Angela Lockwood's Blog, page 18
September 6, 2015
Pale Horse (Urban Knights book3) by James Roby
I've been running another free offer for Language in the Blood (sorry about posting a bit late, it only has an hour to go.) I've only used free media for the promotion and sure enough it hasn't been as successful as the previous one. so top marks to the choosybookworm site as for value for money. There is still time to get your hands on Blood Ties which is on a Kindle countdown for 99c until the 9th of September. I'm using Booksend for the promotion (a hefty 60$) but the rewards are already rolling in and I think it will prove a good investment.
So onto the review. Unfortunately another case of decent book shame about the editing. a four star.
Pale Horse (UrbanKnights Book 3) by James Roby
This is a testosterone fuelled boys own adventure. Dialogue laden with manly banter, military jargon and weaponry mentions. Jason Noble makes a good action hero; trying to run his own detective agency, but there when his country needs him. The plot is an interesting one; the CIA infects a dangerous international arms dealer with a man made Ebola virus. The man is then released in the hope he will trail the virus back to his organisation. They lose track of the criminal but then suspect he has resurfaced in Detroit, putting the lives of thousands at risk when the virus becomes contagious in a few more days. The race against time starts and Jason Noble is hired to help the various government agencies in tracking this man down. He agrees despite his team’s reservations, they are non too keen to work with the military, it even leads to his friend and partner Eric, to resign.I downloaded this book as a kindle free deal even though it is the third in the urban knights’ series. There are some mentions to earlier events, but this book works fine as a stand alone. The female characters are a bit of an aside and not very developed, this book is all about the action.My big problem with this book is, that it isn’t finished and could do with a good editor. Dialogue and narrative needs to be sharpened up, some sentences are just not well constructed. The are many D’s and S’s missing (single where it should be plural and present where it should be past tense.) The kindle formatting leaves also a lot to be desired, I didn’t care for the pale grey chapter headings. Some large spaces and random asterisks. Comment if these problems have been sorted and I amend my review but these issues have not affected my rating. Enjoyable action packed read.
So onto the review. Unfortunately another case of decent book shame about the editing. a four star.
Pale Horse (UrbanKnights Book 3) by James RobyThis is a testosterone fuelled boys own adventure. Dialogue laden with manly banter, military jargon and weaponry mentions. Jason Noble makes a good action hero; trying to run his own detective agency, but there when his country needs him. The plot is an interesting one; the CIA infects a dangerous international arms dealer with a man made Ebola virus. The man is then released in the hope he will trail the virus back to his organisation. They lose track of the criminal but then suspect he has resurfaced in Detroit, putting the lives of thousands at risk when the virus becomes contagious in a few more days. The race against time starts and Jason Noble is hired to help the various government agencies in tracking this man down. He agrees despite his team’s reservations, they are non too keen to work with the military, it even leads to his friend and partner Eric, to resign.I downloaded this book as a kindle free deal even though it is the third in the urban knights’ series. There are some mentions to earlier events, but this book works fine as a stand alone. The female characters are a bit of an aside and not very developed, this book is all about the action.My big problem with this book is, that it isn’t finished and could do with a good editor. Dialogue and narrative needs to be sharpened up, some sentences are just not well constructed. The are many D’s and S’s missing (single where it should be plural and present where it should be past tense.) The kindle formatting leaves also a lot to be desired, I didn’t care for the pale grey chapter headings. Some large spaces and random asterisks. Comment if these problems have been sorted and I amend my review but these issues have not affected my rating. Enjoyable action packed read.
August 26, 2015
Going Under: A Bill Roberts Thriller by Silas Payton
I do like a good thriller and this one was a very enjoyable read. 5*
Going Under: A Bill Roberts Thriller by Silas Payton on Amazon.com
There are many crime thrillers out there and some are of a very high standard, so does this book hold its own and does it bring something new to the genre? I say a resounding yes to both. The story moves at a fast pace and has a good plot, that I found believable and held my attention. It is well written and contains a good mixture of action, dialogue and humour.So what’s different? It is set in Toronto, Canada and makes a nice change from the mean streets of LA or New York. Then there is Bill Roberts himself, he’s not the hard drinking world weary type we read too much of. Bill is a dedicated detective who lost his wife two years earlier. He regrets not spending more time with her before she died, but his work has always been his life. He has a good relationship with his colleagues, Bill Roberts wit and the banter between them provides much of the comedy. I liked that Bill is not perfect. In one instance he falls of a treadmill as he needs to get back into shape. There is also a French speaking biker gang involved, and here is maybe an opportunity missed; the dual language must make things complicated for the police in Canada as I know not everyone is bilingual. This might be a snippet for the follow up, which I certainly look forwards too. I recommend this breath of fresh Canadian air.
Going Under: A Bill Roberts Thriller by Silas Payton on Amazon.comThere are many crime thrillers out there and some are of a very high standard, so does this book hold its own and does it bring something new to the genre? I say a resounding yes to both. The story moves at a fast pace and has a good plot, that I found believable and held my attention. It is well written and contains a good mixture of action, dialogue and humour.So what’s different? It is set in Toronto, Canada and makes a nice change from the mean streets of LA or New York. Then there is Bill Roberts himself, he’s not the hard drinking world weary type we read too much of. Bill is a dedicated detective who lost his wife two years earlier. He regrets not spending more time with her before she died, but his work has always been his life. He has a good relationship with his colleagues, Bill Roberts wit and the banter between them provides much of the comedy. I liked that Bill is not perfect. In one instance he falls of a treadmill as he needs to get back into shape. There is also a French speaking biker gang involved, and here is maybe an opportunity missed; the dual language must make things complicated for the police in Canada as I know not everyone is bilingual. This might be a snippet for the follow up, which I certainly look forwards too. I recommend this breath of fresh Canadian air.
August 25, 2015
Fact or Fiction by History Mystery Books
I've downloaded this book as a freebie during a kindle give-away and that's why it was lucky to get a 3 star review. It was badly written, research was just plucked out of the air without quoting many sources and full of errors. The writer is hiding behind History Mystery books and I haven't found a way to contact him directly, so unusually my editing issues were mentioned in the review.
fact or Fiction by History Mystery Books on Amazon.com
This was a book I was very much looking forwards to reading. I have an interest in vampire myths, especially before fiction got its hands on it. The author has certainly put a lot of effort in researching his topic, going back as far as Egyptian and biblical times to get to the root of the vampire myth. My problem is how it was presented. The writer often mistakes cannibalism as a start of the vampire myth. I also thought some of the views were contradictory, such as the mention that vampires were not really mentioned before the Middle Ages, but then taking it back to the Egyptian myth of Osiris (which according to Wikipedia has nothing to do with vampirism.) I would have liked the author to have mentioned where he found his sources, as he claims to establish whether vampires are fact or fiction. You can do two things with a book like this, be meticulous with your research and really get to the root of the vampire myth,(quoting sources etc.) or just have fun with all that is being said and written about vampires. I think this book succeeds at neither. I also think that the book will benefit from a good edit. The sentences are long and rambling and there are still a lot of mistakes, but this can be amended and has not influenced my rating.
fact or Fiction by History Mystery Books on Amazon.comThis was a book I was very much looking forwards to reading. I have an interest in vampire myths, especially before fiction got its hands on it. The author has certainly put a lot of effort in researching his topic, going back as far as Egyptian and biblical times to get to the root of the vampire myth. My problem is how it was presented. The writer often mistakes cannibalism as a start of the vampire myth. I also thought some of the views were contradictory, such as the mention that vampires were not really mentioned before the Middle Ages, but then taking it back to the Egyptian myth of Osiris (which according to Wikipedia has nothing to do with vampirism.) I would have liked the author to have mentioned where he found his sources, as he claims to establish whether vampires are fact or fiction. You can do two things with a book like this, be meticulous with your research and really get to the root of the vampire myth,(quoting sources etc.) or just have fun with all that is being said and written about vampires. I think this book succeeds at neither. I also think that the book will benefit from a good edit. The sentences are long and rambling and there are still a lot of mistakes, but this can be amended and has not influenced my rating.
August 20, 2015
Applause
This week i want to give a standing ovation to two fellow writers but for very different reasons. Firstly Patrick Hodges for tackling a difficult subject like bullying, but creating a lovely book in the process. I'm sure this book, in the right hands can bring about some much needed change and it is a five star read.
The second round of applause goes to Peg Glover, for writing a handy guide that will hopefully introduce more readers into the wonderful world of independently published books. I gave this 4 stars.
Joshua's Island by Patrick Hodges
Joshua is a small thirteen year old boy. Picked on by what he calls ‘the bully squad’ and shunned by the rest of his class mates. Too embarrassed to talk to his parents and ignored by an unsympathetic principal, he just hopes to survive the last year, before moving to high school. Then he gets partnered with Eve, one of the popular girls, for his science class. This class year looks to be the same hell as the one before. But then, gradually, both kids realise they are wrong about each other. What a sweet story this was. Well written and a joy to read despite its painful subject. Told alternating from Joshua’s, and then Eve’s perspective, we experience their developing friendship. The theme of this book is bullying, but it is about so much more. Hope, courage, friendship and young love, feature also very prominently. School was a long time ago for this reviewer but the book brought back a few painful memories; kids can be very cruel to each other. I think this book has an excellent message for youngsters and also for their parents, even if the first adult does nothing and won’t listen, try again. Eventually you will find a sympathetic ear. Don’t suffer in silence, talk to someone.
Discover New Authors & Great Reads by Peg Glover
Independent writers come in all shapes and sizes and a bewildering number of genres. Peg Glover has created a great introduction to some of them. A number of reviews ordered by genre will give you an easy way into discovering some great new writers. The reviews are well written and give you a good idea what the book is about. The links to the websites are helpful and I certainly will check out some of the recommended writers. I was disappointed though in a few things. Firstly, I’m sure Giacomo Giammatteo is a great writer, but I don’t think we needed no less than 6 reviews of his books in the one genre. I’d rather Peg had selected a few more writers in the mystery and thriller section. She could have done one review with the comment that Giacomo’s whole oeuvre is worth a look. Secondly; the last list of recommendations. Writers like Dan Brown and John Grisham are great reads, but I hardly think they need to be in a book that aims to let you discover new writers. A useful guide to discovery.
The second round of applause goes to Peg Glover, for writing a handy guide that will hopefully introduce more readers into the wonderful world of independently published books. I gave this 4 stars.
Joshua's Island by Patrick HodgesJoshua is a small thirteen year old boy. Picked on by what he calls ‘the bully squad’ and shunned by the rest of his class mates. Too embarrassed to talk to his parents and ignored by an unsympathetic principal, he just hopes to survive the last year, before moving to high school. Then he gets partnered with Eve, one of the popular girls, for his science class. This class year looks to be the same hell as the one before. But then, gradually, both kids realise they are wrong about each other. What a sweet story this was. Well written and a joy to read despite its painful subject. Told alternating from Joshua’s, and then Eve’s perspective, we experience their developing friendship. The theme of this book is bullying, but it is about so much more. Hope, courage, friendship and young love, feature also very prominently. School was a long time ago for this reviewer but the book brought back a few painful memories; kids can be very cruel to each other. I think this book has an excellent message for youngsters and also for their parents, even if the first adult does nothing and won’t listen, try again. Eventually you will find a sympathetic ear. Don’t suffer in silence, talk to someone.
Discover New Authors & Great Reads by Peg GloverIndependent writers come in all shapes and sizes and a bewildering number of genres. Peg Glover has created a great introduction to some of them. A number of reviews ordered by genre will give you an easy way into discovering some great new writers. The reviews are well written and give you a good idea what the book is about. The links to the websites are helpful and I certainly will check out some of the recommended writers. I was disappointed though in a few things. Firstly, I’m sure Giacomo Giammatteo is a great writer, but I don’t think we needed no less than 6 reviews of his books in the one genre. I’d rather Peg had selected a few more writers in the mystery and thriller section. She could have done one review with the comment that Giacomo’s whole oeuvre is worth a look. Secondly; the last list of recommendations. Writers like Dan Brown and John Grisham are great reads, but I hardly think they need to be in a book that aims to let you discover new writers. A useful guide to discovery.
August 17, 2015
Wacky Stories With Twist Endings Volume 1 by John M W Smith
I'm normaly not this quick of the mark with book reviews, but this was a very quick read. Very enjoyable and a four star from me.
Wacky Stories With Twist Endings Volume 1 by M W Smith on Amazon.com
This was a very enjoyable book of short stories. I’m glad the title Wacky Stories was a bit of a misnomer as often things that are described as wacky/zany/madcap are often very unfunny. This was a collection of situations with a surprise ending, or it’s not quite what you think it is about like; Act of Love. If I would have to pick a common theme I would say the complexities of relationships. It’s a great subject for twists in the tale stories, as relationships are a minefield of miscommunications and misunderstandings. My only complaint is that with eight stories, the book is very short. I certainly would like to read more of this author as he has a good easy-to-read style. Great for a commute or a weekend away.
Wacky Stories With Twist Endings Volume 1 by M W Smith on Amazon.comThis was a very enjoyable book of short stories. I’m glad the title Wacky Stories was a bit of a misnomer as often things that are described as wacky/zany/madcap are often very unfunny. This was a collection of situations with a surprise ending, or it’s not quite what you think it is about like; Act of Love. If I would have to pick a common theme I would say the complexities of relationships. It’s a great subject for twists in the tale stories, as relationships are a minefield of miscommunications and misunderstandings. My only complaint is that with eight stories, the book is very short. I certainly would like to read more of this author as he has a good easy-to-read style. Great for a commute or a weekend away.
August 16, 2015
The Silence of the Stones by Rebecca Bryn
I would have liked to have posted this review a few days earlier, but with work etc. I didn't get the book finished until this morning. The book was free over the weekend so it would have been nice to blog about that too. Anyhoo, go and buy it, it's worth the money. I give it 5 stars.
The Silence of the Stones by Rebecca Bryn on Amazon.com
This book has all the ingredients for a good read; a plucky heroine that is far from perfect. A mystery that has you guessing to the very end and a nail biting ending. Alana is a struggling artist that inherits a cottage on the Welsh Moors. Despite her families warning she decides to keep the cottage and risks everything by not selling it but creating a monumental art work. The easy way would have been to sell the cottage and carry on as before, but Alana is inspired by the place and makes a bold move. Knowing many struggling artist I found her character ballsy and entirely believable. Alana soon uncovers the unhappy past of this village and finds that things are still not right. Mysterious Runes appear on doors followed by a death. They seem like natural deaths, but is someone out for revenge? The story is complex but Rebecca has written it in an easy to read style. I couldn’t put this book down as there were just so many mysteries to uncover.Set against the very atmospheric backdrop of the Welsh moors and its ancient monuments, this is a book well worth reading. I hope to discover more of this talented writer.
The Silence of the Stones by Rebecca Bryn on Amazon.comThis book has all the ingredients for a good read; a plucky heroine that is far from perfect. A mystery that has you guessing to the very end and a nail biting ending. Alana is a struggling artist that inherits a cottage on the Welsh Moors. Despite her families warning she decides to keep the cottage and risks everything by not selling it but creating a monumental art work. The easy way would have been to sell the cottage and carry on as before, but Alana is inspired by the place and makes a bold move. Knowing many struggling artist I found her character ballsy and entirely believable. Alana soon uncovers the unhappy past of this village and finds that things are still not right. Mysterious Runes appear on doors followed by a death. They seem like natural deaths, but is someone out for revenge? The story is complex but Rebecca has written it in an easy to read style. I couldn’t put this book down as there were just so many mysteries to uncover.Set against the very atmospheric backdrop of the Welsh moors and its ancient monuments, this is a book well worth reading. I hope to discover more of this talented writer.
August 10, 2015
A Circle Around Forever by Robert K. Swisher Jr.
I've reviewed two books from this Author recently. Both were from the Bob Roosevelt series, which I liked very much. When I was asked to review Roberts latest work I agreed settling in for a fun read. Maybe I should have read the blurb first just to prepare myself as this book is very, very different to what I've read from this author before. It took me a few chapters to settle in and let the story pull me in. It did at times, but I found this a hard read. I'm just not a spiritual person and this just wasn't the book for me. However as a reviewer I stick to the questions;
Is it well written?
Are the characters believable?
Would other people appreciate it?
The answer to the first two was yes, with some to the third. Resulting in a four star.
A Circle Around Forever by Robert K.Swisher Jr
Barbara has been haunted by the ghost of her late grandmother Bertha since her funeral. Bertha was given away by her father and as her birth caused her mother’s death. Her brothers’ cruelty sowed the first seeds of hatred in young Bertha and were nurtured by a mysterious voice, causing her to committing unspeakable acts. This bitter vicious ghost is not at rest and tells Barbara that her son Shannon, will give what she searches; a nothingness. A battle for the boy’s soul looms; orchestrated by forces older than time. I’m familiar with this writer because of the Bob Roosevelt series, which I liked very much. I was asked to review this; his latest work and was rather surprised that this is by the same writer. I’m not sure the same reader that enjoyed a ‘bucket full of Lies’ will enjoy this book.This is a rather serious book, written from a deeply spiritual place. Many chapters do begin with a biblical quotation. It explores human emotions like hate, love, jealousy and envy. I have to admit that I found it at times bleak and hard going. However it is well written epic piece of work and at times quite poetic. If you do like literature to make you think and question the more spiritual things in live, this will be the book for you. A work to read slowly and reflect on.
Is it well written?
Are the characters believable?
Would other people appreciate it?
The answer to the first two was yes, with some to the third. Resulting in a four star.
A Circle Around Forever by Robert K.Swisher JrBarbara has been haunted by the ghost of her late grandmother Bertha since her funeral. Bertha was given away by her father and as her birth caused her mother’s death. Her brothers’ cruelty sowed the first seeds of hatred in young Bertha and were nurtured by a mysterious voice, causing her to committing unspeakable acts. This bitter vicious ghost is not at rest and tells Barbara that her son Shannon, will give what she searches; a nothingness. A battle for the boy’s soul looms; orchestrated by forces older than time. I’m familiar with this writer because of the Bob Roosevelt series, which I liked very much. I was asked to review this; his latest work and was rather surprised that this is by the same writer. I’m not sure the same reader that enjoyed a ‘bucket full of Lies’ will enjoy this book.This is a rather serious book, written from a deeply spiritual place. Many chapters do begin with a biblical quotation. It explores human emotions like hate, love, jealousy and envy. I have to admit that I found it at times bleak and hard going. However it is well written epic piece of work and at times quite poetic. If you do like literature to make you think and question the more spiritual things in live, this will be the book for you. A work to read slowly and reflect on.
August 8, 2015
Awesome Authors
This week I'm just going to redirect you to Rhoda D'Ettore's exellent blog. She has compiled a list of Indie writers worth reading and some of her reviews for them on Goodreads. A few of the authors have been reviewed by myself too. I'm very honoured to be included in this list:
http://www.rhodadettore.com/awesome-authors.html
http://www.rhodadettore.com/awesome-authors.html
August 2, 2015
Free on Amazon
I'm running another book promotion on the 1st and 2nd of August. After day one, I'm a very happy bunny indeed. #8 in the general humor section on Amazon.com and the copies downloaded are almost double from the last give away:
So what is making the difference?
I would like to say the new book cover. I also joined a few more Facebook groups and have now a following on twitter of 784. I'm also part of an author retweet group on Facebook. The only advert I placed this time was on the choosy book worm site.
Free book ad link
and they have featured my book on the first line, which must help. So a lot of hard work and 15$ got me up to #8. Not bad I think, but time will tell if people buy book 2 and leave reviews. One depressing statistic someone mentioned the other day is that only one in a thousand books given away generates a review.
Here is the link again to Amazon and the graphic I use for tweets:
Free copy of Language in the Blood
So what is making the difference?I would like to say the new book cover. I also joined a few more Facebook groups and have now a following on twitter of 784. I'm also part of an author retweet group on Facebook. The only advert I placed this time was on the choosy book worm site.
Free book ad link
and they have featured my book on the first line, which must help. So a lot of hard work and 15$ got me up to #8. Not bad I think, but time will tell if people buy book 2 and leave reviews. One depressing statistic someone mentioned the other day is that only one in a thousand books given away generates a review.
Here is the link again to Amazon and the graphic I use for tweets:
Free copy of Language in the Blood
July 31, 2015
Injury by Val Tobin
As I mentioned previously, Romance is not my favorite genre, but this book turned out to be more than that. It luckily was mostly devoid of the will they wont they, longing looks and yearning hearts. There was also a more gritty story line to keep me entertained. That I read this book in a few days says a lot, so I'm happy to give this a five star. I also like to mention that the cover of this book was designed by Paradox book covers, that recently revamped my Language in the blood covers:)
Injury by Val Tobin on Amazon
Daniella Grayson seems to have it all, a successful career in films, money and good looks. Her reason to seek the limelight been the abandonment by her father when she was five; somewhere out there he might be watching her and proud. I thought this was a very touching and realistic motivation for the character to be into acting. Then they find Daniella’s father’s body and her abusive mother is arrested for his murder. What I liked most about this book is the character of Daniella, she had to cope with a lot in her young life and being from an abusive home, she fell into an abusive relationship, which led her to drugs and alcohol addiction. She managed to walk away from that and turn her life around. She’s not a victim and able to steer her life onto the right path, despite her past conspiring against her. I would say this is a romance, but there is also a tense thriller story line within it. It’s well written and easy to read, it kept my attention from start to finish. The love scenes between her and Cope are quite hot and steamy, but not too explicit. I would recommend this if you like romance with a grittier edge. Very enjoyable read.
Injury by Val Tobin on AmazonDaniella Grayson seems to have it all, a successful career in films, money and good looks. Her reason to seek the limelight been the abandonment by her father when she was five; somewhere out there he might be watching her and proud. I thought this was a very touching and realistic motivation for the character to be into acting. Then they find Daniella’s father’s body and her abusive mother is arrested for his murder. What I liked most about this book is the character of Daniella, she had to cope with a lot in her young life and being from an abusive home, she fell into an abusive relationship, which led her to drugs and alcohol addiction. She managed to walk away from that and turn her life around. She’s not a victim and able to steer her life onto the right path, despite her past conspiring against her. I would say this is a romance, but there is also a tense thriller story line within it. It’s well written and easy to read, it kept my attention from start to finish. The love scenes between her and Cope are quite hot and steamy, but not too explicit. I would recommend this if you like romance with a grittier edge. Very enjoyable read.
