ASTARTE RISING by Greg Thomas @InfrasonicGreg

Today, I have the pleasure of welcoming Greg to my blog, after reading his novel, Astarte Rising. 

I have not read a SciFi book of this nature in a long time and have to admit that I loved it. 

This was my 5 star review...

"An action & adventure read based on the premise of the discovery of a time travel source, or Time Faeder. Having not read a book of this kind in ages, I thought it was great. 

I always rate a book highly that I could see as a film and this would be brilliant.

A lot of characters in this, but the main ones I liked were Harry and Rosa. Add some zombies brought to life by an evil demon and the rise of Astarte and you have a cracking read. Highly recommend."

So, Greg, how did you come to write this novel?

I’ve always had a love of books and admiration for the writers who create them, and Astarte Rising is my attempt to contribute to the multitude of fictional worlds and dreams that are available for readers to enjoy.

What inspired you? A book, film, or both?

It would be difficult to single out one book or film, but rather the works of authors such as Neil Gaiman, Philip Pullman (His Dark Materials Trilogy), Ursula K Le Guin, together with humour inspired by Terry Pratchett.

Tell us more about your characters. Which one was your favourite and least favourite to write and why?

It’s hard to pick favourites, but I do like the main character Harry Bonneville, as he’s a good guy trying to do the right thing in extraordinary circumstances.

I’d like to mention Professor Rowan Forrest too. He’s partly based on a very kind, intelligent and incredibly curious old family friend. He wasn’t a professor, but he was an engineer, and that’s pretty good in itself.

My least favourite character would be the cruel Captain McVelley. But we’ve not seen the last of him yet…

Do you think time travel will ever be plausible?

Professor Stephen Hawking has just materialised from the future and told me to keep quiet, so as not to alter the timelines. OK, seriously, I’m no scientist but Professor Hawking maintains it’s theoretically possible, and who am I to argue?

For a writer, it’s a very useful device to move your characters to unusual places, and I needed a mechanism to do just that. I tried to dream up an original, hopefully believable, way this could be done and decided on the part-organic Time Faeder. However, as will be explored in future books, time travel by this method comes at a great cost.

Why did you choose the destination and how did you research the past? A few times, I wondered if Rosa would have been so easily accepted, as a woman in that time?

The destination of ancient Israel (or Palestine) was chosen for a couple of reasons. Firstly, I wanted the team to carry out “the strangest rescue mission of all time” where it was especially important to never alter the timelines. This area has seen incredible cultural and spiritual change and has witnessed the passing of the old gods, for example Baal and Astarte who later became demonised as part of that process. The “divine feminine” seemed to become suppressed as monotheism became accepted and so I developed a story whereby our heroes not only struggle to complete their rescue mission, but there’s another rescue that involves Astarte, once known as “the queen of heaven” being seen in a more positive light.

To answer your question with regards to Rosa: you’re absolutely right to doubt that Rosa would not have been so well received, but it was important for the character to be strong even in a very male-dominated world, and so I guess historical accuracy lost out to story and character. Rosa has her faults, but she’s incredibly intelligent and more than a match for anyone. She just wouldn’t have accepted anything less than equality with men.

Some of the names are familiar, e.g. Herod. Did you do this on purpose?

By choosing ancient Israel at around 7 B.C. as the destination of the rescuers, old Herod invited himself into the story as he was responsible for creating a magnificent city, the ruins of which can still be seen today. He did many, many bad things, but if it’s any consolation to anyone, he seemed to die from a variety of nasty and embarrassing illnesses.

One of the helpful characters is named Joseph, and there is absolutely no connection with any other Joseph who may have been around at this time.

The strange female character, Frau Schalke, was interesting. Tell us how she came about. I want to know more about her... Will you use her again?

I absolutely love Frau Schalke, and yes, she is strange isn’t she? Firstly, I wanted strong female characters, and there are no stronger characters than our beloved Western Valkyrie who brings solace to the living and the dead. She is a guardian-type figure who derives from Norse mythology, but instead of the traditional Valkyrie who would choose the souls of fallen warriors to be escorted to Valhalla, I’ve adapted her so that she helps all people – the living as she offers physical protection - and the dead as they need to find their way home. I’ve mostly kept Harry’s adventures distinct from those of Frau Schalke and her friends, but they can and do intertwine. She’ll be back…

I am not sure your cover is as striking as it could be for an action & adventure book of this kind. Would you change it? I have changed my covers loads of times!

I’ve seen your new book covers and they’re stunning. As for my relatively stark cover, I’m hoping that it doesn’t put readers off, and I guess it doesn’t communicate all that the book is about, but it represents Astarte Rising out of the darkness, which is a vital part of the story.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us to make other readers take this book up?

I’d like to think that Astarte Rising is, first and foremost, a good adventure story, but it also has humour, and re-visits an old goddess.

How have you gone about marketing your book?

So far, I’ve set up a website, joined Goodreads and set up a Twitter account. I realise there are other social media tools such as Instagram and Pinterest, but I don’t quite feel ready to join those yet. I was delighted to accept your offer of an interview on your blog.

Would you ever write in another genre?

Possibly yes, because I think it shouldn’t really matter what the genre is, provided you write stories that your reader will enjoy, however we all have our favourites and mine would be SciFi & fantasy.

Where can my readers buy your book and find out more about you?

Astarte Rising is available for Kindle via Amazon and it won’t be long before the paperback is out. In a month or so I’m looking forward to releasing it into the wild on Barnes and Noble, Kobo, anywhere I can.

Should readers want to get in touch, I’d be delighted to answer any questions on Goodreads or twitter @InfrasonicGreg.

Thank you for answering my questions and I wish you all the best with sales and the rest of the series…

My pleasure, thank you so much for inviting me.

The end of #Amazon Price-Match?

I got this from Amazon today...

"We recently noticed the digital list price for the title(s) listed below is higher than the list price of the same book listed on Amazon.com or another website. 

Hybrid: The Evolution Trilogy (ID: B0081EV8Z8) is listed on Amazon.com at $3.45 and at $0.99 on BarnesAndNoble-US

According to our pricing policy, your book should be priced no higher than the list price on Amazon.com or any other sales channel for either the physical or digital edition of the book. Please adjust the list price for the above book(s) within the next 5 business days. If the price isn’t updated within 5 business days, we may remove the book(s) from the Kindle Store, at which point you will need to republish the book with an updated price.

To republish an item and update the price, locate it in your KDP account and open Step 2, ‘Rights and Pricing’. Enter an updated price, click the rights confirmation check box, then click ‘Save and Publish’.

For more information on our list price requirements, see section 4 on our Pricing Page below:

https://kdp.amazon.com/self-publishing/help?topicId=200634500

Thanks for your understanding."

Does this signal the end of price match? I have amended my price for Hybrid, but they have not said anything about my other book which is perma-free. There are many books out there which are free via other retailers and get price-matched by Amazon.

Does anyone know what is happening?

If they do, I have a feeling there will be a lot less books on the free charts from now on. Or, the FREE promo available via being exclusive to Amazon will finally work?

Just sharing my thoughts...

Vanessa :)

Films gallore! #Allegiant #KungFuPanda3

Last week, I went to see Kung Fu Panda 3 with my youngest daughter. Apparently, it was the preview and so the cinema was not that busy. We both thought it was fantastic and it really made me think a lot about perseverance. The Ying and Yang of life...

There were a lot of funny moments and I highly recommend it for family viewing.

I would even go as far as to say that these films just keep on getting better. Different twists and new scenes and characters.

Clever!

Which leads me on to Allegiant, which I saw today... oh dear!

There are some cool effects and scenes that are interesting, but both my (older) daughter and I wondered what on earth was going on. The plot was SO different to the book it was unbelievable and yes, Kate Winslet is sorely missed. The fact they are dragging this out into another film beggars belief. Do they have no ideas for new fresh films? Just saying...

Here is the trailer. We had a good time and it was fun to watch, but it is missing something. The whole fight scene thing is getting old.

Anyway, I have been reading the Harry Potter books to my youngest daughter and we finished book three this week, which means we got to watch the film! It is fantastic to relive this amazing series with my daughter and both the books and films are amazing.

We did have an interesting discussion on the differences between the film and the book and I loved the fact she thought the book had got it wrong. I did explain which came first...

Either way, lets see what you all made of these! Enjoy :)

Vanessa

A Writer's Life...

I am currently in a state of confusion over what to do with my writing. For the past year I have struggled to focus on finding time or the inclination to write. I think I am lacking confidence, which has never been difficult for me. When faced with a challenge I am sometimes quick to doubt that I am capable.

I have always been driven and hard-working, but it does not take much for that cloud of doubt to descend and darken my mood.

Since September, I have been teaching Mathematics for a few hours in a primary school. I have been extremely lucky to get this job and love it! I also tutor at home and get a lot out of this. I have always been good at helping children and get a sense of satisfaction in knowing that I could make someone smile.

This brings me back to writing.

This little cutie inspired me to write...

When I started back in 2010 I needed to write. I had to release all those thoughts that desperately wanted to fly. I needed escapism and wanted to create something that was mine - that I could be proud of. The truth is that I am extremely proud of what I wrote. Three novels, one novelette, six short stories... all in the space of 2 years! How I did this, don't ask... I have no idea.

The feedback I have had since sharing HYBRID on the 27th March 2012 has brought me from tears (of anguish when bad... as I expected everyone to hate it) to smiles and friendships. I have met so many readers, authors & joined so many online groups. I can't imagine a world where I am ever lonely again! Before the internet became a social tool, I never had anywhere to escape. Writing enabled me to find a place of my own, but it also led the road to social media - a place that always has more article, books, conversations, interesting posts, etc... than I could ever get through in a lifetime!

This is why I struggle to write... to persevere. I no longer need that sanctuary writing gave me. But, teaching again has given me that sense of belonging. I enjoy helping others as a teacher.

I also decided to get actively involved with the PTA again and this has also opened the door to more friendships. Yesterday, I helped out at a cake sale that raised £351. Very rewarding.


Writing can be a lonely and soul seeking journey and it is always interesting to hear why people write. You only have to go on to Twitter to see that there are thousands and thousands of writers... all with a voice longing to be heard. Some do it for financial gain, but most seem to be driven by their NEED to tell there story. Let's face it humanity is obsessed with the past. We want to know what people have done, will do, and hope to do. Our inquisitive minds have made discoveries beyond the realms of possibilities.

So, in writing this blog, I am smiling again. I understand that I can not stop writing, in the same way that I need to breathe. I probably will not end up with a bestseller, my new book might be a disaster and fail to impress.

I have no-one to impress but myself. What I have achieved is already out there. What I have not released is on my computer. So long as my children are happy and I still love my husband, what any strangers think of me is by the by.

I don't know who will read this, or what you will think, but at least by voicing my "issues" I try to deal with them in some way.

Thank you for reading,
Vanessa

SUMMER'S DARK WATERS by Simon Williams @SWilliamsAuthor

Thank you, Simon, for agreeing to be ‘interviewed’ via my blog. First things first, time for us to find out about you, via one of your books. I read “Summer’s Dark Waters”. My 5 Star Review is featured on my Reader Blog. This is what I thought!

“I have to admit that I was shocked by how much I enjoyed this book. Having read a lot of YA, childrens' books (especially with my children), I thought this was great! I recently read “Gone” and even though it reminded me of "Lord of the Flies" the gruesome elements of the story made it harder for me to enjoy. I wonder why some authors make their stories so dark.

In contrast, even though this book does have some "darker" moments, Summer's Dark Waters is very entertaining and the story-line had me hooked.

The main character, Joe, is someone you want to like. A bit quiet, shy, different. In contrast to his friend, Amber, who wants to look out for him and is inquisitive and no push-over. Together, they discover that something is not right and Joe is special. The creation of a secret society to save the world from chaos is not a new concept, but worked very well here. I am intrigued about this group, which seems twisted in its ideals.

To save themselves, Joe manages to bridge the gap between our world and a new world, which the author creates. It is slightly reminiscent of Narnia... no animals, but strange folk all the same. A collection of the "Lost", a strange melee of individuals. Some from different worlds.

As an added bonus, the author included illustrations within the book, which added an extra dimension.

This book leads nicely on to a follow up, which is fab for children. You want to get them hooked on reading and this works brilliantly for me. Highly recommend.”


What do you think of my review?

I like all good reviews! Seriously though, I think you’ve summarised it very well without giving any particular spoilers.

What or who inspired you to write this story?

I hadn’t actually planned on writing any books for kids or teens, but my niece (who was 9 at the time) convinced me that I should give it a go. We came up with a few ideas, although much of the original plot was shelved. The names of the two children, and the mysterious lake in the woods, are pretty much what survived of those notes, but the important thing was that it led me to the plot ideas for what became Summer’s Dark Waters. It would be a bit facetious to say “the rest is history” but that’s pretty much how it all came about. Cause and effect work in very odd ways.

As you can see from my review, I am a huge fan of the illustrations. Who did them? Tell us more…

They were created by Ankolie (www.ankolie.com) an artist friend of mine. Somehow she managed to visualise the characters in exactly the same way as I did without any real help, which was astonishing really. I’m hoping to commission her for the sequel (which should be out later this year) and a new project of mine for younger children, which I can’t say anything about at the moment. Well I say “can’t”… I’m probably just trying to be mysterious.

I think it’s important that books for younger readers are illustrated in order to fire their imagination, just as I believe that books for an adult audience (such as my Aona series) work better without imagery, with the author creating enough of an idea to sow the seeds of scenes or pictures in the mind of the reader.

How did you decide on your main characters?

I really just let the plot create them or at least give them added personality. As I reworked the drafts of the book they really came alive and when Ankolie’s drawings were complete that was it really- it was almost as if they’d created themselves. I knew from the start that there had to be the two kids in the book- there was just too much for one to realistically deal with, and the story is partly about how sometimes your friends can pull you through when you need them most. So it made sense to do it that way.

What about the Lost? I imagine you had fun making them up…

I did. I thought about their motivations and what had made them how they were, and tied all that in with some observations on humanity in general (not that they’re necessarily human…)

Who is your favourite author? Did any particular books inspire this story?

I wouldn’t say there were any that particularly inspired Summer’s Dark Waters (the whole thing came out of the blue really), but when I was around that sort of age my favourite author was Alan Garner- he actually made me decide to become an author in fact. Nowadays I wouldn’t say I have a single favourite- I still like his work, and also Clive Barker, George R R Martin, Joe Abercrombie, C J Cherryh, Cecilia Dart-Thornton, Ian Irvine, Tad Williams and many others.

Can you tell us any more about your story and whether you are planning any sequels?

I’m about halfway through writing the sequel, the working title of which is “The Light From Far Below”. It will be a bit longer, maybe a bit more involved- and is set a year and a half after the events in the first book, so writing it has been a slightly different challenge. It covers some quite “big” and serious subject matter although in a hopefully age-appropriate way.

Where we can find out more about you and buy your books?

My website is always a good place to start- www.simonwilliamsauthor.com

UK Amazon page: http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B00P0ZZYS8 

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/simonwilliamsauthor

Twitter: www.twitter.com/SWilliamsAuthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6094097.Simon_Williams

Summer’s Dark Waters:

Amazon UK

All Amazon Sites

Oblivion’s Forge (Book I in the Aona series):

Amazon UK

All Amazon Sites

Thank you for joining us on my blog!

Thomas Hardy - what a find!

I watched the DVD of Far From the Maddening Crowd by Thomas Hardy and loved it! So, I quickly downloaded free eBooks via amazon and read "The Trumpet-Major". I will read Far form the Maddening Crowd next, but will not be as shocked since I know the plot already!

"The plot of "The Trumpet-Major" is fantastic, with so many twists along the way that I was shocked on the last page at the outcome!

To summarise, Anne is a woman sought out by three different men... two brothers and the detestable Festus! The scenes where Festus gave chase made me laugh out loud and cringe at the annoying man's insistence!"

Read the Full review on my Reader Blog.

Thomas Hardy's style of writing is fantastic, and there is nothing predictable in his plot. Considering this book was published in 1880, I found it easy to read and was lost in that world of Napoleonic Wars and marital pursuits!

It is interesting to reflect upon a time when men acted like peacocks trying to lure females... respectfully, or not in the case of the character, Festus - he made me laugh!

In this modern age, there will always be an annoying Festus - the one we don't want, but wants us. The admirable John, who is so guarded you never know where you stand. And the frivolous, Bob, who no matter how they act will always be forgiven!

Nothing changes over time... or, does it?

I recommend this classic tale and will persevere on my intention to read "War & Peace" - at 20%, but it's going to take a while.

Again, needless to say, my writing has come to a standstill. Tomorrow, the kids go back to school and I will endeavour to focus!

All the best to you all,
Vanessa :)

FREE TO BE TEGAN by Mary Grand @authormaryg

Welcome to my blog, Mary! I saw your pictures at the Cowes library a week or so ago and also saw you featured on the Isle of Wight County Press! So exciting. I read your short story collection, Catching the Light, and then read the excerpt within from your novel Free to be Tegan, and was hooked.

I usually post my interview next, but I don’t want to give too much away at this stage to give you a chance to enlighten us on why you think this book is such a roaring success (with 44 FIVE star reviews in the UK to date)

So, firstly let me share your book blurb for FREE TO BE TEGAN so that readers can find out a about your book.

‘You are dead to us’

Tegan, aged twenty seven, is cast out of the cult, rejected by her family and the only life she has known. She is vulnerable and naïve but she also has courage and the will to survive. She travels to Wales, to previously unknown relations in the wild Cambrian Mountains.

This is the uplifting story of her journey to find herself and flourish in a world she has been taught to fear and abhor.

Guilt and shadows from her past haunt her in flashbacks, panic attacks and a fear of the dark. However she also finds a world full of colour, love and happiness she has never known before. The wild beauty of the hills, the people she meets and the secrets slowly revealed by the cottage all provide an intriguing backdrop to Tegan’s drama.

The novel is set in spring, a story of hope, new growth, of the discovery of self and the joy of living.

REVIEWS

“This debut novel is a triumph.”

“Loved the book …. I was gripped and couldn't put it down.”

“It was very thought provoking and emotional with lots of plot twists to keep you on your toes. I highly recommend this book.

How does this story relate to your ‘real’ life? What inspired you to write it?

The story of “Free to Be Tegan” is partly based on my own experience. I was brought up in a strict religious sect called the Plymouth Brethren. I received regular graphic teaching about hell and punishment and was threatened with being ‘left behind’ by my family and friends at the end times if I did not follow the strict teachings of the sect. These teachings were very disturbing and, I believe, psychologically damaging.  

I have read a lot about other people who have been through similar and far worse experiences in high demand groups, cult and sects. I wanted to write a novel that reflected some aspects of my experiences and those I learned about in my research particularly looking at the effects of psychological abuse. Although the subject matter is serious I wanted the novel to be a positive book about healing and finding love. Hence the book is set in the springtime and in the stunning Cambrian Mountains in Wales.

Wow… I wondered if it was based on your true experience. Makes it all the more amazing to read.

Tegan is childlike in the way she views life, even though she is 27 years old. She has no idea what she wants from life or how to live in the modern world. Was it hard to decide how old she should be? Do you think if she had been 18 or say 40 the story would have changed much?

From the outset the age of 27 fitted with where I wanted Tegan to be in her life’s journey. She is someone who has come through adolescence and would be expected to have started to have some understanding of who she is and what she wants. The sect has denied her that but she is more than ready for that stage in her life.  

If she had been much older, certainly in the sect she had been raised in, she would have had a husband and children. That would have been a very different story and maybe one to save for a latter novel!

There are many characters in this book who are harsh and cold-hearted. For example, Tegan’s parents and her community friends. Do you think this is common amongst sects? In an ideal world, they are supposedly happier with their non-materialist way of life.

Although some characters appear harsh I think most are vulnerable, hurt people. I tried to show this in the hospital scene towards the end with Sarah, Tegan’s mother. The sad thing about people who have lived in sects and cults is the effect of the mind control on their way of looking at themselves and the world. Eventually they will believe that only their way is right, that the world is evil and misguided. However they also can suffer form very low self esteem and a very poor sense of self. 

I think the character in the book who is the most manipulative is Daniel, the cult leader. Study into the characteristics of cult leaders shows their need to control, to be followed and obeyed unconditionally. There is one scene in the story where Tegan confronts Daniel and for the first time she sees through him and loses her fear of him. We see him momentarily panic.  That for me was one of the pivotal moments of the book.

Many background characters added depth to this novel. Which was your favourite and why?

My favourite background character was probably Angharad. She was great fun to write. I felt she gave the story an injection of glamour and a chance to look at Tegan from a completely different point of view.

I totally agree. This was a hilarious character! The classical “Alpha” female.

I personally loved her relationship with Cerys. I thought it worked well to have someone that was sympathetic to her plight, but not pushy. How carefully did you plan her character?

I am so glad you picked up on this, I loved the character of Cerys and worked very hard on her. By the end I felt I knew her as well as Tegan and found her as hard to let go. She is one of those essentially good, kind people we are all fortunate to meet  and who are so easy to underestimate. For someone like Tegan who has been taught that the world and the people in it are evil it was really important to meet a kind, person who gives love and friendship unconditionally.

This is a very clean, but not religious read. Do you think traditional religions are important in this day and age? Some people think the world would be better off without the conflicts caused in the name of religion.

In most of the leading world religions there are teachings about care and compassion. Many good things are done by the followers, working with the underprivileged and poor. I also think some people find a sense of community and belonging, as well as the comfort of prayer and ritual that can be enormously supportive.

Having said that, there can be a dark side to religion, where fanatics and extremists inflict terrible suffering on others and whose aim seems to be to spread fear and hatred. 

In ‘Free to be Tegan’ I tried to show the two sides of the coin. There is manipulative, controlling Daniel in the cult, but also Bethany, the vicar in the village, a loving, balanced person who shows Tegan a positive and caring side to someone of faith.

Even though this is a clean read, there was a romance running alongside the main plot! That satisfies the need some of us have for a HEA ending! Did you write for readers or was this the ending that you wanted?

It was very important for Tegan to be faced with the challenges of how to cope with romantic relationships in the modern world. She makes some bad choices and it is a steep learning curve. Without wanting to spoil the end,  it was important to me that  Tegan learned to love herself and that she wasn’t ‘rescued’ by a romantic attachment, but rather ultimately chose who she wanted to be with and how she wanted to live.

You book was on a Kindle Countdown Promotion. How did you go about advertising it? Are you loyal to Amazon?

‘Free to Be Tegan’ is, at present, exclusively with Amazon. The countdown promotions are a very useful way of promoting your book. I am fortunate to have had fantastic support from family and friends as well as having had wonderful support from some people on Facebook and Twitter.

I admire your success. Even with the support of family & friends a lot of authors struggle to get anywhere near the charts.

Where do you go from here? Are you planning more books about Tegan?

I am not planning any more books about Tegan at the moment. I feel her story was complete in the book. However the theme of women finding themselves and learning to love themselves is one I keep coming back to. It is at the heart of some of the short stories in ‘Catching the Light’ and again in the novel I am presently working on.

What is the most important thing you have learnt since you published your book?

One of the most exciting things I have discovered since publishing is the whole community of readers and writers that exists. I have made the most wonderful friendships and cannot imagine now not being in this world.

Now, a little about you. What is the best book you have read and why did you enjoy it?

It is very hard to pick on a book but, if I had to, I think it would be ‘The Rector’s Wife’ by Joanna Trollope.  

I love the characters in the story who are so rounded and complex, particularly Anna, the central character. She has been everything a priest's wife should be, but then her husband fails to gain promotion to Archdeacon, and is thrown into crisis.  Anna rebels, and tastes independence for the first time since she left university. 

I think it is a really good book, in fact writing about it has made me want to go and read it again!

Where we can find out about you and buy your books?

“Free to Be Tegan” is available on Amazon on Kindle and in paperback form.

“Catching the Light” is on Amazon on Kindle and in paperback. It is also on Smashwords, Barnes and Noble, Ipad and Kobo. The eBook is currently FREE to download!

I have an author page on Facebook, Author Mary Grand, and am on Twitter 

My review follows. Do you think my review is fair?

I appreciate the time and thought that went into your review, Vanessa. It was interesting for me to read about your experiences and reactions to Tegan’s story. I feel it was a very fair review and I hope it will encourage other people to read the book and share their feelings about it.

Thank you again for letting us find out more about you. I sincerely wish you all the best.

A Reader’s Perspective Review:

“I have to admit that I was totally hooked by this book after reading the preview in the free eBook collection by the same author.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read, but it did slow down in pace in the latter part of the book. It did have a great ending and I was glad that Tegan found her way.

I was brought up as a Roman Catholic and as a teen I was lured into attended prayer groups & retreats. Therefore, I understood some of the "brainwashing" techniques that can be adopted. Although, I never saw anything like is described in this book.

The idea of being brought up in a "cult" of this nature is frightening. But, its amazing how easily you can be made to think that everything you do is evil and how quickly you can start to judge people.

Thankfully, I left when I realised that I had nothing to apologise for! But, I have to admit that the sense of community and "love" you experience is something I have struggled to find again. Support groups and prayer groups can be a positive experience for many overcoming abuse. It’s a shame some people choose to exploit the weak and lead them into these communities.

I recommend this book as great value for money in a time when eBook prices for known authors seem to be sky rocketing. On a slightly negative note, I did find quite a few grammatical errors that started to annoy me on the latter part of the book. Excusing those, a fantastic read.”