John F. Allen's Blog, page 5
August 4, 2014
August 2, 2014
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY: MOVIE REVIEW
Guardians of the Galaxy
Directed by: James Gunn
Cast: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, David Bautista, Bradley Cooper, Lee Pace, Karen Gillan, Michael Rooker and Vin Diesel.
Rating: PG-13
Marvel Studios, the producers of fan favorite films and mega blockbuster films such as: Iron Man, Thor, Captain America and the Avengers, presents a NEW and EXCITING franchise, which explores the darkest and deepest reaches of the galaxy.
Guardians of the Galaxy is an epic, action/adventure film which picks up where The Avengers left off and transports the audience farther into the ever expanding Marvel Universe.
The story unfolds with Peter Quill—a young, swashbuckling adventurer—who seeks to procure a bounty, which leads to others pursuing him in an effort to retrieve it. The bounty in question is a mysterious orb of great value and power, which is being sought after by a powerful villain named Ronan, with plans of galactic conquest. In an effort to keep the orb from Ronan and survive his fury, Quill aligns himself with a rag tag group of dissidents: Rocket—a vicious, cybernetically altered raccoon with a gun, Groot—a humanoid tree-like creature with a very limited vocabulary, Drax the Destroyer—a grief stricken, vengeance seeking warrior and Gamora—the alluring and mysterious fem fatale. When the quartet discover the inherent power of the orb and its destructive potential, they join together with a band of renegade pirates from Quill’s past, to stand against Ronan and his forces to save the galaxy.
Guardians of the Galaxy was a near perfect summer film. It had a solid story, good casting, good performances, action/adventure, excitement, drama, comedy, social commentary and plenty of heart.
While the characters aren’t nearly as recognizable as their mainstream counterparts, The Avengers, they don’t really need to be and I feel it’s for the better. A motley crew of reluctant protagonists form the core of Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” and the quintet consists of Star-Lord (played by Chris Pratt), Gamora (played by Zoe Saldana), Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper), Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel) and Drax the Destroyer (played by Dave Bautista).
The film was directed and co-written by James Gunn, who I must say did an excellent job of bringing together story, actor performances, tone and characterization. The elements of this film hit on all cylinders without hiccups. There’s never a dull moment with this film and even when the action has slowed down, the audience is exposed to a great deal of character introspection from the characters, delivered with just the right amount of emotion. The back stories are carefully woven into the tapestry of the film and evenly dispersed throughout.
Guardians of the Galaxy takes the audience back to the roots of Marvel’s developmental stories from the 70’s and 80’s, which led up to the powerful stories and events that are unfolding today. The film has a free-flowing, old school soul which harkens past films such as Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark. That very sense of wonder and perilous adventure which epitomized those films are very much present in Guardians of the Galaxy…IN SPADES!
From a directorial perspective, Gunn encourages the audience to let go and not take things too seriously. The world created—while connected to the greater Marvel Universe seen in The Avengers and other films—is well imagined and developed within this glimpse that is given. Like Star Wars, the alien landscape portrayed is at once foreign and intimately familiar in its depiction. It’s that very familiarity which drives you to feel the characters, their plight and the societal structure of the film, beyond the comic book inspired, alien setting(s).
Actor performances in this film were astounding. Pratt appeared to be born for his role, Saldana has evolved into a bankable, female action star, while Cooper and Diesel’s animated characters steal the show!
The villains were colorful, but not too over the top. Lee Pace stars as Ronan the Accuser and Karen Gillan as his enforcer, Nebula. Both actors breathe life into their characters and while the audience isn’t necessarily rooting for them, they are in awe of them and respect their power. The character of Yondu, the leader of a band of pirates called the Ravagers—played by Michael Rooker—was an excellent foil/anti-hero also, Djimon Honshu as Korath and The Collector played by Benicio Del Toro as well.
The music, phrases and metaphors used in this film definite are throwbacks to the 70’s and 80’s. Those old enough to remember will really enjoy them and they will serve as great nostalgia. It includes:
Blue Swede – “Hooked on a Feeling”
10cc - “I’m Not In Love”
The Five Stairsteps - “O-o-h Child”
The Runaways – “Cherry Bomb”
Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell - “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”
To name a few. For those not old enough to remember, I don’t think they will weigh things down and leave you scratching your heads…at least not too much.
Guardians of the Galaxy doesn’t require you to be a sci-fi junkie or comic book geek, in order to enjoy the film. You also don’t have to have viewed the other films in the Marvel Cinematic canon in order to follow along. There was plenty of wit, grit and drama to entertain audiences from various walks of life. That said, you are missing out on a great comic series if you don’t check it out!
I fell in love with this film, not only from a fanboy perspective, but also from a movie goer/movie buff perspective. I highly recommend this film for everyone and while there is a small sprinkling of foul language and violence, I think anyone twelve or older can handle it without too much issue. So, if you’re a sci-fi fan, comic book/comic book movie fan, Marvel fan or whatever, I think you’ll thoroughly enjoy this film and walk out feeling entirely entertained! BE SURE TO STAY UNTIL THE END OF CREDITS FOR AN EXTRA SCENE!!!!
I GIVE IT 4.5 OUT OF 5 FISTS!!!
This review was written by John F. Allen and is the sole opinion of the author.
JOHN F. ALLEN Copyright © 2014
July 15, 2014
AUTHOR RJ SULLIVAN GUEST BLOG POST
In my writer’s journey I was blessed to have met a very talented author, who also became a good friend. I am honored to present to you here in this guest blog, without further ado…RJ Sullivan!
Hello, and thanks very much to my good friend the incredibly talented, John F. Allen, for having me on today as part of my guest blog in support of Haunting Blue, my latest release from Seventh Star Press.
The following “bonus scenes” were composed specially for this blog, but can be read as occurring before and after the school scenes in Chapter 2 of Haunting Blue. The scenes are self-contained.
***
Janice Copley, Dean of Girls, stared at the paperwork on her desk, the official record of the new student seated across s from her, a Ms. Fiona Shaefer. She kept her eyes on the paperwork so she wouldn’t gape at the student herself.
When the girl had entered her office, Copley bit her lip to hold back a shocked noise. The new student looked like an extra in a Clash video. Bright blue hair, spiked and unkempt, a jeans jacket and half-T. The head and shoulders of some pop singer glared back from the shirt. Did that style come back when I wasn’t looking? Every day, Copley saw something new in these halls that made her feel older and more out of touch.
Copley reviewed the record. Fiona, a senior, had transferred from Broad Ripple High School, a college town near Indianapolis. Well, that explains that. Fiona’s grades, for the most part, were pretty solid, with remarkable marks in English. She planned to major in poetry. No discipline problems. Well, that’s a pleasant surprise.
Having swallowed back the chuckle, she scanned the tentative schedule and scribbled her initials. She tore off the student copy and handed it to the stone-faced student. “Hello, Fiona. I’m always excited to see new faces here in Perrione. I’m a transplant myself. I grew up in Noblesville and took this job five years ago.”
The girl took the page. Copley waited while Fiona’s eyes scanned the paper. After a moment, her face broke into a grin. If not for the wild hair, Copley might have considered her attractive.
“So there’s no getting around it. You’re going to stand out a bit with your…city look, but—”
“Are there any rules against what I’m wearing?”
Not yet, but only because we never needed them before now, Copley thought. Out loud, she said, “Strictly speaking, no. But if anyone—”
“Listen,” said Fiona. “It’s not my choice to be here. My Mom moved us. I’m not in love with the idea, but I’m not going to start trouble. I just want to get through school and get on with the rest of my life.”
Well…that was something. Copley didn’t know what, but it was something. “I simply meant, if anyone causes you any trouble, you’re free to come to me. I mean that, Fiona.”
Copley waited. Fiona flashed another smile that, she had to admit, Copley found charming. “I won’t snitch—”
“Of course not.”
“— but if I have any problems, I’ll come to you.”
“Deal.” Copley reached out, and Fiona returned her handshake warmly. Maybe she’d been concerned over nothing. It seemed to her that the punk façade hid a gentle soul underneath. “Good luck, and welcome to Perionne High.”
****
An hour later:
Copley had just settled behind her desk with a fresh steaming mug of coffee. Movement drew her attention to the window. Oh, no, what? She recognized the gym teacher and two math teachers escorting a student in the direction of her office. Even through the slits of blinds, she could see the distinct blue-haired head of the new student.
She also knew the aftermath of a fight when she saw one. Figures.
She threw open the door and met the group halfway. Specks of blood marred the denim jacket. Dots of red also spotted the pop singer’s face on the half-t. A second look confirmed that the blood wasn’t the punk girl’s.
Copley struggled to keep her voice even, “Just an hour ago you told me I wouldn’t have to worry about you, Ms. Shaefer.”
Jeff–Mr. Fenley, she mentally corrected herself–spoke. “It was Clinty.” With his back to the punk girl, his look if sympathy communicated the rest. Go easy on her.
Clinty was a bully a frequent troublemaker. No two ways about it. She didn’t envy the Dean of Boys right now. The fact that this girl had tangled with Clinty and could walk to the office said something about her toughness as well.
But Clinty wasn’t her problem.
Conley pointed. “My office. Now.”
Head bowed, the punk girl walked, her feet dragging.
“You’ll need this,” said Jeff. He held out a leather strap with metal studs, perfect for fitting over knuckles. This, too, was stained with blood.
Conley took they weapon and followed the student. As soon as she shut the door, she let the strap drop between them on the desk.”What’s this for?”
“It’s an air freshener.”
“Funny. You asked me if your clothes were against the rules. This is.”
“I defended myself.”
I motioned to the stains on her clothes. “You look like you did pretty good.”
“He attacked me. I didn’t provoke him. I have witnesses. Those teachers saw it.”
Fiona folded her arms, focusing on a spot like every student Conley had ever seen who tried really hard to look toug while also trying really hard not to cry.
“I don’t doubt your word, Fiona.” She wrapped her fingers around the phone receiver. “I have to call your mother.”
“No!” Fiona sat up straight, and a tear escaped to fall over her cheek. “Please don’t call her.” Her eyes pleaded their case. “Look, can’t I just….do in class suspension?”
“The weapon ties my hands, Fiona. I have to suspend you from school three days.”
“From school?”
“I’m sorry. Your mother will have to come pick you up.”
“But I didn’t start it. I was defending myself. Please, Ms. Conley.”
Conley paused on the verge of dialing. She had no doubt that Clinty had jumped this girl. Maybe this time, the cowardly principal would expel that bully once and for all. Except Clinty’s father is the school security cop, so not likely.
“Listen, I’ll explain to your mother. I’ll tell her what happened. I’ll do whatever I can to make this easy on you.” She wasn’t sure why she said all this. Why did she feel moved to defend a girl she hardly knew? Because I know Clinty. That’s why.
“It won’t matter,” Fiona said, wiping her cheeks. “Why do you think /’m here in the first place? My mom hates me. She brought me here to torture me, and no matter what you say, she’ll assume it’s my fault.”
Conley reached out and patter her hand. “I’m sorry, Fiona. I’ll do all I can. But I’m sure it won’t be as bad as you think.”
June 30, 2014
INCONJUNCTION SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY CONVENTION 2014 IS THIS COMING WEEKEND!!!
Inconjunction Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention 2014 is being held on the east side of Indianapolis, this Fourth of July weekend! It’s an awesome local event celebrating all things within the speculative fiction realms. This year I’m attending as part of the Speculative Fiction Guild (SFG) and we’re hitting the con in a big way.
We’ll have a vendor’s booth with all of our titles, where I’ll be selling and autographing copies of my debut novel, The God Killers. Convention pricing is $15.
Also at the SFG booth: RJ Sullivan, Matthew Barron and Eric Garrison. Directly next to us is SFG member Crystal Leflar, who’s running her OWN vendor booth as event marketer for Nightscape Press, so check out their array of titles along with her own books.
The WONDERFUL folks who throw Inconjunction (the Circle of Janus) has the SFG hopping in panels this year and we’re glad for it!
This will be my second appearance at Inconjunction, first time with a novel to sell/promote and I’M VERY EXCITED to attend!
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Here’s my panel itinerary:
Friday, July 4th
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8 pm–Grand Ballroom 7 and 8: Analyzing the History of the Comic Book Movie with: RJ Sullivan and Mike Suess.
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Saturday, July 5
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11 am–Indianapolis Ballroom D: SFG Writer’s Workshop: Point of View: Why it’s Better to Have One with: the SFG: RJ, Eric, Matt, and Crystal, plus Rosemary Laurey
1 pm–Room name coming: Discussion on genre television, title forthcoming: with RJ Sullivan.
3 pm–Indianapolis Ballroom D: Modern Fairy Tales with Eric Garrison, Crystal Leflar and Rosemary Laurey.
4 pm-Grand Ballroom 7-8: Making the Jump to a Series with RJ Sullivan and Mike Shepherd.
5pm-Grand Ballroom 7-8: Comic Book Movies: Live Action and Animation with RJ Sullivan and Mike Suess.
7 pm–Harrison Room: SFG Writer’s Roundtable: Making the most of local settings in genre fiction with The SFG: RJ, Eric, Matt, and Crystal.
10 pm–Grand Ballroom 7-8: Candlelight Horror Reading with RJ Sullivan, Crystal Leflar and Jeff Seymour.
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Sunday, July 6
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11 am-Indianapolis Ballroom B: This Year’s Comic Book Movies with Mike Suess.
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While you’re there, check out James Barnes of Loconeal Books, local filmmaker Kate Chaplin of Karmic Courage Productions, and check out the show by Five Year Mission.
I HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!!
June 25, 2014
SINGULARITY: RISE OF THE POSTHUMANS (COMING SOON!)
“In the year 2030, the technological singularity event encompassed the world. Man no longer controlled the evolving super-sciences. Seed A.I. groups began taking control of broad-based neural-nets and developing life forms.
Mankind tried integrating full techno-biological based Transhuman soldiers in an attempt to turn back the Singularity. The Transhuman armies rebelled against mankind and wanted to take over the world and re-shape society to reflect their values.
War erupted between the technology based, Transhumans and the United World Government and the seed A.I. nanite armies. The Great War of Transhumanity began and the world explodes and burns with technological based instruments of brutality. Humanity loses its soul. Five years of devastating war between the Humans, Transhumans and the ever- increasing Nanite Army of Fire began reducing society and technology to ashes and cinder.
Telecommunications and satellites fail and computers and the internet no longer hold the spark of life. The world is a dark, nightmare. Mankind’s numbers reduce and the world governments dissolve. Chaos was rampant and Mankind was no longer living at the top of the food chain.
By the year 2050, history was no longer recorded. The Nanite armies began eating themselves and the darkness slowly faded. The fires had reduced the Earth to a mere semblance of its former glory. It was in 2050 that I began to rebuild society. My first step was the city of New Southampton in what was left of England. I used technology of steam to usher in a new world and vision based on an age of civility. I knew that nanites would not thrive in a steam environment and I placed my labs deep down into the depths of shadow beneath the city that I held so dear. By the year 2060 my research center in the depths began development of a new power source. This new source would fuel my steam and my laws and slowly bring Mankind back to an age of Enlightenment. I was wrong. However well-intended my work was, it blew up like a volcano of Creeping Green radiation! The utopian steam-society I was creating was cast in a green-hued din. Mutants were now seen emerging from the recesses and strange stories emerge and urban legends of secrets that lay in the Nether-world of the Crater of Noxious Adversity. It is now 2075. A woman named Anne Eliza Wintersmith has declared herself Queen of New Southampton. She spreads fear with her Regulators of Discord. The Queen is ruthless and conniving. The Queen imprisons anyone that opposes her. The citizens cry out and beg for salvation. A group of heroes have heard these cries of anguish. I call them The Posthumans. They are a group that shall soon come together as heroes and right these wrongs and gain freedom for the oppressed. The Posthumans do not see this vision yet. They have not put on the mantle of heroes yet, but they have heard the calling. I wish that I could be there to see them Rise.”- Dr. M.E. Fulbright.
April 30, 2014
THE GOD KILLERS GETS A FIVE STAR REVIEW! PLEASE JOIN IN ON THE LIVE CHAT GOING ON NOW!!!
Author John F. Allen Interview and Amazon Gift Card Contest LIVE NOW!!!
CLICK HERE: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=77136
Sponsored by BITTEN BY BOOKS
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The God Killers by John F. Allen
CLICK HERE TO READ FULL REVIEW: http://bittenbybooks.com/the-god-kill...
“John F. Allen has a splendid and solid debut on his hands. If you are a fan of Jane Yellowrock and Mercy Thompson I think you will get a huge kick out of Ivory and The God Killers. I cannot wait to see what is next.”
Book Stats:
Paperback: 344 pages
Publisher: Seventh Star Press, LLC (July 10, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1937929167
ISBN-13: 978-1937929169
Buy a print copy of The God Killers from Amazon by clicking here.
Buy a Kindle copy of The God Killers from Amazon by clicking here.
Books in the God Killers Legacy series in the order they should be read:
The God Killers
Review Overview
Overall Rating: *****
Summary : The mechanics of The God Killer just work really well. It excellently-paced, Ivory’s voice is strong and certain, and it sets up what I can easily see as being a much wider world with endless potential. The plot is fantastic, including some very effective twists that make this a really fun read. The God Killers is obviously the opening salvo to a promising series, yet it still manages to give resolution to the initial mystery.
March 24, 2014
SEVENTH STAR PRESS SPRING FLING $0.99 EBOOK EXTRAVAGANZA WEEK 2
GREETINGS! Today we start the next round of $.99 titles offered by SEVENTH STAR PRESS! We have six new books that just went live at reduced prices, THIS OFFER IS FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY, SO ACT NOW!
Please be sure to share the links and take advantage of the FANTASTIC SALE!
REMEMBER TBIYTC!!!
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Angelkiller by HDavid Blalock:
AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/Angelkiller-Triad-H-David-Blalock-ebook/dp/B006CR84AI
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Overkill by Steven Steven L. Shrewsbury:
AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/Overkill-Steven-Shrewsbury-ebook/dp/B007X0G9IW
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Redheart by Jackie Gamber:
AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/Redheart-Leland-Dragon-Jackie-Gamber-ebook/dp/B004VFNJIA
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Vampires Don’t Sparkle – edited by Michael West:
AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/Vampires-Dont-Sparkle-Michael-West-ebook/dp/B00C2EYU0S
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Writer’s Workshop of Science Fiction and Fantasy – edited by Michael Knost:
AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/Writers-Workshop-Science-Fiction-Fantasy-ebook/dp/B00CFU2K4W
March 17, 2014
TODAY THE GOD KILLERS IS ON SALE FOR JUST $0.99 AND IT GOT ANOTHER 5 STAR REVIEW!!!
Come one, come all to the SSP Spring Fling! Seventh Star Press titles will be offered for $0.99! That’s right, folks, just ninety-nine little pennies for the best of the best! Not sure what you need? That’s okay! We have something for everyone!
With the kind assistance of BookBub, BookGorilla, and BookTastik we’re putting the word on the streets. So step right up and… take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
The schedule for my book(s) are as follows:
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March 16-19: The God Killers (BookGorilla/BookTastik)_______________________________________________________________________________________
April 7-9: Thunder on the Battlefield: Sword (BookGorilla/BookTastik)________________________________________________________________________________________
HIT THE LINK BELOW FOR A SCHEDULE OF THE OTHER TITLES AND DATES!
https://www.facebook.com/events/463873437075218/?ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular
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Also, here is a view of the BookGorilla ad and a link to the page!
A former professional art thief is hired to procure a pair of antique pistols and gets much more than she bargained for, inThe God Killers
By John F. Allen
Ivory Blaque’s client turns out to be a shadowy government agent who lets her in on the disturbing secret of her own heritage, and uses it to guilt her into working for him. Must she play along with the forces trying to manipulate her, to clear her name, unlock the secrets of her past, and protect the lives of those closest to her?
Today’s Bargain Price: $0.99
Everyday Price: $3.99
Get It Now
Deal Ends: 3/19/2014
Categories: All Fantasy; All Mystery & Thrillers
http://www.bookgorilla.com/deals
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Last, but certainly not least, here is a highlight from and a link to the latest 5 Star Review of The God Killers!!!
“Ivory herself is everything I look for in a heroine. She is independent and smart, she has had her share of heartbreak but still has that attitude that gives her a little bit of edge. I really appreciate that while she is slow to trust and has her demons, she is not totally isolated. There are people in her life she does trust. I absolutely love that she is involved in the art scene, making her a refreshing example of a kick-ass woman. She has a past that informs her actions. I did not even mind that there looks like there could be a possible love triangle in the making, because while men are certainly on her mind, they really are not the most important thing happening to her.
I adore the secondary characters. These people come alive, I want to know more about them and see what is going to happen in the future. I think these characters being so solid helps establish and ground this world. The political structure of the various groups is palpable, even though we only get fairly minimal exposure to each.
The mechanics of The God Killers just work really well. It excellently-paced, Ivory’s voice is strong and certain, and it sets up what I can easily see as being a much wider world with endless potential. The plot is fantastic, including some very effective twists that make this a really fun read. The God Killers is obviously the opening salvo to a promising series, yet it still manages to give resolution to the initial mystery.
John F. Allen has a splendid and solid debut on his hands. If you are a fan of Jane Yellowrock and Mercy Thompson I think you will get a huge kick out of Ivory and The God Killers. I cannot wait to see what is next.”
CLICK BELOW FOR THE FULL REVIEW!
http://bittenbybooks.com/the-god-killers-by-john-f-allen/
STAY TUNED 4 MORE & REMEMBER TBIYTC!!!
February 27, 2014
RECLAMATION BLOG TOUR WITH JACKIE GAMBER!
Today I have the pleasure of Spotlighting in my blog, “Reclamation” the latest novel from my friend, the wonderful and extremely talented Jackie Gamber!
Jackie is also an author at Seventh Star Press, publisher of my debut novel last summer and various short stories, so if you are a fan of speculative fiction within the fantasy realm, then this novel is bound to be a real treat! Not only am I a friend of the author, but I’m a fan of the series. Jackie Gamber is a proven bestselling author with popular titles such as: Redheart and Sela. Her voice is powerful one, that is sure to entertain and enlighten.
I’m proud to know her and call her my friend, but even more than that, I’m inspired by her creativity and skill as a writer. As a relatively new writer for Seventh Star Press, I’m honored to be in the company of such a fine writer and person.
Don’t wait, go out and pick up a copy of Reclamation by Jackie Gamber, and while you’re at it, pick up Redheart and Sela too, you’ll be glad that you did!
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About the Author: As an award winning author, Jackie writes stories ranging from ultra-short to novel-length, varieties of which have appeared in anthologies such as Tales of Fantasy and Dragons Composed, as well as numerous periodical publications, including Orson Scott Card’s Intergalactic Medicine Show, The Binnacle, Mindflights Magazine, Necrotic Tissue, and Shroud. She is the author of the fantasy novel Redheart and Sela, and writing an alternate history time travel novel. She blogs professionally for English Tea Store.com, where she reviews classic science fiction and fantasy novels and pairs them with the ideal tea-sipping companion.
Jackie is a member of the professional organizations Science Fiction Writers of America and Horror Writers Association. She was named honorable mention in L. Ron Hubbard’s Writers of the Future Award, and received a 2008 Darrell Award for best short story by a Mid-South author. She is the winner of the 2009 Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Award for Imaginative Fiction for her story The Freak Museum, a post-apocalyptic tale that looks closely at perceptions and outward appearances and how they affect the way we see ourselves. Jackie Gamber was co-founder and Executive Editor of Meadowhawk Press, a speculative fiction publisher based in Memphis. One of their novels, Terminal Mind by David Walton, won the Philip K. Dick Memorial Award in 2009. Jackie also edited the award winning benefit anthology, Touched By Wonder. She has been a guest lecturer at Memphis Options High Schools, and is a speaker at writers’ conferences from Michigan to Florida. Jackie is also the visionary behind the MidSouthCon Writers’ Conference, helping writers connect since 2008.
Book Synopsis Reclamation: The exciting conclusion of the Leland Dragon Series!
Leland Province remains in danger. The sinister Fordon Blackclaw has returned from the shadows to strike at the heart of neighboring Esra, killing its Venur and making clear his intentions to retake what was once his: Mount Gore, seat of the Leland Dragon Council.
All around, the land grows weaker and weaker. Leland, once thought saved by Kallon Redheart, is without purpose, and within its borders, Murk Forest, a place of mystery and danger, has driven its inhabitants to seek aid. Esra is in flames, and the Rage Desert grows. Dragon and human alike struggle to find their way, and the wizard Orman can sense that there may be more at stake than the affairs of dragons.
Hope remains, yet it is not without obstacles. In Esra, Sela, the daughter of Kallon and Riza, found the well, a source of life, and made herself whole again. But her homecoming is not what she had imagined.
Old wounds buried deep must reopen if life is to continue. Dragons, humans, wizards, and shape shifters are all at risk as the peace between dragon and human has finally been broken.
War is here.
The stakes?
Perhaps the whole world.
Author Links:
Website: http://www.jackiegamber.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mosaic-Mind-of-Jackie-Gamber/334783969938507
Twitter: @jackiegamber
Tour Schedule and Activities
2/24 A Book Vacation Tour Wide Contest
2/24 Azure Dwarf Promo/Spotlight
2/24 Come Selahway With Me Guest Post
2/24 Jellowquake Productions Review
2/25 Creating Estelan Promo/Spotlight
2/25 Workaday Reads Review
2/25 Alexx Momcat’s Gateway Book Blog Promo Spotlight
2/25 Jorie Loves a Story Character Post
2/25 I Smell Sheep Character Post
2/26 Kentucky Geek Girl Guest Post
2/26 Deal Sharing Aunt Review
2/26 Book in the Bag Interview
2/27 Sheila Deeth Character Interview
2/27 John F. Allen Writer Promo/Spotlight
2/28 Jorie Love a Story Review
2/28 Azure Dwarf Review
2/28 Vampires, Witches, and Me, Oh My Guest Post
2/28 MichaelSciFan Interview
3/1 Elizabeth Delana Rosa ~Book Lover & Creator of Worlds~ Post on Art of Reclamation
3/1 Coffintree Hill Guest Post
3/2 Jorie Loves a Story Author Interview/Reader Questions
3/2 Bee’s Knees Reviews Review
3/2 Jess Resides Here Guest Post
3/2 Book and Movie Dimension Blog Review
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Amazon Links for Reclamation
Print Version
http://www.amazon.com/Reclamation-Jackie-Gamber/dp/193792940X
Kindle Version
http://www.amazon.com/Reclamation-Leland-Dragon-Series-Jackie-ebook/dp/B00HFPOU36
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February 24, 2014
SINKING DOWN BLOG TOUR WITH ERIC GARRISON!
Today I have the pleasure of Spotlighting in my blog, “Sinking Down” the latest novel from my friend and writing peer Eric Garrison!
Eric is also an author at Seventh Star Press, publisher of my debut novel last summer and various short stories, so if you are a fan of speculative fiction within the urban fantasy realm, then this novel is bound to be a real treat! Not only am I a friend of the author, but I’m a fan of the series. Eric Garrison is a rising star in the speculative fiction world and a fresh voice for the genre.
I’m proud to know him and call him my friend, but even more than that, I’m inspired by his creativity and skill as a writer. As a relatively new writer for Seventh Star Press, I’m honored to be in the company of such a fine writer and person.
Do yourself a favor and check out the work of Eric Garrison, you’ll be glad that you did!
Eric Garrison is active in the writing community in Indianapolis, Indiana. He lives in the Circle City with his wife, step-daughter and a cabal of cats. He also enjoys gaming, home brewing beer, and finding innovative uses for duct tape. His stories vary from science fiction to supernatural fantasies and dark fairy tales
Poor Little Ghoul
Paranormal investigators Brett and Liz find themselves
back in over their heads when a forest hunt for a road kill-eating creature offers up a little surprise. Back home with their ghoulish house guest, it
becomes clear there’s more to this investigation than either of them thought. Worse than that, Brett’s own fate is linked to the little ghoul’s.
So it’s back out on the road, with plenty of time for pit stops with a greedy ex, a convention of ghost hunters, partying with fake vampires, and even drinking and
fighting alongside good ole Uncle Gonzo. But as the investigation goes deeper, and unseen connections come to light, Brett finds there’s much more at stake
than getting through a rough patch with Liz.
A rescue mission. A race for a cure. New friends and old adversaries. Unbreakable bonds and supernatural danger. It’s going to be a wild ride. Can the friends save the nearly undead tween? Can she and Brett stop themselves from …Sinking Down?
Sinking Down is the 2nd Book in the Road Ghosts Trilogy!
Here’s a sneak peek at some of the AMAZING interior artwork!
Also, be sure to check out Book 1 in the Road Ghosts Trilogy, Four ‘Til Late!
In Four ‘Til Late, amateur ghost hunter Brett and his friends Gonzo, Jimbo, and Liz are on a road trip with dangerous detours, dreadful dreams and dire warnings. But that won’t keep them from reaching their goal: New Orleans. Along the way they discover that some spirits leave you with more than a hangover and regrets. Can they get there in one piece, or will they be stopped and rest in peace? The bags are packed, the engine’s running. Turn up the radio and get moving because the road ghosts are waiting, and it’s Four ‘Til Late.
Four ‘Til Late is the first book of the Road Ghosts Trilogy.
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