Book News Black Gemini By Rachael Kirby

Star Wars legend Dave Prowse helps mum-of-two’s debut novel

A mum-of-two found the woo-key to success after penning a critically-acclaimed sci-fi novel – with the help of Star Wars legend Dave Prowse.

Housewife Rachael Kirby, 38, brought a galaxy far, far away a little closer to home with her debut work, ‘Black Gemini’.

The novel – based ”loosely” on the Star Wars series – is set in a fictional world and follows the lives of General Viper and his lieutenant, Jess.

Since its re-release earlier this month, the 144-page book – the first of a planned trilogy – has won the hearts of readers and critics alike.

But that comes as no surprise given the pedigree of Rachael’s ”literary consultant” and family friend – the ‘godfather’ of science fiction.

Prowse, who played the original Darth Vader, offered ”tips, advice and general assistance” throughout the 13-YEAR writing process, free-of-charge.

According to Rachael, who lives in Solihull, Birmingham, his help was ”absolutely invaluable”.

She said: ”Dave and I have been friends for many years, so he was an obvious point of call when I began writing Black Gemini.

”I discussed all aspects of the book, from its plot to its characters, and he was absolutely invaluable thereafter.

”He did everything free-of-charge, but acted, essentially, as my literary consultant.”

Rachael began writing Black Gemini in 1997 shortly after giving birth to her first son, Daniel.

With a ”deep-rooted” love of sci-fi, she based her book on George Lucas’ 1970s hit series.

She spent the next eight years drafting the story – which is written with a female audience in mind – and the following five years putting in the ”finishing touches”.

But her efforts were made easier thanks to the experience of Prowse, a family friend since the early 1990s.

Rachael, who lives with husband Neil and their second son Ben, 11, said: ”I’ve had a team of amazing – and patient – people around me, and I’ll always be grateful for all they’ve done to help me.”

She is already penning a sequel, and has plans for the third.

”I haven’t asked Dave for his help yet – but I will,” she added.

Book News - The Weight Of Time By JA Gordon

Romans, Romance And Reincarnation.

‘The Weight of Time’, an historical adventure by J.A. Gordon, was inspired by the author’s own research into and experience of former lives.

The book explores life in Nero’s Imperial Army nearly 2,000 years ago and has been praised for its great attention to detail – a point Judith puts down to her own journeys into the past.

Speaking from her home in Shropshire, she said: “Through past life regressions, I’ve been taken back to many lives – some good, some not so good

“But I’ve always been fascinated by the splendour and terror of Ancient Rome and was eager to make use of my knowledge to paint a credible picture of the cruel politics of these times in the portraits of historical figures.

“Also, I wanted to give the little details of everyday life such as the cooking, the medicines and how centurions kept themselves clean.”

Married Judith, a barrister and corporate lawyer for twenty years, began her research into reincarnation in the early 1990s after quitting her role at a blue-chip company to launch a home-based legal consultancy.

Though her early studies were ”merely to satisfy personal curiosity”, she found that a chance meeting with a Jungian therapist not only deepened her interest but “transformed” her life.

She said: “I began working with the hypnotherapist and through a number of sessions went back to lives as long ago as ancient Egypt, where my father was a vizier to the pharaoh. I learned a great deal which explained issues in my present life.

“Much of this work was intensely painful and I felt like a limp rag afterwards but it was hugely instructive.

“The one overwhelming lesson of each life I visited was that the only thing that matters, the only important thing in the universe, is love.”

Inspired by her journeys into the past, Judith began writing in 2007. Her first book, ‘Moments in Time’ – book I in the ‘Chronicles of Eternity’ series – was published in 2009 and introduced Graecus, an auxiliary centurion living in “Lower Germania” at the utmost edge of Rome’s rule.

Its sequel, The Weight of Time, sees Graecus and his men posted to ancient Briton to help General Suetonius’s legions quell an uprising led by Boudicca, the legendary warrior queen.

Over the course of the novel, Graecus finds that his enemies in the Roman camp are more dangerous than Boudicca’s blue-painted Iceni warriors. An encounter with a tribal noblewoman, meanwhile, causes him to question his oath to Nero.

This 350-page book has been praised for its authenticity and for providing a ”vivid window into the past”.

It has also been commended for the deeper themes it raises such as past lives, early Christianity and the transformative power of love.

“I was keen to give some insights into reincarnation to a wider reading public and how visiting past lives can enrich a person’s present existence,” Judith said.

“Ultimately, we all have our roots in the same soil and, being part of something much bigger than our present selves, it’s wise to tread gently on the earth and treat others as we would be treated.”

There will be three more books in the ‘Chronicles’ series with Book III, ‘A Capital Time’, set for a winter 2010 release.

‘The Weight of Time’ (Derwen Publishing, ISBN 978-1-907084-02-7) is out now, priced £12.99. To order a copy, or for more information, visit: www.chroniclesofeternity.co.uk

Book Reviews - Undercover by Maria Hammarblad

Jenny Moore is a quite ordinary young woman working for a nameless big industry. She does wish for some more adventure in her life, and she gossips wildly with her friends working in the same office. One day, said adventure does enter through her door, in the shape of customer Alexei Roshenko, who is recently arrived from Russia to learn more about the company’s materials and manufacturing processes. He thinks that she’s just as pretty as the “beauties from the fabled Hollywood,” and she finds him extremely handsome and exciting.

After a brief and intense romance he goes back home, and she goes back to her old life, and that might very well have been all. Except, they can’t stop thinking about each other. All might still have been well if it wasn’t for the little complication of him being a very competent killer employed by the army. They do find a way to get back together, but the couple’s problems are just starting. Alexei finds himself forced to work as a “spy, agent, and occasional terrorist,” and to say that Jenny’s life is turned completely upside down would be putting it mildly.

The rest of the book follows their adventures trying to survive and trying to stay together and out of prison. The book is divided into three parts, and I found the first part both funny, cute and romantic, but rather slow. The action definitely picks up in the second part, and when reaching the third part it had become impossible to put the book down.

Born 2 Rule By Kevin Konomanyi

A 15-year-old schoolboy who penned a short story for an English project became one of Britain’s youngest professional authors yesterday – after securing a major publishing deal.

Teenager Kevin Konomanyi (corr) received an ”undisclosed sum” for the worldwide rights to ‘Born2Rule: Memoirs of Frederick III’.
His 154-page ”historical epic” chronicles the rise and fall of Robert Holstein, a fictional member of the German Royal Family, from humble beginnings as a lowly orphan to one of the world’s most powerful and respected leaders.

He is now celebrating the publication of the work – which goes on sale today – and there is even talk of a film version. Last night Kevin, who lives with his parents in Downley, Buckinghamshire, told of his plans to make a career in writing. ”I’ve always loved writing and telling stories,” he said. ”As I got older, writing became a passion and I realised that I wanted to do it full time.

”I’ve still got to finish my studies but, when I do, I plan to become a full-time author and, I hope, sell lots and lots of books.”
Kevin – who has no family background in writing – was inspired to write the novel by a school English assignment. His class at St Bernard’s Catholic School in High Wycombe was told to write a short story on a topic of their choice. Kevin, who describes himself as an ”average teenager”, based his on the German Royal Family in the 19th-Century.

‘The Four Stages’, the story’s original title, was so good that he had trouble convincing his teacher he wrote it himself. Given the feedback he received, his parents sent the story to a leading literary agent in London, who said in an email: ”My advice is that you give this story the time and space it deserves and develop it in a full-length novel, which I’m looking forward to reading…” ”I jumped at the chance,” he said. ”The original short story was only 3,000 words in length, so it needed lots of work. ”I worked on weekends, after school and even, at times, at the back of the classroom!”

Once the manuscript was completed, Kevin sent it to the same literary agent – who signed him on the spot. Within weeks, the publisher Pneuma Springs Publishing offered him a contract.

The story has also been passed to movie producers, who are ‘’seriously considering” adapting it for the big screen. Kevin, who is already working on a sequel, said: ”I’m just over the moon. This is a dream come true, and I can’t wait to see what the public and reviewers think.”

A spokesman for Pneuma Springs Publishing said: ”We were really impressed when we read the story. ”He has created a brilliant book  -  it’s got pace, great historical characters, and a real sense of adventure which leaves the reader wanting to know more. He is a remarkable talent and definitely a writer to watch.”

‘Born2Rule: Memoirs of Frederick III’ is out now priced £8.99 from WHSmith and Waterstone’s, and from www.pneumasprings.co.uk.
More information about Kevin’s work can be found on his website, www.kevin-konomanyi.com

Book Reviews - Touch Of Goddess By Maria Hammarblad

The good advice that one shouldn’t drive drunk is valid even for spaceships, a small detail that Stephan Forks ignores when he tries to drown old sorrows. He rams a ship manned by one single woman, and quickly dismisses her as a figment of his imagination. Only, when he wakes up the next day, she’s still there, sitting in his bed, eating strawberries. Maria Callaway is real, indeed. So begins the story of the Goddess and the space rogue, and Hammarblad lets us follow them on some quite appealing adventures.

Being the first book of three, “Touch of the Goddess” lets us know the main characters and some of their history. It is a light and rather cute book that kicks off the series, but the author promises that the following two will be darker, albeit still romantic and very likely cute. Given her history of cutting off character’s body parts or having them kill little children, I’m certain that whatever she comes up with will be interesting!

I personally encountered the character Maria Callaway a few years ago, and have thoroughly enjoyed reading the stories about her, Stephan, and their at times peculiar families and friends. During the years I have hoped to get to see them in book form, and I am not disappointed. “Touch of the Goddess” is a thoroughly enjoyable read that mixes mythology and science fiction with romance in a format easy to take in.

Books - Vivian Woodward By Norman Jacobs

In another exclusive Ash Books competition, we have 5 copies of Vivian Woodward: Football’s Gentleman, by author Norman Jacobs, up for grabs.

A must for footy fans, the book is the biography of sporting legend Vivian Woodward and his  illustrious career in football.

Football’s Gentleman is the tell-all story of a young man’s dream of playing for his country, and his unrivalled success at the turn of the 20th century.

Woodward played for Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur and took part in over 60 international game for England. He was famously credited with scoring a total of eight goals against France in a 15-0 trouncing.

He led England to victory in both the 1908 and 1912 Olympic Games and continued playing professionally until 1920, ending his glittering career for Clacton Town F.C. Woodward died in 1954, aged 74.

For your chance to win a copy of Vivian Woodward: Football’s Gentleman, released through Tempus Publishing and usually priced £20, just answer this simple question:

How many international games did Vivian Woodward play in throughout his career?

[contact-form]

ThePrizeFinder – UK Competitions.

UK Competitions from CrazyCompers.co.uk

Book News Enlightened Business

British businesses could increase profits “substantially” by addressing their so-called “spiritual footprint”, one of the UK’s most successful entrepreneurs claimed yesterday.

Stephen Kirk, a financial commentator and author, believes the ”vast majority” of companies are ”blinkered” and ”completely unaware” of the effects they have on others.

He says many lack a ‘conscience’, and those that do should be making more of a contribution to the ”world at large”.

By doing so, he argues, company chiefs would still be ”making a living – without selling their soul”.

The self-made millionaire said there was still time to prevent a ‘’spiritual emergency” if ‘fat cats’ and other highly-paid executives adopted a more holistic attitude to business.

Speaking yesterday, the author of ‘Enlightened Business’, said: ”The current economic meltdown in the financial markets may be blamed on banks and governments, but at its heart it represents a spiritual emergency.

“The economic crisis is just one example of how lives are being ruined through companies and executives having lost sight of the real role of business in the world.

“Business should be about connection, creativity and fulfilment. These are hard to find in many companies because modern capitalism has made an art form out of greed.”

Mr Kirk made a ”highly-lucrative” career in TV and newspapers after developing the first premium-rate phone lines.

At its height in the 1980s, he admits that his company Broadsystem was a ”licence to print money”.

But despite his own commercial success, he warns “from personal experience” that money alone does not buy happiness.

He said: “There is nothing inherently wrong with wealth creation but this must be balanced by altruism and compassion.”

“Companies today are very powerful, and executives can use their vision to shape the world using the wisdom they have acquired through trading.”

Mr Kirk insists that companies should adopt a more traditional, spiritual approach to business – one that he developed after a successful battle with cancer.

The 57-year-old now believes that entrepreneurs and senior executives are on the “road to personal and professional ruin” unless they use business as a means of creative expression and generosity.

“Over the ten years since my illness I have re-evaluated my life and how I conducted myself. I had a calling to go into business, I found it fun as well as making a comfortable living,” he said.

“But then I went against my intuition and worked for money rather than personal satisfaction. It almost killed me.”

“Now I am content to do business I believe in and am happy to walk away from anything else, regardless of the pay cheque.”

Mr Kirk, a certified meditation teacher and executive coach, continues to be involved with companies at board level… but only those that are “harmonious” with his spirit.

He argues that working against “destiny” for short-term gain is not only counter-productive to business but also the world in general.

He said: “Trade is all about connection, but capitalism in its current form is divisive. It divides the businessman from self-fulfilment, the customer from the client, the company from community and globally, the rich from the poor.

“The results are millions in debt, soaring crime rates and terrorism. Meanwhile, technological advancements have exploited natural resources to the point of environmental disaster.

“Treating people as you would like to be treated rather than disposable assets can reverse this damage and lead to greater satisfaction for individuals within companies , customers, and society in general.”

In Enlightened Business, published by Derwen, Mr Kirk predicts that a “chaotic” international market will force struggling multinationals to join the “spiritual supply chain”, or risk collapse.

He added: “A spiritual approach is not just good practice but “essential business”.

“The growing success of small customer-orientated businesses at the expense of faceless corporations shows the way forward, but Enlightened Business must also be adopted by multinationals.”

“It’s all about making a genuine contribution to the world and sharing your fulfilment with customers, suppliers, shareholders and employees alike.

“It’s about being aware that every company has a Spiritual Footprint that influences everything in its wake.”

“Market crashes will be even more spectacular and natural catastrophes even greater until we realise we need to attune to the universal flow.”

Enlightened Business, published by Derwen Publishing, is available now from Amazon UK, priced £13.75. http://stephenkirk.org/

Book News - I Miss Mummy

Alice just wants to go home!

Sunday Times best-selling author Cathy Glass returns with tear-jerking tug-of-love fostering memoir

Foster carer Cathy is thrown straight into a nightmare when her latest placement, four-year-old Alice, is snatched by her drug-dependent, mentally-ill mother.

After three anxious days, little Alice is found by the police, safe but traumatised. Like a doll, so young and vulnerable, she immediately finds her place in Cathy’s family. She talks openly about her mummy, who she clearly loves dearly, and how happy she was living with her maternal grandparents before being put into care. Alice has clearly been very well-looked after and Cathy can’t understand why she couldn’t stay where she was.

It emerges the grandparents, in their sixties, are considered too old and so social services plan to relocate Alice with her father and his new wife. The grandparents are distraught – Alice has never known her father, and her grandparents claim he is a violent drug dealer.

Desperate to help Alice find the happy home she deserves, Cathy is drawn deeper into a harrowing tug-of-love where her parenting skills are tested in many new ways. Finally, questions are asked about Alice’s father suitability, and his true colours begin to emerge.

Cathy Glass is a bestselling British author, freelance writer and foster carer. She has been a foster carer for over 20 years, during which time she has looked after more than 50 children. Her first fostering memoir, Damaged, became a Number 1 Sunday Times bestseller upon its release in 2007. To date, her books have sold 0.7 million copies. She writes under a pseudonym. For more information, go to: www.cathyglass.co.uk

Book Review - Tyger Tyger

Teagan is sure she’s just your average girl… until a horrible twist of events convinces her that she is being hunted by goblins, for a reason she doesn’t understand, and her father is kidnapped by them. She and her quirky brother, Aiden, and her cousin-by-adoption Finn set off into the world she never knew existed to try and solve the mysteries of her past.

And it would be a whole lot easier if Finn wasn’t so darn distracting. Because it’s really hard to concentrate on hiding and finding food and running from hell hounds when you’re head over heels in love.

I tore through Tyger Tyger as fast as Finn swept Teagan off her feet (very fast).  The story is fast-paced, exciting, and irresistible, with a great combination of mystery, suspense, and romance.

Finn is the bad boy we all want… rough, tough, and willing to do anything from skipping a meal to breaking an arm for the girl he loves. His rough exterior and his cold demeanor only make his love for Teagan more special. He was certainly my favorite character, followed closely by Teagan’s little brother, Aiden. He’s a funny quirky sort of kid who seems to be able to cause problems and solve them at the same time.

The plot and the pacing were fantastic! There were so many secrets and questions, and the way they were revealed was perfect.

The things that weren’t perfect about the book were these: The writing was clear and descriptive, though a little hard to understand at times. The only thing that felt lacking was Teagan and Finn’s relationship. It felt like it just barely got started… and the book ended. But on the other hand, it was definitely real, and not any of that sappy love based solely on attraction stuff. Lastly, I don’t really think the title describes the book, and the cover—though breathtakingly artistic—doesn’t say much about the book either. But none of this really took away from the enjoyment and the satisfaction at the end—the end was really cute, by the way!

I adored Tyger Tyger and can’t wait for the next book in the series!

Genre: YA Fantasy
ISBN: 9780547330082
Publication date: November 15th 2010 by Clarion Books

http://haleymathiot.blogspot.com/2010/07/review-tyger-tyger.html

Book News - A Silent Heritage

Ghana’s first female scientist looks set to top the book charts with her critically-acclaimed autobiography chronicling her incredible and inspirational life.

Dr. Letitia Obeng – a recipient of the Order of the Star of Ghana, the nation’s highest award – has written ‘A Silent Heritage’, covering everything from the pleasures of a rural upbringing to a challenging international position as a renowned specialist in environmental management.

Described as “no ordinary autobiography”, ‘A Silent Heritage’ reveals how Dr. Obeng rose from humble beginnings to become an important figure in the Ghanaian scientific community.

Elected a Fellow of Ghana’s Learned Academy in 1964, Dr. Obeng rose became the first female President of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2007.

Dr. Obeng, now 85, says she decided to write her autobiography in response to requests to tell about life in Ghana in her young days.

She said: ”My biography is a deeply personal account of the thoughts, experiences, trials, aches, pains, triumphs and loves that I have experienced in my life.

”Though writing my story demanded a lot of time and energy, it was highly rewarding to recollect the people and past events that have given my life the shape it has had.

“Looking back, I feel blessed to have had the opportunities I’ve had. Ghana made me the person I am and in writing my biography, I also wanted to celebrate my country.

Dr. Obeng was born in 1925 in the rural Ghanaian town of Anum. She received her basic education at Achimota.
Given her passion for nature – and with no university in Ghana (then known as the Gold Coast ) – she travelled to Britain, on a Government scholarship, for further studies, at the University of Birmingham.

Dr. Obeng studied zoology and botany from 1948 to 1952, graduating with an Honours BSc. Degree.

She returned home and, within weeks, was given the challenge of organizing a Zoology department at the University College of Science and Technology in Kumasi to teach and prepare students for further studies in science, pharmacy and medicine.
A few years later at the age of 35, Dr. Obeng tragically found herself a widow with three young children to raise.

Though the sudden and unexpected death of my husband George was crushing, my children gave me the inspiration to carry on and build a career to support us.

She was recruited the first scientist at the prestigious National Research Council of Ghana, now the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), before returning to England to complete a PhD at the University of Liverpool.

Returning home in 1964, Dr. Obeng became the first Ghanaian woman to build and direct a Research Institute – the Institute of Aquatic Biology, responsible for research on the country’s inland water system, within the CSIR system.

40 years ago, even before the UN Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment, as a specialist in freshwater sciences and related environmental issues, Dr Obeng highlighted the possible environmental problems that could accompany Ghana’s forming Volta Lake.

Subsequently, as a specialist in freshwater sciences, Dr. Obeng and the Institute of Aquatic Biology undertook extensive studies on the ecological changes and environmental impact of the Volta Lake, at the time, the largest man-made lake in the world.

Her expertise and involvement in the Volta Lake Research Project prompted an invitation by the United Nations to the 1972 UN Human Environment Conference in Stockholm, Sweden.

In 1974, she joined the newly established United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) at its Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. She was made Head of the Soil and Water Task Force and the Senior Programme Officer in charge of Water issues in the Environment Programme.

“I’ve always had a passion for water,” said Dr. Obeng. “Without water there couldn’t be life, yet this precious resource is often allowed to be degraded and exploited in an unsustainable way. It was important to contribute to assuring effective management of water.”

In 1985, she was appointed the Director of the UNEP’s Regional Office for Africa and UNEP’s Representative to the Africa Region.

Working closely with the Environment Officers of all the sovereign countries of the Africa Region, the Regional Office initiated and co-ordinated the African Sub-Regional Environment Programme to consider the environmental issues of the region.

On retirement from UNEP and settled back home, Dr. Obeng served on the Boards of a number of international organizations where she contributed to issues relating to water, environment and health.

In 1997, she was, honoured with the CSIR Award for a Distinguished Career and Service to Science and Technology, and the following year received Ghana’s First national award for Science and Technology (Biological Sciences).

‘A Silent Heritage’ chronicles this rich and varied life, and throughout its 569 pages, the author’s passion for Ghana shines through.

Dr. Obeng said: ”I have always been proud to be African and a Ghanaian. At Birmingham University, for the strictly official Graduation Ceremony, I obtained permission and wore my Ghana traditional costume.”

“My autobiography has many references to Ghana’s infectious hospitality, generosity and humour and identifies geographical, historical, traditional, cultural and a variety of other splendours which are unique and characterise my homeland.”

“A Silent Heritage: An Autobiography” by Letitia E. Obeng (Goldsear) is available on Amazon UK priced £29.99.