This is a fascinating and very thought provoking story from a wonderful new author. You follow the journey of Charley a middle aged woman who has suffered great tragedy through out her life but just after achieving a successful new contract for her business is struck down by a heart attack. From here we are led of a exciting and sometimes confusing journey through what we suppose maybe the afterlife, yet still the question nags is she really dead is this all real or has the character lost her mind and we are travelling through the deluded mind of a mad woman.<o:p>
As we travel questions are answered as more questions seem to surface as Charley finds strengths she never knew she had and we the reader see the world from a new perspective. A truly great read that all fantasy fans should find a really break from the usual run of the mill scifi fantasy genre but still is filled with the wonder of other realms.
Real Life Dramas Volume 1 by Darren G. Burton
One thing lacking from this book is an index of the stories contain within the binding, other than this, the tales of the dramas that are captured for our reading pleasure are very captivating. Do I have a favourite? Well I have two, Firestorm which shows that we should listen to the advice given by the emergency services but as you can imagine the people involved in this short don’t leading to a very serious situation as a forest fire descends on them; the other short story was Murder at Midnight in which a taxi driver is witness to a murder which he duly informs the police though soon the killer comes looking for the only person that saw the crime.
All the stories in this book are a great read and should entertain everyone that loves tales of real life events.
Murky Manor by Margaret and Steven Larson
I have been meaning to read this story for some time but could never seem to find the time. Finally having gotten round to it I wish I had found the time sooner as I fully enjoyed being carried away into the adventure that Meredith and Tony find themselves. As the story unfolds we find our two adventures helping Amari, a strange mysterious young lady who has cross into our world from a parallel world, to get back home with a artefact that has great power.
The easy style that the Larson’s employ in their writing makes this story a light read that will appeal equally to all generations. The characters are familiar and I’m sure we all know someone like them, that is but for the one strange exotic person, Amari. At times though we do find a surprise, which brings the tale a life of its own that will easily carry you away.
Thoughts On The Wind by Margaret and Steven Larson
I felt as if I were privileged to read this compilation of stories, some true, others fiction. The authors reveal themselves in these stories and you therefore are able to get a glimpse into the creative processes that shape their lives. You are also able to see the faith as well as the love they have for God and each other. I smiled often as I saw the world in snapshots, through their eyes. Each description helped to show how wonderful a planet that we have been blessed with. I could not in truth choose a favourite from the selection within the pages of this book, as each is so well written. I will be reading this book again as there is so much that I am sure I will discover more from rereading it on a future date.
The Stand by Steven King
I have been wanting to read this book for a number of years and wasn’t disappointed by it. Yes I have heard the critics say that it was wordy, to long and all the rest. But that is what they believe they are paid to do, rather than say what they really feel about a tale.
Yes even the author says in his introduction that he had to cut this tale down at first. Yet this didn’t sit well with him for he felt that we the readers were missing something. After reading The Stand I believe that he was right to release the full version.
Why? Well without the added sections that were previously removed I think you would miss some of the depth of characters such as Frannie and Trashy. They would risk becoming shadows to the likes of Lloyd or Flagg and Stu or Larry.
Also by reading Frannie’s diary, though it does step you back in time a little, it builds the emotional link that will make the ending of the book more poignant. Not an easy task for an author of such a large book and so shows the skill of the author.
Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood
This is a very thought provoking tale and at times disturbing. It starts in an unusual way in the present tense but set in the future. Snowman is the last surviving truly human left and is seen as almost a god by the hybrid humans, the Crakers. We slowly piece together what happen as Snowman remembers his life and with it the fall of mankind.
This is a book that you get more from if you think over what you are reading, for there are many very strong issues held within this book. Issues such as genetic engineering, the power of multi-national conglomerates and most disturbing the trade of children throughout the world. Though set in the future and the book is a number of years old now, this does not make them less relevant today.
I was unhappy with the end, at least until I thought it over and then found that in fact it was a very clever conclusion with room for you to make your own decision as to what happened next. If you enjoy a book that will challenge you to think then this is the one for you.
