Guest Post By Michael Albergo Author of Native Species. #Contests- Win an Author Signed Copy of the Book.)

 

Book Details:

Book Title: NATIVE SPECIES  -  A Tale of Two Civilizations in 1928 Los Angeles by Michael Albergo
Category:  Adult Fiction (18 +),  240 pages
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher:  Electric Torch
Release date:  March 2026
Content Rating: PG -13: Some F-words, religious profanities, crude terms; one very tame non-explicit sex scene

Book Description:

It is 1928, and the future is unwritten.

When widowed Professor Horace Jennings reluctantly volunteers to search for a missing student, he trades Rhode Island for the West Coast. This isn’t Providence; this is Los Angeles. And as his hired detective warns him, bootleggers, museum thieves, and crooked cops are no company for a sherry-sipping professor and his precocious protégé, Helen Parker.

But the truly dangerous characters aren’t criminals.

In fact, they aren’t even human.

Shila Ghiss, a scientist from a subterranean race, desires only to experience daylight. One day, she gets her chance—if she is willing to help reclaim the surface from humanity. She’ll need to become human, to learn about powerplants, facial expressions, and hair care. She’ll need to do something awful. But her mentor and his followers are planning to do something far worse—something apocalyptic.

To save both species, she’ll have to work closely with these bizarre, unpredictable humans and become both traitor and savior. She’ll have to decide who she is, and which native species will write the future.

GUEST POST: 

What Lies at the Intersection of Science Fiction, Historical Fiction, and Horror?

I began writing Native Species as a horror novel in the style of H.P. Lovecraft, and it still retains some of those elements. It’s a sense of horror that is both visceral and intellectual: visceral, because it plays on our deepest fears and revulsions; intellectual, because it shows us a universe that undermines our very reason and rationality: one where humankind is insignificant in the face of omnipotent, uncaring beings.

I soon learned, however, that I am not a horror writer. Horror takes me to places I don’t want to visit. I’d rather spend my time in the familiar, fascinating realm of science and technology, where I can marvel not only at the mysteries of the universe but at the efforts of humankind to understand it. This novel might well be considered science fiction, or perhaps “speculative fiction,” because it has a strong undercurrent of science and technology and because it poses a “what if” question: What if there were an ancient civilization—an ancient species native to Earth, predating our own? What if we stumbled across that species in 1928, a time when we were just beginning to understand the nature of the universe and our place in it? (Okay, two questions.)

To bring that story to life, I wanted to ground it in fact, not speculation. So I drew upon actual people, places, and events of the time. If you read this book—I do hope you will—you’ll meet a real detective, a real engineer, a real doctor, and a real politico from 1928. You’ll see great public buildings, grand hotels, and hidden speakeasys that still stand today. And you’ll glimpse events—some of them awful—that actually happened. Does this story qualify as “historical fiction”? Judge for yourself.

At the intersection of these people, places, and events are our primary protagonists and antagonists. For me, a science fiction story without relatable, engaging characters is as empty as space. So once I came to understand my characters—their needs, desires, and dreams—I fell in love with them all, heroes and villains alike. Then I simply turned the story over to them and let them tell it.

What lies at the intersection of science fiction, historical fiction, and horror? A group of wonderfully flawed, all-too-human characters. Whether or not they live to write the future, I hope you will find them all unforgettable.

 

Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ B&N 
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Meet the Author:

A professional engineer and graduate of MIT (engineering and humanities), Michael Albergo writes character-driven speculative fiction rooted in real-life early 20th century locales, people, and events. He teaches at New York University and is an avid player of board games and role-playing games. Native Species is his first novel.

connect with the author:  website ~ goodreads

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NATIVE SPECIES Book Tour Giveaway

Interview of Tom Wood Author of A Table Rock Mystery (#contests- Enter To Win A Signed Copy of the Book)

 

Book Details:

Book Title: A Table Rock Mystery by  
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 284 pages 
Genre: thriller , psychological thriller
Publisher:  BQB Publishing
Release date:   March 2024
Content Rating:  PG. My book is rated PG for the times some of the mob characters utter mild curse words     

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

A young couple decides to trade city lights for the twinkling stars of Branson, Missouri to fulfill their lifelong dream of owning a small-town tavern. But their idyllic country life filled with music and laughter takes a dark turn when a simple evening walk along the Ozark shoreline spirals into a whirlwind of chaos.

A forged loan application ignites a chain reaction of events leading to a shocking kidnapping and a string of murders that has the local sheriff's office scrambling to uncover the truth.

What started out as a dream quickly transforms into a nightmare as innocent people find themselves caught in a web of crime, betrayal, and one multi-million-dollar secret. With each twist more unexpected then the last, the real question is: who will make it out alive?

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Amazon
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 Interview: 

1. Where do you get your inspiration? 

I’ve always loved stories from books or movies. My taste in genre is not specific. I like stories that develop characters who later become connected to the plot with pace that keeps my interest as well as my anticipation.

2. Favorite quote (doesn’t matter the source).

 I just finished watching To Have and Have-not, starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. At one point while she is leaving the room, she turns and smiles and tells Bogie how he can find her if he wants to. “Just whistle. You know how to whistle, don’t you? Just put your lips together and... blow!”

3. What is the most surprising thing you discovered while writing your book(s)? 

I begin with a few thoughts about a plot and then consider the characters that might fit inside of it. From that point on, my characters take over, carrying me from a hook right into the next inciting incidents. By now, the story has its own life, and I find myself as anxious. as I hope the reader becomes, to ride it all the way over the finish line.

4. When did you first consider yourself a writer? 

While working in my career jobs, I often attended writer classes at night, some at Elmhurst University or College of DuPage. One such opportunity happened after I signed up to attend such instructions from a published author. Along with twenty-four other wannabees, we met at his Chicago apartment twice a week for three months. On one occasion, he gave us an instruction to “free-think write” ( he called it). There were only twenty minutes remaining for the class. Anything goes, no rules, just write. I wrote about a man walking under a midnight moon, seemingly lost and becoming desperate. As he walked aimlessly through the forest, he spotted a small house that appeared vacant except for one, dimmed light coming from behind a shade covered narrow window. It frightened him and he considered turning back rather than approaching any further. Curiosity pushed aside the timid concerns. He continued until he arrived and was able to hear sounds that caused his heart to beat beyond control. He inched up from under the window...and.....TIMES UP – Pencils down!! Class was ended. At our next session the author/teacher announced that he would read only one of our stories. He read mine and then asked for the class to offer their thoughts about it. The first to speak was a young attorney from Sidley Austin who said that the only thing he could say was that he wished that he had written it. A few heads nodded agreement, the author/teacher smiled, and... I felt discovered!

5. What do you hope your readers take away from A Table Rock Mystery? 

I hope my readers feel rewarded by the telling of the story that was hidden behind the scenery that prompted their visit to this Ozark wonderland.

 

Meet the Author:

Tom Wood became a reporter and byline journalist at four newspapers in suburban Chicago after retiring from the U.S. Postal Service. After Alone Along Writers' Roads, published in 2024, A Table Rock Mystery is his second published novel. 
Connect with the author:  goodreads 

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A TABLE ROCK MYSTERY Book Tour Giveaway  

Review of Beyond the Light of the Willow Tree by Daniel E. Chambrello (#contests- Enter to win a Signed copy of the book)

I want to welcome Daniel Chambrello to Books R US. Daniel is the author of an inspirational book "Beyond the Light of the Willow Tree."  He is surfing the Blogosphere with I Read Book Tours. Thanks for stopping by
 

Book Details:

Book Title:  BEYOND THE LIGHT OF THE WILLOW TREE by Daniel E. Chambrello
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 268 pages
Genre: Fantasy, Inspirational, Action & Adventure
Publisher:  The boy. The dragon. & the cherry tree swing.
Release date:  April 2025
Content Rating: PG: There are approximately ten violent scenes in the Roman timeline but not they are not graphic at all, and one kiss between characters.

 

 

Book Description:

In the deepest dark, there is only light.

With each new generation, precious souls are called upon to serve a higher purpose. But each calling is forged in challenge and fear, and every journey hinges upon the choices made.

In present-day North Carolina, Gabriel is devoted to his wife, Jennifer, and their five rambunctious kids... until the day tragedy strikes the Connor household, setting in motion a chai of events that will transform humanity.

In ancient Rome, young Gabrielus leaves his humble village to become a protector of the emperor. He dreams of bringing glory and wealth to his family and returning a hero to his love, Jennamine. But the path ahead is steeped in grief and vengeance, and Gabrielus will be forced to make a choice that echoes through the ages.

One soul. Infinite journeys. A universe of possibilities.

 

MY REVIEW: 

The audiobook "Beyond the Light of the Willow Tree" is not your typical novel. It tells the story of two main characters, Gabriel, who lives in present-day North Carolina, and Gabrielus, who lived in 131 AD Rome. They are one soul experiencing hardships, love, and intense emotions across time.

I generally prefer audiobooks over Kindle or print editions because I can feel the characters' emotions more deeply as the narrators bring them to life. The book features numerous secondary characters, and the narrators effectively distinguish between them.

Overall, I was impressed by the author's ability to create a story that is enlightening, emotional, engaging, and spiritual. It left me contemplating the concepts of reincarnation and "The Higher Plane." Although I am not a spiritual person and usually do not read books about the topic, this book opened my eyes to the subject. I give the book 5/5 stars. 

 

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Amazon
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Meet the Author: 

At the base of a mountain in Connecticut sits a peach orchard in a quiet neighborhood. Here, hawks soar high as coyotes slink among the trees, leaving trails of wisdom and mystery. In the early hours, the veil between worlds is as thin as the morning mist. This is where Daniel E. Chambrello sits and thinks. As the youngest of five, Daniel is a born observer, preferring solitude as he questions everything from consciousness to Catholic doctrine. While journeying and experiencing love, heartbreak, and so much in between, Daniel’s knowing has expanded, and his questions have grown deeper. When a good friend handed him a book by a spiritual teacher, it was a life-defining moment, confirming all Daniel had known as truth and further kindling a story that he’d felt called to write since childhood. In this ethos, Daniel’s first novel sprung forth—a spiritual guidebook weaving together love, adventure, and truths that are best felt rather than described.

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Enter the Giveaway:

BEYOND THE LIGHT OF THE WILLOW TREE Book Tour Giveaway  

 

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary audiobook for my honest review, and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

Spotlight of Red Sun Rising by Allen Lyle (#contests- Enter to win A phone call with the author and other Goodies)

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  Red Sun Rising by Allen Lyle
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 422 pages
Genre: Fantasy, Sci-fi, Dystopian Fiction
Publisher: Moon Publishing Company 
Publication Date: July, 2025.
Content Rating: This book is rated PG 13 for graphic violence and battle scenes. 

Book Description:

Red Sun Rising - Book One of the Red Sun Rising Series

Power is not inherited. It is taken—by blood, by fire, by force.

The Empire is rotting from within. Corruption festers in its courts, rebellions simmer at its borders, and old gods whisper in the shadows. Amid the chaos, one family sees opportunity.

House de Bordeaux has long stood on the fringes of power—noble in name, forgotten in legacy. But when a mysterious death fractures the imperial line, a brutal new game begins. As alliances crumble and enemies multiply, the de Bordeaux heirs must decide what they’re willing to sacrifice in their pursuit of the throne—and what darkness they’ll awaken along the way.

From the first clash of voltedge swords to the final echo of betrayal, Red Sun Rising is a gripping tale of ambition, treachery, and the high cost of empire.

The first installment in a sweeping epic fantasy series, perfect for fans of political intrigue, morally complex characters, and dynastic power struggles.

BUY THE BOOK:
(available for pre-order)
Author Website
AMAZON 
add to goodreads
On July 28th, Red Sun Rising will be available on B&N, BAM!, and any place you can buy books

Meet the Author: 

Allen Lyle lives in Athens, Georgia, (GO DAWGS!) where he shares his home with his wife, four cats, a sweet pup, and several hundred books. A lifelong devotee of science fiction and fantasy, he fell under their spell at a young age and never looked back. Allen considers himself a lifelong devotee of science fiction and fantasy, He has always been drawn to the intersection of history and the speculative—asking questions like, “What if the Byzantine Empire had rockets?” or “What if Tolkien’s world had pirates?”

An avid gamer, Allen has spent countless hours orchestrating dynastic dramas in Crusader Kings III, an inspiration for his debut novel. His fascination with history extends beyond pixels and pages—he’s an enthusiastic collector of antiques, a lover of travel, and a devoted fan of minor league baseball. When he’s not writing, Allen can be found painting miniatures or reading. His debut novel takes readers thousands of years into a post-apocalyptic future where the kings and queens of Europe—now called Yuropa—rule once more. It's sure to hit the sweet spot for fantasy, scifi, and history lovers alike...just like Allen.

connect with the author: website ~ goodreads

Enter the Giveaway:

RED SUN RISING Book Tour Giveaway