READERS/FOLLOWERS: 2,624 A Howard Hamilton Ride-Along!Crime Suspense Mystery Thriller Series. 5 Stars for ‘INSIDE’: Realistic Depiction Of Life In A Police Department. INSIDE by J.C. De Ladurantey. A Howard Hamilton Ride-Along. Policing the streets is less precarious than the intrigue and drama behind the balusters and bulletproof glass of a… Continue reading →
Pemberton N. Wysquers is a very dignified old English gentleman who own a very old package delivery business that operates on a worldwide scale. Once a year, usually at year end, he leaves the confines of his work environment to travel around in order to visit some of his most special and deserving customers. He selects a town and spends a week mingling with the residents, helping out where he can and bringing both hope and encouragement to those he interacts with. He leaves a permanent imprint on all of those with whom he meets, and he truly leaves his hosts in a much better state than he found them.
5 Stars: I love this book and invite you to read the most intriguing story about an English gentleman named Pemberton N. Wysquers. While you read, I believe you find yourself relating in some way to the characters who have in one way or another come to the end of their emotional life. When all seems lost, in one moment in time, as if by coincidence or magic, they brush shoulders with Mr. Wysquers.
As a young child you were probably taught about Santa Clause. As time moved on, your innocence was shaken by unspoken reality. While young you believed that time is infinite and you are invisible. When time marched on reality dulled your senses, the magic you found in childhood was buried in life experiences. This book will remind you that in a few fleeting moments, magic can stir. If you open your mind to the possibility, Mr. Wysquers might just pay you a visit.
Let me quote what Melody said: “I know this is going to sound strange, but I owe my life to a corned beef sandwich. The really weird thing is, I never liked corned beef. I would have one now and then, but it was never my favorite sandwich. But now? I smile every time I eat one, and that’s usually once a week, normally on Thursday. Why Thursday, you ask. Because that’s the day all the magic happened. Of course, I didn’t know it was going to be a magical day when I woke up. After all, you never see the magic coming.”
Each person in this book has their own story to tell. Here is how Ivan’s story begins: “I don’t have a lot of time to give you this story, I have somewhere to be and I can’t get out of it. I guess you first have to know a little bit about me to understand what I’m going to tell you, and why I’m telling you.
My story begins about twenty years ago, when I was a teenager and hanging out with my friends. We were the usual gang, looking for girls, driving around at night, and sneaking our drinking when our parents weren’t watching or around. The night that changed my life didn’t start out as anything significant, other than it was a Saturday.”
Which one of these stories mirror your own and where would Mr. Wysquers accidentally, or on purpose walk into your story?
This book is heartwarming and a must have gift item for your friends and family any time of year. I am giving this book as a Christmas gift this year.
Mr. Wysquers by Larry Auerbach is a story for all time and begins when a Candy-Apply Red Vintage Cadillac comes your way. Other books by Larry Auerbach include A Matter Of Honor, A Matter Of Justice, Common Threads, The Spirit of Redd Mountain and The Troll Bridge.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
About Larry Auerbach: Larry Auerbach is a practicing psychotherapist of twenty-five years, in Pt. St. Lucie, Fla, where he lives with his wife of 32 years.
He earned his Master’s in Social Work form Barry University in Miami Shores, FL in 1991 and has maintained a busy practice since.
He has traveled out west for numerous pack trips and re-enactment rides and his interests include chess, horseback riding and the American West.
He is a member of the Western Writers of America and this is his fifth novel.
He is a collector of frontier memorabilia, and maintains an extensive library of the people, places and events of that period.
Mother and father are true humans born on Earth. Their son was conceived with the unwanted help from alien genes and so Gaston while loving him, refers to Adah as more Kepler’s son than his.
The hybrid Adah walked over and hugged his very human mother, who eagerly wrapped her arms around him even though she wasn’t keen on his sweaty-socks pungency. Weird consideration, he didn’t wear socks. No one did.
The humans and their offspring (including clones and GM people) in the Kepler system face a backlash from Purist keps who want all humankind to be extinguished. With the support of the kep elite and strange artificial intelligence machines, our plucky band of humans find themselves hiding in the most extraordinary places such as inside a sun, but is it enough to thwart danger?
5-Stars: Adah Is Different In Most Respects From Human Boys.
‘Kepler’s Son’ in ‘The Flying Crooked’ series by Geoff Nelder is finally here. Let’s recap.
In ‘Suppose We’ (book one) a spaceship crash-lands on a faraway planet, but the natives are so far ahead of Earth they ignore the human crew.
In ‘Falling Up’ (book two) Em is captured by an alien artificial intelligence that had attacked the Kepler-20h system.
Now in‘Kepler’s Son’ (book three) our heroes’ ace trick of splicing human genes with nasty bacteria to help the natives has backfired leaving the planet in danger of being overrun by squidgy, rapidly evolving mind-hive creatures.
The Artificial Intelligence CAN reports after arranging with Kep flitters to reprogram all the ‘essential’ communication and science satellites that danced in whirls and lurches after being deserted by their home Kepler-20h planet. Problem: none of the 125 satellites have sufficient fuel to travel far. Solution: We’ve cannibalised some to create a huge solar cell array to supplement slow but steady ion drives to make their way. Where to? We didn’t know for days, but perturbations in the inner-planet orbits revealed the probable location and I found a weak signal from a beacon. Streaming now to update and sync. Bad news: intense radiation needs guarding against. Date: Earth February 19th 3664 Kepler New 6976 days.
A census is conducted by me because none counts better than I. All data refer to beings on this planet Kepler-20h. All beings possess a biometric signature whether they know it or not.
Indigenous population known to humans as keps: 137, 328 (data from their archives indicate a mass migration to other planets 21 years ago).
Indigenous population known to humans as trogs: 2,675,177 (NB very few live on the surface).
Humans from Earth: 2 (Science Officer Gaston Poirier, Navigator Em Farrer).
Human-forms with tripartite genetic code: 1 (Adah with DNA from two humans and one kep).
Human-forms with pure human DNA via cloning engineering using original crew members plus genetic material brought from Earth: 217.
Keeps – engineered human plus indigenous bacteria: 2,538,824.
In Chapter Twenty-Seven: Em was always the one who put herself out, travelling for days over unknown landscapes with only Kep1 and a trio of flitters for company just to hug her son. Gaston wasn’t Adah’s father, at least not in the traditional sense. The kep biologists had sampled his DNA and explained how most of it was human and some from the kep rapist and it’s the latter that had made him so different in most respects from human boys. His translucent skin: telepathic abilities the limitations of which he’d yet to discover except that it only worked with keps and keeps; and his ability to solidify his imaginary friends. Very scary and completely mysterious. At least his mother and father—the Gaston fraction—were now safe on the kep’s secret corona station. Hiding it inside a sun.
I enjoyed reading ‘Kepler’s Son’ and I invite you to read ‘The Flying Crooked’ series. Author Geoff Nelder takes his readers on a spectacular 5-Star Science Fiction (Action and Adventure). You will want to catch up before ‘Vanished Earth’ (book four) arrives. What’s happened to the humans’ home planet? Assuming Earth is our home planet. In book 4 of the Flying Crooked series of hard science fiction novellas, we find Earth, or so we think, but like the butterfly it’s changed.
Geoff Nelder lives in rural England within an easy cycle ride of the Welsh mountains. Publications include several non-fiction books on climate reflecting his other persona as a Fellow of the Royal Meteorological Society; over 90 published short stories in various magazines and anthologies; thriller, humour, science fiction, and fantasy novels.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Review by Magdalena Ball: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Hugely fun, fast-paced, inventive, action-oriented sci-fi. Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2023. You don’t need to read Geoff Nelder’s bio to know that he is inherently a scientist and a teacher. His books are engaging and inventive to be sure, but they are underpinned by a deep understanding of and delight in the wonders of physics and biology. His worlds are full of anomalies that draw on real-life quantum quirks, cosmic paradoxes and biological anomalies, and his aliens are both delightfully bizarre and yet somehow plausible. He is a writer who knows his sci-fi tropes well enough to twist them into a Möbius strip and take them to new places while still providing plenty of easter eggs to keen readers of the genre.
Kepler’s Son, the third book in his Flying Crooked series, is no exception. In previous books in the series, humans have left the Earth and crash-landed on a planet called Kepler-20h where the aliens are so technologically advanced to humans, that they just ignore the visitors. Humans aren’t colonisers here, as is often the case in sci fi books, but minor vermin barely worthy of note. It is only the awkward human personality, human bacterial issues, and the ship-steering, all seeing, God-like artificial intelligence CAN that makes the humans noteworthy to the Keps – the ultra-advanced aliens who live on Kepler-20. CAN shines in this work as a hilarious non-human character with its camp dairy style missives that play on its name (“Can Can”, “cannibalised”, “cantering”, “Wiccan” “the oilcan”, etc.). CAN is a significant character, whose distinctive voice is somewhere between the existential musings of The Hitchhiker Guide to the Galaxy’s Marvin (though happier) and the careful diction of a geeky science teacher.
The other protagonists of the series are Em and the charmingly French Gaston. In book two, Em falls pregnant to Gaston at the same time as she is impregnated by a Kep, thereby creating a hybrid child, Adeh. Adeh is 18 when Kepler’s Son, an obvious reference to Adeh, opens. His interesting mix of human and alien genes are on full display throughout the book as he develops while exploring the world he and his parents live on and learning the limits of his capabilities and his relationship to other creatures, imaginary or real.
Nelder does a good job of keeping the story fast-paced and action-oriented as the humans and their collaborators are hunted down by ‘purist’ Keps who would like to exterminate them. While the story hints at human history and our many foibles including the wrecking of our planet through anthropogenic climate change, the way in which the narrative progresses is novel, involving a galactic chase that includes ‘pinching’ – a folding of space time that simulates a kind of wormhole. There are all sorts of dangers for the couple as they fly a variety of crafts, and fun hiding spaces like a base inside a sun’s corona or an impossible tower built of ‘non-Euclidean, non-Newtonian, non-Einstein geo-physics’. Nelder manages just the right blend of scientific description and imaginative ideation. The characterisation remains strong through the book as he moves in and out of different viewpoints, even giving voice to some of the stranger characters, like the genetically engineered Keeps – part Kep, part human, but more collective than individual and only able to communicate in sing-song grunts.
While Kepler’s Son does provide context and background to the previous books, both in the intro and at key points through the narrative, a better reading experience is to be had by reading all three books in the series (and ultimately the fourth when it comes out) in sequence as it does take a bit of catching up to understand Nelder’s extensive universe with its biological and mechanical creatures, particularly Gaston’s Papillon who feels quite important but doesn’t feature strongly in Kepler’s Son. That said, Kepler’s Son is self-contained enough to provide a joyride that won’t disappoint readers who enjoy high quality sci-fi. This is a well-crafted book with a dynamic and engaging pace that has something for everyone, including multiple close calls, close and steamy encounters, clones, cold fusion, dreamlike landscapes, and far-flung star systems.
About The Author: Geoff Nelder is a freelance writer living in Chester, UK.
A former high school teacher of geography and information technology, he has had non-fiction books published on microclimates in the UK along with several articles in academic journals such as Weather, Geographical Magazine and the Times Educational Supplement. Geoff is a part-time journalist contributing humorous travel accounts to Cycling World.
He has had short stories published and won a commendation for a story in the Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Competition. He won first prize in the Cafe Doom short story competition in 2005. Besides his 2005 released humour novel, Escaping Reality, published by Brambling Books, he won an award for mystery thriller, Hot Air, to be published by a Dutch Arts Academy in 2009, and a Science Fiction block buster, Left Luggage is in the hands of an agent. Double Dragon Publishing published Geoff’s Exit, Pursued by a Bee science fiction in 2008.
Geoff is an editor for Adventure Books of Seattle, co-editor of Escape Velocity – a print and ezine magazine of science fact and fiction. He has been a freelance editor of novels and short stories for several years. Geoff is the 2009 sort-fiction judge for the Whittaker Prize.
Additional Books:
Best of British Science Fiction 2020 Jul 27, 2021 by Donna Scott, M. R. Carey, Lavie Tidhar, Anne Charnock, Liz Williams, Ian Watson, RB Kelley, Eric Brown, Ida Keogh, Neil Williamson
M is for Monster Oct 27, 2010 by Ian Woodhead, Serenity Banks, David Youngquist, Simon Unsworth, Geoff Nelder, Kate Jonez, Zach Black, John Prescott, Ash Krafton, Adrian Chamberlin
CROOKED TALES: Deception & Revenge in 14 Short Stories Sep 1, 2016 by Mark Fine, Pamela Crane, Traci Sanders, Elizabeth Horton-Newton, Joseph Mark Brewer, Keith Dixon, Eric J. Gates, Geoff Nelder, Anita Kovacevic, Michelle Medhat
Once Upon A Scream Feb 7, 2022 by Dorothy Davies, Dan Allen, Rie Sheridan Rose, Brooke MacKenzie, Stuart Holland, David Turnbull, Gina Easton, Liam Spinage, Jason R Frei, Geoff Nelder
SFerics 2017 Oct 22, 2017 by Rosie Oliver, Roz Clarke
The Horror Zine Magazine Summer 2017 May 2, 2017 by Jeani Rector, Vitaly S. Alexius, Peter Ferguson Swarr, Liz McAdams, Ariana Carlson, katie Marie, David Subacchi, Teresa Frazee, Edmund Stone, James Ward Kirk
The Horror Magazine Spring 2020 Feb 4, 2020 by Jeani Rector, Jeffrey Genung, Kristen Houghton, Harrison Kim, Richard Dawkinson, Juan Perez, Stephanie Smith, Lori Lopez, Kim Vincent, Sana Amber
The Horror Zine Magazine Spring 2016 Nov 14, 2015 by Charles E.J. Moulton, John T. Biggs, Timothy Wilkie, Geoff Nelder, John C. Adams, Sebastian Crow, Kristen Houghton, Frank Schury, Larry Hinkle, Jeani Rector
Personal Bests Journal Issue 1 Aug 6, 2020 by David Gardiner Editor
Twisted Tails IX: Wunderkind Jan 27, 2016 by J. Richard Jacobs
Twisted Tails VIII: Para-abnormal Jan 20, 2016 by J. Richard Jacobs
Shrieks and Shivers from the Horror Zine Jan 6, 2015 by William F. Nolan, Ray Garton, Elizabeth Massie, Lisa Morton, Joe McKInney, Tim Waggoner, Martin Rose, Jeani Rector, Bentley Little
100 Stories for Queensland May 3, 2011 by Jodi Cleghorn, Kate Eltham
Monk Punk Apr 19, 2011 by A.J. French, D. Harlan Wilson, Dean M. Drinkel, Geoff Nelder, Adrian Chamberlin, John R. Fultz, William Meikle, R. B. Payne, Sean T. M. Stiennon, Zach Black
Bounty Hunter Nate Landry: Major Issues by Mark L. Redmond.
Book 1: Bounty Hunter Nate Landry.
The stereotypical bounty hunter in tales of the old West is an unprincipled, dirty, back-shooter, who is only motivated by the reward money he collects. Nate Landry and his best friend Wolf are a different breed of bounty hunter. They witnessed too much killing during the Civil War; consequently, they try to subdue the outlaws they’re after by using their brains instead of their bullets. But when Anna Thomas asks Nate to rescue her kidnapped son and see that the kidnappers are punished, he and Wolf find themselves chasing an enemy from their past. This man is so evil that killing him may be their only option–if he doesn’t kill them first. If you like adventure, humor, and the old West, saddle up and get ready to ride!
5 Stars: The Language Of A Six-Shooter!
Author Mark L. Redmond is a western action-adventure writer, who takes his readers back to the old wild west in 1877, where campfire coffee is strong and everyone knows the language of a six-shooter.
Chapter One of Bounty Hunter Nate Landry: Major Issues opens in Florence, Arizona, when Bounty Hunter Nate Landry returns home to find Anna Thomas waiting in his cabin with her pistol aimed straight at him. Anna is a mother on a mission to recover her kidnapped son Daniel.
The adventure unfolds as Nate and his trusted companion Wolf, accompanied by Anna, begin their search for Daniel Thomas.
Here is a quote from Chapter Six, as Nate, Wolf, and Anna go in search of bad man Major Campbell.
…We rode in silence for nearly an hour, letting the horses run awhile in the coolness of the morning. I was praying and watching. One of the things that made Campbell so dangerous was the fact that he was unpredictable. He had often succeeded in defeating the rebs by making moves that no other officer would have considered. He had never cared about sacrificing the lives of his men. Most of the time, the insanity of his tactics had protected his soldiers. He had favored the element of surprise, and he had known how to make it work in his favor. I reckoned Campbell hadn’t changed.
…I considered the matter of what to tell Anna about Campbell and how we had met David. We had no idea of what she already knew about this devil who had murdered her husband and stolen her son. And then she told us. “We named him after you,” Anna said.
…I looked at her, but she stared straight ahead. “Daniel Nathan Thomas,” she said. “David wanted to name our son after you. He said you and Wolf had saved his life. He was wounded and came home a year before the war ended.
…He told me about what happened to the other men who were captured with him. He always believed that God had spared him so that he could take care of me—”
…Anna began to cry softly.
… “I’d like to kill Campbell very slowly,” Wolf said.
… “I reckon he’d do the same to us if he got the chance,” I said.
… “If and when he finds out who we are,” Wolf said, “he’ll come after us. We have the edge right now because we know who he is. All he knows about us is that we’re two riders escorting Mrs. Thomas.”
If you need a change of pace, miss the old, wholesome western stories, and appreciate mid-western Christian values, Bounty Hunter Nate Landry: Major Issues should be your next read. Author Mark L. Redmond has two western books for “grownups” and six westerns in his Adventures of Arty Anderson series, geared for middle grade readers.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Product Details: Print Length: 84 Pages Publication Date: June 4, 2020 Publisher: Independently Published (August 19, 2020) Language: English Historical Fiction (Christian) Westerns (Action & Adventure) Fiction (Westerns) Westerns For Adult Readers
READERS/FOLLOWERS: 2,644 The essay “The Earth Itself Is Causing Climate Change” appears in two Jay Dubya (John Wiessner, J.W.) books: If anyone disagrees with this essay, please attack the MESSAGE, and not the messenger. Photo: The Sahara Desert, Africa “The Earth Itself Is Causing Climate Change” Ten-thousand years ago, scientists… Continue reading →
I have to say that the scene from Spaceballs is very close to how some people have reacted to present tense writing. I know this is a topic I beat to death, but it’s my style and I take several hits because of that. There are also times I get asked for my opinion on this and advice. Maybe I said these before, but I guess it needs repeating. Now, I use present tense third person, so keep that in mind. More difficult and controversial than present tense first person.
Flashbacks: These don’t real y work in the traditional sense. In present tense first person, you can have the narrator talk about an old event. Actually, having the event play out is where your timeline and tense can get muddled. Use this classic tool carefully and sparingly if you use it at all. There are other ways to get the history of your world and characters out into the world.
Historical Description: One of the traditional methods of flushing out a fantasy world is to include the history of the setting. You go beyond the five senses and mention what the land and the people used to be like. This is nearly impossible with the style that I write. Talking about the past with a nameless narrator requires switching to past tense, so it becomes jerky and disruptive to the flow. As with flashbacks, you need to find another method.
Talking: Character conversations is one thing you can depend on for world history building. If a character wouldn’t know about an old event or how something works then they’ll have to talk about it. For example, Luke is a warrior and doesn’t understand magic. So, he has to talk to Nyx when he’s confused. You see, this is also how life works in that we learn by asking questions. Unfortunately, many readers don’t enjoy lengthy dialogues. This means you need to pepper the conversations with actions and keep the explanations clear. Using humor can help too, but that apparently can have some people calling your characters immature brats.
Actions: Present tense is about the now, so the now has to be exciting. Battles, chases, traps, or whatever fits your genre to physically move the story. I know fantasy more than other genres, so fight scenes are the most common usage. Even a friendly sparring match or spat between heroes can help. You have to understand that your narration can be limited in present tense because you can’t go back too far, so you have to make the present interesting. Add actions in dialogue scenes as well to give a tighter sense of the scene. In present tense, ‘he said, she said’ can be thought of as characters standing rigidly together talking with no movement.
Observations: The five senses are still important and can tell you a lot. I use a flourishing language to paint my world because I’m attempting to trigger the senses of the reader. Within dialogue and action, you can say what the characters see, hear, taste, and smell. It’s another level of description that can really pull the scene together.
Emotions, Voice Tones, & Facial Expressions: Another trick to helping with atmosphere and action is to use facial expressions to denote emotions. Voice tone can help as well when in a conversation scene.
Emotions are very important in present tense because they change as scenes change. As events unfold, the characters need to react in real-time to things, so there is more fluidity and rollercoaster evolution. It helps to have realistic characters in present tense. Not so much in what they can do, but in their imperfections and reactions to the story. You can run into a problem here because many people don’t like emotional heroes.
Now a lot of these can go for Past Tense too, especially the last one. The point here is that there are some things that Present Tense authors need to depend on more than the Past Tense authors. It’s a rough path to walk because some people never realize what you’re doing and assume it’s just bad writing. Others can’t get used to the change in style. I won’t deny that it limits my audience, but I think it helps me stand out too. Not that standing out is my goal. In truth, I’ve been writing in Present Tense for at least 18 years and I never knew it was ‘wrong’ until 2013. It’s how I write and it’ll probably be how I always write. That’s more important to me.
About The Author: Charles E. Yallowitz was born, raised, and educated in New York. Then he spent a few years in Florida, realized his fear of alligators, and moved back to the Empire State. When he isn’t working hard on his epic fantasy stories, Charles can be found cooking or going on whatever adventure his son has planned for the day. Truthfully, his tales of adventure are much more interesting than his real life, so skip the bio and dive into the action.
Comments Off on A Mentor and Her Muse by Susan Sage
READERS/FOLLOWERS: 1,836 A Mentor and Her Muse by Susan Sage. Under the guise of mentor and muse, a frustrated writer and her ambitious teenage protégé take an illicit summer road trip fraught with racial and sexual tension. This is a compelling psychological novel about social norms, artistic ambition, and obsession…. Continue reading →
5 Stars For ‘One Happy Accident’: Mind Over Matter, A Legend Is Born.
One Happy Accident by Gary Simonds.
Would-be soccer star Sean McLaine knows what it’s like to still inhabit a child’s body in high school. Well into junior year, he remains woefully puberty-challenged, and it’s messing with his soccer dreams. Ignored by his coaches, he faces daily embarrassment and bullying. Out on the pitch, he’s up against practically full-grown men who don’t mind greeting his undeniable talent with repeated pummeling.
At school none of the girls seem to see him at all. He’s a nothing, a nonentity. But not in the eyes of brilliant, whimsical Kayleigh McLaughlin, a recent transplant from Ireland. She is hopelessly drawn to Sean’s poetic nature, both in class and on the soccer pitch.
Kayleigh wants to help Sean clear the hurdles of a potentially career-ending injury and the echoes of a horrific past trauma. But will Sean’s unbridled devotion to soccer doom the couple’s budding relationship? He can juggle a soccer ball, but can he juggle reaching for his dreams and having a personal life too?
5 Stars For ‘One Happy Accident’: Mind Over Matter, A Legend Is Born.
I enjoyed ‘Death’s Pale Flag’ so much, when author Gary Simonds emailed me about his latest book ‘One Happy Accident’, I find it an honor to be one of the first to read and review it.
As a lifetime soccer fanatic, Gary waits with anticipation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Whether you are a soccer fan or not, ‘One Happy Accident’ is a story worth reading and passing along.
The story revolves around Sean McLaine who dreams to be a soccer legend. In his junior year of high school, Sean’s body is not catching up with his dream. His coaches ignore him, and his teammates habitually harass him. On the field he faces the goliaths with grit and determination. I refer to his stamina as ‘Mind Over Matter’.
When an injury threatens his dream, Ireland comes to the rescue with Kayleigh McLaughlin. Also, a junior at New Bethany, in Pennsylvania, Kayleigh would normally be out of his league. This beautiful, intelligent, sensitive girl is drawn to Sean’s personality on and off the soccer field.
Let me share a quote: Tell me everything. Kayleigh obliges, describing all that had been going on— the whole Sean McLaine experience. She finishes with the assessment, “I think there’s some real depth there. Some real emotional intelligence, and I think it’s fueled by . . . I don’t know . . . a world-weariness. He seems to be churning away with unsettled energy and angst . . . I can feel it.” “Ladies and gentlemen,” replies Aliyah, with sweeping hands and a bow, “may I introduce Ms. Kayleigh McLaughlin, famous Celtic psychoanalyst.”
Will Sean be able to balance PTSD with the rigors of the soccer field? Will he achieve the focus that will turn is indisputable talent into his “Soccer Field Of Dreams”? Will he be able to balance the academic demands, social commitments and romantic pressure with the mental and physical stress on the soccer field?
Once it is all said that done ‘One Happy Accident’ will prepare your mind and heart for the upcoming. 2026 FIFA World Cup. This fictional sports story will stay with you long after fans have left the stadium. ‘One Happy Accident’ will be available for you to purchase in early 2025. Please pick up Gary’s book ‘Death’s Pale Flag’ now, you won’t be disappointed. I can’t wait to see what North Carolina author and neurosurgeon Gary Simonds will come up with next.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Product Details: Print Length: 344 Pages Publisher: Koehler Books (February 18, 2025) Language: English Reading Age: 13-17 Years Literature: Teens and Young Adults
READERS/FOLLOWERS: 2,752 When I was signing copies of my Finding Billy Battles trilogy at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books recently, I was asked several times how I conduct research when writing historical fiction. I explained that researching the first book in the Finding Billy Battles trilogy began with… Continue reading →
READERS/FOLLOWERS: 3,862 Make sure the radio, Web, or TV program you will be interviewed on will provide you with access to an MP3, podcast, or DVD of your show. Most stations archive the shows. Make sure you have a contact email at the station if you need help with this…. Continue reading →
READERS/FOLLOWERS: 1,468 What Price Glory? by Nick Korolev. A Civil War Collection These historical fiction stories take the reader on a journey into the most tragic time in our history—the Civil War. Arranged along a rough timeline of the period, they cover a broad area of mood and events and… Continue reading →
READERS/FOLLOWERS: 4,051 Pop! Pop! The woods fell silent. A soft plop sounded as snow fell from a pine bough I pushed away as I sank to my knees to shelter my fawn. The grazing sounds of deer swishing through drifts to reach a tender branch on a tree had ceased…. Continue reading →
5 Stars For ‘One Happy Accident’: Mind Over Matter, A Legend Is Born.
One Happy Accident by Gary Simonds.
Would-be soccer star Sean McLaine knows what it’s like to still inhabit a child’s body in high school. Well into junior year, he remains woefully puberty-challenged, and it’s messing with his soccer dreams. Ignored by his coaches, he faces daily embarrassment and bullying. Out on the pitch, he’s up against practically full-grown men who don’t mind greeting his undeniable talent with repeated pummeling.
At school none of the girls seem to see him at all. He’s a nothing, a nonentity. But not in the eyes of brilliant, whimsical Kayleigh McLaughlin, a recent transplant from Ireland. She is hopelessly drawn to Sean’s poetic nature, both in class and on the soccer pitch.
Kayleigh wants to help Sean clear the hurdles of a potentially career-ending injury and the echoes of a horrific past trauma. But will Sean’s unbridled devotion to soccer doom the couple’s budding relationship? He can juggle a soccer ball, but can he juggle reaching for his dreams and having a personal life too?
5 Stars For ‘One Happy Accident’: Mind Over Matter, A Legend Is Born.
I enjoyed ‘Death’s Pale Flag’ so much, when author Gary Simonds emailed me about his latest book ‘One Happy Accident’, I find it an honor to be one of the first to read and review it.
As a lifetime soccer fanatic,Gary waits with anticipation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Whether you are a soccer fan or not, ‘One Happy Accident’ is a story worth reading and passing along.
The story revolves around Sean McLaine who dreams to be a soccer legend. In his junior year of high school, Sean’s body is not catching up with his dream. His coaches ignore him, and his teammates habitually harass him. On the field he faces the goliaths with grit and determination. I refer to his stamina as ‘Mind Over Matter’.
When an injury threatens his dream, Ireland comes to the rescue with Kayleigh McLaughlin. Also, a junior at New Bethany, in Pennsylvania, Kayleigh would normally be out of his league. This beautiful, intelligent, sensitive girl is drawn to Sean’s personality on and off the soccer field.
Let me share a quote: Tell me everything. Kayleigh obliges, describing all that had been going on— the whole Sean McLaine experience. She finishes with the assessment, “I think there’s some real depth there. Some real emotional intelligence, and I think it’s fueled by . . . I don’t know . . . a world-weariness. He seems to be churning away with unsettled energy and angst . . . I can feel it.” “Ladies and gentlemen,” replies Aliyah, with sweeping hands and a bow, “may I introduce Ms. Kayleigh McLaughlin, famous Celtic psychoanalyst.”
Will Sean be able to balance PTSD with the rigors of the soccer field? Will he achieve the focus that will turn is indisputable talent into his “Soccer Field Of Dreams”? Will he be able to balance the academic demands, social commitments and romantic pressure with the mental and physical stress on the soccer field?
Once it is all said that done ‘One Happy Accident’ will prepare your mind and heart for the upcoming. 2026 FIFA World Cup. This fictional sports story will stay with you long after fans have left the stadium. ‘One Happy Accident’ will be available for you to purchase in early 2025. Please pick up Gary’s book ‘Death’s Pale Flag’ now, you won’t be disappointed. I can’t wait to see what North Carolina author and neurosurgeon Gary Simonds will come up with next.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Product Details: Print Length: 344 Pages Publisher: Koehler Books (February 18, 2025) Language: English Reading Age: 13-17 Years Literature (Teens and Young Adults)
5-Stars: Pulse Racing Paranormal Medical Thriller, That Brings Haunting To A Whole New Level.
Death’s Pale Flag by Gary Simonds.
A highly-successful brain surgeon begins to encounter ghosts.
Brain surgeon and unlikely war hero, Ryan Brenan, has it all. A booming practice, a beautiful home in an idyllic setting, and a happy loving family. Then, the apparitions begin. Subtle at first, but soon there’s no doubt about it, he’s seeing ghosts, spirits, the undead. Of course, he could just be going nuts, cracking under the pressure of his constant exposure to death, mayhem, and tragedy. But, he believes he has proof that the ghosts are very real, and that they are specifically haunting him.
5-Stars: Pulse Racing Paranormal Medical Thriller, That Brings Haunting To A Whole New Level.
Author and neurosurgeon Gary Simonds, masterfully draws his readers into both the professional and chaotic neurosurgery universe. I was struck with the sheer humanity and even venerability of the neuro surgical team. We tend to put our medical professionals on hero pedestals. This intensifies the already perfectionistic, workaholic, overcommitted struggle for achievement, among these medical personalities in danger of succumbing to human fallacy.
Pregnant with their third, Environmental Lawyer Kelly Brenan and her husband Ryan Brenan (Neurosurgeon) leaves the bustle of DC. They settled their growing family into a rambling old farmhouse with lots of land and new opportunities within the community of New Bethany, Pennsylvania.
You now have a front row seat in the neurosurgery ward, and in the lives of the neurosurgery team, at the Carriere Clinic. The intense, life and death drama, that unfolds professionally and personally will keep you turning the pages. Follow Ryan’s personal journey, as paranormal entities start to reveal themselves to him, causing him to fight for his sanity, and his family. Witness the keystrokes and images as Ryan is forced into a macabre treasure hunt. Ryan believes he has proof; the dark lady, and the other ghosts are real. Does he find enough evidence to convince his wife Kelly and other important people around him?
Let me bring you into the story here: “It was as if the undead were determined to become regular fixtures in his life. Perhaps it was New Bethany, though, and not him. Perhaps the place was overrepresented in the metaphysical world. Or could it have something to do with the jeep? He seemed to experience so many of his “interfaces” when in the jeep. It had been his father’s. When his father died, his mother put it in storage until he could drive. He loved the beat-up old thing, but could it be some sort of spook receiver? Who knew? The only thing of which Ryan was certain was that he needed a break, a reprieve, an armistice with the world of the dead. His wits were fraying; his pistons, overheating. So, he clung to the promise of an upcoming escape—only a couple of weeks away—a neurosurgical meeting in Miami. Seven glorious days away from the apparently very haunted Susquehanna Valley. Surely the spirit world couldn’t flourish in the bright sun and salty air of South Beach. It wouldn’t be long and he would be in another world altogether— one bursting with life and youth and play. And as icing on the cake, he’d be accompanied by Kelly.”
Will this retreat bring Ryan the mental rest and family time that he yearns for?
I highly recommend Death’s Pale Flag by Gary Simonds. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. I was surprised by the ending. The story will challenge some of your preconceived ideas while entertaining you with humor, family drama, and the thrill of paranormal activity.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Have a front row seat to Author Gary Simonds next book title ‘Plague’. Readers are invited to watch as Gary writes and builds the story.
It’s simply called Plague – a post-apocalypse type story where a pandemic has left most of the survivors intellectually degraded, hyper-religious, and falling into fascism. But it will focus on one women’s effort to save her daughter. I thought it would be fun to share it while first draft writing and see what kind of response I got – thus far, not much!
Murder On Cherry Street: Playful Murder Mystery Set In Black Mountain.
About The Author: Gary Simonds is a neurosurgeon who has treated tens of thousands of patients with devastating illnesses. He is a professor at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and the Virginia Tech School of Neuroscience. He has published three nonfiction books on burnout and psychological distress in healthcare providers and routinely writes about, and gives talks on, neuroscience, neurosurgery, medical socioeconomics, medical humanism, medical ethics, and burnout.
Simonds grew up in New Jersey and England, is an avid soccer fan, a guitar and bongo player; and lives in North Carolina.
Life Changing Techniques Using Self-Hypnosis and Meditation.
Unleash the
power of your mind and discover your potential.
Do you wish
you had the power to become all that you can be? All good-intentioned
programming works best when you reach a deeper state of mind. The secret is in
accessing those states through easy life-changing techniques. A thin window of
consciousness differentiates two states of the mind – self-hypnosis and
meditation – and this book will show their similarities, and define each
condition and accessibility.
If you’re
curious enough to at least peruse this book, then the ability to learn these
techniques is already a part of your consciousness, and will soon to be
recognized. Lucky you! Your subconscious is prompting you to investigate. It is
saying that you are capable of deeper states of mind.
Many have tried to focus to learn either self-hypnosis or meditation and failed. Applied concentration and knowing what to expect once entranced may be what was missing. The instructions in this book are meant for those wishing to learn and use the techniques of self-hypnosis and/or meditation for self-improvement. Easy, yet powerful scripts are provided to produce desired changes. You can change your life today.
5 Stars: Retired Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist Mary Deal helps the reader understand the power on one’s subconscious. Quote: “A thin window of consciousness differentiates two states of mind-self-hypnosis and meditation – and this book explains their similarities and defines each condition and accessibility. “If curious enough to at least pursue this book, then the ability to learn these techniques are already a part of your consciousness and soon to be recognized. Lucky You! Your subconscious is prompting you to investigate. It is saying that you are capable of deeper states of mind.”
Section One-Hypnosis speaks to the issues of unintentional Childhood Training-My Early Practices, using Inductions and Scripts and Terminology that the lay person needs to know. Quote: “Hypnosis: A technique to still the conscious mind activity of the analytical left brain. To protect us, the conscious mind, the left brain, censures all we receive, know, or transmit. Truth is cloaked in order that we may not be hurt by that which we do not understand or are not ready to comprehend or accept. Our conscious mind protects us from ourselves until we are ready to learn. It is the conscious mind we make quiet in order to access hypnosis.”
About half way through the book I learned something that I could put into immediate practice to lower my stress. I share with you an important quote from Dr. Andrew W. Weil, American medical doctor, teacher and best-selling author on holistic health says on an internet post: “People who are stressed or anxious are actually chronically under-breathing, because stressed people breathe shortly and shallowly, and often even unconsciously hold their breath. By extending your inhale to the count of four, you are forcing yourself to take in more oxygen, allowing the oxygen to affect your bloodstream by holding your breath for seven seconds, and then emitting carbon dioxide from your lungs by exhaling steadily for eight seconds. The technique will effectively slow your heart rate and increase oxygen into your bloodstream, and may even make you feel slightly lightheaded which contributes to the mild sedative-like effect. It will instantly relax your heart, mind, and overall central nervous system because you are controlling the breath versus continuing to breathe short shallow gasps of air”.
This book deals with many topics. I found the Through The Gate: Problem Solving, Allergy Control, Tinnitus Reassignment, Immediate Stress Reduction and The Attic Trunk-Finding Your Gifts most enlightening.
Quotes of Interest from Section Two-Meditation:
“Even the smallest shift in perspective can bring about the greatest healing.” by Dr. Joshua Kai, ND
“Mediation cannot be induced manually. It is the ability of the inner mind or soul when conditioned and trained correctly, and when conditions that prevent us from seeing our true nature are removed.”
It is my impression that whether you believe in Hypnosis or Meditation this book will show you ways to reduce stress and become more aware of your surroundings. Keep this Kindle reference book handy, learn from it and develop your own Hypno-Scripts.
I leave you with this thought from Mary, “Life may not be that joyous, but believing that it is moves you quickly to it becoming that way.”
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
READERS/FOLLOWERS: 2,764 Stand-Alone Books! Crossing Bedlam by Charles E. Yallowitz The United States of America has been crippled. Violently contained by a global military force and left without its leaders, the country has become shattered and chaotic. A decade has passed since the first strike and a new landscape has… Continue reading →
A married woman, Caylie Lyon, finds herself in the middle of a bank robbery and gets taken hostage by the five robbers. Her ordeal starts off as a scary event, but ends up with her forming a close relationship with one of the robbers named Cole.
When the five criminals are caught in the act of another robbery, Caylie is freed only to return to a different life than the one she left. Eventually, Caylie reunites with Cole when he is released from prison. His plan is to go after the company he used to work for. They’re the reason he turned to robbery. They destroyed his construction business and murdered his only brother. When the owners of the company find out Cole’s plan, Caylie seems to find herself in danger.
5 Stars: Danger Intertwined with Romance
Who ever said that “Lightening doesn’t strike the same place twice” never met Caylie Lyon.
The story opens with Caylie and her husband, Nolan, waiting in the Vanity Falls Savings Bank in Vanity Falls, Maine to close on their new house. Haunted by her frightening ordeal in a grocery store robbery in 2009, Caylie Lyon’s increased awareness of her surroundings tells her something just isn’t right. What happens next, is surreal.
Survival for fifty-two-year-old Caylie will depend on her instincts, perceptiveness, and strangely enough, her infatuation with actor Landon Cordell, not to mention luck.
Even when justice is in motion, strange situations arise. Romance and new dangers take surprising twists and turns in The Colors of My Life by Linda Burson. This is an entertaining read with some strong language.
I enjoyed the story. If you love suspense and fictional romance, you will want to read The Colors of My Life. Also, Author Linda Burson has a 13-book suspense, romantic thriller entitled The Marcy Series, along with a couple of other single title novels.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Laura Furuta: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. This is a book that I enjoyed reading. It is a story that details the … Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2017. Verified Purchase. The story The Colors Of My Life by Linda Burson is a romantic suspense book. This is a book that I enjoyed reading. It is a story that details the relationship between two people who are brought together because of a bank robbery and how a connection between them is formed and maintained. This is the story of Caylie and Cole. Caylie finds herself in the middle of a bank robbery and is taken hostage by the robbers. Although she is scared and unsure of what is going to happen to her, she finds she can talk to one of the robbers, Cole. During her captivity Cole opens up to Caylie about his life and why he turned to robbery. They both begin to feel a deep connection to each other. It is when these men try to commit another robbery and get caught that Caylie is able to return to her previous life. However, it is one that is quite different than the one she had. Still feeling that connection Caylie and Cole stay in touch when he is in prison and when he is released, she is the one he returns to. Now Cole is determined to make the company that he used to work for pay for the harm they have done. They are responsible for both the downturn in his life and the death of his brother. Once his intentions are known strange things begin to happen involving Caylie. Will Cole be able to keep Caylie safe? Are the owners of the company that Cole is going after responsible for the danger Caylie is in?
This is a wonderful story that had me quickly turning pages to find out what happened next. It is an unusual love story and I found myself not able to put it down until I finished. I just had to know what happens. Will Cole and Caylie’s story have a happy ending? This is the first book I have read by the author and it is amazing. She weaves a story and creates characters that are unforgettable. I went through so many emotions when reading this story. It ran from being scared and sad for Caylie to that warm feeling that you get when reading of two people who are falling in love and you know that they are right for each other. This is a story that I thought about long after I had finished reading it. This book does include a sensitive subject matter and also adult situations. It would be recommended for those 18 years of age or older.
Review by Beth B: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Beth’s Review. Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2017. Verified Purchase. Linda’s writing style is easy to read and her stories always have twists and turns that you didn’t expect. Very enjoyable to read!
An Arizona heatwave, a murder, and a ghost searching for closure give Peyton Reynolds all she can handle on her long-awaited vacation.
When a body is found at the bottom of the pool of the resort she’s staying at, Peyton leaps into action, starting CPR. She stops when she sees the young man’s ghost watching her actions. And he’s not alone.
Detective Jaxon Kincaid knows that Peyton is hiding something. How did she know the caliber of the weapon which killed the victim? And why is she so nervous and combative when she talks to him?
He’s fascinated, but wary of this beautiful redhead. As their attraction grows, and as Peyton inserts herself into his case, can he protect her from someone who seems to want them both dead?
5 Stars: A Cozy Mystery With Paranormal Suspense!
Peyton Reynolds vacation is turned upside down while she is poolside. Peyton acts quickly to save a life, when her physic visions interfere with the process, and her secret might soon be exposed.
I learned something while reading that I didn’t know. I had never thought about the history behind the term ‘cowboy’ until Author Iona Morrison took me on this exciting adventure to Tucson Arizona, where the streets of Tombstone hold mysteries of their own.
Iona skillfully draws her readers into the drama, creating suspense and intrigue, with a dash of romance on the side. Let me bring you into the story at Chapter 12:
…Jaxon was waiting for Peyton when she stepped out of the tour van. He grabbed her hand, and she slapped at his arm and tried to pull free. He held tight. Silent treatment, he had expected and possibly worse. Side by side they walked beside each other in complete silence.
…When they reached Allen Street, the historic street of the old west and the tourist part of Tombstone, he noticed a sudden change in her demeanor. Something was up but what? “Are you okay?” he asked.
…She didn’t respond but seemed to be mesmerized by something around her. He couldn’t see anything, but she must be. The atmosphere around her seemed charged. He couldn’t put his finger on what was happening, but she held his hand tight. Really tight. In a death grip, almost painfully so. He would take his cue from her because he had no idea what was happening with her. At one point, she ducked, flinched, and seemed to weave back and forth as if moving through a huge crowd. “Peyton, what’s up?” She ignored the question. He kept pace with her and waited until she returned from wherever she had gone.
I invite you to read ‘Searching for Closure’ and discover the secret Peyton carries with her. This is a perfect story to enjoy anytime and anywhere. The characters will come alive in your mind, as the plot twists and turns, giving way to a new page. Whether this is the first book that you have read in the ‘Blue Cove Mystery’ series or not, you will want to read the entire series to discover for yourself what makes “Blue Cove’ “such a unique place”.
Iona Morrison is a multi-published Amazon bestselling author, who lives in Colorado. She is a member of the RMFWPAL (Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Published Authors League) and a member of the Colorado Author’s League. She enjoys being part of the vast community of authors, who reside in Colorado.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Product Details: Paperback: 330 Pages Publisher: Wild Rose Press (February 3, 2021) Language: English Fantasy (Paranormal) Fantasy (Urban) Fiction (Ghost) Mystery (General) Paranormal (Supernatural) Paranormal (Mystery) Romance (Fantasy) Mysteries (Ghost) Mysteries (Cozy)
I have always loved researching history, so it makes sense that I chose to write historical fiction novels, cozy mysteries, and romances. I spend a great deal of time making sure every aspect of each book is historically accurate. I also include several fun historical facts at the end of each book that pertain to the story, along with entertaining videos from the 1920s.Here are a few of my favorites:
FRAMED: Did you know that before the 1920s, ‘cocktails’ were unheard of? Beer, shots of liquor, and wine were the only common alcoholic drinks. Prohibition was passed on January 17, 1920. Shortly afterward, women won their right to vote on August 26. Therefore, more and more women began frequenting clubs and speakeasies. To accommodate them, the club owners began introducing different liquors combined with various mixers, which appealed to women far more than beer or shots. And cocktails were born.
The Green Mill Lounge in Chicago opened in 1907 and made its mark during prohibition as a popular speakeasy. Johnny Torrio, a major mobster in Chicago, and his right-hand man, Al Capone, were frequent guests. They had a special booth in the middle of the bar to make sure they could see both the front and back doors. After Al Capone took over Torrio’s business in 1927, his annual income was estimated at around $60 million. Since his involvement in the Valentine’s Day Massacre (February 14, 1929) could not be proven, it wasn’t until 1931 when Al Capone was finally arrested for tax fraud and served eleven years in prison.
The following are a few of the more popular tunes from that era that I included in the book. The first song is I Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate (I love the name of that song!). The song itself is referring to a woman named Katie Townsend, who was a murdered brothel madame. This is Betty Grable’s 1930 rendition.
TWO OF A KIND, The Beginning: Writing any historical novel takes a great deal of research, right down to using the proper words and phrases of the times with special care not to use more modern terms that weren’t in existence yet. In this book, I mentioned get-out-of-jail-free cards,so I needed to find out if the Monopoly game existed back then.
Surprisingly, the history of Monopoly can be traced back to 1903, when Lizzie Magie, an American antimonopolist, created a game that she hoped would explain the single-tax theory of Henry George. It was intended as an educational tool to illustrate the negative aspects of private monopolies. She took out a patent in 1904. Her game, The Landlord’s Game, was self-published in 1906, and it was played similarly to the version we’re familiar with. Here is what the original board looked like:
Briefly, a few more interesting facts. The Woolworth Building in New York City was the world’s tallest building from 1913, the year it was built, to 1930, and it cost thirteen and a half million to build. As a nickel-and-dime store, that surprised me when you place it alongside money giants like Macy’s and Abraham & Straus (they were co-owned), Saks, Bloomingdales, Gimbels, Lord & Taylors, and Bonwit Teller. When Frank Woolworth died in 1919, there were 1,057 Woolworth stores in the United States and Canada, plus another 175 stores in England.
Lastly, the facts about the Hope Diamond in the book were true. The diamond was owned by Edward (Ned) and Evalyn McLean. They were hesitant to purchase the notoriously cursed 45-carat blue Hope Diamond in 1911, but Evalyn was determined to own it. So, Pierre Cartier reset the diamond for her, and Evalyn often let her Great Dane, Mike, wear the gem on his collar at public events.
Evalyn never believed in the curse and owned the diamond for the rest of her life, but she suffered some bad luck over the years. Her husband ran off with another woman, her son was killed in a car accident, and her daughter died of a drug overdose.
One article I read stated that Princess Diana had owned the diamond for a time, but I couldn’t find anything to confirm that. The diamond is now in the Smithsonian Institution, and it’s worth is estimated at three hundred million dollars.
DEUCE: Broadway tidbits. Shirley Temple (1928-2014) was not only an extremely talented young actress and Hollywood’s number one box-office draw from 1934-1938, but as an adult, she became a highly respected United States Ambassador to Ghana and Czechoslovakia.
Bill (Bojangles) Robinson (1878-1949) was a wonderfully talented and famous actor, singer, and tap dancer who began his career at five years old and was most successful during the Vaudeville and Broadway heydays. He and Shirley Temple had teamed up in several movies. Here is their Shim Sham variation from “The Littlest Rebel” (1935); then Shirley Temple (7 years old) singing Polly Wolly Doodle from the same movie:
BLACKJACK: Let’s start with Chumley’s Tavern, which was, indeed, a former speakeasy located at 86 Bedford Street in Greenwich Village. Leland Stanford Chumley, a socialist activist, converted a blacksmith’s shop into a pub in 1922, and it became a favorite spot for influential writers, such as F. Fitzgerald Scott and Ernest Hemingway, along with poets, playwrights, journalists, and activists.
The Barrow Street entrance had no exterior sign and was located within a nondescript courtyard, while the Bedford Street entrance was also unmarked. Inside, Chumley’s was equipped with trapdoors and secret stairs. It is also rumored that the term ‘86’ originated when the police would kindly call ahead and instruct the bartender to ’86’ his customers, meaning they should exit via the 86 Bedford door.
Next, did you know Paul Revere, the famous American patriot who rode through the streets at midnight on April 18, 1775, alerting everyone the British forces were coming, was the nation’s first forensic dentist? In 1768, at the age of 34, Paul Revere placed advertisements in the Boston Gazette offering dental services such as cleaning and replacing lost teeth with artificial teeth made from ivory and animal teeth.
One of his patients was Dr. Joseph Warren. During the Battle of Bunker Hill, the British shot and killed Dr. Warren and buried him in a mass grave without his uniform or identification. After the British evacuated Boston, Paul Revere and Warren’s brothers went to the battlefield to look for him. They found a grave with two unrecognizable bodies. Paul Revere identified Dr. Warren by the walrus tooth and the wire that he had used to replace a missing tooth. Dr. Warren was given a proper funeral and buried in a marked grave.
Many of you are familiar with the Pinkerton Agency, founded by Allan Pinkerton, who tracked down famous outlaws such as Jesse James, and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Kate Warne was the first female Pinkerton agent in 1860. She became known as a master of assumed identities and was instrumental in thwarting an assassination plot against President Abraham Lincoln.
While reading about female spies and agents, I found this a little annoying. There were many female spies on both the north and south side of the Civil War, and Kate Warne, along with the Lady Pinkertons, proved women were perfectly capable of detective work. There were also many policewomen during the early 1900s. Despite all that, the secret service, CIA, and BOI (later known as the FBI) refused to hire female agents. During the 1920s, three women were hired by the BOI, but after only three to four months of service, J. Edgar Hoover asked for their resignations claiming there was ‘no particular work for a female agent’. The first two permanent female FBI agents weren’t hired until 1972.
KILLJOY: I couldn’t resist focusing on the spooky Halloween season. So, I began researching ghosts and hauntings in the 1920s. That led me straight to Olive Thomas and the New Amsterdam Theatre.
The information in Killjoy regarding Olive’s life and death is true, although I merely grazed the surface of her life and career. Interestingly, they say Olive has been haunting the Amsterdam Theatre ever since her death. Through the years, she has been seen carousing the theater and the rooftop in her green, beaded Follies costume, flirting with the stagehands, and blowing kisses to men. The ladies’ room has also been plagued by red lipstick smudges, which keep reappearing even after the cleaning staff scrubs them off. There is also a photograph of Olive still hanging by the stage door. Both the cast and crew make a point of acknowledging the photo of her as they come and go, “Hoping to stay on her good side”.
In the late 1990s, after Disney Theatricals signed a ninety-nine-year lease on the New Amsterdam Theatre, Olive’s ghost was again sighted by one of the security guards. He saw her on stage and yelled at her, but she disappeared through the wall to Forty-First Street. The security guard was so distraught, he called Disney’s vice president at two-thirty in the morning.
Let’s move on to the Ziegfeld Follies and the Midnight Frolics. The Follies on Broadway ran from 1907 to 1931, with a few renewals in later years. Surprisingly, Florenz Ziegfeld had rejected several notable actresses after their auditions: Norma Shearer (1919), Alice Faye (1927), Joan Crawford (1924), Gypsy Rose Lee (1927), Hedda Hopper (1913), and Lucille Ball (1927 and 1931) ** (see video below). Florenz Ziegfeld and Billie Burke, the good witch in the Wizard of Oz, were married from 1914 until his death in 1932.
The New Amsterdam Theatre’s rooftop included 680 seats with box seats and a balcony. In 1915, Florenz Ziegfeld decided to utilize the space for midnight performances that were far more risqué, and the after-hours show became a huge success. The New York Times gave rave reviews: “One might search the world and not find anything quite as unique or lavish as this midnight revue.” The girls’ balloon costume became the favorite as men were given the opportunity to pop the balloons with their lighted cigars.
Florenz Ziegfeld insisted those who attended the Midnight Frolics would have sore hands after applauding. So, he provided little wooden hammers at each of the tables.
Wooden Applause Hammer From Ziegfeld’s Midnight Frolic ca. 1916.
There were only a few videos available that pertained to the Ziegfeld Follies. Eddie Cantor was most notable for singing the theme song, A Pretty Girl is Like a Melody, but I couldn’t find his version. Here is Dennis Morgan’s version in 1936, and a video of Fanny Brice and the Follies in 1934.
*****
1936 Dennis Morgan A pretty girl is like a melody – YouTube
**Lucille Ball auditioned twice for the Follies, and both times she was turned down. Yet, in 1945, she starred in the musical comedy movie, Ziegfeld Follies, along with William Powell and Judy Garland, and she played the part of a lead chorus dancer in the Follies.
READERS/FOLLOWERS: 2,744 Those of us who write historical fiction are faced with a plethora of unique challenges. In fact, there are so many that it would be difficult to deal with all of them in one post. I will break the challenges down into several parts which I will share… Continue reading →
READERS/FOLLOWERS: 1,937 A Christmas Carol by Jay Dubya. Charles Dickens (1812-1870) spent most of his life in London and hadn’t the foggiest notion why the hell he had ever done so. Dickens had a horrible childhood. His father had financial debts, so the government gave young Charles “the dick ends”… Continue reading →
Bounty Hunter Nate Landry: Family Fury by Mark L. Redmond.
Book 2: Bounty Hunter Nate Landry.
Nate and Wolf didn’t have much trouble capturing Luke Womack and his two sidekicks. They turned the outlaws over to the town marshal at Wickenburg; and, since the town didn’t have a jail yet, he chained the trio to the jail tree. With their trap baited and set, all Nate and Wolf have to do is sit back and wait to capture Luke’s four brothers, all hardened criminals, when they come to rescue him.
The problem is, Nate and Wolf have no idea who will come when, or how many of the Womack brothers will show up at the same time. They do know Luke’s brothers will be coming angry and ready to kill. They also know if they’re going to survive the ordeal, they’d better be ready for whatever trouble the Womacks bring. It’s more than likely that someone’s going to die.
5 Stars: Angry Hornets or Five Womacks?
Author Mark L. Redmond uses his great sense of humor to open book two in his ‘Bounty Hunter Nate Landry’ series.
This is Wild West storytelling at its best, with high-action drama that will draw you back into 1877, where the Arizona Territory comes to life with three bank robberies. four stagecoach robberies, and a murder.
In ‘Bounty Hunter Nate Landry: Family Fury (Book Two); Nate and Wolf (his trusted companion) study and discuss a reward poster over coffee, after eating a hearty breakfast. The two men ponder the reward money offered for Luke Womack and his sidekicks. What they need is a plan.
Let me bring you into the story at Chapter 7:
…One of the things Wolf and I had learned while we were soldiers was the value of surprising the enemy. Often, we had defeated forces that were superior to ours in both number and skill because we had caught them off guard. Catching the Womacks off guard wouldn’t guarantee that Wolf and I could beat them, but we reckoned it would give us an edge.
…We were leaning against the hitching rail in front of the mercantile, enjoying the warmth of the mid-morning sun and smoking cigars. We were also making plans.
… “The Womacks will expect us to be waiting for them here in town,” I said.
… “Because they don’t know us?” Wolf asked.
… “Exactly,” I said.
… “They’ll also be looking for two men,” Wolf said. He tapped the ash from the end of his cigar. “So, we’re going to split up?”
… “And watch the trail from both sides of town,” I said. I exhaled smoke, smiled, and touched the brim of my hat as two ladies crossed from the other side of the street to enter the mercantile.
… “We’ll be close enough that whoever sees a Womack first should be able to signal the other,” Wolf said. He took a long draw on his cigar, leaned his head back, and blew the smoke into the air. “With one of us in sight and the other hidden, I reckon we’ll still have an edge.”
Putting the plan into action, they pack their supplies and saddle their horses with confidence. The plan sounds easy enough, but the adventure has just begun. This story takes place where the west is wild, outlaws terrorize small towns, and the brave bounty men ride in pursuit of justice.
The ‘Bounty Hunter Nate Landry’ series is comprised of stand-alone books, geared for YA and Adults. Author Mark L. Redmond has also produced a western adventure series for middle school readers, titled ‘The Adventures Of Arty Anderson’. Mark taught high school English for 28 years in South Bend, Indiana. He is a member of Western Writers of America, Western Fictioneers, SCBWI, ACFW, and the Single Action Shooting Society. He has been studying the West through reading and travel for most of his life (and he’s an old timer, born in 1953). Mark and his wife Susie live in Arizona, where Mark has turned his attention full-time to writing more old western tales. I am looking forward to book three in the ‘Bounty Hunter Nate Laundry’ series.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
The Improbable Journeys Of Billy Battles by Ronald E. Yates.
Finding Billy Battles Trilogy Book 2.
Billy Battles is definitely not in Kansas anymore.
As Book 2 of the Finding Billy Battles trilogy opens, Billy is far from his Kansas roots and his improbable journeys are just starting.
The year is 1894 and Billy is aboard the S S China sailing to the inscrutable Far East. Trouble is not far behind. He has met a mysterious and possibly dangerous German Baroness. He has locked horns with malevolent agents of the German government and battled ferocious Chinese and Malay pirates in the South China Sea.
Later, he is embroiled in the bloody anti-French insurgency in Indochina–which quite possibly makes him the first American combatant in a country that eventually will become Vietnam. Then, in the Philippines, he is thrust into the Spanish-American War and the brutal anti-American insurgency that follows. But Billy’s troubles are only beginning.
As the 19th century ends and the 20th century begins, he finds himself entangled with political opportunists, spies, revolutionaries, and an assortment of vindictive and dubious characters of both sexes. How will Billy handle those people and the challenges they present? The answers are just ahead.
One Special Book Review: You can’t help but be intrigued and fascinated by the intrepid, larger-than-life protagonist in Ronald Yates’ entertaining and thoughtful second book of his Finding Billy Battles trilogy. This time, you see how Billy’s tumultuous life begins to impact him in middle age as he seeks his next adventures to distract him from past grief and guilt. Yates has an effective way of revealing interesting details of exotic places during historic periods–this time primarily in the Orient of the late 19th and early 20th centuries–while weaving in a fascinating tale of a man in perpetual motion. One can’t help but find interesting parallels at Yates’ deft hand between Billy’s unrest and that of French Indochina and the Philippines during a time of conflict and pushback over European colonization. Ray Elliott, Author of, With the Silent Knowledge, Iwo Blasted Again, and Wild Hands Toward the Sky
Awards: Three Pulitzer Prize nominations by the Chicago Tribune, The Peter Lisagor Award from the Society of Professional Journalists, The Inter-American Press Association Tom Wallace Award for coverage of South America, Three Edward Scott Beck Awards for international reporting.
5 Stars: Compelling Story Based On Fact!
The Improbable Journeys of Billy Battles is the sequel to Finding Billy Battles. I jumped right into this book without reading the first in this trilogy and found it to be a compelling story based on fact and expanded by narrative fiction.
Ted Sayles who is the great-grandson of Billy Battles inherits Billy’s journals and while writing this trilogy he stays very true to the language of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. While this book opens in 1894 with William (Billy) Battles heading for the Orient aboard the SS China it covers his time in the Far East, Latin America, and Europe.
It is aboard the SS China that Billy meets German Baroness Katharina von Schreiber. She is gorgeous and regal, far out of reach of a Kansas scribbler (journalist). Since you have probably read the book’s description, I wrestle with what to share with you from this amazing story and journey that Billy Battles is about to embark on. I have decided to quote this passage to whet your appetite. I quote:
…“Katharina’s cabin was a bit larger than mine was, and like mine, its walls were covered with dark mahogany panels. In addition to the two overstuffed chairs and writing table, she also had a small dining table. That is where we settled, she on one side and me on the other.
…“I’m sorry, I have nothing to offer you to drink.” Then she paused, stood up, and walked to her wardrobe where she produced a tear-shaped bottle of Glenglassaugh single malt Scotch whiskey and two heavy cut crystal glasses. “Except for this.”
…She returned and placed the glasses on the table in front of us. “May I?” she asked, and then uncorking the bottle, she poured two fingers in each glass. “This was my late husband’s favorite.”
…I shuddered imperceptibly at that remark but pulled the glass toward me anyway. Images of Katharina pushing Baron von Schreiber over a cliff or poisoning him with arsenic-laced Wiener schnitzel flooded my mind.
…I forced those macabre thoughts out of my mind by focusing on the rich amber hue of the whiskey as I uneasily swirled the glass around and around in front of me.
…What was I doing? I found myself thinking. Why was I in Katharina Schreiber’s cabin about to drink expensive single malt Scotch whiskey with a woman who had just admitted she had killed, but not murdered, her husband?”
Murder, mystery, intrigue, people, places and events that were intended to divert Billy’s attention from his past soon gets him embroiled in Katharina’s past, with the German government, not to mention Chinese and Malay pirates. Later on, he finds himself perhaps the first American to be involved in the Anti-French insurgency in Indochina which will later be called Vietnam and involve America. War will not end there as he is forced into the Spanish-American War while in the Philippines.
Just as life takes many unexpected turns for Billy Battles so will your desire to keep turning the pages of this book to find out what is it about Billy Battles that causes him to try to escape his past, endure his new reality and find measured peace as he heads into the twilight of his life.
I invite you to read The Improbable Journeys of Billy Battles as it is a journey worth your time. Be sure to read Finding Billy Battles (book one in this trilogy) while waiting for the author to write the final book in this amazing trilogy.
Author Ronald E. Yates life experience as a foreign correspondent for the Chicago Tribune in Japan, China, Southeast Asia, and Central and South America gives him the authority with which he writes. It is important to point out he won “three Pulitzer Prize nominations and several other awards, including the Peter Lisagor Award from the Society of Professional Journalists; The Inter-American Press Association Award for coverage of South America; and three Edward Scott Beck Awards for international reporting. He is a graduate of the William Allen White School of Journalism at the University of Kansas. He lives in Murrieta, California.”
I really enjoyed “The Improbable Journeys of Billy Battles” (Trilogy Book Two) by Ronald E. Yates. Ronald E. Yates is the author of the “Finding Billy Battles” (book one in this trilogy) and “The Kikkoman Chronicles”: A Global Company with A Japanese Soul, Aboard The Tokyo Express: A Foreign Correspondent’s Journey Through Japan as well as three journalism textbooks: The Journalist’s Handbook, International Reporting and Foreign Correspondents, and Business and Financial Reporting in a global Economy.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
5X Space Cadet: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A great story that serves up a palatable and thought-provoking history lesson. Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2017. Verified Purchase. I learned so much from this well-written and meticulously researched book. I’m not usually that much of a fan of historical fiction, but in this case, it was a welcome educational experience. As Billy’s journeys take him to Saigon, the Philippines, and even turn-of-the-20th-century Germany, this story is richly imbued with cultural and historical facts I previously did not know. This included something as simple as where white pepper comes from, but most especially the dark history of colonialism. I had heard of the Spanish-American War, but had no idea it was fought in the Philippines, much less why.
I have grown up simply accepting the fact that the British, French, and Spanish did a considerable amount of exploring, which also constituted conquests for more land and resources. This is apparent by the languages spoken in diverse parts of the world, far from where they originated. Getting a glimpse into the climate and attitudes of the 19th century, especially how indigenous people were trampled and exploited, brought up multiple considerations that had previously been entirely off my radar.
While colonialism’s defenders note that it brings a higher standard of living to these areas, it is also at a high price to the cultural norms and freedom of those unfortunate enough to live in such a place. Insights into Saigon in the late 1800s provided a new understanding into the Vietnam War and guerilla warfare. While in some cases, America has helped defend these countries, in others it has been just as guilty as the European conquests. Ironically, American is the prime example of a country that rebelled successfully against colonialism, yet then went on to force it on others, for example Native Americans. We are no better than anyone else and it’s easy for me to understand why other countries hate us.
The best part of this story is that all these fascinating details were woven into the plot of a story with believable characters caught up in this historical drama, from the Old West, to pre-WWI Europe, and overseas in the Far East. I recommend it highly to anyone who enjoys a meaty, well-researched read that serves up more than an interesting story. History buffs will love it. While it is the second book in a trilogy, I thoroughly enjoyed it and had no trouble following it without the benefit of reading the first.
Review by Richard Schwindt: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. High adventure in the late nineteenth century. Reviewed in Canada on March 29, 2021. Verified Purchase. I have always found the late nineteenth century to be fascinating, and sought out fiction set in that period. So it is with great satisfaction that I have been reading the Billy Battles trilogy by Ron Yates. If you take a great story line, rousing adventure, impeccable history and well-drawn characters this is what you get. The first book in the series is a well told novel of a young man coming of age in the wild corners of Kansas. The second book now takes you, along with the protagonist – a little older and wiser – to the Far East. If you enjoy high quality escapism, I cannot recommend this series enough. Enjoy with spicy food on a humid afternoon.
Review by Marjorie Mallon: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Fascinating journey – well worth a read. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 27, 2018. Verified Purchase. This novel is part historical fiction, part based on fact and celebrates the fascinating life of Billy Battles. Who has a life like this? My goodness! What a guy… I have not read the first in the series but I didn’t find that this hampered my enjoyment in any way. Billy’s journeys take him to Saigon, the Philippines, and even to Germany. This story is packed full of exciting events. What a Smorgasbord of reading delight!
It is an well-researched and well-written novel with the benefit of pain-staking detail which makes the reader feel as if he or she is immediately immersed in the narrative. I enjoyed this so much. I was initially attracted to reading this book by the mention of the mysterious East. My father, (who is also a Ronald,) has often spoken of his travels to the Far East and I hope one day to write his memoirs so this piqued my interest. The author Ronald E Yates did a great job in creating wonderful characters and a fascinating plot that kept you intrigued throughout.
I particularly enjoyed the section in the Far East and the ending kept me on the edge of my seat. I would definitely recommend this author.
Review by Raymond and Mary Berry: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Adventure! Action! Reviewed in Canada on August 24, 2018. Verified Purchase. I love this story, is one of the best books I’ve read this year! Riveting introduction! Ted meets his great grandfather William “Billy” Battles for the first time when he was 12….during the next couple of years Billy tells him about his life, to Ted, some of his great grandads stories are fantastical, but based on historical fact, Billy Battles’ stories about the famous people he meets and rides with Wyatt Earp, and his brothers, and the great Bat Masterson, who didn’t always write sports stories… Billy Battles life was far from boring as his story starts in the desolate Kansas frontier where he started life and where a shoot-out on Battles Gap takes Billy everywhere in pursuit of the bad guys…full of action the story takes us to Chicago then off to Asia.
Billy’s stories are rich in detail, an interesting diary of the late 1800’s to the First World War….the Billy Battles story continues in a further two books, and I’m halfway finished the second book. I love this story because it’s set in a young America, a time we don’t often hear about when the telegraph was new, telephones were coming and indoor plumbing was still a dream in the future! A Must read!
Review by Bill: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Fantastic book! Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 14, 2018. Verified Purchase. This is a simply fantastic book! I loved reading about the adventures of Billy Battles and have already purchased and read the next in the series without hardly drawing breath. It is an action-packed adventure with romance and wide-ranging emotions but is also full of interesting historical insights and facts. The storytelling is epic in scale with Battles engaging in various wars as well as fighting pirates and secret agents. It was like reading three novels packed into one and there was never a dull moment. I couldn’t put the book down and fortunately was on holiday while I was reading so had to suffer few interruptions. I was recommended the book and didn’t know the author but after finishing I checked the author out and was not surprised to find he was an award-winning journalist who had been Pulitzer Prize nominated. I highly recommend this book and the author deserves great success.
5 Stars: The Psychic Dimension (Part One) are a group of very well written short stories that deal with fictional psychic and paranormal experiences.
Author John Dubya has divided this book into 26 novellas. Let me briefly describe five of them.
Corporate Sabotage: “Three government men were casually discussing the amusing theory that their boss Chief Inspector Joe Giralo was indeed one hundred percent psychic, or perhaps one hundred percent “psycho.” But as the trio would soon discover, the astonishing case of “Corporate Sabotage” virtually confirmed their suspicions about their boss’s seemingly paranormal cerebrum.”
Music Psyche: “It has often been said that music soothes the soul, but Dr. Thaddeus Gilmore, eminent professor of Psychology/Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania, recently found-out through a revolutionary research breakthrough
The Table Drawer: “Where did you get that weird table that’s now up in the computer room? It looks like it was obsolete decades before John Wilkes Booth had entered Fords Theater and evilly assassinated President Lincoln!”
A Day to Forget: “A Day to Forget: Ever since adolescence, Jack Cooper hated anything associated with frivolity and revelry. The shy man didn’t like football games because of boisterous crowds, deplored raucous celebrating, and despised rock and roll along with rap music, and the man vastly abhorred obnoxious, irritating behavior at New Year’s Eve parties. Anything noisy from Fourth of July and Halloween parades to carnival and circus atmospheres greatly disturbed Jack’s super-sensitive psyche and sent his volatile emotions completely out of kilter. The only things that the “mercurial man” really dearly loved were peace and quiet.”
Each story is independent from each other which makes this the perfect book to carry with you to read on the go. For the sake of this review, let me focus on two stories.
In the story of Triple Jeopardy, Inspector Joe Giralo and his wife Gina go on a senior citizen’s bus tour. Their first stop is at the Michigan Grand Hotel, where their vacation takes an unexpected turn. Let me quote:
…At nine-thirty a loud frantic rapping upon Room 132’s door rudely interrupted Joe Giralo’s peaceful coffee consumption. The FBI man opened the portal and the occupant was somewhat astonished to perceive the normally debonair suit-and-tie head hotel manager impatiently standing in the hallway.
…“Mr. Giralo,” the exasperated hotel executive exclaimed all out of breath. “I’m Giles Martin, the Grand Michigan’s chief operating officer. May I come in?”
…“Why of course!” the surprised Inspector replied, closing the door behind the unexpected visitor’s hasty entrance. “Is everything okay? You do appear to be more than a trifle alarmed!”
…“I understand that you’re an experienced inspector with the FBI. Our dependable desk records indicate that much, Inspector Giralo, and I’ve already verified that formerly confidential information through our local island police department, which incidentally also drastically needs your immediate assistance.”
…“Mr. Martin, in all due respect, exactly what is wrong?” the now thoroughly interested hotel guest asked. “What’s of so much paramount importance and concern?”
…“A most serious epidemic of colossal proportion has broken-out among the horse population here on Mackinac Island,” panic-stricken Giles Martin boisterously disclosed. “Just about all of our six hundred horses are terribly sick with colic and influenza symptoms, and our town veterinarians are going crazy attending to all of the afflicted animals. And besides that,” the agitated and worried hotel manager impulsively expounded, “the entire transportation system on the island has been shut-down. This is a colossal nightmare dilemma in progress Inspector Giralo; an unimaginable worst-case scenario and its basic origin, or should I say ‘its real cause,’ we certainly find exceptionally baffling. That’s why I’m here to both request and solicit your skilled expertise.”
Inspector Giralo’s experience and instincts are aroused and it looks like their vacation might be interrupted. To see what happens, pick up this book.
Now let me share a small portion of the short story Contemporary Illuminati.
…..Aunt Genevieve had revealed to my mother on several occasions that I had been her favorite nephew, and so I always believed that I was in competition for a massive inheritance with my adversarial cousins David and Stephen Wilson, who both perceptibly appeared to be artificially cordial towards me at venerable Aunt Jenny’s Baltimore wake and funeral that had been held in early May of 1992. A full month later, I received a legal letter from Otto Hernandez, Esquire, informing me that I was to attend a meeting for the purpose of the “Disposition of Mrs. Genevieve Curtis’s Will”, and the family conference was scheduled to occur in downtown Baltimore at 11 a.m. sharp on Wednesday, July 1st. Naturally, from previous conversations with my mother, I was quite excited about the prospect of being the principal heir to Aunt Genevieve’s rather lucrative estate.
…..Flash forward: The lawyer next opened the louvered brown door and removed a five-foot-high, antique-looking, standing lamp from inside the dark enclosure, which he then gracefully carried with both hands over to his huge mahogany desk. “This Sir is what your deceased Aunt Genevieve wishes for you to have,” the suave-but-encumbered estates’ lawyer quite diplomatically and almost-apologetically communicated. “Mrs. Curtis declares and directs in her last will and testament that you should amply admire and appreciate this marvelous, extraordinary lamp of Egyptian design, especially the unique brass head of Queen Nerfertiti that’s now conspicuously ornamenting the lamp’s exquisite canopy.” I momentarily glanced to my left and incidentally observed that my three cousin companions were alternately snickering and chuckling at my rather peculiar inheritance, and even Mr. Otto Hernandez seemed quite out-of-character being amused at my unexpected gift that I had traveled 110 miles from Hammonton, New Jersey to gratefully acquire.
…..Why did Aunt Genevieve leave John this ornate lamp? Was the gesture a cruel joke or was it something more? If you always wanted your long-lost great aunt to leave you something in her Last Will and Testimony, this story may or may not change your mind.
With each story comes an internal struggle where there are decisions to made and consequences. Each one of these stories could be their own book in their own rights. I hope you find these Novellas as interesting a read as I did.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Product Details: Paperback: 564 Pages Publisher: Bookstand Publishing (January 10, 2013) Language: English First Person Short Stories
About The Author: Jay Dubya is author’ John Wiessner’s pen name. John is a retired New Jersey public school English teacher, having diligently taught the subject for thirty-four years. John lives in Hammonton, New Jersey with wife Joanne and the couple has three grown sons.
Counting London: Lashed, Lacerated, Lampooned and Lambasted, along with its companion books Twain: Tattered, Trounced, Tortured and Traumatized, Poe: Pelted, Pounded, Pummeled and Pulverized and O. Henry: Obscenely and Outrageously Obliterated, John has written and published thirty-seven total books. Pieces of Eight, Pieces of Eight, Part II, Pieces of Eight, Part III and Pieces of Eight, Part IV all contain short stories and novellas that feature science fiction and paranormal plots and themes. Nine New Novellas, Nine New Novellas, Part II, Nine New Novellas, Part III, Nine New Novellas, Part IV, One Baker’s Dozen, Two Baker’s Dozen, Snake Eyes and Boxcars and Snake Eyes and Boxcars, Part II are short story collections all written in the spirit of the Pieces of Eight series.
Other Jay Dubya adult-oriented fiction are the works Black Leather and Blue Denim, A ’50s Novel, and its exciting sequel, The Great Teen Fruit War, A 1960′ Novel. Frat Brats, A ’60s Novel completes the action/adventure trilogy. Jay Dubya also has produced two irreverent Biblical satires, The Wholly Book of Genesis and The Wholly Book of Exodus. A third satire Ron Coyote, Man of La Mangia is a parody on Miguel Cervantes’ classic novel, Don Quixote published in 1605. Thirteen Sick Tasteless Classics, TSTC, Part II, TSTC, Part III and TSTC, Part IV are satirical works that each corrupt thirteen classic stories from American and British literature and from Greek mythology. Fractured Frazzled Folk Fables and Fairy Farces and FFFF & FF, Part II satirize and corrupt famous children’s literature stories. Mauled Maimed Mangled Mutilated Mythology is an adult-oriented satirical/parody work that pokes fun at twenty-one famous classical myths. Finally, Shakespeare: Slammed, Smeared, Savaged and Slaughtered and Shakespeare: S, S, S and S. Part II lampoon the famous works of the great playwright.
The author has also penned a young adult fantasy trilogy: Pot of Gold, Enchanta and Space Bugs, Earth Invasion. The Eighteen Story Gingerbread House is a collection of eighteen new children’s stories. And last but not least, two Jay Dubya non-fiction works are So Ya’ Wanna’ Be A Teacher and Random Articles and Manuscripts.
Jay Dubya’s books are available in hardcover and paperback formats at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com and Booksamillion.com. Kindle versions are available at Amazon.com. Jay Dubya’s e-books are available at Amazon Kindle and at Barnes and Noble Nook.
Jay Dubya (John Wiessner), author of 56 books, gives a biography of his life.
Born in Hammonton, NJ in 1942, John had attended St. Joseph School up to and including Grade 5. After his family moved from Hammonton to Levittown, Pa in 1954, John attended St. Mark School in Bristol, Pa. for Grade 6, St. Michael the Archangel School for Grades 7 and 8 and Immaculate Conception School, Levittown, Pa. for grade 9. Bishop Egan High School, Levittown Pa was John’s educational base for Grades 10 and 11, and later in 1960 he graduated from Edgewood Regional High, Tansboro, NJ. John then next attended Glassboro State College, where he was an announcer for the school’s baseball games and also read the news and sports over WGLS, GSC’s radio station.
John had been primarily an English teacher in the Hammonton Public School System for 34 years, specializing in the instruction of middle school language arts. Mr. Wiessner was quite active in the Hammonton Education Association, serving in the capacities of Vice-President, building representative and finally, teachers’ head negotiator for 7 years. During his lengthy teaching career, John had been nominated into “Who’s Who Among American Teachers” three times. He also was quite active giving professional workshops at schools around South Jersey on the subjects of creative writing and the use of movie videos to motivate students to organize their classroom theme compositions.
John Wiessner was very active in community service, being a past President of the Hammonton Lions Club, where he also functioned for many years as the club’s Tail-Twister, Vice-President and Liontamer. He had been named Hammonton Lion of the Year in 1979 and in 2009 received the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellow Award, the highest honor a Lion can receive from Lions International.
John also was a successful businessman, starting with being a Philadelphia Bulletin newspaper delivery boy for two years in the late 1950s in Levittown, Pennsylvania. After his family moved back to New Jersey in 1959, John worked at his grandparents and his parents’ farm markets, Square Deal Farm (now Ron’s Gardens in Hammonton) and Pete’s Farm Market in Elm, respectively. He later managed his wife’s parents’ farm market, White Horse Farms (Elm) for three summers.
Also, in a business capacity, for 16 summers starting in 1967 John Wiessner had co-owned Dealers Choice Amusement Arcade on the Ocean City, Maryland boardwalk and also co-owned the New Horizon Tee-Shirt Store for eight summers (1973-’81) on the Rehoboth Beach, Delaware boardwalk. In addition, he was a co-owner of Wheel and Deal Amusement Arcade, Missouri Avenue and Boardwalk, Atlantic City. And then, for 18 summers beginning in 1986, John had been the Field Manager in charge of crew-leaders for Atlantic Blueberry Company (the world’s largest cultivated blueberry company), both the Weymouth and Mays Landing Divisions.
After retiring from teaching in 1999, writing under the pen name Jay Dubya (his initials), John Wiessner became an author of 56 books in the genre Action/Adventure Novels, Sci-Fi/Paranormal Story Collections, Adult Satire, Young Adult Fantasy Novels and Non-Fiction Books. His books exist in hardcover, in paperback and in popular Kindle and Nook e-book formats.
Winner -2012 P&E Best Science Fiction and Fantasy Novel
This is where The Andromeda Strain meets Memento…
When an alien suitcase is found in space, a pandemic virus plagues Earth. Ryder Nape must gather survivors to escape an apocalyptic extinction of the human race.
ARIA: Alien Retrograde Infectious Amnesia
Today, Jack caught a bug at work. He catches a bus home. By the time he disembarks, all the other passengers and the driver have fuzzy heads. Jack has caught an amnesia plague, and it’s infectious. No cure.
Imagine the ramifications:
The passengers arrive home, infecting family; some shop en route gifting everyone they meet with the disease. The bus driver receives more passengers giving them change for last week’s prices and today’s amnesia. Some passengers work at the power plant, the water treatment works, the hospital, fire station. Dystopian chaos in weeks.
One man, Ryder Nape, knew about the case found in space and realizes it’s been opened, but can he persuade friends to barricade themselves in a secluded valley, hiding from the released amnesia bug? The survivors find love, hope and thoughts of revenge in their heroic struggle against the apocalypse.
ARIA: Left Luggage is a well-written novel with the pace and suspense of a video game (BioShock immediately comes to mind). The balance between character development and plot progression is managed smoothly, along with the thematics, which take the reader through a series of all-too-believable scenarios, chillingly showing how easy it would be for an advanced group of aliens to undermine the human race and have us destroy one another, without the need for any additional weapons or warfare. By Magdelena Ball
“Geoff Nelder inhabits Science Fiction the way other people inhabit their clothes.” By Jon Courtenay Grimwood
“Geoff Nelder’s ARIA has the right stuff. He makes us ask the most important question in science fiction–the one about the true limits of personal responsibility.” By Brad Linaweaver
Robert J. Sawyer calls ARIA a “fascinating project.”
“ARIA has an intriguing premise, and is written in a very accessible style.” By Mike Resnick
5 Stars: ARIA Has Its Roots In Italian Meaning Air.
Let me answer the first question that came to my mind when the book ‘ARIA: Left Luggage’ arrived. The word ARIA has its roots in Italian meaning air.
Science Fiction as a genre literally is in a world of its own because human beings are obsessed with how to destroy or alter all of humanity by a single threat. It is rare that we find an author who can approach this kind of fiction from a new perspective, but Geoff Nelder has a truly unique concept.
As the first chapter begins the reader is introduced to Nelder’s large cast of characters like Vlad, Jena, Dan, Abdul and Antonio. His quantity of characters almost overwhelms the reader at first, but each has a role to play in this ordeal. The variety of solid, believable interpersonal relationships like the between Ryder Nape and his fiancée Teresa are essential as the world is threatened with massive memory loss by an alien virus. ARIA begs the intriguing question that as people lose their memories what is so important to their lives, they must make a note of it to read when they wake up each morning?
The year is 2015 and there is never a dull moment as the reader joins the crew of “the shuttle, Marimar, in orbit approaching the International Space Station” and follows the science at the Dryden Space Laboratories at Edwards Air Force Base in California and the NASA Goddard Labs in Maryland. Travels to London and to the Anafon Valley in North Wales. Follow the viral repercussions to the Chester Zoo in UK, Moraine Lake in the Canadian Rocky Mountains and to Banff National Park in Canada.
The author caused this reader to ask how the world would handle such a virus if brought back to Earth from an exploratory mission, who on earth might be immune, and what secrets could NASA and WHO be keeping from us? That is what good science fiction does. It captures the readers’ imagination and takes us to places that we believe are impossible, but somewhere in the dark corners of our minds we recognize that there is a slim probability.
ARIA: Left Luggage by Geoff Nelder (volume one in the ARIA series) is a science fiction, action filled fiction that has already won the coveted Preditors & Editors Readers Poll for best science Fiction novel of 2012. Please consider purchasing and reading the whole ARIA series (available at Amazon).
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Review by Mark Fine, Author Of The Zebra Affaire: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Would Make a Great Movie! Compelling and provocative Story! Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2015. Verified Purchase. A mysterious out-of-this-world suitcase found wedged on the International Space Station triggers a viral catastrophe of apocalyptic end-of-days proportions on the humans habitants on the earth below. Unlike the typical B-movie type scenarios of less sophisticated science fiction, “ARIA Left Luggage” avoids the gratuitous and the obvious–sparing the reader passages about seamy bodily fluids and dismembered limbs. Hence, I really enjoyed this book because it added such intelligence and integrity to the genre, without sacrificing drama and body count.
The fact that the alien contagion was manifested as rapidly overwhelming amnesia–is so relevant to this baby boomer generation that’s facing an epidemic of real-world diseases that impair memory and cognitive functions, such as Alzheimer. By tapping into our collective fears in this regard, Nelder certainly had my attention.
The author ably describes the consequences of losing one’s mind by describing acute scenarios; a pilot en route over the Atlantic loses his way, with tragic consequences, when he forgets the flights final destination. It was truly frightening to witness, through the author’s eyes, how civil society can so rapidly deteriorate back into the Stone Age as humanities memories fade to naught.
My personal interpretation of Geoff Nelder’s Sci-Fi allegory is a near-future modern-day twist on the Dark Ages or Middle Ages–a period devoid of inspiration and culture possible due to famine and disease including the dreaded “Black Death” (Bubonic plague); it began at the fall of the Roman Empire and ended at beginning of Italian Renaissance – The Age of Discovery. Possibly the Italian doctor featured in the story triggered this thought, as well as the choice of “ARIA” being Italian for “Air” as the acronym for the virus.
This is a cerebral, thoroughly researched, and most enjoyable. The characters are vividly rendered, with their flaws and smarts displayed for all to see, making them memorable. For me it took only a minimal suspension of disbelief, and the plot felt thoroughly plausible. Just substitute ARIA for another earthbound airborne virus, accelerated throughout humanity due to population density, easy accesses to transcontinental travel, unrestricted borders, and the potential transmission speed of the disease would be like no other time in history.
As for those interested in survivalist prepping, but with an intelligent scientific / medical twist, ARIA promises to be a satisfying read. For those fans of science fiction, here you will find an immediacy and relevance (note the recent Ebola scare) that will trigger within you all the “it-came-from-outer-space” drama and tension you’d ever desire. Character-driven and a diverse cast, plus the compelling plot, suggests ARIA: Left Luggage has the makings of a fine motion picture.
Review by Tim: 5.0 out of 5 Stars>Excellent, End of World. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 23, 2017. Verified Purchase. If you are going to write a story about an end of world apocalyptic scenario, you are going to have to do it well to compete with all the other similarly themed stuff out there. Even better, if you are able, you have to tell it in a different way and with something that makes it stands out, an original twist would hinder things.
Fortunately, Geoff Nelder manages this with his science fiction novel, ARIA Lost Luggage. Pack your bags, button up your coat it is the end of the world time again, but this time there is an original premise that works in a manner that sets the story apart from others, and is chilling too, clawing away at the mind as the implications start to sink in.
When a small object is found on the International Space station it causes a lot of international consternation, interest grows as it becomes apparent that the object, possibly a receptacle of some kind appears to be of alien origin.
Despite all the procedures in place, the box is opened in less than perfect conditions and some form of infection is released onto the world. Bit by bit, day by day it eats away at the memories of the people infected and it spreads very quickly.
It is a subject matter that can be compared to real medical conditions, something that Nelder does not shy away from, but it is a lot more than that as he delves into the issues and delivers on an excellent scale. He does not take the easy root and just give us a single path, put offers a multi-perspective tale. From generalized, a look as the population as a whole begins to lose more and more of their memories, the way society starts to erode, unravel and ultimately, collapse. To POV characters who are suffering from the memory loss, how they struggle to cope and how some come up with ways to try to remind themselves each day. To those who have managed to remain isolated, struggling to survive and understand what is going on. To the odd case where someone might seem to be immune to the infection.
Of course, all the great ideas in the world can dribble away if they are not presented well, and here Nelder comes into his own. He tells the tale with flare and passion, giving the reader great characters to latch onto, to sympathize with as they, or those they know start to drift away, regressing to childhood as time passes.
In some ways it feels as though there is a surfer trying to surf a tidal wave, just that the task before our characters is too great, an ongoing disaster that cannot be looked away from.
In fact, one of the strengths of the novel is the way it pushes the aliens into the background, they are the plot device that have set the story in motion, but we know little and see even less of them. This works as it leaves a very ambiguous feel to what they have done. Is it on purpose? Is it an attack? Were they trying to communicate, and it went wrong? Was it a gift that backfired? There is no way of knowing.
And then a second box appears. When opened… well that would be a spoiler, but things get more complicated and a totally different threat begins to insinuate itself…
The book ends on a cliff-hanger, but it is a concept that has been well developed and delivered impeccably. Well worth the read, and undoubtedly, I’ll get around to reading the sequel.
Review by Dragon63: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. An interesting case. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 12, 2014. Verified Purchase. A strange metal case is found outside the ISS – after it is transported to a US base, the case is opened, releasing an infection that causes increasing memory loss. After a week, those infected have lost a year of their lives. As the disease spreads across the world, civilization starts to break down… Yes, we’re in end of the world territory here. If you’ve read The Death of Grass or Lucifer’s Hammer then you may assume you know what’s in store. But this apocalypse is unlike anything you’ll have seen before; when our own memories are playing traitor, the world becomes an extraordinarily scary place. The book is set a year ahead. our world is bound together with electronic communications (which can be persuaded to keep working even when the world has gone to hell), so the author gives us not just one group of survivors but a number of groups, in contact by email and video, who are struggling to preserve their memories and evade infection.
The characters are well-presented, interesting, and believable. The effects of the virus are logically thought out. The book takes place over a period of about six months; it does not dwell on the horrors outside the survivors’ enclaves, leaving those scenes mostly to the imagination. A few other faces appear and then vanish early on, hinting at the enormity of the disaster, but the core groups of survivors are the heart of the story.
The most obvious gap in the novel’s structure is any suggestion of the efforts being made to find a cure for the plague – the author mentions that there is something in the bloodstreams of those infected, but does not hint at steps being taken to fight it. Instead, he introduces a different occurrence to push the narrative forward – I won’t spoil the story by revealing what that involves. Suffice it to say that after a slow mid-section, the novel picks up the pace again in the later chapters – but does not reach a conclusion. By the end of the book, the core characters have made significant decisions, but the results of those choices are the subject of the next book in the trilogy…
I enjoyed book one of ARIA – it is well written, properly proof-read, intelligent and different from all the other end of the world scenarios I have seen before.
Review by Mrs. G. Hobson: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Never to be forgotten. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 9, 2012. Verified Purchase. It must be incredibly difficult to come up with a unique and yet believable storyline for a Science Fiction novel. It appears that Geoff Nelder has done precisely that. The plot is simple and yet mind-blowing.
A simple-looking case planted by aliens on an orbiting space station makes the story of the Trojan Horse look like a mere nursery tale. The whole human race is threatened, not by hordes of odd-looking space creatures as seen on certain TV dramas, but by an unseen virus — Alien Retrograde Infectious Amnesia — that invades the brain as soon as contact is made. But there is nothing to indicate contamination, that is, until it is obvious that memory is being eaten away at an alarming rate. No one appears to be immune. With no cure, it does not take long for ARIA to become the gravest mankind issue the world, as we know it, has ever been faced with.
I know what it is like to have a loved one suffer from Dementia. It is a cruel disease and heartbreaking for all concerned. But to have the whole population in various stages of rapid amnesia — aggression, mounting diseases, starvation, bodies stinking in the streets and everything in a state of chaos and horror — is a dreaded nightmare from which there is no awakening… or so it seems. But all is not lost — YET.
Our heroes and heroines, highly believable characters who have, so far, escaped contamination are yet to make their mark in world history. Dare we hope the alien force will relent and deliver relief before the END? Or must we put our faith in human resourcefulness?
An unusual, mind-blowing read. I look forward to the second book of the trilogy.
Review by Amazon Customer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Always check the vehicle you are travelling in. Reviewed in Australia on February 12, 2023. Verified Purchase. Geoff never disappoints, and this is a perfect example of what not to do when you find something attached to your vehicle, be it in space…never bring it back to Earth…but no one listens, and no one remembers. Loved it.
ARIA Trilogy Book 2: Humanity On the Edge of Extinction.
They wiped out most of Humanity in a split second of universal time.
It’s the apocalypse. It’s the extinction of mankind.
The Andromeda Strain meets Memento…
Meet the aliens who came from some deep space universe and brought a pandemic of infectious amnesia to Earth with their “left luggage.” In this gripping ARIA sequel, Returning Left Luggage, the alien invaders ignore the remaining human survivors or enslave them. Will the disparate last survivors form an alliance? The aliens, however, don’t bargain on encountering the psychotic Dr Antonio Menzies, and when he discovers how to use their telepathic-controlled gadgets, odd things happen.
Meanwhile, Ryder Nape – a survivor who escaped the infection – and his isolation group is in the South Pacific facing an invasion of amnesiacs. In France, a bunch of uninfected students discover the truth behind the aliens and their spreading, unkillable bindweed. The survivors’ passion for survival and dystopian experience drive them towards revenge, but can they win against such a strange foe? Can they make a first strike count? The destiny of the human race may be in their hands.
ARIA: Alien Retrograde Infectious Amnesia
Without our memories, who are we?
“ARIA is a well-written novel with the pace and suspense of a video game (BioShock immediately comes to mind). The balance between character development and plot progression is managed smoothly, along with the thematics, which take the reader through a series of all-too-believable scenarios, chillingly showing how easy it would be for an advanced group of aliens to undermine the human race and have us destroy one another, without the need for any additional weapons or warfare.” By Magdelena Ball
“Geoff Nelder inhabits Science Fiction the way other people inhabit their clothes.” By Jon Courtenay Grimwood
“Geoff Nelder’s ARIA has the right stuff. He makes us ask the most important question in science fiction–the one about the true limits of personal responsibility.” By Brad Linaweaver
Robert J. Sawyer calls ARIA a “fascinating project.”
“ARIA has an intriguing premise, and is written in a very accessible style.” By Mike Resnick
Review by Ulla H: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Original and mind-boggling! Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2015. Years ago, I couldn’t get enough of Isaac Asimov’s Foundation books. After that I spent years reading thrillers and suspense. Recently, I was quite excited to hear about The ARIA Trilogy by Geoff Nelder and felt it was time to read a science fiction book again. I’d heard quite a lot about the first book so I decided to get the second book “ARIA: Returning Left Luggage.”
This science fiction series has a truly unique concept dealing with how Alien Retrograde Infectious Amnesia effects society around the world. Aliens needing the world for their own purpose, decided to clean it up. They released an unavoidable, highly contagious space virus that over a short period of time robbed most people on the planet of their memories, and rendered them helpless and dying.
In this second installment of Aria, small groups of people, still not infected, realize the danger they’re in and flee to isolated areas in different parts of the world. Nelder’s characters are real, human and beautifully flawed. Even Dr. Antonio, to a hesitant degree. I love the dialogue. It’s witty and fun. The writing is great. You come to rote for some individuals as they struggle to survive in their new reality. It’s a fascinating and truly terrifying story. A second space virus released by the aliens stop the memory loss in the people who get in contact with it, but for some it brings other problems. More of that in the third installment, I imagine (hope).
This book made me a science fiction fan all over again. I really recommend it!
Review by Colm Herron: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. This gem of a book. Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2016. Here is a modern dystopia formed in the mind of author Geoff Nelder, science fiction writer extraordinaire. It follows on his first book of the trilogy ARIA and tells what happens after the apocalypse of mass memory loss on earth. To give away much would be unforgivable so I’ll confine myself to saying that the cure that comes from space to stop this global amnesia appears to be worse than the sickness itself.
The scenario is as confusing and terrifying as what is now happening in Syria where global powers work with and against each other to pursue their own agendas and nobody knows for sure who’s for what. Except here in Returning Left Luggage there is hilarity to leaven the nightmare. And it is this hilarity that makes Nelder’s novel more than just a remarkable piece of sci-fi. For at the drop of a master’s hat he is able to make me laugh out loud even as I squirm.
POSTSCRIPT: Geoff Nelder uses the acronym ARIA for Alien Retrograde Infectious Amnesia which is what is brought to earth by evil aliens. But the more I read Returning Left Luggage the more I wondered if Nelder had more than memory loss in mind. For one of the most famous arias in history is Haydn’s The Creation in which Satan and his followers build a palace called Pandemonium. And diabolical pandemonium is what runs amok in this gem of a book.
Review by Paul Goodspeed: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. ARIA II. Reviewed in the United States on October 21, 2013. This is a superb novel of the post-apocalyptic genre. In this case the apocalypse arrived in the form of an alien suitcase which, when opened, released an extraordinarily infectious strain of retrograde amnesia — causing a loss of one year of memory, working backward, each week — which infected almost everyone on earth, except small clumps of survivors in widely-separated locales.
This all happened in Volume I of the trilogy, but it isn’t necessary to have read Volume I to thoroughly enjoy Volume II. There’s a one-paragraph synopsis at the beginning which tells the reader how we got to where Volume II starts. That having been said, I would go back and read Volume I if I hadn’t already — reading them in reverse order wouldn’t detract from the interest of Volume I.
Mr. Nelder has, in my view, surpassed his own excellent previous novels with this one. He has continued the saga of the very interesting characters he created in Volume I, with a few new twists. One of the strong points of Mr. Nelder’s work is his dialogue, and that is true here — there’s plenty of dialogue, and it’s witty and snarky and fun.
The basic premise of the trilogy — the retrograde amnesia — is very clever, and Mr. Nelder has thought through how it would impact the earth and what its consequences would be, overall and as to specific individuals.
I don’t know when the final volume of the trilogy will come out, but when it does it will be at the top of my reading list.
Review by Martin Lamberti: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. ARIA II, Returning Left Luggage, and you thought the airlines were bad! Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2013. In ARIA II, the plot thickens, of course. This is expected from an excellent author like Geoff Nelder. Aside from the aliens we have several groups of earthlings working together, (for the most part), but each with their own agenda seeking to save the people of earth, or dominate it on their own, or with each other’s help? Or, possibly with the help of renegade aliens who are, after all, not necessarily in conformance with their own alien “elders.” Apparently, earth’s atmosphere and soil are advantageous to the production of alien super cannabis. Following the plots and fates of the Earthlings will keep you guessing, and Dr. Antonio will make you want to scream. or applaud? Author Geoff Nelder continues to present plausible ideas as he presents insight into the alien mindset. “ARIA 2 Returning Left Luggage” Just as the first book in the ARIA series deals with Alien Retrograde Infectious Amnesia and it’s effect on society. Truly frightening!
Review by Amazon Customer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Aria Trilogy. Reviewed in Australia on January 20, 2023. Verified Purchase. Geoff does SCIFI takes you on this amazing thought-provoking adventure; this one encompasses worldwide amnesia. Subtle idiosyncrasies of such a pandemic make the past three years in lockdown interesting. I did pause as Carnarvon, WA Au, was mentioned and for Australia to make it into mainstream SCIFI! Geoff, you made my day.
Review by L. Sengul: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A must read of apocalyptic and Sci-fi fans! Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 22, 2015. Verified Purchase. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ARIA, the idea that a virus introduced by Aliens that cause us to lose our memories is very terrifying and the urge to eradicate it is inspired by reading through different character perspectives and the ending has left me wanting to the read the last book in the ARIA Series. A must read of apocalyptic, sci-fi fans!
Review by DJW: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. The suspense continues. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 6, 2013. Verified Purchase. The trilogy contains all the fundamental ingredients of top-class science fiction. The basic concept of alien infectious amnesia spreading throughout the world and bringing with it the collapse of society as we know it is fascinating enough but Geoff Nelder blends it with the foibles of human beings and the careful manipulation of up to date scientific and computer understanding. A gripping read!
In 2015, a case found in the struts of the International Space Station is brought to Earth. It releases a virus giving people amnesia. They lose their memory at the rate of a years worth every week. No one is immune. Infectious amnesia is unheard of. Industry breaks down as people forget where they work and how to perform their duties. People die as they forget their medication, and production ceases along with food, water supply, and energy. A few small groups realise what is happening in time and find isolated refuges. Ryder Nape takes a group to a secluded Welsh valley where safety from the virus is possible. Biologists call the virus ARIA: Alien Retrograde Infectious Amnesia.
In this conclusion to the trilogy, Dr. Antonio Menzies arrives on Zadok. The ARIA-3 bomb had reached there two days previously, causing havoc. Surviving Zadokians consider a mass-migration to Earth to escape the effects of ARIA-3. Antonio’s madness grows, and he makes disturbing discoveries in their laboratories.
Meanwhile, Ryder’s group is now on a Pacific Island. His relationship with Jena is unstable and others have coruscating infatuations in tune with the increasingly desperate situation. When their island becomes unsustainable, and the alien-Earth hybrid weed gets out of control, where should they go?
What was the Zadokians’ real purpose with the ARIA viruses, and how does it all end?
“ARIA mingles the most optimistic calculations from the Drake Equation with a distopian outcome, creating a read that is as intriguing as it is fun.” By Magdalena Ball, owner of Compulsive Reader
“If you like your scifi offbeat, original, and backed by science, you’re going to love ARIA.” By Kenyon Charboneaux, editor and writing tutor at Eros & Rust
“ARIA: a smart, entertaining gem.” By Dr. Ira Nayman, author of the Transdimensional Authority Series
Review by AQ: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Move over Edgar Rice Burroughs… Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2017. Verified Purchase. Move over John Carter and the Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Mars stories. The Zadokians have it way over the Barsoomians, with their telepathic abilities and multi-millennia existence just four light years from Earth. Geoff Nelder weaves a fantastic sci-fi tale that suspends disbelief and keeps the pages turning at lightspeed. He interjects enough real science to glue things together while playing with outrageous possibilities when aliens interfere with (or help?) the human population on planet Earth. Five stars for this third book of the ARIA trilogy.
Review by Amazon Customer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Superb Read. Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2017. I’ve been a follower of Geoff Nelder’s writing for many years now, and each time I get one of his books I know that I’m not going to be disappointed. I’m also a big fan of Lit-RPG and post apocalyptical, so the ARIA (Alien Retrograde Infectious Amnesia) books certainly hit that right on the nose. There’s also opportunities for a game here, with his characters struggling to survive and fight off the plague infested remnants of civilization.
As for infectious amnesia, what a brilliant idea! Kind of scary though, imagine getting on a bus to go to work and forgetting not only where that is but where you live and who your family are. In this final tome Dr. Antonio Menzies arrives on Zadok, where surviving Zadokians are considering mass migration to Earth, to escape the effects of the Aria-3 bomb. Yet back on Earth things are getting desperate for our heroes too. The island they retreated too is becoming unsustainable and the hybrid weed gets out of control.
This is a wonderful Lit-RPG tale and the only complaint I have is that there’s only three books. Any chance of a fourth one, Mr. Nelder?
Review by Paul Goodspeed: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. The Best of the Trilogy. Reviewed in the United States on September 28, 2014. I very much enjoyed the first two books of the ARIA trilogy, so I was looking forward to reading the third. I wasn’t disappointed. In my judgment Abandoned Luggage is the best of the three, and a fitting end to the trilogy. This is post-apocalyptic sci-fi at its best.
Like the first two books, Abandoned Luggage proceeds by switching among several closely-related story lines with different sets of characters, each character and each group interesting in its own way. One thing that I especially liked was that the character I found most interesting in the earlier books, Antonio, played a more major role in this volume. Also, an interesting and enjoyable new character, called Spec-5, joins the cast for this book.
Abandoned Luggage, again like the first two books, is characterized by Mr. Nelder’s superb ability to write dialogue, and his delightfully imaginative treatment of such diverse topics as telepathic communication with aliens and a new earth-threatening scourge arising from the plant world.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys science fiction, whether or not he or she has read the first two of the trilogy. It’s certainly more fun when one has, but Abandoned Luggage includes a synopsis of the first two books that provides a sufficient starting point for this concluding volume.
Review by Scouser32: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Best of the three. Reviewed in the United States on August 17, 2014. Loved this Aria storyline from start to this new finish. Loved Manuel best, how he went from cocky educator in book 1 to depression with amnesia then found new women to share survival and now on a new planet! Loved the new planet – how strange and loved the intelligent mice DNA bird. Hey I misspelt and to DNA and it kind of works. This is the best of the 3 books. Ace. Want another one. Do an Adams and have 4 books in your trilogy.
About The Author: Geoff Nelder is a freelance writer living in Chester, UK.
A former high school teacher of geography and information technology, he has had non-fiction books published on microclimates in the UK along with several articles in academic journals such as Weather, Geographical Magazine and the Times Educational Supplement. Geoff is a part-time journalist contributing humorous travel accounts to Cycling World.
He has had short stories published and won a commendation for a story in the Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Competition. He won first prize in the Cafe Doom short story competition in 2005. Besides his 2005 released humour novel, Escaping Reality, published by Brambling Books, he won an award for mystery thriller, Hot Air, to be published by a Dutch Arts Academy in 2009, and a Science Fiction block buster, Left Luggage is in the hands of an agent. Double Dragon Publishing published Geoff’s Exit, Pursued by a Bee science fiction in 2008.
Geoff is an editor for Adventure Books of Seattle, co-editor of Escape Velocity – a print and ezine magazine of science fact and fiction. He has been a freelance editor of novels and short stories for several years. Geoff is the 2009 sort-fiction judge for the Whittaker Prize.
Additional Books:
Best of British Science Fiction 2020 Jul 27, 2021 by Donna Scott, M. R. Carey, Lavie Tidhar, Anne Charnock, Liz Williams, Ian Watson, RB Kelley, Eric Brown, Ida Keogh, Neil Williamson
M is for Monster Oct 27, 2010 by Ian Woodhead, Serenity Banks, David Youngquist, Simon Unsworth, Geoff Nelder, Kate Jonez, Zach Black, John Prescott, Ash Krafton, Adrian Chamberlin
CROOKED TALES: Deception & Revenge in 14 Short Stories Sep 1, 2016 by Mark Fine, Pamela Crane, Traci Sanders, Elizabeth Horton-Newton, Joseph Mark Brewer, Keith Dixon, Eric J. Gates, Geoff Nelder, Anita Kovacevic, Michelle Medhat
Once Upon A Scream Feb 7, 2022 by Dorothy Davies, Dan Allen, Rie Sheridan Rose, Brooke MacKenzie, Stuart Holland, David Turnbull, Gina Easton, Liam Spinage, Jason R Frei, Geoff Nelder
SFerics 2017 Oct 22, 2017 by Rosie Oliver, Roz Clarke
The Horror Zine Magazine Summer 2017 May 2, 2017 by Jeani Rector, Vitaly S. Alexius, Peter Ferguson Swarr, Liz McAdams, Ariana Carlson, katie Marie, David Subacchi, Teresa Frazee, Edmund Stone, James Ward Kirk
The Horror Magazine Spring 2020 Feb 4, 2020 by Jeani Rector, Jeffrey Genung, Kristen Houghton, Harrison Kim, Richard Dawkinson, Juan Perez, Stephanie Smith, Lori Lopez, Kim Vincent, Sana Amber
The Horror Zine Magazine Spring 2016 Nov 14, 2015 by Charles E.J. Moulton, John T. Biggs, Timothy Wilkie, Geoff Nelder, John C. Adams, Sebastian Crow, Kristen Houghton, Frank Schury, Larry Hinkle, Jeani Rector
Personal Bests Journal Issue 1 Aug 6, 2020 by David Gardiner Editor
Twisted Tails IX: Wunderkind Jan 27, 2016 by J. Richard Jacobs
Twisted Tails VIII: Para-abnormal Jan 20, 2016 by J. Richard Jacobs
Shrieks and Shivers from the Horror Zine Jan 6, 2015 by William F. Nolan, Ray Garton, Elizabeth Massie, Lisa Morton, Joe McKInney, Tim Waggoner, Martin Rose, Jeani Rector, Bentley Little
100 Stories for Queensland May 3, 2011 by Jodi Cleghorn, Kate Eltham
Monk Punk Apr 19, 2011 by A.J. French, D. Harlan Wilson, Dean M. Drinkel, Geoff Nelder, Adrian Chamberlin, John R. Fultz, William Meikle, R. B. Payne, Sean T. M. Stiennon, Zach Black
5 Star Review From John Drury “The Dancing Trucker”. Anastasia Cassella Is A Very Knowledgeable Author And Editor. Her Expertise In This Field Has Helped Me Tremendously. Writing My First Book Myself I Was Lost. I’m So Happy I Found Her. Review Posted On 01-28-2025.
5 Star Review From Author Finn Grey: I Recommend Anastasia Marie Cassella. She Has Helped Me With Editing My Book. She Is Both Respectful And Fast.
About Chauncey’s Premier Editing: Anastasia Cassella, editor, and multi-genre author, has been editing professionally for over 35 years including mentoring editors.
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Inspiring story of a girl whose disability is her greatest strength and brings the important message of never losing hope in hard situations and using misfortune to look for an opportunity to be kind.
The story takes you into the Andean Mountains of Peru to a remote village where you meet a young girl, named Matica, who worries about being shunned by the tribal people because of her growth disability that makes her different from everyone else.
One day she befriends two Condors she names Tamo and Tima. The village natives watch from a distance as her friendship and trust grow with the Condors. It only takes a short time before the entire village accepts the little girl for who she is when they find she can also communicate with them.
And then the adventures begin, changing her life in marvellous way. Matica is delightful, caring, and undaunted by these giant birds and their offspring, she and her father rescue from poachers. 5 STAR BOOK AWARD from Book Marketing Global Network-2019
MEDALIST WINNER for older published with NEW APPLE 2019
TOP10 FINALIST with AUTHORS ACADEMY AWARDS 2018
SILVER MEDAL AWARD with READERS’FAVORITE in Children’s’ adventure 2018
Finalist with: BOOK EXCELLENCE AWARD, 2017
Finalist with: IAN Book of the year award 2017 – The Independent Author Network
Silver for BOOK COVER competition with Authorsdb 2016
5-star Review by Readers’ Favorite
4 out of 4 stars review by Online Book Club
5 Star Book Award from Book Marketing Global Network.
5 Stars: Matica’s Fighting Spirit!
The story ‘Come Fly With Me’ takes place in the mountains of Peru. Main character Matica is on her hands and knees in the dirt hunting food for the two condors she named Tamo and Tima, when her younger brother Aikon asks about her activities. Even though ten-year-old Matica has a seriously disability (body of a two-year-old) her fighting spirit (not self-pity) is impressive, for her age. What she lacks in size, she gains in emotional maturity and a deep sense of gratitude for the beauty around her. She loves her village of Pucara which is close to equator. Surrounded by tropical rain forests, Matica can look out in any direction and see both green and barren mountains, forests and grasslands, green or brown valleys, small rolling hills and deep steep canyons.
Let me bring you into the story at Chapter Seven: “The next day, she went on her daily walk with new hope and an extra spring in her step. She was feeling lucky because both birds were not as high as usual and soared in front of the mountains, not over them. It must be a different wind current since they’re so low, she thought.
…She remembered the day when she was exploring the plateau and had found that most beautiful place near the mountain with the big rock in the middle. Arriving there, she had baptised that place ‘Ramah’. She had read in her Bible the day before about a place that was called Ramah, so it became her refuge, her Ramah. She would lie on the rock and watch the birds soaring in the sky and wonder how they could fly without flapping their wings. She wished for them to come down to her, but they wouldn’t do that.
…Every day, Matica would go to Ramah at the same time so the birds could see her and would become acquainted with her. She would also yell and wave at them.
…After a few weeks, one of them flew lower. He must have seen her and must have been curious as to what she might be, or maybe he thought she was food. She yelled, ‘I’m here! Come to me, please! I’d like to see you and would like to talk to you!’
…Spinning around, one bird circled lower.
…Maybe, Matica then thought, maybe it’s coming down to see if I’m edible. But I’m moving! She sprang up and down, then yelled, ‘Hey, you! I’m not edible! I would only like to meet you!’
…Still looking at her, the bird screeched loudly then joined its mate.
…Matica called out, ‘Wow, you are big!’
…Nothing more happened for the next few weeks.”
…Matica is not afraid of adventure and runs to Ramah where the sounds of gun shots came from. Matica fears the poachers will steal the condor’s egg or harm the condors. Poaching is a serious problem and Matica Warns the Condor named Tamo of the pending danger. Matica watches the condors in flight and dreams about riding on Tamo’s back as he flies over the canyons.
Award Winning Author Gisela Sedlmayer does an excellent job with this book one in her Talon series. Gisela’s descriptive storytelling, age-appropriate language, believable characters and wildlife drama will engage any avid reader from age 9 and up.
In an age of cell phone and electronic notebooks, it is important to instill good reading habits in our children. Check out Books 1-6 in this Talon Series.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Product Details: Series: Talon (Book 1) Paperback: 198 Pages Publisher: Aurora House (December 16, 2013) Language: English Action and Adventure Survival Stories Tween, Teen, YA, and Family Talon Book Series
5 Stars: Young and old will enjoy ‘Talon, On The Wing’ by Gigi Sedlmayer!
Talon, On The Wing by Gigi Sedlmayer.
A Book About Adventure and Friendship (Book Two).
This story won a 5 Star review by Reader’s Favorite: “Inspirational and Uplifting read for the young and the not so young!”
Matica’s predicament turns into her greatest gift
It’s a different story than any other. It’s even unique. A magical fantasy.
An incredible combination of a young girl and her struggles and being in a spectacular place – the Great Andean mountains. The lives of the people in the village, their interacting with one another and with the great amazing friendship between the girl and the mighty Andean condor – Talon and having the most amazing adventures and near misses one after the other together.
Matica, a small child who had a hard time finding acceptance with the Indians from her village, fly’s with Talon and has scores of adventures and near misses.
But will it stop her from having the greatest fun? No, it will not. Besides of being accepted now by the locals, a love develops between Amos, a local boy and herself as she overcomes her handicap and shows bravery and courage.
This is a coming-of-age story where Matica is learning patience, forgiveness and trust.
5 Stars: Young and old will enjoy ‘Talon, On The Wing’ by Gigi Sedlmayer!
As a grandmother, I find book two (Talon, On The Wing) just as exciting as book one. This book (series) is an action adventure that will keep teens turning the page. As we learned in book one, Matica is age 1o and very small for her age due to her handicap. This amazing young lady has gained the trust of the Peruvian Indians and her life changed when she rescued a Condor egg from poachers.
In this book her rescue bird takes her aboard and together they reach tremendous heights. They visit cities hidden away in the jungles of Peru. As Matica mingles with the native people, she accepts their culture and learns many life lessons along the way. Matica’s special boyfriend Amos and all the avian creatures bring joy to her life.
While my review tends to be longer than most, my intent is to bring you into the story in chapter 46.
…Matica was still in her thoughts about what her mother had said to Alex when Talon, feeling strong and agile, flew away from Mira. For Alexander it was his grief for his lost brother, for Matica it was the yearlong depression she felt, being alone, not being allowed to play with other children. She felt privileged to hear about Alex’s problems as well and thanked Talon again that he stayed so she could hear all, since she still had sometimes bad thoughts about her earlier loneliness. But now she promised to herself never to be lonely again. Whatever it takes. Mum’s words were so good, as Alex had said as well.
…Finally she left the thoughts behind and started to enjoy the flight with Talon. Talon first flew, zigzagging, over the plateau back to Ramah, making a detour to the magnificent Andes Mountains. Tamo and Tima followed him wherever Talon went. Matica, from his back, admired the high peaks and the wide areas of hilly grassland between. She couldn’t get enough and soon both lost track of time.
…While flying, Talon suddenly trembled as if he was about to shake himself, like a dog would shake the water out of its fur, and then he flapped his wings periodically in a strange, jagged way Matica had never experienced before. Not that she had a lot of experience yet, but she couldn’t imagine that he would flap his wings in that way. It felt for her as if he was trying to stay aloft with the sharp and fast up-and-down movements of his wings, as if Talon felt that if he didn’t flap his wings, he would drop out of the sky and tumble to the ground. But again, for Matica that couldn’t be. After all, Talon is a bird and couldn’t fall out of the sky.
…Could he?
Award Winning Author Gisela Sedlmayer does an excellent job with book two in her Talon series. Gisela’s descriptive storytelling, age-appropriate language, believable characters and wildlife drama will engage any avid reader from age 9 and up. In an age of cell phone and electronic notebooks, it is important to instill good reading habits in our children. Check out Books 1-6 in this Talon Series. Below is a list of Awards.
MEDALIST WINNER for older published with NEW APPLE 2019
TOP10 FINALIST with AUTHORS ACADEMY AWARDS 2018
SILVER MEDAL AWARD with READERS’FAVORITE in Children’s’ adventure 2018
Finalist with: BOOK EXCELLENCE AWARD, 2017
Finalist with: IAN Book of the year award 2017 – The Independent Author Network
Silver for BOOK COVER competition with Authorsdb 2016
5-star Review by Readers’ Favorite
4 stars review by Online Book Club
4 Star from Titan for Book One
BEA-Finalist
Global E-Book Award for Book 5
TALON 5 FINALIST WITH IAN 2018
2020 5 Star Book Cover Award from Book Marketing Global Network for Book One.
2020 5 Star Book Cover Award from Book Marketing Global Network for Book Six.
2021 5 Star Book Cover Award from Book Marketing Global Network for Book Two.
2021 Book Trilogy/Series Award from Book Marketing Global Network for the Talon Six Book Youth Series
2021 October 5 Star Award For The ‘Talon’ Series from Book Marketing Global Network.
I invite you to share this book with all the young people in your life, place this book along with all the books in this youth series in your local, civic, religious, community libraries. This series would be perfect for a summer reading program for boys and girls.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Product Details: Series: Talon (Book 2) Paperback: 350 Pages Publisher: Aurora House (December 16, 2013) Language: English Action and Adventure Survival Stories Tween, Teen, YA, and Family Talon Book Series
Will they be safe as they travel? What about the dangerous animals they could encounter?
Will Matica see her condors?
Matica and her family are planning a holiday to Australia. She and her father travel to Cajamarca to organize supplies and air tickets. Although she misses her condors on the way, she sees wondrous scenery, rain-forest, animals and birds.
But disaster strikes, coming home. Her father is seriously injured and contracts a high fever. Not knowing what to do, Matica calls to her condors for help. The wait if they would come and if, until they arrive is the hardest thing she has ever had to endure.
Journey with Matica through her adventures, laughter and tears. Enjoy the feeling of friendship, love and camaraderie between Matica and her condors, Talon, Tamo and Tima.
5 Stars: Dangerous Trek Through Tropical Rain Forests!
This is the fourth book of this incredible ‘Talon’ series that I have read. Each book stands alone as an action/adventure/survival story that will entertain, inspire and educate young and old. In book three, ‘Talon, Flight for Life’, main character Matica, a young girl with a growth disorder, living in a primitive Peruvian Indian village needs to accompany her father, Crayn on a dangerous trek through tropical rain forests to get supplies in the city of Cajamarca.
Mountains, forests, grasslands, steep canyons, people and places become part of their journey filled with awe as they see exotic birds, encounter spider monkeys, piranhas in the water, and a Puma. Touching father/daughter scenes with where life and death drama unfolds when Matica’s Condor friends come to the rescue, when Matica’s father is bite by a poisonous spider.
Let me bring you into the story at Chapter 31: Bambamarca:
…They walked quickly over hedge and ditch now, over rise and fall of troughs and channels for another two hours without any noticeable events, only that it sloped down further. The ground they were traversing on now was rougher than the earlier goings. A range of rugged hills rose on their left.
…Coming over a little hill, Matica kept standing, yelling, ‘Whoa!
…What are these?! They look planted, whatever they are!’ ‘Pineapples,’ Crayn said. ‘It’s a huge pineapple plantation.’
…As far as the eye could see their eyes rested at that huge pineapple plantation but not yet the village. Crayn said, wiping his forehead, ‘Phew, we made it. The village is just behind there, at the end of it.’ He pointed.
…‘Right. I saw that field flying over with Talon. Can we walk through it? I can’t see a path going through, or do we have to walk around it?’ ‘We can go through. Don’t worry.’ He looked at the setting sun. ‘We’ll be in the village just before the sun vanishes.’ He looked at her.
…‘You sound exhausted, Mat.’
…Should she tell him the truth? She decided to do so. ‘I am,’ she said truthfully, seeing her father’s exhaustion as well.
…‘Me too,’ he nodded. ‘It’s because we can see an end to this day. And Matica,’ he went on, ‘does the first day come close to your expectation?’
Award Winning Author Gigi Sedlmayer uses her life experiences from Germany, New Zealand and Australia along with her very descriptive storytelling, to draw readers 9 and up into this award-winning series. This series would make a great summer reading series and should be in all libraries.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
5-star review by Readers Favorite
FINALIST for BOOK COVER competition with AUTHORSDB 2017
3 out of 4 stars review by Online Book Club
5 Star Book Award From Book Marketing Global Network.
Product Details: Series: Talon (Book 3) Paperback: 438 Pages Publisher: Aurora House (December 16, 2013) Language: English Action and Adventure Survival Stories Tween, Teen, YA, and Family Talon Book Series
Join Matica’s Journey Of Adventure and Friendship (Book Four).
TALON, CONNECTED is the fourth story in the TALON series.
It’s for children, teens and young adults, even for younger ones. For when they have an affliction, or are handicapped, they can find out, that there is always a way out, to be happy and live with it, even when they are rejected.
NEVER TO GIVE UP: The Talon series, are such an inspiring piece of work indeed. And the stories are great, uplifting and touching, moving and exciting, and I’d unreservedly recommend them for readers of any age, young or old – they’re that good. Read one and you’ll find yourself grasping for the next, then the next. There are four in the series, you owe it to yourself to get them all.
Matica meets with the village eldest and wisest man, Elcano, who tells her ‘we are all connected to each other, Matica’s family and the Condors’.
Elcano also shares with Matica that he predicts that the Condors will be protected by all because Matica, her family, the Indians and the Condors are all connected.
These books are the most heartwarming stories you will read! They are intended rot all ages. Well thought out! You will fall in love with the characters and want more as you keep going with this series! It’s so easy to get lost in each book… I know I sure did! Add these to your list to read or start reading now, you’ll fall in love with them!
And – Will the poachers kill Talon? Will the villagers catch the poachers? We’ll find the answers soon. 5 stars by READER’S FAVORITE
5 Stars: Journey Of Adventure and Friendship!
Talon, Connected (book four) by Gigi Sedlmayer begins after the Dangerous Trek Through Tropical Rain Forests in book three. This Talon Adventure series is for teens and all those young at heart. Each book can be enjoyed out of sequence.
Matica finally fell asleep, after sharing her harrowing ordeal, that nearly took her Dad’s life. If not for the amazing actions of the condors and Matica’s courage the poisonous spider would have won the battle.
You will bond with this wonderful family. Let your imagination soar with Matica and three remarkable condors (Talon, Tamo, and Tima) in this great out-of-doors adventure. This series takes place in the mountains of Peru. The village of Pucara which is close to equator. It is surrounded by tropical rain forests, green and barren mountains, forests, grasslands, green or brown valleys, small rolling hills, and deep steep canyons.
Let me bring you into the story at Chapter 39: Did You See the ‘You Know Who’?
…They flew to the rainforest and over the deep crevice and hole where they had encountered the poachers the day before, but didn’t see them anywhere. Even the two hawks attacked them, acting normally again. Then they flew to the Inca dwelling and came back over the foothills of the great Andes.
…Everywhere they flew they looked out for the poachers, but they didn’t see them anywhere. Joyful, Matica called out, ‘It’s wonderful. Today we haven’t seen the “you know who” anywhere. I wonder where they are and what they’re up to. Mind you, Talon, it’s good that we haven’t seen them. So, they’re not on your trail yet. Do you think they gave up on trying to find you?’ Talon grunted and shook his head. ‘No? I might think that too.’
…Tamo and Tima grunted at either side of her and shook their heads as well.
… ‘You think they’re just somewhere else before they come back to look for you and possibly find you? No, no, I shouldn’t say that. They won’t find you. No way.’
…It was a bit longer than their usual one-hour flight, since they flew to the Incan dwelling as well, when Talon landed softly in front of their hut. Hugging him after jumping down, Matica watched him taking flight to join Tamo and Tima in the sky.
… ‘How was it? Did you see the “you know who”?’ Mira inquired, standing in the door, watching the birds’ flight for a while, then she went inside. Matica followed but left the door open.
… ‘It was great, of course, and no, we didn’t see them.’ She sat down beside her dad at the table. ‘Dad, you’re up? How are you?’
How is Matica’s Dad’s recovery, and what are the poachers up to?
Award Winning Author Gigi Sedlmayer uses her life experiences from Germany, New Zealand, and Australia along with her very descriptive storytelling, to draw readers age 9 and up into this award-winning series. This series will make a great summer reading series, and should be in all libraries.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Product Details: Series: Talon (Book 4) Paperback: 378 Pages Publisher: Aurora House (September 19, 2013) Language: English Action and Adventure Survival Stories Tween, Teen, YA, and Family Talon Book Series
It is war – the poachers are back and want Talon. Revenge is in the air.
They are doing everything in their power to capture him, and if they can’t get him alive, will kill him. Determined to get him at all costs the poachers run up against the might and will of Tamo, Tima and Talon.
With the help of Tamo and Tima, Talon and Matica, they do the impossible knowing they have to capture and stop the poachers or they will be back.
Between the poachers shooting at the condors, the crows playing their part, and Tamo being shot and injured, Matica goes above and beyond to help her beloved condors.
Action-packed from beginning to end, Talon Encounter will keep you on the edge of your seat.
FINALIST with Book Excellence Award 2018
FINALIST in the 2018 IAN Book of the Year Awards in “Young Adult.”
Nominee by GLOBAL EBOOK AWARDS 2018
Medalist Winner with New Apple in the Young Adult General Fiction 2017 Book Awards for Excellence in Independent
BRONZE for first line competition with AUTHORSDB 2017
GOLD for book cover competition with AUTHORSDB 2016
Product Details: Series: Talon (Book 5) Paperback: 382 Pages Publisher: Aurora House (September 25, 2015) Language: English Action and Adventure Survival Stories Tween, Teen, YA, and Family Talon Book Series
The poachers are gone, and the birds are safe. Now Matica is becoming anxious thinking of the upcoming holiday to Australia – she does not want to go, or leave her birds. But Talon, understanding her misery, helps to ease her mind.
With distractions from all sides, Matica soon finds herself involved in current happenings – the letting go of Elcano’s ashes from the top of the Andes, and near tragedy of Crayn falling while climbing up the mountain. The condors play a vital role in saving the day.
Talon shows Matica the puma and her cubs. But things go wrong when the female puma smells them and attacks. Will they escape the big cat?
As a birthday surprise for Matica, Aikon asked the birds to fly with her for the whole day. The birds agree and the thrilling adventures she has now with near misses, the finding of old bones, snakes and spiders Talon, Windsong adventures will keep you turning the pages and on the edge of your seat.
5 Stars: Journey Over The Andes Mountain Canyons!
“Talon Windsong” is the sixth book in the “Talon” action adventures for readers age 9 and up. The story begins with celebration in the village, nestled in the mountains of Peru. The poachers are in custody, the village, the condors and all wildlife are safe for now. For Matica (young girl with a disability) the celebration is bitter sweet, as time is approaching for her to travel to Australia, and leave her condor friends.
Matica lets go of her worry for now, as life goes on. By chapter eighteen, the journey up the rugged mountain side, with the condors flying overhead concludes, when they scatter Elcano’s (Pajaro’s father) ashes over the Andes Mountain canyons, with the help of a brisk mountain breeze.
For Matica and the others, the impending danger of falling off the mountain is avoided one step at a time, while climbing and descending. For all the beauty this environment has to offer, the dangers of natural predators like huge monitor lizards, ants, spiders, snakes and pumas (big cats) are ever present.
Intrusive thoughts keep Matica’s mind restless, as her vacation back to Australia draws near. Talking things out with her best friends, Tamo, Tima and Talon(condors), she explains:
…‘You know, in Australia, I was happy, as much as I can remember. I felt secure and happy, even with my affliction, because I fitted in, somehow. I thought I was, because I had friends. Friends?’ She pursed her lips then thrusted up her chin. ‘Yes, I had one special friend, she was like me. Not in the same school, not even close where we lived, but we were talking a lot on the phone. My doctor brought us together. Well,’ she nodded, ‘yes, I didn’t want to end that and go to Peru after Dad told me we have to come there. What will await me there? I was afraid. I was devastated hearing it. How will it be there? Will they accept me as I am, or will they reject me? No one rejected me in Australia. Even some looked strangely at me. Well, at that time, I didn’t know how it would feel to be rejected. I only know that now, where it happened.’ She nodded, looking into Talon’s eyes, as he looked at her, trying to understand her. ‘And then coming here,’ she continued, ‘I was so lonely because the Indians didn’t accept me, they rejected me. That was the worst thing that happened to me. I had no one to talk to or play to, until I found you, Tamo.’
…She looked at him. Tamo nodded, as if he understood what Matica said.
…‘That was the best thing that ever could have happened to me. And that had changed everything, yes, everything.’ She reflected and nodded. ‘Hey,’ Matica suddenly laughed. ‘You just looked at all of me. That’s it. Yes, because of my disability. And that’s who I am. As Mum is telling me: “That’s who you are”. Those are her words.’
…Talon grunted, so did Tamo and Tima, looking her up as well. All three shook their heads.
…‘You don’t think I’m strange looking, right? Even you know Aikon and my parents, they’re normal. And the Indians.’
…The birds poked her chest. Talon grunted, it sounded to her as if he said, I love you. And, you are normal to me. And with that, you can fly on me. Tamo and Tima followed his sound.
…Matica grinned happy and stroked their heads. She went on: ‘And that, my birds, was and is the best thing that could have happened to me. Now I’m so happy with you Talon and Tamo and Tima. And it all started with you, Tamo.’
…She looked at him. He bent his neck down to her and kissed her on the nose. ‘If you wouldn’t have been curious of me and wouldn’t have come down to greet me, all this wouldn’t have happened. And now we have to end that and go back to Australia?’ She shook her head. ‘How will it be?’
…Children can relate to Matica’s worries about leaving her familiar environment, even for a short visit. The “Talon” adventures that play out in the 95 chapters, will teach and inspire young minds. Award Winning Author Gisela Sedlmayer does an excellent job with her Talon series. Gisela’s descriptive storytelling, age-appropriate language, believable characters, and wildlife drama will engage young minds. In an age of cell phones, electronic notebooks, and hectic lifestyles, it is important to instill good reading habits in our children. As a grandmother, I invite you to share all six books in this “Talon” series with the children in your life.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Product Details: Series: Talon (Book 6) Paperback: 400 Pages Publisher: Aurora House (July 27, 2020) Language: English Action and Adventure Survival Stories Tween, Teen, YA, and Family Talon Book Series
About The Author: Book Excellence Award Finalist 2017, Sole Award Medalist winner with ‘New Apple’ 2017, Nominee with Global Ebook Award 2017, silver book award with Readers’ Favorite
Gisela (Gigi) Sedlmayer was born on 19 May 1944 in Potsdam, a suburb of Berlin in Germany.
Her family escaped to the West just before the infamous wall went up. They moved around in Germany until finally settling in Munich where Gigi studied architectural drafting and met Albert in 1965, marrying in December 1967. She worked as a civil drafts’ person in various private consultancies in Munich.
May 1975, Gigi and her husband moved to New Zealand. Because of language challenges, she started a handicraft business. As a specialty, she made colorful parrots of which she sold thousands in a few years.
May 1989, they became adoptive parents of twin girls from Fiji.
September 1992, they moved to Australia.
November 1993 Gigi was diagnosed with cancer. By the grace of God, she survived and seeing her husband writing the story about the adoption, she started to write short stories for competition since her English became increasingly better.
She entered them in competitions and often got very good reports back, which gave her confidence to go on writing. One day the idea for the TALON series came to her and she spent the next several years bringing the story and the characters to life.
2020-5 Star Book Cover Award from Book Marketing Global Network for Book One.
2021-5 Star Book Cover Award from Book Marketing Global Network for Book Two.
2021-5 Star Book Cover Award from Book Marketing Global Network for Book Three.
2020-5 Star Book Cover Award from Book Marketing Global Network for Book Six.
2021-Book Trilogy/Series Award from Book Marketing Global Network for the Talon Six Book Youth Series
2021 October-5 Star Award for the ‘Talon’ Series from Book Marketing Global Network.
Milijun: What Would Alien Interaction Really Be Like?
A tangled web of alien intrigue traps a mother and son in its deadly embrace …
When aliens capture Laura’s son, it’s going to take a lot more than a mother’s love to get him back. After infiltrating a military research base, Laura discovers a terrifying secret: their plans to engineer humans for galactic exploration.
Laura battles to save Jason, several mothers-to-be, and herself from alien control. But she quickly realizes the aliens have their own mission for her. Soon she faces a choice, take a chance at an impossible escape or accept the aliens’ vision of a new humanity.
Milijun is the first installment of an action-packed sci-fi alien invasion story. If you like tales of first contact, secret military operations, and the people caught in the middle, then you’ll love Clayton Graham’s fast-paced sci-fi thrill ride.
Buy Milijun to discover the future of evolution.
“Captured my interest from the very beginning, and never once let go.” Jenna – Indie Book Reviewers
“If you love the genre, read this gem.” Julius Zon – Self Publishing Review
5 Stars: Explores Our Deepest Darkest Fears!
Mankind has always had a fascination with extraterrestrials which dates from ice-age cave walls, ancient Egyptian carvings all the way to Milijun by Clayton Graham.
This well written novel explores our deepest darkest fears that as a planet we are not ready for an alien incursion, in fact we pretend our intellect can save us. However, in Australia 2179 AD main character Laura Sinclair is faced with the unimaginable when she and her son Jason witness aliens descending to earth.
It is earth’s exploration and mining on the lunar surface that begins the conflict that ultimately results in the alien incursion into the Australian outback. Laura and her son Jason are faced with alien-driven technology that severely tests a mother’s love and resolve to protect her offspring at whatever cost.
It is my intent to share a quote to show you the author’s writing style without spoiling the story.
… “It was almost 6:30 pm when Laura came across what would later be called the Rawlinna nest. The sun was dropping in the western sky as she staggered wearily to the top of a modest incline and surveyed the collection of old aluminum shacks spread out before her.
…She dropped to the ground, partly to avoid detection but also from sheer fatigue. Her face was covered with sweat and there were several dirt marks down both cheeks where she had attempted to clear bothersome flies from her face. Closing her eyes briefly, she sat in silence, not wanting to act in haste but acutely aware that time was crucial. Earlier, she had made a brief stop to drink water from the choppa’s emergency rations but now felt the need for more. She quenched her thirst then nibbled at a foul-tasting energy bar as she thought through her next move.”
I invite you to the Australia outback where things are not as you might imagine. Milijun is a striking name for this novel. I dare you to find its meaning. It is an Australian aboriginal word which also has a Serb-Croatian context.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Review by Cheri Roan: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Powerfully Exciting Sci-Fi Adventure!! Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2016. Verified Purchase. Dust settled and the moon bathed the scene in quietude as if wishing not to remember the violence and invasion that had so abruptly occurred and just as swiftly vanished.”
Aliens have invaded earth as Laura and her fourteen-year-old son, Jason are embarking on a relaxing camping trip. As lights flash in the distance only within seconds seem to be upon the mother and son. Demanding that Jason doesn’t share with anyone the pictures that he took of the invasion, as she just wishes to forget it ever happened. However, that all changes when the next day Jason goes to the camp tourist center and uses the workstations to get a better look at his photos, he is abducted by an alien who has taken control of a ranger’s body. Laura rescues her son only to find themselves on the run from the police, military, and aliens, not knowing whose body has been invaded and just who can they trust.
Alien invasion stories are nothing new, however, this one is unique by keeping the story fresh, fast-paced and exciting without the usual predictability of most sci-fi fantasies. The amazing plot has not only blown me away, but the characters are outstanding in depth and realism. I was captivated by Laura’s strength, as she had to dig deep within herself to find the courage and fortitude to not only save herself and Jason, but others who are depending on her too. Powerfully exciting sci-fi adventure that is sure to quicken the heart more than once. Excellent read.
Review by Evelyn: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Colourful Fantasy. Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2021. Verified Purchase. I adore fantasy novels because they challenge the reader and this one in particular did it in an extraordinary way. The author, Clayton Graham, paints very well described scenes and fantastic characters that are worthy of holding attention through to the end. They are really great protagonists with unique personalities, each of them with their own quirks and memorable characteristics.
The story blew my mind as it is an interesting mix of science fiction, conflict, aliens and clandestine Earth forces filled with details. Anyway, the narrative is really easy to follow because the writer did a sublime work introducing the reader to the story by making them part of it.
I would recommend this piece of work to anyone who enjoys this kind of reading. It will fulfill any reader’s expectation in the same way it completed mine.
Review by JC in GA: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A great futuristic science fiction novel. Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2017. Verified Purchase. A great sci-fi read! It draws the reader in right away with the discovery of alien life hiding in a cave on the moon. There is a considerable amount of suspense and I instantly found myself rooting for Simon Cordell, hoping he would survive his ordeal. Does he? Read the book to find out.
The main draw for me, however, when we’re talking science fiction, is the world-building. I love this, especially in futuristic fiction. It was fascinating to read about Australia in the wake of what nearly turned out to be humanity’s final war. I was intensely curious to find out what life was like in Northern Australia, and wanted to know more of the history of how the country split into two parts. And the Milijun compound was so full of mysteries I just had to keep reading to find out what was going on.
Oh, and there are aliens. Did I mention that? So on top of everything else we add in the mystery of how they arrived on earth and what they want now that they are here. And does Milijun have something to do with all of it? Again, read the book to find out. It’s a fascinating story with lots of suspense and surprising twists and turns.
READERS/FOLLOWERS: 2,340 Each Book In This Jax Diamond Series Can Be Read As A Standalone. 20th Century Historical Romance, With Traditional Detective and Cozy Mystery. SONGBIRD by Gail Meath. 20th Century Historical Romance, Traditional Detective and Cozy Mystery. Book 1 of 7: Jax Diamond Mysteries. “A rip-roaring good historical mystery… Continue reading →
Murder Secrets and Injustice In A Small Town by Anastasia Marie Cassella.
Anastasia Marie Cassella’s book: Murder, Secrets and Injustice in a Small Town accurately depicts small town America with its good and its bad.
Come follow Ana’s story about murder, secrets, and injustice in the small coastal town of Cherryfield, Maine.
Who really murdered Marco, a migrant worker and who really murdered Sherman Stanhouse?
What is the secret Don Terrance wants to tell Ana?
5-Stars: Based on a similar crime story, Anastasia invites her readers to experience small town justice. I found the story interesting. Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Keywords: Murder Secrets and Injustice In A Small Town, Anastasia Marie Cassella, Maine Author, Bar Harbor Maine, Maine, Book, Fiction (Crime), Fiction (Small Town/Rural), Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Author.
Book Specifications From Lulu: Page Count: 161 Pages Publisher: Lulu Book Size: US Trade (6 x 9) Publication Date: Aug 12, 2023 Language: English Fiction (General) Fiction (Crime) Fiction (Women) Mysteries (Crime Fiction)
The United States of America has been crippled. Violently contained by a global military force and left without its leaders, the country has become shattered and chaotic. A decade has passed since the first strike and a new landscape has emerged where survival is more important than anything else. Who will uncover the truth behind the attack and revive this once great nation?
It certainly won’t be Cassidy and Lloyd since they couldn’t care less about that stuff. She is a young woman on a mission to honor her mother’s dying wish, which is to toss her ashes off the Golden Gate Bridge. He is an infamous serial killer she broke out of Rikers Island since hiring a bodyguard wasn’t working out. Not the perfect plan, but having an insane, oddly charming murder-junkie on your side is a plus in the Shattered States.
Bullets and swear words are going to fly as Cassidy and Lloyd travel coast to coast, facing one challenge after another . . . including Nebraska.
5 Stars: Apocalyptic Action-Comedy Adventure!
Author Charles E. Yallowitz moves away from his usual epic fantasy novels to write this Apocalyptic Action Comedy Adventure. The Cover Design & Illustration is the creation of Jon Hunsinger.
Sixteen chapters of adventure where the characters are raw, rough and tough in a world where the United States is now under the control of a global military force where the borders are defined by a new meaning and the States are on their own.
Main character Cassidy is a young woman on a personal mission “tempted to draw her gun and make a stand, but she knows the prison guards are only doing their job.” She is among the escapees from Rikers’ Island. Even though they are all “Sadistic murderers and traitorous thieves though they may be, she broke them out for a reason.” “There is an air of tension and aggression that is growing stronger by the hour even though nobody has spoken since escaping Rikers Island.”
I quote Cassidy here, “Then you’re not going to like being out in the real world,” the young woman replies, her fingers tracing random designs on her mug’s condensation. Seeing the question on the tip of the man’s tongue, she runs her hands through her hair and taps at her forehead scar. “Money is useless in most of the Shattered States. That’s what the country is called now because every place has its own laws and systems. One of the few things that carries over the borders is bartering. For example, this meal is being paid for by a full set of silverware and two packages of pre-sliced pepperoni. It’s why we’re eating a full pie and can get another for the road. You’ll either figure things out or become a violent scavenger to survive. Everyone picks one way or the other at some point.”
Follow Cassidy and the others in this new world where law, order and survival take on a new meaning. “Standing at the street corner, Cassidy stares at the lakeshore building that is on the other side of a concrete clearing. A garden is in the center of the circular area, half of it an attempt at nurturing vegetables and the other an array of flowers. The distant structure is like nothing she has ever seen before with the more visible part a glass pyramid and a square tower on its backside. Blocky additions are on the right-hand side of the building, which has been covered in vivid pictures that make Cassidy think the residents keep changing their minds about the decorations. Coming off the left and sitting on Lake Erie is a circular structure that is adorned with a patchwork of old concert posters. With the warm and calm weather, there are people fishing along the shore and in small boats, which are meticulously tethered to pylons to avoid floating away. Far in the distance, the outlines of military vessels can be seen waiting to stop anyone from trying to escape into Canada. Not wanting to dwell on darker times and how the rest of the world is going on without her, Cassidy turns her gaze back to their destination.”
If you like reading action adventure and epic fantasy tales, please read Crossing Bedlam and all the novels in Charles E. Yallowitz’s Legends of Windemere series.
“Crossing Bedlam” by Charles E. Yallowitz is a new Apocalyptic Action Comedy Adventure where violence and language create an adult reading experience.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
About The Author: Charles E. Yallowitz was born, raised, and educated in New York. Then he spent a few years in Florida, realized his fear of alligators, and moved back to the Empire State. When he isn’t working hard on his epic fantasy stories, Charles can be found cooking or going on whatever adventure his son has planned for the day. Truthfully, his tales of adventure are much more interesting than his real life, so skip the bio and dive into the action.
READERS/FOLLOWERS: 605 Download PDF And Purchase Book(s) At Your Convenience! Suspense Crime Thrillers With British Flair! 2025 Release! The Forgotten by Ron A. Sewell. Aged Records Reveal The Failings Of The Past! Over 2,000 people go missing in the UK every day. Most are located within twenty-four hours, but for… Continue reading →
5 Stars for ‘INSIDE’: Realistic Depiction Of Life In A Police Department.
INSIDE by J.C. De Ladurantey.
A Howard Hamilton Ride-Along.
Policing the streets is less precarious than the intrigue and drama behind the balusters and bulletproof glass of a police station. The interaction with the public can be the escape our men and women in blue need to avoid the administrative bureaucracy that controls their actions and often dictates what they can and cannot do. Orchard Hill PD is not immune to the intrigue and changes that drive today’s police departments. There are two things’ police officers’ hate. First is the way things are. The second is changing the way things are. Some try to hide on the graveyard or night shift to get away from the inside workings of a PD, but sooner or later, it catches up to everyone, even Detective Howard Hamilton.
What occurs outside does not necessarily translate to what goes on INSIDE. Ride along with Detective Howard Hamilton as he unravels a series of mysteries INSIDE.
• Was Detective Hamilton responsible for his Chief losing his job?
• Why are his coworkers and family pushing him into a relationship he may not be ready for?
• Are vice crimes victimless?
• Are Hamilton’s computer analytical skills up to the challenge of complex investigations?
• Detective Hamilton and his team are propelled from a simple investigation into an international drug and human smuggling cartel that takes cooperation at the Regional, State, and Federal levels.
• See how this intrigue unravels with a front-row seat in another Howard Hamilton Ride-Along.
5 Stars for ‘INSIDE’: Realistic Depiction Of Life In A Police Department.
Author J.C. De Ladurantey uses his forty plus years of law enforcement experience and street savvy to bring his readers into his ‘A Howard Hamilton Ride-Along’ series. ‘INSIDE’ brings the reader into the inner sanctorum of today’s law enforcement. Ride along with Officer Howard Hamilton of Orchard Hill PD and discover for yourself the mysteries that surround our brave men and women in blue, the administrative bureaucracy that controls every aspect of law enforcement, and how this bureaucracy helps and/or harms our community.
This fictional, complex and intriguing story is told with insider knowledge and integrity. Officer Hamilton is learning everything he can about open-source intelligence. He is “developing the skill to investigate hacking cases, data removal, high-tech criminal investigations, online child solicitation, abduction, kidnapping, and cold case homicides – anything that used technology. He is in his element as he expanded into understanding terrorist databases and other high-level intrusions into a world he never had known existed.”
The characters reflect our brave men and women in blue doing their jobs. The situations portrayed on the clock are intense. Life and death split second decisions are made. The scrutiny and magnification of law enforcement’s actions and imperfections are intensified in the media, courtrooms and in public perceptions. Due to the realistic depiction of life in a police department, significant profanity and explicit sexual content, I recommend this book for ages 16 and up.
I especially enjoyed the conversations and comradery within the work environment. I found the everyday home and family drama made the characters very relatable. The life within the community shared brought a sense of humanity, along with the daily struggle between good and evil.
Let me bring you into the story: “Hamilton could not concentrate on what was in front of him. He flashed back eight years when his life with Clare and the kids was so simple. He patrolled a city with very little violent crime, almost no major drug problem other than weed in the high schools, and never the contentious issues he has been involved in since being assigned to Narcotics and Vice. Chaos seemed to reign once outside the city limits of Orchard Hill. Inside Orchard Hill was just fantasy land now. Do we need to go out of the city to protect our city, or do we patrol the perimeter to ensure evil doesn’t enter?”
Our law enforcement is tasked with keeping communities safe. All they ask in return, acknowledgment of the complexities of the job, respect for each officer’s commitment to serve, and the ability to return home to their family at the end of their shift.
I invite you to read ‘A Howard Hamilton Ride-Along’ crime suspense mystery thriller series ‘COWARDS, CROOKS AND WARRIORS’, ‘TWENTY-THREE MINUTES’, ‘AVAILABLE TIME’ and ‘INSIDE’.
Reviewed And Endorsed by Book Marketing Global Network.
Peyton Reynolds has no idea that the gorgeous summer day she is enjoying is about to take a strange turn and embroil her and her boyfriend Jaxon Kincaid in another case. As the details emerge, it won’t take long for them to understand there is nothing normal about the murder Peyton has witnessed. An erratic suspect, a gathering of ghosts, and Peyton’s sudden disappearance will leave Jaxon scrambling for answers in the pages of a book left behind. They will have to think outside the box with help from the past to solve this one.
5 Stars: Can Pages Of A Book Solve A Mystery?
Recovering from being shot while in Arizona, Peyton Reynold’s decision to spend time in Blue Cove with her grandmother and cousin was a ‘godsend’ This was the perfect day for Katie’s fairytale wedding. The Inn, renovated to its nineteen-eighteen historical period was intriguing, but a strange foreboding presence caused Payton apprehension.
Jaxon Kincaid, Peyton’s boyfriend is turning off the highway into Blue Cover to surprise Peyton. Peyton continued to look out the window lost in thought. In her heart, she knew the wedding would be all that Katie wanted it to be. The loud banging at the kitchen screen door startled her. Standing outside was a young woman with blood splattered down the front of her clothes. This would be the just the beginning of the mysteries about to unfold.
Later, Peyton and her cousin Jessie go exploring in the attic. Let me bring you into their discussion in Chapter 14:
… “Peyton laughed and reached to steady Jessie who yanked her hand back and almost fell down the stairs taking Peyton with her. “Sorry. I forgot to warn you about the zing that comes when opening the door.”
… “It didn’t do that when Katie and I were up here searching through the trunks for the handkerchief.”
… “Who opened the door?” she asked.
… “Katie did.” Jessie wiggled her tingling fingers. “Mystery solved.” Peyton stepped in front of Jessie and opened the door. “Now you can understand why I want to search up here. The atmosphere is zipping, and there is bound to be a good reason.” Peyton opened the first trunk and went through it carefully. “Some of this stuff is cool.”
…Jessie opened the doors of an old armoire. “Peyton, you’ve got to see this. We could have a costume party. Would you look at these clothes?” She wrapped a feather boa around her neck and placed one of the vintage hats on her head.
… “I’m not a fan of the feathers, but the hat is you with your golden curls spilling out. You look like you could be one of the women in Monet’s famous garden painting except for your clothes of course.” Peyton jumped when the attic door slammed with a loud bang. “Zip, zip, zip. See what I mean.”
… “I wonder what that’s all about.” Jessie took off the boa and hat. She bent to open the drawer at the bottom of the armoire, but it wouldn’t budge. A second attempt and one hard pull sent her falling backward onto her derrière. The drawer was still firmly closed. “A slamming door and a drawer that won’t open has me more curious than ever. How about you?”
What happens next is terrifying for Jessie and Jaxon struggles to get the story straight.
If you love exploring old buildings, paranormal suspense, mysteries around murder, weddings and the charm of romance, you will love ‘As The Page Turns’ (Blue Cove Mystery Book 10) by Iona Morrison. Iona Morrison is a multi-published Amazon bestselling author, who lives in Colorado. She is a member of the RMFWPAL (Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Published Authors League) and a member of the Colorado Author’s League. She enjoys being part of the vast community of authors, who reside in Colorado.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
READERS/FOLLOWERS: 2,273 Judgement Of Souls Trilogy by Margarita Felices. Fed up with some of the same old vampire stories? This is a different kind of vampire story. It’s been scripted for a future movie. This is a story about blood and revenge. You’ve never read vamps like these. Kiss At… Continue reading →
The Lost Years Of Billy Battles by Ronald E. Yates.
Finding Billy Battles Trilogy Book 3.
Where in the world is Billy Battles?
As Book Three of the Finding Billy Battles trilogy begins, we know where Billy is. He is in Chicago with his wife, the former Baroness Katharina von Schreiber living a sedate and comfortable life after years of adventure and tragedy. That changes with a single telephone call that yanks Billy and Katharina back into a life of havoc and peril.
Persuaded by a powerful old friend to go undercover for the U.S. government the two find themselves in Mexico during the height of the violent 1910-1920 revolution. There they encounter assorted German spies, Mexican revolutionaries, devious political operatives, and other malefactors. Caught in the middle of the 1914 American invasion of Veracruz, they must find a way out while keeping their real identities secret.
Later on, disaster strikes. It is a tragedy Billy is all too familiar with and one that will send him plummeting into a chasm of despair and agony. Then, Billy vanishes leaving family and friends to wonder what happened to him. Where is he? Is he dead or alive? What provoked his disappearance?
In Book 3 of the Finding Billy Battles Trilogy, those questions are answered, and the mystery behind Billy’s disappearance is ultimately revealed.
5 Stars: Remarkable Job Producing This Trilogy!
Saying goodbye to an old friend is always hard and that is how I feel as the “Finding Billy Battles Trilogy” comes to a close with book three titled “The Lost Years of Billy Battles”. The fictional Ted Sayles has done a remarkable job reading and producing this trilogy from more than a dozen journals written by his great grandfather Billy Battles. It is the historical significance woven skillfully within the element of fiction that makes this trilogy a must read for history buffs and fans of action and adventure novels.
After years of travel, relationships with foreign governments, wars of American making and wars forced upon us, not to mention the Chinese and Malay pirates; Billy and Katharina finally enjoy a few peaceful years where Billy is an editor for the Chicago Record-Herald and Katharina a successful author. It is inevitable that this serene period wouldn’t last forever. One phone call to go undercover will find them “caught in the middle of the 1914 American invasion of Veracruz”.
Just when danger subsides, I found myself holding my breath when the unthinkable happens. “Katharina wasn’t the one the five men were after. It was me. But when they couldn’t find me, they decided to take Katharina to use as bait. That was the first revelation. Next was who the men were. The man who had dragged Katharina out of the house was Mason Bledsoe, son of Nate Bledsoe, the man I had killed in 1889 on my family’s homestead in Western Kansas. When I heard the name, my knees buckled and my heart raced for a moment.” It was the ransom note that made Billy’s heart sink.
Of all the dangers Billy and Katharina had been exposed to in their life together, how will this one match up? When Billy is nowhere to be found, what reason will be uncovered? How will Billy Battle close the final chapter in his journal? Will Ted Sayles effort to canonize the legacy of his Great Grandfather Billy Battle live on for future generations?
There is no doubt in my mind that Author Ronald E. Yates’ extensive historical research, skilled character development and impeccable story telling has brought the reader to a successful conclusion in this thought-provoking trilogy. I invite you to read the entire “Finding Billy Battles Trilogy” as it portrays, as much a glimpse into history, as it does into one man’s life.
I loved The Lost Years Of Billy Battles (Finding Billy Battles Trilogy Book 3) by Ronald Yates as a final testimony to the life and times of Billy Battle.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Review by A. William Benitez: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Like Walking Through History With A Good Friend. Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2020. Verified Purchase. My only regret with this trilogy is that it ended. The concise and down to earth first-person narrative captured me from the beginning of the first book, which I loved for its real characterization of Bat Masterson and Wyatt Earp. Every book in the trilogy was like traveling through history with a good friend. I will definitely be checking out Yates other books.
Review by Heidi Mastrogiovanni: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. I loved all three of Ronald Yates’ books. Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2018. Verified Purchase. Why does a trilogy only have three books! I was absolutely heartbroken to see Billy Battles’ story end. I loved all three of Ronald Yates’ books. His prose is exquisite. He transports the reader to so many different times and places; it’s a cliché, but you really do feel as though you are there in all these distant places with the characters. The characters will stay with me always, especially Billy. The books in this trilogy are epic and absorbing. They are all page-turners. I never wanted any of them to end.
Review by CHERYL A. ADAMS: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Awesome!!! Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2018. Verified Purchase. These are great books that should be made into a movie! I see Tom Selleck in the title role! Wonderful history books!
Review by Helga Richards: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Five Stars! Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2018. Verified Purchase. A wonderful finish to this trilogy. Enjoyed all 3 Books.
Review by 5X Space Cadet: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Another Outstanding Glimpse of History and Our Checkered Past. Reviewed in the United States on June 7, 2018. This well-written conclusion to the Billy Battles trilogy is its crown jewel. This series’ characters are so vivid and compelling it’s hard to believe that this is a work of fiction. Their involvement in the events of the late 19th and early 20th century brings history alive as well. The author has outdone himself in researching that era and many of the events of which only true history buffs would be aware. In doing so, he has performed a great service bringing them to readers’ attention because these various international skirmishes laid the foundation for much of the contention seen in today’s world.
As they say, victors are the ones who write history. It’s also true that what you hear in history class is based on what higher powers want people to believe and incorporate into their view of the world. There is nothing more enlightening than to see familiar situations from the other side of the fence. Through these novels, Ron Yates has done a stellar job of placing the reader in the middle of various international situations and, in the true spirit of journalism, objectively presenting both sides. Sadly, today there is so much bias in the news media that true journalism has virtually disappeared. But even before they stooped to fake news and blatant lies, the stories presented by the media were designed to maintain a certain mindset that fueled nationalism at its worst.
When the U.S.A. entered World War II, they were definitely invited. Western European countries still appreciate us for the victory made possible by our intervention. For example, to this day Luxembourg places a wreath every Veterans Day on George S. Patton’s grave, which is in a U.S. Military Cemetery within that country. However, there have been times when our actions were nothing less than intrusive, albeit based on self-protection. That is justifiable to a point, but once that goal is achieved, hanging around terrorizing other country’s native populations is flat-out wrong. If you’ve ever wondered why Mexico hates us, this book will provide some answers.
European colonialism, which we supported, is another thorn in the side of many countries, especially in Far East countries like Korea and Vietnam. Bringing our version of civilization to these foreign shores, which we were convinced to consider a favor, in many cases wasn’t. How we’ve treated indigenous populations in other lands is shameful and even persists to this day with regard to Native Americans.
Of course, America did not start this practice, which originated millennia ago. Not that long ago, we were a colony ourselves, who were being oppressed, which ultimately resulted in the American Revolutionary War. So, what did we do, but turn around and support colonization by those who had once been our enemy. When our borders or way of life are threatened, that’s one thing. If someone attacks us, we have the right to defend ourselves, but our intrusion into these other battles has often made us the invader. It’s no wonder that other countries fear us, and it spirals down from there. However, the world is now entangled in the unfortunate consequences of thousands of years’ worth of conquests. Cliché though it may be, it’s true that those who fail to learn from history are indeed doomed to repeat it.
I didn’t intend for this review to turn into a political essay. However, it demonstrates how effective this novel and its predecessor, “The Improbable Journeys of Billy Battles”, have been in enlightening me to some of the less than savory facts embedded in U.S. history, thanks to the exploits of Yates’s amazing characters. Their interaction with actual historical figures makes it all the more interesting and convincing. Astounding imagery puts you right in the thick of things, whether geographically or via the use of the conversational vernacular of the time. In more ways than I can count, this book is a masterpiece. Do yourself a favor and get started on this series today. You’ll not only be entertained but see the world in an entirely different way. Isn’t that what great fiction is all about?
Review by Raymond and Mary Berry: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Action! Adventure! National Secrets! Reviewed in Canada on September 5, 2018. Verified Purchase. I have now read the entire trilogy of Billy Battles adventures, I was riveted! I couldn’t put any of the books down, I read them one after another like a guilty pleasure! Billy Battles adventures included civil war in Viet Nam, then known as Con Chine/Indochina war with France, Spanish/America War, Philippines/American war, Mexican American skirmish-1917-1921 and a few other interesting points in history that I haven’t had the pleasure of reading about in this way…Ronald Yates, the author of this trilogy did quite a bit of research and used newspaper accounts of these moments in history to write about Billy Battles adventures based on true events. In recent times many readers I know have spent time reading about World War I, and the events surrounding the Great War, so it’s a nice to read about other world events that occurred a little closer to home, at the same time.
I would say to Ronald Yates. It would be great if you wrote about Battles great grandson, also a journalist, to find out what he did with the secrets Billy Battles left behind.
Review by Bill: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Brilliant! Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 14, 2018. Verified Purchase. Another fabulous episode in the story of Billy Battles! As with the previous book I read, I was quickly gripped and hated finishing the book because I wanted to read more. The action is sometimes bloody and violent but always exciting. this time he gets caught up in Mexico with revolutionaries as well as German spies. The author does a wonderful job of blending history with fiction. Back home, Battles’ family life is far from smooth, which gives balance to the book so he is not a one-dimensional action hero. A great end to a brilliant series.
Product Details: Paperback: 412 Pages Publisher: Mill City Press, Inc. (May 29, 2018) Language: English Historical Fiction Action and Adventure
READERS/FOLLOWERS: 3,450 Should Community be a by-word rather than Indy? Author’s Wish List: Article Posted By Author Linda Frank 04/14/2024. Author’s Page At Book Marketing Global Network:https://bookmarketingglobalnetwork.com/book-marketing-global-network/author-linda-maria-frank/
Book: Those Alien Skies “Collection Of Galactic Encounters Of The Mysterious Kind”
5 Stars: “Collection Of Galactic Encounters Of The Mysterious Kind” by Australian Author Clayton Graham.
Coming October 2025: “Those Alien Skies” is a collection of three novellas which bring the reader beyond the “Milijun Trilogy”. The stories take place in different parts of our universe. Each novella starts with a glossary which defines the places and people. Here is a glimpse into “Those Alien Skies”.
Novella: “The Hunt for Elias Weber” starts on Mars and finishes on Earth. Elias Weber is bored and eager to get back to Earth. Returning to the mother planet was all he lived for now. Not that life on Mars was bad; it was good and offered more than his sojourn on the moon ever had during his time as Damien Dayananda’s second-in-command. It is a tale of sought-after-revenge, wistful desire for days long gone, and a reflection on how severe mind propaganda can influence a person’s thoughts and actions.
Novella: “Few and Far Between” takes place on Venture (AD 2291) and a strange alien artificial planet. Nothing can be taken for granted. Laura Sinclair is worried. The twins Len and Ben should have returned by now. After three years, on their new planetary home, Venture, the boys had grown into rambunctious teenagers whose self-confidence knew no bounds. But they always arrived home from their explorations on time, if only to sample her latest culinary creation. Except for today!
Novella: “Battle Lines”: This story takes place on the alien planet Glieze and illustrates the futility of war and the necessity of trust. It is a contest between World War and extinction or survival and faith in the future. Sometimes the way forward springs from the most unlikely source.
BMGN awards 5 Stars to “Those Alien Skies”. This book is a “collection of galactic encounters of the mysterious kind”. I encourage you to “Pre-Order” as soon as possible. Author Clayton Graham will give you a chance to nab it at a bargain introductory price. Let Author Clayton Graham take you to the stars!
BMGN Also Awarded 5 Stars To:
Read the “Milijun Trilogy” and discover the moment that changed everything. BMGN awarded 5 Stars to “Milijun” (book one) because it explores our deepest darkest fears. To this day, mankind has been fascinated with extraterrestrials. Dating back from ice-age cave walls, ancient Egyptian carvings, Hollywood movies, and continued space travel. Now a new moment has arrived!
“Amidst Alien Stars” (book two). BMGN awarded 5 Stars. This book will capture your imagination. Laura Sinclair and her son Jason desperately try to navigate the dangerous planet where aliens threaten not only their survival, but the whole human race.
“Alien Whispers” (book three). BMGN awarded 5 Stars. Engaging the Tellurian Empire is met with communication and conflict. The entire universe hangs precariously in the balance.
“Looking For Life” (stand-alone). BMGN awarded 5 Stars to this collection of science fiction short stories filled with paranormal.
“Saving Paludis” (stand-alone). BMGN awarded 5 Stars. This book is a reminder of human nature. This book is a stunning extraterrestrial mystery. A planet on the brink of annihilation. A battle for survival that will decide the fate of two worlds.
“Silently In The Night” (stand-alone). BMGN awarded 5 Stars to this collection of tantalizing tales.
In 2024 Clayton brought us “Aliens Arising” which goes back to the origins of Milijun.
We invite you to journey to the stars with all Clayton Graham’s hard science books.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Aliens Arising: Origins (Short Story) by Clayton Graham.
Related To: Milijun – A Gripping First Contact Series.
THE EVENT THAT STARTED IT ALL…
On the far side of the moon, a mining expedition uncovers something that should have stayed buried. What begins as a promising discovery soon unravels into a catastrophic chain of incidents that will forever alter humanity’s future.
Read the thrilling origin of the Milijun Trilogy and discover the moment that changed everything.
With mankind venturing into space, exploring the moon, and planning missions to other planets, an event like this could very well occur in the very near future.
The question is… Are we ready for First Contact?
Get your copy!
Books by Clayton Graham
Saving Paludis: A High-Stakes Space Opera of Alien Intrigue and Survival
Milijun: What Would Alien Interaction Really Be Like?
A tangled web of alien intrigue traps a mother and son in its deadly embrace …
When aliens capture Laura’s son, it’s going to take a lot more than a mother’s love to get him back. After infiltrating a military research base, Laura discovers a terrifying secret: their plans to engineer humans for galactic exploration.
Laura battles to save Jason, several mothers-to-be, and herself from alien control. But she quickly realizes the aliens have their own mission for her. Soon she faces a choice, take a chance at an impossible escape or accept the aliens’ vision of a new humanity.
Milijun is the first installment of an action-packed sci-fi alien invasion story. If you like tales of first contact, secret military operations, and the people caught in the middle, then you’ll love Clayton Graham’s fast-paced sci-fi thrill ride.
Buy Milijun to discover the future of evolution.
“Captured my interest from the very beginning, and never once let go.” Jenna – Indie Book Reviewers
“If you love the genre, read this gem.” Julius Zon – Self Publishing Review
5 Stars: Explores Our Deepest Darkest Fears!
Mankind has always had a fascination with extraterrestrials which dates from ice-age cave walls, ancient Egyptian carvings all the way to Milijun by Clayton Graham.
This well written novel explores our deepest darkest fears that as a planet we are not ready for an alien incursion, in fact we pretend our intellect can save us. However, in Australia 2179 AD main character Laura Sinclair is faced with the unimaginable when she and her son Jason witness aliens descending to earth.
It is earth’s exploration and mining on the lunar surface that begins the conflict that ultimately results in the alien incursion into the Australian outback. Laura and her son Jason are faced with alien-driven technology that severely tests a mother’s love and resolve to protect her offspring at whatever cost.
It is my intent to share a quote to show you the author’s writing style without spoiling the story.
… “It was almost 6:30 pm when Laura came across what would later be called the Rawlinna nest. The sun was dropping in the western sky as she staggered wearily to the top of a modest incline and surveyed the collection of old aluminum shacks spread out before her.
…She dropped to the ground, partly to avoid detection but also from sheer fatigue. Her face was covered with sweat and there were several dirt marks down both cheeks where she had attempted to clear bothersome flies from her face. Closing her eyes briefly, she sat in silence, not wanting to act in haste but acutely aware that time was crucial. Earlier, she had made a brief stop to drink water from the choppa’s emergency rations but now felt the need for more. She quenched her thirst then nibbled at a foul-tasting energy bar as she thought through her next move.”
I invite you to the Australia outback where things are not as you might imagine. Milijun is a striking name for this novel. I dare you to find its meaning. It is an Australian aboriginal word which also has a Serb-Croatian context.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Review by Cheri Roan: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Powerfully Exciting Sci-Fi Adventure!! Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2016. Verified Purchase. Dust settled and the moon bathed the scene in quietude as if wishing not to remember the violence and invasion that had so abruptly occurred and just as swiftly vanished.”
Aliens have invaded earth as Laura and her fourteen-year-old son, Jason are embarking on a relaxing camping trip. As lights flash in the distance only within seconds seem to be upon the mother and son. Demanding that Jason doesn’t share with anyone the pictures that he took of the invasion, as she just wishes to forget it ever happened. However, that all changes when the next day Jason goes to the camp tourist center and uses the workstations to get a better look at his photos, he is abducted by an alien who has taken control of a ranger’s body. Laura rescues her son only to find themselves on the run from the police, military, and aliens, not knowing whose body has been invaded and just who can they trust.
Alien invasion stories are nothing new, however, this one is unique by keeping the story fresh, fast-paced and exciting without the usual predictability of most sci-fi fantasies. The amazing plot has not only blown me away, but the characters are outstanding in depth and realism. I was captivated by Laura’s strength, as she had to dig deep within herself to find the courage and fortitude to not only save herself and Jason, but others who are depending on her too. Powerfully exciting sci-fi adventure that is sure to quicken the heart more than once. Excellent read.
Review by Evelyn: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Colourful Fantasy. Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2021. Verified Purchase. I adore fantasy novels because they challenge the reader and this one in particular did it in an extraordinary way. The author, Clayton Graham, paints very well described scenes and fantastic characters that are worthy of holding attention through to the end. They are really great protagonists with unique personalities, each of them with their own quirks and memorable characteristics.
The story blew my mind as it is an interesting mix of science fiction, conflict, aliens and clandestine Earth forces filled with details. Anyway, the narrative is really easy to follow because the writer did a sublime work introducing the reader to the story by making them part of it.
I would recommend this piece of work to anyone who enjoys this kind of reading. It will fulfill any reader’s expectation in the same way it completed mine.
Review by JC in GA: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A great futuristic science fiction novel. Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2017. Verified Purchase. A great sci-fi read! It draws the reader in right away with the discovery of alien life hiding in a cave on the moon. There is a considerable amount of suspense and I instantly found myself rooting for Simon Cordell, hoping he would survive his ordeal. Does he? Read the book to find out.
The main draw for me, however, when we’re talking science fiction, is the world-building. I love this, especially in futuristic fiction. It was fascinating to read about Australia in the wake of what nearly turned out to be humanity’s final war. I was intensely curious to find out what life was like in Northern Australia, and wanted to know more of the history of how the country split into two parts. And the Milijun compound was so full of mysteries I just had to keep reading to find out what was going on.
Oh, and there are aliens. Did I mention that? So on top of everything else we add in the mystery of how they arrived on earth and what they want now that they are here. And does Milijun have something to do with all of it? Again, read the book to find out. It’s a fascinating story with lots of suspense and surprising twists and turns.
An unbidden journey to a new world. A mind-bending search for intergalactic empathy. Will mankind ever understand the true meaning of the alien interactions with Earth?
Following their terrifying capture from their home planet, Laura Sinclair and son, Jason, lead a group of desperate humans in a bid to forge their own future, and that of the entire human race.
Aboard an alien space station, orbiting a mysterious planet in a strange new galaxy, they find themselves as collaborators in a breathtaking scheme of cosmic survival—for aliens and humans alike. But who can they really trust as they struggle to understand the challenging and hostile environment that holds them in a grip of iron?
To succeed, they must solve the puzzle of extraterrestrial races in the throes of a perplexing and historic conflict. But will that be a bridge too far?
If you like Close Encounters, Contact, and Arrival, then you’ll love Amidst Alien Stars, the standalone second book in a spellbinding new alien interaction series from Clayton Graham.
“There is world building of such depth and lush detail that you could almost feel it.” Kay Mack TOP 1000 REVIEWER
“Not only is this an exciting, action-packed page turner – I love the intelligence reflected, the witty dialogue, and the genuine depth in the characters’ emotions.” Meenaz Lodhi
“Admirable world-building and the unsurpassable, indefatigable, drive of the human spirit to not just survive, but to thrive, power this engrossing sequel to the author’s debut science fiction novel, Milijun.” Mallory A Haws
5 Stars: It Will Capture Your Imagination!
Milijun Book Two: Amidst Alien Stars is finally here. Laura Sinclair and her son Jason desperately try to navigate the dangerous planet where aliens threaten not only their survival, but the whole human race.
Chapter one finds Laura “studying the growth tanks” where each child will grow to maturity with her son’s DNA. Now in her forties, she finds herself grandmother to many, part human and part alien.
Here is a conversation between Jason and Helena Belmonte in Chapter Eight: “Helena Belmonte suddenly appeared from behind a nearby tree.
…As always, she was dressed in her Eucla clothing: a white dress blouse and dark uniform trousers. Her blond hair flowed free, and her face carried a nervous smile. She carried her tunic under one arm. She doesn’t look like someone trained to kill with one well-placed blow, Jason thought. Still, appearances are deceptive. He briefly wondered how she could have been so stupid as to succumb to the moronic advances of Simon Cordell.
…She took a step towards him. “Can we talk?”
…Jason shrugged and sat down with his back to the wall. Helena came and sat beside him, a metre distant, her slim legs almost up to her chin.
… “I suppose you heard about Simon?” Helena said.
…Jason glanced at her. Her eyes were red from crying. The smile was gone, and her face was a picture of misery.
… “I heard. Did Susan Carmody send you?”
…With tears threatening, she shook her head. “She told me what she had done to Simon, but she did not ask me to speak to you.”
… “I don’t know whether Simon Cordell deserved what he got, and maybe only you can answer that, but I don’t agree with what Susan did.”
…Helena looked into the distance, a faint tremor on her lips. “We were stupid. I was lonely and frightened of this place. It’s not natural. None of it.” She managed a faint smile. “They tell me the aliens will fix his injuries in next to no time.”
… “I don’t think he will bother you again,” Jason said.
… “I can heel-kick as well as any officer here,” Helena declared. “I do have some strength. I think Susan meant well. She was trying to protect me.”
… “One of her girls.”
…Helena almost laughed, then her face grew serious. “I said Susan didn’t send me. She didn’t. It was me who wanted to see you.” She appeared nervous. “You know the aliens more than anybody here. Can I ask you some questions?”
…Jason could feel the tension in her voice, see it in her aura. He just nodded. On Earth, he had been the First Seen. Chosen by the aliens, or, rather, by the RNasia. His vacation with his mother had been savagely interrupted, and he had been forced into adulthood more rapidly than seemed good for his mental well-being. But now, what storms had raged through his mind had abated. Turmoil still existed, but it was a gentle, thought-provoking turmoil, one that led him to accept his role among the human captors. Schooldays were a mere candle in the roar of a nuclear sun, a distant memory buried in a distant world. He remained the First Seen, and perhaps would always be so.
…Helena said, “I know we have provided the hybrids for the aliens.
…I know they are supposed to be an improvement on both our races. I even think I understand how they will use them to explore the galaxy without fear of physical or mental degradation.” She turned her face towards Jason, and he saw such a loss of future hope, such despair, that he felt his own strength and beliefs beginning to crumble under an assault of uncertainty. “But I don’t know how the women fit in, even how you and your mother fit in. Have they finished with us?
…Are we eventually to be discarded once the hybrids are free of the tanks? Will we meet them, see our own offspring? And what happens then?” She put her head in her hands. “Will they want more hybrids from us? Will we ever see Earth again?”
…The possibility that the Gliezans would repeat the hybrid experiment on this orbiting station disturbed him. He wondered whether it was the obvious thing for them to do—produce more hybrids with their captives, and never return to Earth at all. That would devastate everybody and would rule out the need for interplanetary collaboration.
…The thought made him sick to his stomach. The Milijun enhancements and direct contact with the aliens had matured him well beyond his fifteen years, somehow increased the power of his mind, but there were times when teenage naivety broke through.
… “I wish I could answer your questions,” Jason responded eventually, “but I can’t. I can only repeat what we have been told. We are part of an alien plan for future cooperation between our two worlds, and that might have a great and wonderful outcome, or it might turn out to be a genetic and spiritual disaster. We are, if you like, an experiment that will enable both worlds to explore the cosmos as allies.”
I encourage you to read ‘Milijun’ (Book One) and follow it up with ‘Amidst Alien Stars’ (Milijun Book Two). Author Clayton Graham will capture your imagination, take you on an adventure with characters that are both human and alien, with a story so philosophical that it almost defies fiction.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Review by Stephanie: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. This book transports you to another world. Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2020. Verified Purchase. Amidst Alien Stars thrusts readers into a foreign otherworldly setting where humans confront feelings of captivity by the Gliezan alien race while being housed on a space station orbiting an alien home planet known as Glieze. The story kickstarts readers into the confusions and tribulations of the humans being housed, allowing readers to slowly assess the backstory of situation that the humans currently find themselves in. Through a third person point of view, readers follow the story’s first protagonist, Laura Sinclair, and learn of the human’s perceived role in an alien-human hybridization program of which we find the humans to be extremely skeptical of to say the least. We discover that Sinclair’s son Jason, the story’s second protagonist, is what the alien race has termed as, “The First Seen,” and how this mother-son duo plays distinct and significant roles in mediating between the interaction and dissemination of knowledge amid the humans and aliens while the human space survivors complete their purported mission of collaboration in galactic exploration with the Gliezans, set for an unsuspected amount of time before they are returned to Earth. The mystery of truth and trust between the spiritually advanced alien races and human race poses a conundrum throughout, while readers gain a deeper sense of character development as the plot thickens and the pressure is placed on the development of the hybrid children to be both physically and spiritually compatible to prove the experimentation and the future of human survival a success.
The author, Clayton Graham, does a fine job in writing a compelling story with interchanging parts bathed in suspense and speculation with a New Age twist. Envisioning the different groups of characters – aliens, robots, and humans alike – was fascinating and I especially enjoyed the way that Graham portrayed the foreign entities as believable alien characters with a historical account of their own civilization. Although this is the second book in the Milijun series, I greatly appreciated Graham’s succinct preface and opening chapters which I felt was intelligently crafted to allow for the second book to hold strong as a standalone novel. The quality of writing in this book sparks enough intrigue and enjoyment to considering going backwards into the story and read the first book. I was impressed by the fact that while reading, my mind was begging for the storyline to be adapted into a motion picture. Graham’s descriptive writing in this outer-space Sci-Fi novel had me imagining how each scene, and the characters within, would look while interacting on the big screen. Thoroughly enjoyed, I highly recommend this novel especially if you are keen on being transported into another dimension.
Review by Ian J. Miller: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Reflective science fiction. Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2020. Verified Purchase. This book is the second of a series, and there are several references to book 1 (which I have not read). I think it is sufficiently self-contained that it can be read as stand-alone, although the several references back to book one happenings that were not really relevant to the present issues were a little annoying. The background is that a number of Australians were abducted by an alien ship and sent to the planet Glieze, or more accurately, a space station above the planet that has a number of sections, each one devoted to one of the “nations” on the planet below. It turns out that the natural people of the planet cannot survive going “there and back” through space, but they had developed sentient robot-life forms to do that. What the humans were abducted for was to make hybrids; half-human half-Gliezan, to do that space travel. It was not clear to me why the Gliezans cared, as robots would be just as good as hybrids. However, the Gliezans were also scrapping between each other, and there was a fear the hybrids might be soldiers. The hybrids grew to the equivalent of 18-year-olds in tanks in a matter of weeks. Another oddity of these hybrids is they have a genetic human mother and father, so what was the alien part? That is not explained.
The level of science is fairly low, although the aliens are claimed to be able to access additional dimensions and some of what they do complies well with that. Well done there. The descriptions of the space station, the aliens and the planet are good. The humans gradually discover that the aliens have this conflict, at least between two lots of them, and the way the aliens try to hide this is well depicted. Gradually the aliens are drawn into the conflict, and they try to draw the humans in also. The characters are quite well-drawn. The action is well-described, but the action is also somewhat mild, and it is also a little repetitive in nature, i.e., the same sort of thing tends to repeat, and resolution tends to be “off-stage”. The aliens tend to be enigmatic, especially the Gerb who have a very truncated way of expressing themselves. Overall, a very imaginative story, if with a somewhat slow-moving reflective plot and with well-drawn characters in nature and emotion. My grading is somewhere between four and five stars, but I am starting the new year feeling generous.
Review by Retha: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Great! Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2020. Verified Purchase. The plot in the story along with the characters and their adventures were all so captivating! Most of the time I was kept on the edge of my couch, turning page after page; it kept me intrigued the whole time.
I actually came into the Milijun series starting with this book as well, so it goes to show that the novel is written in a way that both new readers and those coming back to the story can enjoy it. It has enough of an explanation to elaborate on the how’s and why’s of the story so far, but not too much to bore current fans of the series. Graham’s writing style does suit the sci-fi theme really well, rich in detail, making it easy for the reader to envision the characters, depicting their personalities oh so attractively. The depth in their thought processes and feelings is described amazingly, appropriate to each hurtle in the story line.
The plot entail’s themes of alien abduction; trust issues between humans and their abductors, and dealing with consequences of decisions made. The layering of the story is complex and so in this way, it would be ideal to read the first novel before this book, of course, as you would with a series. There’s tales of individual and group adventures, each tying in with one another as you would expect it to.
The book has enough momentum that builds to climax with the right pace and all of the wow moments at the perfect times. It starts off with a great introduction and the thought processes of the protagonists, allowing for ascension into more complex scenarios. It also has just the right amount of action and thrill to keep it suspenseful consistently and appropriately.
This book is perfect for those who like to take their time and enjoy what they are reading; taking in every single detail. The duration of the book is a decent amount too – not too long, not too short.
Overall, I can say that this is a really well written sci-fi novel that anyone could enjoy – a world that you can dive into straight away and be engrossed from start to finish. Clayton Graham really knows how to keep you wanting more!
Product Details: Paperback: 402 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (April 15, 2020) Language: English Science Fiction (Alien Invasion, First Contact) Science Fiction (Action and Adventure) Science Fiction (Fantasy) Science Fiction (Military) Science Fiction (Space Operas)
The battle for the minds and hearts of humans is on…
A hundred years after her abduction to the alien planet Glieze, Laura Sinclair returns to Earth on a mission to find out what happened to her long-lost husband. But she finds the planet in turmoil under the oppressive regime of the authoritarian Tellurians. Humans are confined to the surface of their world and all extraterrestrial activity is forbidden.
Laura is a member of an ancient organization, now led by her son, Jason, which pioneered alien collaboration. From their secretive Martian base, they must find a way to free mankind from brutal tyranny. But one dangerous man stands in their way, a man who’ll stop at nothing to achieve his domination of Earth.
Weapons of Mass Destruction have been forbidden on the planet for a century, but something strange is happening on the moon—and alien insurgents stand ready to take advantage of the chaos. The future of humankind hangs in the balance. With her alien allies and members of Earth’s Underground, Laura must find a way to defeat both the renegade aliens and the overwhelming might of the Tellurian Empire.
The stage is set for an electrifying showdown that will decide the future of the Earth and that of the entire universe.
Alien Whispers: Conflict and Communion is the standalone third book in the Milijun series. Join the battle to save Earth from a fate that is crushing the planet’s will to survive.
Praise for the Series:
“If you love the genre, read this gem.” Julius Zon – Self Publishing Review
“This is a must-read for science fiction fans who appreciate a hard scientific foundation, in the tradition of Asimov, Niven, or Heinlein.” Patrick Dent
“Be prepared to leave the world as you know it behind and enter another where an alien could become your best friend or your worst enemy.” Artisan Book Reviews
“A superbly exciting sequel in the throes of deep space, which encompasses the best qualities of both space opera personal dramas and the hard science fiction of alien wars and political battles.” K C Finn Readers’ Favorite
“It was clever from start to finish, and no detail was left overlooked. A thoroughly impressive contribution to the genre, and a mind-bending experience for those already eager for the future.” Veritas Vincit
5 Stars: Engaging The Tellurian Empire!
Those of us who turned the last page of ‘Amidst Alien Stars’ (book two) have waited patiently to get our hands on the next deep space installment in the ‘Milijun’ series. ‘Alien Whispers: Conflict and Communion’ is worth the wait. This captivating hard science fiction series continues to draw readers in with more suspense, as the battle for the fate of Earth and the entire universe hangs in the balance.
It is AD 2288. Laura Sinclair (mother of the First Seen) journeys to Earth from a secretive base on Mars hoping to find out what happened to husband Dek a century ago. She also needs to collect her thoughts, ground herself, and regain her normal emotional state after the intergalactic Gliezan interlude. Her son, Jason, has warned her that the home planet was in dire straits: that it was in retrogression. What did that mean anyway? On the way to oblivion? Marked for human extinction?
Upon arriving, Laura is drawn into conflict. With the help of alien allies and the local Underground, she must find a way to defeat both renegade aliens and the overwhelming might of the tyrannical Tellurian Empire.
Let me bring you into the story at Chapter 18 where Laura Sinclair is a part of a dedicated military team going to Earth’s moon to investigate the activities of the Tellurian Empire. Their mission is to negate any risk that the Tellurians pose to ACE (the Alien Collaboration Enterprise):
“She entertained no lofty ideals about the mission. It would be hazardous. Great stealth and cunning would be required. She had firsthand experience of how ruthless the Tellurian military could be. And that is why she had insisted on Nur (an advanced robotic alien) being with them…
…There were two contemporary editions of the Rbuzen sailships on board, sleek and shiny, their energy convertors now hidden within their glittering skins—maybe a design lesson learnt over the past century from study of the Rkem interplanetary craft. In all likelihood they would be sharing hangar space with a horde of dormant RNasia, which would be ready to play their part when the ship arrived at their destination.”
You will not want to miss the results of their mission.
If you love hard science authors like Alastair Reynolds, Sir Arthur Charles Clarke, and Frank Herbert, you will not want to miss Alien Whispers: Conflict and Communion by Clayton Graham. Each book in this exceptional science fiction stands alone. I have enjoyed reading this series from the very beginning of ‘Milijun’.
‘Milijun’ (book one) explores our collective, deepest darkest fears. ‘Amidst Alien Stars’ (book two) will capture your imagination with its deep space intergalactic conflict. ‘Alien Whispers: Conflict and Communion’ (book three) takes you further into the battle that threatens human existence as we know it. The characters are both human and alien, with a story so metaphysical, it almost defies fiction. I can’t wait to see what Author Clayton Graham comes up with next.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Reviews by Scarlett Jensen: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. The Grasp of Power in Intergalactic Cooperation. Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2023. Verified Purchase. There is an abduction to Glieze; the return of the hybrids from the joint Terran-Gliezan base on Mars that returned to Earth, West Australia 2288. A lot happened since the abduction of Laura— During that time, hardly aged at all. Trepidation coursing through her veins, Laura reflected upon the nagib that were described as greys by the people of the past. They were the highly intelligent cybernetic partners, the Rkem. Of all the aliens she had encountered, they were the most mysterious of all.
Laura had finished being played by both humans and aliens alike. She had finished with travelling through interstellar space and time. Laura returned to Earth to regain her normal emotional state after the intergalactic Gliezan interlude. This despite her son Jason’s warning that the home planet was in dire straits and in retrogression.
What did that mean anyway? On the way to oblivion? Marked for human extinction? She wanted to see, wanted to tread familiar territory—she wanted to visit the home where she and her husband, Dek, had raised Jason. Or at least what was left of it—what parody now stood in its stead over one hundred years later. Recollections of her pre-abduction days came flooding back, that is her life prior to all that devastation; family adventures and crumbling of marital love under the pressures of daily existence and the fight for survival in a world that still showed the scars of war.
Jason now commanded the joint Martian base. The Martian settlement had been championed and founded by Nomi, Major General Sebastian Ord’s mole at the outback research station called Milijun. Maybe they had got their hands on a copy of Nomi’s Milijun files and caught a glimpse of a future that scared them to death. They had, Laura reasoned, possibly seen that power could very well be snatched from their grasp.
Colonel Norma Millison at the time had been young, eager, and headstrong—and escaped from the research base, Milijun with all its secrets on file, including the alien ones! Intergalactic Cooperation had used Milijun’s powerful technology to spirit them. Nomi claimed knowledge of aliens and had the proof on file. But the spectrum technology was just as bad. The wars ran from 2218 to 2220. Short and sweet, as wars go. Everything was jammed. But where had she gone to? If not on Earth, at least close by on Mars, the aliens were with them, not just their abductors, the Rbuzen, but also their ancient enemy on Glieze, the Gerb.
Alien collaboration enterprise, ACE for short, was essentially involved in a communication technology war. Forward or backward. Inward or outward. Or maybe it was just an excuse for a power grab. Everything fell apart. Countless people perished. Millions.
The Tellurians puzzled Laura. She could understand them being against space exploration, in particular allegedly proven alien communication, but she couldn’t understand why they had chosen to strangle everything else that got in their way. She knew about the Tellurians and their technical expertise. Was working for the Tellurians meant to keep Earth beautiful—and to keep it safe from threats of an unnatural and devious nature? But absolute power corrupts and becomes addictive. This world was strangling itself, seemingly ruled by a fanatical technocracy, alien alliances.
Excerpt:“Earth’s star touched the horizon, sacrificing its perfect circularity to turn the distant sky to a blaze of orange and red. of human beings caught up in the result of predecessors’ wars and the soul-destroying repercussions.”
The whole spectrum. Research stemming from efforts centuries ago. No communications. Satellites and aircraft fell out of the “Insects and animals were hard hit. Got to their heads, you see, as well as us. No pollination. Not much reproduction.”
Thought-provoking. One realizes there are places so distant that could even be in other dimensions.
Review by Albert: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Science fiction in its purest form! Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2023. Verified Purchase. A good science fiction story in general terms, with a fairly well-developed story and plot and that, after all, I liked it and I had a good time reading it. I also have to say that as a general rule I tend to like this type of fiction centered in space and with characters of this type. In this sense, the story focuses on Laura Sinclair, the main protagonist, who must carry out a terribly dangerous mission in search of revenge but, at the same time, to save the fate of humanity. But all this, as we can well imagine, must be dealt by fighting against all kinds of aliens, robots and ultra-advanced technology that will do everything possible to ruin her existence and will take you through the development of an implausible story, with lots of action and tension until the end and with twists that perhaps you were not expecting.
A read that, in general, regardless of whether or not you have read the rest of the books in the saga, you can equally enjoy as a totally independent read.
Review by Evelyn: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Well written book. Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2023. Verified Purchase. I found this book while I was looking for something on Amazon and I liked what I saw. The title caught my eye, and after reading the description I thought it might be a repetitive intergalactic science-fiction. I was totally wrong; it was much more than a simple adventure story. It’s a very exciting read, with non-trivial characters, an interesting development leading to an interesting planet, amazing settings and several twists.
Well worth the price to the point where I immediately bought the previous books in the series after finishing this one. I know I didn’t respect the stipulated order but anyway I enjoyed them all.
I recommend this excellent story cleverly written, with a great number of details.
…Readers’ Favorite Finalist 2021 …Literary Titan Book Award 2021 …Author Shout Top Pick 2021
Strap in, turn down the lights, and enter worlds that will stretch your imagination to the full…
From a stranded alien comedian to the darkest depths of the human psyche; from a mind-blowing galactic adventure to clandestine extraterrestrial behaviour on Earth. They’re all here in this spell-binding collection of short stories to keep you guessing at every turn.
With tales of alien invasion, deep space mystery, time travel, and dystopian future Earths, this is a collection which takes inspiration from the much respected ‘old masters’ of Science Fiction. Here be new realms to explore—can you cross the void and challenge your dreams?
Explore Looking for Life and escape to strange and wonderful new worlds. From the author of Milijun, Amidst Alien Stars, Saving Paludis, and Silently in the Night.
‘Clayton Graham’s book will have you excited, scared, sad, agitated, happy, and feel all sorts of things as you move from one story to the next.’ Aaron
‘I can recommend this book if you’re in for some Sci-fi that you can’t put down and want to start reading again!’ Dan
‘Graham knows how to keep his readers entertained and thrilled. Fantastic collection.’ Alex P
5 Stars: Science Fiction With The Paranormal
I have been privileged to have read Science Fiction Author Clayton Graham’s books, and have come to appreciate his skilled storytelling, and out of this world imagination. Graham has a unique way of interlacing Science Fiction with the Paranormal. “Looking for Life” is on par with what I have come to expect from Clayton Graham’s books. I think you will really enjoy this enthralling story collection.
Let me give you an excerpt/synopsis of each short story and let you decide.
WAITING FOR WATER: Farming is now futuristic. The government can send in a seeding drone to help with rainfall metrics. I quote from a government letter: “Failure to trigger the seeding, or failure of triggered seeding to produce rain, will unfortunately result in cancellation of your management permit and you will be required to leave your holding forthwith, as it will be deemed unsustainable.” How will this work out for Karl and Maria Kerr?
LOOKING FOR LIFE: “Now Charlie,” Alexander said, “you may wonder why you have been awoken at this particular point in time. I don’t know when it is—it could be a hundred or a thousand years from when I made this recording. Little matter. Your on-board Looking for Life computer is keeping Earth time.” Fantom decided to answer. “It’s plus 150 years.” Predictably, the image before him never flinched. “The fact is, your ship has detected life on a nearby planet. And you are now zeroing in on that life. Everything has been automated.” Alexander leaned further into the screen. “But once you hit that planet, Charlie, you are in charge. You go out there and explore, and capture something living for us.”
THE COMEDIAN: The story of a stranded alien who seeks the sound of applause, by any means. Will he survive in a strange new world?
THE SCORCHED GARDEN: Jay and Debb Svenson were the new pioneers. They were stretching the limits of man’s expertise to the farthest reaches of the solar system. Living a dream that few others shared. Will their groundbreaking new home survive, or will their new lives fall victim to Earth’s interplanetary wars?
MOTHER: A family of roo-dependant beings discover a terrible secret, after an alien artifact arrives by the river. Will they unearth their real purpose in life?
DESPERATE TIMES: Phil convinced himself he was in complete command even though this was the first manned time travel mission; the first with a human payload. Technically nothing could go wrong. Historically, socially, physically, there was lots of scope for error. But he could always return of his own free will, which was really good to know.
DAVE AND GOLIATH: Ulcon’s two moons were up, casting ghostly light over the expanse of the chilled plain. There was no sign of Goliath. Stars were out in their thousands. Was one of them the cargo ship? Dave sincerely hopes so.
THE SPECIAL FRIEND: Floppy’s burrow was on the moon. It was quite a long burrow with a large cave at the end. The cave was lit from above by strips of lights that ran its entire length. The walls were smooth, not cave-like at all. Most surprising of all, there were three other Floppy Rabbits operating strange machines.
EXCERPT FROM ‘AMIDST ALIEN STARS’: Helena said, “I know we have provided the hybrids for the aliens. I know they are supposed to be an improvement on both our races. I even think I understand how they will use them to explore the galaxy without fear of physical or mental degradation.” She turned her face towards Jason, and he saw such a loss of future hope, such despair, that he felt his own strength and beliefs beginning to crumble under an assault of uncertainty. “But I don’t know how the women fit in, even how you and your mother fit in. Have they finished with us? Are we eventually to be discarded once the hybrids are free of the tanks? Will we meet them, see our own offspring? And what happens then?” She put her head in her hands. “Will they want more hybrids from us? Will we ever see Earth again?”
THE DECADY ALIEN: Jan smiled and gestured him inside. “A brief briefing, I think.” Once inside, she closed the door, and they sat opposite each other across a low table. The cubicle, like all the station’s single quarters, was small: no more than three metres by four. The bunk currently lay snugly against the ceiling but could be lowered to just above the table when needed. A cream self-cleaning carpet ran from wall to wall, and several miniature oil paintings hung slothfully from an aluminum picture rail, as if unsure that the artificial gravity was sufficient to keep them in position. The bathroom was communal and situated further down the corridor, the quarters only being intended for temporary visits. One small window gave Jan a view to the stars and the endless, black sky. Karl managed a smile. “How’s my favorite veterinary for extraterrestrials?”
THE VISITOR: John Allan McClean sat snoring in his favorite chair. The glow from a single- bar electric heater warmed his feet. A retired miner from Broken Hill, Mac, as he used to be known, now lived a life of solitude. His old weatherboard was, for all intents and purposes, a hermitage; a bastion against the onslaughts of frenetic humankind and their infernal technologies.
TRIAL BY CONFESSION: Their voices soared into his confused mind like scouting vultures, eventually to settle amidst his memories, squawking and stabbing sharp beaks into his defenseless subconscious. He had to remember. He had to. It was now or never. His head swam with a message, something from the past, something from a crowded room. The subconscious mind is my data-bank for everything. It stores my beliefs, my memories, my skills. Everything that I have ever seen, done, or thought is held there. All I have to do is remember.
THE WHISPER OF WAVES: Tomas was working as a scientist and a researcher for the government. Or had been until the world grew cold. He was tall and angular, his once-short blond hair growing longer, it seemed, by the minute; his face covered by an itchy growth that drove him crazy. The cave was his home. There was no other. The generator provided power, and when it died, he would die with it. In addition to his bed, there was a table, a single chair, a refrigerator and freezer, a small oven and microwave, a chemical toilet that was past its use-by date, and very little else. On a small stand, in one corner of the cave, an audio and video intercom link to the surface stood neglected, as defunct as a hailstone in a heatwave.
OTHERS OF OUR KIND: For seventeen ship-days, the sphere led them a dance through the chosen star’s system until it eventually reached its destination. They arrived in orbit around an inner planet that lay bathed in mellow sunshine. The sphere hovered nearby and seemed to be saying: The next move is up to you. Below them, the new world apparently waited with open arms for the newcomer’s attention. Somewhere down there, Sean thought, there are intelligent aliens. The thought induced strange feelings: excitement, fear of the unknown, even hope—all mishmashed together in a cocktail of conflicting emotions.
WORTHY OF CONSIDERATION: They had found her and put her in a residential group home, and there she had remained until she was seventeen. She hadn’t minded it, mostly because it was there that she developed what she called her powers. For the most part, the other kids gave her a wide berth, especially when she started telling them about their inner secrets. It had been fun for a while, until she had gotten bored. And it was then that the Department picked her up.
BIRDS OF A FEATHER: Duane came to a green door. A black circle with a short, vertical line running up from the top was painted on the upper panel. It looked like an inverted helium balloon, the tether climbing up into the sky. He looked at the lock. This door was hand operated, unlike the one leading to the galley. Should I open it, or leave things as they are? The sounds inside seemed to answer, but they were dull and distant and meaningless, and perhaps not to be believed. He hesitated, finger poised over the door button, weighing whether to open the door. He was on his way back to Earth, safe and ready to join his family. On the other side of the door was an unknown quantity: something that could prove to be his Achilles’ heel, something untenable.
THE WEAK SHALL INHERIT: Standing, Chanuk moved over to the rail and looked at the water below. The reflections of the moons danced on the ever-changing surface of the ocean, and flickering patterns of untold fantasies gently invaded the metallic drabness of the floating city. His heart soared at the beauty of it all. The Corlens were a proud people, and Chanuk, in his own way, was very proud of them. Looking out over the glistening sea, he made out a dark shape on the horizon. That would be Tarn, their next stop on the harvesting journey. Tarn was an island that the Corlens had devoted to fruit growing, and was the last but one call on this trip. Far below deck, in the bowels of the floating city, the holds were already full of grains, frozen vegetables, dried fruit, sugar, spices, and other delicacies—all that they required for food during the coming year. As far back as history was written, the Corlens had never eaten creature flesh, though lore had it that they had once done so in the primordial ages before the floods.
I Encourage You To Read “Looking for Life”: I have read, and given 5 Stars, to Graham’s books “Milijun”, “Amidst Alien Stars”, “Saving Paludis” and “Silently in the Night”. Graham grew up on the cobbled streets of Stockport, UK and settled in Victoria, Australia, in 1982.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Review by Benjamin W.-VINE VOICE: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Immersive Sci-Fi Shorts. Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2020. Verified Purchase. Looking for Life: A Collection of Science Fiction Short Stories. I am a fan of both short stories and science fiction, and Clayton Graham’s book, Looking for Life: A Collection of Science Fiction Short Stories certainly hits the spot.
The writing style employed by Graham is unique and powerful. His wording is beautiful and well-crafted, making the act of slipping into the worlds that he creates an easy task. The characters, situations, and places are all created with care and depth. I loved the style of this author.
Another aspect of Looking for Life that I liked very much was the fact that each of the stories is completely new feeling. I often find that stories included in short story compilations are too similar. As a result, the stories tend to bleed into one another.
That was not the case with Graham’s book. Each story is unique and takes on a life of its own. The author builds and develops each story quickly and efficiently, and each feels as if it has been in development for quite a while.
Another thing that I enjoyed while reading this collection of short stories was the mix of styles that the author uses to tell the stories. While each of the stories has its own style, Graham uses many literary devices within each story as well. To top it off, he does it quite convincingly.
The storytelling through dialogue, scene descriptions, thought processes, and perceptions of the characters throughout the stories is intertwined to keep things moving at a good pace. One of my personal favorites from this collection is The Scorched Garden, but Trial by Confession is a close second.
I would recommend this title to anyone looking for an immersive read in the science fiction genre that won’t take too long to complete. I would also happily give Looking for Life: A Collection of Science Fiction Short Stories five stars out of five.
Review by Nela: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. It will leave you on the edge of your seat with every turn of the page. Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2020. Verified Purchase.
I enjoy many literature genres and I usually read science fiction novels, but this is the first science fiction book I read with short stories. I could not be happier about my decision! Not only because the length of the tales allows you to enjoy different world buildings and imaginary scenarios, but also for the amazing writing style of author Clayton Graham.
Every story in “Looking for Life” is skillfully constructed and masterfully written. From my point of view, in Science Fiction, it is really important to describe in detail the characters and objects, the landscapes and the scenes, so readers can really get into that imaginary world. And that is completely accomplished in this book. Whether it is about aliens, future science, space and time travels, paranormal facts, or dystopian futures; this author will really make you live that reality as you were there and leave you on the edge of your seat with every turn of the page.
Review by Liz: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A compilation of Science Fiction stories. Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2020. Verified Purchase. Over the years the Science Fiction genre has become one of my favorite genres. “Looking for life” is a collection of short science fiction stories, written by Clayton Graham.
Throughout the book, Clayton presents us 17 incredible stories, which, in my opinion, one is better than another. The stories are varied and very interesting, and they all have something in common: new realms to explore.
Let me tell you that I really enjoyed this book. The author knew how to compile fabulous stories in one single book. He has also managed to capture the essence of science fiction.
The characters are vivid and well described. The descriptions of the scenes, I must admit, are great. Clayton is undoubtedly very creative. I also really liked the cover; it certainly shows what the book is going to be about.
I recommend this compilation of stories to fans of the science fiction genre. I hope you like it as much as I did.
Product Details: Paperback: 273 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (July 27, 2020) Language: English Science Fiction Short Stories (Anthologies).
A battle for survival that will decide the fate of two worlds.
From multi-award-winning sci-fi author Clayton Graham, author of the Milijun Series and Looking for Life, Saving Paludis is a thrilling sci-fi adventure packed with futuristic technology, high-octane paranormal action, and alien political intrigue that fans of Arthur C. Clarke will enjoy.
2020 Top Shelf Awards Winner 2018 Readers’ Favorite Book Awards – Finalist Book Excellence Awards – Finalist 2023 N.N. Light’s Book Heaven Award
★★★★★ “In this story, the humans are the hostile invaders. A twist that definitely keeps you hooked.”
★★★★★ “This is what you look for when searching for the perfect science fiction. It simply has it all… tension, aliens, colonization, and classic science fiction elements that wrap neatly together to create a cohesive book.”
★★★★★ “If you like good sci-fi, good writing, and a plot that screams adventure, you’ll like Saving Paludis.”
★★★★★ “So well written that all scenes fall into place without as much as a delay in the flow of the book. I couldn’t put it down.”
In the distant future, humanity has mastered traversing the cosmos and colonizing distant planets. One such world is mineral-rich Paludis, known as Musk by its native inhabitants.
When scientists from Paludis share a technological breakthrough with mother Earth, peace swiftly turns into deadly conflict. Caught in the crossfire, local police agent Stefan Lattanzis is drawn into a whirlwind of intrigue, escalating conflict, and cosmic peril.
As the situation intensifies, he joins forces with a determined botanist and a mysterious seer. Together, they must rely on trust and teamwork to confront the threats facing their world.
The oppressed Muskans seize the opportunity for change, while a rogue human faction attempts to exploit the newfound technology for its own mysterious ends. In this shifting landscape, who can truly be trusted?
With Earth’s power looming and Paludis unraveling, Stefan must gamble everything to save his home—even if it means facing an unstoppable force.
Travel to the edge of the universe on an unforgettable journey.
Enter deep space, use the Einstein-Rosen bridges, and touch down on Paludis.
Join Stefan and his friends to help save their world.
Get your copy of Saving Paludis today!
Books by Clayton Graham
Saving Paludis: A High-Stakes Space Opera of Alien Intrigue and Survival
First Contact Series:
Milijun
Amidst Alien Stars: Milijun Book 2
Alien Whispers: Conflict and Communion
Science Fiction Short Story Collections:
Looking for Life
Silently in the Night
Finalist in the Readers’ Favorite 2018 International Book Awards.
An alien revolution centuries in the making will change humanity’s destiny forever …
Police agent Stefan Lattanzis never expected his planet to become a battlefield, nor Earth for that matter. But when scientists from Paludis share a technological breakthrough with Earth authorities, peace escalates to the brink of war in a hurry. It doesn’t help that the local aliens have a dangerous and mystifying agenda of their own. Meanwhile, a desperate human cult has its own plans to exploit the powerful new technology…
To keep his home world alive, Stefan must team with two strangers, a botanist, and a mysterious seer. As embattled factions vie for control of the universe, the trio must trust in each other to keep the new technology from ripping time and space apart.
Saving Paludis is an electrifying sci-fi thrill-ride. If you like futuristic technology, alien political intrigue, and high-octane, paranormal action, then you’ll love Clayton Graham’s interstellar adventure!
From the Author: Latest novel Saving Paludis is light years away from debut novel ‘Milijun’, but it occupies the same fascinating space between Science Fiction and the paranormal. The planet Paludis sits in the Pisces constellation, on the frontier of human exploration. It is a verdant planet, a beautiful planet. It has also been scarred by wars of colonization.
Human invaders control the planet and have done so for hundreds of years. Paludis is the planet’s Earth name; the indigenous population call their home Musk.
The Muskans are now restricted to a remote peninsula in the north-east of the main continent. Humans have taught the aliens their language and some of their ways, but the Muskans prefer the traditions of their ancestors. Or do they?
So, what can go wrong? Well, quite a lot actually.
Saving Paludis is not just an interstellar war novel. It reflects human nature in all its extremes: hate, jealousy, control, love, and sacrifice. And what about the aliens – do they share these traits? In some ways yes, in others no. They are, after all, alien. But retribution is high on their agenda; an overwhelming desire to regain their planet. Quite how they attempt to do that must remain a secret!
I invite you to enter deep space, use the Einstein-Rosen bridges, and touch down on Paludis. Join Stefan and his friends to help save their world. You’ll love it!
5 Stars: A Reminder Of Human Nature!
If you think the book cover is intriguing, wait until you begin reading Saving Paludis by Clayton Graham. The author has shared two very interesting maps at the beginning of the book to help readers get a sense of this fertile planet called “Musk” by its inhabitants, and “Paludis” by Earth. Paludis is in the Pisces Constellation which is 143 light years from Earth.
The story begins in AD 3898 and we find that Earth invaders have taught the colonized population of Paludis their language and some of their customs. After Paludis scientists share a powerful new technology with Earth, it doesn’t take long for mysterious factions to exploit the technology and the planet moves to the brink of war. The race is on to save Paludis.
With believable characters, and storytelling that brings your imagination to the edge of space and time, Saving Paludis tells of strange cultures and traditions, alien politics, and cult-like paranormal phenomena. You cannot help but keep turning the pages of this fast-paced interstellar adventure. From a woman’s point of view, here is a glimpse into the story.
… “Rain was falling in a steady drizzle as Selma turned into the road that led to her domicile. It was not yet fully dark and the final vestiges of sunlight creeping through a solitary hole in the clouds had turned the aluminium domes of the dwellings to a blood red. The roadway, smooth and black and shiny, snaked like a ribbon through the glistening streetscape and dark, low clouds threatened to crush the buildings beneath their ponderous weight.
…Strangely, she’d encountered few individuals as she walked through the streets and, like on the drive south, very little traffic. It was as if a giant hand had been placed over the mouth of Kentucky, stifling its usual raucous behaviour. Selma assumed most people were indoors and she wondered if a storm was approaching.
…She stopped outside her home, unable to resist a glance back to that part of the road where she had been abducted by Serpentine. Serpentine! Where was he now? She palmed the switch, pressed the code buttons in the right sequence and her door slid open. Entering, Selma turned on the light and the door closed behind her. The rain suddenly increased in ferocity, and she heard it rattling on the dome of the house.”
I invite you to read Saving Paludis as it is a reminder of human nature, whether here on Earth, or on the planets that we might colonize in the future, or even invade while aliens struggle to save their own world.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Review by Jen C.-VINE VOICE: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Engaging thrill ride of a plot. Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2019. Verified Purchase.
After reading Saving Paludis by Clayton Graham, it is easy to see why this novel was a finalist for the Readers’ Favorite 2018 International Books Awards. This fast-paced science fiction novel is packed full of intrigued and adventure. Even though it is a lengthy novel, it didn’t feel like it. I kept turning the pages quickly wanting to find out what happens next. The basis of the novel is set 2000 years in the future and deals with a planet (Paludis) that Earth has colonized. What was once peaceful is now being threatened to be an all out war between Earth and Paludis. The main character, Stefan, has to team up with others to stop this intergalactic war from happening. In addition to an engaging thrill ride of a plot, the writer has also included fantastic well-developed characters and great dialogue. This is a novel any fan of science fiction will enjoy from beginning to end.
Review byM. Anderson: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Intriguing Tale of a Far-Flung Future. Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2018. Verified Purchase. “Saving Palidis” will appeal to science fiction fans who are more interested in story than explaining the science behind it. In this far future, humans use ‘bridges’ to cross space and colonize new worlds with a vengeance, wreaking havoc on the native populations. Paludis is one such world. Its lizard-like inhabitants have been decimated, the survivors confined to a small isolated portion of the planet. These seemingly primitive spiritual people live in harmony with nature. However, unbeknownst to the humans occupying Paludis for the last 300 years, in exploring the underground caverns of the area to which they’ve been confined, the natives have happened upon a crystal-driven technology that bends time and space, which they use to launch unexplained destruction on Earth. Earth assumes the humans on Paludis are the cause and war ensues.
I found the opening chapters a bit confusing, but the concepts were intriguing enough to keep me reading and I’m glad I did it. The book is well-written with interesting and believable characters. Some of them are well-worth despising, others admirable. Humanity on a whole is painted darkly, with aliens who are far more human than most of the humans. A recommended read.
Review by Bruce: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A complex tale that suggests human nature will never change. Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2018. Verified Purchase. The most important component of any book is a story that you want to finish. Saving Paludis starts out by describing a planet where technically superior humans have been the aggressor, subjugating the natives in order to plunder the mineral wealth of the planet. It introduces a series of characters that appear somewhat separate, but their situations describe the state of play across Paludis.
From there we see how the humans (on Earth and on Paludis) spiral into a competition to see who can display the worst examples of the greed and stupidity that humans have repeatedly shown in the past, and, apparently will show in the future. It is this greed and stupidity is the weakness that can be manipulated by others for their own advantage.
There are a lot of characters to follow, and it takes some concentration to keep up with them all, but they all come together as the story comes to its conclusion.
It’s a story that will keep you reading to find out what will happen, and who will come out of it alive.
Review by Jimmy Ray: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Sci-fi battle for survival. Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2018. Verified Purchase. Saving Paludis is s sci-fi thriller about the planet of Paludis which is a colony created by Earth. The native species to Paludis have been relocated to a small area of the planet. In this reverse alien invasion, Earth is trying to take over and force control to the new command on the planet. The battle begins and the natives will fight back. This is a fast-paced suspense filled story. As the battle escalates, you will keep reading to see what happens and who the ultimate successors will be. The characters are developed and the story line keeps you on edge wondering what will happen. If you like sci-fi supernatural adventures, you will enjoy this one. I found this story to be a refreshing new take on a space invasion. Check this one out people, it is a good time for sure.
Review by JoJo Maxson: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. I loved the multi-tiered events that unfolded. Reviewed in the United States on July 20, 2018. Verified Purchase. Saving Paludis begins the futuristic tale of a planet we have taken over and began to strip of its inhabitants and natural resources. As one coveted mineral is becoming limited, officials decide to harvest a kelp that induces a natural sleep. Clayton Graham skillfully designs a web of events that lead to a central plot. People and aliens are disappearing. Equipment is being misplaced. And a police agent, botanist, and an alien seer team together to unfold the mysteries, hopefully before a war breaks out.
I found Clayton Graham a master of details and mystique. He keeps this science-fiction going at a fast pace while building up the intensity. Saving Paludis has everything a Sci/Fi reader is looking for and will not disappoint those who are just looking for an adventure.
A collection of tantalizing tales with more twists than Hampton Maze…
A plethora of enthralling plots that will suit fans of all ages and tastes, with stories varying from domestic not-quite-bliss, to an alternate Watership Down, a psychological thriller, a ghost story and a bit of ‘sci-fi not-so-funny after all’ to suit your every mood.
You can also sympathize with a doomed husband and connect with an altruistic robot. Explore an isolated Scottish isle and touch down on a far-flung asteroid.
From the light-hearted to the darkest depths of the human psyche. They’re all there in this smorgasbord of sixteen short stories to keep you guessing at every turn. From the author of Looking for Life, Milijun, Amidst Alien Stars and Saving Paludis.
“This anthology of clever, twist-in-the-tale short stories by Clayton Graham, is worthy of the genre master Arthur C. Clarke’s Tales of the Unexpected.” Rosemary K.
“I was really very impressed with this collection which left me feeling such a variety of emotions after each one. I am looking forward to reading more of Clayton Grahams work.” Maui Reader
“This collection reminds me of the stories collected in the old Twilight Zone Magazine that my mom used to subscribe to. Each tale is unique. You’ll find a bit of mystery, thriller, paranormal and sci-fi. Grab this book while you can and delve into the world that is Clayton Graham.” Helen V.
5 Stars: Thrilling!
For those of us who enjoyed The Twilight Zone, ‘Silently in the Night’ by Clayton Graham is just as thrilling. This book is a collection of tales where ordinary men and women are confronted with the unexpected.
I love each story and will return to read them again. One story titled Watering Down, sticks out in my mind. It centers on the calicivirus, which can cause upper respiratory infections and oral disease in cats. Probably because I am a cat lover, or because I have memories of the Dustin Hoffman 1995 film titled Outbreak, Watering Down made such an interesting and unexpected tale.
I suspect, everyone who reads Silently in the Night will come away with one or more favorites. If you enjoy science fiction and mysteries that make your heart stands still when aliens, artificial intelligence, death, the unexplained or unexpected interact with your reality; Silently in the Night should be top of your reading list.
I am fortunate to have read Author Clayton Graham’s science fiction debut novel titled Milijun. When aliens kidnap Laura’s child, it’s going to take a lot more than a mother’s love to get him back.
I am looking forward to his upcoming release of Saving Paludis where “Nobody thought Paludis would become a battlefield, nor Earth for that matter, but in the darkest of times a glimmer of light can shine, resolute spirits can triumph over brutality and the strangest of strangers can become friends.”
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Review by Sandy V: 5.0 out of 5 stars Common response… What the??? Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2018. Verified Purchase. This collection of 16 unique short stories was a treasure to read. The author was able to capture various moments in time and transform them into fun-size bites of entertainment.
Each story left me dumbfounded and in a state of shock. The first story, Silently in the Night, was a complete mystery. The unexpected twist at the end set the tone for the entire book. The final story, Trapped, told of an explorer trapped on an alien planet. The story ended with a type of closure that encompassed the entire book. All the stories sandwiched in between ranged from inevitability to satire to revenge.
After this taste of Clayton Graham’s writing talent, I will be adding a few of his titles to my “to be read” list. Thanks for sharing your book with me!!
Review by Helen V.: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Great Intro to Clayton Graham. Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2018. Verified Purchase. Great collection of short stories that will quickly get you hooked on Clayton Graham. I follow him on Facebook and receive his newsletter, the latter of which usually includes a short story, too. This collection reminds me of the stories collected in the old Twilight Zone Magazine that my mom used to subscribe to. Each tale is unique. You’ll find a bit of mystery, thriller, paranormal and sci-fi. Grab this book while you can and delve into the world that is Clayton Graham.
Review by Luv2read: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Enjoyable. Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2019. Verified Purchase. A compilation of short stories, which I enjoyed. From mystery to Sci Fri, there’s something for everyone. A great little book to read on coffee and lunch breaks. Enjoyable.
Product Details: Paperback: 174 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (March 14, 2020) Language: English Science Fiction (Alien Invasion, First Contact) Science Fiction (Action and Adventure) Science Fiction (Fantasy) Science Fiction (Military) Science Fiction (Space Operas)
About The Author: As a youngster growing up in the cobbled streets of Stockport, UK, Clayton Graham read a lot of science fiction. He loved the ‘old-school’ masters such as HG Wells, Jules Verne, Isaac Asimov and John Wyndham. As he left those formative years behind, he penned short stories when he could find a rare quiet moment amidst life’s usual distractions.
He settled in Victoria, Australia, in 1982. A retired aerospace engineer who worked in structural design and research, Clayton has always had an interest in science fiction and where it places humankind within a universe we are only just starting to understand.
Clayton loves animals, including well behaved pets, and all the natural world, and is a member of Australian Geographic.
Combining future science with the paranormal is his passion. Milijun, his first novel, was published in 2016. Second novel, Saving Paludis, was published in 2018. They are light years from each other, but share the future adventures of mankind in an expansive universe as a common theme.
The sequel to Milijun, entitled Amidst Alien Stars was released on December 1 2019.
In between novels Clayton has published Silently in the Night and Looking for Life, two collections of short stories where, among many other adventures, you can sympathize with a doomed husband, connect with an altruistic robot, explore an isolated Scottish isle and touch down on a far-flung asteroid.
FREE-Audible Version For The Great Liquor War. Promo Code: D47B8ST94TPBL Follow These Steps To Redeem Promo Codes: Visit The Promo Code Redemption Website For United States: https://www.audible.com/acx-promo
The Great Liquor War: A Western Adventure by D. M. McGowan.
The year is 1885. Hank James has been in Canada several months panning gold from a stream near Roswell, British Columbia. When he hears a prizefight will be held in town, he attends along with everyone for miles around. With a little help from the fight referee, he wins big betting on the fight. Having realized that the life of a miner isn’t nearly as romantic or rewarding as he expected, and with advice from the policeman who helped him win money on the fight, Hank goes to Farwell to haul freight with pack horses for contractors building the transcontinental railroad.
The railroad’s security, a detachment of North West Mounted Police, have maintained across the West that no liquor be allowed one mile on either side of the rail bed. Provincial authorities disagree. Hank James believes in honoring and repaying his debts, but that doesn’t mean he should be involved in a war between the BC Provincial Police and the North West Mounted.
He and his partners have trouble enough running their freight business, they don’t need to be caught between competing policemen. They are already stuck between Canada’s transcontinental railroad people and the contractors doing the actual construction. While the police are fighting one another, who is looking for criminals, particularly those stealing Hank’s horses? Despite a variety of jobs, D.M. McGowan now works as a commercial driver and lives near Mile “0” of the world-famous Alaska Highway.
His stories bring Canadian history to life. “I believe in seeing morality and societal responsibility rewarded. Too much of today’s fiction seems to lead into the dark instead of the light.”
5 Stars: US and Canadian History Combined With Legends From The 1800’s!
The Great Liquor War by D. M. McGowan is a western pioneering era saga that combines great story telling, true-to-life cowboy experience with US and Canadian history combined with legends from the 1800’s.
The main character Hank James was born in Canada and migrated south into the US with his family after the Civil War. Hank’s father headed towards Oregon in search of a farmstead while protecting his family from raids by outlaws and Indians. They made it as far as Kansas to find that the land was too dry to farm so pushed on to Oregon to find the land was too wet. With Mother Nature as their biggest obstacle and many mouths to feed young Hank James set out on his own. He settled down with his own gold mine claim near Rossland, British Columbia in 1984.
Hank wasn’t afraid of hard work, but he wanted more out of life than to eke out a living on his claim. With tenacity Hank took advantage of the Transcanada Railroad, found some partners and started his own freight business. Life should be good, but where there is industry, technology, commerce and economy, there are criminals.
Quote from page 37.
…“It didn’t take a detective to know that the horse thief had played a little joke on the Provincial Police. Constable Art Hubbard was over six feet tall and probably ten pounds lighter than the one eighty mentioned in the description. Not only was he a long way from round, he was also clean shaven.
…I gave Constable Hubbard my story, ending with the recovery of the bay gelding and the description I had from Miller. “An’ the fella called himself Art Hubbard,” I added.
…The Constable’s expression didn’t change. He worked his chew around into one cheek and sent a stream of tobacco juice into the waste basket. “Feller with a sense o’ humor,” he noted, and then added. “It’ll be one ‘o Bulldog Kelley’s outfit. They work out o’ some of the illegal saloons t’ be found back in the bush. We catch one or two of ‘em every now an’ then, but we can’t get Kelley, an’ he’s the head o’ the snake. I can think of one or two that might fit your description, but not a one that had a full beard. An’ this fella’s probably shaved by now.”
…I wrote out my story, signed it, and returned to work.”
Between the horse thieves, authority over liquor sales and a war between the BC Provincial Police and the North West Mounted Hank is he in over his head? Only time will tell if he makes the right choices and will he win the heart and loyalty of Sharon Dalton?
Saddle up your horse, holster your gun and join a rugged western cast of characters that will take you back to the reality and the legends of the Wild West.
The Great Liquor War by D. M. McGowan shares nuggets of history told within a great story of human experience in the Wild West.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Review by Charla At Audiobookreviewerdot.com: Hello David, I wanted to let you know that I finished your submission. What a great book! Having grown up on Westerns and listening to this book – you captured the time frame, essence of characters in that time period were awesome! The plot twists were captivating. Your narration performance was very well done also. No issues, no complaints thought you did a professional job. It has been submitted to both audible and amazon. It is live at audiobookreviewer.com now.
Product Details: Print Length: 199 Pages Publisher: Strategic Book Publishing and Rights Agency (September 29, 2015) Western Fiction (Crime Thriller) Western Fiction (Focus On Canada) Western Fiction (Historical) Western Fiction (Traditional) Westerns (Audio Book) Western (Historical Fiction Thrillers) Western (Action and Adventure)
About The Author: Author Dave McGowan has been a cowboy, forest fire fighter, heavy equipment operator, farmhand, gardener, road musician and businessman. He now writes, and works as a commercial driver, in Northern British Columbia.
The forgoing is the bio from the back of my novels and one might conclude from this information that I was a poor employee … either lazy or didn’t know what I was doing … and was kicked off a lot of jobs. You would be partially correct, at least in surmising that I don’t know what I am doing. As for my being a poor employee, you would have to ask my bosses … although I think I’ve managed to trick the one I have now.
Of course, when I had my own business, my boss thought I was marvelous.
Truthfully, I’ve managed over the years to find employment regardless of my location or the problems that might exist with the economy. I enjoyed much of that experience at the time and am glad that I attained it.
I’ve also visited a good portion of North America and lived in several areas of Canada where I met some great people and enjoyed some wonderful country.
Speaking of great people, Karen and I are parents to four great people who have supplied eight grandchildren who show that improvements can be possible in each generation. One of those has added a great-grand daughter to the line.
The battle for the minds and hearts of humans is on…
A hundred years after her abduction to the alien planet Glieze, Laura Sinclair returns to Earth on a mission to find out what happened to her long-lost husband. But she finds the planet in turmoil under the oppressive regime of the authoritarian Tellurians. Humans are confined to the surface of their world and all extraterrestrial activity is forbidden.
Laura is a member of an ancient organization, now led by her son, Jason, which pioneered alien collaboration. From their secretive Martian base, they must find a way to free mankind from brutal tyranny. But one dangerous man stands in their way, a man who’ll stop at nothing to achieve his domination of Earth.
Weapons of Mass Destruction have been forbidden on the planet for a century, but something strange is happening on the moon—and alien insurgents stand ready to take advantage of the chaos. The future of humankind hangs in the balance. With her alien allies and members of Earth’s Underground, Laura must find a way to defeat both the renegade aliens and the overwhelming might of the Tellurian Empire.
The stage is set for an electrifying showdown that will decide the future of the Earth and that of the entire universe.
Alien Whispers: Conflict and Communion is the standalone third book in the Milijun series. Join the battle to save Earth from a fate that is crushing the planet’s will to survive.
Praise for the Series:
“If you love the genre, read this gem.” Julius Zon – Self Publishing Review
“This is a must-read for science fiction fans who appreciate a hard scientific foundation, in the tradition of Asimov, Niven, or Heinlein.” Patrick Dent
“Be prepared to leave the world as you know it behind and enter another where an alien could become your best friend or your worst enemy.” Artisan Book Reviews
“A superbly exciting sequel in the throes of deep space, which encompasses the best qualities of both space opera personal dramas and the hard science fiction of alien wars and political battles.” K C Finn Readers’ Favorite
“It was clever from start to finish, and no detail was left overlooked. A thoroughly impressive contribution to the genre, and a mind-bending experience for those already eager for the future.” Veritas Vincit
5 Stars: Engaging The Tellurian Empire!
Those of us who turned the last page of ‘Amidst Alien Stars’ (book two) have waited patiently to get our hands on the next deep space installment in the ‘Milijun’ series. ‘Alien Whispers: Conflict and Communion’ is worth the wait. This captivating hard science fiction series continues to draw readers in with more suspense, as the battle for the fate of Earth and the entire universe hangs in the balance.
It is AD 2288. Laura Sinclair (mother of the First Seen) journeys to Earth from a secretive base on Mars hoping to find out what happened to husband Dek a century ago. She also needs to collect her thoughts, ground herself, and regain her normal emotional state after the intergalactic Gliezan interlude. Her son, Jason, has warned her that the home planet was in dire straits: that it was in retrogression. What did that mean anyway? On the way to oblivion? Marked for human extinction?
Upon arriving, Laura is drawn into conflict. With the help of alien allies and the local Underground, she must find a way to defeat both renegade aliens and the overwhelming might of the tyrannical Tellurian Empire.
Let me bring you into the story at Chapter 18 where Laura Sinclair is a part of a dedicated military team going to Earth’s moon to investigate the activities of the Tellurian Empire. Their mission is to negate any risk that the Tellurians pose to ACE (the Alien Collaboration Enterprise):
“She entertained no lofty ideals about the mission. It would be hazardous. Great stealth and cunning would be required. She had firsthand experience of how ruthless the Tellurian military could be. And that is why she had insisted on Nur (an advanced robotic alien) being with them…
…There were two contemporary editions of the Rbuzen sailships on board, sleek and shiny, their energy convertors now hidden within their glittering skins—maybe a design lesson learnt over the past century from study of the Rkem interplanetary craft. In all likelihood they would be sharing hangar space with a horde of dormant RNasia, which would be ready to play their part when the ship arrived at their destination.”
You will not want to miss the results of their mission.
If you love hard science authors like Alastair Reynolds, Sir Arthur Charles Clarke, and Frank Herbert, you will not want to miss Alien Whispers: Conflict and Communion by Clayton Graham. Each book in this exceptional science fiction stands alone. I have enjoyed reading this series from the very beginning of ‘Milijun’.
‘Milijun’ (book one) explores our collective, deepest darkest fears. ‘Amidst Alien Stars’ (book two) will capture your imagination with its deep space intergalactic conflict. ‘Alien Whispers: Conflict and Communion’ (book three) takes you further into the battle that threatens human existence as we know it. The characters are both human and alien, with a story so metaphysical, it almost defies fiction. I can’t wait to see what Author Clayton Graham comes up with next.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Reviews by Scarlett Jensen: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. The Grasp of Power in Intergalactic Cooperation. Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2023. Verified Purchase. There is an abduction to Glieze; the return of the hybrids from the joint Terran-Gliezan base on Mars that returned to Earth, West Australia 2288. A lot happened since the abduction of Laura— During that time, hardly aged at all. Trepidation coursing through her veins, Laura reflected upon the nagib that were described as greys by the people of the past. They were the highly intelligent cybernetic partners, the Rkem. Of all the aliens she had encountered, they were the most mysterious of all.
Laura had finished being played by both humans and aliens alike. She had finished with travelling through interstellar space and time. Laura returned to Earth to regain her normal emotional state after the intergalactic Gliezan interlude. This despite her son Jason’s warning that the home planet was in dire straits and in retrogression.
What did that mean anyway? On the way to oblivion? Marked for human extinction? She wanted to see, wanted to tread familiar territory—she wanted to visit the home where she and her husband, Dek, had raised Jason. Or at least what was left of it—what parody now stood in its stead over one hundred years later. Recollections of her pre-abduction days came flooding back, that is her life prior to all that devastation; family adventures and crumbling of marital love under the pressures of daily existence and the fight for survival in a world that still showed the scars of war.
Jason now commanded the joint Martian base. The Martian settlement had been championed and founded by Nomi, Major General Sebastian Ord’s mole at the outback research station called Milijun. Maybe they had got their hands on a copy of Nomi’s Milijun files and caught a glimpse of a future that scared them to death. They had, Laura reasoned, possibly seen that power could very well be snatched from their grasp.
Colonel Norma Millison at the time had been young, eager, and headstrong—and escaped from the research base, Milijun with all its secrets on file, including the alien ones! Intergalactic Cooperation had used Milijun’s powerful technology to spirit them. Nomi claimed knowledge of aliens and had the proof on file. But the spectrum technology was just as bad. The wars ran from 2218 to 2220. Short and sweet, as wars go. Everything was jammed. But where had she gone to? If not on Earth, at least close by on Mars, the aliens were with them, not just their abductors, the Rbuzen, but also their ancient enemy on Glieze, the Gerb.
Alien collaboration enterprise, ACE for short, was essentially involved in a communication technology war. Forward or backward. Inward or outward. Or maybe it was just an excuse for a power grab. Everything fell apart. Countless people perished. Millions.
The Tellurians puzzled Laura. She could understand them being against space exploration, in particular allegedly proven alien communication, but she couldn’t understand why they had chosen to strangle everything else that got in their way. She knew about the Tellurians and their technical expertise. Was working for the Tellurians meant to keep Earth beautiful—and to keep it safe from threats of an unnatural and devious nature? But absolute power corrupts and becomes addictive. This world was strangling itself, seemingly ruled by a fanatical technocracy, alien alliances.
Excerpt:“Earth’s star touched the horizon, sacrificing its perfect circularity to turn the distant sky to a blaze of orange and red. of human beings caught up in the result of predecessors’ wars and the soul-destroying repercussions.”
The whole spectrum. Research stemming from efforts centuries ago. No communications. Satellites and aircraft fell out of the “Insects and animals were hard hit. Got to their heads, you see, as well as us. No pollination. Not much reproduction.”
Thought-provoking. One realizes there are places so distant that could even be in other dimensions.
Review by Albert: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Science fiction in its purest form! Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2023. Verified Purchase. A good science fiction story in general terms, with a fairly well-developed story and plot and that, after all, I liked it and I had a good time reading it. I also have to say that as a general rule I tend to like this type of fiction centered in space and with characters of this type. In this sense, the story focuses on Laura Sinclair, the main protagonist, who must carry out a terribly dangerous mission in search of revenge but, at the same time, to save the fate of humanity. But all this, as we can well imagine, must be dealt by fighting against all kinds of aliens, robots and ultra-advanced technology that will do everything possible to ruin her existence and will take you through the development of an implausible story, with lots of action and tension until the end and with twists that perhaps you were not expecting.
A read that, in general, regardless of whether or not you have read the rest of the books in the saga, you can equally enjoy as a totally independent read.
Review by Evelyn: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Well written book. Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2023. Verified Purchase. I found this book while I was looking for something on Amazon and I liked what I saw. The title caught my eye, and after reading the description I thought it might be a repetitive intergalactic science-fiction. I was totally wrong; it was much more than a simple adventure story. It’s a very exciting read, with non-trivial characters, an interesting development leading to an interesting planet, amazing settings and several twists.
Well worth the price to the point where I immediately bought the previous books in the series after finishing this one. I know I didn’t respect the stipulated order but anyway I enjoyed them all.
I recommend this excellent story cleverly written, with a great number of details.
5 Stars: Family Drama Entwined With Mystery And Suspense.
Elisabet’s Will by Sandra Sperling.
The few relatives who are still friendly to Lisbet spend the summer at her northern Minnesota home. Determined to discover the reason why the rest of the family has shunned her since she was a child, she confronts Evelyn, her estranged uncle’s wife. This action exposes her and her loved ones to danger and thrusts Greta, her beloved 5-year-old granddaughter, into deadly peril.
5 Stars: Family Drama Entwined With Mystery And Suspense.
This extraordinary family drama plays out in rural Northern Minnesota. In this case, there is nothing more destructive, than a ‘Will’ left behind by a prosperous family member. Family secrets leave Lisbet to only imagine why most of the family shuns her. Author Sandra Sperling masterfully pulls back the curtain allowing us into the daily lives and attitudes, of this seemingly normal American family.
I especially enjoyed the rural setting with large acreages, houses, farms, barns, secret places, hidden spaces, and three mysteries to unravel. This story centers around Lisbet (namesake for her grandmother Elisabet). Ignored by most of the family, Lisbet has an amazing relationship with her five-year-old granddaughter Greta. As a loving, protective grandmother, the local new is most disturbing. Let me bring you into the first of three mysteries to unravel.
…That evening Lisbet stared into the refrigerator, trying to figure out what to put together for a light supper when Roger hailed her from the living room, where he was watching the six-o’clock news.
…The newscaster said, “Kenzie is four years old, with short, ginger-colored hair and blue eyes. She is wearing blue jeans and a pink windbreaker.”
…Roger shook his head. “She vanished from the greenhouse about three this afternoon. She’s what? The fourth or fifth kid who’s been snatched.”
… “Mom and I were there right before it happened. Good Lord! I do wish they’d catch that bastard.” She shivered, feeling ill at the thought of what the girl’s parents must be going through. The phone rang, and she answered it in the kitchen, certain it was her mother, upset by the abduction.
…It was, and they discussed the crime at some length. Doris said, in conclusion, “I don’t remember any local kids being kidnapped until recently. And no cougars or timberwolves were roaming around here when I was growing up. This whole area is going to hell.” “So, it seems.” Lisbet hung up, saddened that the region was no longer the safe wilderness paradise it had once been.
It is Lisbet’s quest to uncover family secrets, that leads her, Greta, and other family members into dangerous territory. This family saga will keep you turning the page, reflecting on your family tree, and childhood experiences will lead you to an unpredictable conclusion.
Author Sandra Sperling brings her life experiences and creativity from Nevada, Minnesota, to Kentucky where she enjoys taking nature walks, refinishing old furniture, and reading. Sandra writes contemporary family fiction giving us ‘Elisabet’s Will’, contemporary women’s fiction with ‘The Beginner’s Guide to Spouse Removal, a thriller suspense novel with ‘Snowmelt: Dealing With Betrayal’ and humor (satire) with ‘A Few Trivial Felonies’. I look forward to reading more novels from Sandra Sperling in the future.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Product Details: Paperback: 395 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (January 28, 2022) Language: English Fiction (Contemporary Family Saga) Fiction (Contemporary Family Suspense) Fiction: (Family Life)
About The Author: Sandra Sperling was born in Nevada and began her creative life in Minnesota, where, as a child, she wrote a play and a short story.
Eventually, she attempted a horror novel, but it didn’t horrify. Her mother, while reading the manuscript, began to laugh helplessly and leaned against a door for support, sliding to the floor like a piece of cooked spaghetti.
Deciding she was a failure as a writer, Sandy switched to painting dry-brush watercolors. The pull to write, however, was too strong to resist, so while still in Minnesota, she again began to write, publishing some short stories and advancing to novels.
She currently lives in Kentucky with her husband, she enjoys taking nature walks, refinishing old furniture and reading.
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An unbidden journey to a new world. A mind-bending search for intergalactic empathy. Will mankind ever understand the true meaning of the alien interactions with Earth?
Following their terrifying capture from their home planet, Laura Sinclair and son, Jason, lead a group of desperate humans in a bid to forge their own future, and that of the entire human race.
Aboard an alien space station, orbiting a mysterious planet in a strange new galaxy, they find themselves as collaborators in a breathtaking scheme of cosmic survival—for aliens and humans alike. But who can they really trust as they struggle to understand the challenging and hostile environment that holds them in a grip of iron?
To succeed, they must solve the puzzle of extraterrestrial races in the throes of a perplexing and historic conflict. But will that be a bridge too far?
If you like Close Encounters, Contact, and Arrival, then you’ll love Amidst Alien Stars, the standalone second book in a spellbinding new alien interaction series from Clayton Graham.
“There is world building of such depth and lush detail that you could almost feel it.” Kay Mack TOP 1000 REVIEWER
“Not only is this an exciting, action-packed page turner – I love the intelligence reflected, the witty dialogue, and the genuine depth in the characters’ emotions.” Meenaz Lodhi
“Admirable world-building and the unsurpassable, indefatigable, drive of the human spirit to not just survive, but to thrive, power this engrossing sequel to the author’s debut science fiction novel, Milijun.” Mallory A Haws
5 Stars: It Will Capture Your Imagination!
Milijun Book Two: Amidst Alien Stars is finally here. Laura Sinclair and her son Jason desperately try to navigate the dangerous planet where aliens threaten not only their survival, but the whole human race.
Chapter one finds Laura “studying the growth tanks” where each child will grow to maturity with her son’s DNA. Now in her forties, she finds herself grandmother to many, part human and part alien.
Here is a conversation between Jason and Helena Belmonte in Chapter Eight: “Helena Belmonte suddenly appeared from behind a nearby tree.
…As always, she was dressed in her Eucla clothing: a white dress blouse and dark uniform trousers. Her blond hair flowed free, and her face carried a nervous smile. She carried her tunic under one arm. She doesn’t look like someone trained to kill with one well-placed blow, Jason thought. Still, appearances are deceptive. He briefly wondered how she could have been so stupid as to succumb to the moronic advances of Simon Cordell.
…She took a step towards him. “Can we talk?”
…Jason shrugged and sat down with his back to the wall. Helena came and sat beside him, a metre distant, her slim legs almost up to her chin.
… “I suppose you heard about Simon?” Helena said.
…Jason glanced at her. Her eyes were red from crying. The smile was gone, and her face was a picture of misery.
… “I heard. Did Susan Carmody send you?”
…With tears threatening, she shook her head. “She told me what she had done to Simon, but she did not ask me to speak to you.”
… “I don’t know whether Simon Cordell deserved what he got, and maybe only you can answer that, but I don’t agree with what Susan did.”
…Helena looked into the distance, a faint tremor on her lips. “We were stupid. I was lonely and frightened of this place. It’s not natural. None of it.” She managed a faint smile. “They tell me the aliens will fix his injuries in next to no time.”
… “I don’t think he will bother you again,” Jason said.
… “I can heel-kick as well as any officer here,” Helena declared. “I do have some strength. I think Susan meant well. She was trying to protect me.”
… “One of her girls.”
…Helena almost laughed, then her face grew serious. “I said Susan didn’t send me. She didn’t. It was me who wanted to see you.” She appeared nervous. “You know the aliens more than anybody here. Can I ask you some questions?”
…Jason could feel the tension in her voice, see it in her aura. He just nodded. On Earth, he had been the First Seen. Chosen by the aliens, or, rather, by the RNasia. His vacation with his mother had been savagely interrupted, and he had been forced into adulthood more rapidly than seemed good for his mental well-being. But now, what storms had raged through his mind had abated. Turmoil still existed, but it was a gentle, thought-provoking turmoil, one that led him to accept his role among the human captors. Schooldays were a mere candle in the roar of a nuclear sun, a distant memory buried in a distant world. He remained the First Seen, and perhaps would always be so.
…Helena said, “I know we have provided the hybrids for the aliens.
…I know they are supposed to be an improvement on both our races. I even think I understand how they will use them to explore the galaxy without fear of physical or mental degradation.” She turned her face towards Jason, and he saw such a loss of future hope, such despair, that he felt his own strength and beliefs beginning to crumble under an assault of uncertainty. “But I don’t know how the women fit in, even how you and your mother fit in. Have they finished with us?
…Are we eventually to be discarded once the hybrids are free of the tanks? Will we meet them, see our own offspring? And what happens then?” She put her head in her hands. “Will they want more hybrids from us? Will we ever see Earth again?”
…The possibility that the Gliezans would repeat the hybrid experiment on this orbiting station disturbed him. He wondered whether it was the obvious thing for them to do—produce more hybrids with their captives, and never return to Earth at all. That would devastate everybody and would rule out the need for interplanetary collaboration.
…The thought made him sick to his stomach. The Milijun enhancements and direct contact with the aliens had matured him well beyond his fifteen years, somehow increased the power of his mind, but there were times when teenage naivety broke through.
… “I wish I could answer your questions,” Jason responded eventually, “but I can’t. I can only repeat what we have been told. We are part of an alien plan for future cooperation between our two worlds, and that might have a great and wonderful outcome, or it might turn out to be a genetic and spiritual disaster. We are, if you like, an experiment that will enable both worlds to explore the cosmos as allies.”
I encourage you to read ‘Milijun’ (Book One) and follow it up with ‘Amidst Alien Stars’ (Milijun Book Two). Author Clayton Graham will capture your imagination, take you on an adventure with characters that are both human and alien, with a story so philosophical that it almost defies fiction.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Review by Stephanie: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. This book transports you to another world. Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2020. Verified Purchase. Amidst Alien Stars thrusts readers into a foreign otherworldly setting where humans confront feelings of captivity by the Gliezan alien race while being housed on a space station orbiting an alien home planet known as Glieze. The story kickstarts readers into the confusions and tribulations of the humans being housed, allowing readers to slowly assess the backstory of situation that the humans currently find themselves in. Through a third person point of view, readers follow the story’s first protagonist, Laura Sinclair, and learn of the human’s perceived role in an alien-human hybridization program of which we find the humans to be extremely skeptical of to say the least. We discover that Sinclair’s son Jason, the story’s second protagonist, is what the alien race has termed as, “The First Seen,” and how this mother-son duo plays distinct and significant roles in mediating between the interaction and dissemination of knowledge amid the humans and aliens while the human space survivors complete their purported mission of collaboration in galactic exploration with the Gliezans, set for an unsuspected amount of time before they are returned to Earth. The mystery of truth and trust between the spiritually advanced alien races and human race poses a conundrum throughout, while readers gain a deeper sense of character development as the plot thickens and the pressure is placed on the development of the hybrid children to be both physically and spiritually compatible to prove the experimentation and the future of human survival a success.
The author, Clayton Graham, does a fine job in writing a compelling story with interchanging parts bathed in suspense and speculation with a New Age twist. Envisioning the different groups of characters – aliens, robots, and humans alike – was fascinating and I especially enjoyed the way that Graham portrayed the foreign entities as believable alien characters with a historical account of their own civilization. Although this is the second book in the Milijun series, I greatly appreciated Graham’s succinct preface and opening chapters which I felt was intelligently crafted to allow for the second book to hold strong as a standalone novel. The quality of writing in this book sparks enough intrigue and enjoyment to considering going backwards into the story and read the first book. I was impressed by the fact that while reading, my mind was begging for the storyline to be adapted into a motion picture. Graham’s descriptive writing in this outer-space Sci-Fi novel had me imagining how each scene, and the characters within, would look while interacting on the big screen. Thoroughly enjoyed, I highly recommend this novel especially if you are keen on being transported into another dimension.
Review by Ian J. Miller: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Reflective science fiction. Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2020. Verified Purchase. This book is the second of a series, and there are several references to book 1 (which I have not read). I think it is sufficiently self-contained that it can be read as stand-alone, although the several references back to book one happenings that were not really relevant to the present issues were a little annoying. The background is that a number of Australians were abducted by an alien ship and sent to the planet Glieze, or more accurately, a space station above the planet that has a number of sections, each one devoted to one of the “nations” on the planet below. It turns out that the natural people of the planet cannot survive going “there and back” through space, but they had developed sentient robot-life forms to do that. What the humans were abducted for was to make hybrids; half-human half-Gliezan, to do that space travel. It was not clear to me why the Gliezans cared, as robots would be just as good as hybrids. However, the Gliezans were also scrapping between each other, and there was a fear the hybrids might be soldiers. The hybrids grew to the equivalent of 18-year-olds in tanks in a matter of weeks. Another oddity of these hybrids is they have a genetic human mother and father, so what was the alien part? That is not explained.
The level of science is fairly low, although the aliens are claimed to be able to access additional dimensions and some of what they do complies well with that. Well done there. The descriptions of the space station, the aliens and the planet are good. The humans gradually discover that the aliens have this conflict, at least between two lots of them, and the way the aliens try to hide this is well depicted. Gradually the aliens are drawn into the conflict, and they try to draw the humans in also. The characters are quite well-drawn. The action is well-described, but the action is also somewhat mild, and it is also a little repetitive in nature, i.e., the same sort of thing tends to repeat, and resolution tends to be “off-stage”. The aliens tend to be enigmatic, especially the Gerb who have a very truncated way of expressing themselves. Overall, a very imaginative story, if with a somewhat slow-moving reflective plot and with well-drawn characters in nature and emotion. My grading is somewhere between four and five stars, but I am starting the new year feeling generous.
Review by Retha: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Great! Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2020. Verified Purchase. The plot in the story along with the characters and their adventures were all so captivating! Most of the time I was kept on the edge of my couch, turning page after page; it kept me intrigued the whole time.
I actually came into the Milijun series starting with this book as well, so it goes to show that the novel is written in a way that both new readers and those coming back to the story can enjoy it. It has enough of an explanation to elaborate on the how’s and why’s of the story so far, but not too much to bore current fans of the series. Graham’s writing style does suit the sci-fi theme really well, rich in detail, making it easy for the reader to envision the characters, depicting their personalities oh so attractively. The depth in their thought processes and feelings is described amazingly, appropriate to each hurtle in the story line.
The plot entail’s themes of alien abduction; trust issues between humans and their abductors, and dealing with consequences of decisions made. The layering of the story is complex and so in this way, it would be ideal to read the first novel before this book, of course, as you would with a series. There’s tales of individual and group adventures, each tying in with one another as you would expect it to.
The book has enough momentum that builds to climax with the right pace and all of the wow moments at the perfect times. It starts off with a great introduction and the thought processes of the protagonists, allowing for ascension into more complex scenarios. It also has just the right amount of action and thrill to keep it suspenseful consistently and appropriately.
This book is perfect for those who like to take their time and enjoy what they are reading; taking in every single detail. The duration of the book is a decent amount too – not too long, not too short.
Overall, I can say that this is a really well written sci-fi novel that anyone could enjoy – a world that you can dive into straight away and be engrossed from start to finish. Clayton Graham really knows how to keep you wanting more!
Product Details: Paperback: 402 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (April 15, 2020) Language: English Science Fiction (Alien Invasion, First Contact) Science Fiction (Action and Adventure) Science Fiction (Fantasy) Science Fiction (Military) Science Fiction (Space Operas)
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Aki Sato is not your typical teenager. She has weathered the loss of her parents and joined her brothers, Kenji and Hiro in a struggle to keep the family business, and themselves together.
Aki has also inherited the Amida Syndrome, the power of time travel. Without her mother to guide her, Aki has no experience in its use, nor can she defend against the terrifying nightmares that haunt her.
A chance breakdown leads the siblings to Kazu, an eccentric retired blues musician. In a series of misadventures, Aki must guide her brothers through time, space, and the world of the blues. In time, Aki not only discovers her own voice, but the power of music.
The journey through time and life is just getting started in “Searching for Roy Buchanan.”
Five Stars: The Power Of Music!
Fascinating time travel, action adventure involving teenage characters who discover the power of music.
As an avid listener to classical and jazz, I admit, I had to google the late great American guitarist and blues musician Leroy “Roy” Buchanan. My husband plays professional clarinet and is very familiar with this pioneer of Telecaster sound.
As a broadcaster for more than thirty years, Author Tory Gates has found his new calling, as a vivid fantasy story teller.
Book One, Searching forRoy Buchanan (Sweet Dreams), begins with teenage Aki experiencing something between a night mare and night terrors, as she “cried out one long, agonized scream”.
As a grandmother and book reviewer, my heart went out the kids. I am awe of the mystical and musical experiences that touched these young lives. A story of tragedy and triumph. A compelling journey into art, music appreciation, Japanese language, wrapped in healing mystical time travel that brings acute self-awareness and an adventure that brings unexpected maturity in time when Aki and her brothers should still be children.
Let me draw you into the story line in Chapter 5.
“Aki sat on her bed. Naked but for the T-shirt she slept in, Aki sweated, but was cold. She drew her comforter about herself in the dark room.
She looked up through her tousled hair, at the sun, which fingered its way through the blinds. Fingers slipped between one another, Aki rested them against her forehead and breathed. She wanted to stand but could not.
Thoughts, random and specific, passed through her mind, and though she tried to set them free again, she could not. When I was young, my mother called me a dreamer. She meant it with affection.
The truth is, while I may have at times imagined myself as someone else, I have no dreams. Those things I might have wished for were cast aside when Mom and Dad died. I am no longer a girl; all of us grew up that day.”
I invite you to see for yourself what happens to Aki and her brothers. What is Amida Syndrome? Is it a gift or curse?
Now we wait for book two in this series.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
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