Thanks to Hanna Pollock Lindsley of Spark Point Studio, I am giving away one print copy of ‘A Place Called Zamora by LB Gschwandtner.
Description Place Called Zamora by LB Gschwandtner
In a post-apocalyptic city, a brutal regime establishes the Race, an annual event where one boy from each of the thirteen buildings in the city’s Ring must compete.
As the victor, Niko, is expected to live a life of luxury in the regime’s Compound, but when he shuns custom and requests a young woman El to join him, they both become targets on the run. As the city’s youth prepares for a guerilla revolt, Niko and El hope to find refuge in the mythical Zamora, but will their love survive increasing mistrust and fear?
Praise Place Called Zamora by LB Gschwandtner
“Vivid urban jungle SF settings and vigorous storytelling.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Glimmers of discontent and secrets arise in a city that’s under authoritarian rule in A Place Called Zamora, a promising start to a new dystopian series.” —Foreword Reviews
About LB Gschwandtner
LB Gschwandtner has attended numerous fiction-writing workshops―the Iowa Writers Workshop and others―studied with Fred Leebron, Bob Bausch, Richard Bausch, Lary Bloom, Joyce Maynard, Sue Levine, and Wally Lamb, and published five adult novels, one middle-grade novel, and one collection of quirky short stories.
She began her professional career as an artist, became a magazine editor in 1980, and began writing fiction in 1986. She’s won awards in literary contests and independent publishing contests, and been published in literary digests and magazines. A Place Called Zamora is her eighth book.
Deadly Ground by Thomas W. Starbuck and Judy Belshe-Toernblom
Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc. (April 4, 2018) Category: Fantasy, Romance, Science Fiction Lite, Post Apocalyptic Tour dates: October-November, 2018 ISBN: 978-1641401678 Available in Print and ebook, 157 pages
“Deadly Ground” – a riveting story about the human race under threat, with a rare DNA condition providing a second chance for humanity. A fast-paced novel that reads like an apocalypse movie with a biological viral disease, some romance, and aliens in the mix, centered on the unforgettable human main character AB, who becomes the hope for humanity’s regeneration.
By author Thomas W. Starbuck, whose storyline for “Deadly Ground” was adapted and written by Judy Belshe-Toernblom.
Trailer Deadly Ground by Thomas W. Starbuck and Judy Belshe-Toernblom
My Thoughts Deadly Ground by Thomas W. Starbuck and Judy Belshe-Toernblom
There is a deadly virus quickly making its way across the USA. AB, a scientist working for the CDC is working on a vaccination. Once someone gets the virus, they die, there is no way to save them, and so a vaccine is the only hope. However, the virus is airborne and picks up speed. It travels all over the world. AB finds himself to be the only survivor. Luckily his dog friend, Winnie survives as well so he has a companion.
Together AB and Winnie struggle to survive and run across many mishaps along the way. After searching tirelessly for any other survivors and coming up empty, they go back to their home town to live out the rest of their days. This gives AB a lot of time to contemplate his life and realize that he lost his chance to find that someone special to spend the rest of his life with. He really wanted to have a woman in his life and to experience romance. How long can he survive without human love and companionship? How long can anyone?
This is a very short book of 158 pages, almost a novella. It is an easy read but really makes the reader think about what it would be like to be the last person on earth. AB becomes the new Adam but where will he find a new Eve to start the world over? It is well written and really captures the desolate feel of the new landscape, without humans. It’s a great post apocalyptic and I am excited to learn that there is going to be a sequel. I can hardly wait! I think ‘Deadly Ground’ would make a great movie as well.
4.5/5
I received the ebook version for my honest opinion.
About Thomas W. Starbuck
Thomas W. Starbuck, an eternal optimist, finds joy in everything around him – from quality time with his active family to quiet meditation and contemplation about the world around him. Never living life in the status quo, Tom had an idea for a story.
This spark of an idea for a screenplay turned into Tom’s first novel, ‘Deadly Ground’, published in April 2018. To give Deadly Ground the soul it needed, Tom worked with gifted writer, Judy Belshe-Toernblom, on both the screenplay and novel, and they were recognized by the 2018 Capital Fund Screenplay Competition Top 100.
Tom is the father of two daughters and a beloved granddaughter, who one of the Deadly Ground characters was named after. He lives with his wife of 45 years in Des Moines, Iowa, where he graduated from Drake University and worked in financial services for 32 years prior to retirement in 2009.
Multi-talented Judy Belshe-Toernblom has spent her career as an award-winning writer/producer/casting director in Hollywood. Having published 5 books, Judy received the Dove Foundation Award for her book, Boonville Redemption: The End of the Beginning, as well as its film, Boonville Redemption, starring Pat Boone, Edward Asner and Diane Ladd. Working with Thomas W. Starbuck on both the screenplay and published novel, Deadly Ground, they were recognized by the 2018 Capital Fund Screenplay Competition Top 100. She also received the Irwin Award for her book, It’s A Freeway Out There! Everyone’s Guide to the Film and Commercial Industry.
She’s had the privilege of working with award-winning directors over the years, casting for movies, educational films, industrials and infomercials, such as: McGruff the Crime Dog series, How the West Was Lost (Cable Ace Award), Knotts Berry Farm, Oroweat, Disney educational projects, Boys and Girls Town PSAs, Will Rogers Institute PSAs, and 100s more.
Giveaway Deadly Ground by Thomas W. Starbuck and Judy Belshe-Toernblom
This giveaway is for the winner’s choice of one print or ebook copy of the book. Print is open to the U.S. only and ebook is available worldwide. This giveaway ends November 30, 2018, midnight pacific time. Entries are accepted via Rafflecopter only.
Deadly Ground by Thomas W. Starbuck and Judy Belshe-Toernblom
Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc. (April 4, 2018) Category: Fantasy, Romance, Science Fiction Lite, Post Apocalyptic Tour dates: October-November, 2018 ISBN: 978-1641401678 Available in Print and ebook, 157 pages
“Deadly Ground” – a riveting story about the human race under threat, with a rare DNA condition providing a second chance for humanity. A fast-paced novel that reads like an apocalypse movie with a biological viral disease, some romance, and aliens in the mix, centered on the unforgettable human main character AB, who becomes the hope for humanity’s regeneration.
By author Thomas W. Starbuck, whose storyline for “Deadly Ground” was adapted and written by Judy Belshe-Toernblom.
Trailer Deadly Ground by Thomas W. Starbuck and Judy Belshe-Toernblom
Praise Deadly Ground by Thomas W. Starbuck and Judy Belshe-Toernblom
“Great concept…makes you think. Could history be repeating itself? Fast read. Anxious for the sequel.”- Peggy Holder, Amazon
“A really good book and definitely a page-turner. I really liked the characters which is so important to me when I read a book. And the story really makes you think a lot about the things that are going on around us throughout the world. This was a different type of book than I normally read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This book has something for so many readers’ interests – some fantasy, some romance, some sci-fi. It’s also a quick read. I’m looking forward to the author’s sequel to ‘Deadly Ground’.”-Tamara, Amazon Review
Praise Boonville Redemption: The End Of The Beginning by Judy Belshe-Toernblom
“Unique and wonderful on multiple levels. Told from a dog’s point of view, the tale of love, betrayal, and ultimate redemption is woven in a tapestry of beautiful description, colorful history and memorable characters. Set in the quaint town of Boonville, Anderson Valley, Northern California, the book resurrects Boontling, the valley-specific, and near- lost language of Boonville’s earliest settlers. It’s a great read that will draw you into the quieter, gentler times, captivate you with the lush scenery, prompt you to curse or cheer the townsfolk of 1800s Boonville.”- J. Helen Elza, Amazon
“A touching story about the good and evil that is part of the human experience. The characters inspire one to think about forgiveness and redemption. Very engaging and beautifully written. Loved reading it. So good I wanted the story to continue!”-Garden Girl, Amazon
About Thomas W. Starbuck
Thomas W. Starbuck, an eternal optimist, finds joy in everything around him – from quality time with his active family to quiet meditation and contemplation about the world around him. Never living life in the status quo, Tom had an idea for a story.
This spark of an idea for a screenplay turned into Tom’s first novel, ‘Deadly Ground’, published in April 2018. To give Deadly Ground the soul it needed, Tom worked with gifted writer, Judy Belshe-Toernblom, on both the screenplay and novel, and they were recognized by the 2018 Capital Fund Screenplay Competition Top 100.
Tom is the father of two daughters and a beloved granddaughter, who one of the Deadly Ground characters was named after. He lives with his wife of 45 years in Des Moines, Iowa, where he graduated from Drake University and worked in financial services for 32 years prior to retirement in 2009.
Multi-talented Judy Belshe-Toernblom has spent her career as an award-winning writer/producer/casting director in Hollywood. Having published 5 books, Judy received the Dove Foundation Award for her book, Boonville Redemption: The End of the Beginning, as well as its film, Boonville Redemption, starring Pat Boone, Edward Asner and Diane Ladd. Working with Thomas W. Starbuck on both the screenplay and published novel, Deadly Ground, they were recognized by the 2018 Capital Fund Screenplay Competition Top 100. She also received the Irwin Award for her book, It’s A Freeway Out There! Everyone’s Guide to the Film and Commercial Industry.
She’s had the privilege of working with award-winning directors over the years, casting for movies, educational films, industrials and infomercials, such as: McGruff the Crime Dog series, How the West Was Lost (Cable Ace Award), Knotts Berry Farm, Oroweat, Disney educational projects, Boys and Girls Town PSAs, Will Rogers Institute PSAs, and 100s more.
Giveaway Deadly Ground by Thomas W. Starbuck and Judy Belshe-Toernblom
This giveaway is for the winner’s choice of one print or ebook copy of the book. Print is open to the U.S. only and ebook is available worldwide. This giveaway ends November 30, 2018, midnight pacific time. Entries are accepted via Rafflecopter only.
Place Called Zamora by LB Gschwandtner
