New books planned for Second Chance series!

While the main storyline is now complete, it has always been my intention to periodically add additional new standalone titles over time. The next new single book DISCOVERY will be based on Jean and Arthur Davison’s story, with release in 2013.

Over 10,000 sold!

Finally reached the 10,000 milestone! Thanks, everybody! BUT … I need REVIEWS! Even if it’s only 2 or or 3 words! People obviously love these books and are buying them, but hardly anyone is taking the time to leave positive feedback on Amazon. I guess that’s the problem with a series – you guys are anxious to head off to the next book of the series. But when you get a chance, would you please take a few seconds and put in a good word for me?

Thanks, Paul

Book 9: ENDGAME now available!

FINISHED! The Series Finale! The final battle! It’s the ultimate showdown between good and evil and the end of everything as we know it. Book 9: ENDGAME is now available in all formats. Click Here for the description, or select from NOVELS up above. See Where To Buy to order.

New Series! Tales From Camelot

Announcing the new series: Tales From Camelot! CAMELOT – The Beginning to be released by Christmas Eve 2011 (based on Second Chance Book 6: AVALON Part 1, for those who have not read Second Chance). Book One: PENDRAGON to be released Spring 2012. <Click Here> to find out more.
Or go to TalesFromCamelot.com.

Book 8: SEED now available!

Just in time for the holidays! Book 8: SEED is now available in all formats. Click Here for the description, or select from NOVELS up above. See Where To Buy to order.

Book 7: TRIBE now available!

It’s here! I think of all the books in the series I am proudest of this one. Book 7: TRIBE is now available in all formats. Click Here for the newly released description, or select from NOVELS up above. See Where To Buy to order.

Titles changed for upcoming Books 8 & 9

The stories are the same, but the titles have changed to better reflect the content. Book 8: SEED and Book 9: ENDGAME are now in the works, with a possible release of Book 8: SEED by Christmas 2011.

From the author …

The story of the encounter between European settlers and America’s native population does not make for pleasant reading. Among early accounts, perhaps the most famous is Helen Hunt Jackson’s “A Century of Dishonor” (1888), a depressing recitation of forced removals, killings, and callous disregard.

According to Ward Churchill, a professor of ethnic studies at the University of Colorado, the reduction of the North American Indian population from an estimated 12 million in 1500 to barely 237,000 in 1900 represents a “vast genocide…, the most sustained on record.” “By the end of the 19th century”, writes David E. Stannard, a historian at the University of Hawaii, “native Americans had undergone the worst human holocaust the world had ever witnessed, roaring across two continents non-stop for four centuries and consuming the lives of countless tens of millions of people.” In the judgment of Lenore A. Stiffarm and Phil Lane, Jr., “there can be no more monumental example of sustained genocide – certainly none involving a ‘race’ of people as broad and complex as this – anywhere in the annals of human history.”

Book Seven: LEGEND is not intended to be a depressing or ‘preachy’ read about the great and terrible injustices done to the original Americans. Rather, the intent is provide you, the reader, a sense of what is was like to live in those times, while still enjoying the ‘feel-good’ sense and wonder that I have tried to portray throughout this series.

Nevertheless, these were very dark times for us as a nation; times which more often than not tend to get swept under the rug as a national form of denial. After all, none of us likes to admit to the awful atrocities our forefathers have committed – all in the name of “Manifest Destiny”.

But even in such dark times as where we will be going on this venture, there are still heroes to be found and hope to be had and wonders to behold. And even an occasional romance or two.

For even in this world, you will find there is always a Second Chance.

Paul

Book 6: AVALON Part 1 – Return to Camelot

Yes, everyone has been requesting it, and so return to Camelot we shall. My first full-blown fairy tale. Of course still set within the Second Chance universe, learn how everything Camelot came into being.

I have also done something unusual by choosing to draw from the earlier Arthurian legends, rather than the latter (latter meaning Lancelot & adulterous Guinevere, evil Morgan, etc.). For in the earlier Welsh writings, poems and ballads, Guinevere was virtuous and good; and Morgan la Fay (Arthur’s little half-sister) was actually an innocent victim of abuse who was rescued and brought in under her big brother’s protective wing. I wasn’t expecting it, but it quickly turned into a rich and gripping story, and as Morgan’s story continued to play out, she very much became an endearing character to me; maybe because growing up I myself was a protective big brother to a little sister; who knows.

Another thing I have done is make Arthur a very strong and wise protagonist. Unusual, I know, for one of my male characters. In Book 5: PRODIGAL, we learned how much George had really respected and admired him. And for someone to impress George like that? Lemme tell ya, that someone has got to be pretty special to have that kind of impact on George. Hopefully it won’t take you long to develop that same respect and admiration for Arthur.

Another very interesting thing I did was keep the story in the 5th century. Most modern Arthurian tales tend to ‘cheat’ and use Middle Ages/15th century concepts and customs. Gotta tell ya – 5th century life was radically different; an amalgamation of ancient Persian, Greek and Celtic cultures as Rome’s western influence had not yet spread worldwide. This is when royals and nobles typically had many wives and concubines – all of who were purchased property. Or how about where engaged couples were actually expected to live together, beginning on the first day of betrothal – but without consummation until the wedding day. Yup, I am dead serious; I kid you not. B-r-r-r-r … seriously cold showers.

You know I have to tell you – I have never had more fun writing in my entire life, than I did in bringing Gwen and Arthur together, along with the wonderfully delightful characters inside Castle Camelot. So much so, that I am seriously considering doing a spin-off series. (“Tales From Camelot”, anyone?) I had never planned on it – never even thought about it. I just never before realized how much fun one could have in that rich and timeless setting.

Lemme know what you think about that; ‘specially after you read it.

-Paul

Book 5 completed!

Wow … did this book turn out different!

After the fun but somewhat heart-rendering story of Book 4 (sorry, but I had to set the stage!), I really wanted to give the reader a break in this book. I had intended it be a light-hearted and zany adventure – including turning Ben into an Indiana Jones wanna-be (which I didn’t end up having room for, I’m sad to say). It was also supposed to a very short book – along the lines of Book 1. Instead, it turned out to the second largest book of them all, so far – nearly as big as Book 3: PROPHET.

And it would have remained short and sweet, had it not been for Kiyoko’s background story, which ballooned into an unexpectedly powerful and gripping sort of mini-saga. I’m not boasting in myself – it is the true historical facts by themselves that tell her story. Just so you know? The picture on the rear cover of the book is a young Kiyoko in Japan, shortly after the atomic bombings of her people. She is on her way to kill the much-hated American soldiers encamped near her village; one of whom is her future husband, Frank Dawson. I highly recommend re-reading Chapter 1 of Book Two: AWAKENING beforehand as a quick refresher; especially as it relates to Frank and Kiyoko. What had started out as an intriguing love story, turned out to be a whole lot more.

To make room for the larger Japan story, I had to cut back on several plotlines and hold off on character development for one character in particular: Jean Luc. But don’t worry, those parts have all been moved to Book 6, where it turns out to be a much better fit, anyway.

There is still an awful lot of fun in this book – more so than in Book 4: REVENANT, along with plenty of surprises, twists and turns – even from the first page! Not to mention a couple of moments towards the end that should give you chills (in a good way!).

By the way, when you finally reach the last section entitled “Journey’s End”, hold on to your hats – it’s gonna be a roller coaster ride! I think you will have a blast reading this one.

Oh, and one last thing. For you ungodly heathens who would dare to commit the unpardonable sin of peeking at the end before reading the book, know this: I already included the end at the beginning. SO THERE!!! This time it’s about how you get there. May God have mercy on your wretched souls.

Paul

Book 4: REVENANT now available!

It’s here! Book Four: REVENANT is now available in all formats. See Where To Buy to order. Click Here for the newly released description and first chapter preview. Or select from NOVELS up above.

Book 4: REVENANT status

Okay I finally finished the rough draft of Book 4 and sent it off to reviewers. Then took a break over the holidays. I should have a final draft ready for publishing by the end of the month. February 7 is the target date for public availability.

Amazon has print books on sale!

Not sure how long it will last …
Book 1: BEGINNINGS marked down 15% from to $13.95 to $11.86
Book 2: AWAKENING marked down 32% from to $14.95 to $10.17
Book 3: PROPHET marked down 22% from to $19.95 to $15.56

Reader Comments

Email me to add your comments to the list…

“A fantasy novel for non-fantasy readers? Never thought it possible. I love these books!”
-A.O., Galveston, TX (adult, female) – Book 2

“Paul’s unique writing style and signature sense of humor adds a breath of fresh air to this genre. Highly recommended.”
-R.R., Medford, OR (adult, male) – Book 1

“You had me from the first page on. Twists and turns at every corner. I loved it!”
D.G., Ventura, CA (retired adult, female) – Book 1

“GREAT BOOK! It kept me going. I couldn’t put it down yesterday; I cried, laughed and want to read more. I really loved it. You be the man.”
-P.W., Orange, CA (adult, male) – Book 1

“This book grabs you from the first page and you can’t put it down. Plan on losing sleep. Fortunately it’s a fast read. Too fast. I want more!”
-D.O., Seattle, WA (young adult, female) – Book 1

“Laughed out loud a LOT! Always got a smile. As suspenseful as Left Behind. Even the romance was great – I never thought I could enjoy this type. This is seriously a NY Best Seller!”
-J.D., Prescott Valley, AZ (adult, male)

“My new favorite author!”
-C.N., Irvine, CA (teen, female) – Book 2

“You are a master storyteller. These books are incredible.”
-C.B., Albany, NY (teen, male) – Book 2

“Finished Book 3. Wow. Book 1 was great and lots of fun. Book 2 was different – a little more serious and I absolutely loved it and I was awed by the story; I seriously didn’t think you could top that one. But Book 3!? Wow. That one is going to stay with me for a long time. It’s been over a week and I still can’t get it out of my mind. Congratulations, you have just been promoted to the very top of my favorite list of current authors. Anxiously awaiting Book 4.”
-J.R., Temecula, CA (adult, female) – Book 3

“I just spent an entire Sunday afternoon traveling to some exotic places: C*****, Hawaii and the Middle East. I had some terrific adventures alongside some fun characters. Thank you, Paul for introducing us to the worlds of Ben and *****, Elias and Shira, George, Alana and the rest of the Second Chance gang. I look forward to more adventure.”
-V.E., Santa Ana, CA (adult, female) – Book 3