Gary Starta

Gary Starta

About

Author of Caitlin Diggs books: Blood Web, Extreme Liquidation, Demon Inhibitions and 9 Incarnate...

 

http://www.amazon.com/Gary-Starta/e/B0043L6YK2

The Seekers: The Children of Darkness (Dystopian Sci-Fi - Book 1)

The Seekers: The Children of Darkness (Dystopian Sci-Fi - Book 1)

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<p>New from the author of the multiple award-winning fantasy saga, <em>The Daughter of the Sea and the Sky</em>, winner of the <strong>Pinnacle Book Achievement Award, Fall 2014 - Best Book in the Category of FANTASY</strong>....</p><h1><strong><em>The Children of Darkness</em> by David Litwack</strong></h1><p>Evolved Publishing presents the first book in the new dystopian series <em>The Seekers</em>. [DRM-Free]</p><h2><strong>[Dystopian, Science Fiction, Post-Apocalyptic, Religion]</strong></h2><p><em>“But what are we without dreams?”</em></p><p>A thousand years ago the Darkness came—a terrible time of violence, fear, and social collapse when technology ran rampant. But the vicars of the Temple of Light brought peace, ushering in an era of blessed simplicity. For ten centuries they have kept the madness at bay with “temple magic,” and by eliminating forever the rush of progress that nearly caused the destruction of everything.</p><p>Childhood friends, Orah and Nathaniel, have always lived in the tiny village of Little Pond, longing for more from life but unwilling to challenge the rigid status quo. When their friend Thomas returns from the Temple after his “teaching”—the secret coming-of-age ritual that binds young men and women eternally to the Light—they barely recognize the broken and brooding young man the boy has become. Then when Orah is summoned as well, Nathaniel follows in a foolhardy attempt to save her.</p><p>In the prisons of Temple City, they discover a terrible secret that launches the three on a journey to find the forbidden keep, placing their lives in jeopardy, for a truth from the past awaits that threatens the foundation of the Temple. If they reveal that truth, they might once again release the potential of their people.</p><p>Yet they would also incur the Temple’s wrath as it is written: “If there comes among you a prophet saying, ‘Let us return to the darkness,’ you shall stone him, because he has sought to thrust you away from the Light.”</p><p><strong>Be sure to read the second book in this series, <em>The Stuff of Stars</em>, due to release November 30, 2015. And don't miss David's award-winning speculative saga, <em>The Daughter of the Sea and the Sky</em></strong></p>

Story Behind The Book

I've been a fan of Caitlin Diggs' intelligent, spiritual and compelling, kick-ass style since I started reading the series (which includes "Blood Web," published in 2007). I was super eager to see what Starta did with his character, FBI agent Caitlin Diggs, when she traveled to a parallel universe. Well, I certainly wasn't disappointed, as it's one step beyond the "Fringe" episodes, in my opinion, as the characters aren't as similar to their counterparts in the other dimension that Starta created. For instance, in the protagonist Caitlin's universe, Celeste is her domestic cat, who happens to be attuned to protecting Caitlin; whereas, in the other universe, Celeste is Bastet who is able to morph into a big, non-domestic cat, who actually attacks Caitlin at their first meeting. Also, Starta has done a great job of showing different values in his alternate universes. For instance, in the universe the original Caitlin we're introduced to is not from, about six out of 10 beings is a demon. Demons are classified as vamps, lycanthropes, incubi, goblins, etc. and most of them mind their own business, without causing harm to others. So, full-blooded humans are certainly the minority there, and therefore so are their values to some degree. Aside from interesting plot lines, there is the attention to detail in his descriptions that Starta always manages to bring to the plate--even in a fictional world, and I can't help thinking that this may spring from his having been a journalist at one point. It probably also aids in his writing of believable, non-stilted dialogue. Target Audience Reviews From the Author CAITLIN DIGGS - STATS Age - 38 Eyes - Sapphire Hair - Black Ht - 5'11' Wt - Negotiable Disposition - Inquisitive, Suspicious, Doubtful Work History: LA Field Office FBI, FBI Washington DC Bureau Private Investigator - Salem, MASS Fashion Sense - Conservative Goals - Deal with my newly acquired paranormal abilities, decrease junk food, catch more villains, get over death my partner/boyfriend, make a new home in alternate universe... BASTET - The Tonkinese Cat AKA Celeste in other universe Eyes - Blue Fur - White Wt - 1 lb. of fury Favorite Food - Salmon Conversation Starter - 'Food's Ready' CAITLIN'S HAPHAZARD JOURNAL FROM THE ALTERED UNIVERSE: * Don't fight the preternaturals with conventional weapons. Use your wits and paranormal abilities if available. * It's hard to date in a parallel world. Some will see you as your other self. Being social in an alt world is tricky. * So far I trust the Witch and Mage, but the Incubus is another story. How can you trust someone with such a sexual appetite? * Enjoying the upgrades. Yes, my home and car are classier along with my wardrobe. * Fearing the supernatural shoe will drop. Yes, the super demon is on my mind. * Enjoying the entertainment. A singing mage keeps demon urges at bay. But not everyone is singing her tune. I've got to protect her. *How will I get home? I may have to plan for an extended stay in this universe. My new boss seems attracted to me but he thinks I'm the 'other' Caitlin. *Warning: be careful of portals. They can be everywhere. Even in New Jersey.

Reviews

<p>I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.<br /><br /> This is the third book in which Caitlin Diggs appears. This time as a P.I. rather than an FBI Agent. This is a fantastic paranormal mystery that intrigued me from the moment I read the blurb. I really enjoyed it!<br /><br /> Caitlin Diggs is a fascinating character. She is an ex-FBI agent turned psychic P.I. after an incident with a special crystal that gave her paranormal abilities. I really liked her, as she struggled to cope with her new-found talents. She is feisty and has a tendency to be rather reckless; I'm surprised she hadn't been kicked out of the FBI for it! Being pulled into an alternative reality, she finds herself thrown into a dangerous cat and mouse game with a sadistic and deranged killer.<br /><br /> Demon Inhibitions takes the reader through a magical portal into a alternative universe where demons, vampires, lycans and other paranormal beings live along side humans. This story grabbed me from the first page! There are some intriguing characters brought to life in this story. Caitlin's alternative self is not exactly the same person, as she has had different experiences, but their lives are very similar in other ways and is still an FBI Agent, working in the Preternatural Crime Division. However, when she is killed, Caitlin steps into her life to catch the killer.<br /> I love my cat, but I would love a cat similar to Bastet. Who wouldn't want a cat that could change from a house cat to a panther, as a protector? There are also other paranormal beings that intrigued me; witches, incubi and a girl with the ability to tame the bloodlust of vampires and demons with song. The story has a few references to the previous book, Extreme Liquidation, which I have not read. I found these flashbacks (for lack of a better word) helpful, as they helped me understand why Caitlin acted a certain way in different situations, and how she came into her powers. The ending had me wondering if there was another book to come, as it did not finish on a cliffhanger. However, if there were to be another book, I would definitely love to read it!<br /><br /> Gary Starta has written a fantastic science fiction/paranormal mystery story that kept me hooked from beginning to end! I enjoyed his writing style, which flowed wonderfully. I look forward to reading more of his work in the future.</p> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td width="90%"><a></a> <div style="margin-left:.5em;"> <div style="margin-bottom:.5em;">1 of 1 people found the following review helpful</div> <div style="margin-bottom:.5em;"><span style="margin-right:5px;"><span class="swSprite s_star_5_0" title="5.0 out of 5 stars"><span>5.0 out of 5 stars</span></span> </span><span style="vertical-align:middle;"><b>Riveting !</b>, April 29, 2014</span></div> <div style="margin-bottom:.5em;"> <div> <div style="float:left;">By</div> <div style="float:left;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/A1O0TSQ3X14BH8/ref=cm_cr_pr_pdp"><span style="font-weight:bold;"><font color="#0066cc">Leesia Champion</font></span></a> (Tennessee) - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/cdp/member-reviews/A1O0TSQ3X14BH8/ref=cm_cr_pr_auth_rev?ie=UTF8&amp;sort_by=MostRecentReview"><font color="#0066cc">See all my reviews</font></a></div> </div> <div style="clear:both;"> </div> </div> <div class="tiny" style="margin-bottom:.5em;"><span class="crVerifiedStripe"><b class="h3color tiny" style="margin-right:.5em;">Verified Purchase</b><span class="tiny verifyWhatsThis">(<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/community-help/amazon-verified-purchase"><font color="#0066cc">What's this?</font></a>)</span></span></div> <div class="tiny" style="margin-bottom:.5em;"><b><span class="h3color tiny">This review is from: </span>Demon Inhibitions (Caitlin Diggs) (Kindle Edition)</b></div> <div class="reviewText">Demon Inhibitions is a riveting story with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Well written. Spell binding and can't wait to read more from this awesomely, sweet author. A must read!</div> <div style="width:100%;clear:both;padding-top:10px;"> <div class="reviews-voting-stripe" style="padding-right:15px;float:left;border-right:#cccccc 1px solid;"> <div style="padding-bottom:5px;"><b class="tiny" style="white-space:nowrap;color:#666666;"><font size="1">Help other customers find the most helpful reviews</font></b></div> <div style="width:300px;"><a style="font-size:1px;"></a><span class="crVotingButtons"><span class="votingPrompt">Was this review helpful to you? </span><a class="votingButtonReviews yesButton" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/voting/cast/Reviews/2115/R2G5O3USJXIOZH/Helpful/1/ref=cm_cr_prvoteyn?ie=UTF8&amp;target=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL3Jldmlldy9CMDBCVkFZQVZJL3JlZj1jbV9jcl9wcnZvdGVyZHI_X2VuY29kaW5nPVVURjgmc2hvd1ZpZXdwb2ludHM9MSZzb3J0Qnk9YnlTdWJtaXNzaW9uRGF0ZURlc2NlbmRpbmc&amp;token=541F00FBFC87293F95427507DEB551E32EB920A5&amp;voteAnchorName=R2G5O3USJXIOZH.2115.Helpful.Reviews&amp;voteSessionID=188-5426392-4357711"><span class="cmtySprite s_largeYes"><span><font color="#0066cc">Yes</font></span></span></a> <a class="votingButtonReviews noButton" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/voting/cast/Reviews/2115/R2G5O3USJXIOZH/Helpful/-1/ref=cm_cr_prvoteyn?ie=UTF8&amp;target=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL3Jldmlldy9CMDBCVkFZQVZJL3JlZj1jbV9jcl9wcnZvdGVyZHI_X2VuY29kaW5nPVVURjgmc2hvd1ZpZXdwb2ludHM9MSZzb3J0Qnk9YnlTdWJtaXNzaW9uRGF0ZURlc2NlbmRpbmc&amp;token=E2239C8ACA8A6F342B134B606C9587C573D0217E&amp;voteAnchorName=R2G5O3USJXIOZH.2115.Helpful.Reviews&amp;voteSessionID=188-5426392-4357711"><span class="cmtySprite s_largeNo"><span><font color="#0066cc">No</font></span></span></a></span></div> </div> <div style="float:left;"> <div style="padding-left:15px;"> <div style="white-space:nowrap;"><span class="tiny"><a style="font-size:1px;"></a><span class="reportingButton"><a class="reportingButton" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/voting/cast/Reviews/2115/R2G5O3USJXIOZH/Inappropriate/1/ref=cm_cr_prvoteyn?ie=UTF8&amp;target=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL3Jldmlldy9CMDBCVkFZQVZJL3JlZj1jbV9jcl9wcnZvdGVyZHI_X2VuY29kaW5nPVVURjgmc2hvd1ZpZXdwb2ludHM9MSZzb3J0Qnk9YnlTdWJtaXNzaW9uRGF0ZURlc2NlbmRpbmc&amp;token=A52D03C16783B6F91666AD1D96AFE1C43077FB9A&amp;voteAnchorName=R2G5O3USJXIOZH.2115.Inappropriate.Reviews&amp;voteSessionID=188-5426392-4357711"><font color="#0066cc" size="1">Report abuse</font></a></span><font size="1"></font></span><span style="color:#cccccc;">|</span> <span class="tiny"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/review/R2G5O3USJXIOZH/ref=cm_cr_pr_perm?ie=UTF8&amp;ASIN=B00BVAYAVI"><font color="#0066cc" size="1">Permalink</font></a></span></div> <div style="white-space:nowrap;padding-top:5px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/review/R2G5O3USJXIOZH/ref=cm_cr_pr_cmt?ie=UTF8&amp;ASIN=B00BVAYAVI#wasThisHelpful"><span class="swSprite s_comment"><span><font color="#0066cc">Comment</font></span></span></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/review/R2G5O3USJXIOZH/ref=cm_cr_pr_cmt?ie=UTF8&amp;ASIN=B00BVAYAVI#wasThisHelpful"><font color="#0066cc">Comment</font></a></div> </div> </div> <div style="clear:both;"> </div> </div> </div> <a></a> <div style="margin-left:.5em;"> <div style="margin-bottom:.5em;">1 of 1 people found the following review helpful</div> <div style="margin-bottom:.5em;"><span style="margin-right:5px;"><span class="swSprite s_star_5_0" title="5.0 out of 5 stars"><span>5.0 out of 5 stars</span></span> </span><span style="vertical-align:middle;"><b>Engrossing and fun to read paranormal.</b>, April 9, 2014</span></div> <div style="margin-bottom:.5em;"> <div> <div style="float:left;">By</div> <div style="float:left;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/AI2RT1NSBAB23/ref=cm_cr_pr_pdp"><span style="font-weight:bold;"><font color="#0066cc">Amazon Customer</font></span></a> - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/cdp/member-reviews/AI2RT1NSBAB23/ref=cm_cr_pr_auth_rev?ie=UTF8&amp;sort_by=MostRecentReview"><font color="#0066cc">See all my reviews</font></a></div> </div> <div style="clear:both;"> </div> </div> <div class="tiny" style="margin-bottom:.5em;"><span class="crVerifiedStripe"><b class="h3color tiny" style="margin-right:.5em;">Verified Purchase</b><span class="tiny verifyWhatsThis">(<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/community-help/amazon-verified-purchase"><font color="#0066cc">What's this?</font></a>)</span></span></div> <div class="tiny" style="margin-bottom:.5em;"><b><span class="h3color tiny">This review is from: </span>Demon Inhibitions (Caitlin Diggs) (Kindle Edition)</b></div> <div class="reviewText">I enjoyed the book immensely. Lots of great characters. I look forward to reading more of the series. Love the cover.</div> </div> </td> </tr></tbody></table>