URBAN FANTASY REVIEW: Frostbitten - Kelley Armstrong

BOOK BLURB:

The Alaskan wilderness is a harsh landscape in the best of conditions, but with a pack of rogue werewolves on the loose, it's downright deadly. Elena Michaels, the American Werewolf Pack's chief enforcer, knows all too well the havoc "mutts" can wreak. When the Pack learns of a series of gruesome maulings and murders outside of Anchorage, Elena and her partner Clay travel to Alaska in the dead of winter, expecting to hunt down a pack of dangerous werewolves. But, trapped in a savage, frozen realm, it is their own untamed nature - and their werewolf heritage - they have to confront ...A gripping thriller with a magical twist, Frostbitten is a brilliant new novel from an international bestseller and a writer at the very top of her game.


REVIEW:

After a little bit of a disappointment from Kelley’s Living with the Dead, I was really hoping that this one would get back on side for me. However, when an author has three series on the go (with an offering from each being released in the same year) you tend to find that one or more suffer from lack of time. Recently I reread her Men of the Otherworld novel (which comprised a number of short stories) which I personally feel is as an absolute triumph just to get me in the for Elena and Clay’s latest adventure whilst hoping that I wasn’t building myself up for a fall.

Typically I needn’t have worried as not only was Kelley firing on all cylinders but this is one hell of a ride, there’s something in it for everyone be it combat, high adventure, mystery and above all a touch of evil. As usual Kelley’s blend is spot on to my own personal tastes making this a classic offering from her. The writing is crisp, Elena continues to grow and future exploits are going to place her in even graver danger. What more is a Supernatural fan going to want than that. I look forward to the next novel (and secretly hope that it’s a Paige and Lucas novel.)

FANTASY REVIEW: Legend (25th Anniversary) - David Gemmell

BOOK BLURB:

The Legend Druss, Captain of the Axe: the stories of his life were told everywhere. Instead of the wealth and fame he could have claimed, he had chosen a mountain lair, high in the lonely country bordering on the clouds. There the grizzled old warrior kept company with snow leopards and awaited his old enemy death. The Fortress Mighty Dros Delnoch, protected by six outer walls, the only route by which an army could pass through the mountains. It was the stronghold of the Drenai empire. And now it was the last battleground, for all else had fallen before the Nadir hordes. And hope rested on the skills of that one old man...


REVIEW:

As a huge fan of David its been a great thing to see a 25th Anniversary Edition of this, his first book. Whilst this novel is a paperback it does fit in with David’s philosophy of keeping everything within the pocket range of all his fans rather than a select few. Some may grumble a little and will demand a Hardback edition yet its little touches like this that remind us all of the man we have lost.

Within the pages you get the classic telling of Legend which follows a daunty crew of misfits fighting for survival against the greatest army the world has ever seen, there’s exuberance and passion exhibited within and its clear to see why this novel still remains many fans favourite of all his tales to date. Add to the mix a forward by Stella (David’s Wife) to introduce the book to new readers as well as giving old hands a chance to get to know David better and it’s a great addition to any collection. With so many books on the market to chose from, make this a purchase for that fantasy fan in your life, they’ll soon pick up on the influence that David had on many others and clearly demonstrates the sad loss to the genre. May the Source keep shining for you Dave.

INTERVIEW: Gail Carriger

Ladies and Gentlemen, may we humbly introduce to the cream of Fantasy and Science Fiction Society, Mz Gail Carriger.

With the hot off the presses release of Gail's first novel, Soulless, we retreat into a Victoriana Steampunk era that should have existed. With such compelling characters such as Gay Vampires and combative parasol weilding young ladies, what else could we come to expect from this interesting and perhaps novel new author. We thought that fate must have dealt us a lucky blow for our chance of an interview with this quirky author and discovered the following over Tea and Treacle Tart...

Falcata Times: Writing is said to be something that people are afflicted with rather than gifted and that it's something you have to do rather than want. What is your opinion of this statement and how true is it to you?

Gail Carriger: I suspect writing is more of a curse for those around me. I get distracted and spacey at the beginning of a project, frustrated in the middle, briefly euphoric at the end, and grumpy when I'm not writing at all. I imagine it's like living with someone who has a six-month rotation of some bizarre kind of pregnancy – all the time, over and over again.


FT: When did you realise that you wanted to be a writer?

GC: I'm not entirely convinced I am one. I still pause whenever I'm asked what I do at cocktail parties.


FT: It is often said that if you can write a short story you can write anything. How true do you think this is and what have you written that either proves or disproves this POV?

GC: I don't know that I would put it quite that way. I do think that writing a good short story is the pinnacle of the writing art. The only thing harder is writing a good _funny_ short story.


FT: If someone were to enter a bookshop, how would you persuade them to try your novel over someone else's and how would you define it?

GC: It's got gay vampires, dirigibles, and madly wielded parasols in it. What more could you want from a book?


FT: How would you "sell" your book in 20 words or less?

GC: Soulless spinster meets grumpy werewolf investigator over the issue of lisping vampires in a steampunk universe. If you can get over the sheer number of sub-genres you're in for a ridiculously fun ride.


FT: Who is a must have on your bookshelf and whose latest release will find you on the bookshops doorstep waiting for it to open?

GC: I must have Douglas Adams and I'm always waiting for the next in Tanya Huff's Valor series.


FT: When you sit down and write do you know how the story will end or do you just let the pen take you? ie Do you develop character profiles and outlines for your novels before writing them or do you let your idea's develop as you write?

GC: I'm a militant outliner, to the point where sometimes I plan for events to occur on specific page numbers. A Victorian era setting can become bogged down by social convention, so I have to watch my pace. I also came to writing via YA, so I like plot to be neat, tidy, and clear. I keep several notebooks with timelines, chapter outlines, gadget listings, outfit & place sketches, battle scenes, historical research notes, and general ideas and inspiration. These also include cast lists and character profiles (once a character is written). Characters are one of the few things that aren't planned. Sometimes a character will surprise me by becoming more important, or introducing himself/herself unexpectedly. They usually know what's going on better than I do, so I let them do it in defiance of my outline.


FT: What do you do to relax and what have you read recently?

GC: I find exercise very relaxing, so I do things like dancing, swimming, or hiking. I'm also a big vintage clothing shopper and podcast fanatic. Sometimes you can find me doing all of these together (well, not the swimming), this relaxes me and gives me an immense sense of accomplishment. I just finished reading Ken Scholes's latest book.


FT: What is your guiltiest pleasure that few know about?

GC: Project Runway, closely followed by Trader Joe's Paneer Tikka Masala and Marie Claire magazine. Again, sometimes I can be found indulging in all three at once.


FT: Lots of writers tend to have pets. What do you have and what are their key traits (and do they appear in your novel in certain character attributes?)

GC: I have a cat, Chubby Fucker, who, as I often inform her, is only kept around as food after the zombie apocalypse. She is a brindled tabby, whose main purpose in life appears to be to sit, monorail-like, on the arm of the couch and occasionally bestir herself to murder a pair of innocent ear-buds. She can, however, use the toilet. She makes an appearance, as a calico, in the first book, and has a small but vital role in the third. (Don't tell her, though, she'll want royalties.)


FT: Which character within Soulless was the most fun to write and why?

GC: Lord Akeldama. I'm under the impression you need only read him to understand why.


FT: How similar to your principle protagonist are you?

GC: Ah. More similar than I'd like to admit, I suspect. But the real me is split between two side characters, the second of whom doesn't appear until Book 2. I'll leave you to guess which two.


FT: What hobbies do you have and how do they influence your work?

GC: I like to sew, dance, cook, and eat. I've also traveled considerably for my day job. All of these things creep into the book: Alexia is obsessed with food and I'm always describing the way people move and what they are wearing.


FT: Where do you get your ideas from?

GC: Sometimes something will spark when I'm doing research for work. I also pay very close attention to my friends when they're drunk, but usually inspiration comes to me when I'm contemplating the absurdity of the universe and at the most inconvenient time - like in the shower or while I'm driving.


FT: Do you ever encounter writers block and if so how do you overcome it?

GC: I have certain friends I can call when I'm stuck, depending on the issue. Sometimes I pigeonhole the Armenian Lovers and stride about the living room talking at them until I've gotten over the hump - generally to their utter confusion and entirely without their input. However, if I'm on a deadline, I simply highlight the problem area and keep writing, come back to it later. That's the one and only real trick to authordom - sit your arse in that chair and just keep writing.


FT: Certain authors are renowned for writing at what many would call uncivilised times. When do you write and how do the others in your household feel about it?

GC: Oh I'm nothing if not civilized. With a project due and no day job (mine's intermittent) I write from 2 to 7 every weekday – with breaks for tea. The rest of the household, with the exception of the Chubby Fucker, is quite respectful. I have a closed-door policy. Which is to say: if the door to my office is closed my policy is to throw the nearest moveable object at anyone who disturbs me. They've learned. Even the cat.


FT: Sometimes pieces of music seem to influence certain scenes within novels, do you have a soundtrack for your tale or is it a case of writing in silence with perhaps the odd musical break in-between scenes?

GC: Short answer, nope. I'm a dancer. If music is playing I want to dance, not write.


FT: What misconceptions, if any, did you have about the writing and publishing field when you were first getting started?

GC: Not a lot, I eased into the industry slowly and I did my homework. I attended every panel and visited every website I could on how to get published in the SF/F genre and what it was like. I also hit most publishing problems I could in a rather convenient sideways manner through a stint in educational print in Australia. Fifteen years later, I still made some mistakes when the Call came, but fewer than most I hope.


FT: If music be the food of love, what do you think writing is and please explain your answer?

GC: Writing is the booze of introverts. My explanation? Have you ever been to a hotel bar at a convention? I rest my case.


FT: What can you tell us about the next novel?

GC: There's a dirigible trip, a whole lot of Scottish werewolf fuss, and Ivy gets drunk.


FT: What are the last five internet sites that you've visited?

GC: (Trots off to check her history.) Hotmail, Livejournal, Amazon, steampunkexhibition.com, and efanzines.com/ExhibHall/.


FT: Did you ever take any writing classes or specific instructions to learn the craft? If so please let us know which ones.

GC: Only if you count many years as an academic, which taught me one thing: respect deadlines.


FT: How did you get past the initial barriers of criticism and rejection?

GC: Sheer unadulterated stubbornness. I also review books professionally, so knowing what kind of crap was getting published gave me hope.


FT: In your opinion, what are the best and worst aspects of writing for a living?

GC: The worst aspects of writing professionally are the long interminable wait between submission and publication, and the fact that payment comes in lump sums. Those are also the best aspects.

URBAN FANTASY REVIEW: Soulless - Gail Carriger

BOOK BLURB:
Alexia Tarabotti is laboring under a great many social tribulations. First, she has no soul. Second, she's a spinster whose father is both Italian and dead. Third, she was rudely attacked by a vampire, breaking all standards of social etiquette.

Where to go from there? From bad to worse apparently, for Alexia accidentally kills the vampire -- and then the appalling Lord Maccon (loud, messy, gorgeous, and werewolf) is sent by Queen Victoria to investigate.

With unexpected vampires appearing and expected vampires disappearing, everyone seems to believe Alexia responsible. Can she figure out what is actually happening to London's high society? Will her soulless ability to negate supernatural powers prove useful or just plain embarrassing? Finally, who is the real enemy, and do they have treacle tart?

SOULLESS is a comedy of manners set in Victorian London: full of werewolves, vampires, dirigibles, and tea-drinking.


REVIEW:
The Urban Fantasy genre is oft said to perhaps be one of the quirkiest on the market, after all you have Vamps and Were’s rubbing shoulders in the modern world against Wizards, humans and hunters kicking seven shades of snot into whatever crosses their path, but here is something new and different to a great many out there. We see alternate Victoriana steampunk stepping into this very world of which I speak. Yet the principle protagonista is definitely one to watch. Whilst technically a normal human in all appearance her own gift allows her to nullify those “others” out there that would do harm to mankind and really does generate a person of interest especially when you blend it into the sensibilities in that times regard to women. It’s a corker and definitely something that’s new in the field that I suspect will win Gail fans by the bucketload. It’ll be interesting to see how the character develops but if this novel is anything to go by you’ve got a real hellion on the loose and will be interesting to see how she grows in her new role in life along with mentally to fulfil her potential. Book Two is going to be a clincher as well as something very special.

YOUNG ADULT REVIEW: Changeling: Dark Moon - Steve Feasey

BOOK BLURB:

Fourteen-year-old werewolf Trey is getting more powerful by the day. But can he control his powers - or will they bite back? Trey is sent on a dangerous mission to Iceland, where he must infiltrate the evil empire of the vampire Caliban. Trey's abilities are tested to the max, challenged by a rage he cannot regulate and a dark angel with looks that kill. Lucien Charon, Trey's mentor, lies in a coma in London, Trey is his only hope for survival. But the Netherworld is intent on destruction and Trey's about to face his nemesis...


REVIEW:

I absolutely loved the first novel by Steve so the second you can pretty much guarantee was devoured pretty quickly. This time the author blends Nordic myth into the equation and gives the reader a story that they’ve not only demanded but allowed the principle protagonists to grow along side an ever expanding world.

Whilst you do get what the tale says on the tin, the more unpredictable side of Trey appears at the end of the novel as he acts like a spoilt brat without listening to what others have to say, which I did feel disappointed at, however that said, it is a good book and it does keep you interested as the tale unfurls. Great stuff from Steve and I’ll look forward to the next instalment.

NEWS: Sherrilyn Kenyon Sneak Peak

Hail Might Readers,
Our friends at St Martins Press, Piatkus and Zeitghost wanted us to let you know about a cracking option.

Yep thats right a chance to get a sneaky peak at Sherrilyn's new book Born of Night. Here you can read the first nine chapters for FREE. Yep you read that right, FREE.

Also we have managed to sneak a peak at the Book Trailer that whilst short does demonstrate the length to which the Quorum have gone to try to supress it. So join the League Assassins in thier fight against corruption by signing up to become one of Kenyon's Minions at one of the following sites:
Live the League (Official League site)
Sherrilyn Kenyon (Author Website)
Sanctuary (Official Dark Hunter site)

Your help to the resistance is vital.

INTERVIEW: Anthony Riches

Fascinated with stories of the military and warfare since he was a child, Anthony undertook a degree in Military Studies at Manchester University. Years later, having worked hard to pay the bills as well as improving his ability to write fiction, he's come to the fore with a book that goes back to his first love, military history, as the Roman War Machine marches in Britain to help maintain order to the Empire. We decided that we needed to chat to him about how everything came together for him as well as uncovering his own guilty secrets...

Falcata Times: Writing is said to be something that people are afflicted with rather than gifted and that it's something you have to do rather than want. What is your opinion of this statement and how true is it to you?

Anthony Riches: For me, the fact that my stories keep harassing me until I write them down (only for the next part of the narrative to start the same process) means that I’m not really given much of a choice in the matter. Story lines are the last thing I think about when I go to bed, and the first thing on my mind when I wake up, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s true to say that since I have no choice, because this subjective process of narrative creation just never goes away – it only gets a lot stronger when I have downtime from my current day job – I am indeed ‘afflicted’, but for me that’s my strongest blessing in life aside from my family. I love writing, and I fully intend to make it my full time occupation when that makes sense financially.


FT: When did you realise that you wanted to be a writer?

AR: The desire to write professionally first came to me in 1983. I converted my university dissertation (on the disintegration of the US Army in VietNam) into a book that sadly never saw the light of day, despite some interest from a couple of publishers. In the 90’s I noodled about with a thriller for several years – and nearly got an agent to take it – before getting the inspiration that became Wounds of Honour in 1996. Whether sublimating the desire to write to the need to work for a living for twenty five years has made the eventual step to the other side of the glass any sweeter is difficult to say. I’m just wildly grateful to have made it at all.


FT: It is often said that if you can write a short story you can write anything. How true do you think this is and what have you written that either proves or disproves this POV?

AR: I can only partially agree with the idea; although I’ve read some great shorts, really pithy and gripping, some of them have been written by authors whose full length work does rather less for me. I think that there’s a skill to writing a great short that some authors could never master given their need to build stories across broad canvases, while I think there are some authors who don’t have the long grind of building a great full length read in them. Perhaps it’s easier to write a great short when it’s set against the backcloth of an established storyline – Iain M Bank’s ‘The State of the Art’ springs to mind. I’ve never written a short story, so I don’t know if I have the skill to do so or not.


FT: If someone were to enter a bookshop, how would you persuade them to try your novel over someone else's and how would you define it?

AR: I’d tell the potential buyer that if they were a keen reader of historical action novels this would be right up their street, with a constant fast pace, gripping combat, characters you come to care about and a historical accuracy that never gets in the way of the story. I wouldn’t ever seek to compare my work to anyone else’s in my chosen genre though, because for every different style of writing there’s a happy reader base, and who I am to even imply that they’re wrong?


FT: How would you "sell" your book in 20 words or less?

AR: Wronged son of privilege faces down the odds and becomes warrior leader. Brotherhood, betrayal, brutal combat and revenge. Buy it!


FT: Who is a must have on your bookshelf and whose latest release will find you on the bookshops doorstep waiting for it to open?

AR: I’m a great admirer of both Steven Pressfield and (inevitably) Patrick O’Brian, and I enjoy books by a range of authors including Richard Morgan, Lee Child and Stephen Hunter. There’s more detail on my website – www.anthonyriches.com - but the one person whose books I would queue to buy are those written by Iain M Banks. Why does a historical novelist love great science-fiction? I just always have, so why I ended up writing about the distant past is as much of a mystery to me as to everyone else.


FT: When you sit down and write do you know how the story will end or do you just let the pen take you? ie Do you develop character profiles and outlines for your novels before writing them or do you let your idea's develop as you write?

AR: I start my novels with two things – how the story begins, and how it’s likely to end. I should explain that I have a very long term plan for Marcus Valerius Aquila, from the Britannia rebellion of 181 a.d. through to the death of the emperor Septimius Serverus in 211, and within that chronological framework I know the direction each book must take. As a ‘spectator’ novelist, however, I never know is what’s going to happen as each book develops - it just comes to me as I write, in a subconscious process that I guess must be ticking away as I do my day job. How much more productive I’d be without the daily grind of project management is a moot question! My characters usually behave themselves, although I’ve had more than a few ‘where did that come from?!’ moments as one of them does exactly what they want to, rather than what I had intended a moment before, and I treasure those occurrences over everything else in the writing process.


FT: What do you do to relax and what have you read recently?

AR: I read a lot, and I go to air shows and take hundreds of photos in search of that one perfect image. My photography, both good and bad, is showcased at http://tonyriches.smugmug.com/. What have I read recently? ‘The Junior Officer’s Reading Club’ by Patrick Hennessey, ‘Transition’ by Iain M Banks, ‘Desperate Glory’ by Sam Kiley and ‘Legionary: The Roman Soldier’s (Unofficial) Manual’ by Philip Matyszak.


FT: What is your guiltiest pleasure that few know about?

AR: Whisper it quietly – the Warhammer 40k novels that tell the story of the Horus Heresy from the perspective of the various Space Marine chapters involved. I know…but I can’t help it! What a back story!! And the battle scenes...bliss.


FT: Lots of writers tend to have pets. What do you have and what are their key traits (and do they appear in your novel in certain character attributes?)

AR: We live with a gorgeous Staffordshire Bull Terrier bitch who is the spirit of good temper and nevertheless loves nothing better than a good fight with the pack leader, with lots of snarling and snapping but with all bites carefully pulled at the last moment. If she wanted to she could probably have my throat out in seconds, bless her. We also have a kleptomaniac Spaniel who lives a precarious existence since the Bull Terrier tends to discipline him by dint of pulling him around by the ears when he transgresses or is slow to do what the real pack leader (my partner) tells him to do. I can’t say that either of them have ever made it into a book – but who knows…?


FT: Which character within your latest book was the most fun to write and why?

AR: Rufius, the old bugger. He’s got an answer for everything, and he lives for the moment, given a glorious second chance to play at soldiers and help guide Marcus into his chosen profession. I see something of my own inexorable slide into previously unthinkable maturity in him, I suppose.


FT: How similar to your principal protagonist are you?

AR: In no way, shape or form. He’s tall, has nice thick hair, is quite good looking and above all is sudden death with an edged weapon, and I am none of the above. Although I am quite handy with barbeque tongs.


FT: What hobbies do you have and how do they influence your work?

AR: Only the photography, and I get hardly any time for that these days, what with a full time job and a contractual obligation to write a 120,000 word novel every 12 months. At least (my partner tells me) it’s stopped me surfing ‘camera porn’ websites planning my next equipment purchase.


FT: Where do you get your ideas from?

AR: Purely my subconscious. I must be influenced by what I’ve read, but I never consciously use an idea or storyline that I know I’ve read anywhere else. Originality is very important for me.


FT: Do you ever encounter writers block and if so how do you overcome it?

AR: No. I don’t have the time! Seriously, I suspect that not being able to lounge around all day worrying about delivery dates is probably a good thing. When I get time, I write, it’s as simple as that. So far…I’m touching wood now!


FT: Certain authors are renowned for writing at what many would call uncivilised times. When do you write and how do the others in your household feel about it?

AR: I write at any and all times of the day when I’m free to do so. I work abroad a lot, so I also write in airline seats, in hotels, in departure lounges – just anywhere. And I’m not a middle of the night writer as a rule, but every now and then I’ll wake up at 3.00 am with an idea that turns into an hour or two at the PC. It’s also true that when I’m free to write for a day I often struggle to settle to it with the same ease, and end up hammering away at the keyboard late around midnight.


FT: Sometimes pieces of music seem to influence certain scenes within novels, do you have a soundtrack for your tale or is it a case of writing in silence with perhaps the odd musical break in-between scenes?

AR: I sometimes set iTunes to shuffle while I’m writing, but then I’m forever fiddling when it plays something I’m not in the mood for. I’d love to spend a day or two building some playlists, including one for writing, but I can never spare the time! Usually I put on something that’s a bit ‘background’, some Sasha, or a Bar Lounge album, and ‘wake up’ 50 minutes and a few hundred words later. The other trick is listen to music that I’ve already played to death – Depeche Mode, Queens of the Stone Age, Suede, William Orbit, Prefab Sprout, that sort of thing – and just tune it out as a pleasant background noise. Does it leak into the writing – no…or at least I don’t think so…although I’m just writing a climactic battle right for Empire 3 and I must admit that Velvet Revolver’s Spectacle is doing a pretty good job of getting the adrenaline flowing!


FT: What misconceptions, if any, did you have about the writing and publishing field when you were first getting started?

AR: I think every would-be writer starts out in glorious innocence of the true nature of the publishing industry, and at some point has to be rudely disabused – unless you’re lucky enough to be Joanne Rowling! Its my firm belief that publishing is just like any other industry, with the usual mixture of good people and not so good people, and as I got to know just how lazy, incompetent and dishonest some of the people in my own walk of life are at what they do, I came to realise that I had to arm myself with as much knowledge as possible. I made a point of reading both the Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook and Carole Blake’s excellent From Pitch to Publication in fine detail, and so I harboured few illusions – especially once I’d been plagiarised by a part-work magazine (but that’s another story). My one word of advice to the would-be author would be the obvious one – a good agent is a prize beyond compare, and well worth the commission percentage.


FT: If music be the food of love, what do you think writing is and please explain your answer?

AR: Writing is in part my escape from reality (although I like my reality!), and the only way I can deal with the insistent hammering of stories trying to get out of my head and onto paper!


FT: What can you tell us about the next novel?

AR: ‘The Battle of Lost Eagle saved Hadrian's Wall, but the new Roman governor of Britannia must stamp out the rebellion of the northern tribes or risk losing the province. Rampaging south with sword and flame under the command of their murderous chieftain Calgus, they have stretched his forces to the limit. For Marcus - now simply Centurion Corvus of the 1st Tungrian cohort - the campaign has become doubly dangerous. As reinforcements flood into Britannia he is surrounded by new officers with no reason to protect him from the emperor's henchmen. Death could result from a careless word as easily as from an enemy spear. Worse, one of them is close on his heels. While Marcus is training two centuries of Syrian archers to survive a barbarian charge and then take the fight back to their enemy, the new prefect of the 2nd Tungrians has discovered his secret. Only a miracle can save Marcus and the men who protect him from disgrace and death.’

Or at least that’s the blurb, and if I tell you much more I’ll spoil it for you. Given the leisurely gestation that Wounds had I’m unsurprisingly a little nervous about a story that took less than a year to write, so I hope you enjoy it when it hits the shelves in April.


FT: What are the last five internet sites that you've visited?

AR: · BBC Football Gossip – I have to know what’s happening to my beloved team, even when most of it seems to be depressing.
· The Bookseller’s chart page – a recent discovery!
· Help for Heroes - I’m planning a sponsored walk of Hadrian’s Wall in full Roman equipment next Easter, and they’re my chosen recipient of the donations I can drum up through my website once I get round to setting it all up.
· Amazon –for the obvious reason. I read so fast that I’ve been accused of inhaling books, and every addict needs a good source of supply.
· Wikipedia – a great source of research if you’re careful not to get taken in!


FT: Did you ever take any writing classes or specific instructions to learn the craft? If so please let us know which ones.

AR: Not much. I did commission a Nooza review, and it was from that I got what was probably the last critical lesson I needed to learn, to ‘show but don’t tell’ (thanks, Nooza reviewer). Until then the novel was groaning under the weight of historical accuracy being explained (by me) at every turn, and you can only imagine my delight with the results when I finally learned to let my characters tell each other the 5% of it that actually mattered. Apart from that it was a simple case of reading a wide range of fiction and reflecting on my own work in that context. I might have got the whole thing to ‘click’ quicker if I’d had a writing group to help me, but I had neither the time nor the courage to expose my fledgling work to an audience. It took me until early 2008 to even show ‘Wounds of Honour’ to my friends.


FT: How did you get past the initial barriers of criticism and rejection?

AR: For a long time I hid my head in the sand, to be frank. Even when an agent (in 2002) said that my idea for Wounds sounded good, but that he was conflicted by his existing client (Simon Scarrow), I took that as some kind of ‘don’t bother sonny’ message, and went back into my shell for several years. In the end I wrote to six agents and was picked up by the last one to reply – thank you Robin – and had he not done so I would probably have given up on the whole thing. There’s a lesson there, readers – when an agent writes back and says ‘we only deal in edgy British fiction’ (I’ve had that one, and from an agent with an alleged interest in historical fiction!), keep trying, and don’t give up unless you’re told that there’s no way the manuscript is publishable. A would be novelist has to have the skin of a Rhino, and not give up unless they’ve had a good deal more rejections than I ever got.

FT: In your opinion, what are the best and worst aspects of writing for a living?

AR: I don’t know, because I work for my living right now, and I’m lucky that I love my current career for the most part, but I’ll take a guess. Best aspect – not having to worry about finding time to write, what with work, family, elderly parents and so on. Possible worst aspect – having perform for your daily bread what was previously just a hobby, with all the pressures that might bring. I’m willing to have a go though, so please keep on buying the books! I’ve still got a thriller lurking at the back of my head that’s been hanging about in there since the early ‘90’s, and it’s getting increasingly insistent that it wants out!

HISTORICAL FICTION REVIEW: Empire: Wounds of Honour - Anthony Riches

BOOK BLURB:

Marcus Valerius Aquila has scarcely landed in Britannia when he has to run for his life - condemned to dishonorable death by power-crazed Emperor Commodus. The plan is to take a new name, serve in an obscure regiment on Hadrian's Wall and lie low until he can hope for justice. Then a rebel army sweeps down from the wastes north of the Wall, and Marcus has to prove he's hard enough to lead a century in the front line of a brutal, violent war.


REVIEW:

As a huge fan of Roman Historical Fiction, I’m always on the look out for something new and if possible a little different. Whilst a little disappointed by Simon Scarrow’s latest due to female characterisation I ended up wondering if perhaps, as the saying goes, if Rome had had its day. What was presented within brought back my faith.

With a gripping storyline, a top notch protagonist backed up by a descent supporting cast that felt fully realised you can understand why this novel took the author a number of years to write. Back that up with historical accuracy and a passion for the Roman war machine that just explodes from the pages and it’s a novel that will do for this period in the Roman army, hopefully what Christian Cameron has done for the Greeks. Finally add a stylish cover by the master of Historical Fiction covers (Larry Rostant) and you just know that Historical Fiction is coming back fighting fit and ready to rumble against all comers. I’ll eagerly await the second in Anthony’s series (currently entitled Empire: Arrow’s of Fury) which is currently scheduled for April 2010.

YOUNG ADULT REVIEW: The Red Necklace, The Silver Blade - Sally Gardner

BOOK BLURB:

The story of a remarkable boy called Yann Margoza; Tetu the dwarf, his friend and mentor; Sido, unloved daughter of a foolish Marquis; and Count Kalliovski, Grand Master of a secret society, who has half the aristocracy in thrall to him, and wants Yann dead. Yann is spirited away to London but three years later, when Paris is gripped by the bloody horrors of the Revolution, he returns, charged with two missions: to find out Kalliovski's darkest deeds and to save Sido from the guillotine. With a tangle of secrets, a thread of magic and a touch of humour, the follies of the aristocracy and the sufferings of ordinary people are unfolded as their lives move relentlessly towards the tragic and horrific days of the Terror. THE RED NECKLACE is not only a tremendous adventure story but a vibrant and passionate picture of Paris in turmoil and of a large cast of memorable characters.


REVIEW:

Set in the French Revolution, Sally’s offering really will capture the imagination of the reader as they seek to unravel the mystery within, wonderfully picturesque in the descriptiveness it really will enthuse the reader as the author works her magic. If your YA loves historical adventure, loves a good mystery and above all really wants an author that will present everything tied up in one epic adventure then this is the book for you. An absolute corker.


BOOK BLURB:

With Sido safely in England and the Terror at it's height, Yann returns to France to smuggle out aristocratic refugees who will otherwise face the guillotine. But when Sido is kidnapped, he must use all his strength and courage to outwit the evil Count Kalliovski, and rescue her for a second time. Set against a vivid historical background, prize winning author Sally Gardner brings to life the horrors of the French Revolution in this breath-taking adventure, complete with intrepid heroism and a touching love story. Perfect for 9+ readers and fans of The Red Necklace and I, Coriander.


REVIEW:

The second novel in the series that brings the world of Scarlet Pimpernel to the minds of the Young Adult audience that follows on from where the Red Necklace left off. Set during the French revolution we continue in the footsteps of Yann as he and his dwarf friend, Têtu, seek to continue the fight against evil Count Kallioski in a novel where the author plays for keeps as the previous novel went to prove.

As in the first book, the scenes are beautifully set, the script picturesque with a touch of the mythic magic beautifully woven within as this action packed tale wends its merry way leading the reader like the pied piper of Hamlin onto its conclusion. Definitely a series I’m recommending to young readers and one that I think will continue to enchant in subsequent outings

YOUNG ADULT REVIEW: Demon Defenders: Goblin Games - Jake Lancing

BOOK BLURB:

Alex and the gang are grounded. Again. Since it doesn't look like they're going to be allowed back to Heaven's junior footie league any time soon for good behaviour, the gang decide to sneak out of the house and to the local fancy-dress Halloween fair for some harmless fun. But some of the Halloween outfits look suspiciously real...


REVIEW:

Diving into any series part way through always leaves you wondering a number of things. Firstly whether you’ve bitten off more than you can chew or if its just going to be too confusing. Within the pages of this novel I had an adventure with a cast of misfit angels that not only entertained but also gave me a good chuckle as they learn that not everything you wish for is what is required. Cracking adventure that will appeal to both genders and is a great gift for Halloween as its ideally themed. Good fun and something that you can dive into without prior knowledge which makes it even better. I’ll definitely be looking into other stories in this series. Good times.

FACTUAL REVIEW: The Hidden Treasures of England - Michael McNay

BOOK BLURB:

Stonehenge, the Tower of London, York Minster, Longleat – all familiar, all among England's most visited places. But what about the wonderful Roman villa at Lullingstone in Kent? Or Manchester Town Hall, with its stunning Victorian murals? Or the medieval sculpture at Lanercost Priory in Cumbria. All equally rewarding, all far too easily overlooked.

In Hidden Treasures Michael McNay pays tribute to England's less well-known gems, highlighting the astonishing masterpieces to be found scattered across the length and breadth of the country. In some cases it may be an entire building that draws his attention, but more often than not it is a particular object or highlight – a painting hidden away in a corner of a stately home, perhaps; magnificent stained glass in an otherwise unremarkable church; a seventeenth-century statue standing on a bleak urban roundabout; a medieval bridge everyone uses but no one stops to looks at. It may be the one thing worth seeing in a rather unpromising village. It may, just as easily, be jostling for attention among better-known tourist sites in the middle of a busy city. Whatever it is, each object or building is lovingly described, and its history given, along with a sense of how it fits in to the story of art and architecture in England.

For those already familiar with particular places, Hidden Treasures offers an alternative itinerary. For those who dislike crowds, it shows how to leave the tourist trail well behind. And for those who want to stop and look rather than simply glance, it shows where and how to look.


REVIEW:

From childhood I fondly remember days out in my local area to see everything from local museums through to ancient landscape features. It was interesting although after a certain amount of time you’ve pretty much seen everything that your locale has to offer and wonder where to go next. Well wonder no more. Within McNay’s offering is a whole host of days out with things of interest to keep everyone glued as well as generating a bit of local history for the reader. Organised by counties and then alphabetically it’s a great way to find each place with some of the hidden treasures that even the local’s may not know too much about. A real gem of a find and one that will more than pay for itself when I start taking my nephew to some of these attractions.

GRAPHIC NOVEL REVIEW: Static: Rebirth of the Cool - Dwayne McDuffie, Robert L Washington, John Paul Leon

BOOK BLURB:

When Virgil Ovid Hawkins finds himself caught up in the gang battle known as the 'Big Bang' and exposed to an experimental mutagen, he develops amazing electromagnetic powers and decides to fight crime as the costumed teen hero Static! Having retired from crime-fighting at the tender age of 14, Static is astonished to be called back to arms by some of his fellow 'Bang Babies', all empowered in the 'Big Bang' battle. But even with the help of the mighty hero Hardware, can Static defeat Dakota's greatest superhero - now become its greatest villain? "Static" co-creators Dwayne McDuffie ("JLA"), Robert L. Washington III ("Batman") and acclaimed artist John Paul Leon ("Winter Men") to put the spark back into superheroics!


REVIEW:

As a reader of graphic novels if I were to be honest with you, Static Shock is not the one that I’d have picked up as a general offering. Yet when it landed I thought that I’d give it a go and was pleasantly surprised at what was revealed within. Its quirky and you can see how its dated to the time to which it was written. It is fun and if you want a superhero with teenage anguish then this is the guy for you who deals not only with the troubles of a teen but the struggles of keeping his life secret along with racial tensions adding a new black superhero to follow on from DC’s original Black Lightening.

FANTASY REVIEW: Crucible of the Dragon God - Mike Wild

BOOK BLURB:

Hordes of a deadly and unknown species of predator swarm across Twilight, killing everything in their path. To find the origin of this threat, Kali Hooper and her friends must battle through dwarven death traps, a beseiged Andon, a haunted limbo at the end of time and the aquatic lair of a monster - finally to reach the Crucible of the Dragon God.


REVIEW:

The Twilight of Kerberos was a series that initially started with a bit of phut rather than a roar, however since Mike took a shot at the world it’s been pretty explosive especially when you see the impact that his principle heroine, Kali has had. Taking his second crack of the whip he not only exceeds what he built within Clockwork King of Orl but allows Kali to grow in such a way as to make her unforgettable. A great offering and one that I hope will continue to grow the world in such a way that others pick up on this burgeoning series.

FANTASY REVIEW: Traitors' Gate - Kate Elliott

BOOK BLURB:

Reeve Joss is struggling to defend a country ravaged by the assaults of twin armies. His men now patrol a land of burning villages and homeless refugees as Joss tries to separate traitor from friend. The Reeve's thoughts are also plagued by the intriguing Zubaidit, pleasure-giver, spy and temple-trained assassin. But Zubaidit is focused on a dangerous mission, her target being warped Guardian Lord Radas. His death would leave the invading militia in chaos, but the old tales tell truly of the Guardians' immortality - and of the powers they now wield to twist the hearts of men. Joss's nights are also troubled, disturbed by dreams of Marit. His lost love has returned from death to become a feared Guardian herself, but Marit rejected the corrupt temptations they offered. She now seeks others of her kind, praying some are yet uncontaminated by the blight on the land - and have the will to fight it.


REVIEW:

The third novel in the Crossroads series by Kate Elliot is one that will make readers sit up and pay attention as it centres around personal growth in the Nature Vs Nurture battle. Packed with epic action sequences backed up with a firm understanding of the principle protagonist and you really do have something that is a bit special. Whilst I’ve not always been the biggest fan of Kate’s writing this one really does give the best of the author in such a way that the fantasy world is going to have to pay some serious attention. This could be a serious award contender. That said however, don’t even think of embarking on this novel without having read the previous two as you won’t get the full impact that this book deserves.

NEWS: Jasper Bark, Playboy Author's Viral Campaign

Hail Mighty Readers,
So you've had a hard day at the office? Life getting to you, need a touch of Romero, a hint of humour and perhaps even a soupson of blood?

Well follow the linky to see what author Jasper Bark (author of Way of the Barefoot Zombie, reviewed here) has been up to. It's a pretty slick set of book trailers and will more than likely give you a chuckle.

Thought of as an author with an alternative mind beware of his missive, after all you might end up subscribing to his teaching and buy his Zombie Bible (WotBZ) and end up going into work uttering BRAINZZZZ.

SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW: Ark (Flood 2) - Stephen Baxter

BOOK BLURB:

As the waters rose in FLOOD, high in the Colorado mountains the US government was building an ark. Not an ark to ride the waves but an ark that would take a select few thousand people out into space to start a new future for mankind. Sent out into deep space on a journey lasting centuries, generations of crew members carry the hope of a new beginning on a new, incredibly distant, planet. But as the ages pass knowledge and purpose is lost and division and madness grows. And back on earth life, and man, find a new way. This is the epic sequel to the acclaimed FLOOD; a stirring tale of what mankind will do to survive and the perfect introduction for new readers to one of SFs greatest tropes; the generation ship. Written by one of the most significant SF writers of the last 30 years, a man considered to be the heir of Arthur C. Clarke as a writer with a unique ability to popularize science and science fiction for the largest possible audience FLOOD and ARK together form a landmark in modern SF.


REVIEW:

Having been wading hip deep in the water in Flood, I really couldn’t wait to see where Stephen took the series in the second novel, Ark, so when it landed I stocked myself up with provisions and pretty much got stuck in straight away as there’s no better speculative fiction author than Stephen.

What I got for my time was an excellently executed novel that dealt in everything from the mundane daily tasks of the crew as they seek out another world brought together with almost impeccable execution. Add to the mix emotional conflict, political infighting and it’s a novel that could well be his best work to date. That said however make sure you read the first novel, Flood, before joining the crew on this mission, as you won’t get the full flavour of Earth’s possible future without it.

SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW: Nova War - Gary Gibson

BOOK BLURB:

In Stealing Light, Dakota discovered the Shoal's dark and dangerous secret, now she works towards stopping not only the spread of this knowledge, but also the onset of the Nova war. Found adrift near a Bandati colony world far away from Consortium space, Dakota and Corso find themselves prisoners of the Bandati. It becomes rapidly clear to them, that the humanity's limited knowledge of the rest of the galaxy - filtered through the Shoal - is direly inaccurate. The Shoal have been fighting a frontier war with a rival species, the Emissaries, with their own FTL technology for over fifteen thousand years. Realising that the Shoal may be the Galaxy's one chance at sustained peace, Dakota is forced to work with Trader to prevent the spread of deadly knowledge carried on board the Magi ships. But it seems that the Nova War is inevitable.


REVIEW:

The second novel in Gary’s Shaol series and one that has had fans clamouring for more since the original release of Stealing Light. Expanding on the themes as well as concepts introduced in the previous novel its definitely one that will more than please the Sci-Fi Geek within as it brings everything you’d want to the table. Strange and unusual races, characters that face insurmountable odds, choices that weigh heavily on the few for the many and topped off with a pretty high speed pace that can leave you gasping for breath. Gary continues to do what he does best and makes him a firm favourite on my own shelf. Great stuff.

HISTORICAL FICTION REVIEW: The Best of Men - Claire Letmendia

BOOK BLURB:

It is 1642, and Laurence Beaumont has just returned to England after six long years fighting - and avoiding fighting - in the European Wars. Having fled his homeland to escape the responsibilities of his noble birthright, he has been a lowly infantryman, a spy, and a cardsharp in a Dutch brothel. He has seen the worst inhumanities visited on men, women and children by enemy and neighbour alike, and he no longer has faith in God, in causes, or much in humankind itself. Yet as the clashes between King Charles I and his mutinous Parliament come to a crisis and England is thrown into civil war, Beaumont is drawn back into the world of warfare and intrigue when he discovers coded letters outlining a plot to assassinate the king. Soon the conspirators - one of whom is among the most powerful men in the kingdom - are in hot pursuit, and he must find proof of their identities before they overtake him. Pressed into service by the Secretary of State's ruthless spymaster, Beaumont finds himself threatened on all sides, facing the possibility of imprisonment, torture or worse if he makes a single wrong step. The ravishing Isabella Savage, a practised seductress, is interested in helping, but may only lead him deeper into the conspiracies within the king's camp. And all the while, Beaumont is haunted by a prophecy and by the memory of a love betrayed. Vivid in its detail, filled with gripping action scenes, bawdy and smart, "The Best of Men" is a rousing, rich and thoroughly satisfying historical novel in the vein of Iain Pears' "An Instance of the Fingerpost" and the bestselling works of C.J. Sansom. Laurence Beaumont is an unforgettable new character, and Claire Letemendia is a dazzling new storyteller.

REVIEW:

Readers of today like a large number of things to keep their interest, they enjoy an epic story, they want surprises but most of all they want it in a realistic setting which is what Claire presents within this novel. From the opening pages it’s a real gripper and one that will keep you guessing until the last page is turned which is not only a guarantee of quality in this age but a surprise as too many authors end up letting it go to a predictable conclusion. Definitely a book to savour and perhaps use to unwind from a hard day. Cracking stuff.

FACTUAL BOOK REVIEW: The Gutenberg Revolution - John Man

BOOK BLURB:

In 1450, all Europe's books were handcopied and amounted to only a few thousand. By 1500 they were printed, and numbered in their millions. The invention of one man - Johann Gutenberg - had caused a revolution. Printing by movable type was a discovery waiting to happen. Born in 1400 in Mainz, Germany, Gutenberg struggled against a background of plague and religious upheaval to bring his remarkable invention to light. His story is full of paradox: his ambition was to reunite all Christendom, but his invention shattered it; he aimed to make a fortune, but was cruelly denied the fruits of his life's work. Yet history remembers him as a visionary; his discovery marks the beginning of the modern world.


REVIEW:

I’ve read a hell of a lot of John Man’s offerings and with each new book something new is brought clearly, concisely and above all in an interesting an informative manner to the reader. With previous books including the story of Genghis Khan and Atilla the Hun it might come as a bit of a surprise when the reader see’s that he’s tackled the world of printing and its origins on how books became more available for the masses. As a huge reader I’d hate to have lived in a world where books were only for the rich and its mainly due to the Gutenberg Revolution that they became the phenomena that they are today. If you have an interest in printing or just a sheer fascination for popular history then this is the book for you.

NEWS: Terminator All Nighter

Hail Mighty Readers and Film Buffs,
For those in the London Area, our pals over at the BFI IMAX have asked us to let you know about a special screening that they've got going on for the 3rd of October. An all nighter event featuring all four Terminator Films. Yep thats right, all four back to back. Here are the further details for you:

The Terminator (35mm)

Director	James Cameron
Cast	Arnold Schwarzenegger, Michael Biehn, Linda Hamilton
Country	UK-USA
Year	1984
Running time	107min
Certificate	18

Terminator 2: Judgment Day (70mm)

Director	James Cameron
Cast	Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Edward Furlong, Robert Patrick
Country	USA-France
Year	1991
Running time	137min
Certificate	15

Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (35mm)

Director	Jonathan Mostow
Cast	Arnold Schwarzenegger, Nick Stahl, Claire Danes, Kristanna Loken
Country	USA-Germany-UK
Year	2003
Running time	109min
Certificate	12A

Terminator Salvation (Digital Cinema Presentation)

Director	McG
Cast	Christian Bale, Sam Worthington, Moon Bloodgood, Helena Bonham Carter
Year	2009
Running time	115min
Certificate	12A

So if your around and about book early to avoid disappointment.

Hasta La Vista, Baby.

YOUNG ADULT REVIEW: (Hells Underground 1 and 2) Scared in Death, The Demon Assassin - Alan Gibbons

BOOK BLURB:

The father of the twins, Jack and Eve, dies when he and Jack are investigating a cave near their home - but was it really a rock fall as the family are told, or something altogether more sinister? Ever since industrial diggers moved in and started delving into the tunnels beneath the town of Bistombe, Jack's been having nightmares - and it seems that the diggers may have disturbed more than just the earth. Then Jack meets the historian, Eddie Doogan, and hears stories about the 'Beast of Bistombe'. When strange events start to happen in the town, and as more and more people fall victim to paranoid delusions, Jack and Eve set out to find out what really lay behind their father's death - and how it's connected to a mysterious virus in Africa . . .

REVIEW:

If you’re after a tale for the young adult reader that not only delivers on morals but also on twists and horror then this is perhaps the series for you. What Alan brings to the table is a tale full of curve balls and transports the reader back to the time of Jack the Ripper. Whilst certain elements may well be a tad too predictable, the story moves long at its own pace and will thrill and entertain to the last page despite the novels slow start. An interesting opener to a series and one that bears watching.



BOOK BLURB:

Having once risked everything precious to him to kill halt King Lud's progress from the ancient bowels of London to the city's modern streets, teenage Paul Rector knows his task is far from over. Paul also knows that, like his brother John and his great uncle Harry, he is both demon and man. Will it be fate that decides which side wins out? To find out, Paul takes Hell's Underground back to London of the Blitz in World War II and becomes involved in defeating Harry Rector's plot to assassinate Prime Minister Churchill. His main weapons are fire and fear. Along the way, he learns more about the Rector curse and once again endangers not only his own life, but that of the people he comes to regard as a second family.


REVIEW:

If you read the original tale by Alan then you pretty much have a handle on the principle protagonist who is fighting to stop his ancestors bringing about the return of Lud, the founder of London who wishes to rule his city. As you probably have come to expect from him the tale is pretty action orientated with hard hitting as well as a fast moving pace that really doesn’t give the readers chance to stop for air.

Finally add to the mix that Alan plays for keeps and you pretty much know that the body count on both sides of the battle will be high. An excellent second novel and one that will have many impatiently waiting for the third part of the saga.

YOUNG ADULT REVIEW: Timewalker - Justin Stanchfield

BOOK BLURB:

This is a masterful sci-fi adventure with a gripping twist, set against the lonely mountains of Montana. "E.T." meets "The Terminator"! When the sleepy town of Antler is filled with rumours of crop circles, cattle mutilation and strange lights in the sky, brothers Sean and Trick are determined to investigate. Sleepwalking on a lonely road, Sean meets a strange girl who is pursued by a deadly organization known as the Paradise Project. He and Trick are determined to protect the girl, but the head of the Paradise Project will not rest until he discovers and destroys the genetic source of her power to teleport through time. Unfortunately for Sean, the source is closer than he realizes. Heart-stopping action sequences and a deeply eerie atmosphere reminiscent of classic sci-fi films make this is a must-read novel for anyone who knows the truth is out there.


REVIEW:

To be honest I was lucky enough to get this tale before it started building a favourable reaction from other reviewers but whilst the book blurb is quite a seller, in my opinion it really doesn’t live up to the hype. The plot is slow and for the age market to which its aimed it needed a much higher pace to keep their reader glued. Yes it does pick up later in the book but the fact that many of the readers will have switched off by that point really doesn’t do it any favours.

Add to the mix typical plot points that are becoming all too common in Sci-Fi and it makes this a fairly predictable novel which is a great shame. The other gripe that I have was down to a real lack of character development. Whether this was the author attempting to keep a realistic lid on them I’m not so sure, but it did feel that it had the author expanded the novel by building on each of the principle protagonists then it might have been something a bit more special. A great shame to be honest as it really could have been something worth the hype had the author thrown in a tempting bone or two earlier to keep their reader group glued.

URBAN FANTASY REVIEW: The Naming of the Beasts (Felix Castor 5) - Mike Carey

BOOK BLURB:

They say the road to Hell is paved with good intentions, but if you ask Castor he'll tell you there's quite a bit of arrogance and reckless stupidity lining the streets as well. And he should know. There's only so many times you can play both sides against the middle and get away with it. Now, the inevitable moment of crisis has arrived and it's left Castor with blood on his hands. Well, not his hands, you understand; it's always someone else who pays the bill: friends, acquaintances, bystanders. So Castor drowns his guilt in cheap whisky, while an innocent woman lies dead and her daughter comatose, his few remaining friends fear for their lives and there's a demon loose on the streets. But not just any demon - this one rides shotgun on his best friend's soul and can't be expelled without killing him. Looks like Felix Castor's got some tough choices to make, because expel the demon he must or all Hell will break loose. Literally ...


REVIEW:

If there’s a UK paranormal series that really does hit the spot its Mike Carey’s Felix “Fix” Castor. What you’re guaranteed is a novel that delivers on all aspects of the typical Gumshoe, a mystery that needs the characters special talents to solve, personal conflict and above all a plotline that has a breakneck speed that doesn’t let up. Its an absolute corker of a series and one that should make it all the way stateside. Whilst Butcher may have a certain amount of the genre sowed up if you want mystery and a character that takes a good many lumps, bumps and scrapes through by the skin of his teeth, there really is no one that does this better than Mike. Give him a go, you won’t be disappointed and hopefully Mikes own army of fans will soon rival the spiritual presence of Old London Town.

URBAN FANTASY REVIEW: Thorn Queen (Dark Swan 2) - Richelle Mead

BOOK BLURB:

Eugenie Markham is a shaman for hire, paid to bind and banish creatures from the Otherworld. But after her last battle, she's also become queen of the Thorn Land. It's hardly an envious life, not with her kingdom in tatters, her love life in chaos, and Eugenie eager to avoid the prophecy about her firstborn destroying mankind. And now young girls are disappearing from the Otherworld, and no one - except Eugenie - seems willing to find out why. Eugenie has spilled plenty of fey blood in her time, but this enemy is shrewd, subtle, and nursing a very personal grudge. And the men in her life aren't making things any easier. Her boyfriend Kiyo is preoccupied with his pregnant ex, and sexy fey king Dorian always poses a dangerous distraction. With or without their help, Eugenie must venture deep into the Otherworld and trust in an unpredictable power she can barely control. Reluctant queen or not, Eugenie has sworn to do her duty - even if it means facing the darkest - and deadliest - side of her nature...


REVIEW:

The second novel in the Dark Swan series by Richelle Mead. Whilst I wasn’t a huge fan of the original I thought that it would be best to give this a go, especially after enjoying Vampire Academy alongside her Georgina Kincaid series.

Whilst the first novel was pretty standard urban fare in my own opinion, the second did pick up a bit more on the themes explored in the original and yet went further on character development which made this one a bit more tantalising. Add to the mix a tug of love triage as each character gets to grips with their lot in life and its getting back more into Richelle’s field of expertise. It is well written, it will attract a good number but alas, still not something that will set the world, for me, this is the least of her three series to date.