Posts Tagged ‘Goodreads’

In MISSION TO MOROCCO, Author J.R. Rogers has put a refreshing new spin on WW2 spy stories.

This authentic and atmospheric tale pits American intelligence agency cohort Lieutenant Sam Bradford against the might of an enemy intent on destroying American Navy blimps patroling the French Moroccan coast and theStraits of Gibraltar.

Lt. Bradford has a worthy adversary in one Colonel Ferdinand Hecht, the SS officer tasked with directing French spies recruited to report on the whereabouts of the navy blimps. Neither man is what he seems: Hecht is posing as a diplomat while Bradford adopts the guise of a war correspondent.

What follows is a fast-moving, gut-wrenching, nail-biting spy story rich in tension and intrigue, and even with a touch of romance. And all in an exotic setting.

If you thought WW2 spy stories have been done to death…think again! MISSION TO MOROCCO is a 5-star must-read.         -Review by Lance Morcan

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MISSION TO MOROCCO is available via J.R. Rogers’ website at: http://authorjrrogers.com/mission-to-morocco/

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Meet the author:

jr-rogersJ.R. Rogers grew up primarily in Paris, but also in Antwerp and Kinshasa, an international influence he finds frequently tainting his historical novels of intrigue and espionage with settings and scenes set in the various parts of the world: France, Belgium, Peru, Brazil, French Guiana, Uruguay and Morocco. He holds a B.A. in French Literature.

His novel influences were those of classic spy writers such as Eric Ambler, and John Le Carre, for instance but his interests in writers of the genre are all over the board.

The author is also a prolific short story writer he often writes alongside his current novel project. As a short story writer he credits the influence of masters the likes of Irwin Shaw, Raymond Carver, William Trevor, J.D. Salinger and Andre Dubus. A number of his stories have been published.

J.R. Rogers lives in Orange County, southern California.

 

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Newly released World Odyssey (The World Duology, #1) resonates with readers and book critics alike, so far attracting all 5-star reviews from Amazon reviewers.

World Odyssey follows the fortunes of three young travelers as each embarks on an epic journey. Their dramatic adventures span sixteen years and see them engage with American Indians, Barbary Coast pirates, Aborigines, Maoris and Pacific Islanders as they travel around the world – from America to Africa, from England to the Canary Islands, to Australia, New Zealand and Samoa.

Here’s a snapshot of what Amazon reviewers are saying about this novel:

“A highly readable…novel…Download this now!!” -Alice M. Dinizo

“A rip-roaring historical adventure…a heroic journey.” -‘Cloud’

“I felt as if I were a passenger…in exotic locales.” -Sheri A. Wilkinson

“Great Historical Saga…a cast of intriguing characters who are motivated by their own dreams. -Karine Bregeon

Readers are reminded World Odyssey is book one and Fiji: A Novel is book two in the new-release The World Duology

  

 

 

        Available as kindle ebooks on Amazon

If these books sound like you, here’s the appropriate kindle ebook links:

World Odyssey (The World Duology, #1): http://www.amazon.com/World-Odyssey-Duology-1-ebook/dp/B00HHVOMO0/

Fiji: A Novel (The World Duology, #2): http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0057YCZM0/

The World Duology (World Odyssey / Fiji: A Novel): http://www.amazon.com/World-Duology-Odyssey-Fiji-Novel-ebook/dp/B00HMQRMFG/

 

Happy reading! –Lance & James

 

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The bestselling philosophical thriller The Transhumanist Wager, by former National Geographic and New York Times correspondent Zoltan Istvan, really is a must-read – regardless of your religious persuasion.

It’s a novel every Christian and non-Christian should read. As one of those in the former camp, it challenged my beliefs without changing them, whilst giving me hours of entertaining reading – all at the same time!

I tried to write a summary of the storyline, but for the life of me I couldn’t improve on the publisher’s own summary, so here it is verbatim…

Set in the present day, the novel tells the story of transhumanist Jethro Knights and his unwavering quest for immortality via science and technology. Fighting against him are fanatical religious groups, economically depressed governments, and mystic Zoe Bach: a dazzling trauma surgeon and the love of his life, whose belief in spirituality and the afterlife is absolute. Exiled from America and reeling from personal tragedy, Knights forges a new nation of willing scientists on the world’s largest seasteading project, Transhumania. When the world declares war against the floating city, demanding an end to its renegade and godless transhuman experiments and ambitions, Knights strikes back, leaving the planet forever changed.

Before I was half-way through this book, I could see why religious authorities and scholars have branded it as “socially dangerous” and “revolutionary”: it challenges the current world order and also Christians’ acceptance and understanding of the ‘second coming’ and the afterlife.

If this wasn’t a work of fiction, I doubt I’d have read it. But it is fiction, and I’m very glad I did (read it). Not sure it’s “visionary”, as the book’s splurge would have us believe, but it sure is a page-turner.

Highly recommended!  –Lance Morcan

Product Details

Here’s what other Amazon reviewers have to say about The Transhumanist Wager:

“This book is a brilliant, provocative masterpiece.” –Immortal Life

“Protagonist Jethro Knights may become one of the grand characters of modern fiction.” -Psychology Today

“I enjoyed The Transhumanist Wager…an adventurous suspense-filled semi-sci-fi about sailing, love, and life extension.” –The Huffington Post

“A philosophical thriller…the Atlas Shrugged for transhumanism.” –Examiner.com

“A very powerful book…this is a must read.” –Serious Wonder

“It’s a page-turner. Istvan knows how to tell a compelling story.” –io9.com

“Really impressive…an unforgettable read.” –Sfmag

“A marvelous work of science fiction.” –IEET

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Francette and the Mystery of the Deaf Soldier – a worthy 5 Stars for this fun read!

OnlineBookClub.org summed it up well when it recommended this as “a book you and your children are sure to love”.

How true!

Whilst not my usual genre (I’m a big kid after all and this is billed as a read for 7 to 10-year-olds) I quicky found it’s a fun read not only for children but for parents, too – as I discovered before I was even through the first chapter.

The way the author cleverly uses engaging young Parisian Francette to investigate a mystery around Normandy’s D-Day landings hooked this reader and my young audience from the outset. Throw in a ghost and a haunting or two, and you have a story guaranteed to please!

Here’s what other Amazon reviewers have to say about Francette and the Mystery of the Deaf Soldier:

The story is fast-paced and fun. The fact that is told from a French perspective makes it highly interesting. –B.Sherwood

Sweet story about summer adventures, youthful independence and the thrill of a mystery. –Paula Florence Flegel

A really cute children’s book. –Patricia Cepeda

My daughters loved the book and the adventures of Francette and Anatole. –Diane Weber

It made me feel like I was also vacationing in France. –M.Hill

Francette and the Mystery of the Deaf Soldier by Karine Brégeon

Highly recommended for little kids and big kids! –Lance

 

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Check out this Goodreads.com list of novels that have mind control as a major theme in their plots. Ranked according to Goodreads’ members votes, the books in our conspiracy thriller series The Orphan Trilogy occupy the first four places on the list!

Here’s the top 10 books (ranked 1-10) on Goodreads’ Mind Control Fiction popularity list courtesy of Listopia:

The Ninth Orphan (The Orpha... The Ninth Orphan (The Orphan Trilogy, #1) byJames Morcan 3.65 of 5 stars 3.65 avg rating — 328 ratings
The Orphan Trilogy The Orphan Trilogy byJames Morcan 4.55 of 5 stars 4.55 avg rating — 47 ratings
The Orphan Uprising (The Or... The Orphan Uprising (The Orphan Trilogy, #3) byJames Morcan 4.44 of 5 stars 4.44 avg rating — 68 ratings
The Orphan Factory (The Orp... The Orphan Factory (The Orphan Trilogy, #2) byJames Morcan 4.27 of 5 stars 4.27 avg rating — 100 ratings
Manchurian Candidate Manchurian Candidate byRichard Condon 4.03 of 5 stars 4.03 avg rating — 9,163 ratings
1984 1984 byGeorge Orwell 4.08 of 5 stars 4.08 avg rating — 1,133,976 ratings
Scott Bloom en de Dochters ... Scott Bloom en de Dochters van Chenchen byRosa Miller (Goodreads Author) 4.29 of 5 stars 4.29 avg rating — 14 ratings
Animal Farm Animal Farm byGeorge Orwell 3.78 of 5 stars 3.78 avg rating — 1,176,284 ratings
Brave New World Brave New World byAldous Huxley 3.92 of 5 stars 3.92 avg rating — 663,648 ratings
The Stepford Wives The Stepford Wives byIra Levin 3.61 of 5 stars 3.61 avg rating — 11,056 ratings

For the top 100 novels on this list go to: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/11984.Mind_Control_Fiction#13250061

Occupying first place, The Ninth Orphan is book one in The Orphan Trilogy. Here’s the storyline for anyone interested:

An orphan grows up to become an assassin for a highly secretive organization. When he tries to break free and live a normal life, he is hunted by his mentor and father figure, and by a female orphan he spent his childhood with. On the run, the mysterious man’s life becomes entwined with his beautiful French-African hostage and a shocking past riddled with the darkest of conspiracies is revealed.

Fast-paced, totally fresh and original, filled with deep and complex characters, The Ninth Orphan is a controversial, high-octane thriller with an edge. Merging fact with fiction, it illuminates shadow organizations rumored to actually exist in our world. The novel explores a plethora of conspiracies involving real organizations like the CIA, MI6, and the UN, and public figures such as President Obama as well as the Clinton, Marcos and Bush families.

The Ninth Orphan (The Orphan Trilogy, #1) is available via Amazon as a trade paperback and Kindle ebook. Here’s the Kindle link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0056I4FKC

 

Happy reading! –Lance & James

 

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Lovers of historical fiction will be pleased to know the Kindle ebook price of our new release series The World Duology (World Odyssey / Fiji: A Novel) has been slashed as part of our book launch.

Two books in one in The World Duology

Readers will receive two novels in one at a real sharp price until the new book launch promo ends February 9th PST.

Meanwhile, World Odyssey and Fiji: A Novel, books one and two in the duology, remain regular visitors to Amazon’s bestseller lists in their appropriate categories in historical fiction. And readers continue to resonate with both novels if reviewers’ ratings and comments are anything to go by.

Set in the nineteenth century, The World Duology follows the fortunes of three young travelers. Their dramatic adventures span sixteen years and see them engage with American Indians, Barbary Coast pirates, Aborigines, Maoris and Pacific Islanders as they travel around the world – from America to Africa, from England to the Canary Islands, to Australia, New Zealand, Samoa and Fiji.

If these books sound like you, here’s the appropriate kindle ebook links:

World Odyssey (The World Duology, #1): http://www.amazon.com/World-Odyssey-Duology-1-ebook/dp/B00HHVOMO0/

Fiji: A Novel (The World Duology, #2): http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0057YCZM0/

The World Duology (World Odyssey / Fiji: A Novel): http://www.amazon.com/World-Duology-Odyssey-Fiji-Novel-ebook/dp/B00HMQRMFG/

 

Happy reading! –Lance & James

 

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Readers are resonating with our new release historical adventure title, World Odyssey (The World Duology, #1), which has just joined book two in the duology, Fiji: A Novel, in Amazon’s bestseller lists. Added to that, The World Duology, which offers readers two books in one, has also entered the bestseller list in its appropriate category – Action & Adventure/Travel.

   

Bestsellers on Amazon

The early reviews are in for World Odyssey and The World Duology – all five stars!

Sample reviews (abridged) follow:

World Odyssey (The World Duology, #1)

The Morcans write another first-rate novel!

By Alice M. Dinizo

 Cockney Englishman Jack Halliday, American Nathan Johnson and well-bred English missionary Susannah Drake are all, for various reasons, on their way to Fiji in the South Pacific in the 1840’s. Their adventures are highly believable as each copes with others, including family members, the present situation in which they find themselves, and their own human frailty…”World Odyssey” is a highly readable and thoroughly enjoyable novel of historic fiction that no one will want to miss. Download this now!!

The World Duology (World Odyssey / Fiji: A Novel)

A fantastic two book story of adventure at sea and exotic locales

By Sheri A. Wilkinson

 Set in the 19th century, Nathan Johnson, Jack Halliday & missionary Susannah Drake each for their own reasons are sent to sea…Along the way they face danger, pirates, murder, death and interesting and (some) dangerous people, as they sail around the globe. Well written with great detail, I felt as if I were a passenger, watching and setting port in exotic locales. Susannah with her naive ways is likable, Nathan has character and Jack has likable traits as well…Both Books are fantastic…I highly recommend to adventure lovers.

  

If these books sound like you, here’s the appropriate kindle ebook links:

World Odyssey (The World Duology, #1): http://www.amazon.com/World-Odyssey-Duology-1-ebook/dp/B00HHVOMO0/

Fiji: A Novel (The World Duology, #2): http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0057YCZM0/

The World Duology (World Odyssey / Fiji: A Novel): http://www.amazon.com/World-Duology-Odyssey-Fiji-Novel-ebook/dp/B00HMQRMFG/

 

Happy reading! –Lance & James

  

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Readers are resonating with our new epic historical adventure series, ‘The World Duology (World Odyssey / Fiji: A Novel)’, which has already entered Amazon’s bestseller list in the Kindle eBooks Action & Adventure/Travel category.

Duology already a bestseller

Set in the nineteenth century, The World Duology follows the fortunes of three young travelers. Their dramatic adventures span sixteen years and see them engage with American Indians, Barbary Coast pirates, Aborigines, Maoris and Pacific Islanders as they travel around the world – from America to Africa, from England to the Canary Islands, to Australia, New Zealand, Samoa and Fiji.

The early reviews for The World Duology are in. All five stars, they show the series has struck a chord with readers hungry for adventure and romance stories in a historical setting.

Sample reviews (abridged) follow:

The World Duology is not to be missed!! – January 4, 2014

The Morcans have combined their novels “Fiji” and “World Odyssey” into a novel that readers everywhere will enjoy. Its three believable main characters come to live in the southern Pacific island of Fiji in the 1840s. Cockney British convict Jack Halliday, American adventurer Nathan Johnson, and English gentle woman Susannah Drake, who insists on accompanying her missionary father to Fiji, live their lives believably, humanly, and will continue in readers minds long after the last page has been read. This is historic fiction at its best, for “The World Duology” is very, very readable. It is also historically accurate…Well-created characters, historic accuracy, a storyline that is pleasing to follow to the very last page, books don’t get better than this! -Amazon reviewer Alice M. Dinizo

A fantastic two book story of adventure at sea and exotic locales. – January 2, 2014

Set in the 19th century, Nathan Johnson, Jack Halliday & Missionary Susannah Drake each for their own reasons are sent to sea…Along the way they face danger, pirates, murder, death and interesting and (some) dangerous people, as they sail around the globe. Well written with great detail, I felt as if I were a passenger, watching and setting port in exotic locales. Susannah with her naive ways is likable, Nathan has character and Jack has likable traits as well…Both Books are fantastic. I recommend reading…one after the other to really get the entire story in on sitting. If not each book is great as a stand alone. I highly recommend to adventure lovers. –Amazon reviewer Sheri A. Wilkinson

 

The new release title is available at a discounted price to Kindle ebook readers via Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/World-Duology-Odyssey-Fiji-Novel-ebook/dp/B00HMQRMFG/

 

Happy reading! –Lance & James

 

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Hot on the heels of last week’s release of our historical adventure World Odyssey comes the release this week of The World Duology (World Odyssey / Fiji: A Novel).

The popularity of both novels bodes well for the duology. World Odyssey (The World Duology, #1) has already entered Amazon’s bestseller lists in its relevant category, and Fiji: A Novel (The World Duology, #2) has been a permanent fixture in Amazon’s bestseller lists in recent months.

World Odyssey (The World Duology, #1)  

        Now available as two books in one. 

Here’s the storyline:

The World Duology books are set in the nineteenth century. They follow the fortunes of three young travelers. Their dramatic adventures span sixteen years and see them engage with American Indians, Barbary Coast pirates, Aborigines, Maoris and Pacific Islanders as they travel around the world – from America to Africa, from England to the Canary Islands, to Australia, New Zealand, Samoa and Fiji.

In book one, World Odyssey, ambitious American adventurer Nathan Johnson, sheltered English missionary Susannah Drake and irrepressible Cockney Jack Halliday each follow very different paths.

World Odyssey

Nathan’s journey begins when runs away to sea and finds himself the slave of a Northwest American Indian tribe after his ship founders on the rocky coast; Susannah’s journey begins after she agrees to accompany her clergyman father to Fiji to help him run a mission station there, and they must endure a nightmare voyage they’re lucky to survive; Jack’s journey begins when he’s sentenced to seven years’ hard labor in the British penal colony of New South Wales after stealing hemp from an unscrupulous employer.

After traveling thousands of miles and experiencing the best and worst that life can offer, these three disparate individuals eventually end up in the remote archipelago of Fiji, in the South Pacific, where their lives intersect.

Fiji: A Novel

In book two, Fiji: A Novel, Jack sets himself up to trade Fijian kauri to European traders while Nathan trades muskets to the same natives Susannah and her father are trying to convert to Christianity. Conflict’s inevitable.

Susannah despises Nathan, but is also attracted to him. She soon finds she’s torn between her spiritual and sexual selves.

When their lives are suddenly endangered by marauding cannibals, all three are forced to rely on each other for their very survival.

 

The new release title is available at a discounted price to Kindle ebook readers via Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/World-Duology-Odyssey-Fiji-Novel-ebook/dp/B00HMQRMFG/

Happy reading! –Lance & James

 

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Although launched less than a week ago, our new release title, World Odyssey (the World Duology, #1), is receiving feedback from readers impressed by its cover. Little wonder: the cover image is a copy of The Ninth Wave, the most celebrated work of 19th Century Russian artist Ivan Aivazovsky.

The Ninth Wave / oil on canvass / 1850

Aivazovsky was born in the Crimea to a poor Armenian family. His talent as an artist earned him sponsorship and entry to the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts from which he graduated with a gold medal. Earning awards for his early landscapes and seascapes, he went on to paint a series of portraits of Crimean coastal towns before travelling throughout Europe. In later life, his paintings of naval scenes earned him a long-standing commission from the Russian Navy stationed in the Black Sea…

Aivazovsky by Bolotov, 1876.jpg

Ivan Aivazovsky

…Aivazovsky is best known for his seascapes and coastal scenes. His technique and imagination in depicting the shimmering play of light on the waves and sea foam is especially admired, and gives his seascapes a romantic yet realistic quality that echoes the work of English watercolorist JMW Turner. Especially effective is his ability to depict diffuse sunlight and moonlight, sometimes coming from behind clouds, sometimes coming through a fog, with almost transparent layers of paint. A series of paintings of naval battles painted in the 1840s brought his dramatic skills to the fore, with the flames of burning ships reflected in water and clouds. He also painted landscapes, including scenes of peasant life in Ukraine and city life in İstanbul. -Wikipedia

We were so taken with Aivazovsky’s The Ninth Wave we chose it as the backdrop for the cover of our new release title World Odyssey (The World Duology, #1). Hope you agree it’s a great choice! We think it’s appropriate as our characters travel the world primarily by sea in this 19th Century historical adventure.

World Odyssey (The World Duology, #1) is available via Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/World-Odyssey-Duology-1-ebook/dp/B00HHVOMO0/

 

Happy reading! –Lance & James

 

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