This was Karl Jones' first full length book and I found it a gripping thriller.
Shattered
Amazon.com Shattered
My review -
This novel is so intelligently written that it's hard to believe it's the author's first. It's a murder mystery and the finger could point at just about anyone. I found it very hard to decide who had done it, even when almost at the end of the book. The pace was fast and as the book progressed, the excitement mounted. I found I wanted to read faster and faster! There are graphic murder scenes but I never felt the descriptions were gratuitous, they were necessary to inform the reader of the true nature of the murderer (whoever the hell he was!)
The writing style was clear and easy to read and accessible without being in any way simple. I really enjoyed the book and I sincerely hope there is more to come from this author. He has a considerable talent. Thank you Mr Jones.
Friday, 7 September 2012
James Everington
The Other Room
Amazon.com The Other Room
My review -
This book of short stories is a real find. I am not usually a short story fan but I read James' novella The Shelter and was rather impressed. This book contains a number of stories which, although not the classic type of ghost story, have really stuck in my mind. Among my favourites are The Watchers, A Writer's Words, First Time Buyers, The Red Route, When the Walls Bend and of course, The Other Room. That's actually most of them; certainly the longer ones.
The author has a huge imagination and I find his straight-forward style belies his creative touch. There's more going on here than you immediately notice. These stories will stay with you and make you think. James Everington has a real talent and I look forward to reading more of his work.
Mary Fitzgerald
Mary's writing is always beautiful, evocative and classy.
Richard Wilde
Amazon.com Richard Wilde
My review -
This was a lovely story, sensitively handled. Richard Wilde is at the end of a long life and eager to set down the story of his family's darker side, its secrets, before his impending death. He is looked after by a young woman, Sharon and her small son who come to live in his large old farmhouse to take care of him. The growing affection between Richard, Sharon and the boy is beautifully told.
Richard Wilde has been a farmer and a professional soldier in India and the tale of his life is gripping - I stayed up very late to finish it! His family is close but harbours sinister secrets and Richard is drawn in through his love of the family members. There are many poignant moments in this book and much to think about. I really enjoyed reading it and I thoroughly recommend it.
The Imperfect Tense
Amazon.com The Imperfect Tense
My review -
This beautifully told story takes place in France in 1950. If it put me in mind of anything it was Birdsong but here the war was over, although its echoes were still to be felt. I found this story much more accessible, more human. The countryside of France with its vineyards, the family members, especially the wise Grandmere with her vegetable garden, were finely drawn and very believable. The growing relationships were fascinating. Eleanor, the heroine, was the catalyst which brought the little girl, the Grandmere, the farmer Etienne, together as a real family. There is a dark side to this tale too. It's anything but saccharine in its beauty.
Eleanor's family situation at home had been austere and I was so glad to see her father, suffering from the dreadful effects of being a prisoner of war, find some fulfilment. Mary Fitzgerald is a fine writer. Her craftsmanship shows here both in the delightful construction of the tale itself and in the well drafted characters she portrays. It's an engrossing story and I wholeheartedly give it a 5 star recommendation.
Richard Wilde
Amazon.com Richard Wilde
My review -
This was a lovely story, sensitively handled. Richard Wilde is at the end of a long life and eager to set down the story of his family's darker side, its secrets, before his impending death. He is looked after by a young woman, Sharon and her small son who come to live in his large old farmhouse to take care of him. The growing affection between Richard, Sharon and the boy is beautifully told.
Richard Wilde has been a farmer and a professional soldier in India and the tale of his life is gripping - I stayed up very late to finish it! His family is close but harbours sinister secrets and Richard is drawn in through his love of the family members. There are many poignant moments in this book and much to think about. I really enjoyed reading it and I thoroughly recommend it.
The Imperfect Tense
Amazon.com The Imperfect Tense
My review -
This beautifully told story takes place in France in 1950. If it put me in mind of anything it was Birdsong but here the war was over, although its echoes were still to be felt. I found this story much more accessible, more human. The countryside of France with its vineyards, the family members, especially the wise Grandmere with her vegetable garden, were finely drawn and very believable. The growing relationships were fascinating. Eleanor, the heroine, was the catalyst which brought the little girl, the Grandmere, the farmer Etienne, together as a real family. There is a dark side to this tale too. It's anything but saccharine in its beauty.
Eleanor's family situation at home had been austere and I was so glad to see her father, suffering from the dreadful effects of being a prisoner of war, find some fulfilment. Mary Fitzgerald is a fine writer. Her craftsmanship shows here both in the delightful construction of the tale itself and in the well drafted characters she portrays. It's an engrossing story and I wholeheartedly give it a 5 star recommendation.
Wednesday, 5 September 2012
Alan McDermott
Alan's books are unusual thrillers featuring the ex-SAS Tom Gray.
Gray Justice (Tom Gray #1)
Amazon.com Gray Justice (Tom Gray #1)
My review -
This is a fast moving adventure/thriller story in which the ex-SAS man Tom Gray, after having his family devastated by the actions of a persistent petty criminal, takes justice into his own hands. The plot is cleverly set up and Gray ensures prime time media coverage for his crusade to review the justice system. There is a sub plot in which a terrorist group tries to take advantage of the media attention for their own purposes. Both these plots are cleverly woven together. Things are not all they seem, though.
This is very well written with clear, concise prose and no wasted waffle. Alan McDermott is a writer to keep and eye on. I am certainly going to read his follow up book, Gray Resurrection.
Gray Resurrection (Tom Gray #2)
Amazon.com Gray Resurrection (Tom Gray #2)
My review -
This is the second book featuring ex SAS man Tom Gray. If you haven't yet read the first (Gray Justice) I won't add any spoilers - but you've missed a treat. This book was easily up to the high standard of the first. We meet some of the characters from the first book, both good and bad, and if you love a good consiracy theory you'll be in your element here. Alan McDermott's writing style really suits this action-packed adventure type of story. He is clear and concise and never waffly. We are soon deep into the story and become quickly aware of what the hero is up against. It seems impossible but with his friends' help and his own clear and quick thinking our man acquits himself well.
There is enough technical detail here to satisfy anyone who knows about guns and fighting but not so much that the layman is floundering. It's a book you have to keep reading and we reach a very satisfying conclusion which leaves us scope for more. I greatly look forward to it.
Gray Justice (Tom Gray #1)
Amazon.com Gray Justice (Tom Gray #1)
My review -
This is a fast moving adventure/thriller story in which the ex-SAS man Tom Gray, after having his family devastated by the actions of a persistent petty criminal, takes justice into his own hands. The plot is cleverly set up and Gray ensures prime time media coverage for his crusade to review the justice system. There is a sub plot in which a terrorist group tries to take advantage of the media attention for their own purposes. Both these plots are cleverly woven together. Things are not all they seem, though.
This is very well written with clear, concise prose and no wasted waffle. Alan McDermott is a writer to keep and eye on. I am certainly going to read his follow up book, Gray Resurrection.
Gray Resurrection (Tom Gray #2)
Amazon.com Gray Resurrection (Tom Gray #2)
My review -
This is the second book featuring ex SAS man Tom Gray. If you haven't yet read the first (Gray Justice) I won't add any spoilers - but you've missed a treat. This book was easily up to the high standard of the first. We meet some of the characters from the first book, both good and bad, and if you love a good consiracy theory you'll be in your element here. Alan McDermott's writing style really suits this action-packed adventure type of story. He is clear and concise and never waffly. We are soon deep into the story and become quickly aware of what the hero is up against. It seems impossible but with his friends' help and his own clear and quick thinking our man acquits himself well.
There is enough technical detail here to satisfy anyone who knows about guns and fighting but not so much that the layman is floundering. It's a book you have to keep reading and we reach a very satisfying conclusion which leaves us scope for more. I greatly look forward to it.
Carl Ashmore
Carl writes for young adults but many an old adult has read and enjoyed his fantasy stories.
The Time Hunters
Amazon .com The Time Hunters
My review -
This is a time travel/adventure story for young readers but with enough substance in there to entice an adult too. The characters are wonderful. Becky is the classic thirteen year old, shouting at adults, perpetually angry on behalf of animals, no stranger to the huff but devotedly loyal to friends. Eleven year old Joe is a WYSIWYG - What You See Is (most definitely!) What You Get. Their wise, gentle Uncle Percy is a time traveller and they become enmeshed in his world when they visit Bowen Hall for the school summer holidays.
Carl Ashmore can be funny and clever without ducking dark issues such as the loss of a parent and the existence of evil in the world. There are history, mythology and palaeontology here together with high adventure. The story itself is exciting and where else would you meet a vegetarian Minotaur and a bunch of useless 'heroes'? I have read the book previously but any good story will stand a re-telling and this is no exception. It's a great first book in what promises to be a brilliant series.
The Time Hunters and the Box of Eternity
Amazon.com The Time Hunters and the Box of Eternity
My review -
Carl Ashmore goes from strength to strength. This book, allegedly a children's story, is a continuation of the adventures of a brother and sister and their Uncle Percy, a Time Traveller. The characters are believably drawn, the story is huge in its imaginative scope and the whole combines history, palaeontology, adventure, danger and great fun. The author is not afraid to address dark emotions - he never talks down to a child audience so it is a very satisfying book for adults too. There's a huge sense of humour in this book - I still laugh aloud at the name of one of the pirate ships. I won't give it away.
Carl is on to a winner with this series - I am glad to see that there will be more and I look forward to them.
Bernard and the Bibble
Amaxon.com Bernard and the Bibble
My review -
This is a lovely book, another of those Carl writes so well for younger readers but which translate into a good read for adults too. The book is funny and light-hearted but there are serious underlying issues. The hero, Bernard, suffers from a heart problem and has a very restricted life as a result. Here though, through meeting some strange beings befriended by his late grandad, he helps others and is helped in turn.
There are some wonderful moments - "Fungal was elated. 'I'm so happy, I could piddle.' Please don't' Bernard replied flatly." I can see children everywhere (and me) finding this funny!
Bernard says, of his life, 'I want to make a difference.' Isn't that what we wish for all youngsters? Yet so many want to be famous or rich. Carl Ashmore has the right idea about what is important in life and he has a great way of transmitting this to people through his book. Another thoroughly good read from Mr Ashmore.
The Night they Nicked Saint Nick
Amazon.com The Night they Nicked Saint Nick
My review -
This was a lovely modern Christmas legend, the kind of book I look forward to sharing with my grand-children. Seven year old Derek Brundle discovers he is to be the next Father Christmas and that the current Santa is in great danger. We meet some wonderful characters in this book. I especially loved the elf Munkle with her quirky modes of expression, 'Yeppers!' The villain of the story receives a very satisfying punishment for his iniquities. Children will love it.
Carl Ashmore has a great imagination and some excellent verbal skills that bring his creations to life. He sums up Christmas by having Santa say to the villain, 'Christmas is about more than toys and presents and turkey dinners. It's about love and decency and respect and kindness. These are the real gifts of Christmas.' How can you sum it up better than that? Thank you Carl, for a bit of fun in the true spirit of Christmas.
The Time Hunters
Amazon .com The Time Hunters
My review -
This is a time travel/adventure story for young readers but with enough substance in there to entice an adult too. The characters are wonderful. Becky is the classic thirteen year old, shouting at adults, perpetually angry on behalf of animals, no stranger to the huff but devotedly loyal to friends. Eleven year old Joe is a WYSIWYG - What You See Is (most definitely!) What You Get. Their wise, gentle Uncle Percy is a time traveller and they become enmeshed in his world when they visit Bowen Hall for the school summer holidays.
Carl Ashmore can be funny and clever without ducking dark issues such as the loss of a parent and the existence of evil in the world. There are history, mythology and palaeontology here together with high adventure. The story itself is exciting and where else would you meet a vegetarian Minotaur and a bunch of useless 'heroes'? I have read the book previously but any good story will stand a re-telling and this is no exception. It's a great first book in what promises to be a brilliant series.
The Time Hunters and the Box of Eternity
Amazon.com The Time Hunters and the Box of Eternity
My review -
Carl Ashmore goes from strength to strength. This book, allegedly a children's story, is a continuation of the adventures of a brother and sister and their Uncle Percy, a Time Traveller. The characters are believably drawn, the story is huge in its imaginative scope and the whole combines history, palaeontology, adventure, danger and great fun. The author is not afraid to address dark emotions - he never talks down to a child audience so it is a very satisfying book for adults too. There's a huge sense of humour in this book - I still laugh aloud at the name of one of the pirate ships. I won't give it away.
Carl is on to a winner with this series - I am glad to see that there will be more and I look forward to them.
Bernard and the Bibble
Amaxon.com Bernard and the Bibble
My review -
This is a lovely book, another of those Carl writes so well for younger readers but which translate into a good read for adults too. The book is funny and light-hearted but there are serious underlying issues. The hero, Bernard, suffers from a heart problem and has a very restricted life as a result. Here though, through meeting some strange beings befriended by his late grandad, he helps others and is helped in turn.
There are some wonderful moments - "Fungal was elated. 'I'm so happy, I could piddle.' Please don't' Bernard replied flatly." I can see children everywhere (and me) finding this funny!
Bernard says, of his life, 'I want to make a difference.' Isn't that what we wish for all youngsters? Yet so many want to be famous or rich. Carl Ashmore has the right idea about what is important in life and he has a great way of transmitting this to people through his book. Another thoroughly good read from Mr Ashmore.
The Night they Nicked Saint Nick
Amazon.com The Night they Nicked Saint Nick
My review -
This was a lovely modern Christmas legend, the kind of book I look forward to sharing with my grand-children. Seven year old Derek Brundle discovers he is to be the next Father Christmas and that the current Santa is in great danger. We meet some wonderful characters in this book. I especially loved the elf Munkle with her quirky modes of expression, 'Yeppers!' The villain of the story receives a very satisfying punishment for his iniquities. Children will love it.
Carl Ashmore has a great imagination and some excellent verbal skills that bring his creations to life. He sums up Christmas by having Santa say to the villain, 'Christmas is about more than toys and presents and turkey dinners. It's about love and decency and respect and kindness. These are the real gifts of Christmas.' How can you sum it up better than that? Thank you Carl, for a bit of fun in the true spirit of Christmas.
Mark R Faulkner
Mark writes in the Horror genre and this one is a cracker.
Flux
Amazon.com Flux
My review -
In this remarkable first novel, Mark Faulkner creates a situation in which his main character Iain, a head injury victim, finds himself flicking from the present to a parallel nightmare reality. I didn't warm to the character initially but as the novel progressed I was really on Iain's side. After his accident his neuro-surgeon's main interest in his case was to try to make her own name in medical circles. The hospital chaplain wanted to find proof of an afterlife from Iain's near-death experience to bolster his own flagging faith. Iain, in increasing despair and distress, only has the elusive Eve on his side.
There is a real sense of hellish other-world here and poor Iain is, as the title implies, in a state of flux between here and there, with sometimes one 'reality' superimposed on the other. Iain's reading of the bible, given to him by the chaplain, leads him to a sense of good and evil, and the feeling he is being forced against his will to choose evil.
Mark Faulkner has created a realistic and believable story and one wonders whether this could happen as a result of an injury to the brain, that most complex and mysterious of organs. The ending is horrifying and in some senses, inevitable.
I really hope Mark has more work of this quality up his sleeve. He is an author to watch and has one keen fan already!
Flux
Amazon.com Flux
My review -
In this remarkable first novel, Mark Faulkner creates a situation in which his main character Iain, a head injury victim, finds himself flicking from the present to a parallel nightmare reality. I didn't warm to the character initially but as the novel progressed I was really on Iain's side. After his accident his neuro-surgeon's main interest in his case was to try to make her own name in medical circles. The hospital chaplain wanted to find proof of an afterlife from Iain's near-death experience to bolster his own flagging faith. Iain, in increasing despair and distress, only has the elusive Eve on his side.
There is a real sense of hellish other-world here and poor Iain is, as the title implies, in a state of flux between here and there, with sometimes one 'reality' superimposed on the other. Iain's reading of the bible, given to him by the chaplain, leads him to a sense of good and evil, and the feeling he is being forced against his will to choose evil.
Mark Faulkner has created a realistic and believable story and one wonders whether this could happen as a result of an injury to the brain, that most complex and mysterious of organs. The ending is horrifying and in some senses, inevitable.
I really hope Mark has more work of this quality up his sleeve. He is an author to watch and has one keen fan already!
M T McGuire - funny fantasy
M T McGuire's style of humour is right up my street. It can be gentle, wry, sarcastic and even hysterical, all rolled into one story.
Few are Chosen (K'Barthan Trilogy #1)
Amazon.com Few are Chosen (K'Barthan Trilogy #1)
My review -
This fantasy book, the first in a trilogy, introduces us to an unlikely hero, The Pan of Hamgee. The Pan is a young person living under a despotic regime, who has managed to remain uncaptured for 5 years (the average is a month or so) by dint of being a devout coward. His specialism is running away. We meet many other memorable characters, Big Merv (a Swamp Thing and The Pan's employer) and the wonderful elderly lady keepers of the local tavern (and Their Trev). There is a fabulous section towards the end where The Pan is fighting off a strong dose of Truth Drug which had me laughing aloud at times.
The writing was clever, witty, wickedly good in places and the story kept me turning (clicking?) page after page when I should have gone to bed! The Pan is a wonderful character and one I look forward to reading more about. He is destined for higher things (if he can keep his tongue under control!) An excellent story, well told.
The Wrong Stuff (K'Barthan Trilogy- #2)
Amazon.com The Wrong Stuff (K'Barthan Trilogy #2)
My review -
I can't believe I have come so late to this trilogy that I only read Part One when Part Two was published. Here I am now, with this second, unbelievably good book under my belt and tapping my fingers waiting for the third! The characters we came to know, both good and bad, in Book One are here fleshed out even more and I really came to care about them. Big Merv's softer side is gorgeous to read and of course, The Pan (we find out his real name!) and Ruth are absolute stars. Hard to believe, in the face of so much evidence, how thick the Pan is regarding his destiny - the daft lad!
This story is really well plotted and I love the fast-action pace of it all. It's an exciting and engaging tale and I was rather gutted to read that it's going to be 18 months until I can read more. The ending was a bit of a cliff hanger. Will my finger-nails stand the test of time? I can thoroughly recommend this book which combines, a wry, sarcastic humour and some really deep insights into human nature (even though technically all the characters aren't human!) If you love fantasy, this series is a must.
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