Zack Finley's Blog, page 2

Trying new Genre

On the last legs of writing a novel about a man and his family living in the hills of Tennessee and how they cope with a major solar storm and coronal mass ejection. His family thinks they are prepared, after all they’ve been working toward being ready for some type of disruption for generations.

Even their extensive preparations fall short of the new reality as the law becomes the lawless and charity begets violence.

I started this book more on a whim than a serious endeavor and am now 65,000 words into it and it is only a month into the new reality.

Duchy Unleashed uploaded to Amazon

I just uploaded “Duchy Unleashed” Book 3 of the Dire Prophecy Series to Amazon. It usually appears within hours. As soon as it does I will add a direct link to the purchase page.

“Duchy Unleashed” Book 3 of Dire Prophecy returns the reader to the exotic world of Jaloa, filled with magic, action, and romance. The rich creativity of writer Zack Finley pulls the reader into this alien world. “Duchy Unleashed” continues the adventure ignited by the first novel of the series, “Dire Prophecy” and its sequel “Mad Toffad’s Keep.”

Earth’s elite warrior and his fierce battlemage soulmate face enormous barriers as they prepare to meet and overcome the dire prophecy threatening their world. In this novel, the Duchy of Toffad’s Keep becomes a reality as new recruits flock to the duke’s banner.

A sedentary lifestyle just won’t do for our warriors, as they take the Duchy on the offensive against pirates and slavers. This fast-paced action novel has plenty of twists and skirmishes as our heroes put the Duchy on a war footing.

The Duke takes his outnumbered and hard-pressed Duchy Guard onto the high seas to meet the pirates recruited by the dark sect to destroy Jaloan civilization. Delightful and exciting twists abound as the Duke continues to learn how to use his magic. The Duke keeps discovering new ways Jaloan magic can kill him while applying concepts from his old life to radically change the boundaries of Jaloan magic for his Duchy.

“Duchy Unleashed” is the third book in the series that takes place on the alien world of Jaloa. While the vision of an apocalypse drives Steve and his growing list of allies to prepare, Zack Finley’s novels are also about resilience, overcoming obstacles and the strength of a life bond.

Warning: this book contains graphic sexual encounters not suitable for teens.

“Duchy Unleashed” cover ready

I’ve just accepted the new ebook cover for “Duchy Unleashed” Book 3 of Dire Prophecy. I’m struggling with what to concentrate on for my next novel. I, unfortunately, have 3 different books started but none really excites me this week. I’ll publish “Duchy Unleashed” by Oct 26, but not sure what next. Mad Toffad’s Keep hasn’t done as well as I’d hoped.

Thanks to those of you leaving reviews. I really appreciate them.

Finally finished editing “Duchy Unleashed”

I’ve finally completed “Duchy Unleashed” Book 3 of Dire Prophecy.

I have a preliminary cover for it and it should be ready to publish by Oct. 25 if all goes as planned. For some reason, this was a difficult book to bring to a close. It was also very tough to find a title that appealed to me.

In this adventure the Duchy goes on the offensive, taking the fight to the pirates. We learn more of Argon’s past and Steve begins to feel the weight of command. As always magic swirls all through the events.

The logistics of building an empire lead to major changes at Toffad’s Keep.

“Mayhem in Mendocino” A Rascal the Cat mystery. is ready for purchase

Mayhem in Mendocino went live this week. It can be found on Amazon at https://amzn.to/2QXz0AU

Some of you who prefer more mystery and less alien should like this one better. I actually wrote most of it years ago, just didn’t have the gumption to find a publisher.

Mayhem in Mendocino to go live on 9/26

My latest book “Mayhem in Mendocino” will go live on Amazon on Sept. 26. This is a mystery thriller with a dash of romance with most of the action taking place along the Mendocino County Coast.

Step into the hidden world of California’s Emerald Triangle with the romantic mystery from novelist Zack Finley. “Mayhem in Mendocino” is Finley’s debut novel in this genre. It features the author’s decades of experience in the region.

Julie’s well-ordered life is turned upside down when her boyfriend dumps her, and her employer lays her off. With nothing to hold her to her former life, Julie and Rascal, her intrepid feline companion, set off on an adventure of a lifetime.

Julie and Rascal begin their journey along coastal California deep into the redwoods. She becomes embroiled in a missing person’s case that threatens to put her out of action, permanently. The Emerald Triangle is notorious for marijuana and generations of illicit activities. Strangers are warned not to ask too many questions.

When Julie refuses to let the case rest, Tom, a handsome sheriff’s deputy with a tragic past, offers to help. Tom knows the Emerald Triangle has a lot of people who go missing each year. And a lot of them are never found.

Warning: this book contains graphic sexual encounters not suitable for teens.

Received book cover for Mayhem in Mendocino

Just got my cover art for my third book, Mayhem in Mendocino. This is a mystery novel based in Mendocino County. I plan to publish it on Amazon around September 25. It is a complete change from the Dire Prophecy line. It is cast in today’s Mendocino County.

Mad Toffad’s Keep up on line

Mad Toffad’s Keep, the second in the series of like on Jaloa is not up on Amazon. I had to change the title of the first novel to Dire Prophecy 1 since Amazon can’t handle a series if one of the books is also the series name. This is the reason you see Dire Prophecy 1 when looking at the Amazon site. But now they are linked and any future book in the series will also be linkable. I’m in my last editing blitz for Mayhem in Mendocino. I’ve hired a cover designer for it, too. Due out on Sept 25.

“Mad Toffad’s Keep” to publish Aug. 26

In the final phase of preparing “Mad Toffad’s Keep” (Book 2 of Dire Prophecy series) for publication on Amazon on August 26.

Here is the teaser: “Mad Toffad’s Keep” (Book 2 of Dire Prophecy) sends the reader back to the world filled with magic, danger, and action spawned in the rich imagination of writer Zack Finley. “Mad Toffad’s Keep” continues the adventure ignited by the first novel of the series, “Dire Prophecy.”

Earth’s elite warrior and his fierce battlemage soulmate face enormous barriers as they prepare to meet and overcome the dire prophecy threatening their world. In “Mad Toffad’s Keep” the vibrant duo takes possession of the fortress which provides the key to fulfilling their destiny.

While Steve and Argon build their new dynasty, dark forces continue to undermine their efforts.

Our protagonists battle against slavers and dark mages learning the hard way that surprise is a two-edged sword. Steve’s magical discoveries threaten to revolutionize life on Jaloa.

Steve’s and Argon’s relationship evolves with humor and passion despite their near-death encounters.

Though their mission is crystal clear to them, they discover some royals can’t be trusted and speaking truth to power seldom pays positive dividends. Building a community from the ground up requires a delicate balance of vision and perseverance. The pace of change accelerates as more people flock to their banner, bringing challenge and accomplishment.

There is plenty of magical combat, a cat-like familiar, and pesky monsters.

“Mad Toffad’s Keep” is the second book in a series that introduces the reader to the world of Jaloa. While the vision of an apocalypse drives Steve and his growing list of allies to prepare, this novel is also about resilience, overcoming obstacles and the strength of a life bond.

Warning: this book contains graphic sexual encounters not suitable for teens.

I have a cover for book 2

Bobooks finished the cover for Mad Toffad’s Keep; Book 2 of Dire Prophecy. I’m glad that is done. I’m on the last major slog through book 2, tightening it up and on working through the final edits. Still got at least a week or two of hard work before it will be ready. I expect to have it up by about August 26. Once the final edits are done, I’ll switch to book 3. I’ll have to decide pretty quick what to name the gook. The first 2 sort of named themselves. Book three not so much. Writing is the fun part, editing and marketing, not so much.