What do you think?
Rate this book
The Blurred Lands
"Deliciously dark. A gripping read from the very start" RR Haywood, bestselling author of Extracted and The Undead Series.
John Aviemore, still mourning the death of his wife, fears he’s heading for another breakdown. In an abandoned cottage, he faces a mystery that grows more terrifying every night. And he’s trapped there.
Trapped in the place where worlds overlap. Trapped in the Blurred Lands.
A disappearing city, a curse that unravels minds, and a caged, power-hungry god.
John’s only chance of escape lies with an ancient family secret and a character straight out of a fairytale.
From the Amazon and Audible bestselling author of The World Walker and Halfhero series comes a fantastical, terrifying journey into a realm we prefer to believe doesn’t exist.
John Aviemore, still mourning the death of his wife, fears he’s heading for another breakdown. In an abandoned cottage, he faces a mystery that grows more terrifying every night. And he’s trapped there.
Trapped in the place where worlds overlap. Trapped in the Blurred Lands.
A disappearing city, a curse that unravels minds, and a caged, power-hungry god.
John’s only chance of escape lies with an ancient family secret and a character straight out of a fairytale.
From the Amazon and Audible bestselling author of The World Walker and Halfhero series comes a fantastical, terrifying journey into a realm we prefer to believe doesn’t exist.
Audible Audio
Published March 19, 2019
147 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
About the author
Ian W. Sainsbury
28 books219 followersIan W Sainsbury is a musician, composer, writer, comedian and puppet wrangler (yes, that's a real job). Obviously, he doesn't know what to do when he grows up and - now that he's in his forties - he's resigned to the fact that he probably never will.
His first novel was published in 2016.
Subscribe at http://bit.ly/1VSg2tT for a copy of the unpublished prologue from The World Walker.
email Ian: ianwsainsbury@gmail.com
His first novel was published in 2016.
Subscribe at http://bit.ly/1VSg2tT for a copy of the unpublished prologue from The World Walker.
email Ian: ianwsainsbury@gmail.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
May 31, 2019
The Blurred Lands is a dark fantasy tale that’s beautifully written and finely crafted, it’s remarkably unique and packed full of genuinely inventive ideas. I don’t want to say anything about the story as I went into this knowing nothing about the book and I really enjoyed myself!
December 16, 2020
At the beginning I was entranced, but it lost me the more it went on. I did like the idea of this book. The magic side of it was very cool. It did reel me back in a bit towards the end. Wasn’t really my cup of tea.
April 9, 2019
3,5 stars
January 16, 2021
This book is a beautiful fantasy book that encompasses so much within it. Magic, god's, monsters and a whole lot of imagination that pulls you in from the first few pages.
Here we follow John Aviemore, a skilled stage magician learn a few real spells as a magical hidden world unfolds around him.
It's mystifying, exciting, and unique, all that is needed to keep reading on.
Never read a book quite like it, which always gets a higher rating from me as imagination and originality are more important than anything!
Here we follow John Aviemore, a skilled stage magician learn a few real spells as a magical hidden world unfolds around him.
It's mystifying, exciting, and unique, all that is needed to keep reading on.
Never read a book quite like it, which always gets a higher rating from me as imagination and originality are more important than anything!
December 11, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. Part of the enjoyment may have been the low bar since it was free option on Kindle Unlimited. The Author was fantastic in building the world(s) and bringing just enough suspense to make this a page turner. I read this in approximately 3 or 4 days (full time job, 2 kids and a busy life are the only reason this wasn't a 6 hr read).
It is worth the read - and I would - should have paid to read this one.
It is worth the read - and I would - should have paid to read this one.
September 2, 2019
A Dark Bazaar of the Soul!
You definitely have to get your brain in gear for this one. Unlike many of these darkly absorbing stories, there is no subtle buildup, no creepy noises over a few chapters hinting at possible mischief. Sainsbury smashes you right around the chops and The Blurred Lands very quickly lets you know that things are going to get downright weird. This Fantasia starts with a very strong introduction to our main man, John, a talented house magician mourning the loss of his wife still from three years ago. Very quickly though things start to get incredibly strange and the book sets out its stall and sticks to its guns.
There are two main strands to the story. The prime one sees us drift almost ethereally through John's story his dreams, his memories, his otherworldly experiences, and most strongly his grief and love for his lost wife. It's this last part and his revisiting of some of his college memories that lead to some of the books most powerful and haunting scenes. Sainsbury succeeds in creating a human character of significant depth in amongst the swirling and shifting mists of his fairy tale plot. Magic is given a very strong treatment in its various forms and becomes increasingly prevalent as the story goes on. The second main strand of the story is a series of letters from John's mother to his granddaughter and while this is considerably drier it does flesh out a lot of the back story and the two strands come together very nicely at the end.
Peter Noble gives a very strong performance as the narrator, his slightly edgy version of John and dry, crackly rendition of his mother, the ageing matriarch is very convincing.
This is dark, it's absorbing and it contains some extremely compelling scenes especially where John's thoughts return to his college days. However, it is his feelings for his wife and the journey that he went through with her, particularly towards the climax of the book that will linger longest in my mind. Powerful, emotional stuff and a testament to Sainsbury's talent as a writer.
You definitely have to get your brain in gear for this one. Unlike many of these darkly absorbing stories, there is no subtle buildup, no creepy noises over a few chapters hinting at possible mischief. Sainsbury smashes you right around the chops and The Blurred Lands very quickly lets you know that things are going to get downright weird. This Fantasia starts with a very strong introduction to our main man, John, a talented house magician mourning the loss of his wife still from three years ago. Very quickly though things start to get incredibly strange and the book sets out its stall and sticks to its guns.
There are two main strands to the story. The prime one sees us drift almost ethereally through John's story his dreams, his memories, his otherworldly experiences, and most strongly his grief and love for his lost wife. It's this last part and his revisiting of some of his college memories that lead to some of the books most powerful and haunting scenes. Sainsbury succeeds in creating a human character of significant depth in amongst the swirling and shifting mists of his fairy tale plot. Magic is given a very strong treatment in its various forms and becomes increasingly prevalent as the story goes on. The second main strand of the story is a series of letters from John's mother to his granddaughter and while this is considerably drier it does flesh out a lot of the back story and the two strands come together very nicely at the end.
Peter Noble gives a very strong performance as the narrator, his slightly edgy version of John and dry, crackly rendition of his mother, the ageing matriarch is very convincing.
This is dark, it's absorbing and it contains some extremely compelling scenes especially where John's thoughts return to his college days. However, it is his feelings for his wife and the journey that he went through with her, particularly towards the climax of the book that will linger longest in my mind. Powerful, emotional stuff and a testament to Sainsbury's talent as a writer.
August 28, 2023
Grieving middle aged (commercial) magician, John Aviemore, is surprised to inherit a run down cottage
This was an OK read but it didn't really grip me. It took me a while to get into it and I found the initial several chapters of weirdness unnecessary. I expect it was there to set the scene but it seemed like padding. I also found the "climax" anti-climatic and was over and dusted quite quickly. It feels like the first in a sequel but it is a stand alone.
This was an OK read but it didn't really grip me. It took me a while to get into it and I found the initial several chapters of weirdness unnecessary. I expect it was there to set the scene but it seemed like padding. I also found the "climax" anti-climatic and was over and dusted quite quickly. It feels like the first in a sequel but it is a stand alone.
December 28, 2018
Thrilling and enticing and need of its genre
I was hooked from the very first chapter and felt compelled to turn the page to discover what lay next. I beautiful example of what we perceive magic to be and the countless possibilities it conjures up. The characters all speak to you and draw you into the story as it unfolds making them become as known to you as your own family are.
It can be a nightmare when using time and the possibility of going back and forward without creating a jumble of timelines that simply don't work, but with this tale it is easy to understand and connect the dots. The idea that other lands that lay in the shadows just beyond the reach of mortal man has always appealed to me and Ian has got it as near to my perfect as possible. If magic and magical lands exist then this is how will be, so next time something moves in a shadow of at the corner of your eye don't be so quick to dismiss it.
I am looking forward to the next instalment and hopefully will be able to give it six stars as i would have liked to have done with this one.
I was hooked from the very first chapter and felt compelled to turn the page to discover what lay next. I beautiful example of what we perceive magic to be and the countless possibilities it conjures up. The characters all speak to you and draw you into the story as it unfolds making them become as known to you as your own family are.
It can be a nightmare when using time and the possibility of going back and forward without creating a jumble of timelines that simply don't work, but with this tale it is easy to understand and connect the dots. The idea that other lands that lay in the shadows just beyond the reach of mortal man has always appealed to me and Ian has got it as near to my perfect as possible. If magic and magical lands exist then this is how will be, so next time something moves in a shadow of at the corner of your eye don't be so quick to dismiss it.
I am looking forward to the next instalment and hopefully will be able to give it six stars as i would have liked to have done with this one.
August 2, 2022
In another book, a princess was given a magical pouch which contained food and would never be empty. This pouch stood her and her companions in good stead through the book. At the end of the story, the princess reflected that, though the magical pouch and it's endless supply of food had kept many people alive during times of extreme hardship, given the choice, she would actually prefer 'real' food, because it was somehow fresher and more substantial, more satisfying.
I thought of that as I finished this book. If you don't tend to read much fantasy, this is a book for you. It will impress and dazzle much more than if you're an old hand. Something was lacking. Vaguely the book made me think of Clive Barker's Weaveworld in scope if not quite in innovation or horror.
Perhaps it was me, but this book fails the cardinal rule of all fiction, which is to be convincing. I didn't ultimately believe the narrator. I wasn't seduced or engaged by it. In fact, bits of it grated with me. They seemed derivative and hackneyed. And this ultimately is why I've given it only two stars.
I thought of that as I finished this book. If you don't tend to read much fantasy, this is a book for you. It will impress and dazzle much more than if you're an old hand. Something was lacking. Vaguely the book made me think of Clive Barker's Weaveworld in scope if not quite in innovation or horror.
Perhaps it was me, but this book fails the cardinal rule of all fiction, which is to be convincing. I didn't ultimately believe the narrator. I wasn't seduced or engaged by it. In fact, bits of it grated with me. They seemed derivative and hackneyed. And this ultimately is why I've given it only two stars.
January 1, 2019
Ian Sainsbury is a powerful and interesting writer, full of thoughtful insight and ideas. I have, so far, enjoyed everything that he has written and always anticipate his next work eagerly. If you are a reader of science fiction or fantasy whose tastes are more sophisticated than pixie shit* and sub-Star Trek space opera these novels will delight you. This book explores magic with wit and verve. Urban fantasy with a hard and nightmarish edge. I read fast and I know how good a book is when I run out of it - this one seemed to flash by.
*Not my term, Brian Aldiss used it when we got drunk together at a science fiction convention and I have appropriated it. Read his stuff, particularly "Hothouse" and "The Seedling Stars". Sainsbury reminds me of him.
*Not my term, Brian Aldiss used it when we got drunk together at a science fiction convention and I have appropriated it. Read his stuff, particularly "Hothouse" and "The Seedling Stars". Sainsbury reminds me of him.
March 16, 2023
A stage magician and a caged goddess
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘭𝘶𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘓𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴 are a place where worlds overlap, and where wielders of magic can pass from on realm to another. Our modern world is just one of seven.
John Aviemore, Ian Sainsbury’s protagonist, is a professional magician, a man who specializes in close up magic, and contracted to work at a top London hotel.
He is also a man in grief. His beloved wife Sarah was taken by cancer three years earlier, and his unresolved complex grief has removed all joy from his life. He continues working for the minor distraction that it offers.
He has a dark period in his past, too. Some thirty years ago, as a young university (and virginal) student, he was seduced by a woman he met at a party— a woman who fit his ideal, he thought. She took him back to her cottage near Bristol and introduced him to erotic delights he hadn’t imagined. Over a period of weeks, they met at the cottage half a dozen more times, and it was only with the help of friends that he realized that there was nothing to their relationship but sex— no real affection, no intellectual sharing. So he broke it off, running from the cottage and falling into a psychotic break.
Now, thirty years later, he learns that he has inherited the cottage. When he goes to visit it, he finds himself trapped there, as though Bristol and the modern world no longer existed. He will have, somehow, to free himself, to use the real magic that can only be touched by women, and which he doesn’t believe exists.
Recommended.
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘭𝘶𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘓𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴 are a place where worlds overlap, and where wielders of magic can pass from on realm to another. Our modern world is just one of seven.
John Aviemore, Ian Sainsbury’s protagonist, is a professional magician, a man who specializes in close up magic, and contracted to work at a top London hotel.
He is also a man in grief. His beloved wife Sarah was taken by cancer three years earlier, and his unresolved complex grief has removed all joy from his life. He continues working for the minor distraction that it offers.
He has a dark period in his past, too. Some thirty years ago, as a young university (and virginal) student, he was seduced by a woman he met at a party— a woman who fit his ideal, he thought. She took him back to her cottage near Bristol and introduced him to erotic delights he hadn’t imagined. Over a period of weeks, they met at the cottage half a dozen more times, and it was only with the help of friends that he realized that there was nothing to their relationship but sex— no real affection, no intellectual sharing. So he broke it off, running from the cottage and falling into a psychotic break.
Now, thirty years later, he learns that he has inherited the cottage. When he goes to visit it, he finds himself trapped there, as though Bristol and the modern world no longer existed. He will have, somehow, to free himself, to use the real magic that can only be touched by women, and which he doesn’t believe exists.
Recommended.
December 28, 2018
Highly entertaining
Having discovered Ian via a book recommendation a few months ago, all books have now been read.
Like this others, this did not disappoint. I had no idea what story I was descending into, but it gripped me and two days later I'm left wanting a lot more. Please Ian, continue!
Regarding the book, we have a fairly unique slant on magic, coupled with a strong central character and supportibg narrative. While there were a few "huh?" moments early on, they all tied together beautifully and the story finished, cleanly. While there is a lot of potential for more stories from the realms, and I'd read them without question, as a stand alone novel this book was satisfyingly compete.
Having discovered Ian via a book recommendation a few months ago, all books have now been read.
Like this others, this did not disappoint. I had no idea what story I was descending into, but it gripped me and two days later I'm left wanting a lot more. Please Ian, continue!
Regarding the book, we have a fairly unique slant on magic, coupled with a strong central character and supportibg narrative. While there were a few "huh?" moments early on, they all tied together beautifully and the story finished, cleanly. While there is a lot of potential for more stories from the realms, and I'd read them without question, as a stand alone novel this book was satisfyingly compete.
February 24, 2019
Another fantastic book by Ian W Sainsbury
I couldn't wait to read this book. I don't like leaving a book half read to start another but I did for this one and it didn't disappoint. I enjoy books with a good story that are easy to read and all of Ian's books are just that. I recommend his books to everyone, I've even got my husband reading them and he only reads one of two books a year when we're on holiday. I can't wait for the next installment.
I couldn't wait to read this book. I don't like leaving a book half read to start another but I did for this one and it didn't disappoint. I enjoy books with a good story that are easy to read and all of Ian's books are just that. I recommend his books to everyone, I've even got my husband reading them and he only reads one of two books a year when we're on holiday. I can't wait for the next installment.
December 17, 2020
Good Story
Well developed characters that drive the plotline. It was comfortable to read, the relationships were believable. I loved the descriptive passages about the magic tricks, the inner sanctum, the time cage. The ethical dilemmas were suspenseful. I guess I missed the touch of the feminine I always find when I read books by women. Sarah was realistic but the other women were more archetypal, which I liked very much. I would have liked them to have been more present.
Well developed characters that drive the plotline. It was comfortable to read, the relationships were believable. I loved the descriptive passages about the magic tricks, the inner sanctum, the time cage. The ethical dilemmas were suspenseful. I guess I missed the touch of the feminine I always find when I read books by women. Sarah was realistic but the other women were more archetypal, which I liked very much. I would have liked them to have been more present.
January 26, 2021
One of his best
Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed his other books, the Blurred Lands was his best in my opinion. Ranks up there with Greg Bear’s Infinity Concerto which is one of my favourite novels.
Compelling story line, characters you want to know more of and realms that beg further exploration.
I think Ian would do well to expand on this universe. Another great book by a great author.
Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed his other books, the Blurred Lands was his best in my opinion. Ranks up there with Greg Bear’s Infinity Concerto which is one of my favourite novels.
Compelling story line, characters you want to know more of and realms that beg further exploration.
I think Ian would do well to expand on this universe. Another great book by a great author.
September 22, 2021
Brilliant
Some authors stick to a certain style of writing sometimes re telling the same story with small changes, which is good when you love the characters and want to continue learning about them. Ian sainsbury could be a different author for each book. The style the story it all changes what stays the same is the brilliance of the plot and the multi dimensional characters. Fan for life ☺
Some authors stick to a certain style of writing sometimes re telling the same story with small changes, which is good when you love the characters and want to continue learning about them. Ian sainsbury could be a different author for each book. The style the story it all changes what stays the same is the brilliance of the plot and the multi dimensional characters. Fan for life ☺
March 9, 2019
If he published his shopping list...
I'd probably read it.
To answer the question posed in the author notes, both?!
No details from me as usual other than I loved it. The voice is at once exciting and yet soothing, if that makes any sense. A nice pot of tea on the edge of a cliff.
I'd probably read it.
To answer the question posed in the author notes, both?!
No details from me as usual other than I loved it. The voice is at once exciting and yet soothing, if that makes any sense. A nice pot of tea on the edge of a cliff.
September 12, 2019
Fine. It was fine, but that’s about it, as it never quite got there for me. I think the addition of Gai was where I started to tune out. Things were all over the place from there. The last thing a dark fantasy needs is cutesy humour,(crummy zones???) but that’s what was provided. I felt there was potential, but that potential was never quite met.
October 18, 2019
Interesting
Initially I thought that this was not for me, but after a few more pages I became intrigued as to why the author had introduced certain characters who seemingly served no purpose. Oh what a twisted plot for such a quick read. More may forthcoming if the afterword is anything to go by.
Initially I thought that this was not for me, but after a few more pages I became intrigued as to why the author had introduced certain characters who seemingly served no purpose. Oh what a twisted plot for such a quick read. More may forthcoming if the afterword is anything to go by.
April 18, 2021
I know I’m too late for the deadline
The author wrote in the notes that he was looking for reviews to decide about writing more in this universe (multi-realm?) It’s April 2021. But better late than never! Loved the book and the concepts in it. Good characters as well. I’d love to see more!
The author wrote in the notes that he was looking for reviews to decide about writing more in this universe (multi-realm?) It’s April 2021. But better late than never! Loved the book and the concepts in it. Good characters as well. I’d love to see more!
December 26, 2018
First of many I hope!
Great story and characters that draw you in. Loved the way the author introduced John's granddaughter through letters to her from his mother. Hard to put down once you start, looking forward to the next in the series!
Great story and characters that draw you in. Loved the way the author introduced John's granddaughter through letters to her from his mother. Hard to put down once you start, looking forward to the next in the series!
January 16, 2019
While I didn't enjoy this quite as much as the World Walker series, it is an excellent start to a new series set in an interesting world that I am keen to learn more about. I am really looking forward to the next one.
January 30, 2019
More! More!
I’ve read all Ian W Sainbury’s books, and enjoyed them all, but this I absolutely loved, to the point I was sneaking into bed that bit earlier every night to join John in the cottage. Ian asks if we want more? Yes please!
I’ve read all Ian W Sainbury’s books, and enjoyed them all, but this I absolutely loved, to the point I was sneaking into bed that bit earlier every night to join John in the cottage. Ian asks if we want more? Yes please!
February 1, 2019
A good idea 👍
This book is a new direction for this author and it is still full of his brilliant writing, very descriptive with clever twists that holds your imagination.
Well done !
This book is a new direction for this author and it is still full of his brilliant writing, very descriptive with clever twists that holds your imagination.
Well done !
February 22, 2019
i tried to slow my reading as much as i could... theblurredlands is now a world that exists only in my head until you give us the continuation! more please! more Evie, John and Augustus! give us more!!!!!
July 11, 2019
Excellent fantasy that doesn't follow the formula
The formula for fantasy seems to be going on a trip or quest. This is different,the main character is a very average real world magician, who stumbles into a very real fantasy realm.
The formula for fantasy seems to be going on a trip or quest. This is different,the main character is a very average real world magician, who stumbles into a very real fantasy realm.
August 14, 2019
Entertaining
Good story with scope for more books, which I would definitely read. Have read everything I can find by this author and will eagerly wait whatever escapes the notebooks and makes it out next.
Good story with scope for more books, which I would definitely read. Have read everything I can find by this author and will eagerly wait whatever escapes the notebooks and makes it out next.
October 29, 2019
I loved this book. It was gripping from the start and the ending didn't disappoint. Realistic characters and a well crafted blend of fantasy with the current world. I hope there are more books set in this world.
December 12, 2019
Not my favorite
I have read all of Ian's books and obviously enjoyed them or I wouldn't have continued to do so, however this one not as much as the others. Whilst the charters were believable and entertaining I just could empathise with John who needed guidance at every turn.
I have read all of Ian's books and obviously enjoyed them or I wouldn't have continued to do so, however this one not as much as the others. Whilst the charters were believable and entertaining I just could empathise with John who needed guidance at every turn.
December 2, 2020
Interesting
The characters developed slowly as the convoluted plot spun out the story of magic . Sometimes it required a bit of attention to follow the action. Interesting concept though.
The characters developed slowly as the convoluted plot spun out the story of magic . Sometimes it required a bit of attention to follow the action. Interesting concept though.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews