K.J. Simmill's Blog, page 74
July 9, 2016
Book Review: Dusk and Summer by Joseph Pinto
Dusk and Summer by Joseph Pinto is a beautiful heart warming story. Written in the first 
person narrative and combining tragedy with seeds of urban fantasy. It follows the heartbreaking tale of a son sent on a final request from his father, as he lies dying. “Find me from Tolten.” This last adventure is one of discovery, a son recalling and remembering the greatness of his father during his journey, gaining new insight into the man he loved and respected and one needed as much by the son as the father. But there was more to his father than he realised, and mysteries which may never be explained.
Joseph Pinto knows how to write pain. He is an expert at bringing to life vivid and heart-wrenching emotions in a way a reader cannot help but feel the grief of the main character. His pain is yours to share. Dusk and Summer beautifully portrays a father son relationship, from hero worship to deep respect. The finally crafted imagery is pure poetry casting a spell of beauty over a tragic, yet magical tale. This book is about loss and captures it in a pure and real form. It is a truly amazing read.
This is one book I highly recommend, touching, engrossing and magical. As an added incentive Joseph Pinto will be donating a portion of the proceeds from this book to the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research. I myself have already gifted a copy to someone I know will enjoy it.
Book links
UK: Dusk and Summer
US: Dusk and Summer
Filed under: author, book review, reading
June 29, 2016
Book review: Carmina Revealed By Adri Sinclair
Carmina Revealed is sequel to Hidden Carmina By Adri Sinclair and after reading the 
first one I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. It is always hard to write a review for a sequel without spoiling some of the major events that occur in the first. That said the rich with lore, characters, and plot makes it a fantastic stand alone read.
Carmina was human, yet she was more. Things are filled with uncertainty as her mother’s clan struggles to cope with the aftermath of the first book’s events. The losses are mourned heavily, whilst everyone tries to secure and reclaim their lands to make it once more safe. But a war is coming and Carmina is prophesied to be the one to end it. Something is stirring, hidden in the shadows seeking to finish a task started long ago. its focus realigned.
Adri Sinclair creates yet another gripping and character driven novel that keeps the reader hungry for more. Written in a finely crafted first person, the reader is drawn into Carmina’s thoughts and struggles, whilst also being given a third person insight from other main characters to create a full and well-rounded story. The lore of these books is nothing short of charming, unique ideas and a perfect balance of actual and imagined mythos create an amazing journey you can’t help but be invested in.
Amazon Book link:
Filed under: author, book review, reading
June 18, 2016
Authors beware: A new danger for KU authors
Hi all,
Anyone who follows me closely will know my book was removed from Amazon for almost a fortnight after they registered some unusual activity. At first I was at a loss. What was it, where had it come from? But since I have learnt a terrifying truth behind Kindle Unlimited, it is one all authors need to be aware of. It is a KU scam that could ruin your career and put your money into fraudsters’ pockets.
In this post I will detail my own experience, in hope you know what to look out for.
I was running a book promotion, a push to generate interest in my first book. After approaching blogs and book promotion sites I began to run a 99cents promotion on Darrienia, which at that time was number one in two of its categories. Book two is coming out at the end of the year and, despite it being a stand alone novel, I was aiming to attract more readers in the hope they would want to read the second book. I did what any author would, attempt to get the message out there. It worked, with the 99cents offer I see an increase in sales, but also an increase in KU activity. Brilliant right? Not really.
A week later my book was no longer for sale. Confused I logged onto my KDP account but couldn’t access the bookshelf and the ‘Contact Us’ button wasn’t working. After hours of trying to find a way to contact Amazon KDP, posting on the forums asking for help, I remembered having raised a query with them. I found it and clicked ‘no’ on the did we solve your problem link and finally, I was able to send them an email. But the information I got back was concerning.
“We are reaching out to you because we have detected that borrows for your books are originating from systematically generated accounts… As a result of the irregular borrow activity, we have removed your books from the KDP store and are terminating your KDP account and your KDP Agreement effective immediately. We will issue a negative adjustment to any outstanding royalty payments.”
Wow. I looked at my reports and saw the steady stream of KU reads still present, rising and falling over the days as would be expected. But the words ‘systematically generated accounts’ raised concern. I asked for clarification but believe my email went unseen. I email again, detailing all the third-party promotions and sites I have been using in case one of them did something untoward. Days later I receive an email back to say they are investigating and will get back to me within 7 business days. So I wait. I wait and I wait, all the time fearing the worst. Amazon wipe all my KU page reads and obviously as above keep all my sale royalties too. But I didn’t care about this, I still don’t. I was never writing for the money. I had a story that I needed to tell and my entire writing future was on the line.
When royalty payment day came I had still heard nothing. But then something strange happened. I get a phone call from my bank. Someone has charged £100s worth of iTunes to my account.
Alarm bells are obviously ringing.
Back in February I was the victim of identity fraud, but not the kind you see on TV. This person rang my bank pretending to be me but failed the security checks. They did however have my account number, sort code, name, address, mobile number, and date of birth. The bank was great, they contacted Action Fraud and Cifas. I also paid to register with Cifas and a credit reference agency. I got my credit checks password protected and a note on my account stating I have no intention to apply for any loans or credit cards. The next day a letter comes through, someone has tried to open a savings account in my name. I call this bank and alert them to fraud. Next a letter comes from Three about the mobile phone and contract I am trying to take out via their web-store. But because I am now registered as having been a victim of identity theft they are contacting me to ensure the application is legitimate. I call them and once again advise it isn’t genuine. Then nothing. the bank are monitoring my account, I cant have credit checks run without being asked for a password, and silence seems to fall once more. I thought I was safe safe. I was wrong.
The day of this month’s royalty payment comes and £100s are requested from my bank.
My bank were great. I was given new details and the transactions were voided. Then it occurred to me, given the timing surely this was more than a coincidence. What if this odd activity against my book wasn’t a result of the promotions but someone trying to ensure there was money in my account for them to take? I contact Amazon and update them on the events. I ask if their investigation has yielded any information I can pass on to ActionFraud and Cifas and I advise them of the bank’s actions. Suddenly things are held in a different light. I have fraud reference codes and a targeted attack on my bank on the day the payments would have cleared. Amazon take this new information on board and agree to reinstate my account.
Even now I am unsure if the person who attempted to steal my identity in February is the same person who did this, but one thing is certain, it has opened a whole new page on fraud and nearly ruined my writing career in the process.
You may be reading this thinking someone got their hands on my bank statements, or I am careless with my information. Believe me, I am not. Before I switched to paperless statements all bank statements went through a zigzag shredder. Anything with my name and address on gets shredded, even junk mail. The only people who had my bank details were companies I used for direct debits, Amazon, my mobile provider, and of course Paypal. So perhaps I was not careful with my online activity. I like everyone these days have multiple antivirus/ anti-malware tools, ones which protect real time, ones which prevent trojans, adware, flash cookies, malware, etc. My bank even provide their online banking customers with free software that guards against keylogging and protects the sites you select. By giving them the code from their software they were able to confirm that my computer was not compromised.
The moral of this story is simple. If you see activity in your KU which is against the normal figures contact Amazon immediately, and keep an eye on your bank for small transactions you are unfamiliar with, someone could be testing the water. Don’t assume you’re getting interest in your book, even if you are running a promotion, or pushing KU. It is better to contact them first with concerns rather than suddenly not be allowed to sell with them and then have to prove you have no knowledge of events.
This experience has really opened my eyes. The things that were done I had never dreamed possible, especially with Amazon’s IP tracking. After all, they always know who and where you are. I still don’t know how it was pulled off, and I imagine I never will. I only hope that either the fraud teams, or Amazon catch up to them. The events are too closely linked not to be connected, so whether this is a new fraud specifically targeting authors, or someone exploiting existing victims after researching them further, one thing is clear, they knew me. They knew I was an author and found a means to exploit it for their own gains and very nearly ruined me in the process.
Personally, I have asked if Amazon will remove my book from KU before the end of the 90 day contract considering what has happened. KU was a great idea, but my fear of this happening again is still too real and I am not sure I can ever trust it again.
I hope this information reaches far and wide, it is something we all must be aware of. Who knows how many people have already been targeted, and how their techniques will adapt in the future.
Thank you for reading.
If you are interested in my book, it is back on Amazon, still at 99cents, and can be found here
If you have found this information useful please share the post, this is something all authors with their work on KU need to be aware of.
Filed under: author, reading, writing
June 15, 2016
Book review: Tepid Blue by Dev Bhattacharyya
Yoga is a deep and spiritual journey of not only the self, but aimed to promote the 
harmonising of the body and mind. Tepid Blue by Dev Bhattacharyya delves into the word of yoga, its philosophies, workings, and beliefs. Explaining through poetry the depth and beauty of not only yoga but the things learnt to be appreciated through fully embracing and understanding its teachings.
Dev Bhattacharyya’s Tepid Blue is a beautifully written collection of poems, interspaced with pictures to create a well presented book. The addition of footnotes which either explain unfamiliar terms or, in the cases where one word is substituted for another for the sake of flow, express the interpretation of the word being used. For anyone who has studied yoga and energy this work will most certainly stir the deep meanings and kindle an understanding and unity. Those unfamiliar with the basics may feel a little out of depth as the use of unfamiliar terminology, however the work itself is beautiful and visual, so even with little understanding of the concepts it can still be enjoyed and understood. Through the poetry you can see the thoughts behind some of the yoga positions and grasp a greater insight into the art. The poems within are not only enchanting but serve to also be thought provoking, so much is included and so much information presented through verse it is impossible not to reflect on all within. A perfect read to open the heart and mind to yoga and a wonderful way to present its teachings.
Filed under: author, book review, reading
June 7, 2016
Book review: Correlations by P.S. Winn
Correlations by P.S. Winn is a psychological, paranormal thriller. Lacey is having a tough 
time, a tough life for that matter. Her mother was brutally murdered when she was but seventeen. She soon moved to live with her grandparents. They cared for her and watched over her until it was her turn to repay their kindness as they entered their twilight years. Years pass and Lacey’s grandma passes on to join her husband leaving Lacey alone. As if sensing her vulnerability strange things begin to happen with all signs pointing towards it relating to the events surrounding her mother’s deaths.
P.S. Winn weaves an interesting tale, filled with captivating characters, strange happenings, and a touch of the paranormal. Suitable for young adults and adults, a well-written clean read. Once you start reading this is a book impossible to put down, the building atmosphere and curiosity ensure you’ll keep turning those pages.
UK: Correlations
US: Correlations
Filed under: author, book review, reading
Book review: Sucker by Mark Lingane
Sucker, a supernatural fiction by Mark Lingane. Van H. Abraham, is plunged into a world 
with a supernatural twist. As soon as he set eyes on the beautiful Mina his fate was sealed. She requests his services, her man has run off with a skinny blonde thing, and taken all her money to boot. Never one to relinquish a free drink he agrees to hear her story, but in the end refuses. He needs to make the rent but there are easier ways than a missing person case. Fate however had a different idea, the very next day he awakes to find a corpse on his doorstep, a skinny blonde thing. He and the police have never been on the best of terms, in fact it seems they will make any excuse to see him behind bars, so the appearance of the body gives just the excuse for a night in the slammer. And what a terrifying, earth changing night it turned out to be. The hidden world of vampires and demons is revealed, but they don’t want to stay hidden, not any more. Now they are moving to force a change, and it seems it is up to Van to stand in their way.
For the first few chapters of Sucker I could almost hear the Dick Tracy style voice over. It brought a familiar voice to a fascinating genre and filled me with nostalgia for those old novels and series. There is certainly no shortage of things to catch the attention, the initial missing person missive soon becomes a quest for things forgotten in history, and reveals the true nature if the world and it’s true terrors. The plot is an amalgamation of horror and humour. Whilst entertaining I feel the some parts need smoothing a little, nothing a little application of more show less tell wouldn’t resolve, but sometimes it causes the reading flow to be interrupted, and whilst the characters are unique with great dialogue I would have preferred more in the way of character development. The plot itself is unique and puts a new spin on the over saturated vampire and paranormal market. Mark Lingane presents an imaginative tale with some very interesting and unexpected twists. Given the contents I would recommend it to urban/paranormal adventure fans.
Amazon Link: Sucker
Filed under: author, book review, reading
June 4, 2016
Book review: Wilde Omens by Bree Lawrence and S.E. Babin
Wilde Omens (Time Wardens Book 1) by Bree Lawrence and S.E. Babin is a cyberpunk, time 
travel, urban fantasy unlike any other. Life for Penelope is difficult enough, all her life she has worked hard to be unspectacular. A genius forced to reign in her brilliance making good grades, but not enough to draw unwanted attention. She has a simple life, works a modest job, but she is anything but ordinary. Things were just fine, until her estranged father came for tea, a man claiming to be Sherlock Holmes. Penelope is thrust into a bizarre world of time-travel and superhuman abilities as her birthday marks the activation of a birthright handing down to her by the genes of him and her mother. Immortality, something many seek, and with its activation in the untrained daughter of the serum’s inventor now seems the perfect time for those denied this boon to make their move.
Bree Lawrence and S.E. Babin successfully take classical characters such as Sherlock Holmes and John Watson and redefines them. I am a big Holmes fan in both literature and TV adaptations, inclusive of the more recent series such as Elementary, and I have to say I loved how the author had adapted these classical figures to meet their needs. With an interesting, page turning plot wrought with danger, betrayal, and deception you’ll still be guessing where Penelope should place her trust right up until the end. Wilde Omens being the first book in the Time Wardens series does an amazing job at setting the stage for future adventures. The characters are brilliant, vivid, and bursting with personality. Bree Lawrence and S.E. Babin have certainly displayed an amazing talent in their craft, and have woven a story that will keep you entertained for hours.
Filed under: author, book review, reading
June 3, 2016
Book review: Battle of the Bannockburn: The Saga of Thistles and Roses (The Warrior Queen Book 3) by Karen Gray
Karen Gray remains to date my favourite author, and that is not a position I offer to just anyone. I find Karen’s work to be the very essence of fantasy at its best. She brings to life 
an enormous cast of characters, each with depth, backstory, and involved history. The stories themselves are emotionally gripping, full of twists, unexpected revelations and not to mention magic and creatures thought to be only legend. Karen easily creates a full and complete world, inclusive of strife, and it is a world that just becomes more engrossing with every turn of the page.
It took a few days for me to read cover to cover and I was once more left in awe of this author’s skill.
Book three, whilst progressing with the main story arc also continues with many character specific subplots, we are pulled into the struggles of Aron and Nora, which are beautifully portrayed, and of course, we learn more of Brax, after all, who can forget the ending of book two? Central to all is Edward. Battle of the Bannockburn brilliantly portrays the chaos left in the aftermath of the events in book two and continues to escalate events in a page turning bombardment of action, betrayal, companionship and schemes.
I never fail to be amazed by the author’s ability to lull the reader into believing one thing, only to surprise them, nothing is quite as it seems , and with a style of writing as captivating as Karen Gray’s you’ll find yourself loving and hating, cringing and celebrating along with the deep and well-developed cast. And I warn you now, you’re in for some heartbreak.
Karen is definitely an author to watch, every one of her books are simply amazing and I can’t recommend her highly enough to anyone seeking a brilliant and engrossing read.
Filed under: author, book review, reading
May 31, 2016
Book review: Born F.R.E.E. By Dean C Moore
Born F.R.E.E. By Dean C Moore is a science fiction/ Thriller by Dean C Moore.
Ray Cunningham is in charge of running the FBI’s 
department who hunt down America’s most wanted. But Ray has a secret, he is an uncaught serial killer himself. He instantly begins to recognise tells in his new partner Nick, and begins to mentor him in more than just way. All the time whilst attending Serial Killers Anonymous. Nick’s devastating good looks see him the central point of much attention, and soon people begin profiling the profilers. His own esteem in his field is likely to offer a small bout of protection, but how much? Not enough. Fortunately there are other distractions, more pressing matters. With a whole new class of super criminal Ray and his partner Nick set up their own agency called SPY, inc, and its staff are anything but clean cut. I would love to put more, but with so many unexpected twists I don’t want to risk ruining the surprises in store.
If you love your high-tech gizmos you’ll love this read, there are some imaginative items which could easily be deployed/ developed. Dean C Moore’s work put me in mind of a cross between Fringe, Dexter, and Thomas Harris’ novel Red Dragon (Probably more popularly known as the TV series Hannibal.) There is some beautifully scripted dialogue, as well as cringe and chuckle worthy moments.
Filed under: author, book review, reading
May 29, 2016
Book review: Dette Chambers’ Death Journal by L.M. du Preez
Dette Chambers’ Death Journal by L.M. du Preez is a paranormal fiction novel focusing around the main character and her attempt to reclaim humanity after so long living with a 
monstrous curse. Dette has a death wish unlike any other. For so long she has watched, distancing herself from those who look like her, those who were once what she was. They could never understand now. Death calls to her, and she answers. She has never shied away from it, why would she? She cannot die and her only remaining pleasure is tempting those close into its sweet embrace. She whispers to them, their life in her hands. Never before has she wanted anyone to live. Not until she met Zach, a man who awakens things in her long thought lost. Against her desire, against her pleasure he is spared. His presence in her life is rekindling things she thought lost, and for the first time she is honest about who and what she is. A journey of self-discovery, and rediscovery sees that for the first time since her death she begins to understand more about her curse, and seeks answers. But the things she discovers are both shocking and terrifying.
Dette Chambers’ Death Journal is certainly a unique novel, I have never read anything quite like it. The sole focus is on the main character, her history provided by entries into her journal, and conversations with Zach. There is clear growth in the characters, both of whom are seeking to change in order to better themselves, a development that is pleasant to witness. Written in the first person narrative this well-crafted story will keep you turning the pages as the sense of urgency to learn more about what truly happened on the day of Dette’s death. L.M. du Preez has successfully captured a dark and horrific tale, and shows her talent in setting intense, emotionally charged scenes, well-scripted dialogue and a perfect ending.
Amazon link: Dette Chambers’ Death Journal
Filed under: author, book review, reading
