Tag: fiction

New book release: ‘R/N/A: Deadly Sequence’ by Mikael Lundt

‘R/N/A: Deadly Sequence’ is the new fast-paced medical thriller by Mikael Lundt. Photo: Mikael Lundt, used with permission.

When it comes to thrillers, my all time favorite are medical thrillers and it is no wonder: they often explore the deadly consequences of medical science when it falls into the wrong hands, all in the name of greed or in the quest for ultimate power and control. One of the first authors I read in this genre was Robin Cook, then I discovered Michael Palmer, Tess Gerritsen, Patricia Cornwell, and most recently, Dr. Cristina LePort. After reading a sample, this new book release reminds me so much of the best of Robin Cook, whose antagonists are often pharmaceutical companies. If like me, you love getting lost in a gripping medical thriller, check out Mikael Lundt’s “R/N/A: Deadly Sequence” and find out what happens when a Pandora’s Box of chaos is unleashed. It is available on Amazon.

Mikael Lundt is an author who stands for gripping thrillers, dark science fiction, and thought-provoking fantasy. In his books, technology, philosophy, the supernatural, and the extraterrestrial often blend into a stirring combination. Unveil the terrifying underbelly of modern medicine in “R/N/A: Deadly Sequence,” his riveting new pharmaceutical thriller. (Mikael Lundt, 2023)

“R/N/A: Deadly Sequence” – A dramatic increase in unexplained side effects calls WHO expert Dr. Laura Delille to the scene. Infertility, miscarriages and deaths are on the rise. Initial evidence points to a new mRNA-based vaccine. As the symptoms worsen and people who have never received the vaccine begin to fall ill, it becomes clear that there is more at stake than just the obvious side effects.

As Laura investigates the mysterious causes on the African continent, reporter Hugh Stevens follows her lead. His research shows: this is neither a tragic coincidence nor a natural phenomenon, but the ruthless plan of a pharmaceutical company. Most puzzling of all, there is no trace of a clear pathogen. Laura’s superiors at the WHO, on the other hand, seem to keep putting obstacles in her way.

Soon, Laura and Hugh find themselves in the middle of a sinister conspiracy – and in grave danger. With time running out for them, the phenomenon spreads worldwide, soon threatening millions. Is the world at the beginning of a planned pandemic that could threaten the very existence of the human species?

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Author highlight: Jude Perera

‘A Glow in the Forest’ and ‘The Beast’ by Jude Perera. Photo: Jude Perera

Today’s author highlight is Jude Perera. He is a blogger, author, and dedicated family man who loves to write and uses words as an escape and whose writings are filled with adventure, mystery, romance, history, and of course escapism. His blog is centered mostly around short fiction, lifestyle writings, and travel narratives but it is his full length books that have garnered the most attention. Written with young adults in mind, they are filled with adventure and romance and perfect for readers aged 13 -30 but true book lovers are not bound by set demographics. Stories are meant to entertain and inspire and if you are looking for action, romance, and adventure fiction, consider “The Beast” and “A Glow in the Forest.” Both of these titles are available through the author’s website. Let your imagination soar!

Jude Perera is a CPA living in Melbourne with his wife and two sons. He has gained some literary presence as a short fiction, lifestyle and travel blogger with some International online magazines – Hackwriters, Fiction 365, The Fringe Magazine, Southlit & Eastlit Magazines and Travelmag. His first book, a teenaged/YA tale – titled “The Beast” was released in Melbourne. It has received positive reviews in international and local literary circles and press. Key Melbourne based libraries including the – National Centre for Australian Children’s Literature – University of Canberra, State Library of South Australia and The National Library of Australia carry copies of the book. It is also available in the National Library of Sri Lanka. His second novel, a medieval adventure – “A Glow in the Forest,” was released in Kindle, B&N and Kobo in April 2020. (Amazon, 2023)

“The Beast”

Four close friends begin a search for the mysterious ‘Beast’ in a dark and spooky wilderness, but little do they know that they will discover much more about themselves in this stirring young adult adventure. Love, danger, and the depths of the soul – it is all here, and all part of this tale of wonder, mystery, and togetherness. Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, friendship rules supreme and shatters any and all divisions.

“A Glow in the Forest”
The times are medieval. A work house high up in the mountains cringes next to a dark forest without boundaries. Meet a pair of sadists who harass and torment three teenagers and a small child forced to live there. Two siblings, orphans from a noble family, keep their origins a secret to the rest of its inhabitants. A poor farm girl and a young boy with his heart on the altar decide that enough is enough. They escape to the dark bowels of an unknown world with hopes of happiness and freedom. They are helped and led by a handsome young hunter with an unknown past and a feisty girl, who seek escape for reasons of their own. Feel the pangs and joys of their first loves, and encounter painful social and religious hypocrisies and superstitions that threaten to tear them apart. Bandits, murderers, predators, soldiers, even a faceless beast of terrifying dimensions crowd along their perimeter. But they fight to keep and preserve their one true possession: freedom.

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New book release: ‘Gone With The Wig’ by Lily M. Lipstick

‘Gone With The Wig’ is the new novel by Lily M. Lipstick. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Halloween season is officially here along with everything Halloween themed including parties, stories, and novels of all types. If you like fun Halloween stories that revolve around LGBTQ+ characters, consider “Gone With the Wig” by Lily M. Lipstick. In this new novel, Drú Dylan and her cousin Sam are preparing for her Uncle Hunter’s annual Hot Buns Halloween party. It is always the biggest and most over the top party in town and draws all types of party goers. But alas, trouble is brewing as her Uncle Hunter’s nemesis is planning to crash the party. If this sounds like your kind of read, check it out and find out what happens in this humorous adventure novel. It is available on Amazon.

“Gone With The Wig” – Eighteen-year-old Drú Dylan can see the future. Tonight is her Uncle Hunter’s annual Hot Buns Halloween party, a tribute to his Dancing Queen Decade, aka the “Big Hair I Don’t Care” ‘90s. As always, he swears it will be G-rated; it won’t be. And it does not take psychic powers to predict that any party held at a gay bakery built on land that happens to be the home of a thousand confederate soldiers is bound to cause chaos in this Virginia beach town. It does every year. (Amazon, 2023)

That is why Drú and her cousin Sam have their own annual competition: gazing into their crystal ball and predicting exactly what kind of chaos will be unleased at this year’s bash. Drú has a record to defend—but even she can not predict what will happen when Uncle Hunter’s trigger-happy nemesis Rich McCarthy and his sons try to crash the party before its even started.

It is a race against the clock to make sure Uncle Hunter’s big night goes off without a hitch. Old skeletons are dragged out of the closet as Drú and her family prepare for the greatest and gayest Hot Buns Halloween party yet.

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Gone With The Wig by Lily M Lipstick #booktok #halloweenbooks #holidayfiction #lgbtqbooks #lgbtqbooktok

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New book release: ‘House One’ by Nina Wilson

‘House One’ is the new novel by Nina Wilson. Photo: Amazon

Who can resist a good mystery novel filled with suspense and spooky settings? These types of books have always been my favorite, and growing up, I would look forward to my next suspenseful read. Today’s new book release is a novel for young readers ages 15-18 that centers around the strange goings on in a summer camp for children. “House One” by Nina Wilson takes place at a summer camp and involves unexplained deaths and malevolent forces. Check it out for yourself. Suitable for all readers, it is available on Amazon.

Nina Wilson is an author, poet, and photographer from the middle of nowhere Iowa. She has a B.A. in History and Fiction, and an M.F.A. in fiction. She has published a handful of poems in various literary magazines. Her two previous novels, “Surrender Language” and “Malady,” were published by Adelaide Books, the editor of which unfortunately is now involved in a handful of class-action lawsuits for fraud. Personally, she is an avid cat-lover, history nerd, and spear-fighter in a Historical European Martial Arts group. She enjoys hiking with her cats and cemetery photography. Her novel “House One” is largely based on her experience working at a summer camp for six summers and all the mayhem and mystery that went along with it. (Nina Wilson, 2023)

“House One” – Deep in the hills of Greenville, Iowa sits a century-old summer camp for children—Camp Kellova. Throughout the various remodels over time, House One remains a mysterious entity. Danger still lurks and unexplained deaths continue with frequency. Long-time camp counselor, Laurel has always been leery of House One. This summer, after she pulls a body out of Lake Owaissa, she decides it is time to find out why the spirit of this cabin has become so merciless. What malevolent forces are behind the mysterious happenings at House One? More importantly, what can Laurel do to keep the children out of its shadowy grip?

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New book release: ‘Love Is Not A Crime’ by Lee Cushing

‘Love Is Not A Crime’ is the new novel by Lee Cushing. Photo: Google.

Contemporary romance novels have many sub-genres and those with LGBT characters are more common nowadays. Today’s new release is a combination contemporary romance and political fiction. “Love Is Not A Crime” by Lee Cushing is about a woman who has an affair with the daughter of the Malaysian king who is executed when the affair is discovered so now she requires a bodyguard to protect her. Politics come into play because her parents are major players in the political world. This sounds like an interesting concept considering that in some parts of the world, same sex relationships are still considered a crime. If this sounds like your type of read, check out “Love Is Not A Crime,” it is available on Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Scribd, and Smashwords.

Lee Cushing is a paranormal thriller author and a lifelong fan of the occult. Having become obsessed with supernatural folklore and the world of horror from an early age, Lee has spent years studying tales of the occult and immersing himself in stories of otherworldly phenomenon. He is also the owner of a number of vampire and horror-related groups in Facebook, where fellow fans of the supernatural come together to celebrate and discuss all things paranormal. His debut novel, “Voodoo Mambo,” blends high-stakes action and shadowy agencies with a dark underworld of demonic creatures and their insidious plots to attack humanity. Lee draws his inspiration from classic horror movies – including Hammer and Universal – as well as beloved TV shows including Doctor Who, Supernatural, The Avengers, and Buffy The Vampire Slayer. In his new novel “Love Is Not A Crime,” Bellatrix Hale’s life is in danger after she has a one night stand with the King’s daughter, who was executed for it, and ends up falling for the female bodyguard who was hired to protect her. (Lee Cushing, 2023)

“Love Is Not A Crime” – When Bellatrix Hale watched the video of Latheefa Ayub being executed simply because she slept with her, she felt disgusted that the King had his own daughter executed because she was gay and had a one night stand with Bellatrix, an act which was forbidden in Malaysia and punishable by death. Worried about the King’s reaction to having executed his own child, Bellatrix’s mother hires a security detail to protect her when the King sends a hit team to kill her for sleeping with his daughter. Cara Jordan was a bodyguard, one of the best in the business. Bellatrix hired her to keep her safe from the King’s assassins. The attraction between the two women was immediate. Will Cara keep Bellatrix safe from those who want her dead and will the two women find happiness in each other’s embrace?

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New book release: ‘The Founders’ Plot’ by Frank Victoria

‘The Founders’ Plot’ is the new political thriller from Frank Victoria. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Today’s new book release is perfect for readers who like political thrillers full of action, suspense, and conspiracy theories. “The Founders’ Plot” by Frank Victoria weaves together intricate layers of political intrigue, personal sacrifice, and moral dilemmas. Set against the backdrop of contemporary issues, the story offers a gripping story that not only sheds light on the dark underbelly of politics and immigration but also challenges the audience to question the true intentions behind the exercise of power. What happens when the newly elected California Governor Mike DiGrasso defies the Supreme Court? No one would ever know the meeting took place. Sounds intriguing? Find out for yourself and pick up a copy of this exciting thriller today. It is a masterful political thriller and winner of the Beverly Hills Book Award and it is available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle format. (Frank Victoria, 2023)

Frank Victoria was born and raised in Chicago, but now lives in Orland Park IL, a suburb of that city. He served in the Marine Corps, graduated from Northern Illinois university with a B.A. in Journalism, and was a writer and editor for several business magazines for more than twenty-five years. Then he made a career change into Education and taught American history and government in the Chicago Public Schools for sixteen years. In his new book “The Founders’ Plot,” Afghanistan war hero Mike DiGrasso has just been elected Governor of California by an overwhelming majority and immediately sets out to work on keeping his campaign’s primary promise – to create a strict immigration law.

“The Founders’ Plot” – In the wake of Mike Digrasso’s (50s) election as California governor, the sordid and dangerous world of illegal immigration becomes a central focus. DiGrasso, a decorated Afghan war veteran, initiates a stringent immigration law, which later faces opposition as the Supreme Court declares it unconstitutional. Despite the Court’s ruling, DiGrasso chooses to continue enforcing the law, igniting a collision of federal, state, and judicial powers. This clash not only jeopardizes the country’s political and justice systems but also tests the limits of authority.

United States President Martin W. Ballard (50s), a long-time friend of Governor DiGrasso, is faced with a pivotal decision – whether to federalize the California National Guard in order to enforce the Court’s ruling. As tensions escalate, Senate Minority Leader Elizabeth Stern, a cunning member of the opposition party, emerges as a formidable adversary. Stern is relentless in her pursuit to make DiGrasso comply with the Court’s decision, even resorting to tactics such as planning impeachment proceedings and blackmailing the governor over a past affair. The strain on DiGrasso’s personal life is undeniable, as his wife learns of his infidelity and temporarily leaves him.

Amid this turmoil, the lives of two Mexican families living in the country illegally are deeply affected by the hyperintense atmosphere brought about by the new immigration law. Their struggles underline the human toll of such policies, revealing the heartbreaking consequences for those caught in the crossfire.

Behind the scenes, several political players share the belief that federal courts have amassed excessive power, operating beyond the bounds of authority outlined in the Constitution. They orchestrate a clandestine plot that is rooted in a desire to recalibrate the balance of power and reflects their conviction that their actions align with the principles of the Founding Fathers. Thus, the title “The Founders’ Plot” takes on a deeper meaning, encapsulating the audacious plan to reshape the nation’s legal landscape.

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Author Frank Victoria. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

New book release: ‘The Seattle Fugitive: The Story of Jimmy James III’ by Elonzo Phillips

‘The Seattle Fugitive: The Story of Jimmy James III’ is Elonzo Phillips’ exciting new novel. Photo: Amazon

Today’s new book release is “The Seattle Fugitive: The Story of Jimmy James III” by Elonzo Phillips. It is the story of seventeen year old Jimmy James III as told by Jimmy himself and begins with him trying to reassure us that he is not a monster, that he is not a killer. He is a fugitive in hiding, accused of killing two of his classmates but insists he is just a normal high school kid and proceeds to recount the events of that tragic day. The first couple of chapters take place at school and revolve around Jimmy and his friends during a typical school day. Want to find out what happens to Jimmy? “The Seattle Fugitive” is available through the author’s website and Amazon.

Elonzo Phillips is a writer who was born and raised in Wharton, Texas. He started writing when he was 19 years old while in his second semester in college and wrote his first book when he was 21. By the time he graduated college, he had written four books. He wanted to become a writer because he has always excelled at creating stories, both fiction and non-fiction. When he was in school, he was constantly teased for daydreaming and now he has turned it into writing, his favorite hobby, for when he is daydreaming, he is re-writing reality in his head as his own personal multiverse. His favorite author is Stephen King and the movies based on his books, especially Stand By Me, Misery, Pet Sematary, and The Shawshank Redemption partially inspired him to become a writer. His new book “The Seattle Fugitive: The Story of Jimmy James III” is his 5th book and the story of a young high schooler named Jimmy James III. (Elonzo Phillips, 2023)

“The Seattle Fugitive: The Story of Jimmy James III” – Jimmy James was living life the way any other genius student would until an infamous tragedy takes place. One day he was casually sitting in class when all of a sudden he blacks out. He wakes up in the middle of a murder scene involving two of his classmates. With blood all over him, almost the whole school stands witness, as they all point fingers at him, believing he had murdered the two students who were lying dead next to him. Now, while on the run from the police, swat, the army, and even the national guard, Jimmy James has no choice but to prove his innocence while hiding out in the very city that claims him as a monster. Will he solve his case in time or will he serve the death penalty?

“This book will catch you by surprise every minute!”
“This book is based on a true story!”
“This book is very inspiring and it inspires people, who feel different, that they’re somebody too!”

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Book review: ‘Freeborn: Genesis’ by Steven Calkum

‘Freeborn: Genesis’ by Steven Calkum. Photo: Amazon

Steven Calkum was born in 1967 and grew up on a small ranch in East Central Colorado. He earned BS and MS degrees and worked in natural resources for 13 years before becoming disabled in 2011. A voracious reader, he created his own style by rewriting drafts until he would want to read his own work. He remarried in 2016 and plans to be a househusband and work toward a career as a writer/storyteller in addition to raising more children. He currently lives in Wyoming with the youngest of his children from his first marriage. His book “Freeborn: Genesis” is book one of the Freeborn saga. It is the story of Freeborn, a half human and half elven who learned from birth that though he can live among humans and elven peoples, he belongs to neither. (Amazon, 2023)

“Freeborn” – “Half of one world, half of another and anathema to both.” That is what Freeborn has heard all his life. Tishamon, the elven woodsman also known as The Long Walker, took him in when he was born and is the only person who accepts and respects Freeborn as he is. The story begins with Prologue: The Blizzard Birth as a pregnant young slave girl, a Copper Elf, ends up at Tishamon’s doorstep asking for help. She manages to deliver a healthy boy but she does not survive and pleas Tishamon to take care of her son and name him Freeborn. As Freeborn grows up, he and Tishamon travel the Shattered Empire. Tishamon helps Freeborn learn the rules and customs of the Empire’s many peoples, as well as the dangers of the world. An epic saga fantasy novel, it is divided into 58 chapters and follows Freeborn’s many adventures, battles, disappointments, and lessons learned along the way. Join Freeborn as he grows from boyhood to manhood and explores his expansive world.

When the real world gets to be too much, there is nothing better than getting lost in a fantasy novel filled with imaginary worlds, epic battles, and the different inhabitants of these worlds: elves, dwarves, giants, and more. “Freeborn” is definitely one of these novels. It combines a coming of age novel and a fantasy epic and brings readers along as Freeborn grows into the man he is meant to be. Tishamon, his guardian, is centuries old and teaches him survival skills but rarely gives rewards or compliments because “If you lived, that was your reward. If you didn’t, that was your penalty.” The author’s imagination is extensive, as evidenced in the detailed world building and the different societies in those worlds. The map at the beginning is a good idea, but in a Kindle, it is hard to see the details. Even though the language is simple, it is descriptive: “Freeborn swallowed the scream clawing up his throat and drew his sword with a trembling hand” and makes the action come alive throughout the pages. The battles scenes are written in such vivid detail that it is hard not to get immersed in them: “the goblinoid was so heavily muscled and had such thick bones that the arrows were stopped before they could hit anything vital.” Since this is Freeborn’s story, the character development is focused on his life as he grows through the years. Overall, “Freeborn” is a thrilling fantasy adventure. Despite the target demographic being young readers, it should appeal to anyone who appreciates epic sagas similar to the Lord of the Rings.

“We choose, consciously or unconsciously, to react to events in a certain way, for good or ill. The course of a person’s life is charted by those decisions.”

*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

New book release: ‘Beyond the Covered Veil’ by Wesley B. Herndon

‘Beyond the Covered Veil’ is the new collection of short stories by Wesley B. Herndon. Photo: Wesley B. Herndon, used with permission.

If you are anything like me, you are not always in the mood to read a big book. Sometimes it is the quick reads that are more meaningful. Today’s new book release might be what you are looking for: “Beyond the Covered Veil” by Wesley B. Herndon – a collection of short stories. The writing style is visionary and poetic: “He knew this way of living would leave him forever lost, smoldering in the cold grip of a cavernous grave” and is sure to appease the artistic side of readers. Sounds interesting? Pick up a copy and see for yourself. It is available on Barnes & Noble and Amazon. 

Wesley B Herndon is a theoretician, an ingenious creator who studies documentary pieces and is a human file cabinet of 80s pop culture. He lives in Raleigh, North Carolina with his iguana Tubbs and a large collection of retro video games. His new book “Beyond the Covered Veil” is a collection of short stories that challenge the mind and soul. (Wesley B. Herndon, 2023)

“Beyond the Covered Veil” – As a child, you have a vast imagination to create anything out of nothing, but most lose that ability when they get older. I have kept the imaginative side of me alive and have honed it down to fine art. This is a collection of short stories that come to life in your mind. Follow a group of bandits who are pushed to their limits in order to overcome a fierce opponent. Descend into an empty desert where one awakens to a world that defies human logic. Then you turn the page and you are hit with words of insightful wisdom that exceed the thoughts of the common mindset. This book is for people who have gone through the darkest moments in life and survived them. Anyone who likes to be told real truths will also be entertained at the same time. You will be able to see it as you read it–“It’s what the world’s been missing.”

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Short story: Diary of a White Woman ‘Susan Strange’ by Albert Allen III

Diary of a White Woman ‘Susan Strange’ is available on Kindle through Amazon. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Albert Allen III is a biologist, author, and artist from Oceanside, California. He studied at Loma Linda University and currently lives in Rancho Mirage, California. His short story Diary of a White Woman “Susan Strange” is available on Amazon in Kindle format for $5.99. (Albert Allen III, 2022)

Diary of a White Woman “Susan Strange” is a short story about a white woman named Susan who has reached the edge of dealing with the madness of society. Susan spews on the insanity of Men, War, Religion, Family, Death, and the true meaning of it all. “If you have the letter M on both palms, you likely live outside the matrix, and produce a high Vibrational frequency. Higher intelligence, Heightened senses, and most of the M People have experienced UFO sightings and visits from beings named the “Watchers,” that travel through dimensional portals. The M People are the healers of Earth and direct lineage to Mary, the Mother of Christ, the Son of GOD.”

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