Book Spotlight! Song Castle, by Luke Waterson

 

​One from #LoveBooksGroupTours

New from @UrbaneBooks, Song Castle by Luke Waterson (@Lukeandhiswords), is set in twelfth century Wales, where a man is desperate to leave something of substance to the world.

 

Song Castle Book Coer

 

Synopsis

 

In a land rocked by conflict, one man desires to be remembered for something truly remarkable…

Wales, 1176: in a rain-drenched outpost of Christendom, the great lord of a newly built castle is throwing a party, the like of which has never been seen before. It will be a contest of song, of poetry and music, open to all comers. And now all are coming.

The festival is attracting a strange assortment of characters from across the known world. From the celebrated French troubadour suffering from writer’s block to the Persian perfumer-poet claiming to have written the most beautiful words ever committed to parchment, all are descending on the castle of a man whose motives run far deeper than that of benevolent host.

Attempting to hold his own against such supreme talent is hopeful young songster Avery, a newcomer to the cutthroat world of bardism and susceptible to its intrigues. But the contest can only take place if the contestants survive the journey, which – on the perilous roads of Wales – is far from certain.

Luke Waterson’s compelling novel weaves the tales of the charismatic players of the very first Eisteddfod, still Europe’s largest competitive festival of poetry and music to this day.

The blog tour continues for a few more days.

song castle

Blog tour blues, or Bloody Email!

UPDATE 2: After extensive searching through my hotmail junk and deleted files, I can’t find anything from the tour organiser, but there will be a spotlight post later, we’re trying to sort things now.

I did find two emails from my psychologist though, they were int he junk folder, even though they were sent in response to an email I sent her. So I’m thinking hotmail is being a twunt. I have my final appointment next week to discuss my diagnosis, not that I know what that is yet, because I don’t have the report and she won’t tell me by email.

Update 1: Have heard from the blog tour organiser, definite miscommunication issue. I was sent several emails, and I didn’t receive any of them.

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I expressed interest in reviewing a book for a blog tour, but the blog tour organiser, as far as I’m aware, didn’t get back to me or send me the files. So even though I am on their poster for the blog tour, and supposed to have been reviewing the book yesterday, I didn’t. I’m assuming there’s been a miscommunication somehow. These things happen, but it was a bit of a shock to see in my Twitter notifications that I was reviewing a book I hadn’t received and didn’t even know the tour dates for.

 

May Bonus Review #2

Mary Queen of Scots’ Downfall

Published By: Pen and Sword Books

Publication Date: 6th November 2017

Format: Hardback

I.S.B.N.: 9781473893313

Price: £25.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blurb

In the early hours of 10 February 1567 a large explosion ripped through the Old Provost’s lodgings at Kirk o’ Field, Edinburgh, where Mary Queen of Scotland’s consort, Henry Lord Darnley, was staying. Darnley’s body was found with that of his valet in a neighbouring garden the next morning. The Queen’s husband had been suffocated and the ramifications for Mary and Scottish history would be far-reaching.

Lord Darnley cuts an infamous figure in Scottish and Tudor history. In life he proved a controversial character, and his murder at Kirk o’ Field in 1567 remains one of British history’s great, unsolved mysteries – establishing whether Mary was implicated has taxed historians ever since.

In this engaging and well-researched biography, Robert Stedall re-examines Darnley’s life and his murder. It is not to be missed; his investigation brings new light and compelling conclusions to a story surrounded by political betrayal, murder, falsified evidence and conspiracy.

Continue reading “May Bonus Review #2”

Uni: Week 13 (I think?)

So today is symposium day. I’m nervous about the standing up and talking to people about my dissertation. I have notes for the ten minute talk but I’m not comfortable with it. I’m just going to look at the back of the room and talk to the wall, I think.

May Bonus Review #1

8733324Published by: Icon Books UK

Publication Date: 1st February 2011 (First published 1st February 2005)

I.S.B.N.: 9781848312203

Format: Paperback

Price: £8.99

 

 

 

 

Blurb

A vehement attack on the latest pseudo-scientific claims about the differences between the sexes. Sex discrimination is supposedly a distant memory. Yet popular books, magazines and even scientific articles increasingly defend inequalities by citing immutable biological differences between the male and female brain. That’s the reason, we’re told, that there are so few women in science and engineering, so few men in the laundry room – different brains are just better suited to different things. Drawing on the latest research in developmental psychology, neuroscience, and social psychology, Delusions of Gender powerfully rebuts these claims, showing how old myths, dressed up in new scientific finery, are helping perpetuate the sexist status quo. Cordelia Fine, ‘a cognitive neuroscientist with a sharp sense of humour and an intelligent sense of reality’ (The Times) reveals the mind’s remarkable plasticity, shows how profoundly culture influences the way we think about ourselves and, ultimately, exposes just how much of what we consider ‘hardwired’ is actually malleable.

Continue reading “May Bonus Review #1”

Review schedule – May to September 2018

Hola peeps, it’s the end of April and this time for me to write the reviewing schedule for May. Except I’m starting my dissertation in a few days, so reviewing is taking a back seat. That doesn’t mean there won’t be reviews. Even I need a break from writing occasionally.

Which reminds me, Charley’s War is on to chapter 30 and is only half done. I’ll get there eventually.

So, what have I got booked in for the next few months?

Edit: It’s npw mid-July and some significant progress has been made with the dissertation so I’ve added some reviews to the schedule.

May

  • 6th
    • The Planetsider, by GJ Ogden
    • Alex is reviewing this one. since it’s a YA novel.

June

  • 1st
    • When The Water’s Recede, by Graham Smith
    • Crime novel
  • 20th
    • Tubing, by K.A. McKeagney
    • Crime thriller

July

  • 13th
    • The London Mysteries, books 1 & 2, by Alice Castle
    • Cosy crime set in modern London
  • 19th
    • Wrecker, by Noel O’Reilly
    • Historical fiction set in Cornwall
  • 27th
    • Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, by Gina Kirkham
    • Humour

August

  • 3rd
    • Duck Egg Blues, by Martin Ungless
    • Crime/sci-fi
  •  8th
    • The Cheesemaker’s House, by Jane Cable
    • This is to celebrate the novel’s fifth birthday
    • Mystery/women’s fiction (maybe, I’m not too sure)
  • 18th
    • Implant, by Ray Clark
    • Crime
  • 23rd
    • Love you Stationary
    • A children’s picture book
  • 24th
    • Tommy Twigtree
    • Also a picture book
  • There will also be a couple of promo posts this month:
  • 12th
    • Q&A about ‘The Bespokest Society Guide To London’
  • 14th
    • Promo post for ‘The Camberwell Calamity’, by Alice Castle
    • The London Mysteries #3 – Beth’s adventures continue… 

September – Nothing booked in so far.

It’s a bit spartan, I know and mostly crime, but I need to focus on my writing for a few months. As I said, there will be other, unscheduled reviews, because I have a pile of books waiting to be read.

 

 

 

Review: ‘Under The Woods’, by KA Richardson

underthewoods1.1

Published by: Bloodhound Books

Publication Date: 27th April 2018

I.S.B.N.: 9781912604241

Format: Paperback

Price:

Blurb

When a homeless woman, Cheryl Whiffen, hears voices in her head telling her to do bad things, she can’t help but obey.

But when Cheryl becomes the victim of a serial killer who is collecting angels, this time the voices can’t help her. She is deemed not worthy of being an angel and the killer has to find another way to dispose of her body.

TJ Tulley has connections in the police force – her brother Jacob is a digital forensic analyst and her soon to be sister-in-law is a CSI. She knows many of their colleagues so when someone breaks into her house at the riding stables she owns, it’s not a surprise when the police dispatch CSI Jackson Doherty.

Is there a link between a suspicious fire at the stables and the serial killer?

As TJ and Doherty get closer to the truth they don’t realise the danger they are in. He is a killer – he’s angry at their investigation and he’ll do just about anything to protect his angels…

Continue reading “Review: ‘Under The Woods’, by KA Richardson”

Review: ‘Witchcraft…Into The Wilds’, by Rachel Patterson

Witchcraft...into the wildsPublished By: Moon Books

Publication Date: 23rd February 2018

I.S.B.N.: 978-1-78535-459-5

Format: Paperback

Price: £11.99

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blurb

Witchcraft… into the wilds leads us through the wilds of nature and back to the roots and bones of witchcraft, a natural witchcraft that works with the seasons and all the natural items that Mother Nature provides, drawing on magical folk lore and a little bit of gypsy magic too. No fancy tools or ceremonial rituals, this is about working with the source. Mother Earth provides us with the changing of the seasons and within that turning of the year she gives us everything we need to work magic with, from natural energy in the form of storms, rain and sunshine to tangible items packed full of magical energy such as seeds, leaves and stones.

Continue reading “Review: ‘Witchcraft…Into The Wilds’, by Rachel Patterson”

Review: ‘Everybody Works in Sales’, by Niraj Kapur

Everybody Works In Sales - Cover Published By: Independently published

Format: Kindle and paperback

Price: £7.00

I.S.B.N.: 9781527219410

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blurb

We all work in sales. If you work for somebody, you earn a living by selling their product or service.

If you are self-employed, you earn a living by selling your product or service.

When you buy from Amazon, they always recommended other products similar to the ones you are purchasing or have already purchased – that’s selling.

When you download a song, movie or TV show from iTunes, they always recommend more similar products. That’s selling.

When you register for most websites, they sell their products or services to you through a regular email.

When you attend an exhibition at the NEC, London ExCel, Olympia, Manchester or even a local market, everyone is trying to sell you their product.

We all work in sales, yet few people know how to sell. Until now.

Containing 27 valuable lessons, plus 17 interviews with experts, Everybody Works in Sales combines unique storytelling and personal development to ensure you have the tools you need to do better in your career.

Purchase from Amazon: http://amzn.to/2ET89nn

Everybody Works In Sales - Niraj's business photo 2018About Niraj Kapur

​Award-winning executive, Niraj Kapur, has worked in corporate London for 23 years.

From small businesses to a national newspaper to FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 companies, he’s experienced it all and shares his insight, knowledge, big wins and horrible failures.

Containing 27 valuable lessons, plus 17 interviews with experts, Everybody Works in Sales combines unique storytelling and personal development to ensure you have the tools you need to do better in your career.

Niraj has also had several screenplays optioned, sitcoms commissioned, kids’ shows on Channel 5’s Milkshake and CBBC. His movie, Naachle London, was released in select cinemas across the UK.

He’s working on his next book while advising companies and coaching individuals on how to improve their sales.

@Nirajwriter

https://uk.linkedin.com/in/nkapur

Continue reading “Review: ‘Everybody Works in Sales’, by Niraj Kapur”