Hi
Welcome to Morcan Books & Films, the blog devoted to providing a unique perspective and intelligent commentary on books and films. It includes commentary on our own books and films – i.e. novels and screenplays co-written by the Morcans, and feature films produced by, or in development with, Morcan Motion Pictures.
Lance & James
John Grisham’s latest offering, THE EXCHANGE, was not worth the wait in this book critic’s opinion. Presented as “The riveting sequel to The Firm, the blockbuster thriller that launched the career of the world’s bestselling author,” it pales by comparison to that earlier novel.
Sure, it picks up where The Firm left off, albeit 15 years later, but it’s so dialogue heavy it’s a virtual talkfest interrupted by a seemingly never-ending round of meetings, international flights, phone calls, more flights and still more interminable meetings. The repetition is mind-blowingly tedious and annoying. Drama, action, and tension are totally lacking. Very disappointing – especially as this critic is a long-time Grisham fan and considers The Firm one of his very best novels.
Ah, well…Grisham remains one of my favorite authors – up there with M. Connolly, D. Baldacci, N. DeMille, G. Iles, K. Follett, Sir G. Archer, L. Child, C. Iggulden, F. Forsyth et al. – and, as always, I do look forward to his next offering.
Meanwhile, for anyone still interested in the storyline for THE EXCHANGE, here ‘tis as it appears on the book’s Amazon page…
Mitch McDeere has cheated death and come out the other side. Fifteen years ago, he stole $10 million from the mob and disappeared. Now, with his enemies jailed or dead, he has fought his way to the top of the biggest law firm in the world.
When a new case takes Mitch to Libya, danger awaits: he’s soon in the biggest hostage negotiation in recent history with terrorists who have murdered and will murder again. Their demand is staggering: a ransom of $100 million must be paid within 10 days.
But this isn’t a random kidnapping – it’s personal. And no one, not even Mitch’s wife in New York, is safe.
ANNO 2020 the movie has echoes of SOUND OF FREEDOM in that it addresses a subject some would prefer remain hidden. Self-appointed censors tried to ban that film. Will they try to ban this one, too?
ANNO 2020 was directed by Kiwi director James Morcan who also adapted the screenplay from his published novel of the same name.
“All roads lead back to 2020”
As this trailer for my recently completed feature film Anno 2020 alludes to, I believe the year 2020 will go down one of the most important years in all of human history. So many of our freedoms were lost in the name of a virus to “keep us safe”…Freedoms that were taken from us by supposedly altruistic politicians who avoided any meaningful consultation with the public… This circumventing of democracy has set a dangerous precedent and spiralled into numerous other injustices occurring now… For many citizens, all the intricacies of 2020 are only now being understood in hindsight, for hindsight is always 20/20…
Anno 2020 has been a 3 year book-to-film passion project for me…It started with writing a novel during 2020 to try to personally make some sense of what was happening to the significantly altered world I was observing. Then over 2021 we shot that novel’s film adaptation in 17 cities, 5 countries and 4 continents (using creative techniques to film while the world remained mostly in strict lockdown). Lastly, over 2022 and some of 2023 was the massive editing process.
As we finally now present this one-of-a-kind, epic movie to the world, I’d like to thank my incredible team around the world who made it all possible. Many of their names are in the end credits of trailer, the rest are all listed on IMDb at https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13455748/
Distribution enquiries welcomed. -James Morcan, Director-Screenwriter
‘ANTIGRAVITY PROPULSION: Human or Alien Technologies?’ is a far-reaching exploration into the UFO phenomenon that covers all possible scenarios and discounts nothing.
With a foreword by advanced interstellar propulsion systems expert Grant Hayman and afterword by leading scientist and space industry veteran Dr. Takaaki Musha, one of the great enigmas of all time is examined with equal doses of open-mindedness and skepticism.
Director of the Advanced-Science Technology Research Organization in Yokohama, Dr. Musha is a former senior research scientist at Japan’s Technical Research and Development Institute of the Ministry of Defense, Japan. In his afterword, he writes: “This well balanced and unbiased book is long overdue for those searching for the truth about advanced technologies currently being concealed from the general populace by elite levels of governments.”
In her review of ‘Antigravity Propulsion’, former NASA engineer/manager Marcha Fox says, “I was particularly impressed by the unbiased, objective, journalistic views presented in this interesting book. The authors look at all angles and possibilities, allowing the reader to digest them on his or her own merits versus being nudged or sometimes shoved to the conclusions desired, as is the case of many such books.
“The authors assume that UFOs do indeed exist, a fact which is gradually being accepted as more evidence is released and credible witnesses continue to come forward. However, rather than assuming these strange vehicles are of extraterrestrial origin, the possibility is presented that perhaps not all of them are.”
(Marcha was employed by NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX. She is now a sci-fi author of note).
Under the heading “Penal colonies in Australia come to life in an outstanding work of Historical Fiction,” respected US book critic Howard Lipman, PA, has this to say about our adventure-romance novel WHITE SPIRIT (A novel based on a true story):
“The Morcan team, Lance and James, invite us to consider the convict colonies of Australia, a little-known story for this American reader. The harsh cruel and brutal treatment of the inmates amidst an unforgiving climate, and environment reminds us how monstrous one group of human beings can be to another, but there is so much more to be considered in this very fine novel. (Cont’d below)…
“I didn’t realize what the Aboriginals of that time were like, and the insights that the Morcans present show initially that they ran the gamut between peaceful Spiritual tribes like the Kobi, to warring tribes and single individuals like ‘Tracker’ who have made themselves indispensable to the British. The Opium-taking, philandering Lord Cheatham, the ‘Commandant’ of the penal colony is a piece of work and amongst others if his kind is an unforgettable villain. There are certain compelling, merciful individuals in all of the cultural groups presented, from the British Military, the Convicts, the Aboriginals and more.
“John Graham, one of the strongest-willed of the convicts, Captain Tom Marsden, Moilo and Mambo of the Kobi Tribe stand out for me. Indeed this is really the story of John Graham, a convict who escapes, eventually finding refuge within the Kobi Tribe that accept him as one of their own. It’s a story that doesn’t pull any punches when describing the wretched conditions of the men in the penal colonies, but hope and spirituality are also presented within John’s joining of the tribe and his other experiences.
“I’ve read the Morcans’ work before, but consider this book to be one of the finest pieces of historical Fiction that I’ve ever read. Though based on a true story, it makes for a wonderful Historical narrative. Five stars, and two thumbs up for this outstanding work of Historical Fiction.”
The eight books in our bestselling, somewhat contentious ‘Underground Knowledge Series’ cover details, concepts and little-known events not usually reported in mainstream media or mainstream academia, or if they are, they’re underreported for various reasons.
For the most part, we (the authors) have written about subjects that can be backed with facts. These facts include evidence substantiated in court cases, declassified government files, MSM reports and well-documented quotes from respected leaders in their fields. Wherever we do briefly deviate into pure speculation, we try to point that out so the dividing line between fact and rumor is always clear.
Many of the books have been regular visitors to Amazon’s bestseller lists in their categories.
Our entire ‘Underground Knowledge Series’ is available via Amazon.
The individual books (with Amazon links) are listed below:
Book 1: GENIUS INTELLIGENCE: Secret Techniques and Technologies to Increase IQ https://lnkd.in/gfA9K4Bg
Imagine our modern contemporary world. A world where giants, elves, dwarfs, ogres and trolls share an Earth we think only we inhabit. That’s the premise behind prolific English author John Morris’s intriguing STAR GAZER series of sci-fi novels.
The series includes two trilogies. The first one, titled Star Gazer First Trilogy, is mainly science fantasy and comprises The Gatekeeper and The Guardian, The Twelve Tribes and The Wrath of Gaia.
The first trilogy will especially appeal to those who share a desire for underground knowledge as it contains references to ancient technologies far more advanced than any currently in existence – technologies which may or may not have existed. That’s for the reader to decide.
The work is deeply researched and offers plausible answers based upon both known fact and folklore.
About the author
John Morris (68) is a self-published author whose life, he reveals, “crashed” about 20 years ago.
“I lost everything,” he says. “It took me a few months to come around, signing up for a BSc in computers to keep my mind active and find a new direction in life.”
Morris says he was fortunate to secure a position in Foshan, Canton, an hour or so from Hong Kong. He liked the place and the Cantonese people so much he decided to stay a while.
“Twenty years later and I’m still here! What a roller coaster. I became an entrepreneur involved with exporting containers of furniture to England and Australia. That ended with the crash of 2008 when everything imploded. Just my luck!
“I began writing a very badly-punctuated blog about my experiences, and got a lot better at writing with interest and humour. Fortunately, I secured the services of a very good content editor who taught me a great deal. So now I have seven books self-published, with five more in various stages of completion.”
Those five books include novels in the Star Gazer Second Trilogy.
Morris now manages his fiction book Imprint: Charlotte Greene, and although officially retired says he is now busier than ever.
In his Star Gazer series, he questions the origin of humankind, advising readers we have no direct palaeontological link with the great apes, and asking where we came from.
“Were we created by an alien race way back in prehistory? And what of myth and legend, of elves and dwarfs? Are they imaginary creatures, or vague remembrances of other lines of homo sapiens?”
For more about John Morris and his STAR GAZER novels go to the following links:
Critically-acclaimed American author Kathleen Buckley’s fans will be delighted to know her eighth historical romance novel, A Peculiar Enchantment, has been released this week – in time for Christmas book sales.
Published by The Wild Rose Press, Inc., the novel is available now via Amazon as a paperback and Kindle ebook and is sure to appeal to lovers of Georgian romances.
Ms. Buckley’s eighth Georgian romance out now!
Blurb for A Peculiar Enchantment:
What can you look forward to when your only relatives call you ugly, unbalanced, and a scandal? What would you do if your only friend was threatened? Dependent on her half-brother, the Earl of Lamburne, Adelaide knows. She wants to escape.
Gervase Ducane, invited to Lamburne’s home to court his daughter, is torn. He needs to marry well and soon but not this spiteful chit. Should he buy a commission instead? Seek a wealthy merchant’s daughter? As a marquess’s brother, he has at least a noble connection to offer an heiress apart from his good manners. And why is he only now meeting the earl’s delightful half-sister?
Ordered to stay away from the house party, Adelaide rebels. She will make her unwelcome, embarrassing presence known to avenge herself and her pet.
Sometimes when you least expect it, magic happens.
Readers resonate withA Peculiar Enchantment
The first reviews are in for Ms. Buckley’s latest novel – and, no surprises, they’re excellent!
Here’s a sample of Amazon reviewers’ comments:
★★★★★ “I really enjoyed reading this book since Kathleen Buckley put many of my favorite elements in it!… It is a story that I recommend happily and will probably read again.” –Karen M Hernandez
★★★★★ “I enjoyed this novel set in 1741 London…I thought the characters were outstanding (and) found the book to be a wonderful romance.” –Kindle Customer DVH
★★★★★ “This is an engaging, clean, historical romance occurring during an unexpected situation. After learning about the primary characters, their families, and supporting cast, the skillfful plot takes off with fervor.” -JustJeri
About the author:
Kathleen Buckley has loved writing ever since she learned to read. After a career which included light bookkeeping, working as a paralegal, and a fascinating stint as a security officer, she began to write as a second career rather than as a hobby. Her first historical romance was penned – “Or word processed at least!” – after re-reading Georgette Heyer’s Georgian/Regency romances and realizing Ms. Heyer would never be able to write another, having died some forty years earlier.
Ms. Buckley is now the author of eight Georgian romances: An Unsuitable Duchess, Most Secret, Captain Easterday’s Bargain, A Masked Earl, A Duke’s Daughter, Portia and the Merchant of London, A Westminster Wedding and A Peculiar Enchantment.
Captain Easterday’s Bargain was an Oklahoma Romance Writers of America IDA 2019 finalist, Historical Fiction category, and Most Secret was an Oklahoma Romance Writers of America IDA 2018 finalist, Historical Fiction category, and a 2019 Next Generation Indie Book Awards finalist, Romance category.
While her ninth novel, entitled By Sword and Fan, is in production, this prolific author is already writing her tenth!
Ms. Buckley warns readers that no bodices are ripped in her romance novels.
“They might be described as “powder & patch & peril” rather than Jane Austen drawing room as they contain no explicit sex. However, they do contain the occasional den of vice and mild bad language, as the situations in which my characters find themselves sometimes call for an oath a little stronger than ‘Zounds!’”
When she began writing A Peculiar Enchantment, she says she knew it was going to be different from her first seven novels.
“The usual ingredients were there, but so was a little more humor, the magic of first love, the mystery of things that are not what they seem, and a cat. And love is the most peculiar enchantment. I think it’s on track to be my most popular book yet.”
As for her future plans, Kathleen Buckley says, “I’ll continue to turn tropes on their heads whenever possible, avoid ballrooms and include characters who are not aristocratic, rich, handsome or beautiful.”
The eight books in our bestselling, somewhat contentious ‘Underground Knowledge Series’ cover details, concepts and little-known events not usually reported in mainstream media or mainstream academia, or if they are, they’re underreported for various reasons.
For the most part, we (the authors) have written about subjects that can be backed with facts. These facts include evidence substantiated in court cases, declassified government files, MSM reports and well-documented quotes from respected leaders in their fields. Wherever we do briefly deviate into pure speculation, we try to point that out so the dividing line between fact and rumor is always clear.
Many of the books have been regular visitors to Amazon’s bestseller lists in their categories.
Our entire ‘Underground Knowledge Series’ is available via Amazon.
The individual books (with Amazon links) are listed below:
Book 1: GENIUS INTELLIGENCE: Secret Techniques and Technologies to Increase IQ https://lnkd.in/gfA9K4Bg
Book 3: MEDICAL INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX: The $ickness Industry, Big Pharma and Suppressed Cures https://lnkd.in/gwFYBGJu
Book 4: The Catcher in the Rye Enigma: J.D. Salinger’s Mind Control Triggering Device or a Coincidental Literary Obsession of Criminals? https://lnkd.in/gbYBZmQg
Book 5: INTERNATIONAL BANKSTER$: The Global Banking Elite Exposed and the Case for Restructuring Capitalism https://lnkd.in/g9yzwQU
Book 6: BANKRUPTING THE THIRD WORLD: How the Global Elite Drown Poor Nations in a Sea of Debt https://lnkd.in/ez5W7uY
Book 7: UNDERGROUND BASES: Subterranean Military Facilities and the Cities Beneath Our Feet https://lnkd.in/gY9E6cd
Book 8: VACCINE SCIENCE REVISITED: Are Childhood Immunizations As Safe As Claimed? https://lnkd.in/grZuaS6F
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