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By: holden,
on 10/10/2015
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download full 22 Jump Street in high definition format with duration 112 Min and has been launched in 2014-06-13 with MPAA rating is 1490.
- Original Title : 22 Jump Street
- Movie title in your country : 22 Jump Street
- Year of movie : 2014
- Genres of movie : Crime, Comedy, Action,
- Status of movie : Released
- Release date of movie : 2014-06-13
- Companies of movie : Columbia Pictures, Original Film, Media Rights Capital, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), Cannell Studios, LStar Capital, 33andOut Productions, JHF Productions,
- Countries of movie : United States of America,
- Language of movie : English,
- Durationof movie : 112 Min
- Average vote of movie : 7.2
- Youtube ID of movie : i3_gKCX4Cik
- Translation of movie : EN,ZH,DE,RU,NL,ES,IT,FR,HU,SV,BG,HE,PL,PT,DA,TR,EL,CS,TH,FI,HR,NO,RO,
- Actors of movie :Seth Rogen (Morton Schmidt), Richard Grieco (Dennis Booker), Eddie J. Fernandez (Scarface), Peter Stormare (Big Meat), Wyatt Russell (Benji), Johnny Pemberton (Delroy), Caroline Aaron (Annie Schmidt), Jonah Hill (Schmidt), Amber Stevens (Maya), Jillian Bell (Brandi), Joe Chrest (David Schmidt), Rob Riggle (Mr. Walters), Channing Tatum (Jenko), Dave Franco (Eric Molson), Bill Hader (Culinary School Villain), Queen Latifah (Mrs. Dickinson), Anna Faris (Anna (30 Jump Street: Flight Academy)), Ice Cube (Captain Dickson), Patton Oswalt (MC State Professor), Dax Flame (Zack), Jimmy Tatro (Rooster), Marc Evan Jackson (Dr. Murphy), Dustin Nguyen (Vietnamese Jesus), Nick Offerman (Deputy Chief Hardy)
They're not 21 anymore2294449
Movie plot of 22 Jump Street :Download full 22 Jump Street in Top Video Format with movie synopsis "After making their way through high school (twice), big changes are in store for officers Schmidt and Jenko when they go deep undercover at a local college. But when Jenko meets a kindred spirit on the football team, and Schmidt infiltrates the bohemian art major scene, they begin to question their partnership. Now they don't have to just crack the case - they have to figure out if they can have a mature relationship. If these two overgrown adolescents can grow from freshmen into real men, college might be the best thing that ever happened to them." in top video format. Download full 22 Jump Street in HD Quality by push of the download link.
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Producer : Jonah Hill, Editor : Keith Brachmann, Director : Chris Miller, Director of Photography : Tyler Allison, Screenplay : Rodney Rothman, Editor : David Rennie, Producer : Neal H. Moritz, Screenplay : Oren Uziel, Story : Michael Bacall, Production Design : Steve Saklad, Director : Phil Lord, Camera Department Manager : Tyler Allison, Screenplay : Michael Bacall, Story : Jonah Hill, Producer : Channing Tatum, Original Music Composer : Mark Mothersbaugh, Director of Photography : Barry PetersonOf course, now you can watch movie connected with
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Tags: aftercreditsstinger, duringcreditsstinger,
By: holden,
on 10/10/2015
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- Original Title : Chloe and Theo
- Movie title in your country : Chloe and Theo
- Year of movie : 2015
- Genres of movie : Drama,
- Status of movie : Released
- Release date of movie : 2015-01-01
- Companies of movie :
- Countries of movie :
- Language of movie :
- Durationof movie : 112 Min
- Average vote of movie : 6.5
- Youtube ID of movie :
- Translation of movie : EN,ES,DE,
- Cast of movie :Christopher Backus (), Mira Sorvino (), Dakota Johnson (Chloe)
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By: holden,
on 10/9/2015
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Release The ABCs of Death 2 in Best Look.
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watch full The ABCs of Death 2 in best look with duration 125 Min and has been aired on 2014-10-02 with MPAA rating is 31.
- Original Title : The ABCs of Death 2
- Movie title in your country : The ABCs of Death 2
- Year of movie : 2014
- Genres of movie : Horror,
- Status of movie : Released
- Release date of movie : 2014-10-02
- Companies of movie : Magnet Releasing, Drafthouse Films, Timpson Films,
- Countries of movie : United States of America, New Zealand, Canada, Israel, Japan,
- Language of movie : Deutsch, Français, 日本語, Português, العربية, עִבְרִית, English,
- Durationof movie : 125 Min
- Average vote of movie : 5.5
- Youtube ID of movie : u6_3PjQBsdM
- Translation of movie : EN,RU,FR,ES,DE,PL,EL,HU,KO,
- Actors of movie :Ehigiator Joy Nosa (Esaogho (Segment "Legacy")), Jason Edmiston (Andromecles (Segment "Wish")), Eric Jacobus (Assassin (Segment "Amateur")), Alan McKenna (Bob (Segment "Split")), Bryan Connolly ((Segment "P-P-P-P Scary!")), Tess Maury (The Young Girl (Segment "Xylophone")), Michael Isokpan (Prince (Segment "Legacy")), André Hennicke (Klaus (Segment "Roulette")), Nicolas Amer (Grandad (Segment "Grandad")), Richard Hardisty (Grandson (Segment "Grandad")), Aki Morita (Kana Miyazaki (Segment "Ochlocracy")), Sakurako Mizuki (Miyuki (Segment "Youth")), James McDougall ((Segment "Utopia")), Victoria Broom (Miriam (Segment "Split")), Tristan Risk (Yumi (Segment "Torture Porn")), Francisco Barreiro ((Segment "Jesus")), Béatrice Dalle (The Grandmother (Segment "Xylophone")), Michael Dragon Vincent (Monster (Segment "Nexus")), Mark Grossman (Curt (Segment "Vacation")), Lauren Molina (Bride (Segment "Nexus")), Ian Virgo (Fletcher (Segment "Capital Punishment")), Dana Meinrath (Soldier (Segment "Falling")), Julija Steponaitytė (The Girl (Segment "Knell")), Miguel Ángel Muñoz ((Segment "Equilibrium")), Pat Daniel (Himself (Segment "Masticate")), Delphine Roussel ((Segment "Zygote")), Julian Barratt (Peter Toland (Segment "Badger")), Jordan D. Morris (Testee (Segment "Questionnaire")), Jano Badovinac (Casio (Segment "Wish")), Jess Lane (Tester (Segment "Questionnaire")), Sherry Lara (Mama (Segment "Invincible"))
Some people never learn2926810
Movie summary of The ABCs of Death 2 :Free The ABCs of Death 2 in HD Quality with movie synopsis "Taking all that was great from the first installment, ABCs OF DEATH 2 aims to be a wilder, leaner, faster paced and even more entertaining anthology this time around, with a new crop of award-winning, visionary filmmakers from around the globe." in best video format. Download full The ABCs of Death 2 in HD Video by push of the button above.
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Writer : David Chirchirillo, Director : Sylvia Soska, Producer : Sôichi Umezawa, Director : Erik Matti, Writer : Marc Walkow, Writer : Juan Martínez Moreno, Director : Aharon Keshales, Writer : Robert Boocheck, Original Music Composer : Andre Roessler, Writer : Alexandre Bustillo, Director : Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, Producer : Tim League, Writer : Jeremy Gillespie, Writer : Julien Maury, Director : Chris Nash, Director : Jerome Sable, Producer : Mai Nakanishi, Writer : Jim Hosking, Writer : Alejandro Brugués, Director : Marcus Dunstan, Director : Kristina Buozyte, Director : Rodney Ascher, Writer : Jeff Buhler, Director : Hajime Ohata, Writer : Jerome Sable, Producer : Peter Kuplowsky, Director : Jen Soska, Director : Bruno Samper, Director : Dennison Ramalho, Writer : Sylvia Soska, Writer : Jen Soska, Original Music Composer : Isabel Greiwe, Writer : Nicholas Musurca, Producer : Shannon Hanmer, Director : Sôichi Umezawa, Writer : Julian Gilbey, Director : Larry Fessenden, Director : Bill Plympton, Producer : Ant Timpson, Producer : Vitalijus Zukas, Director : Julian Gilbey, Director : Julien Maury, Writer : Sôichi Umezawa, Writer : Hajime Ohata, Director : E.L. Katz, Director : Alexandre Bustillo, Writer : Toby Harvard, Director : Vincenzo Natali, Director : Robert Morgan, Director : Navot Papushado, Producer : Peter MabruccoYes, now you can watch movie of
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Tags: anthology, woman director,
By: holden,
on 10/9/2015
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Full Hotel Transylvania 2 in HD Video.
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watch full Hotel Transylvania 2 in best look with duration 89 Min and has been launched in 2015-09-25 with MPAA rating is 153.
- Original Title : Hotel Transylvania 2
- Movie title in your country : Hotel Transylvania 2
- Year of movie : 2015
- Genres of movie : Comedy, Animation,
- Status of movie : Released
- Release date of movie : 2015-09-25
- Companies of movie : Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation,
- Countries of movie : United States of America,
- Language of movie : English,
- Durationof movie : 89 Min
- Average vote of movie : 7.1
- Youtube ID of movie : OIx8OGeEh9c
- Translation of movie : EN,SK,ES,ZH,BG,FR,SV,CS,HU,PT,RU,HE,PL,NO,TR,DE,RO,ID,DA,EL,IT,KO,
- Cast of movie :Andy Samberg (Jonathan), Adam Sandler (Dracula), Mel Brooks (Vlad), Steve Buscemi (Wayne), Keegan-Michael Key (Murray), Selena Gomez (Mavis), Kevin James (Frank / Frankenstein), Fran Drescher (Eunice), David Spade (Griffin), Sadie Sandler (Winnie (voice))
2510894
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Characters : Genndy Tartakovsky, Writer : Kevin Hageman, Writer : Dan Hageman, Animation : Avner Engel, Animation : Eddie Prickett, Art Department Manager : Andre Medina, Animation : Tony Mecca, Producer : Robert Smigel, Director : Genndy TartakovskyOf course, now you can watch movie connected with
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Tags: magic, mummy, dracula, skeleton, backpacker, frankenstein, wolfman, zombies, invisible man, witches,
By: holden,
on 10/8/2015
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- Original Title : The Trip to Italy
- Movie title in your country : The Trip to Italy
- Year of movie : 2014
- Genres of movie : Comedy, Drama,
- Status of movie : Released
- Release date of movie : 2014-04-25
- Companies of movie : Revolution Films,
- Countries of movie : United Kingdom,
- Language of movie : English,
- Durationof movie : 108 Min
- Average vote of movie : 6.4
- Youtube ID of movie : 55OtglvtXuI
- Translation of movie : EN,PL,ES,FI,ZH,SV,FR,RO,DE,PT,EL,
- Actors of movie :Rosie Fellner (Lucy), Claire Keelan (Emma), Giuseppe Palmieri (Waiter), Flora Villani (Villa Cimbrone Receptionist), Steve Coogan (Steve), Ronni Ancona (Donna), Marta Barrio (Yolanda), Alba Foncuberta Bufil (La Suvera Receptionist), Timothy Leach (Joe), Rob Brydon (Rob), Piero Aprea (Waiter), Rebecca Johnson (Sally)
Anyone for seconds?2967006
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By: holden,
on 10/8/2015
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- Original Title : Sex Tape
- Movie title in your country : Sex Tape
- Year of movie : 2014
- Genres of movie : Comedy,
- Status of movie : Released
- Release date of movie : 2014-07-18
- Companies of movie : Escape Artists, Media Rights Capital, Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE), LStar Capital,
- Countries of movie : United States of America,
- Language of movie : English,
- Durationof movie : 97 Min
- Average vote of movie : 5.5
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- Translation of movie : NL,EN,IT,RU,ES,FR,BG,ZH,DE,HE,DA,HU,EL,PL,PT,FI,TR,CS,SK,UK,SV,RO,KO,
- Actors of movie :Krisztina Koltai (Marta), Nat Faxon (Max), Artemis Pebdani (Kia), Samil Battenfeld (Helper), Rob Lowe (Hank), Randall Park (Edward), Osmani Rodriguez (Principal Rodriguez), Ellie Kemper (Tess), Melvin Brown (Bodyguard), Jolene Blalock (Catalina), Melissa Paulo (Rosie), Jason Segel (Jay), Cameron Diaz (Annie), Celeste Oliva (Doctor), Sebastian Hedges Thomas (Clive), Dave Allen (Mailman), Joe Stapleton (Piper Bros. Executive), Rob Corddry (Robby), Harrison Holzer (Howard), Timothy Brennen (Walt), James Wilcox (Charlie Newhouse (Radio DJ)), Nancy Lenehan (Linda), Kumail Nanjiani (Punit), Jack Black (YouPorn Owner), Alexis Rosasco (Parent), Giselle Eisenberg (Nell), Erin Brehm (Beth)
A movie about a movie they don't want you to see.1956620
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Tags: marriage, comedy, internet, family, sex tape, relationships,
Mary Ann Bernal, author of The Briton and the Dane novels, is an avid history buff whose area of interest focuses on Ninth Century Anglo-Saxon Britain during the Viking Age. While pursuing a degree in business administration, she managed to fit creative writing classes and workshops into her busy schedule to learn the craft, but it would take decades before her “Erik the Viking” novel was ultimately published.
Mary Ann is also a passionate supporter of the United States military, having been involved with letter writing campaigns and other support programs since Operation Desert Storm. She has appeared on The Morning Blend television show hosted by KMTV, the CBS television affiliate in Omaha, and was interviewed by the Omaha World-Herald for her volunteer work. She has also been a featured author on Triangle Variety Radio, The Phil Naessens Show, and The Writers Showcase, and has been interviewed extensively by American and European bloggers.
Mary Ann currently resides in Omaha, Nebraska.
 |
| Author, Mary Ann Bernal |
Today one of Mary Ann's audiobooks is in the spotlight:
The Briton and The Dane, the first book in the trilogy.
 |
| Written by Mary Ann Bernal - Narrated by Sebastian Lockwood |
Synopsis of The Briton and the Dane written by Mary Ann Bernal:
King Alfred the Great has thwarted the Viking threat against his kingdom of Wessex. Signing a treaty with the formidable Danish King Guthrum, he succeeds in pushing the heathen army back to the rolling fens of East Anglia.
An uneasy peace holds sway: The King establishes a standing army under Lord Richard, who takes command of the citadel at Wareham.
Richard and his army are accompanied by his daughter, Gwyneth, an impetuous and reckless young woman – at once striking, intellectually gifted, but dangerously vain and imprudent.
While Richard broods on the Viking threat, Gwyneth falls in love with an enemy prince - only to discover that she has been betrothed to a Saxon warrior twice her age.
Refusing to countenance her grim fate, she flees the fortress, but is soon kidnapped by a Viking warrior and taken to the camp of King Guthrum while Saxon search parties scour the land.
In captivity, a hostage to fortune, and the focus of political intrigue, Gwyneth is submerged in a world of expediency, betrayal and black treachery. Slowly, she realizes the truth is suspect, nothing is what it appears and her reality cannot be trusted.
And all the time, against this background, she desires nothing more than to be reunited with her dashing Danish prince.
*****
In captivity, a hostage to fortune, and the focus of political intrigue, Gwyneth is submerged in a world of expediency, betrayal and black treachery. She realizes the truth is suspect, nothing is what it appears and her reality cannot be trusted.
What readers are saying about The Briton and the Dane written by Mary Ann Bernal (amazon):
~ This book caught my attention right away. It was easy to get swept away into the drama and intrigue. I was amassed over all the deception that took place during those time periods. This book also has a very seductive side which made the story even more captivating and entertaining for me...I love how Mary ann Bernal writes. She is wildly talented and has a real gift for telling a colorful story.
~ Mary Ann Bernal 's foray into 9th Century Britain is a feast for the senses. The history buff part of me appreciates the research done to portray the period with accurate detail of the times. The story teller part of me recognizes the talent and effort displayed in using that historic accuracy to weave a tale of love, honor, treachery and betrayal wrapped in enough intrigue and suspense to satisfy. And, of course, the reader part of me just flat out enjoyed the story.
~ I thoroughly enjoyed the Briton and the Dane. From beginning to end it is filled with romance, treachery, and suspense. I felt as though I could have been right there with Gwyneth and Erik. Mary Ann did a great job of taking the reader back in time to the days of King Alfred with great detail. I did not want to put the book down! She leaves you hanging with anticipation for the sequel.
To hear a sample of The Briton and the Dane please explore the links below!
Step back in time with Mary Ann Bernal
and visit her website
Since we are all good friends, I will tell you a wee secret. About 3 weeks ago I experienced my very first Mojito cocktail.
Wow.
Double wow ... super delicious.
I watched the beautiful waitress create this classic cocktail which was made as follows:
fresh mint and sugar added to cocktail glass and ground together, add a splash of lime juice followed by 2 generous measures of rum, topped with Malterser-sized ice balls and finished off with some soda water.
Listo!
 |
| Our Mojitos |
The result was mouth-watering. I took my time sipping it whilst sitting perched on a rather high bar stool with my good friend, Lu, nattering about goodness knows what as the sun dropped behind the mountains.
 |
| We were somewhere in Spain! |
Perfect. BUT, I wanted to know more ...So I did a bit of digging as only I know best. Here's what I discovered:
- Seemingly, Cuba is the origin of the Mojito (although some folks may debate this!)
- The Mojito is the oldest cocktail in the world, according to intelligent sources, my dad!
- We can trace the Mojito's lineage back to the 16th Century to a similar drink called El Draque after Sir Francis Drake.
- Mint, lime and sugar were added to disguise the harsh rum taste back in the good old days.
- Author, Ernest Hemingway, was a fan of Mojitos (and btw I am a fan of Ernest hemingway!!).
- A Mojito without alcohol is called a Virgin Mojito or a Nojito.
Whilst reading the information about Mojitos is was expressed that this cocktail has a relatively low alcohol content ... Really????
So who'll join me in a Mojito this weekend? Enjoy ...!
Thank you for visiting my blogNgaire x
Taking some time off blogging to spend the hot summer days with my children. Everyone, have a fantastalistic verano and I will be back blogging soon!
Love this song,
enjoy ...
Thank you for visiting my blog,Ngaire x
By: Ngaire Elder,
on 7/18/2014
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About The Author
Mark Barry is the author of many works of fiction including the cult football hooligan novel, Ultra Violence, the seriously reviewed, dark and harrowing romance, Carla, and 2014’s quirky, controversial novel, The Night Porter. He lives in Nottinghamshire and has one son, Matthew, who, so far, shows no sign of following in his father’s literary footsteps – though he does fanatically support Notts County (which is a much more important trait).
Mark is also the proprietor of Green Wizard Publishing, a company dedicated to publishing cutting-edge, innovative, and accessible fiction firmly based in reality. So far, the company has survived for two years in one of the most cutthroat industries on planet Earth – Independent fiction.
The company is there to show that there is a market outside the traditional Independent staples, (romance, erotica, fantasy, thrillers and self- help), and Mark’s work is difficult to pin down to a genre.
His hobbies include listening to rock and heavy metal; horse and greyhound racing; reading fiction/military history and sorting through is ancient comic collection when things get seriously on top.
He hosts the Wizard’s Cauldron dedicated author interview blog, which has so far seen around eighty Independent authors face an interview around The Cauldron. Over a hundred thousand hits have been recorded on the Cauldron and individual interviews have seen two thousand reads, showing that people are interested in the people behind the novels.
The majority of his books are set in either Southwell (“Wheatley Fields”) or Nottingham (“The City”). It is a proud boast that local people who have read his novels can follow the trail of the quirky characters they encounter inside the jacket covers.
 |
| Writer Mark Barry |
Comics, Mark, it has to be asked, what is the attraction of comics?
They are beautiful things, Ngaire, on every dimension. I fell in love with comics when I was six, some Green Lantern comics my dad bought from the corner shop. I read them and read them until they fell to pieces. I can still picture the covers and the context in which I read them.
Have a look at Miller and Sienkiewicz’s Elektra:Assassinfrom 1987. A visual feast and one of the most beautiful comic series ever created. There are so many copies in existence, you can pick them up on e-bay for a couple of quid. Go on, do it. You will understand the attraction of comics the minute you hold, say, issue 3, in your hands. Things of awe inspiring beauty.
Have comics played a major part in your love of reading?
I’ll go further than that. Without comics, I wouldn’t be a reader OR a writer. I went to a barmy school full of lunatics in an era where working class kids had five predestined pathways: Pit, Factory, Army, Sixth form or if you were really thick, Catering College. Education didn’t matter all that much and it was all a question of survival, as my book
Ultra-Violencedemonstrated. So when the English teachers went through the motions and tried spoon-feeding us
Merchant of Venice, or
Far from the Madding Crowd or other Dead White Middle Class Male Fiction, we wouldn’t have it.
Those English lessons were war zones. I learned sentence structure, story, plot, dialogue and climax development entirely from comics like The Avengers, Thor, Iron Man, Master of Kung Fu, Conan The Barbarian, Batman and Green Lantern before moving on to horror novels and then, as I matured, onto Contemporary fiction with Martin Amis etc.
What is the rarest comic in the world? (do you have one in your collection?).
If you mean most valuable, and from superhero comics, it would have to be Detective Comics No 27, the first appearance of Batman, or Action Comics No 1, the first appearance of Superman. Nicholas Cage had to sell his copy of the former recently to pay a tax bill. I think you can go north of a million dollars for this comic so no, I don’t have one. Don’t suppose you have one lying about in that Citadel in Cadiz, do you?
Tell us about the Sandman series, and author Neil Gaiman’s involvement.
I had the pleasure of having a chat with Neil Gaiman on a plane once. A popular author who got his break in comics with Sandmanin the nineties. The monthly comic lasted for six years and seventy issues and, despite its popularity, DC (unusually) cancelled the whole thing when Gaiman decided he had run out of ideas. Gaiman created a plethora of stories in Sandman which covered everything from fairy tale to horror to myth to high fantasy and he invented the character Death in Issue 8, a emo/gothic Grim Reaper girl who is massively popular and collected. Gaiman has gone on to become a massively successful fantasy novelist but he owes the comic medium a huge debt – and he still collects.
What is the best single issue of a comic you have ever read?
Has to be Swamp Thing 45. Possibly the most perfect comic ever created. Alan Moore wrote the story, a chapter in his American Gothic series, which combined horror myths, Hell, the comic apocalypse and a great road trip around America. It’s magnificent, truly epic, and this episode, about haunted houses, set in a mansion of a mad old lady whose family produced the Cambridge repeater rifle in the Old West, is the most perfectly balanced example of a comic in action. Everything works. The plot (high school students get lost in haunted house), the subplots (infidelity, jealousy, geeks and jocks), the context (the haunting devastation inflicted by the rifle itself) and the art, by Stan Woch and brilliant inker Alfredo Alcala, is moody and bleak.
I can read this again and again. It is flawless. It won the Eagle Award that year, a British “Oscar” for comics. I can see why.
The series, incidentally, introduced John Constantine who is about to have his own TV series in the US and was the subject of a film with Keanu Reeves – which wasn’t bad, but wasn’t brilliant either.
With regards to literacy, do you think it would be beneficial to introduce graphic novels to Secondary school education to try and encourage teenagers to read?
Absolutely. I think it is essential. Comics kick start an interest in literacy and as you know, Ngaire, teenage boys in particular are reluctant readers. Comics are now known as comic books and they are highly respectable media in countries like France and Japan. They don’t have the apocalyptic reading problems we do either. Young people read in Paris and Kyoto. Here, young boys are not just reluctant but anti. Why not try graphic novels? I order graphic novels from Southwell Library by the dozen to keep up with the comic world and they are superb. There are brilliant graphic novels outside the superhero genus including Maus by Art Spiegelman, which, in the same manner of Orwell’s Animal Farm, analogizes the Holocaust using mice. It’s different class.
Neil Gaiman and Dave McKean wrote several graphic novels including Violent Cases (that I lost a while ago), which are so accessible and educative in terms of vocabulary, plot, dialogue and story-telling, kids would be reading in no time.
Pupils should all have a copy of Watchmen or Sandman in graphic novel form. However, after listening to Michael Gove and his plan to eliminate Of Mice and Men from the syllabus in favour of a more traditionally “British” archive, like Dickens and Shakespeare, (excuse me while I yawn, Ngaire), I doubt it will happen (despite Watchmen, one of the greatest graphic novels of all time being written by two articulate Britons who both credit comics with improving their literacy as kids).
Who introduced you to comics?
My dad was a contractor, which meant he disappeared for weeks on end to the far flung corners of the country. He used to come home with comics and Matchbox cars. He used to buy war comics, such as Battle Library, War and Commando, comics so poorly and cheaply constructed they fell to pieces after two reads. He also paid for the newsagents down the road to deliver any two comics per week.
For six years, I received the Avengers(in British reprints) every Saturday morning along with a British comic such as Warlord, Victor, Hotspur and/or Whizzer and Chips. I remember having the first thirty Action comics, an exploitative read so bloody and violent it was eventually banned. My dad had no clue I was reading this. Loved that comic, but it was always the Marvel and DC comics I loved and began to collect as I got older.
Do you like the X-Men?
I think the films are bollocks – Is Wolverine the most overrated character of all time? - but the comic was fantastic when Claremont and Byrne worked on it together. They turned a minor, largely unpopular team on the verge of cancellation and recently cast into reprint hell, into an iconic allegory of teenage angst and rebellion set against the backdrop of a vengeful, racist, violent, authoritarian and prejudicial society. The creators predicted the future in many ways, while they created a must-have comic, possibly the last great “collector” comic before the near fatal implosion of the nineties. I was lucky enough to buy Uncanny X-Men at cover price before they became massively popular.
I have some gaps, but I collected 96-172. Pointless asking how much they are worth as I would never sell, but 101 for example, the first appearance of Phoenix, is worth over one hundred pounds on some e-bay affiliates. I read them again recently but they have dated quite badly – Chris Claremont could micro-describe for Canada and there are few wordier comics as a result. But this is where it began so they will always be in demand.
If you could transform into a character from one of your favourite comics, who would it be and why?
The Warlock of 1977. Love that hero. I have the complete run of the Warlock epic from the late seventies. It’s an incredible saga written by the genius that is Jim Starlin. Supposedly plotted after he and friend, comic writer Steve Englehart, dropped a tab of acid in Greenwich Village, Warlock is one of the finest examples of why comics and literacy are intertwined. The hero is flawed, confused, noble, vulnerable, dangerous, occasionally murderous and possibly insane. The supporting cast (including Thanos, Drax and Gamora, who are all involved in the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy film), has never been equalled in terms of longevity, outside those of Superman and Batman. But it’s the story itself – a work of pure genius which culminates in a massive battle between The Avengers, Thanos and Warlock that is cinematic beyond reason. The last few panels still have the capacity to turn me into a ten year old crybaby. Marvel should turn this into a film – it would be the best ever. Warlock was ten, maybe twenty years ahead of its time and without it, Watchmen, Elektra and Dark Knight could never have existed, yet insufficient readers bought Warlock – it was thought too complex – and it was cancelled.
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| Mark Barry as Warlock! |
Connect with Mark Barry, aka Wiz Green, on Twitter
AND HERE,
Thank you for visiting my blog,
Ngaire x
I have been waiting for the release of TY THE BULL for a few months. When I first heard about TY THE BULL from Brenda Perlin I knew this was a book which would make the bestseller list.The book could be described as 'faction' and takes the reader, with heart-wrenching detail, through Rex's experience of divorce and bullying.Bullying I hate!No doubt we have all had a brush with bullying; directly or indirectly. To watch your child being bullied, to witness the effects the relentless bullying has upon him, to see the light slowly disappear from his eyes ... your heart breaks and never quite repairs. "Everything seemed to fall apart for Ty when his parents got a divorce. At his wits end after being bullied endlessly, he started to ditch school. It wasn't until he met up with a skater named Peacock that things somehow turned around and he put the pieces of his life back together.”
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| Rex Baugham |
A few words from author, Brenda Perlin:
"I worked with Rex on Ty the Bull wanting to keep everything organic and honest as possible. There were moments where the words did not come out naturally. It was so close to home that at times just talking about it all hurt.
After a while that hurt turned into strength. It seems Rex has become empowered with the notion of sharing his story with the hopes of helping others. His big thing he wanted to get across was that NONE of us are alone.
I have seen this young man grow up during this process and has actually turned his negative thinking around. Even his little bracelet business has given him the drive and the confidence to know that he can do ANYTHING he sets his mind to. He now talks about wanting to get good grades because he likes when teachers say nice things about him and he plans to one day start his own business. In his own words. “I want to be a business owner and do something that I made and designed myself.”"
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| Courage |
EXCERPT from TY THE BULL by Brenda Perlin, Kim Mutch Emerson and Rex Baugham:
What readers are saying about TY THE BULL (amazon):~
Ty the Bull is an excellent book for both youngsters and adults. The story is told from a kid's perspective so other children can relate to it. That is very important with a subject as sensitive as bullying. Children are not easily fooled. They know when an adult is attempting to write like a 10-year old vs an actual child telling the story. Being short and easy to read is another plus. The story grabs your attention and keeps the reader engaged throughout the narrative.
~ This is a great book for children who are being bullied, but it would benefit all children. It is not only a story with a lesson, the book provides information on resources for those in need. It leaves the reader feeling hopeful. I definitely recommend this one. It would be a great addition to elementary school classrooms, home school classrooms, and libraries.
~ A very touching story of a young boy that has to deal with bullying, Then someone he meets gives him some advice. Read the book it's an inspiration. A very good story of what so many young people go through. The sad thing is a lot of us never know it. She tells it beautiful!! Yay for Ty I'm proud of him.
~ As a writer of YA fiction that deals with bullying, I could go on and on about how well written this books is, blah blah blah. I'll leave that to other reviewers. I read this story as my ten-year-old self. I'm 47 now and I still hear the voices of my bullies in my head, feel that frustration, the self-doubt, the lonliness. I was lucky enough to find my own Peacock at a very young age and with my wits and humor I managed to turn the tables on my childhood bullies on more than one occasion. I wholeheartedly recommend this book be read in every elementary and junior high school in the country. Well done.
Author'S BioS:
Brenda Perlin, K.D. Emerson, and Rex Baughman
Rex Baughman – author, scooter extraordinaire and eleven year old wonder boy.
Thank you for visiting my blog,
Ngaire x
Georgia is the author of
A Single Step the first book in The Grayson Trilogy. The second book,
Before the Dawn, is due to be out late summer and the final book in the Trilogy,
Thicker than Water will be following in the Spring of 2015.
A Single Step is Georgia’s debut novel and she is also new to the indie author world which, whilst being a huge learning experience, she is enjoying very much.
Georgia is very much a country girl and lives with her husband, two mostly grown up children and two scruffy dogs in a wonderful and supportive village in Cambridgeshire, England.
Synopsis of
A Single Step written by Georgia Rose:
Emma Grayson was left devastated when her life was torn apart by tragedy and betrayal. Now someone believes it’s time for her to start again and puts an advert for a job through her door which leads her to the Melton Estate. Despite her desire for a solitary existence she finds herself discovering a life she could never have imagined, challenging her independence, her fears and her resistance to love.
Excerpt of A Single Step written by Georgia Rose:
‘I could feel myself trying to wake up, my head thumping, eyes still closed as I tried to work out what had happened. Obviously I was in hospital – there was no mistaking that smell. I remembered falling. Nothing else. Trying to stir, my body resisted all attempts at movement.
Slowly, slowly, slowly I could feel sensation coming back to me. My head still pounded and as my eyes eventually opened they alighted on Trent, who was sitting in a chair in the corner of the room. His eyes were fixed on me and when he saw I was awake he got up, coming across the room.
“Welcome back,” he said, sounding relieved, “How’re you feeling?”
“Sore,” I replied croakily, my voice sounding hoarse. And that was the truth of it: I had a dull aching pain radiating throughout my body, emanating from my back.
“Regan?” I whispered.
“He’s fine, back in his stable; Carlton’s in charge before you ask.”
I nodded although that movement caused pain to shoot down my neck, “Argh... Good. What’s the damage?”
“You’ve been lucky, although it might not feel like it at the moment. You have a head injury and concussion; your riding hat was smashed. You have extensive bruising across your back and the rest of you is going to be pretty sore for a few days where you hit the ground, but there are no broken bones and no internal injuries so, as I said, you’ve been lucky,” he finished brightly.
I cleared my throat, taking a sip of water from a beaker he passed to me. “That’s good,” I said, speaking more clearly now. Suddenly I had a mental flash of the woman’s flailing arms and I gasped at the memory.
What readers are saying about A Single Step by Georgia Rose (Amazon):
~ I was gripped ... this novel is a fantastic retreat from reality!
~ This book is more than just a love story. The characters are engaging, particularly the two main characters who are complex but essentially good people who have just had a raw deal in the past. The author has also done a good job of cranking up the suspense ... plenty of intrigue ... leaves the reader wanting to find out more. There is definitely scope for lots of revelations in the forthcoming two other parts of the trilogy.
~ I couldn't put my kindle down whilst reading this book! A brilliant plot that keeps you guessing until the very end ... a fab novel with all the romance you could want and numerous twists to keep you on the edge of your seat; a real page turner! I can't wait for the next book!
To find out more about author, Georgia Rose, and her writing world, visit her blog and follow her on Twitter.
Thank you for visiting my blog,
Ngaire x
By: Ngaire Elder,
on 6/20/2014
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The Pet Washer Series,
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Please welcome bestselling children's author, Jennifer Lynn Alvarez, to my blogspot today.
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| Author, Jennifer Lynn Alvarez |
Jennifer received a degree in English literature from UC Berkeley. She blogs about her books and the publishing business and speaks regularly at schools about creative writing. Jennifer lives on a small ranch in Northern California with her husband, three children, and their horses. When writing her books, Jennifer draws on her lifelong love of animals for inspiration.
SYNOPSIS of The Pet Washer written by Jennifer Lynn Alvarez :
What happens when a vacationing tween princess befriends the local pet washer?
Meet the pet washer! Fourteen-year-old Cianna works overtime at The Royal Pet Palace and Day Spa. Here, animals are cleaned, massaged, bedazzled, and dyed to match the outfits of their masters. Cianna is blind and can detect hundreds of odors both fair and foul. This makes her popular with the royal families because she invents medicinal shampoos, flea treatments, pet foods, and toothpastes to keep their pets as healthy as they are clean.
Meet the princess! Twelve-year-old Polly owns the finest dresses, the fastest horses, lives in the largest castle, and has the prettiest friends in the seven kingdoms. When one of the dancers in her Spring Festival performance becomes ill, Polly befriends Cianna to take her place.When blind Cianna is thrown into the glamorous lifestyle of the royals, she can't see what all the fuss is about. As they prepare for the Spring Dance their choices lead to disaster for one girl and triumph for the other, and both girls' lives are changed forever.
Excerpt from The Pet Washer by Jennifer Lynn Alvarez:
A DOOR OPENED, releasing a sliver of light and a small girl onto a darkened street. The girl, bundled in a thick jacket, stepped onto the sidewalk. She shut the door behind her, blackening the street once more. Cianna shivered. Spring mornings were cold in the port town of Flores, and she was up and out before the sun today. The salty breeze off the Borgan Sea ruffled her long red hair.
Cianna extended her cane and headed north toward Port Street. The dark morning didn’t bother her; she’d been born blind. Cianna was already ticking off the things she needed to do at work. It was spring, the busiest time of year for the pet washers in Flores. Cianna was low on pet shampoo and ear cleaner. Since she didn’t use store-bought products, she’d have to mix up two batches before the Pet Palace opened at eight.
Cianna knew the way to work by heart. She’d memorized every uneven step on the sidewalk, every protruding porch, every signpost. She mindlessly swept her cane ahead of her, a long-standing habit ingrained by her father, even though he wasn’t watching her now.
Cianna reached Port Street and turned left. She heard a pair of carriage horses trot past her. It was the morning newspaper delivery. Cianna sniffed the air. Flowers were in full bloom, coffee was brewing somewhere, rough smoke filtered out of the chimneys, and the smell of hay and horses lingered heavily near the town stable.
When Cianna arrived at work, the owner, Mr. Talley, was already there and the front door was unlocked. She slipped upstairs to her washing room, hung up her coat, and tied on her apron. She opened her jars of ingredients, and dove into the long workday ahead of her. Cianna had no idea that, within a few hours, a chance meeting and the color of her hair would change her life forever.
What readers are saying about The Pet Washer (amazon):
~ Gave this to my niece last night and she is already almost done! She cannot put it down! Love seeing my beautiful Ally so engrossed in a book! Makes my heart smile! Great author! Cant wait for her next book!
~ This is a very cleverly and well written fantasy story with a modern day moral. This author seems so well versed in the lives of horses, in aromatherapies, and in the life of a person without sight that her book becomes alive with aromas, sights, and surrounding pets. The lessons are not too obtuse for most children, nor so blatant that they distract from the tale. The author is quite imaginative in her ideas and I certainly look forward to future books.
~ The book was well written and with excellent description. My 9 and 12 years old girls were intrigued by the story line, and looked forward to every chapter. The story was sweet,delightful and sends a great message. We are all looking forward for the next book to come out. This book is recommended for boys and girls of all ages.
~ Beautifully written! Such a sweet story about two very different girls, their lives and friendship. The end is very exciting and holds an important message for all of us. Great for all ages!
To find out more about author, Jennifer Lynn Alvarez, and her writing, please visit her websites.
Click on image.
Thank you for visiting my blog,
Ngaire x
By: Ngaire Elder,
on 6/16/2014
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What is it about blog hops, I simply cannot resist joining in!I find them fun and a great medium to let fans know what is going on in one's writing world.Bestselling children's author, Jennifer Lynn Alvarez, tagged me in her recent blog hop and I leaped at the opportunity to share what's going on in my life as a scribbler.
So here goes:
1) What are you working on?
Well, I am between writing projects at the moment. I have just completed the next book in my A-Z picture book series which takes the young adventurer on a fantastic African safari.My daughter, Fearn, will be illustrating this book and it will be published in ebook and paperback format Spring 2015.
This week I am making a start to book 4 in Cecilia Spark's adventures. Again, I hope to publish book 4 in spring 2015. 2) How does your work differ from others in your genre
Cecilia Spark’s adventures will take children to new worlds deep in their imagination. The stories touch on the emotional, behavioural and real-life challenges young people will most likely face as they grow up.
I love the research stage for Cecilia Spark’s adventures and I endeavor to base parts of the story on real places; magical and unique locations in our world. In book 2 – The Adventures of Cecilia Spark: the Mystical Mountains of Terra – one place I was drawn to whilst researching for this adventure was the mangroves in Brazil, in particular the Bahia region, and the lake scene at the Mystical Mountains, was inspired by Lake Baikal in Russia.
Given this I believe every child that reads a Cecilia Spark adventure will not only enjoy the thrills and spills but will also learn about the world we live in and the importance of friendship.
My work is illustrated by Peter Maddocks and his interpretation of the story through his illustrations adds a new perspective, a story within a story. This was once a very common device in children's literature and it is now coming back into fashion.
3) Why do you write what you write?
My aim is to inspire children to read and motivate them to explore the great outdoors. I do this by creating a magical world of rivers and forests and mountains, populated with animals big and small. The adventures are bursting with thrills and spills, with a humorous streak running through each chapter. I hope to inspire their imagination and encourage them to get outside and learn more for themselves, or at least, to pick up a book about the natural world in which they live.
I believe we need to teach our children to take better care of our world than we have. The human race has systematically ravaged and depleted many beauties of the natural world. In fact, one of the characters in book 2 of my children’s series is named after a sub-species of tiger that is now extinct, Turan.
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| Illustration of Caspian Tigers |
I am a passionate supporter of animal conversation and have involved Cecilia Spark in a Big Cat Nap campaign. All profits
from the sale of my children's books
bought during the month
of
June 2014
will be donated to
the Born Free Foundation
in support of their
BIG CAT NAP 2014 CAMPAIGN.
4) Describe your writing process?
Oh my goodness, my writing process, where do I start ...?
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| Note pad for Dragon's Star! |
... the traditional way - note pad and pencil; lovely sharp pencils, 2HBs in abundance!
I write and write and write using one side of the note pad for the story and the other for notes and any amendments ... wee drawings and lists and bullet-point reminders are a regular entry in the note pad.
Once a chapter has been completed I type it up on the PC; I don't tend to do any editing until the story is finished.
I try my hardest to leave it for a week or two then read over it for typos, flow, dialogue, etc etc etc. I can often be found hiding in my filing cabinet since I find this the most daunting part of publishing a book!
Once happy with the final draft ... my wonderful editor, Mary Ann Bernal, gets to do her thing!
That's it from me. I hope you take the time to visit the other blogs that I have linked into this post.Thank you for visiting my blog.Ngaire x
I like to natter about books, especially ones I have read or indeed have been written by a writer whose work I am familiar with.
Terry Tyler was introduced to me via the pages of one of her great novels - her short story compilation, Nine Lives. I adore Terry's books (I am currently reading Dream On). Her writing is absorbing and fresh, her characters are real, gosh so very real, and her dialogue, wow, it is flawless. This girl can write, even in pajamas! Don't believe me ...? (link at bottom of feature).
I heard about KINGS AND QUEENS, Terry's recently published novel, through a friend who read it and describe it as her best book to date!
Eager to find out for myself, and share it with everyone, I asked Terry if KINGS AND QUEENS could come out to play for a royal banquet!
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| Author, Terry Tyler |
Terry Tyler writes books about "relationships, not just romance". She is known for creating very real characters, and for the unguessable twists in her plots. Her eighth book published on Amazon is Kings and Queens, an unusual take on the story of Henry VIII and his six wives; history is mirrored in her modern day tale of property developer Harry Lanchester and the six women in his life. She will soon be starting the sequel, which is about Harry's three children. She is currently writing a novella with a ghostly edge, for release this summer.
Synopsis of KINGS AND QUEENS, tells of the life and loves of charismatic Harry Lanchester, which just happen to mirror the story of Henry VIII and his six wives. All the passion and suspense of the Tudor court, but set in modern times.
Harry’s realm is his South of England property developing company, Lanchester Estates, while his ‘wives’ are the twentieth century sisters of their historic counterparts: Anne Boleyn is reincarnated as the equally intriguing Annette Hever, and Henry VIII’s fifth wife with the risqué past, Catherine Howard, lives again in 1999 as Keira Howard, a former lap dancer.
The saga is narrated by each of the six women, in turn, interspersed with short chapters from the point of view of Harry’s lifelong friend, Will Brandon.
Don’t worry if you know nothing of this period in history – "Kings and Queens" can be enjoyed as a contemporary family drama, very much in the vein of Ms Tyler’s previous novels. Readers with an interest in the Tudors, though, will pick up on many similarities, references and metaphors, some quite amusing. For those non-Tudor fanatics who would like a brief look at the life of Henry VIII before reading, the author has included, in the Kindle book, a link to a mini-biography on her blog. Have a listen whilst you read more!
EXCERPT from
KINGS AND QUEENS written by Terry Tyler:
Here is a very brief excerpt from ‘Kings and Queens’. It’s in the first part of Annette Hever’s chapter ~ Annette is my modern day Anne Boleyn. She has just come home after living in France for a few years; prior to her attracting Henry VIII’s eye, Anne Boleyn had spent time at the French court of Francis I.
We’ve always been close, Mary, Greg and I; close in age, too, with Mary the eldest and me the youngest. The thought of being at home with them again while, oh cliché to end all clichés, I decided what to do with the rest of my life, felt like the best plan I’d ever had. This time, I would learn from my mistakes and, for once in my life, allow my head to rule my heart.
Right.
I have a passionate and impetuous nature; it has always got me into trouble.
Alas, my sensible plans went out of the window when I met Harry Lanchester.
Daddy had told me how he intended to get Mary’s boss to chuck in with him on his latest dodgy idea. I was used to his schemes by now, so nothing surprised me. I knew of Lanchester Estates, of course, as it was one of the largest employers in the area and their name was everywhere, but that was all. I’d never seen Harry, so I didn’t know, then, how flattered and helpless Mary must have been when he singled her out for attention.
“Yes, shame he’s married, he would have made a rather handy son in law!” Daddy said. “Couldn’t you have tried harder to hold on to him, Mary?” He laughed when he said this, but it was typical of my dear father to be not shocked that his daughter had had an affair with a married man, but disappointed he hadn’t been able to take advantage of it.
“Hardly likely,” Greg said. “She was only one of many, from what I hear!”
“Really?” I’ve always found philanderers interesting; it’s the challenge, you see. Not in bedding them, that’s the easy bit. The challenge comes in holding their interest – and, of course, they’re usually more than averagely attractive.
“I wonder if you might be able to lure him in, instead, sweetheart?” Daddy said to me, and although I told him not to be so silly and we all laughed about it, I had the feeling he was only half joking. Possibly even less than half.
What readers are saying about KINGS AND QUEENS by Terry Tyler (Amazon):~
Fans of Terry Tyler will witness all her usual trademarks. Crystal clear, economical writing with almost no digression or allusion - an almost journalistic, no-nonsense brevity laced with cunning humour and a jaundiced eye. Relationships are dissected and discussed and detailed. The cast are characterised deeply and logically. Readers can make their minds up who they root for and who they want in the stocks, metaphorically speaking...NO complaints at all. It's a proper novel; innovative, fun, clever, dramatic, absorbing and everything we have come to expect from Terry. I for one shall be buying the sequel. Well done, Terry!
~ Altogether, this was an enthralling story, and all the more fascinating for the in-depth historical research Terry Tyler has clearly done. She even includes the 'French invasion' in a totally plausible style! It is skilfully crafted and very well-written, and I was hooked all the way through. I almost feel it should be required reading for school children studying the Tudors as it puts the stories in context in a very accessible way...Well done to Terry Tyler for a compulsive, deeply researched and gripping contemporary drama!~
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it. The whole idea was well thought out and executed by Tyler with it being a modern day story based on Henry VIII and his wives but with enough differences for it to still have individuality. For someone like me who has a rather tenuous grip on historical facts there were enough links through the names used and the happenings in the politics of the modern day office to see the relationship between the two stories and I thought the progression through the events was beautifully handled...I’m hoping Tyler already has plans for a sequel as I would definitely be interested in reading her take on the futures of some of these characters.~
To undertake a modern reworking of a theme requires research, skill and courage (not necessarily in that order). This is not the literary version of fast food, nor a Sunday night supper on front of the box. What we have here is a multi-course banquet with a host of different textures tastes and smells. Its complexity begs you to slow down and savour each paragraph while exciting you for the following chapter. There are more twists and turns than a bendy road.Guessing the means of delivery, of the already-known fate, of six wives, is dashed not once, not twice, but every time! This is not a simple Kindle-Indy published by an amateur, but a professional work that heralds the arrival of a serious novelist who can share a table with the very best, both past and present.
To find out more about author, Terry Tyler visit her blog
and connect on twitter:
Recent interviews:
Thank you for visiting my blog,Ngaire x
By: Ngaire Elder,
on 6/6/2014
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Geoffrey West is a freelance journalist/editor/proofreader and also author of nonfiction and fiction books. His books are traditionally published and self-published.
Currently Geoffrey is working on the third book in his JACK LOCKWOOD MYSTERY SERIES. He writes a regular blog about general issues, and another one entitled THE JACK LOCKWOOD DIARIES, which has regular short stories featuring Jack Lockwood (the protagonist in the novels), usually a new one every fortnight or so.
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| Author, Geoffrey West |
After reading Geoffrey's interview at the Wizard's Cauldron I knew I wanted to spotlight one of his books; after all he's a Columbo fan! I was delighted, Geoffrey had accepted the invitation for a blog appearance, and I skipped round the garden in my ruby-red slippers until sundown!Geoffrey chose to have Rock 'n' Roll Suicide spotlighted, his action packed thriller/mystery, the first novel in the Jack Lockwood Mystery Series.Synopsis of Rock 'n' Roll suicide:Whilst researching the suicide of rock queen Maggi O’Kane in 1980, ex-criminal profiler Dr Jack Lockwood discovers evidence suggesting that she and her band were murdered to suppress facts she found out about John Lennon’s assassination.
Excerpt from Rock 'n' Roll Suicide written by Geoffrey David West:
The underground train lurched sideways as I stood hanging onto the strap, sending me and the tall black man beside me hurtling almost to our knees. His conspiratorial smile froze as we smelt the fire.
At first I’d thought the carriage’s unexpected stop was a temporary impediment to my plan to take the tube to London Bridge, then the train home to Brookham. Outside the window the words OXFORD CIRCUS laughed at me, the truculent face of Tom Cruise advertising his latest film on the white-tiled wall beyond the glass, seemingly an inch from my nose. The fire was a faint cloying acridness on the air. Which got much worse after the swoosh-clonk-banging sound of the opening doors.
Someone screamed. The movement and bustle caused a girl beside the open door to almost fall into the gap between platform and floorboards, but at the last second she was hauled back to safety, muttering her terrified Thank Yous. Immediately afterwards those nearest the door began to spill out on to the platform, everyone else following. I was a few feet from the exit when we were plunged into blackness.
A few were crammed onto the narrow platform, the rest of us trapped in the carriage.
“What the hell?” someone yelled.
“Electrics tripped out – we’re lucky the doors opened in time.”
A forest of mobile phone displays came alive, illuminating the faces of other commuters, their clothes, and our feet shuffling forwards. We were moving with a single purpose, as everyone instinctively realised the urgency of escape.
The phones lit our way as we stumbled on. Wafts of smoke were carried along in the air, and I felt a wave of heat stroke the throng of people, a caress of sheer terror. I could only catch fractured glimpses of the arms and legs and torsos of those around me, packed tightly together as we were. At last we were on the platform, and I was crushed up beside a man with designer stubble and powerful aftershave, and a short-haired fiftyish woman whose red face was slick with perspiration. Both of them were as concentrated as I was in following the crowd along the platform to the exits.
What readers are saying about Rock'n'Roll Suicide written by Geoffrey West (Amazon):~
This book is full of twists and turns, and action packed scenes that will induce nail biting.The story is told in the first person, from Jack Lockwood's perspective. It is not only a great crime thriller, but also very insightful about the human psyche, betrayal, friendship, loneliness, relationships, and other such matters. The descriptive quality of the narrative is such that the reader can easily imagine the sights and sounds, which makes the nail biting scenes even more thrilling! This is part one of a series of books. Chapter One of the second book is included at the end.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good suspense thriller.
~ West’s well written descriptions of his settings, situations and characters are beautiful and realistic. Jack Lockwood is very likeable and I quickly found myself caring about what happened to him – and a lot did. I won’t give any spoilers but he’s had terrible problems in the past and I found myself having great empathy with his struggles through this book...This story is written with a great deal of knowledge and skill, it kept me guessing right to the end and even when I thought I’d worked it out there was another twist – brilliant!
~ This book is refreshingly different from the usual types of crime thriller. The author skilfully blends past and present, fact and fiction in a story which has so many unexpected twists and turns that it keeps the reader guessing right to the end. Almost every chapter ends in a 'cliff hanger', egging you on to turn the page to see what happens next. The main characters are finely drawn, particularly the central character, Jack Lockwood, whose many flaws make him far more believable than the typical steely-eyed, square jawed, infallible crime thriller hero. This guy can really write!
Thank you for visiting my blog,
Ngaire x
As you know Cecilia Spark supports animal protection and conservation and is a massive fan of elephants, lions and tigers, to name but a few! She wanted to do something for charity and had a wee chat with me. Cecilia Spark came up with a
fantastalistic idea.
Here is what she suggested:
All profits
from the sale of my children's books
bought during the month of
June 2014
will be
donated to the
Born Free Foundation
in support of their
2014 BIG CAT NAP Campaign.
The following books qualify:The Adventures of Cecilia Spark: Brimstone Forest
The Adventures of Cecilia Spark: the Mystical Mountains of Terra
The Adventures of Cecilia Spark: Dragon's Star
My Nature Friends
All sales count - ebook, audiobook or paperback.
Did you know:There are probably less than 30,000 lions left in the wild, chiefly threatened by human-lion conflict and ineffective wildlife management. The situation is particularly serious in West and Central Africa, where the unique regional sub-species is vanishing. Dr Hans Bauer, a lion biologist working for WildCRU at the University of Oxford, supported by Born Free, is working with governments in the region to protect these highly endangered lion populations.
How your money could help:- £5 could buy a vitamin boost for a rescued lion
- £7 could fund a tiger protection officer for a day
- £10 could feed a rescued cheetah cub for two days
- £25 could buy binoculars to help a warden protect wild tigers
- £40 could buy a rescued lion’s food for a week
A message from Born Free about the Big Cat Nap:
"The Big Cat Nap is an awareness and fundraising week for our work with big cats, those that are in danger in the wild plus those that need to be rescued and given a lifetime of care."
Why not take a photo of yourself reading one of Cecilia Spark's books and share it with us and your family and friends on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the #BigCatNap hashtag? We will select our favourite one to use to promote next year’s Big Cat Nap!
MAKE A DIFFERENCE TODAY,
BUY A BOOK - THE PROFITS WILL HELP
SAVE A LION, CHEETAH OR TIGER!
LINKS FOR PURCHASING my children's books:
If you want to find out more about Born Free's fantastic conservation work visit their website.I will let you know how much money we raised for Born Free's BIG CAT NAP. Thank you for your support and for visiting my blog,
Ngaire x
Cecilia Spark is getting ready to launch her BIG fundraiser
for the Born Free Foundation in support of the BIG CAT
NAP WEEK 2014.
Details will be published tomorrow, Friday 30th May!
Beat the rush and sign-up now for the BIG CAT NAP WEEK- just by signing up you will be
showing your support – easy!
Big Cat Fact:
There may have been as many as 100,000 tigers at the turn of the 20th Century, but their number had already halved by the 1940s. By 2010, the Year of the Tiger, 3,500 remained, some 1,400 of those in India.
The Born Free Foundation’s tiger sanctuary is set within a private part of Bannerghatta National Park, in the southern Indian state of Karnataka.
Here, in one-hectare enclosures with large pools, the tigers can live out their lives in peace with some degree of dignity and freedom that they had previously been denied.
(source Born Free)
Thank you for visiting my blog,
Ngaire x
Cecilia Spark is getting ready to launch her BIG fundraiser
for the Born Free Foundation in support of the BIG CAT
NAP WEEK 2014, details coming soon.
Beat the rush and sign-up now - just by signing up you will be
showing your support – easy!
Big Cat Fact:Keeping wildlife in the wild - lions rescued from around the world, who have been kept in horrendous conditions. Born Free give them a second lease of life!
Thank you for visiting my blog,Ngaire x
By: Ngaire Elder,
on 5/27/2014
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Cecilia Spark is getting ready to launch her BIG fundraiser
for the Born Free Foundation in support of the BIG CAT
NAP WEEK 2014, details coming soon.
Beat the rush at sign-up now - just by signing up you will be
showing your support – easy!
Big Cat Fact:
Over the last two decades, Africa has lost between 30 and
50% of its lions and today far fewer than 32,000 animals
remain. |
(c) Angeline Swann
|
Thank you for visiting my blog,Ngaire x
I was guaranteed a year's supply of chocolate by terrific writer and delightful chocoholic, Terry Tyler, if I joined this sweet blog-hop. So here I am blogging and hopping about chocolate and books. Well, I suppose it is better than yodelling with my ferret and tossing the spurtle at the haggis!
Blow a kiss Terry's way and visit her fantastic blog PS she hides her chocolate in the broom cupboard!
Okay, serious stuff now ... Favourite reads to buddy with a special chocolaty treat.
As a child my favourite book was The Blown Away Rabbit by Enid Blyton.
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| This was the edition I had! |
This story filled my imagination with ideas which I knew were positively real. To ponder over how I could fly like the Blown Away Rabbit I chose Rolos to nibble on. How many umbrellas did I ruin in my attempts to fly ...? I have no idea.
And of course, the rabbit always got my last Rolo!
My next choice from an extremely long list of best-loved books is
Dickens' Christmas Carol. And what could match my choice of Terry's Chocolate Orange to accompany this classic.
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| My Christmas treat! |
'
The phantom slowly, gravely, silently approached' opening line to Last of the Spirits (
love adverbs).
Coming back to the 21st Century we visit
Mark Barry's The Night Porter. I have read this book twice and loved it both times. This is what I have to say about The Night Porter:
"A unique novel – real writing. Full of punches, kicks and honesty.Mark Barry writes how he sees it and leaves no stone unturned. His writing is flawless and continues to draw the reader in with his exceptional style. Mr Barry is perhaps the most daring of contemporary fiction writers and THE NIGHT PORTER is, to date, his most ‘avant-garde’ novel.I won’t tell you what the story is about, buy this book and read it for yourself, but one thing for sure, it will leave you thinking … Who’d I compare his work to … Dickens, Faulks, Amis … this man can write! "
 |
| Love snapping them! |
Minty Matchmakers would be my choice of choci-treat to chisel at whilst absorbed in the pages of this enthralling read.
Another firm favourite of mine is
The Briton and the Dane: Concordia written by Mary Ann Bernal.
An epic adventure which you travel with Concordia from Anglo-Saxon Britain to the shores of Muslim Hispania. Intrigue, betrayal, lust, hatred and loyalty ... and the ending, wow, what an ending! Turkish Delight a pure pleasure to sample whilst taking a step back in time.
Now for a perfect compilation,
Nine Lives by Terry Tyler, is a w
onderful collection of short stories touching on emotions such as love, jealousy, greed, revenge and infidelity. Terry writes with a directness that is filled with compassion; the realness of her style absorbs the reader into the pages of her book.Nine Lives was my introduction to Terry's work and I am pleased to say I will be visiting her book shelf to read more of her outstanding stories. So a Malteser would be my perfect companion to pop in my mouth, okay a box of Maltesers would be a far better deal!
And to finish with, I choose
Burly and Grum and the Secret City by Kate Tenbeth, which I adored.
Meeting the fantastic duo, Burly and Grum, is a treat all children will enjoy. Ms Tenbeth has created an absorbing adventure, full of fabulous description and delightful illustrations. When I read this with my children, we picked Munchies to share and enjoy.
 |
| Pure pleasure ....! |
If anyone wants to join in with the Chocolate and Books Blog Hop, then leave a comment below.
Thank you for visiting my blog,Ngaire x
Today, I am excited to have artist, Monika Mori, pay me a visit. I have followed Monika for a few years after discovering her free-spirited art on a popular networking site. Let me introduce you to the artist, Monika Mori ...
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| Artist, Monika Mori |
Monika Mori, known as the artist MOO, works with bold colours and strokes, allowing free elements of drips and dashes to bisect her canvases. Her works are highly expressive – she has always wanted the world to hear what she has to say, and these artistic communications embody her emotions, experiences and her delight at the interaction with colour.
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| Graue Rosen werden bluehen - MORI-ART | MOO |
For Monika colour is liberating. Only through art can one mediate the unspeakable, so this allows for a greater freedom within a work. It is a language unto itself and there is merit to all interpretations. The subtle earth palette glows from the surface of the canvas and illuminates the striking dripped forms. Their uneven linear progress forms crowds, forests, circuitry – they travel and lead us on through the painting and beyond. The strength of these paintings reflects the strength of Monika herself, and the intensity of the message she has to convey.
Monika, thank you for joining me today. Let’s get the formalities out of the way. Tell us a little about yourself.
Well, I am an Austrian, currently working and living in Maria Enzersdorf close to Vienna, my favourite city in Austria.
What is your favourite painting media?
This depends on my mood but mostly I take acrylics and stretched canvas. I love to experiment with all that´s around me like wood, paper, newspapers, linen and many more. To apply nail lacquer, water colour, spray paint, markers, ink or wall paint is always a fantastic way of creating.
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| Aspen - MORI-ART | MOO |
Have you ever used a human body as a base to apply your art? If not, would you consider it, and what image would you paint?
No, I haven't and can´t imagine doing this because there is need for an abundance of patience and to observe limits. That´s not my territory, I am in need of complete freedom in art as in life!
Art captures you and can trigger emotions from deep within. Could you share an emotional moment you have experienced whilst painting?
It happened when I painted my first nude in 2008. I cried like a little girl after it was finished because I couldn´t believe that my hands managed this wonderful work. There are many more of these moments and likewise moments which force me to create and those are mostly the most impressive art works.
Art exhibitions, what are your experiences of being involved in something so public, do you get nervous before the doors open?
At the beginning I was in a terrible fear of flop and I remember an exhibition where nobody came to the opening because the gallery published the wrong date!. That was really horrible until I knew the reason why. Nowadays it doesn´t matter, it´s an event and either the public likes it or not.
Does your art reflect changing fashions, moods and seasons in your life?
I guess this happens unconsciously because I´m an open minded woman and I´m inhaling the impressions of everyday life. All is in mutation and so am I.
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| Rosenruhe im Tal der Liebe MORI-ART | MOO |
Who is your idol of the art world?
Cy Twombly! I call him, with much respect, my Father in Art since I visited the exhibition “Lepanto” at Museo del Prado in Madrid. His easiness and strength of expression is extraordinary!
Books, Monika, what are your favourite reads?
The crime stories of Donna Leon guided me many years but since 2007 I´m hardly able to read a book because of my concentration disorders, a result of MS (multiple sclerosis) and post-traumatic stress disorder.
What is #twitterartexhibit all about?
The main idea/vision is for artists to contribute postcard-sized, hand-painted original artwork, which will be sold to raise money for a local charity. #twitterartexhibit 2014 took place in Orlando Florida and was benefiting The Center for Contemporary Dance, Special Needs Classes, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to dance, education and outreach. The Special Needs Classes include customised exercises that expand the student’s range of motion, creativity and social skills.
Is there any advice you would give to a young person thinking about following an artistic career?
Be always true to yourself and learn as much as you can to survive in this hard business!
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| Rosenbaum - MORI-ART | MOO |
What do you hope to achieve for the remainder of 2014?
My biggest wish is to move into a house with a garden near or in Vienna and to sell a few artworks.
And finally, where can we find out more about you and your fabulous artwork?
My page on Facebook is updated daily, and most of my artwork can be viewed in the albums. My website contains an overview and the blog will inform you about the latest news.
Monika, it has been wonderful chatting with you today and I wish you the best of luck in finding your ideal home in Venice!
Thank you, Ngaire, for interviewing me and I hope we can do it again one day.
The artworks - MORI-ART | MOO by Monika Mori -
are out of the serie “Zyklus BRIGHTON – The MOOrose” an all 20 x 20 cm – mixed media.
Thank you for visiting my blog!Ngaire x
By: Ngaire Elder,
on 5/17/2014
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Deanna Llewelyn,
Paradise Found,
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I would like to introduce you to Deanna LLewelyn, children's author, illustrator and narrator.
Deanna began her professional career as a stage actress in Canada and studied theater at Ryerson University in Toronto after studying literature at the University of Toronto; however, after having her children, Reuben and Ariel, she became a storyteller. For years, the boys would insist that she tell them a story from her imagination, and whether she felt inspired or not, she came up with something. Over the years, she has combined her talents as an illustrator, actor and storyteller into books for children. Deanna narrated the AUDIO VERSION of Roses and Pink Erasers A Faery Tale in collaboration with her son Reuben, a Grammy Award winning mastering engineer.
As I embarked upon my audio book venture, I met Deanna who beautiful narrated one of my Cecilia Spark adventures - The Adventures of Cecilia Spark: Brimstone Forest. Deanna's narration of Brimstone Forest brought life, fun and excitement to the characters and adventure in this tale.
 |
| Deanna LLewelyn |
Deanna is
participating in a storytelling event, which will be celebrating Independent Book Stories,
Saturday 17th May. This is what she has to say:
Hi Friends,
THIS IS JUST A REMINDER THAT:
"I will be participating in the ABA's First Annual Storytelling Day during the upcoming Children's Week.
This event is happening across the country and is celebrating CHILDREN and the INDEPENDENT BOOK STORIES. Authors across the country will be reading and lending their support.
from 4pm. - 5ish. at PARADISE FOUND on SATURDAY, MAY 17th.
17 East Anapamu St. Santa Barbara
I have attached the Facebook link to the event below for more information.
Also I just completed the narration for the children's book "The Adventures of Cecilia Spark: The Brimstone Forest", which can be found on Audible or Amazon
You can always listen to the first 5 minutes for free to see whether you want to hear the entire story. If you do, I still have a few free audio books I can give out for both books. I just need to give you the code, so e-mail me and I will gift you one. It is a delightful imaginative book for young kids. Please pass the word on to anyone you know, especially those who have young children".
Again, this Saturday, MAY 17th from 4pm. - 5pm. Deanna looks forward to seeing you there!
This storytelling event sounds wonderful and I wish Deanna a super day and hope all her eager listeners enjoy both Roses and Pink Erasers: A Feary Tale and The Adventures of Cecilia Spark: Brimstone Forest at Paradise Found.
Have fun, and thank you for visiting my blog!
Ngaire x
AUDIO BOOKS - I embarked upon a challenge and I'm happy to say I have completed Stage 1! The books in my children's series -
The Adventures of Cecilia Spark: Brimstone Forest, Dragon's Star and The Mystical Mountains of Terra, are being produced as
AUDIO BOOKS.
I advertised for a narrator, listened to the auditions and I'm delighted to share with you
Dragon's Star, which is my first completed audible production.
(Brimstone Forest and The Mystical Mountains of Terra will be available soon).I'm not a great fan of eBooks for my target audience (children aged 5-10 years) and when opportunity came knocking for my publications to be produced as an audio book I jumped at it!
Dragon's Star is wonderfully narrated by Hana Khalique; her voice is soft and smooth, intriguing, and perfect for Cecilia Spark's third adventure.
Children can gain a lot from listening to audio books. Some of those benefits include:- Encouraging better listening and comprehension skills,
- Developing vocabulary,
- Discovering the proper pronunciation of words,
- Stimulating their imagination to visualise a story instead of relying on illustrations,
- Motivating reluctant readers by pairing books with unabridged audio books for word recognition and phrase awareness,
- Engaging a child's interest in a way that an adult reading aloud may not,
- Great boredom-breaker for journeys, and
- Providing an enjoyable family activity.
Synopsis of Dragon's Star:“The creature had been disturbed. Swishing its tail, it sailed effortlessly towards the noise source. It could clearly see something at the edge of the water... The giant water creature was getting closer and closer to its substantial meal. With one final flick of its powerful tail, it would be over.”
Cecilia Spark is in a race against time. Her challenge is to save the last Millennium Dragon, captured by a hideous knight of darkness, and reunite him with the star that gives him his power. With Orson, Ractus and Pacha by her side, Cecilia must rescue Fuego and save the Land of Dragons from an endless, desperate gloom. Harassed by crooked imps, captured in the lair of a giant spider, lost in the darkest of dungeons and threatened by a hidden river monster, will Cecilia and her brave friends succeed in their quest?
To listen to an audio sample
of Dragon's Star
click on the link ...
There is an option to receive the audio version of Dragon's Star for FREE. For more information see below.
Thank you for visiting my blog,
Ngaire x
Me???
I have just finished The Night Porter written by Mark Barry (host at the Wizard's Cauldron) and have started Eagle in the Snow written by Wallace Breem.
Two completely different books.
The Night Porter, the story itself is set in a hotel in an upmarket English town and features 4 authors who have been nominated for an award at the forthcoming Awkright Literary Award Ceremony.
"One mega successful romance author, a top US thriller writer who sells in seven figures, a beautiful young YA tyro on the brink of world wide stardom...
...and a degenerate, nasty, bitter, jealous, trollish, drunken (but brilliant), self-published contemporary fiction author.
The Night Porter is instructed by a secretive and powerful awards committee to look after their EVERY need, to ensure they make it through the two weeks to attend the ceremony. At the same time as keeping an eye on their wishes, antics, fights, relationships and never-ending ego explosions. And trying desperately to avoid getting involved himself. It's a comedy drama about writers (and Night Porters!) with twists and turns, nooks and crannies, shadows and mirrors."
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| Is The Night Porter a descendant of this noble porter? |
The Night Porter is contemporary fiction with a lean towards romantic comedy, and is definitely a satire.
"in satire, irony is militant" to quote Herman Northrop Frye who was a Canadian literary critic and literary theorist, considered one of the most influential of the 20th century.
A unique novel – real writing. Full of punches, kicks and honesty.
Mark Barry writes how he sees it and leaves no stone unturned. His writing is flawless and continues to draw the reader in with his exceptional style. Mr Barry is perhaps the most daring of contemporary fiction writers and THE NIGHT PORTER is, to date, his most ‘avant-garde’ novel.
I won’t tell you what the story is about, buy this book and read it for yourself, but one thing for sure, it will leave you thinking … Who’d I compare his work to … Dickens, Faulks, Amis … this man can write! (my thoughts left on Amazon).
Favourite scenes from The Night Porter:
There were many but 2 in particular stood out. The famous Julian Green rant, wow, can Green deliver a tirade of hatred in biblical proportions. You could feel his rage and taste the venom in 3 spectacular pages of fulsome bitter expostulation.
Strangers was another of my favs. A beautifully woven narrative between Amy Cook and the night porter. No spoilers here but the warmth, the chemistry and the tension flows dramatically from the pages leaving you awestruck.
"Of all Mark Barry’s books I found this the most pleasurable read (although Hollywood Shakedown is a very close second), his writing is now so self-assured and the structure and pace of the novel commendable. What also impresses me is his adeptness at both dialogue and description and the balance he keeps between the two." (Amazon Review) |
| UK Amazon Link |
Eagle in the Snow written by Wallace Breem was first published in 1970, I am reading a hardback edition that was published in 2003 (50 cent bargain at a local charity shop).
Breem has been described as belonging "to that very short list of writers whose work elevates historical fiction and sets it alongside the best writing of any kind, in any period" - Steven Pressfield, bestselling author of Gates of Fire.
I am loving the historical referencing and Wallace Breem's preciseness and detail. I am by no means a history buff nor indeed would I class myself as having a vast knowledge of historical facts, but Breem's account seems plausible.
"The level of character development was amazing, the writing vivid, the pacing accelerates throughout the novel, but most of all I loved the creeping sense of despair, futility, and hopelessness in the novel. That sounds odd, but bear with me. Maximus is an old line, successful, stalwart, and brilliant legate (general) who is literally holding the fort against the Picts and other woolly boys along Hadrian's Wall roughly about 400 AD. The empire is crumbling, but then again it's been crumbling for 200 years. From there Maximus is sent to the Rhine with one legion, the XX, to hold back the hordes of Germans from invading Gaul." (Amazon Review)
I am on page 49 and eagerly wanting to read and read and read ... until I reach Rome with General Maximus!
"To read a writer is for me not merely to get an idea of what he says, but to go off with him and travel in his company" - Andre Gide
Thank you for visiting my blog,
Ngaire x
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