Eric Balch's Blog, page 5

Title: The Express Diaries

Author: Nick Marsh

Genre: Horror

Rating:

Available: Amazon

EUROPE, 1925. The continent still licks its wounds from the devastating war that raged across it a few years before. Meanwhile, in London, an aging professor has uncovered the clues to the whereabouts of pieces of an ancient statue, all but forgotten by history. 

When his investigations lead him to fear for his life, he enlists the aid of an unlikely group of allies; a retired colonel, a secretive academic, a magician’s wife, and a Yorkshire matriarch with her reluctant assistant. Together they will journey across Europe to recover the long-lost statue. They will travel in style, on the most luxurious train the world has ever seen. 

Unbeknownst to them, however, their activities have already attracted the attention of a sinister cult, desperate to acquire the artifact for their own dark purposes, and now a terrible creature, trapped for centuries, senses that the opportunity for revenge has come at last… THE EXPRESS DIARIES is a tale of a journey into darkness and horror on the world’s most famous train.

The Express Diaries is a horror novel.  Taking place in 1925 London, the story follows Colonel Neville Goodenough, Professor Alphonse Moretti, Mrs. Betty Sunderland, her niece Mrs. Violet Davenport, and Mrs. Sunderland’s assistant Grace Murphy. After their friend Professor Julius Smith’s home is destroyed following a seminar, they get drawn into a quest to find the pieces of a statue known as the Sedefkar Simulacrum, which Professor Smith believes must be destroyed.  Learning that the pieces are scattered across Europe, they board the Orient Express to hunt down the statue.  Danger follows them everywhere and they must contend with both a cult and an ancient monstrous creature that may be a previous owner of the statue.

The Express Diaries is an interesting story.  Rather than begin a 100% original, it is based on the Call of Cthulhu Roleplaying Game campaign entitled Horror on the Orient Express.  Specifically, it is based on the experience of the game of a group of role-players in England collectively called the Bradford Players, who are well-known for recording their games and posting them online.  The Express Diaries are told from their characters’ perspectives, presented through diary entries of the characters involved.  Some changes were made to the story that differ from the events of the Bradford Players’ game, for example the encounter with Baba Yaga is removed and one later character’s role is reduced to a cameo.  The characters themselves are portrayed very well and match those played in the game.

Overall, The Express Diaries is an engaging story.  The presentation of the diary entries is done very well, switching between the different characters with ease.  Horror fans and fans of Call of Cthulhu will be sure to enjoy this book.

Nicholas Marsh has never forgiven his parents for giving him a happy childhood, thus depriving him of the necessary angst and bottled-up rage to become a full-time writer. 

Not only that, his genetic inheritance has so far thwarted every attempt to grow a beard to make him appear dark and brooding. Four weeks of strenuous effort only result in a near-invisible fluffy covering that even a student would quickly shave off in embarrassment.

Since his late teenage years he is proud that he had managed to maintain his height at a constant five feet ten inches. If only everything in life were that simple. He currently works as a veterinary surgeon in Plymouth, UK, and doesn’t think the job is all that bad really. On his days off he spends his time being cruel to pot plants, drinking cups of tea and, occasionally, writing.

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Title: Space Taxis

Authors: Adam & Harriet Frosh

Genre: Science Fiction/Historical Fiction

Rating:

Available: Amazon

“A perfect blend of science fiction and alternate history”

It’s 1977. New York cab driver, Mike Redolfo, is abducted by aliens as a result of a mistaken identity and is now stranded on planet Vost. 

Back in 1944, World War II rages. The architect of the Holocaust, Heinrich Himmler, is about to order the execution of all concentration camp prisoners, while a mysterious man and his Jewish fiancée are fleeing Nazi occupied Prague.

How are these two men linked?

Unable to return to Earth, Redolfo manages to find a job. His taxi is modified for air travel and he starts work as a cab driver, ferrying the planet’s diverse alien species around the capital city. His luck runs out again, however, as he unwittingly gets involved with a shady gang of alien criminals, and discovers to his horror that his actions have brought the planet to the brink of catastrophe. 

With millions of alien and human lives at stake, the link between the two timelines becomes clear. 

Determined to undo the harm he has done, Redolfo discovers secrets from the past that could hold the key to saving the planet.

Space Taxis is a novel featuring the unusual combination of science fiction and historical fiction.  The story features the stories of several characters in two different timeframes.  The first follows New York cab driver Mike Redolfo as he is abducted by aliens mistaking him for a criminal they are looking for.  Unable to return home, Redolfo must find work to buy his way home and ends up getting involved in a mystery surrounding an individual bent on destroying the society of the planet.  Redolfo must deal with government agents and blackmail by assassins on a journey of self discovery.  The second timeframe follows the pregnant Marianna Kravova and her fiancé Dominic Kominsky in 1944 as they flee from the Nazis in German-occupied Czechoslovakia.  Dominic hides a secret that proves helpful in their escape, but also catches the personal attention of Heinrich Himmler.

Space Taxis is an entertaining story filled with well-developed characters on both Earth and the planet Vost.  The parallel storylines in the two timeframes are equally intriguing.  The connection between the stories is presented as a mystery and the clues within are fun to figure out.  The interactions between Redolfo and the inhabitants of Vost are portrayed very well as he develops friendships with several people, including the government agent responsible for his arrival.  

Overall, Space Taxis is a fun and engaging story.  The two timeframes and the various storylines are interwoven and connected very well.  Fans of both science fiction and historical fiction are sure to enjoy this book.  Space Taxis is a great read and earns 5 stars.

Adam wasted much of his youth watching Star Trek on the TV and films like Planet of the Apes and Alien on the big screen. He redeemed himself by becoming a surgeon but has since graduated from writing articles for science journals into writing his own Sci Fi and Alternate History stories. As a writer he is dedicated to giving his readers a great story laced with strong, fun and scary characters. Descended from Jewish refugees who escaped from the pogroms, he is haunted by the stories of the Holocaust but inspired by heroes who put themselves at risk to save others. He is the author of Space Taxis, the story of a 1970s New York cabbie who is abducted by aliens. Adam likes to hear from his readers. You can find him at http: //adamfroshauthor.com or on his Facebook page https: //www.facebook.com/AdamFroshAuthor/

Harriet will never be able to let go of Greek gods. No, not the sculpted Adonis-like figures on the beach, but the ancient ones. Loving all things mythological, her writing incorporates myths and legends from around the world. Her other fascination is with the criminal mind, and you can expect to see a blend of these two interests in her writing. As a student of English, she spends her day critiquing literature and her evenings creating exciting characters and fun stories. Harriet is also an artist, and she would like to hear from her readers and those interested in her art. You can get in contact at http: //harrietfrosh.com/ 

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Title: Mrs. Perivale and the Blue Fire Crystal

Author: Dash Hoffman

Genre: YA Fantasy

Rating:

Available: Amazon

“People your age belong at home.” 73 year old Mrs. Perivale is told when she tries to volunteer. With her son grown and gone, and her community turning their backs on her, the gravity of no longer being needed sinks her spirits deeply. She wonders if she has outlived her usefulness until a mystical little creature sneaks into Alice Perivale’s home and begs her to come with him; there is a prophecy about her, and she must help save his world!

Finding herself in a magical place she had no idea existed, committed to a dangerous mission far more vital than helping out in her neighborhood, Alice dusts off her courage and bravery, rediscovering the feisty, sassy, powerhouse woman she is deep inside. 

She is determined to find the stolen Blue Fire Crystal before the imbalance between elements destroys all of the magical land of Corevé. Together with her extraordinary family of six cats and her skeptical-yet-devoted butler Henderson, she takes on the tremendous challenge.

With time running out and the world falling to pieces, Alice’s precious companions are pulled away from her, and she is faced with impossible choices. Does she choose what she wants most of all, does she rescue her family, or does she save the world that will not survive without her?

Mrs. Perivale and the Blue Fire Crystal is the first book in the enchanting Mrs. Perivale YA fantasy series. If you’re looking to escape reality for a while with a laugh-out-loud, heart-touching adventure, discover the heroine you never knew you needed today!

Mrs. Perivale and the Blue Fire Crystal is the first book of a new fantasy series.  The story begins in modern-day London and follows Alice Perivale, a 73 year old widow who lives with her butler Henderson and six cats.  Alice is having a rough day, her son is too busy for her and she gets ruefully rebuked as being too old while offering her services as a volunteer.  She feels sad and useless until she encounters a strange creature named Chippa, who claims that she is the chosen one and the only one who can save his world.  Taking his word, Alice, Henderson, and the cats are all whisked away to Coreve, a fantastic world powered by elemental magic.  Learning that one of the items responsible for keeping the elements in balance has been stolen, she sets out to get it back and save the land from destruction.

Mrs. Perivale and the Blue Fire Crystal is an engaging tale filled with fun and heartwarming moments and fantastic peril.  Although he can sometimes come off a bit snobby, Henderson is fiercely loyal to Alice and loves the cats.  The six cats all have distinct personalities and their interactions with each other and Alice are very sweet.  Alice herself starts off feeling quite down about herself, but she realizes that she is stronger and more courageous than she previously thought.  She is very kind and caring throughout, even in moments of doubt.

Overall, Mrs. Perivale and the Blue Fire Crystal is very entertaining.  It is a sweet and heartwarming story centered around a loving family.  Fantasy fans will be sure to enjoy this book.

Dash Hoffman is best known for taking a viral Tumblr meme and turning it into the beloved line of Mrs. Perivale books, much to the delight of many readers. Dash travels the world full time when there isn’t a pandemic, drawing inspiration from almost everything. 

In Dash’s pages, you’ll find bits and pieces of or inspiration from New Zealand, Salvador Dali, M.C. Escher, Tim Burton, Neverland, San Francisco, specific models from the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, Astronomy (which Dash used to teach), Aesop, Grimms Bros, Wonderland, Narnia, the wizard boy who lived, Bram Stoker, Mary Poppins, the Three Musketeers, Queen Elizabeth II, Tolkien, Neil Gaiman (who conferred with Dash during a visit on one of those books published under another name…), every ocean Dash has been to and some not yet visited, Owl City, Sleeping At Last, Poet’s Corner in Westminster Abbey, a random lady in Auckland airport, a sweater left on a rope at the beach in the Coromandel, the Pacific Northwest mountains and sea, no end of Internet pictures, some lucid dreams, old gothic cathedrals, no end of artwork, and a cat park where Dash has helped to raise a few litters of baby tigers amongst 55-60 other cats of every size. This list could go on, but the tea is getting cold, and you get the idea. 

Dash Hoffman is an internationally best selling author who has written and published more than 170 novels in a six and a half year period under various pseudonyms. It typically takes Dash about 7-10 days to write a 60,000-80,000 word novel (when not rushed), which is how so many books came to be written in such a short time. Dash’s best known books are the Mrs. Perivale series; book one of which has been sitting at a #1 spot on Amazon for more than five weeks straight in the US, and hovering in the topmost echelons of Amazon best seller lists the world over during that same time. 

Dash usually has a smile, always has several new ideas, and continues a considerable tea habit, punctuated by a truly deep love of dark chocolate. Save the elephants.

The post Review: Mrs. Perivale and the Blue Fire Crystal appeared first on Eric Balch.

Title: Salford World War: Could World War 3 Start in Salford?

Author: Mike Scantlebury

Genre: Scanti-Noir Mystery

Rating:

Available: Amazon

1914 was the year that the First World War started. It was simple: a very important person from a big country went to visit a small country and got himself killed. Threats were issued. Tensions rose. Now, one hundred years later, could the same thing happen again? Could history repeat? What if the small place was Salford, not Serbia? What if the dignitary was from China, not the kingdom of Austria-Hungary? Other things are similar – the international tensions, the treaties, the posturing. Luckily, this time, we’ve got Melia. She’s been asked by Captain Gibson to organize Security for the visit. She has only one task – keep the visitor alive. That can’t be so difficult, can it? Well, there’s the international terrorists at work. They seem to be a bit of a problem. Then there’s the traitors in the diplomat’s own party. Then there’s the government back home, who don’t seem that worried about losing the high-ranking official. Then there’s the man’s own family – for, it turns out, he has family in Britain, some in in Salford. They don’t seem keen to welcome him. Then there’s Mickey. There’s always Mickey. For Melia, he’s always a problem, but this time he seems even more problematical than usual. He’s talking about retiring. Why, in heaven’s name, NOW? Of all times, this one when she really needs him. Surely he can stick around, for a while? At least, until the mission is over, and the next world war is averted. Can’t he see he’s needed?

Salford World War is the 12th book in the Amelia Hartliss Mystery series.  I have not read the previous eleven entries, but Salford World War works perfectly well as a standalone.  The story takes place in modern day England and follows Amelia Hartliss, aka Melia, an agent for the British Secret Service.  Taking on the seemingly-simple assignment of escorting a visiting diplomat across the city, Melia finds herself in the middle of an international conspiracy that could lead to a repeat of the first World War if she fails.  She must solve a mystery to complete her assignment while also dealing with betrayals, murders, feuds within two different families, and a vengeful assassin.  Everything leads up to an explosive climax as she tries to prevent World War 3.

Salford World War is an engaging story filled with twists, misdirects, and deception.  The characters themselves are well rounded and interesting.  Mickey, Melia’s romantic interest, is a mysterious figure who wants to help Amelia while also working on his own agenda.  Melia herself is an engaging character.  She is tough and dedicated to her work, yet vulnerable.  Her feelings toward Mickey are multi-faceted as she tries to figure out what he is up to.  

Overall, Salford World War is very entertaining.  It is a quick and engaging read, sure to please most mystery fans.

Mike Scantlebury is my given name and most of my ancestors came from Cornwall. However, bored with the seascapes and cliffs, they soon moved north and settled in the big city of Bristol, England’s gateway to America. Not to be outdone, I soon moved to the North West of England, lived in Manchester for a while, then settled in Salford. It’s near a big river, some docks, and the countryside – very much like Bristol. It also rains.

Most days I write crime fiction, but there’s also articles, factual stuff, Science Fiction, songs and song writing info.

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I will now be doing book reviews every once in a while. I will take request for reviews from authors and publishers, but I will only be doing a few reviews a month. See my Review Policy page for details. Stay tuned for my first review in a day or two.

The post Now Doing Reviews appeared first on Eric Balch.

Assault on Devil’s Den is now available online in hardcover Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Booktopia, Books A Million, bookshop.org, Books Inc, and Tattered Cover.

The post Assault on Devil’s Den Hardcover Now Available appeared first on Eric Balch.

There are a few more Assault on Devil’s Den updates to come. In the meantime, here are some upcoming projects to look forward to. Note that titles are subject to change

The adventures of Pelagius continue.

Book 2: Trial by Tournament: Pelagius must deal with the consequences of the events of Assault on Devil’s Den. Status: Rough Draft Completed, 2nd Draft in Progress

Book 0: Skinwalker: A prequel to Assault on Devil’s Den exploring the events that caused Pelagius to question himself. Status: Brainstorming

A separate storyline from Champion of Valor following a different set of characters

Book 1: The Dragon Crusade: In the kingdom of Drago, dragons are considered sacred. A group of trainee Dragon Protectors uncover a plot by a new group of dragon slayers that threaten both the kingdom and dragons as a whole. Status: Rough draft in progress

The projects listed under this category are either completely standalone or may be part of a saga later on

Soul Hunter: The origin story of the Green-Eyed Man. Status: Brainstorming

The Elven Supremacy: Follows a character from Trial by Tournament after the events of that story. To avoid spoilers, no other details will be given at this time. Status: Brainstorming

The post Project Announcements appeared first on Eric Balch.

A narrator has been found. Production on the audiobook of Assault on Devil’s Den has begun. Stay tuned for additional updates.

The post Assault on Devil’s Den Update appeared first on Eric Balch.

Assault on Devil’s Den papeback is now available online on Barnes and Noble, Booktopia, Bookshop.org, Books A Million, Books Inc, and Tattered Cover. Stay tuned for additional updates

The post Assault on Devil’s Den Additional Paperback Availabilities appeared first on Eric Balch.

Assault on Devil’s Den ebook is now available on Nook, Bookmate, Booktopia, ebooks.com, Kobo, and the Apple Books app. Stay tuned for additional updates

The post Assault on Devil’s Den Ebook Update appeared first on Eric Balch.