FREEBIE ALERT

 
Hi everyone!  I'm running a free promotion for Enigma Black through Amazon KDP Select beginning February 22 through February 25.  The last time I did this, I received nearly 2,000 downloads.  I'm hoping to top that this time around.  Enigma Black has received 22 awesome reviews on Amazon.com.  Hope you all check it out!

Putting on the Big Author Panties/My Favorite Review Thus Far

I posted this as a rant on my Facebook page, and decided to share it on my blog as well.

 

The following review came in this morning on Amazon and Goodreads and had me sweating bullets ever since I noticed that the blogger had marked Enigma Black as “currently reading” on Goodreads. Why was I so anxious? This blogger is known for her brutally honest reviews. In fact, her reviews are so honest that authors whose books she didn’t care for began seeking retribution against her on her we...bsite, giving her books (yes, she’s an author, too) negative reviews even though they’ve never read them. As an author, this behavior by fellow authors sickens me. For starters, you never, ever comment on a poor review (no matter how much it bothers you) and you most definitely never act like a middle schooler and take your frustrations out on someone purely because they were expressing their own opinion. After all, isn’t that what we indie authors are looking for, an honest, unbiased opinion of our work? It irritates me that this particular blogger has had to hide her identity from the public just so she can safely review the books that she PAID for. This just goes to show you that not everyone is ready to hear the truth. Heck, even traditionally published books receive poor reviews. Take any of the Harry Potter books, for example. Do a search on Amazon and I’ll guarantee you that you won’t find a single book in that series that doesn’t have at least one 1* review. “Well, that reviewer must be crazy,” you say. No. It’s just that the book didn’t resonate with them. And that’s completely okay. Just because someone goes against the grain and gives their honest opinion on how THEY feel about a book doesn’t give anyone the liberty to go batshit crazy on them. After all, as indies we have a hard enough time finding reviews and readers for our books. Let’s not taint that further by acting unprofessional.

And, yes, I would still have made this rant even if this blogger had hated Enigma Black.  And, no, I've never spoken to this blogger before, nor do I know who she is, but I'm going to take her up on her offer to contact her on her blog's FB page.

Here is the review from blogger evilicious whose blog is called The Good, The Bad and the Ugly:

"Obviously - given my rating - I love this book. I was torn between a 4 and a 5 star.

I am leaning toward a 5 star but there were a few issues for me that made it a 4 star. Mind you - I LOVED the story overall.

THE GOOD:

The plot was brilliant, and totally sucked me in. I love stories that are pure escapism - and this was one of those. There were plenty of twists and turns (which I love) . Some were predictable but others weren't. I was not expecting what happened in the last few chapters at all - well I kind of was - but I thought it would involve a different character.

The characters are well drawn, and relatable, the story flowed nicely and was well written. A few minor editing issues, but I have seen worse in traditionally published books.

BTW - ending was a cliff-hanger. You figure this out as you get toward the end of the book so it's not jarring, and it's not the sort of cliffhanger that annoys the crap out of you. Actually I started to worry the author was going to sell herself short (for purely selfish reasons) leading up to the climax, and that it would be a complete read.(Phew!)

THE BAD:

Overall I loved the story but it took me a bit to get into for two reasons (but then BAM! Suddenly I was zooming through the pages like nothing else). The dialogue was overly lengthy at some points and was slightly 'off' character if that makes sense, at times. I guess it was sometimes a little formal compared to the narrative. I think there should have been a little more world building to help readers suspend disbelief *SPOILER ALERT (sort of) a nationwide curfew is imposed and I kind of went 'WTF - as if! It would take a lot more than that' , so strengthening this earlier in the story would help, though as I got further into the book there was more to back this up and strengthen it END (the-sort-of-spoiler) ALERT *

There were also a couple of areas where the wording didn't work. One that comes to mind is 'few' meaning three, but the author used it to mean two. Little things like that suck me out of a story.

IN FACT - I think the author might want to do one final edit, taking some of my points into account, and those of other reviewers as I have a feeling this one will rocket up the Kindle charts as word gets out! And we all know how nasty some reviewers can be when a book suddenly gains popularity. (Note to author, feel free to contact me via my FB page if you would like more clarification - I really do think you are onto something here and you should be proud of your achievement. [...] Being an author myself (and no dear reader - I am not about to tastelessly link my books - or even my author name) I understand how easy it is for these things to slip through in the editing process.

THE UGLY:

Nothing - because despite my few issues (I like to show both sides) this is a brilliant story that sucked me in and the issues obviously weren't enough to stop me reading. In fact I couldn't read it fast enough. An absolute page turner that kept me up late into the - er - morning, and one I wouldn't be surprised to see snapped up by movie producers in the near future. First time I ever said THAT about an indie book!"

Brought to you by Evilicious Book Reviews: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Review of Enigma Black from K.A. Perkins

REVIEW - ENIGMA BLACK by SARA FURLONG-BURR

K A Perkins: Posted on 31 December 2012 15:45

There has been a series of bombings across the USA, perpetrated by 'The Man in Black', and Celaine's family has been caught up in one of the most devastating, changing Celaine's life irrevocably. This is powerful and emotive storytelling and we are drawn into Celaine's world from the start as she tries to put her life back together. The trauma to Celaine's life is mirrored in the changes to the USA as the country and all it stands for.is broken by these relentless attacks and the USA descends into dictatorship. But who is 'The Man in Black'? How does he single-handedly bring down a democracy such as the US? And how can he be stopped? Celaine will have to work this out once she is 'selected' to join a secret government agency created to do just that. This is exciting, fast-paced, action-packed and at times humorous and heart-breaking. The Science Fiction elements sound plausible and well thought through and Celaine is a great main character – resourceful, sarcastic, loyal and caring with a great wit and all the doubts any one of us entertain at one time or another. – and it is impossible not to empathise with her. I'm very much looking forward to the next book in the series. Look out for an interview with the author, Sara Furlong-Burr, coming soon. Enigma Black is available from: Amazon.co.uk: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Enigma-Black-ebook/dp/B00ABVO2ZC/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1356968526&sr=1-1 or Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Enigma-Black-ebook/dp/B00ABVO2ZC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1356968429&sr=8-1&keywords=enigma+black

Review-Growing Disenchantments by K.D. Berry

As a writer, it's also important to read as much as you can.  Not only is it entertaining, but you can also learn a few things from other author's writing styles.  I recently participated in a review swap with author Kevin Berry.  Mr. Berry co-writes medieval humor with Diane Berry.  The pair have two books available on Amazon.com: Growing Disenchantments and Dragons Away.  For my review, I selected Growing Disenchantments, and am glad I did.  It is one of the most humorous, well-written stories I've read in a long time.  And the dialogue is pretty amazing as well. 

Here is my review posted on Amazon.com and Goodreads:

There is much to be said about Growing Disenchantments by K.D. Berry, but to sum it all up in one word, I would call it brilliant. Growing Disenchantments is a humorous medieval drama that follows several main and supporting characters, including Ragonnard, a sorcerer who has his sights set on obtaining an amulet worn by fellow sorcerer Syranax, whose soul has been trapped in a painting for the better part of five hundred years. Ragonnard believes he knows the spell to obtain the amulet from the painting without disturbing Syranax. To aid him in his pursuit, Ragonnard recruits the assistance of Ganfrey, a thief whom he catches after she breaks into his home. After successfully stealing the painting from the palace where it's kept, Ragonnard casts a spell to obtain the amulet. However, not only does his spell free the amulet he desires, it also freed Syranax, too. Syranax, arguably the most powerful sorcerer of his time, immediately traps Ragonnard in the painting and  proceeds on a quest for retribution from those who imprisoned him, using his magic to take over the kingdom from the unassuming, child-like King Credos.

An unlikely group of characters including Ragonnard, Ganfrey, Lautrec, the head of palace security; Dewdrop, King Credos' trusted sorcerer/advisor; Velasco, Dewdrop's family and constant thorn in his side; time traveler, Ned Merrivel; and Desquartz, a palace gargoyle who becomes animated by one of Syranax's spells rally together in a bid to regain control of the kingdom and banish Syranax once and for all.

Growing Disenchantments is chock full of action and drama, but it's the brilliant and witty humor that makes it a must read. It's a story that doesn't take itself too seriously with puns abound, especially at the expense of palace guards Fowid and Holt and numerous other instances including Ragonnard's animated windows being "paned" and the broom's "bristling". There's also a very humorous instance where, after having been animated, gargoyle Desquartz seeks the use of the facilities to wash away years' worth of bird poop that has accumulated on him.

In all, Growing Disenchantments is nicely paced with very unique and likeable characters who set aside their differences in the pursuit of righting wrong. There's also a bit of a love story for us women folk, too. I highly recommend this book to everyone as I believe it will appeal to a broad range of readers and am looking Fowid :-) to reading other works by K.D. Berry.

Growing Disenchantments can be purchased here:  http://www.amazon.com/Growing-Disenchantments-ebook/dp/B008F5DQTE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1357106822&sr=8-2&keywords=Growing+Disenchantments

Reviews, Reviews, Reviews

The following are the seven reviews (six 5-Star and one 4-Star) garnered by Enigma Black thus far on Amazon.com, and, yes, although there are some people who I know personally included in the reviews, there are also those individuals whom I never met before.  Presently, Enigma Black in the hands of two book bloggers as well as a small publishing company for reviews.  Hopefully, their reviews will be as favorable as these ones are:






"I'll be totally honest, I bought this book because it was written by a friend... and ended up being totally amazed! When reading, I would forget that this book hadn't been written by John Saul or Dean Koontz, two of my favorite science fiction writers! I got lost in the story of a young girl, Celaine Stevens, who loses her entire family in an act of terror when she was just a mere seventeen. The story takes you from that seventeen year old girl to the young woman that only wants revenge on the "Man In Black". Although this read has numerous climatic areas, you also get lost in the love story between Celaine and Chase. If you love both sci/fi and romance check out this book. I cannot wait for the next book in this trilogy ~ the waiting is gonna kill me..."-Janie W.

"Enigma Black, is a wonderful read. Fiction has never been my go to for reading pleasure. However, as an educator being well read in all genres is essential. From this new found revelation my love of fiction has grown. Enigma Black is a most read."-Heather H.

"An unlikely heroine. A mass murderer who's frustrated the President so effectively he greenlights a decision that would (if publicly known in our world) create national panic, not to mention having a moniker so ominous it becomes a parallel for his taste of art. Wise-cracking, techie virgins and the perfect balance of human tragedy and triumph. That's Enigma Black for you, and Sara Burr whips up a story where diverse characters and situations can thrive. Enigma accomplishes an appeal to many tastes without losing any of its authenticity, which isn't exactly a cakewalk. In between the drama, flying fists, explosions, and scientific experiments there lies comedic relief in the dialogue, especially whenever the protagonist's best friend Lucy opens her mouth, and a budding love triangle worthy of any watercooler gossip.
One enjoyable, pre-Christmas shopping trip among a family at The Lakes Mall turns into a plotted terrorist attack that, just about, takes the life of every member. Teenager Celaine Stevens miraculously survives but is left with more baggage than an airport facility (thank you, I'm here all week!). Celaine is sent to live with her aunt on the East Coast, and years later is adopted by her boyfriend's family and finally able to be at peace. That doesn't last long, as one night following work Celaine is stalked and offered an unfathomable request by a man claiming to belong to a militant rogue organization. What the man asks of her is to help take down the infamous Man in Black, the terrorist responsible for her family's demise. This request, though unorthodox and quite ridiculous, triggers a primal need of retribution in Celaine, and she plunges into the unknown. And let me tell you, we should thank her for it.
Enigma Black equally entertains and satisfies the need for an intelligent read. Burr asks us what we would do if forced in the protagonist's position, one of unresolved, constant emotional pain. Where most people have already embraced some form of coping and wouldn't dare take on an evil elusive enough to go untraced for over a decade, Celaine remains in the minor. She's crazy, folks."-Shaun L.

" I just finished reading Enigma Black and can't wait for books 2 and 3! Sara Furlong Burr has a real knack for giving the characters true personalities. The emotions that I felt were so real to me that I actually teared up and felt distraught while reading some of the sad things; I caught myself holding my breath while reading of the disasters and deadly encounters, and I also felt anger. It takes a good writer to be able to bring out such emotions from readers. I can't wait to see what Sara has in store for the future!! I've recommended this book to a lot of people."-Neva C.

"I love reading but it normally takes me a month to finish a book because of my crazy life. However, in Sara Furlong Burr's book, Enigma Black...I finished it in four days. I could not stop reading it. I downloaded it on my phone, my laptop, and even my computer at work. It became an addiction, and I couldn't stop reading. Sara has an amazing talent to pick you up, and totally place you in another world. When reading these pages, I felt as if I were there, I could see what the characters seen, hear what they heard, felt what the felt. The whole world around me disappeared. Sara was an expert at not only making you feel like you were there, but you felt all the emotions that the characters felt. I found myself weeping during the sad parts, laughing out loud at the main characters sense of humor and sarcasm, and my heart raced during the fight scenes. When Celaine's heart broke, so did mine.

Sara did an amazing job with her first book. It was very well written. This book was captivating, stimulating, and reached in and grabbed your soul and emotions. I can't wait until the next one comes out!"-Wendy

"I started reading Enigma Black with lowered expectations because this is the first published book by the author. That being said, I was blown away by how engaged I became with the storyline and main characters. I felt for Celaine, the main character, and what she had to go through to avenge her her family's untimely deaths by the Man in Black. There were twists in the story, unexpected deaths, and interesting surprises that kept me engaged and intrigued by how the story would end. I will definitely be reading books 2 and 3 in this trilogy."-Kendra A.

"Despite some grammatical issues, Enigma Black is an easy read steeped in timely political drama. With an apocalyptic theme, Enigma Black tells the story of Celaine Steven's quest for revenge on the man who murdered her family. The writing sometimes slows and it can be difficult to stay focused. I began to care less about Celaine and more about her partner in retribution, Blake Cohen. Celaine often comes across whiny when she's trying to be witty. However, I have to give Ms. Burr props for writing a story that is instep with our current political unrest and for creating an amazing twist that will leave you stunned. For that alone, it's a must-read you don't want to miss."-rantingwriter

Enigma Black can be found at: http://amzn.com/B00ABVO2ZC

DECEMBER SALE:  For the month of December, I'm offering it at a reduced price of $.99

SPECIAL OFFER:  For the first three people who read this blog post and of whom are interested in reading Enigma Black and writing an honest review of it on Amazon.com, I will gift the book to you to your e-mail address.  Again, this is for the first three people who respond via e-mail to me at saraefurlong@gmail.com

Have a wonderful holiday season!

Book Trailer for Enigma Black

What does a raging insomniac do when they can't sleep...................They make book trailers, of course.  They are insanely easy to do and I plan on posting a step-by-step blog post on how you can create your own. 

But first, please check out the trailer for Enigma Black: 

http://youtu.be/2Yrt2ENZW6E

Enigma Black-Now Available on Kindle

Cover by George Arnold

After months of distractions and countless revisions, I have finally released my debut novel, Enigma Black, on Kindle.  For the next five days, you can get it for free.  After that, it's $1.99.  I'm sorry if there are some indents that are off.  I don't claim to be tech savvy by any means.

Check it out here:

http://www.amazon.com/Enigma-Black-ebook/dp/B00ABVO2ZC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1353816437&sr=8-3&keywords=Enigma+Black

The following is a brief synopsis of Enigma Black:

When she was just seventeen, the course of Celaine Stevens' life was permanently altered with the murders of her father, mother, and brother in one of a series of mysterious and violent explosions occurring across the country. Struggling with picking up the pieces, she's haunted by the memory of that day and her promise of retribution against those responsible for her misery. But just as she seems to be getting her life back on track, an encounter with a mysterious stranger promises her the vengeance she desires, ultimately turning the former target into the assassin.

However, as she soon learns, all choices come with consequences.  And the consequence of her choice threatens to destroy the very fabric of her being.

For those of you who check it out, I hope you have as much fun reading it as I did writing it!