Printed Copies of “The Three Kings of Ybor – Volumes 1-4” are now Available on Amazon

Posted by Rock Kitaro on December 2, 2014
Posted in: About the Author, Ebooks, News and Updates, Original Stories, Tales from Ybor. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

Picture 4Vol 1 – Eliza Christie’s Vendetta

www.amazon.com/Three-Kings-Ybor-Christies-Vendetta-ebook/dp/B00S05C2NU/

The first of an epic saga begins…

In 2206, Tampa Bay has become a paradise for organized crime. Isaac Pierce, the billionaire CEO of the conglomerate Pierce Corporation is also the kingpin to the largest most dangerous syndicate the world has ever seen.

Eliza Christie is a fifteen year old, spiteful and impulsive. When her father, Det. Emil Christie begins to theorize the existence of a possible syndicate and that Isaac Pierce is indeed its benefactor the good detective is murdered. Eliza bore witness to this murder. Only, she views it as a theft. The syndicate has stolen from her the only man worth staying out of juvie for. The only man worth exercising restraint. The only man who could be called family.

She doesn’t run and hide. She doesn’t go to the police. She doesn’t think to ask anyone for help. Instead, Eliza Christie takes up the sword and rides the train out to Ybor City in search for satisfaction. To Eliza, “Revenge is a dish best served when I serve it.”

book cover dark green jpegVol. 2 -The Wolves of the Syndicate

http://www.amazon.com/Three-Kings-Ybor-Wolves-Syndicate/dp/0990566412/

No one is safe from the wolves of the syndicate. In the four years that the vindictive Eliza Christie was sent to live abroad, the syndicate’s power and influence has only continued to increase with bolder more public acts of terror. Young up and coming enforcers become superstars of the underworld. Forrest is a dagger-wielding maniac who revels in up close and personal kills. Sean Pierce is a sharp shooter whose swag and careless attitude belies his serious gift for precision and accuracy. And Braden Pierce…the deadliest of them all. The mere mention of his name sends a paralyzing chill down the spine of those who oppose his uncle. Unlike Sean and Forrest, Braden lacks a criminal record and his physical appearance has never been officially documented. He’s managed to avoid the press with many believing his existence was just a myth created to scare opponents to submission. But at least one person believes he’s real. Eliza Christie has seen him. Braden Pierce was the teenager standing over her father’s dead body with a bloody sword in hand.

Vol 3 cover 8Vol. 3 – A Reunion of Beasts

Welcome to Ybor City! Over the better part of the 22nd Century, this downtown Tampa club district has prospered as the American Empire’s new obsession. What happens in Ybor City doesn’t just stay in Ybor City but chances are they’ll never find you again. Whether you’re caught in the crossfire of some turf war, entranced by the abundance of sexual indulgence or swallowed whole by the fortune to be made on fights and street races, Ybor City is the world’s favorite addiction with the common side effect of death.

Violence erupts when the vindictive Eliza Christie finally confronts her father’s murderer in the VIP section of a packed nightclub. Pandemonium ensues as the crowded sea of flesh and revelry bear witness to the spectacular swordfight that gives birth to the urban legend of the “Three Kings of Ybor”. After unleashing her fangs for the first time, Eliza enlists fellow freshman Robby McCloud to help her create an underground militia to take on the Pierce Syndicate. Of course that’s easier said than done, which Robby explains as he educates her on the history of the Five Pillars of Minority. The Five Pillars of Minority were the last legitimate threat to the syndicate’s supreme authority. They came close to destroying everything the Pierce set out to accomplish…but in the end…

August the 18thVol. 4 – August the 18th

http://www.amazon.com/Three-Kings-Ybor-Vol-August/dp/0990566439/

Everyone remembers the killers. No one remembers the victims. August the 18th stands to change all of that.

Comprised of battle hardened ex-military and off-duty police officers who have lost all faith in the constitution, August the 18th is an underground militia in which every soldier has suffered from the abrupt murder of a loved one. The dearly departed all have one thing in common. Whether they were in the wrong place at the wrong time or sacrificed themselves in the line of duty, the husbands, wives, sons and daughters have merely become a statistic in the body count attributed to the infamous Pierce Syndicate.

With the cutthroat Eliza Christie leading as their commander, August the 18th finally takes a stand to unleash destruction and disruption on the terrorizing world of organized crime. This of course, starts with raiding a notorious casino, exposing a corrupt police superintendent and rescuing a political prisoner from a Haitian hit squad over freezing waters. In spite of their impressive start, August the 18th Captain Priest Edwin voices his understandable concerns toward the longevity of their merry little band. With the overwhelming presence of a modern day Caesar, Eliza Christie declares that she is the 1st Generation Commander of August the 18th. The idea of future generations continuing on through the sands of time sparks an undying fire in her men. If there are to be future generations…none shall surpass the first.

 

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Picture 5

Shout out to Ms Emersen!!!
Check out her blog at – https://emersenlee.wordpress.com/

The Three Kings of Ybor Concludes with “The Ides of March”

Posted by Rock Kitaro on September 29, 2014
Posted in: Ebooks, Original Stories, Tales from Ybor. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

Sometimes when you hear screams during a storm…the screams are real.

It’s been nearly six months since Eliza Christie created the vigilant August the 18th to combat the American Empire’s most powerful mob. She’s seen her share of triumph and glory…but it cost the lives of over a dozen ex-military vets who have elected to put their lives in her hands. The time has come to end the bloody war once and for all.

In August of 2009, I wrote a 90-page screenplay called “August the 18th” It was an organized crime thriller set in the future revolving around three notorious outlaws. The next month, I wrote a more action-packed 120-page prequel to that screenplay called “The Three Kings of Ybor”. It was made to sensationalize how those three outlaws rose to infamy.

After a five-month campaign, I’m finally releasing the last e-book of the “Three Kings of Ybor” series. I just wanted to thank you guys, my friends and family for the enormous support you’ve shown me. It’s not easy, so the encouragement is always welcomed. I know many of you have been asking for hard copies of the books and after much consideration, I’ve decided to honor your request and make the series available for print by mid to late November. I’m taking a risk by doing this because I’ve been told that it’s harder to sell the printing rights once they’re already in circulation.

But that’s all right. My well runs deep. As long as I live, I’ll continue to create new stories, new characters, and new worlds. It’s difficult and oppression comes from all fronts, but I’ll prevail. Believe in me and you won’t be disappointed.

The “Three Kings of Ybor” will always be my flagship piece. Until the day I die I will always keep developing it as a franchise that can be made into video games, TV shows and of course, the dream of having it appear on the big screen. I’ve already written an 80-page treatment for a second novel that takes place three years after the events of “The Three Kings of Ybor” saga. It’s called “The Pierce Syndicate”.

Thanks for everything – Sincerely, your good-natured storyteller, Rock Kitaro

I can relate to the sorrow of being Clark Kent

Posted by Rock Kitaro on August 28, 2014
Posted in: About the Author, News and Updates. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , . 3 Comments

I can relate to the sorrow of being Clark Kent
By Rock Kitaro
Date: August 28, 2014

Lazarus

It isn’t about the powers.

It isn’t about being great or better than anyone else. It’s about the isolation. Being an alien amongst a different race. It’s about being born with a gift or ability that no one else can either comprehend or choose to believe that you have. That frustration of revealing who you truly are to someone else…only for them to either doubt you, look at you like you’re weird…and worst…for them to try to change you when you’ve made peace with who you are.

The best I can do is illustrate who I am through fictional characters. If people know that a character is fictional, they’re more willing to let themselves believe in that which makes the character different from everyone else.

Whether its stubbornness or outright rebellion, there is just something in me that refuses to behave or think the way the majority says I should. I’m not able to jump on the bandwagon or ride the trends and become a stereotype…even if it helps get me what I want such as fame, fortune, or love. I just can’t. The compassion, the conscience, the moral constitution engrained within my very being won’t allow myself to cross various lines that society has gradually lowered year after year.

It’s gotten to the point where I wish I could. Just to be able to feel normal. Just to fit in with what everyone else is doing.

“You’re not the only one going through what you’re going through! Everyone feels this way sometimes.”

I say, show me. Because I can use the company. And I know they’re right. I can’t be the only one. And I have found people who at least understand what I’m going through. But they either live hundreds of miles away from me. Or they’re decades older than me. This is part of the reason why I revel in the thought of getting older. The older I get, the more normal I feel. Because I already think and prioritize like I’m in my 40s.

I’m doing my best to abandon the idea that people who can’t comprehend are stupid. But at the same time, I can’t just say that I’m different because everyone is different in one way or another. So what should I do? Should I just not waste my time trying to explain, even to my closest friends?

Because if someone were to tell me that they felt alone even though they’re surrounded by many…I’d just get it. I’d understand and sympathize with them, telling them that they’re not alone. We are a rare breed but I’d encourage them to keep on whatever path they’re traveling. I wonder if its simply a “you either get it or you don’t situation.” As a writer, this worries me. I wonder if people will be able to understand the plight of my characters whose worst adversaries are themselves.

Despite the hollow abysmal pain of walking this path alone, I hold my head up and smirk with defiant determination. I’ve come so far. And even though I’ve had help along the way, the main drive…the main person encouraging me to keep going all these years was none other than myself. No…that’s not true. God’s been by my side this whole time.

Beware of Romanticists – Vol. 6 of “The Three Kings of Ybor”

Posted by Rock Kitaro on August 26, 2014
Posted in: Ebooks, News and Updates, Original Stories, Tales from Ybor. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

“Revenge is overrated if your target is everyone.” – Robby McCloud

How does one stop a terrorist organization? Can it ever truly be stopped?

Eliza Christie and August the 18th has set out to match blood for blood in a brutal war of attrition against the notorious Pierce Syndicate. The situation goes from brutal to tragic when the conflict ends up taking the lives of over thirty Tampa police officers. Racked with guilt, the resentful Eliza comes to a fork in the road where she must decide whether she should disband the 18th or continue to put herself in harm’s way. Her best friend Robby reminds her that at the end of the day, essentially they are just college freshmen.

Just when all seems hopeless with every path just as bleak and dreary as the next, salvation arrives in the form of a blue-eyed angel. After keeping to the shadows for months during August the 18th guerrilla war, the enigmatic private investigator Gavin Hassell takes to the stage. Aside from uplifting Eliza’s distraught spirit, he comes bearing a dangerous yet viable plan to stop an impending Pierce Corporation takeover.

Gavin is a wild card. No one knows his motives. No one knows his background. No one knows that he’s just as deadly and strong enough to stand toe-to-toe with the syndicate’s best. All of this makes him extremely unpredictable with just cause to remain skeptical. To Eliza, none of that matters. Spurred by hot-blooded lust and an insatiable desire to ravage his body, Eliza digs deeper and finally learns the truth about Gavin’s grizzly past. As calm and sedated as he seemed, who knew such fits of rage could devour him whole.

Top 10 Korean Artists Who Would Dominate the U.S. Music Scene

Posted by Rock Kitaro on August 10, 2014
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Let’s face it, if you look at the American mainstream music scene, its almost difficult to compare it to the 90s and 80s where even men and women in their mid-40s could bust out a top ten hit. Nowadays, it’s all about trends and spectacle. But what if I told you that there is another country teeming with artists who can do what today’s pop icons do…but better. To make it clear to you fans who already have your torch and pitchforks at the ready, this list isn’t necessarily talking about the “best” Korean artists. It’s about the Korean artists who could literally come over to the land of the free and stand a chance to succeed in the mainstream.

10 – Block B (BlockBuster)

If you checked out the music video, paused it, and still hear the trumpets blaring in your head…congratulations. You’ve only experienced but a taste of what Block B has to offer. Debuting in 2011, this seven member hip hop group has already proved their talents by winning multiple awards not only in S.Korea, but in Europe! Led by Zico, one of Korea’s top ranking rappers, Block B has become a household name with their first full-length album “BlockBuster” topping out at number ten in the “Billboard World Albums” chart.

Think of BoB and Bruno Mars. Eminem and Rihanna. Chris Brown and T-Pain. Justin Timberlake and Jay –Z. All of these artists take two huge followings and combine them with a single song to create a larger demographic. Now imagine a single group where you have all of that, three top of the line rappers and four crooners to captivate the audience. There’s no need to have another artist feature on the track because Block B is more than capable to deliver on their own.

What separates Block B from the hundreds of other kpop groups out there is their wild charisma to perform without an emphasis on the appearance. Primarily specializing in hip hop and dance Block B has been through their share of adversity and continues to produce club anthems like “Nillili Mambo” and “Very Good”.

 

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE

The Kennedy Street Massacre – Vol. 5 Released for Kindle Books

Posted by Rock Kitaro on August 3, 2014
Posted in: Ebooks, Original Stories, Tales from Ybor. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

Every mad man talks about taking over the world. But what’s the point? The world is too huge, too vast for one man to maintain dominion over it. So what they end up doing is taking over the world, not for themselves, but for the warlords surrounding him. Billionaire business magnate Isaac Pierce accepts and exploits this concept. It’s one of the main reasons why the Pierce Syndicate has flourished.

Available on Amazon Kindle at – http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MDGTPV4

In the heart of the American Empire’s largest metropolis, August the 18th has waged guerrilla warfare against the most dangerous criminal organization in the world, the Pierce Syndicate. Billionaire business magnate Isaac Pierce has no choice but to retaliate, calling an emergency meeting of his respected warlords, the Board of Directors.

Kennedy St. Massacre Book Cover

Kennedy St. Massacre Book Cover

Just to name a few, Renji Amaruto is the ruthless heir to the largest yakuza group in Japan. Benjamin Garrett is the world’s youngest billionaire who would order a raid on an entire village to just to kill a single penny-stealing theif. Michael Helms is the all-smiling chairman of the notorious Black Creek Security firm with an unnatural affinity for explosives. And then there’s David Pierce…Isaac’s last surviving son. With an insatiable greed to expand and conquer, David won’t let anyone halt his ascension as the next head of the syndicate. Even if that person happens to be his own flesh and blood.

Rock Kitaro – From 378 Pounds to 235

Posted by Rock Kitaro on July 22, 2014
Posted in: About the Author. Tagged: , , , , , , , . 3 Comments

Good 1 edited 3

 

It wasn’t easy. It took four years of hard work and discipline. The day I found out that I needed to lose weight was in 2007 when I walked into my closet and got stuck in the door frame. Its interesting because before then I didn’t think I was too big before this. I thought I looked good in the mirror and I could move up and down stairs like it was nothing. But when you watch yourself on film (I was in film school), you can see how large you are in perspective.

Then, since 2007, I signed up for Anytime Fitness which was cool because 1, I was much more productive at night 1am in the morning and went to school during the day. And 2, going to the gym at night while you’re the only one there affords you a certain privacy where you don’t have to worry about how you look in front of others. Thus, you can hustle your ass off without worrying how comical you look on the treadmill.

The progress was slow but steady. It wasn’t until I altered my diet that I really began to see results. Being brutally honest, I was a bonefied glutton. I worked at pizza hut, bringing home a pizza and devouring it everynight. And even on my days off, I ordered more food than i needed and ate it all before going to bed.

…that’s not good…

I’m not a herbivore by any means. I still eat what I want, but in limited rations. I stopped eating carbs before going to bed, and if I am going to eat meat, its mainly lean protein like the egg that come in a milk carton.

When it comes to motivation. What motivated me to lose so much weight. Again, not going to lie, it’s women! 😀 My confidence and self-esteem was in the tank and as my good friend Jesse Leros told me, “Rock, you can’t expect others to love you if you don’t love yourself.” I know that there are some women who love heavy guys, but I didn’t want that to be the thing that repels women away from me.

Thus, when I hear things like. “What’s on the inside is more important.”

I think to myself. “Yeah. But what’s on the outside reflects whats on the inside. Your appearance and decorum says a lot about who you are, and what you want to be.”

Before and After Photo

The Three Kings of Ybor – Vol. 4: August the 18th

Posted by Rock Kitaro on July 20, 2014
Posted in: Ebooks, News and Updates, Original Stories, Tales from Ybor. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

Everyone remembers the killers. No one remembers the victims. August the 18th stands to change all that.

Comprised of ex-military and off-duty officers who have lost all faith in the constitution, every man of August the 18th has lost a loved one to the fangs of the Pierce Syndicate. With the cutthroat Eliza Christie serving as commander, August the 18th finally takes center stage to cause disruption and destruction in the intricate world of organized crime. This of course, starts with raiding a notorious casino, exposing a corrupt superintendent and rescuing a political prisoner from a Haitian hit squad.

Available on Amazon Kindle at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LYV84SO

August the 18th book cover

August the 18th book cover

Available on Amazon Kindle, “The Three Kings of Ybor: August the 18th” stands to leave its readers on the edge of their seats. If there was ever a moment to just jump in the middle of a popular series, this is that spot. The first three volumes of the series lays down the intricate and emotionally heavy groundwork, while this fourth volume hits you with an adrenaline rush of swordfights, gun battles and the delicate political climate that hangs in the balance.

 

 

 

The Three Kings of Ybor – Vol 3. A Reunion of Beasts

Posted by Rock Kitaro on July 6, 2014
Posted in: Ebooks, Original Stories, Tales from Ybor. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

Welcome to Ybor, the American Empire’s new sin city! In the district were every night’s a celebration and every street’s a spectacle, violence erupts when Eliza Christie finally confronts her father’s murderer after four years of being away. Inspired by her beauty and bravery, gifted computer hacker Robby McCloud befriends her with the idea of making it an interesting first year of college. Things get a little too interesting, however, when Eliza reveals a plan to bring about the downfall of the Pierce Syndicate.

Click Here to Buy at Amazon

Vol 3 cover 8

The Three Kings of Ybor : The Wolves of the Syndicate

Posted by Rock Kitaro on June 22, 2014
Posted in: About the Author, Ebooks. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , . 1 Comment

book cover dark green jpeg

No one is safe from the wolves of the syndicate.

As the vindictive Eliza Christie continues down her path of vengeance, she encounters juxtaposition in two forms of guidance. One comes in the form of a non-violent philosophy that teaches honesty and self-acceptance. The other is in the deadly martial art of ninjitsu. Jumping to four years later, we find out that the underground syndicate has only continued to grow in strength and influence. We’re introduced to the men who are responsible for that growth, namely a prodigy assassin who shows he’s willing to do whatever it takes to complete an assignment.

Buy at Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L6LU8RC