Gary Starta's Blog, page 4
November 11, 2010
Jennifer Chase's Review of Gods of the Machines - sci fi/mystery
Book Review – Gods of the Machines by Gary Starta
5 Star Review
A Real Whodunit CSI Science Fiction Thriller!
"Gods of the Machines" is an engaging, particularly intriguing mystery with an unforgettable cast of characters, both human and android. It has everything that an exciting thriller should with a relentless and sometimes misunderstood detective, unsolved murders, killers on the loose, and a dogged CSI team putting all the pieces together. The extra-added bonus is that all of this takes place on Ceres, a newly inhabited planet in the Earth’s solar system.
Detective Sam Benson’s newest assignment as lead detective on Earth’s first colonized planet starts out as a routine position until a several murders happen. It doesn’t look like they are going to stop anytime soon. He’s thrown into the middle of politics, greed, conspiracy, and an android that appears to be the primary murder suspect. Many more suspects soon emerge in the investigation. It’s a grueling game of cat and mouse, along with just the right amount of CSI.
"Gods of Machines" offers readers something from almost every popular genre. Characters that you love, hate, or really make you think. Sexual tension, romance, heroics, adventure, creatures, and science keep you turning the pages. The descriptive prose Starta pens is entertaining and wonderfully imaginative. If you’re looking for the next great sci-fi thriller to grab your attention, I highly recommend "Gods of the Machines."
For more information about Author Gary Starta and his books:
www.garystarta.net
Tune in Thursday, November 11th @ 3:00pm (PST) on my show, Book & Crime Talk. I will be chatting with Author Gary Starta about his new sci-fi thriller "Gods of the Machines".
www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase/...
Jennifer Chase
Award Winning Author & Criminologist
Blog: http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/
Website: http://jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Crime Watch: http://emilystonecrimewatch.blogspot....
Book & Crime Talk: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer...
5 Star Review
A Real Whodunit CSI Science Fiction Thriller!
"Gods of the Machines" is an engaging, particularly intriguing mystery with an unforgettable cast of characters, both human and android. It has everything that an exciting thriller should with a relentless and sometimes misunderstood detective, unsolved murders, killers on the loose, and a dogged CSI team putting all the pieces together. The extra-added bonus is that all of this takes place on Ceres, a newly inhabited planet in the Earth’s solar system.
Detective Sam Benson’s newest assignment as lead detective on Earth’s first colonized planet starts out as a routine position until a several murders happen. It doesn’t look like they are going to stop anytime soon. He’s thrown into the middle of politics, greed, conspiracy, and an android that appears to be the primary murder suspect. Many more suspects soon emerge in the investigation. It’s a grueling game of cat and mouse, along with just the right amount of CSI.
"Gods of Machines" offers readers something from almost every popular genre. Characters that you love, hate, or really make you think. Sexual tension, romance, heroics, adventure, creatures, and science keep you turning the pages. The descriptive prose Starta pens is entertaining and wonderfully imaginative. If you’re looking for the next great sci-fi thriller to grab your attention, I highly recommend "Gods of the Machines."
For more information about Author Gary Starta and his books:
www.garystarta.net
Tune in Thursday, November 11th @ 3:00pm (PST) on my show, Book & Crime Talk. I will be chatting with Author Gary Starta about his new sci-fi thriller "Gods of the Machines".
www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase/...
Jennifer Chase
Award Winning Author & Criminologist
Blog: http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/
Website: http://jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Crime Watch: http://emilystonecrimewatch.blogspot....
Book & Crime Talk: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer...
Published on November 11, 2010 13:49
September 11, 2010
Gods of the Machines
Redemption is a theme which runs through Gods of the Machines, a new sci fi/mystery which takes place on the recently colonized planet, Ceres.
Det. Sam Benson needs to redeem himself in the eyes of his lover and colleague, Sandra. When Sandra finds Benson is eager to pin a spree of murders on an android - without obtaining concrete evidence - she postpones their wedding. Benson then seeks solace in his new CSI partner.
And while Benson is distracted by his personal business, the murders continue. No trace evidence is left behind and the murders are brutal, still leaving Benson to believe - despite protests from Sandra - that only a super strengthened being would be capable of the crimes.
Yet something connected to the origin of the planet may be the answer when unexplained disturbances affect the computer controlled weather net system.
Now Benson must consider other suspects - ones that may not currently reside on Ceres.
http://www.gypsyshadow.com/GaryStarta...
Right now, order print book and receive ebook free...Gods of the Machines
Det. Sam Benson needs to redeem himself in the eyes of his lover and colleague, Sandra. When Sandra finds Benson is eager to pin a spree of murders on an android - without obtaining concrete evidence - she postpones their wedding. Benson then seeks solace in his new CSI partner.
And while Benson is distracted by his personal business, the murders continue. No trace evidence is left behind and the murders are brutal, still leaving Benson to believe - despite protests from Sandra - that only a super strengthened being would be capable of the crimes.
Yet something connected to the origin of the planet may be the answer when unexplained disturbances affect the computer controlled weather net system.
Now Benson must consider other suspects - ones that may not currently reside on Ceres.
http://www.gypsyshadow.com/GaryStarta...
Right now, order print book and receive ebook free...Gods of the Machines
Published on September 11, 2010 10:27
September 4, 2010
Even androids seek redemption
Redemption is a theme which runs through Gods of the Machines, a new sci fi/mystery which takes place on the recently colonized planet, Ceres.
Det. Sam Benson needs to redeem himself in the eyes of his lover and colleague, Sandra. When Sandra finds Benson is eager to pin a spree of murders on an android - without obtaining concrete evidence - she postpones their wedding. Benson then seeks solace in his new CSI partner.
And while Benson is distracted by his personal business, the murders continue. No trace evidence is left behind and the murders are brutal, still leaving Benson to believe - despite protests from Sandra - that only a super strengthened being would be capable of the crimes.
Yet something connected to the origin of the planet may be the answer when unexplained disturbances affect the computer controlled weather net system.
Now Benson must consider other suspects - ones that may not currently reside on Ceres.
http://www.gypsyshadow.com/GaryStarta...
Det. Sam Benson needs to redeem himself in the eyes of his lover and colleague, Sandra. When Sandra finds Benson is eager to pin a spree of murders on an android - without obtaining concrete evidence - she postpones their wedding. Benson then seeks solace in his new CSI partner.
And while Benson is distracted by his personal business, the murders continue. No trace evidence is left behind and the murders are brutal, still leaving Benson to believe - despite protests from Sandra - that only a super strengthened being would be capable of the crimes.
Yet something connected to the origin of the planet may be the answer when unexplained disturbances affect the computer controlled weather net system.
Now Benson must consider other suspects - ones that may not currently reside on Ceres.
http://www.gypsyshadow.com/GaryStarta...
Published on September 04, 2010 23:43
September 3, 2010
Excerpt Gods of the Machines - sci fi/mystery novel
Excerpt Gods of the Machines
He believed she was attempting to get him to concur, that maybe both of them had chosen the wrong lover. He couldn’t exactly disagree. He thought he had had great sex with Cindy, but sex with Carol was mind blowing. She was very talented with her tongue…still he loved his wife. He had no doubt she should be the wife of his child. But he felt Carol coming closer to him, as if she were a magnet. He perceived her to be closer than she was physically was. Her allure. Her warm kisses. Her scent… He had to admit it was intoxicating. A gentle breeze ruffled through the long grass surrounding them.
“I think we should just complete our mission and forget last night ever happened.”
“Your words tell me one thing, but your body language tells me another.”
Her mischievous dark eyes were affixed to his midsection.
And in an instant, Carol had honed in on her victim.
One minute she was crouched over a bush, the next minute her body was pressed against his.
“Tell me you don’t want more…” Her hand gripped his crotch.
“I…do…you know…it’s just that…we’re…”
He felt as if he had fallen into her mouth and had become swallowed whole by her being. It was seductive, erotic and mesmerizing…
Their hands began exploring. There would no more need for holo-bags today…
They somehow ended up in the rover after what seemed like a thousand kisses later. They made love on the floor, exploring new positions – him behind her, him on top of her, she on top of him. And finally, when Dean felt like he couldn’t hold back any longer, finding he had literally gone around Carol’s world – he was now back on top of her in the missionary position, trying his best to hold back.
His thrusts were slowing. Carol felt the heat rise off of him.
“Come on baby, let me have it.”
He jerked back.
“Don’t pull out…please I beg you. I hated when you did that last night.”
“I don’t want to. Umm…do you have protection?”
“Why of course.”
She stated it matter of fact, creating an air of disbelief.
How could she? I mean it’s odd – we’re all here to make babies, not stop them. And if she really did have it, she must have planned this along…
And the epiphany hit him harder than yesterday’s rocky ride.
She wants a baby…?
Before he could pull back again, Carol’s hands were fastened about his waist. “Come into me…come into me…please…”
He yelled, “Oh God!” And he came violently into her, his body not only shuddering from the physical intensity but from the weight of what he may have just created. Another wave of guilt rolled over Dean, but this time it came with company - panic…shock…disbelief…
Dean found the shower had not cleansed him. He hadn’t even felt the water in fact. Too many thoughts flooded his mind.
I could have explained one time as a mistake – a weakness…but twice? And now I may have gotten her pregnant…
They agreed to shower and have a lunch break before resuming cataloging. Dean estimated they still had another five hours of daylight.
But then things went very black in the rover…
Carol now locked in the rover’s bath, screamed for Dean.
“Hey, that’s not funny.”
The soap stung her eyes, blinding her. She fumbled for a towel.
No response from Dean.
He had stuck his head out the rover’s door to attempt to let some light in.
Great it’s raining. The weathernet forecasted no such disturbance today…
Just what we need a power failure and a torrential downpour…
Back inside, Carol managed to fumble for the faucet controls. She stopped the shower and yelled for Dean again. All voice activated controls were offline as well.
This time Dean answered, but his voice was muffled.
“You’ll have to see if you can unlock the door manually from the inside.”
She struggled to hear, soap still clung to her ears and hair.
Carol waited for another minute to pass, hoping Dean would either find a way to free her from the bath or that the power would come back online.
Outside the bath, Dean slammed his fist into the metal plated door.
Damn, why do they make these doors so impenetrable? And where is the backup generator. “Computer, are you still able to hear me?” He listened, but no response came. He began to furiously wiggle the door level up and down…
Maybe good old-fashioned panic will work…
She felt a pleasant sensation on her neck.
He must have found a way in. And now he wants to resume where he left off…
She let him continue sucking on her…her back towards him.
“Yes, don’t stop. Mmm…it feels sooo gooood…”
And then she heard a strange sound intermingled with what sounded like an attempt to break down the door. Her mind tried to place it. It was a chirping sound; coming through in staccato bursts…clack, clack, and clack…
She hadn’t heard him make this sound before…but then everybody keeps secrets…but what about the repeated pounding at the door?
She wheeled around but could discern no figure or form before her – only blackness.
Engulfed in terror, she whimpered his name. “Dean…Dean…please…”
The response came in the form of a slap.
She felt the sting on her cheek. Her left hand reached up to check for blood and was intercepted by a sticklike object.
Again, another blow landed, this time on her right cheek.
Gasping for breath, she had no strength to ward off her attacker who now began pushing her backwards until she felt the cold hard force of wall stop her momentum.
Tears flooded her eyes, still singing with soap.
The lights - where are the frickin’ lights?
Now pinned against the wall, something began to brush up against her midsection. Something pliant yet hard skinned. Something she never would never wish on her worst enemy began fumbling, the appendage lowered, seeking her sex.
She tried to slap it away and when she did, it came at her full force, like a runaway truck, slamming her into the wall so hard her head emitted a soft cracking sound. Woozy, she imagined someone was using the showerhead and hose against her. She had a good idea who that someone was….
So you set me up in here, huh Dean? Too chicken shit to tell your wife about us so you had to sneak up on me in the dark like a coward…
It was to be her last thought.
Her attacker swung her back and forth, up and down, left and right. She was limp as a rag doll, unconscious to the fact that her body had taken quite a brutal beating against the bathroom wall.
Finally, something popped and a tearing sound ensued.
Her attacker had separated her left arm from her body.
And in another instant, Dean Flavin found himself staring into a blinding, crystallizing shard of light. It winked out of existence. And power came back on.
But the illumination was quite unwelcome, for Dean Flavin found his mistress sprawled out on the bathroom floor colored in purple and crimson, the right side of her skull caved in, one eye fixated on him in an accusatory manner. He had no clue as to how long he had been standing there or when he finally managed to pry the door open.
He broke the gaze only to find her left arm was completely missing.
Dean’s stomach flipped. He spilled his breakfast all over the floor.
At noontime the next day, the rover limped into Reliance Point.
Dean Flavin stumbled out into harsh sunlight. He found a young woman reading him his rights and pinning handcuffs to his wrists.
The twenty-six-year old crime scene investigator handed Flavin off to a man dressed in a black uniform armed with a phaser pistol. She exhaled a sigh and stepped back into the rover to survey the gruesome remains of Carol Walker.
Today, Sharon Laviolette would process her first crime scene on Ceres.
Gods of the Machines now available at Bookstrand.
He believed she was attempting to get him to concur, that maybe both of them had chosen the wrong lover. He couldn’t exactly disagree. He thought he had had great sex with Cindy, but sex with Carol was mind blowing. She was very talented with her tongue…still he loved his wife. He had no doubt she should be the wife of his child. But he felt Carol coming closer to him, as if she were a magnet. He perceived her to be closer than she was physically was. Her allure. Her warm kisses. Her scent… He had to admit it was intoxicating. A gentle breeze ruffled through the long grass surrounding them.
“I think we should just complete our mission and forget last night ever happened.”
“Your words tell me one thing, but your body language tells me another.”
Her mischievous dark eyes were affixed to his midsection.
And in an instant, Carol had honed in on her victim.
One minute she was crouched over a bush, the next minute her body was pressed against his.
“Tell me you don’t want more…” Her hand gripped his crotch.
“I…do…you know…it’s just that…we’re…”
He felt as if he had fallen into her mouth and had become swallowed whole by her being. It was seductive, erotic and mesmerizing…
Their hands began exploring. There would no more need for holo-bags today…
They somehow ended up in the rover after what seemed like a thousand kisses later. They made love on the floor, exploring new positions – him behind her, him on top of her, she on top of him. And finally, when Dean felt like he couldn’t hold back any longer, finding he had literally gone around Carol’s world – he was now back on top of her in the missionary position, trying his best to hold back.
His thrusts were slowing. Carol felt the heat rise off of him.
“Come on baby, let me have it.”
He jerked back.
“Don’t pull out…please I beg you. I hated when you did that last night.”
“I don’t want to. Umm…do you have protection?”
“Why of course.”
She stated it matter of fact, creating an air of disbelief.
How could she? I mean it’s odd – we’re all here to make babies, not stop them. And if she really did have it, she must have planned this along…
And the epiphany hit him harder than yesterday’s rocky ride.
She wants a baby…?
Before he could pull back again, Carol’s hands were fastened about his waist. “Come into me…come into me…please…”
He yelled, “Oh God!” And he came violently into her, his body not only shuddering from the physical intensity but from the weight of what he may have just created. Another wave of guilt rolled over Dean, but this time it came with company - panic…shock…disbelief…
Dean found the shower had not cleansed him. He hadn’t even felt the water in fact. Too many thoughts flooded his mind.
I could have explained one time as a mistake – a weakness…but twice? And now I may have gotten her pregnant…
They agreed to shower and have a lunch break before resuming cataloging. Dean estimated they still had another five hours of daylight.
But then things went very black in the rover…
Carol now locked in the rover’s bath, screamed for Dean.
“Hey, that’s not funny.”
The soap stung her eyes, blinding her. She fumbled for a towel.
No response from Dean.
He had stuck his head out the rover’s door to attempt to let some light in.
Great it’s raining. The weathernet forecasted no such disturbance today…
Just what we need a power failure and a torrential downpour…
Back inside, Carol managed to fumble for the faucet controls. She stopped the shower and yelled for Dean again. All voice activated controls were offline as well.
This time Dean answered, but his voice was muffled.
“You’ll have to see if you can unlock the door manually from the inside.”
She struggled to hear, soap still clung to her ears and hair.
Carol waited for another minute to pass, hoping Dean would either find a way to free her from the bath or that the power would come back online.
Outside the bath, Dean slammed his fist into the metal plated door.
Damn, why do they make these doors so impenetrable? And where is the backup generator. “Computer, are you still able to hear me?” He listened, but no response came. He began to furiously wiggle the door level up and down…
Maybe good old-fashioned panic will work…
She felt a pleasant sensation on her neck.
He must have found a way in. And now he wants to resume where he left off…
She let him continue sucking on her…her back towards him.
“Yes, don’t stop. Mmm…it feels sooo gooood…”
And then she heard a strange sound intermingled with what sounded like an attempt to break down the door. Her mind tried to place it. It was a chirping sound; coming through in staccato bursts…clack, clack, and clack…
She hadn’t heard him make this sound before…but then everybody keeps secrets…but what about the repeated pounding at the door?
She wheeled around but could discern no figure or form before her – only blackness.
Engulfed in terror, she whimpered his name. “Dean…Dean…please…”
The response came in the form of a slap.
She felt the sting on her cheek. Her left hand reached up to check for blood and was intercepted by a sticklike object.
Again, another blow landed, this time on her right cheek.
Gasping for breath, she had no strength to ward off her attacker who now began pushing her backwards until she felt the cold hard force of wall stop her momentum.
Tears flooded her eyes, still singing with soap.
The lights - where are the frickin’ lights?
Now pinned against the wall, something began to brush up against her midsection. Something pliant yet hard skinned. Something she never would never wish on her worst enemy began fumbling, the appendage lowered, seeking her sex.
She tried to slap it away and when she did, it came at her full force, like a runaway truck, slamming her into the wall so hard her head emitted a soft cracking sound. Woozy, she imagined someone was using the showerhead and hose against her. She had a good idea who that someone was….
So you set me up in here, huh Dean? Too chicken shit to tell your wife about us so you had to sneak up on me in the dark like a coward…
It was to be her last thought.
Her attacker swung her back and forth, up and down, left and right. She was limp as a rag doll, unconscious to the fact that her body had taken quite a brutal beating against the bathroom wall.
Finally, something popped and a tearing sound ensued.
Her attacker had separated her left arm from her body.
And in another instant, Dean Flavin found himself staring into a blinding, crystallizing shard of light. It winked out of existence. And power came back on.
But the illumination was quite unwelcome, for Dean Flavin found his mistress sprawled out on the bathroom floor colored in purple and crimson, the right side of her skull caved in, one eye fixated on him in an accusatory manner. He had no clue as to how long he had been standing there or when he finally managed to pry the door open.
He broke the gaze only to find her left arm was completely missing.
Dean’s stomach flipped. He spilled his breakfast all over the floor.
At noontime the next day, the rover limped into Reliance Point.
Dean Flavin stumbled out into harsh sunlight. He found a young woman reading him his rights and pinning handcuffs to his wrists.
The twenty-six-year old crime scene investigator handed Flavin off to a man dressed in a black uniform armed with a phaser pistol. She exhaled a sigh and stepped back into the rover to survey the gruesome remains of Carol Walker.
Today, Sharon Laviolette would process her first crime scene on Ceres.
Gods of the Machines now available at Bookstrand.
Published on September 03, 2010 22:43
May 12, 2010
Extreme Liquidation compared to 'Fringe'
I haven’t read Blood Web, the first installment in the Caitlin Diggs series, but that didn’t keep me from following the plot of Extreme Liquidation with no problem. Although Starta alludes to Book One at times, often to demonstrate more of FBI Agent Caitlin Diggs’ psychic gifts from the past, you won’t be lost, for it’s to embellish the storyline in Book Two. Therefore, it’s easy to catch the gist of what happened before and to understand Book Two more thoroughly. I won’t go into precisely what they are or how items like a crystal and a robe can both aid and mislead federal agent Caitlin Diggs, but suffice it to say, that their roles, as McGuffins of sorts, are well thought out and believable in a willing suspension of disbelief/belief kind of way. The meaning of the title, Extreme Liquidation, is fully revealed on p. 112, but to avoid a spoiler alert, I’ll just say that it refers to the evil plot of Aleister Crowley, reincarnated into another male character, to exterminate all humankind for his own selfish gain. Furthermore, reincarnation also plays a part in one of the female character’s lives, as she was also a former deity in the past; in fact, that revelation caused me to gasp out loud while reading. Yes, it’s that goodJ.
The character development is great. And, I particularly enjoy a novel with a strong female protagonist; in this case, Caitlin Diggs. Plus, another female character is played by a cat named Celeste. She’s no ordinary cat; she actually aids Caitlin and her sister throughout the novel in various ways. In addition, the relationship between Caitlin and her sister, Tara, is well-developed, and the blossoming romantic relationship between Caitlin and Ross Fisher is believable.
There’s a lot of cutting edge scientific facts mixed with fiction in this novel of 204 pages, but Starta does a great job of keeping even former English majors like myself, who steered clear of science as much as was possible, up to speed with easy-to-understand explanations. Moreover, his use of cutting-edge scientific facts blended with his fiction so seamlessly makes this supernatural/psychological thriller very believable. I could easily see this novel being adapted for a screen of some kind, perhaps in a television format like Fringe. For example, a couple of the topics covered are psychotropic drug development and schizaphysiology. Best of all, there’s a sense of continuity by connecting the past to the present and future through sacred geometry.
In closing, I highly recommend this novel. It’s available as an e-book at www.amazon.com or http://www.lyricalpress.com/gary_starta . Also, be sure to check out his other novels at http://www.garystarta.net and, to contact him by e-mail, write to him at ven123star@yahoo.com
The character development is great. And, I particularly enjoy a novel with a strong female protagonist; in this case, Caitlin Diggs. Plus, another female character is played by a cat named Celeste. She’s no ordinary cat; she actually aids Caitlin and her sister throughout the novel in various ways. In addition, the relationship between Caitlin and her sister, Tara, is well-developed, and the blossoming romantic relationship between Caitlin and Ross Fisher is believable.
There’s a lot of cutting edge scientific facts mixed with fiction in this novel of 204 pages, but Starta does a great job of keeping even former English majors like myself, who steered clear of science as much as was possible, up to speed with easy-to-understand explanations. Moreover, his use of cutting-edge scientific facts blended with his fiction so seamlessly makes this supernatural/psychological thriller very believable. I could easily see this novel being adapted for a screen of some kind, perhaps in a television format like Fringe. For example, a couple of the topics covered are psychotropic drug development and schizaphysiology. Best of all, there’s a sense of continuity by connecting the past to the present and future through sacred geometry.
In closing, I highly recommend this novel. It’s available as an e-book at www.amazon.com or http://www.lyricalpress.com/gary_starta . Also, be sure to check out his other novels at http://www.garystarta.net and, to contact him by e-mail, write to him at ven123star@yahoo.com
Published on May 12, 2010 14:28
July 28, 2009
Extreme Liquidation Preview/Review
My Review of Extreme Liquidation (A Caitlin Diggs Novel: Book Two) by Gary Starta ©2009 (Lyrical Press, Incorporated http://www.lyricalpress.com)
I haven’t read Blood Web, the first installment in the Caitlin Diggs series, but that didn’t keep me from following the plot of Extreme Liquidation with no problem. Although Starta alludes to Book One at times, often to demonstrate more of FBI Agent Caitlin Diggs’ psychic gifts from the past, you won’t be lost, for it’s to embellish the storyline in Book Two. Therefore, it’s easy to catch the gist of what happened before and to understand Book Two more thoroughly. I won’t go into precisely what they are or how items like a crystal and a robe can both aid and mislead federal agent Caitlin Diggs, but suffice it to say, that their roles, as McGuffins of sorts, are well thought out and believable in a willing suspension of disbelief/belief kind of way. The meaning of the title, Extreme Liquidation, is fully revealed on p. 112, but to avoid a spoiler alert, I’ll just say that it refers to the evil plot of Aleister Crowley, reincarnated into another male character, to exterminate all humankind for his own selfish gain. Furthermore, reincarnation also plays a part in one of the female character’s lives, as she was also a former deity in the past; in fact, that revelation caused me to gasp out loud while reading. Yes, it’s that good.
The character development is great. And, I particularly enjoy a novel with a strong female protagonist; in this case, Caitlin Diggs. Plus, another female character is played by a cat named Celeste. She’s no ordinary cat; she actually aids Caitlin and her sister throughout the novel in various ways. In addition, the relationship between Caitlin and her sister, Tara, is well-developed, and the blossoming romantic relationship between Caitlin and Ross Fisher is believable.
There are a lot of cutting edge scientific facts mixed with fiction in this novel of 204 pages, but Starta does a great job of keeping even former English majors like myself, who steered clear of science as much as was possible, up to speed with easy-to-understand explanations. Moreover, his use of cutting-edge scientific facts, blended with his fiction so seamlessly, makes this supernatural/psychological thriller very believable. I could easily see this novel being adapted for a screen of some kind, perhaps in a television format like Fringe. For example, a couple of the topics covered are psychotropic drug development and schizaphysiology. Best of all, there’s a sense of continuity by connecting the past to the present and future through sacred geometry.
In closing, I highly recommend this novel. It’s available as an e-book at www.amazon.com or http://www.lyricalpress.com/gary_starta . Also, be sure to check out his other novels at http://www.garystarta.net and, to contact him by e-mail, write to him at ven123star@yahoo.com
G.L. Giles for Target Audience Magazine
www.TargetAudienceMagazine.com
I haven’t read Blood Web, the first installment in the Caitlin Diggs series, but that didn’t keep me from following the plot of Extreme Liquidation with no problem. Although Starta alludes to Book One at times, often to demonstrate more of FBI Agent Caitlin Diggs’ psychic gifts from the past, you won’t be lost, for it’s to embellish the storyline in Book Two. Therefore, it’s easy to catch the gist of what happened before and to understand Book Two more thoroughly. I won’t go into precisely what they are or how items like a crystal and a robe can both aid and mislead federal agent Caitlin Diggs, but suffice it to say, that their roles, as McGuffins of sorts, are well thought out and believable in a willing suspension of disbelief/belief kind of way. The meaning of the title, Extreme Liquidation, is fully revealed on p. 112, but to avoid a spoiler alert, I’ll just say that it refers to the evil plot of Aleister Crowley, reincarnated into another male character, to exterminate all humankind for his own selfish gain. Furthermore, reincarnation also plays a part in one of the female character’s lives, as she was also a former deity in the past; in fact, that revelation caused me to gasp out loud while reading. Yes, it’s that good.
The character development is great. And, I particularly enjoy a novel with a strong female protagonist; in this case, Caitlin Diggs. Plus, another female character is played by a cat named Celeste. She’s no ordinary cat; she actually aids Caitlin and her sister throughout the novel in various ways. In addition, the relationship between Caitlin and her sister, Tara, is well-developed, and the blossoming romantic relationship between Caitlin and Ross Fisher is believable.
There are a lot of cutting edge scientific facts mixed with fiction in this novel of 204 pages, but Starta does a great job of keeping even former English majors like myself, who steered clear of science as much as was possible, up to speed with easy-to-understand explanations. Moreover, his use of cutting-edge scientific facts, blended with his fiction so seamlessly, makes this supernatural/psychological thriller very believable. I could easily see this novel being adapted for a screen of some kind, perhaps in a television format like Fringe. For example, a couple of the topics covered are psychotropic drug development and schizaphysiology. Best of all, there’s a sense of continuity by connecting the past to the present and future through sacred geometry.
In closing, I highly recommend this novel. It’s available as an e-book at www.amazon.com or http://www.lyricalpress.com/gary_starta . Also, be sure to check out his other novels at http://www.garystarta.net and, to contact him by e-mail, write to him at ven123star@yahoo.com
G.L. Giles for Target Audience Magazine
www.TargetAudienceMagazine.com
Published on July 28, 2009 19:58
Review of Extreme Liquidation
My Review of Extreme Liquidation (A Caitlin Diggs Novel: Book Two) by Gary Starta ©2009 (Lyrical Press, Incorporated http://www.lyricalpress.com)
I haven’t read Blood Web, the first installment in the Caitlin Diggs series, but that didn’t keep me from following the plot of Extreme Liquidation with no problem. Although Starta alludes to Book One at times, often to demonstrate more of FBI Agent Caitlin Diggs’ psychic gifts from the past, you won’t be lost, for it’s to embellish the storyline in Book Two. Therefore, it’s easy to catch the gist of what happened before and to understand Book Two more thoroughly. I won’t go into precisely what they are or how items like a crystal and a robe can both aid and mislead federal agent Caitlin Diggs, but suffice it to say, that their roles, as McGuffins of sorts, are well thought out and believable in a willing suspension of disbelief/belief kind of way. The meaning of the title, Extreme Liquidation, is fully revealed on p. 112, but to avoid a spoiler alert, I’ll just say that it refers to the evil plot of Aleister Crowley, reincarnated into another male character, to exterminate all humankind for his own selfish gain. Furthermore, reincarnation also plays a part in one of the female character’s lives, as she was also a former deity in the past; in fact, that revelation caused me to gasp out loud while reading. Yes, it’s that good.
The character development is great. And, I particularly enjoy a novel with a strong female protagonist; in this case, Caitlin Diggs. Plus, another female character is played by a cat named Celeste. She’s no ordinary cat; she actually aids Caitlin and her sister throughout the novel in various ways. In addition, the relationship between Caitlin and her sister, Tara, is well-developed, and the blossoming romantic relationship between Caitlin and Ross Fisher is believable.
There are a lot of cutting edge scientific facts mixed with fiction in this novel of 204 pages, but Starta does a great job of keeping even former English majors like myself, who steered clear of science as much as was possible, up to speed with easy-to-understand explanations. Moreover, his use of cutting-edge scientific facts, blended with his fiction so seamlessly, makes this supernatural/psychological thriller very believable. I could easily see this novel being adapted for a screen of some kind, perhaps in a television format like Fringe. For example, a couple of the topics covered are psychotropic drug development and schizaphysiology. Best of all, there’s a sense of continuity by connecting the past to the present and future through sacred geometry.
In closing, I highly recommend this novel. It’s available as an e-book at www.amazon.com or http://www.lyricalpress.com/gary_starta . Also, be sure to check out his other novels at http://www.garystarta.net and, to contact him by e-mail, write to him at ven123star@yahoo.com
G.L. Giles for Target Audience Magazine
www.TargetAudienceMagazine.com
I haven’t read Blood Web, the first installment in the Caitlin Diggs series, but that didn’t keep me from following the plot of Extreme Liquidation with no problem. Although Starta alludes to Book One at times, often to demonstrate more of FBI Agent Caitlin Diggs’ psychic gifts from the past, you won’t be lost, for it’s to embellish the storyline in Book Two. Therefore, it’s easy to catch the gist of what happened before and to understand Book Two more thoroughly. I won’t go into precisely what they are or how items like a crystal and a robe can both aid and mislead federal agent Caitlin Diggs, but suffice it to say, that their roles, as McGuffins of sorts, are well thought out and believable in a willing suspension of disbelief/belief kind of way. The meaning of the title, Extreme Liquidation, is fully revealed on p. 112, but to avoid a spoiler alert, I’ll just say that it refers to the evil plot of Aleister Crowley, reincarnated into another male character, to exterminate all humankind for his own selfish gain. Furthermore, reincarnation also plays a part in one of the female character’s lives, as she was also a former deity in the past; in fact, that revelation caused me to gasp out loud while reading. Yes, it’s that good.
The character development is great. And, I particularly enjoy a novel with a strong female protagonist; in this case, Caitlin Diggs. Plus, another female character is played by a cat named Celeste. She’s no ordinary cat; she actually aids Caitlin and her sister throughout the novel in various ways. In addition, the relationship between Caitlin and her sister, Tara, is well-developed, and the blossoming romantic relationship between Caitlin and Ross Fisher is believable.
There are a lot of cutting edge scientific facts mixed with fiction in this novel of 204 pages, but Starta does a great job of keeping even former English majors like myself, who steered clear of science as much as was possible, up to speed with easy-to-understand explanations. Moreover, his use of cutting-edge scientific facts, blended with his fiction so seamlessly, makes this supernatural/psychological thriller very believable. I could easily see this novel being adapted for a screen of some kind, perhaps in a television format like Fringe. For example, a couple of the topics covered are psychotropic drug development and schizaphysiology. Best of all, there’s a sense of continuity by connecting the past to the present and future through sacred geometry.
In closing, I highly recommend this novel. It’s available as an e-book at www.amazon.com or http://www.lyricalpress.com/gary_starta . Also, be sure to check out his other novels at http://www.garystarta.net and, to contact him by e-mail, write to him at ven123star@yahoo.com
G.L. Giles for Target Audience Magazine
www.TargetAudienceMagazine.com
Published on July 28, 2009 19:56
June 21, 2009
Special Agent Caitlin Diggs...
Special Agent Caitlin Diggs believes her boss, the director of the FBI, planned the murder of her partner and lover. What's worse, the director now might be under the control of a dead occultist named Aleister Crowley who is planning to liquidate humanity.
See my new new sci fi novel...Extreme Liquidation at Lyrical Press...
http://www.lyricalpress.com/extreme_l...
Gary Starta
See my new new sci fi novel...Extreme Liquidation at Lyrical Press...
http://www.lyricalpress.com/extreme_l...
Gary Starta
Published on June 21, 2009 13:29
June 9, 2009
Extreme Liquidation Preview
Psychotropic drugs, conspiracy, paranormal happenings...
Extreme Liquidation, a new sci fi novel is now available at lyricalpress.com
Extreme Liquidation by Gary Starta
Copyright 2009 Lyrical Press, Inc.
Rivers confirmed she had access to the ledge. Diggs advised her to steer clear of the window until instructed. Gingerly stepping toward the open aperture, Diggs began to speak.
"Gregory Salinger, this is FBI Special Agent Caitlin Diggs. I'm a friend of Assistant Director Dudek. He sent me here to talk to you. Please try to relax."
A tense moment passed before Salinger answered. "My life has been taken away from me, Agent Diggs. I'm sorry we had to meet under such trying circumstances. I consider a friend of Andrew...a friend of mine, but you and I know there isn�t any other way out of this."
"Why do you feel this way?" Diggs fired back the question simply to maintain communication, believing Salinger would elaborate about how he let America down as Homeland Security chief.
His response surprised her. All he could talk about was his wife, Carrie.
"Maybe she could forgive an affair, but Carrie would never condone murder. I can't go back because of what my wife will think of me. I could live with the wrath of the public, do a jail term, maybe even become a dead man walking on death row, but I can't live another moment knowing I foolishly betrayed my Carrie."
Although Diggs could barely see him, she had heard the desperation in his voice. The despicable act he had committed made Salinger realize his marriage meant more than any job. Diggs recalled the powerful emotions she had experienced upon losing McAllister. Theorizing love might send Salinger off the ledge at any moment, she whispered her orders into the phone, instructing Agent Rivers to crawl out on the ledge.
"Director Salinger, I want you to stand very still. Another friend of A.D. Dudek's is coming out to see you. Don't be alarmed. She's here to talk to you."
Rivers cleared the window and froze, unable to rise off her haunches. The throng of people below suddenly reminded her of a collective waterfall, waiting to swallow her and Salinger whole. Her mind raced. Agent Diggs never suggested what she should say. She searched her soul, praying gut instinct might actually give her the right words. Rising from her crouch position, she slowly put a hand on the building's fa�ade to maintain her balance. Salinger stood no more than two meters away from her now. Instinct told her she must act now. She blurted out the first words she could think of.
"I think I know Carrie from how dearly you speak of her, Mr. Salinger. She sounds like quite a woman. You should consider Carrie's feelings. I think she would want to see you again despite your actions. I also believe further investigation might conclude you were coerced into behaving the way you did. People forgive, Mr. Salinger. Women can forgive. Trust my woman's intuition. I think you�ll see living is the best course to take." Rivers bit her lip, forcing her eyes away from the crowd below. Her right palm dug against concrete. She knew with all her soul she would never jump to her death, no matter how bad things got. At the same time, she hoped her impromptu speech hadn�t come off like some lines in a movie -- or worse, the stale rhetoric of psychiatry.
Diggs reinforced her partner's plea, leaving Salinger no time to argue.
"Listen to Agent Rivers, sir. She has been in contact with Carrie. She wants you to come inside."
Diggs waited desperately for an acknowledgement. She had lied to Salinger, but believed Carrie would have said the same thing, given the chance.
Outside, Rivers panted for air, fighting a severe case of anxiety.
Salinger turned to her in one surreal motion, the way people seem to move in and out of focus in a dream. Deondra became consumed with this living nightmare, fearing the director might call their bluff and ask to see Carrie personally.
Salinger only mumbled catatonically. "Yes, it�s the best course of action. I now see that." His eyes turned clouded and unfocused. Rivers stretched her arm toward him. From the window, Diggs could see the director was fast becoming incoherent. She spied a pole behind his head.
"Mr. Salinger, please grab the flagpole behind you. Agent Rivers will then assist you so you can come inside, so you can see your wife again."
A scene flashed through Salinger�' mind. He saw himself murdering Alyssa. He heard his rant, how he accused his wife during the struggle. He witnessed the anger taking complete control. And when he saw himself holding Alyssa's severed head in his hand, he heard the voices of paranoia buzz about his brain. He realized he would still have to deal with whoever had set him up. Maybe these people would harm Carrie. He began to stammer, ignoring Diggs�s command.
"It�s the best course of action for us all. Come with me, Agent Rivers. You'll be safe from them. Forever."
He pulled Rivers's arm as if it were a rope, sweat pouring off his brow despite the frigid temperature. Rivers lurched forward, screaming. Diggs shouted over the roar of the crowd below.
"Agent Rivers, grab the flagpole!"
Rivers right arm swung haphazardly at the protruding iron rod above her. It was within reach, only a half foot away. Her forearm banged against it. Salinger wrapped his hands about her waist in the same instant. A torrential flood of sweat was spilling off Salinger's arms now. With her free hand, Rivers tried to pry his slippery hands off her. Salinger lost his bear-hug-like hold, but only for an instant.
Diggs screamed again for Rivers to take hold of the pole, realizing Salinger was a lost cause to whatever demonic influence had commanded him to murder. She launched herself onto the adjacent ledge while Rivers and Salinger engaged in a precarious dance with death. They swayed back and forth as if the ledge was a ballroom dance floor.
Salinger continued to plead with Rivers. "Come with me. I really don't want to go alone."
Extreme Liquidation, a new sci fi novel is now available at lyricalpress.com
Extreme Liquidation by Gary Starta
Copyright 2009 Lyrical Press, Inc.
Rivers confirmed she had access to the ledge. Diggs advised her to steer clear of the window until instructed. Gingerly stepping toward the open aperture, Diggs began to speak.
"Gregory Salinger, this is FBI Special Agent Caitlin Diggs. I'm a friend of Assistant Director Dudek. He sent me here to talk to you. Please try to relax."
A tense moment passed before Salinger answered. "My life has been taken away from me, Agent Diggs. I'm sorry we had to meet under such trying circumstances. I consider a friend of Andrew...a friend of mine, but you and I know there isn�t any other way out of this."
"Why do you feel this way?" Diggs fired back the question simply to maintain communication, believing Salinger would elaborate about how he let America down as Homeland Security chief.
His response surprised her. All he could talk about was his wife, Carrie.
"Maybe she could forgive an affair, but Carrie would never condone murder. I can't go back because of what my wife will think of me. I could live with the wrath of the public, do a jail term, maybe even become a dead man walking on death row, but I can't live another moment knowing I foolishly betrayed my Carrie."
Although Diggs could barely see him, she had heard the desperation in his voice. The despicable act he had committed made Salinger realize his marriage meant more than any job. Diggs recalled the powerful emotions she had experienced upon losing McAllister. Theorizing love might send Salinger off the ledge at any moment, she whispered her orders into the phone, instructing Agent Rivers to crawl out on the ledge.
"Director Salinger, I want you to stand very still. Another friend of A.D. Dudek's is coming out to see you. Don't be alarmed. She's here to talk to you."
Rivers cleared the window and froze, unable to rise off her haunches. The throng of people below suddenly reminded her of a collective waterfall, waiting to swallow her and Salinger whole. Her mind raced. Agent Diggs never suggested what she should say. She searched her soul, praying gut instinct might actually give her the right words. Rising from her crouch position, she slowly put a hand on the building's fa�ade to maintain her balance. Salinger stood no more than two meters away from her now. Instinct told her she must act now. She blurted out the first words she could think of.
"I think I know Carrie from how dearly you speak of her, Mr. Salinger. She sounds like quite a woman. You should consider Carrie's feelings. I think she would want to see you again despite your actions. I also believe further investigation might conclude you were coerced into behaving the way you did. People forgive, Mr. Salinger. Women can forgive. Trust my woman's intuition. I think you�ll see living is the best course to take." Rivers bit her lip, forcing her eyes away from the crowd below. Her right palm dug against concrete. She knew with all her soul she would never jump to her death, no matter how bad things got. At the same time, she hoped her impromptu speech hadn�t come off like some lines in a movie -- or worse, the stale rhetoric of psychiatry.
Diggs reinforced her partner's plea, leaving Salinger no time to argue.
"Listen to Agent Rivers, sir. She has been in contact with Carrie. She wants you to come inside."
Diggs waited desperately for an acknowledgement. She had lied to Salinger, but believed Carrie would have said the same thing, given the chance.
Outside, Rivers panted for air, fighting a severe case of anxiety.
Salinger turned to her in one surreal motion, the way people seem to move in and out of focus in a dream. Deondra became consumed with this living nightmare, fearing the director might call their bluff and ask to see Carrie personally.
Salinger only mumbled catatonically. "Yes, it�s the best course of action. I now see that." His eyes turned clouded and unfocused. Rivers stretched her arm toward him. From the window, Diggs could see the director was fast becoming incoherent. She spied a pole behind his head.
"Mr. Salinger, please grab the flagpole behind you. Agent Rivers will then assist you so you can come inside, so you can see your wife again."
A scene flashed through Salinger�' mind. He saw himself murdering Alyssa. He heard his rant, how he accused his wife during the struggle. He witnessed the anger taking complete control. And when he saw himself holding Alyssa's severed head in his hand, he heard the voices of paranoia buzz about his brain. He realized he would still have to deal with whoever had set him up. Maybe these people would harm Carrie. He began to stammer, ignoring Diggs�s command.
"It�s the best course of action for us all. Come with me, Agent Rivers. You'll be safe from them. Forever."
He pulled Rivers's arm as if it were a rope, sweat pouring off his brow despite the frigid temperature. Rivers lurched forward, screaming. Diggs shouted over the roar of the crowd below.
"Agent Rivers, grab the flagpole!"
Rivers right arm swung haphazardly at the protruding iron rod above her. It was within reach, only a half foot away. Her forearm banged against it. Salinger wrapped his hands about her waist in the same instant. A torrential flood of sweat was spilling off Salinger's arms now. With her free hand, Rivers tried to pry his slippery hands off her. Salinger lost his bear-hug-like hold, but only for an instant.
Diggs screamed again for Rivers to take hold of the pole, realizing Salinger was a lost cause to whatever demonic influence had commanded him to murder. She launched herself onto the adjacent ledge while Rivers and Salinger engaged in a precarious dance with death. They swayed back and forth as if the ledge was a ballroom dance floor.
Salinger continued to plead with Rivers. "Come with me. I really don't want to go alone."
Published on June 09, 2009 20:48
June 2, 2009
See my novel Extreme Liquidation
See my newest novel, Extreme Liquidation at http://www.lyricalpress.com
New novel Extreme Liquidation out now
http://www.lyricalpress.com
Sci fi fans, please check out my newest novel, Extreme Liquidation, available at:
http://www.lyricalpress.com
A novel packed with conspiracy, paranormal happenings and misuse of fringe science. Extreme Liquidation continues the adventures of FBI Special Agent Caitlin Diggs who now possesses psychic abilities. But will it empower her to stop the evil occultist Aleister Crowley who has reincarnated himself as the FBI Director?
See more at Fictionwise.com and Lyrical Press...
New novel Extreme Liquidation out now
http://www.lyricalpress.com
Sci fi fans, please check out my newest novel, Extreme Liquidation, available at:
http://www.lyricalpress.com
A novel packed with conspiracy, paranormal happenings and misuse of fringe science. Extreme Liquidation continues the adventures of FBI Special Agent Caitlin Diggs who now possesses psychic abilities. But will it empower her to stop the evil occultist Aleister Crowley who has reincarnated himself as the FBI Director?
See more at Fictionwise.com and Lyrical Press...
Published on June 02, 2009 17:22
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