Giveaway – The Mark Of The Salamander by Justin Newland @goddessfish @JustinNewland53

Posted on September 2, 2024 by fundinmental

THE MARK OF THE SALAMANDER Justin Newland

GENRE: Historical Fiction

BLURB

1575.

Nelan Michaels is a young Flemish man fleeing religious persecution in the Spanish Netherlands. Settling in Mortlake outside London, he studies under Queen Elizabeth’s court astrologer, conjuring a bright future – until he’s wrongly accused of murder.

Forced into the life of a fugitive, Nelan hides in London, before he is dramatically pressed into the crew of the Golden Hind.

Thrust into a strange new world on board Francis Drake’s vessel, Nelan sails the seas on a voyage to discover discovery itself. Encountering mutiny, ancient tribes and hordes of treasure, Nelan must explore and master his own mystical powers – including the Mark of the Salamander, the mysterious spirit of fire.

THE MARK OF THE SALAMANDER is the first in The Island of Angels series: a two-book saga that tells the epic story and secret history of England’s coming of age during the Elizabethan era.

EXCERPT

It was midway through the afternoon watch. On a Monday. It wasn’t any old Monday. It was a special Monday. Not because of an extra beer ration; nor because of the smell of fish emanating from the galley. No – it was because, on that autumn day, nearly all fifty-eight surviving crew members hung over the gunwale, their eyes dripping with expectation and glued to the horizon. On occasion, they glanced up at the topmast and the barrel man as if waiting for a message from the heavens. None came, even after they’d passed the Isles of Scilly. Nor did it come after they passed Wolf Rock. It surely wouldn’t be long in coming.

As the creaking of the sails ceased, the Golden Hind glided serenely through the waters as if drawn forward by a divine wind. Even the gulls stopped squawking. A light rain shower washed the decks. The men gazed at the white flecks on the waves.

Amidst the quiet, a cry went out, and travelled down the mizzenmast, across the poop deck and into the soul of each crew member. “Land ho!”

Nelan stood next to Fletcher, who raised his hands like an Old Testament prophet and cried out, “Oh, my God!” Then he knelt on the deck, hands clasped in a prayer of thanksgiving.

AUTHOR Bio and Links

JUSTIN NEWLAND’s novels represent an innovative blend of genres from historical adventure to supernatural thriller and magical realism.

Undeterred by the award of a Doctorate in Mathematics from Imperial College, London, he conceived his debut novel, The Genes of Isis (ISBN 9781789014860, Matador, 2018), an epic fantasy set under Ancient Egyptian skies.

His second book is a historical thriller, The Old Dragon’s Head (ISBN 9781789015829, Matador, 2018), and is set in Ming Dynasty China in the shadows of the Great Wall.

The Coronation (ISBN 9781838591885, Matador, 2019) is an historical adventure and speculates on the genesis of the most important event in the modern world – the Industrial Revolution.

The Abdication (ISBN 9781800463950, Matador, 2021) is a mystery thriller in which a young woman confronts her faith in a higher purpose and what it means to abdicate that faith.

His latest is The Mark of the Salamander (ISBN 9781915853271, Book Guild, 2023) and is the first in a two-book series, The Island of Angels. Set in the Elizabethan era, it tells the epic tale of England’s coming of age.

The second in the series, The Midnight of Eights (ISBN 9781835740 330, Book Guild, 2024), charts of the uncanny coincidences that culminated in the repulse of the Spanish Armada and is due for publication in October.

Author, speaker and broadcaster, Justin gives talks to historical associations and libraries, appears on LitFest panels, and enjoys giving radio interviews.

He lives with his partner in plain sight of the Mendip Hills in Somerset, England.

Author Website: https://www.justinnewland.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justin.newland.author/
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/@jnewland0711
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/JustinNewland53
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjustinnewland/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/jnewland
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-newland-b393aa28/
Book Bub: https://partners.bookbub.com/authors/4862998/edit
Video Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/qx39wZjXajU
Justin Newland’s Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Justin-Newland/author/B06WRQVLT8

BUY LINKS

Preferred Buy Link (no postage to pay on this one): https://wordery.com/mark-of-the-salamander-justin-newland-9781915853271
Buy link on my website (where buyer enters – and I can write – a personal dedication): https://www.justinnewland.com/the-mark-of-the-salamander~191
Universal Buy Link: https://mybook.to/MarkofSalamander
Publishers Website (UK): https://www.bookguild.co.uk/bookshop/the-mark-of-the-salamander/
Waterstones (UK): https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-mark-of-the-salamander/justin-newland/9781915853271
WH Smith (UK): https://www.whsmith.co.uk/products/the-mark-of-the-salamander-the-island-of-angels/justin-newland/paperback/9781915853271.html
Amazon (UK): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mark-Salamander-Island-Angels/dp/1915853273/ref=sr_1_2
Browns Books (UK): http://www.brownsbfs.co.uk/Product/Newland-Justin/The-mark-of-the-salamander/9781915853271#
Amazon (US): https://www.amazon.com/Mark-Salamander-Justin-Newland/dp/1915853273/ref=sr_1_1
Barnes and Noble (US): https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-mark-of-the-salamander-justin-newland/1144122989?ean=2940186006305
Kobo (US): https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/the-mark-of-the-salamander
Amazon Canada:https://www.amazon.ca/Mark-Salamander-Justin-Newland/dp/1915853273/ref=sr_1_1
Agenda Bookshop (EU): https://agendabookshop.com/products/the-mark-of-the-salamander

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$20 GC – Reflections Of Michael by L J Ambrosio @authorlambrosio @GoddessFish

Posted on August 14, 2024 by fundinmental

REFLECTIONS OF MICHAEL by L.J. Ambrosio

GENRE: Literary Fiction/ Coming of Age

I am easily swayed by covers, so I am always curious of how they are chosen. L J Ambrosio is here to talk about his covers for the Reflections Of Michael series. Take it away L J.

Please tell us about the three covers and how they relate to the books.

RESERVOIR MAN

The title is a metaphor. The “reservoir man” is the darkness of corruption. He will tempt us with a banquet of debauched temptation. That temptation could be greed, hating your neighbor, violence, sexual abuse, all the seven deadly sins plus more.

This metaphor will remain in Michael’s life. In his childhood, he would go to a reservoir near his home, waiting for the next person to sit down at his bench to talk to. Michael wanted to hear about their adventures in life but some who sat were men looking to take advantage, sexually, of any young boy. One man who walked around the reservoir took a special interest in Michael and would not leave him alone; he followed him home and attempted to get into Michael’s house. Michael ran to his sister’s house, but his pursuer followed him there as well, then attempted to break in. Michael gained the strength to push him away.

Michael carried this all his life. He had to admit he did get fooled at times, where some reservoir men came masked towards him and he did not see them for what they were. This metaphor remains consistent in three novels. In “Exiles,” the police officer beating Louie up, in “Reflections on the Boulevard,” the gang that beats up Ron and violently hurts Rhonda are examples.

REFLECTIONS ON THE BOULVARD

This a complicated metaphor as well. I am quoting the book in the concluding chapter:

“They crossed the street to the other side, he felt the parallel lives of two men meeting, only for a moment. A car passed. In the reflections of the street, one may see the image of a young man and an older man, who had come together one more time, in this place. He felt him, it was a relief, he and Michael were one. He stood now on the Boulevard Saint-Michel.”

By reflecting Michael’s image, Ron found his truth as he became one with Michael’s memory. It was a relief to know that Michael would always be with him; we all see reflections that give us the ability know what to do in our lives and what we are about. In “Exiles,” when Louie and Lily imitate the old couple in the music room of the bookstore, they are reflecting the idea of a perfect love. Louie is growing, taking another step to understanding true love. It is a part of his rite of passage. Those trials confront all the characters in these stories. Louie’s pain is in finding who he is, the ability to become a partisan. In our journey, we all pass through these challenges, using reflections from our lives, avoiding the “Reservoir Man” around each corner.

The images on the book are our two journeymen sitting on the edge of le Sien with Notre Dame in front of them. They are celebrating the incredible structure. The back cover is an image of Ron and Michel driving towards their next magnificent vista. This visual pairing of the two characters in friendship also represents the buddy story line.

EXILE

James Joyce was very clear in his beliefs that when the artist is oppressed and creatively cripple, they must leave to exile themselves. Joyce went to Paris and the continent for over 30 years before he went back to Dublin. He was not the only artist to leave, an entire generation of American artists left. They were called the Lost Generation, they found harbor in France.

Louie and Ron both find safe harbor at the bookstore, that is where they exile. I imagine the bookstore represents all the words they need to understand, they have the comfort of all those great writers.

They leave to go across America to finally find peace at Walden Pond. The native Americans believed that the dragonfly would take your soul to a resting place. Our characters do change; they are changing at the end of this novel and beyond it. Louie believes in this at the end, as he mourns Lily’s death.

To “Exile” is not to run away, but to find a new environment to grow and flourish as an artist and human being. The cover of the book “Exiles” represents this safe harbor for these individuals, the dim lights of safety and warmth, growth, and adventure as represented by the books by the many authors of the world. What better place to find a new life than at a bookstore, where many lives and stories and pathways are converging at once. The bookstore is a place with which these characters can all find a pathway to the life they individually need to live, with their own purpose.

Thanks so much for visiting us today and good luck with the tour.

A Reservoir Man

A Reservoir Man, critics have hailed this explosive and timely work as “a must-read coming-of-age story of 2022.” Twists and turns further pull the reader in to Michael’s action-packed tale, with powerful themes, from betrayal and family to secrets and identity. “Be sure not to blink because you just might miss a pivotal moment in Michael’s rousing, larger-than-life story.” —

R.C. Gibson, Indiestoday.com. “This book is a dream, a gamble, a utopia, even.” — Kalyan Panja, Bookmarkks.

Reflections on the Boulevard

Michael’s story continues from A Reservoir Man (2022) where we find him teaching at a university ready to retire. He unexpectedly meets a young man named Ron who becomes his protege and journeys in a haphazard adventure with him throughout America and Europe, each twist and turn of the road bringing unexpected adventures. The journey taken is one of joy, friendship and discovery.

Exiles

In this final chapter, Ron’s story concludes from Reflections on the Boulevard (2023). Michael’s wish was for Ron to exile himself in the heart of Paris with its beautiful culture and citizens as they protest and fight for the soul of the city. Ron’s journey is met with life-affirming friendships and lessons along the way. The final book in the Reflections of Michael Trilogy, which started with A Reservoir Man (2022).

AUTHOR Bio and Links

Louis J. Ambrosio ran one of the most nurturing bi-coastal talent agencies in Los Angeles and New York. He started his career as a theatrical producer, running two major regional theaters for eight seasons. Ambrosio taught at seven universities. Ambrosio also distinguished himself as an award-winning film producer and novelist over the course of his impressive career.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ljambrosioauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorlambrosio
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/louis.ambrosio
Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/ljambrosio
Blog: https://ljambrosio.blogspot.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI2XkCETDOj_VUtCFcB74ig
Buy the series on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C79G6BB3

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MY L J AMBROSIO REVIEWS

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$10 GC & Review – The City Of The Magicians: Threat by Peter Gribble @goddessfish

Posted on July 22, 2024 by fundinmental

THREAT by Peter Gribble

GENRE: Fantasy

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I saw the cover and title and knew I wanted to read The City Of Magicians: Threat by Peter Gribble. I will preface my review by saying, “Sometimes fantasy works for me, other times not so much.”

Threat was a long read, filled with details. Peter Gribble created a complex world. Was it too detailed? I remember trying to read A Game Of Thrones. I quit after the second book. There was too much going on for me and I don’t want it to read like a school book, having to take notes to keep track of the players. Threat wasn’t as bad to me as Game of Thrones, but it still got bogged down at times.

Peter Gribble laid a solid foundation for the series.

I didn’t get lost in the characters, but Sas and Layla would have me reading more so I can find out what happens to them.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The City Of Magicians: Threat by Peter Gribble.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos — 3 Stars

BLURB

“A Journey Without Departure” is the traditional term for a telepathic sending. It is a talent few can perform yet this is the strategy the City of the Magicians—non-violent pacifists, without army or weapons—hopes will mitigate the barbarian invasion coming in six months. The plan could work, but then maybe not. Sas, the young man chosen to “educate the barbarian,” can only think, Me? Sendings? They’ve made a mistake!

Lalya, a City librarian searching for her dead lover’s vanished manuscript, is ensnared by a secret society planning to collaborate with the same barbarians. Attempts to extricate herself from the blackmail, double-dealing, seduction and betrayal force her to realize her final treachery could very well destroy her.

Shoan, the Council strategist, is fully aware a shadowy opposition lurks behind the scenes but is stymied how to lure it out into the open. He should remember one of the basic axioms of tactics is, “Methodology is seldom prepared for surprises.”

Both Sas and Lalya are pawns in the strategies of others… yet it only takes a pawn to change the game.

Threat, the first book in The City of the Magicians series, reveals all the preparations for a barbarian arrival, but when strategies collide, will anyone be ready? Will anyone be safe?

EXCERPT

“Approach and be attentive!” intoned the priest and priestess choruses. “All existent worlds bubble from the froth and foam, but the loving ocean of the One is the ultimate reality …”

Attentiveness, devoted reflection or his stance of solemn focus which, on less eventful days, disguised the reveries he slipped into … Impossible.

There was no warning this morning’s meeting would be so …

The Council expects me, Sas, to educate the barbarian invasion?

Because of citations for talent under Adjudicator Kesrin? With telepathic sendings? Something’s wrong. Why am I here? The Temple’s not the best place to think. What a quandary! And I’m the solution to it? They’ve made a mistake! Sendings means they expect more than one. From me? I’m no telepath! It makes no sense!

A young priestess moving to the center altar fount drew his eye.

She’s got the good voice but never recites anything interesting from the Liturgia. To think I might’ve been stuck up there, a lector reciting to the assembled … the Family wanted it; Adjudicators expected it. Competition with Sirna demanded it. Could’ve had any position in the Bureautica but, thank the One, never that! But educating barbarians with sendings?

AUTHOR Bio and Links

Peter Gribble studied art at Sheridan and psychology at U of T. He has written for NUVO and other publications in British Columbia, including gardening columns for two journals for over ten years.

To find out more about Peter’s exciting book series visit www.petergribble.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20904184.Peter_Gribble

Get “The City of Magicians Book Series” on Amazon!

Threat: https://www.amazon.com/Threat-City-Magicians-Book-1-ebook/dp/B08NTQ69Q7/ref=sr_1_2

Within: https://www.amazon.com/Within-Peter-Gribble-ebook/dp/B09RLZP7DV/ref=sr_1_2

Quickening: https://www.amazon.com/Quickening-Peter-Gribble-ebook/dp/B0CZVW2XL3/ref=sr_1_1

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$25 GC – The Maker Of Worlds by David Litwack @DavidLitwack @goddessfish

Posted on July 16, 2024 by fundinmental

THE MAKER OF WORLDS

David Litwack

GENRE: Fantasy

BLURB

If you had the chance to remake the world, what kind of world would you choose?

When tragedy strikes Lucas Mack’s young life, he desperately yearns to escape its sorrow, and takes an improbable leap through the mythical maelstrom. Rather than splashing down on the far side like his neighbors, he’s transported to a magical realm where he has the power to redefine not only who he is, but the world in which he resides.

As he stumbles about trying to find his way, he meets Mia, an equally troubled fellow pilgrim. With the help of a mystical guide and an aging wizard, they navigate the enchanted land while learning to control their newfound powers. Yet this realm is more complex than they expected, with seasoned sorcerers who’ve been corrupted by the sinister side of magic.

Limited by natural law and seduced by magic’s power, they are tested as never before. Will the gift of magic bring renewed hope or drive them to the edge of the void?

EXCERPT

Nowhere a dock or a mooring, not so much as a hint of early morning smoke rising from a chimney. Nowhere the cottages of Queen’s Hill. Nowhere houses at all. As I gaped, the edges of branches shimmered as if undecided whether to remain intangible or become real. In a panic, I realized the folly of this quest. Better to return to a safer, albeit gloomier life, to go back through the portal at once.

Behind me, the maelstrom still swirled, a fleeting comfort as it had started to recede. While I stared at the last link to my old world, the orb diminished, shrunk to a size I could cover with my hand, and then to that of the tip of my thumb. Before I sloshed more than two steps closer, it winked out.

Now, to the north and the south, nothing showed but water. I stumbled to shore, my movements causing the slightest wake in the surface, which lay so still I could make out my astonished features in the reflection.

I’d spent much of my young life with Addy, like a mate sailing across a forever lake. She’d been with me through calm and storm. I’d yearned to find renewed hope on this side of the gateway and return home to a new life, yet now the gateway, like Addy, had vanished.

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

The urge to write first struck at age sixteen when working on a newsletter at a youth encampment in the woods of northern Maine. It may have been the wild night when lightning flashed at sunset followed by the northern lights rippling after dark. Or maybe it was the newsletter’s editor, a girl with eyes the color of the ocean. But he was inspired to write about the blurry line between reality and the fantastic.

Using two fingers and lots of white-out, he religiously typed five pages a day throughout college and well into his twenties. Then life intervened. He paused to raise two sons and pursue a career, in the process — and without prior plan — becoming a well-known entrepreneur in the software industry, founding several successful companies. When he found time again to daydream, the urge to write returned.

David currently lives in the Great Northwest and anywhere else that catches his fancy. He no longer limits himself to five pages a day and is thankful every keystroke for the invention of the word processor.

Website: https://davidlitwack.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.litwack.author
Twitter: @DavidLitwack
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/davidlitwack

Buy links:

Amazon: https://geni.us/themakerofworlds
Barnes & Noble: The Maker of Worlds by David Litwack | eBook | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)
Kobo: The Maker of Worlds eBook by David Litwack – EPUB Book | Rakuten Kobo United States
Apple: The Maker of Worlds by David Litwack (ebook) – Apple Books
Smashwords: The Maker of Worlds (smashwords.com)

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$10 GC – Sushan Portal by Gloria Pearson-Vase @goddessfish @rvwriter

Posted on July 9, 2024 by fundinmental

SHUSHAN PORTAL: BEHIND THE HOLLYHOCK HEDGE

Gloria Pearson-Vasey

GENRE: Science Fiction/Thriller

BLURB

After her sister dies, Meara Deleaney invites her bereaved nephew, Jackson, to accompany her on a book tour to Canada’s Atlantic provinces. Fearful of leaving the security of her apartment, Meara bolsters her courage by recalling the imaginary dragons she and her sister slew as children behind the hollyhock hedge.

As they travel in a motorhome from park to park and bookstore to bookstore, Meara and Jackson are unaware of the manipulating forces intent on preventing their return home. They do, however, realize they are being stalked and therefore welcome the company of another touring author, criminology professor Bartholomew Wolfe.

A long-standing professional relationship between the authors builds to romance and a persuasive invitation to seek shelter at the professor’s lodge. However, to reach the lodge, Meara—now accompanied by her nephew, niece and mother—unsuspectingly travels through a portal which exits in a future dimension near a fortress.

From there, the family is escorted under guard through dangerous territory to a lodge where metaphorical dragons lie in wait, and security comes at a price.

EXCERPT

As bedtime neared, Meara was reaching for the television remote when the screen went dark. Simultaneously, the cabin lights dimmed to battery mode, the refrigerator switched from electricity to propane gas, and the microwave blinked off.

Meara and Jackson went outside to see if the power was out in the whole campground. It was an ideal summer night perfected by the sound of rolling surf, a sound they expected to later lull them to sleep in their motorhome haven. A breeze swept the scent of campfire smoke into the ocean-scented air. Small animals could be heard scuttling through nearby shrubbery, rustling twigs and leaves.

When it became apparent there was no generalized power outage, Jackson checked their electric outlet. The motorhome’s electric cord lay unplugged on the ground.

“Pranksters again,” he muttered as he bent to plug it in.

However, at the motorhome steps, Meara and her nephew came to an abrupt halt. On the vehicle’s bottom step lay a long-stemmed rose bearing an attached note.

Someone had stealthily placed it there in the brief time they were outside. Someone had been watching, waiting for the right moment to leave the rose.

No longer did the sound and smell of the ocean seem soothing. No longer did the scent of campfire smoke seem inviting. No longer did the rustling of twig and leaf seem friendly. They looked around nervously and saw no one.

AUTHOR Bio and Links

Gloria Pearson-Vasey weaves contemporary issues into her novels, and likes a story – be it literary fiction, historical fantasy or science fiction – to be authentic and end on a note of hope.

A member of The Writers’ Union of Canada, Pearson-Vasey has also penned non-fiction books on autism and pilgrimage.

The author feels blessed for experiencing the joy and chaos of merging child raising with career, camping, travel and pets.

She lives in a picturesque Ontario town, and enjoys reading, music, country drives and time with family and friends.

CONNECT WITH GLORIA

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

PURCHASE LINKS FOR SHUSHAN PORTAL

Amazon U S / Amazon CA / Indigo / Booktopia / Waterstones / Abe Books

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Giveaway – The Babel Apocalypse by Vyvyan Evans @GoddessFish @VyvEvans

Posted on February 28, 2024 by fundinmental

I love apocalyptic novels and great covers. The Babel Apoclypse by Vyvyan Evans has both a great story and a great cover in equal measure. I mean, if the means of communication is lost, I think we all knows how that goes from our own experiences. Welcome, Vyvyan.

Guest blog post by Vyvyan Evans

If you knew an apocalypse was imminent, how would you prepare?

The Babel Apocalypse is set in the near future, the early twenty-second century, when language is no longer learned but streamed from internet in space direct to neural implants (“language chips”) implanted in citizens brains, at birth, governed by lang-laws.

So what could possibly go wrong? Plenty as it turns out. When a cyberattack destroys the language streaming servers in low-Earth orbit, large swathes of the world’s population lose the ability to communicate, at a stroke.

The only person who saw the Babel Apocalypse coming was the last native speaker in the automated world: Professor Ebba Black. Ebba is an heiress, and a hacker extraordinaire. But she had been planning for just such a catastrophe, a global language outage. She set up a secret base, Freetown, and with her team of scientists, established a Language Unplugged protocol: a medical procedure to “untether” human brains from the language chip technology that makes much of humanity entirely dependent on big tech.

In such a near-future landscape, when something akin to ChatGPT is literally embedded inside everyone’s heads, language has become a commodity, and no one actually learns it anymore. This is why a low probability event—a global language outage—is so catastrophic; no one can use language without it being streamed directly into their brains via the internet-of-things ecosystem.

But Ebba is ready. The only problem is that corporate powerplays, money and governmental politics inevitably have made her an outlaw–she is a wanted woman. Hence, Ebba must use skill and daring to stay off the grid. And with the assistance of the loner, Europol commander, Emyr Morgan, they must together figure out who is behind the outage, and how to restore language to humanity, when sinister, global forces are dead set against them.

THE BABEL APOCALYPSE AUDIOBOOK by Vyvyan Evans

GENRE: Science Fiction

BLURB

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

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

Europol detective Emyr Morgan is assigned to the case. Suspect number one is Professor Ebba Black, the last native speaker of language in the automated world, and leader of the Babel cyberterrorist organization. But Emyr soon learns that in a world of corporate power, where those who control language control everything, all is not as it seems. After all, if the mysterious Ebba Black is to blame, why is the Russian Federation being framed for an outage it claims no responsibility for? And why is Ebba now a target for assassination?

As he and Ebba collide, Emyr faces an existential dilemma between loyalty and betrayal, when everything he once believed in is called into question. To prevent the imminent collapse of civilization and a deadly war between the great federations, he must figure out friend from foe—his life depends on it.

And with the odds stacked against him, he must find a way to stop the Babel Apocalypse.

EXCERPT

As I was about to glance back at the voices, a light flickered in my peripheral vision, drawing my gaze upward to the night sky. A soft white glow, high up in the dark. At first it was indistinguishable from the airway lights. But it persisted, the size of a small disk at first, before shifting to red-orange, getting larger. At that point I realized it definitely couldn’t be a hover car. This was farther up, probably low Earth orbit, which explained the initial white. But the shift in coloration—that meant a detonation, producing nitrogen dioxide, which turned deep orange when mixed with air. A gaseous cloud has reached the atmosphere, I thought. I was witnessing a chemical explosion in space large enough to be visible to the naked eye. But what was exploding?

As I continued looking up, the orange grew in intensity until it flared across the skyline, illuminating the entire landscape around me with an eerie red-orange. It was only then that I became aware of the newly hushed silence of the drunken revelers nearby. And the silhouettes of other people too, who had also stopped and peppered the pedestrian corridor. We were all now strange red creatures, watching transfixed in rapt silence as the night sky was on fire. And just as suddenly as it had appeared, it was gone; the orange light faded back into a deep well of pitch black.

AUTHOR Bio and Links

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

Book website (including ‘Buy’ links): http://www.songs-of-the-sage.com

Author website: https://www.vyvevans.net/
Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@vyvevans
Twitter: https://twitter.com/VyvEvans
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Vyvyan.Evans.Author
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nephilim_publishing/

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Giveaway & Review – And The Devil Walks Away by Kevin R Doyle @GoddessFish

Posted on February 19, 2024 by fundinmental

And the Devil Walks Away by Kevin R. Doyle

GENRE: Mystery

MY REVIEW

“You going to do anything illegal in there?”
“Don’t worry, counselor. Nothing that anyone’s going to complain about.”

I immediately liked Helen Lipscomb. Two years earlier she had been a by the book homicide detective. She had been pushed out of the police force, ostracized. Now, the thin blue line has gotten even thinner for her.

The serial killer angle is different from the norm. Instead of proving his innocence, Benson wants her to prove his guilt. He resents that someone else is taking credit for his kills.

“Anyone who can so piss off the members of the power structure is exactly who I need.”

Because she is low on funds she takes it on. She will be traveling around the country to find the answers.

Mysteries intrigue me, but lack the intense, fast paced action, and the darkness that drives my own twisted mind. So, to say that And The Devil Walks Away by Kevin R Doyle, seemed a bit slow to me, it may be through no fault of the book or the author. I will say, as the mystery grew I found myself becoming more interested in the outcome.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of And The Devil Walks Away by Kevin R Doyle.

BLURB: Helen Lipscomb seemingly has nowhere to go but down. Cashiered from the force, ostracized by most of her former acquaintances, and with no real connections left to the community, she’s been getting by as a sort of unofficial investigator, doing piecework for various lawyers and bail bondsmen. Her former life as a homicide detective seems far behind her until a notorious serial killer, locked away and facing the death penalty, offers her the challenge of a lifetime. Not to prove his innocence, but to prove him guilty of even more murders than the authorities suspect, murders for which another convicted man, several states away, is taking credit.

“I think you’re working under something of a misconception,” Benson said. “You’re correct. The authorities suspect me of more slayings than they’ve convicted me of, though even they can’t guess the actual number. But I don’t want you to work to prove my innocence. My guilt has been pretty much firmly established, at least in the three cases that have brought me to death row. Considering all the death sentences I currently face, wouldn’t you agree that would be pretty much a waste of your time and my money to attempt to prove otherwise?”

Helen frowned and glanced at Conroy, whose face remained impassive, before turning back to Benson.

“Then what do you want out of me?” she asked.

Benson smiled, but the expression had no warmth.

“I want you to prove that I’m guilty,” he said in a flat, calm tone. “Guilty of those murders they haven’t yet pinned on me.”

“Excuse me?” Helen was sure she looked as baffled as she felt.

“I thought that was fairly clear,” Benson said. “Someone’s out there taking credit for my work, and I want you to put a stop to it. If I have anything to say about it, no one’s going to get the credit for my work but me.”

AUTHOR Bio and Links

A retired high-school teacher and former college instructor, Kevin R. Doyle is the author of numerous short horror stories. He’s also written four crime thrillers including The Group and The Anchor, and one horror novel, The Litter. In the last few years, he’s begun working on the Sam Quinton private eye series, published by Camel Press. The first Quinton book, Squatter’s Rights, was nominated for the 2021 Shamus award for Best First PI Novel. The fourth Sam Quinton book, Clean Win, was released in March of 2023.

Web site: kevindoylefiction.com
Facebook: facebook.com/kevindoylefiction
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6473241.Kevin_R_Doyle
Amazon / B&N / Kobo

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Giveaway – Valkyrie Earth by Merrin Slade @goddessfish

Posted on January 19, 2024 by fundinmental

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Merrin Slade will award a $50 Kobo gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

In a world where perfection is demanded of its citizens, one imperfect woman may be the only person who can save humanity.

One thousand years in the future, humans have developed the ability to alter their genes to create a perfect version of themselves, but not all are so fortunate. Cerys Skye is a Wild Type, genetically unaltered and forced to live in the Refuge—a place for Wild Types and the unlucky citizens whose genetic modifications society has deemed as imperfect.

All the fiery tempered young woman knows is how to fight. Using her wits and skills, Cerys must compete in brutal prize fights if she is to bring food to the table for her younger sister. But, she is always aware that the next fight could her last—she must find a way out of this life.

Leaving behind all that she knows, the last place the tempestuous Cerys expects to find herself is joining the United Planet’s Space Force Academy, where she battles prejudice and intolerance in a world run by genetically modified humans.

As the new recruit discovers, not all is as it seems at the Academy with a shadowy cyber-evil seeking to threaten humanity. But, when loyalties are tested and the stakes are high, can Cerys rely on newfound allies and her unshakeable courage to stop the impending catastrophe?

Contains mature themes.

Read an Excerpt

She felt light-headed. “I need half an hour. To find my sister, that’s all…” Starla would understand this was for both of them. She would ask Gerry to take Starla in. Of course, she would. Gerry had a big heart.

“If you’re joining the Space Force, you leave now. You must decide,” he said.

Panic seized her. “I have to say goodbye. I must make arrangements.”

“Step into the pick-up zone. Or you are free to stay behind.”

Cerys glanced up at the silver disk darting through the clouds towards them. She looked back at the crowd. Inquisitive tourists gathered in a wide circle around her. Standing on the edge of the pick-up zone, their faces flashed: green, white, green, white.

In that moment, a woman shoved to the front of the crowd, the haft of a sword glinting over her shoulder—a Valkyrie.

“Kara,” Cerys shouted. “Over here.”

“Cerys.” Kara strode towards the checkpoint. GMs shrank away. “What’s going on? Did they take you? I heard about it.”

The secofficer scowled, and the crowd whooped.

“Kara, listen.” Cerys tugged her aside. “I’ve been recruited to the Space Force. Tell Gerry to look after Starla, and tell Starla…I love her. I’m getting her out of here. I’ll send money. Promise me.”

Kara blinked. “Now? You’re going now?”

“Just promise.”

“I promise.” She nodded vigorously. “Of course, I promise. Hey, what’s this…?”

Secnoids grabbed Kara from behind, dragging her away. Even the famous Valkyrie were not permitted to say goodbye.

“Tell Starla I’ll message…” Cerys shouted, but Kara was already lost in the crowd.

About the Author: Merrin Slade is a science fiction writer who transports readers to alternate futures and faraway universes.

Connect with Merrin Slade:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@merrinslade
Website: https://merrinslade.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/merrinslade
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/merrinslade

The book is discounted for a limited time in NZ, Australia and the UK. https://www.kobo.com/au/en/ebook/cerys-valkyrie-earth

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Giveaway – The Ghost Of Shantel Thompson by Curtis Maynard @GoddessFish @CurtisMaynard12

Posted on January 16, 2024 by fundinmental

Amazon / Goodreads

THE GHOST OF SHANTEL THOMPSON by Curtis Maynard

GENRE: Paranormal Thriller

BLURB

When the Riggs family in Mobile, Alabama, faced the mysterious death of their adoptive daughter Shantel Thompson, they never imagined her ghost would linger for decades…

In Curtis Maynard’s heart-stopping paranormal thriller, ‘The Ghost of Shantel Thompson,’ a new family, fifty years later, grapples with a haunting legacy where the line between life and death is hauntingly thin.

Just as they begin to settle into their new life, their own young daughter is gripped by chilling visions of Shantel. It’s not just fleeting shadows—she’s entangled in a vengeful spirit’s relentless quest for justice, a quest that spans generations.

As whispers from the grave reveal long-hidden secrets, this new family faces a terrifying truth: some ghosts refuse to be silenced. Now, they must confront the mystery of Shantel’s death before her ghostly agenda consumes them all.

Dare to uncover the truth? ‘The Ghost of Shantel Thompson’ awaits to send shivers down your spine

EXCERPT

Hours drifted away as they immersed themselves in the accounts of the murder day, meticulously examining interviews with the neighbors. It was during this exhaustive search that Sarah stumbled upon an article that sent a shiver down her spine. Her face turned pale, and she repeated the word “no” in disbelief.

Concern etched on his features, Damian inquired, “Honey, what’s wrong?” His worry grew as he witnessed his wife’s deteriorating condition.

Handing him the article, Sarah whispered, “Read it. It’s about the little girl who was murdered. She was adopted, just like Alicia. And look at the name. Shantel.”

Damian’s trembling hands held the article as he absorbed its contents. Shantel had been ten years old, the exact age their daughter had been when they had adopted her and moved to this very town. The uncanny similarities between the two girls sent a chill down his spine.

“D-Damian?” Sarah attempted to regain her husband’s attention, her voice quivering. “Damian?”

“I’m sorry,” he replied, placing the article down. “It’s just… It hits too close to home. I mean, what are the odds that we would move into the very house where she was killed?”

“And the name, Damian. Shantel. How could Alicia possibly know about her? We never disclosed the fact that a murder had occurred in our home,” Sarah lamented.

“Do you think she found out from someone else?” Damian posed the question, searching for answers.

“Who, Damian? She hardly leaves the house, except to go to school. Yet somehow, she learned about Shantel. Unless… never mind,” Sarah dismissed a fleeting thought, her anxiety evident. “I’m letting my imagination run wild again. I’ve watched one too many horror movies,” she chuckled nervously, masking her unease.

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Curtis Maynard is an independent filmmaker, screenwriter, and author passionate about suspenseful storytelling. Enthralled by the paranormal, his mysteries and thrillers feature everything from hauntings and visions to cryptic messages from beyond the grave. Curtis currently resides with his wife and son in Alabama, a setting rich with inspiration for his novels and short films. He hopes his stories will leave you spellbound, disquieted, and suspicious of the slightest shuddering shadow.

Amazon / Twitter / TikTok / Facebook / Instagram

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Giveaway – The World Council by Norm Meech @GoddessFish

Posted on January 8, 2024 by fundinmental

The World Council by Norm Meech

GENRE: Science Fiction action/adventure

BLURB:

Ricky Montgomery had just graduated high school in June 1976 and was enjoying life as an 18-year-old teenager. He was hired by the Dawson City Police Force, and after graduating from police college he was assigned to work as an undercover operative in a motorcycle gang.

Ricky, although happy, was struggling living his double life as a cop and biker. Then it happened: during a biker war, Ricky’s life was saved by agents from the World Council (TWC). TWC was created by the world’s leaders to prevent manmade disasters from happening and to liaise with aliens who have been monitoring mankind for hundreds of years. TWC’s mandate, with the assistance of aliens, is to ensure mankind’s continued existence.

TWC is a highly secretive organization, whose agents have the ability to travel through time, to change history, and to take lives to save lives. Ricky becomes a TWC agent and discovers that TWC’s command staff is making unethical decisions, hiding secrets about aliens and trying to reduce the world’s population through biological warfare. Ricky teams up with other agents and tries to save mankind and the world from disaster.

EXCERPT

Just as I turned and looked outside, the van’s side door slid open and two masked men with guns opened fire. I yelled to everyone, to get down as I hit the floor. There were shards of broken glass and bullets flying everywhere.

Although the barrage of gunfire only lasted a few minutes, it seemed a lot longer, like time had slowed down. One of the Devils who was packing a gun was able to return fire and the van disappeared as quickly as it had appeared. I looked around and most of the people were starting to get up off the floor. All except for a couple.

Then I realized that Vicky was still on the ground and there was blood pooling beside her. My God, she had been shot! I yelled for someone to call an ambulance and to get me some towels. I got the towels and applied pressure to her midsection. I looked around for help but there wasn’t any. The other waitresses were helping one of the Devil’s members and another waitress who had also been shot. Hammer and the other guys took off knowing that the cops would be showing up soon.

Sure enough, in a matter of minutes ambulances and a ton of cops arrived at the bar. The ambulance attendants started working on Vicky and the cops pushed me off to the side, telling me to stay back, let them do their job. Obviously none of the cops or ambulance people knew we were undercover. I was judged to be a low life biker and my “old lady”, a waitress, was also judged to be the lower part of society. They allowed me to ride in the ambulance with Vicky, only after I gave some uniform cop our names and addresses. They worked on Vicky all the way to the hospital and they told me that she was in critical condition when they wheeled her into surgery.

It suddenly hit me like a truck. It did not matter who I was, a biker or a cop. We are all humans and Vicky did not deserve this. She was only 23 years old and she was a beautiful person. I knew she understood the risks of being a cop, especially an undercover cop, but she was harmless. She had stepped up to the plate, she had warned me, she had my back. Besides saving me, she probably had saved a lot of other people in that bar. I was so emotional and confused; I was holding back tears and I was so full of anger I did not know what to do. Who could I call? It could not get out that she was a cop! I called Christine to tell her what had happened.

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Norm Meech has been retired for nearly two years, capping a distinguished forty-four-year career in policing. He fondly recalls the camaraderie of work friends forged during his tenure and the unique experiences as a police officer.

While missing aspects of his former profession, Norm keeps himself engaged by maintaining fitness and pursuing various hobbies. Additionally, he channels his creativity into writing, aiming to produce a book annually. His latest work delves into science fiction, inviting readers to ponder questions about the existence of aliens, unidentified flying objects, government involvement in secret conspiracies, the potential for time travel, and the impact of human activities on the planet. Norm hopes readers enjoy the fictional stories he crafts, sparking contemplation and curiosity.