A Memory of Blood

Hey, so I finally started it and I am so into it right now, butttttt I dont have time to finish reading it. BUT i have started it so now I'm into it and I will finish it =D Excellent, excellent writing lemme just say. You're excellent at describing things and pulling me (cause I cant talk for everyone even though it probably would be everyone) into the story.
I really do wish you the best of luck publishing it =D

Very good read. Definitely worth a backing

Hey, did you get published?

This is a great plot and narrative. Short sentences are its attraction.

I love the short sentances - straight to the point. It really works. Great descriptions. Nice fast pace. Amazing how you have managed to go the whole chapter without having to mention a name or describing the character - but it works.
Amazing read. 6 points

This is a great book. It must reach the market

Sounds interesting.

Congratulations with your writing. I enjoy your writing style and dialogue. It draws the reader in with short bursts..."Sand passed in a pale blur"..."It didn't matter. Nothing mattered"..."Darkness swallowed him." These are short burst that give the reader a sense of urgency with the character as he deals with the situation at hand. It is a well written first chapter.

Good for you Peter. I am encouraged by your hard work! Claire ~ Chasing Pharaohs

Beautifully written, and very addicting. Every sentence made me want to read the next.
You are very talented, and one day I hope to have a hard copy to read that I have picked up from my local bookstore! Best of luck!

An amazing opening, and one that even after a few sentences leaves me wanting to know his identity. The style is great; I like the way paragraphs are layed out. Constructive criticism would be that sometimes I feel there are too many breaks, although that seems to add to the suspense, so perhaps that's no bad thing! :)

Fantastic! Very well done. Congrats on being at the number 1 spot, and best wishes for you to get a publishing contract. :)

Put it back on. Good luck! Julie

Happy to back you again! Good luck.
Sue50

The first chapter blew me away. It seems to flow so well, so descriptively - in a creepy kind of way. I gave you 6 stars! Your backed.

Much more phantasmagorical at the start than I had anticipated; the bird attack actually reminded me of Sheridan Le Fanu's Carmilla where the girl is attacked during the night. I actually suspected it was some fell creature other than some kind of vulture. The image of the ship was equally weird, before your MC finally gets on the move. Creepy imagery throughout, especially the skulls. You're looking good for the top five; time will tell if I join you!

P

I've read the first chapters, and I am really interested. I think you've engaged the reader's interest perfectly. I love the "Bourne Identity in a fantastic setting" idea. It's tricky to have a nameless and memoryless hero because it's easy to lose interest in someone you can't relate to. But your realistic description of his state makes me very invested in his regaining his wits. I'm definitely going to continue to read.

Nick Kotar
Raven Son

"an eternal moment" - did you know you were quoting Shakespeare :) It's from King John, one of the great insults of all time - "Go to hell, for an eternal moment or so".
Anyway, sorry for the random comment, now back to reading chapter 1 :)

MEMORY OF BLOOD / Peter Craig

I read all 12 available chapters of this book. I must say, it was a unique experience. Having said that, I'm sure there is always a certain curiosity the collective membership shares about a #1 book. The answer here is obvious as it has stimulated many remarks / comments that vary widely. Hence, controversy(?) Dissenting opinions(?) My thinking is, that is a good thing.

I say unique for a host of reasons. CH1 has no dialogue, yet, I found it laid out the 'man's' dilemma quite well. Curiosity alone made me turn to CH2 even though I will say I wasn't 'feeling it' when I did. The fact is, the author did a good job because I did turn the page and continue. The character had me, without saying a word. I can only refer to that as 'unique'. I'm one that usually requires to feel the identity of a character through what he / she tells me, not the narrator / narrative, unless properly balanced whereas the narrative compliments the character's activities / dialogue. Again...unique.

In Ch2 once again we begin with flashing scenes of imagery through narrative about / within our MC. I get the idea now, when reading the first batch of dialogue what the author's intention was and it makes clear sense. When Maratha cut her hand and bled I told myself all of this would connect and make sense. Of course, it did.

Mr. Craig is a good writer with an avid imagination. Any writer creating fantasy stories like this has to have this ability, IMHO. The word usage is appropriate, quite thrifty actually and he 'keeps it simple' so to speak by not overusing terms / words that will require his target audience to have to run off to find a thesaurus to understand it. Wise, I believe with this genre as many seem to overwrite in this category. He doesn't make up crazy new descriptive names for things and so forth is what I mean.

Toward the end of CH2, the 'conflict' is established well, now engaging me as I read, once again, insisting I move on to CH3. The author has done this well in both of the first two chapters. I still have little sense of where the MC is, (neither does he). The title of the book is now apparent as Maratha has come so close to 'seeing him' in her vision or whatever and the emphasis of this magnifies the mystery around who the MC is, what is going on and how in blazes will he accomplish finding these answers. I get the feeling 'she' is not going to be able to provide them. On to CH3 I go.

Now the story takes off like a rocket shot. I won't make reference to the plot points anymore as obviously I do not want to reveal details that should be read and felt by the reader. It doesn't take me long to start to really like this story as I read 3 and 4. (I can't help but think now that CH1 could be strengthened a bit so as to reduce the risk of losing anyone before they get where I am at) This is a really really good book.

In chapter 8 before i know it. Wow. Had told myself I was going to read all 12, but even if I hadn't, I would be. The characters are strong. Mr. Craig has carefully woven in tid-bits of detail to let the reader remain engaged with having to figure things out and do a lot of guess work to determine plot possibilities. There is the hint of mystery here like a good thriller. I would guess the author could write those genres, or perhaps anything he wished fairly easily. I have to say though. The more I read, the more I wish he'd have began the story slightly differently. I can't say exactly why, I just keep telling myself that as string as this wonderfully engaging is, that narrative-heavy first chapter just didn't feel right. Of course I say that after quickly turning to chapter 2 to read on so what the heck do I know?

I had to smile in CH12 when Lagain made the comment about only a madman would have two of those, and the comment about 'unique'. I say it again. This story is unique. On top of it all, the author has chosen the absolute perfect place to cut off the story, leaving me with the impression that I just spent another hour and a half building up to get let down. I want to continue reading this story. Then again, every freaking book I read on here does that. LOL.

Mr. Craig is a good writer. This manuscript is polished clean. The characters are engaging. Bring your imagination if you read and you will enjoy a great story. No punctuation bumps, excess backstory dumps or off-track writing going on here. The story moves along very well. New details are constant. The conflict enhanced at every turn. Each chapter is built to a point at the end that insists the next chapter must be read. I say all this with genuine heart because what is amazing about this writing, is simplicity. It will appeal to the widest possible audience of those who like Fantasy Fiction.

I can't even think of not rating this book highly. It most certainly deserves the acclaim it has rec'd. That said, I can also see why many who did not 'read on' may have said of the things they said. In all fairness, I would strongly recommend they go back and do so. Then again, Mr. Craig, you could possibly tune the beginning to act more as a net to eliminate that possibility with some very minor tweaking.

My very best wishes to you with this book. It's publishable, there is no doubt in that. If the balance of the book carries anywhere near the guarantee of satisfying reading as the first 12CHs do, combined with your ending, you're going to do well.

I'm writing straight into comment box, as I always do, so typos will arise. I've been impressed by the comments you've made on other books so thought I'd take a look at the top book on the site. Only read down most of the first chapter. At first I thought your MC was in the desert, surrounded by vultures, but I'm then transported to a beach. It may be me but I felt he was feeling a lot for someone who was pretty much out for the count. My approach would have been to mix it up with less description. The boat and the guy are connected? Why not have distant sensations of the world as he phases in and out (tease the reader with his location) and dreams and flashbacks of his boat hitting the rocks, water pouring through the boat's hull, stuff flying everywhere and a picture his daughter, wife or whatever and then flashbacks of his life mixed in. Then you'd have a 3 tear percpective and the discovery of where all those events had brought him. The new world would be strange to him, like waking up in a stranger's bed and trying to figure out why everything isn't the way it normally was. Where's the bedside light, etc. If you do stick with what you have up I'd say the first chapter needs trimming. There was too much going on for me to the point that my head was bulging with too much description and overly done objectives cramming up the narrative.

A Memory of Blood
Peter Craig

I often reflect on why people write. Two reasons come to mind – because they have something to say or because they simply CAN write. I sensed both here and what a delight it is for a reader to come across the work of such a writer. This is fresh, mysterious and energetic with a hugely creative plot and a burst of beautiful metaphors I’m seeing for the first time! Themes of identity and survival, whether through fantasy or other types of fiction as well as in non-fiction even, are consuming ones and your provocative pitch immediately created interest in your story, starring this man who has no memory but has decided to push through dark dreams and a twisted empire to find himself – even if this may result in his death. We have a brave hero already and at some level, because of this, identification with the MC, at least for me, starts pretty early on in the writing. Already the signs of a complex character are there and chapter one fascinates in its master descriptions of this man – fresh energy filling his legs as he climbed the dunes, his muscles turning to water the next, really an enchanting labyrinth of passages and detail overall, the chapter amounting to a beautiful, surreal experience for the reader of the protagonist’s experiences. “Sleep,” a hoarse voice said and darkness swallowed him as the reader turns to Two and encounters near-naked men hunched over massive oars being whipped across their backs for slipping and missing the beat. The change of scene from One to Two is handled well and as the men faded we encounter malevolent skulls et al – this chapter is an artfully contrived adventure for the reader. I sensed some symbolism here with Maratha pricking her flesh with the knife and the droplets of blood falling onto the stone – power in blood, power in life, power in death; and the man pricking his own flesh and their blood mingling, her ensuing scream and words, “Your memories be deep and dark . . . there be so many memories. So much blood.” And your title “A memory of Blood” ideal considering the context here. And the plot thickens – evil lies heavy over the land – blood and fear, ruled by a masked emperor, with only the MC able to reach him, and stop him. Nice way to develop your plot at this point. I found the details of this chapter in terms of story quite imaginative. This is a special world you have created, entertaining, enlightening, charged with drama, suspense, mystery, adventure, terror even, and sometimes dizzying in its effectiveness. Shall I carry on reading, I am sure your MC will be a very memorable one and of course I am keen to know about his past as much as he is. Will return to this as soon as I can. Best wishes for its success Peter.

I have read your book. It is fabulous-.6 stars. You are on your way!

Absolutely backed!

Justis Call
Snow Bound

This is totally a winner, even the darker and more edgy moments keep me enthralled and fascinated. Though not much for any type of blood and gore, A Memory of Blood pulls fantasy and suspense together quite well.

Happy to put this on my shelf!
Starrfyrre

Interesting. It seems to follow in the footsteps of the modern fantasy - rollicking, hard-edged. No grand symphony style of world building. Swift moving, with hardly a breath to pause. I suppose one minor matter, but fundamental, given it's in the opening scene - he gritted his teeth ? He grit his teeth, perhaps.
This is not Tolkein ( but then, who could ever be ), nor Brooks, but you've chosen to depart entirely from that cozy world. As you rather dryly described, this is Bourne meeting fantasy, and the skill is catching the balance. Have you caught it ? I'm not sure. I think there will be many divided over this piece.
Ultimately, the litmus test is - did I enjoy it ? Well sir, yes I did. And I guess that's all that counts.

Hi Pete,

Number 1, 260 bookshelves and 251 comments: it's all good!

But as you are number one (and just to be contrary) let me confine myself to the crit.

Yes, we have suspense and dark intrigue and abstract descriptions and fey drama and lashings of flowery prose...

I know I'm in the minority on this site, but I prefer a story, simply told. This seems long on prose and short on narrative. But authonomites seem to love this stuff, so bravo.

For sure, there is decent intrigue and suspense, but the pace is slow for my personal taste: in terms of action and story-telling, not a lot happens in the first chapter. Twelve paragraphs to tell the reader: 'A man wakes on a beach with a bird pecking at him, he doesn't know where he is or who he is.'

I found it hard going, but that's just me. And what is one against so many, and a surefire HC review!

And then we have a ship that sinks in a storm.You try hard to project a few seconds of cinematic drama with hundreds of descriptive words, but mostly about the weather. I know you are big on 'show rather than tell' (and I'm lacking here I know) but isn't there is also a danger that you can go too far the other way: that it all becomes 'show' and very little story actually gets told?

Based on the ranking and the comments and the support, and the little I have read, I know there is a great story here. But in my view it is lost in the over-powering prose. In terms of wanting to read onto ch2, there are no interesting (or named) characters to follow and no through-line on the plot.

But you are number one and I'm nowhere: what do I know?

I do sincerely wish you the best of luck with this.

Best wishes,

Terry

Chapter 1

A great piece of work. Descriptive and suspense creating. I sure want to know what is this man's story. :)

Very good read, but a little rest from the dark tension here and there would possibly give more impact to the very darkest bits.
What a about a nice memory before you bash babies heads against boats?
Maybe a bit too dark in places to be classed as moderate?
I did enjoy reading this and hope the full book gets publish soon.

Carl

I read the first page. I like it.

Thank you so much for the comment and the backing.. :)

I'd have sent this to your message box, but I see it's blocked. If you ever read this, I just wanted you to know that I really appreciate the support. :)

Hello Pete:

Thank you once again for the backing of A King in Time and your comments that give me a feeling of having accomplished significent writing.

Your book, A Memory of Blood, has settled nicely into that category. I am most eager to say that you have a fine way with words and I wish you more than the best as an author. It's well deserved. Happy to back you once more and toss you six of my stars with enthusiasm.

My best to you.

Mary Enck

I read the first page. I like it.

Number ! Way to go! Can't wait to see what HC have to say about it!

Excellent prose! Flows...

Characterisation is good also.

Good pace and descriptions.

You write way better than Eddings


Would love to wrie more but broke hand.

Peter, your book is worth the promotion. Good luck!

If you have some time, take a look at The Willow Branch. I'm not asking to make anyone's self. I'm seeking commentary with an eye to improve it.

MEMORY OF BLOOD
hullo Peter. Interesting way to initiate a story. You are already shelved and now starred. Please took at my book when you have a chance and thanks for that. LLL

I am not as adept and thorough as you are with these reviews, but I have enjoyed reading the first chapter so I'd like to make some brief comments.
I like the way the tension is held throughout and the short sentences and paragraphs which push the momentum along at just the right pace. Your writing is also not devoid of poetry and descriptivness in the right dosage so as to slip in almost subtly but nonetheless adding richness to the text.
This opening is exciting and leaves the reader full of questions to compel further reading! Excellent. I hope to find some space on the shelf for this in the near future!!

Through the first two chapters and I'm liking it. The pace is good and the storyline is developing well. You have a knack for descriptions and evoking emotions. You help us to see through your characters eyes and feel what he feels. Nicely done. I'll read on.

Backed

EddieTol

Only things that didn't sit well for me in the first chapter was 'Snaps sounded.' Could you re-jig that phrase, perhaps? Apart from that, backed. Cheers! -Liz (Meggie Blackthorn)

hey like i promised i would read :)
i got to chapter 3 and you really have something here. your writing is wonderfully written although at times I feel like you could take it a step further. expressing more about what you MC sees, of course showing not telling. otherwise you have this all wrapped up in a story full of suspense and questions. i cant wait to finish :)
backed!

A very intriguing start to your novel. This may be rubbish advice but I almost think it would be more powerful if you started with the storm of the second paragraph. You really captured the heaviness the character feels as he tries to get to the hut, and the description leaves the reader (who isn't paralyed by the cold) terrified on behalf of the character. The flash back of the boat with the rowers is really well written, really managed to bring home how awful it must have been. And when they mix their blood and it fizzes the whole thing suddenly became even more intriguing and I read past where I originally intended to.

Backed.
Leila
Life Is Not A Love Song

Tricia asked me to take a look and give some support. I only back when I feel like something is worthy. I've read your first three chapter and am intrigued. It is well written and I feel the suspense building The man with no name and no memory.

If I could pick at something I would, but I just don't have anything jumping off the pages. Your style is smooth and I find it easy to continue on especially since this is not something I would typically pick up.

Best of luck and I think you're going to make it to the desk this month.

Lisa / Cheyenne - A Timeless Series Novel

wanted to look at book number two and wow -immediately felt interest -will carry on with it tomorrow -backed and rated -wish you lots of luck with it -elisa gianincelli -the thirteenth child

Immediately drawn in. Well done. Backed and rated.

Cat
Twisted

Hi Peter,
read first chapter and found interesting, mysterious, eye catching too. Easy to follow, can see the vision you write and like. A man washed ashore from a ship wreck and totally confused, nice start. I'll read more.

Richard A. Wentworth
Aracelis

Dear Peter,
This is a great read and I'm sure you'll make the desk - good luck
Rosemary

Not surprising this is at number 4 in the chart.
Very well written and an exceprional story.
My only gripe is the reference to 'the man' throughout the first two chapters. One loses a bit of narrative distance through it.
I can see why you call him that but it does grate a little.
Excellent stuff!
Backed with no reservations.

Apart from the fact that I want to give the voice of Yoda to Martha and the horsemen (the way they speak makes me do that in my head...) I could see myself along for the ride on this one.

The thing with fantasy is you have to give yourself a few chapters to 'learn the rules' of the place you're reading about. Once you've done that, if the author sticks to those rules, you can keep up. You have done a great job of that. Revealing bits to make me want more, showing the darkness without beign too repetitive or abusing adjectives to get me there... all the things it takes to make a good fantasy a good read.

Well done.

Bridget

I believe I backed this before - happy to do so again. Kenneth

Happy to back this.
Jo

Recc to me by Faith -excellent book - good luck
Jenny