A Weekend at #FantastiCon 2015.

On 28/10/2015 By stuartakenIn Author, Book, Creative Writer, Fiction7 Comments

And what a weekend it was! I first mentioned it in an earlier post, find it here. This was the second fantasy/science fiction convention I've attended. Both events were organised by my amazing publisher, Dan Grubb of Fantastic Books Publishing. The first was in Hull, last year. This year's event took place in the Country …

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The Island (Part 1), by Michael Stark, Reviewed.

On 27/10/2015 By stuartakenIn Author, Book, Fiction, Review

This book, as the subtitle suggests, is the beginning of a story. For me, it is, as with so many 'books' in the current market, not what I understand to be a book. It's a scene setter. It follows a marketing technique that's been used in other industries for years but one I feel is …

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Fantastic Fantasticon 2015:

On 22/10/2015 By stuartakenIn Author, Creative Writer, Fiction

What is it? It's a different kind of fantasy/scifi/gaming convention open to anyone and everyone with an interest in these popular topics. A place to take part, rather than simply a market place (though there are things to buy for those who want them, of course). And if you're a Dr Who fan, you'll find …

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The King of Fools, by M.R. Mathias, Reviewed.

On 11/09/2015 By stuartakenIn Author, Fiction, Review2 Comments

Fantasy embraces many styles, subjects and themes. This short is a great example of what can be done when a writer has imagination. It's a piece with charm. Amusing, insightful, and caustic, it pokes fun at the idea of leaders. There's some repetition, and one or two small editing faults, but these are easily forgiven …

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The Demon King, by Cinda Williams Chima, Reviewed.

On 29/07/2015 By stuartakenIn Author, Book, Creative Writer, Fiction, Review

This story sits well within the sub-genre of magical fantasy. There are the wizards and amulets, thieves, hill-folk, princesses and queens associated with the genre. The tale is well told, with plenty of action and a good deal of well-handled romance in the various relationships. For me, however, it is a little formulaic and reminded …

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Mantle of Malice, by April Taylor, Reviewed.

On 16/03/2015 By stuartakenIn Author, Book, Review4 Comments

Mantle of Malice is the third book in the Tudor Enigma series, and, having read them all, I’d say it’s the best so far. In this alternative fantasy history, the main protagonist, Luke Ballard, has matured and grown in wisdom and experience. That’s not to say he no longer makes mistakes or has somehow overcome …

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EU Ereader? Beware VAT Rise in 2015

On 26/12/2014 By stuartakenIn Author, Book, Creative Writer

This is just a brief heads up for those of you who have an Ereader, or were bought one for Xmas. Many of you will be unaware that a change in EU law means that from 1st January 2015 VAT will be added to cost of all digital books, set at the rate applying in …

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The Full Fantasy Trilogy is now Published.

On 22/12/2014 By stuartakenIn Author, Book, charity, Creative Writer

For all you fans of fantasy, the third book in my epic fantasy series, A Seared Sky, is now out, completing the trilogy. The books are titled, Joinings, Partings, and Convergence. So, what is A Seared Sky about? It’s an adult epic fantasy. Adult, because of some sexual references though no erotica. I would rate …

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A Top Ten Book Cover

On 15/12/2014 By stuartakenIn Author, Book, Creative Writer

On a website far, far, away, a wonderful example of good taste and brilliance emerged from the mind of a person of quality. On a quest for well-designed, individual book covers, Court Van Haaren looked at over 2,500 and decided 9 were worthy of exposing to the wider public. To my joy, the cover of …

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5 Star Review for Partings, A Seared Sky (Book 2)

On 03/12/201430/07/2017 By stuartakenIn Author, Book, Creative Writer, Review

Partings is now available in print form. We’re still waiting for Amazon to connect the digital and print versions, but you can still buy it either from your local Amazon store by clicking here. Or direct from Fantastic Books Publishing by clicking here. And, after a long wait, I’ve finally got a review of …

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