Las vegas, NV- Oct 17,2011 – After her satirical humor introduction with The Thinking Man, Paralysis by Analysis, indie author Nadina Boun is about to reveal another side to her writing.

A short one act play inspired by the works of 17th and 18th centuries French authors, Le Duc is based in France though written in English, about a certain duke and the mishap that befalls him upon first reading this humorous play.

Le Duc is written in a combination of modern and old English style, touching on subjects such as honor, love, betrayal and fairness. The characters’ names are in French and so is the setting of this beautiful play, but author Nadina Boun says “it is about the mere fact of introducing foreign elements into what already exists to make it different in a good way.”

Le Duc is scheduled to be out in print through Amazon towards the end of October 2011, as well as in most e-book formats through different channels.

To know more about the author or the book, visit Nadina’s page at http://nadinaboun.wordpress.com

The Haunting of Andrew Sharpai
Jerome Peterson
Eloquent Books (February 21, 2010)
978-1608607976

The Haunting of Andrew Sharpai by Jerome Peterson is a wonderfully weird tale of self discovery, love, and survival. Witches and Wicca, spells and spirits, and an extraordinary mystical Raven are all there for the taking in this compelling paranormal thriller.

After another failed romance, Andrew Sharpai has found a new home in Las Vegas and work as a cook in a high-end casino, where he meets a beautiful dancer named LaRae DuFont. The biggest show dancer in Vegas, LaRae introduces Andrew to the world of A-list celebrities, parties, and a fast-lane lifestyle in the media spotlight. The opposites fall in love and LaRae tells Andrew the story of how Mary Magdalene mistook Jesus for a gardener. Despite Andrew’s atheist ideal, he takes to the lesson that not everything is how it seems. As they plan their wedding, tragedy separates the pair, forcing Andrew into his gin; and he soon drifts from Vegas to Pocatello, Idaho.

His money gone, he takes a low-paying cook job and meets Iris Finkle, who is rumored to be a satanic witch. Andrew is more intrigued by her bold personality when she makes no effort to hide horrible facial scars. Iris is at first skeptical of Andrew’s intentions, but despite her aloofness the two become close. It isn’t long before the rumor of witchcraft is proved true when on an early date Andrew meets Iris’ ex-husband, Devon. Despite the strangeness of her lifestyle and religion, Andrew learns to love again—his flowers: Iris and her eight-year-old daughter, Lily.

Soon the four are living as an unlikely family unit along with a cat and a scene stealing raven, Elijah Corbeau. Devon returns and wastes no time in making his intentions known—he wants Lily. Iris refuses and Devon castes a frightening powerful spell on the new family. Not even Elijah can protect them from horrible nightmares and the evil presence of the curse. Iris tries every trick she knows to counter Devon while Andrew contemplates a return to his old ways of running from it all.

Jerome Peterson has crafted an extremely entertaining novel. The characters are well developed, especially the hero/drifter Andrew, and the strong, mysterious yet vulnerable Iris. The quirky and intelligent Lily adds a humorous touch without the precociousness so often seen in young fictitious characters. The Haunting of Andrew Sharpai cast a spell on me—I couldn’t stop reading until I knew how it turned out. Suspense, a fast pace, plot twists, romance, wacky animals, and family bonds make this one of the best books I’ve read in 2010. If you enjoy a great paranormal thriller, The Haunting of Andrew Sharpai is a must read!

Highly recommended by William Potter for Reader’s Choice Book Reviews

Jerome Peterson grew up in Rockford, Illinois. He now lives in Sonora, California, with his wife, Carolyn, and their dog, Hazel. Peterson is working on his next novel.

George Wilhite writes supernatural fiction and dark fantasy in the tradition of Poe and Lovecraft. His first book, On the Verge of Madness (June 2008, Lulu), is a short story collection that has been praised by readers and critics alike.

He is now working on his first full length novel that will further the story arc of Victor Chaldean and the Portal, the acclaimed novella from Madness. His second short story compilation, Silhouette of Darkness, is due by the end of 2010 from Spinetinglers Publishing.

According to the limited edition preview publication of Silhouette of Darkness, the new offering will include Part III of the Raven Chronicles, another novella called A Cup of Tea, and several shorter stories revolving around the theme of “Restless Spirits and Haunted Places.”

Two of the shorts were included in the preview, The Blues in A Minor and Belong.

The Blues In A Minor
Mona is a successful music agent. Her life has been turned upside down as she must now deal with a disorder that has her waking up from a spell with no idea where she is or how she got there. One of these spells takes her to the home of Zack. Zack is a teenage blues guitarist with a talent beyond his years. The spell ends in another period of lost time with no memory of how she found the musician. These strange spells have left Mona unable to function or keep her job. She sets out to find Zack and his haunting music and the results is a twist ending you won’t soon forget.

Belong
Ian is a pathetic loner with no friends struggling to get through his last years of High School. He becomes obsessed with a bathroom’s graffiti and a powerful and seductive entity he finds there. She gives him love and acceptance. However, the price of the deal is much more than he bargained for as he begins to see his new existence is more of a nightmare than the original he longed to escape.

If these two shorts are any indication of the quality of fiction to be found in Silhouette of Darkness then Wilhite’s fans are in for a dark treat. Suspense fear and the authors own brand of creepiness make this a can’t miss collection.

George Wilhite

About the Author.

I have been an aficionado of the horror genre most of my life. The fascination began as a child, staying up late and watching “Creature Features” late at night with my father. I grew up in one of the golden eras of horror films–Hammer Horror was in full swing and as I grew older the iconoclasts came on the scene–Carpenter, Craven and Argento. Weekends at the drive-ins (often the only venues that would show these features) were a mainstay of my early adult life.
Meanwhile, I was reading constantly (as I still do) all the masters of horror, working my way through the entire canon of Poe and Lovecraft multiple times. Harlan Ellison and EC Comics, and later Stephen King were also a main ingredient of my literary diet. I was introduced to Tolkien and Stephen R. Donaldson at an early age as well and also enjoy Epic Fantasy.
In college, I was a scholar of both literature and film studies, and my master’s thesis was a study of the psychological state of the horror film spectator and horror novel reader.
Though I still am required to maintain full-time employment, I spend most of my spare time writing short stories, novellas and screenplays.
A Review for On The Verge of Madness.
On the Verge of Madness by author George Wilhite is like a perfectly cooked steak…dark on the outside and a little bloody in the middle. This collection of fiction features eight very different stories, each showcasing Wilhite’s considerable talent and vast knowledge of the horror genre. His work has already drawn comparison to Poe and Lovecraft. But let me tell you, Wilhite’s own twisted style and warped voice is evident on every page.

The opening novella, Victor Chaldean and the Portal is worth the price of admission. Victor is desperate to solve the disappearance of his wife. After he begins to have strange visions, he seeks help from a psychologist studying the paranormal. An experimental drug takes Victor into a fractured realm, into a place trapped between life and death where he struggles to find his lost wife and each day is more convinced he is insane.

Next up is Murmurers. I settled in for a great read as Wilhite hooked me quickly with a story of an Earth all but stripped of human life. A former combat soldier and a teenage girl find a special bond after he saves her life. To survive they must trust each other and keep moving to avoid the mysterious Murmurers. The only problem for me was how quickly this one ended.

In Checks and Balances, alcoholic John breezes through the first of the twelve steps to recovery. It is step Eight – making amends with those he has hurt – with which he struggles the most. If only he could make a trade, a deal, to skip this step. But who or what would make such a bargain?

Lars kills for money. He is very good at what he does. When it comes to clothes, only the very best will do for Lars. In The Gangster’s New Clothes, Wilhite attempts a short in the style of the old Twilight Zone TV show. The result is a fun, frightening tale. A second after Lars puts on his handmade suit, he finds himself facing his checkered past and, step by step, is pushed closer to insanity.

Wilhite then gives us two amazing examples of the old adage: less is more. A Plea From the Cradle and Cast of Characters are “flash fiction” at its finest. Not a word is wasted – both of these tales will quickly put a shiver up your spine if not a smile on your face.

All good things must end, and I believe Wilhite saved the best for last. A Tale of Two Moons is a Werewolf classic and could possibly explain the origin of these legendary monsters.

Masque Profane takes us beyond the “Verge of Madness,” delving straight into full blown insanity. Rhonda and Jeff are happy newlyweds…or are they? Rhonda becomes obsessed with the fact that Jeff has never spent a Halloween night with her in their time together. This fixation takes Rhonda to the gathering place of a strange ritual one Halloween night. Her experience there, and later the birth of her child would one day take her to madness and a horrific murder.

In all eight of these stories, whether novella or short, the author’s skill at character development, crisp dialogue and page turning suspense is forefront. He captivates the reader with intriguing characters and fine plotting without the pointless brutal violence and gratuitous sex that has become so common in horror today. I highly recommend On the Verge of Madness and I look forward to the follow up, Silhouette of Darkness. I doubt that it will be long before a major publisher signs Wilhite, as his work deserves to be on shelves next to the likes of Peter Straub and Thomas F. Monteleone. 5 Stars

152 pages
Publisher: Lulu.com (June, 2008)
ISBN-13: 978-1435719651

On The Verge Of Madness

Review by William R. Potter

Lor Mandela – Destruction From Twins by L. Carroll captured my interest even before I opened the book. The front cover features a beautiful young woman with piercing blue eyes and a rupturing planet. The back cover text describes a dying alien world, a prophetic riddle, and a “Child of Balance” who may or may not be a teenager from Earth. Immediately, I sensed I was holding an epic, entertaining read in my hands. I can tell you that Lor Mandela did not disappoint.

In Part One on Lor Mandela, twin sisters position themselves to take power as the Vritesse (the matriarchal leader of the Trysta race) after their mother dies. Soon it is discovered that Lor Mandela is dying and will be destroyed. The soul of the planet appoints a “Child of Balance” named Audril Borloc, who must solve the prophetic riddle known as the Advantiere to save the planet. Shortly after her fourth birthday, Audril disappears during an attack on Mandela castle. Several Lor Mandelan spies travel to Earth in search of Audril.

In Part Two we meet our heroine, Maggie Baker, a bored but typical sixteen-year old living in Glenhill, Iowa. Small town life has Maggie longing to ease the boredom, even swimming nude in the local pond. Little does she know that her wish will soon be granted with a grand adventure beyond her wildest imagination. Maggie, despite the age difference, possesses an uncanny resemblance to Audril, including the blue eyes and black hair which are traits exclusive to the ruling Borloc family on Lor Mandela.

Author L. Carroll has created an entire universe with loveable creatures, horrible monsters, and mysterious magic, effectively keeping readers of all ages captivated from cover to cover. Carroll gradually builds the momentum over the first 300 pages. Then she throws us onto a rollercoaster of twists and turns in the closing chapters as two great armies clash with a dying planet as the background. Just when you’re able to catch your breath, the author hits you with a whopper of an ending, effectively setting up the sequel.

I would like to have seen Maggie appearing sooner in the story, as younger readers will quickly bond with the strong yet vulnerable protagonist. However, there is plenty going on throughout to keep less experienced readers turning the pages. Maggie’s time to shine is in the second half of the book and shine she does.

The conclusion of the Harry Potter series has left a largely unfilled gap in the fantasy/young adult genre. A gap, I believe, L. Carroll’s Lor Mandela Trilogy will fill quite nicely. I highly recommend Lor Mandela and rate it as a Must Read for fans of this genre.

Review by William Potter

RealTime Publishing (February 17, 2010)
978-1849610483

Lor Mandela.com

About the Author

Before pursuing what seemed to be a shelved dream of becoming an author, L. Carroll worked in corporate management and training, first in the field of retail home décor, and then for a small book chain. It took being surrounded by books day in and day out for her to finally realize that her passion for writing had been squelched long enough, and so the world of Lor Mandela was born.
With four young adult children and one pre-teen of her own, she’s had a wealth of inspiration for her characters; her writing is strongly influenced by her own parent/child experiences.
Currently, she resides in Eagle Mountain, Utah with her husband, Chuck, and their five children.

Imagine meeting, falling in love with, and marrying the biggest pop star in the world only days before he wins an American Idol-type singing contest. This is the story of Jenna Holden and Aidan Price in When I Remember Love by Trish Silver.

When I Remember Love is a modern love story, sizzling with passionate love scenes and a powerful emotional plot. The author captivates the reader immediately with a horrific car accident in the opening pages. We read on to learn how this couple overcomes numerous setbacks to become pop music royalty.

Still distraught over the passing of her mother, Jenna travels to California to visit her Aunt Vanessa. Vanessa is a music agent about to sign pop music’s biggest commodity, Aidan Price. Jenna had previously seen Price on the televised singing contest, American Star. The couple meet, and as the saying goes, the rest is history. Within a short time, Aidan proposes to Jenna and, against his agent’s and record producer’s advice, the couple wed only days before the finale of the competition. Once married, the couple tour the country while Aidan’s star grows, and soon they are blessed with children.

It’s not all glitz and glam, however. Jenna has a generous heart. She can’t pass a homeless person without stopping and offering help. Aidan decides to use his fame to help Jenna work to end homelessness in America. The couple seem to have it all, fame, money, love, beautiful children, and an unquenchable passion for one another. Their love is strong; however, the music business can be ruthless. With the stresses and pressures of fame comes a horrifying accident, threatening to end everything and testing the couple’s faith and commitment.

I only had a couple of minor problems with this book; one was with the recycling of descriptive narrative in the love scenes. The other was occasional abrupt time/setting changes without adequate transition. Aside from that, I believe this book would make a great movie, as readers will fall in love with Aidan and Jenna.

Author Trish Silver combines traditional romance, steamy erotica, and gripping drama in this memorable story. She has included well-developed supporting characters, fiery twists, and a satisfying ending. Highly recommended for fans of modern romance. Read it now as the sequel is in the works. 5 Stars

iUniverse.com (March 4, 2009)
978-1440119569
396 pages

Reviewed by William Potter for Reader’s Choice

When I Remember Love-Video Preview Trailer

About the Author.

I was inspired to write this book after closely following the journey of a real American Idol from his television debut to his realization of a life-changing career. This journey provided me insight into the characteristics of a phenomenal fan base, as well as an inside look at how someone can find the strength to stay grounded despite the unsettling impact of stardom. A long personal relationship with a musical performer, a prior job with Creative Management Agency and my attendance at the University of Cincinnati’s School of Journalism all helped me to lay the groundwork for the story, while my real-life experiences as a wife, mother and grandmother inspired the rest.

All songs in When I Remember Love will be recorded to a CD and included with the book.

Trish Silver

Police sergeant Merryll Manning is on vacation on an island in the Florida Keys for a Murder Mystery weekend. The plan is to solve the mystery and win a cash prize of $5,000.00. Easier said than done. Merry has his teenage-looking girlfriend Susan Ford along for the trip. Susan isn’t above using her sexuality to keep Merryll flustered and under her thumb.

Merryll Manning: Trapped On Mystery Island by John Howard Reid was published more than twenty years ago in Australia. The first installment of the twelve part Merryll Mysteries made its American debut in the spring of 2008.

The game players are an eclectic group including a priest, lawyer, novelist, as well as several actors who may or may not be playing parts in the game. Merryll begins mingling with the players as only he can. His abrasive, eccentric style quickly puts him at odds with several of the gamers. Merry continuously aggravates the priest with religious debates; while Susan’s sexy and spunky charms push and pull Merryll’s concentration from the game.

Soon the first victim of the game falls as Merryll has predicted. The others have a problem with a policeman’s unfair advantage in the game. Others believe Susan is under-age and doubt Manning is a cop at all.

When blood is found, Merryll traces it to a real murder victim. The horrific bloody murder scene has a profound affect on Merryll. Another gamer disappears during a smoke break. With no way to contact the mainland, to leave the island, or to inform the police, Merryll takes over the investigation.

Author John Howard Reid has an undeniable skill for keeping the reader guessing who-dun-it. Reid points the finger of guilt, through Merryll, at many of the characters. The reader keeps turning pages to see who Merryll will infuriate next with his accusations and taunts. Tension, mistrust, fear, and a quick pace keep the reader captivated to the final page.

Don’t mistake this as another self-published vanity project. John Howard Reid is a talented, experienced writer with more than 70 books to his credit. His dialogue is brilliant in the back-and-forth banter between Merryll and the priest, and Merryll and the novelist. He paints scenes so well that you expect to see Merryll and his suspect burst into your living room.

Books three and four in the series are scheduled for release in 2010 with Merryll Manning: Beachfront Holiday set for release in June. Merryll Manning is a wonderful, old-fashioned style mystery series. Start here with Trapped on Mystery Island and you’ll be hooked. Highly Recommended.

Lulu.com (June 24, 2008)
978-1435720855

John Howard Reid

By William Potter for Reader’s Choice Reviews.

by Jeffrey B. Allen

The dust jacket text for Gone Away Into the Land promises an epic fantasy adventure. I can tell you that this is one novel that exceeds expectations. Author Jeffrey B. Allen takes the reader on an adventure that will leave you thinking about the story long after you close the final page.

We meet our protagonist, twelve-year-old John Gerber. John’s life is not that of an average pre-teen-not even close. John, his mother Ellie, and his sister Marny live in constant, paralyzing fear of John’s father, Daniel. Daniel, or the beast as John calls him, is an extremely volatile man whose rage could explode on his family at any moment-and explode it does. John dreams of ending the beast’s reign of terror, of taking his family away before it is too late. The first fifty pages of Part 1 are no fantasy as the author describes in vivid, shocking detail Daniel’s unpredictable fury and a horrible example of violent abuse, as the beast leaves John and Ellie beaten and bloodied and kidnaps six-year-old Marny.

With the help of a mysterious taxi driver, John and Ellie begin their search for Marny. This is where the fantasy starts as it is believed that Marny is somewhere in the candy factory where Daniel was employed. Soon John and his mother are aboard a train in an amazing land called ZingZongLand. ZZL is a place that is all about creating the best tasting candy. The leader of the land is called KyaSiftar. The Siftar’s main rival is the minister of Southland province named Mengus. Desperate for power, Mengus has his sights set on dominating the land and controlling the new flavor creations. Mengus recruits the beast to aid in his conquest of the Land. He believes that gaining control in the Land is the key to overthrowing the World as well.

Jeffrey B. Allen showcases his considerable imagination and writing talent in creating an entire universe. His lead is a believable, lovable character with which readers young and old will quickly bond. The villains are wonderfully horrible and easy to loathe, without overshadowing the hero. The secondary characters are interesting, fresh and well drawn. The dialogue is crisp and clear and well suited to the vast variety of creatures and peoples. Allen slowly reveals his characters’ secrets along the way, keeping the reader captivated throughout. He wastes none of these nearly 500 pages, using suspense and vibrant description to keep the pages turning. He brings all the players together in a David versus Goliath-type showdown for the ages that will have you rooting for John to the end.

Gone Away is building momentum, was recently picked up by a major publisher and was accepted in several school libraries. I believe it will become the next time-tested classic fantasy tale, universally adored and mentioned in the same breath as The Wizard of Oz, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The Lord of The Rings. I highly recommend this thought-provoking, entertaining read.

Gone Away Into The Land

Strategic Book Publishing (October 1, 2009)
978-1608608591
Gone Away Into The Land
Jeffrey B. Allen

By William R. Potter for Readers’ Choice Reviews

Goodbye Kiev

by

William Potter

for Reader’s Choice Reviews

From the first meeting with Anna, Matt cannot help but be mesmerized by her beauty and her honest soul. His attraction to her is immediate and he endeavors to shake off his reaction to her in order to carry out his work. Anna is certain that Our Lady has called Matt to Valselo to find his lost faith. Anna wants nothing more than to serve God and to one day have a family of her own. She begins to believe that Matt may be the man meant for her. Day by day, Matt works harder to finish his work, and to ignore his growing feelings for Anna.

Can Matt continue to disregard all that he sees and feels? Can he keep up his conviction to finding a fraud? Is this skeptical American the answer to Anna’s prayers for a husband and family? Can she help him to open his heart and mind to his faith?

Rose of the Adriatic is a wonderful story of lost and regained faith and of a love created. I highly recommend it to those who loved Jewel and to anyone who enjoys faith-inspired fiction.

White Rose Publishing

July 2009

Print ISBN: 1-60154-639-4

http://www.kmdaughters.com

Podding is the new way forward for writers and authors looking to go in to print but who can’t find a publisher.

‘Podding’ is teaming up with one of the new ‘print on demand’ (POD) publishers, like Dragoncub (http://www.dragoncub.com/books/index.php) who will show you how to make money selling your books online.

Dragoncub can take a manuscript, edit and format the content quickly and efficiently and have your book ready to print and ship as the orders flow on.
As an author, you will also have help marketing your book to reach the widest possible audience.

Podding makes financial sense for everyone in the publishing chain:

- Publishers save because print-on-demand removes overheads like advance royalties, the need for large print runs and storage that comes with traditional book publishing.

- Authors can keep a larger slice of the royalties and their rights to the content as a POD publisher only takes a percentage of the retail price to cover printing, marketing and distribution costs.

This does not mean every book submitted is published, but the POD business model allows the publisher to take more chances with books that may not stack up sales like the Harry Potter series, allowing more writers to reach readers.

Online book publishers also offer their authors a broad selling base, whether through the online Dragoncub (http://www.dragoncub.com/books/index.php) bookstore or online giants like Amazon. Publishers like Dragoncub can also access other distribution channels that can reach thousands of retailers like high street stores, libraries and other online merchants.

Dragoncub will publish a hard or soft cover edition of a book or short stories and the author sets the retail price and keeps 80% of the selling price, which is a far higher royalty than an author would generally earn from a traditional publisher.

For instance, if you decide to sell a hard back for £12.99, as the author you will collect £10.39 from each sale without having to repay any advance on royalties.

Dragoncub (http://www.dragoncub.com/books/index.php) sells books in more than 40 categories for children and adults and if you are a first-time or a published author, offers a fast and inexpensive way to put your book in front of your readers.

For press enquiries please contact:
Miriam Taylor
Where the World Meets Ltd t/a DragonCub.com
Email: [email protected]