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Kosmos
Expect the unexpected at every turn of the page. Kosmos is a story like no other. Completely different, charming, and an enormous amount of fun." - Cemetery Dance
Rookie barrister George Winsome, young and arrogant, defends an old boy who thinks he’s Merlin on a manslaughter charge. The riotous trial turns Merlin into a celebrity; money, greed and ambition take hold of George and his partner Heather until the secret of Merlin’s past is revealed as the spirit of Saint Yves intervenes to ensure George and Heather follow their true paths.
‘Kosmos’ is a modern-day jury trial, a feel-good love story and a spiritual journey involving Saint Yves, Nemesis and Merlin.
FLAME TREE PRESS is the imprint of long-standing independent Flame Tree Publishing, dedicated to full-length original fiction in the horror and suspense, science fiction & fantasy, and crime / mystery / thriller categories. The list brings together fantastic new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices. Learn more about Flame Tree Press at www.flametreepress.com and connect on social media @FlameTreePresses.
Rookie barrister George Winsome, young and arrogant, defends an old boy who thinks he’s Merlin on a manslaughter charge. The riotous trial turns Merlin into a celebrity; money, greed and ambition take hold of George and his partner Heather until the secret of Merlin’s past is revealed as the spirit of Saint Yves intervenes to ensure George and Heather follow their true paths.
‘Kosmos’ is a modern-day jury trial, a feel-good love story and a spiritual journey involving Saint Yves, Nemesis and Merlin.
FLAME TREE PRESS is the imprint of long-standing independent Flame Tree Publishing, dedicated to full-length original fiction in the horror and suspense, science fiction & fantasy, and crime / mystery / thriller categories. The list brings together fantastic new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices. Learn more about Flame Tree Press at www.flametreepress.com and connect on social media @FlameTreePresses.
- GenresFantasy
288 pages, Paperback
Published November 30, 2018
7 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 29, 2018
For me, the encapsulating theme in this novel is expressed by the protagonist George, to the effect that it isn't about money, it's about finding a purpose in life. George as a new barrister finds himself defending an apparently homeless client, who got into it with an animal control officer in Hampstead Park. Well, this is not an ordinary down-on-his-luck homeless man; this is Merlin. Yes, THAT Merlin. Check into this novel and find out WHY.
December 12, 2018
Reading this was a pleasant surprise and turned out to be nothing like I thought it was going to be! It's a blend of a courtroom drama, with an insightful and poignant story of finding your way in life and doing what makes you happy - it isn't always about the money!
Add to the mix a man who says he's Merlin - yes, THE Merlin! - and you find yourself totally involved with the fight for justice and watching how people can be transformed by those they meet along the way.
George Winsome - what a name for a lawyer! - is a barrister in training and finds himself thrown in the deep end for his first case! He has to learn the tricks of the trade as he goes and the pressure is on for him to win the case as there are expectations from his firm. His client, Merlin, is accused of manslaughter but is seemingly winning over the hearts and minds of those he meets in jail - prisoners and staff! - and the case soon grabs the attention of the media! The case itself turns even crazier too especially when the Jury seem more interested in what food is on offer, and the Judge is dealing with a son who seeks revenge in a rather peculiar way!
I really enjoyed the character of Merlin as he was just so pleasant and wise! He's often puzzled by the world he finds himself in and it was good to see modern life through his eyes. He forms a great bond with George and that really helps in the second part of the book where he is there seemingly to guide George and his girlfriend Heather as they face some tougher times in their lives and they try to work out the point of it all!
So if you're looking for a book that has a bit of fantasy, touches of humour and a strong courtroom drama element, then this is the book for you! A really enjoyable read!!
Add to the mix a man who says he's Merlin - yes, THE Merlin! - and you find yourself totally involved with the fight for justice and watching how people can be transformed by those they meet along the way.
George Winsome - what a name for a lawyer! - is a barrister in training and finds himself thrown in the deep end for his first case! He has to learn the tricks of the trade as he goes and the pressure is on for him to win the case as there are expectations from his firm. His client, Merlin, is accused of manslaughter but is seemingly winning over the hearts and minds of those he meets in jail - prisoners and staff! - and the case soon grabs the attention of the media! The case itself turns even crazier too especially when the Jury seem more interested in what food is on offer, and the Judge is dealing with a son who seeks revenge in a rather peculiar way!
I really enjoyed the character of Merlin as he was just so pleasant and wise! He's often puzzled by the world he finds himself in and it was good to see modern life through his eyes. He forms a great bond with George and that really helps in the second part of the book where he is there seemingly to guide George and his girlfriend Heather as they face some tougher times in their lives and they try to work out the point of it all!
So if you're looking for a book that has a bit of fantasy, touches of humour and a strong courtroom drama element, then this is the book for you! A really enjoyable read!!
December 12, 2018
George Winsome is assigned to represent an old homeless man accused of assault, a man who believes himself to be a great man of power and magic. Merlin thinks the meeting between himself and George is preordained, a way for him to keep the universe on track. Clearly everyone else thinks Merlin is a sandwich short of a picnic and George too big for his boots, which makes them the perfect peculiar couple.
Just based on this scenario it is quite easy to see how the innocent can fall prey to the criminal and/or legal system, and to get lost within misconceptions and misinformation. Aside from that Laing also shines a light on the archaic British legal system, and although everyone is amused by its eccentricities I wonder if they aren’t detrimental to the people having to go through said system.
For me the most intriguing aspect of this concept was whether or not we (people) need to believe in the improbable to sustain some semblance of hope in a world filled with uncertainty, fear and violence. To believe in a fictional or mythical character to achieve some sort of comfort in difficult times.
It also steers readers in the direction of accepting an element of peace in a role in life you might not have imagined yourself in, and yet might accidentally fall into. The few that understand that small acts of kindness will exact change, even if only for a few people, which is often more important than a ruthless high-ranking job with plenty of material gains.
Laing mixes folklore, magic and the modern legal system to create a quirky courtroom story with an underlying moral core.
*I received a copy for purposes of review*
Just based on this scenario it is quite easy to see how the innocent can fall prey to the criminal and/or legal system, and to get lost within misconceptions and misinformation. Aside from that Laing also shines a light on the archaic British legal system, and although everyone is amused by its eccentricities I wonder if they aren’t detrimental to the people having to go through said system.
For me the most intriguing aspect of this concept was whether or not we (people) need to believe in the improbable to sustain some semblance of hope in a world filled with uncertainty, fear and violence. To believe in a fictional or mythical character to achieve some sort of comfort in difficult times.
It also steers readers in the direction of accepting an element of peace in a role in life you might not have imagined yourself in, and yet might accidentally fall into. The few that understand that small acts of kindness will exact change, even if only for a few people, which is often more important than a ruthless high-ranking job with plenty of material gains.
Laing mixes folklore, magic and the modern legal system to create a quirky courtroom story with an underlying moral core.
*I received a copy for purposes of review*
December 3, 2018
Reading the blurb for this book I remember responding to Anne with something along the lines of “That sounds MAD, I’m in”. While the book was not entirely as crazy as I was expecting, I came away from it thoroughly satisfied.
The first half of this book is almost entirely a courtroom drama, with George defending Merlin against the crown, represented by a much more senior and well versed lawyer.
The two lock horns on numerous occasions throughout the court battle, which I found wonderfully engaging. Despite reading a large number of crime novels, I have not read too many which look at the courtroom setting, and I found this part of the book very interesting and engaging. I may need to pick up a couple of court room dramas…
The second part of the novel changes setting and focusses more on the lives of George, his girlfriend and Merlin. For me, this is where the book really came to life, and I flew through the closing stages.
I had gone into this book expecting a wild and humorous ride, and while it is still that, it is so much more. What we have here is a heartwarming tale of redemption, with an absolutely fantastic array of characters, that I already miss, and a brilliantly plotted story, I have to admit. I loved it.
https://donjimmyreviews.wordpress.com...
The first half of this book is almost entirely a courtroom drama, with George defending Merlin against the crown, represented by a much more senior and well versed lawyer.
The two lock horns on numerous occasions throughout the court battle, which I found wonderfully engaging. Despite reading a large number of crime novels, I have not read too many which look at the courtroom setting, and I found this part of the book very interesting and engaging. I may need to pick up a couple of court room dramas…
The second part of the novel changes setting and focusses more on the lives of George, his girlfriend and Merlin. For me, this is where the book really came to life, and I flew through the closing stages.
I had gone into this book expecting a wild and humorous ride, and while it is still that, it is so much more. What we have here is a heartwarming tale of redemption, with an absolutely fantastic array of characters, that I already miss, and a brilliantly plotted story, I have to admit. I loved it.
https://donjimmyreviews.wordpress.com...
December 11, 2018
Part One of this book is the trial of Merlin, an apparently homeless man who is arrested for assault after two men try to take his staff. The young barrister who represents him decides not to take on a 'leader' in the trial but conduct it on his own despite his lack of experience. The entire trial is very engaging. And yes, Merlin insists he is that Merlin of the King Arthur legend.
Part Two digresses from the realist mode of the courtroom into the realm of fantasy and that's where the story left me cold as fantasy is not my genre of preference. Considering the way the book started, it could have gone in many directions after the trial ended, most of them being of much more interest to me than pursuing the fantasy that Merlin really was Merlin. No doubt some people will love this narrative but for me only Part One was truly engaging.
Part Two digresses from the realist mode of the courtroom into the realm of fantasy and that's where the story left me cold as fantasy is not my genre of preference. Considering the way the book started, it could have gone in many directions after the trial ended, most of them being of much more interest to me than pursuing the fantasy that Merlin really was Merlin. No doubt some people will love this narrative but for me only Part One was truly engaging.
December 20, 2018
An interesting story that brings Merlin into the modern world.
I did find it difficult to get into, however. The opening stages contain a lot of content dealing with legal professions and career progression. There is way too much detail, and it detracts from the core story. The second half of the book, taking place after the trial, is better. It still has a tendency to ramble, however, and the relationship between George and Heather never felt truly authentic. I never really felt emotion from them.
The uniqueness of the tale kept me reading and interested, although it wasn't a book I found particularly absorbing. Mashing up fantasy/folklore with crime fiction was a risk but this comes close to pulling it off.
Many thanks to Flame Tree Press for the ARC. My review is my honest opinion.
I did find it difficult to get into, however. The opening stages contain a lot of content dealing with legal professions and career progression. There is way too much detail, and it detracts from the core story. The second half of the book, taking place after the trial, is better. It still has a tendency to ramble, however, and the relationship between George and Heather never felt truly authentic. I never really felt emotion from them.
The uniqueness of the tale kept me reading and interested, although it wasn't a book I found particularly absorbing. Mashing up fantasy/folklore with crime fiction was a risk but this comes close to pulling it off.
Many thanks to Flame Tree Press for the ARC. My review is my honest opinion.
January 31, 2022
Book centers around a newly minted barrister, George and Merlin. George defends Merlin in in modern day court, much like Miracle on 34th Street. The characters were well developed. I enjoyed the book.h
January 15, 2023
I quite liked the first half, where Merlin appears from nowhere in London and is tried for manslaughter - it was still rather unconvincing as a piece of urban fantasy. But I disliked the second half, where his lawyer seeks to make money from Merlin. I disliked it a lot.
April 13, 2020
An interesting modern fantasy
For a full review, please go to https://areviewerdarkly.blogspot.com/... and follow me on Twitter @josenher
For a full review, please go to https://areviewerdarkly.blogspot.com/... and follow me on Twitter @josenher
July 29, 2021
DNF I tried but I just didn't like this work. I didn't like the world or any of the characters. Not for me.
April 28, 2022
An interesting premise but disappointing.
dnf
November 20, 2018I'm exhausted and hate to do this, but here's my fourth ARC DNF in the last two days. 😩
This story sounded so cool. It's got Merlin! And I honestly thought I was going to get into a cool UF book. Instead, it was full of lawyer/court stuff, a 'love story' I didn't buy, and characters I couldn't warm to.
Still, I didn't put this one down after a few chapters, I skimmed my way to the end... but nope, not feeling it.
Oh well. What can you do?
This story sounded so cool. It's got Merlin! And I honestly thought I was going to get into a cool UF book. Instead, it was full of lawyer/court stuff, a 'love story' I didn't buy, and characters I couldn't warm to.
Still, I didn't put this one down after a few chapters, I skimmed my way to the end... but nope, not feeling it.
Oh well. What can you do?
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews