Kingmaker book thread (merged 89 times)

[NealT]

Now we got two of them running around the Atlantic on the loose? What more can we take?

Don't worry Tom...it goes away soon.

[sunvalleyslim]

Balz, If you start twirling in the boat, you're liable to start an underwater ballet group......:D:D:D

[papa_smurf]

At this rate Balz will be after Doenitz's job!

[Brag]

Lt. Otto Kalb writes:

Some days things don't work. We overtook the convoy and positioned ourselves nicely in front of it.
"This is going to be a hoochie woochie day" Balz said as he hung onto the periscope. "Feur einz!"
"Something's gone wrong with the fruit machine," the torpedo officer said.
"Feur, zwei."
I held my breath, nothing.
"Something's wrong withe torpedo tube."
"Bernaaard."
Ping, ping, ping.
Waht in the GWX is going on." Balz swung the periscope toward the stern. "Bloody GWX. Ahead flank, down to one hundred meters. New course 250."
I listened to the screws of the escort go overhead.
"Can I say Wasserbomben?" Bernard asked.
Explosions rocked the U-Boot.
Balz turned the tea cozy on his head.
As we approached one hundred meters the ull began to groan like a wounded whale. A destroyer dumped a large number of depth charges.
"Up to ninety meters."
That bloody tanker that fired its flack gun at us must have caused a lot more damage than we thought.
"Flank speed."
" Rudder starboard 10 degrees."
Another DC salvo rattled my nerves more than the boat. The three escorts circling above were losing acuracy.
"Hoochie woochie boom-boom," Balz sang, "Hoooochie wooochie, hoochie woochie, hoochie woochie boom-boom."
As the explosions became more distant the soundman reported a contact behind the convoy.
"We're going to sink something tonight. Let's see what's wrong with the TDC and those blasted tubes."
An hour later, we intercepted a tramp doing two knots and having a time with the heavy seas. Balz said to me, "You do this attack. Good practice, besides that will do nothing to my grandeur."
I made a good approach and had a perfect solution. "Feur einz!"
The torpedo wooshed out and exploded on arming.
"Feur zwei." The eel ran true, hit the ship and failed to explode.
"Feur drei."
The ship sank withing seconds.
Balz shook his head. "Leutnant Kalb, you must have beaten a record in sinking leaking tubs. We may as well head home for a nice beuf bourgignon and a bottle of Bordeaux."

[Brag]

GRRRR! Balz's career did it again. But, Klapp loaded okay. At this rate Fogh's dream might be realized and Balz end up with a desk job. :roll:

[Jimbuna]

GRRRR! Balz's career did it again. But, Klapp loaded okay. At this rate Fogh's dream might be realized and Balz end up with a desk job. :roll:

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/1807/dancewithpiratekm4.gif http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/3351/charactersvillage8mfbj9.gif

[Choronzon]

Perhaps it's interference from the foil hat...

[Foghladh_mhara]

GRRRR! Balz's career did it again. But, Klapp loaded okay. At this rate Fogh's dream might be realized and Balz end up with a desk job. :roll:

Brag you misunderstand me my friend. I only wish that the legend that is Balz live on to inspire a new generation :shifty: T'would be a catastrophy of the highest order should his regular reports stop. Suddenly.

[NealT]

GRRRR! Balz's career did it again. But, Klapp loaded okay. At this rate Fogh's dream might be realized and Balz end up with a desk job. :roll:

His desk could always wind up on a small coal tender or something floating in the middle of Der Kanal?

[Brag]

J.S. Balz writes:

Nealt,

Your concern for having a desk in an interesting location is quite touching. You trully understand the principles and philosophy of hoochie woochie.

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/1807/dancewithpiratekm4.gif (http://imageshack.us/)<--my choir singing, hail to Nealt.

[Brag]

:o Amazon somehow managed to get 2 used and new copies of Kingmaker. A hard to do trick at this stage.

Those eager to read it better rush to the Subsim store and order them. Gute jagd.

[STEED]

Get back to typing your second book Jason King. :D :lol:

[Brag]

Hehe, Steed. I'm polishing a work that includes a U-Boot in 1945. :cool:

[Rotary Crewman]

If you're writing a book about U-boats then stop telling us about how many copies of Kingmaker there are! Kingmaker is gone, long live the currently untitled U-boat book.:rock:

[Brag]

Kingmaker better not be gone, I got to eat, need to attend the Houston meeting in October and keep my cheap whiskey supply up to acceptable levels. BUY KINGMAKER! :yep:

[STEED]

Kingmaker better not be gone, I got to eat, need to attend the Houston meeting in October and keep my cheap whiskey supply up to acceptable levels. BUY KINGMAKER! :yep:

Yea, poor old Jason King is saving the world sleeping with the ladies and writing his second book, jeepers the man has to eat some time. :D

[Blacklight]

So.. this thread isn't about "World Of Warcraft" 2 copies of Kingmaker available ?:D

Yeah.. this is the first thing I thought when I saw the title of this thread. It just goes to show you where my head is at most of the time.:D

btw.. Fun Fact: Kingmaker is also an AWESOME old Avalon Hill wargame !:up:

But Brag's book isn't based on it. *fades into lurking mode again*:dead:

[Brag]

Yesterday I received a phone call and the caller's last words were, "Don't forget the book."

I changed clothes, then took a copy of Kingmaker and wrote: To my friend and former enemy General Oleg Kalugin and signed it. Shortly after, I headed for the unexpected lunch appointment with the former KGB chief of counterintelligence.

Sounds like something out of a spy novel?

Years ago, the good general was somewhat upset over my activities and tried to nail me. A vase with four roses placed on a window sill signaled extreme danger and I managed to escape. Now, with the Cold War over, we are the best of friends. Kalugin has updated his memoir, Spy Master and it will be re-issued shortly. During lunch he asked me to be with him at the offical launching of his book at the International Spy Museum in Washington.

[Stealth Hunter]

The cake is a lie.:huh:

[Rotary Crewman]

BUY KINGMAKER! :yep:

Oh thats what you're asking us to do! Why didn't you just say in the first place? :D

[joea]

Wow just wow. :o

(Does Kalugin know the hoochie woochie?)

[Brag]

Harrr, harrr, harrrff, Rotary :up:

[STEED]

Buy Brags aka Jason Kings book or your get a visit from an angry elephant, and if that craps it your garden your going to know it. :stare:

[Brag]

Here is something you guys can do to help a starving author, go to Amazon and click on the wish list button for Kingmaker. :yep: That will signal Amazon to stock more books and they will shorten the waiting period.

Thanks in advance. :up:

[sunvalleyslim]

still waiting for my copy Brag...........................:-?

[GoldenRivet]

Kingmaker better not be gone, I got to eat, need to attend the Houston meeting in October and keep my cheap whiskey supply up to acceptable levels. BUY KINGMAKER! :yep:
look forward to seeing you there! I also hope to have read your book by then. :up: Galveston is a decent place, there is a nice Hooters on the bay, and the lone star flight museum (of which i am a frequent visitor) is nice.

what sort of cheap whiskey are you buying?

[sunvalleyslim]

Gosh Brag, you're letting secrets of you life out. Do spill more..........:D:D:D

[geetrue]

Now we know who you are ...

We know where your going ...

We wait for the next move ...

[silentrunner]

Oleg Kalugin, was he that KGB guy I saw him on an old episode of dateline about Robert Hanssen.

[JSLTIGER]

The cake is a lie.:huh:
:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

[Brag]

I buy Early Times bourbon when it's on sale.

For those who have ordered Kingmaker, if it hasn't left the Amazon warehouse, it should happen soon. Yesterday, I did my first book signing. So I know copies are reaching their destination.

So far, two reviewers have contacted me to let me know I should expect positive reviews. :rock:

[Palindromeria]

btw.. Fun Fact: Kingmaker is also an AWESOME old Avalon Hill wargame !:up:

SIEGE LONDON !!

the Peasants are revolting !!

they are rebelling as well !

[Torplexed]

btw.. Fun Fact: Kingmaker is also an AWESOME old Avalon Hill wargame !:up:

Yeah I had both the board game and the computer game. Good times. :cool: Damn that Percy of Northumberland.

http://www.ibiblio.org/GameBytes/issue18/flooks/king1.gif

[Brag]

I and some friends used to play Kingmaker (board game) excellent!

My book is not even remotely related to the game.

[Tango589]

ONLY 3 DAYS UNTIL MY COPY IS DISPATCHED BY AMAZON.CO.UK!!! WOO-HOO BRING IT ON!!!:rock: :rock:

Sorry. I am just a bit excited.

[Brag]

Oleg Kalugin, was he that KGB guy I saw him on an old episode of dateline about Robert Hanssen.

I'm pretty sure he is. He makes frequent TV appearances.

[Brag]

ONLY 3 DAYS UNTIL MY COPY IS DISPATCHED BY AMAZON.CO.UK!!! WOO-HOO BRING IT ON!!!:rock: :rock:

Sorry. I am just a bit excited.

Did they notify you?

[Rotary Crewman]

ONLY 3 DAYS UNTIL MY COPY IS DISPATCHED BY AMAZON.CO.UK!!! WOO-HOO BRING IT ON!!!:rock: :rock:

Sorry. I am just a bit excited.
UK? Harrumph, they still don't have it in stock according to the site the last time I looked.

[sunvalleyslim]

[quote=Brag]I buy Early Times bourbon when it's on sale.

Brag, I would have taken you to be a Jack Daniels kind of writer.............oh well......;)

[Tango589]

ONLY 3 DAYS UNTIL MY COPY IS DISPATCHED BY AMAZON.CO.UK!!! WOO-HOO BRING IT ON!!!:rock: :rock:

Sorry. I am just a bit excited.

Did they notify you?
Yep, I have got the email in front of me.

https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/G/02/uk-shared/logos/smile-amazon-logo-notag-new-200x45._V45453244_.gif (http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/tg/browse/-/468294)https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/G/02/uk-shared/helpnavs/helpnav-general-300x22._V45453549_.gifThanks for your order, Brendan
Want to manage your order online?
If you need to check the status of your order or make changes, please visit our home page at Amazon.co.uk and click on Your Account at the top of any page.

Ordering Information: E-mail Address: sheahanbrendan@aol.com Invoice Address:
BRENDAN SHEAHAN

Delivery Address:
BRENDAN SHEAHAN

Order Grand Total: £9.52 Order Summary: Delivery Details: : order will arrive in one delivery Order #: 026-9647731-5886760 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/css/history/view.html)Delivery Method: First Class Delivery Preference:Group my items into as few deliveries as possibleSubtotal of Items: £6.77Postage & Packing: £2.75 ------Total: £9.52Promotional Gift Certificates: -£0.00------Total for this order: £9.52

Dispatch estimate for these items: 20 Feb 2008 https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/G/02/x-locale/product-icons/small-blue/book_display_on_website-blue-icon._V45456004_.gif 1"Kingmaker"
Alexey Braguine; Perfect Paperback; £6.77

Sold by: Amazon.co.uk (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/seller/home.html?ie=UTF8&seller=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE)Please note that for items ordered from Amazon.co.uk this e-mail is only an acknowledgement of receipt of your order and your contract to purchase these items is not complete until we send you an e-mail notifying you that the items have been dispatched to you. For items purchased from third parties in Marketplace, zShops or Auctions, this e-mail confirms the completion of your contract to purchase those items.
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:up:

[Jimbuna]

[quote=Brag]I buy Early Times bourbon when it's on sale.

Brag, I would have taken you to be a Jack Daniels kind of writer.............oh well......;)

He'll be able to afford that when he hits the top 100 best sellers charts.

http://www.abfnet.com/forum/images/smilies/pirate_with_bottle_of_rum_lg_blk.gif

[Brag]

Congratulations, Tango! Seems like you'll be the first in the UK to receive the book. I hope you'll enjoy it. Let us know. :D

[Brag]

Surprise, surprise.
Kingmaker beats the Atlantic blockade. Tango 589 posted a copy of Amazon Email:

Delivery Address:
BRENDAN SHEAHAN

Order Grand Total: £9.52 Order Summary: Delivery Details: : order will arrive in one delivery Order #: 026-9647731-5886760 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/css/history/view.html)Delivery Method: First Class Delivery Preference:Group my items into as few deliveries as possibleSubtotal of Items: £6.77Postage & Packing: £2.75 ------Total: £9.52Promotional Gift Certificates: -£0.00------Total for this order: £9.52

Dispatch estimate for these items: 20 Feb 2008 https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/G/02/x-locale/product-icons/small-blue/book_display_on_website-blue-icon._V45456004_.gif 1"Kingmaker"
Alexey Braguine; Perfect Paperback; £6.77

Click on the Subsim link on my sig for your copy. If you're not getting Kingmaker right away, please go to Amazon anyway and click on the Kingmaker wish list button.

Thank you, Tango, you are making history :D

[Brag]

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/images/icons/icon7.gif Tango 589 First Subsimer to receive Kingmaker
Surprise, surprise.
Kingmaker beats the Atlantic blockade. Tango 589 posted a copy of Amazon UK Email:

Delivery Address:
BRENDAN SHEAHAN

Order Grand Total: £9.52 Order Summary: Delivery Details: : order will arrive in one delivery Order #: 026-9647731-5886760 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/css/history/view.html)Delivery Method: First Class Delivery Preference:Group my items into as few deliveries as possibleSubtotal of Items: £6.77Postage & Packing: £2.75 ------Total: £9.52Promotional Gift Certificates: -£0.00------Total for this order: £9.52

Dispatch estimate for these items: 20 Feb 2008 https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/G/02/x-locale/product-icons/small-blue/book_display_on_website-blue-icon._V45456004_.gif 1"Kingmaker"
Alexey Braguine; Perfect Paperback; £6.77

Click on the Subsim link on my sig for your copy. If you're not getting Kingmaker right away, please go to Amazon anyway and click on the Kingmaker wish list button.

Thank you, Tango, you are making history :D
__________________

[Brag]

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/images/icons/icon7.gif Tango 589 First Subsimer to receive Kingmaker
Surprise, surprise.
Kingmaker beats the Atlantic blockade. Tango 589 posted a copy of Amazon Email:

Delivery Address:
BRENDAN SHEAHAN

Order Grand Total: £9.52 Order Summary: Delivery Details: : order will arrive in one delivery Order #: 026-9647731-5886760 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/css/history/view.html)Delivery Method: First Class Delivery Preference:Group my items into as few deliveries as possibleSubtotal of Items: £6.77Postage & Packing: £2.75 ------Total: £9.52Promotional Gift Certificates: -£0.00------Total for this order: £9.52

Dispatch estimate for these items: 20 Feb 2008 https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/G/02/x-locale/product-icons/small-blue/book_display_on_website-blue-icon._V45456004_.gif 1"Kingmaker"
Alexey Braguine; Perfect Paperback; £6.77

You will notice this is a UK order.


Click on the Subsim link on my sig for your copy. If you're not getting Kingmaker right away, please go to Amazon anyway and click on the Kingmaker wish list button.

Thank you, Tango, you are making history :D
__________________
Brag :()1:
GWX 2.0 DID
KINGMAKER by Alexey Braguine,an explosive espionage thriller. Order via Subsim $14.95 Click here: http://www.subsim.com/store.html (http://www.subsim.com/store.html) and type: Alexey Braguine.

visit: http://www.freewebs.com/braguine/ (http://www.freewebs.com/braguine/)
SH3 tactics, info & stories at: http://www.freewebs.com/kielman/ (http://www.freewebs.com/kielman/)
Gutt iffninkz, konvoy. It'z me again! :D

[Rotary Crewman]

Still trying .co.uk....:damn:

[sunvalleyslim]

Well Brag I finally received notice from Amazon that I would receive "The Kingmaker" between Feb. 22nd and Feb 26th.......Hoping it's here early.
I'm leaving for Guerrero Negro, Baja California, Mexico on the 24th of Feb. To see the whales and their babies before they depart for Alaska......
Went last year and it's an awesome adventure. The baby whales come right up to the boat, and Momma just lies there beneath the water and watches
So hoping to take the book with me.................:up: :up: :up:

[sunvalleyslim]

Ok Brag, Just received notification from Amazon.com that my book has been shipped as of today.....hopefully it's here in L.A. by Friday......:rock: :rock: :rock:

[sunvalleyslim]

Well Brag,
It's official....The book has been shipped by Amazon today, Feb 18th. hopefully it will be here by Friday. How can I get it signed by the author?
Maybe at the Subsim meeting in Oct?

[Graf Paper]

You can add my own virtual glass to a toast for your first U.K. sale, Brag!

I used to enjoy the occasional shot (or three) of Clan MacGregor scotch. *hic*

I'm really rooting for your ranking to climb fast at Amazon and it's definitely on my wish list. Unfortuantely, it may be a while before I get my own copy. My budget is usually so tight, I purchase most of my books from second-hand shops.

So, how does it feel to be an international-selling author now? :)

[Brag]

Graf, thank you for your toast. I know what it is like to be on a tight budget. :roll: .

Slim, this is good news!

Soon, we should have a virtual party. :()1: :()1: :()1: :()1:

From his desk at BDU, Balz says' "Hoochie-woochie boom boom."

[Brag]

Congratz, Slim!
You are first reported subsimer to get it. I'll be happy to sign books at the Subsim meeting. I'm sure there are a number of Kaleuns holding their breath and want to hear your comments and review on the book.

Quite different from the Balz stories. :cool:

:()1: :()1: :()1: :()1: :()1: Cheers, I hope you'll enjoy the read.

[Brag]

The first reports came pretty close together. From the UK and Catalina Island off California. KINGMAKER is underway.

Even though both, Amazon US and UK show Kingmaker out of stock, they are shipping 'em out. I think Amazon is not used to selling out on pre-orders from unknown authors and their website cannot keep up.

So if you want to read Kingmaker do like Sunvalley Slim and Tango did. Just order and you will get 'em.:up:

[Tango589]

Its my pleasure Brag, I look forward to reading it and posting a review! :up:

[Tango589]

I have just found out that Kingmaker has neither Balz in his teacozy nor hoochie woochie:

Balz: If I can't have a U-boat command give me a job as a secret agent.
Brag: You're a Kaleun living during WWII and your position there is fixed.
Balz: I can wear a tea cozy in Africa, lots of people do that there.
Brag: No!
Balz: I can be a bad guy, I can doctor intelligence reports, I can commit treason, I can manipulate the press.
Brag: No!
Balz: I can create catastrophies.
Brag. We have created all that already in Kingmaker.
Balz: I can be a prtotagonist. I can fight evil, I can outsmart all my enemies. I hear you have one hell of a babe in Kingmaker. I could seduce her and find out her secrets.
Brag: No way!
Balz: I could say hoochie woochie in every page.
Brag: Aaaarrrgghh.
Balz: My choir would overwhelm the Evil One.
Brag: Maybe you could go out and sell Kignmaker.
Balz: Oh yeah?
Brag: Yup.
Balz: How should I pitch it?
Brag: Buy the book now. It doesn't have Balz, it doesn't have hoochie woochie nor tea cozies. It is a thriller of great suspense meant to nudge LeCaree into number two spot.
Balz: Phooey, go and sell that book yourself. Hoochie-woochie, boo-boom.


I am bitterly dissapointed!!!!

:rotfl:

[Brag]

Its my pleasure Brag, I look forward to reading it and posting a review! :up:

Thanks again, Tango! :D

NEWS NEWS NEWS
First Kingmaker shipment to Amazon in US sells out on arrival!
Amazon says more copies are un their way!

If you order today, they promise delivery by Thursday.

[Brag]

The first main wave of Kingmaker copies landed this morning at the Amazon US beaches and sold out!

Amazon says more Kingmaker books are on their way. Depending on when you order, You can have your copy delivered by Thursday or Friday.

For those who are not yet familiar with Kingmaker, here are the cover blurns:

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Powerful transnational commercial interests manipulate the War on Terror and news media. Cynical former CIA operative John Trager s search for the truth leads him to Africa and the mysterious anthropologist Simone Loriot. Her passionate quest to save her adopted Central African country from looters of natural resources, draw Trager into a violent whirlwind of mercenaries, tribal rivalries and a traitor in The White House. Facing disaster, Trager finds his true self and reason for self-sacrifice.

About the Author
Alexey Braguine flew for a CIA secret airline in Laos, chased elephant poachers in Kenya, led horseback tours into the Chilean Andes. The explosive pages of his novels reveal not only a vivid imagination, but the experience gathered in a thriller life.

[Platapus]

wow, you sure are pushing this book ;)

good luck with it

[sunvalleyslim]

All Right Brag................:rock: :rock: :rock:

[Brag]

It now appears that Amazon UK has Kingmaker in stock :D
In USA, too. No head-banging required :damn: :D :D :D

[Palindromeria]

Yeah I had both the board game and the computer game. Good times. :cool: Damn that Percy of Northumberland.

http://www.ibiblio.org/GameBytes/issue18/flooks/king1.gif

omg i havent seen that in awhile. aside from the fact that i no longer have floppy drive , i dont think i could get it to run on xp. gotta luv the "id the castle" antipiracy thing

percy + chamberlain of chester + french mercs :up:

or warden of the marches as he was constantly summoned back to Cockermouth.
which still makes me laugh , btw:yep:

oh dear you have mowbray and neville as well :o

[Palindromeria]

delete button not deleting this post (??) oops

[Brag]

I am still trying to recover from seeing Kingmaker listed together with the giants like Ludlum (or his ghost) Ignatious, Chrichton.

Amazon.com Books Hot New Releases: The bestselling new & future ... (http://www.amazon.com/gp/new-releases/books/10493?ie=UTF8&pg=2)by Alex Carr (Author) Release Date: March 11, 2008 Available for Pre-order ..... by Alexey Braguine (Author) Publication Date: February 7, 2008 ...
www.amazon.com/gp/new-releases/books/10493?ie=UTF8&pg=2 - 213k -
http://www.amazon.com/gp/new-releases/books/10493?ie=UTF8&pg=2

Guys, this is like seeing 3 Nelsons on your scope, stopped and with no escorts around.

:o

[stabiz]

:up: Congratulations!

[Brag]

:up: Congratulations!

Thanks! Your sig is very appropiate today :rock:

[Brag]

BOOMBAH, BOOBAH, BOOMBAH
I never expected to see my title to be listed in the company of best sellers.

click:

Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/gp/new-releases/books/10493?ie=UTF8&pg=2)Books Hot New Releases: The bestselling new & future ... (http://www.amazon.com/gp/new-releases/books/10493?ie=UTF8&pg=2) ..... by Alexey Braguine (Author) Publication Date: February 7, 2008 ...
www.amazon.com/gp/new-releases/books/10493?ie=UTF8&pg=2 - 213k -

[flag4]

wow !!

and Congratulations :up:

[Hanomag]

Congo - RatZ!! Brag!!

I hope you make it, then you can sign my copy!! :up:

[Foghladh_mhara]

Congo - RatZ!! Brag!!

I hope you make it, then you can sign my copy!! :up:

Hey I hope you make craploads of money and fly me over to Texas Brag.

I've always been very fond of you and all my present friends are paupers like me :cry:

[yamato9]

Congratulations Brag!:up:

[Laufen zum Ziel]

Brag,

Thats great. Congratulations and may it continue.

http://silent-hunter-addict.com

[Brag]

Thanks Kaleuns! :D

Soon we should start hearing from those who are reading the book. ;)

[nikbear]

Amazing news Brag,congratulations:rock: :rock: :rock:

[Canovaro]

Quite an accomplishment Brag, congretulations indeed! :up::up::up:

[vedrand]

Well done Mr.! :up::rock:

[NealT]

Well, let us see. :shifty:

You are on the same page as Dale Brown, John LeClare, and Robert Ludlum. :huh:

What does that tell us? :roll:

Maybe that we are in the company of someone who has writing skills? :yep:

Well Done Brag...Drinks are on YOU!

[Brag]

Well, let us see. :shifty:

You are on the same page as Dale Brown, John LeClare, and Robert Ludlum. :huh:

What does that tell us? :roll:

Maybe that we are in the company of someone who has writing skills? :yep:

Well Done Brag...Drinks are on YOU!

I have learned to writez while on patrolz and writing graffity on torpedoz aimed at Engelsh readers. :know:

Cheers, mates!

[Canovaro]

I have learned to writez while on patrolz and writing graffity on torpedoz aimed at Engelsh readers. :know:


Now be careful Brag, Amazon might quote that on their page :rotfl:

[Brag]

Now, what I need is a few vascilating Kaleuns to order the book and keep it in the HOT books section. The distribution pipelines are loaded. No delivery delays expected.

Being on the same page with the giants Like Brown & Ludlum is like being in the middle of a convoy with escorts going crazy trying to sink you. But you can't withdraw, you need to put a salvo on the battleship.

Profesional reviews should start appearing next week. 2 reviewers have contacted me with very positive comments.

Several non-subsim readers told me they could not put the book down. (I love stealing sleep from people) :cool:

[Jimbuna]

Really pleased for ya mate :rock:

[Hanomag]

So what inspired you to make a pop-up book?? :rotfl:

[Brag]

So what inspired you to make a pop-up book?? :rotfl:

When I saw all the phoney "intelligence" made public prior to invasion of Iraq and CIA people resigning in droves, I asked myself what would happen to an intelligence officer who resisted pressure to doctor up intelligence reports to suit the White House's political agenda.

It took some time to find a publisher with enough courage to publish Kingmaker :rock:

[Kipparikalle]

Congraturations mate!

I hope you will get a lot of money from it!

[msalama]

Congrats Brag. Now where is that meeting again?

[msalama]

When I saw all the phoney "intelligence" made public prior to invasion of Iraq and CIA people resigning in droves, I asked myself what would happen to an intelligence officer who resisted pressure to doctor up intelligence reports to suit the White House's political agenda.

Well if what you say is true - and mind you, I've no reason to believe otherwise per se - then what you've done is a great service... well maybe not to mankind (want to avoid overpraising here y'see), but to public knowledge nevertheless.

S! Sir. A job well done... + matter of fact gotta buy the book too :)

[Brag]

Congo - RatZ!! Brag!!

I hope you make it, then you can sign my copy!! :up:

Hey I hope you make craploads of money and fly me over to Texas Brag.

I've always been very fond of you and all my present friends are paupers like me :cry:

Fogh,
The reason for pauper friends is to make you feel good.
I have rich friends who make me feel envious, pauperish and distressed. :roll:

[_Seth_]

Brag, mate,, im really happy for the success with the book, and i hope the success continues! :yep: :up: :up: Im a little short of money right now, but i'll get my paycheck around March 10. Then i will order your book, mate! :rock:

PS: If you will pay my trip (& the stay) to the subsim meeting, i'll supply you with real norwegian moonshine for the rest of your life.. It tastes like sh*t, but you wont go blind...:lol: :lol:
http://images.jupiterimages.com/common/detail/89/56/23245689.jpg

[Jimbuna]

Brag, mate,, im really happy for the success with the book, and i hope the success continues! :yep: :up: :up: Im a little short of money right now, but i'll get my paycheck around March 10. Then i will order your book, mate! :rock:

PS: If you will pay my trip (& the stay) to the subsim meeting, i'll supply you with real norwegian moonshine for the rest of your life.. It tastes like sh*t, but you wont go blind...:lol: :lol:
http://images.jupiterimages.com/common/detail/89/56/23245689.jpg

LOL http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/3060/gigglebigtb9.gif

[Brag]

Thanks, Seth :D

All you guys who want a seat on the special, Brag thriller flight to Houston:

1.) You must steal an airplane; preferably an old DC-6 with lots of oil leaks.
2.) Got to take some hostages so we can keep the airplane longer.
3.) Bring lots of guns.
4,) Bring something to read in case things get boring.

[FIREWALL]

Thanks, Seth :D

All you guys who want a seat on the special, Brag thriller flight to Houston:

1.) You must steal an airplane; preferably an old DC-6 with lots of oil leaks.
2.) Got to take some hostages so we can keep the airplane longer.
3.) Bring lots of guns.
4,) Bring something to read in case things get boring.


Is #4 a big hint :rotfl: Congrats. :up:

[Brag]

Thanks, Seth :D

All you guys who want a seat on the special, Brag thriller flight to Houston:

1.) You must steal an airplane; preferably an old DC-6 with lots of oil leaks.
2.) Got to take some hostages so we can keep the airplane longer.
3.) Bring lots of guns.
4,) Bring something to read in case things get boring.


Is #4 a big hint :rotfl: Congrats. :up:

:D Yes! Hint, hint, hint. Right now it's a critical time as the book needs to breakout into the public's eye before it joins the huge graveyard of good books that didn't make it. Since there is no advertising budget, the book has to make it on its own merit.

[Brag]

When I saw all the phoney "intelligence" made public prior to invasion of Iraq and CIA people resigning in droves, I asked myself what would happen to an intelligence officer who resisted pressure to doctor up intelligence reports to suit the White House's political agenda.

Well if what you say is true - and mind you, I've no reason to believe otherwise per se - then what you've done is a great service... well maybe not to mankind (want to avoid overpraising here y'see), but to public knowledge nevertheless.

S! Sir. A job well done... + matter of fact gotta buy the book too :)
Thanks!

Here is a link to the meeting thread in the General subjects forum.

SUBSIM Meeting 2008 (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=129586)

[Brag]

When I saw all the phoney "intelligence" made public prior to invasion of Iraq and CIA people resigning in droves, I asked myself what would happen to an intelligence officer who resisted pressure to doctor up intelligence reports to suit the White House's political agenda.

Well if what you say is true - and mind you, I've no reason to believe otherwise per se - then what you've done is a great service... well maybe not to mankind (want to avoid overpraising here y'see), but to public knowledge nevertheless.

S! Sir. A job well done... + matter of fact gotta buy the book too :)
Thanks!

SUBSIM Meeting 2008 (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=129586)
Of course this is a fictional story and most of the action takes place in an imaginary country. But it does raise questions about the acquisition of intelligence and how big business can influence it. One of my editors commented that this was one of hte most realistic espionage stories he has read.

[Brag]

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o207/Braguine/fsscr349.jpg

I thank all Subsimmers who support me. including stowaways who lurk this forums. It is still to early to offer drinks on me at the meeting, but it is beginning to look like a possibility.

Once again, thank, you, thank you, thank you

[Kptlt. Siegmann]

I need to buy this book still. Paycheck comes next week!:up:

[Brag]

Thank you, Herr Kaleun:D
Fire when ready!

[Jimbuna]

Divvun ferget....my buggas a rum http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/crazy.gif

http://www.abfnet.com/forum/images/smilies/pirate_with_bottle_of_rum_lg_blk.gif

[Brag]

When my publisher offered me a contract, I hoped that my books would sell a couple of thousand copies. Not enough to make a living but some spare change for a beer here and there and maybe a small trip once a year.

Imagine the shock I got when I saw this:

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o207/Braguine/fsscr349.jpg

I could not believe my eyes. Kingmaker was listed as a Hot Release together with the giants of thriller and espionage writing.

I live in one room I rent from a Chinese family. My travel is limited to roaming the world in a U-boat and causing mischief in the high seas.

Suddenly my status changed. From pauper, hat in hand begging to get shelf space in a bookstore, I'm invited for a martiny lunch to discuss promotion.

Perhaps this is a fleeting moment of glory before I get burried by the juggernaut of the established best sellers, but the trip was worth it.

[Onkel Neal]

No, you aren't going to get buried, Brag. I'm at the point in your book where Trager returns to hostile territory and it's fine reading so far. :yep:

[Brag]

No, you aren't going to get buried, Brag. I'm at the point in your book where Trager returns to hostile territory and it's fine reading so far. :yep:

That's good to hear, Neil. I'll have to pinch some of Jimbuna's smileys to celebrate.
Warning! Fasten your seatbelt, you're in for a ride. :arrgh!:

[Kapitan_Phillips]

At the risk of sounding like a parent, I'm proud of you Brag :D

[Brag]

This is portion of a review of Kingmaker in Affair du Ceur Magazine. Due to copyright restrictions I cannot post the full article.

The vivid descriptive power of the author brings Africa to life on the pages. The nuances are a little technical for this lay person to comprehend at times, but overall, an intense and edgy political thriller. Braguine has the talent of making these people seem real to this reader and keeping me reading late into the night to reach the dramatic conclusion. Trager is a salty hero, disillusioned and cynical, yet a little vulnerability peeks out from time to time. His determination to provide financial support to a struggling widow is a nice touch by the author. Political thrillers are not normally my cup of tea, but Kingmaker is a book I thoroughly enjoyed.

Lettetia Elsasser

[Dowly]

That's good to hear, Neil.

Uh oh... :p

[Jimbuna]

So you eventually found out what my pseudonym is http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/5158/winkbigid2.gif

[bradclark1]

Good for you! Thats a major door opening for you for further books.
Good luck.

[Brag]

So you eventually found out what my pseudonym is http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/5158/winkbigid2.gif

Guard your smilies, Jim :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

[Jimbuna]

No, you aren't going to get buried, Brag. I'm at the point in your book where Trager returns to hostile territory and it's fine reading so far. :yep:

That's good to hear, Neil. I'll have to pinch some of Jimbuna's smileys to celebrate.
Warning! Fasten your seatbelt, you're in for a ride. :arrgh!:

Absolutely no problem mate. Look.....even jimbunas reading it http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/read2.gif

Everyone deserves a break in life......I hope this is yours http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/thumbsup.gif

[Brag]

This is portion of a review of Kingmaker in Affair du Ceur Magazine, March/April 2008 issue. Due to copyright restrictions I cannot post the full article.

The vivid descriptive power of the author brings Africa to life on the pages. The nuances are a little technical for this lay person to comprehend at times, but overall, an intense and edgy political thriller. Braguine has the talent of making these people seem real to this reader and keeping me reading late into the night to reach the dramatic conclusion. Trager is a salty hero, disillusioned and cynical, yet a little vulnerability peeks out from time to time. His determination to provide financial support to a struggling widow is a nice touch by the author. Political thrillers are not normally my cup of tea, but Kingmaker is a book I thoroughly enjoyed.

Lettetia Elsasser

[Brag]

No, you aren't going to get buried, Brag. I'm at the point in your book where Trager returns to hostile territory and it's fine reading so far. :yep:

That's good to hear, Neil. I'll have to pinch some of Jimbuna's smileys to celebrate.
Warning! Fasten your seatbelt, you're in for a ride. :arrgh!:

Absolutely no problem mate. Look.....even jimbunas reading it http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/read2.gif

Everyone deserves a break in life......I hope this is yours http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/thumbsup.gif

http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/read2.gif http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/read2.gif http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/read2.gif http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/read2.gif http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/read2.gif http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/read2.gif http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/read2.gif http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/read2.gif
Kaleuns busy reading

[Brag]

Divvun ferget....my buggas a rum http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/crazy.gif

http://www.abfnet.com/forum/images/smilies/pirate_with_bottle_of_rum_lg_blk.gif

http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/read2.gif http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/read2.gif http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/read2.gif http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/read2.gif http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/read2.gif http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/read2.gif http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/read2.gif Kaleuns following Jimbuna's example.

The vivid descriptive power of the author brings Africa to life on the pages. The nuances are a little technical for this lay person to comprehend at times, but overall, an intense and edgy political thriller. Braguine has the talent of making these people seem real to this reader and keeping me reading late into the night to reach the dramatic conclusion. Trager is a salty hero, disillusioned and cynical, yet a little vulnerability peeks out from time to time. His determination to provide financial support to a struggling widow is a nice touch by the author. Political thrillers are not normally my cup of tea, but Kingmaker is a book I thoroughly enjoyed.

Affaire du Ceur Magazine, March/April 2008

[Jimbuna]

....and a few you didn't know about http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/5241/evilbvf9.gif (http://imageshack.us)

http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/3941/1bookcu4.gif (http://imageshack.us)http://img125.imageshack.us/img125/1102/bookgk5.gif (http://imageshack.us)[/URL][URL="http://imageshack.us"]http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/3604/iconstudydt8.gif (http://imageshack.us)http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/2434/read2tv1.gif (http://imageshack.us)

[Jimbuna]

So you eventually found out what my pseudonym is http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/5158/winkbigid2.gif

Guard your smilies, Jim :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/7705/thgenie9hycr0.gif http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/1323/band21lu5.gif http://img250.imageshack.us/img250/9929/2140lz0.gif http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/7045/bandht4.gif http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/images/smilies/bf_rasta.gif http://www.feebleminds-gifs.com/smiley-faces-74.gif http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/5241/evilbvf9.gif http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/5/5_5_138.gif

[Brag]

http://img125.imageshack.us/img125/1102/bookgk5.gif (http://imageshack.us/) http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/read2.gif http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/read2.gif

http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/3604/iconstudydt8.gif (http://imageshack.us/) http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/read2.gif
http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/2434/read2tv1.gif (http://imageshack.us/) http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/3941/1bookcu4.gif (http://imageshack.us/)

Reading with wolves :huh:

[Jimbuna]

Dancing with wolves

http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/headbanger.gif http://www.funfilesandsmiles.com/smileys2/DanceBallerina4.gif

[Brag]

Kingmaker by Alexey Braguine
Review by Mel Jacob
Light Sword Publishing Perfect Paperback: ISBN/ITEM#: 9780980073348
Date: 07 February 2008 List Price $16.95 Amazon US (http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/0980073340/sfrevu05) / Amazon UK (http://www.amazon.co.uk/o/ASIN/0980073340/sfrevu-21) / Show Official Info (http://www.gumshoereview.com/php/Review-id.php?id=1028&ShowCoverText=Yes)

Like so many thrillers these days, Alexey Braguine's novel Kingmaker mirrors the headlines. Set in a mythical central African nation, the novel focuses on the efforts of a cast of quixotic characters. John Trager, a jaded CIA operative, agrees to take one last mission ostensibly to find a former comrade-in-arms, Igor Dankov. Once in place, he must work through a Byzantine conspiracy only to discover two agents have already lost their lives.


Like the Cossacks of old, Dankov seeks to help the current Zengawalian president maintain power. His troops, former Russian military men and Africans from various tribes, are organized and disciplined. However, at least one powerful transnational corporation and several western governments want control of Zengawal and its resources. Operatives from these groups seek to oust the current president.
Simone Loriet, a beauty with an Algerian father and French mother, complicates Trager's search, both by his attraction to her and through his confusion over her real motives. Is she an opportunist or a patriot?
Violence and intrigues drive the action. Nice people die. Trager uncovers one twist after another.
Braguine who once lived in Africa provides plenty of local color and nasty villains for Trager to outwit. While his beautiful female characters are not above using sex to manipulate the men, they also fight either to survive or achieve political goals. Manipulated by men, they in turn manipulate others. Hard at work on his next novel, readers will want to watch for it.

Gumshoereview, March 2008

[Brag]

News, for a few brief hours Kingmaker pocked its nose into the best sellers. Still, this morning at #23 ranking in the Hot New Releases it was well Ahead of Le Carre's latest book.

Very nice reviews are beginning to help. Here is one in Gumshoereview:

Kingmaker by Alexey Braguine
Review by Mel Jacob
Light Sword Publishing Perfect Paperback: ISBN/ITEM#: 9780980073348
Date: 07 February 2008 List Price $16.95 Amazon US (http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/0980073340/sfrevu05) / Amazon UK (http://www.amazon.co.uk/o/ASIN/0980073340/sfrevu-21) / Show Official Info (http://www.gumshoereview.com/php/Review-id.php?id=1028&ShowCoverText=Yes)

Like so many thrillers these days, Alexey Braguine's novel Kingmaker mirrors the headlines. Set in a mythical central African nation, the novel focuses on the efforts of a cast of quixotic characters. John Trager, a jaded CIA operative, agrees to take one last mission ostensibly to find a former comrade-in-arms, Igor Dankov. Once in place, he must work through a Byzantine conspiracy only to discover two agents have already lost their lives.


Like the Cossacks of old, Dankov seeks to help the current Zengawalian president maintain power. His troops, former Russian military men and Africans from various tribes, are organized and disciplined. However, at least one powerful transnational corporation and several western governments want control of Zengawal and its resources. Operatives from these groups seek to oust the current president.
Simone Loriet, a beauty with an Algerian father and French mother, complicates Trager's search, both by his attraction to her and through his confusion over her real motives. Is she an opportunist or a patriot?
Violence and intrigues drive the action. Nice people die. Trager uncovers one twist after another.
Braguine who once lived in Africa provides plenty of local color and nasty villains for Trager to outwit. While his beautiful female characters are not above using sex to manipulate the men, they also fight either to survive or achieve political goals. Manipulated by men, they in turn manipulate others. Hard at work on his next novel, readers will want to watch for it.

Gumshoereview, March 2008
__________________

[STEED]

Kingmaker book thread (merged 32 times)

Do I hear 33?:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

[Brag]

Kingmaker book thread (merged 32 times)

Do I hear 33?:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

One thread, one club? Looking foward to reviews and comments from reading Kaleuns. Also to postings on the Amazon reader's reviews thinggie. Stay tuned! Soon I expect blurbs from high ranking former CIA and KGB officials. :D

[Respenus]

Once again Brag, all honours to you. You serve as an inspiration to all writers that have not yet had the time or the chance to boldly go where no CIA agent has stepped before. I'm sure we'll be hearing a lot about you in the future.

[Jimbuna]

Once again Brag, all honours to you. You serve as an inspiration to all writers that have not yet had the time or the chance to boldly go where no CIA agent has stepped before. I'm sure we'll be hearing a lot about you in the future.

You mean we're not already http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/3060/gigglebigtb9.gif

[Respenus]

Once again Brag, all honours to you. You serve as an inspiration to all writers that have not yet had the time or the chance to boldly go where no CIA agent has stepped before. I'm sure we'll be hearing a lot about you in the future.
You mean we're not already http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/3060/gigglebigtb9.gif

Sorry Jimbuna, didn't really get your point. We're not ready to boldly step where no CIA agent has stepped before. Like, we're not CIA agents, we don't have the guts, what? Do explain.

[Jimbuna]

Once again Brag, all honours to you. You serve as an inspiration to all writers that have not yet had the time or the chance to boldly go where no CIA agent has stepped before. I'm sure we'll be hearing a lot about you in the future.
You mean we're not already http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/3060/gigglebigtb9.gif

Sorry Jimbuna, didn't really get your point. We're not ready to boldly step where no CIA agent has stepped before. Like, we're not CIA agents, we don't have the guts, what? Do explain.

It was an attempt at a humerous response to your earlier comment "I'm sure we'll be hearing a lot about you in the future"

http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/2108/thumbsupkc7.gif

[Respenus]

Got it now. Double negation. Sorry, it sometimes takes a while to get my funny bone started.

What I meant, is that we'll be hearing about him in the general news, he'll go on tours around the world, signing books. The whole deal. We have very our SubSim *insert a very famous writer that you like*!

[Jimbuna]

Got it now. Double negation. Sorry, it sometimes takes a while to get my funny bone started.

What I meant, is that we'll be hearing about him in the general news, he'll go on tours around the world, signing books. The whole deal. We have very our SubSim *insert a very famous writer that you like*!

No prob mate, the written is often harder to translate than the spoken http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/thumbsup.gif

[Respenus]

Got it now. Double negation. Sorry, it sometimes takes a while to get my funny bone started.

What I meant, is that we'll be hearing about him in the general news, he'll go on tours around the world, signing books. The whole deal. We have very our SubSim *insert a very famous writer that you like*!
No prob mate, the written is often harder to translate than the spoken http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/thumbsup.gif

NO! God forbid! I do understand written English very well, atleast, this is what I believe in. The thing is, I wasn't looking for a sentence of this sorts, that's why I was "searching" for the right meaning for a while. Otherwise I'm fairly proficient in English. I'd prove it, if only I had the time.

Sorry Brag for topic highjack. It's yours again.

[Onkel Neal]

Got it now. Double negation. Sorry, it sometimes takes a while to get my funny bone started.

What I meant, is that we'll be hearing about him in the general news, he'll go on tours around the world, signing books. The whole deal. We have very our SubSim *insert a very famous writer that you like*!

That's right, buy the book now and you can say you helped Brag to the top :up:

[Dowly]

Sorry, it sometimes takes a while to get my funny bone started.

Your WHAT?! :o

[stabiz]

Sorry, it sometimes takes a while to get my funny bone started.
Your WHAT?! :o

Dowly ... hold it right there. The thoughts running through your brain right now are that same that robbed you of your eyesight. And gave you fur.

[Brag]

Got it now. Double negation. Sorry, it sometimes takes a while to get my funny bone started.

What I meant, is that we'll be hearing about him in the general news, he'll go on tours around the world, signing books. The whole deal. We have very our SubSim *insert a very famous writer that you like*!

That's right, buy the book now and you can say you helped Brag to the top :up:

Thanks, Neal!
So far, Subsimmers have played an important role in getting Kigmaker into a leading position. Important enough to getting me an invitation for lunch with a Senior retired CIA official who can do a lot to push Kingmaker to the forefront.
To date, Subsimers have created a situation similar to torpedoing a Nelson. There is still a long struggle ahead. At the moment I am optimistic enough that this book will allow me to come out to Galveston and share a good time with a fine bunch of guys. I thank everyone who has supported me to this point. But the main think is I hope you will enjoy the book.

[Jimbuna]

just make sure you bring enough beer tokens for a bottle of rum ;)

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/7187/piratewithbottleofrumlgsw0.gif (http://imageshack.us)

[Respenus]

Got it now. Double negation. Sorry, it sometimes takes a while to get my funny bone started.

What I meant, is that we'll be hearing about him in the general news, he'll go on tours around the world, signing books. The whole deal. We have very our SubSim *insert a very famous writer that you like*!
That's right, buy the book now and you can say you helped Brag to the top :up:

Well I would if I had the chance. Seeing how I don't a credit card and the fact I wouldn't never ask my parents to lend it to me, I'll just to buy it some other time. But I will buy, you can be sure of that!

Sorry, it sometimes takes a while to get my funny bone started.
Your WHAT?! :o

Funny bone (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Funny_bone). Not the other part you were thinking off, naughty, naughty boy! It is an expression, it just seems that I used it in the wrong context. I do apologise if I caused any disturbances, my mind does seem to slow down late at night.

[Brag]

:sunny: :sunny: Kingmaker is getting glowing reviews!:sunny: :sunny:






tp://www.freewebs.com/braguine/kingmakerreviews.htm (http://www.freewebs.com/braguine/kingmakerreviews.htm)

[Brag]

:sunny: :sunny: Kingmaker is getting glowing reviews!:sunny: :sunny:
tp://www.freewebs.com/braguine/kingmakerreviews.htm (http://www.freewebs.com/braguine/kingmakerreviews.htm)

If you like thrillers and espionage stories, read the reviews, get the book, take it on patrol, or relax after your heroic actions, enjoy it! :D

[Brag]

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o207/Braguine/Cover_001.jpg

[Rotary Crewman]

My copy arrived today. Once I have completed Flashman I may get stuck into it.:up:

[Kapitan_Phillips]

Looks like there's a new user review!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0980073340/


Good things :up:

[Kipparikalle]

Good job mate!

I hope you will earn some lil' extra with that book!

Now, is declaring alone a war on America automatically signing your death?

Just wanted to know.

[Brag]

Woo-hoooo! Neal really caught the spirit of the book!

http://www.funfilesandsmiles.com/smileys2/doggyandnaner.gif http://www.funfilesandsmiles.com/smileys2/doggyandnaner.gif http://www.funfilesandsmiles.com/smileys2/doggyandnaner.gifhttp://www.funfilesandsmiles.com/smileys2/doggyandnaner.gifFree schuttle to the subsim store courtesy of Jimbuna who is now looking for his dogs.

Read, the review;http://www.amazon.com/dp/0980073340/ (http://www.amazon.com/dp/0980073340/)

[Jimbuna]

Woo-hoooo! Neal really caught the spirit of the book!

http://www.funfilesandsmiles.com/smileys2/doggyandnaner.gif http://www.funfilesandsmiles.com/smileys2/doggyandnaner.gif http://www.funfilesandsmiles.com/smileys2/doggyandnaner.gifhttp://www.funfilesandsmiles.com/smileys2/doggyandnaner.gifFree schuttle to the subsim store courtesy of Jimbuna who is now looking for his dogs.

Read, the review;http://www.amazon.com/dp/0980073340/ (http://www.amazon.com/dp/0980073340/)

LMAO :rotfl:

[Brag]

Woo-hoooo! Neal really caught the spirit of the book!

http://www.funfilesandsmiles.com/smileys2/doggyandnaner.gif http://www.funfilesandsmiles.com/smileys2/doggyandnaner.gif http://www.funfilesandsmiles.com/smileys2/doggyandnaner.gifhttp://www.funfilesandsmiles.com/smileys2/doggyandnaner.gifFree schuttle to the subsim store courtesy of Jimbuna who is now looking for his dogs.

Read Neal's review;http://www.amazon.com/dp/0980073340/ (http://www.amazon.com/dp/0980073340/)

LMAO :rotfl:


Jimbuna laughs, looking forward to put the cuffs on Brag in Galveston.
This morning, KINGMAKER crept from No 50 to 49 on the Amazon Spy Stories & Intrigue section. We need more valiant dog riders to go to the Subsim store and place their order. :rock: :rock:

[STEED]

At this rate Brag will be the new centre fold in Play Girl.

[Jimbuna]

Woo-hoooo! Neal really caught the spirit of the book!

http://www.funfilesandsmiles.com/smileys2/doggyandnaner.gif http://www.funfilesandsmiles.com/smileys2/doggyandnaner.gif http://www.funfilesandsmiles.com/smileys2/doggyandnaner.gifhttp://www.funfilesandsmiles.com/smileys2/doggyandnaner.gifFree schuttle to the subsim store courtesy of Jimbuna who is now looking for his dogs.

Read Neal's review;http://www.amazon.com/dp/0980073340/ (http://www.amazon.com/dp/0980073340/)

LMAO :rotfl:


Jimbuna laughs, looking forward to put the cuffs on Brag in Galveston.
This morning, KINGMAKER crept from No 50 to 49 on the Amazon Spy Stories & Intrigue section. We need more valiant dog riders to go to the Subsim store and place their order. :rock: :rock:

http://www.smileygenerator.us/community/uploads/stripshy.gif

[STEED]

http://www.smileygenerator.us/community/uploads/stripshy.gif


FECKING EKE JIM YOU TRYING TO KILL ME BY DEATH BY LAUGHTER?


:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
ROFLOL
:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

[Jimbuna]

At this rate Brag will be the new centre fold in Play Girl.

http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/8918/youngtonyblairty2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Respenus]

MY EYES!!! THEY'RE BURNING!!! THE INHUMANITY!!!

Jesus Christ Allmighty, jimbuna, there's a limit you know!

[STEED]

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/9097/presentation1ha6.jpg

[Jimbuna]

Whatever you say Cherie.....baby http://imgcash3.imageshack.us/img412/4774/thumbsuplargeon1.gif

http://img103.imageshack.us/img103/4726/hirsch07pr7.gif

[Jimbuna]

http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/9804/blair704680tz1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Brag]

Awright, you sex driven loonies! Time to unleash the dogs of war!

http://www.funfilesandsmiles.com/smileys2/doggyandnaner.gif http://www.funfilesandsmiles.com/smileys2/doggyandnaner.gif http://www.funfilesandsmiles.com/smileys2/doggyandnaner.gifhttp://www.funfilesandsmiles.com/smileys2/doggyandnaner.gif
and ride into the subsim store and smash the monopolistic barriers set up against small publishers and new writers.
Last night Kingmaker climbed to No. 19. But quickly slid back to 24. Pretty damn good, but still short of getting to the general public's attention.

The fabulous reviews are beginning to push the book forward and the sporadic drip drip of sales is becoming steadier. I'm pretty sure that subsimers are playing a key role in this. I particularly thank the first wave of readers who ordered the book on trust that it would not be a waste of money.

[Jimbuna]

On my way.....slowly but surely http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/5558/camelnanerxt1.gif

[STEED]

Brag, you have got to send me this book a.s.a.p

http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/9670/booksi9.jpg

[Brag]

Rofl :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

Steed,
Put on a dirty mac and proceed to the back alleys off Picadilly Circus.

Memorize your pitch: Pssssst, wanna buy a book? Caramba! This is hot.:|\\

[STEED]

Rofl :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

Steed,
Put on a dirty mac and proceed to the back alleys off Picadilly Circus.



Are you need research on a follow up book?

I'm on the case. :ping:

[Brag]

:sunny: :sunny: :sunny: Sunday Morning News

The trickle of sales becomes steadier and Kingmaker holds its position and moved from #40 in the Amazon Hot Releases to #34. This trend is very helpful when I start my HHHH program
(HHHH= Hassling, hustling, harrassing, haranguing) book store Managers to place Kingmaker on their book shelves.

Due to lack of funds, this campaign is restricted to the Washington DC area. But you can't keep a good book down as word spreads about a good read.

To those who have already bought the book, thanks very much. Once you have read it, your opinion and reviews will be greatly appreciated.

[Jimbuna]

ROFLMAO http://imgcash3.imageshack.us/img152/9959/rollingaroundlaughingly2.gif

http://xylo.xy.ohost.de/images/smilies/36_5_8.gif http://www.smileygenerator.us/community/uploads/1182400429.CR.balamm-Judge.gif

[sunvalleyslim]

Good one Steed..................:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

[Brag]

Good morning everyone!

Slowly, word is creeping out to the rest of the world that Kingmaker is in existence. Yesterday began campaign of trelephoning Bookstore managers and had a reasonably positive reception. The support I've been getting from Subsimers makes a great difference when I contact these people.

A number of our guys who got the book should soon have finished reading it. Your comments here and a small review on Amazon will help a lot.

Presently, Kingmaker is hovering in the #45 position in the Hot Releases Espionage section.

I thank everyone for the continuing support. :D

[Kapitan_Phillips]

I dont understand why booksellers are so defensive when it comes to giving new authors a chance. They dont really lose much if they buy enough to try out. Heck, if I was running a store Kingmaker would get a wee promo corner with little stickers and stuff :D:lol:

[Jimbuna]

I dont understand why booksellers are so defensive when it comes to giving new authors a chance. They dont really lose much if they buy enough to try out. Heck, if I was running a store Kingmaker would get a wee promo corner with little stickers and stuff :D:lol:

Plus a life size cardboard cutout of the author so anyone who didn't enjoy the book could rip an ear off or write some obsenity :rotfl:

[Brag]

I dont understand why booksellers are so defensive when it comes to giving new authors a chance. They dont really lose much if they buy enough to try out. Heck, if I was running a store Kingmaker would get a wee promo corner with little stickers and stuff :D:lol:

Plus a life size cardboard cutout of the author so anyone who didn't enjoy the book could rip an ear off or write some obsenity :rotfl:

I have ordered a spit-proof cape :p :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

[Brag]

I dont understand why booksellers are so defensive when it comes to giving new authors a chance. They dont really lose much if they buy enough to try out. Heck, if I was running a store Kingmaker would get a wee promo corner with little stickers and stuff :D:lol:

With over 51,000 fiction titles coming out every year in the USA, a debut author with zero advertizing budget has a wee bit of a problem. Store managers are also aware that a large percentage of these new titles is trash. So far, the managers I have contacted have treated me with utmost respect. So I can't complain.

[stabiz]

Yeah, and the media is tough too. I had a hard time getting my first novel even reviewed, except in the local newspaper.:rotfl:

The reason why managers hesitate going for the unknown, is that they ideally would have one title, and 500.000 copies. Preferably Harry Potter. This is of course not only the managers fault, its just as much you morons who only buy Harry Potter.:cool:

It gets easier when your book number two hits the shelves, Brag. (I`ll get back to you what happens when an authors number three is out, in a few months:D)

[Brag]

[quote=stabiz]Yeah, and the media is tough too. I had a hard time getting my first novel even reviewed, except in the local newspaper.:rotfl:

The reason why managers hesitate going for the unknown, is that they ideally would have one title, and 500.000 copies. Preferably Harry Potter. This is of course not only the managers fault, its just as much you morons who only buy Harry Potter.:cool:

quote]

LMAO ---Too Bad I don't read Norwegian. Looking forward to hear how your #3 book does, wishing it to be a best seller.

[Brag]

If you have read or are still reading Kingmaker, post your comments here. A posting on the Amazon site would also be appreciated :D

[Tango589]

I received Kingmaker a few days ago from a 3rd party on Amazon UK as Amazon never gave me a date for delivery a fortnight after telling me they were having trouble getting hold od the book. I am now up to chapter 9 and so far it is a damn good read! Recommend it to all your friends, neighbours,relatives and strangers you pass on the street as they don't know what they are missing.:p

[Brag]

Tango,
Thank you for the super enthusiastic comment! I hope you will continue to enjoy the read. :D
Up to now, UK readers been getting the book through Amazon afiliates.

[Brag]

After a week of sliding back on the ratings on Amazon's Hot Spy Story Releases list and reaching the # 53 spot, KINGMAKER surged ahead during Friday night. This morning it had recaptured the #31 spot.

Though difficult to tell, it seems that Subsimers once again played a role in pushing the book out toward public awareness of it's existence.

So far, it has been a major struggle to get the large chain stores to stock Kingmaker on their shelves. Your support plays a key role in convincing the stores that this is a worthwhile book to have in stock. Thanks again, mates! :D

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/9053/dancewithpiratevi9.gif :ahoy: http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/9053/dancewithpiratevi9.gif

[Brag]

For those curious, here is a sample chapter of my novel. I hope you'll like it. :D Since this is a copy taken from the manuscript submited to the publisher, the printed version is slightly different.


Kingmaker
© 2008 Alexey Braguine

Chapter 1

"Enough!" John Trager growled through clenched teeth. He wanted to spit on the note and jam it down Blanky's throat.
Lunch at the Frog place, noon.
Closing his hand into a fist, he scrunched the arrogant communication. "Enough," he repeated to the walls of the austere office in the attic of his Georgetown townhouse. With a growing sense of bravado, he fed the note together with an incriminating copy of the ISAS, Institute for Strategic Advanced Studies, report to the shredder.
The voracious machine buzzed. A happy vandal, singing a song of rebellion.
Humming along, Trager hit send on his computer. The newsletter, a paraphrased version of the ISAS report, was on its circuitous way. Seventy-three clients in the White House, Pentagon and Senate would eat it up. Though he hated himself for doing it, Trager slanted the report to what the White House wanted to hear. At two hundred bucks a pop, today's issue would bring the Merril kids' trust fund up to the level required to see them through college.
Free of his moral obligation, he was unfettered to move on. Blankenship--Blanky behind his back--would **** when he heard what Trager had to say.
Thinking of the upcoming change in his life, he gazed at the framed photographs on the wall, all of them fifteen years or older, as if his life had stopped when he left the Marine Corps. Trager shook his head. Fifteen years of drifting from mission to mission with brief interludes in between. Like an avaricious collector, every time he returned to Washington, he bought a piece of fine furniture or a painting to plush up his house. What in the hell for? To impress cockroaches and Norwegian rats who proliferated during his absences? He swiveled his chair and his gaze rested on the neatly made up bunk, which could pass boot camp inspection. That was all he needed, a place to lay one's head. In the rest of the house, he felt like a visitor from his earlier life of genteel poverty. Were his parents still alive, he would have given the house to them. They would have liked it.
Trager sighed. Time to go see Blanky, the gourmet *****.
#
Ignoring the muggy July heat, Trager strode down M Street toward La Cigalle. Elation, doubt, fear spun in his mind, accelerating his heartbeat. After all the years of working with Blanky, Trager knew the old spook's reaction would not be a pat on the back and a good luck speech. He pushed the restaurant's frosted glass door open. A shock of cold air made his light gray tropical suit cling like a leech. Like aliens from another world, the denizens of the nation's capital lived much of their lives in artificial environments shielding them from the realities of the planet. Trager waited for the maitre d' to emerge.
"Bonjour Monsieur."
"Bonjour Etienne, il fait froid ici."
Etienne smiled and winked. "Shortly, when our clientele arrives, we'll enjoy plenty of hot air."
Trager followed Etienne to the plush corner booth Blankenship always reserved. For an experienced case officer it was bad tradecraft. Or maybe Blankenship had the booth bugged. Next time he would refuse to sit there. Next time? Trager reminded himself he and Blankenship were finished. Severing a relationship with the CIA was final and total. Trager would instantly become an outsider to be warily observed from a distance. The few friends Trager had would vanish from his map.
A fanatic for psychological advantage, Blankenship never arrived early to a meeting with an agent. He always gave the poor wretch at least ten minutes to feel nervous and insecure. He probably lurked in the lobby of the building across the street, watching the restaurant to see if anyone followed Trager. Even in DC, Blankenship acted as if he were in Moscow at the height of the Cold War.
The old spook would make it difficult for Trager to quit. Wishing he were in Arles or Aix en Provence, or anywhere out of Blanky's reach, Trager poured water into his Ricard and swirled the drink, watching it turn from clear amber into milky vanilla.
To Trager's surprise, only two minutes late, Blankenship huffed up the steps to the dining room. He bulldozed past Etienne and slid his bulk into the booth. Ignoring Trager he let out a grunt and turned to the waiter who rushed over as if his life depended on swift action. "Martini, Monsieur?"
"Oui, comme toujour," Blankenship growled.
Trager sipped his drink while he studied his boss. The carefully trimmed ash-colored beard gave Blankenship a sinister appearance. He no longer wore comfortably shabby but well-tailored suits. His almost new seersucker, already too tight, barely hid the Colt .45 in a shoulder holster. Except when inside the Pickle Factory, Blankenship and his pistol never parted company.
In less than a minute, the waiter returned with the martini.
Blankenship raised his glass. "It's good to see you, Johnny."
Surprised at Blanky's bonhomie, Trager chuckled trying to disguise his anxiety. "This is our farewell lunch," he blurted.
Blankenship tilted his head to one side. "What do you think about the elections in Kenya?"
Trager wondered why Blankenship bothered to ask such a banal question, Compared to Trager's, Blanky's expertise of African politics was encyclopedic. "My parting pearls of wisdom--About time they got rid of Moi. But I doubt Kibaki can clean up the mess."
The waiter returned.
Finished ordering, Trager turned to Blankenship with a wicked smile. "And a bottle of the best Burgundy in the house."
Blankenship frowned as the waiter left. "Isn't that extravagant?"
"My last chance to skin the poor, meek tax-paying stiffs."
Blankenship shook his head, and launched a startling bomb. "Remember Dankov?"
Trager swallowed the wrong way. He jerked the blue decorative handkerchief from his outside breast pocket and coughed into it.
Blankenship seemed amused as he watched Trager's distress.
Recovered from his coughing fit, Trager gave Blankenship a hard look, took a sip of his drink. When the tickling in his throat stopped, he said, "I came here to gracefully--"
"Remember Dankov?"
"Who?" Trager answered as if interrogated by a foreign security service.
"Dankov. Your compadre."
"He always gave me indigestion." Trager didn't know whether to blame Dankov, Blankenship or himself for what happened in Bratislava. But that was ancient history.
"I want you to find him."
Trager laughed. "That's a good one. You gave him such an effective new identity you lost him?"
"This isn't funny. Your show of amusement is impolite."
"You've screwed up. Now you want me to wash your dirty skivvies--the answer is no. Would you like me to spell it?"
Blankenship's face reddened. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but the food arrived.
"Bon appetit," the waiter said as he withdrew.
"Listen to me. I'll spell a couple of things for you." Blankenship's face returned to its normal gray. "Rosemarie Merrill. Would you like to see the nice lady go to jail?"
Trager fought to control himself, put down his fork. Rosemarie provided him with copies of the ISAS reports, which helped him make the newsletter such a success. "You're talking gibberish."
"I can also give the IRS your list of subscribers. They'll find it fascinating."
Trager wondered how Blankenship found out about his newsletter, which was retransmitted from an Internet café in Barcelona. Threatening Rosemarie was incredibly low. What made it more galling was that during the Gulf War an American plane had drilled her husband. With Chuck in a wheelchair and two kids to raise, she had a hard time. Intelligence officers like Blankenship were sewer rats with good table manners. "Are you willing to admit to engaging in domestic spying?"
Without looking up, Blankenship answered. "Haven't you heard of anonymous tips?"
"Can't you find something pleasant to say? After all, this is an expensive lunch. I'd like to finish it."
"Dankov left his suburban Iowa house, deserted his American wife, has reverted to his real identity."
This wasn't surprising. Trager couldn't imagine the outrageous Dankov happy as a suburbanite. "So what? The Cold War is over. Defector goes home.
It's not even newsworthy."
"He's morphed into a troublemaker."
"He was always a troublemaker, always caused problems." Trager tasted his crepe. It was superb.
"He's now working against U.S. interests."
"I have trouble believing that."
"I want you to find him."
"Okay, I'll go to Russia tomorrow and whack him. This is back in fashion, I hear."
Blankenship sighed loudly and rolled his eyes, looking at the ceiling as if seeking divine inspiration. His gaze returned to Trager. "You'll find him in Africa." After delivering this last bit of information, he got busy harpooning snails.
Trager's stomach knotted. After two bites of crepe he felt full.
"Eat," Blankenship said. "The worst sin is the waste of taxpayer's money." With a piece of bread Blankenship sopped the last of the garlic oil, shrugged, took Trager's crepe and ate it, too.
Trager toyed with his fork, wanting to twist it inside Blanky's gut.
Blankenship daubed his lips with a napkin. "You have two weeks to find Dankov."
"Send someone else."
"I have. They failed. I want you to ask him what the **** he's up to--and give him my personal, warmest regards." Blankenship smiled. "He used to call me Uncle Dougie."
"How touching."
"You lack understanding of warmth in human relations."
"Uncle Dougie--this side of you I've never seen."
"You don't deserve it."
"I'm tired. I want a fresh start. I want to have long-term human contact in my real identity. I'm searching for a polite way to tell you to go **** yourself."
"Johnny, you are impulsive. Don't burn the house that sheltered you just because it's ugly."
"It stinks."
"You have two weeks to find out what Dankov is up to. By then you will have found a way to express your feelings of abhorrence or reconsider." Blankenship's expression softened. "One last favor for Uncle Doug."
Trager took a deep breath. Two more weeks under Blanky's thumb wasn't the end of the world. He always knew severing his ties to the Agency would be difficult. "Where in Africa is he?"
"Zengawal. He's running a bunch of mercs. And I'm getting bad vibes." Blankenship took an envelope out of a pocket and slid it across the table. "You fly to Brussels tonight, connect with Sabena for your flight to Kinshasa. You'll probably need to bribe someone there to get you a seat on Air Zengawal. I need the info pronto."
"Okay, I'm giving you two week's notice now."
Blankenship nodded. His eyes narrowed, and the corners of his mouth sagged.
"Who's my contact?"
"Nobody. We don't have an embassy in Turako and no station."
"I don't believe it."
"You don't have to. Fact--no local contact." Blankenship shook his head and sighed. "We don't even have a consulate there."
"Come on." Trager was sure Blankenship was lying. "Not even one guy under commercial cover?"
"You know perfectly well that in the last few years we've been decapitated. On 9/11 the FBI had more agents in New York City alone than we had case officers worldwide."
Trager hated to agree with Blanky. Inept foreign policy, politics, turf wars and bureaucracy had dramatically eroded the CIA's human intelligence collection capabilities.
Blankenship placed his elbows on the table and leaned forward. "You're flying solo. Commercial cover."
Trager lifted the envelope. "Pretty thin briefing."
"One sheet, one mug shot. The expense money is in your account."
Trager opened the envelope and inspected the photograph of a brunette. The fourth generation copy of the passport photo couldn't hide a striking face. "Who is she?"
"Mademoiselle Simone Loriot. Dankov was last seen in her company." Blankenship grinned. "A pretty woman, a lead."
"Who is she?"
"That's what you'll find out and report."
"I thought you were interested in Dankov."
"Yeah, and his Axis of Evil."
Trager wanted to smile but didn't. Blankenship's contempt for politicians was well known in the Agency. After President Bush's Axis of Evil speech, Blankenship took to carrying a roll of duct tape when walking the Pickle Factory's corridors and asking for volunteers to wrap tape around Bush's mouth. It was rumored the director had Blankenship on the carpet over it.
Trager slid the photograph back into the envelope.
"If I accept this assignment, will you destroy whatever evidence you have on Mrs. Merrill?"
"If? Dear boy, you misread me again." Blankenship touched his beard. "You have no choice."
"I asked you a question."
"Extortionists never destroy the goods."
"Driven by desperation, after lunch, I'll go to the Dupont Metro station and jump in front of a train," worried about Rosemarie, he said only half-joking.
"I wish I could go with you and watch."
"Give me your word you'll destroy the evidence."
Blankenship sighed. "Okay, you have my word."
Without illusions about Blankenship's sense of honor, Trager pulled out the rest of the contents of the envelope--airline tickets and some pocket litter. "You call this a briefing?"
"Mademoiselle Loriot works in the Ministry of Education."
"A white woman in an African government?"
"Interesting, isn't it?"
"Is she with the UN?"
The question brought a grin to Blankenship's face. "Supposedly she's a French national. But the French claim to have zero on her. A Simone Loriot worked for the UN refugee organization in Bosnia." He reached over. "Now give me the picture back. You don't want to be caught carrying it."
"Since I'm not the first assigned to this job, what happened to the others?"
"They failed to contact Dankov."
"That's obvious--why did they fail?"
Blankenship shifted in his seat. "You have access to Dankov, you and he were buddies."
"What happened to them?" Trager tapped the table with his fingers.
Blankenship's expression grew dark. "You're good at finding the truth. When you return, you'll let me know." He reached inside his jacket and drew an American passport. "Use the Davenport identity."

[GlobalExplorer]

Boring. ;) Ehm I mean ..

http://www.nataliedee.com/033006/totally-great.jpg

[Tango589]

Read that bit. Now up to chapter 25. Hercule Poirot just stepped off the steaming train.:88)

[Brag]

Read that bit. Now up to chapter 25. Hercule Poirot just stepped off the steaming train.:88)

You're making good progress--Poirot leaves the station and undresses the nurse :rotfl: :rotfl:

[Tango589]

Woo-hoo!!! I'll read that bit tonight!!:rock:

[GlobalExplorer]

silly joke removed :cool:

[Tango589]

silly joke removed :cool:

Keep the silly jokes, some people round here like them (whistles nonchalently):oops:

[Brag]

Boring. ;) Ehm I mean ..


Got your joke no problem--is that snake supposed to bite me? :dead:

[Brag]

A mystery babe posted a review on Amazon :huh:

[Brag]

Part of a review written by a lady who doesn't like spy stories. ;)



. . . Braguine's Kingmaker is an absorbing, well-crafted read. Alexey's seamless integration of many differnt languages into the storyline creates unforgettable scenes, as does his beautifully written description of place--marketplaces, cities, and landscapes foreign to most Americans. I know enough about Alexey Braguine to understand how he gained his knowledge of these locales--knowledge which allowed him to so effortlessly meld these places and cultures into this plot. He's a world traveler, an everyman, a spy.

Read this book; you won't be sorry.

[Brag]

This last week was somewhat depressing due to the resistance of bookstores to stock books by the unknown yours truly.

To add to the gloom and doom, Kingmaker kept sliding back on the Amazon rankings.

This morning, boom! Overnight, from number 56 on the Hot Releases list, Kingmaker rose to number 24. What is most important, it can now be found by simply browsing om the Espionage & Intrigue list where it was number 67 out of 7,000 titles.

The trend continued during the day and the book is now number 19, running with the big dogs.

I thank those of you who purchased the book and look forward to your comments.:D

[bradclark1]

There were a couple of boobs in it like a couple of spelling mistakes and you paddle a canoe, not row it type of things. It came very close to being too slow and drawn out but overall I will buy your next book.
Just a little helpful critique and not a dig.

[Brag]

There were a couple of boobs in it like a couple of spelling mistakes and you paddle a canoe, not row it type of things. It came very close to being too slow and drawn out but overall I will buy your next book.
Just a little helpful critique and not a dig.

Thanks Bradclark1. I appreciate your comments. The greatest compliment to a writer is when someone buys the following book :D

[Tango589]

Now I'm at a loose end.:roll: I finished Kingmaker a couple of hours ago and have nothing new to read. Can anyone recommend any good books?

[Brag]

Tango,

I found Arturo Perez Reverte's The Nautical Chart a very good read, a classy adventure story with great characters.

[Jimbuna]

Now I'm at a loose end.:roll: I finished Kingmaker a couple of hours ago and have nothing new to read. Can anyone recommend any good books?

Nah!....Clay Blairs two volume set: Hitler's U-boat War http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/pirate.gif

[bradclark1]

Shouldn't the thread title say merged 35 times now?

PS. Just trying to hit the 3000 mark faster.

[Tango589]

Now I'm at a loose end.:roll: I finished Kingmaker a couple of hours ago and have nothing new to read. Can anyone recommend any good books?

Nah!....Clay Blairs two volume set: Hitler's U-boat War http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/pirate.gif

I have these 2 books on order, so they should keep me occupied for a few weeks.

PS. How long until I lose the idiot medic avatar?

[Jimbuna]

Now I'm at a loose end.:roll: I finished Kingmaker a couple of hours ago and have nothing new to read. Can anyone recommend any good books?

Nah!....Clay Blairs two volume set: Hitler's U-boat War http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/pirate.gif

I have these 2 books on order, so they should keep me occupied for a few weeks.

PS. How long until I lose the idiot medic avatar?

I think it's something like 25/50 posts http://imgcash3.imageshack.us/img240/9117/pointingqq8.gif

[Tango589]

I think it's something like 25/50 posts http://imgcash3.imageshack.us/img240/9117/pointingqq8.gif

Stop laughing I say! Stop it now! It's not in the least bit amusing, in fact it is causing me to lose the respect of my crew on U-124.:nope:

[Jimbuna]

I think it's something like 25/50 posts http://imgcash3.imageshack.us/img240/9117/pointingqq8.gif

Stop laughing I say! Stop it now! It's not in the least bit amusing, in fact it is causing me to lose the respect of my crew on U-124.:nope:

Should keep yer ears warm when your up on the bridge anyway http://img113.imageshack.us/img113/7975/gigglebigtb9fg3.gif

[Brag]

I think it's something like 25/50 posts http://imgcash3.imageshack.us/img240/9117/pointingqq8.gif

Stop laughing I say! Stop it now! It's not in the least bit amusing, in fact it is causing me to lose the respect of my crew on U-124.:nope:

Should keep yer ears warm when your up on the bridge anyway http://img113.imageshack.us/img113/7975/gigglebigtb9fg3.gif

Tango, get a tea cozy :rotfl: :rotfl:

[Jimbuna]

I think it's something like 25/50 posts http://imgcash3.imageshack.us/img240/9117/pointingqq8.gif

Stop laughing I say! Stop it now! It's not in the least bit amusing, in fact it is causing me to lose the respect of my crew on U-124.:nope:

Should keep yer ears warm when your up on the bridge anyway http://img113.imageshack.us/img113/7975/gigglebigtb9fg3.gif

Tango, get a tea cozy :rotfl: :rotfl:

Where's that one I posted of Bernard (the guy with the white beard) a while back http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/1817/thinkbigsw1yo4.gif

[NealT]

Now I'm at a loose end.:roll: I finished Kingmaker a couple of hours ago and have nothing new to read. Can anyone recommend any good books?

Yes...try War and Peace. That should keep you busy for a couple of nights...

[Brag]

After the little detour to the classics. KINGMAKER. Read it, love it, hate it, comment. :arrgh!:

[nikimcbee]

Now I'm at a loose end.:roll: I finished Kingmaker a couple of hours ago and have nothing new to read. Can anyone recommend any good books?

Yes...try War and Peace. That should keep you busy for a couple of nights...

only a couple at most. And if that doesn't work, read Anna Karenina after that.:know:

[Brag]

Now I'm at a loose end.:roll: I finished Kingmaker a couple of hours ago and have nothing new to read. Can anyone recommend any good books?

Yes...try War and Peace. That should keep you busy for a couple of nights...

only a couple at most. And if that doesn't work, read Anna Karenina after that.:know:
Don't forget Crime and Punishment :smug:

[Tango589]

Now I'm at a loose end.:roll: I finished Kingmaker a couple of hours ago and have nothing new to read. Can anyone recommend any good books?

Yes...try War and Peace. That should keep you busy for a couple of nights...

only a couple at most. And if that doesn't work, read Anna Karenina after that.:know:
Don't forget Crime and Punishment :smug:

All these big books and not a single picture to colour in!:roll:

[Jimbuna]

LOL :rotfl:

[Brag]

Now I'm at a loose end.:roll: I finished Kingmaker a couple of hours ago and have nothing new to read. Can anyone recommend any good books?

Yes...try War and Peace. That should keep you busy for a couple of nights...

only a couple at most. And if that doesn't work, read Anna Karenina after that.:know:
Don't forget Crime and Punishment :smug:

All these big books and not a single picture to colour in!:roll:

Maybe we need a Kaleun's Coloring Book by Balz, with special section for creating colourful tea cozies :sunny:

[Jimbuna]

Maybe even a section entitled 'Guess Who'

http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/5444/teacozytoobigix2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Tango589]

Maybe even a section entitled 'Guess Who'

http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/5444/teacozytoobigix2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


Ha ha ha ha!!
:rotfl:

[Brag]

Special model for swelling heads :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

[Jimbuna]

LOL :lol:

[Brag]

Kingmaker could use a review, or two, or three on Amazon UK. :sunny:

[Brag]

01 April

Kingmaker makes the top selection of the mystery books featured on Author's Island! :sunny: :sunny:

http://www.authorisland.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=21&Itemid=39

In another development. the book surged to #21 on the Amazon Hot new Releases espionage intrigue list.

[Graf Paper]

I'm stumped, Brag. I did not see a link or cover pic for your book on the Subsim Store's main page. :-?

I'm feeling more than a little blind/feeble-minded about this! :doh:

I was wondering how much "Kingmaker" is retailing for as I wanted to buy it next month since this month marks finally getting caught up on the retroactively levied property taxes the county hit me and the wife for because they claimed they had wrongly appraised the land as an empty lot without a house.

I suppose it is worrying me that I'm so far gone in my premature senile dementia that I truly believe I'm sitting in a warm house typing this instead of sitting in the middle of an empty, frost-rimed parcel.

After all, it's impossible the bureaucrat that appraised this land four years ago could have missed something so obvious as a house! Right? :p

[Jimbuna]

STEED has a snazzy cover pic :oops:


:rotfl:

[Brag]

Graf,

You go to the Amazon window and type Alexey Braguine and the book will pop up. It retails for $13.22. Some people been getting it cheaper. If you type the title about 4 different Kingmakers will appear.

What else can I say about bureucrats?

[Brag]

http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/x-locale/common/customer-reviews/stars-5-0._V47081849_.gif Kingmaker is a great read!!, April 2, 2008
By N. F. Petersen "Nancy" (http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/A3TWFHMBJ7P0OZ/ref=cm_cr_pr_pdp) (Madras OR) - See all my reviews (http://www.amazon.com/gp/cdp/member-reviews/A3TWFHMBJ7P0OZ/ref=cm_cr_pr_auth_rev?ie=UTF8&sort%5Fby=MostRecentReview)
http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/x-locale/communities/reputation/c7y_badge_rn_1._V47060296_.gif (http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html/ref=cm_rn_bdg_help?ie=UTF8&nodeId=14279681&pop-up=1#RN)
A super read, with tension and mystery in every scene. Tightly written with obvious insiders understanding of spy agencies and how they work. All the key ingredients for a great read. Buy it today, you won't regret it!!

http://www.amazon.com/review/product/0980073340/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?%5Fencoding=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

[Brag]

Amazon Customer Reviews

http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/x-locale/common/customer-reviews/stars-5-0._V47081849_.gifKingmaker is a great read!!, April 2, 2008
By N. F. Petersen "Nancy" (http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/A3TWFHMBJ7P0OZ/ref=cm_cr_pr_pdp) (Madras OR)
http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/x-locale/common/customer-reviews/stars-4-0._V47081936_.gif An absorbing thriller, with a twist, March 6, 2008 By Neal Stevens
http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/x-locale/common/customer-reviews/stars-5-0._V47081849_.gif Big Time Page Turner - A Spy Thriller Written for the Sexes, March 7, 2008
By Post Neo Con, Neo Con (http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/A1IWDZGVQ7DKMB/ref=cm_cr_pr_pdp) (Washington, DC)
http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/x-locale/common/customer-reviews/stars-5-0._V47081849_.gif Kingmaker: An Excellent Read, March 19, 2008
By funnylinda (http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/A3NN7B4YZHBA3M/ref=cm_cr_pr_pdp) (USA) -

To read full Amazon customer reviews please click on link below:

com/review/product/0980073340/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?%5Fencoding=UTF8&showViewpoints=1 (http://www.amazon.com/review/product/0980073340/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?%5Fencoding=UTF8&showViewpoints=1)

[Brag]

bumpahoochies :88)

[Sigurd]

I finally got a copy of Kingmaker, and thanks to jury duty today, I managed to get over half-way through the book. Really enjoying it so far. Well worth the wait:up:

[Jimbuna]

I finally got a copy of Kingmaker, and thanks to jury duty today, I managed to get over half-way through the book. Really enjoying it so far. Well worth the wait:up:

Does that mean jury duty was a little less than rivetting :lol:

[Brag]

I finally got a copy of Kingmaker, and thanks to jury duty today, I managed to get over half-way through the book. Really enjoying it so far. Well worth the wait:up:

Happy to hear you are enjoying it. Be interesting to hear your opinion once you're done. :D

[Brag]

I have now a little blog on Amazon (USA) on the Kingmaker product details page.
Still waiting for someone to write a review in Amazon UK.

[Brag]

As of today Kingmaker is also available in a Kindle edition.

[Brag]

Nothing to rave about yet. But Kingmaker sales have surged in the UK. At least it can now be found as number 129, in the espionage, intrigue list right under Cussler's Atlantis Found :D

Still, there are no customer reviews. Will a Subsimmer be the first?

[Brag]

Nothing to rave about yet. But Kingmaker sales have surged in the UK. At least it can now be found as number 129, in the espionage, intrigue list right under Cussler's Atlantis Found :D

Still, there are no customer reviews. Will a Subsimmer be the first?

Monday 14 April

For any debut novel the greatest danger is to fizzle and crash into oblivion shortly after launch. Kingmaker soared and placed surprisingly well among the espionage thriller pack, sometimes slowly falling back for a week or so. Today it finds itself back as number 31 In Amazon's Hot New Espionage Releases list, yapping at the heels of front runners who have an established following and are backed by giant publishers.

Without an advertizing budget and a small publisher, Kingmaker is doing remarkably well. Amazon, though neutral ,evens out the playing field a bit. Readers can now find my book, reviews, bio and blog, all on the same page to help them make a decision.

Now, this book is entering the critical stage when word of mouth begins to play a huge role.

What do you think, will Kingmaker break out and give the big dogs a run for their money? Or is it going to crash and burn like most debut books do?

[Sockeye]

Congrats, Brag!

I hear it can be a helluva time simply getting published, so it's good to hear that copies are selling and reviews are promising.

Even from just writing essays and reports, etc, I always find myself wondering "will any of this crap make any sense to anyone else?", so I can't imagine waiting to hear back from publishers and reviewers.

But the reviews I see are lookin' good, so all you need is some favourable winds, I'd say. And I see on Amazon.com that Onkle Neal wrote a review, but we just gotta get you on Oprah's Book Club and you'll have a billion Opraphiles screamin' and cluckin' their way to the bookshelf!

Best of luck and success :up:

[Brag]

Congrats, Brag!

I hear it can be a helluva time simply getting published, so it's good to hear that copies are selling and reviews are promising.

Even from just writing essays and reports, etc, I always find myself wondering "will any of this crap make any sense to anyone else?", so I can't imagine waiting to hear back from publishers and reviewers.

But the reviews I see are lookin' good, so all you need is some favourable winds, I'd say. And I see on Amazon.com that Onkle Neal wrote a review, but we just gotta get you on Oprah's Book Club and you'll have a billion Opraphiles screamin' and cluckin' their way to the bookshelf!

Best of luck and success :up:

Thanks Sockeye! Yup, the reviews have been very flattering, but the press is still ignoring the book.

[Sigurd]

Thanks Sockeye! Yup, the reviews have been very flattering, but the press is still ignoring the book.
The press seems to avoid anything that isnt from a big name from what I've seen.

Anyway, I finally finished it last night, and here are my thoughts:
-There were a few grammatical, spelling, and at times font errors, but you stated that you had an issue with a virus, so I was able to get past that.

-I liked the characters, and was able to sympathize with all of them, but some of the more minor characters from what I recall had little to no introduction to them. Case in point: Wanghoi (think I spelled that right). When he shows up as Trager's butler, you seemed to treat him as an already introduced character. I dont always have the best reading retention, but I dont recall him ever being mentioned previously, so I ended up imagining him somehow as the African version of Odd Job from Goldfinger. Actually, it seems that many, if not all the characters had little to no description for looks. If they did, it didnt seem to stick with me (Dankov was always pretty faceless to me).

Other then those two nitpicks, I completely enjoyed it. The relationship between Simone and Trager was perfect (reminded me of my luck with women). Plot took a while to get going, but once Part 2 started, I couldnt put the book down.

All praises are cut short, as I'm about to be late for my Logic class *grabs hat and dashes off*

[Brag]

Many thanks, Sigurd :D

[Tango589]

Brag, I have just put my review of Kingmaker on Amazon. Hope it helps!

[Brag]

Brag, I have just put my review of Kingmaker on Amazon. Hope it helps!



http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/02/x-locale/common/customer-reviews/stars-5-0._V45450368_.gif An excellent first novel., 15 April 2008
By B. Sheahan "Tango589" (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/pdp/profile/A3MRVW0S7590ML/ref=cm_cr_dp_pdp) - See all my reviews (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/cdp/member-reviews/A3MRVW0S7590ML/ref=cm_cr_dp_auth_rev?ie=UTF8&sort%5Fby=MostRecentReview)
http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/02/x-locale/communities/reputation/c7y_badge_rn_1._V45457015_.gif
This is a superb book about rebellion, tribal rivalries, mercenaries and traitors in a fictional South African country. The plot is tightly scripted and fast paced with well drawn characters and riveting actiona and will keep you hooked to the end.

Many thanks, Tango! You're now an "internatiional" reviewer. Glad to hear you have enjoyed it :D

[Brag]

The bookstore at the International Spy Museum in Wasgington D.C. will feature Kingmaker as a flagship fiction title on a special display of its own. The books sold there will all be signed. :rock:

Sales are slowly increasing together with the number of satisfied readers. Several subsimers have contacted me by PM with flattering remarks. :D

[Brag]

Contest: Win a free book (Sorry, USA residents only).
For details check out my blog at: http://www.amazon.com/Kingmaker-Alexey-Braguine/dp/0980073340

[Brag]

A couple of Kaleuns have posted Kingmaker comments in the SH3 forum. They liked it! :D

[Brag]

Hi Judy,
Thanks for letting me know, I would appreciate your comments after you're done.
Besties
Brag



Couldn't put it down. Most enjoyable read. Judy

[Brag]

Challenging the giants?

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o207/Braguine/fsscr444.jpg

[Jimbuna]

Cool.....Good Luck http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/thumbsup.gif

[Brag]

Message received on guest book.

DeNita:
Hi Alex, Just wanted to let you know your book KINGMAKER is the AuthorIsland dot com Book of the Day today - your publisher put a copy of it up for grabs for our readers today.

Have a wonderful day,
DeNita
AuthorIsland dot com

authorisland.com - Home (http://authorisland.com/)

[GoldenRivet]

Kingmaker is a masterful tale containing twists and turns which will crush the reader’s wildest perceptions. Alexy Braguine, obviously draws from extensive experience in Africa to skillfully paint a picture of the beautiful yet brutal continent with his words. He also displays his multilingual abilities by showcasing the great number of languages used in the book by many characters. His apparent knowledge and mastery of various subjects shine through well within the pages of Kingmaker.


A brief plot synopsis:


After the mysterious disappearance of two agents in Africa, John Trager, a former CIA agent is blackmailed into conducting one final operation for the CIA. Trager is sent with orders to find out what happened to the two agents, and report on the activities of a suspicious Russian. Reluctantly, Trager is deployed to Zengawal, Africa with very little information, and only a couple of names scrawled on paper as leads for initiating his search. Quickly Trager realizes that there is more to this African nation than meets the eye as a multitude of manipulative organizations, including his own U.S. Government seek to misdirect Trager, and play their own deadly political games in Africa. Eventually teaming up with a beautiful and enigmatic anthropologist, Simone Loriot, John Trager seeks to set the course of events in Zengawal in a direction of peace and discover the truth behind all of the masks of deception … but instead he finds his true purpose in redeeming what could be labeled a misspent life.


Q. Brag, judging from your bio, you have a great deal of life experiences to draw upon when writing; Was there any one event which inspired you the most to write Kingmaker?

A.

Q. Probably one of the more difficult things for a writer to do is create believable, flawed, characters that the reader can honestly relate to. It is also one of the things that you have done well in the creation of Kingmaker. Has this ability always been one of your strong points? Or do you just sit down and decide ‘okay, this is the kind of character this book needs.’?

A.

Q. Speaking of flawed characters, every great writer includes a flaw or weakness within his main character. It gives the sense of humanity that a reader can relate to in that the main character, like the reader, are not always 100% sure of themselves. In Kingmaker, we see John Trager make a few mistakes in the book, but one thing that stands out is his sometimes crippling fear of heights. What made you chose this flaw?

A.

Q. Your book, im my opinion ranks up there with Tom Clancy and Ian Flemming. I even read a few bits of dialogue which reminded me of Ian Flemming’s work with the James Bond series. One of the lines in Kingmaker when Trager addresses the planted safari driver “No sudden moves, Im a nervous customer” seemed reminiscent of James Bond’s line from the 1962 film Dr. No in which he finds himself in a similar situation with a planted driver and says “Hands on the wheel, im a nervous passenger.” Is Ian Flemming a writer you look up to? What writers have served to inspire you throughout your writing career?

A.

Q. Do you have any upcoming titles you want to spread the word about to our subsim.com members?



A.


Alexy, thanks for taking the time to answer these questions, im personally looking forward to reading your next book. Im confident it will be a nail biter as well!


---------


We have seen a number of attempts to increase revenue and awareness of the cost of operation of our subsim.com community with donation programs like the GWX2.0 early download a few months ago, as well as the sponsored links allowing subsim.com to benefit from sales of Kingmaker through the site.


I would encourage any bookworm, member of the forum, or anyone interested in espionage/ action adventure books to purchase kingmaker through subsim. Not only to help out our starving writer friend but also to support subsim.com and the community that has done so much for us and the silent hunter series. (not to mention the wonderful book you receive)


Thank you all for taking the time to read this post!

~ John

[Brag]

Thank you, John for a generous review. It makes me happy to know readers enjoy the book. This makes the effort of writing and re-writing, and re-writing again worthwhile.


Q. Brag, judging from your bio, you have a great deal of life experiences to draw upon when writing; Was there any one event which inspired you the most to write Kingmaker?

A. Yes. When I saw General Colin Powel give his anemic presentation to the UN I could see a man under great pressure. By this time, people were leaving the CIA in droves. I asked myself a question: What would happen to an intelligence officer who refused to tailor reports to fit a political agenda?

Q. Probably one of the more difficult things for a writer to do is create believable, flawed, characters that the reader can honestly relate to. It is also one of the things that you have done well in the creation of Kingmaker. Has this ability always been one of your strong points? Or do you just sit down and decide ‘okay, this is the kind of character this book needs.’?

A. The study of people, their motivations and their weakneses was an integral part of my work while in the intelligence field. This of course helps create a cast of characters with some depth to them.


Q. Speaking of flawed characters, every great writer includes a flaw or weakness within his main character. It gives the sense of humanity that a reader can relate to in that the main character, like the reader, are not always 100% sure of themselves. In Kingmaker, we see John Trager make a few mistakes in the book, but one thing that stands out is his sometimes crippling fear of heights. What made you chose this flaw?

A. Heh. I have to confess, I suffer from a fear of heights. So I plunked this fear on poor Trager.

Q. Your book, im my opinion ranks up there with Tom Clancy and Ian Flemming. I even read a few bits of dialogue which reminded me of Ian Flemming’s work with the James Bond series. One of the lines in Kingmaker when Trager addresses the planted safari driver “No sudden moves, Im a nervous customer” seemed reminiscent of James Bond’s line from the 1962 film Dr. No in which he finds himself in a similar situation with a planted driver and says “Hands on the wheel, im a nervous passenger.” Is Ian Flemming a writer you look up to? What writers have served to inspire you throughout your writing career?

A. I've read only one book by Ian Fleming, but have seen several Bond movies. I'm a great admirer of John Le Carre. Robert Ruark, Evelyn Waugh and Heminghway. I also love the humour ambushes of Nelson DeMille.

Q. Do you have any upcoming titles you want to spread the word about to our subsim.com members?



A. I'm working on another thriller, The Gelwitz Cipher, where events of WWII including the secret voyage of a type XXI U-boat influence present day action.


Alexy, thanks for taking the time to answer these questions, im personally looking forward to reading your next book. Im confident it will be a nail biter as well!


John, I thank you for this opportunity.
---------

[GoldenRivet]

and it was great! :rock:

i made a review and some "interview style questions" for Brag and posted them in his old thread, but i think all i managed to do was bring it back from the dead :oops:

for anyone who is interested here it is.... i highly recommend this book. not only is it a great read, it will help out one of our brethren if purchased.

furthermore, if purchased through subsim's amazon links, it will benifit subsim :up:

===============

Kingmaker is a masterful tale containing twists and turns which will crush the reader’s wildest perceptions. Alexy Braguine, obviously draws from extensive experience in Africa to skillfully paint a picture of the beautiful yet brutal continent with his words. He also displays his multilingual abilities by showcasing the great number of languages used in the book by many characters. His apparent knowledge and mastery of various subjects shine through well within the pages of Kingmaker.


A brief plot synopsis:


After the mysterious disappearance of two agents in Africa, John Trager, a former CIA agent is blackmailed into conducting one final operation for the CIA. Trager is sent with orders to find out what happened to the two agents, and report on the activities of a suspicious Russian. Reluctantly, Trager is deployed to Zengawal, Africa with very little information, and only a couple of names scrawled on paper as leads for initiating his search. Quickly Trager realizes that there is more to this African nation than meets the eye as a multitude of manipulative organizations, including his own U.S. Government seek to misdirect Trager, and play their own deadly political games in Africa. Eventually teaming up with a beautiful and enigmatic anthropologist, Simone Loriot, John Trager seeks to set the course of events in Zengawal in a direction of peace and discover the truth behind all of the masks of deception … but instead he finds his true purpose in redeeming what could be labeled a misspent life.


Q. Brag, judging from your bio, you have a great deal of life experiences to draw upon when writing; Was there any one event which inspired you the most to write Kingmaker?

A.

Q. Probably one of the more difficult things for a writer to do is create believable, flawed, characters that the reader can honestly relate to. It is also one of the things that you have done well in the creation of Kingmaker. Has this ability always been one of your strong points? Or do you just sit down and decide ‘okay, this is the kind of character this book needs.’?

A.

Q. Speaking of flawed characters, every great writer includes a flaw or weakness within his main character. It gives the sense of humanity that a reader can relate to in that the main character, like the reader, are not always 100% sure of themselves. In Kingmaker, we see John Trager make a few mistakes in the book, but one thing that stands out is his sometimes crippling fear of heights. What made you chose this flaw?

A.

Q. Your book, im my opinion ranks up there with Tom Clancy and Ian Flemming. I even read a few bits of dialogue which reminded me of Ian Flemming’s work with the James Bond series. One of the lines in Kingmaker when Trager addresses the planted safari driver “No sudden moves, Im a nervous customer” seemed reminiscent of James Bond’s line from the 1962 film Dr. No in which he finds himself in a similar situation with a planted driver and says “Hands on the wheel, im a nervous passenger.” Is Ian Flemming a writer you look up to? What writers have served to inspire you throughout your writing career?

A.

Q. Do you have any upcoming titles you want to spread the word about to our subsim.com members?



A.


Alexy, thanks for taking the time to answer these questions, im personally looking forward to reading your next book. Im confident it will be a nail biter as well!


---------


We have seen a number of attempts to increase revenue and awareness of the cost of operation of our subsim.com community with donation programs like the GWX2.0 early download a few months ago, as well as the sponsored links allowing subsim.com to benefit from sales of Kingmaker through the site.


I would encourage any bookworm, member of the forum, or anyone interested in espionage/ action adventure books to purchase kingmaker through subsim. Not only to help out our starving writer friend but also to support subsim.com and the community that has done so much for us and the silent hunter series. (not to mention the wonderful book you receive)


Thank you all for taking the time to read this post!

~ John

__________________

[Brag]

[quote=GoldenRivet]

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/images/icons/icon1.gif
Thank you, John for a generous review. It makes me happy to know readers enjoy the book. This makes the effort of writing and re-writing, and re-writing again worthwhile.


Q. Brag, judging from your bio, you have a great deal of life experiences to draw upon when writing; Was there any one event which inspired you the most to write Kingmaker?

A. Yes. When I saw General Colin Powel give his anemic presentation to the UN I could see a man under great pressure. By this time, people were leaving the CIA in droves. I asked myself a question: What would happen to an intelligence officer who refused to tailor reports to fit a political agenda?

Q. Probably one of the more difficult things for a writer to do is create believable, flawed, characters that the reader can honestly relate to. It is also one of the things that you have done well in the creation of Kingmaker. Has this ability always been one of your strong points? Or do you just sit down and decide ‘okay, this is the kind of character this book needs.’?

A. The study of people, their motivations and their weakneses was an integral part of my work while in the intelligence field. This of course helps create a cast of characters with some depth to them.


Q. Speaking of flawed characters, every great writer includes a flaw or weakness within his main character. It gives the sense of humanity that a reader can relate to in that the main character, like the reader, are not always 100% sure of themselves. In Kingmaker, we see John Trager make a few mistakes in the book, but one thing that stands out is his sometimes crippling fear of heights. What made you chose this flaw?

A. Heh. I have to confess, I suffer from a fear of heights. So I plunked this fear on poor Trager.

Q. Your book, im my opinion ranks up there with Tom Clancy and Ian Flemming. I even read a few bits of dialogue which reminded me of Ian Flemming’s work with the James Bond series. One of the lines in Kingmaker when Trager addresses the planted safari driver “No sudden moves, Im a nervous customer” seemed reminiscent of James Bond’s line from the 1962 film Dr. No in which he finds himself in a similar situation with a planted driver and says “Hands on the wheel, im a nervous passenger.” Is Ian Flemming a writer you look up to? What writers have served to inspire you throughout your writing career?

A. I've read only one book by Ian Fleming, but have seen several Bond movies. I'm a great admirer of John Le Carre. Robert Ruark, Evelyn Waugh and Heminghway. I also love the humour ambushes of Nelson DeMille.

Q. Do you have any upcoming titles you want to spread the word about to our subsim.com members?



A. I'm working on another thriller, The Gelwitz Cipher, where events of WWII including the secret voyage of a type XXI U-boat influence present day action.


Alexy, thanks for taking the time to answer these questions, im personally looking forward to reading your next book. Im confident it will be a nail biter as well!


John, I thank you for this opportunity.
---------

[GoldenRivet]

thanks for the replies.

funny you mention being your fear of heights, yet you worked for an airline. Im the same way.

of course the feeling is different when your in an airplane for some reason, perhaps it is the fact that you are enclosed.

put me on a nice tall ladder and get me much over 10 feet up and im about worthless

[Brag]

Bumperhoochies. :rock:

[StdDev]

Brag!!!
You ARE gunna make the meet in TX . yes?
Onkle Blanky..er Neal and all would really like to meet ya! :p

[Brag]

I certainly want to go to the gathering, meet the Gang and have a few foamy ones. It will all depend on the money the publisher sends me in August. At the moment, sales have not broken out to the public at large. Amazon still keeps the book in the Hot Releases Espionage Stories list. The Espionage News section on my new Amazon blog is bringing some light traffic to my author's webbie. So there is hope.

At the moment, I'm probably making $2 - $3 a day in royalties. Which means I'm getting poorer every day. A bit disappointing when most readers find the book very good. But it takes a while for the word of mouth to turn into a buzz.

The Subsim community was vey supportive when the book was first released and helped to bring it close to instant best seller. Now, most of the sales come from places like Author's Island, which actively promotes the book and has it as the Flagship of the Mystery section.

So I invite the few readers who come to this thread to check out the reviews ;)

[nikimcbee]

$2 to 3 bucks a day in royalties:dead: . So in other words, I shouldn't quit my day job to be an author:damn: .

[Brag]

$2 to 3 bucks a day in royalties:dead: . So in other words, I shouldn't quit my day job to be an author:damn: .

Yeah, it is like banging your head on a wall. But you can't keep a good book down. Take Ann Patchet who wrote Bel Canto, a book that had a thriller plot but a beautifully written snail pace. Slowly, slowly, the book crawled into the NYT best seller list, and stayed there and kept creeping up and stayed there a looong time.

At least Amazon considers Kingmaker as best seller material. ;)

[Kapitan_Phillips]

You never know Brag, someone might want to turn it into a movie someday :p

[Brag]

The drawing for one free, signed copy of the esionage thriller Kingmaker took place yesterday. All entries were numbered in chronological order of arrival. Then the number was entered into a piece of paper, folded and placed inside a paper bag.

After shaking the bag well a slip of paper was drawn.

Taraaaaa!!!

The lucky winner is: NealT.
Congratulations, your copy will be mailed as soon as we get an addy.

Thanks all of you who have participated. You may get another chance again soon.

Brag

[Brag]

The drawing for one free, signed copy of the esionage thriller Kingmaker took place yesterday. All entries were numbered in chronological order of arrival. Then the number was entered into a piece of paper, folded and placed inside a paper bag.

After shaking the bag well a slip of paper was drawn.

Taraaaaa!!!

The lucky winner is: NealT.
Congratulations, your copy will be mailed as soon as we get an addy.

Thanks all of you who have participated. You may get another chance again soon.

Brag

[Hanomag]

Fixxxxed!!

Just Kidding ... Grats Neal :up:

[d@rk51d3]

:huh: There was a competition?


:damn: :damn: :damn:

[NealT]

Whoopiee!

Now it's off to do the Hoochie Woochie Dance...:rock:

Where is that darned Tea Cozie that I picked up at the antique store.....:cool:

[STEED]

And now spam. :huh: Sorry I mean a plug. :roll:

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Some people have all the luck, yes you NealT.

[GoldenRivet]

Congrats NealT... your in for a good story.

:up:

[Brag]

You never know Brag, someone might want to turn it into a movie someday :p

A number of people told me it would make one hell of a movie, but that is like winning the lottery.

[Brag]

Congrats NealT... your in for a good story.

:up:

NealT, the book is in the mail. I uope you'll enjoy it. Looking forward to hearing your comments :D

[Red Heat]

Congratulations! :up: