Showing posts with label reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reviews. Show all posts

Monday, 13 August 2012

A Small Rant - Is This Etiquette?


I’m never quite sure what to do with reviews - apart from read them where they are posted! Do I put them on my blog/twitter/facebook or not?
 Etiquette (social media-style) says it is not a good idea to keep pushing your own work on blogs/twitter (but then again I thought that was the whole point???) I guess it’s a matter of not boring folks rigid with it and being judicious about how much self-promotion is a good thing… Heck, I’ve often been very irritated on twitter by the increasing amount of people who only seem to self-promote their own stuff – they never seem to join in conversations.  AND I do get tired of having their latest blog/ book release shoved down my throat endlessly.  Don’t get me wrong, I am always pleased for other people when their books are published and I do understand the need to self promote – we all need to do it. I’m just not sure it should be done all the time at the expense of other articles, news items etc.
I also hate it when folks post long, long excerpts of their books on their blogs – especially when the said excerpt is out of context. As if I’ve got half a day spare to read their pages-long post!!  (squeaky voice rising hysterically)
Okay, my rant is now over!!! I am calm…
But wait… Back to my review – to post or not to post??  Should I join in? Mmmmm…. Err yes…  What a hypocrite you say! And you are right. So here is my review (taken from amazon): Ta Da!

The Afterlife of Darkmares


“Having read P J Newcombe's third thriller - the Afterlife of Darkmares I found that it was just as I had expected. I've already read the first two and so I knew that I was in for a good read. I wasn't disappointed. The author has developed a way of weaving the twenty-first century story of a troubled mother and her son, into hypnotic paranormal episodes with great skill and sensitivity as Grif has unbeknown, even to himself, released an evil entity. The suspense is such that you must turn page after page . . .

Still grieving herself from the loss of her daughter, Kate gets help with her son Grif's tormented life from Ben the sleep therapist. At one of the sessions Ben asks Grif about his sister and dad.

"Megan died and Dad left home," Grif said flatly.

The continuing tale of Kate seeking help from the specialist is thwarted by steady pushing from the police to prove in some way that she was responsible for Megan's death, and the tension builds. She suspects that her estranged husband may be spreading malicious rumours. Now the darkmares really begin for Kate as the parallel story of the plague in the village of Eyam, four centuries ago unfolds and is skillfully woven by the author into the present day story forcing Kate to delve into the supernatural for an answer.

This thriller is skillfully plotted with strong rounded characters, making it not only a good read but gives the reader insight into how flimsy the threads of life are. I thoroughly recommend it. The Afterlife of Darkmares in an excellent read in every sense, but not for the faint hearted.”
AFTER THOUGHT!
(P.S. Just so you know - I am definitely NOT against promotional stuff on blogs/twitter etc - I simply think some folk have nothing to give/say other than self promotion and I think that spoils it for the rest of us...)
So do you ever post reviews on your blog? Do you think there is a limit to how much self promo work should be done through blogs/social networks??


Tuesday, 19 June 2012

Introducing Bloglights Highlights!

Ta! Da! I’m introducing a new weekly item to my blog!

I aim to make lots of lovely links to all of you - my blogging friends. Well, eventually I will get to all of you…
So, in the spotlight (oops, sorry, BLOGLIGHT) this week are:
Talli Roland– Talli was one of the first bloggers I followed and I have been reading her entertaining and informative blog ever since. Her latest book Construct a Couple is out now and I am pleased to say I am reading and enjoying it immensely even though it’s not my usual genre! Talli is also very conscientious about returning visits
Peggy Eddleman – Peggy’s blog ‘Will Write for cookies is also a favourite. I just love the delicious pictures of sweet, fabulous cookies. And I love her writerly quotes too – they always seem to resonate for me.
Clarissa Draper – Clarrssa’s blog is informative and full of interesting questions and competitions. Well worth a visit. Her blog is called ‘Listening to the voices’ and she certainly does!
 Maeve Frazier– I just adore the title of Maeve’s blog! ‘Lollipop’s cottage’. It is an absolute delight to click onto. She reviews and writes mostly for children and usually has some scrumptious recipes to try out.
Do give these lovely peeps a go.  You won’t regret it…