#Tuesdaybookblog The Great Escape – Megan Rix #childrensbook #bookreview

Posted on April 26, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

Title: The Great Escape

Author: Megan Rix

Genre: Children’s book 9+

Published: 2012

Pages: 208

I received a copy from my daughter who really wanted me to read it.

Blurb:

Robert and Lucy Edwards love their pets more than anything, but the threat of the Second World War forces them to flee to Devon – leaving their animals behind. As the air-raid sirens sound, the animals are sent to be put down. But Buster, Tiger and Rose make a daring escape. With danger at every turn, can the trio make it across the country – and cheat death for a second time?

First Impressions:

The Great Escape is a brilliant read for children. It’s packed with little facts and details about World War II, but as it all forms naturally within the story it doesn’t appear like learning at all. The author handled difficult topics like evacuations & mass animal destruction with great skill.

Characters:

Robert and Lucy and their pets were well drawn characters and I really enjoyed following their story.

Style:

I enjoyed all the interesting bits of history that the author cleverly wove into the story. Winston Churchill even turned up for a few pages as he adopted Tiger the cat and named him Jock (my daughter had learnt about this in school so it was a great way of reinforcing facts).

However, I didn’t like how the author switched between different character viewpoints within scenes. I haven’t read many childrens’ books to know if this is normal practice, and it may just be the writer in me nitpicking. It did not spoil the story in any way.

Recommend this book to:

It is a perfect learning device for children showing them how it was to live though the start of World War II. It should be recommended reading in all junior schools. Children and animal lovers will enjoy this tale.

Final thoughts:

I found this story emotional and enjoyed it a lot. I would like to thank my daughter for introducing me to this book.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

#Tuesdaybookblog Visions of Zarua by Suzanne Rogerson #bookreview

Posted on April 26, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

I am very pleased to share this 4 star review of my novel, Visions of Zarua.

Book Savvy Reviews

Genre: Fantasy, Mystery, Fiction

Pages: 472

Published by Suzanne Rogerson on November 16th, 2015

Amazon

Goodreads

Two wizards, 350 years apart. Together they must save the realm of Paltria from Zarua’s dark past.

An ancient darkness haunts the realm of Paltria.

Apprentice wizard Paddren is plagued by visions of a city on the brink of annihilation. When his master Kalesh dies in mysterious circumstances, the Royal Order of Wizards refuses to investigate.

Helped by his childhood friend, the skilled tracker Varnia, and her lover Leyoch, Paddren vows to find the killer.

The investigation leads Paddren down a sinister path of assassins, secret sects and creatures conjured by blood magic. But he is guided by a connection with a wizard from centuries ago – a wizard whose history holds the key to the horror at the heart of the abandoned city of Zarua. Can Paddren decipher his visions in time to…

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#AtoZChallenge R – Reviewers

Posted on April 21, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

This is my chance to say a big thank you to all those who review books.

Indie Authors rely on you to help our books stand out from the masses. You give us your time, and post about us on your blogs.

I would like to give a special thanks to those I have connected with and who have been kind enough to review my book, or interview me over the last few months. These are links to their homepages if you want to check them out.

Into another world (hosts author interviews and novel excerpts).

Also let me say thanks to all those book purchasers out there who take chances on unknown authors and post their reviews on Goodreads and Amazon etc. Indie authors wouldn’t get noticed without your help.

Indie authors have you thought of the benefits of reviewing? It’s good to give something back, good to understand books from a readers perspective and good to get involved in the book reviewing community. Plus the more you get involved, the more great books you will discover.

I’ve actually taken my first steps into reviewing, but I am only doing it on a very small scale. I find it hard enough fitting in reading, writing, blogging, and all the boring stuff of every day life. As well as reviewing the books I’ve enjoyed on my own TBR pile, I’ve also joined Rosie Amber’s Book Review Team #RBRT. They are a supportive bunch of writers / reviewers, and I know that Rosie puts in a lot of effort to help authors get reviews. So thanks very much for all your hard work Rosie, and for allowing me to join you.

Have you got any reviewers you’d like to thank?

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Tomorrow S for something special I’d like to share.

Previous A-Z challenge posts can be accessed here

#RBRT #BookReview of No Time Like Now by Jennifer Young #romance

Posted on April 14, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

No Time Like Now – Jennifer Young

Genre: Romantic suspense.

Length: 258 pages

Review copy received from the author (via Rosie Amber’s book review team.)

Blurb:

Hiding away from a disastrous past, Megan McLeod is getting along nicely in her job as a housekeeper at a university field centre in Majorca. But the arrival of geological researcher, Tim Stone, throws everything into disarray – because Tim was the father of the baby she lost some years before and the two of them had parted very messily indeed…

First impressions:

I was drawn to the premise of a geologist and the location Majorca. I enjoyed the book from the start, the gentle introduction into Megan’s world at the field centre and then the impact of Tim’s sudden reappearance in her life. In her bid to escape him, she heads for the beach and stumbles on to something that will eventually put both their lives in danger.

The mysteries of past and present running through the book kept me turning the pages. I had to know what had happened in Megan’s past and how things had gone so badly wrong with her and Tim. There was a touch of menace in this storyline as well, which I hadn’t been expecting. I enjoyed the suspense element to the plot and how at times you weren’t really sure who to trust. I also liked how the author used the location and the elements to increase the tension and the danger.

Characters:

Throughout the book, I didn’t feel completely connected with the characters and at times it was frustrating that they kept refusing to talk to each other. There were also a few places where I felt both Megan and Tim acted out of character, but I can’t explain these points without spoilers.

However, when I reached the end where everything was revealed and the mysteries were resolved, I felt more emotionally connected to Megan. I even shed a tear or two for her and that is why I am happy to round up my star rating to 4.

Style:

I didn’t understand why the author chose to have Megan’s chapters in first person and Tim’s in third person. It didn’t detract from the story at all, but I don’t think it added to it either. I had no problem switching between both viewpoints and it was well written.

Summary:

An enjoyable read for romance readers, especially those who like a bit of added mystery and suspense.

My rating: 3.5 stars rounding up to 4.

#TuesdayBookBlog – #bookreview of Evensong by Krista Walsh #fantasy

Posted on March 29, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

Evensong – Krista Walsh – Book one of the Meratis trilogy.

I stumbled on this book last year when I was researching fantasy book covers. This cover instantly appealed to me.

Published 2014.

317 pages.

Evensong is currently free on kindle and the next two books Eventide & Evenlight are available to buy now.

Blurb

Author Jeff Powell wakes up to find the impossible has happened. He is within his own novel – summoned into the fictional world of Fendall’s keep by a spell he didn’t write. One the house enchantress hasn’t figured out how to reverse. When the villain he’s been struggling to write reveals himself, unleashing waves of terror and chaos, Jeff must use more than his imagination to save the characters he created – and the woman he loves.

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The premise had me hooked. What writer wouldn’t want to read about an author sucked into their own book! BUT you may not look at writing or your characters in the same way again.

It was a humorous tale, at times a touch on the gruesome side but nothing you wouldn’t expect from a fantasy. I liked the blend of our everyday reality and the fantasy world of Andvell. It was refreshing to have modern language and swearing in a fantasy setting, and there were some very funny moments when Jeff tries to ride a horse and is challenged to a fight by one of his own characters. He is totally out of his depths in his own fantasy world and quickly realises it.

As readers we can enjoy the tale as it unfolds. As writers we can relate to some of Jeff’s problems and learn a thing or two about the process of writing, and maybe we can even consider going a little easier on our own characters!

I rate this 4 stars – I think because of the format of the story, it was hard to emotionally connect with all the characters. However, it was still a great read and I will definitely be continuing with the story.

Check it out on Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com

What Websites/Blogs Have Reviewed Your book? #TuesdayBookBlog

Posted on March 22, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

This is a great opportunity to share your book reviews, discover new reviewers, and some extra exposure for the reviewers themselves. I’ve already found a couple of new blogs to follow.

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Here’s your big chance to get some free publicity! If you’ve had your book reviewed on a website or blog, post the link! It’ll be free publicity for you, and a potential source fo…

Source: What Websites/Blogs Have Reviewed Your book?

The Iron Ship – K.M.McKinley #bookreview

Posted on February 9, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

The Iron Ship is Book One of The Gates of the World. Published in 2015.

‘Merchant, industrialist and explorer Trassan Kressind has an audacious plan – combining the might of magic and iron in the heart of a great ship to navigate an uncrossed ocean, seeking the city of the extinct Morfaan to uncover the secrets of their lost sciences…’

It was my book group choice. My first impressions – I loved the cover, was intrigued by the blurb and couldn’t wait to read it.

The Iron Ship is a fantasy / steampunk mix, perfect for those who love indepth worldbuilding. Unfortunately, I’m not one of them.

It took me over 200 pages to get into the story. There are a lot of characters – we follow the lives of the six Kressind siblings, but also a lot more besides, and it’s hard to keep track of everything that’s going on. I would think those who enjoy the huge scale of Game of Thrones would enjoy this new series.

It’s a long book and sometimes the descriptions can drag. But there are also moments of high tension and excitement that draw you in. I just wanted more character focus, to live the story through them more. I did like (but not love) some of the characters Katriona, Guis and Tuvacs, and would be interested to continue their stories in the next book.

There are plenty of new concepts to enjoy; the Tyn people, talking dogs which are used as horses, lizard-like creatures and plenty of fantastical beasts, twin moons, Glimmer magic, Guiders to send spirits on, the Drowned King… I could go on. There is a lot to explore in this book. If you are a fan of world building this could be the book for you.

I rate it 3 out of 5 stars.

Amazon UK

Amazon US

Dark and thrilling fantasy novel: Visions of Zarua

Posted on January 27, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

I would like to share this wonderful review from C at happymeerkatreviews. I supplied her a free copy for an honest review.

Happymeerkatreviews

I was kindly sent a free digital copy of this book from the author Suzanne Rogerson. It’s a wonderful fantasy book. Links for the author’s website and other sites are below the review.

This is my review of Visions of Zarua:

This is a dark and thrilling fantasy book that really keeps you gripped from beginning to end. Set in the world of Paltria, where there is magic, wizards and dark creatures, Paddren and his friends begin their journey by trying to save his master Kalesh. But when Kalesh is found dead they must find out why and their search reveals the dark and sinister past haunting Paltria.

This book is one of the best fantasy books I’ve read to date! From the very first chapter I was hooked to read more and it isn’t many books that truly keep you reading from the very beginning to the very end. …

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Dog on a Train by Kate Prendergast #Bookreview

Posted on January 24, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

Book blurb – Boy is late for his train. Rushing out of the house, he drops his favourite hat. Luckily, Dog is there to pick it up. But will Dog catch Boy in time? Follow the plucky Dog on this wordless adventure through the streets and rush-hour crowds. Charming and humorous. Dog on a Train is a book to delight dog lovers and tired commuters alike.

This is a beautifully illustrated children’s book published 1st October 2015. The story is told through illustrations only and that is part of its charm. Toddlers and young children can interpret the story through the pictures. It is a perfect introduction to story telling, and can help children prepare for school where the first books they bring home to read with their parents are picture only books.

I rate the book 5 out of 5 stars and recommend to anyone with young children. It would also make a beautiful gift.

Buy now on Amazon UK

#BookReview – Wild Ruins by Dave Hamilton

Posted on January 22, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

The first thing that drew me to this book was the title, Wild Ruins. I’ve always loved ruins and this book has over 300 of them to discover. Then there is the amazing cover, which drew me in, not least because it’s just like an image I have in my head for my current WIP – Search for the Sentinel.

This is a very easy to use reference book with chapters focusing on counties i.e. Cornwall, Hampshire and Isle of Wight.

A nice touch are the pages at the beginning where the author suggests the best ruins for things like foraging (a favourite pastime of mine), picnics, beautiful walks, the weirdest and strangest ruins and the best for children and families. The book has lots of inspiring pictures, maps, ordnance survey grid references and post codes for sat nav.