Kieran Fanning's Blog, page 5
December 6, 2016
October 9, 2016
Competition
I'm giving away some flash drives loaded with THE BLACK LOTUS audio-book. If you'd like to win one get in touch via the CONTACT page. Closing date for entries: Oct 31st 2016
October 5, 2016
September 24, 2016
August 4, 2016
July 30, 2016
Reading Ninja-Style
Real ninja, Daniel Soule, reading The Black Lotus shinobi-style!
July 4, 2016
Review of MALADAPTED by Richard Kurti
MALADAPTED may be set in a distant future but it contains much relevance to the world of today. So much so, that I was a little freaked out to read the opening – a terrorist bombing of a Metro, as the same events unfolded in Brussels on my TV screen. One of the book’s protagonists, Cillian, walks out of the explosion unharmed, only to realise that his whole life has been a lie, because he is not, in fact, human, but a genetically engineered cyborg. As he searches for the truth he comes in contact with the second protagonist of the book – Tess, the terrorist who planted the bomb. The two characters, who should hate each other, are drawn together as Tess is betrayed by the fanatical religion she has been a devout follower of all her life. Together, they try to make sense of a world in which robots do the menial jobs while people get to enjoy all the benefits of ultra-modern science and technology. Some people, that is. Because a mere scratch at the shiny surface of Foundation City reveals an ugly underbelly – ‘Foundations were always built on somebody’s bones.’ And indeed the book asks many important questions about science, technology, and genetics. Just because we can do something, does it mean we should?The writing itself is super-sharp and as finely engineered as the robots that traverse the book’s pages. Chapters are short and always end on cliff-hangers which make for compulsive reading. The pace is incredibly fast and cinematic, which is no surprise given that the author is a BAFTA-nominated screenwriter.A fantastic read which will appeal to even the most reluctant readers. (12+)
June 23, 2016
Kind Words from a Literary Hero
Some kind words from a literary hero of mine, Marita Conlon-McKenna.
June 19, 2016
Review of CARAMEL HEARTS
This is the story of teenager, Olivia (Liv) Bloom who lives with her alcoholic mum and older sister, Hatty. When her mum is taken into rehab, Liv must face the trials and tribulations of teenage life alone. And even if the readers life differs from Liv's, teenagers will immediately relate to the problems in Liv's - friendships, peer pressure, bullying, poverty, sibling rivalry and school. Added to the mix is the fact that Liv knows almost nothing about her absentee father, and naturally is curious.The real strength of this book is in the characters. Each is especially well developed, flawed and believable. Liv herself is kind-hearted but fiery in temperament, stubborn, and appropriately immature. The other characters that populate the book are equally flawed which made me empathise with them - even the bully, Mad Dog. I particularly liked the fragile and fuel-soaked relationship she has with Liv. There is one particular gruelling bully scene, but the other encounters between the two are equally as frightening, and painfully real.
Because Murray's characters are so well-rounded and complex, the relationships between them feel very real to the reader. In fact, everything about this book feels REAL, which is why I loved it. The events and characters are so realistic, one wonders if there's quite a bit of autobiographical detail in here?
I thought the way the novel was structured around a recipe book was inspired and original. Indeed, I loved the title of Liv's recipe book so much I thought it would make a great title for the actual novel - Recipes to Make Happiness Bloom. But I like Caramel Hearts too!
This book is immensely readable, written in a language to reflect Li'v's life - simple, but underscored with emotion and complexity. A most enjoyable read!
June 6, 2016
Take THE BLACK LOTUS quiz
The Black Lotus Quiz
Test your knowledge of The Black Lotus. Only smart ninjas need apply.Which of these is NOT one of the Swords of Sarumara?The Blood Sword
The Moon Sword
The Butterfly SwordWhich of these characters has a scar?Ghost
Cormac
KateOn what part of the body do Kyatapira police officers (Kats) wear a tattoo?Wrists
Neck
FingersRenkondo is......the underground headquarters of the Black Lotus.
...a historical Japanese coming-of-age ceremony.
...a traditional Japanese food.What superhero does Cormac have on his boxer shorts?Superman
Batman
SpidermanWhat superpower does the Jonin have?Bioluminescence
Master of machines
Mind readingHow many horses do Cormac, Kate and Ghost steal from Yosa Castle?2
1
3Which of these creatures does NOT appear in the story?A bat
A dinosaur
A mouseWhat colour is Kate's hair?Blonde
Black
RedThe final part of the book is set in which US city?New York City
San Francisco
ChicagoYour Ninja Rank: Novice
This ninja must try harder.Your Ninja Rank: Average
You have performed well in your test but could have scored higher. As punishment, please adopt the above pose for 2-3 hours.Your Ninja Rank: Expert
Congratulations! You have excelled in your test and are now eligible to join FUYU - a group of elite ninja warriors.
