Blog News: Electric Gardens gets a publisher and new cover!

Electric Gardens is being published by CREATIVITY and has a new awesome cover! I just love it! 

What do you think?

RELEASE DATE: MARCH 15th

Leave your comment and one lucky winner will receive the PAPERBACK of ELECTRIC GARDENS!  Winners drawn at the end of the month. 

This book series has really been an exciting journey for me. I love robots. As you can tell with every other book I write being about robots and how they could eventually impact our world. They already are and as we become more advanced, they become more advanced...it is all a bit mind-boggling.

So, tell me what do you think about this robot invasion on our world? Do you think it will be roses and candy or the next apocalypse? 

Leave your comment about robots and win the eBook of ELECTRIC GARDENs. One lucky winner will be chosen at the end the month. 

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Inspiration of ANIMAL GRAPH

As many of you know I am a lover of wildlife and nature. I am mostly vegetarian with exception to occasional fish. I am a strong believer in the healing power of natural foods from the Earth, not a factory and also enjoy reading about the latest science technology.

That took me to Animal Graph.

Grafting is something scientists have been doing with plants and animal skin for a while, not long, but a while. Snake grafts are being used on burn victims and certain grafting procedures are used to enhance the growth of plants.

I took this a step further and had a dream. Literally while I was sleeping this came to me.

What if in the future, a dictator name Truss took over North and South America? What if he gifted prisoners to perfect his own Graphed soldiers? What if some of this prisoners escaped? 

In the 6 book series of Animal Graph we explore the Amazon, Savannah, Orinoco River, Highlands, Plateaus. All the beauty of the Amazon forests, as well as some of its splendid flora and wildlife like Toucans, Howler Monkeys and Caiman. We also meet radiated creatures poisoned by the nuclear wars. 

 JIN and ADAN have to run for their lives in the picturesque Amazon, because the are being hunted to train soldiers. But their grafts will aide them and as they learn to use their animal graph, they will turn the tide of this upcoming war.

If you enjoy stories like Dr. Moreau or Hunger Games, or even stories of survival with twists you don't see coming...this is for you! 

SAMPLE/BUY BOOK HERE

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REVIEW of GENDER GAMES

I have read The girl Who Dared to Think and really liked that book. I'm on book four of that series now. 

I however can not say the same for this book. I really tried to like it. The beginning started off strong and I thought, wow, this will be good. And then most of the book happened.

Not only was there very little exploration of genders and inequality, the main characters felt more caricature than anything else the more I read. 

The entire plot was mostly about the main character and her motorcycle, wrestling dude. We flip back and forth from riding motorcycles with them, to the fight scenes in the rink and while that is good sometimes, it just took up so much of the story that it felt like a bunch of filler. I for one was very bored and needed more development of story, plot twists.

The ending had a slight plot twist which made it more plausible to pick up the second book to see what happens, but after reading half of book two I just could not do it anymore. I'm not sure why this story does not appeal to me.

I guess in the end it felt juvenile, like a of filler instead of story, and uninteresting characters that I really never got to know well enough or care enough about. Overall, the idea could have gone in many interesting direction of gender, but none of those issues are really explored well.

I normally would rank this a 3 star for effort and the writing is fine, there are not many mistakes and there is a story there, I just did not like it much. But because there are so many five stars on this book, ridiculous amounts, I have to give it a 2 star to balance the unfairness. 

So 2 1/2 stars is my final decision. I don't think fans of Divergent or Hunger Games will be satisfied with this read. It falls drastically short.  The comparison is insulting frankly. 

But you might want to try her other book The Girl Who Dared To Think. 

CHECK OUT GENDER GAMES here 

Blog News for Mid March

Thank you to all my readers! I love communicating and connecting with all of you.


First round of business is the winner of the paperback QUANTUM STATE is:Ashleigh Hack

She has been contacted. If I don't hear from her, I will pick another winner.


Second round of business, be sure to comment to win the ebooks ELECTRIC GARDEN in the thread below:

Third round of business...I am finished writing books one and two in the ELECTRIC WORLD series and am working on book 3 now. I will keep you all posted for when the series will be releasing. Currently, it is set for book one to be released in Mid-March, but I will let you know if things change.

It is a very interesting premise, with Tins ruling our world. Teenagers are sequestered in a Compound which is watched by the Tins (robots) and Lexi019 just wants to break out.


Fourth round of business is that one paperback of ELECTRIC GARDENS is up for grabs and can only be won by commenting on this blog news post. So, post here with your eMAil and win the first paperback released of ELECTRIC GARDENS before it's release date! Winner will be chosen  Mid-March.




Fifth round of business:
BOOK REVIEW of MATCHED by Ally Condie.

I had the pleasure of reading this last week and I didn't think I would be impressed. Like many dystopian and romance stories, I thought it would an overdone plot with cheesy characters and an even more cheesy romance, but I absolutely loved it. In fact it has become one of my favorite dystopian romance stories!

The author has a way of not only making you care about the characters, but to care about material things such as a compass or compact! That's good writing. Ally draws you into the story and the characters and lets you in on who they are, developing them all well.

I was not sure which way the romance would go, and am still pleased with how everything played out. I am sad they did not all get to have a happy ending, and I have to say my only disappointment is that the book ended and I'll have to pick up the next one to finish this story. 

Highly recommended dystopian romance reading!

M.Black/

Ami Blackwelder 

Sixth Round of business is an EXCERPT from the upcoming release ELECTRIC GARDENS:

   “Wait,” his voice sounds crunchy like the red apple. His hand barely grazes the top of the gravely cell wall. I just see his worn finger tips and a folded, flat rice-milk carton. Another note. He lets the note drop from the top of the cell wall and I catch it on the other side. “I hid it under my shirt.”

     When the thick folded paper touches my palms, I feel a warm fuzz surge through me. I’m always excited to read his notes. Seems he has a new one every month. I try to keep as many as I can, but sometimes I have to bury them in the dirt behind the Compound. Writing on paper is forbidden in here, and he can be glitched if caught. Still, he does it.

     “Thanks.”    

     The rustic-horn is going to blow, and it is time to return to the Re-Learning center. We only get twenty minutes to ourselves outside, and I have to use part of that time to get to and leave the cells. I fold the note again and slip it between my shirt and breasts, anxious to read it when I’m finally back in my Compound room.

     At age twelve, the Tins began allowing us more freedom from the usual routine. We could leave for lunch and eat outside on the nearby grounds, or walk the Compound. Felt like a breath of fresh air, even though the air outside the buildings is harder to breathe. Seemed like such a big deal when we were first allowed outside again. Seven years I was stuck inside, with just brief moments outside to walk directly from Building C to the Re-Learning Center. The freedom we were given at lunch was only twenty minutes, always is, but still we—humans—relish it. 

     I head away from the cells, away from Kyle53, and toward the Re-Learning Center. A few Tins scratch across the grounds in my passing. I nod with a short smile. It’s important to acknowledge them. One stops and its red eyes peer over at me, scanning me, “Lexi019, good afternoon.” 

     “Yeah, sure.” 

Seventh Round of business is my book pick for this week. 

Over 500 pages of monsters, myths and murder! Plus, a sneak peek at book three, The Medusa Coin. Follow Detective Greg Loren and Soriya Greystone as they hunt the most dangerous creatures of myth and legend down the shadowy streets of Portents.

Buy here

ELECTRIC GARDENS eBook Giveaway

ELECTRIC GARDENS eBook Giveaway!

5 copies are up for grabs! 

Contest ends February 15th.

Enter by commenting on this thread! 

Look out for the public release March 15th, and the paperback giveaways! 

Win QUANTUM STATE paperback

Win a paperback copy of QUANTUM STATE by commenting here. Include your eMail. Two runner-ups will win eBook copies. Winner chosen Mid-February. 

Army of Tomorrow Blog News

Welcome to the Army of Tomorrow Blog News. 

Win the paperback set of EXOTIQA WORLD, books 1-3 by commenting on here: WIN Exotiqa!

If you want to check out the book to buy, please click EXOTIQA

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Exciting stuff is happening. The ten minute Animal Graph script for the pilot show on Amazon Prime is done, now Amazon just has to accept it! The writers and I are planning a twelve part season one broken up into ten minute episodes. The short is the new hot thing.

What do you think? Feel free to comment. Would you watch a ten minute episode of Animal Graph?

Animal Graph and the 6 part series is also going to be on tour with RockStar Book Tours from Feb 12th-16th and 19th-23rd. Please stop by and post comments on the stops. I will post the link for you to see all stops in February.

In the meantime feel free to check out the series that readers are calling a "Concept never read before" and a "Hunger Games meets Dr. Moreau" here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072M7BVXR

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In other news, Quantum State, an A.I. Dystopia where the powerful A.I. controls all decisions inside the small town of Cherni, will be on tour with RockStar Book Tours Feb 19th-23rd and Feb 16th-March 2nd. I will post the link to stop by in February. 

Quantum State went free last week and hit the top of the charts #2 Hard Science Fiction, #4 in YA Dystopia and #2 in YA Survival Stories. Read a sample here: Quantum State 

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New Years Recipe for the cold:

I am a fan of veggies and chili! So, I came up with a recipe I love and have been using for years. I wanted to share with you all because I'm that generous!

 As many of you know I am mostly vegetarian, except for occassional fish, so here is an easy peasy veggie four bean chili that you are sure to love!

You can buy beans fresh or canned (I prefer canned because it is faster). 

1 can black beans

1 can of white beans

1 can kidney beans

1 can chickpeas

1 can of roasted corn

1 cut large onion, sauteed

1 large can of roasted tomatoes

2 cut fresh medium tomatoes

1 jar of pasta sauce (I prefer Publix Vodka or herbs)

1 can of coconut milk (add the secret ingredient last)

Optionals: 1 can mushrooms, 1/2 bag of cooked and cut carrots

Put them all into a big pot. Warm and stir.

Flavor:

Add pepper, salt, tumeric, paprika, mexican pepper or hot pepper, chili powder or cayenne, all to taste.

Optional: Tarragon for a more exotic flavor. 

When all cooked for about ten minutes, serve. 

Optional: Add parmesan cheese on top.

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Update: 

This month I will be releasing the 6 book Box Set GRAPH WORLD on the 15th of January, along with ELECTRIC GARDENS on Kindle Scout. I will give you links to both when the time comes, so you can check out Graph World and vote for Electric Gardens. All reads and votes help! 

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                       NEW RELEASE: 

Forever Elf is essentially a YA Elf Romance Action-Adventure Fantasy. Here is the link: FOREVER ELF

Forever Elf 2 will be out next month. Join an adventure of a lifetime with Michael meet Evelyn and she draws him into her mystical world in the forest. Twilight meets Lord of the Rings!  

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MY REVIEW of CREWEL

I loved the beginning and it drew me in, but about 1/4 into the story I wasn't sure if this was for me because of the fantastical premise of weaving space and time. I also was not happy with the lack of descriptions on what this actually entitled, but for paranormal and fantasy fans they will likely be more satisfied. By the middle though I was engrossed and wanted to know what would happen next. About 2/3 of the way done, we are told that they are not living on Earth and so this helped me to better justify this fantastical premise. I did enjoy this story, and I thought the world building and characters were suitable, though not fully done.

I am interested enough to read book two and I think that is the goal of all authors. In that extent, she did succeed!

M.Black

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My book picks for this week:

If you are a fan of paranormal you definitely want to check out this box set!

Find it here: SIGILS and SPELLS

This looks yummy. I'm not typically a fan of paranormal romance, but it does look good. Find out more here: Dracones

For those of you looking for something more on the SFF side, try this top seller: Hell Holes

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That is it for now gang, and I hope you enjoy something and learned something!

Till next time!

M.Black 

Win $25 Gift Card and EXOTIQA WORLD Box Set!

Merry Christmas!

Remember that you can win a $25 Gift Card for this new year. Simply post a spotlight or review about one of my books on Facebook or Twitter or your Blog and eMail me the link. All participants are entered to win the drawing at the end of January.

Please read the blog post below for more details on that contest and more!

Want to win the EXOTIQA BOX SET, Books 1-3! COMMENT HERE and a random winner will be chosen for this month's 3 book paperback giveaway!

Army of Tomorrow news

Welcome to Army of Tomorrow news!

LAST CHANCE TO ENTER: 

Paperback Giveaway: Graph World box set: 1-6

COMMENT on the blog post, tell me why you want it. 

Leave eMail/Name/Graph World entry

Random winner drawn on Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

In a world 42 years from now, after a nuclear war, prisoners are experimented on in South America. When Jin is grafted with dart blue frog/harpy eagle/bengal tiger and Adan is grafted with bullet ant, the two have to learn their gifts and fight to survive the Amazon while hunted by soldiers. Explore the amazing wildlife, exotic landscapes, and read this breath-taking, page-turning 6 part series!

BUY/SAMPLE

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WIN $25 Gift Card!

RULES: Must post (spotlight) or (review) of one book (Exotiqa, Animal Graph, or Quantum State) on Twitter or Facebook or your Blog. 

Send link to entry at touch-of-grace@hotmail.com

Subject: $25 Gift Card

Random winner drawn January 25th!

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This Week's EXCERPT: 

BUY/SAMPLE

State of Affairs

I live inside a district called Cherni, Zone 57, with a population of exactly two thousand, seven hundred and twenty people. I know because our quantum machine keeps an accurate count at all times and displays this number electronically over the wall of town hall. Ascania Pod is the educational institute for my zone, the one I attend. There is one pod for every twelve zones. We have eighty zones, and seven pods. 

I don’t care for my Pod much, but maybe that’s because most of the classes and people don’t appeal to me. I spend a lot of my free time either with a friend of mine named Esfir, or at home building things out of metal scraps. Papa says my creative constructions are a waste of time—but a deeper part of me can’t stop.

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This Week's REVIEW:

BUY/SAMPLE

When I first saw this, I wasn't sure if I'd like it. 

I tried reading her other 'hyped-up' series, GENDER GAMES. The first five chapters were really good, and then I was bored out of my mind. I finished book two just barely, and attempted book three but I keep putting it down. The series tastes like fast food to me.

Still, I thought I'd give this a try because I read all my books on Kindle Unlimited, so it doesn't cost me anything to try. I like to read a book a week.

I was drawn in from the first page and have continued to read this none-stop to book four where I have to wait when it comes off of pre-order. I can definitely say I enjoyed this series so far.

It takes place in the future, and the entire story takes place in a tower which is an interesting idea. There is a powerful A.I. in charge of everything, but Bella Forest handles this differently than I do in my Quantum state. People are judged by the rank the A.I. gives them and this leads to a lot of sociopathic tendencies. It was an interesting twist on the A.I. as we learn more and more of the history of the tower and design of the A.I. the more we read. There are plenty of twists to keep my interested-in-plots-more-than-characters nature happy. Which was not so in Gender Games.

I do recommend and hope you enjoy too!

M.Black

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OTHER READS sponsored by M.Black: 

BUY/SAMPLE

A deadly artificial virus is missing...

 The corporation that hired her to find it wants her dead... 

Melanie Destin's life is a mess...

Desperate to start over, she accepts an interplanetary salvage job that will pay her enough to start a new life on Mars. 

When she learns the real purpose of the mission is to recover an apocalyptic virus, everything begins to unravel... 

With her life in danger and not knowing who to trust, Mel must find a way to keep the virus out of the wrong hands... If she fails, billions will die...

BUY/SAMPLE 

In the face of a death-defying power, what's the "new normal"?

Like all reporters, Jack longs for a breaking story but is stuck writing obituaries for a small-town rag. As his frustration mounts, it hits him that no one has died in over three days. Jack's odd observation becomes something far stranger when he connects a meteorite to the bizarre phenomenon.

BUY/SAMPLE 

Thirteen authors brought together for a cause. Help these author raise money for the Cajun Navy. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the Cajun Navy to aid in their efforts to help all those affected by Hurricane Harvey and Irma.

Goodbye and until next time!