|
The Fire At The Gates:
Mechanical by Bruno Flexer
Mechanical by Bruno Flexer
Thursday, December 27, 2012
The Fire At The Gates
The Fire At The Gates:
Monday, December 3, 2012
Open Channel - a “happy surprise” according to Amazon reviewer
Open Channel - a “happy surprise” according to Amazon
reviewer.
Science fiction/fantasy readers are discovering Open
Channel, written by professional editor Daniel Betts.
Currently an eBook, Open Channel will be released in audio
and print this year.
Open Channel tells the story of vigilante captain, Jason
Drake and his mixed crew of biomechanical, human and magical beings. After
falling into a devastating trap, Jason is forced to stretch the resources and
skills of his remaining crew to face a terrible threat to galactic freedom.
Filled with action, dynamic characters, romance, humor and
drama, fans of the science fiction/fantasy genre will definitely enjoy this
unique offering.
Check out these 5 Star Reviews from Amazon:
Format:Kindle
Edition|Verified Purchase
This
book is well written and was recommended to me by a friend. Also a little upset
since I like to read before bed but this book had me reading past my bedtime. I
just couldn't stop!
Very gripping and heartfelt justice from the main character Drake after the loss of his daughter. It was a character you could really get behind. The action and events were very well written. I highly recommend this book to any scifi action fan like myself. Loved it :)
Very gripping and heartfelt justice from the main character Drake after the loss of his daughter. It was a character you could really get behind. The action and events were very well written. I highly recommend this book to any scifi action fan like myself. Loved it :)
Format:Kindle
Edition
Make
the wonderful “mistake” of reading even the few sample chapters of ‘Open
Channel’, and I’m betting my right arm you’ll be hooked. Author Daniel Betts
has crafted something that will stay with you even days after reading it.
Basically, ‘Open Channel’ is a breath-taking reimagination of the distant future, where colonizing other worlds has become commonplace. However, these individual colonies evolved to be suspicious of the intentions of humans from other worlds, and such serves as seeds for the terrible tragedy that ensues. The book, however, pulls into focus on a well-developed character we can all root for: Captain Drake, whose “Captain Kirk-like” directive is to steer and command his warship as he is driven by professional as well as deeply personal reasons: out to avenge the death of his daughter and the mess that has become of his previous marriage, Drake makes every decision with a far-reaching eye for revenge. And there’s the rub: he’s the man in charge of bringing about justice. But an unexpected twist amps up the suspense and basically “time warps” the reader into a complication you cannot look away from.
Also, there’s something in Daniel Betts’ writing that reminds me so much of William Gibson in his post-Neuromancer novels—that is, the Gibson that is sharper and raw in ‘Spook Country’ or dazzling in ‘Pattern Recognition’. Betts, however, stands on his own as a distinct literary voice, regardless of the comparison.
Overall, ‘Open Channel’ is a book you open and doesn’t put down until the very last page—it is that arresting and immersive. If you love a science fiction tale that throbs with style and grace and weighs heavily with its emotional gravitas, then you’ll love this book to shreds. Get a copy—or send it as a gift to a friend who loves the genre. A solid five-star rating for this one.
Basically, ‘Open Channel’ is a breath-taking reimagination of the distant future, where colonizing other worlds has become commonplace. However, these individual colonies evolved to be suspicious of the intentions of humans from other worlds, and such serves as seeds for the terrible tragedy that ensues. The book, however, pulls into focus on a well-developed character we can all root for: Captain Drake, whose “Captain Kirk-like” directive is to steer and command his warship as he is driven by professional as well as deeply personal reasons: out to avenge the death of his daughter and the mess that has become of his previous marriage, Drake makes every decision with a far-reaching eye for revenge. And there’s the rub: he’s the man in charge of bringing about justice. But an unexpected twist amps up the suspense and basically “time warps” the reader into a complication you cannot look away from.
Also, there’s something in Daniel Betts’ writing that reminds me so much of William Gibson in his post-Neuromancer novels—that is, the Gibson that is sharper and raw in ‘Spook Country’ or dazzling in ‘Pattern Recognition’. Betts, however, stands on his own as a distinct literary voice, regardless of the comparison.
Overall, ‘Open Channel’ is a book you open and doesn’t put down until the very last page—it is that arresting and immersive. If you love a science fiction tale that throbs with style and grace and weighs heavily with its emotional gravitas, then you’ll love this book to shreds. Get a copy—or send it as a gift to a friend who loves the genre. A solid five-star rating for this one.
Five Stars Captain Kirk Fans
Buckle Up, It's Going Too Be, Beyond a Bumpy Ride, May 1, 2014
Verified
Purchase(What's this?)
This
review is from: Open Channel (Kindle Edition)
Okay
out of the gate I want to say this is hard core Sci Fi. As the genre was
intended to be, no Casper milk toast here I promise. There is adult language
and, situations as well this is an adult book with adult story line etc. It is
a well written adult Sci Fi but not appropriate for teens. But, it is however
perfect for a Sci FI junky who has been jonesing for a new book series.
There is nothing better than finishing a stellar science fiction novel knowing that it is only the first in a series. Some of the greatest minds in sci-fi have used the series format to create complex and thrilling universes for their story characters to exist in. While other authors, have created dystopian (and utopian) future environments on earth with varying results.
This is a bit of a combo sort of book, like super sizing your McDonald's order you get a whole lot a bang for your buck. This is set in the far future and focuses heavily on plot and story development, giving a much lesser role to technical detail. However it clearly avoids the label of what would be considered soft science fiction often described as "space opera".
It actually reminds me of a series that was started in the 80s with a small novel named "Ender's Game." It was later expanded in to a full sized novel of the same name by the author now the series consists of nine novels. This book is much like that one with respect to its assets. With characters that are very well fleshed out with a story that has enough angst to give it the required bit of emotion.
Sorry, but I happen to like to know what the characters are feeling. Call me a girl but I need to know and this author tells you, so thanks for that. That was to be frank is a happy surprise in a genre that by its very nature. The authors focus on special effects versus emotion and internal character development is prevalent. I'm a girl who likes some pathos and humor in her dialogue. I'm happy to state delivered by author Daniel Betts.
Jason and Aria the principle characters have a long and troubled history of sharing tragedy. The development of this relationship allows the author to bring a little softness, to the story line. Hence he pulls in some interesting perspective of the characters conscious and sub conscious mind. I think the real message here is that Daniel Betts has managed to write a new and original storyline.
In a genre that can become a canned imitation of some of the greats. He succeeds and that is why I am giving this book five stars. I will be reading the series as it becomes available. Get busy Mr.Betts times a wasting.
There is nothing better than finishing a stellar science fiction novel knowing that it is only the first in a series. Some of the greatest minds in sci-fi have used the series format to create complex and thrilling universes for their story characters to exist in. While other authors, have created dystopian (and utopian) future environments on earth with varying results.
This is a bit of a combo sort of book, like super sizing your McDonald's order you get a whole lot a bang for your buck. This is set in the far future and focuses heavily on plot and story development, giving a much lesser role to technical detail. However it clearly avoids the label of what would be considered soft science fiction often described as "space opera".
It actually reminds me of a series that was started in the 80s with a small novel named "Ender's Game." It was later expanded in to a full sized novel of the same name by the author now the series consists of nine novels. This book is much like that one with respect to its assets. With characters that are very well fleshed out with a story that has enough angst to give it the required bit of emotion.
Sorry, but I happen to like to know what the characters are feeling. Call me a girl but I need to know and this author tells you, so thanks for that. That was to be frank is a happy surprise in a genre that by its very nature. The authors focus on special effects versus emotion and internal character development is prevalent. I'm a girl who likes some pathos and humor in her dialogue. I'm happy to state delivered by author Daniel Betts.
Jason and Aria the principle characters have a long and troubled history of sharing tragedy. The development of this relationship allows the author to bring a little softness, to the story line. Hence he pulls in some interesting perspective of the characters conscious and sub conscious mind. I think the real message here is that Daniel Betts has managed to write a new and original storyline.
In a genre that can become a canned imitation of some of the greats. He succeeds and that is why I am giving this book five stars. I will be reading the series as it becomes available. Get busy Mr.Betts times a wasting.
More reviews are available on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004C446QE
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Roman and Green Dragons Common Attributes - Part 1
|
While writing Dragon Over Washington, I had to extensively research dragons. I read and analyzed dragon legends from the Middle East, from India, from the Far East and of course Roman and Greek dragons.
So, here are some of the more interesting things I’ve uncovered about Roman and Greek dragons.
Five Attributes Common to the dragons from the Roman and Greek Myths:
1. Poison. Almost every dragon has poison breath, blood or claws tipped with venom. The Hydra Hercules killed had poison blood. The Basilisk had poison blood as well. The dragon Cadmus killed also had poison blood.
2. Reptilian. The Roman Greek dragons were almost always reptilian. Even the huge monster Perseus killed was reptilian in nature.
3. Snake shaped. The Roman Greek dragons were without exception snake shaped, actually huge snakes with some other abilities or mutation. The notion that the dragon looked something like the dinosaurs (huge body held above the ground by mostly four limbs) came much later.
4. No Flying ability. Again, the Roman Green dragons usually could not fly. They could slither, swim and run but not fly. The exception to this rule are the dragons of the witch Medea, who could fly and pulled her chariot.
5. Size. All of the dragons in the Green and Roman Myths were huge. Starting from the dragon Cadmus fought who was big enough to kill and eat his entire entourage to the sea dragon Perseus killed, the dragons were truly gigantic.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Real life research involving my own little dragon
|
Just wanted to share a research I conducted over the last few years before I get back to work on the second book in the Dragon Over Washington series.
Anyway, this research is about women. Apparently, and this has been irrefutably and repeatedly proved, women can’t stand the sight of a man sitting down, watching TV and having fun. Now, you might say that this is nothing new and has been known to science for years but the new finding I made is that this is also true of women aged 1 (One!!!) year and older. Ever since my own little private monster was one year old, she got the habit of crawling, ambling or walking over to me whenever I watched TV, pat my knee and say “Daddy, get up!”
Friends and fellow researchers have indicated that their own independent studies revealed the same response whenever a man sits down in front of the PC, reads a paper, or just does nothing.
Apparently, and this is also a conclusion reached by many other researchers, whenever a man is in the kitchen doing the dishes, mopping the floor or is otherwise busily engaged doing house chores, the women in the house do not suffer an adverse reaction.
Of course, special mention must be made that on Sunday, the only day I can lounge in bed a little more (get up at 8:00 instead of 6:30), my own little private monster comes to my bed and smacks me on the head with whatever toy she happens to hold at the moment.
"Daddy, are you awake?"
Of course, special mention must be made that on Sunday, the only day I can lounge in bed a little more (get up at 8:00 instead of 6:30), my own little private monster comes to my bed and smacks me on the head with whatever toy she happens to hold at the moment.
"Daddy, are you awake?"
The paperback edition of Dragon Over Washington is finally out !
|
The paperback edition of Dragon Over Washington is out.
You can find it here: Dragon Over Washington
This edition is cheaper than the previous one, edited and corrected.
 |
| Dragon Over Washington Book Cover |
 |
| Dragon Over Washington Book Backcover |
Have fun and don't forget to leave a review!
Thursday, May 17, 2012
How Did It All Start or Dragon Inside The Head
|
Thought I should mention why I started writing in the first place. Writing is not normal for people, I can tell you that. For every Tolkien, there are hundreds of thousand of wanna be writers that would make a LOT more money flipping burgers than writing books ...
Writing is not an easy thing to do, nor is it a common practice (I’m talking about writing books here. Blogs, IMHO, are something else entirely). So, why and how did I start to write?
Well, it all started twelve years ago when I was in Spain with a friend, traveling across the country. We hiked in Pico De Europa, a beautiful mountain range. So, there I was, climbing the mountains, a river gurgling beneath me, the mountains all around me and gray clouds blocking the sky above.
And then I saw it. A wing tip appeared first, than the great belly, the long neck and the gargantuan jaws. A huge dragon flew above us, its clawed feet almost touching the mountain sides, filling the air with the fire burning in its lungs. It disappeared a few seconds later but the sight was incredible.
No, I did not went mad. The dragon flew only inside my mind but the image was so strong and the mountains were so wild that the dragon’s flight was burnt into my soul forever. I had to write it down. I knew I had to write about dragons. There was no other choice for me.
But I was (and hope I still am) quite a normal and rational person. I have a computer science degree, had a good job and led quite ordinary life. So I resisted the impulse to write.
Nobody will read it. I will be wasting my time. I can’t write anyway. I’m not an author, I don’t have the right mindset for it. It would never work. What would my PARENTs say ?
I managed to resist for a few days till we went to Parc Guell in Barcelona. There I gave in, bought my first notebook and started writing, right there and then. Thus was born Dragon Over Washington, my first full length novel.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Return to the Castle of Wolfenstien
|
One of the coolest things ever.
A web based free version of Castle of Wolfenstien.
Castle of Wolfenstien
A return to the days of yore. Very Cool! Didn't realize how much I missed the MIDI 2D minigun till I fired it again ...
In addition, a director's commentray about making the game.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Hello World!
|
Hello World!
Finally, after everyone in the world including several cats and a goldfish have a blog, I’ve decided to start my own blog.
I will talk about my book, Dragon Over Washington. I will talk about publishing and writing ebooks for the Amazon Kindle.
I will talk about my own little personal monster I’m raising at home.
I will talk about life as viewed through Kung Fu and the Chinese way of life.
And I will talk about other things, but probably Dragon Over Washington, my monster and Kung Fu will be the main issues.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)