Homecoming - Osguards: Guardians of the Universe Receives Honorable Mention at 2011 Hollywood Book Festival

I am proud to announce that Homecoming, the first book in the Osguards:
Guardians of the Universe series received Honorable Mention for sci-fi in the 2011 Hollywood Book Festival Contest.

Awards ceremony will be held on July 22 at the Roosevelt Hotel. The ceremony will be followed the next day by the Hollywood Book Festival outdoor event at Space15Twenty, a mall located at 1520 North Cahuenga Boulevard in Hollywood.

Malcolm D. Petteway,

Author, Osguards: Guardians of the Universe

Owner, Rage Book Publishing

www.ragebooks.net

1.866.488.2585

Warriors of the Four Worlds by Ronald T. Jones

Powerful, intense and unpredictable

Lev Gorlin is a highly decorated military soldier. He is a superb strategist and a war hero in a galaxy where Humans and Zirans protect the genetically docile Vingin through a tripartite alliance. . After a twenty year war with the Tacherins the humans begin a military drawdown, dismantling their lethal weapons that won the war. But in the eye of a promised peace, discord in the alliance breeds treacherous intentions. Lev Gorlin is pulled out of military retirement to lead the human resistance in face of a more aggressive and violent enemy.

Ronald T. Jones delivers a knockout punch with this exciting tale of military might versus strategic cunning. Warriors of the Four Worlds reads like a Tom Clancy novel. Ronald has embodied the action, intrigue and excitement of Clancy’s Red Storm Rising and masterfully wrapped it in a believable science fiction setting. The combat scenes and the military tactics he describes are told like a combat veteran relaying a personal war story. The feelings are raw and the action is fast.

I highly recommend putting this on your “next book to read” list. Definitely five star material here.

This is available for Kindle, which is great, because you will definitely want to take this book with you and steal time to read it at every opportunity until you are done. Then you will want more.

Malcolm “Rage” Petteway

Author of Osguards: Guardians of the Universe
Owner, Rage Books Publishing LLC

Revenge - Osguards: Guardians of the Universe Book Trailer

Everyone has a defining gift. For Michael Genesis, the First Osguard of the Universal Science, Security and Trade Association of Planets -- USSTAP, that gift is vision. Similarly, Billy Red, the street thug, murderer, pimp and drug dealer, that gift is ingenuity. When their paths cross as teenagers, Michael and Billy become embroiled in a rivalry that leads Michael to becoming the First Osguard. and Billy dying by his hands. However, eight years after the Tuit War and on the eve of the birth of a new USSTAP, where Michael planned to design a new universe and lay out a path for humanity to begin its journey to another level, he is attacked. During the attack, Michael is accidentally transported to another reality where USSTAP and the Osguards don't exist. Now Michael has to fight his way back to his reality or be trapped in a reality of living in an economically poor, crime and drug infested neighborhood, while being chased by his old enemy -- Billy Red.

... (more info)

Specter of War (Guardians of Destiny) Book Review

Fast, furious and action packed!


I ran across this author in one of my book clubs and was drawn to the title. Her subtitle was so close to my own, Osguards: Guardians of the Universe that I had to pick it up and read it. This is Angela Nicole Parker’s first foray into science fiction and she did an outstanding job.

The Specter of War is an action packed book about the newly crowned queen of the Maraudan Empire, Mursela Mornall exerting her power to bring her Empire back to its glory days before the great war two dikas ago (I assume dikas are similar to decades) against the Great Republic. Her ambition soon divides her people and she begins purging those who do not follow her. The House of Judi becomes a victim to her purge, leaving the young Dena Judi, to fend for herself.

Meanwhile in the Republic, the children of two of the Great War heroes are coming of age, Cadets Akeen and Connor Star and Kayla Dylan. They struggle for their place in the universe under the whispers of war. Meanwhile, Kayla’s brother Major Van Dylan is on a peace mission on the Maraudan home world when something goes horribly wrong. The specter of war looms over all as they fight their own fate, legacy, and prejudices among a universe of humans and non-humans.

This is a young adult military science fiction book in which Angela Nicole Parker does a masterful job of building an unknown universe and setting the reader in the middle. She has the right amount of suspense mixed with intrigue. Angela fills her characters with teenage angst about coming to age in an unknown universe injected with social bias and a benign sense of entitlement. The battles are told not with an eye for the gory, but an eye for the heart. You feel the characters fright, anger and sometimes betrayal, more than the punches, gun blast and explosions. This is rare and Angela has the gift.

From one military science fiction writer to another, I give Specter of War (Guardians of Destiny) five stars.

Malcolm Dylan Petteway,
Author, Osguards: Guardians of the Universe

Dreamer's Perch: Meet Malcolm Petteway Author of Homecoming - Guard...

Dreamer's Perch: Meet Malcolm Petteway Author of Homecoming - Guard...: "For centuries the planets of Kulusk and Chaktun have battled in the heavens above Earth. In 1860, twin Chaktun princesses, Laurona and Nau..."

Armageddon - Osguards: Guardians of the Universe Book Trailer

Check out the book trailer for the Osguards third book, Armageddon

LM Preston: How Phenomenal One Press Got Started

LM Preston: How Phenomenal One Press Got Started: "The owner of my small press is my husband. He’d been in sales like – forever, even got a degree in Marketing. When I started my writing en..."

LM Preston: Dust Off Your Pile of Unpub Works!

LM Preston: Dust Off Your Pile of Unpub Works!: "Do you have stuff you’ve written that you haven’t done anything with yet? Do you write that first draft and put it aside to run off and wo..."

Osguards Rule

Book Review On  Revelations - Osguards: Guardians of the Universe

By

Ronald T. Jones, Author

Chronicles of the Liberator

In Osguard: Homecoming, the first book in a series of space adventures by Malcolm Dylan Petteway, we're introduced to an African American family descended from two slave sisters who came from a far off land...a land that happened to be on another planet called Chaktun. The sisters would survive the horrendous ordeal of American slavery and go on to found a vast interstellar alliance comprising sixty galaxies. The Osguards are the leaders of the Universal Science Security and Trade Association of Planets. This is the Star Wars' Empire on steroids. In fact Palpatine would have to think more than twice before even contemplating an attack on this multi-galaxy colossus.


We were also introduced to USSTAP's enemy, the Kulusk Empire, and its ambitious war mongering leader, Kie Ritchen. Battle lines were drawn in Book One and the two powers clashed in a war waged on many fronts, including Earth. In Osguards: Revelations, Malcolm's second installment, that war has taken a particularly deadly turn when Kie Ritchen launches a biological attack against USSTAP's capitol. The bioagent used in the attack threatens to wipe out USSTAP's command and control, leaving the organization wide open for annihilation at the hands of the Kulusks. Jaunita Genesis-Clark is the only Osguard not incapacitated by the agent. An antidote exists, but she must travel on a perilous journey to the very heart of the Kulusk Empire to obtain it. At the same time, she must deal with the murder of her young cousin on Earth and confront the estrangement of a jealous relative.

Malcolm switches seamlessly between Earth bound issues of violent crime on the streets of Shreveport, Louisiana and war and intrigue in far distant parts of the universe. The scope of this riveting tale is not limited to spatial. Malcolm takes us on a trip through time, back to the latter 19th century, 20 years after the ashes of the Civil War had settled. In a sustained flashback, we follow the heir to the Kulusk throne and his brother as they travel to Earth, sent by their father to eliminate the descendants of the Chaktun sisters. Here, Malcolm does a fantastic job of weaving science fiction and history, as he ties in the African American experience during post Reconstruction with the Kulusk brothers' murderous efforts to track down their quarry.

And then there is a 21st century U.S.president's unraveling attempt to contain the secret that is USSTAP. On top of that, USSTAP is faced with yet another threat...

There is a lot going on in Book Two. Malcolm has upped the ante and increased the stakes. Once again, the action is rapid and adrenaline-raising, the characters, rendered with fine strokes of depth, and the settings, wondrous. Another plus about Revelations, is its throwback appeal. It has a Golden Age science fiction quality that will definitely attract fans of that era as well the techno aspect that will draw in the Tom Clancy crowd. Osguards: Revelations is a must read. I fully expect Book Three to crank it up further.

Book Review on Tease by D.K. Gaston

Keith Gaston stretched his writing chops with this story and hit it out the park. Tease is about a mysterious man who sometimes works (off the books) for the government, when the government can't get the job done legally. This mysterious man goes by the name Shaw, and he's chasing a want-to-be world player, named D-Shroud, who stole three suitcase nukes. Now D-Shroud wants to sell them to the highest bidder. The problem is, Shaw has to get by a one woman hit squad, appropriately named Tease. She is sexy, dangerous and cunning...a combination that knocks Shaw for a loop. Warning: this book has graphic sex scenes that would make James Bond blush.


Tease is vivid, thrilling and exciting.

Book Review on Revenge - Osguards Guardians of the Universe

"World Building At Its Best!”

Everyone has a defining gift. For Michael Genesis, the First Osguard of the Universal Science, Security and Trade Association of Planets-USSTAP, that gift is vision. Just as Michael is being prepared to assume position as Chief Executive Osguard and President of the Universal Science, Security and Trade Association of Planets, a space storm causes havoc, sending him to an alternate universe. Similarly, Billy Red, a street thug, murderer, pimp and drug dealer, becomes intertwined with his world situation. When their paths had crossed as teenagers, Michael and Billy became bitter enemies. Billy Red carries his thirst for revenge to the end.

In this fourth entry, the author spins a complicated plot in which the main character must deal with political intrigue in the universe, as well as survive on Earth in a drug infested neighborhood. It seems that everyone is out to kill him, including Billy Red. Personally, I felt the author was at his best in military war strategies and space battles, and was a little distracted by the urban fantasy element in the adventure. But the story was well told, and kept my interest throughout. The Star Trek Prime Directive element didn’t escape me, either. I even got a kick out of the main character’s “escape phrase”.

There is one closure at the end concerning Earth, but I’m not sure if this is the final volume in the series, or if more stories are planned. I can certainly see possibilities for future novels in the series, but would like to see the author move away from the urban background on Earth, and give us a better look at the many worlds comprising his universe; the galaxies, planets, moons, and races that inhabit them.

Tom Johnson,
--Editor Fading Shadows

Rating:

5-Stars

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Osguards:Guardians of the Universe is a gripping ride through time and space, detailing the horrors of antebellum south, the strife of the post reconstruction era, the grit of U.S. urban life at the turn of the century and ultimately the terror of an escalating war played out in the heavens above present day unsuspecting Earth--all surrounded by complex military and political stratagems for power. Osguards is a detailed space odyssey, framed in American History, peppered with intrigue, filled with adventure and coated with technical wizardry.

Rage On Science Fiction: Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides - Rage...

Rage On Science Fiction: Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides - Rage...: "Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) and Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) embark on a quest to find the elusive fountain of youth, only to discover that Blac..."

Do you think reading sci fi makes you a Geek?

Why don't you like science fiction? Is it because you think only Geeks enjoy science fiction. Or is it because you think it will turn you into a Nerd. Or is it simply because you think it is not cool and only the lonely, social outcasts follow science fiction. It is a common misconception that people who like science fiction are Geeks or Nerds.
This is not so. Science fiction is a misunderstood genre. Science Fiction is a complicated genre made up of many genres that tell love stories, adventures, mysteries, spy thrillers, and even comedies with imagination, innovation, technology and science. Science fiction stimulates the imagination with eye popping, jaw dropping scenes and plots that move a story along while dealing with the future, alternative timelines, space travel, aliens, time travel, dreams, wars, and even comic book superheroes.
Think of James Bond movies, Jason Bourne movies, Harry Potter, Avatar, Iron Man movies, Inception, X-Men movies, Transformers movies, I Am Number Four, Tron, Priest, Star Trek movies, Paul, Green Lantern, Thor, Cowboy vs. Aliens, Alien movies, Predator movies, The Adjustment Bureau, Hitchcock, Megamind, Superman movies, Batman movies, Species, Monsters vs. Aliens, Time Travelers Wife. The list is too exhausting to write, but you get my point. You've probably seen a science fiction movie and didn't realize it. Now think of your favorite T.V. Shows, Lost, 24, V, Walking Dead, The Event, Undercovers, Charmed, and Supernatural just to name a few.
Hopefully, you can see, science fiction is where man first dreamt of computers, flight, rocket ships, moon landings, cell phones, laptops, iPads, smart phones, Velcro, GPS, Radar, calculators, HDTV, microwaves. Face it, without science fiction or at least the imagination that science fiction stimulates, we would still be riding horses, sailing in wooden ships and hunting for our food.
So no…liking science fiction doesn't make you a Geek or a Nerd, it makes you exciting, stimulating and insightful. It fuels you as a soldier of the future.
Do you still think science fiction is only for the Geek or Nerd? Sound off; let me hear your voice.
Malcolm D. Petteway, Rage Books LLC

Rage On Science Fiction: Rage on Science Fiction Movies

Rage On Science Fiction: Rage on Science Fiction Movies: "Advertising a movie as science fiction seems to be a no-no in the industry today, even though most movies are technically science fiction. T..."

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides - Rage on the Movies

Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) and Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) embark on a quest to find the elusive fountain of youth, only to discover that Blackbeard and his daughter are after it too.


If you are a fan of the Pirates movie, I say this one is one of the best…right next to the first movie. Jack is back!

Captain Jack Sparrow finds himself stranded in London in search of a ship. After saving his friend and first mate Gibbs (Kevin McNally) from the gallows, he searches for the person impersonating him. The fake Capt Sparrow is, gathering men for a voyage on a ship. His finds his former lover, Angelica (Penélope Cruz ), impersonating him. Angelica then kidnaps and ferries him aboard the Queen Anne's Revenge, commanded by Angelica's (maybe) father, Captain Blackbeard (Ian McShane). There aboard a ship full of enslaved pirates and comatose zombies, the adventure begins. Their quest is the fountain of youth. But they aren’t alone, a Spanish fleet and Capt Barbossa are also in search of the fountain of youth, although for different reasons.

The movie is filled with special effects; off-the-cuff humor; swashbuckling sword fights; explosion; and the requisite fantasy/horror that make the Pirates franchise such a hit with fans. The mermaids were a very nice touch, reminiscent of the walking dead and zombies of the earlier movies. Depp owns this movie. His screen presence is grand. Rush plays a very likable and convincing bad/good guy and Cruz’s character was an exciting addition to the cast.

A small love story plays out that I feel added nothing to the film and doesn’t really have a solid conclusion. McShane’s character was more bark than bite. McShane walked through his lines like a third year college student and did not elicit any emotion (fear or hate) from the audience. The rollercoaster ride was well over prior to McShane’s exit, because the audience really didn’t care what happened to him.

Overall, this is a great movie. I did not see it in 3-D, but I’m sure if you do, it will be well worth the money. The Pirates saga is back on track. I rate this movie 8 out of 10 stars--tied with the second Pirates movie.



Malcolm D. Petteway

Rage Books LLC

About Malcolm Petteway-fReado

Sci fi with soul check out the Osguards and find out About Malcolm Petteway-fReado

Rage on the Movies: Priest

A priest (Paul Bettany) disobeys church law to track down the vampires who kidnapped his niece.It is as simple as that, not complicated at all. The only complication with this movie was setting it up for the audience. It is an apocalyptic tale of man versus vampire. After the obligatory action opening scene to grab the audience's attention, a graphic animation plays out to set the scene. The animation is full of promise that the movie will be gory and blood-filled. The movie delivers on that promise. It is also jam packed with special effects and action sequences. However, the action sequences seem a bit forced and the special effects are reminiscent of the Matrix movies. The plot is somewhat rehashed. It is about a bruiting good guy simultaneously fighting against the establishment and the forces of evil. Along the way he picks up two sidekicks that offer nothing to the plot other than a distraction. This movie is a club sandwich of special effects layered between three slices of action. If you are looking for the excitement and thrill of Ironman or even Thor, you won't get it here. But if you like slaying vampires, fight scenes, explosions and stimulating visual effects, this is your movie. I rate it 3 stars out of 5…wait until it comes out on video

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It is the third generation and the fourth age of mankind. Earth has become an unwitting pawn in the Kulusk Empire's thirst for revenge against the Universal Science, Security and Trade Associations of Planets—USSTAP. Maxum Ritchen, the leader of the Kulusk Empire, has set into motion the destruction of USSTAP and with it the destruction of Earth. Michael David Genesis, the First Osguard, and his family are the leaders of USSTAP. He and his family are descendants of twin princesses from the planet Chaktun who fled their war ravaged world, escaped to Earth and lived in the antebellum South as slaves. USSTAP is the Osguards’ inheritance. They facilitate scientific advancement, assure universal security and promote fair trade amongst the sixty known galaxies. Michael and the other Osguards use diplomatic, economic and military tools of power to keep the peace. But like most peacekeeping organizations, there are always challenges. For Michael the challenges are the Kulusk – the dogmatic empire that has waged war with Chaktun for centuries; the Tuits – a warrior race bent on revenge; and the Moslecks – universal nomads terrorizing the universe. Can the Osguards save USSTAP…can they save themselves?


Buy Osguards: Guardians of the Universe. Available direct from Rage Books, or through Amazon.com. If you have an E-Reader, all available formats for E-Books are available here. Also available on-line at Borders, Books A Million and Barnes and Noble. Ask you local book dealer about Osguards. If they don't have it. They can get it.

Rage on the Movies: Thor

When the warrior Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is cast out of the fantastic realm of Asgard for his arrogance, he is sent to Earth to live among humans. Falling in love with scientist Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), he learns some much-needed lessons, and his newfound strength comes into play as a villain from his homeland sends dark forces toward Earth.


I really didn’t expect much from this movie. Frankly, I thought the superhero genre in the movies was fading after Iron Man II. But I must say this movie was a pleasant surprise. I am not much of a Marvel Comics Fan, so I knew little about Thor, which I think was an advantage. I watched the movie, learning as it played. It was full of adventure, special effects and humor. Chris Harmsworth did an excellent job bringing the Nordic god to life. The character’s arrogance was overpowering. So the audience loved it when Thor was taken down a notch or two by normal humans with their puny little gadgets. I never warmed up to Natalie Portman’s character. Jane Foster is one of those women that can give you a headache. She is so driven, to the point of stupid. Kate Dennings as Darcy Lewis was the real gem of the picture. Additionally, Tom Heddleston as Loki gave a sparkling performance. We see his transformation better than we see Thor’s transformation. The action was exciting, grand and worth watching in 3D. The storyline was good, but had dry spots.

For a superhero movie, I give it 4.5 stars.