Book Review: To St Petersburg With Love by Mel Cormican

        Synopsis

"To St Petersburg With Love" is a quirky travelogue that proves that life is often stranger - and more fun - than fiction. This is the tale of what happened when the author attempted to cycle around most of Northern Europe in 40 days.

The aim was that of a cycling purist: to cycle on all land between Southend and St Petersburg, and back. The trouble was with just weeks to go, he learned of someone who took 2 months to cycle one way from St Petersburg to London. Had he bitten off more than he could chew?

With his friend Craig, an impossibly tight schedule, visa and ship deadlines, bear fears, mishaps and good fortunes, they set off on a life changing adventure to see most of Northern Europe. This is the story of triumphs and tribulations, challenges and compromises, of battling against all the odds and learning to let go of the rules to live the adventure.

What began as an adventurous cycle to St Petersburg became a romantic story of love in Kaliningrad.

"Sometimes charity really hurts."

Sylvester Stallone, as Rocky Balboa, from Rocky III (1982)

Review

Prior to 2003 I was an avid traveller. No sooner had I finished one trip, I would be off on another. Or planning another. Or thinking about it. Wherever I happened to be on the travel spectrum, I just wanted to be sampling another country as soon as I could.

Some places I loved so much that I visited them again and again. In Mel Cormican's excellent To St Petersburg with Love, we are taken on a two-wheeled journey (for the most part) and we see many European countries through Mel's eyes, but also through his co-cyclist Craig.

If you are a non-cyclist, you might think that there's not a lot on offer for you here. I for one found the book full of surprises and felt I was cycling along with Mel and Craig as they dodged European red tape, dodged cars on Russian motorways (it was a big road, who knew?) and dodged falling out with each other as they tried to reach their goal, for charity no less.

What might have turned out to be a dry diary is anything but. I suppose you would have to love travelling. I am huge fan of Michael Palin's BBC travelogues and like watching Michael Portillo's train journeys also. It's all about the unknown. Would Mel and Craig reach St Petersburg? Who would they meet along the way? What difficulties would they come up against?

Through another writer this project could have fallen on its face. It may have been well written, it may even pass as readable for an hour or two. But Mel Cormican is as engaging a writer as he is a determined cyclist. You really feel like you get to know Mel and Craig as you progress through the book.

The last third of the book takes a surprising turn that I did not see coming, and perhaps Mel didn't either. It rounds off an enriching tale that I would insist anyone would enjoy.

Craig smokes, Mel doesn't. One of my best friends is a Scot, and smokes like his life depends on it or paid by the tobacco companies to do so. It can be hard to deal with, though we all have our quirks. I felt that Mel coped with it well and Craig comes across as the perfect co-cyclist for the trip.

That's not all though. I like to read books that make me feel educated, and there's lots to pick up here - the beauty of the Polish language, for example. Mel includes many great phrases and even better than that, each new chapter that showcases a new country gives us the map and the route our two wheeled heroes are taking.

"Mel Cormican is as engaging a writer as he is a determined cyclist."

Add in a healthy smattering of photos taken with willing European locals (Latvia - I'm coming for you!) and you have an exciting read with a great heart at its core.

This is an accomplished work by a talented author. It takes a lot of determination to create a book. To do it based on this remarkable, life-changing bike journey is to be applauded.

Take a bow, Mel and Craig.

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Book Review: Love Minuets by Preethi Venugopala

Synopsis: Is there another emotion that can compete with love? When you fall in love, it is the most magical thing you experience in your whole life. The person, who stirred this emotion in your heart all of a sudden acquires the power to make you his/her slave and you become ready to do anything to win his /her affections. 
Nothing matters anymore other than your lover. It is as if this magician called love has put you in a trance, all you hear are his commands, and you become a helpless puppet in his arms. Every thought like a homing pigeon returns to your lover and every moment you invent a reason to be near him/her. It is like a powerful potion, which has been absorbed by each and every cell of your body. If for some reason the magic ends, you find yourself drained out of the very substance that had fed your soul, and you wish that your heart ceased its rhythm. The beating of your own heart starts to hurt you. 
Many lives have perished after falling prey to this ruthless magician while many other lucky creatures have flourished and bloomed just because of its magic. 
Why do we become minions of this crazy little thing called love? 
Sometimes, this emotion is unconditional when it comes to love between parents and their kids, between friends and between siblings. 
Some cases some are in love with their passion. 
What else is Love other than Magic? 
I present to you, dear reader; 24 stories about this crazy little thing called Love. Though the focus is mainly on romantic love, there are also stories which talks about other facets of love. 
Hope you have a wonderful read. 

Review: Certain books can turn out to be quite deceiving, but I mean that in the most positive way I can, because Love Minuets initially seemed to be a musical book or some kind of poetry. Indeed it has a poetic quality to it that people fond of the the kind of imagery an accomplished author can make is the very reason why we read books in the first place.

The stories are short, diverse and very hard to predict in terms of content. But each and every one is enjoyable.

The Veil of Time, The Duke's Muse and Forgotten Memories were amongst my favourites. It is hard to pick an outright favourite because of the diverse stories on offer.

"I was surprised at the depth of many of the stories, contrasting with those that were lightweight and I believe intentionally so."

I believe with this collection that the author could reward her current fanbase whilst attracting new ones.

If you like fantasy, it's here. If you like heart warming and gentle tales of love, it's here. If you like to read something truly leftfield, it's here too.

I was surprised at the depth of many of the stories, contrasting with those that were lightweight and I believe intentionally so.

Often an author will want to write a true one of a kind book. I think this is the kind of thing we as readers look for.

Strongly recommended.

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Book Review: The Third Servant by Michael Billington

Synopsis: The third servant, who did not enrich his master as two other servants had, was cast into the night for his failure to increase his master's wealth. Matthew tells us this in the famous parable in the Bible but he never tells us what happened to that unfortunate servant after that.

This is the story of that third servant, a young man, and his long journey through the ancient world. It's a journey that takes him throughout the Middle East, to the steppes of what is now Russia, into India where he grows to manhood, and from there along the ancient spice trail that once wound its way along the southern end of the Arabian Peninsula. He travels through Egypt and, eventually to Rome where he hears of a young prophet named Jesus.

On his journey he meets fishermen, nomads, emperors, philosophers, warriors and traders. His is not an easy journey, however, and there are times when he must literally fight for his life if he is to continue on it.

This is a story of trial and of sacrifice, of lost faith and redemption.

"There is no honour in fighting a snake."

Review: No indeed. Michael Billington has certainly taken a well known Biblical story and made a principal character of Ezra here in the The Third Servant. Initially I was a little thrown at the length of the novel, and indeed it has taken me a long time to finish it. Whilst there are fast moving scenes it is certainly not a fast moving book, and it seems to me that was the author's intention all along.

The use of language, while grand enough and believable for the context and period in which it is placed starts to a grate a little after a while. Nonethless, Ezra behaves like an honourable man throughout the entire story. Given that he has some battles, disagreements and many epic confrontations along the way, I would say this is a very well drawn and rounded character. Had Ezra not been so believable it would have been difficult to stay the course for such a long book.

The cover is striking, hauntingly beautiful and instantly screamed 'epic', 'fantasy' and 'thrilling journey'. On each of these The Third Servant delivers. Ezra meets the pauper, the prince and all levels inbetween. His interactions with them, some go without incident, others blow up unexpectedly, again, making the journey we take with Ezra a fulfilling and deep read.

The Third Servant is a solid, rewarding tale, deserving of re-reads, and is the kind of book you should give attention to

This book is probably far better than the 4* rating I am giving it at this time. If anything, it is a provisional rating and I may give it the extra star as and when I re-read it, and the book is so well written it certainly deserves another read.

Yes, Ezra meets a number of notable Biblical characters along the way and this is entertaining in itself. Then the book ends a little abruptly for me which, given the amount of ground we have covered already, seemed a little surprising to me.

All in all, The Third Servant is a solid, rewarding tale, deserving of re-reads, and is the kind of book you should give attention to. A couple of pages in each session won't get you into the story. So give it your time and you will be rewarded with a sumptuous telling of a Biblical tale that is is done with so much style that the narrative develops quite the swagger as it reaches its final third.

Recommended.

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Book Review: Fallen Angel (Prequel To Nathaniel Teen Angel - Ominous Book 0)

Synopsis: This book is aimed at older teenagers (New Adults) and adults. All characters depicted in this work of fiction are 18 years of age or older. When Devlin arrives late for the birth of Eloise O'Conner, he can't believe his best friend has taken over his position as her guardian angel. Though Devlin pleads with him to hand the child's guardianship back over to him, Nathaniel refuses. 

The two guardian angels have been friends for thousands of years, but after seeing how vulnerable and sick the baby is, Nathaniel isn't willing to risk her life with a tardy, irresponsible angel. Devlin's new obsession with fallen angels and sexy women seem to be affecting his judgement and Nathaniel believes he'll be too distracted to guard Eloise. Outraged, Devlin accuses Nathaniel of betrayal and threatens to take Eloise back, with or without his approval.

Review:

"But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face." - The Book of Job, 1:11

The fantastically titled Fallen Angel is a story of mid-length that introduces us to three principle characters. Nathaniel and Devlin, who are two angels in the stewardship of the Archangel Michael. There's also Eloise, a young girl they are supposed to protect. Indeed, after a friendship that has lasted thousands of years, this girl is the catalyst that threatens to break the friendship apart.

An angel is supposed to advise, guide, protect. But what happens when an angel's feelings are compromised to the extent that he has feelings for the one he is supposed to protect? Add to this the question of rogue elements within the other angel (I'll let you find out who) and well...all Hell is literally about to be let loose.

I really enjoyed this story. There were a couple of things that niggled me, but perhaps this was a good way to display the characters quirks. For example, Nathaniel and Devlin engage is some rather bratty talk, more akin to being irksome teenagers than superior-than-thou angels. They use some mild bad language too. The more I got into the story, I began to understand why they were created this way by the author. For me, angels perhaps speak more regally and grandiose, but this is my imagine, and not my book. So I applaud the author for taking the more untravelled route with her characters.

I really loved the descriptions of the respective angel's powers. You could literally feel what it was like to be whisked at super-speed into the air. The threat of having an angel's wings burned off for any infraction was real and realised - the author literally put me in their place and that was an uncomfortable place to be.

At times, I wondered what kind of genre this book would fit. Sometimes it felt like a children's story, at others, very New Adult. It crosses genres like fantasy, paranormal romance and thriller.

Some of the best books I have ever read defy genre - and this is perhaps one of them.

I really loved the descriptions of the respective angel's powers. You could literally feel what it was like to be whisked at super-speed into the air.

Despite its relatively short length, there is a lot going on here. The soul searching that the angels literally do is brilliantly done in a long (but never overlong) seen where the soul - not just the life of Eloise is in peril.

For me, the introduction of Eloise is where the story really starts. She adds a dangerous component to the story (through no fault of her own, I might add) and it makes for an engaging read.

Fallen Angel is a prequel that feels like a full length novel. It is perfectly paced and is a great introduction to this author's works. 

4.5 stars.

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Book Review: Revenge of Zeeka - Zeeka and the Zombies by Brenda Mohammed

"This whole thing is so bizarre. I don't know what to think."

Mark, talking to Raynor, trying to make sense of what he has just witnessed.

Synopsis (from the author): Revenge of Zeeka - Zeeka and the Zombies is the first book in a mystery thriller series set in the year 2036. 

Twenty years ago in 2016 a virus epidemic raged over the scenic small island of Gosh off the coast of South America. 

Hundreds of pregnant women who were infected with the virus, produced still born babies at the end of their term. 

Twenty years later in the year 2036, at the island's national Carnival celebrations a small band parading as sailors wreaked havoc on the spectators killing and maiming several of them. Why did this happen? Who was the person or persons behind this violent act and how will this all end? 

If you love thrillers with a mix of love and romance, don't miss this action-packed read

Review:

I like weird stories. Not everything has to be set in a world you know, and perhaps my favourite author, Stephen King is my favourite because he turns the normal into abnormal effortlessly. For author Brenda Mohammed's latest work, we are pulled into the genre of zombie horror, which has seen a massive resurgence in recent years.

What I love about this first short story in the series is how, like King, the author has her characters Mark and Raynor going about their normal lives when eyes really start to play tricks on them, and the question is for us, dear readers, is positioned thus:-

Can we trust what we see with our own eyes, or is this a vision, hallucination, or some other mind trick being played on us by some evil entity?

Possibly the answer is yes to each element of that question. 

Rather than being a full blown horror, this first story serves as a tasty morsel (I really shouldn't use such lines in a review about flesh eating zombies!) to what is to come. Who is the mysterious Zeeka? Why does he want revenge? Not everything is answered here, but will be in future stories in the series. At its relatively short length, it is the perfect introduction to this author's writing, which I am seeing a great growth with each work she pens.

My favourite character is actually Detective Jack Wildy. There is so much that cold be done with this charcter, he reminds me of Jack Lord of Hawaii-5-0 (original, people!) fame:-

This is an action packed novella that has several plot lines running, but at no time did I feel lost. Each character seamlessly interacted with others, and there's an interesting man hunt happening which will stretch resources of the said Detective to breaking point. Raynor's impending marriage to long-time love Janet might not happen after all.

"It is the perfect introduction to this author's writing."

These different plot lines keep you reading, and keep you guessing. Despite its length I did not read this book in one sitting. I wanted to absorb the cleverly interlinked plotlines. In fact, there's not a lot of the mysterious Zeeka of the title in this first story, and I think that's a clever decision by the author.

Buy it before the next installment is released!

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Book Review: The Crimson Amulet (Templar Trilogy, #2) by Adriana Girolami

"I value you far too much to allow the woodlands to entrap you in their deadly embrace." - Lord Zanar offering a typical cryptic line to Polyxena.

The Crimson Amulet is the long awaited second book in the trilogy by Adriana Girolami. I was a huge fan of the original Revenge of the Knights Templar and its re-release as Mysterious Templar. Such a fan, in fact, that I approached this second story with some trepidation.. What if the book did not live up to my lofty expectations?

In addition, it is a well known saying to not judge a book by its cover. But when you know the author created the cover herself through her incredible artistry, perhaps it is not a surprise to learn this talent spills over into her writing.

The first book introduced us to the Duchess of Lorengard-Lorraine, a principality in 1400s Europe. The Lady Polyxena was never a wimpish waif, neither could she be termed as a kick-ass heroine of her time. She is ladylike, regal, but never standoffish. You feel like she is someone you could approach. Beneath this royal veneer and approachability is a character with a heart of steel and courage to match.

By the latter third of the first book, I was fully in support of Polyxena and she became the stand out character for me. Surprising, given my own love of medieval England and the Knights of the Round Table - I really thought I would root more for the male characters such as Arsenio and Duccio. Then of course there is the Duke of Nemours, Polyxena's father. All the men live by the strict code of the Knights Templar, so woe be tide anyone who would cross them and especially the Duchess. Such actions tend to be the perpetrator's last....

The writing in The Crimson Amulet is as fluid and poetic as its predecessor, but it is never flowery, fluffy language that makes you think 'get on with it, author!' - you can tell each word has been carefully thought over. That's why I resisted a strong temptation to rush through the book. Its too enjoyable to skim over it like that (unless you were going to go back and give this a second reading, which this book certainly deserves.)

When the mysterious (well, all men are who would visit your place of residence) Zanar is able to bypass the Duke's men and gain easy access to the palace, we know something is amiss. He is not a local, and so he carries a great question mark over him. Soon, his intentions become obvious, kidnapping Polyxena (she's supposed to go with him willingly, but his actions of threatening to kill the Duke force her hand) and riding off to some remote part of Europe on a goose chase to be linked up with the Duke - dead or alive.

Zanar may have used some magical property to overcome the guards, but charming Polyxena won't be so easy. She is loyal to her love (if you have not read book one I won't spoil that here) and for all Zanar's lordly behaviour, she finds him a rather repulsive man who will stop at nothing to achieve his aims.

The writing in The Crimson Amulet is as fluid and poetic as its predecessor, but it is never flowery, fluffy language that makes you think 'get on with it, author!' - you can tell each word has been carefully thought over. That's why I resisted a strong temptation to rush through the book. It's too enjoyable to skim over it like that (unless you were going to go back and give this a second reading, which this book certainly deserves.)

Will Polyxena escape the clutches of the evil Lord Zanar? Will she get back to the palace with her father? Will there even be a palace to go back to?

and....what is the Crimson Amulet of the title?

This story is just as multi-layered as its predecessor, with a gripping, riveting tale that makes you think you know where it is going, but you won't. The amulet itself is more than a MacGuffin. In fact, an author in command of their story and characters needs no such plot device to drive it.

Look out for real thrills with the characters Kusen, Salimah and especially, reluctant knight Berthold. But the real star is the plot. The characters just firm up the wonderful narrative.

The series hearkens back to the classics of yesteryear, but beats with a modern, pulsating heart. The passionate scenes are described in such a way that is never over the top, and should encourage as many male readers as female. This is not a woman's book, exclusively - it's great yarn, epically told without an epic length (though at 300+ pages is satisfyingly long).

This is simply a must-read series. An overused term perhaps, but entirely appropriate here. There's even a bonus chapter of book three in this Kindle version, but I implore you to wait, and read the whole book in full. I know there is a trend for authors to release snippets of their books, free chapter previews and so on, but wait - and your patience will be rewarded.

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Book Review: Stories People Love by Brenda Mohammed

'The Moral of this story is never give up on your dreams.' - author Brenda Mohammed.

With a title like Stories People Love, this book already had a lot to live up to. As I read each of the four short stories in turn, the change from fiction to non-fiction made reading this collection all the more pleasurable.

As a bit of a travel fiend myself, the stand out story for me is Travel Dreams of Yesterday. The author writes this so well that you really feel you are journeying along with her.

Is it a spoiler to say each story is a heart warming one (a reference to one of the author's other works) ?

I don't think so. Each element of the collection's opener, A Headmaster's Daughter, twists and turns and demands that you keep reading.

The author writes this so well that you really feel you are journeying along with her.

The Dirtiest of All Evils is intriguing as a murder mystery and seems initially out of place. But reading the stories again, it feels a good fit.

This is a neat and extremely readable collection and shows an author who is able to write fiction and non-fiction elements seamlessly. It's not an easy combination and yet the author pulls it off admirably.

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