The Bull At The Gate - paperback launch

Where did the month go? Mostly in bringing the paperback of The Bull At The Gate to launch, and promoting Books 1 and 2 in the Torc of Moonlight trilogy. But it has its rewards as reviews are coming in:

“...Utterly gripping. A fascinating journey around contemporary and Roman York is the background to a compelling plot. The nuances and ambiguities kept me guessing - something I always enjoy...”

“..Nick's vulnerable mindset is totally convincing after such a disturbing experience in Book 1...”

“...An absolute brilliant read, an absorbing, gripping book...”

 “...Here history is not an alternative universe but the continuous integration of the 'present' – a fascinating concept...”

Reviews can make a book, and their lack can so often break a book. In truth it’s always been the way, but authors feel it more keenly now. Mainstream publishers do check the number of reviews on distributions sites when deciding whether to renew a contract, and for indie authors many internet promotion portals determine entry by the number of reviews.

I’m lucky in that SF/F retailer Fantastic Book Publishing is distributing signed paperback copies of both Torc of Moonlight and The Bull At The Gate.

So let me make a plea on behalf of all authors. Leave a short review on the books you read. It does help us, honest.

Copies of both the ebooks and paperbacks (alas not signed) can also be found at

Amazon (all stores) ¦ Barnes & Noble (USA) ¦ Book Depository (Worldwide Delivery)

Reviews! Reviews!

It’s great getting reviews, and I know I should show a little decorum – it comes with being a Brit – but…. Yayyy!!!

Two Ends Of The Pen gives Torc of Moonlight 4.5* “…The riveting climax of the story will keep you on the edge of your seat.  Is it real or a nightmare?  Can you drown in a hallucination?”

Readers Favorite gives Beneath The Shining Mountains 5*  "...an interesting story that is easy to get caught up in. The characters are captivating... Highly recommended."

 

Goodreads member Rita gives Torc of Moonlight 5* "...Great story, very atmospheric. Some of the images stay with you after you've read it....I'm looking forward to reading the next book 'The Bull at The Gate'."

Leetid's Reading gives Beneath The Shining Mountains  4* "...This was an interesting read as it was completely different to all the other romances I have read and it was a nice change. It was a good book..."

Amazon.com reader Toni V Sweeney gives Torc of Moonlight 5* "...the vivid descriptions made the countryside and the various Celtic sites come alive. Sad, haunting, even poignant, the characters of Nick, his beloved Alice, and Leonard are finely drawn to make us care about them..."

There are more, but let's let's calm down here.

The big surprise is how, for a non-erotic historical romance, Beneath The Shining Mountains has been embraced in the USA and Europe. As more e-readers are sold in the UK perhaps it will get picked up here, too. And I've no doubt, now, that Torc of Moonlight will catch up in sales. It's certainly gaining admirers among those who have read it.

Do all Indies a favour... review that novel you're reading. You may never speak to the author direct, but I'll guarantee they'll be pleased.