Spreading the Gemmell Love!

 

Nico from Nico'sBookReview

Hi Folks

Just a quick post. I recently recommended David Gemmell books to a Booktuber called Nico who hosts Nico's Book Review.

In his latest video - February Book Haul, he actually has some David Gemmell books and mentions me by name! I'm Famous!

Nico mentions me at 4:00 mark.

The link to his video is below or search his name on YouTube.

https://youtu.be/A65iWugr4-s 

Also in March/April I'm starting David Gemmell's Rigante series.  Two books per month. Wish me luck.

If you want to read along with me let me know and we can discuss our thoughts on the books on Twitter/Instagram or on my blog in the comments.

Also check Cat on BrewsandReviews on Booktube as she will have David Gemmell content too.

Thanks.

Happy Reading - Neil.

Book Review - Doctor Who - The Resurrection Casket by Justin Richards

 

Books read in 2021  - No. 3

Hi Peeps

The third book I've read this year is another Doctor Who book from Justin Richards, called The Resurrection Casket.  This is one of my favourite in the Doctor Who series this year as it is fast paced, with good characters and a good twist at the end.

The story starts when the TARDIS breaks down as it enters a part of space called the Zeg.  This affects all modern technology, so the Doctor and Rose find themselves on the planet Starfall. This is a cyberpunk, old world planet, where machines and ships run off steam.

It is a fun concept and the Doctor and Rose soon find themselves on a mystery involving the space pirate Hamlet Glint, his treasure, and the mysterious Resurrection Casket.

The characters of the Doctor and Rose are spot on and Justin Richards creates some good secondary characters with fascinating back stories, including the young boy Jimm, Drel MacCavity and the half robot Sally.  Plus the Doctor has to deal with the black shadow curse which brings a black hairy monster into being which kills cursed victims.

Overall -  I liked the black shadow monster who just wanted to be rid of the curse and not kill anymore. Plus he is named Kevin!  He reminded me of Sully from Monsters Inc.  The story also had some great cliff hangers which kept me reading more.  The last 100 pages I read in one go!  It's a fun little book for all ages.

Score  -  8/10

Book Review - Doctor Who - The Feast of the Drowned by Stephen Cole

 

Books read in 2021 - No. 2

Hi guys n gals!

Well I'm behind on my books I've read this year, but sure I can catch up. This being the 2nd book of 2021, and with 2 other Doctor Who books to read this month, I may just do it!

Anyway Feast of the Drowned starts with the crew of the downed and drowned naval vessel, the Ascendant, showing up to family and friends, as watery ghosts, with water coming out of their mouths and noses. Asking them to save them before the feast.

The premise and image reminded me of 2 episodes of Doctor Who.   The first being Tenth Doctor story "Waters of Mars" with David Tennant.  The other being Twelth Doctor story "Under the Lake", with Peter Capaldi.

The writing is good although some description of an underwater naval base, by the Thames confused me slightly. The characters feel like their TV counterparts, including Mickey and secondary characters like Keisha, Rose's old friend and Vida, a oceanographic scientist.

The mystery is engaging and the pay off to the alien threat is good too, with an hive mind alien force trying to breed.

Overall - a solid Doctor Who adventure from Stephen Cole, with good writing. It wasn't as engaging as The Stone Rose but still an enjoyable read.

Score  -  7/10

David Gemmell Project - BrewsandReviews Booktube channel

 

Hi Peeps

Anyone who reads my blog (all 7 people), will know my favourite author is David Gemmell.  Not that you'd  know, as I've only read his Drenai novels so far,  plus I've only just heard of another book of his - Knights of Dark Renown - which is meant to be set in the Drenai past.

Anyway my love of all David Gemmell and books in general, led me to watching Cat on her Booktube channel BrewsandReviews. She is also a big fan of Gemmell and is dedicating quite a few videos in the future to all things David Gemmell - book reviews etc.

So I encourage any David Gemmell and fantasy fans in general to check her out -- give a like and subscribe and maybe readalong any of David Gemmells books with her.

Check out her link -

https://youtu.be/PIUk_Oe894U

Or search BrewsandReviews in YouTube.  

Then you can watch in fear wondering if she will spill her hot drink during the videos! 

Also a reminder I will be reading Gemmell's Rigante series in March and April.

Well take care folks.

Neilx

February 2021 Update

 

Hi Folks

Just a quick update on a snowy February afternoon!  Winter is here!

As much as I love the look of snow, and snow scenery, it can be a pain in the arse. Especially for travelling.

Anyway not much to report at the moment except - surprise - I'm behind on my reading plan and still on the 2nd Doctor Who book - The Feast of the Drowned.  But all is not lost as they are quick, thin, easy reads so no problem catching up.

Writing wise I have started some writing, at the end of January. This month I hope to finish The Cubby Hole off.  I am energised to write, after my first Zoom Writing Group meeting of the year on Monday. It went well and gave me the boost I need.

Other updates - still job searching and hope to have something by April - fingers crossed.

Still to start properly exercising as I need to lose weight and get fit again. I have been walking but need to increase this with HIT training and sit ups on my Ab cruncher.  I also need to get healthy eating.

Anyway hope your all well and not driven mad by the lockdown.

With a vaccine there is a glimmer of light in the distance - stay safe x

Neil.