The Martini of Destiny

Rucksack Universe

by Anthony St. Clair

One drink changed everything.



Influencing a man's fate should have been another day behind the bar.



"Just as all blood passes through the heart, all life, business and culture pass through Hong Kong. Since becoming an independent nation after The Blast, the city-state on China's southeastern seaboard has become renown as The World's Greatest City. It's easy to see why. From the inspiring drinks in the pubs, to the otherworldly weirdness of the concrete mythological figures in the Aw Boon Haw Gardens, the wonders are endless. All travelers will find new delights to marvel them, and new stories to bring home as souvenirs. After all, as the old saying goes, 'to tire of Hong Kong is to forget how to live the world.'"

-- Guru Deep, Hong Kong Through the Third Eye



Bartender Jake Hongkong has served The Management longer than any other Jake or Jade, but now he doubts his role influencing people's destinies and decisions. Declan is directionless and scared when he comes to the pub, yet one drink is all it takes to give him the courage to make a life-altering decision. Deeply shaken by something he wasn't meant to see, Jake doubts more than ever, and consequences ripple through destiny and the world. Soon one martini will forever alter lives and fates... especially Jake's and Declan's.



This riveting fantasy novella is part of the Rucksack Universe series, the exciting world of wit, adventure and beer that fans call "buoyant with a unique humor, twist and focus on international travel," and "perfect for fans of Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman."



"Cheeky, sophisticated debut fiction" ~ Choya on Amazon



Download a sample of this fantasy novella e-book, buy now or Look Inside to see why readers like you have called The Martini of Destiny...




a "great quick read"
"entertaining and riveting"
and "a great familiar setting for those of us living on earth, with a nice twist of fantasy splashed throughout."




Fiction and Fantasy Book Categories:




Fantasy Novellas
Urban Fantasy Series
Travel Fantasy Fiction
Contemporary Fantasy
Speculative Fiction




"I can't wait to read more" ~ Taylor on Amazon

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Urban Fantasy

61 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 20, 2013

About the author

Anthony St. Clair creates compelling fiction and non-fiction for a curious world full of everyday discoveries, endeavors, and surprises. Since 2000 Anthony has worked in online content, and he has been a full-time independent writer since 2011. He is the author of the ongoing Rucksack Universe series; covers craft beer, food, business, entrepreneurship, and more for various publications; and is a copywriter and content manager for select clients. When not at his desk or in his kitchen in Eugene, Oregon, Anthony is on an adventure with his wife, son, and daughter.

Author site: www.anthonystclair.com

Learn more about the Rucksack Universe at www.rucksackuniverse.com

Back Anthony's fiction & non-fiction on Patreon: www.patreon.com/anthonystclair

Reviews

[Bonnie]

Beautiful prose, smart humor and a slanted take on reality combine to make a delightful story of destiny and control (or the lack thereof.) It's a short tale, but riveting. St. Clair sets up a vivid world that seems both plausible and beyond the realm of possibility. I'll be anxiously awaiting the release of his novel, and my next chance to spend time in the Rucksack Universe.

[Hayden Skilling]

I received this book for free through the Goodreads First Reads programme.

This book was a fantastic, quick read that left me wanting more from the Rucksack Universe. The description provided on Goodreads does a much better job of summarizing this book than I could, but suffice to say I loved the book's concept and thought the execution was superb. I will definitely be purchasing the next book in this series.

Many thanks for this excellent book, Anthony. Best of luck with the next books in the series and I hope NZ is all that you expect and more when you visit.

[Aden]

This is not Douglas or Pratchett, this is St. Clair! There's something enigmatic about this writer; I guess it's the factor that so many publishers try to find, yet can't see despite their noses. Although this story is only a novelette, it was thoroughly enjoyable and an excellent introduction to the fantastical observations and acute descriptions of the author. The editing is tight, professional and observant to the fact that less is more. I really found myself in the crux of the story when the customer returned to the bar to have it out with the bar tender, I could see this as vivid as if it was me, and I think that anyone who has ever frequented a bar could - loved it. This work is a perfect example of how paying a measly $3 something (whatever is was) for such a short piece can be so apt for a story thoroughly enjoyable and captivating. It definitely leaves you wanting more, lucky the second novelette is out and the third is on the way.
Cannot recommend this Indie-author any higher - a true professional - very happy to have discovered him through Twitter. I honestly feel inspired by his work and by how he carries himself in his chosen profession.(check his website) Well done Anthony.

[Taylor]

I love this story and am looking forward to more from the Rucksack universe. I started reading it to see what my friend has been working on, knowing he is a good writer and excited to support his journey. I forgot all those reasons 10 pages in and finished it because I got thoroughly lost in the story.

[Amanda Nelson]

I thoroughly enjoyed this novella. I found the concepts within the story intriguing and entertaining.

[Jess]

An intriguing introduction to the world. Short, dark and moreish.

[lfthndofdrknss]

This story was simple,fun and entertaining. Although short, it was satisfying and still left me with enough questions to continue on with the series.

[Sadie Forsythe]

3.5
An interesting read with sharp writing and dialogue. I did feel a little like I was missing a chunk of history to give everything context, but basically enjoyable. As an aside, I thought the cover (front and back) were unusually well done for an indie publication.

[Kim]

I am very grateful that I was lucky enough to receive this book through Goodreads First Reads. Thank you, Anthony!

I really enjoyed this read. I look forward to reading more from Anthony St Clair.

[Bryan Craig]

Good yet short



This was too short for my liking it was well written for what it is though. Good on you author

[Boneist]

I got so invested in this novella, I cried at the end.

[Kathleen]

Intriguing fantasy novella. Loved the mysterious nature surrounding the characters. I'll probably pick up another of St. Clair's books.

[penny shima glanz]

Can one drink change everything? Yes. Jake has served drinks for The Management longer than most bartenders and is beginning to question his role in the world and its destiny. After serving one special drink, Jake receives a note from The Management and events take an unexpected turn. Jake finds himself running into a dream and watching destiny unfold.

St Clair's first story in the Rucksack Universe is a closely edited, highly engaging, fun and fast novelette even better when enjoyed with a cup of ultimate perception coffee. The world and character building left me wishing for a longer novel, thankfully two other stories are already available, Home Sweet Road and Forever the Road with additional stories forthcoming.

[Joe]

This short story is a great introduction to the Rucksack Universe. I had the benefit of being able to continue immediately onto the next installment which I am glad of because I longed for more when the story ends. The action is strong from the start as we are dropped into a story that seems already in progress. The reader is pulled into the story quickly and brought along as our main character is forced to look again at what he thought he knew. He thought he was a helper, but does he really help? Who is our ghost that has no destiny? A wonderful read for all levels, St. Clair uses humor, his love for travel, and his love of beer to create a fascinating universe that draws you in and doesn't let go.

[Sondra]

As Bob Dylan sang, "You've got to serve somebody."
Big-hearted bartender Jake Hongkong does that and more—he serves, listens to and influences customers on pivotal life choices. He also serves the mysterious 'Management'— a cabal with the tendency to 'nudge' the world through its inhabitants. Anthony St. Clair trusts his reader enough to tell this tale with all the spare beauty of a fable.
'The Martini of Destiny' goes down smooth and leaves the reader poised for another round. Luckily the rest of the Rucksack Universe awaits and this slim volume makes a stellar debut. In the words of Jake himself, "Love. Choice. They're the most important things in the world, and they come out in the smallest of moments."

[Molokov]

An intriguing short novella setting up this odd world, where bartenders can influence a person's destiny. Just enough is revealed to make this feel like a well thought-out world, but there's still a lot left mysterious so I want to read more!

[Dani Mundt]

This novella packs the punch. There is something deeply profound and poetic in the way Anthony St. Clair crafts his prose. The end was a shock and a puzzle to me. But it's a puzzle I am more than willing to continue pondering on when I undoubtable reread this tale!!

[Lois Donaghy]

I found the characters intriguing and the story unexpected. I look forward to new adventures and travels with Rucksack. A new author to watch.

[Jenn]

I won this book.

I liked the story. It's a fun read and I liked all the characters. Very neat world in this book.