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 …
Continue reading The Lost Villages of England, by Maurice Beresford: #BookReview.
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 …
Continue reading Looking For an Absorbing #Read?
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 …
Continue reading Parky, by Michael Parkinson: #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 …
Continue reading Emily’s Lair, by Cary Grossman: #BookReview.
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 …
Continue reading Another 5 Stars in Second Review for ‘An Excess Of…’
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 …
Continue reading First review for ‘An Excess Of…’ Gives 5 Stars
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, …
Continue reading Self, by Yann Martel: #BookReview.
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 …
Continue reading My Publisher’s View of my Latest Novel
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 …
Continue reading ‘An Excess Of…’ Launched Today!
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 …
Continue reading 50 Shades of Gravy, by Daniel Grubb & Gabi Grubb: #BookReview.
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 …
Continue reading An Excess of…Religion?
When I was first struck by the idea for my latest novel ‘An Excess Of…’, I understood I’d need to do a good deal of research. Most topics touched on in the story were already familiar, but I felt I should deepen my knowledge in as many areas as possible. Underlying subjects explored in the …
Continue reading Researching for the Novel.
An Excess Of... The paperback is available now! Have you got your copy yet? Why not? This is the best book you’ll read this year – not that I’m biased, of course! Okay, I’ll try to calm my enthusiasm for my latest novel. But it’s exciting when you hold it for the first time in …
Continue reading It’s Out! Get it Here.
Word cloud created through WordArt. If you’re already feeling down, please avoid this post. I’ve no wish to infect you with more burdens. But, unusually, I need to let others know how the state of the world affects me, and, therefore, billions of other caring individuals. I’m not alone. In the UK, the recent appalling …
365 pagesDystopian Science Fiction/Urban Fantasy A terrific story! This is adventure, mystery, social and political comment, and romance, rolled into one very well structured, compulsive story. The central protagonist, Angel, is feisty, courageous, enigmatic, curious, and a real survivor. Set in a time when climate change has wreaked havoc with the geographical, and therefore the …
Continue reading Storm Girl, by Linda Nicklin: #BookReview.
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Antidote to the Novel
Stuart Aken 