Showing posts with label action. Show all posts
Showing posts with label action. Show all posts
Monday, July 29, 2019
The cats are back in space - Chronicles of Kassouk by Vijaya Schartz
I have been accused of having a wild imagination, and I plead guilty. I’m a writer. It comes with the territory. I write strong heroines, brave heroes, and cats.
You may not know it, but in my world, real and imagined, most cats are telepathic and exhibit all kinds of special powers. Some are very judgmental, others just loving, and others yet very food motivated. They can read people’s thoughts and intentions and sense whether a person is good or evil. They can disappear from a room and reappear through closed doors, or vanish entirely… until they decide to re-materialize… usually around meal time.
 |
| Jasmine never misses a meal, no matter how invisible she has become. |
As I revisit the Chronicles of Kassouk for their second edition through BWL Publishing, I am thrown again into the sci-fi fantasy world I created for the series, Humans and their cats, fighting for their freedom against technologically advanced aliens with their own agenda.
In the world of Kassouk, as you can tell by the book covers, cats are an important part of the culture. In Noah’s Ark, the hero’s companion is a fierce domestic cat named Viking. But all the following books eminently feature large felines, kept as pets and trained for battle. These cats are usually loyal companions, often heroic to a fault.
Noah’s Ark is set against the dramatic background of Human scientists, runaways, fugitives, and settlers crashing on a wintry planet. The title of each following novel is the warrior name of its hero or heroine. White Tiger is the heroine of her book and all the stories after that have a corresponding big cat as a secondary character. In this series, each novel is a complete standalone with its own set of characters, its own romantic story and satisfying ending, and can be read independently from the others.
As the population of Kassouk evolves, however, a few long-lived characters and continuing story threads develop through several novels, and have repercussions in more than one story. So, it helps to know what happened before. And if you are like me, you’ll want to read the Chronicles of Kassouk in the right order.
I am thrilled with the republication of this series. NOAH’S ARK was just released in July 2019. WHITE TIGER is on pre-order, to be released August 1, 2019. And the following titles will come out back to back over the summer – RED LEOPARD – BLACK JAGUAR – BLUE LIONESS – SNOW CHEETAH.
Here are the specifics of the first two novels currently available. Enjoy the read.
NOAH'S ARK
Chronicles of Kassouk - Prequel
Chronicles of Kassouk - Prequel
Exclusive on amazon for a short time HERE
When Trixie's starfreighter, Noah's Ark, drops out of jump space in an uncharted part of the universe, she believes the Earth-like planet on her viewer represents hope and salvation for her motley crew and the ragtag settlers aboard her ship.
Kostas, ex Space Marine, the expert survivalist recruited for this expedition, doesn't believe in coincidences, and knows that when something looks too good to be true, it usually is.
Everyone on this voyage to seed a new planet with life, is running from something, and harbors dangerous secrets... including Trixie, who vowed to never let a man control her life again. As for Kostas, he would get lynched on the spot if anyone suspected who he really is.
But on this seemingly abandoned planet, others are watching, herding them for evil purposes... And when the truth emerges and secrets unravel, Trixie and Kostas will have to fight for survival, for freedom, and for the right to love...
"Filled with action, adventure, greed, betrayal, and love..." 5-stars on amazon.
WHITE TIGER
Chronicles of Kassouk Book One
Exclusive on amazon for a short time HERE
On the frozen plains of Kassouk, where a few aliens rule a medieval Human world, Tora, Human warrior trained by tigers, seeks her father’s murderer. But what she finds at the point of her sword confuses her. How dare Dragomir, the handsome Mutant, question her bloodline and her loyalties? And could a new enemy control the savage hordes of the fringe?
Dragomir offers to help, but Humans and Mutants are forbidden to fraternize under penalty of death... Should Tora trust her mind, her instincts, or her heart?
In the vortex of war, treason and intrigue, among blizzards, avalanches and ambushes, Tora sets out to solve the mystery of her father’s death. When she unveils the secret of her birth, she realizes Dragomir is the key, and together, they must save their planet from the invaders and fulfill their destiny... if they can survive dire persecutions from those they mean to protect.
"...an exceptional tale that belongs in a place of honor on keeper shelves everywhere." Coffee Time Romance - 5-cups
"...this is one futuristic that you do not want to miss!" Fallen Angels Reviews - 5 angels - Recommended Read
HAPPY READING!
Vijaya Schartz, author
Strong heroines, brave heroes, romance with a kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
amazon - B&N - Smashwords - Kobo - FB
Strong heroines, brave heroes, romance with a kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
amazon - B&N - Smashwords - Kobo - FB
Monday, September 25, 2017
Sci-fi action adventure romance... not horror! by Vijaya Schartz
 |
| Find all my BWL titles at your favorite online retailer here |
Let's
face it, many books and movies nowadays focus on the scary, the morbid,
the deadly, the darkness in people's souls. Some are masterfully
written (thank you Mr. Stephen King) and that's well and good for those
who relish the genre. Personally, it gives me nightmares. When a
hopeless group of people is doomed to certain death by an unknown and
unstoppable evil, watching them die one at a time in utter paralyzing
fear, panic and dismembering bloodshed is not fun to me. Horror focuses
on creating fear... a negative emotion that releases toxic chemicals in
the human body.
 |
| You can find General KAVAK, "the worst villain in sci-fi history" in the Ancient Enemy series |
In
my novels, I prefer to focus on hope, and the courage of the brave
heroes and heroines who overcome their fears to fight the battle of good
vs. evil. Although reviewers said I write "The worst (meaning best)
villains in sci-fi history," I do not need a large body count to
demonstrate they are bad guys. Usually, one death by elephant, one human
sacrifice, or one severed head rolling on the sand is enough to make my
point... there are bad people out there, and demons, and things that go
bump in the night. But in my books, for every demon there is a loving
immortal, a determined human, or a half-angel willing to risk their very
life to fight it.
 |
| The Archangel twin books, a tale of redemption in the battle of Good vs. Evil |
In
the world of medieval fantasy romance, I've been accused of writing
bloody battle scenes, because I do not sugarcoat the middle ages. As a
writer, I want to reflect the truth of the historical period according
to my extensive research. In the horror genre, however, I would be
considered an innocent babe. My goal is to write an uplifting story with
flawed but worthy characters who constantly overcome their fears and
limitations to save others.
 |
| The Curse of the Lost Isle series depicts the Middle Ages in a realistic way |
Call
me a boy scout if you like. I just like the good guys to win and redeem
themselves in the process. I like action, adventure, and romance in my
books, those I read and those I write. I've been accused of mixing
genres, and I'm proud of it. So sue me. I live for the thrill of a good
story, with heroic heroes and villainous villains, plenty of action and
adventure, and a dash of romance.
Vijaya Schartz, author
Romance with a Kick
Monday, October 24, 2016
Holidays in Space - by Vijaya Schartz
It's getting close to the holidays. Looking for a story with a holiday theme that is romance and science fiction? Look no further. The Space Station Borealis is celebrating, but other things are going on.
Black Dragon
Borealis novella from Desert Breeze Publishing
A gambler is cheating in a den of the Borealis space station, and Lieutenant Zara Frankel intends to catch him in the act. She always gets her man, but this one could prove more than she can handle.
Captain Czerno Drake, code name Black Dragon, has come under cover to break his innocent uncle from the most secure penitentiary in the galaxy, on the Borealis space station. He will stop at nothing to succeed, even enrolling the help of the lovely straight arrow TPP enforcer. When Zara realizes that she’s been used by a shrewd but seductive rebel, her reaction surprises everyone, most of all herself.
"I love the Borealis novellas, and in particular, this one by Vijaya Schartz. As always, her action-packed, well-plotted out prose kept me glued to the pages of Black Dragon from start to finish." TwoLips Reviews 5-kisses review and a RECOMMENDED READ
Captain Czerno Drake, code name Black Dragon, has come under cover to break his innocent uncle from the most secure penitentiary in the galaxy, on the Borealis space station. He will stop at nothing to succeed, even enrolling the help of the lovely straight arrow TPP enforcer. When Zara realizes that she’s been used by a shrewd but seductive rebel, her reaction surprises everyone, most of all herself.
"I love the Borealis novellas, and in particular, this one by Vijaya Schartz. As always, her action-packed, well-plotted out prose kept me glued to the pages of Black Dragon from start to finish." TwoLips Reviews 5-kisses review and a RECOMMENDED READ
Also read: AKIRA'S CHOICE
Borealis novella from Desert Breeze Publishing
In kindle HERE
Everywhere in eBook
When bounty hunter
Akira Karyudo accepted her assignment, something didn't add up.
Why would the Trans Planetary Protectorate want a kidnapped
orphan dead or alive?
She will get to the truth once she finds the boy, and the no good SOB who snatched him from a psychiatric hospital. With her cheetah, Freckles, a genetically enhanced feline retriever, Akira sets out to flush them out of the bowels of the BOREALIS space station. But when she finds her fugitives, the kidnapper is not what she expects.
Markku, a decorated rebel soldier, stole his nephew from the authorities, who performed painful experiments on the boy. Stuck on Borealis, he protects the child, but how can he shield him from the horribly dangerous conditions in the lawless sublevels of the decrepit space station?
Akira faces the worst moral dilemma of her career. Law or justice, duty or love. She can't have it both ways.
She will get to the truth once she finds the boy, and the no good SOB who snatched him from a psychiatric hospital. With her cheetah, Freckles, a genetically enhanced feline retriever, Akira sets out to flush them out of the bowels of the BOREALIS space station. But when she finds her fugitives, the kidnapper is not what she expects.
Markku, a decorated rebel soldier, stole his nephew from the authorities, who performed painful experiments on the boy. Stuck on Borealis, he protects the child, but how can he shield him from the horribly dangerous conditions in the lawless sublevels of the decrepit space station?
Akira faces the worst moral dilemma of her career. Law or justice, duty or love. She can't have it both ways.
"Wow!
If readers want to see and feel and believe they are in deep
space, then "Borealis IX: Akira's Choice" is the perfect choice!
With a touch of romance, the vivid descriptions and beautifully
developed characters masterfully presented by Schartz create a
virtual world that invite the reader not merely to observe, but
to walk amongst them and participate... This is a delicate art,
and Schartz wields her weapons with precision and skill.
Banzai!" 5 stars - exceptional - recommended read -
Ind'tale Magazine
Vijaya Schartz
Romance with a Kick
Monday, August 29, 2016
I miss writing sci-fi - by Vijaya Schartz
Coming out of writing a long medieval fantasy series, I am itching for writing science fiction again. I miss by kick-butt heroines of sci-fi, my girls in uniform, my futuristic bounty hunters, the fascination of space and alien cultures.
I like writing in
different genres and I have a habit of mixing them, which creates
marketing nightmares for my publishers. But I like my stories to be
original, different and unique. I write what I would want to read. In
the Curse of the Lost Isle (from BWL), featuring a family of immortal
ladies with Fae gifts, I mixed authentic legends with known history and
romance. In the Chronicles of Kassouk
and in the Borealis series (from Desert Breeze Publishing), I mixed
science fiction with romance, and several of my characters have
paranormal abilities… sometimes created through technology.
I also wrote a few contemporary romances, but always with a twist,
like reincarnation, a shape shifter, or a thriller element. Whether
writing about the past, the present, or the future, my main constants
are action, adventure, and romance. I also have a predilection for cats,
as they pop up as secondary characters almost everywhere (except in
medieval times, but I do have a major dog character in Damsel of the
Hawk).
I would also like my next project to be a series. Like a reader,
after I fall in love with a created world, I enjoy spending time in it.
But I may choose to make these series shorter. Maybe three or four
books, not six or eight like in my two latest series. It’s difficult to
promote Book seven or eight to new readers who haven’t read any of the
other books… even if it’s a standalone.
Standalone
is another requisite of mine. I like my series to be readable out of
order, so each book should be a complete story as much as possible. As a
reader, I hate cliffhanger endings and would never do that to my
readers. I had to cut longer books into two parts before, not by choice,
and although I still gave the first book a satisfying ending, I
couldn’t tie up all the loose ends or resolve all the conflicts at the
end, since that happened in the second book. It deeply bothered me. From
the reviews, I know it bothered a few of my readers as well.
Now, for the time and place: Medieval? Futuristic? Contemporary? Post
apocalyptic? On a space station? On an alien planet? In an alternate
universe? I have used all of these in the past. Is there any other
option?
As for the characters, I have a predilection for strong, kick-butt
heroines. I also really enjoyed writing immortals. I once flirted with
the idea of writing a series featuring angels, and I am still
considering it. They could be fallen angels seeking redemption, or
guardians of the human kind. Or, they could be aliens, alien/human
hybrids, or AI (artificial intelligence), but I already featured a
synthetic being in Black Dragon (Borealis series).
So, my new writing project should definitely be a series with strong
heroines, romance, action, adventure, and cats (you can never have too
many of those). Each novel should be a complete story, and the series
should lend itself to a different hero and heroine for each story. So,
the constant would be the world in which the characters evolve.
In
other words, writing a series revolves around creating a world in which
strong, captivating characters can fight for what is just and good, and
in the process, find their happily ever after. Writing this post helped
me order my thoughts. Starting next year, look for the start of a new
sci-fi romance series involving strong kick-butt heroines and gorgeous
aliens with angel power. Now, back to finishing the Curse of the Lost
Isle medieval series.
Vijaya Schartz
Blasters, Swords, Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
Amazon - Barnes & Noble - All Romance eBooks
Monday, April 13, 2015
Interview with Vijaya Schartz (part 2)
How old were you when you finished your first novel? Is that novel published today?
I started a nonfiction book in my twenties but never finished it. Only after I settled down from my travels to write seriously for publication did I start and finish my first novel. Crusader was a labor of love. It took me two years to write it and two more years to polish it to publishable standards. Meanwhile, I was writing the second book, Checkmate. I was in my forties, and yes, that first novel was published eventually, after I wrote three more books and published the fourth book I wrote.
WHITE TIGER, my first novel published with Desert Breeze, Initially stood alone. When DBP offered to republish it after its first publisher closed down their doors and I had the rights back, I rewrote it. It became the first novel of a new series, the CHRONICLES OF KASSOUK.
Are you a full-out plotter? Are you a "let's see what happens" pantser? Or do you think you fall somewhere in between? Describe your process in coming up with and executing a story idea.
Like every fiction writer, I started as a pantser, following the whim of the characters, not knowing where the story would lead me. It's a very enjoyable process and a valid technique for literary fiction... but only if you have all the time in the world to go back and delete half the book then rewrite it, every time you realize you went in a wrong direction or wrote your characters into a corner. If I only have four to six months to write a novel, I cannot afford to go back and rewrite it fifteen times, like I did on my first book. I brainstorm to learn who my characters are, the main plot and the main twists, as well as how it will end. I also brainstorm about the setting, what is likely to happen in that environment, what the dangers are, what the political intrigues, the surrounding conflicts and the action might be. Then I write an outline of about fifteen pages, where each scene has a paragraph. During the writing process, my mind still explores other possibilities, and often I get better ideas and interesting details for the plot and the characters, so I modify my outline accordingly as I write. My main plot line, however, usually remains the same, although nothing is definite until the final draft goes to the editor.
Where do you draw your inspiration from? Is it dreams? Things you see on television or in movies. Books? People you meet?
The sources of my inspiration are many. Sometimes it's a dream, a fleeting idea crossing my mind as I talk with friends, watch a show or read a book. Sometimes a publisher will ask me to write a story in a multi-author series, like in the DBP novellas set on the Borealis space station (BLACK DRAGON - AKIRA'S CHOICE). I work well with specific constraints. Give me a world, a backdrop, and I'll come up with a story and characters that will fit it perfectly. Other times, it starts with a concept, a legend, or a "what if?"
The Chronicles of Kassouk series started with "What if a group of humans crashed on an unknown cold planet, lost their technology, then evolved again from scratch in their new environment. What would their society look like after a few hundred years?" Of course, this is super-simplified. If you read NOAH'S ARK, you'll realize the human ship in question was on a mission to seed a new planet with life, that its motley crew concealed many dangerous secrets on this one-way no-questions-ask voyage, and that their accidental crash was anything but an accident. Each book in the series is also a complete romantic story.
Monday, December 22, 2014
99cts Archangel Crusader by Vijaya Schartz
Paranormal fantasy science Fiction with romantic elements
http://amzn.com/B004HO69RS
Michael Tanner, proud, brash, irreverent, half Native American, and single father, doesn't believe in aliens. When a Blue Angel claims to have fathered him, Michael knows his drinking has gone haywire... But a seductive Prince of Darkness born of a nightmare now targets Michael’s family. When his girlfriend disappears and characters from his dreams suddenly materialize to threaten his daughter, Michael must come out of denial and overcome his weaknesses, to face the unbelievable mystery of his birth and fulfill his unique destiny.
"Brilliant! A must-read book! ...relationships, angels, aliens and seduction... even Satanism... kept this reviewer riveted... compelling fantasy... you won't want to put it down... superior... enthralls, and, at the same time, awakens!" Richard Fuller, Metaphysical Reviews - Five Stars
"Crusader tells an age-old tale of good versus evil. Excellent. This one is a true keeper. Schartz pens a mighty fine tale primed to read through in one sitting" Brenda Ramsbacher. Curled Up With a Good Book - Five Stars
"...engaging and fast-paced... a harmonious mix of enticing story... where real people do extraordinary things... humorous and hopeful... fluid and entertaining... quick and often droll dialogue... a marvelous tale of good and evil..." The Charlotte Austin Review - Five Stars
If you haven't read it yet, don't miss it, this price won't last. Book 2 in the Archangel series is CHECKMATE.
Hope you are enjoying the holidays.
Vijaya Schartz
Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
AMAZON - B&N - ARE - SMASHWORDS
FaceBook - Twitter
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
STAR RAIDERS - EXCERPT - R Rated.
Available only at Amazon:
http://is.gd/starraiders
Blurb:
A FIERY ENCOUNTER
Like two ill-aligned stars, Shyanne Kedar and Greyson Dane were destined to collide. She was a smuggler’s daughter, and he, an interstellar lawman. Their affair was scorching, dazzling…and ended like a supernova, in a blaze of betrayal.
A LOVE REKINDLED
Ten years later, the flames haven’t cooled. Shyanne’s lush body, the twist of her lips and the fire in her eyes—all radiate the same magnetism that ensnared Greyson before, and now he’s truly her prisoner. But as much as things have changed, they remain exactly the same. Danger threatens. Humanity’s fate hangs in the balance. And though his tempting captor doesn’t know it, if Greyson’s plan succeeds, it will save mankind…and lose him the only woman he ever loved. This time, forever.
Excerpt:
"Are you sure this is what you
want?" Greyson asked. Despite his obvious arousal, he was leaving the
decision to her. It would have been easier if he'd taken command. This way left
her no excuse.
His question increased her apprehension.
Want? No. Shy didn't want him. After all the pain and grief, how could she? No,
she didn't want this. She needed it.
"Yes," she said.
A small smile touched his lips. He took a
step toward her.
When she tensed, he placed his palm against
her cheek and looked into her eyes. "Trust me. I won't hurt you."
Looking into his eyes, she wanted to believe
him. Wanted to feel what she'd felt all those years ago: pure, innocent love,
untarnished by lies or deceit. But that time was long gone. Those feelings were
long dead, the people who'd felt them long discarded. Whatever they shared now
could be only physical. Lust: Yes. Sex: Hell, yes. Trust? Hell, no.
She stood in silent anticipation as he peeled
away her clothing. She shivered. Not from the cool air swirling over her bare
skin, but from the heated look in his dark eyes. Her breasts swelled. He leaned
forward and captured one hard nipple between his lips and sucked. Wet heat
sizzled through her. Her knees buckled. To keep from falling, she grabbed his
shoulders then gasped as he swung her into his arms and deposited her on the
exam table.
He crawled up and over her. His cock brushed
against the inside of her thigh where, slick and hot, moisture gathered. Desire
churned in her belly.
She reached up and pulled his mouth to hers.
Their tongues tangled in a silent battle, and she realized her control was an
illusion. Under the assault of his hands, lips and tongue, rational thought
deserted her. His lips left hers to trail down her throat. She arched her neck
to grant him access. Breath shuddered out of her as he rolled one aching nipple
between his fingers and sucked the other into his mouth. The suction sent
frissons of long forgotten sensation coursing through her, like the tiny
bubbles in effervescent wine they tingled in her veins.
Need built the pressure inside her, need
dammed up without release. Her skin felt super-sensitized. Greyson stroked his
fingertips down her chest and belly and explored the indent of her navel.
Lower, he combed through her damp curls. One finger moved past the hair and
delved into the slick folds.
When he circled her clit, the surge of energy
from the brief touch jolted her and she gasped. He tried to pull his hand away,
but she grasped his wrist and held him there. She felt him grin against her breast.
Twisting her body, she flipped him onto his
back, then rose on her knees and straddled his hips. Air cooled the heat on her
breast, but the feel of his hard cock pressing against her pubic mound sent a
surge of heat into her belly. Though his cock throbbed, bouncing gently against
her, and his breathing was rapid, he smiled.
Every nerve coiled in anticipation, but his
command of his passion angered her. She wanted him as frantic for satisfaction
as she. Desperate to take back control, to get what she needed from him, she
lifted her hips over him and plunged downward.
She gasped at the small spear of pain from
his intrusion into her body. Years of going without had left her tight. Still,
unwilling to wait for her body to adjust to his size, she rode him fast and
hard.
Clasping her thighs with his hands, he met
her stroke for stroke, pushing her ever upward. The bubbles in her blood turned
to sparks of fire. Inside her an inferno raged, burning away the last of her
reason, her doubts and her fears. Nothing mattered but reaching this summit and
plunging into the abyss beyond.
With a burst of inner light, she climaxed.
She cried out and fell forward over him. He thrust upward one last time and she
felt his liquid heat flow into her. She pressed her face against his
sweat-slick body and murmured, "This doesn't change anything. I may still
space you."
"I'll worry about that tomorrow."
Elysa Hendricks
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)