Suzanne Rogerson's Blog, page 36
May 16, 2018
WWW Wednesday Reading update #amreading #tbr
I’m been very busy working through edits over the last few weeks so my reading has been a bit slow.
I thought I’d use WWW Wednesday for a reading update and to get me focused again. You can take part too by answering these questions;
What are you currently reading, What have you just read, What will you read next and link your blog post to ‘Taking on a world of words‘ You can also see who else is taking part.
[image error]
What I’m currently reading
Sparrow by Michael Morpurgo
[image error]
I needed something short to read and my daughter suggested this. I haven’t read any Morpurgo before, but I’m enjoying it so far. It’s based on the Joan of Arc story.
I am also reading an ARC for Jesper Schmidt – How to write fantasy book descriptions, but I don’t have the cover to display just yet. 25% in and so far, so good. I think this could really help fantasy writers.
What I’ve just read,
[image error]
Here’s my review of Ninja School Mum
What I’m reading next.
Last time I took part in WWW Wednesday I had hoped to finish a couple of trilogies, but I’d forgotten about my monthly book group reads. With my lack of time I’m having to reconsider what books I can fit in. In the next month I need to read Senlin Ascends, which I’m really excited about as it was my choice for book group.
[image error]
And I still hope to read book 3 Magic Borne to finish Ian Troy’s story,
[image error]
In the next few days I will also be reading my own book The Sentinel’s Reign (book 2 of Silent Sea Chronicles) prior to its publication at the end of June. Cover reveal and pre-order links coming very soon!
I think that is plenty of books to be getting on with. What are you reading?
The Lost Sentinel – Suzanne Rogerson
Here is a recent review of The Lost Sentinel on Nana’s Fantastical Reads. Please go check it out.
The Lost Sentinel by Suzanne Rogerson is an independently published fantasy book that sparked my interest. I was intrigued by the concept of a magic that connects the people to their land and the consequences that ensue when the magic-wielders are being persecuted. Sadly, it wasn’t easy for me to connect to the characters and understand their development since we have three perspectives and a lot of time jumps that make the connection difficult.
Goodreads summary:
The magical island of Kalaya is dying, along with its Sentinel. With the Kalayan people turning their back on magic, can Tei help the exiles find their new Sentinel before it’s too late?
Kalaya is controlled by the Assembly – set up to govern but now under the control of Rathnor, who is intent on persecuting those who have magic, many of whom have taken refuge in the Turrak Mountains.
Tei has been raised…
View original post 1,069 more words
May 15, 2018
#tuesdaybookblog #bookreview Ninja School Mum by @Lizzie_Chantree
I am reviewing Ninja School Mum by Lizzie Chantree.
The Blurb
Obsessive-compulsive school mum, Skye, is a lonely elite spy, who is running from her past whilst trying to protect the future of her child. She tries hard to fit in with the other parents at her son’s new school, but the only person who accepts her unconventional way of life is new mother, Thea.
Thea is feeling harassed by her sister and bored with her life, but she suspects that there is something strange about the new school mum, Skye. Thea has secrets of her own and, although the two become unlikely friends, she hesitates to tell Skye about the father of her own child.
Zack’s new business is growing faster than he could have dreamed but, suddenly, he finds himself the owner of a crumbling estate on the edge of a pretty village, and a single parent to a very demanding child. Could he make a go of things and give his daughter the life she deserved?
When three lives collide, it appears that only one of them is who they seem to be, and you never know who the person next to you in the school playground really is.
[image error]
My Mini Review
The cover is very cool. I love the colour contrast and the silhouette. It drew me in to find out more and the premise of the story really appealed. Who can resist a spy story!
There is a lot to like about this book. The characters are colourful and have plenty of secrets between them. Skye, Thea and Zack are well drawn and likeable, though you know they have secrets and you have to read on to find out what is really going on.
The spy part of the plot is important, but perhaps not featured enough. I would have loved to relive some of the backstory through flashbacks.
One of my favourite parts were the unusual business ideas; Skye starts up a self-defence class for children to avoid the school bully, while Zack runs Cloud Climb on his estate, which also sounds like a great idea if you like heights!
For me there were a few issues with this book. The chapters are told from each character’s viewpoints, which I liked, but I did find there were times when we head hopped between characters thoughts. This confused the narrative and I was sometimes left wondering who had been thinking what.
There is a lot of back story that needs to be revealed to the reader, which is understandable for the plot and as I mentioned above I think we could have used a few flashbacks to get the information across in a more involving way. I also thought some of the scenes in the present could have been shown more as there was too much tell and character reflection on things that had just happened. I think the book could have, and should have, been longer – I certainly wouldn’t mind spending longer with these characters and really get to know them better.
There are a few twists towards the end, some of which took me by surprise – always a good thing. But for me the ending was underwhelming and I would have liked something more dramatic for these great characters.
I rate this book 3.5 stars. Why not check it out on goodreads and see what others have to say.
May 14, 2018
#CoverReveal The Exercise of Vital Powers by Ian Gregoire @lonelyboy1977 #fantasy
Today I’m really pleased to share the cover reveal for The Exercise of Vital Powers. This is the second edition of the book and will be available to preorder very soon.
I think you will agree the cover is stunning and could well be in the running for my favourite cover of the year. So here it is…
[image error]
The Blurb
Some Lessons Must Be Learned The Hard Way
Since its inception, The Order has been dedicated to the prevention of the misuse and abuse of magic. For seven decades this mandate has guaranteed peace and stability throughout The Nine Kingdoms. But a potential threat to the peace has emerged, and its source is much closer to home than the leadership of The Order may realise.
Arrogant, manipulative, confrontational and angry. Undesirable qualities in a person at the best of times, but more so in a young woman born with the power to bring kingdoms to their knees. Kayden Jayta, precocious apprentice of The Order, is all these things and more, yet wholly unwilling to acknowledge and rectify her many troubling traits.
Unbeknown to anyone, Kayden’s resolute determination to join the ranks of The Order is born of a secret that puts her priorities at odds with the precepts of the organisation, setting her inexorably on a collision course with the most powerful institution in The Nine Kingdoms.
If Kayden is to be dissuaded from walking the path she has chosen, averting tragic consequences in the process, two unanswered questions must be answered: What is the dark secret guiding Kayden’s actions? And, why has a legendary figure within The Order, with a secret of her own, taken undue interest in Kayden’s future?
Expected Publication
The Exercise Of Vital Powers is due to go on sale from Monday 2nd July 2018, in ebook and paperback editions. Pre-orders will be open in June via all the usual online retailers.
Background about the book
Ian Gregoire’s debut fantasy novel was self-published with no fanfare in the spring of 2017. On a whim, he entered the book into the SPFBO competition organised by Mark Lawrence two weeks later, and was just as surprised as everyone else when The Exercise Of Vital Powers was selected as Kitty G’s first semi-finalist. The book subsequently garnered a number of positive reviews, culminating in a place on the longlist of nominations for Best Self-Published Novel in the inaugural BookNest Fantasy Awards.
Originally written and published as a stand-alone novel, the soon to be released second edition of The Exercise Of Vital Powers is now book one of a five book series called Legends Of The Order. Readers who missed out the first time around will now have the opportunity to acquaint themselves with the book’s precocious protagonist before she returns in the sequel, coming soon.
About the Author
[image error]
The reclusive Ian Gregoire is a taciturn introvert residing somewhere in London, where he was born and raised. Of all life’s diversions, reading and writing are the only ones he ever deemed worthwhile enough to be passionate about. This eventually led to his belated decision to pursue his true calling in life as a fantasy and science fiction author. His debut novel, The Exercise Of Vital Powers, is just the first of many books he intends to inflict upon an unsuspecting world.
On the occasions he steps out of his reading and writing comfort zone, Ian has a fondness for computing, melancholy music, retro gaming, and Asian Cinema. Ian also loves peace and quiet, something that is in frustratingly short supply in his life.
Ian can currently be found (or not) living the life of a hermit somewhere in London, continuing his quest to become your future favourite fantasy and science fiction author. To find out more about him and his ongoing publishing journey be sure to visit his official online hangouts.
Website | Blog | Newsletter
Social Media
Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Last.fm | Pinterest | Tumblr
If you still need to be convinced to pick up this book, here’s some praise for the first edition;
“I don’t know what I was expecting, really, but I don’t think I was expecting such an engaging, well thought out story from a self-published debut novel I had never heard of before…” Kristen (Superstardrifter)
“I don’t pretend to be the most well read person, but I found this to be completely unique, and I loved it! I felt very engaged right from the start, and somehow became even more engaged by the end.” Kim (The Writing Process)
“I love reading about flawed characters, and the development that Kayden shows through the course of the novel is impressive.” Rachel (The Perspicacious Bookworm)
“Overall, TEOVP, being a debut work, is a good book that every fan of character-driven fantasy should try to read.” Lukasz (Goodreads)
“Gregoire has done an amazing job of creating a feeling of tension throughout, while leaving us guessing as to what will happen next, or even how the outcome will turn out.” Dianne (Tome Tender)
“…this book was sneaky amazing.” Angelica (The Effervescent Bookworm)
May 1, 2018
#tuesdaybookblog #Bookreview The Sand Scuttler by Rosalyn Kelly #fantasy
Today I am excited to share my review of The Sand Scuttler, which has just gone on sale today. I received a ARC copy from the author ahead of its publication (1st May 2018).
[image error]
The Blurb
Ripped from her mother’s arms and forced into slavery, the beautiful Jakira is soon sold. Destined to become her new master’s bed slave when she matures, she’s put to work in the kitchen.
But whilst Jakira is being branded, she discovers she can tame fire.
Determined to gain her freedom and find her mother before Jakira comes of age, she uses her magic to ask the bloodthirsty God for a miracle.
When this fails, a desperate Jakira goes in search of a mysterious creature, the last of its kind, who lives deep in the vast desert. Known as the Sand Scuttler, it can bestow great power on the one it deems worthy.
For centuries it hasn’t met that one, until now.
Set in the same ruthless world as the grimdark, epic fantasy novel Melokai (In the Heart of the Mountains #1) and twenty years before, The Sand Scuttler tells of the early life of Ammad’s mother Jakira.
This adult fantasy novella can be read as a standalone story, no prior knowledge of Melokai is required.
Goodreads link
My Review
First of all I was drawn to this book by the cover. It feels to me as if Jakira is inviting you to read her story.
I’d heard of Melokai (book 1 in the series) and had it on my TBR list, but when the author called for advance reviewers in her newsletter I jumped at the chance to start with this novella.
From the start you are thrust into a vividly different world with a young girl ripped away from her family when her father sells her and her mother to pay off his gambling debts. In this one act, you realise how cheap life is for these people and that Jakira is not going to have an easy time.
The story of Jakira’s life in slavery draws you along and I found myself desperately turning / flicking the pages on the kindle to see what happens next.
The desert setting is very different to the fantasy I’m used to and is populated with a race of people who have humps on their backs – the richer the people, the smaller the humps as they live closer to the precious water source. I found this concept strange at first, but it’s well imagined and the history of the people is described within the story so there is no need for info dumps.
I really liked Jakira. Her determination to get free of slavery and save her mother made you will her to succeed. When she discovers her ability to withstand any fire, she starts to plan her escape with single-mindedness.
The supporting cast is well drawn including her disgusting master and the disfigured cook who befriends her. The Sand Scuttler is a mysterious and tricky beast, and is one I wouldn’t want to mess with.
I really did not want this book to end. As soon as I finished, I bought Melokai. I can’t wait to see what adventures will befall Jakira’s daughter.
You can pick up your copy of The Sand Scuttler on Amazon UK Amazon US.
April 25, 2018
WWW Wednesdays – 25th April #amreading
I’ve decided to take part in this book tag for a change to try and keep my reading on track. The book meme is hosted by Taking on a World of Words
Three questions; What are you reading? What have you just read? What will you read next?
[image error]
What I’m currently reading…
I picked up Ninja School Mum during its recent blog tour as I really like the cover and fancied something different to read.
I re-read the first few chapters of Visions of Zarua before starting to submit to agents and decided I should read the whole thing again. If it’s not too big-headed to admit, I still enjoy my own writing and still love the characters.
What I’ve just read…
I read an ARC copy of The Sand Scuttler and will be sharing my review in May. In the meantime, I would definitely recommend it to fantasy fans. It’s currently on pre-order.
All the Birds in the Sky is my book group choice and after 294 pages I decided to DNF this book. I just didn’t care enough for the characters and not enough seemed to happen. Once I’ve heard what the others in the reading group have to say, I may change my mind though.
What I will read next…
I decided this year that I would commit to finishing a few trilogies. These two in particular I’ve been looking forward to reading.
***
Don’t forget to head on over to Taking in the World of Words and check out who else is taking part in this weekly event.
April 23, 2018
Book News! Visions of Zarua is being published in Czech #fantasy #epicfantasy
Those who follow my blog may remember a while ago I mentioned I’d been contacted by a publisher about a Czech translation of my debut novel, Visions of Zarua.
Well last week I received the signed contract so I can finally announce the deal is official!
I do not have a publication date as yet but I’m so happy to share this news and to say I will soon be a traditionally published author! That is a dream come true, even if it has come about in a totally unexpected way.
[image error]
I am so proud of this book and can’t wait to see what it looks like in Czech!
For those of you unfamiliar with the book here’s the blurb…
Two wizards, 350 years apart. Can they save the realm of Paltria from Zarua’s dark past?
An ancient darkness haunts the realm of Paltria.
Apprentice wizard Paddren is plagued by visions of a city on the brink of annihilation. When his master Kalesh dies in mysterious circumstances, the Royal Order of Wizards refuses to investigate.
Helped by his childhood friend, the skilled tracker Varnia, and her lover Leyoch, Paddren vows to find the killer.
The investigation leads Paddren down a sinister path of assassins, secret sects and creatures conjured by blood magic. But he is guided by a connection with a wizard from centuries ago – a wizard whose history holds the key to the horror at the heart of the abandoned city of Zarua. Can Paddren decipher his visions in time to save the Paltrian people from the dark menace of Zarua’s past?
Goodreads book link
Why not see what others have been saying on Amazon via universal book link.
I am currently approaching agents with this book and would really love to get some more reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, or to be featured on your book blogs. If you are willing to post an honest review in exchange for a free copy, please get in touch using my contact form. Alternatively, Visions of Zarua is enrolled in Kindle Unlimited where members can read it for free.
I hope to have more news to share soon, but for now thanks for reading.
April 3, 2018
#Tuesdaybookblog Time Travelling with a Hamster by Ross Welford #bookreview
My Mini Review
Time Travelling with a Hamster is just as good as the title suggests. It’s fun, action packed and comes highly recommended by my 11-year-old daughter!
Time travel is something I’ve always struggled to get my head around – the flaws in any possible method and the repercussions of what you change in the past altering the future. This book deals with all aspects of time travel perfectly. Despite being aimed at the middle-grade audience, anyone can enjoy the book and I recommend it with almost as much enthusiasm as my daughter.
Al is a great protagonist, one I’m sure all children will be able to relate to. He does act rash, speak without thinking and get himself in difficult situations, but he learns from his mistakes and becomes a better person for them. Another standout character in the book is Al’s Grandfather, Byron.
The book deals with serious issues like loss and the difficulties encountered with a new step family. These issues are well handled, but I did not like the idea of a twelve-year-old sneaking out the house at midnight and stealing a moped etc. Still, if taken in fun, this is a true adventure story and I’m sure every child will enjoy it.
[image error]
I love the teaser line ‘My dad died twice. But only the second time was my fault.’ Who could resist reading on to find out more.
I rated this book 4.5 stars.
My daughter gave it a whole-hearted 5 stars. She asked me what could have been done differently to warrant 5 stars from me. I’m not really sure, I suppose it’s the little niggles as a parent that have held me back. Maybe you should read the book and let me know what you think.
Here’s the blurb from Goodreads
“My dad died twice. Once when he was thirty nine and again four years later when he was twelve. The first time had nothing to do with me. The second time definitely did, but I would never even have been there if it hadn’t been for his ‘time machine’…”
When Al Chaudhury discovers his late dad’s time machine, he finds that going back to the 1980s requires daring and imagination. It also requires lies, theft, burglary, and setting his school on fire. All without losing his pet hamster, Alan Shearer…
April 2, 2018
#Mondayblogs My thoughts – Getting Published Day workshop #indieauthor
Last month I went to a Getting Published seminar. It was right at the time of the bad snow hitting the UK, but thankfully it went ahead and the trains were running. Not everyone made it through the snow, but the room still seemed packed with writers eager to learn the secrets of submitting to agents. Would this be the big breakthrough I’d been hoping for?
I went to the event with the knowledge that my two self published books were being well received, in some cases loved, by book bloggers and reviewers (although sales haven’t been good whilst I focused on writing rather than marketing). I also had the added bonus that my first book, Visions of Zarua, was being considered by Czech publishers as a Czech translation. (Cover issues have held up the contract signing, but I’m hopeful it can go ahead very soon.)
The Getting Published day didn’t go exactly as I’d hoped, but I did learn a lot and it reinforced the knowledge I’ve gained over the years from workshops, magazines and articles online. Let’s start with the positives of the day.
How to submit to an agent – Some top tips
Be professional
Focus on one book in your letter
Get the agents name right
Intrigue them with a great pitch
Try and get a connection with the agent to mention in the letter.
Focus only on agents in your genre.
What I learnt about Agents
Agents are just people
Agents want the same as writers – to get great books published
Of the 450 agents in the UK, not many specialise in fantasy.
They are busy professionals and they appreciate a professional approach.
They give up there free time reading through the slush pile
It can be good to go with a new agent who is building their list, rather than experienced agents who have full lists and only take on new authors occasionally.
Other interesting facts you might want to know
Agents and publishers don’t care about your social media presence unless you have masses of followers or it is relevant to the book you are submitting.
Agents don’t care about your self published books unless they have sold 100k copies.
If you submit a self published book, agents don’t know what to do with them. They want new material.
Finally, what I learnt about me
I’m crap at mingling and talking to new people, though I’m ok if it is one to one i.e. chatting with the person sitting next to me.
I want to succeed enough to ask questions in front of a room full of people, even though it makes me feel sick.
I want this enough to keep going to these workshops.
There are lots of nice people out there, sometimes you have to be brave enough to make the first contact.
Conclusion
These events are worth the money and the time, even if you are shy like me. If you are willing to make the effort you can make connections with other writers in the same position as you. If you are really lucky, you might just be able to chat with an agent who represents your genre.
I can’t help but feel writing fantasy and being a self published author puts me at a double disadvantage in the publishing world. But it’s what I love and I won’t change my dreams to try to write to the market. Instead, I will keep plugging away and enjoy the freedom of self publishing, whilst I wait to find the right agent who believes in my writing as much as I do.
Have you any experience of writing or publishing workshops? Have you any advice or tips to share? I’d love to hear from you.
#Mondayblogs My thoughts on Getting Published day workshop #indieauthor
Last month I went to a Getting Published seminar. It was right at the time of the bad snow hitting the UK, but thankfully it went ahead and the trains were running. Not everyone made it through the snow, but the room still seemed packed with writers eager to learn the secrets of submitting to agents. Would this be the big breakthrough I’d been hoping for?
I went to the event with the knowledge that my two self published books were being well received, in some cases loved, by book bloggers and reviewers (although sales haven’t been good whilst I focused on writing rather than marketing). I also had the added bonus that my first book, Visions of Zarua, was being considered by Czech publishers as a Czech translation. (Cover issues have held up the contract signing, but I’m hopeful it can go ahead very soon.)
The Getting Published day didn’t go exactly as I’d hoped, but I did learn a lot and it reinforced the knowledge I’ve gained over the years from workshops, magazines and articles online. Let’s start with the positives of the day.
How to submit to an agent – Some top tips
Be professional
Focus on one book in your letter
Get the agents name right
Intrigue them with a great pitch
Try and get a connection to mention in the letter.
Focus only on agents in your genre.
What I learnt about Agents
Agents are just people
Agents want the same as writers – to get great books published
Of the 450 agents in the UK, not many specialise in fantasy.
They are busy professionals and they appreciate a professional approach.
They give up there free time reading through the slush pile
It can be good to go with a new agent who is building their list, rather than experienced agents who have full lists and only take on new authors occasionally.
Other interesting facts you might want to know
Agents and publishers don’t care about your social media presence unless you have masses of followers or it is relevant to the book you are submitting.
Agents don’t care about your self published books unless they have sold 100k copies.
If you submit a self published book, agents don’t know what to do with them. They want new material.
Finally, what I learnt about me
I’m crap at mingling and talking to new people, though I’m ok if it is one to one i.e. chatting with the person sitting next to me.
I want to succeed enough to ask questions in front of a room full of people, even though it makes me feel sick.
I want this enough to keep going to these workshops.
There are lots of nice people out there, sometimes you have to be brave enough to make the first contact.
Conclusion
These events are worth the money and the time, even if you are shy like me. If you are willing to make the effort you can make connections with other writers in the same position as you. If you are really lucky, you might just be able to chat with an agent who represents your genre.
I can’t help but feel writing fantasy and being a self published author puts me at a double disadvantage in the publishing world. But it’s what I love and I won’t change my dreams to try to write to the market. Instead, I will keep plugging away and enjoy the freedom of self publishing, whilst I wait to find the right agent who believes in my writing as much as I do.
Have you any experience of writing or publishing workshops? Have you any advice or tips to share? I’d love to hear from you.
