This is an awesome work of contemporary fiction, an engrossing story about an actress searching for what she really wants in her life set against the background of a tooth and claws competition for the lead role in a film. The actress, Mai, goes through a lot in the period of the competition. She's left her job of two years on a television soapy hoping to extend herself in a role she's taken in a stage play. The change of acting style is a challenge by itself and the difficult personality of the director makes it even more difficult. She leaves her boyfriend, her drug-taking brother comes back from Afghanistan and her main competitor in the competition is a bitch out to pull her down. Mai kind of stumbles through all this, thinking it's what she really wants, but she somehow sabotages her chances at every turn. The book deals with various themes related to stars, the fickle nature of their work, the drugs, the self obsession and ethics - or lack of them - and the role of the media in … [Read more...]
An elegant & moving historical romance: Salvation by Harriet Steel
Salvation is the moving story of woman, Meg, and a man, Tom, who lived in England during the reign of Queen Elizabeth the first. Meg, married off by her parents to a man she can never love, has a lover, her childhood sweetheart, Tom, but Ralph, an unsavoury character finds out and bribes Tom to leave town. If he doesn't, Ralph will tell Meg's husband, a rich and powerful man, and neither Meg nor Tom's life will be worth living. When Tom's employer is found murdered and Tom gone, the police assume that Tom committed the murder and so begins a tale that takes the reader on a vivid journey through life in 16th century London set against the backdrop of the threat of Spanish invasion. It's a story with many unpredictable turns, and so riveting that I truly couldn't put it down. Meg leaves her husband and, along with her maid, sets out to find Tom. Her journey takes her from a life of luxury to that of a washer woman, and many things in between. Tom ends up in prison and if it weren't … [Read more...]
Best novel I’ve read in years: ‘The Land Beyond Goodbye’ by Barbara Scott Emmett
Some books you know are going to be gold seal worthy from very early on, and this work of contemporary metaphysical fiction was one of them. The standard of the prose was excellent, but more than that, the words had insight; they took you somewhere special - outback Australia. True, the physical setting is special, but not only does The Land Beyond Goodbye take you to the weather beaten back blocks of the Northern Territory, it also takes you into the land's soul, ushered in by the aboriginal magic woman, Rose. One of my favourite lines from Rose is ... White fellah! Always thinkin' stuff. The Land Beyond Goodbye is about an English girl (pommie in Aussie lingo) who, as a young woman, spent some time working in an outback pub. Eighteen years have passed since she left and returned to London, but the death of an old friend has called her back. Darcy has left his place to her and she has no idea why? Or does she? Her return brings back memories, particularly of the men, one in … [Read more...]
Another 5 star review for Demon’s Grip.
Okay, so I'm boasting again, but if I can't do it on my own website, where can I do it? Here's my latest Amazon review for Demon's Grip. 5.0 out of 5 stars Deep Running Waves of Emotion and Cunning Demons. July 27, 2013 By Mr. Richard Lw Bunning This is the third of a planned four parts. All three books already published can be read as one offs, but I advise starting with "Lethal Inheritance: Diamond Peak". Just how original Newland's fantastical vision is becomes far clearer in this latest book. Meat is being put on the characters, even on those of the demons. Also, we are beginning to understand better what the Peak itself is all about. The metaphysical aspects of the series are being steadily reinforced, as are the human and humanistic interactions. As we are drawn along this other path, which stands alongside our physical world, I increasingly wonder if black serpentine can truly be defeated. As Ariel and Nick's relationship matures so does its complexity. Ariel's … [Read more...]
Beautifully written contemporary/metaphysical fiction: ‘Tollesbury Time Forever’ by Stuart Ayris
This is an exquisite story about a man diagnosed with schizophrenia who heals himself by paying attention to his hallucinations. Beautifully written and flawlessly edited, it leaves you feeling somewhat purified and decidedly uplifted, not just by the beautiful language but also from the underlying theme that if we trust ourselves, we may find ourself more whole than we thought, or at least find a way to bring about that wholeness. Simon's story exposes society's fear of those with a different kind of perception. He sees the world differently, more poetically, than is the norm. He senses things that others miss, and his hallucinations, rather than random aberrations of the brain, are symbols to help him understanding his world. As he says, if he tells you what he's thinking you will put him in hospital and give him drugs to make him see the world like everyone else. The drugs dull his senses, make it fuzzy around the edges. He understands that his illness has caused him to attempt … [Read more...]
Wonderful Jungeon imagery: Lost in Thought by Simon Townley
Title: Lost in Thought. Author: Simon Townley Genre: Sci fi/fantasy/ metaphysical fiction I loved this book, reminiscent of the movie Inception in that it is about a group of people who enter another person's brain to retrieve some information and wake him from a coma. The man, a scientist called Richard, has discovered that the man backing the development of his project, a machine for entering peoples' brains wants to sell it for use as a weapon, whereas Richard has developed it for gaming and medical applications. The machine has the problem that some who go into someone else's mind return dead, crazy or in a coma. He has just discovered the algorithm that will make the machine safe and usable in a commercial sense, but in light of the new information he doesn't a want to share it with Dubois, the financial backer. Dubois decides to steal it. He breaks into Richard's house, but Richard catches him in the act. A scuffle ensues and Richard ends up bashed over the head and in a … [Read more...]
Beautifully crafted metaphysical fiction: Orange Petals in a Storm by Dr Niamh Clune
Title: Orange Petals in a Storm Author: Dr Niamh Clune Genre: magical realism/metaphysical fiction I picked this book up when I was searching for a definition of metaphysical fiction, and found an article by the author. I was impressed with her writing so I bought the book, and I’m very glad that I did. Orange Petals in a Storm is the story of an eleven year old girl who has been mistreated by her stepfather since her mother’s death one year ago. On an external level, it’s a simple story about her life turning around, but it’s the inner world that gives this story its magic. To handle the abuse, the girl sits in an old chair—all that she has left of her mother—and withdraws into her mental ‘safe room’. There, she meets the human male version of the cat that saves her when she runs away and nearly freezes to death in a storm. With him—and sometimes an old woman—as her guide she travels the web of light that makes up the connections of the inner world. The confidence and wisdom … [Read more...]
“Trust me when I say read this book” Latest awesome review & GIVEAWAY of Lethal Inheritance
Today I'm with Stacy at Book Broads. She wrote a review of Lethal Inheritance today and will be publishing one of Stalking Shadows in a couple of days. Stacy's review isn't just high praise, it makes great reading. This reviewer has a unique and enjoyable voice. I loved the way she described the book. She didn't miss the light-heartedness in the story. "One wrong word and you are a human pancake" Thanks Stacy for the delightful review. So pop over and give her some support AND you get another chance to WIN Lethal Inheritance http://bookbroads.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/stalking-shadows-blog-tour-giveaway.html … [Read more...]
“Honestly? It was awesome!” Another review of ‘Stalking Shadows’
Another stop on the blog tour. Today I'm at Crazy Four Books with the delightful Brenda. It seems that Stalking Shadows left her speechless. I quote, "I can't even begin to describe all of the action you'll find in this highly imaginative journey." Curious? Pop on over and see what else she has to say. You'll also get the opportunity to WIN A COPY of Lethal Inheritance, book one in the Diamond Peak series. http://crazyfourbooks.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/vbt-review-and-giveaway-stalking.html?show Some of my readers may have noticed that this is a very relaxed blog tour. I booked visits for every second day, so I'd have some breathing space, which was just as well because my computer crashed yesterday and I had to do some time consuming damage control. … [Read more...]
‘Just like the first book, this one kept me on the edge of my seat!’ A blog tour review of ‘Stalking Shadows’
Another glowing review of Stalking Shadows. This kind of response is what keeps us authors writing, and the reviewer is from my target audience - a real young adult. A quote: 'This story is never what you expect. I eagerly await the next book!' I'm glad I can keep the surprises coming. Wait until you see the next book, Ariel's mum does something even I never expected. Be supportive and pop over to the Librarian's Book shelf to read the full review. http://thelibrariansbookshelf.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/mini-review-and-blog-tour-stalking.html … [Read more...]
