Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Flames Rising reviews Vampire Apocalypse: A World Torn Asunder


A recent review of the first VA book at Flames Rising that I though I'd share with you...here's a few highlights:

"Gunn writes a face-paced and action-packed adventure. This is one of the better post-apocalyptic novels I’ve read .....a great survival horror tale.....A new book in the series (Descent into Chaos) was recently released.... I’ve already started reading it…you should pick up both of them and join in!"

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Another 5 STAR review for DESCENT INTO CHAOS...


Descent into Chaos (the second book in the Vampire Apocalypse series) has reveived another 5 STAR review at Amazon.com

Check out this Amazon link

Monday, December 1, 2008

www.derekgunn.com featured feed on Alltop

Alltop (www.alltop.com) is an “online magazine rack” of popular topics where stories are updated by the hour - just choose your topic of interest for all the latest news. My news feed is featured under Horror Novels - be sure to check it out.

Derek

Thursday, November 20, 2008

And "The Estuary" makes four....

I've sold a new novel entitled "The Estuary" to Permuted Press, the US genre press 'taking over the world' with post-apocalyptic books! So this brings the total number of my novels published/contracted to four (A World Torn Asunder and Descent into Chaos and the forthcoming Fallout in the Vampire Apocalypse series, published by Black Death Books).

Permuted Press started out with "The Undead" zombie anthology in late 2005 (which included my story The Diabolical Plan)and have gone on to publish novels by Bram Stoker Award winner, Dr. Kim Paffenroth, Z.A. Recht, J.L. Bourne, Bowie Ibarra, David Wong and many more.

I'm truely delighted to have found such a fantastic home for this book. The Estuary should be out in 2009....stay tuned for further updates.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

5 stars for DESCENT INTO CHAOS at Goodreads

I am always delighted to get feedback for my books from readers and I was humbled to come across this one at Goodreads:

"Descent into Chaos' is the second installment in the 'Vampire Apocalypse' series, which started with 'A World Torn Asunder'. While I already loved the first novel, this sequel contains even more complexity and depth...."

Monday, October 27, 2008

VA: Descent into Chaos: reviews starting to come through and they're good ones!

Reviews of the second VA book are starting to come through and.....they're good!

Here's some highlights:

First up - two 5 STAR reviews at Amazon:

"Derek Gunn is a master vampire writer who provides his fans with a graphic frightening world that hooks the audience as few military horror sagas do."
Amazon.com

"Like the first book once the action begins (and that doesn't take long ) its doesn't stop till the final page. It really is a fast paced page turner; I read it in two sessions which is unheard of for me. You just can't put it down - the action drags you in.....Its a must read ! 5 Stars"
Amazon.co.uk


And another one at Fear Zone:

"Vampire Apocalypse: Descent Into Chaos still stands as an eminently enjoyable fast-paced blood-bath of a romp through a bleak, but far from hopeless post-apocalyptic future. For those who like their vampires tough and truly terrifying, Descent, and Derek Gunn's entire Vampire Apocalypse series, make for exceedingly pleasurable and satisfying reading."

If you've read it, help me spread the word by posting your review at Amazon, B&N etc.

Cheers!

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Fangoria's "Terrifying Tomes for Hallow'een"

a small number of books feature (including my new release - Vampire Apocalypse: Descent into Chaos).
Check out Fango's Terrifying Tomes for Hallow'een

Sweet Fights at Gamesfest ...

Just back from Gamefest in sunny Tring in the UK. We had stormtroopers keeping everyone in line though we really didn't need them. Mark Lucas and his creew did an excellent job of organising this event.

There was gaming, Magic the Gathering, Games Workshop and an impressive lineup of authors, including me.

It was a great day with sweet fights between Frazer Lee and myself and Peter Mark May. I ate the ammunition and Frazer ran out of sweets, not Mister May though - he went home with a suitcase full. A recent intelligence report has him enticing people on the tube with said sweets, though these have yet to be confirmed.

For me it was a thrill. It was a long day flying into Heathrow for 9.00 and returning late that night but it was worth it. I got to meet James Barclay, Mark Chadbourne and Dan Abnett - like what else would you want to do on a Saturday?

Captain Calibre, Richard Williams (Author of Black Libraries' excellent 'Relentless'), was there and so too ship's Master Gav Thorpe and James Swallow.

I even got to talk to the guys in Bloody books, Joseph D'Lancy and Bill Hussey whose evcellent books were on sale in limited quantities. The irrepressible Garry Charles was there as well as fellow Wonderlands frequentors Steve Dean, Stan Nicholls and Raven Dane. A hell of a line up.
I even sold some books myself.

There was a good crowd at the event though you should definately come next year if you missed this one. It is rare that an event is so well organised and Mark and the crew were so welcoming and sincere that they really do deserve to make this into a huge event.

Next up is Octocon in Dublin. See you there!

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Quiet Earth - Dedicated To Genre Film And Everything Post Apocalyptic

I'm getting terrific support over at Quiet Earth for Vampire Apocalypse - they have given me a lot of press for the release of the second book, Descent into Chaos (yes, it's released!). Here's what they had to say about the first, A World Torn Asunder

"one of our favorite Vampire novels of the last couple of years....If you haven't read the first novel we highly recommend it to horror
and post-apocalypse fans alike. "

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Vampire Apocalypse: Descent into Chaos released


The second book in the Vampire Apocalypse trilogy, Descent into Chaos, has been released by KHP Industries under their Black Death Books imprint. It's available for sale on Amazon and Barnes and Noble so far - other booksellers will be online shortly.

Sample chapters of this new book and the first book in the series, Vampire Apocalypse: A World Torn Asunder, are available at the Vampire Apocalypse website.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

A little competition at VampireApocalypse.com....

If anyone here has read the first Vampire Apocalypse book, A World Torn Asunder, I'm running a little competition over at VampireApocalypse.com for a signed copy of the new VA book, Descent into Chaos, which is coming out next month.....

Authors - If you want to get word out about new releases etc....I'll add it to my "links"

I launched my new website during the summer and only now have I gotten around to setting up a "links" section.

What I have decided to do is set this up as a blog - http://horrorstuffandmore.blogspot.com linked from my website. If you want to add yourwebsite, just send the website title and url to me and I'll add it.

Trying to make this a bit more interesting so, if you like, you can send me a brief bio and if you have [i]any news on book releases etc[/i]. send me what you would like to say and I'll post it on the blog.

Cheers!
D

It's in the mail......

Well, it looks like I will have advance copies of the new Vampire Apocalypse book, Descent into Chaos, within the next few days. The book is not officially due out until October but my publishers have pulled out all the stops to make copies available for two conventions that I am guesting at: Gamesfest 3 in the UK (October 4th) and Octocon in Dublin (October 18th and 19th.

It goes without saying that I am really looking forward to having it in my hand.

Now though, the fun starts.

This is the time I sit and await the first reviews. I know on the first book that everytime I got a notification that a new review was in, with trepidation I would scan it quickly, holding my breath until I could see if the reviewer liked it...it's nail-biting stuff!

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

It's nearly here.....

Ok, I've just received the galleys of the second Vampire Apocalypse book, Descent into Chaos. My publisher, KHP Industries have pulled out all the stops to have copies available for two conventions that I have been invited to attend as a guest author, in October: Gamesfest 3 in the UK on October 4th and Octocon in Dublin on October 18th and 19th. Gamesfest 3 is A one day convention to showcase the best of Role playing, Wargaming, Boardgaming & Science fiction/Fantasy literature. Octocon is the National Irish Science Fiction Convention and will be featuring as part of the programming of the (Irish) Children's Book Festival, which runs for the entire month of October.


Descent into Chaos will be officially released towards the end of October and will be available at all online booksellers, some high street book stores and can be ordered from anywhere that sells books.

You can check out the covers and read sample chapters of this and the first Vampire Apocalypse book, A World Torn Asunder at www.vampireapocalypse.com

We've been working hard at editing for the past month and I'm delighted with the final book. The third VA book, Fallout, is next up for editing.....

Derek

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Vampire Apocalypse Movie News


A movie script has been penned by Richard Finney and Franklin Guerrero, based on the first VA book, Vampire Apocalypse: A World Torn Asunder.
Their adaptation led to a recent partnership on the project with producer, Robert Lawrence (Die Hard: With a Vengence, Clueless, The Last Castle). Currently the project is being represented by the Creative Artists Agency (CAA) who is packaging the project for the studios.

The book, published by Black Death Books is available at most online booksellers. If your local book store doesn't have it in stock, they will be able to order it for you. You can, of course, read chapters online at my website.

Watch this space.....
Derek

2nd Vampire Apocalypse book - chapters available online.


The 2nd book in the Vampire Apocalypse trilogy is due for release by Black Death Books in the Fall. Sample chapters are now available to read online at my website. Descent into Chaos follows A World Torn Asunder - chapters of which are also available online.

Enjoy!

Moving all my news updates, blog posts etc. to this new news site....

I've just set up this blog as a source for readers to find out the latest news and updates on my writing. Here's some news posts from the past 8 or 9 months.

21 Jun 2008

The Countdown begins......


The second book in the Vampire Apocalypse series is not too long away now from release. So, to anyone who hasn't heard about this series, here's a chance to read a little about the first book and, an excerpt to tempt you - just scroll down...

And, all the latest VA movies news is HERE

About the Book:

The war is over and the Vampires have won.

The drying up of the world's oil resources leads to the fabled End of Days. Technology stagnates and communities grow ever more insular. With communication between cities lost and attention turned inward, the vampires rise from the shadows where they have survived for centuries and sweep across the globe. By the time word spreads it is far too late and Vampires enslave humanity and keep them in walled cities to breed.

The Vampires are masters of the darkness but maintain control by day through the use of Thralls--humans who have been bitten but have not yet crossed over, and whose inhuman lusts make daylight as terrifying as night. In the midst of chaos, a small band of rebels lead a terrified existence, but their survival is threatened by the Vampire's new scanning procedures.

Peter Harris is an ordinary man. Young and reckless, he is frustrated with the group's stagnation and pushes for one more daring mission. His recklessness has exposed the group--but it has also increased the size of their community. Now, as circumstances force them to take the offensive, and accompanied by a small group of professional Vampire assassins, Peter will make one last stand for humanity's survival in the Vampire Apocalypse.



Purchase your copy at:

Amazon.co.uk
Black Death Books
Amazon.com
Waterstones TB&N, Borders, Forbidden Planet and many more...




22 May 2008


VA: DESCENT INTO CHAOS now available for preorder


The second book in the Vampire Apocalypse series is now available to preorder direct from the publishers -


VAMPIRE APOCALYPSE: DESCENT INTO CHAOS by Derek Gunn

The enthralling sequel to Vampire Apocalypse: A World Torn Asunder, soon to be a major motion picture.

The first battle is over and Nero is dead.

Now the human survivors will pull themselves from the ruins of their base to find that the world is a very different place outside Nero's territory.

The War is Over. The Vampires have Won. But a new campaign is about to begin....

Available now for preorder at
BLACK DEATH BOOKS

Derek



18 May 2008


New Interview!


...at Patricia's Vampire Notes



28 Apr 2008

New Interview with Crystal Adkins at Interviews with Authors.com

A new interview and a chance to win a copy of the first book in the VA series: Vampire Apocalypse: A World Torn Asunder at Interviews with Authors

D



25 Apr 2008

Reviews keep rolling in.......


"The strength of this book is it's non-stop action. The story never lets up, and it's very hard to put down."

New review for Vampire Apocalypse: A World Torn Asunder at The Book Club Forum



Vampire Apocalypse in Forbidden Planet!


I was in the Forbidden Planet in Dublin yesterday and what did I spy on the bookshelves? My own Vampire Apocalypse: A World torn Asunder. I was delighted they had taken the trouble to order in a few copies of my book.

Now I must see if the UK outlets will order it in as well...





21 Apr 2008


The HMS Swift Adventures - first story now available!





The first story in The HMS Swift Adventures is now available to read online. It's a short story, "The Diabolical Plan" and it was first published in The Undead zombie anthology from Permuted Press (2005). Go here to read the entire story The Diabolical Plan


Enjoy!


Next up in The HMS Swift Adventures - "The Island", (novella) - coming next week......



13 Apr 2008

Chaos cover coming soon.........
Current mood: excited
Category: Writing and Poetry

I've heard from my publisher that the artwork for my second book - Vampire Apocalypse: Descent into Chaos - is nearing completion. I can't wait to see what they come up with.......



01 Apr 2008

Conventions, reading and other stuff.....
Category: Writing and Poetry


Phoenix Convention (PCon V):

I spent the weekend at the Science fiction/Fantasy/Horror convention, PCon V, in Dublin and thoroughly enjoyed it! It was my first time at this con and met lots of new and interesting people. I was among great company such as Peadar O Guillan , childrens’ writers Michael O Carroll and Oisin McGann, GOH C.E.Murphy, Juliet E. Mckenna, to name but a few.....and not forgetting John Vaughan movie buff!

We discussed Vampires, Werewolves, religion in SciFi, apocalyptic themes and a whole host of fun topics. The main thrill for me is meeting like-minded folk who actually have read books and series that I have! This con has been running for quite a few years and under the fantastic Frank Darcy and his team everything ran according to plan and on schedule. It was an honour to have been invited along.




Reading (NISFA):


The good folks at the New Irish Science Fiction Association have invited me along as their guest at their April meeting. Ill be reading an excerpt from Vampire Apocalypse: A World Torn Asunder and a short story, The Third Option (Permuted Press, History is Dead anthology).


For anyone in and around Dublin, the venue is:


The White Horse Inn at Burgh Quay


Tuesday April 8th at 7.30pm


Movies recently watched:


30 Days of Night:

Yeh, it is nice to finally see nasty vampires back on screen but I was disappointed with the movie. I just felt that it was more like 30 hours of night - it felt like one long night rather than 30 days.....


I know its fiction but I didnt find it credible - theres no way the group of people could have stayed hidden for 30 days. The town was so small that the vampires could have torn apart every building in one night and found them.....




Carver:

Considering the size of the budget, this was actually a very good movie with very credible special effects. From all the reviews this movie is getting, if youre into this genre, Id reccommend it.


Currently reading:


A western novel - A Town Called Fury: Hard Country by William W. Johnstone


19 Mar 2008

I was hooked from the Prologue.....
Category: Writing and Poetry


Great to see VA still so well-received!

Reviewed by Kylee Pierce for Amateur de Livre March/2008

"An Enthralling Vampire Novel.....This book will capture the interest of any reader who enjoys occult/fantasy/vampire genres. I was hooked from the Prologue....... I will be looking for more by Derek Gunn in the future."





09 Mar 2008


Springtime (not over here!) An update of sorts......


Were oficially half way through Spring but you wouldnt know it over here. The weather has been absolutely rotton: freezing cold (well, for Ireland anyway), lots of rain and weve a big storm coming tonight and sand bags are in place as a very high tide is expected.

Anyway - an update of sorts:

Ive been keeping my head down writing the third Vampire Apocalypse book - Vampire Apocalypse: Fallout. Im at 65,000 words and hope to finish it within the next six weeks or so. Tryng to find the time to write is one of my biggest challenges. My real job (which I actually enjoy) is very demanding and exhausting Monday to Friday and I try to schedule a couple of hours writing on Saturdays and Sundays in and around my childrens various activities! Im taking a week off work between St. Patricks Day and Easter for a bit of a rest and hopefully make some serious inroads into finishing this book.

The second book, Vampire Apocalypse: Descent into Chaos, is with the publisher, KHP Industries, and should be available at the end of this year/early next year. Im not posting any teasers/excerpts etc at this stage and the reason is twofold: as its a sequel, I dont want to give away spoilers of the first book and quite honestly, its still a while off being available on the market. Ill just say that the story takes a unique turn! I absolutely love this Vampire Apocalypse Universe that I have created and the scope it has given me to write stories in this world. I have been genuinely thrilled at how well it has been received by reviewers, movie makers and most importantly by readers. My focus in terms of spreading the word about VA is firmly on the current book, Vampire Apocalypse: A world Torn Asunder and Im delighted that reviewers are still most gracious in agreeing to review it.

I get asked a lot about whats happening on the screen adaptation front. There is a lot happening so keep an eye on IMDb to keep up with the latest news.



Ive actually managed to squeeze in a proposal for a short story to Black Library (Warhammer) and its in submission, so fingers, toes etc. crossed...

The Phoenix Convention (Horror, Science Fiction and Fantasy) is on at the end of this month in Dublin city. I just got the panel details today and on this schedule, Im down for four: A Good Read, Ghosts and Vampires and Werewolves, Military Scifi and Apocalypse Rising. Im delighted with being put on these particular panels as theyre right up my alley! The con starts on Friday nght and runs all day Saturday and Sunday. My wife is coming with me to see what its all about(!) and weve booked a nice boutique hotel just around the corner to stay over on Saturday night and have a mini-break away from the relentless routine of the children for one weekend at least!



13 Feb 2008

New Interview!

Fellow Black Death author (The Cage), Jason Brannon, took time out of his busy schedule to interview me about Vampire Apocalypse and other stuff. You can read it at Jason's website or at his Myspace Blog

Derek





11 Feb 2008


"Derek Gunns novel certainly gives the Vampire genre a much needed kick in the teeth..."


I sent out my latest Press Release to a number of sites and I was thrilled with the write up from Post-Apocalyptic site Quiet Earth -


"... Derek Gunn's novel certainly gives the Vampire genre a much needed kick in the teeth, so we can't say we're surprised to see that tinsel town has caught on to the story's potential to wow genre fans looking to mix a little action with their horror."


www.vampireapocalypse.com











20 Jan 2008 Library of the Living Dead - Podcast of "The End of Things"


From Dr. Pus's podcast, Library of the Living Dead, 19th January 2008


Derek Gunn's novella: "The End of Things" at: http://dr-pus.podomatic.com/entry/2008-01-18T19_58_57-08_00


"Here you go Good Librarians ... the entire novellla by Derek Gunn entitled "The End of Things". No commercial interruptions, no bullshitting, no nothing ... just a great novella in it's entire glorious presentation."


And just cause I'm a sumbitch, you have to listen to the whole episode to get the last chapter in Derek's "The End of Things". Ain't I a booger?'Sides, this novella needs to be heard in one listening, it's that good.





So, strap on the headphones or turn up your speakers and get ready for one of the best stories I've ever had the pleasure to read and record. Cheers to my Irish mate Derek for allowing me to present this excellent novella in one listening.





Hit play and enjoy Derek's "The End of Things". And thanks for listening Good Librarians. Episode 41 will be the regular old ..... wellllll, regular old.Dr. Pus


About Dr. Pus:


Dr. Pus has a podcast called "Library of the Living Dead" that's dedicated to discussion and reviews of all things zombie. Zombie novels, zombie short stories, zombie graphic novels, zombie comics, zombie science and last, but not least, zombie movies."The Undead Have Never Been So Much Fun!" You're welcome here! http://www.dr-pus.podomatic.com





09 Jan 2008


Apex Online review Vampire Apocalypse


A nice review for Vampire Apocalypse at Apex: "Gunn weaves a terrific tale..."
http://www.apexdigest.com/Online/review080103.shtml




27 Dec 2007

FEAR ZONE reviews Vampire Apocalypse


"Anyone who is interested in vampire literature and likes his or her fiction filled with action will enjoy this novel, and it is recommended."

Read the full review at FEAR ZONE



23 Dec 2007

Happy Holidays!



Well, it's that time of year again where we all (in our family) say phew! .......made it (relatively unscathed) to the end of the year! With all the ups and downs of life, the good times and the tragedies, it's a great time of the year for reflection on the past year, hopes for the coming one and appreciating time spent with family and friends.

History is Dead (Kim Paffenroth/Permuted Press) is being very well received judging by the first reviews, and I wish the three authors whose stories have been recommended for Stoker nominations and indeed, the anothology itself, the best of luck.

Vampire Apocalypse continues to be well received and the good news is that this has developed into a series of books.......more in the New Year!

The progress of the screen adaptation can be monitored at IMDB - at this stage it's scheduled for 2008.

Happy Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year!

Derek





19 Dec 2007


Dark Scribe gives the thumbs up to HISTORY IS DEAD


Dark Scribe gives the thumbs up to HISTORY IS DEAD


Here's a great and very detailed review of Kim Paffenroth's/Permuted press's HISTORY IS DEAD from Dark Scribe - here's the link:

http://www.darkscribemagazine.com/reviews/history-is-dead-a-zombie-anthology-edited-by-kim-paffenroth.html

My own story "The Third Option" has been described as follows - " Gunn's story is a bonafide standout in the anthology. " - much appreciated!



31 Oct 2007

The Con Virgin is no more.....Octocon 2007


The Con Virgin is no more.....Octocon 2007
Right! Just back from Octocon which was held in Maynooth, Co. Dublin in Ireland this weekend. This is an annual con for Science Fiction and Fantasy, …..and they let me in as well! I was honoured to be on the panel with Alistair Reynolds , Juliette McKenna. Peadair O'Guilin, C.E. Murphy, James P. Hogan, Michael Carroll and George Green. You will notice the calibre of the people I have just mentioned straight off and it was a real thrill to be in the same building with them, let alone on the same panel. My special thanks to Michael Carroll, Peadar O Guilin and John Vaughan for their support (I knew no one there!) and, at times, hillarious company.

You will be happy to know that in our various discussions and debates we did, in fact, solve most of the world's problems, but so much alcohol was consumed that none of us can remember so, we have all agreed to come back next year and solve them again……This was my first time at Octocon (at any con, actually) and, as the resident virgin, the fans treated me brilliantly,(that's the fans of the authors above I mean, not mine – though they are growing too I hope……)Next up – Phoenix Con in March – I can't wait…..D

Google analytics

Blog Archive