#Tuesdaybookblog mini #bookreviews of my favourite #fantasy books in Rainne’s Five on Friday feature

Posted on September 4, 2018 by suzannerogersonfantasyauthor

During my blogging break I shared some mini book reviews of my favourite fantasy books over on Rainne’s Rambles. Please pop over to take a look at the Five on Friday feature and see what books inspired my love of all thing fantasy.

Rainne's Ramblings

5onFriday

Five Books – Five Authors – One Reviewer

Looking for a new fantasy to read this weekend?
Try one of these books, reviewed by Suzanne Rogerson

I finally have space to bring back my Five on Friday feature and I’m kicking off with a guest reviewer:

Suzanne Rogerson is a self-published author of epic and heroic fantasy, who loves reading books almost as much as she love writing them.

“When Rainne asked if I would like to take part in her Five on Friday, I was excited to have a go and share some book love. But after many false starts, I just couldn’t work out which books to showcase. It’s so difficult to pick just five. In the end, I’ve opted for five fantasy books I’ve loved but never reviewed on my blog. Here they are…”

Title: Dream-weaver
Author: Jonathan Wylie

2030986 As civil war threatens the land of Ahrenia…

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My summer reading plan #amreading #fantasy #thriller #romance

Posted on July 19, 2018 by suzannerogersonfantasyauthor

My reading has really been slow these last few months, what with publishing my own book and all that goes with it. I’m hoping to step up the reading through the rest of the summer and what better way to achieve this than to tell the world my plan!

I’m using the format of WWW Wednesday, as I didn’t get this post finished in time to share it yesterday.

What I’m currently reading.

Jo Thomas The Olive Branch.

I only picked this book up quickly last night to get a taste of the story. 50 pages later, I know I’m going to enjoy it. I’ve read one of Jo Thomas’s books before and loved it. Here’s the review of Late Summer in the Vineyard.

What I’m currently listening to

My Husband’s Wife

It’s ok. Seems a bit slow, but there are intriguing titbits to keep me interested so far.

What I recently finished reading

Senlin Ascends Josiah Bancroft

I’m not sure what to say about this book. I didn’t love it and felt it was slow in places. I found the tower concept very hard to picture and it was hard to really connect with Senlin. However, towards the end I did find myself not wanting to stop reading, so I’ll be interested to see what happens in book 2. I’ve heard the pace picks up, fingers crossed.

What I plan to read next

Anthony Ryan’s Collected Non-fiction

I think this is a newsletter subscriber offer and I can’t wait to read his non-fiction articles.

David Gemmell – Rhyming Rings

I have been saving this book since my birthday last year as it’s one of the only books I haven’t read by my all time favourite author.

Poison Study

This is my book group choice for August and a book I have been interested in reading for a while.

Knowing from experience how hard it is to get reviews, I want to read a couple of Indie books and support my fellow authors. So I intend to read;

The Exercise of Vital Powers – Ian Gregoire

Not Like Anyone Else – Jennifer Leigh

I still have a couple of trilogies I want to finish by the end of this year

Queen of Fire – Anthony Ryan

Magic Borne – Crown of Stones – C. L Schneider

There are 350+ on my goodreads TBR shelf so I have plenty of other great books to choose from. Plus my kids are always recommending books and I know I should get stuck into Robin Hobb’s latest trilogy. If I do, I won’t be doing anything else for a while!

I hope to do another post in Autumn, I wonder how many books I’ll have read by then and how many of the above will be finished!

Do you have any reading plans for the summer?

Books on my TBR shelf for 2018 #amreading #readingchallenge

Posted on December 31, 2017 by suzannerogersonfantasyauthor

At the start of 2017 I wrote a list of the books I planned to read. Unfortunately, I didn’t manage to reach my goal because I spent most of my time editing rather than reading. Looking back at the books I did read in 2017 I noticed I haven’t read as much fantasy as I would like. So in 2018 I hope to immerse myself in the genre.

I decided to record a few of the books I plan to read and hopefully by telling you all, it will inspire me to keep on track. Here goes…

Ash and Quill (The Great Library book 3) – Rachel Caine

(Book 1 and 2 were my Christmas reads over the last few years and I loved them. I’m 100 pages into book 3 and loving it just as much.)

A Gathering of Shadows (Book 2) A Conjuring of Light (Book 3) – V E Schwab

(I loved book one and chose it as a standout fantasy read for me in 2017. Here’s the post.)

Queen of Fire – Book 3 – Anthony Ryan

(When I read book 1 – Bloodsong a few years ago I knew I had discovered my new David Gemmell in this author. I enjoyed book 2 almost as much, but for some reason haven’t got around to reading the last book.)

Magic-Born – Crown of Stones book 3 – C L Schneider

(Crown of Stones is another great series that I can’t wait to finish reading.)

Magisterium books 2, 3 and 4. Holly Black and Cassandra Clare.

(A brilliant children’s series that my son and I adore. Hopefully the last book will be published in 2018?)

Rhyming Rings – David Gemmell

(David Gemmell is my all time favourite fantasy author! When I heard this unpublished book was being released in 2017, I snapped up a copy. I’m waiting for the right moment to sit and read this book without any distractions.)

Keepers – Sacha Black

(I’ve followed Sacha’s blog for quite a while now and have been eager to read her new book, which I won in a blog competition. I’m hoping it’s one I can recommend to my son as well.)

Caraval – Stephanie Garber

(Some of the reviewers I follow have loved this book and it’s on the strength of their reviews that I bought this. I’m looking forward to checking it out.)

I also have trilogies by Joe Abercrombie and Brandon Sanderson to complete, and it’s about time I started Throne of Glass by Sarah J Mass to see what all the fuss is about. I also hope to read some writing guides early in 2018 including;

111 tips to create your book trailer

111 tips to get book reviews

111 tips to market your book for free (all by Doris-Maria Heilmann)

13 steps to evil by Sacha Black

Fantasy Writing Prompts by Rayne Hall.

***

Currently I have 283 book on my To Read shelf on Goodreads, bookshelves full of unread paperbacks, plus the kids have lots of books they’ve been recommending, and I have more books on my kindle and audiobooks to listen to. So once I’ve tackled the above list, I have plenty more books to choose from. Have you got any books that you think I should read in 2018?

What are your reading goals and what’s on your must read list?

Here’s to another year of great books. Happy reading!

#Bookreview – David Gemmell Lord of the Silver Bow #fantasy #epicfantasy

Posted on August 16, 2016 by suzannerogersonfantasyauthor

Lord of the Silver Bow – David Gemmell

My review

When I shared this book on my Fridaybookshare post, I found it impossible to find a line or paragraph to share. How can I when I love every part of the book? I’d have to transcribe the whole thing!

It’s my third read through of Lord of the Silver Bow and my passion for it hasn’t diminished. I loved every moment of it; the characters, the heroes, the writing skill, the world of Troy…

I wish I could get everyone to read David Gemmell’s work (especially would-be writers). Gemmell was a master of creating characters that you’ll love or love to hate, characters that stay with you long after you’ve finished reading. See my little tribute to him here.

There were many times reading this that my eyes welled and my throat burned trying to hold back the tears. Having read it before I knew what I was in for, but I was still a snivelling wreck at the end of the book!

The best thing is knowing that I still have two more books in the trilogy to devour. I can’t wait to start, even though I know there is a lot more heartache and tears to come!

Please read this book and let me know what you think.

A 5 x 5 x 5 star read!

***

Here’s the blurb in case you missed it on my previous post.

Three lives will change the destiny of nations.

Helikaon, the young prince of Dardania, haunted by a scarred and traumatic childhood. The priestess Andromache, whose fiery spirit and fierce independence threatens the might of kings. And the legendary warrior Argurios, cloaked in loneliness and driven only by thoughts of revenge.

In Troy they find a city torn apart by destructive rivalries – a maelstrom of jealousy, deceit and murderous treachery. And beyond its fabled walls blood-hungry enemies eye its riches and plot its downfall.

It is a time of bravery and betrayal; a time of bloodshed and fear. A time for heroes.

#FridayBookShare – Lord of the Silver Bow by David Gemmell #fantasy

Posted on August 12, 2016 by suzannerogersonfantasyauthor

Set up by Shelly on her blog. Anyone can have a go – all you need to do is answer the following questions based on a book you enjoyed reading and use the hashtag #FridayBookShare. Be sure to like, comment, and share other participants posts.

First line of the book.

Recruit fans by adding the book blurb.

Introduce the main character using only three words.

Delightful design (add the cover image of the book).

Audience appeal (who would enjoy reading this book?)

Your favourite line/scene.

***

FIRST LINE – To sleep is to die.

RECRUIT FANS (BLURB) – Three lives will change the destiny of nations.

It is a time of bravery and betrayal; a time of bloodshed and fear. A time for heroes.

INTRODUCE THE MAIN CHARACTER – Helikaon; brave, heroic, legendary

DELIGHTFUL DESIGN –

AUDIENCE APPEAL – Anyone and everyone who likes fantasy. There is the historical element as well, and the myths of Troy etc. I would say the Troy trilogy is some of Gemmell’s best work.

YOUR FAVOURITE LINE – Utterly impossible to choose. I think I love every line in this book! Each sentence means something, and hints at events to come. I’ll go with this…

‘What is wrong, Odysseus?’ she asked him. ‘Is it the coming battle? Do you fear for your friend?’

Odysseus shivered suddenly. ‘I am filled with fear, but not for his safety. Helikaon is a fighter, but there are depths to the man which should never be plumbed.’

20 pages later we find out what Odysseus feared…

Buy it now at Amazon UK or Amazon US

David Gemmell – 10 year anniversary of my writing hero’s death #fantasy

Posted on July 28, 2016 by suzannerogersonfantasyauthor

This is just a brief post to highlight the wonderful work of David Gemmell. He was my inspiration to start writing fantasy and I’ve loved all of his books, without exception!

Whenever I’m asked who my favourite author is, the answer will always be David Gemmell.

I remember when I learnt of his death. I’d just found out I was pregnant with my second child and was contemplating the impossible task of typing up the scribbled first draft of Visions of Zarua before the baby’s arrival. David Gemmell’s death really affected me. No more Druss, Waylander, Skilgannon, Connavar or Jon Shannow… the list of wonderfully flawed heroes goes on and on.

I was so pleased to hear that his wife, Stella Gemmell, had agreed to finish the book he was working on when he died. The last book in the Troy Trilogy – Fall of Kings. I read the book with tears in my eyes for the great story teller that was lost, but also because that last book was brilliant and I knew I would never get to read any more of his work.

I read that he died at his desk. I don’t know if it’s true, but I like the romantic notion of dying whilst doing one of the things you love best.

I have a long list of books on my TBR pile, but to honour the great man I shall make this my next read.

If you want to read a heroic fantasy story you could pick up any one of Gemmell’s books. I promise you won’t be disappointed.