Nav Logan's Blog, page 44
October 18, 2013
Timeline: by David Wailing.
Timeline: by David Wailing.
A thrilling roller coaster ride of a story. Timeline is a high intensity, fast paced thriller of a story, which will leave you buzzing. A well thought out vision of the future in 2022, the concepts it explores would make a Luddite out of any sane person. As insightful as a Philip K Dick novel, it explores the weaknesses of the human imagination against a backdrop on reliance on technology. I loved it from beginning to end. It has sat in my T.B.R. list for some time, and little did I know what a gem it was. If I could rate a 6, this short story would get it.
A thrilling roller coaster ride of a story. Timeline is a high intensity, fast paced thriller of a story, which will leave you buzzing. A well thought out vision of the future in 2022, the concepts it explores would make a Luddite out of any sane person. As insightful as a Philip K Dick novel, it explores the weaknesses of the human imagination against a backdrop on reliance on technology. I loved it from beginning to end. It has sat in my T.B.R. list for some time, and little did I know what a gem it was. If I could rate a 6, this short story would get it.
October 16, 2013
Glossary of the Storm-bringer Saga
Author’s note:
I have used some Gaelic words, such as ‘Fear Ban’ and ‘An Fiacail Dragan’, to help distinguish the use of the ‘Old Tongue’ of the Pectish Clans, who once reigned over Dragania. I hope that this adds to the texture of the story and differentiate the use of the ‘Old Tongue’. As the Glossary grows with the telling of this tale, it is no longer viable to include it within the book. Therefore, let me add a word of warning before you examine the Glossary further. **** It does contain spoilers! **** If you are one of those people who looks at the back page to find the answers to your crossword puzzles, be my guest, however, if you like the surprises and plot twists, handle the Glossary with care.
I have set out the format in the following manner. Firstly, I have included the word as used commonly in Dragania, secondly, the word in the old tongue of the Pects, (or any other relevant tongue) and finally, a brief description of the meaning. By making the Glossary available on my website, I can keep it updated as the Saga continues.Simply select the hyperlink: http://navlogan.wordpress.com/2013/10...
I have used some Gaelic words, such as ‘Fear Ban’ and ‘An Fiacail Dragan’, to help distinguish the use of the ‘Old Tongue’ of the Pectish Clans, who once reigned over Dragania. I hope that this adds to the texture of the story and differentiate the use of the ‘Old Tongue’. As the Glossary grows with the telling of this tale, it is no longer viable to include it within the book. Therefore, let me add a word of warning before you examine the Glossary further. **** It does contain spoilers! **** If you are one of those people who looks at the back page to find the answers to your crossword puzzles, be my guest, however, if you like the surprises and plot twists, handle the Glossary with care.
I have set out the format in the following manner. Firstly, I have included the word as used commonly in Dragania, secondly, the word in the old tongue of the Pects, (or any other relevant tongue) and finally, a brief description of the meaning. By making the Glossary available on my website, I can keep it updated as the Saga continues.Simply select the hyperlink: http://navlogan.wordpress.com/2013/10...
October 13, 2013
Chilling
Book Two of the Storm-bringer Saga is completed, and there is nothing I can do until it is back from my wonderful Beta-readers. I can't even prepare for a launch date, as I'm unsure of the timeframe.
So, the plan is to relax, play a little Skyrim on Playstation, read a book without having to edit as I read, do a few things that I've put off for the last nine months, (as I was too busy doing something more important)… that sort of thing.
Instead, I've already started on Book Three and I'm three pages into the Prologue.
I am being good though, as I am now going to switch off the laptop and go and fix the bed, which has been sagging for months... (hey I was busy!)
So, the plan is to relax, play a little Skyrim on Playstation, read a book without having to edit as I read, do a few things that I've put off for the last nine months, (as I was too busy doing something more important)… that sort of thing.
Instead, I've already started on Book Three and I'm three pages into the Prologue.
I am being good though, as I am now going to switch off the laptop and go and fix the bed, which has been sagging for months... (hey I was busy!)
October 10, 2013
The Gathering of the Clans Update:
Finally, after nine months hard work, Book Two of The Storm-bringer Saga is completed.
All I have to do now, is wait, (a little nervously) for my wonderful Beta-readers to complete there read through. (much appreciated for volunteering as it’s a big book)
All I have to do now, is wait, (a little nervously) for my wonderful Beta-readers to complete there read through. (much appreciated for volunteering as it’s a big book)
October 7, 2013
4 Star Review and update
4.0 out of 5 stars Imaginative 4 Oct 2013
By DebbieA
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
I really enjoyed this and am looking forward to the sequel as I want to see how Maerlin’s story pans out.
As I am sure any author will tell you, its such an honour to have an unknown reader take the time to post a review of the book after reading, and it is very much appreciated. Certainly by me.This particular review is all the sweeter as it’s on Amazon.co.uk site, which seems to be starved of reviews, in comparison to the .com site. For some reason, Amazon seperates the two sites reviews out. Most annoying.
Thank you DebbieA, and I hope you enjoy the second book in the series as much, or even more!
I hope to have it released some time this month, once the final tweaks are complete.
P.S. I’m still looking for Beta Readers, if anyone wants to get a free copy of the 2nd book before its officially released …
Regards
Nav
By DebbieA
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
I really enjoyed this and am looking forward to the sequel as I want to see how Maerlin’s story pans out.
As I am sure any author will tell you, its such an honour to have an unknown reader take the time to post a review of the book after reading, and it is very much appreciated. Certainly by me.This particular review is all the sweeter as it’s on Amazon.co.uk site, which seems to be starved of reviews, in comparison to the .com site. For some reason, Amazon seperates the two sites reviews out. Most annoying.
Thank you DebbieA, and I hope you enjoy the second book in the series as much, or even more!
I hope to have it released some time this month, once the final tweaks are complete.
P.S. I’m still looking for Beta Readers, if anyone wants to get a free copy of the 2nd book before its officially released …
Regards
Nav
September 28, 2013
Gathering of the Clans blurb
Conal is a prince with many names, not all of them flattering. He is MacDragan or Dragonson. He has been known as a stable hand and a thief. Maerlin was overhead saying that he would make a good King, if he ever stopped being such a complete brat.
After reclaiming the legendary Dragontooth sword, Conal and his companions are fleeing for their lives. They hope to find sanctuary for the winter, but their plans soon fall apart.
Conal has lived most of his young life with a price on his head, but as he nears the time of his manhood, the list of people trying to kill him continues to grow. Conal's enemies are desperate to eliminate him before he can claim his heritage as ruler of Clann Na Dragan.
The prince must wait until the spring fair to face his trials of manhood. Before he can be a king, he must first be declared a man.
After reclaiming the legendary Dragontooth sword, Conal and his companions are fleeing for their lives. They hope to find sanctuary for the winter, but their plans soon fall apart.
Conal has lived most of his young life with a price on his head, but as he nears the time of his manhood, the list of people trying to kill him continues to grow. Conal's enemies are desperate to eliminate him before he can claim his heritage as ruler of Clann Na Dragan.
The prince must wait until the spring fair to face his trials of manhood. Before he can be a king, he must first be declared a man.
September 14, 2013
new blurb
Maerlin's Storm is the first book in a series of novels called the Storm-bringer Saga. It is a coming of age, Celtic fantasy tale about a young girl called Maerlin Smith. Her life in an isolated mountain village has become troubled. It had all started the year before when she had dreamt of a violent storm; a storm that would later kill her mother. Now Maerlin has become alienated from her close-knit community. They believe that she is instrumental in a number of freak storms that have wreaked havoc on their mountainside. Maerlin however, has other things on her mind - she is convinced that she is going to die.
A healer comes to the village to cure Maerlin of her of 'Wild-magic' and her life is changed forever. Soon, she becomes embroiled in the politics of Dragania and the future of the kingdom. With a group of companions, she sets off on a desperate adventure. The outcome of their quest could have far reaching repercussions.
Will Maerlin learn to control her 'Wild-magic'? Will the dreams that haunt her, lead her to insanity
or are they the path to her destiny? Will this humble girl from the mountains save Dragania from civil war and destruction? Only time will tell ...
A healer comes to the village to cure Maerlin of her of 'Wild-magic' and her life is changed forever. Soon, she becomes embroiled in the politics of Dragania and the future of the kingdom. With a group of companions, she sets off on a desperate adventure. The outcome of their quest could have far reaching repercussions.
Will Maerlin learn to control her 'Wild-magic'? Will the dreams that haunt her, lead her to insanity
or are they the path to her destiny? Will this humble girl from the mountains save Dragania from civil war and destruction? Only time will tell ...
September 7, 2013
Awesome Book review
My day has been made and its not even 8am yet! Someone kindly took the time and effort to write a fantastic review of Maerlin's Storm. (note to self- perhaps i should re-write the Book Description)
Maerlin's Storm (Storm-Bringer Saga 1)
Maerlin's Storm (Storm-Bringer Saga 1)
Price: $0.00
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Maerlin's Storm (Storm-Bringer Saga 1), September 6, 2013
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Maerlin's Storm (Storm-Bringer Saga 1) (Kindle Edition)
The synopsis of this book does not get even close to giving this book justice. It is just a small part of a great tale. So if you are thinking it doesn't sound interesting you need to think again, there is just so much more to it.
Maerlin plays a very important part of a war in the making. Though a series of events she finds herself in the hands of Nessa, a magic wielder and is shown that the storms that have followed her all her life are so much more than she ever thought. Growing in the knowledge of the Wild-Magic she has she finds herself in the unlikely group of a prince in hiding, the heir to the begger throne as well as a war chief and a close friend. Its up to her to grasp her magic before things turn towards the dark.
Hmm, I usually don't try to sum books up like that but I feel it needed to be done in order to express how much is really going on in this book. Its not just Maerlin coming to grips with her life, there is so much more going on under the surface of things.
The book is told from a few different point of views, though in the beginning you are mainly focused of Maerlin as she learns what exactly she is. This is done brilliantly, there is nothing more that I love than being able to view things from so many perspectives. There was never a time that I didn't know who's head I was in. It also gives you a chance to get to know everyone that is on this quest and to see how the grow and change.
I really liked the way the magic was in this book as well. It is done in a way that I have never seen. I loved the way the people that used it didn't so much as "use" magic but asked permission to control the elements around them.
The beginning of the book moves a little on the slow side, but that is needed that so you can really get to know everyone, but once things start moving they really take off. I wouldn't have guessed at everything that happened at the end, though I did kinda figure out who the Dark Mage was towards the end, there was enough subtle clues left that I knew, but at the same time wasn't 100% sure of it until it was really said out loud. I love when I read books like that, I like to try and figure out exactly whats happening and I either smile because I did or smile because I didn't. Its fun for me.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, it was a very exciting read for me and I'm very much looking forward to reading more about Maerlin and everyone else.
http://zephyrbookreviews.blogspot.com/
Maerlin's Storm (Storm-Bringer Saga 1)
Maerlin's Storm (Storm-Bringer Saga 1)
Price: $0.00
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Maerlin's Storm (Storm-Bringer Saga 1), September 6, 2013
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Maerlin's Storm (Storm-Bringer Saga 1) (Kindle Edition)
The synopsis of this book does not get even close to giving this book justice. It is just a small part of a great tale. So if you are thinking it doesn't sound interesting you need to think again, there is just so much more to it.
Maerlin plays a very important part of a war in the making. Though a series of events she finds herself in the hands of Nessa, a magic wielder and is shown that the storms that have followed her all her life are so much more than she ever thought. Growing in the knowledge of the Wild-Magic she has she finds herself in the unlikely group of a prince in hiding, the heir to the begger throne as well as a war chief and a close friend. Its up to her to grasp her magic before things turn towards the dark.
Hmm, I usually don't try to sum books up like that but I feel it needed to be done in order to express how much is really going on in this book. Its not just Maerlin coming to grips with her life, there is so much more going on under the surface of things.
The book is told from a few different point of views, though in the beginning you are mainly focused of Maerlin as she learns what exactly she is. This is done brilliantly, there is nothing more that I love than being able to view things from so many perspectives. There was never a time that I didn't know who's head I was in. It also gives you a chance to get to know everyone that is on this quest and to see how the grow and change.
I really liked the way the magic was in this book as well. It is done in a way that I have never seen. I loved the way the people that used it didn't so much as "use" magic but asked permission to control the elements around them.
The beginning of the book moves a little on the slow side, but that is needed that so you can really get to know everyone, but once things start moving they really take off. I wouldn't have guessed at everything that happened at the end, though I did kinda figure out who the Dark Mage was towards the end, there was enough subtle clues left that I knew, but at the same time wasn't 100% sure of it until it was really said out loud. I love when I read books like that, I like to try and figure out exactly whats happening and I either smile because I did or smile because I didn't. Its fun for me.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, it was a very exciting read for me and I'm very much looking forward to reading more about Maerlin and everyone else.
http://zephyrbookreviews.blogspot.com/
September 5, 2013
review and drabble
Lancashire Hotpot Loves Welsh Rarebit Drabble.
If you've come in search of the demented ravings of a mad blogger, then you need look no further. Your search is over …
Perhaps, I should clarify that statement.
The main character in the book is indeed that madman, and the author has captured his ravings with true insight.
Our poor heroine is clearly in trouble, when this cyber-stalker becomes besotted with her Welsh charms and her rubber devices but for me, the best character in the book is the sinister Gnome, and I can only assume that he will get his comeuppance, in the sequel.
A great read.
If you've come in search of the demented ravings of a mad blogger, then you need look no further. Your search is over …
Perhaps, I should clarify that statement.
The main character in the book is indeed that madman, and the author has captured his ravings with true insight.
Our poor heroine is clearly in trouble, when this cyber-stalker becomes besotted with her Welsh charms and her rubber devices but for me, the best character in the book is the sinister Gnome, and I can only assume that he will get his comeuppance, in the sequel.
A great read.
September 3, 2013
Goodread Blog Day one
Just re-released Maerlin's Storm yesterday on Amazon KDP, so it's free till the 7th. I've done a good bit of work on the book, so hopefully it will get a good responce. I will now be focusing on finishing the gruelling task of editing Book Two of the series The Gathering of the Clans. I'm almost at the end of this now so hope to have it available by mid autumn *touch wood*
