Marcher Lord Press in the spotlight

CSFF proudly promotes Jeff Gerke's new independent publishing venture, Marcher Lord Press. Believe me when I say this is a good thing for speculative fiction. No, it's a great thing.

Here's a definition of MLP from the site itself:

"Marcher Lord Press is the premier publisher of Christian speculative fiction.

Whether it's fantasy you love, or science fiction, time travel, chillers, supernatural thrillers, alternate history, spiritual warfare, superhero, vampire, or technothriller—if it's speculative and it comes from the Christian worldview, Marcher Lord Press is your publisher.

Marcher Lord Press is a small, independent press that bypasses the traditional Christian publishing industry to get Christian speculative fiction directly into the hands of the fans who devour it."

Here is the MLP link: Marcher Lord Press

The brains behind the site is Jeff Gerke (pen name Jefferson Scott). If you've never heard of Jeff, then you just don't read good fiction.

Check out his website here for a comprehensive list of speculative fiction at your fingertips: Where the Map Ends

Congratulations, Jeff! We look forward to the launching of your new site!

Be sure to visit the other tour participants' sites for more info and fun:

Brandon Barr
Justin Boyer
Keanan Brand
Kathy Brasby
Jackie Castle
Valerie Comer
Karri Compton
Courtney
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Janey DeMeo
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Kameron M. Franklin
Andrea Graham
Todd Michael Greene
Katie Hart
Timothy Hicks
Joleen Howell
Jason Joyner
Kait
Mike Lynch
Terri Main
Margaret
Shannon McNear
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Nissa
John W. Otte
Steve Rice
Ashley Rutherford
Hanna Sandvig
Mirtika or Mir's Here
Greg Slade
James Somers
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Laura Williams
Timothy Wise
Tina Kulesa
Jason Waguespac

THE ROOK, by Steven James

I can't say enough about this author or this series. Steven James knows how to craft a story. He has admitted that he doesn’t want to get bored with what he’s writing, and the complex plot structure in The Rook only serves to prove that he’s serious about creating a page-turner. Believe me, there’s absolutely no time to get bored with James’ stories.

Patrick Bowers is again on the case, one which involves a serial arsonist. When he accidentally stumbles across a wacked out homeless man committing suicide, Patrick knows there is more to the incident than meets the eye. Clues lead in unexpected directions, like to an aquarium, shark research, and stolen technology with global implications.

While embroiled in the puzzlement of his job, Patrick must also build a relationship with his angst-filled teenaged stepdaughter. Between girl and woman, she longs for freedom, yet makes unwise choices that force Patrick to monitor her activities. Can he protect her from the world while letting her grow up? Might she be entangled in his investigation like she was during the last case?

One of the first things I noticed about this novel, second in the Patrick Bowers series, was the lack of creepiness. Yes, the villain(s) is/are still evil, but the tale has a different feel. The author, in an interview you can hear HERE, states that he wanted The Pawn to feel more like a psychological thriller and The Rook to feel more like a techno-thriller. I say he was successful. It’s really incredible how involved the story becomes up until the very end, when, as all good books do in my opinion, the reader experiences a big twist.

Whether for personal entertainment, a book club, or a gift, be sure to pick up this electrically-charged action-lover’s dream. I can’t wait for the third installment, The Knight. I wonder if the series will have to end after James uses up all the chess pieces (only 3 more!). That will be a sad day.

In the Shadow of Lions, by Ginger Garrett

This book is one I unfortunately have missed. I thoroughly enjoyed Garrett's previous book, Dark Hour. She's a great writer and I look forward to having the time to read this.

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
In The Shadow Of Lions
David C. Cook; 1 edition (September 2008)
by
Ginger Garrett


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ginger Garrett is the critically acclaimed author of Chosen: The Lost Diaries of Queen Esther, which was recognized as one of the top five novels of 2006 by the ECPA, and Dark Hour. An expert in ancient women's history, Ginger creates novels and nonfiction resources that explore the lives of historical women.

Her newest release is Beauty Secrets of the Bible, (September 11, Thomas Nelson) based on the historical research that began in her work on Chosen. The book explores the connections between beauty and spirituality, offering women both historical insights and scientific proofs that reveal powerful, natural beauty secrets.

A frequent radio guest on stations across the country, including NPR and Billy Graham's The Hour of Decision, Ginger is also a popular television guest. Her appearances include Harvest Television, Friends & Neighbors, and Babbie's House. Ginger frequently serves as a co-host on the inspirational cable program Deeper Living.

In 2007, Ginger was nominated for the Georgia Author of the Year Award for her novel Dark Hour. When she's not writing, you may spy Ginger hunting for vintage jewelry at thrift stores, running (slowly) in 5k and 10k races, or just trying to chase down one of her errant sheepdogs. A native Texan, she now resides in Georgia with her husband and three children.


ABOUT THE BOOK



"I am the first writer, The Scribe. My books lie open before the Throne, and someday will be the only witness of your people and their time in this world."

So begins the narration of one such angel in this sweeping historical tale set during the reign of England's Henry VIII. It is the story of two women, their guardian angels, and a mysterious, subversive book ... a book that outrages some, inspires others, and launches the Protestant Reformation.

The devout Anne Boleyn catches the eye of a powerful king and uses her influence to champion an English translation of the Bible. Meanwhile, Rose, a broken, suicidal woman of the streets, is moved to seek God when she witnesses Thomas More's public displays of Christian charity, ignorant of his secret life spent eradicating the Bible, persecuting anyone who dares read it.

Historic figures come alive in this thrilling story of heroes and villains, saints and sinners, angels and mortals ... and the sacred book that will inspire you anew. Fans of Francine Rivers and Karen Kingsbury will love Ginger's intriguing combination of rich character development, artful settings, and inspiring historical insights.

If you would like to read an excerpt from In The Shadow Of Lions, go HERE


The Book Link