BLOOD: ZBFbooks.com Permuted Press Book of the Week Recommendation 4/21/14

PERMUTED PRESS HEAVY-HITTER SCORES WITH '14'
by
Bowie V. Ibarra

ZBFbooks.com would like to let you know that if you haven't grabbed Peter Clines '14' yet, you're missing out.  The book is not only one of Permuted Press' top titles, but a great example of the craftsmanship of Peter Clines.  The dude sacrificed a lot of comforts to get to where he's at today, and you can find the fruits of those labors in his stories.

The guy is also a top notch, no-bullshit type of dude as well.  I've had the privilege to hang out with him a couple of times.  The guy knows what he's talking about in regards to professionalism and the writing industry and has no problem telling you what you're doing wrong.  But he's also cool enough to help you get it right, or offer sound advice in regards to the business.

Here's a synopsis of the story:

Padlocked doors. Strange light fixtures. Mutant cockroaches.There are some odd things about Nate's new apartment.

Of course, he has other things on his mind. He hates his job. He has no money in the bank. No girlfriend. No plans for the future. So while his new home isn't perfect, it's livable. The rent is low, the property managers are friendly, and the odd little mysteries don't nag at him too much.

At least, not until he meets Mandy, his neighbor across the hall, and notices something unusual about her apartment. And Xela's apartment. And Tim's. And Veek's.

Because every room in this old Los Angeles brownstone has a mystery or two. Mysteries that stretch back over a hundred years. Some of them are in plain sight. Some are behind locked doors. And all together these mysteries could mean the end of Nate and his friends.

Or the end of everything...

Noted authors in the industry have had this to say about his work:

"A riveting apocalyptic mystery in the style of LOST." --Craig DiLouie, author of THE INFECTION and THE KILLING FLOOR

"Takes a well thought concept and creatively expands on it to give the readers an excellent mix of The Twilight Zone, LOST & H.P. Lovecraft..." --Fantasy Book Critic

"A novel that should make Peter Clines a household name among not just horror fans, but fans of good stories, expertly told." --The Guilded Earlobe

"If you enjoy strong characterization and a whirlwind of genre-bending mysteries, you'll probably love the hell out of 14." --SFFaudio

"A wholly original story that weaves together mystery and the apocalypse like a finely tuned band." --Evan Roy, Bricks of the Dead

If you're not following the works of Peter Clines, start doing it now.  They're amazing.

You can get a copy of '14' HERE.

FIGHTS/BLOOD - ZBFbooks.com takes in an Indiana Jones 'Action Pack' experience

'INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM' GETS THE ACTION PACK TREATMENT VIA DRAFTHOUSE CINEMA
by
Bowie V. Ibarra

I'd seen the Alamo Drafthouse offer up shows called 'Action Packs'.  And I've seen plenty of 'Quote-Alongs' being offered as well.  But I've never gone to any of them.

So when Drafthouse offered an 'Action Pack, Quote-Along' screening of 'Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom', I was wary.  I didn't know exactly how it would play out with one of my favorite movies of all time.  Would it be disrespectful of the movie?  Would it be totally obnoxious?  I wasn't sure if I would enjoy it, but I also didn't want to pass up on getting a chance to see a movie on the big screen that I hadn't seen since 1984.

I took the plunge, and I'm glad I did.

It turns out the 'Action Pack'-themed movie nights at Drafthouse are very similar to a 'Rocky Horror' style viewing.  You get little props to play with as the movie plays, there are actual in-house explosions (This one had a dude that blew up a confetti cannon during the opening fight scene at Club Obi Wan), and there was even someone spraying water on folks during the big finish over the chasm near Pankot Palace.

And in the end, I was probably the most obnoxious one there, as I knew plenty of lines from the movie.  Even though I went with the recommended lines that were displayed at the bottom of the screen every so often throughout the movie, I was encouraged to say all the lines I knew.  As long as I 'quoted along' and not 'quoted before'. 

Bottom line, if you really like a movie and have the chance to see it in a Drafthouse Action-Pack format, do it. It's a great fun experience that you should have.  They're doing another Action-Pack of 'Temple of Doom' in San Antonio.  Check out the details HERE.

Speaking of ancient magic, have you read ZBFbooks.com's latest title, 'Room 26 and the Army of Xulhutdul'?  It's the story of a young woman put in charge of a museum in San Antonio, Texas, only to discover a hidden room filled with magical relics.  You need to check it out in paperback or Kindle HERE today!

BOWIE V. IBARRA is the author of the combat sport series 'Pit Fighters' from ZBFbooks.com.  It's the adventures of several fighters from around the world who form a stable to compete in the early days of MMA competition.  You can pick them up today in paperback or Kindle HERE.

 

Network with Bowie and check out all his other cool books featuring zombies, blood, and fights at his official website, ZBFbooks.com today.

FIGHTS: ZBFbooks.com remembers Mike Ruppert

NOTED INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALIST DIES OF APPARENT SUICIDE
by
Bowie V. Ibarra

In my past life in Austin, Texas, I had the privilege of having my 'reality expanded' by some great dudes in the ATX public access scene in the early '00s.  Chris Athanas and Jeff Contreras were two of the biggest names in the public access scene, with There4IAm and RealityExpander two of the top shows on the channel.  One of the folks that they brought to the attention of the Austin alt-news crowd was Mike Ruppert. 

Mike was a former police officer with LAPD and began his investigative career after confronting former CIA head John Deutch about his allegations of witnessing CIA complicity in drug trafficking.

Chris and Jeff booked Mike to speak in Austin only weeks after 9-11.  And what was great about the guy was his style of reporting.  Remember, this was during the rise of Alex Jones, a fantastic, yet fiery advocate for the truth.  Mike's style, on the other hand, was a cool contrast to Jones.  Mike approached everything from an almost scientific point of view, relying on hard facts over facts coupled with wild speculation.  I even took a picture with the guy, who was super cool.

Mike allegedly commited suicide in April 2014.  Being such an outspoken and facts-driven journalist, I can't help but think something more nefarious occurred.

But in the end, he was a great voice in the alt-news community, and he will be missed.

RIP Mike.

FIGHTS: #RIPWarrior

DAYS AFTER WWE HALL OF FAME INDUCTION, WRESTLING ICON PASSES
by
Bowie V. Ibarra

 

When I think of The Ultimate Warrior, I think of what a maniac he was.

 

The guy started out with three other bodybuilders on a stable called 'PowerTeam USA'.  When two of the dudes dropped out, Warrior (known then as Justice) and Sting (yes,that Sting) formed a (really bad) tag team called 'The Blade Runners'.  Sting became Blade Runner Flash, and The Ultimate Warrior was Blade Runner Rock.  The team would later break up and Rock would become The Dingo Warrior.

 

Then, WWE came calling, and he went on to be one of the biggest and most over-the-top figures in WWE history as The Ultimate Warrior.  He even went on to beat Hulk Hogan clean at the SkyDome in one of wrestling's biggest matches.

 

And his promos?  Absurdly hilarious and intense.

 

I'd be a liar if I didn't say I wasn't finally drawn in by his charisma and intensity.  I bought the neon wristbands back in the day.  He was a wild man, but he was fun to watch.

But when I think of the Ultimate Warrior, I think of a friend who walked out of my life several years ago.

See, my friend, who I met in college, was a big fan of The Ultimate Warrior.  He was such a big fan that he got one of the shittiest tattoos of the Ultimate Warrior mask you'd ever see on his arm.  I always gave him a hard time about that.

Hearing the news of the passing of the Ultimate Warrior, I can't help but immediately think of him.

Buddy, wherever you are right now, I offer my condolences to you.  And to all Warriors family, fans, and friends.  Condolences.

#RIP #UltimateWarrior

Here's one of his best matches.

His Hall of Fame speech.

 

His haunting words in his last public appearance.

 

 

#RIP #UltimateWarrior

ZOMBIES: Winner of the 1st Annual #ZBFbooks Award 2014

PERMUTED PRESS AUTHOR HONORED AS FIRST ZBFBOOKS AWARD RECIPIENT

 



Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to award the first recipient of the ZBFbooks Award: 

KIRK ALLMOND

Kirk comes out of a publishing house very familiar to me:  Permuted Press.

KIRK ALLMOND started writing the first bestselling What Zombies Fear novel in 2010 as an online story as part of his website The Zombie Preparedness Initiative. When the idea to write a novel struck him, he took his own "Zombie Apocalypse" plan and turned it into a story. That story has now spawned six novels and two short stories, and is showing no sign of letting up.

In addition to books set in the What Zombies Fear 'universe', Kirk is also working on two other (non) zombie novels, and several short stories.

When he's not writing or talking about zombies, the Michigan born writer holds firmly to the southern roots of his family. He grew up in Chicago IL, and Roswell, GA. Kirk has an amazing little boy who was born in 2007, who is the basis for the character Max in his novels. His time growing up in the south with his grandparents taught him the value and skills to live off the land. He is an avid outdoorsman, loves hunting, fishing and backpacking. When he's not honing his survival skills, Allmond is often found sitting at a role-playing game table, either as the GM of his own Zombie Apocalypse role playing game or as a participant in games run by one of the members of Grown as Gamers, the premier podcast for all things geek and pop culture.
Like 'Afraid', 'What Zombies Fear' is a series.  Since no specific book in the series was suggested, we'll use the first book as the marker for Allmond's nomination.

Here's the lowdown on 'What Zombies Fear:  A Father's Quest' from the book's Amazon.com page.

"When Victor Tookes went to work that beautiful spring day, he never expected to see a man eaten alive in the street in front of his office. After convincing himself that they really were zombies, he makes a trip from his house in Pennsylvania to his family home in Virginia, battling zombies all the way. His three and a half year old son was bitten on the leg, but doesn't turn into a zombie. Instead, he turns into something more than human.

Victor quickly discovers that everything he knew about zombies was wrong. Not all of them were mindless, uncoordinated, rotting ghouls; some of them were bigger, faster, stronger or smarter than when they were human.

A small percentage of humans are genetically immune to the parasite. Instead of turning these humans into mindless shamblers, they gain enhanced abilities. These new abilities will be pushed to their limits in their quest to carve out a safe haven to call home.

How will he keep his son safe when the world crumbles around him?"

Congratulations, Kirk.  And here's to continued success to you.

 

Get Kirk's book series HERE.

ZOMBIES: #ZBFbooks @PermutedPress Book of the Week 4/7/14

ZBFBOOKS.COM RECOMMENDS A TITLE FROM ONE OF PERMUTED PRESS' BEST STORYTELLERS
by
Bowie V. Ibarra

This week, ZBFbooks.com would like to recommend a title from one of Permuted Press' brightest storytellers.

CRAIG DiLOUIE wowed me a few years back with his early title Tooth and Nail.  The vivid descriptions and fantastic descriptions of the military personnel trapped in the middle of a big city in a zombie apocalypse seemed so accurate that I thought the dude was in the military.  Or had been.

But no.

That's the kind of disciplined storyteller you get with Craig DiLouie.  The guy does his research to bring his stories to life.

One of his latest titles, The Infection, promises the same storytelling prowess.

Check it out:

A mysterious virus suddenly strikes down millions. Three days later, its victims awake with a single purpose: spread the Infection. As the world lurches toward the apocalypse, some of the Infected continue to change, transforming into horrific monsters.

In one American city, a small group struggles to survive. Sarge, a tank commander hardened by years of fighting in Afghanistan. Wendy, a cop still fighting for law and order in a lawless land. Ethan, a teacher searching for his lost family. Todd, a high school student who sees second chances in the end of the world. Paul, a minister who wonders why God has forsaken his children. And Anne, their mysterious leader, who holds an almost fanatical hatred for the Infected.

Together, they fight their way to a massive refugee camp where thousands have made a stand. There, what's left of the government will ask them to accept a mission that will determine the survival of them all—a dangerous journey back onto the open road and into the very heart of Infection.

Get this title today HERE.

Explore Craig's work and keek up with him at his official website, CraigDiLouie.com.

BOWIE V. IBARRA is the author of the acclaimed 'Down the Road' zombie horror series from Permuted Press.  He earned a BFA in Acting and a MA in Theatre History from Texas State University.  His latest titles explore superhero themes, including 'Codename: La Lechusa', 'Room 26 and the Army of Xulhutdul', and 'Tejano Star and the Vengeance of Chaplain Skull'. 

 

Network with Bowie at his official website, ZBFbooks.com, the leader in Tex-Mexploitation literature.

FIGHTS: In defense of a Disney bankrolled 'Indiana Jones' series

RUMORS PROVED FALSE STILL IGNITE INTEREST IN FANS OF MODERN HERO OF HIGH ADVENTURE
by
Bowie V. Ibarra

Okay, hear me out.

First off, I'm the last person who should be getting behind the rumors of an Indiana Jones reboot.  Indiana Jones was my hero as a child.  He was smart, he was tough, and made me want to get an education.  I wanted to be a doctor like Dr. Jones.  And I wanted to be just as tough as him, too.  When folks would run down my character George Zaragoza from my 'Down the Road' zombie horror series, they would say, 'He's a teacher. He can't fight.'  Folks, I point to Indiana Jones.

Anyway, the rumors, which proved false, allegedly, stated that there's a timetable for Harrison Ford to do one more run as the globetrotting archaeologist.  If that timetable is not met, the rumors stated that the series would continue with the established canon with another star, ala the James Bond flicks.

Naturally, the folks opposed came out against that idea.  Harrison Ford IS Indiana Jones.  No one else is worthy of taking that title from him.

I feel the same way.  Indiana Jones will always be Harrison Ford.

But just like James Bond would always be Sean Connery to many, many other actors came along and took on the role, perpetuating the franchise.  And because of that cinematic convention of different actors playing the same character, we've been fortunate to have decades of great films about the super spy.  Some were just okay.  Many were fantastic.  And the new series is even greater than it has been before.

So why not do the same with Indiana Jones?  I don't know about you, but I'd love to watch more of the adventures of Indiana Jones play out on the big screen.  More chases.  More fights.  More treasure.  More fun.

Sure, I feel some trepidation as many fans do that Disney will be bankrolling these projects and setting up stories.  I don't want to see an Indiana Jones movie become like 'The Phantom Menace.'  In fact, I want it to be better than 'Crystal Skull'.  I've devoted my life to defending that turd wonderful film from day one and it hasn't been easy.

But in the end, I want to see more Indiana Jones adventures.  New adventures, not a reboot of past films.

My only bugaboo is this.  The rumors had Bradley Cooper as a top contender for the role.  Please, no.  No.  Not Bradley Cooper.

The pick needs to be Andrew Lincoln of 'Walking Dead' fame.  Nothing against Brad Cooper.  Even though Cooper had a very challenging role in 'Midnight Meat Train', he'll always be 'That guy from The Hangover'.   Andrew Lincoln can bring the proper amount of gravitas and respect the role of Indiana Jones deserves.

So if you're going to do it, Disney, just do it.  But please, no Bradley Cooper.

Readers, please, find it in your heart to support a true Indiana Jones franchise as established by Harrison Ford.  But please make it known that Bradley Cooper is not the right pick.

BOWIE V. IBARRA is the author of the supernatural action adventure story 'Room 26 and the Army of Xulhutdul'.  It's about a young woman charged with protecting mysterious ancient relics blessed with supernatural power under a museum in San Antonio, Texas, and the mayhem that ensues.

You can get it today HERE in paperback and kindle today.

 

FIGHTS: 4 Pro-Wrestling moves I'd like to see in MMA, 6 I Already Have

ZBFBOOKS.COM IS WAITING FOR THE DAY THESE MOVES APPEAR IN MMA
by
Bowie V. Ibarra

Alright, I know how ridiculous it sounds.  But I believe there are at least three pro-wrestling moves that could be effectively utilized in MMA.  No, seriously.  They can.

Look, we've already seen the influence of pro-wrestling on the MMA scene.  Many of the early Japanese combatants, including Kazushi Sakuraba, have utilized pro-wrestling moves in MMA.  No, I'm serious.  Check it out.

PRO-WRESTLING MOVES WE'VE ALREADY SEEN IN MMA

1.  The Mongolian Chop

Yes, the Mongolian Chop has been used in MMA.  Japanese MMA fighter and pro-wrestler Kazushi Sakuraba used it against Royce Gracie, as well as some other competitors.  You can find it in the link to this highlight reel below at the 2:20 mark.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwBW5WiqZLE

2.  The Power Bomb

Okay, so the set up for it has not quite been as ridiculous as Kevin Nash putting some dudes head between his legs, waiting five seconds to pose, before lifting the dude up and dropping them on their head and back.  It's a move I always suspected would work from a guard position.  'Rampage' Jackson did it to a dude with tremendous effect.

3.  The German Suplex

Naturally, a move with such a rich Greco-Roman tradition would find its way into MMA.  Dan Severn delivered one of MMA's first and most devastating German Suplexes against Anthony Macias at UFC IV.  There have been many since then throughout MMA.

But perhaps the most spectacular came when Kevin Randalman fought Fedor Emelianenko.  Check it out.

 

 

4.  The Giant Swing

 

Before Antonio Cesaro brought The Giant Swing to the WWE Universe and into mainstream consciousness, I always thought The Giant Swing would be a great way to get out of the guard.

 

The closest we ever got was when the Wildman Genki Sudo hit one on Craig Oaley.  Truth is, it really is a Giant Swing utilized for a submission maneuver.

 

 

5.  The Dropkick

 



In one of his earliest Pride FC matches, Alexander 'Diet Butcher' Otsuka executed a drop kick against his opponent.  It didn't play out so well.  I guess he needed to bounce the guy off the ropes or something, because he just went for it and the guy moved out of the way.

6.  The Side Headlock

In Pro-wrestling, it's a move used near the beginning of a match to wear down an opponent.

In MMA, it's a finishing move.

PRO-WRESTLING MOVES I'D LIKE TO SEE IN MMA

1.  DDT

In the unified rules of MMA, there is a rule that states fighters are prohibited from 'spiking' an adversaries foe against the mat.

Would somebody please do it anyway, Jake 'The Snake' style.

2.  The Super Kick

I've seen dudes do left high kicks, spin kicks, even bouncing off the cage to kick a dude in the face.

But I've yet to see a Chris Adams/Shawn Micheals-style Super Kick.  C'mon, MMA guys.

 

 

3.  The Heart Punch

 

It could be done.  Think about it.  A dude has a guy up against the cage, he could grab that dude's wrist, pull it up, and strike.

 



 

 

4.  The Iron Claw

 

Okay, okay.  The Iron Claw to break the guard?  Dumb move.

 

But standing?  From the side mount?  From the full mount?

 

Think about it.

 



 

I think what this has demonstrated, above all else is this one fact:  Pro-Wrestling is more dangerous than MMA.

 

So, did I miss any?  Comment below, leave me a Tweet @wingback20, or connect at the official website below.

 

BOWIE V. IBARRA is the author of the combat sport series 'Pit Fighters' from ZBFbooks.com.  It's the adventures of several fighters from around the world who form a stable to compete in the early days of MMA competition.  You can pick them up today in paperback or Kindle HERE.

 

Network with Bowie and check out all his other cool books featuring zombies, blood, and fights at his official website, ZBFbooks.com today.

 

 

 

FIGHTS: Brock breaks Undertaker's Wrestlemania unbeaten streak

BULLY BROCK KICKS AMERICA IN THE BALLS AT WRESTLEMANIA XXX WITH BIG WIN
By
Bowie V. Ibarra

No one saw it coming.

Noted wrestling pundit Brandon Stroud had predicted that Undertaker takes the win, extending the ridiculous WrestleMania win streak of one of WWE's biggest legends.  His thinking that he mentioned in the 'Best of Undertaker Streak Matches' piece was that the best time to end the streak was with Randy Orton.  Hell, I think it should have happened against Shawn Micheals the second time.  I did not want it to happen against HHH.  Now that would have sucked.

So in walks Brock Lesnar to face Undertaker at WrestleMania XXX.  Everybody kind of laughed it off because Brock is a 'part-timer' and if the streak was going to be broken, the thinking among fans was it should be for an up-and-comer.

And then it happened.

Brock F-5's one of the biggest legends in WWE.  Everyone thinks 'taker's kicking out.  No one really cares.  We're all expecting Undertaker to pull it out of his ass and take the win.

But the three count hits, and Undertaker is done, just laying on the mat.  Tired.  Old.  Beat.  Finished.

And then the WWE Universe takes a collective shit in their pants.  It was hilarious.

I contend Brock was one of the last few people who should take this win.  Brock has always had Undertaker's number.  Look at their 'Hell in a Cell' match from a few years back. 

 

You can find other instances of this understated rivalry from the history books and see that Brock has had Undertaker's number.  We forgot that.

 

This is the match Undertaker wanted anyway.  He asked for it years ago, confronting Brock after one of Brock's wins in the UFC pit.

 

 

Well, careful what you ask for, because you just might get it.

 

The time was ripe.  After 21 solid wars at 'mania, with the last few being the toughest competition he's ever faced, 'taker was on his last legs.  With his youth a thing of the past, the younger, stronger, and crueler Lesnar was ready to take the Undertaker, who was ripe for the picking.  Sure, the match wasn't the greatest Hoss-Style matchup, and it did not have all of the elements of Micheals/Taker I or II.  It was just a cruel beatdown of a legend before millions of fans across the globe.  Reality check.

 

And the reactions from the world?  Real.  Twenty-One years in the making, and no one saw it coming.

 

Good pro-wrestling always has a foundation as a metaphor for life, for society.  It should remind us about ourselves, our world.  People we love and idolize get old.  Sure, they remain those young and spirited youths we remember in our mind.  But if Death is the most patient of competitors, then Time is the cruelest.  Time keeps passing by, and with every second that ticks away, makes you older, marks your remaining time alive.  Only death knows the time of the final countdown, when the bells toll. 

 

21 years is a long time to be a dominant figure in anything.  No one will ever come close to that accomplishment.  For that, we should still revere the Undertaker for that amazing accomplishment.

 

But another life lesson that we all know is real is that someone always has your number.  My dad used to always tell me, no matter how big or bad a dude is, there's always, always someone out there who's just as big and just as bad, someone that can always put you in check.  Someone that, no matter how hard you try, you just can't beat them.

 

Look at Sakuraba/Silva.  They fought four different times and Sak could not beat him.  In fact, he got beat worse every time, it seemed.

 

Look at Shawn Micheals vs. Undertaker.  Shawn had two shots at it and couldn't do it.

 

Ken Shamrock/Tito Ortiz.  Ken couldn't do it.

 

No one thought Tyson was going to lose to the no-name James 'Buster' Douglas.  But he did.  Talk about an undefeated streak ending that no one saw coming.  Tyson was 37-0 at the time.  Buster had his number.

 

Take peace in knowing that the Undertaker never dodged a fight and always challenged himself against high-levels of competition for 21 years.  Undertaker put it all on the line year after year and won. 

 

Time just ran out.  That's all.

 

ZBFbooks.com salutes The Undertaker.  That was one hell of a run.  And to Brock Lesner.  You beat him clean.  Well done.

 

 

BOWIE V. IBARRA is the author of the 'Pit Fighters' series from ZBFbooks.com.  The book features fighters from around the world competing in the pits of MMA.  You can get the book today in paperback and kindle HERE.

Network with Bowie at his official website, ZBFbooks.com.