Memoirs of a bar steward by Scott Evans

A review of ‘Comedy  Memoirs of a bar steward’ (Part One: 14th-25th August: From the city to inside the Queens Legs.) by Scott Evans.

5 stars

            I read the first page and thought I would hate this comedy, with its protagonist having an ego the size of Birmingham. The author says this is based on his life; I hope Jacob is in his imagination and not based on himself. I read on and the book did what a comedy should, it made me laugh, a lot.

            The story is told by Jacob, he is a modern rending of Rick, of the Young Ones fame, large ego, little brain and a very poor grasp on reality. He is there to be bullied. The book had me wanting to bully him; this character is great, as are all the Cox/O’shea clan. The unreality of it all is brilliant, the scenes are short and focused, there is no unnecessary padding and the story benefits from the enthusiastic and fast flowing style of Scott.

            This type of novel is why you should buy a reading device and read Indie writers. This book will never be released by the main stream press, it’s not politically correct, it’s too short and it might ruffle some feathers (We can’t have that can we?). It’s everything we need in this fluffy, health and safety world.

            I loved it.

            The only drawback is, as with a lot of comedies, where do you go now? Without repeating the same moments over and over. I’m curious to see, how the wonderful characters are developed. I will be reading the next part very soon.

            Excellent work Scott. (You can tell I’m a teacher?)

            Review by Jeremy Poole

Review Nordic Nights (The Alix Thorssen Mysteries) by Lise McClendon

Indie review.

Nordic Nights (The Alix Thorssen Mysteries) by Lise McClendon

I really expected too much from this mystery thriller. I’d read reviews that gave it all four and five stars. They were wrong!

The writing is good and well crafted, but the sheer unbeleivability and lack of drive left me cold.

Alix, our heroin, is wonderful and hardworking with a sense of justice, so we’re told too many times. She is dragged into a mystery where an artist is killed and her mother’s boyfriend is blamed. Sounds like a good plot, and it could have worked, if only the inconsistencies were ironed out. For instance, Alix is shot at, three times, through here shop window, she puts cardboard over the bullet hole and carries on working. She never calls the police, or any help at all. The bullets went through a couple of works of art, which didn’t belong to her and she told the Norwegian consulate, it was kids driving by having fun????

Then, she is kidnapped, escapes, runs through and American town being shot at. No one call the police, she goes into a hotel and then doesn’t call the cops, but sneaks out the back. Sorry too unbelievable. And all for a stone. I don’t buy it.

It was a struggle to finish this book, so I’m sorry Lise but I can’t recommend Nordic nights to anyone. Two stars.

Clouded Rainbow by Jonathan Sturak.

Clouded Rainbow by Jonathan Sturak.

This was delivered free to my kindle and I have to say the standard of writing and descriptive prowess of Sturak is excellent. The style is enjoyable if a little long winded at times.

Clouded Rainbow is a love story, disguised as a thriller, come detective novel and herein lies the problem. The plot is a little poor and too unbelievable for a novel set in reality. The Hardnosed detective reduced to tears by love was almost unbearable.

I found myself wondering, why? And I had no answers.

In the end I did enjoy reading this book, but as an airport or summer holiday book, one that will be quickly forgotten.

However good Jonathan Sturak is, and undoubtedly he is, I cannot give this one more than a three star mediocre rating.

Jeremy Poole

Review of The Summoner by Layton Green.(Suspense thriller)

The Summoner is set in darkest Africa, our hero, Dominic grey, is a maverick agent working for the USA. The book delves deeply into the unknown and blends terror, black magic, the Juju rekigion, with suspense to an incredibly high level. For those who are into the black arts this is a must and for those who love a good read this has to be on your E-reader.

This book is a gripping, fast paced thriller that enthralls from the first to the last page. The characters are beautifully written, realistic and complex.

         My ultimate praise for a book is, would I read it again? For sure I will give The Summoner a second read.

         I would hope that this, the first novel in the Character lead serious will cement Layton green as a top Indie author.

         Can’t wait to read the next installment.

Jeremy Poole.

Dawn of War by Tim Marquitz

The first book of the Blood War Trilogy, The Dawn of War, is an epic fantasy tale. It combines its own land with its own people. Not the usual dwarfs and elves, but new races. Races that are well written and lively. 
I realy could not put this book down, after the initial difficulty with new names and characters it all fell into place. I found myself enthralled by the pace and the story, every bit as exciting as any fantasy book I've read ,and that's a lot. Put this excellent read on your wish list. 
Can't wait for part two. 
Jeremy Poole.