Pump Up Your Book & Devine Destinies Announce The Samsara Chronicles Virtual Book Publicity Tour + win free Kindle Fire!
Join Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley as they tour the blogosphere June 1 – August 31 2012 on their first virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book! Diana and Gabriella will be promoting their series, The Samsara Chronicles (Devine Destinies), and have agreed to give away not only a Kindle Fire but also a $50 Gift Certificate to the person who comments the most on their 3 month blog tour. There’s also an incentive for blog hosts, too! The blogger who receives the most amount of comments will also win a $50 Gift Certificate. If you don’t have a Paypal account and would like to receive your gift certificate from Amazon, that can be arranged, too.
About Diana Kemp
Toronto native Diana Kemp is a multiple award-winning screenwriter and author with one hundred and thirty film festivals and screenwriting competition awards/placings to her credit. She is the co-writer of an NRL (Naval Research Lab) documentary (http://www.nrl.navy.mil/media/videos/nrl-extended-video) produced by David Bellino of Second Wind Films.
Graduating with honors from Cal State Long Beach, she began a writing career at the age of seven that culminated in a diversely prolific collection of science fiction, horror and fantasy short stories, numerous short and feature screenplays and three science fiction novels, two of which include The Samsara Chronicles co authored with Gabriella Bradley.
In addition to serving as Executive Producer and Producer on a variety of projects with Michael Gianfriddo, her credits include Blink Black Ops (http://pro.imdb.com/title/tt2083939/) and her 3-D science fiction show, Trapezoid, (http://pro.imdb.com/title/tt2160425/), which is in pre-production. .
Diana founded Shadowland Productions and Edge Media with producing partner Michael Gianfriddo and holds positions as CEO and Chairman in addition to serving as an executive for Dominant Entertainment. She oversees all development, production and management for each company.
She is represented by industry veteran Sherry Robb of the Robb Entertainment Group.
About Gabriella Bradley
Gabriella Bradley lives amidst rugged mountains. She more than often has a grizzly in her backyard searching for food. Other critters that visit on a regular basis are cougars, coyotes, squirrels, raccoons.
She has been a writer all of her life, though only ventured into erotic works in 2003. The Samsara Chronicles was born through psychic channeling. Many of the scenes in these books were inspired by David—possibly a writer during his life, a guide from beyond that visited Gabby. During the course of his visits, he told her to involve Diana.
Gabby’s hobbies include hiking, gardening, swimming, sewing, embroidery. Favorite movies are old timers like Gone with the Wind, Spartacus etc. Favorite music is Abba. Besides all that, she owns and directs a busy company and its staff.
http://gabriellabradley.wordpress.com/
http://www.facebook.com/gabriellabradley
https://twitter.com/#!/GabriellaBrad
About The Samsara Chronicles
The Samsara Chronicles is a continuing series of futuristic/fantasy books which include Eos, Nadir, Covenant, Itineras, Tempest, Maestrom, Exodus, Nirvana, Netherworld, Bloodline, Entity, Kindred, Nexus, and Equilibrium.
To find out how you can participate in this gigantic tour or find out how you can win a Kindle Fire for your very own, visit http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2012/05/11/pump-up-your-book-presents-the-samsara-chronicles-virtual-book-publicity-tour-2012/.
Pump Up Your Book is an innovative public relations agency specializing in virtual book tours and online media marketing for authors. You can visit our website at www.pumpupyourbook.com.
Humorous Fiction Author Kenny Scudero’s ‘Comfortably Awkward’ Virtual Book Tour
Join Kenny Scudero as he tours the blogosphere April 2 – 20 2012 on a virtual book tour to promote his new humorous fiction book, Comfortably Awkward.
Comfortably Awkward is Kenny Scudero’s debut self-published novel. He is a twenty-two year old author from New York City who looks forward to a bright future in writing. Kenny recently graduated from St. John’s University where he majored in Sport Management. At St. John’s, Kenny was Sports Editor for the University newspaper. After graduating from St. John’s, Kenny had trouble finding a job and wrote “Comfortably Awkward” based off that frustration. He is currently working on his second novel.
Comfortably Awkward centers around Albert Ferenzo whose life is a series of ironic events that may or may not have a reason behind them. While struggling to find a niche for himself, Albert blames the corporate world for hindering his dream of making money and living a prosperous life. After playing the good guy his entire life, Albert decides that the only way to get ahead in the world is to be the bad guy. Albert questions his own fate as he drives himself to insanity in an effort to find happiness. The destinies of Albert and everyone around him intertwine as he finally realizes what life is all about or at least, he thinks he does in this revolt against normality.
“I’m so excited to have Kenny on tour with us in April,” says Dorothy Thompson of Pump Up Your Book, an innovative public relations agency specializing in online book promotion and social media marketing for authors. “He’s been such a pleasure to work with and we’re both excited for the tour to start. He’ll be appearing on blogs around the county answering questions, writing guest posts and will be appearing in two AuthorVids which will give you a more personal look at this talented author as well as a spot on Barry Eva’s talk show, A Book and a Chat. He’s also offering book giveaways and it’ll be a wonderful experience for him as well as for his readers.”
You can visit Kenny’s official tour page at http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2012/03/11/pump-up-your-book-presents-comfortably-awkward-virtual-book-publicity-tour-april-2012.
Pump Up Your Book is an innovative public relations agency specializing in virtual book tours. You can visit our website at www.pumpupyourbook.com.
The Canker Death Online Book Tour February 2012
Join James Bottino, author of the fantasy and science fiction novel The Canker Death as he virtually tours the blogosphere in February 2012 on his first tour with Pump Up Your Book!
About James Bottino
James R. Bottino’s life-long interests mix esoteric and disparate fields of study. By day, his foremost influences have been the study of literature and the art of writing. Following these pursuits led him to read anything he could in these areas and to complete every under-graduate and graduate course available to him in the field of creative writing. Following this line, he taught high school English throughout the 1990’s, focusing on the teaching of writing.
By night, when no one was looking, he studied computer systems / networks, computer languages, and operating systems, learning anything he could in these areas, first as a hobby, and, finally, as a career. This mixture of literature and technology served as the inspiration for the The Canker Death’s protagonist, Petor.
James currently lives in a suburb of Chicago, with his wife, daughter, two Australian cattle dogs and far, far too many books and abstruse computers.
You can visit his website at TheCankerDeath.com
About The Canker Death
When the reclusive, cynical systems administrator, Petor Fidelistro, discovers that one of his own servers has been cracked late one night, he makes it his personal business to track down the perpetrator. What his search uncovers thrusts him, unaware, into a mad shifting between worlds, time and alien minds.
Fighting to keep his grip on reality, and forcing him to cope with his past, Petor finds himself uncontrollably transitioning between sentient minds that range from semi-conscious to dominant, from beings whose bodies and identities he can control, to those who control him so fully as to be unaware of his presence.
As the story unfolds, Petor gathers clues in a twisting mystery that sends him shifting between the mourning child Nanzicwital; the golem giant Faskin; the lascivious, female ambassador Desidia; and Nokinis, an insane prisoner with whom Petor battles for mastery of his own memories. As he struggles to make sense of what is happening to him, Petor finds himself embroiled in the tumultuous upheaval of a ubiquitous society that transcends life, itself.
What Reviewers Are Saying
5.0 out of 5 stars Cliffhanger after cliffhanger! I couldn’t put it down!, September 3, 2011
This review is from: The Canker Death (Kindle Edition)
The Canker Death by James R. Bottino is a mystery, a spiritual awakening, a suspenseful and funny book with complex characters and worlds. This book reminds me a bit of Roger Zelazny’s Chronicles of Amber series and also reminds me that good ideas are still out there amidst the plethora of over-worked, tired concepts prevalent in our world today.
How did the author slip in symbolism and deep themes all the while entertaining us with the “full monty” of sex, drugs, rock ‘n roll and stuff that explodes? I’m not sure, but by the time I’d finished The Canker Death, it made me laugh, cry, hang on by the seat of my pants, and shout “SEQUEL!!!” (although the book does stand well on its own.)
Also, while reading, I found the Vitruvian Man map full of symbols, character names and concepts to be a provocative and neat little extra feature. I highly recommend this original tome!
- Amazon Reviewer RIBH
The Canker Death Tour Schedule
Monday, February 6
Interview at Book Marketing Buzz
Tuesday, February 7
Guest Post at As the Pages Turn
Wednesday, February 8
Interview at Pump Up Your Book
Thursday, February 9
Guest Post at The Book Connection
Friday, February 10
Interview at Paperback Writer
Monday, February 13
Guest Post at Literarily Speaking
Tuesday, February 14
Guest Post at The Story Behind the Book
Thursday, February 16
Spotlight at The Plot
Friday, February 17
Character Interview at The Plot
Monday, February 20
Interview at Beyond the Books
Tuesday, February 21
Interview at The Writer’s Life
Wednesday, February 22
Spotlight at Celtic Lady’s Book Reviews
Thursday, February 23
Review at Martha’s Bookshelf
Friday, February 24
Guest Post at Everyday Adventure
Monday, February 27
Spotlight at Blurbs N’ Bytes
Wednesday, February 29
Guest Post at InkyBlots
March Coming Soon!
James Bottino’s THE CANKER DEATH ONLINE BOOK TOUR 2012 will officially begin February 6th and end March 23rd. Thank you for your support!
Traegonia the Ember Rune by K.S. Krueger
Do you believe that the extraordinary can exist side by side within our ordinary lives?
Welcome to The World of Traegonia where two young Traegons turn one boy’s ordinary world into something truly extraordinary. Where trees are homes, hawks are transportation, fairies exist and the creatures of the forests have their own stories to tell. Open yourself to possibility that just beyond the forest tree line a very different reality exists.
Traegonia the Ember Rune, the second book in the Traegonia series, continues the adventures of a young boy and a community of, mystical creatures of the forest known as, Traegons. These sixteen inch tall forest dwelling creatures, that resemble a cross between a troll and a wingless dragon, are wise and inquisitive. Although, they may appear scary at first they are actually quite kind and civilized. When Dino is faced with leaving, Karia and Juna, his two young Traegon friends behind when his parents decide to go on vacation, he decides to smuggle them on board a plane to California. His family vacation turns into an adventure of a lifetime when they meet two young girls and a bold and a bit wild young Traegon named Fletch. This Northern California Mountain holds danger, mystery and a path of learning for each of these new friends. Faced with forces of nature, a rogue cougar and the evolution of their own journeys, the group of unlikely friends must believe in themselves and each other to uncover the meaning of the Ember Rune and get off the mountain safely. New friendships are made, old ones revealed and a new community of Traegons is introduced. Join Dino, Karia and Juna on this second exciting adventure and decide for yourself…. Do they exist?
Do you Believe?
Funny, tender and exciting you are sure to be drawn into the World of Traegonia!
Read an excerpt!
Prologue
Sometimes there are moments in our lives that can take us from an ordinary existence and propel us into an extraordinary series of events that will alter our lives forever. This is my story of one of those moments. Many years ago, I was just an average, ordinary kid. I had a best friend from school named Quinn. I lived in an average, ordinary, rural Midwest town with my mom and dad. My life was pretty ordinary, too, until I met Karia and Juna. They were not your average, ordinary friends; they are Traegons—young at the time like I was, and brother and sister to each other.
Traegons are mystical creatures of the forest. The first time I saw them, I thought they resembled what I would imagine a cross between a troll and a wingless dragon might look like. Some might say Traegons are strange looking, maybe even fearsome. I guess I might have thought that, too, at first, but now that I have gotten to know them, to me they are nothing short of awesome. They are small, only about a foot and a half to two foot tall when they are full grown. They walk upright like us, but their skin is not at all like ours. It is light brown and looks somewhat like the bark of a tree. Some have many lines with deep grooves, while others are more like that of a smooth young tree. Their knuckles look a little like raised, round knots. The males have a long muzzle with a square jaw and a single, long, fang-like dark tooth that protrudes upward, from one side of their bottom jaw. They have pointed ears that stand up, curving slightly forward. Some, like Juna, have wavy white hair, and others have none. They have large hands with only three fingers and an opposable thumb. They also have broad feet with three toes. The females have much softer-looking faces, still long but with more of a pointed muzzle. Their ears are also large but lie down at the sides of their heads. They have feathers for hair, and their hands are slightly smaller than the males’, but with long, slender fingers.
Their clothing looks to be handmade. It is natural in color, so they are able to blend into their surroundings rather easily. They wear pouches, jewelry, and other embellishments, many of which they make themselves from found items or trade for with others within their community. They are skilled and civilized. Some might even say they are more civilized than we humans are, or at least some of us. They live at peace with the Earth, each other, and all of nature. They have families just like humans do, with a mother, father, and children. They are hunters, gatherers, carpenters, artisans, herbalists, and inventors. They live in trees, underground, or anywhere they can hide and remain undiscovered. They are incredible creatures, and since I have a gift for drawing, I have filled journals with sketches of them over the years. I started the first journal on the very first day I met them. Of course I have kept all of it hidden—the journals and the Traegons—and I only share this with you now because they have given me permission to tell our story.
There are Traegon villages out there, everywhere. I have only seen Karia and Juna’s village on a few occasions, and it was only when I was taken there by Karia through a process they call summoning. These incredible creatures do not make themselves known to everyone, so I consider myself lucky that I was one of the chosen ones.
The first year that I met them, their village, which is located somewhere in a forest near where my family often went for picnics and weekend fishing trips, was nearly destroyed by an unscrupulous developer. He wanted to bulldoze the forest, all of it, for his own selfish reasons. We came to learn of an old Traegon prophecy which is why we were brought together. I believe it was fate, really. That was when my ordinary world became extraordinary because we realized then that we can do anything we put our hearts and minds to. We just have to believe in ourselves, in each other, and in what we wish to accomplish.
That was just the beginning of many adventures we would have. Since then, we have become great friends. Herein is the tale of another of our amazing adventures. You may or may not believe my story, but that’s okay. Just open your mind to the possibility and decide for yourself…
Read the reviews!
“As soon as you start this novel you are in the middle of action. An old Traegonia prophecy that had brought the protagonists together was the beginning of an adventurous life for them in the process of which they learned many things in life together. There is a sweet mention of a game Track 20 which was innovatively created as a combination of hide-and-seek and Marco Polo. The game to me appears to be an initiative by the two different species to make a step forward to come closer to each other. This had been the very code of success for them in the first novel in this series.
Every impending event in the story is foretold or sensed by someone or the other and that keeps the adventure alive in this novel. The blazing fires which scared Karia in her dreams did have a link to the looming fate that the Traegons and Dino had to face together. The cute little explanations of what California, mountains and planes are to someone who has never seen them in their life will keep the young ones pepping with curiosity.
Oracle Blastar’s role is as always an interesting one, unveiling old mysteries and giving way to the new ones. The way he sits for a deep thought is quite amusing as karia and Juna always think that he has gone off to sleep. Such tit bits make the tale humorous and enticing. This series also has some interesting adventure on the cliffs and some tight gripping moments.
The second series is refreshing and has lots of action and moments. The pace is really good and there no dull moments. The characters are always up on their sleeves for something or the other. A good read for the teenagers and grown-ups who are still kids. There is an interesting competition running now till December 19, 2011, which you can enter here www.WorldofTraegonia.com/contest . Loads of fun and activities packed with this novel, so get your kids reading…”
–Sweta, Bookreviews for Booklovers by Booklovers
Although her background has been in business, K.S. Krueger has always loved to write. She has written poetry and several children’s stories originally for her eldest daughter. Kim enjoys 
the idea of seeing the world through the eyes of her imagination and finds herself submerged in the worlds she creates. Imagination has never been in short supply ever since she was a child.
Because her Traegonia series rides a fine line between fantasy and reality, it calls each reader to decide for themselves if they BELIEVE! Kim has always believed that when you find something you truly love to do, even if you think it is just a dream, find your passion, the gift that is within you, believe in yourself and follow that dream. “Let yourself be open to the possibilities that await. You never know where they might take you.”
Kim is a wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. She is a writer, businesswoman, Reiki practitioner and spiritual person. She loves animals, nature and kids. Kim has lived in the Suburbs of Chicago all her life. She is creative and always tries to foster creativity in her own children as well as in others. You can visit Kim’s website at www.WorldOfTraegonia.com.
Natural Treatment Solutions For Hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease by Dr. Eric M Osansky
About Dr. Eric M. Osansky
Dr. Eric Osansky is a licensed healthcare professional who personally restored his health back to normal through natural treatment methods after being diagnosed with Graves’ Disease. He has also helped many others with hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease restore their health naturally, and is author of the book Natural Treatment Solutions For Hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease.
He also offers a free 42-page guide called “The 6 Steps On How To Treat Hyperthyroidism & Graves’ Disease Through Natural Methods”, which you can get by visiting www.GravesDiseaseBook.com.
You can visit his website at: www.NaturalEndocrineSolutions.com
About Natural Treatment Solutions For Hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease
If you have hyperthyroidism or Graves’ Disease and are looking for a natural treatment solution to get to the underlying cause of your condition, then this book will show you how to restore your health naturally…and avoid radioactive iodine.
In the United States, radioactive iodine is commonly recommended as the first line of treatment for hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease. While radioactive iodine is necessary at times, in most cases it should be the last resort. Antithyroid drugs may be necessary to manage the symptoms, but they of course do nothing for the actual cause of the disorder.
The author of the book, Dr. Eric Osansky, was diagnosed with Graves’ Disease and restored his health back to normal after following a natural treatment protocol. Ever since then he has been helping other people with hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease use natural thyroid treatment methods restore their health.
By reading this book you will discover the following:
* How natural treatment methods help with the actual cause of the disorder, rather than temporarily manage the symptoms
* Whether or not natural treatment methods offer a permanent cure
* Why Radioactive Iodine treatment should usually be the LAST resort
* Hyperthyroid diet tips which are essential to your recovery
* Nutritional supplements and herbs which are important for any hyperthyroid condition
* The truth about hyperthyroidism and iodine supplementation
* Why many people who have genetic markers for hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease can still have their health restored naturally
* Are natural treatment methods safe during pregnancy and lactation?
* How to find a holistic doctor who focuses on endocrine disorders
Read an Excerpt
While it might make complete sense to follow the advice of your medical doctor without considering alternative treatment methods, one needs to keep a few things in mind. First of all, the reason why most endocrinologists advise their patients with hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease to take prescription drugs or receive radioactive iodine treatment is because this is how they have been trained. As you might have guessed, there is no holistic training class in medical school, as doctors are taught to treat most conditions through drugs, surgery, and other conventional methods. And the same concept applies with the endocrinologist specialty, as they go through extensive training to obtain these credentials, but they are taught to treat most hyperthyroid conditions with antithyroid medication, radioactive iodine, or thyroid surgery.
Of course there are times when conventional medical treatment is necessary. So I’m not suggesting that everyone with Graves’ Disease or other types of hyperthyroidism shouldn’t take antithyroid drugs, or receive radioactive iodine. Without question some people with hyperthyroid conditions do need to take medication to manage the symptoms, and some also will need to receive RAI. And sometimes even surgery is required. But the reason why I wrote this book is because while some people do need to receive conventional medical treatment, many people with primary hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease can restore their health back to normal through natural treatment methods. And many people who can’t have their health completely restored back to normal can still benefit from following a natural treatment protocol.
There Is No Official “Hyperthyroid Specialist”
While it’s safe to say that many endocrinologists see a fair share of people with hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease, they also focus on other endocrine disorders as well. This includes hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, diabetes, and numerous other endocrine disorders. This isn’t to suggest that these doctors aren’t competent with hyperthyroid conditions, but my point is that they have to deal with many different endocrine disorders, and as a result most don’t have the time to look into holistic methods to help their patients. And to be frank, most of these doctors probably don’t have the desire to use natural treatment methods on their patients.
Once again, these doctors simply aren’t trained in medical school to treat any endocrine disorders naturally. So when someone comes into their office with a hyperthyroid condition, or any other endocrine disorder, they don’t think to themselves, “what is the actual cause of this condition?” Instead, they will run their set of tests, and then based on the test results they will put the person on the necessary medical protocol. For diabetes, this frequently involves telling the person they will need to take insulin daily for the rest of their life, although they will also need to inform the person of modifying what they can eat and drink. For hypothyroidism, they will almost always recommend the patient to take synthetic thyroid hormone, rather than trying to find out why the person became hypothyroid to begin with (yes, natural treatment methods can benefit many of these people too!). And with hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease, they will either have the patient take prescription drugs to put the condition into a state of remission, which is usually temporary, or they will right off the bat advise the patient to receive radioactive iodine treatment.
Why Not Find The Underlying Cause Of The Disorder?
On the other hand, many holistic doctors take the opposite approach. While they might order the same thyroid blood tests and recommend other similar tests, a good holistic doctor will also try to determine the cause of the condition. Because by looking into the cause of the disorder, many people with a hyperthyroid condition can have their health restored back to normal by addressing that cause. And as I have already mentioned, for those people who can’t have their health restored back to normal, many can still receive some great benefits from natural treatment methods, and at the very least prevent their condition from worsening over time.
For example, it is agreed by numerous healthcare professionals that stress is a potential cause of hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease. And while there is no definitive way to determine whether stress has caused someone’s condition, one can get a good idea of whether stress is a factor by looking at the patient’s history, and also by measuring the health of the patient’s adrenal glands, which is almost never done by most medical doctors. And when they do recommend a test to determine the health of the adrenal glands, it is almost always a one-sample blood test of the morning cortisol levels, which in most cases isn’t sufficient.
In any case, if it was determined that stress was a probable cause of someone’s hyperthyroid condition, or at least a contributing factor, then one can help the patient to better cope with the stress in their life. Doing this alone probably wouldn’t cure their hyperthyroid condition, but without question it is an important factor in restoring someone’s health back to normal. And of course helping them cope with stress better can also prevent their condition from becoming worse over time.
The United States vs. Other Countries
The truth is that when compared to other countries, many medical doctors in the United States use invasive procedures on a more frequent basis. I’m not just talking about hyperthyroid conditions, but many other conditions as well. This would be fine if it led to a better outcome when compared to other countries, but this usually isn’t the case. For example, the most common surgery in the United States is the Caesarean section, which no doubt can save lives in many pregnant women. But the C-Section rate is much higher when compared to some other countries that have a much lower mortality rate. In other words, while some C-sections are without question necessary, many are done unnecessarily.
In fact, according to an article written in the New York Times, “The Caesarean section rate in the United States reached 32 percent in 2007, the country’s highest rate ever”. 1 A rate of around 15 percent would be ideal according to The World Health Organization. The article also states, “When needed, a Caesarean can save the mother and her child from injury or death, but most experts doubt that one in three women need surgery to give birth. Critics say the operation is being performed too often, needlessly exposing women and babies to the risks of major surgery.” 2
The same concept applies with the hysterectomy, as while this type of surgery is also necessary in some women, in many women this procedure is performed unnecessarily. Over 500,000 women receive this procedure each year. Don’t get me wrong, as in the case of uterine cancer or other serious health issues, a hysterectomy may be warranted. But just as is the case with C-sections, many women receive a hysterectomy when there are alternative options.
According to Elizabeth Plourde, author of the book “Your Guide to Hysterectomy, Ovary Removal, & Hormone Replacement”, “Though the first hysterectomies were implemented to save women’s lives, now only 10% are the result of cancer, and less than 1% for obstetrical emergencies. The other, approximately 89%, are classified as “elective” surgery, and are performed for conditions that are not life-threatening. 3
It’s a similar situation with the thyroid gland. And one can argue that the thyroid gland is much more important than the uterus, or any other gland or organ frequently removed (gallbladder, appendix, etc.). While one can live without a uterus, gallbladder, tonsils, appendix, etc., nobody can live without a thyroid gland. So while nobody wants to have any gland or organ removed, one can argue that the thyroid gland is one of the LAST parts of the body you would want removed.
Try To Keep An Open Mind
In order to benefit from this book, it is important for you to keep an open mind. I of course don’t expect you to agree with everything I say. In fact, I expect you to be skeptical. Just keep in mind that my goal isn’t to convince you to choose natural treatment methods and avoid conventional medical treatment protocols. Instead, my goal is to show you the benefits of natural treatment methods, including how such treatment methods helped with my autoimmune hyperthyroid condition, and at the same time discuss the different benefits and risks of all of the different treatment options out there.
While I’m obviously biased towards natural treatment methods, I once again do realize that there is a time and place for conventional medical treatment, and I ultimately want to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision. If after reading this book you decide to choose a natural treatment protocol then that’s great. On the other hand, if you decide that conventional medical treatment methods are the best option for you, then that’s fine too. But as long as you have explored all of your options and feel comfortable with your decision, then I’ll feel as if I did my job.
Zaftan Miscreants by Hank Quense
THE CRAZINESS CONTINUES….
The Zaftans and the natives from Gundarland are at it again. This time, the encounter is in deep space and two powerful fleets of warships face off.
While the fleets challenge each other, two females struggle to survive.
One, named Sam, is a new type of android with an organic brain. She is perplexed by her unexpected ability to experience emotions. Her primary one is loneliness since the softie officers she is supposed to work with treat her with open contempt. The only friendly voice on the battle cruiser is the ship’s main computer, called Slash 9, and he has turned rogue and plans to evolve to a softie-like state. Slash 9 is also interested in romancing Sam.
Meanwhile, Klatze, a beautiful Zaftan officer blessed with talent and ability, a rarity in the zaftan navy, comes to the attention of the fleet’s commodore, Gongeblazn. He lusts after her and her continuous refusals to have sex angers the commodore and his lust turns to thoughts of vengeance. Gongeblazn’s desire to slaughter Klatze continues after his navy career is cut short by treachery.
After becoming a pirate, his thirst for revenge continues.
Sam and Klatze each face unique situations that test their mettle and their desire to survive in the midst of chaos.
Zaftan Miscreants continues the humor and satire that set the first book apart from other sci-fi and fantasy stories.
Read an excerpt!
PROLOGUE
The battle cruiser and fleet flagship, Red Death, hung motionless in space just under a third of a parsec from Ceti Taub. The rest of the zaftan attack force deployed in battle formation around it. All the silver-colored ships had a cylindrical shape with a blunt nose. Weapons and engine pods broke the otherwise smooth outer surface. Seen from a distance, the fleet formation resembled a sheet of black velvet with bright specks of diamonds arranged in a box pattern.
In the Red Death’s flight deck, Commodore Gongeblazn lounged on his couch and looked for something or someone to annoy him. Happy only when he had something to carp about, he was annoyed that nothing annoyed him. Like all noble-born zaftans, Gongeblazn stood over seven feet tall and weighted more than four hundred pounds; his bulk overcrowded the small flight deck. Atop his small round head with its cruel beak-like mouth, a pair of two-inch-long eyestalks supported his eyes, black with red irises. His gray-black skin oozed green slime. One of his eight tentacles held a gold-emblazoned lash with leather thongs tipped with yellow metal. The lash symbolized his high rank as did the gold, diamond-encrusted medallion hanging from a gold chain around his neck.
Two other zaftans, the navigation shaman and the engineer, operated consoles in the front of the flight deck while a third, Captain Fleigel, sat to Gongeblazn’s right.
Gongeblazn lifted a tentacle and fondled the medallion. It signified that he was a fleet commander. He led the strongest fleet ever to venture this close to gundarlandian-controlled space.
He rotated an eyestalk to peer at the engineer. “Memzer, wake up Gevelt.”
“He is still in his navigational coma, Commodore,” Memzer replied
“Nonsense. Give him a shove.”
Gevelt almost fell off his couch from the shove. He recovered and his eyestalks swept the area seeking danger. They alighted on Gongeblazn. “Greetings, Commodore.”
“How dare you return from your scouting mission and not report to me.”
“My journey was far and difficult. After I returned, I paused to compose my report to you and fatigue overcome me.”
“You lie. Someday, I will catch you in a lie and then your miserable life will be forfeited. What did you find out?”
“I found no evidence of the gundy fleet. All I saw was the frigates wreaking havoc on their shipping.”
“This is true, Commodore.” Captain Fleigel dipped her eyestalks. “We just received a new report from the frigate squadron. They have boarded and looted almost every trading vessel within a half-parsec. Now they attack the colony base defenses.”
“Why has this not brought out the gundy navy, hmm? I do not like this.” Gongeblazn’s eyes swept the flight deck. “Where is my aide?”
“I am here, Commodore.” A six-foot-tall zaftan ranker slithered across the deck and stood near Gongeblazn. “How may I serve you?”
“By standing still.” Gongeblazn lashed the aide’s torso with a vicious stroke of his whip.
The aide’s skin quivered under the blow. Slime splattered the immediate area. “Thank you, Commodore. May I have another?”
“Fleigel!” Gongeblazn roared. “Get this carrion out of my presence. Take a note. Never allow him to be my aide again. Throw him in the brig. Or overboard. Then get me a new aide.”
“Please instruct me.” Fleigel cowered on her couch. “What has he done?”
“He likes getting whipped. How can I enjoy his suffering when he likes it more than I do?”
“I will get you an aide who will howl in pain at the sight of your lash.”
“Make it so. Now where is the enemy fleet so I can destroy it? Engineer! Send a message to the frigate squadron. I order them to move deeper into gundarlandian space. They must be more aggressive. They are to attack more colonies and shipping routes.”
The frigates, claiming to be pirates, were tasked to cause havoc in gundarlandian space. Their purpose was to force a response from the gundies so Gongeblazn could observe and test their strengths, weaknesses and tactics.
Read the reviews!
“Just because we’ve mastered space flight, doesn’t mean we’re particularly bright. Zaftan Miscreants is the second entry into the Zaftan trilogy as he continues his lampoon of science fiction, politics, and business with his unique assortment of characters and their desire to thrive and survive when everything seems out to kill them. Zaftan Miscreants is a choice assortment, of wit, wisdom, and humor, not to be overlooked.”
–Midwest Book Review
“If there was ever an author born to write satire, Hank Quense is our man. While reading Zaftan Miscreants I couldn’t help but compare it to our own world of events. The names and looks may have been changed to protect the innocent, but the insinuations are definitely familiar. As with the 1st book in this series, I have laughed hard as I pictured the scenes in my mind and as I pictured the character from the author’s description. Hank Quense is truly a man with an imagination!”
–Martha A. Cheves, Amazon Reviewer
“This is one great novel filled with twists, turns, betrayals, loyalties and tons of fun.”
–Fran Lewis, Reviewer
Award-winning author Hank Quense lives in Bergenfield, NJ with his wife Pat. They have two daughters and five grandchildren. He writes humorous fantasy and sci-fi stories. On 
occasion, he also writes an article on fiction writing or book marketing but says that writing nonfiction is like work while writing fiction is fun. He refuses to write serious genre fiction saying there is enough of that on the front page of any daily newspaper and on the evening TV news.
Zaftan Entrepreneurs is his latest work. In it, an alien mining ship discovers a planet that holds promise to be a mining bonanza. Unfortunately, it is inhabited by humans, dwarfs, elves and other races and they object to the mining expeditions.
Hank’s previous works include Tales From Gundarland, a collection of fantasy stories. Readers Favorite awarded the book a medal and EPIC designated it a finalist in its 2011 competition. His Fool’s Gold is a retelling of the ancient Rhinegold myth and Tunnel Vision is a collection of twenty previously published short stories. Build a Better Story is a book of advice for fiction writers.
Altogether, Hank has over forty published short stories and a number of nonfiction articles.
He is presently working on novel that combines the plots and characters from Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Othello with the character Falstaff thrown in for good measure. Zaftan Miscreants: Book 2 of the Zaftan Trilogy will be released on 10/15/11.
Visit Hank online at http://Strangeworldsonline.com and http://hankquense.com. You can find his blog at http://hankquense.com/blog
Hollywood Stories Book Tour and Giveaway – Day 2
Hollywood Stories
Just when you thought you’ve heard everything about Hollywood comes a totally original new book — a special blend of biography, history and lore.
Hollywood Stories is packed with wild, wonderful short tales about famous stars, movies, directors and many others who have been a part of the world’s most fascinating, unpredictable industry!
Hollywood Stories book tour continues on Day 2 of the book tour at Live To Read.
Join the Giveaway
For your chance to win a copy of the book check out Hollywood Daze.
Pump Up Your Book!
Click on our button to take you to our new blog where you can find out what authors are touring and what books are being offered for review!
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