New Apocalyptic Sci-fi by Ridley Scott

Looks like the master of a genre I love is stepping into the Apocalypse with PROMETHEUS. It was rumoured this was to be a prequel to the Alien franchise but turned into a movie and story all its own. Though there is an 'Alienesk' scene in the trailer of something inside an astraunauts helmet causing a great deal of distress, I believe this film will stand on its own.

Ridley Scott creates a mythology, in which a team of explorers discover clues to the origins of mankind on Earth, leading them on a journey to undiscovered corners of our universe. There, they are fated to fight to save the future of the humanity.

You be the judge: http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/fox/prometheus/

For more Apocalyptic stories visit www.the-judas-syndrome.com

Guerilla marketing your business with the new barcodes

Marketing can be free! Just look at the new bar codes. That your smart phone can scan a bar code and take you to a link for more information on the product or service you're interested in is making marketing affordable. But how do you take advantage of something like a bar code? You place it. You place it in bathroom stalls, on lamp posts, on billboards, everywhere you can think to that won't get you put in jail. You can hold contests for your fans that print up the bar code from your website and ask them to place it for you. Follow the hits on your google analytics and have people email you their location so you know who to award the prize after a month or a year.

The Judas Syndrome website is doing just that. For more information on this process see: http://www.the-judas-syndrome.com/apocalyptic_fiction_Barcode.html

For more on generating bar codes see: http://www.barcodesinc.com/generator/qr/

Michael Poeltl

Apocalyptic book trailer for The Judas Syndrome trilogy

Find the new book trailer for The Judas Syndrome trilogy on-line now.
Follow two generations through Pre and Post-Apocalytpic scenarios.

For more onthe series visit www.the-judas-syndrome.com




Michael Poeltl

Win a copy of Revelation - Book three in The Judas Syndrome trilogy

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Revelation

by Michael Poeltl

Giveaway ends December 15, 2011.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Harold Camping back on the End of the World kick

Remember when he said the world would end in May of this year (2011)? Well, since that either didn't happen, or we were all blissfully taken in our sleep and living in a purgatory of sorts, he's at it again!
Even after suffering a stroke, he's retracting that he meant the world would end that day, but rather, it was the day of judgement, and that the world will, in fact, end on Friday, October 21st.
So, eat all that Halloween candy you bought for the 31st, because it looks like you're not going to get the chance to hand it out... or not... whatever.
I'm tired of people thinking they can predict the end of the world. Whether you believe in a wrathful God or not, or think global climate change is on the fast-track to killing us all, I, like so many intelligent people require some proof.
Faith in a book isn't proof to me. Especially in a book that gives no date!
Faith in science is a better bet, but scientists are only human, their empirical proof can be swayed via influences like politics and money.
So, what are we going to do? Who do we listen too?

You tell me! I don't have all the answers here. ;) Google+

The Divide - Apocalyptic Movie Trailer

This movie shares several similar characteristics as The Judas Syndrome series' book one. There is a nuclear 'war' and a select group of people are followed as they survive the initial blasts in a bunker -like basement of their city apartment. Though The Judas Syndrome follows 14 teenagers as they survive the Nuc's at a country retreat, the psychological experiment of placing people in this extreme scenario ought to cover several of the same themes.

It will be interesting to see which version people find more honest, and I  invite you to leave your thoughts on this here.

Watch the trailer for The Divide

Then Visit the website for The Judas Syndrome

Could aliens effect the suns ability to fry the earth?

This is the first I've heard of this theory, that aliens are actually using our sun as a launching point to travel through the cosmos or even time could couse a future Apocalyptic event here on earth. After watching a video of two massive objects crashing into the sun and a monster solar flare resulting from the collision, i was stunned.
I know the sun has the potential to fry our satellites and our power stations with one nasty beltch, but this is a natural occurance and has happened in recorded history.
But what if aliens are abusing our sun, using it as a gateway to get from point A to point B faster? That seems pretty ignorant for a race of space-faring creatures.

For the sceptic, they could have just been comets or asteroids or something....

See the video here: http://youtu.be/8eE6-6AnFzI Google+

Hoarding for the End Times. On TLC this Fall

It looks like a combination of the Hoarding shows meets the My Strange Addiction shows. But I'm all for preparedness when it come to the Apocalypse. Personally I haven't taken it this far, but the four couples featured on TLC's new show: Livin for the Apocalypse, are taking every precaution to ensure their families survive for as long as is possible, depending on the form in which the end of the world occurs.

If we go out with a bang, and a comet hits us, none of us has much of a chance. But if it's something like global warming (climate change) then stocking up seems like a decent idea. If we go out in a nuclear winter, pick up The Judas Syndrome series of Apocalyptic fiction and take from it what you can to either be at ground zero when the explosions go off, or stock up for a long and desperate life of nightmarish events.

Google+

Solar Storm Armegeddon

I say if the universe wants to wipe us out, that's all fine and good. This way we're not responsible for our own demise. And if our own sun is going to spit fire at us, then clearly the age of man is over. We cannot survive a true solar storm should the sun decide it's time for planet earth to undergo yet another transformation.
In fact, that little mountain village in France will be one of the first to go.

For a more comprehensive report on our pending death by fire, see this link

If you enjoy Apocalyptic fiction, see this one


Google+

Book two of The Judas Syndrome - A PA fiction series - is now featured on Indy Book List

Shaina Richmond has a wealth of experience marketing on-line and owns and operates Indy Book List offering support for her fellow self-published authors.
Today, Rebirth, the second of the dark fiction series entitled - The Judas Syndrome - is featured sharing over 3,000 words of the book with potential readers.

Indy Book List is a place readers can spend some time surfing through seemingly limitless offerings from multiple indy authors.

For more on Indy Book List click here


For more on The Judas Syndrome series of dystopian fiction, visit this link

The Judas Syndrome featured on Indy Snippets

Find Michael Poeltl's The Judas Syndrome now featured on Indy Snippets, the go to source for independent author works.


Indie Snippets features 200 word, or less, excerpts from the latest indie novels and short story collections. And the term "indie" used here means self-published or published through a small press.

Here you won't find product descriptions, or the free samples you can already read at major publishing websites like Amazon. Instead, authors submit bite-sized passages from anywhere within their stories to give readers a flavor of what to expect. Google+

Idaho WInter by Tony Burgess - Reviewed

Idaho Winter by Tony Burgess

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Though I thoroughly enjoyed the first few chapters and the direction the book was taking, 1/4 of the way through, I was surprised to find where the story was going.



Original story-lines are becoming more and more scarce in the literary world, so something as bizarre and refreshing as Idaho Winter is a welcome reprieve from the rehashed plot-lines of stereotypical YA fiction.


A tortured mind of a child can produce some wonderful imagery, albeit dark and unimagined by the reader, it is all at once recognizable and, at times, laughable.


Another good read by a master of the macabre.





View all my reviews

Bugarach - France - Apocalypse

Planning a vacation over the Christmas holidays in 2012? Bugarach, France seems to be all the rage. What with whispers of secret doors inside the mountain to aliens returning to collect those that have made the pilgrimage, Bugarach is receiving more visitors determined to buy land or join the cult that is planning for the end times.

See this article for more details on what's happening now, and how you too can be saved from an apocalyptic end by vacationing in France during the winter solstice of 2012. Google+

Proposed Graphic novel illustrations for the Dystopian/PA series The Judas Syndrome released

Michael Poeltl has considered turning his dark PA fiction series: The Judas Syndrome into a graphic novel in the past, but has now taken steps towards this end by releasing three illustrations - 1 of book one, and two of book 2, on his facebook fanpage and website .

"As an illustrator, I see the potential, but the work would be immense," says Poeltl of illustrating the graphic novels himself. "Finding a student looking to create a portfolio might be a better bet in getting the graphic novels realized in my life-time."

If interested or know someone interested in illustrating the novels, contact Poeltl at mikepoeltl (at) hotmail (dot) com

Google+

ANother set of interviews following MIchael Poeltl's processes when writing PA fiction

Read the first in a pair of interviews held by Elizabeth Sogard where Michael Poeltl discusses marketing your self-published books on and off-line, June 23rd, 2011.

Then read the second interview and get to know the author and his processes while writing his dystopian trilogy on June 30th, 2011 by clicking this link.

Subscribe to Elizabeth Sogards blog and learn all about the writting profession from self-published to traditionally published authors. Google+

Radio Interview on Whistle Radio for Dystopian themed Book trilogy, The Judas Syndrome

The latest interview of Michael Poeltl, author of the dystopian trilogy - The Judas Syndrome - which follows a group of high school seniors through an Apocalyptic landscape, will be aired on whistle Radio three times during the week of June 20-26th, 2011.

Poeltl talks about the process of writing, manages three readings from books one and two, and discusses the book at length with Catherine Sword, in an exciting and educational half hour conversation.

Times to listen:
Tuesday, June 21st at 5:30PM
Thursday, June 23 at 8:30AM
Sunday, June 26th at 5:30PM

The Eve of Destruction - Video

To Publish or Not To Publish: Indie Book Review: The Judas Syndrome

To Publish or Not To Publish: Indie Book Review: The Judas Syndrome: "Okay, so supposedly, when you see a bad review, it's a case of the book not living up to the expectations of whomever purchased it. That ma..."

The Judas Syndrome featured interview on Indie ebooks blog

Indie ebooks is a blog that features indie books from authors that have gone it alone. Without the assistance of the big book publishers, sites like this are a perfect venue for getting the word out.
Indie books are a force all their own and supported by a growing audience of readers disenfranchised with what the big book publishers are releasing and/or the price they must pay in order to purchase them.

Find links, an interview, synopsis and excerpt from the dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic novel The Judas Syndrome at Indie ebooks now.

About the website:
Indie eBooks was created for independent authors to come together and promote their work.The site supports the growing independent publishing market by providing a space where authors can connect with their readers not just through their books, but also by sharing the stories of how they came to self publish.

There is no cost to authors to promote their work here and I hope to keep it that way. I have however used affiliate links to Amazon and Smashwords. What does this mean? If you would like to support this site and the 20+ hours a week I spend promoting the authors, then there is only one thing I ask of you.

When you support the authors by purchasing one of their books please also support this site by using the links provided to buy from Amazon or Smashwords.

Blank Man - An Angel for the End Times - The Judas Syndrome

To better understand the Dystopian / Post-Apocalyptic series, understand one of the more under-developed characters in The Judas Syndrome . The Angel, Leif's Blank Man:

Named Blank Man by a six year old child, this omnipotent presence that first revealed itself to the child’s father in the form of an animal avatar, and then to the boy once his father had forsaken his destiny, and his life, takes no form save that which those who can see him give him.

Blank Man, as the name suggests, appears as a halo outlining the silhouette of a man to the fatherless boy. His voice is gentle and calm. His wisdom ancient and his message clear. Destiny, which rules over all living things, rules over man most mercilessly. Destiny will be fulfilled regardless the tool it uses to guide its purpose, while being mindful of the repercussions. It is seemingly merciless to mankind because of the double-edged sword of knowledge and ambition we so prize.

The Blank Man has been preordained with the task of guiding a group of Apocalypse survivors to realizing their destiny, one individual in particular. But in order for this individual to realize his destiny, many players must also follow a path, unbeknownst to them. The inherent difficulty in choreographing a greater destiny in beings blessed with free-will becomes obvious.

Though an enlightened being, Blank Man, manipulating events on an ever-expanding cast of characters in an effort to bring about the destiny he has been fated to arrange, struggles with the rebellious nature inherent in humanity.

No one can escape their destiny. He knows this. He has seen this play out time and again throughout history. Joel, Blank Man’s first contact, and the one chosen for this end, went mad with the idea that a people’s life is prearranged, and that nothing they do, no matter how much free-will is assigned them, nothing they can do will change that path.

Realizing Joel’s rebellious nature and obvious downward spiral, Blank Man took it upon himself to be certain the destiny he was influencing was not lost. He played the characters in Joel’s circle perfectly in order to eliminate Joel from the larger destiny, placing the onus on the baby, now growing in his girlfriend’s belly.

Joel enacted his end in a final, defiant deed, regardless his attempts to flee his destiny. But his end did not fulfill the grater destiny promised, and so, Blank Man passed this destiny on to Joel’s son.

As Sara, Joel’s girlfriend, took it upon herself to go north with her newborn, Blank Man would now refer to the events he had already set in motion to compensate for Joel’s failed attempt. This was a new path toward the same destiny, as it would play out through Leif, Joel’s son. This path had been planned long before the Apocalypse had been realized, and many more put in place should Leif fail in his attempt.

Leif felt the Angel’s presence from a time when he was very young, and at age six, Blank Man revealed himself to Leif. “I will take a face when you give me one,” He said to the young boy, but Leif never gave his Blank Man a face.

To approach the child at an early age gave Blank Man an advantage over the approach he used with Joel, at eighteen. This offered him the opportunity to mould a mind willing to under-take the role Destiny would ask of him.

Leif and his Blank Man became great friends, and Leif an exceptional student. The destiny once forsaken, would again be questioned, but would it ever be realized?

Find the books of The Judas Syndrome on Amazon Google+

The new 'it' genre is Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic, lighting a nuc under Vampires and Zombies

Replacing the Vampire craze that has inundated the YA and fiction world the past few years is Dystopia. The idea that real life catastrophes could happen to everyday people (like the end of life as we know it) is a far more frightening 'reality', with so many more avenues for self discovery than Vampires and monsters, and teens are starting to pick up on that vibe. Look at what's hot right now, The Hunger Games Trilogy, The Passage, The Judas Syndrome Trilogy, new books like Jeyn Roberts recently penned Dark Inside, which was just picked up by McMillan press in the UK. It's obvious where the world psyche lies right now. Dystopian themes are exploding onto the scene and most are driven by an apocalyptic event. Sure, this genre has ruled over the science fiction world in the past, but has matured and grown into a seperate genre with a dedicated following. Look into these top picks while you still have the chance. Because if the universal mind is bent on Dystopia, you might want to learn a thing or two before the end comes. For more on this subject visit www.the-judas-syndrome.com Google+

Dystopian work for Canadian author - Jeyn Roberts - picked up by McMillan

Very excited for this author. Jeyn Roberts, author of Dark Inside has been picked up by McMillan and being marketed as The Road (by Cormack McaCarthy) meets 28 Days Later. The Road is one of my favourtie books in the Post-Apocalyptic genre, and 28 Days Later was a well received movie series on the end times. Put them together and you have a very interesting premise for a book.

Looking forward to reading and reviewing this book. Jeyn has a presence on facebook and goodreads and will likely see a massive influx of fans on both social networks. The book can be found on Amazon.com as a Kindle and hardcover now.

New review of The Judas Syndrome, on Amazon, by Jaidis Shaw

There must be a balance between books and their endings. Some must end happily and others are destined to go the darker route, such as The Judas Syndrome by Michael Poeltl. We are introduced to your average teenagers that are carefree and optimistic about their futures. In an attempt to put off summer jobs and escape the gloom brought on by threats of the apocalypse, the group of teens gather for a camping weekend. Upon returning home, the teens are forced to discover that the threats came true and the world has fallen victim to nuclear attack. It is clear to see who the main teenagers are as they are forced to grow up and plan for their survival. Joel is deemed the leader of the group although he never saw himself as the leading type. Other main characters are Connor, Sara, Eric and Jake. Most of the other teens in the group stay as secondary characters. I am certain that the secondary group will have their time to shine in the second book to this series. There is a lot of drug use throughout the book and at first I figured it was just kids being kids. I expected drug use to be the furthest thing from the kids minds while they are trying to survive so I was surprised that not only was it an important part, but the leading cause of Joel's insanity spree. The reader should expect that beginning with the title, this book will have to end on a sad note in order for a more positive message to shine through. Friendships and inner turmoils are put to the test...the Judas test. I am curious to see where the survivors lead in the second installment. There was mild adult language, heavy drug use, and somewhat bloody descriptions, so this book is better suited for an adult audience. - Jaidis Shaw

Click here to see this and other reviews on Amazon

Zvi Zaks reviews, Rebirth, book two of The Judas Syndrome

A Phoenix arises.

REBIRTH is Michel Poeltl's second book in THE JUDAS SYNDROME trilogy. The author has been careful to give enough back-story to make it understandable by itself, but is best read after the first in the series. That way, one gets a vivid picture of the transformation undergone by the characters—from carefree teens on a pre-college camping trip to survivalist adults in a post nuclear-holocaust world, with extremes ranging from, Sara, now a fiercely protective mother, to Earl, degenerating into a Hitlerian rage. The growth of Leif, the son of Sara and Joel, is another major theme. Leif is destined for greatness, but how and in what direction is not yet clear.

The supernatural themes lightly touched on in the first book have become prominent and are well woven into the story.

This is not a sunny and cheerful tale. The basic premise of a world devastated by atomic weapons triggered by terrorists, is all too possible. Like most apocalyptic literature, the story is in many places dreary and depressing. However, a clear thread of hope runs through REBIRTH, and the ending, like that in Star Wars, THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, would suggest there is more to come even if you didn't know it was a trilogy. - Zvi Zaks

For more reviews and to purchase the book see the amazon page.

Goodreads giveaway of book two of The Judas Syndrome series of dark fiction

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Rebirth

by Michael Poeltl

Giveaway ends April 21, 2011.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter to win

WInner for the autopgraphed verion of The Judas Syndrome

After a grueling contest, involving 1031 potential winners, Carlene, a goodreads member from New York won the free autographed version of Michael Poeltl's, The Judas Syndrome.

The contest ran from Feb 24-Mar 12, 2011 and 1 copy was made available by the author.

Poeltl hopes to have brought the book and the series to the attention of the goodreads membership via this contest. Thanks to http://www.goodreads.com/ for the opportunity!

New review from Author Zvi Zaks of Michael Poeltl's The Judas Syndrome - Book one

The Judas Syndrome - A cominng of age tale, told at the end of an age.

"The author has a clear and lucid style that takes the reader from one vivid situation to another." By Zvi Zaks author of IMPLAC and A Virtual Affair

The Judas Syndrome starts with a group of young adults on a camping trip before school. A cloud hangs over the trip, namely a terrorist's threat of a nuclear holocaust. The trip itself gives the reader a chance to know these youths and how they react under normal circumstances. When they return, they find that the terrorists have struck, their homes and families are destroyed, and the world is in chaos.

How they respond makes up the bulk of the story. They must contend with poisonous rain, lack of power, unplanned pregnancy, marauders, religious fanatics, drug addiction and -- perhaps worst of all -- their own inner demons.

The author has a clear and lucid style that takes the reader from one vivid situation to another. The story is reminiscent of Lord of the Flies but without adults rescuing them at the end. What does happen at the end surprised me, though I admit the author had left several clues.

By Zvi Zaks author of IMPLAC and A Virtual Affair

Read an ebook month. March!

Michael Poeltl is supporting "Read an ebook week" via Smashwords during the month of March. The first of his series - The Judas Syndrome - is free, and the second, 50% until March 12th!

The first two of the series are available now, with the third slated for a late 2011/early 2012 release date.

Google+

Apocalyptic fiction giveaway via GoodReads

Goodreads Book Giveaway

The Judas Syndrome

by Michael Poeltl

Giveaway ends March 12, 2011.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter to win

New York Times Bestseller - Apocalyptic Fiction and The Judas Syndrome

So how long does it take for a book or series to become a best seller in the New York Times?
Is it a numbers thing? Sure, that makes sense, right? A best selling book is one that many thousands of people have purchased. But what about indie authors, and self published authors? What about those that are selling ebooks on-line and with no one counting their sales but themselves?

I know several authors doing just that. Selling hundreds of copies a month. When will they be recognized for their literary contributions?

Well, I've just found out that the NY Times will be creating a sellers list of ebooks best ! Where they'll get their numbers I'm not sure. Will Amazon and KOBO and Nook release that information to them? Why not? It means more revenue for them.

The Judas Syndrome series is selling well right now across multiple ebook sites, but will it hit the NY Times best sellers list for ebooks? Yes, it will, but perhaps it will take a little more time.

More positive reviews for the Dystopian tale by Michael Poeltl

I'm really excited over the below review as Janet Sked, reviewer, astutely picks up on the parallel between the main character in The Judas Syndrome, and the Apocalypse itself. Below is an excerpt from that review which can be found on Amazon.com.


-"Joel. For me this guy was the perfect anti-hero - difficult to like, remarkably easy to sympathise with. No attempt at covering his flaws or making him a saint. What really struck me was watching this guy devolve slowly into utter paranoia and self-hate, and eventually self-destruct in every sense of the word, while constantly trying to do what he thinks is right. Joel in the end is the personification of the apocalypse, and I thought this was beautifully done." - Janet Sked

New review for Rebirth, book 2 in the Dystopian fiction series

Another great review in from Amazon:

A Sequel That's Better Than The Original

What truly fascinated me while reading 'Rebirth' by Michael Poeltl, was how the growth and development of both the main character Sara and her son Leif mirrored the growth and development of Mr. Poeltl as an author. His first book, The Judas Syndrome, was well written albeit sometimes a little difficult to digest content wise. This second installment of what is to be a trilogy of novels, takes the reader on a more succinct and inclusive emotional journey.

Written through the eyes of Sara, the book does a fantastic job of tying up some loose ends from the first novel while exploring the progression and in some cases regression of familiar characters. The gritty and sometimes too blunt tones of the first book, have been tempered this time around. While still painting a very desperate,desolate and graphic picture of this post apocalyptic world, Mr. Poeltl has crafted the narrative in such a way that you feel a stronger connection to the main character and her journey then of Joel in his first book. The read is more of a story 'sharing' instead of a story 'telling', which in turn made me as a reader feel more invested in the outcome.

What surprised me the most was that his characterization and literal portrayal of Sara and her plight as a new mom in this uncertain dystopic future, never came across as written from a male's perspective - which should appeal to female readers of the novel. The imagery that Mr. Poeltl presents in this novel is stunning, and further highlights his development as a writer. Scenes and scenery are described in the kind of detail an artist uses to paint a picture. The story itself is well laid out, and coherent. There were however a few times I found myself wishing that he'd explored certain events in a little more detail given he didn't have the same time constraints that a movie version of the novel would.

But that, and the somewhat out of place love interest storyline are the only minor issues I had with a novel that did everything to succeed and exceed it's predecessor in the novel trilogy. 'Rebirth' is a fantastic read, and even better follow up to 'The Judas Syndrome'. It follows in the tradition of great sequels, and leaves me excited to read the conclusion to this story. An excellent follow up book by Mr. Poeltl, and I'm sure one of many great works of literature of his to come. - Michael Pongracz

See the review here

The Judas Syndrome, featured on K-lite, 102.9 FM

Michael Poeltl was featured Friday, Feb. 4th on K-lite, 102.9 on the MIke Wyman show(voted best radio personality 2010 by View Magazine).
"I was just stopping in to drop off the second book of The Judas Syndrome series for Mike as he had purchased the first book when it came out a couple of years before." Then Wyman sat Poeltl down and reminisced about the first book and how much he was looking forward to the second.
A radio interview is a great publicity spot for books, "I had no idea he was going to actually plug the books," Poeltl went on,"that was a real treat. I know his listener ship is substantial, and the fact that he covers rush hour offers a captive audience. I'm very grateful for his attention to my books. It never hurts to have a local personality on your side!"

For more information from the show see Mike Wymans blog

Apocalypse film - Perfect Sense

Perfect Sense , starring Ewan McGreggor, this recently screened IFC film takes a documentary style look at the Apocalypse. An unnamed pandemic devastates humanity on a worldwide scale as a chef and epidemiologist fall in love. The film is not dystopian in its telling, but rather (quote) "trying very hard to be an affirmation of human values," says Mackenzie (the films director).

I'm looking forward to its North American release.

Betelgeuse and the end of the world.

Betelgeuse is a giant red star that is dying.

Some predict it will go supernova over the course of the next 18 months. But could this be the cause of the Apocalypse some say the Mayan calender predicts? The Mayans were masters of astronomy, and it is considered scientific fact that Betelgeuse is very close to dying. But it is 640 light years away, and would have had to have actually blown its top in the 5th century for us to see it next year, and then what damage could it do to us?

None. It would rain down neutrinos at worst, which are harmless. So my opinion (after reading several articles on the subject) is that this could not cause an Apocalypse here on earth, but could it signal one? Who knows. Either way, read the book that will help you make sense of the end times before they come knocking. The Judas Syndrome - by Michael Poeltl

eStar Books News: Guest Author!

eStar Books News: Guest Author!: "Todays guest author Michael Poeltl! He was kind enough to answer some questions for me. Q: What type of stories do you write? A: I writ..."

Death has a name – By Jerry Hanel

A very original story which could use an editors touch.

A paranormal detective story set in London, England, Death has a Name enjoys a very original plot line. The Truth – an all encompassing knowledge that exists in the Universe - has been a nuisance to the main character all his life, seeing it as a smoky incarnation whispering truths of recent murders and ancient cold cases. The Truth seeps out of file folders, the sleeves of trench coats and visits him at night offering the truth of an event. Though the connection he shares with the other side is distressing, his strange ability to see The Truth has earned Brody a contract position on his local police force.

The reader becomes quickly involved in the story’s main plot line as Brody is approached by a vision asking him to follow through on a truth both baffling and disturbing. Soon thereafter Brody’s detective friend shares a case he is currently working on, and they realize Brody’s visions are somehow connected.

The story then takes off as the connections between Brody’s psychic experiences and Phil (the detectives) case become more and more entwined.

That’s when the paranormal aspect to the book raises a few crescendos and the bigger picture is appreciated. Death is coming for us all.

The character development is well done, as is the plotting of the story but the book could use an editor’s touch. The dialogue between characters doesn’t come across as sincere, spelling and grammatical mistakes could all be eliminated with one pass through by a professional editor. Once this is accomplished the book would read much smoother, not having the reader stumbling on words or sentences that seem misplaced.

Hanel has a wonderful imagination, and Death has a Name is a very original work of fiction.

-By Michael Poeltl

Eating during the Apocalypse

Well, we'll all have to do it won't we?

This book - Apocalypse 2012 Cookbook - will give you options you never knew you had. Taking on a hunter gatherer scenario, and putting those items into a recipe that is both nutritious and delicious will be a tough job come the end times, but this book claims to give us that.
I haven't reviewed the book as yet, but I did find an interesting article on it and yes, it is satirical, but does it actually offer recipes for the end of days?

You be the judge, it sells for just under nine dollars on Amazon and under five dollars for your kindle.

If you pick it up, please review it here.

And remember, for the ultimate survival guide visit www.the-judas-syndrome.com

Review of Hope Burned - by Michael Poeltl

Hope Burned - by Brent LaPorte

Was, in a word, disturbing.

Suffering years of abuse by his father and grandfather on a farm in rural anywhere, the story of Hope Burned spends a considerable time living and reliving the mental and physical abuse of the main character at the hands of these uneducated hicks. LaPorte instills an immediate sense of compassion for the boy, as the reader experiences each brutal attack in the unnerving first person telling.

Though what happens to the main character is unforgivable, what happens to the young victims his grandfather brings back from town and imprisons in their Mill is much worse. The boy, rarely out of his crawl space save to cook or work the fields, catches the eye of one young girl as his grandfather drags her towards the Mill, towards her unspeakable fate.

As the story unfolds, and the boy grows up independently of his captors, he finds that he shares more in common with his father and grandfather than just his lineage. As he looks at his own young son, retelling the story of his life, he makes a stark realization, and the story goes where you’d least expect it.
LaPorte’s deliberate, short prose is captivating, and as with any good first person narrative, you can tell the author was living the story as it developed.

By Michael Poeltl

Find Hope Burned on Amazon

Another positive review for the sequel of The Judas Syndrome, Rebirth

And the Saga Continues.
reviewed by Rose Keefe - January 12, 2011

`Rebirth' is the sequel to Michael Poeltl's debut novel `The Judas Syndrome' (2009). I'm not surprised that he wrote a follow-up, because the ending practically begged for continuation. But I was also wary, because sequels can be like designer knockoffs- compelling in their own way, but rarely as good as the original.

`Rebirth' continues the dark saga of a teenaged band of post-apocalypse survivors. Narrated by Sara, Joel's girlfriend, it fluidly resumes where `The Judas Syndrome' left off. Crises that erupted at the conclusion of the previous book have such disastrous consequences that Sara's new fight for life exceeds all past conflicts. This time the stakes are higher: she has given birth to Joel's son, and paranormal influences indicate that the boy has a vital destiny to fulfill. But treacherous former friends, roaming killers, and other grim remnants of a dead world assail them both, making it possible that they won't even see tomorrow, let alone the infant's adulthood.

I agree with another reviewer that `Rebirth' is gentler in tone than `The Judas Syndrome', but the core themes of courage, desperation, and hope remain strong. Putting Sara in the figurative pilot's seat has not resulted in a piece of post-bomb chick lit; because she has so much to live for, she's just as ruthless as her male associates when she has to be, and her actions keep the storyline gritty and fast.

Fans of the first book will find much to enjoy in this second, exciting offering from Michael Poeltl. The dreaded `curse of the crappy sequel' definitely doesn't apply here.

Rebirth, the 2nd book in The Judas Syndrome series - Reviewed

Rebirth
January, 8th 2011

By: Andrea Kraus

An evolution of story and storytelling

I recently read The Judas Syndrome and decided to see where the author took me on the next installment of his post-apocalyptic journey. I was not disappointed, and saw a growth and evolution not only stylistically, but also in the themes of the story. As in his previous work, the story is most definitely character driven and uses the post-apocalyptic setting as the vehicle by which we get to know both the corporeal and non-corporeal participants in this story.

Rebirth is told from Sara’s point of view – she survives an apocalypse, and has experiences no 19 year old woman should be expected to endure. It spans from the end of The Judas Syndrome and moves on 9 years into the future, exploring many spiritual and emotional topics amid the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic modern culture. Sara has to learn how to fend for herself and her newborn son, and has to re-evaluate everything she knows about herself, the world she lives in and the world she cannot see. The paranormal themes are far more apparent in this installment than in the author’s previous book.

Although this book doesn’t shy away from a bit of profanity and adult themes, is not as raw as its predecessor. Like Sara, it is a gentler telling of the story – although no less gritty and courageous. This is a good story for those who prefer their post-apocalyptica to be woven through with other genres, such as the paranormal and spirituality. As with his other work, I find Rebirth to be an enjoyable read which flows nicely and is easy to read.

For where to purchase the book, Rebirth, visit the website.

New review for The Judas Syndrome - Apocalyptic fiction, Future Fiction

New review for The Judas Syndrome
January 8, 2011

by: Andrea Kraus


The Judas Syndrome
Fun read, interesting character development

Post apocalyptic fiction isn’t normally my go-to genre, but this story goes beyond the simple plotline of “what happens after the bomb”. If you enjoyed Stephen King’s “The Stand”, the movies “Stand by Me” and “Band of Brothers”, and appreciate strong character interactions, this little gem is worth your time. The Judas Syndrome is a story of a group of stranded teenagers who find themselves struggling to survive in a world destroyed by a madman’s ideology. They’re guided by nothing more than their wits and a little bit of supernatural intervention.

The author has a good writing style and is very eloquent – you can tell that he has stepped into the protagonist’s shoes and is actually experiencing the story as it unfolds. He allows the complex interactions of the characters to drive the story, rather than rely solely on external circumstances. In other words, it’s all about the characters, not about the situation.

The astute reader may recognize subtle quasi-religious sub-themes which surface now and again without being overt or overshadow the storyline. I will admit that initially I was a bit disconcerted to imagine a bunch of 17 year old stoners speaking with the level of maturity and insight in this story, but as the tale unfolds, it is less of an issue and even becomes somewhat plausible. Or maybe I give teenagers more intellectual credit than I should. /shrug All in all, this was a fun book to read, and I found it highly enjoyable.

Please be aware that although the main characters in this book are teenagers, this story is definitely written for the adult reader. If you are comfortable with strong language, characters who engage in copious drug use, and mature themes, this story is a good value.

For where to buy the book, visit the website.