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Showing posts with label suspense. Show all posts
Showing posts with label suspense. Show all posts

14 January 2013

Book Extravaganza Promotional Tour




Book Extravagaza Tour

with
Kindred Night School Vampire Hunter Book 2
The Life and Times of Noone In Particular
The Skeleton Key

By – in order of books above

Michelle Cornwell-Jordan
Jamie B. Musings
C.P. Bialois

Tour Wide Giveaway - $25 Amazon Gift Card & 1 Cecile Monique Music CD

About Michelle Cornwell-Jordan

Michelle Cornwell-Jordan is a YA Paranormal Author.
Her titles: Reahket (Co-written with Author Danny Jones)
Michelle is also the author of the YA novella series Night School Vampire Hunter trilogy.

Series includes:

Night School Vampire Hunter novella #1 Released date March 2012

Kindred (A Night School Vampire Hunter Trilogy novella) #2 Released date November 2012

Redemption (A Night School Vampire Hunter Trilogy novella) #3 Released date spring 2013

Works –In-Progress

Chrysalis (Full Length) Released date spring 2013
Hunters Series novellas Released date summer 2013

Ame Academy’s Paranormal novella series summer 2013

Michelle Cornwell-Jordan is also the producer of the online radio segment IndieReview Behind The Scenes, where she and her co-host Jamie B Musings interview Indie Authors and Musicians.


About Jamie White

JamieBMusings is a music addict, book lover, pet servant & NaNoWriMo survivor. When she's not busy writing posts for CultureShock, she's taking pictures for her new obsession (That Photo Blog) and spending time with her husband and pets.

Her first book, The Life and Times of No One in Particular, was released in May.




P Bialois’ love of words began as a small child when his father bought a stack of comics to teach him the reading skills he wasn’t mastering in class. Before long, he was reading at an advanced level and teachers were shaking their heads over the unconventional method.
Growing up in the ‘80s, Bialois was exposed to even further inspiration through the popular cartoons of the day. Transformers, in particular, sparked his imagination and led to him put his first stories on paper. After a decades-long break, Bialois began getting back into the world of writing by joining some role-playing groups. These groups taught him about fleshing out characters and building worlds that stuck with him as he began writing short stories for fun.
To his surprise, Bialois would end up completing his first full-length novel, Call of Poseidon, in 2007. Armed with a finished product, Bialois began working on another book, The Sword and the Flame, unsure of what he would ultimately be doing with either. As with many others in the later part of the first decade of the 2000’s, he found himself out of work and looking into new options. Over the next two years, he would spend most days at the library, completing an additional half-dozen works.
Two books later, Bialois is planning for the release of many more and enjoying the feedback he receives. The up-and-coming author takes inspiration from favorites such as Steven King, Tom Clancy and Sue Grafton. His love of history, fantasy and old monster movies has also served as a muse.
When he’s not busy writer or chatting on his social networks, Bialois enjoys watching Hockey and Football as well as Metallica DVDs. He currently lives with his wife- a fellow writer- and their fur children. CP Bialois is also active in several South Florida writing groups, as well as the online writer community.


Publisher: Michelle Cornwell-Jordan
Genre: YA Paranormal
Release Date: 11/24/2012
Amazon|Barnes and Noble|Smashwords

Blurb:

The Kindred is the second novella in The Night School Vampire Hunter Trilogy.

Angel and her friends at Ame Academy, a boarding school for preternatural and humans are back, and they are preparing for battle against the dark forces that kidnapped Angel’s younger brother Jordan. Angel had recently discovered that she was a Hunter and that she alone has a special weapon against her enemies; her blood, which is discovered to be toxic to her enemies. Angel is prepared to use her training and all that is at her disposal in order to save Jordan, even if that means joining forces with the strange and mysterious Rafael, who at their first meeting, she recognized him as the boy she had dreamed about for weeks prior to his arrival at the school. Angel cannot shake the feeling that she knew Rafael before, and is hopelessly drawn to her extremely handsome fellow hunter.

Rafael frightens her, he hints of a secret; another time and another life lived.

Can love survive two lifetimes?

Events unfold that provides the answers to who Rafael really is and what they mean to one another; and along with these strange and blossoming emotions for Rafael, along with guilt and fear for her brothers safety; Angel discovers that she is more than just a Vampire Hunter, and that she plays a major role in a ancient prophecy, which she must fulfill by facing an a force so evil that survival is not promised.

But she will face the Dark One, Angel will sacrifice all, if it means saving all whom she loves.
Many questions are answered, but the drama is just beginning….

Amazon|Barnes and Noble|Smashwords

Kindred Excerpt:

A thought came into my head and I turned, pinning Rafael with a please don’t mess with me right now…or I’ll rip your heart out stare. I said, “When we first met, you said we knew one another that you were with me when I was little, that we’ve always known one another…always…l-l-oved one another…” I quickly tuned out the others in the room, not wishing to focus on the reactions of the others…although I did catch the big smile from Elin; an incurable romantic it seemed. I knew this should have been a private conversation, but deep down I felt Rafael knew what was happening; I wanted to know what he knew…

He looked at me, with one of those intense, smoldering I’m a hot guy, and I really know what this look is doing to you stare…but I wasn’t going to allow it to affect me. I simply held his gaze in a stable, strong manner…and hoped I didn’t look like a deer in the headlights… he sighed and said, “Do you really want to talk about this here?” Rafael looked at me intently, leaning forward, resting his forearms on his knees…hands pressed together in the steeple formation that everyone uses to signify they are deep in thought.

I said quietly, “Yes.” He looked at me again, and I swear, if he didn’t stop looking at me that way, I would completely forget what we were talking about. He stood up, and crossed the room and came to stand in front of me—did I happen to mention how close he was? Well, enough that I felt a little uncomfortable, but I wouldn’t step back, and I refocused. I needed to hear what he had to say.

“I knew you because I am ThunderKin; yes, I knew who you were and what this meant in the war coming Samhain…”

“Okay,” I said trying to digest that here stood one of the legendary Thunderbirds…I saw how his eyes glowed, now appearing that unearthly golden hue; a worried expression passed over his features, and I wondered what worried him. I said, “And the rest about knowing me?”

“I knew you because…” he said as he reached out, placed his hand on the side of my face, and leaned in close, lips almost touching. He whispered, “I knew you because you are my destiny…my mate.”

Really can you believe this?


Genre: Satire
Amazon

Beware the muse with a chip on her shoulder.
Muses are often called uncooperative, grumpy, lazy beings who abandon a writer when they're needed most. Now, one of them has decided to tell their side of the story. Meet Clarissa, a muse who has spent centuries trying to inspire artists who sometimes are too stubborn to listen to her.
What is your muse trying to say to you? Clarissa might just be able to answer that...

The Life and Times of Noone Inparticular Excerpt:

So why do they happen? Like I said, some people are not opening up to their muses so they can’t hear the messages we’re trying so hard to get through. They are some that are tuning out because it’s just easier to take someone else’s work and modify it. Others aren’t doing it because they’re afraid of falling flat on their faces. With a proven name, you’re
guaranteed an audience. What if you do an original movie, show or song and no one likes it? I’ve heard it all a hundred times. Some of the most high-strung people I have ever met in all my years of doing this were entertainment executives.It’s like they’re afraid to be human or to have the actors and musicians they hire do the same. I gave up on them years ago. They always take the safest route possible. The safest route might make it easier to get rich quick, but it’s usuallythe most creatively boring.

Fear hampers the creative process and makes it harder for us to get through to our charges. That’s the one most important piece of advice you need most, take it from a muse- relax. Art doesn’t just inspire or teach here and there; it’s supposed to be fun, too!
Music- "Merry Go- Distressed" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons "Attribution 3.0" http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ by/3.0/"]




Publisher: CP Bialois
Release Date: 10/23/2012
Genre: Horror/Suspense
Amazon

Blurb:From the imagination of CP Bialois, author of Call of Poseidon and the Sword and the Flame series, comes a collection of short stories filled horror and suspense. Nothing is as it seems in the world around us. Join us as we step through the doorway and into the unseen workings of our world. With each story, Skeleton Key will warm your heart with a brother’s love, break it with the ultimate betrayal, and bring the shadows around you to life.

Keep telling yourself it’s only a book, and maybe that sound you heard will be just a tree limb scratching against the window. Be sure to read the paper in the morning, as it may save your life. And never, go into a room without something to defend yourself with. Most important of all, relax and have fun.



Skeleton Key Excerpt:

Camping 101 excerpt

“The one that comes to mind is about a family that went camping one summer, not too long ago. They settled in by their fire, much as we’re doing now, huddled together and sharing blankets. The night was clear and you could see all of the stars.” He motioned to the cloudless sky and stars, which could still be seen despite the fire. “The same as tonight.”

“Unknown to the family, there was a secret military facility at the base of the mountain where they were experimenting on volunteers. The men that volunteered did so to help their country, but what was done to them…” He trailed off, shaking his head before continuing. “Is beyond description. Earlier that night they managed to escape, killing a handful of guards before escaping into the woods. Just as the family settled in for the night, the bushes around them rustled and the seven men burst out and seized the family.”

“Did they kill ‘em?” Jason’s eyes were wide as were the rest in the group. Lester knew he had them right where he wanted them.

Slowly, Lester nodded. “They tore the people apart with their bare hands and began to eat them. That was how the men were found an hour later, sleeping with full stomachs and dried blood coating their faces, hands, and chests.”

“What happened to the men?” This time Eric spoke, his face was the only one of the group that hadn’t gone pale.

Lester sat back and let out a deep breath, his hand dropped to the machete propped next to him against the tree. “They took the six of them back to the compound where they still are as far as anyone knows. The incident was covered up and blamed on a hitchhiker, turned serial killer.”

Scratches Excerpt

Lee nodded, "Exactly, here I thought I had found paradise. But then I guess no matter where you find it, paradise has to have a serpent."

Elias looked at him with a worried look. Thoughts of Slasher films danced through his head. "Is there something wrong here, Lee?"

Lee shrugged, "Dunno, depends on whether you believe all them ghost stories. People always come up here lookin' fer the ghost of the little girl, but they never find her."

Meredith felt a little chill go through her. "A little girl's ghost?"

Lee nodded and puffed on his pipe some more. "That's right. A little girl supposedly heard scratching at her bedroom window one night and opened it. Next day she was found dead by her brother. No one knew what to think or believe. There was no signs of struggle, no sign of what happened besides deep scratch marks on her windowsill. Since then, some say her ghost can be seen by the lake, but those that see her don't live to tell about it."

Meredith remained quiet for a moment. Her own mind was thinking of the stories of missing children in the paper on a daily basis. "Do you believe those stories?"

Lee stayed quiet for a few seconds before shaking his head. "Nah, for the simple fact that how's anyone to know you died if you see her, if no one's lived to tell about it? Nothing more than campfire stories, if you ask me."




About Artist Cecile Monique

With her powerful, yet angelic voice and unmistakable charisma, Cecile Monique is a multi-talented musical artist ready to make her mark on the international music scene. Cecile Monique is not only an accomplished vocalist; she is also a skilled writer, composer, and arranger of her own original music. Her years of formal classical vocal training provided the foundation, but her singular creativity...
, diverse musical influences, and her fresh, youthful style have provided the fuel to create the distinctive fusion of rich, classically-influenced vocals with modern, innovative instrumentation that exist together in perfect harmony and have become Cecile Monique’s signature, genre-bending sound.

In addition to her impressive musical talent, Cecile’s cosmopolitan personality and multicultural roots (half European and half Hispanic) also broaden her appeal to an international audience; Cecile is fluent in several languages and has recorded and performed songs in English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Czech, and Latin.

In 2010, Cecile Monique was awarded the prestigious FACTOR New Talent Award in support of her self-titled EP release featuring three of her original compositions, which was recorded at Metalworks Studios, Canada’s #1 recording studio. With the launch of her new EP now available on iTunes worldwide, and a myriad of new projects on the horizon, Cecile Monique is a rising star poised to become an international phenomenon!

Contact Cecile Monique




Cecile Monique Speaks about Kindred (A Night School Vampire Hunter Trilogy Novella)

Listen Now!

Listen To Immortal Beloved!
You Tube Video





Follow the tour and Tweet each day for Extra Entries.

January 10 - VBT Cafe' Blog
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January 16 - Marketing Cafe'
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January 22 - Reviews & Interviews
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January 30 - VBTC Authors On Tour
January 31 - The Avid Reader












'STARQUEST'    'CHILDREN OF THE MIST'  (The sequel to Starquest)  Dancing With Fate      'Freeread':'A BARGAIN WITH DEATH 

                  Also available on Kindle

26 July 2012

Touched By Death Book Barrage

 I'm pleased to be one of the participating Blogs hosting the Book Barrange for Dale Mayer's brilliant new novel, 'Touched by Death.'


Blurb:
Death had touched anthropologist Jade Hansen in Haiti once before, costing her an unborn child and perhaps her very sanity. A year later, determined to face her own issues, she returns to Haiti with a mortuary team to recover the bodies of an American family from a mass grave.

Visiting his brother after the quake, independent contractor Dane Carter puts his life on hold to help the sleepy town of Jacmel rebuild. But he finds it hard to like his brother's pregnant wife or her family. He wants to go home, until he meets Jade - and realizes what's missing in his own life.

When the mortuary team begins work, it's as if malevolence has been released from the earth. Instead of laying her ghosts to rest, Jade finds herself confronting death and terror again. And the man who unexpectedly awakens her heart - is right in the middle of it all.

Excerpt:
The women headed to the Iron Market and the few shops open along the way. The elegant mansions and townhomes spoke of days gone by. Once glorious in their regal bearing and bright colors, these buildings had taken a major knock from Mother Nature. Still, even with the damage from the earthquake, Jacmel was a tourist destination like no other. At least here, there were obvious revitalization attempts happening to get the city back on its feet.

The afternoon zipped by at a rapid pace – full of shopping, laughter and fun as the women ran from shop to shop and stall to stall buying a few items to make their job a little brighter and more comfortable. Jade was delighted to find several brightly colored t-shirts and cotton pants in a beige-khaki color. They would withstand a lot of wear and tear. At one brightly festooned stall, she found several hair clips big enough to hold her heavy blond hair off her neck.

If she'd had a little longer to prepare and pack, she'd have gotten a haircut. As it was, the clips would do for now. She could always get it cut here if she couldn't stand the heat. Meg's short curls looked perfect. And Susan's fine black bob that stopped at her chin also looked comfortable.

"Now that has to feel better." Meg patted Jade's hair clip. "Nice. Now I almost wish I had long hair myself. Almost." She grinned and picked up several clips. "I bet my sister would love a couple."

"Later, when it's time to go home. Too much to pack this early."

"You're right." Meg put it back with a sigh. "Too bad though."

As they headed back to the SUV Susan stopped at another brightly colored stall, one festooned with odd-looking handmade dolls. An old short and squat women – wearing so many necklaces, they almost obliterated the sight of her red blouse underneath – worked at the booth. The woman's black gaze latched onto Jade and never let go.

Jade moved to the other side of Susan in an effort to get away from that piercing stare. And came too close to the weird-looking straw and cloth dolls. She noticed the papier-mâché looking ones painted in black with weird markings…and many other items she couldn't begin to recognize. "What are these things?"

"Vodou paraphernalia."

Jade shuddered and took several steps back. "Not for me, thanks."

Susan shook her head vigorously. "No. You don't get it. This stuff is for good luck. Used to ward off bad spirits."

With a second shudder, Jade moved several steps back, shaking her hands in front of her. "I still don't want one."

Susan grinned and reached to pluck her choice off the top of the stall. "Well I do. Just what we need for the grave work."

The transaction was done in silence. The old woman accepting the money never took her eyes off Jade. Unsettled, Jade did everything to avoid her. She wished Susan would hurry.

Finally they were done. Jade turned to leave when the old women moved off her stool so quickly, Jade never would have believed it possible if she hadn't seen it herself. Before Jade could back away the old woman grabbed her by the arm.

"Danger stalks you. You see it but you don't understand it. Careful. Or you will join those that have gone before." She dropped Jade's arm and returned to her stool beside her cart.

Jade froze. So shocked and horrified by the crone's touch, she hardly understood what the old woman said.

Meg grabbed her arm. "Come on," she hissed. "Forget about her. Let's get back to the SUV."

Susan snagged her other arm so the three walked back linked together.

"That was too weird," Meg said. "I'm glad you got a doll, Susan. Good luck is just what we need."



Title: Touched by Death
Author: Dale Mayer
Publisher: Valley Publishing
Length: 90,000 words
Genre: Romance
Sub-Genre Romantic Suspense
Sub-Categories: Mystery/Thriller
Heat Level: Steamy (Hot sex scenes/language, but not explicit.)

Available at:

Posted reviews from satisfied readers!
This book had so many twists and turns and I can honestly say that the ending truly surprised me! I was not expecting it to end the way it did so kudos to Ms. Mayer for keeping the suspense up until the ending. There are mentions of voodoo in the story but because this is Haiti, how can there not be? However, these do not take over the story and the evil in this story is purely human. This was a great mystery entwined with a good love story and just enjoyable all the way around. (Kmoaton)

Another well written, suspenseful book that's come to be expected, by Dale Mayer. Her characters come alive and the story literally jumps off the pages. A mix of devastation from the earthquake in Haiti to painting a picture of the beauty that was untouched by it with a smattering of Haitian spiritual beliefs thrown in. Highly recommend. (Janet Fedor)

Dale Mayer has done it again. She's written an amazing, page-turning book that's unlike any other book I've read. I can't imagine any other author setting a book in Haiti after a devastating earthquake - and pulling it off so brilliantly. I cared about Jade and Dane. They felt like real people in trouble. I admired them and wanted them to be safe and happy.

I'm good at guessing endings, but this book kept me in suspense up to the end. I already want to read Mayer's next book! (E.S. Rose)



About the Author:
Dale Mayer is a prolific multi-published writer. She's best known for Tuesday's Child, Hide'n Go Seek, her romantic suspense novels that was one of the final four in the Kensington Brava/Romantic Times contest this last year. Besides her romantic suspense/thrillers, Dale also writes paranormal romance and crossover young adult books in several different genres.  To go with her fiction, she also writes nonfiction in many different fields with books available on resume writing, companion gardening and the US mortgage system. She has recently published her Career Essentials Series . All her books are available in print format as well.

To find out more about Dale and her books, visit her at http://www.dalemayer.com/. Or connect with her online with Twitter at www.twitter.com/dalemayer and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dalemayer.author.


BOOKS BY DALE MAYER:

Psychic Vision Series
Tuesday's Child
Hide'n Go Seek
Maddy's Floor

Single Title Romantic Suspense/Thrillers
Touched by Death – out now!

Novellas
It's a Dog's Life- romantic comedy

Young Adult Books
Dangerous Designs – Book I
Deadly Designs – Book 2 – out soon!
Vampire in Denial – Book I of Blood Ties
Vampire in Distress – Book 2 out soon!
Gem Stone Mystery Series- out soon!
In Cassie's Corner- soon

Non-Fiction Books
Career Essentials: The Resume
Career Essentials: The Cover Letter
Career Essentials: The Interview
Career Essentials: 3 in 1


a Rafflecopter giveaway
Follow Dales's Tour HERE 
The more you comment, the better your chances of winning a copy of her book

8 March 2012

STONE RELICS - Review and Guest Post (ADULT CONTENT 19+)


Title: Stone Relics
Author: Katy Walters
Genre: Fiction - Science Fiction
Published by:Oakwood House Publishing; 3rd Edition (February 12, 2012)
Publication Date:
1st November 2011
Age Restriction:
19+, Erotic/Adult Content
Content Warning:
Contains Erotic and mild violence elements
Recommended Age:
19+
Format(s):
eBook, mass-market paperback
ISBN 13:
978-0615536644
Number of pages:
350

Stone Relics is a high octane thriller. Packed with brilliant concepts – of genetics and mind-blowing technology, it shocks and inspires. Chief Superintendent Ben Tobin, a Super Cop is an enigma, working undercover for MI8, his true identity known only to the few.


In a world of humans, clones, cyborgs, things can go wrong - mutations, psychosis and perversion. It is 2065; megalomaniac business men hold the mining rights to vast outlets on the Asteroid belt. The world’s resources are crumbling as these corrupt men hold the Earth to ransom.


Police are faced with a spate of vicious murders and abductions. Young women are discovered with snakes draped over their bodies, a stone relic carved with a mysterious star system, left at their side. A cryptic message points to a sinister cult. To his horror, Ben experiences phobic attacks along with rage, human emotions alien to him. Desperate he turns to American psychologist, Dr Lucy Roberts, a psychologist/psycho neurologist and a rebel. Forced to reveal what and who he is, Ben has to trust she will not expose him. Lucy agrees to help only to be drawn into a relationship fraught with danger. Can she help Ben to experience love? Archaeologists advise the Stone Relics date back 2.5 million years, before the first Homo Erectus. Who carved the star system? How are these early Earth inhabitants linked to the cult?


MY REVIEW

As an avid Reader of  novels such as Isaac Asimov's  'I Robot' (he also wrote the three 'laws of robotics' *) and Philip K. Dick's 'Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep?' (Mentioned by Katy in the book and in her guest post, and which was filmed as'Blade Runner') it was innevitable that I would enjoy 'Stone Relics' and be drawn to the hero, Ben Tobin, who despite the revelation that he is a clone with a digitally enhanced brain is endearingly human.  The heroine, Lucy Roberts, is feisty and very easy to like and relate to.  The supporting characters are also very strong, with different characteristics and personalities. 

The story is set in the not to distant future and moves at a fast pace, leading from one murder to another,  keeping the reader on the edge of their seat all the way, while the romance between Lucy and Ben gradually warms from simmering to boiling point. Ben, who I found myself likeing more and more as the story progressed, has to deal not only with solving the horrific and gruesome ritual murders and his growing attraction to Lucy, but the fact that parts of his brain, which has a computer implant, are growing and causing him to have unwelcome fears, strange memories and problems controlling his anger. This is the reason why he turns to Lucy a psychologist, in the first place, and eventually draws her into the investigation. There are a lot of characters, including many of the victims, and we see the events through their eyes as well as the two main protagonists.

Katy Walters skillfully weaves together her considerable  knowledge of  Psychology and Police Procedures in this dramatic story  which combines the elements of Science Fiction, Fantasy and the Occult with Crime Fiction, a dash of horror, and a sizzling love story.  The Science Fiction elements are wholly convincing and had me completely absorbed. 

I enjoyed reading this novel, even though it took me a little out of my own personal comfort zone. (I even forgave her for spelling the Welsh name 'Ianto' as Yanto, but probably no-one who wasn't Welsh would have picked up on that, since that's how it is pronounced!) It's not for the squeamish, as there are descriptions of mutilated bodies, a lot of poisonous snakes, ritual gang rape, and it is sprinkled with four letter words,  but they are all necessary to the story and not there just for effect, and are never overdone. To balance the more 'adult' themes, and the horrific nature of the crimes, there are some beautifully descriptive and romantic passages, and a rather endearing dog (named after the author's own dog, I believe) and a cat with 'attitude'.  The book reaches a thrilling climax, followed by a happy and satisfying conclusion.  I can recommend this to anyone who enjoys the combination of a rattling good psychological thriller and Science Fiction novel, liberally sprinkled with Romance, and who is not too bothered by snakes.

EXCERPT
Death grinned as Ben opened the tent flap to snakes decaying over the tender young body. An angel, her beauty devoured by evil, but not her essence, a seraphic core that withstood evil even in death. His legs trembled slightly, as he knelt to her, angels do die – angels with violet eyes. He bit down on his lower lip, tasting blood and salt from the sea, his face now only centimeters away from the decaying reptiles.  Phobic fear pounded his body like an iron fist, punching away his breath. God, the tranx weren’t holding. ‘Get on it with it man’ he muttered, ‘get on with it.’

Wiping the perspiration from his forehead, Ben glanced at the closed flap of the tent; at least no one could see him shaking. His hand hovered over her black curls flowing through the dark green fronds of seaweed, his fingers brushing away the petals of a sea anemone suckling on the pallid skin of her chest. He shivered at her mouth a purple shriek of dried blood, felt his muscles tighten at the puncture-like wounds spread across her exquisite face, naked breasts, belly and legs. Someone had loved this girl – held her in his arms. He focused on the row of neat stitches across her flat stomach.

 His breath felt like ice on his tongue, his body paralyzed almost, as he glimpsed a shadow rising from the sand, a darkness hovering. So, this is what evil felt like. He glanced over his shoulder, there was nothing; just the watery light glowing through the tent walls. He smelt the fetid odor of death – nothing – no demons gibbering.

Detective Mistral Dunwood, known by all as Misty, paced outside the tent, eyes squinting in the morning light. As the Scene of Crime Officers trudged towards her, she called out, ‘Chief, SOCO are here, shall I bring them in?’

Ben felt his muscles loosening, his breath easier, his time with the snakes nearly over. He shouted, ‘No, I need to process the body first, keep everyone away until I call.’
  
 As he placed the magnetic I.D. screen card to the victim’s pale wrist, her details embedded in her skin appeared.

    Melanie Wordsworth,
    Secretary to Dr. Naomi Pearson.
    Resides with Dr. Naomi Pearson.
    Apartment 8, 11 Marine Parade,
    Brighton,
    Area West Sussex, BSX 890.
    Date of birth, 21.10.2040.

    He whispered, ‘I’m here for you, angel, we’ll find the bastard, he’ll know your pain.’

    A stone relic lay wedged under Melanie’s foot: the carved body of a woman, half-human half snake.
I asked Katy what inspired her  to write this story and who are the Science Fiction Writer or writers whose work she admires the most. Here's her reply:

Inspiration came about over years really.  First, having studied Artificial Intelligence as part of my psychology degree, I became aware of how little we really now about the mind.  However, having said that, that was some years ago and there have been great advances made.  Nevertheless, the question still does remain what is the mind and where is it?  No-one at this time can answer that. Ask any psychologist, any philosopher, any scientist and they will say ‘I don’t know.’  But the science fiction writer strides in with a pen or keyboard and pushes into the unknown, the strange, and the incredible. 

We psychologists treat people on a wing and a prayer really. Well a bit more than that, we have tried and tested methods that seem to work for some – not all, but we don’t know really what we are treating or where it is as we do not know where or what the mind is. It is chilling to know how very little we really know about the mind.  Yes, we do know a lot more about the different areas of the brain, but ‘the mind’?  That’s a different ball game and no-one knows the rules yet, or even where to begin. It is only with the advancement of robotics and top down computer programming, where a computer begins to self-learn, that we can begin to maybe glean the workings of the brain. But, still we are nowhere near understanding the mind and as for the soul – well that again is another vast field with a padlocked gate. Science Fiction writers don’t ask those questions they try to give answers, which are either pure fantasy or maybe have a grain of truth. But still, we do not have enough knowledge to challenge Descartes ‘cogito ergo sum’ ‘I think therefore, I am’, or Berkeley’s ‘esse est percipi’ ‘to be is to be perceived’

Science Fiction can challenge the philosophers; push the boundaries of thought and research. I have heard that many scientists scour the science fiction books for inspiration and even ask a writer’s permission to explore a particular idea they have written about. Science Fiction asks, how and why we think.  Some mathematicians say that love is a mathematical formula. If that is really true, then a computer is capable of love.  Extreme argument I know but it is the one from which Stone Relics sprang.

One of the authors I studied was Phillip K. Dick, and this was the beginning of my romance with Sci-fi.  He explored not only the advancement of robotics and their role in society; he explored the region of emotions in the advanced android.  This set me off thinking, of how we as individuals and society as a whole, would cope in the near future with the existence of clones, cyborgs and hybrids. How would we deal with an android who says ‘I love you’?’ Would we laugh saying it was absurd, would we shrug our shoulders and turn away when it cried electronically?


Author Bio: I live on the South Coast with hubby and my golden retriever Lily. The children have grown and flown leaving me space to write full time. Science fiction and paranormal romance have always fascinated me.

I started off as a singer but touring England and Europe, took me away so much from my husband and home. I went back to University and studied psychology. I have a. B.A. Hons in Psychology and another B.A. in Eng. Lit and Creative Writing.  I also attained an M.A. in Mysticism and Religious Experience. Later I was awarded an Hon.Dr.Sc. for research into pain control using altered states of consciousness and complementary healing techniques.]


Author’s Website: http://www.sciencefiction-paranormal-katywalters.com/
Author’s Blog: http://katysreviewsandnews.blogspot.com/


Remaining Tour Stops:


March 9th –
http://nurtureyourbooks.com/vbtblog/
You can visit earlier tour stops HERE

One lucky person will win an eBook copy of Stone Relics by Katy Walters! Since this is an eBook the giveaway is Global and will end on March 9th, 2012.