First review for ‘An Excess Of…’ Gives 5 Stars

On By stuartakenIn Author, Book, Creative Writer, Fiction, opinion, Reading, Review

The first review has come in for my latest novel. As most readers and writers know, reviews are difficult to come by, so it’s always worth celebrating when they start to arrive. This one is on Goodreads (many reviewers avoid Amazon these days for many reasons). You can read it by clicking here. But to make it easy, I’ll also post it below.

Joshua Grant 5 Stars

November 10, 2021

Stuart Aken throws us into the middle of a survival thriller with a splash of romance in An Excess Of! Six strangers are stranded on a desert island, forced to overcome their prejudices and preconceptions in order to survive. But tensions will rise, along with some romances and intrigue. Aken offers plenty of thrills and twists, but the tensions and dueling philosophies between the survivors was what intrigued me the most! It was a fascinating metaphor for humanity as a whole seeing these people with a variety of backgrounds and beliefs help or harm one another for various reasons. If you’re looking for a survival thriller with depth, philosophy, and romance, come splash up on the island in An Excess Of!

‘An Excess Of…’ is available in paperback and eBook form. Get your copy here

17 thoughts on “First review for ‘An Excess Of…’ Gives 5 Stars”

  1. A great review. You must be very pleased. I post reviews on all sites. As authors we need to be careful not to bite the hand that feeds us. Most of us wouldn´t sell many books at all if it were not for Amazon. Besides, Goodreads is owned by Amazon anyway.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes, Darlene, they have us over a barrel by clever marketing that has given Amazon a clear lead in the market. But the reality is that Amazon show no sign of understanding the book market, treating everything as a ‘product’ from which they can make profit, rather than seeing books, especially fiction, as a creative output designed to spread ideas. As authors, we’re in a very difficult situation, as Amazon is the leading seller, but we need always to be aware that their interest is in making money from whatever they can, and they show no interest in the quality of what they sell, unfortunately.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Congratulations! Good review. I have also decided not to leave reviews on Amazon, either. I have Audible (owned by Amazon) and after leaving a couple of reviews there, I have decided to never do so again. I am seriously thinking of dropping Audible as well. My inbox was bombarded with clutter that was bypassing my junk folder; it’s still an ongoing issue.
    Here’s to many more good reviews in other locations!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes, Lynette, Amazon’s algorithms are very questionable, and it looks as though a lot of thoughtful people are deciding against comment on their platform. Unfortunately, they remain the largest outlet for books, so writers ignore them at the risk of losing potential readers.
      Thank you for your support.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Great review Stuart. Sounds like there is something for everyone in this newest book. Big congratulations on the publication of your book. Sounds very interesting indeed. I know your publisher had you working hard to get that last edit out, so great timing. The holidays are coming and books make great gifts. Sending you, your publisher, Valerie (your beta reader) big hugs 🤗 🎊🎉⭐️⭐️🎊🎉🎉

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Joni. Yes, I ploughed a great deal of myself into this book: it has some important points to make, but the story comes first and I hope it will absorb readers and allow them to enjoy the read.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Well you know how much Scott and I enjoyed your Methuselah Strain. Is this similar in nature at all in terms of writing style? Also I can’t make a comment on the very nice review of Brenda’s book. I enjoy her story telling on line. She is a talented writer. Great review Stuart. ❤️🤗🌹🥰

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        1. The Methuselah Strain is set some few hundred years hence, whereas An Excess Of… is set just ten years in the future. My writing style is similar, but the topics dealt with are different as the themes here are mostly to do with climate change and Covid, but the burgeoning romance is central to the story, as is the element of survival and adventure.
          I suspect you can’t comment on Brenda’s book, Joni, as WordPress automatically closes comments on posts after a few weeks.

          Liked by 1 person

          1. I didn’t know that about WordPress. I too am juggling lots of things right now Stuart. Trying to get something ready to submit by the middle of January. It seems like our community is very active right now. Everyone is involved in big project’s right now.

            Your book sounds very interesting Stuart. Your writing style with your sense of humor will probably make the book very enjoyable. Thanks Stuart. 🤗

            Liked by 1 person

            1. Yes, Joni. Lot’s of activity – much of it, at last, to do with the environment.
              I should mention that there is some ‘religious’ debate in the book, taking place between the six main characters as they get to know each other.

              Liked by 1 person

              1. Everyone has a right to their own beliefs. I don’t let that stop me from reading, having friends with different faiths or anything else. I appreciate you letting me know my friend. You know me I don’t judge anyone, it is not my place. I follow people from all over the world with all sorts of different religious beliefs. You must have met some hardcore zealots that have been unkind and if that is the case I am truly sorry. That does go against my beliefs. Sending my love to you and Valerie. I hope to read your book after January 15th. We both enjoyed the book you wrote very much. ❤️🤗🥰

                Liked by 1 person

                1. Knowing your faith is important to you, Joni, I just felt I should let you know about this aspect. The six individuals have valid reasons for discussing various aspects of faith and worship and some readers will undoubtedly be upset by some of the comments made. But, of course, this is fiction, so it’s vital the characters’ dialogue is authentic to their personalities and beliefs. I know you don’t judge, but I would hate to cause anyone unnecessary pain.

                  Liked by 1 person

                  1. You are just being a good friend. I am not like that Stuart. Nothing could alter my faith. I have seen too much. I hope I can read it after January 15. My guess is I would enjoy it. Thank you for being so sensitive to me. I am tougher than I look, and everyone has a right to what ever faith they chose. You and Valerie enjoy your day Stuart. Hugs and love to you both. Congratulations to you again Stuart on your new book. 🤗❤️🥰

                    Liked by 1 person

  4. Thanks for your comment. If you decide to read/review ‘An Excess Of…’ (the link to get to the book is in the post above) I’d love it if you could let me know when any review is posted.

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  5. Anonymous

    Hey Stuart, glad you got a great review. You are right that good reviews are hard to come by. I find it interesting that many people will read the best sellers and go nuts over them, but will ignore books from authors in their hometown. Thanks for the plug-on Options. That story was loosely based on a real Lease-Option that I did when I was in Real Estate. I did work with the FBI and Phoenix Police Department on that deal and it took 2 years to close. I am anxious to read the story “In excess of” it sounds like a psychological and action thriller.

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