A place to find out author interviews along with book reviews of thier works in the following genres:
science fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, crime, horror, history, arts and crafts, hobby, true life, real life, autobiography, zombie, paranormal, demons, vampires, religion and spirituality, thriller, mystery, psychological thriller, spy tory, techno thriller, humour.
Release Date: 30/05/13 Publisher: Black Library SYNOPSIS:
The dark elf land of Naggaroth is bitter and inhospitable, and the distant north even more so. Belithi – a beastmistress of Karond Kar – and her hunting party venture into this frozen wasteland, the border of the dread Chaos wastes. But unimaginable dangers wait in these northern climes, and even the power of the druchii may not be enough to resist the power of the Wind of Change.
REVIEW:
A cracking short story that readers of the Warhammer world will last as things that you expect are twisted beyond your imagination as this title brings all sorts of wonders to the reader as the dark elves learn to deal with things beyond their normal beliefs. Its quirky, it has some great twists and with solid action alongside top prose really makes this a short story that you can get behind. Add to the mix a wonderful turn of phrase with an author who really likes to deliver a killer punchline all round gave me something to make me smile with its final line.
Hail Mighty Readers, Followers of the Calloused Thumbs and Sticky Fingered Cinema Goers, Our friends at Ubisoft, New Regency and Sony Entertainment have let us know this: "Today at the Sony Computer Entertainment press conference at Gamescom, Ubisoft® announced that its film and television division, Ubisoft Motion Pictures, is collaborating with Sony Pictures Entertainment and New Regency on development of a feature film based on Watch Dogs™, Ubisoft’s highly anticipated open-world action-adventure video game. Ubisoft and Sony also showed a first look at the exclusive Watch Dogs gameplay that will be available for PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system later this year.
“Since both Sony and Ubisoft have movie and video game branches, this deal creates exceptional opportunities for us to merge the realms of the story-based cinematic experience with the interaction of the video game,” said Jean-Julien Baronnet, chief executive officer, Ubisoft Motion Pictures. “In addition, Sony Pictures and New Regency have deep production expertise and are letting us maintain a strong creative voice in the film’s development. Together, we’re confident we can deliver a movie that builds upon the excitement that the game is already generating.”
Commenting on the announcement, Hannah Minghella, president of Production for Columbia Pictures, said, "The themes and open gameplay of 'Watch Dogs' lends itself perfectly to the big screen. The game has intense action and adventure, but the story focuses on information and the control of information, which we think will lead to an exciting thriller. It has tremendous potential as a motion picture and we're thrilled to have the opportunity to work closely with Ubisoft's internal creative team on the development of the project."
Watch Dogs centers on Aiden Pearce, a brilliant hacker bent on revenge and inflicting his own brand of justice after a violent family tragedy. Using all of his skills, Pearce hacks into Chicago’s Central Operating System (ctOS), which controls the city’s infrastructure, including security cameras, traffic lights, and public transportation, as well as databases containing key information on the city’s residents. In the game, Pearce turns the entire city of Chicago into his ultimate weapon. The game received many awards at E3 2012, including Best of Show from GamingExcellence and three awards (Biggest Surprise, Best New Franchise and Best PC Game) from IGN. The game also won GameSpot’s People’s Choice Most Exciting Game of E3 2013.
The project will be overseen at Ubisoft by Ubisoft Motion Pictures. At Columbia, Minghella and Sam Dickerman will oversee development while Alexandra Milchan and Andrew Calof will work on the forthcoming film for New Regency." We hope you'll look forward to this as much as we do, Gareth and Lady Eleanor.
Release Date: 04/07/13 Publisher: Ebury Press SYNOPSIS:
He meets women. He gains their trust. He kills them. That's all Maeve Kerrigan knows about the man she is hunting. Three women have been strangled in their homes by the same sadistic killer. With no sign of a break-in, every indication shows that they let in their attacker. But the evidence is pointing at a shocking suspect: DCI Josh Derwent, Maeve's colleague. Maeve refuses to believe he could be involved, but how well does she really know her partner? After all, this is hardly the first time Derwent's been accused of murder...
REVIEW:
I love a story that tends to get away from the normal PC (please pardon the pun) point of view and get back to a certain amount of the old school boys in blue who rather than being sensitive and sweet, believe in saying what they think whilst solving the crime. That’s what you get in this title and whilst it’s part of the Maeve Kerrigan series it’s a book that centres mainly around the cracking DI Josh Derwent (who for me is someone akin to Gene Hunt.)
The prose is sharp, there’s some solid twists and whilst this is more of an emotional title its one that will deliver the reader a story that they can not only sink their teeth into but one that they can sit back and enjoy as the tale unfurls. All round a solid book and one that I had a lot of fun with.
Release Date: 20/08/13 Publisher: Bloomsbury SYNOPSIS:
The year is 2059. Nineteen-year-old Paige Mahoney is working in the criminal underworld of Scion London, based at Seven Dials, employed by a man named Jaxon Hall. Her job: to scout for information by breaking into people's minds. For Paige is a dreamwalker, a clairvoyant and, in the world of Scion, she commits treason simply by breathing. It is raining the day her life changes for ever. Attacked, drugged and kidnapped, Paige is transported to Oxford - a city kept secret for two hundred years, controlled by a powerful, otherworldly race. Paige is assigned to Warden, a Rephaite with mysterious motives. He is her master. Her trainer. Her natural enemy. But if Paige wants to regain her freedom she must allow herself to be nurtured in this prison where she is meant to die. The Bone Season introduces a compelling heroine and also introduces an extraordinary young writer, with huge ambition and a teeming imagination. Samantha Shannon has created a bold new reality in this riveting debut.
REVIEW:
This is a book that whilst I’ve heard quite a lot about it for some time is one that I kept on the back burner for a time when I felt that that I wanted something different, something genre breaking and of course a story that I wasn’t quite sure what I was going to get.
This tale by Samantha is all of this and yet it also breaks Science Fiction boundaries, adds a good dollop of Urban Fantasy and also blends within a good helping of criminal mystery that all round makes this a book that will be a firm favourite of book clubs up and down the country. It’s one that is going to get a tremendous amount of hype behind it and whilst a fair few of these are overrated, I’ve been lucky enough to read this before it really got going.
It is a book that has great characters, the author really knows how to weave a cracking story with great pace and prose which all round, alongside a lead character that I just loved so spend time with, made one of my reading experiences of the year so far. It really is going to take some beating and definitely something I’d recommend a lot of others to try.
Release Date: 04/07/13 Publisher: Doubleday SYNOPSIS:
Game warden Mike Bowditch has been sent into exile, transferred by his superiors to a remote outpost on the Canadian border. When a blizzard descends on the coast, Bowditch is called to the remote cabin of a terrified couple. A raving and half-frozen man has appeared at their door, claiming his friend is lost in the storm. But what starts as a rescue mission soon becomes a baffling murder investigation. The dead man is an infamous drug dealer and state police suspect it was his own friend who killed him. Bowditch isn't so sure - but his vow not to interfere in the case is tested when he finds himself powerfully attracted to a beautiful woman with a dark past and a troubled young son who harbours secrets of his own..
REVIEW:
Swedish Crime is perhaps the hottest out there at the moment as the delightfully delicious scenary reflects the darker aspects of the world as the principle players seek to solve a series of crimes that have resulted in a tight lipped community seeks to hide their own skeletons from the prying eyes of the police.
As usual with Mari, its dark, has some great twists and when you centre it all round lead characters that you really want to spend time around generates a story that is nigh impossible to put down. Add a solid supporting cast, some great dialogue alongside some cracking sleuthing and I was a more than happy reader with this outing.
Release Date: 18/06/13 Publisher: Constable Crime SYNOPSIS:
Game warden Mike Bowditch has been sent into exile, transferred by his superiors to a remote outpost on the Canadian border. When a blizzard descends on the coast, Bowditch is called to the remote cabin of a terrified couple. A raving and half-frozen man has appeared at their door, claiming his friend is lost in the storm. But what starts as a rescue mission soon becomes a baffling murder investigation. The dead man is an infamous drug dealer and state police suspect it was his own friend who killed him. Bowditch isn't so sure - but his vow not to interfere in the case is tested when he finds himself powerfully attracted to a beautiful woman with a dark past and a troubled young son who harbours secrets of his own..
REVIEW:
To be honest I’m new to Paul’s writing and whilst it was an OK crime title, for me it wasn’t anything that stood out against a lot of the other books out there. Don’t get me wrong, the story was OK but for me it was something that could have been edited a lot more and made a tighter novella rather than a full length title as in places it really took its time to get where it was trying to. Add to the mix characters that I wasn’t too happy with and dialogue that really didn’t keep me interested all round made this a book that was something that won’t make the author rise on my TBR list.
Today we're pleased to be part of the Douglas Jackson Sword of Rome Tour. Here he talks about the "Year of the Four Emperors: What is known as the Year of the Four Emperors actually lasted for eighteen months, and it would probably be churlish not to include the late, unlamented Nero, bringing the Emperor count to five. It was a messy, complicated affair and it reflected badly, to a greater or lesser extent, on everyone who helped conduct it. Nero, Galba, Otho and Vitellius have all been vilified by history, but history, as the old cliche goes, is written by the victors, and Vespasian’s reputation - certainly in that period - only survives intact because of what we would now call political spin. When I started writing about 1st century Rome, Galba, Otho and Vitellius were just names to me. I had the vaguest notion about what had happened in the Year of the Four Emperors and knew little or nothing about the protagonists. All that changed when I started researching Sword of Rome, the first of my two books about that turbulent, bloody and tumultuous eighteen months in Rome’s history. I must have had an inkling that my hero, Gaius Valerius Verrens, holder of the corona aurea, the gold crown of valour, only survivor of the last stand in the Temple of Claudius, would have a part to play in 68 and 69AD, because he first meets Aulus Vitellius in Defender of Rome. Vitellius, who at that time was the commander of the Seventh Claudia legion on the Danube frontier, tries to have Valerius killed, but he’s such a gregarious free spirit that the pair become unlikely friends. It wasn’t a planned friendship, it might just as easily have been a passing encounter that meant little or nothing, but whether subconsciously or otherwise, I laid the foundation for two books with that meeting. The historians Tacitus, Suetonius and Dio all paint Vitellius as a spendthrift glutton motivated by greed. As Tacitus records: ‘his passion for elaborate banquets was shameful and insatiate’. Repeated again and again it is a compelling picture, but it is Flavian propaganda. Look a little deeper and another Vitellius emerges, one who was popular with the people, and cared about them - as much as any Roman patrician was capable - and who passed laws that, given time, might have made a difference. I came to rather like him. Likewise, Marcus Salvius Otho, according to history a lecher who traded his wife to Nero for advancement, arrogant and ambitious, usurper of the legitimate Emperor, Galba, and the man responsible for his blood in the forum. Yet even Tacitus admits that Otho ruled well and cleverly. His downfall was to inherit power without strength. While Vitellius could call on seven veteran legions, Otho had only one, the newly constituted First Adiutrix, with others on the way from the Danube frontier. He was undoubtedly an impetuous man, who threw his forces in to battle too quickly. It resulted in his defeat, and his death probably reflects more on his life than any history. He could easily have fought on, but he killed himself in an attempt to prevent further bloodshed. An honourable end perhaps compensated for a dishonourable beginning. Servius Sulpicius Galba is, I fear, as black, or as foolish, as he’s painted. An immensely rich patrician who believed he had been born to rule and an old man constantly irritated by all around him. He began his short reign by purging his opponents in Hispania and Gaul, then massacred recruits to Nero’s newly constituted marine legion who had gathered at the Milvian Bridge to seek his favour. With a choice of Otho, or Vespasian’s son Titus, as his heir, either of whom would have consolidated his position, he turned to Calpurnius Piso, a young man in his own image, long on bloodline, but short on brains. It was the last straw for Otho, who had put his fortune on the line and felt he’d been cheated out of the successorship.
And what of Vespasian, the man known for his fine governorship of the Empire, with a reputation for strength, justice and fairness? While others were fighting and dying he stayed safe in the East. He left the conduct of his legions on Roman soil to Marcus Antonius Primus, a convicted fraudster who rushed headlong into battles he didn’t need to fight, and who perpetrated the massacre and sack of Cremona, a war crime against Roman citizens that should have seen Vespasian’s name reviled through history. When the fighting was done his troops ravaged Rome, killing and burning, given free rein by the Emperor’s son Domitianus. As the revered historian Mary Beard pointed out in her recent TV programme on Caligula, when it comes to the Roman emperors, it pays to read between the lines.
Release Date: 15/08/13 Publisher: Bantam SYNOPSIS:
"The story I now commence is rich in vicissitudes, grim with warfare, torn by civil strife, a tale of horror even during times of peace". (Tacitus, "The Histories" AD 68). The Emperor Nero's erratic and bloody reign is in its death throes when Gaius Valerius Verrens is dispatched to Rome on a mission that will bring it to a close. With Nero dead, the city holds its breath and awaits the arrival his successor, Servius Sulpicius Galba, governor of Hispania. The Empire prays for peace, but it prays in vain. Galba promises stability and prosperity, but his rule begins with a massacre and ends only months later in chaos and carnage. This will become known as the Year of the Four Emperors, a time of civil war which will tear Rome apart and test Valerius' skills and loyalties to their very limit. Fortunate to survive Galba's fall, Valerius is sent on a mission by Rome's new Emperor, Otho, to his old friend Vitellius, commander of the armies of the north. Vitellius' legions are on the march, and only Valerius can persuade him to halt them before the inevitable confrontation. In an epic adventure that will take him the length and breadth of a divided land, the one-armed Roman fights to stay alive and stave off a bloodbath as he is stalked by the most implacable enemy he has ever faced.
REVIEW:
OK, you love historical fiction, want high octane action which when backed with twists and turns of the political machinations of Rome generates a story that you just can’t leave. So what are you going to do? Well if you’ve been following the release schedule for the last few years, you’ll have seen Douglas Jackson going from not only strength to strength but adding a set of figures that make him one of the growing stars of the genre for me.
I love his characters, I love the way he blends historical facts into the story and above all else, for me, I love the way he utilises great action sequences to help the pace alongside balancing the slower moments that are just as full of tension as a misplaced word can have all sorts of catastrophic effects. All round another solid offering in this series and one that readers will gather around to see what is next in line for the principle hero. However the only downside in this book and one that I’m letting readers know about is you have to have read the other titles in the series first to get the most from this. All round though, great stuff.
Release Date: 30/07/13 Publisher: Anarchy Books SYNOPSIS:
The Warrior’s Journey is an epic fantasy set in a mystical dark age where monsters roam the plains, mages wield powerful sorcery and arguments are settled by the honour of the blade.
In the land of Castille, Garrick Chilver is a soldier trained in combat by his honourable father, Sir Nickholi. The tale follows Garrick and his companions, an enslaved pair of outcasts, an old knight returning home to his family, an imprisoned murderer, a young innocent marked for great power, and a mysterious sorcerer – as their land is struck by a series of terrible and catastrophic disasters. As demons and dark sorcerers roam the lands wreaking terror, chaos and death, Garrick and his companions find a common goal in their struggles against the corrupt Brotherhood of Guardians and the evil Paladins of the Gods.
When the person closest to Garrick is slaughtered by the leader of the Paladins, Garrick’s journey of vengeance brings him to the capital of Castille where, alongside its rulers, he will face the true evil that stalks the world...
The Warrior’s Journey is an epic tale of champions and honour, showing what it truly means to be a hero - a shining example of a bright flame ranged against the darkness of chaos!
REVIEW:
I love a fantasy story that multiple elements to it, I love seeing heroes forged in the heat of battle and those who choose to stand up against the dark regardless of the odds they face. It’s a great way to escape the modern world and above all else as the cast bands together it creates bonds stronger than steel. Throw into the mix a high body count, emotional losses alongside characters who face life changing events all round make this an interesting title.
All round it’s a solid enough book to sit down and read however for me, I felt that there were quite a few problems with this title. Firstly the magic was way too powerful, it was quick to utilise, did untold damage and those who were injured only had to survive a battle to be fully healed by a local cleric or mage. That, for me, took away a lot of the danger that each character faced as they only had to survive a battle to be fully healed. Yes they had a scar but there were no limitations to them in future combats such as a weakened leg or sword arm that made them less effective.
Secondly and perhaps more importantly when gods start getting involved, it really does take the mick for me as how are humans meant to face off against them, yes they have some options but let’s face it in a straight off fight they’re going to be trampled into the mud so much so that it’s going to pretty one sided affair. For me, what I feel the author should have done would have been to utilise the characters on the mortal plane like chess pieces in a similar way to the original Clash of the Titans did. It would have created all sorts of possibilities and also kept the ridiculous power away from the board.
That said it was a solid enough title and I will read future outings as I’m curious to see how it will play out but, if the power isn’t curtailed or the mages hampered in some way then its going to get old extremely fast.
Release Date: 01/08/13 Publisher: Jo Fletcher Books SYNOPSIS:
Pen's life is all about secrets: the secret of the city's spirits, deities and monsters her best friend Beth discovered, living just beyond the notice of modern Londoners; the secret of how she got the intricate scars that disfigure her so cruelly - and the most closely guarded secret of all: Parva, her mirror-sister, forged from her reflections in a school bathroom mirror. Pen's reflected twin is the only girl who really understands her.
Then Parva is abducted and Pen makes a terrible bargain for the means to track her down. In London-Under-Glass, looks are currency, and Pen's scars make her a rare and valuable commodity. But some in the reflected city will do anything to keep Pen from the secret of what happened to the sister who shared her face.
The Glass Republic is the gripping sequel to The City's Son, and the second book of The Skyscraper Throne trilogy.
REVIEW:
The second book in the Skyscraper Throne series and one that continues to build upon the success of the first as Tom Pollock’s modern Urban Fantasy follows the character of Parva Khan in this outing. It’s a novel of pain, a story of forgiveness and above all else it’s a story about finding yourself through action. Its quirky, has some moments of lightness but with the creeping edge of dark within it really makes this a novel that is worth spending quite a bit of time with.
As with the original the characters really shine as believable people which when added to the fantastical goes to show that Tom is an author who really loves to take you on a journey of discovery. Back that up with solid prose, some great turns of phrase and all round I was more than happy with this title.
Hail Mighty Readers and Followers of the Calloused Thumbs, Our friends at Ubisoft have let us have a look at the launch trailer Splinter Cell: Blacklist. Not only is it looking very smooth but with so many options on hand, its definitely a title thats going to have multiple play through abilities. But hey don't just take our word for it, have a look at this very smooth and tempting trailer yourself:
It's definitely looking like a pretty hot title and lets be honest here, its a game that you'll get a lot of replay from as you try different skill sets. So here's a sneaky peak for you:
Hail Mighty Readers and Followers of the Calloused Thumbs, Our friends at Ubisoft have let us have footage voiced by game director Ashraf Ismail where they talk about the Stealth elements. The scenary is beautiful and just take a look at this trailer:
We really can't wait for its release so remember that Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag is available 1st November 2013 on the following formats: Nintendo Wii U PC Playstation 3 Playstation 4 Xbox 360 Xbox One
Release Date: 01/08/13 Publisher: Orion SYNOPSIS:
The brightest mind meets the darkest killer
1887
When James Murray, a young Scottish doctor fascinated by the workings of the criminal mind, travels to the vibrant city of Turin, it is to study with Cesare Lombroso, the world-renowned criminologist. But just hours after his introduction to the unconventional Lombroso, the discovery of a horrifically mutilated body in the nearby Piazza Statuto, and a note that appears to implicate the celebrated criminologist himself, changes everything.
With the help of his fellow apprentice, Ottolenghi; Tullio, a local investigator; and Lombroso's beautiful but enigmatic housekeeper, Sofia; Murray must put his learning to the test and endeavour to understand the mind of a truly evil serial killer if he is to stop the rapidly escalating bloodbath and clear the name of his mentor. Have Lombroso's many enemies attempted to frame him? Are the notes an accusation or a challenge? And will Lombroso's own influential theories about criminal behaviour help to catch a cunning and ruthless killer?
Meet the world's first criminologist in this compelling, fast-paced historical thriller.
REVIEW:
OK, so you want a historical thriller that brings a crime story to the fore that you can really get your teeth into. So what are you going to reach for? Well this debut is a novel that I had fun with. I loved the twists and the set up, the pace was solid and whilst for some the prose may be a little overly flowery for me it helped bring the time to life.
What Diana did exceptionally well was, for me, her characters, they felt rounded, they had personalities and quirks which when added to great dialogue made this something that I really couldn’t put down until I reached a conclusion. It was a lot of fun and whilst its going to be a marmite book (either you love it or hate it), its definitely one that has made a striking impression enough to have me watching out for future novels by her.
Release Date: 18/07/13 Publisher: 2000AD/Rebellion SYNOPSIS:
With the Chaos virus released, Mega-City One totters on the brink of extinction. Judge Dredd and a weakened Justice department are desperately trying to stay in control. But the citywide infection has taken its toll and the chances of anyone coming away unscathed is looking less and less likely as each new day goes by. Features the much welcomed return of some of Dredd's greatest enemies the Dark Judges!
REVIEW:
This is a graphic novel series that you just can’t ignore, after all, the Day of Chaos is one of such scope that its been a key favourite for quite some time. It has great graphics, wonderful storytelling and when backed with breath-taking artwork all round makes this one that just can’t be ignored. Throw into the mix a whole set of twists that will keep you glued, great colouring and of course Dredd at his best all round makes this one that will please graphic novel fans the world over.
Hail Mighty Readers and Followers of the Calloused Thumbs, Our friends from the network, have given us access to the first feature Vblog from Watch_Dogs coming out on November the 22nd 2013 from Ubisoft. As you'll see you've got a whole lot of options to utilise to not only help you around the city but to escape the cities finest when they pick up your trail.
Add to this a whole set of features that you may not have thought of and we really think that this title is something that should make not only a great game but perhaps an even cooler film. Enjoy the trailer:
So remember keep a sharp eye on the world, you never know when someone may be watching you electronically,
Release Date: 28/07/13 Publisher: Ebury Press SYNOPSIS:
The rich play by their own rules. Former New York City homicide detective Karin Schaeffer should be enjoying a family holiday in Sardinia. But she and her husband, Mac, arrive on the island to find their children and nanny missing. Is the kidnapping connected to Mac's last case: investigating the infidelities of billionaire Godfrey Millerhausen? And, if so, just how far will the he go to protect their secrets? A Karin Schaeffer Novel
REVIEW:
I tend to read quite a lot of crime and recently Katia Lief has been an author that I like to dip into when I want a crime story that has solid pace, some wonderful characters and of course a case that’s going to be tough to crack, so when I received this title I really couldn’t wait to see what she’d have in store for Karin’s latest outing.
What I received that whilst a good story, felt a little bit flat as it seemed to be dealing more with the emotional context rather than developing the plot and whilst this is a key part to the book, I felt that the plot suffered for this slowing the pace to a crawl in places. All round, I will be sticking with Katia however for me, this book isn’t her best to date.
Release Date: 01/08/13 Publisher: Sphere SYNOPSIS:
A home burned When past crimes resurface, Sir Alan Dale, loyal lieutenant of the Earl of Locksley - better known as the murderous thief Robin Hood - faces terrible vengeance at the hands of those that he and his master have wronged. A family threatened With his beloved wife on her deathbed, Sir Alan must seek salvation by following Robin into the lair of their enemy, the mysterious leader of a band of renegade Templars, on the trail of the most precious object in the world: the Holy Grail. Only a miracle can save them As vengeful Templars hound Robin and his men across England and France, deals done with mighty lords turn to bloody battle. The companions must find the Cup of Christ before they face certain destruction. Myth, mayhem and masterly storytelling meet in the astounding new epic from the bestselling author of Outlaw and Holy Warrior
REVIEW:
The latest title from Angus Donald and following the adventures of Will alongside his liege lord Robin Hood, has been an adventure from day one. Not only has this series gone from strength to strength, the action is hard, the villains have gotten harder to challenge the characters as they grow and when added to an author who loves to not only tell a story but really brings the reader into it to keep them marching alongside the characters all round gives you a series that’s just too good to put down. Magical.
Hail Mighty Readers and Followers of the Calloused Thumbs, Our friends at Ubisoft have sent us the Vblog unboxing of the forthcomingAssassin's Creed IV: Black Flag Buccaneer's Edition. Take a look at this nice piece of booty:
So whether you want just the game or this cracking special edition remember that Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag is available 1st November 2013 on the following formats: Nintendo Wii U PC Playstation 3 Playstation 4 Xbox 360 Xbox One
Release Date: 01/08/13 Publisher: Jo Fletcher Books SYNOPSIS:
Ulfar Thormodsson has spent two years travelling as envoy and bodyguard to his high-born cousin. They have one last stop - the walled town of Stenvik - before they can finally go home. Audun Arngrimsson works his forge and lives a secretive, solitary life. No one knows about his past, and he'd like to keep it that way. But the Old Gods have other ideas. The factions within Stenvik are about to come to blows, but a far bigger battle is approaching: a young king is bringing the White Christ at point of sword and edge of blade. And on the horizon are the sails of another, more mysterious enemy...
REVIEW:
I love a story that takes me into the past and gives me characters that I want to not only spend time around but also gives me a story of possibilities where anything can and occasionally does happen. Here in this debut by Snorri is a tale worthy of the saga poets as the action is hard and bloodthirsty yet there are also tender moments within which give the reader chance to get their breath back. All round a great debut and one that if book two continues to build upon, will bring the author a lot of fans. Great stuff.
Release Date: 18/07/13 Publisher: Black Library SYNOPSIS:
Gotrek and Felix: unsung heroes of the Empire, or nothing more than common thieves and murderers? The truth perhaps lies somewhere in between, and depends entirely upon whom you ask... A collection of timeless tales featuring the Slayer Gotrek Gurnisson and his human companion Felix Jaeger. From the undead-ridden marshes of Hel Fenn, where an ancient evil lurks, to the court of a skaven lord in the depths of a dwarf hold, the duo face excitement, danger and intrigue at every turn.
REVIEW:
OK, this compendium is a set of stories that have previously been released in other forms (including as individual E-books.) It is a great item to have if you haven’t stepped into the E-Book world yet but if you already purchased them separately you may want to give this a miss. Don’t get me wrong the stories were a lot of fun to reread, but part of getting a new book is receiving an adventure you’ve yet to embark upon where every twist keeps you gripped. As a huge fan of Felix and Gotrek I tend to remember what has gone before. All round a solid enough book and a great one to own if you like to keep your paperback collection complete.
Release Date: 18/07/13 Publisher: Black Library SYNOPSIS:
Life as a princess in the colony of Athel Toralien is a constant struggle for recognition and purpose. When Hellebron, daughter of the city’s ruler, is snubbed by Queen Morathi, she vows to make a name for herself and claim her rightful place in the court at the capital, Anlec. Her ambition takes her into a life of battles against foul creatures, sectarian war, betrayal and gruesome sacrifice in a dangerous grab for power, as Hellebron seeks to become high priestess of the cult of Khaine, the Lord of Murder, The Bloody-handed God.
REVIEW:
This is a book that, for me, took quite a bit of time to get into. It wasn’t a badly written novel but the titles beginning was not only very slow but felt more of a filler than any real substance to add to the tale. Don’t get me wrong, when you get past this beginning piece and into the action it really does pick up with great combat sequences, a wonderful turn of phrase alongside bringing the Khaine Cult alongside Witch Elves into their own, but getting past that start is going to be something that quite a few regular readers will have problems with.
All round it is a solid enough story and the fact that it concentrated on two Witch Elves make this a title that’s worth sticking with. However if you’re buying this because of the usual assurance of the quality of Gav’s wrting this isn’t his best in my opinion.
Release Date: 18/07/13 Publisher: Black Library SYNOPSIS:
Deep in the jungles of Garbax World stands an idol of rust-streaked steel, a mighty effigy of the greatest of all gods, Mork (or is it Gork?). Worshipped by the local greenskins, under the guidance of Boss Grabskab, it is a mighty symbol of what it means to be an ork. Of course, it would be even more mighty if it worked… Grabskab is determined to fix the idol and conquer all the tribes of Garbax World. That’s what Stompas are for, after all…
REVIEW:
WWWWAAAAARRRRGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!!! Da Orks are on da march and whats better than a bit of a scrap to get not only revenge for those sneaky thieveses than handing out a lesson or two with a big cannon? All round a great short story and one that was a nice bit of fun to embark upon to break up the usual type of book I sit down with. It doesn’t require thinking and is a title that is about as subtle as a brick (which for Ork’s is quite appropriate. LOL) Definitely a title to get if you want a little bit of fun and levity and something that the Ork Nobz should be promoting.
Release Date: 01/08/13 Publisher: Tor/Pan Macmillan SYNOPSIS:
SHADOWS OF THE APT: BOOK NINE Relentlessly advancing towards Collegium, the Empire is again seeking to break down its walls. The mighty imperial armies have learnt from their failures, and Empress Seda will brook no weakness in her soldiers. However, Stenwold Maker has earned his title, and the War Master has strategies to save his city. His aviators rule the skies -- but the Wasp Kinden Empire has developed a terrifying new aerial weapon. Yet the campaign may be decided far from marching armies and the noise of battle. In an ancient forest, where Mantis clans pursue their own civil war, the Empress Seda is seeking lost magic. Some dangerous shadow of old night is locked up among these trees and she is wants its power. Cheerwell Maker must stop her, at any cost, but will their rivalry awaken something far deadlier? Something that could make even their clash of nations pale into insignificance ...
REVIEW:
Fantasy fans have long been aware of the writing of Adrian and to be honest since I read the first book, he’s always been an author that I’ve eagerly awaited to release his next title. How this guy manages to write so much and so often is a miracle and to be honest the sheer talent presented is something that will make many others sick as its just so good.
As usual the story arc has a great set of twists and turns, the characters work wonderfully well and the supporting case also bring avenues to the overall story that you may occasionally miss until a reread. Add to this an author who clearly loves giving the reader a kick ass story alongside bringing events to the readers attention all round makes this a book that’s another cracker for the series. How he keeps managing to do this amazes me but hey, as long as I keep getting a lot of fun from the reading I’m not going to complain. Great stuff.
Release Date: 25/07/13 Publisher: Gollancz SYNOPSIS:
Ben Aaronovitch has stormed the bestseller list with his superb London crime series. A unique blend of police procedural, loving detail about the greatest character of all, London, and a dash of the supernatural. A mutilated body in Crawley. Another killer on the loose. The prime suspect is one Robert Weil; an associate of the twisted magician known as the Faceless Man? Or just a common or garden serial killer? Before PC Peter Grant can get his head round the case a town planner going under a tube train and a stolen grimoire are adding to his case-load. So far so London. But then Peter gets word of something very odd happening in Elephant and Castle, on an housing estate designed by a nutter, built by charlatans and inhabited by the truly desperate. Is there a connection? And if there is, why oh why did it have to be South of the River? Full of warmth, sly humour and a rich cornucopia of things you never knew about London, Aaronovitch's series has swiftly added Grant's magical London to Rebus' Edinburgh and Morse's Oxford as a destination of choice for those who love their crime with something a little extra.
REVIEW:
There is always an interesting element within the supernatural community but who’s going to Police it? Well it comes down to the “Isaac’s”, a special branch consisting of one wizard, two trainee’s and of course the brave as well as hardy Toby the Dog. Its fun, it has some moments of levity and when added to some darker elements, cracking twists alongside high octane action all round makes this a wonderful read.
Yet whilst most would think that these elements alone enough to read the book, the author has also worked in to it a set of characters that not only work well together but created a community that the reader just cannot wait to return to in future outings. All round, for me, this is one of my top UK Urban Fantasy series and will continue to be so for quite some time. I really can’t wait to see what awaits around the corner for PC Grant and friends.
Release Date: 18/07/13 Publisher: Gollancz SYNOPSIS:
In the far future, a young man stands on a barren asteroid. His ship has been stolen, his family kidnapped or worse, and all he has on his side is a semi-intelligent spacesuit. The only member of the crew to escape, Hari has barely been off his ship before. It was his birthplace, his home and his future. He's going to get it back. McAuley's latest novel is set in the same far-flung future as his last few novels, but this time he takes on a much more personal story. This is a tale of revenge, of murder and morality, of growing up and discovering the world around you. Throughout the novel we follow Hari's viewpoint, and as he unravels the mysteries that led to his stranding, we discover them alongside him. But throughout his journeys, Hari must always bear one thing in mind. Nobody is to be trusted.
REVIEW:
A solid enough story that will not only take the reader on a journey into space but also gives them a tale that has infinite possibilities around it. The characters are rounded, have great hooks for the reader and when added to a plotline that is split over six parts all round sets this up for future outings. I’ll look forward to seeing what is yet to come and if this novel is even a hints at the sheer scope as well as arcs to be had, all round makes this a series that I’m getting itchy to read more from.
Today we have a guest blog from Author, Nathan Hawke, we hope you enjoy it:
Apparently George RR Martin has a lot to answer for. Maybe he does. There are some dragon books I've written under a different name and he certainly had something to answer for when it comes to the first few of those. At the time that was allegedly a good thing. Now not so much, it seems. I'm not sure how to take Gallow being compared to Game of Thrones. A bit like every single eighties high-fantasy series being compared to Tolkien, I suppose. As a point of reference, maybe it's a touch lazy but at the same time it's the thing everyone knows. I'd like to offer a different comparison, though. I can't claim that Game of Thrones has no influence whatsoever on Gallow: I've read the first three books and was awed by them. You could say the same about Joe Abercrombie's First Law series because I was awed by those too. Fair enough; and if Gallow has absorbed their grit, their willingness and ability to paint the sweat and the blood, to feel the bruises and taste the iron in the air after a battle, so much the better. Maybe Martin and Abercrombie brought something visceral to fantasy that simply wasn't there before and if they did then good: I like it that way. My other name received a piece of fan mail once from a country where none of my books have ever been translated, asking when they would be and praising one in particular for showing “how war cripples the soul.” I know Joe is on record several times as saying (and I'm going to paraphrase here Joe, so sorry if I get you slightly wrong) that his books aren't about bloody violence, they're about the consequences of bloody violence. Ever since I got that mail, I've quietly reckoned that that's what the new fantasy is about; and if Grimdark is about crippled souls then George RR Martin is its Emperor, Joe is one of his Dark Lieutenants and my other name marches proudly somewhere in their army of foot-soldiers. Go read Dragon Queen when it comes out. I snuck some Nine Inch Nails lyrics on the back cover so we could all be really clear about the whole crippled soul thing. But is it pedantic of me to claim there's a difference between a crippled soul and a conflicted one? The earliest “crippled soul” fantasy hero I can think of is Thomas Covenant but conflicted souls go back further. If it helps to define a difference then it's this: A crippled soul doesn't do what they know/believe to be “right” for some reason. Their story arc is primarily about suffering the consequences of their own fears. A conflicted soul does do what they know/believe to be right even if the results are deeply unpleasant and their story arc tends to be more about dealing with those consequences. There's clearly a vast grey area of overlap – where, for example, does Elric fit?
When I wrote Gallow, I didn't want a crippled soul. So I didn't sit down and read A Clash of Kings again, I read Legend and Waylander instead. You all can debate whether any fantasy writer has done conflicted-soul characters better than David Gemmell (excuse me if I just sit back and listen) but I struggle to think of anyone who's come close to hitting the same theme again and again and again of strongly principled hero or heroine who acts according to his or her code even when it's to their own great detriment. There may be some terrible act of moral cowardice in their past, but I can't think of a single Gemmell protagonist (go easy with me – I haven't read all his books) who doesn't make the tough decisions and knowingly take the consequences. Walking through the world of Grimdark are characters ruled and driven by their own fears. Walking through the books of David Gemmell are heroines and heroes who are fighting those fears tooth and nail. It doesn't always end well but one way or another they go down and they don't surrender. The excellent James Barclay called Gallow a “splendidly conflicted double-hard bastard.” Thank you Mr Barclay, but I think we both know whose shoulders Gallow is sitting on and they go back further than Stark or Lannister.
Release Date: 18/07/13 Publisher: SYNOPSIS:
I have been Truesword to my friends, Griefbringer to my enemies. To most of you I am just another Northlander bastard here to take your women and drink your mead, but to those who know me, my name is Gallow. I fought for my king for seven long years. I have served lords and held my shield beside common men. I have fled in defeat and I have tasted victory and I will tell you which is sweeter. Despise me then, for I have slain more of your kin than I can count, though I remember every single face. For my king I will travel to the end of the world. I will find the fabled Crimson Shield so that his legions may carry it to battle, and when Sword and Shield must finally clash, there you will find me. I will not make pacts with devils or bargains with demons for I do not believe in such things, and yet I will see them all around me, in men and in their deeds. Remember me then, for I will not suffer such monsters to live. Even if they are the ones I serve.
REVIEW:
A different type of heroic book and whilst its aimed at fans of David Gemmell, it’s a book that treads its own path to the readers imagination. The themes behind take the reader in a tale that has a very Norse feel behind it with solid enough action, reasonable enough pace and when added to a cast that add extra texture to the world all round makes it reasonable enough read.
For me though, the book was a title that I had a few problems with, I ended up rewriting a few of the action sequences mentally as I felt that they were a little undetailed and seemed to gloss over the bits I wanted. All in, it was an OK book but for me, I’m going to wait to see what the others have in store before I pass full judgement though. So currently it’s a Meh type of book.
Release Date: 14/07/13 Publisher: Bantam SYNOPSIS:
England, 1071. Five years have passed since the crushing Norman victory at the Battle of Hastings. The country reels under the savage rule of the new king, the one they call 'the Bastard'. The North has been left a wasteland - villages razed, innocents put to the sword, land stolen. It seems no atrocity is too great to ensure William's grip upon the crown. Rats feed upon fields of the dead And now he turns his cold gaze east, towards the last stronghold of the English resistance. After years of struggle, he will brook no further challenge to his power: his vast army masses and his siege machines are readied. In their fortress on the Isle of Ely, the English have put their faith in the only man who might defeat the murderous invaders. He is called Hereward. He is a warrior and a master tactician - as adept at slaughter as his enemy and plans have been been set in motion for a bloody uprising that will sweep the Norman king off the throne once and for all. But Hereward is missing. With their hopes of victory dwindling, can the English rebels find the leader who seems to have abandoned them before William the Bastard begins his final, devastating assault that will truly be the end of days...Here is a tale of heroism and treachery - and the bloodiest rebellion England has ever known.
REVIEW:
To be honest I’ve always loved this series since the original book by James was released. I loved the action sequences, I loved the guerrilla warfare and to be honest whilst in any other time Hereward would be seen as a villain, yet here, he’s a hero of the people fighting against the oppressive Normans.
Yet whilst the war wages on, the personal costs are high, the book deals with loss, how characters deal with it and also how sometimes fighting inner turmoil can take a toll almost as high as that of the very war they’re fighting. All round a cracking book and a wonderful addition to the series. Magic.
Release Date: 02/05/13 Publisher: Bodley Head SYNOPSIS:
Welcome to the world of Frantz Schmidt: citizen of Nuremberg, executioner of 394 unfortunates, and torturer of many hundreds more. Most unusually for his times, Frantz was also a diarist. Drawing deeply on this exceptional and overlooked record that he kept for over forty-five years, The Faithful Executioner takes us deep inside his world and his thinking. But the picture that emerges is not of a monster. Could a man who routinely practiced such cruelty also be insightful, compassionate - even progressive? Young Frantz enters the trade as the Apprentice, following in his father's footsteps. Later, as the Journeyman, he travels the roads of Franconia, learning to reconcile his desire for respectability with his violent work. After a lifetime working amid human cruelty, tragedy, injustice and simple misfortune as the Master in Nuremberg, Frantz has become a moralist and storyteller, the Sage. And, in the closing chapters of his life, retired now from his role as executioner, he is the Healer, running the large medical practice that he always viewed as his true vocation. The Faithful Executioner is the biography of an ordinary man struggling to overcome an unjust family curse and a panorama of a Europe poised on the cusp of modernity, a world with startling parallels to our own.
REVIEW:
I’m a person who gets curious about history and whilst accounts are easy to come by, its always the ones written by the victors and the shapers rather than from the everyman point of view. That’s the history that really grabs me, I like the everyday items that were used like the bread shovel or butter churn etc. Things that have been passed down and used by many generations. But the history, well a lot of that is oral and as well all know a story never loses anything in the telling.
So it was with great interest that I sat down to read this book written by an Executioner in the 16th Century. Yes its maudlin and contains details that a great many may well not wish to read but it also includes observations of everyday life which helps the reader build up a picture of society as seen by a man from the outside. All in a very interesting read and whilst not for everyone it’s definitely an eye opener.
