THE MIND DRIVE: Young Adult Dystopian Adventure.
|
|
The year is 2617, and Stacey Pencrom is on her way to Space Academy!
Every year MacCollies, the corporate entity who control space travel, scour the Human planets for the best young minds; kids who will one day crew their vast space fleet. But this year is different... The members of the class have a far higher paranormal ability than ever before... it's literally off the chart! As the young students struggle through their first year, they discover secrets about the MacCollies Corporation that would rock Humanity; it seems their conglomerate benefactor is not as squeaky-clean as they'd like to make out. Eventually decisions have to be made, paths taken which were never envisaged by the young students. They would never have guessed they would change the galaxy. If you like Ender's Game and Divergent, you'll love The Mind Drive. Jump aboard for a great adventure tale... |
AVENGING STEEL... a Brand New WW2 Alternative History Series.
|
|
Edinburgh, October 1940... When Nazi troops march triumphantly along Princes Street, James Baird feels drawn to watch the parade. It’s his punishment, for at 20 years old, and a Philosophy student at Edinburgh University, he is ashamed he has done nothing in the defense of his country.
Behind him, he cannot look at the high ramparts of Edinburgh Castle, for they are festooned with garish red swastika banners. Sickened by the music and swaggering Nazis, James soon takes refuge in the Edinburgh University bar, determined to drown his sorrows before returning home. As his new role in German-controlled Edinburgh is revealed, James is determined to fight the oppressors in any way he can. When he is approached by a member of Military Intelligence (the newly formed S.O.E.), James at last finds something he can get his teeth into. But as he begins life as an undercover agent, each day brings new challenges, and increased danger. Once committed to the S.O.E., life for James Baird will never be the same again. |
In Avenging Steel, we follow his adventures as a nation struggles against the rule of Nazi jackboots, and begin to rebel against German rule. Thus begins Avenging Steel, a new WW2 Alternative History series set in the streets of Edinburgh, and the countryside of Scotland.
Available in a bundle, individually or paperback.
“Avenging Steel: The First Collection”, is the first 3 novellas in the series, all together in a bumper, budget bundle.
Includes... Avenging Steel 1: The Fall of Edinburgh
Avenging Steel 2: The Nuclear Option
Avenging Steel 3: The Final Solution
Avenging Steel 4: The Tree of Liberty
Available in a bundle, individually or paperback.
“Avenging Steel: The First Collection”, is the first 3 novellas in the series, all together in a bumper, budget bundle.
Includes... Avenging Steel 1: The Fall of Edinburgh
Avenging Steel 2: The Nuclear Option
Avenging Steel 3: The Final Solution
Avenging Steel 4: The Tree of Liberty
CHURCHILL'S SECRET ARMIES: WAR WITHOUT RULES
|
|
Was principled gentleman Winston Churchill also the master of nasty tactics? You bet he was!
Winston Churchill had done it all. In the British Army, he had fought in India and Egypt, been under fire, and returned it; he'd killed the enemy. Churchill was captured, put in a PoW camp, and escaped, surviving behind enemy lines for weeks. He'd invented tanks, floating harbors, grenade launchers; turns out Germans did the worst thing possible... they’d attacked Britain and made Churchill mad. With his back to the wall in 1940, & Nazi invasion imminent, not only did Churchill use every trick in the book… with the uncovering of new WW2 secrets, it turns out he actually wrote the book! Literally! But Churchill’s Secret Armies is not a biography of the famous leader; it is a look at the fruits of his labor, the book discloses the plethora of special forces, units, and departments, Churchill formed to “get the job done”. |
This was not a gentleman's war; this was back-to-the-wall fighting dirty, and Churchill was a master.
From the birth of the well-known British Commandos to the obscure Cichociemni (Polish Special Forces)...
From the code breakers at Bletchley Park to the men of the 712th Survey Flotilla (who surveyed the Normandy beaches)…
Churchill's Secret Armies is a page-turner for the history buff, and an absolute must-read for anyone who ‘thinks’ they know ‘all’ about World War Two.
From the birth of the well-known British Commandos to the obscure Cichociemni (Polish Special Forces)...
From the code breakers at Bletchley Park to the men of the 712th Survey Flotilla (who surveyed the Normandy beaches)…
Churchill's Secret Armies is a page-turner for the history buff, and an absolute must-read for anyone who ‘thinks’ they know ‘all’ about World War Two.
World War 2 Spy School: The Complete 1943 S.O.E. Counter Espionage Manual
Available in eBook or paperback
This is not a novel.
This is not a historical account.
This is, in fact, the actual training manual of the S.O.E in World War 2. This document was the official training manual for every allied spy and counter-espionage agent in World War 2. Written by the S.O.E. (M.I.6), it was soon picked up and used by the American OSS (the originator of the CIA). In great detail, it describes such subjects as Explosives, Fieldcraft, Cyphers, and Propoganda. Care has been taken to deliver the manual in its original style and format. The document is dated at 1943, and as far as we know is published in its entirety. At over 400 pages, it is both exhaustive and painstakingly detailed. For instance...
" 5. Searching a Prisoner, if you are armed.... Kill him first. If that is inconvenient, make him lie face to the ground, hands out in front of him. Knock him out, with rifle butt, side or butt of the pistol or with your boot. Then search him."
Nice, huh? but this was not the stuff of the Geneva Convention. This was backs-to-the-wall dirty fighting to save a country and a way of life.
A great read, superb information, and a unique insight into a dark age of history.
This is not a historical account.
This is, in fact, the actual training manual of the S.O.E in World War 2. This document was the official training manual for every allied spy and counter-espionage agent in World War 2. Written by the S.O.E. (M.I.6), it was soon picked up and used by the American OSS (the originator of the CIA). In great detail, it describes such subjects as Explosives, Fieldcraft, Cyphers, and Propoganda. Care has been taken to deliver the manual in its original style and format. The document is dated at 1943, and as far as we know is published in its entirety. At over 400 pages, it is both exhaustive and painstakingly detailed. For instance...
" 5. Searching a Prisoner, if you are armed.... Kill him first. If that is inconvenient, make him lie face to the ground, hands out in front of him. Knock him out, with rifle butt, side or butt of the pistol or with your boot. Then search him."
Nice, huh? but this was not the stuff of the Geneva Convention. This was backs-to-the-wall dirty fighting to save a country and a way of life.
A great read, superb information, and a unique insight into a dark age of history.
A Brand New Science Fiction Collaboration: Star-Eater Chronicles
Click here for Kindle version
In a brand new collaboration with Science Fiction deva Dennis E. Smirl, we have embarked on a new Science Fiction (Space Opera) series, called Star-Eater Chronicles.
The story...
The year is 2452, Seth Gingko is one of a thousand MacCollie Survey-Scouts sent out to map the galaxy. As he finally reaches the very edge of his assigned spiral arm, he finishes his contract and prepares to take ownership of the ship he'd been using. That's Seth's payment for his five years of service.
But destiny has other plans for Seth and his egotistical computer,'Ship'. An alien invasion interrupts Seth's plans for retirement, throwing the small Survey-Scout into uncharted space.
Seth has to return to Earth with news of the alien race, but getting past the invasion armada is never going to be a straight-forward mission.
Belt up for action. This novella series takes Seth and Ship where no man wants to go!
Books so far;
1. A Galaxy Too Far...
2. The Stars Are Fire...
3. Spit in the Eyes of Fools...
4. Foundation's End
5. Road to Downside
6. Shadows Over Earth
7. Under a Dark Star
The story...
The year is 2452, Seth Gingko is one of a thousand MacCollie Survey-Scouts sent out to map the galaxy. As he finally reaches the very edge of his assigned spiral arm, he finishes his contract and prepares to take ownership of the ship he'd been using. That's Seth's payment for his five years of service.
But destiny has other plans for Seth and his egotistical computer,'Ship'. An alien invasion interrupts Seth's plans for retirement, throwing the small Survey-Scout into uncharted space.
Seth has to return to Earth with news of the alien race, but getting past the invasion armada is never going to be a straight-forward mission.
Belt up for action. This novella series takes Seth and Ship where no man wants to go!
Books so far;
1. A Galaxy Too Far...
2. The Stars Are Fire...
3. Spit in the Eyes of Fools...
4. Foundation's End
5. Road to Downside
6. Shadows Over Earth
7. Under a Dark Star
Penny Dreadful Adventures Gets a Second Volume
Click here for Kindle version
The Penny Dreadful Adventures gets its second volume.
After the final revelation in Book 1, Alexander MacNeill finds himself drawn closer to the mysterious Lady Vixen. With his sweetheart inexplicably involved, he determines to follow his writing partners on one of their weekend 'retreats'.
But going into the country needs planning and money. With the aid of a new trusty sidekick, he finds the origins of the Varney the Vampyre stories, and the menacing Count Varney himself.
But the reality is far more deadly than the stories, and very soon Alexander is fighting for his life, in a strange and friendless land.
After the final revelation in Book 1, Alexander MacNeill finds himself drawn closer to the mysterious Lady Vixen. With his sweetheart inexplicably involved, he determines to follow his writing partners on one of their weekend 'retreats'.
But going into the country needs planning and money. With the aid of a new trusty sidekick, he finds the origins of the Varney the Vampyre stories, and the menacing Count Varney himself.
But the reality is far more deadly than the stories, and very soon Alexander is fighting for his life, in a strange and friendless land.
The Penny Dreadful Adventures; a New Horror Drama
Click here to go to the Kindle page
Victorian London, 1845.
Scotsman Alexander MacNeill arrives in London to take a job with his Uncle James's publishing empire, only to find his Uncle has been exaggerating his position. James Rymer is an author of penny dreadfuls, and not a particularly successful one at that.
Alexander takes on the job as his editor, and the team bring VARNEY THE VAMPYRE to the Victorian public.
As the story begins to sell, his Uncle's eccentric behavior makes Alexander question the source of the Varney the Vampyre story.
Alexander assumed Varney was confined to the pages of print... but he quickly finds out that all is not as it seems in London town...
When his darkest suspicions mix with his romantic interest, it's time for Alexander to begin some investigation of his own...
This novel includes chapters from the original texts of penny dreadfuls such as Varney the Vampyre by James M. Rymer, The Mysteries of London, by George Reynolds, and Burke and Hare, by Alexander MacNeill himself.
Scotsman Alexander MacNeill arrives in London to take a job with his Uncle James's publishing empire, only to find his Uncle has been exaggerating his position. James Rymer is an author of penny dreadfuls, and not a particularly successful one at that.
Alexander takes on the job as his editor, and the team bring VARNEY THE VAMPYRE to the Victorian public.
As the story begins to sell, his Uncle's eccentric behavior makes Alexander question the source of the Varney the Vampyre story.
Alexander assumed Varney was confined to the pages of print... but he quickly finds out that all is not as it seems in London town...
When his darkest suspicions mix with his romantic interest, it's time for Alexander to begin some investigation of his own...
This novel includes chapters from the original texts of penny dreadfuls such as Varney the Vampyre by James M. Rymer, The Mysteries of London, by George Reynolds, and Burke and Hare, by Alexander MacNeill himself.
A FREE Caledonii Prequel hits Amazon Kindle!!
Click here for the FREE Kindle upload
Caledonii: Birth of a Celtic Nation, Druid & Iceni, is now available as a FREE Kindle download at Amazon.
It is 69AD, and the Romans have been lords of the southern part of Britain for over twenty years. Knowing their eyes are forever northward, the Brigante King Venutius decides to send two of his young sons north to safety.
Sewell, a northern druid, is sent on the mission to locate the boys, then get them safe to his homeland in the Caledonii nation.
It is a dangerous journey through hostile lands, and there are many who would stand in his way.
For Venutius's dynasty to survive, Sewell simply cannot fail.
It is 69AD, and the Romans have been lords of the southern part of Britain for over twenty years. Knowing their eyes are forever northward, the Brigante King Venutius decides to send two of his young sons north to safety.
Sewell, a northern druid, is sent on the mission to locate the boys, then get them safe to his homeland in the Caledonii nation.
It is a dangerous journey through hostile lands, and there are many who would stand in his way.
For Venutius's dynasty to survive, Sewell simply cannot fail.
The Zombie Safe sex Guide... now included in the NEW "Enhanced" Zombie Bible
|
The Zombie Safe sex Guide... now included in the NEW "Enhanced" Zombie Bible.
Yup, we've caved in to popular demand, and wrote the first appendix to the best-selling Zombie Bible. The Zombie Safe Sex Guide: Dating and Mating in a Post-Apocalyptic World is a superb addition to the already popular book describing how to survive the apocalypse as a Zombie. Superb satire, blindingly sharp wit, and mind-bending writing combine with our usual tongue in cheek humor to bring you new skills to enhance your zombie experience. There's no reason not to get the most out of being a zombie, and if that includes some nookie, then so be it. As soon as new editions appear, we'll post them here... paperback, Nook, etc.
|
"Caledonii 5: Druid's Work" is released in November 2014
I'm currently writing the last chapter of the newest part of my Roman Scotland adventure.
The story so far…
It is the winter of 80AD, and the Romans have invaded lowland Scotland, establishing a perimeter across the narrowest part of the country. Their plan is twofold; they will exterminate or bribe all who stand in their way. Calach, the young Caledonii leader has plans for the unification of the clans against the Romans, but needs time to bring his plan to fruition, and time is not on his side. The Roman commander, Julius Agricola, is under direct orders from Emperor Titus to quash the Northern tribes not under Roman control, and planned a two year campaign to do so. With the first year safely running to plan, he winters his forces in the south, ready to strike into the Scottish highlands and drive the survivors to the sea.
Uwan, the younger brother of the Caledonii leader, is a young druid, yet he has knowledge and wisdom far beyond his years. The druid hierarchy has plans of their own, which uses Uwan as the spearhead. He travels to the Irish kingdom of Dalriada and confronts the Irish druids, enlisting the aid of the Scotti clans. But Uwan's eyes are on a far greater prize, not only has he work to do at home, he also has a life-changing journey to make; he must travel to the center of the empire, to Rome itself.
Caledonii Part 5: Druid’s Work is the tale of Uwan’s mission and the second year of the Roman plans. The words of a Scottish poet yet unborn, the Roman’s would find out that “The best-laid schemes o’ mice an’ men gang aft agley”
I'm currently writing the last chapter of the newest part of my Roman Scotland adventure.
The story so far…
It is the winter of 80AD, and the Romans have invaded lowland Scotland, establishing a perimeter across the narrowest part of the country. Their plan is twofold; they will exterminate or bribe all who stand in their way. Calach, the young Caledonii leader has plans for the unification of the clans against the Romans, but needs time to bring his plan to fruition, and time is not on his side. The Roman commander, Julius Agricola, is under direct orders from Emperor Titus to quash the Northern tribes not under Roman control, and planned a two year campaign to do so. With the first year safely running to plan, he winters his forces in the south, ready to strike into the Scottish highlands and drive the survivors to the sea.
Uwan, the younger brother of the Caledonii leader, is a young druid, yet he has knowledge and wisdom far beyond his years. The druid hierarchy has plans of their own, which uses Uwan as the spearhead. He travels to the Irish kingdom of Dalriada and confronts the Irish druids, enlisting the aid of the Scotti clans. But Uwan's eyes are on a far greater prize, not only has he work to do at home, he also has a life-changing journey to make; he must travel to the center of the empire, to Rome itself.
Caledonii Part 5: Druid’s Work is the tale of Uwan’s mission and the second year of the Roman plans. The words of a Scottish poet yet unborn, the Roman’s would find out that “The best-laid schemes o’ mice an’ men gang aft agley”
Battle of Bannockburn Birthday Blog Bonanza; 700 Years Ago (A Five Part Blog Series)
I know it's not exactly official "writing", per se, but it is a series of blogposts, going back 700 years to the anniversary of Scotland's biggest win over England. Seven posts that give an account of the background to the Battle itself.
(Well, some say it's our biggest win, others would say that came in 1967 when we beat the "world champions" 3-2 at Wembley... but who remembers that stuff anyway?)
Here's where to see the blog;
www.ianhallauthor.blogspot.com
I know it's not exactly official "writing", per se, but it is a series of blogposts, going back 700 years to the anniversary of Scotland's biggest win over England. Seven posts that give an account of the background to the Battle itself.
(Well, some say it's our biggest win, others would say that came in 1967 when we beat the "world champions" 3-2 at Wembley... but who remembers that stuff anyway?)
Here's where to see the blog;
www.ianhallauthor.blogspot.com
A Steam Punk Detective Murder Mystery... with a cruel twisted ending!
This is the new cover of my novel, released in the summer of 2014, and okay, I know it's more detective than steampunk.
Set in Illinois, USA, at the end of the civil war in 1866, it involves a young scientist/farmer, Francis Smalling, who witnesses the murder of his elder sister.
Driven by the necessity of revenge, he joins the infamous Pinkerton Detective Agency to bring the murderer to trial.
Never thinking his life would be forever changed by this path, he plunges into a world of murder and scientific experimentation, in a Victorian age when every day brought new discoveries, new findings, and new breakthroughs.
It's not quite the "Wild, Wild West" fantastic television series of 1965 fame, more like "Steam Punk meets the real world". I wanted the characters to be engaging, but still retain a down-to-earth quality.
This is the new cover of my novel, released in the summer of 2014, and okay, I know it's more detective than steampunk.
Set in Illinois, USA, at the end of the civil war in 1866, it involves a young scientist/farmer, Francis Smalling, who witnesses the murder of his elder sister.
Driven by the necessity of revenge, he joins the infamous Pinkerton Detective Agency to bring the murderer to trial.
Never thinking his life would be forever changed by this path, he plunges into a world of murder and scientific experimentation, in a Victorian age when every day brought new discoveries, new findings, and new breakthroughs.
It's not quite the "Wild, Wild West" fantastic television series of 1965 fame, more like "Steam Punk meets the real world". I wanted the characters to be engaging, but still retain a down-to-earth quality.
News... Released in January 2014; "Vampires Don't Cry: A Mother's Curse"
News, hot off the press;
As Santa's helpers rush headlong into their busiest seven days, the editors at Hallanish publishing have been doing the same... slaving over the midnight oil, putting the finishing touches to our latest volume; "Vampires Don't Cry: A Mother's Curse".
It's the introduction of a few new characters, and involves a few old ones too....
Valérie Berthier (in VDC4: Blood Red Roses) is born into a world of strife and confusion. Torn from her mother’s womb, she is ultimately forced to accept that her view of the world is unique; she was born a vampire. From Italy to America she battles an asylum life, until the day she breaks free. But even as a vampire, there are consequences in life.
Theresa (Finch), (Also in VDC4: Blood Red Roses), is an average New Jersey high school senior until she’s smitten by the latest vampire in class. Rocked by the transformation process, she turns to Valérie to help her through.
In the midst of a vampire turf-war, the two are soon separated, but Valérie refuses to accept her lot, determined to get out of her drudge-like life and re-unite with her vampire friend.
VDC: Original Sin is a two voice epic that spans a century and two continents.
Ian writes as Theresa (Finch) Scholes; a very determined teenager, forced to grow up quick in the violence of a vampire world.
April writes as Valérie Berthier; born a vampire, with the words of her mother still ringing in her head, guiding her through a tumultuous life.
Twisting and turning, Valerie and Finch find themselves drawn to an unescapable climax against two of the oldest vampires alive.
Yes, they have skill and training, but will it be enough to avoid defeat and ensure survival?
Merry Christmas all!
Ian
As Santa's helpers rush headlong into their busiest seven days, the editors at Hallanish publishing have been doing the same... slaving over the midnight oil, putting the finishing touches to our latest volume; "Vampires Don't Cry: A Mother's Curse".
It's the introduction of a few new characters, and involves a few old ones too....
Valérie Berthier (in VDC4: Blood Red Roses) is born into a world of strife and confusion. Torn from her mother’s womb, she is ultimately forced to accept that her view of the world is unique; she was born a vampire. From Italy to America she battles an asylum life, until the day she breaks free. But even as a vampire, there are consequences in life.
Theresa (Finch), (Also in VDC4: Blood Red Roses), is an average New Jersey high school senior until she’s smitten by the latest vampire in class. Rocked by the transformation process, she turns to Valérie to help her through.
In the midst of a vampire turf-war, the two are soon separated, but Valérie refuses to accept her lot, determined to get out of her drudge-like life and re-unite with her vampire friend.
VDC: Original Sin is a two voice epic that spans a century and two continents.
Ian writes as Theresa (Finch) Scholes; a very determined teenager, forced to grow up quick in the violence of a vampire world.
April writes as Valérie Berthier; born a vampire, with the words of her mother still ringing in her head, guiding her through a tumultuous life.
Twisting and turning, Valerie and Finch find themselves drawn to an unescapable climax against two of the oldest vampires alive.
Yes, they have skill and training, but will it be enough to avoid defeat and ensure survival?
Merry Christmas all!
Ian
To go and buy books;
Please browse the tabs to see my assortment of material. Some available in print, most in eBook formats.
Search for me at the links below, or simply click any of the book covers to be taken to an appropriate site to read more, browse, or buy.
Go here for the different formats;
For Kindle; Kindle eBooks
For Nook; Nook eBooks
For other formats; Sony, Apple, Kobo etc
Search for me at the links below, or simply click any of the book covers to be taken to an appropriate site to read more, browse, or buy.
Go here for the different formats;
For Kindle; Kindle eBooks
For Nook; Nook eBooks
For other formats; Sony, Apple, Kobo etc
Here's a bit about myself;
I am Scottish, born in Edinburgh, and spent the first 41 years of my life, not far from my fair and bonnie "Athens of the North". I now live in Topeka, Kansas, with my wife (bless her), no pets (don't like 'em), no children (all moved out), and with many gallons of home-made wine bubbling as I write.
My biggest achievement to date (apart from the successful parenting of my darling daughter, Lorraine) is my published novel; "Opportunities: Jamie Leith in Darien." I'm not confined by genres, having equal success in Historical Adventure, Sci Fi, Fantasy, Horror and hard hitting gritty Crime.
I watch far too much football (Don't even think of calling it 'soccer'.) and at times chase a dimpled ball along carefully manicured countryside, with a collection of calibrated, graphite-shafted sticks.
I play guitar and sing in a folk/rock band, and would love to have enough money to tour the world's archeological sites until I'm too old to walk.
I love to write, and enjoy literary challenges of all kinds.
My blog is; http://www.jamieleith.blogspot.com
My Jamie Leith website is; http://www.jamieleith.com
Thank you for your time.
Ian.
