Allan Cole's
World Of Fantasy & Science Fiction

  
 

ALLAN COLE is a best-selling author, screenwriter and former prize-winning newsman. The son of a CIA operative, Cole was raised in Europe, the Middle East and the Far East. His books include the groundbreaking science fiction series, Sten, classic fantasy novels such as the Timura Trilogy, and The Lords Of Terror; the landmark Vietnam novel, A Reckoning For Kings, and the thriller, MacGregor. For details, see his biography. This site is the creation of Joel Cash, Webmaster extraordinaire and Allan’s right hand man for lo these many years

BULLETIN:

TWO NEW BOOKS DEBUT:  The handsome trade paperback version of Lucky In Cyprus: A True Story About A Boy, A Teacher, An Earthquake and The CIA goes on sale at the same time as Tales Of The Blue Meanie, winding up a remarkable year for Allan. Read on.

LUCKY IN CYPRUS tells the tale of Allan’s thrilling years as a CIA brat in the Middle East.


 

Witness earthquakes, riots, terrorist attacks and more And experience, along with him, the uplifting life lessons he learned from his Greek Cypriot teacher.  Here are the details.

TALES OF THE BLUE MEANIE recounts his humorous adventures in the crazy days of the Late Sixties in Venice Beach, California. It’s filled with zany characters, ranging from a rampaging giant, genius artists and musicians, and a topless dancer or two. Here are the details.

THE “LOST” BUNCH & COLE NOVEL: In the early 1990’s Allan Cole and his late partner, Chris Bunch, finished a novel they titled “Freedom Bird” – after the name Vietnam War era soldiers gave to the chartered airliners that ferried them home to America when their tours ended. The book went “missing’ for nearly two decades, but through a series of fortuitous events it has been found again and is being published for the first time. Click here for details.

STEN  GOES TO HOLLYWOOD  -  Sten the Movie? The TV  Series? The Game?


 
 

The Comic Book? All those things became not only possible, but highly probable  as Protocol Entertainment announced that it has taken over management of the “landmark,” eight-novel science fiction series, by Allan Cole and the late Chris Bunch. The deal was put together by Allan and Chris’ longtime Hollywood agent, and Sten devotee, Lew Weitzman, headman at Preferred Artists. Stay tuned for more developments.  There will be many. And check out the Sten novels, here

STEN UPDATE: At last, thanks to the requests of hundreds of Sten fans the world over, electronic book versions of the Sten series are now being offered by Wildside Books, via Fictionwise.com, Mobipocket.com and other online ebook stores. Each book features a new foreword, plus a free, printable copy, of the Sten cookbook. Carry your whole collection on your pocket computer, Blackberry, etc.

THE FAR KINGDOMS DISCOVERED AGAIN - This remarkable quartette of fantasy novels, written by Allan and his late partner – Chris Bunch – is being republished under the banner of


 
 

Wildside Book’s Classic SF & Fantasy line. Even better news: Master cover artist Thomas Kidd’s original covers will grace the four novels. Want details? Of course, you do.

WHEN THE GODS SLEPT,  WOLVES OF THE GODS & THE GODS AWAKEN – All three novels in the Timura Trilogy – are back on the racks as part of the Dorchester/Wildside Books Classics In Fantasy series. The third book – The Gods Awaken – will be appearing soon Details.

TIMURA TRILOGY UPDATE: The audio book rights to Allan’s highly praised fantasy series has been purchased by Books In Motion. Stay tuned for details. To read more about the books, click here.

DAUGHTER OF LIBERTY, another Bunch and Cole novel, fell out of print several years ago. The second volume of the “Wars Of The Shannons” series, it follows the adventures of Diana Shannon, an escaped indentured servant, from the Revolutionary War to the burning of Washington, in 1814.


 

The novel has found a second life through the Authors’ Guild Backinprint Program. Click here for details.

A PROUD FATHER ANNOUNCES - the debut of his son's first book! JASON ALLAN COLE's 50 ROOMS - is officially on sale at bookstores and online venues worldwide. This  collection of compelling short stories about homeless youths surviving on the streets of Los "Angels heralds the coming of a major new literary talent. Want to know more?  Here is Jason's homepage. Want to know more than that? Here is Jason's MySpace. Most importantly, here is where you can buy the book right this minute! Amazon.com; Barnes & Noble. My Canadian and UK readers can get the books here. Jason's book is also available at as an inexpensive (half the price) and downloadable E-Book at all popular e-book sites, including Fictionwise.

‘THE BLACKSMITH’S DAUGHTER” – Allan’s tale about the young girl who forged King Arthur’s magical sword has been chosen for the new Amazon Shorts program. It can be downloaded here for only 49 cents.
 
Cover of Lucky In Cyprus
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LATE BREAKING NEWS

LUCKY IN CYPRUS: A True Story About A Boy, A Teacher, An Earthquake, Some Terrorists And The CIA: A coming-of-age tale set during the height of the Cold War in one of the most violent and dangerous regions in the world. Simply put, this is the story of an American teenager who meets a Greek Cypriot teacher who will change how he sees the world forever. Four years in the writing, Lucky In Cyprus is a story “…not to be missed.” Here’s where you can check out a sample chapter. Besides the handsome new tradepaperback, those of you with portable readers can download a less expensive eBook version.
 

Cover of Tales Of The Blue Meanie
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TALES OF THE BLUE MEANIE: In the depths of the Sixties and The Days Of Rage, a young newsman, accompanied by his pregnant wife and orphaned teenage brother, creates a Paradise of sorts in a sprawling Venice Beach community of apartments, populated by students, artists, budding scientists and poets, with a couple of topless dancers thrown in for good measure. The inhabitants come to call the place “Pepperland,” after the Beatles movie, “Yellow Submarine.” Threatening this paradise is The Blue Meanie, a crazy giant of a man so frightening that he eventually even scares himself. Check out the sample chapters and we think you’ll be hooked.
 

Cover of "The Far Kingdoms"
THE FAR KINGDOMS: BACK IN PRINT - This critically acclaimed quartette was considered one of the best fantasy series of the 90’s. Two of the four books were finalists in World SF/Fantasy competitions. All four of the covers – by Tom Kidd – were winners of the World SF/Fantasy cover art competition. The books are being republished under the Wildside/Dorchester Books Classics In SF & Fantasy banner. In order, the titles are: The Far Kingdoms, A Warrior’s Tale, Kingdoms Of The Night, and The Warrior Returns. The first three books were written by Allan and the late Chris Bunch. The fourth book was written solo by Allan. Here’s where you can buy the first two books: The Far Kingdoms. The Warrior’s Tale. Stay tuned for details on the publication dates of “Kingdoms Of  The Night” and “The Warrior Returns.”

 

Cover of "Lords Of Terror"
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LORDS OF TERROR – TWO BOOKS FOR ONE: For a limited time and a limited number of readers, Allan is offering a free fantasy book to anyone (in the U.S.) who buys a copy of “The Lords Of Terror.” Just email proof of purchase and include your snail mail address and the second fantasy novel will be sent to you free of any charge. The novel, by Allan Cole and Russian fantasy master Nick Perumov made literary history when it was published – it is the first and only novel written by an American/Russian writing team. “Lords” asks this question, which become more intriguing by the day: What if the Cold War never ended? What if a demonic cabal altered history to feed off a hatred that could never end? And then kept Americans and Russians on the razor-edge of war for a thousand years to satisfy that hunger? The answer thrilled hundreds of thousands of Russian readers, who kept the book on the best-seller list for nearly two years. Finally, it is available to English-language readers. Early reviews have been praiseworthy. For example, J. A. Kaszuba Locke - Bookloons.com (continued)

 
 
When The Gods Slept - Classic Cover
 		 THOSE CLASSIC TIMURAS: The Timura books novels are among the very first Fantasy and Science Fiction books issued in the new “classics” program under Dorchester Publishing and Wildside Books “Cosmos Publishing” banner. The trilogy includes: When The Gods Slept, Wolves Of The Gods, and The Gods Awaken. If you missed the series first time out these classy paperback editions are an inexpensive way to find out what all the shouting was about in fantasy circles world-wide. The books can be purchased here: When The Gods Slept, Wolves Of The Gods, and “The Gods Awaken,” Electronic editions can be purchased at these Fictionwise.com sites: When The Gods Slept, Wolves Of The Gods and The Gods Awaken. Of course, all three books are still available in the handsome Wildside omnibus editions: “The Complete Timuras.” The omnibus (over 740 pages in length) is available in two versions: A relatively inexpensive, but attractive trade paperback edition and a handsome collector’s hardback edition. For collectors, email Allan for personal handling of special autographed editions. For readers who would just like to have an autographed label for their books click here to send your snail mail address requesting the autographed labels and they will be mailed to you for free.
 		  
MACGREGOR - Allan George Cole
BUY THE BOOK		 MAC LANDS NEW PUBLISHER – The beach bum hero of Allan’s thriller – one, Addison Mizner Flagler Titus Broward (call me ‘Mac’) MacGregor – just caught a fast wave with his sailboard. Zumaya Books, the small but prestigious publisher of “Lords Of Terror,” has taken over publishing duties in a big way, gracing the book previously known as “Dying Good” with a new title – “MacGregor,” – a fabulous new cover, and a new, low, low price. Before turning the book over to Zumaya, Allan did a write-through, recasting many scenes, while beefing up and adding to the action. Besides being offered in a handsome trade edition, ‘MacGregor’ is available in most e-book formats for as little as $5.94. In his previous incarnation, Mac earned a fistful of glowing reviews, including one from his hometown newspaper, the Boca Raton Daily News. Read what much honored critic, Skip Sheffield, (continued)  
Allan G. Cole E-BOOK BONANZA: The Sten series and a whole host of other books in Allan’s bibliography are now available online for easy downloading. In all cases, the books are much cheaper in ebook form. As weeks go by, they will also be available as Kindle Books at Amaazon.com.  Here’s a list of Allan’s e-book titles and where you can download them:  

Cover of Sten #1
CALLING ALL STEN FANS: At long last,  all eight books of the Sten series are back in print in the English language. Sten and his heavy-worlder buddy Alex Kilgour had to conquer the entire continent of Europe to accomplish it. Many millions of books were sold in German, Russian, Polish – on and on – but the American publisher allowed the series to fall out of print – despite the anguished e-mails of hundreds of fans and the fact that the books were still more than profitable.. Now,  Orbit Books in the U.K. has  rushed into the breach, publishing all eight novels of this “landmark science fiction series” in English.

There are a lot of reasons why most decent science fiction encyclopedias consider Sten a “landmark series.” You have to read the eight books to find out why and if you are the right sort – the Sten sort – you’ll be smitten  forever. It takes a special sort of person to enjoy – really dig into Sten. On the surface, I think you’ll find it is a damned good page-turning military/science fiction shoot-‘em up. But Sten is more. Much more. (continued)

 

  
Cover of 'Freedom Bird'
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   		FREEDOM BIRD: During the Vietnam War, GI’s who managed to survive their tour of duty were flown home in chartered airliners they dubbed “Freedom Birds.” This “lost” Bunch & Cole novel -  available both in trade paperback and ebook form - tells the tale of three young men, from wildly different backgrounds, who meet on such a plane. They  make a pact to  spend three days together partying it down in San Francisco – before heading home to civilian lives. But they get more then they bargained for, because when they land it July 1967, a time that would come to be known as the “Summer Of Love.” It’s a place and time where each young man will have to confront the ghosts who followed them home for the jungles of Vietnam and contemplate a future none had imagined. To read some sample chapters and learn more about how this book went “missing” and was found again after nearly two decades, click here.  
Cover of 'A Daughter Of Liberty'
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DAUGHTER OF LIBERTY: This highly praised historical novel found new life again, thanks to the Authors’ Guild’s Backinprint Program. It’s available both as a trade paperback and in ebook form. Here’s the story: the year is 1778 and Diana, a young indentured servant escapes her abusive master with the help of Emmett Shannon, a deserter from the desperate army at Valley Forge. They fall in love and marry, but their happens is shattered and Diana Shannon must learn to survive on her own. From that moment on she will become a true woman of her times, blazing a path from the lawless lands in the grips of the Revolution to the burning of Washington in the War Of 1812.  Sample chapters can be found here.

  
Cover of "A Reckoning For Kings" VIETNAM NOVEL REDISCOVERED by modern GIs: "A Reckoning For Kings" - recently raised from the out-of-print graveyard by Simon & Schuster, through its Fiction-Wise division, is finding favor with the troops holding the line in the world's hot spots, like Iraq, Afghanistan and Bosnia. Allan has received many e-mails from men and women in uniform adding their personal praise to a book critics have hailed as one of "the best Vietnam novels ever." To buy the book, click here.

Set during the Tet Offensive of 1968, "Reckoning" tells the tale of one of history's greatest battles. It was a battle that America won, but it was also the battle that cost America the war. After Tet, the American effort in Vietnam was doomed. For the first - and only - time in fiction, "Reckoning," tells the story of Vietnam from both points of view.Written by Allan and his former partner, Chris Bunch, the book deliberately invites the reader to make up his or her own mind on whether America's participation in the war was just. (continued)

  
Cover of "A Cop's Life" ALL HAIL 'A COP'S LIFE.' Allan's first nonfiction book - “A Cop’s Life” has drawn the highest praise of all - the good opinion of police officers themselves. Here are just a few of the comments: "'A Cop's Life'" is a must read by anyone who ever wore the uniform or badge!" - Robert V. Eddie, Recording Secretary Philadelphia Lodge #5 Fraternal Order of Police; "If you like the inside story, if you like dealing with facts and not fluff, then you will love reading 'A Cop's Life!'"- Michael G. Lutz, President, Pennsylvania Fraternal Order of Police;  "I thoroughly enjoyed 'A Cop's Life.'" It was both witty and right on target." - Bill Pawley Inspector, Retired, Philadelphia Police.

Allan coauthored the book with his uncle, Thomas Grubb, a thirty-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police. Here's what the dust jacket says about the book: Christmas, 1953: While the rest of Philadelphia sings "Jingle Bells," Tom Grubb gets his first taste of a cop's life. Before he cashes his first paycheck he encounters: A man gutted by a knife-wielding mugger; A fighting-mad mental case intent on destroying a hospital emergency room; (continued)
 

  
The Cover Of Buck Rogers DVD
 		 NEW DVD’S FEATURE OLD TV SHOWS: As anyone who has been following this story knows, Allan broke into Hollywood the same month that he and his former partner sold the Sten series. That era has since been called the “second golden age of television,” which was the same as the first, but worse. Many of those programs are now being offered in dazzling DVD versions by the generous studio and network bosses, known as The Guys With The Big Telephones, (TGWTBT) who selflessly supported Allan while he was kick starting his book career. DVD’s available for sale thus far include everything from Buck Rogers In The Twenty Fifth Century, to “Quincy,” to “The Incredible Hulk,” to “The A Team” and “Magnum, PI.” Watch this page for other programs that Allan contributed to.

 

Cover of "Drowned Hopes"
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 DROWNED HOPES, the second thriller in Allan’s “Boca Cycle” hit the stands running, garnering a wonderful review from Bookloons.com, one of North America’s most sought after sites for good books and excellent criticism. Reviewer Reviewer J. A. Kaszuba Locke said this about “Drowned Hopes” – “Allan George Cole's new mystery, Drowned Hopes, boasts a plot in which con artists sting con artists and robbers steal from robbers. The author sweeps the reader to immediate attention with soundly characterized, fun cast members, displaying naiveté and human fallibility…” To read the full review from Bookloons, click here.

Drowned Hopes is a most unusual book for Allan, featuring a most unusual heroine going up against a guy who is probably the nastiest villain Cole has ever created. If you don’t believe us, read the Sample Chapters. Meanwhile, here’s what the book’s about: (continued)

  
The Giant Head MEET WEBMASTER JOEL CASH - I first met webmaster Joel Cash in 1995. An admirer of the Sten series, Joel happened upon my new – and very primitive web site - and a fast friendship was soon formed.

I learned that Joel was a native of Kansas, a proud father of a son, Nick, and a daughter, Rachel. At the time of our meeting he’d worked at a grocery chain for many years, but was parlaying his growing computer expertise into an important niche of the business. (continued)

 

  
     
Email- Email to Allan can be sent to sten3001@aol.com

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Copyright © 1995 - 2009 Allan Cole . All rights reserved worldwide.
Last Revised: March 22, 2009