Welcome to Question Eight of our Read Along of Aristotle for Novelists by Douglas Vigliotti.
Q How important are believable characters to you?
A I think they are absolutely essential. It is the characters that usually first engage me with a book and what keep me reading on.
What do you think?
Welcome to Question Seven of our Read Along of Aristotle for Novelists by Douglas Vigliotti.
Q How do you feel about italicization in stories?
A Personally, I think it plays an important part in helping a reader to differentiate between thought, feeling and narrative.
What do you think?
Welcome to Question Five of our Readalong of Aristotle for Novelists by Douglas Vigliotti.
Q What's more important to you, writing or plot?
A For me, I can't separate the two as both are essential. Beautiful writing without a good plot doesn't work for me, but neither does poor writing with an amazing plot. I need both to keep my interest.
Welcome to Question Four of our Readalong of Aristotle for Novelists by Douglas Vigliotti.
Q Do you like a clear finale or make up your own mind through the subtext?
A Generally, I prefer a book to tie everything up with a neat bow. However, there are times when an open ending is absolutely the right way to end a book. I loved the ending of The Crimson Petal and the White by Michel Faber for that very reason.
Welcome to Question One of our Readalong of Aristotle to Novelists by Douglas Vigliotti.
Q Do you prefer stone-cold serious or humour and casual writing in a non-fiction work?
A I think it very much depends upon the subject matter of the book. There are many non-fiction subjects whereby it would be highly inappropriate to write in anything but a serious manner.
However, I also think there are certain books to which a little humour can make a dry subject more accessible and helps the brain to store the knowledge.
What do you think?
The King of Kazam had a castle for life,
Two trendy kids, and a celebrity wife,
All of it run by a right royal team
Who kept ducks in a row and underwear clean...
***
The Blurb
A modern fairy tale in which two children unite a community to topple a greedy king.
Join Kandy and Kane as they bring down their greedy dad, the King of Kazam, with a river of poo.
My Review
I read this book for my first ever read along blog tour. I chose this book to dip my toe into the read along type of blog post as all the proceeds from the sale of the book are being donated to the charity The Trussell Trust. They are an anti-poverty charity and community of food banks. They work together to ensure no one in the UK needs a food bank to survive, while providing food and practical support to people left without enough money to live on.
That in itself is a good enough reason to buy your little ones a copy of this book. However, it is also an excellent read that children will enjoy.
It is all written in rhyme and is a lovely story of a greedy king whose children Kandy and Kane set out to teach him a lesson. With all of their names beginning with K, and his wife being a celebrity it did put me in mind of the Kardashian's.
This is a humorous book and children will delight in the frequent mentions of poo and wee throughout the story. My boys would have found this hilarious when they were young.
The colourful illustrations by Cassandra Harrison are a delight. Both eye catching and supportive of the text.
I highly recommend this for the little ones in your life.
Book Details
ISBN: 978 1739375102
Publisher: Jen Hyatt Media
Formats: Paperback
Purchase Details
https://www.jenhyatt.com/king-of-kazam
About the Author:
(book and media courtesy of Love Books Tours)
(all opinions are my own)
***
A life hiding her heartbreak. A message that will change her world.
To strangers that pass her on the streets of Lahore, Mona Ahmed lives a life to be envied. Married to wealthy businessman Bilal, with happily married children and living in a vast home with staff to attend to her every desire, she seems to want for nothing.
But behind the gilded exterior lies a past of secrets and heartbreak. While they may have weathered the storm of Mona’s infidelity, with Bilal embracing the child born out of that secret love affair, their marriage remains shaky.
While Mona’s heart is broken with memories of her lost soulmate, she hides her pain behind becoming the perfect wife, hosting glamorous, high-profile gatherings for the rest of Lahore’s high society, keeping up appearances for fear of inviting gossip.
Each day has the same slow, regular rhythm… until the first message arrives, and everything in Mona’s life changes in an instant. Will the secrets of Mona’s past threaten her future, her marriage and even her life?
An utterly captivating, thought-provoking and heartbreaking read that fans of Christy Lefteri and Nadia Hashimi won’t be able to put down.
***
This book only released yesterday so I was enormously excited to receive an early readers copy.
It is a fantastic book, and I have read the whole book over a couple of days. In fact, I went straight from reading another of Mr. Khan's books, No Honour, (review coming soon) straight to reading this. I think it would be fair to say that I am now a huge fan, and I cannot wait to read more of his work.
The main character, Mona appears to have everything she could desire. A grand lifestyle in Lahore, Pakistan, a fruitful career, a husband and successful grown up children, as well as a younger son, who both she and her husband dote on. However, Mona has a closely guarded secret, and its revelation would destroy everything that she has. I wouldn't say that I found her a particularly likeable character, however I did find myself rooting for her every step of the way.
I was completely gripped by the plot. It is dramatic and fast paced and definitely had me reading beyond my bedtime. It was difficult to put down as alongside the potential revelation of Mona's secret, there are gangs, kidnappings and high class prostitution. Not to mention a very vindictive school mum who I could not but help hope got her comeuppance.
I have not read many books set in Pakistan, but this brilliant book has made me want to read more. I highly recommend this one and am confident that you will enjoy it every bit as much as I did.
ISBN: 978 1804368107
Publisher: Canelo Hera
Formats: e-book, audio and paperback
No. of Pages: 304 (paperback)
About the Author:
Sunday 1st January
'My name's Leeza McAuliffe, I'm 11 years old, and my family does my head in.'
If I were writing a book, that's how I'd start. Straight to the point, no messing around...
***
Leeza McAuliffe is used to change. The previous year saw a house move, a family wedding, and the surprise arrival of baby Harvest. The next twelve months should be calmer. Except...
A new girl at school is causing Leeza headaches. What is her problem, anyway? Best mate Jake can cheer her up but their friendship has begun to spark gossip. And the arrival of a letter brings change that none of the McAuliffes saw coming.
Join Leeza as she charts another rollercoaster year. Whether it's misunderstandings about her love life, getting to grips with the brand new world of periods, or having her very first kiss, she's determined to record the highs and lows, no matter what.
***
Although this book is the second in the Leeza McAuliffe series, it worked perfectly well as a standalone novel. I have not read the first book, Leeza McAuliffe Has Something to Say, but that did not impede my enjoyment of this book at all.
Written in the form of Leeza's diary, we get to know her via her own words. This was exceptionally well done. Although the book is aimed at young adults, reading this as an adult was equally enjoyable. In fact, I think an adult reading perspective gave us a glimpse into the secondary characters; particularly when she is writing about her parents. For example, it was easy to read beyond the text when Leeza writes about her annoying parents because as adults we can interpret their actions via Leeza's response. Very cleverly done.
However, although my girlhood is a good few years behind me know, I was still able to identify with Leeza. She is a fantastic main character, and I think readers will love her. I definitely intend to keep my copy of the book back for when my granddaughter reaches the appropriate age to get the best out of this book.
I love the way Leeza imagines that her diary will become a historical artefact of the future. It made for an amusing and entertaining read. The author has created a character with a distinct voice and who is an extremely likeable character. I very much hope that there will be more books in the series as I would love to accompany Leeza on her journey through her teens.
This is well worth reading and I think young people and adults alike will enjoy reading this book.
ISBN: 978 0995657458
Publisher: Take-Away-Tea Books
Formats: e-book and paperback
No. of Pages: 350 (paperback)
About the Author:
Nicky Bond was born in Liverpool, UK, in 1978. The eldest of seven children, she found books were a perfect way to drown out the lively household around her, and meant her hands were never free to change a nappy.
She studied Psychology and English Literature at University College Northampton before embarking upon a career in Education. Twelve years later, she stopped procrastinating and got writing.
Her first novel, 'Carry the Beautiful' was published in 2017. Her second, for pre-teens and those that care for them - 'Leeza McAuliffe Has Something To Say' - came out in 2019. 'Assembling the Wingpeople' - the sequel to her first novel - was published in Autumn 2021.
Nicky is a regular supporter of Liverpool Women Football Club, relaxes by cooking, and spends a lot of time drinking tea.
I can't do this. I can't do this.
But it's happening. I am doing this.
I'm following my teammates onto the pitch. I'm watching my orange boots, brand new for the brand new season, take step after step across the short grass. I wish I could stop, spin around and run home...
***
A rescue story of love and trust between a boy and a dog from the talented author of Paws.
Matt is a football superstar. He can handle anything. Except lately his chest feels empty and his head is screaming. He can’t concentrate in school or enjoy football anymore, and he is so, so tired. When Matt stumbles across an abandoned dog, there’s no doubt in his mind that he has to save him. But maybe the dog isn’t the only one who needs help.
***
Who does not like a story about a boy, a dog and how they save and support one another through love? I had known I was going to enjoy this book before I even turned the first page, and I was not disappointed.
There is something rather extraordinary about this book. It has a lovely story but it also highlights mental health issues and how it is okay to talk about how we feel. I liked the way that Matt was able to recognize that he has depression through learning to care about his dog.
The author has created great characters in Matt and Cliff, the dog. She also brings the secondary characters to life extremely well. I would even go as far as to say I am a little in love with Matt's dad, who demonstrates such kindness and understanding to Matt when he really needs it.
The book is aimed at middle grade/lower secondary aged readers and every school library should have a copy of this wonderful book. It has been one of the best children's books I have read this year.
I could have cried when I read how Matt finally learned to open up and admit that he is struggling with his mental health (not a spoiler as it's obvious that the book is heading that way.) It was a very emotive part of the book, and I genuinely think it will facilitate young readers into understanding their own feelings and that it is okay to talk about them.
It is a heartwarming book which I will be thinking about for quite some time. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Undoubtedly a five star read.
***
ISBN: 978 1529514216
Publisher: Walker Books
Formats: e-book and paperback
No. of Pages: 224 (paperback)
About the Author:
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***
As the Inquisition’s grip tightens Isaac and Isabel must choose between family and faith. Will they survive the consequences?
Isaac seeks revenge on Torquemada for murdering his wife and best friend. He’s not the only one who wants The Grand Inquisitor dead. The King commands Isaac to investigate. Should he save the man he hates? Fail and he loses the King’s protection — the only thing keeping him alive. Feeling abandoned by her father and con!icted by his heresy, Isabel sets out to discover the truth. The trail leads to the darkest places in Seville. She’s unnerved by a shocking revelation and a surprising discovery about her real feelings. Can Isabel use what she unearths to save her father and their family?
***
This book is a worthy follow up to Blood Libel, which was the first in the Isaac Alvarez series. If you would like to read my review of the first book you can do so by clicking here.
I enjoyed this book every bit as much. It is set in Seville three years after Blood Libel. Isabel is now a young woman and is responsible for the education of her younger brother, Gabriel, and the two orphaned children of a family friend. She is an excellent character and the author has done a great job in developing her character.
Isabel has a large part to play in this book, but there is still plenty of action provided by her father, Isaac. Mr. Lynes takes his readers on quite an adventure with the setting moving to Granada for part of the story.
It made for an easy read with lots of excitement along the way. The series brings history alive on the page and details the way in which Jews were in fear for their lives during the Spanish Inquisition. There is lots of attention to detail, and the author has clearly completed his research extensively.
Anyone who enjoys historical fiction, particularly that of medieval history will enjoy this book. It would work well as a standalone but is worth reading the first book in the series in order to understand the backstory of the characters.
I will be reading the next book, The Red Citadel, later this month and I am looking forward to doing so very much.
ISBN: 978 1739185718
Publisher: Romaunce Books
Formats: e-book and paperback
No. of Pages: 330 (paperback)
***
An American Professor discovers the diaries of John Ledbury, known as the counterfeit detective, a minor poet who, in Victorian London, is employed to reply to the mail that come addressed to Sherlock Holmes at 221b Baker Street.
Through the diaries he unearths a series of baffling unsolved murders. He travels through England and Scotland but he realizes that, in order to solve the mystery, he has to travel further, back through time itself.
***
I was initially attracted to this book when it was offered to me on a blog tour as it claims to have elements of Sherlock Holmes mixed with Jack the Ripper. Quite a combination!
It does indeed have those things but it also has much more to recommend it. There is a great dual timeline which I love in a book. It is set partly in 1900 and 1973 and the author moves the story between those two periods with ease.
It had an appealing plot which begins in the latter time period when an American University Professor discovers some diaries from the earlier time. The story then moves backwards and forwards as he investigates the entries, and there are some interesting discoveries along the way.
What I had been unprepared for in this book is that some of these diary entries contain examples of sadistic pornography. This was not to my personal reading taste, and it is as well to be forewarned before you read the book.
It has an interesting conclusion when the author brings both the timelines together.
Readers who enjoy historical fiction mixed with a bit of erotica will enjoy this book.
ISBN: 978 1739596088
Publisher: Rymour Books
Formats: Paperback
No. of Pages: 332
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'April will bloom again.'
***
A song of the suburbs: a story of family, friends, first love, tragedy, hope and rock and roll
It's 1976 and with dreams of a career in rock, a crush on the prettiest girl in town, and a mother in remission from cancer, Mike’s future looks bright.
Music brings excitement and a chance to shine, but life off-stage is complicated.
Together with family, friends and band-mates, Mike finds joy, sadness and loss. Troubling secrets surface while a new friend brings both fresh perspectives and a cruel reality. The radios and pubs blast rock into the suburban nights and the band prepare for their big break. Is Mike ready?
A warm, thoughtful, questioning novel; a reminder of simpler days, complex emotions and music of a generation.
***
Publishing in paperback today, this is a lovely coming of age story set in 1970's London suburbia.
Having grown up in London during the 1970's I was instantly attracted to this book and it's period and setting provided me with a wonderful trip down memory lane. Music is a big feature of this book and plays as important a role as any of the characters.
This is a dialogue led book and propels this story along very nicely. The narrative is well written, but it is largely the conversations between the characters which make for an easy read and which makes the characters so easy to engage with.
The main character, Mike, aka JB, is delightful. The author presents him as a fully formed adolescent, and we observe him as he learns about love, life and music. He is a multi-layered character, and I enjoyed watching him make sense of the world.
There is also a wonderful cast of secondary characters, and I enjoyed reading about each of them. Mike's family and friends interacted perfectly and were all very believable.
There are many themes running throughout the book; love, loss, friendship and growing up, all written with both humour and poignancy. I enjoyed this book very much and can forsee it being one I pop back to read now and then.
I was thrilled to realise in the end pages of the book that the author has previously written a book about one of the characters, Richard. Just as I was sorry to be leaving Mike and the other characters I now realise I do not have to and can read more about Richard in the book, Three Weeks in Summer.
I loved Miracle Number Four, and I highly recommend it.
ISBN: 978 1999620066
Publisher: Bluescale Publishing
Formats: e-book, hardback and paperback - available on Kindle Unlimited
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Avicia knelt and prayed. Prayed for wisdom, to know what action would be righteous and true. For strength, to cope with the horror of what she would shortly be forced to witness. Above all, for compassion towards the unfortunates now in her care; compassion sufficient to displace any revulsion her face might betray when she saw them for the first time.
She stood up and looked around the abbey chapter house. Mid-morning prayers were over and the room had been decorated with wildflowers to celebrate her arrival. Celebrations could wait, however. She had felt elation at her appointment - for the first time, Malling Abbey would have its own prioress - but later, Bishop Gundulf had told her of the abbey's dark secret...
***
‘There is no me; there is no you. There is only us.’
The Maids of Biddenden is inspired by the real-life story of conjoined twins Mary and Eliza Chulkhurst, born in 1100 into a wealthy family from a small Kent village.
Joined at the hip, the sisters overcome fear and hostility to grow into gifted and much-loved women – one a talented musician and song-writer, the other a caring healer and grower of medicinal plants. Entangled in the struggles for power and influence of the great Kent nobles of the time, they achieve much in their lifetimes and leave behind a legacy in Biddenden that survives to this day.
This is the heart-warming and inspirational story of two remarkable women leading one joint life, challenging adversity to become the best they can be.
***
It is rare that historical fiction with a unique perspective comes along. I certainly have no recollection of the genre featuring conjoined-twins so this made for a fascinating and insightful read.
Based on factual accounts of Eliza and Mary Chulkhurst who lived in Biddenden, Kent during the 12th century, the author has researched her subject and has given a voice to these two women.
It was interesting viewing the first half of 12th century society through their eyes. Although conjoined the author did an excellent job at portraying them as individuals. Both voices were distinct and at no point was I confused by which twin's thoughts or words I was reading. She allowed the reader to absorb their personalities through the words on the page and she did this extremely well.
Although considered freakish during their early lives, as they grew their condition afforded them opportunities that would not have been available to other women of their status. They attracted attention from the upper echelons of society and were able to advance the prospect of their family.
I think anyone who enjoys historical fiction or women's history will enjoy this book.
ISBN: 978 0993547874
Publisher: Ginger Cat
Formats: e-book and paperback
No. of pages: 432
GD Harper became a full-time self-published author in 2016, publishing three novels under the pen name GD Harper. He has been both a Wishing Shelf Book Award finalist and Red Ribbon winner, been shortlisted for the Lightship Prize, longlisted for the UK Novel Writing Award and longlisted for the Page Turner Writer Award. The Maids of Biddenden was a finalist in this year’s Page Turner Book Award for unpublished manuscripts, longlisted for the Exeter Book Prize and the Flash 500 Novel Award, and shortlisted for the Impress Prize.
(Book provided courtesy of Love Book Tours)
