Between two holidays...

 Greetings of the season to you!

After a busy fall in my "real" job (teaching Latin and coaching sub-Varsity football), and with publishing stuff, the Thanksgiving break was welcome.  Classes resume tomorrow, so I thought I would take a moment to jot down some of the things happening in the different universes I've created.  There is something moving forward in all three.

FitzDuncan's Alchemy was released ten days ago.  The pre-publication reviews were gratifying.  The post-publication reader comments and ratings are strong.  Knowing that people enjoy my work is rewarding in so many ways.  Thank you.

The third FitzDuncan book is well underway.  I have no idea when I will finish it but the way it's going, it will be sooner rather than later.  Stay tuned.

Pike #3 is begun but moving slowly.  I know where I want to take the plot and the characters but the starting point doesn't feel quite right.  My progress on it has been stops and starts.

Gallantry in Action, the first of the Halberd series (and the first book I published) is getting a makeover.  New cover art is underway and what I've seen of the rough drafts has me very excited.  It's also in the hands of an editor, to clean up many of the inconsistencies (mostly grammatical and with punctuation) that I've since learned to avoid.  If the new cover is well-received, the other books in the series will get updates also.

Audiobooks are now available for Pike's Potential, FitzDuncan, and Gallantry in Action.  The audiobook for Pike's Passage is complete, just waiting for Audible to bless it.  The audiobook for FitzDuncan's Alchemy is in production.  After that will come the rest of the Halberd series.

There was extremely good news from the BookLife Prize folks, covered in my last posting.  Pike's Potential was named the finalist for the sci-fi/fantasy/horror sub-group of fiction.  It is one of only five books remaining.  The winner will be announced in mid-December.

Several months ago, Pike's Potential made it to the "Short List" in the Cygnus Book Awards for Science Fiction.  I won't learn until February if we made it to the Semi-Finals.  Fingers crossed.

That's all the news for now.  Thank you for your support.  I do appreciate it.

BookLife Prize Finalist

 Just received the news that Pike's Passage has been named one of five finalists in the annual BookLife Prize.  Pike's Passage is the finalist in the category of Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror.  Here's the link: https://booklife.com/news/authors/11/17/2021/announcing-the-booklife-prize-finalists.html

FitzDuncan's Alchemy: first review

 First review of FitzDuncan's Alchemy is in. Book is due to release on 12/1. Here's the review, from Jennifer Ibiam at Readers' Favorite:

Casimir is at it again after a faceoff with Prince Wim, who wanted to usurp the throne from his brother. Casimir was the bastard son of the Earl of Eastern March, who earned money by helping others recover treasures. In FitzDuncan’s Alchemy by John J. Spearman, life was better as he made more money and courted Lady Darling with her father’s permission. Lord Tulley showed up in Casimir’s life with a new job of helping him recover a large amount of money fleeced off him by Nils Pedersen’s boy. A new adventure began for the hunter, but the stakes were high this time. Nils wasn’t a person to toy with, and Casimir would plan the trickiest scheme of his life yet. Will he succeed in his quest? Find out!

FitzDuncan’s Alchemy by John J. Spearman is the second installment in the FitzDuncan series and a riveting read. The plot and story were unique, insightful, brilliant, and captivating. FitzDuncan’s Alchemy is a mix of laid-back atmosphere and action if you can imagine that. I loved the concise recap at the beginning of the book. It helped me understand the essence of the first installment, even if I hadn’t read it. John developed excellent characters that I connected with throughout the book. Casimir was my favorite cast member for his great sense of humor, witty personality, and street smartness. I also loved Freddy, maybe a little too much. He was a method actor who made me laugh a lot. The lighthearted banter, stylish writing, and first-person narrative helped me understand the story. I fell in love with this novel from the first paragraph. Write more, John!

FitzDuncan's Alchemy

The next FitzDuncan adventure is undergoing editing right now.  It should be ready for release later this fall.

 

FitzDuncan review

 Historical mystery readers will find FitzDuncan is set in medieval times and tells of P.I. Casimir FitzDuncan, whose latest case revolves around a woman seeking to escape an oppressive marriage contract with man who holds a reputation for abuse.

 

After their initial meeting, she is kidnapped, prompting FitzDuncan to embark on both a mission to recover her and an effort to clear his own reputation, called into question since he was the last person to see her.

 

When the story opens, however, it's FitzDuncan who has been abducted, awakening in prison with a knot on his head and his quasi-friend Sir Oliver (Ollie) grilling him about the whereabouts of Miss Julienne Traval.

 

One satisfying feature of this story is that FitzDuncan operates on both sides of the law. Neither good nor bad guy entirely, his reputation for both brings with it a murky set of objectives and influences that cause many to doubt his word and intentions.

 

Despite his ancestry (he's the eldest son of Duncan Barry, Earl of the Eastern March), FitzDuncan goes his own way and has developed a wry sense of propriety and impropriety that often lands him in trouble as well as lending him a reputation for fact-finding savvy.

 

Both get him into dire straights in this story, which excels in presenting a flawed hero who doesn't always make the right choices.

 

As the tale progresses, John J. Spearman deftly juxtaposes history, fiction, and P.I. investigative tactics in a multifaceted story designed to please a diverse audience, whether they originate from historical interests or choose the story for its investigative mystery components.

 

It's no light task to represent medieval politics, culture, and people in such a way that all come to life; especially for readers who may be unversed in this era. Spearman accomplishes both while viewing events from the first-person perspective of FitzDuncan, which lends a personal and immediate tone to the world around him and his choices.

 

As the mystery evolves, a surprise is embedded when FitzDuncan discovers that the target of the kidnapper isn't actually obvious at all.

 

From the political conundrums he faces on who to trust and who is dangerous to his pursuit of a dangerous force steeped in deadly rituals, FitzDuncan interacts with royalty and dark forces alike.

 

His pursuit of a questionable truth and elusive justice is especially well written in the first person and presented through his encounters with friends, superiors, and those who confront him: "I thought quickly. “Your Majesty, I have prayed that you would listen to what I have to say with an open mind. Your willingness to dismiss your son from our meeting gives me hope that you will. I must also beg for your patience since it will take time for me to explain to you what I know. As for my innocence or guilt, I requested the King’s Justice. That will be for you to decide.”

 

Spearman does more than provide mystery readers with a detailed investigative probe. By setting his character in medieval times and thoroughly immersing him in the politics and processes of this era, he brings history to life, personalizing it with a first-person observational style that requires no prior familiarity with history in order to prove accessible.

 

The only prerequisite to enjoying this story is an interest in problem-solving and a rollicking good read that romps through cultural norms and politics, turning them on end as FitzDuncan struggles to arrive at the truth even as his beliefs get in the way of reality.

 

History and mystery collections alike should select the well-detailed FitzDuncan as a crossover title appealing to a broader audience than either genre alone.

Rviewed by D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

Coming soon...

 

Pre Publication reviews for Pike's Passage: Coming Soon!

Self Publishing Review

Taking an unexpected turn in the Sandy Pike series, Pike's Passage by John J Spearman is a stellar second installment of his sci-fi saga. Capturing the same authenticity in terms of detail and world-building, this follow-up turns inwards to a more adventurous and character-driven drama, rather than a sprawling epic.

When Sandy Pike sees his lifelong dream of being a starship captain slipping away as the Alliance stumbles into an unthinkable cosmic defeat, he refuses to let the mistakes of other men steal his shot at happiness. The idea of entering the freight business means a smooth transition away from forced unemployment, provided he can get his hands on the right military-grade gear to make it pirate-proof, even if that means liberating it from the conquering HUW forces. Bringing a century-old ship back to life is far from simple, but beginning a new life on his own terms is all that Pike needs - the lucky break he's been waiting for.

Being able to hold your own when the cannons start firing is worth its weight in gold in the post-war chaos, and his new ship, the Alice May, doesn't need to ever back down from a fight, and Pike's noble and heroic tendencies quickly bring him back into the line of fire. Whether it is escaping the clutches of a sociopath, or negotiating the release of the woman he has unexpectedly come to love, this compelling protagonist endlessly dodges disaster, and does it with style. The only question is, will the civil war raging among the HUW be enough to bring the Alliance back from the dead, and if so, will Sandy regain his command?

This relatively short and thrilling read can be knocked out in an afternoon, and with a natural flow to the narration that rarely loses momentum, it will be a challenge to set down.  Readers looking for laser-splashed action will not be disappointed, nor will those who appreciate the intricacies of battle strategy, defensive maneuvers, and the psychological mind games that any admiral must play when lives are on the line. The high-stress moments are balanced well with interpersonal onboard plotlines and romantic interludes from various characters, as well as the daily grind of ship life, much like traditional naval literature.

As was the case in the first novel, the nuanced and technical language isn't overly complicated, but instead immerses readers in this futuristic world, making every scene more believable and tangible. The dialogue varies widely, from whip-smart banter and calculated negotiations to intense emotional exchanges and rapid-fire battle communications. That said, there are occasional bursts of anachronistic language, or at least phrasing that feels out of place for a given character or setting. These are usually attempts to achieve an authentic, conversational pattern of speech, but the result has the opposite effect, seeming somewhat unnatural.

Aside from these slight stumbles, Spearman delivers a remarkably fun and unpredictable ride, adding new depth to characters that are both relatable and unforgettable, in this unique work of military science fiction.

Reader’s Favorite

Pike's Passage is the second novel in the Sandy Pike Series by John J Spearman. The Planetary Alliance lost the war, and it looks like Sandy Pike is about to lose his job as well. With no promotion and no assignment, he will no longer command a battlecruiser. With his ship destroyed, all of his options are gone. His only way out of a desk job is to cash out all his investments and salvage the Alice May, an abandoned transporter. But the Alice May needs some serious repairs before he can start his own freight business. On paper, it looks easy, but Sandy knows he is about to enter uncharted territory, and he will meet hazards and new enemies every step of the way. However, Sandy had no idea that a freight business came with this level of danger. Nothing could have prepared him for the roller-coaster ride ahead.

Pike's Passage was surprisingly captivating, even though the plot did get political in the middle. However, the action and elements of adventure in the story made it even more interesting than I expected. Sandy was a fascinating character to meet. At first, I found Sandy enigmatic, but as the story progressed, I connected with him and enjoyed his personal development. He went from being hopeless without his job to invigorated because he finally found a purpose that excited him. His transition was smooth and very interesting. The action sequences were fantastic; I felt like I was watching a space opera in the cinema. The attacks on Alice May were so richly detailed that I had no difficulty imagining what was happening. The concept was very interesting and original, better than just fighting aliens and saving the world. Fascinating and entertaining at the same time. The action and the pace make it one of a kind in the genre. Sandy Pike could be the next Star-Lord!

Five stars for FitzDuncan

★★★★★

In John J Spearman's enthralling mystery novel, FitzDuncan, the illegitimate son of an Earl sets out to solve a perplexing mystery that could cost him his life. Unlike other members of the nobility in the kingdom of Aquileia, Casimir "Caz" FitzDuncan has to fend for himself. After serving in the army for seven years, he returns to the kingdom's capital. Freddy, a friend from school, requests his help in exposing a swindler and winning back his ring which Freddy had lost in a game of cards. After he successfully gains it back, Freddy refers other people who need similar help to Caz. A young woman approaches him to help her flee from a forced marriage. Soon after, she is abducted and Caz is held responsible for her disappearance. Caz and Freddy follow her trail, hoping to find the real kidnapper and clear Caz of the crime.

FitzDuncan by John J Spearman features original, interesting characters with fascinating stories. Despite Caz's lower social status in being an illegitimate son, Freddy, who belongs to the aristocracy, befriends him. The two become close friends together with Lucy, Freddy's eccentric cousin. Some romance is included in the plot which adds emotional depth and suspense to the story. Amidst his investigation of the kidnapping, Caz falls for Lucy who practices magic. Lucy's abilities add other fascinating elements to the novel. The investigation is also thrilling as it is not straightforward. Caz, Lucy, and Freddy unravel more revelations in their quest to find the abducted woman. FitzDuncan by John J Spearman is a mystery novel with unexpected twists and engaging characters. It is a treat for fans of mystery stories set in the medieval period.

Reviewed By Edith Wairimu for Readers' Favorite

Something different--Just released

 Hi folks--I don't know how many people read this, but wanted to let you know I released a new book on amazon that is completely unrelated to anything else I've done.  The easiest way to describe it is as a medieval mystery/thriller.  It was fun to write and, if people like it, I'll be happy to pen some more of FitzDuncan's adventures.

If any of you do read these posts, please know that I welcome constructive criticism.  Hope your summer is going as well as mine!

JS

Coming soon--Pike's Passage

 Dear Readers,

First, let me thank you for your support.  The first book of the new series, Pike's Potential, has been well-received.  I appreciate the many positive comments and also the constructive criticism.

The second book of the new series is now with an editor.  I will be working with him to make the story sharper and easier to read.  Cover design for the book is also underway.  I anticipate a publication date sometime in August.

Writing the Halberd stories began as a hobby.  Buoyed by positive feedback from my readers, it has become something more.  One thing I am toying with is whether to create audiobooks.  I would love to hear from anyone who thinks this is a good or bad idea.

When we get closer to publication, I will post another update.  Thank you for your readership.

JJS

Pike's Potential

 Dear Readers: the first book of a new series just went 'live' on amazon yesterday.  I apologize for the delay in releasing it.  I had been trying to get an agent and a publisher but in this crazy covid world, no one was interested.  I didn't want to wait any further, so it's published now.

You'll notice different graphics on the cover of the new book.  A dear friend who is an accomplished artist created Jonah Halberd.  I used her artwork and tried to create my own covers.  This time, I turned it over to professionals.  I am thinking I may engage them to develop new covers for the Halberd books as well, using the original drawing of Jonah.

The good news is that I am well underway on the second book of the new series.  As far as Halberd goes, I might possibly write a short prequel but think I wrapped up Jonah's life pretty well (and they lived happily ever after).  The only way I can imagine extending it would be to introduce aliens and I am not keen on the idea.  

As always, I appreciate your support.  If you have liked any of my books, I'd be most grateful if you would take an extra minute and leave a review on amazon or goodreads.  Thank you!