A Review of Jade Sky ( A Matt Rowley Novel) by Patrick Freivald

 

 

Genre: Militia, Science Fiction

Book Description

 

Matt Rowley hasn't been human for years. A commando for the International Council on Augmented Phenomena, he hunts down superhuman monsters the military can't handle. But his abilities come with a price: bloodthirsty whispers that urge him to acts of terrible violence. An encounter with a giant, angelic being with wings of smoke and shadow casts him into a world of inhuman brutality, demonic possession, and madness, where he must choose between his family and his soul.

The Review

 

Matt Rowley, an ICAP commando, and his crew are always on the move. This time, they are inside a warehouse.  It should be an easy operation, with little to no casualties. They maneuver the building and encounter more resistance than they had expected, but they hold off the goons long enough to make it to the helicopter. Once they are out of harm’s way, Matt and his boss debate the likelihood that something was off about the mission.

From then on, disturbing events unfold, and Matt and his team learn things that would make grown augmented men shudder—things that might very well strip away everything they know and love. In the meantime, ICAP kept them busy, sending them to foreign lands to spearhead negotiations with a Jade dealer.

Midway, Matt and his squad are propelled into a high-octane bloodlust fight. Lives are extinguished, some they regret, others not so much. Cursing the choice he was forced to make, Matt soldiers on, determined to find out what went wrong.

 

Will he find out what caused all of the chaos or will they die before learning the truth?

I like that…

Matt can crush a trachea with his thumb, but when he is at home with his wife, Monica, he is a different man.  Even when he feels like his humanity is slipping away, she is the thread that holds him together.

Purchase Links

 

Kindle     Nook

 

I’m looking forward to reading the sequel, BLACK TIDE, which comes out 4/17.

 

Author Bio

Patrick Freivald is a two-time Bram Stoker Award nominee, a teacher (physics, robotics, American Sign Language), beekeeper, and author, and coach of an award-winning competition robotics team for high school students.

He lives in Western New York with his loving wife, birds, dogs, cats, and several million stinging insects.   

Social Links

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patrick.freivald?fref=ts

You can find him at http://patrick.freivald.com

 

Facebook Blog TAKEOVER: Desperate Trails, A Romantic Excursion

Facebook Blog TAKEOVER: Desperate Trails, A Romantic Excursion

Today, I'm taking over Once Upon a Crush. Join me to learn more Desperate Trails, my newly released romance mystery.

 

The Blurb

 

If the opportunity arose, Drew Tanner would probably trade places with just about anyone. He wasn’t a stranger to misery, but he had an unquenchable need for acceptance that spanned his entire childhood leading up to the present. Throughout that time, he saw how elusive and fickle the nature of love could be, and experienced unyielding misfortunes until a newfound friend made those hellish moments somehow bearable.

Despite his new friendship, things at home continue to deteriorate, making it difficult for him to cope with the situation; let alone breathe. But, an opportune moment arises out of his suffering that will potentially change the course of the life he’s known and he’ll have to decide if he wants to continue living this way or choose a new path, a decision that could change his life forever. Whatever he decides, Drew’s life is about to change, and there is no guarantee that his life will change for the better.

 Come on over to 'Once Upon a Crush' and meet the cast!  

Select the link to enter..

http://facebook.com/onceuponacrushbookblog
 

Copy the following post:

Explore DESPERATE TRAILS, a heartfelt, passionate tale filled with mind-numbing revelations and moments that will make you blush. Get your copy of this unforgettable story today. #mystery #Romance #Kindle

http://www.amazon.com/Desperate-Trails-Mila-Ballentine-ebook/dp/B00OPUZDIA/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1413893828&sr=1-1&keywords=Desperate+trails

 

Or

 

Things heat up in the hive! Get a copy of Desperate Trails today and find out why. #Romance #Mystery #Paperback

 http://www.amazon.com/Desperate-Trails-Mila-A-Ballentine/dp/0990919501/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1413869546&sr=8-3&keywords=Desperate+Trails

 **The Giveaway closes at 10AM EST December 7, 2014**

 

 

Creating Memorable Characters That Can Potentially Leap Off the Page by Mila A. Ballentine

 

 

Creating characters that leave an impression on the reader whether it is a good or bad impression is what every author strives for, but getting readers to care about the characters is not an easy task. The author must give the reader a reason to care about what happens to the character. Otherwise, the character meets his or her demise on page eighty-nine and the reader turns the page without giving it a second thought.

Characters should leave an impression on the reader to the point that they question themselves. Would I have done the same thing under those circumstances? What would I have done differently? The question that emerges is, “How can a writer go about making the reader care?”

 I will use a non-literary example—the goal is after all to make your characters realistic. First, I must ask… do you know who Caylee Anthony and Elizabeth Smart are? It is safe to say that most of us do. Why is that? The media and law enforcement play a crucial role in making the public aware of when a child goes missing. An Amber Alert is issued; local news stations and their affiliates show pictures of the missing child. On some occasions, parents and law enforcement make a plea to the public in the hopes that the child will be returned unharmed. They also keep the public informed when there are new developments in the case.

Whether we intend to or not, viewers begin to care about finding said child, even when they are in another state. It is important to mention that we all respond to the same situation in different ways. As a writer, you have to ask yourself, why should readers care? Once you have found the answer, write a story with that in mind.

Write as if the character was fighting for air and the only way he/she could make it to the surface is for you to make them believable—so believable that the reader has no choice but to invest in their journey. It should illicit emotions that are reserved for inopportune moments; make them connect on the slightest level in a way that they can relate to, whether it is love, hate, abandonment, abuse, or fear. We are all affected by something. All you have to do is find the common ground.

---

Mila A. Ballentine is an award winning, best-selling mystery writer who enjoys writing Historical, Crime, Paranormal, and Science Fiction mysteries for a general audience. When she is not writing, Mila enjoys learning about other cultures, traveling, and doing anything that allows her to put her creative energy to use.

How to Fix or Avoid Image Display Issues When Submitting a Webpage Filtered File to KDP

Microsoft Word can be an author’s best friend… at least until the message “document cannot be saved” appears. When that occurs, your removable disk or hard drive maybe full, deleting unnecessary files may cure that. I've read KDP's format guidelines, it is extremely helpful. It has given me more control over the format that I choose. KDP has also played a crucial part during my writing process, but at times, it feels as though we are in a one-sided relationship.

If you’ve ever used Microsoft Word or KDP, you can relate. This time around, I decided to use images in my document to add elaborate font. Everything was going great, until I tried to view the uploaded file. The images were not visible. Instead, there was a camera icon with an error sign displayed where the images should be.

What did I do wrong?

My fly was open. I didn't zip the file! When a webpage filtered document is created it creates a folder automatically, but it also separates the images and other aspects from the text.  If you open the folder, you'll see numerous files inside. The images are separate and that's where the problem lies. It was a frustrating moment, but I was determined to fix the problem.

'Operation Fix It' commenced!

 

 

Code Name: Goosfraba

 

Task: Create a Zip Folder.

Okay, so you have saved your eBook as a webpage-filtered document. 

 

What's next?

Tutorial:

 Note: This tutorial is not for beginners.

 

First, you'll need to...

 

Access your document folder.  

 

 

1.  Create a folder.

 

 

Right click in the 'open' dialogue box  

 

of your document folder. 

 

Note: There is more than one way to do it. The same is true for the other steps

 

provided in this tutorial.

 

 

Select New. Select Folder. A folder is created.  Give the folder a name. Press

 

the enter key on your keyboard.  You are the proud parent of a new folder.

 

2.   Next, 'add' the document to the folder. 

 

Note: (Practice with a dummy document first. Once you've got the hang of it you can use the actual file.)

 

Use the Drag-and-Drop method to add the file.

 

 See how here: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-vista/moving-and-copying-files-by-using-the-drag-and-drop-method

 

 You've created a folder, named it, and added the interior file to the folder.

 

 

 3.   Next, Right click on the folder. Select send to . Select "compressed 'zipped' folder."

 

You have a zip folder.

Upload it to KDP . 

Preview the document to verify that the images display.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Desperate Trails Unveiled -- Mila A. Ballentine

 

 

Author: Mila A. Ballentine

Genre: Romance / Suspense / Mystery

Audience: 18 + 

Credits

Cover Artist/Graphic Design: D_Samudu

 Graphic Design: Sachin81

 Cover Concept: Mila A. Ballentine

 

If the opportunity arose, Drew Tanner would probably trade places with just about anyone. He wasn’t a stranger to misery, but he had an unquenchable need for acceptance that spanned his entire childhood leading up to the present. Throughout that time, he saw how elusive and fickle the nature of love could be, and experienced unyielding misfortunes until a newfound friend made those hellish moments somehow bearable.

Despite his new friendship, things at home continue to deteriorate, making it difficult for him to cope with the situation, let alone breathe. But, an opportune moment arises out of his suffering that will potentially change the course of the life he’s known and he’ll have to decide if he wants to continue living this way or choose a new path, a decision that could change his life forever. Whatever he decides, Drew’s life is about to change, and there is no guarantee that his life will change for the better.

 

 

 

 

Mila A. Ballentine is a mystery writer who doesn't shy away from writing about things that grasp the core of her imagination. Her writing is an extension of her mind's eye and there is always an element of truth in each of her books. She studied Creative Writing and Communication Arts at a City University of New York. When she's not writing, she enjoys traveling or doing anything that allows her to put her creative energy to use.

 

In her own words…

My writing style is an extension of my wide-ranging imagination. I try to write my stories as if I have walked in the character’s shoes. Like most of my characters, I have many-sides. I enjoy exploring the struggles, triumphs, and vulnerabilities in their lives. After all, they are an important part of the story. Therefore, I strive to make the reader care about what happens in their lives.

What can you expect from a book written by Mila A. Ballentine?

 “Author Mila A. Balletine’s originality shines through all of her stories. She is creative, adventurous, and honest about everything that goes into the pages of her books. If Mila were to get lost in the woods, she would use her time wisely. Her senses would be alert and her creativity would skyrocket through the roof.  Mila would find a way to write a story on a leaf. Besides Mila being a good author, she is bubbly, outgoing, and extremely shy, but don’t let her coyness fool you.  Her characters are strong, honest, and ready to jump into an adventure without hesitations.” ~ Author S.J. Dennery
  

 

Paperback:

 

 http://www.amazon.com/Desperate-Trails-Mila-A-Ballentine/dp/0990919501/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1413869546&sr=8-3&keywords=Desperate+Trails

 

Kindle:

http://www.amazon.com/Desperate-Trails-Mila-Ballentine-ebook/dp/B00OPUZDIA/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1413893828&sr=1-1&keywords=Desperate+trails

Get a copy today!

***********************************************************************************

You can connect with Mila on the following social media:

Twitter: @Milaaballentine

Facebook.com: https://www.facebook.com/milaballentine

Mila A. Ballentine's Best Sellers & Other Worthy Mentions Tour and Giveaway

**An Award Winning Best Seller**

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Thin Skin Soul Pinned  

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Blurb:

Marie Tousant was an adventurous child, living a happy life until she had an untimely encounter with an entity in her back yard. From then on, she was no longer the same child, but even so, her parents were determined to maintain some sense of normalcy in her life. Although, they soon realized that, that notion did not apply.

Years later, hunting season begins, but Marie is the prey, pursued by practitioners of the dark arts, and they do not intend to let her slip away this time. However, a conflicting power emerges and shares secrets that may save Marie from the grasp of evil. Regardless of the dangers they face, Marie’s allies are willing to protect her; it becomes clear that Marie is in for the fight of her life, and there is no telling if she will come out of this ordeal alive.

 

 

Author Bio

Mila A. Ballentine is a mystery writer who doesn't shy away from writing about things that grasp the core of her imagination. Her writing is an extension of her mind's eye and there is always an element of truth in each of her books. She studied Creative Writing and Communication Arts at a City University of New York. When she's not writing, she enjoys traveling or doing anything that allows her to put her creative energy to use.

What can you expect from a book written by Mila A. Ballentine?

 “Author Mila A. Balletine’s originality shines through all of her stories. She is creative, adventurous, and honest about everything that goes into the pages of her books. If Mila were to get lost in the woods, she would use her time wisely. Her senses would be alert and her creativity would skyrocket through the roof.  Mila would find a way to write a story on a leaf. Besides Mila being a good author, she is bubbly, outgoing, and extremely shy, but don’t let her coyness fool you.  Her characters are strong, honest, and ready to jump into an adventure without hesitations.” ~ Author S.J. Dennery

In her own words…

My writing style is an extension of my wide-ranging imagination. I try to write my stories as if I have walked in the character’s shoes. Like most of my characters, I have many sides. I enjoy exploring the struggles, triumphs, and vulnerabilities in their lives. After all, they are an important part of the story. Therefore, I strive to make the reader care about what happens in their lives.

 

Mila, what was your  motivation for writing Thin Skin Soul Pinned?

 Thin Skin Soul Pinned is based on eyewitness accounts that I've gathered over the years from West Indians who claimed to have had an encounter with the antagonist. This story is a work of fiction intensified by my uncanny imagination, but it is plausible that the antagonist does in fact exist.

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Book Trailer

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*Awards / Recognition *

 

 

Add *Thin Skin Soul Pinned* to your Goodreads TBR List.

 

Download a copy here >>  B&N / Smashwords / Amazon 

 

 

Find Mila on the following websites: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milaballentine

Blog: milaballentine.blogspot.com

 

Tumblr: http://milaballentine.tumblr.com/

 

Twitter: @MilaABallentine

 

 

Enter To Win  

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

~June 16 - June 20~

 

Spent Lives Book Excursion Tour & Giveaway

 

 



 

 

 

 

Reader's Reviews

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are you ready to visit Reignier Island?

 

You are 1-click away for downloading your personal copy of Spent Lives!

 

 

 The Blurb:

 

François Laurent grew up in the shadow of what happened all those years ago and his life hadn’t been the same since. He tucked the memories of that day away in a dark corner of his mind, but hurtful things don’t stay hidden for long. His painful secrets resurfaced when a crime fragmented their charming town and François Laurent found himself in the midst of it all. As a result, he pursued Maureen Leatherby, the town’s kooky foreigner. She was always willing to assist patrons when the occasion arose, but it always came with a price.

Show less

 

Purchase Links 

 

 

Amazon / Smashwords / B&N

 

 

Enter To Win

 

**Two Winners will be chosen.**

 

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/19b31e2/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

**I'd like to thank everyone who participated in the book excursion. Thank you for Pumping Spent Lives Up!**

 

Spent Lives by Mila A. Ballentine ~ Book Blast Giveaway

Spent Lives
Genre:  Mystery
Release Date: April 22, 2014
Cover Artist: Mila A. Ballentine

Blurb

François Laurent grew up in the shadow of what happened all those years ago and his life hadn’t been the same since. He tucked the memories of that day away in a dark corner of his mind, but hurtful things don’t stay hidden for long. His painful secrets resurfaced when a crime fragmented their charming town and François Laurent found himself in the midst of it all. As a result, he pursued Maureen Leatherby, the town’s kooky foreigner. She was always willing to assist patrons when the occasion arose, but it always came with a price.

Add Spent Lives to your Goodreads TBR List.

Book Trailer

 

  

 

 

Purchase Links 

Amazon / Smashwords / B&N

 

Similar Books by Mila 

Amazon / B&N / Smashwords

Amazon / B&N / Smashwords

Enter To Win  

 

 

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/19b31e0/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway