Archive 2007
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BookLore Archive Page - 2007
This page contains old items in date order for the year 2007.
Reviews News
Review - The Haunting of Barney ThomsonThe Haunting of Barney Thomson by Douglas Lindsay
Nigel has reviewed The Haunting of Barney Thomson by Douglas Lindsay. As Barney Thomson is closing up the barbershop for the night, an old man enters looking for a Cary Grant cut and a bit of a chat. The following day, Barney discovers that his late night customer was the captain of a fishing trawler which had been found mysteriously abandoned on the Clyde over one hundred years previously. In a sinister echo of that old legend, that morning a trawler is found drifting in a flat calm just off the island. Of the three trawlermen known to have been on board the Bitter Wind, one is found dead on the vessel, two are missing... more»»
Nigel 22nd December 2007 [9/10]
Review - Stardust Stardust by Neil Gaiman
Nadine has sent in a review for Stardust by Neil Gaiman. In the sleepy English countryside at the dawn of the Victorian era, life moves at a leisurely pace in the tiny town of Wall. Young Tristan Thorn has lost his heart to the beautiful Victoria Forester, but Victoria is cold and distant as the star she and Tristan see fall from the sky one evening. For the prize of Victoria's hand, Tristan vows to retrieve the star for his beloved. It is an oath that sends the lovelorn swain over the town's ancient wall and into a world that is dangerous and strange beyond imagining... more»»
Nadine 22nd December 2007 [9/10]
Review -  Let the Right One In Let the Right One In by John Ajvide Lindqvist
Chrissi has reviewed Let the Right One In by John Ajvide Lindqvist. Oskar is a 12 year old boy living with his mother on a dreary housing estate at the city's edge. He dreams about his absentee father, gets bullied at school, and wets himself when he's frightened. Eli is the young girl who moves in next door. She doesn't go to school and never leaves the flat by day. She is a 200 year old vampire, forever frozen in childhood, and condemned to live on a diet of fresh blood... more»»
Chrissi 18th December 2007 [7/10]
Review - Who’s Watching You?Who's Watching You? by Mick Farren and John Gibb
Paul has sent in a review for Who's Watching You? by John Gibb. In this present age of sophisticated technology, governments and their agencies have the capabilities to track citizens not only on the street (CCTV surveillance equipment is everywhere) but also in the 'privacy' of our homes (we leave a footprint whenever we use the Internet). Governments maintain this level of interference is for our own safety but many worry that the menace of 'Big Brother' as depicted by George Orwell is fast becoming reality. This book analyses the fragmentation of civil liberties in the 'Free West'... more»»
Paul Lappen 18th December 2007 [8/10]
Review - Who’s Watching You?Who's Watching You? by Mick Farren and John Gibb
Paul has also sent in a review for US Edition of Who's Watching You? by John Gibb, co-written with Mick Farren. The threat of terrorism and the corresponding climate of fear encouraged by the government have together eroded our freedom to live our lives in peace and quiet away from the prying eyes of hidden cameras. The government is tightening its grip on us by watching and recording what we do. They are doing this because they know they can and because knowledge is power. But exactly who are "they" and why do they want to know so much about us? This book includes chilling, accurate, and up-to-date descriptions of the methods the government use to watch us... more»»

Paul Lappen 18th December 2007 [9/10]
Review - Into a Dark RealmInto a Dark Realm by Raymond E. Feist
Jessica has sent in a review for Into a Dark Realm by Raymond E. Feist. Chaos threatens to overwhelm two worlds as the most dangerous force ever encountered threatens to invade Midkemia, while the most treacherous magician in history -the madman Leso Varen -begins to wreak havoc on the world of Kelewan. Pug and the Conclave of Shadows are determined to find Varen, only to discover that he has usurped the body of one of the most powerful men in the Empire of Tsuranuani... more»»
Win a copy of this book here.
Jessica 16th December 2007 [7/10]
Review - The End of Mr Y The End of Mr Y by Scarlett Thomas
Chrissi has reviewed The End of Mr Y by Scarlett Thomas. When Ariel Manto uncovers a copy of The End of Mr Y in a second-hand bookshop, she can't believe her eyes. She's read about its author before, the outlandish Victorian scientist Thomas Lumas, and this is his most notorious, and rarest, book. It is also believed to hold a curse. Anyone who's ever read it, including Lumas, has disappeared without trace. With Mr Y under her arm, Ariel is thrust into an adventure of love, sex, death and time-travel... more»»
Chrissi 16th December 2007 [7/10]
Review - Bonfire of the BrandsBonfire of the Brands by Neil Boorman
Jessica has also sent in a review for Bonfire of the Brands by Neil Boorman. What do you do when you wake up and realise that your life has been an empty pursuit of the superficial and the trend-driven? That your identity and value systems are based upon a brand hierarchy of your own creation? You take a stand. You burn them. Burn them all! On 17th September 2006, in Finsbury Square, East London, Neil Boorman did just that. The ones that wouldn't burn, or that he couldn't burn, he destroyed with a sledgehammer. The event was the culmination of a long process of self-examination, and of the brand-dominated world in which we live... more»»
Jessica 16th December 2007 [9/10]
Review - The Softwire: Virus On Orbis 1The Softwire: Virus On Orbis 1 by P J Haarsma
Denise Gary has kindly sent in a review for The Softwire: Virus On Orbis 1 by P J Haarsma. When the children on the seed ship, Renaissance, are orphaned in outer space, thirteen-year-old JT and his sister Ketheria are forced to work as knudniks on the Rings of Orbis. Instead of beginning the new and better life he had hoped for, JT and his sister spend their days sifting through trash for their new Guarantor. But JT soon discovers that he is the first human Softwire - he has a special gift that allows him to enter any computer with his mind... more»»
Denise Gary 16th December 2007 [9/10]
Review - Green EyesGreen Eyes by Andrew O'Hare
Alex (2) has sent in his review for Green Eyes by Andrew O'Hare. Set against the violence and unrest of Northern Ireland in the 1980's this is an adult story centring on the relationship between Shaun and Harry. One is Catholic, the other Protestant. Both have black sheep in their families who violently oppose their having anything to do with each other. As they struggle with growing up “different” in an unforgiving culture, the tension mounts - and tragedy ensues... more»»
Alex(2) 16th December 2007 [9/10]
Review - Marley and Me Marley and Me by John Grogan
Chrissi has reviewed Marley and Me by John Grogan. John and Jenny were just beginning their life together. They were young and in love, with a perfect little house and not a care in the world. Then they bought home Marley, a wiggly yellow fur ball of a puppy. Life would never be the same. Marley quickly grew into a barrelling, ninety-seven pound steamroller of a Labrador retriever, a dog like no other. He crashed through screen doors, gouged through drywall, flung drool on guests, stole women's undergarments, and ate nearly everything he could get his mouth around, including couches and fine jewellery... more»»
Chrissi 24th November 2007 [9/10]
Review - And the Angel with Television EyesAnd the Angel with Television Eyes by John Shirley
Paul has sent in a review for And the Angel with Television Eyes by John Shirley. This surreal journey of self-discovery and transformation at once questions the nature of our world, and redefines it in the context of 21st century pop culture and technology. It takes a writer of John Shirley's talent and audacity to bring together elements as disparate as Shakespeare, Nietzsche, on-line role playing games, soap operas, and classic mythology - binding them together, creating a heady melange on, above, and below the streets of Manhattan... more»»
Paul Lappen 19th November 2007 [9/10]
Review - The OOBE FileThe OOBE File by Harry Highstreet
Paul has also sent in a review for The OOBE File by Harry Highstreet. Slightly above your comfort zone, there exists a higher level of awareness. It is often described as dreaming. Others prefer to call it astral projection. And there are those who use the phrase out-of-body experience. No matter which label you choose, it will not alter the fact that you have been there. And you will continue to go there every time your physical body seeks renewal using what we refer to as sleep. There is no need to be frightened. There is no danger. Dream on, if you wish. Or join one of those who chose the phrase out-of-body experience... more»»
Paul Lappen 19th November 2007 [8/10]
Review - Hunter’s Run Hunter's Run by George R. R. Martin, Gardner Dozois and Daniel Abraham
Chrissi has reviewed Hunter's Run by George R. R. Martin, Gardner Dozois and Daniel Abraham. Ramon Espejo awoke floating in a sea of darkness. For a moment, he was relaxed and mindless, drifting peacefully, and then his identity returned to him lazily, like an unwanted afterthought. He was Ramon Espejo. He was working on a prospecting contract out of Nuevo Janeiro. He was ... he was ... Ramon Espejo. From a dream-team of writers comes a powerful tale of betrayal, trickery and sheer human grit. Hunter's Run is surely destined to join the great classics of modern imaginative fiction... more»»
Win a copy of this book here.
Chrissi 28th October 2007 [7/10]
Review - Spirit and FireSpirit and Fire by Sue Hampton
Jessica has sent in a review for Spirit and Fire by Sue Hampton. It is AD 60 and a young Celtic girl is caught in the crossfire of Roman Britain at war. Aifa is a thinker whose quietness and fears inspire her warrior father to call her Mouse. But when she is captured and sold as a slave to a Roman household in Londinium, she learns unexpected courage. Her new life is alien, cruel and unjust, and the favour she finds with her high-born mistress breeds resentment among her fellow slaves. As she faces bullying, humiliation and many dangers, her faith in the goddess Epona sustains her. This is an action adventure with depth and heart... more»»
Jessica 28th October 2007 [7/10]
Review - The Last Fish SupperThe Last Fish Supper by Douglas Lindsay
Nigel has reviewed The Last Fish Supper by Douglas Lindsay. Barney Thomson is a restless soul in search of a quiet town in which to settle. He thinks he might just have found it in Millport on the Isle of Cumbrae and life can at last bring him some peace. Or, at least, it might have done, but for the dead body at the bottom of the stairs, the ghost tormented for all time to go to the bathroom, the evil Chinese businessman, the disturbing package in the freezer, the mysterious cathedral, Barney's deaf, mute, hunchbacked assistant, the ancient society protecting a 2,000 year-old secret, the Vatican spies... more»»
Nigel 14th October 2007 [8/10]
Review - AtonementAtonement by Ian McEwan
Jessica has sent in a review for Atonement by Ian McEwan. On the hottest day of the summer of 1934, thirteen-year-old Briony Tallis sees her sister Cecilia strip off her clothes and plunge into the fountain in the garden of their country house. Watching her is Robbie Turner, her childhood friend who, like Cecilia, has recently come down from Cambridge. By the end of that day, the lives of all three will have been changed for ever. Robbie and Cecilia will have crossed a boundary they had not even imagined at its start, and will have become victims of the younger girl's imagination... more»»
Jessica 14th October 2007 [9/10]
Review - RestlessRestless by William Boyd
Philip Spires has sent in a review for Restless by William Boyd. It is 1939. Eva Delectorskaya is a beautiful 28-year-old Russian emigree living in Paris. As war breaks out she is recruited for the British Secret Service by Lucas Romer, a mysterious Englishman, and under his tutelage she learns to become the perfect spy, to mask her emotions and trust no one, including those she loves most. Since the war, Eva has carefully rebuilt her life as a typically English wife and mother. But once a spy, always a spy. Now she must complete one final assignment, and this time Eva can't do it alone: she needs her daughter's help... more»»
Philip Spires 14th October 2007 [9/10]
Review - Half of a Yellow SunHalf of a Yellow Sun by Chimanada Ngozi Adichie
Philip Spires has also sent in a review for Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimanada Ngozi Adichie. Set in Nigeria during the 1960s, at the time of a vicious civil war in which a million people died and thousands were massacred in cold blood. The three main characters in the novel are swept up in the violence during these turbulent years. One is a young boy from a poor village who is employed at a university lecturer's house. The other is a young middle-class woman, Olanna, who has to confront the reality of the massacre of her relatives. And the third is a white man, a writer who lives in Nigeria for no clear reason, and who falls in love with Olanna's twin sister... more»»
Philip Spires 14th October 2007 [7/10]
Review - RunemarksRunemarks by Joanne Harris
Chrissi has reviewed Runemarks by Joanne Harris Seven o'clock, on a Monday morning, five hundred years after the end of the world, and goblins had been at the cellar again... Maddy Smith was born with a rusty-coloured ruinmark on her hand - a symbol of the old gods and definitely cause for suspicion. For magic is dangerous. Or so everyone thinks. But Maddy enjoys working magic. Even if it is just to control some pesky goblins. And every time her friend, One-Eye - a good-for-nowt Outlander - comes by, he teaches her more and more about the gods and the runes.... more»»
Chrissi 30th September 2007 [8/10]
Review - A Thief in the House of MemoryA Thief in the House of Memory by Tim Wynne-Jones
Jessica has sent in a review for A Thief in the House of Memory by Tim Wynne-Jones. Dec hasn't seen his mother for six years. Having moved into a new home with his father, Dec rarely visits the old family home, until one day he makes a horrific discovery there - a man crushed to death in the hall. Was it an accident or is it more than a coincidence that Dec recognizes the would-be thief? Suddenly the house is alive with memories, prompting Dec to investigate the past and piece together the puzzle.... more»»
Jessica 30th September 2007 [8/10]
Review - Traveling with the Saints in ItalyTraveling with the Saints in Italy by Lucinda Vardey
Julie Falkner has sent in a review for Traveling with the Saints in Italy by Lucinda Vardey, a travel guide with a difference. Pilgrimages have long been a vital part of Italy's heritage. Yet visiting its sacred sites seems an overwhelming challenge for the modern traveller: what to see, where to go, how much time to spend in each place? Lucinda Vardey provides solutions and guidance. In recognizing the genius of many of Italy's well-known - and some lesser-known - saints, she offers ten pilgrimages (to all parts of the country), for one or two days or a week, in a unique format of biography of early masters... more»»
Julie Falkner 30th September 2007 [8/10]
Review - Pink Champagne and Apple JuicePink Champagne and Apple Juice by Anne Brooke
Sue has sent in a review for Pink Champagne and Apple Juice by Anne Brooke. The novel is a comedy about Angie, a young woman who runs away from her home in the Essex countryside to get to grips with her dream of running a café in London. Before she can achieve her ambition, she must overcome the problems posed by criminal relatives, a sexy French waiter and an obstinate German chef... more»»
Sue 30th September 2007 [9/10]
Review - The Softwire: Virus On Orbis 1The Softwire: Virus On Orbis 1 by P J Haarsma
Susanne and Debbie have sent in separate reviews from for the same book The Softwire: Virus On Orbis 1 by P J Haarsma. When the children on the seed ship, Renaissance, are orphaned in outer space, thirteen-year-old JT and his sister Ketheria are forced to work as knudniks on the Rings of Orbis. Instead of beginning the new and better life he had hoped for, JT and his sister spend their days sifting through trash for their new Guarantor. But JT soon discovers that he is the first human Softwire - he has a special gift that allows him to enter any computer with his mind... more»»
Susanne 30th September 2007 [9/10]
Debbie 30th September 2007 [9/10]
Review - The Storms of AciasThe Storms of Acias by Dominic Took
Richard has kindly sent in his review for The Storms of Acias by Dominic Took. A violent Storm hits the castle where Graciou lives with his father and his extended family. After becoming separated from his father because of The Storm, Graciou now finds himself in his eighteenth year, wanting to answer so many questions that have haunted him since that day. Meanwhile The Storm works to unravel itself against him, as Graciou is exiled from his place of safety and journeys to understand what happened... more»»
Richard Swancott 30th September 2007 [5/10]
Review - Silver SquirrelSilver Squirrel by Daniel Ritchie
Jessica has sent in a review for Silver Squirrel by Daniel Ritchie. Silver Squirrel knows he's different. He is drawn to Sandy Brown, a seemingly gentle, quirky young female, but he's not comfortable in the squirrel colony where she lives. Silver likes the birds too. Is that normal for a prime and healthy young squirrel? Silver doubts it, but that doesn't stop him from befriending two crows.... more»»
Jessica 26th August 2007 [8/10]
Review - Renegade’s MagicRenegade's Magic by Robin Hobb
Chrissi has reviewed the final book in The Soldier Sun trilogy, Renegade's Magic, by Robin Hobb. The people of Getty's town remember the death of their cemetery soldier vividly. They remember believing him guilty of unspeakable crimes, condemning him, and then watching as other men of his unit beat him until he no longer drew breath. But Nevare Burvelle didn't die that day, though everyone believes they saw it happen. He was cornered by a power far more intractable than an angry mob... more»»
Win a copy of this book here.
Chrissi 4th August 2007 [7/10]
Review - Harry Potter and the Deathly HallowsHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J K Rowling
Chrissi has reviewed Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J K Rowling, almost before at least 120 other people on Amazon :). Harry is waiting in Privet Drive. The Order of the Phoenix is coming to escort him safely away without Voldermort and his supporters knowing – if they can. But what will Harry do then? How can he fulfil the momentous and seemingly impossible task that Professor Dumbledore has left him... more»»
Chrissi 23rd July 2007 [9/10]
To try and catch up with the 169 reviews on Amazon.co.uk since release Nigel has added his thoughts on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, having only just been pipped to the post by Chrissi... more»»
Nigel 24th July 2007 [9/10]
Review - Skaters, Trekkies and Cool DudesSkaters, Trekkies and Cool Dudes by Derek Lawrence
Nigel has reviewed Skaters, Trekkies and Cool Dudes by Derek Lawrence. When God and Lucifer go missing and Heaven and Hell start to descend into chaos, the Joint Darkness & Light Emergency Committee decides that urgent action is needed. They send a search party to Earth, comprising an Archangel and a demon gargoyle accompanied by the outspoken head of a Heavenly cherub and a three-headed hell-hound. Their mission is to find their respective leaders and bring them home... more»»
Nigel 17th July 2007 [8/10]
Review - Circle of AssassinsCircle of Assassins by Steven Rigolosi
Chrissi has reviewed Circle of Assassins by Steven Rigolosi. Five desperate strangers answer an ad that promises to help them eliminate an unwanted person from their life. A criminal mastermind named “A” makes each of them a provocative offer: Murder a complete stranger chosen by a fellow assassin, and in return have a stranger murder your chosen target. How many will accept A's offer to join the circle of assassins? Which of the killers will succeed in their plot? Who is A, and will he or she end up dead or alive... more»»
Chrissi 17th July 2007 [8/10]
Review - Operation: Pleiades - RelicsOperation: Pleiades - Relics by Vijaya Schartz
First in a small author special Jessica has sent in her review for Operation: Pleiades - Relics by Vijaya Schartz. When archaeologist Celene Dupres is called to an alien ship crash site and witnesses her father's massacre, little does she know that inside her DNA sleeps a trigger implanted by aliens when she was abducted as a child. Determined to avenge her father's murder and retrieve his alien relics, Celene meets the dangerously handsome Kin Raidon who offers to help, and leads her into a world of international intrigue... more»»
Jessica 17th July 2007 [7/10]
Review - The Garrison LockdownThe Garrison Lockdown by Vijaya Schartz
Secondly, Jessica has reviewed The Garrison Lockdown by Vijaya Schartz. The year is 3033, the place Zurin Five, a moon-size mining planet in the Andromeda Galaxy with an underground high security prison run by a human corporation. An artist at heart, Rhonda Alendresis never wanted this prison job. When the civilian personnel vanish and an earthquake damages the nuclear reactor, she must go down to affect the repairs with Mr. Perfect himself, Captain Cole Riggeur, who always plays by the rules and never trusted a woman in his life... more»»
Jessica 17th July 2007 [6/10]
Review - White TigerWhite Tiger by Vijaya Schartz
Lastly, we have White Tiger by Vijaya Schartz. On a winter planet, where civilization began again from the survivors of a crash landing, the human race thrives in a medieval stage of development, while an advanced galactic race, worshiped as gods in the temple, dictates the rules. Tora, human warrior, learned to fight with tigers in childhood. That's how she earned her nickname, White Tiger. She wields a valiant blade as an officer in the cavalry. When her father is murdered, Tora vows to avenge the old man's death... more»»
Jessica 17th July 2007 [7/10]
Review - Ender's GameEnder's Game by Orson Scott Card
Tina has kindly sent in a review for the much debated Science Fiction Classic Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card. When humanity is under threat from an alien race, Ender Wiggin, at the age of six, leaves his family on Earth to journey to the Belt. There he enters Battle School, where his life is strictly disciplined by mind games and computer mock-battles fought in deadly earnest. Instinct, compassion and genius make Ender unequalled. But while he trains, the invasion approaches fast... more»»
Tina 17th July 2007 [10/10]
Review - A Spot of BotherA Spot of Bother by Mark Haddon
Jessica has sent in her review for A Spot of Bother by Mark Haddon. George Hall doesn't understand the modern obsession with talking about everything. 'The secret of contentment, George felt, lay in ignoring many things completely.' Some things in life, however, cannot be ignored. At fifty-seven, George is settling down to a comfortable retirement, building a shed in his garden, reading historical novels, listening to a bit of light jazz. Then Katie, his tempestuous daughter, announces that she is getting remarried... more»»
Jessica 12th July 2007 [7/10]
Review - Inside the Space RaceInside the Space Race by Lawrence E. Lamb
Paul has sent in a review for Inside the Space Race: A Space Surgeon's Diary by Lawrence E. Lamb. A well documented personal account of one of the most important periods in American history. Dr. Lamb gives the reader an inside look at the events, personalities and clashes among the individuals who led and developed the program that enabled the United States to beat the Soviets and send astronauts to the moon... more»»
Paul Lappen 24th June 2007 [9/10]
Review - Out of Patience Out of Patience by Brian Meehl
Molly has sent in a review for Out of Patience by Brian Meehl. Some folks have skeletons in their closets. The Waters have toilets. Jake's mortified by his dad's dream to open the American Toilet Museum. Toilets have caused enough turmoil in Patience, Kansas. Patience has been cursed for 129 years, since Jeremiah Waters installed the first flush toilet. The Dolphin Deluge Wash-Down Water Closet caused a stink, and since then Patience has been drying up like a cow pie in August. Jake wants out of Patience, especially when his dad gets a relic for his museum, triggering the curse's last promise... more»»
Molly Martin 24th June 2007 [9/10]
Review - Rogues GoldRogues Gold by John Pilkington
Jessica has reviewed Rogues Gold by John Pilkington. When boy actor Ben Button's fellow players are accused of stealing the priceless Lodovico plate, he sets out to save them from the shadow of the hangman's noose. Who really stole the plate, what secret does it hide and how can Ben reveal the truth? An exciting adventure mystery set in the cut-throat world of Elizabethan England... more»»
Jessica 24th June 2007 [7/10]
Review - The Mephisto ClubThe Mephisto Club by Tess Gerritsen
Jessica has added her review for The Mephisto Club by Tess Gerritsen. In a rundown house a woman has been dismembered in an act of carnage that leaves veteran cops in shock. The last person called from the dead girl's phone is Dr. Joyce O'Donnell, a celebrity psychiatrist who's made her name defending serial murderers. But there are other clues that make the police wonder if this slaying was part of a Satanic ritual. Drawn on the wall, in blood, are ancient symbols, and a mirror-image word in Latin that, translated, says: I have sinned... more»»
Jessica 1st June 2007 [9/10]
Review - VanishVanish by Tess Gerritsen
Jessica has added her review for Vanish by Tess Gerritsen. The beautiful woman appears to be just another corpse in the morgue. But when medical examiner Maura Isles looks down at the body, she gets the fright of her life. The corpse opens its eyes. Now very much alive, the woman is rushed to the hospital, where she murders a security guard and seizes hostages, one of whom is the heavily pregnant homicide detective Jane Rizzoli... more»»
Jessica 12th May 2007 [8/10]
Review - CatalystCatalyst by Bob Harvey
Paul has sent in a review for Catalyst by Bob Harvey. A recent transplant to Texas steps from charred ruins to become the reluctant hero in a place about to change forever. Experience the joy of pet cohabitation and the wonder of animal sense perception as a miraculous stray cat named You Too and his human companions' battle to develop the first, eco-Homestead, where no people are allowed without pets... more»»
Paul Lappen 12th May 2007 [8/10]
Review - Tato Tato by Kathe Gogolewski
Molly has sent in a review for Tato by Kathe Gogolewski. A fantasy/adventure for upper elementary readers, captures children's imaginations by recognizing their desire to earn the admiration of the adults closest to them. The story casts Michael Tate, an inventive and wilful boy, and his bossy older sister, Nicole, into a strange world filled with mirrors and strange creatures where they must rescue their parents from the evil power that rules the realm... more»»
Molly Martin 12th May 2007 [6/10]
Review - Your First NovelYour First Novel by Ann Rittenberg and Laura Whitcomb
Carolyn Howard-Johnson has reviewed Your First Novel by Ann Rittenberg and Laura Whitcomb. An author agent team shares the keys to achieving your dream. This work includes all the start to finish fundamentals you need to produce and launch a first novel. It offers readers balanced advice on both writing and publishing their first novel, from the perspective of a published author and seasoned agent... more»»
Carolyn Howard-Johnson 12th May 2007 [9/10]
Review - Mirror, MirrorMirror Mirror by Nancy Butcher
Jessica has reviewed Mirror, Mirror by Nancy Butcher. This is a lyrical and timeless story of beauty to die for. When Queen Veda sets up the Queen's Academy for Girls, the pretty students happily accept a wonder beauty pill, but Princess Ana is suspicious and, as a sinister illness sweeps the school, she must confront the truth to save her friends. Echoes of the classic fairy tale 'Snow White' are skilfully entwined with contemporary notions of beauty and acceptance... more»»
Jessica 12th May 2007 [7/10]
Review - The Children of HurinThe Children of Hurin by J. R. R. Tolkien
Chrissi has reviewed The Children of Hurin by J. R. R. Tolkien. There are tales of Middle-earth from times long before The Lord of the Rings, and the story told in this book is set in the great country that lay beyond the Grey Havens in the West: lands where Treebeard once walked, but which were drowned in the great cataclysm that ended the First Age of the World.In that remote time Morgoth, the first Dark Lord, dwelt in the vast fortress of Angband, the Hells of Iron, in the North; and the tragedy of Túrin and his sister Nienor unfolded within the shadow of the fear of Angband and the war waged by Morgoth against the lands and secret cities of the Elves... more»»
Win a copy of this book here.
Chrissi 1st May 2007 [6/10]
Review - The Mephisto ClubThe Mephisto Club by Tess Gerritsen
Chrissi has reviewed The Mephisto Club by Tess Gerritsen. In a rundown house a woman has been dismembered in an act of carnage that leaves veteran cops in shock. The last person called from the dead girl's phone is Dr. Joyce O'Donnell, a celebrity psychiatrist who's made her name defending serial murderers. But there are other clues that make the police wonder if this slaying was part of a Satanic ritual. Drawn on the wall, in blood, are ancient symbols, and a mirror-image word in Latin that, translated, says: I have sinned... more»»
Chrissi 19th April 2007 [8/10]
Review - VanishVanish by Tess Gerritsen
Chrissi has also reviewed Vanish by Tess Gerritsen. The beautiful woman appears to be just another corpse in the morgue. But when medical examiner Maura Isles looks down at the body, she gets the fright of her life. The corpse opens its eyes. Now very much alive, the woman is rushed to the hospital, where she murders a security guard and seizes hostages, one of whom is the heavily pregnant homicide detective Jane Rizzoli... more»»
Chrissi 19th April 2007 [8/10]
Review - A Dangerous DressA Dangerous Dress by Julia Holden
Jessica has reviewed A Dangerous Dress by Julia Holden. There are dresses, and then there are dangerous dresses… Everyone knows dresses can be powerful things. For example, Cinderella's fairy godmother gave her a beautiful dress, which empowered her to go to the ball, etc. My grandmother's dress is also powerful, and with all due respect to Cinderella, it must have given my 19-year-old grandmother powers that would make a fairy godmother blush... more»»
Jessica 15th April 2007 [8/10]
Review - The LurkersThe Lurkers by Charles Butler
Chrissi has reviewed The Lurkers by Charles Butler. When Verity sees a creepy semi-visible figure in her house, her brother John tells her it is a harmless Lurker. But Lurkers feed on human imagination and this one is using John to become more solid and independent. When Verity discovers the Lurkers' secret plan, she must fight to save her brother's mind. But can she stop them... more»»
Chrissi 9th April 2007 [8/10]
Review - The Book of Three Chronicles of Prydain: The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander
Nadine has kindly sent in a review for The Book of Three, the first book in the Chronicles of Prydain series by Lloyd Alexander. Taran is desperate for adventure, something in short supply for a lowly assistant pig-keeper. When the famous oracular pig Hen Wen vanishes, Taran begins a perilous quest which demands all his courage and strength. Accompanied by his larger-than-life band of followers, including hot-headed Eilonwy and the disgruntled dwarf Doli, Taran confronts the evil forces of the Horned King, the witch Achren, and their army of lifeless cauldron-born warriors... more»»
Nadine 9th April 2007 [8/10]
Review - You Can’t Cheat an Honest ManYou Can't Cheat an Honest Man by James Walsh
Paul has sent in a review for You Can't Cheat an Honest Man by James Walsh. This book takes an investigative look at the reasons why Ponzi schemes and pyramid frauds are thriving today. It closely examines why over 100,000 Americans are suckered into the schemes every year. Using dozens of memorable case studies, from Charles Ponzi's original scam in the 1920s to the elaborate New Era philanthropy fraud of the 1990s, the book scrutinizes the mechanics behind these deceptive plots... more»»
Paul Lappen 9th April 2007 [9/10]
Review - Independence Independence by Dana Fuller Ross
Molly has sent in a review for Independence by Dana Fuller Ross. Uncivilized, untamed and largely unknown, the american west was there for the taking - if they had the determination and the courage to take it... President Andrew Jackson has reasons for wanting to push the American frontier further West: the domestic population was expanding fast... and both Britain and Russia had technical claims to large tracks of American soil. His answer? To organize the first wagon train crossing of the lawless, untamed West... more»»
Molly Martin 9th April 2007 [9/10]
Review - Kiss of DeathKiss of Death by Malcolm Rose
Chrissi has also reviewed the Kiss of Death by Malcolm Rose. Historical facts blend with ghosts and ancient curses in the latest offering from acclaimed thriller-writer Malcolm Rose. A school trip turns into a nightmare when Kim and Wes leave the plague-village of Eyam with more than they bargained for, and a stolen artefact wreaks revenge... more»»
Chrissi 9th April 2007 [7/10]
Review - Good Omens Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman
Nadine has added her review for one of our Star Books and all time favourites, Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman. According to the Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter - the world's only totally reliable guide to the future - the world will end on Saturday. Next Saturday, in fact. Just after tea. A true comedic classic that everyone should read, especially the Pope... more»»
Nadine 30th March 2007 [9/10]
Review - The Space Tourist’s HandbookThe Space Tourist's Handbook by Eric Anderson and Joshua Piven
Julie Falkner has kindly sent in a review for The Space Tourist's Handbook by Eric Anderson and Joshua Piven. In May 2001, billionaire Dennis Tito made history as the first "space tourist" he's the guy who paid $20 million to travel to the International Space Station. Since that landmark voyage, many others have followed in his footsteps all courtesy of Space Adventures, the first travel agency devoted exclusively to outer space... more»»
Julie Falkner 30th March 2007 [8/10]
Review - Bareback Bareback by Kit Whitfield
Nigel has reviewed Kit Whitfield's debut novel Bareback. Lola Galley is used to doing things she doesn't want. She certainly doesn't want to be assigned the case of Richard Ellaway, the man who, under a cold full moon, mutilated a good friend of hers. But being a bareback, what she wants and what she gets are seldom the same. For those born feet-first, life is comfortable, and one night a month they lock themselves in a secure room to fur up in peace. Barebacks, trapped in their human skin and drafted at eighteen into the Department for the Ongoing Regulation of Lycanthropic Activity, don't have it so easy. A full moon means patrolling the silent night in search of transformed citizens breaking the curfew... more»»
Win a signed copy of this book here.
Nigel 16th March 2007 [8/10]
Review - Sebastian Darke Prince of FoolsSebastian Darke Prince of Fools by Philip Caveney
Chrissi has reviewed Sebastian Darke Prince of Fools by Philip Caveney. Sebastian Darke has the world on his narrow shoulders. The son of a human father and an elvish mother, he is desperately trying to become the family breadwinner and has taken on his late father's job - celebrated jester, Prince of Fools. Trouble is, Sebastian can't tell a joke to save his life. A hilarious and swashbuckling adventure... more»»
Chrissi 4th March 2007 [8/10]
Review - In Search of Sacred PlacesIn Search of Sacred Places by Daniel Taylor
Julie Falkner has kindly sent in a review for In Search of Sacred Places by Daniel Taylor. Fourteen hundred years after a handful of Celtic monks withdrew to tiny islands in the sea, and almost a thousand years after the last of them disappeared, a steady stream of modern men and women make the difficult trek to these isolated places. Why? Why do many drive long hours and take two ferries to spend a few hours on Iona? Why do others wait patiently each day for the sea to retreat so they can cross over to Lindisfarne... more»»
Julie Falkner 28th February 2007 [9/10]
Review - His Dark MaterialsHis Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
Nadine has kindly reviewed His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman. The trilogy astounded the literary world, reaping high praise from adults as well as children. The final book in the trilogy, The Amber Spyglass, was published to great literary acclaim, earning Pullman a place on the longlist for the prestigious Booker Prize and pushing the trilogy toward cult fiction status for both children and adults... more»»
Nadine 18th February 2007 [9/10]
Review - Quest for the CrownQuest for the Crown by Diana M. Johnson
Paul has sent in a review for Quest for the Crown by Diana M. Johnson, the final part of her historical fiction trilogy. Charlemagne's father, Pepin the Short, yearns to become King of All Franks, a title the Merovingians have claimed for hundreds of years. But even should he succeed, how can Pepin fight his beloved older brother, Carloman, for the crown? No such scruples hold him from warring with his contentious younger half-siblings... more»»
Paul Lappen 18th February 2007 [9/10]
Review - Bob the Dragon Slayer Bob the Dragon Slayer by Harry E. Gilleland, Jr.
Molly has sent in a review for Bob the Dragon Slayer by Harry E. Gilleland, Jr. Bob, a mere peasant lad, sets off to see a dragon that is terrorizing a village and soon falls in with a wizard named Stephen. Thereafter, his life is filled with adventures that involve dragons, knights, damsels in distress, castles, a fair lady, friendship, true love, an evil king, civil war, and lawyers. This rollicking tale belongs not to history but to legend. Written with wit and humour, this novella will delight readers from teenagers to octogenarians... more»»
Molly Martin 18th February 2007 [8/10]
Review - Pepin's BastardPepin's Bastard by Diana M. Johnson
Paul has sent in a review for Pepin's Bastard by Diana M. Johnson, the second book in her historical fiction trilogy. Charlemagne's grandfather, Charles Martel, is the bastard son of Mayor of the Palace, Pepin de Gros. Pepin's jealous wife, Plectruda, will stop at nothing to see Charles dead, thus saving the power behind the Merovingian throne for her own offspring.... more»»
Paul Lappen 18th February 2007 [9/10]
Review - Harry Potter and the Goblet of FireHarry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J K Rowling
Nadine has kindly reviewed Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J K Rowling. It is the summer holidays, and one night Harry Potter wakes up with his scar burning. He has had a strange dream, one that he can't help worrying about...until a timely invitation from Ron Weasley arrives: to nothing less than the Quidditch World Cup... more»»
Nadine 7th February 2007 [9/10]
Review - Losing YouLosing You by Nicci French
Chrissi has reviewed the excellent new thriller, Losing You, by Nicci French. Nina Landry is supposed to be taking her two children on a Christmas holiday today. But the road away from Sandling Island seems littered with obstacles. Most pressing of all, her 15-year-old daughter, Charlie, has yet to return from a night out ...Minute by minute, Nina's unease builds to worry and then panic. Has Charlie run away? Or has something more sinister happened to her... more»»
Chrissi 31st January 2007 [8/10]
Review - North ChildNorth Child by Edith Pattou
Helen has kindly reviewed North Child by Edith Pattou. Rose was born into the world facing north, and as a north child, superstition says that she will be a wanderer, travelling far from home. This prophecy is fulfilled when she is taken on the back of a white bear to a mysterious empty castle, where a silent stranger appears to her night after night. When her curiosity overcomes her, she loses her heart, and must journey to a land east of the sun and west of the moon to reclaim it... more»»
Helen 31st January 2007 [8/10]
Review - Joe Sails: A Story in ProgressJoe Sails: A Story in Progress by Dick Olenych
Paul has sent in a review for Joe Sails: A Story in Progress by Dick Olenych. This humorous Socratic style book helps individuals and organizations change their core business behaviours through a fictitious story. With its solid story line and smooth read the book is an excellent catalyst for change. By being light and engaging readers associate easily with the characters. From truckers to teachers all have loved this natural introspection. It's a wonderfully complete package... more»»
Paul Lappen 31st January 2007 [8/10]
Review - A Memory of Dragons A Memory of Dragons by Annabel & Edgar Johnson
Molly has sent in a review for A Memory of Dragons by Annabel & Edgar Johnson. In a large corporation handling the research and development of military hardware, a young man, suffering from amnesia, finds himself caught between two groups - one that wants the West to secede before all its raw materials are exploited by the East, and another that wants to preserve the union... more»»
Molly Martin 31st January 2007 [9/10]
Review - Seven Ancient Wonders Seven Ancient Wonders by Matthew Reilly
Nigel has reviewed Seven Ancient Wonders by Matthew Reilly. 4500 years ago, a magnificent golden capstone sat at the peak of the Great Pyramid of Giza. It was a source of immense power, reputedly capable of bestowing upon its holder absolute global power. But, then it was divided into seven pieces and hidden, each piece separately, within the seven greatest structures of the age. Now it's 2006, and the coming of a rare solar event means it's time to locate the seven pieces and rebuild the capstone. Everyone wants it - from the most powerful countries on Earth to gangs of terrorists ... more»»
Nigel 31st January 2007 [7/10]
Review - Out of the DarknessOut of the Darkness by Ralph Morales, Jr., Ph.D
Denise has reviewed Out of the Darkness by Ralph Morales, Jr., Ph.D. Do you suspect that your male child, or a male child you know, is the victim of the genetic disorder, Klinefelter Syndrome? If so, do something about it now. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent a lifetime of suffering and torture. Such is my story, where because of ignorance and fear, my parents chose to hide its reality... more»»
Denise M. Clark 31st January 2007 [7/10]
Review - Prince of the BloodPrince of the Blood by Raymond E. Feist
Chrissi has reviewed Prince of the Blood by Raymond E. Feist. Set twenty years after the events in The Riftwar Saga, Prince of the Blood follows the adventures that erupt when a group of powerful nobles attempt to overthrow the Empress of Kesh, bitterly dividing the court. In the centre of the conflict are the two princes of Krondor, Borric and Erland. When Borric escapes and makes a desperate journey back to the court to warn of the traitor's plans - which if they were to succeed, would start a war that would tear the Empire apart... more»»
Chrissi 31st January 2007 [7/10]
Review - Talking to Richard Talking to Richard by Gary Sherbell
Paul has sent in a review for Talking to Richard by Gary Sherbell. A conservative NYC judge wakes up to discover that he's been cursed by a voodoo priestess: his penis has metamorphosed into the talking head of a famous radical lawyer who dies during the night. The two members of this involuntary odd coupling are poles apart on almost every issue, but they have one thing in common... more»»
Paul Lappen 31st January 2007 [8/10]
Review - A Call to Faith and Freedom A Call to Faith and Freedom by Shirley A Roe
Molly has sent in a review for A Call to Faith and Freedom by Shirley A Roe. Scottish clans fight for their land and their Celtic faith in 7th Century Scotland. A sharply executed picture of feudal society in which the Lord and Lady provide shelter and livelihood expecting total loyalty in return. A story of love, faith and hope and also a story of the brutal battle for what is theirs. Braveheart fans will love this book... more»»
Molly Martin 31st January 2007 [8/10]
Review - Jerome and the SeraphJerome and the Seraph by Robina Williams
Paul has sent in a review for Jerome and the Seraph by Robina Williams. Brother Jerome has a fatal accident in the cemetery of his friary and has a few problems adjusting to his new existence. In the afterworld he meets up with his pet cat, Quantum, from the friary. With the cat at his side once more, Jerome finds his afterlife exciting, exhilarating and full of adventure... more»»
Paul Lappen 7th January 2007 [8/10]
Author BookLore Interview - Joanne Harris
BookLore has been lucky enough to interview Joanne Harris, ostensibly to discuss her new Children's novel Runemarks, but in reality veering off on random tangents for no apparent reason. However, all the more interesting for it, with some surprisingly candid insights… in particular it looks like we may actually have found someone who understands LOST... enjoy.
Admin 18th December 2007
Raymond E. Feist Competition
Into a Dark Realm by Raymond E. Feist
We have a three paperback copies of Into a Dark Realm by Raymond E. Feist to give away thanks to the kind people at HarperVoyager. To win a copy all you have to do is send in an email answering a simple multiple choice question. See our Raymond E. Feist Competition Quiz Page for more details. Competition closes midnight 6th January 2008. Good luck...
Admin 16th December 2007
Author McGan's Meditations
Michael McGan, the author of Fleeting Thoughts and The Hamster Never Sleeps, delves into the dodgy world of 'Inter-generational Communication', not to mention the even more deadly 'Spousal Debate'…

Voices from Beyond...
They say that one of the first things to go is your hearing. Do you ever hear far off, vaguely familiar voices, barely audible, but you know they're speaking to you? It's almost like voices that are trying to communicate from the great beyond.

I hear them all the time, usually from the opposite end of the house from where I am, often drowned out by blaring punk rock music. "Dad? Can I -" here it trails off.

"Dad? Where are you?" I love that one. Why don't you get up and find out? It's not like I'm hiding in the linen closet. Sometimes you want to pretend you don't hear the voices, because they will make you uncomfortable by asking something of you, probably something involving your car or a monetary donation. Eventually they find you.  

Voice from beyond: "Dad? - - - - borrow - - - - dollars for - - - - ?".
Me: "What?"
Voice from beyond: "What? Where are you?"
Me: "I can't hear you. Turn the music down."
Voice from beyond: "What?"
Me: "Come out here, would you?"
Voice from beyond: (Stomp stomp stomp, and more stomping from the inconvenienced one until I am located and treated as if I am old, deaf and/or mentally challenged) "I said..."

My wife is a different story. She likes to start telling me something as she walks down the hall or up the staircase. I can barely hear her voice as she goes into great detail about some topic. She stays right with it and eventually returns in full stride to where I am located, and looks to me for a response. It isn't my fault that I have no idea what she's been talking about. Maybe my hearing isn't what it used to be, but why do people make it nearly impossible to make out what they're saying? "I don't know," I'll say, shaking my head as if I'm trying to make sense of it all, "That's really something." This usually works. With her next couple of statements I can piece together what I missed and figure it all out, while appearing to be very attentive.

There is no shame in this, especially as you get older and can act confused. It is totally unlike when someone is talking to you and although they don't move, their voice starts getting fainter as your mind drifts off, wondering who was inside that Godzilla suit for all those movies. It must have been extremely hot in there. Was he mentioned in the credits, you wonder? "I never noticed," you say to yourself.

If you ever find yourself in this awkward situation, feeling quite guilty, just respond "I don't know," shaking your head as if you're trying to make sense of it all, "That's really something."

... and always remember the ever safe "Yes dear" :)
Michael McGan
26th November 2007
Hunter's Run Competition
We are pleased to announce that the three winners of the Hunter's Run Competition are:

Janet from Swansea
Jenny Price from Scunthorpe
Amanda from Camborne

Books are on the way. Once again thanks to everyone who entered... more soon we hope.
Admin 21st November 2007
Hunter's Run Competition
Hunter's Run .
We have a three hardback copies of Hunter's Run by George R. R. Martin, Gardner Dozois and Daniel Abraham to give away thanks to the kind people at Voyager. To win a copy all you have to do is send in an email answering a simple multiple choice question. See our Hunter's Run Competition Quiz Page for more details. Competition closes midnight 18th November 2007. Good luck...
Admin 28th October 2007
Update This Little Britain
In order to find out how much the British knew about their own country, a survey by 'YouGov' was undertaken.
The findings strongly suggested that many Britons were unaware of the past achievements of their country. The survey findings revealed that less than a third of us knew about Britain's major successes in areas of government, law, industry, science, agriculture, warfare, and sport.
See the results here.
Admin 14th October 2007
Update The 'September' Update
Only just in time as we nearly missed September altogether; where does the time go? So, to make up we have 7 new reviews from no less than 7 different reviewers. As always we have updated the forthcoming Publication Dates page with new releases due out during November and December… something for Christmas maybe? Also updated is the latest Top Ten Hardback and Top Ten Paperback charts. And finally, in the very near future, we are hoping to receive books for our next competition… so keep checking back.
Admin 30th September 2007
Robin Hobb Competition
We are pleased to announce that the three winners of the Robin Hobb Competition are:

Julian from Launceston
H from Flint
Annita from Twickenham

Books are on the way. Once again thanks to everyone who entered... more soon we hope.
Admin 30th August 2007
Robin Hobb Competition
Renegade's Magic by Robin Hobb.
The Robin Hobb Competition closed 25th August 2007 and we are currently notifying the winners. Thanks to everyone who entered.
More competitions soon...
Admin 26th August2007
Robin Hobb Competition
Win a copy of Renegade's Magic
We have three hardback copies Renegade's Magic to give away thanks to the kind people at Voyager. To win a copy all you have to do is send in an email answering a simple multiple choice question. See our Robin Hobb Competition Quiz Page for more details. Competition closes midnight 25th August 2007. Good luck...
Admin 4th August 2007
Update The 'About Time' Update
A few bits and bobs to keep you going... and about time too. Firstly, we welcome new reviewer Jessica who has been posting for a couple of months now and has her own Reviewer Page at last. Secondly, we have added six new reviews, including a bit of an author special with three books by Vijaya Schartz. Thirdly, we have updated the Publication Dates page for some interesting new releases in September and October.
And finally, we have details of our next competition. We are hopefully getting copies of Renegade's Magic by Robin Hobb, the final book in the Soldier Son Trilogy, to give away. When they arrive we will run a simple quiz to find a winner... so check back often :).
Admin 17th July 2007
Tolkien Competition
We are pleased to announce that the three winners of the Tolkien Competition are:

1st Prize - Zoe from Manchester
2nd Prize - David Eaton from Erith
3rd Prize - Fiona from Whitchurch

Books are on the way. Once again thanks to everyone who entered... more soon we hope.
Admin 4th June 2007
Tolkien Competition
The Children of Hurin by J. R. R. Tolkien.
The Tolkien Competition closed 31st May 2007 and we are currently notifying the winners. Thanks to everyone who entered.
More competitions soon...
Admin 1st June 2007
Kit Whitfield Competition
We are pleased to announce, in no particular order*, that the three winners of the Kit Whitfield Competition are:

Christina from Trowbridge
Diane from Derby
Lucy from Newtonbutler

Books are on the way. Once again thanks to everyone who entered... and don't forget to have a go at the Tolkien Competition this month.
Admin 3rd May 2007
*If anyone points out that the list is in fact in alphabetical order then they need to get out more... :)
BookLore Competitions
Win a copy of The Children of Hurin by J. R. R. Tolkien.
We have three copies of The Children of Hurin by J. R. R. Tolkien to give away, plus other Tolkien books, thanks to the nice people at HarperCollins. To win a copy all you have to do is send in an email answering a simple multiple choice question. See our Tolkien Competition Quiz Page for more details. Competition closes midnight 31st May 2007. Good luck.
Bareback by Kit Whitfield.
The Kit Whitfield Competition closed 30th April 2007 and we are currently notifying the winners. Thanks to everyone who entered.
Admin 1st May 2007
Author McGan's Meditations
Michael McGan, the author of Fleeting Thoughts and The Hamster Never Sleeps, ask the dangerous question "Should Women being running the World?" ...answers on a postcard.

Wonder Woman
When I think about the ecology, it is at that time, more than ever, that I feel as though women should probably be running the world. First of all, they are much neater than men, and also, they are more nurturing and concerned about the quality of life that their descendants will have. Men are pretty much short-sighted slobs, who care very little about the debris they leave in their wake. Rich men care even less. And mega-rich men don't care at all. They are the most dangerous from an ecological standpoint. Global warming, the rain forest and ozone layer disappearing, oil spills, toxic waste... and the men in power shrug it off.

Me, I fall into that first category, just your average non-wealthy man-slob. Now, I'm guilty just like the rest of my gender. I have a problem with the whole “recycling” thing. Washing jars and plastic containers, separating them and putting them out in a bin, along with newspaper on trash day. All the while, that big fifty-five gallon trash container is half full, crying out to me like a siren who wants to seduce me to crash my boat of ecological consciousness against a submerged trash heap of apathy. Wow.

But it's all so very annoying. They want me to stand in this line at the market with a basket full of empty bottles and cans, waiting impatiently for my turn to feed these things into machines and then wait again until it spits out a receipt for one dollar and sixty cents, while some men who own corporations are dumping poison by the tons into the air, the ground, the rivers, and the ocean. I sometimes leave the bottles in the cart for someone who thinks it is making a difference, or someone who could honestly use one dollar and sixty cents.

So, as I said earlier, I think women should be in charge of more major corporations, and better yet, more countries. There would be much more constructive dialogue because women will want to talk about their feelings, how the actions of another country have hurt their people. Sure, there might be some vengeful rhetoric at times if they feel another country has betrayed their trust in some way, statements that would imply that this country never really measured up to other countries they've dealt with in the past, or better yet, countries that they are currently dealing with behind the scenes. Everybody would be saying, “Did you hear that? Oooooooh, I can't believe she said that. You go girl!” It would be kind of refreshing.

Men don't want to talk about anybody's feelings, work it all out, and maybe admit that they were wrong. It's all about their ideas even if their ideas suck. It's about power, testosterone and being more amazingly wealthy than anybody else. They don't want painful, long dialogue about trust and treating another country as an equal. They'll just keep it all inside and let it fester, believing that they must win at all costs, until it's too much for them and they lash out in some way. “It's my way or the high-way. I'll show them who has a bigger military industrial complex. I'll show them how many countries I can de-flower with my toxic waste! I'll show them...” Blah blah blah.

And who pays for this swaggering foolishness? It's all got to change somehow. Then maybe I'll feel better about separating my stupid trash. And, I might just return those empty bottles, cash that receipt, and buy a sensitive greeting card. Maybe something with a picture of flowers or a puppy, send it to one of my good buddies just to say that I'm thinking of them. The world would be a much better place.

Hmmm, could work... it sure can't be any worse :)
Michael McGan 30th March 2007
Kit Whitfield Competition
Win a signed copy of Bareback.
We have a three signed paperback copies of Bareback by Kit Whitfield to give away thanks to the kind people at Vintage Books. To win a copy all you have to do is send in an email answering a simple multiple choice question. See our Kit Whitfield Competition Quiz Page for more details. Competition closes midnight 30th April 2007. Good luck...
Admin 16th March 2007
Update The 'February' Update
Another hectic month, most of the time being spent correcting errors in the new site code… thanks to all those who took the time to report problems they encountered. Hopefully everything is now working, although we know of a couple of minor problems still to be addressed. As always, if you spot anything please let us know. On top of all that several new reviews have been posted, all of which will now include ISBN-10 and ISBN-13 numbers. We have also changed the Site Counter to Shiny Stat since Microsoft stopped doing their free counter; unfortunately this has meant the counter has been reset as of this month so please remember the prior hits when checking… if anyone actually does.
And finally, we have details of our next competition. We have three signed paperback copies of Kit Whitfield's Bareback to give away and will be running a simple quiz in the next week or so… check back often :).
Admin 28th February 2007
UpdateBookLore Bookshop
Grab a bargain… we have far too many books at the moment so to clear some space on our shelves we have opened the BookLore Bookshop on Ebay. Books available are limited as we start sorting titles (heartbreaking) but we will be adding more as time goes by. Books will range from new to well used, all being described accurately on the relevant Ebay page. UK sales only.
Admin 4th February 2007
Update The 'January' Update
As some of the more observant of you out there may have noticed reviews have been thin on the ground for the last few months… and now you can see why. After much grousing by one or two of the contributors to the site, who shall remain nameless,* we have been dragged kicking and screaming into what we are reliable informed is the 21st Century. As an intermediate step towards the super duper Dynamic site we have updated with Cascading Style Sheets, or CSS for the geeks, as well as using XHTML. A few tables are still used as the site is very large and we didn't want to completely redo all the template generated pages. However, overall, the site should now be quicker and cleaner, as well as having better compatibility across the various web browsers out there. For a while they are going to be a few broken links, and maybe one or two layout niggles, but hopefully not too many… we have been testing quite extensively believe it or not. If you do spot any please let use know, we will be ever so grateful. Comments most welcome to editors(at)booklore.co.uk. And just to show we are still doing what the site is all about we have posted several new reviews, as well as adding Publication Dates for March and April and the latest Top Ten hardbacks and paperbacks… enjoy.
(*In fairness to Ray and Vex (woops:) the site was looking a little dated and an overhaul was well overdue).
Admin 31st January 2007
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