Tag Archives: Fiction

Another Five-Star Review of ‘YEAR OF THE DEMON’ From NetGalley!

Here’s another amazing five-star review of my supernatural martial arts thriller, YEAR OF THE DEMON, from a NetGalley reviewer. https://www.netgalley.com/book/729579/review/142279

Get YEAR OF THE DEMON here: https://a.co/d/7KAnyh4

Description:

To his Taekwondo students, Vance Palladian is more than just a teacher; he is the Paladin, a man of warrior virtue. Now a widower, and with his finances in disarray, Vance feels disillusioned with his once noble life.

After thwarting a seemingly random robbery and the kidnapping attempt of a wealthy future heiress, Vance finds himself employed as her bodyguard by the young woman’s father, a mysterious businessman who holds the lineage of the last remaining esoteric school of ancient Japanese ninja fighting arts.

Vance is taught the deadly techniques of Japan’s invisible assassins, and finds the mythology behind these dark teachings is just as real, pulling him into a world of crime, deception, seduction, and vice, where nothing is quite as it seems.

Now, he must battle tengu and oni, along with the forces of organized crime and police corruption, to survive the…

YEAR OF THE DEMON

Get YEAR OF THE DEMON here: https://a.co/d/8R29F6a

Five-Star Review of ‘YEAR OF THE DEMON’ from NetGalley

Here’s an amazing five-star review of my supernatural thriller, YEAR OF THE DEMON, from a librarian and reviewer on NetGalley. https://www.netgalley.com/book/729579/review/613923

https://a.co/d/8R29F6a

https://www.netgalley.com/publisher/title/729579

To his Taekwondo students, Vance Palladian is more than just a teacher; he is the Paladin, a man of warrior virtue. Now a widower, and with his finances in disarray, Vance feels disillusioned with his once noble life.

After thwarting a seemingly random robbery and the kidnapping attempt of a wealthy future heiress, Vance finds himself employed as her bodyguard by the young woman’s father, a mysterious businessman who holds the lineage of the last remaining esoteric school of ancient Japanese ninja fighting arts.

Vance is taught the deadly techniques of Japan’s invisible assassins, and finds the mythology behind these dark teachings is just as real, pulling him into a world of crime, deception, seduction, and vice, where nothing is quite as it seems.

Now, he must battle tengu and oni, along with the forces of organized crime and police corruption, to survive the…

YEAR OF THE DEMON

Wolves of Vengeance FREE Terrify your Tablet Promotion!

My novel, WOLVES OF VENGEANCE, is part of the Terrify Your Tablet promotional event. It’s FREE on Amazon! Go grab it! My newest novel, YEAR OF THE DEMON, is $4.99 on Amazon. https://a.co/d/ed9qpaS

https://a.co/d/9uaDuAS

https://www.horrorsmithpublishing.com/pages/terrify-your-tablet

Get a Free Audiobook Code from Michael Cottam

Now available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes – DM Michael Cottam on Linkedin for an Audible code redeemable for a complimentary copy! Please review us!

I love how Michael breathed life into my characters. If you listen until the end, you’ll be treated to a hilarious bit with Sho! If you don’t, you’re missing out!

Year of the Demon: A Martial Arts Thriller Unleashed

The day is finally here! My new novel, YEAR OF THE DEMON, is available from Crossroad Press in print and ebook editions!

Books2Read Ebook Links:

https://books2read.com/u/bzkKg9?fbclid=IwY2xjawI9LoVleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHXYl5m2Snngmrf-niNs6VdOm0V74jMYiRNAhhx13vbFV__atrZ50MsDbDg_aem_v1OKex3zFJjA_9mLcgnkEA

Description:

To his martial arts students, Vance Palladian is more than just a teacher; he is the Paladin, a man of warrior virtue. Now a widower, and with his finances in disarray, Vance feels disillusioned with his once noble life.

After thwarting a seemingly random robbery, and the kidnapping attempt of a wealthy future heiress, Vance finds himself employed as her bodyguard by the young woman’s father, a mysterious businessman who holds the lineage of the last remaining esoteric school of ancient Japanese fighting arts.

Vance is taught the deadly techniques of Japan’s invisible assassins, and finds the mythology behind these dark teachings is just as real, pulling him into a world of crime, deception, seduction, and vice, where nothing is quite as it seems.

Now, he must battle tengu and oni, along with the forces of organized crime and police corruption, to survive the…

YEAR OF THE DEMON

*******

PRAISE FOR YEAR OF THE DEMON

“David North-Martino’s Year of the Demon is a gripping martial arts thriller that masterfully blends ancient traditions, mythological intrigue, and contemporary challenges into a captivating tale of redemption and survival. With its richly drawn protagonist and relentless pacing, this novel is a must-read for fans of action-packed, character-driven stories.” – Alan R. Warren, NBC News Talk Radio, award winning, bestselling true crime author.

PRAISE FOR WOLVES OF VENGEANCE

“A paranormal wolf novel with real teeth…North-Martino’s a writer to watch for.” – Reb MacRath, award-winning author of The Suiting and Caesar’s Ghost.

“A satisfying novel of occult horror.” – David T. Wilbanks, co-author of The Dead Earth Series

PRAISE FOR “THE MIDNIGHT CLUB”

“A [story] which stood out for me: ‘The Midnight Club’ by David North-Martino – a serial killer who lives for the thrill of the hunt gets what’s coming to him when his prey turns to predator. – Heather Daughrity, author of Tales My Grandmother Told Me: Sixteen Unsettling Stories

PRAISE FOR “SAT DOWN INSIDER HER”

David North Martino’s “Sat Down Inside Her”; finds a female alien abductee learning she has become a breeder for future humans. This scifi/horror hybrid really gets the creeps going. – Nick Cato, author of Death Witch

Books to Die For Radio Show and Podcast

Beginning Thursday, April 25 @ 3:30 p.m. PST on Alternative Talk 1150 KKNW or Streaming from https://www.alanrwarren.com/house-of-mystery-radioshow?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1bomFXmsNIsS-IdsXb7J_8BTt0M2-ekB0UrGrZWKwMr9kyYxFpgEVbQDI_aem_Ac0Saqcp_rp4KEpnONwpDHjjYfVMIKLbZjUCnyb2XtazIfeo-dX5DrFejyPxSYbukzDF7LILc_DV1ZZzgrQAjqgI

“Books to Die for” a gripping podcast delving into the minds behind the most thrilling crime literature, both fiction and non-fiction. Join us as we sit down with bestselling authors, exploring the dark alleys of mystery, the the intricate webs of suspense, and the chilling narratives that keep readers on the edge of their seats From classic whodunits to modern psychological thrillers, each episode offers exclusive insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and discussions on the art of crafting compelling crime narratives. Whether you’re a seasoned sleuth or a newcomer to the genre, “Books to Die For” is your ultimate guide to the thrilling world of crime literature.

Year in Review: 2023

Each year I create a list of goals for every area of my life. Throughout the year I work my goals, track my progress, and commit to posting my top accomplishments. I hope to inspire others to do the same.

Writing

Novels

  • Signed publishing contract! I signed a contract with a publishing house and I’ll have a new novel out sometime next year. Top goal!!! More info once I’m allowed to publicly announce.
  • Wolves of Vengeance became a #9 Best Seller in free Occult Horror Top 100 Free Kindle Books. https://www.amazon.com/Wolves-Vengeance-David-North-Martino-ebook/dp/B00F3GU182/ Top 10, baby!
  • Participated in the 1st annual  Terrify your Tablet/Spook your Kindle promotion.
  • Another one of my novels made it through 1st cuts and the full manuscript was requested.

Short Stories

Writers of the Future Honorable Mention 2nd Quarter 2023
Writers of the Future honorable Mention 3rd quarter 2023
  • Earned two Honorable Mentions in the Writers of the Future Contest (see above). The top 10% of entrants get Honorable Mentions. https://www.writersofthefuture.com
  • I edited “Tracer” from a rejection with comments to an Honorable Mention.

Sharpen the Saw

  • Attended: The Novel: From First Draft to Bookshelf Workshop with Jonathan Maberry.
  • Attended: Writing and Selling Short Stories Workshop with Jonathan Maberry.

Martial Arts

Rank Promotions

Essential Filipino Martial Arts Level 3 Basic Instructor 2023
Pacific Archipelago Concepts Level 3 Basic Instructor 2023
Jun Fan/ Jeet Kune Do Level One
  • Promoted to PAC-FMA Level 3 Instructor under Guro W. Hock Hochheim 2023 (See Above).
  • Listed as a Level 3 Instructor on Website. ForceNecessary.com
  • Began official ranking in Bruce Lee’s Jun Fan/Jeet Kune Do Concepts in the Sifu/Guro Inosanto Lineage.
  • Promoted to Jun Fan/Jeet Kune Do (JKD) Level 1 under Sifu Raffi Derderian.

Seminars

14-Hour Combination Seminar in Inosanto Kali and Presas Family Arnis 2023
Drowning in JKD Seminar at Derderian Academy of Martial Arts
Two-Day Double Impact Jeet Kune Do and Filipino Kali Seminar with Guro Raffi and Sifu Kevin Seaman
Chris LaCava’s Beat ‘Em & Treat ‘Em Tour (2023) at Coach Jeff Burger’s K.I.C.K Karate in Salem, MA. Stockton Multi-Style Escrima Sword & Knife Seminar.

Martial Arts Classes

Martial Arts Home Training

  • Began training Patty in JKD at home.
  • Continued solo home training utilizing Mook Jong, wife as training partner, Bas Thai Boxing workout, and free-weights.

Co-Host: The House of Mystery Radio Show on NBC

  • As heard on NBC News Radio in Los Angeles/Riverside/San Bernardino/Palm. Springs/Seattle/Tacoma/Salt Lake City/Phoenix and online podcasts. https://www.alanrwarren.com/house-of-mystery-radioshow
  • Interviewed James Patterson. 309,672 podcast plays/downloads, 30k Youtube views.
  • Interviewed Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child – 5th most popular interview in 2023! 173,000 plays/downloads/airing with a 2.1 ratings marketshare in L.A. (252,000 estimated listeners)!
  • Co-hosted over 100 new episodes.

Martino Movie Reviews on NBC

Youtube & Social Media

Interviews

Interviewed by Dominick Izzo on Them’s fightin’ Words! podcast. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSDjS5a3Csw&t=1920s

My Martial Arts Channel & HDaveMI

  • Continued to make long form and short form martial arts instruction videos on Youtube channel and also on Reelz, Instagram, and Tiktok. https://www.youtube.com/@davidnorth-martino/videos
  • Began HDaveMI movie review and physical media channel.
  • Earned top 5% in Facebook rising creators.

Podcasts

  • Published 3 episodes of the Live Martial Podcast.
  • Had martial arts teachers reach out who want to be on the show. I hope to expand the show next year.

Family & Friends

  • Mother’s Day at North End Diner.
  • Helped family member move into new apartment.
  • Celebrated 28th Wedding Anniversary with dinner at Ted’s Montana Grill. 
  • Visited In-Laws for get-together.
  • Father’s Day at North End Diner. 
  • Celebrated 31st Anniversary of our first date.
  • Cat-sat for our neighbor’s cats.
  • Cracker Barrel Thanksgiving takeout.
  • Continued friendship with Alan R. Warren. 
  • Continued friendship through email and social media with my former English professor. 
  • Kept up friendships with writer friends, martial arts friends, high school & college. friends on social media.
  • Made new writing and martial arts friends.

Health

  • Annual Physical – besides an increase in weight (it’s all muscle) everything looks good!
  • Eye doctor appointments -everything stable.
  • Cleanings with hygienist and X-rays A+.
  • Two appointments for crown installation.

Cars

  • Patty’s car – inspection, oil change, tire rotation.
  • My car towed Breaks, rotters, oil change, fluids, new battery.
  • Installed Cover Craft Dashboard cover on my car.
  • Drove 100 miles to reset computer in my car after battery died.

House

  • Get new bedroom air cleaner replaced through warranty service. 
  • New chair for Diesel.
  • Replaced aging recliners.
  • Installed nest Protect Smokes and CO2 Alarms.
  • Installed throw rug with mat in living room.
  • Replaced patio door handle in living room.
  • Troubleshoot dishwasher wasn’t draining. Hose clogged. Cleared out and draining again.

Movies at Theater

  • IMAX: Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning: Part 1.
  • IMAX: Oppenheimer 15/70 70mm film.
  • 50th Anniversary of Enter the Dragon at the Bellingham Regal Cinema.

AV/Tech

  • Apple Store Providence Place Mall. Replaced Patty’s Airpods Pro under limited warranty. 
  • Upgraded to iPhone 14 pro.
  • Upgrade to Panasonic 4k blu-ray player.
  • Increased our collection of 4k and blu-ray discs.

That’s all I can remember for now. It’s been a fantastic year of personal and professional accomplishment! See you in 2024!