David Burrows's Blog, page 18
April 21, 2015
Free ebook - Legacy of the Eldric, Fantasy by David Burrows
For a limited time, until the 28th April '15 you can download Legacy of the Eldric for free on Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/291263 using the promo code GV95L.
It is available in several formats including ePub and Kindle. Feel free to download it but post me a review please.
Spread the word. If you know a fantasy fan then please let them know.
Legacy of the Eldric is pure escapism, a high fantasy novel that manages to entertain from beginning to end with an easy to read narrative, interesting characters and intelligent world building, I highly recommend this novel to any fan of fantasy fiction. SFBooks.com
In Legacy of the Eldric he has certainly achieved his aim; the characters are memorable and the plot is fast-paced and exciting. It is an opening chapter in a series that I look forward to reading the mid and end parts to. This is solid fantasy; exactly what a fantasy doctor would order for those looking for an enjoyable escape from reality, fans of Tolkien, Hobb and Moorcock will love what they find here. Definitely recommended. 7.8 out of 10 Fantasybookreview.co.uk
The major players in this book had to slowly come together, form a group, and set off on a quest. The mythology, various landscapes plus other bits and pieces of worldbuilding needed to take place so the reader could acclimate to this new world. An abundance of familiar tropes were used but unlike some, tropes used intelligently do not bother me in the slightest. But then I still read and reread all of David Eddings' early books and they don't come any tropier. (Is that a word? If not it should be...) All in all I was impressed with how much story took place. Dragonsheroesandwizards.blogspot.co.uk
Good reading
David
It is available in several formats including ePub and Kindle. Feel free to download it but post me a review please.
Spread the word. If you know a fantasy fan then please let them know.
Legacy of the Eldric is pure escapism, a high fantasy novel that manages to entertain from beginning to end with an easy to read narrative, interesting characters and intelligent world building, I highly recommend this novel to any fan of fantasy fiction. SFBooks.com
In Legacy of the Eldric he has certainly achieved his aim; the characters are memorable and the plot is fast-paced and exciting. It is an opening chapter in a series that I look forward to reading the mid and end parts to. This is solid fantasy; exactly what a fantasy doctor would order for those looking for an enjoyable escape from reality, fans of Tolkien, Hobb and Moorcock will love what they find here. Definitely recommended. 7.8 out of 10 Fantasybookreview.co.uk
The major players in this book had to slowly come together, form a group, and set off on a quest. The mythology, various landscapes plus other bits and pieces of worldbuilding needed to take place so the reader could acclimate to this new world. An abundance of familiar tropes were used but unlike some, tropes used intelligently do not bother me in the slightest. But then I still read and reread all of David Eddings' early books and they don't come any tropier. (Is that a word? If not it should be...) All in all I was impressed with how much story took place. Dragonsheroesandwizards.blogspot.co.uk
Good reading
David
April 8, 2015
Book Review - Simon Scarrow's Brothers in Blood
Brothers in Blood by Simon ScarrowMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
If you like tales of Romans, intrigue and battles then this could be for you. Scarrow's books are never straight forward, Macro and Cato believe they have escaped Rome's plots but Rome has a long reach and the Imperial Secretary now has a rival and that spells danger for our two heroes.
In the previous book Caratacus was the main protagonist and he is back with a vengeance. The book has battles and twists in the plot and once again Cato and Macro are in the thick of it. I have been disappointed with one or two of Scarrow's books when the formula seemed to be repeated, but Brothers in Blood is a great tale and lulls you back into Britannia Romania very nicely. Overall, excellent books and love the characters.
View all my reviews
Read Excerpt from George Martin's Forthcoming Book - The Winds of Winter
Well -- the Starks were right, Winter is Finally Coming. The bizarre thing about this excerpt [1] is it's from the point of view of Alayne. I can't remember her? Has she been in the series before? He's killed off so many characters that I'm not sure I'll be able to pick up the story thread. It's also been so long ago that I read the last book that I'm not even sure that I'm bothered any more, but Tyrion keeps pulling me back. What a great character.
As for Daenerys, silly girl lost her dragons just when it looked as though something good might happen. She sat in the last city she captured for far too long that it ruined the plot. I hear in season 5 that she is to marry, and sitting very close by is Tyrion. Brilliant. That should be fun.
[1] http://www.georgerrmartin.com/excerpt-from-the-winds-of-winter/
As for Daenerys, silly girl lost her dragons just when it looked as though something good might happen. She sat in the last city she captured for far too long that it ruined the plot. I hear in season 5 that she is to marry, and sitting very close by is Tyrion. Brilliant. That should be fun.
[1] http://www.georgerrmartin.com/excerpt-from-the-winds-of-winter/
March 30, 2015
Seventh Son - A Positive Review for a Change
Where to start? I thought it was entertaining and if you are happy with that then go and see this film. It is a film that you could easily say - seen it all before. However, it was fun and kept me entertained, as I say. Perhaps it is too easy to be negative and as discussed below, fantasy can be an easy tartget. On the plus side, the characters are entertaining and the plot is lively. I liked Jeff Bridges as the "spook" and Julianne Moore certainly made a good Dark Queen.
It captures some aspects of several previous films; Solomon Kane, The Mummy, Lord of the Rings, although very loosely. The special effects are good and being a fantasy tale that of course is essential. There's too few fantasy films and it is a difficult balance of not being too childish whilst recounting tales about witches, ogres and dragons.
Other reviews are certainly very critical about the film, but as I say -- I found it entertaining. I came out of the cinema wanting to write another book, which is always a good feeling. Clearly, my creative juices were energised.
I think fantasy always gets a bad press. Did you notice that none of the Hobbit films were nominated for Oscars or Baftas? I wrote an article on
Seventh Son is not going to set the world alight, but you may be surprised and like me, you might actually enjoy it.
It captures some aspects of several previous films; Solomon Kane, The Mummy, Lord of the Rings, although very loosely. The special effects are good and being a fantasy tale that of course is essential. There's too few fantasy films and it is a difficult balance of not being too childish whilst recounting tales about witches, ogres and dragons.
Other reviews are certainly very critical about the film, but as I say -- I found it entertaining. I came out of the cinema wanting to write another book, which is always a good feeling. Clearly, my creative juices were energised.
I think fantasy always gets a bad press. Did you notice that none of the Hobbit films were nominated for Oscars or Baftas? I wrote an article on
Seventh Son is not going to set the world alight, but you may be surprised and like me, you might actually enjoy it.
March 24, 2015
Writing a Book - What Your Friends Won't Tell You
When I initially contacted a literary agent I had a strange phone conversation:
me: Hi, I am David and I have a manuscript that I would like you to consider
LA (Lit Agent): Are you an established author?
me: No
LA: Then it'll be rubbish, dear
me: My friends like it
LA: They are your friends, dear. They don't want to upset you
Harsh but fair. I took that criticism on board and learned how to make my own book (this is before I discovered Lulu and Createspace etc). I then asked the local library if I could display copies, which they did. I also gave copies to people at work that I didn't know.
When I received praise it felt much more genuine and so I felt that the LA was correct in this aspect at least. You do need to get people you don't know to review your work. Time has told and, many reviews later, I hope that my books are well received and are not rubbish.
I also received some less than favourable comments, but this is very welcome (if disappointing) and helps the author to grow. It must be said that not everyone has the same taste and an author has to accept both good and bad reviews. I did have one very damning review, but when I looked at this persons other reviews he also hated a book by Steven King, so I was actually in very good company.
Beta readers are very useful although I learned about them too late for my current books. These are non-professional readers who will accept a book at a good quality standard, but that might still have some blemishes. Anyone reading this who can elaborate or tell us where best to find beta readers -- please feel free to post. I found this on Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/50920-beta-reader-group and it describes more about beta readers and what to expect.
Goodreads is a great place to visit so if you haven't - check it out, dear.
If you want to learn more about making a book:
http://www.writingabook.ninja/2014/09/how-to-make-book.html
me: Hi, I am David and I have a manuscript that I would like you to consider
LA (Lit Agent): Are you an established author?
me: No
LA: Then it'll be rubbish, dear
me: My friends like it
LA: They are your friends, dear. They don't want to upset you
Harsh but fair. I took that criticism on board and learned how to make my own book (this is before I discovered Lulu and Createspace etc). I then asked the local library if I could display copies, which they did. I also gave copies to people at work that I didn't know.
When I received praise it felt much more genuine and so I felt that the LA was correct in this aspect at least. You do need to get people you don't know to review your work. Time has told and, many reviews later, I hope that my books are well received and are not rubbish.
I also received some less than favourable comments, but this is very welcome (if disappointing) and helps the author to grow. It must be said that not everyone has the same taste and an author has to accept both good and bad reviews. I did have one very damning review, but when I looked at this persons other reviews he also hated a book by Steven King, so I was actually in very good company.
Beta readers are very useful although I learned about them too late for my current books. These are non-professional readers who will accept a book at a good quality standard, but that might still have some blemishes. Anyone reading this who can elaborate or tell us where best to find beta readers -- please feel free to post. I found this on Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/50920-beta-reader-group and it describes more about beta readers and what to expect.
Goodreads is a great place to visit so if you haven't - check it out, dear.
If you want to learn more about making a book:
http://www.writingabook.ninja/2014/09/how-to-make-book.html
March 21, 2015
Book Giveaway - Prophecy of the Kings on Goodreads
Don't forget -- I am still giving away a copy of the Prophecy of the Kings. It's the Omnibus edition - all three books in one volume. It took me years to write this book and it can be yours in an instant. It's also a complete tale, no waiting for years for the author to produce the next instalment.
Sign up on Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/130003
The offer ends soon so give it a go.
Best wishes
David
Sign up on Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/130003
The offer ends soon so give it a go.
Best wishes
David
Book Giveaway - Prophecy of the Kings
Don't forget -- I am still giving away a copy of the Prophecy of the Kings. It's the Omnibus edition - all three books in one volume. It took me years to write this book and it can be yours in an instant. It's also a complete tale, no waiting for years for the author to produce the next instalment.
Sign up on Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/130003
The offer ends soon so give it a go.
Best wishes
David
Sign up on Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/130003
The offer ends soon so give it a go.
Best wishes
David
Best Music to Listen to Whilst Reading Fantasy. Seeking Inspiration.
I used to listen to music whilst reading fantasy. My favourite was Hergest Ridge by Mike Oldfield whilst reading Lord of the Rings. Years later and the music still reminds me of the first time I read the books.
Ommadawn, another Mike Oldfield track, was excellent with Lord Foul's Bane (Stephen Donaldson). There was a drum track that built to a really excellent crescendo. Brilliant. Again, some track remind me of the first time I read these books.
Another favourite is Enya. Nice background music whilst reading. I don't think I've ever recaptured the feeling of listening to Hergest Ridge and Lord of the Rings but I keep trying.
Anyone else associate a piece of music to a particular book?
Ommadawn, another Mike Oldfield track, was excellent with Lord Foul's Bane (Stephen Donaldson). There was a drum track that built to a really excellent crescendo. Brilliant. Again, some track remind me of the first time I read these books.
Another favourite is Enya. Nice background music whilst reading. I don't think I've ever recaptured the feeling of listening to Hergest Ridge and Lord of the Rings but I keep trying.
Anyone else associate a piece of music to a particular book?
March 8, 2015
Free fantasy Book - The Prophecy of the Kings
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Goodreads Book Giveaway
Prophecy Of The Kings
by David Burrows
Giveaway ends April 08, 2015.
See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.
Enter to win
February 28, 2015
Win a Free book. Drachar's Demons - a fantasy tale by David Burrows
Free book competition. I am giving away a free book of Drachar's Demons to the person who can find the hidden map on my website. It is a full page map so there are no tricks. Browse my website and when you find the map email the address and you will be entered in the prize draw.
My website is http://davidburrows.org.uk/
My email address is on the website marked here in the first text box. Please put Competition into the subject box. The competition closes at the end of March and the winner will be picked at random.
Good luck
My website is http://davidburrows.org.uk/
My email address is on the website marked here in the first text box. Please put Competition into the subject box. The competition closes at the end of March and the winner will be picked at random.
Good luck
