#423 ~ Blind Ambition

Blind Ambition by Grace Harwood

My rating: 5 of 5 stars







I don't usually like to write reviews out of order, but I am making an exception with this one. The full review can be found on my Blog #423 (March 2014).

I received a free copy via the First Reads Scheme on GoodReads, and it's an example of just why the scheme is so good. Ordinarily, even though I have ridden (and competed myself) all of my life, I would not, most definitely not, have chosen this book to read under my own steam. How very wrong I would have been too.

It was breath-holding-ly, heart-stopping-ly brilliant from the very first word Grace Harwood placed on the page. A work of total genius. Funny, pathetic, moving, funny, exhilarating, in a never ending and ever increasing circle, with a magical ending.

I am not going to give any plot spoilers, you will have to trust me, and read it.

With characterisation beyond belief, this is a book that will take you for the ride of your life.

Well done Grace Harwood, you are quite simply a FABULOUS writer. I applaud you, and thank you for this hulking literary diamond.

So from me a 5+++++++ rating, and I can imagine reaching for this book when I need a boost.


Product Details:

I was provided with a free copy via the First Reads Scheme on GoodReads, but you can pick up a copy HERE at the unbelievable price of 77p for the Kindle download and £3.19 for the paperback.  I would advise that you pull on your running shoes and dash over there.  It was an amazing read, and I've less books that aren't worthy of kissing its feet for far, far more.  Run before they realise the mistake.


Errors/Bug Bears:

Are you kidding?  None, nothing, not a one.  The only error I can see is the price being too cheap.


Hugs

Kay

#416 ~ A Guide to Positive Mental Health

A Guide To Positive Mental Health by Caroline Elwood-Stokes

My rating: 3 of 5 stars





A copy of this book was provided to me via the First Reads Scheme on GoodReads in return for an honest review.

So, in the spirit on honesty, I will disclose that I didn't read every word of this work from cover to cover. I read a goodly portion though.

It was well written, and I'd concur with the author in that there are definite benefits to physical exercise in general, but it is particularly beneficial when there is any depression or mental issues involved.

Highly recommended if you are involved in sport sport, or have an interest in treating depression etc.


Product Description:

As mentioned above, I was provided with a free copy of this book, but you can obtain it HERE.  Paperback version only at £8.99, and at the time of writing this post is is reduced with free delivery.

142 pages
Consilience Media (July 2013)
None-Fiction, Self-Help


Errors/Bug Bears:

None found


Happy reading.

Hugs

#415 ~ The History Keepers: Circus Maximus

The History Keepers: Circus Maximus by Damian Dibben

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Book #2: The History Keepers Series



I was very kindly provided with a copy of this book via the First Reads Scheme on GoodReads: in return for an honest review.

Without a doubt this is one the best books I've read in quite a long time.

It's like historical adventure, with a time travel twist. There are sparkling nuggets of humour and really believable characterisation by this author.

I believe that this is Book #2 in the Series, and I can't wait to get my hands on the first book now. I can guarantee that any future books will be snapped up; I need to know what happens.


Product Details:

As mentioned above, I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this book via the First Reads Scheme on GoodReads.

Please go HERE to obtain a copy of this fabulous book.  Kindle version is listed for £3.59 and the paperback £5.03.

Please see the "Review by Series" page for information on the series.

483 pages
Published by RHCP Digital (August 2012)
Fiction, Fantasy, Time Travel, Action and Adventure
No significant sexual content


Errors/Bug Bears:

None.

This was a superbly delivered quality product.

#403 ~ 27 (Twenty Seven): Six Friends, One Year

27 (Twenty-Seven): Six Friends, One Year by R.J. Heald

My rating: 3 of 5 stars





I was very kindly sent a copy of this via the GoodReads First Read Scheme, in return for an honest review.

It seems strange to say this about a book, but I found it well written mediocrity .... by that I mean that the whole work was well written, and to some extent enjoyable, but the subject matter was about the mediocrity of lives.

I understand the author wanted to document what could happen when somebody reaches 27, but could it not just have been a tad more interesting in most cases - if all life had to offer was that level of boring, then the big guy above should help us all!

By no means to I mean any disrespect to the author's ability, just her subject choice, and I would love to see her really get her teeth into an exciting storyline.

So for me, just 3 stars I'm afraid.


Product Details:

I was very kindly sent a signed paperback copy by the GoodReads First Read Scheme in return for an honest review, but you can get a copy HERE.  Listed price for paperback is £7.66 and £2.99 for a Kindle file.

Published by Dancing Parrot Press in July 2012
328 pages
Adult Contemporary Fiction


Errors/Bug Bears:

None.

** ** ** ** **

Hope that you are all having a very Merry Christmas.

Happy reading.

Hugs

Kay

#398 ~ My Life at the Bottom of the Food Chain

My Life at the Bottom of the Food Chain by Rich Samuels

My rating: 4 of 5 stars






I was very kindly sent a free paperback copy of this via the Good Reads First Reads Scheme.

This wasn't the longest book, with a plot full of twists and turns. However, it made for it by being an interesting read with the plot focusing on not what will happen, but how your mind can work on your worst fears to make you imagine many varied scenarios of what might happen.  With a clear message that just because you assume somebody is out to get you, you should at least give them a fair hearing before you take flight.

I am always a sucker for a nerdy-quirky protagonist, so on the whole I found this to be an enjoyable read. Well written, with about two typos/grammatical errors - given there were so few I didn't bother to make a note of them.

I liked the way Rich writes, and would be more than happy to read other things by him. 4 Stars from me, I am sure you will enjoy it too.

Product Details

You can get a copy HERE.  The Kindle file is listed at £2.03 and the paperback for £4.75, both of which are good value for money in my humble opinion.

Published by:        RLS Ventures
Number of pages:  162
Genre:                 Fiction, Contemporary
Reading Age:        Young Adult/Adult (no sexual content)


Errors/Bug Bears

As mentioned above, there was nothing significant enough to merit mention.


Happy reading.

Hugs

Kay

#389 ~ Chemistry

Chemistry by Robert Hodgson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars





Publisher:      Indie Writer (Self-published)
Reading age: adult
Genre:          Fiction > Comedic Romance



Unfortunately I didn't win a copy of this book when it was on First Reads Scheme here at Good Reads, but I was then lucky enough for Robert, the Author, to offer me a free Kindle copy.  He was lovely enough let me feature it on the blog as one of my DSOA's.  Having said that, you will only ever get an honest review from me about a book whether it was free or not.  So eyes down:

I'm not really going to say too much about this one, other than .......... I loved it.

Really, really well written, with such a soulful main character. Bless his heart he was just rubbish with the ladies, but there again how many really intelligent men are like that? He actually reminded me of my very first boyfriend.

I spent the whole book willing the poor chap on, and was delighted with the ending of this hilariously funny read.

Well done to Robert for a great Novel, which was really intelligently written and well delivered. This Author is now definitely on my WTR list after this 5 star read.

I always try to be honest with you, and here's the kicker in all that nice mush stuff above, there were errors - as usual you can find a down and dirty list of the little horrors on my Blog Post Number #389 in October 2011.

On a positive note, I know that the Author did take note of previous errors mentioned on Amazon Reviews, so I am sure they will be cleared up in short order.


Product Details:

As I mentioned above, Robert had this on free download for a while, but now it's listed at £2.63 for the Kindle version and £7.08 for the paperback.  You can purchase it HERE.

Was it worth the money, you bet your best bib and tucker it was.


Errors/Bug Bears:

Page 27:  Her skin was flawless, perfect and her short fair framed a dazzlingly beautiful face.

Correct to:  Her skin was flawless, perfect and her short hair framed a dazzlingly beautiful face.

Page 50:  The university Union bar however was the perfect laboratory for observing experiment in human relationships.

Correct to:   The university Union bar however, was the perfect laboratory for observing experiments in human relationships.

Page 67:  I've suggested that he drops you a line in June when he graduates just in time for that for that fungal cream brief.

Correct to:   I've suggested that he drops you a line in June, when he graduates just in time for that for that fungal cream brief.

Page 69:  ....and the intimidating South African Calandra Le Roux, deputy MD to take her destined place at the helm.

Correct to:  ....and the intimidating South African, Calandra Le Roux, Deputy MD to take her destined place at the helm.

Page 127:  I am momentarily confused by this but remember that my BMW gas a bade on the back that says 330.

Correct to:   I am momentarily confused by this, but remember that my BMW has a bade on the back that says 330.

Page 165:  I'm really sorry if I've got you at a bad time Carol.  I really don't mean upset you.  Is there anything I can do to .......?

Correct to:  I'm so sorry if I've got you at a bad time Carol.  I really don't mean to upset you.  Is there anything I can do to .......?

Page 171:  I want to talk Francis, just about anything except him I doesn't matter.

Correct to:  I want to talk Francis, just about anything except him, I doesn't matter.

With this one above, I'm not really sure about his intention with the 'I doesn't matter', so it's difficult to know what to suggest the change should be - it just needs to be looked at by the Author and corrected appropriately.

Page 182:  In the end the pitch was attended by the agency's Head of Accounts, one of the creatives from each team and my number two who I spent couple of days cramming with information.

Correct to:  In the end the pitch was attended by the agency's Head of Accounts, one of the creatives from each team, and my number two whom I spent couple of days cramming with information.

Page 190:  I certainly don't need your fucking permission to do what the hell I want with who the hell I want.

Correct to:  I certainly don't need your fucking permission to do what the hell I want, with whom the hell I want.

Page 194:  Of course the planning of a dinner a party is for some people ....

Correct to:  Of course the planning of a dinner a party is for some people ....

Page 209:  And then well, I thought of her and gave her bell and she invited me round for tea.

Correct to:  And then well, I thought of her, and gave her a bell and she invited me round for tea.

Page 213:  That Olive oil look a little too viscous?

Correct to:  That Olive Oil looks a little too viscous?

Page 215:  A quick gland at my watched revealed we only had ten minutes to get back downstairs....

Correct to:  A quick gland at my watch revealed we only had ten minutes to get back downstairs....

Page 217:  Oh well it was actually Scott, Carol's husband who I first met ....

Correct to:  Oh well it was actually Scott, Carol's husband that I first met ....

Page 222:  We lay in quietly for a few moments and she was the first to break the silence.

Correct to:  We lay in quietly for a few moments and she was the first to break the silence.

Page 235:  .... to make one of the hardest toughest and materials known.

Correct to:   .... to make one of the hardest toughest and materials known.

Page 242:  Another couple approached the scene and Caden launched a tirade I their direction ....

Correct to:  Another couple approached the scene and Caden launched a tirade in their direction ....

Page 251:  ... sent me a kiss a bedtime, to begin the next part of our lives.

Correct to: ... sent me a kiss at bedtime, to begin the next part of our lives.

Page 260:  There was that look in her eye.  The look that silenced the school kids on the bus way back.

With this one, I'm not really sure about the Author's intention with the 'kids on the bus way back', so it's difficult to know what to suggest the change should be - it just needs to be looked at and corrected appropriately.

Page 264:  You've been droning on to me about going back up to Skye ever since I met you the Cullinders of whatever ....

Correct to:  You've been droning on to me about going back up to Skye ever since I met you, the Cullinders of whatever ....

Page 265:  Bollocks to that - bung me a hundred quid if it makes you feel better but I think that my friend is a plan.

Correct to:  Bollocks to that - bung me a hundred quid if it makes you feel better - but, I think that my friend, is a plan.

Page 275:  Now just hang on.  I don't think I've committed any offence by breaking down and having to change a tire and I don't believe that you have the right to just barge in on my property without some kind of permission.

Correct to:  Now just hang on.  I don't think I've committed any offence by breaking down and having to change a tyre and I don't believe that you have the right to just barge in on my property without some kind of permission.

Page 277:  By 4.15 am I was back at the van which by then had been moved the additional hundreds yards which had proved so costly.

Correct to:  By 4.15 am I was back at the van which by then had been moved the additional hundred or so yards which had proved so costly.

Page 278:  .... we stopped the car, the sun broke through ....

Car?  should it not be van.  Correct to:   .... we stopped the van, the sun broke through ....

Page 288:  ... or drive the bloody thing onto a wall or get arrested and chucked in cell or ....

Correct to:  ... or drive the bloody thing onto a wall, or get arrested and chucked in a cell, or ....

Page 305:  Let's call it an emergency pre-dinner drink and that means in can be gin rather than wine.

Correct to:  Let's call it an emergency pre-dinner drink, and that means it can be gin rather than wine.

Page 314:  .... the horoscopes and the weather predicting twigs.  It was just a way try to make sense of the world ....

Correct to:   .... the horoscopes and the weather predicting twigs.  It was just a way to try to make sense of the world ....

Happy reading.

Hugs

Kay

#387 ~ The Universe is a Very Big Place

The Universe Is a Very Big Place by April Aasheim

My rating: 5 of 5 stars




Published by:  Dark Root Press
Reading Age:  Adult
Genre:           Fiction, Contemporary, Romance




I was very kindly provided with a copy of this book via the First Reads Scheme at Good Reads (which is part of the Amazon family) in return for an honest review.

Beautifully written with some of the most fabulous and engaging characters I've had the pleasure to read in a very long time, it was simply a really, really great read .... and I loved every moment of it.

To sum it up with an alliteration, it was practically perfect paraphrasing throughout.

The Author has a way with her, and I'm not surprised that the motivational elements for Spring Ryan were spot on when I read her Biography. I don't want to give any spoilers, so read it and then read April's Bio.

The one thing that I didn't like was the cover image, which I felt down-graded the actual quality of the writing. Yes, I know that one shouldn't judge a book by the cover, but for me it was a little of the childish side, rather than what I think they were aiming for, which was Hippiesque.

Please, please don't let the cover put you off, it was very well written other than that.

I would love to read other things by April in the future.


Product Details:

You can download, or purchase a hard copy, HERE.  Incidentally, the Amazon cover is a much better design in my opinion.


Errors/Bug Bears:

Not one, Kudos to April for a fabulous product.


Happy Reading.

Hugs

Kay

#382 ~ Stowaway on Titanic

Stowaway on Titanic by Larry Names

My rating: 3 of 5 stars







Published by:     Eagan Hill Publishers
Pages:              288
Reading Age:     Young Adult/Adult
Genre:              Fiction > Historical > Time Travel
Does not contain any sexual content of foul language




I was very kindly provided with a copy of this book via the First Reads Scheme on GoodReads in return for an honest Review.

I have to say that the time travel slant to novel was an interesting way to go.

It didn't seem that far fetched, as is sometimes the case with time travel fiction, and I had the distinct impression that the Author had taken time to research his materially really well - the whole work was handled sympathetically to the era.

From research, I believe that is one in a series featuring Tegan O'Malley, with her travelling through time to various different periods.

Despite the fact that I didn't have my notebook to hand, I did note a few tiny errors, but nothing that distracted from the work as a whole (I will not being going back over it to find them!). All in all, it was a well delivered piece of fiction, with a well paced feel and authentic characterisation.

3 stars from me, and I would certainly read more in this series, and indeed other offerings from Larry Names.

You can also see my Blog Post Number #382 in October 2014, and additional details on my Blog under "Review by Series" for other works by Larry - NB:  I am currently waiting to hear form him with a full list of this Tegan O'Malley Series and other works, and will update the section asap.

If you are interested in reading this book, you can purchase it HERE.

Errors/Bug Bears:

As I mentioned above, there were a couple of tiny errors, but I didn't have a notebook to hand, so will let them go in this case.  

Happy reading.

Hugs

Kay

#378 - A Life to Waste

A Life To Waste by Andrew Lennon

My rating: 3 of 5 stars















Andrew Lennon, the Author, kindly provided me with a free MOBI file of this Novella, in exchange for an honest and unbiased Review.

I have to say first thing, that normally, I'm not that into horror, but was highly surprised by this offering from Andrew.

From a fairly innocent start after a life completely wasted by an accident and inability to get a grip, this turned into a fascinating horror that I really got into, and an accidental Hero was born.

I don't want to provide any spoilers, but really you should definitely read this if you're into horror, and even if you aren't give it a go, as the writing is really quite good.

The only thing small thing that bothered me was some of the formatting, some of the page numbers and Author Name ran onto the next page, and some odd line spacing. I'm not shouting too loud about this though, as (a) it was liveable with; and (b) it could simply be that as this was a MOBI file I added to my Kindle myself that the actual Kindle copy you would download from Amazon could be perfectly fine. Either way, it wasn't a major issue, and didn't intrude on my actual enjoyment of this Novella.

Other than that there were no Errors/Bug Bears that were obvious, and the Author should be congratulated on a good product.

With a little bit more work, and some added twists and turns in the plot, this could have gone the distance to a full length novel, and probably another star, as it is 3 stars from me. I would definitely read more by Andrew, and look forward to the success of this piece of work, and more from him in the future.


Product Details:

As I mentioned above, I was provided with a MOFI file copy for my Kindle free direct from the Author, Andrew Lennon, in return for an honest and unbiased Review.

If you are interested in reading this well written piece of literature click HERE.  It's available in both Kindle and paperback versions.


Errors/Bug Bears:

Nothing major.




Happy reading.

Hugs

Kay

#376 - Soul Hill Lullabies

Soul Hill Lullabies by Stephanie Mesler

My rating: 3 of 5 stars















Please note that I was provided with a free copy of this book via the First Reads Scheme on Good Reads (part of the Amazon family)in return for an honest review.

This was well written poetry about life in and around Alma Hill, New York.

It gave a real sense of place, characters to be found in any small place and a continuity of family and tradition. At times it was almost poetic prose for me.

I particularly loved Poem Number 8: My Mother's Red Shoes and Poem 12: Monday's Child.


Product details:

I was provided with a free copy of this book via the First Reads Scheme on Good Reads (part of the Amazon family)in return for an honest review.

If you would like to purchase a copy please click HERE.

Errors/Bug Bears:

The Author should be congratulated, this was a testament to good things coming in little packages, with no errors or bug bears to be found.

Happy reading.

Hugs

Kay

#369 ~ Mourningtide & My Daily Selection for Free Kindle Download at Amazon

Mourningtide: Book Two of the Memphis Cycle by Diana Wilder

My rating: 4 of 5 stars











Book 2 in the Memphis Cycle Series


A copy of this book was provided to me by the Publisher/Author in exchange for an honest review via the Good Reads First Read Scheme. No compensation was given or taken to alter this review.

I would normally say that Egyptian period novels where no my bag, but Diana Wilder had changed my mind.

I really loved this book. If you are looking for high-octane adventure, then you won't find it .... what you will find, is a pleasant meander through a verdant dessert oasis, with the bonus of beautifully crafted characters. I wasn't bombarded with too much historical detail, but I formed the impression that what was there was probably well researched and considered.

I will now be adding Book 1 of this Memphis Cycle Series to my WTR list, and adding a big tick to Diana Wilder's Fan page.

Highly recommended.

Product Details:

363 pages and forming part of the Memphis Cycle Series.  Please Review by Series Page for details.

If you are interested in purchasing a copy click HERE:  actually the Kindle download is free at the time of writing this post, so why not give it a go.  I also have the autographed copy for sale on my Amazon Seller Account HERE.

Errors/Bug Bears:

Other than the Author's over-indulgence with dashes of hyphens, there were only about 2 small mistakes, which didn't impinge on the overall reading experience.  I will update the details of them later on, as I don't have my notebook to hand, so watch this space.

Happy reading.

Hugs

Kay

#366 ~ The Carriage House

The Carriage House by Louisa Hall

My rating: 4 of 5 stars














I was very kindly sent a copy of this book via the First Reads Scheme at Good Reads, and the following is my honest opinion.

In the very first chapter, all I could think was: William, get over yourself for goodness sake. The other characters then went on to make a very poor first impression too.

As I progressed though, my opinions had a bit of a switch around in most cases.

Izzy went from a sulky teenager with real Daddy issues to a lost child that simply needed her Mother to be more present - something I can really identify with, and that is probably why I had the most empathy with the way she was written.

Diana moved from college drop out to a girl who had loved so deeply, and lost so profoundly, she couldn't move on with her life. How happy was I at the end then, to find that she finally got it. It left me wishing that she and Arthur could re-awaken the love, and find a life together.

Elizabeth was my least favourite character, and I haven't quite got my finger on why .... I expect most people probably didn't like Adelia much, so it surprised me too.

Really, Adelia had just made a spectacular mess of her life, she should have had children, not tried to cling to William and take over his family (I personal experience of a would be family hijacker and it isn't nice), no wonder Izzy found her terrifying and threatening!

All in all this was a meticulously put together piece of work. However, I did have a bug bear: sometimes at the start of a chapter it was difficult to define just who was narrating, and therefore a heading under the name would of been useful to the flow, i.e. Chapter #, Diana's story. Just a minor, and personal opinion, but it would have been nice to see.

This is not a book that ends up with all the loose ends neatly tied, but it did finish at a nice logical point.  Hey, not everybody requires happy ever after at the end.

Review on my Blog (Blog Post #366 in August 2013).







Hugs

Kay

#393 ~ Goddess

Goddess by Josephine Angelini

My rating: 3 of 5 stars













Starcrossed #3


I was kindly sent a copy of this book via the First Reads scheme at Good Reads, in return for an honest review.

My overwhelming emotion at reading the last page of this book was .... thank goodness that's over.

The writing was of an okay standard, but it was just deadly dull as ditch water. I really struggled to invest in it.

I know that it was the third book in the trilogy, and I hadn't had the benefit of the first two books ... but very little happened.

The pace was ponderous, heavy and plodding - I'm sorry to say, that I had high hopes of it being much more exciting and fast paced.

Now the cover, I loved, just such a shame that the contents didn't live up to it.

I think that it's safe to say that I won't be seeking out the first two books.

You can buy a copy at Amazon HERE if you are interested to find out if I was right or wrong!

Hugs

Kay

#386 ~ CATALYST: Book 1 in Ronos Trilogy

CATALYST

Book 1 of Ronos Trilogy

Tyler Rudd Hall

Amazon > Store > Paperback > Kindle > Books > Science Fiction 

*Introducing a New Author to this Blog*

Description:

The city of Northgate has just been attacked by aliens, and Mac Narrad's family is right in the middle of it. Searching through the rubble to find them, Mac discovers an awful truth.

The alien attack was fake. Orchestrated by the earth military that Mac is a part of. Now he must search the galaxy for answers. His quest leads him to the mysterious planet of Ronos. A secret planet hidden by Earth's military. A planet full of life, beauty, and a potential that could alter everything. There Mac finds answers that will change himself and the rest of humanity forever.

Product Details:

I was very kindly provided with a paperback copy of this book via the First Reads Scheme on Good Reads in return for an honest Review.

It is available on Amazon HERE as either a Kindle Download or a Paperback book.

316 pages in length.

~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~

Summary/thoughts:

A paperback copy of this book was provided to me via the First Reads Scheme on Good Reads (part of the Amazon Family) in return for an honest review.

I have to say that not once was I bored reading this .... actually, it was a shame when it came to an end.  I now need to find out what happens next - does Mac manage to get to Lynn in time, does the heinous Raymond get his comeuppance, and will Janelle ever be freed from the Alien threat, oh and just who is the only man in Passage with an Imp?

All the above, along with a nicely paced plot, just confirms, that this was a really well crafted piece of literature.

I'm not sure how long it will be before the next instalment, but I need it!

Rating:

There were a few typographical errors (which will be listed in the Errors/Bug Bear section below), which is why I've downgraded it by 1 star, but even so it still earns a worthy:

4 Stars

* * * * 

for this great Science Fiction read.  if I'd still been working in half stars, it would have been worth a 4.5 in anybody's language.

Well done to Tyler Rudd Hall for providing such a well-crafted tale, and here's hoping the next instalment will be ready soon.


Errors/Bug Bears:

Page 19:  "...he is still getting use to being referred to as ..." 

Correct to: ...... he is still getting used to being referred to as.

Page 22:  "The thing to do at the dinner became giving random toast to ridiculous things".

Correct to:  The thing to do at the dinner became giving random toasts to ridiculous things.

Page 28:  "The ship looked like the top half an oval".

Correct to:  The ship looked like the top half of an oval.

Page 32: ".... at a time when no one even no one even knew what it meant".

Correct to:  when no one even knew what it meant.

Page 33:  "People like Mac's grandparents who were already old and didn't want the Imp surgery consider themselves lucky".

Correct to:  People like Mac's Grandparents, who were already old and didn't want the Imp surgery, considered themselves lucky.

Page 68: "I won't be able to that again".

Correct to:  I won't be able to do that again.

Page 245:  "... that is given to the people who from there".

Correct to:  who are from there.

Page 263:  "If this was an alien ship, and the war was real, he would be under attack him by now".

Correct to:  he would be under attack by now.

Hugs

Kay

#377 ~ Stormbird (Wars of the Roses: Book 1) Preview Advanced Reading Issue

Stormbird

Wars of the Roses Series:  Book 1

Conn Iggulden

** Please note my copy of this was only a Advanced Preview copy of the first 5 chapters **

First Read Scheme > Good Reads > Paperback > Fiction > Historical > Monarchy

*Introducing a New Author to the Blog*

This is a different kind of Review today, as I was only sent an Advanced Preview copy of the first 5 Chapters as part of the First Reads Scheme on Good Reads, so my comments are only based on those Chapters and not the entire work.

King Henry V - the great Lion of England - is long dead.

In 1437, after years of regency, the pious and gentle Henry VI, the Lamb, comes of age and accedes to the English throne. His poor health and frailty of mind render him a weakling king - Henry depends on his closest men, Spymaster Derry Brewer and William de la Pole, Duke of Suffolk, to run his kingdom.

Yet there are those, such as the Plantagenet Richard, Duke of York, who believe England must be led by a strong king if she is to survive. With England's territories in France under threat, and rumours of revolt at home, fears grow that Henry and his advisers will see the country slide into ruin. With a secret deal struck for Henry to marry a young French noblewoman, Margaret of Anjou, those fears become all too real.

As storm clouds gather over England, King Henry and his supporters find themselves besieged abroad and at home. Who, or what, can save the kingdom before it is too late?

In relation to the Chapters provided, I found it to be really, really well written, with just about perfect pacing of plot.

Even in that short time I liked Derry Brewer, well admired would probably be a better way of putting it.  What level of cunning and strategy must it have taken to rise to his position as Spymaster to the King?  Even from the short association with the work I have come to the conclusion that I need to know more about that man.  Now, that is the sign of a very good piece of writing.

Actually, it was quite a different way to look at a book, just seeing a short bit of the beginning.  What it did make me think about was just how exciting it must be to be a Commissioning Editor and see something like it land on your desk.  I think I would have moved Heaven and Earth to sign the Author.

In conclusion, I want this book, and as soon as my Reading Mountain subsides a little I will get a copy.

It's available on Kindle download HERE, yes it could probably be considered to be a little expensive at £.9.99 ..... that is until you read it!  Based on the tiny sliver of paperback that I was sent, with a lovely gilded bright Bronze in the title, I would say that it's piece a of work that could probably be considered worthy of actually buying in Hardback (and that's not something I do with aplomb) - it's available HERE at Amazon ...currently listed at £16.99 it would still be worth the few quid extra.

I would say that 5 Stars for even the little vignette I had would be appropriate and the whole work would probably end up being 5+ Stars.

Did I mention that it also ties in really nicely with the BBC adaptation of The White Queen by Philippa Gregory that's on at the moment.  Actually, next Sunday's episode is about Margaret of Anjou.

Conn Iggulden is a definite read from now on, and I am looking forward to getting acquainted with his back catalogue, and am off to tick "Want to Read" on Good Reads.

Hugs

Kay 

In My Mailbox

Stormbird

(War of the Roses Series:  Book 1)

Conn Iggulden

First Reads > Good Read > Fiction > Historical > War of the Roses

*Introducing a New Author to the Blog*

I recently received a copy of this book from Good Reads to Review, and I have to say it couldn't have come at a more convenient time, as the adaptation of The White Queen by Philippa Gregory is currently showing on BBC 1.

It has taken me a little while to dig through the "To Review Pile" to get to this, and squeeeeee I've done it.

As it's the Prologue to the series it won't take me long to get through.

So why not pop over to Conn Iggulden's site to have a browse around as you wait?

#375 ~ The Hardest-Easiest Story Ever Told

The Hardest-Easiest Story Ever Told

Matthew Treya

Kindle Store > Books > Fiction > Contemporary

Indie Writer (Self-published)

*Introducting a New Author to the Blog*

Description:

A modern-day Dantean pilgrimage in short novella form.

Product Details:

I was really lucky enough to be sent a paperback copy of this under the First Reads Scheme at Good Reads.

Short story - 44 pages long.

You can download it HERE at Amazon.  The listed price is 77p currently for the Kindle version, or the Paperback is £2.85.

* * * * *

Summary/thoughts:

This is a really short review, for a short story.

The cover is beautiful image that wraps around both sides.

As far as the story is concerned, it was written in quite a flowery style.  I found it a little hard to keep track of what was going on the first time I read it, and then re-read it a few hours later and it fell into place.

Taking into account the whole product, i.e. plot and cover, and the fact that there were no Errors/Bug Bears, I would award it:

4 stars

It was a good read, but it didn't blow my mind.  It does, however, look pretty on the coffee table .... and creates the impression that I am a far deeper thinker than in reality!.

Happy Reading.

Hugs

Kay