Shed the blood. Speak the words. Change the world.......Blue Words.
Common threads have always woven through the world's mythology and folklore, strings which seem to link cultures divided by the vastness of oceans and time. Have you ever wondered why? What if I told you that they all stem from a single origin.....the Varth-lokkr. Within this ancient creature's blood, stirs the power to save or enslave the world as we know it, a power ignited by a simple word. But which does it truly desire? This dark urban fantasy follows one of these creatures through its emergence into 21st century Australia. It chronicles the rise of those who oppose it, those who ally themselves with it and those who are unwillingly drawn into its wake.
We all work hard for our money, and let's face it, spending it on an unknown, untested author is always a risk. If you download the excerpt I have provided for Blue Words, you will not simply find one or two free chapters, it is the entire first half of my novel, plenty to get your teeth into. Go on, give it a go and if you enjoy it please buy the full version.
What is there to say? I like the stuff I write.....obviously, and I hope that someone else out there likes it too.
I am just a normal guy who likes scotch, beards and motorbikes(though they aren't always the best combination), but I also like to escape through a good book. I love to read something that challenges my perceptions of the world and suggests a grain of truth no matter how wild the idea is.
I have tonnes of awesome friends in the real world, but none who really share my passion for books. So that's why I'm here, I would love to make some book friends. Feel free to add me and suggest as many titles as you can. I love fantasy and sci-fi stuff, but will generally give anything a go.
As one of the Twelve, Gudrik's life has never been easy. He's a Varth-lokkr, a creature capable of saving or destroying the world. Though a good many of his kind have done questionable things throughout the centuries, he's done his best to maintain a balance around himself and the world he lives in. Granted, doing so hasn't been easy, much less when he becomes a prisoner of those who seek to do away with his kind, once and for all.
When an unsuspecting woman accidentally frees him, Gudrik realizes that not all is what it seems. He’s forever grateful to George for pulling him from the dark abyss he found himself in. Sadly, her life is now in danger because of him. Determined to set all wrongs to right, he vows to do everything possible to protect her and her family. So much so, that he introduces her to a world she never knew existed.
Those who seek to imprison Gudrik once more will do whatever they can to achieve an end to their own means. He, on the other hand, refuses to play by their rules. Though he knows that all he needs to do is to speak the word and have the world do his bidding, he prefers to use unconventional methods to do what needs to be done. Somehow, he’ll make George’s world right again or die trying in the process.
A lovely start to this series, Blue Words hooks you in from the minute you begin reading. The premise for this story is definitely intriguing, and puts a different spin on the way we see and think of warlocks in this day in age. M. C. has done a wonderful job in crafting this universe, lending each character their own mannerisms and emotions that enhance the environments they find themselves in. While not everything is hunky-dory, they do hold their own. I can wait to see what comes next for Gudrik and the others.
Even if this is not you genre of choice, 'Blue Words' is one great story, and, coupled with the writer's craft with words, deserves it's 5 stars. This book treats the reader to a uniquely, imagnitive context, an engaging and well-paced story-line, and from my perspective - it is refreshing to see the world of Blue Words is based in Queensland.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review).
(This review may contain spoilers).
Although I found this book a bit disjointing to read at first, it didn't take long before I was drawn into the world and was able to connect with the characters.
I found the plot of this book to be quite a unique one. It immediately piqued my interest and I found most of the characters to be really well-rounded and ones I enjoyed reading about.
One of my favourite parts about this book was probably the relationship between the characters. I did like reading about George and Gudrik. It was also nice to see Tabitha and the way she integrated herself with the whole group. I especially liked how taken she was with Paw and that she didn't see someone who was scary when he played with her.
I did find it interesting to learn about the different pasts of the characters, I have to say. One of the things I felt worked really well was the fact that many of the motivations of the different characters were revealed by the end. I found it really intriguing to see the different sides of the stories... even though it was a bit distracting to end up in first person perspective instead of third person.
I did find the abilities of the Inscribed came across really well. I liked the fact that their powers did have limitations and that they did end up having to pay a price in pain to use them. I thought it was interesting how it depended on the language they used.
It was good to learn more about the characters as the book went on. I really liked Teefa as a character - she was the kind of tough heroine that I feel I can really get behind. I kind of wavered a bit with how I felt about George... I did like Pup, though.
The danger that the characters were in came across really well, I felt. I cared about what was happening to them and as I reached the end of the book, I was eager to see what would happen.
I wasn't especially thrilled by the ending, I have to say. I would like to see more of the characters and the plot. Although there was a resolution of sorts, there's still clearly a lot more of the story to be told.
"On a morning when she'd hoped all would go smoothly, circumstances conspire against George and she finds herself unwittingly responsible for awakening an ancient warrior, held captive until now in a stasis-like state for over a thousand years, by the power of an amulet forged for the purpose. The ancient warriors old lust for vengeance against his captors, which has grown over the eons, is thrust into the present. In order to affect his freedom he enlists George's help, and henceforth she is forced to go on the run from an organisation with a powerful reach." I am absolutely loving this book. If you're a fantasy fiction lover then I'm sure you will too. I sat up until 2am this morning immersed in the story. This book comes in a format reminiscent of 'Chocolat' by Joanne Harris. There are skillful view point changes for each chapter. I love the organic nature with which this multifaceted story lets us into the ancient history and lives of its characters. In real life we don't meet a person and instantly know them deeply. Neither do we in this book. Relationships and trust develop slowly, and this feels real to me. Each character has their own deeply embedded personal reason for holding back. Historical connections are deep between some characters, tying them inexplicably together in the present, and a set of circumstances that played out by chance links yet another; but regardless of how these characters came together, it takes time for them to form emotional bonds and to know each other well enough to share their inner selves. It's been a while since I've read a book that has engaged my imagination so much. (less) " Oh my! I've finished. Couldn't put it down. Loved it right to the end. I'll probably think about it for a while now, as it had me enthralled. Love it when a book does that to me.
The Varth-lokkr has the power to enslave or save the world as he mortals know it to be. With one word the Varth-lokkr can do what he wishes....Shed the blood...Speak the words...Change the world. Chained up and forced cruel punishment for many years one person releases him unknowingly. Now he needs her until he is to his full strength. What adventures will they go through to ensure safety or total annihilation.
Blue Words is a creative and vivid story many can enjoy. The characters are fascinating and well developed. The plot line keeps the reader turning the page wanting more, needing to figure out what happens next and how the characters make it through to the end. There is something for everyone in this story...action, drama, mystery, love, pain, sacrifice and so much more. M.C. Edwards here's to hoping for more!
The Varth-lokkr has the power to enslave or save the world as he mortals know it to be. With one word the Varth-lokkr can do what he wishes....Shed the blood...Speak the words...Change the world. Chained up and forced cruel punishment for many years one person releases him unknowingly. Now he needs her until he is to his full strength. What adventures will they go through to ensure safety or total annihilation.
Blue Words is a creative and vivid story many can enjoy. The characters are fascinating and well developed. The plot line keeps the reader turning the page wanting more, needing to figure out what happens next and how the characters make it through to the end. There is something for everyone in this story...action, drama, mystery, love, pain, sacrifice and so much more. M.C. Edwards here's to hoping for more!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I tried so hard with this book. I was already iffy when I picked up this book, relying on reviews and hoping I would make it through. I am sad to say that I had to stop reading it. DNF at 75%. I really tried. There are a few reasons why I couldn't bring myself to keep going.
I can't say I know how this book ends. It wasn't painfully predictable but it was slow and oddly written. I am used to a 3rd person limited point of view but this 3rd person omniscient was very hard to follow. In one paragraph we would switch from Gudrik speaking and his thoughts to George's thoughts and words. It felt very cluttered without the distinctions. I also had an issue with separating and clarifying characters. In one scene it is said that "he breaks her back" but the next page "she s impaled on a stake." I honestly went back and reread those pages almost five times to figure out that there were two girls in that scene and which girl was killed when.
Another big issue I had was this book is two books in one. Part one was the end of the book and part two was unnecessary. All the plot had been explained, all the bad guys dealt with and though the ending would have been a little sad it was still an ending. All loose ends seemed to be tied up, I'm not even sure a second book could have been made. Had the book ended here, I would have given it a 3 out of 5. Sadly, there was more.
As for part two, I have no idea what was happening. Gudrik was off on his own and suddenly everyone's face was out to the media and people were trying to capture them. It felt like a TV show pushing for an extra season to pump the last few dollars out of a dead plot.
Another issue I had was I felt no connection to any of the characters. There was very little character development and in the few chapters that flashed back to Gudrik's past and Kyran's past though there was a nice back story, I didn't see it playing out in the current actions. It was all very removed from the actual issues. By the point there is any attempt at character development, we're in part two and I don't care enough about the characters to listen to their back story or give them the time of day.
I am very sorry, because I did receive a free copy of this book I tried very hard to finish it. I just couldn't. It was in interesting concept but I knew it would be a hit or miss for me. Sorry to say it was a miss.