Tag Archives: reading

Cobalt by CG Blade – narrated excerpt

May 4, 2020 Karina Kantas Leave a comment

Check out this small reading I did from the exciting first book of the Pseudoverse series. by C.G. Blade.

You can download Cobalt now for just $0.99c
The thrilling non-stop plots within our first Pseudoverse Series novel are fused with futuristic technology and genetic engineering running parallel with each other inside Cobalt until the very end. The American citizens and the military are subjugated becoming instantly complacent by an unseen threat. Could this be a virus, biological agent, or worse, mind-control? The entire Pseudoverse Series lays out how we got to the point of artificial intelligence singularity and why. One man’s quest to save the woman he loves on the verge of death starts as good intentions and turns into a final fight for the planet. In Cobalt, America is hijacked by the Tri-Presidents with the help of the failing United Nations. What they did not count on was an Army Officer with a unique code of quantum programming. Taking back the land she loves is going to require remarkable weapons, investigative skills, cunning, bravery, and an awful lot of Twinkies.

“Every undiscovered, unread page, of a CG Blade novel is a wild ride waiting to happen. The expansive cast of characters is as funny as they are deadly. Think “X-Files and the Twilight Zone, meet Philip K. Dick, Jane Bond, and Mrs. Emma Peel.” You will never see the next event nor the ending coming at you. The cliffhangers from book to book are creative and well thought out. Each novel fits together like a giant puzzle with the pieces waiting to be tied together. Fantastic writing that only gets better with each book. These novels are hard to put down once you open them up, and you will be thinking about them for days afterward. This is the sign of an author with a highly creative mind that carefully plots out every last detail.”
Tom P – Amazon Review

Cobalt is full of surprises anyone will enjoy, even if you are not a fan of this specific genre. Cobalt is a heart-pounding mysterious read that will have you wondering who is real and who is not, all the way up until the very last chapter. The mystery deepens as First Lieutenant Petra Kayden Dace sets out to discover who or ‘what’ is behind the subjugation of the United States, the world, and its citizens. Cobalt is an action-packed thriller sure to entertain and keep you guessing until the very end. Filled with humor, hidden clues, and new technology, you will never forget this one-of-a-kind fiction mystery. Step into a world of binary political corruption as Cobalt becomes a lethal weapon in an arsenal against pure technology-based evil.

Books, Promotion, reviews

This is what we authors crave for!

November 2, 2018 Karina Kantas 1 Comment

Review by Paul White.

The Fish Tank & Other Stories

Marie Elena Alonso-Sierra

Two things.

One, I am a hard person to please when it comes to reading.

You see, I don’t much care for populist stories, they are all a bit same-old, same-old. They pander to the lowest common denominator in a sad and futile race for numbers.

I look for stories written from an interesting perspective, ones which touch the soul, stimulate the mind and provoke thought. Elements so often overlooked in favour of the mindless banality which tends to pass for entertainment.

Secondly, I rarely write reviews.

I think I have put pen to paper this way four times in as many years.

Therefore, it is not without reason I write this article, call it a review if you wish, about a book called The Fish Tank & other stories, written by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra.

I first came across this book whilst editing ‘The List’, an annual recommended reading list published by CQ International. The cover, designed by Scott Carpenter grabbed my attention, exactly as a good cover should.

A little later, I was asked by an author friend if I would read an ARC. I did, hence this rambling account.

I was intrigued by the first tale, Jerrys gift, which sort of sets the feeling for the entire book. I say ‘sort of’ because the ambience of each unfolding story moodily fluctuates while continuing the ambience of haunting hope interwoven with a lingering sadness of passing.

The title tale, the Fish Tank, brings to life the stark reality of the authors experience as a child leaving Castro’s Cuba for a life in exile.

After reading The Fish Tank, I understand Maria’s statement about writing these short stories, “I never suspected creating the short stories would tear at the scab protecting a deep wound I still harbour in my heart, one that will not quite properly heal.”

Each story is narrated beautifully; the well-paced revealing of the characters and their situations makes each tale a joy to read, easily flowing from start to the end.

Reading this book allowed me to glimpse into people’s personal and private lives, to live with them as they feared for what the next day, the next hour may bring and, I felt the subdued passion of hope, as the teasing dreams of a better future dangle tantalisingly a fingertip away.

As I said at the beginning, I am a hard person to please when it comes to reading, which is why I rarely write reviews.

Enough said.

Amazon Kindle FT http://bit.ly/FTKICOM
Amazon Paperback – http://bit.ly/AZFTPP
B&N Paperback – http://bit.ly/BNPPFT

Books, Giveaway/prizedraw, new release, Promotion

Day 5 of the Alienation Blog Tour

October 8, 2017 Karina Kantas 7 Comments

S.E. Anderson can’t ever tell you where she’s from. Not because she doesn’t want to, but because it inevitably leads to a confusing conversation where she goes over where she was born (England) where she grew up (France) and where her family is from (USA) and it tends to make things very complicated.

She’s lived pretty much her entire life in the South of France, except for a brief stint where she moved to Washington DC, or the eighty years she spent as a queen of Narnia before coming back home five minutes after she had left. Currently, she goes to university in Marseille, where she’s studying Physics and aiming for a career in Astrophysics.

When she’s not writing, or trying to science, she’s either reading, designing, crafting, or attempting to speak with various woodland creatures in an attempt to get them to do household chores for her. She could also be gaming, or pretending she’s not watching anything on Netflix.

S.E.Anderson is the author of the funny Sci-fi novel, Alienation. We managed to get hold of her and ask her a couple of questions.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I love to read, but also create book covers. And knit, and cross stitch. And study the universe! I’m currently studying for a Masters of Space sciences.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

How many friends would support me! I couldn’t believe how cool and excited everyone was about Starstruck and my little career as an author.

3. How many books have you written? Which is your favourite?

I’ve written 23 novels, though only Starstruck has ever been published – and Alienation soon! The other ones might be worth publishing one day, but they need a lot of work. Some are fantasy, some are scifi, and I even have a YA romance I’m dying to get back to!

4. Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

I love my readers. I was amazed that they reached out to me, and I could not be happier! Many have become great friends of mine. They seem to really love the humor, and also… the growing relationship between Sally and Zander! They’ve even come up with a ship name – Zally!

Maakuna
Follow this exciting blog tour starting at your first stop UrbanHype101 and if you get lost in cyber space, come back to UrbanHype101 for the tour map.
There’s something new to read see or hear on each of these stops.

Don’t forget to hunt for that special word and if you find ALL of them, send them to scavengerhunt@bolidepublishing.com and you could win a signed copy of Alienation and a gift pack of unique swag. This contest is open internationally.

Now hop onto your spacecraft and visit the next blog.

9^th October – Mackenzie Flohr Author Blog

Books, Promotion

Exclusive!

July 27, 2017 Karina Kantas Leave a comment

Please enjoy this exclusive excerpt of Starburst book 1 in the Women of the Grey series. Grabbing the preview will not only give you a sneak peek at Carol James Marshall’s writing but will give you the opportunity to sign up to her reader group.

The reader group not only receives all the latest information on her books but also loads of free content, giveaways, promos and the chance to become one of Carol James Marshall’s ARC readers.

Start reading now! http://bit.ly/Starburstpreview

Books, Promotion, Radio

ARE YOU GOING TO TUNE IN?

July 14, 2017 Karina Kantas Leave a comment

Are you ready for July’s show? It’s gonna be a big one. I’ll be focussing on Going Indie. What that means to authors and how do readers feel about an indie author.

I have Sheri-Lynn Marean, author of fabulous dark fantasy, Dracones. And the first book is FREE. so go download it now. *warning* Ths book is graphic and explicit. (Just so you know)

https://www.amazon.com/Dracones-Awakening-Book…/…/B01B5BJLZC.

After, we have Mr GoIndieNow. The man himself, Joe Compton will be here to talk about his own amazing thriller Amongst The Killing and about his website and youtube channel Go Indie Now.

http://goindienow.com

So if you have any questions for my two guests, send them in now and as always send me your questions and problems you’re having with marketing and promotion.

Anyone can tune-in on their smart phone, wi-fi radio, tablet, laptop, or any internet device anywhere in the world by clicking: http://lin1.ash.fast-serv.com:7988/stream.mp3.m3u or logging on to http://www.artistfirst.com/kantas.htmand clicking on the “On Air” button.
Over 410 million listeners have enjoyed ArtistFirst Radio in just the past 64 months!

Books, Promotion

Hold on tight for this ride.

June 4, 2017 Karina Kantas Leave a comment

Treena Ross

The Devil’s Dawg

Pound AnnieBuff

#NewRelease #NewMC #PrettyBoy

Add to your TBR:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35167174-the-devil-s-dawg-pound-annie-buff?

Blurb

He loved her from the first moment he saw her, but she belonged to another
man…one of his brothers. So she could never be his!!

Pretty Boy/Darius

My woman has heart of gold anyone can see. She’s as delicate as a flower yet tough
as nails. And when I talk to her she makes me want to tell her all my secrets
and bear my soul, without ever asking me any questions, so she can make all my
nightmares and terrors just instantly go away because she says so! And when she
holds me in her arms there is only beauty there, something I have never known
before which makes me know how precious this woman is to me and my life. I
cannot loose her…or our child!

Poppy

My man has the best smile and he always has the ability to make me laugh. The thing
about Darius though is he doesn’t know how special he is because he has so many
demons running around inside him. It’s not his fault he had a bastard for a
father who put him through a hell most of us can’t even begin to imagine and my Darius lived through it. He kills people for money, but not just anybody…people who deserve to be punished for their sins like rapists, child molesters and such. It’s his way to work out his demons while getting justice for other victims. My Darius craves normalcy in a relationship and I plan to give that to him and our child!

Snowman

They say because I didn’t claim her I don’t own her. Bullshit! If I want to have
her I will have her! Don’t get me wrong I don’t want her as my Old Lady I just want to Fuck her! And Pretty Boy who can’t even get it up in a normal sexual relationship… I
mean Jesus he killed a prostitute last year after getting too rough and he thinks he can be with Poppy. What a laugh!

Every time I see them together it just pisses me off more…then I see her pregnant and I know that bitches baby is mine and I want it…anyway I can get it out of her!

About the Author:

Lover of all things vampire and a sexy Alpha wolf isn’t bad
either. A couple years ago I had one of those life changing events and it gave
me the boost I needed to follow my dreams. And here I am! I’m a mom and a brand
new grandma. I’m a coffee addict, gourmet cook and a lover of the next best
margarita. I was recently nominated for two book awards for myself as a writer
and for Impaling my Heart, what an honor!
When I’m not writing you’ll find me at my son’s tattoo shop adding to my
artwork or in the kitchen discovering new things to feed my kids and friends!
And as always dream BIG, and make everyday count!

Connect with Annie:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VampGirl1907/

Group: Buff’s Book Beauties and Boyfriends https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=buffs%20book%20beauties%20and%20boyfriends

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15210927.Annie_Buff

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Annie-Buff/e/B01ESFNEUA

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BookGirl1907

#RockstarBookMuse #AnnieBuff #MCRomance

Thank you,

Treena Ross PA\to Annie Buff
Rockstar Book Muse

Books

The Zon is censoring

June 4, 2017 Karina Kantas Leave a comment

Okay, this might not be new news to many, but it could answer a lot of questions.

So book reviews are like food for authors. The more we get, the bigger and healthier we become and the faster we grow.

You may have heard through the grapevine that authors are having reviews disappearing. We have always thought it’s because the reviewer was known to the author on one of the social media pages. This still could be the case. However, this conclusion makes more sense.

One of my readers attempted to post a review for Road Rage, the last book of the OUTLAW series.
For those of you that don’t know, I have eight books, four of them are MC thriller romances. They are dark violent, gritty true to life, sexual, fast and furious. Knowing the kind of story lines I write, it’s obvious that the reviews I would receive were going to be heavy, direct and have a strong word or two.

Here’s a couple of examples.

nothing i like better than some kick ass women and put them in leather and riding bikes awesome.

Kick ass chicks on bikes was enough to get my interest. Great writing and a good plot kept me reading.

Did you notice the same word these two reviewers used in the snippets of Lawless Justice?
Kick Ass. Now, in the UK we would say kickarse. And isn’t ass a name for a mule/donkey?

This reader who wrote a review for Road Rage was not informed that the review was rejected.
I looked for it, after she contacted me to tell me how much she loved the book. There was no review and yet her other reviews of the previous three books were up on Zon. Strange – so she looked at the review again and removed one word from the text and it was accepted. No guesses to what the word was – yep, ASS.

Read the full review here

Since when was ASS classed as profanity. The expression the reader wanted to use was a hard ass woman. I didn’t see anything wrong with that. It makes you wonder, what is on Zon’s profanity word’s list?
And just how many of the removed reviews were removed for violating Zon’s golden rules?

You can take a look at the rest of Road Rage reviews here.

And if you want to check out this heart racing exciting romance thrillers. You can buy the e-book direct from me at low-cost. Signed paperbacks are also available and paperback copies can be bought direct from my distributor at low-cost.

Books, Promotion

DON’T miss this New Release Party

May 10, 2017 Karina Kantas Leave a comment

Howdy folks.

The exciting scifi thriller Blackstar Gambit by Jan Domagala, is coming your way May 19th and to celebrate the author and I are throwing a FaceBook virtual release party.

But we are doing things a little different. It’s going to be fun, interesting, with some special guests making appearances throughout the nine-hour party.

You don’t need to dress, you don’t need to bring the wine.
Pop in on Friday from 12.00-noon – 21.00 EST and read the posts, take part in the prize draws and play the games. More importantly, you will be meeting some of the best indie authors of the science fiction and fantasy genre.
Chat with the authors and take a look at the fabulous books they have written.
It’s going to be a fun day and we both hope you will click that going button and make an appearance.

See you there.

Blackstar Gabmit Book Release Party