E.C. Blake's Blog, page 8
August 23, 2014
SciFi Chick “thoroughly enjoys” Shadows…
SciFi Chick, who loved Masks, also enjoyed Shadows:
“Full of suspense, mystery, magic, and a bit of romance – the intensity builds to a climactic ending. And as before, I look forward to the next in this incredible fantasy series.”
August 17, 2014
Quill & Quire likes second book in my Shards of Excalibur YA series
Quill & Quire, “Canada’s Magazine of Book News and Reviews,” gives Twist of the Blade, the second book in my Edward Willett-penned YA fantasy series The Shards of Excalibur, a great review (Q&Q liked Song of the Sword, too, in its original version):
Regina-based author Edward Willet offers a satisfying second instalment in his Shards of Excalibur series, a modern-day fantasy based on the legend of King Arthur…
Twist of the Blade offers an enticing sense of danger and excitement as Ariane pursues her mission, but the narrative doesn’t shy away from the story’s human elements…It’s refreshing to read a story in which the heroes and villains are not cut-and-dried, and readers can look forward to three more instalments in this genuinely entertaining myth-based series.
August 16, 2014
Great review for my Edward Willett-penned Song of the Sword
Helen Kubiw gives my YA fantasy Song of the Sword, written as Edward Willett, a great review at CanLit for Little Canadians, writing in part:
Because Edward Willett ensures that there is a lot of action in Song of the Sword as well as emotional issues of family and trust, it’s a fantasy that will grip teens of both genders…Edward Willett blends the humour with the ethereal fantasy of Song of the Sword so easily…Readers will be right in there, cheering for Ariane and Wally, worried with every obstacle that jumps into their path, hopeful that the bad guy won’t prevail.
Four stars for Shadows from Addicted 2 Heroines
Addicted 2 Heroines, which liked Masks, likes Shadows, too!
Reviewer Cat writes:
“…I devoured this story. I was hanging on to every word, fascinated by Mara’s predicament with the Autarch and the darkness that threatened to consume her…New alliances were formed, old alliances broken, and the love triangle that began in Masks found a resolution that the majority of readers will be pleased with…The Masks of Aygrima’s dark magic, powerful young heroine, and group of rebels plotting to overthrow a tyrannical leader make this an addictive series that I would recommend to any fantasy fan.”
Winner of the autographed copy of Shadows is…
…Christopher, who owns Tramps Comics Cards and Games right here in Regina. Which save me postage, since the store is four blocks from my house.
Watch for a second contest next week!
Not Yet Read says Shadows “more action-packed and fast-moving” than Masks!
Tabitha at Not Yet Read reviews Shadows, and likes what she sees, calling it “more action-packed and fast moving that the first.”
Mara has had a lot of harsh growing up to do for her young 15 years…I love how much she has grown in this book from the start to finish. She is such an excellent sympathetic character that you can’t help but root for and be curious as to what trouble she’ll get into next…The tension and stakes were definitely ratcheted up much higher this time around…I’m anticipating a big to do in the next book and I can already tell by how much I enjoy this author’s writing style that it is going to be a great book. I highly recommend this series for fantasy fans!
August 6, 2014
Book giveaway! Enter for an autographed copy of Shadows!
With the release of Shadows, it’s time for a book giveaway! All you have to do to enter is leave a comment below. At the end of next week (August 16) I’ll draw one name and that lucky winner will receive an autographed copy of Shadows, absolutely free.
Please share with anyone you think might be interested!
I’ll also be collecting names on Facebook and at edwardwillett.com.
Crystal Book Reviews: Shadows “sure to delight every fan of fantasy”
Another good review for Shadows, over at Crystal Book Reviews:
“Adventure, battles, scenes of devastating power and ruthlessness, mistakes galore, kindness, compassion, love, and so much more fill these pages which will be sure to delight every fan of fantasy, science fiction, adventure, thrillers and mysteries!”
August 2, 2014
Five stars for Shadows from Candace’s Book Blog
Shadows releases August 5, and one of the first to review it, Candace over at Candace’s Book Blog, has given it five stars, rating at as better than Masks:
“This book, to me, was EPIC. Once I started reading I couldn’t stop. I devoured it in two sittings and thought about it when I slept, or I should say,tried to sleep…
“This is a book where the characters are well done and the world building is fantastic as well…
“This book had me fully emotionally invested and at one point I found myself literally sitting on the edge of my seat, and I was sitting on the couch! It’s an intense ride but very well done and in my opinion this series doesn’t have nearly as much attention as it should have. This is the second book but it’s even better than the first, which is rare!…
“Raw, powerful, emotional and intense. Shadows is a book that captivated me from page one and had me literally on the edge of my seat. A year until the next book?! It’s going to be a long year, I need it NOW!”
July 29, 2014
Kirkus Reviews likes Twist of the Blade even more than Song of the Sword
The first review of Twist of the Blade, the second book of my Shards of Excalibur series (written as Edward Willett) has shown up, and it’s a good one. Kirkus Reviews says:
The sequel to Song of the Sword (2014) improves on its foundation….Willett realistically explores the difficulties Ariane and Wally face and paints Rex Major in such a light that readers may be unsure as to whether he is a master manipulator or misunderstood hero…Engrossing and more nuanced than its predecessor. (Fantasy. 12-16)
And if you like, you can preorder now from Coteau Books!
