Welcome to the Oculus Virtual Book Tour! It’s my pleasure to be a part of highlighting Michael Offutt’s wonderful writing.
Oculus
Michael Offutt
Genre: Sci-fi
Book Description:
Autumn has arrived in New York, and Jordan Pendragon attends his first classes as a freshman at Cornell. Born with a brilliant mathematical mind, he balances life as a research assistant with that of a student athlete.
But Jordan also has a quest. He must find the Black Tower, a monolithic edifice housing a thing that defines the very structure of the universe. Jordan believes it is buried somewhere in Antarctica under miles of prehistoric ice.
October finds Jordan earning a starting position with the Cornell hockey team. But a dark cloud gathers over his rookie season. Unexplained deaths, whispers of a cannibal cult, a prophecy, and a stone known only as the Oculus, cast a shadow over his athletic ambitions. It is the start of a terrifying journey down a path of mystery, murder, and to a confrontation with an Evil more ancient than the stars.
Free short story that’s a lead-in to this book series: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/236636
About the Author:
Michael Offutt writes speculative fiction books that have science fiction, LGBT, and paranormal elements. His first book, “Slipstream” has received some critical acclaim and was published by Double Dragon in the spring. The sequel, “Oculus” came out in November 2012. He has one brother, no pets, and a few roots that keep his tree of life sufficiently watered. By day, he works for the State of Utah as a Technical Specialist. By night, he watches lots of t.v., writes, draws, and sometimes dreams of chocolate.
Michael Offutt graduated from the University of Idaho in 1994 with a Bachelor’s degree in English.
He keeps a blog and would appreciate a visit or two even if all you want to do is say hi.
Website: http://slckismet.blogspot.com/p/books.html
Art relating to books: http://slckismet.blogspot.com/p/my-artwork.html
Blog: http://slckismet.blogspot.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3099632.Michael_Offutt
Twitter: @MichaelOffutt
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Slipstream/164452693676933
Six signed copies are being given away tour wide and it’s open to international shipping, so be sure to enter by the rafflecopter below!
Oooh. That sounds truly fascinating – though I do hope that Antarctica is kept pristine, undrilled and as eerily beautiful as it is today.
Hi EC! I haven’t read the book yet but it’s on my list. I’m fascinated by the cover.
Thank you for being so supportive, E.C. I followed you on your blog and look forward to networking with you
Yeah for Michael!
And sorry Laura, I think I missed the Miss Snark post this week…
Oooh, you’re in big trouble, Alex.
Hah! Listen to Cathy, Alex. Yesterday’s guest was very, very special.
Well congratulations, Michael! The cover of your book is fantastic and the story sounds fascinating – anything to do with the Antarctic has my vote. I hope you sell lots and lots of books!
I keep wanting to pet that cover, Cathy! Go, Michael!
The big Antarctica stuff doesn’t come in until book 4 called “Black Tower.” But I plan on writing a pretty terrifying scene as McMurdo Station gets essentially overrun. Lots of flickering lights, gunfire, and dark evil nasty things coming out of the Antarctic winter.
Wow what a great concept. I thought the same thing I think whenever I read a synopsis of one of Stephen King’s books: how do people come up with these ideas? It’s fascinating– my mind doesn’t think or imagine like that. I’m so glad you shared his book and websites– I’m off to visit now!
I’m always amazed by other people’s concepts too, Julie. Michael is a great person to get to know!
I think I missed some of your tour spots, Michael.
Oh that’s fine, Andrew. My book tour is really long. I went with one so long for one purpose: to expand the online footprint (not necessarily to sell any books). I figure that when it comes to Google SEO it pays to have as many websites that have the right tags and headlines for those who may be interested in my work and want to know more.
Thanks for stopping by, Andrew, and supporting Michael on his gigantic (and tiring) tour!
Just finished reading Oculus and loved it! Michael has done such a great job with this story, I can’t wait to read Caledfwlch, the third in his series. (=
I need to get moving with the reading, Elise!
Awh thank you guys! You are so wonderful.
Michael, good luck with Oculus! Are you going to be putting out a third book in the series?
@Stephen: I’m working on the 3rd book right now. It’s called “Caledfwlch” and have about 20K words down. So yeah…it’s in the works.
I envy people focused enough to put out series, Stephen, like you and Michael. Need to pacify my squirrel somehow.
You had me at ‘monolithic edifice’ – I can’t wait to read it! Do you have to read the first one first or does it work as a standalone?
Isn’t that a great choice of words, Tonja?
The work does stand alone. What Slipstream does is set up where Jordan gets his powers. But honestly, you can get all that from the short story that’s 14 pages and takes 15 minutes to read.
What happens in Slipstream is Jordan finding himself and who he is basically. And I think if you like the character, you’ll want to know as much about them as possible. That’s why I don’t mind reading George R.R. Martin’s 2500 page books, because I’m in love with the characters. I hope that happens with some of my readers…that they fall in love with the characters and don’t mind reading all the pages because it gives them time to spend with these fictional people.
Hi, Michael, Hi, Laura,
Dropping in to support Oculus… I hope you are both having an awesome day and all the best for 2013!!!
Thanks for stopping by, Michael! This is the beginning of a great year, isn’t it?
Thanks Michael! You are so supportive
I’m swinging by your website right now!
I’m over half way through Oculus; great characters. I think Kolin will always remain my favorite.
……..dhole
Hi Donna! Thanks for stopping by and cheering Michael on.
I’m almost ready to start Oculus. I have your books on my phone so I always have them with me. good luck on your tour.
Thanks for stopping by and cheering for Michael, Susan!
Thank you so much Susan!
Good luck with the tour, Michael! Happy 2013!
Hi Christine! Go, Michael!
I love how the hero must confront and battle evil, because then you’re dealing with a classic, important theme. I’m really looking forward to Oculus.
I agree, Helena. I think certain themes define us as human and are hardwired into our brain.
I’ve been enjoying Slipstream. Michael is a great writer, so I’m sure Oculus is as good… probably better.
He is a great writer, Mary!
I’ve been meaning to read this for a while, sounds excellent. I’m definitely bumping it up on my list. Thanks for sharing, Laura!
He’s getting a big splash with this tour, Julie. I hope everybody adds it to their list!
Hi Laura .. great that you’ve promoted Michael’s book here – it does sound very interesting and something I’m sure I’ll get and read …
Happy New Year to you both … cheers Hilary
Hi Hilary! Michael’s book sounds great. Happy New Year to you as well.