Monday, January 27, 2020

January Reviews and Previews


For your consideration:
  • A sweet romance (Second Chance);
  • A military fantasy (Requiem's Reach); and
  • Young-adult science fiction (The Selection).
Hope you find something for your library,
Bruce

Second Chance: The Conclusion of the Flowers in December Trilogy by Jane Suen

A Bit of Sweet, Romantic Escapism – I just Worry that the Leopard Can’t Change Its Spots 

By luck, or maybe poor planning, I ended up with several horror novels right in the midst of the holidays. So, when I saw Second Chance, I knew it was my opportunity to balance out the unthinkable with the sweet. And even though it is the third of a Trilogy, the author’s synopsis describes it as “… a standalone sweet romance.” That worked for me.

Second Chance finds Connor Norton looking for—you guessed it—a second chance with Mary Ann. They met before the funeral for Connor’s mother but lost contact when Connor went back to the city where he worked. Both main characters are well-developed, although a bit stereotypic. I found Mary Ann quite likable as the plucky, no-nonsense business owner. She had suffered through an abusive relationship with a stepfather, making her slow to trust men (one of the stereotypes). But she was open to taking a chance with the right person if she could find him. Author Suen goes to great lengths to make the setting and Mary Ann’s background wholesome but hard-earned. Sometimes, however, this theme went too far. At one point, for example, Mary Ann is recalling her experiences with her grandfather, who had to live “… through hard times.” And then, we transition to his parents, her great grandparents, who lived during the Great Depression, a further elaboration that didn’t seem to advance the story appreciably.

See the complete review on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2QLlpNM


Requiem's Reach: A Chaos of Souls Novella (Chaos of Souls Novella Series, Volume 1) by R.M. Garino

A Fantasy as Tension-Producing as Any Fiction Set in the “Real” World

It’s difficult for a fantasy to generate any real tension in a reader … at least, until he/she is totally immersed in the story’s make-believe world. Before that, the threat to life and limb (which may or may not include humans) is often met with a shrug, a roll of the eyes, because, of course, the good guys will have another magical spell up their sleeves to save the day. This limitation, however, is not an issue for Requiem’s Reach. Even without a background in author Garino’s fantasy world, uneasiness rolled over me in waves during the action scenes. Perhaps that’s because these chapters have the feel of a military campaign—gains come only with tremendous personal sacrifice; enemies are allies because they’re less reprehensible than the others. It’s the kind of fantasy you could easily imagine in our world, although you’d rather not. And therein lies the tale’s ability to tie your stomach in a knot.

See the complete review on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2ZMT3GY


The Selection: The Forgotten Chronicles Book 1 by Jason J. Nugent

When Humans Take ‘Survival of the Fittest’ in their Own Hands

If The Selection doesn’t remind you of The Hunger Games, then I suspect you haven’t read the books or seen the movies. In both stories, teens from outlying colonies (or districts) are forced to participate in a competition, often to the death. There are, of course, differences. In The Selection, only the males compete and the reason is basically, survival of the fittest. There is an extreme gender imbalance on the planet, with males outnumbering females ten to one. Only if a male survives the process can he procreate. Our protagonist, Eron, sees this devaluation of human life and forced evolution as wrong, instead preferring compromise and letting nature take its course. As the story unfolds, he suffers greatly for these convictions.

See the complete review on Amazon:  https://amzn.to/38miMsZ

(I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.)

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

A Short Story and A Sci-Fi Giveaway



My Short Story Garners Recognition

"The concepts of trans-humanism, AI, and where we're headed as a society were all there -- the callback to Amie sitting on the edge of the couch arm was superb. As a fan of science fiction, I would publish that story as is."

Which is what I did.

That was the feedback from the judge for the St. Louis Writer's Guild annual Short Story Contest, where my entry, Amie & Alex: A Love Story, took second place.

Held every year since the organization's founding in 1920, the Guild's contest is one of the oldest in the nation. It's also boasts some impressive winners. Tennessee Williams won first place in 1935 for his story, "Stella for Star." Perhaps if I ever become a playwright, I'll be Missouri Perrin ... but probably not.

Since I'll be giving copies of this short story to new subscribers (see below), I wanted to make sure my current readers got first shot at a free download: https://bit.ly/2FEWkik. Please help yourself.


Want to sample some FREE Sci-fi?


Then check out the "Fantastic Futures" Sci-Fi giveaway: https://storyoriginapp.com/to/spO875f

Every work listed is a complete short story, novella, or full-length novel including my short story. Many of the sub-genre of Sci-Fi are represented, so if you're a fan looking to sample some new authors in return for trying out a subscription to their newsletter, give this giveaway offer a look.

Sunday, January 12, 2020

January Limited-Time Kindle Deals


Santa bring you a new eReader that needs some books? Then, check out these limited-time Kindle deals.

(Prices change constantly. Be sure to verify all prices before purchase.)

Start Date: NOW  End Date: Jan. 16
It Was Always You: a gripping psychological suspense novel
By Sarah K. Stephens
Women's psychological suspense
Usual Price: 2.99  Sale: 0.99

Love hurts but the truth can kill.

Morgan isn’t sure about her new boyfriend, Justin. Before the couple go on a romantic weekend trip, Morgan attends an appointment with her neurologist, Dr. Koftura, who has monitored her since an accident she had when she was seven years old. Morgan has a history of sabotaging her romantic relationships and the Doctor is concerned that she is following the same patterns with Justin.

On the day of their trip Justin’s behavior becomes erratic and he runs the car off the road into a tree, killing himself and hurting Morgan.

When she awakens in the hospital to find that Justin is dead, Morgan has little time to grapple with this loss before detectives arrive to question her about the crash.

As it becomes clear that the detectives believe Morgan is responsible for Justin’s death, Morgan must unlock the secrets of her past in order to prove her innocence.

But can she really trust her own mind?

https://amzn.to/2Rcu9g4


Start Date: NOW  End Date: Jan. 15
Flowers From Berlin - The Classic American Spy Novel (25th Anniversary Edition)
By Noel Hynd
Political fiction
Usual Price: 3.89  Sale: 1.99

It is 1939. Roosevelt is winding down his second term in the White House. The Nazis have taken Austria, and Stalin’s Red Army is systematically eliminating the Kremlin’s enemies. Europe is going to hell in a handbasket. With isolationist sentiment running high in America, and the president’s popularity at an all-time low, Hitler seizes the moment and dispatches his secret weapon: An agent named 'Siegfried' who conceals himself behind the mask of middle-class America. A chameleon who can change identities and personalities at will. A cold-blooded killer who will win the war for Germany.

A banker, linguist, and demolitions expert who has successfully infiltrated German intelligence, FBI Special Agent Thomas Cochrane is handpicked by Roosevelt for an impossible mission: To find Hitler’s spy before he carries out a plan that will remove the president from office at a critical moment in the century’s history. As Cochrane, with the help of British Intelligence agent Laura Worthington, circles closer to his elusive quarry, a spy with supporters in the highest levels of U.S. government readies the world stage for a final act of annihilation that will alter the tide of war--and the future of the free world--in unthinkable ways.

Imagine a world where your most precious inalienable rights are denied. Where individual freedom is a thing of the past. Imagine World War II without FDR ...

https://amzn.to/2QIIPoc


Start Date: NOW  End Date: Jan. 15
Stalin in Power: The Russian Revolution From Above, 1928-1941
By Robert C. Tucker
Communism and Socialism
Usual Price: 2.99  Sale: 0.99

In 1929, Stalin plunged Soviet Russia into a coercive "revolution from above", a decade-long effort to amass military-industrial power for a new war. He forced 25 million peasant families into state-run collectives and transformed the Communist Party into a servile instrument. In 1939, he concluded the pact with Hitler that enabled him to grasp at Eastern Europe while Hitler made war in the West.

This book forms the second volume of Robert C. Tucker's biography of Joseph Stalin, following Stalin as Revolutionary. The author shows that Stalin was a Bolshevik of the radical right whose revolution cast the country deep into its imperial, autocratic past.

Tucker brings a fresh analysis to these events and to the terror of the 1930s, revealing the motives and methods of what he calls the greatest murder mystery of this century.

https://amzn.to/2ThRSOG


Start Date: NOW  End Date: Jan. 16
Compound 26: The Makanza Series Book 1
By Krista Street
YA Sc-Fi
Usual Price: 3.99  Sale: 0.99

A deadly virus. A brilliant, young researcher. And an infected survivor who threatens to steal her heart.
In a society ruled by sanctions and curfews, Dr. Meghan Forester emerges as the youngest and most promising scientist to join the fight against Makanza—the deadly virus that's ravaged the world.

Inside Compound 26, a giant government-controlled research facility, Meghan's new job involves studying the Kazzies, the rare survivors who carry the virus and now exhibit supernatural powers. But as her work unfolds, Meghan's horrified at the brutal and unethical practices the Kazzies are subjected to.

And most surprisingly, she falls in love with one.

Faced with growing conflict over helping the Kazzies versus following the Compound's strict policies, Meghan must choose: obey the government's unethical practices or risk everything to save the only man she's ever loved.

https://amzn.to/36RpC9K


Start Date: NOW  End Date: Jan. 17
The Second Korean War (The Russian Agents Book 1)
By Ted Halstead
Korean War History
Usual Price: 2.99  Sale: 0.99

"... a well written, Clancy like spy novel"

"What a delightfully fast paced novel."

Two Russian agents discover a missing nuclear weapon was hidden in an American city by North Korea. Another nuclear weapon nears Seoul in a tunnel built by North Koreans. And North Korea's new military dictator launches an all-out invasion.

Will Seoul or Pyongyang be the new capital of a united Korea?

https://amzn.to/2Tgm4K8


Start Date: NOW  End Date: Jan. 17
Sober Ever After: A Memoir
By Jackie Elliott
Substance abuse
Usual Price: 6.99  Sale: 1.99

Jackie Elliott loves her wine. It makes her feel confident and helps to relieve her anxiety. Drinking wine is normal! Drinking wine is fun!

Until it isn’t.

Jackie refuses to believe she has problem, after all she doesn’t live under a bridge, she is still quite thin (and therefore healthy), and is quite able to function!

As Jackie’s “Drunken Magical Thinking” propels her into a toxic relationship, and her life begins to disintegrate, Jackie has this nagging thought that maybe she should cut down on the booze. When she starts to have blackouts – complete gaps in her memory after only a few glasses of wine, she suspects that the party might be coming to an end.

From the lowest moments, to her first stumbling sober steps, Jackie shares her thought provoking, sometimes funny, sometimes sad journey to sobriety.

https://amzn.to/2FHJAaT


Start Date: NOW  End Date: Jan. 16
Zero Percenters: A Novel
By Scott T. Grusky
Metaphysical science fiction
Usual Price: 4.99  Sale: 0.99

Conservationist Anja Lapin always stood firm against her father’s profiteering. But in her wildest dreams, she never guessed his tech company would stumble on an algorithm enabling humans to digitize their bodies and secure artificial immortality.

Before Anja can stage a protest, terrorists take out the research team, along with her father. Billions adopt the new technology in record time, lured by an eternity free from pain and filled with pleasure—even if it means losing a few pieces of their identity.

Anja finds she’s one of the last two flesh and blood humans remaining on Earth. But while her worries turn to the future of consciousness, her father’s rival plots to hijack the network of digitized people and claim ultimate control.

Can Anja counter the attack and safeguard a brave new stage of human evolution?

https://amzn.to/30c05VW


Start Date: NOW  End Date: Jan. 16
A Warrior's Path: An Anchored Worlds Novel (The Castes and the OutCastes Book 1)
By Davis Ashura
Asian Myth and Legend
Usual Price: 2.99  Sale: 0.99

Two thousand years ago, the Sorrow Bringer destroyed the First World. She stirs once more.

Into this world is born Rukh Shektan, the finest warrior of his generation. Like all members of Caste Kumma, he has always understood duty, dedicating his life to the mastery of the sword. But defending his home against the Sorrow Bringer will require more than just peerless skill with the blade. It will require the hardest of sacrifices.

It is a lesson taught to him by Jessira Grey, a beautiful woman who Rukh knows to be an abomination. The holy texts warn against her kind: ghrinas, children of two Castes. They are to be executed whenever discovered, but for the first time in his life, Rukh defies duty. Jessira may be the key to the world's survival.

She offers Rukh the promise of terrifying Talents, abilities most name evil but which may also be the only means of saving his world.

For Rukh, the choice was always easy.

https://amzn.to/3a6kfWe


Start Date: NOW  End Date: Jan. 17
The Broken Academy 5: Bonds
By Jade Alters
Fantasy Romance
Usual Price: 2.99  Sale: 0.99

The Gray Fiends are gone. The Broken Academy and the Kyrie share a tenuous truce. All would finally seem to be back to normal. That is, until the ancient organization of magical power control returns to tighten their hold. The Lotus. Safety is but a memory now.

At the center of the dawning war are two of the most powerful students ever to walk the Academy’s halls. One, a magical prodigy. The other, a unique hybrid-gone-rogue that the Academy once sought to snuff out.

Emery Dalshak and Cece Ford hold the fate of both groups, and all the supernatural, in their hands. Much as they hate to admit it, they need each other.

And yet, in the shadows of this uncertain alliance of necessity, a scheme begins to snowball. A truly broken heart threatens to steer the conflict in a different, and truly treacherous direction.

https://amzn.to/2ThVxfA


Start Date: NOW  End Date: Jan. 16
Hidden Part One: A Michael Sullivan Mystery
By Linda Berry
Mystery
Usual Price: 2.99  Sale: 0.99

Upon his return from combat, a wounded Marine faces brutal battles at home. Sully’s parents are estranged, his father is an invalid, and the family ranch is nearing bankruptcy. Murdering thieves are stealing champion horses and disappearing into the desert like ghosts.

While attempting to make peace with his abusive father, Sully discovers the shocking secrets that drove his parents apart. Deeply resentful, he works with his father solely for the survival of the ranch.

Sully finds comfort in Maggie, the mother of a young marine killed in action. Despite their age difference, he connects with her in a way he never thought possible.

When a close friend is murdered, Sully and his Paiute companion track down the renegades. The epic violence that waits in the desert will test their survival skills—skills they never thought they’d use on American soil.

https://amzn.to/2NiCYE2


Start Date: NOW  End Date: Jan. 17
Murder Travels in Threes (A Helen & Martha Murder Mystery Book 2)
By Sigrid Vansandt
Cozy mystery
Usual Price: 3.99  Sale: 0.99

“We've got gypsies!” Old Grimsy, Marsden-Lacey's cantankerous town gossip, warns the patrons of The Traveller's Inn one golden autumn afternoon. Soon, the quaint Yorkshire village is playing host to a family of exotic Romanis, three colorful narrowboats, and a rough bunch of Russian mafiosos who'll stop at nothing to get their hands on a royal treasure lost to time.

Martha Littleword and Helen Ryes find themselves up to their necks in chasing mobsters, running from Russians, inciting ghostly visitations and wreaking havoc in their love lives. Chief Johns has his work cut out for him keeping the villagers from rioting, corralling two adventure-loving Southern girls and investigating the frightful deaths of two innocent women who knew too much.

For good measure, Martha and Helen will throw in some sassiness, mix well with laughter, and add three heaping helpings of love from two cats and one fearless canine hero, Amos. It's mystery and high jinks that only two Southern women can pull off with fun, flair, and the occasional bowl of jambalaya served cajun style.

https://amzn.to/2NhfD5u

Prices change constantly. Be sure to verify all prices before purchase.

I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.