Book Jacket

 

rank  Editors Pick
word count 21909
date submitted 23.08.2008
date updated 31.10.2008
genres: Fiction, Science Fiction, Fantasy
classification: moderate
incomplete

The Tyranny of the Blood: Rendail

Jo Reed

One man struggles to overcome the legacy of his past in order to save the future from a madman’s twisted dream

 

In a society that is blindly subservient to its insane dictator, Corvan, there is only one rule; the furtherance of the blood. The unfit are slaughtered like cattle. Those who survive are forced to mate according to Corvan’s twisted plan. Within the ‘Family’, love is forbidden; genetic supremacy is all. Into this nightmare world Rendail, Corvan’s twenty-ninth son, is born. All trace of his humanity crushed, he is groomed from birth to take on his father’s mantle. He comes to power with only one ambition – to breed a master race who can break the barrier of time and seize control of the future. But Corvan’s dream is flawed. As constant inbreeding bestows ever more dangerous gifts, it brings with it increasing deformity and madness. As the lust for power among the bloodlines threatens to destroy not only the Family, but the path of time itself, Rendail begins to doubt the Rule that shapes his life. Then, he meets Sherenne – and falls in love.

 
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tags

fantasy, love, power, redemption, struggle

on 4 bookshelves

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214 comments

 

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HarperCollins Wrote

The Tyranny of the Blood is an unusual work of fantasy fiction, set in an alternative, pre-technological Scotland, where an oppressed people eke out their lives far from civilisation. Their rulers are a clan somehow more than human, far longer-lived than normal, who have created an intricate set of sometimes grim rituals to ensure the purity of their bloodline. We follow Rendail, newest son and chosen one of the ruling family, as he learns how to truly be his father’s heir, and uncovers the true meaning of his birthright.

This is a different take on genre fiction, perhaps best categorised as “dark fantasy” for commercial consideration. There are a few more books around these days that mix a fantastical feel with either a post-catastrophe or alternate historical setting, while relating tales of vampiric types especially, but I’ve not read anything quite like this one for a while.

The author has done an admirable job creating a sense of mystery about the family and their arcane society. The isolated location, the references to children in chains and woman confined to quarters immediately sets the reader pondering, and by the time we’re talking about the men of the family having lived for many hundreds of years, there’s a real need to keep reading and discover just what this is all about.

The writing itself is for the most part confident and well-paced. The former comes across especially in the sequences where the frightened young Rendail is lured into having a bath by his uncle using a trail of fruit – a tender sequence echoed soon after when the boy witnesses a pony being tricked using the same technique, before it is leashed and broken. The author doesn’t spare us from feeling the stony cold misery of the grim setting, and the writing, often plainly reported and without figures of speech, works to support this. But the starkness is leavened cleverly with tender touches of humanity from time to time, such as when the frightened boy sleeps on the floor outside of his uncle’s door to be nearer to him. Structurally, the writing is paced well, with a sensible balance between incident and reflection, and the tiny hints dropped throughout the opening pages that we’re definitely somewhere different from the fields we know were handled with assurance.

The unornamented writing, however, does perhaps leave the reader unsupported at times. The relative lack of description of the setting – and perhaps more importantly when we are, how the world is and how it got this way – backs up the mystery of the family’s culture to some extent, but the void really just adds uneccessary questions that cloud that larger, more interesting mystery. We don’t get any real description of where we are until we’re more than 8000 words in, and even then it is just a physical description of the compound where Rendail is being reared. As I’m writing this, I still can’t work out whether the book is set in an alternate year 700 or 1700, nor whether the framing parts are set today or in the future. Some readers will relish discovering it all alongside Rendail, but this one felt the fog of ignorance was a little too thick.

There are a few areas where the author has inserted something that has yet to deliver what it was meant to. The framing narrative of the grandson in some more technologically advanced present or near future doesn’t seem to have a purpose – or at least not yet. The short sequence where the grandson apparently travels in a vision back to talk to the now-dead Rendail is far too cursory, and needed re-reading several times to work out what he’d done. And who is Lakira? Right now, just a name, nothing more.

At the very start, the shocking image of the young children in chains creates an effective visceral shudder, but I feel that power is rather wasted because, just a few pages later, in almost cursory a fashion, Rendail’s chain is removed. I’m rather hoping (as an editor, though perhaps less so as a squeamish reader) that those foul chains will come back with a newer, more shocking resonance later in the full novel.

This work has real power and an unusual premise. From the first twelve thousand words or so, I’ve found that the bleakness and the slow unravelling of the setting does not leave me pleading for the rest of it, but I know some readers will be utterly ensnared by this point. “Unusual” is a two-edged sword, of course. What some will find as novel and fascinating, others will use as a reason not buy and read it, because it’s not your usual dark fantasy in your usual setting. As a result, I would say that stories like this are perhaps more the province of an enthusiastic and dedicated small press rather than a larger and more hidebound mass-market publisher.

Before that can be investigated, however, right now the book needs more grounding through the use of further description – subtly applied in the intriguing style the author has already shown they can handle so well, of course.


14/11/08

katekasserman wrote 1297 days ago

Hi Jo! I had not actually intended to read "Tyranny" any time soon, regarding its #3 position on the desk as secure, until I saw your shameless plug; and I am now kicking myself that I didn't read this sooner, and am pausing just a moment here before I go on typing to give you a quick vote -- there we go!

This book is wonderful, evocative and lyrical and frightening, the prose is lovely and seamless. I didn't see any typos -- actually, this is one of those cases where I didn't stop along the way to take any notes whatsoever, because the narrative is already so polished that I really didn't see any point! So in order to try to bring SOME value here, given that I have no criticisms, I'll go from memory and just note one or two things that struck me.

There is always a risk with patient, detailed, descriptive writing that the URGENCY of the story will be lost. You sidestep this neatly in chapter 1 with the horror of Michael's euthanizing the poor deformed child with the seed of madness in its brain, a shocker that makes the reader every bit as anxious as Michael is to discover why such a law should be TRULY necessary. And then when we get to the real start of Rendail's story, the terror of life under Corvan casts such a pall over everything that even the small moments of Rendail's trying to learn and grow take on ominous proportions -- we know what a mistake might mean. And so even the descriptive passages have a strong sense of drive and sweaty anxiety.

Rendail's childhood brings to mind a hellish version of what Spartan children endured, except of course that anyone in the bloodline has a diamastigosis that sheer will can't get them through -- everything is based on Corvan's judgment (however we are to trust that) and whim. And it reminded me a little of Frederick the Great, too. In short, it's the kind of childhood that if you survive, you become a warrior -- and I was very glad to see in chapter 6 that you are acutely aware of the psychological EFFECT on even a very strong child who is able to endure this kind of treatment: there is a coldness to Rendail, despite his good heart, that you show very well when we see him analyzing precisely what his attachment to Ilvan is -- attachment being probably the correct word, and mutual use, rather than friendship, quite. It might become friendship, and I hope it will; but there's no way that Rendail, coming from where he is, can have a real friend yet.

The plain fact of Corvan's manifest PSYCHOPATHY, in combination with his terrible power, one would THINK would be all the reason Rendail would need to give to Michael for the law about culling children; but the fact that Rendail doesn't stop there leads us to believe that there's something much, much worse to come, and that's an even heavier anxiety and drive in the text than Corvan himself is!

Great stuff. Well, let me know if you post more, of course, because I'd like to read on -- but if I have to wait till it's published, so be it! Good luck!!!

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Lexi wrote 1364 days ago

Powerful stuff, original and beautifully written. This is quite unlike the usual run of fantasy novels. It's a fully-realized world, with characters as mad and dark as the family of one of the less reliable Roman Emperors.

I'll be back.

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Arnie wrote 1329 days ago

Have read some of Jo's previous work, and was totally captivated ! On reading first few chapter of Jo's latest offering, 'Tyranny', I have no doubts this is the best yet. Her unique and innovative style sets her work apart from usual science fiction novels, making it very believable. I can't wait to read remainder of book.

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Diane wrote 1363 days ago

Jo, I just came by and read the first chapter here and I am captivated. The writing is flawless as far as I can see, the pacing spot on, back story, narrative, imagery, everything. I love the circular chapter too. Do I need to say that I'm hooked, completely? Lol! I can't wait to come back and read more.

Thank you for sharing this with us.

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Ang wrote 1337 days ago

Gripping stuff, brilliantly written.Fantastic characters, dark and complicated.Rich, intriguing storyline with great potential.Well done Jo, I think you've created something really special here..

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Nick Poole2 wrote 820 days ago

ARISE, AUTHONOMY GHOST!

Ease those weary, withered limbs from your coffin. Push away the stone from the mouth of the tomb.

You have one last task to perform. One last, sacred shelf to confer.

Whether you were plugger, spammer, gusher or troll, whether you flirted or fought in the forum or beavered away in the shadows, now is the time for your resurrection.

One last time. Marshall your strength, muster the last vestiges of your power and carry out your final Authonomy act:

Back my book, MIRROR IN THE SKY.

Then, only then, you may rest easy in your Authonomy grave.

Nick Poole2 (formerly known as NickP)

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alice price wrote 987 days ago

It is good to find an unusual story, this is not run of the mill, it ireads with ease. The sense of mystery and intrigue keeps us turning over the pages. Although some of the scenes are not described fully it doesnt detract from the story line, it allows the reader to use their own imagination, I like that. Its a bit like hitler trying to create a perfect race, ridding his society of the ill and the mad. With the same veil and tyranny. Like this very much. Alice

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mskea wrote 1244 days ago

Hi Jo, I've just stumbled on this, and wow - I am totally sucked in. I will be reading all that is here over the hols when i have a minute - the writing is so powerful, the 'voice' of the mc so strong that I feel I'm listening to him talking in ch.1 The fantasy elements - the sense that we are in a different time spectrum, the telepathic and more abilities, the ability to travel through time via the mind - all are totally convincing, I'm not suspending disbelief - I've bought right into this. This has everything - atmosphere , tension, mystery, and great 'hooks' - the mother / baby in chains, characters living for centuries etc. etc. I'm assuming an earlier time period, but not sure how much earlier - thinking this because of biblical time frames early in OT. There is so much i want to know about this soviety .
My one wee quibble is that I would have found it helpful to have a greater distinction between the 'voices' of Rendail and Michael The problem for me here is that I don't know who to root for and really engage with, which I would have found much easier if either of these men had come over as much stronger (in voice terms) than the other.
Perhaps if i had read all here I would have thought differently - so I will come back when I get a chance.
However imo this is a fabulous book, and should be published by someone - I would certainly buy it. I haven;t shelved you as I see you've already made the eds desk - deservedly so, but I would have put you up there for as long as possible otherwise. The most powerful writing I've read here so far.

Margaret

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Rob the editor wrote 1260 days ago

Loved the book, I also recommend 'The Three Daggers' by Harry I Cunningham

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Rob the editor wrote 1260 days ago

Loved the book, I also recommend 'The Three Daggers' by Harry I Cunningham

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Jayge wrote 1281 days ago

Hi Jo. Just finished reading - Tyranny must be the laptop equivalent of the unputdownable book, I can't wait to read some more. The prose flows effortlessly and the descriptions are woven through so well that the world just gradually becomes real. Excellent read, best so far. Let me know if you post any more, otherwise I will wait until it is in the shops. All the best Jacqui

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JAK wrote 1286 days ago

Hi Jo,
Thanks so much for your comment and your continuing enthusiasm- i'm feeling like an inept upstart at the moment so your confidence means a great deal.
It's still early in the month and there and some really, really good books just behind so my fingers are lightly crossed.
Any news on Tyranny? if HC don't offer you a contract I'm going to take a train to London, march into their offices and bite the editor

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Jayge wrote 1289 days ago

Lov this so far, dark world you have created is scarily realistic. Haven't read it all yet, I am new to the site and have been dipping in here and there, but Rendail's story really stood out. You are on my watch list and I will comment again when I have finished. Great read.

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heatherjacobs wrote 1290 days ago

Thanks Jo, thanks for your endorsement, it means a lot. I was really glad to see you made it through to the editor's desk. And in a very dignified manner. I felt so bad for you not having internet access on Saturday - that tension would have been enough to make me buy a Blackberry. Good luck with HC and let me know when they post your review. Cheers, Heather

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RobbG wrote 1290 days ago

Jo, thanks so much for your note, and congrats again. Hey, I'll never turn down any publicity you want to help provide. Right now, I'd probably start having the shakes if I had to go a few days with no internet. ha.
Robb

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John_O wrote 1290 days ago

Hi Jo
this is very dark fiction but rings so very true in the light of modern history - I can easily imagine such a world where the women have been reduced to breeding stock by the ruthless ambitions of the men for it has many historical precendents.
Your writing is fluid and the unfolding story coherent. I can think of little to criticise in that respect. The opening chapter and second chapter are necessarily low on dialogue; perhaps chapter one should more accurately be described as a prologue and incorporate everything up to the moment when he encounters his forebear Rendail.
An absorbing read that deserves to do well.
Fantasy with no elves, you might appreciate my own twist on the genre.
John_O

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JAK wrote 1290 days ago

Hi Jo,
I'm so pleased for you and for what Tyranny will do to enhance the respect for fantasy. Looking forward to seeing what HC have to say.

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Rob Alexander wrote 1294 days ago

Congrats Jo - just read your 6 chapters - fantasy is not my thing but I still read all that was on offer! I can see why you were in the top five, descriptive, well written and a subtle hook ( it kept me going!) I wish you every success with it.
R

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Siobhán wrote 1294 days ago

Hi Jo
Just wanted to say Congratulations!
Best of luck with the Harper Collins review.
Siobhán

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JAK wrote 1294 days ago

Congratulations! I am very, very pleased. This is the most intelligent fantasy i've ever read.

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Fenton wrote 1295 days ago

Congratulations Jo, a just result.

Cheers, Paul.

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RobbG wrote 1295 days ago

congrats for making the top 5. fantastic and well-earned and deserved.

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heatherjacobs wrote 1295 days ago

Hi Heather, CONGRATULATIONS!!!! You made it. Hope you get a great review. Cheers, Heather

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maza wrote 1295 days ago

Hope your nerves are holding up!!!!
Ma

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RobbG wrote 1295 days ago

jo, hesitating to even leave a comment here, because the fantasy genre is just not my thing, and i'm terrible at trying to critique in a genre that i'm just not familiar with the standards, devices, or the best writing in that category. i see you're in the top 5 and on 170+ bookshelves, so I see this as purely a personal thing of mine, and your book must be exceptional. I, however, just couldn't engage with it. Read the first 3 chapters, and two things put me off. First, the very formal diction and voice didn't come across as genuine, didn't connect me to the characters, created a distance between the characters and me. Secondly, the first two chapters are constructed as "here's a story I'm going to tell you, along with all the back story." That didn't pull me into the scene, action or plot. And as the narrator and story shifts from Michael to Rendail, it left me without a main character to hold on to. I felt like I was reading a story told by one person to someone else, who then is relaying the story to me second-hand, so it never pulled me in. Chapter 2 felt like a very long narrative stretch, rather than a scene. I just felt very distanced from the work.

So why is this story in the top 5 and have so many supporters and ardent fans? Obviously it's deserving of being there. The prose is flawless, and rendered beautifully. From the blurb and the first 3 chapters I can see that this will become an intricate story of relationships, power and betrayal, and I can tell from your writing that you no doubt have the skills to pull this complex tale together.

Normally I'd suggest you re-look at the opening and change something to pull the reader into the scene and the characters more closely and sooner. However, with the resounding support your work has received from many others, including many writers here whose talents I have very high regard for, I'm not going to suggest you change anything. I wish you the absolute best of luck for hanging in the top 5 for the next couple of hours. And I thank you sincerely for your comments on my work.

Robb

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Lucie Roberts wrote 1295 days ago

Dear Jo
Just wanted to thank you once more for backing MB (I'm sure you're the main reason for my meteoric rise over the last days), but more importantly to wish you luck (am working but keep checking the Ed's list). Can't stand it any more, so can imagine how you must be feeling!
There are so many good books out there, I wish I could have 10 slots on my shelf.
Fingers and claws crossed for you.

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Steven Orlowski wrote 1295 days ago

Jo,
Thanks for the kind words regarding Pilgrimage. I'm enjoying The Tyranny of the Blood:Rendail. Looks like you're finishing the month well. Congratulations
Steve

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Steven Orlowski wrote 1295 days ago

Jo,
Thanks for the kind words regarding Pilgrimage. I'm enjoying The Tyranny of the Blood:Rendail. Looks like you're finishing the month well. Congratulations
Steve

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Steven Orlowski wrote 1295 days ago

Jo,
Thanks for the kind words regarding Pilgrimage. I'm enjoying The Tyranny of the Blood:Rendail. Looks like you're finishing the month well. Congratulations
Steve

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Miles Allen wrote 1295 days ago

Stopped halfway through chapter 2 to read the list of others on my WL. Some books grab me for reasons of humour, excitment or just plain interest. This one started burrowing into my soul. I'll be back. If the overall story fulfils the promise delivered at the start then this is something special. Bookshelved.

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Scarlett wrote 1295 days ago

Hello Jo, I'm impressed, this is a powerful story that's beautifully written. I'm not sure why it took me so long to find you but I'm glad I have now. If you don't mind, I'll keep this brief but just to say you deserve your place in the top five. It must be terribly nerve-wracking - deep breaths, calm, calm, calm - you're very nearly there. I've had a reading blitz and my shelf is bursting at the seams but I've given you an overnight twirl on it because 'Tyranny' deserves to be there. Very best of luck.

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scouting milestones wrote 1296 days ago

The first time I have read anything from this author, but it makes me want to search out her preious work, and look forward to more new books.
Fran Walker

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scouting milestones wrote 1296 days ago

Attracted by all the excellent comments surrounding this book I felt I had to have a look and I was not disapointed.
I look for foward to hearing of greater greater success.

Colin

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scouting milestones wrote 1296 days ago

Attracted by all the excellent comments surrounding this book I felt I had to have a look and I was not disapointed.
I look for foward to hearing of greater greater success.

Colin

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David McCallam wrote 1296 days ago

Hi Jo,
I'll put it on my bookshelf tonight. David ;-)

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Alice Gray wrote 1296 days ago

Jo,

'Tyranny' is absolutely fantastic. I just started reading this morning in spite of the fact that there is much on my list to read. The writing is tight and the fantasy so well done that I had no trouble suspending my disbelief and being completely drawn into the tale. Wish I had time to read more now but you can be sure I'll return soon for more. Bookshelf all the way. Good luck tomorrow!

Alice

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AnniaL wrote 1296 days ago

Jo,
Have read some of Tyranny and this is well-written. It's interesting and the narrator's voice is clear.
I'm glad it's doing well.
Take care,
Annia

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jmac wrote 1296 days ago

Hi Jo, back again and have read the story up to now. It is extremely interesting. That Corvan fella is a get, isn't he? Killing off his own family just because they aren't perfection in his eyes, treating Castillan as his sex slave. Now if condoms had been invented in this particular world then he wouldn't have abused Castillan the way he did - he'd probably have had him put to death for some other minor reason later on though. Such a nasty man. I like the idea of rules of life for the bloodline and tribe and how these must be followed at all times - reminds me of when I was creating the rules for the ghosts, what they are allowed to do, what they can't and the consequences. It makes the mind work miracles in creation and this deserves to be shelved.
By the way, not looking for typos and that, but nothing has caught my eye, so really good work, great story - my grandson would love this, and once again, very well written. Jim

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AEWilson wrote 1296 days ago

Jo.....I have read your book and I think it is great, I thought I had back you before, I will do it again, don't know if it will help, but it deserves to be in the top five.....AE

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StephenMc wrote 1296 days ago

Jo,

thanks for your kind comments on Ahimsa. I have spent the day carving pumpkins and creating a bloodbath amongst other things. Spaghetti eyeball-onese is cooking as we speak. We have twelve scary looking kids (some even in fancy dress) coming tonight for a party and fireworks. Stole a bit of time to read your opening chapter. Thought it would get me in the mood for halloween.

Liked it, backed it. I know my sister-in-law would love it and would buy a full series so get writing the sequel (or maybe prequel is more popular these days)

Best of luck on the desk
Stephen

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Lucie Roberts wrote 1296 days ago

You had me captivated until the end (and I've got work to do too!). You've created a powerful, sinister, nightmare Spartan-cum-Taliban/religious cult world. I like the way you build Rendail's complex character up bit by bit (clever that his name isn't mentioned once in chap 2--like you are moulding him from scratch, even though the reader has obviously formed a definite impression of him from chapt 1). I am surprised he shows such a generous/caring streak after suffering such physical and mental abuse, but I suppose that's what helps set him apart from the other members of the Family. Also like the way you sow "tantalizers" throughout the narrative (want to read on--any chance of uploading more chapters?!). One last thing, you vividly describe the Family and its immediate surroundings but don't really mention the outside world (except briefly in chapter 1)--is this community totally isolated? Do they have no contact with the outside world (is that why they are so inbred?). Am are rambling on?!!!!
I will move you onto my shelf (at least until Saturday :)) and in the meantime, any tips regarding MB would be most appreciated--particularly vis-a-vis editors!
Bribery? Moi! N3v3r d00d!!!111!!!1!
Lucie
Ooops, nearly forgot, thanks for your comments!

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AnniaL wrote 1296 days ago

YAY!! Just placed you on my shelf and you moved to 4th place on the desk!!!!!!!!
*pats back and sighs*
Annia ;-)

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AnniaL wrote 1296 days ago

Dear Jo,
I haven't actually read Turanny yet (sorry, sorry, sorry!!!) but I am going to back it now and read later (if you don't mind!)
I think it would be a real shame if it didn't make it to the editor's desk right at the very end!
I wish you luck!
Take care,
Annia ;-)

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Marcus Tate wrote 1296 days ago

I really enjoyed this, it's strong, commercial stuff with a tight plot. Thanks for the read.

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heatherjacobs wrote 1296 days ago

Hi Jo, Bookshelved! OK, I admit I read it because of your kindness, but it's great and deserves to stay in the top five. Although please don't tell anyone, as I have to kill off one of the books I've been backing. Least they keep the points. Cheers, Heather

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RobbG wrote 1297 days ago

jo, thanks for that 'harshness.' ha. i'm so glad you're enjoying the story and the characters, and thx for the compliments on the writing. i know you're in the hunt for the editor's desk, so i promise i'll get yours read before the end of the month and make a "shelving" decision. thx again, and if you do keep reading more on carrie, i'd love to hear your feedback. i'm not a sci-fi/fantasy reader, but authonomy has stretched my boundaries more than a little. any feedback i might have will probably be purely technical on the craft as I'm not familiar with the genre's standards or devices. But the bottom line i've learned here, a good story well told is still a good story, no matter the genre.

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maza wrote 1297 days ago

Hi Jo,
Thanks for your last comment, I was feeling a bit miserable with my progress or lack of it on this site and you have given me a bit of hope.
To Success (clink of glasses)
Ma

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katekasserman wrote 1297 days ago

Hi Jo! I had not actually intended to read "Tyranny" any time soon, regarding its #3 position on the desk as secure, until I saw your shameless plug; and I am now kicking myself that I didn't read this sooner, and am pausing just a moment here before I go on typing to give you a quick vote -- there we go!

This book is wonderful, evocative and lyrical and frightening, the prose is lovely and seamless. I didn't see any typos -- actually, this is one of those cases where I didn't stop along the way to take any notes whatsoever, because the narrative is already so polished that I really didn't see any point! So in order to try to bring SOME value here, given that I have no criticisms, I'll go from memory and just note one or two things that struck me.

There is always a risk with patient, detailed, descriptive writing that the URGENCY of the story will be lost. You sidestep this neatly in chapter 1 with the horror of Michael's euthanizing the poor deformed child with the seed of madness in its brain, a shocker that makes the reader every bit as anxious as Michael is to discover why such a law should be TRULY necessary. And then when we get to the real start of Rendail's story, the terror of life under Corvan casts such a pall over everything that even the small moments of Rendail's trying to learn and grow take on ominous proportions -- we know what a mistake might mean. And so even the descriptive passages have a strong sense of drive and sweaty anxiety.

Rendail's childhood brings to mind a hellish version of what Spartan children endured, except of course that anyone in the bloodline has a diamastigosis that sheer will can't get them through -- everything is based on Corvan's judgment (however we are to trust that) and whim. And it reminded me a little of Frederick the Great, too. In short, it's the kind of childhood that if you survive, you become a warrior -- and I was very glad to see in chapter 6 that you are acutely aware of the psychological EFFECT on even a very strong child who is able to endure this kind of treatment: there is a coldness to Rendail, despite his good heart, that you show very well when we see him analyzing precisely what his attachment to Ilvan is -- attachment being probably the correct word, and mutual use, rather than friendship, quite. It might become friendship, and I hope it will; but there's no way that Rendail, coming from where he is, can have a real friend yet.

The plain fact of Corvan's manifest PSYCHOPATHY, in combination with his terrible power, one would THINK would be all the reason Rendail would need to give to Michael for the law about culling children; but the fact that Rendail doesn't stop there leads us to believe that there's something much, much worse to come, and that's an even heavier anxiety and drive in the text than Corvan himself is!

Great stuff. Well, let me know if you post more, of course, because I'd like to read on -- but if I have to wait till it's published, so be it! Good luck!!!

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bates61 wrote 1297 days ago

Having got right into this, I had no choice but to put it on my bookshelf. Good writing.

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Lucie Roberts wrote 1297 days ago

W4tchl1st3d d00d!!11!!!!

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stingray wrote 1297 days ago


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stingray wrote 1297 days ago

Your shameless plug request - Sounds a good deal to me - I'll have to wait for a day until I read your Tyranny but get ready or Stretcher Stranded and Reindeer & Artichoke ( Reindeer is short stories - less pressure!)

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stingray wrote 1297 days ago

Your shameless plug request - Sounds a good deal to me - I'll have to wait for a day until I read your Tyranny but get ready or Stretcher Stranded and Reindeer & Artichoke ( Reindeer is short stories - less pressure!)

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beef wrote 1297 days ago

Really enjoyed these first chapters will look out for you in the book shops.

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cutley wrote 1297 days ago

Golly, what a lot of bookshelves you're on. It's not surprising though.

Well done.

Charles

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