OLYMPUS CONFIDENTIALby Robert B. Warren~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BLURB:
When a band of super-powered humans stirs up trouble in New Olympia, Zeus knows just who to call.
Wisecracking private investigator Plato Jones is used to cleaning up the gods' messes. But this might be his most dangerous case yet, placing him deep behind enemy lines, in Tartarus Maximum Security Penitentiary. After infiltrating the enemy's organization, Plato inches closer to the truth. But he learns a hard lesson along the way: to defeat a villain, he might have to become one himself.
Olympus Confidential skillfully weaves humor and Greek mythology into this fast-paced fantasy. Whether new or returning to the Plato Jones series, fans of thrillers, contemporary fantasy, and Greek mythology will have a tough time putting this one down.
Excerpt:
“We want you to go undercover and find out how King and his friends acquired their special abilities.”
“But King is in jail.”
“Yes, he is.”
I held up my hand. “Hold on. Let me get this straight. You want to send me to jail to make friends with a potentially dangerous criminal and his equally dangerous accomplices?”
“Of course not, Mr. Jones.”
“Good. For a second there, I thought you’d lost your mind.”
“We want to send you to Tartarus.”
“Tartarus? The Tartarus?”
“Correct.
I let out a humorless laugh. To call Tartarus Maximum Security Penitentiary the most dangerous prison on Earth would have been completely inaccurate. That’s because it wasn’t located on Earth, but in another dimension, only accessible by one of Hades’s magical portals. The facility housed some of the worst criminals of all time. Monsters beyond redemption.
“You know, I take back what I said about your losing your mind,” I said. “Because I see now that you’ve clearly gone bananas. I should’ve known it from the moment you walked in. Only a crazy person would wear a suit like that in public. Can I offer you another cup of coffee?”
Hermes ignored both the insult and the offer. “King and his associates will be going to trial soon. They will be convicted, they will be sent to Tartarus, and you will be right there beside them, becoming a member of their inner circle.”
“And what if I say no? Which I will most certainly do.”
“Refusal would be ill-advised.”
“Ill-advised, huh? What are you going to do? Hold my ex-wife hostage again? Blackball her new husband?” I paused. “On second thought, you guys can have a field day with him. But leave Alexis out of this.”
“No one’s going to be held hostage, Mr. Jones.”
“Then it looks like you don’t have anything to threaten me with.” I checked my watch. “Oh, would you look at that. It seems we’re out of time. I even gave you two additional minutes. Aren’t you lucky?”
“Stubborn as usual.” Hermes slid the reports into the folder and stood up. “But I’ll change your mind.”
“Whatever you say, chief. Now if you don’t mind, I have work to do.”
“I respectfully advise you to cooperate.”
“And I respectfully decline.”
“Have it your way, Mr. Jones. I’ll be in touch.”
AUTHOR Bio and Links:A fan of thrillers, fantasy, and science fiction, Robert B. Warren has been writing stories ever since he could hold a pencil. In 2009, he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and creative writing from the University of Alabama. He currently lives in the south.
1. Did you do any kind of research to determine the details of your characters’ lives / lifestyles?Author Interview
Many of my characters are modeled after people I know. Herc, for example, is modeled after my best friend. Plato isn’t based on anyone in specific, but I wanted to him an everyman appeal—the type of guy you’d like to hang out with on the weekend. With the Olympians, I took a close look at pop culture and tried to figure out which role each of them would have in a world that’s fully aware of them.
2. The best book/s you ever read?
That’s a tough one. I’d have to say Servant of the Empire by Raymond E. Feist and Janny Wurts. Its book number two in the Empire series, and an amazing reading experience. It has affected almost everything I write in some way or another. The main protagonist, Mara, is set up as an underdog but is able to overcome adversity using her intelligence and charm. Anyone who loves fantasy with a political twist should check it out.
3. Do you have strange writing habits?
When I’m writing, something’s always going on in the background. Usually, I’m listening to music that fits the particular scene I’m working on. Sometimes the TV is on. But my strangest habit is my tendency to press backspace after completing a word. There’s a very special reason I do this…I just haven’t figured it out yet.
4. Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Tuscaloosa, Alabama—home of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide! Roll Tide! Sorry, whenever I hear the words Crimson Tide—Roll Tide!—I always feel compelled to shout Roll Tide!
5. How did you get into writing?
Growing up, I actually wanted to be a comic artist. But I eventually realized that I’m better at writing stories than drawing. My first book was a crime drama. It was ten kinds of terrible, but everyone has to start somewhere.
6. What is your favorite quote?
"Your father, the black panther, is your father?" – The Lion and the King.
This quote is from a film reminiscent of The Lion King. When I first heard it, I laughed for a good thirty minutes before laughing some more.
7. Do you think that the cover plays an important part in the buying process?
Definitely! One shouldn’t judge a book by its cover—shouldn’t being the keyword. The cover is part of the book. It’s the first thing the reader sees. An attractive cover can mean the difference between someone picking up or book or giving it a pass.
8. What do you think of “trailers” for books?
Love em! I even have a Youtube ad for Murder on Olympus. But it’s embarrassing so don’t tell anyone…Oops.
9. What do you consider your best accomplishment?
I’m pretty simple in that regard. Every day I wake up and get to do what I love is its own accomplishment. I couldn't be more thankful.
10. What sacrifices have you had to make to be a writer?
My social life for the most part. Writing is a 24 hour commitment. Even when I’m not actively writing, I’m always thinking of new ideas—and when the book calls, I come running. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.
11. What’s the worst job you’ve had?
I once worked as a stocker for a pet store. The hours were terrible! Terrible with a capital T. But I got to see cute animals every day, so there was a bright side to it.
12. What was the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
That I am a very strange person…in a good way. In a good way!
THE AUTHOR WILL BE GIVING AWAY:
Commenter Prize: $50 Amazon GC plus print or digital copy of book 1 or book 2 in the series
Runner Up Prizes 15 ebooks of winners' choice of book 1 or book 2
Host Prize: $20 Amazon GC
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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