Monday, April 30, 2012

Valhalla Press e-publishes the Ambermere Series


Valhalla Press proudly announces the publication of J. Calvin Pierce’s Ambermere series. Pierce penned the series twenty years ago when it met with critical acclaim and was translated into several languages including Russian. The books, The Door to Ambermere, the Sorceress of Ambermere, and The Wizard of Ambermere went on to become cult classics.

Valhalla Press is celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Ambermere release with the electronic re-release of this classic series.  Readers may enjoy the books in the e-book format of their choice. The books are currently available for the Kindle, Nook or on Smashwords. Readers may also download the Kindle App to allow their PC or Mac to read the Kindle version. Shortly, the books will be released in Apple ibooks and on Kobo.

In The Door to Ambermere, Daniel believes the only really pressing issue in his life is a little misunderstanding with a mobster. That’s because, lacking any awareness of the kingdom of Ambermere, possibly because it is located in an alternative world, he has no way of anticipating what impact the machinations of a tippling magician could possibly have on his life. He’s about to find out.

In The Sorceress of Ambermere, Marcia is clinging to the increasingly dreamlike memories of the previous summer. Had she really had those adventures, really braved those perils? The scar on her cheekbone and the ring on her finger said yes. But then, where is Hannah the witch? Where is the young woman with the impossible aura and wild, frightening eyes? Marcia is waiting, but not patiently…

The Wizard of Ambermere finds Marcia in her apartment. She has now participated in so many strange events, has acquired a history of such a surrealistic complexion, that the most outlandish adventures have come to seem perfectly normal. Really, what could surprise her now? Meanwhile, in Ambermere things are not quite as they should be. Will Asbrak the Fat have to call on Rogan the Obscure again?

In honor of the 20th Anniversary, Valhalla Press is also e-publishing two shorter works by Mr. Pierce: Meals on Wheels, a short story and Sahib, a novelette.  Our hope is to give Mr. Piece’s fans a fresh look at his work and introduce these enduring classics to a new generation. 

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Virginity Checks OK in US

The world was outraged when the Egyptian military conducted so-called virginity checks on female protesters during the Egyptian Revolution and even more so when the doctors who conducted them were found not guilty last month in an Egyptian court.

Where's the outrage here in the US now that the United States Supreme Court has authorized what amounts to the same thing, except performed by deputy sheriffs and prison wardens. The court authorized strip searches for anyone arrested even on minor charges like traffic violations. Presumably angry protesters may face the same treatment.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/03/us/justices-approve-strip-searches-for-any-offense.html