Stuart Aken: Fantastic Book Publishing

Showing posts with label Fantastic Book Publishing. Show all posts

Wednesday, 3 December 2014

5 Star Review for Partings.

Partings is now available in print form. We’re still waiting for Amazon to connect the digital and print versions, but you can still buy it either from your local Amazon store by clicking here. Or direct from Fantastic BooksPublishing by clicking here.

And, after a long wait, I’ve finally got a review of the book. Here it is. For those who’ve read either of the books so far published, I’d really appreciate your review, regardless of what you have to say. All reviews help both the author and other readers. Thank you.

Love it, an enjoyable story with interesting characters., 29 Sep 2014

By MR David TW Hughes - See all my reviews

Verified Purchase(What is this?)

This review is from: Partings (A Seared Sky Book 2) (Kindle Edition)

The second installment of this fascinating series carries on where "Joinings" left off but introduces a lot of new characters for the second part of the journey. All the characters are interesting and are continuing to develop. Unlike many fantasy novels, where the focus is on the journey and the lore, "A Seared Sky" isn't afraid to let the character drive the story and undergo significant change along the way.

Highly recommended for adults everywhere, but don't leave it somewhere the kids can find it - unless you don't mind questions like "daddy, what does 'prodding a fern" mean? ;-)

Author's note on the above - 'fern' is a local euphemism for a part of the female anatomy; local to the characters in the series, that is.

Thursday, 30 October 2014

Updates from my Publisher

Regular readers will know I have a great relationship with my publisher: unusual for author and Fantastic Books Publishing is something of a maverick and a man who knows the value of talent and honesty.
publisher to be friends, of course, but Dan Grubb of

Two bits of great news today and to present them, I'll simply copy the words from recent newsletters sent out by the publisher:

Stuart Aken’s final novel in his ‘A SearedSky’ series
Stuart’s trilogy has been very well received by epic fantasy fans and his attention to detail, meticulous planning and hand drawn world maps all combine to make this series something really special. The third in the series ‘Convergence’ will be available as an ebook soon and as a print-on-demand paperback shortly afterwards.

SA: Can't wait for it!

Fusion:

SA: This collection was formerly only available in digital form. now those who prefer to hold a book in their hands can also read it!

A collection of 25 stories of fantasy and science fiction from around the globe, each illustrated by digital artist Alice Taylor.

This collection has been compiled from the winners of the Fantastic Books Publishing International Charity Short Story Competition 2012 and features 2 stories from our professional contributors Danuta Reah and Stuart Aken.

10% of the proceeds of this book will be donated to the WCRF (World Cancer Research Fund – Registered Charity Number – 1000739) who do sterling work in the field of global cancer prevention.

SIGNED BY THE ARTIST!

This is a PRE-ORDER purchase. Orders placed on or before the 15th December will be delivered to you in time for the December holidays.

SA: To order your copy, click on this link.

Price: £7.99

AUTHORS:
Apeksha Harsh
Brad Greenwood
Celia Coyne
Danuta Reah
David K Paterson
Dawn Hudd
Denise Hayes
Drew Wagar
Joanna Vandenbring
John Hoggard
John-Paul Cleary
Jonny Rowland
Katy Huth Jones
Leonie Ewing
Natalie Kleinman
Peter Ford
Peter Holz
Polly Robinson
Rose Thurlbeck
Sarah Cuming
Stuart Aken
Thomas Pitts
Walt Pilcher

So, there you go. More good stuff for those who love to read. Enjoy.

Thursday, 7 August 2014

Here it is: the Second Book of the Trilogy!

Epic Fantasy is a genre noted for its love of long works. A Seared Sky is no exception to this rule, though it may deal with themes and ideas not generally encountered in the field. Joinings, book 1, was launched by my publisher, Fantastic Books Publishing, with a Facebook Party on 30 March 2014. Partings, book 2, will be launched at the fabulous convention, FantastiCon, in Hull on 16 August. I’ll be in attendance, with many other writers of fantasy and science fiction, to sign books, talk about my work, and answer questions. To be honest, I hope to enjoy the rest of the many delights available on the day as well! If you follow down to the previous posts, you’ll find full details of what's going on.

In the meantime, I’d better let you have some idea of what Partings is about:

A Seared Sky is a trilogy, and none of its parts is intended to be read in isolation, or out of order. Book 2, Partings, assumes readers have read book 1, Joinings. The question remains, however, how to explain events in book 2 without introducing spoilers for those who haven’t yet read book 1?

I’ll do my best:

Aklon-Dji, convinced the time is ripe for his planned uprising on the island, sets in motion a series of events leading to civil strife and a dangerous confrontation with an army that vastly outnumbers his own forces. Will his concern for justice and his apparent willingness to trust people cause his capture?

Dagla Kaz renews the pilgrimage, in spite of indications he may be mistaken. Unexpected events expose the fate of his daughter, Jodisa-Li, and a violent meeting threatens his life. Encountering different interpretations of history, which raise serious doubts, he nevertheless pursues the Skyfire toward the homeland, only to see his Virgin Gifts captured by a tribe of wild men in the wilderness. Will he recover them intact so that his mission can continue?

Tumalind’s fortunes suffer as she attempts to escape unwanted attention. Treachery follows her, placing her in serious danger from external forces over which she has no control. Will her courage and resourcefulness guide her and allow her to remain steadfast in her loyalty to Okkyntalah?

Okkyntalah, beset by assassins, is forced into a foreign war. Wounded, he seeks the help of brave and talented women to counter fatal threats. In pursuit of his dreams, he faces great danger, hardship, imprisonment and forced separation from his love. Will his courage and tenacity rescue Tumalind from the dangers she faces?

New characters join the cast as the pilgrims continue their quest over foreign lands and the journeys of the various groups travel to unexpected destinations. And, throughout all, the wise woman employs her extraordinary powers to keep track, observe, and influence wherever she is able. But will her gifts be enough to stem the rising tide of evil?

So, if you can, come along to the event. If you can't make it, there'll be links here on the blog so you can get hold of a copy the day after the launch. Enjoy the read: I certainly enjoyed the writing!