K.J. Simmill's Blog, page 58
August 21, 2017
Remedy, insight and information.
September 1st is quickly approaching and that can only mean one thing, the next book in The Forgotten Legacies series will soon be out.
Instead of bombarding you with several posts containing cover work and promotional images, I thought I would condense it all into one. Although I do have some more amazing pictures on the way, and a fantastic trailer, I’m not yet ready to release them yet, but I assure you, you will not be disappointed.
Like all the books preceding it, Remedy will read as a stand alone story, and will also be donating 10% of the author royalties to The DMWS. You’ll see their donate button on the side of my page, feel free to stop by and show the real heroes your support.
Cover reveal:
This year I have gone for something a little different, a separate cover for eBook and paperback. I am absolutely thrilled with how they have turned out, so I hope you like them too.
Synopsis:
Before there were legends there was war.
Before fables came twisted truth and distorted tales.
Things deemed too dangerous were sealed, and bound for all eternity.
Or so it was believed.
Whispers from an ancient realm threaten the peace, drawing a lone adventurer into The Depths of Acheron.
He seeks something from within this sealed domain, and those banished want something in return.
Something belonging to them.
There was a prophecy forged of rebirth and death.
But knowing what is to come can change what will be.
And there is one who seeks to do just that.
He intends to use every tool at his disposal, every distraction and manipulation, to ensure the future will be his.
The time has come for the forgotten to be unveiled, and for the sealed to be unbound. Only then will the world know true fear.
The first taster of promotional images:
Have I got your attention?
If you like the look of Remedy, it is now avialable for pre-order
Like my other titles, it will also be free on Kindle Unlimited.
As a KU subscriber myself, I often lean towards reading KU titles, so I hope if you’re a subscriber this will tempt you too.
What’s next?
For my die hard fans out there, be warned, the final book in the series is not expected to be released until September 2019, but as the finale, you can bet everything that has occurred throughout the series comes in one glorious climax. Fear not, it is already written, but needs to undergo extensive revisions. After that, you can look forward to the series prequel, The Grimoire, which will be released as a stand alone, single book.
Last but not least:
I want to take this opportunity to thank you, the reader, and my supporters for being with me on this amazing journey. Writing has always been my dream, and thanks to your support it has been a successful one. I am honoured and humbled that you have chosen to read my work, and you will always have my heart-felt thanks.
Wishing you all an amazing day!
KS the Dreamer x
Filed under: author, book review, charity, reading, writing
Book review: The Awakening by Michael Timmins
Kathleen had been drawn to Stonehenge, certain she would make the discovery of a [image error]lifetime. She had no idea how right she was. Millennia before an ancient war had ended in this very spot. But she shouldn’t have found it, the time had not been right, but her intrusion had started events, and now in motion they will not be stilled. Powers were reborn that had been forgotten. The final act in the war had been one of deception, an escape from death itself. But just as evil did not go unchallenged before nor will it now. The ancient war will begin anew. Those awakening to their powers must learn to control them if they are to take their rightful place.
The awakening is an enjoyable read, and not your typical werewolf book. It is filled with ancient and forgotten a power in a modern world. You’ll find yourself pulled along for the ride with intriguing characters and enjoyable writing.
Book link:
The Awakening
Filed under: author, book review, reading, writing
August 19, 2017
Book Review: Everything To Lose by Gordon Bickerstaff
Gavin Shawlins is one of the leading researchers in his field, his services have been [image error]sought to work for the Lambeth group. Still in mourning for his recent loss his focus is not where it should be. But he is the only one who could infiltrate Waterlooville University Campus undetected. Something there has backfired. They’ve published findings that don’t make sense. He is assigned to Zoe, a well seasoned team leader, the threat of his life is still imminent, and it’s her team’s task to not only watch over the mission, but keep vigil on him. The more they investigate, the more precarious the situation looks, missing students, guarded secrets, and whispers of a ground breaking discovery.
Gordon Bickerstaff is a consistently excellent author. He writes believable and well-researched stories that possess accessible science and understanding for people with no knowledge of the areas being discussed. He achieves this in a manner where it never once seems dry or lecturing, a task often difficult to accomplish, and I stand in awe of his skill. The plot is gripping, from the first page to the last it is driven by characters, discovery, and mystery making it one book that is impossible to put down. If not for the fact I needed to sleep I would have read this amazingly crafted story in one sitting. I read and review a lot of books, but the number I recommend is limited, Everything to Lose has my unquestioning recommendation.
Book link:
Filed under: writing 
August 15, 2017
Book review: The Rain by L.A. Frederick
It never rains in New Hampton, it pours. And with the rain comes danger.Someone has [image error]been playing god, meddling with things best left untouched, and the results were astounding. As the city weathers the storm complications come to light, strange happenings occur with seemingly normal people. Crime is affluent and those willing to stand up for what is right are few and far between. Until now.
The Rain is written in the present tense, whilst not one of my preferred perspectives it doesn’t detract from the story. Each chapter focuses on specific characters and the changes occurring in their life. The author writes this genre well and pulls the reader into the tale which has no shortage of interesting characters and strange happenings. The Rain touches on several categories from including mystery, paranormal, and horror. It makes for an interesting read.
Book link
The Rain
Filed under: author, book review, reading, writing
Book review:20,000 steps by Charity Grant
20,000 steps by Charity Grant is a great little book for those of us looking at ways to lose [image error]weight and be more active. There are numerous ways here to increase the steps you take in a day with simple and almost effortless things. Many moons back I actually used to use the TV method to watch all my favourite shows from a stepper after work.
Well presented with a foot in both supportive research and commonsense it makes for an easy read, and shows how just a few minor changes can make a huge difference. I found the author’s style enjoyable, so often these types of guides are all business and can make for a dry read, but more than once I was impressed by the author’s friendly style and sense of humour. If you only put a few of these suggestions into action you’re already taking ‘steps’ into a better life.
Book link:
20,000 Steps
Filed under: author, book review, reading, writing
August 11, 2017
Book review: The Phantom of Faerie Mountain by E M McIntyre
Abby has had to leave her home in Nebraska and return to her homeland of Scotland. [image error]She misses her friends, and the weather was far from that she was accustomed to. Little did she know she wouldn’t have too much time to fixate on such things. A strange creature linked with her, he needed the Red King to free him, but who this mythical figure is, and what became of them is unknown to her. Abby couldn’t shake this strange encounter from her mind and sought to discover more, but all knowledge has a cost. She shares her mother’s spirit for adventure, and journeys to the place she was last seen. But fate has been waiting for her, and Abby finds herself far from home, in a time so different to her own. Her only hope of returning is to do as she was asked and seek out the Red King, but to survive in a land and time so unfamiliar she will need an ally.
This book had me hooked from the start. I read it in a single sitting and enjoyed every moment of Abby’s story. There is lore and myth, magic, and friendship, all in a perfect combination. The book held my interest from beginning to end, and the characters, even those playing small roles, are well written and possess depth.
Book link:
Filed under: author, book review, reading, writing
August 9, 2017
Book review: Janalya by Marie Godley
Janalya was a wonderful child, born to a line which once belonged to elementals. Her [image error]parents had their suspicions, she would find happiness standing outside in the roaring winds, hearing its silent whisper calling to her. Then came the day she was identified as being a child of the moon. She left her home to train, but as the years passed it became apparent she had been the last to be discovered. She is sent out, alone, in search of more elementals, but instead she finds Katsuo, and her destiny.
Janalya is a good teen/ young adult read. It is an easy, laid-back read with a story that flows nicely. The author’s style is well suited to the age group. It’s a journey of self-discovery and friendship and coming to understand the powers she, and others, were born with.
Book link:
Filed under: author, book review, reading, writing
August 4, 2017
Book review: Blackwing by Stephen Drake
Socrates Blackwing was a war hero, he had felled dragons, and helped to bring a time of [image error]peace for his people. But they were vain, and his injuries served only as a reminder of the ugly truth. He continued his tasks, ever vigilant, hunting down criminals and upholding the honour of the seven planes. But then he was given his most challenging mission yet, a realm consisting of a human planet known as Earth had been infiltrated by some of his own kind, seeking to exploit those there. He has been charged with the retrieval of those breaching the most sacred laws of his kind. But nothing could have prepared him for what he would discover.
I have read every book this author has written, so needless to say I am a fan of his work. This book tackles a new genre and style to his Displaced series, and it is done so with skill. I really enjoyed reading the tales and exploits of Blackwing, his challenges and hardships. The world building is fantastic, as is the interpretation of things as perceived through the eyes of a stranger. The characters show great development and depth, and I found myself quickly pulled into an adventure which is anything but predictable. Treachery, betrayal, manipulation, magic, mythology, and loyally this book has it all.
Book link:
Filed under: author, book review, reading, writing
August 2, 2017
Book review: The Devil’s Lieutenant by Shervin Jamali
Michael met his wife, started a family, he never wanted for anything, he was happy, they [image error]were happy. Or so he had thought. But the scene he returns home to paints a different picture, and he is left to question why, agonising that the souls of his wife and child are burning in hell. Lost to his despair he seeks refuge in the bottle. But then a figure appears, he claims to be the devil and has a proposition for Michael, one in which he can save his family from eternal torment.
Written in the first person the reader is encouraged to view things through the eyes of this long suffering man as he attempts to save his family from the clutches of hell. It is a good, and short read, certainly worth a look if you enjoy tortured souls, murder and manipulation.
Book link:
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August 1, 2017
Book review: Agents of Shadow by Richard Crofton
Jamie had been raised virtuous, she planned to do great things, to make a difference. She [image error]excelled in every aspect of her chosen career path. She had great plans, and a fantastic mentor. One who offered her the opportunity of her dreams. She thought her dream would come true, but her prayers were not answered. Quite the opposite in fact. Jamie was only the beginning, the Dark Year is once again upon the Agents of Shadow, and they seek now to complete a rite which few of their expansive circles have ever accomplished, worse still, it seems there is no one to stand in their way, to stop them seizing this ultimate power.
Richard Crofton’s Agents of Shadow is the first book in The Keepers of White trilogy. It is not for the faint of heart, focusing around the dark and cruel ambitions of the Agents of Shadows. We see just how far power corrupts, and the lengths people will go to taste it. An immersive read that makes the reader question who can be trusted, and who, if indeed anyone, will step forth to quell the evil before it claims its next victim. Gripping and dark, with a hook that ensures you’ll grab the next book. I look forward to reading more of this series, and soon.
Book link:
Filed under: writing
