Posts Tagged ‘Science Fiction’
A YA Horror/SciFi ~ Shards ~ Blitz and Giveaway
Posted: June 21, 2017 in giveaways, horror, Science Fiction, YATags: giveaway, Horror, Science Fiction, Shards, YA
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Shag Lake by Susan McEachern ~ Blitz and Giveaway
Posted: June 6, 2017 in Action/Adventure, giveaways, New Adult, Romance, Science FictionTags: Author Susan McEachern, giveaway, NA Romance, Science Fiction, Shag Lake
Shag Lake
Susan McEachern
Publication date: July 11th 2017
Genres: Action, Adventure, New Adult, Romance, Science Fiction
Geri McKenna hasn’t seen her brother’s best friend, Sean Eastman, since he graduated high school. Sean left their little town of Pembroke just hours after she nailed him with a kiss behind the shed, never to be seen or heard from again. No calls, no texts, no social media to stalk online.
Eight years after the awkward incident behind the shed, Geri and Sean meet again. She’s now an ambitious journalist working in a dead end job, and he’s a successful structural engineer working on a classified government project. For different reasons, they’re both interested in a woman who has gone missing midst allegations of a Sasquatch encounter in the vincinity of Shag Lake. Geri is determined to get the scoop on the hottest story to hit the Internet, while Sean is determined to stop her.
Dodging other-worldly creatures and a corrupt shadow government, Geri and Sean struggle to find neutral ground in this debut new adult adventure by author Susan McEachern (who also writes young adult as award-winning author S.M. McEachern).
Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble
Check out the FREE short story, Shag Lake Prequel: The Kiss here!!
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Enjoy this Excerpt from Chapter One
Geri McKenna
My sister Emma’s eyes widen to full capacity, and she steals a sideways glance at me. “Are you kidding? You didn’t hear me when I said who was in town?”
“Um…” I search my brain for a name I might’ve vaguely heard.
She rolls her eyes and huffs. “Your lover boy from the summer of ’08.”
I hesitate for a few seconds, afraid to confirm it’s who I think it is: my brother’s best friend from high school, who I had a huge crush on. “You mean, Sean Eastman?” An uncomfortable knot begins to tie itself in my stomach.
“Who else would I be talking about? Or did you have a couple of guys on the go in tenth grade?”
It’s my turn to roll my eyes. “Oh. My. God. Will you let it go already? It was a stupid kiss behind the shed eight freakin’ years ago. I was what—fifteen?”
“Let it go?” she asks incredulously. “You searched the Internet for weeks to see if there was an earthquake at the exact moment you kissed him. There’s no way I’m letting that go, sista. Ever.”
I slap a hand over my eyes as if that will blot out the most cringe worthy moment of my life. But it’s still there, right behind my lids, playing out in living color. Sean and I were behind the shed by the woodpile, and I was stacking firewood onto his outstretched arms when I got a huge splinter in my finger. I screamed, grabbed my injured hand with my good one, and stared at it with the kind of horror usually reserved for a severed limb. Sean dropped the wood he was holding, snatched my hand, and yanked the splinter out. Seriously. No tweezers required because it was practically the size of a piece of kindling wedged under the first two layers of my skin. I could’ve pulled it out myself, but I wanted my hero to save me because I was fifteen and a total drama queen. And if that wasn’t embarrassing enough, I had to go and sway against him in what I can only describe as a bad impression of a swooning southern belle, and kiss him.
That was the last night I saw him—thank the Lord—because that particular end-of-school party was the last soiree for the high school grads. The next day they all went their separate ways, and we never heard from Sean again. Ever. He just disappeared. Mark tried to track him down over the years, more recently renewing his search to send him a wedding invitation. And I’ll privately admit to conducting my own online search for his profile too. But nada. It’s the like the guy dropped off the face of the earth.
Until now.
The thought of seeing him again is creating a knot in my stomach that cinches so tight, my abs are clenching.
Breathe, Geri. He’s probably forgotten all about it, I reassure myself.
Yeah, but my sister is going to make sure to remind him.
My eyes shoot left, assessing that little smirk on her face. This is our brother’s wedding weekend, and with all the parties and family gatherings planned, she’s probably already composing the perfect delivery for this story to maximize the humor value. Okay. Game on. She needs to know that I am not without a counterattack.
“Two words,” I say. “Tommy. Weenerrammer.”
She screws her face up in disgust at the same time she guides the car off the highway and onto the exit ramp. “First, it’s pronounced ‘whiner-rammer’ not ‘weener-rammer.’ Second, Tommy’s last name is Weisman. Third”—she pauses for dramatic effect—“everybody makes mistakes, Geri.”
“Exactly what I’m saying. You keep quiet about my faux pas, and I’ll keep quiet about yours.”
She slows to a stop at the intersection. “Oh c’mon. The one date I had with Tommy”—she holds up one finger to emphasize the singularity of that event—“was the desperate act of a heartbroken girl trying to make her ex-boyfriend jealous.” She flashes her wedding ring at me before she turns left. “And it worked. On the other hand, you kissing Sean Eastman behind the shed had no other motive than you wanted him for your lover.” She puckers up, aims a kissy face at me, and eases the car left at the intersection.
I hold up one finger, mimicking her, and say, “The one time I kissed Sean Eastman—”
“He rocked your world,” Emma says, cutting off my next words. She gives a couple of ha ha has then shakes her head while muttering, “An earthquake…”
“What? They happen in Ontario. And that would’ve been about the right time of year for one.”
One of her eyebrows shoots up, while the other crinkles into a furrow. “You mean like earthquake season, Eeyore?”
I stifle a laugh. “Oh, stop. You know what I mean.” Emma shakes her head, eyebrows still askew. “Like this time of year—mid-April,” I explain. “When the warmer temperatures penetrate deep enough to melt the frost layer and the basement rock begins to expand, it creates earthquake conditions.”
“Oh yeah. Sure,” she deadpans. “I’m totally onboard with that theory.”
“Good,” I say. “Because if you start sharing your version of what happened between me and Sean Eastman, I’ll be forced to share the whole seedy story about your date with Tommy Weenerrammer.”
“Go ahead,” she says. “I’m already happily married with a kid and”—she pauses and looks away from the road for a second to make eye contact with me—“another one on the way.”
My mouth drops open. “What?” And even though she has her hands full driving, I plant a kiss on her cheek. “How far along? Do Mom and Dad know?”
She smiles coyly. “I was going to wait until we got through earthquake season unscathed, but I was too excited and blabbed the news. I’m already past the first trimester.”
I make a squee noise because I’m really excited for her—and for me too, since I never intend to get married and have a gaggle of kids. I’m more than happy to placate my raging baby hormones via my nephew and… niece?
“Keep it to yourself, though,” she says. “I haven’t told many people because this is Mark and Shauna’s big wedding week. I’ll share the news after they leave for their honeymoon.”
“You haven’t changed. Always looking out for your little brother.”
She pats my knee. “And my little sister too. Which is why I’m giving you a heads up about your old flame being in town. You might want to clean up around the back of the shed in case your basement rock gets penetrated.”
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Author Susan McEachern
Award winning author S.M. McEachern (also known as Susan) attended Dalhousie University in the 1990s where she earned an Honours Degree in Sustainable Development Studies, specializing in ocean resources. With a background in international development and resource management, as well as being the wife of a military officer, Susan has had first hand experience in international affairs and policies. She attributes Elizabeth Mann Borgese–daughter of Nobel prize winner, Thomas Mann–as one of the greatest influences on her view of world politics. Susan had the privilege to work and study under Mann Borgese, an author, teacher and political activist for world peace. The first book of a series, “Sunset Rising”, combines Susan’s knowledge of politics and resource management with her love for Young Adult literature and action and adventure. The second book of the series, “Worlds Collide”, was published March 2014. The third book, titled “New World Order” was released January 2015.
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For a list of my reviews go HERE.
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Saturday Screams #33 ~ River Of Teeth
Posted: June 3, 2017 in Fantasy, reviews, Science FictionTags: alternative history, fantasy, review, River Of Teeth, Sarah Gailey, Saturday Screams, Science Fiction
Welcome to my Saturday Screams.
I couldn’t resist this book. The title. The cover. The blurb. The hippos! Oh My!
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River Of Teeth
by Sarah Gailey
Genre: Alternative History / Fantasy / Science Fiction
My Review
Being a southern gal, I’m always looking for stories set in my neck of the woods. The author did a superb job describing the bayous and the muddy Mississippi. I heard the rising shrill of the cicadas, the buzz of the annoying mosquitoes, and the grunt of alligators. Caught a glimpse of huge alligator gars as they rolled on the surface, while being lulled by the back and forth swaying on top my hippo. Yes, I said hippo.
The US Government came up with the idea of importing hippos into Louisiana for a much needed food supply. Sounded like a good idea, but didn’t happen. Except, in this book it did. And now the hippos are feral and eating everything, including humans, making the river a dangerous place. A ragtag group of hippo wranglers enter the swamp to round them up. All is not as it seems.
I read somewhere that in Africa more people die from hippo attacks than any other animal. They hide under the water, move at tremendous speeds, and their teeth are gigantic. In this book you have hippos that the wranglers bond with from birth, making them safe to ride, most of the time. Then there’s the feral ones. No one wants to encounter them. When some of these characters come across a feral, it’s bloody mayhem.
The characters you meet are varied and odd. One of my favorites is Winslow Houndstooth. He’s usually somber and withdrawn, until you shake his hornets nest. Then he’d as easily kill ya as step on an ant. He’s a charmer and I loved how he could make men preen and blush from his attentions.
The writing is haunting, powerful, and visual. Such a superb job for this author’s debut. The good guys aren’t all good and some bad guys aren’t all bad. Action, intrigue, and betrayal keep you glued to the story. And the hippos, I just couldn’t get enough of them.
Do I recommend this book? Most definitely. Will I be reading the second book? Hell yes!
5 Stars
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Synopsis
Sarah Gailey’s wildfire debut River of Teeth is a rollicking alternate history adventure that Charlie Jane Anders calls “preposterously fun.”
In the early 20th Century, the United States government concocted a plan to import hippopotamuses into the marshlands of Louisiana to be bred and slaughtered as an alternative meat source. This is true.
Other true things about hippos: they are savage, they are fast, and their jaws can snap a man in two.
This was a terrible plan.
Contained within this volume is an 1890s America that might have been: a bayou overrun by feral hippos and mercenary hippo wranglers from around the globe. It is the story of Winslow Houndstooth and his crew. It is the story of their fortunes. It is the story of his revenge.
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For a list of my reviews go HERE.
For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE
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Nerd Blast and Giveaway for Sputnik’s Guide To Life On Earth
Posted: May 30, 2017 in Action/Adventure, Children's books, giveaways, Science FictionTags: children's adventure book, Frank Cottrell Boyce, giveaway, Science Fiction, Sputnik's Guide To Life On Eart
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Age Range: 8 – 12 years
Grade Level: 3 – 7
Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Walden Pond Press
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0062643622
ISBN-13: 978-0062643629
Praise for SPUTNIK’S GUIDE TO LIFE ON EARTH
“Cottrell Boyce invites readers to suspend belief while going on a physics-defying, mind-bending adventure that’s sure to appeal to a wide audience. Begging to be read aloud and full of escapades, humor, and spunk, this is a stand-alone gem.” —School Library Journal (starred review)
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Award-winning author Frank Cottrell Boyce returns with another one-of-a-kind story of heart, humor, and finding one’s place in the universe.
Prez knows that the best way to keep track of things is to make a list. That’s important when you have a grandfather who is constantly forgetting. And it’s even more important when your grandfather can’t care for you anymore and you have to go live with a foster family out in the country.Prez is still learning to fit in at his new home when he answers the door to meet Sputnik—a kid who is more than a little strange. First, he can hear what Prez is thinking. Second, he looks like a dog to everyone except Prez. Third, he can manipulate the laws of space and time. Sputnik, it turns out is an alien, and he’s got a mission that requires Prez’s help: the Earth has been marked for destruction, and the only way they can stop it is to come up with ten reasons why the planet should be saved.Thus begins one of the most fun and eventful summers of Prez’s life, as he and Sputnik set out on a journey to compile the most important list Prez has ever made—and discover just what makes our world so remarkable.
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Enjoy the excerpt
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“I have to describe him, because there’s a lot of disagreement about what he looks like.
Height and age—about the same as me.
Clothes—unusual. For instance, slightly-too-big sweater, kilt, leather helmet like the one pilots wear in war movies with massive goggles.
Weapons—a massive pair of scissors stuffed into his belt like a sword. There were other weapons, but I didn’t know about them then, or I definitely wouldn’t have let him in.
Luggage—a big yellow backpack. I now know he more or less never takes that backpack off.
Name—Sputnik, though that’s not what he said to start with.
Manners—not good. My granddad always says that good manners are important. ‘Good manners tell you what to do when you don’t know what to do,’ he says. Sputnik put his hand out to me, so I shook it. That’s good manners. But Sputnik did not shake back. InsteadSputnik grabbed my hand with both of his and swung himself in through the door, using my arms like a rope.”
Copyright to Frank Cottrell Boyce
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You can purchase Sputnik’s Guide to Life on Earth at the following Retailers:
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Photo Content from BBC
Frank Cottrell Boyce is the author of Sputnik’s Guide to Life on Earth, The Astounding Broccoli Boy, Cosmic, Framed, and Millions, the last of which was a New York Times bestseller and was made into a movie by Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle. His books have won or been nominated for numerous awards, including the Carnegie Medal, the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize, and the Whitbread Children’s Book Award. Frank is also a screenwriter, having penned the scripts for a number of feature films as well as the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics. He lives in Liverpool with his family.
Social Media
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*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*
Go HERE to follow the tour for more fun posts!
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For a list of my reviews go HERE.
For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE
To see all of my giveaways go HERE
I was swept up……Crossing In Time by D.L. Orton ~ Review and Giveaway
Posted: April 25, 2017 in Adult Fiction, Dystopian, giveaways, reviews, Romance, Science FictionTags: adult fiction, Crossing In Time, D.L. Orton, dystopian, giveaway, review, romance, Science Fiction
On Tour with Prism Book Tours.
Dead Time, book three in the series, just released on April 15th!
Don’t miss the series ebook SALE and begin the series with book one…
Crossing in Time
(Between Two Evils #1)
D.L. Orton
Adult Sci-Fi Romance, Dystopian
Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 374 pages
April 7th 2015 by Rocky Mountain Press
A Publishers Weekly Starred Review
“Best Sci-Fi Love Story of the Year”
Remember How It Feels to Fall in Love?
Race against the clock through a dystopian nightmare. Climb naked into an untested time machine (carrying only a seashell and a promise). Wake up twenty years younger on a tropical beach, buck naked and mortally wounded, with your heart in your throat.
This is a journey of love, loss, and redemption that will make your pulse gallop and your palms sweat, have you laughing out loud through your tears, and leave you flush with the sublime pleasure of falling in love.
Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Book Depository│Powell’s
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My Review
In the beginning…. Isabel and Diego, ill-fated lovers, find each other again. The two lovers are separated once more when a strange artifact crashes in the city, destroying buildings and killing many. Reunited again, they have no idea their love is what will save the world.
I’m not much into time travel, but this book is so much more and I’m rethinking that now. There’s romance, science fiction, and suspense. I easily cast aside reality and lost myself in the story of Isabel and Diego. Their love for each other is powerful and I very much wanted a happy ending for them. But time isn’t set in stone, and their future and that of Mankind’s is uncertain.
Many people believe time travel will become possible. I’m not so sure about that. And not sure we should do if it is does become possible. This story is about having no choice. A sweeping romance, filled with possibilities, heartache, suspense, and hope.
The chapters are short, keeping the reading pace fast. And I enjoyed the illustrations at the beginning of each one as they connect with the events. Even the seashell in the spelling of the title on the cover has a hidden meaning.
The beginning swiftly pulls you in. The plot deepens and the characters emerge. And as you draw near to the conclusion, you’re gripped in a vise of suspense that brings tears to your eyes, fearing and hoping for what comes last.
5 Stars
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Other Books in the Series
Lost Time
(Between Two Evils #2)
D.L. Orton
Adult Sci-Fi Romance, Dystopian
Hardcover, Paperback & ebook, 222 pages
July 1st 2016 by Rocky Mountain Press
If someone took everything you live for, how far would you go to get it back?
When a faulty time machine deposits Diego at the top of a pine tree, he knows he’s in the wrong place–but has no idea he’s in the wrong time. Naked and shivering in the chilly mountain air, he attempts to climb down, but slips, whacks his head, and falls into oblivion.
He wakes up inside a darkened room, crippled and disheartened, and must come to grips with the realization that he is marooned in a bleak alternate future. In this universe, what remains of the human race is trapped inside a handful of aging biodomes. With his mission failed, his world destroyed, and the one woman he loves, dead, he can find no reason to go on living.
But Lani, the emotionally scarred doctor who finds him, refuses to let him die, and as Diego heals, their relationship becomes… complicated. He struggles to let go of the past but is unable to get Isabel out of his head–or his heart. Just when it seems he may be able to find some measure of happiness in a world teetering on the edge of extinction…
Another note arrives from the future: Isabel is alive–but not for long…
Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble
Dead Time
(Between Two Evils #3)
D.L. Orton
Adult Sci-Fi Romance, Dystopian
Paperback & ebook, 414 pages
April 15th 2017 by Rocky Mountain Press
If someone took everything you live for, how far would you go to get it back?
From award-winning author D. L. ORTON comes book three in the Between Two Evils series…
Shannon fights to stay alive inside a rogue biodome and discovers something totally unexpected… Peter. Lani is forced into the role of the reluctant heroine but rediscovers her street-kid mojo and sets out to find everything she’s lost. Diego receives another dirty sock (and a note) from the poorly aimed fireball express: “The window between universes is closing.” If Diego has any hope of getting back to Iz, he must get to the Magic Kingdom and power up the time machine before it’s too late.
What could possibly go wrong?
About the Author
D.L. ORTON is the BEST-SELLING author of the BETWEEN TWO EVILS book series. She lives in the Rocky Mountains where she and her husband are raising three boys, a golden retriever, two Siberian cats, and an extremely long-lived Triops. In her spare time, she’s building a time machine so that someone can go back and do the laundry.
Ms. Orton is a graduate of Stanford University’s Writers Workshop and a past editor of “Top of the Western Staircase,” a literary publication of the University of Colorado at Boulder. The author has a number of short stories published in traditional and online literary magazines, including Literotica, Melusine, Cosmoetica, The Ranfurly Review, and Catalyst Press.
Website│Blog│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Freebies & New Release Sign-Up
Tour Schedule
April 16th: Launch
April 17th: Reading for the Stars and Moon, Stormy Nights Reviewing & Bloggin’ & Hearts & Scribbles
April 18th: I Love Books
April 19th: Rockin’ Book Reviews
April 20th: Kindle and Me & Wishful Endings
April 21st: Zerina Blossom’s Books
April 23rd: Celticlady’s Reviews
April 24th: deal sharing aunt & Colorimetry
April 25th: fuonlyknew & Angels With Attitude Book Reviews
April 26th: Bookworm Lisa
April 27th: Booklove
April 28th: Grand Finale
Tour Giveaway
– 1 winner will receive a $25 Amazon eGift Card (open internationally)
– 1 winner will receive the Between Two Evils series, which includes Crossing in Time, Lost Time, and Dead Time (print if US, Kindle copies if international)
– Ends March 28th
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For a list of my reviews go HERE.
For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE
To see all of my giveaways go HERE.
My Monday Minis Reviews #57 ~ My Delicate Destruction
Posted: April 17, 2017 in Monday's Minis, reviews, Science FictionTags: Jillian Ashe, My delciate Destruction, My Monday Minis Reviews, review, Science Fiction
Welcome to My Monday Minis where I share short reviews about books I’ve read.
I decided it was time to read some more science fiction. I won My Delicate Destruction by Jillian Ashe in a giveaway. Actually, I won the first two books and will share my review of Book Two, Riding On Whispers, on next weeks Monday Minis Reviews.
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My Delicate Destruction
The Wolfegang Series #1
by Jillian Ashe
Genre: Science Fiction
My Review
Katerina and her twin brother, Kris, both have a fatal type of cancer. With a new drug called Hope, they just might have found the cure. Only drawback, they will have to sleep, frozen, for two years. They jump at the chance. The year is 2016.
Over 500 years later, Kat awakens to a strange new world. It appears they were assumed dead after a great earthquake, but signs show Kris awoke and was now gone. As she navigates the new world, she discovers Kris made some enemies and fled to another planet. Hiding her past, she manages to get a ride on a ship and sets off to find him.
I was surprised how quickly I fell into this story. Kat won me over with her sense of adventure and her fierce dedication to finding her brother. As I learned more about why her brother fled, the story deepened.
While categorized as science fiction, the world building isn’t bogged down in detail. You easily get the picture. The pace is fast. The characters drive the story and those that enter the story as Kat finds her way are varied and interesting. And there’s secrets demanding answers that keep you anticipating what comes next.
I should warn you though. The ending is rather abrupt and it’s obvious you’ll have to read more of the series to wrap things up. I look forward to that.
4 Stars
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Synopsis
They Promised her Hope…
My name is Katerina Anderson. In 2016, a drug called Hope was created. Administered during suspended animation, the drug was supposed to cure the cancer my twin brother and I had. When an earthquake leveled Los Angeles, we were presumed dead.
Forgotten, we slept.
The day I woke up, I realized everything had changed. My brother was missing, and everyone else I knew was dead. I booked passage on a ship to find Kris. The government thinks I’m a criminal and the cure did more than just cure my cancer. My brother is the only one who might have the answers I need, but that drug and all its false hope set me on a path I’m not sure I can follow.
Will I find my twin and learn exactly what they did to me before it’s too late?
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For a list of my reviews go HERE.
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Xenogeneic: First Contact ~ Author Interview, My Review, and a Giveaway
Posted: March 29, 2017 in Fantasy, giveaways, Science FictionTags: fantasy, giveaway, Lance Erlick, review, Science Fiction, Xenogeneic
Hi ya’ll and welcome to my stop on the tour for Xenogeneic: First Contact, a thrilling science fiction story.
I have much to share, including my review, an interview with Author Lance Erlick, and a giveaway, so don’t forget to enter.
Please welcome Lance Erlick and enjoy this interview first.
How long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing since I was eleven and decided I could write adventure stories like those I was reading. It was a disappointing effort, but I had the bug and learned that I had much to learn. I wrote short pieces from time to time and then took up writing again in college. When I got a full-time job, I had to put writing aside but kept coming back to it until I wrote my first full novel. It was the one I had to get out of my system before I could begin to be a real writer.
Where do you get inspiration for your stories?
I always have stories floating around in my head. Ideas and characters grab me whenever I’m not writing. The seeds for them come from news, events of the day, and what I read or see. Often they come from imagining “what if” type situations involving people in unusual circumstances. Then my imagination takes off trying to figure out how I might handle things if I were a particular character facing these problems.
A seed for Xenogeneic: First Contact was the SETI project to communicate with potential aliens on other planets. The idea is to make contact with others to share ideas and possibly technology. But we are also advertising that we’re here for anyone who might not wish us well. That led to the central idea of first contact with such an alien species. A cornerstone of the Rebel series is a civil war between hard core believers on both sides, which was inspired by the angry politics we’ve seen in this country over the past couple of decades. The question I asked was what happens if both sides win. For the Regina Shen series, there has been much talk about abrupt climate change. I wanted to explore a world where it has already happened.
What does your writing process look like?
For some stories, I do extensive outlining and brainstorming before I write the first word. I’ve also had stories that seemed to narrate themselves because I’d gotten to know the characters so well in their situation. Often I wake in the middle of the night with scenes or solutions to story problems and then have to make notes in the dark. When I’m ready, I focus on a first draft to get the story out and breathe life into it. I liken this to putting modeling clay on the spinning wheel. Then I edit and mold the story until I’m happy with how it feels and works. While I find the editing process tedious at times, I find it vital in the process of molding the final story.
If you could put yourself as a character in your book, who would you be?
I wouldn’t want to be a character in Xenogeneic: First Contact, the Rebel series or the Regina Shen series because of what the characters have to face. Having said that, I can see myself as Elena Pyetrov (Xenogeneic: First Contact) and Regina Shen. When dropped into a new situation, they have an almost innate ability to assess their environments, figure out how bad it is and what they need to do, and carry on. They don’t have all the answers, but they don’t give up.
Were there any characters that you did not like?
I found General Gorg from Xenogeneic: First Contact an individual I would never want to meet and yet I understand where she’s coming from and her motivation to be so entirely focused she tramples over others. Inspector Volpe (Regina Shen series) is power hungry, driven by personal values that make sense for her and yet tread on innocent people along her path to success. In The Rebel Within, I didn’t like some of the power figures who were trying to perpetuate their power at the expense of others. I guess there’s a theme here. Yet I try to portray each villain in terms of working toward what makes sense to them (heroes of their own stories).
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Xenogeneic
by Lance Erlick
Genre: Science Fiction / Fantasy
My Review
It’s winner takes all in the fight for Earth. When the Knoonk, an alien species, lose their civil war, they set there eyes on Earth as their new home and go about their insidious plan in unimaginable ways.
This story feels “alien.” What I mean is, the way the aliens think and act is so different from humans how could we ever hope to negotiate with them. They look like we picture them to be, grey little beings from outerspace. It’s how they think that throws us. For example, even the pinkish color of our skin is an abomination to them. Color is ugly and hurts their eyes. If how we look is an insult to them, why would they treat us humanely.
But, when Dr. Elena Pvetrov’s ship crashes on an strange planet, she’s determined to try. The Knoonk have many tricks up their sleeves to keep their human captives off balance and controllable. As she adjusts to her new life, she studies her captors, forges friendships and alliances, and tries to get back home to Earth to warn them of what is coming.
I knew this was going to be a hard one to review. So much to tell, yet I can’t without spoiling things for you. The author put me in so many character’s shoes, I stumbled my way along, conflicted about my feelings towards them. Not in a bad way though. More like a challenging one. I liked some that I probably shouldn’t and disliked some in the same way. This certainly kept me turning the pages to learn more about them.
An intriguing beginning to this science fiction adventure and one I would like to follow to its conclusion.
4 Stars
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Synopsis
Xenogeneic is a science fiction thriller about first contact with an alien race that lost their civil war and wants to take over Earth.
Dr. Elena Pyetrov’s father vanished in space 18 years ago while searching for extraterrestrial life. As an aerospace engineer, Elena travels into space to search for answers and continue his work. Her ship is pulled off course and crashes. She suspects extraterrestrial interference.
The alien Knoonk lost their civil war in a distant star system and fled to Earth’s neighborhood to hide and regroup. They seek a new home—Earth. Unable to live in Earth’s toxic environment, the aliens kidnap and use humans to genetically modify their species to adapt.
Surviving the crash, Elena and her shipmates are transported to a closed cave system where the Knoonk monitor and control everything. Elena tries to make a connection with her hosts and find ways to work together, but Knoonk leaders rebuff her and force the humans to submit as slaves. The aliens use illusions, distractions, and social experiments to learn from their hostages and keep them off balance. Resistance by captive humans brings swift punishment to break the human spirit.
While Elena continues to look for ways to cooperate with the Knoonk, it becomes apparent that there can be no compromise. The Knoonk want to capture Earth for their species. It is winner take all. With time running out, Elena must dig deep to uncover the alien plan and find a way to stop them before the human race faces enslavement and extinction.
Buy the Book: Amazon ~ Add to Goodreads
Author Lance Erlick
Lance Erlick writes science fiction thrillers for young adult and adult readers. He is the author of The Rebel Within, The Rebel Trap, and Rebels Divided, three books in the Rebel series. In those stories, he explores the consequences of Annabelle Scott following her conscience. He authored the Regina Shen series–Resilience, Vigilance, Defiance, and Endurance. This series takes place after abrupt climate change leads to the Great Collapse and a new society under the World Federation. His latest novel is Xenogeneic: First Contactabout encounters with an alien race aiming to take over Earth.
Connect with the Author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest
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March 13 – Library of Clean Reads – review / giveaway
March 14 – Books, Dreams, Life – book spotlight / author interview
March 15 – Rainy Day Reviews – review / giveaway
March 16 – A Mama’s Corner of the World – review / giveaway
March 17 – Olio by Marilyn – review
March 17 – Book Crazy Scrapbook Mama – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
March 20 – Outset – book spotlight / author interview
March 20 – #redhead.with.book – review / giveaway
March 21 – Leels Loves Books – review
March 22 – 3 Partners in Shopping Nana, Mommy + Sissy, Too! – review
March 22 – Book Reviews, Nature Pictures & Everything in Between – review
March 23 – T’s Stuff – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
March 23 – Amazon Reviewer – review
March 27 – Stormy Nights Reviewing & Bloggin’ – book spotlight
March 28 – Haddie’s Haven – review / giveaway
March 28 – In Blue Ink – review
March 29 – fuonlyknew – review / author interview / giveaway
March 29 – Thoughts on Books – review / giveaway
March 30 – Reviews by Martha’a Bookshelf – review / guest post / giveaway
March 31 – The Silver Dagger Scriptorium – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
March 31 – Deal Sharing Aunt – review / giveaway
April 3 – Mommy’s Gone Shopping Again – review / guest post
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April 5 – JBronder Book Reviews – review / guest post
April 6 – Books for Books – review
April 7 – Elsie’s Audiobook Digest – review
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The Kid’s Korner #8 ~ It’s A Feeding Frenzy
Posted: March 22, 2017 in Action/Adventure, Children's books, reviews, Science FictionTags: Adventure, children's book, Feeding Frenzy, review, Science Fiction
Welcome to The Kid’s Korner.
I decided to do this feature as I have so many great children’s books to share. From picture books, to books for beginning readers, to middle graders, I have plenty of fun ones.
Today’s book is a thrilling adventure and I happened across this one at a resale store I like to visit.
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Feeding Frenzy
Killer Species #2
by Michael P. Spradlin
Grade Level: 3-7 / Age Range: 8 – 12 years
Genre: Adventure / Science Fiction /
My Review
I was in a favorite local thrift shop when I spotted the fabulous cover of this book. Being a huge fan of scary books about creatures from the deep, I quickly snatched it.
Emmet finally gets over his fear of the water and goes snorkeling with his friends. They are quickly attacked by some monstrous creatures and barely make it back to shore alive.
Emmet is convinced that Dr. Catalyst, a crazy invasive species activist, is still alive and back in business. He better prove it soon, as more and more attacks occur.
It was nonstop action in this one. Genetically altered sea creatures released to eat the invasive lion fish. Only problem is they quickly turn to other food, including humans.. What could be scarier. Imagine crossing a barracuda, a shark, and an eel. The better to eat you up.
The characters are engaging and easy to like, or not, depending on whether they’re good guys or bad guys. The action is quick. And even though this is the second book in the series, the author quickly filled me in on past events using only a sentence here and a sentence there. Nothing to slow down my reading.
I scoured the library shelves when I was young, looking for stories just like this. It does get a bit creepy, but there’s no gore, so it’s appropriate for young readers. I’m sure they will eat it up.
Upon finishing this book I had to go see the other ones in the series. I noticed they all had fabulous covers too and all but this one featured Emmet’s courageous dog, Apollo. I guess he hasn’t learned how to scuba dive yet. LOL
This was such a fun book. Kept me on the edge and I’d recommend to anyone of any age that enjoys adventure and using their imagination.
5 Stars
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Synopsis
A brand-new action-packed series from Michael P. Spradlin. Each book covers a genetically engineered super-predator wreaking havoc on the environment.
Time has passed since anyone’s heard from Dr. Catalyst. Emmet and Calvin have even begun to think that the crazed scientist might be gone for good.
But then, on a trip to snorkel off the Florida coast, one of their friends is nearly drowned by an underwater monster, with endless rows of razor-sharp teeth. No one is quite sure what they saw. Was it a moray eel? A giant barracuda?
There’s only one thing Emmet knows for certain. Dr. Catalyst is back. And this time, he’s out for revenge.
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Click on the covers at the top of the post to check out all of the books in the series.
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For a list of my reviews go HERE.
For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE
To see all of my giveaways go HERE
Freakin Fridays #46 ~ Through Glass
Posted: March 3, 2017 in Dystopian, Freakin Friday, horror, reviews, Science FictionTags: dystopian, Freakin Fridays, Horror, review, Science Fiction
![Through Glass by [Ethington, Rebecca]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51gPtwdm5rL._SY346_.jpg)
Welcome to Freakin Fridays, where I share my reviews of books that scare you, thrill you, and get those endorphins pumping.
I loved both covers for this book and wanted to share them. Which do you like most?
Today’s book is a really creepy one and I do love that!
Through Glass
Glass: Episodes 1 – 3
by Rebecca Ethington
Genre: Dystopian / Horror / Science Fiction
My Review
I enjoyed this right from the beginning. The author gave me two very likeable characters in Alexis and Cohen . She’s been crushing on him for years, but they’re best friends since childhood, and when she makes a move to change that, he foolishly declines, fearing it will spoil their friendship. After being away at college for a year, Cohen’s perspective changes and he allows himself to show his love for Alexis ?.
Too little too late for their budding romance as darkness shutters the world. They have a fun way of communicating. Their houses are next to each other and they open their bedroom windows and talk across the space between. Now Alexis and Cohen separated by the distance between their two houses and can only look at each through the glass in their windows, alone, yet not alone, as creatures form their worst nightmares kill anyone who steps outside.
I melted when Alexis and Cohen finally acted on their feelings for each other. They belong together and it’s so heart breaking when they are separated shortly afterwards. Only able to look at each other through glass.
I was also very excited to see how they would find their way out of the situation and feared the worst. In horror, many authors aren’t shy about killing off their characters and this really ramped up the suspense.
Things get darker, literally and figuratively, as the creatures from the dark exert their dominance and lay claim to the planet. I can’t imagine how scary it would be to know the creatures are coming for you but you can’t see them. The rasp of their talons connecting with something are the only warning.
This book satisfied many of my requirements for a good dystopian horror story.
The only real snag was that it ended with quite the cliff hanger. There are several more episodes and I plan to read them. I have to know what happens next.
5 Stars
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Synopsis
***Volume One includes Books 1-3 of the Through Glass Novella Series***
Everyone remembered the day the sky went black. The day the sun was wiped from the sky. They remember the wind as it brought in the darkness; the way the earth shook and everything changed.
Everyone remembered the screams as the darkness ate those who were out in the open, those who had surrounded themselves by light, and those who made noise.
Everyone remembered the voice from the sky and the way food disappeared.
At least, that’s what I hoped. I hoped that there was an ‘everyone’ that would remember because I am not sure how many are left, how many survived. Or if anyone did.
I hoped that I wasn’t alone.
I remembered that day.
I remembered because it was the day I became alone.
It was the day that everything was perfect until the monsters took it away. Then the house went silent and the birds stopped singing. It was the day when everyone disappeared, everyone except the boy, the only person I have seen in two years.
The boy I talk to through the glass.
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For a list of my reviews go HERE.
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