Reviews Book

Here my reviews. I only review books I love which is why they all have a high star rating 🌟

💟 Review of Steampunk Style by Igarashi Mari 五十嵐麻理
💟 Review of Steampunk Style 2 Edited by Steampunk Oriental Laboratory
💟 Review of Actor/Extra a Handbook by Paul Redfern
💟 Review of Hatred Hidden by Dan Thompson
💟 Review of Here Lies Love by Dan Thompson
💟 Review of the Caseworker’s Memoirs written by Dan Thompson
💟 Book Review ‘Life is all but a vast array of Colours,’ By Dan Thompson
💟 Book Review ‘The Black petal,’by Dan Thompson
💟 Review of The Golden Lyre (The Black Petal #2)by Dan Thompson
💟 Book Review of sky song, by Sharon Sant.
💟 Book Review of Young Moon, by Sharon Sant.
💟 Review Not of Our Sky, by Sharon Sant.
💟 Book Review Sharon Sant, ‘The Memory Game
💟 Six-Short-Stories-Jack-Croxall
💟 Book Review: Tethers by Jack Croxall
💟 Book Review: Creepy Christmas by Jaimie Admans
💟 Book Review The Whale Whispers of Ensorclea written By Ed Drury
💟 Book Review of ‘Bright Coast, Long Shadows’ Bryan Angus.
💟 R. A. John’s story “Killer Salesman” has been published in the anthology UNDERCURRENTS OF FEAR
💟 Book Review Rooted by Amy Good Therianthropy at its best.
💟 Book Review of Love Life, Live Life by Sue Stone
💟 Getting to Know You: Guided Pearls of Wisdom for a More Soulful Existence, Carolyn Green
💟 Book review of Super Fred by Tony Gilbert
💟 Book Review; the Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
💟 Book review Reaper’s Rhythm by Clare Davidson
💟 A Doodeedoo Review
💟 Kindle book 40 Juicing Recipes For Weight Loss and Healthy Living by,Jenny Allan

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Review of Steampunk Style 2
Edited by Steampunk Oriental Laboratory

Steampunk Style 2 as the name suggests is a follow on from the popular Steampunk Style. The book is the same size, contains full colour images and the paper is of very good quality.
The book features Mari Igarashi, who is a very talented Steampunk artist and crafts person from Japan. Mari presents 12 craft projects, all of which are broken down into easy stages and accompanied by simple to follow instructions and excellent photographs.

I especially enjoyed reading about the I phone charger project, where with just a few simple tools, and some everyday items like hair curers, toys and switches, Mari demonstrates how to make a beautiful and functional steampunk replica telephone. Its clever design incorporates a i phone charger, which allows you to use the telephone handset whist the I phone is plugged in.

I love how Mari Igarashi, takes everyday modern items such as a I pad cover and embellishes it to make it extraordinary. With I pad case, she transforms it into an old-fashioned book which is not only functional but highly beautiful and a joy to own.

Mari Igarashi other projects are equally remarkable, they include Steampunk ear defenders, I pod Nano arm holder and cutest of all is aviator style dog costume which is modelled by her dog Sugar.

It appears to me that the best Steampunker’s originate from Japan; as most of the artists in this book are mostly Japanese and the high quality of their work and attention to detail in their projects are spellbinding.

Toshiyuki Kimura, who’s steampunk images of landscapes and machines are full of imagination and detail.

Natoto Nishiwaki who makes impressive steampunk masks and headgear.

Hatohiro Mikami who’s rabbit like leather masks, have a touch of Alice in Wonderland magic about them.

TOMO who makes beautiful copper animal inspired steampunk masks.

Manabu Namikawa, who made an intricate alien skeleton type of mask.

Makiko Kono, who glamorous steampunk corsets and hats I would love to own.

Tom Banwell, from the USA, who’s fascinating leather and resin hats and masks cover 12 pages here, showing a broad range of his work from his iconic plague masks to his dreamy Firemaster character.

Mitsuji Kamata, whimsical steampunk costumes are a delight, and make the possibility of self-propelled flight appear almost believable. Also, the magical creatures are a so cute. What an imagination. Breath taking!

Chasuke puts cute into steampunk in this fun inspired collection. Perhaps influenced by Anime, with a patch like Ken Kaneki (Tokyo Ghoul).

Tomohiro Sasame, steampunk costume jewellery and accessories are both glamorous and functionable.

Haruo Suekihi watches are functionable, creative and beautiful.

Yuto Sato metal work is of first class quality and highly original.

Zettai Shonen Nixie tube colourful wristwatch is ingenious.

I really loved Katsutoshi Shirasuna’s bottles. They are like time capsules washed up by the sea, which contain whole little worlds or stories in them.

Michihiro Matsuka makes steampunk animal inspired models and objects that are wonderfully original and finely detailed.

Sonic makes steampunk dolls that are full of character.

Keizo Hoskino bronze coloured fish are beautifully crafted and fascinating to look at.

Kozo Saito’s deep-sea diver mask and Tomonobu Iwakwa Black spider and gas masks are highly detailed and conjure up visions of adventure. You can learn how to make Tomonobu Iwakwa projects in a later section in the book along with the plague doctors hat and other steampunk items.

There is also a detailed section covering the steampunk world of Winderkammer (Cabinet of wonder) and rare objects and books.

This is an amazing book for inspiration and a comprehensive reference about the best of steampunk in the world today. It would make a great gift for someone, I shall treasure my copy.

UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1783294965

USA https://www.amazon.com/Steampunk-Style-Vol-Oriental-Laboratory/dp/1783294965

Japan https://www.amazon.co.jp/Steampunk-Style-Vol-Oriental-Laboratory/dp/1783294965

The Golden Lyre by Dan Thompson

Monsters, Mayhem, Magic and Myth

I love Dan Thompson’s work, which typically involves supernatural beings and exciting events which he beautifully and skilfully combines with legends from Norse mythology. I especially liked the sea monster in this instalment. I really enjoyed The Black Petal (the first book in the series) and was delighted to receive a copy of The Golden Lyre – the next book in his exciting young adult fantasy series. It was a lovely feeling to be back in one of Dan’s fantasy worlds with familiar characters who felt like friends.
After all the thrill and excitement of book one, The Golden Lyre leads you further into exploring the characters of two young men who share the same soul, Jack and Blake. Both from planet Earth, but from different time periods, each have completely different personalities. Jack, being an average teenager, who had started off unsure of himself, now leads much of the story and becomes a hero and proves true of heart. Blake was a ruthless professional Victorian assassin, very sure of himself, now is regretful of his past. He proves to be a loyal and true friend to Jack and his quest.

The story starts in a dark place. Jack only survives because of the supernatural powers of a phoenix and finds himself surrounded by the rotten stench of a battlefield. Being unprepared for the scale of the dead, he flees with Blake to the temporary safety of a nearby settlement, but is haunted by memories and the loss of his one true love.

As with all Dan’s magical writing, this story is a full and complicated one. With each turn of the page you are led through a labyrinth of the life paths of all the characters, who prove to be very human, and as they travel together, Jack and Blake talks between themselves prove to be soulful and insightful.

I have to say although I love the goodies in this series, no one writes evil like Dan! His bad characters are just so brutally evil, so tremendously colourful, that they are mesmerising.

The journey that Jack and Black go on is beautifully described that if you close your eyes you can imagine yourself travelling along the landscapes with them. Experiencing the different scenery and buildings which are below and above ground and the different types of races of people, and even the dead zombies.

You do not need to have a knowledge of ancient mythology to enjoy this series as each of the supernatural beings are detailed and described to you, from their personality to their appearance, and each of their inner thoughts and motives.

There is lot of story for your buck here even ending with two cliff hangers and well worth a read. I would most heartily recommend it. The cover is stunning also! 5 stars.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33012869-the-golden-lyre

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01MXN5YO3

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Review of short story Hatred. Hidden. By Dan Thompson.

I am a huge fan of Dan’s writing so I was delighted to be given a signed copy of this brand new short story. Dan has such a beautiful descriptive style of writing. His characters are realistic and totally believable.
Hatred. Hidden. is a compelling read that hooks you at the start and is so absorbing that I read it in one sitting. The main character Mark appears at first to be the perfect husband and father. His wife Lucy counts her blessings for having such a thoughtful husband and passionate lover.
Mark looks after himself, takes time with his appearance and keeps in shape by going to the gym. The story starts off with Mark buying flowers for his wife, and being easily persuaded to upgrade to roses by a flirty shopkeeper called Shirley.
Mark passes the opportunity to flirt back with Shirley as he only has eyes for his wife, and he hurries home to be with her and hold her in his arms. He is portrayed as a perfect romantic and caring man, however after a comical event where the chicken dinner gets burnt, the couple go out for a meal and we begin to see Mark’s shocking, darker side.
I don’t want to give away spoilers here, as I want you to read it! However what I like so much about the story is the unexpected angle in which it is written. Dan offers a fresh story that is totally relevant in today’s world.
Beautifully and brutally written, Hatred. Hidden. will have you on the edge of you seat as you read it.

Buy it here only £0.99p

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http://www.amazon.com/Black-Petal-ebook/dp/B0121F2JX2

The Black Petal by Dan Thompson

This book blew my socks off it was so fabulous. I am a slow reader, but could not read it fast enough in the end as it was so very exciting, especially the battle scenes. Dan has his own unique and totally fresh way of telling a story. You can tell from reading it that every detail from the armoury, to the horses, to the types of weapons, all have been thoroughly researched and thought about, so the account of the battle is so totally believable.

I loved that even though the two main characters were men – Blake and Jack – most of the characters were woman and he describes them beautifully, even the ugly oracle. I love all the mythical creatures, and particularly liked Dan’s description of the phoenix bird.

The Black Petal leads you into exploring the lives of two young men who share the same soul. They are both from planet Earth, but from different time frames and have completely different personalities. Jack is an average teenager who starts off unsure of himself, but who’s character grows throughout the story. Blake is a ruthless professional Victorian assassin, very sure of himself, but who’s personality softens after an incident where a woman saves his life. Both get drawn into a parallel universe by a three legged dog, and then meet not only meet each other but all manner of tests and adventures.

This is a jolly exciting read and so very well written. No one I have ever read describes the landscape and the sky as poetically as Dan does. He invents a world that you feel you know or have been to as it’s described so beautifully and accurately. No one is able to transport you to the deepest cave or the highest palace in the sky as Dan does. He describes the fear that coursed through Blake’s body as he fearfully dared to look down whilst riding a flying horse into the sky. No one can touch on the feelings of tenderness in the way Dan did between Jack and his love Lucia.

Also the cover of this book is stunning and the quality of print on cream paper is excellent. If you only buy one paperback this year, I would highly recommend that you buy The Black Petal; it’s a modern classic that you will be able to enjoy time and time again.

Review of the Caseworker’s Memoirs written by Dan Thompson

This is truly a compelling read, written from a highly personally account of people suffering phobias.

Malcom, a councillor, who has had a long career and worked on many different cases is a recent widower coming to terms with his own grief.
You are drawn into the haunting world of Malcom, a man on the edge of reason, who has tried to use all of his professional counselling skills on himself, but has still come up short for the answer to solve his own personal pain.
It is in fact, Malcom’s daughter who offers him some form of salvation in giving him a small leather bound notebook, instructing him to record his memories.
Dan Thompson, who is a brilliant poet, skilfully writes this series of stories with colourful descriptive words. You feel as if you are in the room with Malcom as he re-lives the events and tries to record them in this precious book.
Dan’s book is unique as it offers you the viewpoint from inside the phobia victim’s head, but also how the counsellor views the case and how he tries to solve it. You feel as if you are reading a personal diary.
The phobias described are diverse, and somehow you would image that a counsellor who has years of experience would have all the answers and is trusted by his patients. However, as you find out, this has not always been the case and Malcom’s advice is proven to be over optimistic to a dangerous degree.
The Caseworker’s Memoirs is divided into wonderfully playful chapters that allow the reader to dip in and out of the book, while still retaining a thread that joins all the stories together.
I would highly recommend this book. 5 Stars.
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Book review: Rooted by Amy Good Therianthropy at its best.
Rooted by Amy Good Therianthropy at its best.
This is an easy book for me to recommend. Why? It’s brilliant. Easy to read, action packed, wonderfully written characters, a touch of romance, and most importantly werewolves! Right from the very start the story grips you, as a brutal murder of a mother takes place in a small sleepy town in America where nothing out of the ordinary normally ever happens. The significance and the effects of this death are unravelled throughout the story as the plot thickens. The son of the dead woman, Grayson, who is a strongly written and is a beautiful tortured soul, battles with who he is and although strong, has a fragility that is heart-warming. My favourite character from Rooted has to be Chloe, and we view the story from her perspective. Chloe, a recent orphan herself, is a resilient teenager, and even though she has super powers, she is a very warm human character, worrying about her friendships and her place in the world. At the start of the story, her best friend of two years is Lillian, a cheerleader and natural beauty. Chloe starts the story off very much walking in her shadow and in complete admiration of her friend. But the introduction of a strange and somewhat out-of-place new character called Margot, who dresses like she is from the 1950s, shifts the dynamics of their friendship, with disastrous results. Thankfully, Chloe gets the support of a new friend Rebecca, and you feel Chloe’s relief in having a good friend. Rebecca is as human as you can get and her character grounds the story. Rebecca’s father, who gives respite and food to Chloe, adds a caring adult to the plot, which balances it nicely. I liked Chloe’s interaction with nature; she was soulful and kind. Never had I ever wanted to be a character in a book more than I did with Chloe. There is so much that I loved about this book, there are several plots and things happing at once, but it all comes together at the end; and like a light being switched on, you see the whole story. Amy beautifully writes every word with care. I love how she describes every detail from the food they’re eating, the clothes they’re wearing, even the coldness and dampness of the weather. I am a slow reader normally. But was hooked from the start. I forgot everything, from the washing up and even my writing. I just had to read the next chapter and the next until it was finished; it was like a drug. I cannot believe that this was Amy’s first book; here is a great writer, I am proud to write this review, and I look forward to reading anything else she writes. So if you have not read Amy’s book, go and read her book, and it’s free to download here https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/363165 Amazing art work on the cover also by Danielle Tunstall (http://www.danielletunstall.com/).
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R. A. John’s story “Killer Salesman”

killer salesman
Book review of the short story ‘Killer Salesman’ By R. A. Johns An office supplies sales man, Mr Needham, travels the breadth of England trying to reach his monthly target pretty unsuccessfully. He is an a vague man, married just three years, working a routing route and to begin with you suspect nothing out of the ordinary about him. R. A. Johns, describes the English landscape, the empty fields and lonely farm houses in her short story. The loneliness of this landscape ties into the main character own loneliness. Always being on the road and suspecting that while he is away his wife has other lovers. He toys with the idea of suicide, which gives you a glimpses into his state of mind. He is undoubtedly stressed, but appears however to like the challenge of stress, and the trill of the chase as R. A. Jones neatly puts it. The story starts to get interesting and take a different path, when, Mr Needham stays in a grubby hotel and becomes convinced at first that there is someone in his room and watching him. He also becomes fixated by a painting in his room, that he is convinced is changing before his eyes. The parallels seam to close to be coincidence. He is a salesman, the painting has a sales man in it, and they dress the same, suit and bowler hat. Mr Needham is convinced that the painting even changes to show the last place he visited that day, in which he made an unsuccessful sales pitch. Is he paranoid, tied or even just ill? He does to begin with suspect that he could be coming down with something. He is a bit obsessed with germs, remarking how many germs there are likely to be on a hotel key card. So there for could also be a bit of a hypochondriac. When the painting changes again R. A. Johns describes, the hotel setting. You get a sense of fear and shock as the salesman looks on in horror at his unfolding day play out in the image before him. He fears he is losing his mind, or is he dreaming? You will have to read the story to find out! Brilliant short story full of descriptive words and very interesting. Would highly recommend 5 stars.

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The Memory Game

Book Review Sharon Sant, ‘The Memory Game.’
Deeply moving read. 5 stars.
The Memory Game starts with a bang and the subsequent energy carries you through the book at an incredible pace.
The main two characters, teenagers David and Bethany, are skilfully and well written. The other characters in the book are equally well described and fill you with sadness, love and hatred whilst reading them. The main character David is trying to find the meaning for his existence throughout the book, which is filled with teenage angst.
Sharon skilfully describes the characters’ pain and joy. The book is written with heartfelt sentiment and is at times brutally honest. I love the way that Sharon carefully describes everything from the mundanity of school to the joy of a sunrise to the simplicity and delicateness of the snow falling.
But with all its bluntness it is first and last a love story, a story of a first kiss, of watching the person you love sleeping and all the tenderness that surrounds that ideal, that perhaps we have all had once in a fleeting moment and can only vaguely recall.
The Memory Game is YA fiction at its best. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found it easy to read. I would recommend it not only to teenagers but to anyone who enjoys a good story.
As the title suggests, the characters experience sensations that remind you to be mindful of your own experiences in this fleeting journey of life.

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life-is-all-but-a-vast-array-of-colours
Sometimes you just feel the need to shut yourself away and read some good poetry and these two poems by Dan are crackers.

The first poem, ‘The Clock Girl,’ tells a rhythmic story of a girl whose life appears to be frozen in time by fear. She focuses very much on the present; on the man who has harmed her and on the clicking clock in a vast empty house, where it appears that she is trapped alone with him. We also know that he is an unkempt man, brutally strong and has already broken windows and doors with his bare knuckles.

We do not learn the girls name, she is just referred to as ‘it’; but we do know that she has been shown no respect, no warm human feelings, and has just been left to witness the cold hard anger that is inflicted on her and to carry the shame that all victims hold after such an ordeal. As the poem progresses, there are some clues to the girl’s identity, from the memories that flash before her: the school prom, birthdays and a wedding. We get some clues about her age from the fact that she is wearing mascara.

I like the openness of this poem, it is left to us to decide whether the wedding is from her memory, or just of a photo showing a marriage of her parents. It mentions children’s drawings; are they her children or his? Does it matter? No, the vulnerability and helplessness makes you want to scream ‘get out, run.’ But the girl is crippled by fear, not even managing to cry out and biting her lip.
Is it her father or her husband threatening her with a knife? The person is just referred to as the ‘Mister.’

There is some form of brutal honestly that has be consistently bound up in the words to make this poem. It leaves you feeling slight unsettled. I have always been scared of shadows on the wall!

The second poem ‘Life is all but a vast array of Colours,’ is beautifully written and visually stimulating. It is broken down into colours and how they interact with the world, and then subdivided further like ‘mitosis’, into feelings.

In a few brief paragraphs, Dan embodies the whole of life from the sparkling sunlight and the warmth of feelings to the blackest and loneliness that can creep up on us without warning.
I love the way that he describe the trees as, ‘a collection of wisps,’ as this not only conjures up the movement of the tree branches but also that of their noise and the wind beneath them.
I am a huge fan of poetry and would put this second poem on par with that of Sir John Wain, whose poems I illustrated.
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/67636585…)

I truly hope that Dan writes some more poetry, I feel he has great insight and a depth of feeling that is equally rare.

‘Life is all but a vast array of Colours,’ By Dan Thompson is available on amazon as an ‘ebook’ and is only 77p, proceeds go to research in Pancreatic Cancer UK

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Steampunk Style by Igarashi Mari
五十嵐麻理
Edited by Steampunk Oriental Laboratory

Firstly I would like to say what a delight this book is to own.
この本を手に取ることができて本当に嬉しく思います。

The quality of the publication is awesome.
印刷の品質は大変素晴らしいです。

There are amazing photos of the art work and good descriptions of the projects.
芸術作品の写真も美しく、工作ハウツーページの説明もわかりやすいです。

The majority of art projects are for the higher skill level a wide range and there is something for everyone, and inspiration in heaps.
工作ハウツーページの大半は、高い技術レベルの方だけでなく幅広い方々にお薦めです。インスピレーションが大いに刺激されます。

The book is a delight to look at, with the first section filled with stunning images that will blow your mind away.
本書は眺めているだけでも楽しく、特に最初のグラビアページは驚異的なイメージや、陶酔感さえ覚える写真であふれています。

There is a lot of steampunk art online, but the steampunk art in this book is far superior to anything you will find.
ネット上にはたくさんのスチームパンク作品がありますが、本書の芸術作品はそれらをはるかに凌ぐものです。

I was lucky enough to see some of Haruo Suekichi work first hand, as it was part of an exhibition in the History of Science Museum Oxford.
幸運にも、私は末吉晴男さんの作品を、英国オックスフォードの歴史科学博物館の展示で直接見ることができました。

Photo’s here
こちらで写真をご覧になれますよ。

Madamsteam.gallery

There is plenty to choose from in this magical book, and I am sure you will all find your favourites, mine is Mari Igarashi who is not only a talented artist but also models in many of the photographs.
この魔法のような本には様々な選択肢があります。きっとあなたはお気に入りのアーティストを見つけることができるでしょう。私のおすすめは五十嵐麻理さんです。彼女は最奥があるだけではなく、本書の写真のモデルもつとめていらっしゃいます。

There are sixteen other spectacular artists are who have contributed to this book which showcases some of the best steampunk artists in Japan today, each with their own unique take on this genre producing breathtakingly beautiful art.
本書には16人の豪華な芸術家たちが作品を掲載しており、現代日本における最高のスチームパンクアーティストのショーケースとなっています。どの方も個性的で、どれも息を呑むような作品群です。

If you are new to steampunk or just admire it and would love to know how the original and amazing art work is made, but have no intention of ever making any you will enjoy this book also.
もしスチームパンクをよくご存知ない方でも、これらの作品がどれだけ独創的で驚異的かはお認めになることでしょう。また工作をされたことがないでも、きっと楽しむことができるでしょう。

I am thrilled with this book and believe that you will be also.
私は本書を読んで胸が弾むような気持ちがしました、きっとあなたも同じように感じるはずですよ。

Book Review Creepy Christmas – Jaimie Admans

Christmas is magic and a time for family to be together, this is the belief that Katie the protagonist of this story holds. She has the fondest memories of her family sharing the day together from her whole short life.

But this year is different Katie and her younger sister Pipi are facing spending this year’s Christmas day with Seth a stranger that their mother met over the internet. Katie realizes that things will be very different this year and she is not happy with the change. Like most little girls Katie idealises her father and understandably wants him back in the house.

But there are also other changes this year, creepy ones, like the snow men moving and there coal eyes watching her every move, a fairy that won’t stay on the Christmas tree and worse an extra Father Christmas in the shopping mall. A normal child may not have noticed the importance of changes, but Katie who shares some traits with her father who is a security guard at the mall, notices them all.

I really enjoyed that the story was narrated by ten year old Katie, who is a well-rounded and instantly likeable and believable charter. I think that Jaimie Admans was wise to choose us to view the story though the young protagonist; as after all children are more open to magical happenings than adults, and seeing he story unfold from a ten year old’s perspective made it all seem so real and so much more creeper at times.

Jaimie Admans is an enchanting young adult fiction writer who has an endless and amazing imagination; she has created a magical tale with creepy Christmas. I would recommend it to over ten year olds to read themselves as it is easy to read and written in a humorous and heart-warming way.

She currently has four other books, Kismetology, Afterlife Academy, North Pole Reform School and Not Pretty Enough, but as a committed and passionate writer who is still in her 20’s I am sure many more will soon follow, to delight her readers.

At the time of writing this, Creepy Christmas is free to read on Amazon

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Creepy-Christmas-Jaimie-Admans-ebook-x/dp/B009Z2QOL8

of Our Sky (Sky Song Trilogy #3)

by Sharon Sant

This is the last of the three books that are in the series, and the tension builds up at a steady pace to reach a powerful climax. I am not going to tell you the ending other than its awesome and now that I have finished it, I am looking forward to reading some more of Sharon Sant’s work.

I was on the edge of my seat as I read Sky Song Trilogy about Jacob’s fight for his life. You can really connect with him over his love for his earth parents, and understand him breaking one of his home planet ‘Astrae’ laws.
After Jacob gets well he races to find an answer but is drawn into a maze of extraordinary events which unfold before him and as a reader you are pulled along with them. The book moves though a powerful set of emotions. At one point I read a bit, and had to stop myself and read it again, checking the lines carefully as I went, thinking, what no that can’t be right? Golly it’s gripping!
Sharon is a skillful young adult writer and you feel for her characters and the choices they have to make. Ellen who is truly in love with Jacob; faces her toughest decision yet of whether to finally reveal Jacobs true identity to his parents.

I love how Sharon can write such a range of characters; from scary Makash’s pure evilness to the loveless of Jacobs long suffering parents.

Not forgetting the loyal Luca, who completes the teenage trio of friends.

Will good triumph over evil? What will happen? You need to read this to find out.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Not-Our-Sky-Song-Trilogy/dp/1490525025

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Firstly I have to say OMG cliff hanger!! This book which is the second in the sky song series, is really compelling and easy to read. I love the way the characters are developed further and their teenage angst in the unfolding love interests with Ellen and there telepathic bond. The loyalty of his long suffering best friend Luca. We get glimmers of Jacobs home world ‘Astrae,’ understand his drive and his deep rooted connection and love with his earth family. Who at times appear to be at a loss with Jacobs priority’s. In young moon the characters undertake a new role of detective, they have a mystery to solve in finding Jacobs twin sister. The reader is swept along as the clues unfold before them. The vision by Ellen that gets adds to the puzzle. The boy’s decide they must travel to America, but besides the practical factors such as time and money, you begin to question is this all just too easy? The answer will surprise you. I love Sharon’s ability to write both the most lovely kind a gentle characters like that of Jacobs mother and then switch to paint the blackest of all, Makash. The thing I like best about this YA series is that Sharon has imagined a whole other world, ‘Astrae,’ and a race of alien people who understandably have different values and ideals. What an imagination. ‘I take my hat off to her.’ Now for book three!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Book Review of Actor/Extra a Handbook by Paul Redfern
I am honoured to be the first person to write a review for this book as I think it’s a real gem of a read. Paul Redfern is an actor who gives plain speaking advice about getting into the film industry.
This is a pock sized book, but even although it’s a relatively quick read it is packed full of hints and know-hows that could save you time and money if this is the career path that you want to start.
Some parts of this book are so frank I found my self laughing out loud. Paul has a wicked typical British sense of humour, that American audiences will just love.
All the way though out the book are photos of Paul in his versus roles, which act as an inspiration.
Paul tells of his own experiences of being an extra in a TV and film environment. Paul points out that you may not be treated that well as an extra. However he has such a positive outlook and a sunny personality that really make you believe like this career is possible to start at any age and from any background and most importantly without any expensive acting qualifications that you may of thought that you needed.
There were many interesting parts to this book and several paragraphs I could have quoted.
But the quote I liked the best is;
‘’I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I see talented people everyday, musically, theatre and otherwise. They didn’t need teaching. They just need promoting.’’
To me the most enjoyable part to read of this book is the part is when he talks about being in a Bollywood movie and explains the happy madness that entails.
After reading this book I am left really impressed with ‘the Actor/Extra a handbook,’ as it left me with the feeling that anything is possible. And now I want to be an extra in a Bollywood film, hopefully dancing! So please anyone out their in social media land! if you know of any Bollywood productions being filmed please do get in touch!

If you would like this book you can purchase it at Lulu http://www.lulu.com/shop/paul-redfern/actor-extra-a-handbook-to-getting-there/paperback/product-20589043.html
At the bargain price of £5.45 plus postage.
Paul is not on twitter but can be found on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/celebritypaul
Paul also makes his one unique range of handmade jewellery https://www.facebook.com/timemachinecollection
Watch his you tube here https://youtu.be/_7gmKSHeuWM?list=FL12sXiAm1Vg9ziR0U3xU5hA

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Book Review The Whale Whispers of Ensorclea written By Ed Drury
This is a beautiful book and I really enjoyed it and whole heartily recommend it. Ed is a natural story teller, I have never come across his style of writing before, he writes concisely, even economically. But not in a mean way, as each sentence is like a spoonful of the best tasting chocolate pudding, packed full with expression and sentiment. I was spell bound by the Whale whispers people, how they lived as one with their environment and painted there bodies like their cousins the large fish as a mark of honour to swim with them. How they had there one magic secret language and they communicated with their honoured ancestors with shamanism. The Whale whisperer’s clan shared their world comfortably with nature. Also I was intrigued by the story of the aliens as they were termed, who had travelled from another planet and had settled their. These people were industrial and wasteful but still shared caring bonds between each other. The story takes you on a path to unravel the mystery of the alien queen’s death, but however there are many more strands of the story’s which act as undercurrents to the main plot. In the start of the story we are given a glimmers of the world of the whale whispers, though the visions that Levi experiences by his old friend Rrawk. Which only leads him to be reminded his true identity and connect to shared ancestors. There are interesting strong bond between the princess Lore and her father the king. His responsibility is not only to his family but to the people in his kingdom and he seems weighted down by the responsibility. We learn that the king has a dark agenda to gain the land of the whale whispers to exploit the natural resources by mining. The story is full of charming and wonderful descriptions. I could tell that Ed is a musician by the way he writes. He describes how the dances in the whale whispers weave in and out off each other with such clarity and also goes into detail about a strange musical bow shaped interment made from a gourde is played and the noise it makes. This story is much more than a case of good versus evil. As nothing is as clear cut and I enjoyed the twists and turns. I also felt I had been taken on a spiritual journey and marveled at the glimpses of truth I felt I learn something about myself while reading, although I cannot pin point quite what, I can tell you I feel different in a good way. This book is a young adult triumph and not to be missed.

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A Doodeedoo Review Tony Gilbert (Author), Sammy Gilbert (Author), Blaze McRob (Editor) Great Pictures – Rhymes – Fury characters – Monster. Good to read out loud and also in an audiobook so you don’t have to. Over some time or another who hasn’t invented an invisible friend? Oh wait is that just me? Each page of Doodeedoo is beautifully illustrated and text is easy to read. I like the way that the type face looks as if it has been hand written. Also Lovely crafted images on every page of this book, that look like they have been drawn with children’s crayons. The words are skilfully brought alive by Tony’s rhythmic words The story starts with a charming young girl mouse who had started to read the classic book Frankenstein. She only reads the book as far as when Frankenstein who is a monster come to life and is so inspired she decides to have a go at making her own. Partially because he was lonely BUT mostly because he could. Being an ingenious type of mouse, she sets about making her creation out of a sock which is stuck together with super glue She even gives her new friend the super cool name of Doodeedo Then mouse gave her sock friend, eyes made from buttons and a string mouth. She made a boy different coloured eyes But oh know, to her surprise! The puppet made from a sock Turned out to be a complete shock! Oh golly I’m rhyming now LOL But don’t worry, I did not give away the ending with is simply delightful. And if you children are as silly as me, they will love this book too!

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Book Review Sky Song, part one of a trilogy by Sharon Sant The best bit about finishing this book is that there are two more to read. I first became a fan of Sharon’s work after reading, ‘the memory game,’ which was an awesome read and this YA book does not disappoint. This story starts with an orphaned teenage boy Jacob, who’s world has been turned upside down. He is draw along a fated path, which he struggles to come to terms with. He has two close friends, his best friend Luca and Ellen. The story is filled with teenage angst, as Luca is Ellen’s girlfriend, however Jacob is able to connect to Ellen on a physic plain of which Luca is excluded. Sharon writes the connection between Jacobs family, his unknown parents and his parents who adopt him. We experience Jacob’s thoughts as he is forced to choice between all he knows and loves and a duty that is foreign to him. All good books have a baddy, someone of pure cunning evil and this story does not disappoint. There a brilliant descriptive fight scenes and imageries of real panic and fear of loss of those Jacob has come to love in the human world. Only a glimpse of Jacob’s real world is revelled so far, but I am sure that the next two books we will learn more. I recommend Sky Song and I am looking forward to following the story to the end.
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Juice for a healthy new year I am sure that some of my readers may be shocked about me recommending a juicing book, after all I not known for my healthy living. Being a lover of pop tarts and all thinks cake like. But like pretty much everyone I plan to start the New Year off with a bang and make a real effort to get back on track. I bought a juicer sometime ago and really enjoy using it. I got the PHILIPS Viva Collection HR1863/01 Juicer which cost 70 pounds at the time, but is on=line at the moment for under 50 pounds. It easy to clean and makes a good quantity of juice. I download, 40 recipes for weight loss and healthy living by Jenny Allen http://www.amazon.co.uk/Juicing-Recipes-Weight-Healthy-Living-ebook/dp/B00CGEZDOQ (free at the time of writing this) This is an American book so I am not sure that here in the UK we can get all the ingredients for some of the 40 recipes that are listed. But with a bit of imagination it’s possible to substitute some things and still get a refreshing drink. I have a saying if in doubt use an apple. The thing I liked best about this book is that the recipes are laid out nicely, and it tells you the weight loss and health benefits of each ingredients. And there are loads! Strawberries and Beetroot are high in antitoxins, and packed full of vitamins. Herbs such as parsley aid digestion and are low fat. There are fruit juices recipes and vegetable juices recipes. Ones you get the hang of making juice, it’s quite nice to make up your own. I like to mix fruit and veg together. A nice mixture is apple, beetroot, celery, orange and a carrot. That your 5 a day in one glass! I have found that a glass of juice is quite filling, although some mixes I have made on my own have not been so easy to swallow and I have washed them down with a packet of biscuits. LOL. But it’s all a learning curve.
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Review of Here Lies Love by Dan Thompson
Review of Here Lies Love by Dan Thompson A Masterpiece from cover to end. Here is one of those rare books, which is constantly brilliant throughout. Each character is carefully described and very lifelike. The plot, which is macabre in places, moves at a pleasing pace too. The story starts with Abbey, the heroine, who is a feisty redhead, who along with other girls has been trapped and caged by a monster, Stefan. You hear her inner thoughts and fears as she waits her impending doom. She shudders at the sounds in the house; her captor’s perverse games which only aim is to thrill himself. She is very brave for such a young age of seventeen and this is her story of self-discovery and growth. Later in the book she meets characters her own age, Tristian and Ryan, both very lifelike in there description. Ryan, is tenderly described, he is the gentlest character in the book. His friendship with Tristian paramount in his life, and who I strongly suspect of being gay. Tristian, a strong and beautiful man, is exquisitely described, and probably the best hero I have every read. He is everything and more you would hope for Abbey. Abbey clings to life, almost faltering at one point, but her will to survive and seek the revenge against her father that she feels she need to move on with her life and find peace, drives her on. Her Father is a difficult character to understand at first, but the author writes him with all clarity, so you are left with no doubt at the end of the story. Dan Thompson is a poet and quite breath-taking in the way that he describes the planet and how the sun as escaped from the sky and the beauty of the moon and the stars. I could not put this book down; the story, both gripping and chilling. In between reading the chapters, I would think about the story and wonder what the next chapter would be. The story ends well; Abbey’s final fate is open and wholly her own choice, which leaves it open for a next book, which I will surely hope is one.
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http://www.amazon.com/Here-Lies-Love-Dan-Thompson-ebook/dp/B00L0K5FUO

Also on Audio book – Free with a free trail from Audible

http://www.amazon.com/Here-Lies-Love/dp/B00PKMSPFA

My review of the Audio Book here

http://www.audible.co.uk/listener/A2G4XA56IJ5QOU?asin=B00PJDNRBW

There is some form of brutal honestly that has be consistently bound up in the words to make this poem. It leaves you feeling slight unsettled. I have always been scared of shadows on the wall!

I truly hope that Dan writes some more poetry, I feel he has great insight and a depth of feeling that is equally rare.

‘Life is all but a vast array of Colours,’ By Dan Thompson is available on amazon as an ‘ebook’ and is only 77p, proceeds go to research in Pancreatic Cancer UK
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Review of Six Short Stories by Jack Croxall

This book is a delight to read and written with the high quality that you come to expect from Jacks wonderful imaginative writing.

Each story is a treat itself, and a good length so you can dip in and read one to break up the more mundane tasks of the day.

I was already a fan of Jacks last story ‘X’. Well who does not like zombie apocalypse stories!
But was equally thrilled to read the other good mix of super reads which I would compare it to pick and mix sweets.

I loved the ‘who done it,’ element which leaves you thinking. It is rare in YA stories as so often the author feels he has to spell everything out clearly for the young reader so they can a full grasp on the situation.

To me the best stories are always those that leave you wondering, who was that behind the door? Or in Jacks story, ‘Space Dementia’, does Space Dementia really exist, is there a cover up a conspiracy theory?

I would like to see more of the story, ‘Roseroot Rectory,’ I do believe in ghosts and feel it would be great for a film, or TV series maybe?

A marvellous read, for people of all ages, and I highly recommend it.

EXTRA
Book review for ‘X’ by Jack Croxall one of the stories in Six-Short-Stories-Jack-Croxall

X is a captivating story set in a post-apocalyptic world. A teenage girl known only as ‘X’, is hiding below ground in an old farmhouse somewhere in the English countryside. As the story unfolds you realise that, although this is a temporary arrangement, she appears well organised; with food, tools and a torch to write her journal by.
The character ‘X’ is beautifully written and you are instantly drawn to her as you tumble into her world. Just as with Esther Emerson in his debut ’Tethers’, Croxall has written a strong teenage heroine. Even though the character ‘X’ is incredibly brave, there is the continual fear of ‘the uglies’ from the outside.
The tender relationship X had with her sister and the happy childhood memories of kicking up leaves in the wood are all she really has left. Not even a real photo of her family; X has to make do with an image of another girl scavenged from her hideout. She wants her life to have some purpose, so she leaves a dairy in the hope that it will be found and read by a surviving human, although she fears that she may be the last.
‘X’, was an ordinary girl who has had to do extraordinary things and make unspeakable decisions. A must for zombie fans, this is a truly gripping story that is skilfully told by Jack Croxall. ‘X’,

If you love zombie films, read this in the dark to get the full effect.
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Book review Reaper’s Rhythm by Clare Davidson

This is a YA book which easily crosses over to a more adult audience. It centers around a small family who have already gone though a tough time, a divorce, before the story begins.
Kim the youngest daughter and middle child of the family, she is a feisty character and instantly likable. It is easy to relate to her, she has an elder sister who she adores and a younger bother who she loves but is a royal pain in the butt.
The first chapter starts off the story quickly and in powerfully written. It quite blows yours socks off!
You view the unfolding story though Kim’s eyes and the next few chapters draws you into the plot, which is far more complicated than you first think and introduces you to other characters which are each beautifully and skilfully written.
The descriptive style of Davidson makes you connect with the character’s and feel what they are feeling. In one chapter Kim gets quite drunk and Davidson skilfully writes the sensations of how the alcohol effects Kim and describes the hang over that follows the next morning in a graphic way. (We have all been their!)
Another man character is Matthew, he is about Kim’s age and acts like a knight in shining armor, always showing up when Kim is in stressful situations and giving her support.
Several times though out the story Kim questions her own sanity, but she has an inner power and a determination to seek the truth when all around her just appear to except the situation.
Not to give to much away about the plot, but there are magical and angelic forces in play.
The Reaper’s Rhythm is a jolly good read and each page draws you onto the next, each surprising and totally unpredictable way with a colorful story line.
I really enjoyed reading it and am looking forward to reading the next one. Bring it on!
You can buy it for £2.04 from Kindle or £7.99 in paper back on Amazon.co.uk.
Also Ina Wong has done a beautiful job of illustrating the cover.

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Book Review: Tethers by Jack Croxall
This gripping adventure which starts in a rural village set in the Victorian period will delight steampunk fans.
The two main charters; Karl Scheffer and Esther Emerson, start the book as good friends but as the tightly knit plot gets underway they have to develop new skills and trust in each other.
Karl’s qualities shine though in the story, he starts off as quite meek and mild with little knowledge of travelling and the dangers of the world other than the loss of his father, who died a hero saving a woman. A tall order for Karl to live up to! But in spite of his apparent mild manners, Karl is clearly the leader…
Esther on the other hand is introduced to us as a beauiltul but feisty girl on the brink of womanhood, whose fear and courage have no boundaries and her endless energy carries the book. Her skills, swordsmanship and quick thinking grab the attention of the reader and though her you are transported into another world.
On their adventure the author uses beautifully descriptive passages to describe every detail of their journey. I especially like the way he describes the boats, one he fondly calls ‘the old lady’.
Tethers starts of as a tangled web and Karl and Esther do their best to unravel it facing grave danger and sinister characters along the way.
This book has everything that a teenage novel should include and more, from action, adventure and bravery in the face of adversary.
Enjoy!
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Getting to Know You: Guided Pearls of Wisdom for a More Soulful Existence, Carolyn Green

Firstly I have to say how grateful I am to Carolyn for gifting me a copy of her wonderful paperback book to review. Secondly I want to say how superb the publication is; it is good quality paper and the cover has an inspiration design. The book is well paced into 18 chapters and I like how it is laid out like an exercise book and so there is plenty of room for you to leave your comments and thoughts after each of the stages.
Getting to know you, is a self-help/ self-improvement/ self-empowerment book.
It is a deeply personal journey that Carolyn is guided on by her angels and she openly shares each message she is given as well as describing her own feelings and thoughts on the process and changes she undergoes.
It is a slow read and it is meant to be as there is a lot of thought on the reader’s part about how these messages relate to oneself.
I found the chapters beautifully written and so packed full with information that in order to savour them I could often only manage one or two pages at a time. So be prepared as there is a lot of advice to think about, plus exercises on top!
There is so much good advice in this book that I feel it will be helpful to so many people from so many walks of life, whether you believe in angels or not.
My favourite exercise was the one where Caroline describes your spirt as a rose. She tells you to imagine that you are a rose that is half closed. Then when you’re in a situation where you feel that you need to protect yourself image the rose closed. Alternatively when you are with a friend or someone that you wish to help imagine your rose petals opening. I am an artist so quite good at visualising, I practiced this exercise for three days straight and found it real help me in my job. I also found that my friendships in my work place benefited from this and further improved. Caroline said don’t be an open rose to long as this is draining. But I can say that I did notice a change. So even if you find it hard to flex your imagination or find the whole idea of thinking of yourself as a rose a little hard, I urge you to give it a go, as the benefits out way the effort put in. Plus no one will know you are trying the exercise.
There is much more I could talk about but most importantly I feel this book is good value for money. Plus I felt that even although my copy was personal signed by Caroline and dated the 5/5/15, which is one of the number combinations that I love. https://amreadingamwriting.wordpress.com/tribute-to-agony-in-the-garden/
I felt I needed to give my copy away as I learned new things about myself and it was helpful and I wanted to pass it on so it would help someone else. I think we are all busy people and here is a book that gives you permission to make time for you to get to know you.

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Book Review of ‘Bright Coast, Long Shadows’ Bryan Angus.

This is a superb collection of lino prints by the talented Scottish artist Bryan Angus. I would recommend this book as a gift to anyone who has a love of the Scottish landscape or art. The quality of the publication is outstanding. Expertly printed with stunning print quality.
Bryan’s art work is lovingly and insightfully produced, as he has a local knowledge which has been gained from much careful observation. So when you view the finished piece it is not only the house or the person that is portrayed in the art but their history, their connection to the landscape and their love of it. There is a personal touch a warmth an enduring connection that is communicated by Bryan though his art to viewer. The resounding message feels so real and genuine in this work it haunts you, stopping you in your tracks; As if talking to a lost ancestor for the first time.
Bryan being comparatively new to lino but has already mastered it with gusto. His skill in lino print making is paramount as you turn each page and are greeted with images that make your heart soar. I like the mood change that the brown and black prints bring about, and the sheer joyfulness of the full colour of Pennan Cliffs.
Near the end of the book is Bryan’s collections of book covers, paintings and pastels, showing the full range of talent, a favourite of mine being the pastel titled Picnic 1. With the shading of the colours in the pastels, lifting the colours so that the work is quite mesmerising and picturesque.
Bryan originally worked as a set designer and I think this has influenced his work in some way as there is a lot of drama and fluidity in the landscapes. Also the perspective of some of the pieces is impressive, I especially like the fish eye view of the harbour, with its boats at the front happily bobbing in the water and the vast expanse of buildings and sky to the rear.
If you have never been to Banff Scotland I would recommend it most highly, I was lucky enough to attend two of Bryan’s weekly courses and found them to be a life changing experience. Bryan is a supportive, enthusiastic and knowledgeable teacher, and it was a real honour to have be able to spend time with him and share the comradeship the other students. Bryan’s standing as a teacher is borne out by his willingness to share his knowledge in the book, by carefully writing out detailed descriptions of the tools needed and the process – sharing with the reader this old craft of lino cutting and printing.
There is something magical in the hillsides of Gardenstown that remains with you, which Bryan has captured in this book. I am overjoyed to own, ’Bright Coast, Long shadows. ‘There are so many beautiful and breath-taking images to wonder at, my favourite being, the lino print of the solitary little hair looking up towards the moon as it captures the magic of the hills and reminds me how small we are in this vast universe.
I strongly recommend Bright Coat, Long shadows as it’s a joy to own, 5 stars.
contact him on his website website – http://bryanangus.wix.com/bryanangusart#!bright-coast/cvjr then they can contact me.

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The Golden Lyre by Dan Thompson

Monsters, Mayhem, Magic and Myth

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