Review in Amazing Stories!

Terrific to see that R. Graeme Cameron has written a review of Celu Amberstone's novel The Dream-Chosen for the magazine Amazing Stories!

Here's a brief excerpt from Graeme's detailed review:

I can’t tell you how refreshing and original this opening chapter strikes me. Not only do we begin to understand the premise of the book and the mindset of the Khutani, we also learn, in a visceral way, how truly alien they are. ... From now on the reader reacts to the alien Khutani in terms of observing their emotional state... Brilliant.
In short, the opening chapter introduces the Khutani wonderfully well. Definitely makes you want to read more. ...
The last part of chapter two concerns Dunnagh Kai, an officer commanding two squads on a reconnaissance patrol. ...Again, a dynamic, changing situation, in this case used to introduce humans into the mix, establish their courage and compassion, not to mention describe the level of both their technological and spiritual powers.

Okay, three races involving an unusual biological relationship, hints of treachery and betrayal, hints of past and futures disasters, moderately advanced technology, highly advanced psy powers, magic and spiritual power taken for granted, and a galaxy-wide environment. This is space opera writ large combined with both fantasy and hard SF. That’s one heck of an accomplishment to establish in two short opening chapters. Even without knowing there are multiple volumes, it’s obvious the Kashallan Tales constitute a genuine epic written with such skill that you will be enthralled however long the series lasts.
The first two chapters are the set-up which gives you everything you need to know to anchor yourself in the story, accept the premise, and go with the flow. A more competent opening for an epic would be hard to imagine. ...
CONCLUSION:
This is a richly detailed fantasy/space opera that is positively addictive. Celu Amberstone has the knack of weaving elaboration and action into a vivid tapestry of action and character. Well rounded, deftly written, and a joy to read. Highly recommended. Consider it a useful antidote to mundane life these days. THE DREAM-CHOSEN is a genuine pleasure you owe yourself.

Here's a link to that review in its entirety:

https://amazingstories.com/2022/02/clubhouse-review-the-dream-chosen-by-celu-amberstone

The Dream-Chosen is the first title in Celu's series Tales of the Kashallans from Kashallan Press. Click here for a link to order an ebook copy of this fine novel. Paperback copies will soon be available!

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Opinions for a Twitter Colloquium

For a Twitter Colloquium on Self-Publishing, here are some of author Celu Amberstone's thoughts in this discussion: I think there are advantages and disadvantages to self-publishing. I am a mixed-race, Indigenous author and for that reason my writing perspective is different than what the established publishing industry is used to. I have been told many times by New York agents and editors, in their refusal letters, “Your writing is great, but I don’t know how to market your books.” But with help from online sites like D2D or Smash words I have been able to offer my books in reputable stores like Amazon and Barnes & Noble nonetheless. Self-publishing isn’t a shortcut to fame and glory, however. It means you have to do, yourself, much that would have been done in the past by a traditional publisher. So, if you want to have your writing treated seriously, then you have to do the work needed to insure the books you offer are the very best you can...

Welcome

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Now available from Kashallan Press is the first collection of stories by Celu Amberstone. Refugees And Other Stories gathers together six stories by Amberstone, including the title story, "Refugees." Among these six stories are themes this author uses with confidence. Amberstone writes of passion, adventure, and even humour with talent and experience. Ebooks of this collection are available now -- choose your favourite bookseller among a dozen online vendors at this link: http://books2read.com/refugees Paperbacks of this collection will be available soon, at the same link. Plan your winter reading, your gift-giving, and your classroom reading with Refugees And Other Stories in mind.

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