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By: Albert Robbins,
on 4/18/2013
About Your Book One Day in 2056 & Other Stories
My book, which is a short story collection, is titled "One Day in 2056 & Other Stories." While the title story is, in fact, set in the future, this...
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By: Albert Robbins,
on 4/17/2013
Description from Amazon
Secrets...we all have them.
Do you have a secret nobody knows? Not even your spouse?
Gwen Michaels is a former assassin, emphasis on former. She walked away two years ago and had no plans to share her secret, least of all with her husband Jack. But when she is attacked in her own home by an unknown assailant, she is thrust back into her old element.
More shocking to Gwen than the man hired to kill her, is that he knows nothing of her past. Now Gwen and Jack are on the run until Gwen can discover who wants her dead, and why!
Secrets is a fun thriller delving into the world of developing super computer chips and industrial espionage!
Review
Overall Feedback - Although the storyline has been seen before, I decided to give this one a try and I am sure glad I did. The action started in the beginning and did not let me go until I was finished. The author gave enough weakness to his character to make her butt-kicking believable and relatable.
Point of View - Gwen tells you her story.
Voice - I would have to read it again in order to figure out the author's voice. Like I need an excuse to read this one again.
Character Development - You will be surprised at how fast you will relate to the characters in this one.
Plot - Straightforward and action packed.
Dialogue - Seemed natural and flowing.
Pacing - Non Stop action packed keeping you thumbing through the pages.
Setting - Spies/Agents/Special Ops can be anywhere.
Continuity - Not one line out of place. A few errors but nothing that will ruin the read.
Where to Find
Amazon
GoodReads
Barnes and Noble
Smashwords
By: Albert Robbins,
on 4/17/2013
Description from Amazon
Secrets...we all have them.
Do you have a secret nobody knows? Not even your spouse?
Gwen Michaels is a former assassin, emphasis on former. She walked away two years ago and had no plans to share her secret, least of all with her husband Jack. But when she is attacked in her own home by an unknown assailant, she is thrust back into her old element.
More shocking to Gwen than the man hired to kill her, is that he knows nothing of her past. Now Gwen and Jack are on the run until Gwen can discover who wants her dead, and why!
Secrets is a fun thriller delving into the world of developing super computer chips and industrial espionage!
Review
Overall Feedback - Although the storyline has been seen before, I decided to give this one a try and I am sure glad I did. The action started in the beginning and did not let me go until I was finished. The author gave enough weakness to his character to make her butt-kicking believable and relatable.
Point of View - Gwen tells you her story.
Voice - I would have to read it again in order to figure out the author's voice. Like I need an excuse to read this one again.
Character Development - You will be surprised at how fast you will relate to the characters in this one.
Plot - Straightforward and action packed.
Dialogue - Seemed natural and flowing.
Pacing - Non Stop action packed keeping you thumbing through the pages.
Setting - Spies/Agents/Special Ops can be anywhere.
Continuity - Not one line out of place. A few errors but nothing that will ruin the read.
Where to Find
Amazon
GoodReads
Barnes and Noble
Smashwords
By: Albert Robbins,
on 4/17/2013
Description from Amazon
Secrets...we all have them.
Do you have a secret nobody knows? Not even your spouse?
Gwen Michaels is a former assassin, emphasis on former. She walked away two years ago...
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By: Albert Robbins,
on 4/17/2013
Description from Amazon
Tim and Anthony are very different people, leading very different lives, following different careers in different cities. Tim is a conformist: office job, moderately successful, and teetering on the brink of a premature midlife crisis. Anthony is a rebellious non-conformist: a writer who sneers at the humdrum and derides 'corporate sell-outs.' But are they really so very different? The two narratives of From Destinations Set trace these characters' activities as they occur in parallel - not only in terms of time, but also literally, with the page divided into two columns with one story in the left, the other in the right. As events and personalities unravel in each of the two separate stories, the similarities, rather than the differences, become apparent. But more than this, as the two plots develop, questions are raised as to precisely who's writing the script: is Tim's dislocation symptomatic of his breakdown, or is there some connection between him and Anthony?
Review
Overall Feedback - I had a hard time getting into this one. The story seemed a bit lacking for the first 3 or 4 chapters but then it began to pick up and I began to get use to this author's style. If you are looking for poetic use of wording then this is your book, if not then may I suggest a pass on this one.
Point of View - This one is set from two characters point of view that comes together in the end.
Voice - I did not catch much on this author's voice in this one but I can tell you that this author is a poet with wording.
Character Development - To some the clashing perspectives may cause confusion of character, but hang in there as it is worth it in the end.
Plot - Although well done I think in parts that the author confuses the reader with the two main personalities.
Dialogue - Very well done.
Pacing - It took me three days to get over the hump of the first 3 or 4 chapters and the 2 hours to finish.
Setting - No issue.
Continuity - I think that the splitting of character perspectives at first hinders the reader but then it quickly adds to the reading experience.
Where to Find
Amazon
Amazon UK
GoodReads
By: Albert Robbins,
on 4/17/2013
Description from Amazon
Tim and Anthony are very different people, leading very different lives, following different careers in different cities. Tim is a conformist: office job, moderately successful, and teetering on the brink of a premature midlife crisis. Anthony is a rebellious non-conformist: a writer who sneers at the humdrum and derides 'corporate sell-outs.' But are they really so very different? The two narratives of From Destinations Set trace these characters' activities as they occur in parallel - not only in terms of time, but also literally, with the page divided into two columns with one story in the left, the other in the right. As events and personalities unravel in each of the two separate stories, the similarities, rather than the differences, become apparent. But more than this, as the two plots develop, questions are raised as to precisely who's writing the script: is Tim's dislocation symptomatic of his breakdown, or is there some connection between him and Anthony?
Review
Overall Feedback - I had a hard time getting into this one. The story seemed a bit lacking for the first 3 or 4 chapters but then it began to pick up and I began to get use to this author's style. If you are looking for poetic use of wording then this is your book, if not then may I suggest a pass on this one.
Point of View - This one is set from two characters point of view that comes together in the end.
Voice - I did not catch much on this author's voice in this one but I can tell you that this author is a poet with wording.
Character Development - To some the clashing perspectives may cause confusion of character, but hang in there as it is worth it in the end.
Plot - Although well done I think in parts that the author confuses the reader with the two main personalities.
Dialogue - Very well done.
Pacing - It took me three days to get over the hump of the first 3 or 4 chapters and the 2 hours to finish.
Setting - No issue.
Continuity - I think that the splitting of character perspectives at first hinders the reader but then it quickly adds to the reading experience.
Where to Find
Amazon
Amazon UK
GoodReads
By: Albert Robbins,
on 4/17/2013
Description from Amazon
Tim and Anthony are very different people, leading very different lives, following different careers in different cities. Tim is a conformist: office job, moderately...
[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
By: Albert Robbins,
on 4/9/2013
Description from Amazon
Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award (ABNA) Entry - this eBook is a sample of the first 3,000-5,000 words; it is not the full book. The ABNA contest is operated on Amazon.com only. Visit this entry on Amazon.com to leave customer feedback. To vote for the Grand Prize winner starting May 21, visit www.amazon.com/ABNA.
With a childhood spent bouncing between foster homes, Alissa Jacobs has always wondered what it would be like to be part of a normal family. But with a drug-addicted mom, a wanna-be thief for a brother, and a long-vanished dad, it's not likely she will ever find out. When Alissa learns that her mom is being released from prison and wants custody again, she decides it's time to take matters into her own hands. Alissa and her older brother Trent head north to find the father neither of them remembers in one last ditch attempt to create an ordinary family for themselves. But some things just aren't meant to be and happily-ever-after may not be in the plans for Alissa. The journey from Bakersfield to Seattle is strewn with misadventures as she and Trent find themselves caught up in frightening situations, encounters with the police, and unexpected betrayals. Alissa is forced to grapple with the unintended consequences of her decisions as she faces her deepest fears. And confronting questions she has long avoided may be the only way for her to break the bonds of her past. Run Away Home is a captivating 57,000 word young adult novel that stretches our understanding of what it means to be part of a family.
Review
Overall - We are introduced to two characters that are running away. What are they running from? How did the get where they where? What happened with their mom? These are the questions that are thrown out by the story. The author created a perfect beginning and hooked the reader right away. I have no doubts that those that are enveloped by the YA genre will no doubt love this book.
Point of View - Your are learning and living the story through the narration of Alissa.
Character Development - We already have a sense of kinship with Alissa and a sort of intrigue with her brother. If the author can do this with just 3000 to 5000 words imagine what they can do with 57,000.
Plot - As it stands we are quite intrigued.
Dialogue - A bit out of the realm of teenagers but when put into the context of what we know about their lives then it hits closer to home.
Pacing - Thus far the story is progressing quite well.
Setting - No issues.
Continuity - May want to check editing as there are a couple places that points of view are garbled.
By: Albert Robbins,
on 4/9/2013
Description from Amazon
Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award (ABNA) Entry - this eBook is a sample of the first 3,000-5,000 words; it is not the full book. The ABNA contest is operated on Amazon.com only. Visit this entry on Amazon.com to leave customer feedback. To vote for the Grand Prize winner starting May 21, visit www.amazon.com/ABNA.
With a childhood spent bouncing between foster homes, Alissa Jacobs has always wondered what it would be like to be part of a normal family. But with a drug-addicted mom, a wanna-be thief for a brother, and a long-vanished dad, it's not likely she will ever find out. When Alissa learns that her mom is being released from prison and wants custody again, she decides it's time to take matters into her own hands. Alissa and her older brother Trent head north to find the father neither of them remembers in one last ditch attempt to create an ordinary family for themselves. But some things just aren't meant to be and happily-ever-after may not be in the plans for Alissa. The journey from Bakersfield to Seattle is strewn with misadventures as she and Trent find themselves caught up in frightening situations, encounters with the police, and unexpected betrayals. Alissa is forced to grapple with the unintended consequences of her decisions as she faces her deepest fears. And confronting questions she has long avoided may be the only way for her to break the bonds of her past. Run Away Home is a captivating 57,000 word young adult novel that stretches our understanding of what it means to be part of a family.
Review
Overall - We are introduced to two characters that are running away. What are they running from? How did the get where they where? What happened with their mom? These are the questions that are thrown out by the story. The author created a perfect beginning and hooked the reader right away. I have no doubts that those that are enveloped by the YA genre will no doubt love this book.
Point of View - Your are learning and living the story through the narration of Alissa.
Character Development - We already have a sense of kinship with Alissa and a sort of intrigue with her brother. If the author can do this with just 3000 to 5000 words imagine what they can do with 57,000.
Plot - As it stands we are quite intrigued.
Dialogue - A bit out of the realm of teenagers but when put into the context of what we know about their lives then it hits closer to home.
Pacing - Thus far the story is progressing quite well.
Setting - No issues.
Continuity - May want to check editing as there are a couple places that points of view are garbled. 
By: Albert Robbins,
on 4/9/2013
Description from Amazon
Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award (ABNA) Entry - this eBook is a sample of the first 3,000-5,000 words; it is not the full book. The ABNA contest is operated on Amazon.com...
[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
By: Albert Robbins,
on 4/9/2013
Description from Amazon
Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award (ABNA) Entry - this eBook is a sample of the first 3,000-5,000 words; it is not the full book. The ABNA contest is operated on Amazon.com only. Visit this entry on Amazon.com to leave customer feedback. To vote for the Grand Prize winner starting May 21, visit www.amazon.com/ABNA.
When 23-year old Dimitri's parents were killed in a car accident, he failed his college finals and ended up taking the only job he could get—writing obituaries for a newspaper in a decaying New England town. Tasked with covering the traditional Halloween feature, staying overnight at the "haunted" Aspinwall mansion, Dimitri thinks he's in for the standard paranormal cliché—creaking staircases and psychic babble provided by Maddy, a polyester-wearing channeler. He's joined by his nemesis Nate, the idiot weight-lifting son of his boss who spends the night trying to hit on his friend Lisa, who he can't quite bring himself to ask out on a date. He wishes something supernatural would happen if only to distract Lisa from Nate's playbook.The spirits obey him.Maddy starts to convulse, the floor gives way beneath her, and she crashes to the basement below. While attempting a rescue, Dimitri steps on the rotting cover an old well and he plummets into its dark, watery abyss. When he tries to kick his way to the surface, something inhumanly strong clutches his leg, pulling him back down. Dimitri is sure he's going to die.But he doesn't; instead he regains consciousness in the morgue. The creature in the well was just a hallucination, the result of his brain slowly atrophying from a lack of oxygen. Or so he hopes.Because from that point on, nothing is the same. People in Goshen start to die, torn to pieces by a vicious serial killer. He's haunted by dreams of Poe, the dangerous female entity from the well who hints at a mysterious connection between his parents, the legendary Rasputin, and Aspinwall. His nightmares bleed into his waking life, and he knows that either he's having a psychotic break, or something truly evil has been unleashed.
Review
Overall Feedback - I found this one to be a bit hard to come to an overall feeling for. At first I was going to deliver some hard and critical beliefs about writing but I then re-read this sample and am now certain that my original view must be changed. This author found a way to un-nerve their reader but still keep the reading tongue and cheek. I can see that there is still plenty of story to cover what will inevitably make for a great story but in these 15 pages that the author is able to give we learn enough to give us the feeling of repulsion of the main character. Dimitri and his attitude begin to push at us and our sense of duty to being an adult or our sense of not being happy with what we are doing. This is where we want to not like the book. Any author that can do this is talented in my view.
View Point - We are in the mind of Dimitri, a 20/30 something unhappy individual.
Voice - This is so short that you can only glimpse the voice but I do believe the author is going to cover the ideas of doing what makes one happy instead of what makes one wealthy.
Character Development - Anytime the main character can be empathized with and still make me want to slap them upside the head, you have got my thumbs up on development of characters.
Plot - Believable and sufficient for an opening that would make me continue turning pages.
Dialogue - A bit stilted and un-natural. The flow seemed a bit off for me.
Pacing - Did not really get pushed through the pages or story. The author may need to work on areas of their story that hinder the reader from becoming fully immersed.
Setting - No issue in this area.
Continuity - No issue in this area.
By: Albert Robbins,
on 4/9/2013
Description from Amazon
Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award (ABNA) Entry - this eBook is a sample of the first 3,000-5,000 words; it is not the full book. The ABNA contest is operated on Amazon.com only. Visit this entry on Amazon.com to leave customer feedback. To vote for the Grand Prize winner starting May 21, visit www.amazon.com/ABNA.
When 23-year old Dimitri's parents were killed in a car accident, he failed his college finals and ended up taking the only job he could get—writing obituaries for a newspaper in a decaying New England town. Tasked with covering the traditional Halloween feature, staying overnight at the "haunted" Aspinwall mansion, Dimitri thinks he's in for the standard paranormal cliché—creaking staircases and psychic babble provided by Maddy, a polyester-wearing channeler. He's joined by his nemesis Nate, the idiot weight-lifting son of his boss who spends the night trying to hit on his friend Lisa, who he can't quite bring himself to ask out on a date. He wishes something supernatural would happen if only to distract Lisa from Nate's playbook.The spirits obey him.Maddy starts to convulse, the floor gives way beneath her, and she crashes to the basement below. While attempting a rescue, Dimitri steps on the rotting cover an old well and he plummets into its dark, watery abyss. When he tries to kick his way to the surface, something inhumanly strong clutches his leg, pulling him back down. Dimitri is sure he's going to die.But he doesn't; instead he regains consciousness in the morgue. The creature in the well was just a hallucination, the result of his brain slowly atrophying from a lack of oxygen. Or so he hopes.Because from that point on, nothing is the same. People in Goshen start to die, torn to pieces by a vicious serial killer. He's haunted by dreams of Poe, the dangerous female entity from the well who hints at a mysterious connection between his parents, the legendary Rasputin, and Aspinwall. His nightmares bleed into his waking life, and he knows that either he's having a psychotic break, or something truly evil has been unleashed.
Review
Overall Feedback - I found this one to be a bit hard to come to an overall feeling for. At first I was going to deliver some hard and critical beliefs about writing but I then re-read this sample and am now certain that my original view must be changed. This author found a way to un-nerve their reader but still keep the reading tongue and cheek. I can see that there is still plenty of story to cover what will inevitably make for a great story but in these 15 pages that the author is able to give we learn enough to give us the feeling of repulsion of the main character. Dimitri and his attitude begin to push at us and our sense of duty to being an adult or our sense of not being happy with what we are doing. This is where we want to not like the book. Any author that can do this is talented in my view.
View Point - We are in the mind of Dimitri, a 20/30 something unhappy individual.
Voice - This is so short that you can only glimpse the voice but I do believe the author is going to cover the ideas of doing what makes one happy instead of what makes one wealthy.
Character Development - Anytime the main character can be empathized with and still make me want to slap them upside the head, you have got my thumbs up on development of characters.
Plot - Believable and sufficient for an opening that would make me continue turning pages.
Dialogue - A bit stilted and un-natural. The flow seemed a bit off for me.
Pacing - Did not really get pushed through the pages or story. The author may need to work on areas of their story that hinder the reader from becoming fully immersed.
Setting - No issue in this area.
Continuity - No issue in this area.
By: Albert Robbins,
on 4/3/2013
By: Albert Robbins,
on 4/3/2013
By: Albert Robbins,
on 4/1/2013
Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award (ABNA) Entry - this eBook is a sample of the first 3,000-5,000 words; it is not the full book. The ABNA contest is operated on Amazon.com only. Visit this entry on Amazon.com to leave customer feedback. To vote for the Grand Prize winner starting May 21, visit www.amazon.com/ABNA.
Jason Hayward has a lot on his heart. A frightening dream, and an even more bizarre awakening, lands Jason in the hospital. A mysterious doctor later appears at his bedside, declaring to have attached an alien organism to Jason's heart for safekeeping some years prior. He now intends to retrieve it so he can return to his home planet of Ezdar. Calling himself `Bob,' the apparently alien doctor must recover 'The Key' before an enemy race called Krytons learns of its whereabouts. Should the Krytons get their hands on it, it spells the destruction of Ezdar. Safely detaching The Key from Jason's heart requires facilities on Bob's spaceship -- which Bob can't locate and needs Jason to find. And if it isn't removed soon, The Key - and Jason - will die. Racing toward their 'guess-tination,' the duo endures attacks by Kryton death squads and Jason's perpetual need to find a restroom. The death and destruction left in their wake eventually draws the attention of agents from Homeland Security, led by an attractive but no-nonsense lady agent, Greer. Despite his situation, Jason immediately and inexplicably falls for the pretty federal agent. Winning Greer over requires that Jason survive his dilemma and work past her blatant dislike of him. At the literal heart of this mayhem is The Key. The Ezdarians want it. The Krytons want it. The United States Government wants it. The only one who doesn't want it is Jason Hayward, who must survive 72 insane hours and 1,000 hard-fought miles of self-preservation, self-defense, and self-sacrifice as the HEART OF EZDAR.
Review
Overall Feedback - I find the excerpt to be engaging and intriguing enough to move forward with the story. The only drawback that I could find was the narrative was a bit hectic. I understood the factors involved in this excerpt but I felt that the author was trying to hard to push the narrative forward. It seems that the natural push forward of the narrative was dropped in favor of a kind of author directed "un-natural" push. However, the story is still intriguing enough to make the reader want to continue. I am hoping that the story slows a bit in order to allow the reader to get into the world the author is creating.
Point of View - I am assuming that we are experiencing the story from the mind of the main character throughout the rest of the story based on the initial excerpt that I have read.
Character Development - The author has given enough of the character in order to peak the interest of the reader into finding out more about them.
Plot - At this time we only know a tidbit of the plot but enough to make us want to learn more.
Dialogue - The dialogue is natural and flowing.
Pacing - Normally I would applaud a face paced book but in this case the author is whipping the story by too fast. Slow done a bit and let the reader enjoy the narrative. You have skill so we will read.
Setting - Enough of the setting is set in this excerpt to make an average reader want to continue.
Continuity - If the story continues to whiz by at the current speed, I am afraid it will leave the reader behind. However, if the author comes into the story telling a bit later then this could be a sci fi epic to sink ones eyes and mind into.
By: Albert Robbins,
on 4/1/2013
Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award (ABNA) Entry - this eBook is a sample of the first 3,000-5,000 words; it is not the full book. The ABNA contest is operated on Amazon.com only. Visit this entry on Amazon.com to leave customer feedback. To vote for the Grand Prize winner starting May 21, visit www.amazon.com/ABNA.
Jason Hayward has a lot on his heart. A frightening dream, and an even more bizarre awakening, lands Jason in the hospital. A mysterious doctor later appears at his bedside, declaring to have attached an alien organism to Jason's heart for safekeeping some years prior. He now intends to retrieve it so he can return to his home planet of Ezdar. Calling himself `Bob,' the apparently alien doctor must recover 'The Key' before an enemy race called Krytons learns of its whereabouts. Should the Krytons get their hands on it, it spells the destruction of Ezdar. Safely detaching The Key from Jason's heart requires facilities on Bob's spaceship -- which Bob can't locate and needs Jason to find. And if it isn't removed soon, The Key - and Jason - will die. Racing toward their 'guess-tination,' the duo endures attacks by Kryton death squads and Jason's perpetual need to find a restroom. The death and destruction left in their wake eventually draws the attention of agents from Homeland Security, led by an attractive but no-nonsense lady agent, Greer. Despite his situation, Jason immediately and inexplicably falls for the pretty federal agent. Winning Greer over requires that Jason survive his dilemma and work past her blatant dislike of him. At the literal heart of this mayhem is The Key. The Ezdarians want it. The Krytons want it. The United States Government wants it. The only one who doesn't want it is Jason Hayward, who must survive 72 insane hours and 1,000 hard-fought miles of self-preservation, self-defense, and self-sacrifice as the HEART OF EZDAR.
Review
Overall Feedback - I find the excerpt to be engaging and intriguing enough to move forward with the story. The only drawback that I could find was the narrative was a bit hectic. I understood the factors involved in this excerpt but I felt that the author was trying to hard to push the narrative forward. It seems that the natural push forward of the narrative was dropped in favor of a kind of author directed "un-natural" push. However, the story is still intriguing enough to make the reader want to continue. I am hoping that the story slows a bit in order to allow the reader to get into the world the author is creating.
Point of View - I am assuming that we are experiencing the story from the mind of the main character throughout the rest of the story based on the initial excerpt that I have read.
Character Development - The author has given enough of the character in order to peak the interest of the reader into finding out more about them.
Plot - At this time we only know a tidbit of the plot but enough to make us want to learn more.
Dialogue - The dialogue is natural and flowing.
Pacing - Normally I would applaud a face paced book but in this case the author is whipping the story by too fast. Slow done a bit and let the reader enjoy the narrative. You have skill so we will read.
Setting - Enough of the setting is set in this excerpt to make an average reader want to continue.
Continuity - If the story continues to whiz by at the current speed, I am afraid it will leave the reader behind. However, if the author comes into the story telling a bit later then this could be a sci fi epic to sink ones eyes and mind into. 
By: Albert Robbins,
on 4/1/2013
Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Entry - this eBook is a sample of the first 3,000-5,000 words; it is not a download of the full book.
A short-tempered space captain must take her charismatic ex-husband and his insufferable fiancée on a mission to change the course of galactic history, in a comic novel that's pulp-scifi-meets-The-Philadelphia-Story.
Ten years of hardship and toil in deep space have transformed Kate MacClaine from a painfully shy young frontierswoman into a gruff, abrasive loner. When she returns from her tour in the space exploration service Kate finds her charming, aristocratic ex-husband waiting for her.Archie's never gotten over her, so Kate's got to get moving before he turns his legendary powers of persuasion on her.
Before she can slip away, her ship is caught up in an epic bureaucratic disaster, and Kate needs Archie's silver tongue to extract it. But to her surprise it's not Kate he's after this time; it's her incomparable spacefaring skills. He needs her to lead an expedition that will tip the balance of power in the galaxy, and - oh yes - he has an unspeakable new fiancée who's coming along for the ride. Kate may be the finest space explorer of her generation, but it's starting to feel lonesome at the top.
THE KEYSTONE re-imagines the classic Hollywood screwball comedy movie of the 1930s by setting it in the anachronistic future of contemporary Golden Age sci-fi.
Review
Overall Feedback - This excerpt left me wanting more of the story. We are introduced to a few characters but I felt the main character was the one that the author was allowing us to get to know. Overall the author does a great job of introducing us to the main character an leading into the rest of the story.
Point of View - It seemed to me that we were experiencing this world from the eyes of the main character but in a narrative style.
Character Development - This excerpt allows for a brief introduction, however the author does an exceptional job of introducing the main character and leaves enough open to cause the reader to want to continue.
Plot - I was intrigued enough to want to follow through. It seems that not much of the plot is unfolded as of yet but I do want to continue to see where the story may lead.
Dialogue - The dialogue was a bit off, at least to me but it seems that as the story progresses the author begins to flow a little more naturally with the dialogue.
Pacing - If the pace stays on track then the author should not experience any complaints here.
Setting - In the short time the author had to give me an idea of the setting they did a superb job. I am fully expecting to get more on where our character is and a little more on what is happening in the background but I can see a full on sci fi epic opening itself up to me.
Continuity - In this excerpt I did not see any issue in this area and as stated before the author left off at just the right moment to make me want to finish the story. Intrigue has been created.
By: Albert Robbins,
on 4/1/2013
Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Entry - this eBook is a sample of the first 3,000-5,000 words; it is not a download of the full book.
A short-tempered space captain must take her charismatic ex-husband and his insufferable fiancée on a mission to change the course of galactic history, in a comic novel that's pulp-scifi-meets-The-Philadelphia-Story.
Ten years of hardship and toil in deep space have transformed Kate MacClaine from a painfully shy young frontierswoman into a gruff, abrasive loner. When she returns from her tour in the space exploration service Kate finds her charming, aristocratic ex-husband waiting for her.Archie's never gotten over her, so Kate's got to get moving before he turns his legendary powers of persuasion on her.
Before she can slip away, her ship is caught up in an epic bureaucratic disaster, and Kate needs Archie's silver tongue to extract it. But to her surprise it's not Kate he's after this time; it's her incomparable spacefaring skills. He needs her to lead an expedition that will tip the balance of power in the galaxy, and - oh yes - he has an unspeakable new fiancée who's coming along for the ride. Kate may be the finest space explorer of her generation, but it's starting to feel lonesome at the top.
THE KEYSTONE re-imagines the classic Hollywood screwball comedy movie of the 1930s by setting it in the anachronistic future of contemporary Golden Age sci-fi.
Review
Overall Feedback - This excerpt left me wanting more of the story. We are introduced to a few characters but I felt the main character was the one that the author was allowing us to get to know. Overall the author does a great job of introducing us to the main character an leading into the rest of the story.
Point of View - It seemed to me that we were experiencing this world from the eyes of the main character but in a narrative style.
Character Development - This excerpt allows for a brief introduction, however the author does an exceptional job of introducing the main character and leaves enough open to cause the reader to want to continue.
Plot - I was intrigued enough to want to follow through. It seems that not much of the plot is unfolded as of yet but I do want to continue to see where the story may lead.
Dialogue - The dialogue was a bit off, at least to me but it seems that as the story progresses the author begins to flow a little more naturally with the dialogue.
Pacing - If the pace stays on track then the author should not experience any complaints here.
Setting - In the short time the author had to give me an idea of the setting they did a superb job. I am fully expecting to get more on where our character is and a little more on what is happening in the background but I can see a full on sci fi epic opening itself up to me.
Continuity - In this excerpt I did not see any issue in this area and as stated before the author left off at just the right moment to make me want to finish the story. Intrigue has been created.
By: Albert Robbins,
on 3/26/2013
About Your Book: Gods of Men
All the prophecies were right - the world as we know it comes to an end in 2012 with the arrival of the prophesized Wormwood comet that explodes in the atmosphere. The entire adult population of the planet quickly transforms into Wraiths, grotesque former humans out to devour uninfected humans. Follow young Jack Foster, his trauma induced psychotic ten year old brother Mason, and baby Lucy as they search for answers and kill anything that threatens their family.
Free Book Reviews
What do you think readers will find most notable about this book?
Joseph Pignataro
How well it satisfies all Walking Dead addictions while awaiting new episodes and novels!
Free Book Reviews
Have you acquired any good anecdotes surrounding this book? If so, could you share one?
Joseph Pignataro
Not really...should I have?
Free Book Reviews
What would you most like readers to tell others about this book?
Joseph Pignataro
That they love it to death... seriously.
Free Book Reviews
Can you suggest one question readers might find interesting to discuss, concerning you, your writing in general, or this book?
Joseph Pignataro
What makes this different than all the other zombie apocalypse books out there? Are you sure they're even zombies?
Free Book Reviews
How can readers help you promote this book?
Joseph Pignataro
Like my GODS OF MEN facebook page or my AMAZON sales page
About You: Joseph Pignataro
I'm currently active duty NAVY(13yrs)and we love our WALKING DEAD show when bored out to sea. We had lots of time to take polls and discuss what would make WALKING DEAD better...so I made it better.
Free Book Reviews
Why do you write?
Joseph Pignataro
I LOVED reading comics as a kid and always wanted to be a scriptwriter and artist. I guess I fulfilled that dream
Free Book Reviews
What is your greatest strength as a writer?
Joseph Pignataro
My intuition of what people like.
Free Book Reviews
What quality do you most value in yourself?
Joseph Pignataro
My work ethic.
Free Book Reviews
In addition to writing, what else are you passionate about?
Joseph Pignataro
Movies, comics, family, working out
Free Book Reviews
What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in your life?
Joseph Pignataro
Too much to list. At this exact moment GODS OF MEN.
Free Book Reviews
Is there any new or established author whom you feel deserves more attention, and what is it that strikes you about his or her work?
Joseph Pignataro
No, everyone I have been following is doing pretty okay for themselves.
Intrigued by this interview? Then hop on over to Joseph's site or find his book at the following:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Smashwords
By: Albert Robbins,
on 3/26/2013
About Your Book: Gods of Men
All the prophecies were right - the world as we know it comes to an end in 2012 with the arrival of the prophesized Wormwood comet that explodes in the atmosphere. The entire adult population of the planet quickly transforms into Wraiths, grotesque former humans out to devour uninfected humans. Follow young Jack Foster, his trauma induced psychotic ten year old brother Mason, and baby Lucy as they search for answers and kill anything that threatens their family.
Free Book Reviews
What do you think readers will find most notable about this book?
Joseph Pignataro
How well it satisfies all Walking Dead addictions while awaiting new episodes and novels!
Free Book Reviews
Have you acquired any good anecdotes surrounding this book? If so, could you share one?
Joseph Pignataro
Not really...should I have?
Free Book Reviews
What would you most like readers to tell others about this book?
Joseph Pignataro
That they love it to death... seriously.
Free Book Reviews
Can you suggest one question readers might find interesting to discuss, concerning you, your writing in general, or this book?
Joseph Pignataro
What makes this different than all the other zombie apocalypse books out there? Are you sure they're even zombies?
Free Book Reviews
How can readers help you promote this book?
Joseph Pignataro
Like my GODS OF MEN facebook page or my AMAZON sales page
About You: Joseph Pignataro
I'm currently active duty NAVY(13yrs)and we love our WALKING DEAD show when bored out to sea. We had lots of time to take polls and discuss what would make WALKING DEAD better...so I made it better.
Free Book Reviews
Why do you write?
Joseph Pignataro
I LOVED reading comics as a kid and always wanted to be a scriptwriter and artist. I guess I fulfilled that dream
Free Book Reviews
What is your greatest strength as a writer?
Joseph Pignataro
My intuition of what people like.
Free Book Reviews
What quality do you most value in yourself?
Joseph Pignataro
My work ethic.
Free Book Reviews
In addition to writing, what else are you passionate about?
Joseph Pignataro
Movies, comics, family, working out
Free Book Reviews
What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in your life?
Joseph Pignataro
Too much to list. At this exact moment GODS OF MEN.
Free Book Reviews
Is there any new or established author whom you feel deserves more attention, and what is it that strikes you about his or her work?
Joseph Pignataro
No, everyone I have been following is doing pretty okay for themselves.
Intrigued by this interview? Then hop on over to Joseph's site or find his book at the following:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Smashwords
By: Albert Robbins,
on 3/25/2013
About your book: Earth-Sim
Earth-Sim is a Young Adult / New Adult science fiction novel about Jem Moran, a college student with a reputation to prove and a secret to protect. The prestigious world simulation program seems the answer to both her problems, but only if she can succeed in spite of her partner, Kir Davos, and the uncooperative human beings who populate her planet. Earth-Sim unravels the mystery of Jem’s true identity, but the novel is also about our planet, and most especially about the history of civilization. It’s about humanity with all our foibles, our courage and our weaknesses, and most of all, our ingenuity and resilience. Earth-Sim showcases Earth’s history in a seamless blend of popular culture, science, and religion, through the eyes of the two students and the android assigned to manage the planet.
Free Book Reviews
What do you think readers will find most notable about this book?
Jade Kerrion
Earth-Sim is lots of things, including a humorous crash course into Earth’s history and pop culture. Readers will likely enjoy the unique spin on finding someone to blame for the state the world is in…
Free Book Reviews
Have you acquired any good anecdotes surrounding this book? If so, could you share one?
Jade Kerrion
I’d like to share Cara Drake’s 5-star review on Amazon:
Earth-Sim starts off awesome and just keeps getting even better. This is another story that I started reading right before bed, which turned out to be a mistake as I could not stop until I had finished it! As the story begins, we are introduced to two undergraduates who have been accepted into the prestigious World Simulation class. With an android assistant, the two are assigned a planet and join a competition: whose planet will be the best by the end of the year?
Jem and Kir are assigned to planet 280-934-6253-4726-349573 (which turns out to be our own Earth). At the beginning of the school year, they learn that their planet (which is very young), has just gone through a mass extinction owing to the fact that over the summer vacation, no one was there to tend the planet. In the first week of class, they manage to create three more mass extinctions.
Ms. Kerrion has taken almost every large event in our planet's history and incorporated it into the story - mostly as an accident! For example, the Biblical 40-day flood? Happened because Kir's brother Kav accidentally spilled his cup of water while in the simulation room. A mistake that lasted a brief second to them lasted 40 days on the planet. There are so many other mistakes and accidents mentioned, and most of them resulted in me actually laughing out loud.
While the focal point of the story is on the sessions in the simulation room, there are enough scenes relating to Jem's family and the bumbling friendship between the two main characters to really help make all of the characters vivid and realistic.
Ms. Kerrion has done an amazing job with her world-building. I would absolutely love to see similar stories, perhaps where the humor isn't so dependent on the reader being amused at how all of earth's greatest events happened at the hands of two college students. This is one book that I will find myself rereading over and over - and one that I will encourage all of my friends to read.
Free Book Reviews
Did researching and writing this book teach you anything or influence your thinking in any way?
Jade Kerrion
Earth-Sim required more research than any of my other books, in part because I wanted to get Earth’s history and pop culture right. After I got the facts down, it became an exercise in humor and creativity: just how badly could two students screw up while managing planet Earth?
Free Book Reviews
What would you most like readers to tell others about this book?
Jade Kerrion
Earth-Sim is truly different. Everyone who has read the book is wowed by its unique premise. Check it out; you won’t be disappointed.
Free Book Reviews
Can you suggest one question readers might find interesting to discuss, concerning you, your writing in general, or this book?
Jade Kerrion
Earth-Sim is loaded with historical facts and pop culture references. I’ve even included book titles of Pulitzer Prize winning authors. How many references do you recognize (keeping in mind that every event that happens to the planet/universe in Earth-Sim actually has a source reference?)
Free Book Reviews
How can readers help you promote this book?
Jade Kerrion
Word of mouth is always important. If you have a book review blog, or if you frequently post reviews to Amazon/Goodreads and would like a free review copy of Earth-Sim (any electronic format), please send me an e-mail. I’d love to hear from you.
Free Book Reviews
Why do you write?
Jade Kerrion
That’s like asking “why do you breathe.” I was thirteen when I started writing and it is a form of release for me. The stories in my head must be told and my characters have been known to be profoundly annoying, even keeping me up at night until their stories are told.
Free Book Reviews
What is your greatest strength as a writer?
Jade Kerrion
I’ve been told that the stories I write play out like movies in my reader’s minds. That compliment captures how I write—I actually “see” the movie in my mind, and those images, the characters, the emotions, transfer to paper.
Free Book Reviews
What qualities do you most value in yourself?
Jade Kerrion
Persistence and a commitment to excellence. I think it’s hard to succeed in life without both those traits.
Free Book Reviews
In addition to writing, what else are you passionate about?
Jade Kerrion
I love reading (as do most authors.) I also enjoy dancing. I started out in ballet, then progressed to modern dance, and eventually moved on to salsa.
Free Book Reviews
What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in your life?
Jade Kerrion
I am most proud of my children (which has very little to do with writing, but there you have it.) My sons are six years old and three-and-a-half years old. I know they both still have a great deal of growing up to do, but I’m proud of what they’ve accomplished so far, and how sweet and loving they both are.
Free Book Reviews
Is there any new or established author whom you feel deserves more attention, and what is it that strikes you about his or her work? links to authors blog/website
JadeKerrion
I’ve recently enjoyed A.D.Starrling’s debut novel, Soul Meaning. I’d describe it as James Bond meets Highlander. The protagonist, Lucas Soul, is an immortal born of two clans, the Bastians and the Crovirs. Immortality, however, has its caveats—it runs out after immortals have died seventeen times. Lucas must find out why the clan wars have started up again, preferably before he dies for the seventeenth time… Soul Meaning
About You: Jade Kerrion
Jade Kerrion unites cutting-edge science and bioethics with fast-paced action in her award-winning Double Helix series. Perfection Unleashed and its sequels, Perfect Betrayal and Perfect Weapon, have been described as “a breakout piece of science fiction” and drawn rave reviews for their originality and vision. Her novel, When the Silence Ends, is a Young Adult spinoff the Double Helix series. She is also the author of Earth-Sim, a whimsical and compelling view of Earth’s history through the eyes of the two students assigned to manage our planet.
Connect with Jade Kerrion: Blog / Facebook / Twitter
Earth-Sim (Blurb)
What reviewers are saying: 5 Stars! “What a fantastic book by Jade Kerrion, it grabbed me from the very first page...Ms Kerrion's writing is exciting and well paced to keep you wanting to know more…”
Jem Moran has a reputation to prove and a secret to protect. The prestigious world simulation program seems the answer to both her problems, but only if she can succeed in spite of her partner, Kir Davos, and the uncooperative human beings who populate her planet. From the Great Extinction to the Renaissance, from world wars to intergalactic treaties, Jem’s conflict with Kir will shape Earth’s history, and their opposing management styles will either save or doom our planet. Either way, you finally have someone to blame for the shape our world is in.
Buy Links (e-books)
Earth-Sim: Amazon / Amazon UK / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / Smashwords
Buy Links (paperbacks)
Earth-Sim: Amazon / Amazon UK
By: Albert Robbins,
on 3/25/2013
About your book: Earth-Sim
Earth-Sim is a Young Adult / New Adult science fiction novel about Jem Moran, a college student with a reputation to prove and a secret to protect. The prestigious world simulation program seems the answer to both her problems, but only if she can succeed in spite of her partner, Kir Davos, and the uncooperative human beings who populate her planet. Earth-Sim unravels the mystery of Jem’s true identity, but the novel is also about our planet, and most especially about the history of civilization. It’s about humanity with all our foibles, our courage and our weaknesses, and most of all, our ingenuity and resilience. Earth-Sim showcases Earth’s history in a seamless blend of popular culture, science, and religion, through the eyes of the two students and the android assigned to manage the planet.
Free Book Reviews
What do you think readers will find most notable about this book?
Jade Kerrion
Earth-Sim is lots of things, including a humorous crash course into Earth’s history and pop culture. Readers will likely enjoy the unique spin on finding someone to blame for the state the world is in…
Free Book Reviews
Have you acquired any good anecdotes surrounding this book? If so, could you share one?
Jade Kerrion
I’d like to share Cara Drake’s 5-star review on Amazon:
Earth-Sim starts off awesome and just keeps getting even better. This is another story that I started reading right before bed, which turned out to be a mistake as I could not stop until I had finished it! As the story begins, we are introduced to two undergraduates who have been accepted into the prestigious World Simulation class. With an android assistant, the two are assigned a planet and join a competition: whose planet will be the best by the end of the year?
Jem and Kir are assigned to planet 280-934-6253-4726-349573 (which turns out to be our own Earth). At the beginning of the school year, they learn that their planet (which is very young), has just gone through a mass extinction owing to the fact that over the summer vacation, no one was there to tend the planet. In the first week of class, they manage to create three more mass extinctions.
Ms. Kerrion has taken almost every large event in our planet's history and incorporated it into the story - mostly as an accident! For example, the Biblical 40-day flood? Happened because Kir's brother Kav accidentally spilled his cup of water while in the simulation room. A mistake that lasted a brief second to them lasted 40 days on the planet. There are so many other mistakes and accidents mentioned, and most of them resulted in me actually laughing out loud.
While the focal point of the story is on the sessions in the simulation room, there are enough scenes relating to Jem's family and the bumbling friendship between the two main characters to really help make all of the characters vivid and realistic.
Ms. Kerrion has done an amazing job with her world-building. I would absolutely love to see similar stories, perhaps where the humor isn't so dependent on the reader being amused at how all of earth's greatest events happened at the hands of two college students. This is one book that I will find myself rereading over and over - and one that I will encourage all of my friends to read.
Free Book Reviews
Did researching and writing this book teach you anything or influence your thinking in any way?
Jade Kerrion
Earth-Sim required more research than any of my other books, in part because I wanted to get Earth’s history and pop culture right. After I got the facts down, it became an exercise in humor and creativity: just how badly could two students screw up while managing planet Earth?
Free Book Reviews
What would you most like readers to tell others about this book?
Jade Kerrion
Earth-Sim is truly different. Everyone who has read the book is wowed by its unique premise. Check it out; you won’t be disappointed.
Free Book Reviews
Can you suggest one question readers might find interesting to discuss, concerning you, your writing in general, or this book?
Jade Kerrion
Earth-Sim is loaded with historical facts and pop culture references. I’ve even included book titles of Pulitzer Prize winning authors. How many references do you recognize (keeping in mind that every event that happens to the planet/universe in Earth-Sim actually has a source reference?)
Free Book Reviews
How can readers help you promote this book?
Jade Kerrion
Word of mouth is always important. If you have a book review blog, or if you frequently post reviews to Amazon/Goodreads and would like a free review copy of Earth-Sim (any electronic format), please send me an e-mail. I’d love to hear from you.
Free Book Reviews
Why do you write?
Jade Kerrion
That’s like asking “why do you breathe.” I was thirteen when I started writing and it is a form of release for me. The stories in my head must be told and my characters have been known to be profoundly annoying, even keeping me up at night until their stories are told.
Free Book Reviews
What is your greatest strength as a writer?
Jade Kerrion
I’ve been told that the stories I write play out like movies in my reader’s minds. That compliment captures how I write—I actually “see” the movie in my mind, and those images, the characters, the emotions, transfer to paper.
Free Book Reviews
What qualities do you most value in yourself?
Jade Kerrion
Persistence and a commitment to excellence. I think it’s hard to succeed in life without both those traits.
Free Book Reviews
In addition to writing, what else are you passionate about?
Jade Kerrion
I love reading (as do most authors.) I also enjoy dancing. I started out in ballet, then progressed to modern dance, and eventually moved on to salsa.
Free Book Reviews
What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in your life?
Jade Kerrion
I am most proud of my children (which has very little to do with writing, but there you have it.) My sons are six years old and three-and-a-half years old. I know they both still have a great deal of growing up to do, but I’m proud of what they’ve accomplished so far, and how sweet and loving they both are.
Free Book Reviews
Is there any new or established author whom you feel deserves more attention, and what is it that strikes you about his or her work? links to authors blog/website
JadeKerrion
I’ve recently enjoyed A.D.Starrling’s debut novel, Soul Meaning. I’d describe it as James Bond meets Highlander. The protagonist, Lucas Soul, is an immortal born of two clans, the Bastians and the Crovirs. Immortality, however, has its caveats—it runs out after immortals have died seventeen times. Lucas must find out why the clan wars have started up again, preferably before he dies for the seventeenth time… Soul Meaning
About You: Jade Kerrion
Jade Kerrion unites cutting-edge science and bioethics with fast-paced action in her award-winning Double Helix series. Perfection Unleashed and its sequels, Perfect Betrayal and Perfect Weapon, have been described as “a breakout piece of science fiction” and drawn rave reviews for their originality and vision. Her novel, When the Silence Ends, is a Young Adult spinoff the Double Helix series. She is also the author of Earth-Sim, a whimsical and compelling view of Earth’s history through the eyes of the two students assigned to manage our planet.
Connect with Jade Kerrion: Blog / Facebook / Twitter
Earth-Sim (Blurb)
What reviewers are saying: 5 Stars! “What a fantastic book by Jade Kerrion, it grabbed me from the very first page...Ms Kerrion's writing is exciting and well paced to keep you wanting to know more…”
Jem Moran has a reputation to prove and a secret to protect. The prestigious world simulation program seems the answer to both her problems, but only if she can succeed in spite of her partner, Kir Davos, and the uncooperative human beings who populate her planet. From the Great Extinction to the Renaissance, from world wars to intergalactic treaties, Jem’s conflict with Kir will shape Earth’s history, and their opposing management styles will either save or doom our planet. Either way, you finally have someone to blame for the shape our world is in.
Buy Links (e-books)
Earth-Sim: Amazon / Amazon UK / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / Smashwords
Buy Links (paperbacks)
Earth-Sim: Amazon / Amazon UK
By: Albert Robbins,
on 3/18/2013
Last month, Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO) introduced legislation, House Resolution 499, which would effectively end the federal prohibition on marijuana and allow states to set their own policies.
House Resolution 499: The Ending Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2013, would remove marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act, transfer the Drug Enforcement Administration’s authority to regulate marijuana to a newly renamed Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Marijuana and Firearms, require commercial marijuana producers to purchase a permit, and ensure that federal law distinguishes between individuals who grow marijuana for personal use and those involved in commercial sale and distribution.
You can read the full text of this measure here.
Congress needs to hear from you, please take a minute and click here to quickly and easily write your Representative and urge him or her to support the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2013!
CLICK HERE TO CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVE!
By: Albert Robbins,
on 3/18/2013
Last month, Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO) introduced legislation, House Resolution 499, which would effectively end the federal prohibition on marijuana and allow states to set their own policies.
House Resolution 499: The Ending Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2013, would remove marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act, transfer the Drug Enforcement Administration’s authority to regulate marijuana to a newly renamed Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Marijuana and Firearms, require commercial marijuana producers to purchase a permit, and ensure that federal law distinguishes between individuals who grow marijuana for personal use and those involved in commercial sale and distribution.
You can read the full text of this measure here.
Congress needs to hear from you, please take a minute and click here to quickly and easily write your Representative and urge him or her to support the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2013!
CLICK HERE TO CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVE!
By: Albert Robbins,
on 3/15/2013
Author’s note: The world’s a crazy place, isn’t it? Massive floods, deadly plagues, world wars…it makes you wonder, who’s in charge of this place anyway? Let me introduce you to Jem Moran, Kir Davos, and SimOne—the two students and android assigned to manage Earth.
Earth-Sim seamlessly blends popular culture with history, science, and religion. This whimsical and irreverent romp through the history of Earth will charm and entertain as you attempt to decipher just how much is fact and what else is fiction. Either way, you finally have someone to blame for the shape our world is in.
This particular scene, which includes Kir’s younger brother, Kav, showcases the source of the kamikaze, the “divine wind” that saved Japan from two Mongol invasions, and the origin of the Black Death.
~*~
“Did we ever hear back from the Shixar or the Atlante teams?” Jem asked as they walked into the simulation laboratory together.
“No, it’s been quiet. It helps to be a little backwater planet. The Shixar and Atlante are so busy fighting each other on the other side of the universe that we’ve been able to escape their notice. It also helps that we’re technologically primitive. No one wants the hassle of raising toddlers if they can help it.
All right, Kav. Remember, hands behind your back. Don’t touch anything.”
“Got it.” Kav laced his fingers behind his back. His eyes were wide, and his head swiveled from side to side as he tried to take in everything.
“It looks like lots of teams are back,” Jem murmured, nodding to another student who passed by them on his way to his own planet.
“I think many teams didn’t even take the week off,” Kir said.
Jem snorted. “Now I feel like a slacker.”
“On the other hand, I feel like I’m giving up two weeks of my vacation, and I’m moderately resentful about it.” Their planet came into view. “Good morning, SimOne.”
“Good morning, Kir. Good morning, Jem. Good morning, Kav.”
“How are things going?” Kir asked.
“Well,” was the android’s succinct reply.
“Let me see. Let me see.” Kav stood over the planet, his fingers interlocked behind his back, and stared down at the blue-white world spinning serenely in space. “Is that the moon?” he asked, as something brushed by his head.
Kir nodded. “Yes, and step back. You’re in its orbital path.”
“What’s that stuff down there?” Kav asked.
Jem leaned in over his shoulder. Her eyes narrowed. “It looks like a fleet of ships.”
Kir leaned in too. “That you can see from up here? That’s got to be a lot of ships.” He whistled low. “I’ve never seen these many ships. It will probably go down in history as the largest naval assault to date.”
“It isn’t going to bode well for that island,” Jem said.
“You’re not intervening?” Kir asked, sounding surprised.
“No. Both countries are somewhat peripheral to my plans. Contrary to what you may think about me, I don’t make every single decision for them. I step in only where it matters.”
Kav suddenly sneezed.
The fleet of ships vanished beneath the violent exhalation of air that tore up the waves. “Oh, no…” Jem choked back a giggle.
“Kav!” Kir shouted.
“What?”
“Cover your nose!”
Fascinated, Jem watched in silence as more ships sailed forth from the mainland; the armada reformed. They were going at it again.
Kav wailed. “I can’t cover my nose. See! My hands are behind my back. I can’t cover my nose with my hands behind my back.”
“Use your hands, damn it,” Kir said.
“You told me not to use my hands in here. I’m gonna sneeze again…I’m gonna…AH CHOO!”
The fleet dissipated. It never reformed.
Jem covered her mouth, the muffled sound trapped between a chortle and a sob. “Oh, God, I can’t watch.”
“Stand all the way back here.” Kir physically picked up his brother and moved him out beyond the asteroid field. “Jem, are you okay?”
She swallowed the chuckle. “It’s so bad. I thought that we’d figured out the art of planetary management, but no, we’re still careening from crisis to crisis.”
“You don’t sound or look mad,” Kir said carefully.
“I’m not. I’m resigned.” She giggled again. “Just imagine how the events must have seemed to that country. A massive armada shows up on your shores, and suddenly, bad weather takes it down. A few years later, another armada shows up, but once again, it’s consumed by bad weather. If that’s not a divine wind, nothing else is.”
“You’re taking this better than I thought you would.”
“Practice,” Jem said with a straight face.
SimOne cut into their easy banter. “Alert. An alien vector was inserted at 35°N, 103°E”
“What?” Jem turned sharply back to SimOne.
“Where did it come from? Who inserted it?” Kir asked.
SimOne stood very straight; she stared at something apparently only she could see. “It came from Kav Davos.”
“Get it out,” Kir ordered.
“Negative. The alien vector cannot be removed.”
“Track it, then. I want to know where it goes. What is it? A humanoid?” Kir asked.
“Negative. It is an enterobacteriaceae.”
“Damn it.” Jem paled. “Give me a population map, SimOne.”
The world map unfurled across the astral screen. The disease spread, flowing out of the heart of Jem’s empire, toward the west and south. Dark patches faded, thinning out, sometimes disappearing completely.
“Oh, my God…” Jem whispered. “They’re dying. They’re dying all over.”
Earth-Sim (Blurb)
What reviewers are saying: 5 Stars! “What a fantastic book by Jade Kerrion, it grabbed me from the very first page...Ms Kerrion's writing is exciting and well paced to keep you wanting to know more…”
Jem Moran has a reputation to prove and a secret to protect. The prestigious world simulation program seems the answer to both her problems, but only if she can succeed in spite of her partner, Kir Davos, and the uncooperative human beings who populate her planet. From the Great Extinction to the Renaissance, from world wars to intergalactic treaties, Jem’s conflict with Kir will shape Earth’s history, and their opposing management styles will either save or doom our planet. Either way, you finally have someone to blame for the shape our world is in.
Buy Links (e-books)
Earth-Sim: Amazon / Amazon UK / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / Smashwords
Buy Links (paperbacks)
Earth-Sim: Amazon / Amazon UK
Author biography:
Jade Kerrion unites cutting-edge science and bioethics with fast-paced action in her award-winning Double Helix series. Perfection Unleashed and its sequels, Perfect Betrayal and Perfect Weapon, have been described as “a breakout piece of science fiction” and drawn rave reviews for their originality and vision. Her novel, When the Silence Ends, is a Young Adult spinoff the Double Helix series. She is also the author of Earth-Sim, a whimsical and compelling view of Earth’s history through the eyes of the two students assigned to manage our planet.
Connect with Jade Kerrion: Blog / Facebook / Twitter
