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Lada Ray Blog

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Tag Archives: Russian Empire

Ah, That Traditional Yet So Modern Minsk (#Belarus Travelog in Cool Photos)

05 Monday Nov 2018

Posted by Lada Ray in Author Feature, CULTURE: Russia, CULTURE: World, Geopolitics/ Economics, Guest Posts, My Updates

≈ Comments Off on Ah, That Traditional Yet So Modern Minsk (#Belarus Travelog in Cool Photos)

Tags

Belarus, Minsk, photos, Russia, Russian Empire, sightseeing, Travel, travelog, USSR

IMG_0783

LADA’S INTRO: Dear friends,

The world events we are experiencing are very rattling and often negative. Sometimes we all need a rest from the troubles of the world we are all carrying on our shoulders. I feel driven to infuse a more positive feel into our common space on Patreon. I want this to be a place where we can share a smile, and I want you to come here not only for earth-shifting revelations and heavy-duty geopolitical analysis, but also as a place where you can mingle and get to know your fellow members. A place, where we reach out not only to the higher dimensions, but also to each other… As you know, we do Spiritual Spa, which I’ll probably make into a Special Feature, but I also love to travel and explore. Don’t you?

This is one of the reasons I am inspired to post my Patreon patrons’ travel impressions on special occasions and/or during holidays. Stanislav sent me these awesome pics from Minsk, Belarus. We also have the impressions from Seeker’s visit to Agroprom Expo in Moscow. I just love their different perspectives! And we might do more of these during Holidays!

My impressions from vising Minsk a few years back: The capital of Belarus is a lovely city, both traditional and modern. It’s very quiet, clean and orderly, compared to many other places I’ve been, if overcast most of the time. 😉 Yet things do happen there. Belarus is very cheap and is probably a good place for a quiet, relaxing getaway. They do have some rather advanced spas, where they cater mostly to Russians, or those who can afford them. They are quite cheap for foreigners (at least that was the case a few years back), but maybe not so much for Belorussians. 

Enjoy our COMPLETE FREE PHOTO POST!

 

To join LADA RAY PATREON GO HERE!

 

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Speaking Russian From the Heart: Хлеб-соль ешь, а правду-матку режь. – Honesty is the best policy

13 Friday Sep 2013

Posted by Lada Ray in BOOK: GOLD TRAIN, CULTURE: Russia

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Gold Train (Accidental Spy Russia Adventure), Kazan, Lada Ray, River Volga, Russia, Russian culture, Russian Empire, Russian Empire Gold Reserve, Russian language, Tatarstan, World Travel

Speaking Russian from the heart! Great blog: LIFE IN RUSSIA (the bridge between two countries) by an American expat living in Kazan, the capital of the Autonomous Republic of Tatarstan on River Volga. ***Those who’ve read my thriller, GOLD TRAIN (Accidental Spy Russia Adventure), will recall that Kazan is mentioned in the book. The Bank of Kazan served as storage for the huge Gold Reserve of the Russian Empire. This is where GOLD TRAIN’s intrigue begins as the Russian Gold Reserve vanishes during the 1918 Civil War. About GOLD TRAIN and my books. *** Anyone interested in truth, Russian culture, expat living, world travel and beautiful spots from all over the world should visit Life in Russia!

Life in Russia

Хлеб-соль ешь, а правду-матку режь.

secrets_to_life_honesty_best_policy

Literal:

Eat bread and salt, cut the mother truth

–

Honesty is the best policy

visit: http://wp.me/p2ROdc-13N

View original post

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Odessa, The Pearl of the Black Sea

08 Monday Jul 2013

Posted by Lada Ray in CULTURE: Russia, CULTURE: World

≈ 18 Comments

Tags

Author Lada Ray, Battleship Potemkin, Black Sea, Catherine the Great, Deribasovskaya Ulitsa, Duke Richelieu, Odessa, Odessa Opera Theatre, Odessa Pearl of the Black Sea, Odessa Seaport, Primorsky Boulevard, Pushkinskaya, Russia, Russian Empire, Sergei Eisenstein, Soviet Union, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vorontsovsky Palace

Colonnade_of_Vorontsov_Palace_or_the_Portal_of_a_Lonely_Girl_Odessa_Ukraine

The Colonnade of the Vorontsov Palace, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

“Take him instead to Odessa, a nice city, a wonderful place to raise a family.” Everything Is Illuminated (novel & movie)

In its almost 220 years of history, Odessa has been through dramatic changes in citizenship and population, bloody revolutions, German Nazi and Romanian siege & occupation, heroic underground guerilla war, and even a cholera outbreak. What allowed it to survive all of this, emerging with flying colors, is its relentless optimism, its undying sense of humor and artistry that permeate every pore of the city’s existence.

Odessans are lovers and traders, not fighters. Over 70 different nationalities reside in this major city-port. From the very childhood, they learn to co-exist peacefully and respect each other. This is a very colorful place and exceptional environment to enjoy life. This is where I was lucky enough to grow up. This is the city I love. Continue reading →

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Gold Train FREE 5/17 on Amazon! Beautifully Re-edited, New Scenes and Artwork

15 Wednesday May 2013

Posted by Lada Ray in BOOK: GOLD TRAIN

≈ 15 Comments

Tags

5 star book review, Accidental Spy Russia Adventure, Amazon, books by Lada Ray, free ebook, Gold Train, Kindle, romantic mystery thriller, romantic suspense, Russia, Russian Civil War, Russian Empire, spy thriller

GOLD GT COVER ebook

EXCITING NEWS!

Mark your calendar! GOLD TRAIN ebook will be FREE on Amazon Kindle on Friday 5/17 for one day only! Grab it here: Amazon US  UK  DE  CA  JP.  Also available on all other international Amazon sites.

Update 5/20: GOLD TRAIN will be on sale: $1.49 (reg. $3.99) for a limited time on #Kindle! Or you can try it FREE with #AmazonPrime trial membership! Download today!

From the publisher: GOLD TRAIN (Accidental Spy Russia Adventure) has been beautifully re-edited and redesigned, new scenes and artwork have been added to both paperback and ebook versions! The new length is 288 print pages. New passages and scenes make characters and events stand out better, adding a more reflective/spiritual tone to the book and highlighting the romantic element, while preserving this novel’s trademark rip-roaring pace. Published by RAY HOUSE.

New Synopsis

Begin your love affair with Russia! GOLD TRAIN is a gripping romantic thriller based on true historic events! Continue reading →

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THE EARTH SHIFTER: Fave Themes and Characters

30 Wednesday Jan 2013

Posted by Lada Ray in BOOK: Catharsis, BOOK: THE EARTH SHIFTER

≈ 14 Comments

Tags

Accidental Spy Series, ARCHOS Tablet giveaway, Author Lada Ray, Cold War, ebook, Goodreads, metaphysical fantasy thriller, remote viewing, Russia, Russian Empire, Shapeshifters, Soviet Union, The Earth Keepers Chronicles, The Earth Shifter, YA fantasy

ES COVER ebook 2

First, The Earth Shifting news. The ebook is now available at the following retailers:

Barnes & Noble Nook     Smashwords

Amazon US   UK   CA   DE   ES   IT   FR   JP   BR  

Goodreads page    Shelfari page   LadaRay site

Coming very soon to Kobo, Diesel, Apple, Sony and others. Paperback is coming in the Spring 2013. Please stay tuned!

Following the golden rule of writing, I write about the things I know. Today, I want to talk about THE EARTH SHIFTER’s favorite themes and characters:

Fantasy

In The Earth Shifter, I set out to create a whimsical, yet highly structured, and totally new and original fantasy world, which simultaneously draws on real history and geography, metaphysics and spirituality, geopolitics and secret government spy wars, as well as on psychology and character development.

Aurora 3

One of my favorites is “the Shifters” theme. In the words of the mythical EARTH KEEPERS CHRONICLES: “There are four types of Shifters. Mind Shifters can access any thoughts, even the hidden ones; Matter Shifters can turn into anything, as well as transform objects into something else; Time Shifters can bend and jump time; and Space Shifters can compress space, appearing at different places at once. The power of the true Shifters is such that they can manipulate events on Earth. To prevent that from happening, the true Shifters are carefully watched from birth and they are never told about the real extent of their powers until they are deemed ready.”

Sasha Elfimova, my favorite magical teenager, possesses a generous dollop of shifting powers, which allow her to travel in time and project into other people’s minds. Sasha is a Mind and Time Shifter, and there are no secrets her mind can’t unlock in this world. But even she can’t access those thoughts that have been shielded from her by the powerful old shaman Tengis.

Aurora 4

Sasha’s time shifting power is something else altogether. She discovers it at the age of 13, when in her sleep she inadvertently travels to 17th century Russia to meet young Peter the Great and manages to help him in his predicament. I will let you in on my big secret: Sasha’s time shifting capacity may come quite handy when the ultimate struggle for the Earth’s future and Humanity’s survival begins in earnest in books 2 and 3!

History

Dear readers, you know that I am a big history buff. Continuing with the GOLD TRAIN (Accidental Spy Russia Adventure) theme, there is a lot of Russian, and world, history in THE EARTH SHIFTER, which blends organically with the present, also providing foundation for the karmic future of mankind. You could say that a lifetime of research and study went into creating the historic, geopolitical and metaphysical themes of the book.

Tunguska Meteorite

The Tunguska Meteorite Explosion and its aftermath

Some of my favorite historical themes are: The Tunguska Meteorite explosion in the 1908 Siberian taiga, which provides the fantasy/sci-fi basis of the book. Also, the Cold War, the collapse of the Soviet Union, as well as the end of the Russian Empire in 1916, complete with the colorful and enigmatic character of Grigory Rasputin.

Geopolitics

Again, continuing with the GOLD TRAIN theme, geopolitics is an integral part of the story. We are introduced to the clandestine efforts of the CIA and Russian Intelligence, and to the secret war conducted by remote viewers, “the psychic warriors,” as they were known. We meet the likable retiree and doting grandfather, Semyon Isayev, who is also Sasha’s godfather. But soon we learn that he is so much more! Dubbed the “best remote viewer in the world,” throughout his high-powered career the “modest” Major General Semyon Isayev had managed to thwart some truly earth-shattering attacks by his country’s former enemy.

Remote-Viewing

Remote Viewing

Semyon’s sole desire is to be a good husband, father and grandfather, and he only wants to spend the rest of his days in peace. But his Cold War past and his formidable remote-viewing talent will not leave him alone, as once again he is thrust into the very thick of the secret psychic war, the prize of which is the ultimate dominion over the Earth.

We are introduced to the secret US government science facility in Hoboken, NJ. Brewing here are the breakthrough science experiments and new technology, as well as the ultimate Market Crash Team, which manipulates the movements of the stock market.

We also meet the CIA Assistant Director, Aloysius Drakley. Along the way, the mystery is revealed: who is really pulling the strings in the USA and globally?

Oh, yes! How could I forget one of the most important characters, the Russian oligarch, Boris Konukovsky! I’ll let you in on another secret here. While my book carries a disclaimer that all characters are fictitious or used in a fictional way and any resemblance is purely coincidental, I think anyone familiar with recent Russian history will recognize this one. Guilty as charged! Boris Konukovsky is the composite of two infamous Russian oligarchs: Vladimir Khodorkovsky (presently in jail) and Boris Berezovsky (presently a fugitive in London). The oligarch’s story in the book is inspired by real events, which will be recognizable to those who’ve been following the Russian developments of the past 2 decades. But only THE EARTH SHIFTER reveals what the oligarch and his cronies are truly after…

Spiritual/Metaphysical Theme

Last but not least, one of my absolute favorites, the spiritual and metaphysical theme of the book is very strong and includes striking events and settings, including the mystical shores of the Sacred Lake Baikal in Siberia and the legends of the Earth Keepers. We witness the Comet of Karma’s journey through Outer Space and travel to the fascinating and mysterious Underworld, one of the entrances into which is conveniently located in Manhattan, NY.

Aurora 1

One of my favorites is the Realm of the Keepers, which holds many secrets and which is located between Heaven and Earth. This ethereal realm is where the Keepers of the Earth gather to monitor mankind’s progress and where the ultimate fate of the world is to be decided.

EARTH SHIFTER Image

Again, many metaphysical themes are steeped in history via the stories of the Buddha, Jesus, the Shifters, and the Key of Destiny. These themes will continue and intensify in THE EARTH SHIFTER books 2 and 3, as well as in the companion series entitled the EARTH KEEPERS CHRONICLES. Book 1 of the chronicles, Catharsis, Legend of the Lemurians is now available on Amazon. I am currently working on books 2 and 3 – Lemurian Crystal and Atlantis, which are coming in the Spring 2013.

CATHARSIS COVER MASTER

Favorite Characters

As Fyodor Dostoyevsky once said, I love all my characters, villains and heroes alike. I am with Dostoyevsky on that, but there are some characters that are especially dear to my heart. Who are they?

Sasha

Sasha

Of course, the protagonist, Sasha Elfimova, as well as the twins, Win and Kei Lee. All three are so different, yet they are united by one invisible string we usually refer to as DESTINY.

Win

Win Lee

Kei

Kei Lee

Also, the Siberian Shaman Tengis, who is the example of a true spiritual and world leader our planet so desperately needs.

Shaman on lake baikal

Shaman on Sacred Lake Baikal, Siberia, Russia

I adore the offbeat, sultry and mysterious Red and her even more mysterious mother. As many characters in the book, these two are not at all what they seem. What are they really?

Anne Hathaway  Red

Anne Hathaway would be perfect as Red!

"Les Miserables" New York Premiere -   Arrivals at the Ziegfeld Theatre

I also love the very human character of the remote viewer, Semyon Isayev. My favorite historic character is Grigory Rasputin.

Rasputin

One of history’s enigmas: the mysterious monk, Grigory Rasputin

Finally, I have to confess that I am simply in love with one character, and perhaps, many women would agree with me. 😉 It is Sasha’s father, Professor Maxim Elfimov. I made him a comparative linguist, giving him my original profession, which allows him to see the whole world in its spacial and historical scale. Maxim is a handsome, absent-minded academic, a loving husband and devoted, if overprotective, father. However when the overwhelming personal tragedy strikes, he doesn’t hide or sulk, but rises to the occasion, becoming a true Protector and hero.

Handsome middle aged man leaning against wall in the sun

Professor Maxim Elfimov

I have to say that on some level I envy Sasha with that honest-to-goodness white envy. As a child, she had the best father a girl could wish for. And this is my dream: if every child on Earth had a father like Maxim, our world would be a much better place to live in!

I hope you consider reading THE EARTH SHIFTER. It may shift your world! 🙂

EarthBanner

Explore the world of THE EARTH SHIFTER:

The Book Setting: A Walk Through Manhattan (pics and new excerpt)

The Epic Journey Begins: characters/setting/excerpts galore

THE EARTH SHIFTER Mystical Setting: Lake Baikal, Siberia

Excerpt 2     Excerpt 1

Are you a blogger, an active social media participant, or simply a reader/fan? Consider entering THE EARTH SHIFTER Super-Giveaway!

ARCOS TABLET image

ARCHOS Tablet Giveaway (value $349) ENTER HERE

 

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July 10: Last Chance to Download GOLD TRAIN Free!

07 Saturday Jul 2012

Posted by Lada Ray in BOOK: GOLD TRAIN, Writing and Publishing

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

action adventure, Amazon Kindle, ebook, free promotion, Gold Train, Jade Snow Series, Moscow, mystery thriller, romantic suspense, Russia, Russian Empire, St Petersburg

ANNOUNCEMENT:

Mark your calendar!

GOLD TRAIN will be FREE on Amazon Kindle on July 10 for one day only!

Don’t miss it!

Updated July 9: See all buy links for US, UK, DE, ES, IT, FR below.

Dear readers and friends!

I will be saying goodbye to my participation in the Amazon KDP Select Program later this month.  Therefore, I’ve decided to use this last chance to thank you for your support by making GOLD TRAIN FREE for one day.

Image of Lada Ray

Amazon Buy Links: 

US    UK    DE    ES    IT    FR

Gold Train Description:

For the fans of The Da Vinci Code and Jason Bourne comes this gripping 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: The world’s largest treasure; dangerous adventure; forbidden passion defying time and space; conspiracy threatening to plunge the country into darkness.

Jade Snow, international journalist and stay-at-home mom turned spy extraordinaire, travels to Russia to reconnect with the country of her ancestors and investigate tantalizing mystery of the Gold Train. Instead, she is about to land in the middle of a deadly conspiracy threatening to change the fate of one of the world’s most powerful nations; and in the process, she is destined to meet a mysterious stranger who will change her life forever. When Jade’s only Russian friend gets murdered, she finds herself embroiled in a net of lies, glamour, intrigue and alien ideals. But running is not an option, as commitment to solve the murder and uncover the treasure makes her play the deadly game. Refusing to be a pawn in a struggle of forces beyond her control, Jade must choose between her worst friends and best enemies… and the future of the world just might depend on her choice!

Rated R for a couple of hot romantic scenes.

Click here to download!   

US    UK    DE    ES    IT    FR

July 10 Update

Current bestseller rankings are:

US: #160 Kindle Free; #6 Mystery/Women Sleuths; #7 Action & Adventure; #10 Mystery; #30 Mystery & Thrillers; #99 Fiction

UK: #261 Kindle Free; #8 Mystery/Women Sleuths; #12 Action &  Adventure; #33 Mystery; #57 Crime, Thrillers and Mystery

DE: #452 Kindle Kostenfrei; #2 Krimis (mystery); #5 Krimis & Thriller; #3 Action & Abenteuer

July 11 Update

Gold Train ended the day at #50 on Kindle Free Bestseller list; #58 on Amazon Books Free Bestseller list.

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RUSSIAN TREASURES

30 Monday Apr 2012

Posted by Lada Ray in BOOK: GOLD TRAIN, CULTURE: Russia

≈ 15 Comments

Tags

action adventure, Bolshoi Theatre, Gold Reserve, Gold Reserve of the Russian Empire, Gold Train, Jade Snow, Jade Snow International Adventure Series, Moscow, mystery, romantic suspense, Russia, Russian culture, Russian Empire, Saint Petersburg, thriller

Welcome to today’s stop along the GOLD TRAIN BLOG TOUR – not your usual blog tour! Check out other awesome stops and giveaways here.

My new mystery thriller set in Russia, GOLD TRAIN, is about a missing treasure: the entire Gold Reserve of the Russian Empire, which vanished during the 1918 Civil War. But it’s about to resurface… and it’s about to be used to shift the global balance of power.

The exciting and rip-roaring race for gold is set against the magnificent backdrop of historic Moscow and Saint Petersburg, where our heroine, Jade Snow, travels to reconnect with the country of her ancestors and to investigate tantalizing mystery of the Gold Train.

However, Jade gets much more than she bargained for, and amongst palaces and golden domes of Russia she finds not only the non-stop thrill ride, intrigue and deception, but also her fair share of the world’s most important treasures – not just the planet’s largest pile of gold and friendship, but also otherworldly love.

In this post I wanted to share the treasures of Russia, the country I love. Its riches are many. And I am not just talking about its gold reserve and Imperial jewels, although granted, these are quite impressive. Through its long and turbulent history the country produced lots of other equally magnificent treasures, be it in the area of art, science, literature, sport or architecture. I realize that today I can only scratch the surface of what is Russian culture and heritage. But even if I just succeed in giving you the flavor of Russia’s Treasures, I’ve already accomplished a lot.

Today, I’ll share a compilation of beautiful photos representing various facets of the Russian culture.

Without further ado,

RUSSIAN TREASURES

Enjoy the ride!

The Great Russian Imperial Crown

The Minor Russian Imperial Crown

The Russian Imperial Orb

Moscow: Bolshoi Theatre at night

Above and below: legendary Bolshoi Ballet

Monument to the Russian writer, Alexander Pushkin, Tverskaya Street, Moscow

Krasnaya Ploshad – Red Square  (In Russian “krasnaya” means both the color and “beautiful”)

Another view of Red Square

Manezhnaya Square, Moscow

Above and below: The golden domed Kremlin cathedrals

Alexander Gardens by the Kremlin Wall. In the pond are sculptures of characters from the Russian fairy tales

Russian Tsars’ crowns, hats and scepters. With precious jewels, gold and rare sobel furs. The Kremlin exhibit.

The Savior Cathedral, Moscow. Seat of the Russian Patriarch.

Above and below: Magnificent Novodevichy Convent, UNESCO World Heritage Site

Above and below: images of the sumptuous Moscow Metro

Above and below: Famous bronze sculptures, Moscow Metro

Above: Russian porcelain exhibit in Moscow Metro

Moscow University, main building. One of the famous Stalin’s Seven Sisters – seven buildings constructed at strategic points throughout the city, and forming a ring around the Kremlin

Winter Palace, former residence of the Russian Tsars. Now The Hermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg

The Throne Room, The Hermitage

Beautiful Saint Petersburg

Neva Embankment, Saint Petersburg

“The Bronze Horseman,” Monument to Peter the Great, founder of Saint Petersburg

Magnificent Gold Singing Fountains of Peterhof

Above and below: The newly restored Amber Room, Catherine Palace, located in the town of Pushkin, near Saint Petersburg. Considered by some the Eighth Wonder of the World. The original Amber Room was stolen by the Nazis and had never been found

GOLD TRAIN GIVEAWAY: Please leave a comment to be entered to win a GOLD TRAIN ebook on 5/6, including the *required info! What is the required info? See here!

In conclusion:

Enjoy the post I wrote for World Adventurers Blog by author M.G. Edwards with more beautiful photos of Moscow and Saint Petersburg! I am inviting you to explore it here as well! See original post here.

RUSSIA and I

Guest post by Lada Ray

The Ancient Greeks would have you believe that one cannot step into the same river twice. Me — I dedicated my whole life to proving this dusty philosophical maxim.

When I was leaving Russia — very reluctantly — in 1991, the country was still called the Soviet Union, and if anyone at that time told me that the USSR’s days were numbered, I would’ve laughed in his face.

stbasils_spasskayatower

Above: St. Basil’s Cathedral and the Kremlin. The entire Kremlin/Red Square complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Below: Victory Day Parade, May 9, Red Square.

parade

By the end of 1991, the Soviet Union broke up, quietly and amicably. I watched in disbelief from afar as, for the second time in a single century, Russia went through a revolution; thankfully, this time peacefully.

Next time I visited Russia during the turbulent 1990s, it was a completely different country, where safety nets and societal structures so solidly built and proudly maintained during Soviet times crumbled and ceased to exist. The new world emerged in birthing pains, while those who couldn’t adjust were mercilessly swept along the wayside. Crime was rampant and fortunes were built overnight, many by openly illegal means. A new class of Russian oligarchs emerged, while the needs of simple people were neglected.

It was an eye-opening and very sad visit. The country I remembered, the country where I spent some of the happiest days of my life, and the one so many took for granted, was gone. And I was hardly the only one who felt this way.

novodevichy-convent

Above: Novodevichy Convent, Moscow. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Although people in the West (due to biased media coverage and stereotypes they grew up with) would probably never understand this, many of us have fond memories growing up in the Soviet Union. Since the space in this post is limited, I won’t go into details (well, may be some other time). Suffice it to say that fond memories don’t happen out of the blue. They usually happen for a good reason, especially if such memories are shared by entire generations.

Food for thought…

But the situation in Russia started changing dramatically once Vladimir Putin came to power in the year 2000. The Russian economy, which was almost obliterated during the 1990s, came back strongly and has been growing by leaps and bounds for the past decade. The ongoing economic, financial, political, legal, military, police and social reforms completely changed Russia’s landscape.

red-square

Above: Fireworks on Red Square, Moscow.

A couple years back, I stumbled upon a documentary about the Gold Reserve of the Russian Empire, which vanished during the 1918 Russian Civil War. I immediately knew it was my book to write. But it took me two years to actually sit down and put the story on paper. I started writing GOLD TRAIN in July 2011. By August, I had a desperate urge to go and visit Russia.

So off I went. I spent three glorious weeks in Russia, stepping again into a completely different country and proving once more that the Ancient Greeks knew their philosophy.

Russia has changed, but at the same time managed to preserve its heritage. The new and the old learned to co-exist and complemented each other. Starbucks and McDonalds, Gucci and Armani, Mercedes and BMWs shared streets with the long-standing Russian tradition.

The new Russia clearly emerged, molded out of past suffering and lessons learned. And although there is still plenty that needs to be done, one definitely gets the feeling that there is stability, that the country is on the right track and looking forward to its future.

I was so inspired by my trip that the story of GOLD TRAIN and Jade Snow’s Russian Adventure materialized on my computer as if by magic. I hope that I was able to convey in my book the complex feelings and impressions about Russia’s past, present…and future.

GOLD TRAIN was released as an eBook on December 19, 2011. The print version is scheduled for release on April 25, 2012. This year I will also release my new fantasy thriller, THE EARTH SHIFTER, which takes place in Moscow and Siberia.

gt-cover-master2

During my research trip, I concentrated on Russia’s two capitals, Moscow and Saint Petersburg, which are part of GOLD TRAIN‘s spectacular setting.

Below are some of the images and impressions from my trip.

Moscow:

friendship-fountain

Above: The Friendship Fountain at the All Russia Exhibit, Moscow. This is a huge and rather picturesque park with pavilions housing various exhibits, which I loved to visit as a child (during Soviet times called VDNKh).

bolshoi

Above: The famed Bolshoi Theatre just re-opened after a massive renovation.

st-basils-1

Above: The iconic St. Basil’s Cathedral, one of the most photographed buildings in the world. Lenin’s Mausoleum (right) on Red Square — featured in GOLD TRAIN.

arbat

Above: Arbat, Moscow’s historic pedestrian artist district — featured in GOLD TRAIN (notice the Starbucks on the corner).

horses_fountain_alexander_gardens_moscow

Above: Alexander Gardens, named after the Russian Emperor Alexander I.

dancing-in-alexander-gardens

Above: Dancing in Alexander Gardens by the Kremlin Wall.

arbat-painter

Above: Art on display on Arbat.

moscow-street

Above: On Moscow Street.

modernmoscowarchitecture

Above: Modern Moscow echoing the look and feel of the Kremlin and historic Russian architecture.

modern-moscow-1

Above: Moskva City (Moscow City) under construction.

moscow-university-5

Above: The giant main building of The Moscow University. One of the so-called Seven Sisters, seven similar buildings, form a ring around the Kremlin and were built during Stalin’s time. It will be featured in THE EARTH SHIFTER.

moscow_metro-8

Above and below: Some of the stations of the spectacular Moscow Metro resembling underground palaces. The Moscow Metro is the second busiest in the world after Tokyo’s. And it carries 7-8 million passengers a day in grand style.

moscow-metro-16

Below: One Moscow’s historic metro stations: Komsomolskaya Station.

komsolmoskayametrostation

kremlin-guards

Above: The Kremlin Guards.

kremlin-cathedral

Above: A golden-domed Kremlin cathedral.

sapsan-3

Above: High-speed train Sapsan between Moscow and Saint Petersburg — featured in GOLD TRAIN.

Saint Petersburg:

st-pete-bridge

Above: Bank Bridge, one of Saint Petersburg’s spectacular pedestrian bridges.

300px-saint_petersburg_metro_novocherkasskaya_station1

Above: The Hermitage and the Neva River — featured in GOLD TRAIN. The entire historic center of Saint Petersburg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

hermitage-stairs

Above: The Hermitage, Grand Stairs.

523737-peterhof-palace-and-gardens-1

Above: Peterhof, Peter the Great’s summer residence with its famous golden singing fountains. One of the most spectacular sights in Saint Petersburg, UNESCO World Heritage Site…and my personal favorite.

anichkov-bridge-with-love

Above: Anichkov Bridge on Nevsky Prospekt with its famous horse tamers’ statues.

catherine-palace

Above: Catherine Palace, summer residence of Catherine the Great — UNESCO World Heritage Site.

amber-room-catherine-palace

Above: The gorgeous Amber Room (Yantarnaya Komnata), Catherine Palace. Considered by some to be the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World,’ it was stolen by the Nazis during World War II. Starting in the 1970s, it was painstakingly recreated from the original drawings and reopened to the public several years ago.

fabrege_egg_catherine_palace1

Above: One of the famous Imperial Faberge eggs at Catherine Palace.

pushkin_statue_square_of_the_arts

Above: Monument to the Russian writer, Alexander Pushkin (little birdies like him).

TR.RUS04

Saint Pete Metro is the fifth busiest underground transportation system in the world, carrying 3.5 million passengers a day, and the world’s deepest. Above: one of the many palatial Saint Pete Metro stations, rivaling the beautiful Moscow Metro.

station-sportivnaya

Above: Saint Pete Metro. Sportivnaya Station with its Ancient Greek Olympics theme — featured in GOLD TRAIN.

liebeskind_gazprom-conceptual-design

Above: Forward-looking Saint Petersburg. The new giant Gazprom Tower project, conceptual design.

For more about Moscow, Saint Petersburg and the beautiful Russian Metro, read my posts:

GOLD TRAIN Magical Setting: Moscow, Russia

Tsars, Oligarchs and Imperial Treasure: ST.PETERSBURG, RUSSIA

GOLD TRAIN: Amazing Russian Metro

The World of Russian Trains and My Childhood Memories

lada-3

Born in Russia, Lada Ray is a writer, internationally certified feng shui master practitioner, world traveler, linguist, investor, nature/animal lover and spirituality and metaphysics researcher.

She is the author of the Jade Snow International Adventure Series, includingGOLD TRAIN, a mystery thriller, set in Russia and based on true historic events; Stepford USA, a psychological mystery thriller; Green Desert, a Jade Snow novella. The upcoming books include Dragon Gate, the next Jade Snow adventure, set in Asia, and The Earth Shifter, exciting YA fantasy thriller.

Visit Lada’s website: http://www.LadaRay.com

Bookstore: http://www.ladaray.com/book-store.html

Copyright 2012 Lada Ray. All rights reserved.

GOLD TRAIN GIVEAWAY: Please leave a comment to be entered to win a GOLD TRAIN ebook on 5/6, including the *required info! What is the required info? See here!

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JADE SNOW: Savior or Seductress

25 Wednesday Apr 2012

Posted by Lada Ray in BOOK: GOLD TRAIN

≈ 9 Comments

Tags

action adventure, Author Lada Ray, Gold Reserve of the Russian Empire, Gold Train, Jade Snow, Jason Bourne, Moscow, mystery, romance, Russia, Russian Empire, Saint Petersburg mystery, suspense, thriller, United States

GOLD TRAIN BLOG TOUR

SheNow.org BooksNow Featured Article:

Jade Snow: Savior or Seductress

GOLD TRAIN GIVEAWAY: Please leave a comment to be entered to win a GOLD TRAIN ebook on 5/6, including the *required info! What is the required info? See here!


Jade Snow is the protagonist of the Jade Snow International Adventure Series and of GOLD TRAIN, a gripping mystery thriller set in Russia and based on true historic events.

At 30, Jade is a seasoned international journalist, who sacrificed her career for marriage and to raise her thirteen-month old daughter Lara. But this is all about to change as her life takes an unexpectedly dramatic turn.

When Jade learns about the old mystery surrounding the missing Gold Reserve of the Russian Empire, she jumps at the chance to restart her journalistic career which ground to a screeching halt after she got pregnant. She also hopes to reconnect with the country of her ancestors. Barely 24 hours after her arrival to Moscow, Jade’s only Russian friend gets brutally murdered, while Jade finds herself embroiled in a web of lies, intrigue, glamour and alien ideals. As she lands in the midst of a conspiracy threatening to overthrow the Russian government, she must stay ahead of her adversaries, knowing that one mistake may cause a civil war and upset the delicate balance of power in the world. And along the way, she meets a mysterious stranger who will change her own world forever.

Several years back, when I was flying to Asia via Dubai, I met some international journalists returning from Afghanistan, who told me stories of their adventures. As I was boarding my plane, the image of Jade Snow, complete with her flaming hair and unusual blue-green eyes, appeared before me. It occurred to me that this young, smart, fearless and beautiful journalist, who had mastered to perfection the art of being in the wrong place at the right time, would make an amazing heroine for the international adventure series.

I soon started writing my first novel, STEPFORD, USA, prequel to the Jade Snow International Adventure Series. In it, Jade, 28, gets stuck in an idyllic town in the Berkshires, MA, where she is supposed to take it easy before the birth of her child. But this little sheltered paradise is hiding a terrible secret which Jade must uncover, risking her own and her unborn baby’s lives.

Next, I wrote a short novella, GREEN DESERT, describing Jade’s riveting experience in Iraq before the start of the series. And when I stumbled upon the story of the lost Russian Imperial gold, I knew – this was to be Jade’s next adventure!

Jade Snow could have any man for the asking. But she is not content with easy happiness she could have as wife and mom. The role of a little woman is not for her, and she must find adventure wherever she goes.

In each book of the series, Jade will encounter a mystery to solve, a devastating conspiracy to uncover and someone to save, be it a wrongfully convicted man, a small Asian village, or the world entire. And in each story, she is faced with excruciatingly dramatic choices about her own love and happiness.

I’d like to give a few examples of what various reviewers say about Jade in order to illustrate a certain controversial subject. And before you decide that it’s boring… Trust me, I am trying to make a point here, so just bear with me!

“Jade… is the real treat. She does not have super powers, nor even any formal training in the spy business, but she is daring, and clever, and her heart is always in the right place.”

“Jade Snow is to journalism, what Jason Bourne is to action and espionage. The author has managed to develop a character with a fascinating thoughtful purpose… [she] goes beyond the obvious and whisks us along into the heart-stopping world of Jade Snow with breath-taking appeal for the next paragraph and page.”

“I was love struck with the interaction between the characters, how well they work together, complimenting one another to solve the mystery. Jade Snow is a very intuitive, resourceful, quick thinking, witty heroine…”

“The protagonist, Jade Snow is a strong, independent journalist with international appeal. Her intuition, ability to reason and deductive prowess rivals the great Sherlock Holmes.”

The above are all examples of five star reviews, two from male and two from female reviewers. I’ve been blessed with a number of five star reviews, which all bring up excellent points and for which I am immensely grateful.

Another reviewer, who gives GOLD TRAIN four stars, says this:

“Jade is a bright likeable character. She is educated and good at connecting the dots. While she has no training as a detective, her inquisitive mind and investigative reporting skills find her entwined in the mystery. I loved Jade the detective, but struggled to like Jade the person. While on this adventure she strays and breaks her marriage vows. [!] Call me old fashioned, but this doesn’t sit well with me; even though the romance was passionate and Jade felt he was her soul mate. I realize this won’t affect everyone, so do not let this deter you from a great adventure.”

I thank this reviewer for her frank opinion and for a thorough, generally positive review. About Jade “straying, while in Russia.” I am old fashioned too, at least on this count, but my character doesn’t have to be. And I have just one question. What if she were a male? Do we still have double standards when it comes to these issues? If you read the book, dear reader, you’ll know exactly why I ask this question.

And then, there is this:

“I however, did not like the fact that Jade jumps into bed with Alexei immediately, without a second thought to the loving husband and her daughter waiting for her back home.” [?] This is from a three star review by a male reviewer from Mumbai, India.

Ha? Jade jumps into bed immediately? Of course, all her hesitations and feelings of guilt throughout the whole book don’t count, right? And I don’t know about you, but I don’t know too many people who would think about their children right before making passionate love. In fact, this is usually the last thing on someone’s mind in such circumstances.

“If Jade was a real person, I wouldn’t like her. I wouldn’t care what happened to her.” [!] This is from a three star review by Mark Lee, Masquerade Crew (Alabama, USA). This reviewer also confesses in his review that he’s never been outside of North America.

Hmmm… I don’t even know what to say here except this.

Imagine… Jade is freezing to death on a cold, wind swept night street in St. Petersburg, Russia with nowhere to go. Her only Russian friend has just been murdered. She also just found out that the only other two people she knows in Russia are not at all what they seem. She’s been betrayed by the very people she used to trust, people who want to use her as a pawn in their twisted high stakes games. And that’s when she gets rescued by a handsome stranger. She is offered lots of wine and vodka, which she gladly accepts, both to warm up and to numb her mind after the terrible shocks she’d experienced. And the stranger she is with is handsome and sexy beyond imagination. What follows is not a one-night stand, but a relationship literally made in heaven – the kind both men and women dream about their entire lives! Yet, it is a relationship that’s not meant to be, or at least the one that is not going to be easy.

I realize, it is very hard to imagine the freezing cold, drama and betrayal, all the loneliness and confusion of a woman alone in the unfamiliar country, if you are a male leisurely reading this book on a warm couch in Alabama, or in the tropical heat of Mumbai – but try! Make an effort! And maybe, just maybe, you’ll see what I see.

So, who is Jade Snow? Is she a savior or seductress?

Jade is not your usual female character. She is strong, smart, quick thinking and witty, with broad international appeal. Fully at home in the brave, new globalized world, she is also human and there is a certain vulnerability about her, as she searches for her personal happiness. Blessed with exceptional good looks and plenty of sex appeal, she can sweep any man off his feet. But she is absolutely and brutally honest. “Crystally honest,” as they would say in Russia. Not just with the others, but also with herself, which is a much more difficult thing to do.

She would only be with the man who is her soul mate, even if it means breaking her marriage vows. She will never lie to herself, but she can sacrifice her own happiness, if to achieve it, she has to break other people’s hearts.

As they would say in the old country, “The girl likes her happiness the hard way.”

I have to confess: I adore Jade, not only as one of my characters – my creation – but also as a person. And I am very proud of how she acts in the most crucial moments of her life. Sometimes she even manages to surprise me – very pleasantly so. Her dramatic life has thrown her more than her share of loss and curveballs, and she’s been known to pass her heart-wrenching tests with flying colors, while at the same time managing to preserve her witty sense of humor. And because of her attitudes and lessons learned, somewhere along the way, she finds the rainbow… when she least expects it.

I can’t emphasize enough how much our contemporary literature needs the smart and strong female characters and role models who are also real, genuine people. And how much we need more people with intelligence, courage and heart in our everyday lives! In the new world of the 21 century, we have to learn to live and work together, regardless of prejudices and borders, to understand each other and help those in need, whether it is by saving a stranger’s life, averting global disaster, or by a simple act of random kindness.

The next Jade Snow adventure will take place in Asia. There are many more mysteries to solve, conspiracies to uncover, and yes, happiness to find!

Dear readers, see you on pages of my books, where Jade and I promise you a non-stop thrilling ride with heart!

What do you think? 

GOLD TRAIN GIVEAWAY: Please leave a comment to be entered to win a GOLD TRAIN ebook on 5/6, including the *required info! What is the required info? See here!

GOLD TRAIN stats and useful info:

Genre: Spy thriller, historic mystery, action, adventure, suspense with an element of otherworldly romance.

Pages: 230  Print size: 9×6 in.

Release: eBook – 12/18/11. Paperback – 4/25/12

 

PROMOTIONS

All Lada Ray’s books will be on sale on Amazon for a very limited time!

Gold Train Ebook: $0.99

Stepford USA Ebook: $0.99

Green Desert Ebook: $0.99

GOLD TRAIN Paperback is coming to Amazon on 4/25/12!

Early purchase price: $9.99 (reg.$14.95) Stay tuned!

GOLD TRAIN Giveaway on Lada Ray Blog 4/25 – 5/6: Giving away 1 author signed paperback and 3 ebooks! 

More information about these Promotions, as well as Giveaways and the Gold Train Blog Tour: https://ladaray.wordpress.com/blog-tours/

Check out other cool stops along the Gold Train Paperback Launch Blog Tour – not your usual tour! It includes lots of interesting interviews, reviews, and special features, including: Fact and Fiction in Gold Train; Russia and I; as well as a rare, candid conversation with Jason Sullivan of Different Outcomes Blog about the Russian royalty and 1918 Civil War, Soviet and Russian literature and film, my childhood memories riding Russian trains, May Day celebration in the USSR, and what it was like growing up in the Soviet Union. There will also be some rare and exclusive pictures. Don’t miss these very special events!

 

WHERE TO BUY GOLD TRAIN:

Amazon US  (Paperback and eBook)

Amazon UK   DE   FR   ES   IT  (Paperback and eBook)

Barnes & Noble  (eBook)

Smashwords   (eBook)

Kobo  (eBook)

Sony  (eBook)

USEFUL LINKS:

Blog Tour and Giveaway info: https://ladaray.wordpress.com/blog-tours/

All about Gold Train and other books: http://www.ladaray.com/

GOLD TRAIN Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkTek8E23rg

Blog: https://ladaray.wordpress.com/

Twitter: @LadaTweets

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/LadaRay

YouTube: Lada Ray Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/LadaRay/videos

Facebook @ Lada Ray

I am inviting you to check out the entertaining posts with lots of great pics about Jade Snow and Gold Train on Lada Ray Blog:

GOLD TRAIN Magical Setting: Moscow, Russia

GOLD TRAIN: Amazing Russian Metro

GOLD TRAIN: the World of Russian Trains and My Childhood Memories

GOLD TRAIN: Meet Jade Snow, heroine of the Jade Snow International Adventure Series

GOLD TRAIN: Who is this mysterious Alexei?

Tsars, Oligarchs and Imperial Treasure: St. Petersburg, Russia

BIO:

I’ve loved all the varied and exotic things I’ve done in life, but writing is by far my biggest love affair and most exciting adventure. Can’t wait to share it… See you on pages of my books!

Lada Ray is a writer, internationally certified feng shui master practitioner, world traveler, linguist, financial consultant & investor, nature/animal lover and spirituality & metaphysics researcher.

Born in Russia, Lada always wanted to write cool stories, which she’d been imagining in her head ever since she can remember. Instead, she listened to her well-meaning parents and started her life in a more traditional way (for her, that is.)

Lada holds a Master’s Degree in comparative linguistics (graduated summa cum laude,) is fluent in several languages and has traveled to over twenty six countries (she stopped counting after 26) in Europe, Asia, North and South America, as well as Africa. She had worked in Havana, Cuba as an interpreter for the Russian educational exchange delegations, including a couple of interviews with the man himself – Fidel Castro.

In the USA, she published articles in the Hartford Courant & taught Russian on cable TV. Then, something inexplicable possessed her to work as a financial consultant for AIG and Smith Barney/Citigroup.

But later, she came back to her senses and quit the corporate world to pursue her dreams. She traveled to Asia to study with the revered Hong Kong Masters of Feng Shui and obtained her International Master’s Certification (graduated first in class) with Lillian Too, world-renowned feng shui author and teacher. For years, Lada operated an extensive feng shui website and blog – a hit with both local and worldwide fans – and authored over thirty articles on feng shui and spirituality for her own website, as well as for the World of Feng Shui and other international publications. At the same time, she taught her proprietary feng shui courses and did public speaking.

Lada imagines her stories in bustling New York City and beautifully serene Catskill Mountains, where she lives with her family and gorgeous calico cat Lily.

Lada Ray is the author of:

~GOLD TRAIN, gripping mystery/thriller set in Russia and based on true historic events (Jade Snow Russia Adventure)

~STEPFORD USA, a small town psychological mystery/thriller (Jade Snow Prequel)

~Green Desert, a riveting story set in Iraq (A Jade Snow Novella)

Coming in 2012:

~The Earth Shifter, new YA fantasy/thriller, set in Russia (Moscow & Siberia,) US, China and other mythical locales of this surreal Blue Planet

~Dragon Gate, next Jade Snow Adventure, set in Asia

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My Updates: New Gold Train Description and Paperback Launch

14 Saturday Apr 2012

Posted by Lada Ray in BOOK: GOLD TRAIN, My Updates

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Author Lada Ray, blog tour, E-book, Gold Reserve of the Russian Empire, Gold Train, Goodreads, Jade Snow, May Day, paperback, Russia, Russian Civil War, Russian Empire, Soviet Union, USSR

Hello, everyone!

My Internet is still down, but today I am sitting at the Latte Lounge in Oneonta, a 30 min. drive from my home, to catch up on all my Internet activities.

Other than this one piece of aggravation, everything else is moving along swimmingly, and I am happy to report that GOLD TRAIN Paperback Launch is well on track. I have lots of exciting news to share with all of you today!

The official GOLD TRAIN Paperback Launch is April 25.

April 25 is also the start date of the GOLD TRAIN BLOG TOUR.

This is NOT your average blog tour! We packed it with very special features and one-of-a-kind events:

There will be two cool feature articles:

JADE SNOW: Savior or Seductress @SheNow.org Blog

Fact and Fiction in GOLD TRAIN @LadaRayBlog

On May 1, Author Jason Sullivan of Different Outcomes Blog and I are preparing a rare and candid interview, in which we’ll discuss the Russian Civil War and its implications, the history and current state of the Russian royalty and what went into the creation of the unique character of Jade Snow. In addition, we’ll talk about what it was like growing up in the Soviet Union, my childhood experiences riding Russian trains, and how May 1 (May Day) was celebrated in the USSR. I am hoping to include a couple of exclusive photos. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind event!

You can find all up-to-date info about the tour here: https://ladaray.wordpress.com/blog-tours

All about GOLD TRAIN, as well as other books and projects can also be found at my official author website:

 http://www.LadaRay.com

To kick off the GOLD TRAIN launch with a bang:

Both Gold Train paperback and ebook (as well as my other books) will be on huge sale on Amazon starting on April 21! Please go to

https://ladaray.wordpress.com/blog-tours

for all details. Or you can go directly to Amazon.

PLUS, we are planning a giveaway on Goodreads on April 24: GIVING AWAY 2 AUTHOR SIGNED PAPERBACK COPIES OF GOLD TRAIN!

Please stop by my Goodreads page for all the updates: http://www.goodreads.com/author/Lada_Ray Look under upcoming events.

It’s free to sign up and who knows, you may be the winner! If you decide to open a Goodreads account, make sure to stop by my page to say hi, become my fan and add me as a friend!

If you miss this particular event, don’t fret! There will be 2 more chances to win a GOLD TRAIN ebook or paperback. There will be 2 more giveaways:

1. 1 SIGNED PAPERBACK COPY & 1 EBOOK at Kimba the Caffeinated Blog on May 3

2. 1 SIGNED PAPERBACK COPY & 3 EBOOKS at Lada Ray Blog on May 6

Complete info about these and all other Blog Tour events: https://ladaray.wordpress.com/blog-tours/

To learn more about my books and other porjects, visit http://www.LadaRay.com

On another happy note, the GOLD TRAIN paperback will come out with a slightly modified cover, compared to the ebook version. I’ll try to post this new cover on my blog soon.

The GOLD TRAIN paperback will include exclusive sneak peek and excerpt from DRAGON GATE, the next Jade Snow adventure set in Asia!

I also have a new Gold Train description, which will be featured in paperback edition, and soon will also appear for the ebook version.

Especially for my blog readers, here is the preview of the new description:


GOLD TRAIN, A Thriller

Jade Snow Russia Adventure

This story is based on true historic events

1918, Russian Civil War. 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: the world’s largest treasure; dangerous adventure; forbidden passion, defying time and space; conspiracy that threatens to plunge the country into darkness.

International journalist, wife and mom, Jade Snow, travels to Russia to reconnect with the country of her ancestors and investigate tantalizing mystery of the Gold Train. What she doesn’t know is that she is about to land in the midst of a deadly conspiracy threatening to change the fate of one of the world’s most powerful nations, and that she is destined to meet a mysterious stranger who will change her life forever.

As her only Russian friend gets murdered, Jade finds herself embroiled in a net of intrigue, glamour and alien ideals on these strange and unfamiliar shores. On top of that, she becomes more popular than she’d ever bargained for. So popular, in fact, that it could be hazardous to her health. And she deals with this dangerous and unwanted popularity in a way that is guaranteed to surprise even the most seasoned reader.

Refusing to be a pawn in a struggle of forces beyond her control, Jade must choose between her worst friends and best enemies… and the future of the world just might depend on her choice!

So you could compare, here is the current ebook description:

For the fans of The Da Vinci Code & National Treasure comes this gripping new  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: The world’s largest treasure; dangerous adventure; forbidden passion defying time and space; conspiracy that threatens to plunge the country into darkness.

Jade Snow travels to Russia to investigate tantalizing mystery of the Gold Train, instead, she finds herself a pawn in a struggle between forces beyond her control. Running is not an option as commitment to solve a murder makes her play the deadly game. Jade must choose between her worst friends and best enemies, and the fate of the world just might depend on her choice!

What do you think? I’d appreciate your opinions about the previous and the new descriptions. I am inviting you to post your comments, as well as questions and suggestions, in the comments section.

More exciting updates soon! Till then, stay tuned 🙂

Cheers and happy reading,

Lada

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GOLD TRAIN: the World of Russian Trains and My Childhood Memories

20 Friday Jan 2012

Posted by Lada Ray in BOOK: GOLD TRAIN, CULTURE: Russia, CULTURE: World

≈ 23 Comments

Tags

Accidental Spy Series, action adventure, Author Lada Ray, Gold Train, high speed train Sapsan, Jade Snow, Moscow, Moscow-St. Petersburg express, mystery thriller, Odessa Ukraine, Russian culture, Russian Empire, Russian Railways, Russian trains, St Petersburg

Trains and travels are in my blood. I was born in Moscow, and my parents both worked for Russian Railways. When I was barely two, they were transferred first to Kishinev (now, Chisinau) Moldova, and later, to Odessa, the beautiful city on the Black Sea, now part of the Ukraine. As part of my parents’ job benefits, I always had free railroad tickets, the privilege, I enthusiastically abused for years.

There is a huge train-centric culture in Europe in general, and in Russia in particular. Something, that is probably very difficult to understand in the US, with its car dependent culture. There is always something romantic and breathtaking about a train journey through the night, when everyone’s asleep and the rythmic song and sway of the rails makes you think about far away lands and the fascinating discoveries awaiting you at tomorrow’s destination.

Trains have always had a soothing effect on me and when I was little, I loved sleeping on a train. In GOLD TRAIN, Jade rides on a sleeper express from Moscow to St. Petersburg, sharing a compartment with a retired Russian teacher. This scene resonates deeply with my childhood memories.

The idea for the Gold Train took root, when I first heard the story of the lost Russian Imperial Treasure. I knew right away that it was my book to write.

It starts in 1918, during the Russian Civil War, as the special steam engine train, carrying the Gold Reserve of the Russian Empire by Lenin’s personal decree, is attacked, and the treasure disappears into the night.

Then, the action fast forwards to present day New York, as international journalist, Jade Snow, prepares for her unexpected and exotic assignment to Russia, to investigate the mystery of the Gold Train.

Action steams full speed ahead, as Jade arrives to Moscow and finds herself a pawn in a deadly game – the game, she is forced to play.

Various trains play a big role in the story, including the high-speed train Sapsan, the Moscow-St. Petersburg sleeper express, as well as the luxurious, one-of-a-kind Russian Metro. I’ll have a separate post for the Russian Metro, with beautiful pics and videos – well worth watching – in  a couple of days.

But today, let’s talk about the fascinating world of Russian trains!

Russia is a relative new-comer to the high-speed train market. Its new high-speed train is called Sapsan (Moscow-St. Petersburg-Moscow.) The name was chosen well, as “Sapsan” is a variety of hawk, considered to be the fastest bird in the world.

Sapsan, the first Russian bullet train, currently shares tracks with regular train traffic and because of that, “only” achieves speed of 250 km/hr. It is also larger, than its European counterparts. New tracks, being built now, will allow it to travel at its optimal speed of 360-380 km/hr. More high-speed lines are porjected to be built in the next several years.

It takes 3 hrs 45 min to get on Sapsan from Moscow to St. Petersburg, while an overnight express takes 7-8 hrs.

Check out these cool videos:

Sapsan at High Speed http://www.youtube.com/user/LadaRay?feature=mhee#p/f/83/MqtWZZDxqes

Another video ‘The Fastest Trains of Russia’ starring the cutest kitty 🙂  http://www.youtube.com/user/LadaRay?feature=mhee#p/f/82/9eURuvwG3Lo

Moscow – St. Petersburg trains:

Nikolayevsky Express

Red Arrow Express

First Class compartment, much like the one in which Jade traveled from Moscow to St. Petersburg

 Russian express train corridor

Companion Posts:

GOLD TRAIN Magical Setting: Moscow, Russia

GOLD TRAIN: Amazing Russian Metro

GOLD TRAIN: Meet Jade Snow, heroine of the Jade Snow International Adventure Series

GOLD TRAIN: Who is Alexei?

Check out GOLD TRAIN ebook on:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble Nook

Smashwords

GOLD TRAIN paperback is coming on April 25, 2012. More: https://ladaray.wordpress.com/blog-tours/

For descriptions/excerpts/trailers from GOLD TRAIN and other Lada Ray’s books: LadaRay.com

If you liked my posts, please comment, RT, share and follow Lada Ray Blog!

Till next time,

Cheers!

Lada Ray

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GOLD TRAIN: Meet Jade Snow, heroine of the Accidental Spy Series

13 Friday Jan 2012

Posted by Lada Ray in BOOK: GOLD TRAIN, CULTURE: Russia

≈ 9 Comments

Tags

5 star thriller, Accidental Spy Asia Adventure, Accidental Spy Russia Adventure, Accidental Spy Series, Author Lada Ray, Gold Reserve of the Russian Empire, Gold Train, Green Desert, Iraq, Jade Snow, Moscow, mystery thriller, Russian culture, Russian Empire, Stepford USA

The JADE SNOW INTERNATIONAL ADVENTURE SERIES idea was born several years ago, when I was flying through Dubai to Asia. In Dubai I met American journalists, returning from Afghanistan and Iraq, who told me stories of their adventures. As I was leaving Dubai, the picture of Jade Snow, a young, beautiful and spirited international journalist, who’d worked in Iraq and Afghanistan, appeared before my eyes. It occured to me that she would make a great heroine for an international mystery/thriller series.

A beautiful and witty red-head with unusual blue-green eyes, budding psychic powers and rare talent for being in the wrong place at the right time, Jade Snow is the protagonist of the Jade Snow International Adventure Series and of GOLD TRAIN, the gripping mystery/thriller, set in Russia and based on true historic events. When she gets married, this international journalist gives up her promising career to raise her little daughter, Lara.

But as the unexpected and exotic assignment drops in her lap, she jumps at the chance to restart her career and reconnect with her Russian roots. She gets much more than she’d ever bargained for!

When Jade travels to Russia, amid the magical settings of St. Petersburg and Moscow, she must uncover a dangerous conspiracy, find the world’s largest treasure and experience forbidden passion, defying time and space.

As she finds herself a pawn in a struggle between forces beyond her control, she also meets the man, who’ll change her life forever.

Click to watch GOLD TRAIN Book Trailer!

Companion posts:

GOLD TRAIN Magical Setting: Moscow, Russia

GOLD TRAIN: Amazing Russian Metro

GOLD TRAIN: the World of Russian Trains and My Childhood Memories

GOLD TRAIN: Who is This Mysterious Alexei?

Check out GOLD TRAIN ebook on:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble Nook

Smashwords

GOLD TRAIN paperback is coming on April 25, 2012. More: https://ladaray.wordpress.com/blog-tours/

For descriptions/excerpts/trailers from GOLD TRAIN and other Lada Ray’s books: LadaRay.com

If you liked my posts, please comment, RT, share and follow Lada Ray Blog!

Till next time,

Cheers!

Lada Ray

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