Dragon Insurrection

Dragon Insurrection (Fantasy)

By Susie Hawes

Recondite Publications

ISBN Pre-Publication

Price NKY

126 Pages

Rating 5-Stars

“A Humorous Dragon Tale.”

When we last saw Farquarte in DRAGON CREED he was captured and chained, unable to shift change into dragon form. Fechum, the old dragon whom the young apprentice had slain for his gold, was now a ghost, haunting him. But after Farquarte’s capture the town folk have performed an exorcism to get rid of the old dragon’s ghost. Plus, his companions were also imprisoned. Things were looking bad for the young dragon, until his friend, Rick the Park Ranger, shows up to rescue him. The Ranger tells him that the evil Professor Breathe also turned him into a dragon. They rescue Jacques and Mimi, the brother and sister elves, and the mayor and his daughter, Alyssa, and start out for the King’s castle, along the way running into Sir Brian, the Knight, and dragon slayer. Things get complicated, but after numerous battles and lots of mishaps, the team reaches the King’s territory where they are met by his army, and a battle royal ensues.

There’s seldom a pause, and the author fills the yarn with lots of action and humor. In fact, this may even be better than DRAGON CREED, and certainly comes to a better ending. Remember, in DRAGON CREED, we were left wondering what would become of the fearless young dragon. This time there is a nice conclusion, though the story is left open for more sequels. For readers who like good story telling, and a fun yarn, I highly recommend DRAGON INSURRECTION.

Tom Johnson

Author of THESE ALIEN SKIES  

Architect of Destiny

Out of sight beyond Earth, the Taran empire spans the galaxy from its seat of power on Tararia.

Cris Sietinen was born with rare telekinetic gifts—abilities he refuses to ignore, regardless of the governing Priesthood's decrees. But, as heir to the most influential Dynasty on Tararia, only a stifled life of business and politics awaits him within the confines of his family's estate. Determined to be true to himself and explore the potential of his abilities, Cris leaves Tararia to begin a new life touring the stars.

When Cris unexpectedly receives an invitation to join the Tararian Selective Service (TSS), the only organization to offer an official telekinesis training program, a new future awaits. It's his dream opportunity to be among people like himself, free from the Priesthood and political objectives. Except, Cris' path was designed, and he's right where the Priesthood wants him.

Architects of Destiny is the first installment in the Cadicle series, a new space opera epic with elements of "Dune" and "Ender's Game." A fast-paced space adventure with intrigue, coming-of-age and romance, this short prequel is a prelude to the defining events in Tararia’s history in the ensuing years.

Architects of Destiny (SF)

By Amy DuBoff

BDL Press

ISBN #978-0692589120

Price $7.99

166 Pages

Rating 5-Stars

“Reads Like A Classic From The Masters.”

On Tararia, a young boy born into the powerful Sietinen High Dynasty wants to experience life instead of ruling a kingdom. At 16 he literally runs away from home – and Tararia. Finding a position on a cargo ship under an alias, he travels the stars visiting other worlds as a mere spaceman. But besides his parents, two other forces are searching for him. The Priesthood, and the Tararian Selective Service (TSS). He was born with telekinetic powers, and there are people that have plans for him. There are rumors of a mysterious Bakzen war in the far reaches of space, and this may be at the core of many problems.

While the cargo ship Exler is in dock, Cris Sietinen notices two strange men following him. He runs, but falls into more danger when an assassin attempts to kill him. The assassin is from the Priesthood. The strangers turn out to be TSS agents, and they recruit him. The TSS agents take Chris to their headquarters below the surface of Earth’s moon (Earth is known as the Lost Colony). TSS agents teach him to use his telekinetic abilities. Here he also meets Katrine Vaenetri, the daughter of a High Dynasty, and they fall in love. But has this all been arranged from behind the scenes?

As I read this story I was reminded of those early SF masters I read growing up, especially Robert A. Heinlein; remember his GLORY ROAD, STARSHIP TROOPERS, HAVE SPACESUIT - WILL TRAVEL, and so many others? The author captures those early masters, and more. It’s not often an author comes along who can take us back to those early years of the masters, yet bring their own distinctive voice to a thrilling tale of both space opera and nuts and bolts science fiction. Amy DuBoff has accomplished this very efficiently, and the result is a book the reader cannot put down until the last page. She has built her universe with care and much thought, and there are already two sequels. A full Glossary in the back of the book gives description and explanation to the universe. Highly recommended for SF fans, and lovers of a good yarn.

Tom Johnson

Author WORLDS OF TOMORROW

Assignment: Nina Fontayne

Assignment: Nina Fontayne by Tom Johnson: Published by FADING SHADOWS. Cover by Rudolph Belarski. When men of science go mad, the U.S. Government fears a foreign power at the source of the evil and calls in their top secret agent, Jeff Shannon. But this time his foe may be the greatest spy in the world - and the most beautiful. Will Jeff Shannon also fall to her womanly charms? The Eagle faces Europe’s deadliest femme fatale in this 1940s action thriller. I need Reviews, so anyone interested in reading a Word doc., who will post their reviews on their Blog, Amazon and elsewhere, ask for a reading copy. Available for $1.99 on Amazon Kindle, at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B019BD5B3C

The Battling Pilot

Pilot Pete England used to think there was nothing more exciting in the world than flying off into the wild blue yonder. But lately the blue yonder hasn’t been wild at all . . . it’s been downright dull. Pete’s like a jaded Clark Gable who’s hungry for adventure—and he’s about to get his fill.

Pete has fallen into a rut, flying the same route—New York to D.C.—with the same passengers, day after day after day. He might as well be driving a bus . . . until “her highness” climbs aboard. Apparently a princess, she’s the Carole Lombard to Pete’s Clark Gable, and for one flight, she’s bought up every ticket on the plane.

Once Pete gets her into the air, the action heats up fast. He learns that the lady is at the center of some international intrigue that could turn the tide of war . . . and now a mysterious plane is on their tail, bent on shooting them out of the sky. But that’s the least of Pete’s concerns. There’s more to this princess than meets the eye, and falling in love with her could turn out to be the greatest flight risk of all.

The Battling Pilot (Aviation Adventure)

By L. Ron Hubbard

Galaxy Press www.goldenagestories.com

ISBN #978-1592123056

Price $9.95

128 Pages

“Hubbard Is A Master Story Teller.”

Pete England flies for the ACA fleet on the Washington to New York run, and complains it’s the same thing every day, and he knows every farm house and bush along the way. And then, one day that all changes. First, he’s assigned a new copilot, Tom Duffy, and then his regular passengers are left standing while a beautiful young princess and her companion, the elderly Louise are escorted on the plane. They will be his only passengers on this run. Things start going from bad to worse when another plane forces them down, and Princess Maritza and Louise are taken prisoner, along with Pete and Duffy.

This was another great action story by the author, this time even with an air fight over US soil. A storyteller of many genres, the author is a master of action and great characters. The story was originally published in March 1937 issue of FIVE-NOVELS magazine. Highly recommended for aviation fans, and lovers of great story telling adventure.

Tom Johnson

Author of PULP DETECTIVES

Sky Ghosts: All For One

Unseen in their black gear against the night sky, there are Sky Ghosts - gifted warriors who have been hiding among humans for centuries. They are bodyguards of the highest caliber and protectors of their cities at night, when they hunt those who choose the dark side, Sky Beasts. Jane and Pain from the New York Ghosts Headquarters don't think twice about beheading a Beast or two. One night, they save two young men from their enemies' blades and find themselves in the middle of a war. As they put their lives at stake to save their wards, the main mystery remains unsolved: why would the Beasts hunt two ordinary human boys?

Sky Ghosts: All For One (Young Adult Urban Fantasy)

By Alexandra Engellmann

Amazon Kindle

ASIN #B00QQABR5U

Price $2.99

359 Pages

Rating 3-Stars

“Interesting Concept And Characters.”

There are two opposing forces, the Sky Ghosts and the Beasts. The Sky Ghosts patrol the city at night, protecting citizens from roving Sky Beasts. These are super heroes of sorts, fighting against super villains of sorts. The Sky Ghosts go back a long time in the past, when one man had the determination to fly. Since then, more had been born with the power, eventually splitting off into two factions, Ghosts & Beasts. Well trained with swords and knives, as well as strength and martial arts, the Sky Ghosts don’t hesitate to kill by decapitating the Sky Beasts with their swords. One night sisters, Jane and Pain come across Sky Beasts accosting two civilians and intervene, slicing the Beasts’ heads off. They bring the two men back to headquarters, where their boss decides the men should remain under their protection while he discovers what the Sky Beasts wanted with them.

The story then introduces the readers to all of the main characters, and we follow them in battle and play time. They train hard, and have feelings like anyone else. The writing was awkward, and the story was in bad need of tightening. Perhaps we can compare them to The Magnificent 7: seven gunfighters against a gang of outlaws. There was little difference in the two forces. The story also reminded me of the old phrase, “Drugs, Sex, and Rock & Roll,” and I had trouble defining the good from the bad, as both sides kill wantonly without hesitation. Sky Ghosts certainly aren’t angels. Personally, I found the story too juvenile for my taste. The fight scenes could have been worked on, instead of just a swish and heads roll. Recommended for juvenile readership.

Tom Johnson

Author of CARNIVAL OF DEATH