Tuesday, June 30, 2020

Lone Star Book Blog Tours - Gates of Mars By McFall and Hays

GATES OF MARS
The Halo Trilogy #1
by
CLARK HAYS AND KATHLEEN McFALL
Genre: Science Fiction / Detective (hard-boiled)  Publisher:  Pumpjack Press on Facebook
Date of Publication: June 16, 2020
Number of Pages: 336 Scroll down for the giveaway!
IN THE AGE OF SURVEILLANCE, HOW CAN A PERSON GO MISSING? 
The year is 2187. Crucial Larsen, a veteran of the brutal Consolidation Wars, is working as a labor cop on Earth. The planet is a toxic dump and billions of people are miserable, but so what? It’s none of his business. He’s finally living a good life, or good enough. But then Essential, his beloved kid sister, disappears on Mars. When Halo—the all-powerful artificial-intelligence overseeing Earth and Mars on behalf of the ruling Five Families—can’t (or won’t) locate his sister, Crucial races up-universe to find her. 
In the Choke, the frigid, airless expanse outside the luxury domes, Crucial uncovers a deadly secret from Essential’s past that threatens to shatter his apathetic existence … and both planets. Blending science fiction with the classic, hard-boiled detective story, Gates of Mars is a page-turning, futuristic thrill-ride featuring a gritty, irreverent anti-hero, Crucial Larsen. The first book of the Halo Trilogy, Gates of Mars is the eighth novel by award-winning authors, Clark Hays and Kathleen McFall.
PRAISE FOR GATES OF MARS: "An indelible introduction to an interplanetary saga and its sublime characters." Kirkus Reviews
"The authors' imaginations again run wild, this time a science fiction/detective series looking at what our lives may hold in the not too distant future if everything that can go wrong does go wrong. And they've done it with their trademark undercurrent of humor that lifts an otherwise dreary future into something resembling—do I dare say?—hope. Their best work to date. And the giraffes? You'll have to read Gates of Mars to find out. I'm already wishing they could write faster." —Renee Struthers, East Oregonian newspaper "With twists and turns true to some of the best noir detective pieces—but with an other-world setting and futuristic society—along with psychological insights and connections, Gates of Mars is a riveting, unexpected story, filled with intrigue and change. Sci-fi and detective story readers alike with find Gates of Mars one of a kind, worthy of avid pursuit." —Midwest Book Review


The Gates of Mars is a great book by the author team of Kathleen McFall and Clark Hays, who possess some impressive writing skills.  This first book of the Halo Trilogy presents a nightmarish time for humanity in the year 2187, where all humans are monitored by an all knowing AI entity known as Halo, which can see 3 moves ahead of everyone. The most minute movements of each human being are tracked through ocular implants known as OCDs which insure there is absolutely no privacy and no escape from a unrelenting bombardment of advertisements constantly scrolling across one’s visual field.  There is also no escape from the absolute rule and subordination of the Five Families and their companies.

The nefarious ruling families are the:

DuSpoles, who own Intex-ADM.  They feed the populations of both Earth and Mars.  I can’t even imagine how delicious their sheet meat must be.

Singhroys, who own Amadis Corporation – They run the health and entertainment industries. 

Tartarics, who own ABC Royale company which builds robots and operates Halo but since one family alone cannot be trusted to be fair in the AI’s operations, each of the Five families has someone on the Guidance Council to oversee all activities.

Fehrvens, who own Thyssen-Bronner, a company that builds everything from cheese knives to mushroom apartments.  Yes...the cement for buildings is a mushroom extraction in this future.

and the Blevins, who own UKD2, a company that makes weapons as well as cops and soldiers.

The Earth that was first destroyed and is now ruled by the Five Families is a hellish landscape.  The oceans have dried and the forests are gone.  Most of earth’s animals are now extinct except for rats, raccoons, coyotes and pigeons.   The population who are fortunate enough to live in one of those mushroom apartments mentioned above have their basic needs fulfilled but the others…those who live on the edges of dried up river beds are covered with scaly, scorched dry-rot skin.  These unfortunates won’t live past 30.

The Five Familes have made a pleasant life for themselves and those under their protection on Mars.  While still in the process of being terraformed, the inhabitants live in terrascaped, climate controlled, park-like domes.  All Earthers dream of winning a lottery ticket to the haven of Mars. It is the one thing that gives hope to the hopeless.

Essential Larsen won one of those tickets.  She went to Mars and then disappeared.  Her brother, Crucial Larsen must travel there to find her if he can. With that, the adventure begins. 

While reading, I got fleeting glimpses of many science fiction books and movies from my past.  Some of them that come to mind are The Fifth Element, Brave New World, Blade Runner and 2001 A Space Odessy (Halo reminded me of Hal).  Gates of Mars has elements of all of these and more.  Something Crucial says reminded me of what we are experiencing in the year 2020 and it makes me fear for our own future, “We can’t go anywhere.  We can’t not work, we can’t not do their bidding, we can’t tell them to go to hell.  They make or grow everything.  All the food, all the tech, all the medicine.  We rely on them for everything.  How do you stand up to petty gods who hold life and death in their hands and use Halo to tip everything in their favor?” While the idea that such a future could possibly await humanity; the story is told with such humor and wit that you must root for the hero and the heroine to prevail.  It is my hope for humanity that makes me look forward to reading the other 2 books in this trilogy. 


CLICK TO PURCHASE Amazon  ||  
Clark and Kathleen wrote their first book together in 1999 as a test for marriage. They passed. Gates of Mars is their eighth co-authored book.
Connect with Kathleen
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-------------------------------------
GIVEAWAY!  GIVEAWAY!  GIVEAWAY!
TWO WINNERS: One Winner: First edition copy of A Very Unusual Romance 
One Winner: All four books in The Cowboy and the Vampire Collection 
June 29-July 8, 2020
(U.S. Only)
FOR DIRECT LINKS TO EACH POST ON THIS TOUR, UPDATED DAILY. 
Or, visit the blogs directly:
6/29/20
Excerpt
6/29/20
Review
6/29/20
BONUS Post
6/30/20
Review
6/30/20
Review
7/1/20
Author Interview
7/1/20
Review
7/2/20
Excerpt
7/2/20
Review
7/3/20
Review
7/3/20
Review
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Monday, June 29, 2020

Tween Unicorn Book Feature - Challenge of the Red Unicorn By Jack Scoltock

Sybrina's Unicorn Book Pick

For Middle Kid (or Tween) Readers

 Today's Unicorn Book Feature is


Challenge of the Red Unicon

 By Jack Scoltock

Eoin, an Irish orphan must go through the mysterious Warke to another land to try to rescue, Chalice, the sacred Unicorn from Rashark, the evil leader of were-wolf like monsters.

Get It At Amazon.



If you read any of the books found here, remember to take the time to say a little something about the book or at least give it the stars you feel it deserves. Of course, a well thought out review would be even better.  Comments and stars, especially in this day and age, really help other potential readers make informed decisions.


Unicorns!  How we love them. . . Luckily for all of us unicorn lovers there are hundreds of unicorn books available for all age groups.  I have gathered information about as many as I can find and have placed them here for you on my blog. You can also find hundreds more for all ages at Sybrina's Blue Unicorn Book Store.


Find gifts for middle graders and tweens at Sybrina’s Book Store Too!

This blog post was brought to you by Unicorn Author and Entrepreneur, Sybrina Durant.  Visit her Sybrina Blue Unicorn Book website for unicorn books, Unicorn Reader Tees, Unicorn Writer Journals and Notebooks, Unicorn Reader Book Sleeves and many cool unicorn gifts.  Sybrina writes The Blue Unicorn Books. This book, written by Sybrina Durant and illustrated by Dasguptarts, is presented in chapter book style with lots of pictures in order to keep young readers interest. It is meant for middle grade readers and up. If you love to read and you love to color, this is the book for you. Read a chapter, then color the fanciful pictures yourself in this fully-illustrated black and white version of "The Blue Unicorn's Journey To Osm". It is also available in glorious water-color style.

The Blue Unicorn's Journey To Osm "Read and Color" Book

TheBlueUnicornReadandColor

Browse Sybrina's Blue Unicorn Book Store

In all, you'll find thousands of books and gifts for your favorite unicorn lover at Sybrina's Unicorn Book Store. Sybrina has spent countless hours researching, finding and cataloging these books to make it easy for others to find what might become their next favorite book.  

Sybrina is an Amazon Associate and Influencer, so you can feel safe making a purchase from her online store because each link goes directly to the book's Amazon page. At this point you may be wondering...why not just go straight to Amazon.  The reason is simple.  Sybrina accepts no money for advertising so you can be assured that the books you see in her online store are not simply limited to who pays the most to have their book up front. You will be amazed at what you will find there.  And if you don't find a particular book that you feel should be there, just send Sybrina an email with the book title and author's name.  She will accommodate almost all requests to include a new (or old) unicorn book in her online store.

Listen to a cool song while you check out all of the books she currently has for

Tweens and Middle Grade Readers




Here is where you'll find unicorns, more unicorns and nothing but unicorns! Visit now.

 

Listen to a cool song while you check out all of the books she currently has for

Teens, YA and Older Readers

If you like this post and others on this blog, scroll all the way down to the bottom left of this page and click the FOLLOW button to receive more from Sybrina's Book Blog.

Sunday, June 28, 2020

Little Kid Unicorn Book Feature - The Lost Unicorn by Mary K. Smith

Sybrina's Unicorn Book Pick

For Little Kids and Toddlers

 Today's Unicorn Book Feature is

 

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The Lost Unicorn

 By Mary K. Smith

 Adelina was a beautiful Princess who lived in the Kingdom of Storybook, the home of fairy tales, dreams and myth. In Storybook, Adelina had many friends, yet none closer than her best friend, the pink Unicorn Kaia.

One day Kaia appears to be missing. No one can find her anywhere. A small Fairy may know where she is. Find out what happens..

This children's book is especially great for traveling, waiting rooms, and reading aloud at home.

·        Excellent for beginning and early readers

·        Great for reading aloud with friends and family

·        Illustrated story book great for a quick bedtime story

This book for kids is especially great for traveling, waiting rooms, and reading aloud at home. Also available in paperback and audiobook formats!

 

Get It At Amazon.


 If you read any of the books found here, remember to take the time to say a little something about the book or at least give it the stars you feel it deserves. Of course, a well thought out review would be even better.  Comments and stars, especially in this day and age, really help other potential readers make informed decisions.

Unicorns!  How we love them. . .

Luckily for all of us unicorn lovers there are hundreds of unicorn books available for all age groups.  I have gathered information about as many as I can find and have placed them here for you on my blog.

 

You can also find hundreds more for all ages at Sybrina's Blue Unicorn Book Store.

 


 

Find Unicorn Gifts For Little Kids At Sybrina's Book Store, Too!

 


 

This blog post was brought to you by Unicorn Author and Entrepreneur, Sybrina Durant.  Visit her Sybrina Blue Unicorn Book website for unicorn books, Unicorn Reader Tees, Unicorn Writer Journals and Notebooks, Unicorn Reader Book Sleeves and many cool unicorn gifts.  Sybrina writes The Blue Unicorn Books. This is one was co-written with Sandi Johnson with illustrations by Enrique Vignolo -

  Lil' Metal Horn Unicorns

 

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Browse Sybrina's Blue Unicorn Book Store

In all, you'll find thousands of books and gifts for your favorite unicorn lover at Sybrina's Unicorn Book Store. Sybrina has spent countless hours researching, finding and cataloging these books to make it easy for others to find what might become their next favorite book.  

Sybrina is an Amazon Associate and Influencer, so you can feel safe making a purchase from her online store because each link goes directly to the book's Amazon page. At this point you may be wondering...why not just go straight to Amazon.  The reason is simple.  Sybrina accepts no money for advertising so you can be assured that the books you see in her online store are not simply limited to who pays the most to have their book up front. You will be amazed at what you will find there. 

 

And if you don't find a particular book that you feel should be there, just send Sybrina an email with the book title and author's name.  She will accomodate almost all requests to include a new (or old) unicorn book in her online store.

 

Listen to a cool song while you check out all of the books she currently has for

Little Kid Readers



Here is where you'll find unicorns, more unicorns and nothing but unicorns! Visit now.

 

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If you like this post and others on this blog, scroll all the way down to the bottom left of this page and click the FOLLOW button to receive more from Sybrina's Book Blog.

 

Saturday, June 27, 2020

YA Unicorn Book Feature - The Wonder of Unicorns By Diana Cooper

Sybrina's Unicorn Book Pick

For YA Readers

 Today's Unicorn Book Feature is


The Wonder of Unicorns

By Diana Cooper

         Ancient myths and legends are explained from a higher spiritual perspective in this guide to the amazing energetic beings known as unicorns. Whether aspiring to help the world at large or simply improve a small corner of it, enlightenment seekers can use the meditations, rituals, and ceremonies featured in the book to unleash the great abilities of these elusive spirit guides. Supported by the author's personal-connection experiences, unicorns are revealed not as mere fantasy, but rather similar in presence and power to angels.

Get It At Amazon.


 

If you read any of the books found here, remember to take the time to say a little something about the book or at least give it the stars you feel it deserves. Of course, a well thought out review would be even better.  Comments and stars, especially in this day and age, really help other potential readers make informed decisions.

Unicorns!  How we love them. . .

Luckily for all of us unicorn lovers there are hundreds of unicorn books available for all age groups.  I have gathered information about as many as I can find and have placed them here for you on my blog.

 

You can also find hundreds more for all ages at Sybrina's Blue Unicorn Book Store.

 


Find Unicorn Gifts For Teens,YA and Older Readers At Sybrina's Book Store, Too!


This blog post was brought to you by Unicorn Author and Entrepreneur, Sybrina Durant.  Visit her Sybrina Blue Unicorn Book website for unicorn books, Unicorn Reader Tees, Unicorn Writer Journals and Notebooks, Unicorn Reader Book Sleeves and many cool unicorn gifts.  Sybrina writes The Blue Unicorn Books. If you enjoyed reading The Hobbit, Alice In Wonderland or even Watership Downs, you might just love this purely fanciful anthropomorphic fantasy novel.

Journey To Osm - The Blue Unicorn's Tale by Sybrina Durant is an enchanting escapade about a metal-horned tribe of space-faring unicorns stranded a universe away from their home world of Unimaise. It is full of magic and adventure with walloping dashes of pseudosciencey stuff sprinkled throughout. It also offers a thought-provoking look into love and war amongst the other denizens of MarBryn. . .including Magh, the sorcerer who wants to kill all unicorns.

 

 

 Unicorn's Journey To Osm - The Blue Unicorn's Tale

 


Browse Sybrina's Blue Unicorn Book Store

In all, you'll find thousands of books and gifts for your favorite unicorn lover at Sybrina's Unicorn Book StoreSybrina has spent countless hours researching, finding and cataloging these books to make it easy for others to find what might become their next favorite book.  

Sybrina is an Amazon Associate and 
Influencer
, so you can feel safe making a purchase from her online store because each link goes directly to the book's Amazon page. At this point you may be wondering...why not just go straight to Amazon.  The reason is simple.  Sybrina accepts no money for advertising so you can be assured that the books you see in her online store are not simply limited to who pays the most to have their book up front. You will be amazed at what you will find there. 


And if you don't find a particular book that you feel should be there, just send Sybrina an  email with the book title and author's name.  She will accomodate almost all requests to include a new (or old) unicorn book in her online store.

 

Listen to a cool song while you check out all of the books she currently has for

Teens, YA and Older Readers


Here's where you'll find unicorns, more unicorns and nothing but unicorns! Visit now.

If you like this post and others on this blog, scroll all the way down to the bottom left of this page and click the FOLLOW button to receive more from Sybrina's Book Blog.