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She reads books as one would breathe air, to fill up and live.
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Genre: Dystopian, Thriller, Horror Publisher: Independently published Publication Date: Jan 13, 2014 Pages: 185 Format: Mobi Add to GoodReads Buy on Amazon | B&N After a harrowing escape from Amaryllis City, Niko is forced to lay low. The people who want to use her unique genetics for their own ends are still out there and their reach is long. After an emotional split with Ben and hiding deep in the slums she soon meets Songhay, a charismatic thief and his younger sister, Roosevelt. Together, they dodge violent gangs, roaming Slithers and the ever present threat of acid rain. Growing closer, Niko, along with Songhay soon form a rag-tag band of Slither hunters to keep the slums safe and the monsters at bay. But then she discovers shocking information about her past that challenges everything she thought to be true about herself and those she loves. Now she has to decide if she's going to stay safe in hiding or stand up to the lies and injustice swarming around her. She was never one to lie low for long. I received this ebook from the Author in exchange for an honest review.Niko was one of my favourite reads ever and Harm quickly follows up with that claim. The author has quite the skill in world-building, creating a world that is so terrifyingly believable and creating characters who are real and relatable. Niko adopts a shortened version of her real name, Harm and becomes one with it as she hides out in the slums of Cherai City, where acid is a real problem, like fall in and never get up again problem. She meets a thief by the name of Songhay who is trying to earn enough money to get his sister Roosevelt past the gates and out of that life. I really like Songhay. He made the bad-ass soften a little. While Niko was still full bad-ass Slither hunter, she seems to really like Songhay too. To be honest, I'm more for Songhay than Ben, myself. Songhay has a humble side to him that Ben lacks, personally. And then there is Roosevelt. All sass and knows it too. She added great personality to the book. Book 2 left me wondering what was going to happen with Niko as some truths were revealed. But I absolutely look forward to the next book! Kayti Nika Raet is the author of The Outsider Chronicles, a YA dystopian series featuring a bad-ass girl with a baseball bat. Connect with Kayti Twitter | Facebook | Amazon
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Bradley Campbell is a tattooed sci-fi enthusiast, hopeless romantic, fiction author, and self-proclaimed geek who is on a lifelong mission to inspire his readers through the infinite power of suspenseful, paranormal, dramatic, and oftentimes love-infused storytelling. In addition to being a multifaceted word weaver with a lifetime passion for creative expression, he has had the opportunity to work as a motorcycle mechanic, lawyer assistant, certified HVAC technician, and fitness model, to name a few. He even crafts his own music and roleplay writes. When he doesn’t have a pen in hand or isn’t binge-watching his favorite TV shows (i.e. Luther and Misfits) on his trusty iPad, you will probably find Bradley spending some quality time with his two awesome children who inspire him every single day. Where do you get your ideas for your books? Who or what inspired your idea? B.C. Honestly everything around me is a canvas. The book I’m working on now has a character in it based on someone I met on the beach. How did you develop the plot and your characters? Are your characters based on anyone? B.C. Honestly it was a natural progression of little ideas coming together. It was like puzzling together a newspaper from the future. Yes, One character is based off a girl I mused over for to long. Do you write when you're inspired? Or do you have a schedule you keep to? B.C. I write constantly. Either ideas or plotting together something I haven’t finished. I like to live in the flames of passion. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors? Maybe a piece of advice that stuck with you from your adventure into the world of publishing? B.C. “You can’t edit a blank page” Tell us a bit more about yourself. How did you know you wanted to be a writer? Who or what inspires you to write? B.C. I had a teacher who put a book in my hand because I wouldn’t sit still. The rest is history. How much of yourself goes into your writing? Or do you keep yourself separate and base the character on someone else entirely? B.C. No tears for the writer no tear for the reader. What has helped shape and improve your writing? B.C. I Read like a vampire! What are you reading right now? Do you recommend it or have any other recommendations? B.C. Kelly Parsons “Doing Harm” unsung Masterpiece Do your novels carry a message or do you feel it's subjective? B.C. Yes, Multiple messages that are meant to be enjoyed by reading subjectively. Check out their Book!Genre: Short Story, Thriller, Mystery, Romance Publication Date: March 22, 2019 Publisher: Self-published Pages: 42 Add to GoodReads Buy: Amazon New York City Detective Tristan Andretti crosses swords with deadly enemies in the hardest puzzle of his career.
With a beautiful fiancée and a promising, lucrative career in law enforcement, Detective Tristin Andretti was living the American dream. But like all dreams, it will come to end sooner or later. Only in his case, it ended in a nightmare when the unexpected happened, and he lost it all when a horrifying act of violence compels him to leave the force with an ashy, bitter taste in his mouth. With his life crashing down around him, Tristin finds himself distracted both by his new client, Lucia Trenta—a spoiled, up-and-coming pop star with a skewed, narcissistic view of the world—and a dangerous situation that puts her life in danger. Genre: Mystery, Historical, Thriller Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press LLC Publication Date: January 14, 2015 Pages: 368 Add to GoodReads Buy on Amazon, Barnes & Noble Two men, two different generations, both initiated into a powerful organisation that throughout history has sought control and use their power for destruction. Two men leaving behind a wake of murder, revenge and vengeance. Two men that will stop at nothing, playing a game that only they know the rules. One man roams the dark London streets for his victims, preying on women of the night. While the other stalks his victims in Seville, Spain; knowing that only he could uncover the true motives of one of the world’s most infamous serial killers – Jack the Ripper. I have a diploma in Body Language and Criminology, enabling me to explicitly portray my main character. Living in Auckland, New Zealand with my two dogs and partner, I enjoy watching documentaries about history and conspiracy theories, giving me ideas for my next books. At 30 years old, I have a diploma in Cognitive Behavioural therapy, Freelance Journalism, and Editing and proofreading; giving me the ability to better understand the human mind, writing about it in a comprehensive manner. I have also started up two additional websites: Body, Mind and Health services - Click Here Animal Health and Welfare Services - Click Here Both websites are based around my qualifications in Counselling, Personal training, human and animal nutrition, Animal behaviour and Natural therapies. Links Genre: Thriller, Short Story, Anthology Publication Date: January 2018 Pages: 33 Format: Mobi Add to GoodReads Buy: Amazon A short collection of horror, mystery, and crime stories. I received this ebook from the Author in exchange for an honest review.Unfortunately, I was pretty torn about this book. While the stories are definitely decently written, I had a hard time distinguishing them as short stories because they seemed to skip and end too quickly. However, the first story was very heart breaking, so maybe I was hung up on that (book hangover situation), but even going back to it as a refresher, I still just did not connect with the story. Regardless, it's still written well and while it isn't my cuppa tea, doesn't mean it won't be a cuppa tea for others. Tommye is a writer, currently studying for his MA in Creative Writing. His primary passion is in fantasy and science fiction novels and is inspired by writers such as Robert Jordan, J.R.R. Tolkien and Trudi Canavan. Connect with TommyeGenre: Horror, Thriller, Novella Publisher: Black Hill Press Publication Date: November 11, 2015 Pages: 120 Format: Mobi Add to GoodReads Buy: Amazon SynopsisAn isolated religious cult has reportedly been consuming meat while the rest of the planet has been forced to live a life without it. Presuming this sect has resorted to cannibalism, two agents from an organization known simply as The Agency are dispatched to investigate. Will they find evidence of humans eating one another? Or is something even stranger taking place? “In the tradition of Serling and Bradbury, A Stalled Ox is a gruesome, yet beautiful story that wraps a complex morality tale in an engaging and fast-paced horror story with a touch of espionage. Crafting a world where no one is truly innocent, Moses invites the reader to follow Agent Howard Harrington as he discovers what true evil is.” Rating4.75 Stars ReviewI received this eBook from the Author in exchange for an honest review. Don't let the synopsis of this story fool you, it's vague for a reason. Behind the vagueness is a really awesome story, but shh, I didn't tell you that! This is a dystopian world where meat is non-existent. However, a cult claims to be consuming meat. Howard, a detective and his partner Linda are sent to investigate the cult and its Leader, who calls himself "God", ironically. Howard has proven, in the past, not to have had the best track record. He's very reactive to what is around him, which isn't a bad thing per say. But he lets his emotions get out control. However Linda is definitely more level-headed, which evens out Howard's unpredictability. But even she falls for the excitement of the Cult and its claims, so Howard remains the most clear-headed throughout. The other main character would be the cult leader, the aforementioned "God." Like most cult leaders, he is charismatic enough to pull a congregation of followers into the hundreds. But he's also crazy, cruel and very violent which makes him unpredictable. Eventually we learn the secrets of the church and it's mystery as to how it's obtaining meat. This story, no pun intended, is raw, visceral and yet it is very intriguing. Once it picks up, though. It was a bit of a slow start for me. But it takes you on one helluva Dystopian Carnival of Horrors ride. About the AuthorDean Moses was born in England in February of 1991. At the age of nineteen he moved to New York City, where he hoped to fulfill two of his longtime dreams: marry the love of his life and become an author. For the past five years he has written for newspapers, including the New York Amsterdam News and the Spring Creek Sun, as well as transcribed for the New York Times’ Lens Blog. He is the author of A Stalled Ox from 1888's Black Hill Press. Dean currently resides in Queens, New York with his wife and three cats. Connect with DeanGenre: Dark Fantasy, Sci-fi, Thriller, Erotica Publisher: JMS Books LLC Publication Date: December 1st, 2018 Pages: 82 Add to GoodReads Buy on: JMS Books, Amazon, Barnes & Noble SynopsisAs a young stag-shifter, all Pembroke dreams of is being harnessed to Santa’s sleigh. Yet his world comes crashing down when Santa is slain by the imposter Frost. War erupts in the Arctic Circle, pitting elf against reindeer, and Pembroke is sent on a perilous mission. If he fails, his herd will be lost. When the mission goes awry, the stag-shifter must put his trust in an unlikely ally. Where does one turn in a land of ice and blood? What happens when the enemy infiltrates your heart? What begins as a wavering alliance just might take Pembroke farther than he ever imagined. About the Author"Sugar Plum'd" is Leon Mauvais' debut! He's a beret-wearing sprite who fell asleep in the cornfields of Pennsylvania. He dreams in the husks, hoping his tales taste like taffy, but help build crystallized armor. Once, he lingered in the corners of the last used bookstores searching for forbidden adventures on exotic worlds. Connect with LeonGenre: Legal Thriller Publisher: Roundfire Books Publication Date: February 22, 2019 Pages: 336 Add to GoodReads Buy: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, Waterstones SynopsisWhen a homeless war veteran is beaten to death by the police, stormy protests ensue, engulfing a small New Jersey town. Soon after, three cops are gunned down. A multi-state manhunt is underway for a cop killer on the loose. And Dr. Tessa Thorpe, a veteran's counselor, is caught up in the chase. Donald Darfield, an African-American Iraqi war vet, war-time buddy of the beaten man, and one of Tessa's patients, is holed up in a mountain cabin. Tessa, acting on instinct, sets off to find him, but the swarm of law enforcement officers gets there first, leading to Darfield's dramatic capture. Now, the only people separating him from the lethal needle of state justice are Tessa and ageing blind lawyer, Nathaniel Bodine. Can they untangle the web tightening around Darfield in time, when the press and the justice system are baying for revenge? About the AuthorN. Lombardi Jr, the N for Nicholas, has spent over half his life in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, working as a groundwater geologist. Nick can speak five languages: Swahili, Thai, Lao, Chinese, and Khmer (Cambodian). In 1997, while visiting Lao People's Democratic Republic, he witnessed the remnants of a secret war that had been waged for nine years, among which were children wounded from leftover cluster bombs. Driven by what he saw, he worked on The Plain of Jars for the next eight years. Nick maintains a website with content that spans most aspects of the novel: The Secret War, Laotian culture, Buddhism etc. http://plainofjars.net His second novel, Journey Towards a Falling Sun, is set in the wild frontier of northern Kenya. His latest novel, Justice Gone was inspired by the fatal beating of a homeless man by police. Nick now lives in Phnom Penh, Cambodia Connect with NicholasGenre: Satire, Thriller Publisher: Something Something LLC Publication Date: November 18, 2018 Pages: 268 Add to GoodReads Buy on: Amazon SynopsisDeath once had a near-Chuck experience. Meet Chuck Steak. His insides are well done. He’s a cop, but not just any. He’s the best. Hasn’t been one like him since the ‘90s. Won’t work with partners and disregards the collateral damage his boss is always screaming about. Chuck Steak is USDA Prime badass, so having a bomb planted inside Mia, his secret, longtime girlfriend who’s been dreaming of marriage for almost a decade, should be just another day at the office. The problem is, an elusive villain challenges Chuck to deliver Mia’s dream wedding within a week’s time, or she’ll blow. Overwhelmed with “girly tasks”, Chuck’s forced out of his action-heavy comfort zone and into scenarios which require words instead of bullets. One results in the loss of his right hand, and when it’s replaced with a black hand, this white cop (now .65% black) encounters a new kind of villain: racism. With time against him, Chuck will have to find a non-violent way to convince the love of his life and her disapproving family that this isn’t another publicity stunt—that after all of these years, it’s finally time to ditch the legacy he’s been slaving over in favor of the family she’s always dreamed of. All while overcoming unexpected hurdles like his own department and their trigger-happy mentality toward minorities, backstories, a feminist gang, incredibly friendly Muslims, dementia, depression, gender equality, and trying to maintain action-orientated roots in an increasingly politically correct world. About the AuthorCasper is somewhat published and will probably continue to write for like ever. Connect with CasperGenre: Crime, Thriller, Mystery Publisher: C.J. Standal Productions Publication Date: June 28, 2017 Pages: 150 Add to Goodreads Synopsis Six men and women think they're strangers to each other. They come from different classes, races, faiths, sexual orientations, and more. But they share more than they think. Secrets tie them together, including a decades-old murder; a hatred of PC culture and image-obsession runs through them; and each one shoulders their own personal burden rooted in family legacies. But the most important thing they all share: a revenge scheme that shines light into the dark secrets of their pasts. The acclaimed crime series hits the ground with a bang as the creative team--writer CJ Standal and artist Juan Romera--fires on all cylinders. This neo-noir masterpiece is a perfect match for fans of Breaking Bad, 100 Bullets, The Wire, The Godfather, and even Shakespearean fans of Othello and Macbeth! Collects issues 1-6 of Rebirth of the Gangster. Where to Buy About the Author Rebirth of the Gangster is CJ’s first comic work, but he has been active as a writer in other contexts before that. He wrote for the now-defunct Slant and is now writing for Graphic Policy; he also writes a blog at his own site, cjstandalproductions.com. In his spare time, he teaches high school English, including a class on graphic novels, bringing his lifelong love of comics to academia. When not writing or teaching, he can be found snuggling up for a good read next to his girlfriend and cat in Wisconsin. Connect with C.J.
Publisher: Glass Apple Press Publication Date: April 9, 2016 Pages: 464 Format: PDF Add to Goodreads About the Book
A Girl’s Worst Nightmare is Her Mother ...
Priscilla Martin. She’s the diva of Morning Glory Circle and a driving force in the quaint California town of Snapdragon. Overseer of garage sales and neighborhood Christmas decorations, she is widely admired. But few people know the real woman behind the perfectly coiffed hair and Opium perfume. Family is Forever. And Ever and Ever ... No one escapes Prissy’s watchful eye. No one that is, except her son, who committed suicide many years ago, and her daughter, Claire, who left home more than a decade past and hasn’t spoken to her since. But now, Priscilla’s daughter and son-in-law have fallen on hard times. Expecting their first child, the couple is forced to move back … And Prissy is there to welcome them home with open arms … and to reclaim her broken family. The Past Isn’t Always as Bad as You Remember. Sometimes it’s Worse ... Claire has terrible memories of her mother, but now it seems Priscilla has mended her ways. When a cache of vile family secrets is uncovered, Claire struggles to determine fact from fiction, and her husband, Jason, begins to wonder who the monster really is. Lives are in danger - and Claire and Jason must face a horrifying truth … a truth that may destroy them … and will forever change their definition of “Mother.” Where to Buy
My Rating
Review
I received this eBook from the authors in exchange for an honest review.
Maybe my mind is a bit weird but this was one of the best books that I have read so far this year. Prissy Martin is possibly more messed up than the whole Foxworth/Dollanganger families!
Now this isn't a story for everyone. The story touches on some pretty tough topics such as incest, emotional and mental abuse, sexual abuse and Munchhausen Syndrome by Proxy. These topics, of course, are not easy topics to handle at all. I definitely do not recommend this for everyone. Prissy, from first appearances, is that annoying busybody of the neighbourhood. She is like a Stepford Wife, robotic in her dealings with anything that goes on in her cul-de-sac called Morning Glory. Everyone had their secrets and she knew them all. She despised them all for them, despite holding her own secrets. Many of these secrets being much worse than the neighbours secrets. As the novel went on, more and more was revealed. It was no wonder that Claire left as soon as she could. Sadly Claire's husband Jason was blind to Prissy's mania and often thought his wife's reactions were pregnancy hormones. It took a long time for me to appreciate him as a character because of this. Claire, sometimes, was a little aggressive in her reactions. But after learning the secrets that even Claire was not privy to, it changed Prissy from mania to a complete detachment of reality. It was quite the story line and an exciting read too. I couldn't wait to find out what other skeletons could be dug out of the closet. About the Authors
Tamara Thorne has collected ghost stories, true and fictional, since she saw her first Twilight Zone as a tot, and continues to this day. In addition to writing novels and stories of the paranormal, she also writes non-fiction and is an active ghost hunter. She makes her home in southern California with her husband and their feline family and when she’s not writing, can be found haunting ghost towns, phantom-filled hotel rooms, and other spooky places. Tamara loves to hear from her readers. Whether you have questions or comments or would like to share your own ghostly experience,come visit her at her website www.tamarathorne.com.
Alistair Cross' debut novel, The Crimson Corset, a vampiric tale of terror and seduction, was an immediate bestseller earning praise from veteran vampire-lit author, Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, and New York Times bestseller, Jay Bonansinga, author of The Walking Dead series. In 2012, Alistair joined forces with international bestseller, Tamara Thorne, and as Thorne & Cross, they write - among other things - the successful Gothic series, The Ravencrest Saga. Their debut collaboration, The Cliffhouse Haunting, was a bestseller. They are currently at work on their next solo novels and a new collaborative project.
In 2014, Alistair and Tamara began the radio show, Thorne & Cross: Haunted Nights LIVE!, which has featured such guests as Charlaine Harris of the Southern Vampire Mysteries and basis of the HBO series True Blood, Jeff Lindsay, author of the Dexter novels, Jay Bonansinga of The Walking Dead series, Laurell K. Hamilton of the Anita Blake novels, Peter Atkins, screenwriter of HELLRAISER 2, 3, and 4, worldwide bestseller V.C. Andrews, and New York Times best sellers Preston & Child, Christopher Rice, and Christopher Moore. Connect with Alistair
Publisher: BookBaby Publication Date: April 16, 2018 Pages: 192 Add to Goodreads About the Book
Everyone has a breaking point. So begins Jon O'Bergh's suspenseful novel, The Shatter Point, an intriguing study of contemporary society wrapped inside a ghost story that is wrapped inside in a thriller. The novel confronts issues such as Internet celebrity, social media culture, and extreme thrills. But it also explores timeless issues of love, loss, and the ways in which we are haunted by our pasts. Weaving layers of truth and fiction, the story challenges our sense of reality with unexpected twists and turns.
Set in Southern California's Orange County and historic Pasadena, the plot follows two parallel sets of characters whose lives eventually intersect. Jada Mercer is used to getting her way, and she loves danger. When she meets Asher Williams, a sensitive musician in a band, she pressures him to prove himself through the rigors of an extreme haunt known as Horror Place. At the same time, the haunt's owners, Phil and Donna Woods, are locked in an escalating feud with neighbor Ruth Littleton. The past intrudes in unwelcome ways for each character. Donna remains troubled by a previous marriage that turned sour when the husband became abusive. Her son Billy fears that he inherited his father's propensity toward violence. Feelings of inadequacy haunt Asher from his years being bullied. Ruth hides a series of traumatic incidents from her youth. Jada's craving for stimulation leads eventually to disaster. The terrifying consequences unfold step by step as the characters are pushed beyond the shatter point. Much more than just a ghost story, the novel is a study of individuals under stress. The curious reader will discover different layers of reality versus fiction within the book. In a world haunted by the ghosts of the past—where reality is manufactured for popular consumption—how do we know what is real and what is fake, what is true and what is imagined? After the shatter point, the horror will become all too real. Where to Buy
About Jon O'Bergh
Jon O'Bergh is an author and musician who loves a good scare. He was born in California and grew up in Orange County, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of California at Irvine. A fan of ghost stories and horror movies, Jon came up with the idea for The Shatter Point after watching a documentary about extreme haunts. He has released over a dozen albums in a variety of styles, including the atmospheric album “Ghost Story.” After many years living in San Francisco and Washington, D.C., he now spends most of his time in Toronto.
Connect with Jon
Publisher: Imajin Books Publication Date: December 1, 2017 Pages: 254 Add to Goodreads About the Book
A stolen piece of history, an abducted actress and international intrigue…
When the Derringer pistol that shot Abraham Lincoln is stolen and ends up in the hands of a Russian military general, covert agent Blake Deco is tasked by the FBI to head to the Balkans to recover the historical weapon. Meanwhile, the United States media is abuzz with news of the mysterious disappearance of Hollywood movie star, Goldie St. Helen. After Blake’s return from overseas, he receives a tip from a Mexican friend that a drug lord, obsessed with the beautiful actress, is holding her captive in Tijuana. With the help of a reluctant army friend, Blake mounts a daring rescue. What he doesn’t expect is to have feelings for Goldie—or that a killer is hunting them. Where to Buy
Interview
L: Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?
KT: I was born and raised in Singapore. I began my career as a magazine journalist before switching to the dark side; I became a public relations practitioner. My work has taken me to various parts of the world, covering travel-related stories. I also spent some years in Cairo, Egypt working for a magazine. I have written three novels (thrillers) to date. L: Who or what inspired you to be an author? KT: I have always had an interest in story telling for as long as I can remember. I think you are born to be one. Let's just say I was always more excited to write a school essay than do a math homework. Who inspired me? I'd say the works of other authors and people I've met in real life who one way or another contributed to the experience - both good and bad. L: Who or what inspired your novel? KT: Gun Kiss is my third novel, and it was inspired by a blonde Hollywood actress. On the first day I went jogging I found it difficult to sleep was both my legs were aching. Unable to sleep, I watched an old movie with this particular actress. And then, suddenly, an idea came to me to write a story about the Hollywood scene but with lots of action and a splash of romance. And so Gun Kiss came to be. [To the actress, if you're reading this Q&A, which I hope you are, here's a BIG Thank you for the inspiration) L: What would you say is the genre of your novel? KT: Suspense/Thriller with a splash of Romance. Readers can expect a bit of everything in this novel. L: Why did you pick this/these genre(s)? KT: I like the unexpected with lots of twists and excitement. So I thought this would be the most suitable genre to delve in. It's also the first time I'm injecting romance into the novel as I've never done it before. But don't expect a lovey-dovey story - it's a suspense/thriller, after all... although the scenes are both exotic and glamorous and in some instances funny before resuming to exhilaration. L: How did you develop your plot and characters? KT: You know, I've heard people say they'll write a book once they get an inspiration. I've got bad news; it doesn't happen that way. You have to write no matter what...and as you write, you'll discover the plot coming to you naturally. At least that's how I operate. Some authors may plan their story, but I can't do that. Like Bruce Lee said, "Be like water," so I go with the flow. However, that said, I might bumped into someone or stumble at a place that might give me an idea for a story, and in this case, it was an old movie as I mentioned previously. Even so, that doesn't necessary spell a novel. So, I'll take note of current issues around the world and I'll pick a theme or two to include in the story. The war on drugs and the Hollywood scandals were all incorporated into Gun Kiss, topped with the ongoing nuisance every famous celeb faces with the paparazzi. I've based some characters on people I've met, taking ideas from conversation, observing them or it could be a fleeting moment even. I tend to study characters from various angles then incorporate them into a character. As a former reporter, I've met some movie stars and celebs in real life, which helped in creating that image. Then, everything else is like playing Ken and Barbie. Dress them up and create a scene... and action! L: Who or what inspired your protagonist? KT: You know, I didn't want your typical protagonist. Usually, it's a secret agent or a soldier or some university professor or scientist. I wanted a protagonist where readers can see the different stages of his life in terms of his career and attitude toward things. So I created a character who was an ex-soldier, a failed screenwriter who dabbles as a relic hunter while managing a taco restaurant at the same time. Since Gun Kiss has a Hollywood theme, I gave my protagonist a cool taco restaurant at Sunset Boulevard. In trying to keep the business going, he takes up a part-time job with the Homeland Security where he recovers stolen ostentatious and historical items for a reward. L: Who or what inspired your antagonist? KT: The war on drugs is ongoing. I don't want to mention the person's name or he might send people after me even it's just an inspiration, not based on real life character. Still, you never know. L: What was the most difficult part to write in the book? KT: If you hate doing house chores, imagine what it feels like for a writer to do fact-checking and research. It can be fun when the information is forthcoming, but when you can't extract the information that you need in a short time and end up spending more time trying to get it, you will feel the pain. In Gun Kiss, I had to fact-check some of the FBI procedures as well as US embassy protocol in the even of an unpleasant situation. It took time, I can tell you that. L: What was your favourite part of your book to write? KT: I want to write a sequel. Does that answer the question? I love every scene in the story. Since there's a movie star in the story, you can expect all those nice places. I enjoyed describing cafes, parties, locations and famous monuments. Of course, the characters were a delight to write about. For that reason, I just must bring them back!
L: Are you a full time or a part time writer? If part time, what do you do besides write?
KT: I am a full time writer. L: What are you currently reading? KT: I have a long TBR list on my Kindle. I haven't started yet, but I will... L: What are some of your favourite books or authors? KT: I have no particular favorites. I love them all. If I pick up a book and I enjoy the first chapter, I'll just continue reading it. Past and present authors, all genres - I'll read them all. L: What are your future projects, if any? KT: I'm presently working on a murder-mystery set in South Australia. L: What is your preferred method for readers to get in touch with you and your books? KT: www.khaledtalibthriller.com or https://www.facebook.com/khaled.talib/ L: Do you have any advice for aspiring authors? KT: Don't. Give. Up. Remember the deaf frog? Publisher: Palmetto Publishing Group Publication Date: October 3, 2017 Pages: 280 Add to GoodReads About the Book
Alone. Abandoned. Threatened. Natalie has lost all hope for a better future. Everything she’s known and everyone she’s ever loved is gone, and it’s up to her to get her old life back. In Michael Evans’s first novel, Control Freakz, Natalie’s journey toward a better life begins.
When Protocol 00 is enacted, Natalie’s family is taken by the government, along with the families of her two best friends, Ethan and Hunter. With nothing to lose, and the threat of government hitmen kidnapping them at any moment, the three must battle to survive in a horrid, post-apocalyptic world run by President Ash and his invasive government. They want answers. And they’re willing to jeopardize everything in desperate pursuit. Risking ruthless leaders, attempted mind control, and her very existence on the planet, Natalie, along with Hunter and Ethan, will stop at nothing in their quest to regain everything they’ve ever known. Her spirits crushed and her will to live destroyed, Natalie knows everything is dead and gone, and soon she will be, too. Memories connect us to the past, and can often cause us to long for a better future, but they can drive our minds into a state of hell if a better future is unattainable. Nevertheless, Natalie’s hope for a better a future remains. Where to BuyInterview
L: Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?
ME: Well my name is Michael Evans, and I’m currently a sophomore in high school! I am extremely passionate about the future and have always loved to read! I’m also an author of Young Adult novels! My published novels include Control Freakz, and the forthcoming novel entitled Delusional, which is the second novel in the Control Freakz Trilogy. Whenever I’m not writing I may be found at the beach or trying to walk Skye, my crazy golden doodle. I’m also originally from Long Island, New York, but have since moved to Charleston, South Carolina. Some of my hobbies include running, hiking, camping, watching sunsets, exploring abandoned buildings, and playing basketball, and I have always dreamed of living on a private island. I’m also fascinated with neuroscience, nanotechnology, and of course this beautiful earth that we all live on (maybe one day humans will live on another planet and then destroy that too… but not yet). L: Who or what inspired you to be an author? ME: Writing is something that comes instinctively to me, but it is driven by my passion to impact the world positively. I'm an author simply because I love to express myself and feel there is no better way to impact people then through the beauty of the written word. My inspiration behind my desire to impact society positively stems from my fascination with the future, and my dream to make it the best it can be for everyone! L: Who or what inspired your novel? ME: My novel deals with the negative aspects that the progression of neural engineering may have on our society. Nanotechnology, specifically its impacts on mental health, is what inspired the underlying dystopian themes of my novel. However, my true purpose for writing the novel was to shed light on mental health issues that plague all of us (if you have a perfect mind you are lying to yourself), and to give people hope that they can overcome their obstacles. I also wanted to spark conversations about how technology may be able to actually help cure mental health disorders such as addiction. But that same technology will also have disastrous effects on society... you will have to read my novel to see exactly how I envision a dystopian society is possible due to the progression of neural engineering technology. L: What would you say is the genre of your novel? ME: It's a Young Adult Post Apocalyptic Thriller, with a Psychological Thriller narrative and moderate Sci-fi elements. L:Why did you pick this/these genre(s)? ME: I love the future as stated before. So including Sci-fi elements in my writing is just natural for me. I choose to portray a dystopic society in my novel because I believe it is more effective to show the negative aspects of the future, in order to compel people not to have that future happen! I also had to include a psychological thriller narrative because I have always loved psychological thrillers, and it was a way for met highlight the mental flaws in the main character. L: How did you develop your plot and characters? ME: The characters came to me before the plot did so developing the plot was actually quite easy. L: Who or what inspired your protagonist? ME: Due to mental health being a big theme in my novel, people close to me in my life who struggle with mental health issues inspired Natalie Parker, the main character. She is the heroine of the novel, but I hesitate to even call her that. She is extremely flawed... like I feel bad for her, she has to deal with so much, and she doesn't handle it the best, but I feel like she reflects how must people would handle life in her situation. Unlike other YA novels where the heroine is borderline superhuman, in Control Freakz the protagonist is utterly flawed and beautifully human. L: Who or what inspired your antagonist? ME: I'd rather not say, that's something that becomes evident as you read the book. All I will say that the main character is an allegory. L: What was the most difficult part to write in the book? ME: That's tough for me to say. Writing the book itself was a whirlwind. It's quite a large novel at 107,000 words, however, I wrote it 9 weeks, so to say those nine weeks were a whirlwind is an understatement. There was no section of the novel that was particularly difficult; the hardest part was really adhere to a strict schedule to write for a couple hours every day, no matter what. L: What was your favourite part of your book to write? ME: Oh definitely the part involving the President's psychopathic ex-wife. That was just great to write; I found myself laughing at my own jokes at times!
L: Are you a full time or a part time writer? If part time, what do you do besides write?
ME: I'm a part time writer! Maybe one day I will be a full time writer, but for right now I'm still working on pursing my high school diploma. I'm currently a sophomore in high school, so I have plenty of years of schooling left, but I hope that I can pursue writing full time after I graduate from college. L:What are you currently reading? ME: On Writing by Stephen King. That guy is great. L: What are some of your favourite books or authors? ME: Veronica Roth, Alexandra Bracken, Stephen King, Nicola Yoon, John Green, Scott Westerfeld, Lauren Oliver, Suzanne Collins... I can keep going for days! L: What are your future projects, if any? ME: Well, Control Freakz is actually the first novel in a trilogy! I have already finished the second novel Delusional, and it will be released in the fall of 2018 (date TBD, however if you follow me on social media you will be the first to know). I'm currently writing the third novel in the trilogy entitled Triggered, which will be released in the first half of 2019. I'm also getting ready to start writing my fourth novel this summer, which will be a YA Environmental Dystopian Thriller! That probably won't be released until the beginning of 2020!! L: What is your preferred method for readers to get in touch with you and your books? ME: I love connecting with readers on social media! Below are all my links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mevansinked/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MEvansInked/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MEvansInked Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17306697.Michael_Evans If interested in reading more about my book or me you can go to my website! If you subscribe to my newsletter you will also get the first four chapters of Control Freakz for free! http://mevansinked.com/ And one last thing! If you are interested in purchasing Control Freakz (it is for free on Kindle Unlimited) you can here: https://www.amazon.com/Control-Freakz-Michael-Evans-ebook/dp/B076523XG8/ L: Do you have any advice for aspiring authors? ME: Yes! First of all, don't just dream DO! And I have my three pro tips that I try to always remember myself when writing: 1. Write about something your passionate about! If you don't absolutely love your story then no one else will! 2. Write the first words that come to your mind! This may seem counterproductive but the bad stuff can always be cut out in editing. However, the first thoughts that come to your mind are always the most authentic and emotionally vivid. 3. Write everyday! I know it's tough, but finding time to even right for 15 minutes will help you develop the flow and tone of your story in much more depth! Publisher: Limitless Publishing LLC Publication Date: July 2, 2016 Pages: 278 Format: Mobi Add to Goodreads About the Book
Libby Carter is pretty sure she didn’t kill her husband…
When Libby wakes up to find her husband Ryan murdered in bed next to her with no memory of how it happened, she can only assume the worst. Daughter of the infamous I-75 Strangler, Libby is afraid that becoming a serial killer is in her DNA. Is she truly capable of killing the man she loves? The evidence against her keeps stacking up, and it’s enough for an arrest… It’s no secret that Libby is the number one suspect, and when she makes bail, she knows she has no choice but to turn to the only man who can help clear her name. Her father. After visiting him in prison, she decides to take the investigation into her own hands. Libby finds an unsettling lead on Ryan’s murderer and learns her husband might not have been as innocent as she thought. But every clue she uncovers leads to another dead end… Libby must risk her life to discover the truth about her husband and his murder, but things become even more dangerous when she realizes someone is watching her every move. My Rating
4.85 Stars
My Review
I received this eBook from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is one of those books that is tough to put down and walk away from. It lingers, if you do manage to put it down, and it stalks your waking (sometimes sleeping) moments. It makes you wonder what is next!
Can you imagine, though, waking up beside your partner in a pool of your partner's blood with a blinding headache and you're not even sure how any of this happened. Did they kill themselves? Did you do it? Did someone else? You can't even remember the gun shot either. Then add in the fact that your father is the infamous I-75 Strangler. I'd be freaking right out. You know, I have always wondered what happens to the family of a serial killer. Especially the children. How are they affected and how do they handle the truth about their parental figures? This gave me a little look into how one might handle it. One thing that amazed me, though, is how quick the police were to pin this on Libby without doing any kind of work. And the fact that Libby had to take it into her own hands to do the work. I definitely recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a good domestic suspense novel that keeps you utterly guessing if it was Libby or if it was someone else who killed the husband!
Suspense Finalist for the 2017 Indie Excellence Awards!
Where to BuyAbout the Author
Christina is the author of the award-winning suspense novel, LIKE FATHER LIKE DAUGHTER, as well as many other suspense titles. She lives in Kentucky with her two daughters.
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September 2022
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