Hi there everyone,
It has been awhile since I last posted on my blog and I beg your forgiveness but my excuse is that I was so involved in finishing off my latest novel that time just flew by, but now I can sit back and relax for a few days…heck who am I kidding…I have already started on my next creation and this time Piet van Zyl is really going to be in the thick of things.
Without giving away too much the title of my new project is…”The Sting of the Scorpion” and so far I am having fun.
The Ibis Lounge 
is also keeping my loving wife, Lucie and I busy as well and as far as that goes, we are enjoying this new part of our lives very much and just love interacting with the guests that grace our doorway from all parts of the world…I guess I am going to have to learn to speak, German, Russian, Dutch…but we get by and everyone seems to enjoy their stay with us…so I guess I will put the learning new languages on hold for the time being.
I have not given up on finding a new publisher for my books…in fact I have been asked by a couple of reputable publishers to submit full manuscripts for previously unpublished works and there seems to be a bit of interest out there so it is just a question of wait and see…but now the problem is…I can’t wait so I have also taken the step into the Indie publishing world and just released my Blood Trilogy on Amazon Kindle…
so those of you out there that never got a chance to read my books can now start at the very beginning and get to know Piet van Zyl and company.
If interested here is the link; https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XSBYSWM
One thing that is now missing is the awesome reviews that I got for the three books that make up the Blood Trilogy, so never one to miss out on a chance, I have added them to this blog…at least you will know what is in store for you if you decide to go ahead and get a copy for yourself…one thing I can promise you…you will not be disappointed.
These reviews are from Amazon. Smashwords and from Beta Readers and I thank one and all for their very kind words.
Amazon Reviews
Blood Moon Over Africa (The Blood Trilogy Book 1)Kindle Edition
by Paul Zunckel (Author)
By Kathy Neilson on April 20, 2016
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
This is a great book for Africa and the things that go on in Africa including the animals and the locals and their beliefs. It was a thriller and scared me at times. But a great ride. Thank you Kathy
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4.0 out of 5 starsSupernatural horror powers this story.
By FSW on February 20, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition
*I bought this book from Smashwords.*
Supernatural horror powers this story and delivers chills running down your spine.
The story is gripping, impossible to put down, and the prose is very descriptive. The author describes horrifying scenes without diving into over-the-top gore.
The story is a chiller with great characters, believable tragedy and nail-biting suspense.
I am looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this trilogy.
Blood Moon Over Africa
“…you cannot help but be compelled to read on…”
reviewed by Lilian Flesher
This review is from a gifted ebook reviewer copy.
“You will be taken on a journey, an adventure, a scary trip that will have you rooted to the spot, whispering to yourself, WATCH OUT, perhaps yelling at the kindle like me!!! This is a fabulously well-written story, it tells the story of the old ways, witch doctors, medicine men, of tribal beliefs, the things that scare the tribes, the information is endless, you cannot help but be compelled to read on, to follow the journey to the end, keep praying for a miracle because these pair along with their friends and helpers are going to need more than help, they are going to need every ounce of their wits, their courage, their skills, and prayers to protect them.!”
“Short pithy chapters driven by fast and furious dialogue…Zunckel’s plot is engaging and brilliantly executed… a must read”…reviewed by VLY, Thailand
Ravenna Young rated it it was amazing FIVE STAR*****
As I lay in bed, totally freaked out, I’m trying to think of how to best convey the awe that I’m feeling towards this book. I don’t like being freaked out and normally I would chicken out on a read like this but I kept reading, even though I lost sleep. I’m not sure how it happened but I finished this book…
Zunckel has magically described Africa, Zambia, in such a way that I became absorbed in the story of a newly married couple determined to habitate a home that is cursed by a nasty half hyena As I lay in bed, totally freaked out, I’m trying to think of how to best convey the awe that I’m feeling towards this book. I don’t like being freaked out and normally I would chicken out on a read like this but I kept reading, even though I lost sleep. I’m not sure how it happened but I finished this book…
Zunckel has magically described Africa, Zambia, in such a way that I became absorbed in the story of a newly married couple determined to habitate a home that is cursed by a nasty half hyena?/human beast. Zunckel doesn’t sugarcoat anything and the result is a terrifyingly authentic experience.
The writing is clean and straightforward, unlike any style I’ve read to date and the characters are quirky and stupid and stubborn like most horror story characters…personally, I’d have been gone after the croc defiling.
I think what I loved most is the genuine connection I felt to the scene, to Africa, and its wild nature which served as the perfect backdrop for this story.
I’m stuck because I’ve been left with questions but not sure if I have the nerve to read the next in this series…oh, I’ll read it because I’m a sucker for punishment and have to follow it through.
5.0 étoiles sur 5 Terrifiant à souhait… 19 septembre 2015
Par LORIN PHILIPPE
Format:Format Kindle|Achat vérifié
Paul Zunckel tient toutes ses promesses et nous tient en haleine tout au long du livre. Si comme moi vous aimez L’Afrique et ses rites les plus noirs, vous adorerez vous plonger dans l’action et partager les nuits blanches de Piet et ses ami(e)s. L’Amérique a Stephen King, l’Afrique a Paul Zunckel, et il est bien parti pour conquérir le monde. J’espère qu’il sera rapidement traduit en français pour le plaisir du plus grand nombre. Un immense plus: Paul Zuncker est un auteur à l’écoute de ses lecteurs et vous pouvez lui envoyer des messages sur Facebook, réponse assurée ! J’ai commencé à lire Blood démon revenge, les frissons sont au rendez vous. J’ai un nouvel ami, merci Paul.
Blood Spoor in the Dark
Book 2 of The Blood Trilogy
“…superstition and the suspense it creates grips you as a reader…”
reviewed by Sub01
A very well written follow up to his Blood Moon [Over Africa]. The characters in the novel are believable and I found them growing on me. The story is fast paced with twists and turns. The use of superstition and the suspense it creates grips you as a reader and makes it a very worthwhile read. All the best to the author.
Blood Demon: Revenge
Book 3 of The Blood Trilogy
“…I was selected as a Beta Reader and WOW!…”
reviewed by S. Dale
I’d read the first two after release and loved them both, so when I contacted the publisher to ask if they needed Beta readers, I was very pleased to be invited to read Blood Demon: Revenge. WOW! Any time a writer can make me miss dinner because I am reading, that is a huge deal, and Paul Zunckel did just that! Each scene is one of those that makes a reader squirm and the tension is fantastic. Thank you!
Blood Moon Over Africa
- Series:The Blood Trilogy
By Paul Zunckel
Rated 5.00/5 based on 4 reviews
Review by: trebor58 on Sep. 17, 2016 : (no rating)
This is second I have read from Paul and I have to say it won’t be the last. This book had me gripped from the start, trying to figure out what they were up against, and I have to say I was wrong. This book will have you sitting on the edge of your seat form the moment you start reading. There is laughter there are tears, there is sadness and Joy, but most of all it’s packed with suspense.
(reviewed within a month of purchase)
Review by: AngelikaB on July 28, 2016 :
I love Veronica with all her knowledge about witch craft and her ideas on how to deal with it. Very interesting from beginning to end! Wish I had so much courage……. or maybe rather not! I rather read about it, so much safer
(reviewed within a month of purchase)
Review by: Aileen Friedman on July 26, 2016 : (no rating)
This is my review on all the Piet Van Zyl series books; they can also get read as stand-alone stories. Piet is a very likable character and certainly makes the stories entertaining. The stories are very easy reading and of a short story length so they can be read in one go. The stories flow with ease and are comfortable to follow. Always remember; in beautiful Africa, there is always something lurking in the dark, or the bushes, be aware!
(reviewed the day of purchase)
Review by: Flamingcrystal on Feb. 20, 2016 : (no rating)
Supernatural horror powers this story and delivers chills running down your spine.
The story is gripping, impossible to put down, and the prose is very descriptive. The author describes horrifying scenes without diving into over-the-top gore.
The story is a chiller with great characters, believable tragedy and nail-biting suspense.
I am looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this trilogy. I am giving this book a well deserved 4 stars!
(reviewed within a month of purchase)
Review by: renier smith on Jan. 13, 2016 :
I have met paul zunkel about a year ago. I did deliveries for him.
I got to know paul as a humble person, that will accept you as a friend
No matter from wich walk of life you derive.
It is with fondness that i can say i have even met pooch. Seems that he likes me
Now that our roads have parted i wish you many more stories my friend
Renier
(reviewed the day of purchase)
Review by: Sub01 on Jan. 13, 2016 :
Yesterday I downloaded this book. Last night was a late night as I could not put it down until it was finished. To sum up this author and the book in one word, WOW!, Bring it on, and this is a debut novel, who are you kidding. Mr Paul Zunckel, where the hell have you been?
(reviewed within a week of purchase)
Review by: Philippe LORIN on Jan. 05, 2016 :
Paul Zunckel tient toutes ses promesses et nous tient en haleine tout au long du livre. Si comme moi vous aimez L’Afrique et ses rites les plus noirs, vous adorerez vous plonger dans l’action et partager les nuits blanches de Piet et ses ami(e)s. L’Amérique a Stephen King, l’Afrique a Paul Zunckel, et il est bien parti pour conquérir le monde. J’espère qu’il sera rapidement traduit en français pour le plaisir du plus grand nombre. Un immense plus: Paul Zuncker est un auteur à l’écoute de ses lecteurs et vous pouvez lui envoyer des messages sur Facebook, réponse assurée ! J’ai commencé à lire Blood démon revenge, les frissons sont au rendez vous. J’ai un nouvel ami, merci Paul.
Blood Spoor in the Dark
- Series:The Blood Trilogy
By Paul Zunckel
Rated 5.00/5 based on 3 reviews
Review by: AngelikaB on July 28, 2016 :
This book taught me a lot about superstition and rituals in Africa, coming from Germany I have never thought about these things really but now I understand it much better. Hope I will never meet one of those leopard men! Interesting read
(reviewed within a month of purchase)
Review by: Aileen Friedman on July 25, 2016 : (no rating)
This is my review on all the Piet Van Zyl series books; they can also get read as stand-alone stories. Piet is a very likable character and certainly makes the stories entertaining. The stories are very easy reading and of a short story length so they can be read in one go. The stories flow with ease and are comfortable to follow. Always remember; in beautiful Africa, there is always something lurking in the dark, or the bushes, be aware!
(reviewed within a month of purchase)
Review by: Sub01 on Jan. 28, 2016 :
This was gifted to me by the author asking for a review. I have one word for his work. “BRILLIANT”.
He has the ability to paint a picture with his words and lead you into the story, leaving you breathless at the end,wanting more.
(reviewed within a month of purchase)
Review by: Philippe LORIN on Jan. 05, 2016 :
Comme pourrait le dire Piet en s’adressant à Paul Zunckel :”baie dankie my vriend, ‘n baie goeie boek, lekke lekke 😉 ” Deuxième livre de la trilogie, l’auteur nous emmène au coeur d’ une Afrique encore plus noire et plus terrifiante, d’autant plus que l’intrigue s’appuie sur des faits réels . Le héros Piet aurait pu remplacer Johnny Weissmuller dans un de ses films tourné en 1946…sauriez vous dire lequel ? pendant que vous réfléchissez, moi je vais dévorer avec plaisir Revenge qui boucle la trilogie.
(reviewed the day of purchase)
Blood Demon: Revenge
- Series:The Blood Trilogy
By Paul Zunckel
Rated 4.80/5 based on 5 reviews
Review by: AngelikaB on July 28, 2016 :
What a thriller from the beginning to the end. I love the characters, especially Piet, he is so real. Definitely a book that you don’t want to stop reading. Well done!
(reviewed within a month of purchase)
Review by: Haydn Johns on July 24, 2016 :
Paul has done it again! This book has enticed and thrilled me. An excellent read which I could not put down. Darkness, danger and action packed. I am also thoroughly enjoy the character of Piet. I highly recommend the Blood Trilogy to all!
(reviewed the day of purchase)
Review by: Flamingcrystal on May 01, 2016 :
The background folklore/mythology is really well developed with vivid descriptions.
I love the characters and especially the rustic Piet’s way of thinking. Sometimes he doesn’t want to acknowledge the danger they are in, therefore the bigger the danger, the better his hilarious sayings gets. The opening pages really did a lot to get me invested in the main character. Authors sometimes don’t realise that their first two pages are the most crutial pages to get their readers hooked. Not only did this author succeeded in that, he kept my attention right until the end.
The author succeeded to create very loveable characters.
If Piet did not wear a wedding ring, I would have fallen for him too. Head over heels of my size 4 boots, but I am the opposite of those female tourists in the story. It is only crows that are drawn to rings, whether it be wedding rings, toe rings and heaven forbids: men wearing belly rings.
From the very beginning the lines between good and evil were drawn in such a captive way that I got angry when my reading got interrupted by visitors… I got chills running down my spine when reading about how this blood demon was summoned.
(reviewed long after purchase)
Review by: Sub01 on Feb. 02, 2016 :
The author takes you by the throat and shakes you. This final to his Blood Trilogy is one of the best closures I have ever read. He takes you by the hand and leads you as promised, into the dark.
(reviewed within a week of purchase)
Review by: Philippe LORIN on Jan. 05, 2016 :
ça y est, j’ai réservé mon safari photo avec Piet !
j’emmène un petit sac avec de bonnes chaussures de marche, un appareil photo et de la lotion anti-moustique…plus une grande valise remplie de crucifix, d’eau bénite, de pieux en bois, de chapelets d’ail, de balles en argent et tout ce qu’il faut pour un exorcisme… Avec Piet, on ne sait jamais sur quoi on va tomber en brousse, et pour l’aider Paul Zunckel a décidé de rendre tous les livres sur la faune africaine obsolètes: j’en ai plein qui parlent des Big Five ( les 5 animaux les plus dangereux à chasser à pied), mais maintenant grâce ou à cause de Paul nous avons les Big Six! Il a ajouté sa création, le plus terrifiant et le plus vicieux de tous les “animaux” à la liste, et celui ci hantera vos nuits à jamais. La trilogie est bouclée de main de maître, mais je sais déjà que les aventures de Piet et ses ami(e)s ne s’arrêtent pas ici. Merci Monsieur Zunckel.
PS: Paul, les amoureux de la brousse attendent votre mise à jour des Skinner et Smithers , hunter’s handbook et autres field guides car maintenant il y manque votre créature.
If you made it this far…Thank you.
Take Care and remember, you never know what is watching from the shadows.
God Bless
Indie Author Paul Zunckel 