Category Archives: BOOKS

by Jennifer Reed/ bookjunkiez | August 11, 2023 · 5:00 am

Vahid Imani Author Spotlight Blitz

Naji and the Mystery of the Dig

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There’s a deep, dark hole in Naji’s yard and it’s full of
secrets. But will the girl’s curiosity lead her to answers, or
disaster?

When Naji wakes to a strange sound she discovers a group of workers digging
a hole just outside her room. Filled with intrigue, she wonders what
they’ll find at the bottom. Sleeping monsters? Skeletons and
curses?

Her father warns her to stay away. The worksite is no place for a child,
and if she isn’t careful, she’ll be snatched up by a Looloo;
mythical creatures that lurk in the shadows. Summoning her courage, Naji
decides to investigate—until a terrible event leaves the whole
neighborhood panicking. Have the terrifying Looloos struck again? As it
turns out, the answer is far more surprising than Naji and her father could
ever imagine.

Based on a true story, this award-winning middle-grade chapter book
includes a glossary, study projects, and discussion questions

Join Naji on a suspense-filled exploration of Persian culture and folklore
as she learns that sometimes, the best adventures are waiting right under
your nose.

Amazon

Naji and the Mystery of the Dig : Naji’s adventure series, Graphic
Novel

A Graphic Novel-

There’s a deep, dark hole in Naji’s yard and it’s full of
secrets. But will the girl’s curiosity lead her to answers, or
disaster?

Based on an award-winning middle-grade chapter book with the same title,
this graphic novel includes a study projects, and discussion
questions.

Join Naji on a suspense-filled exploration of Persian culture and folklore
as she learns that sometimes, the best adventures are waiting right under
your nose.

Amazon

Historical Mystery / Thriller

In this historical thriller inspired by true events, a British espionage
plot spirals out of control—with devastating consequences.

It’s the aftermath of WWI and imperialist powers jostle for influence in
Tehran, capital of Persia and heart of the Middle East. James Malcolm is a
ruthless British spy set on undermining his American and Russian rivals, but
when an act of sabotage escalates into an international incident, the
kingmaker becomes the pawn.

Rose Pearce works in the English Consulate with her friend Ali, a sweet boy
of fourteen. Their simple existence is shattered the day Ali shares the
details of a troubling conversation he’s overheard. Rose encourages him to
stick to what he knows best: serving tea and trimming roses in the consulate
gardens, but Ali is filled with a sense of duty and takes matters into his
own hands, changing their lives forever.

Caught in the shifting sands of shadowy espionage, international agendas,
and a lust for Western dominance at all costs, James, Rose, and Ali must
fight for what they believe in—if they manage to survive at all.

In the Shadow of the Kingmakers is a vivid, heart-stopping exploration of
a moment in history that shaped the world we know today.

Amazon

About the Author

Vahid Imani was born in Tehran, Iran, and made the United States his home
in 1979. He earned his master’s degree in 1980 from Gonzaga University’s
School of Business in Spokane, Washington. At the turn of the century, he
transitioned to the world of fine arts after a career in high-tech as a
business executive. His opinions and insights about the arts, history, and
international politics have been shared in articles, public lectures, and
mass media.

In 2014, he debuted as an author with his award-winning middle-grade novel
“Naji and the Mystery of the Dig”. In February 2019 he released his
historical thriller, “In the Shadow of the Kingmakers”. In May 2020 he
released his Memoir, “Like the Wind I Go, A memoir of Iran, America, my
struggle to freedom” Imani is the father of three children, grandfather of
three, and lives with his wife in California.

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by Jennifer Reed/ bookjunkiez | August 10, 2023 · 5:00 am

The Fall of Mu Teaser

Galactic Pact Series, Book 1

Science Fiction / Space Opera

Date Published: 01-01-2023

Publisher: Bookbaby

The Fall of Mu is the captivating first book of the Galactic Pact series.
This multi-generational epic blends science fiction and historical fiction
to transport you to a pre-historic era where humanity built an interstellar
empire. With vivid scenes, rich characters, and chapters that defy
expectations, this book takes you on an exciting journey across the
stars.

Michael is sixteen when his homeland is destroyed in a nuclear attack, his
parents are murdered, and he is the one responsible for ensuring his
people’s survival. Throughout Michael’s struggles with alien overlords,
apathetic allies and godlike creatures, we follow him as he discovers what
it takes to lead in a dystopian universe and how hard it can be to cling
onto hope in times of despair. But this is only the beginning!

EXCERPT

Part One: The Mu

Chapter One

Lord Ausis

In the darkness, a red orb appeared. A voice pushed itself into his awareness.

Arise Lord Ausis. It’s done. You’re an Apskritai—a carnal aspect of my will in this realm. You have immortality and power over men. Among the Apskritai, only you have my gift to hear the vine of Mu—my adversaries’ throttle against me.

The voice of the Dragon, he thought. At last, I am an Apskritai.

The voice returned. Arise Lord Ausis. Destroy the vine of Mu and kill the last Guardian. Then bind all nations of Terra into one empire with my code of civilization and drive them to the stars. Give me dominion over a hundred worlds so I may command the resources to withstand the mischief of my makers. Together we can escape this system’s culling and bring order to the galaxy.

Lord Ausis opened his eyes. In front of him were eight Apskritai. Except for the color of their robes and various deformities, they were identical—pale, tall, and stout. Their heads were bald, elongated, and adorned with the crowns of the Apskritai—a mesh of gold wire connecting gemstones embedded into their skulls. He raised his hands and felt his head. It had doubled in height, rising beyond what was there before. Above his brow, he felt gemstones embedded into his skull. With his fingertips, he traced the wire that connected them.

Lord Ausis removed his hands from his head and surveyed the gloomy, red-lit chamber. On either side of him stood men in red, hooded robes. He could hear their breath and heartbeats and those of the med-tek men behind him. He looked down at his body. It was longer, larger, and more muscular. He was strapped to a metal gurney that was tilted upright. His feet dangled just above the floor.

The smell of sulfur flooded his nose. He took deep breaths and the effect of anesthetics faded. The pain! His body pulsed in agony. He tried to scream and heard a roar like a lion come from his mouth. The eight Apskritai that stood in front of him opened their mouths, revealed their pointed, steel teeth, and returned his roar. The chamber shook with the echoes of their outcries.

As the echoes subsided, the pain diminished. Lord Ausis thrashed. His bonds snapped. He slid off the gurney and stood on his own. He had control of this body! He tilted his head and listened carefully. Every sound in the chamber and its timbre were his to play with. He could block out noise and examine individual frequencies at will. This is my gift—I am the ears of the Dragon. Then he found it—a pattern of sound that emanated from the walls of the red-lit chamber. It invoked dread that came from the same place as the voice of the Dragon.

“Remember that sound!” proclaimed an Apskritai in an orange robe. “It will lead you to the source of the vine.”

The sound receded until it was gone; the dread followed it. He heard the priests’ footfalls before he saw them move to stand before him. Their hearts beat quickly. One held a black robe with embroidery of gold, silver, and platinum and another a pair of sandals. He held out his arms so they could dress him and noticed how long and pointed his fingers were.

After they fastened the robe to his body and bound the sandals to his feet, Lord Ausis walked toward the other Apskritai and stood before them. He turned around and instructed the prostrated men before him.

“I am the ears of the Dragon and have been tasked! Summon the emperor and the heads of the Lantaan military and industry so they can renew their oath to the Dragon. We will remove the last of the adversaries’ allies from Terra and bind all nations of men under our rule. After this, we’ll create an empire of a hundred worlds. The Dragon’s will be done!”

About the Author

R. Halderman is a fiction writer and engineer with a passion for
philosophy. He is the author of exciting and provocative literature, blazing
a trail for a new style of fiction for a new generation. His writing draws
on science fiction’s past and present to create a unique voice in
contemporary fiction.

You can learn more about R. Halderman at www.RHalderman.com. You can also
find him on Gab: @RussellH and Minds: @rhalderman

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by Jennifer Reed/ bookjunkiez | August 9, 2023 · 5:00 am

The Bucket of Blood Blitz

Dystopian & Post-Apocalyptic Graphic Novels, Dystopian Graphic Novels,
Humorous Graphic Novels

Date Published: June 2023

“The Bucket of Blood” by Paul Malott is a darkly-funny comedy
that takes readers on a thrilling and immersive journey into a dystopian
Detroit ruled by the enigmatic Granny Schmif. This sassy splatterpunk
graphic novel combines elements of humor, action, and horror to create a
unique blend of genres that keeps readers engaged from beginning to
end.

Fans of stoner, darkly-funny comedies will enjoy this adventure epic about
freelance spies meandering in the streets of Detroit.

About the Author

Paul Malott is a writer, procurement leader, and organizational management
expert who’s also a self-proclaimed lover of all things comics, 3D printing,
history, and human inventiveness and perseverance. He’s a big believer in
the power of laughter and has made it his mission to help people trust in
the adage that ‘laughter is the best medicine’.

In his graphic novel “The Bucket of Blood” Paul offers a
facetious and humorous perspective on today’s struggles through the
lens of some unique characters such as Granny Schmif. Paul believes that the
ability to balance seriousness with humor leads to success in all areas of
life, from relationships to career, and his graphic novel provides readers a
witty narrative providing substance to his lifestyle.

But, Paul’s not just a one-trick pony. He’s held various leadership
positions in fortune 500 companies throughout his career and has honed his
skills in leadership, problem-solving, procurement, and strategic planning.
When he’s not writing or working, Paul can be found indulging his family and
getting lost in his other passions, which include playing the drums,
watching sci-fi movies, and trying to master the art of cooking. He also has
a knack for making people laugh ..he’s told his sense of humor shines
through in his writing, and readers can expect to be entertained as well as
informed.

In short, Paul Malott is a multi-talented writer and expert who’s
passionate about communication, laughter, and helping people achieve their
goals. His unique blend of expertise, humor, and satire makes him an
invaluable writer and resource.

Contact Links

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by Jennifer Reed/ bookjunkiez | August 8, 2023 · 5:00 am

Ascendant Virtual Book Tour

The Asylum Series, Book 2

Dystopian

Date Published: August 8, 2023

Publisher: Babylon Books

The world has disintegrated. Civilization has collapsed. Chaos is the new
normal.

But I, Lacy Monroe, intend to survive.

My lover Jace and I can’t escape my corrupt uncle, Senator Thomas
Moore. He captures and separates us, forcing us to work for him. He sends me
to Mexico City to secure an army to overthrow what remains of the US
government. He sends Jace on a suicide mission to conquer New Mexico, the
only remaining free state in the Southwest.

I was captured. Beaten. Groomed for a sex trafficking ring. But my brother
is looking for me…

Jace plays a dangerous cat-and-mouse game, pretending to help my uncle
while secretly sabotaging him. But if his deception is
discovered…

I want to become the Ascendant, the one who risks it all and defeats my
uncle, then finds some measure of peace in this strange new world. But time
is running out for us and this treacherous world we now inhabit.

Don’t miss this thrilling sequel to Susy Smith’s acclaimed
debut novel, Asylum, the perfect “next-read” for fans of The
Hunger Games and Divergent.

EXCERPT

The El Paso-Cordova border crossing appeared over the freeway’s horizon, its four-lane check points

deserted. No lights shone from the building; no driver’s instructions flashed over the lanes. The abandoned freeway looked like a stricken Walking Dead set, wiped clean, waiting for the next scene. Nothing could shock Lacy now, not even a horde of zombies. They’d driven in silence, both exhausted and lost in thought. The landscape had changed little as they drove through the northern part of Texas. Winter had painted the plains a dull, boring brown. Jace pulled the car to the road’s wide right shoulder. The Cadillac idled, a quiet hum against the silence as they stared at the checkpoint. Beyond lay a straight shot down to Mexico City.

Hot air blew from the vents across her already warm face. She reached forward, pushed both vents away, then shifted to face him. Her arm’s mangled flesh, wrapped too tight with gauze, burned, and throbbed.

“This is weird, right? Where are the guards? The MP?” His tone darkened. “Probably inside.

The short, clipped answer sent tiny needle pricks up her spine. He cut the engine then turned, his darkened blue eyes locked on hers, searching. “Lace.”

The desperate edge in his voice sliced straight through her. She reached over and ran a hand down his spine then back up, her touch feather light. Her hand wandered to the back of his neck. She stroked his hair, curling the ends around her fingers. He took her face between his hands, thumbs brushing

her temples. She closed her eyes, turned her face into his calloused palm.

“Are you really sure about me?” Her eyelids snapped open. “What?” After everything they’d been through, he still questioned her decision to be with him, her love for him.

“I’d understand if you’re having second thoughts or changed your mind.” His tormented face tempered the heat racing through her veins. “About what?” “Me. Running. Everything.” “Stop. Just stop.”

He dropped his hands. “This won’t be easy and you,” he swallowed hard, “you deserve better.”

“Jace,” she said on a sigh, “there’s no one better than you.”

She leaned forward, brushed her lips against his, then slipped over the console into the back seat. Although the pained look never completely left his eyes, his face broke into a grin.

“What are you doing?” With a smirk, she lifted her T-shirt over her head, let the material slide down her bandaged arm. Cool air hit her bare skin and instant heat flared in his eyes. “Appealing to the wolf in you,” she said, voice soft and low.

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