K.J. Simmill's Blog, page 75
May 26, 2016
Book review: Breeder by K.B. Hoyle
Breeder by K.B. Hoyle is a brilliant example of dystopian fiction. Humanity has been forced 
to the brink of extinction, taking with it a large population of wildlife. Fortunately the Unified World Order has introduced a Controlled Reproduction Program, in the interest of survival only the most perfect genes will do. Flaws will not be tolerated so in order to ensure a perfect child Breeders are carefully selected. Seventeen is one such Breeder, one designated as genetically ideal. She is happy, her life is perfect. Or is it? An enforcer named Pax stirred such doubts while reminding her of a name she once possessed long ago, Pria. Doubts and curiosity are not tolerated. Forced to flee Pax aids her escape. She has never seen the world outside, a world of survival. Threat is around every corner and soon she discovers the existence of something Pax calls nests, a community of those with recessive genes, and his needing to find one is the reason he sought to rescue her. They need her, a Breeder, in order to stand against the UWO, can they convince her of the truth, of a reality conveniently hidden from all those within the UWO?
Breeder is one of the best examples of first person narrative I have ever read. It is engaging, descriptive and immersive. K.B. Hoyle introduces an array of diverse and interesting characters, conflict, and a gripping plot. To say I enjoyed this is an understatement, I was absolutely captivated. This book was simply perfect in every way. It is well-written, well-balanced, thought provoking, and thrilling. Breeder is filled with imaginative ideas underlined with a subtle horror as the reader is forced to consider how easily the world created could come to pass, especially when we already place so much focus on appearance and physical traits. Breeder will certainly appeal to a wide audience. I myself can’t wait to read more, and will be eagerly awaiting the next instalment.
Amazon link: Breeder by K.B. Hoyle
Filed under: author, book review, reading
May 22, 2016
Book review: The Dead Dance Faster by Julie Hacker
The Dead Dance Faster is a psychological, paranormal thriller by Julie Hacker. Jael is 
almost gently forced to leave her home following yet another break up with her boyfriend Shane, and even he thinks the move to Seven Hills is warranted. The fact that her childhood friend Robbie and his wife live there is just another bonus, and they seem so eager to have her. Eventually she surrenders, packs up her room and starts out. There was already so much in her life she didn’t understand, but within Seven Hills she finds more mysteries and a single word she remembers hearing from her great grandmother Diversus. Pressured into employment it seems as if the whole town has an agenda for her, and digging into this town’s past is perhaps the only way to understand her own, and her future.
Written in first person, with an insert of diary entries to gain insight into the Jael’s past, The Dead Dance Faster becomes a unique tale of sanity, religious fanatics, and mystery. It’s a journey of discover where the reader is as interested in learning the truth as the protagonist. The plot is well paced, with diverse characters and realistic dialogue. You’re not just reading this, you’re along for the journey.
Amazon links
Filed under: author, book review, reading
May 21, 2016
Author interview: Hamilton Hill
This Symposium Saturday I have honour of welcoming author Hamilton Hill Mr Hill has published one book, with another in the series due out next year.
About the author
Tell us a little bit about yourself. (Author Bio)
I live in Perth Western Australia although born in Africa. My background includes exposure to aquatic biology, chemistry and wireless technology. An ardent traveller and philanthropist, I support humanitarian causes and animal welfare with the major focus on endangered species and their habitats. Over the years my pursuits have allowed me to visit four hundred and fifty three cities in fifty one different countries. I’ve lived for an extended period of time in seventeen of these cities. Life experiences included my involvement, in one way or the other, in two different wars and afforded me the materials to tell many a bed-time story and the ability to earn my living spent almost entirely at the keyboard. Recently I’ve been able to turn my hand to Middle Grade novel writing.
What are your hobbies?
Travelling, fundraising, reading, writing reviews (for restaurants & hotels) and MMOrpg.
Which writers inspire you?
I really don’t have a single favorite but the top of the list would include Plato, Aristotle, Shakespeare, Edgar Allan Poe, Alexandre Dumas, Charles Dickens, Jules Verne, H.G. Wells, Hemingway and Ayan Rand.
For your own reading, do you prefer e-books or paper/hard back books?
Paper/Hard back.
What are you reading at present?
“HOW LUCKY AM I?” – a manuscript I’m beta reading for a fellow author.
What is your favourite book and why?
Again, far too many to mention, but I guess by default, it would be Henry V by William Shakespeare . I first read this at the tender age of eleven and the mental visions of Agincourt swept me away. I remember recreating the battle scenes in the back yard using builders sand and model soldiers – it took my imagination on a journey like no other. To this very day I still have an impromptu “Upon the King” pop into my head every now and then. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas or The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis would tie for a close second.
What is your favourite film/ series and why?
I honestly don’t have a favourite film or series – there are just far too many good ones. If forced to choose a favourite, then in film I’d opt for The Shawshank Redemption and for series, David Attenborough’s nine part BBC natural history sequence titled ‘Life’.
What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment?
I have a few achievements to choose from, including the key to an American city and a national Australian achievement award, but honestly, what I’m personally most proud of is having a successful marriage.
How do you relax?
I drink Pina Coladas and get caught in the rain.” No, I lie! I spend a few hours raiding in Draenor, or lately, the Broken Isle – and if you know the where, what or the why of that, then you’ll fully understand what I do to relax.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Don’t try and convince your family that you are working, they’ll never believe you. Even though sitting at my desk has paid all of the bills since the day we met, my wife still insists that I don’t work; she doesn’t classify tapping on a keyboard work.
Read, read, read, widely and voraciously.
Write from your soul, not from what you think your mom, your agent or the marketplace wants you to write.
Rewrite, rewrite, rewrite. Writing is a craft that requires both talent and acquired skills. Talent you either have or you don’t, but skills you learn by doing, making mistakes, seeing where you went wrong and then fixing it. (Note: fix it yourself but never edit it yourself – send it out for professional editing.)
If you CAN’T stand the thought of not writing–then–and only then, think about being a writer. It’s a difficult pathway that is often painful. The vast, vast majority of authors will sell less than 1,000 copies of their book. Also less than 2% of all authors will earn more than $5,000 for their efforts. Very few people make a living as a writer and those of us that do, do so from writing more than a single book and like any job; writing is only part of the whole process.
If your friends could use one word to describe you what would it be?
Pertinacious
About writing
What made you realise your calling as an author?
I guess that one way or the other; I’ve always been a writer. Writing commercially is the way I’ve earned my living. At the same time I’ve always been a raconteur and so telling stories at parties around campfires or at bedtime came naturally. The progression to author followed, although taking a stab at writing Middle Grade and The Roads of Luhonono, took prompting from my granddaughter.
Where do your ideas come from, what inspires you?
Getting ideas isn’t difficult, everybody has them and they are free. All you have to do is travel around with your eyes and ears open. Somebody or something is bound to stir up the brain cells. Unlike some, I don’t carry a notebook, nor do I desperately look for a pen every time I see or hear something – as Stephen King once said, a notebook is the best tool for recording bad ideas – I agree with him. Hell! Most of the time, when I sit down to write, I have no idea where my protagonists get their gumption except that they search a brain call to find something I’ve seen, heard, read or imagined somewhere along the line, and they are smart enough to collate it into something useful for ‘this’ particular moment in time.
Truly, once you get going, the hard part is not having an idea; it’s developing the bloody thing into a storyline that takes the effort.
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
It depends on the book and the deadline given to you by the publisher. But on average a 40,000 word plot takes one month to write and one year to rewrite. That includes the ‘cool-down’ periods. (i.e. I wait at least six months before retackling a first draft and anything between six weeks to three months between the second draft and the final polish.) The time table for commercial work is of course much faster.
Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?
I work on outlines or plots for commercial work but for my own writing, I prefer to see where the idea takes me. This means I start with the first word and don’t stop writing until I reach the end. Of course I have a general idea of where I want to go but (for me) planning or writing to a plot is too contrived, I prefer my protagonists to have ‘free reign’ and see where they take me.
What is the hardest thing about writing?
Probably the polishing, layering and getting it where it needs to be so that it is saleable.
What is the easiest thing about writing?
It’s a spin-up between writing the first draft, which is almost mechanical and the editing of the final draft. Nope! Editing wins – since I always leave that up to someone else – it’s painless!
Do you ever get writer’s Block and if so, how do you deal with it?
Every writer experiences writer’s block at some point. It’s that moment when you blank out and have to call out the National Guard to find your muse. When this happens the maxim is simple, “If you don’t feel like writing, don’t write” but a terrific and fast way to overcome this, is to read. An alternative to reading that works for me is to start writing something else – I usually have several manuscripts going at the same time and changing my project, even if it’s only for a little while it makes all the difference.
What are you working on at the moment?
The Legend of the West Road – Book two of ‘The Roads of Luhonono’ series.
About the books
What genre are your books?
As Hamilton Hill – Upper Middle Grade (for ages 9 – 14)
What book titles have you released so far?
As Hamilton Hill – The Roads of Luhonono – Book 1 – The Legend of The East Road.
Give us an insight into your main character(s). What does he/she do that is so special?
Magdalene is born of Chippewa stock. Her parents came to Luhonono when she was an infant. She thinks she is an ordinary American girl living in Africa until a spirit in the guise of a black leopard invites her to help out at the crossroad. She uses her shamanistic skills, to lead her two friends Peter and Gimbo, into a dimension of Africa that allows the young adventurers to do things that kids don’t normally do.
Tell us a little bit about the book(s)/ series.
It is said that you may leave Africa but Africa never leaves you. Furthermore, tribal belief has it that if your bloodline is African, then upon death, your soul returns to the birth
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place of your great ancestors. The kicker is that cultural belief maintains mankind was placed on this earth to look after the planet, and pass safely from the living to the spirit world, Mother Earth demands that an animal legend escorts you from one plane to the next.
So if upon death your ancient ancestry calls you back to Africa and you have no animal legend to guide you through the ‘Mirror Gate’, your soul is effectively stuck at the crossroad between the world of the living and the realm of the dead.
The ‘Legend of the East Road’, is a fantasy adventure that addresses this issue through the eyes of Gimbo, Magdalene and Peter. Their quest is to find the animal legends that will lead lost souls home. The Roads of Luhonono unashamedly uses “F” words – Fact, fiction, fable, fantasy and fun.
Where can we buy it/them?
Bookstores and online
In what formats is your book available?
Paperback (ISBN: 9780994377708)
Ebook & iBook (ISBN: 9780994377715)
Kindle (ASIN: B013XPG18S)
When is your next book due for release?
It’s up to the publisher but October 2017 seems likely.
Book titles and synopsis:
The Roads of Luhonono: THE LEGEND OF THE EAST ROAD
This is a fable set in Africa about an amazing adventure on the East Road. Three young 
explorers set off to find a mysterious princess. They travel a road that is newly built over mysterious ancient tracks. As they walk, strange things begin to happen. Ancient spirits start speaking to Magdalene and she discovers Luhonono is not what it seems. There are two different planes; one for the living and one for the dead, and a magic gateway to prevent contact between the two. The problem is that the ‘Mirror Gate’ has been disrupted by an evil witchdoctor called MaovuMoja. This means big, big trouble if Mags and her friends don’t fix it. Magdalene discovers that the solution is to find the Legend of the East Road and this sends her, Peter and Gimbo into a hidden world they never knew existed.
Connect with the author:
Amazon Author Page: www.amazon.com/author/hamiltonhill
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Roads-of-Luhonono-332858726816430/
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/461086.Hamilton_Hill
Linkedin: https://au.linkedin.com/in/hamilton-hill-24634968
Pinterest: https://au.pinterest.com/luhonono/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ HillHamilton
Website: www.theroadsofluhonono.com
Filed under: author, Interview, reading, writing
May 20, 2016
Book review: Siren’s Snare by Jessica Marie Baumgartner
Siren’s Snare an erotic romance by Jessica Marie Baumgartner . Savaunt has not long turned 500, middle age he longs for a child of his own, a son. There is only one problem. 
He is a Siren, a race of males who can only produce offspring with a human female. Leaving his lover and best friend Desmond he embarks on his journey to find the perfect woman to birth his child, once her role is complete, in the way his kind have always done he will use her to satisfy his appetite. Sirens devour humans, it is simply the way things have always been. Finding himself on land, penniless and bare he immediately sets about using his charms to obtain everything he needs. Soon he finds Lena, she works in a coffee shop with her best friend, and she is everything he needs. With the mother of his child in his sights he sets about seducing her, but she is harder to charm than most. Lena requires more effort and focus than he imagined, but as he begins to win her affections he soon discovers she ignites something unexpected within him, he wants more with her than his people’s ways allow.
Jessica Maria Baumgartner creates characters with an old-fashioned charm, the gentlemanly Savaunt could seduce by words alone even without his siren’s voice. A nicely written romantic plot as Savaunt first tries to win Lena’s affection and is forced to address his involvement with her. Siren’s Snare also touches on issues such as environmental awareness. The growth and changes undergone by the characters are enjoyable and breathe further life into the deep and interesting cast. Appealing to romance readers from all wakes and the otherworldly charm only serves to enhance the beautify scripted plot. This is one book difficult to put down. A well-crafted plot that ticks all the boxes in an erotic romance.
Amazon.com Siren’s Snare
Filed under: author, book review, reading
May 17, 2016
Book review: Sleeping Beauty (Flirtatious Fairytales Book 2)
Sleeping Beauty (Flirtatious Fairytales Book 2) by Jess James is a fairytale with a difference. This is not the kind of book to read to your children before bed, this is geared towards adults. We all know the story of sleeping beauty, but Jess has adapted the story into one of sex, lust, and betrayal. Mistress M was befriends a young girl known as Rose, who lives in the forest with her three aunts. She introduces Rose to a whole new world, but behind her motives is a dark and sinister plot.
Written in a style that will appeal to the 18+ the familiar tale is re-spun in a fun style. Tastefully written and charismatic. Easy to read in a single sitting, brilliant since you won’t won’t to put it down.
Amazon links
Filed under: author, book review, reading, writing
Book review: The Passion Season: Book I of the Covalent Series by Libby Doyle
The Passion Season: Book I of The Covalent Series by Libby Doyle is a truly amazing urban fantasy guaranteed to set the heart strings aflutter and the pulse racing. At the start it follows Rainer Barakiel, son of Lucifer as he is exiled from his home. He is a Covalent, a race who above all things must find a balance between the energies of creation and 
destruction. His father Lucifer was a traitor, and gained control over the destruction realm and all those who dwelled within. Relentlessly he sends his forces against the Covalent in hope to seize control, whilst also sending his minions to the earthly realm where the son he wished to win over was exiled. Loneliness threatens to engulf Rainer, but find unexpected friendship from Pellus, an adept assigned to him who shield his activities from mortal eyes. Empires rise and fall, his time passed in a combination of business and battle, longing for home. But then he finds it in the most unexpected place, in the arms of a human known as Zan, and finds in her a kindred spirit. Zan, (Alexandra O’Gara) is no stranger to turmoil, she has a warrior’s soul and has survived more than most should ever witness in her life, a former army veteran, recovering alcoholic, who now works as an agent for the FBI. She has no interest in men but is helplessly drawn towards him, and both have secrets they would rather remain buried. With the war between realms and the uncovering of sacrificial cults Zan grows closer to discovering a truth that could put her very life in jeopardy, one Rainer must shield her from, or risk what they have become.
If I could give any more than five stars I would. Libby Doyle has a vivid descriptive voice allowing the crafting of beautifully scripted romance, epic conflicts, and heart pounding action. Clear thought has gone into every aspect of the plot, from the inner workings of magic, to the dividing of realms in a fantastic manner. The Passion Season: Book I of the Covalent Series truly is a book you won’t want to put down. Written in alternating character point of views we are given glimpses into the psyche of some very real, well-constructed characters. It has everything, good vs evil, conflict, friendship, betrayal, and some smoking hot sex scenes, which at no point were anything other than beautifully written. Engaging, page turning, thrilling, I just couldn’t put it down. One thing is for certain, Libby has been added onto my top author list so I remember to keep an eye out for the next book in this epically fantastic series.
US The Passion Season: Book I of the Covalent Series
UK The Passion Season: Book I of the Covalent Series
Filed under: author, book review, reading, writing
May 15, 2016
Book review: The Healer Book 1 C.J. Anaya
The Healer Book 1 by C.J. Anaya is a young adult paranormal romance, also suitable for new adults. Hope has been protected all her life, shielded and watched over. She remained 
hidden, despite the searching eyes of the Kami who sought her out. Hope is the embodiment of prophecy, a mortal with the power of the gods. She is able to communicate with a person’s life force, and instruct it how to repair damage. She is a healer, the survival of a whole race rests on her adolescent shoulders. For so long she had hidden who she was, only her father and a young boy know the truth, not even Angie, her best friend knows her secrets. Using her job as a janitor at the hospital Hope heals who she can and feels a great destiny is laid before her. She has no idea her entire life has already been decided for her. Her two lives, the secret healer and the high school student are forced to merge when two new students arrive in her school. Unusually they captivate her attention, and seem to know more about her than they are willing to reveal. Hope fears someone has discovered her secret. But the arrival of these two is merely the harbinger of danger.
With a first person narrative it is impossible not to be drawn into The Healer, age range it would certainly appeal to its target audience as well as some adults, especially those who enjoy a healthy dose of mythology. The Healer is an excellent example of Fabulism/ Magic realism combining myths and fables from the Japanese culture, as well as touching on a few others. C.J. Anaya has an excellent writer’s voice and sets a brilliant pace. As a holistic therapist I appreciated the clear thought and research that had been invested in creating a realistic healer, it shows an understanding of healing techniques employed in various forms of energy healing, thus enhancing the reader experience. I could have read this book in a single sitting if not for it being so late when I first started reading, it was impossible not to get lost in the story. Real characters, enjoyable dialogue, and fun to read, add secrets, romance, and mythology, what more could you ask for?
US: The Healer
UK: The Healer
Filed under: author, book review, reading
May 14, 2016
John Evans, an exciting author update
You may remember some time back I interviewed an author from my neck of the woods, 
John Evans, as well as reviewed his book An Unwilling Recruit. I have also been fortunate enough to receive and read a review copy of the next book in The Armageddon Wars series, A Fool in The Ring. I must say I found John’s books thrilling with fantastic momentum, and I am not the only one to think this.
His book ‘An Unwilling Recruit’, and his not yet released ‘A Fool in the Ring’ is now being represented by the American Publishing house TopShelf Publishing. This of course means his books are currently no longer available for purchase while it undergoes some repackaging changes, including the brilliant new cover featured here.
An Unwilling Recruit will be re-released on November the 15th. It is already available for pre-order from Topshelf here. I hope you’ll all join me in congratulating John, and wish him all the best with TopShelf Publishing.
Filed under: author, book review, Interview, reading, writing
Book review: Zenzoris Returns by Jenny Burnley
Zenzoris Returns (The Sophie Radcliffe Series Book 1) by Jenny Burnley. Sophie Radcliffe is a top agent in the Intergalactic Law Enforcement Agency, feisty, with technology and 
computer skills that compete with even the most advanced species, not to mention a photographic memory make her the go to agent when things go wrong, and things have gone very wrong. Zenzoris, a dangers Drogg hell bent on domination of all the universes has escaped the seemingly impenetrable prison Sophie herself had devised, and boy is he angry. The destruction of Earth and Sophie the first priority on his agenda. By her side her partner, Tom Logan, an expert with weapons, and Justin Adams, a linguistic whose ear can crack even the most complex language in minutes. This trio now embark to return Zenzoris to his rightful imprisonment. But something about the whole thing seems strange, a hooded figure is seen aided what should have been an impossible escape attempt. Who is this, and what motives so they have for freeing the most terrifying enemy the Intergalactic Law Enforcement Agency has ever encountered?
With an exciting plot and twists this is one science fiction easy to lose yourself in. It takes all the aspects of sci-fi, technology, space travel, aliens, and makes it easily accessible, central to the plot, but not all-encompassing. The story itself focuses on the events within Sophie’s unit, whilst successfully creating scope and introducing aliens, their differences and a little of their culture. The characters are well-crafted, expressive and interesting. For a book that takes about an hour to read this is no small feat and pays great homage to the author’s talents. I look forward to more work from this author.
Currently 99p/99 Cents, pick up your copy today for a truly gripping read. I’ve already brought two copies of this, one for me and another for a friend who loves sci-fi.
UK: Zenzoris returns
US: Zenzoris returns
Filed under: author, book review, reading, writing
Author interview: Leonard D. Hilley II
This #SymposiumSaturday we welcome author Leonard D. Hilley II With two books scheduled for release this year, and 9 already published there’s bound to be something to suit everyone’s taste.
About the author
Tell us a little bit about yourself. (Author Bio)
Leonard D. Hilley II grew up in Fort Payne, AL, where his never-ending curiosity introduced him to the world of biology and books. During his youth he was an avid insect collector and reared butterflies and moths. His love for science eventually merged with his writing. He currently resides in Marietta, Ohio, where he writes science fiction thrillers, epic high fantasy, and YA mysteries.
Education: B.S. Biology; MFA in Creative Writing
What are your hobbies?
For years I was greatly interested in Entomology, which is often hinted at in other books like Devils Den and Predators of Darkness: Aftermath. I believe the world of insects (butterflies, moths, & beetles primarily) caused me to look deeper into the environment, which also makes me as a writer strive to show the details of the characters’ worlds. I drew comics for several years as a child. I love fishing, hiking, and exploring caves, too. I love being outdoors whenever I get the chance.
Which writers inspire you?
As a teenager, I read Roger Zelazny’s Chronicles of Amber, which opened my mind to the world of fantasy. In 1993, I was introduced to Dean R. Koontz’s books, and immediately began writing again. Due to personal things in my life prior to 1993, I have quit writing for ten years.
For your own reading, do you prefer e-books or paper/hard back books?
I read all editions of books. Paperback is easiest, but I’m getting more fond of the Kindle now since you have hundreds of books to access when you’re not at home.
What are you reading at present?
Richelle Mead’s Succubus Blues
What is your favourite book and why?
The Servants of Twilight by Dean R. Koontz is probably at the top of my list since it is the book that snapped encouraged me to return to writing.
What is your favourite film/ series and why?
So many. Hard to pinpoint one because I love each for different reasons. Finding Forrester with Sean Connery is one that I’ve watched numerous times. It is about an aspiring writing student who accidentally stumbles upon an author who has become a social recluse. The author becomes the students mentor and in ways, they save one another.
What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment?
Celebrating my 23rd wedding anniversary with my best friend and our two children.
How do you relax?
Read, television, and travel (hiking, nature walks)
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Read everything you can. The more you read, the larger your vocabulary is. Never stop writing. Keep writing. Revision is key in writing. The first draft is great, but then the real work begins.
About writing
What made you realise your calling as an author?
I knew at an early age. I loved books and was reading at age 3. In primary school I had read every book on the library shelves. When I ran out of books that interested me, that was when I began writing my own. I wrote my first novel at age 11.
Where do your ideas come from, what inspires you?
I really wish I knew where they came from. Often an idea catches me offguard. Predators of Darkness: Aftermath began from a single sentence right before I had laid down to sleep. I wrote it down, went back to bed, and then the next two paragraphs came to me. I got up and wrote them down. Had I not, I’d have lost those words, I’m certain. I just finished the fifth book in that series and started book six—all evolved from an opening sentence.
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
It really depends upon the book. The book I finished in February took 14 years to complete. Forrest Wollinsky: Vampire Hunter took 22 days.
Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?
I never outline. I follow the characters and see where they take me.
What is the hardest thing about writing?
Isolation.
What is the easiest thing about writing?
When I find the answer, I will share it.
