THE QUOTABLE QUOTE OF THE DAY Guilty Pleasures is the first book of the long-running Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter series, first published in 1993. As well as putting both its protagonist and author, Laurell K. Hamilton, on the map, the book became the catalyst for the growth and popularity of the urban fantasy genre.... Continue Reading →
The Wordsmith’s Word Of The Day: Loquacity
So, you’re an aspiring writer. And you’re currently working on a story, but you’ve been struggling to find a word that succinctly describes one of your character’s penchant for talking too much. Well, you’re in luck! My word of the day maybe just what you are looking for. Loquacity [loh-kwas-i-tee] Definition noun, plural loquacities.... Continue Reading →
A Green Suggestion For Your Weekend Reading
The weekend is almost upon us, and those of you who are avid readers are no doubt looking forward to reading yet another book. I wish I had the time and freedom to do so myself, but my 18 month reading slump looks set to continue. Nevertheless, I am able to offer a suggest for... Continue Reading →
Breathing New Life Into The Vampire Mythos?
Although I consider myself to be a multi-genre reader, I have generally always avoided Romance books like the plague. I won’t go into the reasons why that is, beyond stating that the way such books are invariably written makes it nigh on impossible for me to suspend my disbelief. It’s for this reason why I... Continue Reading →
Book Quote: “Those Bright Eyes Met Mine…”
THE QUOTABLE QUOTE OF THE DAY I don’t recall when I first acquired Lian Hearn’s Tales Of The Otori Trilogy (at least the series was only a trilogy at the time), but I do remember that I had never heard of these novels or their author. My principal reason for purchasing them was they... Continue Reading →
Book Review: Nylon Angel By Marianne De Pierres
SHE COMES FROM A LAND DOWN UNDER BOOK DETAILS Nylon Angel (Parrish Plessis Trilogy, Book 1) Marianne De Pierres Genre: Science Fiction Publisher: Orbit Format: Paperback, 336 Pages Date: 15th January 2004 ISBN-10: 1841492531 ISBN-13: 9781841492537 THE REVIEW It’s not easy being the kick-ass bodyguard to a leading figure of the criminal underworld.... Continue Reading →
An Audiobook Recommendation From A Galaxy Far Far Away
To say that I’m not a fan of audiobooks would be an understatement. I’ve never understood the appeal of listening to somebody else reading a book, and under normal circumstances the only positive thing I would say about the medium is that it’s the best cure for insomnia that I know of. From personal experience,... Continue Reading →
You Don’t Have To Hang Yourself With Tropes
The term trope has a number of definitions, but for the purposes of this post it refers to a theme, convention or plot device that readers have come to expect in a work of fiction. In this context, tropes are prone to becoming clichés, and any literary genre you can think of has them.... Continue Reading →
PSA: A Thanksgiving Weekend Book Bargain
This is a public service announcement to inform readers in Canada that, for the duration of the Thanksgiving Weekend, Kobo has reduced the price of the ebook edition of my first novel, The Exercise Of Vital Powers, to only $0.99. The usual price is $3.99 so you don’t want to miss out on your chance... Continue Reading →
Book Review: Hyperion By Dan Simmons
THE PILGRIMS’ PROGRESS BOOK DETAILS Hyperion (Hyperion Cantos, Book 1) Dan Simmons Genre: Science Fiction Publisher: Gollancz Format: Paperback, 496 Pages Date: 24th February 2011 (First Published 1989) ISBN-10: 0575099437 ISBN-13: 978-0575099432 THE REVIEW It is the 29th century, and humanity has conquered the stars, establishing the Hegemony of Man that comprises innumerable... Continue Reading →