Aloha to Jennifer Estep and BY A THREAD

Today is St. David's Day.  Cymru's Red Dragon,  Y Ddraig Goch, will fly across the countryside.

2012 is Year of the Black Water Dragon.  From Chinese astrology,

Dragon is a legendary animal and it is symbol of emperor in China. Since the Dragon is coated with mysterious color, Chinese consider that the dragon is unpredictable, untouchable and people cannot see its head and tail at the same time. Therefore, we can might see something unexpected happening in 2012. 

Something unexpected certainly happens to Gin Blanco from Jennifer Estep's BY A THREAD:

When killing people is your job, there’s no such thing as a vacation.

Then again, how often does an assassin live long enough to enjoy her retirement? In this line of work, you either get lucky or you get dead. And since I destroyed my nemesis Mab Monroe a few weeks ago, all of Ashland’s lowlifes are gunning to make a name for themselves by taking out the lethal Spider—me, Gin Blanco. So I’m leaving behind my beloved barbecue joint and heading south with my baby sister, Bria, to cool my heels in a swanky beach town. Call it a weekend of fun in the sun. But when a powerful vampire with deadly elemental magic threatens an old friend of Bria’s, it looks like I’ll have to dig my silverstone knives out of my suitcase after all. Complicating matters further is the reappearance of Detective Donovan Caine, my old lover. But Donovan is the least of my problems. Because this time, the danger is hot on my trail, and not even my elemental Ice and Stone magic may be enough to save me from getting buried in the sand—permanently.

BY A THREAD is Jennifer's sixth book in her Elemental Assassin Series.   Let's see if six is Gin's lucky number.  Again from Chinese astrology,

The Chinese meaning of numbers takes on a cosmic glow with the number six. To the Chinese way of thought six represents longevity, expansiveness and celestial power. We see this in Chinese designation of the six cosmic points of direction with esoteric directions of "above" and "below" making six points of philosophical concentration. That theme of expansion and metaphysical insight is repeated in the Chinese observation of mankind's 5 senses, with its six sense extending out into etheric understanding.

I suspect that Gin has a sixth sense to protect herself.   Hopefully she can enjoy her weekend of fun in the sun!   Elf reviewed BY A THREAD for me at this link.  I am giving away a print copy of BY A THREAD to one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about what you would do for "fun in the sun" - swim? surf? scuba?  sunbathe?  

I love Hawaii's warm weather but the beach is last on my list - I prefer touring historic sights, hiking the coast lines, and snapping photos along the way!

2.  This giveaway is open to all readers.

3.  Comments are open through Saturday, March 3, 10 pm in Hawaii.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, March 4.

Mahalo,

Kim in Hawaii

To learn more about Jennifer and her books, check out her website at www.jenniferestep.com.

La'ie is home to Oahu's dragon legend
(at this link)

Aloha to Christine Trent and BY THE KING'S DESIGN

You know how I love trivia and Leap Day gives us a jewel.  On this day in 1720, Queen Elrika Eleonora of Sweden abdicated in favor of her her husband, Landgrave Frederick of Hesse-Kassel.  She asserted claim to the crown when her brother, Charles XII, died without direct heirs.  Queen Elrika outmaneuvered her older sister's son only to give the throne to her husband.  

Christine as Marie Antoinette when
she visited Fort Meade.

Today's guest, Christine Trent, gives us a herione who would not giveaway her "kingdom" but rather embrace it - IN THE KING'S DESIGN:

Annabelle "Belle" Stirling inherited the family draper shop from her late father, only to have it sabotaged by her ne'er-do-well brother, Wesley. Belle travels to London to seek redress, and while there, the Prince Regent, future King George IV, commissions her to provide fabrics for his Royal Pavilion. As Belle's renown spreads, she meets handsome cabinetmaker Putnam Boyce, but worries that marriage will mean sacrificing her now flourishing shop. When Wesley plots to kidnap the newly crowned King, Belle finds herself entangled in a duplicitous world of shifting allegiances, where every choice could have unexpected consequences for her future, her safety, and her kingdom...

Join Christine for her blog tour:

Tour Schedule at this link.
Christine Trent's Website, www.christinetrent.com
Christine Trent on Facebook at this link.
Tour Event Twitter #BytheKing'sDesignVirtualTour 

Read my review of BY THE KING'S DESIGN on Goodreads at this link.  I am giving away a print copy of BY THE KING'S DESIGN to one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  What talent could you offer the king?   I would be happy to blog for him!

2.  This giveaway is open to all readers.

3.  Comments are open through Saturday, March 3, 10 pm in Hawaii.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, March 4.

Mahalo,

Kim in Hawaii

Aloha to Kat Martin and AGAINST THE NIGHT

On this day in in 1922, the United Kingdom ended its protectorate over Egypt through the Unilateral Declaration of Independence. 100 years before, Regency England was enthralled with Egypt antiquities - a fascination that has continued long after its independence.

What does today's trivia have to do with today's guest?   PERFECT SIN was the first book I read from Kat Martin (shortly after I discovered romance books).  The American heroine, Caitlyn, and the English Duke, Randall, are hot on the trail of a lost necklace from Cleopatra.   

Meanwhile, Kat has been hot on the writing trail by entertaining readers with historical romance, contemporary, and romantic suspense.   Kat celebrates the fifth book in her AGAINST series with AGAINST THE NIGHT:

She’s got the face of an angel and the body of…well, isn’t that what he’d expect from an exotic dancer? But there’s something about this girl that Johnnie Riggs can’t shake. The former army ranger is hot on the trail of an elusive drug lord—and suddenly very hot under the collar, as well.

Amy’s got her own agenda to pursue: her sister is missing and Amy seems to be the only one who cares. She’ll enlist Johnnie's help and do her best to ignore her growing attraction to finally get some answers. But when the two trails begin to converge and reveal something even more sinister than they imagined, their mutual desire is the least of their problems. They’ll bring the truth to light…or die trying.

Mary Gramlich, the Reading Reviewer, hosted Kat and her husband, Larry (LJ) Martin, on her blog yesterday at this link.

I had the distinction pleasure of dining with this writing couple last year at RT in LA - perhaps I'll have a repeat engagement at RT in Chicago!   Kat donated a print copy of AGAINST THE NIGHT for me to giveaway here at SOS Aloha.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about antiquities - do you prefer Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Medieval Europe, American West, or other? 

I have been fascinated by Egypt since I was 10.  I had the opportunity to take an Nile Cruise when we lived in the Netherlands.   That is a story for another day ... but I loved the antiquities, especially Abu Simbel.

2.  This giveaway is open to all readers.

3.  Comments are open through Saturday, March 3, 10 pm in Hawaii.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, March 4.

Mahalo,

Kim in Hawaii

To learn more about Kat and her books, log onto www.katmartin.com.

Sourcebooks Deals and Discounts

Sourcebooks generously sponsors giveaways here at SOS Aloha.  Let me return the favor by passing along deals and discounts ...

SOURCEBOOKS Romance and Fiction eBook Deals and Discounts!

Dreaming of the Wolf by Terry Spear

Promotional Price: $1.99 (2/21/2012 – 3/5/2012)

A FIERCE HUNTER...

Alicia Greiston is a no-nonsense bounty hunter determined to bring a ring of mobsters to justice. Her dogged pursuit of the crime family has forced her to avoid relationships— any man would only become a target for retribution. Luckily, Jake Silver is more than a man, and his instincts are telling him to stop at nothing to protect her.

AN ANIMAL PASSION...

However, the mob isn't entirely human either, and soon Alicia must flee for her life. When Alicia and Jake's passion begins to spill over into their dreams, Jake learns he will have to do more than defend her— he'll have to show his mate the way of the wolf.

Terry Spear’s new book A SEAL in Wolf’s Clothing releases on 03/06/2012

The Highlander’s Heart by Amanda Forester

Promotional Price: $1.99 (2/21/2012 – 3/5/2012)

She’s nobody’s prisoner. . .

Lady Isabelle Tynsdale’s flight over the Scottish border would have been the perfect escape, if only she hadn’t run straight into the arms of a gorgeous Highland laird. Whether his plan is ransom or seduction, her only hope is to outwit him, or she’ll lose herself entirely. . .

And he’s nobody’s fool. . .

Laird David Campbell thought Lady Isabelle was going to be easy to handle and profitable too. He never imagined he’d have such a hard time keeping one enticing English countess out of trouble. And out of his heart. . .

Amanda Forester’s new book True Highland Spirit releases on 03/06/2012

  

Making Waves by Tawna Fenske

Promotional Price: $1.99 (2/21/2012 – 3/5/2012)

She always wanted to belong…just not to a dysfunctional pirate crew

Juli has trouble fitting in, though she’d prefer to keep the reasons to herself. But when she mistakenly stows away on a ship of misfit corporate castoffs, her own secrets become the least of her concerns.

He knows plotting a diamond heist may be considered unusual behavior…

But Alex isn’t feeling very normal when his unscrupulous boss kicks him to the curb. Meeting Juli doesn’t do much to restore normalcy to Alex’s life either, but it sure is exhilarating!

As Alex and Juli bare their secrets—and a whole lot more—they find that while normal is nice, weird can be wonderful.

Dive into Tawna Fenske’s hilarious world of wacky, quirky, heartwarming romance.

Tawna Fenske’s new book Believe It or Not releases on 03/06/2012

A Crowded Marriage by Catherine Alliot

Promotional Price: $2.99 (2/21/2012 – 3/5/2012)

'Til death do us part jut might cause you to wring someone's neck...

Imogen Cameron can’t quite figure out how she and her husband, Alex, have plummeted from living in their beloved London townhouse to scraping by in his exgirlfriend’s guest cottage. But although the scenic pastures might inspire her flagging artistic career, and getting out of the city might do their son good, Imogen wonders if all the country air in the world could calm the crowds that are invading her marriage.

There’s a gaggle of psychotic chickens, an infuriatingly bossy vet, that oh-so-sweet ex-girlfriend—and the feeling that her husband is preoccupied with more than just his job. International bestselling author Catherine Alliott delivers an “intelligent, acutely drawn picture of a difficult marriage” (Daily Telegraph), crafting a witty, sophisticated, and poignant exploration of relationships and family.

Catherine Alliott’s new book A Rural Affair releases on 03/06/2012

  

Midnight on Julia Street by Ciji Ware

Promotional Price: $2.99 (2/21/2012 – 3/5/2012)

Scandal transcends time in the Big Easy

Feisty reporter Corlis McCullough isn’t afraid to push boundaries in the name of journalistic integrity. When passion for the truth lands her in New Orleans in need of a job, an assignment at a TV station pits her against her old college nemesis, King Duvallon.

The sultry streets of the French Quarter, the glamorous Garden District, derelict riverfront cotton warehouses, and gritty back alleys come alive as the reporter’s story inexplicably slips between the nineteenth century and today. A long-forgotten drama of blackmail, swindles, and a love affair that is still changing lives leaves Corlis and King wondering if their burgeoning, unholy attraction will render them pawns in a matrix of mystery and deceit.

Ciji Ware’s new book A Light on the Veranda releases on 03/06/2012

  

Sins of the House of Borgia by Sarah Bower

Promotional Price: $2.99 (2/21/2012 – 3/5/2012)

A Notorious Duke

An Infamous Duchess

An Innocent Girl

Violante isn’t supposed to be here, in one of the grandest courts of Renaissance Italy. She isn’t supposed to be a lady-in-waiting to the beautiful Lucrezia Borgia. But the same secretive  politics that pushed Lucrezia’s father to the Vatican have landed Violante deep in a lavish landscape of passion and ambition.

Violante discovers a Lucrezia unknown to those who see only a scheming harlot, and all the whispers about her brother, Cesare Borgia, never revealed the soul of the man who dances close with Violante.

But those who enter the House of Borgia are never quite the same when they leave—if they leave at all. Violante’s place in history will test her heart and leave her the guardian of dangerous secrets she must carry to the grave.

Sarah Bower’s new book The Needle in the Blood releases on 03/06/2012

Aloha to Deby Eisenberg and PICTURES OF THE PAST

On this day in 1943, Berliners initiated the Rosenstrasse Protest in response to the Nazi's "final roundup" of Jewish men, even those married to German women. We often think of the inhumanity during WWII ... yet let us remember the humanity, too.  Deby Eisenberg's novel, PICTURES OF THE PAST, delivers a sweeping saga of WWII and its impact on the generations to come. From her bio,

As the leader of an established Chicago area Book Club, Deby Eisenberg challenged herself to write a novel that her avid readers could not put down and would love to discuss. With a Masters Degree from the University of Chicago, she is a former English teacher and journalist. Inspired by so many wonderful books and formidable authors, and drawing on her love of literary research, art, architecture, Jewish history, and travel in the United States and Europe, she tried to envision a multi-generational love story that would inform as well as entertain, that would broaden the mind and open the heart. Deby and her husband Michael, an obstetrician-gynecologist, live in Riverwoods, Illinois. They have three grown children and two grandchildren.

Kim:  Tell us about Chicago - your favorite sight, sound, and smell.

Deby:  Although I am actually a north suburban resident, I identify myself closely with Chicago and I am so proud of how the city has become a showplace. Visit us on a summer day and stroll the magnificent lakefront starting at Oak Street Beach, adjacent to one of the venues in Pictures of the Past, The Drake Hotel. The path will be a maze of bikers, and joggers, and buggies, but it is such a vibrant place to be. Or go down the shopping mecca of Michigan Avenue -- the smell of Garrett’s Carmel Corn will entice you for a break, but the line is out the door. Keep walking north until you reach our new Millennium Park, Mayor Daley’s legacy before his retirement. Hear our world-famous Chicago Symphony orchestra performing from the ultra-modern band shell there for free concerts in the summer, or see the world famous skyline reflected in the Bean mirrored sculpture. When you read my novel, you won’t be surprised to know that if I’m in the area, I will have followed the new architectural bridge to The Art Institute – don’t visit Chicago without seeing the fabulous Impressionist Collection.

Kim:  I love Europe - what is one of your favorite cities and why?

Deby:  Kim, I’m with you on that -- This question has certainly made me do some soul searching – because there are so many cities that I love to visit in Europe. So if I am choosing one – I am going to go with Rome. I think it combines everything that I love about being a tourist. I am drawn most to all of the history in the architecture – around every corner there is a surprise coming to life from the pages of your history books -- The Colosseum, The Pantheon, The Roman Forum. As we also like to discover the Jewish heritage of any city we visit, we love heading to the Jewish Quarter and seeing the Roman synagogue with its impressive dome. And Rome is a walking city – and (now you will know my real passion) a city with outdoor cafes everywhere you look. Our favorite square is the Piazza Navona – we have purchased many painting from the street vendors there. How I wish I were there right now, sitting and writing with tea and a treat. And then there is the Via Veneto – shopping – or just watching the shoppers from the Spanish Steps. I admit a weakness for designer purses and the streets there are just calling to you . . . and oh, those beautiful fountains!

Kim:  What do you think are the elements of a book that "readers could not put down and would love to discuss."

Deby:  I think that readers are drawn to a little history and a little mystery. I think they want to meet a character who faces challenges and stay with him or her through to resolution. And when that challenge involves war and separation, love and loss, and longing – it can create an irresistible story. I hoped to write a novel that would broaden the mind and open the heart. With Pictures of the Past, readers can discuss the stories of the Holocaust or they can discuss the empowerment of women during difficult times, the pressures of being an only child, or the varied and tenuous parent-child relationships.

Kim:   What inspired PICTURES OF THE PAST? Where did you find research for the book?

Deby:  My original inspiration for Pictures of the Past was actually memories of touring the beautiful mansions of Newport, Rhode Island, including the Vanderbilt family’s Marble House and The Breakers. And I have always loved the Grand Staircase of the Art Institute of Chicago, always needing my fix of the Impressionist Masters, Renoir, and Degas and Monet. Somehow I knew that if I eventually wrote a book, they would have a home in it. Researching to enhance the novel after the narrative framework was created was almost my easiest and most favorite part of writing the book. It brought me back to my roots as a high school English teacher. Although it was surprisingly not my original intent, my characters took me back to the Holocaust era, as I have read so many of the stories of those times – it was a natural fit for me. I did extensive research through books of the period. I was most inspired by a book called Refuge Denied by Scott Miller and Sarah Ogilvie of the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, and so my Sarah and her mother were headed toward the famous ship, the St. Louis, as they tried to flee Nazi Germany. Of course, the internet is an invaluable and easy resource for any writer needing research. And I was lucky enough to have had first-hand research visits to almost all of the venues in the novel, touring Berlin and Potsdam while I was writing. 

Kim:  What's next for Deby Eisenberg?

Deby:  My greatest joy would be continuing on my second novel with my morning iced tea at Panera, but right now I am very occupied (luckily) with commitments involving Pictures of the Past. I am booking speaking engagements in the Midwest and Florida – Hawaii would be nice – and so I am just enjoying the ride. I have learned so much about the book world that I did not even know as a Book Club leader. The bloggers are great and SOS Aloha is a fantastic site. Thank you so much for your interest in the book and in me

Mahalo, Deby, for joining us at SOS Aloha!  I am still reading PICTURES OF THE PAST - it is an engaging read with emotional grit.   I am giving away a print copy of PICTURES OF THE PAST to one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about your favorite painting, even if it is the one taped to your refrigerator door!

2.  This giveaway is open to all readers.

3.  Comments are open through Saturday, March 3, 10 pm in Hawaii.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, March 4.

Mahalo,

Kim in Hawaii

To learn more about Deby, check out her website at www.debyeisenberg.com.

Indulge in Our Favorite Authors

I have a special reminder from five rocking romance authors ...

Don’t Miss the “Indulge in Our Favorite Authors” Epic Book Giveaway Contest!

If you haven’t already heard, five romance authors are holding an epic book giveaway contest of *their* five favorite romance authors’ books. But they’re not just giving away a few books—they’re giving away complete, SIGNED backlists of the following authors:

Julia Quinn (sponsored by Shana Galen) 

Lisa Kleypas (sponsored by Elise Rome) 

Julie Garwood (sponsored by Heather Snow) 

Elizabeth Hoyt (sponsored by Lila DiPasqua) 

Cynthia Eden (sponsored by Vanessa Kelly) 

Yes, it’s an epic contest, and it’s being held on Facebook right now. All you have to do is visit the Facebook pages of Shana Galen, Lila DiPasqua, Vanessa Kelly, Heather Snow, and Elise Rome, and enter the favorite book (the hint is given on the contest tab) for each of these authors.

At the end of February the contest will be over—so hurry!—and five lucky winners will win a backlist of one of the amazing authors mentioned above. Elise has said that Lisa is even signing her books after the winner is chosen for her backlist, so if you win Lisa Kleypas’ books, they’ll be personally made out to you. Also, the five authors are giving away books of their own, too.

Good luck to everyone who enters, and don’t forget to tell your friends!

Travel Link, Romance Review, and Weekly Winners

Today the Webelos II bridged over to Boy Scouts - my youngest joins his older brother in Troop 97.  Some of the other moms were sniffing as they realized that their children were growing up!   I remind my children of that fact when I find a gray hair!  

Speaking of the Boy Scouts, I posted the Scouts' adventure on board the USS Missouri at ALOHA ON MY MIND at this link.  It includes photos of the Canadian Navy!

Speaking of the Navy, Navy Veteran Cathy Maxwell asked me to review her new book, LYON'S BRIDE, available April 24.   I am a slow reader but this story caught my attention and never let go - check out my review on Goodreads at this link.   Look for an interview (and giveaway) with Cathy in April.

Speaking of giveaways, we have winners!

First, from last week's blogs at ALOHA ON MY MIND,

- Shadow is the winner of a book choice from my convention stash.

Now for the winners from SOS Aloha:

Freya North's interview:

- Erin wins the British gift pack!

Book Covers with shirtless men - thanks for the recommendations!

- Maria D wins a book choice from my convention stash

Nina Benneton's COMPULSIVELY MR. DARCY

- Chelsea B. wins a print copy

- Alba wins an ecopy

Mary, Dark Thoughts, and Yahoo's Contributor Network

- Stacie D wins a book choice from my convention stash

Richard Tillotson's ACTS OF GOD WHILE ON VACATION

- Sherry is the winner!

M.L. Buchman's THE NIGHT IS MINE

- Tammy S. and Booklovers win a print copy from Sourcebooks

- Eli wins "Fly over Hawaii" gift

Kathy Holmes' LETTERS ON BALBOA ISLAND

- Mary Belle wins the Aulani souvenir

Winners - please claim your prize by sending your mailing address to sos.aloha@yahoo.com.

Mahalo,

Kim in Hawaii

Aloha to Myke Cole and SHADOW OPS: CONTROL POINT

I discovered today's guest, Mike Cole, through Limecello's Blog (at this link). Upon reading that Myke was a veteran, I invited him to join us here at SOS Aloha. From his bio,

As a secu­rity con­tractor, gov­ern­ment civilian and mil­i­tary officer, Myke Cole’s career has run the gamut from Coun­tert­er­rorism to Cyber War­fare to Fed­eral Law Enforce­ment. He’s done three tours in Iraq and was recalled to serve during the Deep­water Horizon oil spill. All that con­flict can wear a guy out. Thank good­ness for fan­tasy novels, comic books, late night games of Dun­geons and Dragons and lots of angst fueled writing. 

Kim:  Why did you join the military?

Myke:  I joined the military for a couple of reasons. My first two tours in Iraq were as a "security contractor" (which is a nice way of saying "mercenary.") Now, I'm not ashamed of that at all. Even as a private contractor, I risked my life and furthered the mission there, and knew plenty of other contractors who were dedicated to making things better out forward. That said, when I got home, I would ride the metro with some T-shirt on that referenced Operation: Iraqi Freedom and folks would come over to thank me for my service. I'd respond. "Thanks, but I was a contractor." Their expressions would immediately turn sour. I'll admit that got to me. After the 5th time or so that it happened, I became determined to do something about it.

The other factor is that my grandparents were Jews who were liberated from the concentration camps by the Soviets. As a result, they became dedicated communists. Not surprisingly, after they immigrated to the US, they were persecuted during McCarthy and the Red Scare, and developed a real aversion to American institutions. So (also not surprisingly) my family had no military legacy to speak of. I kept thinking that if I am ever lucky enough to have children of my own, I don't want them to grow up with a negative view of the military I love so much. The best way to ensure they grew to honor the uniform was to wear it myself.

Peter Brett, Jennie Ivins, & Myke Cole
fantasy-faction.com 

Kim:  Which fantasy novelist do you admire? Who is your favorite comic book hero? What inspired you to pursuing writing your "angst fueled writing"? 

Myke:  If I have to pick a single fantasy novelist, it would have to be Peter V. Brett, the author of The Demon Cycle (the first book is THE WARDED MAN). Pete is a dear friend and mentor, but even if he wasn't, I'd still be in awe of his writing. The man has an economy of prose, empathy in character development and grasp of narrative pacing that is awe-inspiring. His writing remains the standard that I aspire to every time I sit down at the keyboard.

My favorite comic book hero is (not surprisingly) Captain America. Now, I'm talking about Ed Brubaker's vision of Cap, mostly from his Captain America Omnibus but also from Cap's appearances in the The Ultimates after Marvel rebooted the Avengers franchise.

It's impossible to put my finger on one thing that inspired me to pursue writing. It was, as it is for most writers, a combination of influences: some of it was social isolation, some of it was a family that hated math and science but lauded arts and letters, some of it was a love of the genre. A *lot* of it was Dungeons and Dragons, which while a game, is still based around writing, reading and story-telling. 

Kim:  I admire your openness to all book genres! I suspect you probably could write a kick ass romantic suspense! As a reader, what draws you to a story? As a writer, what do you want to convey to the reader?

Myke:  What draws me to a story as a reader is the same thing I most badly want to convey as a writer: compelling characters. Stories are ultimately about people. Watching others interact is really the most interesting thing in life and plot and setting are most often just the lubrication we need to get awesome characters interacting with one another. This is one of the things that makes romance such an interesting genre: it is a field *solely* interested with human relationships, distilling the story down to its most critical element immediately.

I put a ton of effort into world building and a solid plot, but I don't *worry* about it much. When it comes to creating characters and having them interact in a meaningful, resonant way? *Now* I'm sweating, because if you get that wrong, you're done.

Kim:  Tell us about your new book.

Myke:  Peter V. Brett's blurb describing CONTROL POINT as "Black Hawk Down meets the X-Men" is the best possible description I can think of. The book is exploring a future in which magic has reentered the world, forcing the government to draft draconian regulations to clamp down on the incredible power of sorcery. The government uses the Supernatural Operations Corps (SOC), the magic using arm of the military, as its main instrument to this end.

On the one hand, it's an action-packed story showing army direct action teams with sorcerers anchoring the stick. On the other hand, it's asking tough questions about what we as a nation do when confronted with threats we deem to be existential. 

Kim:  What's next for Myke Cole?

Myke:  Book II in the SHADOW OPS series, FORTRESS FRONTIER, is done and turned in. I'm currently outlining Book III, BREACH ZONE. I have a novelette on submission to a media tie-in franchise (gaming) which I hope will eventually lead to me writing novels in that universe. I have another original series plotted as well and I'm hoping to pitch it to my publisher soon. I'm also hopeful to break into writing for comic books and video games. I'm keeping up with my romance, trying to better understand the genre and think of an angle I can approach it from with my own writing.

Success for me looks like a life where I can earn a living do nothing other than continuing serving in the reserve and writing.

Mahalo, Myke, for sharing with us!  I am giving away a print copy of SHADOW OPS:  CONTROL POINT to one randomly selected commenter:

Army Officer. Fugitive. Sorcerer.

Across the country and in every nation, people are waking up with magical talents. Untrained and panicked, they summon storms, raise the dead, and set everything they touch ablaze.
Army officer Oscar Britton sees the worst of it. A lieutenant attached to the military's Supernatural Operations Corps, his mission is to bring order to a world gone mad. Then he abruptly manifests a rare and prohibited magical power, transforming him overnight from government agent to public enemy number one.

The SOC knows how to handle this kind of situation: hunt him down--and take him out. Driven into an underground shadow world, Britton is about to learn that magic has changed all the rules he's ever known, and that his life isn't the only thing he's fighting for.

To enter the giveaway, 

1.  Leave a comment about your favorite comic book hero or heroine.   

My favorite graphic novel heroine is Tia Stantan from Anne Elizabeth's PULSE OF POWER.

2.  This giveaway is open to all readers.

3.  Comments are open through Saturday, March 3, 10 pm in Hawaii.  I'll post the winner on March 4.

Mahalo,

Kim in Hawaii

To learn more about Myke and his books, check out his website at www.mykecole.com.