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

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Five Helpful Tips for Aspiring Independent Author

I'm a fan of The Taste and this season I was rooting for Marina.

 

"I know what I know and I know what you don't know." ~ Marina / The Taste - Season 2.

 

 I love her drive and spirit. She is not afraid to showcase her ideas and I find that inspirational. It is a similar drive that fuelled many authors to publish independently. They're making waves in the publishing industry and so can you. It's an ambitious  feat but readers are always looking for the next best read. If it's a goal you would like to achieve, it's important that you prepare yourself for the journey.

 

Five tips you will find useful:

 

1. Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Word will make your experience easier. It will come in handy when you're formatting your document for publishing.

 

2. With intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Publisher you'll be able to create book covers and other marketing materials. See How to create an eBook cover in Publisher.

 

I created the following book covers in Publisher:

 

 

 

 

Proceed with caution! Creating eye catching book covers involves an understanding of complimentary color schemes, font choices and the image must translate to the concept of the story.

3. Learn how to use Windows Movie Maker and you'll be able to create book trailers. P.S the older versions are easier to navigate. The latest version sucks! It doesn't always pay to upgrade. Still, if you can get past the glitches, it's an excellent way to showcase your books. See Does This Book Trailer Make My Book Look Fat?

 

 4.  It's essential that you learn Createspace, Nook Press and Smashwords formatting guidelines. Personally, I found Smashwords formatting guidelines to be more cumbersome than  Createspace or Nook Press but its worth mastering. ** It will introduce your book into  the international market. Free Smashwords Formatting Guide.

5. Learn how to troubleshoot format markers. They will affect the appearance of your book. For example, adding headings and page breaks can cause the last paragraph of the previous chapter to automatically change to a heading style.

Surely there are other things that I can add to this list but these core skills will save you hundreds of dollars on each project. The money you've saved can go towards investing in a good editor.

Before I go, I'd like to share the following quote with you.

I hope you've found this article helpful.

 

 

Mystery Spotlight Presents: Drawing Down The Shades by Juli D. Revezzo

 

The Blurb

Business can be hell...

Life is good at Starfort Collectibles until the owners, Caitlin and Trevor Fulmer, acquire a beautiful statuette with a murky past. Shortly thereafter, mysterious hauntings wreak havoc on the couple when a ghost in the attic threatens retribution. Caitlin presses her coven for help before the ghost succeeds in meting out deadly punishment—on Trevor.

 

An Excerpt:

Trevor’s footsteps scuffed across the floor and he greeted the man. The old gentleman turned his attention back to the box, carefully removing the item inside. Caitlin peered over the top of the box curiously.
The man set down a small statuette of a woman, pouring something from a pitcher. Caitlin tipped her head. “That’s lovely, I must say.”
Trevor grunted and leaned forward. “Looks Greek.”
“German actually,” the man said.
“1920’s.”
“1960 give or take.”
Trevor pursed his lips and stepped back from the statuette, eyeing it thoughtfully. “That’s a little outside my range.”
The man pressed, “It’s a find, I can tell you that.”
“Rare?” Trevor asked.
“Oh, yes. One of a kind.”
Trevor glanced at her and back to the customer, holding out a hand. “May I?”
“Go right ahead.” He set the statuette gently—almost lovingly—into Trevor’s hands. “I think you’ll find there’s not a scratch on it. My children are tired of looking at it, you see. They say it gives them the creeps.”
Caitlin raised a brow. “How odd.” The little statuette looked lovely to her.
“Well, they have active imaginations. So here I saw your shop and thought you might have a solution for me.” He touched the statuette as if he didn’t want to part with it. “After I’m gone, I’d like someone to have it who’ll appreciate it.”
Trevor grunted again as he turned the little figure. Caitlin smiled at the man. “I told you, it’s his shop, his expertise.” She winked at Trevor. “I just keep the books.”
Trevor laughed under his breath, studied the item for another moment, and set it down. “It does look in mint condition. Do you have any documentation?”
The man sucked in a quick breath and reached into his coat pocket. A packet slid forth through his old fingers.
Trevor opened the packet, scanned it. He met the man’s gaze, startled, Caitlin thought. “Are you kidding me?”
“What’s the matter, honey?” Caitlin looked from her husband to the customer. When they said nothing more, she glanced over Trevor’s shoulder at the document in his hands. She caught the name Donavon before Trevor’s grip tightened on the form, crumpling the text out of view.
“Not in the slightest,” the man said as if she hadn’t spoken.
“You can’t be him,” Trevor said.
“I assure you, I am.” The man reached a hand into his coat. “Do you need to see my ID?”
Trevor narrowed his eyes. “I thought he’d died. I mean, you. I thought you’d died.”
The man pursed his lips and shook his head. “Not yet.”
“Who did?” Caitlin asked completely confused by this conversation.
“I thought everything she had,” Trevor barreled on, “was in the Museum of Fine Arts.”
The man chuckled to himself. “Not all of it.”
“Are you saying she gave some of the collection to you and you want me to have one?”
“Yes.” The man smiled sadly meeting Caitlin’s gaze directly. “Because I think you and she have more in common than you’d believe.”
Caitlin frowned. What did they have in common with whom? Who was this Donavon person? “Excuse me. What are you talking about?”
Trevor waved a hand. “Forget it, Cait.” He pointed to his office. “Of course we’ll take it. Let me just get some information from you.”
They disappeared into Trevor’s office and Caitlin stared after them, wondering. What in the world was that about?
 

What was that about? I'm curious. Aren't you?

 

About the Author:

Juli D. Revezzo has long been in love with writing, a love built by devouring everything from the Arthurian legends, to the works of Michael Moorcock, and the classics and has a soft spot for classic the "Goths" of the 19th century. Her short fiction has been published in Crossing the River: An Anthology of Sacred Journeys, Dark Things II: Cat Crimes, The Scribing Ibis, Eternal Haunted Summer, Twisted Dreams Magazine and Luna Station Quarterly and Crossed Genres' "Posted stories for Haiti relief" project, while her non-fiction has been included in The Scarlet Letter. She has also, on occasion, edited the popular e-zine Nolan's Pop Culture Review... But her heart lies in the storytelling. She is a member of the Magic Appreciation Tour and Indie Author Network.
 

Drawing Down the Shades purchase links:

 Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Drawing-Down-Shades-Antique-Magic-ebook/dp/B00HMVF2GW/

Amazon.UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Drawing-Down-Shades-Antique-Magic-ebook/dp/B00HMVF2GW/ )

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/drawing-down-the-shades-juli-d-revezzo/1117927155?ean=2940148896753
 

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/394274

 

 If Drawing Down The Shades is your kind of mystery, you'll want to check out: The Artist's Inheritance!

 

 

Here's the blurb...

 

The balance between good and evil can be an art... or a curse.

Trevor and Caitlin were once happy newlyweds, profiting from Trevor's art. Until Trevor inherits his brother's house, and with it, his part of a family curse. Now, Caitlin will stop at nothing to save her beloved husband from insanity and suicide, even if it means she must embrace her destiny and become a witch.

Other novels by Juli D. Revezzo:

The Antique Magic series:

Drawing Down the Shades (Antique Magic, book two) Available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords

 The Artist's Inheritance (Antique Magic, book one) --Available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords

Caitlin's Book of Shadows (Antique Magic, book 1.5)--Available at 
Amazon and Barnes and Noble

Passion's Sacred Dance-- from The Wild Rose Press, Available at Amazon, All Romance Ebooks,Bookstrand, Itunes, Kobo, and The Wild Rose Press

Murder Upon a Midnight Clear--Available at Amazon
House of Cards (Reign of Tarot #1)--Available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble and Smashwords   

To learn more about this and future releases, visit her at: http://julidrevezzo.com    

Would you like to be the next mystery author featured on Mystery Spotlight?

Contact me via the form on this site. 

Additional details can be found here: Guest Post Your Way Into The Spotlight.

 

 

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