Lada Ray's Blog, page 105
January 14, 2012
GOLD TRAIN: Who is Alexei?
For the fans of the Da Vinci Code and National Treasure, comes this gripping new mystery/thriller, set in Russia and based on true historic events!
"Alexei" is pronounced (Ah-lek-sáy) with emphasis on "say."
Alexei, is the iconic Russian name, whose popularity never dwindled through centuries of use. The name "Alexei" is especially significant in GOLD TRAIN, as those, who read the book would appreciate, because it is also the name of the last Russian Tsar Nicolas's son and Heir to the Russian Throne.
In GOLD TRAIN, Jade Snow goes to Russia to investigate tantalizing mystery of the lost Imperial Treasure, instead she finds herself in the middle of a conspiracy, threatening to change the fate of the world's largest country, and, perhaps, the future of the entire world.
At the same time, Jade finds something, she, a happily married woman, with a small child and a lovely apartment on New York's Upper West Side, never expected – forbidden passion, defying time and space. The man Jade meets is unlike any, she's ever known. Who is this mysterious Alexei with a sexy smile no woman seems to be able to resist? And can she trust him?
As Jade and Alexei race against time, and their destiny unfolds, we learn all about Alexei's incredible background and amazing abilities.
If I had to draw Alexei, this is what he'd look like. On pictures above is actually another Alexei – Russian singer and actor, Alexei Vorobyov.
Check out GOLD TRAIN ebook on:
GOLD TRAIN paperback is coming on April 25, 2012. More: http://ladaray.wordpress.com/blog-tours/
For descriptions/excerpts/trailers from GOLD TRAIN and other Lada Ray's books: LadaRay.com
If you liked my posts, please rate, comment and follow Lada Ray Blog!
Till next time,
Cheers!
Lada Ray
GOLD TRAIN: Who is this Mysterious Alexei?
For the fans of the Da Vinci Code and National Treasure, comes this gripping new thriller, set in Russia and based on true historic events!
"Alexei" is pronounced (Ah-lek-sáy) with emphasis on "say."
In GOLD TRAIN, Jade Snow goes to Russia to investigate tantalizing mystery of the lost Imperial Treasure, instead she finds herself in the middle of a conspiracy, threatening to change the fate of the world's largest country, and, perhaps, the future of the entire world.
At the same time, Jade finds something, she, a happily married woman, with a small child and a lovely apartment on New York's Upper West Side, never expected – forbidden passion, defying time and space. The man Jade meets is unlike any, she's ever known. Who is this mysterious Alexei with a sexy smile no woman seems to be able to resist? And can she trust him?
As Jade and Alexei race against the clock, and their destiny unfolds, we learn all about Alexei's incredible background and amazing abilities.
If I had to draw Alexei, this is what he'd look like. On pictures above is actually another Alexei – Russian singer and actor, Alexei Vorobyov.
Check out GOLD TRAIN on:
For descriptions/excerpts/trailers from GOLD TRAIN and other Lada Ray's books: LadaRay.com
January 13, 2012
GOLD TRAIN: Meet Jade Snow, heroine of the Jade Snow International Adventure Series
The JADE SNOW INTERNATIONAL ADVENTURE SERIES idea was born several years ago, when I was flying through Dubai to Asia. In Dubai I met American journalists, returning from Afghanistan and Iraq, who told me stories of their adventures. As I was leaving Dubai, the picture of Jade Snow, a young, beautiful and spirited international journalist, who'd worked in Iraq and Afghanistan, appeared before my eyes. It occured to me that she would make a great heroine for an international mystery/thriller series.
A beautiful and witty red-head with unusual blue-green eyes, budding psychic powers and rare talent for being in the wrong place at the right time, Jade Snow is the protagonist of the Jade Snow International Adventure Series and of GOLD TRAIN, the gripping mystery/thriller, set in Russia and based on true historic events. When she gets married, this international journalist gives up her promising career to raise her little daughter, Lara.
But as the unexpected and exotic assignment drops in her lap, she jumps at the chance to restart her career and reconnect with her Russian roots. She gets much more than she'd ever bargained for!
When Jade travels to Russia, amid the magical settings of St. Petersburg and Moscow, she must uncover a dangerous conspiracy, find the world's largest treasure and experience forbidden passion, defying time and space.
As she finds herself a pawn in a struggle between forces beyond her control, she also meets the man, who'll change her life forever.
Click to watch GOLD TRAIN Book Trailer!
January 12, 2012
Ultimate Energy & Power: Chinese Dragon
Unleash the Power of the Dragon!
Original photography by Lada Ray
The Year of the Black, or Water, Dragon starts January 23, 2012. Note, the Chinese New Year Celebration normally lasts 15 days, so, January 23 is referred to as the first day of the New Year. More about how to celebrate Chinese New Year, in my future post.
The New Chinese Year is always celebrated with Dragon Dances. Each store and business in China, Hong Kong, New York's Chinatown, as well as other Chinatowns around the world will welcome the Dragon and Lion Dancers inside during the 15 day celebration period, as it is believed to usher in the brand new, yang and auspicious energy of prosperity and success for the entire year.
And this goes double for the Year of the Dragon.
The beloved symbol of Chinese folklore and ancient art, Dragon is also considered the most recognized and important Feng Shui symbol to have in one's home or office.
In the Imperial times, Chinese Emperor's robes were always decorated with a number of dragons. Because the power of the dragon was considered so overwhelming, there were restrictions, or even prohibitions on wearing clothes and displaying dragon images on part of Emperor's subordinates, so that the power of underlings wouldn't threaten that of the Emperor.
According to the System of 5 Elements, there are 5 types of Dragons. Each type of dragon visits us once every 60 years. Year 2012 is the year of the Water (Black) Dragon.
What to expect in the YEAR OF THE DRAGON? How does it differ from the other years of the Chinese Zodiac?
Year of the Dragon is considered one of the most powerful years for business and innovation. It ushers in more Yang – aggressive, assertive – energy, than almost any other year in the 12-year Chinese Zodiac cycle. Therefore, this year we should expect new developments in various revolutionary and alternative technologies. By the way, fellow Indie authors, this could be the year for you!
In general, starting your business is considered especially auspicious during the Year of the Dragon. This year will also be good for anything alternative.
On the other hand, the Year of the Dragon could signify more turmoil in both social and political spheres, as well as in nature. Sorry to say, natural, as well as man-made disasters won't subside.
Famous Dragon: Vladimir Putin, who is guaranteed to win this year's Russian Presidential Elections. For more on that, read my yesterday's post 'Year 2012 Predictions.'
Wishing you a Prosperous and Happy Year of the Dragon!
Remember to leave comments and subscribe to my blog!
Also, please read my future posts during THE YEAR OF THE DRAGON EXTRAVAGANZA!
Cheers to All!
Below is another beloved Chinese image, that of the Dragon Turtle, believed to combine the power of the Dragon with the Protection of the Turtle.
January 11, 2012
Year 2012 Predictions
Year 2012 Predictions
by Author and Feng Shui Master, Lada Ray
First, a quick announcement: I've been planning to write:
BOOK OF PREDICTIONS – AFTER 2012
for some time now, but it's been on hold due to other priority projects. I hope to write and release it this year, depending on my schedule. For more about this book check out http://ladaray.com/BookOfPredictions.aspx
What qualifies me to predict the future? In the past decade, I taught a number of my proprietary Feng Shui courses and did lots of consultations, in addition to writing about Feng Shui and spirituality for various publications around the world. As part of my speaking and writing, I made predictions about certain events in society and our lives, as well as advised clients on various real estate and investment-related matters.
My various predictions usually came true. As a quick example, I sold my own real estate property in 2005 – at the top – and advised my clients to do the same. Those, who followed my advice, cashed in very nicely. To find out more about me, check out my bio: http://ladaray.com/Bio.aspx
My predictive methodology is complex and consists of several parts.
As a former financial consultant with Smith Barney (Citigroup,) I understand the market movements.
Having lived in various countries, under various social systems, including socialism and capitalism, and having observed and studied the geopolitical mechanisms that led to the collapse of the Soviet Union, as well as those in the US, Europe, Asia and Latin America, I understand the driving forces in the world today.
I also draw on Western Astrology, which, together with other predictive methods, is a great tool.
Feng Shui, especially the Theory of Five Elements, along with Chinese Astrology, is also helpful.
An important element in my predictions is the powerful Oriental System of Long Cycles, very little known, and even less understood today. Feng Shui, in its most profound and true manifestation, shares the same philosophy. I studied this system with revered Hong Kong Masters of Feng Shui. Since space in a blog post is limited, I intend to talk more about it in the upcoming BOOK OF PREDICTIONS.
Last, but not least: While I do not consider myself psychic, although some may beg to differ, in my predictions, I rely heavily on my intuition, which has never let me down.
Without further ado, let's get to the core of the issue. The Year 2012 is the Year of the Dragon, according to the Chinese system, and it also has been called the Year of Elections. So, what does this year hold in store for us all?
First, something that has been done to death (no pun intended) in books and film: Should we expect the end of the World on 12/21/12?
The short answer is – ABSOLUTELY NOT! The above date, when Earth forms a direct line with the Galactic Center, will be a non-event and will go absolutely unnoticed by most humans. Some may feel more emotional and high strung, but it could be because these people are feeling the nervousness of others around them. However, the world will keep spinning, and life on Earth will go on.
The long answer is more complex. There are very powerful, LONG TERM changes at work. Those of us who are currently involved with, say, Indie Publishing, or Social Media, and some other areas, are actually at the forefront of these changes.
Suffice it to say that humanity is going through a massive transformation of consciousness, which will last for the foreseeable future, and at times, may be painful and confusing.
But these changes are gradual, although some manifestations are visible in cataclysms and events of today. Examples include: Japanese tsunami and Fukushima disaster, Gulf of Mexico oils spill, the Occupy Movement, Egypt Revolution, US/Europe Economic Problems, The BRICS, Kindle and Indie Publishing Revolution and many others.
Please read more about these events and changes in my upcoming books: THE EARTH SHIFTER (a fantasy/thriller) and BOOK OF PREDICTIONS (non-fiction.)
For more about my books, please visit: http://LadaRay.com
What to expect in the YEAR OF THE DRAGON? How does it differ from the other years of the Chinese Zodiac?
Year of the Dragon is considered one of the most powerful years for business and innovation. It ushers in more Yang – aggressive, assertive – energy, than almost any other year in the 12-year Chinese Zodiac cycle. Therefore, this year we should expect new developments in various revolutionary and alternative technologies. By the way, fellow Indie authors, this could be the year for you!
In general, starting your business is considered especially auspicious during the Year of the Dragon. This year will also be good for anything alternative.
On the other hand, the Year of the Dragon could signify more turmoil in both social and political spheres, as well as in nature. Sorry to say, natural, as well as man-made disasters won't subside.
Read more about the powerful Dragon in my tomorrow's post, right here, on Lada Ray Blog!
2012 is called THE YEAR of ELECTIONS, with something like 40 countries going to the polls to elect new Heads of State. This includes the big three: Russia, USA and France.
My friends will tell you that I could talk for hours about geopolitics, but due to the confines of the blog space, I'll be brief and discuss the big three. Also, just to mention, I am a 'political atheist' and do not participate in any political party. My analysis is based on logic, facts, intuition, Chinese Astrology and Theory of Long Cycles.
I will go with plus 2, minus 1.
RUSSIA, Presidential Elections, March 4, 2012: Vladimir Putin will win easily enough, although, due to the crowded field and according to the Russian electoral rules, he may only get clear majority in the second round. Protests on part of the Communists and assorted opposition will continue, and electoral fraud will be alleged again, whether it took place, or not.
However, between now and March, Putin and the ruling United Russia Party will make all the right moves, and Putin will end up securing anywhere between 55 – 68% of the votes. 55% may be way too low. Low to mid 60s is probably the right percentage.
While Russians could afford to play around with the results of the Duma elections in 2011, they'll treat Presidential Elections much more seriously. Putin means stability, and everyone will remember that. Russian social, economic, political, financial, police and army reforms will continue in a controlled fashion during Putin's Presidency. I will try to discuss Russia's future in detail in my BOOK OF PREDICTIONS.
There is one more, esoteric, reason for Putin's win: He is a DRAGON, according to his Chinese Zodiac sign. 2012 will be much better for Putin, than 2011, as the power of the Dragon is fully behind him this year! 
USA, Presidential Elections, November 6, 2012: Republicans will pick Romney, who is perceived as the man of the middle, and therefore, appears a safe bet. And Romney will NOT beat Obama. Because, as one rapper said, speaking at Occupy Wall Street, "Obama is ten times the campaigner, as he is the President." The rapper, whose name I won't mention here, added, "And I mean it as a compliment, Mr. President!"
In short, USA will remain sharply divided along partisan lines. Obama will narrowly win another 4-year term.
Meanwhile, various protests will continue and intensify. Emergence of a third party is very possible, fueled with disillusionment with the establishment and election results.
What happens during Obama's second term is another story altogether, and I'll discuss it later in my BOOK OF PREDICTIONS, as well.
Ah, yes, in case anyone's wondering, Barack Obama's Chinese Zodiac sign is the OX, considered along with the Dragon, one of the most powerful signs. Obama is in good company here, as the Ox is the sign of a world leader and can also be rather charismatic. He shares it, infamously, with Saddam Hussein. But also, with Margaret Thatcher, Princess Diana, Jane Fonda, and yours truly.
France, Presidential Elections, April 22-May 6, 2012: French President Nicolas Sarkozy, together with Angela Merkel of Germany (whose re-election is not until 2013, and I'll talk about her chances on another occasion) will do everything in their power to reassure the Europeans and the markets in 2012, and will pull a rabbit out of the hat, if necessary. Watch for various announcements from the Eurozone, directed at flooding the system with cheap money, more bailouts, etc.
However, the Eurozone crisis will deepen, with more countries teetering on the brink of collapse, and French elections will happen at the most inopportune time for Sarkozy.
Openly right wing and considered the only neo-con, able to win the election, he's deeply disliked in his country, and will lose.
Again, in case anyone's wondering, Sarkozy's sign is the HORSE. May be, that's why the long face.
Just kidding, all you, Horses, out there! The Horse is a very cool and fortunate sign!
Wishing you a terrific and auspicious Year of the Dragon! Please leave your comments and let me know what you think about my predictions!
January 3, 2012
Year of the Dragon Extravaganza
.
CHINESE YEAR of The DRAGON
starts January 23, 2012
It is believed that the Dragon ushers in a special energy of prosperity and protection
To celebrate the New Year of the Dragon
AUTHOR & FENG SHUI MASTER, LADA RAY, announces:
YEAR of the DRAGON EXTRAVAGANZA
on New Lada Ray Blog!
January 11 – January 23, 2012
Event Schedule
January 11: LADA RAY'S PREDICTIONS: YEAR 2012
January 12: Ultimate Energy & Power: Chinese Dragon
January 13: GOLD TRAIN: Meet Jade Snow, the GOLD TRAIN heroine
January 14: GOLD TRAIN: Who is this Mysterious Alexei?
January 15: FACT & FICTION in GOLD TRAIN
January 16: Feng Shui Master's Advice: Secret of True Prosperity
January 17: GOLD TRAIN'S MAGICAL SETTING: MOSCOW, RUSSIA
January 18: GOLD TRAIN'S MAGICAL SETTING: St. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA
January 20: Start Year of the Dragon Right: How to De-Clutter Your House!
January 21: Featured in GOLD TRAIN: Sapsan & Other Russian Trains
January 22: Featured in GOLD TRAIN: Amazing Russian Metro
January 23: Happy Chinese New Year of the Dragon!
How to Celebrate Chinese New Year.
For more about GOLD TRAIN check out http:/LadaRay.com
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ForWishing Everyone a Happy & Prosperous Year of the Dragon!
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Green Desert
GREEN DESERT
He dreamed about turning the Iraqi desert into a garden – what made him become a terrorist? When international journalist Jade Snow comes to Iraq to shoot a documentary about the Iraqi insurgency, she witnesses a suicide bombing of a truck, full of American soldiers. When two letters drop in her lap, she must take a chilling journey, as the suicide bomber and an American sergeant, killed in the attack, tell their stories from the grave. A riveting tale of tragedy, loss and undying hope!
A Jade Snow Novella
Category: short novella, anti-war, thriller, mystery
Word count: 12,000
Bonus: this edition of Green Desert Includes an excerpt from the upcoming thriller GOLD TRAIN, set in Russia!
Watch book trailer!
Sample a riveting excerpt below!
Sample/buy GREEN DESERT:
GREEN DESERT
One day, the Iraqi desert will be a garden…again.
Mohammed al-Tikriti, suicide bomber, former University of Baghdad student
2008, Iraq
He looked up and wiped the sweat streaming down his face with a trembling hand. Eight am… Baghdad sun knew no mercy even at this hour. He must concentrate, just a few more minutes! He stood next to his shabby, dusty Corolla, with faded taxi markings on it. The alley was deserted and deathly quiet, as expected. But just down the hill, barely thirty meters away and fully visible from his vantage point, was the intersection of the busiest road in the city.
Almost time. They should be here any moment.
He took an envelope out of his pocket and almost decided to leave it by the gate of the nearest house, securing it with a rock, when he saw an American press crew – a cameraman and a tall, slim woman, disguised as a man (who was she kidding?) – setting up their camera straight on the intersection.
He simply couldn't believe his luck! Allah is merciful, he didn't desert him in this hour of judgment! He cast a quick glance around – and another stroke of luck! A young boy, no more than eight or nine, rounded the corner, carrying a heavy jug of water, and made his way through the alley.
"Hey, boy! Come here, little boy," he called, waving temptingly his last two dollar bills. "Want to make some real American money?"
The boy nodded and cautiously edged closer.
He handed the boy the envelope. "I want you to give this after the explosion to that pretty lady, dressed as a man. Do you see her?"
The boy's shrewd eyes shot in the direction of the American press crew, and he nodded, giggling. Then, another thought made him frown.
"What explosion?" he asked suspiciously.
"You'll see," said the mysterious man. "The most important thing, stay hidden right here until after it happens. Understood?"
The boy nodded.
The man gave him an encouraging smile and got into his Corolla. Time!
He started the motor and quietly rolled closer to the intersection. Immediately, he heard the rumbling noise of a huge American truck, then he saw it. Praise Allah! Yet another stroke of luck – the monstrosity was full of soldiers. A big man with sergeant's insignia sat in the cabin, next to the driver. Good! He'll aim right at him. An officer is even better than mere soldiers.
"Allaaaaaaaaaaaah!" He slammed his foot on the accelerator and with a desperate cry launched his car forward, like a missile.
The big sergeant in the front seat turned his head towards him. The last thing the man's mind registered was a surprise in sergeant's blue eyes.
January 2, 2012
Stepford USA
STEPFORD, USA
Sample prologue and chapters 1-5 below!
"I enjoyed reading this uplifting book by Ms Ray, filled with intrigue and irresistible characters." From Amazon review by a reader.
"Very well written and gripping tale that will leave you guessing to the very end! Excellent storytelling!" From Amazon review by a reader.
A small town mystery with international twist. Alternative title: Virtual Paradise.
A cool play on The Stepford Wives, Stepford USA will dazzle you with an array of funny, outlandish and utterly realistic characters. Who committed rape and murder: a corrupt police chief, a crooked politician, a millionaire-nerd, or a womanizing banker? Ladies from the Stepford Knitting Club know it all, except that the town has been hijacked by criminals, posing as pillars of local community. That's where Jade Snow comes in. A new breed of amateur sleuths and investigative journalist, she's thoroughly at home in the brave, new, globalized world, but unprepared for one challenge – the dull existence in this sheltered American town. And that's exactly where she ends up after getting married and pregnant. Aided by a super-intelligent calico cat and a psychoanalyst from New York, Jade's on a mission to solve baffling mysteries and to turn upside down this sleepy paradise… if she can survive the attraction to an enigmatic convicted rapist, and the encounter with a desperate killer. Enough romance, psychology, mystical happenings, amazing pets, virtual reality and humor to delight fans of six different genres, Stepford, USA is a read to enjoy and remember!
Includes an excerpt from the gripping new thriller GOLD TRAIN, set in Russia. On digital shelves Holiday Season 2011! Paperback – April 2012!
Prequel: Jade Snow International Adventure Series
Category: novel, cozy mystery with a twist, women sleuths, psychic, pet lovers, psychological mystery
Word count: 69,000
(Includes an excerpt from the upcoming thriller GOLD TRAIN, set in Russia!)
Watch Book Trailer!
Buy STEPFORD USA eBook:
Read extensive excerpt (prologue & first 5 chapters) here!
December 19, 2011
GOLD TRAIN Holiday Launch 12/19/11 – 1/1/12
Giveaway, promotion, blog, new excerpts, reviews, fun!
Announcing 3 for 1 Promotion!
Buy GOLD TRAIN ebook for $2.99
and get 2 free ebooks!
GOLD TRAIN
For the fans of The Da Vinci Code & National Treasure
comes this gripping new thriller, based on true historic events!
1918: Civil War in Russia. The entire Gold Reserve of the Russian Empire vanishes without a trace. But what if it's about to resurface? And what if it's about to be used to shift the global balance of power?
Today: the world's largest treasure; dangerous adventure; forbidden passion, defying time and space; conspiracy that threatens to plunge the country into darkness.
International journalist, Jade Snow, travels to Russia to investigate tantalizing mystery of the Gold Train, instead, she finds herself a pawn in a struggle between forces beyond her control. Running is not an option, as commitment to solve a murder makes her play the deadly game. Jade must choose between her worst friends and best enemies, and the fate of the world just might depend on her choice!
Jade Snow International Adventure Series 1
Category: novel, international mystery/thriller, geopolitical/spy thriller, historic mystery, suspense with an element of otherworldly romance
Word count: 68,400
Read GOLD TRAIN Excerpts:
Excerpt 1
Excerpt 2
Jade and Alexei - Love Scene in St. Petersburg
Excerpt 3
Buy GOLD TRAIN ebook:
Coming soon: Barnes & Noble, Sony, Apple, Diesel, Kobo!
