Category Archives: reviews

Books, free books, new release, Promotion, reviews, YouTube

A dystopian – post-apocalyptic thriller you HAVE to read.

September 16, 2022 Karina Kantas 1 Comment

End of Days by Sam J Fires

If you love dystopian fiction, and you’ve yet to read any books by Sam J Fires, then keep reading.

Not only do Sam’s books hit the Amazon New Release title on EVERY new release. Yes, you can get one of these elusive orange tags before the book is officially out. On release day the orange tag changed to Best Seller on every one of her newly released books.

In fact, the first book of the series, which is priced at just 99c has been a bestseller since its release in April 2022. And to sweeten the deal, you can read the prologue of this fantastic adventure for free.

Let’s take a closer look at End of Days

So, let’s start at the beginning, the prequel End Of Days.

You can download the prequel for free HERE

When ordinary life transforms into a fight for survival, can a young woman keep the chaos from pulling her under?

Go-getting twenty-six-year-old investigative journalist Cassandra Drews just wants her miserable day to end. And desperate to put her breakup behind her, she agrees to one last face-to-face to return belongings to her ex. But when they’re nearly killed by an out-of-control car, she’s horrified when the nightmare of her relationship takes a backseat to an eruption of violence.
In the blink of an eye, an EMP attack wipes out the nation’s power and the world grinds to a stop. Surrounded by chaos, Cass is torn between tending to the injured or escaping her seething ex.
It doesn’t take long before panic and violence erupt on the streets of Portland. Out of options, Cass has no choice but to race home, hoping to outrun a looming ice storm. Can she make it to safety before experiencing the wrath of the bitter winter storm? Or will she find herself the victim of far more than the elements in a town thrust into bedlam?
From Sam J Fires comes the brand-new End of Days series, a post-apocalyptic EMP survival thriller featuring flawed, complex characters and adrenaline-fueled action adventure. Perfect for fans of Ryan Schow, Grace Hamilton, Kyla Stone, and Jack Hunt.

Review Quotes

“Surviving Chaos: End of Days Prequel” by Sam J. Fires
This is a short fast-moving glimpse of how quickly society can disintegrate. Under stress the thin veneer of civility disappears very quickly.
As soon as I completed it, I began “End of Days Book 1” and look forward to reading the whole series.

Picked this prequel as a free book and really enjoyed it. I became invested in the main character, and will definitely be ordering the next book in this series.

Book one

You can download #1 Amazon bestseller for just 99c. Right HERE

No lights. No power. No help.

During the coldest winter on record, an EMP attack wipes out the nation’s power and cripples the country.

As the city spirals into lawless chaos, investigative journalist, twenty-six-year-old Cassandra Drews is forced onto the dangerous streets of Portland to begin the long walk to her parents’ home in Oregon.

But hypothermia and starvation aren’t the only dangers Cass and her rescue dog, Daisy, face on their perilous trek. Danger is stalking them, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Help comes in the form of troubled ex-marine Isaac Winters, who slips back into soldier mode with the city’s collapse.

Now, the trio must work together in a fight for survival as they race to escape the city before violence, or the bitter wintry storm can claim them. Do they have what it takes to make it out alive? Or will they be crushed by the brutality of the unforgiving cold?

Grip of Fear is book 1 in this enthralling post-apocalyptic EMP survival thriller. If you enjoy tales of ordinary folk thrown into harrowing situations, you’ll love the End of Days series!

Review Quotes

“Grip of Fear: End of Days Book 1” by Sam J. Fires
I enjoyed the author’s style of writing. The scenarios are credible, and everything just makes sense.
I have already begun Book 2 in this series. Good reading!’

‘Great reading!!! Lots of action and emotion! A great read. Can’t wait to read the follow-up books!!! Outstanding author!!! Superb!!!!!!!’

‘I was so absorbed in this book I lost track of time. I love the underdog hero and the post apocalyptic genre. It’s always great when I run across an author I haven’t read before. It’s a real treat.’

All of Sam’s books can be found on Amazon and they are all on Kindle Unlimited.
The first book is free
2nd book is only 99c.
No excuse to not read this fabulous dystopian series that is taking over the Amazon charts.

Download the books today!

Find Sam J Fires on Facebook. Come and join the tribe.

Check out all Sam’s other books

Books, reviews

Day 16 #MarchoftheWriter

March 18, 2022 Karina Kantas Leave a comment

FANFARE (Reviews)

Here are some of the reviews that have given me the feels.

This author is the QUEEN of dark, gritty, and intense MC romance. If violence or drug use are triggers for you, you might want to steer clear. Otherwise, don’t overlook this book! I love the strong female character and how she doesn’t let life keep her down. It reminds me of the quote, “Use your pain as fuel to make you stronger”. This is one tough chick that withstands more than anyone should have to in life, but still comes out the other side stronger. Great read!

Wow .What an intense yet suspenseful ride and I absolutely loved reading this Dark Mafia Romance. This story will grab ahold of you from the beginning and doesn’t let you go till the end. This author has an amazing gift and her style of writing has me wanting more.

Kantas has done it again. This is the story of a young girl who has been severely bullied all through school. A counselor recommends that she go on an archeological dig to try and help the problem. This is where the story becomes so good you can’t put it down. Even though it becomes a paranormal story Karina gets the point across in an excellent manner. The characters are very raw and real as is the story. Be prepared. You will love it and might even learn a thing or two about yourself. You don’t want to miss this great real story.

When Streets of Fire came out in 1984 with the catchphrase “A Rock & Roll Fable“, you would’ve never thought that it was the perfect one for a book that was more than 30 years away from being written. –
Sisterhood, trauma, friendship, family, self-worth, power, respect and reputation are some of the many themes this book deals with, and the author doesn’t forget to induce the reader to reflect upon the role of violence in human nature and the power it has to change someone’s character.
Lawless Justice is a female tale that embraces universal concepts that are in every single one of us and the novel is a powerful page-turner that will have you always wanting for more.

I am a huge fan of MC books. This was the first one from Karina Kantas that I read and I could not put it down. It was odd at first reading it from Jades point of view. But it was very well written. I enjoyed every minute of this book and have already read the second in the series and started the third. That is how good they are. Do not miss this book. Jade, Marcus and Dylan will bring out the feels

Oh my, what a world Karina has designed here.
She has created her own planet, inhabitants, speech, dress, all unique and vivid.
Karina sets up some great and compelling characters. Thya, alkazar, Omad, kazer, kovon, siren are all intriguing for their own reasons. We love them, we hate them. I’ll let you make your own opinions.
This truly is a fantastical world with magical gifts, a reluctant princess, an angry warlord and oracles, and contains lots of espionage, treachery, suspense with a bit of romance thrown in.
I love it when a book doesn’t spoon feed the story to you and rather lets you discover things progressively and with an ending like this one, fair warning guys, “Cliffhanger ahead”.
I really enjoyed this unique and interesting story and I’m sure you will as well.

Not having read the first book in the series (yet), I jumped in at a point where we can all pick up the story. Meet Haty, a young girl adopted shortly after birth. However, Haty is not who or what she seems. In fact, she is Thya, princess of Tsinia. In the book, Thya is called back to save her subjects. Will she succeed? Follow her during her journey of self-discovery and the many adventures she encounters.
What I liked about the book:
The book was fast-paced and full of twists and turns. We learn a lot about life in Tsinia and its people. The world-building is great and it kept you turning the pages.
What I didn’t like about the book:
What is there not to like? Other than wanting to know what happens next.
My favourite bits in the book:
I loved the book in its entirety.
My least favourite bits in the book:
I enjoyed the book in its entirety.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
The author has written several books, and this is the second in this series. Can’t wait for the next in the series to come out (but reading the blurb it doesn’t appear to be planned, pity) and would like to read the first in the series too.
What books could this be compared to and why?
Although the book is like many other fantasy and sci-fi books, it’s completely unique too.
Recommendation:

You can read further reviews from all 14 of my books on my website right here.
https://explosivewriter.com/reviews-broken-chains/

Books, reviews, YouTube

99C Stone Cold on Special

August 28, 2021 Karina Kantas Leave a comment

Stone Cold is an exciting YoungAdult, Supernatural Thriller

Download f or just 99c here

Take a look at some of the reviews

This YA thriller is a great mix between suspense and the repercussions of teen-age bullying.
Billy, the victim of teen-age bullying, goes on a summer work trip in Scotland. She meets some new friends, including Shane, and begins to feel accepted. All seems to be going well, until the bodies begin to pile up. The twists, including the final twist, keep the reader engaged and the pages flying.
This book well-written and engaging. I look forward to reading more of her work.

This is a dark thriller that keeps you turning pages until the end. You see the darkness that everyone has within them and how people cope with how life treats them. The bullying is rough, but dark actions of people bring out the macabre situation of having to get justice of it all. Paranormal twist to this.

This story has subtle meanings within the pages and has a steady flow. I hung on each word and was ready to flip to the next page. An engaging story.

This book had me intrigued. It is smooth flowing and a quick/easy read. I could picture every scene.

Read more reviews here.

‘Karina draws a thin line between FACT & FICTION.’

If being bullied through every school Billy went to wasn’t enough, being attacked in her own home just pushed her over the edge.

Now severely depressed and suicidal, Billy takes matters into her own hands and sees a counsellor. After just one session, she’s now on her way to Scotland as a volunteer to help the Professor of Edinburgh university, dig and clean up an archaeological site that has just been discovered.

Although she tries to shy away from the others, not wanting them to find a reason to dislike her, she’s soon accepted as one of them. Without realising it’s happening, she becomes closer to Shane, a motocross enthusiast who has taken her under his wing.

However, whilst working at the site, Billy comes across an unusual stone. She takes it to the Professor to be looked at, but he dismisses it as a pendant probably dropped by a hiker and so threads the stone with a black leather cord and gives it back to Billy.

Only the peace they once had, the friendships they had all formed, gets tested as bodies start to pile up.

“A suspenseful short supernatural story that kept me hooked right up to the last page – I loved the twist at the end.”

Download Stone Cold it’s a quick read and only 99c to buy. Oh and thank you in advance for the review.

Books, free books, Giveaway/prizedraw, reviews

BOOK REVIEW GIVEAWAY

July 3, 2021 Karina Kantas Leave a comment

As I am looking for reviews for my book, TOXIC, so I am delighted to have joined Book Luver’s Summer Review Giveaway.
You can get a huge list of books to read and review (if you like them) just by popping over to https://bit.ly/BL_RG_KANTAS Please only take the book you would enjoy reading and you’re willing to REVIEW and make sure to grab TOXIC my dystopian, sci-fi erotica.

And any readers who share the link with their reader friends and followers also have the chance of winning an Amazon voucher to buy the books on your wish list. A stack of books to download and read plus a voucher to get even more books! What more could you want?

Get clicking and sharing!

Art, Books, Poetry, reviews, YouTube

The Poet Jonathan Koven

July 3, 2021 Karina Kantas Leave a comment

Actually, Jonathan isn’t just a poet he’s a storyteller and a bloody good one as he just came second place in the prestigious Electric Eclectic Novella Contest and will be having his winning story, ‘Below Torrential Hill,’ published as a pocketbook this winter and will be part of the Electric Eclectic branding.

Back to Jonathan.

He’s a poet, an author and also an editor.

Jonathan Koven grew up on Long Island, NY, embraced by tree-speak, tide’s rush, and the love and support of his family. He holds a BA in English and Creative Writing from American University, works as a technical writer, and is Toho Journal’s head fiction editor and workshop coordinator. He lives in Philadelphia with his best friend and future wife Delana, and cats Peanut Butter and Keebler.

Take a look at his debut book.

Palm Line’s heartfelt poems speak to a transformative journey “to rediscover love as both a question and an answer.” Seeking hope, honoring family, finding love, accepting time’s passage, and understanding gratitude are all major themes explored in this dreamlike collection.

Where to buy

https://www.tohopub.com/product-page/palm-lines-jonathan-koven

Review Quotes

“Palm Lines invites one into a sensuous natural world . . . [Koven] is a writer of tremendous skill.”—Tracey Levine, author of You Are What You Are and Asst. Professor of English at Arcadia University.

“These are ecstatic poems which wrestle with surrender. Even as they reach outward, they are reflecting back, mapping the story of our own hands.”—David Keplinger, author of Another City, winner of 2019 UNT Rilke Prize.

“In Palm Lines, everything is humongous because of the gravity of the beauty and emotion observed—and language is the catharsis . . . This accessible collection offers the reader an opportunity to take a deep breath and reflect.”
—Sean Lynch, editor of Serotonin

These heartfelt poems speak to a transformative journey “to rediscover love as both a question and an answer.” Seeking hope, honoring family, finding love, accepting time’s passage, and understanding gratitude are all major themes explored in this dreamlike collection.

Art

Now I must mention this amazing book cover above, which was illustrated by Tyler Lentini. It almost like a representation of a moving painting. And there is more of Tyler’s art work throughout the book.

Take a look at another illustration from this artist.

Just visualising this image, I can see a bird, a naked woman and a tree, but then I can see a cave with water rushing down into a waterfall and a forest. Art has so many concepts and it’s up to the eye of the beholder to take what they can from the image.

What do you take from this amazing painting?

Where to find Jonathan Koven

Books, podcast, Promotion, reviews

What’s so special about a DOT?

May 12, 2021 Karina Kantas Leave a comment

About the book;
The book “The Story Of Dots…” is set against the backdrop of the author’s real life. It takes into account the experience that she had to handle in coping with friends, family, strangers, stranglers. It takes through a rollercoaster ride of the impact of social media. It talks about the voids in a person’s life and the need to grout it as & when required. It talks about the richness of the punctuations in English language specially the mere ‘dot’ with a focus on the power of words to make you feel low and high at different times. It takes you through the different time zones of the author’s life, all coinciding towards the fierce well, the dot. It encourages to fight the mental health issues created under the influence of the mingled yarns.

Review quote:

We all have heard of that phrase, ‘a friend in need is a friend indeed.’ Whenever there is trouble in life we always seek a friend who will listen to our problems.

But how many times can we express our feelings without having the fear of being judged by the same person? We can’t.

In the book named, ‘STORY OF DOTS…’ author Zarin Ali, starts by talking about her childhood memories and puts forward her various learnings so that we face our problems more consciously and make rational decisions at every step of our lives.

She beautifully explains the transition that she underwent while she was growing up, from being a child to a teenager, the way she became accustomed with the ways of the world.

The book, written in lucid language, is divided into nine chapters, is a must-read for all, especially the teenagers, who find it increasingly difficult to face the challenges in life.

Read the full review here. (Reviewed by Sayantani Sengupta)

About the author:

Zarin Ali, is an author of Indian origin born in Ahmedabad. After having an illustrious academic career in KV Ballyganje, Kolkata, she pursued the Masters in Applied Geology from Jadavpur University, Kolkata in 2017. Ever since, she has been an active geolog

ist in Exploration with a passion for writing, acting in monologues, short films & modelling.

Watch the interview I have with Zarin

Links

https://www.deccanchronicle.com/in-focus/280421/the-story-of-dots-by-zarin-ali-is-all-set-to-produce-refreshing-stor.html

https://grindsuccess.com/zarin-ali-author-of-the-story-of-dots

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12524975/?ref_=tt_ov_dr

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14539974

https://www.amazon.in/dp/B091ZLRMKL?ref=myi_title_dp

Books, free books, Promotion, reviews

FREE TO DOWNLOAD NOW!

February 18, 2021 Karina Kantas Leave a comment

FREE TO DOWNLOAD NOW!

Vigilante MC thriller 18+ due to the subject matter in the book.

Are you ready to step into the shoes of a Kittn?

From 18th Feb 12am PST until 22nd Feb. You can download this novel for FREE.

EDITORIAL REVIEWS

Strong Characters Unleash Their Claws in Suspenseful Psychological Thriller About Vigilantism and Living A Double Life
One of the more intriguing aspects of this book is how expectations are subverted on who joins these gangs. The Kittnz are not high school dropouts, drug addicts, wayward girls in their teens and twenties from broken homes. These are women in their late 20’s-30’s in successful careers and day jobs, everything from doctor, lawyer, psychotherapist, photographer, mechanic, and journalist. By day they work and act as pillars of the community, but by night they vent out their frustrations and commit acts of violence. They have real names and identities, but are known primarily by their gang names: Raven (the leader), Scarlet, Jade, Eve, Storm, and Cass’ new name, Ice. In fact once Ice gets her new moniker, the third person narration refers to her with that name even when she is with family members and acquaintances outside the gang. It is a subtle reminder that the old abused victim, Cass is dead and in her place is Ice, a woman who seeks action. with the cold detachment that her name suggests.

Books, personal, Promotion, reviews, YouTube

Fantasy vs Sci-fi – friends chat

December 13, 2020 Karina Kantas Leave a comment

Wesley Britton is an author of the Beta Earth Chronicles and short story collection in sub-genres. He’s also been my client for many years now. As Wesley is blind he relies on me to handle most of his business to do with his books. I take care of his monthly newsletter, I’m his PA, VA, graphic designer, social media manager. I handle the marketing and promotion, I narrate, I’ve done book trailers and the list goes, on.
Wesley emails me at least 3 times or more every day, (even on my weekends off) and we talk on the phone 1/2 times a month, more if needed. So we know each other and the books we both write, very well.

This chat was hosted by Jasveena, from International Book Promotions. It was fun and many will find it informative.
The best thing about the video is that she has split it up into small parts so you can watch and listen to which part interests you, or you can watch the full video.
Enjoy.

Books, free books, Poetry, reviews

UNDRESSED Ebook free until 6th Dec

December 5, 2020 Karina Kantas Leave a comment

NO UNDRESSED IS NOT EROTICA IT’S A METAPHOR BUT TRY TELLING THAT TO AMAZON!

I wrote this collection for my fans. I’m honest with my writing, even allowing them into some of my memories of growing up. Not only does it contain original flash fiction written, especially for the collection. It had excerpts from my published and unpublished work. And many don’t know that I write poetry, so that may come as a surprise.

Here’s what readers are saying about UNDRESSED.

This is the first work I have read by Ms.Kantas, and I was not disappointed. A variety is included in this volume…chapters from stories, poems, exercises from writing classes, etc. I found a thought-provoking style of writing, sometimes edgy, sometimes reflective, but always engaging. I could feel the emotions and was entertained as well as inspired.

I look forward to reading more by Ms. Kantas. 5 stars.

Oh, I love the first story and would love to see it as a full novel. It’s very innovative and reeled me in and got me wondering. What if? This book is what I like to call a collection of creative potions. My favorite is the Watcher. I didn’t know where the story was going and didn’t wondered. I love the path it was taking me. This writer is a great talent and I look forward to reading more from her.

This is a fantastic book which merges poetry and story together with a very skillful hand by the author. The way where prose and story merges allows the reader to be able to drift along with great ease and delight.
Karina shows a unique and gifted hand when she writes and it shows upon the pages of this book. A fantastic book from a fantastic author…for my first book from this author…she deserves the 5 stars.

FREE TO DOWNLOAD

As a thank you for downloading the book. here’s a original unpublished flashfiction for you. I hope you enjoy.

HUG ME

Venice just got home after finishing a double shift at the café she worked in. Christmas time was always busy. It wasn’t a job she enjoyed or was proud of. It was a means to an end, paying for uni as her ambition was to be a zookeeper and eventually be able to look after the wild animals.

Tired and ready for sleep, Venice turned on her laptop to check her socials before turning in.

A message pop up immediately.

TeddyBear: hi

Was all he wrote. Smiling she typed back –

LonelyGirl: hi, how r u?

For the next 2 hours the two strangers become friends and although he flirted with her, he didn’t make her feel uncomfortable. Venice’s eyes were closing and so she typed her goodbye and promised to chat the next day.

As soon as she woke, Venice was excited to see if there were any messages from him. She jumped back when her screen opened, and a large burnt orange coloured teddy bear was now her Wallpaper. He was smiling and had bright blue eyes. He was certainly cute she thought. Venice assumed the guy had somehow hacked into her computer and changed her wallpaper, after all his username was Teddy Bear. Strange, but too much of a coincidence.

She asked him about it and he immediately replied as though he was waiting for her message.

TeddyBear: Nope, it wasn’t me. If I knew ur addy I ‘d send u a real teddy so u could cuddle onto at night”

Venice went to work and tried not to think about where the image had come from and was excited to continue the flirting banter, she had going with her online teddy bear.

A week went by and their relationship continued. It was on a Saturday before Christmas, when Venice wondered if it was time to take their friendship to the next level. As though he heard her thoughts, he messaged her.

TeddyBear: I think it’s time we met up. What do u think?

LonelyGirl: Yes, I’d luv to.

She quickly replied. Wouldn’t it be romantic to meet up on New Year’s Eve? She could only imagine how handsome Teddy Bear was and what a romantic time they would have walking around looking at the Christmas lights, maybe they could skate on the ice.

TeddyBear: Say the words “I want u to hug me.”

Venice paused before he started typing again.

TeddyBear: Humour me. Say the words “I want you to hug me. “then I’ll no u r serious about us meeting.

Venice typed.

LonleyGirl: I want u to hug me.

TeddyBear No! Don’t type them say them out LOUD.

Venice laughed.

LonleyGirl: but how will u hear me?

TeddyBear didn’t reply.

She shrugged and said to the empty room “I want you to hug me.”

Suddenly the screen goes black, before a growling can be heard, then her wallpaper appears. The head of the teddy bear turns as its arms stretch out towards her. Venice screamed, but before she can run, the bears claws come out of the screen and dug into her shoulders, grabbing her with such force her head and then chest are pulled in. Her legs were the last part of her body that disappeared.

The screen goes black and the laptop switches off.

Books, free books, reviews

Perfect Halloween Read

October 27, 2020 Karina Kantas Leave a comment

There’s something strange happening when you read this book.
Are you willing to try it?

The book is free to get into the seasonal SPIRIT.

Forget every horror story you have ever read. This one will scare the life out of you—literally. The shocked and horrified residents of Peacedale, R.I. panic and flee the town and the state as gruesome murders suddenly start taking place on New Year’s Day, 2098. The entire planet is on edge as these killings spread to every country ignoring race, creed, color, and status. No one is safe from being broiled and charred in a horror tale that turns the entire Witch and Wicca community of Salem, Massachusetts upside-down. Can a team of ghost debunkers find the answers before more victims are sliced, diced, and broiled? Good thing they have Edgar, Athana’s Raven, to help guide the way.

This book is an homage to every Occult, Witch, Ghost, and Werewolf movie, novel, and tales of lore spread and told throughout the ages. Ash is dedicated to those souls who were wrongly persecuted during the 17th-century witch trials and beyond. Even people thought to be Werewolves were murdered across Europe, England, and America. How did the phrase we now know as a “witch-hunt” really gain momentum? You will be shocked as we uncover the final truth. Athana sets out to right the wrongs done to settlers of the New World 400 years ago along with her coven, The Austin Circle of Witches.

Ash is rated “H” for Horror and is restricted (R). If you have a weak heart, a medical condition, or get easily nauseated, we beg you not to read this novel. Please head to our website and download our ‘Ash Waiver of Liability’ before reading this novel. This is a highly charged psychoactive novel causing some of our beta readers to experience nightmares, night terrors, and even strange sounds in their presence while reading this novel. Pseudosynth Press Publishing will claim no liability for personal injury or insanity caused by reading Ash…at night.

DOWNLOAD ASH FOR FREE , IF YOU DARE!

What the readers are saying

***** CG Blade has written the scariest story I have read. When I Recieved my book I also Recieved a disclaimer form to sign. I loved the witches . the storyline is awesome. He has not disappointed with this one.

***** Amazing story! I am buying the rest of this author’s works. I cannot recommend this enough. I have been a sci fi fan for a very long time and I love this style. Old school, fast paced pulp style adventure upgraded to a modern world.

***** This main story revolves around a town with a supernatural and fire-spewing historic “issue” that not many folks seem to be aware of. But the ones that are…well, they’re to dangerous to get close to!

***** This bone chilling modern horror tale will startled the toughest. The characters are so well developed and written. The ending is everything!!! It perfect sets up the next book. I really want to spoil it, but I won’t. I’ll say this, nothing is final.