Jess Steven Hughes's Blog, page 14
December 10, 2015
Book Ranking - The Sign of the Eagle
My first historical novel, THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE, continues to do well sales wise for my publisher, Sunbury Press (www.sunburypress.com). It was number 19 in sales out of the top 30 for the month of November. A big thank you to everyone who purchased a copy wherever you might be.
November 9, 2015
Book Ranking
My historical novel, The Wolf of Britannia, Part I, was listed number 11 in Sunbury Press' top 30 for sales in October, 2015. Sunbury Press is a traditional small press located in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. https://sunburypress.wordpress.com/…/...
November 8, 2015
Book Signing Follow-up
Yesterday, (Saturday) I conducted a successful signing of my three historical novels, THE WOLF OF BRITANNIA, PART I & II and THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE @ Albertsons in Liberty Lake, Washington. I was so busy speaking to people, handing out all my fliers and signing copies of my books that I forgot to get a picture with one of my new readers. Management was very pleased so I will return for an encore sometime next year. There are several Albertsons grocery stores in the Spokane, Washington area, so I will be inquiring at those store for possible future events. One of my fellow writers has had success at other stores.
I want to thank assistant store managers Donna and Robert for their support which contribute to a successful event.
Next signing: Hastings Books, Music & Videos, Moses Lake, Washington, Friday, November 2, 3-8 pm.
I want to thank assistant store managers Donna and Robert for their support which contribute to a successful event.
Next signing: Hastings Books, Music & Videos, Moses Lake, Washington, Friday, November 2, 3-8 pm.
November 3, 2015
Blog Update
http://www.jessstevenhughes.com/blog....
Check my latest blog re: book signing follow-ups, review for The Wolf of Brtiannia, Part I, archaeological updates, latest installment of Maintaining the Public Safety of Ancient Rome and more.
Check my latest blog re: book signing follow-ups, review for The Wolf of Brtiannia, Part I, archaeological updates, latest installment of Maintaining the Public Safety of Ancient Rome and more.
October 14, 2015
Book Review - The Wolf of Britannia, Part II
Brilliant historical novel of Ancient Britain and Rome
By
Convoke "lokhos"
This review is from: The Wolf of Britannia Part II (Paperback)
Jess Steven Hughes is a real talent floating in a sea of wannabees. Books of vivid and evocative historical fiction about ancient Britain clashing with Rome come few and far between these days, requiring as they do deep research and a sensibility that will put you in the minds and souls of characters long buried. Jess Steven Hughes has these skills, and more. This is the third Hughes book I have read, and I hope for many more. His prose is always crisp, his scholarship fine-honed but never obtrusive. But these qualities alone don't make a book exceptional or unforgettable: a story must have the ability to grab you by the throat and not let you go until the last line on the very last page. Hughes has the gift of breathing life into his characters, which is a skill that a true historical writer must have, or fail in the task of transporting the reader into a vanished world.
Read The Wold of Britannia II and you will be transported into the mind of a great Celtic warrior, Caratacus, as he fights for freedom against the whole of Rome. Wolf of Britannia II has war and death, mystery and betrayal, love and glory, and an intrepid band of men and women fighting a battle that may be hopeless -- but then, perhaps not...
Here's a sample from Hughes' brilliant Wolf II: "Caratacus watched as wave after wave of his and Fergus ap Roycal's charioteers hurtled through the roiling dust, working opposite sides of the Roman column and hurling spears at the Roman shield-wall. Several penetrated and a few soldiers went down screaming. But the wall instantly closed around the dead men."
Read this prequel to The Sign of the Eagle slowly if you can. Take your time. Savor it. Delight in Hughes' deft plotting, his ability to breathe life into his characters. If you love historical fiction, I can nearly guarantee you will devour this books and its sequels and hope for more.
http://www.amazon.com/Wolf-Britannia-...
http://www.amazon.com/Wolf-Britannia-...
http://www.sunburypressstore.com/The-...
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-w...
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_n...
http://www.amazon.de/Wolf-Britannia-P...
http://www.amazon.it/Wolf-Britannia-P...
http://www.amazon.es/Wolf-Britannia-P...
http://www.amazon.fr/Wolf-Britannia-P...
http://www.amazon.co.jp/Wolf-Britanni...
http://www.junglee.com/The-Wolf-Brita...
Signed copies available @ Hastings 15312 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley, WA (509) 924-0667
Copies available @ Barnes & Noble 15310 E. Indiana Ave., Spokane Valley, WA (509) 922-4104
Copies available @ Barnes & Noble 5353 Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA (408) 979-0611
Copies available @ Barnes & Noble 1321 N. Columbia Center Blvd., Kennewick, WA (509) 736-1414
By
Convoke "lokhos"
This review is from: The Wolf of Britannia Part II (Paperback)
Jess Steven Hughes is a real talent floating in a sea of wannabees. Books of vivid and evocative historical fiction about ancient Britain clashing with Rome come few and far between these days, requiring as they do deep research and a sensibility that will put you in the minds and souls of characters long buried. Jess Steven Hughes has these skills, and more. This is the third Hughes book I have read, and I hope for many more. His prose is always crisp, his scholarship fine-honed but never obtrusive. But these qualities alone don't make a book exceptional or unforgettable: a story must have the ability to grab you by the throat and not let you go until the last line on the very last page. Hughes has the gift of breathing life into his characters, which is a skill that a true historical writer must have, or fail in the task of transporting the reader into a vanished world.
Read The Wold of Britannia II and you will be transported into the mind of a great Celtic warrior, Caratacus, as he fights for freedom against the whole of Rome. Wolf of Britannia II has war and death, mystery and betrayal, love and glory, and an intrepid band of men and women fighting a battle that may be hopeless -- but then, perhaps not...
Here's a sample from Hughes' brilliant Wolf II: "Caratacus watched as wave after wave of his and Fergus ap Roycal's charioteers hurtled through the roiling dust, working opposite sides of the Roman column and hurling spears at the Roman shield-wall. Several penetrated and a few soldiers went down screaming. But the wall instantly closed around the dead men."
Read this prequel to The Sign of the Eagle slowly if you can. Take your time. Savor it. Delight in Hughes' deft plotting, his ability to breathe life into his characters. If you love historical fiction, I can nearly guarantee you will devour this books and its sequels and hope for more.
http://www.amazon.com/Wolf-Britannia-...
http://www.amazon.com/Wolf-Britannia-...
http://www.sunburypressstore.com/The-...
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-w...
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_n...
http://www.amazon.de/Wolf-Britannia-P...
http://www.amazon.it/Wolf-Britannia-P...
http://www.amazon.es/Wolf-Britannia-P...
http://www.amazon.fr/Wolf-Britannia-P...
http://www.amazon.co.jp/Wolf-Britanni...
http://www.junglee.com/The-Wolf-Brita...
Signed copies available @ Hastings 15312 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley, WA (509) 924-0667
Copies available @ Barnes & Noble 15310 E. Indiana Ave., Spokane Valley, WA (509) 922-4104
Copies available @ Barnes & Noble 5353 Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA (408) 979-0611
Copies available @ Barnes & Noble 1321 N. Columbia Center Blvd., Kennewick, WA (509) 736-1414
October 9, 2015
Book Signing Follow-up
I conducted another very successful book signing of THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE TRILOGY. This time at Barnes & Noble, Blossom Hill, San Jose, California, Saturday, October 3rd. Met people from all over the world, passed out lots of fliers and signed many books. My son, Chris 'toadman' Hughes and granddaughter, Veronica Hughes, dropped by to say hello as well. This is a busy store and the newspaper, San Jose Mercury, designated this place "The Best Store in Silicone Valley." I heartily agree.
I want to thank Community Relations Manager, Camille Gill, Weekend Manager, Johnathan, and Associate, Dennis, for assisting me in another successful event. Later, Camille said, "We loved having you back and we'd be glad to host you any time you are in town." I will be contacting her after the first of the next year to arrange for another event, probably May.
Next book signings, both at Hastings, Books, Music & Videos, 139 Thain Rd., Lewiston, Idaho, Friday, Oct. 9th, 3/8 pm & 101 E. Best Ave., Coeur d'Alene, ID, Saturday, Oct. 10th, 1/7 pm.
I want to thank Community Relations Manager, Camille Gill, Weekend Manager, Johnathan, and Associate, Dennis, for assisting me in another successful event. Later, Camille said, "We loved having you back and we'd be glad to host you any time you are in town." I will be contacting her after the first of the next year to arrange for another event, probably May.
Next book signings, both at Hastings, Books, Music & Videos, 139 Thain Rd., Lewiston, Idaho, Friday, Oct. 9th, 3/8 pm & 101 E. Best Ave., Coeur d'Alene, ID, Saturday, Oct. 10th, 1/7 pm.
September 20, 2015
Book Signing Follow-up
Book Signings Follow-up - The Better and Best! I conducted two book signings this weekend @ Hastings, South Hill, Spokane, Washington, Friday, and Barnes & Noble, Columbia Center, Kennewick, Washington, Saturday. First the better. Compared with the signing @ Hastings, Moscow, ID, last Friday, the Hastings this weekend was a success. There was lots of traffic, handed out flyers, talked to many people and signed many copies of my three novels. Management was pleased.
Now the Best. Two words: Sold Out! This was my experience at Barnes Noble. I no more than sat down, then I signed two books, and it went from there the rest of the afternoon. This included handing out more than fifty flyers and talking to more than that number of people as well. To say the least management and associates were pleased. I will be returning for an encore in the Spring.
I want to thank Book Manager, Theresa, and weekend manager, Alex, at Hastings, and Community Relations Manager, Wendy, and Weekend Manager, Jamie, at Barnes & Noble for contributing to these successful signings. Wendy said, "You are welcome back, anytime!"
Now the Best. Two words: Sold Out! This was my experience at Barnes Noble. I no more than sat down, then I signed two books, and it went from there the rest of the afternoon. This included handing out more than fifty flyers and talking to more than that number of people as well. To say the least management and associates were pleased. I will be returning for an encore in the Spring.
I want to thank Book Manager, Theresa, and weekend manager, Alex, at Hastings, and Community Relations Manager, Wendy, and Weekend Manager, Jamie, at Barnes & Noble for contributing to these successful signings. Wendy said, "You are welcome back, anytime!"
September 15, 2015
Book Signing Follow-up
Book signing follow-up. Boom & Bust.
The Bust first. Friday afternoon I drove down to Moscow, Idaho (home of the University of Idaho) to conduct a book signing @ Hastings Books, Music & Videos. As soon as I approached the main driveway, I knew there would be problems. Two words: under construction. The driveway was blocked, the parking lot filled with construction materials and two buildings adjacent to Hastings were a hive of building activity. As a result, traffic to the store near dead. The store manager apologized. "You have done so well for us in the past, I hope you will return next Spring when this is all cleaned up." I hope so, because this store has always been a good one for signings.
The Boom. The book signing on Saturday at Barnes & Noble, Spokane Valley, Washington (10 minutes from home) made up for the loss at Moscow. Traffic was heavy, met lots of interesting people, gave out lots of flyers and signed copies of all three of my novels for THE SIGN OF EAGLE TRILOGY. Once again, management wants me to return, sometime during the holiday season, I will probably lock in a date sometime this week.
I want to thank store manager, Leslie; weekend manager, Kasey and Assistant manager, Adam for all their assistance in making this a successful event.
Next weekend: 1. Hastings Books, Music & Videos, 2512 E. 29th Ave., Spokane, Washington, Friday, Sept. 18, 3/8 pm.
2. Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 1321 N. Columbia Center Blvd. Kennewick, Washington, Saturday, Sept. 19, 12/5 pm.
The Bust first. Friday afternoon I drove down to Moscow, Idaho (home of the University of Idaho) to conduct a book signing @ Hastings Books, Music & Videos. As soon as I approached the main driveway, I knew there would be problems. Two words: under construction. The driveway was blocked, the parking lot filled with construction materials and two buildings adjacent to Hastings were a hive of building activity. As a result, traffic to the store near dead. The store manager apologized. "You have done so well for us in the past, I hope you will return next Spring when this is all cleaned up." I hope so, because this store has always been a good one for signings.
The Boom. The book signing on Saturday at Barnes & Noble, Spokane Valley, Washington (10 minutes from home) made up for the loss at Moscow. Traffic was heavy, met lots of interesting people, gave out lots of flyers and signed copies of all three of my novels for THE SIGN OF EAGLE TRILOGY. Once again, management wants me to return, sometime during the holiday season, I will probably lock in a date sometime this week.
I want to thank store manager, Leslie; weekend manager, Kasey and Assistant manager, Adam for all their assistance in making this a successful event.
Next weekend: 1. Hastings Books, Music & Videos, 2512 E. 29th Ave., Spokane, Washington, Friday, Sept. 18, 3/8 pm.
2. Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 1321 N. Columbia Center Blvd. Kennewick, Washington, Saturday, Sept. 19, 12/5 pm.
September 4, 2015
Blog Update
Check out my latest blog update. See excerpts from book reviews of THE WOLF OF BRITANNIA, Part I & II; speculation on when these two books will be on Kindle (I received a email from my publisher at Sunbury Press, today that he would contact the book designer, who is also in charge of getting books on Kindle, to see what progress has been made. He asked me not to shoot him with a ballista missile at him, a Roman army artillery piece. He knows I am getting at the end of my patience); a helmet on display from the Battle of Marathon and much more.
http://www.jessstevenhughes.com/blog....
http://www.jessstevenhughes.com/blog....
August 17, 2015
Book Review - Historical Novel Society - The Wolf of Britannia, Part I
This review of THE WOLF OF BRITANNIA, PART I was written for the Historical Novel Society's publication, HISTORICAL NOVELS REVIEW.
Between 27 and 40 AD, Britain is inhabited by several tribes, all ruled by kings, each with his own parcel of land. They have to defend their lands not only from the Romans, but also from other tribes. Caratacus, a young prince of the Cymbeline tribe in lower Britain, wants to unite several of the tribes to eventually defend themselves against the Romans. Presently, the tribes trade with Rome, but he feels someday the Roman army may want to conquer their country like they did in Gaul. There are those, like his brother Aminios, who want to side with the Romans because they wish to take over more territory and become friends with Rome when their army invades Britain.
This book is Volume I of the saga of Caratacus, a real-life leader of the Cymbeline tribe prior to the invasion of the Roman army under Emperor Claudius in the middle of the 1st century. This book is a well-written and well-paced story of early British life and the power struggles that flourished during this time. The author has managed to mix fictional and historical characters, although there is very little written history available for this period other than those of a few Roman writers. The tension builds between the tribes as they each try to gain control of Britain. The battle scenes are realistic, conveying the chaos and panic during the fighting.
I found this book entertaining to read as I became immersed in the story. I highly recommend this novel of early Britain and look forward to reading its sequels.
https://historicalnovelsociety.org/…/...
Between 27 and 40 AD, Britain is inhabited by several tribes, all ruled by kings, each with his own parcel of land. They have to defend their lands not only from the Romans, but also from other tribes. Caratacus, a young prince of the Cymbeline tribe in lower Britain, wants to unite several of the tribes to eventually defend themselves against the Romans. Presently, the tribes trade with Rome, but he feels someday the Roman army may want to conquer their country like they did in Gaul. There are those, like his brother Aminios, who want to side with the Romans because they wish to take over more territory and become friends with Rome when their army invades Britain.
This book is Volume I of the saga of Caratacus, a real-life leader of the Cymbeline tribe prior to the invasion of the Roman army under Emperor Claudius in the middle of the 1st century. This book is a well-written and well-paced story of early British life and the power struggles that flourished during this time. The author has managed to mix fictional and historical characters, although there is very little written history available for this period other than those of a few Roman writers. The tension builds between the tribes as they each try to gain control of Britain. The battle scenes are realistic, conveying the chaos and panic during the fighting.
I found this book entertaining to read as I became immersed in the story. I highly recommend this novel of early Britain and look forward to reading its sequels.
https://historicalnovelsociety.org/…/...
