Stuart Aken's Blog, page 230

Joinings: A Seared Sky; All You Need Know.

It occurred to me yesterday, whilst writing a guest post for another blog, that I hadn’t actually placed a piece on here to describe my latest release. I’ve done lots of posts regarding character and place, lots of mentions running up to the launch in March, but I haven’t actually described the book!Most remiss of me.
So, to coincide with its availability in the publisher’s new online store, here’s the basic information.
Joinings, the first book of epic fantasy trilogy, A Seared Sky, is published in digital and print formats by Fantastic Books Publishing and was released on 30 March 2014.
This is what the book is about:
In one sentence:An ill-timed omen sends a malicious leader on a hazardous quest that will alter everyone it touches.
With a little more detail:When celestial portent, the Skyfire, arrives earlier than expected, the autocratic and corrupt High Priest, Dagla Kaz, must set out for the ancient homeland to harvest a new Godwood and exchange Virgin Gifts. He must lead his reluctant pilgrims hundreds of leagues across pirate-infested seas and over hostile lands, to return triumphant before the seared sky dies back to normality.
In his father’s absence, the Renegade, Aklon, risks torture and death to bring justice to his subjugated people. Mindtalk with a wise woman on the distant mainland has opened his eyes to the evils underlying the society he inhabits. And, whilst seeking truth, he finds a soulmate and lover in the most unexpected circumstances.
Witnessing his beautiful and clever daughter, Tumalind, wrongly chosen as a Virgin Gift, religious fanatic Aglydron follows the mission in order to right the wrong. Okkyntalah, Tumalind’s young and handsome betrothed, helps Aglydron kidnap the rightful Virgin Gift to take her over unknown seas and lands, risking violent death at the end of their epic journey.
Here are some review quotes, to heighten your interest and inform you of other readers’ impressions:
‘It is hard to imagine anyone getting to the end of this and not thirsting for more. The opening scene is gripping. It hooked me in and then I was compelled to read the rest.’ Dr P. Grubb
‘Stuart Aken does a tremendous job of world-building, and the beliefs and mythologies of the world are well integrated into his characters who speak and act with references to their existing mythology.’ Walter Rhein
‘The beautiful prose, delectable style of writing and the sharpness of the story is enough to keep one absorbed to the last page.’ Khamneithang Vaiphei (one of Amazon’s top reviewers)
‘The author has created a well-realised world with differing societies, full of many small details that serve to highlight cultural mores, and of course a host of interesting characters.’ N. Lilley
‘I've rarely read an epic novel of such power and I write as a PhD in creative writing!’  Nigel J. Robinson
And, of course, you need to know where to buy the book. Simply click on the supplier’s name and you’ll be whizzed over the ether to the appropriate place. Enjoy the read.
Amazon.co.uk: Amazon.com: Any Amazon outlet,wherever in the world you live: ForUK readers, direct from Fantastic Books Publishing, post free: BookDepository, post free, worldwide:  
And, for those who prefer to order from a local bookshop, use these details so they can get it for you: Title: Joinings, A Seared Sky. ISBN 13: 978-1-909-163-300 or ISBN 10: 1909163309, published 30 March 2014 by Fantastic Books Publishing.

If you’d like a PDF copy (for review purposes only) please contact me via the ‘Contact me’ link at the head of the page.Related articles Joinings: A Seared Sky. Couldn't put it down Launching a Novel: How it *should* be done! The Full Reveal and 5 Stars Exploring Character and Place in A Seared Sky #9 Exploring Character and Place in A Seared Sky #6

The Poet and His Valentine, by Ananya Chatterjee, Reviewed.

Poetry, in any tongue, is a demanding art form for both creator and reader. The best poetry combines an exquisite appreciation for the subtlety of language with an ability to convey mood, emotion and content, and a gift for evocation.
In Ananya Chatterjee’s The Poet and His Valentine we have an Indian software professional and translator conveying all that the poet should. This is largely a collection of what might loosely be termed ‘love poetry’, but that’s by no means the whole tale. Ananya includes some darker, more disturbing subjects in this anthology. I found myself moved, amused, outraged and transported to other times and places as I read her work.
The prevailing mood is one of optimism, often against the tide of events. This is a brave and questing spirit, a voice many will empathise with easily. But the poems of love found, love lost, love sought are interspersed with pieces of observation on life, art, social injustice, and environment.
There’s inspiration to be found in these verses. Indeed, in her introduction, Ananya says, ‘If it succeeds in touching a few chords, and in inspiring more people to read and write poetry, I would know my purpose was served.’ I can say that, for this reader, that success is complete. I’ve long considered setting down my thoughts in verse, and have trodden that road with faltering steps. Ananya’s example has made it much more likely that I’ll continue on that journey.

This is an enjoyable, amusing and thought-provoking read. I recommend it to all who love, or wish to, and to all who have a taste for comprehensible language used to great effect. Related articles Consider Writing Poetry Even if You're Not a Poet Poetess Ananya Chatterjee Speaks Her Mind

Mageborn, by Michael DeAngelo, Reviewed.

Michael DeAngelo’s Magebornis a slim volume from his Tellest series. The fantasy tale introduces readers to new characters and gives a taste of the invented world in which they live. Gaston, the aged wizard, and Adelia, his new pupil, are well drawn and it’s refreshing to see a young woman as a lead character. Her pairing with the ancient and slightly eccentric male lead adds a good deal of charm to the story.
Whilst I question some word choices, I found the overall style of writing in tune with the tale. The vaguely ancient and sometimes obtuse language fits well with an arcane world, lending veracity to the fantasy elements. The world itself will be familiar to readers of the earlier books in the series, but it was slowly and subtly revealed as the story progressed, adding layers of mystery designed to enhance the reading experience.
I enjoy reading about people I can empathise with, and had no difficulty seeing through the eyes of both main characters. The switch of viewpoints was a little confusing on occasion, but this seems a fairly common feature of contemporary writing and I’ve no doubt many readers would be undisturbed by it.
There is adventure and tension mingled with the charm of this introductory tale. The descriptive passages paint pictures that bring the world alive and some of the incidents, cleverly crafted for surprise, do cause the reader to gasp. The story slowly builds and the denouement flows naturally from events, leading to an ending that is satisfying and promises more to come from this unlikely but well-matched pair of protagonists.

Readers of the genre will find this a delightful read and it serves well as an introduction to the world of Tellest for those unfamiliar with it. A good read.

Exploring Character and Place in A Seared Sky #9

Chellyth: Chellyth, as visualised by Alice Taylor
This is the 9th in a series of pieces on characters and places featured in Joinings: A Seared Sky. This background information, isn’t covered in the book, but should enhance the reading experience. For some of my people, there’ll be a character drawing, supplied by Alice Taylor, maybe a video interview, and accompanying script. I may do short pieces of fiction, deepening knowledge of certain minor characters as well. For the places, I may use sections of the map, to indicate location, along with a description of the place, as I see it, and, where appropriate, links with characters. Perhaps I’ll indicate the way of life there with a short anecdote or story. I won’t reveal any of the main story, either as already published or as written in the series, merely enhance readers’ enjoyment of the trilogy by providing more information. I hope this will give pleasure to those who’ve bought the book and, perhaps, persuade others to take that step.
Pronunciation hints:Chellyth – chell-ithPor-Kildu – paw-kill-doDagla Kaz – pronounced exactly as written.Aklon-Dji – ak-lon-djy (think of the Dj sound in the name of tennis player, DjokovicMuhnilahm – murn-ill-armNames are pronounced phonetically. But this is my take on them; how I hear them in my head. You may pronounce them as you wish, of course; reading is, after all, active rather than passive.
Chellyth is the female half of a pair who lead the rejects, criminals and so-called deviants imprisoned on The Point. I know some will balk at her lack of apparel, but, like all those who live in her community, she lacks the means to make clothing. She is 30ish, attractive, and a strong woman who exists in a very harsh environment. She has to be tough to survive. Here she talks to our Fantasy editor from Fantastic Books Publishing, where you can purchase the first book in the series: Joinings, A Seared Sky .
FE:         So, Chellyth, how do you fit into this fantastic story?
Chellyth:            Fit in? An interesting idea for the leader of a group of people rejected by the rest of society, don’t you think?
FE:         Rejected? In what way, and why?
Chellyth:            I don’t know your world. But here, on the island of Muhnilahm, everything’s ruled by a tyrant who holds the title of High Priest. Dagla Kaz is a cruel, intolerant, bigoted and basically dishonest man. You get on the wrong side of that bowelcreep and you’ve generally got two choices: an agonising death – he loves to invent ever more painful ways to kill people – or escape to The Point.
FE:         The Point?
Chellyth:            Por-Kildu, who’s my partner, and I, are known as ‘The One’. We rule on The Point and give sanctuary to those who either run away from the main part of the island or are brought here as a punishment by the High Priest’s gang of corrupt officials, the Holy Ones.  This place is effectively cut off from the rest of the island; a long narrow peninsula isolated by a huge scar that runs the width of the landward end of The Point. It’s more or less unscalable, except that Aklon Dji manages to get up and down it. He’s the High Priest’s son and a man we admire more than any other.
FE:         So, you live a segregated existence on this Point?
Chellyth:            Exist, yes. We’ve no choice. There’s no way down the steep cliffs, unless you want to kill yourself on the rocks below. And, as I said, only Aklon Dji seems to know how to ascend the scar onto the main island. We’ve no fabric for clothes here, the only water comes from a spring that dwells under the shadow of the small copse of trees on the low hill. The rest of the land is arid and parched; home to venomous snakes and carrion birds. We grow what little food we can on a small piece of land hard by our village.
FE:         Sounds a hard life, Chellyth.
Chellyth:            Hard? It’s all I’ve ever known. I was born here. Por-Kildu, he’s different. He was tortured by Dagla Kaz and then brought here to die. I restored him to health and we became lovers. But he describes life on the main island, telling tales of luxury and plenty. Yes. It’s a hard life.
FE:         If you’re governing a bunch of criminals, law-breakers and social outcasts, how do you keep control?
Chellyth:            Don’t make judgments about people you’ve never met. My people are fine. They’re victims of an unjust system. They’re not really criminals, except in the sense they’ve broken unreasonable laws.  It’s a harsh land and I have to employ harsh rules. Break the rules of my society and you’d better be prepared for a horrible death.
FE:         Doesn’t that make you as bad as Dagla Kaz?
Chellyth:            Fool! He has a choice, and he chooses to inflict pain and suffering for entertainment. Nothing to do with imposing his will or governing the people: he has the Holy Ones and an army for that. I have to keep control of people who have nothing. You can’t take anything away from them, except their lives. And some of them would welcome that, so I have to make it a difficult ending. It’s the only way to rule here, as you’d know if you’d ever lived in such a place.
FE:         Do you have dreams, hopes?
Chellyth:            Aklon Dji will save us all one day soon. He’ll overthrow his evil father and allow us back onto the main island. Then we can lead normal lives.
FE:         Sounds a bit unlikely.
Chellyth:            You think our hero can’t fulfil his promise to us? What do you know?
FE:         One man against all the High Priest’s forces? There’s a price on his head, isn’t there? Suppose they catch and kill him?
Chellyth:            I’ve nothing more to say to you. You delight in inflicting pain on a repressed people. Leave me be. Go! You’re no friend of mine.
FE:         A remarkable woman, but I get the feeling she’s delusional.  Mind you, if things are that hard, who can blame her for clinging to a dream?

Related articles Exploring Character and Place in A Seared Sky #6 Joinings: A Seared Sky. Couldn't put it down Exploring Character and Place in A Seared Sky #7 Exploring Character and Place in A Seared Sky #8

Court of Conspiracy, by April Taylor, Reviewed.

April Taylor’s Court of Conspiracy is the first in her series, The Tudor Enigma. This fascinating alternative history fantasy is crime novel set in a Tudor England where Henry VIII’s son by Ann Boleyn, Henry IX, is on the throne. Much of the action takes place in and around Hampton Court Palace. It’s clear that the location is very well known by the author, who makes the place live with her subtle descriptive passages intertwined in the action.
Her hero, Luke Ballard, is an apothecary; a combination of doctor and chemist in times when such separate professions didn’t exist. He’s also an elemancer; a person able to harness elemental powers for good. The opposite number of such a magic practitioner is the sunderer, who uses the same powers for evil. So, we have all the intrigue, prejudice, ignorance and jealous fear of an age when religious allegiance ruled, mingled with magical powers for good and evil. It makes for a powerful and intriguing mix.
April Taylor has a facility for selecting just the right tone and syntax to reflect the times she’s depicting, using unusual language in context so that it’s easily understood. The dialogue is of its time, but no barrier to comprehension, so the story flows easily and without pause. The reader is submerged in this imagined world, which feels historically authentic.
It’s a story that examines good and evil, but in the context of the underlying threat of religious conflict between established Catholicism and the newly founded protestant dogma. This is a world where torture is routine and justice is a concept based more on power than right. The King’s word is God’s word and you’d better make sure you don’t get on the wrong side of those with in authority.
In this atmosphere of fear and mistrust, where political intrigue is a daily reality, Luke is engaged by the Queen to discover who is plotting to kill the King. This is a task steeped in danger, fraught with difficulty, and hindered by the need to keep on the right side of authority: a wrong move can easily get a person into the Tower and put to the test of iron and flame.
All of April Taylor’s characters are real people who come alive on the page. These are players with flaws to counterbalance their gifts, heroes and heroines who make mistakes. Proper human beings the reader can so easily empathise with. And the villains are deliciously evil, their motivations fully developed.
The mystery of the threat to the throne is revealed slowly through the actions, skills, mistakes and deductions of Luke and his various helpers. The author skilfully displays the underlying mistaken prejudices against women of the times, showing her heroines through the eyes of the distrusting young Ballard with his preconceptions borne of religious, political and personal bias.
The denouement is a real page-turner, as the action gains pace with the discoveries piling up evidence and increasing the danger to all concerned. The resultant ending is at once both satisfying and enigmatic, leaving the reader wanting more from this series, hungry to know what is in store for the reluctant hero and his helpers of both genders.

This is a book that will be enjoyed by readers who appreciate fantasy, historical mystery, romance and crime novels. You’ll find all of these elements in this tale that manages to successfully blend the genres. I thoroughly recommend it and look forward to the next in the series.

Are You Very Very Sure of This? #3

Over these few weeks, I’m looking at the very frequent use of ‘very’, which is very bad, as you know so very well.
Okay; overkill, but you know we all do it: use ‘very’ to modify a verb or an adjective rather than search for a stronger one that will say the same thing, only better. So, here are a few examples to make it easier for you to reject that easy option. Choose with care; synonyms are not always exact matches and you need to consider context.
Very pretty – beautiful, pulchritudinous (though, why anyone would use such an ugly word to describe beauty is beyond me!), radiant, comely, gorgeous, adorable, exquisiteVery big – immense, enormous, huge, gigantic, colossal, towering, monumental, gargantuanVery hungry – ravenous, famished, starving, could eat a scabby ‘orse between two bread vans, (colloquial, but you get the idea.)            Very wicked – villainous, evil, heinous, villainous, depraved, contemptible, sinful, irremediable     Very bright – dazzling, resplendent, radiant, sparkling, glowing, brilliant. Or intelligent, forward, brilliant, scintillating, brainy, gifted, talentedVery risky – perilous, dangerous, treacherous, hazardous, frightening, scary, dicey, dodgy, alarming

This is the third lot; there’ll be a few more next week.

A Short Post on the Future

Some of my writing is available free on a great site called Readwave. It's a place that hosts short - 2-3 minute - pieces of fiction, opinion and fact. There are currently half a dozen pieces of mine on the site. This morning I posted one relating to our future. That's 'our' in the sense of the human race, and looks at what we might do to ensure we maintain a presence on this wonderful world of ours. Please visit the site, read the 3 minute piece, and, if you feel so inclined, give the post a 'like' - You'll find a little pink heart at the bottom left of the story to do that. You can click this link to reach the story. Thank you.

Reviews?

There's an interesting, and short, piece on the value of well considered reviews for authors and readers on my writing group's site. Take a quick click over there, using this link, and see what you think.

Exploring Character and Place in A Seared Sky #8

Character interview with Tryonta.
This is the 8th in a series of pieces on characters and places featured in Joinings: A Seared Sky . This background information, isn’t covered in the book, but should enhance the reading experience. For some of my people, there’ll be a character drawing, supplied by Alice Taylor, maybe a video interview, and accompanying script. I may do short pieces of fiction, deepening knowledge of certain minor characters as well.
For the places, I may use sections of the map, to indicate location, along with a description of the place, as I see it, and, where appropriate, links with characters. Perhaps I’ll indicate the way of life there with a short anecdote or story. I won’t reveal any of the main story, either as already published or as written in the series, merely enhance readers’ enjoyment of the trilogy by providing more information. I hope this will give pleasure to those who’ve bought the book and, perhaps, persuade others to take that step.
Pronunciation hints:Tryonta – try-on-taDagla Kaz – pronounced exactly as writtenYtraa – eet-rahNames are pronounced phonetically. But this is my take on them; how I hear them in my head. You may pronounce them as you wish, of course: reading is, after all, active rather than passive.

Tryonta is around 35. He’s a snake. Amoral and utterly self-centred. His voice holds the sinister charm of the man who knows how to manipulate others. Although his responses may appear terse, they’re spoken more with a superior questioning quality than with overt anger. Here he is interviewed by Fantastic Books Publishing’s Fantasy Editor.
FE:         Good morrow, Tryonta. I gather you’re a sort of aid to the High Priest?
Tryonta:            What of it?
FE:         Ah, I merely want to get your view of your position and your feelings about the…
Tryonta:            Feelings are for fools. My position is that of guardian, helper and informer for the most important man in the land.
FE:         What sort of things do you do to…help Dagla Kaz?
Tryonta:            You don’t look like a fool. Does a trusted deputy discuss his duties with all and sundry? No. I don’t wish to appear obstructive, but you must understand the delicacy of my position.
FE:         Let’s try a different tack. What are you feelings…thoughts about your religion?
Tryonta:            What is there to think about? We are Followers. We obey the will and the regulations set out by our High Priest. We do our duty. Those who fail to obey are dealt with according to the law. Such fools deserve the pain and humiliation they suffer for their failure to do as they are required. What more is there to say?
FE:         Do you have personal pleasures you’d like to share with us?
Tryonta:            A good meal, served with good drink. A compliant partner for joining; preferably someone who understands rank and status. A well-made tabard, of silk and decorated with suitable designs.
FE:         You enjoy joining with a willing woman, then?
Tryonta:            What man does not enjoy the pleasure to be had with a compliant partner?
FE:         How do you view the High Priest?
Tryonta:            You choose your words with care; that’s good. The High Priest is my commander, my provider; dare I say, my friend? But I am also his protector and his most trusted aid. We form a team, in which he plays the part of the leader, of course, since he is blessed by Ytraa, and in which I play the role of reliable and unquestioning assistant.
FE:         And, if Dagla Kaz were to ask you to do something, shall we say, not quite within the law?
Tryonta:            A foolish question, if you will forgive my bluntness. Dagla Kaz is the chosen of Ytraa. It is impossible for him to act outside the law, since he is the law. You understand?
FE:         I believe I do. Thank you for your time, Tryonta. Most enlightening.
Tryonta:            Really? And I thought I had been so circumspect in my answers. If you believe yourself enlightened, I can only assume you’re a better questioner than I imagined, or, perhaps, not honest enough with yourself to understand the true nature of our exchange.
FE:         Perhaps. Honesty and truth, however…
More to follow.Related articles Joinings: A Seared Sky. Couldn't put it down Exploring Character and Place in A Seared Sky #7 Exploring Character and Place in A Seared Sky #5 Exploring Character and Place in A Seared Sky #6

A Marathon Run and Done.

Regular visitors will be aware I’ve been engaged in a final edit of the last two books of the fantasy trilogy, A Seared Sky, following publication of book 1, Joinings , by Fantastic Books Publishing at the end of March this year.
This edit has involved reading aloud from a printed text to discover those errors and other problems that might slip by the more usual, silent, screen read. I’ve ended up with Book 2, Partings, at 199,000 words over 46 chapters and 600 pages, and Book 3, Convergence, at 189,000 words over 54 chapters and 577 pages.
Both books are now ready to go the publisher, as and when they are ready for them, so readers who’ve already bought Joinings can now be sure they’ll get to finish the story.
Although it’s been a labour of love, it’s also been a lot of hard work. Not because there were many errors; in fact there were relatively few. But because I tend to empathise with my characters when writing and reading, and I’ve placed some of them in very difficult situations, making the read an emotional roller coaster ride for me. I’m hoping readers will suffer the same highs and lows as they encounter the many problems along with the protagonists.
But I’m pleased the job is done. I was ready to let go of this particular piece of writing and hand it over to the book producers. Now I can get on with new work.
A science fiction work set on Mars, which will probably become a novelette, is thrashing about in my subconscious and eager for freedom. So, once I’ve spent a couple of days seeing to those tasks I’ve placed on the back burner during the marathon edit, I’ll be making a start on creating the new book.
Watch out for more news on that over the next few weeks.Related articles Writers Reveal