The Assassin's Mark by David Ebsworth

The Assassins Mark is set in Spain towards the end of the Civil War. It is a period of history that I know very little about so I was pleased to see that it was a meticulously researched and intelligently written. From the writing I felt confident in the research. There were times when I felt it a little too detailed. The characters were on a sightseeing tour through the battlefield areas so it is inevitable that it had a travelogue feel to it but I grew impatient with some of the descriptions of the individual towns and wanted to move on with the action. I am glad I persevered because when the story finally got going it was worth the wait. The Assassins Mark is in fact a murder mystery and I did not guess who the murderer was until right near the end which was very satisfying. Although it is written in the third person, the story is told entirely through the viewpoint of Jack Telford a left wing journalist. Jack's character is beautifully drawn, all the characters are, but I particularly like the slightly self deprecating way Jack thinks of himself. I do have a slight nitpick as I was irritated by the use of Mister instead of Mr. throughout the book. That is however, a very minor point. I am very happy to recommend another Indie Gem. 

To the Fair Land by Lucienne Boyce

I always know I've got a good book when I forget that I am reading for review and just enjoy the story. The Fair Land is one such book. The story is set at the end of the eighteenth century when there was great interest in the voyages of Captain Cook and the hunt for the Great Southern Continent. Lucienne Boyce has clearly researched the period in great detail and she evokes beautifully the sights and sounds of the time. Her narrative style is intelligent and flows easily and I especially enjoyed the descriptive passages - unusual for me as I am generally in the 'just get on with the story' camp.  The story was gripping and definitely a page turner. Especially pleasing to me was the fact that I did not guess the plot twists and turns. This is the point at which I would normally find something negative to say but I could not find any. Highly recommended.

The Owl of the Durotriges by Yassmin Sanders

Set in the Iron age, The owl of the Durotriges is an engaging story told in the first person from the point of view of each of the main characters. Yassmin Saunders is a history scholar and it shows. The story is clearly well researched and I found it absorbing from the first page. Each of the characters was well drawn and I loved the way the author explored their back stories to explain why they acted the way they did.
It has to be said that my heart sank when I saw that it was written in the present tense. I think that the present tense can be a useful tool in short fiction or to separate different passages in a novel. If used sparingly it can add atmosphere and immediacy. To have a novel written entirely in the present I find hard to read. Had I not been reading it for review, I might not have picked it up off the shelf. That would have been a pity because it is a very enjoyable novel. I am very happy to recommend it.

The Written by Ben Galley

When I am reading books for reviewing purposes, I sometimes find that I have to persevere where otherwise I would have given up. Not so with The Written, the first book in the Emaneska fantasy series. I was completely involved in the story from the very first page. In fact from the moment I looked at the cover I was hooked. Many of the elements of a good story (whatever the genre) were here. An honourable, but flawed hero, the fight between good and evil, forbidden love, loyalty and betrayal, and my personal favourite, an unexpected ending. The writing was confident and believable. Occasionally I was irritated by the constant use of the 'the mage did this' or 'the tired mage did that' where just 'he' or 'Farden' would have been fine but it was just a minor point in what was a very enjoyable read. Dead Stars, the two part conclusion to the series is now available in e-book and paperback and I cannot wait to read it.

Spirit of Lost Angels by Liza Perrat

When I was much younger I read the Scarlet Pimpernel books and fell in love with all things French Revolution. I was pleased when I saw that Spirit of Lost Angels was set in this period of history especially as the story is told from the point of view of the poor and peasant classes. This is a beautifully written and researched novel. The heroine, Victoire Charpentier is a strong and likeable woman and we watch her character develop as she suffers through horrendous circumstances. The story is fiction, but there are cameo appearances by real people of the time which is cleverly done. I felt that I learned something as well as enjoyed the story and as I have written before, that is the test of a good historical novel. I am very happy to recommend it. A real Indie Gem. 

Ripples in The Sand by Helen Hollick

I was delighted to renew my acquaintance with Captain Jesamiah Acorne and his wife Tiola Oldstagh, the heroes of Helen Hollick's excellent Sea Witch series. In Ripples in the Sand, the fourth novel of the series, the couple return to England for the first time.  Jesamiah is persuaded to take Sea Witch to Spain where he soon finds himself in danger of losing his fidelity, his freedom and mabe even his life. Meanwhile Tiola fights her biggest battle yet with Tethys the sea spirit.  It is set at the time of the Jacobite rebellion and there is a wealth of nautical and historical information which is informative but never detracts from the story. And it is a good story which had me hooked from the first page to the last and of course left me wanting more. I am very happy to recommend it.

I am also very happy that as part of her 2012 blog tour, Helen Hollick agreed to answer a few questions for me.

When writing about a real historical character you have to keep to the facts, but with your own fictional characters you can do anything you like with the plot. Which do you prefer?

Definitely the made-up plots! Having said that, by using real facts the ‘plot’ is already there, dates, times, events if making these up everything has to be thought out. I think I have the best of both worlds with my Sea Witch Voyages, though, because I base the adventure around real events which gives me a foundation to build upon.

In Ripples In The Sand, for instance, the story took hold from the true fact of the 1719 Jacobite Uprising. The Spanish really did organise an armada in an attempt to place James (III as he should have been) on the English throne. History repeated itself from the more famous Elizabethan Armada when a storm destroyed the fleet.

I enjoy slotting Jesamiah Acorne into the reality of what happened – Bring It Close, the third Voyage is a good example. The villain of the story is Blackbeard. We know a lot about his demise because the remainder of his crew were tried (and hanged) in Williamsburg, Virginia, and therefore, there were court records of the trial, plus Naval log books of the battle at the Ocracoke.

In my story, Jesamiah led that raid – but he very clearly states that he did not want his name mentioned. Which is why you do not find him there in any of the records!

Having decided not to have magic in your Arthurian novels, what made you write the Sea Witch novels as fantasy?

I emphatically did not want any magic or supernatural in my Arthurian Trilogy because I set out to write the what might have really happened story – in which case, no knights in armour, no holy grail, no Lancelot or Merlin. Instead, a man who had to fight hard to gain his kingdom, and fight even harder to keep it. For the Sea Witch Voyages, though, I wanted to write a good sailor’s yarn – a nautical adventure that was fun to research and write, and as much fun to read. And let’s face it, most sailor’s yarns are not meant to be believed!

Do you have your future Sea Witch novels planned or does each one lead to the next?

I have a vague plot planned.

For Ripples In The Sand I knew I was going to use the attempted 1719 Jacobite Rebellion, that Tiola was going to ‘travel’ back in time, and I knew the ending (which I will not reveal here). Beyond that, the story unravelled as I wrote it.

For the next Voyage, On The Account, I already know that Jesamiah is going to be accompanied by a mysterious Nightman, called Mahadun, in a search for a highly valuable wooden casket (mentioned in Pirate Code.) There will be misunderstandings, fights, romantic scenes and lots of high-action adventure …. What other secrets Jesamiah intends to reveal to me as I write, I have no idea!

What is next for you after you have finished the Sea Witch series?

I hope to write a couple of books about Madoc the Horseman. The first one is to be called Foals of Epona. They are set during the late 5^th Century and will be a spin-off from my Arthurian Trilogy. And one day I must write a follow-up to Harold the King (UK title) I am the Chosen King (US title)

Who are your own favourite novelists?

Elizabeth Chadwick, hands down – her books are so beautifully written and you can rely on her research. I also enjoy Suzanne McLeod’s Spellcrackers.com series, and Dick Francis. I also love finding the gems that are among the indie published Historical Fiction that are sent to me for review (I am the UK editor for the Historical Novel Society)

What would your advice be to anyone who is thinking of publishing with an independent publisher?

Think quality and professionalism.

It is often easy to spot an Indie book because the font and layout is incorrect. The cover is probably created by a relative and looks somewhat amateurish. More often than not there are typos and errors because there has been no professional edit – so if you are going Indie, then do so, but do it properly. Which costs money, but you are investing in yourself – aren’t you worth every penny?

Having said all that, my first Indie published experience broke all those rules (apart from the editing – although even then there were missed typos!) I learnt from my mistakes and now have a trusted editor and a proof reader, a professional graphics designer for the covers and I use a reliable and 100% trustworthy publishing company to produce my books (Silverwood Books UK)

Mind you, there are still typos…. I am convinced that gremlins put them all back in as books go to print!

Finn's Fate by Michael Wills

Finn's Fate is the story of three brothers who, when their homestead is burned, set out on a journey to the land of the Danes in search of adventure and a better life. I enjoyed the fact that we are seeing this part of history from the Viking point of view as we are used to the stereotype of an invading force interested only in rape and pillage. There is, of course a certain amount of violence but Finn and his brothers are very human and we grow to know and like them. The novel is very well researched and detailed. Maybe at times there is too much detail. I did find that in places I was so bogged down with the intricate minutae of shipbuilding or working in a forge that, though interesting it read more like a history book.  I found myself skipping through sections to find out what happened next. That said, the story is compelling and the characters are well drawn. I especially liked the fact that the ending is quite unexpected. Finn's fate therefore, ticked both the boxes for a historical novel. It told a good story and left me better informed.

Becoming Lola by Harriet Steel

Becoming Lola is the story of Lola Montez who having been born Eliza Gilbert to a British Family in India in the 1820s went on to become a famous dancer, notorious throughout Europe. She was one of the most famous women of her time. The writing and dialogue are more assured in the first part of the novel than later, but it is clearly very well researched and well presented.This was a difficult review to write because Lola is not a likeable heroine, however, her story is so interesting, especially in its historical context that I was compelled to read on. So much so that when I finished reading the novel I looked up Lola on the web to find out what happened to her next. Hopefully, Harriet Steel has a sequel in the making because Lola's story does not end here.

Hues of Blackness by Rosey Thomas Palmer

Hues of Blackness is a carefully researched history of the Island of Jamaica told through the voices of the female line of one family. We learn about the earliest inhabitants ,the Tainos, the coming of the Spanish and the British and follow the female experience through slavery and independence. I found the novel informative and interesting. It is very intelligently written and is not an easy read but is worth persevering. As the novel covers such a large period of history, we are not able to get to know most of the characters in any depth. Instead, Rosy Thomas Palmer introduces us to Amy, a modern day descendant of the family who, having suffered a stroke, is trapped inside her body and must try to make herself and her wishes understood. Amy's story is interspersed with those of the women from history. I am happy to recommend it.

Cawnpore by Tom Williams

The very best historical fiction involves you in its characters' stories whilst teaching you about the historical background in a non lecturing way. Cawnpore does exactly that. I knew very little about the Indian Mutiny and had not even heard of the siege at Cawnpore so I have learned something while enjoying the story.  The narrator, John Williamson is in a unique position to see the conflict from both sides. This is done very cleverly by the author and the narrative had me hooked from the very first page. The character of the narrator comes through very strongly. He is every inch the formal Englishman and he writes in a very formal unsentimental way, yet we still see the strength of his feelings and the inner turmoil as he is forced to decide where his loyalties lie. There are no flowery descriptive passages, but the scene is set skilfully. As you can probably tell, I really enjoyed this novel. Highly recommended.

Reef by David Kendrick

Reef is a contemporary novel set in New Zealand where an artificial surfing reef is built in sacred Maori fishing waters. Although this conflict forms the background of the novel, the real stories are that of the four main characters. This is told very well and the characters are beautifully and compassionately drawn, from Gnat the disfigured Maori boy trying to find his place in the world to Shaun, the Marine Biologist, attempting to understand the workings of the female mind. I found that I did care what happened to them. The narrative flows easily and the New Zealand setting is nicely described. I am very happy to recommend another good Indie novel. 

Ava - A Priya Novel by Ashley Barron

I have always said that there were Indie Gems out there and Ava is certainly one. Set in Washington DC, this is the first book in a series about a group of wealthy well-connected female friends called the Priyas. Each book in the series will follow a different woman. I enjoyed Ava very much. The writing is excellent and the characters are well drawn.  There are a lot of Priyas and I have to admit to being slightly overwhelmed when I first met them but I realised that it didn't matter. They soon started to sort themselves out, rather like meeting a whole class for the first time. My one complaint would be that the cover does not do it justice. I realise that pink is Ava's colour and I am guessing that each one will be a different colour but I would not have picked it up in a bookshop. I discovered the book from Ashley Barron's excellent website a link to which is on this blog.

The novel is unashamedly romantic and very emotional (there was a tear in the eye - I will admit that), but it never becomes too schmaltzy. I think this is because it is also a thriller. There are lives at stake and I really cared what happened to the characters. This is, I am delighted to say, a cross genre novel and how I love those. Highly Recommended.

Lions of the Grail by Tim Hodkinson

Lions of the Grail is a historical adventure set in Ireland in 1315. The characters are well drawn and believable and the story flows smoothly. Tim Hodkinson sets the scene very well and the descriptive writing is excellent. He is at his best during the action scenes but maybe not so assured when it comes to the more emotional side. The period has obviously been well researched and I found the historical detail interesting and informative. It was skilfully fed into the narrative without sounding like a lecture.
I would have to say that the book is in need of editing as there are many grammatical and spelling errors which I began to find irritating. I am happy to recommend it nonetheless as it is a jolly good read.

Jaguar Sun by Martha Bourke

Jaguar Sun by Martha Bourke is a paranormal romance for young adults. Maya Delaney is an apparently normal teenager at a New Mexico high school who discovers that she has strange powers and that she is destined to fulfill an ancient Mayan prophecy. I absolutely love the cover and I'm sure it will encourage readers to look inside.  The novel is well written and well researched. The information about the Mayan culture is fed into the narrative without coming across as a lecture. The story moves quickly which is essential for a young adult book and mercifully, there are no vampires. Above all, it is a romantic, coming of age novel about love and freindship which will appeal to its intended audience. It appealed to this considerably older adult and I am happy to recommend it.

Blackmore's Treasure by Derek G. Rogers

I am very happy to recommend Blackmore's Treasure, a historical novel for children and young adults by Derek G. Rogers. Set during the English Civil War this is a time travel story about a thirteen year old boy Tobias Allinson who suffers a serious injury and dreams that he is his own ancestor who fights in the Battle of Naseby. The narrative is clear and easy to read and the period setting very well drawn. The transition from present day to the past and back were cleverly managed and entirely believable. I also enjoyed the historical content and felt that I had learned something. If I have one tiny nitpick it is that when characters speak in dialect this is done phonetically which does have the effect of halting the narrative flow. Having said that, I enjoyed it immensely and I do hope there is more in the pipeline from Derek Rogers. If we are to get children interested in reading and in history, this is the way to do it. Highly recommended.

Peggy Pinch Policeman's Wife by Malcolm Noble

My latest Indie recommendation is Peggy Pinch Policeman's Wife by Malcolm Noble.The novel is set in an English village in 1926 on the eve of the General Strike. Peggy Pinch must solve a murder in order to save her husband's job. It is a murder mystery but more than that, it is a snapshot of village life in the twenties complete with gossip, petty arguments, complex relationships and secrets. This is a very well written book with a light touch and just the right amount of description to set the scene without slowing down the story. I was initially put off by the cover which I do not think represents the contents at all but I am glad I did not judge this particular book by its cover and I am happy to recommend it.

The Serpent in the Glass by D. M. Andrews

My latest recommendation is The Serpent in the Glass by D.M. Andrews. This is a fantasy novel for readers of all ages. Thomas Farrell has been living as an unpaid servant in the home of his adopted parents until on his eleventh birthday, he receives an invitation to attend the mysterious Darkledun Manor, a school for gifted children. So far, so Harry Potter, but although there are several similarities, this is a very different story. The novel is peopled by interesting and believable characters both child and adult, and there are humourous moments which made me chuckle. Although the story starts slowly, the ending is fast paced and satisying and although most of Thomas's questions are answered, there are enough remaining to ensure that a sequel must be on the way.

Gray Justice by Alan McDermott

My latest recommendation is Gray Justice by Alan McDermott. This is a thriller which moves along quickly and  has a few twists and turns along the way. Tom Gray has suffered a double tragedy and finds an original way to bring those responsible to justice. In fact the word original has been used to describe the story and I would agree with that. It is not your run of the mill thriller. The narrative style is easy to read and carries you forward effortlessly.

The ending was not what I expected which always pleases me.  Also the reader is left with unanswered questions which of course will encourage you to buy the second book Gray Resurrection. Both books are available for Kindle on Amazon.

A Real Piece of Work by Chris Orcutt

It just goes to prove what I have always said, there really are good Indie novels out there. A Real Piece of Work was recommended to me and I am so glad it was. Available from the Amazon Kindle store, this is the first in the series about private investigator Dakota Stevens. It is written in the first person in the style of Raymond Chandler and indeed the narrator alludes to the detectives of old but there is nothing old-fashioned or derivative. The story is very much a twenty first century take on the genre. Dakota Stevens and his beautiful Russian associate Svetlana Krush are asked to investigate the disappearance of a painting. The case takes them into the murky business of stolen art and of course into dangers they had not expected. Dakota is impetuous and passionate, whilst Svetlana has a brilliant analytical mind and is entirely logical. It makes for great chemistry between them and plenty of humourous moments. The story moves along beautifully and the ending is unexpected and satisfying. I loved the narrator's witty asides as the plot's twists and turns. Highly recommended.

Only the Innocent - by Rachel Abbott

My second recommendation for Indie novels is this murder mystery by Rachel Abbott. What I particularly liked about this was the fact that it is out of the ordinary. It is not purely a police procedural, although the policeman in charge of the investigation (As with all the characters)  is well drawn and believable. Hopefully, the author is planning to use him again in another novel. I would like to read more about him. The story unfolds layer by layer and  I did not guess who had committed the murder until the end. Even then, there was a final twist as the reason for the murder is revealed.

The novel hooked me from the beginning and kept me hooked throughout. A real page turner. I am very happy to recommend it. Another thumbs up for indie authors.