Another 5 Star Review.             

I came across this review by Joshua Grant while doing a search for my book on Amazon to check on current progress. Despite the fact I entered the title of my book in its exact form, the search returned 75 pages of titles, none of which (apart from mine) had this exact title. In fact, …

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Footvote, by Peter F. Hamilton: #BookReview.

This sci-fi short takes a wormhole as its escape route from the reality of the UK of the early 21st century. A time of confused politics and general unrest, it may well have been the first real step on the road we now follow, but that’s for a different written piece. The story is written …

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The Lost Villages of England, by Maurice Beresford: #BookReview.

This is history, obviously. I generally enjoy reading about the past, learning about life long before I was born. Unfortunately, this book, a scholarly work, was just a little too dry for my tastes. For those seeking the statistics, fine details that are available, and the names of those involved in the various landgrabs that …

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Looking For an Absorbing #Read?

You want adventure, peril, romance, conflict, survival, love, threat, humour, hate, teamwork, isolation and hope of rescue? You’ll find all that, and more, in ‘An Excess Of…’ where three discordant men and three very different women find themselves stranded on a desert island after their ship sinks. Will they survive? Will they ever return to …

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Parky, by Michael Parkinson: #BookReview.

400 pagesTelevision/Performer Biographies Subtitled ‘My Autobiography’, this illustrated account of the life of the TV journalist, Radio and TV presenter, and occasional Quizmaster, reads as though the man is speaking to you. A Yorkshireman (my own home county) through and through, Parky relates his life through events, family, the multitude of personalities he’s met and …

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Emily’s Lair, by Cary Grossman: #BookReview.

293 pagesHistorical, Mystery, Thriller and Suspense, Literary Fiction. An astounding work of fiction that thoroughly inhabits the two worlds it uses as locations. We spend time with Liesbeth Jannsen and those who torture, those who support her, in 17th century Holland. And we spend time with Will, a contemporary detective in the USA. How the …

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An Excess of…Loyalty

Loyalty, such a ubiquitous word. But what does it mean? To whom or to what are we loyal? We all, hopefully, understand the value and positivity involved in loyalty to our partner; that’s an essentially personal quality. And, equally hopefully, we recognise the worth of loyalty to a supportive family. But beyond these familial allegiances …

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Another 5 Stars in Second Review for ‘An Excess Of…’

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

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

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 …

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Self, by Yann Martel: #BookReview.

252 pagesContemporary/Literary Fiction The blurb asks, ‘Fiction or autobiography?’ and sort of replies, ‘both, neither?’. The whole point of this extraordinary created work is to ask, and attempt to answer, some basic questions relating to literature, storytelling, identity, and life itself. It’s an ambitious aim and one I suspect many readers will find difficult, demanding, …

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My Publisher’s View of my Latest Novel

I thought I'd share my publisher's view of my latest novel 'An Excess Of...' with you. I love a succinct summary of my creative work. An Excess Of Stupidity Proved Too Much For This Climate CampaignerFantastic Books Publishing Author Stuart Aken has deserted the far reaches of the universe and the fantasy lands of his …

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‘An Excess Of…’ Launched Today!

An Excess Of... Last year, I spent most of lockdown researching and writing a new novel. ‘An Excess Of…’ is now available in paperback and digital form, published by Fantastic Books Publishing. Synopsis: Six random strangers escape drowning when their ship is wrecked, only to be dumped on a desert island, hundreds of miles from …

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An Excess Of…Gifts.

In just ten weeks millions of gifts will be exchanged around the world. Before that, in less than two weeks, much money will be spent on ephemeral trappings associated with Halloween. More money will be literally sent up in smoke as fireworks a few days later. And, all over the world, regardless of creed, chosen …

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50 Shades of Gravy, by Daniel Grubb & Gabi Grubb: #BookReview.

Buy here 89 PagesFood & Drink I’m not the most gifted of cooks, but I do enjoy the occasional dabble, especially if the ingredients appeal. This lovely little book, written with humour and sprinkled with great little tips about how to make the best of the offered recipes, is a definite encouragement to try something …

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An Excess of…Religion?

Word cloud via Word Art. Some questions for the faithful: This post is a search for answers to questions that have long bothered me. This is a genuine quest for information. I’m interested in the views of everyone, but especially those who espouse a faith. Assuming your deity is considered both omnipotent (supremely powerful in …

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