The Sanctorum Effect

I really wish I had been the first to comment on this so that my comments could have been a just little original. I don't profess to being an acclaimed literary critic, but I do love a good Action/Thriller, and I LOVE what I'm reading!
The pace is incredible and I find all the characters incredibly intriguing. The short chapters are doing a great job of keeping me interested and wanting to read on. As mentioned below it is clear that you have done your research and I think it's paid dividends. As a reader I am truly engrossed in the surroundings you are describing and the emotions of the characters. I wish you the best of luck with this book Will and I will of course be backing this book!

You set the tone and build the tension excellently for the balance of your story with Nathan and the incident in the airport. It leaves your reader wanting to read more and see what happens next. Your storyline is compelling and intriguing and you build your main characters extremely well. Your descriptive writing makes your thriller a pleasure to read. Backed.

Andrew Burans
The Reluctant Warrior: The Beginning

To Will Neal,
This is the type of novel that keeps you on your toes. There is a lot happening. Skip a couple of pages and you'll have problems picking up the threads again.
An interesting book and one I would like to finish. I'm BACKING your book and have a spot for it on my shelf.

Frank James (The Contractor)

This is a book that keeps you alert. The characters are plausible and that makes for a good read. Plenty going on, good plot and I liked it. BACKED

Frank James (The Contractor)

Will, I absolutely loved this - all those twists and turns, some well thought out mis-direction, concise chapters, a real page-turner. Part of the reason for this site is to give advice and I did have a couple of niggles, the first one would be fixed with the help of an editor, the second is the different fonts and colours used, stick to the same font all the way through. I could easily hand sell this title if it were in print. Backed.
Paula L

This is the first book I have read by this author, and I must say, what a first book it is. A real page turner. Twist after twist. When's the next installment out?

If I saw this book in a bookstore it would probably catch my eye. The cover and title is striking. The summary is fine, the writing is solid. I can't be completely sure this is worth publishing until I read the entire thing, but so far, it looks like Clancy has a contender.

i really like a mystery with lots of suspence so I'm backing your book - perhaps you could have a look at my books - goodluck !

Both short and long pitches are excellent and draw the reader in well, which is precisely what pitches are there for. And the book itself , on a rapid reading of the first few chapters, appears first class. Good story line, characters well drawn and a crisp writing style, which is just what is wanted for a high octane thriller.

Philip John

I really enjoyed what I've been able to read of this. It's a great thriller and it just doesn't let up. You've crafted a perfect page turner here, with all the right elements. I couldn't find anything in here that didn't work for me, it all plays vividly in my head. I'd read on past chapter three if I had time or a nice snowy afternoon.

Missy

first of all, what a glorious cover. reminds me of teh work of Saul Bass. Excellent. Secondly, I really enjoyed this book. It's a very commercial premise and your prose is well researched, stylish and thoroughly gripping. I'm very impressed. You seem to be in total control of your plot, which sounds like an obvious factor, but I find very few thriller writers are. Great stuff.
Carl
The Time HUnters

Will, after having a read I had a look at the other comments you've received. A cracking pace and page turner seem to be the order of the day. I agree.

However, I found the first chapter is a little unclear with lots of 'he's' doing this and that. The secret of Matthew Reilly's success in this genre is clarity of point of view. I didn't find the description of the reaction of the female companion to the shooting compelling but rather distracting. She's a mystery but "his red haired companion" was a little clunky.

Getting the powers that be to read the first chapter is the trick - at the moment they may not.

All the best, I'll send through a backing.

T. L. Bartush

Vasily is such an intriguing character. This is so well written and polished and a riveting read - I wish it were published so I could take it on holiday with me. Backed 100%

Liz
The Cheech Room

The first chapter is quite gripping. Prose is well written and very well paced. Putting it on my watch list to come back to it again to give you a detailed comment.

Backed.

Hope to see you reciprocate.

Regards,

A Skein of Geese

Your pitch is intriguing and you start really dramatically.

But in my opinion you need to do some more editing. For instance you repeat 'horror' too close together near the beginning. I also think you have more adjectives than needed - 'harrowing cries', 'arduous journey' etc.

I also think you might give some thought to your use of point of view. In the third para you flip into the woman's point of view and then out again into Nathan's. In the final para of chapter 1 you use an omnipotent narrator who knows things Nathan doesn't (does the woman know it?) If this is your intention, and it happens throughout the book that is OK though unusual, but in the short bit I read they looked like a mistakes.

I think you are onto a good idea and your style is readable. With a little more editing this could be very good.
Backed.

Cheers
Elaine

I really wish I had been the first to comment on this so that my comments could have been a just little original. I don't profess to being an acclaimed literary critic, but I do love a good Action/Thriller, and I LOVE what I'm reading!
The pace is incredible and I find all the characters incredibly intriguing. The short chapters are doing a great job of keeping me interested and wanting to read on. As mentioned below it is clear that you have done your research and I think it's paid dividends. As a reader I am truly engrossed in the surroundings you are describing and the emotions of the characters. I wish you the best of luck with this book Will and I will of course be backing this book!

Hi Will, An excellent outset that would catch the general reader, especially with the travelers witnessing the attack. Nathan’s suspicion of the guard and then his regrouping in the airplane restroom brought out his character and involved. The style works well for the spy work being done; it conveys subtleties and gives space for the character thinking out strategy. Hard not to turn the page. Easily shelved – Katherine (The Swan Bonnet)

The more I read the more I get into it. I really think this is one of the best books I have read on here. Have you written anything else? I hope this book gets more and more support so we find it in the top 10 :)

I came across your book by chance whilst scrolling through the mountain of books on here, and although thrillers are not my usual choice of genre, your title did somewhat intrigue me, so I decided to give 'The Sanctorum Effect' a quick read. After an hour I found myself totally engrossed, and I felt I had to comment on the sheer imagination of the plot you have produced. Have you a background in the secret service yourself?? I suppose you can’t answer that.. The detail you have gone into, which I can only imagine took hours of research, really blew me away, and it gave me that feeling of 'involvement' all great books... and films, set out to achieve. The introduction of your characters and the description of their characteristics have been written into the plot in a very professional manner, without compromising the style of writing or the plot development. Have you written any other books? I look forward to reading the remainder of this book! This is truly a fantastic read. An unquestionable BACK!

This is intriguing, great characters and interesting plot, with a quick pace. Really enjoying this so far, and will read further as time permits. Very strong writing ability here, well done & backed

This is the first novel I've looked at on here, but a great start to what I hope will be a long and enjoyable membership. It is clear that a significant amount of research has gone into this book, and you have obviously spent a lot of time constructing each backdrop. The characters are well rounded and believable, and the transitions between scenarios are slick and professional, with tension building throughout. Your grasp of the English language is excellent which (I imagine) your law degree went some way towards enhancing; I look forward to more from you as I very much like your style.

Definitely a 'BACK' from me and the best of luck in the future!

I have to say, I was wildly impressed by the pace you've injected. Even in published novels, it's rare to find a plot so nuanced, and yet accessible. I love the twists you've inserted, and can't wait to read more of your work if you have it. I really really enjoyed it - you thoroughly deserve the praise you're receiving below.

Good luck with publishers!

The pace is fast. The storyline is interesting. Even a footnote to weld readers to the plot. Excellent. Backed. Chuck (Literary Agent Blues) (Uboat Officer)

I’m running short on time but wanted to drop you a few lines.
I read a few chapters from your book and enjoyed it. Interesting, well told story. Your characters are fine, you do a great job narrating and your dialogue is catching. I plan to come back for more reading.
You’ve got my vote.

As a student in Paris many years ago I was hooked the moment Svetlana steped out of the metro at Musee d'Orsay. Your discription of the action that followed had me totally enthralled and from that point on I simply couldn't put it down. Who are the good guys and what's really going on? And who the hell is - sorry but when will you be posting the rest? You have an undeniable talent and if handled correctly an enviable best seller. GREAT READ

Dear Will book cover fantastic , a thing of mine, just great. Commented on your book six days ago but I have backed it, but cannot see the backing anywhere. So i am taking the time to back it again because I believe your book is WORTH IT

BEST OF LUCK
Denise

Intense and well paced. This hooks you from the very beginning and doesn't let go. A MC we can relate to as well as aspire to. Expertly thought out and written.

Very well done.

AmyR
Trust Me

Your cover art and title are fabulous but scream sci-fi, I have to say. You have a complex and intriguing thriller. My mind doesn't wrap around espionage - I just don't get it - not your fault in any way. You have a nice writing style.

BACKED
Elizabeth Wolfe
Would you consider backing MEMORIES OF GLORY? I thank you for taking a look.

I have just finished reading the first ten chapters of The Sanctorum Effect, and by the first chapter I was fascinated. By the second I was hooked. I read a lot of books, and thrillers are amongst my favourite genres. Your book has certainly built the tension and suspense that all good thrillers should encompass, and has left me eager to read on. Captivating and intriguing, a great read so far, i'm really looking forward to getting stuck back in ASAP. Backed!

A powerful read with ploished charchers and diolouge that keep theus focused unil the last word. C W

That first paragraph would be better from Nathan's point of view. You tell it from an observer's and we are once removed from the action. If we see what Nathan sees, hear him thinking, share his fright and alarm, still in the 3rd person, we would be much more involved. Further on in the chapter you do write more from Nathan's p.o.v. and it's the better for it.

Will: wishing you the best on this website. But remember the caveat: you can only get out of it what you put into it. My thoughts are this: that long pitch should end with one succinct question. The short pitch needs to list your MC. BACKED!

I can use your comments on my novel when you get a chance. Cheers!

JC
The Obergemau Key

You set the tone and build the tension excellently for the balance of your story with Nathan and the incident in the airport. It leaves your reader wanting to read more and see what happens next. Your storyline is compelling and intriguing and you build your main characters extremely well. Your descriptive writing makes your thriller a pleasure to read. Backed.

Andrew Burans
The Reluctant Warrior: The Beginning

The plot is extremely well thought out, maintaining a dynamic and authentic feel. The characters are strongly developed. More than your average blockbuster thriller; the author clearly captures the essense of an intelligent thriller, combining suspense, mystery and action. Intriguing as it is enjoyable. A very good read

Highly recommended.

Yeah, who is Nathan Roman? You nave a fascinating thriller here. He's got the briefcase, but is it all worth it? I'll be back to read more when I get a little more time. Backed for now.

Murder in a departure lounge- what a thrill and a bang to start off this massively intriguing book. Nathan is certainly well drawn. Great pace and action that is not overdone but just suits the genre.
A pleasure to back you

The third eye

Thanks Jim... I very much look forward to hearing your thoughts. And hopefully you wont be frustrated as I have actually finished the book, I've just not put it all on yet.

Will, had a quick read through chapter 1 enough to know I need to 'really' read this. Short comment and a backing for now but have set aside to read over the weekend. Get a feeling I'm going to get frustrated at not knowing the ending! :D
Jim Darcy
The Firelord's Crown

ps love the cover. I see you registered a while ago like and took your time posting your book!

Hi Will. I'm not a critic, just a mere scriptwriter jumping into the novel scene for the first time, however I can spot and appreciate a good visual, and yours is terrific. And, might add, would be a terrific movie.

blessings!
jim
jack & charmian london

Terrorism, geographical gadding about, characters of strong and determined style... something that fits this so deeply into the genre to be a classic of its kind.

Sorry that I have no time for a detailed response just yet but if you want some extended commentary then just message me.

For now, BACKED

SANCTORUM EFFECT
This is an thriller with something to please any reader: a terrorist cell, a nuclear threat, international settings, interesting characters . . . . You’ve obviously put in hours of research before you began to write this – and it shows in the details you’re able to add to your descriptions of settings (makes a reader feel as if he’s really in Paris, etc). And makes this a good read. I’m adding this to my shelf. Burgio (Grain of Salt).

I'm afraid I've time only to read the first chapter but what I've read is professional. There's something I'm not sure about - where you say amongst the mayhem there was another man present, is it Nathan who is both angered and bemused? It's not clear whether it's him or the man. At first reading it looks like a change of POV. I read it three times, actually ,and still I''m not sure.
However, it's a quality thriller which I hope will do very well. Backed. Lynn

a very involved thriller. lt's clear that you have worked very hard on this book- on my watchlist for now...
read-SEASONS...

The sanctorum Effect
This is a well written piece of writing
Backed
Hope you'll read mine

Dear Will
Well who could ignore the short pitch and then of course you had the long one which grabbed me. Great book, well crafted, and yes thrilling, so much so that I am on the edge. Your characters are still in my head and please take them home now. LOL. This is not my genre however am I ever glad I crossed over, as this gave me the opportunity to find skills I need myself. It is not only about backing a book I love but backing talent. You have this and more
BACKED BY ME FOR SURE
I do hope you will review my book, comment and most of all BACK it. but either way the BEST of luck with yours
Denise
The Letter

Will, you've got an intriguing thriller here, with the threads on each character and situation drawing tautly together.

I do think it needs a bit of *paring* for a thriller - bit too much trivial detail that adds nothing, repeated words, and I'm not sure at some points who's thinking what, especially in the first chapter. Incidentally, on the first chapter, I wonder if you've ever considered starting the thing with "Nathan [Roman] was no stranger to death". Heck of a hook! Then the sentence that follows, and then what is presently the first paragraph. ??? Just a suggestion! And then we have the "Agency" man - that's where I wasn't sure who was thinking what...

On the 'plane in 2, intrigue grows. But a bit too much info, thank-you, in the bathroom,,, and a bit cliched describing his appearance in the mirror... Yet the reference to blood on his hands is terrific. BUT, unless I've read the earlier part wrong, what is the *wound* he's concealing - I think he'd check on it here. (As I say, forgive me if I read it wrong!)

With Vasily at FSB in Smolensk - good stuff. And the mystery grows with Svetlana in Paris - nicely done.
(Couple of typos - in the chapter heading... Musee D'Orsay...! And on the train, do you mean "disapproval"??? (You have "disprovable" - the man with the newspaper.). Poor Svetlana - I'm thinking of an umbrella spike... (probably wrong!), and then we meet "The Team" - interesting. That's where I've got to so far.

Tension grows - good chapter hooks for turning the pages. And best of all, even though you use each chapter to give us different characters, different locations, every one of them is still in my head. Backed with best wishes for its success, from -
Kay
("Waystation to Prosperity Street")

Plenty of tension, pace, exotic locations etc. undermined by overwriting, particularly the first chapter. Pare the prose back to basics. Also, Ch 3, title, Musee d'Orcey - it's spelled d'Orsay. I like the mysterious title. Pick up any published thriller and check its language. Backed.

Dear Will, I love the intrigue & suspense of Vasily's endeavors - glad I'm not him - I'd probably have a heart attack from all of the danger. Maybe some of this stuff even actually happened after the arrests earlier this month & exchange of spies. :) Great read - scary, too. :) Your pitch is excellent, so set the hook for me to read your book. :) When you use short paragraphs & lots of dialogue, it makes me want to keep reading to find out what's going to happen next. I'm backing your book. :) Could you please take a moment to back my TWO memoir books? Thanks. :) Love, Susie :)

This is information from authonomy (so beware of any other untrue information you may receive that is spam & not quotes of authonomy):
"When you back a book, it only improves the ranking of that book, not yours. However, the author whose book you are backing may decide to back your book also, in which case yes, your ranking would be improved"
"Every time you place a book on your bookshelf, your recommendation pushes the book up the rankings. And while that book sits on your bookshelf, your reputation as a talent spotter increases depending on how well that book performs."
backed :)
Love, Susie :)