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Showing posts with label Mystical Fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mystical Fiction. Show all posts

Monday, August 22, 2022

Pump Up Your Book Presents: Moon Deeds by Palmer Pickering; #BookTour, #NowAvailable, #OutNow, #TBR, #Live, #Giveaway

Twins Cassidy and Torr must save Earth from a ruthless enemy at a time when the only force more powerful than alien technology is magic…


By Palmer Pickering
Release Date: May 25, 2019
Publisher: Mythology Press
Soft Cover: ISBN: ‎ 978-1732568808; 598 pages; $21.99; 
E-Book, $.99; Audiobook, FREE.




It’s 2090: the last outpost of freedom is the moon, the best defense against technology is magic, and the only hope for humankind rests in the hands of the Star Children.

Twins Cassidy and Torr must save Earth from a ruthless enemy at a time when the only force more powerful than alien technology is magic. Moon Deeds launches the siblings’ journey across the galaxy, where they must learn their power as the Star Children, claim their shamanic heritage, and battle dark forces that threaten humankind.

The Star Children Saga follows Cassidy and Torr as they slowly awaken to their destiny as the twin Star Children, born every millennium to reconnect with the source of all life. They come to discover the sheer enormity of their task: to find our ancestors on a lost planet across the galaxy and save humanity from a spiraling descent into darkness. The powers they must wield to accomplish this task are truly frightening and put at risk everything they love.

Come along with twenty-year-old twins Cassidy and Torr, who inherited deeds to land parcels on the moon. They want to use their moon deeds to get off Earth and escape a brutal dictatorship. But first they must unlock their shaman powers.

A rollicking yet poignant adventure in the not too distant future, when we have colonized the moon and nearly lost Earth to a dictatorship. Only the shamans remain free, plus the lucky ones who escaped to the moon.

Join the adventure! An addictive space opera, science-fantasy series.



Buy Links:


Amazon: https://amzn.to/3uKWq2o

Barnes & Noble:  https://bit.ly/3rQteFx


Reviews:


“This is a marvelous book. The characters are compelling, complex, and emotional. The future described is neither all evil nor all good, and it’s described so realistically that I can still feel the moon dust in my nose and expect to see large packing containers around every corner. The text is delightfully written with none of the bad grammar that makes picky people like me wince even in an otherwise great story. Alas, this is just the first book of the series, and it appears I’ll have to wait a whole year for the next one. I really need to know *now* what happens next!” – Garden Reader

“I was totally captivated by this story. It is set just far enough into our future that I could see it all unfold. This tale has it all, mystery, magic, aliens, war, family, friendship and love. The authors ability to paint landscapes with words is amazing! I can not wait for book two to come out. I must know the fate of the Star Children!” – VR

“Anything dealing with the moon is almost immediately mystical and magical. Throw in a heart racing adventure and characters that will leave a mark on your heart and you have a masterpiece!” – Taylor Johnson (Educator, Netgalley)

“I found this novel to be as much a psychological thriller as it is a science fiction adventure, and the draw-in happens almost instantly. This is unquestionably one of the best books I’ve read this year and Pickering has roped in an entire family as new fans. I’d give Moon Deeds a whole bucket of stars if I could.” – Asher Syed (Readers’ Favorite)

“There is so much to love about this book, from its complex and intricately woven plot filled with tension, strife, and discovery, to the personal attachment you begin to build with the characters due to finely executed character building, engaging personalities, and difficulties in both moral dilemmas and situations. The pace is perfect to build tension, and I loved the length of this book.” – K.J. Simmill (Readers’ Favorite)




Chapter 2 - Miramar

San Diego California, Western Free States, planet Earth

July 9, 2090                                                                                    

Something was not right with the air. There was a crackling that Torr could only sense when he stopped breathing. An intermittent wave of whispering, skin-tingling static. He lay on the platform inside the shadows of the cement bunker and stared through his rifle scope at the Shaman’s Shield. For three years the cloud barrier had stood between the Western Free States and the Tegs. Torr had joined the Gaia United rebels at the southern border two years ago, facing the massive wall every day. It soared up into the sky as though it were a towering marble cliff or a plunging waterfall, five miles high, stretching east to west far as the eye could see, shimmering like water but solid as stone. As far as anyone could tell, it was a cumulonimbus cloud made of ash from the volcanic mountains, held together by an unknown shamanic magic. The scientists called it an electromagnetic force field, of a sort no one had ever seen before. At its peak, the wall curved overhead, sealing them in from above in a thick cloud cover. But today the southern wall had receded from its normal position, exposing flat desert scrubland and skeletal bushes coated in ash. Since dawn, dark, vertical shadows had appeared at the base of the wall, as though some giant creature had attacked it overnight with long, jagged claws.

Torr crawled forward and poked his head out through the open front of the bunker half-buried in the hillside, and peered up at the sky. The cloud barrier overhead still appeared intact; the sky was gray and gloomy as ever, though it smelled like a storm was brewing. He pulled himself back inside and settled down behind his gun, tightening its bipod and adjusting the sand bag under the butt of the rifle. He inhaled deeply, held in his breath for three seconds, then exhaled and held it out for three seconds, hoping the breathing exercise would stop his cheek from twitching. It hadn’t bothered him in months—now his left cheek was spasming non-stop. He could not shoot with it jittering like that.

Inhale one two three. Exhale one two three.

He glanced over his right shoulder at Reina, propped up on her elbows on the plywood platform between him and the cement wall. She was staring through her spotting scope. Her TAFT stood on its bipod next to her, loaded and ready to mow down Tegs should they come streaming across the plain. Torr wanted to die before she did; he didn’t think he could bear to watch her suffer, or see her dead eyes staring up at him. It was a selfish thing to wish, but he wished it anyway. Bobby, on the other hand, lying on the platform to his left—two hundred pounds of solid muscle—he wouldn’t mind dying before Bobby. Torr would lean into him as he died, and Bobby would tell him everything was going to be all right, even though they both knew it wasn’t.




"Compelling...complex...epic"





Palmer Pickering has been writing fiction since she was eight. She received her BA in American Studies from Wesleyan University, with concentrations in Religion and Race Relations.

She currently works in Silicon Valley in the gaming industry and high tech. In addition, Palmer holds a certificate in Chinese Acupressure, is a certified solar panel installer, and studied Tibetan Buddhism with the 14th Dalai Lama.

She lives and writes in the magical redwood forest of the Santa Cruz Mountains, California.

Her latest book is the scifi fantasy for adults, Moon Deeds: Star Children Saga Book One.

You can visit her website at www.MythologyPress.com or connect with her on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.


10 Things you might not know about 
author Palmer Pickering

1. First of all, Palmer is a woman and not, as you might think, a man or a dragon. 

2. Because the rule is that an author should only write about what they know, rest assured that Palmer is descended from an alien race who reside on another planet, she has lived in a colony on Earth’s moon, and she is a sorceress.

3. On a more serious note, she is kinda old and has experienced many things and acquired many skills. She currently works in high-tech as a Product Manager in the gaming field. She also holds a certificate in Chinese Acupressure (which is sort of like Acupuncture but without the needles). She holds a certificate in solar panel installation. In addition, she is experienced at remote viewing, so make sure your shields are up.

4. She loves cats and currently has three.

5. She lives in the redwood forest in the Santa Cruz Mountains in northern California.

6. She had to evacuate her home due to wildfires in 2020 that came within a few hundred yards of her house, but thankfully the fire did not reach her little neighborhood.

7. She has lived in France and visited many countries across the world.

8. She used to play ice hockey, playing defense. She may or may not have received penalties for standing up for herself against annoyingly combative opponents.

9. She has extensively practiced Tibetan Buddhist meditation and took a workshop with the 14th Dalai Lama.

10. She likes dark chocolate and any chocolate macadamia nut treats from Hawaii. Just sayin’ ...



Palmer Pickering is giving away one autographed copy of Moon Deeds and one autographed copy of her sequel, Light Fighters!

Terms & Conditions:

  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  • Two winners will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one autographed copy of Moon Deeds and one autographed copy of the sequel, Light Fighters.
  • This giveaway ends midnight October 28.
  • Winner will be contacted via email on October 29.
  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.

Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!






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Wednesday, April 6, 2022

Pump Up Your Book Presents: Floating Underwater by Tracy Shawn; #BookTour, #NowAvailable, #OutNow, #TBR, #Live

Fearful that her lifelong premonitions not only predict the future but may also change its very course, Paloma Leary confronts her mysterious past and learns to embrace her future…



By Tracy Shawn
Turbulent Muse Publishing, 312 pp.
Floating Underwater, Women's Fiction/
Magical Realism/PsychologicalFiction
Soft Cover: ISBN: 978-1736664902; 312 pages; 
$10.99; E-Book, $3.99
Release Date: September 8, 2021




Part psychological fiction and part mystical fiction with a dash of magical realism, Floating Underwater follows a woman’s astonishing journey through the extraordinary and, ultimately, to her self-actualization and power.

Fearful that her lifelong premonitions not only predict the future but can also change its very course, Paloma Leary is devastated when her latest vision foretelling a third miscarriage comes true.

Falling into a mystifying world of increasingly bizarre phenomena, including a psychic connection with her mysterious neighbor, out-of-body experiences, and visits from her long-dead mother, Paloma grows desperate for answers. She is also desperate to start a family. But when a life-changing vision reveals a tragic secret from the past, Paloma learns to accept her gifts and embraces a far different future than she ever could have imagined.

"One woman's mystical journey to move forward while confronting a troubled, mysterious past. Beautifully written; an ethereal, eloquent pleasure." ~~Marlene Adelstein, author of USA Today bestseller Sophie Last Seen
 
"Mystical and magical realism permeates this women's novel, and Amy Harmon fans would embrace Shawn's adept storytelling. The author delivers spot-on dialogue, believable and enchanting characters, and surprising twists. It's easy to imagine the novel as a talked-about book club selection (in fact, there's a list of questions at the book's conclusion). Poignant and beautiful, Floating Underwater leaves readers yearning for a sequel and another look at these captivating characters." ~~Starred Review by Patricia Moosbrugger for BlueInk Review
 
"The writing is stunning...Paloma's journey toward friendship, love in her marriage, and the realization that her fears have kept her eyes closed to everything happening around her is a journey worth following. This book will remind you to listen to the wind when it speaks and to look for what's floating beneath the surface of the water."~~Reviewed by Jenna Swartz for San Francisco Book Review

"A mystical journey that will take its readers on a whirlwind tour of beautiful imagery and meaningful life adventures, Floating Underwater is the story about a woman named Paloma Leary who learns that she has some very special gifts to share with the world...This book is wonderfully written in a lovely beach setting...Floating Underwater is the perfect book for someone looking for a bit of fantasy thrown into a realistic setting with realistic characters. Written with special attention to little details, this book is relatable, yet very special and is a one-of-a-kind read." ~~Reviewed by Kristi Elizabeth for Manhattan Book Review

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3GrO5TV

Amazon Kindle: https://amzn.to/3qA2EA3



She had missed their silly bantering. They hadn’t been this playful with each other since the last pregnancy, but his jokes and her bursts of laughter had dissipated over time. She wagered, though, that most couples eventually lose sight of what first brought them together.

Reed patted her hand. “It is going to work out this time, Paloma…”

Paloma smiled, then took a bite of her sandwich. Maybe Reed was right; everything would be okay—the future did not have to be defined by the past.

And then, out of the corner of her eye, Paloma saw her. Bone-thin Serena raced across the street and planted herself next to the bumper of a parked car. In her ragged skirt and barely there T-shirt, Serena could be mistaken for one of Sunflower Beach’s many homeless people, who tucked themselves into alleys, behind bushes dotting the hillsides, and around trash-strewn paths by the railroad tracks. Yet the bedraggled Serena lived with her family, who tried their best to care for her in their own, private way. Serena stared at Paloma with her mismatched eyes, one blue and the other an unnatural shade of milky green. Slowly, Serena shook her head as her gaze misted over with what looked to be pity. Even though she had followed Paloma around ever since she’d moved into town when she was in sixth grade and Paloma in fifth, Paloma’s heart raced now, and nausea returned.

Reed leaned away and averted his face from Serena’s scrutiny. “She’s been showing up, even more, you know.”

“I know,” Paloma whispered. “I think she’s trying to tell me something.” Paloma shoved her plate away. Eating would be impossible now.

“She’s not trying to tell you anything.” Reed sighed. “She’s just more unhinged than usual.”

Paloma dared to look again. Serena pinned her down with those unnerving eyes, and then her mouth suddenly twisted into a grimace. Not knowing what else to do, Paloma waved. Serena turned abruptly. Passersby shook their heads and stared as she skipped barefoot down the street. Paloma watched the last coiled ends of Serena’s long, tangled hair as it floated out of view.



Ten Things You Might Not Know About the Novel Floating Underwater 

by Tracy Shawn


1. The first working title for Floating Underwater was The Girl from the Edge of the Ocean. Author Tracy Shawn decided that Floating Underwater was a bit more poetic, if not a lot shorter!


2. Sunflower Beach is a fictional beach town in Floating Underwater. It was inspired by the small beach towns near San Diego, California, where Tracy has enjoyed several beachside vacations. Also, Sunflowers are symbolic of the hope that we can turn to something bigger than ourselves (as the sunflower turns to the sun) and learn to embrace our authentic selves—themes that run through Floating Underwater. 


3. Tracy Shawn named protagonist Paloma Leary’s husband Reed because he eventually learns to be less rigid and “bend with the wind,” as reeds naturally do.


4. Floating Underwater went through so many revisions that it took over nine years to complete. During the last two years that Tracy was working on it, her mom was diagnosed with uterine cancer and later died in 2020 (Floating Underwater was released in 2021). The scenes in which Paloma misses her mom hit Tracy that much harder, and she found that like her character Paloma, she, too felt connected with her mom’s spirit.


5. Tracy’s first childhood dog was named Bonnie and after Bonnie died, Tracy’s mom sang the song “My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean” to try and make young Tracy feel better. That was one of the reasons Tracy Shawn included this song in her story, as it has always reminded her of love and loss. 


6. Ramiro Summers was inspired by Tracy’s grandfather John, who was quite spiritual and often visited with ghosts over tea in his Devonshire cottage.


7. Tracy wrote Floating Underwater because she wanted to write about a character who is dealing with the grief of miscarriage, while at the same time, learning to accept a life that is different than the one she had planned.


8. The name Serena means calm and serene—and is also very similar to the word sirena, which is Spanish for mermaid. 


9. Paloma’s spiritual crisis is due, in part, to her having held back her grief for too long.


10. The cover picture was created to depict a dreamlike state—much like Paloma’s visions.





Award-Winning Author Tracy Shawn lives and writes on the Central Coast of California. Her debut novel, The Grace of Crows, won several indie book awards. Floating Underwater is her second novel. Tracy Shawn’s short stories have appeared in Literary Brushstrokes, Psychology Tomorrow Magazine, and Steel House Review Literary Journal. She’s written numerous articles for print and online publications and is currently working on her third novel.

You can visit her website at https://www.tracyshawn.com/ or connect with her on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads.






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