| Author | Message | ||
     Gcw (Gcw) Username: Gcw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 86.167.117.66 |
As I have said before, when I go to Fantasycon, I use it as a chance to stock up on books for the year ahead. I think it's a good sign of how many fine books about at the moment that I am getting through my 'stash' at a rate of knots! - I may well have to re-stock soon at this rate. Mark West's 'Conjure'was one I read a few weeks ago - my apologies Mark, that it has taken me a while to post you a review as I had promised, but my album recording is at fever pitch right now, and when I have had time out, I would rather be reading than writing! 'Conjure' captured my imagination straight from the get-go. Mark pulls you straight in with fine characterization - indeed, the natural dialogue of his characters is a joy to read. Also, I found myself smiling to myself a few times as I am sure recognised a few Norfolk coastal outposts there? And is that a lightly disguised Acle Straight mentioned - ?  ). 'Conjure' is tightly plotted, indeed, I was very impressed how Mark intertwined his characters accross the pages, it seemed quite cinematic to me. I am also pleased to confirm this a quite erotic book, gcw likes a nice sex scene once in a while and good old Mark delivers - sorted! So is there a weakness? well,the backbone of the story seemed a little weak compared to the superb dialogue & characterisation, but Mark did end proceedings with a classic horror McGuffin which won me over 100 percent - liked that a lot! 'Conjure' was a great fun read, with more than enough good stuff going on to cover up any plot weaknesses. Check it out - recommended, plus it's a novella, great for lunchtime reads! gcw | ||
| Mark West (Mark_west) Username: Mark_west Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 217.39.177.173 |
Thanks very much for this, Gary, I really do appreciate it and your taking the time to post. As for the coastal outposts - yep, that's the Acle Straight. In fact, if you changed the name of the town, for the most part Beth would be wandering around in Great Yarmouth! Thanks again, I'm really pleased you liked it. | ||
| Matthew Fryer (Matthew_fryer) Username: Matthew_fryer Registered: 08-2009 Posted From: 90.195.182.161 |
Sounds good! Conjure is definitely next up for me. (Sorry it's taken so long, Mark) | ||
| Mick Curtis (Mick) Username: Mick Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 86.178.83.10 |
Me, I loved it - I fully agree with gcw (of course; the man has taste!) about it, especially the characterisation. I look forward to more from Mark (the man who warned me how hot the Madras curry is in Chutney's, even though it didn't stop me ordering it!). | ||
| Mark West (Mark_west) Username: Mark_west Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 217.39.177.173 |
Thanks, Matthew, hope you enjoy it. Thanks, Mick, I appreciate your kind words (and I don't remember that curry phasing you at all!). | ||
| Matthew Fryer (Matthew_fryer) Username: Matthew_fryer Registered: 08-2009 Posted From: 90.202.180.84 |
I did, thanks! My review is up here. http://matthewfryer.wordpress.com/ Cheers! | ||
| Mark West (Mark_west) Username: Mark_west Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 81.131.2.163 |
Thanks, Matt, very much appreciated! | ||
| Mark West (Mark_west) Username: Mark_west Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 86.171.144.195 |
A bit of self-pimpage here and just a quick word, in case anyone's interested, that the ebook version of "Conjure" has just been published by Generation Next Publications (where I'm in the company of Gary, Tim Lebbon, Steve Saville, Paul Lockley, Willie Meikle and many others). It doesn't have the original artwork, but does include a bonus short story - "Empty Souls, Drowning", which introduced my east coast seaside town of Heyton). At present, it's available on a variety of formats through Smashwords. https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/39785 Thanks for reading! | ||
| John Forth (John) Username: John Registered: 05-2008 Posted From: 82.24.1.217 |
Hm, and here's me with a brand new Kindle to fill.  | ||
| Mark West (Mark_west) Username: Mark_west Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 86.171.144.195 |
Cheers, John, it's like a perfect match, isn't it? | ||
| Mark West (Mark_west) Username: Mark_west Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 86.157.135.161 |
Now available at Amazon with added competition-y goodness! If you purchase this eBook version of Mark West's Conjure, you You are eligible to win an autographed paperback copy of In The Rain With The Dead by Mark West along with a personal note from the author. This eBook has a code in it that can be used to enter this contest. Contest ends on March 31, 2011. The winner will be randomly drawn from all entries on April 4, 2011. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Conjure/dp/B004LGTPF0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1296994880& sr=1-1 |