Location: United States
Member Since: June 23, 2010
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Rob Shelsky


Biography

Rob Shelsky is an avid and eclectic writer, and averages about 4,000 words a day. He has several novels to his credit and two anthologies, with two romances out now, a Regency romance, Verity, along with the sequel, Faith, and soon to come, a time-travel romance.

Rob has written science fiction articles for such magazines as The Internet Review of Science Fiction, numerous articles for AlienSkin Magazine, Neometropolis, Midnight Street (UK), Doorways, and other publications. Rob has had short stories published with Jim Baen’s Universe, Aberrant Dreams, AlienSkin, Gateway SF, Fifth Dimension, Continuum SF, Sonar4, Uncial Press, Planetary Stories, Pulp Spirit Magazine, Sex & Murder, and many more. He has a novella coming out in early 2010 with Aberrant Dreams Magazine’s first hardcover edition anthology, The Awakening. Rob’s novella, Avenger Of The People, will appear there alongside the works of such sci-fi greats as Alastair Reynolds, Ian Watson, Jana Oliver, Robert Madle, and just so many others. There is even an introduction by Jack McDevitt.

Rob has a short story, Green Waters, now out with Sonar4’s Phase Shift anthology, and a paranormal story, Light On The Moor, coming out with Smashwords and Amazon.com.

Now, Rob Shelsky is not only a writer, but a contributing editor for Currate.com travel articles, as well as being a reviewer for Novelspot. He is also a resident science fiction columnist for AlienSkin Magazine.

Although widely traveled and continuing to travel, Rob now lives in North Carolina. He enjoys contemplating ideas for new stories while watching the sunsets over the mountains and sipping a glass of red wine, preferably a decent Merlot.

Oh and check out this site for my Smashword books:

Ebookswelove.com

Where to find Rob Shelsky online

Website: http://home.earthlink.net/~robngeorge/
Twitter: Rob Shelsky
Facebook: Facebook profile
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/rob-shelsky/13/81/533
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/robshelsky
Blog: http://robshelsky.blogspot.com/

Where to buy in print

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=shelsky&x=10&y=15#/ref=sr_nr_p_n_feature_browse-b_0?rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3Ashelsky%2Cp_n_feature_browse-bin%3A2656022011&bbn=283155&keywords=shelsky&ie=UTF8&qid=1313586235&rn

videos

Where Worlds Collide, Volumes I & II
Where Worlds Collide, two dark science fiction anthologies. If you like evil aliens, dying civilizations, dystopias, lost luxury star ships in time and space, murder in the dark interstellar reaches, and generally wicked things, you'll love these two volumes of dark science fiction, Where Worlds Collide.

Avenger Of The People, A Sci-Fi Thriller
Coming Soon in Abberant Dreams Magazine's first hardcover anthology, Awakenings. Avenger Of The People, a tale of two women facing a strange series of discoveries. A ship sunk in the 1700s, the French vessel, Avengeur Du Peuple starts a chain of bizarre events for two sisters. A sunken city, aliens, and a terrible fate for the world, if the "Chimera" can't be stopped!

Books

The Mahabharata Codex ANCIENT ALIENS    by Rob Shelsky
Price: $0.99 USD. 17240 words. Published on July 31, 2011. Fiction.
Alien "Gods" rule the Earth, but their dominion is an uneasy one. Rama and the love of his life, Sita, must make their way through an increasingly dangerous world. They endure betrayals, face kidnappings, the anger of "Blue Gods," evil aliens, the Ape King, and even nuclear devastation when total war breaks out. Inspired by the text of the Indian Mahabharata, this tale is action packed excitement!
Simon Simple & The Dark Tower    by Rob Shelsky
Price: $1.89 USD. 84210 words. Published on July 9, 2011. Fiction.
For a street kid to have a strange woman chasing him is bad enough, but when he finds out she's a witch, Simon Simple's life takes a crazy turn. He ends up at Sleepy Hollow among sorcerers and witches. Trying to fit in, he makes friends with Jacob and Cassandra, only to discover he is very "different," has strange powers. And what lies hidden in the Dark Tower? Read Simon Simple & The Dark Tower.
Lucia's Crusade    by Rob Shelsky
Price: $0.99 USD. 13090 words. Published on June 17, 2011. Fiction.
Love the hilarious, bestselling E.F. Benson "Lucia" series? Are you one of the many "Luciaphiles?" Then you'll love Lucia's Crusade, which picks up right where the last book of E.F. Benson ends. Lucia, of fabulous 1930's Tilling-On-Sea, along with loyal sidekick, Georgie, has just topped Elizabeth Mapp for control of the social life of Tilling. But such triumphs are fleeting. The battle goes on!
Guide To Writing & Publishing Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror    by Rob Shelsky
Price: $2.99 USD. 55210 words. Published on May 27, 2011. Nonfiction.
(5.00 from 1 review)
Want to write science fiction, fantasy, or horror? Want to be published for money? Don't want to wait forever to do it? Then Author Rob Shelsky’s Guide To Writing & Publishing Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror is a must read! Based on seven years’ worth of carefully researched articles, this is a practical guide, a simple, step-by-step process on how to write AND get your work published!
A River Darkly    by Rob Shelsky
Price: $0.99 USD. 6030 words. Published on March 15, 2011. Fiction.
"Adelaide knew the woman was a true phantom. She was a gray thing standing upon the little stone bridge, a sinister specter haunting a dark river. As if this wasn't terrible enough, there were those dead children to consider as well..." When Adelaide picks out an old Victorian mansion in Scotland as her summer home, she isn't aware the estate comes with a haunted river, but she soon finds out...
Engine Of The Gods, A Crown And Empire Worlds War Story    by Rob Shelsky
Price: $0.99 USD. 16240 words. Published on March 11, 2011. Fiction.
(5.00 from 1 review)
Steampunk! Sir Ambrose travels via airship and portal to Victoriana, a parallel universe. The two worlds have an alliance against "the Hun," the German Empire. But documents are stolen. His and the beautiful Lady Permellia's train to London is sabotaged. A motor pirate kidnaps them. With the fate of universes hanging in the balance, the two must survive. And just who is Lady Permellia really?
The Crossroads Ghost    by Rob Shelsky
Price: $0.99 USD. 13330 words. Published on March 9, 2011. Fiction.
Madison's stay on the moors was an escape from hectic London, a failed relationship. But one night, she spies a hooded figure kneeling over the lonely grave of a suicide, a young woman buried at a crossroads to protect her soul from the devil. But when love is involved, worse things than the devil can haunt someone! Can Madison discover what? Can she help the girl and herself? Will love triumph?
November Rose    by Rob Shelsky
Price: $0.99 USD. 9150 words. Published on March 5, 2011. Fiction.
World War II London, the Blitz, and a terrible explosion. Rosalie Faire is blinded by the blast. She wakes to darkness and a stranger, Derek, who seems devoted to her. Despite not being able to see, Rosalie finds herself attracted to him. But who is he, really? And what of her fiance, does he still love her? Does she still love him? What of her future? The answers lie in November Rose.
Dark Dreams Of Love    by Rob Shelsky
Price: $2.99 USD. 48930 words. Published on March 4, 2011. Fiction.
A Collection Of Paranormal Romances And Women’s Dark Fantasy Fiction The finest Paranormal Romances, as well as Dark fantasies and Science fiction, all written with the discerning woman in mind. If you like riveting tales of handsome ghosts, heroines trying to free spirits, SF cozy murder mysteries, dark fantasies, and science fiction for women, you'll love Dark Dreams Of Love.
Green Waters, A Paranormal Story    by Rob Shelsky
Price: $0.99 USD. 3620 words. Published on January 29, 2011. Fiction.
(5.00 from 2 reviews)
For Clara, the nightmares were horrific and always the same, night after night--an old woman was floating, drowning in a room filled with icy-cold, green water. Was it just a recurring bad dream, or a true premonition? Just who was the old woman, and what did the visions of her terrible death portend? Clara wanted answers, but she feared time to find them was fast running out on her.
A Confederate Yankee In Miss Annabelle's Court    by Rob Shelsky
Price: $0.99 USD. 5450 words. Published on November 3, 2010. Fiction.
1 star(4.88 from 8 reviews)
A sleepless Annabelle spies a strange light in a nearby abandoned farmhouse. Who is it? There should be no one. Finally, despite her better judgment, she gives into her curiosity. In the dark of the night, she ventures to the house. There, she finds a doorway through time to a past in the midst of the Civil War, a wounded soldier and possibly, even the man of her dreams, maybe... A sweet romance.
Lost Echoes    by Rob Shelsky
Price: $2.99 USD. 70940 words. Published on October 31, 2010. Fiction.
(5.00 from 3 reviews)
A love story that transcends time itself, a romance that battles with destiny. Peter Vincent journeys into the past to Elizabethan England. He searches for the beautiful and tempestuous Aurea. Finding her, he falls hopelessly in love, but is this to be an ill-fated romance? History says Aurea is soon to disappear, probably to be murdered. Can she survive or will their love become mere Lost Echoes?
Fallibility, A Regency Romance    by Rob Shelsky
Price: $2.99 USD. 75040 words. Published on October 30, 2010. Fiction.
(5.00 from 3 reviews)
Fallibility, a tale of a desperate young woman who dares to violate class distinctions by falling in love with a "commoner," an angry aunt who will not have it, a kidnapping in famous Doone Valley at Robber's Bridge, a flight across the moors, and a terrible struggle to survive. Will her lover find her in time? Or will the kidnappers instead? Heat Level 2. Originally titled Faith And Fallibility.
Verity    by Rob Shelsky
Price: $2.99 USD. 75210 words. Published on October 28, 2010. Fiction.
(5.00 from 4 reviews)
Verity, a tale of desperate love, dark intrigue, ship wreckers, smugglers and the enigmatic Lord Draken Hazelmere. Verity Beresford, darling of Regency London, is forced by Lord Hazelmere to travel to the Devonshire coast to nurse an uncle. Strange, evil events occur upon her arrival. Is Draken the culprit? If so, he will hang. Can Verity save him? A slightly sensual Regency Romance.
Light On The Moor, A Paranormal Romance    by Rob Shelsky
Price: $0.99 USD. 7240 words. Published on October 27, 2010. Fiction.
0.5 star(4.40 from 5 reviews)
Fleeing war-torn London, lonely Norah seeks peace upon the moors. Instead, she encounters mysteries. Lost in a dangerous fog, she spies a strange light. Is it a will o' the wisp, fairy, or something darker? The surprising answer means a chance for love. But what is the enigma surrounding her lover? What is the terrible price of such a passion? A suspenseful paranormal romance. Short Story.
The Sprite And I    by Rob Shelsky
Price: $0.99 USD. 5600 words. Published on October 23, 2010. Fiction.
(5.00 from 4 reviews)
What happens when a man finds a water sprite in his kitchen sink? And worse, what if it has an agenda? For Harold, with a hangover from a Christmas party, this is exactly what happens. Worse, the sprite insists Santa has been "spirited" away by an evil Vila, and so must be saved. For Harold, the reluctant hero, and committed nonbeliever in fairy creatures, this is all just too a little too much..
Where Worlds Collide II, A Dark Anthology of Science Fiction    by Rob Shelsky
Price: $2.99 USD. 62450 words. Published on August 3, 2010. Fiction.
(5.00 from 2 reviews)
With Worlds Collide II, the second volume of Rob Shelsky's dark stories, we pick up where the first volume ended. Included in this anthology is a novella, An Imperial Death. This intricately wrought tale could be called space opera, but is also much more! Along with this piece are dark sci-fi stories, a dark fantasy about a spirit elemental, and an Indiana Jones-style tale of treasure hunting.
Where Worlds Collide    by Rob Shelsky
Price: $2.99 USD. 71130 words. Published on July 29, 2010. Fiction.
(5.00 from 1 review)
A thrilling, Sci-Fi anthology of Rob Shelsky's best stories, with a great novella, Bug-Eyed Monsters, included. Whether you love post-apocalyptic plagues, aliens, creatures, lost star ships in space, worm holes to worlds in the throes of nuclear war, horribly destroyed civilizations, gory murder in deep space, you can bet Where Worlds Collide, by renowned sci-fi author, Rob Shelsky, has it all!
That April Sunrise    by Rob Shelsky
Price: $0.99 USD. 4930 words. Published on July 26, 2010. Fiction.
(5.00 from 1 review)
Grieving, wanting to die, an elderly Jenny escapes New York for a home in Florida. But nothing's changed. She's still desperately alone and in utter despair. Can she save herself? Why should she even try? That April Sunrise is a moving tale of one older woman's struggle to make sense of life, death, and an inconsolable grief. Can she do it? The answers lie in That April Sunrise.
Blue Men, A Short Memoir of 1968    by Rob Shelsky
Price: $0.99 USD. 4010 words. Published on July 23, 2010. Nonfiction.
(5.00 from 2 reviews)
“The Flower Children Are Blue Men Everywhere.” It was 1968, the United States was in turmoil, and those lyrics encompassed the times in more ways than one. For one young man, coming of age in 1968 was to realize more truths about himself than about the times in which he lived. One teacher in particular showed him the way, a teacher he hated. This brief memoir is about enduring lessons learned.
Without Omens    by Rob Shelsky
Price: $0.99 USD. 5240 words. Published on July 19, 2010. Fiction.
(5.00 from 1 review)
The first star ship from Earth with hopes of making momentous discoveries during its deep-space explorations. But what the three lonely voyagers aboard the vessel find is of far greater importance than even they could have conceived of, or possibly imagined, for it may just answer the question of the "Great Silence" of the universe itself, but not in a way that anyone would have wished...
Red Flag    by Rob Shelsky
Price: $0.99 USD. 5200 words. Published on July 19, 2010. Fiction.
(5.00 from 1 review)
A practical joke and nothing more--until Richard accidentally raises a Red Flag. Dark forces, previously unaware of their existence, now are, and worse, nobody realizes it. What terrible thing has Richard's joke set in motion? Worse, who are the Gray Men, those shadowy figures whose anger Richard has inadvertently triggered. For Rachel, the answers are literally of life and death importance.
Blue Flickers    by Rob Shelsky
Price: $0.99 USD. 3570 words. Published on July 18, 2010. Fiction.
(5.00 from 1 review)
Aliens are amongst us! Or are they? No one seems to know for sure. All anyone is certain of is that some people have undergone a profound change, a transmutation into "Blue Flickers." They no longer behave as humans, have incredible powers. But when Derek Ryan's girlfriend, Myra, becomes one of them, he is determined to seek answers. But where should he seek them? Does he really want to find them?
Lost Beacon Of The Vanished    by Rob Shelsky
Price: $0.99 USD. 5860 words. Published on July 9, 2010. Fiction.
(5.00 from 1 review)
A luxury space yacht owned by a trillionaire. A strange journey to an uninhabited solar system with an alien artifact, the Lost Beacon Of The Vanished. And a murder! Dame Naje Elpram must solve a baffling case. Someone was murdered, but the circumstances seem impossible. Dame Elpram must figure it out in this cozy murder mystery set in an alien asteroid belt, near the Lost Beacon Of The Vanished!
An Imperial Death    by Rob Shelsky
Price: $0.99 USD. 29980 words. Published on July 8, 2010. Fiction.
(5.00 from 1 review)
Earth, locked into a degrading status quo by the Five Races, aliens determined to watch earth's civilization rot from within. But when Kavin Dubaire travels to the planet Tiartha, one of the few colonies allowed Earth, he makes a momentous discovery about the aliens. Then a new alien race triggers an interstellar war. For Kavin, Deidre von Holstead, and the whole human race, all bets are now off!
This Narrow Isthmus    by Rob Shelsky
Price: $0.99 USD. 6220 words. Published on July 7, 2010. Fiction.
(5.00 from 1 review)
A luxury star ship, lost in time and space. Then, at last, they find an earth-like planet, but it isn't quite as earth-like, as they had hoped! Strange and dangerous creatures abound. Just where have they ended up, and what should they do next? They have to decide fast, because time and supplies are running out! And unfortunately, the dangers they are in are not.
Implosion    by Rob Shelsky
Price: $0.99 USD. 3050 words. Published on July 6, 2010. Fiction.
(5.00 from 1 review)
The timing is odd, the Implosion is coming at about the same time as the end of the Mayan Calendar. As a result, there are wars and riots. Another odd thing is nobody really knows what the Implosion will bring, aren't even sure exactly what it is, or entails. But it is coming! Beyond that...nobody knows anything for sure. Even so, Kevin can hardly wait! Or can he?
Dystopia    by Rob Shelsky
Price: $0.99 USD. 5710 words. Published on July 5, 2010. Fiction.
(5.00 from 1 review)
A Super State, a bureaucratic monster that has swallowed its citizens' individual rights, and become a totalitarian society, a dystopia. When Stephen inadvertently says the wrong thing to a friend in private, he is marked out as a traitor. He and his family will undoubtedly end up in a concentration camp, unless they do something! Escape is their only alternative, but how? And where can one go?
Blue Murder    by Rob Shelsky
Price: $0.99 USD. 6210 words. Published on July 4, 2010. Fiction.
(5.00 from 1 review)
Murder aboard a star ship! Murder most foul! A true whodunit! Kiran, the luxury liner's in-house detective, must discover the culprit. But who is it? Is it the owner of the competing star ship line, the strange personal assistant, the woman's steward, or even the captain of the Cassiopeia, himself? Kiran and her little robot sidekick, Watson, must find the murderer, before the murderer finds them!
Cry Of A Distant Child    by Rob Shelsky
Price: $0.99 USD. 5200 words. Published on July 3, 2010. Fiction.
(5.00 from 1 review)
The Message came first. The God Gates followed. Anyone passing through them would become creatures of purest energy, immortal. The Ultimate Mind promised this. For some, there was the problem of still wanting to have children. The God gates couldn't accommodate such. So, should these people stay behind, amidst a collapsing civilization? Or should they surrender, and bring about childhood's end?
If Looks Could Kill    by Rob Shelsky
Price: $0.99 USD. 5060 words. Published on July 2, 2010. Fiction.
(5.00 from 1 review)
A strange plague has caused the downfall of civilization. For Paul, this means a meager existence hunting, helping to feed a few survivors. One woman, Marilyn, he'd love to know better. But she's already taken by Greg. Paul, a loner, a man without hope, must watch from afar at night, as she and Greg make love, until one night when their eyes finally meet, and everything changes, but for the worse!
Soap Bubbles    by Rob Shelsky
Price: $0.99 USD. 5420 words. Published on July 2, 2010. Fiction.
(5.00 from 1 review)
Life on Mars was harsh, especially for a young monk burdened by the heavy hand of the all-powerful Quarantine Protectorate. Under its sway, civilization was collapsing. It hadn't always been so. Once, the great interstellar transceivers had kept humanity in contact with aliens, sharing knowledge. But no more. Could a mere novice discover why this was so and change things? And did he even dare try?
Shepherd Of Babylon    by Rob Shelsky
Price: $0.99 USD. 3920 words. Published on July 1, 2010. Fiction.
(4.00 from 1 review)
Dagon, the immortal god of Lovecraft lore is back! This time, he brings a promise to us, the gift of eternal life. The Pope decrees a new sacrament, that of Everlasting Life On Earth. All those of the faith must drink of it. Other religions demand the same of their followers. But there is one holdout, the Archbishop of New York. Will he openly defy the Pope? And what lengths will he go to do so?
Shiva, Mama Doc, And The Voodoo Computer    by Rob Shelsky
Price: $0.99 USD. 4900 words. Published on July 1, 2010. Fiction.
(5.00 from 1 review)
For the English postgraduate, Ian, it all seemed so simple. All he had to do was create a working quantum computer. But Mama Doc, a voodoo shop owner in the New Orleans French Quarter, knew Ian was crossing the line. When does science stop being science and starts being magic? When quantum computers get involved. And for Mama Doc and Ian, her unwitting new Shiva, things were now getting dangerous!
Worm Sign    by Rob Shelsky
Price: $0.99 USD. 5360 words. Published on June 30, 2010. Fiction.
(5.00 from 1 review)
The world teeters on the brink of a nuclear holocaust. Time is running out. And for Roddy and Lacey, two physicists, their attempts to find an escape through a wormhole just aren't working. For some reason, they only open onto other universes already in the throes of nuclear anhiliation. Strange attractors are at work, but how and why? Lacey and Roddy must find the answers soon or die trying.
Brane Drain    by Rob Shelsky
Price: $0.99 USD. 5130 words. Published on June 29, 2010. Fiction.
(5.00 from 1 review)
Ghosts, or something very like them, are about in Manhattan and they're causing trouble! Even worse, they're causing one love triangle in particular. What's a man to do when he must choose between his dead wife, and his living one? And what do his wives think about it all? The answers lie in Brane Drain, and inter-dimensional love story.
Serpent Caravan    by Rob Shelsky
Price: $0.99 USD. 5570 words. Published on June 28, 2010. Fiction.
(5.00 from 1 review)
Earth is in a desperate battle against the alien Sinaquan and losing! The only hope is to send colonists to places the enemy isn't likely to look, marginal worlds, such as Viejo, with its migrant seas, and gas-giant neighbor, Prometheus. But when those colonists explore for a new base location, disaster strikes! The Sinaquan have found them. And their Serpent Caravan may have nowhere left to go...
Dance Of The Butterflies    by Rob Shelsky
Price: $0.99 USD. 6390 words. Published on June 28, 2010. Fiction.
(5.00 from 1 review)
A new world and a great bonus for finding it--if it's proven safe for human habitat. But on a planet filled with countless butterflies and few other species, something seems very wrong! For the three explorers, the answer to all the strangely dancing butterflies is far more than they ever bargained for! Not only are the creatures beautiful to behold, but their origins are an enigma--a fatal one?
Angels Dancing    by Rob Shelsky
Price: $0.99 USD. 5130 words. Published on June 28, 2010. Fiction.
(5.00 from 1 review)
Jupiter balloon beings willing to war with living spaceships, sentient computer minds, hive intelligences--an incredible array of aliens? No, just all new forms of humans. Most of these have one thing in common; the elimination of standard people by whatever means necessary. For Dinty and Jane, Earth's human diplomats on the space station, this is a life or death matter of planetary proportions!
Ancient Enemies    by Rob Shelsky
Price: $0.99 USD. 5570 words. Published on June 27, 2010. Fiction.
(5.00 from 1 review)
Demons? Spirit Elementals? All stuff of Native American legends and fantasies, right? But not near Sedona, Arizona, when two teenagers discover a hidden cave and a strange mummy. One of them decides to use ancient practices to try and revive the hideous thing. However, the results are far more than these guys ever anticipated when something very strange and dangerous occurs!
Treasure Of The Guardian Templar    by Rob Shelsky
Price: $0.99 USD. 5610 words. Published on June 27, 2010. Fiction.
(5.00 from 1 review)
For Jerrod, British ex-marine, a camping trip by the sea is interrupted one night by a strange event--the kidnapping of a woman. Now Jerrod must find out who she is, why this has happened. He must also figure some way to rescue her without getting them both killed in the process. When Jerrod discovers there is treasure hidden on barren and wind-swept Lundy Island, things get much more complicated!
Dreamtime    by Rob Shelsky
Price: $0.99 USD. 4410 words. Published on June 26, 2010. Fiction.
(5.00 from 1 review)
Earth is divided into two races, those who are "normal" humans, and those who are immortal, the so-called "Golden Ones." Now, at long last, the hated immortals are finally leaving Earth. Humanity rejoices. But there is a problem. The Golden Ones want to take all of the children with them! Can Akuna save his only son, Pangalia? Should he even try? For Akuna's child, that choice will be forever.
Bug-Eyed Monsters    by Rob Shelsky
Price: $0.99 USD. 14060 words. Published on June 23, 2010. Fiction.
(5.00 from 1 review)
Classic Space Opera! When Danny and Jennifer have a rooftop picnic, they've no idea the uninvited guests aren't ants, but rather a bug-eyed monster from outer space. The creature kidnaps and takes them far from Earth. Facing dissection, the two attempt escape, but this is no easy task! There are even more aliens. And not only Danny and Jennifer's lives hang in the balance, but all of Earth's!

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Smashwords book reviews by Rob Shelsky

  • Country Priestess on July 30, 2010
    star star star star star
    COUNTRY PRIESTESS Dick Claassen's brand of sci-fi is quite unusual. Whereas, most of the sci-fi I've read centers on the science, Claassen pays heavy respect to the science, but he also skillfully weaves it in with romantic characters who he draws with an interesting depth to them. This particular story, "Country Priestess", shows off Mr. Claassen's skills in this regard quite beautifully. Along with the science and the psychologically wounded characters, Claassen introduces a sense of mystery early on in the story. And then you are firmly hooked. The mystery begins with Joe Landzlodt's nephew, Timmy, who is autistic. A series of frantically drawn images by this boy takes Joe on a journey that first leads him to the love of his life, MeLing Huntington--a woman of considerable mystery, herself--then to a captured alien, and finally to MeLing's father, who the alien helps them rescue. For those of us who like romance along with their science, this is the perfect book to wrap your heart around. Romance, mystery, powerful characters, believable weaponry, a strong story line, and a most believable alien, makes this book more than worthy of 5 stars in my opinion. I will be looking forward to more of Dick Claassen's books. And as a reader, so should you! (Country Priestess is the prequel to Silver Seed.)
  • Silver Seed on July 30, 2010
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    "Silver Seed" is the sequel to "Country Priestess". Although each book is a stand-alone story, if you have read neither at this point, I suggest you read "Country Priestess" first, simply because you will be introduced to Timmy, the autistic boy, who is also the hero character in "Silver Seed". In "Silver Seed", readers will be happy to learn that Timmy has not only grown into a fine young man, he has also conquered his autism--mostly. He also falls in love with the heroine in this fast-moving tale. I mentioned in my review of "Country Priestess" that Claassen gives equal attention to both science and romance, something we don't see often enough, IMHO, in sci-fi fare. And "Silver Seed" is no exception. The story opens with a homeless man who is brutally beaten and left for dead on the street. Eventually, our heroine, an emotionally unhealthy Goth girl, (not all Goth girls are emotionally unhealthy, I hasten to point out, but this one is), enters the picture, and before you can get your breath, our Goth girl and the homeless man who suffers from a nasty case of amnesia are on the road together, fleeing for their lives. The homeless man turns out not to be homeless, and we eventually learn that the Goth girl has real reason for the way she is. The mystery is introduced early, and the reader is taken on a very fast ride as the mystery unravels one page at a time. The story moves quickly, the mystery deepens, (aliens aplenty), the romance is heartfelt and real, and the whole story ends with a bang--literally! What more could one want in a story? I give this book a 5-star rating. It certainly deserves it.
  • Cat of Many Lives on Nov. 02, 2010
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    I've just finished Cat Of Many Lives by that consummate author, Shelby Vick. And having read other tales by him, which were so very good, I was a little concerned this one might not quite measure up, since no one can be perfect forever. Right? Wrong! Author Shelby Vick has surpassed himself this time. Cat Of Many Lives is a great book. It is a fast-paced, fly-by-the-seat of your pants novel that will leave you breathless. The author cleverly mixes humor and action, but always keeps the pace going, the suspense mounting. Mr Vick is adept at tightening the plot screws to keep the reader on the edge of their seat, their hearts in their mouths. The author gives life to his characters, and Cat has a real sense of humor. Mr. Vick really makes you care about what happens to Cat, puts you right there, as if it were you going through everything. Even more importantly in this cleverly contrived novel, he also makes you always wonder what is going to happen next. Cat Of Many Lives, by Author Shelby Vick is a thrilling ride, and one you won't want to miss with its many twists and turns. My recommendation? Five stars for this superb story by Shelby Vick. If ever a tale deserved such a rating, this one does, for the author of Cat Of Many Lives has done it again!
  • Fated Destiny on Nov. 06, 2010
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    I truly enjoyed Fated Destiny. Miss Mae has the ability to really grab the reader's interest. I want more! If there is such a thing as destiny? And if so, exactly how does it work? I won't give this short story away, but let's just say it will really leave you wondering!
  • Out of the Dark on Nov. 22, 2010
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    Now here is a story with a real difference. Author Shelby Vick was masterful in melding science fiction and fantasy with this story. Add a fast pace, characters you really care about, and the intriguing aspect of seeing it from a child's point of view, and you have a winner with Out Of The Dark. Whether werewolves, post-apocalyptic, or heartfelt is your thing--Out Of The Dark has them all. This story well deserves a full five stars!
  • Wicked Temptations on Aug. 29, 2011
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    I thoroughly enjoyed Wicked Temptations by Ms. Tambra Kendall. Seldom do I find erotica tales that also have a great plot to them, such well-developed characters, natural dialogue, and wonderful descriptions. Even the cats came across as very real to me. Wicked Temptations is rife with gentle humor. Laria is someone you'd love to meet and with whom you'll identify completely! If you like an erotica story with depth, real passion, hot lovemaking, fun characters, good plot, and sizzling romance, you'll love Wicked Temptations by Tambra Kendall. This tale is truly wonderfully wicked, gave me great pleasure, and not to mention tempting me to want to read more by Ms. Kendall! I give this story a full five stars. I hope to read more by Ms. Tambra Kendall very soon. She is obviously an up-and-coming talent of the first order! Try Wicked Temptations. I'll bet you like it!
  • Flowers In February on Aug. 29, 2011
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    I just read Flowers in February by Kem Austin and I was delighted! Finally, a wonderful love story about older Gays who love each other, deeply and spiritually. This isn't erotica, not meant as just Gay porn, but a very compassionate story. It made me laugh, and yes, even cry. Gay men dealing with advancing years, the loss of loved ones, and facing what could be a bleak future if they didn't approach it the right way--that's what this short story is about. I loved it!
  • The Gay Canterbury Tales, The Tale Of The "Miller" And The Village Idiot on Oct. 06, 2011
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    The Gay Canterbury Tales, The Tale Of The "Miller" And The Village Idiot is a marvelous modern and "Gay" take on the original story. The characters are fun, and I love the come-uppance of the mother and daughter at the end. What's more the final ending left me chuckling with satisfaction. Kem Austin has a real way with rewriting a tale, giving it a whole new twist, and still, somehow, managing to keep the essence of the original work intact! I look forward to more such tales by Kem Austin!