I am sorry that I don't have as much time as I would like to read all the fine books offered. Be sure that I have enjoyed the books below and they deserve a mention
5* Starmaker Stella Clive S. Johnson
So Glad to be Back in Dica
The first book in the series Leiyatel's Embrace (The Dica Series) hooked me from the first descriptions; I loved the vast, old castle and it's hidden ways just as I always loved ruined castles in my youth, looking for hidden places, wondering who walked in the ruined rooms long ago, imagining how it all might have looked before it was destroyed and an overwhelming desire to put all the pieces back again. Well here was my castle, not quite ruined, and it had so many secrets for me to find, it was a perfect book for me. And yet something was amiss and I had ideas, right or wrong, and of course I waited for the next one, so I could test my theory.
The mystery depended as we went on with the series and I slowly realised what Dica might actually be, although I could not be sure, and when on occasion we had to leave the safe haven of Dica for the outside, well I really did feel outside and uncomfortable. There was my favourite chaos of nature fighting the cruel conformity of Dica and I knew who I wanted to win even if Dica were destroyed and yet?
In yet another beautiful book, in the final in the series, Starmaker Stella I found some peace, perhaps a satisfactory ending and yet...again...?
I loved my time in Dica so much that I want to start the journey again - loved the mystery even if I felt I knew what was going on I was never quite sure...wonderful feeling when you read a book to feel your brain asking questions on a subliminal level...wonderful
So Glad to be Back in Dica
The first book in the series Leiyatel's Embrace (The Dica Series) hooked me from the first descriptions; I loved the vast, old castle and it's hidden ways just as I always loved ruined castles in my youth, looking for hidden places, wondering who walked in the ruined rooms long ago, imagining how it all might have looked before it was destroyed and an overwhelming desire to put all the pieces back again. Well here was my castle, not quite ruined, and it had so many secrets for me to find, it was a perfect book for me. And yet something was amiss and I had ideas, right or wrong, and of course I waited for the next one, so I could test my theory.
The mystery depended as we went on with the series and I slowly realised what Dica might actually be, although I could not be sure, and when on occasion we had to leave the safe haven of Dica for the outside, well I really did feel outside and uncomfortable. There was my favourite chaos of nature fighting the cruel conformity of Dica and I knew who I wanted to win even if Dica were destroyed and yet?
In yet another beautiful book, in the final in the series, Starmaker Stella I found some peace, perhaps a satisfactory ending and yet...again...?
I loved my time in Dica so much that I want to start the journey again - loved the mystery even if I felt I knew what was going on I was never quite sure...wonderful feeling when you read a book to feel your brain asking questions on a subliminal level...wonderful
5* Pond Life and Other Dark Tales by Phill Campbell
Something Scary for Everyone. 30/3/2015
A variety of short stories for a variety of readers, from American Southern Gothic, to the shop around the corner; harbouring an ancient judgement. From the discarded doll in the cellar to joyous music with a price to be paid. We will all find a favourite - mine is the first.
5* The Stream that Stood Still by Beverley Nichols
Another Delightful Tale 28/3/2015
The Sequel to The Tree that sat down is another recommendation for parents that might teach their children how to recognise evil and avoid it and of course the rest of us with more knowledge of the subject might just smile. In this the first close encounter between the Princess Jill and evil was the witch in a gold boat her real hideous appearance hidden behind magic and her evil toads turned into swans. It's hard for anyone to recognise this isn't imitation beauty isn't real without a lot of practice. It's so true of Mr Carp's and in his Widow and Orphan's which is set up for him to steal from the disadvantaged. Only in his case, he is turned into a carp for his misdeeds, while today they get away with it completely and then start something else. Of course you need friends to succeed and Princess Jill has loads, only they are mainly fish. Fish, a lot like our friends and neighbours, down to earth and snobs, brave tiny heroes and timid, and we mustn't forget the hard working beavers. They all want to help Jill because they see she is kind and thoughtful and will risk her own safety to help them, so they must reciprocate. For all ages the young to learn and the wiser to smile.
Something Scary for Everyone. 30/3/2015
A variety of short stories for a variety of readers, from American Southern Gothic, to the shop around the corner; harbouring an ancient judgement. From the discarded doll in the cellar to joyous music with a price to be paid. We will all find a favourite - mine is the first.
5* The Stream that Stood Still by Beverley Nichols
Another Delightful Tale 28/3/2015
The Sequel to The Tree that sat down is another recommendation for parents that might teach their children how to recognise evil and avoid it and of course the rest of us with more knowledge of the subject might just smile. In this the first close encounter between the Princess Jill and evil was the witch in a gold boat her real hideous appearance hidden behind magic and her evil toads turned into swans. It's hard for anyone to recognise this isn't imitation beauty isn't real without a lot of practice. It's so true of Mr Carp's and in his Widow and Orphan's which is set up for him to steal from the disadvantaged. Only in his case, he is turned into a carp for his misdeeds, while today they get away with it completely and then start something else. Of course you need friends to succeed and Princess Jill has loads, only they are mainly fish. Fish, a lot like our friends and neighbours, down to earth and snobs, brave tiny heroes and timid, and we mustn't forget the hard working beavers. They all want to help Jill because they see she is kind and thoughtful and will risk her own safety to help them, so they must reciprocate. For all ages the young to learn and the wiser to smile.
5* The Tree That Sat
Down by Beverley Nichols
Adored This 28/2/2015
This was going to be a very different review; it's all changed because of an article I read a week ago and can't remember where. Basically it was discussing modern children's taste in books and how the classics are no longer loved and even wondrous Alice in Wonderland is snubbed, while the new urge for quick, easy gratification in books, (as well as all things) is now fashionable. How sad I thought, no delicious, slow excitement as the imagination is teased into full flower, no more delicious spine-tingling terror as evil tries to defeat good and of course never does, just simplistic Dora et al. How very, very sad. who will write these books when we are all gone?
No surely not... there are still children around like I once was, loving stories of what is evil, how to recognise it and be good and thoroughly noble, no matter the temptation to take the easy way out and join the status quo, instead they never give up the fight. There must be those kind of children still somewhere and they will keep fighting to keep imagination alive. I sincerely hope so; I have to hope they haven't all turned into Barbi or GI Joe.
This book for is for discerning parents who want more than the usual humdrum for their children, then I thought, but it's often not the parents but the children who are rebelling, this is much trickier, it's called propaganda and it's pink fluffy anything for girls and a football or cricket bat for boys (if dad has anything to do with it) or maybe a drone. Of course it's not as easy to have adventures any more, our modern society decrees we are irresponsible if we let them out of our sight, and we all get that, so no rush of fear, no ghost stories in the dark, no strange noises in the night that make us pull up the covers. They are protected, no need for cautionary fairy stories any more, no adventures away from home with friends walking the woods. Let's leave those ideas to settle, while I describe this adorable book.
I can't believe I didn't read it when I was young. I was sent a second-hand copy, now valuable, according to Amazon, because this glorious gem is out of print. True it was written a long time ago in 1945 and the first thing I noticed is how it isn't out of date, not really. Nice, kind, thoughtful Miss Judy may be a little old-fashioned but I like to think a parent might be impressed by her manners and kindness, and want a similar child. And then there is Sam, truly a monster of these times as well as 1945. He is plain evil, a greedy, cheating coward, you know the kind, the news is full of them, they tend to get away with it....even more so nowadays. And of course the Old Witch who wears a wig hiding pegs pulling away her skin to hide her wrinkles, a false nose and lots of make-up... 2 a penny now, witch or not. And it gets better, animals who won't admit to ignorance and try to find the truth for themselves, but agree with the first explanation plausible or not, and worse, stick to it even when it makes them look ridiculous, or worse that sense of worthlessness makes them open to sadistic blackmail. Sound familiar? There's more: Miss Squirrel who has a perfectly lovely tail, but is so insecure she wants to dye it blue... I could go on but I think by now you get just how modern it is. I laughed so much and yet it is a cautionary tale, as are fairy stories.
Firstly, I recommend it to parents and grandparents to read, understand and smile, even laugh a little as they recognise the characters. Then, well this is a true test, see what the little ones think of it, if they can receive it without squirming or interrupting they may be taking some of the lessons into their imagination. if you can see they do, breathe a huge sigh of relief because they are getting equipped to start understanding the very disturbing world they must enter alone one day. And if your child isn't the slightest bit interested then you really have your work cut out to keep them safe from the predators.
I really enjoyed this; a gem that must not be forgotten.
Adored This 28/2/2015
This was going to be a very different review; it's all changed because of an article I read a week ago and can't remember where. Basically it was discussing modern children's taste in books and how the classics are no longer loved and even wondrous Alice in Wonderland is snubbed, while the new urge for quick, easy gratification in books, (as well as all things) is now fashionable. How sad I thought, no delicious, slow excitement as the imagination is teased into full flower, no more delicious spine-tingling terror as evil tries to defeat good and of course never does, just simplistic Dora et al. How very, very sad. who will write these books when we are all gone?
No surely not... there are still children around like I once was, loving stories of what is evil, how to recognise it and be good and thoroughly noble, no matter the temptation to take the easy way out and join the status quo, instead they never give up the fight. There must be those kind of children still somewhere and they will keep fighting to keep imagination alive. I sincerely hope so; I have to hope they haven't all turned into Barbi or GI Joe.
This book for is for discerning parents who want more than the usual humdrum for their children, then I thought, but it's often not the parents but the children who are rebelling, this is much trickier, it's called propaganda and it's pink fluffy anything for girls and a football or cricket bat for boys (if dad has anything to do with it) or maybe a drone. Of course it's not as easy to have adventures any more, our modern society decrees we are irresponsible if we let them out of our sight, and we all get that, so no rush of fear, no ghost stories in the dark, no strange noises in the night that make us pull up the covers. They are protected, no need for cautionary fairy stories any more, no adventures away from home with friends walking the woods. Let's leave those ideas to settle, while I describe this adorable book.
I can't believe I didn't read it when I was young. I was sent a second-hand copy, now valuable, according to Amazon, because this glorious gem is out of print. True it was written a long time ago in 1945 and the first thing I noticed is how it isn't out of date, not really. Nice, kind, thoughtful Miss Judy may be a little old-fashioned but I like to think a parent might be impressed by her manners and kindness, and want a similar child. And then there is Sam, truly a monster of these times as well as 1945. He is plain evil, a greedy, cheating coward, you know the kind, the news is full of them, they tend to get away with it....even more so nowadays. And of course the Old Witch who wears a wig hiding pegs pulling away her skin to hide her wrinkles, a false nose and lots of make-up... 2 a penny now, witch or not. And it gets better, animals who won't admit to ignorance and try to find the truth for themselves, but agree with the first explanation plausible or not, and worse, stick to it even when it makes them look ridiculous, or worse that sense of worthlessness makes them open to sadistic blackmail. Sound familiar? There's more: Miss Squirrel who has a perfectly lovely tail, but is so insecure she wants to dye it blue... I could go on but I think by now you get just how modern it is. I laughed so much and yet it is a cautionary tale, as are fairy stories.
Firstly, I recommend it to parents and grandparents to read, understand and smile, even laugh a little as they recognise the characters. Then, well this is a true test, see what the little ones think of it, if they can receive it without squirming or interrupting they may be taking some of the lessons into their imagination. if you can see they do, breathe a huge sigh of relief because they are getting equipped to start understanding the very disturbing world they must enter alone one day. And if your child isn't the slightest bit interested then you really have your work cut out to keep them safe from the predators.
I really enjoyed this; a gem that must not be forgotten.
5.0 out of 5 stars Dark and Disturbing, April 5, 2013
By
angela mortimer - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
T
his review is from: Terminal Point
(The Hunter Drune Series) (Kindle Edition) Very well written, exciting book with a flawlessly thought out story. It is not for the faint-hearted nor those who like a happy ending, but if you like excellent detailed fight scenes and don't expect cheerful resolutions this is a very good read indeed. The characters are realistic and well described and do just what is expected of them. I have a feeling that the next one will be just as thrilling and as hard to put
down.
By
angela mortimer - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
T
his review is from: Terminal Point
(The Hunter Drune Series) (Kindle Edition) Very well written, exciting book with a flawlessly thought out story. It is not for the faint-hearted nor those who like a happy ending, but if you like excellent detailed fight scenes and don't expect cheerful resolutions this is a very good read indeed. The characters are realistic and well described and do just what is expected of them. I have a feeling that the next one will be just as thrilling and as hard to put
down.
Herodotus the Histories 5*
Everyone interested in History is obliged to read this book. Of course there are some rather unbelievable stories but what I found was that so many races are lost to us now; so many countries, tribes, peoples who seem to be lost to the winds. I found that poignant even disturbing; we are convinced that we will be at leastremembered but this makes you wonder if we too will be lost to the winds of time.
A Voyage to Arcturus DAvid Lindsay 5*
Its a terrifying book as nothing remains the same; descriptions change and make you feel overwhelmed with new ideas, so much sometimes that you have to put it aside and do something normal for a while. I've read it many times and every time, for some reason, it gets harder to finish its so stimulating to the imagination. I only recommend those with good control over their imagination read this.
Elidor Alan Garner 4*
It is a tale for all those imaginative children who look for real adventure and long to find their way into
an alternative world where they might find it with all that entails - being alone and far from home.
The owl service Alan Garner 4*
More subtle than most of his books, an eerie tale of haunting in a valley surrounded by the brooding Welsh
mountains - and so the tale must be played out again and again.
The Moon of Gomrath Alan Garner 5*
Follows on from Weirdstone of Brisingamen, old myths set around mysterious Alderley Edge in Cheshire. We
have old magic, the hideous Morrigan and of course the battle of good and Evil.
Exciting read.
Weirdstone of Brisingamen Alan Garner 5*
His best Book. I was quite prepared to go potholing until I read this- so I declined an invitation. I was now afraid of small places underground -larger ones still no problem, thank goodness. I often wonder if I had to crawl thoughsmall spaces underground could I or would I be able to forget this book and be the old brave me again. So if you suffer from claustrophobia don't read it or prepare to confront your fears. Great Book; one I read frequently.
Silver on the Tree Susan Cooper 5* last
So many old myths brought together in this final book of the series. The fight against evil is finally upon us. Love this series, all the old stories made new again.
The Grey King Susan Cooper 4th 5*
Mysterious, ancient Wales; as a child I was always looking for a way under the hills to find Arthur and his Knights asleep, so this was close to my heart. Sad too, you'd have to be hard-hearted not to shed a tear and it has a beautiful twist.
Greenwitch Susan Cooper 3rd 5*
A stolen chalice, a lost witch beneath the sea another sign to find, the old ones and their young friends
continue the fight against evil.
Over Sea Under Stone Susan Cooper 5* 1st
First book in the Dark is Rising series Cornwall is a place of ancient mystery; of Tintagel,
of Arthur, Merlin and the Grail. Our ancient myths are blended, the past and the present meld skilfully.
The Dark is Rising Susan Cooper 5* 2nd
I don't know how many times I've read this book and I will again. It's all that's creepy and strange about
England and is pagan past, a past that still lives within most of her people. It's about the old ways existing in the present - about the Gramarye and the old hunt with Herne. The old traditions are best not forgotten but remade.
Time Splash Graham Storrs 4/3/2013
Classic Sci-fi. 5*
Good, solid Sci-fi, beautifully described and very well written. Good extrapolation of a possible future as society continues to unravel, seriously creepy cause and effect with everyone screaming in the maelstrom. Characters are tight and recognisable. Classic and contemporary.
When the Siren Calls. Tom Barry 4/3/2013
Beautifully written 5*
I went to a Souk alone, well the tour bus was outside, inside I puff up, I stomp with a get out of my way walk and my eyes do the family glare thingy and people look away. Someone didn't. Brilliant.
Next Planet Over Dennis Burns 4* 4/3/2013
Interesting concepts, worth a read.
Persuasive book, don't give up on it, the beginning needs a bit of tightening of the prose, too much note- form and then description in places, but keep reading. As our world strains under the pressures we have placed on it, we often mention the next planet over, which in our area of space is Mars. If we manage the next hundred years or so better than we have the last, we might actually get there. However, this isn't about Mars.
In spite of the plain English at times this is an interesting and well thought out mesh of interrelating ideas . The logistics of the move are interesting as are who will be left behind. It's well worth a read, just a shame that those who need to read it won't, sad that those who take 2+2 and come up with anything but 4 wouldn't dream of it. Ironic.
In Dulce, disturbed. 4*** Tower Love 4/3/2013
We should all be sorry.
Well- written, thoughtful, sad, interesting, frustrating. A story from a part of the world I know nothing about, except what we see in films and TV. I was glad to see that the individual mattered, at least to some. Sad, because the other side of being different is too hard to cope for those close to the problem, those, who should at least understand and try make an effort, sad because this is duplicated the world over
Elizabeth Peters Tomb of the Golden Bird. 1* 4/3/2013
I needed a easy read for the beach, couldn't get my kindle sandblasted- so I picked this up at a charity shop my friend volunteers at. I got to page 8 and stopped, unable to carry on. Who wrote this, Miss Daphne Tittlemouse from Hove? No, an eminent Egyptologist from Chicago, who has written a huge list of similar books . Ah, a convoluted case of writing what you know and also what you don't. I couldn't possibly write in the peculiar English idiom of another country - it just isn't cricket and all that, and worse the language was from a time many years before I and the author were born - Agatha Christie time, the master. The dialogue was a wrong as it could be, without the nuances of the mother tongue, without the subtle face and body movements that convey the real meaning of what was actually being said. So I just couldn't go on - shame because I love Egypt and I wanted to go back for a visit. The book had been on a bit of a journey, from the Goldfields Library and I wonder where else - well it's back to the op shop. I'm sure someone will like it, they must have for so many similar to be published. It's back to the days of my muttering darkly in book shops.
The Stolen (2 short Stories) Michelle Brown 4/3/2013
Beautifully Scribed vision of a possible future
Very well written. Dark, terrifying, keening, dreadful. Everything hateful about that part of the human race. The word SLAVE - everyone should remember what it really means, it's used banally way too much nowadays.
The Word Thieves -Again beautifully written prose, perfect pace, perfect pitch, perfect. I do so agree with the authors dreadful vision and so wish I didn't. Let's edit everything or perhaps best not....brilliant. True Horror. I cried
Little Bernies Map 3* Troy Aaron Ratliff 4/3/2013
One odd descriptive word right at the start almost put me off reading but I held on and I'm glad I did. A dreaming, short slice of horror all the more poignant for the reason for writing it.
Uninvited Guest - Unexpected 4* Troy Aaron Ratliff 4/3/2013
Oh yes, a good read in every way. I can't say much without giving the game away but being from a different world it just didn't cross my mind.
Last True World Clive S Johnson 5* 4/3/2013
Sheer brilliance, a world woven into our own
The Dica series will live in my mind and imagination forever. I've read many books, many genres but only a very few authors stand out as being truly original; mine are J.R.R., Heinlein, George Macdonald and Lindsay and now this author, Clive S. Johnson. I had to quickly read the Last True World after Of Weft and Weave, something was missing; a character that seemed so important to me, perhaps only to me, and for whatever mysterious reason. Somehow reading another book before this would have jolted me out of my dreamlike state, but simply, I didn't want to leave Dica. I couldn't leave, because when I did the story drifted away as if it were a dream and I was frightened I might not return to the same book I remembered, as it shifted and swam before my eyes and my imagination.
Out of the three most excellent books this is the best, it is slower somehow, well paced, even if we are on a race to the inevitable end. From the first book I felt the long span of life and time, like the characters I too felt aged and yet ageless, some part of me seemed woven into Dica. The more I read the more I already knew. The clever clues scattered throughout the 3 books made you pause, make you smile, although you can never be sure if the conclusions you are very slowly coming to are the right ones. there again what is right for me or anyone? Perhaps that shifts with every thread woven.
Then with one last poetic push, a strange yet familiar world is born. Plainly put, it's beautiful. Much of what I've taken careful notice of along the way is at last laid almost bare, almost. I don't agree with the final premise - but it doesn't matter at all. Growing up with engineers and architects I understand it. I know the desire to build from the smallest first part to the final; how they think and ponder and it is so with Dica, it all falls into place so perfectly. I differ only in that I want to go even deeper through all the ages, all matter that still ties us to those times, to the very fabric of thought, peeling away the layers of existence and reality to nothing. These two ideas co-exist, one can't exist without the other. The author builds for me so I can destroy as I find my own way into Dica.
The ending is what I perceived at the beginning, but here we have a curtain slowly opening as the light is let in. Again I feel the long span of ages and time before it exists to be measured, and it's just over my shoulder and I peep backwards wondering how we came to this. I don't think the chaos should ever be tamed. I don't want to leave because when I do the story will drift away and reform and when I return my perception will differ and Dica will change again. I will return just as I do to the authors above for a certain kind of chaos in the increasing conformity of this world I exist in. For imaginations sake I'll be back. Dica will never leave me; it's here as long as I am.
Many books are enjoyable and well written enough to be worth those 5 stars, but this is not of the same measure. I recommend this book to everyone who likes to soar above mediocrity.
Review Rules of Engagement CS micheal Bennis 22/2/2013
Under Blue Skies.
A well-written, professional book. with hints of Jilly Cooper, Mad Men and Three Coins in a fountain. I especially liked the retro feel of the earlier part of the book which was written in a bright jewel-like, almost autobiographical way.
I expected a different engagement; the obvious war of the gentleman warrior or the nastier boardroom, instead we find love. Love is not made for rules nor engagement; at least not to start with and that's the crux of the story. Love is chaos, it cannot be contained and from loss, although rare, it can become obsessive. This at times convenient for the rejected male, for he can then keep at the right distance every woman who might love him and yet still accept what he needs, even so they all stay and become family. The lover may say she is aristocratic, however even in public there is more the feel of the tragic bourgeoisie Madam B., perhaps even at times the desperation of the Folie Bourgeoises. Somehow, she doesn't quite fit the lady she professes to be and certainly is not too good for the hero; will fate bring them back? Suitably saucy without losing its Hollywood-style elegance. A good read, suiting blue skies and a dry martini.
Review of A coming storm RM Duchene 4* 22/2/2013
Well written collection of short horror stories.
Plenty of twists in the tale in this varied offering of short stories - Proximate Evils stands out uncomfortably and prophetically.
Review of Text Murder George G A wensley 22/2/2013
Well-Researched and Beautifully Understated Crime Book
The main character is no doubt obsessive, but luckily retains a sense of humour which helps make him feel like a real person, well rounded and very familiar. Like in the authors book, Prose, Photos and Poems, which by the way is worth a read, I particularly liked the detailed and idiosyncratic descriptions of Victorian English seaside town so beautifully recounted again in this crime series. So it was a pleasure to see that the characters were given just as much care. The intriguing and very foreign off-sider is the perfect foil to the rather stuck-in-the mud detective. The other characters are well drawn too and there is good insight into the less than perfect humans that society is unable and unwilling to contain. It felt real. The other relationships were well-drawn and completely believable. I felt the author had personally visited other locale "across the channel" so acutely were they described - and the end? Well it finished beautifully, fast and dangerous and although the book itself finishes successfully, there is obviously more to come and I look forward to it.
Review Of Weft and weave. Clive S Johnson
More mysteries. 22/2/2013
The first book, Leiyatels Embrace, was full of decaying splendour that took my breath away. It asked me to walk the paths and roads and poke my head into the dusty, sometimes ruined buildings and for all that enjoyment of poking through the mysterious crumbling edifices, like the the child I still am - running around every ruined castle and monastery I can find, something else gnawed at me. Where was I, when, how and why? At first Leiyatels Embrace was in a time and place I was familiar with and then....so very suddenly....
Now reading the second book I'll taken rather brutally away from my comfortable, if slightly disturbing trip around Dica. I'm not the slightest bit surprised as to what happens next, not surprised at a new journey of the soul through ancient lands unknown to those who live so close. I always felt the strange insular site of Dica was suspect; what - no trade routes and sea trips to places new and far and no visitors from those places, all of which I'm finding so deeply worrying and tenuously unreal and then....well it starts to make sense and it's no longer Fantasy but Science Fiction.
Of course there will be further twists to the soul searching, the author will make sure of that, thanks to him for stirring the waters of complacency and making us look through much needed new eyes. I am beautifully, magically haunted by Dica.
4.0 out of 5 stars Unsettling sense of decay of a once thriving world., January 17, 2013
This review is from: Prose, Photos and Poems (Paperback) by George G A Wensley
Any one remembering the bustling seaside towns of their youth will relate to these excellent short stories from the east coast of England. In this deep felt and recognisable collection we acutely feel the decay and frantic longing for a rebirth that is taking too long in coming to fruition. It seems to echo the authors own feelings in the fine descriptions of towns in decay. Recently I walked the beach of a favourite childhood seaside resort. As a child the family would jump in the car and head off for a few hours perhaps on a Friday evening, or on a Sunday when the open air pool would offer much pleasure, swimming and diving from the scarily tall platform and of course we'd take no notice of the lovely ladies lining up to win a sash. Now the pool is closed....it was hard to find a coffee, I related utterly to the stories. Spirits lift as the author visits Italy and perhaps that might be due to better coffee too. It is poetic prose and well worth a read as it takes us from our pleasant childhood memories to the struggling seaside towns of Britain today. My favourite was the first story - so many of us have distractedly watched the flotsam in the water.....
5.0 out of 5 stars A good, fast read that keeps you guessing., December 31, 2012 By angela mortimer - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Becoming Milla Blaire: Anomaly (Kindle Edition) The hero is the kind of girl you'd like to slap and then cuddle. She's a product of her families affluent lifestyle and in spite of many appearances to the contrary, she still has a good heart and a sense of right from wrong. Milla needs a sense of belonging and somewhere other than her own family. The plot twists this way and that, dropping clues in all the right places so you expect the conclusion to be the usual kind of contemporary genre..nah...Can Milla Blaire save us?...I hope so... amazon.com/Becoming-Milla-Blaire-Anomaly-ebook/dp/B009I41UQM/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1356310934&sr=1-1&keywords=milla+blaire …
Leiyatel's Embrace (The Dica Series) by Clive S. Johnson 5*****
Finely Tooled Leather,
November 21, 2012
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Leiyatel's Embrace (The Dica Series) (Kindle
Edition)
Leiyatals Embrace is a book you read more than once; it is a "keeper". A book that you
pick up and read again like Lord of the Rings. It should be on an oak
book-shelf, its cover finely tooled in brown leather by Folio.
Dica, feels like our world, past or future, it feels like home and yet is totally alien,
stirring deep recesses of your brain where dusty, torn pages of long-lost books
lie hidden, vaguely remembered. Yet it is unique; unlike any other book.
I loved the sheer scale of the buildings, the sense of decay, of great age. I
wanted to walk through all the places so lovingly described by the author, to
glance over balconies at views as magnificent as the edifice upon which I
stood, wondering who had done the same and why were they gone? It is
mysterious; the plot twists and turns - just when you think you understand, you
learn more and the direction changes. The dialogue is delightful. The
characters are complex yet recognisable. It unfurls slowly, it is a book to
savour slowly like fine wine or brandy, not to be rushed. I look forward to
reading the next instalments in the Dica series; I need many questions
answered.
Enhanced by Ben Brown 5*****
so exciting you can't put it down,
July 24, 2012
This review is
from: Enhanced (Kindle Edition)
Like the authors first book Pohon Setan, this too is just as exciting. You jump in
and never stop running and even forget to breathe at times. Zac may be a
superhero but he still feels every bullet and you will too, the highly
descriptive narrative forces you to visualise and feel everything. There is a
deep sense of kindness too amid the mayhem. The temptation is to run from evil
or let it overwhelm you and ordinary men too make the choice to fight for what
they love most; their homes and families - just as the enhanced must.
Pohon Setan. By Ben Brown 5*****
Can't put it down,
June 3, 2012
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This review is
from: Pohon Setan. (Kindle Edition)
An exciting, fast-paced book that you can't put down with believable characters
that just won't lie down. One of most thrilling books you'll ever read.
Empire (In Her Name: Redemption, Book 1) by Michael R. Hicks
exciting read,
May 23, 2012
This review is from: Empire (In Her Name: Redemption, Book 1) (Kindle
Edition)
Loved this book, in spite of an alien world we recognize human traits both good and
bad in the Kreelan. Plenty of martial action makes it a fast read. Looking
forward to finding out how Reza copes with belonging to 2 races and not being a part of either.
Gawk of The Mohawk by Pat Hatt 5*****
Great Fun,
July 24, 2012
Pat Hatt (Author)
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Betsy Brock (Illustrator)This review is from: Gawk of The Mohawk (Kindle
Edition)
Wanting to be different can sometimes exclude you from the crowd but in this tale being
different saves everyone and at the end everyone wants to be different too.
Moral of the story is if everyone is the same nothing changes and you are
trapped, in this case by a bad wizard wanting control. It's great fun too,
especially love the live peacock as a hair decoration...
The Swashbuckle Chuckle by Pat Hatt 5*****
smile and the world smiles too,
July 24, 2012
This review is from: The Swashbuckle Chuckle (Kindle
Edition)
Being miserable never leads to anything good as this tale illustrates. Being miserable
makes you do bad things and can never make you happy. If you want the best out
of life smile and be happy and everyone will smile with you
Boo and The Backyard Zoo bt Pat Hatt 5*****
Achieve more with co-operation,
July 24, 2012
This review is from: Boo and The Backyard Zoo (Kindle
Edition)
Bright and colourful illustrations tell a story about dreams coming true and how if
everyone from all walks of life (and a kindly ghost) stick together and help
each other - dreams can become reality and bullies be brought down . As well as
a fun rhyming story, it gives children useful life lessons.
Cassie and The Wild Cat: Meet and Greet by Pat Hatt 5*****
Fun for everyone young and old who is owned by a cat,
July 24, 2012
This review is
from: Cassie and The Wild Cat: Meet and Greet (Kindle
Edition)
Any cat owner will recognise the love/hate relationships cats have for each other.
Observations of cat relations delight in real life as well as in this funny
story. Cats are loners and yet get lonely, chase each other off but sulk if the
other cat doesn't come back and when they do ignore them. Here we have two cats
with very different life experiences and personalities who eventually accept
each other - the same could be said of humans.