Fireworks

Well okay, there is the 5th of November for fireworks, but when you think about it, it's all based on someone's death, someone who was supposedly in a plot to blow up the government in 1605.

Um, no comment.

For those who don't live in Britain or have heard of the Gunpower Plot - the 'baddie' was Guy Fawkes (one of 13 conspirators). They were a group of Catholics, led by Robert Catesby, who decided that they'd had enough of being persecuted so plotted...

Apparently, this group stored 36 barrels of gunpowder in the cellar under the House Of Lords.

Some had second thoughts and sent an anonymous letter of warning. Guy Fawkes was the one supposedly caught next to the barrels so was tortured then executed.

Bonfires were lit around the country to celebrate the safety of the king (James 1).

There have been many a theory about this, and some wondering as to whether it was a celebration of Guy Fawkes' execution or honouring his attempt to do away with the government?




***

Anyway, there are better things to light our fires in my opinion.

November is not a good month for me (personal reasons) so writing is a wonderful medium where I can allow my mind to dwell on things other than the depressing part.

Reading, too, is a fantastic way of escaping the real stuff - reality stinks!

There are so many genres /sub-genres for stories and we all have our favourites.

I thought I'd post some of my recent reads that have messed with my mind - in a brilliant way.


The Disembodied by Anth ony Hains

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Disembodied-...




Review:

I loved this book! The story is extremely well written and is original and powerful.

The style of writing pulls you in at once and the subject matter is intriguing, mystifying and compelling - of course, it all makes sense in the end and what an ending!

The originality stems from how the subject is tackled, and it's powerful because of issues such as abuse, mental illness, loss, coping with death, friendships, guilt and much more.

Brilliant characters - Soren, Griffin and Tanner are superb and make this story believable, realistic and heartfelt.

The author understands a great deal about mental illness and it is portrayed in a haunting and somewhat paranormal way.

This is an amazing, if disturbing tale, and I highly recommend it.

***

The Survivor Diaries (4 Book Series)
by Lynn Lamb

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Survivor-Dia...

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Review:

I have written separate reviews for each of these books, however, here is an overview of the set.

In a word - brilliant!

There have been numerous books written about 'the apocalypse', but this one is expertly done and should grab your heart and mind so that you'll stay up into the wee hours for 'just one more chapter'.

Why?

- It is written in diary form so that we get all the thoughts and feelings of the inner turmoil, plus the 'facts', in-depth descriptions and sense of place.
- The logistics of such a harrowing event are intelligently and humanely done so that it all makes sense and comes from the heart.
- Themes such as loss, grief, torture, insanity, rape, good v evil and love bring even more depth and 'reality' to this story.
- There is a diverse cast of characters - all believable, if not all liked - some even hated and despised.
- The writing style is compelling (despite the typos).
- Laura - writer of the diary - is a strong woman, who not only understands what must be done, constantly fights to keep her humanity, all the while wondering - why am I the leader?
- There are many lessons to be learned without the feel of 'lecturing' - some great wisdom.
- It is an epic tale that will squeeze your heart in terror, anger and intense dislike, yet it constantly reminds us that the light in our souls must be kept intact.

Overall, an amazing story - both enjoyable and horrific, with a thread of humour throughout.

Although it is a complete story, there is note that book five is on the horizon - hope it's soon.

Highly recommended!!!

***

Heaven (a dystopian virtual reality science fiction world): Death is when it all begins (Heaven: a dystopian cyber science fiction Book 1
by L. L. Fine

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dystopian-vi...



Review:

This story has an unusual and original concept of what may become of the human race. It is well-written with a thread of humour, and is certainly quirky.

I did enjoy it and was intrigued by the range of ideas and issues, such as immortality, rich v poor, teenage angst, loss, betrayal, grief, guilt, unrequited love, intelligence and much more...

Overall, a thought-provoking, clever tale.

***
I have read all three of the series - all brilliant - here's the first one.


Blood of the King (Khirro's Journey Book 1)
by Bruce Blake

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Blood-King-K...




Review:

Khirro, a farmer, is plunged into war and feels like an unworthy soldier, however, events force his hand into the unexpected - a journey deep into the unknown on a seemingly impossible task. His past is a mystery and one that may not be all he thinks it is.

It's great to see his development and how he tackles each problem and the differences it makes to him and the others he meets. The consequences of his actions (and that of others) will change lives forever.

This superbly written tale is filled with magic, adventure, suspense, mystery and fabulous imagery.

I don't give spoilers, so it's not easy to say much, but if you love imaginative fantasy, with a strong storyline and amazing characters, then this book is for you - you'll want more!

Highly recommended.

***

The Spider by Maria Savva

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Spider-Maria...



Review:

As always, Maria Savva writes with skill, stories that immediately hook you - The Spider is no exception.

It's not easy saying too much without spoilers, but I will say that this story is spooky, mysterious, intriguing and thought-provoking. The characters are well-developed, realistic and believable, despite the fantasy /paranormal story line.

Its descriptions are deliciously atmospheric and...ooh, I can't say anything else...read it for yourself, you won't regret it.

Recommended read!!!

***

The Diary of the Displaced by Glynn James

I have read all in the series so far - superb - here is number one -

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Diary-Displa...



Review:

An enjoyable and well-written written fantasy story about a man who finds himself trapped in a dark and mysterious world.

There are zombies and other strange inhabitants that wander The Corridor and James must figure out where his is and why, while trying to survive...the answers are surprising.

The story did remind me of another series by Brian Harmon (Rushed), where the protagonist travels the worlds of the Unseen; this was excellent, too.

Great storytelling, characters and plot, alongside an imaginative sense of place.

Recommended.

***
I have read all in the series so far - here is the latest:

Black Dawn: Action-Packed Revenge & Gripping Vigilante Justice (Angel of Darkness Thriller, Noir & Hardboiled Crime Fiction Book 9)
by Steve N Lee

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Black-Dawn-A...



Review:

I was lucky enough to be given this latest story to read and really enjoyed it. Despite missing the last book, it didn't detract from the overall story and once again it was great to see Tess in action.

This installment sees more of Tess' vulnerable side, as her past comes to haunt her. Had she made a mistake? What was she to do? And hadn't she finished with this violent life? Couldn't she for once dampen those demons and save rather than execute?

It's not easy to say much without giving spoilers, but I will say that this gritty, fast-paced thriller has many sides - disturbing, superhero, vigilante, justice and a complex woman struggling with numerous choices, thoughts and feelings.

Very well done.

Highly recommended.

***

I have read the trilogy - here is number one -

White Hart (White Hart series #1)
by Sarah Dalton

https://www.amazon.co.uk/White-Hart-1...



Review:

Mae is about to have her life thrown into an unexpected direction...or is it totally unexpected?

I really enjoyed this well-written fantasy, one of magic, adventure, friendship, love, terror, deceit and nature, where difference is suspect and superstition rife. Are the old laws right, will a craft-born bring what is desperately needed - are there any left?

Great characters - both good and bad - and I liked the first person narrative, which brought fabulous insight and depth to the story.

No spoilers from me, but I will recommend this tale to those who appreciate brilliant storytelling. You will definitely want to read the other two in the set - on my list.

***
Yep, read them all - here's the first - although this is a stand alone prequel and not necessary to the series but well worth reading.

The Shadow (The Legend Of The Gate Keeper Book 0) by Jeff Gunzel

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Shadow-Legen...



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So here are a few of my recommended reads to bring warmth to your belly and spark some fireworks in your brain.

Oh yes, then there are mine LOL