Wednesday 30 December 2015

Full Circle by Tim Baker

Tim Baker was born and raised in Warwick, Rhode Island.

He enjoys a wide variety of activities including sports of all kinds, music, motorcycles, scuba diving and, of course, writing.

An avid dog lover, Tim was a volunteer puppy raiser for Guiding Eyes for the Blind, raising and socializing potential guide dogs.

He has also studied and taught martial arts.

Tim writes fast-paced, off-beat crime stories full of colorful characters and loaded with unexpected and often humorous twists and turns, set in Flagler Beach and St. Augustine, Florida.

Currently, Tim is enjoying life in Palm Coast, Florida.

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About the Book


What goes around…Comes around.

It’s an indisputable law of the universe, but Joe Moretti Jr lives his life as if it doesn’t apply to him. 

When Joe’s mistress gives him some unwelcome news, he decides to take drastic action, which starts a chain reaction of events that will affect the lives of thirteen strangers in the quiet seaside town of Flagler Beach. 

It’s a bizarre ripple effect, but will it be enough to teach Joe that his money and influence can’t protect him from the power of Karma.

Get it today on Amazon and Kindle!


Keep reading for an excerpt:



There was no way she could possibly know what she was talking about. She was a store-front gypsy trying to scare him in the hope of drumming up some business. Next she’d be telling him to come in for a reading. Then the real con was on.

Joe wasn’t biting.

“Okay,” he said. “I got it. Be careful…don’t mess with the spirit world…the universe has power and all that happy horseshit.” He held the card out to her. “Here you go. Thanks for the tip.”

Anya Yaroshenko still made no move to take the card. Joe’s hand defied his brain’s instruction to drop it and walk away.

“You remember movie A Christmas Carol?” she asked.

“Scrooge, Tiny Tim, yeah, sure. What about it?”

“Remember when Scrooge’s dead partner, Jacob Marley, show up to warn him about spirits?”

“Yeah?”

“He was wearing long, heavy chain.”

“Yeah, very ghostly.”

“Chain was not there to make it ghostly. It was…” she searched for the word, “…symbol.”

“Symbol of what?”

She paused to formulate her answer. “Everything we do in life, every thought, every action, every reaction is like link in chain. Our fate is determined by the links we put on our chains.”

“So what I’m getting from this is, it’s my life. My chain.”

Anya shook her head No and grinned. “It is mistake to think that way.”

“And why is that? You just told me it was my chain.”

“Actually, you said it was your chain. I wasn’t finished.”

Joe exhaled slowly through his nose, re-crossed his arms and shifted his weight to the other leg. “Okay, so finish, but speed it up, I got things to do.”

“You are putting links on your chain every minute of every day, as am I. The woman getting into that car, she is doing it as well.”

“Is there a point hidden here somewhere?”

Producing a pad and a pen from her satchel, she began sketching.

“You see this?” She showed him a drawing of several small, interconnected circles running from one end of the page to the other.

“Yeah.”

“If your chain was just your chain it would look like this. A straight line.”

More sketching, taking longer than the first. “But look at this…”

Now the page was filled with chains randomly running from place to place, some connected, some not.

“This is what it really is.”

“Looks like a tangled mess.”

“Sort of. This chain is your life, this one is mine. They became connected the moment you picked up your card. This one coming in here is the woman who just walked by us. This one is the man whose car you were standing behind a minute ago.”

“And?”

“Notice how every time your chain connects with somebody else’s, it changes direction little bit.”

“Yeah.”

“That’s because that person’s link is now attached to your chain, affecting everything that happens to you afterward. Some more than others.”

“This is all very interesting.” Joe checked his watch. Hopefully Mark would be here any minute to rescue him. “But you still haven’t gotten to the point.”

Sunday 20 December 2015

Lyon's Roar by Artemis Crow

Artemis Crow lives in the southeast U.S. with a tolerant husband, a pack of foster dogs, and a beleaguered cat. When Artemis isn't gazing at the stars, and thinking about infinite possibilities, she's busy writing the next book in the Zodiac Assassins series. For more information about the Zodiac Assassins and their world, visit Artemis. For cool imagery that inspired the Zodiacs, the InBetween and the paranormal creatures, be sure to check out the Pinterest page.

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About the Book


Twelve Zodiac Assassins. Forged in the Darkness of the InBetween, Ruled by the Shadow Side of their Stars, The Only Hope for the Light of Humanity. The InBetween, a subterranean haven created by the goddess Hecate for persecuted paranormals and ruled by twelve formerly-human princes, has been hidden for centuries, their numbers growing, and their hatred for humans festering.

So when the paranormal children are stolen, and the evidence implicates humans, the paranormals are called to rise out of the darkness and into the light to get retribution. Imprisoned, with the demon soul attached to his own soul close to taking permanent possession, Zodiac Assassin Lyon jumps at the chance to earn his freedom by retrieving three women from the human world. But when the other Zodiacs try to steal his prize, Lyon must secure the women and run.

When foundling Persephone Payne is attacked by one man then rescued by Lyon, the monster plaguing her nightmares, she is thrust into a supernatural world beyond imagining and forced to rely on Lyon to protect her and her sisters by choice, not by blood. But, can she safeguard her heart from him? After Persephone’s fate is finally revealed, Lyon must choose between the reclamation of his soul or saving her and the love he doesn’t believe he deserves.

Get it today on Amazon!


Here's an excerpt from the book:


The screech of the screen door’s rusty hinges alerted him to Persephone’s presence. He turned. She crossed the yard and stopped just outside his reach, her purple eyes glowing like they were lit from within. The moon bathed part of her face in cool silver that matched her hair, while shadows enveloped the rest of her in fierce black.

His heart slowed. The anger in him cooled. The wind stopped and Lyon struggled to breathe. The world fell away, leaving only her. He wanted to freeze this moment so he could figure out why it felt so important. The answers were right in front of him, but…

Persephone squared her shoulders like the bravest warrior, yet her hands trembled like the fallen facing death. “I know what to do.”

Her words snapped Lyon back. “Zodiacs are not totally human. We’re enhanced, making us the best assassins in all worlds. These men could kill you and your friends without a thought.”

“But I thought you were supposed to get us to the InBetween alive.”

“Those are my orders.”

“But you don’t know about the other Zodiacs?”

“Yes.”

“What about the man who attacked me?”

“Scorpio.”

“He could have snapped my neck and walked away. Why didn’t he?”

“I don’t know.”

Persephone sagged, as if giving in to the weight of the unknown.

He didn’t expect her to have anything of worth to offer, but his curiosity and no small amount of desperation made him indulgent. “So, what would you do?”

Persephone looked at the ground. “I don’t think I can explain it, you’ll think I’m crazy. But when Abella, Taryn, and I get together, especially lately…um, things happen.”

“Things happen? You want to go up against eleven assassins with ‘things happen’?”

Persephone scrunched up her face and shrugged her shoulders. “They’re really good things?”

Lyon stared at her, thinking. The woman was nuts, but this whole situation didn’t sit well with him. Llewellyn had no interest in humans; he considered them to be a stain on the planet. How could three humans have possibly caught his attention?

Lyon shook his head. The why didn’t matter. Confronting the Zodiacs alone would be a disaster that would cost him Persephone and his freedom. “So your plan is to walk into the middle of a house filled with most highly trained killers in any world, get your friends, then waltz out? Do you have a death wish? Or are you just that foolish?” He sighed, his mind made up. If he could get Persephone to the InBetween in the next few hours, he could turn around and try to run down the other two women. “No, we’re running.”

Lyon turned away, but stopped when she placed her hand on his arm.
Her casual touch made him shudder.

“My friends that you dismiss so easily? They’re my family. They mean everything to me.”

He whirled on her. “Family?” He leaned into her, his body trembling, his flash-fire rage all-consuming. “These people called family, they sidle up and say ‘I love you’ over and over until you believe it, until you relax and trust that they’ll be there when you need them most.”

Persephone backed up but Lyon followed her, pressing into her space.

He wagged his finger. “But that’s when they have you. That’s when they rip your heart out and stomp on it. Family.” He stopped advancing and dropped his hand. “You better run as fast as you can away from them, before you learn this truth the hard way.”

Persephone shivered. She wrapped her arms over her chest, as if that would protect her. “Don’t you have anyone you would lay down your life for?”

Sunday 13 December 2015

The Way Knight: A Tale of Revenge and Revolution by Alexander Wallis

Alexander Wallis is the author of the dark fantasy novel 'The Way Knight: A Tale of Revenge and Revolution.' The novel was inspired by the problems facing young people, seeking love and meaning, in a narcissistic society corrupted by elites.

Alexander graduated from the University of Chichester, where he studied Youth and Community Work. He has supported many schools and youth clubs with his social learning approaches and thousands of young people have benefited from his mental health workshops.

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About the Book


Daimonia Vornir is a wild and impulsive girl, who fears she is unlovable. When corrupt politicians execute her brother, she travels to find her mother — the famous hero who abandoned her years before.

To survive the treacherous journey, she hires the Way Knight — a travelling warrior sworn to protect anyone who pays his fee, no matter how dangerous the journey, or hopeless their cause.

Together they will chance the battle-torn coast, pursued by the champion of the Secret God.

THE WAY KNIGHT is the terrifying tale of a girl’s journey from child, to woman, to goddess. It is a provocative story that will challenge everything you believe.

Get it today on Amazon!

Here's an excerpt:


Now she knew with absolute certainty. She was the Goddess of War. She was the avenger, chaos and death. She was Cere-Thalatte and the falling stars were a measure of her anger.
Daimonia, heroine of The Way Knight

As the heavenly fire descended, she raised her sword, light flashing on the bloody tip. Shadows took life and prowled the battleground, delineating the abundant dead. The Goddess had repaid greed with slaughter; a thousand lives shed for one. 

As the screaming stars rained down, her laughter became a haunting song. 

I am the crown of eternal stars, 
I am the armour forged from scars, 
I am the truth whose seed is doubt, 
I am the flaming sword that will never burn out! 

The song was carried to its conclusion by the theatrical players as the battleground became a stage and the stage little more than a hill upon which they had practised their craft. Falling stars became wooden torches. Bodies rose happily from the dead. Masks of virtue and vice were cast aside to reveal the cheery grins of actors. Having concluded their performance, the players bowed to the gathered villagers of Jaromir. 

Daimonia Vornir led the applause with all her heart. She had been so completely absorbed in the drama that she came back to herself with a jolt. She was no longer the heroine of the mythological saga but merely a wide-eyed girl cheering into the wind. 

‘Goddess, give me your certainty,’ Daimonia prayed, ‘for I am beset with questions and doubt.’ She blinked a swell of tears, her heart tired from the demands of the drama.

Tuesday 8 December 2015

The Second Coming by Grant Leishman

I am an expatriate New Zealander, residing in the beautiful islands of The Philippines, with my wife and two step-daughters.

After careers in finance and journalism, I have finally found my true passion in life - writing and I am now "living the dream" as a full-time author.

About the Book


God looks down on Earth and is disgusted with what he sees his creation has become. He decides that humanity is a failed experiment, and he orders Earth and all of humanity destroyed. He will start again from scratch. Jesus, however, intervenes and requests one more opportunity to turn mankind around. He is given one year to see if he can make a significant difference. 

If you are a fan of the "Left Behind" series, this is your type of book. Asking the big; What If? question and following it through with a story interwoven with Christian symbolism. 

"The Second Coming" begins with Jesus (JC to his friends) in an induced coma in a Manila hospital after having been hit by a bus, losing his memory in the process. The book follows the exploits of Jesus and his "disciples" as they seek to firstly recover his memory and then embarking on a mission of saving humanity from the brink. 

There is interwoven into the story a romance between Jesus (Jose Christian Castillo or JC for short) and his number one "Disciple" Maria Lyn Manyanan (Ma for short). 

The sequel to The Second Coming; Rise of the AntiChrist will be published in December 2015.

Get it today on Amazon, Google Play and iBooks!



Check out this interview with Grant:


Why did you decide to be a writer?


I told my Mum when I was eight years old that I wanted to write books, when I grew up; books that would excite people, like I was excited by the books I read. She smiled sweetly, as all mothers do and told me I could be anything I wanted. 

It just took me 45 more years to grow up. When I moved to The Philippines, I had to find something to do - I was too young to retire, so I rediscovered my boyhood promise and hopefully made my late mother smile down on me from heaven and say; "I knew you would make it". 

Simply put - writing is my bliss and it's what makes me happy and fulfilled.

What genres do you write?


I like to try and answer the what if? questions. 

My books tend to transcend genres and ask and hopefully answer moral and ethical dilemmas. If you were to try to categorise me, I would say the following genres: Romance, Action/Adventure, Spiritual Fiction and Christian Fiction

Is there a genre that you've been wanting to experiment with? If so, what is it and what attracts you to it?


Absolutely - two actually 

I want to write an historical romance, because I love history with a passion and would love to do the research necessary to facilitate an accurate portrayal of a period. 

Science Fiction, because since I was a child I have been in awe of the imagination and genius of science fiction writers like Herbert, Heinlen, Arthur C Clarke et al. I want to see if I can actually stretch my mind to that genre,

What inspires you to write?


My wife. She is my muse, my inspiration and my biggest fan. 

My other inspiration is my burning desire to do so - to write. I don't care if I'm not a best-seller (although that would be nice). My books will be my legacy to this life. Nothing I have done before compares to the sheer joy and excitement of a completed novel.

If you could choose an author to be your mentor, who would it be?


That's easy - it would be Paolo Cohelo. The Alchemist is by far and away my book of a lifetime. 

I love the way he is prepared to interact personally with his readers and has no airs or pretensions. If I had a role model, it would definitely be him.

When did you first consider yourself an author?


I've had this discussion before with a number of people. I WAS an author the moment I typed the first word on my first manuscript. I might be a published author now, but I was an author at that point. 

I would even argue that I was always an author....just undiscovered in my own mind.

What are your goals as an author? Where do you see yourself in five years?


My goals are fairly simple and straightforward and have nothing to do with sales or money. 

My goals are to write three books a year for the rest of my life. In five year's time that should mean I have fifteen books to my name. 

I want people to read them and enjoy them, but I don't need that to validate myself as a success. I am a success because I am an author.


What is the best writing advice you've ever received?


This was a quote I read somewhere on Pinterest I think. I can't even remember who said it - maybe Stephen King. 

"The worst writing you ever did, is still better than the best writing you never did."

What is the worst writing advice you've ever received?


Follow the rules! 

Following the rules if for formulaic, legacy authors who want to be rich and successful. I don't begrudge the Clive Cussler's, the John Grisham's and the Tom Clancy's of this world, their success, fame and wealth, but I cannot abide formulaic, plots and characters. Yes, they make money, if they're successful, but really what difference is writing that to working on a factory production line? Not a lot in my opinion.

What do you enjoy doing aside from writing?


Reading. I read voraciously. 

Before I became an author I read all the legacy published superstars. These days you couldn't pay me to buy their books. 

I read only "indie" authors now and there are some truly fabulous ones out there, ever bit as good as the legacy published authors.

If you were stranded on a deserted island, and you could only have five books with you, what would they be?


Swiss Family Robinson 
The Alchemist 
The Hero 
Dune 
1984

How many books do you have on your "to read" list? What are some of them?


About 20: They're all "indie" authors: A few are 

There Was No Body; by Colin Griffiths 
The Road to Dar Rodon: by Nat Russo 
Rampant Damsels: by Michael H Kelly 
Mud on Your Face: by Rachel McGrath 
The Caravan of Love: by Annie Lancaster 

I will never run out of the awesome number of "indie" books available.

Are you a pantser or outliner?


Absolutely a pantser. 

When I come up with an idea, I usually have a beginning and an end......it's that pesky bit in the middle that is the problem. 

In general terms I write chapter by chapter. It is usually while I am taking a break in the middle of a chapter, the idea for the next development and chapter, will hit me.

How long does it take you to write a book?


I try to make my novels a minimum of 100K words. It usually takes me about two months to write the draft and then two months to edit the draft. 

There are times I long for a professional editor, but the reality is that self-editing, painful that it is, is actually very elemental to becoming a better writer. I learn so much about my writing through self-editing.

Do you ever base your characters on people you know?


My latest book, Just A Drop in the Ocean, although fictional is based on real people and their characters certainly show through. 

I think every character I've ever written has some basis in a person I've met or known. It is often hard to divorce reality from fantasy.

What are you working on now?


I am working on an anthology of short stories, in collaboration with my son, who realised earlier than me where his true talents lie. I'm incredibly excited to be doing something in tandem with my son. 

The genre is horror, which is his forte, but definitely not mine, so I'm looking forward to seeing what I can squeeze out of my fevered mind in that genre.