Kasper's Ramblings from Kasper Beaumont

Book review: Trust a Few by exciting sci-fi author E.M. Swift-Hook @emswifthook #scifi

5/31/2017

Snubs in the air for the evil boogeyman!
Trust a Few is a great novel by E.M. Swift-Hook
Review: Avilon Revid was the 'bogeyman of ultimate evil,' Gee, I love that description.
He was, but now he isn't. Avilon is a shell of his former evil greatness. I think I would enjoy the preceding books to find out how his demise came about, for it isn't explained here, and it sounds intriguing. I'm betting his was a badass evil genius. That said, this is quite a well-rounded stand alone.
Avilon is discharged from the special military forces, just after his mentor, Jazatar Baldrik, and seeks to find his friend.

Along the way he meets other dangerous characters including Shame Cullen; murderous twins Foss and Faust, as well as Durban Chola who is more than he first appears. One character who stood out to me amid all the violence and dark scheming was Charis, who trusts Avilon and whom I found to be the most relatable character in the story. I found it difficult to connect with many of the blunt, no-nonsense fighters, but I sense that Charis will be the heart of this series. That said, I could be wrong, for I have idea where this grand space adventure will lead.
What's to like: the world-building is well done and you can almost see the snub guns, A.I. mechs, holofacade wall and picture the brain-linked data port. The characters are complex, flawed and well described. The writing style is good and easy to follow.
The downsides: I found it a bit slow in places, where so much back story, talking and character thoughts took place that the action seemed a bit slow. I would also like to have felt more of an emotional connection to the characters.
Trust a Few is the perfect name for an interesting novel. I recommend it for fans of dystopian sci-fi.
I bought this novel on the recommendation of a friend.

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Review of Cherry Pickers sci-fi by Bonnie Milani @homeworldnovel #amreading #scifi

5/12/2017

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My review of Cherry Pickers: On the women's penal colony of Sisyphus, 17 year old Nikki has a one-track mind and that is to get her gun licence to impress her mother. The only way to do this is to lure a man from a passing space ship, to pick her cherry. Not quite a romantic coming of age, but a promising synopsis for a speculative fiction novel. Being a penal colony, it's a kill-or-be-killed world, in which having just a machete is really not conducive to survival.

An interesting concept from author Bonnie Milani, is the house bugs, AKA giant hairy spiders, which can be quite the docile type, but can also be aggressive and murderous. There is the whole Black Widow, death-after-mating thing going on here, so it's no wonder there aren't many guys hanging around. Another Sissy planet nasty is the man-eating Nosher plant with its deadly tendrils.
The most enjoyable character for me was Sam, the spider who lives with Nikki, kinda like an eight-legged creepy-looking brother type. Sam is actually really sweet, loyal and noble. He is the only person who is nice to Nikki in the whole story. Unfortunately his future is pretty bleak, with him likely to be mated and eaten in the near future.
The story begins with Nikki searching the house for the book of Grimms, the only book on the entire planet. I didn't really get hooked in by this beginning and ended up having to re-read the first chapter to take in all the alien world-building. There is plenty of information at the start as Milani draws you into her world. Once I got into the story, I found it well-paced and enjoyable. Other interesting concepts included the click speech of the house bugs and the chron implant, which was mentioned briefly. There is action aplenty and a few surprises to keep you guessing. I did find it a little tricky to figure out who was a human and who was a spider, as the personalities seem rather similar. On the whole, I enjoyed Cherry Pickers and would recommend it to new adult readers.
I bought this book on Amazon and this is my honest opinion of the novel.

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Review of the exciting 'Suffrage' scifi adventure by Julian Green @jsagreenauthor #scifi

5/7/2017

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My review of Suffrage: 5 stars. A brilliant debut novel
From the very first page, I was hooked in by the tale of young Jay with her superhuman powers being rescued from a laboratory-type prison.
The setting is modern-day Earth, but the characters come from an alternative reality, where the utopian lifestyle for some comes at a harsh price for others. Our group of alternative-reality heroes wake up with amnesia in a present day air-force base. They slowly come to realise that their mission is to find a hidden world key in our reality, which can grant the wielder great powers. Unfortunately for Jay and her friends, a huge spaceship full of angry pursuers is hot on their trail and eager to destroy them.

Suffrage is very well written and edited, with a perfect balance of action and character development. At the heart of the story is the core group of friends on their mission to find the key. Each character is unique and has a part to play in the team. There are dozens of other characters introduced and I did find it overwhelming at the start, but it all comes across well as the story progresses. On character named Stanford seemed important at first, but then disappears and left me wondering why.
The author uses tension and pace very well in this multi-focal story. There are a lot of characters with differing motives and agendas. I would have liked more defined chapters and less points of view, but overall it works pretty well.
For me the standout point of the story is the harmonic time-travelling device used by the character named Snake. It shows great originality and creativity from the author.
I'll definitely read this again and eagerly await the next instalment in the World Key Chronicles.
I purchased the paperback version and posted the review on Amazon.

Suffrage's Blurb:
There is something hidden on Earth. A secret so immense it's worth killing for. In a race against time, five travellers arrive, hunting a key that will change the balance of power in their world.

Jay's birth father is a monster. He destroyed half her world and established a twisted version of utopia from the ashes, ruled by the Five Monarchs. But his blood flows in her veins, giving her power beyond any human. She has to prove that she's not him; that she's better. With the help of her teammates, she has to stop him from destroying her adoptive family and her world by finding the one thing that can make her his equal. But will the world key make her a monster, too?
Dr Stanford Ellis, an American scientist, is tasked with understanding these travellers. What does their arrival mean, for his country and the world? He must unravel the mystery before it’s too late.

Little do the travellers know, they were followed to our Earth. The Walker King has come seeking the rebels, and will let nothing stand in the way of his revenge. Freedom comes at a price.

Julian's avatar

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Interview with sci-fi and fantasy author Nicholas Rossis @Nicholas_Rossis

10/15/2016

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Nicholas Rossis is a rare breed of author, who can switch effortlessly between genres when he writes. Whether it is short science fiction snippets or fantasy sagas, he work is of a high standard.
He describes his abode as a cottage on the edge of a magical forest near Athens in Greece. There has been a new addition to Nicholas' life since I last had a chat with him. He has a new wee baby daughter and is now juggling nappies with his pens and paper.

Nicholas joined me for a Fantasy Sci-Fi Network interview.
Here are some of the highlights:
* Nicholas' writing has been compared to the classics such as Philip K. Dick
* He claims to the dichotomy of being both lazy and a perfectionist
* I found 12 of Nicholas' books available in Kindle format on Amazon
* He enjoys writing an antagonist character the most
* His characters sometimes disagree with his writing plans
* Nicholas' web designing company is going great guns.
* You'll never guess what's on his bucket list
Read all this and more here: http://fsfnet.com/2016/10/15/kasper-interviews-author-nicholas-Rossis/

Check out Nicholas' collection of short stories: You're in for a Ride

A force field stumps a group of intrepid explorers in desperate need of what lies behind it. Two time-travelers discover the dangers of messing with the timeline. And what happens when not one, but two dark prophecies clash head-on?
These are just a few of the stories in You're in for a Ride, a collection of speculative and science fiction short stories that explore our perception of the world around us. Is there more to the world than we can see, or can our senses deceive us?

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Sci-fi and comic author interview with Gloria Wickman @Gloria_Wickman

10/8/2016

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Gloria Wickman is a science fiction author who has published two short stories and is working on her first novel. Gloria has studied comics writing and creation taught by former Marvel comics editor Andy Schmidt.
She has also studied French and Anthropology. Her hobbies include: walking, crafts and playing video games.

Gloria joined me for an author interview on the Fantasy Sci-Fi Network

Here are some of my favourite bits:
*  You can read one her Gloria's comics for free on her website: gloriawickman.com
*   She has a life-long love of all things science fiction
*   Gloria gives some good advice for aspiring authors
*   Her tip for curing writers' block will make you laugh
*   I was impressed with the books Gloria would take through an interstellar portal

Read all these and more on the FSFNet website.

Here's Gloria's latest release:

Title: The Sun Never Shines on Ariadne VI
Author: Gloria Wickman
Publisher: In the Hopper
Release Date: 2016
When Commander Alexis Riley crash lands on an alien planet, her biggest regret is that she didn’t die with her crew. Along with the only other survivor, an android named TOMAS, she must travel across hundreds of miles of barren wasteland to have any chance of survival. But just as Riley finds her will to live, the planet finds new ways to try and kill her.

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Android creator Gary Starta warps in for an interview @scifiauthorGary #FSFNet

7/29/2016

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Author Gary Starta

Gary Starta has extensive experience with writing. He has completed English and Journalism at University and has worked as a journalist. He then took a walk on the wild side and became a fiction writer.
His works include his first novel which was a science fiction work entitled What are you Made of? Next came paranormal suspense novels Blood Web and Extreme Liquidation which were inspired by the X Files TV series.
Then comes a crime novella Murder by Association, followed by Alzabreah's Garden – a fantasy romance.
Lastly we get to Gary's sci-fi mystery: Gods of the Machines.

Gary warped into the Fantasy Sci-Fi Network for an author interview this weekend.

Here are my fave bits:
*   Gary talks about combining and experimenting with genres, so he is not pigeon-holed.
*   He writes about sentient androids and counts Commander Data as an inspiration
*   I'm really impressed with Gary's writing routine
*   Yep, his superpower is a good one
Check out all these and more interesting insights on the FSFNet website.

Here is Gary Starta's sci-fi novel: Gods of the Machines

Synopsis:
Redemption is a theme which runs through Gods of the Machines, a new sci fi/mystery which takes place on the recently colonized planet, Ceres. Det. Sam Benson needs to redeem himself in the eyes of his lover and colleague, Sandra. When Sandra finds Benson is eager to pin a spree of murders on an android - without obtaining concrete evidence - she postpones their wedding. Benson then seeks solace in his new CSI partner. And while Benson is distracted by his personal business, the murders continue. No trace evidence is left behind and the murders are brutal, still leaving Benson to believe - despite protests from Sandra - that only a super strengthened being would be capable of the crimes. Yet something connected to the origin of the planet may be the answer when unexplained disturbances affect the computer controlled weather net system. Now Benson must consider other suspects - ones that may not currently reside on Ceres.

Gary's favourite cat

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Author interview with Starclan Admiral James W. McAllister @StarclanAdmiral #FSFNet

6/17/2016

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Science fiction and fantasy author James W. McAllister grew up on a steady TV diet of shows such as Battlestar Gallactica and Star Trek. This led him into writing and he has since created his own publishing company to help spread the word about his books. Fortiter Publishing LLC was created in 2013 and has the name has a proud family history.
James has had much success with his writing and his debt novel: The Best Laid Plans was selected as a Runner-Up in the 2013 MARSocial Author of the Year Competition

James travelled at light speed to give us a great interview for the Fantasy Sci-Fi Network.
Here are some of the highlights:
*     It took James 30 years to get around to writing, but he's now going full steam ahead.
*     Several scenes from his books are based on James' real life experiences. Now that's not such an easy feat when you're writing about an invasion by alien bugs.
*     The song he chose as a theme song for The Turret novel comes as a surprise
*     Developing the book covers took a bit of trial and error
*     The voices of James Bond and Han Solo are invited to narrate James' audio books
*Jordan the Wonder Cat appears to be a silent partner in the business by the looks of his photo
Check out all this and more in the full interview here.

The Turret

Synopsis:

An insidious Evil uses greed and corruption to undermine the Earth’s defenses against an alien attack.
THE TURRET chronicles one man’s lifelong struggle against this Evil.
Live the unwavering loyalty, devasting betrayals, uncompromising honor, eternal romance, and unspeakable monstrosities in this interplanetary adventure of a lifetime!

Jordan the Wonder Cat

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Sci-Fi author Debbie Brown pops in for an interview @amethysteyes01 #FSFNet

6/4/2016

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As a graduate of the Institute of Children’s literature, while pursuing yet another writing course, Debbie Brown finds herself doing what she loves . . . learning and writing. The course gives her an excuse to just sit down and write. Over the years she has worked as a nurse, a teacher, a martial arts instructor and a CIC officer in the Canadian Forces. Her hobbies have varied from woodworking, to auto-mechanics, with music, painting, karate, holistic medicine, gardening and camping thrown into the mix. Let’s not forget reading. Debbie’s perfect cure for a long winter’s night is curling up in front of a fire with a good book while snowflakes drift slowly past the window.

Highlights of my interview with Debbie Brown for the Fantasy Sci-Fi Network:
*    Debbie started writing under tragic circumstances and is an inspiration to all of us
*    Her characters experience tragedy in the Amethyst Eyes series too
*    Debbie's characters write themselves, that sounds like a winning idea - just put your feet up and let the novel write itself. Hmm ... perhaps that's not quite as easy as it sounds.
*    Her CV is very diverse and impressive
*    There is no time in Debbie's life for writers' block
*    I love the way she describes the person who inspires her
*   I can't wait to see her the number one thing on Debbie's bucket list
See the full interview here

Debbie's latest book
Title: Amethyst Eyes: The Legend Comes to Life
Author: Debbie Brown
Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy
Publisher: Howling Wolf / Ravenswood Publishing
Release Date: October 25, 2014

Amethyst Eyes 2 Synopsis:
Three years after his arrival onboard, Tommy begins Specific Training to assume his place in his father's society. The transition to adulthood, laden with unexplored emotions and overwhelming responsibilities, have made this unstoppable change too much to handle. Tommy wants to go back home, to Earth, to a way of life he'd been forced to leave behind. An unforeseen attack on his father, a disaster on Earth, and the added weight of responsibility take their toll on the young man, who suddenly finds himself struggling to save the ones he loves.

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Greg Spry zooms in for a #FSFNet author interview

5/28/2016

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Looking like a photo out of the year's most eligible bachelor list, science fiction writer, Greg Spry is full of surprises.
After studying engineering and then his graduate degree at Florida's Institute of Technology, Greg is qualified in space mission design. This must have been the perfect training for outer space sci-fi writing.

Greg flew in for an author interview this week to talk to me for the Fantasy Sci-Fi Network.
Here are some highlights from our chat:
*   Greg was a prolific writer, even back in elementary school
*   He is currently writing the third story in the Beyond Saga.
*   Beyond the Horizon (Beyond Saga book 2) has just been released on Amazon.
*   NASA and even our own solar system can be credited as inspirations for his writings.
*   He enjoys his day job and they are supportive of his writing - sounds a perfect match
*   Greg is a prolific blogger, just check out the links throughout the interview
*   When asked if he preferred Star Wars or the Lord of the Rings, he has a different answer altogether.

Check out the full interview here

Greg's new release is Beyond the Horizon (Beyond Saga Book 2)

Ensign Maya Davis has had her sights set on the captaincy of a starship since she launched her first toy rocket into Earth orbit at age four. But not long after she departs the solar system aboard humankind's first interstellar vessel, New Horizons, sabotage cripples the ship, killing a third of the crew and stranding the expedition light years from home under the siege of hostile forces. Without knowing who she can trust, Maya must risk her life to get the crew home and prevent the genocide of the very exospecies Horizons set out to contact.

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Sci-Fi / Paranormal with a healthy sprinkling of romance. An interview with Sally Ember @sallyemberedd #FSFNet

4/17/2016

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Sally Ember is an author of many talented, from her sci-fi novels The Spanner Series which combine a blend of paranormal and romance to her other roles as an educator, business manager, Vlogger and blogger. There is more to Sally than meets the eye.
With the elements of Buddhism and meditation she discusses, we get a sense that Sally is moving along the path to enlightenment.
I interviewed Sally today for the Fantasy Sci-Fi Network and uncovered some new information about this award-winning author.

Here are some of my favourite snippets from my interview with Sally Ember:
* Sally classes her genre as: 'sci-fi /romance/ speculative fiction/ paranormal/ multiverse/ utopian books for New Adult/adult/YA audiences.' Something for everyone there.
* She talks about her working relationship with Willow Raven, her cover artist
* We discover what 'vajras' are
* Sally admits to hearing voices ;-)
* Her friends and family might find some hints of themselves in her works
* Sally has a song list for her writing and how each song relates to characters and scenes
* Volume 4 of Sally's series is due for release in 2016
Click here for the full interview

Dr. Clara Ackerman Branon, 58, begins having secret visits from holographic representations of beings from the Many Worlds Collective, a consortium of planet and star systems in the multiverse. When Earth is invited to join the Collective, the holos choose Clara as liaison between Earth and the Many Worlds Collective to make the secret visits public and guide Earth's new leaders. While Earthers adjust their beliefs and ideas about life, religion, culture, identity and everything they think and are, rebellions and conflicts arise. The Collective works with Clara to create the Psi-Warriors who fight the leaders of the resistance, the Psi-Defiers. With multiple re-sets needed to revise the past and future to save lives, in which of the timelines in the multiverse does her love, Epifanio Dang, get to be with Clara? Over Clara's thirty-year term as Chief Communicator, Earthers must undergo major transformations.

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<<Previous

Book review: Trust a Few by exciting sci-fi author E.M. Swift-Hook @emswifthook #scifi

Review of Cherry Pickers sci-fi by Bonnie Milani @homeworldnovel #amreading #scifi

Review of the exciting 'Suffrage' scifi adventure by Julian Green @jsagreenauthor #scifi

Interview with sci-fi and fantasy author Nicholas Rossis @Nicholas_Rossis

Sci-fi and comic author interview with Gloria Wickman @Gloria_Wickman

Android creator Gary Starta warps in for an interview @scifiauthorGary #FSFNet

Author interview with Starclan Admiral James W. McAllister @StarclanAdmiral #FSFNet

Sci-Fi author Debbie Brown pops in for an interview @amethysteyes01 #FSFNet

Greg Spry zooms in for a #FSFNet author interview

Sci-Fi / Paranormal with a healthy sprinkling of romance. An interview with Sally Ember @sallyemberedd #FSFNet

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