C.E. Martin's Blog, page 13
August 5, 2015
Watch out for the SPELLBREAKER!
Coming soon, a 1960s tale of magical espionage and supernatural warfare on the dark continent:
Africa, 1968. An English Knight of the Crown is sent to Ghana to investigate the disappearance of British citizens in the former colony. But Agent John Ash gets more than he bargained for when the Templar crosses paths with a living legend. A murmured whisper in the halls of power, the Spellbreaker is a terrifying force of destruction and mayhem working for America. Can a Templar sworn to eradicate magic wherever it threatens the United Kingdom or its peoples work alongside this frightening, supernatural killer to stop a Voodoo Warlord creating an army of undying soldiers, or are England and the United States about to have a falling out?
Coming soon exclusively to Kindle!
Africa, 1968. An English Knight of the Crown is sent to Ghana to investigate the disappearance of British citizens in the former colony. But Agent John Ash gets more than he bargained for when the Templar crosses paths with a living legend. A murmured whisper in the halls of power, the Spellbreaker is a terrifying force of destruction and mayhem working for America. Can a Templar sworn to eradicate magic wherever it threatens the United Kingdom or its peoples work alongside this frightening, supernatural killer to stop a Voodoo Warlord creating an army of undying soldiers, or are England and the United States about to have a falling out?
Coming soon exclusively to Kindle!
July 9, 2015
July 2015 Update...
It's been a busy year for the Stone Soldiers series...
In addition to making print versions of books 10 and 11 (soon available via Amazon) and Elemental Warfare, a spin off series, Shadow Raiders is in the works.
The Stone Soldiers have also been represented at some Louisville-area conventions, including the Derby City Comic Con, as wel as the upcoming Oldham County Comic Con.
And of course, there's the new podcast, Weirdology 101 that introduces listeners to some of the myths and legends, ancient and modern, often used in the series.
What's next for 2015?
Next up will be Shadow Raiders.
Then there'll be a series of shorter-length, short story/novellas:
Blood Traitor a re-telling of Laura Olson's vampiric origins and her first missions in the 1970s, guiding Mark Kenslir and Detachment 1039 to vampire targets around the world...
X-Ponent, previously glimpsed in flashbacks in Book 4, Shades of War, is getting a novella-length release, putting the flashbacks in sequential order and filling in some of the gaps.
Spellbreaker is a Cold War-era tale of a younger Mark Kenslir and Chad Phillips as the combat the supernatural Red Menace of the 1960s
Night of the Bear will be a story of the two Soviet supernatural operatives who suddenly find themselves free agents after the fall of the Soviet Union in the 1980s.
And we'll round out 2015 with Winter's Fury book 12 in the Stone Soldiers' series and Perdition's Shadow, book 2 in the Shadow Raiders series, that finds Detachment 1039 traveling to an alternate reality earth ruled by a Dragon and populated by human slaves from different eras of history.
Looking beyond these titles, you can expect a few more Stone Soldiers novels in 2016...
Hyde and Sheik
Island of the Damned
The Blue Death
Do No Evil
Plus maybe a few other short stories and maybe another 1 or 2 Shadow Raiders.
So, while things have been slowing down, fear not, the men, women and monsters of Detachment 1039 will continue to stomp evil wherever they can find it...
In addition to making print versions of books 10 and 11 (soon available via Amazon) and Elemental Warfare, a spin off series, Shadow Raiders is in the works.
The Stone Soldiers have also been represented at some Louisville-area conventions, including the Derby City Comic Con, as wel as the upcoming Oldham County Comic Con.
And of course, there's the new podcast, Weirdology 101 that introduces listeners to some of the myths and legends, ancient and modern, often used in the series.
What's next for 2015?
Next up will be Shadow Raiders.
Then there'll be a series of shorter-length, short story/novellas:
Blood Traitor a re-telling of Laura Olson's vampiric origins and her first missions in the 1970s, guiding Mark Kenslir and Detachment 1039 to vampire targets around the world...
X-Ponent, previously glimpsed in flashbacks in Book 4, Shades of War, is getting a novella-length release, putting the flashbacks in sequential order and filling in some of the gaps.
Spellbreaker is a Cold War-era tale of a younger Mark Kenslir and Chad Phillips as the combat the supernatural Red Menace of the 1960s
Night of the Bear will be a story of the two Soviet supernatural operatives who suddenly find themselves free agents after the fall of the Soviet Union in the 1980s.
And we'll round out 2015 with Winter's Fury book 12 in the Stone Soldiers' series and Perdition's Shadow, book 2 in the Shadow Raiders series, that finds Detachment 1039 traveling to an alternate reality earth ruled by a Dragon and populated by human slaves from different eras of history.
Looking beyond these titles, you can expect a few more Stone Soldiers novels in 2016...
Hyde and Sheik
Island of the Damned
The Blue Death
Do No Evil
Plus maybe a few other short stories and maybe another 1 or 2 Shadow Raiders.
So, while things have been slowing down, fear not, the men, women and monsters of Detachment 1039 will continue to stomp evil wherever they can find it...
June 16, 2015
The Shadow Raiders are coming...
One month away from the release of an all-new adventure in the Stone Soldiers universe.
Detachment 1039 has a new mission: taking the fight to the enemy--even if it means traveling to a parallel universe.
A new team. A new mission. A new world.
Coming to Kindle, July 2015.
For a sneak preview of Chapters 1-7, Click here.
Detachment 1039 has a new mission: taking the fight to the enemy--even if it means traveling to a parallel universe.
A new team. A new mission. A new world.
Coming to Kindle, July 2015.
For a sneak preview of Chapters 1-7, Click here.
May 16, 2015
Weirdology 101
Stone Soldiers is proud to sponsor a brand-new podcast, beginning May 18, 2015!
WEIRDOLOGY101 is a weekly discussion on the Paranormal, the Supernatural and all things in between. Listen to discussions about the strange, the weeks Weirdlines from around the world, Fringe Fiction recommendations and even take a spin on the Wheel of Weird where the lesser known cryptids and myths will be chosen at random and discussed.
A father-daughter endeavor, Weirdology101 features two very different perspectives on the weird, from a 47 year old father who writes Supernatural Thrillers, and a 15 year old fangirl daughter who can't seem to peel herself away from the internet.
Tune in every Monday for a new episode of family-friendly fun and learn a little bit about the strange and unusual!
CLASSES START MAY 18, 2015!
WEIRDOLOGY101 is a weekly discussion on the Paranormal, the Supernatural and all things in between. Listen to discussions about the strange, the weeks Weirdlines from around the world, Fringe Fiction recommendations and even take a spin on the Wheel of Weird where the lesser known cryptids and myths will be chosen at random and discussed.
A father-daughter endeavor, Weirdology101 features two very different perspectives on the weird, from a 47 year old father who writes Supernatural Thrillers, and a 15 year old fangirl daughter who can't seem to peel herself away from the internet.
Tune in every Monday for a new episode of family-friendly fun and learn a little bit about the strange and unusual!
CLASSES START MAY 18, 2015!
May 5, 2015
A plethora of errors...
For those not familiar with the Error Contest at Stone Soldiers, it works like this: report an error, typo, misspelling, etc in a novel, get a free digital copy of another novel in the series.
Normally, there aren't that many errors to be found. Alas, for Book 11, One Dark Step, it's a veritable JACKPOT of errors. A new spellchecker program was used on this one.... a spellcheck that didn't point out grammatical errors. And I rushed the book to publish. Fortunately, a reader has sent in the dozens of errors and it's now being fixed. However, if you can type the sentence as it appears in your copy, you can still win a free digital version of another Stone Soldiers story--so long as you're the first to report it (not counting that aforementioned reader who hit the motherload).
Normally, there aren't that many errors to be found. Alas, for Book 11, One Dark Step, it's a veritable JACKPOT of errors. A new spellchecker program was used on this one.... a spellcheck that didn't point out grammatical errors. And I rushed the book to publish. Fortunately, a reader has sent in the dozens of errors and it's now being fixed. However, if you can type the sentence as it appears in your copy, you can still win a free digital version of another Stone Soldiers story--so long as you're the first to report it (not counting that aforementioned reader who hit the motherload).
April 30, 2015
Book of Stone: General Zou Zheng Duan
For April, Stone Soldiers.info is celebrating the A to Z Blog Challenge with daily letter-themed entries. A separate page with a list of all these entries, plus Character Profiles and Book Synopses will appear on the right hand side of the page in coming weeks, detailing the people, places and things of the Stone Soldiers universe.
A Rogue Chinese General, and commander of the Lanzhou District, Zuo was a student in the Temple of Perfection as a child, but was expelled for his aggressive, warlike demeanor. Zou entered the People’s Army and rose through the ranks, never forgetting his lessons in the Temple. Through political maneuvering, Zou became the District Commander for Lanzhou District, where he knew the Lost City of Shamballa to be located.
In 2013, Zuo launched a secret raid of Shamballa, uncovering its wonders and a Ring Portal into the heart of the Forbidden City and the vault of magical artifacts beneath it. Stealing the artifacts, Zuo used them to try and trigger a war between the US and People’s Republic, hoping that in the aftermath, he could install himself as the First Emperor of the World, and restore China to what he felt was its rightful place. (SS08: Terrorcota ).
Zou's plans fell apart however when Detachment 1039 responded, eliminating his forces in Colorado and pursuing him back to Shamballa, where he was killed.
A Rogue Chinese General, and commander of the Lanzhou District, Zuo was a student in the Temple of Perfection as a child, but was expelled for his aggressive, warlike demeanor. Zou entered the People’s Army and rose through the ranks, never forgetting his lessons in the Temple. Through political maneuvering, Zou became the District Commander for Lanzhou District, where he knew the Lost City of Shamballa to be located.
In 2013, Zuo launched a secret raid of Shamballa, uncovering its wonders and a Ring Portal into the heart of the Forbidden City and the vault of magical artifacts beneath it. Stealing the artifacts, Zuo used them to try and trigger a war between the US and People’s Republic, hoping that in the aftermath, he could install himself as the First Emperor of the World, and restore China to what he felt was its rightful place. (SS08: Terrorcota ).
Zou's plans fell apart however when Detachment 1039 responded, eliminating his forces in Colorado and pursuing him back to Shamballa, where he was killed.
April 29, 2015
Book of Stone: Ymir
For April, Stone Soldiers.info is celebrating the A to Z Blog Challenge with daily letter-themed entries. A separate page with a list of all these entries, plus Character Profiles and Book Synopses will appear on the right hand side of the page in coming weeks, detailing the people, places and things of the Stone Soldiers universe.
Ymir, also known as Aurgelmir, Brimir, or Bláinn, is a being from Norse mythology--the ancestor of all Jötnar. Mentioned in the Poetic Edda, he is described as a primeval being who was born from venom that dripped from the icy rivers Élivágar and lived in the grassless void of Ginnungagap. Ymir is credited with creating the Norse gods themselves: Odin, Vili, and Vé. He is also claimed to have created the Earth, the oceans, the clouds, the heavens, and the middle realm in which mankind lives, Midgard. In addition, one stanza relates that the dwarfs were given life by the gods from Ymir's flesh and blood (or the Earth and sea).
Ymir was purportedly betrayed by his offspring--the brothers Odin, Vili, and Vé, who conspired to kill him.
More modern legends of Ymir depict him as the father of the Frost Giants--those terrible monsters fought by Odin and the Aesir. Whatever origins, if Ymir had survived to the modern era, he would surely be one of the most dangerous opponents yet for Detachment 1039.
Ymir, also known as Aurgelmir, Brimir, or Bláinn, is a being from Norse mythology--the ancestor of all Jötnar. Mentioned in the Poetic Edda, he is described as a primeval being who was born from venom that dripped from the icy rivers Élivágar and lived in the grassless void of Ginnungagap. Ymir is credited with creating the Norse gods themselves: Odin, Vili, and Vé. He is also claimed to have created the Earth, the oceans, the clouds, the heavens, and the middle realm in which mankind lives, Midgard. In addition, one stanza relates that the dwarfs were given life by the gods from Ymir's flesh and blood (or the Earth and sea).
Ymir was purportedly betrayed by his offspring--the brothers Odin, Vili, and Vé, who conspired to kill him.
More modern legends of Ymir depict him as the father of the Frost Giants--those terrible monsters fought by Odin and the Aesir. Whatever origins, if Ymir had survived to the modern era, he would surely be one of the most dangerous opponents yet for Detachment 1039.
Book of Stone: XAH-1X Eclipse helicopter
For April, Stone Soldiers.info is celebrating the A to Z Blog Challenge with daily letter-themed entries. A separate page with a list of all these entries, plus Character Profiles and Book Synopses will appear on the right hand side of the page in coming weeks, detailing the people, places and things of the Stone Soldiers universe.
The XAH-1X experimental attack helicopter was more a testing platform for advanced concept helicopter systems than an actual pre-prototype aircraft. Consisting of several modified, surplus Supercobra AH-1J dual-engine attack helos, the program began at Groom Lake Air Force Base.
Initially, the helos were fitted with an experimental, sustained EMP system designed to blind or damage enemy electronics to prevent detection of non-Stealth aircraft. The system was dubbed the Eclipse--a name given to the test platform helicopters to distinguish them from standard Supercobras. While the jamming systems proved effective it was decded that a Stealth aircraft like the F-117 or RAH-66 would be better suited, allowing for surgical strikes of hostile installations, rather than the unfocused, electronics-damaging XAH-1X.
Chosen for its dual engines--required for the heavy generators required for EMP bursts, the Eclipse helos saw new life in the late 1980s as test plarforms for experimental plasma-shell anti-armor guns.
By 1995, the Eclipse program had been discontinued and the remaining aircraft were consigned to storage at Groom Lake. However, when the costumed parahuman Sentinel began a series of terrorist attacks an emergency refit of one Eclipse gunship was ordered, the plasma-filled projectiles its vulcan cannon could fire believed to be capable of injuring the Sentinel. The helicopter was successful in injuring Sentinel and driving him out of U.S. airspace. (SS04: Shades of War ).
It is presumed any Eclipse helicopters have been returned to storage at Groom Lake.
The XAH-1X experimental attack helicopter was more a testing platform for advanced concept helicopter systems than an actual pre-prototype aircraft. Consisting of several modified, surplus Supercobra AH-1J dual-engine attack helos, the program began at Groom Lake Air Force Base.
Initially, the helos were fitted with an experimental, sustained EMP system designed to blind or damage enemy electronics to prevent detection of non-Stealth aircraft. The system was dubbed the Eclipse--a name given to the test platform helicopters to distinguish them from standard Supercobras. While the jamming systems proved effective it was decded that a Stealth aircraft like the F-117 or RAH-66 would be better suited, allowing for surgical strikes of hostile installations, rather than the unfocused, electronics-damaging XAH-1X.
Chosen for its dual engines--required for the heavy generators required for EMP bursts, the Eclipse helos saw new life in the late 1980s as test plarforms for experimental plasma-shell anti-armor guns.
By 1995, the Eclipse program had been discontinued and the remaining aircraft were consigned to storage at Groom Lake. However, when the costumed parahuman Sentinel began a series of terrorist attacks an emergency refit of one Eclipse gunship was ordered, the plasma-filled projectiles its vulcan cannon could fire believed to be capable of injuring the Sentinel. The helicopter was successful in injuring Sentinel and driving him out of U.S. airspace. (SS04: Shades of War ).
It is presumed any Eclipse helicopters have been returned to storage at Groom Lake.
April 28, 2015
Book of Stone: Brock West
For April, Stone Soldiers.info is celebrating the A to Z Blog Challenge with daily letter-themed entries. A separate page with a list of all these entries, plus Character Profiles and Book Synopses will appear on the right hand side of the page in coming weeks, detailing the people, places and things of the Stone Soldiers universe.
Following the successful integration of four US Navy SEALs into the Medusa Program and Detachment 1039. Colonel Mark Kenslir began searching the ranks of the military for more candidates to join the unit's ongoing battle against the forces of darkness. In 2014, he selected an elderly Sergeant Major from the Army's Airborne Ranger community: Brock West.
A career NCO, West had the skills, training and demeanor to join the team--and no familial connections to give up as required by becoming a petrified soldier.
West served successfully in the Detachment in 2014, dying in combat during action in Colorado (SS08: Terrorcota), then successfully resurrecting before his final death in Los Angeles (SS09: Pale Horseman )
West served his country two lifetimes, both as a soldier and a supersoldier and now joins the ranks of those killed by the Fallen enemies of mankind.
Following the successful integration of four US Navy SEALs into the Medusa Program and Detachment 1039. Colonel Mark Kenslir began searching the ranks of the military for more candidates to join the unit's ongoing battle against the forces of darkness. In 2014, he selected an elderly Sergeant Major from the Army's Airborne Ranger community: Brock West.A career NCO, West had the skills, training and demeanor to join the team--and no familial connections to give up as required by becoming a petrified soldier.
West served successfully in the Detachment in 2014, dying in combat during action in Colorado (SS08: Terrorcota), then successfully resurrecting before his final death in Los Angeles (SS09: Pale Horseman )
West served his country two lifetimes, both as a soldier and a supersoldier and now joins the ranks of those killed by the Fallen enemies of mankind.
Book of Stone: James Van Zanger
For April, Stone Soldiers.info is celebrating the A to Z Blog Challenge with daily letter-themed entries. A separate page with a list of all these entries, plus Character Profiles and Book Synopses will appear on the right hand side of the page in coming weeks, detailing the people, places and things of the Stone Soldiers universe.
Born in 1958, James and Norman Van Zanger grew up in middle America, eventually joining the Army and serving in Vietnam. After the war, the brothers returned home, opening a garage and settling down to a simple life. All that changed in 1976 when Norman was abducted on a hunting trip.
An incredulous James watched as his brother was spirited away by otherworldly beings in a gleaming, silver craft. James didn't tell anyone about this. He didn't turn his personal tragedy into a money-making venture nor retreat into isolation. He started a war. A one-man war against the entities that took his brother.
Operating alone for decades, James Van Zanger used hit and run tactics to harass and occassionally kill the dark visitors to Earth. In 2015, his war took on a whole new direction when Van Zanger was tracked down by Detachment 1039 and offered a unique chance to re-enlist and join the military in operations against the same strange invaders that took his brother (SS11: One Dark Step).
Van Zanger was petrified, joining the Stone Soldiers and journeying first to Iceland, then the Moon where he was reunited with his long lost brother.
As a fighter, Jim Van Zanger is a skilled marksman, explosives expert and survivalist. As well as a bit of a hermit. Living alone for decades, he has existed mainly off the grid, operating in the shadows and tracking "alien" sightings around the country and selecting his targets carefully. He has a die-hard, never-give-up personality and a sour disposition.
Born in 1958, James and Norman Van Zanger grew up in middle America, eventually joining the Army and serving in Vietnam. After the war, the brothers returned home, opening a garage and settling down to a simple life. All that changed in 1976 when Norman was abducted on a hunting trip.An incredulous James watched as his brother was spirited away by otherworldly beings in a gleaming, silver craft. James didn't tell anyone about this. He didn't turn his personal tragedy into a money-making venture nor retreat into isolation. He started a war. A one-man war against the entities that took his brother.
Operating alone for decades, James Van Zanger used hit and run tactics to harass and occassionally kill the dark visitors to Earth. In 2015, his war took on a whole new direction when Van Zanger was tracked down by Detachment 1039 and offered a unique chance to re-enlist and join the military in operations against the same strange invaders that took his brother (SS11: One Dark Step).
Van Zanger was petrified, joining the Stone Soldiers and journeying first to Iceland, then the Moon where he was reunited with his long lost brother.
As a fighter, Jim Van Zanger is a skilled marksman, explosives expert and survivalist. As well as a bit of a hermit. Living alone for decades, he has existed mainly off the grid, operating in the shadows and tracking "alien" sightings around the country and selecting his targets carefully. He has a die-hard, never-give-up personality and a sour disposition.
