Book Haul - The Iron Code

 

Greetings Book Nerds!

I've recently acquired The Iron Code - Stories in Honour of David Gemmell.

It's not the first anthology I have to honour author David Gemmell, I have three other anthologies that came out during the time the Gemmell Awards were still ongoing.

As you can see I have the Legends story collections.

The difference this time?

I got it through a Kickstarter event, led by author and editor Ian Whates.

This is the first time I have supported anything on Kickstarter and may do so again if the book or graphic novel is right.

The Guardian edition I bought has my name in the back.  Plus it is signed by all the authors.  The authors include Ian himself, Dan Abnett, Stan Nicholas and wife Anne, RJ Barker, John Gywnne, Joanne Harris, plus many more big names in fantasy.

I hope to get to these stories soon! Although I still have the other anthologies to read first.  As soon as I do read them I will post reviews.

If you want a copy of this anthology it is out on Amazon on July 28th - just search the name - The Iron Code - and maybe Ian Whates name after it too.

Happy Reading Folks!

Neil x

July 2026 Update!

 

Hey Nerds!

Already past the half way mark for 2026 and it's spiralling along at a maddening rate!

A quick update for you this month.

June Review - It's been a quite busy month at work so in June didn't get any writing done.  The heatwave also knackered me out. Although in June I was having a break from the May writing challenge.

I also didn't finish Salem's Lot by Stephen King.  This was because I was procrastinating and being sad watching Classic Neighbours on YouTube from the early 1990s. Trying to relive my youth.  Weirdly I remember most of the Neighbours episodes I've watched from 1992!

In early June I went to see one of my favourite bands I grew up with - Madness.  I watched them at Halifax Piece Hall.  A great night if a bit wet.

Even though I actually didn't Write in June I did some writerly things.

This included meeting up with an old friend Karen, who runs Cleckheaton Writing Group.  We went to Shipley Library to see thriller author Lucy Brighton.  Lucy introduced two great workshops in the day and it was great speaking to other writers again.

In June I also went back to my childhood (other than Neighbours) and saw Masters of the Universe.  Whilst not great brought back memories of the cartoon and was a fun watch.

In July - I'm most definitely finishing reading Salem's Lot.  It's a great book so far and took way too long - I started in March! I need to catch up on my other books I want to read in 2026.

I also want to slowly get back into my writing, making notes, then by the last week of July actually writing.

In the same vein I want to get exercising again.  Slowly at first and try lose weight and get slightly fit.

At the end of July I'm back at the Piece Hall with my daughter to see Tom Grennan, so looking forward to that and hopefully healthy enough to Dad dance.

I also want to go to another author event in the second week of July at Leeds Library although it will be a bit of a rush as it's after work at 6pm.  It's becoming a Fantasy Author hosted by K L Kaine.

The Bradford Literature Festival is on from today until the 12th July.  Check it out online.

So what are your plans for July?

Neil x