Category Archives: Guest Post

Moonlight Justice by Nala Nicole-review & guest post

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Moonlight Justice by Nala Nicole-review & guest post

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 31, 2025

Will Bella Hayes deliver justice or succumb to the darkness within?

Bella, a woman born on the moon, possesses extraordinary strength tied to the lunar cycle. By day, she is Detective Bella Hayes, a quiet observer of the law’s failures. By night, under the moon’s glow, she becomes something more—something not of this world. As her power surges, so does her thirst for justice.

When Radcliff escapes yet another trial unscathed, Bella and her partner Detective Mark Calloway, teams up with Lucas, her only friend at the Roguehaven Police unit, and tech genius, to pursue him into The Deep, the city’s haunting underground ruins. As she battles Radcliff’s henchmen, navigates a web of betrayal, and confronts her own inner demons.

••••••

REVIEW: This book is a mix of paranormal and crime drama.

We follow Detective Bella Hayes, a woman born under the mesmerizing glow of the moon, whose strength/speed and stamina is intertwined with its phases.

Nala Nicole crafts a really good story that delves into justice/inner darkness, and the quest for truth.

Bella is a captivating character, showing both the strength and vulnerability that comes with her supernatural abilities. As a daytime detective, she observes the failures of the law, but by night, (the lunar light) awakens a fierceness within her, which makes her into a relentless avenger. This duality makes Bella a richly layered character, whose journey reflects not only her battles against external enemies like Radcliff a slippery and manipulative antagonist but also her internal struggles.

The supporting characters add to the story, particularly Detective Mark Calloway and Lucas, the tech savvy ally. Their banter and teamwork against Radcliff’s henchmen provide an engaging dynamic that balances action with emotional moments. The author weaves themes of friendship and loyalty, really well, I had moments where I did laugh (not the best place when your on a packed train 😝)

The Deep, an underground paradise turned nightmarish ruin. Is the setting for not only the final battle (which was awesome by the way) but for Radcliff to build his empire….

The pace of the novel is set at a constant pace.

The writing is vivid and thought provoking, and at times I could see myself in, the urban landscape and the eerie ambiance of The Deep. The pull of the moon and its changing phases mirrored Bella’s evolving psyche and we watch as she grapples with the darker aspects of her nature.

While the plot builds toward an electrifying climax, it also raised a question about justice and the implications of vengeance. Bella’s journey of self discovery and her confrontation with personal demons make the story really come to life. The definitions of right and wrong, and what cost to you if you take justice into your own hands.

In conclusion, *Moonlight Justice* is a captivating read that successfully mixes fantasy elements with a crime storyline.

Nala Nicole has created a compelling world where the line between justice and vengeance becomes increasingly blurred, and where Bella’s strength is tested against both external threats and internal conflicts.

Fans of urban fantasy and thrilling detective tales will find themselves enthralled by Bella’s journey, eager to uncover the next twist in her pursuit of justice.

This is absolute must read.

Copy supplied for review

🦋 Reviewed by Julie B

Believability in Paranormal and Fantasy Storylines: Anchoring the Unreal in the Real

By Nala Nicole

Fantasy and paranormal fiction stretch the limits of imagination—but even in a world of supernatural strength, a city’s propensity for crime, and moon-born heroines, one thing remains essential: believability. Without it, readers disconnect. They might enjoy the spectacle, but they won’t feel it. And feeling, ultimately, is what drives a story home.

Take my novel, Moonlight Justice, as a prime example. The protagonist, Bella Hayes, was born on the moon and draws her strength from the lunar cycle. That premise alone pushes genre boundaries—but what makes it work is how grounded the rest of the narrative is, in my opinion, of course. Bella isn’t just a super-powered woman chasing justice; she’s a detective who sees the system fail time and again. Her frustration is human. Her thirst for justice is relatable. And her transformation under the moonlight? It becomes symbolic, not just fantastical.

Believability in paranormal/fantasy fiction hinges on a few key elements:

1. Emotional Realism

No matter how far-fetched a power or setting may be, the character’s emotions must ring true. Bella’s internal struggle—between justice and vengeance, law and instinct—is deeply human. Readers don’t need to have lunar-powered strength to understand the pain of watching someone like Radcliff escape justice again and again. Her desire to become something more is believable because it taps into a common yearning: to reclaim power in a broken world.

2. Consistent Worldbuilding

In Moonlight Justice, Roguehaven isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a breathing, crumbling city with layers, secrets, and a haunting underbelly known as The Deep. The setting supports the supernatural without overwhelming it. The city’s darkness mirrors Bella’s own, giving context to her powers. When readers see Bella and her team—Detective Mark Calloway and tech genius Lucas—descend into the underworld to hunt Radcliff, they’re not just watching an action scene. They’re immersed in a fully-realized world with rules, danger, and stakes.

3. Flawed, Layered Characters

No fantasy hero should be invincible. Bella Hayes is powerful, yes, but she’s also emotionally bruised, morally conflicted, and haunted by the lines she’s willing to cross. Her flaws make her relatable. Readers believe in her journey because they see the cost of her choices. That tension—justice versus darkness—is what drives the plot and keeps readers invested.

4. Purposeful Supernatural Elements

Powers should mean something. Bella’s connection to the moon isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a metaphor for cycles, control, and change. Her strength surges under moonlight, but so does her rage. The paranormal element adds stakes to the emotional arc. It elevates the story without replacing the character’s humanity.

In the end, Moonlight Justice succeeds not because it has powers and underground lairs, but because it respects the core of storytelling: truth. In fantasy and paranormal fiction, believability doesn’t come from realism—it comes from resonance. When readers see themselves in the struggle, the magic becomes real.

Social Media: Facebook / Amazon Author/ Goodreads/

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Jack Palmer: A New Order by Dan Batchelor-review & guest post

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Jack Palmer: A New Order by Dan Batchelor-review & guest post

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /  B&N PAPER /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 24, 2025

Planet Earth has existed for 4.5 billion years
For 200,000 of those years, humans have been the apex species
That is all about to change…

Jack Palmer had seen the movies: when aliens invade, humans will come together to save the world.

But when an alien species delivers a message to Earth, that humans have been considered worthy enough to know the secrets beyond their own star, an event that was supposed to make history only alters it forever.

An occasion that was meant to answer questions only raises more.

But one question is stuck in Jack Palmer’s head…

Why did this happen?

•••••

REVIEW: JACK PALMER: A NEW ORDER is the first instalment in Dan Batchelor’s young adult ,sci-fi series focusing on the invasion of Earth by an extraterrestrial race.

Told from first person perspective (Jack Palmer) A NEW ORDER follows in the aftermath of the invasion of Earth by an alien race. A few weeks earlier, NASA made contact with an alien species, and in the interim prepared for their introduction to the human world but all did not go according to plan, and as only humans will do, appeared to have destroyed any possibility of a peaceful cohabitation. Resisters were eliminated, the survivors were enslaved and imprisoned, and the people of Earth find themselves working for a species they know nothing about. Three years later, one of Jack’s friends goes missing and is presumed dead, and the now eighteen year old Jack Palmer finds himself the confident of one of the Elders, a being who is willing to reveal all, with the help of our story line hero.

The world building focuses on the invasion of Earth by a species who are determined to rule absolutely. From a peaceful introduction to a potential for war, humanity is about to find themselves enslaved by an alien civilization who are resolute and single-minded in their need to take control.

The secondary and supporting characters including several alien beings who have all assigned themselves human names. We are introduced to several of Jack Palmer’s family members and school friends, Michael Anderson, and alien commander Dr. Lewis.

JACK PALMER: A NEW ORDER is a young adult sci-fi story line about power and control, betrayal and vengeance. The premise is interesting and entertaining but reads like a middle-grade story with childlike characters, language and text. The characters are numerous as the remaining humans are ordered to rebuild a world that is no longer their own. JACK PALMER: A NEW ORDER ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

My name is Dan Batchelor, I am 34 and a teacher. I have had an interesting journey into getting my story – Jack Palmer: A New Order – published so thought I would share the brief version!

I began thinking of the concept whilst working in a sales and marketing job back in 2012. Whilst lying in my bed, after a long (and boring day) my mind began to wonder and I asked myself ‘How would humans react to the news aliens existed?’

This started out as a question, which grew into a thought, then a story and finally to an obsession. 

Although my background is not in literature- reading, film and being creative have always been a passion of mine and I decided to give it a go. 

Over the next couple of years, I changed career into teaching and my writing slowed down, however I knew I would always come back to it. Finally, I finished my first draft and shared the story with very close family to help edit (I am dyslexic so knew I would need help). Writing fiction can be quite vulnerable and, like anyone would be, I was nervous about the feedback. However, my confidence grew after my twin brother was quoted saying ‘It’s better than I thought it would be,’ which is the best review it could get! 

I think the voice of my title character – Jack Palmer – is relatable to many people. The book is Science Fiction (based on Earth), however the story is rooted in the believable, but also playful. There are elements of the unknown in a real world setting, which I believe will keep the reader engaged.

It tells the story of a traumatic life changing event unfolding slowly through the eyes of an everyday person. I believe readers will find it easy to connect with the different characters and their interrelationships for which I have taken inspiration from people in my own life.

Despite being proud of the story, I didn’t realise (naively) how difficult it would be to get published. I had to get used to hearing no, or more often than not, nothing at all. But, 13 years after the idea began, I am finally here and in June this year Jack Palmer will be out in the wild for everyone to enjoy! 

The reason I wanted to share my story for was a number of reasons:

1. Don’t put yourself in a box, I studied sports science at university and never thought I could be a published author – if you’ve got an idea just go for it – you never know, it might be good!

2. I’m dyslexic and although I am very proud of the book, as a teacher, I also hope my journey into getting a published book might motivate others in my position or, at the very least, give them the confidence to try. 

I hope you get a chance to enjoy Jack Palmer: A New Order.

Preorders and information can be found here:

www.jackpalmerseries.co.uk

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TWO YEARS DEAD by Alan Cupp-Review & Guest Post

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TWO YEARS DEAD by Alan Cupp-review & guest post

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 14, 2025

After a near-fatal assassination attempt, Jay Fields wakes from a coma with a chance to rewrite his life. Once the key witness against a crime boss, he now faces the fallout of his past as the FBI is eager to cut him loose. Burdened by guilt over the death of Agent Shawn Harper, Jay anonymously helps Harper’s widow, Megan, only for her to discover his identity and connection to her husband’s fate. As they navigate their complicated feelings and seek the truth behind that fateful night, Jay must confront his old demons while protecting Megan from the dangers lurking in the shadows. Will their unexpected bond lead to redemption or drag them both back into darkness?

•••••••

REVIEW: TWO YEARS DEAD by Alan Cupp is a contemporary, adult, slightly romantic, suspense thriller focusing on thirty year of Jay Fields, and widow/single mother Megan Harper.

Told from omniscient third person perspective TWO YEARS DEAD follows in the aftermath of a twenty-two month coma in which former gang-banger Jay Fields was left for dead while in the custody of the FBI. Now thirty years old, awake, and hoping to start a new life, Jay sets out to appease his guilt, helping out the widow of the FBI agent who died saving his life but from the outset bodies begin to amass, and our struggling hero finds himself the prime suspect for everything that went wrong.

The world building focuses on Jay Fields’ attempts to get his life under control but someone is targeting our story line couple. Megan Harper is willing to give Jay a chance but the past refuses to forgive and forget.

We are introduced to Jay’s mother Olivia Fields, cousin Tabitha; questionable FBI agents as well as an assortment of law enforcement personnel, gang members and affiliates.

TWO YEARS DEAD is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, obsession and murder, friendships and forgiveness. The premise is dramatic and intriguing; the characters are determined, dynamic and compelling

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Liking The Cover

by

Alan Cupp

 

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. And I’m even more certain that you’ve heard repeatedly throughout your life, that you can’t just a book by its cover. While I do believe the initial statement about first impressions, I find the latter one to be a load of crap. It may be true that you can’t always “accurately” judge a book by its cover, that doesn’t prevent all of us from drawing certain conclusions, right or wrong, based solely on the collective artwork and title of any book we see. It’s a natural human response to immediately and without intentional effort, assess the value of a piece of literature by merely casting our discerning gaze upon the cover.

Just like the story inside the pages of a book, the cover is also trying to convey a message to potential readers. That cover needs to communicate in a matter of seconds that the content inside is worth the time and money that the author, publisher, and book seller are asking the customer to part with in exchange for a unique and pleasant reading experience. When an author publishes a book, they should always make sure they’re happy with the cover. The level of confidence an author has in promoting their book may be diminished. As an author, you need to be involved in the process.

I remember when I published one of my earlier novels, the publisher designed a cover and sent it to me to review. When I looked at it, my heart sank. I hated it. I understood the idea behind it, but nothing about it was an accurate reflection of me or the story. This was my first book with that particular publisher, so I was a little apprehensive to push back. But I knew if I didn’t, I would be hating myself and spending my energy trying to explain away or apologize for the cover. This is not the vibe you want to have when trying to generate interest in your work. So I communicated my objections regarding the cover and the publisher went back to the drawing board, creating a cover a liked more, but didn’t love. I settled. Maybe because I was excited about my first book with that publisher and I was growing impatient to get my story out to the public. It was an okay experience, but not great. When I signed a contract for a follow up book featuring the same main character, the publisher did another redesign of the first book and matched it up with the cover for the second book. I was much happier with the fresh new look.

Eventually, my contract with that publisher expired and I chose not to re-sign with them for the two books they had published. That’s when I decided I would self-publish both books. But since the publisher owned the cover art, I had to come up with new covers. I approached a talented friend of mine (Anne) who is quite the artists, and she designed two covers that I absolutely love. They are by far, much more intriguing and dynamic than anything my former publisher provided.

When I needed a cover for my latest novel, Two Years Dead, I went back to Anne. But even with my extremely talented friend, she initially presented me with some cover concepts, based on ideas and direction I had provided, that didn’t really stoke my enthusiasm. So we explored another idea and tweaked it along the way, until she had created the perfect cover I had envisioned. It’s good to have talented friends.

The point is that as an author, you need to be involved with all aspects of your book and like the end product. If you can’t be excited and compelled by your cover, how can you expect a reader to be?

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Shadow of Justice 1 & 2 by Jules MacLeod-reviews & guest post

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Shadow of Justice: The Fall and Rise  & Moving On by Jules MacLeod-reviews & guest post

SHADOW OF JUSTICE: The Fall and Rise #1
by Jules MacLeod
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal, police, thriller

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date: August 5, 2024

In Shadow of Justice—The Fall and Rise—someone guns down Detective Robert Cooper outside his apartment, leaving his partner, Detective Josh Watson, devastated. A strange, unsettling occurrence soon makes him question his own sanity. Ignoring his captain’s orders to stay away from the case, he is driven to seek justice. His investigation uncovers a web of deceit stretching beyond the city, leading him to dangerous places, putting his life at risk. As time runs out and the stakes rise, he must piece together the clues to bring the shooter to justice, all while facing unseen dangers and mounting threats.

Who committed this cold-blooded crime, and will they ever pay for their actions?

Shadow of Justice is a suspense-filled mystery, packed with unexpected twists, as Watson navigates the shadows of deceit and danger in his relentless pursuit of the truth.

Prepare for a gripping journey of suspense, mystery, and twists in this thrilling whodunnit.

•••••••

REVIEW:SHADOW OF JUSTICE : THE FALL AND RISE is the first instalment in Jules Macleod’s contemporary, adult, paranormal, police thrillers focusing on thirty three year old NYPD Detective Josh Watson, and his partner Detective Robert Cooper.

Told from several omniscient third person POVs including Josh Watson, and numerous and limited perspectives SHADOW OF JUSTICE: THE FALL AND RISE follows NYPD Detective Josh Watson as he hunts for the killer of his NYPD partner. Detective Robert ‘Bobby’ Cooper was gunned downed, and in the aftermath, Detective Josh Watson begins to spiral out of control. On a leave of absence then suspended for disobeying orders, Josh goes in search of a killer, aided by the ghosts from the past. Meanwhile, the Colombian Cartel is at work in New York, and Josh finds himself at the center of another investigation wherein a journey to South America forces Josh to reconsider everything he left behind.

The world building follows several paths, two investigations, and an action packed search for the truth. Although Detective Robert Cooper’s murder is quickly resolved, Josh Watson, with the help of his ‘spirit guide’ finds himself at a crossroads going forward but saying that the jump between points of view is often frenetic as is the bounce between limited and omniscient perspectives.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, powerful, dangerous and questionable secondary and supporting characters including several NYPD law enforcement; staff psychiatrist Dr. Jacqueline Bradshaw ; Colombian police and special forces COPES; and several members of the Colombian Cartel.

SHADOW OF JUSTICE is a slow building, intriguing and engaging story of murder and vengeance, secrets and the supernatural; acceptance and decisions. The premise is captivating but there is more telling than showing, and once again the jump between characters and perspectives can be disconcerting. There is a mix of written narrative, contemplation and reflection. SHADOW OF JUSTICE ends on a bit of a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

_______

SHADOW OF JUSTICE: Moving On #2
by Jules MacLeod
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal, police, thriller

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 30, 2024

NYPD Detective Josh Watson returns from a transformative trip, haunted by the memory of a woman he left behind. As he tries to move on, a new drug lord rises in the syndicate he previously investigated, only to be overthrown by a ruthless South American rival, plunging the city into chaos. Josh picks up the investigation into the murder of a cop, but his passion for justice fades, leaving him disillusioned.

Seeking solace in a new relationship, Josh dives deeper into investigating a mysterious crime organization that threatens his life. As the stakes rise, someone close to Josh faces mortal danger, forcing him to act. Teaming up with trusted NYPD colleagues and the elite COPES unit, he races to uncover the criminals and stop the threat. In a final, deadly showdown, Josh must protect the person he cares about and fight for his own survival, as both face the very real possibility of death

•••••

REVIEW:SHADOW OF JUSTICE: MOVING ON by Jules Macleod is the second instalment in the author’s contemporary, adult, paranormal, police thriller focusing on thirty three year old NYPD Detective Josh Watson, and his partner Detective Robert Cooper. MOVING ON should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events of book one THE FALL AND RISE.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from several omniscient third person POVs including Josh Watson and numerous limited perspectives SHADOW OF JUSTICE: MOVING ON follows Detective Josh Watson as he reconsiders his future. Having left the police force to start anew as a private investigator, Josh finds himself working alongside his former colleagues as his latest assignment continues to focus on the Colombian Cartel. Believing someone new is now in control of the Cartel, Josh, his girlfriend Dr. Jacqueline Bradshaw, and the late detective Bobby Cooper begin to unravel a trail of destruction, destruction that is closer than they could have ever imagined. A new start, a new life, a new love and a prosperous future working alongside the NYPD finds Josh a target of the Cartel, and a man who will stop at nothing to get his revenge.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of energetic and charismatic secondary and supporting characters including NYPD law enforcement, Captain Sam Granger and Colombian Special Forces aka COPES.

SHADOW OF JUSTICE: MOVING ON is another dramatic and engaging story of secrets and the supernatural, power and control, acceptance and moving on. The premise is intriguing and entertaining but like the first instalment the jump between characters and perspectives (often between paragraphs) can be disconcerting

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Unveil the Shadow of Justice!

A heinous act shatters the early morning silence in New York City. NYPD Detective Robert Cooper is gunned down in cold blood, leaving his colleagues desperate for answers. Detective Josh Watson, shaken and determined, defies orders to uncover the truth behind his partner’s murder. Is he suffering from PTDS or hallucinating? Who or what is the Shadow of Justice?

Will Josh piece together the clues and bring the criminal to justice?

As he delves deeper, he uncovers a tangled web of deception that extends beyond the city limits. Every shadow hides a secret, and every revelation brings Josh closer to the truth—and danger. This fast-paced, thrilling crime and mystery novel is packed with explosive action sequences that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Ready to join the adventure?

Get your copy now and dive into the gripping world of Shadow of Justice!

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Green Bank by Kyle Conroy-a review & guest post

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Green Bank by Kyle Conroy-a review & guest post

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /B&N Paper/

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 27, 2024

Catching lightning will make you. Its thunder may break you.

Colin Brook exists in a life of contrived solitude, especially for a man in his late twenties. He leaves little wake as he meanders between school and a quiet home life in Virginia with his father and sister. However, during a trip to the heart of the National Radio Quiet Zone in Green Bank, West Virginia, he becomes the epicenter for a quake that ripples beyond comprehension. In a matter of days, Colin goes from unremarkable to the opaque target of powerful players in the defense industry. As dire as this attention is, Colin has also caught the interest of two Green Bank residents who may possess far more powerful and destructive capabilities.

Green Bank is a sci-fi thriller that explores the boundaries and vulnerabilities of consciousness. With captivating but often conflicted characters, the story navigates the consequences of imbalanced relationships, the foundations of the cosmos, and how altruism can go severely wrong even with the best of intentions.

••••

REVIEW:GREEN BANK by Kyle Conroy is an adult sci-fi, dystopian stand alone story line focusing on soon to be thirty year old, reclusive college student Colin Brook, and an ensemble cast of doctors, professionals, specialists and otherworldly beings.

Approximately ten years earlier, Navy corpsman Aidan and John disappeared through a black hole in a secret government facility in Hawaii. Fast forward to present day, thirty year old college student Colin Brook, while on a bike ride in Green Bank, West Virginia finds himself in the National Radio Quiet Zone where his life will alter into something more but Colin’s journey into the forests of Green Bank did not go unnoticed- the US military and a defense company contracted by the government vie for control of Colin Brook.

The world building is detailed, complex and comprehensive. From the physical and the metaphysical, sociological, philosophical, and psychological constructs of the here and now; to the understanding of the consciousness, all based in theory and conjecture, as to the vulnerability of a weakened or susceptible mind. Explanations defy the justifications; reality and fact give way to illusions and imagination, where the mind may or may not conceive of the impossible.

There is a large ensemble cast of questionable and colorful characters including brother and sister Colin and Vera Brook, and their adopted father Mike; Dr. Claudia Bessel, CTO of Valence Dr. Hetuwa Fernandez; Dieter Randolph, Rainer Cameron, lady in the woods Faiza, and former Navy corpsmen Aidan and John. Not everyone is who they appear to be.

GREEN BANK is a science fiction story of power and control, secrets and lies, imagination and determination, acceptance and assent. The premise is twisted, haunting and edgy; the characters are dynamic, tragic, animated and startling. Kyle Conroy pulls the reader into a story of what if? Or how?

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

For more on Kyle and Green Bank: https://bio.site/kyleconroy

From Black Holes to Broken Hearts: The Journey of Writing My Debut Sci-Fi Novel

Over ten years ago, I had the inkling to write a book—sci-fi, specifically. This inkling was melded together with push and pull factors. The push factors were 1) nurturing a drive to finish what I start and 2) getting out of my 9-to-5 headspace, finding a creative outlet. The pull factors were 1) deep interests in black holes, dark matter, and consciousness and 2) wonder with the complexity of relationships.

Push Factor 1: Finish What You Start

Whether it is a book, a house project, marathon, or some other goal, we often confront milestones that we truly want—or need—to achieve. As with many things in life, it’s easier said than done. Well, writing a sci-fi novel was my milestone. I thought of the idea of this book over a decade ago and started actually writing it eight years ago. Several times I thought of abandoning it, fearing it was not worthwhile. But with each page completed, that path became clearer. Anytime I needed a boost, I just looked back at what I had done thus far. You can always assure yourself that you are that much closer once you’ve made the slightest progress.

Push Factor 2: Get out of Your Headspace

I may never be able to support myself purely as an author, and that is perfectly fine. I enjoy my career, but there are times when I just need a blank slate upon which I can just create. In my orderly, time-bound jobs, I rarely get the opportunity to just create art. But it is an extremely important outlet for anyone. Music, sculpting, woodworking, and more all provide an outlet for people, sharing their views of and experiences in our collective world. Given how impactful storytelling has been for me as a reader, I felt a certain level of obligation to return the favor in the best way possible.

Pull Factor 1: Black Holes, Dark Matter, and Consciousness

Sci-fi begins right where our current understanding of the universe ends. That’s why it is my favorite genre—you get to take that step into the unknown, letting creativity grow from theories and accepted truths. Black holes and dark matter arguably fascinate (perhaps terrify, too) anyone that really dwells on them. And they have appeared heavily throughout books and movies, but I wanted to take a different approach to them both. Weaving in consciousness allowed me to explore another opaque field of science and create a delicate bridge between the deep mysteries of the universe and everyday people.

Pull Factor 2: Complexity of Relationships

The core of any good story is the impact of the characters. Regardless of wild, exotic concepts, action, themes, etc., the characters usher the story along. I wanted Green Bank to fascinate a reader while keeping them grounded with plausible characters navigating life in fathomable ways. Specifically, I wanted to explore relations amongst the characters, showing how the experiences that they have with one another readily impact decisions they make in the future. And as complex as relationships may be, you can distill them down to basic drivers. These drivers also serve as key inputs to surveillance technology present in Green Bank.

I hope this post serves not just as a catalyst to read Green Bank but also as motivation for anything you have been seeking to do in your life. At one point in time, my story was just neurons firing off in my head. But with patience and consistency, it became a published book. Never has holding a book in my hand felt so meaningful, let alone people actually reading it and, hopefully, liking it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Stay curious. Keep exploring the magic you still have to share with the world.

All the best,

Kyle

SOCIAL MEDIA: Amazon Author / Goodreads/ 

Kyle Conroy is an exciting new voice in the world of science fiction, blending real-world expertise with vivid imagination. With a background in space exploration, defense, cybersecurity, and research, Kyle brings an authentic and technical edge to the stories he crafts. His passion for astrophysics—particularly the mysteries of black holes and dark matter—shapes the thrilling and mind-bending worlds he creates.

When not delving into cosmic wonders, Kyle enjoys spending time in national parks, visiting/supporting animal sanctuaries, and unwinding with a good thriller novel. His unique combination of scientific knowledge and love for storytelling promises to captivate and inspire readers on a journey beyond the stars.

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Jade Strings(Gemstones of Fate 1)by Elen Gait-review & guest post

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Jade Strings (Gemstones of Fate Trilogy Book 1) by Elen Gait -review & guest post

 Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 15, 2024

Azriel is a talented guitarist with a rebellious streak, often the source of tension within his struggling band. Meanwhile, Seraphina, a university student haunted by the loss of her parents, is trying to move forward while holding on to their memory. When their paths unexpectedly cross, an undeniable connection forms, one that feels both new and strangely familiar, as if from a shared dream.

Falling for Azriel wasn’t in Seraphina’s plans. She’s always found it difficult to open up, afraid of the heartache that comes with loss. But as their bond deepens, Seraphina starts to believe in a future with him, something she never thought she’d be ready for. Yet with each step toward that future, she’s reminded of how easily life can change.

Can she risk her heart for a chance at real love, or will fate have a different plan, one that could change everything?

••••••

REVIEW: A debut author/book for me. The cover drew my eye, and the blurb had me one-clicking it.

Azriel

Ryder/Asher/Cade are members of the band with Azriel. They’ve been friends for a while. They dream of making it big. But fortune has not been kind lately, down on their luck, they just want a break….

Seraphina

“Sera” works in a bar, she’s also in her last year at University studying an option that wasn’t her first choice! (Sera and her best friend Mia lodge/work together) She was a singer/songwriter, until parents died 5 years ago. After they died she just couldn’t face all those memories that her music brought back to her! 😞

Meeting at the bar where Sera works was just electric ⚡️ sparks flew…. And they both realised their lives had changed…. But for the better? You need to read on 😉

It’s very much one step forward, two steps back… I understand where Sera was scared, but it did get just a little tedious 🙄 I kept shouting at my kindle (which for me usually signals I’m immersed in the world that’s being created) for her to seize the day. Azriel also made mistakes, but was willing to try and make this new connection that they had work.

It’s almost a small town romance vibe, with a splash of angst, well until the end…. Then I’d say it became a deluge!

Loved the banter within the boys on the band, and how they had each other’s backs. And the friendship between Sera and Mia was just so close, a true friendship/sisterhood.

We also have a mystery to solve….. who’s sending the flowers? And why are Azriel and Sera dreaming of one another? And there may or may not be another budding romance 🥰 could that be the next book? 🤞

OMG!!! The cliffhanger….. my kindle nearly went out the window!!! That second book had better be released soon 😱

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B🦋

From Dream to Reality: Crafting Seraphina and Azriel in Jade Strings

Every story starts somewhere, and for me, Jade Strings began with a dream, twice, in fact. I found myself dreaming of a moment so vivid that it stayed with me long after I woke up, a guy with light green eyes approached me and offered his hand. The dream felt so real, and it left me wondering: What if? When I didn’t meet that person in real life, I realized I had a choice: hold on to the lingering “what if,” or explore it through writing. Instead of letting it fade, I chose to turn it into a story.

Seraphina: A Journey of Fear and Impulse

I began to imagine Seraphina as a young woman navigating the loss of her parents, which left her reserved and uncertain about letting new people in. She’s cautious, but when emotions run high, her impulsive side takes over. Her fear of loss makes her hesitant to trust others and risk the heartache of losing someone again.

Before the tragedy, music was a significant part of her life, but now, those talents lie hidden beneath the weight of her past. Her journey isn’t just about confronting her pain, but also about rediscovering the pieces of herself she once lost.

Azriel: A Rebel with a Passion for Music

Azriel came to life as a rebellious spirit with a deep connection to music. Growing up in a challenging environment, he learned to rely on himself, which shaped his defiance and desire to break free from limitations.

His journey is marked by setbacks and a relentless drive to prove his worth, which built walls around him higher than even Seraphina’s. At first, success was his only goal, but meeting Seraphina changed his perspective, making him question what it means to be worthy, not just of achievement, but of someone who believes in him.

Side Characters: Adding Depth and Real Connections

While Seraphina and Azriel’s connection is at the heart of Jade Strings, the story wouldn’t be complete without the presence of the side characters who bring warmth and tension to their world.

Seraphina’s best friend, Mia, isn’t just a confidant; she’s like family. The two have faced so much together that their bond feels unbreakable. Mia is the bold risk-taker who pushes Seraphina to step outside of her comfort zone and embrace what life has to offer, encouraging her to follow her heart instead of letting fear hold her back.

On Azriel’s side, his bandmates, Ryder, Asher, and Cade, create a lively dynamic that contrasts with the emotional intensity of the main story. Ryder is more rebellious than Azriel, unafraid of anyone or anything, with a fierce personality that often leads the group. Asher is the grounded “good boy” who balances out the group’s energy. Then there’s Cade, the ultimate romantic with a sense of humor, who lightens the mood but often finds himself on the receiving end of teasing. Despite the teasing, the bandmates’ loyalty runs deep. They push each other’s buttons, but when things get tough, they show up for each other without hesitation.

Embracing the Role of Fate and Luck

In Jade Strings, I wanted to show how life, fate, and luck often intersect in unexpected ways. Seraphina once had everything, stability, family, and a clear path, only to have it all taken away in an instant. Meanwhile, Azriel, who had nothing, faced constant struggles and rejection until he found success. Their stories are a reminder that sometimes, no matter how hard we hold on, what isn’t meant to be will slip away, and at other times, fate and luck can offer us something we never expected.

Finding Inspiration in Unanswered Questions

Writing Jade Strings allowed me to explore the idea of unexpected connections and the courage it takes to open up to new possibilities. Seraphina’s journey isn’t just about facing her past, and Azriel’s isn’t only about breaking through his struggles, it’s about finding someone who understands you in a way that feels almost destined. And with side characters like Mia and the bandmates, I wanted to create a world that feels rich with real-life dynamics and lasting bonds.

Thank you for letting me share this journey with you. I hope that in Jade Strings, you find something that resonates with your own experiences and a reminder that every “what if” can be a doorway to something new.

SOCIAL MEDIA: Amazon Author/ Goodreads/ Website/ Facebook/

How It All Began

Ever since I was young, I’ve been captivated by the power of words. I started my writing journey in high school, crafting poems and short, humorous stories for fun. It was a way for me to express my thoughts and emotions, and I loved seeing how stories could make people laugh, think, and feel. Later, with some unexpected spare time on my hands, I decided to dive deeper into my love for storytelling and began writing full-length novels.

What Fuels My Creativity

I draw inspiration from countless books and literary works, and when I’m not writing, you’ll often find me reading, listening to music, or watching my favorite TV series. These moments of relaxation and inspiration help me recharge and often spark new ideas for my stories.

My Big Debut: Jade Strings

My debut novel has a rather interesting origin, it all began with a dream. I had this recurring, mysterious dream about a guy I didn’t know, and it left me curious. When I didn’t encounter this person in real life, I thought, what if? That simple question sparked an idea: what if two people dream about each other and then meet in real life? How would their lives unfold from there? This thought became the foundation of my first book, and I’ve been excited to bring this story to life ever since.

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Hera’s Curse (American Noir Trilogy 1) by Shaun Griffin-review

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Hera’s Curse (American Noir Trilogy 1) by Shaun Griffin-review & guest post

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca /

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 27, 2024

A cell phone number triggers a deadly chain of events which pits assassins Matt and John against the enigmatic Anastasiya. She is a vampire who has lived in the shadows for two hundred years and is not about to allow the extermination of her kind by mere mortals.

When a desperate young woman named Faith joins the men, she becomes the key to Anastasiya finding them. The vigilante priest, the ruthless crime boss, the disillusioned PI, the unfaithful trophy wife — each has their part to play as Anastasiya’s hunt moves towards the inevitable deadly showdown.

Hera’s Curse is a blend of crime noir and deconstructed vampire myth unlike anything you will read.

••••

REVIEW:This is definitely not your typical vampire story. A pretty good plot. Good characters and twists that will keep you reading until the last page.

Matt and John are assassins, guns for hire. On the lookout for a target they’ve been assigned. One looks forward to the chase and killing, the other not so much. They’ve been friends for a while, but a rift is beginning to form…..

Faith made one bad choice and now she’s paying for it! But when a lifeline is thrown to her, Faith has to quickly decide to stay where she is (if she does then she won’t be around for much longer 💀) or to go with Matt and John her new heroes and help them find the guy she’s with. (I personally would go with option two.) Deciding on the second option, Faith hopes it doesn’t lead her down an even more dangerous path!!

And Anastasiya our villain of the story, but is she? Being persecuted by humans who feel threatened by her has Anastasiya on edge. Being hunted because of one silly mistake made by one of her progeny, Anastasiya will hunt them. And Faith maybe the key to finding the two killers…..

It has stories coming together from all the different characters, we get to see how they come to this point in their lives, why they are here, and how it’s all going to end!

The ending, although I vaguely saw coming, still surprised me.

But I’m going to be honest, I really struggled getting into the book and it keeping my attention. I usually inhale vampire stories. But this one…. I can’t put my finger on it, it just didn’t flow like the books I usually read.

But that’s not to say it’s a bad book, no it’s not. It’s written well, thought out pretty good, and executed nicely.

The characters felt just a little out of sync with each other and the book. But I could easily distinguish one from another.

A good read if you like a thriller with a noir feeling.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B 🦋

 

EVOLUTION OF A STORY
By Shaun Griffin

How does an author come up with an idea? How does it evolve? Is there some secret formula? Could a simple algorithm be designed to create our stories? Input some values and, hey presto, your story is done. I suppose to some degree this is happening.
All hail the AI tech wizards of creative oblivion.

The extent to which the art of weaving stories will be successfully mimicked by AI is much debated. There are times I grow despondent at the idea human beings would even think to relinquish their creativity to an algorithm. But then the muse wakes me at three in the morning with an idea and it is something magical. A magic I think AI will never be able to replicate.

This brings me to how I came up with my novel, Hera’s Curse. Although it was not called that in the beginning. It began as a short story called, Compound Vision.

It was 1998. I was driving to work one morning when I passed an old Ford Cortina (for American readers the equivalent would be a 1980s Chevy sedan) travelling well below the speed limit. Two young men, obviously closely related, sat upfront. They stared blankly ahead, blithely unaware of the world around them. The word ‘Hick’ immediately came to mind. Then it occurred to me—what if there was more to these two than met the eye? Rather than the slow-witted individuals they appeared to be, what if they were hitmen? I had this mental image of two brothers in dungarees and hobnailed boots sporting Magnum revolvers.

A few weeks later I was filling up at a gas station when a white minivan pulled up alongside. Seated inside were two prim rows of high school girls. What struck me was that they looked identical—from their immaculate private school uniforms to the blonde hair pulled back in a regulation ponytail. Every school principal’s dream. But what if that conformity hid something far more sinister?

That weekend I wrote a short story about two country bumpkin hitmen hunting a thug named Manny, who has been lured to a boarding house by some young women with the promise of sex. In the men’s search they meet Faith, a runaway who has been forced to work for Manny. She leads them to the boarding house where they discover the vampire women feeding on Manny. The story was told in a tongue-in-cheek style from the perspective of a fly-on-the-wall, hence the title. Everyone who read it remarked that I should expand it into a full-length story.

Work commitments got in the way and the story was shelved. Fifteen years later, I finally sat down to write. I thought about the original story. The characters in it were just caricatures and would not sustain the interest of anyone reading a novel. But where to start?

The first to change were the hitmen. They evolved into Matthew and John, two young men waging a war against drug dealers, though each for different reasons. Next were the young vampire women. Who were they? How did they become? For this story I felt things should be grounded in a plausible reality. Out went the usual tropes. These vampires would be a product of a virus and though enhanced in strength, agility, longevity and so forth, they could be killed like any human.

An infectious disease needs an origin and so the character of Anastasiya was born. Her noble origins and her motivation for creating her cult fell into place easily. It was then that I saw that the main conflict would be between Anastasiya and Faith, the last of my original trio. Mother and Maiden but who to be the Crone? Tammy is my interpretation of this aspect of the Goddess. All that was left was a way of connecting these protagonists. Enter Don Stone, the quintessential PI.

Once I’d completed my first draft, I realised I had the makings of a trilogy. I called it, American Noir. I hope you find the first part, Hera’s Curse, as enjoyable to read as I did to write it.

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CENTAURI’S SHADOW by Ross Garner-Review & Guest Post

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CENTAURI’S SHADOW by Ross Garner-Review and Guest Post

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 8, 2024

‘Eight years ago they sent a single ship to test our defences. Now they’re building an armada.’

Cole grew up in the shadow of grief. Kyoko grew up in the shadow of war. Two pilots, separated by time, set out on parallel journeys to Proxima Centauri. What they find could be the start of something new. What they bring with them could be the end of all we know.

In this sweeping science fiction debut from Ross Garner, readers will find an Earth that is transformed by fear of an imminent invasion; a space station in orbit that acts as a gateway to other worlds; a Martian colony with all of the threat and violence of the Old West; and a distant star where answers can be found.

What is ‘the signal’? A greeting, or a threat?

••••

REVIEW: CENTAURI’S SHADOW by Ross Garner is an adult, science fiction thriller focusing on a potential war on the horizon with an alien race.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Cole and Kyoko), focusing on two timelines, CENTAURI’S SHADOW follows in the wake of a message from space possibly signifying a senscient lifeform from beyond the sun but the UNSA’s (United Nations Space Agency) first attempt to circumnavigate the sun, ends in disaster, and years later, the sole remaining survivor, volunteers to set a plan into motion, to reach the Centauri system, in an effort to complete the original mission.

Meanwhile, several decades into the future, Earth and its’ colony on Mars have been attacked by an unknown enemy, and Kyoko and her crew of fighter pilots is tasked with ending all future attacks but Kyoko will quickly discover that all is not well on her voyage towards the end.

The characters are numerous, determined, dynamic and often lost. Mars is not so much a respite from Earth, but a virtual imprisonment for those who have been forgotten or have no direction home.

CENTAURI’S SHADOW is a detailed, complex and intriguing story of what ifs and whys. Humans have not learned from the past, and the past is gearing to repeat itself over and over again. Every generation or two fights for power and control, and in this, vengeance and greed lead to another war that no one will win.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Click HERE to read the first chapter of CENTAURI’S SHADOW by Ross Garner

The Wright Flyer to Apollo 11

By Ross Garner

In 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright made history as the inventors and pilots of the Wright Flyer: the first airplane. Of the first four test flights, the most successful was the last: covering a distance of 260 metres.  

Just 66 years later, astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins flew Apollo 11 a distance of 953,054 miles. They landed on the moon, and returned safely.

There aren’t many people who lived through both events. A person born in the United States in the 1880s had a life expectancy of just 40 years. But there were some: a miraculous few who experienced first hand the transition from the Old West to the Space Age.

What was their reaction to this dramatic change in our technological capability? Did they feel like time travellers, leaving the world of the horse and wagon behind in favour of rockets and satellites?

It was this idea that led to the writing of Centauri’s Shadow, my first novel.

I imagined an astronaut, setting out alone to visit our closest star: Proxima Centauri. The journey would take him 40 trillion kilometres away from Earth. With today’s technology, it would take 70,000 years.

He would need to be frozen somehow, waiting to be reawakened on arrival.

And how might his home planet have changed while he slept?

If humankind’s technology could shift from a flimsy biplane to a rocket-fuelled spaceship in just 66 years, how might it evolve over 70,000 years?

It seemed reasonable to conclude that our technology would continue to improve. That the journey time would shrink from 70,000 years, to something more manageable.

By the time our astronaut arrived, Proxima Centauri could be home to millions of people: living in spaceships, space stations, and on other worlds.

I thought about this astronaut: sacrificing his life on Earth to be the first great explorer to visit another star, only to find that the journey had been pointless. The time, wasted. The sacrifice, meaningless.

And I decided to turn this idea into a book.

The story of Centauri’s Shadow evolved in the writing. The astronaut in question became Cole Anderson, and he journeys to Proxima Centauri not with a traditional rocket but with the use of solar sails: a method of propulsion that already exists and uses the pressure from solar radiation to gain speed.

With a bit of science fiction fudgery, the journey time was reduced to 30 years: allowing for a stronger emotional tie to Cole’s life and relationships back home. But the core concept remained, including the themes of time and sacrifice.

And the original idea lingers in the novel in another major way: the notion of the Old West, complete with saloons, brothels, missionaries and violence, re-emerged in the form of the first martian colony.

It took me 10 years in total to finish the story. A rather damning reflection of my ability to get things done when compared to the accomplishments of those who followed in the steps of the Wright brothers.

But I came to have sympathy for Cole, with all his faults. He did his best to find his way, as we all do.

Readers can make up their own minds whether it was worth it.

Centauri’s Shadow is available now on Amazon (US / UK / Canada)

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