The Near Witch - BookReview

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Originally released via Hyperion Books

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The Disappearance of a child leads to mystery and suspicion

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When a young boy, Edgar, vanishes from his home and a stranger who was seen the night before is blamed, locals start a search for them both. Sixteen year old Lexi Harris isn't so sure; for she has met the newcomer and, though he has secrets of his own, it doesn't seem likely that he is guilty of abduction. But what are the voices that speak to her young sister Wren? The fear felt in the village intensifies when a second child goes missing.

I enjoyed reading The Near Witch, the debut novel of author V.E. Schwab. It has a beauty all of its own, and a richness of characters. First up is Lexi, a confident young lady who is more comfortable wearing her father's hunting knife and actually getting involved in the search for missing children than living up to other people's expectations. She lives at home with her young sister and mother. Since the death of her father, she's clearly been "guided" by her Uncle Otto, though she prefers to follow her intuition than be told what to do. She is definitely her father's daughter.

Then there are witch sisters Magda and Dreska Thorne, who are clearly older than anyone else in the village with knowledge and memories that span more time than is possible. But they've lived, and seen things. They're also loners, which makes them suspects of concealing the stranger. If he's not found in the village then where else can he be?

And then there is the stranger himself, just a boy but one whose real name and motives are a mystery; to the villagers and Lexi, at least. But the disappearance of children began when he arrived, so what more evidence do people need to accuse him? If he is indeed being protected by the witches then perhaps they need to be dealt with, too?

I love the themes of isolation and fear, difference and suspicion.

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Returning To The Beginning...

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When it comes to books, I know what I like and rarely deviate - which isn't exactly a good thing because there is such richness out there in the publishing world. But from the moment I read the first few pages of The Spook's Apprentice by Joseph Delaney, I was hooked. It was the same with Harry Potter, and Burning Issy by Melvin Burgess. The Near Witch did exactly that, a page turner and an obsession, a wanting to solve the mystery and find out the identity of the stranger; I was Lexi's companion, accompanying her as she resolved to find clues and clear his name.

But what if he is responsible?

Interestingly, this book was first published in 2011. As the author says of its original existence, "...though I tried to shield the fragile candle of its life, it was only a matter of time before the wind of publishing blew through, and snuffed it out". Thankfully she persisted, writing a further fourteen novels in seven years, and the time of The Near Witch came about once more thanks to the team at Titan Books. In March 2019 it was republished, in hardback, with a short story 'The Ash-Born Boy' and an introduction from V.E. Schwab. Now it is available in paperback, and I am glad.

For existing fans of the author it's a real treat to get hands on a fresh copy of this remarkable story. And, like me, if you're new and eager to learn more about this talented writer, then it's certainly a good place to start. I've also been reading Victoria's official website at veschwab.com; and enjoying the blog, which I hope remains intact at wordpress.com and is never deleted - it is such a lovely place to wander and spend time exploring, reading up on the beginnings of The Near Witch's first publication and book signings etc.

I now have a favourite new book, and author.

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Alien: Prototype (2019) - BookReview

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Originally published on The Dreamcage

Release date: October 2019

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Venture

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Mad scientist gains access to Xenomorph egg, it hatches, and all hell breaks loose as people are killed. Of course, it's been done before: the whole of the Weyland-Yutani Corporation seems intent on breeding these monstrous aliens and deploying them for warfare. However, it is Venture, a rival company, that wishes to obtain the Holy Grail of alien artefacts in this fun story penned by Tim Waggoner and published by Titan Books.

I've never been one to dive into the various graphic novels of the Alien Universe so it's not easy to keep up with the various characters created over the years. Does having some prior knowledge of comics help with Alien Prototype? Not really, I found it easy to get straight in and read. It probably does help that I had some knowledge of Zula Hendricks, a friend to Amanda Ripley-McClaren, thanks to the publication of Alien Isolation (read Alwyn's review of that book here), but it's not a problem for new readers.

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Infiltration!

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Spy Tamar Prather infiltrates a group of space pirates to locate a Xenomorph egg, also called the Ovomorph. The outlaws eventually board a commercial transport where an egg is found. Prather's job now is to abandon her pirate associates and deliver the egg to her client, Dr. Gagnon of Venture, at The Lodge, a facility on the planet Jericho 3. Reminiscent of that scene in Jean-Pierre Jeunet's Alien Resurrection (1997) where kidnapped Humans are used as hosts for Xenomorphs by military scientists, Gagnon tricks a male colonist to be part of some medical research. Hassan, the colonist, has given his time before with various experiments - this time he unwittingly becomes part of something that won't just end his life, but will have the potential to cause unspeakable horror. In a test chamber the colonist is faced with an egg and the Facehugger within.

At this present time, former marine Zula Hendricks is on the colony training potential members for Venture's Colony Protection Force. She's a very likeable character and one that is given enough to do throughout the story. With the alien breaking free of the test chamber and growing to become a thoroughly perfect killer, Hendricks and her team are quite literally the only ones that have any chance of standing up against the Xenomorph. To complicate matters, however, is the knowledge that the creature is a carrier of cellular necrosis, a deadly disease passed on from its host Hassan. Ingeniously this particular alien is able to adapt and use it as an extra weapon, infecting Humans in its path and causing the disease to spread virally through the colony.

Tamar is a fun character, a mercenary whose objectives can change in an instant, depending on who's paying and whether someone else can afford more. She's a survivor, a realist, and emotionally detached from those around her.

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Winning Formula

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Award-winner Tim Waggoner was a great choice to pen an Alien story. Not one new to media tie-ins, he crafts something that, in my opinion, is easily one of the best takes on the Alien franchise in years. If a single Xenomorph (Gagnon christens his a "Necromorph") is more than enough to become your worst nightmare, then why not add a pathogen to escalate the tension further...

Titan Books is easily on a winner.

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Alien Isolation - NovelReview (2019)

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Originally published on dreamcage.com

Release date: July 2019
Writer: Keith R. A. DeCandido

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The Promise

One of the saddest things about Alien isn't that Ellen Ripley lost her crew-mates aboard the Nostromo at the hands - or jaws - of a vicious killing machine, it is the heartbreaking fact that she never returned home to Earth in time for her daughter's Eleventh birthday, and that she never got to see Amanda "Amy" Ripley EVER again! In Aliens DIRECTOR'S CUT we get to view the moment when Carter J. Burke, junior executive for the Weyland-Yutani Corporation, reveals that Amanda Ripley-McClaren died at the age of 66, two years prior to Ellen being found in deep space. She had died of cancer. However, what we as viewers never got to see was Amanda's own personal journey. Until now...


"Dallas wants me on the Nostromo, and they just took on a big contract to bring cargo back from Thedus."

Titan Books have published some terrific titles in the Alien catalogue, my favourite being Alien: River of Pain. However, there had yet to be a title covering Ellen Ripley's lost years, those being her 57 years absent in hypersleep aboard the Narcissus.

November 2137, the crew of the salvage ship Anesidora discover the flight recorder of the commercial space tug Nostromo, which had now been missing for 15 years. Altering course, the Anesidora goes to LV-426, the last known location of the missing ship. Those familiar with Alien won't be too surprised when things turn sour and one of the Anesidora crew gets attacked by a facehugger. With no time to lose, they leave the planet and head to Sevastopol Station where they hope to find help.


"Sevastopol's a supply depot in the region. It's a permanent freeport facility."

While repairing a Lagdamen X34 land buggy, engineer Amanda Ripley is told of the fortunate black box discovery by Christopher Samuels, a Weyland-Yutani Corporation employee. At first sceptical that the information could lead to yet another dead end, she eventually agrees to board the USCSS Torrens and head for Sevastopol. This being Alien, nothing goes to plan and Amanda finds herself trapped on board the space station among armed civilians and a deadly monster stalking the corridors and ventilation system. Her single goal: to locate the flight recorder and find out just what happened to her mother all those years ago.

As the book proudly states on the cover, Alien Isolation is an "original novel based on the hit video game" of the same name from 20th Century Fox. The game was a 2014 first-person survival console experience developed by Creative Assembly, it was published by SEGA for various gaming platforms such as PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One and PC. Once it was announced that a book would be released based on Alien Isolation, however, you can just imagine my excitement. Author Keith DeCandido, who has written a plethora of sci-fi works including media tie-in books such as Star Trek as well as his own fiction, was tasked to adapt the game. Titan Books couldn't have chosen a better writer. What you get with Alien Isolation the novel is a lot more than just a mirror image of someone else's work, he literally adds depth to the back story of Amanda Ripley. We get to see her childhood, and the moment when she had to say goodbye to Ellen before that ill-fated trip aboard the Nostromo. DeCandido also includes a scene one month before her eleventh birthday when her stepfather Paul gets the news that the Nostromo is being declared "missing in action".

There are other inclusions that I will leave for you to discover.


Celebration and the Xenomorph

Titan Books couldn't have chosen a better time to release Alien Isolation. It is now 40 years since director Ridley Scott gave us the Xenomorph in Alien (1979). The franchise has exploded like a Chestburster, impacting on every media from movies to novels, comics and video games. And collector's merchandise. Though the movies first focused on warrant officer Ellen Ripley, played so perfectly by Sigourney Weaver, follow-up titles such as Alien vs. Predator (2004) and Prometheus (2012) have opened the door for other characters to confront the nasty saliva-dripping creatures.

Considering this is an official canonical expansion of both the game and Alien universe in general, what is there not to love? Published 30th July 2019, you'd be crazy not to board the Torrens with Ripley and explore Sevastopol.

Just pick up your motion tracker, and watch out for bugs.

You can pick this up, as well as other great titles, direct from Titan Books.

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Monica Enid Dickens... The True Lady of Follyfoot

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Monica Dickens.
Source: Desert Island Discs, BBC, 1951

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Just who is Monica Dickens? Well, firstly, her surname gives us a clue as to who she is related to. Yes, none other than English writer Charles Dickens (1812-1870). But there is far more to this woman than just being the great-granddaughter of a literary genius. Though I have been a fan of Mr Dickens' work for decades, I was totally oblivious to his family tree. It is ironic, then, that I became an even greater fan of a series of books... and a television series based on one of those books: Follyfoot.

Monica was born in London on 10th May 1915, her parents were Henry Charles Dickens (1878–1966) and Fanny Dickens (née Runge). Sadly not much is known about Fanny except that she herself was born in Camberwell, London, in 1876; she was married to Henry in 1904 (Chelsea Registration District, London), sadly her death is unknown. Monica had a sister: Doris Elaine Mary Danby (née Dickens). The girls' upbringing was very middle class - Henry was a barrister - but Monica became disenchanted by the life around her. Not only was she expelled (she had attended St Paul's Girls' School, London) but Monica entered into domestic service. It is not what her father would have wished, I'm sure.

Her literature reflected the work she did, examples being the memoir One Pair Of Hands (1939) highlighting her experiences as a domestic servant and One Pair Of Feet (1942) in which she wrote about her time as a nurse. Her career at the Hertfordshire Express newspaper (published in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, England) led to the book My Turn to Make the Tea (1951).

Monica married U.S Navy officer Roy O. Stratton in 1951 and migrated to the United States where they later adopted two girls called Pamela and Prudence. Her writing never stopped, with most of her work still set in England. She was also a passionate humanitarian and helped establish the first U.S Samaritans in Massachusetts in 1974. She worked closely with the Samaritans, the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. It is the latter that influenced her novel Cobbler's Dream (1963) which, in the 1970s, was adapted into a popular British television show called Follyfoot. Due to its success, Monica wrote follow-up titles Follyfoot (1971), Dora at Follyfoot (1972), The Horses of Follyfoot (1975), and Stranger at Follyfoot (1976). The year prior to Cobbler's Dream, the author had visited The Home of rest for Horses (renamed The Horse Trust in 2006) and had been so touched by their tireless work that it became the influence for the Farm in the 1963 publication.

Between 1939 and 1992 she wrote many books, inspired those who met her and lived an extraordinary life, memories and experiences that she could share through her literature. In 1978 she had published an autobiography titled An Open Book. After her husband's death, in 1985, Monica returned to the UK where her career as a writer continued until her own death on Christmas Day in 1992. She was 77 years old.

Her final book, One of the Family (1993), was published posthumously.

When I think of my passion for Follyfoot, it dawns on me just how alike one of the characters is to Monica: Dora is from a privileged family who chooses to work on a farm and care for horses, she doesn't mind the hard labour at all, actually embracing the freedom that her new position brings. Dora's mother is set against her continuing at Follyfoot but her uncle, who owns the farm, signs it over to her so that she becomes Lady of Follyfoot. In fact, first book Cobbler's Dream was a tale that raised brutal awareness of the cruelty inflicted on horses; it was far from being a light-hearted read.

Her work lives on, some titles have even been digitised for the eBook market. And thanks to Follyfoot and its accompanying Yorkshire Television series, which ran in the UK from 1971 to 1973, there is much gratitude for a woman who rebelled, found her own path and forged a remarkable writing career.

Pages of interest: follyfoot.co.uk

Also check out portraits of Dickens at the National Portrait Gallery.

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FilmLight - The Tripods: Where is John Christopher's movie series now?

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Article author: Alwyn Ash
"At the right time, in the right light, everything is extraordinary"

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Isn't it just frustrating when news of a movie based on a popular series of novels seemingly dies out and no one, not one single person, knows why?

For years there had been rumours of a transition from book to screen for 1967 novel The Tripods: The White Mountains, written by John Christopher (pseudonym for Samuel Youd). Only as far back as 2009 several websites had reported that Australian filmmaker Alex Proyas (The Crow, Dark City, I, Robot) was linked to a possible adaptation. It had been suggested that the character of Beanpole would be a girl, and that the Tripod machines themselves could climb the Eiffel Tower.

So was Proyas really serious about working with writer Stuart Hazeldine on the film project? Were the reports even true? Just where are the updates now?

Of course, there had once been a televised version of The Tripods, jointly produced by the BBC in the United Kingdom and the Seven Network in Australia, with music supplied by Ken Freeman. It was to be a landmark in special effects design and superb model work. However, even this failed to keep the flame burning: the first two books - The White Mountains and The City of Gold and Lead (the latter originally published in 1968) - were transferred to our television screens; the third instalment, sadly, never made it, due to a rather ridiculous decision to cancel the show following end of filming of the second series, which concluded with those famous last words spoke by young Will Parker after discovering the hideout of the uncapped to be in ruin, "Has it all been for nothing?"

And so fans were left with a cliffhanger that would never be resolved - at least, not on screen.

It was certainly a plus that the original books were republished by Puffin Books in 1984 thanks to the television series (individually and as a single paperback trilogy), and with the reprinting of The Tripods: The Pool of Fire (also originally published in 1968) viewers finally got to read the final part of the trilogy to discover the fate of the three lead antagonists: Will, Henry and Beanpole.

If you don't know anything about the trilogy, let me explain: the Tripods were vast three-legged machines that controlled the minds of the adult human population by way of a Cap fitted to the skull to suppress emotion, creativity and curiosity. At the age of fourteen you are Capped, to become a man, or young woman. Will (played by actor John Shackley in the BBC production) encounters a Vagrant, Ozymandias - from this point on the teenager is curious about the Tripods, and is told of free men living far away, those who refuse to be subservient to the mysterious creatures that rule the world. Joined by his cousin Henry, and later Beanpole (a French boy whose real name is Jean-Paul), Will ventures into unfamiliar territory on a quest to locate the White Mountains, where these free people dwell. Though quite clearly a story for a young audience, The Tripods is gripping and exciting, and paved the way for a prequel novel: When the Tripods Came (1988), to feature new characters during the early days of invasion.

So what about the movie? Considering the quality of the original story, a trilogy series would be highly successful - think The Lord of The Rings except with a sci-fi rather than a fantasy element!

There is no doubt that John Christopher's Tripod legacy will be adapted, at some point. And when it does, how will it compare to the original novels? Will Beanpole really be a girl? In an interview with horror website Dread Central, in 2010, writer Hazeldine commented, "Tripods… again, we’re trying to find a studio home for that. We developed that at Paramount and it was put into turnaround. It was originally developed at Disney through many different writers and many different directors. I’d been offered it twice when it was based at Disney, but both times I just couldn’t do it. I’d always really wanted to do it because I adored Tripods as a kid. I read all of the books, watched the BBC show, and I loved it. I used to go sit on the North Downs in Surrey and look out across the English countryside and imagine Tripods walking across the horizon, you know?"

His comment that "We’ve been close a couple of times in the last few months, but we’re still trying to find a studio to do it" should bring hope, though as the years pass, still no sign of those colossal Tripods striding with menace through Mankind's hopes and dreams...

I should also mention, perfect timing, that another of the prolific author's books landed on my doorstep a while back: Empty World. Originally published in 1977, the story focuses on a disease, called the Calcutta Plague (any guesses as to why it is so called?), that inflicts an ageing acceleration on its victims thus killing them. "World" takes a look at life during and after the event, as survivor Neil Miller (a fifteen year old boy) attempts to come to terms with the changing world around him, and the loss that he encounters along the way.

It is good to know that many of John Christipher's works are being republished for a newer audience, including The Tripods, by Simon & Schuster's imprint label Aladdin, though I'm sure older fans will enjoy collecting fresher copies for their bookshelves! Empty World, in particular, is as relevant today as it was when first published, what with the continuing threat of global terrorism, Swine influenza etc.

As for Sam Youd, who passed away in February 2012, thank you for all that you have done - happy memories are the photographs in which we revisit from time to time; and my photograph album is all the richer for the work you have shared.

Further reading: The Guardian Obituary

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Image source courtesy of bbc.co.uk/cult/classic/tripods. Article © Alwyn Ash 2015.
Quotes (if applicable) used for publicity purposes only; no infringement of copyright is intended.

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John and Carole Barrowman Milwaukee signing event - Hollow Earth

Article author: Alwyn Ash


The unique power of twins brought to life in childrens book.

Brother and sister team John and Carole Barrowman will be signing copies of their novel Hollow Earth at Alverno College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US, where Carole works as Professor of English and Director of Creative Studies in Writing. Actor, author, singer and entertainer John is famously known for playing the role of Captain Jack Harkness in both Doctor Who and, later, Torchwood.

"Lots of twins have a special connection - being able to finish each other's sentences; sensing what the other is thinking; perhaps even knowing when the other is in trouble or in pain - but for 12-year-old twins, Matt and Emily Calder, the connection is beyond special. Together, the twins have extraordinary powers - they are able to bring art to life, or enter paintings at will. Their abilities are sought by villains trying to access the terrors of Hollow Earth - a place where all the demons, devils and creatures ever imagined lie trapped for eternity.

"The twins flee with their mother to the security of an island, off the west coast of Scotland, where their grandfather has certain protective powers of his own. But too much is at stake, and the twins aren't safe there either. The villains will stop at nothing to find Hollow Earth and harness the powers within...."

Published in the US by Aladdin (an imprint of Simon & Schuster) later this month, this is the first novel for children to be written by them. If you are able to attend then drop by the Alverno College (Wehr Hall, Milwaukee, WI 53234) at 7.00pm on Friday 2nd November 2012. You will have an opportunity to meet both John and Carole, and purchase a signed copy of the novel (sales through Boswell's Bookstore). Any questions perhaps give the college a call?

For details of further signings and events visit the official John Barrowman website. Hollow Earth was published in the UK early this year by Buster Books (an imprint of Michael O'Mara Books).

Also written by the Barrowman team is Torchwood: Exodus Code, released by BBC Books, an epic thriller of a story that follows Captain Jack and Gwen Cooper as they attempt to save Humanity:

"It starts with a series of unexplained events. Earth tremors across the globe. Women being driven insane by their heightened and scrambled senses. And the world is starting to notice – the number one Twitter trend is #realfemmefatales. Governments and scientists are bewildered and silent. The world needs Torchwood, but there's not much of Torchwood left.

"Captain Jack has tracked the problem to its source: a village in Peru, where he's uncovered evidence of alien involvement. In Cardiff, Gwen Cooper has discovered something alien and somehow connected to Jack. If the world is to be restored, she has to warn him – but she's quickly becoming a victim of the madness too."

Torchwood: Exodus Code is also available from AudioGO Ltd. And of course there will be The Bone Quill, the exciting sequel to Hollow Earth, to be published by Michael O'Mara Books in early 2013. So start the journey now, pick up a copy of Hollow Earth either before Halloween or at the aforementioned signing!

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Quick Reads 2012 - February launch

Article author: Alwyn Ash


New set of books designed to encourage reading.

"These books really do ignite a passion for reading" says Quick Reads, and there is absolutely no doubt that these creative shots of literature entertain!

Launched in the UK and Ireland on World Book Day 2006, over 60 titles have been published, both fiction and non-fiction; authors such as John Simpson, Ian Rankin, Alison Weir, Chris Ryan and Lola Jaye have contributed to the successful series of books designed to re-engage readers or introduce those new to reading.

And this year that list grows with further publications... The books designated for a UK release have been revealed: they include works by Maureen Lee, Lynda La Plante, James Caan, and Jacqueline Rayner.

One of the Quick Reads titles for 2012, Amy's Diary by Maureen Lee. "It is Amy’s 18th birthday and the day Great Britain goes to war with Germany..."

Quick Reads books are available from supermarkets, bookshops and online retailers such as Amazon for £1.99 (€2.70). From February 2012, the eight titles available will be:


Dee loves her children very much, but now they are all grown up, shouldn't they leave home?

Rosie moved out when she got married, but it didn't work out, so now she is back with her parents. Helen is a teacher, and doesn't earn enough for a place of her own. Anthony writes songs, and is just waiting for the day when someone will pay him for them.

Until then, all three are happy at home. It doesn't cost them anything, and surely their parents like having a full house? When a crisis occurs, Dee decides things have to change for the whole family ... whether they like it or not.



There are times when ladies must use all their wisdom and good sense to face life's problems and mysteries.

Mma Ramotswe, owner of the No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency, keeps her wits about her as she looks into why the country's star goalkeeper isn't saving goals. Georgina turns her rudeness into a virtue when she opens a successful hotel. Italian shop-keeper Fabrizia shows her bravery when her husband betrays her. And in Suffolk during the Second World War, gentle La proves that music really can make a difference. With his trademark gift for storytelling, international bestselling author Alexander McCall Smith brings us five tales of love, heartbreak, hope and the cleverness of ladies.



Barbara needs a story. A struggling journalist, she tricks her way into the home of former soap star Margaret Reynolds. Desperate for a scoop on the actress and her return to stardom, she finds instead a terrified woman living alone in a creepy manor house.

A piano plays in the night, footsteps run overhead, doors slam in dark corners. The nights are full of strange noises. Barbara thinks there may be a child living upstairs, unseen. Who looks after her? And why is she kept out of sight? Little by little, actress Margaret's haunting story of broken promises is revealed, and Barbara is left with a chilling discovery. This spooky tale from bestselling author Lynda La Plante will make you want to sleep with the light on.



On 3rd September 1939, Amy Browning decided to start writing a diary. It was a momentous day for so many reasons: it was Amy's 18th birthday; her sister had just given birth to a baby boy; and on the radio it was announced that Great Britain was now at war with Germany.

For a while, life didn't change very much for Amy. Living with her family in Opal Street, Liverpool, Amy and her friend both got jobs at a factory, and spent their free time looking round the shops, or watching the ships being loaded at the docks. But as the months went by, things began to change. The bombing started, and Amy's fears grew for her brother, fighting in France, and her boyfriend Ian, in the RAF...



From the number one bestselling author comes a swashbuckling tale of mutiny and murder in paradise... Even Paradise can turn into a nightmare...

The Mutiny on the Bounty is the most famous uprising in naval history. Led by Fletcher Christian, a desperate crew cast sadistic Captain Bligh adrift. They swap cruelty and the lash for easy living in the island heaven of Tahiti. However, paradise turns out to have a darker side... Mr Christian dies in terrible agony. The Bounty burns. Cursed by murder and treachery, the rebels’ dreams turn to nightmares, and all hope of seeing England again is lost forever.A story of low treachery and high adventure, murder under the palm trees, trouble in paradise and a lost Eden in the South Seas.



Albert Rossi has many qualities. He’s a man who can spot polyester at a hundred paces. He’s the person you’d have on speed dial were you to find yourself at the centre of a tailoring emergency. He has an excellent working knowledge of Bonnie Tyler’s back catalogue. These skills are essential to a Gentleman’s Outfitter from Eastcote. They are not necessarily on the job description for recruiting an assassin.

When Albert hits an unsuspecting pedestrian whilst listening to ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ in his Nissan Micra he is amazed to escape the inevitable knock on the door from the police. Instead he receives a mysterious phone call from a man who sounds surprisingly like Stephen Hawking telling him that his money will be left in the ‘usual’ place. At that very moment, Albert Rossi decides to change careers. Albert Rossi’s life is about to get a whole lot more interesting...



'It is possible to get the life you really want. You just need to change the way you think.

ln the thirty years I've spent in business I've learned how to build a very successful company. Using the same business methods, you can build a successful life. Do you want to get back into work after a break? Perhaps you've always dreamed of setting up your own café? Or maybe you just need more time for yourself? I've come up with a ten-point plan to help you achieve your goals, whatever they may be. I'll show you how to manage your time and money. You'll find out how to set your priorities and communicate well with other people. You'll learn to change how you think so you can use my business sense in everyday life. Work towards your own goals to shape the future that you really want.'



'No one from this time will ever see that girl again...'

The Doctor, Amy and Rory round off a sight-seeing tour round London with a trip to the theatre. That's when things start to go wrong. The Doctor wonders why so many young girls are going missing from the area. When he sees Sammy Star's amazing magic act, he thinks he knows the answer. Sammy's glamorous assistant disappears at the climax of the act - but this is no stage trick. The Doctor and his friends team up with residents of an old people's home to discover the truth. And together they find themselves face to face with a deadly Weeping Angel. Whatever you do - don't blink!

A thrilling all-new adventure featuring the Doctor, Amy and Rory, as played by Matt Smith, Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill in the spectacular hit series from BBC Television.


Further reading: Quick Reads

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Hammer acquires rights to Cherie Priest's Boneshaker

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Legendary masters of horror to adapt 2009 book.

It won the Locus Award for Best Science Fiction Novel in 2010, and now Boneshaker, written by American novelist Cherie Priest, will be brought to the big screen in a new deal, it has been confirmed.

Hammer Films and Cross Creek Pictures are to co-produce the new movie, with a screenplay written by John Hilary Shepherd. Boneshaker is a story set in an alternate history of the American Civil War where Seattle has been walled in to prevent further exposure of a gas that kills anyone who breaths it in - those who do succumb to the gas's effects become Rotters, zombie-like terrors who now stalk the city.

Boneshaker (2009) was the first of a series of steampunk novels from the Clockwork Century Universe book series that also includes Clementine (2010), Dreadnought (2010), and recently released Ganymede (November 2011). Publisher Tor Books has announced that two further titles are to be released: Inexplicables, in 2012, and Fiddlehead (publishing date yet to be confirmed).

On her personal website, author Cherie priest said: "OH MY GOD, YOU GUYS. So this is real, it’s true, and it’s happening."

She went on further to add: "Thanks a million to everyone for all the congrats, well-wishes, and all-around good cheer! I also want to take a moment to thank my agent, Jennifer Jackson – a.k.a. my Bottle Rocket of Fiery Justice; and likewise I want to thank Boneshaker‘s editor, Liz Gorinsky, who truly went above and beyond to make that book the best it could be."

Tobin Armbrust, Head of Production overseeing the movie’s development for Hammer Films, said: "First and foremost this is a great story. Bringing a steampunk style novel to life on the big screen is going to be very cool, very unique."

Boneshaker was a 2010 Hugo Award nominee in the Best Novel category.

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Writer Neil Gaiman calls for a book-giving at Halloween 2011

Article author: Alwyn Ash


There's nothing better than a dark tale, especially on the night of spooks, trick-or-treating and pumpkins...

Neil Gaiman knows the importance of reading and his genius covers books, graphic novels, audio, film and television. Fellow author Clive Barker once described him as a star: "He constructs stories like some demented cook might make a wedding cake, building layer upon layer, including all kinds of sweet and sour in the mix."

It had been reported early this year that Gaiman will be writing the script for a film adaptation of Journey to the West, an ancient Chinese folk tale popularised across the globe by cult Japanese television show Monkey (starring Masaaki Sakai) in the late 1970s.

Now Gaiman is inviting you to book-give for halloween...







And as he explains, the idea is simple:

"This halloween give somebody a scary book... to read. That's it, that's the idea. It's going to be a tradition. In ten years' time everybody is going to be giving somebody else, or lots of somebody elses, a scary book for halloween. But for right now we're starting a tradition: All Hallow's Read."

Of course reading is mostly a solitary experience, unless you are part of a group who choose to take it in turns to read chapters, so don't give up on the fun of trick-or-treating, carving jack-o'-lanterns, attending costume parties, apple bobbing, and watching horror films.

This is all about giving a spooky book to someone as a gift, whether you know them or not, and sharing the magic of literature.

For more information: All Hallow's Read

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Kangazang! Remote Possibilities - AudioReview

Article author: Alwyn Ash


If you have recently purchased this and wish to avoid spoilers – turn down the volume! If you are interested in reading more, go right ahead…

What can I say about the Universe of "Kangazang!"? Crazy? Humorous? How about a crazy and humorous journey in a Marshmallow Penguin, a psychedelic adventure with spacehoppers, a deranged queen, and a pair of robots? All of the above, it seems, and much more, for author Terry Cooper's "Kangazang!" is a fantastical romp of science fiction.

First impressions are misleading – this is not for the very young. Perhaps the book and audio cover designs will have you believing otherwise. But the travels of Jeff Spooner are for a mature audience, I believe (and if I am wrong then I have lived a very sheltered life. OK, yes, I have lived a sheltered life). The various sexual innuendoes and language, though not particularly strong, would have some parents diving for the CD player... (I shall no doubt now receive an email from seven-year-old Dan, residing in Leeds, telling me that I’m a g*t for having written this review and persuading his parents to cancel his Kangazang! order. Sorry Dan – whoever you are!)

And so to the story... Jeff is a human with an unusual friend named Ray Scump. Ray is a barber, though no ordinary barber – for he has been collecting hair for some years… and there is a very sane explanation, thank goodness – Ray needs it for his spacecraft. And so Jeff Spooner finds himself being whisked off into space with his new companion, the barber with long hair. An exciting experience, you would believe. Well… yes, exciting but also perilous, for there are dangers ahead – oh, and very beautiful women, one of them a cannibal, the other a robot called M25. With one you get eaten, her delicious lips savouring your taste; and the other – oils you? Is robot love even possible? Well in the realms of science fiction and fantasy everything is possible!

I totally "get" Cooper’s humour in an instant. And so did legend Colin Baker, for it were he who accepted the task of transferring novel to audiobook, and a fine job he made of it. But more about Mr Baker later. Terry’s play with words and situations will have you smiling, giggling, and LOLing (yes it is that good!) – every character well thought out and brought to life.

It is interesting to hear that this author managed to write half of "Remote Possibilities" while having no Internet access; however, the evil 'Net back in place, it was only upon the prospect of a book deal that Terry finished his work in its entirety. Yes, the Web is a total distraction – not always a good thing. Terry Cooper also admits that inspiration for Kangazang! surfaced from his interest in both Douglas Adams's work and Ben Elton's humour. You can identify with both, and the story thrives on Terry's ability to turn what could have been a dull adventure into something that ticks every box.

And so to the players: Colin Baker, known for his role as the Sixth Doctor in the BBC hit show Doctor Who (never forget he also portrayed Commander Maxil, of the Gallifreyan Chancellery Guard, before being cast as the most famous of Time Lords), oozes passion and charisma, transferring his personality to audio. After listening to Colin in "Remote Possibilities" it would be hard to accept a follow-up without his amazing talents. No matter how much it costs – do bring him back for the second book adaptation, please!

It isn’t often that an author promotes his/her own work by appearing in an audio adaptation, but Terry is quite clearly a player of many parts, his presence helping to enhance Colin's already perfect delivery. As the author rightly points out, this is less of an audiobook and more of an audiobook drama - so is this an audiobrama? Credit must also go to fellow actor Claire Cage ("Torchwood Series 2: Sleeper") who portrays three characters in this tale: Sarah, Geoff’s fiancée; Queen Shelley; and M25, a robot with a malfunction.

Now to those adorable Hoppas... I cannot help but think that these wonderful creatures were inspired by "Doctor Who", in part. They are very reminiscent of the Kangs from the 1987 serial "Paradise Towers" - not only do we have "Kang" in the title but the little darlings even talk like a Kang! Now this is where the "possibilities" get interesting... a Hoppas spin-off? It is very likely, and author Terry Cooper has already considered the idea. So do watch out for "Pon Pon Plays a Game", a colourful illustrated storybook aimed at pre-school children...

If you purchase the "Kangazang!" four-disk set, which comprises three CDs and one DVD, you will discover some extras: "HypaDrive Report" (with Jemery Zarkson) takes a look at the spacecraft (or haircraft) owned by barber Ray Scump, which “comes in a range of finishes to suit all personalities” – including Ferraroid Red and Hideous Pink. In addition, there are interviews with Colin Baker, Terry Cooper, and Claire Cage: it is satisfying to see that Colin is proud to have been a part of "Doctor Who", considering how badly treated he was at the time, his respect for the show is always evident, like it is here. Both Terry and Claire also come across as the nicest of people, and it is indeed a delight to watch them.

Also included are a "Hoppa Animation" (demonstrating that a cartoon version of "Kangazang!" would indeed be a marvelous thing) and a photo gallery (featuring both "Kangazang!" images and behind-the-scenes studio recording) and a video trailer. There is far more to the story than I have already mentioned: in addition there is Overlord Kelvin, the Emo People, and plenty of music, television and film references to amuse. Whether you are interested in purchasing the abridged audiobook (and DVD) or novel, "Kangazang!" is a hit!


Further reading: Candy Jar - Official website.

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The Vampire Gene: Killing Kiss - BookReview

Article author: Alwyn Ash


A lone vampire, in search of companionship...

Killing Kiss is one of those tales that has you fascinated from start to finish, as it explores both back-story and present adventures of protagonist Gabriele, a vampire several hundred years old. In modern-day Manchester he stalks Carolyn, a student, with the desire to make her his. However, following an encounter with Lilly, his life changes forever and he experiences new feelings never thought possible. Through the novel author Sam Stone explores Gabriele's past. The plot is tight and well-written, the only negative (for me, at least) being the sudden leap from one time point to another within paragraphs without much warning; perhaps each chapter should have focused on a particular period? That aside, "Killing Kiss" was a joy to read and should not be considered a put-off for those who wish to delve into the author's vampire universe!

To say that this is the best form of vampire storytelling I have ever come across is not far from the truth: where some authors over-indulge with myth and gothic romance, Sam manages to balance the story sufficient enough to please. It is also interesting to see that Gabriele even thinks of himself as a serial killer, collecting trophies in the same way that Jack the Ripper would have a keepsake from each killing.

As Gabriele explains in the text, "Like all serial killers I keep my trophies; a small relic of each one, a lock of their shiny black hair stored in a unique gold locket. I have hundreds of them. The last remnants of my love for them are displayed in full view, in glass cases, even though my heart hurts to look at them."

Though short of real danger throughout, the story does at least share with us the protagonist's heartache and suffering: alone, capable of out-living any Human, including... Marguerite and Gabi, two people very dear to him! Let me just say that he is always at odds with the creature within, for there is still a part of him capable of love, torn between vampire and Human nature. The beast wins, most of the time, and that is the burden of being a vampire. It is also sad to see how he continues the quest for companionship, loving often but facing torment and disappointment.

In other stories it is commonplace for a vampire to turn others, thus instant alliances. In "Killing Kiss" this luxury is almost an impossibility. Almost. We feel his frustration as he treads the centuries, alone...

This first chapter of "The Vampire Gene Trilogy" is adult in nature, so not one for fans of "Twilight" then. However, if you are presently reading Rachel Caine's "Morganville Vampires" and wish to take the next step, then Sam Stone is the author for you. Highly recommended! And if you want to know more about the author and her catalogue of work, the lovely Sam Stone can be found on Twitter.

Purchase Killing Kiss from the Starfoyer Enterprise Store:
Book - Publisher: murkydepths.com

Picture: Murky Depths

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