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| The Complex Book Series. A Lone Planet. One Complex. Unlimited Chaos. http://www.thecomplex.infoRemember a month back in December when I unleashed this gem onto the world? Well, it did okay, sales-wise, and so did all of the other books in The Complex setting. Well enough that we want to go for round 2 in 2017. But to make it happen, we’re trying to get a little more push on the existing releases. So if you haven’t picked up Arrested in Peace or any of the other great books in The Complex series, what are you waiting for? But you guys know me by now. You know I don’t spam your inboxes with repeat advertisements. So there’s got to be more to this newsletter, right? Well, there is! It’s only news at this point, but it’s good news. I’ve finished Medic, the fifth book in the Wanted series, and it’s making the rounds getting ready for publishing. That brings me to my next project (Vitalis)… which I blogged about already. It’s coming along very nicely and I’m in love with the new characters and new story idea. Meanwhile Medic is being worked on behind the scenes for a release as soon as possible – hopefully yet this month. Until then, enjoy The Complex!
ARRESTED IN PEACE by Jason HalsteadA vengeful woman must decide between the death of love or a love of death. Amazon
BLADE OF FOREVER by Scarlett DawnThe stars align when two all-powerful Giants, with supernatural ‘swords’, flip a Human woman’s galaxy upside down. Amazon |
The Ship has Sailed
Voidhawk – Queen of Shadows, has sailed! To the editor, at least. I have cover art already so I just need that to be finished when it can dock a port near you for reading.
What took so long? An incredibly busy and crazy life lately, for one. The book itself was a joy to write and never stalled for lack of ideas of interest. In fact, it took on a life of its own and went in a direction I didn’t intend. Along the way a few characters really dug deep and really showed some amazing things to me. All in all, it was a good time and one I wish I could have gotten done sooner, only so that I can share it with the Voidhawk fans out there.
What’s next, you ask? Well, I have a couple of awesome character ideas, but unfortunately they won’t fit in the next Serpent’s War book, so they have to wait a bit for me to finish that. Another character I’ve been dying to write is a soldier who is living with PTSD, and a lot of ideas I have around it would fit in wonderfully with my Wanted setting. Think anybody’s up for an unexpected 5th book in the Wanted series?
Then there’s The Continuum, my joint venture with Dawn Michelle. That one needs more books written as well. Argh! So many options and so little time – and don’t think for a moment I’ve forgotten about Dark Universe or Vitalis.
So that doesn’t really tell you anything about what comes next, other than to say sooner or later, they’ll all be new books waiting to be read! Until then, hold tight for Voidhawk and stay tuned for more updates on what I settle on.
Oh, and my updates were pretty sparse lately. For that I apologize. I kept saying I need to write one down and share it… or I could spend the time writing the book and get it that much closer. I knew I was near the end, I just didn’t realize it would extend out another 6 or 7 chapters until I reached it. Next time, update first. These are short and quick, so why not make the time to do it?
To learn more about Jason Halstead visit his website to read about him, sign up for his newsletter, or check out some free samples of his books at http://www.booksbyjason.com.
Science Fiction and Space Fantasy Lovers Rejoice!
First the really good news: Cover art for Vitalis: Valkyries is almost done. Any day now and it’s going to be ready to go – maybe even today. My fingers are crossed and so far I’m loving the concept art and mock ups going into it.
Outside of Vitalis, I’ve been working on helping Dawn Michelle with her Continuum series. The last two novelettes we wrote featured a character I came up with so we flew through them. Her next novelette in the series is switching back to her character, Selena, so it’s a little bit more of her work and less of mine. That means it goes slower (she’s a super-busy lady), and I can turn some of my attention back to my books. Specifically, my next project which I’ll be starting today.
Let’s see, Vitalis is science fiction, so that leaves space fantasy… what books do I write that fall under that classification? Well, it all started with my first published book seven years ago, and now my next entry into the series will mark my 9th novel. Of course I’m talking about Voidhawk, my fantasy series that puts humans, elves, dwarves, and every other fantasy race harnessing solar winds to sail through space (the void) on magical ships.
It has taken me a really long time to get back to Voidhawk after my last entry into that series (Fallen Goddess). If the reason why isn’t evident, it’s because of what happened in that book. The loss of a major character and the impact that had on the crew. And, to be honest, the impact it had on me. I don’t want to give out any spoilers for those who haven’t read it though.
Suffice to say, I’ve had a really hard time figuring out where to go next. Oh, I knew a general plot line and story idea, the problem was that it was too soon. I wasn’t sure how to deal with the characters and what they’ll be feeling and facing. There’s a hole on the deck of the Voidhawk and a hole in the hearts of the crew, it’s a spot that nobody wants to fill, and I’m not sure how to handle it either. Life must go on, and I’m finally prepared to find a way to make that happen.
I know, they’re fictional characters – they aren’t real – so wtf is wrong with me, right? Well, I’m talking to readers and book lovers, so you probably know where I’m coming from. There are characters that get inside of you. People you identify with because they feel real, even if you now they aren’t. Outside of a couple of books I’ve written (Voidhawk – Fallen Goddess in particular), I can think of one book that really hit me hard in the feels. Odd Thomas, by Dean Koontz. Phew, that book was… intense. Regular readers of my blog will note I’ve talked about Dean Koontz in the past though. I consider him to be the best I’ve ever read when it comes to telling a story. His plots and ideas aren’t always absolute top shelf, but I’d read anything he wrote regardless of whether it was original or not.
Anyhow, the point is, the characters might be made up, but their just names and faces for concepts and emotions that are real. Maybe part of them is part of me, or maybe it’s someone else I can associate with in real life. That’s the beauty and the magic of writing. Experiencing something new, or not new, in a way that makes me feel it.
I have no title yet for the new Voidhawk book, but it will definitely revolve around the recovery from what happened, as well as the need to fix what went wrong in the universe in Fallen Goddess. That means a lot of time exploring the new incarnation of Volera and understanding what, and who, exactly she is.
To learn more about Jason Halstead visit his website to read about him, sign up for his newsletter, or check out some free samples of his books at http://www.booksbyjason.com.
When the Devil is Due
Today marks the completion of a special deal I made. The kind of pact written in blood and guaranteed to— oh wait, no, that’s a different deal. Today is all about the release of the 3rd book of the Fallen Angels series, Devil’s Dance.
Originally Mr. Bybee and I had planned to write a trilogy. Well, this is the completion of that trilogy. It is not, however, the end of the story. Without giving out any spoilers, I will say that the original storyline is wrapped up but there was so many wonderful threads and ideas that we generated, it’s definitely going to continue on down the road.
But that’s me getting ahead of myself. First go check out Devil’s Dance. Or if you’d prefer, start the series fresh with Devil’s Island. Here’s the blurb, cover, and links:
A year has passed since the last attempts to close the portal to Hell failed. In spite of no longer being at the top of the food chain humanity continues to struggle to survive.
Andy has come into his legacy, protecting those he loves with the very power that could destroy them all. His friends are struggling to find allies in the fight against the demon horde, but can they trust the remnants of the United States government? Alex struggles to accept her new life after being rescued from the demon queen’s grasp, but she knows it’s only a matter of time until her Mistress finds her again.
Tam’rah’s son, the prince of darkness, is coming into his own and threatening to destroy everything the world has left to offer. Humanities efforts have failed. Neither an attack led by an angel or a nuclear strike were capable of dislodging the demonic forces. With nothing left to fight back with, humanity has only one option remaining: they have to fight fire with fire.
Everywhere else (iTunes, Kobo, Barnes and Noble, etc.) will be available in a couple of weeks.
To learn more about Jason Halstead visit his website to read about him, sign up for his newsletter, or check out some free samples of his books at http://www.booksbyjason.com.
Forever is a Long Time to Regret
Voidhawk – Broken Shards marks a return to the Voidhawk space fantasy series. More than that, this book also reveals my other fantasy setting, the world of Kroth (Blades of Leander, Order of the Dragon) is set in the same multiverse. And yes, that means Dexter and Jenna get to meet Alto and Patrina. Garrick and Rosh, Haley and Jethallin, Logan and Karthor, and worst of all, Xander and Kar. Imagine two long winded wizards having the chance to share their experiences with each other… On the plus side, Alto learns from Dexter how the threat of a knuckle sandwich can stop a wizard in mid-sentence!
I’ll share the blurb and links in a moment, but first I want to share that I’m sorry I waited so long to write this! I was helping my wife with her paranormal series and that was a great story to write, but wow, this was great. When I finished the book it wrapped up in such a fashion that it even surprised me and left me with that tingly feeling you get when you know you’ve written or read something special. I can’t recommend it enough if you enjoy fantasy. And I can’t wait for my chance to write the next Voidhawk book – there are so many possibilities after this one!
Okay, now the blurb, in case I haven’t tempted you enough yet:
Smuggling weapons and stealing religious artifacts feels like business as usual to Dexter and his crew. Just another day in the void sailing between worlds. Until they meet a peculiar troll with a message of doom. There’s a new threat on the horizon, and not just to them and the void, but to their entire realm of existence. And, in an accidental sort of way, it looks like it’s their fault.
Stopping the unstoppable will require a trap that has long been forgotten and the help of friends that they’ve yet to meet. Beyond that, stopping this beast that lives beyond the limits of known time and space will require a special magic that to equal that of the monster’s. Such power does not come without price.
Known for cheating death, Dexter and his friends face an enemy and a fate that they cannot escape.
And here it is:
Amazon
Amazon UK
Smashwords
Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and iTunes will be released in a few weeks.
What’s next? Back to Dawn Michelle for a month working on a prequel with her for her Claimed series (Taken by the Beast is the name – keep an eye out!). For me I think I’ll write another Vitalis novel next (October-ish release time frame), and after that who knows. There will be more Voidhawk, that much I can promise, but I’ll keep the other lines going too.
To learn more about Jason Halstead visit his website to read about him, sign up for his newsletter, or check out some free samples of his books at http://www.booksbyjason.com.
Sometimes “It” Happens
But that doesn’t mean I have to like it. “It” means something bad. Something smelly. Something you stepped in and tracked across the floor. Yeah, you know what “it” is. And sometimes it’s even my fault.
This, then, is my humble apology to the people who were early purchasers of Devil’s Island. When I put the final version together and went through the multiple quality checks of it that I did, I somehow missed one important part. Chapter 23. Yes, the entire chapter. I forgot to include it.
So I fixed it, I re-uploaded it everywhere, and even notified Amazon to let purchaser know (Amazon is reviewing it to do whatever is they do). That’s not good enough for me, so I’m posting as publicly as I can so that if you bought it, you know to go and re-download the amended copy.
I updated it last week, so if you bought it from this past weekend on you should have the correct version. Anything prior to that, I suggest looking for chapter 23 to see if it’s there or not and acting accordingly. Once again, my extreme apologies for this oversight! Or, if you’re interested in checking it out for the first time you can be assured that it’s in good shape now and ready for consumption.
In happier news, I’ve nearly finished the invasion of Earth in Vitalis: Invasion. Is Earth winning or losing? Well, that would be a spoiler and I can’t offer that! I will say I’ve got some great characters (on all sides of the conflict) that are keeping things lively.
And I’m editing the audiobook for Child of Fate as time permits. Nearly halfway through but it’s no simple process to do. So far, it sounds incredible and the narrator, Sean Wybrant, has proven that waiting for this finished product was worth every delay along the way.
So some embarrassing news and some good news. I’ll leave you with that and my sincerest wish for everyone to experience happy holidays with friends and family. Or, for those not inclined to appreciate the holidays – have a bitchin last week and a half of December!
To learn more about Jason Halstead visit his website to read about him, sign up for his newsletter, or check out some free samples of his books at http://www.booksbyjason.com.
Storm of the Century
Sunny beaches, tropical breezes, wild and colorful plants and animals, and beautiful people in swimsuits. The Florida Keys in all its splendor. A vacation destination for so many people, especially those of us stuck in the miserable cold winters of Michigan or other northern states.
But all the magic of the Florida Keys doesn’t just happen on its own. It takes a lot of hard work from a lot of people that live there. Not just the multi-million dollar beach houses either, but the people that make sure things get done.
Sam Mendez is one of those men. Sam also happens to have been disabled from a IED in Afghanistan and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. But he’s also a survivor and a fighter. His problem is that he’s run out of enemies to fight and still the nightmares won’t leave him alone. So sometimes he has to find new enemies to fight. And that’s why after his wife and kids left, his only friend is found in the bottom of a bottle.
With all these things going for him the last thing Sam needs is more responsibility. Naturally that means it’s coming his way. This time in the form of a young woman washed up on the shore of the beach. His training kicks in and before he realizes it, Sam’s saved a life and made himself a lifelong friend.
But that’s only the beginning of the story. Sam knows things don’t work out well for him. Whether it’s his fault or not, bad things happen. That’s the secret of life as he knows it.. Tamara, the young woman that’s forced her way into his life, hasn’t figured that out yet.
It’s only a matter of time until the calm before the storm blows over. Sam knows it, but he has no idea what’s in store for him. How dangerous the storm is going to be, nor how many people it will hurt.
That’s a long version of the blurb for Devil’s Island, my newest release. But it’s not just my release this time, it’s also a very talented writer I stumbled across a few months back by the name of J. Knight Bybee. Mr. Bybee and I struck up a conversation over a piece of his writing and in no time we learned we had a lot of things in common. One thing led to another and soon enough we’d agreed to collaborate on a book. A book that, it seems, is going to turn into a series of books. Devil’s Island is the first installment in the Fallen Angels series.
I thoroughly enjoyed the process of working with him on the project and we’re already several chapters into book 2. All in all, it’s been a very exciting and education experience. Now that book one is out, it’s time for the entertainment and excitement to reach the rest of the world. So reach out and grab your copy before the Internet runs out of 1s and 0s on the virtual book shelves!
To learn more about Jason Halstead visit his website to read about him, sign up for his newsletter, or check out some free samples of his books at http://www.booksbyjason.com.
Books by Jason 