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.
No Longer Safe by A.J.Haines
Narrated by Emma Powell
Blurb
She was your best friend. Now she’s your deadliest enemy – and there’s nowhere to run…
When Alice receives an invitation from Karen, her charismatic University friend, to stay in a remote cottage in Scotland, she can’t wait to rekindle their lost friendship. But two more former students arrive – never friends of Alice’s – and as the atmosphere chills, Karen isn’t the warm-hearted soulmate Alice remembers. Barely is the reunion underway before someone is dead and the fragile gathering is pushed to breaking point.
As the snow cuts them off from civilisation and accusations fly, Alice finds herself a pawn, sinking deeper into a deadly game she can’t escape.
NO LONGER SAFE is a chilling Psychological Thriller that delivers a delicious sting in the
My review
The book moves along at a slow pace, but I wasn’t bored at any point. The backstory is slowly revealed and as you get to know the four reunited friends, you start to understand that no one is quite as they seem. The story becomes more dramatic and events drag Alice along a path that she will have trouble coming back from.
Your suspicions are raised more during the short chapters from Karen’s perspective. You’re left in no doubt that Alice is being deceived. But it takes a good part of the book to understand just what Karen has planned.
Did I guess the ending? Definitely not. What a shocker!
I’ve already pre-ordered the authors next book which is due out in October.
A recommended read for those who enjoy thrillers at a slightly slower pace, but it still has a dramatic end.
4 star read / listen!
Last week we took a family stroll along the river on a lazy Sunday afternoon. I haven’t really seen this hidden part of Staines-Upon-Thames before, and it was only spoilt by the occasional dumped rubbish or poo tied up in a bag (why do dog walkers do that?). Plus I got a gnat bite which has been driving me crazy, but it was still a wonderful hour on an August afternoon.
Some interesting angles.
And my favourite, a couple of macro shots to finish off.
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.
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.
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…
I’ve seen others posting their #thursdaydoors and thought it was time to join in.
During a day trip to Gozo last week, I spotted several doors with these wonderful door handles. I would’ve loved to have stopped and taken some close ups, but this is the best I could do through a coach window.
I just wanted to share a link to my guest post over the Writing & Wellness blog run by Colleen M Story.
To view the article click here . While you’re there, have a look around. There are plenty of great articles to read.
Try Not To Breathe by Holly Seddon
Audio book
Blurb
Alex is sinking. Slowly but surely, she’s cut herself off from everything but her one true love – drink. Until she’s forced to write a piece about a coma ward, where she meets Amy.
Amy is lost. When she was fifteen, she was attacked and left for dead in a park. Her attacker was never found. Since then, she has drifted in a lonely, timeless place. She’s as good as dead, but not even her doctors are sure how much she understands.
Alex and Amy grew up in the same suburbs, played the same music, flirted with the same boys. And as Alex begins to investigate the attack, she opens the door to the same danger that has left Amy in a coma…
My review
I really enjoyed this thriller of a book. The format reminded me very much of Girl on a Train, which I have also recently listened to. Each chapter switches between Alex, Jacob/Jake and Amy’s view-point. There are occasional chapters from other VP’s (Jacob’s mum) but it’s these three that are the main focus.
I quickly became sucked in by the story and found myself snatching every moment I could to listen to another chapter. I found the characters believable and really wanted Alex to get justice for Amy.
The narration was great.
This book lives up to the hype around it and left me guessing (wrongly) at Amy’s attacker most of the way through. I certainly wasn’t expecting the big reveal at the end, and I’m usually good at working out the clues before that point.
I recommend Try not to Breathe to those who enjoy a great thriller / suspense novel. I can’t wait to read more of Holly Seddon’s work.
My rating 4 stars.
When I first published Visions of Zarua I wanted to reach as many book markets as possible. So I published with Kindle and Smashwords (which covers markets like Kobo, iTunes, Nook).
However in the months since publication I’ve only sold half a dozen copies through these platforms via Smashwords. Even running various sales, and a half price sale throughout July has not helped. Kindle has produced much better results so I decided to unpublish with Smashwords and try out KDP Select.
It’s just gone live this morning, so I’ll give a progress report in a few months on how this is working. I’m really hoping it will boost sales and that having access to extra marketing opportunities will allow me to step back from my own efforts and finish my next book – I’m miles behind schedule for publishing this year!
I’m also looking at the option of an audiobook. It would be a very expensive audiobook to buy, but not for readers who are monthly subscribers to audible etc. I’ll update on this as I go along.
Maybe these new platforms will lead to bigger and better things. I’m keeping my fingers crossed!
In other news;
Visions of Zarua is still in the running for Mark Lawrence’s #SPFBO 2 (self published fantasy blog off). Some of the reviewers have already whittled down their list to a few, so I’m looking forward to seeing what happens in my group of 30 authors.
As September draws closer, I’m eagerly awaiting the results of the Creative National Writing competition. Visions of Zarua has been shortlisted and several prizes will be awarded. I have everything crossed hoping it gets placed amongst the winners.
***
I think I have just about exhausted all the marketing opportunities for indie authors – goodreads giveaways, blog tours etc. As much as I want to let go and focus on other projects, it’s hard to see Visions of Zarua disappear amongst the millions of other books available. Does anyone out there have any other marketing suggestions? Are there any avenues I’ve missed?
For a long time, I’ve been too scared to fly. But when my parents offered to take us on a family holiday I put aside my fear and went for it. I chose a destination that interests me, Malta.
The worse part for me was take off, but then I was surprisingly relaxed and even enjoyed the view.
Views from our hotel -DB Seabanks.
The hotel was clean and cool, and the all inclusive food was excellent with plenty of opportunities to be more adventurous with food choices. The staff were friendly, and it was a great location for the beach / sea just across the road.
Trip to the Blue Grotto
This cool looking rock shelter
A look at the Maltese wildlife and fauna
Bee in a cactus flower
Lovely lizard
Biggest cricket I’ve ever seen
I didn’t spot much in the way of wildlife or fauna. Malta is a very hot and dry country. We were told it hadn’t rain for a while and even some of the cacti looked in need of a drink. Along the roads there were lots of beautiful shrubs / trees with vivid pink flowers, but I didn’t get to find out what they were.
A day trip to Gozo
We enjoyed a boat trip around the Azure window (apparently it’s been made famous by the Game of Thrones series, which gives me the perfect excuse to re-watch it for a glimpse of the amazing natural phenomena.) I wish there had been more time to get some shots from land as well.
Gozo was gearing up for its Fiesta celebrations
The Cittadel and the view from the highest point in Gozo
A view of the island of Camino and the Blue Lagoon.
The main reason I chose Malta / Gozo was its history and the architecture.
From the small, every day buildings…
To the magnificent churches like Ta-Pinu.
I’ll finish with some shots of other buildings seen from afar.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my brief tour of Malta and Gozo. There is so much more to see, maybe I’ll be lucky enough to go back one day.
Note – Photos taken on my Sony Xperia camera phone and faithful old Lumix (some picture quality is poor due to being taken through coach windows).
***
I’d like to dedicate this post to my parents and take the opportunity to thank them for taking us away with them. They’ve helped me get over my fear of flying, and now I know there is a whole world out there waiting to be explored.
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