FACTUAL REVIEW: The Art of Manliness - Brett and Kate McKay

Release Date: 25/05/12

SYNOPSIS:

This limited-edition collection contains a wealth of information and inspiration for the modern man. Included inside are the following books: "The Art of Manliness." This book is dedicated to helping men uncover what manliness means in the 21st century, from rediscovering the outdoors to dressing with panache to becoming a good father."The Art of Manliness: Manvotionals." This book contains the manliest wisdom of the ages--a myriad of poems, quotes, and essays designed to inspire men to live life to the fullest and realize their complete potential as men.

Together, housed in a classic cigar box, they make the perfect gift for any man (or soon-to-be man) who is conscious of leaving his mark on this world. (This $38 value is priced at only $29.99.)

Also includes 6 drink coasters!


REVIEW:

To be honest I picked this up as a little bit of a joke between me and my Brother in Law who insists that his son (my nephew) should have Dinosaurs or Car’s on his T-Shirts. So when I came across this book from David and Charles I really thought that I’d hit pay dirt, firstly for a joke but secondly as it seemed to contain nuggets that my Dad missed out for me. (I now know how to fold my suit hanky.)

Yet when I read this compendium of books I was surprised at what was contained, it was written from a common sense point of view, had easy to follow guides and whilst a lot of it was stuff that you knew in the back of your mind, other traits that seem to be missing from modern life were present. For example etiquette that seems to be missing from many teenagers today.

All in, this book was not only engrossing but also something that helps you become a better person in yourself as you get the track on how to behave and act when in the presence of a lady (a hard earned lesson for most people) as well as how to make the most of yourself. Finally add the quirkiness together with the presentation and all in for me, this collectable is something that a great many people can benefit from. Great stuff.

FANTASY REVIEW: The Chronicles of Siala: Shadow Blizzard - Alexey Pehov

Release Date: 12/04/12

SYNOPSIS:

Shadow Harold, master thief, and his band of companions have reached the deep catacombs of Hrad Spein, where Harold must go in alone to face unknown horrors and retrieve the Horn that will save Siala. He is magically bound to the Key with which the dark elves sealed Hrad Spein, and the Master's servant, the sorceress Lafresa, is close behind him. Harold and his companions must face H'san'kors, evil magic and the agents of the Nameless One, but unless they find the long-lost Horn darkness will overrun the realm of Valiostr. Harold's destiny is tied to the fate of the kingdom...


REVIEW:

To be honest this is a hard book to review as since I’m a huge fan of the fantasy genre I tend to remember what I’ve read previously. Whilst this is more a young adult series, for me I’ve noticed the obvious homage to Lord of the Rings alongside multiple other titles in the Forgotten Realm’s series that have had a thief as a lead character with the book feeling more like a cross between a roleplay production.

Don’t get me wrong it was fun and if read as light entertainment its OK, but if you want something new or innovative then sadly you’re not going to find it here. All in the series was reasonable and will be one to give to young readers to generate a story for them to enjoy before they’re ready for Tolkien.

HISTORICAL FICTION: THe Song of Achilles - Madeline Miller

Release Date: 12/04/12

SYNOPSIS:

WINNER OF THE ORANGE PRIZE FOR FICTION 2012 Greece in the age of heroes. Patroclus, an awkward young prince, has been exiled to the court of King Peleus and his perfect son Achilles. Despite their differences, Achilles befriends the shamed prince, and as they grow into young men skilled in the arts of war and medicine, their bond blossoms into something deeper - despite the displeasure of Achilles's mother Thetis, a cruel sea goddess. But when word comes that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped, Achilles must go to war in distant Troy and fulfill his destiny. Torn between love and fear for his friend, Patroclus goes with him, little knowing that the years that follow will test everything they hold dear.


REVIEW:

I’m a fan of the old epics and whilst this is a new take on a small part of the Iliad, it’s a story that deals with the life and love of Achilles as told by Patroclus, his lover and whose death brings the hero back into the Trojan war. The story is mainly the love story between the two but when backed by the history alongside the authors love for getting the story across to the modern reader, makes it something that is readable.

Personally I prefer David Gemmell’s telling of the whole saga, but if you want a more personal telling of Achilles part delving into the minutiae of the characters life, then this is the book for you. Finally add to the mix that the author clearly loves the time period and has done a reasonable job of bringing it over to the reader then this could be a book worthy of your time.

URBAN FANTASY REVIEW: Fynoderee - Alexander Caine Duncan

Release Date: 06/04/12

SYNOPSIS:

"Is this magic?" asked the boy, unable to hold his curiosity any longer. "No. It's not magic," said the creature, as calm as before. "It's just...different"... For Juan Kerruish, a boy only ever noticed by the school bullies, his world is about to turn upside down. When he meets Bea, the Fynoderee, a creature thought to exist only in myth, he discovers that he carries a message from the past that could change the course of the future. In a time when old and new worlds collide with life threatening consequences, the few who stand in the way of an ancient evil must face and conquer their ultimate fears, if ever the land and their loved ones are to be saved.


REVIEW:

Having grown up in Cumbria, the myths and legends from the Isle of Man filtered through so I had a decent understanding of them before starting this tale. What Alexander’s Young Adult book brings to the table is a story that is addictive, full of myth and magic and of course highlighted with wonderful prose and top notch pace to keep you glued.

Its wonderfully written, the author clearly loving the island’s culture and when brought together gives readers something a little different for their money alongside some great sleight of hand which when added to Anarchy’s list demonstrates an eye for talent. Great stuff.

SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW: Star Wars: X-Wing: Mercy Kill - Aaron Allston

Release Date: 16/08/12

SYNOPSIS:

"The X-Wing/Wraith Squadron" books are one of the most popular series in the history of "Star Wars" novels. Now, the intrepid spy/pilots of "Wraith Squadron" are back in an all-new "Star Wars" adventure set in the time just after the events of the "New York Times" bestselling "Fate of the Jedi" series! "Wraith Squadron" was Wedge Antilles' boldest creation: a covert-action unit of "X-Wing" fighters, its pilots drawn from the dregs of other units, castoffs and rejects given one last chance. Now, years after their thrilling adventures during and after the Rebellion that destroyed the Empire, they're back to deal with a brand-new mission.


REVIEW:

OK, I have to admit to a fondness for the star rebel fighter, I fell in love with it in the original Star Wars film (Star Wars 4: A New Hope) and loved the series that was released nearly 20 years ago. So I was wondering what this next gen on pilots would add to the mythos of those that have gone before.

What occurs in the title was a story that worked to the strengths of the X-Wing, fast action, hard hitting and of course with characters that you could get behind such as the daughter of the original pilot Wedge Antilles. Add to this an author who also has a love of giving the reader cracking dog fight sequences alongside top notch prose and all in I was more than happy with this title.

FICTION REVIEW: Young Punks - Paolo Sedazzari

Release Date: 06/04/12

SYNOPSIS:

Young Punks is an oral history novel that takes you back to the scariest day of your life – your first day at secondary school, and secondary schools don’t come any scarier than Feltham Comprehensive, West London. Rough, tough and brutal - if you stole a peek at the graffiti in the bogs you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in the bowels of hell. It really is a case of - we can laugh about it now but at the time it was terrible. Young Punks is a universal timeless tale of adolescence, with our story kicking off in the mid seventies, and a sleeping Britain is about to be jolted awake by the punk rock explosion. But the three 11 year old protagonists of Young Punks are about to experience something even more seismic – puberty. We get spots and our voices break and whether you like it or everything has to change.
Young Punks brings you the fun, the scrapes and the anarchy of adolescence, packed with heartbreak and anguish, sibling rivalry and parental conflict. Mixing it altogether to give you an authentic picture of what it was like to try and grow up in the seventies, and what happens after you leave school and get spat out into the big bad world.


REVIEW:

To be honest this book was something a little unusual for me and to be blunt wasn’t a title I was looking forward to as it was out of my comfort zone. Don’t get me wrong that’s not necessarily a bad thing but when its something that I’m unfamiliar with, it tends to be left on my TBR pile for quite some time.

What this book from Paolo invokes within the reader is a story that will reach within them emotionally taking them back to a familiar time in their own past and telling a story from various points of view to give you a bigger picture. Its quirky, it is something novel and to be honest was a book that I thought was OK as it gave me something a little different to think through. Whilst I’m not in a hurry to reread another of these books for quite some time it is something that I’ll remember for some time to come.

SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW: Warhammer 40K: Path of the Eldar 3: Path of the Outcast - Gav Thorpe

Release Date: 13/09/12

SYNOPSIS:

Aradryan has chosen to leave his sheltered life on Craftworld Alaitoc and walk the Path of the Outcast, seeking the myriad pleasures and threats the wider galaxy has to offer. Still unfulfilled as a ranger, he is lured into the life of a star pirate, bringing him into conflict with the Imperium of Man. A chain of events is set in motion that could have catastrophic consequences for Alaitoc, forcing Aradryan to take drastic action if his old home is to survive.


REVIEW:

The Eldar return in the concluding part to Gav Thorpe’s Eldar Path trilogy, bringing the mysterious lithe Xenos in hard core action sequences to the readers imagination. It’s imaginative, the author bringing all their talents to give you the mysteriousness alongside solid prose with a wonderfully almost poetic turn of phrase as agenda’s are revealed and the fates are cast.

Add to this cracking pace with barely a moment to breathe and all in for me this is the best of the series. Cracking stuff all round and a wonderful read.

HISTORICAL URBAN FANTASY: Dark Asylum - Matthew Cowden

Release Date: 06/04/12

SYNOPSIS:

All families have secrets. Some are just far darker than others.
Pennsylvania, 1895. Evil and madness hide within the walls of the Gaskell’s gothic, country mansion, and some believe ghosts roam the halls to torture the living. Emily Radcliffe, the Gaskell’s governess, has her own dark past, one she has been hiding from under the shelter of this sinister home.
A blood thirsty killer escapes from a nearby mental hospital, leaving a trail of carnage and cat-and-mouse games through the streets of Allegheny City, and giving the police the impression that the Gaskell family may be his eventual target. Mystery, madness and carnage gradually surround Emily as she becomes trapped in this dark world of secrets and sin.
Dark Asylum is a tale of the late Edgar Gaskell, a man who is the key to unlocking the horrifying secrets of a tortured family and horrors beyond imagination... Only read Dark Asylum if you wish to suffer...


REVIEW:

As a reader I like books that are a little different and whilst this one took me back to a real gothic feel in the beginning, it sort of felt like an amalgamation of two separate idea’s to extend the concept into a full length novel that lost pace half way through. As a reader it fell flat from such a promising beginning and whilst the introduction of graphic De Sadesque torture sequences really made me feel that it was there more to shock and tantalise rather than deliver a full length tale.

All in it wasn’t quite the book I was hoping for and sadly for me, means that Matthew will not be top of my TBR pile any time soon. Don’t get me wrong, the first part worked wonderfully for me and because of that I will give him another crack of the whip but I just hope that the next tale is more defined rather than the shock tactics within this one.

INTERVIEW: Amanda Carlson

Here at Falcata Times we love a debut author, so after reviewing Amanda's debut title Full Blooded (05/09/12) we were more than happy to have a chat to her via the Twilight Bark.

Here we discovered writing classes, who she'd want to have a pint with and of course how to a writer pants...

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?

Amanda Carlson: I do believe it. I’m not sure it’s an affliction, but it’s a very powerful urge indeed. I’ve felt the pull my entire life. It’s taken me twelve years to make it here and it hasn’t been for lack of trying!


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

AC: I started writing around age thirteen. I still have the notebooks I wrote in as a young teen. They were all stories of giggling girls and cute boys, but they were actual stories. After that I enjoyed creative writing courses in high school and college.


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?

AC: Well, I’ve written both, and even though putting together a short story is challenging, writing a novel is much harder. There is so much that goes into a novel: pacing, characterization, plot, storyline—my experience is that a short takes skill, but a novel takes mastery.


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

AC: Selling or pitching the book is often the hardest thing an author has to do. But if I had to sell it quickly, I’d say: “If you’re looking for a new urban fantasy with a kickass heroine and a cracking pace, you’ve found your book!”


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 ideas develop as you write?

AC: No plotting for me. I’m what American’s call a “pantser.” As in I fly by the seat of my pants. I let the story take me wherever it likes. After it’s finished, I go back and fix areas that are lacking and piece it back together. It’s easy to see what’s wrong and what needs to be put in its place once it’s on paper. I don’t see myself changing the way I write any time soon, I quite like it!


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

AC: To relax I go see a movie. I love to get lost in someone else’s world. I’m currently reading Amanda Bonilla’s SHAEDES OF GRAY and I’m loving it.


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?)

AC: We have one rabbit. It was a consolation pet after saying no to pets for fifteen years. Our three kids were begging, so we finally gave in. She’s adorable, a dwarf/lop mixed called Rosie. She sleeps and eats a lot, but will hop into your lap for a treat. She does not show up in the novels! I’m not keen on writing wererabbits, LOL!


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

AC: Jessica is the most fun to write, because I’m in her head all day. Marcy and Danny are equally fun because of all their snarky chatter. I actually love them all, but I’d have to say Jessica is still the most interesting.


FT: How similar to your principal protagonist are you?

AC: Not similar at all. I wrote Jessica as someone I’d love to go to the pub and drink with, not sharing my same qualities at all. She’d be the most kickass pal ever.


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

AC: If I’m not feeling the story I’ll challenge my fellow writers in what we call a #wordwar or #1k1hr on Twitter to get the words moving. The goal is to write as many words as you can in one hour. I’m not a huge believer in writer’s block, but I am a big believer in stepping back from your story once in a while to gain perspective. If I do that, when I return I’m always feeling ready to jump back in.


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?

AC: The summer with kids home has indeed been a bit uncivlised. Having three kids with their own agendas has been difficult. Now they are back in school, and since I write better in the morning, all is going well. It’s very rare that I write new words in the evening, but I will edit when I’m on deadline. For that I have a huge set of green industrial earmuffs to block out the household noise. They are very attractive.


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?

AC: I usually only play music before sitting down to my computer to get me revved up. For the first book it was a lot of Kings of Leon. For HOT BLOODED there was a bit of rap and Old School rock, now for COLD BLOODED it’s been Florence + The Machine. I love music for inspiration, but I need to write in silence. (Hence the earmuffs!)


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

AC: HOT BLOODED is a journey for Jessica. She’s out to find her man, defeat her foe and learn about who and what she is. It’s filled with lots of mythological mayhem and it was so much fun to write. It’s a non-stop adventure from beginning to end.


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

AC: Amazon, facebook, cheaptickets, twitter and caringbridge

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

AC: Yes, I’ve taken many different writing classes, lots of them at a local literary center in Minneapolis, MN where I live. They were very helpful. The best thing I received from taking the classes was finding critique groups to share my work with, and who in turn, made me accountable to write more. From there I joined a local fiction writing chapter and met many aspiring authors. I recommend taking classes and finding groups who support you.


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

AC: I don’t think I’m past them yet! I was lucky in the very beginning as agents began to request my work from the outset. I didn’t go through miles of rejection there. Once I signed with an agent, I sold to an editor in a few months. The biggest hurdle for me now—is the actual criticism of the novel. There has been very few bad reviews, which is so nice, but when they do come it’s hard. I’m not sure it will ever get any easier, but I will grow used to it. Logically any author knows their work won’t be for everyone, but in our hearts we are always hoping.

Thank you so much for hosting me today! It’s so fun to be in the UK, if only virtually. I hope whoever decides to jump into the series enjoys it thoroughly.

SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW: Warhammer 40K: Horus Heresy: Fear to Tread - James Swallow

Release Date: 13/09/12

SYNOPSIS:

Since the earliest days of the Great Crusade, Sanguinius - angelic primarch of the IXth Legion - was ever among the closest and most loyal of Horus's brothers. But the Blood Angels have long kept their true nature hidden from the rest of the Imperium, and when the Warmaster hints that the key to their salvation may lie in the ruins of a conquered world, the sons of Sanguinius race to claim it. Now, as the revelation of their betrayal dawns and the traitors' hand is revealed, the Blood Angels must face all the warp-spawned armies of Chaos, as well their own personal daemons, upon the blasted plains of Signus Prime...


REVIEW:

To be honest I generally sit back and enjoy any Horus Heresy title that lands but for some reason this one felt a little flat. Don’t get me wrong there was solid action, some great twists but overall it felt like it was more a series of idea’s to help patch it up to a full length novel than one that was fully planned originally.

It does have some good prose, the pace does fluctuate to allow the reader to breathe but for me something was just missing that meant that my overall reading pleasure just wasn’t there so for me, this wasn’t one of the best HH titles to date.

THRILLER REVIEW: A Jar of Wasps - Luis Villazon

Release Date: 06/04/12

SYNOPSIS:

Graham Trevennan has just been dumped by his girlfriend. That's not the problem. He's wanted by the police for a murder he didn't commit. That's not the problem, either. But around the world, dormant volcanoes are suddenly erupting and impossibly complex crystal meteorites are falling out of the sky in a way that probably isn't coincidental. Now, the CIA, the army and at least one terrifyingly beautiful treasure hunter all seem to think that shooting Graham will somehow help them get hold of these priceless, extraterrestrial crystals. That is a problem.

Graham's mission is to avoid getting killed, figure out whose side he is on and save the world. In the end, he manages two out of three. Which for a beginner, isn't bad.


REVIEW:

To be honest it took me a few goes to get through this tale as I felt it started off very slowly and really took its time to do much for me as a reader. Don’t get me wrong the structure was there but it felt that the author hadn’t quite polished the beginning enough for me as a reader to get me hooked right away.

That I think is the key to this book and it will also be the thing that turns a lot of readers off as if the hooks aren’t there early on, they’ll find it quite easy to put it down and not finish. The idea’s explored were interesting and if you look past a number of errors within alongside clunky characters it wasn’t a bad book but there are many others out there that are better. It just didn’t stand out enough for me as a reader and with an ending that felt more like “I’ve hit my word count” than any real natural end, it is a book that I won’t be recommending to many.

VIDEO GAME NEWS: Borderlands 2 New Launch Trailer - Take 2 Interactive

Hail Mighty Readers and Followers of the Calloused Thumbs,

So you've got an itchy trigger finger?  You need foes to slay?  Well lets just say that Lady Eleanor know's your pain.  She's been biting at the bit and to be honest you  its been getting a little disconcerting.

Thankfully our friends at Take 2 Interactive have sent us an additional Trailer for the Borderlands 2 Launch that has sated her needs for the moment (although I think that I'll still hear her using the Door Peep Hole as if it were a Sniper Scope on the unsuspecting posty until her copy lands)

So hopefully to keep things a little easier on your other half is the new trailer we hope you enjoy:

All the best, Gareth and Lady Eleanor

NEWS: Borderlands 2 Bungee Jump - Take 2 Interactive

Hail Mighty Readers and Followers of the Calloused Thumbs,

So you really want a copy of Borderlands 2 but finding that the pocket is a little bit too light to accommodate?  

Well our friends at Take 2 Interactive have let us know about a way that you can get a copy without parting with the moolah.  What do you have to do?

Nothing too bad, just get to Ely’s Yard, Brick Lane, London, on the 23rd September where you're all are invited to put your mettle to the test and take the plunge from a specially designed Borderlands 2 bungee crane  (Ed. Jumping is free and they'll even give you a cord) for your chance to win a copy of the game

Ben Lawrence, UK PR Manager 2K Games said, “We want to provide an afternoon of extreme fun and discover just how psycho Borderlands 2 fans can get. A bungee jump is the perfect way to truly test your nerves and we’re excited to bring the insane pleasure of the game into the real world!”

FANTASY REVIEW: Warhammer Fantasy: Orion 1: The Vault of Winter - Darius HInks

Release Date: 28/08/12

SYNOPSIS:

At the heart the wood elf kingdom of Athel Loren, the forest-king Orion slumbers through the winter months to be reborn each spring and resume his arboreal throne. However, this year he awakens to discover a foul canker at the core of his eternal spirit - he has been cursed, though by whom and for what reason he does not know. In the grip of a furious rage he leads the asrai to war, but as the corruption spreads to the woodland realm around him, he feels his power waning and must rely upon his loyal subjects to help him unmask the traitor within their ranks.


REVIEW:

Whilst I’ve enjoyed previous books by Darius, I have to admit that this one took some time to get into, perhaps this was due to the fact that we weren’t really following a mortal hero but an immortal being who walks in the legends of the Elves. It does have some great combat sequences, works at its own pace and with luck will improve as the series wends it way, now a lot of the groundwork is accomplished, but for me, I’m not really a fan of the god like beings preferring to have my tales based around those whose lifespan is measured in decades (or centuries in most Elves cases) rather than millennia.

Yes, it is an interesting addition to the catalogue and the author really gives his all but for me fantasy is more about the spirit of man, who seeks to do what he can regardless of the futility rather than such a powerful being.

SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW: The Last Reef - Gareth Powell

Release Date: 06/04/12

SYNOPSIS:

What do you try to save when your world falls apart? Gareth L. Powell’s first collection of short fiction features a motley collection of archaeologists, hackers and ex-cops struggling to answer that very question. As their lives implode around them, will they use the moment to save their own skins, or to find a way to make up for past misdeeds? With settings ranging from the dead sands of Mars to the seedy backstreets of Amsterdam and Buenos Aires, these fifteen action-packed tales explore mind-bending science fictional ideas through the eyes of unforgettable and all-too-human characters.


REVIEW:

There are times when as a reader you want to be able to just dip into a something different during either short journey’s or a lunch break to take you away from the monotony of the real world. That’s exactly what happens in this Techno Thriller from Gareth L Powell as each tale bring something new to the fore.

The writing is crisp, to the point and not flouncy as its cut away fat to get to the meat of the tales within as desperate times and downtrodden characters seek to eek an existence out of the dark future. Its good fun, keeps you glued as each page leads you further into the mind of the author and also gives you a set of tales that you’ll keep wanting to dip into time and again. A great book from Anarchy and one that really made me pay attention to this author.

FANTASY REVIEW: THe Black Mausoleum - Stephen Deas

Release Date: 25/08/12

SYNOPSIS:

Two years have passed since the events of the Order of the Scales. Across the realms, dragons are still hatching. Hatching, and hatching free. Skorl is an Ember, a soldier trained from birth to fight dragons. He is a living weapon, one-shot only, saturated with enough dragon-poison to bring down a monster all on his own. Misanthrope, violent and a drunk, to fulfil his purpose and slay a dragon, means to be eaten. Now Skorl has a choice: he can hang for his crimes, or he can go with the last of the Adamantine Men, fighting against an enemy he was born to face. Rat is an Outsider. He's on the run and he's stumbled onto something that's going to make him rich beyond all his dreams. It's just a shame that the end of the world has started without him. Kataros is an alchemist, one of the order responsible for keeping the dragons in check. One of the order that has just failed, and disastrously so. Two men, one woman. One chance to save the world from a storm of dragons ...


REVIEW:

As a fan of Stephen’s writing I’m always on the look-out for the next book be it something in his YA series or this title set in his highly imaginative and of course double dealing fantasy world where a wrong word can send many a person to their death. It has high action, some cracking politics and of course characters that step from the page into the readers mind with such a vivid presence that you’ll form attachments with them all whether you love or loath them.

Add to this a solid pace, great action sequences backed up with an author who knows how to deliver what the reader wants whilst playing for keeps and all round its another cracker from Stephen’s mind. Great stuff.

WRITING ADVICE REVIEW: How to Blog a Book - Nina Amir

Release Date: 27/05/12

SYNOPSIS:

"How to Blog a Book" teaches aspiring authors to create a blogged book with a well-honed and uniquely angled subject, targeted posts, and a readership large enough to get noticed by an agent or a publisher. It explains how writing a book in Cyberspace allows writers to get their book written easily while promoting it and building an author's platform at the same time. Readers will find: basic information on how to set up a blog and the essential plug-ins and other options necessary; steps for writing a book easily from scratch using blog posts; advice on how to write blog posts; tips on gaining visibility or promoting the blogged book on line and off; tools for driving traffic to a blog; information on how to monetize an existing blog into a book or other information products; and, profiles with authors who received blog-to-book deals.


REVIEW:

I’m always interested in taking the next step with writing and in a time where getting a contract is not only difficult but the author is expected to do a lot of marketing on their own, its always helpful to find ways to help get the message out there.

Whilst this title by Nina is mainly about writing a book in instalments and placing it on the web, it does carry a lot of useful advice for the writer on how to get themselves noticed as well as building up a regular readership, creating a demand for your work. The tips feel useful, the concept wonderfully explained within and when added to a friendly writing style (as if the author was giving you the inside scoop) really gives you a great beginning to get started.

It won’t tell you how to write the story (after all that’s a different kettle of fish altogether) but getting yourself out there and helping get a web presence alongside working on other essential author survival tools really helps you get that start you’re looking for.

HISTORICAL FICTION REVIEW: Oathsworn 5: Crowbone - Robert Low

Release Date: 13/09/12

SYNOPSIS:

The long awaited return to Robert Low's Oathsworn series Island of Mann, 979AD. A man lies dying with a message he cannot take to his grave, a sworn secret that must be passed on only to Olaf Tryggvasson, kin of Harald Fairhair of the Yngling line and true prince of Norway, also known as Crowbone. When the message finally arrives, so begins a quest to discover its meaning, and for Crowbone to gain what is rightfully his: the crown of Norway. With a band of Chosen Men, Crowbone begins an unforgiving journey that will see him face the challenge of new enemies and confront his suspicions of treachery from old friends. Looming over all is his ultimate rival; Gunnhild, the Witch Mother of Kings, Crowbone's arch-enemy who will stop at nothing to prevent him from knowing what and where this secret is. In the fifth installment of his Oathsworn series, Robert Low is back to his full-blooded Viking best, this time visiting the harsh terrain of the North Sea coast, in a tale about one man's quest for survival and the unexpected alliances that emerge, as the very bonds that tie the Oathsworn together are put to the test.


REVIEW:

Fans of Robert Low’s Oathsworn have been baying for the Whale Road Raiders return for quite some time and with a successful group behind him, the real question for many is would the group live up to their expectations especially when he’s been immersed in the times of Robert the Bruce for the last couple of titles.

All this and more I can now answer and say, Yes, the Oathsworn are back and of course as good as they’ve always been. The story is fairly fast paced, the characters including a maturing Crowbone standing on their own with the Norn’s weaving a fate for them all that will have the ages singing of their heroism. It’s got top notch action sequences, a good deal of brain work (not only with the mind but by Axe as well. LOL) some magical twists and of course the treachery of an old enemy returned to hamper their efforts.

Add to this tight knit prose, a wonderful sense of dialogue which is all topped off with an adventure that readers will just love and all in I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what else Rob has in store for my favourite band of raiders.

HISTORICAL FICTION REVIEW: Clash of Empires: The Red Sea - William Napier

Release Date: 05/07/12

SYNOPSIS:

The Mediterranean, 1571. For hundreds of years the Ottoman Empire has ruled the seas. But the seas are only a gateway to the lands they covet beyond.The armies of the Turk are picking off colonies and small islands, and if the Mediterranean falls, then finally perhaps the balance of power between crescent and cross will tip...It has been a momentous summer - armies assembling, Cyprus besieged and men flayed alive, their bodies displayed as trophies on opposing galleys. Now, as the sun rises on one October day, history will be written in blood. Five hours will shape history. Countries all over western Europe have sent ships and men. Caught up in it are Hodge and Ingoldsby - two young English adventurers who have survived the siege of Malta and are already living on borrowed time. Now, it seems the debt must be repaid...


REVIEW:

I love a good historical fiction title and if you want cracking action with gripping battle sequences the William does a cracking job of it. I love the way that the characters step up and keep me moving forward in the story as I learn more about the various sieges of the time period to which, if I’m honest, I was quite ignorant.

All in when you add solid prose, great pace and of course characters that you want to hang around then you’re in for a treat especially when you add some in depth research that gives an authenticity to the whole piece. Great fun all round and for me a top notch new series that is living up to my expectations.

VIDEO GAME REVIEW: Tekken Tag Tournament 2 - Namco

Release Date: 14/09/12

SYNOPSIS:

The original tag team fighter that started it all is back. Tekken Tag Tournament 2 delivers new and returning characters in the largest roster ever. Experience the most advanced attack mechanics, ultimate combo move sets and new battle modes. With innovative features to broaden Tekken consumer accessibility, unlimited fighter combinations & multiple ways to challenge your friends – get ready for the next battle! WE ARE TEKKEN.


REVIEW:

If you really got into console gaming back when I did, everyone had the Tekken games, they were fast button pushing action, with impressive moves and of course great to play with your mates when you’d have a few bevvies. So when I heard about the new one coming out for the Xbox 360 I just couldn’t wait to get my hands on it, after all, all those memories that I’d get to enjoy again as I smacked seven shades of the brown stuff out of anyone with the tenacity to even think that they could challenge the Beat ‘Em Up King on the console (in my defence I think that was ego coming back.)

What occurred within was pretty much what you’d expect with 50 playable characters some newly updated graphics and of course some other nice touches such as the clothing getting roughed up and mucky. There’s also the chance as you earn points though victory to upgrade characters with new moves, some interesting additions which all in keeps you playing.

Add to this the nice touch of a free online gaming mode where you can challenge other players with stat keepers to let you know how you’re doing (characters you play most, records of Wins, Loses and Draws) it can be fun, but for me the real draw of the game is more playing it at home with your friends where you can each challenge each other to massive multiplayer combats. That’s where the fun of Tekken is and to be honest if you’re going to be playing this more as a single player it may not be the game for you as there’s no real plot and you’ll quickly rediscover the illness that grappled the world years ago, Tekken hand (in short after all the mashing your wrist and fingers will ache and if overdone could remind you of a Repetitive Strain Injury.)

All in Lady Eleanor and I have had fun taking on each other for petty chore duties (such as who’s going to make the next coffee) and its been great to revisit the beat them up again with some new backgrounds. However if you’ve moved on to the more sophisticated style of game where there’s multiple solutions and don’t fancy random button pushing in the vain hope of pulling off something impressive and will be playing on your own there really isn’t much for you.

VIDEO GAME NEWS: Dishonored V-Blog: Experience - Bethesda

Hail Mighty Readers and Followers of the Calloused Thumbs,

Our friends at Bethesda sent us the latest V-Blog from the Developers about the game. 

Here in this one it talks all about the Experience that people cna look forward to within the game and whilst everything may have multiple solutions finding the new creative way to do things is going to be a lot of fun.

Currently Lady Eleanor is having fun finding out about the various powers available within the game and knowing her, she's going to have something pretty unique to throw at those who oppose her.  What she'll come up with has me filled with dread currently, but with the game not being out until October we have  a little time to prepare.

So for your viewing pleasure the new V-Blog:

All the best,   Gareth and Lady Eleanor

FANTASY REVIEW: Lightbringer 2: The Blinding Knife - Brent Weeks

Release Date: 13/09/12

SYNOPSIS:

Gavin Guile is dying. He'd thought he had five years left - now he's got less than one. With fifty thousand refugees, a bastard son and an ex-fiancee who may have learned his darkest secret, Gavin's got problems on every side. As he loses control of his magic, all magic is running wild, threatening to destroy the Seven Satrapies. The old gods are being reborn. Their army of color wights is unstoppable, and the only salvation may be the brother whose freedom and life Gavin stole sixteen years ago.


REVIEW:

Brent Weeks is a fantasy author that I’ve got a lot of time for as I really enjoy his writing style. Here in the second instalment of his Night Angel series the reader is thrust again into this imaginative world which the author continues to expand upon whilst allowing the reader to get a kick-ass high octane story full of twists and turns that will keep them guessing.

As with his other books, the writing is crisp, the prose ideal and when added to his no prisoners style really makes this a series to watch as you’ll love all the multifaceted characters within the pages. Back that up with a huge subplot alongside this tales arc and the reader will be left in no doubt that its building for one hell of a showdown. Great stuff.

DYSTOPIAN SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW: The Guard - Peter Terrin

Release Date: 13/09/12

SYNOPSIS:

Harry and Michel live in the basement of a luxury apartment block, guarding the inhabitants. No-one goes outside. The world might be at war - it might even have been plunged into nuclear winter. No-one knows. All Harry and Michel know is that if they are vigilant, 'the Organization' will reward them: promotion to an elite cadre of security officers remains their shining goal. But what if there were no-one left to guard? And if the promised relief shift arrives, how will they fit in to Michel and Harry's studied routine of boredom and paranoia?


REVIEW:

To be honest this is a bit of strange title to review, not because the writing isn’t up there with the best but because I felt differing emotions towards the end of the title, an internal struggle for what I wanted against what happened. Its definitely a strange title and whilst it took a little bit to get used to the authors style it was definitely a book I was pleased I took the time to sit down and read.

The lead character is not only fascinating but one that you want to get to know more about especially after learning how the world has gone to pot with himself and his colleague set to protect the residents from anyone who threatens their existence. Add to this sharp prose, some solid world building alongside a cracking arc but for me it’s the characters and how their personalities effect the plot that really draws you in.

All in, as I said it’s a bit of a strange book but if you love dystopian thrillers then this is one you absolutely have to read. Another great release by Machlehose and one that really allows the reader the chance to read a foreign title that they may not have had chance to that’s every bit as good as those who’ve gone before. A possible classic in the making.

VIDEO GAME NEWS: Assassins Creed 3: Developers Diary Episode 3 - Ubisoft

Hail Mighty Readers and Followers of the Calloused Thumbs,

Our Mohawk Allies have managed to sneak the following V-Blog past the Templar strongholds, to let us have a look at the latest developments for the third outing of the Assassins Creed outing.

Here, the game developers talk about Connor in detail, letting the player learn quite a bit about not only his fighting style but movements alongside how he'll deal with making his choices.  So without further ado, here it is for your viewing pleasure:

We hope that you're just as excited as we are and remember folks, its not much longer to wait. We'll meet you for the AC Tea Party in Boston, Gareth and Lady Eleanor

HISTORICAL FANTASY REVIEW: Dodger - Terry Pratchett

Release Date: 13/09/12

SYNOPSIS:

Dodger is a tosher - a sewer scavenger living in the squalor of Dickensian London. Everyone who is nobody knows Dodger. Anyone who is anybody doesn't. But when he rescues a young girl from a beating, suddenly everybody wants to know him. And "Dodger's" tale of skulduggery, dark plans and even darker deeds begins...


REVIEW:

Having not thought too much to the last title released in conjunction with Stephen Baxter, I was a little worried if Terry was selling more by name rather than by talent, that was until this new book arrived. Whilst not set in the famed Discworld, Terry really gave the reader a treat by managing to fit a lot of characters from the Dickensian period into this new title, you have our hero Dodger, Sweeney Todd, Benjamin Disraeli and of course Mr Dickens himself.

It’s a book that’s full of quirky characters, it has a few laughs and also gives the reader the chance to dip into a lost world that more people really should get chance to see. Its fascinating and with the variety of weird jobs there, really brings old London Town to life. Add to the mix a wonderful set of problems that only our protagonist, the downtrodden hero of the masses can help to solve.

All in a cracking title and one that I had a lot of fun reading. Great stuff.

FANTAY REVIEW: The Lotus War 1: Stormdancer - Jay Kristoff

Release Date: 13/09/12

SYNOPSIS:

Griffins are supposed to be extinct. So when Yukiko and her warrior father are sent to capture one for the Shogun, they fear that their lives are over. Everyone knows what happens to those who fail him. But the mission proves less impossible and more deadly than anyone expects. Soon Yukiko finds herself stranded: a young woman alone in her country's last wilderness, with only a furious, crippled griffin for company. Alhough she can hear his thoughts, and saved his life, all she knows for certain is he'd rather see her dead than help her. Yet trapped together in the forest, Yukiko and Buruu form a surprising and powerful bond. Meanwhile, the country verges on collapse. A toxic fuel is choking the land, the machine-powered Lotus Guild is publicly burning those they deem Impure, and the Shogun cares for nothing but his own dominion. Authority has always made Yukiko uneasy, but her world changes when she meets Kin, a young man with secrets, and the rebel Kage cabal. She learns the horrifying extent of the Shogun's crimes, both against her country and her family. Returning to the city, Yukiko and Buruu are determined to make the Shogun pay -- but what can one girl and a flightless griffin do against the might of an empire?


REVIEW:

This was a bit of a wildcard for me and whilst it was summed up as Japanese Steampunk, I thought that the description detracted from a lot of the fantasy elements within as it felt that these were only really a small part of this extraordinary world as a whole. It had great world building, cracking descriptions and when backed with a solid understanding of weaving the many threads together to help create a legend, the author really spent a lot of time and affection with the pages.

Back this up with the addition of the Thunder Tiger (basically think Griffin with Tiger instead of Lion) and a lead character who finds out what she can accomplish when push comes to shove. All in wonderfully written and its going to be interesting to see how the world will develop in future instalments. I really can’t wait to embark with Storm Girl again.

NEWS: Harper Voyager to accept Unagented Manuscripts for 2 Weeks

Hail Mighty Readers,
We know a number of you out there are not only keen readers but also writers, so we're quite proud to bring you this news that is so hot off the press that we scorched our hands on your behalf.  Here's the Press Release:

"In this time of accelerated evolution in the field of digital publishing, the editorial leaders of Harper Voyager in the United Kingdom, United States and Australia are delighted to announce an exciting joint venture that will offer talented aspiring writers the chance to join the global science fiction and fantasy imprint.

For the first time in over a decade, Harper Voyager is offering writers the chance to submit full, unagented manuscripts for a limited two-week period. The publisher is seeking new authors with fresh voices, strong storytelling abilities, original ideas and compelling storylines. Harper Voyager is home to some of the biggest names in science fiction and fantasy, including George R. R. Martin, Kim Harrison, Raymond E. Feist, Robin Hobb, Richard Kadrey, Sara Douglass, Peter V. Brett and Kylie Chan, among others.

The submission portal, www.harpervoyagersubmissions.com, will be open from the 1^st to the 14^th of October 2012. The manuscripts will then be read and those most suited to the global Harper Voyager list will be selected jointly by editors in the USA, UK and Australia.  Accepted submissions will benefit from the full publishing process: accepted manuscripts will be edited; and the finished titles will receive online marketing and sales support in World English markets.

Voyager will be seeking an array of adult and young adult speculative fiction for digital publication, but particularly novels written in the epic fantasy, science fiction, urban fantasy, horror, dystopia and supernatural genres. Submission guidelines and key information can be found at www.harpervoyagersubmissions.com.

The submissions and digital publications are a joint, global effort by Harper Voyager, spearheaded by Deputy Publisher Director Emma Coode in the United Kingdom, Associate Publisher Deonie Fiford in Australia, and Executive Editor Diana Gill in the United States.  The three editors note that: “No other publishing company has done a coordinated submission period for unagented authors across three continents, and all of us at Harper Voyager and at HarperCollins Publishers are absolutely thrilled to be launching this huge opportunity. We look forward to discovering and digitally publishing many new exciting voices globally at Harper Voyager.”

For more information about the publisher, please visit: www.harpervoyagerbooks.com."

We wish anyone who submits the best of luck,

Gareth and Lady Eleanor

VIDEO GAME NEWS: Rat Assassin Free Game for the iPod/iPhone/iPad - Arkane Studio, Bethesda

Hail Mighty Readers and Followers of the Calloused Thumbs,

A little Rat has been whispering in our ears and we've heard about this cracking free game available on the iPod/iPhone/iPad called Dishonored Rat Assassin for you to get your killer on whilst waiting for the main games release.

To download it please go to:
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/dishonored-rat-assassin/id547109756?mt=8

In addition to this you can always visit the Rat Assassin to see who's leading the extermination as well as to see more about the game

All the best,


Gareth and Lady Eleanor

VIDEO GAME NEWS: Harry Potter for Kinnect - Warner Brothers Interactive

Hail Mighty Readers and Followers of the Calloused Thumbs,
The Order of the Phoenix has got this message out for us to let us know that you can currently download a free demo from Xbox Live.

The game will be released on the 12th October, so prepare yourself to go toe to toe with Deatheaters and other foes and get your inner Wizard/Witch on.

Just watch out for Lady Eleanor, Bellatrix has nothing on her...


Game Blurb:
The all-new Harry Potter for Kinect video game exclusively on KINECT for Xbox 360 allows players to experience Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and the wizarding world like never before! 

Through the innovative KINECT capability, each player can scan their face to create a wizard avatar in their likeness – and then play as their avatar in the game. Using controller-free and voice recognition technology available only on KINECT, players will attend Hogwarts, interact with professors, students and friends, call out spells to cast against opponents, brew potions, and even fly as they race on broomsticks to be the first to catch the Golden Snitch in a Quidditch match.


All the best,



Gareth and Lady Eleanor