The Iron Ship – K.M.McKinley #bookreview

Posted on February 9, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

The Iron Ship is Book One of The Gates of the World. Published in 2015.

‘Merchant, industrialist and explorer Trassan Kressind has an audacious plan – combining the might of magic and iron in the heart of a great ship to navigate an uncrossed ocean, seeking the city of the extinct Morfaan to uncover the secrets of their lost sciences…’

It was my book group choice. My first impressions – I loved the cover, was intrigued by the blurb and couldn’t wait to read it.

The Iron Ship is a fantasy / steampunk mix, perfect for those who love indepth worldbuilding. Unfortunately, I’m not one of them.

It took me over 200 pages to get into the story. There are a lot of characters – we follow the lives of the six Kressind siblings, but also a lot more besides, and it’s hard to keep track of everything that’s going on. I would think those who enjoy the huge scale of Game of Thrones would enjoy this new series.

It’s a long book and sometimes the descriptions can drag. But there are also moments of high tension and excitement that draw you in. I just wanted more character focus, to live the story through them more. I did like (but not love) some of the characters Katriona, Guis and Tuvacs, and would be interested to continue their stories in the next book.

There are plenty of new concepts to enjoy; the Tyn people, talking dogs which are used as horses, lizard-like creatures and plenty of fantastical beasts, twin moons, Glimmer magic, Guiders to send spirits on, the Drowned King… I could go on. There is a lot to explore in this book. If you are a fan of world building this could be the book for you.

I rate it 3 out of 5 stars.

Amazon UK

Amazon US

#goodreads #giveaway update – Visions of Zarua

Posted on February 6, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

With the closing date of 14th Feb, there’s only 8 days to enter my Goodreads giveaway to win 1 of 3 signed copies of Visions of Zarua.

It’s the first giveaway I’ve done, so I’ve been a bit obsessive looking at the stats. As of 9.30am this morning (sat 6th Feb) I am number 23 on the most requested fantasy giveaway list. That’s pretty cool.

I’m overwhelmed that over 1000 people have entered the giveaway so far, and of those over 400 have marked the book as to read. This is amazing exposure for a first-time self-published author.

For those authors considering doing a giveaway, I would say go for it! But I will also do an update post at the end of the month on whether the giveaway has had any impact on the number of sales and reviews.

For readers who have read Visions of Zarua, I would like to ask if you would consider leaving a review. It’s the only way that self published authors get noticed and taken seriously. So far I have 6 brilliant reviews and a star rating on Amazon of 4.7. A big thanks to my readers who have been kind enough to share their views.

Please share and tell your friends. And have a wonderful weekend everyone.

Dark and thrilling fantasy novel: Visions of Zarua

Posted on January 27, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

I would like to share this wonderful review from C at happymeerkatreviews. I supplied her a free copy for an honest review.

Happymeerkatreviews

I was kindly sent a free digital copy of this book from the author Suzanne Rogerson. It’s a wonderful fantasy book. Links for the author’s website and other sites are below the review.

This is my review of Visions of Zarua:

This is a dark and thrilling fantasy book that really keeps you gripped from beginning to end. Set in the world of Paltria, where there is magic, wizards and dark creatures, Paddren and his friends begin their journey by trying to save his master Kalesh. But when Kalesh is found dead they must find out why and their search reveals the dark and sinister past haunting Paltria.

This book is one of the best fantasy books I’ve read to date! From the very first chapter I was hooked to read more and it isn’t many books that truly keep you reading from the very beginning to the very end. …

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Visions of Zarua by Suzanne Rogerson – Review + Giveaway

Posted on January 8, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

I’m really pleased to share this thoughtful 4 star review of my debut fantasy novel, Visions of Zarua. Reviewer Nyareads.

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Visions of Zarua by Suzanne Rogerson Publication date: December 14th 2015 Genres: Fantasy An ancient darkness haunts the realm of Paltria. Apprentice wizard Paddren is plagued by visions of a city …

Source: Visions of Zarua by Suzanne Rogerson – Review + Giveaway

Last chance to buy Visions of Zarua for 99p

Posted on January 4, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

As life returns to normal and people return to work and school, the price promotion for my standalone fantasy novel is also coming to an end tomorrow – 5th January 2016 at 10pm GMT.

Two Wizards, 350 years apart. Together they must save the realm of Paltria from Zarua’s dark past.

If you like fast-paced, character driven fantasy, Visions of Zarua could be the perfect novel for you.

Amazon UK 99p

Amazon USA $1.47

The Goodreads giveaway is also still running. Enter for your chance to win 1 of 3 signed paperback copies.

#BookReview of Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine

Posted on December 29, 2015 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

Book Review of Ink and Bone – Volume 1 of The Great Library

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I picked up this YA fantasy novel purely on the strength of one review from fantasyreads.

I’m so glad I did, though I have to admit to several late nights where I just couldn’t bear to stop reading. This was one of those books that helped me rediscover the joy of reading and allowed me to become completely immersed in another world. Not just for the fact that I loved the premise of a society focused on protecting books, but the story and the characters had me hooked right from the beginning.

It is a very fast paced, entertaining read and I loved the alternative history that was so cleverly portrayed, with plenty of magic and intrigue thrown in. The characters have such depth, especially scholar Wolfe, and there are so many details that add to the world, like the sometimes murderous Automatons and the Burners with their Greek Fire. There are many aspects to this story that I can’t wait to explore more, so many possibilities…

Even as I write this review, I could quite happily read the whole book again.

I give Ink and Bone 5 stars and have no hesitation recommending it to anyone who enjoys fantasy.

The worse thing by far in discovering a new series is to know that the next book is not available until July 2016!

Buy it at Amazon.co.uk

Buy it at Amazon.com

Getting in the festive mood with a Goodreads Giveaway & Kindle sale!

Posted on December 24, 2015 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

To combine the fun of the holidays and the recent launch of my paperback, Visions of Zarua, I’ve set up a Goodreads Giveaway.

It starts on 25th December 2015. To be in with a chance of winning 1 of 3 signed copies, please click the link from tomorrow.

Goodreads Giveaway

I’ve also reduced the price of the Kindle edition for a limited time only. The price reduction is available across all Amazon Kindle sites. Please click the links to buy your copy now.

Amazon.co.uk £0.99

Amazon.com $1.49

Merry Christmas to everyone.

Paperback available now!

Posted on December 14, 2015 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

I’m delighted to announce that there is now a paperback version of Visions of Zarua available to buy from Amazon.

It’s been a mad few months getting everything ready for self publishing. I’m looking forward to a quiet Christmas and then I’ll be diving into my next project. Hopefully everything I’ve learnt will make the process a lot smoother next time around.

Visions of Zarua – Paperback coming soon!

Posted on December 2, 2015 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

I haven’t posted anything for a while so I thought it was time for a quick update.

Since my eBook was released on the 16th November, friends and family have been asking when the paperback would be available. So the answer is very soon.