Suzanne Rogerson's Blog, page 66
May 23, 2016
#Audiobook #bookreview The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss #tuesdaybookblog
Note – This is my first audio book review.
Author: Patrick Rothfuss
Title: Name of the Wind – Book 1 Kingkiller Chronicles
Genre: Fantasy
Type: Audio
Length: TOO LONG! 28 hours
Narrator: Rupert Degas
Blurb:
Told in Kvothe’s own voice, this is the tale of the magically gifted young man who grows to be the most notorious wizard his world has ever seen.
First Impressions:
I chose The Name of the Wind as my first audio book as I really wanted to read it, but couldn’t face a book of that magnitude for the few hours I have set aside for reading.
My husband dubbed the book ‘Long of the Wind’ this should have been an indication of what was to come.
Narration style:
For me it was hard listening to a man doing a woman’s voice, though so far there has only been one woman in the book – Kvothe’s mother. Rupert Degas softens his voice for this role, and also to make his voice sound younger for Kvothe as a child. It sort of worked, but as the story dragged on, I became annoyed listening to it.
Summary:
It is a very long book… but nothing happens. It is brilliantly written with lots of details, but I want a book to go somewhere and this did not. I guess Patrick Rothfuss’s slow writing style is not for me.
Final Thoughts:
I did not listen to the whole book, though I really tried. I stopped at chapter 19. It was so boring I kept leaving the room forgetting I was listening to it. I have no inclination to pick up the book to find out what happened. I’m sorry to say that I just didn’t care for the main character or what happened in his past.
Recommend to: Insomniacs and readers who enjoy slow building epics.
Rating: 2 stars.
***
I really wanted to give audio books a try, maybe starting with this one was a mistake. Or maybe audio books are just not for me and I am being unfair to the author. I shall be listening to ‘Girl on a Train’ next and will post a review on that soon.
Has anyone got any suggestions for a good audio book?
May 21, 2016
Birthday #ebook #giveaway results
I have picked a name to receive the free ebook of Visions of Zarua and contacted the winner this morning. Well done Em on Keystrokeblog, I really hope you enjoy Visions of Zarua.
I appreciate all the lovely birthday wishes I received and I’m sorry if your name didn’t get picked.
There will be another chance to win some free copies of the ebook in two weeks time. Brook Cottages are running a Book Blitz day for me on Saturday 4th of June and there will be a Rafflecopter giveaway as well. I hope you can join me for that.
Have a brilliant weekend everyone. Happy reading.
May 19, 2016
Birthday #Giveaway – #ebook copy of Visions of Zarua
To celebrate my birthday today and the 6 month birthday of my book, I thought I’d run a mini giveaway. Just leave a comment below and share this with all your friends. I’ll pick a name out of a hat (or something similar!) Friday evening 20th May. The more responses I get, the more names I’ll pick. Join in my birthday celebration now.
***
See what others have been saying about Visions of Zarua on Amazon and Goodreads.
‘It’s so lovely to read a book that is a stand alone completed tapestry… I definitely recommend you give this book a try as it’s a real all in-one fantastical adventure story.’
‘Wonderful fantasy meets mystery!’
‘Dark sorcery with slithering secrets… Visions of Zarua casts a shadow of excitement giving the fantasy genre a nice little jolt.’
‘Thrilling and dark fantasy novel… from the very first chapter I was hooked. Overall I just love this book… I can’t wait to read more of the author’s work’
‘Enjoyable read with a hint of classic “who dunnit”…’
‘A brilliant read… would recommend to anyone who likes murder, mystery and of course fantasy’
‘The perfect amount of epicness… one of those fantasy books that can please any reader’
‘If you want a great book that takes you away from the monotony of daily life, then this is the book for you’
‘Gripping, well written story…the intertwined stories kept me gripped until the end. I recommend, even if you’re not a fantasy fan!’
‘…putting this book down, because of the non-reader-friendly-world I live in, made me unhappy. Mrs Rogerson deserves standing ovation for her debut novel… I will applaud with pride and appreciation. Visions of Zarua was simply a story that I love.’
***
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 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?
Sample chapters are available on Smashwords Amazon UK Amazon US
Don’t forget to comment and share.
Thank you.
May 17, 2016
#Bookreview Joe Abercrombie – Shattered Sea Trilogy #YA #Fantasy #TuesdayBookBlog
Author: Joe Abercrombie
Title: Shattered Sea trilogy
Genre: YA Fantasy
Note: It is hard for me to review this trilogy without spoilers. I cannot make all the points I want to, so please forgive the vague nature of this review.
Blurb Book 1: Prince Yarvi has vowed to regain his throne. First he must survive cruelty, chains and the bitter waters of the Shattered Sea. And he must do it with only his good hand.
First Impressions: First of all, I love the book covers. Stunning, aren’t they.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from Joe Abercrombie’s YA trilogy as his adult books are quite dark. I wasn’t disappointed, rather I fell for Half a King and couldn’t put it down. The minute I finished reading it, I ordered the next book.
Each book has different viewpoint characters
Book 1 – Yarvi
Book 2 – Brand & Thorn
Book 3 – Skara, Raith & Koll
I enjoyed all the viewpoints and felt for each character in their own respective stories. However, switching the viewpoints gave you distance from the characters you previously liked and rooted for, so it was hard to adapt to each book in that sense.
Loved: The enthralling pace and the intrigue running through each book.
Annoyed by: The constant reference to ‘deep cunning’ and a bit too much gritty talk of farting and snot. I did not like the plot direction in the last book and felt let down by it.
Final thoughts: I loved this as a Viking Trilogy, why did it have to become something else?
For me the end was unsatisfying. There was a great battle, which changed everything, but after that it all seemed too rushed and underwhelming. There is a lot I would like to say here, but don’t want to spoil the read for you.
I still think the Shattered Sea is a brilliant trilogy and really enjoyed reading it.
Recommend: To anyone who reads YA fantasy and fantasy in general.
Star Rating:
Book 1 – Half a King 5 star
Book 2 – Half a World 5 Stars
Book 3 – Half a War 4 stars
Overall trilogy rating 4 stars. I really wanted to give it a 5, but the ending just didn’t satisfy me.
Have you read the trilogy, what did you think?
May 16, 2016
Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge: Single flower or bud – Echinacea #photo
This is my first time of joining in Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge. When I saw the single flower challenge I thought of this little gem. It is an Echinacea – Cone Flower, taken at the wonderful Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall, UK.
Visions of Zarua – 6 months since publication day #WWWblogs #Indie
I can’t believe it’s been 6 months since I self published my first novel, Visions of Zarua. Here’s my summary of the good and bad of self publishing.
Background:
The ebook went live 16th November 2015 and the paperback went live 14th December 2015.
I had pre-orders in place for the ebook so sales were very good on the first day, and a few days after as well.
First thoughts:
I was terrified, excited and nervous, but looking back I was also completely naïve thinking life would change for me overnight. I wasn’t expecting an instant hit, but I did think things would move faster than they have.
My favourite things about publishing:
1.Sharing my book with the world. 2. Calling myself a published author. 3. Seeing the reviews from people who have taken a chance and bought my book, and also from those reviewers I’ve contacted directly. 4. I still adore my book cover and love looking at the poster I have above my desk.
I’ve had some wonderful reviews on Amazon and Goodreads – I wish I could share each review here, but will have to satisfy myself with sharing a few of my favourite quotes instead.
‘It’s so lovely to read a book that is a stand alone completed tapestry… I definitely recommend you give this book a try as it’s a real all in-one fantastical adventure story.’
‘Wonderful fantasy meets mystery!’
‘Dark sorcery with slithering secrets… Visions of Zarua casts a shadow of excitement giving the fantasy genre a nice little jolt.’
‘Thrilling and dark fantasy novel… from the very first chapter I was hooked. Overall I just love this book… I can’t wait to read more of the author’s work’
‘Enjoyable read with a hint of classic “who dunnit”…’
‘A brilliant read… would recommend to anyone who likes murder, mystery and of course fantasy’
‘The perfect amount of epicness… one of those fantasy books that can please any reader’
‘If you want a great book that takes you away from the monotony of daily life, then this is the book for you’
‘Gripping, well written story…the intertwined stories kept me gripped until the end. I recommend, even if you’re not a fantasy fan!’
‘…putting this book down, because of the non-reader-friendly-world I live in, made me unhappy. Mrs Rogerson deserves standing ovation for her debut novel… I will applaud with pride and appreciation. Visions of Zarua was simply a story that I love.’
I’m very happy with these stats so far – 5 x 5 star and 4 x 4 star reviews on Amazon. 5 reviews and 7 ratings on Goodreads.
Least favourite part of self publishing:
Trying to get noticed when you have a non existent marketing budget and very little clue on what works best.
Methods of advertising I’ve tried:
Discounted ebook price – I tried this twice. Over Christmas the reduced price resulted in a handful of sales and the second one just before Easter resulted in a couple of sales.
Goodreads Giveaways – Good and bad. Visions of Zarua is on over 800 bookshelves because of the giveaways. The worldwide giveaway was much more successful than UK only, attracting 2062 people. However the postage costs involved are high and I haven’t sold any books because of the giveaway as far as I can tell.
Facebook Ad – I received a handful of new followers on FB, but no book sales.
Mslexia magazine Ad – No sales.
Goodreads Ad pay per click – Paid $10 which is used up as people click the ad. So far my ad has supposedly been seen by over 4K people but no clicks and no sales.
Anyone have any suggestions for other places to advertise?
Unexpected benefits of self publishing:
I started a blog to have an online presence, but I’ve found I really love blogging. I’ve met lots of interesting people through blogging and because of it I’ve also become a reviewer via Rosie’s Ambers book review team. I’ve been able to share my photos and rediscovered my love of photography. I’ve also shared recipes and places I love through the #AtoZ blog challenge and #WordlessWedneday photos.
Final thoughts:
It’s a lot of work for very little gain and the hard work doesn’t stop at publication. I haven’t had a pay cheque yet, though I still need to declare myself as self employed.
Knowing all this, I would still do it again. It’s a wonderful feeling to publish your own book and even better when a review tells you someone enjoyed it. There aren’t many better feelings to be had, although a million pound publishing deal wouldn’t go amiss.
News:
I’m running a one day book blitz via Brook Cottages on Saturday 4th June with a Rafflecopter giveaway. Please join in and share if you get the chance.
Call for help:
If you have read Visions of Zarua, would you consider leaving a review on Amazon, goodreads, smashwords or any books sites that you normally use. It really helps my credibility as an indie author and helps others decide to buy my book. I also love to read your feedback.
If you are inspired by these wonderful reviews to pick up a copy of Visions of Zarua, here are some purchase links:
Amazon UK Amazon US Kobo Smashwords
Now if I ever hope to publish my next book, I have to finish writing the damn thing. Please leave any comments and suggestions you might have and I’ll get back to you.
Visions of Zarua – 6 months since publication day #TuesdayBookBlog #Indie
I can’t believe it’s been 6 months since I self published my first novel, Visions of Zarua. Here’s my summary of the good and bad of self publishing.
Background:
The ebook went live 16th November 2015 and the paperback went live 14th December 2015.
I had pre-orders in place for the ebook so sales were very good on the first day, and a few days after as well.
First thoughts:
I was terrified, excited and nervous, but looking back I was also completely naïve thinking life would change for me overnight. I wasn’t expecting an instant hit, but I did think things would move faster than they have.
My favourite things about publishing:
1.Sharing my book with the world. 2. Calling myself a published author. 3. Seeing the reviews from people who have taken a chance and bought my book, and also from those reviewers I’ve contacted directly. 4. I still adore my book cover and love looking at the poster I have above my desk.
I’ve had some wonderful reviews on Amazon and Goodreads – I wish I could share each review here, but will have to satisfy myself with sharing a few of my favourite quotes instead.
‘It’s so lovely to read a book that is a stand alone completed tapestry… I definitely recommend you give this book a try as it’s a real all in-one fantastical adventure story.’
‘Wonderful fantasy meets mystery!’
‘Dark sorcery with slithering secrets… Visions of Zarua casts a shadow of excitement giving the fantasy genre a nice little jolt.’
‘Thrilling and dark fantasy novel… from the very first chapter I was hooked. Overall I just love this book… I can’t wait to read more of the author’s work’
‘Enjoyable read with a hint of classic “who dunnit”…’
‘A brilliant read… would recommend to anyone who likes murder, mystery and of course fantasy’
‘The perfect amount of epicness… one of those fantasy books that can please any reader’
‘If you want a great book that takes you away from the monotony of daily life, then this is the book for you’
‘Gripping, well written story…the intertwined stories kept me gripped until the end. I recommend, even if you’re not a fantasy fan!’
‘…putting this book down, because of the non-reader-friendly-world I live in, made me unhappy. Mrs Rogerson deserves standing ovation for her debut novel… I will applaud with pride and appreciation. Visions of Zarua was simply a story that I love.’
I’m very happy with these stats so far – 5 x 5 star and 4 x 4 star reviews on Amazon. 5 reviews and 7 ratings on Goodreads.
Least favourite part of self publishing:
Trying to get noticed when you have a non existent marketing budget and very little clue on what works best.
Methods of advertising I’ve tried:
Discounted ebook price – I tried this twice. Over Christmas the reduced price resulted in a handful of sales and the second one just before Easter resulted in a couple of sales.
Goodreads Giveaways – Good and bad. Visions of Zarua is on over 800 bookshelves because of the giveaways. The worldwide giveaway was much more successful than UK only, attracting 2062 people. However the postage costs involved are high and I haven’t sold any books because of the giveaway as far as I can tell.
Facebook Ad – I received a handful of new followers on FB, but no book sales.
Mslexia magazine Ad – No sales.
Goodreads Ad pay per click – Paid $10 which is used up as people click the ad. So far my ad has supposedly been seen by over 4K people but no clicks and no sales.
Anyone have any suggestions for other places to advertise?
Unexpected benefits of self publishing:
I started a blog to have an online presence, but I’ve found I really love blogging. I’ve met lots of interesting people through blogging and because of it I’ve also become a reviewer via Rosie’s Ambers book review team. I’ve been able to share my photos and rediscovered my love of photography. I’ve also shared recipes and places I love through the #AtoZ blog challenge and #WordlessWedneday photos.
Final thoughts:
It’s a lot of work for very little gain and the hard work doesn’t stop at publication. I haven’t had a pay cheque yet, though I still need to declare myself as self employed.
Knowing all this, I would still do it again. It’s a wonderful feeling to publish your own book and even better when a review tells you someone enjoyed it. There aren’t many better feelings to be had, although a million pound publishing deal wouldn’t go amiss.
News:
I’m running a one day book blitz via Brook Cottages on Saturday 4th June with a Rafflecopter giveaway. Please join in and share if you get the chance.
Call for help:
If you have read Visions of Zarua, would you consider leaving a review on Amazon, goodreads, smashwords or any books sites that you normally use. It really helps my credibility as an indie author and helps others decide to buy my book. I also love to read your feedback.
If you are inspired by these wonderful reviews to pick up a copy of Visions of Zarua, here are some purchase links:
Amazon UK Amazon US Kobo Smashwords
Now if I ever hope to publish my next book, I have to finish writing the damn thing. Please leave any comments and suggestions you might have and I’ll get back to you.
May 10, 2016
#BookReview Gertrude Jekyll Dreams – Helen Thomas #Poetry
Title: Gertrude Jekyll Dreams
Author: Helen Thomas
Self published 2014.
Length: This is a short book of poetry, 32 pages with 27 poems.
Blurb: Gertrude Jekyll Dreams is the first full collection of poems by Helen Thomas. These personal, funny and moving poems are based on her 48 years of life, love, inspiration, flowers, travels, family and memory.
First Impressions: This was a step outside of my comfort zone as I don’t usually read poetry. Some of poems maybe too personal to the author for me to understand, some were hard to pinpoint, but others really resonated with me, and I wanted to read them again straight away and enjoy them a second time. I particularly liked My Parent’s Garden and Further Adventures In Art And Being.
Style: This is a neat little book, which is lovely to hold and read. The poems are set out one per page. There was space inside the author could have provided a little more details of herself (though there is a bio on the back cover.) She is an artist and I would have liked to have known more about her and if she drew the cover art and what the significance of it was.
Summary: Poems range from abstract, enjoyable to touching. It can be devoured in one sitting, or read at a slower pace. You find you want to go back and revisit those poems that touched you.
Recommend to: This would make a lovely gift for someone who enjoys poetry.
Rating: I don’t feel at all qualified to rate this book, I don’t even know the names of the different forms of poetry. However, I feel this is a good collection of poems that people can enjoy, and everyone should find something that resonates with them personally.
Check out the book on Amazon UK
