Skyship Academy: Crimson Rising - Out Now!!

Today I'm going to forego the music and pimp myself. Yes, pimp myself.

The reason being... my second book is out now! If you've read my previous book, SKYSHIP ACADEMY: THE PEARL WARS, you'll know that it was only the first in a series. Now, the story's continued in SKYSHIP ACADEMY: CRIMSON RISING. After months of work, it's finally available for people to read! Just let me bask in the moment for a day or two :)

Here's the blurb from the back cover, as well as some snippets of pre-release reviews from advanced readers:

Following their dramatic showdown in Seattle, Jesse Fisher and Cassius Stevenson find their world's been turned inside out. The faculty at Skyship Academy is keeping Jesse a prisoner in his own home, fearful of his influence over Pearls. And Cassius, once a loyal Pearlhound for the Unified Party, has been pushed into hiding, fearful of his government's retaliation.

When Jesse smuggles a mysterious red Pearl onboard the Academy, he sets loose a destructive chain of events, which lead him to a reunion with Cassius and a confrontation with Theo -- a bloodthirsty Pearlhound with a dangerous secret.

But a larger threat looms in the stars. An enemy is gathering, with plans to exterminate the entire human race. And Jesse and Cassius might just be the lynch pins that trigger mankind's destruction.

"Nick James has managed quite a feat. He's pulled off the literary equivalent of The Empire Strikes Back."

-- Stephen, Goodreads review

"This is another novel I could not put down. The combination of science fiction and dystopia is flawless, and the characters are very well developed."

-- Anja, Goodreads review

"The concept is just so fresh and unique that you can't help but to enjoy it."

-- Ny, Goodreads review

"I see this series as one of those rare gems, and think everyone should read it."

-- The Book Cellar

Buy the book:

Amazon | Indiebound | Barnes & Noble | Flux

Read the first few chapters!

Calvin Harris - Sweet Nothing (with Florence Welch)

"I'm living on such sweet nothing"

At this point, there's simply no stopping Calvin Harris. Who else (besides maybe David Guetta) can have so many singles out concurrently and keep such a high level of quality? His latest features Florence from Florence + the Machine and continues to prove my theory that she, along with Adele, should record a dance album. First there was that ubiquitous (and excellent) remix of her song Spectrum, and now we have this as a follow-up. I love unique and interesting voices singing over dance tracks, and Florence definitely has the power (and volume) to make it work. This track took me a listen or two to fully sink in, but now it's completely won me over.



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Preorder Calvin's album here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

Agnes - Human Touch

"Wanna feel your heartbeat closer than ever"

Straight after yesterday's post, I've got an incredible pop track from one of the album's I spotlighted. I've always enjoyed Agnes's singles, but that love never really extended to a full album. But, I worship at the alter of Tony Nilsson. He is one of my favorite producers/writers in pop music, and he's responsible for some of the best current Swedish music. He's worked on quite a bit of Agnes's new album (which explains why it's so good), and this is one of his many tracks. As usual, it's unashamedly 80's, with a propulsive melody and bombastic production. He's also added a gorgeous string section throughout, which gives the song added oomph. Now give him some production work on One Direction's new album and we'll be good.



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy the album here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

The Summer Drought Is Almost Over: Fall Music Preview

Last Summer I wrote about how there was nothing going on in the music world. It turns out that I may have been overreacting then, because the Summer of 2012 has been five times as barren. Seriously, I haven't been excited about an album release in months and months, and (honestly) it probably shows on this blog.

But pop music is not dead! In fact, the Summer was just the calm before the storm because there is a tidal wave of excellent pop releases coming our way and I, for one, am both excited and relieved. Here's a rundown. Did I miss any?

Agnes - Veritas (Sept. 5) The previews to this sound immense. Lots of Tony Nilsson is always good.

Carly Rae Jepsen - Kiss (Sept. 18) Bound to be a 2012 pop classic.

The Killers - Battle Born (Sept. 18) I'm really taken with their new single. Hopefully the album's as good.

Alphabeat - Express Non-Stop (Sept. 24) These guys never disappoint.

No Doubt - Push & Shove (Sept. 25) The previews sound promising, even if the singles have been somewhat underwhelming. Still, I've been waiting for this for years.

Dragonette - Bodyparts (Sept. 25) Another pop band that never disappoints. The previews sound great.

Melody Club - Let's Celebrate (Sept. 28) I'm a little disappointed that we're not getting a new studio album from them, but it'll be nice to get this greatest hits and I'm excited for the new track.

Muse - The 2nd Law (Oct. 2) I want another song like Survival!

Mika - The Origin Of Love (Oct. 8) New single Celebrate has me very excited. Here's hoping the title track is a cover of the epic Hedwig & The Angry Inch anthem.

Loreen - Healed (Oct. ) The long-awaited debut is finally released! (That is, if it doesn't get pushed back again)

Robbie Williams - Take The Crown (Nov. 5) Always excited for new Robbie, and this is supposedly a very big "pop" album.

One Direction - Take Me Home (Nov. 12) Their debut was such a pleasant surprise. I can't wait until this.

Little Mix - TBD (Nov. 19)

Olly Murs - TBD (Nov. 26)

The Veronicas - Life On Mars (?)
Amelia Lily - TBD (?)
Reece Mastin - TBD (?)
Darin - TBD (?)
Private - TBD (?)
The Wanted - TBD (?)

Private - Everywhere (ft. Genasis)

"Girl, I'll take you everywhere"

I've been waiting for this for years now. I'm a huge fan of Thomas Troelsen's work. I love his stuff with Superheroes, Junior Senior, and a host of varying European artists. But most of all, I'm obsessed with his very best project: Private. Private used to be a trio and released a flawless pop album five years ago. It appears that the band name is now just a moniker for Troelsen himself, but that's no biggie. I'm just glad that he's finally back with new music! Everywhere is his first single in over four years and, as such, the sound is a little different. It's much more warm and anthemic than most of the Private album and, most notably, features a prominent rap section. This was a bit jarring for me at first, but I've grown to understand how it fits into the puzzle. Most of all, the song sounds like a lost Prince track from the 80's. Obviously, that's no bad thing. Now I hope there's not another long wait before an album's released, because I don't think I could handle it.



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy the single here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.