Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Drayling

3.4 of 5 stars 3.40 · rating details · 10 ratings · 8 reviews

Twenty-fifth century Drayling, and Britain as a whole, has benefited greatly from advances in technology and medical science, and life in the Graves' household, and in those of their friends and colleagues, is secure, clear and very content. The desire and need for clarity, truth and order has motivated communities to live in harmony, abandoning any potentially controversi...more

Paperback

Published March 1st 2011 by Indepenpress Publishing

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Add this book to your favorite list »

Community Reviews

(showing 1-17 of 17)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Aug 26, 2012 Laura rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-reviewed-for-readers-favourit, recieved-to-review

For over 140 years the world has been at peace: war, homelessness, starvation and corruption are all things of the past. The world has been divided into small entirely segregated counties that are independent of one another; inter-district travel is banned as is all non-administrative communication. In the small community of Drayling in what was previously known as England, all the citizens are as happy and peaceful as the rest of the world until bit by bit everything starts to change. The local...more

like · see review

Jun 16, 2012 Seregil of Rhiminee rated it 4 of 5 stars

Terry J. Newman's Drayling is a philosophical and partly political science fiction book for adults. Although Drayling is pure speculative fiction, it's almost like a combination of speculative fiction and mainstream elements, because the events take place in a small and secure community and the Graves family is in the middle of the happenings. I like this kind of science fiction, because it's often more interesting and challenging than hard science fiction.

When I began to read Drayling, I wasn't...more Terry J. Newman's Drayling is a philosophical and partly political science fiction book for adults. Although Drayling is pure speculative fiction, it's almost like a combination of speculative fiction and mainstream elements, because the events take place in a small and secure community and the Graves family is in the middle of the happenings. I like this kind of science fiction, because it's often more interesting and challenging than hard science fiction.

When I began to read Drayling, I wasn't sure what to think about it, but soon I found myself liking it, because the author had his own voice and writing style. I liked the author's philosophical, easygoing and thoughtful approach to things concerning life and society (the characters spent a lot of time thinking about things and how to react to them). Drayling reminded me a bit of Terry Grimwood's Bloody War, which I read a few weeks ago, but it's a totally different kind of a book.

Here's a bit of information about the plot:

The whole Britain has changed after Dunstan Heathfield's Revolution. This revolution changed the way of life completely and introduced new ideas that were accepted and celebrated throughout Britain. Uri Graves lives with his family in Drayling, which is part of the British Friendly Federation. His wife is Della and his two children are called Marius and Urania. They're content with their life in Drayling. This 25th century British community has a simple political and cultural structure. Life in Drayling is safe, clear and simple, but everything begins to change when political atmosphere changes and a young man called Stin arrives into Drayling. When political atmosphere changes radically, a minor group of people decide to do something, because they feel that their way of life is threatened and they begin to revolt against the government. They also want to find the truth about certain things.

The members of the Graves family are described as happy and content persons who are proud members of the society. Uri Graves is a Local Historian and an intelligent man. He's always willing to talk about history. His son, Marius, follows in his footsteps and becomes an important part of the community. Uri's wife, Della, is an understanding, patient and loving wife, who supports her husband. Uri's daughter, Urania, is a young girl. The other characters are also interesting.

Drayling starts slowly, because several things (BFF, RA, DHR etc) are explained to the reader, so it isn't a book for hasty readers. The reader gets to know about the community and how things are handled there. Gradually the plot gathers momentum and the reader just has to keep on reading to find out what happens next. I think it's nice that the author spent enough time to explain things, because it created a good basis for the climax.

There are several interesting scenes in Drayling. For example, it was interesting to read how the community reacted to a cricket game, when Marius discovered it in his archaelogical excavation. It was also fascinating to read about a peaceful community and the way of life within the community, because Drayling is almost like a utopia where everything is nice and easy and nobody has to worry about anything. The quest to find out about the power line was also fascinating. I also liked the ending of the book, because it revealed everything (I'm sure that several readers will find the ending fascinating, because the characters find out the truth about important things).

Drayling is a surpringly quick read, but it's a rewarding reading experience. If you like mainstream fiction and depictions of a stable and loving family life and political situations, you'll probably enjoy Drayling. This book may not be of interest to some readers, because it's a combination of utopian science fiction, political elements and family life (and the story moves slowly), but readers who are willing to read different kind of science fiction will find it intriguing. Drayling is a book for intelligent and patient readers who appreciate history and philosophy and and want to immerse themselves in reading.
(less)

like · see review

Jan 16, 2012 Leslie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: action, adventure, book-reviews, educational, fiction, futurist-scinece-fiction, futuristic-science-fiction, historical, historical-fiction, imagination, mystery, romance, politics, science-fiction, suspense

Article first published as Book Review: Drayling by Terry J. Newman on Blogcritics.

The future often seems tied to peace and the efforts we make to develop such an accord. Fantasy novels often take us in varying directions, revealing a future world where in some cases a utopia occurrs or in others where the end of the world is the outcome. Each novel identifies the aftermath in various ways.

In Drayling by Terry J. Newman, we follow an extremely interesting scenario, where peace did reign supreme...more Article first published as Book Review: Drayling by Terry J. Newman on Blogcritics.

The future often seems tied to peace and the efforts we make to develop such an accord. Fantasy novels often take us in varying directions, revealing a future world where in some cases a utopia occurrs or in others where the end of the world is the outcome. Each novel identifies the aftermath in various ways.

In Drayling by Terry J. Newman, we follow an extremely interesting scenario, where peace did reign supreme. Drayling, an area in Britain–in the future–is a peaceful and interesting place to live. Each of the area governments has their own part in making the transition smooth and to continue success. While a national government is in process, there are also groups of ordinary citizens that do their part to hold on to that success. Part of the success is that the differing areas do not communicate or compete thereby helping to continue in a peaceful existence. When the premier dies under suspicious circumstances, the death creates a change at the head of the national government, that seems to change the way everything is being done, and secrecy seems to sneak into the fray. All of a sudden the local governments find their hands tied, and uneasiness prevails.

Uri Graves is the local historian and recently became a Worthy, one of those consulted with questions. His intelligence is unquestionable and he is held in high regard by the townspeople as well as the other Worthy’s with whom he has become friends. Hi children are well adjusted and his son Marius has also been making a name for himself with his interest and studies.

When the changes to government begin to affect the lives of the people, first with the lies and then the disruption, the reprisal is not far behind. In an effort to make their concerns known, 16 young men are killed, by a security force that is unheard of in the world of Dunstan Heathfield, the founder of the utopia which now exists. His diplomacy achieved what violence could not. Now all of his teaching seemed to be set aside. Could a small group of ordinary people do what it took to protect their way of life? As they begin a mission of danger and suspense, can they reduce the damage being wrought? Will their disobedience and secrecy save their way of life, or distort it even further.

The characters are so laid back and positive, the story seemed to flow effortlessly. The government while a bit strange, seemed to have heralded a long lived peace, and yet appears to have held some of its own secrets, as it seems many governments do. The small group of individuals must make choices, but they must also trust, which does not seem as easy as it once was. Finding the right people to help them in their mission, they must also find those who feel as they do. Knowledge of computers is a must, and a strong will to do the right thing, whatever it takes also tops the list. Uri and his son Marius are smack in the middle of this conspiracy.
I really enjoyed the premise of the book. Newman do an excellent job of fleshing out a government that made sense, and his characters were quite real. With just a bit of over the top belief in what they learned, they also have a tough time realizing that everything may not be as they believed. The response from the outsiders, those from the other areas were possibly a little too honest, especially with the lack of address between the groups in the past. However, again trust was one of the main themes and with just a bit of explanation, there seemed to be an abundance of trust with little knowledge. The trust itself, in their own government also seems to have been a problem, never questioning, just accepting the information as they knew it. Yet this group was ready to fight to retain what they loved, their way of life. It is part of what people do best.

I would recommend this book for the science fiction fan, as well as those who appreciate a good story. The background leading up to the fracas is well written and thought out. If you enjoy history, even the fabricated stuff, you will also find this an interesting read. I believe it would be an excellent book for a discussion group; the intricacies of the belief system would be great fodder to discuss.

This book was received free from the author. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material. (less)

like · see review

May 21, 2012 Susan Anderson rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: dystopian, action-dramatic, science-fiction

DRAYLING: Disturbance of the Quiet Seasons

DRAYLING by Terry J. Newman is an intriguing jump into a different kind of book, a look at a futuristic Britain gone off its spin.

If the novel straddles the genres of dramatic action, science fiction, and mystery, the inner logic of its storyline is rock steady, its emotion, controlled, its world building fascinating. (So email me my own invisible cloud and innate ambium, a drinksmade console for my every chair, and an identiscreen, thank you.)

Like any g...more DRAYLING: Disturbance of the Quiet Seasons

DRAYLING by Terry J. Newman is an intriguing jump into a different kind of book, a look at a futuristic Britain gone off its spin.

If the novel straddles the genres of dramatic action, science fiction, and mystery, the inner logic of its storyline is rock steady, its emotion, controlled, its world building fascinating. (So email me my own invisible cloud and innate ambium, a drinksmade console for my every chair, and an identiscreen, thank you.)

Like any good novel, DRAYLING has levels of meaning deeper than its plot. Through the narrative, the actions and dialogue of the book’s main characters—the family and friends of Uri Graves—the reader experiences the initially faint but growing penetration of corruption into the heart of a peaceful country. DRAYLING is about the creep of tyranny into the moral fiber of a nation.

The year of the novel is 2449. The place is Drayling, a small southern district of the “British Friendly Federation” or BFF, named by its founder, Dunstan Heathfield. It is the post-computer era where everyone has his own identiscreen and other comforts. Its subjects have lived in harmony, adopting a constitution and political structure that have worked for over a century. Quite suddenly and inexplicably, local rules change; districts merge. Either from firsthand experience or from history (and probably both), the reader recognizes the first signs of political decay. Together with his son, Marius, and friends, Uri Graves sets out to find out why and attempts to restore the smooth workings of the country.

The plot of DRAYLING is a masterstroke, a tightly drawn series of events spiraling downward like a tightrope from hell, anticipated, perhaps, but not the surprise toward the end. If I had wished for more scenes of emotion, I thoroughly enjoyed the main characters, their courage, and the methods they contrived to ferret out their district’s malignancy. Readers who are familiar with Sussex, its lore and local politics, will enjoy the anagrams sprinkled throughout the story. For those of us not so fortunate, the novel is still a compelling read and I recommend it to all lovers of freedom and readers who enjoy fast-moving, action-centered drama.

About the author:
Terry J. Newman lives with his wife, Linda, in Sussex, England. He is a member of English Heritage, The National Trust, Brighton & Hove Albion Supporters’ Club and Mensa. DRAYLING is his first novel and is, in his own words, “more Futuristic Drama than Science Fiction. There aren’t any little green men or spaceships, it all just happens to take place in the future. It’s a different kind of Science Fiction book—for the intelligent reader.”

As an aside, Newman has revealed that, woven into the book, are twenty six “allusions to my home county of Sussex.” The most obvious example being the title, “Drayling,” which is an anagram of “Ardingly”—the author’s birthplace.(less)

like 1 like · see review

May 07, 2013 Natasha rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: science-fiction

Disclaimer: I received this book from the author in exchange for a review.

A science fiction novel with a lot of buildup and not much action.

The summary of this book made it seem like it would a dystopian science fiction story with a good deal of action. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much in the way of action. I had been expecting more technology or at least space travel in 25th century Britain. Drayling focuses on a very small area of Britain, technically BFF or Britain Friendly Federation. There...more

like · see review

Apr 15, 2012 Beth rated it 4 of 5 stars

Before I begin, I have to say that Drayling is not the kind of book I’d usually choose or even one I’d consider on an off chance but on this occasion, I thought it couldn’t hurt to try and I believe my decision was justified. Though not without its flaws, Drayling is a novel which really works has strong believable characters and a completely restructured dystopian future which is actually conceivable.
Throughout Drayling, the reader learns exactly how this new 25th century state works, complete...more

like · see review

Jun 01, 2012 ABookVacation rated it 2 of 5 stars

Unfortunately, this novel is not my style. While it is very well written and the story itself is great for those who are interested in world building and/or science fiction, it’s not for me. I found the beginning of the story to be a bit dry for my tastes as it sets up the background for the society of Drayling, and I don’t particularly enjoy novels that spend so much time explaining the background. Keep in mind that this has nothing to do with Newman’s writing capabilities, but more so with per...more

like · see review

Jun 06, 2012 Opal rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy-sci-fi, book-submissions

Read my reviews here and on the Akamai Reader!

We find ourselves peeking into the lives of Uri, the Local Historian, and his son Marius. They rebel against changes their government institute against their community, Drayling. Specifically, a name change. They find that the motives behind the name changes shake the basic values they have for the society they hold dear.

While we hear a lot about the society of Drayling and their country, the BFF I didn’t get any sense or picture of the community or...more Read my reviews here and on the Akamai Reader!

We find ourselves peeking into the lives of Uri, the Local Historian, and his son Marius. They rebel against changes their government institute against their community, Drayling. Specifically, a name change. They find that the motives behind the name changes shake the basic values they have for the society they hold dear.

While we hear a lot about the society of Drayling and their country, the BFF I didn’t get any sense or picture of the community or culture. While there are word usages such as “thence” and “whilst”, high technology is in place giving you a sense of confusion over the lack of detail for the rest of the overall feel for the culture. I also wondered why in the twenty-fifth century, why the women were relegated as homemakers and as secondary decision makers. Was this part of their culture? Did women’s rights regress back to the nineteen-fifties? If it did. then why were they so adamant about joining the cricket’s team as equals? And then why did the men include them in some discussions and not others for fear of “worrying them”?

There was no visualization of what kind of world they actually lived in. I couldn’t envision the setting in which they dwelled in. There was little to no imagery of this self-sufficient village, if it was a village, that they were living in and fighting for. Sometimes I got the impression of a rural village. Sometimes I got the impression of a high-tech industrial complex. This vaguery left me confused. Was this a hybrid Amish/Factory complex?

This is a very slow-moving book that’s very concerned with the minutiae of details when it came to specifics. For example, the technology they did use was described in detail. Each step of their insurgence was plotted out to a nicety. On one hand it was nice to know the author had such thoroughness. On the other hand, I became a little impatient with the book and I wished for a quicker pace.

I did like the way the book came to an end. It was very satisfying and it almost made up for the books many flaws.

I would recommend this book to the patient reader who truly loves science fiction. The plot is well thought out. It could be a rewarding book in the end.
(less)

like · see review

May 18, 2013 Mayara Arend added it

Mar 08, 2013 Anastasia marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Jul 24, 2012 Devon marked it as to-read

May 21, 2012 Jodie Brown marked it as to-read

May 17, 2012 Ms. rated it 2 of 5 stars

Apr 20, 2012 S.J. Wist marked it as to-read

Shelves: fantasy-cookie

Apr 01, 2012 Ally rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: sci-fi

Jan 20, 2012 Julie (julie37619) marked it as to-read

Dec 31, 2011 Sue Owen marked it as reviewing

See top shelves...

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About Drayling

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

title link	preview: Drayling
avg rating	preview: Drayling Goodreads rating: 3.40 (10 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13083340-drayling?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1332536157l/13083340.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13083340-drayling?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Drayling by Terry J. Newman[/url]

Drayling

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (1)

Genres

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About Drayling

Drayling

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topicDiscuss This Book

combineOther Editions (1)

Genres

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About Drayling

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (1)