K.J. Chapman's Blog, page 53

Muse-ic for EVO Ghost

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These past few weeks have been a rollercoaster of drafting emotions in regards to EVO Ghost. First, I was moseying along, quite content, then I hit a wall. That wall saw me change a time jump, totally deconstruct the middle of my draft, and then cut just over 10k words. Needless to say, I have been having a panic unlike I have had with any other of my books. I think I have pinned down why… I have ‘third book in the trilogy’ syndrome, or so I am calling it. I am so worried about this book living up to the first two, and that Teddie gets the ending she deserves, that I’m freaking out a little over here. Loose ends need to be tied, my characters haven’t finished growing, and they’re all looking to me to do them proud. I’m rambling now- deep breaths.

I think this book will continue to keep me on my toes, but I have found the best way to deal with my self-doubt is to write through it- write through it and draw inspiration from music. That is exactly what this song is about. In my eyes, this is Teddie’s song for book three.

Human by Rag’n’Bone Man

The following lyrics are so true of where I am at in the EVO Narrative, and where Teddie is at as a person:

Take a look in the mirror

And what do you see

Do you see it clearer

Or are you deceived

In what you believe

‘Cause I’m only human after all

You’re only human after all

Don’t put the blame on me

Don’t put your blame on me

Content belongs to K.J.Chapman

Music video sourced from Youtube.com

Review: Jamaica Inn by Daphne Du Maurier

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Jamaica Inn by Daphne Du Maurier 5/5

[image error]Her mother’s dying request takes Mary Yellan on a sad journey across the bleak moorland of Cornwall to reach Jamaica Inn, the home of her Aunt Patience. With the coachman’s warning echoing in her memory, Mary arrives at a dismal place to find Patience a changed woman, cowering from her overbearing husband, Joss Merlyn.

Affected by the Inn’s brooding power, Mary is thwarted in her attention to reform her aunt, and unwillingly drawn into the dark deeds of Joss and his accomplices. And, as she struggles with events beyond her control, Mary is further thrown by her feelings for a man she dare not trust…

Review:


   Mary Yellan promises her mother upon her death bed that she will go to live with her only remaining family member, her aunt. Little does Mary know that her aunt is married to a drunkard criminal who owns the Jamaica Inn; a place known for its shady characters and criminal activity. Mary is determined to get her Aunt away from Joss Merlyn, and thwart his illegal acitivites in the process. She doesn’t bargain on befriending the local vicar, or falling for a man she would never have looked twice at before. Not all is as it seems, and who is involved in Joss’ ventures?



   Ever since reading Rebecca, I have been keen to read another Du Maurier book, but I never quite managed to work through my TBR pile. I picked up Jamaica Inn in my library and bumped it to the top of my list to avoid late fines (ha). I’m so glad I did. Once again, Du Maurier weaves an intriguing, descriptive tale that utterly enthralled me. Not only that, Jamaica Inn is set in my home county of Cornwall, so there was an element of sentimentality about this read, especially as my home town of Helston is mentioned numerous times. Du Maurier captures the stark landscape of the Bodmin moors, and creates the perfect setting for this dark and macabre tale.




   What is there not to like? Absolutely nothing. Mystery, romance, strong-minded female lead, potential bad boy love interest, and plot twists. The book drew me in and wouldn’t let me go. The masterfully written plot twists are staged throughout the narrative ready for the big finale, and I was pleasantly surprised with Mary Yellan’s choice at the very end of the book. The uncertainty, but the truth in it felt more believable than the alternative she had planned for herself.



   If you want a dark, twisted, macabre tale that ensnares from the start, then get your hands on Jamaica Inn. You won’t be disappointed.

The opinions expressed here are those of K.J.Chapman and no other parties

All books reviewed on this blog have been read by K.J.Chapman

K.J.Chapman has not been paid for this review

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NEW YEAR FREE PROMO!

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As it is the new year, I thought I’d do a free, one day promo of not one but two of my books. What can I say? I’m feeling generous.

EVO Nation: FREE from Amazon Kindle
Thrown to The Blue: FREE from Amazon Kindle

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Content belongs to K.J.Chapman

Resolution Time

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It’s that time of year again. Resolution time. I did this same post last New Year, and I haven’t glanced back on it once, so I decided to have a little gander at my achievements… or fails. And, to be honest, I haven’t done too badly.

Here is my post from 2016. As you can see, I did finish EVO Shift, but rather than finish book three, I wrote and published Thrown to The Blue instead. My Prompt Me side project also came to fruition. Not forgetting, I have over double the amount of lovely blog followers. *Waves hello to new followers and my trusted oldies.*

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However, the bungalow extension is a different story. It is still on going. It started in the spring, then there were all sorts of problems that presented themselves during the build. Work practically stopped for three months, and now we’re back all guns blazing. I never thought we’d be in a building site at Christmas and New Year, but hey ho. What can I do?

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I’ve decided on a much smaller resolutions list this year:

Finish and publish EVO Ghost.


Finish and publish book two in the Indigo Flames series.


Work on my novella.


Complete my Goodreads Reading Challenge.

I’m already well on the way to completing number one and three, so I’m optimistic, and not burdening myself down with too much other stuff is quite refreshing.

What are your goals for 2017? I wish you all the best of luck in your endeavours, and thank you for sticking with me through 2016.

Content belongs to K.J. Chapman

GIF sourced from giphy.com

My Top Reads of 2016

[image error]I have been thinking of the best way to tackle this post, because the ordinary top ten just won’t cut it. There are some series that need to be included because every book is a 5* gem, but I don’t want to fill up my top ten spaces with books from the same series or spin off series, as this will push out other 5* books that deserve to be featured on my top ten. So, my list is as following:

In no particular order…

Mistborn Series by Brandon Sanderson: The Final Empire (book one), The Well of Ascension (book two).






Rise of the Sparrows by Sarina Langer

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The Great Library Series by Rachel Caine: Ink and Bone (book one), and Paper and Fire (book two).




The Promiscus Guardians Series, The Guardians in Love Series, and The Underground Guardians Series by Brianna West.








The Girl with all the Gifts  by M.R. Carey

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The Last Orphans by N.W. Harris

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The Making of Gabriel Davenport by Beverley Lee

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Colossus by Jette Harris

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Eleonore by Faith Rivens

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The Siblings by A. Morgan

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Although the above list is not in a particular order, I decided to pick my top read of 2016! Drum roll, please…

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And my top read of 2016 is actually a draw between Sanderson’s Mistborn: The Final Empire, and Carey’s The Girl with all the Gifts. I just can’t choose between the two, so why should I?

Thank you to everyone who has followed the reviews on my blog, Goodreads, and Instagram. Happy New Year!

Content belongs to K.J. Chapman

GIF sourced from GIPHY.com

 

2nd Half of the Year Reads & Reviews

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Can you believe it is the end of 2016? Best not to dwell on how quickly time seems to be flying, and just offer everyone my best wishes for a healthy and productive 2017.

Back on July 1st, I did a 1/2 year post of my reads and added links to my reviews of each. I plan to do exactly the same for the 2nd half of the year too. You can check out my 1/2 year post: here.

Well, I smashed the target that I set myself for the Goodreads Reading Challenge 2016. I read 82 in total this year! Yep, I think I might do a little bookaholic, happy jig about now.

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Anyway, on to the good stuff- the reviews from July-December.

Paper and Fire by Rachel Caine 5/5: Review.
13 Minutes by Sarah Pinborough 4/5: Review.
The Bone Sparrow by Zana Fraillon 4/5: Review.
Demon Seed by Dean Koontz 3.5/5: Review.
A Strange Little Place by Brennan 3/5: Review.
Dancing in the Rain by Lynn Joseph 4/5: Review.
Looking for Alaska by John Green 3.5/5: Review.
Pavel by Brianna West 5/5: Review.
Bury the Living by Jodi McIsaac 4.5/5: Review.
Dead by Morning by Kayla Krantz 3.5/5: Review.
Parallel by Shana Chartier 2.5/5: Review.
The Aurora Stone by G.S.Tucker 3.5/5: Review.
The Making of Gabriel Davenport by Beverley Lee 5/5: Review.
Dark Secrets by Leah Taylor 3.5/5: Review.
A Boy Made of Blocks by Keith Stuart 3.5/5: Review.
Collective Ramblings by Various Authors 3/5: Review.
When Time Comes (Novella) by Cat Nicolaou 3/5: Review.
Mirror Mirror (Novella) by Anthony .M. 4/5: Review.
A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E.Schwab 4/5: Review.
Mad Woman by Kat Savage 4/5: Review.
Germination by Jamie Thornton 5/5: Review.
The Last Orphans by N.W.Harris 5/5: Review.
Feyland by Anthea Sharp 2.5/5: Review.
Grey by Kade Cook 3/5: Review.
Burn the Dead: Quarantine by Steven Jenkins 4/5: Review.
Thirst for the Hunt by A.C. Wentwood 2/5: Review.
Nano Contestant by Leif Sterling 4/5: Review.
Hollowland by Amanda Hocking 3.5/5: Review.
Train to the Edge of the Moon by Asper Blurry 4/5: Review.
Book of Birds by L.M.Bryski 4/5: Review.
Untamed by PC.Cast & Kristin Cast 3/5: Review.
Stealing Snow by Danielle Paige 3/5: Review.
When Darkness Breaks by Brianna West 5/5: Review.
Earth’s Knot by Katie Deann 2.5/5: Review.
A Christmas Gift by Stella Wilkinson 4.5/5: Review.
The Christmas Bake Off by Abby Clements 3.5/5: Review.
Naughty or Nice Anthology by Various Authors 3/5: Review.
Eleonore by Faith Rivens 5/5: Review.
Christmas at Pebble Creek by Vannetta Chapman 3/5: Review.
Make My Wish Come True by Jade Cooper 3/5: Review.
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne 4/5: Review.
Pastels and Jingle Bells by Christina. S. Feldman 5/5: Review.
Stained by Kayla Krantz 3/5: (not reviewed on blog)
Tough Love by Skye Warren 4/5: Review.
Daughter of Llathe: A Tale of the Two Rings by Ben Cassidy 3.5/5: Review.
Project Dodge by J.Lynne 3/5: Review.


Join me tomorrow to find out my top reads of 2016!!

Content belongs to KJ.Chapman

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December Reads Round Up

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Here is a recap of my December reads with links to the full reviews.

Christmas at Pebble Creek by Vannetta Chapman

[image error]Full Review: Christmas at Pebble Creek

I gave this book 3/5. I haven’t read the Pebble Creek series, so I would have liked a little more backstory to Grace in this short story. This read was pleasant. I neither loved nor disliked it. I have not read anything in the Amish genre, and now know it is not my reading cup of tea.

Make My Wish Come True by Jade Cooper

[image error]Full Review: Make My Wish Come True

I gave this book 3/5. A hot romance with a lot of steamy moments and an Alpha male love interest. Not enough conclusion for my liking. I want to know more about the ‘Christmas magic’, and what happens next. Perhaps another short story?

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne

[image error]Full Review: The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas.

I gave this book 4/5. A re-read that still packs a punch. A thought provoking, tragic read told masterfully through the eyes of a child. If you haven’t read this book, then read it. If you have, read it again.

Pastels and Jingle Bells by Christina. S. Feldman

[image error]Full Review: Pastels and Jingle Bells

I gave this book 5/5. An enjoyable Christmas read with well developed characters and back story. Sub characters played an important role in the life of the main character, and all had clear, distinct voices. A recommended Christmas romance novella.

Tough Love by Skye Warren

[image error]Full Review: Tough Love

I gave this book 4/5. A world of violence, power, and debauchery that draws you in from the start. A hero that is far from a saint, and a cliffhanger that leaves everyone’s fate in the balance.

 

 

Daughter of Llathe by Ben Cassidy

[image error]Full Review: Daughter of Llathe

I gave this book 3.5/5. Impressive world building and character development.Would have benefitted from being longer. A misleading cover that leans toward a younger target audience, but this is not a children’s book.

 

 

Project Dodge by J.Lynne

[image error]Full Review: Project Dodge

I gave this book 3/5. An interesting glimpse from a zombie child’s perspective, but there was a lack of surprise for me. I would have preferred Caitlyn’s perspective throughout, and something shocking to hook me, whether in a unique plot twist or fresh writing style. Still, a well written zombie narrative.

 Content belongs to K.J.Chapman

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Picture Prompt

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Here is another of my Instagram picture prompts for you to get creative with. I invite you to have a go at writing a sentence/paragraph/short story to accompany the picture. Remember to link your post back to me, so I can read your creations.

You can find me on Instagram by following this link.

Picture Prompt:

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As the gates open, the colour green fills every inch of my vision. I hadn’t realised how much I have missed colour. Dirty browns and dusty yellows have been our lives for so long now, even the rusty red of blood seems to blend into the landscape because it has become such an ordinary sight to us. To see a fully developed eco system such as this in comparison to the hell outside, is probably the closest many of us will ever get to a heaven.
The head honcho, Fraser, gives us a minute to take it in. “Welcome to your new home. This is where you get to start again- humanity gets to start again. You will have two days to settle in, and then you will be assigned your new jobs. Everyone plays a part in this new world. I am sure you will find everyone very welcoming.”
There is a scream from behind, and instinctively, the whole group draw their weapons. Fraser waves his hands to calm us, and approaches little CeeCee at the back of the huddle.
“What is it?” she cries, as an animal curiously walks around her. I haven’t seen such an animal in about fifteen years. The sight of such vivid pinks and the majesty of its posture holds me transfixed. “Get it away. Mama, what is it?”
“Away, Gerald,” Fraser says, shooing the animal. He bends closer to CeeCee and her mother. “I bet you’ve never seen an animal, eh?” CeeCee shakes her head, tears spilling from her eyes. “Gerald is a flamingo, Sweetheart. He won’t hurt you.” Then, he turns to address us all. “We have over three hundred species of animal within our perimeters. This is about more than saving ourselves. It is about saving our world.”

Content belongs to K.J. Chapman

Review: Project Dodge by J.Lynne

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Project Dodge by J.Lynne 3/5

[image error]A deadly virus. One little girl. The world isn’t ready for what happens next.

Eight-year-old Caitlyn is a rambunctious girl who finds herself at the end of a dirt driveway, watching her mother speed away. Her antics land her at an old farmhouse in a quiet, rural area with her grandmother.

The old woman sends her to the kitchen to make cookies, and when Caitlyn needs her help, she discovers her grandmother in a dark room, staring at the television. Footage shows people frantically evacuating the cities and fleeing for their lives.

Danger lurks around every corner and this little girl learns, firsthand, what happens when you die.

I downloaded this novella for free from Amazon.

Review:

The zombie apocalypse hits the world whilst Caitlyn and her Gran are alone at the farmhouse. It doesn’t take long for the undead to get inside. Caitlyn dies, but by chance, she finds her way to a research facility where people are attempting to find some sort of cure.

The action starts pretty much straight away, and the premise draws you in. I wanted to be included in how the mind of a zombie works as there are not a lot of undead perspective books out there. Caitlyn acts pretty much how you’d expect, but the slight thought processes described were interesting.

The writing style is simplistic and this does lend itself to the ‘creature’s’ perspective, but not so much to the rest. As Caitlyn regains some sort of emotional footing, you see the split personality between the human and the zombie in her- another interesting dimension. I wonder if this novella would have benefitted from Caitlyn’s first person narrative throughout. The ending is sad *no spoilers*, but I think I was expecting more. I was never fully shocked and surprised, and I don’t necessarily mean in the gore sense. With so many zombie books available, and being a huge fan of the genre, I believe there has to be something more to offer, whether it be unique plot twists or a fresh writing style that stands out from the crowd.

In summary, if you can’t get enough of the zombie genre, this is one to try. Caitlyn’s perspective is interesting, but I wanted a little more surprise.

The opinions expressed here are those of K.J.Chapman and no other parties

All books reviewed on this blog have been read by K.J.Chapman

K.J.Chapman has not been paid for this review

Merry Christmas!

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This is short post to wish those who celebrate a merry Christmas and New Year. The final indie book advent post went live this morning, and now I am taking a break to celebrate the holidays. I have posts scheduled for the 29th, 30th, and 31st, but I may not be replying to comments and messages until the New Year.

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Have a great day tomorrow; eat lots, laugh, love, and make memories. I’ll see you folks in 2017!

Content belongs to K.J. Chapman

GIF sourced from GIPHY.COM