Suzanne Rogerson's Blog, page 62
July 5, 2016
#bookreview #tuesdaybookblog Crown of Stones: Magic-Price C.L. Schneider #fantasy
The Crown of Stones: Magic Price by C.L. Schneider (book 1)
Genre: Fantasy
Blurb – Ian Troy is one of the Shinree, a fallen people with an inherent addiction to magic. Scorned and reviled for the deadly side of their spells, the Shinree are bred as slaves. Their magic is suppressed by drugs and used only as it serves the purposes of the other races. Descended from a long line of soldiers, Ian is conscripted into the Rellan army and made to fight in their longstanding conflict against the ruthless Langorian invaders. The downfall of Rella imminent, Ian goes against orders and turns to the Crown of Stones, an ancient Shinree relic of untold power. Ignorant of its true purpose, Ian uses the crown to end the war, and pays a terrible price. A decade later, still tortured by the aftermath of that day, Ian lives as a bounty hunter in self-imposed exile. Having renounced his magical heritage, he curbs his obsession with a steady stream of wine and regret. He struggles to put it all behind him, until a fateful encounter with a pretty assassin brings Ian’s past crashing into the present. Targeted by a rogue Shinree, and a ruthless old enemy, Ian is forced to use magic again. His deadly addiction is rekindled and his life of isolation is brought to a swift end. With the land he gave up everything to protect once more in jeopardy, and his people’s future at stake, Ian becomes embroiled in a violent race for control of the Crown of Stones. To save the realms and those he cares for, Ian must embrace the thing he fears most: his own power.
First Impressions – I loved the cover and the premise of this book. The concept of having a price to pay for wielding magic is a big part of why I bought this book. From the very beginning you get to understand that price and why the main character Ian Troy tries to resist using his power.
Magic – I really liked all the new and inventive magic the author has created in this book. I like the Shinree race and how there are different bloodlines within it that can perform different types of magic. I think my favourites were the dream weaves, which caused havoc with the main characters mental state, and the binding spells which could bring someone back from the brink of death, but have other consequences for those involved.
Characters – First off Ian Troy is not a very ‘fantasy’ name. But he is likeable for a mass murderer and I was rooting for him all the way. He is stubborn and makes the wrong choices at times, but don’t we all.
Didn’t like so much – There seemed to a few too many info dumps in the form of arguments between various characters. At points it felt like these exchanges were for the readers benefit. But there is a lot of history needing to be explained and times when this type of info gathering is needed for Ian Troy to understand the past events as much as the reader.
Sometimes I got lost when new chapters started and it wasn’t a smooth transition from the previous one. Normally it was just cutting the unnecessary description of an uneventful journey. It’s a small gripe, and resolved quickly as you read on.
Final thoughts – A really fresh and gripping fantasy read. I don’t see many fantasy books with this amount of swearing in, but it felt right for the story and the character, not just put in for shock value. I’m looking forward to reading the next two books (which I’ve already bought).
Finally, there are some erotic/x-rated moments in the book. I’d often find myself thinking this is a woman writing it and feeling a little shocked (not that I’m a prude or anything).
Recommend to – Fantasy lovers who like their stories a little on the darker side.
Rating – 5/5 stars
Please check out the books for yourself on Amazon UK Amazon US Goodreads
Each book is a bargain at 99p, but I think that offer is running out today, so you best be quick!
July 4, 2016
July Read-A-Thon book challenge #booksavvyreaders #somethingolde
Sissy Lu is hosting a July Read-A-Thon over on booksavvyreviews.
The idea is to read 5 books in a month and the theme is the wedding rhyme #somethingolde
My books for this July challenge will be;
Somethingold – ‘Children of Hurin – J R R Tolkien’
Somethingnew – ‘The Wedding Proposal – Sue Moorcroft’ desperate to read as I’m going to Malta soon.
Somethingborrowed – ‘The Devil’s Detective – Simon Kurt Unsworth’ Book group’s choice
Somethingblue – ‘The Blue Ridge Project – Neil Rochford’ Review book for Rosie Amber’s book review team.
Sixpenceina shoe – ‘Rise of the Sparrows by Sarina Langer’ a paperback I won recently in a blog tour competition, which happens to be the 6th novel on my shelf.
It’s already day 4 of July and I’ve only just started the challenge. Along with my blog tour, finishing a novel, preparing for the kids to break up from school etc, I may not complete the challenge, but I’ll give it a go.
Why don’t you join us?
Visions of Zarua #bookreview and Honey Cake recipe
Wow, I can’t believe it’s Day 8 of the Visions of Zarua book tour already. Please join me over on Barbedwords for a book review and special recipe post inspired by one of my main characters, Varnia.
So today we have a guest post from the lovely Suzanne Rogerson as part of her World Blog Tour to promote her epic fantasy book, Visions of Zarua.
Suzanne is a real life friend of mine (I do have some…) We met at a Creative Writing course about five years ago. But whilst I’ve been scratching my arse and talking about finishing my novel (with a brief move to Italy in-between), she actually got off her backside and published a fabulous book.
I’m not usually a fantasy reader but I enjoyed reading about wizards and magical kingdoms. I thought it would be rather hard going but it was actually very easy to read with some light-hearted moments. The writing was very strong, the characters likeable and the intertwined stories kept me gripped until the end. I recommend, even if you’re not a fantasy fan.
Now then, onto Suzanne’s post. Yay –…
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July 3, 2016
#BookReview: “Visions of Zarua” by Suzanne Rogerson #sundayblogshare
What a wonderful way to enjoy Day 7 of Visions of Zarua’s blog tour, with a fantastic review.
Every fantasy lover should be reading this book! Paddren, Varnia, and Leyoch have been friends since childhood. Paddren has been training to be a wizard under the tutelage of Kalesh. Varnia is the huntmistress for Baron Harkai, having been trained by Reaun, who took her in after her parents’ death. Leyoch is an assistant to Paddren and Kalesh, and madly in love with Varnia. But the day the Nagra appears will change everything….
Suddenly Kalesh is dead and Paddren is appointed to replace him as the Baron’s wizard. Reaun loses an arm in the battle with the Nagra and Varnia must take over all his duties. And Leyoch embarks on the secret mission that Kalesh had been preparing him for. After Leyoch successfully uncovers a secret organization of evil wizards, all 3 find themselves running for their lives while using all their skills to take down the organization and destroy…
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July 2, 2016
Visions of Zarua by Suzanne Rogerson #BlogTour @rogersonsm
Please join me for Day 6 of Visions of Zarua’s blog tour over on Teri’s blog.
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Two wizards, 350 years apart. Together they must save the realm of Paltria from Zarua’s dark past. An ancient darkness haunts the realm of Paltria. Apprentice wizard Paddren is plagued by vi…
Source: Visions of Zarua by Suzanne Rogerson #BlogTour @rogersonsm
Weekend wanderings – Bodiam Castle, Sussex #photos
I thought I’d take a break from the blog tour and instead have a wander around Bodiam Castle in Sussex. The ruins are well preserved and still a beautiful example of a moated castle.
It’s strange to be looking back at these photos of Bodiam Castle today, as its my wedding anniversary and this trip was during our honeymoon. We had a 4 month old baby and a toddler, so a holiday abroad wasn’t possible. It was a wonderful honeymoon all the same, perfect for a writer who loves everything medieval (and my husband liked the fish!).
I have so many photos, it’s hard to pick my favourites. This next one makes me smile, my curly haired little boy chilling with his dad.
Now lots of random shots.
A mystery we’ve yet to solve – what do these tiles symbolise? – found on the floor, on the wall and up in the tower.
The last visit a couple of years ago was during the summer holidays, when my son and daughter took part in a knight and princess workshop. They had great fun, and I got to soak up a bit of medieval magic as I watched the people in costumes and wandered around the camp they had set up around the castle.
This weekend wander was inspired by a question from Faith on day 4 of the blog tour. See her interviewing me here, along with her review of Visions of Zarua.
Now back to the blog tour. Click the image below if you want to find out more.
July 1, 2016
Visions of Zarua on #Indieprideday #justforfun
To finish #Indieprideday, I thought I’d post these pics just for fun.
This is Poppy. Her bed is on my desk and she spends the rainy days (in the UK that is quite often) sleeping next to me. When not pulling strange poses in her sleep, she often jumps on my laptop and makes changes to my work when I’m not expecting it.
She’s come a long way from this little ball of fluff!
Happy #indieprideday everyone!
#Indieprideday Visions of Zarua 50% sale on #Smashwords #fantasy
Hello everyone.
Today is Day 5 of Visions of Zarua’s blog tour and I’m excited to announce a 50% sale on Smashwords!
It’s a special event run by Smashwords where 1000’s of books will be discounted for the whole month of July. Why not check out the promo page and pick up some bargains.
While your there, you could pick up Visions of Zarua at a discount price of $2.00. Just enter the promo code SSW50 at the checkout. The book can be downloaded in several formats including kindle(mobi).
If you’re looking for a reason to buy Visions of Zarua, why not check out today’s post on thetattoedbookgeek, where Drew shares an extract from chapter 1 and a photo quote from chapter 2 to whet your appetite.
And don’t forget your entry on the Rafflecopter giveaway on Bookwraiths blog.
Click on the image below to go direct to the Visions blog tour page.
Visions of Zarua 50% sale on Smashwords #fantasy #bookpromo
Hello everyone.
Today is Day 5 of Visions of Zarua’s blog tour and I’m excited to announce a 50% sale on Smashwords.
It’s a special month long event run by Smashwords (one I only heard about this morning!) and 1000’s of books will be discounted for the month. Why not check out the promo page and pick up some bargains.
While your there, you could pick up Visions of Zarua at a discount price of $2.00. Just enter the promo code SSW50 at the checkout. The book can be downloaded in several formats including kindle(mobi).
If you’re looking for a reason to buy Visions of Zarua, why not check out today’s post on thetattoedbookgeek, where Drew shares an extract from chapter 1 and a photo quote from chapter 2 to whet your appetite.
And don’t forget your entry on the Rafflecopter giveaway on Bookwraiths blog.
Visions of Zarua by Suzanne Rogerson Blog Tour (Book Extract).
Day 5 of Visions of Zarua’s blog tour.
Visions of Zarua Book Blurb: Two wizards, 350 years apart. Together they must save the realm of Paltria from Zarua’s dark past. An ancient darkness haunts the realm of Paltria. Apprentice wizard Pa…
Source: Visions of Zarua by Suzanne Rogerson Blog Tour (Book Extract).
