K.J. Simmill's Blog, page 82
October 13, 2015
Book review: Wicca: A Beginner’s Guide to Witchcraft, Spells, Rituals, and Magick by Cassandra Larsen
Good evening everyone.
I have recently finished reading Wicca: A Beginner’s Guide to Witchcraft, Spells, Rituals, and Magick by Cassandra Larsen. so thought I would stop by and write a quick review.
I want to start off by saying that even as a pre-teen I was interested in religion and spent much time researching the various types of worship, beliefs, and deities spanning the world both now and in times past. I remember my first approach to witchcraft too, and believe me when I say the literature you can get today is far more accessible than it was twenty years ago, in fact when I was 14 my local bookshop only seemed to carry one title, and truth be told, it wasn’t very informative. I wish this book had been around then.
As the name implies this book is for a beginner, or even someone who just wants to expand their knowledge on a religion which has been misunderstood and misrepresented on so many media fronts. The book is user friendly and covers the main topics in a simple, easy to understand manner. In fact, armed with the understanding and techniques provided in this book alone, you pretty much have the perfect starting foundation to build upon with your own experiences and preferences. There was one point the author touched upon, which I feel a number of the books I have read has been lacking, and that is that in magical working, the intention behind something is as important, if not more so, than the rituals themselves.
What I liked most about this book, aside from how easy and accessible it makes important information, is that the author has basically given the reader a huge amount of information, which can be used alone, or researched into further. She touches on candle magic, herbal magic, colour magic, and even goes as far as to explain which days and moon cycles best enhance which types of workings, not to mention the more expected elements such as meditation, visualisation, protection, and spell casting.
All in all I found this a fantastic book, and it is certainly one I would recommend to anyone with an interest in learning about Wicca.
As always, you’ll find the links below.
US Wicca: A Beginner’s Guide to Witchcraft, Spells, Rituals, and Magick (Simple Witchcraft Book 1)
UK Wicca: A Beginner’s Guide to Witchcraft, Spells, Rituals, and Magick (Simple Witchcraft Book 1)
Have a great evening everyone
Filed under: book review, reading
October 11, 2015
Book Review: Chasing The Demon (Gateway Book 2) By Louise G white
Hello all, I hope you are all well.
I myself am enjoying the turn of seasons and the encroaching of dark nights. Autumn and Winter are fantastic times to settle down with a nice hot drink and a good book.
A little while ago, I did a review on a book called ‘The Calling’ By Louise G White, I enjoyed this book so much that I brought the second book in the series, and gave it a good place on my ever growing reading list.
The second book in the Gateway series is titled ‘Chasing the Demon’ and I enjoyed it as much as the first. There was the return of familiar characters and the introduction of new ones. As expected from any series, it takes the ideas and concepts introduced in the first book and expands on them to create a better understanding of the world, missions and characters
It’s hard to provide plot details, without giving away the ending of the first book, which I still must say is a highly recommended read. But with no spoilers in sight I will say that the author builds on the already created relationships, and possesses the smooth, flawless, and entertaining character interaction which gripped my intention in the first book.
A lot more information is given on the agency, and through the plot we come to understand more of their practices, as well as understand the motivations of most of the characters for doing what they do.
The author’s writing style is clear and enjoyable, her description and plot drive the plot forwards and keep the reader hooked from the first page.
I am looking forwards to reading the next one, which has already been added to my reading list.
US Chasing The Demon (Gateway Book 2)
UK Chasing The Demon (Gateway Book 2)
Filed under: book review, reading
October 3, 2015
Book Review Bentwhistle the Dragon in A Threat from the Past By Paul Cude
I have recently finished yet another wonderful book, this time I turned my attentions to the author Paul Cude and his book Bentwhistle the Dragon in A Threat from the Past.
The book itself is based in modern day times, where dragons, the protectors and guiders of humanities path, live among us. Peter Bentwhistle, and his friends Richie and Tank, are three such dragons, and this story follows them. It focuses on their lives, whilst introducing the long spanning history of human and dragon interaction and the lifestyle of the dragons in their hidden domain. All the time we learn of this magical and wonderful world, we are being drawn into the main plot. Something is terribly wrong, but only Peter has his suspicions, and his investigation yields unimaginable results. The adventure this is a gripping one, filled with suspense and frustrations, it was a book I could barely put down.
I enjoyed the writing style, along with the insertion of humour and fun that was included within the book. I particularly enjoyed the use of Mantras as well as the depth of characters. I must admit that Gee Tee is one of my favourites, I instantly developed a fondness for this character. The interaction and bonds between the characters are very nicely portrayed, and I myself will definitely be picking up the next book in the series.
If, like me, you enjoy a good fantasy, why not look into it yourself, here are the links to Amazon:
US Bentwhistle the Dragon in A Threat from the Past
UK Bentwhistle the Dragon in A Threat from the Past
Filed under: book review, reading
September 26, 2015
Book review: Ceridwen and The Order of The Future Keepers – Alistair Roberts
Last night I finished reading Ceridwen and The Order of The Future Keepers by Alistair Roberts.
The book itself is set just after the time of King Arthur and the author does a good job in making the speech not only easy to understand, but keeping with the time and rhythm expected, translating, where necessary, the odd word which is thrown into the dialect.
While I was reading the tale of Ceridwen, I couldn’t help but be reminded of The Dark is Rising series by Susan Cooper, a popular book with its own foothold in Arthurian legends and mythology.
The story itself, although references Arthurian legends, is not consumed by it as the author draws on parts of the mythology only as a means of enhancing the story and plot, whilst giving them his own twist, which also leaves various options open to later explore events discussed in future books. Throughout the book, you not only learn of Ceridwen’s current concerns, but learn, through small insights, of some of her past adventures and those which may await her in the future.
As always, if this has piqued your interest, here’s the link.
UK – Ceridwen and The Order of The Future Keepers
US Ceridwen and The Order of The Future Keepers
Filed under: book review, reading
September 16, 2015
Book Review Salby Damned by Ian D Moore
I have recently finished reading Salby Damned by Ian D Moore. Although I really enjoy zombie movies and series such as the Night of the Living Dead, The Day of the Dead, The Walking Dead, etc I have never actually read any zombie fiction before, I have always assumed, that although fun to watch, to read it would prove to be quite boring. I was wrong.
The story starts off in the small town of Salby, where the result of a company. known as FCSG. fracking yields disastrous results. The release of something which turns a simple project, into an event of cataclysmic proportions. The story mainly follows the developing relationship of Nathan and Evie, as they try to find the means to reverse the damage and keep people safe, but it introduces a multitude of brilliant characters.
From my perspective, the book displays a good knowledge of the workings of the army, and even captures the personalities of some of the more memorable people I met during my few years in the T.A 202 field hospital. I found myself grinning as certain characters couldn’t help remind me of people I once knew, or could imagine having met.
I was impressed by the depth of thought that clearly went into the story, it wasn’t all about zombies tearing people limb from limb in new and gruesome ways, it was story focused and character driven, and done in such a way you feel exactly how the author intends you to about his characters. Especially if some of them get what they deserve.
This book is expertly crafted and enjoyable to read, I would certain say any fans of the zombie sub-genre would definitely enjoy it, as well as those who like horror, or just enjoy a well constructed plot.
If you’re interested, why not pick it up? As always I have included the links below.
US $2.99 Salby Damned
UK £1.99 Salby Damned
Filed under: book review, reading
September 8, 2015
Book review: The Calling (Gateway Book 1) by Louise G White
I recently completed The Calling by Louise G White. I can instantly tell a good book from the fact I want to purchase the next book in the series immediately after finishing it. If it hadn’t been for the fact I would have to crawl out of bed in the early hours to do so, I would have done. I was however very restrained and settled to buying it earlier this morning.
I have been really fortunate of late, in the sense that I seem to have read so many good books one after the other. Although I do make a point to only review those I enjoy, as I don’t want to give a poor review simply because a book doesn’t appeal to my tastes. However as I say, of late I have been really fortunate with my selection.
In my best spoiler free description, The Calling follows the story of Carolyn, a young lady who watches her mother being torn from her by an unknown force, a force she later discovers she is drawn to by ‘The Calling’. She finds herself pursued by people she refers to as ‘suits’, trying to stay ahead of them, whist also searching for answers about what happened to her mother and brother. During the story she finds allies who help her to understand better who and what she is.
The characters of the story are real, having an array of emotions and reactions to the situations they are confronted with, as well as their own unique connections and personalities. The plot moves at a brilliant pace and it is easy to get lost in. I often kept thinking, just one more chapter, only to find myself awake in the early hours, and last night, there was no way I was going to put it down without finishing it.
The book is certainly a paranormal fantasy, and its sequel has already jumped several books on my reading list since I can’t wait to find out what happens next. When the story finished, I really wasn’t ready for it to end, yet another sign of a good book. Target wise it would appeal to the young adult and adult market. I also don’t say this about too many books, but it has the potential to be an entertaining series, attracting fans from a variety of fandoms inclusive of things such as SG1, Vampire diaries, dare I say it, Buffy the Vampire slayer, Angel, Grimm, etc, not that the book features vampires, but the plot and characters seem suited to an array of series genres and would likely attract a following from fans of works such as these.
I really enjoyed the author’s writing style, and I could see some similarities between her style, and that of L.J. Smith in her Nightworld, Vampire diaries, and Dark visions series. Don’t get me wrong, The Calling has no plot or character similarities, to these books, but it has the same character development and plot driving feel to it.
All in all a fantastic read.
Amazon links
US The Calling (Gateway Book 1)
UK The Calling (Gateway Book 1)
Filed under: author, book review, reading
September 3, 2015
Darrienia Artwork and Teasers
Gallery
A very amazing person, who wishes to remain anonymous, having read of my book some months before release, very kindly designed some artwork based on Darrienia.
Click on the pictures for a larger image.
Filed under: writing
September 1, 2015
Darrienia and Herbal Lore are now available.
Darrienia and Herbal Lore are now available.
If you enjoy fantasy, or would like to know more about the uses of herbs in magical or medicinal practices, don’t forget to pick up your copy today.
By buying one of my books you will also be helping to support either the neonatal department of the UHNM or the St John and Red Cross Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS)
Herbal Lore
Darrienia
Filed under: author, charity, reading, writing
August 31, 2015
And the winner of the Darrienia charity raffle is…
Thank you to everyone who helped me raise money for the UHNM charity for use by the neonatal unit.
The lucky winner of the £20 Amazon voucher, my two books and all the other wonderful Darrienia goodies is…
Robert Glass
I was so touched by everyone’s support that I decided to offer a runner up prize of a £5 Amazon voucher, the runner up prize goes to…
Martin Green
I have already contacted the winners to let them know, and I just want to say thank you again to everyone who took part, you support means a lot. Thanks to your help we have managed to raise a fantastic £95 for the neonatal unit at the university hospital UHNM charity.
To show my appreciation, I will be offering anyone who took part a Darrienia pen, just my way of saying thank you. I will be sending emails out later, and will send them out to anyone who wishes to have one.
Congratulations to our winners, and thank you again for supporting the UHNM charity.
Sadly I can’t upload the video of the draw to my blog, but you can watch the winner being drawn on my Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/Oneirois
Filed under: author, charity, reading
August 29, 2015
Book review: Oblivion’s Forge (Aona series Book 1) by Simon Williams
I have recently finished reading Oblivion’s Forge (Aona series Book 1) by Simon Williams. I will start by saying, that the author’s style, in some respects reminded me of Terry Goodkind, and he was an author whose work I really enjoyed, so needless to say, for me this was a good read.
The author creates a multitude of diverse characters, and the story follows three main ones whose journey takes them on very different paths; this of course means we are presented with a rare opportunity to witness different events, and piece together the information each of them know to come to a greater understanding about what exactly is happening on Aona. I particularly enjoyed how real the characters were, each of them, as any one does, has their own vices and flaws, which play a role in shaping them.
Throughout the story we learn much of the world and the conflicts of old, there has clearly been a great deal of thought put into the races, their backgrounds, alliances, and history, not to mention the plot, which ties everything together so well.
I can’t really put too much about the story and events, as they will spoil the reading experience for anyone who buys it, but it is certainly well presented and drives the reader forward. Last night I was so close to the end I couldn’t bring myself to put it down as I just had to know what happened, this of course meant a very late night for me, but it was worth every minute.
I would recommend this book to adults who enjoy reading fantasy, especially fantasy with a darker twist.
Why not take a look for yourself:
US $0.99 Oblivion’s Forge (Aona series Book 1)
UK £0.99 Oblivion’s Forge (Aona series Book 1)
Filed under: writing
