K.J. Simmill's Blog, page 77
April 22, 2016
Book review: Hegira by Jim Cronin
Hegira by Jim Cronin is a Dystopian, Time-travel, science fiction centring around the 
protagonists Karm, and his involvement with Maripa and Doctor Jontar Rocket. Karm was sent back in time with a very specific agenda, to prevent the extinction of the Brin, the only hope the universe has to overcome the current threat. Armed with carefully selected information regarding the past he is sent to the planet in order to develop the means to keep his people from extinction, without causing too much damage to the timeline. But his mission is not without obstacles, his allies begin to question him, trust wavers and with the rising or The Faith and their collaboration to control all which is Karm’s, if he is to succeed he needs to stay ahead of their schemes.
I have to say I really enjoyed reading this book, it not only expertly executed a time travel science fiction plot, but also approached modern day concerns on topics such as cloning and the viewpoints and discussions on attempting such a thing. Whilst we are reading about an alien race, the author does a fantastic job in ensuring we connect with the characters and their strife on a personal level. It becomes not about the fact these are aliens and different to humans, which in some books steal the focal point, but about the story, the plot, and the danger being faced. I found it very difficult to put down, Karm, the main character, is playing a very involved game of manipulation, trying to outwit those who would oppose him, and I always wanted to know what he had up his sleeve next.
The book itself is nicely written and flows smoothly. There is a great balance between description and leaving things to the reader’s imagination, which is something I greatly appreciate in a writing style. It has a very well thought out plot, and clearly the author has spent some time assessing the practical requirements of what was needed in order to make the plot and the plans within a success. All in all, a very good read and deserving of the 5 stars I have awarded it.
Here are the links.
UK Hegira
US Hegira
Filed under: author, book review, reading
April 21, 2016
Donations made.
When I first published my books you may remember my promise to donate a percentage of my royalties to charity.
With all the figures in for the tax year I have no made true on this promise, and then some.
I have donated 10% of the royalties of Darrienia, plus a little extra to the UHNM (for the NICU) and 15% of the royalties from Herbal Lore, plus a little extra, to the Defence Medical Welfare service
I want to say a big thank you to all those who have brought my books and in turn also supported these causes.
I am currently hard at work on editing the second book in the series, with the help of my wonderful Alpha reader, as well as making some revisions to book three.
Here is wishing you all a wonderful week.
Take care xx
Filed under: author, charity, writing
April 20, 2016
Book review: Genetically Privileged by A. W. Daniels
Genetically Privileged is a Science Fiction book by author A. W. Daniels
It follows the story of Mary and Joe Christianson, a couple who desperately want to conceive, but having had problems in the past they fear they will never have a child of their own. Betrayal and disappointment see the couple relocating to Bethlehem, where an old friend of Joe’s has a Fertility clinic. They are only slightly concerned about the fact the doctors seem more interested in what they would like their child to look like, rather than addressing the problems of conception. Then, a miracle happens, Mary and Joe, with the help of their old friend conceive a child, unaware of anything being different until certain event begin to attract their attention and open a world they never imagined. The plot doesn’t just follow Joe and Mary, and their child is not the first to undergo such special attention, we also follow the stories of some of these children in a very gripping, suspenseful and intricate plot.
I will be completely honest, this is the first book I have read that deals with genetic engineering in this manner. Having always had a love for science I found the information fascinating and it is clear a lot of thought and research went into this. The book does not rely heavily on science as it focuses on the characters and is a character driven story, however the information given on the technical side is well written and easy to understand. The writing style is gripping and flows well, especially considering the number of years that pass throughout the story. The involvement of side plots and alternative characters make this a well rounded and enjoyable read. I look forward to picking up book 2 soon.
Here are the links:
Filed under: author, book review, reading, writing
April 18, 2016
Book review: Devils Den (Justin McKnight Adventures Book 1) by Leonard D Hilley II
The Devils Den by Leonard D Hilley II is the first book I have read by this talented author and it won’t be the last.
The story starts with a young boy, Justin McKnight, about to spend his summer vacation at his grandparents. Bored on the long journey there he begins to draw, but this isn’t like his ordinary work. This single picture provides a window, a glimpse into a horror that now awakens. But this window wasn’t one way, he saw it, and it saw him. It’s hungry and this boy is exactly what he needs. He was always told to stay away from Devils Den, but a burning desire to please his grandfather drives him to enter the forbidden domain, and there, the real terror waits.The author’s style would equally appeal to both young and older readers. It possesses a combination of different genres such as horror, mystery, paranormal, and a touch of fantasy, all woven together to create a tense tale guaranteed to send a shiver through the reader’s spine.
Links:
UK: Devils Den
US: Devils Den
Filed under: author, book review, reading, writing
April 15, 2016
Book review: Hidden Carmina by Adri Sinclair
Hidden Carmina is the first book in the Second Breath Chronicles by Adri Sinclair
The story follows the plight of Carmina, a human who suddenly learns not only the truth about a world she didn’t know existed, but finds herself at its core. The only human amidst clans of supernatural beings and her scent alone is enough to tempt their resolve. But Carmina herself seems to be something more than human, she hears voices, ones she has ignored her entire life, but then something happens. Her eyes are opened and she sees the world anew, with all its threats and dangers, most of them hungry for her.
This is a beautifully written paranormal/ romance story and has everything fans of the genre could ask for. A fantastic origin story seeped in Greek mythology (my favourite), a gripping and compelling plot, heartache, betrayal, love, war, and tragedy. Most of all it is original, not only in plot, but in the species involved, yes there are vampires, there are werewolves, lynxes and much more, but not as readers have come to expect from this genre. The origin story, in my opinion is was one of the best and most thought out ones I have come across. I thought the author’s idea of how these supernatural beings came into existence was unique and fascinating.
This book is certainly deserving of five stars and is making its way straight into my favourites collection. Before even writing this review I picked up the second book in the series, Carmina Revealed, and I can’t image many people can read the first and not do the same.
Here’s the links:
UK: Hidden Carmina
US: Hidden Carmina
Filed under: author, book review, reading, writing
April 11, 2016
Book review: The Threat Below (Brathius History Book 1) by Jason Latshaw
The Threat below is the first book in the Brathius History series by author Jason Latshaw, and a series I will be following very closely.
I am not normally a reader of works written in the first person as I find most fail to have the same pull as those written in a different perspective, but the synopsis too good to resist, and I found myself almost immediately invested in the characters. I have said it numerous times, in numerous reviews, but one of my favourite things to see in a book is depth of characters and character development. This book is lacking in neither. From the start of this book the main characters are all tempered, for better or worse, by their experiences. There are a number of key main characters, and without spoiling anything I will say the changes they undergo are both realistic and surprising, more so in some cases than others.
The book itself follows the plight of the last remaining humans, including one Icelyn Brathius. But all is not well, centuries back they were forced to relocate to the highest peak, the only place safe from the threatbelows, as they call them. But with their main source of water becoming tainted, and barely enough to reserves to attend to everyone they are faced with a drastic choice. Go below, past the cloudline and hope to resolve the source of the taint. Or do nothing and slowly die.
There was so much to enjoy within this book, from the deeply engrossing narrative and enjoyable dialogue, to the plot itself and each unexpected revelation . When I first picked it up, I never imagined it would progress and end in the manner it does. The author expertly writes the main character Icelyn, and first person was definitely the correct choice allowing the reader a deeper insight into her emotions and thought processes as she adapts to the role expected of her in a very realistic manner. I can honestly say I am eagerly awaiting book 2 in this series.
Amazon links:
UK The Threat Below (Brathius History Book 1)
US The Threat Below (Brathius History Book 1)
Filed under: author, book review, reading, writing
April 9, 2016
Author interview: John Evans
About the author
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Born in the Uk I began writing seriously in 2014. Three years prior to this I had been forced to give up a promising career in acting and film-making in order to care for my mother following her severe stroke. The writing began as a way for me to express myself creatively and to escape the confines of my current position.
What are your hobbies?
Due to my current circumstances I am unable to pursue any hobbies that take me away from the home so, aside from the writing, I manage a little reading and watch a lot of films.
Which writers inspire you?
My main inspiration would have to be Michael Moorcock, specifically, “The Eternal Champion” series.
For your own reading, do you prefer e-books or paper/hard back books?
I am definitely an “old-school” reader. While I appreciate the convenience of e-books, they will never replace a proper paper book for me.
What are you reading at present?
The last book I read was, predictably, one by Michael Moorcock called “The History of The Runestaff.”
What is your favourite book and why?
I can’t really say that I have a favourite book, as such. My choice of reading directly relates to my mood, much in the same way as my choice of music.
What is your favourite film/ series and why?
The “Marvel” franchise has to be my answer here. I grew up with the comic books. Some of my earliest reading memories involve such characters as “Ghost Rider”, “Wolverine” and “The Avengers”, seeing these characters brought to life in such dramatic style on screen is almost like giving me one of the better pieces of my childhood back.
What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment?
Surviving. That sounds really dramatic doesn’t it? As my partner never ceases to remind me, however, I have already survived events and experiences in my life that would have killed a lot of people. One day, I may write a book about that as well.
How do you relax?
The simple answer is, I don’t. Aside from my mother, both my partner and my son are also disabled, so my caring duties run pretty much 24/7 and when I’m not doing that I’m writing or promoting my novels.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Write the story. It’s that simple really. When you first put pen to paper, or its electronic equivalent, you shouldn’t be thinking about word counts or what genre you want your story to fit into, or what style you want to write. You should only be thinking about the story itself. Get it all on paper and don’t stop until it is finished. Don’t even think of editing or making alterations until the entire story is done.
If your friends could use one word to describe you what would it be?
Driven.
About writing
What made you realise your calling as an author?
Do I have a calling? I don’t know. I’ve just always preferred spending time in my head than I have in the real world so I thought I’d like to share some of the places I visit.
Where do your ideas come from, what inspires you?
My ideas are built over years of experience and knowledge. The particular series I am now writing has been over twenty years in my head, waiting for connections to come together naturally, for a cohesive image to form. There is only one place I look to for inspiration and that is the world around me.
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
The first draft will usually take between 1–3 months.
Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?
When I begin a novel I have the beginning and end of the story pretty much fixed in my head. The journey between those two points is generally very fluid, in truth almost anything can happen along the way.
What is the hardest thing about writing?
Keeping control of the story. For me, a story is almost like a living creature and I am trying to guide it from point A to point B. Like any living creature however, it has a mind of its own and it keeps wanting to wander, to take the scenic route, if you will.
What is the easiest thing about writing?
I love working with dialogue. This probably stems from my earlier experiences as an actor. I regularly find myself walking around the house holding conversations as my imaginary characters.
Do you ever get writer’s Block and if so, how do you deal with it?
It’s not something I’ve ever really suffered from. I have occasions when I can’t quite see the story, but then I just walk away from it and do something completely different for a time, and with my family, it’s certainly not difficult to find a distraction.
How many books have you written, which is your favourite?
Since I began in 2014 I have written two fact books based upon my experiences as a carer, one book of poetry and one published novel with a second due to be published on 12th April this year. Out all of those, my favourite would have to be the second novel.
What are you working on at the moment?
I am currently working on the third novel in my ongoing series “The Armageddon Wars”
About the books
What genre are your books?
Supernatural/Paranormal Thriller
What book titles have you released so far?
“An Unwilling Recruit” – Book 1 of The Armageddon Wars.
Tell us a little bit about the series.
The series is set in the modern world and features a single main character, John Hunt. Hunt is an arrogant, self-centered individual, interested in nothing more than getting the story. He works as a war correspondent, reporting from the front lines in emerging 
conflicts wherever they occur. It is during one of these assignments that he and his camera-man are mortally wounded in an explosion. Miraculously Hunt survives, his camera-man is not so fortunate however. Following his recovery Hunt is brought to the slow realization that his entire life has changed. Unseen by the world at large, a secret, supernatural war is taking place, a war in which Hunt now finds himself to be a central figure. His only aide is his former camera-man, returned form the dead to act as guide and companion as Hunt tries desperately to understand what his role is in this conflict.
Give us an insight into your main character(s). What does he/she do that is so special?
Hunt is special for two main reasons. In terms of abilities, his near death experience has left him with supernatural powers, primarily the power to heal and revive himself from death. The second aspect of Hunt that makes him special is his personality. He is inherently selfish, he doesn’t want this power and doesn’t want anything to do with the war that is developing around him.
Who is your favourite character and why?
I don’t have any favourite characters. All the main characters are drawn from real people I have met on my various travels, and they all hold equal importance to the story. Some are intended to be liked, some are not. The only thing that I hope is that, whether or not my readers like the characters, they believe in them.
Where can we buy it/them?
All of my books are available in both print and e-book formats from Amazon.
In what formats is your book available?
All of my novels are currently available on both print and e-book formats. Hopefully in the not too distant future I will be able to expand that to include audiobooks as well.
When is your next book due for release?
The second book in the series, “Fool In The Ring”, is set for release on 12th April this year.
Book titles and synopsis:
Book 1 – “An Unwilling Recruit”
Now, six months later, Hunt leaves hospital with the intent of putting the remnants of his 
life back together. Unfortunately that is not going to be as easy as he imagined.
A surprise visit from his dead partner convinces Hunt that his life has changed, he has changed and, more importantly, the world itself has changed. With Andrew acting as his macabre guide, Hunt is drawn into a part of the world he never knew existed, a dark, hedonistic world, where nothing is ever quite what it seems.
Book 2 – “Fool In The Ring”
It has been six weeks since John Hunt, former war correspondent, turned his back on his
life. Cursed with a power he cannot control, he sought to loose himself in obscurity. Destiny, however, had a different path in mind for him.
A mugging, gone terribly wrong, leaves Hunt on the run. Hunted now by the Police and Government Agents he seeks refuge on a travelling circus. But this Circus holds a dark secret and it is not long before Hunt finds himself, once more, at the centre of a desperate battle for survival against supernatural forces he can barely comprehend.
Connect with the author:
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00QDW5L1C
Blog: http://johnsymes.blogspot.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jevanswriter/?ref=bookmarks
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/stirromack
Filed under: author, reading, writing
April 7, 2016
Book review: Lamb of God by Shane KP O’Neill
These days I am not normally one for heavily religious based books, despite the fact that in
the past I have dedicated much time into studying various religions and myths, but the idea of a book told from Lucifer’s perspective piqued my interest and I am so glad I picked it up.
Within is creation from the dawn on time, proceeding forward, from this fresh unique perspective the author fills in many of the gaps I always felt passed over with some very interesting, insightful, and imaginative ideas.
By going into too any details I feel I could detract from the reader’s experience, but I will say this, the ending of this book gives a slight insight into what is to come as the series continues, and quite honestly I am looking forward to seeing how it develops. Here you have the ultimate battle of good vs evil, and although some of the stories may seem familiar, the manner in which they have been told is anything but the norm.
I have already gifted a copy of this work to a friend who I think will find it as fresh and unique as I have.
The book can easily be read in a single sitting if you have an hour or so to spare, and trust me, you’ll want to keep turning those pages.
Links to Amazon:
Filed under: author, reading, writing
April 3, 2016
Book review: An Unwilling Recruit by John Evans
An Unwilling Recruit is the first book in The Armageddon Wars series and follow’s the 
protagonist John Hunt through the dramatic changes forced upon him following his return from war. John was not a soldier but a journalist, intent on getting the story at all costs. But his last story had a high price indeed. The death of his camera man Andrew Johnson. Both men should have died that day, yet by some miracle John survived. But why? The more he digs into what happened to him, the more questions are left unanswered as he is drawn to the attention of two very interested parties from a world he had never thought imagined. John did not believe in anything, it’s time to rethink those beliefs.
The book itself is approximately a two hour read, with a strong continuous momentum. The narrative is enjoyable, and the manner in which the author describes events and places conjure vivid images, which are easily further brought to life by the reader’s own imagination. Within the first few pages I was instantly draw to the characters, and soon as eager as John to discover exactly what had occurred, and why he was suddenly so unique.
This book really does grab a reader’s attention, and number two will be making its way into my collection before long as I am eager to discover where John’s adventure takes him next.
Here are the Amazon links:
Filed under: author, book review, reading, writing
April 2, 2016
Author Interview: Daniel M Quilter
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I grew up in Orem, Utah right at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. I
spent my childhood hiking, camping, rock climbing and doing any other outdoor activity I could. I still lives in Utah with my wife Lauryn. We’re expecting our first child this year. I have one book published with two more coming soon.
What are your hobbies?
I love anything outdoors. Rock climbing and repelling are some of my personal favorites, but I love hiking, camping, kayaking, and scuba diving. When I’m not doing something outdoors I love reading, writing, and watching shows and movies. Right now I’m slightly addicted to watching Daredevil on Netflix.
Which writers inspire you?
I’m very impressed and inspired by the work of Brandon Sanderson. It amazes me the detail involved in the worlds he creates, and the sheer number of quality novels he’s written. I’m also intrigued by the interconnectivity of each of his books.
For your own reading, do you prefer e-books or paper/hard back books?
I love the feel of a real book. There’s just something satisfying about owning a hard copy of a book. That being said, ebooks are so much cheaper and so much more portable, that I read almost exclusively ebooks and then buy paper copies of books that I liked enough to want to have on my bookshelf at home.
What are you reading at present?
Right now I’m reading through The Case of Charles Dexter Ward by H.P. Lovecraft. I’m almost through it and then I plan on reading through Calamity by Brandon Sanderson.
What is your favourite book and why?
Although it’s really nowhere near being in the same genre as what I write, my favorite book is Moby Dick by Herman Melville. It’s long, it’s old, and it’s most certainly not a sci-fi or fantasy story, but I just really enjoy reading it. It has a really interesting story with rich and deep characters.
What is your favourite film/ series and why?
It’s not easy to pick just one especially since I change my mind on which one is at the top about every two minutes, but I really enjoyed the Firefly series and its accompanying movie, Serenity. I just love the dialogue. It’s some of the best comedic writing for a show that I’ve ever seen.
What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment?
Not to be too cheesy, but my greatest accomplishment was marrying my wife. She’s awesome and I just cannot brag enough about her.
How do you relax?
For my best relaxation it’s a bit of a process. When I have time and need to unwind I love to go out and do something physical and outdoors; rock climbing, sky diving, hiking, whatever sounds fun at the time. I go do it until I’m feeling really sore, and then I’ll sit in a hot tub for a while. Once I’m nice and relaxed, I’ll come home and either read or watch a movie or a show. By the time I’m done with all that, I feel great.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
I would say to write the story you want to write and don’t be afraid to suck. So many people want to tell a story, they build it up in their minds and just love it. Then they write it and don’t get a great response, but the truth is that nobody writes a great story on their first try. If you love your story, then don’t let other people tell you it’s no good. Do a good job going through the editing process and work hard to find your audience. If you love it, then there are other people out there who will love it.
If your friends could use one word to describe you what would it be?
I don’t know, probably awesome. Or maybe humble. But probably awesome.
About writing
What made you realise your calling as an author?
I actually tried writing for the first time because my brother decided that he was going to write a novel. I tend to be competitive with my brothers so if he was writing a novel, I was determined to write a better one. I came up with a story and wrote it down, and found that I absolutely loved the process. By the time that book was done and ready for publishing, I knew that writing was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
Where do your ideas come from, what inspires you?
Anything interesting that I see. For sci-fi I get a lot of inspiration from watching science shows like Cosmos. As I learn about new scientific principles I wonder what would happen if this principle could be used to accomplish something new and then a story starts to form in my mind. Sometimes inspiration is just that simple.
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
About a year total from start to finish. Sometimes I move a little quicker depending on how well I’ve figured out the plot before I start writing. For some stories I move quickly because I know exactly what I want to happen. Sometimes I have a concept that I love, but actually forming the story into something that works takes months.
Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?
A bit of both. I prefer having an outline, but sometimes the best way to come up with a good story is to just start writing one.
What is the hardest thing about writing?
Honestly, the hardest thing about writing is finding the time to do it. Life is hectic, and good writing takes time to do. If you want to be a writer who isn’t a total shut in the balance between writing time and social time can be pretty hard to find.
What is the easiest thing about writing?
I don’t know that doing good writing is ever actually easy, but a lot of it is really fun. Coming up with the stories and writing the first draft are probably my favourite parts.
Do you ever get writer’s Block and if so, how do you deal with it?
All the time. Honestly I feel like writers block is different for me every time. Sometimes if I just take a week off, the writers block goes away naturally, but sometimes I just have to sit down and write a couple of bad chapters to work through the writer’s block. It all just depends.
How many books have you written, which is your favourite?
I have one book out and another coming out this August. I like both of them a lot for different reasons. My first book, A Soul Divided, has a lot of fast action and quick wit that makes it a blast to read. I love Drake, the main character of that book, and I think that writing him is a total blast.
On the other hand, my next book, The Key to the Demon’s Gate, takes a slower pace with characters who are a lot less snarky than Drake, but it features a wide cast of characters who are all very entertaining in their own ways. The comedy stays constant throughout the book and makes for a fun story.
What are you working on at the moment?
Right now The Key to the Demon’s Gate is going through editing and will be released this August. I’m also hard at work on Taking Life, the sequel to A Soul Divided. It will pick up where A Soul Divided left off and answer many of the questions left by the ending of A Soul Divided.
About the books
What genre are your books?
I write sci-fi and fantasy books.
What book titles have you released so far?
My only book at the moment is A Soul Divided, Book 1 of the Blood Fire Trilogy
Tell us a little bit about the series.
The Blood Fire Trilogy focuses on a war between the religious alliance of the Mystics and the Human Empire. Drake Ashbell is a man caught between warring nations as he seeks to overcome his own personal demons in the midst of a galactic war, while being pulled into a greater conflict than anybody had ever imagined.
Where can we buy it?
My books are for sale on Amazon.
Give us an insight into your main character. What does he/she do that is so special?
Drake Ashbell is the luckiest person alive, literally. As one of the last living members of the Fortunatus race, he was born with superhuman luck. He runs his mouth off too much, and his methods are unorthodox at best, but he always gets the job done.
In what formats is your book available?
As an ebook as well as in paperback
When is your next book due for release?
The Key to the Demon’s Gate will come out this August
Book titles and synopsis:
A Soul Divided (The Blood Fire Trilogy Book one)
Vhy’Rai, the power of the gods, was gifted to the Mystics with three restrictions:
Restoring life to the dead is forbidden.
Vhy’Rai may not be used to take the life of another.
No soul shall be divided.
Those who dare to commit one of these taboos become immortal, but the immortality of one comes at a cost to many.
As the galaxy is torn apart by war between the religious empire of the Mystics and the technologically advanced Human Empire, Drake Ashbell finds himself caught up in a conflict that will take him to distant worlds, make him face his tragic past, and test the limits of his soul.
The Key to the Demon’s Gate:
The great demon Eshteroth plagued the land of Artenia for hundreds of years until a group of powerful wizards banded together, combining their magic to banish the demon to 
another world: Earth.
Henry Rockwell, his best friend Karl and his secret crush Alanah, who happens to be Karl’s girlfriend, are a normal group of Seattle teens, until a simple trip to the movies to celebrate Henry’s birthday ends in the arrival of an otherworldly demon. To complicate things further, Henry and his friends don’t just witness the arrival of the demon, they switch places with him.
Thrown into a brand new world of magic they quickly learn that they have inherited a portion of the demon’s magic power, but the demon will be returning in one year’s time. And the three of them are expected to fight him.
In order to prepare for the upcoming battle and save the world, the three friends must learn about their new world and master their magic powers before the demon returns.
Connect with the author:
Amazon Author Page: Daniel M Quilter
Blog: http://danielmquilter.weebly.com/blog
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/danielmquilter/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/10787921.Daniel_M_Quilter
Twitter: www.twitter.com/dquilter6
Website: http://danielmquilter.weebly.com
Filed under: author, writing
