Malcolm Torres

Biography

If you like adventure, crime, science fiction and horror set aboard ships at sea and in ports of call, then you'll like Malcolm Torres.

After serving in the Navy he went to college in Boulder, Colorado where he read novels and wrote stories. Over the years he's paid the bills by working as a cook, a teacher and a project manager.

Malcolm's writing has appeared in the Viking Monthly, the Colorado Daily and High Times. He is a scuba diver, a sailor of small boats, a mountain bike rider, a downhill skier and a golf addict. He lives in the forest outside Portland, Oregon.

Connect with Malcolm on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Blogger @seastoriesandsciencefiction.

For old time and original stories, try the Sea Stories and Science Fiction Podcast available on all podcast apps and websites.

Books

The Pirate
Price: $8.99 USD. Words: 50,640. Language: English. Published: March 18, 2017 . Categories: Fiction » Adventure » Sea adventures, Fiction » Thriller & suspense » Action & suspense
(4.68 from 40 reviews)
Jack Turner is The Pirate. He's a former LA skate punk turned Coast Guard deckhand. He's a loveable knucklehead with a sordid past, but he's trying to get on the straight and narrow. As a teenager growing up in Los Angeles, he was arrested for stealing a car, but a lenient judge allowed him to avoid probation if he agreed to join the Coast Guard.
Sixty-Four Days, A Sea Story
Price: Free! Words: 7,410. Language: English. Published: April 19, 2015 . Categories: Fiction » Thriller & suspense » Action & suspense, Fiction » Adventure » Sea adventures
(4.87 from 97 reviews)
In sixty-four days, Senior Chief Brendan O'Reilly will retire after 30-years in the Navy, but today he's working on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier. Today, he has to stop daydreaming about visiting National Parks with his lovely wife, Diane, in their new motorhome. Today, Brendan O'Reilly has to keep himself and his shipmates alive.

Malcolm Torres' tag cloud

adventure    aircraft carrier    coast guard    flight deck    flightdeck    key west    king pin    military    nautical    navy    petty officer    sailor    sea story    ship    smuggler    thriller    us navy   

Smashwords book reviews by Malcolm Torres

  • To End All Wars on May 24, 2015

    This short book is a good sample of Mr. Townsend's writing style. It incorporates history, war, mythology and fantasy, yet he connects you to a strong main character and he makes the immediate setting (war zones across time) come alive with lot's of specific details, including smells, sounds and feelings.
  • Whispering Woods on May 30, 2015

    This story hooked me from the start with the main character hearing drums in the woods. Every page presented a twist and a turn that kept me guessing. It includes the mysteries of an old backwoods town, a family secret, love, betrayal and horrifying violence. I'm off to read another book by K. D. Wilson.
  • Two Geraniums A Symbol of Hope on June 30, 2015

    A scary true story with a positive message. Though there is beautiful symbolism in this short story, I really appreciate the author telling this difficult story in a straight-up style. I bet this could be expanded into a full novel.
  • The Child on Aug. 04, 2015

    This short story scared and disturbed me very deeply. It is interesting how the author took something he saw on the news and turned it into a very dramatic short story. You can really feel the insanity of the woman, the anger of the policeman and how scared and shocked the men are, but mostly I feel pity for the innocent child. In the end I am still wondering why the woman did it. I guess I will never now, which is how it is with so much horrible news we see on TV. I would like to read other stories like this and I hope the author writes them.
  • The hidden power on Dec. 12, 2015

    I want to read the next installment of this story. I had no idea what it would be about, but after I started reading I thought it might be about minecraft. Enjoyed it.
  • Armed Reconnaissance on Dec. 12, 2015

    This was totally immersive and high tech crammed with futuristic aviation and light speed travel. Since I spent some time in the US Navy as a jet mechanic and love computers I got right into it. This could be filled out and expanded into a novel.
  • Introit- Black Dog on Dec. 12, 2015

    Glad I stumbled on this short with great dialog and seriously creepy characters.
  • The Multiverse Mirror on Dec. 12, 2015

    This narrative works on many levels and had me guessing all the time. The main character seems to move through time and space, almost like he's a crazy person in a cell somewhere having hallucinations, or he's an astronaut in hypersleep, or maybe he's moving from one level of consciousness to the next each time he dies. The one thing that connects it all is he's on a quest and that's the thread that pulled me through.
  • Hell ?! on Dec. 12, 2015

    This is just wacky enough to get me to read the rest.
  • Zombie's day ! on Dec. 12, 2015

    Interesting start to a new zombie series.
  • The Pirate on Feb. 10, 2016

    This sea adventure is told with beautiful poetic descriptions. The setting and a relationship between the main characters hooked me in. The author skillfully cuts from one scene to the next changing locations and moving ahead in time which kept me guessing. With allusions to a famous poem throughout (one of my favorites) the story took on a richer and deeper meaning. Thank you for sharing this story and I look foreward to reading another sea adventure by this author.
  • The Spirt of Surfing on Feb. 10, 2016

    I really like stories about young people who face personal challenges in their life and they find the answer to their problems in the ocean. It can be sailing, surfing scuba diving, fishing or messing around in boats. One thing I really like, because it relates to my person experience, is finding the answer to life's problems through sports and especially surfing. I'm giving this one 5-star for sure. I think there are many great stories out there about surfers and I really appreciate the effort the author made while writing this story.
  • Bottled on Feb. 10, 2016

    This seems like it was some kind of writing exercise to take the classic old topic "message in a bottle" and run with it. The author sets the scene, then crafts a conversation that moves in many different directions. There were a few parts where I got very interested and plot seemed to be developing, but then the narrative moved in a different direction. This has potential to be worked into a story or a novel, but as is there are only flashes of brilliance.
  • SNAFU: Everyone Has Their Demons on Feb. 10, 2016

    I'm a nut for a well-written thriller that incorporates a new twist and that is exactly what this story does. I was absolutely rivitted by the authentic narrative as the story opens. We are put in the cockpit of a WWII fighter plane over the Pacific, right in the middle of the carrier wars with Japan. The fighting is hot and deadly. At first I thought this was going to be a straight story, which would have been fine, but then the author expertly drops in the twist. I'm calling this a whole new genre: Hard Core Sea Story Science Fantasy! I just wish the author had kicked out the end of this salty sea yarn and blown it up into a complete novel . . . or even a multi-book series. Thanks, Nick Carcano! I'll be reading your other stories for sure.
  • Into The Raging Sea on Feb. 10, 2016

    If you like sea stories you will find this story is attempting to set the hook in you, to get you to read the entire novel. This is chapter one of Witch Island a novel. As a fan of all stories about sailors and ships I found this interesting, especially the flashback that takes place after the sailor falls from the rigging, but before he hits the water. This flashback technique is used in other sea stories, most memoribly by Joseph Conrad in The End of the Tether. I enjoyed it and I'll grab the sample pages of the novel and see read a few pages of that to decide if I want to continue with it. So, the author was successful in his gambit, he set the hook in me and now must reel me in.
  • The Secrets to Ebook Publishing Success on March 25, 2016

    I've actually done most of this in an attempt to sell and give away free eBooks under my pen name. I can report that some of these tactics are more useful than others. I don't think blogging or asking your friends and relatives really contributes to success. The most helpful thing I've found is to give away free short stories and novels, and if people like them they will come back and buy your other books. The golden rule is your writing has to be good.
  • Smashwords Style Guide on March 25, 2016

    I formatted my ebooks using this guide and it worked like a charm. My books made it onto SW, iBooks and B&N with no problem. Thanks Mark Coker for all your help.
  • Smashwords Book Marketing Guide on March 25, 2016

    If you want to be successful moving ebook units, do everything in this book, and then hire a shaman, a psychic, a life coach, a gypsy and tarot card reader. It's going to take all of the above plus you have to write a lot and learn to proofread and edit.
  • Basic Fiction Formatting for Smashwords in OpenOffice on March 25, 2016

    Good little resource that provides a simpler option than MS Word.
  • The Aircraft Man on April 13, 2016

    This is fun story about two kooky guys who live in the dessert in New Mexico. They have an adventure in search of UFOs. They become better friends along the way and uncover what might be a conspiracy . . . or it might be aliens. You'll have to read this story to find out.
  • The Parachute Jump on April 13, 2016

    This story is full of tension. As the professor sets out to overcome his fear of heights he takes on the most exciting and dangerous activity he can think of - skydiving. Throughout the story I was waiting for something to go wrong, and sure enough it does. I was worried the professor wouldn't make it. Read this story to find out what happens.
  • Revolution: A Hyena's Story on April 13, 2016

    This short intro hooks you into a bigger and more complex story linked on the web. So far so good. I'm reading the next installment online. I'm looking forward to what will happen next.
  • The World Has Fallen Episode 1 Travel on April 13, 2016

    Ok, I'm hooked and looking forward to the next episode.
  • Testing Ground on April 20, 2016

    This story hooked me right away with its comical sci-fi plot and characters. As I read I became more intrigued by the story which involves government experimentation with a small town's water supply. This story stands on its own but also hints heavily of future installments.
  • Relic on April 20, 2016

    A scary tale about a sad old man, perhaps the last man alive ... told in a poem.
  • HTML For Novices By Novices on April 30, 2016

    Great intro to HTML. It has helped me improve mywebsite and I will continue to use it.
  • Seeking My Fortune on May 14, 2016

    This short adventure story was awesome. I have travelled to the Philippines, so I really enjoyed the setting and characters. I also love sea adventures, so the plot hooked me right away. I got caught up in the action, and was surprised by the twist at the end. The author needs to continue this story.
  • With These Words I Give You My Heart on May 14, 2016

    A sweet story about some young people in love and talking about that spark that set it off.
  • Some Things Should Be Better Left Unknown on May 14, 2016

    This gripping sci-fi story was very believable and me hooked from the start. An old professor hooks together a bunch of equipment in a convincing way and sure enough he sees the future. But there are consequences, of course. This story, like several others by the author, could be expanded into a novel.
  • Reverse Man on May 15, 2016

    As advertised this is a nutty story that made me laugh. Well worth the few minutes it took to read it.
  • Taken In The Dark on May 15, 2016

    I don't read much erotica, but when I saw this something pricked my curiosity. The first paragraph made me curious about what would happen next and right away the scene was set for hot sex. I have to admit it was arousing to read it, I felt like I was right there in the room with the couple, I even felt like it was happening to me.
  • When We Were Friends on May 28, 2016

    To me this poem is a bittersweet tragedy of love lost in a time gone by. I enjoyed the imagery and the language and the pace.
  • Voyage To Mars on May 28, 2016

    Fun story ... made me laugh. It reminded me of Kurt Vonnegut.
  • The Less Fortunates on May 30, 2016

    I love sea adventures. This book has many of the elements of the genre including rough characters, time aboard boats at sea, depravity, fights, extreme decisions, brotherhood and loyalty. For some funny reason while reading this book, I kept think 'Pippy Longstocking meets Pulp Fiction.' Probably because of the youthful and humorous adventure combined with the criminal elements and depravity.
  • Wanderings of a Muse: An Anthology on June 01, 2016

    This anthology contains a very broad range of creative tales and musings . It includes everything from stories about King Arthur's Knights to mythology and free writing on a range of topics.
  • The Dark Soul on June 01, 2016

    This story was like an modern day Dr. Frankenstein type scientist, except he's trying to capture the soul instead of create a monster. It's told with a good bit of humor.
  • The Un-Wind on June 01, 2016

    Great collection of shocking and mysterious short stories. Each story has great dialog, conflict and interesting characters. This is a fast and satisfying read.
  • Skyjackers - Episode 1: A Proper Nuisance on June 04, 2016

    Thanks for the great new series. I love steampunk, goth, victorian and sci-fi and this lights up them all - plus great dashes of humor. I'll be grabbing and gobbling up more by this author's ebooks for sure.
  • How To Write Ebooks on June 04, 2016

    Thank you for this short and accurate book. I need all the help I can get. I was able to read this entire book while on the train to work today.
  • Hard Choice on June 04, 2016

    This book whet my appetite for zom-poc stories. I love it when an author mixes in a bit of dead-pan humor along with mayhem and gore. I'm looking forward to more books by this author.
  • Coming Correct on June 04, 2016

    Jammed with office politics and sexual tension.
  • A Box of Tissues, 2 Rolls of Toilet Paper and a Plastic Bottle of Water on June 04, 2016

    Great short thriller that kept me guessing with every paragraph. Now all I want to know is what will a happen next?
  • A Timeless Profession on June 04, 2016

    Though prim and proper on the surface this story is oozing with sexual hijinks. Begs to be expanded into a full blown novel.
  • The Wokking Dead on June 05, 2016

    This short scene is hilarious. Two ghouls go zombie on the corpses left on a Medieval battlefield and get a whole lot more than they bargain for.
  • The Wolf Pack : Power, Money, Corruption on June 05, 2016

    This is a financial thriller written in a nonfiction style. The characters are big time wheeler-dealers on the stock market, industry moguls who are extremely manipulative and corrupt. The characters fully embody the tactics in the Art of War, and they use every dirty trick Machiavelli has up his sleeve and then some. The author constantly pushes the plot along by switching between two main character's points of view. Just when you think you know that one character will win over the other, there are new tricks being played by one or the other. The way it's written you feel like you are inside the mind of the most ruthless tycoons on the planet. It reads more like a true story than fiction.
  • The Helpful Neighbor on June 05, 2016

    This was hilarious. It's begging to be expanded into a novel or a series.
  • Punch and Parry on June 05, 2016

    A solid short story that puts you on the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan with some disillusioned CIA operatives. The author very quickly sets the scene and the underlying conflict. I was wondering how the author would build conflict and wrap it up in such a short piece, but he handled it wall and delivered the goods. Like the other stories I've read by this author, this story begs to be expanded into a novel or a series.
  • The Smithsonian Objective on June 06, 2016

    This short story is set up with a series of one-two punches, setting in motion a tight plot involving ancient secrets and high tech mysteries. The plot jolts you from the Grand Canyon where a team attempts to explore an ancient cave and assassin-like bad guys block their way, to the secret depths of the Smithsonian where a team of spooks uncovers ancient secrets with big implications.
  • Basic Writer's Checklist on June 06, 2016

    Thanks for this great resource. I'm always looking for tips and tricks to help me stay organized as an indie author.
  • Christopher Tynard’s Trial on June 06, 2016

    A savage trial for one of the wolf-breed, and back story on his captors. This story has me interested to read more.
  • The Pacific Northwest on June 06, 2016

    This is a silly book and great fun to show the kids on the tablet.
  • Air Shafted on June 08, 2016

    This story proceeds quickly to the climax which you can see coming but can't avoid.
  • Waiting Time on June 08, 2016

    A story of love and love lost.
  • Diner Deeds Done Dirt Cheap - an Aspie Girl in Massachusetts on June 08, 2016

    This story starts out as a slice of life, a girl goes to a diner, we learn about her family and her routines. I really enjoyed her slight OCD / Aspie habits (have some of my own - lol). It was fun enough reading but I was wondering where it was going, and then . . . it's like a spring had been compressed and it popped with a great surprise ending. Looking for more of these episodes. Also this author is prolific with many great reads here on Smashwords and Amazon.
  • The Preening Peacock - A Rosalinda Alameda Mystery on June 08, 2016

    This is a classic cozy mystery with a cheerful main character helping solve an animal mystery at the zoo. The main character is presented as underdog and put in a tough situation right away, but she has knowledge and skills and helps solve the case. Good story for all ages.
  • Cursed on June 10, 2016

    This story is full of romance and adventure. At first it is set up with the king and queen embattled at court because they are struggling to have a baby. Without an heir, the king is threatened. A long journey ensues with adventures on par with Game of Thrones. No spoilers here!
  • English Gone Wrong: We Certainly Didn't Mean That! on June 10, 2016

    A collection of funny statements in English seen on signs in foreign countries. I especially like the ones found in Japan.
  • Cosmic Justice on June 10, 2016

    I love sea stories and pretty much anything with sailors and pirates, so this story, which is basically a sea story set in outer space, was great. The way the author switches the point of view between the characters helped to build tension and kept me guessing what was going to happen.
  • Feral on June 11, 2016

    There is some world-building going on in this post Apocalypse thriller. A mother and son struggling to survive as they try to make their way from one safe place to another.
  • The Shores of Saturn on June 12, 2016

    I really enjoyed this short story. Having been in the Navy and spent time in San Diego I could really relate to the area around Imperial Beach. It's a rough area with a lot of sailors and homeless people and other rough customers. The main character is a regular guy who sympathizes with someone in need and tries to help. It reads like a slice of life, that anyone with a heart can relate to.
  • Scientific Poems: Vol1 Collection on June 12, 2016

    I'm a nerd for sci-fi so I enjoyed these poems. They are cram packed with themes and images about robots, cyborgs, nuclear war, pollution . . . and especially human emotions tangled up in technology. Another thing I liked about this collection is that it makes many comments about writing and the creative process. Mixed in with the sci-fi (and horror) we glimpse a writer at work, a writer commenting on the creative process. This is especially true in one of my favorite poems SLEEPING A STORY.
  • Strange Lady of the Woods on June 14, 2016

    I think the author is really onto something with this story about a mysterious woman encountered at a pond in the woods. I was intrigued and read every word, waiting and hoping for something new to happen in each scene. It seems as if a premise is set, a mystery is opened up and it wants to expand.
  • The Road to Abaddon on June 14, 2016

    This is an intense heartbreaking story told with a clear eye on some very difficult topics. I like the way the author just told it straight up, and painted a few scenes with minor details to give it color. With each scene I was wondering how it was going to end and then . . . in the end it was shocking.
  • Waste: a short collection on June 19, 2016

    Three stories that crackle with originality. The first was the best. I was hooked from the beginning and really enjoyed the positive energy (especially with all the hostility and bullying theses days) this story goes in the opposite direction (a good direction). The second story was just funny, dropping into the world of the totally unrepentant nerd. The third story, presented as dark and creepy, delivers on it's promise, startled me once it got going, but seemed to want to expand into something longer with greater character development.
  • The Ladder Trees of New Hawaii on June 19, 2016

    There is a unique and interesting bit of sci-fi world building going on in this story. It held my attention throughout as the plot thickened. The story is about a big time real estate developer encountering a variety of problems with a new and dangerous 'species' on another planet. Some parts were quite vivid with conflict and mystery, while other parts seemed as if the author might still be working out the plot lines. Definitely worth a read and hope the author continues developing this alien environment.
  • The Observer on June 21, 2016

    This author has the skill to bend storylines that seem totally unrelated into a plot that grips you from beginning to end.
  • Ten Dollars On The Nose on June 25, 2016

    This is a good story about an original character. It kept me interested and the ending was particularly funny.
  • Paradise Road on June 25, 2016

    This story had a gripping plot and a few twists that kept me guessing. There were parts that were gross and scary and kind of freaked me out.
  • For Locals Only on June 26, 2016

    This story combines all my favorite elements (sea story, sci-fi, crime and humor). The author handles the material well and puts the reader on the back of a 'lab-grown' shark, wearing adaptive gills all while patrolling gang 'turf' off the coast. When drug smugglers show up, the conflict begins. More, please, more!
  • The Dopple-Bot Corporation on June 26, 2016

    This quick sci-fi story shows what happens when you let an artificial intelligence twin into your life for even a few hours. The author took the story into a few mind-bending directions such as putting your personality into a robot, observing yourself, having to face the truth about yourself -- all happening no matter how uncomfortable it is. This story also contemplates the effects on young people who spend so many hours spent on social media.
  • Sacrifices on June 26, 2016

    I really enjoyed this story. It was so mysterious and edgy. Everything was revealed through action and dialog and little details. The entire time I was wondering what was going to happen next, where was she going, who was she going to see, what would she do when she got there? I've read a lot of stories on Smashwords, and this is one of the better ones.
  • Everything Pans Out In The End on June 26, 2016

    Now I'm hooked by this intro to a longer story that resides on WattPad, so off I go to finish reading it over there. The story opens with a young lady working on her PhD, then quickly goes into some of the deepest philosophical questions faced by humanity. Even though it's heavy, it's all in the context of a few chicks hanging out eating dinner watching TV with the sound off. I just want to know where it's going next.
  • Synchronicity on June 27, 2016

    I enjoyed this clever and eclectic story about two people (a widower and a lesbian thespian) who strike up a friendship under interesting circumstances. The author uses humor and works in many catchy details about dogs and birds to keep the story going. I'll be reading more of these stories.
  • The Power of a Hot Spring on June 30, 2016

    A touching coming of age flash fiction about a young lady. She is excited, confused and shy (but determined) to overcome her fear and get started on a relationship.
  • Diane on July 03, 2016

    A flash fiction about a young woman who discovers her special powers.
  • Is It Really So Bad? on July 03, 2016

    A self-help expert skiis off a cliff. In the seconds before he might die, he decides if he truly believes his own rhetoric. Very original and quite humorous.
  • Al-Qaeda as a Business on July 09, 2016

    This fascinating and short book is very well researched and well written, complete with pictures, maps, informative captions and links to sources. Anyone interested in GeoPolitics would do well to read these books by Iakovos Alhadeff. Thanks
  • The Mayhem on July 09, 2016

    This very short reflection on our times shows an thoughtful person grappling with current events. It also shows that the author is trying to make sense of a world that does not make sense. Ultimately there will be a reckoning.
  • Why YA? (And What Is It, Anyway?) on July 09, 2016

    What a great book. Thanks for writing this. I really enjoyed reading about how the Young Adult fiction market has grown and the books that have been major milestones along the way. I've read so many of these books mentioned over the years and have a degree in English Education and Language Arts, so I know some of this but have never seen all this great information put together in one place and told like this. I also appreciated the author's tale of how he got started and continues to write YA Lit himself. As an author myself I can totally relate to the ups and downs in this writer's story. Mixing the history of the genre and his own story together really shows the genuine passion the author has for story telling and the publishing business.
  • Death of the Sun on July 09, 2016

    This book kept me going by shooting off into different directions and then kept bringing the story back through random connections. As the story goes on the author continues putting the main characters into odd and funny situations using sarcasm, black humor and irony with a host of curious characters. We run into long lost relatives at the grocery store, the wife's friend tells a story that comes full circle back to the author, his drunken Dad is a sort-of priest in the church of Randomness, a girl glances with empathy at a man walking in the snow without proper footwear, and should we worry about the sun burning out . . . these are all random things that come together in the end. With concise and accurate visuals mixed with snappy dialog, the author manages to link seemingly random events into an elegant story.
  • Salad: 25 Delicious Salad Recipes Cookbook on July 09, 2016

    I am going to keep this great little book on my phone and use it when I go grocery shopping so I can make sure I get all the ingredients for some awesome salads. Thank you and I look forward to more free cookbooks.
  • Salad: 25 Delicious Salad Recipes on July 09, 2016

    I am going to keep this great little book on my phone and use it when I go grocery shopping so I can make sure I get all the ingredients for some awesome salads. Thank you and I look forward to more free cookbooks.
  • 5 Ingredient Recipes on July 09, 2016

    Thanks for the great recipe book. I love the simple 5-ingredient recipes. I'll be making these meals for the family for sure.
  • Chocolate recipes! on July 09, 2016

    My wife is lusty for chocolate and she is going to really love me when I start turning her on with these excellent new chocolate treats.
  • 30 Minute Meals: Quick and Easy Recipes on July 09, 2016

    I just found this author here on Smashwords and I grabbed several of these excellent cook books. I'm going to keep them on my eReader and when I go grocery shopping I can be sure to pick up all the right ingredients to make meals for my three teen-age kids. I thank you and my kids will be thanking me for making these great meals.
  • The Battle for Bikini Bottom on July 10, 2016

    As a lover of sea stories, Sponge Bob has always been one of my favorites.
  • Inferno on July 12, 2016

    I was intrigued from start and wondering what was happening exactly. Is it time travel, inter-dimensional, or something else, I wondered as I read this flash fiction. Great language, shifting point of view, and it becomes clear what is happening in the last moments of the story. Quite original.
  • The City Smells Like Death on July 12, 2016

    This tale of horror introduces a sinister plot. The author tells it quickly and with chilling reality. I was drawn in by the telling of this scary tale with short quick paragraphs. This seems like it's only the first in a series. I'm waiting for the next installment.
  • The House of the Hooks on July 12, 2016

    This author writes seriously trippy horror tales like nothing I've read before. He just tells it straight, drives the plot forward, and almost every sentence is creepy and scary pushing the level of weirdness with every word. There are scenes that many authors would take a page to set, but this author does it in one or two quick descriptions. Great stuff.
  • Many Boats on the Night Ocean on July 12, 2016

    I am an absolute nut for sea stories. They are what I read most and sea stories is all I write. The thing I like about this sea story in particular is that it pushes the genre. I have a lot of respect for the genre because it's been around since the Bible and after that Homer, who was a sailor. There are not many authors who attempt the sea story because most readers can't relate to ships and sea voyages. But this author jumps right in (no pun intended, lulz). And it's not a straight story, there are magical elements both in the plot and in the narration. This story starts on a cruise ship and with a simple shocking event two characters are in a terrible situation. At first I kept trying to reread and track on exactly what was happening, but realized that was not necessary. I just went with it. There's a larger poetic flow to this story that I really enjoyed. The author's playful use of language made me want to continue reading along. We follow along with the stories about other sailors, fisherman, Vikings on other ships, in other times, but all the while there are signs that we are still with the same two characters we were with at the beginning. What more can I say, I liked it.
  • Bullfighter on July 12, 2016

    This is great flash fiction. I read it twice. In a quick page and a half the author has you running with the bulls, with a guy who really . . . really needs to run with the bulls . . . they way most all of us guys, at one time in boring fucking lives need to . . . run with the bulls.
  • The Lucky Jim on July 12, 2016

    These stories are great. I wonder why Garlington hasn't published a new one in two years. Huh?
  • Contractor Nonsense and Do It Yourself Madness on July 12, 2016

    Makes you feel like you are right there in the story due to the well placed small details and the steady narrative drive. Lighthearted and humorous yet insightful on human nature.
  • The Edicts Of Edom on July 13, 2016

    I don't know if the author made this up or copied it out of the Bible, but it reads like Old Testament scripture.
  • The Intangible Frustration on July 13, 2016

    This book presents one person's deep analysis of their existence, with insights into economics, information, advertising and how they fit into it all. The central idea that everything cracks and breaks down over time, made me think of entropy a doctrine of inevitable social decline and degeneration) many time while reading.
  • 'A Story Untold' on July 16, 2016

    This was a fun sci-fi read with snappy dialog. I was riding along with the characters the whole time as they went from a grassy field and took a ride across outer space.
  • 'Celebration of Fury' on July 16, 2016

    Vivid images, a bit violent but always thought provoking. Also, wonderful rhyme scheme throughout.
  • 'Neve Uncovers the Ultimate Truth of All Things' on July 16, 2016

    I liked this because it was all about escaping into books and reading. Even though life is full of ups and downs, reading is like therapy. Another thing about books and stories, no matter how intimidating they may seem, all you have to do is read one page after another, like climbing a mountain and gradually, steadily you get to the summit.
  • Block-Busters! 36 Exercises to Break Your Creative Blocks on July 16, 2016

    Thanks for these creative stretch exercises. In this book there is a good balance of mind, body and spiritual stretching exercise for your creative soul.
  • Eliminate the National Debt on July 16, 2016

    I'm not an accountant or an economist, so I've never read much about the national debt. I always through of it as something I couldn't comprehend, but this books breaks it down to simple terms that I could easily understand. I guess there are some radical concepts in this book, and I hope the author has some luck and getting his views into the main stream media.
  • Paleo diet A quick beginner guide on July 16, 2016

    I have been hearing about the Paleo diet all over the place for the past few years, but I had no idea what it is. This books spells it out in easy to understand terms. Now I'm interested and will be making better choices at the grocery store. Thank you.
  • An Amoral Dilemma on July 16, 2016

    This flash fiction set up the characters and the scene right away. The plot took it's shape in the form of a tense yet brief conversation. A question . . . an answer . . . and then destiny. The only question remaining is for the reader . . . who was that man in the white suit?
  • Framed on July 16, 2016

    An extremely tense situation in this flash fiction that takes all of one page to be resolved. From the first words to the last, I read quickly because I had to know what was going to happen.
  • FEAR / Elements Of Relationship on July 16, 2016

    Interesting insights are brought out as the author describes how the emotion of fear plays into personal relationships. At first I was wondering how the author was going to relate the two topics, but as I read I saw many connections to my own life. Very interesting.
  • LUST / Elements Of Relationship on July 16, 2016

    The author presents a basic approach to relationships, then he defines lust in terms that are plain and simple. Finally, there are examples of how people think and talk about lust in real life. In the end, I enjoyed the treatment and learned a few things.
  • Breakfast: Delicious Breakfast Recipe Cookbook on July 16, 2016

    I now have this great cook book on my Kindle and I will use it when I go to the grocery store. It's awesome because I do love breakfast, and I have to feed three teenagers. No more boring toast or cereal with milk. With this cook book, I can now make all kinds of interesting meals for breakfast. Thank you.
  • Little John Lou and the Mariner's Bow on July 16, 2016

    I love sea stories, and have shelves lined with every sailing tale and nautical novel I can find. When I saw this little book, I was excited for several reasons. First of all any author who writes nautical lit, it ok with me. Second, I saw the connection with the Rime of the Ancient Mariner, and I just knew this was going to be a good read. I'm happy to say that the rhyme scheme in this story holds up from beginning to end. One fine image after another flickered off the page and into my imagination, scenes of houses washing away, ships trapped in ice, ghost sailors and so many others. This was a great story and a great bit of poetry. Please send me an email when you publish something new. malcolmtorres1@gmail.com Thank you.
  • Soul Searcher on July 16, 2016

    Like the description says, this is the story of man who loses his wife. The story is told in a deep and moody tone with some descriptive language, poetic and insightful. Seems like a start at creating a fictional world where a larger story will take place.
  • What to do when your bored? on July 16, 2016

    A good book with many common sense ideas on what to do when you are bored. One suggestion is to fix the title: It should be "What to do when you're bored" not "What to do when your bored."
  • Refuge on July 17, 2016

    This is another of this author's flash fictions. It puts you in an insanely intense situation, a matter of life or death for the characters. Decisions must be made, and there's no going back, no looking back. And then . . . a crazy twist ending.
  • Breakfast Cookbook: Awesome Breakfast Ideas And Breakfast Recipes on July 17, 2016

    My kids always like to have a special breakfast, and now with this great new cookbook I have a lot of new ideas. I'll put this on my phone and break it out when I'm at the grocery store so I make sure I get all the right ingredients for these tasty dishes.
  • Bodacious Success: Funding My Kickstarter Novel Project on July 18, 2016

    I have considered doing a kickstarter for a novel but wasn't sure if it had been or done or if it would work. This book does a solid job of laying the groundwork and now I'm considering a kickstarter for my next novel. Thanks
  • Lost Sunshine on July 18, 2016

    This book contains some of the most hard hitting angst and self-loathing I've ever read. It is brimming over with artistry that examines the broken and sad internal life of who? The author? The main character? Me, you, us? Humanity? Who? I don't know. What I do know is that I read this entire book of poems from beginning to end in one sitting. Every poem contained feelings that jumped out at me. I quickly noticed that the author does not reflect much on the external world. By this I mean there are practically no references to society, schools, government, family, friends, travel, games, sports, etc. There were only a couple references to "consumerism" and "money." But other than those, the author keeps the poems focused on moods and emotions, the inner human condition. And yet it's weird that the titles of many of the poems are named after months of the year and include some tie ins to nature. Some of my favorite lines with my thoughts: Black Heart: "No glue can piece together the remnants of a broken soul The ashes scattered away in the wind" (this idea of trying to use glue to hold ashes together - so sad and impossible) Hell Arrived Yesterday (I foung this gutwrenching!) "Internal degradation External desecration Fictitious parasites eating away the insides The tormented spirit has no vice to numb It screams out Doing the only thing it knows how to do Hiding a world's worth of pain in plain sight" June (This poem is the first sign of hope, and interestingly hope exists in nature, like rain and sunshine) UnHappy People: (There is a reoccuring theme of two people coming together by mistake, without purpose, and yet in this poem it says . . .) "Secret signs point to a telepathic bond " (This is another tiny glimmer of hope after so many dark and sad moods). September: "When one lives to feel the agony of now" (this line just hit me right in the heart, so dark and beautiful . . . 'the agony of now' wow!) Soul Amelioration : (contains another glimmer of hope) "No one suffers alone But it can be difficult to let others in And try to talk about the pain inside." One Giant Metaphor: "life is like a quilt" (this seemed extremely optimistic compared to so many dark and painful emotions and images) Seasonal Destruction (again the theme that all is lost not just internally within the mind/moods, but externally in the world). For all the external chaos For all the internal anarchy Crossroads (the final poem has a sense of reality, not good or bad, just reality) "Good or bad, it has to be done Because life never stands still And it's a long, hard road to the end" Great poetry, looking forward to more!
  • Smoothies: Smoothies For Beginners Smoothies Recipe Book on July 19, 2016

    Thank you for this wonderful book full of smoothie recipes. I just got a new blender and I have been looking for some fresh and exciting new smoothie concoctions to make.
  • A Summary of the Wars of the 21st Century on July 19, 2016

    This was a quick read and very interesting and informative. The author presents short descriptions of the major wars since 2000, and explains the interests of the major players with details about the economic and political implications. Also includes links and pictures that make it easy to understand. It's frightening because in some ways we are on the verge of WWIII.
  • Compilation - A Final Source Of Veneration on July 19, 2016

    This book contains a wonderful rhyming poem. It calls out for us to have a new outlook on life, to cast off doubt and connect with others. The message is optimistic and compels the reader to free their spirit.
  • Downtown Hattiesburg, MS 30 April 2009 on July 19, 2016

    Wow. Nice little book with selected early morning pictures. Artistically done. I really like the way the author captured the early morning scenes. No cars on the streets, no pedestrians, a beautiful light in the air.
  • Priručnik iz preduzetništva on July 21, 2016

    Ova knjiga je dobra , sviđa mi se . Hvala ti prijatelju.
  • 'Til Death... Well Maybe on July 22, 2016

    In this short piece I was wondering what was going on with the main character. A medical condition, mental disorder, horrible loss? The truth is some combination of these and more. This story seems it's just a taste of something more.
  • Walk on Water on July 22, 2016

    This is a memoir of the life of a man who has lived to surf at the most amazing beaches across the Pacific Ocean. Deep in the surfer lifestyle this story about several characters bounces between the most popular surf locations in California, Hawaii, the South Pacific and Indian Ocean. We are taken inside the life, where we hang out at beaches and luaus with surfing champs and beach bums. We learn about surfboard technology and style. We learn about a hundred ways to describe a wave, how to ride them and the many different ways they break on beaches and reefs. While reading there were many times that I felt I was experiencing a life that I've had only a slight taste of at various times. What was it liked to grow up on the golden coast of California, to live on the spectacular islands of Hawaii, to spend countless hours surfing? I did live in California briefly, travel to Hawaii and Australia for a few weeks. I surfed on Oahu's north shore a couple times. So I've had a taste of this life, but just a taste. However, this book really opens up 'the life' and takes you inside.
  • Whisky Tango Foxtrot...Copy? on July 22, 2016

    This book is part adventure thriller, part memoir, part history. It was fun to read because I love sea stories and my life intersects with some of the locations and scenes in this story. My favorite parts are when the author describes nautical technology like how systems and gear aboard ships works. I also like the pace of the action, with disasters at sea, love affairs, being shipped off suddenly to exotic and dangerous locations.
  • Downtown Hattiesburg, MS -- Cityscapes May 2009 on July 23, 2016

    Nice pictures showing the old and the new. It's interesting how much the utility poles and wires dominate our view these days. I like the old buildings the best, they seem to have the most character.
  • The Dreamers part 1 on July 24, 2016

    Max has some strange dreams. Now I'm wondering what will happen next.
  • 52 Sinful Sensations on July 29, 2016

    Intense, descriptive and well written short bursts of erotica. The author uses vivid language and deep sensations to describe 52 encounters with the many women in his life. One thing that jumps out at me is how classy these pieces are. In summary, more poetry than porno.
  • "Ghost On the High Seas" on Aug. 13, 2016

    Sea stories with sailors, ships and ghosts are my favorite, so 5-stars for this one. I really felt like I was there on the olde sailing ship with the captain and crew. This author is just tapping into something that could be expanded into a collection of stories or a novel.
  • "Mandolins Song" on Aug. 13, 2016

    Cool poem, could really feel the breezy night and hear the music and see the statues dancing.
  • A Small Story on Love and Death on Aug. 13, 2016

    Interesting quick read.
  • Undead Underway (Undead in Blue #1) on Aug. 14, 2016

    I love sea stories, especially those with a twist so naturally I enjoyed this short novel. These days with thousands of mystery - romance - thrillers being published, we need stories that are new and different, and this story, Undead Underway, hits a home run with regards to originality. The plot, setting, characters and the dialog are all new and exciting. What could be more intense (and sometimes funny) than being trapped with something sinister aboard a submarine deep below the North Atlantic? As a writer of sea stories and nautical novels myself, I've toyed around with similar ideas. I'm fascinated by the possibilities of a zombie or vampire outbreak aboard a ship at sea. The entire genre of sea stories is totally neglected these days, but it's also ripe for new ideas, especially a plot with a paranormal twist. Reading this book, Undead Underway by author Brenna Lyons' is a major inspiration to me. Her handling of the plot and characters (especially the gripping mix of deadly terror and comic relief) has inspired me to continue working on my own novel as I anxiously await the next installment in this series -- Undead in Blue. I'll be sharing the link to this book out to some of the Seafarer groups where I know many old salts who enjoy a good sea yarn. Truly Original! Thanks, Shipmate.
  • We Were Soap on Sep. 12, 2016

    I was hooked by the title of this short horror story. It has a simmering build up to the action and a chilling scary climax. This story stands alone but it also establishes characters and plot that could be expanded.
  • Tiki Man on Sep. 12, 2016

    Horror stories about kids always freak me out. Kids have so much innocence blended with their potential for raw evil. The author uses a good bit of snappy dialog and mildly creepy situations to spin this tale.
  • In The Dark And The Deep - Steve Vernon's Sea Tales Book #1 on Sep. 12, 2016

    I'm just a complete nut for sea stories and really enjoyed this one. Corvettes, u-boats, WWII on the Atlantic, sub hunting and a good bit of superstitious sailors.
  • Unfollowed on Sep. 12, 2016

    I've seen this done before but this particular time it works well. The author really punches up the creepy stalker factor in this flash fiction.
  • Newcomer: Chapter 1- A Serial Flash Fiction Novel on Sep. 24, 2016

    This is freaky and dreamlike. Makes we wonder what is going on. Is she captures by aliens, in a coma, is this an alternate reality? More questions than answers at this point. Looking forward to the next installment.
  • Dads In Short Shorts on Sep. 24, 2016

    This little ebook of three flash fictions was well worth the read. The first and third tale were funny and made me think the author was kind of channeling Woody Allen. The absurd yet matter-of-fact humor is what really shined through. The second story, I happily discovered was a 'weird sea story' which I really enjoy. I'm a total nut for sea stories, especially those with a weird twist involving ghosts, sci-fi technology, aliens, insane captains, etc. The second story has lots of potential to be expanded into a more complex tale.
  • The Depths and other tales of Intrigue on Sep. 24, 2016

    The first story reminded me of Lovecraft with the use of language, and a proper gentleman narrator telling a tale of adventure and horror. I especially like stories about the sea, involving monsters, ghosts, unexplained phenomena and high tech plot twists. The first story had it all. The next story was plain all the way through but had sick twist that scared the poop out of me at the end. The third story really got under my skin the way the dialog was written, I could really feel the main character's frustration.
  • The Feels on Sep. 24, 2016

    I like sea stories so the first one in the little collection was great. Any time a story includes some mystery involving the sea, I like it. The second story was a great mystery with well-written dialog.
  • Working Titles For A Tired, Mad,Writer on Sep. 25, 2016

    I really enjoyed the gritty edge in this story. From the first sentence to the last, I felt like I was there. I could smell the deep bowels of the old prison. When the execution went down ... I was shocked.
  • Hymn of Faith on Sep. 26, 2016

    I really liked this story. It has elements of steam punk, sci-fi and fantasy. The plot uses the old story of Moses from the Bible but projects that tale into an alternate reality. Another reason I enjoyed this story is because I like anything that has to do with nautical fiction with a twist especially mermaids, ghosts, seafaring traditions, military sci-fi and alternitive reality. The story takes place over many years, but the author keep the plot moving right along.
  • Something New on Sep. 26, 2016

    This teaser pricked my curiosity. Now I want to know more about the settings and the characters.
  • Non-stop To Nowhere on Oct. 01, 2016

    As a writer myself I found this story inspirational. I learned a few things from the way the writer quickly sets the scene with a few visual details and smooth dialog. The overall structure created a freaky sensation when one scene echoed and magnified the previous scene.
  • Time Travel Police Corruption on Oct. 08, 2016

    This short time travel story is excellent. It starts quick, hooked me immediately, included just enough flashbacks and flash forewards, and an exciting climax. I'm impressed with the author's ability to include as many characters and action scenes, yet tell it smoothly without confusing the reader. I think the use of numerous small vivid details really held the story together. This tale fully stands on its own plus it includes a good bit of world-building in which more stories (novels even) could easily take place. 5-Stars 4 Sure!
  • 2180, A Future Reborn on Oct. 09, 2016

    I most enjoyed the sea story elements of this story, plus the futuristic plot. The author shows great versatility in story telling and character development.
  • Life Sentence on Oct. 09, 2016

    This is really a beautiful poem. Interesting that the author calls it 'a love poem' because I felt that while reading, there is a great amount of love expressed. Also, I saw quite a bit in this poem about the creative process, the loss of innocence as we grow older, the price we pay for holding onto our youth. The multiple layers of meaning in this poem made it very enjoyable to read and reflect upon. Thank you for sharing.
  • A life with no Light and Other Stories on Oct. 09, 2016

    I liked these horror / sci-fi stories because the author just tells it, and keeps the stories moving forward. Each story opens with a character in a specific situation, and they made me want to know what would happen next. Action and mystery (and horror) ensued. Yet there was a sense of hope at the end of each story.
  • A Singular Captain on Oct. 09, 2016

    An amazing and quite comprehensive sea story. I have been dipping into this tome on my iPad since I first downloaded it a couple years ago. It's very impressive that the author did all this work to research and write this book. The accounting of Magellan's expedition is meticulous and engaging. It always amazes me the grip that royalty and the church had on society through dogma and ruthless power. Equally amazing is what a huge impact nautical explorations had on shifting that power to businessmen and scientists (of which sailors have been both for centuries).
  • Embedded@Trafalgar with Nelson's Navy on Oct. 09, 2016

    I've been reading this book on and off for many months. It's part comedy, part history, part time-travel, part journalism (and my favorite) mostly a great sea story. I respect the author's determination to the craft of writing, constantly pushing ahead with the story and all the while incorporating ways to keep in lively.
  • By Fickle Winds Blown on Oct. 09, 2016

    My grandmother was put on a ship in the early 1900s in Cork Ireland, so I read it with quite a bit of curiosity. I always wondered why her family sent her off, and this story shed some light on her story. Also, I was in the Navy and traveled to sea many time aboard an aircraft carrier. For these reasons, this story was special to me. I have Irish ancestors and I love sea stories.
  • Pirates of the Poesasian on Oct. 09, 2016

    This author is prolific and writes on a huge canvas with so many tales of fantasy and wonder. However, I am a complete nut for sea stories so it was easy for me to pick this title from the many he has written. It's always amazing to me when a writer paints a picture with colorful language and specific details and the tale becomes totally immersive. That is what the author has achieved in this novel. I was completely caught up in the story, following the main character from one adventure to the next.
  • Bloody Rain - Murder, Madness & the Monsoon on Oct. 09, 2016

    I love sea stories and especially stories like this that accurately portray real sailors and the rough experiences they live through. Having served in the US Navy, I experienced first hand the life of a sailor at sea. Even though this story is set many years ago, in the age of sail, life aboard ship has not chanced that much. The ship's captain is still Godlike in his power over the crew, and a flawed captain can have a terrible impact on the voyage.
  • On the Edge of Darkness on Oct. 09, 2016

    Really enjoyed this authentic tale of WWII British Marines and the tactics they employed. This is a hard core Navy story told by someone who knows what he's talking about.
  • Worst Case Scenario on Oct. 09, 2016

    There's a lot of raw energy and true to life angst in this short story. As I read each sentence it surprised how it captured the intimate details of one woman's life. Seems like there are a lot of young people feeling this way and living this way.
  • Write Your First Novel:Make Your Writing Easy and Become a Successful Author on Oct. 12, 2016

    I have published 2 novels and a collection of short stories so I am always looking for writing tip and tricks. This short book has many great tactics and tools that I can use now on my current novel in progress. Thank you www.malcolmtorres.com
  • Haiku & Selected Poems Volume III on Oct. 15, 2016

    A nice book of haiku and poems.
  • A Taste Of My Thoughts Movie Deja Vu on Oct. 15, 2016

    Creative tale about a trip to the discount store makes a statement about society entertainment. A fun read for sure.
  • The Beast Of Renshaw on Oct. 15, 2016

    Read this scary story and really enjoyed it. The author writes with immediate-intensity. Every scene was jammed with fear and action.
  • Earning Perceptioon on Nov. 05, 2016

    Inspirational!
  • Just Breathe on Nov. 06, 2016

    Enjoyed this quirky collection of inspired shorts. Full of insightful slices of life, moments that caught my attention, the things that make memorable moments.
  • Crushed Violets on Nov. 06, 2016

    Themes of inner peace throughout these vivid poems give strength to anyone overcoming adversity.
  • Whales, giants of the ocean on Nov. 25, 2016

    Thank you for another awesome animal book. I wish we could do more to save the whales.
  • Tigers on Nov. 25, 2016

    I love tigers.
  • Elite Beach - Meet Lexi on Dec. 04, 2016

    Really enjoyed this sexy fun and quick read. Pricked my curiosity and makes me want to read the rest of the series.
  • Revelation on Dec. 04, 2016

    I enjoyed this poems. They are deep and serious in nature. The images and ideas really made me think about life and love, God and existence.
  • Me Was Da Bad Guy on Dec. 17, 2016

    Creepy but good narration. This tale kept me reading because I wanted to find out what happened. The ending was a good surprise.
  • Secret of the Moonlight on Dec. 17, 2016

    I enjoyed this story, especially the solid use of the three act structure.
  • 100 Haiku on Jan. 28, 2017

    The thing about Haiku is it has so much packed into 3 short lines. Many of these are very elegant and they spark your thoughts to fly off in many directions. My favorite is this one because I love Sea Stories: be dry or barren, be a pond or an ocean, it starts from a drop I will give this a shout out in the Google+ author groups! Thank You, Prakash Hegade
  • Innocence Lost and Other Stories on Jan. 28, 2017

    Three flash fictions. I liked the first one the best because i'm a total nut for sea stories and esp weird stuff that happens aboard ship and involves sailors. Thanks for sharing
  • Indestructible & Other Poems on Jan. 29, 2017

    Every poem in this collection paints a picture of life's hardships, some great some trivial, and every poem provides inspiration to go on with life. Some poems deal with relationships gone bad, other with success and failure, but each poem points to the way forward. The author is full of positive energy, a good soul and an eternal sense of optimism.
  • A Concise History of Computers, Smartphones and the Internet on Feb. 12, 2017

    I just found this new book here on SW and grabbed it immediately. I skimmed through and read many sections in depth and found it very interesting. As an author who includes high tech into some of my stories, this resource on the history of modern technology will be very useful. Thanks, Ernie for taking the time to write up this interesting history with many pictures included.
  • The Eilean Mor Mystery on Feb. 12, 2017

    I just happened to find this newly-published short story for free today on Smashwords. As an author of sea stories including crime and horror, this book immediately caught my eye. Set on remote island it centers around the disappearance of three light house keepers and the secrets behind the story. I enjoyed the creepy scenes, the build up of tension, the hooks placed in the secret journal. The was pretty cool, as I was picking up hints along the way.
  • Once Upon A Misty Sea on Feb. 12, 2017

    I'm a nut for sea stories so I grabbed this one for my tablet . . . and finally go around to reading it. The story of an old many taking a list journey to a cottage he shared with his wife for many years before she died. It turns into a mystical journey with many memories of a life full of good times and bad. A reckoning and a surrender.
  • Nuked on March 12, 2017

    This story pretty much nailed it for me right up until the end. The writer tells a story of his tough dad who was a US Marine and subject to a nuclear detonation experiment in the Nevada desert. The sentiments under the tough exterior really made the dad seem genuine and the kind of guy you would much respect. The feelings the son has for the Dad are all between the lines which is the sign of a mature writer. I think the author was trying to expand the story towards the end when he introduced the grandfather and some letters that were written. The end of the story seems to want to take the tale in a new direction, wants to expand the tale beyond the nuke experiment.
  • Junky Requiem on March 12, 2017

    A very short story that quickly takes the reader along for a few minutes during the afternoon of a Miami junky's gritty life. The step by step detail lends authenticity making it feel real. The narrator's rich vocabulary conveys a sense of humor about being an intelligent person who has thrown their life away on drugs. At the end, their is an intense few moments when the character feels the ecstasy of the drug kicking in but at the same time she argues and tries to convince herself how much she enjoys it. In the end the story is an intense battle in the junky's mind between how happy and how sad they really are. It's a summary of junky logic . . . the high does, once again, is a lie.
  • Write Good or Die on March 23, 2017

    I really enjoyed this book. As an indie author with several novels and short stories out there on all the eBook sites, I found this book full of good advice and inspiration. Some of it I've read in other places and some it was new and original. Always good for an author to hear war stories and tricks of the trade from fellow authors. Thank you for this excellent compilation. www.malcolmtorres.com
  • Mobius on March 29, 2017

    This story has all the right pieces to add up to a distopian thriller. It's fast paced, intense and full of surprises.
  • Tales from Obscurity on March 30, 2017

    This author has a natural playful talent. The stories all had elements of the supernatural or paranormal but in a fun and creative way. The car with a personality, the butterfly girl, the cheating couple, the dedicated servant are each different tales yet each contain good dialog, descriptive bits that put you in the scene and a hook/plot that pulls you through. I'll be looking forward to this authors future work.
  • Inside Office 108 on March 30, 2017

    This might be a true story disguised as fiction, especially the way the facts are laid out so clearly from beginning to end, and the slip with the last sentence. Makes me wonder. The author just sets it up, gives just enough background so we understand who the characters are and what they are dealing with. What an embarrassing situation.
  • Russian Roulette on March 30, 2017

    I have read hundreds, maybe even thousands, of indie books on Smashwords. I am very gracious with giving positive reviews, but in this case, this short story really is a wonderful read. I liked a lot of things about it. The quick pace, the minimal scenery, authentic dialog, the edgy characters, the little stories inside the story. Good sleight of hand on the part of the narrator.
  • Like Lambs on April 08, 2017

    A slice of a story that contains brutal science fiction and a lick of humor. Makes me want to read more or at least find out what happened before . . . and will happen to the main character next.
  • Slave Ship of Space on April 10, 2017

    Kinky scifi with political intrigue. It is amazing that this well-writen story has been here on SW for so long without any reviews. I will be reading more of this series for sure.
  • Poems on July 22, 2017

    Nice book of poems, I especially like the many references to the ocean and the sea. Beautiful use of images throughout, very visual.
  • Deep State Tyranny on Jan. 07, 2018

    Wow this article talks about some social and political movements that I had not heard about much about. Occasionally I see a mention of the Deep State on the news or online, but I had not ever read about what it really is. Now I'm interested in finding out more and will go out and read some other sources.
  • Sea Shy on Jan. 07, 2018

    I love sea stories of all sorts, so I jumped in and read this even though it's a children's book. The artwork and the story are great, very vivid and even funny. I chuckled many times. I'm sending the link to this story to my brothers and sisters so they can read this to their kids. Thanks Jack Veda
  • The Inheritance! The Final Book of the Luke Mitchner Series Part One on Jan. 07, 2018

    This story is outrageous and wild with amazing characters and a plot that keep hopping around from one exotic location to the next. If you like messing about in boats, I highly recommend this. My only suggestion is to change the titles of this book and the others in the series. It's not easy to figure out which book is part 1 and which is part 2.
  • The Inheritance! Part Two, The Final Book of the Luke Mitchner Series on Jan. 07, 2018

    I love sea stories. I have had this one on my phone for the past couple months and have been dipping in and reading a few chapters here and there. This author has a wild and very original imagination. He introduces several unique characters all of whom are right at home on boats and ships.
  • The Odd Fellow: A Mystery on Jan. 07, 2018

    This is a well paced and nicely narrated story. Once I started reading I could not put it down and read it all the way through to the end in one sitting. The contrast between the well mannered and humorous narrator / main character and the sordid details of the plot, the crime and the bad guy (the odd fellow) created quite a bit of tension. The French and the Catholic themes resonate with me, and I really liked the setting and the time period as well. This is a classic "olde tyme" crime thriller that I believe anyone who enjoys reading will relish. This great story is a rare gem here on Smashwords.
  • The Drifter on Jan. 07, 2018

    Reminded me of the Jack Reacher stories the way a drifter comes into town and gets involved in solving a crime. The characters were well drawn, especially the small town trouble-makers and the local cops. Well paced with some good twists and turns. I've grabbed all the Mitch Crowne books and look forward to reading them on my phone.
  • Kisses, Suzi: A Short Horror Story on Jan. 07, 2018

    This author is really onto something original in the fun and scary story. Joanie Chevalier combines sci-fi and romance. Using all the latest things we take for granted (phones, texting, apps, navigation) she turns a Sunday drive in the country into a trip of pure horror with dashes of humor.
  • Guide to Dreaming on Jan. 23, 2018

    I enjoyed this book. It is clearly and concisely written. It has many excellent ideas for remembering and influencing your dreams. I have already tried a few and look forward to trying the things the author talks about here. Considering the amount of time we spend sleeping I think it’s a good idea to know more about our dreams, what causes them, how they work and how to influence them.
  • Shoplifting and Other Career Paths on Feb. 12, 2018

    This author has a wonderful sense of humor. I was laughing quite a bit while reading this.
  • Revenge For the Men of the Pequod on Feb. 25, 2018

    What a brilliant idea, to write a sequel to Moby Dick. Melville's masterpiece is one of my favorites of all time, so seeing this short sequel is a real treat. The author channels the time period, the characters, the language, the seafaring narrative quite well. I felt like I was back there in the whaling days. As always I enjoy a good sea story.
  • 13 Kesalahan ini Sering dilakukan Penyelam Pemula on Feb. 25, 2018

    Saya menyalin dan menempelkan buku ini ke Google menerjemahkan dan membacanya sekitar 1000 kata sekaligus. Saya sangat menikmati cerita laut dan terutama saat mereka melakukan scuba diving dan berselancar. Banyak peringatan yang penulis sampaikan, saya tahu dari sertifikasi PADI saya, betapapun baiknya belajar dan mengulas. Terimakasih telah posting buku ini saya sangat menikmatinya. Malcolm Torres http://shipsandsailorsblog.blogspot.com
  • Caroline's Sail on Feb. 25, 2018

    I make it a point to read all the Sea Adventure tales posted here on Smashwords. My bookshelves are lined with sea stories. I enjoy nautical disasters, shipwrecks, sailing adventures, crime on the high seas, maritime yarns, Navy war stories, adventures in exotic ports of call, and romance aboard ships and boats. There's something about a story where the wind is in your hair, the sun is rising and setting, the waves are rolling the hull beneath you. This book has many of these characteristics, and that's why I enjoyed reading it. http://shipsandsailorsblog.blogspot.com
  • The War on Drugs Is a War on People on May 10, 2018

    I agree with the message in this well written first hand account of one person's involvement in the "justice" system. The War on Drugs has done some good, but it seems it has done far more harm. It makes no sense that marijuana is legal in some states but not in others. The time and money police, courts and jails spend on activities related to marijuana is a total waste. In Oregon, where I live, the state has generated millions of dollars from taxing marijuana sales and that money has contributed to schools and parks, which is a far smarter policy, especially when it come to marijuana. As far as harder drugs like opioids, the war on drugs has been a total failure. The big pharmaceutical companies are making millions by over-prescribing opioids and more people than every before are using and dying from heroine usage. Thank you to Matt Bump for sharing his story and clearly showing how the "justice" system is completely out of control.
  • Blood of my Blood (The Beginning) on May 10, 2018

    This reminded me of Vampire Lestat by Ann Rice. It was scary and funny at the same time, which is a good combo of writing style that the author pulls off with great skill.
  • More Infinity Message For/To All on Aug. 13, 2018

    I write fiction every day. It takes a tremendous amount of creative energy. After reading this book, I can tell I will be returning to read it again. It was inspirational to my creative process. I write a lot of SciFi and horror and crime, and books like this (that booste mycreative ability) are very helpful.
  • Red Dead Ten on Aug. 13, 2018

    I love military SciFi especially with horror. The Eastern European and Russian settings and characters lend these tales an extra special quality of mystery and weirdness, because I live in Oregon, US, which seems to be on another planet compared to these tales. The authors deep knowledge of history and military affairs gives these stories extra credibility for certain.
  • Fresh Beginnings on Oct. 18, 2018

    This collection includes a diverse set of stories covering sci-fi, fantasy and adventure themes with plenty of action and interesting characters. Each story is has a unique twist with some common threads, they cover video game like battles, detective stories and medieval dragons. The author's skill in writing in many areas is clearly on display.