Acts of the Servant: Volume One of This Iron Race

All I can say is this is absolutely perfect writing. The voice fits the historical time.
It looks like a lot of research has gone into this, making for a very professional work.
History is not my favourite read, but I do recognise a talented writer.
I think I'll wait for the film version, as I'm sure this is the kind of book that would interest the film industry.
Best wishes and good luck, Orma.

Colin -

My apologies that it took me so long to get around to reading this - it has sat on my WL for quite some time. This struck me as a mix of "Wolf Hall" and "Game of Thrones" as I read it. Not sure if that was what you intended at all, but that is how it read to me...

My only comments:

1. I would have liked to have more description - what you have is excellent, but I wanted more. I found that I could picture everything in my mind's eye but not with the detail that I wanted to. Both of the people and the place. This is of course, only my opinion and others may feel differently...

2. The ending of your first chapter is so gripping and the unusual aspects of Wolfe's personality are only revealed here - I was wondering if there was a way to cut out some of the dialogue and narrative earlier on and get to this earlier as the end of this chapter is so gripping and so well done - I think it would hook your readers faster and keep them reading during the slower bits.

Otherwise this is exactly the type of book I love to read. Historical fiction with an aspect of fantasy/magic perhaps? I would read on. And buy the sequel.

Best,

Rena (Bunderful) author of Master of the Miracles

Colin,

You have talent that is possibly beyond all I have read on this site thus far. I don't say that lightly. You are percise, descriptive, knowledgable and write this novel within a genre that I have true passion for. I would place this book next to my favorites in my library.

I love your use of weather and the senses to really give us a feel for your world and to make us feel as if we were there. You know your subject, that is obvious. Your main character is strong and all characters are completely believable.

I have a saying about books... Some good books are like candy or icecream, enjoyable and a quick and easy read. Others are like steaks, rich and meant to be had slowly. Yours is a steak. Let me know when it is in print. I want a copy.

Have a great day!

- Scott Toney, Eden Legacy and The Ark of Humanity

Act of the Servant: Volume One of This Iron Race is absolutely one of the best books I have read on Authonomy. I just couldn’t put it down. I am certainly not qualified to critique this superior style, so I won't. My only question is, where can I buy a copy?

The dialogue is first rate for the period. So often we see modern dialogue in Historical Fiction which merely disturbs the flow. This does not disappoint. The pace is slick and I found myself in chapter 6 without blinking. Professionally formated with descriptive chapter leaders indicate its point of view so there is no question what the chapter is about. I cannot comment further because firstly, it’s exceptional and secondly, the author is a master story-teller. It’s a six star book and a permanent shelfer for anyone reading this.

You’ll be glad you did. Claire ~ Chasing Pharaohs.

Fabulous. I'll say more later, but I'm an addict, and it's on my shelf forever: nothing else can possibly push this off my shelf. Now, Author, I do want this on my real shelf, and I might have to insist you get yourself published. It's certainly worthy; the style is quite glorious; slow, yes, but for those who believe slow is out of fashion, try Beathan's rescue of the lamb, early in the piece, slow and wonderful. Author, don't you dare make cuts, should a publisher tell you to. I'll be back.

Your work has been edited already and I have little to add. I do want to make some notes on what I've read so far. In chapter one I feel Titus going about his business of inspecting the wall a little repetitive - this makes your chapter one an uneven read (because I really liked the ending section of the chapter more than the start). Have you thought of condensing his visit to only one? You could have him compare the present visit to a previous one that happened before the start of the story, and make his observations about young men being better on guard and sharper than older men - who in this case fell asleep and didn't request a replacement in time. The menace of the evening could also be upped a little - perhaps Titus thinks the older man is dead? Or he has a vision in the fog? Or some more bad omens to give us a hint this night murder will happen... (er... or will it? perhaps suicide?)...

I'm putting this on my shelf because I think it is near publishable shape - just a matter of tightening the screws and balancing info dumps with action - which is what you're working on I presume. I'd also like to have more period vocabulary thrown in from the start - eg "leather gloves" could be more descriptive as "faded gauntlets" and the "cape" could be " three quarter length cape, with a stand-up collar. A triangular section set onto the top, with the point falling to the center back of the cape. The front closed with oversized frogs."


Q

PS I hope this is helpful - if not, please feel free to ignore - after all, my honest opinion is all I can give you. Best of luck with your work.

I love this it feels like I am reading a novel not just a story :) on my watchlist to enjoy later

Colin, I promised you some comments on "The Acts of the Servant".

First, let me say that if this book was published, then I would not hesitate to buy it and read it. The ideas and themes resonate with my own imagination so closely that I feel that it is a book I would re-read many times over. My initial reaction was that "The Acts of the Servant" was a superior variety of a "Sword and Sorcery" type of epic, but as I read on I realised it was much more than that, from its experiments in style and execution, through to its exploration of social issues such as the morality of the Highland Clearances. Although magic exists, it is nicely treated in a matter-of-fact way so that it doesn't distract from the realism.

I particularly like the little touches that add to the atmosphere and help draw the reader in, such as the child (I assume it was a child; I'm not so sure now) asking for a light in "Prologue the First" or Sir David saying goodnight to his children in "Chapter 3: Kinship". The scene where the peregrine chases the pigeon out of the kirk in "Chapter 2: Noblesse Oblige" is particularly memorable.

If I read any other novel in which the point-of-view character changed with each chapter, I would be tempted to mark it down as a fault, but I think here it is necessary simply because of the huge canvas you are trying to fill. (I've only just noticed the word count!) However, it does mean that the reader is never quite sure who is the central protagonist--or even if there is a central protagonist. To the modern reader this could be slightly disorientating, though I suspect as I get deeper into the story things will become clearer.

I have never been a huge fan of dialect being phonetically spelled out, and have to admit I struggled with the speech of some of the "broader" Scots characters; but it is evidence of how much I am enjoying the story and the writing that I am perfectly happy to put up with that.

I wondered if you were considering including maps with the finished book? Geography appears to a very important element in the story, and the geography of your world is both familiar and unfamiliar at the same time. I can imagine having a hardback copy of the book with a map that folds out from the back, to assist in following the discussions on international diplomacy. (Not that the lack of a map detracts from my enjoyment or understanding; it would simply be a nice touch.)

At the risk of gaining a reputation for being tiresomely pedantic, I think that the birds that appear throughout "Prologue the second" are probably Rooks rather than Crows, as Rooks are gregarious and Crows generally solitary (despite the evocative collective noun). On the other hand, Crows do carry more symbolism (in folklore terms) than Rooks, and the phrase "murderous with crows" is really too good to lose, so perhaps in this case it is all right to make them Crows. (I could mischievously suggest that this might be the opportunity for an additional footnote, in which the editor points out why the birds are more likely to be Rooks than Crows, and then laments the fact that MacGregor, despite all his other talents, is clearly not an ornithologist. Whether you do that or not depends on how pedantic you want the editor to be.)

I did find a couple of very minor typos and possible mistakes. Towards the end of "Kinship" there is a "Sire David" instead of "Sir David". ("Sire David ignored his cousin...") Earlier in the same chapter, when the beef consumme is being served, there is the line "as custom demanded, he would be served last" where you haven't established who "he" is (I presume Sir David, as he is the only person at the table not to be specifically named). It did read a little oddly and confused me for a moment or two. Perhaps "as custom demanded, the master of the house would be served last" would be better. I also noticed a / instead of a full stop and a repeated comma in "Chapter 4: No Natural Physic."

Thanks for bringing "Acts of the Servant" to my attention. Oh, and do let me know when you get your publishing contract, because I want to order a copy...

Colin -

My apologies that it took me so long to get around to reading this - it has sat on my WL for quite some time. This struck me as a mix of "Wolf Hall" and "Game of Thrones" as I read it. Not sure if that was what you intended at all, but that is how it read to me...

My only comments:

1. I would have liked to have more description - what you have is excellent, but I wanted more. I found that I could picture everything in my mind's eye but not with the detail that I wanted to. Both of the people and the place. This is of course, only my opinion and others may feel differently...

2. The ending of your first chapter is so gripping and the unusual aspects of Wolfe's personality are only revealed here - I was wondering if there was a way to cut out some of the dialogue and narrative earlier on and get to this earlier as the end of this chapter is so gripping and so well done - I think it would hook your readers faster and keep them reading during the slower bits.

Otherwise this is exactly the type of book I love to read. Historical fiction with an aspect of fantasy/magic perhaps? I would read on. And buy the sequel.

Best,

Rena (Bunderful) author of Master of the Miracles

Well I read a little more than you asked ...

Chpt 22
From a professional pov, this chapter completely fails to grate, which is a bigger complement than it sounds :) It means that your portrayal of priest, church, sacraments & theology are all good.

If I were really pedantic, I'd say that the dialogue between priest & princess didn't quite match the description of it. It sounds a little awkward, but there is no sense of foreignness, or difficulty of understanding or speaking.

Chpt 23
Chilling. Quite horrible.

Chpt 24
Another piece of pedantry, but didn't the priest take care not to crease his robes when he knelt?
Surplice - you *might* want to describe it as a cotta? 'surplice' has become English Protestant while cotta is distinctively catholic.
Archbishop Newcomen makes me think of cardinal Newman - is this deliberate?
Very poignant little bit of Captain Wolfe's back story!
Ran out of enthusiasm half way through chapter, probably because I've not read the beginning of the book, or possibly pique because I wasn't told what had scared the priest! Possibly the chapter is too long?

Enjoyed the read very much. I hope some of this is useful.

Lindsay

You don't have to have a PhD to read this, but it helps the after shock. This book is an undertaking. No, an UNDERTAKING, so not surprising that - despite the excellent quality of writing - it has struggled to get a high rating on this site. It does not lend itself to a whip through the first five paragraphs and a succinct statement. Choose any section of the book and it's very well researched to be feasible 'history'. Choose any one of the hundreds of characters and s/he will be well rounded and credible.
I've backed this book but my desk is not prominent enough to bring it the attention it deserves. it would be a brave publisher who would take on a work of this size .... but it has been known. Lara
A RELATIVE INVASION

I like the premise of your story, it really envelopes you in the history of the time. You seem to have done your research well because of your discriptiveness of the time and surroundings, but sometimes the old time wording you use can make the reader of your story pause to think and i know your added footnotes, but it did interupt the pace a little for me. However an over all interesting tale :-)

I have little to add that has not already been said.
Really very, very good.

Lindsay
A Priest's Tale

As someone else has commented, this has a genuine period feel to it, in no small way due to the atmosphere that is skilfully evoked throughout. I must suggest that in places it seems that you are trying a little too hard and the text becomes a bit bogged down in detail eg. Wolfe walks quickly and then even strides forward in spite of the fog being as thick as 'pea-soup'...he then has to suddenly grope for the wall instead of actually walking straight into it! This feels at odds with the situation he is in. I also noted several lexical errors which may have been overlooked. Nevertheless, this has great promise and deserves to reach the Desk.
Best wishes
Stewart

All I can say is this is absolutely perfect writing. The voice fits the historical time.
It looks like a lot of research has gone into this, making for a very professional work.
History is not my favourite read, but I do recognise a talented writer.
I think I'll wait for the film version, as I'm sure this is the kind of book that would interest the film industry.
Best wishes and good luck, Orma.

I very much like the concept of this. Interesting to me as well is your title page since in my original (not on authonomy) I did a similar thing. I like all the notes at the start as it all gives gravitas to the work as though it is fact rather than fiction. My only concern is that some people might want to get to the meat of the story sooner. But I like it, along with the reference notes. You have great assurance with this style and it reads very well. I would read this all (alas, at the moment, I am pressed for time).

Colin,
You have a fine writing style which reminds me of some works in classical literature. Your extensive footnotes show you've done a tremendous amount of research for this historical with a captivating plot. Aside from that, the reader learns while being transported to another time and place. Six stars for this fine historical.

Walden Carrington
Titanic: Rose Dawson's Story

well you get backed for the writing, very nice indeed, full of well timed phrases, giving needed information and apt descriptions, or something like that, inventive yes, not only do i have an author to wonder about but an editor, is it nineteenth century prose, some of it is surely, but most i suspect is good modern usage, like other historical pieces i have found on this site the author's knowledge of period allows him a more vivid portrait than most other authors' contemporary attempts, if you could would you take a look at my piece "sound not heard", i would appreciate it, best wishes

Colin,

You have talent that is possibly beyond all I have read on this site thus far. I don't say that lightly. You are percise, descriptive, knowledgable and write this novel within a genre that I have true passion for. I would place this book next to my favorites in my library.

I love your use of weather and the senses to really give us a feel for your world and to make us feel as if we were there. You know your subject, that is obvious. Your main character is strong and all characters are completely believable.

I have a saying about books... Some good books are like candy or icecream, enjoyable and a quick and easy read. Others are like steaks, rich and meant to be had slowly. Yours is a steak. Let me know when it is in print. I want a copy.

Have a great day!

- Scott Toney, Eden Legacy and The Ark of Humanity

I've been reading this work for over an hour and have been drawn in. I love your description and the view of the world that you share with us. I wish I had time to properly comment but I have to rush off. I'll be back tomorrow with a true response. Thanks so much for the enjoyable read.

- Scott

Act of the Servant: Volume One of This Iron Race is absolutely one of the best books I have read on Authonomy. I just couldn’t put it down. I am certainly not qualified to critique this superior style, so I won't. My only question is, where can I buy a copy?

The dialogue is first rate for the period. So often we see modern dialogue in Historical Fiction which merely disturbs the flow. This does not disappoint. The pace is slick and I found myself in chapter 6 without blinking. Professionally formated with descriptive chapter leaders indicate its point of view so there is no question what the chapter is about. I cannot comment further because firstly, it’s exceptional and secondly, the author is a master story-teller. It’s a six star book and a permanent shelfer for anyone reading this.

You’ll be glad you did. Claire ~ Chasing Pharaohs.

Wow! I really like the flow of your sentences, you write like a pro, and i'm amazed at how much research this story has. I didn't get to all of your novel, but what I did read astounded me... keep up the good work. and p.s i also like the font you used for the title of your story haha what is that?

-Sincerely, J.T Hughes!

You are on my watchlist - looks intriguing. I will read as soon as I can.
Antonia

Wonderfully written. I quail at the label of fantasy for adults, because most of what I've seen of it is so badly written (my father-in-law's fault for his book choices, perhaps...) - but this is just excellent. Deep, thoughful prose, natural dialogue and beautiful ideas throughout.

Anna
Angelwings

Your two short stories (chapters 28 and 29) are excellent. I would love to be able to write as well as you do.

Charles

I don’t usually read historical fiction, so I only have a couple things to say:

This wasn’t written. This was CRAFTED. The prose here is beautiful. Great punctuation and sentence fluency (I know this sounds elementary but I’ve read so many books on this site where the grammar was so bad I couldn’t focus on the plot!). You have done your research INCREDIBLY. The details, down to the minutiae, are fantastic. And at the same time you don’t exhaust the reader with paragraph after paragraph describing insignificant objects. You balance detail and plot perfectly.

I honestly can’t believe this isn’t published. Are you seeking a literary agent? Keep writing and don’t get discouraged if “the multitudes” on authonomy don’t all back it. There’s 4,000+ books on here as far as I can tell, and it’s easy to get buried. If this were published, on the other hand, this book would float right to the top. :)

-EZ

This is a fabulous atmospheric read, with such attention to historical detail that the reader is totally immersed from the first page. The prologue was faultless scene setting and the notes at the chapter ends, answer any uncertaintity I may have had due to my ignorance of the period. I would buy this. I wish you the very best with this.
Babs

Oh, and I too have a copy of Jonathon Strange and Mr Norrell...

This is one of the few books on this site that feels like a novel. I am drawn in by the description, the dialect, and want to lose myself in your written world. I will comment more after a further reading.

This is one of the few books on this site that feels like a novel. I am drawn in by the description, the dialect, and want to lose myself in your written world. I will comment more after a further reading.

This work is excellent in all respects that I have to judge it. The 38 footnotes above are amenable to presentation as text material for students and fans of wonderful writing. The amazing introductory and prologue material enticed this reader into the work. Best of luck with this wonderful work. Chuck

An awful ot of work has gone into this book...a real labour of love. Historical detail is brilliant.
I'd try to keep "active voice" in the prose...a little re-write!
Fantastic, atmospheric and in my mind a winner!
Alison Butler

I started this last night, was gripped, but I found it needs more concentration than I had at the time. I have listed it and will read it all very soon.

Lovely. Your style is potent and compliments the story you tell well.
Happily backed.

Shakat
Stand

I am backing this right now based on your wonderful use of language despite the fact that I haven't finished reading even the first chapter. Since I need to keep your book on my shelf for a while to do any good - I'm going to take my time to read more and get back to you with any feedback.

Lorraine
Mannin Boy

Have eventually got around to your book and it was definitely worth reading.
Backed with pleasure.
Mike-The Compulsive Adventurer

Have added to w/l.
Please check out ' The Compulsive Adventurer'
thanks
Mike

The road takes the two men south, away from the city. Snowdrifts conceal the road ruts, level the drainage ditches and gather against every eminence. EH? EMINENCE? At times, the men walk ankle-deep, at others they flounder to their knees. Periodically, lightning illuminates the rolling clouds but otherwise the sky is black and the leading man carries a lantern and a pocketful of candles to replenish it. He walks purposefully, fears they will be followed, is anxious to put distance between them and the city and reach the shelter of woodland by dawn. The second man trails him and stumbles often; he longs to rest and lie down, longs for a fire also, and chance to ease the numbness in his feet.
I walk with them, though neither sees or hears my presence and I leave no tracks in the snow. FAIR ENOUGH. REMAINS TO BE SEEN ABOUT THE POINT OF VIEW SLIP WITH "HE LONGS TO..." DEPENDS WHAT MANNER OF SPIRIT IS NARRATING.
 
Vladimir Rasputa RASPUTIN? hears the wind moaning in its eaves before he sees the hovel. He walks cautiously until he sees the roof has fallen in, then shelters in its lee and waves the lantern. THIS IS TIRESOME ORDERING AND NOT VIVID. THE EAVES BEFORE THE HOVEL. THEN IT A SORT OF STRAIGHT TELL...YOU STILL HAVE MY GOOD WILL BUT THE MYTERIOUSNESS OF THE HOOK NEEDS THE POINT OF VIEW OF THE NARRATOR AND SOME TENSION SOON.
‘Here, in here.’
There is not telling if the ruin is by itself or on the edge of a village. A seeking spell would decide it, but a village hedge-witch or shaman would detect it. He WHO IS HE? has nothing to fear from such a man, but it was ? safer to pass unnoticed. There was ? no smell of woodsmoke or cattle dung on the wind and he suspected ? they were alone still. TENSES ALL FUCKED UP. I THOUGHT WE WERE IN PRESENT?
The second man joins him and falls to his knees with a groan of pain.
‘Where?’ he asks. Rasputa knows the man carries an injury, but not its extent or severity. HOW DO "I" KNOW THAT?
‘Back,’ the man shakes his head for emphasis, ‘I ken it’s nae good.’
Rasputa eases a hand under the man’s coat. The knife wound is above the kidneys; it is deep, fatally so. There is nothing he can do save scratch the ice-rune on the man’s flesh. At least it will lessen the pain.
‘Thankfu’ to ye,’ the man mutters. ‘The jiler’s lad, the smiler did for us.’
‘The idiot?’ There was a moon-faced boy cowering in the shadows when the gaoler let him through the door – the man thought himself honoured by a visit from the Tsar’s confidant and was unaware of his true intentions until he laid the knife upon his throat – but he’d not thought the idiot-child worth attention. I'M LOST NOW.
‘Ay, him,’ the man mutters, ‘lad has something to smile aboot the noo.’
‘I go back, wipe smile from face,’ he offered.
‘Dinna ye be troubled over it.’ The man’s breath comes in short gasps, like a dog’s.PANTS? ‘I canna go on. Ye must know that.’
‘I still barely know who you are,’ he says.  ‘Or why you were worth saving. But I am happy that I tried. I am sorry I failed.’
‘Nae sorra as I,’ the man grips his gloved hand. ‘But comin’ after ye they be. Best ye be at goin’.’ THE DIALECT IS ANNOYING.
‘I shall lose them, see,’ he held his hand out in the falling snow, ‘it covers our tracks already.’
‘We both ken there be ways of following a man that dinna need tracks.’
This was true, but he would evade them also, besides, there were questions he had, questions that might explain how he came to be here, a fugitive from his master’s court, lying low with a dying man for company.
‘Tell me,’ he says, ‘what did you show my master?’ He recalls the look of horror on the Tsar’s face.
‘Faces,’ the man says.
‘Whose?’ He has part-guessed the answer.
‘From the mine. I showed him their faces, living, dead, near dead. And,’ the man coughed; his breath stinks of blood, ‘there be plenty others I have known, after a fashion. You wouldna believe what I have seen and dreamt of. When he looks on his pretty amber that is what he sees.’
Rasputa nods; the answer is almost what he had expected. He recalled the mine at Yantarny, the fouling of the sea far out from land that had greeted his ship, the mud and filth of the mine, the squalor of the prisoners’ quarters and the burial pits where they buried the victims of accident and starvation. He was in Yantarny to discover the truth of this so-called wizard, this man who could discover the finest piece of amber in a mountain of clay, and bring him to the Tsar in St Petersburg. This he had done, though the consequences had caught up with him.

I'M SORRY BUT THIS IS AS FAR AS I GO. BACKSTORY VERY CLUMSY AND SO FAR WE'VE ACTUALLY SEEN NOTHING.

WHY DIDN'T WE START WITH THE ACTION WITH THE STABBING? OR SOMEWHERE ELSE, NOT HERE?

16 September 2010
An assured, confident artisan, proficient with the written word and the courage to take risks with tense, style and dialogue. The opening scene, with its wasteland setting and two fugitives is stark and darkly evocative. This work has been diligently researched. Following the advice of Ford Maddox Ford I moved forward to Chapter 13 to find that the quality of prose, attention to detail and the creative & imaginative thrust had lost none of its power. One minor observation is that the use of 'Scotch' grated for me personally but I accept that perhaps in that period it was acceptable usage. Enthusiastically BACKED. Robert Davidson. The Tuzla Run.

THE BREATH OF KINGS: Volume One of This Iron Race
Tamburlaine McGregor

I have just read through Chapter 9 and stopped for a breath to tell you I have been enjoying this beyond the story. I usually take that as my first attraction. I am so taken aback at the way you can deliver each scene and reveal every small detail. I feel as if you are using a camera obscura to project all in totality upon the page.

You devote an entire chapter to the leavetaking of the Laird from his wife and household as he commences a journey in his carriage. I see it, hear the sounds and inhale the fragrance of it. My eyes rest upon each face that comes into focus. You drift from one to the next as a feather plays on fleeting breeze.

This is wonderful writing and you Sir, are a master craftsman.

Mary Enck
A King in Time

Neatly woven in dialect, description and dialogue, absorbing and compelling, crisp writing. Nice eery ending to chapter 7. Hope it gets published soon.

Dear Tamburiaine

I have not read it all but will carry on. I loved your short pitch it grabbed me and your long pitch truly enticed me to read on. Original storyline so far and very well crafted. I am not an expert in grammar nor punctuation etc, but I love the flow and I am really getting a true appreciation of Science fiction. this is especially with regard to writers such as yourself. I am aspiring to write, you have honed a natural talent CONGRATS

Please take a moment to look, COMMENT which is

important to me, and BACK my book. if not that is OK

also

The VERY best of luck to you

BACKED BY ME FOR SURE
Denise
The Letter

Dear Tamburlaine, I love the task you took on to bring this historical event to life. :) It's a crying shame that early 1900s kept the whole original story from being published :( - I'm so glad you told about that in chapter 52. :) Thank you for all of the time you put in on this story. :) I've backed your book :) - could you please take a moment to back my memoir book? :) Thanks so very much. :) Love, Susie :)

THE BREATH OF KINGS: Volume One of This Iron Race
Tamburlaine McGregor: Edited by Vincent de Montauban

This must be the original book from whence came the words, "It was a dark and stormy night". It is certainly original in every other sense and holds my respect, awe and admiration. I have only just begun the adventure of reading it but will hardly be able to resist going the distance on this one.

I've seen enough to back it with anticipation of what is to come within its pages.

Sincerely,

Mary Enck
A King in Time

:) comment to follow - read & comment on 4 hours later :)

An interesting story, and an intriguing alternate-history setting, with some useful notes. Could do wthout the opening sentence,though; "It was a dark and stormy night" is too much of a chiche.

Lynne Ellison

The Green Bronze Mirror

An intelligent, fascinating historical. You skillfully captured my attention, and then my mind. Relatable characters. Authentic dialogue that evokes the era. Accomplished storytelling. Artful writing. An inviting read. Backed.

This is marvellous. Full of mystery and suspense. I love history of any kind, (my book Lizzie is a history/fiction novel too) so would have backed it anyway, but I'm so glad I read it, and have backed it on its own merit. On my watchlist too. Great stuff!

yes, this is a book!!!!!!!!!!! fascinating subject, well written. well presented= not too much wrong with this at all- its on my watchlist...
readSEASONS...

Colin, we just started a co-op for HF writers. You are invited to come and see whether it suits you. Few people realize how big ebooks will be in a very short time. We want to grab a part of that market. Membership is only by invitation.

http://groups.google.ca/group/HFco-op

Regards,

Iva Polansky

P.S. Read the “What can the co-op do for you?” page.

I like your premise of the mysterious old novel, and the voice you've chosen for it works perfectly. The footnotes too are a great device. I didn't see any technical weaknesses in what I read. I think this would find maybe not a wide audience but one very intelligent and appreciative. Happy to back this for you.
Craig
The Job

Super writing! Strange and mysterious intrigue. BACKED -Elizabeth Wolfe (Memories of Glory)

It's rare to find something like this - real, engaging and so beautifully written. Almost from the start you write with an air of subtle mystery and the detail is simply exquisite.

Backed with pleasure.
Abi xxx

A finely crafted, well paced and well written book. You have done more than justice to a historical period piece and your use of imagery is superb. Backed with pleasure.

Andrew Burans
The Reluctant Warrior: The Beginning
P.S. I think you will like the scene in my openning chapter?

What a phenomenal book!!!
The narrative in this is at times awesome and still so very congruent. This is one impressive book!!!