and they are all dumb just because the other living things cannot think like humans or talk. Raju the intelligent stray dog proves that even animals are clever, can think and save human beings from their disasters. Raju feels and regrets the atrocities committed by people around him.
There are other stories in the book which reflect the social injustices in India affecting weaker sections of the society like Children and Women.
I watched many atrocities happening in our society daily reported in News TV channels. Newspapers etc. As my age did not permit me to take any direct action to stop these atrocities like corruption, rape, kidnaps, loots and social discrimination, I decided to write stories with a hope that some of the readers of my book can bring change to Indian situations.
2.  Who are your favorite authors and why?
My favorite authors are---
ROBERT LUDLUM
ROBIN COOK
SIDNEY SHELDON
JEFFREY ARCHER
FREDRICK FORSYTH
JAMES PATTERSON
TOM CLANCY
I like fictions by these authors as their characters, situations, style and stories are thrilling, interesting and captivating.
3.  What would you like your readers to know about you?
I would like my readers to understand that a retired person has written a moving message giving book of stories. There are moral and social messages which can be implemented wherever there is a scope for these.
4.  Where would you go on your dream vacation?  Who would you bring with you?
I would like my dream vacation in Switzerland, with my dear wife.
5.  Do you have any works in progress?  What are they?
I have got the manuscript of short stories for my second book ready for editing & publication. I am writing more stories for third book to be published at a later date.
6.  If you could give me one piece of advice about life, what would it be?
I am not competent to give any advice to my reader friends. One advice I would give myself is "TOLERANCE WITH ALL".

Thank you!

Highlights of 2015 by Diamante Lavendar I'd like to take a moment to thank all of the authors who participated in my blog in 2015! It was a memorable, wonderful year with great variety!

I had a lot of fun posting your spotlights, reviews and interviews! I look forward to much more in 2016! May the new year find you healthy, happy and prosperous!

Bless you all! Cheers!

~Review: Piggy Sense by Reed Abbitt Moore~

Front cover

Piggy Sense! .... is a fun educational children's book that will instill in children the basic fundamentals of work ethics, saving money, and spending wisely. Age Level: 4 - 11 Grade Level: P - 5. Parents will love reading this book to their children - Grandparents will love reading this book to their grandchildren, and school teacher's will love teaching young children about work ethics and sound wisdom for financial success found in this cute children's book.

My Review:  5 Stars!

This is a wonderful book created to introduce children to the concept of saving money.  In a society where credit is ample and savings are dwindling, this book is timely and inspiring.  Being that this story is written for children, this book is even more valuable!  What a wonderful way to explain the concept of "saving for a rainy day" to a child!

With bright colors and well thought out illustrations that bring meaning to Reed Abbott's manuscript, this book is sure to please both children and parents alike. Reed also includes pictures of money to help children grasp the concept even more fully.  

This book would be a wonderful gift or educational tool for any child!  I highly recommend this book on many different levels (educational, motivational and future planning) for any younger child through age ten or eleven.  

Where you can find Piggy Sense:

http://www.amazon.com/Piggy-Sense-Save-rainy-day/dp/1517655528/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452468133&sr=8-1&keywords=piggy+sense

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/piggy-sense-reed-abbitt-moore/1123103729?ean=9781517655525

Where you can find Reed:

Email:  reedabbittmoore@yahoo.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/reedabbittmoore

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/ReedAbbittMoore

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/50087867-reed-moore

Interview with Reed:

1.  What prompted you to write your book? 
I would have to say the economy.  Yes, the economy and a desire to see it change.  
It seems as though people are borrowing further and further into their future.  
We are coming to a point  of breaking the economics of this country and perhaps
even the world!
The best way I can see to change it is to change the way our children view money.  
Money is a symbol of value, but how we spend it reflects our values.  You can
tell a whole lot about a person by how they earn money, but even more by
the way they spend it!
2.  Do you have any works in progress?  What are they?
Why yes, yes I do.  I'm working on two books right now...no...three books.  The
Zoo Is Rockin', Hansel and Gretel:  A Retelling In Rhyme and Jibber Jabber.
3.  What do you hope to accomplish as an author?
Oh I suppose to pass on my experiences, impart some wisdom and give a good laugh!
4.  What would you like your readers to know about you?
Well... Now that's a deep subject isn't it. I'm trying to make a difference if only
a small one.  Just  ripple in this pond we call life.
5.  If you could have one wish granted, what would it be and why?
I would wish that people could see the magnificence within them so they could be
free to see the wonder around them.  
6.  If you could give me one piece of advice about life, what would it be?
Hmmm...the only way you can keep something is if you give it away.

Review: Getting A Handle On Happy by Teri J. Dluznieski

gettinghandlehappy

We all want to have successful happy relationships. We all know that amazing feeling when we connect with someone and things just click. Things go smoothly and just flow. Before we can have those really great relationships, we need to learn what it means to be happy. And we need to resolve the things that sabotage our happiness. A whole lot of experiences and factors make up who you are. What you do, what you eat, beliefs and perceptions.

Getting a Handle on Happy guides you through all of this, easily and smoothly. One or more of these areas just MIGHT be causing the problems you are experiencing. You will learn exercises that resolve past emotional issues- so that your future relationships are positive and exciting. You will improve your happiness tremendously- just by adding certain vitamins and supplements to your diet. And there are tons of natural remedies you can use. All of these areas will create new insights and perspectives. You will be amazed at how these shifts open new possibilities and resolve past and present problems.

This book will support and guide you through making changes in your life and environment. You will build awareness and feel the ease that follows when you shift your perceptions and perspectives. Suddenly life will feel lighter, brighter, and fuller. You will notice the change, as amazing people begin to enter your life! You are starting to attract the Awesome toward you. You world will begin to flow in new directions that are full of potential and possibility.

My Rating:  4 Stars!

This is a delightful and informative book about spiritual, mental and physical health.  It is a wonderful depiction of how all three work together to make us who we are- and to explain our level of "happy" in which we find ourselves currently residing.

Teri does an excellent job of explaining the spiritual aspect of the human condition through her own Andean-Peruvian spiritual training.  She also does an excellent job of explaining the importance of health and healthy eating and how it contributes to our overall well being.  Teri also explains how our psyche contributes to how we feel and act.  These three elements create an important synchronism of the "human condition".

This book is well written.  The only criticism that I have is the fact that it has some editing issues. (Hence the 4 star rating).  Otherwise, the information Teri passes along is extremely valuable and well presented.

I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking to find more meaning in life!  This book is also ideal in creating a framework to build more happiness into one's perspective!

Where you can find Getting A Handle On Happy:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U8EXHXA

Where you can find Teri:

http://beingherd.com/

Twitter:   @horsewisevt

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3439900.Teri_J_Dluznieski

 

 

~Spotlight: Lost and Falling by Marlina Williams~

cover_fall

Thirteen year old Bailey is on a collision course to meet lost boxer puppy Goldie. Bailey lives an overindulged supervision free life in Colorado. She used to be a sweet girl, but recent events inspired her to become an online bully. Once she starts bullying she enjoys the thrill and is egged on by "friends". After she posts a shockingly cruel message to a girl who used to be her friend, Bailey's life begins a downward spiral. When her parents discover the bullying they decide to take away all electronic devices and send her to her grandparents' secluded farm in West Virginia.

Goldie is on track to becoming a superstar show-dog for Starbright Kennel. When a major storm causes a tree to crush part of the kennel, he tastes freedom for a short time before being captured by a caretaker. After his capture he escapes into an unfamiliar wilderness where he must survive a harrowing journey to find Bailey.

Where you can find Lost and Falling:

http://www.amazon.com/Lost-Falling-Marlina-Williams-ebook/dp/B014V1AKY4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1443796043&sr=8-1&keywords=lost+and+falling

Where you can find Marlina:

http://www.familywriters.com/

Interview with Marlina:

1. Tell me about your books.

So far I have written and published two books, and I’m currently working on edits for a third, to be released in the near future.

My debut novel THE RAD MISFITS is a Young Adult novel with light dystopian elements set on a post- apocalyptic stage, really more human interest/animal hijinks than sci-fi. The story is about a group of mutant teenagers trying to save their colony from early death. Residual radiation from world ending events causes people to die by the age of thirty-four. The Rad Misfits, as they call their quirky group, go on an adventure in search of a cure for their colony’s sickness.

My recently released novel LOST AND FALLING is Middle Grade fiction about thirteen year old bully, Bailey, and lost boxer puppy, Goldie. When Bailey’s online bullying goes too far, her parents take away all electronics and send her to her grandparents’ secluded farm. Meanwhile, Goldie is lost somewhere in the wilderness of West Virginia after escaping his captor. Bailey and Goldie are on a collision course to meet. If Bailey can overcome her selfishness, she may be able to save Goldie and right the wrongs of her earlier bullying.

My third novel TRAGIC RENEWAL is Women’s fiction with suspense/thriller elements. The story is about Harper and her struggles to overcome a recent divorce and the death of her best friend, Cara. Harper’s journey carries her cross-country to try to live Cara’s dream of running a u-pick fruit farm. When Harper arrives she is confronted with a depressed Akita that misses his mistress, two horses, and a farm to run. When her old life intrudes upon the new she must overcome her inner abuse and protect the new life she has built.

2. What prompted you to write your books?

Each book has its own unique reasons for being written.

The Rad Misfits - I’ve allows enjoyed cheesy Sci-Fi and some dystopian themes. The one thing I never cared for was the darkness that almost always surrounds world ending scenarios. I wanted to tell a lighter version, where women ruled and accomplished rebuilding a thriving society without violence. Including horses and a nutty dog made writing this story exciting. I truly enjoyed bringing the animals to life based on my crazy dogs and a horse that thinks he’s a dog. I left the ending open enough to become a series if the mood strikes me someday. I already have a name lined out - The Radder Misfits.

Lost and Falling - I was inspired to write because too often the story focuses on the bullied rather than the bully. I wanted to tell a story about the bully and, while not justifying, at least explaining her reasoning. Her excuse for becoming a bully is two-fold, and the egging-on from friends ultimately overrode the original justification. Many times outside influences or hoping for other’s approval pushes a person to become something he or she isn’t. In this book, Bailey, gets the chance to reveal her story and attempt to save a puppy from certain death.

Tragic Renewal - The idea for this book came about due to the prevalence of dash-cams and the devastating effects of drinking and driving. This story is about a woman overcoming numerous obstacles while learning to become a new person. Many women put up with horrible abuse, but it’s not always physical. Sometimes the scars that we can’t see are the most devastating. Harper’s years of emotional abuse from her military officer husband shadows every thought and action. When she breaks free she learns to love herself and find truths where only lies existed. I also included an Akita in this story for their fiercely loyal nature and their staunch refusal to be anything less than the household guardian.

3. What is one of your main objectives as an author?

First and foremost, I’m simply telling a story I would find interesting. So far each story I’ve written has an underlying moral to teach. The basic theme of each story is similar - don’t judge based on appearances alone. Mutant teens, teen bully, or overweight divorcee aren’t typical heroes, but each gets a starring role and a chance to prove their self-worth. Each story also has animals because animals deserve a starring role from the comfort and companionship they give those they love.

4. What would you like your readers to know about you?

At heart I’m shy and socially awkward. My stories give me a chance to express myself in ways that I would not normally do in day to day life. If you ask me in real life what my stories are about, I might just clam up and not know what to say. Selling myself has never been my strong suit, I’m more comfortable sitting in the background and listening.

5. If you could meet one celebrity, who would it be and why would you like to meet him/her?

I don’t have a specific celebrity I’d like to meet. I admire many celebrities, but I’d be afraid meeting them would tarnish their projected persona. I think cloaks are worn by many in the spotlight and when we put too much hero-worship on their shoulders, they are bound to fall. I remember growing up watching the Cosby show… enough said on that subject.

6. If you could give me one piece of advice about life, what would it be?

When you ride a high-horse remember that life is full of potholes.

~Spotlight: Colors In The Dark by Groovy Lee~

Colors in the Dark

Hailey Campbell was raised by her adoptive mother, Big-Mama, in a home filled with unconditional love and foster children. Her biological mother was a heroin addict and couldn’t keep her; her father, a right-wing conservative with a secret vice his social circle must never discover. So, it was a blessing that someone with so much to give raised her to be a strong, intelligent woman whose loyalty to those she loved knew no boundaries. And that would come in handy when her best friend, Meagan, decided to leave her abusive husband, and Hailey was right there by her side as her moral and physical support; or when she needed the courage to expose the ones behind the city’s bank robberies that resulted in the deaths of three people.

And yet, in her day to day struggles of trying to deal with this kooky puzzle called her life, the idea of true love never held any priority. Was there ever such a thing as the, quote, “man of your dreams”, your, “soul mate”? If she had to judge by the Neanderthals who only had one agenda on their minds just because they paid for her salad and drink, then that middle-of-the-puzzle piece would forever sit waiting for a match.

So this single, card-carrying virgin, didn’t mind one bit as she stood with her chin lifted proudly in the middle of a room full of expensive tuxedos and glittering gowns surrounding her at an important gala, that she was dateless. She would just continue to sample the high-end cuisine, drink the expensive wine, and mind her business. A man?—why bother? Love—who needs it? No sooner had those pitiable questions crossed her mind when her answer appeared from the midst of all those international dignitaries: The most beautiful man, a simple waiter named Manley, turned and locked eyes with her. As she stood there wide-eyed with a medley of stunned excitement and paralyzing attraction rushing through head and heart, she knew then she could no longer scoff and joke at such nonsense.

Because of this man, the meaning of true love was finally made clear that night. With this man, her world had forever changed. And despite the mysteries that he, himself, was hesitant to reveal, she could stand against anything and anyone that challenged her.

That daunting challenge awaited her in Sweet Tea, Mississippi; Population 700 (that’s not counting the Ransom militia compound at the edge of town) And if she didn’t get there in time and save eighteen month-old Abbie from one of its members, Sheriff Carl, she could lose her behind those thick walls protected by the First Amendment and never see her again.

Where you can find Colors In The Dark:  

http://www.amazon.com/COLORS-DARK-Groovy-Lee-ebook/dp/B014443EBE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1451730475&sr=8-1&keywords=colors+in+the+dark

Where you can find Groovy:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7014495.Groovy_Lee

www.groovylee.com 

Interview with Groovy:

1. What prompted you to write your book?
As any author can attest to, we have vivid imaginations. My plots and characters live in my head until I put the story to paper. Colors In The Dark has been a long time coming.
2. Is there any autobiographical content in your story?
Without giving any spoilers away, all I can say is, "I wish." But the two grandmothers, Big-Mama and Mae, were inspired by my real life strong grandmothers whom I deeply respect.
3. Who are some of your favorite authors and why?
Stephen King and Dean Koontz. Their earlier books left such a scary, lasting impression on me to this day. In fact, one of Dean Koontz's books inspired me to write my first suspense novel which was featured on a local television show. I'm so proud of that. Frank L. Baum wrote one of my favorite books, The Wizard of Oz. I wish I'd thought of it first. And a few Harlequin Romance writers like Charlotte Lamb, Janet Dailey, and Violet Winspear are the reasons I became a romance writer.
4. What are your favorite foods? Color? Activities? Place?
If it tastes good, it's my favorite. I don't have a favorite color, just favorite shades like pale pink, lemon yellow, midnight blue, etc.. I like crocheting, music, and tennis, just to name a few. If it's tennis season, you can find me glued to the television. Disney World and Universal Studios are my favorite places to go for fun.
5. What would you like readers to know about you?
Although I'm a quiet introvert, everyone I meet is a friend. My daughter is my queen and best friend. I've been spoiling her for twenty-seven years now. I've had to overcome a lot of hardship  in my life, but I'm proud of the person I've become because of it. And most of all, it means a lot  to me if, after reading one of my books, I have put a smile on just one reader's face and helped  them escape for a while, then that's what it's all about. All of the hard work was worth it.
6. Do you have any more works in progress? What are they?
My next romance, Campdon Court, which takes place in the Loire Valley of France, is due to be released in the summer of 2016. And I have an untitled Sci-fi in its first draft to be released spring of 2017.
7. If you could give one piece of advice about life what would it be?
Only one? I'm sure others will give the "hard work" and "never give up" speech, so I'll say this:
Truth, love, tolerance and kindness are free. Whereas the opposite can cost you everything.

~Spotlight: Guardian of the Gauntlet by Lenita Sheridan~

ggcover

When sisters, Princesses Camari and Mila, meet Prince Denir, they soon find he has a special gauntlet. This gauntlet only works if one has faith in a higher power. Using this gauntlet, Denir turns Camari invisible. When he is called off to war, Camari is left in the predicament of being invisible. This story takes Camari through her quest to become visible again and to return the gauntlet. Along the way she meets two wicked characters and must contend with them. She also meets Prince Isryk and must travel through the Wetlands of Fremil with him and encounter all sorts of nasty insects and other dangerous creatures.

Review by Red City Review

Opening with a verse from Matthew 25, Lenita Sheridan's Young Adult fantasy Guardian of the Gauntlet highlights the importance of personal convictions guided by faith.  The characters of Guardian of the Gauntlet are well rounded for the most part, and author Sheridan infuses bits of romantic dialogue with a touch of comedy. It's a fun read, so much so that one may desire a more complete description of the magical settings themselves. (This is only part of the review. You can read the rest on Red City Review.)

 
Review by Dinorah Blackman for Readers' Favorite

Guardian of the Gauntlet is a story for readers of all ages. Lenita Sheridan is an outstanding story teller with a vivid imagination. You are drawn right into the middle of the mild rivalry between the sisters and the bitter-sweetness of young love. Lenita Sheridan clearly illustrates the never-ending battle between good and evil and how easy it is to become so caught up in the struggle that one misses the whole point of life. Just like amulets and trinkets, the gauntlet in itself is powerless. But when it's used by a woman or man who dares to believe, the sky's the limit. What a perfect illustration of all that can be activated by faith. Guardian of the Gauntlet is an amazing way to open a discussion on the amount of faith that is required in order to experience miracles(This is only part of Dinorah Blackman's review.  You can read the rest at readersfavorite.com/book-review/24129.)

 

Where you can find Guardian Of The Gauntlet:

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Guardian-Gauntlet-Lenita-Sheridan/dp/1619275333/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1451292512&sr=8-1&keywords=guardian+of+the+gauntlet

Where you can find Lenita: 

www.LenitaSheridan.com

Interview with Lenita:

1. What prompted you to write your book?

I was reading Stephen Donaldson's The Mirror of Her Dreams. It was in the middle of a snowstorm so school was closed. (I am a substitute teacher.) I slept in and had a dream about a princess being kidnapped. Being a writer already, this prompted me to start my book, Guardian of the Gauntlet.

2. Is the book autobiographical in any way?

The setting in the first book could be considered autobiographical, but nothing else.

3. Do you have any works in progress? What are they?

Yes, I am working on the third book in the Guardian of the Gauntlet trilogy. It is subtitled "The Wedding Feast."

4. Favorites-food, color, activity, place, book?

My favorite food is homemade macaroni and cheese. My favorite color is teal. My favorite activity is going on Goodreads, and not just to promote my book; lately I've been playing "Fortunately, Unfortunately." My favorite place is Whidbey Island, specifically, the wharf in downtown Coupeville.

5. What inspires you to write?

I am inspired by the places I have lived, Alaska, the British Isles, and the Puget Sound area of Washington state.

6. What would you like your readers to know about you?

I would like them to know I am a Christian, and that my faith has influenced my writing. I would also like them to know that, as a teacher, I have a good idea of what appeals to kids, especially those in the middle grades.

7. If you could give one piece of advice about life, what would it be?

Realize that there is a spiritual side to you and that faith in a higher being is really necessary to get you through life.

~The Attuning by Kristofer M. Hanson~

  Product Details

Aidan Allanson and his best friend Jona Aulgust have turned sixteen and come of age, headingtheir separate ways as they choose their new paths in life. Aidan, trained by his father in martial  arts, follows in his elder's footsteps by joining the Royal Guard of Allbron. Jona and his twin sister possess the skill to become Mystics, magic users with the ability to control the elements.  Four years later, all three have completed their schooling and moved on to their professions, distinguishing themselves through valor and talent.

 When Jona's sister, Jenna, is found to possess the ability to control a new form of Mysticism, she is kidnapped by the land's most nefarious Mystic.  Aidan and Jona join forces in a rescue attempt which sets them in the middle of a war between their home nation and its greatest rival.  Meanwhile, this war is being watched and manipulated by a force of unimaginable power, a power that will bring the nations of their land to their knees and destroy the entire world as they know it.

Where you can purchase The Attuning:

Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/Attuning-Athran-Saga-Book-ebook/dp/B012DXFK9C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1450859337&sr=8-1&keywords=the+attuning+kristofer+hanson
BarnesandNoble:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-attuning-kristofer-m-hanson/1122385029?ean=2940152286410

 

Where you can find Kristofer:

Twitter: @TheKMHanson

 

Interview with Kristofer:

1. What prompted you to write your book?

I had created the world of Athran in bits and pieces over the last 10-13 years. Problem I ran into was being full time, active duty military (United States Air Force). When I was retired in 2014 as a Wounded Warrior and Disabled Veteran I finally found I had the time to write. I had to do this. I had to get this story out and onto "paper". Authors like R.A. Salvatore and Robert Jordan were kind enough to share their worlds and characters with me, so I felt obligated to do the same.

Being disabled, I find I had a lot of time on my hands, so I sat down and began piecing together this world I had been creating. Athran began to take shape, with its rich, diverse races and unique form of "magic". I also love science fiction, so I wanted to find a way to join the two genres. I did not want to gently merge the two; I wanted the two to collide in a destructive battle. While THE ATTUNING focuses more on the fantasy aspect, I think readers will be surprised by what happens and how deep the sci-fi truly is in the world I created. The second book in the trilogy, THE AWAKENING, which I am currently writing, will focus more on the sci-fi side of the genre.

2. Is this your favorite genre to write about?

I was raised on fantasy by immersing myself in the worlds of the Forgotten Realms and Dragonlance. Robert Jordan came along and sucked me into his world as well. Michael Crichton introduced me to science fiction, and I have been glued to his novels and anything Star Trek and Star Wars for a long time now.

3. What inspires you to write?

My greatest inspiration will always be my family. My wife is one of my biggest fans and she has pushed me to do this for so long. She is also one of my harshest critics, so I know if I am doing something right or wrong when she beta reads for me. A lot of what comes out in my writing comes from the bond we have shared for 17 years now.

In terms of genre inspiration, the strongest science fiction inspiration I have is Star Trek with its rich galaxy and lore. With fantasy, Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time has had the most inspiration on me in terms of world, but R.A. Salvatore has inspired me the most with his deep characters.

4. What are your favorites: food, color, place, activity?

My favorite food would be pizza, which I prefer to make myself. I specialize in making BBQ chicken pizzas.

My favorite color is green, as it just relaxes me. When I see the color green you think of Spring and new beginnings.

My favorite place is truly anywhere my family is. After eighteen years in the Air Force I have moved a lot, so I have found too many interesting places. The best one has always been where my family is.

My favorite activity is computer gaming. It is easy to find visual inspiration the world of Dragon Age or Mass Effect.

5. What would you like your readers to remember about you?

While I find writing personally fulfilling, I write because I have a story to tell. Do I write to make money? It would be nice, but that is the wrong reason to get into this business. I want to craft a story so engaging and original that they look forward to the next installment just like I did while waiting for Robert Jordan or Mr. Salvatore to release their next installment. Side Note: Brandon Sanderson did an excellent job of finishing up The Wheel of Time when Mr. Jordan passed on.

6. What are some interesting facts about you as a person?

I served in the United States Air Force for 18 years. I was decorated for my involvement in OPERATION SOUTHERN WATCH, OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM, and OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM. My travels as an Airman took me to Okinawa, Japan, South Korea, Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, and coast to coast in the United States. I regret never getting an assignment to Europe, but someday I will get there. The Air Force opened a lot of doors for me, and I am proud of the time I served.

7. If you could give one piece of advice about life, what would it be?

If I learned anything in life, it is to limit regrets and to not dwell on past mistakes.

Mistakes will happen and they will help to mold you as a person, but you should not let them define you as a person. Learn from them and then move on with your life. Even better, learn from the mistakes that others will make as it will save you a lot of heartache. This knowledge ultimately forms the basis of your wisdom, and a wise person is a happy person.

We all have regrets, but like mistakes they help to form our wisdom and guide our life along what we deem to be the proper path. While I have past regrets, I have learned from them and also learned not to let them hold me back. Were it not for those, I never would have written this book. Had I not had the courage to write my book, it would have become a regret I would have had a lot of trouble facing every day.

~Review Of The Winter Blade by J.D. Begley~

The Winter Blade by J.D. Begley

When an enemy kingdom launches a surprise attack against the Clanlands in the dead of winter, life becomes a race for survival against an overwhelming force. During the attack, an avalanche separates childhood friends Graven and Tevlin of Clan Mal from the rest of their Clan and each other, it begins for them a journey to reunite with their people and help to defend their homeland. Along the way they will be pursued by assassins, make new friends, form alliances, find love, and discover hidden truths about themselves.

My Rating:  4 Stars!

This book is a bit rough around the edges with some minor editing issues, but it was still a delightful story! It told a tale of two men, Graven and Tevlin, as they were stranded from their clan and were forced to travel through many lands and situations to be reunited with their people once again.

The plot was well conceived and the characters were well developed. Though there were some issues as I stated above, this book was a very enjoyable journey into the lives of the main characters of the story. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy! The imagination in the story was intriguing and the plot was fast paced and interesting after the first few chapters laid the groundwork of the things to come.

If you enjoy reading fantasy, magic and epic battle intrigues, this book is for you!

Interview with J.D.:

  1. What prompted you to write your book?

I have been fascinated by fantasy and science fiction for almost as long as I can remember. When I was a young man, I wrote a few collaborative stories on a forum I was involved with. I was told what I wrote was very captivating. Shortly thereafter I swore to myself I would one day write a book. Time passed and living life happened, but the desire to write never left. One day fairly recently, I found myself with more free time than I liked. I decided this was the opportunity to fulfill the promise I made to myself. I sat down and I began writing.

  1. Do you have a work in progress at the moment?  What is it?

At the time I am writing this, I am working on the second book of this trilogy, continuing the story of Graven and his friends. Book three will come after, of course. After that I have an idea for a science fiction story I want to write, as well as other ideas I want to explore.

  1. What inspires you to write?

Many things.  Other authors and their stories.  My lovely wife.  My friends.  My imagination.

  1. Who are your favorite authors and why?

There are so many, it’s hard to pick. I’ll always have a fond spot for Margaret Weiss and Tracy Hickman with their Dragonlance series. I just loved there style of epic fantasy. I love David Eddings for the way his characters interact and have conversations. Steven King for obvious reasons. More recently Brandon Sanderson with his novel takes on how magic works in his worlds.

  1. More favorites-food, color, place, activity?

I’m sort of an amateur foodie. I love trying new things, but also fall back on favorites, such as chili or lasagna. I love seafood if I can get it fairly fresh (not easy in Indiana).

For colors I tend to favor earth tones and dark colors. When I was young it was all black, all the time. Yes, I was sort of one of those kids. My favorite color now vacillates between green and blue.

  1. What would you like your readers to know about you?

I have what has been described by others as a ‘dry’ sense of humor. This typically comes across as sarcasm. Despite this, I tend to deeply care about the people that are close to me. I’m a little socially awkward by default, but I am great at faking social skills if I want to, so you’ll never know it. I do love hearing from fans, even if currently there are only maybe two of you! So don’t be afraid to say ‘hi’ on Twitter or Facebook!

  1. If you could give one piece of advice about life, what would it be?

If reasonable, pursue at least one of your dreams. It is better to at least have tried, than to regret never trying at all. You cannot succeed at all if you don’t try.

Where you can find The Winter Blade:

http://www.amazon.com/Winter-Blade-Harbinger-Relics-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00ZYYBCP4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1450084238&sr=8-1&keywords=the+winter+blade+jd+begley

 Where you can find J.D.:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/authorjdbegley/?fref=nf

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/jd_begley

Guest Post by Manda Pepper! A Mishmash of Holiday Traditions!

giftmas_100x100 A Mishmash of Holiday Traditions by M Pepper Langlinais

So here’s the thing. I started out Catholic, went to CCD until my mother got “born again” and started taking me to a much louder church. Dad was a holiday Catholic anyway, but Mom was all in on the (as she called it) non-denominational charismatic Christianity, so suddenly Christmas didn’t mean Advent and Midnight Mass. In fact, it ended up meaning a lot more time at church because Mom went Sunday mornings, Sunday nights, and Wednesday nights, and she dragged me with her.

The religious aspect notwithstanding, I grew up with some great traditions. The tree went up the weekend after Thanksgiving. Sometimes we pulled the old plastic tree out, and sometimes we got ambitious and went to get a live one. Having a live tree meant spending a large part of the season trying to keep our pets—we always had at least one dog and cat, often more—from drinking the water and that stuff you put in it to keep the tree from drying out.

Once the tree was standing, we’d put on the Christmas records (Bing Crosby, Andy Williams) and decorate. I’m an only child and very close with my parents, and holiday decorating was always a jolly time. We lived in the American South, so we didn’t have the traditional snow and cold, but Mom had grown up in Alaska and knew how to go all out with lights. Where she was from, winter meant 24 hours of darkness, so the lights were key.

We also had a very special nativity. It was from Italy, and I took great pride in getting to set it out each year. Besides the tree water, another big part of the holiday season was to keep the animals from knocking over the shepherd or chewing baby Jesus. (I’m sad to say one dog did get to the angel and, erm, clipped its wings. Our donkey also lost its ears.)

Having grandparents in Alaska had benefits. My grandfather convinced me he was a friend of Santa’s, that they were drinking buddies. So I always sent my wish list to my grandparents and would receive direct reports on what Santa had to say about it.

My birthday is the week before Christmas, too, which is a mixed blessing. There’s the fact that one can’t celebrate one’s birthday without being surrounded by Christmas carols and holiday decorations. It’s hard to feel special when everyone is celebrating. And there were always those friends who would hand you something and say, “This is for Christmas AND your birthday.” Um, excuse me? I bought you two separate presents, you can do the same, thankyouverymuch. And don’t you dare wrap my birthday present in Christmas paper either.

Also, my birthday fell at finals. And everyone was always traveling, or otherwise busy, so I never had parties.

But the up side is that my birthday does tend to be very festive. Like, there is usually a good mood around that time of year. And things are colorful, cheerful. So while I didn’t have birthday parties (still don’t), there was often a party atmosphere.

Also, my birthday is always around the time the big movies open for the holidays. All those Lord of the RingsI movies, and now the Star Wars ones . . . I can feel pretty special about that.

A few years ago I married a nice Jewish boy and had to learn how to incorporate Hanukkah into my seasonal festivities. We’ve blended things pretty nicely, I think. We decorate the weekend after Thanksgiving, just as when I was a kid. And we put up a tree but also have Hanukkah decorations. Blue and silver have been favorite colors of mine since I was young (were in fact my wedding colors), so I’m delighted to use them in my holiday color scheme. We light the menorah. We debate whether to do one big Hanukkah gift or several small ones, same as we argue whether to open one gift on Christmas Eve or wait until Christmas morning.

We have a tradition of going to Hallmark to each (we have three kids now) pick out an ornament every year. Lots of Disney princesses from our daughter, superheroes and space vehicles from our sons. Makes for a pretty eclectic tree.

No Midnight Mass. No church at all, actually, but I do bake a charm into a cake on Twelfth Night. Would decorate in holly and ivy if I could. As I get older, I lean toward embracing Yule. I’m not sure why; there’s just something about it that speaks more to me than other religious slants to the season. It’s so basic, this acknowledgement of the darkest day and the slow return of light. Something about that simplicity, when the rest of the season is so frilly and hectic, soothes me.

So at the end of the day, we’re celebrating a little bit of everything. Christmas, Hanukkah, Yule, and my birthday (my husband’s, too, is December 2nd) all come crashing into December, filling it with light and noise and seemingly ceaseless activity. It’s sort of a beautiful train wreck, if there is such a thing. So that by the time it’s finished and we’re looking New Year’s in the eye, we’re breathless. Ready for it to be over. And for all things new to begin.

About the Author:

Best known for her Sherlock Holmes stories, M Pepper Langlinais is also a produced playwright and screenwriter. She holds a degree in Radio-Television-Film from the University of Texas at Austin, where she interned on film sets and participated in the Shakespeare at Winedale program. She also earned a Master of Arts in Writing, Literature and Publishing from Emerson College. M now lives in Livermore, California. Learn more about her and her work at http://pepperwords.com. Find her books at http://www.amazon.com/M-Pepper-Langlinais/e/B008FBOSPE/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1. And join her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/mpepperlanglinais.

You can also enter to win a couple of M’s books (among others) below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~Spotlight of Into The Light by P. Wish~

Into The Light by P Wish

Into the Light is a versatile collection of nine short stories. The book is divided into three segments: science fiction, human interest and comedy. These enigmatic tales examine the relationship between technology, society and humanity. From a website that can undo your mistakes to a heartwarming tale of love, this book will take you on a journey unlike any other…

Interview with P. Wish:

1.  Tell us about your book-the inspiration behind the story? Into the Light is inspired by many things and events in my life. As it is a collection of short stories spanning three genres, the range of inspiration is very wide. I will be a doing a series on my blog titled ‘Story behind the stories’ which will detail my reason for writing each of the nine stories in the collection. As the general theme of the book is humanity and society, these were definitely major themes that inspired me.

2.  Is there anything autobiographical about your book? Like Oscar Wilde said ‘A woman’s face is her work of fiction.’. I think my experiences invariably make their way into the stories that I write. That being said, this collection is mostly fictional. A few bits are inspired by my life but most of it is my imagination.

3.  What is your favorite genre to write?  To read? My favorite genre to write is probably thriller. I love to write anything that has a complex plot. I also enjoy writing chick lit, romance and comedy which is at the opposite end of the spectrum. My favorite genre to read is definitely historical romance. A few of my favorite writers are Barbra Cartland, Judith McNaught and Lisa Kleypas. I also like contemporary romances. Besides romance, I like mysteries. Think Agatha Christie and Ellery Queen.

4.  Fantasy vacation-where and with whom? This is a hard question. I love to travel. I would definitely like to visit Shanghai, probably with my friend who is from Shanghai. I need someone who knows Mandarin to survive. She is also great at bargaining, which is always handy. I love big cities. The bigger, the better.

5.  Favorites:  food, color, place, activity? I like anything spicy so Indian, Chinese (Sichuanese) and Korean are my favorite cuisines. I also love sweets. I like all kinds of desserts. I don’t have a favorite color but most of my clothes happen to be blue. My favorite place is Hong Kong (tied with New York). My favorite activity is reading. I also love to paint, dance and watch movies.

6.  What would you like your readers to know about you? I am releasing my debut short story collection, Into the Light on 28th October, 2015. If you would like to know more about me, you can watch my videos on my youtube channel. I am also serializing my debut chick lit novel on my blog currently. Check back for a new chapter every Sunday.

7.  If you could give one piece of advice about life, what would it be? Live.

Where you can find Into The Light:

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Into-Light-collection-short-stories-ebook/dp/B015QEPPBS/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Where you can find P. Wish:

Blog: https://www.pwish.net

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/authorpwish

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorpwish

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+PWish

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/PWish?gvnc=1

Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13852944.P_Wish

Linkedin: https://uk.linkedin.com/pub/p-wish/105/347/68b

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00YF8RPTM

A New Release! The Shadow Master by H.R. Kasper!

Leigh and company are about to embark on their most treacherous adventure yet. Their mission? Find the mysterious and powerful ShadowMaster and convince him to betray his own nation. If he does, there is still a spark of hope. If he doesn't...war seems inevitable. Everything Leigh and her friends have ever known hangs in the balance. They are not just fighting for their lives, but for the ground they stand on. If they lose? The universe will be an endless mass of chaos and darkness.

Knights

Heroes are not born, but forged in the fiery furnace of catastrophe.

                                         Guest Post by H.R. Kasper:

I recall talking to a very close friend and fellow author one night, and I expressed my dismay at how his works always had sad, tragic endings. “Why do you do these things to your characters?” I asked. He replied simply, “I don’t do that to them. They do it to themselves.” I remember telling him, “That’s nonsense! You’re the author, you can make anything happen!”

I realize now that isn’t true. When writing The Mirror, an amazing cast of characters introduced themselves to me and guided me through the whole story. The main character, Leigh Kline, elbowed her way into my heart, as did her other friends. I had intended for the story to have three parts, sort of like a mini trilogy. Then I finished the third part and my characters had become so real to me that I felt them throttling me from all sides saying, “This isn’t the end!”

Indeed, it was not. I went on to write The ShadowMaster. During the writing process I became even more aware of my characters, studying their inner workings. It was then that they began to foil my plans. They twisted the plot and laid waste to my romantic pairings. The flimsy outline I had built up in my head lay burnt and broken, but in its place was a magnificent structure, so much more honest and true than the last construction. Looking over it in hindsight, I realize how much of the ‘building’ was almost beyond my control.

When I began The ShadowMaster, I had no idea that new characters would come into the story unannounced and steal my heart away. I could not predict that my mental romantic pairings would crumble into dust in favor of romances which simultaneously shocked me and made more sense. It was then, looking over my completed story, that I now understood the words of my friend. I was certainly the author of The ShadowMaster. Yet, I had very little control over what happened within the vast expanses of the worlds I created. The very characters I breathed into existence had taken control in a much different way than they did in The Mirror. In The Mirror, they took me by the hand through the path that was my plot. In The ShadowMaster, however, they looked at the trail I had made specifically for them and said, “Actually, we’re going this way,” as they pointed a finger at a thicket of thorns—and I found myself tagging along. In retrospect, it was a lot more fun. Even I, the all-powerful author, was surprised by the events taking place in my own story! Now I definitely understand my friend’s words, and I, too can agree with his statement: “I don’t do that to them. They do it to themselves.”

Happy reading (and writing)!

-H.R. Kasper

Where you can find H.R. Kasper:

Where you can find The Shadow Master:

http://www.amazon.com/ShadowMaster-Worlds-Collide-Book-ebook/dp/B018W1WQ32/

 

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~Review: Coffee Czar by J Lorraine~

BookCoverImage-6

Experience the world of retail coffee, as seen through the eyes of a disgruntled barista. Too many hours worked, barely any sleep, annoying coworkers, and crazy customers make for one very stressful day. Nobody knows what the caffeine crusader will say or do once pushed to the edge!

My Rating: 4 stars!

Coffee Czar centers around one day in the life of a sleep deprived, extremely irritated barista. In order to get through her day, she relies heavily on sarcasm, caffeine and cigarettes.

This story is quite humorous...in a very biting way! I found myself laughing out loud numerous times as I read this manuscript. However, if you aren't fond of sarcasm, you might be put off by this book.  It does have adult content as well.

Anyone who has been extremely sleep deprived can surely understand the gruff position this barista takes as she works serving a slew of irritating people who come through the door ....possibly on her worst day in months!

Enjoy extreme sarcasm? This one's for you!

Where you can find Coffee Czar:

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Coffee-Czar-Culture-1/dp/1512022128/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1448871289&sr=8-1&keywords=coffee+czar

Barnes and Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/coffee-czar-j-lorraine/1122302384?ean=9781512022124

Where you can find J Lorraine:

Website:  http://jlorraineworks.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Jlorraineworks/

Interview with J Lorraine:

1.  What prompted you to write your story?

I worked as a barista for two years in college. After graduation, I returned to the retail coffee industry to oversee the operations of forty locations. Not a week went by I didn’t witness or was told about some crazy customer or event. I thought it would be amusing to put together some of those stories but have them told by a sardonic barista.

2.  Is there anything autobiographical about your story?  

Yes. The stories are based upon things that really happened to me or to my employees.

3.  What is your favorite genre to write?  To read?

Favorites to write would be fantasy or humor. Favorites to read are fantasy or classic literature.

4.  Favorites:  food, color, place, activity?

Food: Believe it or not, it’s not coffee! I’m a chocoholic.

Color: Indigo.

Place: I don’t know if I have a favorite place. Wherever it is, it has to be relaxing.

Activity: Reading or gardening.

5.  What would you like your readers to know about you?

I am not the protagonist in Coffee Czar. While I did collect the stories, I have a more positive attitude than the main character.

6.  If you could give one piece of advice about life, what would it be?

Live and let live.

7.  A fantasy vacation...where and with who?

Let’s see…a trip to London to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child with J.K. Rowling.

~Spotlight: Levels by Jim Vuksic~

Levels by Jim Vuksic

Imagine a world in which there is no war, crime, poverty, hunger, inequality, prejudice, bigotry, greed or envy. Everyone, without exception, has access to the exact same quantity and quality of food, clothing, housing, medical care, formal education and social advancement opportunities. Now imagine that, in this world, the words father, mother, daughter, son, brother, sister, marriage, family and religion do not exist because the concepts themselves do not exist. The inhabitants are occasionally transported to a place they never knew existed or are required to do something without having the slightest idea of what they are doing or why it must be done. Can you imagine such a world? Well I did. If you should choose to visit it sometime, I hope that you enjoy reading about the world of Levels as much as I enjoyed creating it.

Format: Perfect Paperback

Disclosure: I purchased the book “Levels” by Jim Vuksic. I do not know the author personally and have had only encounters with him as a friend on the Goodreads site. I had no communication with him at any time about this book. The comments that follow are my own personal opinion. I received NO compensation of any kind, or from any one, to provide this review.

I wanted to read this book and hoped I would truly enjoy the read. I did. I rarely give 5 stars but this book deserves every one of them. It is an amazing read. I read it twice and I’m quite sure I will read it again from time to time. It had a remarkable impact on me and provided a very clear and concise explanation of the philosophy that could make our society a very peaceful and intelligent one.

From the first chapter I found this book unique. The pace was smooth and continued that way throughout the book. It was never boring or exciting, but held my interest completely and I often had trouble putting it down. Unlike many futuristic stories, this book goes to the next step. It tells the story of an advanced society successful in its goals; one that has no need to engage in major battles. That success makes this book unique, fascinating, and disturbing all at the same time. There are no wars, battles, blood, suspense, or tension only experience and enlightenment. The conclusion is unexpected.

As I followed Jonathan and his various friends through their education and experiences, you get the feeling you are there with them. This book creates unusual emotional and personal connections laced with a truly deep sense of logic. It is an excellent read, and I highly recommend this book. I wish everyone would read it at least once.

Format: Kindle Edition

Levels had so many elements of a well-written novel. The main character, Jonathan, was structured as a likeable person whose struggles made me more than sympathetic to. The complex plot paints a picture of a subterranean culture surviving in a dystopian setting. It is well orchestrated and full of twists and turns. It would make for a great series or perhaps a series of films. Vuksic's writing is clean and disciplined. That being said, I would have liked to see the author step outside the safe zone and not be so "clean" when it came to the dialogue or the situations. A lot is left to the imagination when it came to the sub-plots. Sometimes too much to keep the flow constant. Overall this book is highly imaginative and well worth the read.
Where you can find Levels:
Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Levels-Jim-Vuksic/dp/1617777994/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1448492624&sr=8-1&keywords=levels+jim+vuksic
Barnes and Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/levels-jim-vuksic/1103816206?ean=9781617777998
Where you can find Jim:
http://jimvuksic.tateauthor.com/
Interview with Jim:

What prompted you to write your book?

Writing a novel was just one of several items included in a “bucket list” that my late wife insisted I create upon retiring in 2001. It took me fourteen months to produce a completed, polished manuscript and an additional two months working with and learning from the copy editor, conceptual editor and layout design artist, assigned by the publisher to help convert the manuscript into a commercially viable book. Levels was released August 9, 2011. It is distributed internationally by Ingram/Spring Arbor and is available through fourteen commercial vendors in four formats – paperback (376 pages), e-Book (Kindle/Nook/Tablet), audio book on CD (9 compact discs) and audio download – 8 hours listening time, narrated by Stephen Rozzell.

What concepts are you hoping your readers will learn from reading your book?

Levels is a tale of a society constantly striving for perfection. To do so, sometimes even cherished institutions, philosophies, and traditions, that were originally intended to bring out the best in people, must be abandoned. Wanting something to be reality does not make it real and believing something to be the truth does not make it true.

What inspires you to write?

Writing a novel was an interesting and worthwhile experience. However, there are so many other interesting and worthwhile things I wish to experience, I seriously doubt that I will ever find time to write another book. When I get too old to do those other things, I may be inspired to write again.

What are your hobbies/interests in addition to writing?

I play both the acoustic guitar and electric bass. Addicted to spontaneous road trips, I love to hop in the car and travel, sometimes for days or even weeks at a time. I am also an avid reader of both fiction and non-fiction books. Spending time with my four adult children and four grandchildren is what I enjoy the most.

What do you want your readers to remember about you?

The story revealed in Levels is a reflection of the beliefs, philosophies and goals that I have strived throughout my life to uphold and accomplish. If everyone would do the same, the world might be a much better place.

If you could leave me with one piece of advice about life, what would it be?

Strive always to be the best person possible. Most importantly, be yourself, not what others want you to be.

 

~Spotlight: Rise Of An Oligarch by Carlito Sofer and Nik Krasno~

book cover

When Ukrainian oligarch Mikhail Vorotavich is close to achieving his ambition of topping the Forbes rich list, an assassination attempt leaves him in a coma and his vast business empire rapidly descends into turmoil. Laying in a hospital bed, Mikhail’s uncensored life story from a poor Jewish boy in communist USSR to disgustingly rich businessman in independent Ukraine, full of corruption, scheming, sex, drugs and violence, flashes in his mind’s eye. He has done it all: racketeering protection, drug trafficking, arms dealing, raiding privatised factories, dodgy infrastructure projects and money laundering. Aspiring to get legit he moves to London, but behind his new pretended façade nothing really changes. And the higher Mikhail climbs the wider is the circle of enemies that want him dead. Meanwhile, his partners, in a quest to discover who is behind the attack, stumble upon a conspiracy that, if realised, would change the world order. The mighty adversaries will stop at nothing. Conspiracies, old scores, powerful enemies and the blurred lines between decency and corruption all surface. Packed with remarkable characters and exotic scenes, humorous and philosophical at times, Rise of an Oligarch is a thriller set against the background of a young Ukrainian state striving to embrace capitalist democracy. Rise of an Oligarch is the book that oligarchs do not want you to read.

Enjoyable read, couldn't put this book down before it ... By Leon Colton on June 27, 2015 Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase Enjoyable read, couldn't put this book down before it was finished. The intriguing narrative will take you inside the skin of a progressive oligarch, on the backdrop of real events unfolding upon political Ukrainian arena ...a rare combination of personal ambitions, violent greedy character and humanitarian global aspirations all in one person. With some Israeli flavor of a Russian-Jewish immigrant expanding his horizons of perceptions, this book makes the plot even more colorful and cosmopolitan. A very skillful blend of fiction and documentary – a must read for those trying to get a grip of understanding on the contemporary Russian-Ukrainian conflict.

Make sure you have your seatbelt on because you will be on a great adventure. As you read this story By Coco on May 6, 2015 Format: Kindle Edition Given To Me For An Honest Review

Rise of an Oligarch: The Way It Is: Book One by Nik Krasno is the first in a series and is also a debut book. This book is a page turner. Once you open it, it will grab you, hold you down tightly and then you'll watch those pages turn and turn and turn some more until you get to the last page. You'll even find a few twists and turns. Make sure you have your seatbelt on because you will be on a great adventure. As you read this story, it will draw you in and you'll begin to feel as though you are a part of the story. It has great character development. You will find it hard to put down. Mikhail Vorotavick is very successful. He earned his wealth by drug trafficking, rackettering and scheming. There are enemies that want to kill him. His partners are trying to find out who they are but while they are doing that they discover a conspiracy theory that could possibly change the world order. If you liked the Godfather, then you'll like this book. I loved it. There wasn't really an end to it because Book 2 is coming .... so I like others are waiting .. I highly recommend this book to everyone. You will love it and after reading it will be waiting just like me for Book 2. I look for more from Nik Krasno.

Where you can find Rise Of An Oligarch:

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Rise-Oligarch-Way-Book-One/dp/0993082718/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1448434308&sr=8-1&keywords=rise+of+an+oligarch

Barnes and Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rise-of-an-oligarch-carlito-sofer/1120689694?ean=9780993082719

Where you can find Carlito and Nik:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009937664739

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Nik-Krasno/e/B00O416OLU/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1448436655&sr=8-1

Linked In:  https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=AAIAABmN6fABbqnaV9HilC1IrjPooic8mXilpho&trk=nav_responsive_tab_profilehttps://

 

Interview with Nik:

1.  What prompted you to write your book?

For many years I've been virtually living on the plane between Israel and Ukraine. Seeing how regular Soviet citizens, that at the time of the "Big Bang of the USSR" had no wealth or properties, manage to accumulate multi-billion estates, I realized that I'm witnessing a unique phenomenon that the world is largely unaware of. Then, there was a series on Israel TV about 'Russian' oligarch coming to Israel and buying a football team, which became extremely popular. As it was so naive and clichéd, I thought I could do something better. The underlining premise was that 'people are always curious about how someone became rich'. Many of us watched with interest movies based on bios of Steve Jobs or Mark Zuckerberg, but very little is known about their Eastern peers, so I thought I would fill this gap in a fictional manner.  

2.  What is your favorite genre to read?  Who are some of your favorite authors?

As it became fashionable to say, I have a rather eclectic taste -:) I like sci-fi and fantasy like that of Zelazny or Harrison and some Russian writers, thrillers of Grisham, Clancy and those of Conan Doyle or Agatha Christie, action and adventure genre, as represented by Dan Brown, for example, and its classics like Alex Dumah, Jules Verne, Jack London or Fenimore Cooper and unorthodox and literary fiction like that of Irvine Welsh, Palahniuk or David Benioff. I also like to read about exotic places, culture, mentality and historical fiction.

3.  Dream vacation...where and with who?

Travel is my passion. I try to cover as many interesting places on the Globe as I can. As I've been to 5 continents out of 7, I guess my next vacation priority would be the remaining two - South America and a cruise from there to Antarctic's. Now the best company would be my family - my wife and kids. But I'm well aware that 20 years ago I would've answered this question quite differently: Destination - Ibiza or Thailand and friends as a company -:) 

4.  What do you hope to accomplish as a writer?

I don't expect to achieve a worldwide recognition and to make it big time as a writer. Not that I don't want to, but mainly because 'oligarchs' theme and Russian-Ukrainian showdown that I write about is more of a niche rather than mainstream and I'm not sure how large the audience interested in it is. I do hope though that some readers would enjoy the series and would end up enlightened about what happens in the former USSR. Not less importantly, I hope my work would be thought-provoking with regards to enrichment process, what's valid for it and what's not, the entropy of modern capitalistic society and the ways to improve it and so on.     

5.  What would you like your readers to know about you?

I've disclosed most of the cornerstones of my career. Generally, I used to be that guy dancing on the bar stand in the thick of the party -:) I like to bring things a bit to extremes, being shy of nothing.. And I guess I still remain a bit juvenile or infantile for my age, which many might like less.

6.  If you could give one piece of advice about life, what would it be?

Time's ticking. Don't "sleep" on your life and waste it on something unwanted, secondary, habitual. If you dream about anything, don't postpone, "wait for better times" and stuff like that. At that, be balanced though. Meet your obligations towards yourself, your family, but on the parallel - always try to achieve or engage in what you crave, in the things that matter. If you value comfort the most then it's Ok to stay in the comfort zone, but if you like achievements - step out.

~Review of A Dreadful Daughter's Spells by Leah Broadby and Molly Billygoat~

A Dreadful Daughter's Spells by Leah Broadby and Molly Billygoat

Chloe knows she is “A Dreadful Daughter,” but the truth is more complicated than that. Chloe is magiken, meaning she can breathe life into objects…even if she can’t always control them. She will soon turn fourteen. Growing up means losing one’s powers. Even worse, she will lose all memories of those powers.

Meanwhile, a painting is born on the wall of a dance studio. Feeling lonely and literally flat, he hops down from the wall and ventures into the dizzying, confounding world. The painting is close to starvation when he meets Chloe. Using her magic, she draws a pizza from rock, saving his life. He adopts the name “Timmy” and becomes her sidekick, of sorts.

Events turn sinister when the Skizen, a creature of diabolical power, begins kidnapping young magiken. Chloe’s magic is already leaking. Before she is drained of magic, Chloe and Timmy must save the children.

Also…is it ethical to fall for a painting?

With a touch of Douglas Adams’ humour and a pinch of Pendleton Ward’s wackiness, this book is an unanticipated trip into the unknown.

My Rating: 5 Stars!

This book is a middle grade delight! Written in a humorous, whimsical voice, I would highly recommend this book for any middle grade reader (and any adult who would happen to pick it up as well!) The characters are well developed and the writing is a joy to read!

A Dreadful Daughter's Spells contains a smattering of humorously expressed life insights which add to the overall beauty of the manuscript. It is also highly imaginative and would, therefore, captivate any preteen or "tween".

If you still have a middle grade child on your Christmas list, you may want to take a peek at this book on Amazon. It would truly make a wonderful gift!

Where you can purchase A Dreadful Daughter's Spells:

CreateSpace eStore (only paperback available here): https://www.createspace.com/5337544 Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Dreadful-Daught... Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dreadful-Daug... Amazon Australia (ebook only): http://www.amazon.com.au/Dreadful-Dau...

Where you can find Leah Broadby:

Leah's blog/website: www.biglittlebrains.com Email: storyfactory@biglittlebrains.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/MollyBillygoat Instagram: https://instagram.com/mollybillygoat/ Kickstarter Campaign for book: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...

Interview with Leah:

1. What made you decide to start writing?

I’ve loved books since before I could read. When I realised words went with the pictures, I loved them even more. When I realised you could enjoy words without pictures… it was a life-changing moment! I could make the pictures all by myself - in my mind!

I was in grade five when I first had the chance to be in a creative writer’s workshop. I wrote a short story, which my tutor entered into a regional school competition. Being nine, I tried to act nonchalant when I came third. In reality, I was floored. I’d never come third in a competition before. The next year I entered the same competition with the actual intention of getting a prize. As I remember, the story was about a homeless paraplegic girl and her Dad, who discovered “little people” living inside seashells. The little people helped the girl and her Dad build a massive seashell home… I think. It was a rather innocent and wacky premise, but I received first prize.

From then on, I’ve only ever wanted to write. The joys of writing, the reasons for writing and my love of fiction evolved through time. The extent of my desire to write, however, has not wavered once since I was nine.

2. What genres do you enjoy writing and why?

I enjoy writing fantasy, science fiction, and speculative fiction, preferably with a satirical twist. For shorter pieces, I enjoy humorous, somewhat self-deprecating accounts of events in my own life. A favourite topic is my unfortunate accounts with toilets throughout Asia. I won’t burden you with the gruesome details here - suffice to say, if toilets were sentient, I think we’d feel as bad as each other. Writing of such events comes from an intrinsic feeling that humour is one of the best ways to deal with adversity and even tragedy; both in writing and in life itself.

To explain my love for specific genres of fiction, a preamble is necessary. For part of my life, I searched for universal meaning. It was a protracted existential crisis. My search yielded no results, so I ended up becoming a tooth-fairy agnostic – a term coined by Richard Dawkins for those who believe that the existence of God is as likely as the existence of the tooth-fairy. It would be arrogant to suggest He is utterly impossible, but logical to suggest that He almost certainly does not exist. No offense intended – it is merely how little old me feels.

Several things can happen when you realise humans are mere atoms that make up the pimples on what could be a multi-headed universe. First, apathy (agh – there is no reason for this charade), sadness (agh – the mass suffering in this world is just terrible luck) and fear (agh – my consciousness will end forever one day pretty soon)! Then there is the bright side: Freedom from convention. If universal morality does not exist, I can let go of many things, such as rigid notions of etiquette, intelligence, language, sexuality, the family unit, mislead ambition… the list goes on. Not that I was ever conservative, but tooth-fairy agnosticism strengthened my love for beauty inside chaos and increased my ability to dwell inside the moment. As for morality, my perspective allows me to make my own decisions, instead of letting a set of someone else’s rules or ideals dictate my actions. Naturally, I want to do good in the world, and have others do unto me… you know the deal.

The reason I explain my worldview is that it’s the major reasons for my love of fantasy and science fiction. These genres allow me to fully express my feelings on the tragic, beautiful and comedic nature of the human condition.

They also allow me to expand a reality too claustrophobic for my liking. Such expansion is easy with the human imagination, which I celebrate every day. I do so love to imagine all things weird, quirky, crazy, funny, and other-worldly.

Every time I write science fiction or fantasy, I am fantasising. This would seem self-evident, but hear me out. I imagine: Perhaps this character I create is rising in another universe as it comes together in my head. Perhaps this scene I see is being siphoned from another universe into my brain and onto the page. Perhaps, what if, maybe… I love ‘maybes’ and ‘what ifs’. It is a chance to create a world I would prefer. It is a chance to add more possibilities onto existence. It is a chance to find pieces outside of the puzzle.

The human imagination is the breeding ground for entities both absurd and profound, including gods, devils, and umpa-lumpas. What is not to love about it?

3. What are some of your favorite books and why?

Terry Pratchett is arguably my favourite author. I say ‘arguably’ because I manage to argue with myself just fine. I love Pratchett for many reasons, the foremost of which is his comedic mastery over the English language. His books make me laugh out loud. I particularly love his character ‘Death’. Most important to me, though, is that Pratchett maintains witty cynicism without losing the sense of magic integral to his stories. I cried when he passed on, but he has given me many more laughs than tears. I don’t think he would object to that.

Walter Moers is another writer who has touched me with his sheer, daring feats of imagination. A German writer, all his books have English translations. I therefore must praise the translator too (especially having done many translations myself), for the books read so beautifully. There is no chance a person could guess they are translations.

Moers takes the reader into the brains of giants, into catacombs of dangerous books, into treacherous seas of mini-pirates, into other dimensions of indescribable substance, into the depths of carnivorous forests, and more. His characters are as diverse as his worlds. My mind is put among the stars when immersed in his work.

Another, more recently-discovered favourite author is Kurt Vonnegut. My reasons for loving him are rather different and not so much about escapism. He forces me to stare into the face of my own fears and imagine the previously unimaginable – simultaneously. His stories, from sentence structure to overall plot, are so beautifully crafted that I am left in awe. The Sirens of Titan will forever exist within my mushy brain-stuff. I don’t think I could ever write at his level of brilliance, which is a sensation I enjoy. I enjoy it because my own writing can only benefit from such intensely intelligent and satirical works.

His sense of tragedy regarding the human condition, the satire he weaves into this tragedy, his love of artistic beauty… All this really hits me in the heart. He makes me laugh and cry. It is partly because I feel the same as he seems to, and partly because he is so wildly good at writing.

4. More favorites: your favorite food, color, activity and place?

My favourite food? I’m sort of a hedonist so this is a hard question. I lived in Asia for a long time (particularly Korea), and I consequently go weak at the knees at the site of Korean sashimi, eel, fish roe soup, kimchi, seaweed dishes, roasted sweet potatoes and stinky fish that make most weak-bellied Westerners want to vomit…. I also love pine nuts and thin savoury crepes and risotto and you get the idea!

I have some favourite activities that are inappropriate to mention on a blog. So, I will say this: Few things are better than binge-watching comedy, quality drama and cartoons (especially Adventure Time). Of course, I derive similar pleasure from feasting on a book that captures me fully. Music-obsessed, I listen to a lot of jazz, prog rock and folksy jives. Frank Zappa is a cultural hero, in my opinion. A good run around in the forest doesn’t go astray. Skinny dipping has been a favoured activity for over nineteen years… and this is where I’ll stop.

I paint, and if you look at my website you’ll quickly discover what my favourite colours are. Mostly burnt oranges and reds alongside sky blue. I don’t like painting with green. I have no idea why. It just feels like green should stay outdoors.

It is difficult to say where my favourite place is. I was born and grew up in Tasmania, which remains one of the most beautiful places I’ve seen. The Himalayas presented the most epic landscape to have ever hit my irises. I love Cambodia and Laos for the culture. Despite rapidly passing time, Korea still feels like my second home. If I extend on this I will be typing for a week.

5. What inspires you to write?

Writing creatively is not a choice for me. If I don’t write, I become depressed. I sometimes have nightmares in which I am forced to live without writing. When I do write, I am fulfilled. I guess these factors are more motivating than inspirational.

Early on, Dad fed my imagination by reading me books and making up stories for my brother and I. In this sense, he is my original inspiration. Now, inspiration comes from great writers of novels and scripts… and cartoons. I do watch a lot of cartoons for a thirty-four year old!

6. What would you like your readers to remember about you?

Anything! If they remember me, I’ve done something right. Right? Right.

7. If you could give me one piece of advice, what would it be?

I do not claim to be qualified to answer this question, but if I could give people one piece of advice, it would be to do what makes you happiest within the parameters you are able to move.

I am well aware that, having been born to liberal-minded parents in Australia, I am lucky. My mind may have shrivelled if it was born into some environments. The freedom to express my creativity is not a privilege I take for granted. Across the globe are people that, in the pursuit of survival, may never discover their penchant for creativity.

As long as you can do something that brings you joy and/or peace without hurting others or threatening your own survival, you must do it. Each of us exists in a tiny corner of the universe, in a tiny corner of the world, stuck inside our own bodies and brains. What is life for, if not to revel in what enjoyment is to be had?

Review of Hashtagged by Kimberly Hix Trant

hashtagged

One by one, we substitute tweets and Instagrams for human contact while something watches, guiding us deeper into isolation while it shapes a new future for humanity with each new hashtag.

To Maddy Smith, a strange box offers one last puzzle from her father. What lies within is a mystery. Try as Maddy might, the box will not open.

Seeking the help of her father’s friends, the enigmatic Dinner Club, Maddy travels across the United States, receiving new clues with each meeting. As she draws closer to solving the puzzle, she discovers that her father had a secret plan for her—training her to fight against artificial intelligence.  

Together with Jagger, her occasional lover, Maddy follows the clues to a campground just
outside of Roswell, New Mexico.  What awaits her will determine whether humans control
artificial intelligence or IT controls us.
My Rating:  4 stars!

Hashtagged is a novel about artificial intelligence and the possibilities of how it could end up affecting the future. This is a story about Maddy, the daughter of a "computer whiz" who finds herself in a mystery regarding the work her father was consumed in his entire life. When he is found dead, she is forced into finding the answers to what happened....and finds herself in a situation much more involved than she had ever bargained for!

This book is the first in a series. It starts out a bit slowly, which is necessary for background information. By the middle of the book, the story line picks up its pace and you are soon swept away by the intrigue that Maddy is involved in. Time travel, robots that are much too human and villains that strive to take over the world are just a handful of problems Maddy, her father and their lifetime friends must tackle.  What makes it interesting is that Maddy's father and friends were the main players in creating the artificial intelligence in the first place!  By the end of the book, they are greatly regretting what they've done and trying to take preventative future measures!

This book does keep the reader interested. If you are into computers and technology, you'll love this book. The characters are well developed and the plot is too. You will probably find yourself wondering if this could really happen some day. It is definitely a scary possibility.......

Hashtagged is available for purchase at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Where you can find Kim:

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/khixtrant

Twitter:  @khtrant

LinkedIn:  http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=5292926&trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile

~Spotlight: The Centurion Chronicles by J.M. Garlock~

CC1-cover (1)

The year is 58 BC. Centurion First Class Sextius Baculus, a 10-year, battle hardened army veteran is attending his sister's wedding in Rome when he receives word that Julius Caesar's army is mobilizing on the northern frontier near the France-Switzerland border to repel an anticipated invasion by expansonistic Gauls. Joined by his new orderly Marcus, the Centurion races north to join his unit, the 10th Legion, Caesar's favorite. Fueled by political ambition and accompanied by his aide Quintus Caesar also speeds north. AT a changing station Caesar is attacked by deserters. The Centurion arrives and saves his life. In April Caesar fortifies Geneva where a prolonged, fierce battle is fought and eventually won by the Romans who thwart the numerically superior but tactically ignorant Gallic advance. Caesar continues his methodical advance into Gaul defeating one brave but unorganized tribe after the other. ALways outnumbered but never outgeneraled he engages in a series of set piece battles. In June there is combat at the Saone River and in July a decisive victory is won at Bibacte. The Centurion fights to keep himself and his orderly alive, recounting the battles vividly. We also get Caesar's perspective of the same events as they unfold with calculating regularity. The army goes deep into Germany. The Centurion gets drunk and blurts out to Caesar that he knows why Caesar is making war. It is no longer to protect Rome but to strengthen Caesar's own position against the other members of the ruling triumvirate in Rome. Fearing the Centurion will spread dissent and weaken morals Caesar uses him as bait in order to lure the Ariovistus-led Germans into a decisive battle at the Rhine River near Besncon in September. Captured, tortured and cricifies the Centurion is convinced he is doomed, especially when the defeated Germans drag him toward the river. If they manage to get him into Germany he will become a slave. Caesar rescues him at the last minute, repaying the debt he owes the Centurion."

Format: Kindle Edition

If you loved HBO's Rome and Starz's Spartacus, you're going to love this. This is a well-researched tale of army life under Caesar. You see it from the point of the centurion and Caesar, it's really entertaining, it has a lot of violence (which I love). I only get pissed off when the writer stops himself from mentioning some atrocities. For example, he'll say the barbarians committed horrible atrocities on the Roman dead, but he doesn't mention which. However, I've read the entire series, and in spite of spelling mistakes and punctuation errors, it's well-worth it.
on April 29, 2013
I decided to give the books I read a while ago the reviews they deserve and even though I have read them I keep them on my iPad as a reminder to leave a review. I read as many books about the Roman Legions as possible. Most of the authors have done their research and the books for the most part are well written, and this book is no exception. Centurian first class Sextius Baculus is called away from his leave to return to his unit because he was informed that Caesar is preparing for war. As he rushes to join his unit he stops at a way station just in time to find Caesar being attacked by deserters and he saves Caesar's life thus forming a bond with the great general. The portrayal of Caesar seems to be right on the money. I read his commentaries and this book captures his personality and shows him as the brilliant strategist he was. If you enjoy books about the Roman Legions and/or Caesar, then you won't go wrong reading this book especially since it's priced right.
Interview with J.M.:
1.  What prompted you to write your series?
I had the idea years ago & had an offer from a publisher who didn’t want to give me an advance, only a percentage of the royalties. I knew that never works out. Authors rarely see any money so I passed. Years later I did some research & discovered there were only a few people writing in my particular genre unlike the hundreds if not thousands who write in more popular genres. I read portions of their books & concluded there might be room for me because there were fewer competitors & I knew I could write just as well as they could.
2.  What is your favorite genre to read and why?
I think that as we evolve & mature as people & writers our tastes evolve with us & perhaps get more refined. I have eclectic tastes & interests. Here’s a brief sampling: for mysteries you can’t go wrong with James M. Can, Raymond Chandler, Ross MacDonald (real name Kenneth Millar, a Canadian), George V. Higgins, Maj Sjowall/Per Wahloo, Jo Nesbo, Henning Mankell & Stieg Larsson. Some of my favorite authors that I read & reread are Louis-Ferdinand Celine, Andre Malraux, & Par Lagerkvist. Some of my favorite books are “Before the Deluge: A Portrait of Berlin in the 1920s” & “City of Nets: A Portrait of Hollywood in the 1940s” both by Otto Friedrich, “Everything is Cinema: The Working Life of Jean-Luc Godard” by Richard Brody (the definitive book on Godard by the way) & the rather prosaically titled “Chet Baker: His Life & Music” by Jeroen de Valk (also the definitive book on Baker who like myself is, or rather was because he’s dead, an autodidact & a Capricorn).
3.  What inspires you to write?
This question is harder than it looks. Inspiration can only take you so far. As we know writing is damn hard work. There are almost constant distractions in various forms we have to overcome, our concentration levels are high & after a while we get worn out but somehow have to find the energy to push through. I write because it gives me freedom. I can never be fired. I’m my own boss & have a healthy fear of failure. With the advent of the Internet I could be answering these questions from Costa Rica, Berlin or anywhere & that’s fantastic. After I finish a book I’m mentally exhausted but at the same time a vacuum has been created & I have a need to fill that vacuum so I start another book after about 1 – 2 weeks. Or to answer the question another way, as James Boswell said in “The Life of Samuel Johnson,” “No man but a blockhead, ever wrote except for money.”
4.  What are your favorites-food, color, activity, place?
Favorite Food: Seafood. If it swims I’ll eat it. Color: Scarlet red (on cars & front doors), Daffodil yellow because it signifies a new beginning & Ultramarine & Royal blue because they are rich & go with just about everything. Activity: I love to camp. For some odd reason I sleep well in a tent. I also love nature & discovering things (owls fly silently. It has something to do with their feathers & Screech owls really do screech). I am also afflicted with the male sports gene specifically the New York Ranger (ice hockey) mutation for which there is no known cure. I also watch international, multi-stage bike races (Tour de France, Gyro d’ Italia etc.), Premier League football (it’s not a dull as one would think) & Formula 1 racing because it is the ultimate expression in automotive technology. I’m also a cineaste. Places: The UK because it’s the most civilized country in the world & swamps because they’re primordial & I’ve written about, worked with & know a lot about alligators. I absolutely love them & am fascinated with & by them on a lot of different levels for a lot of fairly complicated reasons.
5.  What do you want your readers to remember about you?
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” – 2 Timothy IV.
6.  Do you have any works in progress?  What are they?
I am currently working on the 7th book in “The Centurion Chronicles” series. Only 5 are live. I like to keep ahead. The research is brutal because for the most part I have to be historically accurate & all of the proper & place names are in Latin which I don’t speak. There are also a lot of moving parts in terms of how my main & supporting characters interact with each other & the situations I put them in.
7.  If you could give one piece of advice about life, what would it be?
Follow your heart & have courage because dreams do come true.
Where you can find J.M.:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7234330.J_M_Garlock
https://www.facebook.com/people/Jm-Garlock/100004505105870

Review of The Dead Game by Susanne Leist

The Dead Game by Susanne Leist Book 1 in Series

Can you feel your heart beating? Is it beating too fast? Do you feel trapped? This is because you are. You're standing in a pool of water, in the basement of End House, wearing your party clothes. But there is no party, no host and no guests. The door behind you locks shut. The only way is forward, through the falling cages with their sharp edges, ready to ensnare their next victim. Circular saws begin to descend, looking for heads to slice off.

Meanwhile, Linda is upstairs with the rest of her friends being pursued by creatures through revolving rooms. Or are they illusions? What should she do?

Run!

The owner of End House takes no prisoners.

The Dead Game has begun.

My Review: 3 Stars

The Dead Game is a horror/paranormal story about a sleepy Florida town named Oasis. In Oasis, a deadly force of vampire activity overwhelms the tourists and younger inhabitants of the town.

Linda is one of the newer inhabitants....along with a handful of her friends. They soon learn there are treacherous secrets in Oasis....secrets that threaten their lives. After attending a party at End House, the scariest house in town, the secrets begin to unravel piece by piece. Linda and her friends find themselves in the midst of a dangerous plot; a plot schemed by wayward vampires.

The Dead Game started out very strong. There were many captivating scenes and quite a bit of interesting imagery. However, from the middle of the book onward, character development was somewhat lacking, which left the book a bit short on reader interest. The plot needed a touch more explanation and organization to add depth to the story as well.

Overall, it was intriguing as the book had some new, interesting twists on the "vampire scene", but because of the concerns stated above, I had to rate this book a bit lower than I normally would have.

If you enjoy vampires and new twists on vampirism, you would probably enjoy reading this book.

~Spotlight: The Conspiracy of Silence by Augustine Sam~

  The Conspiracy Of Silence by Augustine Sam

The conscience of a town steeped in sexism, vanity and hypocrisy is pricked by the brutal murder of a mysterious woman in a park in Los Angeles. But the shock is transformed into a steamy, seductive scandal when the body turns out to be that of Susan Whitaker, the flamboyant wife of the governor of California. Soon, a dazzlingly intricate shuffle of volatile links leads the police to the delicate theory of secret lover/blackmailer, and to the indictment of Benjamin Carlton, Hollywood’s most influential black celebrity. Then curious things begin to happen when Carlton’s ambitious girlfriend, Rita Spencer suddenly unearths the shocking secret that Susan Whitaker did not, in fact, exist. She little realizes however that her discovery of this colossal fraud is a mere curtain raiser to a chilling world of ugly skeletons dating back to the assassination of a U.S. senator in a Washington hotel sauna, skeletons connected to riveting sex scandals in high places, skeletons the FBI and political kingmakers will kill for…

1.  What prompted you to write your book? My passion for storytelling obviously. I grew up in a town steeped in tradition and storytelling and from a very young age I was enthralled by folktales. When I was a kid I used to spend the evenings listening to stories from older folks, some of which were historical sagas that really fascinated me. But I think what prompted me to start writing in general was my first literature textbook in school, which, coincidentally, was a novel set in the port city where I grew up. It was the story of a weird, one-eyed man who spent his days and nights at the harbor contriving different kinds of mischief that captivated the local population. I had seen him at the harbor a few times when I was a kid, so reading about him in the literature textbook triggered my fascination with storytelling and gave me a whole new insight into how the written word can actually capture reality.

2.  What genre do you enjoy writing the most and why? I love poetry a lot; it galvanizes me and humbles me at the same time. But as far creative writing goes, I enjoy writing thrillers the most. It's a gritty, rousing, and fast-paced genre that helps the author simulate the reader’s moods by providing the sudden rush of excitement and exhilaration that eventually drive the narrative. What makes it enjoyable for me is that the thriller genre, by its nature, does not only spawn surprise but a high level of anticipation and ultra-heightened expectation as well.

3.  What celebrity would you like to meet and why? No one particularly if by celebrity we are limited to movie stars and musicians. But I wouldn't mind running into Umberto Eco (author of "The Name of the Rose") for a chat about literature.

4.  What would you like your readers to know about you? There isn't much to know really, just what my bio says about me. Specifically though, I'd want readers to pay attention, not only to the story, but to the style as well because that, sometimes, makes a difference in literature.

5.  Favorites:  food, color, place, activity? My favorite food is an Italian dish called Spaghetti alla Carbonara. My favorite color is black and my favorite place is Norway. I have more than one favorite activity, the main ones, of course, are writing and travelling, mainly to marvel at ancient architecture.

6.  If you could give me one piece of advice about life, what would it be? It'd be an Oscar Wilde quote: "Be yourself; everyone else is already taken."

Where you can find Augustine:

Author’s website: http://goo.gl/A5jRnj

Twitter: http://goo.gl/Yzan2G

Facebook: http://goo.gl/W7W1Ta

Google Plus: http://goo.gl/yruj3D

Goodreads: http://goo.gl/NjAxV9

Book Trailer: https://goo.gl/wZ4F3g

Where you can find The Conspiracy  of Silence:

 Amazon: http://goo.gl/osU1VZ

Barnes & Noble: http://goo.gl/N6WXJ4