Friday Film #Review – Legend (Tom Hardy)

Posted on June 3, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

Film – Legend

Date – 2015

Length – 2 hours 12 minutes.

Cert 18

When I first heard Tom Hardy was doing a film about the Kray Twins and playing both Reggie and Ronny, my first thought was why? The second was how can he possibly pull it off?

I decided there and then that I didn’t want to watch it – even though I think Tom Hardy is an excellent actor.

However, the husband talked me around and I settled down with a glass of wine, fully expecting to hate the film. I don’t like gangster films and I don’t usually like films set in the 1960s. I’m a superhero, fantasy, thriller and comedy fan.

Legend took me by surprise. It was sometimes funny, sometimes gruesome, and there were touches of emotion that I wasn’t expecting. Tom Hardy did a brilliant job creating the two characters. You totally believed there were two actors playing the parts of the Kray twins.

I rate the film 4.5 stars and recommend it to everyone even if, like me, you don’t normally like gangster movies.

Now I have a craving for lemon sherbert (if you’ve seen the film you’ll understand).

Have you seen it? Have I persuaded you to give it a go?

Stacking the Shelves 1 – May Summary #Tuesdaybookblog

Posted on May 30, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

This is my first time of joining in the Stacking the Shelves meme tynga’s Reviews. I hope to take part at the end of each month and share all the books I have won, bought and downloaded for free. May has been a good month for books;

I’ve won 4 books in competitions!

Caramel Hearts recipe book – Elizabeth Rose Murray – ebook

The Wrong Kind of Clouds – Amanda Fleet – signed paperback

Rise of the Sparrows – Sarina Langa – Signed paperback

Eligible – Curtis Sittenfeld – paperback (won via Sun Perks)

I’ve also had a book buying spree on the kindle over the last week or so.

Hills and Valleys Bk3 Ambeth Chronicles – Helen Jones

The Runaway Bridesmaid – Daisy James

Rise of the Sparrows – Sarina Langer (still happy to have won a signed paperback as well!)

The Sapphire Lengend: Part II – E.L. Tenenbaum (See my review of bk 1 here)

Wildflowerbay: Part One – Rachel Lucas

Summer at Rose Island (bk 3) – Holly Martin

Distress Signals – Catherine Ryan Howard (See her guest post here)

Mud Maid – Sandra Horn & Karen Popham

I downloaded a couple of free ebooks

The Cutting Room – Julliane Hoffman

Flawless – Jan Moran

***

There is a perfect mix of fantasy, thrillers and romance in this selection. I still have a big TBR pile and don’t know when I’ll get a chance to read all these fantastic books. But I will review them when I can, so watch this space.

Have you read any of these books, would you recommend any of them? Or has my list inspired you to purchase any new books?

Visions of Zarua update & #Fantasy #Review Request #WWWblogs

Posted on May 24, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

I found out over the weekend that my planned 1 day book blitz had fallen through. I sulked for a bit (a few days if I’m truthful), drunk some wine, contemplated giving up, and then today I had a breakthrough – why not arrange my own mini tour. With indie publishing anything is possible, isn’t it?

I know it won’t have the reach of a properly organised tour, but I’m hoping all you lovely bloggers and retweeters will help me spread the word.

The plan (which I am making up as I go along) is to have a week where people agree to post their reviews of Visions of Zarua.

I’m looking for – book reviewers, book bloggers and readers who enjoy fantasy and would be willing to offer their time reading my debut book.

I’m offering – a free ebook of Visions of Zarua and my eternal gratitude.

In exchange for – an honest review on your blog, Amazon, Goodreads etc. I’d also be happy to take part in interviews, Q&A sessions, guest posts etc. If you haven’t time to review the book, maybe you might consider one of these alternatives.

Time scale – I was thinking of 5 weeks time w/c 27th June. I know that’s short notice but I am an impatient sort of person and I hate sitting around waiting for things to happen. If that date doesn’t work for you, but you are willing to help me out then please still get in touch.

What I hope to achieve – I’m hoping to drum up some interest in my book and I think the best way to achieve that is with reviews. Blitzing the internet with reviews over a set week will hopefully spread the reach and persuade people that it’s worth taking a chance on Visions of Zarua.

I may get no response from this request, or maybe I’ll be inundated with replies, who knows. All I can do is take a chance, as with every aspect of self publishing.

Even if you haven’t time to get involved, I still appreciate any retweets and reposts you are able to do over the coming weeks.

Please leave any comments below, or use the contact form on the website to email me. Thanks for reading.

***

Here’s what others have been saying about Visions of Zarua on Amazon and Goodreads.

‘It’s so lovely to read a book that is a stand alone completed tapestry… I definitely recommend you give this book a try as it’s a real all in-one fantastical adventure story.’

‘Wonderful fantasy meets mystery!’

‘Dark sorcery with slithering secrets… Visions of Zarua casts a shadow of excitement giving the fantasy genre a nice little jolt.’

‘Thrilling and dark fantasy novel… from the very first chapter I was hooked. Overall I just love this book… I can’t wait to read more of the author’s work’

‘Enjoyable read with a hint of classic “who dunnit”…’

‘A brilliant read… would recommend to anyone who likes murder, mystery and of course fantasy’

‘The perfect amount of epicness… one of those fantasy books that can please any reader’

‘If you want a great book that takes you away from the monotony of daily life, then this is the book for you’

‘Gripping, well written story…the intertwined stories kept me gripped until the end. I recommend, even if you’re not a fantasy fan!’

‘…putting this book down, because of the non-reader-friendly-world I live in, made me unhappy. Mrs Rogerson deserves standing ovation for her debut novel… I will applaud with pride and appreciation. Visions of Zarua was simply a story that I love.’

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 save the Paltrian people from the dark menace of Zarua’s past?

Links to recent reviews can be found on the Visions of Zarua page

#Tuesdaybookblog #Bookreview The Sapphire Legend by E.L.Tenenbaum #YA #RBRT

Posted on May 24, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

Title – The Sapphire Legend Part 1

Author – E.L Tenenbaum

Genre – YA Fantasy

I received a free copy from the author in exchange of an honest review – via Rose Amber’s Book Review team.

Blurb

Sapere has always been different. In her tribe, select families are blessed with a gift that is passed through the generations from father to son. But something went wrong when Sapere was born, because she has her family’s gift and she shouldn’t.

When Saphere’s village is attacked the night of her wedding, the survivors flee to the Wild in hopes of finding refuge in a dangerous place stalked by deadly predators. There they struggle to protect what little remains of their tribe and their traditions, many of which don’t seem to fit into their new life. Out here, Sapere feels like an outsider on the precipice of two worlds unable to fit into the old way, unaccepted by the new, and terrified of being shunned by both.

Through the survivors’ fight for survival, Sapere learns that she can be a victim of circumstances or master of fate. Can she rise above the nature of her birth and mold her own future? Can she be herself and earn the villagers’ respect? Or will she forever be shackled by the anomaly that makes her different?

First Thoughts

I loved the cover of the book and the title was intriguing. I also felt like trying something a bit different to the standard fantasy format. This world of tribal life was just what I was looking for.

Summary

The first few chapters are read with anticaption as you know from the blurb that something terrible is about to happen. But the author allows you to get to know the main character, Sapere and understand her situation before throwing her life into turmoil. I like how the tribal world and their beliefs are put across. There is no info dump, you learn as you go along.

Characters

Sapere was a good main character in a difficult situation. At points I did find her a little naïve with regards to the other characters feelings, but overall I really liked her. I liked the supporting cast of Reo and Venatore and wanted them all to find happiness after everything they had been through.

Writing Style

It is very unusual for me to read a book in first person present tense. It worked well for this story and I really enjoyed the change of style.

Issues with the book

The only fault I could point out with this book would be the description of some of the animals in the Wild. They sounded suspiciously like snakes and elephants. I understand that the characters may not have known the animal names, but it seemed unlikely and pulled me out of the story. As I read these passages, I was reminded of a famous piece of writing advice, though I’ve no idea who said it. ‘If it looks and sounds like a rabbit, call it a rabbit.’ Or something along those lines.

Final Thoughts

Although at points I thought the story might be a bit too small and insular, I really came to love the world the author created. I couldn’t believe the story ended where it did and was desperate to find out more. I’ve already bought the second book and look forward to reading and reviewing it in the future.

Recommend to

I would happily recommend this to those who enjoy YA Fantasy and fantasy in general.

Rating: 5 stars (for a while it was a 4 star book, but it certainly grew on me and by the end it was definitely a 5 star read).

To buy links Amazon UK Amazon com

#Audiobook #bookreview The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss #tuesdaybookblog

Posted on May 23, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

Note – This is my first audio book review.

Author: Patrick Rothfuss

Title: Name of the Wind – Book 1 Kingkiller Chronicles

Genre: Fantasy

Type: Audio

Length: TOO LONG! 28 hours

Narrator: Rupert Degas

Blurb:

Told in Kvothe’s own voice, this is the tale of the magically gifted young man who grows to be the most notorious wizard his world has ever seen.

First Impressions:

I chose The Name of the Wind as my first audio book as I really wanted to read it, but couldn’t face a book of that magnitude for the few hours I have set aside for reading.

My husband dubbed the book ‘Long of the Wind’ this should have been an indication of what was to come.

Narration style:

For me it was hard listening to a man doing a woman’s voice, though so far there has only been one woman in the book – Kvothe’s mother. Rupert Degas softens his voice for this role, and also to make his voice sound younger for Kvothe as a child. It sort of worked, but as the story dragged on, I became annoyed listening to it.

Summary:

It is a very long book… but nothing happens. It is brilliantly written with lots of details, but I want a book to go somewhere and this did not. I guess Patrick Rothfuss’s slow writing style is not for me.

Final Thoughts:

I did not listen to the whole book, though I really tried. I stopped at chapter 19. It was so boring I kept leaving the room forgetting I was listening to it. I have no inclination to pick up the book to find out what happened. I’m sorry to say that I just didn’t care for the main character or what happened in his past.

Recommend to: Insomniacs and readers who enjoy slow building epics.

Rating: 2 stars.

***

I really wanted to give audio books a try, maybe starting with this one was a mistake. Or maybe audio books are just not for me and I am being unfair to the author. I shall be listening to ‘Girl on a Train’ next and will post a review on that soon.

Has anyone got any suggestions for a good audio book?

Visions of Zarua – 6 months since publication day #WWWblogs #Indie

Posted on May 16, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

I can’t believe it’s been 6 months since I self published my first novel, Visions of Zarua. Here’s my summary of the good and bad of self publishing.

Background:

The ebook went live 16th November 2015 and the paperback went live 14th December 2015.

I had pre-orders in place for the ebook so sales were very good on the first day, and a few days after as well.

First thoughts:

I was terrified, excited and nervous, but looking back I was also completely naïve thinking life would change for me overnight. I wasn’t expecting an instant hit, but I did think things would move faster than they have.

My favourite things about publishing:

1.Sharing my book with the world. 2. Calling myself a published author. 3. Seeing the reviews from people who have taken a chance and bought my book, and also from those reviewers I’ve contacted directly. 4. I still adore my book cover and love looking at the poster I have above my desk.

I’ve had some wonderful reviews on Amazon and Goodreads – I wish I could share each review here, but will have to satisfy myself with sharing a few of my favourite quotes instead.

‘It’s so lovely to read a book that is a stand alone completed tapestry… I definitely recommend you give this book a try as it’s a real all in-one fantastical adventure story.’

‘Wonderful fantasy meets mystery!’

‘Dark sorcery with slithering secrets… Visions of Zarua casts a shadow of excitement giving the fantasy genre a nice little jolt.’

‘Thrilling and dark fantasy novel… from the very first chapter I was hooked. Overall I just love this book… I can’t wait to read more of the author’s work’

‘Enjoyable read with a hint of classic “who dunnit”…’

‘A brilliant read… would recommend to anyone who likes murder, mystery and of course fantasy’

‘The perfect amount of epicness… one of those fantasy books that can please any reader’

‘If you want a great book that takes you away from the monotony of daily life, then this is the book for you’

‘Gripping, well written story…the intertwined stories kept me gripped until the end. I recommend, even if you’re not a fantasy fan!’

I’m very happy with these stats so far – 5 x 5 star and 4 x 4 star reviews on Amazon. 5 reviews and 7 ratings on Goodreads.

Least favourite part of self publishing:

Trying to get noticed when you have a non existent marketing budget and very little clue on what works best.

Methods of advertising I’ve tried:

Discounted ebook price – I tried this twice. Over Christmas the reduced price resulted in a handful of sales and the second one just before Easter resulted in a couple of sales.

Goodreads Giveaways – Good and bad. Visions of Zarua is on over 800 bookshelves because of the giveaways. The worldwide giveaway was much more successful than UK only, attracting 2062 people. However the postage costs involved are high and I haven’t sold any books because of the giveaway as far as I can tell.

Facebook Ad – I received a handful of new followers on FB, but no book sales.

Mslexia magazine Ad – No sales.

Goodreads Ad pay per click – Paid $10 which is used up as people click the ad. So far my ad has supposedly been seen by over 4K people but no clicks and no sales.

Anyone have any suggestions for other places to advertise?

Unexpected benefits of self publishing:

I started a blog to have an online presence, but I’ve found I really love blogging. I’ve met lots of interesting people through blogging and because of it I’ve also become a reviewer via Rosie’s Ambers book review team. I’ve been able to share my photos and rediscovered my love of photography. I’ve also shared recipes and places I love through the #AtoZ blog challenge and #WordlessWedneday photos.

Final thoughts:

It’s a lot of work for very little gain and the hard work doesn’t stop at publication. I haven’t had a pay cheque yet, though I still need to declare myself as self employed.

Knowing all this, I would still do it again. It’s a wonderful feeling to publish your own book and even better when a review tells you someone enjoyed it. There aren’t many better feelings to be had, although a million pound publishing deal wouldn’t go amiss.

News:

I’m running a one day book blitz via Brook Cottages on Saturday 4th June with a Rafflecopter giveaway. Please join in and share if you get the chance.

Call for help:

If you have read Visions of Zarua, would you consider leaving a review on Amazon, goodreads, smashwords or any books sites that you normally use. It really helps my credibility as an indie author and helps others decide to buy my book. I also love to read your feedback.

If you are inspired by these wonderful reviews to pick up a copy of Visions of Zarua, here are some purchase links:

Amazon UK Amazon US Kobo Smashwords

Goodreads

Now if I ever hope to publish my next book, I have to finish writing the damn thing. Please leave any comments and suggestions you might have and I’ll get back to you.

#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…

View original post 360 more words

#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?

***

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.