Tag: science fiction books

BLOG TOUR: CAPTAINS OF OARTHECA: THE OARTHECAN STAR SAGA BY JAMES SIEWERT

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Blog Tours, Book EventsLeave a comment
Captains of Oartheca - James SiewertJames Siewert has a new MM sci-fantasy romance out, Oarthecan Star Saga book 3: Captains of Oartheca.

Welcome to Oartheca—a world of shattered beauty and stolen futures.

Where noble Barons rule with ironclad grace, and loyal drones unquestionably obey. A wounded world, rich with history and pride, struggling to heal… while war still smoulders at its edges.

Hoping to change the fate of all Oarthecans, Captain Rowland Hale II and Toar Grithrawrscion embark on a mission as herculean as it is perilous: to bring Oartheca under the aegis of the Coalition of Allied Planets, and in doing so, usher in a new era of strength, stability, and peace.

But nothing on Oartheca is so easily won. Not peace. Not unity. And certainly not the truth.

In Captains of Oartheca, James Siewert sees our heroes challenge empires, defy impossible odds, and confront the terrible cost of hope. But when victory demands everything they are—and all they have—can they pay the price?

Warnings: Explicit sex scenes between consenting adult males

About the Series

An action-oriented, sci-fi extravaganza staring heroes who battle vicious foes, overcome galactic obstacles, find true love, all while just happening to be men-who-love-men. For adults only, the Oarthecan Star Saga will thrill readers with cinematic battles, daring romances and authentic, one-of-a-kind characters that rise to face challenges through bravery, courage and loyalty.

Amazon | Universal Buy Link

Excerpt

Captains of Oartheca meme

Get the hell off me!’ I shout angrily, futilely pushing at the rhino of a man smothering me. Goddamn he’s heavy but I’m giving it everything I’ve got, trying to wriggle free. I manage to get my head out from under the behemoth and turn to try and see what the hell is going on.

‘Stay down, Baron!’ the security guard overtop of me orders, his voice hard and urgent. There’s another bright green flash, and this time I see a plasma shot streak harmlessly into the skies, followed soon by more yelling and the sounds of intense struggle.

Annoyingly, cyan telemetry floods my cybernetic ocular display—suit’s integrity is down to ninety-two percent, but no injuries, and my shields are regenerating. That shot was a point-blank, direct hit. Thank God for top-tier CAPS engineering—anything less, and I’d be dead.

‘No!’ I hear a man yell. ‘No, he killed my brother!’

What?

‘Evacuate, evacuate!’ a stronger voice booms, and the man over top of me begins to ease up slightly; I immediately scoot out from under him and try to get a decent look around.

There’s a pile of security guards clustered together—it looks like there are three of them surrounding a fourth, having driven him to his knees. One is wrenching the kneeling man’s rifle from his hands, but the man is not letting go anytime soon. It takes the butt of another security guard’s rifle being driven into the side of his head before his grip finally weakens, and the gun is wrenched free.

The rhino then steps in front of me, blocking my view of the struggling men. I scowl and try to push him out of the way, but this guy’s a stormcoat, maybe a snowcoat, and I don’t even budge him a centimetre.

‘This way, Baron. Now,’ He pushes into me, using his superior bulk to knock me back. With one hand on my shoulder, he spins me around so that I’m facing away from the scene.

‘Where is Ton?’ I demand, trying to slip this guy’s grasp but his grip on my shoulder is firm—not painful, thanks to my exosuit’s kinetic absorption—but I’m not getting free unless I put up a serious struggle, which I don’t think is the wisest of things to do right now.

‘We’ll meet at the safe-point. Hurry, Baron, straight ahead,’ the rhino orders, and I follow as he steers me deeper into the docking bay. He sets a brisk pace—nearly a jog—we’re moving fast. A tug on my shoulder turns me left toward an open corridor, where two guards stand ready, rifles raised and scanning.

‘Inside, Baron.’ I’m not used to being manhandled like this, but I know if this dude wanted to, he could pick me up like an infant. He’s at least letting me move under my own power, so I do as I’m told, and head into the corridor.

We head down a gently sloping, well-lit cement tunnel—hopefully toward the safe-point rhino-guy mentioned. He’s stopped steering me, but with only one path ahead, we keep moving. After about thirty seconds, a circular portal sealed by sliding doors appears and opens as we approach.

‘Through the doors, Baron,’ my escort says. I step into the next tunnel, and he follows, tapping commands into a wall-mounted keypad. The doors slide shut behind us, leaving me to figure out what comes next.

The security guard then turns to face me, placing his hand over his heart, his fingers splayed, and gives me a deep bow. ‘We are secured now, Baron. The safe-point is just down this hall.’

‘Thank you,’ I reply genuinely. ‘I prefer Captain Hale, however. What’s your name, officer?’

‘Second Lieutenant Crahlstran Grithrawrclan, OSS Navy, Captain Hale,’ the man answers. ‘I’ve been assigned to you as your personal security representative. Are you injured?’

I immediately shake my head. ‘No, my suit took the damage. I’m fine. Where is m’Ton? Or the High Baron Grithrawr?’

‘At or en route to the safe-point. Please, if you will follow me, Captain,’ Crahl offers, extending his hand down the new corridor. With him leading the way, I follow as we descend further, until we reach another set of closed sliding doors. Crahl enters a command on the keypad, and they open. He stands aside to allow me to enter first.

Author Bio

James Siewert

James and his husband live in beautiful British Columbia, Canada. Part-time office drone, part-time storyteller, full-time sci-fi and fantasy enthusiast (and some spooky ghost tales), James couldn’t find enough stories involving guys like him and his hubby are: big men with big hearts, full of big ideas!

Taking matters into his own hand, James seeks to share high adventure, low-angst stories where the heroes are solid blokes who take centre stage. Come join the adventure and explore bold new worlds full of authentic characters, gripping scenes, lush imagination and a touch of mushy stuff – there’s a whole galaxy waiting for you to discover!

Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21531168.James_Siewert

Author Liminal Fiction (LimFic.com): https://www.limfic.com/mbm-book-author/james-siewert/

Author Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/James-Siewert/author/B095T25ZSB

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Captains of Oartheca Interview Questions

For Anthony Avina

What inspired you to write Captains of Oartheca?

As the next instalment of the Oarthecan Star Saga, Captains asks whether two people can remain true to each other in the face of ideological conflict, cultural clashes and all-out war. And not just war with a cannibalistic race of slavers, but war between yourself and the man you love. Captains of Oartheca seeks to answer that question.

How did your experience writing Allure of Oartheca influence Captains of Oartheca?

Allure was my first published novel and laid the foundations for brand spanking new universe that’s seen through the eyes of two unique men: a highly intelligent cyber-human wrestling with his morals, and a soft-hearted alien werebear from the other side of the galaxy. 

Those are two highly distinct lenses, and that meant having to step deep into their radically different ways of thinking. Yes, Rowland’s thoughts bounces around in his head—and so naturally, his inner monologue is going to reflect that. Toar loves to ramble on, so yes, he’s heavy-handed with his verbiage. It’s part of their character and part of what makes them more than just typical protagonists who act rather than think.

After Allure, there was a lot to feedback, especially around the topic of depth and detail. It seems that some folks crave the straightforward approach to novel writing, while others enjoy being so completely immersed in detail that the world feels alive enough to breathe on its own. Seems that while deep in a thick forest, some readers will feel lost, while others will feel found.

With Captains, I’ve tried to meet both groups halfway, despite Allure teaching me that some readers prefer their sci-fi served with a healthy dose of comfortable predictability and a ‘by-the-book’ story approach. 

Some readers found Allure heavy on world-building. How did you approach that balance in Captains?

In Allure, I established a universe from scratch, complete with its history, politics, biology, and languages. That necessitated focusing on the detail of my ‘rules’ for how my universe worked. Everything from a realistic system of faster-than-light travel to bringing authenticity and uniqueness to the cultures of never-seen-before species. No easy feat, but without these rules, science-fiction risks spilling into the world of magical fantasy.

But having put in the work, by Captains, I can trust the reader will know how to walk the surface of Oartheca without needing a hand to hold on to. The story’s streamlined, but I’ve not skimped on the lavish detail when there’s a call for it. True, not every reader will want to decode the important nuances of a high denning, but for those that do? Captain’s got you covered.

What do you want readers to take away from Captains of Oartheca?

That men-who-love men are more than just a genre or trope—we’re real people that exist, and our voices have a place in the universe. That men can be strong without needing a heart of stone. That empathy isn’t supposed to be easy. That love isn’t a blindfold. That sometimes, the cost is too high. That war changes everything, but war itself? War never changes.

How would you describe your evolution as a writer between Allure and Captains?

That I don’t need to apologise for being my authentic self. In Allure, I built the house. In Captains, I moved in. If someone wants to walk through the front door and join me, they’re very welcome. I’ve laid out a feast that will satiate a hungry soul. But if they’d rather stay outside and just critique the paint colour? That’s fine too. 

Blade Rider by Jaime A. Sevilla Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A young woman strives to be the first woman to become an Air Ranger and explore the cosmos in author Jaime A Sevilla’s “Blade Rider.”

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The Synopsis

In a future where stars map the last frontier and infinite space paves the road to dreams, Raven stands at the precipice of her world. In a vibrant, multi-species society filled with possibilities, she yearns to fly amongst the stars as an Air Ranger, an elite group of space pilots that navigate the cosmos and safeguard the world.

There’s only one catch: females aren’t allowed.

As Raven gets closer to her aspirations and learns what it takes to join them, she discovers lasting friendships, new challenges, and what it ultimately means to be a ranger.

Can Raven push beyond the boundaries of societal norms and break through the stratosphere of glass ceilings, or will her star-filled quest for acceptance remain out of reach? Join her on this high-stakes, interstellar ride and experience her exciting journey as she blazes her own path amongst the stars.

Based on the musical by Jaime A. Sevilla, Blade Rider spins an electrifying and poignant tale of courage, determination, and the relentless pursuit of dreams.

The Review

Immediately, what stood out to me about this incredible sci-fi novel was the seamless integration of music and songs into the narrative. As a companion to a musical album, the story naturally took on a lyrical style, not only infusing it with actual songs but also conveying intense emotional moments and powerful imagery throughout. The world-building and compelling character dynamics the story introduces helped balance the poetic quality of the author’s writing, which came to life on the page, and the music readers can listen to alongside it was equally mesmerizing and enthralling.

The heart of this narrative was in the strong themes the author explored. The sci-fi genre was very prevalent throughout this story, and the development of the Air Rangers, the politics and expectations that plagued the program, and the protagonist’s fight against them not only reflect problems in our own world but also showcase Raven’s evolution and growth as a protagonist. The compelling bond that forms between Raven and one of her allies in the story, and the way the narrative homes in on how both women and aliens are treated in this program, make the story so engaging and easy to get lost in.

AudiobooksNow

The Verdict

Harrowing, thrilling, and entertaining, author Jaime A Sevilla’s “Blade Rider” is a must-read (and must-listen to) sci-fi epic! The twists and turns, the inspiring and motivating themes, and the infusion of music, a hint of romance, and heart-pounding action will keep readers invested and eager to listen to the accompanying album. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy of this book on November 11th, 2025, or preorder your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Discover Jaime A. Sevilla, a lifelong musician, veteran educator, and accomplished composer who has skillfully combined his experience in the arts with music and storytelling as an emerging author.

With credentials from the Manhattan School of Music and New York University, his music has graced the stages of numerous concerts and festivals around the world. As both a musician and educator for over 20 years, Jaime has inspired countless students and audiences, working to cultivate a new generation of musicians.

His sources of inspiration include various types of caffeine, the soundtrack of cacophonous children (a daily remix), and his original music, which he eagerly shares with the world.

Connect with Jaime A. Sevilla for a glimpse into his exciting projects and explore his caffeinated world of music and literature.

https://jaimeasevilla.com/

https://amzn.to/476vSMe

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A World Apart by Alan M. Weber Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

An alien species arrives on earth to prevent the human race from destroying themselves, but not everything is as it seems in author Alan M. Weber’s “A World Apart”.

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The Synopsis

Existential Threats & Human Survival: A Cerebral Sci-Fi Epic Tackling Racism, War, Environmental Destruction and Societal Divisions.

Delve into the mind-bending universe of Alan M. Weber’s latest masterpiece, A World Apart. This gripping narrative takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster, exploring the depths of human existence and the looming threats that could lead to our extinction. 

The story unfolds as mysterious entities, having observed our self-destructive tendencies through centuries of war, injustice, and environmental degradation, decide to intervene. They present humanity with a seven-point survival program. But is this a lifeline or a leash? Are these entities our saviors or colonizers? And what else have they brought with them? The answers to these questions form the crux of this riveting tale.

Weber, known for his thought-provoking works like The Mensch, What Kimi Discovered, Miens of Existence, and The Wedge, once again showcases his knack for crafting socially conscious narratives. His storytelling prowess shines through this science fiction epic, reminiscent of a novel-length version of The Twilight Zone.

A World Apart is not just a tale of survival; it’s a mirror reflecting our societal divisions. It’s a call to action against the existential threats we face – environmental degradation, racism, war, and the erosion of freedom and justice. It’s a commentary on the gun control debate and a plea for unity in a world torn apart by fear and hate.

This book is a must-read for science fiction enthusiasts and political thriller aficionados alike. Its speculative elements are sure to captivate the former, while its exploration of contemporary issues will resonate with the latter. 

In A World Apart, Weber has created a world that is simultaneously familiar and alien, a world that forces us to confront the uncomfortable truths about our existence. It’s a world that asks us a simple yet profound question – must we save our Earth from them or from ourselves?

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The Review

This was such an insightful and compelling sci-fi novel. The fast pacing of the narrative helped showcase the seriousness and urgency of the novel’s themes, and the character development helped reflect relatable individuals and drive the plot forward naturally. The tension that grows and the heavy atmosphere surrounding this book’s premise shows a depth of intrigue that keeps the reader engaged with these characters.

The heart of the story is in the prominent themes that are featured. Sometimes, to see a problem clearly, one must be willing to take a step back and get an outside perspective on the situation. The author takes this to an extreme yet shockingly necessary place, with an alien race showing the hostility and destructive nature of mankind throughout the centuries and the threat to both ourselves and the planet mankind is. The question of morality, survival, decency, and camaraderie come into play brilliantly here, and the back-and-forth struggle as those seeking change come against those who refuse to see a brighter future charges the action moving forward in this narrative.

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, shocking, and entertaining author Alan M. Weber’s “A World Apart” is a must-read sci-fi meets philosophy and political thriller novel. The realistic depictions of the divided political lines so many people reside in nowadays and the shocking twists in the narrative will keep readers on the edge of their seats and paying attention to the realities mirrored in this book from our world. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Alan M. Weber was born in the Bronx, NY, and now lives in Woodstock. Always a writer, he gave poetry readings around Manhattan’s Greenwich Village in his early twenties, engaged in political activism in college, and wrote extensively in his professional field of Education. Approaching his retirement from a field in which he had worked as a teacher, school administrator and professor of early childhood education, he began a second, long-delayed career as a novelist. He has authored seven books, two for children, five for adults, spanning themes of politics, meta-psychology and the power of love.

The Weber Site: The Author Website for Alan M. Weber

Taking Time: A Tale of Physics, Lust and Greed by Mike Murphey Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

An unlikely candidate for time travel pioneer finds himself thrust into the spotlight as both the military and corporate sides of the projects funding go to war with one another in author Mike Murphey’s “Taking Time”, the first book in the Physics, Lust and Greed series.

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The Synopsis

The year is 2044. Housed in a secret complex beneath the eastern Arizona desert, a consortium of governments and corporations have undertaken a program on the scale of the Manhattan Project to bludgeon the laws of physics into submission and make time travel a reality. Fraught with insecurities, Marshall Grissom has spent his whole life trying not to call attention to himself, so he can’t imagine he would be remotely suited for the role of time travel pioneer. He’s even less enthusiastic about this corporate time-travel adventure when he learns that nudity is a job requirement. The task would better match the talents of candidates like the smart and beautiful Sheila Schuler, or the bristle-tough and rattlesnake-mean Marta Hamilton. As the project evolves into a clash between science and corporate greed, conflicts escalate. Those contributing the funding are mostly interested in manipulating time travel for profit, and will stop at nothing, including murder, to achieve their goals.

The Review

I am a big fan of time travel sci-fi stories, and this one hits that genre perfectly. The rich character interactions and relationships brought humor and intrigue to this narrative, as did the engaging use of imagery in the author’s writing style. The vast world-building and atmosphere that the author created instantly make the reader feel immersed in the story.

The two things that made this story stand out the most are the technical aspects of the time travel elements and the themes of corporate greed and government oversight. Early on in the book, the use of time travel shows the characters merging with their past selves, giving a different take on the time travel story. Meanwhile, the exploration of how corporations and governments interact with one another, the drawback of greed taking hold, and how it impacts the work being done made this a thoughtful first entry into this series.

The Verdict

Memorable, thoughtful, and engaging author Michael Murphey’s “Taking Time” is a must-read sci-fi novel. The detail and incredible world the author created, along with the blend of humor and wit in the dialogue, helped push through the twists and turns this narrative needed and made for a brilliant first chapter in this series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Michael Murphey grew up in Eastern New Mexico, and spent nearly thirty years as a newspaper journalist in the Southwest and Pacific Northwest. Following his retirement from journalism in 1998, Murphey began his second career in baseball, where he is one of three partners in a company called Dave Henderson Baseball Adventures, which produces the Oakland Athletics and Seattle Mariners fantasy camps as well as other adult amateur baseball events throughout the country. His life as an old man baseball player has also afforded him time in recent years to resume writing. He has been an avid lover of the written word all his life. He divides his time among Spokane, Washington, Phoenix, Arizona, and Fort Myers, Florida.

Carved from Wood (Crafting Humanity Book 2) by Brendan O’Meara Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A group of warriors must set out to dangerous new lands in author Brendan O’Meara’s “Carved From Wood”, the second book in the Crafting Humanity series.

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The Synopsis

Join James and the team as they confront their invaders in the Southern Federation.

After witnessing the devastating power of the BlankZone James and his team head South. Their self-ascribed mission is to explore the most dangerous place on the planet – the new BlankZone border in the Southern Federation.

While conspiracies drive the narrative in the North, James and his team set out to learn about the Federation’s mysterious aggressors. Jump back into the adventure as James and his friends discover new families, build allies, and come face to face with the enemy threatening their existence. Secrets, lies, and manipulation are exposed as James gets closer than he ever imagined to their greatest threat.

Sequel to the Next Generation Indie Young New Adult book award Cut From Stone.

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The Review

This was such a gripping and powerful read. The author immediately transports readers into the action, showcasing the protagonist and his allies after going AWOL and heading out alone. The tension and world-building the author does and expands upon in this novel are remarkable to see come to life on the page, as they help elevate the character arcs and the action considerably.

However, it was the balance the author struck between the intense action and the themes explored throughout this novel. The author manages to touch upon the horrors of war uniquely, showcasing how those in power wage the war, and innocent people are often caught in the middle of that war, with rarely anyone to protect them when it shows up at their door. The way the author explores this new territory, the BlankZone, and its similarities and differences with the Federation brought a sense of familiarity and relatability to the narrative.

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The Verdict

Action-packed, heartfelt, and entertaining author Brendan O’Meara’s “Carved from Wood” is a must-read sci-fi novel. The shocking twists and turns in the story and the vast amount of world-building leave readers eager to dive further into the author’s world. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Raised in White Plains, New York, Brendan O’Meara formed a love of stories and books from a young age. He has spent his free time over the last decade crafting his debut novel, Cut From Stone, book one in the Crafting Humanity series.

It began in Philadelphia where he attended college daydreaming about a dystopian reality. With a vivid imagination (as described by his middle school teachers) and a passion for adventure, Brendan’s novels will transport you to a different life and capture you from cover to cover.

Brendan lives in Washington, DC with his daughter, wife, and two dogs. You will find him on the weekends drinking a beer watching the Packers and Notre Dame football games. He is an avid reader with a specific interest in sci-fi, anything dystopian, fantasy, history, and all levels of fiction.

Brendan would love to hear from you, feel free to contact him any time at brendan.omeara@craftinghumanity.com.

Finally, visit craftinghumanity.com and sign up for our email lists for news, updates, and information on the rest of the Crafting Humanity series. We will not spam you!

Quantum Consequence (A Tale of Physics, Lust and Greed Book 5) by Mike Murphey Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Two time-travelers must confront the truth of who they are in order to face a deadly threat in a parallel universe in author Mike Murphey’s “Quantum Consequence”, the fifth book in the A Tale of Physics, Lust and Greed series.

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The Synopsis

After foiling the political ambitions of a would-be American dictator, time-traveling lovers Marta Hamilton and Marshall Grissom return to their life in the Caribbean only to confront the murder of a friend and inherit responsibility for a gutsy 10-year old boy. Throughout their unlikely and tumultuous relationship, Marta has harbored suspicions that her time-traveling companion is not being honest with her. Is Marshall really the bumbling, good-hearted klutz she has come to love and trust? Or is he the cunning, cold-blooded assassin Gillis Kerg suspects him to be? In this fifth tale of physics, lust and greed, a bizarre parallel universe and a monstrous product of artificial intelligence will impose a costly consequence requiring both Marta and Marshall to face the truth of her most haunting question: “Who are you, Marshall Grissom?”

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The Review

This perfectly complex, driven narrative immediately thrusts readers into the action. The immense world-building that the author brings to life on the page gives readers a brilliant look at the scope of the universe this series inhabits, and the detail that goes into each setting gives the story an almost cinematic quality. The heavy use of sci-fi elements like time travel and parallel worlds adds depth and fantastic imagery to the narrative.

The balance of humor and heart defined the book itself. For a rich sci-fi narrative, the author did an incredible job of constantly infusing humor into the dialogue and situations the protagonists found themselves in, adding fresh air and levity to the dangers they found themselves in. Yet amongst the humor, the characters also exhibited heart, showcasing a depth of emotions and feelings between themselves and for themselves, as both Marshall and Marta grew and evolved to new levels in this story.

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The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and entertaining author Mike Murphey’s “Quantum Consequence” is a fantastic humorous sci-fi narrative that readers will happily get lost in. The twists and turns in the story and the shocking and emotional final chapters will keep readers on the edge of their seats, eager for more from this incredible author. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

A native of eastern New Mexico, Mike Murphey spent nearly thirty years as an award-winning newspaper journalist in the Southwest and Pacific Northwest. Following his retirement from news journalism, he and his wife Nancy entered in a seventeen-year partnership with the late Dave Henderson, all-star centerfielder for the Oakland Athletics, Boston Red Sox and Seattle Mariners.

Our company, Dave Henderson Baseball, produced the Oakland A’s and Seattle Mariners Fantasy Camps for twenty years. The Murpheys have also partnered with the Roy Hobbs adult baseball organization in Fort Myers, Florida. Mike’s love of fiction, cats, baseball and sailing affords him to split his time between Spokane, Washington, and Phoenix, Arizona, where he enjoys life as a writer and old-man baseball player.

To receive a free Short Story – OLD MAN BASEBALL here …. https://www.mikemurpheybooks.com/freebies

or visit my website ….https://www.mikemurpheybooks.com/

Interview with Author Owen B. Greenwald

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

My fourth grade teacher, Roger, loved to give his students creative writing assignments. Every few weeks or so, we’d write new stories and take turns reading them aloud to the class. The day I decided I would get into writing, I had just finished reading my latest story. As we were dismissed for recess, Roger took me aside. I don’t remember everything he said to me, but I do remember one sentence: “If you don’t grow up to be a writer, I’m gonna kick your ass.”

It was exactly the sort of blunt, irreverent, vaguely threatening advice my younger self needed. I was a bright kid—reading and numbers came easily to me—but those assignments were abstract tasks, always given within the context of school. I did them because they were given to me to do. With Roger’s words, writing assignments took on new importance. If I did them well enough, and got better, maybe it could be my job. I could write books just like the ones I read, making people fall in love, as I had, with characters from distant, fantastical lands. I took writing more seriously after that. 

Roger’s expectations stayed with me all the way through college; I left school with degrees in literary arts and writing for performance, as well as a contract to complete six young adult novels. That was the start of my writing career, and I’m determined to keep at it! Not only is it fun and freeing, I also get to stave off my perpetual fear of Roger showing up and kicking my ass if I give up.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

I’ll be honest—my coauthor Paul and I are big Star Wars fans. When we first decided to write a book together, the Star Wars sequel trilogy was coming out, and a lot of our conversations ended up revolving around Star Wars as a result. All of those discussions generated a lot of ideas: characters and worlds it might have been fun to see, alternate ways that plot points could have played out, themes that went under-explored, etc. After a certain point, we realized we had enough original ideas to write our own book.

By virtue of this, Weapons of the Mind shares a lot of DNA with Star Wars. In some places, we haven’t even been that subtle about it. But the story, characters, and world of Weapons are all us, and it’s going somewhere truly special. There are some scenes that haven’t been written yet that I am vibrating with excitement to talk about.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

Weapons of the Mind is the first book in a planned trilogy, which was conceived as a single connected story. Therefore, it’s difficult to answer this question without revealing too much about what the next two books have in store for Tala and her crew.

I can say that symbolic death and rebirth are at the heart of Weapons of the Mind. When you lose everything, how do you move forward? What do you build to occupy the space left by your former life? Every major character in Weapons of the Mind has at some point been confronted with these questions, and their answers are key to who they have (or will) become. For any reader going through hard times, unsure what lies ahead, I hope they come away with this: No matter how far or hard you fall, you can always get back up.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

I grew up on science fiction and fantasy, and those genres remain my favorites to this day. When you read a genre enough, you get a feel for the narrative conventions, a sort of instinct that helps the plot unfold in front of you. Ideas tied to science fiction and fantasy come more readily, and in brighter colors. My first series, The Big Bet, was far more grounded in the real world than I’m generally comfortable with, and so I was ready for my next project to explore new, uncharted horizons. 

5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

I would ask Tala to Enhance me*! Perhaps this is a copout of an answer, but I’m so curious as to how it would feel. Paul and I wrote Enhancement as a rush: a heady, exuberant feeling that I would love to try. I’d also like to try eating a meal with Enhanced tastebuds, et cetera. It would be a once-in-a-lifetime, unforgettable experience.

*For those unfamiliar: Enhancers like Tala can channel energy into themselves or others, increasing specific targeted attributes. 

For a less selfish answer, I’d love to pick Arcus’s brain about the largest problems facing our society. I likely wouldn’t have the stomach for his solutions—he’s ruthless, even cruel, in pursuit of his goals. But he’s very good at comprehending problems in their totality, and seeing him work through issues like climate change, artificial intelligence, and microplastic contamination would be fascinating in and of itself. And maybe I’d get lucky and he’d give me answers that didn’t involve any murder!

…Maybe I’d just ask Quarack how to play krukki. 

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6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

I have not engaged much with social media. I find it tiresome. Yet, these days, it’s more important than ever to reach your audience. I’m almost certainly handicapping my book by not being more active on social media sites, but I’m hoping a combination of advertising, community engagement (local and online), and positive word of mouth will be enough to overcome that disadvantage.

On the other hand, social media platforms are increasingly overrun with bots and ads, and AI seems poised to exacerbate this trend. Combine that with new studies on the detrimental effects of social media, and it seems possible that they will play less of a centralizing role in a book’s success. If that happens, I hope their replacement is something I find more pleasant.

7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

Write! 

It seems simple, but that really is the most important step, and it’s a step that a lot of hopeful writers never take. There is no substitute for putting words on a page. They don’t have to be good words. In fact, it’s almost guaranteed they won’t be. But the worst case scenario is, you toss them out and try again. More likely, you have a foundation that you can revise. It is so much easier to start from something than to start from nothing, so give yourself that something. The more you write, the more you’ll develop your voice, and the easier it will be to write more. 

If you don’t have time, get inventive. Write on your lunch break. Dictate sentences on your commute. Don’t worry about being profound or changing the world. Just write, and the rest will take care of itself.

8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

Fans of Shakespeare will want to check out Midsummer Night, available soon on my website! A new spin on an age-old story, Midsummer Night seamlessly melds William Shakespeare’s timeless writing with original, Elizabethan-style prose. In this reimagining of the Bard’s most beloved comedy, responsibility, agency, and trust take center stage—and mortals and fairies alike must earn their happy endings.

Fans of Fire Emblem should look up Anna’s Roundtable, a board game true to the beloved video game series. This love letter to the Fire Emblem franchise plays brilliantly (and is absolutely gorgeous). I was asked to lead design for the expansion, and preorders open soon!

Paul and I are hard at work on the Weapons of the Mind sequel. While we can’t share many details about it yet, it’s shaping up to be an amazing second installment that will push Tala further than ever before, introduce some memorable new characters, and answer some of the burning questions left over from book 1. Also in the Weapons-verse, we’re planning to release a novella that gives readers a look at a very different part of the galaxy. How does it tie in with the Weapons storyline? You’ll have to wait and see…

In my spare time between projects, I try to make progress on a very long fantasy epic that draws a lot of inspiration from stories of King Arthur while exploring a rough approximation of the current political landscape. It’s meant to be a look at how kingdoms fall, not through invasion or any external force, but by the efforts of bad actors, the friction of petty grievances, and the failures of a system beyond the power of any lone individual to change. This one will take a very long time, but I’m very pleased with it so far and I think it will be worth the wait.

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About the Author

Owen B Greenwald is the award-winning author of the Big Bet series and of Weapons Of The Mind, set for release in November 2023 from Will Dreamly Arts Publishing. He is also the lead designer for the board game Anna’s Roundtable. He lives in Santa Clara, CA with his wife Jenna and his dog Kubo. He is an ardent believer in the power of stories to enrich and transform lives.

Despite the incoming glut of AI-generated entertainment, Owen plans to keep writing. 

www.owenbgreenwald.com

Pegasus: A Journey to New Eden by James L. Hill Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Two people set on a course for a new world to escape the madness of Earth discover hidden secrets on the ship they call home in author James L. Hill’s “Pegasus: A Journey to New Eden”.

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The Synopsis

Zack and Zuri are set to embark on the Pegasus for New Eden, an unknown and unexplored planet four light years from Earth. For Zack, four light years isn’t nearly far enough from the madness that has been mankind’s history. For Zuri, it is a chance to have the family she has so long desired. Pegasus is humanity’s greatest invention, a modern day Noah’s Ark, set to spread civilization to the stars. But Pegasus has secrets which some will do anything to possess, and Zack and Zuri have yet to discover. A journey to New Eden is an emotional rollercoaster that will take the pair to the depths of despair, launch them beyond heavenly delights, and into the heart and soul of humanity.

Pegasus, the first starship, will take the best that the world has to offer and transplant it on another world. Readers are taken on an emotional rollercoaster as the only two people to escape the escalating madness must wrestle control of the ship from its Artificial Intelligence and restore faith in human dignity. In this work, readers see a future that is just around the corner. Beware, technology advances faster than our knowledge of what to do with it.

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The Review

What a truly epic and engaging sci-fi read. The world-building was incredible in this book, as the author not only layered the narrative with futuristic technology and the space spiders and their terrifying power, but the hero’s journey itself that these characters went on spoke to the scope of the universe that the narrative resided in.

The character development was impressive to see come to life on the page. Zack is a fantastic protagonist forced to work for a corporation in a world where corporations have more power than governments. Zuri, his beloved, is a strong female protagonist who is the perfect partner, and he compliments Zack on their adventures together. The imagery and atmosphere the author develops as the ship travels to New Eden and the shocking juxtaposition between the ship’s A.I. and the humanity Zack and Zuri represent make this an incredible story.

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The Verdict

Memorable, entertaining, and remarkable, author James L. Hill’s “Pegasus: A Journey to New Eden” is a must-read sci-fi thriller. The thought-provoking nature of the narrative and our relation to corporations and technology made the story vibrant and alive on the page, and the twists and turns in the book’s final pages will keep readers engaged and eager for more from the author. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

A native New Yorker, born and raised in the Bronx, James L Hill spent his adolescence years in Fort Apache, the South Bronx 41st precinct during the 60’s, during a time when you needed to have a gang to go to the store. Raised on blues, soul, and rock and roll gave him the heart of a flower child. Educated by the turmoil of Vietnam, Civil Rights, and the Sexual Revolution produced a gladiator. Realizing the precariousness of life gave him an adventurous outlook and willingness to try anything once, and if it did not kill him, maybe twice. 12 years of Catholic education and a couple of years in college spread between wild drug induce euphoric years, which did not kill him, gave James an unique moral compass that swings in any direction it wants. A scientific mind and a spirit that believes nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough guides his writings. He enjoys traveling to new places and seeing what life has to offer. James began writing short stories and poetry back in his early years. In his twenties moved on to novels. He worked in the financial industry and later got a degree in computer programming, his other love. James has a successful career as a software engineer designing, developing and maintaining systems for the government and the private sector. He has been programming for nearly forty years in various languages. After years in the computer world he returned to his first love, unleashing the characters in his head. Still a hopeless insomniac, he feels free to pound out plots. James L Hill is a prolific storyteller writing crime stories, fantasies, and science fiction, with a slant on the dark side of life. The next step on his journey naturally led to the business of publishing. He started RockHill Publishing LLC not only to produce his own work, but to give others access to the literary world. His computer background and experiences in word processing gives him insight into what it takes to publish good books.

https://www.jlhill-books.com/index.html

Weapons of the Mind (The Renegades Trilogy Book 1) by Paul Kivelson and Owen B. Greenwald Review/Preview

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A woman must flee the order she spent her life serving when she is framed for a mission gone wrong in authors Paul Kivelson and Owen B. Greenwald’s “Weapons of the Mind”, the first book in the Renegades Trilogy.

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The Synopsis

Master your emotions. Perform your duty. Follow the Tenets. Tala has lived these rules for twenty years: the rules of an Enhancer. Then a mission goes wrong, and she finds herself framed, branded Renegade, and called to face judgment. Fleeing means violating the Tenets, the moral precepts of her order. Yet in that moment, she finds she cannot stay.

Hunted by the endless forces of the Galactic Coalition and her own mentor, famed Renegade killer Exemplar Scratch, Tala will pursue the proof of her innocence to the very heart of the galaxy. But cling as she might to the tatters of her honor, she cannot deny the true purpose of her mission: revenge. And the further Tala strays from the Tenets’ path, the greater the risk she runs of losing herself.

In a galaxy of strange aliens and hostile humans, danger casts its shadow on every wall. Friendships are forged, lost, and tested. And the lies that keep the galaxy running just might be about to come crashing down.

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The Review

Upon delving into this book, one is immediately struck by its unique atmosphere. The narrative is steeped in a chilling tension, allowing readers to experience the protagonist’s struggle in a way that is both captivating and unsettling. The familiar theme of overcoming adversity is masterfully woven into the story, adding depth and resonance to the narrative. 

The heart of this narrative was in the world-building and mythos of the universe the authors created. The detail that went into the worlds that made up this galaxy and the alien species that populated those worlds, as well as the corporations and government agencies that helped funnel the cast of characters into such a tense narrative, made this feel like the perfect read for those who enjoy Star Wars and Mass Effect. The mystery surrounding the reason for protagonist Tala’s frame and the emotional challenge to maintain her duty and sense of worthwhile searching for answers and staying alive all allowed the worlds around her to flourish and feel alive on the page.

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The Verdict

Thoughtfully crafted, mesmerizing, and entertaining, authors Paul Kivelson and Owen B. Greenwald’s “Weapons of the Mind” is a must-read epic sci-fi meets space opera. The drama, the tension, and the thrilling adventure readers are promised are elevated to new heights with outstanding character development and remarkable world-building that will keep readers eager for more from this fantastic writing duo. 

If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Authors

Paul Kivelson studied creative writing at Stanford with his undergraduate advisor Adam Johnson. His fiction has been published in the Adelaide Literary Magazine and the Schuylkill Valley Journal. Currently, he is pursuing a master’s degree in family therapy. His most recent work, Weapons of the Mind, is being released by Will Dreamly Arts and Publishing. But he is best known for his love of board games and his tendency to world-build more ideas than he’d ever possibly have time to write.

https://www.paulkivelson.com

Owen B Greenwald is the award-winning author of the Big Bet series and of Weapons Of The Mind, set for release in November 2023 from Will Dreamly Arts Publishing. He is also the lead designer for the board game Anna’s Roundtable. He lives in Santa Clara, CA with his wife Jenna and his dog Kubo. He is an ardent believer in the power of stories to enrich and transform lives.

Despite the incoming glut of AI-generated entertainment, Owen plans to keep writing. Join him at www.owenbgreenwald.com