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The 'It's Christmas Already!' update
Just a small update this month, somewhat late,
mainly due to work and the dreaded Christmas shopping
(…ok, plus one or two parties and the 'odd'
beer). Nothing major, just a few reviews, as we
are still busy with the database which is taking
some putting together. Enjoy what there is…
and have a very happy Christmas.
*Thanks
to all the reviewers, authors and publishers for
their contributions and help throughout the year...
we look forward to 2002. |
 Area
7 by Matthew Reilly
Shane Schofield, the hero from Ice
Station, is back in Matthew Reilly's new
action adventure Area
7. Shane is once again fighting for his
life underground but this time a large part
of America depends on his success. Action
from beginning to end with a few double crosses
thrown in for good measure. |
 Douglas
Lindsay and Barney Thomson
Nigel has reviewed A
Prayer for Barney Thomson by Douglas Lindsay.
In this instalment our hapless hero is again
being blamed for the work of the latest serial
killer. The police are hot on his trail, even
though he didn't do anything and has in fact
been trying to give himself up. Things are
never straight forward for Barney however. |
 J
K Rowling and Harry Potter
The Harry Potter items still keep coming in.
This time we have a short review of
Harry
Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban from
Vex. I can't see any more arriving... unless
of course Ray manages to finish The Goblet
of Fire although from the amount he has been
drinking lately it is unlikely... don't forget
the beer this weekend m8. |
 I
Am Jackie Chan by Jackie Chan
Vex, a big fan of Jackie Chan (I think he
has all his films) has sent in a review of
his autobiography, I
Am Jackie Chan. This guy is either very
lucky or very skilled... or just plain mad.
If you are into your martial arts films this
book is a must. |
 The
Beast House by Richard Laymon
The
Beast House is reviewed by Vex. It tells
the story of Malcasa Point where nasty things
have happened in the past and people visit
to get their thrills... unfortunately they
get more than they bargained for in this gory
horror. |
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 Dead
Famous by Ben Elton
Ben Elton has turned his sharp observational
style to the phenomenon that is 'Reality Television'.
Dead
Famous sees the usual collection of wannabe
stars talking pants, only this time a contestant
has been murdered in front of the cameras.
|
 Sundiver
by David Brin
Well knock me down with a feather... one month
after Nigel sends David Brin's Sundiver
to the Recycle
Bin we get an unsolicited review from
Vex... did he think it was any good? Check
it out, seems Nigel may have stopped a page
too short. |
 Terry
Pratchett
Well, Nigel is in trouble. His joke last time
about Pratchett writing them faster than Chrissi
is reading them came true! This month we have
The
Last Hero from Ray and The
Truth from Chrissi. Which means she has,
with the publication of The Amazing Maurice
and his Educated Rodents, three to go, which
is the same as last month. |
 Snuff
Fiction by Robert Rankin
This is a book about Snuff... the stuff you
put up your nose... honest! Ray has been brave
enough to venture into the mind of Robert
Rankin and has reviewed Snuff
Fiction, the story of Doveston, the King
of Snuff. |
 More
Than Mortal by Mick Farren
This is the third instalment for Victor Renquist,
the Master of a nosferatu colony in America.
In More
Than Mortal Renquist travels to England
to investigate an old Saxon burial mound and
its contents. |
And
finally...
...sorry we didn't get any quizzes together
this month. We should have lots of time over
the holidays ( in between bottles of Stella)
to do a decent update next month... watch
this space. |
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'Environmentally Friendly' update
We
have a new feature this month - the Recycle
Bin. Have you ever started a book but never
managed to finish it? It sits on a shelf and every
now and then you feel guilty, pick it up, read
a few pages, remember why you hated it, put it
down again... only to repeat the process a month
later. No? Just us then! 
We
have some good reviews this month from a number
of reviewers, as well as a new author page for
J.
K. Rowling which includes an article by Victim
on the Harry Potter phenomenon (keep sending in
the HP stuff… you can never have too much).
On
the new site front we have just installed a test
server and are busy sorting out the database…
expect some news in one or two years time.
No
books from authors or publishers this time…
always next month.
*Stop
press - Terry Pratchett has just published The
Last Hero at the end of October so the prediction
about Chrissi's TP saga (see below) has come true…
for this month anyway. |
 Shooting
Sean by Colin Bateman
Dan Starkey is back in Colin Bateman's latest
novel Shooting
Sean. The Sean of the title is a movie
star come director who Dan is asked to write
a biography about. As usual nothing is what
it seems and 'Shooting' of the title has many
meanings in this story. |
 Douglas
Lindsay and Barney Thomson
Nigel has continued with the Barney Thomson
novels this month with The
Cutting Edge of Barney Thomson,
the second instalment in the series with Barney
hiding out as a monk. Chrissi has also added
her review for The
Long Midnight of Barney Thomson in which
we see the hapless barber starting his 'serial
killer' career. |
 J
K Rowling and Harry Potter
We have managed to get a copy of the second
Comic
Relief publication Fantastic
Beasts & Where to Find Them, which
fills in all the gaps in the main books with
regard to the various beasties. Nigel has
also finished The
Goblet of Fire. To top it all Victim
has sent in a Harry Potter article, come review,
come unspecified thingy, which has prompted
a J.
K. Rowling author page... told you...
never ending
|
 Expecting
Someone Taller by Tom Holt
Ray has sent in a review for Tom Holt's debut
novel Expecting
Someone Taller. First published in 1987
it tells the story of Malcolm and his unexpected
rise to Ruler of the World, much to the annoyance
of the other Gods who set about putting things
right. Classic Tom Holt and well worth a read. |
 The
Next Big Thing by Sara Caspian
Some more of Chrissi's Sunday 'trash' reading.The
Next Big Thing by Sara Caspian tells the
story of Tierney's
search for the next advertising sensation
to get her that much wanted promotion... pants
apparently. |
 Legacy
of a Hanged Man by Peter J Hedge
Bryn has sent in another review
for an e-book this month. Legacy
of a Hanged Man by Peter J Hedge is a
provocative account of a young man facing
the death penalty. |
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 How
to be Good by Nick Hornby
Nigel
picked this up thinking it was a self help
book... How
to be Good sees Nick Hornby's keen observational
style turned to relationships
within the
family and the mid life crisis. |
 James
Patterson and Alex Cross
We have reviews for two James Patterson novels
this month. Chrissi has read the latest Alex
Cross novel Violets
are Blue, which is a sequel to Roses
are Red, for which, by pure coincidence,
Kevin has sent in a short review... funny
old world. |
 Terry
Pratchett
Chrissi crawls across the living room carpet,
a barely audible whisper can be heard over
the rustle of pages... 'Discworld! Discworld!
…my small two bed semi for the next Discworld!'
Chrissi has definitely slowed down somewhat
with only The
Fifth Elephant read this month in her
continuing Discworld saga. I'm beginning to
think TP might actually write them quicker
than Chrissi is reading them so the task will
also become,
like the Harry Potter saga opposite, never
ending… |
 Longitude
by Dava Sobel
This book is a popular science account of
the 18th century problem of establishing longitude…
boring stuff you may think. Not so, this account
will have you hooked from the first page.
The political intrigue and back stabbing is
almost unbelievable as John Harrison develops
the perfect time keeper to win the £20,000
prize set up by the government at the time.
Dava Sobels Longitude
is a must for any library shelf… preferably
having been read. |
 Days
of Drums by Philip Shelby
A female bodyguard is framed when the American
politician she is protecting is assassinated
in this conspiracy thriller. Chrissi found
Days
of Drums by Philip Shelby a good but predictable
read. |
And
finally...
...a request has been made by Zero for some
more Quizzes (with answers) and as we listen
to everything our visitors say we will be
adding a few more next time. Any ideas or
changes you would like to see send an e-mail
to editors(at)booklore.co.uk.
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'Usual Monthly' update
Welcome to the October update. We have had another
fantastic month at Booklore with two reviews for
books sent in directly by the authors.* As we
mentioned last month we have received a copy
A
Deadly Exchange from Sheryl Jane Stafford,
a nautical thriller much in the vain of Bernard
Cornwell. We
have also been contacted by Kathryn Lindsay, the
wife of author Douglas Lindsay, who has been kind
enough to send copies of her husbands black comedies
concerning the exploits of the barber Barney Thomson...very
dark but with plenty of laughs.
We have also received a review from Kevin, a Booklore
newbie, who has sent in a short item for Muriel
Gray's Furnace,
a book I believe Nigel recommended to him... keep
sending them in.
*To
all the authors and publishers out there - keep
sending your books for review... please :) |
 Country
of the Blind by Christopher Brookmyre
Chrissi first came across Christopher Brookmyre's
work in Germany when she read a friend's copy
of 'Boiling a Frog'. Since then she has managed
to get a signed copy of Country
of the Blind, a black comedy thriller
with a touch of political cynicism... a very
good read. |
 The
Long Midnight of Barney Thomson by Douglas
Lindsay
This novel was sent in by the authors wife,
Kathryn Lindsay, to whom we are very grateful.
The
Long Midnight of Barney Thomson sees the
barber of the title going about his mundane
existence until fate takes a hand and realises
his dreams in a darkly humorous manner. Subtle
as well as obvious observational humour..
very funny - but not for the squeamish...
then again, maybe it is. |
 J
K Rowling and Harry Potter
Bringing you something different on the Harry
Potter front this month both Chrissi and Nigel
have reviewed the Muggle release of Kennilworthy
Whisp's seminal work Quidditch
Through the Ages. A must for all fans
of the great game. On a more regular note
Nigel has also finished The
Chamber of Secrets and The
Prisoner of Azkaban. Will there be any
end to the Potter reviews? Probably not. |
 If
Tomorrow Comes by Sidney Sheldon
Sidney Sheldon is a prolific writer and If
Tomorrow Comes is one of his older novels
from the 80's. Never the less, having read
it several times through the years, Chrissi
still finds it a thoroughly good read... |
 Furnace
by Muriel Gray
Many thanks to Kevin for sending in this review
for Furnace
by Muriel Gray. We must stress that no pressure
what-so-ever was put on Kevin to read this
novel and money most certainly did not change
hands... |
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 A
Deadly Exchange by Sheryl Jane Stafford
Chrissi
has reviewed the thriller A
Deadly Exchange kindly sent to BookLore
by the author Sheryl Jane Stafford. The novel
tells the story of Matt and Alex Spencer,
a couple living their dream travelling around
the Bahamas on their own boat. Unfortunately,
they don't realise that a shipment of drugs
is hidden aboard and that the owners are more
interested in setting an example than retrieving
their goods. This novel offers a lot more
than the average thriller - it is excellently
crafted with an eye for detail rarely seen. |
 Terry
Pratchett
Chrissi is almost there!! Another Discworld
novel this month. She has reviewed Carpe
Jugulum which means she only has three
more to go! It also means that Booklore has
a review for every Discworld novel to date,
all 26 of them! All we need now are all the
rest... hello... anyone there? |
 Bunny
Girl by Joan Conway
Chrissi classes these novels found in the
remainder bins as 'Trash' Sunday reading or
switch off and enjoy stories. Unfortunately,
Bunny
Girl by Joan Conway fits this description
in more ways than one. Based in Dublin, in
a situation similar to Sushi
for Beginners, it however, ranks a poor
second. |
 The
Calendar by David Ewing Duncan
The
Calendar is a popular science title that
looks at the development of the modern day
calendar and how we arrived at our current
date/time scenario. |
And
finally...
...we have been contacted by iPublish.com,
AOL Time Warner's digital publishing venture.
Hopefully
in the coming months we will be able to bring
you competitions to win various bits and bobs...
if we can sort out the US/UK connection.  |
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'Silly Season' update
Well, hello again, better late than
never as they say... we have had some
serious computer problems this month
and that, hand in hand with the Holiday
season, has caused the delay with
the update, which is unforgivable
we know. So, unforgiven as we are,
we will continue none the less.
Firstly, we have been contacted by
Sheryl Jane Stafford, the author of
'A Deadly Exchange', who has been
kind enough to send us a copy for
review. Chrissi is already well into
it so expect an update next month.
Secondly, we have a review for our
first e-book this month which has
been sent in by Bryn. To be fair he
does work for the publishing company
so he may be a little biased in his
opinion... but then again he did admit
to this so he can't be all bad.
*Can't
think of anything to go here this
month but I'm not deleting it as it
finishes the page off nicely... |
 Nothing
but Blue Skies by Tom Holt
This is Tom Holt's latest novel
hot off the press. Nothing
but Blue Skies is about the
good old English weather. An irritable
Chinese Water Dragon is kidnapped
and his daughter sets out to find
out why. Great fun. |
 Honoured
Enemy by Raymond E. Feist &
William Forstchen
Is there no end to the Riftwar
I hear you ask. Apparently not
with this latest novel from Feist
and crew. Honoured
Enemy is set during the Riftwar
and sees yet another take on this
never ending war. |
 J
K Rowling and Harry Potter
Nigel has finally joined the masses
having read Harry
Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
so we have yet another review
this month. As you would expect
he enjoyed it immensely and is
currently working his way through
the rest... no end in sight for
Potter reviews I'm afraid. |
 Death
Must Go On by Mac Fletcher
This review, our first one for
an e-book, has been submitted
by Bryn of Hollow Hills Publishing.
Death
Must Go On by Mac Fletcher
re-creates the humour of the classic
British comedy... complete with
Vicar. |
|
 Bridget
Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding
I
suppose it was inevitable that
this one would appear at some
point. Chrissi has reviewed Helen
Fielding's best seller Bridget
Jones's Diary and surprisingly
didn't find it that good. Can
over 1.5 million people be wrong?
Check out the review and find
out. |
 Terry
Pratchett
Chrissi is near the end of her
self
imposed task (we never forced
her! Ed.) with two more Discworld
novels this month, Jingo
and The
Last Continent. She only has
four more to go before she is
finally up to date with all things
disc shaped. |
 The
Devil's Teardrop by Jeffery Deaver
Nigel has read The
Devil's Teardrop by Jeffery
Deaver following Chrissi's
recommendations last month. A
very good story that has you on
the edge of whatever you happen
to be sitting on at the time of
reading, with a very good twist
at the end. Well worth a look. |
And
finally...
Ray
has complained that his picture
did not do him justice and so
it has been changed for a much
nicer one. We have however removed
the Guinness sign in the background
as we in no way support drinking...
at all... ever... oh go on then,
just the one. |
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| The
'Playing around' update
Welcome to the August update of Booklore. We have
a few new bits and bobs on the site this month
to help pass your time. Firstly we've added a
Visitor Poll which will ask a deep and meaningful
book related question each month. Answers should
be provided with suitable gravitas as this isn't
some insignificant MORI poll and could have serious
consequences for all concerned. (yea, right..
Ed.)
Secondly, ever wanted a cool banner to add to
your own site to link seamlessly with Booklore?
Well now you can with our Banners
& Logos page. Not so many logos at the moment
but we will add more over time when we've worked
out the instructions for doing animated Gifs.
Last, but not least, we have started doing an
exclusive Booklore Author
Interview. Every couple of months we are going
to try and bring you an original interview with
a real live author. These will be actual interviews
between intrepid Booklore Personnel and the authors
- not just nicked from a magazine* :)
As for the reviews this month we have received
a fair few from various reviewers. Chrissi has
been bogged down with Tad Williams so has only
managed one Pratchett this month, however she
has done an amazing ten reviews in total, so we'll
let her off. Vex and Victim have also submitted
a few this month and of course we have Nigel dragging
up the rear. (That doesn't sound very nice. Ed.)
As far as site news goes we are still trying to
transfer servers but as all you high flying peeps
will appreciate time is not an infinite resource
and creating the database is taking some sorting
out…. plus we haven't got the fee yet to move...
*We
are actually sending e-mail questions to the few
we know in the hope they will return them... however,
they are original, which is nice. |
 P
is for Peril by Sue Grafton
This is the latest novel in Sue Grafton's
alphabet series of murder mysteries. P
is for Peril sees Kinsey Millhone, the
private detective, investigating the disappearance
of a prominent local doctor. One question,
what happens when she gets to Z? |
 Slugs
by Shaun Hutson
Victim has sent in a review for Slugs
by Shaun Hutson this month. Basically slugs
eat people, which seems a bit far fetched
to me, but I haven't read it yet so can't
comment... however, Victim has and does:) |
 I,
Claudia by Marilyn Todd
A murder mystery set at the time of the Roman
Empire is the premise for Marilyn Todd's I,
Claudia. Important clients of a certain
lady of the night are dying in mysterious
circumstances. Can Claudia
solve the mystery
before Marcus Cornelius Orbilio? |
 Blue
Gold by Clive Cussler
Someone has been nasty enough to kill a pod
(collective term?) of whales and Kurt Austin
sets about finding the reason for this dastardly
deed. Blue
Gold is the latest Clive Cussler Action
Adventure that traverses the globe in search
of the eco-nasties bent on world domination... |
 A
Fire Upon the Deep by Vernor Vinge
The far future
science fiction epic
A
Fire Upon the Deep
is vast in its scope. The story spans the
whole galaxy as an ancient power is awakened
and starts to slowly absorb known space and
its civilisations. Two children, stranded
on a world still in the middle ages, appear
to hold the secret that can destroy the threat.
However, the local inhabitants are stuck in
their own power struggle and as rescue approaches
so does war. |
 Tad
Williams
Chrissi has finally found out what happens
in the Otherland series following the publication
last month of the final installment, Otherland
Vol 4. She has been going insane ever
since she finished Otherland
Vol 3 and I've never seen anyone so glad
to finish a book! She has been a bit scathing
but if you had seen her you would understand.
|
J
K Rowling and Harry Potter
Vex has started reading the Harry Potter books
this month and has sent in a brief review
for Harry
Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. These
books are proving to be some of the most popular
with Booklore reviewers, young and old. Watch
out for more in the coming months. |
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 Broken
Eggshells by Christian Cook
Chrissi
has reviewed Broken
Eggshells by Christian
Cook this month following Nigel's review
last time, just to see what all the laughing
was about.
Find out if she though it was as good as he
did. |
 Terry
Pratchett
This month Chrissi has taken longer to read
a single book than any I've ever known (Otherland
4 if you are wondering) so has only managed
to fit in Hogfather
this month to continue her labour of love!
|
Jeffery
Deaver
Chrissi has reviewed two more of Jeffery Deaver's
novels this month to go with the new author
profile. The
Devil's Teardrop and The
Lesson of Her Death are both taut thrillers
that will have you on the edge of your seat.
|
 Chocolat
by Joanne Harris
When a shop dedicated to selling chocolate
opens opposite the local village church at
the beginning of lent the temptation proves
too much for some of the residents. The ensuing
conflict between the vicar and the shop owner
brings disquiet to the otherwise tranquil
village. Chocolat
by Joanne Harris takes a humorous look at
the power chocolate has over people, especially
women . |
 F2F
by Phillip Finch
Phillip
Finch's novel F2F
is about a serial
killer
who uses the Internet to track his victims.
It was written in the mid 90s so the technology
is somewhat dated, however, the real-time
chat software discussed is now common place.
Who doesn't use ICQ, MSN, IRC or the like
nowadays... you have been warned! |
 The
Big Breach by Richard Tomlinson
Richard
Tomlinson's
biography charts his days with MI6. The
Big Breach sets out to expose the dastardly
goings on behind closed doors in the spying
game... now call me a sceptic but what do
people think that spies do if it isn't spying? |
 Nightfall
by Isaac Asimov
Nightfall
is the classic story from Isaac Asimov that
describes the wonder of an alien race that
has perpetual daylight except for one night
every 2000 years, at which time they see the
stars for the first time. Although a short
story it is brilliantly written with enormous
vision. |
And
finally...
...thanks to Christian
Cook for his time doing the interview
and all our reviewers
for their hard work. No books from authors
or publishers this month... shame on you . |
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'We wish we were rich' update
We
are a little late with the update this month due
to the fact that 'Earning a Living' has seriously
interfered with the much nicer work of doing BookLore.
Starting at six in the morning and finishing at
midnight has hampered the otherwise smooth running
operation (You what!! Ed.) and forced some very
silly hours.
However, due to the fact that the wolves have
stopped knocking at the door and have started
moving up heavy artillery we thought better of
putting them off any longer and decided work was
a much needed, however evil, necessity.
Again we must thank Paul for another review. Don't
be shy, send in some personal details (not too
personal) and we will add you to the reviewers
list. However, if you prefer to remain anonymous
for fear of a vast fan base developing and the
occasional mad stalker it isn't a problem.
Christian
Cook, the author of Broken
Eggshells, has been in contact and sent us
a review copy of his novel. The story is a dark
comedy much in the vein of Iain Banks. It is his
debut novel and we have to say it is very good,
with some classic scenes that will have you in
stitches. If you need to brighten your day get
a copy, we promise you won't regret it*. As always,
any other publishers or authors out there can
send books to BookLore for review without fear
as we are quite harmless really and don't find
many books we don't like (except Hannibal:).
*Your
home is at risk if you believe this sort of blatant
marketing as we can't promise you will like anything
in particular and BookLore cannot be held responsible
if your sense of humour does not fulfill the requirements
for this sort of novel and you actually hate it.
Remember, even sperm have free will. |
 The
Blue Nowhere by Jeffery Deaver
Jeffery Deaver has delved into the world of
hackers for his cyber thriller The
Blue Nowhere. Both Chrissi and Nigel have
done a review...Chrissi because she loves
Jeffery Deavers work and Nigel because he
likes computers...sad.
As usual it contains plenty to keep the reader
interested and the twist at the end is quite
good. |
 Rendezvous
with Rama by Arthur C. Clarke
Paul has kindly sent in another review. This
month it is for the Science Fiction classic
Rendezvous
with Rama by Arthur C. Clarke. The year
is 2131 and an Alien object is discovered
passing through the solar system. A team is
sent to investigate. Nuff said |
 Penny
Vincenzi
Chrissi has reviewed two of Penny Vincenzi's
novels, No
Angel and Windfall.
These novels are basically period romances
set in the early 1900s; although I've just
been smacked around the head for calling them
romances. Apparently they are historical fiction!
|
 Reckless
Sleep by Roger Levy
Nigel has managed to find another book delving
into virtual worlds where reality is questioned.
Reckless
Sleep is Roger Levy's first novel and
shows a future earth that is dying. Salvation
appears to lie in the hands of Maze, a company
developing a very realistic VR game...but
is it too real? |
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Broken
Eggshells by Christian Cook
Broken
Eggshells by Christian
Cook was very kindly sent to BookLore
by the author.
Described as a 'black comedy in several hues
of yellow'. It's difficult to describe in
such a small space, except to say it is very
yellow and very funny. Check out Nigel's review
then buy the book and send in your own...we
need this guy to write more. |
 Terry
Pratchett
Chrissi has read three more Pratchett's this
month. We have Interesting
Times, Maskerade
and Feet
of Clay. She has finally reached novels
she hasn't read before so is looking forward
to the next few. Only six more to go! |
 Seven
Up by Janet Evanovich
This is the latest installment for Stephanie
Plum. In Janet
Evanovich's Seven
Up we see Stephanie on the trail of an
bail jumper who is a harmless old man. Or
is he? More laughs and mayhem with the bounty
hunter from hell....and Grandma Mazur! |
 HMS
Unseen by Patrick Robinson
This is a terrorist thriller from the author
that brought you Nimitz Class. HMS
Unseen of the title is a stealth submarine
that is stolen and used in various nasty ways
to make some point or other. Unfortunately
this isn't The Hunt for Red October. |
And
finally...
...we would like to wish Victim a happy birthday,
as he turned [CENSORED] this month. Happy
Birthday m8. |
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| The
'Can't leave well enough alone' update
Welcome
to the May update. Before you ask we haven't changed
a thing on the home page, it's just your memory
playing tricks, honest. Too much beer probably.
We are very pleased to have received a new novel,
Side
Effect, directly from Thornwood Publishing
Company LLC. To any other publishers or authors
out there, large or small, we are happy to offer,
completely free of charge (OK, it will cost you
a book) a fair and honest review, completely original
and not nicked from anywhere...the more the merrier.
Are you sitting down……Ru
has finally submitted his reviewer profile after
only 16 months of requests, as well as a new review
for Inconceivable. I know, hard to believe. Chrissi
is still taking the Prozac!
Also received this month was a review for Sharpe's
Trafalgar from a BookLore newbie, Paul. Keep them
coming m8.
Hope you enjoy the books. As always reviews are
welcome form anyone (please). Just use the Submit
page or send an e-mail to submissions(at)booklore.co.uk
Following a suggestion from Hailey we have added
codes to the Reviews
page to indicate the genre of the title concerned.
See,
we do listen.
Enjoy
the sun and see you next month….....and
don't think we haven't noticed Victim!
|
 The
Trigger by Arthur C. Clarke and Michael Kube-McDowell
What would happen if all guns became obsolete
over night? This is the premise of The
Trigger by Arthur C. Clarke and Michael
Kube-McDowell. As you can guess not everyone
is happy with such an idea. A well written
near future thriller. |
 Ben
Elton
Ru has reviewed Inconceivable
by Ben Elton. A humourous two sided novel
that looks at the trials and tribulations
of IVF treatment from the male and female
perpectives. Nigel has also reviewed Blast
from the Past following Vex's recommendation
last month...very funny, if a bit dark in
places. |
 Sharpe's
Trafalgar by Bernard Cornwell
We would like to thank Paul for his review
of Sharpe's
Trafalgar by Bernard Cornwell. A Booklore
newbie we hope Paul will submit more in the
future and join the select few who are BookLore
Reviewers. This installment deals with the
dashing (Chrissi's words. Ed) Sharpe and his
exploits in the Napoleonic wars. |
 Ice
Station by Matthew Reilly
Another review for Ice
Station has been submitted
following Chrissi's one woman crusade . Dirk
Pitt has nothing on the guys in this novel.
Should really be a Marvel comic. |
 My
Legendary Girlfriend by Mike Gayle
Nigel has reviewed Mike Gayle's first novel
My
Legendary Girlfriend to see if Chrissi
was right with her review. Apparently not,
as he says (risking life and limb) that she
just doesn't
understand men.  |
|
 Side
Effect by Sandra Feder
Side
Effect by Sandra
Feder was sent to BookLore directly from
the publishers, Thornwood Publishing Company
LLC,
in the USA. The novel tells the story of double
dealing in the world of drug research. |
 Terry
Pratchett
Nigel has reviewed Terry Pratchett's 26th
Discworld novel, Thief
of Time. Chrissi has slowed down a bit
with only two Terry Pratchett reviews this
month, but still very inpressive dedication
you will have to admit. This time she has
done Men
at Arms and Soul
Music. Only nine more to go! |
 J
K Rowling and Harry Potter
Chrissi has finished all of J. K. Rowlings
Harry Potter books this month. Check out what
she thought of Harry
Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Harry
Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry
Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban , and
Harry
Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
She is a big softy really 
|
 Man
on a Murder Cycle by Mark Pepper
This is Mark Pepper's second novel. Man
on a Murder Cycle tells the gruesome story
of an author who steals anothers work and
claims it as his own. The true author is supposed
to be dead but strange events start to occur
that mirror the novel too closely. A gripping
thriller in the style of Shaun Hutson. |
And
finally...
...a dark month for the literature with the
death of Douglas Adams at the age of 49. His
books entertained a generation and he will
be sadly missed. |
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The 'Overuse of Smilies' update
Another good month for reviews, with the number
of reviewers also increasing. Nigel's parents of
all people (what's
a computer?)
have submitted reviews for Temple following severe
pressure from Chrissi on the benefits of reading
Matthew Reilly.
Nigel has been surfing the Cyber Seas to bring you,
the discerning Internet connoisseur, the best in
Smiliedom (he has far too much free time! Ed.).
Chrissi has finally regressed to childhood following
Ray's recommendations regarding reading fare....she
has to be dragged kicking and screaming (only a
slight exaggeration) from the Harry Potter books
to eat and, err, do stuff.... expect some reviews
next month. |
 Walking
on Air by Christina Jones
Chrissi has gone to great lengths to find
the remaining Christina
Jones novels to add to her set. No sooner
did she get them than she had finished them.
Check out her reviews for Walking
on Air, Stealing
the Show, Going
the Distance and Running
the Risk. There is only one more to find...
|
 Blast
from the Past
Vex has reviewed Blast
from the Past by Ben Elton. A very good
book by all accounts that will have you asking
questions.
Includes many of Ben's insights into life
as well as a smattering of politics (not Mr
Elton surely? Ed). |
 Dome
by M. J. Rusch
Nigel has added his review of Dome
by M.
J. Rusch. This book was kindly sent in
by the author and tells the story of a future
where the ozone layer has finally failed and
man fights for survival. |
 Temple
by Matthew Reilly
Two more reviews have been submitted for Temple
by Matthew Reilly following Chrissi's one
woman crusade .
Dirk Pitt has nothing on the guys in this
novel. Should really be a Marvel comic. |
 Resurrection
Day by Brendan DuBois
What if the Cuban Missile Crisis had ended
in nuclear war? Resurrection
Day by Brendan DuBois is a thriller set
in an
alternative
1972 where the USA and Russia have been decimated. |
 1st
to Die by James Patterson
Does this guy ever stop to sleep? This is
James Patterson's latest novel and starts
a whole new series. Newly wed couples are
being murdered on
there wedding day in
1st
to Die and our new heroine sets about
solving the case. |
|
My
Legendary Girlfriend by Mike Gayle
Chrissi has read and reviewed Mike Gayle's
first novel My
Legendary Girlfriend. Will Kelly has been
dumped by his girlfriend Aggi and basically
his life has gone down the toilet. Don't worry,
it has its funny moments. 
|
 Terry
Pratchett
Not many left now! Chrissi has managed to
fit in four more of Terry
Pratchett's Discworld Novels. This month
we have Reaper
Man, Witches
Abroad,
Small
Gods and Lords
and Ladies. |
 The
Princes in Terror Tower by Terry Deary
Jay has read and reviewed the third case for
the Time Detectives. The
Princes in Terror Tower looks at the events
surrounding the disappearance of the two youngest
sons of Edward IV. History can be fun  |
 Atlantis
Found by Clive Cussler
Dirk Pitt stars in this, the latest novel
from Clive Cussler. In Atlantis
Found various ancient artifacts are found
around the world that seem to point to an
amazing find. The race is on to get all the
pieces of the puzzle. |
 Edge
of Danger by Jack Higgins
Sean Dillion is at it again in Jack Higgin's
latest novel Edge
of Danger. This time we see the Sean pitted
against a family of Arab Oil billionaires
who have too much time on their hands. |
And
finally
We would like to officially welcome Graham
and Jay
as BookLore reviewers. As we mentioned before
Jay is reading books for the younger people
out there and this month he has submitted
his first full review. Graham in the meantime
is submitting his famously long reviews (see
Jingo:).
We look forward to a few more reviews (and
words. Ed) in the near future.  |
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31st
March 2001
Nothing
to Lose
Dome
Ice
Station
Temple
Guards!
Guards!
Eric
Moving
Pictures
Fifth
Elephant
The
Fall
Colony
Waiting
for Godalming
From
the Corner of his Eye
Roses
Are Red
Tear
of the Gods
The
Art of Breaking Glass
Spin
Off |
The
New Look Update
As you can see we have updated the look of Book
Lore prior to the move to the new server. All the
old links are there, just in a different format.
We have reduced the number of frames and images
to help load times and a few other tweaks behind
the scenes. Hope you like it and as always comments
are welcome. Anyway, enough of the geeky boring
stuff, on with the books. 
|
 Nothing
To Lose by Christina Jones
Chrissi has reviewed Nothing
To Lose by Christina
Jones. This book isn't published until
9th May 2001 but we were lucky enough to get
a proof copy from the author. |
Ice
Station and Temple by Matthew Reilly
Both Chrissi and Nigel have reviewed Ice
Station by Matthew Reilly, a action thriller
that puts James Bond to shame and a book Chrissi
has scored 10/10, making it one of our highly
recommended star 
books. Chrissi has also reviewed Temple
by the same author as she just couldn't get
enough. |
 The
Fall by Simon Clark
Victim has reviewed this horror novel by Simon
Clark. The
Fall deals with a group of people who
find themselves slipping back in time. |
 Waiting
for Godalming by Robert Rankin
Robert Rankin's new novel Waiting
for Godalming is reviewed by Nigel. In
this latest installment from the master of
weird we see Lazlo Woodbine solving his biggest
case, the murder of God no less. Like marmite,
Robert Rankin is an author you either love
or hate. |
 Roses
Are Red by James Patterson
This is the latest Alex Cross novel from James
Patterson. Roses
Are Red sees Alex investigating what appear
to be copy cat crimes to which there is more
than meets the eye. Read Chrissi's review
and see what you think. |
 The
Art of Breaking Glass by Matthew Hall
Always looking out for new authors Chrissi
picked this book out on the merits of its
write up. The
Art of Breaking Glass compares itself
to The Silence of the Lambs....bad mistake
to make. |
|
Dome
by M. J. Rusch
Chrissi has also reviewed Dome
by M.
J. Rusch. This book was kindly sent in
by the author and tells the story of a future
where the ozone layer has faintly failed and
man fights for survival. |
 Terry
Pratchett
Chrissi has again found time to continue her
quest to read all Terry
Pratchett's Novels. This month she has
done Guards!
Guards!, Eric
and Moving
Pictures. Vex has also reviewed The
Fifth Elephant. |
 Colony
by Rob Grant
Rob Grant is one of the co-creaters of the
Red Dwarf series. This is his first solo novel
that isn't about the Red Dwarf or it's crew.
Colony
charts the ups and downs of one Eddie O'Hare
and very funny is is too. |
 From
the Corner of His Eye by Dean Koontz
This is the latest thriller from the prolific
Mr Koontz. Victim and Nigel have both submitted
reviews for From
the Corner of His Eye, which is a sort
of time travel story, sort of
. |
 Krondor
- Tear of the Gods
This is one of Chrissi's favourite fantasy
authors and she has reviewed his latest installment,
Krondor
- Tear of the Gods. This is a
stand alone novel set sometime between the
Riftwar and Serpent War sagas, apparently. |
 Spin
Off by Michael Shea
A novel about the political shenanigans that
occur when the Prime Minister looses his marbles.
Is it crime or punishment? Spin
Off is a thriller reviewed by Chrissi
which confirms her low opinion of politicians. |
And
finally
We would like to officially welcome Crystal
as a Book Lore reviewer. She has passed the
stringent quality control procedure (e-mailed
us!) and has previously reviewed The
Perfect Storm by Sebastian Junger. We
look forward to many more in the future.
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28th
February 2001
Mr
Commitment
Turning
Thirty
Mort
Sourcery
Wyrd
Sisters
Pyramids
The
Truth
Fountain
Society
Exit
Wounds
Philosopher's
Stone
Chamber
of Secrets
Prisoner
of Azkaban
Hot
Six
A
Darkness More Than Night |
Book
Lore needs you! update
What a month! Firstly we would like to thank all
the reviewers for spending their spare time sending
stuff in; another great month for submissions.
Secondly, have you just read a good book you can't
keep to yourself? Do you want to spend hours slaving
over your computer, writing what you think of a
new (or old) novel for no recompense but thanks.
If so Book Lore would love to hear from you! Spread
the word and send your reviews to submissions(at)booklore.co.uk.
Any size, any book!
Thirdly (and we have only put it third as we didn't
want to sound too excited:) you remember we mentioned
Christina
Jones and Jumping
to Conclusions last time? Well, we've recieved
a proof copy of her new novel 'Nothing
to Lose'. As you can imagine we are pretty chuffed
to say the least. We didn't have time to include
it in this update but watch out for a full (and
frank:) review next time, along with an authors
profile.
Next (lost count:) we have also been contacted by
Mick Rusch,
author of Dome,
a dark science fiction thriller about a futuristic
Earth finally devoid of its ozone layer and fallen
into world war for technology to save the planet
from the sun’s deadly rays. We should be getting
a copy from the publisher in the near future....watch
this space. We are also waiting for two new Memento
Mori Mysteries courtesy of Avocet
Press Inc and Clyde
Lynwood Sawyer, Jr., although he is busy at
the moment working on a film.
Some good news for the future. Asylum
Designs (wonderful company, Ed.) have set up
their own hosting services so we should be moving
servers soon, which will give us bags more bandwidth.
We'll then be updating the site with more colourful
graphics and the like, all to make your visit a
bit more interesting, while still improving load
times, which will be nice
. |
 Mr
Commitment and Turning Thirty by Mike Gayle
Following Ru's recommendations both Nigel
and Chrissi have read Mr
Commitment by Mike Gayle. This was so
good they immediately went out and got a copy
of Turning
Thirty by the same Author. These books
are so funny, full of observational humour
that will have you laughing out loud before
you realise the same thing has also happened
to you! |
 Fountain
Society by Wes Craven
Wes Craven, he of 'Freddy' fame, among others,
has written a novel. Now, like us, you may
be skeptical at hearing this but we have to
admit it's a pretty good read. Fountain
Society is a fast paced medical, horror,
thriller sort of thing. Trust us, it's good.
Reviews by Chrissi, Victim and Nigel. |
 Hot
Six
Chrissi has finally got her hands on the new
Janet Evanovich, Hot
Six. Stephanie Plum is back with serious
man trouble and the way Chrissi keeps laughing
out loud when reading it must mean it's all
quite funny. |
 A
Darkness More Than Night
Another one of Chrissi's favourite authors
has written a new novel which she has bought,
read and reviewed in the space of ten minutes!
Check out A
Darkness More Than Night by Michael Connelly
and you will understand what we mean. |
|
 Terry
Pratchett
True to her word (unlike Nigel :) Chrissi
has maintained her promise to continue reading
all the books of one Author. This month she
has done Mort,
Sourcery,
Wyrd
Sisters and Pyramids.
Even more to come. Nigel has also added The
Truth just to screw up the sequence. |
 Exit
Wounds by Shaun Hutson
Vex has sent in a review for Shaun Hutson's
new novel Exit
Wounds. Blood and guts maybe? Nah, not
with a title like that! |
J
K Rowling and Harry Potter
Well, who hasn't heard of these books? We
know a lot of readers and every single one,
young or old, that has read these books can't
stop going on about how good they are. As
you are no doubt aware they are Children's
stories that have also captured the hearts
of adults the world over (they are now even
being published in 'Adult' versions, sans
kiddy covers). Ray has chosen the first three
stories for his debut reviews. Like every
other person on the planet he found Harry
Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Harry
Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and
Harry
Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban a great
joy to read! |
Reviewer
Ray
The Reviewers page for Ray
page has been updated with a few words of
wisdom. |
...and
finally
We have also sneaked in a picture of Vex
without his knowledge. We have more...send
in your bio Vex or we will post them... |
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19th
January 2001
The
Code Book
Only
Human
The
Colour of Magic
The
Light Fantastic
Equal
Rites
Time
|
First
Anniversary Update
Book Lore is a year old today and to celebrate Vex has
submitted his first reviews (Hannibal
didn't count, Ed.) and we have become an Associate of
Amazon.co.uk,
which will allow you to conveniently purchase a book if
you like the sound of it (and make us some money, Ed.).
We
have done some behind the scenes modifications to allow
this and for this reason (pathetic as it is) the number
of reviews is not what we hoped.
We also have a cool new smiley - 
- looks good, but I'm not sure where we will use it...
Finally, we did a review of Jumping
to Conclusions by Christina Jones in August and I'm
happy to report we've been e-mailed by the author. She
has a new book out in May, Nothing to Lose, and we should
be getting a copy from the publisher very soon, so expect
a review in the next update.
The Code Book by Simon Singh
Vex has finally (joking, Ed.) managed to submit his review
for The
Code Book by Simon Singh, to go along with Chrissi's,
as promised months ago .
Only Human by Tom Holt
Vex has also reviewed Tom Holt's Only
Human. I think we can safely say this guy is an Atheist,
and if not, he is going to have a VERY warm future .
(Hmmm, Ed.)
Terry Pratchett
Chrissi has decide to follow Nigel's advice and read all
the books by one author (anyone notice he didn't keep
this up?). She has chosen to read Terry Pratchett's work
since he hasn't written much and has made a good start
with The
Colour of Magic, The
Light Fantastic and Equal
Rites More to come we feel.
Time by Stephen Baxter
Stephen Baxter's Time
deals with one of Nigel's pet subjects and delves into
the long term future of mankind as a species...and we're
talking very long term. |
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