Dead Lake is staying at 99c/p indefinitely!

I've decided to keep Dead Lake (Book 1 of Tricky's Tales) at 99c/p indefinitely, or at least as long as it takes me to write the new subscriber exclusive from Tricky's world, which will be a prequel novella.

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Review: Doctor Blessing's Curse, by Jack Rollins

Doctor Blessing's Curse by Jack Rollins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I started this series from a unique standpoint, having read only the prequel - In Quiet Courts - and related short, Tender Morsels. I had no idea about just how dark this was going to get, or exactly what was going on with Dr Blessing, but my word, what a compelling storyline.

The story starts when Dr Blessing is called to a birth, and it's all going wrong, and when the mother dies, he takes the child - or creature to look after it and adopt it. But this is no ordinary creature. The story is fast-paced and each chapter is either written in first person when it's Dr Blessing or third person from other characters. It crosses over well and keeps the tension high.

I have read both Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock books, and Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, and Rollin's captures the style of writing and wording which reflects the world of Victorian London perfectly. It flows, and creates all aspects of it. Though this series is far darker and more horror-filled than any of their books.

I was gripped and already half-way through the second book, Dr Blessing's Rapture. Highly recommended for all horror lovers.

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Review: Death Game by Joseph Sale

DEATH GAME by Joseph Sale
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this one straight after reading the first book Save Game, so all the characters were still fresh in my mind. Levi's story has moved on by more than a decade, even though he himself hasn't due to mental health issues sparked by Fate of Ellaria game, and his friend Amir has gone on to build a new more immersive interactive game, which he is about to launch and wants Levi to take part in. But is Levi mental up to it?

Much like Amir's game, this book is just as immersive. We follow the characters and their challenges and someone trying to sabotage the game. It is a dark fantasy, with lots of horrifying elements, not least of all the character Cowl! Joseph Sale has an excellent descriptive manner which captures things visually, emotionally, even in a tactile way, using little words.

It's fast-paced, with a compelling story. And I'm so happy to find out there is a third (and even a fourth) volume as it is left on a very intriguing cliff hanger. I have already ordered Book 3 - Chaos Game.

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Review: Philosophy: A very short introduction by Edward Craig

Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction by Edward Craig
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I had hoped to dip in and out of this book, but each chapter links to the one previous with the topics being discussed. I might also not have the right temperament for this book, as I found it a bit presumptuous ... for want of a better word.

I had the same issues when studying English literature at college. When going over other people's writing - particularly when translated - guessing at meanings and assuming how someone lived, believed or thought. And then picking out words and asking what they meant by them. But maybe that is the point of philosophy and it is my ignorance that I didn't know that.

Some interesting facts and history. It is called very short (though it probably is in philosophical terms), and published in a tiny pocket addition, but the print is super small. I might give it another go another time as I just skimmed it really and read bits and pieces.

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