Is There Any Mileage in a Literary Award for Self-Published Novels?

I asked this question on Twitter earlier on and was very interested in the range of responses. What is clear is that:

a) we still have no idea how to treat self-published novels in the realms of literature

b) there is massive stigma associated with self-publishing still

c) at the moment we have no clear criteria for judging the worth of a self-published book (clearly, reviews on Amazon are not going to help massively, unless there are more than ten, since friends and family are perfectly okay pitching in and helping to generate reviews).

Here are some of the responses:

@LizUK: Can you IMAGINE the onslaught of books you'd receive? It would make AR submission month look like a cakewalk.

@DarrenGoldsmith: But an award doesn't necessarily weed out the bad traditionally-published books? So much of this is about personal prefs.

@KTScribbles: That sounds like a good idea.

@AaronPound: That's an interesting question. Most of the self-published works I've read have been pretty bad (that doesn't mean all are).

@SamaelTB: Good luck to anyone given the job of shortlisting for that. Sounds like a nightmare job.

@E_M_Edwards: I don't think so. It will be a retrograde & ultimately futile effort to sub-categorize self published ebooks. #thatshiphassailed

@Colin_Barnes: how would it be judged? Could cause all kinds of worrying issues and skewing of data.

@LouMorgan: One could argue that better self-published books sometimes get picked up and re-released by a publisher... is that enough?

@Pallekenl: And what would be the criteria to be eligible? Like Liz said you'd be deluged by subs if you don't have criteria to exclude titles

Having seen those responses, what are your thoughts? Do you think there is a way to start awarding self-published novels? Do you have any ideas as to how to winnow the wheat from the chaff when it comes to the thousands of self-published being put out these days? How can we legitimise self-publishing? Do we want to - or is traditional publishing all we want to see?

Advice for Self-Published Authors: How to Approach Reviewers/Bloggers

Since I have started accepting self-published novels for review, I have been receiving a number of email requests to review particular books. These range from the very professional, to the charming, to the downright awful. I thought I would provide a few hints and tips to those self-published authors who are intending to start sending out requests for review. After all, if you’ve done all the work involved in actually writing a novel and then putting it into an acceptable format, and getting it on a website for sale, then why skimp on the details when it comes to publicising?

First of all, make it clear in the subject line of your email what it is about. I’ve received review request emails with the subject ‘Hello!’ which doesn’t reflect well on the author. Something along the lines of ‘Review request’ followed by the title of the novel would be best.

Second of all, personalise your email. I’m not looking for everyone to have researched my actual name (Amanda) – using my blog name (Magemanda) is just as acceptable. I am less convinced by salutations that state ‘Dear Blogger’ or ‘Dear Book Reviewer’ – that is on a level with using ‘Dear Sir/Madam’ on a letter. It’s professional enough, but it doesn’t show a lot of personality or invite me to connect with you. Just as a suggestion – avoid anything like: “Dear Flr to Clg Bks” (yes, I received this) – if you can’t be bothered with vowels, I can’t be bothered with your book. Harsh, maybe, but fair, I believe.

Although flattery will get you everywhere in some cases, I actually find it very artificial when someone sends me an email that extols the virtues of my blog and then has a ‘by the way, review my book’ section on the very bottom. Sure, it’s lovely hearing that your blog is something that people enjoy BUT I don’t like flattery that seems circumstantial i.e. you’re only saying it because you think it might get your novel looked at.

This might sound obvious, but please spell check and grammar check your email. If I think that your poor spelling etc in your email is indicative of what I might expect from your self-published work, I’m not going to accept it, I’m afraid, no matter how good the story might be. I accept that there are more errors and hiccups in self-published work than edited books professionally produced, but I like to believe they will be limited.

A few details about the novel you’re offering would be appreciated. I received one email that simply said: ‘Will you review my book?’ The quick answer to that is ‘no’, because I know nothing to make my judgement on. At the least provide a little background – what genre it is, a few plot points etc. I actually like receiving a novel blurb – for me, if you’ve produced one of these, it shows you’re taking the endeavour seriously. Sometimes I’ve been sent the book covers as well, and I also like these, although it isn’t essential.

Please pay attention to the genres accepted by the book reviewer you’re pitching to! In my case, it isn’t AS important since I read most everything, but some reviewers are very definite about what genres they care to review. If you’re sending them a novel that doesn’t fit those genres, then be prepared for either a quick, sharp no or to be ignored (after all, if you’re ignoring their words, they’re more than entitled to ignore yours!)

Along with personalising your salutations, some of the best emails I’ve received have personalised the request. For instance, ‘I noticed that you enjoyed XXX last week, and I think that my self-published work would be something you’d also enjoy.’ It doesn’t hurt to let the reviewer know that you read their blog on a regular basis, and that you’ve recognised what novels interest them. All of this is going to make a better impression than a cold and formal request that looks as though it has been sent en masse to any blogger with a freely-available email address.

The best email I have received recently was the following:

Dear Magemada,

My name is Matt Xell and I am a writer and artist based in Zambia, Africa. TOWER OF PARLEN MIN is my debut novel and the first in a series of six books featuring Ves Asirin. It is an Urban fantasy/adventure epic (Speculative Fiction) that will appeal to young adult readers aged 14 to 18.

I would like you to consider the book for review on your blog .Unfortunately the book is not available in Hard cover or Paperback formats at the moment, but I will be sure to send you a free copy when it becomes available in these formats.

The synopsis of my novel is as follows: Ves Asirin, an orphaned and introverted boy with a complicated memory loss disorder, wins a trip to the TOWER OF PARLEN MIN, the home of the wealthiest inventor of the time, Jacobius Trent. There, with 19 other children, he must compete in the Sword Challenge; a series of intricate puzzles and daring tasks, for a prize of $12 million. As dazzling, glorious and liberating as the Tower seems to be for him, Ves finds that it keeps a dark and secret history that he has been unknowingly connected to for over 150 years, a secret that will define his future and destiny ... if he can escape The shadow; a powerful and seemingly unstoppable, supernatural serial killer.

If you are interested in reviewing my novel, please let me know the ebook format you prefer and I will send it to you as soon as possible (PDF, epub, .mobi, LRF, PDB), along with a PDF version containing the 'Black chapters' which encompasses these bonus chapters.

For more information, please feel free to contact me at this email address at any time.

Thank you for your time and consideration and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Matt Xell - Tower of Parlen Min

If you look at the above example, Matt uses my blog name, which is a nice start. Then he gives a little bit of information about himself and the book he’d like me to review, including what age range the novel is directed at. This allows me to see if it is something that fits with my tastes. He is very clear about what formats the novel is available in – some reviewers don’t have eReaders as yet, so this query would probably be turned down by them on that basis, although Matt is clear that HBs and PBs will be available at a later date.

In all, the email is to the point, professional and gives all the details that I might require. It is personalized to an extent and, in general, shows decent grasp of spelling and grammar. When I receive a request like the above, I am more than likely going to accept a copy, depending on my review schedule, and then you, as a self-published author, are one step ahead of the person who didn’t send a professional query. At least your novel is being read!

I hope this helps, and would welcome other reviewers making suggestions that can be added for self-published authors, so that they can present the best possible review query.

What do you want to see from the David Gemmell Legend Award?

Right, this is going to be a short post from me, because I want to hear lots from you!

The DGLA has come and gone for 2011, and, since we hear a lot about what the award doesn't do and how it could be improved, I want YOU to tell me what you think about these matters.

Everything will be fed back to the organisers of the DGLA.

The floor is yours!

Some Thoughts on the Angry Robot Books Open Month

I was asked a little while ago if I would like to be one of the readers of the Angry Robot Open Month submission pile, and I leapt at the chance. For me, personally, it would allow me to see a small part of the publishing process, it would give me the opportunity to see what sort of manuscripts are submitted to agents/publishers, and it should look pretty decent on the “publishing CV” that I am attempting to build in an effort to one day possibly getting a toehold in the industry.

We received an email from Lee Harris, giving some guidelines about wordcount, genres, what Angry Robot are looking for in general – and then we were unleashed. This surprised me utterly! I did think that we wouldn’t be allowed so much responsibility – we were literally picking and choosing the manuscripts to put forward to Lee and Marc for consideration. I’ll say immediately: that scared me. The idea that I would be responsible for crushing someone’s hopes? Didn’t like that AT ALL. But I guess that is the kind of experience that I was looking to receive, and so I am incredibly grateful to the Angry Robot boys for allowing that sort of freedom.

One point that really made me thoughtful is the fact that there were six or so of us readers picked (although the bulk of the work was conducted by Donna and I), and, if someone else picked up a manuscript that you might have LOVED and championed but they didn’t like it, it would be rejected without you even seeing it. That caused me to pause. All those manuscripts that don’t get picked up – not because they are poor quality, but because the right pair of eyes didn’t glance over them. Having said that, this is what happened to J K Rowling. And this is why persistence is key to submitting novels to agents and publishers – what is wrong for one publisher might be RIGHT for another.

Straight off, I want to say how high the overall quality was. I had heard horror stories about the “slush piles” – the terrible quality, the bad submission letters etc. Out of the five hundred odd partials I cast my eye over, I would say that the number that would be put into that category for me was about twenty, which isn’t too bad. Certainly bearable for someone looking through them.

As I say, I looked at approximately five hundred submissions – across the full spectrum of fantasy, science fiction and horror – and I asked to receive just 61. And I suspect that number is artificially inflated because in the beginning I asked for some that, by the end, I would have dismissed.

For those who care, that 61 is broken down into 36 male writers and 25 female writers – and that is roughly proportional to the manuscripts being submitted.

Out of the 61 manuscripts I have so far read four of them. Two of them I rejected, having read part of the rest. Two of them I’ve put forward to Lee and Marc – I’m yet to hear what they thought of them, and I’m probably as nervous as the authors. Well, maybe not, but certainly it is a reflection on my taste if they reject them out of hand! *grins*

Regarding taste, I was pleased to see that five of the manuscripts I requested to see full versions of had been picked up by other publishers and agents. I mean, obviously not pleased on Angry Robot’s behalf, because it could have been a success for them – but pleased because it showed I was capable of picking out novels that had a chance to be successful.

For your interest, here are some of the fabulous titles I will be reading over the next few weeks (months?):

- 1942 A Very English Roswell
- Nazarene Paradox
- Inside the Living Museum
- The Boomerang Thief
- The Lives of Tao
- Hunt for Valamon

These certainly all pique my interest. So, there is the first of my thoughts on submitting a manuscript – make sure your working title is something that will make a submission reader sit up and pay attention. Some of the submissions I received had terrible titles. I still accepted a few of them, but it took a lot more work on the part of the author to make me consider them.

Here are some of my impressions on submitting a novel:

- Please, for the love of God, do not use weird fonts when submitting. Use something that is easy on the eye and easy to read. If I am struggling to read the submission, then it doesn’t matter what the story is like, it’s being rejected.

- This might be a matter of my preference, but don’t include a mocked up book cover or maps you’ve drawn in Microsoft Paint. It doesn’t look professional, in my opinion – in fact, some of the bad ones made me laugh. Most of these got a very quick rejection.

- In your author biography, keep it nice and simple. Funny is okay, but can sometimes be way off the mark, so, unless you’re confident that it hits the spot, leave it out. Personal stuff – i.e. how you came to the plot thanks to the darkness in your soul (yes, seriously!) – isn’t really necessary...

- DON’T SUBMIT A MANUSCRIPT THAT IS ALL IN CAPITALS! MY EYES BLED A FEW TIMES!

- Equally, using coloured script – blue or *gulps* pink isn’t going to make you stand out in a good way.

- If you’re going to cite an author as inspiration, please make sure you spell them correctly. I don’t like hearing about David Webber, Arthur Clark, Philip Dirk, and Frank Hebert. Yes, I did see all of those.

- As to the submission itself... I know we all LOVE a good weather scene to start off a novel, don’t we? No? I still saw an absolute ton of these. Slow burn starts can be fine, but probably best not describe the way the wind is sweeping through the town, or how the clouds are scudding across the darkening sky.

- Equally, an action scene just to avoid a quiet weather scene is also no good. If the action is part of the actual story, then great! If the action is just to get started and has no relevance on the rest of the story (had one of these), then it needs to be looked at again.

- Character names – keep them straightforward! When you come up with them, say them out loud. If you’re unable to pronounce them, then your reader hasn’t a chance in hell of knowing. One name I had went as follows: Terrllss-rr. Another went like this: Anandrianalistella. These are not *easy* names to pronounce and are likely to kick the reader out of their smooth reading experience.

- Sex scenes... Ah, sex scenes. Unless it drives the plot forward or you’re writing full-on erotica, probably best to leave these out. Also, if you’re uncomfortable writing it, it comes across in your writing and you end up with something stilted that uses BAD words to be associated with sex.

- The hardest manuscripts to reject are those with a truly brilliant idea that is poorly executed. Or those with absolutely acceptable writing and plot, but just missing that subjective ‘wow’ factor.

I’m sure there are more points, but I’m probably hammering home points that you can read on any good publishers’ submission guidelines.

Remember this: publishers and agents are receiving HUNDREDS upon HUNDREDS of submissions. Yours needs to stand out through a professional covering letter, and the quality of your writing/story. Nothing else.

I do just want to say a public thanks to Angry Robot Books for giving me the chance to do this – I thoroughly enjoyed the process, and would be more than happy to tackle slush reading at any time.

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Jacob's grandfather tells him tales. Tall stories about peculiar people and his home on a magical island. As far as Jacob is concerned, these stories are just that - fibs, tales, something to pass the time. That is Before. After he discovers that there might be something to what his grandfather has said, and heads out on a journey to try and find the island from the past.

This is a quirky, beautiful, haunting, spooky little novel. I really had no idea what to expect going in - but did assume it would be a horror from the rather creepy photo adorning the front cover. I was left to uncover the secrets of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, and I hope that you decide to as well. I would hate to spoil anything, so will leave my discussions of the plot entirely. (I know that some people regard that reviewing technique as a complete cop-out, but I desperately want people to come to this novel with fresh eyes - it is a complete treat).

The prose is exceptional - leading the reader in a drifting manner through the first half of the novel, exploring Jacob's reaction to his grandfather's stories and his quiet life as an ordinary boy. At times it is quite stunning, and led me to think of such authors as Peter S Beagle. The second half of the novel increases the pace, with some exceptionally scary moments.

In fact, the best word to sum up Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children is "atmospheric". I thought about old-time shows and circuses, featuring bearded ladies and the like. I thought about haunted houses and ghosts. Having the background of WWII to much of the novel gave it a weight and oppression. Some scenes drip with menace. Others show a dreary town haunted by its past. Altogether, this novel is atmospheric!

The atmosphere is increased by the wonderful archive photographs in sepia scattered through the novel. Riggs used them as his inspiration for the story, and you can see exactly why they created such a strange little tale. Indeed, the picture on the front cover of the novel shows a little girl in a dress - fairly ordinary. Until you look closely and see that she is hovering a foot above the ground. This manner of secrets being revealed is perfectly in tune with the prose of the novel.

I do have a quibble - as I always do where time travel and loops in time are concerned. It is too easy to see paradoxes and loopholes in the idea of people moving back and forth in time. If I thought too hard about what was occurring, my head started to ache with the logistics of it all.

Apart from that incredibly minor point, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children is an exceptional tale; one that is destined to become a classic. It is undefinable and entirely beautiful. I think this has managed to do the impossible and knock the Chaos Walking trilogy from my top spot this year. Well worth your money!

It's A Jungle Out There!

Do you ever wonder why publishers only accept a very small amount of the submissions they receive? Do you ever wonder why so much is spent on conceiving cover art that will attract readers and help to direct book buyers to novels they might enjoy? Do you ever wonder why recognised bestselling authors are always supported by a greater degree in a monetary fashion by publishers.

This might shed a little light. I was checking out some forthcoming novels that I've had my eye on earlier this week, and suddenly realised that, if you're an author releasing a novel on 7th July, you must be quaking in your boots in terms of the competition. How on earth are you going to make it so that your novel is the one picked up?

Here is an interesting list for you....

If you're just a reader of speculative fiction (that being fantasy, science fiction, horror, urban fantasy and the ilk) you can get your hands on the following:

1) Waking the Witch - Kelley Armstrong
2) Bearers of the Black Staff - Terry Brooks
3) Heartless - Gail Carriger
4) Goddess of the Sea - P C Cast
5) Jack Cloudie - Stephen Hunt
6) Den of Thieves - David Chandler
7) Echo City - Tim Lebbon
8) Hell Ship - Philip Palmer
9) Sin Undone - Larissa Ione
10) Tempting Evil - Keri Arthur

Ten books! That would be a stretch for me to read all of them in one month, and I count myself a fairly swift reader...

If you occasionally appreciate a foray into YA titles, you can then add the following novels:

11) The Immortals: Everlasting - Alyson Noel
12) In the Sea There Are Crocodiles - Fabio Geda
13) Deathwing - Hunter Cole
14) Highway Robbery - Kate Thompson
15) Island of Thieves - Josh Lacey
16) Solstice at Stonewylde - Kit Berry


Hmm, starting to get *really* challenging, non?

Now let's add in crime - a number of us like a good crime novel, don't we?

17) The Reversal - Michael Connolly
18) The Temple Mount Code - Charles Brokaw
19) Buried Prey - John Sandford
20) The Devil's Light - Richard North Patterson
21) Spider Bones - Kathy Reichs
22) Burned - Thomas Enger
23) Conspiracy in Death - J D Robb
24) Fallen Gods - Quintin Jardin
25) The Devotion of Suspect X - Keigo Higashino

Okay, I don't think even a quick reader is going to tackle all of the books above!

Finally, I'm going to show you a sample of the novels given for 7th July under the "Fiction" category:

26) The Caspian Gates - Harry Sidebottom
27) Suspicious Minds - Mary Larkin
28) Rule 34 - Charles Stross (which really should be categorised under science fiction, surely?)
29) The People Next Door - Christopher Ransom
30) Go To Sleep - Helen Walsh

31) Beatrice and Virgil - Yann Martel
32) Black Sea Twilight - Domnica Radulescu
33) Days of Gold - Jude Deveraux
34) Love and Marriage - Patricia Scanlan
35) Mistress of My Fate - Hallie Rubenhold
36) Patronage - Maria Edgeworth
37) Rage of Lions - Curtis Jobling
38) Seven Days One Summer - Kate Morris
39) Sunshine State - James Miller
40) The Coffee Story - Peter Salmon
41) The Elephant's Journey - Jose Saramago


42) Agent 6 - Tom Rob Smith
43) Fallen - Karin Slaughter
44) Happy Birthday - Danielle Steel
45) Red Plenty - Francis Spufford
46) All For You - Sheila O'Flanagan
47) House of the Hanged - Mark Mills
48) Killer Move - Michael Marshall
49) The Captive Queen - Alison Weir
50) Pegasus and the Fight for Olympus - Kate O'Hearn
51) The Roots of Betrayal - James Forrester
52) Graveminder - Melissa Marr
53) Behold a Pale Horse - Peter Tremayne
54) Atlas Infernal - Rob Sanders

Okay, I'm going to stop, I think I've done enough! There are more released on 7th July. Way more.

It should be said that some of the above are the paperback releases of hardbacks, and some are re-releases of older novels. Even so.

That is ONE day. On ONE day in the year there are almost 60 novels released. No wonder authors are encouraged to get out there and promote madly. No wonder it feels like we, as readers, can never possibly catch up.

I know many of you read one genre almost exclusively, but even within just one genre, there are often over ten books released on one day in a month.

So... I want to know from you:

- whether you ever think there are TOO many novels being published?
- whether there are any books listed above that you were desperate to read, but didn't know was coming out until you read this post?
- whether there are any series/authors you keep up with, regardless of all the other new releases coming out?
- whether you feel sorry for new authors getting lost in the swirl of releases every month?
- whether you despair about ever catching up?

I hold my hand up to the last. I want to read SO many books, and there are just SO many more being released.

What do you think authors/publishers have to do these days to stand out when it comes to the jungle that is book publishing?

Fulgrim by Graham McNeill

It is the 31st millenium, and humanity is at the peak of its powers. As the Great Crusade, led by Warmaster Horus, continues to conquer the galazy, Fulgrim, Primarch of the Emperor's Children, leads his warriors into battle against a vile alien foe. From the blood of this campaign are sown the seeds that will lead this proud Legion to treachery, taking them down the darkest paths of corruption. Leading up to the carnage of the Dropsite Massacre on Isstvan V, Graham McNeill tells the tale of Fulgrim's tragic fall from grace.

Well now... I enjoyed Graham McNeill's last outing in the Horus Heresy (False Gods), although found the pacing a little uneven at times. Fulgrim, for me, shows a writer with an enormous amount of confidence. McNeill has improved immeasurably on False Gods, and presents a novel that is truly epic in scope.

Fulgrim is structured brilliantly. We're shown the Emperor's Children before the fall - an exceptionally proud Legion searching for perfection in everything. There are strong characters showcased as they look for the approval of their Primarch during this period of conquest. Because we've seen the Emperor's Children before the bloody campaign on the Laer worlds, it is all the more heartbreaking to see the cracks appear. Of course, anyone who currently games in the 40K universe will know the future of the Emperor's Children, but McNeill manages to inject a real uncertainty so that new readers coming to the Horus Heresy who don't game will encounter a truly shocking revelation.

I also appreciated the pacing in this novel. McNeill keeps it at slowburn for much of the first half of the novel - there are some exciting set pieces, but truly we're learning about the characters and the nature of the Emperor's Children, set against the backdrop of uneasy rumours about the Warmaster and events already covered in the first three novels of the Horus Heresy. Gradually the action builds to a truly epic crescendo - this is a showpiece of the series so far, dark and powerful.

Still, the action would be nothing if there wasn't a strong heart to the novel; here we have the tale of Cain and Abel, in essence. Two brothers who have a seemingly unshakeable bond forced to face up to jealousy and betrayal. The relationship between Fulgrim and Ferrus Manus is tragic indeed, and leaves the reader really feeling the tearing up of the Astartes between loyalists and those who follow Horus.

I feel I say this way too often about the Horus Heresy novels, but I honestly think they are leading the way where military science fiction is concerned. Strong plotlines, a realism to the warfare presented (yes, even with the colossal virtually immortal killing machines that the Astartes represent!), and great characters make these irresistible. Ignore them because they are tie-in fiction at your peril! Fulgrim marks new heights in the Horus Heresy, and I can't wait to read more.

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Favourite Blogs

Here we are on another Tuesday, and so here for you, my lovely reader, is another of my irregular efforts at a Top Ten Tuesday list (as inspired by The Broke and The Bookish). Today I have chosen to talk about my top ten favourite blogs. These aren't necessarily the best out there, but they are the blogs that I find consistently entertaining, informative and non-political. Hopefully, if you haven't already, you'll check these out and follow them as well. These are my ten in no particular order - except possibly alphabetically.

1) A Fantastical Librarian

I love Mieneke's blog. I enjoy the enthusiasm she brings to her reading. I think her reviews are considered and friendly. I like the perspective she brings as a fairly recent mother to the world of blogging/reading. I always find her to be welcoming, approachable and embracing of all fiction (although she does like her speculative stuff). She is open minded and willing to take recommendations, and is happy to comment on other people's blogs.

2) Bookworm Blues

Sarah is another great speculative fiction blogger (although she has recently split her blogging duties in two, so that she can concentrate on other fiction as well). Sarah brings a more critical eye to her reviews, and has a nice turn in snark on occasion. She brings features to the table as well, and tries to create discussion points around reading. I do love the way Sarah is very happy to support independents and small presses as well as the larger publishing houses.

3) Chick Lit Reviews

Y'all know I love other genres as much as speculative fiction, and this is my go-to site for all matters chick lit. I don't find their reviews to be very revealing, being as they seem enthusiastic about nearly ALL the books they read, but I love the site for the cover spotlights they do, the interviews with chick lit authors, and the highlighting of forthcoming fiction. They really are a treasure trove of chick lit information.

4) My Favourite Books

I picked this crew not just because they are some of my favourite people, but because they approach blogging in such a carefree manner. All fiction is considered on their blog - in fact, they're currently neck deep in an Under 14s month, which is just terrific. I like the military science fiction slant that Mark brings to the party, and I enjoy the fact that they often host slots on blog tours, where we get to hear more about the authors.

5) Civilian Reader

This is becoming one of my top speculative fiction sites - and mostly because of the author interviews. Stefan is doing an incredible job landing interviews with some of the best-known fantasy and science fiction authors around. I first picked up Stefan thanks to his Warhammer book reviewing, but the site has just blossomed since then, with other genres being handled. Stefan's reviews are always excellent to read, even when I haven't agreed with his point of view.

6) Graeme's Fantasy Book Reviews

One of the original and best. Graeme might not get to all the new releases. He might do quite a few giveaways. But I love his thoughtful reviewing style and his general excitement about all things speculative fiction. Also, I know he has gone back and forth about it, and some people hate it, but I ADORE that crazy rating system of his *grin*. Also? One of the most friendly bloggers out there, and always willing to lend a helping hand to new bloggers.

7) The Speculative Scotsman

We sometimes fall out. And sometimes I roll my eyes at his *extravagant* language while reviewing. But there is no doubt that Niall is doing something different and carving himself a true niche in the blogging world. He gets some real exclusives, writes the LONGEST (but most in-depth) interviews in the blogosphere, and is willing to get down and dirty when he doesn't like something.

8) Pornokitsch

This husband and wife team first came to my attention with a review of Wizard's First Rule by Terry Goodkind, which I laughed my ass off at, and since then have followed it up with equal gems (such as the recent review of The Wise Man's Fear, which it seemed as though EVERYONE I spoke to at Alt Fiction had read). Anne's Monsters and Mullets features are just excellent. I don't read their site all the time, but occasional articles are so good. They epitomise snark, but have a gentle affection for what they take the piss out of.

9) Walker of Worlds

Once again, it doesn't hurt any that I'm close friends with the two principal contributors to this blog - Mark and Steve are both top blokes, and share many similar opinions with me. This one is my real go to site when it comes to science fiction. Mark knows his stuff and, although his reviews are not as regular as those from other blogs, he gets to the real meat of a novel. Adding Steve's fantasy reviews earlier this year was an inspired move and has created a really holistic speculative blog.

10) SF Signal

One of the biggies. I don't read everything this gargantuan site produces, but their Mindmelds are ALWAYS worth a read. Plus the daily SF tidbit posts help to highlight some of the best articles being produced on other websites.

Looking at the list above, I reckon I'm probably teaching you to suck eggs when it comes to adding these blogs to your Google Reader!

The other blogs that I would have wanted to add to the list above if it had been more than ten would be as follows:

- A Dribble of Ink
- Adam Christopher
- chasing bawa
- The Wertzone
- Dark Wolf's Fantasy Reviews
- Savidge Reads
- Stella Matutina
- Stomping on Yeti
- The Book Smugglers
- Bibliotropic
- onemorepage
- Iceberg Ink

Which are your favourite blogs? Suggest me the ones I might be missing!

Tyranids

This is a pretty self-indulgent post, I'll confess *grins*

As well as reading Black Library novels, I'm a self-confessed geek in terms of playing Warhammer Fantasy and 40K. I haven't played for a while now and my poor Tyranid army is sat in a display cabinet at home feeling lonely. So I thought I would take a couple of (bad) pictures (with my iPhone) so that you lot could see what I've achieved.

On the tournament scene they were known as Hive Fleet Rutter - although I prefer Hive Fleet Britannia, thanks to the colour scheme! My winged Hive Tyrant was infamously called Mr Fluffy, and my opponents considered it a matter of pride to gun him down. Ah, I miss wargaming. So... Yes, I'm a geek. But I am bloody proud of this army - it's one of the finest things I've accomplished.

The aforementioned Mr Fluffy!

Gaunts and genestealers

You can just spy a Carnifex behind those Warriors

A close up! Isn't he fearsome?

Oh, and, while I'm at it, have another photo. In about a month's time I am heading to see Iron Maiden at the O2. While at the NEC for Eastercon I spied this promo poster for the tour - and all I could think is that the creature on the poster is most definitely a genestealer! *grins*

Do you wargame? What army do you collect? Do you enjoy painting, or is it something to be endured so that you can get to the fun part?

Books I Adopted This Week

This is going to be an absolutely bumper edition, because it is actually three weeks worth of books received (for review, competition wins, and books I have brought myself). I will do my usual analysis of the titles received into Floor to Ceiling Books HQ this week, and then a list of everything else - with all links going to Amazon.co.uk for my Amazon Associates.

Without further ado...

Jake Ransom and the Howling Sphinx by James Rollins

An ancient and priceless ruby - the Eye of Ra - has been found beneath the Egyptian sands in the Valley of the Kings. Legend has it the jewel holds immense power, but it has fallen into the wrong hands - which means trouble for Jake and Kady Ransom, and a new action-packed adventure as the pair are catapulted into an ancient land of shifting sands, dark magic and dangerous enemies ...Can Jake and Kady survive and outwit the Skull King himself?

Jake Ransom and the Howling Sphinx will be published by Orion on 7th July 2011.

I'm unsure about this one on two counts - firstly, it is the second in a series, so necessitates me buying the first because I can't bear diving into a series late. The second reason is that I believe James Rollins also writes under the pseudonym James Clemens and I have a distinct hate relationship with his writing thanks to the Wi'tch series...

Always on my Mind by Colette Caddle

Old flames, new temptations ...With only a few weeks to go until her Dublin wedding, Molly Jackson is happily anticipating married life with Declan, her boyfriend of four years. Her sister Laura has all the arrangements firmly in hand, from the designer dresses to the prestigious venue; and if Molly would have been happier with something a little more low-key, she can hardly complain. She's got everything she ever wanted: her perfect job, as an agony aunt for online magazine Teenage Kix; Declan, the love of her life; and, in Belle, Oliver, Rory and Laura, a loving and warm, if slightly eccentric family. Then Declan drops his bombshell: he has to go abroad, on business. The wedding must be postponed. Hurt, and reeling from the shock, Molly is seeing Declan off at the airport when she bumps into Luke Fortune. Luke, her childhood sweetheart, left the country when they were both eighteen. It's been almost twelve years, and Molly thought she had moved on. But, seeing Luke again, she realises that she has a window of opportunity, while Declan is away, to put a few of the ghosts in her past to rest.

Always on my Mind will be published by Simon & Schuster on 7th July 2011.

I've not read any Colette Caddle, which is a surprise since I've tried most of the Irish authors writing in the chick lit arena. I am keen to give this a try - and, I have to say, the sudden burst of English summer weather only makes me more eager to sit and read it on a lazy afternoon in the garden!

The Fear Institute by Jonathan L Howard

Beyond the wall of sleep lie the Dreamlands, a whole world formed by dreams, but not a dream itself. For countless millennia, it has been explored only by those with a certain detachment from the mundane realities of our own world, its strange seas navigated, and its vast mountains climbed by philosophers, and mystics, and poets.

Well, those halcyon days are over, beatniks.

Johannes Cabal is coming.

Cabal, a necromancer of some little infamy, is employed by the mysterious Fear Institute to lead an expedition into the Dreamlands, an expedition whose goal is nothing less than to hunt and destroy the dread Phobic Animus, the font of terrors, the very source of all the world’s fear. They will enter exotic lands where magic is common and monsters abound, see wonders, and suffer dreadful hardships. Cabal will encounter witches, vile abominations, and far too many zebras.

And, when they finally come close to their goal, Cabal will have to face his own nightmares, but for a man who communes easily with devils and the dead, there is surely nothing left to fear.

Is there?

The Fear Institute will be published by Headline on 1st September 2011.

OH BOY! Did I jump around when this tumbled out of the envelope! I LOVE the Johannes Cabal novels and have been waiting with baited breath for the third. I sincerely hope that this lives up to my insanely high expectations. If you haven't started out on your Johannes Cabal journey yet, then go now and buy!

Whisper of Scandal by Nicola Cornick

London, May 1811. Widow Lady Joanna Ware has no desire to wed again but that doesn't stop the flurry of suitors knocking on her door. Desperate to thwart another proposal, Joanna brazenly kisses Arctic explorer Alex, Lord Grant. Unable to deny the blazing attraction that flares, Joanna knows she's just set the gossip mill turning.

Whisper of Scandal was published by MIRA books on 17th June 2011.

This one is a little disappointing, but only because I have won a copy of Whisper of Scandal from Book Chick City, so it's now a duplicate. However, the fact that I entered the competition for it shows that I am keen to try some historical romance!

The Cardturner by Louis Sachar

When Alton's ageing, blind uncle asks him to attend bridge games with him, he agrees. After all, it's better than a crappy summer job in the local shopping mall, and Alton's mother thinks it might secure their way to a good inheritance sometime in the future. But, like all apparently casual choices in any of Louis Sachar's wonderful books, this choice soon turns out to be a lot more complex than Alton could ever have imagined. As his relationship with his uncle develops, and he meets the very attractive Toni, deeply buried secrets are uncovered and a romance that spans decades is finally brought to conclusion. Alton's mother is in for a surprise!

The Cardturner will be published by Bloomsbury on 9th August 2011.

This one sounds beautifully sweet and heart-warming. Although it was a surprise to me and not one I'd even heard of before receiving it, I would very much like to give it a try.

The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson

Sixteen-year-old American girl Rory has just arrived at boarding school in London when a Jack the Ripper copycat-killer begins terrorising the city. All the hallmarks of his infamous murders are frighteningly present, but there are few clues to the killer's identity. "Rippermania" grabs hold of modern-day London, and the police are stumped with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. In an unknown city with few friends to turn to, Rory makes a chilling discovery! Could the copycat murderer really be Jack the Ripper back from the grave?

The Name of the Star will be published by Harper Collins on 29th September 2011.

Jack the Ripper! Again! I have seen a number of books recently that turn to the Jack the Ripper mythos - hell, I recently finished editing one - and I'm wondering why sometimes these trends arise. Regardless, the description sounds amazing and I will be reading this in September.

Path of the Seer by Gav Thorpe

The ancient eldar are a mysterious race and each devotes their life to a chosen path that will guide their actions and decide their fate. Thirianna abandons her simple existence to embark upon the mysterious Path of the Seer. She will tread a dark and dangerous road that leads her to the otherrealm of the warp, where daemons are made flesh and nightmares are manifest, for only there can she realise her psychic abilities. After unleashing her powers in battle and communing with the spirits of her craft world, Thirianna turns her skills to discerning the future amidst the myriad strands of fate. Her visions reveal a great threat descending on Alaitoc, and both the living and the dead will march to war to defend it.

Path of the Seer will be published by Black Library on 1st September 2011.

I read Path of the Warrior, the first novel in this sequence, and I wasn't terribly impressed. However, I do like reading about the Eldar, so I have no doubt that at some point I will find myself picking this one up.

Defenders of Ulthuan by Graham McNeill

This is a story of war, betrayal and redemption that explores the magical world of the elves. Two brothers fight for the love of the same woman against a backdrop of war as the dark elves launch a massive invasion of the elf homeland, Ulthuan. Can the high elves drive back their evil kin before the forces of magic are unleashed and rip the world apart?

Defenders of Ulthuan will be published by Black Library on 1st September 2011.

This one looks to be a re-release of a novel previously published in 2007? I didn't read it then, but I want to read it now. I like Graham McNeill's writing (am currently reading Fulgrim!) and I want to read more Warhammer fantasy, so this seems ideal. Plus, y'know, High Elves were my first WHF army *grins*

Sons of Ellyrion by Graham McNeill

Ulthuan is a land at the verge of destruction. At Lothern, a fell army marches against the elven defenders of Prince Imrik and Prince Tyrion. In Averlorn, two brothers fight for forgiveness and their right to defend their people. But at Tor Elyr, the conflict will be lost and won. The druchii army, led by Morathi and Issyk Kul, battles the gathered might of the high elves in a vast, destructive conflict. But Morathi has even grander plans than this – to destroy the vortex that holds Ulthuan together, plunging the island into a nightmare domain of Chaos. The noble elves must overcome their dark cousins, or else face the end of their race.

Sons of Ellyrion will be published by Black Library on 1st September 2011.

Sons of Ellyrion is the sequel to Defenders of Ulthuan, and...err...see above!

Echo City by Tim Lebbon

Surrounded by a vast, toxic desert, the inhabitants of labyrinthine Echo City believe there is no other life in their world. Some like it that way, so when a stranger arrives he is anathema to powerful interest groups. But Peer Nadawa found the stranger and she is determined to keep him and the freedom he represents alive. A political exile herself, she calls on her ex-lover Gorham, now leader of their anti-establishment network. Then they recruit the Baker, whose macabre genetic experiments seem close to sorcery. However, while factions prepare for war, an ancient peril is stirring. In the city's depths something deadly is rising, and it will soon reach the levels where men dwell.

Echo City will be published by Orbit on 7th July 2011.

I had no real interest in Echo City UNTIL I checked out the cover and saw the quote from Steven Erikson. Who is A GOD. So.... yes please on this one!

Hell Ship by Philip Palmer

The Hell Ship hurtles through space. Inside the ship are thousands of slaves, each the last of their race. The Hell Ship and its infernal crew destroyed their homes, slaughtered their families and imprisoned them forever. One champion refuses to succumb. Sharrock, reduced from hero to captive in one blow, has sworn vengeance. Although Sai-as, head of the alien slave horde, will ruthlessly enforce the status quo. But help is close. Jak has followed the Ship for years and their battles have left Jak broken, a mind in a starship's body, focussed only on destroying the Ship. Together, can hunter and slave end this interstellar nightmare?

Hell Ship will be published by Orbit on 7th July 2011.

Poor Philip Palmer. Each time a novel of his gets published, I am sent it and I always thinks 'ooh, I must get around to reading that' and then somehow it gets pushed down the pile. It's definitely time for me to try a Palmer book!

Ghost Story by Jim Butcher

Meet Harry Dresden, Chicago's first (and only) Wizard PI. Turns out the 'everyday' world is full of strange and magical things - and most of them don't play well with humans. That's where Harry comes in. But he's forgotten his own golden rule: magic - it can get a guy killed. Which didn't help when he clashed with unknown assailants with his murder in mind. And though Harry's continued existence is now in some doubt, this doesn't mean he can rest in peace. Trapped in a realm that's not quite here, yet not quite anywhere else, Harry learns that three of his loved ones are in danger. Only by discovering his assailant's identity can he save his friends, bring criminal elements to justice, and move on himself. It would just be easier if he knew who was at risk. And had a (working) crystal ball. And access to magic. Instead, he is unable to interact with the physical world - invisible to all but a select magical few. He's also not the only silent presence roaming Chicago's alleys. Hell, he put some there himself. Now, they're looking for payback.

Ghost Story will be published by Orbit on 28th July 2011.

I've read up to book four in the Dresden series and really loved all of them - with Ghost Story coming soon (and hotly anticipated!) I think I need to catch up. Liz from My Favourite Books mentioned a summer challenge to get up to speed and I might well take her up on that.

Baby Be Mine by Paige Toon

'He's not mine, is he?' That's the question I fear the most. You see, I have a secret. My son is not fathered by my boyfriend, but by one of the most famous rock stars that ever lived. And he doesn't even know it. One-time celebrity personal assistant to wild boy of rock Johnny Jefferson, Meg Stiles is now settled and living in the south of France with her doting boyfriend Christian and their son Barney. But they're living a lie - a lie that will turn their lives upside down and inside out - because as Barney reaches his first birthday, Meg can no longer deny that her son is growing to look more and more like his rock star father every day, and less and less like Christian, and sooner or later, the world is going to realise...

Baby Be Mine will be published by Simon & Schuster on 21st July 2011.

Oh, this one is HUGE. I love Paige Toon's work, and everyone who knows chick lit has marked out their calendars with this release date. I feel hugely privileged to receive this one early, and will enjoy reading it soon.

So the above were all those books received this week.

Here are those received for review over the previous two weeks to that:

Shadow's Lure by Jon Sprunk
Snapshot by Craig Robertson
The Look of Love by Judy Astley
Taboo by Casey Hill
The Falling Machine by Andrew P. Mayer
Mozart's Last Aria by Matt Rees
Hereward by James Wilde
Dead of Veridon by Tim Akers
Sympathy for the Devil by Justin Gustainis
Lost Temple by Tom Harper
The Lazarus Vault by Tom Harper
The Book of Secrets by Tom Harper
Dragon's Time by Anne & Todd McCaffrey
The Quarry by Johan Theorin
Exile by Rebecca Lim
Far From Home by Na'ima B Robert
Daughters of Rome by Kate Quinn
Tempest Rising by Tracy Deebs
Wolf Blood by N M Browne
Gamerunner by B R Collins
Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
The Concrete Grove by Gary McMahon
Dangerous Waters by Juliet E McKenna
Heartless by Gail Carriger
The Lovers by Vendela Vida
The Key to Creation by Kevin J Anderson
Egypt by Nick Drake

Here are the books I have bought myself:

Summer Holiday by Penny Smith
To My Best Friends by Sam Baker
Breaking the Silence by Diane Chamberlain
About Last Night by Adele Parks
I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have To Kill You by Ally Carter
Passion by Lauren Kate
The Map of Time by Felix J Palma
Blackveil by Kristen Britain
Re:Wired by Alex Keller
Matched by Ally Condie
Nerd Do Well by Simon Pegg
The Single Girl's To-Do List by Lindsey Kelk
There Goes The Bride by Holly McQueen

Phew! That's your lot!

Although.... now I think about it, I've not touched the books received to my Kindle... Maybe that'll be another post *grins*

Which of the above look most exciting to you?