K.J. Simmill's Blog, page 63
January 29, 2017
Swiftly Sharpens the Fang by Stuart Kenyon
Meet Joe. His dependency on alcohol, which the only thing which seems to push away the [image error]paranoia, sees him barred from his local pub and despite the medication prescribed he is still haunted by a single and horrific dream. Since Brexit things have gone from bad to worse, and while he once prided himself of his acceptance of cultural diversity the line of acceptance is becoming hard to see. Saving an acquaintance from an altercation was the start of a downward spiral. Powell was the beginning of the end, he introduced him to boxing and Joe found a new passion, one which landed him in trouble. His only hope lies with the black sheep of his family, his uncle. But his uncle is a known racist, a member of an extreme group planning to take Britain back, and in order to receive his protection he expects something in return.
Stuart Kenyon’s Swiftly Sharpens the Fang is certainty going to stir an array of emotions in any reader. Open and unbuffered topics of racism, Brexit, terrorism, white supremacy, mental health, dependency, and culture all rolled up into one tale. You will visibly cringe at the coarseness of some of the truths displayed in the undiluted telling of Joe’s troubles. It is actually a breath of fresh air to have characters not centred around political correctness, even authors these days are concerned about offending and often dial down their characters prejudices, but not here; human nature is not always nice, it is not dialled down in reality and these characters are as real as they get. Swiftly Sharpens the Fang is certainly controversial, hard hitting, and likely to cause a stir.
Book link:
Filed under: author, book review, reading, writing
Book review: The Last Mayor’s Son by Leslie E. Heath
The Last Mayor’s Son by Leslie E. Heath is a young adult fantasy/ adventure.
Returning home should be a joyous occasion. But for Aibek the thought alone filled him [image error]with dread. For twenty years he had written home, silence his only answer. He wondered if the town survived, what became of his parents following that fateful night when he was smuggled away in a knapsack. Now, after all that time he finally hears word. He learns of the responsibility those living there wish him to bear, he is the only living child of the mayor, and now, just as he was about to graduate his officer training at West Xona Military Academy, they ask for his return. The town has been freed of its oppressive ruler, but they fear it will soon be reclaimed. They look to him, to his training, for guidance hoping he can help them prepare. But not everyone was pleased to see Tavan overthrown, and not everyone believes one raised outside their village should so easily be given the role of leader.
A tale of friendship and loyalty, honour and deception. Leslie E. Heath’s The Last Mayor’s Son an immersive read as you join Aibek as he return homes and tries to learn the history of his hometown, and prove himself worthy of the faith they have placed in him. The descriptive narrative serves to enhance the fantasy setting as we join those living in the beautiful treetop town of Nivaka. Everything they have, their homes, their clothes, is all thanks to the shadow trees, and they take only what nature offers freely, yet with such powerful trees at their disposal there are those who would see them used for their own evil purposes. Leslie E. Heath creates a functioning world and ecosystem with care and attention to detail worthy of praise. The plight of Aibek, and the tale of his allies, was an enjoyable read, with more than one surprise in store for the reader.
[image error]
Book link:
The Mayor’s Last Son
https://www.amazon.com/Last-Mayors-Son-Leslie-Heath-ebook/dp/B01N0RQ3VZ
Filed under: author, book review, reading, writing
January 26, 2017
Book review: Purple Pup by Karl Steam
Purple Pup is a children’s story written by Karl Steam and illustrated by Joshua Lagman
Lav, was a dog in many respects, but there were some integral difference between him and [image error]the normal household canines. Firstly, his fur was purple, but that aside he was part of a secret genetics project working to create the ultimate pet, amongst other motivations. There are people with a special interest in this project, such as the military, who would have practical applications for enhanced and adapted animals. Lav and those he had spent immeasurable time caged with were all different in one way or another, and each of them was treated differently. Lav was poked and prodded, whilst Kama, his only friend, was taken outside to play. Lav hated the humans, and wanted to be free of their torment. Then one day he managed to escape, he ran and ran, until he found himself at a farm, and made an unlikely friend who not only taught him to trust, but to love and protect those close to him. But then the unthinkable happened, those who had mistreated him found him.
A wonderfully written, heart-warming children’s story about friendship, adventure, and loyalty. This book makes for an appropriate and wonderful read for children and, just as any good children’s story should, it subtly teaches values such as the importance of loyalty, friendship, and trust, as well as addressing both the importance and difficulty of change. The appealing narrative is written in bite-size chapters, and mainly from the animal perspective, inter-spaced with some of the humans’ tale in order to enhance the reader’s understanding of the situation Lav, or Purple Pup, finds himself in. Filled with action and suspense, this imaginative tale is bound to capture the heart of child and parent alike.
[image error]
Book link:
Purple PupPurple Pup
Filed under: author, book review, reading, writing
January 23, 2017
Book review: Apocryphal of Julie by G.W. Miller II
Julie arrived at Teotihuacan, the City of the Gods, a place said to be where men went to [image error]become immortal. Elbow deep in blood, she had held on as long as she could, her life flashing before her eyes, warning her the end was nigh, but she held on, she fought. Her dreams of the future had started at a young age, the dream inseparable from reality except for one thing, the presence of Dantelion. But those of OWL have heard this name before, as one of the fallen angels. They did all within their power to free Julie of this figure’s influence, until she learns deceit is better than torture. She flees her life, embarking on a new quest where she learns the truth of her destiny, if only she can make it in time.
A charming short tale set in post-apocalyptic times. The world has turned to ruin, zombies and horrors walk the world, and the worst is yet to come. But Julie can change the very course of the future. Apocryphal of Julie (Aquarius Ascending) is an imaginatively written, engaging read by G.W. Miller II. For a short tale you are granted great insight into the character of Julie, her troubles, hardships, and the destiny she must face. Personally I would have liked to have seen a little more descriptive writing, and more depth in some areas as this would have really enhanced the tale for me, but all in all, a gripping read.
[image error]
Book link:
Filed under: author, book review, reading, writing
Book review: The Borman Factor by Robert Lalonde
It all started with the murder of investigative reporter Terry Reynolds. The local police [image error]wanted to chalk it down to a mugging, but Stan Novak isn’t convinced. He thinks there is more to this than it was made to appear, but pressure from the mayor sees the investigation ruled a mugging gone wrong. It is election year after all. Nick Borman investigates industrial espionage for a living, but after a conversation with Bill Piermont, an old friend of his and the father of Terry’s wife, he willingly accepts the case. He expected to investigate a simple murder, his gut had warned him it wouldn’t be a fun ride, and boy was it right. Borman uncovers a trail of bribes and underhanded deals, and now must follow the money to uncover the truth behind Terry’s murder.
Robert Lalonde’s The Borman Factor is an action packed, investigative thriller filled with deceit and corruption. The scene is well set, and the alternating narrative between third and first person flows really well. Being well-paced, this book is sure to appeal to lovers of the genre, and written in such an accessible manner that people reading out of their genre will find themselves following along effortlessly. A strong debut novel for the character of Nick Borman.
Book link:
The Borman Factor
Filed under: author, book review, reading, writing
Book review: The Boreman Factor by Robert Lanonde
It all started with the murder of investigative reporter Terry Reynolds. The local police [image error]wanted to chalk it down to a mugging, but Stan Novak isn’t convinced. He thinks there is more to this than it was made to appear, but pressure from the mayor sees the investigation ruled a mugging gone wrong. It is election year after all. Nick Borman investigates industrial espionage for a living, but after a conversation with Bill Piermont, an old friend of his and the father of Terry’s wife, he willingly accepts the case. He expected to investigate a simple murder, his gut had warned him it wouldn’t be a fun ride, and boy was it right. Borman uncovers a trail of bribes and underhanded deals, and now must follow the money to uncover the truth behind Terry’s murder.
Robert Lenonde’s The Boreman Factor is an action packed, investigative thriller filled with deceit and corruption. The scene is well set, and the alternating narrative between third and first person flows really well. Being well-paced, this book is sure to appeal to lovers of the genre, and written in such an accessible manner that people reading out of their genre will find themselves following along effortlessly. A strong debut novel for the character of Nick Borman.
Book link:
The Boreman FactorThe Boreman Factor
Filed under: author, book review, reading, writing
January 21, 2017
Book review: The Nightmare Birds by Amie Irene Winters
Daisy Darling remembers very little about her mother, her perfume, her flannel clothes, [image error]and now, after a book about the theatre of ? Was brought to he she remembers the final words her mother spoke before disappearing from her life. The person offering Daisy the book had asked for but one thing in exchange for the time, that Daisy try to verify the existence of this theatre, of a place Van Gough was said to visit before creating his most prominent work, just months before his suicide. It was said those who saw the theatre perform were never the same, and some never returned at all. Can Daisy find this elusive theatre, and maybe even answer questions as to what became of her mother? And if she does, will she be ready for what she finds?
This book is the second in the Strange Luck series written by Amie Irene Winters. Having read the first one I could absolutely not wait to sink my teeth into the next installment. I was not disappointed. We follow the protagonist Daisy Darling as she begins a quest delivered to her at Strange Luck, and what an adventure she is led on. This book possessed the same charm and flair as its predecessor, with an extra added darkness looming on the horizon. Very well written, and an incredibly entertaining read. Daisy’s character continues to develop and surprise us, and we meet a whole array of deep and interesting characters as the story unfolds. If you want action, suspense, mystery and magic you won’t be disappointed.
Book link
Filed under: author, book review, reading, writing
Book review: Otis, the Jumping Hairy Eyeball: Underwater by Mike Rider
Everybody knows when hairy eyeballs eat jumping beans they can jump REALLY far, and [image error]Otis has had a whole bowl for his breakfast and is ready for his next adventure. He climbs the highest hill, and boing, off he goes. He lands with a splash in the ocean and meets many new friends, but jelly beans don’t grow in the sea, how will Otis get out to continue his jumping adventures?
This book is charming. I read it with my three year old just this afternoon, it introduces an array of sea creatures by name, whose pictures are beautifully and vibrantly illustrated. My son enjoyed pointing out the animals in the pictures as he followed the adventure. Lightly educational, beautifully illustrated, and fun to read. My son really enjoyed following this underwater adventure.
Book link
Otis, the Jumping Hairy Eyeball: Underwater
Filed under: author, book review, writing
Author Interview: Aidan Stone
I have the pleasure of welcoming another talents author to my blog this week, author of The Power of the Stones and the upcoming title Rae Leah’s Salvation which I have had the honour of reading the ARC of. Without further ado, please welcome author Aidan Stone
About the author
Tell us a little bit about yourself. (Author Bio)
I was born in Cincinnati Ohio and moved to Denver at the age of five. My father was [image error]involved in the production phase of the early nuclear missiles. A large moving van would appear about every five months, and move all our things to the next city. Moving so much made me shy, a condition, which later corrected itself and then intensified to make me an extrovert. I began to write short stories to myself as early as I remember and even tried my hand at longer stories. I was lucky enough to make my living as an artist for over twenty years producing sculptures in fiberglass and metal on top of my daily routine as a tattoo artist. As anything else one does for twenty years, it became boring. I retired and quickly became ever more bored, leading me to sit in front of my PC for almost two years creating my debut work, The Sisters of Reah Leah Trilogy. It became a trilogy after I realized that I had in excess of eight hundred pages written on 8 1/2 by 11 inch paper. When I pushed the button to change the book to 6 x 9 format, I had nearly 2000 pages of text. Enter the rewrite, and some chopping and hacking to make it a trilogy. That sounds like it happened so fast, but I am sixty at the time of this interview.
Tell us a little bit about yourself. (Author Bio)
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy hunting, fishing, outdoor activities, and of course, reading and writing.
Which writers inspire you?
I have a passion for the works of Anne McCaffery. I love the Dragon Rider series, the Crystal Singers series, and I believe I’ve read most of her works, If not all. I like Sara Douglass, the Eddings, and one of my favorite writers of recent is CP Bialois, a talented independent author. His ability to create colorful characters is extraordinary.
For your own reading, do you prefer e-books or paper/hard back books?
Sorry to disappoint some, but I prefer e-books these days. I can adjust the font size and store the book in the cloud instead of on a shelf. Sorry to those who take offense, but I have a reason for feeling that way about paper. As my wife and I were readying to move to a new house, I took four, one square yard boxes full of books to my local library. Imagine my disappointment when, three days later I saw my treasured books, which my wife had to pry out of my hands, for sale in the bargain bin inside the library. I had collected entire sets of books from many different authors; and to see them strewn about for ten cents each made me angry. I went so far as to ask the librarian why they had not saved the series and put them on the shelves. She said she wasn’t allowed to do that. I stifled my response so as not to end up in jail. Thus, I prefer e-books.
What are you reading at present?
Hmm, by the time people read this I will have digested several more books, but currently I’m reading Broken Pieces by Martha Perez.
What is your favourite book and why?
A Spell for Chameleon, by Piers Anthony. I picked it up at a garage sale as well as the next three books in the Xnath series. I never laughed so hard while reading a book. I went on to read all twenty-seven of the Xanth novels, as well as a couple dozen other books by Anthony. At one point, I could’ve said I’ve read everything he wrote, but he is still writing from what I understand.
What is your favourite film/ series and why?
Whatever the next great sci-fi series is. I love science fiction; it gives me a great escape from this mundane earthly life.
What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment?
My daughter Amanda.
How do you relax?
Rockhounding. That might sound funny, tromping around the mountains with a backpack full of hammers and a full-size mining pick, but I love the suspense I get from digging for something precious.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Get a barrel of brine, and soak your skin in it. If you have tender feelings that are easily hurt, write for yourself and put it in a notebook. Do not try to publish it! People who cannot stand criticism should never publish. I also think the book should be read by several beta readers and an editor, even after you have edited it yourself. My biggest regret concerning my debut work was the poor grammar and punctuation.
If your friends could use one word to describe you what would it be?
Probably, grumpy. If not, self-absorbed. Perhaps, helpful if you ask for it.
About writing
What made you realise your calling as an author?
After an unfortunate incident, I spent three years trying to become more socially diverse and accept people for who they are. After I faked it until I made it, and my wife had so gently exclaimed that I had too much time on my hands, I decided to write a book detailing the good things that can happen in a socially diverse climate. I also decided to interject some rather raunchy erotica, just to keep it interesting. I will no longer be writing erotica. The genre is full of authors who can do a much better job than I can.
Where do your ideas come from, what inspires you?
Unlike some authors who seem to struggle for new ideas and inspiration, stories strike me without a moments notice. Sometimes I need to stop in the middle of something and pen down a few lines that might be my next novel. In general, I like to write about protagonists who overcome the odds stacked against them. So much so, that I need to be conscious of letting my protagonists become too much the hero. They need to suffer a little bit or they become mundane.
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
That depends entirely on how much research I need to do. I can write science fiction/fantasy without the need to check the spelling of the next town or persons name. I just tilt my head, and pull one out of the hat. I wrote my first piece of fiction that occurs on Earth recently. I hope the NSA doesn’t check my browser history. I spent days searching for information about M-16 rifles, machine guns, Laws rockets, tanks, landmines, and a plethora of other dangerous things. I spent just over a year writing 314 pages.
Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?
Massive outlines. I wrote a 37 page outline for the book I just spoke of. When I want to see where a new idea will take me, I write an outline about the new tangent. I have two banker boxes filled with the original and subsequent outlines for the trilogy.
What is the hardest thing about writing?
Quality. I use a dictation software so I simply speak in the voice of my character. Sometimes I get carried away, and when I look back on it, it is crap. I often write the same scene over and over before it becomes part of even a first draft.
What is the easiest thing about writing?
I’ll need to get back to you on that. I have yet to discover, easy, when writing.
Do you ever get writer’s Block and if so, how do you deal with it?
I rarely get writer’s block because I use such long outlines. In the outline stage, I write down my ideas by hand on the clipboard while watching television. If I lose the thread, I pay more attention to the show.
How many books have you written, which is your favourite?
I’ve written five novels. My newest novel, The Power of the Stones, is my favorite… So far. The book is a rewritten tale derived from the first book of my trilogy. I slashed the erotica out of the book, change it from first person to third, and dropped the length considerably.
What are you working on at the moment?
Book 2 of, Tales from Aelfyce Series, with the working title of, “Rae Leah’s Salvation” is currently in beta. Book 3, with the working title, “The Kitchen Girl” is my current work. They are both the continuations of the series rewritten from the original trilogy.
About the books
What genre are your books?
Science fiction/fantasy. I love the escapism.
What book titles have you released so far?
Reah Leah the White: From Cat to Queen… Red Sister… The Senate Complete… Moon’s Easy Money (all X rated) and… The Power of the Stones (PG-13)
Give us an insight into your main character(s). What does he/she do that is so special?
Reah Leah, a Lourack, was destined to be a sexual provider, but fate intervened. Although she was beaten and imprisoned on a desolate island, she managed to live four years without the company of another person. Wesley is by necessity taken through a wormhole from Earth to Aelfyce. He accepts Reah Leah as his alien lover (without hesitation) and undertakes a mission to make himself the most powerful wielder on Aelfyce. He learns that many of the wielders are to decadent to ever be his friends, and he has no love for the brutal Brissack. Them, he intends to annihilate.
Reah Leah and Rae Leah should not be confused; the latter name is used in the rewritten books. Reah Leah is very naughty, while Rae Leah is cuddly and loving, without the raunch.
Who is your favourite character and why?
So far, in the “Tales from Aelfyce Series,” Thora is my favorite character. She is who she is, she will tell you so, and you shouldn’t doubt it. She is a powerful wielder, from a wealthy family, yet still seeks greater power of the stones. I wrote her a little bossy and a little brash and she turned out better than I had imagined.
Tell us a little bit about the book(s)/ series.
The “Wielders,” have what they call magic. We would call them the power of telepathy, telekinesis, and transmutation. Those with the largest stones, have the greatest power. Whoever can duel with the Lord High Wielder and win, becomes the new Lord High Wielder. With the power of fire, water, air, and earth, the wielders can be productive, and or, extremely dangerous. When Wesley arrived on the planet Aelfyce, the machine that brought him through space installs the largest stones ever worn by a human. The Cipartie, a gentle and curious insectoid species made sure it would happen so that he would kill the Brissack. From there, magic and adventure abound. Wesley will eventually bring the Lourack out of servitude and allow them the power of the stones. Thus begins an adventure that will bring the Lourack and the common man to become part of a democratic society. Along the way, the characters will find love, friendship, and danger.
Where can we buy it/them?
At Amazon and all their retailers.
In what formats is your book available?
Three are available in e-book and paperback. Moon’s Easy Money and The Power of the Stones are currently only available in e-book. The Power of the Stones will be released in paperback soon.
When is your next book due for release?
In 4 to 5 weeks.
Book titles and synopsis:
The Power of the Stones[image error]
(Rated PG-13)
The world and character building first installment of the Tales from Aelfyce Series. Learn why the Lourack and the Human species exist on Aelfyce. Learn of the Cipartie, the dreaded Brissack, and their seemingly unending war. Learn of the stones power and how they are wielded by the humans. Feel the suffering of the lourack at the hands of the wielders. Meet Thora, Ezra, and Malcolm, confederates in a plot to gain further power. In the end, there will be a new Lord High Wielder.
[image error]Moon’s Easy Money
(An X-rated erotic title)
In the distant future of Mars, Moon is on a mission for Air Standard for which she will earn seven hundred million credits. It’s quite simple; she need only seduce four men in one day. Armed with a beauty few women possess she sets about her task. In her own words, she will tell her tale and bring you into her world of intrigue. Moon is not a woman to be trifled with!
Connect with the author:
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00JTFU6Z6
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AidanStoneAuthor
Twitter: @Lourack1
Filed under: writing
January 20, 2017
Pocket Dragons – Lot 4 – Ebay
Sadly I am having to sell my Pocket Dragon Collection.
I have created this post so anyone interested can see full photos of the dragons before bidding.
These photographs are for lot one.
Riding the Unicorn
For Your Birthday
Counting the Days
A Little Security
Dragon Kite
Fantastic Flying Fluff Balls
Reading Together
Loving Care
And You Can Be My Royal Servant
Real Magic
Reach For The Stars
Please note I will only ship to the UK
Asking Price £200, Free postage via My Hermes
Thanks for looking
Filed under: writing
