tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51367725787485589352024-03-05T15:43:57.698+00:00R B HarkessThe irregular ramblings of a wordsmithAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06802430397411029166noreply@blogger.comBlogger193125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136772578748558935.post-52298882968036770372019-09-13T21:56:00.000+01:002019-09-13T21:56:44.903+01:00Look What I Found Down the Back of the Sofa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzhN463sngibz0oIHK4p1BuSQP0XNMa0MEykQiF6BnpxkvgPylwIkIgr8fCcc8aro2OKWfLaUQbalyJ29x_AGlAIz0rcTdCFgrAXTtV-nXhjz5Zbde7rPhDnp8vf4NGZu23Yp3dL3nzRiu/s1600/poun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="1600" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzhN463sngibz0oIHK4p1BuSQP0XNMa0MEykQiF6BnpxkvgPylwIkIgr8fCcc8aro2OKWfLaUQbalyJ29x_AGlAIz0rcTdCFgrAXTtV-nXhjz5Zbde7rPhDnp8vf4NGZu23Yp3dL3nzRiu/s320/poun.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: large;">I knew I left a website around here somewhere. Long story short blah blah not been well blah blah new starts blah blah wont happen again.<br />Oh, and the web site is being updated, so check back from time to time as there will be a bundle of new books.</span><br />
<br />Robert Harkesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13247032369532059881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136772578748558935.post-84081128058527604042017-09-08T08:58:00.002+01:002017-09-08T08:58:26.000+01:00Free Books? I believe I will...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1500" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjICWYiUFQ5p7wNPW4vXHBrg8wFaebh6sc5zhqt1RFKeb_2YPtLq4-BkwvDRoIR5qpLAWpBTr4_Vp9SYPJiueleMFsVEQZV7iTPFqYhI14LcOSxIuQZR8eSVbb9qE7tN70vKOz5Gf_Hb-l1/s640/Dystopian+and+Post-Apocalyptic.png" width="640" /><a href="https://www.epleymarina.com/free-books" target="_blank">https://www.epleymarina.com/free-books</a></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">A quick post to let you all know about this. Some interesting books, including one of mine (scroll patiently, its right at the bottom) <a href="https://www.epleymarina.com/free-books" target="_blank">Click here</a> to find out more</span>Robert Harkesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13247032369532059881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136772578748558935.post-38515154146659112032017-08-04T13:46:00.000+01:002017-08-04T13:46:13.104+01:00Two for the price of one!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGIP1SALEQKO0Y0OyMtSqm9LP_rrn_Lp_wzMz8nt4g5f5j0KV4W0oXyP2cCi7AWc_tsKyZ8DKTHfcf-LPCcvAm8MxMKXjDjsi_cOePBYsEZmQ7zgf6h4HHs7unZhZfO7IKGUUIZqOkD0Zr/s1600/Shadows+and+Lies+frontcover+full+v0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="996" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGIP1SALEQKO0Y0OyMtSqm9LP_rrn_Lp_wzMz8nt4g5f5j0KV4W0oXyP2cCi7AWc_tsKyZ8DKTHfcf-LPCcvAm8MxMKXjDjsi_cOePBYsEZmQ7zgf6h4HHs7unZhZfO7IKGUUIZqOkD0Zr/s400/Shadows+and+Lies+frontcover+full+v0.jpg" width="248" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">No, not books, but anmoucements. Sorry. Well, not that sorry.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Here is the final volume of the saga of Warrior Claire Stone. Available for order on Amazon now <a href="http://hyperurl.co/watc8f" target="_blank">(click here)</a> or in other formats via Draft 2 Digital <a href="http://books2read.com/u/38DjN6" target="_blank">here</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">And, for anyone who happens to frequent any of the conventions I'm trading at, we are doing a special offer on all three books purchased at the same time</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPeYTDScrR564Nw3dYwuENmrp6cKG20VMXpF9J9ZpECzMENcshsXiJyr32nJe0ovMtlawlVryfM3-BC3qleVhB8FonB8-svrY33N-nsxmoP_kYAY7zdjeVYZOJBAc9X3NUe6R3Lpx-7lvQ/s1600/Keene+and+the+Last+Guardian+v2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPeYTDScrR564Nw3dYwuENmrp6cKG20VMXpF9J9ZpECzMENcshsXiJyr32nJe0ovMtlawlVryfM3-BC3qleVhB8FonB8-svrY33N-nsxmoP_kYAY7zdjeVYZOJBAc9X3NUe6R3Lpx-7lvQ/s320/Keene+and+the+Last+Guardian+v2.jpg" width="213" /></a><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Now on to the other announcement, how about this for a cover? Introducing my latest steampunk novel, published by the most perspicacious and discerning Kristell Ink. The artwork is again by the most talented folks at Amygdala Design. Don't start clicking on to Amazon just yet, though. This one is scheduled for release at Lincoln Asylum (UK's biggest Steampunk Festival) on August 25th. Here's the blurb from he back to whet your appetites...</span><br />
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<i><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Something foul scurries through the streets of Victorian London, clicking and ticking as it goes. There are metal men, hidden in plain sight but with darkness in their cold mechanical minds, coerced into a cruel travesty of life at the hands of a technomancer.</span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">George Wheeler, one-time Church Investigator of things forbidden, is approached by past colleagues from the Metropolitan Police; the dark rumours associated with these unnerving machines needs to be investigated and quickly, but they prefer not to dirty their hands with anything too fantastical.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Together with Keene, a young, forthright man with a dubious history but an old trusted friend of his son, and Alfie - a plucky and resourceful apprentice at Mainwaring's Mechanical Servants, Wheeler's investigations plunge him into a cruel and violent world of which he wants no part, dealing with forces he refuses to accept, yet knowing this is not something he can walk away from. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPeYTDScrR564Nw3dYwuENmrp6cKG20VMXpF9J9ZpECzMENcshsXiJyr32nJe0ovMtlawlVryfM3-BC3qleVhB8FonB8-svrY33N-nsxmoP_kYAY7zdjeVYZOJBAc9X3NUe6R3Lpx-7lvQ/s1600/Keene+and+the+Last+Guardian+v2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">chased at the same time</a></div>
Robert Harkesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13247032369532059881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136772578748558935.post-15135840560879889772017-06-15T11:42:00.000+01:002017-06-15T11:42:00.234+01:00Sorry to have kept you waiting, but<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGIP1SALEQKO0Y0OyMtSqm9LP_rrn_Lp_wzMz8nt4g5f5j0KV4W0oXyP2cCi7AWc_tsKyZ8DKTHfcf-LPCcvAm8MxMKXjDjsi_cOePBYsEZmQ7zgf6h4HHs7unZhZfO7IKGUUIZqOkD0Zr/s1600/Shadows+and+Lies+frontcover+full+v0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="996" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGIP1SALEQKO0Y0OyMtSqm9LP_rrn_Lp_wzMz8nt4g5f5j0KV4W0oXyP2cCi7AWc_tsKyZ8DKTHfcf-LPCcvAm8MxMKXjDjsi_cOePBYsEZmQ7zgf6h4HHs7unZhZfO7IKGUUIZqOkD0Zr/s400/Shadows+and+Lies+frontcover+full+v0.jpg" width="248" /></a><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">I know, I know, excuse after excuse. Look on the bright side. At least I don't spam you all. And I do have an excellent reason. Not only have we just about finished all the prep work on my new book with Kristell Ink (more soon), but (fanfare please) after far too long here, finally, is the third book in the Warrior Stone series.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Tah-Dah</span><br />
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Glorious cover, isn't it? Courtesy of the inimitable Amygdala Design (of course).</span><br />
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">"Trouble is closing in on Claire Stone. Her parents are possessed by monsters, all her friends are betraying her, and everyone is trying to steal the secret of the White Magic.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">When Help does come, it is d=from and unexpected source. Claire finds it difficult to trust anybody after so many betrayals, and has nowhere else to turn.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">But her parents need her, and now Claire has to find out just how far she is prepared to go to save them.”</span><br />
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Officially released 31 July 2017. Available for preorder on Amazon now <a href="http://hyperurl.co/watc8f" target="_blank">(click here)</a>. Other formats will be available on 31st.</span>Robert Harkesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13247032369532059881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136772578748558935.post-53511205343314334382017-04-13T09:44:00.002+01:002017-04-13T09:44:33.537+01:00News Flash: Easter Bunny Diversifies<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">...Into Books!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">The Easter Bunny has diversified. Not just Eggs, but now Books. Kristell Ink have made my latest novel, Amunet, FREE over Easter. zero pennies. Nil Pence. Follow this link to grab your copy.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="http://hyperurl.co/glxqrx">hyperurl.co/glxqrx</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ngPTyPRK7kdcpKK-8R8rU2cjmYzPd92e6556Tqbn_IHtQ9LHZ4Rj1fRxSjj-WmB9vwHEf3gYtXlgUBqtlwc3aBWKSXGf8Af31mvh9lu4VMVqY6EN6HHRDB8f0FDvaZm5tB5yyWfaRc-g/s1600/Amunet+Digital+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ngPTyPRK7kdcpKK-8R8rU2cjmYzPd92e6556Tqbn_IHtQ9LHZ4Rj1fRxSjj-WmB9vwHEf3gYtXlgUBqtlwc3aBWKSXGf8Af31mvh9lu4VMVqY6EN6HHRDB8f0FDvaZm5tB5yyWfaRc-g/s320/Amunet+Digital+Cover.jpg" width="226" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">In other news, I will be at EM-Con, Nottingham over the May bank holiday weekend. If you happen to be there, drop by and say hello. I'll be down by the signing tables, with lots of books, and other beautiful things I promise not to try to sell you.</span>Robert Harkesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13247032369532059881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136772578748558935.post-20685333282225919382017-03-21T15:45:00.001+00:002017-03-21T15:45:46.462+00:00An offer not to miss<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">I know, I know. Its been months. I apologise. And to make up for it, here is a deal you really can't ignore - well, not if you love great writing and appreciate a bit of a freebie. Hopefully, many of you will already be familiar with my Warrior Stone series, but for thos who aren't, or those who like a bit of Steampunk in their diet, might I introduce and heartily recommend....</span><br />
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<a href="http://sffbookbonanza.com/free-steampunk/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">The Great Instafreebie Steampunk Book Promotion</span></a><br />
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<a href="https://i1.wp.com/instafreebie-images-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/inhouse/covers/27924.jpg?resize=188%2C300&ssl=1" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://i1.wp.com/instafreebie-images-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/inhouse/covers/27924.jpg?resize=188%2C300&ssl=1" width="125" /></a><a href="https://i0.wp.com/instafreebie-images-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/inhouse/covers/15470.jpg?resize=188%2C300&ssl=1" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://i0.wp.com/instafreebie-images-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/inhouse/covers/15470.jpg?resize=188%2C300&ssl=1" width="125" /></a><a href="https://i2.wp.com/instafreebie-images-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/inhouse/covers/24327.jpg?resize=188%2C300&ssl=1" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://i2.wp.com/instafreebie-images-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/inhouse/covers/24327.jpg?resize=188%2C300&ssl=1" width="125" /></a><a href="https://i2.wp.com/instafreebie-images-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/inhouse/covers/12620.jpg?resize=188%2C300&ssl=1" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://i2.wp.com/instafreebie-images-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/inhouse/covers/12620.jpg?resize=188%2C300&ssl=1" width="125" /></a><a href="https://i1.wp.com/instafreebie-images-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/inhouse/covers/22185.jpg?resize=188%2C300&ssl=1" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://i1.wp.com/instafreebie-images-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/inhouse/covers/22185.jpg?resize=188%2C300&ssl=1" width="125" /></a>Robert Harkesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13247032369532059881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136772578748558935.post-10079234050684479172016-10-30T11:43:00.001+00:002016-10-30T11:43:34.357+00:00... another BristolCon bites the dust.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ngPTyPRK7kdcpKK-8R8rU2cjmYzPd92e6556Tqbn_IHtQ9LHZ4Rj1fRxSjj-WmB9vwHEf3gYtXlgUBqtlwc3aBWKSXGf8Af31mvh9lu4VMVqY6EN6HHRDB8f0FDvaZm5tB5yyWfaRc-g/s1600/Amunet+Digital+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ngPTyPRK7kdcpKK-8R8rU2cjmYzPd92e6556Tqbn_IHtQ9LHZ4Rj1fRxSjj-WmB9vwHEf3gYtXlgUBqtlwc3aBWKSXGf8Af31mvh9lu4VMVqY6EN6HHRDB8f0FDvaZm5tB5yyWfaRc-g/s200/Amunet+Digital+Cover.jpg" width="141" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">So this one was a little out of the ordinary. Particularly as it was my first ever book launch. Amunet, previously much touted on this blog, was launched on Saturday with much fanfare and fancy. Exciting, despite a couple of tech hitches, but I think I acquitted myself well. Much appreciation to the BristolCon team and to my publisher (Kristell Ink) for organising everything, and to all the other Grimmies who dug in and helped with logisics and baking.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">The real heroes of the day, though, were my family, who got totally into the the theme of things and supported me to the hilt. They are all great, and I am a very lucky man</span><br />
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">And what would the day be without a little whimsy :)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1toQTFH9DkoXZ_rbvmBQ50B9kK-G9rqVNqde-Q_UNnC5s3sGOQDhMc2EwuH-ExFW1epJpx_lANRpMlWtyjxYEHhXoe1bAplLC_zwHEsHA5dvpm99BBe2ft-oe_D7WU1KwMAVgzezw-dw/s1600/DSCN0089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1toQTFH9DkoXZ_rbvmBQ50B9kK-G9rqVNqde-Q_UNnC5s3sGOQDhMc2EwuH-ExFW1epJpx_lANRpMlWtyjxYEHhXoe1bAplLC_zwHEsHA5dvpm99BBe2ft-oe_D7WU1KwMAVgzezw-dw/s320/DSCN0089.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
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<br />Robert Harkesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13247032369532059881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136772578748558935.post-19234012778907919402016-09-29T14:00:00.000+01:002016-09-29T14:00:37.216+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifwNZu6ry2-y6bGcw80PL3TqA4Dk2i91Xt6Utbv9EmMQbmfr4xKhgG7w4GdxANeMWE2mx_51P9MsLGCDyJ7wCGijQg3SfArMhem4xsBmQOi6uRJ4-CehDzi5uQaZmqyRDbFphvJykNm7EL/s1600/41hkOzPR-PL._SL175_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifwNZu6ry2-y6bGcw80PL3TqA4Dk2i91Xt6Utbv9EmMQbmfr4xKhgG7w4GdxANeMWE2mx_51P9MsLGCDyJ7wCGijQg3SfArMhem4xsBmQOi6uRJ4-CehDzi5uQaZmqyRDbFphvJykNm7EL/s320/41hkOzPR-PL._SL175_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">I was going to leave Carey a nice review on Audible/Amazon - right up to the moment I clicked on the button and was presented with five boxes that had to be filled in about what moments moved me, what I thought of the vocalist, etc, etc.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">I'm guessing they're trying to steer people away from just regurgitating the story, full of spoilers and all. Does annoy me when folk do that.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">I just don't like being told what to do.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">That's something of a theme here, too. Lots of folk who don't like being told what to do. Curiously, the ten year old girl who spends most of her life strapped to a wheeled frame doesn't seem to worry so much. But then, I guess its easier when you have a crush on the teacher.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">This book is very difficult to review without giving away so much it would spoil your experience if you chose to consume it. There's no secret that this child, or the others in her class, are treated in an uncomfortably unhuman way. Nor any secret that those around them are deeply afraid of the children. Its the slow exposure of just how far some of the adults are prepared to go, both to abuse the children and to help them, that I simply cant tell you about. It is the backbone of the plot, and I dont give away plots. At least, not intentionally.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">The tone of the story is almost unrelievedly dark. Even the conclusion asks more questions than it answers, and delivers a terrible inversion of the captivity the children are forced to endure at the beginning. The only bright light in the tale is the girl, Melanie, inquisitive mind and her utter devotion to one of her teachers.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">In some ways the characters are harsh stereotypes, the Cold Scientist, the Angry Soldier, the Compassionate Psychiatrist, and yet they need to be. The story material deals considerably with what is a post apocalyptic morality play, and we need Noh-type, or Punch and Judy, standards to compare it and ourselves against.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Certainly not a read for the feint hearted, but I enjoyed it.</span>Robert Harkesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13247032369532059881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136772578748558935.post-18016467226693499582016-09-27T15:00:00.000+01:002016-09-27T15:00:27.357+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: large;">Dont forget the competition: </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: large;">go to <span style="background-color: #141414; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><a href="http://eepurl.com/b_XpVX" target="_blank">http://eepurl.com/b_XpVX </a>and you may win a copy</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #141414; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWF2e2gdK0YNafQIj71tA9lzMpIJkp0EckimSVbD0h0Jvz7vLjPBPzIb39OkpCJ22SsIdPMBbLiCGaGMeHVoKZsNi3HLLn0gleKp_tX8qwgYzu35pzWSw4n0XBVE2YP3Tx6-Lf1ZJsSIFg/s1600/14435088_10157434740475375_4356871118181645066_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWF2e2gdK0YNafQIj71tA9lzMpIJkp0EckimSVbD0h0Jvz7vLjPBPzIb39OkpCJ22SsIdPMBbLiCGaGMeHVoKZsNi3HLLn0gleKp_tX8qwgYzu35pzWSw4n0XBVE2YP3Tx6-Lf1ZJsSIFg/s640/14435088_10157434740475375_4356871118181645066_o.jpg" width="457" /></a></div>
<br />Robert Harkesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13247032369532059881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136772578748558935.post-19671289772716380012016-09-27T07:56:00.000+01:002016-09-27T07:56:09.583+01:00New Con, Old Con<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Busy times. Several cons attended and, last night, finally finished a troubled first draft of the third and final Warrior Stone novel. Given me a lot of trouble, has this one, and almost seemed it didn't want to be written.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">So, a little time on my hands, and a few moments for a blog update.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">First of all, FantasyCon last weekend (23rd Sept). FCon was my second ever con a very long time ago. It was a magnificent experience, not diminished by the fact that my partner and I were new friends with some of the organisers, and it felt very inclusive and wonderous.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Sadly, immediately after, a group of people within the BFS tried a very dirty, very nasty smear campaign against the then Chair (my friend). As is usual with these things, all the accusations appear in 72-point bold. When all the accusations were proven to be unfounded, the apology was written in 6-pt feint. A few nasty experience.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">We went the next year, but found it a bitter and cliquey affair. This year, for some reason, we decided to give it another go. The organisers were different and the location promised interesting diversions if the Con itself proved uninspiring.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Sadly, it didn't work for me. FCon has become less of a convention and more of a trade fair. The lack of inclusion felt worse than ever, and this year both I and a friend got accosted and harangued for no clearly definable reason.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">I'm sure the organisers put a lot of work in, and I'm happy for those who enjoyed it, but I wont be making any more appearances at a FantasyCon.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">On a lighter note, a few days with light duties means I'll hopefully get around to writing a few new reviews of some exceptional books that have recently crossed my path. One will certainly be 'The Girl With all the Gifts' by M R Carey, and I believe Mr Ruins (Michael John Grist) and A Star Curiously Singing (Kerry Nietz) will all be getting mentions.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Also, we have BristolCon looming ever closer to the horizon. Watch out for more news on that too.</span><br />
<br />Robert Harkesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13247032369532059881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136772578748558935.post-30122763860642253142016-08-26T19:00:00.000+01:002016-08-26T19:03:57.493+01:00Very Proud To Announce.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgux1n8WCQ_kxcd9UkYjZXuS1_oEaHxd74AOzm5PS4RHUZSAgqCo1r2BVj6wKE-2-EP_5rTTEytLllpVHZgj9FlokNN8-Yh1EQsNy6R0rMbiGhZehLS8thCLjEdVep_FWQTQq29m3OWUgY_/s1600/Amunet+Digital+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgux1n8WCQ_kxcd9UkYjZXuS1_oEaHxd74AOzm5PS4RHUZSAgqCo1r2BVj6wKE-2-EP_5rTTEytLllpVHZgj9FlokNN8-Yh1EQsNy6R0rMbiGhZehLS8thCLjEdVep_FWQTQq29m3OWUgY_/s400/Amunet+Digital+Cover.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">I am most monumentally proud and happy to announce the publication date of my new novel,and to share the cover with you.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Amunet will be published by Kristell Ink, and launched at BristolCon on October 29th</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">We are also announcing a free-to-enter competition to wind a hardback copy, signed by myself and the cover artist, Ken Dawson</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Simply follow this link to http://eepurl.com/b_XpVX</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Can't thank Kristell Ink enough for their support and this wonderful opportunity.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Amunet is a gritty blend of urban fantasy and steampunk; fast paced action for all readers</span>Robert Harkesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13247032369532059881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136772578748558935.post-18887949300115991072016-08-19T08:21:00.000+01:002016-08-19T08:21:08.208+01:00A curse of writing...<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Bit of a ramble today.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">One of the downsides of being a writer, or an editor (although saying you are one usually implies you are also the other), is that it is very difficult to 'switch off' when you read. Apart from that initial creative eruption as you lay down the first draft of a novel, every time you pick it up after that, you are looking for errors.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">So, by extension, when you pick up someone else's book, you do the same. It can make something you used to enjoy suddenly become toxic and unreadable. This may be why I don't read my old favourites as much as I used to.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">For some reason - I think mainly because my wife asked to read it again - I recently picked up the Belgariad, by David Eddings. I first encountered this author in my early teens and its no exaggeration to say he changed my life. Eddings wrote fantasy in a way nobody had ever done before; approachable and free flowing, not like the high-Tolkenian stodge most people were churning out.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Anyhow, after much deliberation, and because we were on holidays and the books I had taken with me weren't engaging me, I picked up the first volume.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">It wasn't until I was starting the fourth volume I realised that something was wrong, and it took me some time to analyse exactly what it was. When I figured it out, it came as something of a revelation, but not realy a surprise.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">There were no errors.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Not one.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Now I figured I must just have my rose tinted reading specs on, so I put some real effort into looking for anything I could pick at.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Still nothing.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Not an awkward phrase, nary an echo, nah-ah on the typo.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">The damn books were perfect.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Which surprised me. So much of what I read today, even by big six houses and very widely known authors, keeps kicking me out of the 'fictive world' of the novel by stuff most people would overlook - but as I writer I can'. And here was Eddings, absolutely clean.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Part of me suspects thats why I fell in love with the Eddings (as his wife Leigh was always involved but rarely credited). Think I may have to extend the experiment to see if the same is true of any of my other first loves. </span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">I feel an urge coming on to read Magician, by Raymond E Feist.</span>Robert Harkesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13247032369532059881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136772578748558935.post-45910530823457264042016-07-22T07:38:00.000+01:002016-07-22T07:38:09.435+01:00Bracing Skegness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/11062000_980527735367504_776621406465399283_n.jpg?oh=f8306fbfbf5ce35776a0ec606c1d3da9&oe=5834E675" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/11062000_980527735367504_776621406465399283_n.jpg?oh=f8306fbfbf5ce35776a0ec606c1d3da9&oe=5834E675" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Just a quick post. I shall be at Skegness on Sunday, plying my trade at their very own and first Comic con, orgaised by the wonderful people who bought you EM-Con. Great trip out for a Sunday, and I believe there may still be door tickets available (check the site for details on that, at <a href="http://skegnesscomiccon.com/tickets/">http://skegnesscomiccon.com/tickets/</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">I shall be on table 3, right next to the inimitable <a href="http://www.craftymisskitty.co.uk/" target="_blank">Crafty Miss Kitty</a>, purveyor of fine jewellery and stuffed things made of yarn<span style="font-size: large;">.</span></span></div>
Robert Harkesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13247032369532059881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136772578748558935.post-87818061358617581162016-06-29T13:27:00.001+01:002016-06-29T13:27:13.944+01:00The Devil's Detective, Simon Kurt Unsworth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi13PxHuLUxQBEiJBD6yMVRu7KMIRV3Z__6eVKXqRKb3eCsiPm8W6L3BmB1QPhbmjgOijHS7l_y5XRSU9W-CsFH4NK6oE2Xj7rI7CK72HHdTWdMKepCyi90vjkehUkcrsUQCHzyPKMJt6Fz/s1600/51Ddf%252Bb2U6L._SX316_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi13PxHuLUxQBEiJBD6yMVRu7KMIRV3Z__6eVKXqRKb3eCsiPm8W6L3BmB1QPhbmjgOijHS7l_y5XRSU9W-CsFH4NK6oE2Xj7rI7CK72HHdTWdMKepCyi90vjkehUkcrsUQCHzyPKMJt6Fz/s320/51Ddf%252Bb2U6L._SX316_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="203" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Well this is a first. I’m writing a review
for a book before I’ve even finished it. I’m currently audiobooking <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Devil’s Detective</i> by Simon Kurt
Unsworth. I was drawn to it because I recognised the name from Facebook and
could have sworn at some point we had been ‘friends’, so having a social media
presence obviously works, folks. Apparently.<br />
<br />
When I read the description, I was even more intrigued. Hell is no longer a
place of fire and brimstone torment, but has become the epitome of the worst of
modern life; an eternity of waiting in limbo, only to be en-corporated (and yes
I did spell that right) in a hell of drudgery and oppression, fear of the
Demons who still wreak terrible violence on humans at the slightest
provocation. Nobody knows what their sins were, only that they are being
punished. Death sends the soul back to limbo, and the worst torment of all is
that there is a hope, just the slightest sliver of lottery-rare hope, that you
might be pardoned and elevated to Heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">And then come the new murders. Killings so
dreadful, so horrific, that the soul is ripped from the body and consumed – but
by what nobody knows. Not even Thomas Fool, the Devil’s Detective, and head of
the Information Department.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Right from the opening words, this tale
grips. From the opening description of the new Hell, the subtly ordinary yet
disquieting ways of tormenting sinners, and the parallels with societies run by
capitalist, brutal overlords the reader is drawn in to a world of remarkable
richness, simultaneously unexpected yet familiar. I was very forcefully
reminded of the first time I audiobooked <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
City and The City</i>, by China Mieville.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">If I had to throw any flies into the
ointment, there is one character I felt the narrator had got wrong, and the
tone used grated on my nerves and ears. I was left perhaps inappropriately
pleased when the character was killed, which is why I haven’t named him, her, or
it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Through Unsworth’s characters, the sense of
hopelessness, of fear, or desperately trying not to get noticed, soaks in to
you. The constant terror of showing any enjoyment, lest it is taken away, nor
loathing, lest it be heaped upon you, grinds the characters down. Punishment is
crafty and cruel. But, grind at the end of a worm and eventually, it will turn,
and we find that Elevation is not the only source of hope in Hell.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">I am not looking forward to finishing this
book, and I only have about 2 hours to go. On the other hand, I can then try
out another of Unsworth’s novels, although I believe there is another volume in this series. Silver linings are where you find them, I
guess.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Robert Harkesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13247032369532059881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136772578748558935.post-72993480830242398352016-04-23T07:24:00.003+01:002016-04-23T07:24:46.301+01:00And the award for Best Sunday Afternoon Read goes to... Green Sky and Sparks<a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1424031574l/24661906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1424031574l/24661906.jpg" width="192" /></a><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">That sound s a bit precriptive. Could be Sunday evening, or even Saturday evening if you're not a party person and cant be tempted by Ant or Dec.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">I was flicking through my kindle, through a bunch of new e-books, and having a disappointing time of it (three books in a row I had not managed to get past the first couple of pages). Then it felt like I'd take a dive into a refreshing, sparkling sea off the coast of some medittereanean beach... OK, so I'm stretching the metaphor. I'm trying to say the contrast was almost shocking.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Folks who have read my reviews before will know I rarely say much about the story. I dont get the kind of reviews that precis the book for you and tell you about all the charcters. I mean, then whats the point of reading it? I'm much more about style, about the way the book is engineered. This is a gem.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">You know instantly that its going to be an easy read, you may even pause for a moment to make a mug of something and grab a packet of biscuits. You know this one is going to be a long ride, probably a single sitting. Now that I think about it, I believe the last time I got 'that' feeling was when I opened up the first volume of The Belgariad, by David Eddings. It's accessible and open and could be used as the definition for 'easy read'.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">That's not to say its simplistic. Characters grow quickly, and the descriptive passages are intense without being laboured. There are always one or two characters in any book that don't seem to flesh out, but given this is the first novella in a series (currently of three), I have my suspicions they may be being saved for something else.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">One of the things that intregues me about the setting is</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"> I cant decide if its an emerging technology, or a declined one. Kate Coe, like myself, seems to enjoy mashing tech and magic, and here it really works well.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Looking forward to the second volume. And the third. Find it <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Green-Sky-Sparks-Kate-Coe-ebook-y/dp/B00ZCQFWUA" target="_blank">here</a> on Amazon</span>Robert Harkesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13247032369532059881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136772578748558935.post-4851590882226228282016-04-08T08:24:00.000+01:002016-04-08T08:24:18.163+01:00A little bit of what you fancy...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKm6mL5KYSKs7Wee3FJ6oiVCSybd4LGtCmBPmNyOGh5f0IkJeD1M5hGZaRxQOYIqck3LtAeIoPjRyn4ZNd6nyRpvsB2A5FkI_39ECmNlGwTRgFUuZybvDvHjrfLd8dEhRDWU-gtm_tqdhD/s1600/hammock-clipart-hammock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKm6mL5KYSKs7Wee3FJ6oiVCSybd4LGtCmBPmNyOGh5f0IkJeD1M5hGZaRxQOYIqck3LtAeIoPjRyn4ZNd6nyRpvsB2A5FkI_39ECmNlGwTRgFUuZybvDvHjrfLd8dEhRDWU-gtm_tqdhD/s320/hammock-clipart-hammock.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">...in the sense of not a particularly focused post but, for the first time in a while, I actually have a little free time. Now that in itself is a novelty.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Also a novelty is that I haven't written a word in a whole month. Can't remember that happening for about the last six years.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">I mean, I'm not a believer in the 'a writer must write something every day' diktat. If you are working with your editor(s) prepping a book, you often don't have time to write, and sometimes, you just don't have anything to say. But still, its odd.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">And its not that I haven't been busy. We went to SFW7 earlier in the month, where the ever awesome Sam Stone organised some great panels and we picked up some great ideas from other traders there. I suppose most of the month has been taken up with implementing those changes (and decorating, over which we will draw a discrete veil). Our next con is <a href="http://em-con.co.uk/" target="_blank">EM-Con,</a> over the Mayday bank holiday weekend, where we will be sited next to <a href="http://www.craftymisskitty.co.uk/" target="_blank">Crafty Miss Kitty</a> (best friends and purveyors of wonderful handmade jewellery). The event promises to be spectacular, and we will again be carrying a selection of books from my new publisher, <a href="http://kristell-ink.com/" target="_blank">Kristell Ink</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">And as for writing? Good point. I really should be picking up the third Warrior Stone book, but something is stopping me. Not sure what it is yet, but 'writers block' tend to be trying to tell me something is wrong somewhere. Perhaps my muse thinks I need to change something, or even that I need to write something else first. Either way, I have faith in my muse. It will tell me what I need to do when it's ready. In the mean time, where did I put that saw? There's decorating to finish off</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
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Robert Harkesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13247032369532059881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136772578748558935.post-64334642988461721212016-03-10T14:53:00.001+00:002016-03-10T14:53:34.302+00:00Dresden Rides Again: Cold Days<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Seems I have a bit of a bromance going on with Harry at the moment - though it seems inevitable ti will come to an abrupt end as there are no more Harry Dresden books, at least for a while. I have to wait for my next Audible credit.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">This is the second Dresden book I've listened to in 6 weeks, and I have to say its considerably better than the last one (Ghost Story). In some ways it feel that Ghost Story was actually nothing more than a setup piece, akin to the second Matrix move or Empire Strikes back. That could account for all the introspective whining - filler.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Setting Ghost Story aside, I admit I approached Cold Days with more than a hint of trepidation. After all, nobody really likes the realisation that a formerly favoured writer has taken the silver penny and is writing ground meat for the publishing machine.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Fortunately, Cold Days is a vast improvement, and very much more Dresden-esque. It is not without its flaws. I dont know if it is because I am listening to it rather than reading it, or perhaps because I have just finished going over my latest novel with an editor. Whatever the reason, I'm finding the reptetitions of 'Hells Bells', 'Stars and Stones' and whatever his brother uses for a catchphrase that for the moment escapes me, very annoying and obvious. I get it that this is the purpose of a catch phrase, but there are limits. Or should be.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">As I mentioned, just about every string Butcher has set up in Ghost Story get pulled here, and it would be a little bewildering if you hadnt read the other book first. It still works, Harry still blunders about making bright flashed, loud noises, and getting the bejazus kicked out of him yet still miraculously staggering to his feet and fighting off the bad guys. There are the usual collection of misdirections during the first 90% of the story, and a flurry of explanation and exposures at the end.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">In fairness, though, the end is unexpected, very dramatic, and 'wanna know what happens next'-y. Which is pretty much what I want out of a book. So it worked. For me at least. Enjoy.</span><br />
<br />Robert Harkesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13247032369532059881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136772578748558935.post-33374385913934485482016-02-16T08:47:00.002+00:002016-02-16T08:47:48.989+00:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpO7zoKn32itk3Wlps0Ak1sxRHzUAhUImfmksCz3xTIaNmc97eUOfL31MkMCvK6X3w6rkh2QxpxJycuBGn_Lbhsd0cqAP6ti6RF32NYlAxgYSzrkXzZZcZJ6HVVjXOt3CTcI-8OUZ2h6E8/s1600/Underland+new+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpO7zoKn32itk3Wlps0Ak1sxRHzUAhUImfmksCz3xTIaNmc97eUOfL31MkMCvK6X3w6rkh2QxpxJycuBGn_Lbhsd0cqAP6ti6RF32NYlAxgYSzrkXzZZcZJ6HVVjXOt3CTcI-8OUZ2h6E8/s200/Underland+new+cover.jpg" width="125" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMKT7fgaCJZBYwfjeqwa_NajyU_CWsN9gxi7qbC-j3C3YexYUEP6HcGcguMp2dio6MmvqUzFRDic3TSKEJF-LutnkXcj8FkqnsQLXB-7i32KeDQrphQBtIZr2FuWxHDwy2ILgC-RFq8KKZ/s1600/AD1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">I'm delighted to announce my publisher, <a href="http://www.metaphoric-media.co.uk/" target="_blank">Metaphoric Media</a>, is expanding the number of outlets my e-books will be available from. At the moment, just these two are re-published, but over the next three months all my ebooks will be available on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1083919940" target="_blank">Apple iBooks</a>, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/underland-r-b-harkess/1122054914" target="_blank">Nook (Barnes and Noble)</a>, <a href="https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/underland-5" target="_blank">Kobo</a> and <a href="https://www.scribd.com/book/299084149/Underland-Warrior-Stone-1" target="_blank">Scribd</a>.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Too many links to mention individually now, and the ones above only link to Underland, but if you want one of my books to read on something other than a Kindle, please navigate to one of the fine sites where a panoply of formats and varieties are available to you.</span>Robert Harkesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13247032369532059881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136772578748558935.post-18333323928329022432016-02-09T13:28:00.001+00:002016-02-09T13:28:32.158+00:00Review: 'Ghost Story' by Jim Butcher (A Harry Dresden Novel)<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">I just finished reading Jim Butcher's 'Ghost Story' - the latest but one (I believe) Harry Dresden novel.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">I'm a big Harry fan. I do not, for all the world, understand why they canned the TV show. Having said that, Amerian TV broadcasters and Producers have proven over and over again how unbelievably stupid they are, so I should't really be surprised. If you need proof - Dresden Files, Firefly, Total Recall (no, not that one), and Almost Human are at the top of my bitch list.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Anyhow, this is about the book - or, rather, the AUDIO book. Yes, I'm back to long commutes without the use of my hands, so Audible gets its claws into me again. In this instance - in fact in all instances of Harry Dresden audiobooks, the narration was superbly executed by James Marster (aka Spike, from Buffy). He so gets it.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Now, I will play fair. I just got through going through my newest book with my editor at Kristell Ink, so I may be hyper-sensetised, but I swear there were points I nearly threw - well, maybe wanted to throw - my iPhone out of the window. One trigger was the expletive 'Hells Bells', which I swear was mentioned at least once every two pages.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">But the thing that drove me right around the corner and up the wall was the waffle. Lets not pretend Dresden books are sophisticated. Harry gets mad, knocks things around with magic, nearly gets beaten, then comes up with a cunning escape plan that more often than not has an element of divine intervention. But we love him for it.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">In this book the waffle quorient was astronomical. I can't really go too much into the 'why' of it, as I try never to put even teeny spoilers in my reviews, but the amount of self obsessed navel gazing was a trial, even if there is sort of a reason - Dresden has to do a lot of personal reassessment in this novel, but its overbearing, with too many historical flashbacks. The Harry-esque blunders come thick and fast and more monumental than ever. </span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Then, when you get to the end, you realise this was 'The Empire Strikes Back', 'Matrix Reloaded', or any other middle film you care to mention. Its the one that wasn't really strong enough, but they made it anyway, most often because they had about 30 minutes, or 150 pages, of set-up for the next film (or book). And that is very much what this book is - a filler.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Having said that, I'm glad I 'read' it. Butcher develops a few previously secondary characters into real and impressive people, which is a pleasure to read, and Molly's fight scene is worthy of an award - and of that I shall say no more. Even the closing 75 pages or so help to make up for the mediocre bulk of the novel, even though there are echoes of a different Harry standing in a cleaner version of Kings Cross.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Conclusion? If you are a dedicated Harry Dresden fan, read it - but maybe be prepared to skip a few pages here and there. If you are not already hooked on Dresden, go back to one of the earlier books and start there.</span>Robert Harkesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13247032369532059881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136772578748558935.post-24625659665729620182016-02-04T08:50:00.002+00:002016-02-04T08:50:50.484+00:00Pelquin's Comet: Ian Whates<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizzJk3_VAg92ycy9kl2Vkw-Cd_Si1KHJ3It3ogKZzl6dShVPfCqLNh3vI84YATjVA3vcKUhamn7aZS0pLyHkYjOhhd63QLgfJiv5JvWk-cU7bBbPZseRik9-PJ1UW5T3T4ttQ72fO0Wggp/s1600/Pelquins-Comet-Front-Revised-2-698x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizzJk3_VAg92ycy9kl2Vkw-Cd_Si1KHJ3It3ogKZzl6dShVPfCqLNh3vI84YATjVA3vcKUhamn7aZS0pLyHkYjOhhd63QLgfJiv5JvWk-cU7bBbPZseRik9-PJ1UW5T3T4ttQ72fO0Wggp/s320/Pelquins-Comet-Front-Revised-2-698x1024.jpg" width="218" /></a></div>
I promised a review of this a couple of weeks ago, but I'm afraid I got busy. However, never one to knowingly go back on a promise, here are my thoughts.<br />
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">This is what I call 'traditional' science fiction. There is the beat-up but trying hard spaceship with a rapscallion captain complete with dubious past. The crew is a bunch of misfits and everybody has a hidden history, including the baddie your not sure is a baddie and the 'mystery girl' who is both a killing machine and a ripper engineer, but who doesn't understand how or why she can do either. Add in a hostile group of aliens, and a 'lost in the mists of time super powerful aliens' group and...</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Hold on, sounds like Firefly. Or maybe Farscape. Or was I thinking of...</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">That's what I mean by 'traditional' science fiction. Some would call it space opera (I wouldn't). It sits firmly inside the comfortable definition many of us have about 'old school' SF.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">The good news it that it works. I mean really works. It is a page turner (or button tapper, depending on your media). Thing is, you can take pretty much any story down to its fundamentals and its ends up like every other story (check out the 'net for similar comparisons that show Harry Potter and Star Wars to be essentially the same story).</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Its not about the story. It never is about the story. There are only five stories (yes, I know opinion varies on the exact number, but cut me some slack here).</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Its about what you do with it. Its about what you do with the characters, and the setting. Its about how you tell the tale. Whates is a Master storyteller. Enough description to sets scenes without spoonfeeding detail, enough depth to bring his characters to life without giving everything away about them - actually quite a difficult thing to write. It pulls you in, doesn't demand too much from you, and lets you wash along with the story.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Certainly worth a read, and I am looking forward to the next book.</span>Robert Harkesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13247032369532059881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136772578748558935.post-66089959668920969582016-01-21T19:41:00.000+00:002016-01-21T19:41:45.932+00:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzUiuvIwhlZKWvSdWEIsWBa7ptZ6RD1D34b30grE0od7xWXZP2M7X2AWkqgw_mxfvT-CHdkpHR_kNqb-orgEq6_blbBk8Vy4X_CcKwEIeliGG51YqOqbJ1fkDico3JXbLYn5pFOXp46UYd/s1600/A+Meeting+of+Minds-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzUiuvIwhlZKWvSdWEIsWBa7ptZ6RD1D34b30grE0od7xWXZP2M7X2AWkqgw_mxfvT-CHdkpHR_kNqb-orgEq6_blbBk8Vy4X_CcKwEIeliGG51YqOqbJ1fkDico3JXbLYn5pFOXp46UYd/s400/A+Meeting+of+Minds-2.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">I love days like today, because today I get to announce my next book - 'A Meeting Of Minds'. </span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /><br /> The book will be 'launched' and available for sale on March 18th - to co-incide with Sci Fi Weekender 7. Pre-order is not available yet, but I will announce it here and on my publisher's site as soon as we have a date. Or you could <a href="http://eepurl.com/JLD11">sign up to my publisher's mail list</a><br /><br /><br /> Here's a taster of what you'll find inside:<br /></span><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Jaxon’s world, our world, has been scorched by a solar flare. The Dagashi came to help in city-sized space ships, but all they do is use what is left of humanity to scavenge technology - and to get taken for ‘rides’ by youngsters with neural implants. Everybody thought the Dagashi could only use the interface to receive, to listen, watch, or feel - until one of them speaks to Jax.</span><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br />On the other end of the link is a human girl, around his own age and soon they become friends. When she tries to break off their contact because she is in danger, Jax offers to rescue her from the Dagashi ship. Once there, he not only discovers his friend has been hiding a secret, but that the Dagashi aren’t rescuers at all. They triggered the solar flare, and intend to strip anything of value from the Earth before abandoning it.</span></div>
Robert Harkesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13247032369532059881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136772578748558935.post-61283028542652485312016-01-10T16:35:00.000+00:002016-01-10T16:35:07.048+00:00Twofer! Just like buses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT2uIiXylXLSjkjY0PVEXlvL6-uBTDfnxR7QJzOek0coA7cOy5QKC5X18Bqb4OL_MG0VlydDV8m_Y28w7s_dBWVYZai52CXuFW4GmbVnubPwinAoG_5bEPE9lQTVqdTuey9x4g7Isx06Ys/s1600/Pelquins-Comet-Front-Revised-2-698x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT2uIiXylXLSjkjY0PVEXlvL6-uBTDfnxR7QJzOek0coA7cOy5QKC5X18Bqb4OL_MG0VlydDV8m_Y28w7s_dBWVYZai52CXuFW4GmbVnubPwinAoG_5bEPE9lQTVqdTuey9x4g7Isx06Ys/s320/Pelquins-Comet-Front-Revised-2-698x1024.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="218" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilCj9rjFBV5vBznWK9HzSpj5vWgTPiNZU7sHFc9-0HTB9J7RvyOOB_7VvLeYR-jWIfG2WJ32R7aDQqlDi1qBL1herdqNApJojfEZiz3Q55BVyAJaNMT6gUcwLwMjQ1WR9HKE0iZEzi7eOU/s1600/9781908039293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilCj9rjFBV5vBznWK9HzSpj5vWgTPiNZU7sHFc9-0HTB9J7RvyOOB_7VvLeYR-jWIfG2WJ32R7aDQqlDi1qBL1herdqNApJojfEZiz3Q55BVyAJaNMT6gUcwLwMjQ1WR9HKE0iZEzi7eOU/s320/9781908039293.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Nothing for months, then two book reviews at the same time. Or that was the plan when I started this. However, given how long I have enthused over Airship Shape, I'm going to put the review for Pelquin's Comet up in a few days<br /><br />Now, I have to admit that neither of these are entirely new; Airshipshape is almost two years old, and Pelquin's Comet came out around April last year. But I finally caught up with them in my reading list, and have been sufficiently impressed by both to set finger to keyboard. <br /><br />Airship Shape first. Published by Wizard's Tower press, this is an anthology of Steampunk tales set in Bristol, or an alternate universe remarkably like it. Its always good for an anthology to have a theme, but in this case the editors (Roz Clarke and Joanne Hall) have added and extra thematic twist by splitting the book into three sections. Some believe (personally I dont) that 'proper' Steampunk should involve examination and/or damnation of slavery or the struggle of the disadvantaged classes to 'stick it to the man'. The first section, 'Less Than Men', looks into this but with wider eyes than the subject suggests. and I was delighted to see a 'Brassworth' by Christine Morgan consider a pet concept of mine; the rights of and Artificial Intelligence - And to do it with an excellent and witty tale.<br /><br />The other two sections are 'Lost Souls' (creepy and fantastical), and 'Travelling Light' (bold adventurers and tales told over brandy and cigars in the smoking room of the club). The sub-divisions work really well, and I loved the mix of styles and stories it promoted.<br /><br />As with all anthologies (pretty much), there is one, or possibly two, tales you are surprised made the cut, but apart from Brassworth, three more impressed me enough to deserve individual mention. First, a surprise from Andy Bigwood. I know Andy as a remarkable artist, but had no idea he could write as well. 'The Lanterns of Death Affair' was a clever little tale that fit neatly into the 'Travelling light' category.<br /><br />John Hawkes-Reed's 'Miss Butler and the Handlander Process' may be misplaced in the 'Lost Souls' section, but for me is an excellent, archetypal Steampunk tale involving plucky young women, shady military organisations, and mechanical elephants with exploding knee joints. An absolutely superb romp, only narrowly beaten from first place by my third and final selection.<br /><br />If 'Lost Souls' had not existed as a section, it would have needed to be created just for this story. 'The Girl With the Red Hair' by Myfanwy Morgan is a splendid tale, set comfortably in the milieu and oozing paranormal activity, with a triumphant end that makes you want to punch the air and hiss 'Yesss'.<br /><br />In fact, both Morgan and Hawkes-Reed produced stories which I thought so good they poked, briefly, at my writerly confidence and left me think 'how the hell will I ever write like that?'<br /><br />As I say, I know its not old, but the book is still available and I strongly recommend it.<br /><br />I shall post the Pelquin's Comet review in a day or two.</span>Robert Harkesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13247032369532059881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136772578748558935.post-90515363050688761572016-01-08T08:06:00.000+00:002016-01-08T08:06:56.254+00:00Dont panic, no retrospectives here<span style="color: white;">Tis the season for the usual glut of posts on blogs and social media generally, all trawling over what we did last year. Relax. None of that here. Oh, I've no objection to people doing it - I guess it neatly summarises the year and brings it into focus, and perhaps even gives an opportunity to thank people or organisations. On the other hand, if it needs to be said again, somebody wasn't paying attention! (Only kidding).</span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: white;">I'm also a little cautious about prognosticating too fully on what's planned to happen in 2016 - things have a nasty habit of changing due to circumstances beyond our control. For example, I've filled out my holiday form in work already. I've two holidays, three long weekends and (and I can barely believe this myself) EIGHT conventions lines up. Less than two days after getting those approved it looks like I may need to change at least one of them to cater for an unexpected diagnostic procedure for a close family member. I'm not saying its bad to plan, but I am saying nothing is cast in stone.</span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: white;">Incidentally, the Cons I am booked for this year are</span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: white;">Feb 6: True Believers in Cheltenham</span><br />
<span style="color: white;">March 17: SFWeekender(Wales)</span><br />
<span style="color: white;">April 1: First Contact Day (Telford)</span><br />
<span style="color: white;">May 30: EM-Con (Nottingham)</span><br />
<span style="color: white;">August Bank Holiday: Asylum, Lincoln</span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: white;">And later in the year, Fantasy Con, Bristol Con, and possibly Swindon and Gloucester</span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: white;">Hectic, eh? Hoping it will be fun though.</span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: white;">Other major events I'm looking forward to are at least two new books coming out this year. 'A Meeting Of Minds' will hopefully be out in time for the SF Weekender. This is back to my Science Fiction roots, but with a liberal dash of romance. Expect the cover reveal in the next week or so.</span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: white;">Also, 'Amunet' will be published by Kristell Ink in the autumn. Gritty alternate-reality supernatural steampunk. Very excited about this, and to be working with the fine people at Kristell Ink.</span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: white;">And if I'm really lucky, I may get the last volume of the Warrior Stone trilogy out for Asylum, though I will freely admit to a large dollop of wishful thinking there.</span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: white;">Hmm, well, I kept half my opening promise. At least I haven't rattled on about last year. Having said that, did I tell you the story about...?</span>Robert Harkesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13247032369532059881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136772578748558935.post-12049598009571085032015-12-15T08:50:00.001+00:002015-12-15T13:10:04.146+00:00See what happens when you dont pay...Profound apologies. I've put up a couple of static pages so anybody browsing my blog can find my books more easily. Sadly, Blogger is messing around something aweful and I am havving enormous fun making changes only to find they have been ignored or - worse - something else entirely different was done.<br />
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Be nice while I bang my head against this particular wall<br />
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(And yes, I know I should hire a web designer and use something decent like wordpress)<br />
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(Update: And yes, I just figured out it would be much easier to just tap on the 'remove formatting' button and start again rather than trying to untangle automatically generated html)Robert Harkesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13247032369532059881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136772578748558935.post-7429348936256640812015-12-08T20:48:00.000+00:002015-12-08T20:48:07.566+00:00See what you miss when you dont pay attention?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpO7zoKn32itk3Wlps0Ak1sxRHzUAhUImfmksCz3xTIaNmc97eUOfL31MkMCvK6X3w6rkh2QxpxJycuBGn_Lbhsd0cqAP6ti6RF32NYlAxgYSzrkXzZZcZJ6HVVjXOt3CTcI-8OUZ2h6E8/s1600/Underland+new+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpO7zoKn32itk3Wlps0Ak1sxRHzUAhUImfmksCz3xTIaNmc97eUOfL31MkMCvK6X3w6rkh2QxpxJycuBGn_Lbhsd0cqAP6ti6RF32NYlAxgYSzrkXzZZcZJ6HVVjXOt3CTcI-8OUZ2h6E8/s200/Underland+new+cover.jpg" width="125" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-D3ztwf37kPbYDkWlDNwOy3-a4mMmH07Zhc1AHGNaKZ6HzoitageC32omM3PyOHsZPdKegUqUXj3CE9VSnxCJVB77JwCK03VNQwSfgtTfx-nSBQJ64-1qr4HsHMU1pjRCd0iTqpyKjl8/s1600/WSWMCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-D3ztwf37kPbYDkWlDNwOy3-a4mMmH07Zhc1AHGNaKZ6HzoitageC32omM3PyOHsZPdKegUqUXj3CE9VSnxCJVB77JwCK03VNQwSfgtTfx-nSBQJ64-1qr4HsHMU1pjRCd0iTqpyKjl8/s200/WSWMCover.jpg" width="133" /></a><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Lovely surprise review of White Magic from Joanne Hall , author of Spark and Carousel and the 'Art of Forgetting' duology </span><br />
<a href="https://hierath.wordpress.com/2015/03/15/book-review-warrior-stone-white-magic-by-r-b-harkess/#comments" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">https://hierath.wordpress.com/2015/03/15/book-review-warrior-stone-white-magic-by-r-b-harkess/#comments</span></a><br />
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">The second volume in the Warrior Stone series sees young heroine Claire Stone firmly established as a Warrior in Underland, a strange, steampunky alternate London that forms the only line of defence between the Real, the human world, and the incursions of the soul-stealing, shapeshifting Morphs from the mysterious “Below”. She has formed a tentative friendship with Grenlik engineer Tolks, who has in his possession a mysterious cube which he is trying to track down the missing elements of to make it work, while Claire is trying to master her growing magical abilities. But there are sinister elements at work, in a conspiracy that extends to the very top of Underland and beyond, and all too soon Claire finds herself isolated and in deeper trouble than she ever has been in her life.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">We learn more about Claire this time round, wincing along at her fumbling teenage relationships, her struggles at school, though this second volume is rooted more firmly in the Underland, and when the action swings back to the Real it takes a very dark turn indeed, and Claire is forced to make some harsh choices.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">It’s quite definitely the middle volume in a trilogy, and I’d certainly recommend reading part one first. The business with the mysterious cube is hinted at, but left firmly unresolved as Claire battles her more immediate problems – a Morph incursion that has taken her parents, the loss of her friend Evie, and the knowledge that there will come a point, very soon, where she will forget Underland in much the same way Susan forgets Narnia. And the book ends on a cliffhanger that will have dramatic, and painful, consequences for Claire, that leaves the reader wondering how on earth this can possibly be resolved.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">A recommended read – sassy and smart steampunk YA that touches on real-world problems in an unreal Underland.</span></div>
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Robert Harkesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13247032369532059881noreply@blogger.com0