Category Archives: Promos

Matilda’s Eye Patch – A book for young children, to support, explain and encourage young children to patch

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You know here at David’s Book Blurg we like to do a little bit of free promo.

Today I’d like to highlight a book I found via Instagram, and the account that brought the book to my attention.

The Book Fairies NE England (@bookfairies_ne on Instagram) hide books around the North East on England for people to find. I’ve followed them for a while because I love this idea but I really enjoy the messages they share with the books they pick. If you are on Insta do give them a follow!

Matilda’s Eye Patch is a book that aims to support young children who need to wear an eye patch. Many children suffer from amblyopia (commonly called a lazy eye), there are treatments out there but the best and easiest is to simply wear an eye patch on the non affected eye, this in turn makes the other eye work harder, and with a little bit of luck..boom, no more lazy eye… simple you’d think but young boys and girls struggle with the idea of wearing a patch, people do stare.. especially other kids.

Why I’m a highlighting this book you ask? Well one of my girls had to wear a patch for quite some time for this very reason. She loved it some days… hated it most days..It was tough to try an explain why she had to wear it, and ultimately you can’t force these kind of things so when I noticed this book I just had to do a little post for it. We didn’t have anything to help us..something that brings it down to the child’s level to encourage them to wear the patch..To see a book like this out there now is amazing.

It may seem like a small thing but all parents will understand seeing your child struggle or be upset, even over the smallest thing isn’t nice so anything that we can do to support and encourage them is a big help.

Interested in buying a copy? Head to Amazon

You can follow Matilda’s Eye Patch on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter so do take a look 🙂

Coming Soon! – Surviving Hell: the brutal true story of the Chennai Six by Nick Dunn

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Today I’m highlighting a soon to be released masterpiece. Surviving Hell is the true story of Nick Dunn a former soldier, who while out protecting vessels from Somali pirates ends up being imprisoned in India.. you’d think everyone would be happy someone was out there protecting people wouldn’t you but this cost Nick four years of his life imprisoned in India as part of the ‘Chennai Six’. Failed by the legal system it took years of fighting for Nick to be released.

Happily Nick was able to return to my home town of Ashington and his family.. while it’s great Nick is home.. he will never get those 4 years back.. here’s his story.

Here’s the blurb

The remarkable story of former British soldier Nick Dunn, who was caught up in one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in the modern era.

Arrested and imprisoned in India as one of the ‘Chennai Six’, Nick wasn’t just innocent of any crime – there was no crime. Stationed on an anti-piracy ship to protect vessels against Somali pirates, the six were arrested and falsely charged with intruding in Indian waters and the possession of illegal weapons.

Nick lost four years of his life trapped in a legal nightmare in India, thousands of miles from home and his family, spending the bulk of his time in appalling conditions at Chennai prison with extremely limited contact to the outside world. Despite this, Nick refused to buckle, and now he tells his full story of endurance and survival for the very first time.

The book is due for release March 26th.. get your order in now! Here’s the link to Amazon.

If you want the opportunity to get a signed copy and live in Ashington, Morpeth or Newcastle do keep an eye on Nick’s social media.. he’s got some book signings planned that are a must attend!

You can follow Nick on twitter here – Twitter

 

David’s Book Blurg’s Top Choices for 2019

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Ok.. so there’s still time for some last minute gifts so I want to share my top picks! These are just some of the books I’ve read/listened to this year! Click the pictures to head to Amazon to have a look in detail!

  1. Are you an audiobook fan? If so you’ve got to get Lucia by Steven A McKay. It’s a gut wrenching slaves tale set in Roman times.51cHfw39UnL._SX342_
  2. Fancy a delicious new mystery novel? then look no further than No Stone Unturned by Pam Lecky. (Currently at the bargain price of ÂŁ0.99 on Kindle!)46203408._SY475_
  3. Do you like a police procedural kind of novel and like flawed leads? Well The Silent Dead by Keith Nixon is the book for you.47969376._SY475_
  4. Enjoy a bit of Science Fiction without the word count? Take a look at The Bastard Cadre by Lee Carlon!415GhUysFtL
  5. Like a bit of a historical read.. ever heard of the Hittites? look no further than Empires of Bronze by Gordon Doherty.51Odsq2iUkL
  6. Not quite sure what you are after? Fancy more than one book? Well why not get a boxset of goodness? Check out forged in Fire, a set which includes books by authors Prue Batten, Simon Turney and Gordon Doherty 5168XFNxseL

 

There’s so many good books out there.. these are just a few of the hundreds i’d happily recommend so do check out my reviews and see if anything takes your fancy.

Do get in touch and let me know what book gifts you give and receive this year 🙂

The Forest Lord Collection by Steven A. McKay. (@SA_McKay)

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Any follower of my blog with have heard the name Steven A. McKay, the brilliant author of the fantastic Forest Lord series. The series follows one of my favourite characters ever.. Robin Hood!

What really sucked me into the series is it felt real and fresh and that mainly came from the change in setting for the series, namely Barnsdale. I asked the author about this and this is what he had to say

When I started researching the Robin Hood legend I realised the original ballads were actually set in Yorkshire, not Nottingham. I knew I had to stick pretty closely to the well-known tales, but somehow stand out from all the other modern retellings – moving the setting away from Sherwood was the ideal way to do that while still remaining faithful to the earliest ballads.

McKay continue..

I wanted The Forest Lord series to be familiar to fans of Robin Hood, yet, at the same time, new and fresh and exciting and not just another rehash of the same old story.

I’ve previously reviewed the books separately but now the box set is out I thought it high time to update/combine my reviews 🙂

Here we go..

So we’ve all heard of Robin Hood yes? Of course we have. As a boy Robin Hood was always one of my favourite characters. This was one of my reasons for buying this series and I’m so glad I did! McKay gives us the Robin Hood we never knew we wanted.. and damn it’s good!

McKay has decided to revamp the whole Robin Hood tale, moving the location to Yorkshire when England was under the reign of Edward II. This makes the book quite refreshing as it’s moved away from the well-known tale set in Nottingham. From the authors notes you can see a lot of thought and hard work has went into this series and it shows.

The story starts with Hoods early life and the events that led him to become an outlaw. We see him climb the ranks to eventually lead this band of outlaws.

Along the way we see him deal will conflict not only with the rich people of Yorkshire but also himself and the outlaws where personalities clash.

Even though the setting has changed we still have the heroes we all know and love, Little John, Friar Tuck, Will Scarlet & Much.

Chapter after chapter you see the tension grow as McKay takes you from one characters journey to another, friendships are made.. and broken… this isn’t a tale of merry men.. but desperate men who want only to live life or care for their family..it’s a struggle. There’s plenty of humour within the tale but the underlying struggle to stay alive keeps you on the edge of your seat!

We see Robin beaten, men killed, imprisonments, executions the works

The word that springs to mind about this series is “Growth” Not only does each storyline improve on the previous one but McKay has managed to grow his characters superbly throughout the series. You can really tell the author has put a lot of time and energy into his work.

What I really enjoyed about these books is that the author takes risks, the heroes don’t always live, it was gobsmackingly refreshing.

This series is dark, gritty and downright engrossing.. You never know what will happen next and when events play out your heart is in your mouth it’s pumped that fast!

The end of the series is a true highlight. Not only does it do the series justice but it also leaves fate to the reader.. read into that what you will 🙂

I strongly recommend the series..I bought 2 paperbacks of each book just so I could share with my dad who I knew would love it just as much as me.. do yourself a favour and get the 4 book set for ÂŁ9.99… bargain price!

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RotW final FINAL!
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Free Book Alert – First Contract by Frank Westworth

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Who doesn’t love a free book? I know I do.

This week the first book in the Stoner short stories is free!

Here’s the blurb..let me know what you think.

FIRST CONTRACT: A decade ago, JJ Stoner was a soldier. He killed people for a living and made no bones about it. On a scorching day in the Iraqi desert, when British blood stained the sand, he over-stepped the mark. Men died in compromising circumstances; too many men for an easy explanation. Faced with a dishonourable discharge and accusations of murder, Stoner accepted an offer from a stranger who represented an intelligence agency. Suddenly, Stoner found himself half a world away and about to execute his first private contract…

If you’re looking for a new series to get into now is the time.

I loved the book. It’s got what I need in a thriller..guns and a not so talkative lead character.. Theres good developement throughout the series, JJ Stoner’s not the most open as I’ve said..a shoot first kind of guy..explain later.. but as the series goes on you get little bits here and there to learn more about him and his life which keep you hooked in. There’s always a need for more… and I just love the series.

Keep an eye out this week for a couple reviews from me for books 6 & 7 in the series!

Click the image below to head to Amazon to get your free copy today!

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literarybookgifts.com – Review

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Time for something a bit different today.. not a book review most certainly book related. Who doesn’t love a book related gift?

I was contacted by Melissa at Literary Book Gifts asking If I’d be able to do a review of their products.. at this point I’m going to make it clear I DIDN’T get any products for free..that’s just not me..even when I receive ARCs I still pay for a copy on release..I know it’s not a massive thing but I want everyone to know what you see on my blog I paid for.

So you might be wondering what I decided to buy.. Well I got myself a lovely tee below!

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Now I’m always worried about buying online..like most people we stick to brands or websites we know and I’ve had a bad experience when I bought from the US in the past..literally such poor quality it nearly put me off trying someone else.. so was I happy with my purchase??

Hell yes, the tee itself is super comfy. I’ve sat around in the house in it and even wore it on a hot 4 hour train journey just to see how it would feel and I’ve got no complaints.

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So what about the quality of the design..well to be honest it was better than I could have expected.

Coming from overseas you’d think it might take a while to arrive but from order to delivery it took 10 days which I’m more than happy with.

I can’t comment on all the products available obviously but I’m happy to say I loved my purchase and look forward to wearing it again.

In exchange for my honest opinion on my blog I’ve been offered a promo code of anyone who fancies a purchase, just use the code DAVIDSBOOKBLURG20 at check out!

Here’s some of the things I like on the site..

If you are interested you can find the website here – Literary Book Gifts

Do let me know what you think of the designs.

Overall I’m super happy with what I got and I’ll keep an eye on the website to see what else becomes available.. I’m hoping other bookish gifts like mugs and bookmarks..I can’t get enough of those 🙂

New Gordon Doherty novel – Legionary: The Blood Road OUT NOW!

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So you’ll know I’ve been catching up lately on the Legionary series by Gordon Doherty. Well today marks the release of book 7 – The Blood Road.

I’ve started reading myself today so I’d love to hear if you have plans to read it too. If you don’t why not??

If you follow my blog you’ll know I don’t do a lot of promo. It’s just not me. I only promo what I really want to..authours have no input..it’s just me sharing what I enjoy hoping to convince at least one of you to go out there and buy that book so an author I love keeps writing.

Here’s the blurb –

381 AD: The Gothic War draws to a brutal climax, and the victor’s name will be written in blood…
The great struggle between the Eastern Roman Empire and the Gothic Horde rumbles into its fifth year. It seems that there can be no end to the conflict, for although the Goths are masters of the land, they cannot topple the last of the imperial cities. But heralds bring news that might change it all: Emperor Gratian readies to lead his Western legions into the fray, to turn matters on their head, to crush the horde and save the East!
The men of the XI Claudia legion long for their homeland’s salvation, but Tribunus Pavo knows these hopes drip with danger. For he and his soldiers are Gratian’s quarry as much as any Goth. The road ahead will be fraught with broken oaths, enemy blades… and tides of blood.
You can pick up a copy of ‘The Blood Road’ here: http://getbook.at/Legionary7
Need your appetite whetted a little more? Here’s a short video trailer –  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-404BZ59uN8
Do let me know what you think of the series, for me it’s been one the best developed stories I’ve read so I’m excited to get stuck into the latest book!

Need to keep the adrenaline rush going?

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I don’t know about you but I’m riding high after England’s latest win in the world cup!

If like me you want to keep the excitement going then what I’m about to tell you will blow your mind! If it doesn’t then you really need to get involved and see what all the fuss is about.

Gordon Doherty is releasing Legionary book 7, titled The Blood Road on Tuesday! that’s this Tuesday 10th July!

Here’s the blurb –

381 AD: The Gothic War draws to a brutal climax, and the victor’s name will be written in blood…

The great struggle between the Eastern Roman Empire and the Gothic Horde rumbles into its fifth year. It seems that there can be no end to the conflict, for although the Goths are masters of the land, they cannot topple the last of the imperial cities. But heralds bring news that might change it all: Emperor Gratian readies to lead his Western legions into the fray, to turn matters on their head, to crush the horde and save the East!

The men of the XI Claudia legion long for their homeland’s salvation, but Tribunus Pavo knows these hopes drip with danger. For he and his soldiers are Gratian’s quarry as much as any Goth. The road ahead will be fraught with broken oaths, enemy blades… and tides of blood.

Now why am I telling you this you might ask..,quite honestly I just love the author’s work.. I’m getting nothing from this post..I just want to share word of a release I’m excited about and I feel you should be too.

Gordon has a great talent for storytelling, you get the full package from his work and so much story for your money.

Please do check out the series! If you are disappointed with my recommendation I’ll even buy you a pint!

To find out more about the new release click here – The Blood Road

If you want to know more about the series head to the authors site – https://sites.google.com/a/gordondoherty.co.uk/gordon-doherty—writer/legionary

Cover Reveal – Past Imperfect: A Collection of Short Stories by Pam Lecky – (@pamlecky )

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Today I bring to you a cover reveal for Past Imperfect a series of short stories by author Pam Lecky.

You should know the name if you follow my blog as she Is the author of  The Bowes Inheritance and In Three-Quarter Time both of which earned 5* ratings from me.

Whats the new book about I hear you ask..here’s the blurb –

You can never escape the past …

Included in this anthology, by Irish historical fiction author, Pam Lecky, are short stories, a childhood memoir and a Victorian novelette.

With settings as diverse as WW1 era Dublin, the sinking of the Luisitania, and a lonely haunted lighthouse, romance, tragedy and the supernatural await you.

Now to the cover…

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My thoughts.. I like it. I feel it fits Pam’s style of writing and gives the reader an easy indication of the type of story you will be reading.

I’d love to hear your thoughts.

The books is available now for pre-order for release 6th April here 

I’ve pre-ordered my copy and look forward to reviewing the book on my blog shortly!

Cover Reveal – HEMLOCK by Jesse Teller!

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Today I’m doing my first ever cover reveal..and it’s for HEMLOCK
by Jesse Teller set for release April 15, 2018.

Here’s the blurb –

The busiest pirate bay in Perilisc is newly infested with vampires. These monsters will soon overrun the world, but the Manhunters must try to stop them in secret. Agents of the king are hunting the vigilante crew. With one false step, they could all end up at a royal execution. 

Are you ready to see the cover? well keep reading.

Hemlock is book 2 in The Manhunters series.. have you read book 1 SONG yet? If not here’s a little info to wet your appetite.

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Some of the darkest minds in Perilisc attacked Mending Keep, releasing all its prisoners. Despite his strained relationship with the crown, Rayph Ivoryfist calls old friends to his aid in a subversive attempt to protect King Nardoc and thwart terrorist plots to ruin the Festival of Blossoms. But someone else is targeting Rayph, and even his fellow Manhunters might not be enough to save him.

Order Song at Amazon, Kobo, iBooks, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords.

Now I’ve kept you waiting long enough…Here’s the cover for Hemlock! Let me know your thoughts.

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Want to know more about the Author?

Jesse Teller fell in love with fantasy when he was five years old and played his first game of Dungeons & Dragons. The game gave him the ability to create stories and characters from a young age. He started consuming fantasy in every form and, by nine, was obsessed with the genre. As a young adult, he knew he wanted to make his life about fantasy. From exploring the relationship between man and woman, to studying the qualities of a leader or a tyrant, Jesse Teller