Title: The Last Degree
Series: Book #1
Author: Dina Rae
Genre: Action, Adventure, Crime, Paranormal,
Political, Suspense, Thriller, Christian
Publisher: Dina Rae
Ebook
Words: 93000
Purchase for only $1.99:
The Last Degree will be FREE Sept. 27th – 28th!
Book Description
The Last Degree is a fictionalized account of how
Freemasons and other secret societies set up the world for takeover. Ancient
writings foretell a ‘Shining One’ who emerges as the world’s prophet. A murder
of a Most Worshipful mason resembles a secret oath. A cop gets too close to
solving the crime. Paranoid preppers go underground, preparing for war.
Headlines such as the Norway
massacre, meltdown of the European Union, unscrupulous media, animal die-offs,
Middle Eastern unrest, and U.S.
shrinking power make the plot relevant to present day. This book is an ode to
Christians, Birthers, 2012ers, Truthers, preppers, and/or other conspiracy
junkies who enjoy Dan Brown, Jesse Ventura, Brad Meltzer, Alex Jones, Jerry
Jenkins and Tim LaHaye.
Excerpt:
Dwight took off his crown, signifying he was no longer playing King Solomon.
“Sacrifice is expected for ones that you love. Do you love me?” Dwight shouted. “Then bow down before me and offer praise!”
Everyone knelt and laid their head down to the floor, chanting 'Most Worshipful,
Most Worshipful' several times before Dwight commanded them to get up.
In a manic energetic state, Dwight vociferated, “Et vitam impendere vero!” All repeated, with the three new pledges joining in. Minutes later, he began to calm down. “To sacrifice life for truth - that is what we must always do! You must trust me as your Most Worshipful and sacrifice at my command! Are you prepared to do this?” All three pledges nodded.
Dwight pulled the content baby out of Arthur's arms and threw it high into the air. As the baby began to descend, Dwight took his sword and hacked through its neck, decapitating it before it hit the floor. Only the three pledges shrieked in horror. He sinisterly smiled as he picked up the head and body,revealing it was only a doll.
“Don't believe with your eyes, but believe with your knowledge. We are his chosen and will soon be exalted.”
The three men looked down at their hands and tried not to scream. They were covered in blood.
“Sacrifice, my brothers, sacrifice. I will teach you well. You are all Chiefs of the Tabernacle! Let us go and celebrate!” Dwight gleamed.
Check out The Last Degree Prequel as well—Be
Paranoid Be Prepared!
Interview Time!
1. If you could work with any author who
would it be?
Probably John Grisham, Dan Brown, Brad
Thor, or Stephen King. These men know how
to draw the reader in while never losing credibility of the story.
2. Who is your favourite author and is your writing style similar to theirs?
Lots of favorites. I’ve been compared to Dan Brown in style. I keep the plot moving without getting into the weather, characters’ clothes, meals, etc. Sure, there are lots of details, but I tend to add research into the plot over thick descriptions.
Lots of favorites. I’ve been compared to Dan Brown in style. I keep the plot moving without getting into the weather, characters’ clothes, meals, etc. Sure, there are lots of details, but I tend to add research into the plot over thick descriptions.
3. What's your favorite part of a book?
The Last Degree is filled with conspiracy
theories. Parts of the plot that may seem
made up are really mainstream theories of alleged evil secret societies, Jack the
Ripper, the election process, Ivy League colleges, the Apocalypse, and much
more. Although The Last Degree is an
easy read, there is much reading between the lines. I hope the reader sees the parallels with the
recent news headlines.
4. When naming your characters, do you give
any thought to the actual meaning?
One of the main characters, James Martin,
was the alias of a shady friend of my husband’s-great guy who died young from
cocaine. My fictional James might have
been like the one who I knew if he had chosen to straighten out his life.
5. What advice would you give to people who
"run out of creativity" when writing?
I am a very new writer and not ready to be
giving anyone advice. I have written
three novels and am writing a fourth.
Every once in a while I run out of ideas, but won’t ‘take the day
off.’ I’ll go back and edit. Refreshing myself with the story resparks my
imagination. Also, I write longhand in a
notebook before I type. The long process
gives me time to think of more ideas.
6. How did you come up with the title?
The Last Degree in the Scottish Rite is the
33rd degree. This is the inner circle of
Freemasons that the book is about-not the men who go to their local lodge and
drink beers together and network. The
33rd degree is an honorary degree made by the Supreme Council. It’s a big deal within the Order.
7. Is there a message in your novel that
you want readers to grasp?
I hope they are entertained and appreciate
my ideas of how a one world government could form. There is an End of Days theme backed with
Daniel and Revelation that signals biblical prophecy. Hope it inspires the reader to think about
their spirituality.
8. What books have most influenced your
life most?
So, so many. But the first book that always comes to mind
is Stephen King’s The Stand, kind of a modern day account of the rise of the
anti-Christ. Again, The Last Degree has
some similarities. I also loved The
Road, Left Behind series, and Angels and Demons.
9. If you had to choose, which writer
would you consider a mentor?
Probably Stephen King because I love his
consistency and also love his book, On Writing.
It was one of the most helpful books I ever read about this crazy
business.
10. What book are you reading now?
Lots.
I usually have 3 or 4 going at a time.
In my car I am listening to Angelology.
When I work out or walk my dogs I listen to The Transparent Queen. When I lie in bed, I read The 12th Imam, and
when I am at my computer taking a break I am reading Soul Sisters.
11. What are your current projects?
I am 3/4ths finished with my sequel to Halo
of the Damned, a novel about the escape of Hell. Haven’t titled it yet.
12. Do you recall how your interest in
writing originated?
Some people dream of being an actress or
sports star or singer, I always thought a writer was the best kind of
celebrity. Those who rise to the top get
to be famous without anyone knowing who they are.
13. What was the hardest part of writing
your book?
Probably the constant promotion that goes
with it. Learning something new every
day.
Thanks so much for having me!
Thank you for answering my questions.
Thank you for answering my questions.
Dina Rae is a new author here to stay. As a former teacher, she brings an academic element to her work. Her two novels, Halo of the Damned and The Last Degree, weave research and suspense throughout the plots. Her short story, Be Paranoid Be Prepared, is a prequel of sorts to The Last Degree, focusing on the James Martin character. Dina also freelances for various entertainment blogs.
Dina lives with her husband, two daughters, and two dogs outside of Chicago . She is a Christian, an avid tennis player, movie buff, and self-proclaimed expert on several conspiracy theories. When she is not writing, she is reading novels from her favorite authors Dan Brown, Anne Rice, Stephen King, Brad Thor, George R.R. Martin, and Preston & Childs.
Find the Author:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thanks for having me! Be Paranoid Be Prepared is free today and tomorrow on amazon. Please download. Dina
ReplyDeleteI think it's cool that Dina also reads many books as well as writes. I think that helps give authors depth to their writing.
ReplyDeleteWhile I haven't read any of Dina's books, I have read quite a bit of John Grisham, so it bodes well that she also enjoys his works.
Thanks for the giveaway... I would love to read this book
ReplyDeleteLooks great. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this giveaway!
ReplyDeletefaith__2@hotmail.com
thx 4 the giveaway :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the international giveaway!!
ReplyDeleteRafflecopter name - Rosemarie D