Epic FantasyPremier Virtual Author Book Tours

Dispocalypse by Michael Rothman

Publisher: M & S Publishing, L.L.C. (June 1, 2016)
Category: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic, Epic Fantasy, Young Adult
Tour Date: Oct and Nov, 2016
ISBN: 978-0989089494
ASIN: B01GIIEDXW
Available in: Print & ebook, 406 Pages

In a post-apocalyptic world ruled by a Governor who is both feared and worshipped, Willow is a seventeen-year-old girl who is just trying to get through her last year of studies. But when her father dies, she experiences strange dreams that change everything about how she looks at the world and at herself.

Haunted by the tragedy, Willow begins pushing herself beyond anything she could have imagined she was capable of. It’s only when she catches the attention of some of the Governor’s minions that her world is turned upside-down.

“Michael Rothman is a writer with interests in many areas: from fantasy adventures to nail-biting science fiction thrillers. As a result, his stories are like a roller coaster that carry you away into imaginative worlds where surprises abound, and the only thing that you can expect, is the unexpected. So sit back and enjoy the ride!”-David Farland, New York Times Bestselling Author

Praise for Dispocalypse by Michael Rothman

“The duality of worlds was very interesting and it hooked me completely especially with the way Willow was made out in those scenes. The presence of a world we are familiar with and then another which had totally different geography and races drew me in slowly but steadily.
The world building was unique and it was a blend of dystopia and fantasy. I believe that was my favourite part of the book. It’s not usual that fantasy elements are introduced into a dystopian/apocalyptic tale. And it has more of a feel of the events happening after apocalypse so it was appropriately named too.

Overall, the read was a great enjoyable one with ample fighting and adventures. I can recommend this to fantasy and dystopian lovers equally.”- Floryie, Travelogue Of a Book Addict

“I like how this book kept me guessing. It certainly didn’t expect the book to go to the places that it did. You think that one thing will happen, but the story surprises you and goes a totally different direction. The lack of predictability was quite refreshing.
The pacing in this was great! I was surprised how fast I was able to read this once I got started. Nothing seemed to drag. The flow was just perfect. I highly recommend this book! It is one of the most unique stories that I have had the pleasure of reading. The meshing of genres really makes this one stand out.”- Vanessa [Queen Alchemy ], The Alchemy of Ink

I loved reading it, and can truly say it’s unique! I love how it’s written, and the wording/tone really drew me in. The prologue is somewhat confusing, and it took me a chapter or so to really understand what was happening, but it was a quick read, and easy to follow after that. I also enjoyed the illustrations, an added bonus in any story!

“I loved the characters, and felt the plot was unique, and well thought out. I enjoyed the quick pace, and read a large portion of the book in one sitting!
For this time this is a stand along, still I still have some questions, but I would love another book to answer them! XD (OK so I really just want to visit Willow’s world again!)”-Stephanie, Adventures Thru Wonderland

“Dispocalypse is a Shannara-esque post-apocalyptic return of magic tale, rich with prophecy, redolent with the stink of evil, and vibrant with the undaunted clamors of a young woman who will not allow her will to be constrained. It walks a delightful line between science fiction and fantasy and delivers a tale sure to please readers looking for unusual adventure fiction.”- Big Dave, Amazon Reviewer

About Michael Rothman Dispocalypse by Michael Rothman

Michael Rothman is an Army brat, a polyglot, and the first person in his family born in the United States. Given his first-born American status, hegrew up with English as his third language. As a child, he always had an active imagination and would continuously drive his family crazy with a myriad of “what if” questions.

After a while, they shoved him at the local public library and that’s when he was finally introduced to the world of books, and more specifically, science fiction and fantasy novels. His earliest influences were J.R.R. Tolkien’s classics as well as those of Isaac Asimov. Titles such as these tickled his imagination both as a child and into adulthood.

This post was most recently updated on June 26th, 2015

At The Sharp End of Lightning by NR Bates:

Publisher: NR Bates (January 30, 2015)
Category: Epic Fantasy, Magic Realism, Literary Fiction, Celtic Mythology, History
Tour Date: May/June, 2015
Available in: Print & ebook, 239 Pages

AT THE SHARP END OF LIGHTNING is the tale of family, of loss and sacrifice, of unexpected gifts and coping with disability and new abilities set against the backdrop of climate change occurring across parallel worlds.

The intertwined worlds of Oceanlight and Earth are no longer hidden from view of each other. In one realm, Yalara Narika, a winged Sea Sprite, searches for her family and she encounters a deadly blue haze at sea. Escaping the poison makes her realize that her world, Oceanlight, is experiencing sudden and catastrophic environmental change.

Meanwhile, in the safe suburban normality of North Wales, Einion Morgan Alban, a restless youth with haemophilia, is nearly murdered by a man in a white suit who intentionally shoves him off a cliff. If Yalara and Einion don’t uncover the connections between their worlds and near-deaths, it will have dire consequences for the worlds they live in. Book one of the OCEANLIGHT series.

Praise for ‘At The Sharp End of Lightning’ by NR Bates:

“What a fantastic book, the author takes you into another realm. I couldn’t put the book down, a real page turner. Seeing as this is book 1 I can’t wait for the next one to be written.”-Scotialassie, Amazon.UK Reviewer

“British author NR Bates makes his novel writing debut with AT THE SHARP END OF LIGHTNING, Book 1 of the OCEANLIGHT series. He has indeed written extensively which explains why his command of the medium is so secure: he has published more than one hundred and twenty scientific papers on ocean chemistry, climate change and ocean acidification as a Senior Scientist at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences and Professor of Ocean Biogeochemistry at the University of Southampton, UK. Bates’ passion for the ocean and environmental sciences has proven a successful driving force in both his scientific mind and his fantasy creative mind. The result, as we read it here, is `true’ Science Fiction fantasy!

Bates opens his book with a map/diagram called The Interfaces – the meaning of which will be explained throughout the novel, but whose information offers hints and suggestions of codes to be solved. And at the end of his book he discusses Welsh history that informed this story as well as the biology and biogeochemistry of the Sargasso Sea, further influences. The author provides an outline of the story that assists the reader immensely: `The interwoven fantastical tale of family, of loss and sacrifice, of unexpected gifts and coping with disability and new abilities set against the backdrop of climate change occurring across parallel worlds.

Bates’ writing style can only be called `elegant’ – he is unafraid to challenge the reader with a rich vocabulary that somehow enhances the characters we encounter. This is obvious form the opening paragraph:

`As the streamer of lightning harmlessly discharged through her body into the palm of her hand, Yalara Narika noticed many things at once. There was fright and surprise as adrenaline raced through her body. The words “I’m alive” came to mind, accompanied by an overwhelming relief when the forked sharpness passed out of her. Then came the reflex response– her call to Calymene, Mother Earth– that she had despite her doubt. A hurried glance brought the reassuring thought “I’m still in the sky.” Simultaneously, she returned to her search– for the “lost”– which was set against the immensity of the seas. And interwoven amongst these reactions were thoughts of that moment in the distant future, at the end of her life, when she’d fly up into the tumult, clad in a cuprous woven fabric, and upon the flash of electrica, her constituent parts would disassemble in an instantaneous coruscation of energy.’

This is our first encounter with being struck by lightning.

As with most fantasy/sci-fi books it takes a while to adjust to the strange names and the references to places of origin, but Bates’ language makes that journey of discovery a rewarding one. He does offer a helpful Sprite Glossary and Human Glossary at books end. This is a strong debut, well worth the investment of mental energy.”- Grady Harp, Amazon Hall of Fame & top 100 reviewer.

Ambitious and enchanting, At The Sharp End Of Lightning by author N R Bates proves a rich and original foray into the realms of fantasy fiction. Compelled by a commanding narrative that readily enthrals the imagination, the magical intrigue simmers throughout as Bates renders his fantasy world in rich hues. A world parallel to our own yet retaining a time worn familiarity that makes it feel immediately authentic. It’s an intricate, intrigue-laden telling, which plays to the best in this popular genre and it’s clear from the start that Bates is in his element.

“There’s certainly much to enjoy here. From cleverly contrived and vibrant scenes to a captivating blend of magical mysticism, he ably manages to avoid prescriptive tropes whilst a certain descriptive economy and a tight word count brings a penetrating levity to his dialogue. Both timely and well observed, he notably avoids the trite mutterings of mediocre characterisation to create genuine depth and emotive resonance, which in turn ensures the reader becomes fully invested in the trials and tribulations of his characters.

Beautifully written and undoubtedly the start of an exciting new series, At The Sharp End Of Lightning proves a fine example of fantasy fiction. Definitely deserving of a place on your bookshelf, it is recommended without reservation!”-Book Viral

About NR Bates:

NR Bates was born in London, grew up in Wales, and lived in Canada and Bermuda. He shares his life with his wife,seven cats, one dog and the tropical wildlife of lizards, wolf spiders and ant colonies that seek out a better life indoors. He is an oceanographer and scientist, and has published more than one hundred and twenty scientific papers on ocean chemistry, climate change and ocean acidification.

He is a Senior Scientist at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences and Professor of Ocean Biogeochemistry at the University of Southampton, UK. His novels focus on epic fantasy and magic realism, and inspired by his deep love of the ocean and environmental sciences.

Website: nrbates.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/NR-Bates/1536689869946441
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NRBatesAuthor