Sunday 23 September 2012

A New Review for The Shadowed Valley.

I'm delighted with this new review for my novel 'The Shadowed Valley.'
http://liliumhigh.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/shadowed-valley-by-yi-lee-book-review.html

My Review: Things aren't always what they seem in this adventure filled Christian story by Yvonne Lee. The story first starts you off in Australia with a man named Jack getting a startling letter. Then you're off to London where you're thrusted into the a world of darkness. There you meet a young girl named Celia, who awakens in a horrible unknown land. She finds out she must embark on a journey to the Kingdom of Light where she will awaken and all her worries will be gone. Thankfully Celia is not fully alone on her journey as she has her trusty steed, Sunrise and then is later joined by a young man.All three must face the Dark Valley to reach the Kingdom of Light and salvation. Things aren't that easy as there are those who do not want them to succeed. There are two major villains in this book, Lord Noskard and a necromancer. Celia must battle them both in order to reach her destination.

At first I had no idea that this was a Christian/ religious book. Yvonne Lee gradually incorporates it into the story and towards the end you are fully aware of the religious undertones. I normally wouldn't read a religious book as I, myself, am not very religious at all. Even though it would be classified as a Christian book there is enough adventure, twists, and depth to make it so much more.Sure there were times where I thought, things can't really be that easy, but if you are a person of faith I suppose they are.

Overall this was a great book about faith, perseverance, and trust. Its a great read for kids and adults alike and I think you'll enjoy it, even if you aren't religious.

Thursday 20 September 2012

My Review for Miralli Ferrell's novel. 'Other Daughter'

My five star review for 'Other Daughter' by Miralli Ferrell.


It’s Susanne Carson’s birthday and she’s waiting for her husband David to get home from work and take her for a celebratory meal. The doorbell rings, and Susanne opens it to find a young girl standing there clutching a battered suitcase, and claiming to be her husband’s daughter.

Other Daughter is not the sort of book I would normally read. But it came well recommended, and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read it. This is a Christian book, but it is certainly not preachy! It is well written, honest and at times gritty and certainly challenging. As I read, I found myself wondering how I would react in such a situation. If the product of my husband’s one night stand appeared on my doorstep.  Very much like Susanne I think. Even as a Christian, I would find the situation very hard to cope with.

Having had a difficult childhood, I could relate to young Brianna. I could feel her unhappiness and insecurity, her need to be loved and accepted.

I could also see things from Susanne’s perspective. First the shock of her husband David’s infidelity; and then trying to cope with her own emotions. The insecurity and anger, engendered by the situation she found herself in.

The characters in the book were totally believable, I felt drawn to each one, especially Susanne’s daughter Megan. I loved the way she accepted Brianna and cared about her. As did Grandfather and Susanne’s mother Clair.

As for Brianna’s uncle, what a nasty piece of work he is! He drops the child off at Susann’s house and drives off without so much as a by-your- leave!

 

Other Daughter is a brill book with lots of twists and turns. There’s excitement and heart tugging emotion. I loved the honesty in this book.

It’s the sort of story that remains with you long after you’ve read it.

If this is Miralee Ferrell’s debut novel, then I can’t wait for the next book.

Tuesday 11 September 2012

Early Oct for publication of Through a Glass

It won't be long now. I estimate early Oct for publication.

Prologue

The narrow tunnel appeared to have no end. Irene kept her head low to avoid contact with the roof.  In the thick darkness she could hardly see Stagman crawling ahead of her. The desire to panic was overwhelming. She hated heights, but closed in spaces truly terrified her.

The sharp stones and gravel on the tunnel floor bit into their hands and knees, making progress torturously slow.

Stagman groaned with frustration as he tried to secure the small torch between his teeth. The steel casing felt unpleasant in his mouth, putting his teeth on edge.  But without its fragile light, they would be in total darkness…not an option either of them would welcome.

“Are you okay?” Irene asked.

With a mouthful of torch, Stagman could only grunt a reply.

Irene crawled along behind him, desperately praying they would soon escape the claustrophobic darkness and emerge into the light. As she struggled on, she remembered the fateful day she finished the painting—the painting which had ushered her into this amazing but frightening world.

Saturday 1 September 2012

My review for Draykon by Charlotte E English

This was a good book. I really enjoyed it!

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating, September 1, 2012
By Yvonne Lee (United Kingdom)
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Draykon (Draykon Series) (Kindle Edition)
At first when I started to read this, I found it a bit confusing, and couldn't figure out what was happening. Also I struggled with the many strange names.
However, the further I got into the book the more I enjoyed it.
Llandry, the main character in the story, makes jewellery. In a cave she finds a beautiful gem called istore. She has no idea it's more than a gem...or that there would be such terrible consequences, when people started to buy the items she made with it.
I loved the characters in this book, especially another main character, Eva. She is strong, whereas Llandry is shy and easily panicked. I also liked two of the male characters. Brave Tren who tried so hard to look after Eva. And then there's the dishy Devary. Each character in the book is unique and I found myself interested in each one, which is a testament to the author's excellent writing skill, as there are a lot of them.
I loved all the different animals as well.
The twist with Llandry at the end of the book really took me by surprise, as did the abrupt way the story ended...a real cliff hanger. I hope there's a sequel! I would love to think Llandry and Davary get together.
In some ways the story reminded me of one of my favourite TV shows, Primeval. In the book, gates to different worlds begin to open, allowing strange and sometimes dangerous creatures to come through. In primeval there's a similar situation, but they are called anomalies.
Once you get into it, Draykon is an exciting read. If like me, you enjoy a good fantasy. Then you'll like this, it's brill!