Book Description
Blending elements of science fiction and the paranormal, the Destiny series explores the duality of good and evil set against two worlds, Earth and Nirvana. A child of these worlds, Destiny van Kampen, must lead a besieged Earth from its nadir into a new era. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Embracing the Skull- Book One of The Destiny Series
When Sarah vanKampen conceives a child after years of trying, and after giving up all hope, she is ecstatic. She is told by an Antiqutian that the child she carries is a daughter and that she will play a vital part in saving mankind. Sarah knows thatshe must keep the contact with the Antiquitas, who are theKeepers of Knowledge, secret, to be shared only with her daughter. As Destiny goes through childhood, she is comfortable by the soft colors and haunting music that had comforted her mother during her pregnancy. Destiny experiences these supernatural events when she is disturbed.After a devastating world war, the city that Destiny now lives in is damaged by earthquakes. Travel is severely curtailed and the unlucky people are forced to live in the streets. The building that Destiny lives in is one of the few standing and she feels safe until the day her apartment is ransacked by an intruder that poses as a family member. One of the policemen who respond to her frantic call is Brett Young. The couple are instantly drawn to one another and Brett is shocked to find himself offering any help that the woman might need. That evening, the Antiquitas inform Destiny that she is indanger and must stay with Brett, who will be the only onethat will be able to keep Destiny alive in the upcoming days. The couple find themselves on the run, in danger from people possessed by the Antiquitas enemy, the Eletarii, and face danger at every turn. Destiny and Brett come to understand that their mission is vital even as Destiny discovers unknown powers that help them survive. Embracing the Skull is the beginning of an epic science fiction series that will hold the reader entranced and impatient for the next book. The descriptions of the Earth in its death throes are chillingly portrayed and vivid in detail. The action is fast- paced, the secondary characters are well described and the suspense will hold the readers attention, making the novel impossible to put down. But the best part of this novel is the growing relationship between Destiny and Brett. The chemistry is instantly obvious between the two and bothdiscover a feeling that their meeting was meant to be. As they run from virtually everyone, Destiny and Brett discover that they can only relay on one another. If you enjoy a spellbinding novel that will have your pulses pounding and want a story to become involved with, Embracingthe Skull is for you. The authors end the novel in acliffhanger that will have you counting the days until the second book in this series comes availing. I enjoyed this book enormously and found that I snarled at any interruption as I read the book. I am looking eagerly forward to the remaining books in the series. I highly recommend Embracing the Skull to lovers of epic science fiction and suggest you don't start the novel in the afternoon unless you plan on not going to sleep that night!!! Bravo, Ms Jardin & Ms Kemp-Jones!

Embracing The Authors
Fans of strong women characters will appreciate this unusal blend of Science Fiction, the supernatural and a touch of romance. The heroine could be anyone you know and remains so despite the battle she leads to save earth. An engrossing, highly recommended read!

Marguerite McCall, Novelist-fiction

An excellent fantasy/science fiction tale

In a previous review I failed to mention the contribution of the co-author, Diana Kemp-Jones, whom, I am told, had a major hand in creating this story.It was an oversight for which I apologize.I was familiar with other efforts by Martine Jardin and gave her all of the credit, although she says that Kemp-Jones is more familiar with the fantasy/acience-fiction genre, and made a major contribution.

Whomever deserves the credit, this is an enthralling story which will give many readers pleasure. I recommend it highly for a few hours of entertaining diversion.

Joseph H. Pierre

Heart-pounding thriller full of action and suspense!
The aftermath of World War III has created grim conditions for the people of Earth. These are desperate times driven by greed, famine, deadly disease, and extreme natural disaster. One gets the feeling that dark forces other than the human tendency for conflict are at work here.

In Vancouver, Canada, a young woman named Destiny is persevering after the war. Mysterious voices reveal to her that she is the Chosen One who is to help save Earth. Of course, she does not fully comprehend what this means. After meeting her soul mate, a police officer named Brett, the voices inform her of the details of her mission. With Brett's help, she is to open a celestial portal which will enable the Antiquitas civilization to rescue the good people of Earth from their plight, which is being precipitated by the hostile elementals of the Eletarii race.

Destiny begins to acquire supernatural powers. While learning to control them, she and Brett barely escape the intense violence brought on by the humans who have joined the dark side. They must constantly be on guard. Even the government is after them with military might. Who hasn't joined the Eletarii? Who can be trusted? Destiny is weary, but with brave acceptance of her fate, she learns to trust that the Antiquitas will reveal the secrets of how to accomplish her daunting mission as she needs to know them.

Embracing the Skull is a heart-pounding thriller full of action and suspense. Jardin and Kemp-Jones have written a riveting tale, dark and full of the feeling of doom and extreme danger. I was anxious to see if Earth, our Earth, had any chance against the hideous evil that had befallen it. Will Destiny, under the guidance of the Antiquitas, be able to conquer the terrifying power of the Eletarii? Why has this seemingly ordinary citizen of Earth been selected as the Chosen One? Does she possess some larger role in the Universe? The answers to these questions will astound you.

Written by Jeanne Allen for Knowbetter.com

An excellent fantasy

This new book by Martine Jardin surpasses even her excellent first novel, "Shadowed Love," in suspenseful, creative and highly imaginative story-telling.Jardin is a smooth, persuasive writer, adept at describing convincing, authentic characters with whom the reader empathizes.She is that rarity, a new author of genuinely great talent, and I predict great things for her.

After reading her latest effort, I confidently predict a glowing future.Her narratives are imaginative and innovative, and her characters live and breathe."Embracing the Skull" is fantasy of the first order, replete with magic amulets, talismans and enchantment.There is an element of"soft" science fiction to the story, with a super-intelligent race from outer space protecting the earth from an evil empire.Truly the work of a creative mind of the first order.

After Shadowed love, I expected fine work from this writer, and I was not disappointed.Soon, I'm sure, she will have a coterie of admirers who will follow her every word with the same delight that I have.

Joseph H. Pierre

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Book Description

Consider the eclipse.In the fleeting moments of its dark embrace occurs a phenomenon eliciting the awe and terror of countless generations.It is an event of rare significance, quick and profound.Like an eclipse, events or actions can also be quick and profound.From the homeworld to the most distant stars, the universal drama captured in seventeen stories finds no shortage of players... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Grabs your attention and draws you in
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (9/06)

"Dystopic Visions" is composed of seventeen short science fiction stories. Kemp-Jones writes so vividly, that I had no problems visualizing everything that is happening. Her stories are so full of color that I felt like I was in a seventeen screen movie theater visiting each movie for a short period of time.Some of her stories take you to other worlds where you visit with creatures that are not like anything we have here. Because these creatures are not human-like, her characters tend to assume that they are not able to think or defend themselves.Many of these creatures have their own defense systems or more cognizance than they were given credit for. This led to nightmares for many of the characters in her stories.

Kemp-Jones also has a gift in that she is able to grab your attention and draw you into her tales quickly.She is able to quickly set her story up and immediately draw you into it.Her tales grab your attention and hook you.In many cases, I wished that they were full length novels because I wasn't done enjoying the action in her story.

I also enjoyed the plots that she created for each story.In some cases, they made me think a lot deeper about our own reality and time on this planet.We worry about the consequences of introducing species that are not native to an area to that area.What if we were to bring back species from other planets and introduce them to our world?Kemp-Jones thought about this and writes a tale about it.The results were devastating.

In many of her stories, the drama comes from us underestimating other life forms; whether they are worm-like creatures or flowerlike entities.We underestimate them and we pay the price."Dystopic Visions" is an excellent choice for science fiction fans.Readers groups will have a great time discussing her stories.Because the stories are short, the book would be really good for someone who loves to read, but doesn't have too much time.The short tales would allow you to take a quick break and be able to read a story to completion. ... Read more

Book Description

Kanuwe, a strong, empathic and genetically enhanced woman of color, undertakes a predestined journey of self-discovery, evolution and rebirth for her ancient people. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

This book is out of this world!
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (9/06)


When the planet Omori was invaded by aliens called "The Sikoth," the Omoro civilization was destroyed.These were peaceful, industrious people who were artisans and diplomats.The Sikoths came to the planet requesting assistance because their world was destroyed.They planned on taking over Omori by sterilizing the population.

Kanuwe, her sister Januka, and her brother Malaru, were all created to find the twin planet Omori-na and repopulate it.In addition to being fertile, they are neurosynths that have been given vitality and longevity.They are guided by the soul of an ancient Omoru wiseman named Badarou.Kanuwe and her siblings are shown the history of their planet and its devastation through dream journeys.They also have visions of the people from their past. Kanuwe is able to see the past and future which provides her with the knowledge that she needs to accomplish her goals.

The plot thickens when Januka is kidnapped by slave traders.The alien kidnappers are a disgustingly repulsive race of creatures. Kanuwe and Malaru go after Januka to rescue her.Along the way they have to deal with some devastating losses and their journey is prolonged.

"Kiyama" is an excellent science fiction novel.Kemp-Jones has a talent for being able to vividly create descriptions of the scenes in her story so that they are easy to imagine.Every setting is conveyed in a rich, colorful way.She does an excellent job of creating the characters.The sibling neurosynths are written as people with great depth.She makes you care about them as if they really exist.Your heart goes out to them because you want them to succeed with bringing their culture back to life. The evil aliens are vividly described.I could almost smell their nastiness.The plot moves along quickly and I find myself holding my breath through many of the stressful, action filled scenes with the aliens.

I highly recommend "Kiyama" to science fiction fans.You will not be disappointed.I look forward to reading other novels by this author. ... Read more

Book Description

Beyond the fragile veneer of the everyday world lurks a frontier not open to ordinary exploration.No willing pioneers trek this land, only the waylaid few sucked into a domain where shadows have substance and nightmares spring to life.It is a realm with only one road to travel, a road with neither beginning nor end, a road which leads to a place bordering the edge of oblivion ...

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Customer Reviews (1)

Short stories for late night thrills
Reviewed by Cathy Yanda for Reader Views (09/06)

"Subterranean Heartbeats" is seventeen short stories, each bringing you its own kind of late-night thrills. If you become frightened when you hear things-that-go-bump in the night, see shadows and believe they could be spirits, or close your eyes while watching the grisly news broadcasts, maybe this book is not for you. However, if you are the type of person, as I am, who loves riding in the front seat of the roller coaster, eagerly awaits the newest horror story to hit the bookshelves, and who watches mostly scary movies, you are going to enjoy these short stories.

"Arcade" is the first story in the collection, and my favorite. Diana Kemp-Jones tells the story of a young boy who, forbidden by the Keepers to go into an area of the woods, spends hours playing in what appears to be an old amusement park left abandoned by people of "the old country." The games come to life when Noah enters and engages him in play. There is the Dragon Lord video game where Noah grips an old, well-worn joystick and battles the evil Dragon Lord's fleet and "Bumper Car Bonanza" that smashes bumper cars into each other and tosses Noah from side to side. Noah spends hours playing the games in the forbidden place. When he invites a new friend to come with him, his sister chases after and the three of them are soon inside the arcade. As the games come to life, Noah is unable to control them and things go from bad to worse.

Diana Kemp-Jones' stories may have you rooting for the underdog or cheering for the awakened horror. Either way, you will not be able to predict their ending. In "Remote Control," Maggie, a young married woman whose husband is out of town on business, is haunted by the television and VCR clicking on of the own volition. Soon she is watching her husband enjoying the company of two beautiful women when she sees something on the screen that transforms her astonishment into delight and she calls a friend of hers whose husband is also out of town. The twist at the end will leave you smiling.

"Subterranean Heartbeats" is a treasure that you will want to share with others, perhaps taking turns reading the stories aloud late at night. Just don't forget to leave a light on when you fall asleep. You never know what evil is lurking out there. ... Read more

Book Description
The essence of womanhood speaks from a collection of fifteen science fiction stories welcoming the reader into the diverse female universe. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Tales from our future sisters
Reviewed by Abbie G. Yandle for Reader Views (1/07)

This collection of short stories takes the reader into the depths and reaches of the imagination through the eyes of strong female characters. These characters face the same challenges that most women face. Each engages the reader. Sometimes the challenges are resolved, sometimes not. Many of these stories left me wanting more!

Divorce, kidnapping, and a custody battle on a resort planet grab any mother's attention in "Duel of Hearts." A society's rites of passage torment young Janaar in "Debutante." The overwhelming desire to keep her youthful appearance causes Beth to lose her best friend, as she falls into a sinister conspiracy in "New Woman." In "The Cull," Seladon faces her own conscience. She decides what she is doing is wrong. Acting against orders, she makes a choice that may end her life. An old friend comes to her rescue, giving her a second chance.

This is a great book when reading time is limited. Who doesn't need to escape into the fantasy world of other's troubles from time to time? The female spirit is portrayed well through these literary snapshots. I'll be sharing my copy of "Sisters of the Wind" with my daughter! I'm certain she will enjoy it as I have.

Wonderful! Very highly recommended
SISTERS OF THE WIND by Diana Kemp-Jones is a breathtaking collection of fifteen science fiction stories united by themes of strong women rising to meet extraordinary challenges. With grace and panache, Kemp-Jones presents an amazingly unified collection of fifteen short stories that will challenge the reader's perceptions of the future.

The future has degenerated into fierce control or its alternative chaos, depending upon which planet you inhabit. But in all cases, personal liberty has been curtailed and it takes an extraordinary show of spirit to effect change. On one hand, meet independent young women like Janaar in "Debutante", who refuses to submit to her society's demands, choosing rebellion that potentially leads to change in her whole world. Or meet young Nataya in "Donors" who becomes the leader of children to a New World. On the other hand, meet starship captain Saladon who risks death to save a planet from annihilation.

Despite the pronounced differences in time and place between the world as we know it, and the world of Kemp-Jones' imaginative tale. Many themes are extremely contemporary. Universal questions such as how to balance between family and worldly responsibility dominate several stories. Raising children and the defiance of what is ethically wrong verses the celebration of what is ethically right also dominate many stories, including "Devil in the Heart," "Imarad," and "Mantris."

Kemp-Jones prose is amazingly descriptive, lending depth of characterization seldom seen in short stories. These stories challenge me as a reader, making reevaluate my own ethical and moral beliefs, rather than being willing to let others think for me. Moreover, each of these heroines lives and breathes for me, living in memory long after the last page. I can hardly wait to read more from this talented author. ... Read more