Chatting with Joyfully Reviewed

Today I'm hanging out at Chatting with Joyfully Reviewed alongside fellow authors from World Castle Publishing and Whimsical Publications. Come on by!

Contest Ends, a Free Short Story and some news Wanders in

A few items of interest, in numbered list form for maximum power.

1. The Helena's Empire eBook giveaway has officially ended and the winners have been selected. Congratulations to those who won, and for those who didn't, you can still buy HE for 99 cents for your eReader or in HTML / PDF for reading on the computer. In addition, I've got a little consolation prize prepared...

2. For those who didn't win the contest - and for those who did, and for people who just like this kind of thing - I'm releasing one of my never before published flash fiction stories, the paranormal romance Picnic at the End of the Universe, as a free read on this site. Enjoy!

3. Wandering Stars, from World Castle Publishing, now has an official release date of September 15th. More on this soon!

REVIEW: Detective Fiction and Horror for People Who Don't Like Detective Stories

The following is a review of Symphony of Blood: A Hank Mondale Supernatural Case by Adam Pepper.

Although I am a writer (and almost exclusively a reader) of romance, I do occasionally venture out into another genre – namely, horror. With only a few works of horror flash fiction under my belt, when I do read this genre I do so only in my capacity as a lover of fiction.

If you're looking for a book to quicken your pulse and raise your heartbeat faster than a double-shot espresso, Symphony of Blood, A Hank Mondale Supernatural Case by Adam Pepper is for you. An urban fantasy with an otherworldly twist that the author weaves seamlessly into the plot, Symphony immediately establishes itself as a gritty, witty detective story by introducing you to the character of Hank Mondale, a luckless private investigator with a small drinking problem and a large gambling problem – or is it the other way around? - who combs through bars, police stations and wherever else he needs to go when hired by a client with deep pockets and a deeply disturbing problem on his hands.

Some may say that the book leans on too many clichés from the troves of detective fiction. This is true as far as it goes, but Pepper gives fresh air to this journey into the familiar by employing quite a unique take on the novel's monstrous antagonist as well as making his characters into genuinely likable people rather than the cardboard cut-outs too often seen in dark fantasy. Though the story is light on sensory detail, this can be forgiven owing to the never-a-dull-moment pacing and the engaging dialog.

While flawed, on balance Symphony is a page-turning read both sexy and scary, with sections featuring the elusive monster giving me the same chills I felt while enjoying Joe Hill's Heart-Shaped Box. Adam Pepper's novel is a strong showing in modern horror and detective fiction – even for those like myself who don't normally care for the latter.

Buy Symphony of Blood, A Hank Mondale Supernatural Case in eBook for $2.99 for your Kindle, Nook or from SmashWords or click here to read a sample from the author's website.

Picnic at the End of the Universe

PICNIC AT THE END OF THE UNIVERSE
by Marlon Pierre-Antoine

     "When the Sun has said its final goodbye, giving way to endless night, we will still be together." Zack's musings came sober and deliberate, almost meditative.

     Julia snorted. "Ha! What a load of -"

     "Stop it right there," Zack interrupted, throwing his hands up in a mock display of defense. "I think I know where you were going with that."

     The two laid back on the grass together, watching the small glowing specks in the sky, or at least what few were left, dim and then disappear one by one.

     Julia turned to face Zack. "Why the sudden decision to become a poet, anyway? Shouldn't we be... I don't know, running, or something?"

     Zack shrugged. "Run," he repeated slowly, as though to taste the word on his tongue. "From what and where to? As far as I'm concerned, all we can do is wait for it and enjoy our last meal here for as long as we've got left."

     Julia peeked into the picnic basket. "All the sandwiches are gone."

     "Oh."

     Night was growing darker, swallowing the land and moving ever closer to the hilltop that the last two humans rested on.

     "Hey -"

     Julia's words came more slowly now, the omnipresent silence draining everything, even the sound of her own voice, into oblivion. "Remember in Seventh Grade when I said I wouldn't date you if you were the last guy on Earth?"

     Zack nodded. She had to struggle to see him do it.

     "I'm starting to reconsider," she continued.

     Zack couldn't say anything in return. His words evaporated into the air as soon as they left his lips.

     As the last of the stars went away and became nothing, the void devouring all that once was, Zack took Julia's hand. She clasped it tightly.

     Zack couldn't have asked for more.

Copyright 2011 Marlon Pierre-Antoine. Story may be shared and reproduced electronically or in print providing byline remains intact, no profit is made and a link appears either to original post or to www.marlonpierre-antoine.com

Four Days left for the Helena's Empire giveaway

Wandering Stars is debuting soon. It's not too late to enter for a chance to win a free copy of the novelette that kicks the story off before its full-length sequel hits, or rather descends gracefully into, the market.

Click here for your chance to win. Of course, you may also buy your copy of Helena's Empire in various eBook formats for just 99 cents, if waiting and playing the odds aren't your cup of tea!

Birthday today!

The big two-one. I'm practically geriatric here.

So, what are my birthday plans?
Well, a romantic dinner with the fiancee sounds about right. Throw some writing in there too and it sounds perfect.

I'll make sure to have a drink for Helena. Absolut - Swedish, get it?

New Flash Fiction on MicroHorror

Check out Danse Zombi, my new flash fiction story on MicroHorror.

Helena's Empire Book Giveaway!

Go here and look for Helena's Empire to register to win one of two free copies of the novelette in the eBook format of your choice. Fans of devil-based love stories have never had it better. Make sure to register by August 20th for your chance to win!