The Feather's Push - Book Tour and Giveaway

​In a world disrupted by a social media app with unimaginable reach, a woman who can change emotions through touch must join forces with the man who once sought to kill her, racing to uncover the secret of their shared affliction.

The Feather's Push
Relented Part 2
by Noel Zamot
Genre: Speculative Thriller 

Amber Drake can sense emotions through touch. Today she learned she can change them.

In the wake of a near-fatal accident, Air Force Lieutenant Amber Drake awakens to a chilling reality: she can sense the emotions that others hide. The ability draws government interest, plunging her into a secretive, shadow world. Then a sudden tragedy rips through Amber's life, threatening her mission: shadow a young college professor named Kelly Austin, and her partner Simon Lyons. Simon's ability to glimpse seconds into the future makes him useful, enigmatic - and dangerous.

As Amber's condition evolves, she finds it easier to manipulate others - and spiral into darkness. When her cover is blown, Amber uncovers a disturbing truth-those she trusted harbor the darkest secrets.

In a world of rogue operatives, mind-controlled fanatics, and a social media platform with mind-altering reach, Amber discovers the connections to those she loves are the most powerful weapon. Trust, however, proves elusive - especially when she must rely on Simon Lyons, the man intertwined with her past - and capable of her demise.

"The Feather's Push," the gripping sequel to the best-selling "The Archer's Thread," blends the ingenuity of Blake Crouch with the genre-defying narratives of VE Schwab. The story propels readers into a too-familiar reality, where the lines between mind and machine blur, trust is illusory, and every touch can reveal or destroy. Will Amber survive this nightmare, or will she lose everything in its endless depths?


**On Sale for Only .99cents!**
Amazon * Apple * B&N * Kobo * Bookbub * Goodreads

​Chapter 1

Christopher Everett let the setting sun warm his mind. He loved shooting during golden hour, and today’s sunset was spectacular. The Charles River disappeared to the west as the afternoon melted over slate gray water, lighting the Boston sky in colors that overwhelmed him. The low clouds would gift the Berkshires with an unspeakably beautiful evening. Across the Charles, the reserved majesty of MIT stood quiet and content. Behind him, Back Bay erupted across from an emerald esplanade vibrant with life. This would be the perfect ending to a spectacular day.
He arrived at his spot late for a great reason. His company closed a second round of funding at work, and he felt lucky to have even only a few minutes to catch the sunset before dinner with Kate. He couldn’t wait to tell her all about the day’s events, about what it meant for his job, and their new future together. There was no time to waste.
He was about to capture the shot when a young woman stepped into view.
“Hi, excuse me? Would you mind?” She seemed disheveled and clueless, but he tried his best to be polite. A good photographer should never rile a subject, even one burning up precious time during golden hour.
The girl stared, then walked up to him.
“Miss? I’m sorry, I just need a moment to take this—”
She reached out unexpectedly, almost awkwardly, and touched his forearm. Her hand was tiny, soft as a feather, and very warm.
He realized with a rush that she was beautiful, far more than the gold and pink sunset. He felt an overwhelming urge, right there, to remember her face forever.
“I’m so sorry, miss. Would you... would you mind if I took your picture?” He wanted to tell her she was the most interesting person he’d ever seen, but words failed him. She was thin, with an auburn mane framing a delicate face, and honey-green eyes that toyed with a secret he could not understand. The sunset paled compared to her smile.
“Thank you,” she whispered. Her lips parted in a soft pout that left him speechless. “That is very sweet. I’d love it.”
Her voice was low and throaty, and he drank it in. His heart soared, and he melted with a desire beyond anything he’d experienced with Kate. He asked her to pose with her face lit by the fading sun. If he lost everything in life, he’d still have this one perfect picture he would treasure more than anything, forever.
Click. Click.
“Thank you. You... made my day.” He struggled to find words to convey the gratitude for being in her presence. “Could I please have your number? I’d love to send you a copy.” He smiled and hoped she would, too. “If you don’t mind.”
“Well…” She flashed her mobile phone with a flirty smile. “I was wondering if you could just download it from your camera?”
“Oh, I’m so sorry. I can’t do that.” He was terrified for a moment that she’d run away. Of all the days to be a film aficionado, this was the worst. He’d left his digital camera sitting on the table back at his apartment, excited to finish this roll. “I’m shooting film today. But I can definitely scan it and send it to you—”
The change in her eyes surprised him, beautiful through her anger. She stepped closer, and he melted with expectation. She touched him again with her deliciously warm hand. Her touch was electric.
The afternoon gloom covered him like sand, endless desperation with no escape. The girl in front of him probably had it all, but didn’t care. She’d never understand why life was so difficult for him. He was worthless, sick of being a failure, ashamed that all his life had led to only this. He glanced at his stupid camera—why did he even do this?—and felt a deep, all-encompassing disgust with himself.
Cars flew by on Storrow Drive. He was a loser, in a dead-end startup job in Cambridge that he knew would fail and doom him to misery. Kate was probably cheating on him right now, laughing at him while she was having sex with a coworker. He realized he hated her, but he understood. The world was better off without him. He knew, finally and clearly, what he had to do. No one would know and no one would care, but the pain would soon be over.
He glanced over his shoulder as he stepped onto the parkway, barely hearing the people screaming at him. The girl with green eyes and auburn hair stood in a small crowd, staring at him and shaking her head with a terrified look on her face. She seemed to yell the word No.
His last thought before the truck slammed against him was I hope it hurts less than

The Archer's Thread
Relented Part 1 

Gold Medal, 2021 Florida Book Awards for Popular Fiction
Silver, 2022 Florida Authors and Publishers Association President's Awards.
Finalist, ScreenCraft Cinematic Book Competition
Currently represented by Gravity Squared Entertainment for adaptation to the screen

Simon Lyons can see ten seconds into the future.

The condition is useful at work: quiet international negotiations with the worst people you've never heard of. His employers think he's quite valuable. His victims think he's a sociopath. He does his best to hide the truth from everyone: the condition is slowly driving him insane.

Searching for a cure, he disappears to Boston, the last place he remembers as home. A book from his past leads him to a young college professor with an unexpected gift: around Doctor Kelly Austin, the chaos of a thousand possibilities dies away, leaving behind clarity and peace. Desperate for normalcy, Simon manipulates everyone to enter Kelly's life, find the secret—and leave.

That's when his past returns, stopping at nothing to keep his the origin and extent of his "condition" buried. When someone discovers Doctor Austin might be the key to controlling the most dangerous person on earth, Simon must choose: return to a short life of violence, or sacrifice everything for the terror of redemption.

Even if you can see the future, you can never escape your past.

Readers who imagine how VE Schwab would've written a Jack Reacher adventure will enjoy this genre-bending thriller about sacrifice, secrets, and redemption.


Amazon * Apple * B&N * Kobo * Bookbub * Goodreads

Noel Zamot is an award-winning author known for his speculative fiction novels, THE ARCHER’S THREAD and THE FEATHER’S PUSH. He has earned recognition in his home state of Florida and beyond, earning the Gold Medal for Popular Fiction at the 2021 Florida Book Awards, and a Silver Medal at the 2022 Florida Author’s and Publisher’s Association President’s Awards. He was also a distinguished finalist at Screencraft’s 2022 Cinematic Book Competition.

With a rich background as a combat aviator, economic development executive, and national security expert, Noel weaves his extensive experience in the military, intelligence, diplomacy, and technology into his writing. His works provoke thoughtful escapism, creating “what if?” scenarios set in eerily familiar near-future settings. His narratives echo the resonant issues depicted in today’s headlines, allowing readers to experience hidden worlds through the eyes of someone who has lived them.

Noel is represented by Gravity Squared Entertainment, who are working to adapt THE ARCHER’S THREAD to the screen, bringing his unique vision to a global audience.

Noel currently resides in Tarpon Springs, Florida, sharing adventures and bike rides with his wife, Diane. 


Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

​

Can you, for those who don't know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author?
I’ve been writing since I was a kid, starting with hand drawn comic books, then clacking away at a typewriter in high school. In college I had the great fortune to completely fail a literary fiction course, so I had to transfer to a class led by Joe Haldeman, Hugo and Nebula Award winner. I learned about the craft of writing from him. Decades later, while commuting from Tampa to San Juan to Washington, I decided to finally capture several stories that had been kicking around for years.

What is something unique/quirky about you?
I am a TOTAL COFFEE SNOB. I roast my own beans, maintain a cantankerous espresso machine that weighs two hundred pounds, and precisely measure and time espresso shots. Please never say “expresso” within two zip codes of my current location, because I WILL FIND YOU.

Tell us something really interesting that's happened to you!
One of the more fun, recent experiences was launching “The Feather’s Push” in our local bookstore, The Gilded Page (https://thegildedpagebookstore.com/). A very nice gentleman picked up the book. When I asked him his name, he said he already knew me. Apparently the first book had left an impact and he had looked up not only my website, but my LinkedIn and Wikipedia pages. For a moment I didn’t know if I should be appreciative, or run.
Also, I had Chuck Yeager’s job for a while before he passed. He broke the sound barrier in 1947, and I had the privilege to host him in his later years. That’s a story in itself…

What are some of your pet peeves?
Few, thankfully. But it drives me nuts when people defend ignorance with more ignorance. Also, I have very little patience for conspiracy theorists, which is why they feature prominently in this book.

Where were you born/grew up at?
Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, before I went off to college, became an officer in the Air Force, and flew jets.

Who is your hero and why?
Can I talk about the heroes in my books? In both books (and especially the third one I’m currently writing) the heroes are imperfect people, with insecurities and secrets and fears. They all have one common thread: deep down, they are decent people who have to rediscover that goodness in the face of brutal and unfair experiences. Simon is jealous, Amber is insecure, [I CAN’T TELL YOU HIS NAME HERE BECAUSE I WILL SPOIL IT] is cynical, etc. But Simon is also protective, Amber is brilliant and kind, and [I STILL CAN’T TELL YOU HIS NAME] is faithful and selfless. I love writing those characters.

What kind of world ruler would you be?
I would surround myself with smart, humble people, and grow to trust a group which disagreed amongst themselves. Anyone who prioritized their benefit over the greater good would be immediately transferred to a job close enough to ensure they could do no further damage. Decisions would be taken based on evidence and fact. Temperance and moderation would be prized above hype. The arts would be respected and funded, and education would be the highest priority in the land. Every day we would ask the question: “Do we REALLY need to do THIS?” and prune our work accordingly. My goal would be to earn a eulogy where someone said “My life is better because of him.”

What do you do to unwind and relax?
I’ve been a cyclist for a long time. Sometimes, you just have to get on your mountain bike and leave your frustrations on the trails — yes, even in Florida.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I was in the Air Force flying long missions in bomber aircraft. I had an old hardcover notebook that I took everywhere. I was equally enamored of the leather cover, the act of writing, and the implements which miraculously captured my thoughts on the page. When I read a passage aloud to a fellow aviator, he was stunned. That’s when I thought this might be something I could be good at — and enjoy.

Do you have a favorite movie?
Inside Man, by Spike Lee. I love it so much it is my main character’s favorite movie, and plays an important role in a key romantic scene in my first book.

Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?
Strangely enough… my first novel is being considered for adaptation to the screen! I would hope the trilogy would be adapted as a three season miniseries on AppleTV.

What inspired you to write this book?
My first novel, The Archer's Thread, was inspired by a family conversation and a mathematics YouTube channel. The topic of the conversation was “what realistic super-ability would you most want to have?” It had to be something feasible, not like flying or super-strength. I chose seeing ten seconds into the future. Once I wrote that book, I wondered what other abilities — possible from a scientific point of view — would be disruptive for the other people in this world I’d created. Mind control was attractive, but how would one realistically do that? The idea evolved into the reverse of a lie detector, which actually has been demonstrated to treat some types of mental ailments, so it had to be through touch. Making the character forgettable to others, and someone insecure seemed a natural, but there had to be more. That’s when I saw a post from a young cosplayer on Instagram, and I immediately thought “that’s HER!” Of course, that was happening during the advent of the greatest mind control technology humanity has invented: the intersection of mobile phones and social media. The parallels were spooky: You can control minds at a small scale, by having the condition that afflicts the protagonist… or you could do it at global scale, through targeted influence campaigns which we are unable to even acknowledge. Having the protagonist from book one have the same mysterious past as the protagonist from book 2 made it a ton of fun to write.

What can we expect from you in the future?
Hopefully a lot! First, I’m writing a book on Puerto Rico in the year 2045, 27 years after Hurricane Maria. The bulk of the book will be about what that might look like if some issues on the island are not changed. The story combines economic projections and technological trends into a short, believable, and troubling tale. But the book will finish with a hopeful message. 
Next, I’m working on the sequel to The Feather's Push called The Weight of the Blade. The protagonist (Easter egg: they are referenced in The Feather's Push) survived an accident which left him a changed in unimaginable ways. The characters in Archer and Feather race against time to find him when they realize he is the missing piece to unearth a horrific conspiracy.
After that, I’m working on a non-fiction book, tentatively titled The NSFW Guide to Kick-Ass Leadership. It is based on the best professional gift I’ve ever received, and will be drastically different from other leadership books out there. I’ll no through a bunch of quotes that my team reminded me I used daily, tell the story behind them (most, if not all, are NSFW!) and weave that into my core leadership thesis, which revolves around communication, expectation, and service.

Do you have any “side stories” about the characters?
Oh yes! I have three so far, and four more planned. You can check them out here: https://books.bookfunnel.com/noel_zamot
NIGHT is about the real story about the first time the protagonist in Book 1 uses his condition. The outcome is so unexpected that the video is classified. The short story describes how the man who led that operation learned the truth.
DESCENT is about how that young operative begins to come to terms with his condition — and what it is doing to his mind. He is insanely dangerous, but deeply broken, and carries a burden of guilt that no one understands.
PLEDGE fast forwards several years, and it tells the story of how the protagonist in Book 1 meets the young woman who will become his protege, and the circumstances around him uttering the one phrase that changes her life.
The next ones will expand on that deep friendship, setting the story for something that will happen in Book 3, The Weight of the Blade. This is like weaving a tapestry and I love it.

Can you tell us a little bit about the characters in The Feather’s Push?
In the aftermath of a horrific accident, Lieutenant Amber Drake awakens to a chilling ability: she can sense hidden emotions through touch. The skill draws government interest, plunging her into a hidden world. When the condition takes its toll, Amber is deemed unfit and cast aside. She has one last shot at redemption: shadow a young college professor named Kelly Austin, and her partner Simon Lyons—a man with the disturbing ability to see ten seconds into the future. 
As she begins her mission, an innocent encounter turns deadly. Her condition quickly evolves, threatening her sanity and spiraling her into darkness. When her cover is blown, Amber uncovers a disturbing truth: those she trusted harbor the darkest secrets.
In a world of fanatics manipulated by a social media platform with unimaginable reach, Amber discovers her condition is a threat to those she loves. Her best chance at survival may rest with Simon, a figure inexplicably tied to her past—and perhaps her survival.

What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
Weaving stories about self-discovery, technology, corruption, and redemption all into one book that moves at breakneck pace. In book two we have a young woman who discovers her condition is evolving fast; a love story from book 1 which takes an unfortunate turn; two best friends split by an innocent crush; a man desperate to hide the conspiracy that made him rich; a disturbed combat vet who finds a group with similar concerns; kick-ass fight scenes; and way, way more.

Who designed your book covers?
The awesome crew at www.GetCovers.com!

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
I’d spend more time on the arc earlier on, instead of discovering as I went. Not because I regret how it came out — only because it would give me more time to write book 3!!

Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?
I learned that straddling the line between “pantser” and “plotter” — becoming a “Plantser” is the way to go. I had so many stories that I had to put them on paper before I put them down on paper. It turned out to be the most significant professional advance of my writing experience.

If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?
Simon Lyons would be played by a very angry Harry Styles.
Kelly Austin would be played by Emma Corrin.
Amber Drake would be played by Karen Gillan
Hector Gonzalez would be played by The Rock
Troy Fullerton would be played by Will Coban

How did you come up with name of this book?
Each book in the series is a play on the protagonists’ program name (hint), and their condition. The Archer’s Thread refers to his ability to see in time — chronosthesia — which he can only describe as “threads.” The Feather’s Push is all about imposing your emotions on others.

What is your favorite part of this book and why?
There is an arc where Amber discovers her growing abilities, and uses them for some nefarious stuff. She pushes all that away when she meets someone she believes might change her life. Of course, her past crashes back. She is terrified she’ll be found — again — and desperate for redemption. There is a very touching scene where she goes to a nursing home to prove to herself that “she is not a monster.” A few days later, that experience comes back. All of her hopes and dreams collide in one scene which was tremendously fun to write.

Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination?
I think we all have a bit of ourselves in our characters. Leaving out some of the personal stuff, here’s a short list:
Amber Drake is based loosely on someone I followed on Instagram. Her personality is based on people I’ve met during my work.
Kelly Austin is based on Kelsey Houston-Edwards, a mathematics YouTuber and a renowned science writer.
Paula Mendez and Harriet Morris are based on two of the most fun and interesting people I know.

What do you think about the current publishing market?
I have a background in business, and think the current traditional business model has not kept up with the times. The traditional process relies on several gatekeepers, a lot of steps that end up not adding value to the reader, and an unresponsive timeline. In the rest of the economy, a creator can go from idea to execution in weeks. In traditional publishing, that timeline is years for reasons that were highly relevant in the 1960’s but not today.  
Imagine if you submitted your taxes to an accountant, and they said that you had to wait for months before they got back to you, or perhaps not answer at all. That is the state of trad publishing today. Of course, that is not exactly accurate, but the approach of “there are too many books so I might never get back to you” is a process challenge, not an excuse.
The recent anti-trust lawsuits exposed the current state of the traditional publishing industry, and it wasn’t pretty. The percentage of books which earn out their advance was miniscule. Why? I suspect a big part is that gatekeepers think they know what readers want, but in fact do not. By the time the book makes it out, the zeitgeist ship has sailed.
Does trad publishing work for some? Of course it does. But if you are starting out, my strong recommendation is to do it independently, learn, and you’ll be better prepared to sign — on your terms — if your dream publisher notices your work.
Independent publishing requires more work, up front expense, and dedication. But the reward is amazing. Had I been traditionally published, my first book would still be in development, if it ever made it past a system that is notoriously behind the times. Instead, I was able to get my book to readers much quicker, which got the exposure that allowed the book to be considered for the screen. I think independently published authors should have the discipline and rigor to produce solid works. The good news is that there are many tools to help you with that, and a lot of businesses who can fill in the gaps where needed. I enjoy formatting and production, but am abysmally bad at design. So I use sophisticated tools to do what I enjoy and do well, and outsource graphic and cover design. You end up being a small business in addition to an author, which isn’t bad at all. 

Do you read yourself and if so what is your favorite genre?
I devour anything by Blake Crouch, and am now working my way through Hugh Howey’s works. I like speculative fiction that tells a deeper tale, and those two authors are masters at it.

Do you prefer to write in silence or with noise? Why?
I need white noise, or a playlist. When I’m writing an action scene, I have a go-to playlist for each book. It is a combination of what I like, and what I imagine the characters would enjoy. Here is the one for “The Feather’s Push!” https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/the-feathers-push/pl.u-RRbVvxDC6q1elj
Amber’s song would probably be “Sunflower”, a sweet-sounding tune about something quite dark. Kelly would probably belt out “Roam,” while Paula would play “6’s to 9’s” on her headphones while sneaking looks at her coworker. Simon would probably listen to “I’m Coming Home,” and Troy would blast out some Linkin Park. Stuart would play Roxy Music.

Do you write one book at a time or do you have several going at a time?
I wrote at a pace of one book per two years, and now I’m writing three at a time!!

What is your writing process? For instance do you do an outline first? Do you do the chapters first?
Once I have the protagonist in mind, I write a couple of scenes where they can show their stuff, or interact with someone. For Archer, I wrote a lot about Simon’s condition, and how he was completely baffled by the fact that it didn’t work when close to this one very important person. For Feather, I wrote scenes where Amber is vicious, then falling in love, then destroyed by what she has done. Then I weave those into the hero’s arc, tweaking to ensure the best scenes make it. I once read that every scene should either move the story forward, or develop the character. When I can do both in one scene, I know it is a keeper, and write my arc around it. I used to only do pantsing, allowing my characters to dictate where they go, but those books would be immense!

What are common traps for aspiring writers?
First, it is impossible to edit a blank page. Putting down ANYTHING on paper is far, far better than procrastination. Just sit down, and write. I use the pomodoro technique: twenty five minutes focused on getting even just ONE sentence on the page. I find out that after the fist cycle, time flies. That is flow.
Second, show, don’t tell. This is the oldest rule in the book, and it applies to so much: action sequences, backstory, dialogue, use of descriptive language… There is so much in that aphorism, that you could do far worse than to recite it, like a mantra, with every page you write. 

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
​
Oct 10
kickoff at Silver Dagger Book Tours
A Wonderful World of Words
Craving Lovely Books
Insane Books
Twisted Book Ramblings

Oct 11
Lady Hawkeye
❧Defining Ways❧
The Sexy Nerd 'Revue'
Country Mamas With Kids
Kenyan Poet
Painting With Words

Oct 12
Naughty Nightie Book Blog
Book Reviews by the Reluctant Retiree
ⒾⓃⓉⓇⓄⓈⓅⒺⒸⓉⒾⓋⒺ ⓅⓇⒺⓈⓈ
Girl with Pen
My beauty my books

Oct 13
All Things Dark & Dirty
C.A.Milson
eBook Addicts
Inside the Insanity
Literary Gold

Oct 14
4covert2overt ☼ A Place In The Spotlight ☼
#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog
Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read
Trixie Reports Books

Oct 15
Bedazzled By Books
Scrupulous Dreams
The Bookshelf Fairy

Oct 16
Anna del C. Dye official page
J.M. Northrup
All The Write Stuff
Celticlady's Reviews
Stormy Nights Reviewing & Bloggin'

Oct 17
Books all things paranormal and romance
Midnight Book Reader
Sylv.net
The Book Dragon
Royally Insane Books

a Rafflecopter giveaway