Pagan Festival Shout Out: Februalia/Disting/Imbolc

February 2 is Februalia. Februus, for whom the month of February is named, was a god associated with both death and purification. Februalia was the time in which one purifies everything spiritually, mentally and physically “spring cleaning” comes from this beginning. The holiday is also associated with Vesta, a hearth goddess because fire is associated with purification and Vesta is the guardian of the flame. In Rome the Februalia was a month-long period of sacrifice and atonement, invovling offerings to the gods, prayer, and sacrifices.



February 2nd is also the Norse holiday called Disting, also known as Ewemeolc. The name Ewemeolc means "ewe's milk" and is named because it is the time of year when ewes gave birth and their milk was available. Common traditions include the blessing of objects/tools (due to the ancient custom of "charming the plough" at this time), beginning new projects, etc. Corresponding to the Celtic Imbolc, this holiday is typically celebrated at the beginning of February.



And of course the most celebrated of the pagan holidays on February 2nd is Imbolc. Imbolc, (pronounced "IM-bulk" or "EM-bowlk"), also called Oimealg, ("IM-mol'g), by the Druids, is the festival of the lactating sheep. It is derived from the Gaelic word "oimelc" which means "ewes milk". Herd animals have either given birth to the first offspring of the year or their wombs are swollen and the milk of life is flowing into their teats and udders. It is the time of Blessing of the seeds and consecration of agricultural tools. It marks the center point of the dark half of the year. It is the festival of the Maiden, for from this day to March 21st, it is her season to prepare for growth and renewal. Brighid's snake emerges from the womb of the Earth Mother to test the weather, (the origin of Ground Hog Day), and in many places the first Crocus flowers began to spring forth from the frozen earth.

Death Has No Borders In “World Of Death” Short Film Collection

“World of Death” brings together the talent of over 200 filmmakers from 25 different countries in a compilation of short horror films that will terrorize, astonish, disturb, and excite genre fans across the globe. Everyone will be able to find something to make them sleep with the lights on. No country is safe! “World of Death” isn't just a compilation, it's a community. Consisting of over 200 filmmakers plus their casts and crew, World of Death includes independent talent of every age and level of experience… From all over the globe! In the coming weeks “World Of Death” will be released on VOD, DVD, and Blu Ray. To keep up to date with World Of Death go to the links below and see what your country has in store for you.

Among the collection of short films is Bryan Wolford’s “Psychedelia”. Check out the cool stills from “World Of Death” below. The collection is produced by Scotchworthy Productions and JP3 Media.

                                                                Psychedelia Screen Shot

                                                           Manscaping Screen Shot

                                                                Mummy Screen Shot

Teaser Trailer Released For Sci-fi/Drama“The Rover”

Check out the first teaser trailer for sci-fi drama “The Rover”. The film is set in the Australian desert in a dangerous and dysfunctional near future and is directed by David Michôd. “The Rover” stars Robert Pattinson, Guy Pearce, Scoot McNairy, Nash Edgerton, David Field and Anthony Hayes. It is due out in the summer of 2014 and takes place ten years after the collapse of society.












“The Rover” is set in war-torn future and follows a man who slogs across the Australian desert to locate his stolen car and secure the mysterious cargo inside. Eric has left everything and every semblance of human kindness behind him. He sets off to track down the gang of dangerous criminals who have stolen his last possession on earth, his car. He is forced to enlist the help of Reynolds, the naive member of the gang left behind in the bloody chaos of the gang's most recent escape.

Full Trailer Surfaces For ‘From Dusk Till Dawn’ Series

El Rey Network has released the full trailer for the series adaptation of cult vampire horror ‘From Dusk Till Dawn’. The series will premiere on March 11th on the Robert Rodriguez created network. ‘From Dusk Till Dawn’ stars Jake Busey, D.J. Cotrona, Zane Holtz, Brandon Soo Hoo, Jesse Garcia, Robert Patrick, Madison Davenport and Don Johnson.

A Texas Ranger is in hot pursuit of the infamous  Gecko brothers, a pair of psychotic bank robbers who kidnap a family after their latest robbery.  When the group takes a detour to a brothel in Mexico, they soon learn that the establishment is run by vampires.

CW To Bring Us ‘iZombie’& ‘Supernatural: Tribes’

Once again CW is showing me why I love this network. Taking on Vampires, Witches, Demons, Demon Hunters, Superheros, Mutants, Aliens, Ghosts and now Zombies. The network has picked up the pilot for Rob Thomas’ ‘iZombie’, a new series that the ‘Veronica Mars’ and ‘90210’ writer, producer is adapting from the Vertigo comic created by Chris Roberson and Michael Allred.

‘iZombie’ is described as a supernatural crime story that centers on a medical-student-turned-zombie who takes a job in the coroner's office in order to gain access to the brains she must reluctantly eat to maintain her humanity. However, with every brain she eats, she inherits the corpse's memories. With the help of her medical examiner boss and a police detective, she solves homicide cases in order to quiet the disturbing voices in her head. Thomas and Diane Ruggiero will pen the script and executive produce the Warner Bros. Television and Rob Thomas Productions entry alongside frequent collaborators Danielle Stokdyk and Dan Etheridge.


Also the network has picked up the long buzzed about spin off ‘Supernatural: Tribes’ which takes the Demon hunter, Monster clash to the windy city with rivaling monsters battling Demon hunters on the streets of Chicago. The series will be spearheaded by ‘Supernatural’ writer Andrew Dabb, who will exec produce alongside Eric Kripke,Robert Singer, showrunnerJeremy Carver and McG. Singer will direct the Warner Bros. Television entry.

Teaser And Poster For Anthology “Hi-8”

Thanks to Horror Society for turning me on to gems like “Hi-8”. The film is a horror anthology from Nightfall Pictures and Twisted Illusions. The anthology brings together the talents of Directors Tim Ritter, Brad Sykes, Marcus Koch, Ron Bonk, Chris Seaver, Todd Sheets, Donald Farmer and Tony Masiello. Check out the teaser below.

Trailer Released For “Gravedigger”

The horror/thriller “Gravedigger” has released a new trailer and poster.

Filmed in New Jersey, comes a disturbing, new twisted shock fest “Gravedigger”.  A sinister collaboration between the minds of Keith Collins (“Stuck in the Middle”,”The Meat Puppet”), Doug Bollinger (“Waltzing Anna”), Brandon Ruckdashel (“Co-ed Confidential”), the eerie ink of NY Emmy Award Winning Writer Joseph Pepitone & Billy Pepitone (“Stuck in the Middle”) and along with original music from guitar rock genius Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal ("Guns N' Roses") comes an intense horror/thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat and the brink of insanity throughout a terrifying journey of paranoia.

Having a unique cast of a who’s who from TV personalities to sports players, reality stars, rock stars & many more, “Gravedigger” recently took home two coveted awards at the 2013 Downbeach Film Festival Atlantic City Cinefest for best Thriller Feature Film, NJ & Best Actor.

“Gravedigger” tells the story of Steve Borden (Collins) who is a brilliant, young criminal defense attorney. As junior partner in a local, high end law firm, he makes his living defending the indefensible. When a case gone horribly wrong haunts him, Borden’s conscience begins to send him into a guilt-ridden spiral. Police Chief George Orkin (McKeown) is the town’s top cop. With more bodies turning up buried, District Attorney Mike Ruble (Ruckdashel) suspects Orkin’s ties to crime boss Charles Muzzatti (Stoerback) may be the answer to the case. Now, Orkin must deal with his own eroding sense of integrity to keep both sides of the law off his back. As paranoia rises and Borden, Orkin, Ruble & Muzzatti try to pin the murders on each other, could another, more sinister force be hunting them?

 Codes, morals and misguided views of justice collide when the law, the mob and the Gravedigger face off in a bloody battle that will darken the survivor’s souls forever. But will burying the guilty, bury the Gravedigger’s own guilt?

Horror Comedy “The Jersey Devil” Adds New Cast Members

The upcoming comedy film, “The Jersey Devil”, has added some new cast members as it leads into a February production start date:

The film stars veteran actors Chris Mulkey (“Captain Phillips”, “Boardwalk Empire”,”Cloverfield”), David Chokachi (“Baywatch”), Jack Mulcahy (“The Brothers McMullen”,”Porky’s”) as well as Award Winning Actor Keith Collins (“The Meat Puppet”,”Gravedigger”), Award Winning Actress Penelope Lagos (“Stuck in the Middle”) and Joe Sernio (“All My Children”).

When his term limit comes up, Lucifer, the original Devil, must turn the reigns of Hell over to James Burnett. But Burnett has new plans for Hell that includes changing its' image and relocation. He enlists his Advocate, Richard Cooper and his beautiful sidekick Tori to find a new home for the damned. After an extensive search, they settle on New Jersey. As construction begins, James implements his plan to gather as many souls as possible so he can challenge the Kingdom. 

Meanwhile, Lucifer, with his wife Eve and Advocate Judas have arrived in Jersey to put an end to James' plans. After several failed attempts to stop him, Lucifer turns to a higher power for help.
“The Jersey Devil” and Jersey City, NJ are a match made in….HELL!! With the support of the FilmJC and the Mayor’s Office, filming will take place in several well-known locations including the Landmark Loews’s Jersey Theater and City Hall. Jersey City will provide a perfect backdrop for the hipper, more contemporary Hell.

“The Jersey Devil” is directed by two-time New York Emmy winner Joseph Pepitone(“Stuck in the Middle”). Written By, Joseph Pepitone and Billy Pepitone.  Produced by,Cory Green, Jeff Quinlan, Joseph Pepitone, Keith Collins. Executive Producers Michael Billy, Jarl Haugedal, Dorothy Fucito, Debbie Philips, Charles Anastasia, Larry Salvato, John Camera and Frank Sepe.
 

My Review Of ‘Lizzie Borden Took An Ax”

It isn’t often that I get excited about a TV movie, however twice Lifetime has tickled my fancy with redo’s of cult classics. The other film that peaked my pleasure points was the redo of VC Andrew’s “Flowers In The Attic”. However “Lizzie Borden Took An Ax” amped up my excitement to levels normally reserved for Indie horror films set to release. In this version of the most infamous American female murderess Christina Ricci took on the iconic persona of Lizzie Borden. The story is something that cannot change with the Borden murders but most of what we know about Lizzie herself comes from those few statements and descriptions from her friends and family. Lizzie told us very little of herself in her own words. Lifetime does a very good summarization of Lizzie Borden’s character and the events around one of the most well known murder cases in American history.

The story: On a scorching, hot summer day in 1892 in Fall River, Massachusetts, Lizzie Borden returns home to the house she shares with her father Andrew, stepmother Abby and sister Emma. But, unlike any normal day, Lizzie encounters the bloody scene of her parents violently murdered. Police quickly question multiple suspects in town, but evidence keeps pointing back to the Borden's youngest daughter Lizzie, the seemingly wholesome Sunday school teacher, as the prime suspect. Lizzie's lawyer, Andrew Jennings, proclaims her innocence arguing that it is inconceivable a woman could commit the heinous crime of brutally murdering her family with an ax. Or is it? Lizzie is put on trial for the murders, both in the courtroom and in the press, sparking a widespread debate about her culpability. As the case rages on, the courtroom proceedings fuel an enormous amount of sensationalized stories and headlines in newspapers throughout the country, forever leaving Lizzie Borden's name in infamy.

My thoughts: First off, forget even trying to compare this film with the classic Elizabeth Montgomery movie “The Legend Of Lizzie Borden” because there is nothing there that can compare other than, maybe the stylized interpretations of the facts themselves. Montgomery gives a fab performance that does a good job of separating her portrayal here from her very famous persona on ‘Bewitched’. With equal respect Christina Ricci does a great job of creating a very emotionally charged, yet sociopathic-driven portrayal of Borden that brings more life to Lizzie Borden than I anticipated or even expected. It has been common belief that it was more than just selfish desire that drove Lizzie Borden to kill. She carried with her a dark passenger that created a sinister, cold, disconnected aspect to Lizzie Borden that was probably an unmentioned issue from early in her childhood. Ricci gives us that in calm, calculated edified gesture.

The stories atmosphere is a gothic blend of surrealism and psychological narrative wrapped around early Americana and polished off with modern folky, indie rock sounds that are as dark as the story and characters within it. It gives “Lizzie Borden Took An Ax” a modern, fresh energy that excites the viewer. Now there are still down moments within the film that create momentary lulls, but nothing that causes the movie to completely stall. Bonus aspect that really makes this movie watchable is the visionary, creative way the director chose to tell the story balancing between stoic character interactions, and shocking, visceral moments of brutality that are honest to the murder scene’s “truth”. This movie definitely delivered on giving me a great Lizzie Borden film. A definite watch!

Two Preview Clips From Alien Encounters Documentary “Montauk Chronicles”

Check out the two preview clips for alien encounters documentary “Montauk Chronicles”. The film focuses on on Camp Hero in Montauk, Long Island. The clips total 8 minutes of Christopher P. Garetano‘s exploration of the alien activity in the area.

It has been referred to as Area 51 east. Montauk is a remote U.S. town located on the very eastern tip of Long Island, New York. High on a hill above the rocky waters of the Atlantic Ocean looms a giant rusted radar tower. It’s a ghost relic of the past that local fishermen use as a marker to help guide their ships safely to shore. The old military tower is also a landmark for what once was an active Camp Hero Air Force Base.

The base has a recorded history that dates back to the revolutionary war. During world World War II Camp Hero was used as a defense station and was equipped with giant mark seven cannons that were loaded and ready in the event of a Nazi attack. There are those who say that in the 1970’s the base was used for a much different purpose.

 Montauk Chronicles is the story of three men who claim they were brainwashed and forced against their will by a clandestine organization to take part in secret experiments. Evil atrocities are said to have occurred deep beneath the surface of the Camp Hero Air Force base.

Alfred Bielek, Stewart Swerdlow, And Preston Nichols all tell tales of experiments that were conducted on nearly one hundred thousand people over the course of about ten years. Kidnappings, murder, torture, time travel, mind control, and extra terrestrial contact are all said to have occurred at Camp Hero.

Montauk Chronicles is the very first and honest (cinematic) examination of the Camp Hero Legends. It raises many questions of our place in the universe and what the future may hold for humanity.

It’s an entertaining journey into the unknown and a study of fear, lies, paranoia and the truth.

Trailer Released For Survival Horror “Chrysalis”

The first trailer has been released for survival horror “Chrysalis”. The film is the fourth feature film from Midwest-based production company Glass City Films. “Chrysalis” stars Cole Simon, Sara Gorsky, Tanya Thai McBride, Clayton Stamper and takes place in a dystopian post-apocalyptic world decades after a bio-terrorist attack unleashes a virus upon the world, transforming much of humanity into vicious creatures and laying waste to civilization. The remnants and survivors have staggered about for years, as the infected slowly starve and die off.

Our story follows Joshua (Cole Simon) and Penelope (Sara Gorsky), two such survivors who have banded together in the hope of rescuing others and hopefully rebuilding civilization. When they encounter Abira (Tanya Thai McBride), the lone survivor of another group, they must face new and terrifying challenges if they are to survive.

Trailer Released For “In Fear”

The official theatrical trailer has been released for “In Fear”. The Jeremy Lovering directed horror/thriller is due out March 11th on DVD, Blu-ray and VOD. It stars Iain De Caestecker, Alice Englert, and Allen Leech. You may remember Caestecker from BBC’s supernatural series ‘The Fades’, I am still holding out hope for a season two on that series.



“In Fear” is an intense psychological horror about a young couple’s fight to make it through the night. Home invasion but in a car. In real-time. Tom and Lucy are trapped in a maze of country roads with only their vehicle for protection, terrorized by an unseen tormentor hell-bent on exploiting their worst fears – fear of the dark, fear of the unknown, fear of themselves.

David Boorboor’s “A Place In Hell”

Check out David Boorboor’s “A Place In Hell”. The film is inspired by by the life of a real serial killer. “A Place In Hell” is currently in early production phases with assistance from Cufflink Productions, LLC, Frame Level Films and Don’t Go There Productions. It will star Lewis Smith, Noree Victoria, and Atif Lanier. The film is described as a pulse-pounding psychological, thriller/horror story set in Southern New Jersey.

Post graduate student, Nicole Hart, is young woman struggling with her past. Nicole teams up with a group of student filmmakers to make a movie for their final grade in film school. Meanwhile a detective searches for answers to a closed case that cost him his job. This story of good and evil is a struggle of wills, internal conflict and deep seated obsessions’. What seems like a harmless class project turns into a lesson that will never be forgotten.

Trailer Released For “Morning Star”

Check out the 2014 trailer for period supernatural horror “Morning Star” directed by Luca Boni and Marco Ristori. The film stars  Adrian Bouchet, Mike Mitchell, Daniel Vivian, Ivy Corbin, and Ally McClelland. “Morning Star” is currently in post-production. Also check out the two latest images released for the film below the trailer.

After a pitched battle a Man is on his way back home, but it is just the beginning of a journey in a forgotten and dark world. He will meet weird and evil characters and fight for his freedom. Only at the end of his path the Man will discover that the world in which he lived has changed forever.

13 Films “Eaters” In Post-Production

If you haven’t heard yet 13 Films horror “Eaters” is in post-production-not to be confused with the 2011 Luca Boni film of the same name. This “Eaters” is directed by Johnny Tabor is the story of five friends, in 1975 who embark across the United States in support of a friend Jude (Robert Dean), who has just returned from Vietnam.

When they cross paths with The Demons, a local biker gang at a rest stop in the middle of nowhere, New Mexico, one of the five friends goes missing. After a heated confrontation with The Demons, they discover they may have jumped to conclusions far too soon. Now pursued by a self-made antagonist, and with tempers flaring high and fuel running low, the friends find out the worst of this nightmare has yet to come. Some call it a myth, others a legend, but the locals call it folklore.

New “Maleficent” Trailer Debuts At Last Night’s Grammys.

I didn’t watch the Grammys last night. I caught the hot mess performance of Beyonce acting like a stripper pole hooker. I was not into it. Normally I like her Diva jam but this just wasn’t my tea. I also watched Lorde perform, love her- she is the new thing in my head. Anyway I missed the debut, on the Grammy show, of the new “Maleficent” trailer. The film is due out in March and I am jazzed about this one. I love that wicked evil queen bitch!

The film is directed by Robert Stromberg and stars Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, Sharlto Copley, Miranda Richardson, Sam Riley, Brenton Thwaites and Ella Purnell. It is due out May 30th 2014 and follows the “untold” story of the most evilest witch in all the kingdom. A beautiful, pure-hearted young woman, Maleficent has an idyllic life growing up in a peaceable forest kingdom, until one day when an invading army threatens the harmony of the land. Maleficent rises to be the land’s fiercest protector, but she ultimately suffers a ruthless betrayal — an act that begins to turn her pure heart to stone. Bent on revenge, Maleficent faces an epic battle with the invading king’s successor and, as a result, places a curse upon his newborn infant, Aurora. As the child grows, Maleficent realizes that Aurora holds the key to peace in the kingdom — and perhaps to Maleficent’s true happiness as well.

Latest Images From Vampire Drama “Distorted Transfection”

I have to say that I am just hearing about the gay vampire drama “Distorted Transfection” (Love the title!). The film is directed by Shewan Howard and Elijah Willis from a screenplay written by Howard. The film is a story about non-human entities who crave something larger than what they have in front of them, causing a plethora of destruction along the way. Check out the latest images from “Distorted Transfection” below. Kepp up the film’s progress by checking in to the Facebook Page.

“Distorted Transfection” stars Shewan Howard, Drew Jenkins, Grant Niezgodski, Sam Platt, Rachel Elle, Brianna Handy, Erin Pauley, Emily Mange, Daniel Linehan, Emily Scott, Angela McGrayel, Cassie Alexander, Nicki Eberle and  Ian Ketcham. The story looks at relationships at different points in their development: one is fresh and new, and the couple is ambivalent about jumping in. Another is very stable and happy, less selfish in their love. Another is a couple split by circumstance, but then circumstances change and reconciliation seems possible. And the core relationship has endured love and hate for more than 7 centuries, but keep trying to make it work.

These non-humans are searching for different things, whether that's eternal love, family, power or revenge. And in those respective searches, repercussions become inevitable. They become so blinded by their own agendas that they lose sight of the larger picture for their race.

Trailer Released for Short Film “The Case of Mary Ford”

Award winning director Ben Mole has released the first trailer for his short film “The Case Of Mary Ford”. It stars Branko Tomovic ("Entity", "Tesla"), Yannis Stankoglou ("Hostage"), Dimitra Hatoupi ("The Third Night") with Tamar Karabetyan. “The Case Of Mary Ford” tells the story of the Greek legend of the Vrykolakas, a vampire from the sea. "It combined period drama and the supernatural two things I am consistently drawn to. I also liked that it wasnt a traditional Western horror story but had an eastern mystique about it.", says director Ben Mole.



Synopsis: New York City, 1913. Recent Greek immigrant Mary Ford is accused of killing her lover. Mary claims the real murderer is her husband. But her husband... is already dead. Her defense relies on the story of how she came to America. Her tale begins five thousand miles away in her birthplace in the old world, a village on the shores of the Black Sea in Greek Asia Minor. Here, a web of jealousy, intrigue, mystery, deceit, murder and finally escape leads us to a dramatic climax, in which love endures beyond the grave.



“The Case of Mary Ford” is on the festival circuit right now after it’s recent premiere at the prestigious Aesthetica Film Festival, Van dOr Cannes In A Van, Busho, CineArt Film Festival and also won awards at the Cyprus International Film Festival and Peloponnesian International Film Festival.






The Case Of Mary Ford TRAILER from ben mole on Vimeo.

New Poster Released For “In Fear”

A new poster has been released for Jeremy Lovering directed horror/thriller “In Fear”. The film will be released on VOD, Blu-ray and DVD March 11th, 2014. “In Fear” stars Iain De Caestecker, Alice Englert, and Allen Leech.

“In Fear” is an intense psychological horror about a young couple’s fight to make it through the night. Home invasion but in a car. In real-time. Tom and Lucy are trapped in a maze of country roads with only their vehicle for protection, terrorized by an unseen tormentor hell-bent on exploiting their worst fears – fear of the dark, fear of the unknown, fear of themselves.

Lionsgate Releases New Trailer For “Children Of Sorrow” Ahead Of March 4th Release

Lionsgate Releases New Trailer For “Children Of Sorrow” Ahead Of March 4th Release on DVD, Digital HD and VOD. The Film Is Set To Screen At Germany's Weekend Of Horrors.

The film, which director Jourdan McClure describes as "a slice of bad life," was picked up by After Dark and Lionsgate after festival wins at Sacramento Horror Film Festival and Hollywood's Shockfest Film Festival which included two Best Feature awards, a Best Actor Award for Bill Oberst Jr. and a Best Acting award for the ensemble cast.










Bill Oberst Jr. says the role of cult leader Simon Leach was "personal and terrifying." The actor lived in isolation during the shoot in order to get into the mindset of the Jim Jones-like Leach. Director McClure and writer Ryan Finnerty are quoted on the film's IMDb page as saying that the film's most disturbing scenes were not in the original screenplay; "We threw most of the script out the window once we got to the desert and rewrote based on the actual personalities of our actors. If it feels real, that may be why."



European viewers will have their introduction to Children Of Sorrow this fall; the film will screen at Europe's largest horror con, The Weekend Of Horrors in Germany, where Oberst will be a celebrity guest.

On IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1942828/
On Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Children-Sorrow-Bill-Oberst-Jr/dp/B00HAHJK84/
Lionsgate Publicity Materials: http://www.lionsgatepublicity.com/home-entertainment/childrenofsorrow/

Indie Director Cory J Udler’s Next Project

“The Girl Who Played With The Dead” is a new indie horror film directed by Cory J Udler that tells the story of Lauren, who has been obsessed with death, destruction, war atrocities and cannibalism too long. It's time for a change. Running away from her thoughts, but never fully escaping them, Lauren finds that leaving her kinks behind her is easier said than done.




“The Girl Who Played With The Dead” is from the demented mind behind "Incest Death Squad 1, 2", "IDS RISING", "Mediatrix" and "Ed Gein: D.D.S." comes low budget exploitation in it's rawest form. There is currently a campaign ongoing over at Indiegogo to fund the film’s production. Check it out for the perks of your support. Also head to the Facebook Page to keep up with the latest details. 

First Look At Star Trek Enterprise: Tower Of Babel

Star Trek: Enterprise: Rise of the Federation: Tower of Babel, an original Enterprise novel by Christopher L. Bennett, will arrive in stores and online in late March via Simon & Schuster/Pocket Boosk. StarTrek.com has an exclusive First Look at the cover and a plot synopsis straight from the publisher. 

The United Federation of Planets has weathered its first major crisis, but its growing pains are just beginning. Admiral Jonathan Archer hopes to bring the diverse inhabitants of the powerful and prosperous Rigel system into the Federation, jump-starting the young nation's growth and stabilizing a key sector of space. Archer and the Federation's top diplomats journey to the planetoid Babel to debate Rigel's admission…but a looming presidential race heats up the idealogical divide within the young nation, jeopardizing the talks and threatening to undo the fragile unity Archer has worked so hard to preserve.

Meanwhile, the sinister Orion Syndicate recruits new allies of its own, seeking to beat the Federation at its own game. Determined to keep Rigel out of the union, they help a hostile Rigelian faction capture sensitive statesecrets along with Starfleet hostages, including a young officer with a vital destiny. Captain Malcolm Reed, Captain T'Pol, and their courageous crews must now brave the wonders and dangers of Rigel's many worlds to track down the captives before the system is plunged into all-out war.

Rise of the Federation: Tower of Babel will run 368 pages long, cost $7.99 and be available as both a mass market paperback and eBook. Pre-order today at Amazon.com.