Regular readers will be aware I've been a bit spasmodic with my posts recently. There are reasons.
Mostly domestic.
My wife's beloved sister died recently. I'm undergoing some minor, but disruptive, medical treatment, my daughter has returned from a lengthy spell of adventure overseas and is now seeking work here, our house is up for sale and attracting viewers, my brother is scheduled for heart surgery, and I'm attempting to end a 10 year spell of relative physical inactivity by making myself fit again (amazing how you discover muscles you never knew were there!).
So, things have been a little disconnected here for a while and will probably remain so for a while longer! Nevertheless, I've kept up with many of the things that keep contact with the wider world, and even done a bit of writing. For the future, I shall attempt to make my posts here a little more regular once more.
In the meantime, here's a 5 Star review of 'Joinings', that I came across by accident whilst searching on Amazon. I thought I'd share it because it's from a complete stranger who has clearly enjoyed the work.
5 stars
ONE OF THE BEST FANTASY NOVELS IN A LONG TIME!, April
20, 2014
By
This review is from: A Seared Sky - Joinings (Paperback)
Joinings by Stuart Aken is the opening book in the projected A
Seared Sky trilogy. This science fiction, romance, action and fantasy-adventure
novel of epic proportions spanning over 800 pages will delight lovers of the
genres as this is one in which they can afford to really bury their heads in.
It is also a testimony of the creativity of this British author who through
this book loudly proclaimed that he has much to write and share. The beautiful
prose, delectable style of writing and the sharpness of the story is enough to
keep one absorbed to the last page.
But what really is inside this tome of a novel? To put it simply, it is the
story of Tumalind and her betrothed, Okkyntalah, and the precarious situation
in which Tumalind lands when she is deceitfully chosen as a Virgin Gift instead
of another with important connections. In a world ravaged by superstitious
beliefs, fanaticism and hierarchal corruption of the highest order, nothing
ever really stands the test of the ordinary, and nothing is what it seems.
Dagla Kaz is no ordinary leader either. As the high priest, he is feared and
adored, and he is determined to exchange the virgin gifts before the scorched
skies returned to normal.
Stuart Aken crafted an extraordinary story populated by extraordinary
characters. Aklon, a renegade and the son of Dagla Kaz, is one fascinating
character who readers will root for as he walks the path of redemption.
Aglydron, the father of Tumalind, is on the most important mission of his life.
Aken beautifully spins a tale that is both complex and riveting, as stunning as
the world the characters inhabited.
Will you be stiff bored by this mammoth novel? If you are seeking my advice,
here’s my answer: Anyone on the lookout for a mesmerizing read will really
enjoy this tome. Though set in a fantasy world, Aken created relatable
characters with relatable teething troubles which most readers will be able to
identify with.
It is a story driven by false prophecy, recklessness and the desire to right a
wrong. Joinings: A Seared Sky by Stuart Aken is one of the most enjoyable
fantasy novels that I have read in a long, long time. It is incredibly
intriguing, gratifying, gripping and spellbinding.
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There are buying links here on the blog, but, for your convenience, one click here will take you to your local Amazon page. And a click here will take you to the publisher's store, where UK readers can obtain the print book post free, and may even get a signed copy, if there are any of those left!
Partings is now available in print form. We’re still waiting for Amazon
to connect the digital and print versions, but you can still buy it either from
your local Amazon store by clicking here. Or direct from Fantastic BooksPublishing by clicking here.
