My Book Reviews

Category: novella

The Summer of Madness by Alexander Raphael

The Summer of Madness by Alexander Raphael

Release: February 23rd 2019
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Independently published
Source: Rachel’s Random Resources
Find it at: Amazon , Amazon UK

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In the summer of love, or rather of madness, there emerges a whole set of stories . But there is one that has got everyone talking. Kurt Vannes decides to win back his ex-girlfriend with the help of a literary classic. He triggers a string of events that will build to a dramatic finale.

About the Author:

Alex Raphael is Half-Welsh, half-Mexican and grew up in London. He started writing when at college. He writes in particular on poetry and short stories.

Studying English and American Literature at university meant he took a break from writing. This gave him the chance to see more of Mexico on his travels. He concentrated on his journalistic career while working on different writing projects. His favourite genre of literature has been short stories that inspired him to write.

The Summer of Madness, is a romantic short story about a guy who goes out to try to win his ex-girlfriend back. They are a memorable set of characters along for the ride.

His second book Illusions, Delusions reflects Raphael’s love of alternative short stories from the writers of his childhood ..It deals with different styles of the narrative in the form of a questionnaire, a poem or a set of jokes.

Alex Raphael is currently working on his third collection of short stories, with his trademark imagination, humour and memorable dialogue with distinctive characters.

Website | Twitter | WordPress | Blog | Goodreads

The Summer of Madness Review:

This was an adorable short story that made me want to revisit Wuthering Heights.

I love romance novels, whether it is feel-good or a tragic tale. Although this is a very quick read (of less than 50 pages), the author did a wonderful job in making you fall in love with the idea of romance. As Kurt says in the story, we always root for the main character to win the love of his life, no matter how ridiculous the method is. I was curious to know if the story is based off real events the author experienced, as he wrote in such a personal manner. He tells the story in simple, yet alluring manner.

Let’s not forget the references to Bronte’s classic. The character recites passages from Wuthering Heights that made me want to re-read the classic. Moreover, I really liked Kurt as the main character and thought he was charming. What’s really nice is that the author also contradicts the character’s actions from the questions that strangers ask him. Hence, it was nice getting both perspectives of the situation. On one hand, I loved Kurt’s determination to win back his love. However, on the other hand, I could also understand that it came across as he was stalking and pressurizing her by doing this.

The story also ends in a bitter sweet manner which makes it memorable. I hope the author writes an anthology of such stories/novellas and publishes them as he has a wonderful talent for writing romance.

Overall, even if you are not an avid reader, you will love this short story if you are in the mood for a nice romance novel.

Book Tour Schedule

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the The Summer of Madness by Alexander Raphael Blog Tour hosted by Rachel’s Random Resources.

September 19, 2020
Mindworm by David Pollard

Mindworm by David Pollard

Release: September 1st 2020
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Amazon
Source: Rachel’s Random Resources
Find it at: Amazon UK, Amazon

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A college librarian leads a placid life. It becomes a desperate fight for survival when he witnesses the death of his only friend. Suddenly, he faces disturbing changes in his nature and appetites and their consequences. An adamant police detective pursues him on murder suspicion. He runs ,but is he running from the law or from himself?

About the Author:

David Pollard retired to glorious Hereford after forty years of service.He then immersed himself in the theatrical activities of the county. He is currently Chair of Hereford County Drama Festival.

David sees himself as a teller of tales – he is a playwright, author of short stories and novels. He has a preference for dark and dystopian material. He is also an actor and theatrical director. For his website David adopted the appellation Tuistala – Samoan for ‘Teller of Tales’ which the Samoan people called Robert Louis Stevenson ,his favorite author.

Lazybee Scripts has published several of David’s plays – one of which ‘Aspects of a Betrayal’ was shortlisted for the Kenneth Branagh prize at the Windsor Fringe Festival.

When not writing, directing or acting David runs a podcast platform for the streaming of radio plays and short story readings – Hand to Mouth Sound Theatre.

For relaxation David reads voraciously with a liking for history and thriller fiction. He also enjoys country walks of the strolling variety.

Website | Twitter | Goodreads

Mindworm Review:

This book is short, yet intense, and I was glued to the pages.

Firstly, the author created a very unique plot with an interesting protagonist that made the story come alive. The protagonist was fascinating! I don’t think the story reveals his name (or if it is then I must have missed it). Initially, the story is a bit bumpy for the first few pages because I didn’t know what is happening. But, as soon as I understood the main character’s powers, the story was on fire. Moreover, I loved how Lieutenant Stride chases the character repeatedly. I really liked Stride and his determination to nail down the fugitive. Similarly, I also enjoyed Claudine as the supporting character and her relation and Greta.

However, while I really enjoyed the story, the pacing felt too fast. The author moves the plot forward with every sentence. As a fast reader, I really had to push myself to slow down to keep up with the pace. Also, there were some details left open-ended like how he got his powers, and if Claudine is related to him or not (since they have a lot in common). Moreover, all the characters are very interesting; yet after reading the book, you feel like you didn’t really know them very well to connect with.

Apart from that, I really liked this! I hope this is the start of a series because there is so much potential in the story-line. I can see the protagonist facing many challenges and surviving a variety of situations with his power/curse. Overall, Mindworm is very entertaining if you are looking for a creepy, supernatural thriller.

Book Tour Schedule

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Mindworm by David Pollard Blog Tour hosted by Rachel’s Random Resources.

September 2, 2020
If It Bleeds by Stephen King
If It Bleeds by Stephen King
Release: April 21st 2020
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Scribner
Source: Amazon

Synopsis:

From #1 New York Times bestselling author, legendary storyteller, and master of short fiction Stephen King comes an extraordinary collection of four new and compelling novellas —Mr. Harrigan’s Phone, The Life of Chuck, Rat, and the title story If It Bleeds— each pulling readers into intriguing and frightening places.

A collection of four uniquely wonderful long stories, including a stand-alone sequel to the No. 1 bestseller The Outsider.

News people have a saying: ‘If it bleeds, it leads’. And a bomb at Albert Macready Middle School is guaranteed to lead any bulletin.

Holly Gibney of the Finders Keepers detective agency is working on the case of a missing dog – and on her own need to be more assertive – when she sees the footage on TV. But when she tunes in again, to the late-night report, she realizes there is something not quite right about the correspondent who was first on the scene. So begins ‘If It Bleeds’ , a stand-alone sequel to the No. 1 bestselling The Outsider featuring the incomparable Holly on her first solo case – and also the riveting title story in Stephen King’s brilliant new collection.

Dancing alongside are three more wonderful long stories from this ‘formidably versatile author’ (The Sunday Times) – ‘Mr Harrigan’s Phone’, ‘The Life of Chuck’ and ‘Rat’ . All four display the richness of King’s storytelling with grace, humor, horror and breathtaking suspense. A fascinating Author’s Note gives us a wonderful insight into the origin of each story and the writer’s unparalleled imagination.

The novella is a form King has returned to over and over again in the course of his amazing career, and many have been made into iconic films, If It Bleeds is a uniquely satisfying collection of longer short fiction by an incomparably gifted writer.

My Video review:

If It Bleeds Review:

One thing which I always admire about Stephen King’s novellas is that each of them are different. Each tale that you read, makes you experience a different emotion than before. Even though the four stories have an underlying supernatural theme to it, some of them are eerie, some lighthearted, some emotional, and some make you open your mind to all the possibilities about our existence that you didn’t perceive before.

Before are my thoughts of each story, sorted from most favorite to least:
1. If It Bleeds – Even though I have not read the Outsider, I loved this story! The villain is extremely creepy and I loved Holly as the main character. She is down to earth and flawed so you can relate to her. This made me want to read the Outsider to see if it is equally good!
2. Rat – This has similarities to some of King’s previous stories like “Secret Window, Secret Garden” and the Shining. I really enjoyed this tale because you never know if the rat is real or a figment of Drew’s imagination.
3. Mr. Harrigan’s Phone – This was a cute, creepy tale which I enjoyed reading. I liked some of the statements that Mr. Harrigan made of how technology would be man’s accomplishment as well as his downfall.
4. The Life of Chuck – Wow, this was a unique tale and unlike anything that I have ever read. I loved the theme of how we are all connected to each other and the universe in some manner. However, the story was just too odd, and left many things open ended. Moreover, the author throws random characters in and out of the story that you cannot connect with.
Overall, “If It Bleeds” is entertaining if you are in the mood to read strange tales that also enlighten you.

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May 29, 2020
Elevation by Stephen King

Elevation by Stephen King
Release: October 30th 2018
Format: Kindle
Publisher: Scribner
Source: Amazon

Elevation Synopsis:

Although Scott Carey doesn’t look any different, he’s been steadily losing weight. There are a couple of other odd things, too. He weighs the same in his clothes and out of them, no matter how heavy they are. Scott doesn’t want to be poked and prodded. He mostly just wants someone else to know, and he trusts Doctor Bob Ellis.

In the small town of Castle Rock, the setting of many of King’s most iconic stories, Scott is engaged in a low grade—but escalating—battle with the lesbians next door whose dog regularly drops his business on Scott’s lawn. One of the women is friendly; the other, cold as ice. Both are trying to launch a new restaurant, but the people of Castle Rock want no part of a gay married couple, and the place is in trouble. When Scott finally understands the prejudices they face–including his own—he tries to help. Unlikely alliances, the annual foot race, and the mystery of Scott’s affliction bring out the best in people who have indulged the worst in themselves and others.

Review:

Watch my video review of Elevation by Stephen King

[embedyt] https://youtu.be/w-iBQmJGzdg[/embedyt]

I had mixed feelings about this book. When you pick up a Stephen King novel, you usually expect it to be thrills and chills. But, Elevation is a fantasy feel good novel, and there were a few things I did not like. Firstly, the character are very one dimensional and cliched stereotypes. Secondly, there is no reason as to why he is losing weight. Finally, it was unbelievable how once Scott saves Deidre, almost the entire town become more accepting towards them, which did not sound logical. However, I liked how King is trying to promote a message for people to accept one another to feel elevated.

August 16, 2019