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One man's quest to bolster his position in the community soon spirals out of control in this exciting and dark political thriller. The Mayor of Solingham, flawed, impulsive and charismatic, sets his town on a controversial course, thereby setting in motion a series of events in which he finds himself increasingly isolated. Friends, family, colleagues, strangers - the Mayor struggles to negotiate them all as tension spreads throughout the town. Then a routine day out takes an unexpected turn, and the Mayor must face his gravest challenge yet - survival in a cave, deep underground, and reliant on those he has hurt most to rescue him. This timely tale of political ambition and manipulation has a timeless quality, warning against the dangers of disconnecting from those about us. This tale forms the third of a series of independent tales which take a critical look at our society. Extremism, nationalism and environmental concerns all come under the spotlight in this remarkable series. The tales will take you to the precipice and leave you dangling there. Get ready to question your thoughts, your actions, and wonder what those about you are planning.
106 pages, Paperback
First published October 13, 2018
54 people want to read
About the author
S. Pearce
9 books104 followersSimon Pearce was born in the south of England and spent most of his formative years growing up on the Isle of Wight. He read English and German at the University of Wales, Swansea, and then wrote his Ph.D. in German history and literature at the University of Nottingham. He now lives near Berlin.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
December 11, 2018
I was wondering when there would be another book by this author. The first two were my favorite reads of 2018. So this had a lot to love up to. (I see a made a mistake there. It should be live up to, but I will leave it, as love up to seems somehow right, anyway!) And. Wow. It. Is. Great!!!!! There is definitely lots of references to things going on in the news right now. I am sure that will raise an eyebrow and a smile or two. But apart from that. the story is so gripping that it will stand the test of time. Difficult to review, as there is a BIG twist quite early on that I wouldn't want to spoil. I'll just say that if you're ever stuck in a cave, sit still and don't waste your energy!!! Add this to your tbr list right now!
April 25, 2020
Alone by Simon Pearce is the third story in The Spotlight Tales. This a short story as well and is just full of twists and turns. This story introduces David who is a mayor. He is cave diving with Mary when she notices that his air tank is empty. There is no way for both of them to make it back safely. So Mary goes to get help. Meanwhile, the timeline jumps back in time and brings to light political betrayal.
WOW!! Talk about plot twist!!! Trust me, it is jaw-dropping! This book is short and at first glance, I thought it was going to be an adventure/survival story. I was so wrong. The book really dives into political rivalries and mistakes–mistakes that are deadly. The characters are unbelievably flawed, especially David. He has a typical politician vibe about it, charismatic but manipulative. However, he doesn’t know the full consequences for his actions.
This book is gripping from start to end. This book is just slightly over 100 pages and can be enjoyed in one rainy afternoon! I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
WOW!! Talk about plot twist!!! Trust me, it is jaw-dropping! This book is short and at first glance, I thought it was going to be an adventure/survival story. I was so wrong. The book really dives into political rivalries and mistakes–mistakes that are deadly. The characters are unbelievably flawed, especially David. He has a typical politician vibe about it, charismatic but manipulative. However, he doesn’t know the full consequences for his actions.
This book is gripping from start to end. This book is just slightly over 100 pages and can be enjoyed in one rainy afternoon! I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
December 9, 2018
This is the third in Mr Pearce's Spotlight Tales I've read, and he continues to impress. It's a slightly heavier read than the previous two books, drawing on political and disastrous dramas from today's international news. Stirring stuff.
As with the two previous tales in this series, Alone succeeded to probe around in the darker corners of my grey matter and pick at my conscience. It left me wondering whether everyone in the world, at some level or another, including myself, is corrupt and self-centred? Is that our basic nature? Whatever, it’s a good story.
Alone is a short read, taking 2-3 hours, which is fine, because it's difficult to put down once you start.
As with the two previous tales in this series, Alone succeeded to probe around in the darker corners of my grey matter and pick at my conscience. It left me wondering whether everyone in the world, at some level or another, including myself, is corrupt and self-centred? Is that our basic nature? Whatever, it’s a good story.
Alone is a short read, taking 2-3 hours, which is fine, because it's difficult to put down once you start.
August 18, 2019
Title: Alone (The Spotlight Tales Book 3)
Author: S Pearce
Publisher: Amazon Asia-Pacific Holdings Private Limited
Date of Release: 14 October, 2018
Number of pages: 107 pages
ISBN-10: 1728780926
ISBN-13: 978-1728780924
Author S Pearce, has gifted us three memorable books in The Spotlight Tales Series. The third book of the series is Alone.
Alone is a political thriller where author S Pearce explores what goes on in the backend to make a political campaign successful. It also takes a deeper look at what makes or breaks human relationships and the dichotomy between friendship and ‘fiendship’.
The protagonist David is a politician and a mayor. He has two close friends. While one of the friends openly opposes David, their relationship falls apart. On the other hand, one of the two friends stands by David. Through David, Brian and Mary’s relationship, the author explores the integrity of all relationships. Just because someone opposes your idea vehemently, does it make her/him a fiend? If a friend supports everything you do, even when she/he knows that you are wrong, is that person really a ‘friend’?
While exploring the true meaning of friendship, author S Pearce also looks at personal vindication and social responsibility. Alone beautifully investigates a plethora of emotions and intentions. The price one pays to win is another complex topic the book talks about.
Darkness can either enlighten you or blind you. When you read the book Alone, you will understand the true meaning of darkness.
Loneliness, on the other hand, breaks you or makes you. S Pearce’s Alone will also elaborate about that.
If everything is ephemeral- success, relationships, social recognition and living itself, what element of life is permanent? Alone will make you take a good look at your life and your beliefs in life.
While reading the book I presumed the story, its climax and the conflicts between the protagonist and the antagonist. I was so sure! But Author S Pearce surprised me in every way possible.
Through Alone, Author S Preace has shown us not only his writing skills, his ability to hold the attention of the audience, but write a climax that would sweep the rug out of the reader’s feet.
Without revealing much about the plot, I feel that Alone and the other two books in the Spotlight Tales show a progression in life, how the human mind works and also how fate vindicates itself.
Not reading any of the three books is like missing a major chunk of a reader’s reading life.
For this totally amazing book, WeLoveQualityBooks gives S Pearce’s book Alone 5 Stars!
Author: S Pearce
Publisher: Amazon Asia-Pacific Holdings Private Limited
Date of Release: 14 October, 2018
Number of pages: 107 pages
ISBN-10: 1728780926
ISBN-13: 978-1728780924
Author S Pearce, has gifted us three memorable books in The Spotlight Tales Series. The third book of the series is Alone.
Alone is a political thriller where author S Pearce explores what goes on in the backend to make a political campaign successful. It also takes a deeper look at what makes or breaks human relationships and the dichotomy between friendship and ‘fiendship’.
The protagonist David is a politician and a mayor. He has two close friends. While one of the friends openly opposes David, their relationship falls apart. On the other hand, one of the two friends stands by David. Through David, Brian and Mary’s relationship, the author explores the integrity of all relationships. Just because someone opposes your idea vehemently, does it make her/him a fiend? If a friend supports everything you do, even when she/he knows that you are wrong, is that person really a ‘friend’?
While exploring the true meaning of friendship, author S Pearce also looks at personal vindication and social responsibility. Alone beautifully investigates a plethora of emotions and intentions. The price one pays to win is another complex topic the book talks about.
Darkness can either enlighten you or blind you. When you read the book Alone, you will understand the true meaning of darkness.
Loneliness, on the other hand, breaks you or makes you. S Pearce’s Alone will also elaborate about that.
If everything is ephemeral- success, relationships, social recognition and living itself, what element of life is permanent? Alone will make you take a good look at your life and your beliefs in life.
While reading the book I presumed the story, its climax and the conflicts between the protagonist and the antagonist. I was so sure! But Author S Pearce surprised me in every way possible.
Through Alone, Author S Preace has shown us not only his writing skills, his ability to hold the attention of the audience, but write a climax that would sweep the rug out of the reader’s feet.
Without revealing much about the plot, I feel that Alone and the other two books in the Spotlight Tales show a progression in life, how the human mind works and also how fate vindicates itself.
Not reading any of the three books is like missing a major chunk of a reader’s reading life.
For this totally amazing book, WeLoveQualityBooks gives S Pearce’s book Alone 5 Stars!
September 29, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A great satire of Brexit, with some Swiftian moments of cutting brilliance.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews