K.J. Simmill's Blog, page 71
October 1, 2016
Book review: Kima by A. H. Amin
Kima is an inspirational fantasy written by A. H. Amin
Kima suffered a great cruelness at the hand of her peers, but little did she know that their act of hatred would be 
her salvation. She survived, they did not. Kima was not like other people, she had an empathy, a means to understand people with a single glance. But her skill did not stop at just reading the thoughts of people, it spanned into the world of nature itself. Perhaps this was the reason the black seagull had approached her when it did. The seagull wove for her a glorious tale, one she passed on to her own children. But her children could not understand of such things, they believed her fable to be the weaving of senility. Then, one fateful night, a young boy by the name of Alex happened upon something he should never have seen, he touched something he should never have touched, and once again it is time for Kima to tell her tale. Perhaps these children will listen, heed her words and lessons. In the meantime, the black seagull still flies, seeking a means to prevent the terror he foresees.
I wanted to love this story, I really did. The premise is magical, like fables of old passed through ancient texts and read at bedtime to the young. Whilst I have no doubt there are those who would adore every aspect of this story, I personally was unable to become invested. The writing switches from human to animal perspective, whilst unique, for me the animal parts were too long and although they were integral to the tale lacked the flow and pace to keep me interested. There is a nice moral/ lesson to the tale, but I won’t spoil it for potential readers by revealing it.
I would have loved to give this book more than three stars, but as objective as I can be I was unable to mark this any higher. It is a tale of great potential, but sadly, for me at least, it falls short.
Normally, I don’t like posting a three star review, however after contacting the author they were insistent I did, he advised, it is not the ratings he is after, rather the hope of spreading his story’s message. Kima will be released in December of this year, I have every faith that with a few tweaks this will prove a tale to remember.
Please note, I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Book link:
Kima – currently unavailable
Filed under: author, book review, reading
September 29, 2016
Book review: MAYAN – Atlantis Returns (The Millennia Series Book 1) by Neil Enock
MAYAN – Atlantis Returns (The Millennia Series Book 1) is an urban fantasy / Science 
fiction novel written by Neil Enock.
Bob Wallace is an archaeologist with ideas that see him shunned, some even think him a mockery to their profession. Yet all of his theories, his outlandish ideas, are stemmed from fact. Never before seen artefacts and depictions opened his eyes to a whole new possibility and he had no fear about voicing them. But now those who ridiculed him are forced to re-evaluate their thinking as Atlantis appears, bringing destruction it its wake. The Atlanteans had no cause to be cautious, their Diachromes had long predicted the eradication of all life. They had not considered anything to have survived the visions they beheld of 2012. Yet here we are, thriving in an age of technology on a world they intended to reclaim.
The premise of MAYAN – Atlantis Returns (The Millennia Series Book 1) is an interesting one, drawing attention to what some would call the failings of man, both socially and politically. It is certainly not difficult to see the benefits of their way of life, and the thoughts and considerations of those dwelling in Atlantis when faced with our world. Neil Enock creates a cast of well-developed, interesting characters to guide the reader through an entertaining story of discovery and reflection. Anyone loving Atlantean mythology, or seeking some insight into the ancient races or civilisations past, will find the delicious morsels woven into the tale enjoyable, and could even inspire further research into these fields. A page-turning insightful tale intended to inspire.
Book link:
MAYAN – Atlantis Returns (The Millennia Series Book 1)
Filed under: book review, reading
September 26, 2016
Book review: Darkspire Reaches by C.N Lesley
Darkspire Reaches is a high fantasy written by by C.N Lesley
Raven can feel the call of the wyvern, even sheltered deep within the woods where she and Margie, an alchemist and botanical healer, live. As a baby Margie rescued Raven from being a sacrifice to the beast, hiding her away. The wyvern seeks her still. Unwilling to surrender that which was his, it will not rest until it has torn her to shreds, or so she was led to believe. Winter is coming, and with a new law passed outlawing magic and sentencing those who practice such crafts to death it seems those who make their living by potion and scrying are set to starve. With no other choice Raven and Margie are forced upon a journey, one where the true nature of all shall be revealed.
I picked up Darkspire Reaches because I was really craving a good high fantasy, and this book did not disappoint. I was hooked from the first page to the last. Invested in Raven’s plight and drawn in to the world of magic and wyverns created by the author. The characters are diverse, entertaining, and most importantly bursting with real personality. This gripping tale with leave you wanting more right until the final page.
Book link
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September 23, 2016
Book review: Light Love Rituals: Bulgarian Myths, Legends, and Folklore by Ronesa Aveela
Light Love Rituals: Bulgarian Myths, Legends, and Folklore by Ronesa Aveela is 
combination of fiction and non-fiction.
As the title suggests, Light Love Rituals, focuses on the Myths Legends and Folklore common to Bulgaria. It is suitable for adult and child alike and rich with stories and information.
Within this book there is something for everyone, this book is a plethora of information, there are facts, stories and even recipes. I particularly liked the did you know sections that appear at intervals throughout the book with brilliant little paragraphs of information. It added a little extra insight, an was a lovely touch. I love all things mythology and this book was right up my street. There were many things within I had not considered, read, or known before. The contents differ from informative to beautifully written stories, to the more informative. At the end of each section is a what have you learned, and I must admit, I can certainly see myself trying some of the recipes. I was very impressed with this book, it is perfectly structured and well-written.
Book link:
Light Love Rituals: Bulgarian Myths, Legends, and Folklore
Filed under: author, book review, reading
Book review: Prince of the Blood – Transformation by P.J. Webb
Prince of the Blood – Transformation is a historical, paranormal, urban fantasy written by 
author P.J. Webb and is the first book in the Prince of the Blood Chronicles.
Sebastian Du Sang, or Sebastian Blood as he is also known, left his home to pursue his passion of music. He never would have imagined his fate would have been sealed on that day. On the train he met a young woman by the name of Leanna, and his life was fated never to be the same again. Leanna sought more from him than he was willing to give, and so she took everything, his love, his life, his soul. Sebastian seeks revenge, vowing to ensure all like her reap their just desserts. He will give them cause to fear, because while Leanna has her secrets, he has some of his own.
Prince of the Blood is certainly a well researched, unique and, captivating read. It reminds me in some ways of Interview with a Vampire. This book has many merits and there has clearly been a lot of thought put into it in order to create an interesting origin story and individual plot. This is certainly not your run of the mill paranormal vampire novel and fans of the genre will not be disappointed. P.J. Webb creates an array of memorable characters, gripping scenes, and wonderful portray of the cities and time being described.
Book links
Prince of the Blood – Transformation
Filed under: author, book review, reading
September 21, 2016
Book review: Fate’s Cry by Jalpa Williby
Fate’s Cry is an urban fantasy by Jalpa Williby
Kelsey has lived a tough life, haunted by loss and regret. She has lost everyone she was ever close to. These fears prey on her mind each time she chooses to open herself up to someone. Then came the night she met Damien, he stirred in her feelings she never dreamed of. But there is danger lurking, Damien is secretive, revealing little of his past, and to make matters worse there’s a serial killer roaming the streets, and it seems their eyes are now trained on her.
Fate’s Cry is a well-written urban fantasy romance with enjoyable characters who grow and develop as the plot progresses. It is the kind of story easy to lose yourself in and hard to put down. It was a refreshing read for a book in the genre, and clearly much thought went into the plot, lore, and characters.
Book link
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Book review: Displaced by Stephen Drake
Displaced is a dystopian, fantasy sci-fi written by Stephen Drake and is the first book in 
the Displaced series.
Murdock’s upbringing was considered anything but normal to the masses, raised by his father and uncle he was taught to hunt, to be a survivor. When he awakes on a distant planet he knows these skills will be tested to their fullest. He, and the others in the transport pod, had been rejected. They served no purpose, had no value, to Earth’s new masters. Stranded on a world where survival skills should be the only real currency there are those who crave power above all else and will stop at nothing to obtain it. One such man is Whittier, and he knows all too well how dangerous a man like Murdock can be to his plans. He would rather cast him out than lose control. On a new and dangerous world, where humans are not the apex predator, loyalty is paramount, and survival is not a given. The people here must get their priorities straight if they plan to survive.
I have to say I really loved this book, a phrase I never utter lightly. The characters are magnificent, the plot is gripping, engaging, and casts a light on humanity at its best and worst. Stephen Drake creates an imaginative world wrought with danger and peril, yet humans seem to be the thing to fear most. The author’s style is immersive, filled with great dialogue and breath-taking descriptions. A truly brilliant book for lovers of fantasy and sci-fi. I personally will be eagerly awaiting more work from this talented author.
This is certainly I book I would recommend.
Amazon link:
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September 17, 2016
Author interview: A J Chaudhury
Symposium Saturday welcomes author A.J. Chaudhury, writer of fantasy and historical fiction
About the author
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I live in Assam, India with my mother and sister. I am a student of botany who likes to write every time he has a free minute. Creating stories has been my passion since I was in kindergarten. I plan to keep writing as long as I live.
What are your hobbies?
Besides writing, I like to watch good films. Someday I hope to direct a film of my own. I also like to play badminton sometimes. I like travelling and want to see the world.
Which writers inspire you?
It’s a long list. The first writers who inspired me were Rudyard Kipling, Conan Doyle. Then came the marvellous J. k. Rowling, followed by authors like Tolkien, David Gemmel, GRRM, Richard Matheson. Currently I am in love with Kurt Vonnegut’s writings.
For your own reading, do you prefer e-books or paper/hard back books?
I prefer paperbacks, but I usually read more ebooks.
What are you reading at present?
Breakfast of Champions, that centres around Vonnegut’s famous character, Kilgore Trout. After that I plan to read The Invisible Entente by Krista Walsh.
What is your favourite book and why?
No other book has blown me away like I Am Legend. The loneliness of the main character was portrayed beautifully. The last lines particularly were phenomenal.
What is your favourite film/ series and why?
I watch a lot of Bollywood films. Queen is by far my favourite film, though I am kind of obsessed with the film Haider.The Roots series was great too. From KuntaKinte all the way down to Tom, the life of the slave was artistically shown.
What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment?
Haha, getting paid from Amazon!
How do you relax?
Writing, reading, listening to music…
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Writing should be more than something you do in your spare time. It should be a religion. You must do it day it and day out, its the only way to achieve success in any art form.
If your friends could use one word to describe you what would it be?
Authorguy
About writing
What made you realise your calling as an author?
Never really had a calling. Apparently I have been creating stories for as long as I can remember. It was during the time I was in the eighth standard though that I got really serious about writing.
Where do your ideas come from, what inspires you?
My ideas come from a wide range of sources. From other books, movies, real life and so on. I find the internal conflicts that go on inside the brain of an individual very interesting and it inspires me to create organic characters.
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
Currently I am doing one thousand words a day. Going by that my new book should be done in three months. It used to take me much longer before, up to nine months plus extra time for typing as I used to write on paper first. Thankfully I have give up that habit now and directly write on my laptop these days.
Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?
Somewhere in between really. I do outline, but I believe that the more I deviate from the plot, the better my stories become. It feels great when you plan one thing and your characters come up with something completely different.
What is the hardest thing about writing?
Doing it day in and day out. No shortcut to success I guess.
What is the easiest thing about writing?
Doing it day in and day out. I don’t feel driven to do anything as much as I am driven to write. There is this itch at the back of my mind when I don’t write.
Do you ever get writer’s Block and if so, how do you deal with it?
Some people say writer’s block does not exist, but I think it does. There are times when you feel like you can’t come up with any good story, like it’s impossible to write another word. But you must get through that phase. The best solution to writer’s block is reading books by other authors and watching movies. It inspires you and wakes up the inner artist in you.
How many books have you written, which is your favourite?
Two full length books, a couple of novellas and some shorts. Plus I am also working on an experimental book that is part historical, part science fiction and part fantasy. I am hoping to get it published traditionally.
Among my own books, I think I did a good job with A Song of Blood. Not to say I hate my other books. But that particular story seemed to write itself.
What are you working on at the moment?
The experimental book, plus editing the third story in my Pragjotisha series. The experimental book is currently titled “A Rift In Time” though it’s likely to change once the book is complete.
About the books
What genre are your books?
Fantasy, historical and science fiction mostly.
What book titles have you released so far ?
The Pragjotisha books. A Song of Blood and A Prophecy of Chaos. I’ll soon be releasing the third story in the series plus rereleasing my first Belarianovel titled The Sword of Tropagia.
Give us an insight into your main character(s). What does he/she do that is so special?
In the Pragjotisha series there is a mad character, who also happens to be the antagonist, whom I find really interesting. His name is Bisor and he was born hairless. He kills without much thought.
In my Belaria series prequel The Drabird there is a guy called Lameey who loves gold. Than there is BenglamSingsit from The FelisCatus. These are my favourite characters in my own fiction. Not to say though that I dislike my other characters. These three are just the really weird ones.
Who is your favourite character and why?
In the fiction of others writers I would say that my favourite character is the psychotic nurse, Annie Wilkes, from Misery. She proves what a master Stephen King is. Then there is also the trio from Harry Potter. I basically grew up with them.
Tell us a little bit about the book(s)/ series.
My Pragjotisha series takes place in ancient Assam. These are dark tales with characters killed without much mercy, but that’s not to say there is no glimmer of hope in the stories because there is.
The Belaria series takes place in an alternate dimension that was created by an African magician thousands of years ago. It’s a fun series that explores the weird and magical world.
Where can we buy it/them?
All my books are available on Amazon.
In what formats is your book available?
Kindle. I also sometimes give free pdfs of my books to my mailing list subscribers.
When is your next book due for release?
The Drabird rereleases sometime this month or the next. After that I plan to release A Song of Hope, the third tale in the Pragjotisha series.
Book titles and synopsis:
A Song of Blood: Vishva isn’t happy when he is woken up in the middle of the night and forced to join the wild goose chase of a spirit, reported to have carried off the chieftain’s son. But it’s more than a spirit and Vishva little knows of the tragedy he is embarking on.
A Prophecy of Chaos: Cheng travels to the village of Bhiji, accompanied by Sor, the strange hairless and eyebrow-less man he met in the forest. Little does he know that Bhiji hides a precious secret, one that must be guarded at all costs. But a riddling prophecy doesn’t help and soon Bhiji falls into utter chaos, following the nightly murder of a woman.
Connect with the author:
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/A.-J.-Chaudhury/e/BO12SQGNM2
Blog: http://ajchaudhury.worpress.com/
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/A-J-Chaudhury-1502737646644146/
Filed under: author, Interview
September 16, 2016
Book review: INSULIN RESISTANCE GUIDE by Aristomenis Dimitrios Tourvas
INSULIN RESISTANCE GUIDE:HOW TO DEAL WITH PREDIABETES BY FOLLOWING A 
HEALTHY LIFESTYLE: NUTRITION AND EXERCISE FOR PREDIABETES by Aristomenis Dimitrios Tourvas is a health and lifestyle non-fiction book
Diabetics is a growing concern, each year more and more people, adult and child alike are diagnosed as sufferers of this condition, and more are at risk of developing it due to their lifestyles. This book presents the facts on prediabetes and how simple changes to lifestyle can help prevent and control the condition developing/worsening.
The information supplied in this book is presented in an easy to understand manner making it a good read for anyone seeking more knowledge not on on this area but those seeking a healthier lifestyle. The nine steps supplied within provide sound advice for anyone, whether they are at risk of diabetes, a sufferer of this condition, or simply seeking a way to improve their existing lifestyle. It is a short read, but certainly worth the time invested.
Book link:
Filed under: author, book review, writing 
Book review: The Reviled by Cynthia A. Morgan
The Reviled (Dark Fey Book 1) by Cynthia A. Morgan is a beautifully written fantasy novel.
Ayla knows all the stories of The Reviled, the Dark Ones. She was raised in the temples due to her own unique capabilities 
and spent years learning all there was to know about these Dark Fey. They are terrifying creatures, the darkness to their light. Hiding in the shadows, stealing childfey and forcing them through the transformation into one of their own kind. Then one fateful day she feels a presence, a figure cloaked in the shadows watching her through the darkness. She believes him to be one of the Reviled, but her fleeting impressions from him intrigue her. She knows to reveal her suspicions would see her returned to the temples and losing the freedom she had waiting so long to obtain. But her stalker is relentless, his presence encroaching more and more until he reveals the truth of his desire. All he needs is the opportunity to step through the shadows into her world and the course of their lives will be forever altered.
The Reviled is a beautifully written tale wrought with magic, intrigue, and danger. Cynthia A. Morgan adopts a wonderfully descriptive tone leaving lasting impressions of all she describes. She creates an imaginative world complete with lore, beautiful scenes, and interesting characters all enhanced by a well-developed plot. As the first book in a trilogy it also serves to set a scene for the next book, which promised to be every bit as gripping as this one.
Book link:
The Reviled (Dark Fey Book 1) The Reviled (Dark Fey Book 1)
Filed under: author, book review, reading
