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Sunday, February 20, 2011

5-stars: Deep Storm, by Lincoln Child

G'day avid readers,

I am finally catching up on writing my book reviews (which I do whenever I read something I love & find worth sharing), so here is one of my latest:




My review:

Deep Storm - 5-stars

Unputdownable thriller!

Deep Storm is one of the best thrillers I've ever read. It has flawless pacing, an incredibly interesting story, an excellent sense of place, non-stop action, and just the right amount of character development. It has a tantalizing touch of the paranormal, a mysterious historical event that keeps surprising and unfolding, along with a great setting. The setting of an offshore oil rig and deepsea lab offers an intimacy of place, exotic to the everyday person, that envelops the reader. It should come with a warning that says "Contents Under Pressure" - you feel the deadly pressure of the ocean you are taken deep into, along with ever-mounting action and the relentless unveiling of fascinating mystery after mystery. The story stays tight to the protagonist's point of view, so you feel you are walking the halls, seeing and experiencing everything right along with him. There were many times where I felt like I was looking characters in the eye and feeling the mounting tension all around. Action and reactions were always believable. You are never separated from the central action and purpose of the story. I was riveted.

I've read a lot of thrillers and after reading Deep Storm I came to better appreciate the solid pacing that keeps the reader turning pages, balanced with just the right amount of description of environment and action so that you can picture and imagine everything, but not get bogged down in endless showy descriptions that sometimes can seem like author showmanship and slow the story down. This never happens here, though it is superbly researched. Deep Storm is just excellent storytelling, with a perfect blend of action and intrigue. The only thing I could say might have been improved upon was that I wish the explanation at the end could have been developed a little further. There's so much build up to it, it's such a cool concept, that I would have liked to stay with it just a little longer and explore it a bit more. Having said that, it is sufficient and I can understand why it was done the way it was.

I honestly could not put this book down, the story grabs you from page one and never lets go. It's a 5-star read all the way. Every day I looked so forward to diving back into the story and eagerly did so. I think this is the fastest I've read any book. Lincoln Child has the gift for penning thrillers, no doubt. Highly recommended!

Rai Aren, co-author of Secret of the Sands

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

UK Kindle Bestseller! Award-winning mystery novel Secret of the Sands

I just wanted to share our happy news that Secret of the Sands, the 2009 ReadersFavorite.Com "Fiction-Mystery" Silver Medalist, is an Amazon.co.uk kindle Bestseller.

Here's the link:

Secret of the Sands kindle UK edition

Like a proud parent, I took a picture:

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If you're a kindle-peep from across the pond, I'd be honored if you'd add it to your virtual shelves :)

You can also find it on Amazon.com kindle, where it's popping up regularly on 3 bestseller lists, including "Fantasy-Historical" for ONLY $2.99! (see screenshot below):

Secret of the Sands Second Edition kindle


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...and on Smashwords, in multiple formats, also ONLY $2.99!:

Secret of the Sands on Smashwords


Happy reading always!

Rai Aren, co-author of the award-winning mystery novel SECRET OF THE SANDS
www.secretofthesands.com

For 12,000 years a dark and deadly secret has been hidden deep below the Great Sphinx of Giza. In present day Egypt, a frightening, yet awe-inspiring story unravels as archaeologists race against time to decipher an ancient truth...


"The authors have successfully woven a story based on archeological events mixed with their own ideas of what happened to the Sphinx and the mysteries surrounding it."
- www.sabrinareviews.com



Sunday, January 2, 2011

Fantastic new 5-star review for Secret of the Sands!

Happy New Year everyone!

I hope 2011 is starting off well for all of you :)

I wanted to share the latest awesome review of our award-winning mystery novel, SECRET OF THE SANDS:

5-stars: "AN IMPRESSIVE EPIC STORY OF ENDURING APPEAL ACROSS GENERATIONS!"


Mitch and Alex find a mysterious box, while working on a dig near the statue of the Great Sphinx in Egypt, and uncover artifacts that could possibly be the biggest discovery in archaeological history. How could these artifacts exist, and will a mystery be solved, or is there a plan to destroy another society? The students continue their mission with assistance from Bob and Jack to research the significant findings, but do not share any information with the Professor. Did the Professor intend to ruin the lives of Mitch and Alex, so that he could take all the credit? Could the Professor be trusted, and was he jealous? What secret is hidden in the desert sands as the characters come to life, along with ancient civilization? I highly recommend this spellbinding adventure that spotlights archaeological theories as it takes the reader on a thrill ride, to all lovers of the ancient world who enjoy mystery and suspense with a blend of humor and romance. The interesting characters, along with a fascinating plot capture the reader's attention from beginning to end, while fueling the imagination as you crave for more with a burning desire for the next episode. Rai Aren and Tavius E. takes the reader back twelve-thousand years to the origins of the artifacts through ancient history and excitement as they create one of the Greatest stories ever told! The two authors become Master storytellers through detailed research and fantasy with an incredible imagination in an adventure made for the movie screen. A painting is made with metaphysical and mystical happenings, and the portrait is colored with past and present archaeology of Egypt. The mesmerizing story is clear and concise with all of Egypt's glory, leaving the reader in pure contentment. What kind of power was found in this relic? How old is the Great Sphinx as mysteries blow through the desert wind? How many years do we go back to meet the royal family of King Traeus? Who were the builders of the pyramids? When did deceit and adultery exist? What did the book from a cylinder found by Alex and Mitch symbolize? What did the dreams that Alex had represent? How old are the scrolls, and what language are they written in? "SECRET OF THE SANDS" is as intelligent as CLEOPATRA, as entertaining as STARGATE and as captivating as THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, with Charlton Heston, and Yul Brynner. - Geri Ahearn

www.reviewedbyauthorgeriahearn.blogspot.com

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You can find our trade paperback edition at the new lower price of $14.95 (was $17.95) here:




And our brand new Second Edition kindle ON SALE for only $2.99:



















Happy reading always!

Rai Aren, co-author of the award-winning mystery novel SECRET OF THE SANDS

For 12,000 years a dark and deadly secret has been hidden deep below the Great Sphinx of Giza. In present day Egypt, a frightening, yet awe-inspiring story unravels as archaeologists race against time to decipher an ancient truth...


"The authors have successfully woven a story based on archeological events mixed with their own ideas of what happened to the Sphinx and the mysteries surrounding it."
- www.sabrinareviews.com

"Rai Aren & Tavius E. write a spellbinding mix of mystery, history, fantasy, and adventure in this tale of two histories - one told in the present, the other told from the past - telling a story of misused power, learning how to trust, and the fate of civilization." -www.TeensReadToo.com

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Thursday, December 16, 2010

Holiday sale! Kindle & paperback editions of award-winning mystery novel Secret of the Sands!

Just in time for the holiday season the trade paperback edition of our award-winning, bestselling archaeology adventure novel, Secret of the Sands is now on sale! The price has been reduced from $17.95 to $14.95! If you are a fellow bookaholic or know an avid reader in your circle of family & friends, especially ones who love a good mystery novel & are fascinated by ancient Egypt and the Great Sphinx of Giza we hope you'll add it to your list! It's also a great way to use those always fun to give & receive Amazon gift certificates :)

Here's the link:




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A Prophecy was Told…

An ancient prophecy, thousands of years old, told of the coming of the Chosen one, but she will be both loved and feared, and some will stop at nothing to defy everything she represents

A Secret Long Buried…

A secret power that once proved too deadly, was hidden away deep beneath the sands of Egypt, only to be revealed by its sworn guardians when the time came that the knowledge would be safe

A Deadly Riddle is Unlocked…

Two young archaeologists fatefully unearth unusual artifacts dating over 12,000 years old. The exhilarating find however, is wrong - very wrong. The artifacts shouldn’t be there…they shouldn’t even exist at all


A Power Unleashed…

Now after remaining dormant for 12,000 years, the secret has been uncovered, and its true purpose suspected. What will be the greatest discovery in human history will either change us forever or destroy us for trying…


SECRET OF THE SANDS also makes a great stocking stuffer & provides hours of entertainment!

The brand new second edition on Amazon kindle is also on sale now for the low price of only $2.99:



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Dive into an ancient mystery & go on an adventure in the sands of Egypt…

Happy Holidays to you & yours! May all your holiday dreams come true... :)

Rai Aren, co-author of Secret of the Sands

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For 12,000 years a dark and deadly secret has been hidden deep below the Great Sphinx of Giza. In present day Egypt, a frightening, yet awe-inspiring story unravels as archaeologists race against time to decipher an ancient truth…


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"A deep probing mystery riddled with prophecy and danger, Secret of the Sands uses Egypt and her mythology as a backdrop to delve into the meanings of life and religion." -McNally Robinson

"Rai Aren and Tavius E. have crafted a fast-paced, exciting novel overflowing with mystery and intrigue. The tension is constant. The characters fully developed. And the plot gripping. Ancient history and present day relevance are so expertly intertwined, that you might forget you are reading a work of fiction." -- Thomas Phillips, author of The Molech Prophecy


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Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Holiday sale! Award-winning mystery novel Secret of the Sands, now only $2.99!

Just in time for the holiday season - the second edition kindle version of our award-winning, bestselling archaeology adventure novel, Secret of the Sands is now on sale for the low price of only $2.99! Here's the link:

Secret of the Sands 2nd edition kindle - on sale for the holidays for only $2.99!


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This is the brand-new second edition just launched! It's the same great story with an exciting new cover, to celebrate its newly expanded distribution. We are thrilled that the book is making its way into many more online stores!

If you have a kindle, or a kindle-loving reader in your circle of family & friends, especially ones who love a good mystery novel & are fascinated by ancient Egypt and the Great Sphinx of Giza we hope you'll add SECRET OF THE SANDS to your list!



A Prophecy was Told…

An ancient prophecy, thousands of years old, told of the coming of the Chosen one, but she will be both loved and feared, and some will stop at nothing to defy everything she represents

A Secret Long Buried…

A secret power that once proved too deadly, was hidden away deep beneath the sands of Egypt, only to be revealed by its sworn guardians when the time came that the knowledge would be safe

A Deadly Riddle is Unlocked…

Two young archaeologists fatefully unearth unusual artifacts dating over 12,000 years old. The exhilarating find however, is wrong - very wrong. The artifacts shouldn’t be there…they shouldn’t even exist at all

A Power Unleashed…

Now after remaining dormant for 12,000 years, the secret has been uncovered, and its true purpose suspected. What will be the greatest discovery in human history will either change us forever or destroy us for trying…



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Now how irresistible is that for only $2.99?! Dive into an ancient mystery & go on an adventure in the sands of Egypt…

Happy Holidays to you & yours!

Rai Aren, co-author of Secret of the Sands

Photobucket


For 12,000 years a dark and deadly secret has been hidden deep below the Great Sphinx of Giza. In present day Egypt, a frightening, yet awe-inspiring story unravels as archaeologists race against time to decipher an ancient truth…


Photobucket


"A deep probing mystery riddled with prophecy and danger, Secret of the Sands uses Egypt and her mythology as a backdrop to delve into the meanings of life and religion." -McNally Robinson

"Rai Aren and Tavius E. have crafted a fast-paced, exciting novel overflowing with mystery and intrigue. The tension is constant. The characters fully developed. And the plot gripping. Ancient history and present day relevance are so expertly intertwined, that you might forget you are reading a work of fiction." -- Thomas Phillips, author of The Molech Prophecy


Monday, December 13, 2010

Holiday sale! Award-winning mystery novel Secret of the Sands, now only $2.99!

Just in time for the holiday season for - the eBook edition of our award-winning, bestselling archaeology adventure novel, Secret of the Sands is now on sale for the low price of only $2.99! It's offered in multiple eBook formats on Smashwords for easy downloading. Here's the link:

Secret of the Sands - only $2.99 on Smashwords!

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This is the brand-new second edition just launched! It's the same great story with an exciting new cover, to celebrate its newly expanded distribution. We are thrilled that the book is making its way into many more online stores!

If you have an eReader, or an eBook-loving reader in your circle of family & friends, especially ones who love a good mystery novel & are fascinated by ancient Egypt and the Great Sphinx of Giza we hope you'll add SECRET OF THE SANDS to your list!


A Prophecy was Told…

An ancient prophecy, thousands of years old, told of the coming of the Chosen one, but she will be both loved and feared, and some will stop at nothing to defy everything she represents

A Secret Long Buried…

A secret power that once proved too deadly, was hidden away deep beneath the sands of Egypt, only to be revealed by its sworn guardians when the time came that the knowledge would be safe

A Deadly Riddle is Unlocked…

Two young archaeologists fatefully unearth unusual artifacts dating over 12,000 years old. The exhilarating find however, is wrong - very wrong. The artifacts shouldn’t be there…they shouldn’t even exist at all


A Power Unleashed…

Now after remaining dormant for 12,000 years, the secret has been uncovered, and its true purpose suspected. What will be the greatest discovery in human history will either change us forever or destroy us for trying…


Photobucket


Now how irresistible is that for only $2.99?! Dive into an ancient mystery & go on an adventure in the sands of Egypt…

Happy Holidays to you & yours!


Rai Aren, co-author of Secret of the Sands

Photobucket


For 12,000 years a dark and deadly secret has been hidden deep below the Great Sphinx of Giza. In present day Egypt, a frightening, yet awe-inspiring story unravels as archaeologists race against time to decipher an ancient truth…


Photobucket


"A deep probing mystery riddled with prophecy and danger, Secret of the Sands uses Egypt and her mythology as a backdrop to delve into the meanings of life and religion." -McNally Robinson

"Rai Aren and Tavius E. have crafted a fast-paced, exciting novel overflowing with mystery and intrigue. The tension is constant. The characters fully developed. And the plot gripping. Ancient history and present day relevance are so expertly intertwined, that you might forget you are reading a work of fiction." -- Thomas Phillips, author of The Molech Prophecy

P.S You can also find the first edition in trade paperback format:

Monday, December 6, 2010

It's live! The second edition of award-winning archaeology adventure novel Secret of the Sands

G'day everyone!

I wanted to pass along the news that we now have a second edition, of our award-winning mystery novel, SECRET OF THE SANDS. It is the same great story, with a spanky, new cover. The reason for the second edition is that we will branching the book out to many, many more markets. Here is the link:

Secret of the Sands second edition on kindle


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If you haven't already read the original edition, (which is still available), I would be honored if you would give it a read :)

Happy reading always, kindle peeps!

Rai Aren, co-author of Secret of the Sands

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For 12,000 years a dark and deadly secret has been hidden deep below the Great Sphinx of Giza. In present day Egypt, a frightening, yet awe-inspiring story unravels as archaeologists race against time to decipher an ancient truth...

"A deep probing mystery riddled with prophecy and danger, Secret of the Sands uses Egypt and her mythology as a backdrop to delve into the meanings of life and religion." -McNally Robinson

"Rai Aren and Tavius E. have crafted a fast-paced, exciting novel overflowing with mystery and intrigue. The tension is constant. The characters fully developed. And the plot gripping. Ancient history and present day relevance are so expertly intertwined, that you might forget you are reading a work of fiction." -- Thomas Phillips, author of The Molech Prophecy



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