2013: Year of the Thriller~ Dan Brown, Lada Ray, Joshua Lisec, and More!

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ebooks, Gold Train (Accidental Spy Russia Adventure), Inferno by Dan Brown, James Rollins, Joshua Lisec, Lada Ray, mystery, new release books, paperbakcs, Phoenix Reich, Ray House, The Earth Shifter, The Earth Shifter book launch, thriller, visionary fantasy thriller, Year of the Thriller

First a few important announcements:

1. Wow! Due to the veritable avalanche of super-exciting features, interviews and posts that are still waiting in line, I am happy to announce that I’m extending THE EARTH SHIFTER Virtual Tour into May. Still to come: Real Russia Video Journey 2: Spectacular Moscow, new dramatic video/audio excerpts, new reviews & features! And of course, don’t miss our Mega-giveaway grand finale on May 31! There’s still time to enter!

2. In the excitement of the launch, I somehow forgot to mention that I have started my own brand & publishing house dedicated to publishing and promoting literature with conscience, message and meaning. After a lot of deliberations, I’ve decided to call it RAY HOUSE. Going forward, all my books will carry the Ray House logo and designation.

3. YA Revolution is gaining momentum and I hope to have more activities going on soon. It is a grassroots movement, and all authors interested in literature with message & meaning are encouraged to join and network! Read more here.

And now, today’s feature:

Exciting and notable 2013 thriller releases for all ages! This is an article generously shared by author Joshua Lisec. Featured on his blog and syndicated to his publisher’s website, it includes the new releases by Dan Brown, Josh Lisec and yours truly. Article link

2013: Year of the Thriller ~ Dan Brown, Lada Ray, Joshua Lisec, and More!

Thriller readers of all ages and tastes have plenty to look forward to this year. Veteran blockbuster authors James Rollins and Dan Brown are cranking out guaranteed hits, and up-and-comer’s of the genre Lada Ray and Joshua Lisec are making a splash of their own.

Without further ado, here are the authors who are making 2013 the Year of the Thriller…

• The Blood Gospel
• James Rollins & Rebecca Cantrell
• William Morrow and Company
• January 8

2013 started off with a descent into an arcane underworld of ancient vampires with James Rollins’ and Rebecca Cantrell’s The Blood Gospel. The first of the their Order of the Sanguines series, The Blood Gospel treats readers to both the scientific breakthroughs and unveiled treasures that pepper Rollins’ SIGMA Force series as well as the gothic horror style of Cantrell.

Here’s the scoop on the novel from the official book trailer…

From crumbling tombs to splendorous churches, confront a past that traces back thousands of years, to a time when ungodly beasts hunted the dark spaces of the world, to a moment in history when Christ made a miraculous offer, a pact of salvation for those who were damned for eternity. Some books should never be found, never opened—until now.

Check out the authors websites: www.jamesrollins.com and www.rebeccacantrell.com. Get your copy of The Blood Gospel from Amazon.com today!

• The Phoenix Reich & The Compass
  
• Joshua Lisec
• DonnaInk Publications
• March 30

Spring ushers in the emergence of debut novelist Joshua Lisec’s first title in the Max Meyers Adventure series, The Phoenix Reich. A fast-paced thriller set against the backdrop of World War II mysteries and the reality of modern-day Nazi conspiracies, The Phoenix Reich introduces adventure hero-in-the-making Max Meyers.

Lisec is the Featured Author of publishing house DonnaInk Publications, a rising star in the 21^st century’s publishing industry. Here’s a taste of the novel for interested readers…

 Find the killer, restore your father’s legacy, save the world…all before finals week.

When underachieving college student Max Meyers learns that the death of his father, a popular United States Senator, has been prematurely ruled a suicide, he sets out on a mission to learn the truth—a mission that leads him to uncover an international conspiracy dating back to the final days of Nazi Germany.

You can download The Compass, a Short Story Prequel to The Phoenix Reich, for FREE just by e-mailing a request to thecompass@donnaink.org. To get your copy of The Phoenix Reich at an exclusive discounted price from the publisher, click here.

You can follow Joshua’s journey as a wunderkind of thrillers at www.joshualisec.wordpress.com,www.goodreads.com/JoshuaLisec, and www.twitter.com/JoshuaLisec. Feel free to check out the assortment of DonnaInk Publications’ other talented authors at http://www.donnaink.org.

• The Earth Shifter & Gold Train
• Lada Ray
• Ray House
• Apil 10

Lada Ray’s The Earth Shifter is a top-rated visionary fantasy/thriller set on Sacred Lake Baikal in Siberia, in Moscow and New York. Immerse yourself in global conspiracy and remote viewing, visit fantastic realms of Heaven and Earth, rub shoulders with shamans, shifters, psychic spies and Russian oligarchs. Grab onto and hold close the endearing and spectacular characters, and root for Time and Mind Shifter, Sasha, in her quest to find her destiny!

From the true story of Grigory Rasputin and Tunguska Meteorite explosion to secret Russian and US psychic spy programs, The Earth Shifter is a fantasy cleverly intertwined with true history and modern world events. Don’t look for sword fights or deadly lightning bolts; the powers described here are much more subtle, and therefore, infinitely more Earth Shifting!

You can get a hold of The Earth Shifter from Amazon (Amazon US & UK) or Barnes & Noble, (B&N)!

Begin your love affair with Russia! Lada Ray’s second 2013 novel, Gold Train,  is a gripping mystery/thriller based on true historic events.

1918: Civil War in Russia. The entire gold reserve of the Russian Empire vanishes without a trace. But what if it’s about to resurface? And what if it’s about to be used to shift the global balance of power?

Today: Jade Snow, international journalist and sexy super-sleuth turned spy extraordinaire, travels to Russia to reconnect with her heritage and investigate tantalizing mystery of the Gold Train. Instead, she lands in the middle of a deadly conspiracy threatening to change the fate of one of the world’s most powerful nations. Refusing to be a pawn in a struggle of forces beyond her control, she must choose between her worst friends and best enemies. She can trust only her exceptional wit, quick thinking, unwavering determination, and a generous dollop of psychic abilities to accomplish her impossible task and fulfill her destiny!

You can get a hold of Gold Train from Amazon (Amazon US & UK) or Barnes & Noble (B&N)!

Born in Russia, Lada Ray is a world traveler, linguist, financial consultant, Feng Shui Master, shaman, futurist, and metaphysics/spirituality researcher. Lada holds a Master’s Degree in comparative linguistics, is fluent in several languages and has traveled to over twenty six countries on most continents. She is the author of the Accidental Spy Adventure Series, including Gold Train (Accidental Spy Russia Adventure), Stepford USA (Accidental Spy Small Town Adventure), and Green Desert (Prequel). Lada has just released a visionary fantasy/thriller, The Earth Shifter. Coming soon: Earth Keepers Chronicles: Origins (Catharsis, Lemurian Crystal, Atlantis).

You can meet up with Lada on her official author site (LadaRay.com), her author blog (LadaRay.wordpress.com), her geopolitcs & predictions blog (futuristrendcast.wordpress.com), on Twitter (@LadaTweets), and on Goodreadsand Youtube.

• Inferno
• Dan Brown
• Transworld Publishers
• May 14

Four words. Dan Brown is back.

That says it all. Nearly three years after Dan Brown’s last novel, The Lost Symbol, the fourth adventure of symbologist Robert Langdon has arrived. The world’s greatest thriller author is taking readers back to Europe for an incredible mystery of Italian artwork, medieval puzzles, and ominous conspiracy, all based on Dante Alighieri’s Inferno. Check out the deets from www.danbrown.com…

In Inferno, we have the added excitement of following Robert Langdon back to the heart of Europe, where he becomes entwined in a mystery that has global ramifications…tied to the ominous and truly mesmerizing details of Dante’s masterful work.

You can pre-order a hardcover or eBook version of Dan Brown’s Inferno from Amazon.com here.

Related articles

• The Young Adult Revolution Is Here! Self-Publishing Just Found Its Conscience. (rohan7things.wordpress.com)

Join the YA Revolution!

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Author Lada Ray, book reviews, Books, e-readers, ebooks, Gold Train, reading, Stepford USA, The Earth Shifter, YA literature, YA Revolution, Young adult fiction

The E-publishing revolution has just started, and already digital shelves are full of senseless imitations rehashed over and over again. Some books are just openly negative, violent or meaningless. All you need is an e-reader and a simple click of a button in order to purchase an ebook. No one can possibly police what our teens and young adults are reading. Meanwhile, their minds are still delicate and developing, and perhaps they haven’t yet learned to discern what is good and what is harmful. Much of what our teens may be downloading on their e-readers may not be what they should be reading in order to develop into good human beings and responsible citizens of our planet!

Typically, author organizations and promotional sites do not distinguish books for integrity, quality of message and positive energy. It is up to us, readers, writers, bloggers and reviewers to convey this information to each other. YA Revolution aims to unite all those who are tired of same old, same old and who want to read new, original, inspiring books with message and heart. It’s also for those who want the same for their kids. We intend to give voice and help promote authors who deserve to be heard, whether they write YA or adult literature. The more good books are promoted by us all, the easier both teens and adults will be able to chose the right books to read!

Whether you are a young adult or simply young at heart,

join the YA REVOLUTION!

We are for literature with message and meaning!

What’s in the name: Why YA Revolution? Putting on my trendcaster hat… ahem… This decade will continue seeing unprecedented interest in YA literature. The 20 year period from 2004 till 2024 is called “Period 8, or the period of young man” in the Flying Star System of Feng Shui. Everything that is associated with young people, including the rise of the military, rebellion, education, YA literature, and yes, revolution, is being emphasized. We live at a time when adults gladly read YA and teens read adult literature. This is why our YA Revolution is all-encompassing!

What is YA Revolution? Our objective is to give better visibility and voice to well-written, original books raising important issues and containing a meaningful message and/or positive attitude. This applies to both fiction and non-fiction. While these books deserve to be heard, they may be drowning in a sea of rehashed and meaningless stuff. The idea is to create a directory of GOOD new books to read for adults and teens alike. 

Why will the YA Revolution benefit all, authors and readers of all ages alike? Very simple: Indie authors sometimes get a reputation for being less than original; the opinion oftentimes is that the quality of indie literature is subpar. This is because some of the indie books give everyone else a bad name. I met many indie authors who write great books, but they are overshadowed by those who yell the loudest or who have the flashiest covers (or perhaps by those who have deeper pockets, or those who perform various magic tricks). I am offering the recipe for solving all these problems! If we all pull together our resources, our influence, and our enthusiasm, we’ll be able to give bigger voice to authors of good books, and provide better choices for readers! A win-win!

Visit YA Revolution page on top navigation bar. This page’s reply section will become the depository for books with message and meaning recommended by readers, reviewers and authors. I will also post a badge with a link on my side bar.

As we grow, we plan to organize giveaways, contests and other YA Revolution events.

I had smashing fun designing the YA Revolution badges! I think it’s good to have them for every taste and genre, so more people feel they belong with our revolution. 

Choose one or more themes that work for you and post them on your blog/site!

Theme FUNKY

Theme BOOKISH

Theme EARTH SHIFTER

Theme STARSEED

Theme CREATION

Theme COOL

And if you are feeling especially rebellious… Theme REBEL

Rules for joining the YA Revolution:

1. Pick the badge that appeals to you and post it on your blog or site (sidebar, a dedicated page or awards page), linking back to this post. 

2. Tell as many people as you can so others could also join!

3. Readers/reviewers: post the badge in every post showcasing (interview, book review, spotlight) any author/book that you feel deserves to be awarded this badge! Mention YA Revolution in your post and link up to YA REVOLUTION page. For WordPress blogs, your link will become an automatic pingback (or you can chose to leave a comment with link). For all other blogs and sites, make sure you visit our page and leave a comment with the link to your respective post. 

4. If you are an author and feel that you deserve this badge based on our criteria, post it with your book description and link up to this post. Follow above instructions for WordPress and non-wordpress blogs.

5. YA Revolution badge has dual purpose; it works both as a movement banner, and as an award. My future Author Features will include the YA REVOLUTION badge. Consider it my stamp of approval! (Read my post about the new Author Feature.) When someone else awards you this badge, proudly post it on your awards page – you’ve earned it! Remember to link to this post and mention my name!

Note: Post all your links/pingbacks in the YA Revolution page reply section, so that any reader could browse and choose better reads for themselves and their children. The idea is to create a directory of GOOD new books to read for adults and teens alike. However, we cannot police every link and pingback. It is up to the poster and readers to determine whether a specific recommendation will benefit our readers. Please be responsible while posting! Important: one link per book, please! Duplicates will be considered spamming and will result in removal of your links.

It is understood that we grow through adversity, and that inner and outer conflict and struggle is part of any good literature. YA Revolution is not meant to restrict or discriminate by genre. However, YA Revolution is NOT for books that promote or glorify violence of any sort, negative or senseless attitudes and actions, and characters/entities that have no redeeming value. While sexy romantic element as part of plot and character development is fine as long as our above criteria are met, no hard-core erotica allowed. It is advisable to specify what ages your book is appropriate for.

I also want to mention a couple of people who inspired the YA Revolution: 1. Author M.C. O’Neill, who said that my fantasy/thriller THE EARTH SHIFTER gave “a new definition to YA literature.” 2. Reviewer Michala at BiteMyBook.com, who said in her Amazon review of The Earth Shifter: “In a current age where every story is about wolves and vampires or witches or whatnot, it is nice to read a tale that engages the reader deeply.” For over a year, I had a persistent feeling that I wasn’t quite reaching my reader. Having read the above two reviews, the light went on and I came up with the YA Revolution concept.

About my work: I am the author of several visionary fantasy/adventure books and mystery/thrillers – YA and adult. Soon, I will start a non-fiction series, long in the planning. In addition to highly engaging plots and memorable characters, all my books carry strong and important messages. Incidentally, I am launching THE EARTH SHIFTER, Stepford USA and GOLD TRAIN (2nd edition) paperbacks, and from April 10 to May 5, I’ll be doing virtual book tour. If you are interested in showcasing (and/or reviewing) any of my books, please let me know! You can find all my books here. Or visit my official author site at LadaRay.com.

THE EARTH SHIFTER Book Tour begins on 4/10! Stay tuned!

GO TO YA REVOLUTION PAGE FOR MORE ON HOW TO PARTICIPATE

Related articles

• Announcement: Introducing the New AUTHOR FEATURE SERIES! (ladaray.wordpress.com)
• Why YA is Perfect for Moms (runwalksmile.wordpress.com)
• Defining Young Adult Literature (readfulthingsblog.com)
• Too much A in YA? (readfulthingsblog.com)
• Unexpected Spiritual Themes (And Creepy Faeries) In YA Paranormal Romance (rockandsling.com)
• The Girl “Problem”: Reading Girls in Young Adult Literature (teachread.wordpress.com)
• Return of Blog – Diversity in YA (fallsintowriting.com)
• The “Problem” with Teens (teachread.wordpress.com)

The Earth Shifter Giveaway Results

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Accidental Spy Adventure Series, Amazon Kindle, Books by author Lada Ray, ebooks, Gold Train, Green Desert, Kindle formatting, Stepford USA, The Earth Shifter, THe Earth Shifter mega-giveaway

We have winners!

Congrats to all who won and many thanks to all who participated in the giveaway! Archos Tablet Super Giveaway is still underway and a new awesome giveaway for my biggest supporters and reviewers is coming soon! Check my blog for more, updates coming very soon.

But back to our results! The Earth Shifter giveaway for Kindle or Smash ebook formatting / manuscript editing / 3 sets of Accidental Spy ebooks (Gold Train, Stepford USA, Green Desert) has ended on 1/26/13.

Winners:

Ebook formatting with my formatter, Mike of DWD http://dynamicwebdesign.net84.net/: 

Entry #125 Allen

Professional Editing  with my editor, Beth Lynne of BZ Hercules: 

Entry #49 Paul H.

3 sets of Accidental Spy ebooks (Gold Train, Stepford USA, Green Desert):

Entry #24 Wil  

Entry #10 Mary E.

Entry #71 Sherry F.

See full results here: LadaRay.com/TheEarthShifterGiveaway

Congrats, winners!

The Next Big Thing Blog Hop

Tags

Atlantis, Author Lada Ray, Chinese American, ebooks, indie auhtors and publishers, Keira Knightley, metaphysical fantasy thriller, quest, Russia, Russian History, The Earth Shifter, The Next Big Thing Blog Hop

This is my first time participating in a blog hop and it promises to be fun! I’ve been tagged by two awesome writers and bloggers back in the end of 2012, but had to delay answering their questions due to the launch of my new metaphysical YA fantasy/thriller, THE EARTH SHIFTER.

These are the bloggers/authors who have tagged me. Please check out their blogs and books!

Darlene Foster’s Blog

Chloe Carstairs – Chloe Gets a Clue

Q&A:

1.What is the title of your new book? What’s next? 

The title of my new novel is The Earth Shifter. It is book one of the Earth Shifter trilogy. I am starting to work on book two, with anticipated release of Winter 2013-14.

In addition, I am also creating a companion series to The Earth Shifter. It is called  Earth Keepers Chronicles. The first in the series, Catharsis, Legend of the Lemurians is a novelette, now available as an ebook everywhere. I am presently working on  books 2 and 3: Lemurian Crystal and Atlantis to be released in Spring 2013. Later in the year, Catharsis, Lemurian Crystal, and Atlantis will also be released together as Earth Keepers Chronicles: Origins. These metaphysical/dystopian fantasies are about our shadowy ancient history, the Lemurains, Atlanteans, and origins of humanity. More Earth Keepers Chronicles are planned for 2014 and beyond. Stay tuned.

2. Where did the idea come from for the book?

In 2005, after I’d decided to leave my high-powered Wall Street career,  I immersed myself in the in-depth study of spirituality and metaphysics. I picked up a number of books at the Princeton Barnes&Noble, the town where I lived back then, and was checking them out. The young man at the counter handed me a receipt.

“Your autograph, please,” he said.

As I was signing the receipt, he suddenly added, “May be worth a lot one day.”

I stared at him because it really seemed like an odd thing to blurt out just like that. It sounded more like a message meant for me, and so in that very moment, a light literally went on in my head.

I imagined the Comet of Karma, the Keepers, the Protectors, the secret society, various mystical characters, creatures and power players, and in the midst of it all, two very different teenagers residing on the opposite sides of the planet. Theirs would be an unenviable task of saving the world, if they managed to come together before it was too late…

I started fleshing out The Earth Shifter. In it, I sought to combine a lifetime of research and study of the metaphysical world, my various travels, experiences working in finance, interest in geopolitics, history, and my vision of humanity’s probable futures.

3. What genre does your book fall under?

This is a complex book with multiple characters and various settings, new ideas, and lots of interesting information. It is categorized as fantasy historical, fantasy contemporary and visionary/metaphysical. Other applicable categories: YA crossover, geopolitical/spy thriller, quest.

The Earth Shifter is a true YA crossover, suitable for most readers, early teen through adult.

4. Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

The cast would have to be international. The protagonist, Sasha Elfimova, is Russian, although she speaks very good English. She would have to be played by a 16-17 year old Russian girl, who is tall, light-haired, blue-eyed and has a bit of an angelic look, yet is strong and very powerful when she has to be. Perhaps a younger Keira Knightley would have the right look and personality. The twins, Win and Kei, are Chinese teens living in New York Chinatown, so they would have to be played by Chinese-Americans. The cast would have to include Russians, Chinese, Siberians, Americans, Brits. The nine Keepers could be interesting since they include representatives of various cultures spanning the entire globe.

I have a dream: one day I would love to make a movie based on The Earth Shifter. It could be so much fun selecting the right actors for the roles!

5. What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

The Comet of Karma, the Earth Keepers, the Protectors, a global secret society, the Shifters, and three teenagers, two of whom are destined to become the all-powerful KEY of DESTINY, if they succeed in keeping their souls uncorrupted… and if they manage to come together before it’s too late…

6. Is your book self-published or represented by an agency?

I am an Indie author and as such, I self-publish in the USA. However, I may be looking to work with traditional publishers in other countries soon.

7.  How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

This is kinda funny: it took me several years to flesh out all the characters, settings, ideas, and to write one half of the manuscript. The rest, I wrote and polished in one month. Talk about inspiration and acceleration!

8. What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

I usually try not to draw comparisons; I simply like to create new, original characters and stories. In my books, I aim to both entertain and educate/ enlighten.

That said, one of my readers/reviewers just emailed me his impressions. I quote: “The scope is on the measure of Asimov, Tolkien, and any of the great writers I have encountered.”

I don’t know what he’ll end up writing in his review, but I hope it’s a good one.

9. Who or What inspired you to write this book?

The Earth Shifter carries this dedication:

To my international family and friends,

 who inspired some of my characters,

and to all those

who boldly go toward their destiny…

More about this in my answer to question 2.

10. What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

Definitely the Shifters with power over mind, matter, time and space. Also, I think the readers would love my mystical, yet poetic, descriptions of the Sacred Lake Baikal in Siberia. If you like spy thrillers, you’ll enjoy the chapters about remote viewers – psychic warriors, as they were called – and the clandestine war between Russian and American intelligence. Check out the real story of Grigory Rasputin, one of history’s big enigmas. Also, you may find the character of the infamous Russian oligarch, Boris Konukovsky, very interesting. And last but no least, check out the mysterious character of Red and her Underworld castle. You will never guess what she really is! To find out, you’ll have to read the book!

Many thanks to Darlene and Chloe for thinking of me! In turn, I would like to pass the torch and hear what these fine writers are up to. You may talk about a recently published, or a future book – your choice. Just link your post to mine and enjoy!

J.J. Collins JJCollinsAuthor

Paulette Mahurin

Mardi Orlando

Jason Sullivan Different Outcomes

M.C. O’Neill RoyalManaBall

Karen Robiscoe Charron’s Chatter

And here is this meme’s origin: http://www.andreajarrell.com/blog/2012/10/5/the-next-big-thing-my-creative-side-project.html

Read more about THE EARTH SHIFTER

Don’t forget to enter these awesome giveaways!

Win ARCHOS Tablet     

Win Kindle formatting/Manuscript editing/My ebooks

P.S. I have created the Next Big Thing badge you see on top of this post. Feel free to use it in your posts, and if you give me credit, all the better!

P.S.S. A fellow fantasy author M.C. O’Neill has posted a wonderful spotlight for THE EARTH SHIFTER at RoyalManaBall Blog. Check it out here and join a very interesting discussion in the comment section!

Accidental Spy Party: Huge Price Drop & Giveaway!

Tags

Accidental Spy Series, Amazon Kindle, Author Lada Ray, book sale, books for writers, Catharsis Legend of the Lemurians, ebook formatting, ebooks, giveaway, Gold Train, Goodreads, great reads, Green Desert, paperback, Stepford USA

The Holiday Season 2012 is quickly approaching, and the Party Season on Lada Ray Blog never stops!

ANNOUNCING: 50%+ price drop for both Accidental Spy novels: Stepford USA (US Adventure, #1) and Gold Train (Russia Adventure, #2), plus, a BIG giveaway! My ebooks are on sale everywhere, including B&N Nook and Smashwords.

For 8 days, from 10/14 to 10/21, GOLD TRAIN & STEPFORD USA will be $1.49 (or UK/Euro equivalent) everywhere! (regular $2.99-4.99).

Make sure you stop by and load up your fave reader with some great Holiday reads!

Please see the buy links below!

GIVEAWAY: I’ve got some great stuff to give away, and I hope everyone will find something they’ll like. For the first time, I am using Rafflecopter for this giveaway, as I hear it’s a great tool. Please check below to see what’s cooking in our several Rafflecopters – entering is as easy as 1,2,3!

B&N Nook    Smashwords

Amazon:  US  UK   DE   FR   ES   IT

B&N Nook    Smashwords

Amazon:  US  UK  DE   FR   ES   IT

Incidentally,

GOLD TRAIN Paperback can now be ordered at Barnes & Noble $12.46 (best price!)

GREEN DESERT is now only $.99 on B&N Nook and Smashwords

CATHARSIS is only $.99 on B&N Nook and FREE on Smashwords

More buy links: LADA RAY BOOK STORE

Even more fun stuff!

Announcing Accidental Spy Big Giveaway!

Do I have stuff to give away? Oh yes, I do.

The Accidental Spy Giveaway takes place at my official author website: LadaRay.com

It is already up and running, so please stop by and check it out any time. New stuff will be added as we go along. Stay tuned for more!

There are 4+1 (!!) Rafflecopter forms @LadaRay.com. 

Prizes include:

KINDLE + SMASHWORDS (both!) PROFESSIONAL FORMATTING for your next book (Many thanks to Dynamic Web Design (DWD) for donating this great service!)

Signed copy of GOLD TRAIN paperback with personalized message

Complete set of Accidental Spy ebooks (Gold Train, Stepford USA, Green Desert)

Writers’ Pack: 2 highly acclaimed non-fiction books that belong on every writer’s shelf!

Plus, I’ll be adding CATHARSIS giveaway in a day or two! Stay tuned!

Something for everyone.
ENTER one or all.

But check it out for yourself!

Please note, the Giveaway Party is taking place at LadaRay.com (my official author website), due to the fact that WordPress (alas) does not support Rafflecopter. 

The Party is now LIVE!

Click here to ENTER THE ACCIDENTAL SPY PARTY!

Let the fun begin!

 

Indie Book Review Fest

Tags

5 star books, Author Lada Ray, awesome reads, book reviews, books kindle, Catharsis, ebooks, fantasy scifi, Gold Train by author Lada Ray, indie authors, Kindle, Legend of the Lemurians, mystery thriller, Smashwords, Stepford USA

Welcome to the Indie Book Review Fest! Included are my September reviews of 4 great books by fellow authors, as well as the most recent and best reviews of my own books. I promise a feast for the reader’s soul with a variety of genres, including adventure, mystery/thriller, fantasy/scifi, metaphysical/spiritual, paranormal and non-fiction/history.

Without further ado…

RAHALA: An Ascension Odyssey by Jason Sullivan

Category: fantasy/scifi, dystopian, spiritual/metaphysical

FREE at this time on Smashwords!

 Review by: Lada Ray on Sep. 16, 2012 :     
Fascinating, Visionary and Creative – Highly Recommended!

While visiting the ancient rocks in northern Arizona, friends Marcia, Steve and Harvey encounter a striking inter-dimensional phenomenon, and meet a friendly alien who shows them the future destruction of the Earth by vicious extraterrestrials called Perathons.

What ensues is a highly imaginative, philosophical and visionary story of a quest by three very different humans to save the planet. Although the book features various aliens, it is as much about saving the planet from them, as it is about saving it from ourselves, particularly from those humans who succumb to greed, aggression and other vices. It is also about saving OURSELVES, our souls, our hearts, all that is pure and good; it is about remembering who we are and what’s important.

The imagery is both profound and creative. The author takes his protagonists back in time: to ancient France and medieval Ireland, where the reader is asked to reconnect with the pure nature of our planet, and to the dismal distant future, where we see what would become of us and the Earth, if heroic action is not taken to prevent this time-line from becoming a gruesome reality.

I loved the spiritual/metaphysical element in the story, reminiscent of the Earth’s wisdom from the Native American and ancient European traditions, as well as what we call today the “New Thought.” At times, Rahala also reminded me of the famous book, The Celestine Prophecy.

Jason Sullivan’s book packs a lot of information in a relatively short space. It is easy and pleasant to read, includes some humor, yet it gets you thinking about the important truths we often forget or brush aside. I highly recommend this enjoyable, imaginative and spiritual read to anyone!

..

CATHARSIS, Legend of the Lemurians (Earth Keepers Chronicles: Book 1) by Lada Ray

Category: fantasy/scifi, YA, dystopian, spiritual/metaphysical 

Available on Amazon US  UK  and other countries

Smashwords – FREE!

Coming to B&N, Kobo, Sony, Apple any day now!

Catharsis can also be purchased at Lada Ray Book Store (PDF)

Catharsis was released on September 13, 2012. I intend to keep it free for the time being on Smashwords, and possibly on B&N, Kobo, Sony and Apple. It is only $.99 on Kindle. Below are excerpts from the best reviews it received so far.

Review by: Mary Ellis on Sep. 30, 2012 :     
CATHARSIS immediately drew me in!
I’ve just finished a really intriguing short story written by Lada Ray: Catharsis, Legend of the Lemurians, is Book 1 of the new Earth Keepers Series. It is a metaphysical/dystopian short, which is also the companion and prequel to the upcoming YA fantasy/thriller novel, THE EARTH SHIFTER.

Catharsis is only 11K words, or about 30 pages in length, but it delivers quite an impact. The characters, back story, setting—all work together to create the aura of fairytale magic, along with important lessons to be learned. I found myself rooting for the Uglies, especially the protagonist Morf, as they try to save the planet, and as they have to make the hardest choice of their uneasy lives.

This first book of a very promising new series, is a relatively quick and easy read. Heart warming message about remembrance, and what it means to be a genuine human being. In these times, when we focus on all the bad news around us, it’s easy to forget this precious lesson. A truly great and inspiring read, recommended for all age groups but especially for young people… it will give them hope and a brighter outlook for the future! Highly recommend, I am eagerly awaiting the next installment, which will feature the Lemurians’ and Atlanteans’ life on Earth. 5 Stars for this elegant work.

Review by: Inspirational Fiction/IF Mystery Sep. 30, 2012 :    
Great writing, plotting and pacing but the short story just ended, leaving me scratching my head. A great morality lesson for young adults, especially in this age of bullies, still I wish the author had fleshed out the events on Earth.

Lada says: This is a series of shorts, therefore, the events on Earth for both the Lemurians and Atlanteans are coming up in the next 3 books – to be released in the first part of 2013. Stay tuned!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars

This prequel will appeal to lovers of Star Trek, The Chronicles of Narnia, and Star Wars, all rolled into an exciting new series September 19, 2012

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Review by: J.J.Collins  Format: Kindle Edition

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I read all the author’s previous books and loved them all. “Catharsis – Legend of the Lemurians”, the author’s first book of the Earth Keepers Chronicles. The author has an exceptional talent to blend amazing creative writing, brilliant imagination and current topical issues in her writing. Catharsis has everything, science, astrology, mythology, biblical prophecy, and current affairs, all intertwined in a magical tour de force. You can tell the author puts a little bit of her soul into everything she writes, this pays off exceptionally well, as the reader will always find it difficult to remove oneself from the journey presented.

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This prequel transcends all age groups, every character has a significance and every page a twist. It contains strong values, fosters loyalty and respect, and provides for the type of leadership qualities that we all seek, but rarely find in our own modern day world.

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The promise for the future and the sense of the unknown for the main characters is as relevant, and as important to the main characters, as it is to any reader of this wonderful piece.

Review by: Madeline Walsh on Sep. 17, 2012 :     

A Beautiful Tale of Paradise Lost and Paradise Found! What does it mean to be ugly, Truly ugly from the inside-out? We are about to find out as Author, Lada Ray, takes us on a timeless adventure from a distant galaxy far away and long ago. Lessons “forgotten” tend to repeat themselves throughout history until we ultimately learn from them. “Catharsis” is a timely tale that warns us about how our collective future may unfold if we don’t wake up!

Review by: KatesReads on Sep. 15, 2012 :    
This is a great short story and intro into The Earth Keepers Chronicles. It is very imaginative and well plotted. Even in such a short story Lada Ray packs a powerful message.

Review by: Jason Sullivan on Sep. 15, 2012 :     
Do you believe in the Atlanteans or, the even more obscured by time and history, Lemurians? Could they have come from another planet? ‘Catharsis, Legend of the Lemurians’ is a fascinating allegorical tale by the talented author, Lada Ray. This allegorical story contains important truths, which are especially relevant today. Read ‘Catharsis, Legend of the Lemurians’! It will get you thinking about collective karma, where we might have come from, and what the future could hold if we do not learn to care for each other and to share the resources of planet Earth.

Review by: ReviewerRachel on Sep. 14, 2012 :    
Catharsis! This book may be only 27 pages, but it wowed me! I’m usually not drawn to short stories at all, I just stay so disconnected. The book gave off a pleasant sense of whimsy, at the same time, it underlined crucial lessons about understanding/bullying/stereotypes/societal norms. I just all-around adored it! It was just so different from everything else I’ve ever read. I loved the background stories, the lessons it expressed. Several of them closely mirrored my favorite Bible stories. It didn’t leave me empty like other short stories, it filled me up completely. I absolutely recommend this book to people looking for a satisfying read.

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SECRETS of GHOSTS by Mardi Orlando

Category: YA, fantasy, paranormal, metaphysical, history

Available on Amazon and B&N.

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5.0 out of 5 stars

Absorbing Journey with Mystery, Magic and Heart, September 21, 2012

Review by: Lada Ray Format: Kindle Edition

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Brought together by their mysterious and powerful gifts, seven teenagers have been stranded between worlds. Their mission is simple: uncover the hidden past, free the ghosted children stuck for a hundred years in an abandoned church, defeat the shadow…and try to survive the experience.

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The problem is, while the ghosted children are fruitlessly trying to remember their past in order to move to the light, the seven teenagers who are tasked with saving them, desperately want to forget theirs. However, without releasing their own demons, the teens won’t be able to help the ghosts, moreover, they won’t be able to save themselves.

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The book alternates between the past – devastating times of World War I & II – and the present. The tragic stories of the ghosted children, of the local town and of the seven teenagers are woven together into one absorbing, haunting tale. I found myself deeply engrossed in this book, trying to find out what happens next. The war time newspaper clippings provided the local perspective of the events of War World II, particular to the British and Western point of view.

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I especially want to commend the author for her wonderful descriptions of the teens’ rare metaphysical gifts, from telepathy and clairvoyance to working with crystals and empathy. This is the subject that is very dear to my heart and I find that the author understands and feels what she is writing about on a very profound level – true, and fascinating to read about.

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The main characters are interesting to read about, especially Daffodil, Jake and Santu. Besides, you can’t help but feel sorry for the ghosts and root for their salvation. There is profound humanity in how the author paints the ghosts’ touching protectiveness of each other and their ghosted animals. There are valuable lessons to be learned from this book. A great read – highly recommended!

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GOLD TRAIN (Accidental Spy Russia Adventure) by Lada Ray

Category: action/adventure, historic mystery, spy thriller, romance, paranormal

Currently available on Amazon US  UK and other countries.

Coming in October to Smashwords, B&N, Kobo, Sony , Apple

Can also be purchased from Lada Ray Book Store (PDF)

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Ebook cover

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Paperback cover

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars

Very Nice Read, Adventures Abound!, September 18, 2012

Review by Jasper Snieder Format: Kindle Edition

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Highly anticipated follow up adventure by novelist Lada Ray, Gold Train certainly delivers with dramatic thrills and spills. The action follows journalist Jade Snow as the sexy super sleuth goes international and unravels a potential conspiracy that may destroy the world. Truth, justice and the American way… superman can take lessons from this this reporter! Easily 5 stars all the way, highly recommend for all you politicos out there.

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JAMES MADISON – The Father of the Constitution (1751 – 1836) by J.J. Collins

Category: non-fiction, history, biography

Available Paperback: Amazon US  UK

Ebook: Amazon US  UK

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5.0 out of 5 stars

Inspiring Read About the Proudest Moment of American History September 30, 2012 Review by Lada Ray Format: Paperback

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With profound knowledge and great style, J.J. Collins sets out to explore the creation of the American Constitution and the birth of the American Republic, as well as the people behind these events. This is not a very long book, but it packs a wallop of information, at the same time managing to convey the feel, texture and attitudes of that era.

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We get to meet not only James Madison himself, but also the other greats of American history: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton, among others. The author takes us to the historic 1787 Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia where we witness first-hand the process of creation of the Constitution. The uncharted territory that was the American Constitution made it difficult to reconcile all the varying opinions and interests in order to arrive at one document, which would unite the whole country. James Madison and others were heavily influenced by the philosophy of the European Era of Enlightenment. In turn, the American Constitution would later become the symbol of freedom and the fight against tyranny in Europe and elsewhere.

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Ironically, some of the most shameful moments of American history were also enshrined in the Constitution, including the justification of slavery and the fact that each slave was considered only 3/5 of a white man, as well as the creation of the Electoral College – the US Presidential Election’s unfair and archaic indirect voting system, which still persists today.

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The book proceeds to describe the era of the British/French war, the French revolutionary wars starting at the end of the 18th century, a struggle for the USA to remain neutral to European conflicts, and the ever deepening bitter political divisions between Federalists and Jeffersonian Republicans – the former revolutionary buddies. We follow James Madison’s life and career, from the post of the Secretary of State to being elected the fourth President of the United States, and later, to his death.

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It was the era of great statesmen, not mere politicians, the kind of people we only wish we could see in the White House today. Their intellect, knowledge, erudition and profound concern for their country and fellow man – moderated with reason and wisdom – led them to create the foundation on which America functioned successfully for many years. They passionately debated the issues of individual’s rights, state vs. federal power, unjust enrichment, monopoly, separation of legislative and executive powers, establishment of a National Bank, and equitable taxation. They developed laws, which at that time in history resulted in the most advanced society on Earth. The creation of the American Constitution signified the US history’s proudest moment.

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However, these men were also the children of their time: they held slaves and made constant efforts to forcefully convert the Native Americans into the white man’s way of life.

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This book is especially timely today. As we slowly drift away from the principles that once made this country great in so many ways, it serves as an important reminder of things the Americans have conveniently forgotten. A highly recommended read for American history buffs and novices alike!

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STEPFORD USA (Accidental Spy US Adventure) by Lada Ray

Category: action/adventure, psychological mystery/thriller, women sleuths, paranormal

Available: Amazon US  UK  and other countries

Coming in October to B&N, Smashwords, Kobo, Sony, Apple

Can also be purchased from Lada Ray Book Store (PDF)

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5.0 out of 5 stars Compelling until the very end, September 30, 2012

Review by Mardi  Format: Kindle Edition

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Jade Snow is an investigative journalist who has braved the hardships of such places as Afghanistan. When a `white knight’ leaps to save her, she quickly falls in love and gets pregnant. But this new development is about to change Jade forever. When her husband insists on moving her to the safety and isolation of Stepford, Jade characteristically finds a story to investigate.

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But Jade is being watched… and the mysterious web begins to be woven – a clever simile made through Jade’s new involvement with the knitting club of Stepford. On discovering a horrific crime that has happened many years ago, Jade smells a rat: There are too many suspicious angles. Adding the fact that the victim is still alive but unable to converse, intrigue and mystique build.

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This is a very enjoyable book with terrific characters and a clever storyline that conjurs truths from the imbedded lies and deceit of the higher echelons of Stepford. In a whirlwind of well crafted storytelling we experience Jade’s paranormal psychic visions and even venture into a virtual reality laboratory to discover that all is not as it seems.

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This novel makes clever observations on morality, class and perception with wonderful twists and turns that will surprise and intrigue.

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A purposeful puzzle, compelling until the very end. Looking forward to reading Lada Ray’s other novels.

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Wil K rated it 5 out of 5 stars A Goodreads review October 1, 2012

Enjoyable Read that Makes You Think

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If I had to compare it to other books, I’d say that Stepford USA reminded me of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson, but lighter and easier to read. The book boasts a great balance of character development, action, mystery, beautiful setting, as well as a modicum of paranormal and romance. It is an enjoyable read, which will make you pause and think about things we take for granted and things we overlook, about what is important and what is not.

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The Templar Agenda by John Paul Davis

Category: historical mystery/thriller

Available on Amazon US  UK and other counties

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5.0 out of 5 stars

Global Conspiracy, History, Murder – and the Knights Templar! September 17, 2012 Review by Lada Ray 

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When several, seemingly unrelated, high-profile murders shake up the world’s financial and political system, Swiss Guard Mikael (Mike) Frei is sent to St. Gallen to act as temporary bodyguard for Gabrielle Leoni, daughter of the murdered banker and great-niece of the Camerlengo. After the discovery of a 14th century diary left behind by Gabrielle’s father, which provides a dramatic insight into the cause of recent deaths, Mike and Gabrielle are forced to embark on a dangerous mission across Europe and the Atlantic: Mike, to ensure Gabrielle’s safety, and Gabrielle, to uncover the truth of her father’s death. Both are drawn into the global conspiracy that may endanger their lives, and in doing so they must attempt to uncover the identity of the murderers before they strike again.

The Templar Agenda is written by a historian, therefore many lush historical details about the ancient Order of the Templars and the Catholic Church are sprinkled throughout the narrative, which, being the lover of history, I personally enjoyed.

The story is well plotted and possesses an intoxicating mix of intrigue, ambiguity and seamless fusion of fact and fiction to keep the reader addicted to the next page. In addition to action, romantic tension and mystery, the reader is asked to consider certain serious questions: Are secret societies the force of good or evil? What are the consequences of actions that are deemed necessary by few, and how do these actions impact many?

The Templar Agenda is a rich, engaging, thrill-filled story, which will appeal to the lovers of history and the historical thriller genre.

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