I’m pretty sure you will fall in love with the book from its very beginning! At first glance, you might say it’s a horror/thriller book. But it’s a lot more! As it has physiological component to it.
The book is all about the struggle of trying to find the identity that focuses on 4 groups of strangers thrust together who must face fundamental changes in personal beliefs that will challenge atheists and the faithful alike.
The strangers hear whispers of extraordinary events occurring around the globe. Miracles, or opportunists exploiting the hopeful? Is there any choice for the desperate parties but to undertake a dangerous crusade when the rewards could be life changing?
It’s not a book that just relies on mankind, or God. It’s much more complex. You start to investigate whether they are scientifically explained or not? But it has a huge impact on self realization, regions, faith, spirituality and miracles of the universe. Here author takes up layered characters that portray dominance and sensuousness entirely.
The book is a fast paced read as author manages to stir up a fairly authentic lives of four characters that make you dive deep into your psyche, making you introspect and ask questions to yourself. It’s an all-new storyline yet very experimental. Intriguing mystery and a remarkable blend of raw strength of believe in God summed up this book’s commendable outcome.
Well, according to me the storyline may seem a tad stretched but it’s important to the narrative that moves forward.
Language is easy to understand, subtle and rich in good vocabulary. Author’s writing style is creative and appealing, based on his own experience (I think). And the narration is also good.
Recommendation: If you are a patient reader and you love reading contemporary fictions, then this big fatty book is for you.
Q1. Would you like to introduce yourself to your readers?
Hi Aditi. Thank you for inviting me to this candid talk. I do not want to introduce myself as a boring Banker but rather as an artist who draws a connection between science, philosophy, art and literature showcasing in my work. I am a planning oriented person in general, and more so towards my work and career. Hindrances sometimes have constrained me in terms of time, to reach where I wanted to. But, I have never deviated from my goal. I am an artist – writing, reading, dancing, singing, even acting in dramas (performing arts) – I have done and love all. I love science and defying or understanding a theory with numbers. I can’t blindly take in any theory you tell me without reasoning and derivation. I believe in absorbing deep not in superficial read. Above all, I am a dreamer and I intend to live my dreams.
Q2. Congratulations on your beautiful book ma’am. What’s the significance of the title?
Thank you so much. I feel the book has a lot of potential and is still light-years behind in reaching to the audience. I am hoping this interview would help the audience in gauging the book’s essence. Marigold – The Golden Memories, is not just a random book title that was thought of at the last minute. Each and every story in the book is a reflection of the vulnerability yet the strength behind human emotions. The flower Marigold is a ceremonious symbol and a cherished flower that depicts happiness, freshness, beginnings. Simply put, it soothes our soul, bringing a sense of calmness. Humans are a rare race who can remember the past, bottling them in as memories and inhaling the essence whenever they reminisce. That’s what the title of the book conveys. The book is a medium for readers to reminisce their fondest or unforgettable memories.
Q3. What do you hope your readers take away from this book?
I think the readers are already able to connect with the stories in the book. There’s a reason for that I think. The book is wrapped up with a lot of different human emotions, unravelling thoughts, memories and feelings that you might have overlooked at that point in time. This book takes you into a retrospection zone where you ruminate on past events that happened in your life. For those who haven’t yet read the book, I would like to say that the characters in the book are built with a lot of emotions to seem them feel real when you read their stories. I think the readers are able to connect with the emotions. We are blissful that humans can speak about their emotions. So, it’s wonderful to see the connection. But, I still feel the book has a lot of potential to reach more readers. I am hoping this interview would help the audience in gauging the book’s essence.
Q4. What was the first thought which came to the mind that actually persuaded you to write your own book?
Two thoughts that I would like to share with you today that are my basic foundation. One, I believe as a race we are privileged to understand and be understood. Second, Truth has its own well-founded authority that cannot be denied come what may. These are two solid foundations with which I was brought up and I believe on. All my actions are based on these. But I feel the link and the connection between humans is somewhat tainted nowadays. The institution of understanding each other is shattered and everyone is in their own race to either destroy something/someone unknowingly or knowingly. Calling it as a success. Everyone loves to read a story and I want my stories to infiltrate the sense of understanding amongst our race. It is not okay to form an opinion about a person to declare him or her absurd or weird. You need to be thoughtful, you need to know someone and you need to communicate. I write with the hope and vision that it sends out a positive message to society. My motive is only for everyone to co-exist without judgement. Learning is a holistic process and you can learn from each and everyone if you open your mind.
Q5. How do you pick the subjects and characters of your stories and what is your writing process?
I have a very short and simple answer to this. I am inspired by everything. Everything that surrounds us – moving or non-moving, tangible or intangible. From a person’s behaviour in general, reaction to a situation, nature and it’s whispering, wildlife, everything. I am inspired by reality which I relate to fictional characters and weave stories around them. Those fictional characters can be very much you and me – relatable to many. That’s how I write – be it short stories or a novel.
I read a lot of books in the genre I want to write my book on. Different styles – classic, modern – in short, a lot of books authored by different magicians (I call every artist as a magician because they are!). I watch movies, TV. series etc of the same genre. It takes some time to then think about the setup, characterisation, etc. While I start writing I isolate myself a lot. Writing is one of the many things that I love and do. So juggling my life between a job, writing articles for a media house, sketching, being a partner to my husband and then isolating myself to be in my ‘writing a book’ zone is challenging. But it’s worth it and I love that absolutely. It enriches you and each time you write, you discover a part of yourself that you weren’t aware of yet or were in denial. It’s a learning process to me more than a writing process.
Q6. What did you learn while writing this book?
The book is wrapped up with stories of emotions. Emotions that we feel on an everyday basis- people like you and me. In the process of writing the book, I took a walk down my own memory lane, retrospecting some events in my life, that I looked at now in a different light. It was a very enriching experience in ruminating my life events and feeling things that I never felt at that time.
Q7. What were the difficulties you faced while writing this book?
Anything you do where you are putting your work out in the public sending a message and trying to connect with them is an effort. Writing is demanding since it reflects a part of you or your thought, be it short stories or a novel. I won’t say managing time was a problem because you definitely make time for something you love. I do not really see anything as an obstacle, rather I see it as an experience. You have to develop a new character(s) each time you write a new story. To put it across to the readers in a coherent and comprehensible way, you require to see the story from the readers’ eyes. That requires a lot of concentration, will power and patience, needless to say, vivid and superlative imagination. Going into this zone each time was a challenge since I do not live alone. I can’t simply ignore my partner for a year or so because I want to go into my zone to write and finish this book. But my husband understands me and the sine qua non of a writer’s space. He gave me enough space and time to let me justify my thoughts and the characters that I developed for the stories. He co-exists with me every day and yet comfortably evanesces whenever I want to go into the writer’s mode.
Q8. What kinds of advice from fans/readers do you find most/least helpful?
I take every comment, review/advice from readers wholeheartedly. Even the most critical or scornful reviews help you to understand the reader or the community of readers with the same mindset. This helps you to understand the readers’ community in a holistic way.
Q9.Which is the one thing that writing changed in you?
It made me more patient. It made me believe in the institution of connection. Connecting with readers, who are unknown to me is surreal. You get to hear their views, discuss with them your thoughts, books, etc. and create a bond that lasts long. I think writing brings a magical change in you, where you understand people, without any judgement. So, yes it made me more compassionate.
Q10.How does one become a better writer according to you? Any message for your readers?
Well, I don’t think I am in a position to really advise anyone. I am still learning and growing each day with everything I write. But if I have to share from my own experiences it will be to believe in yourself and constantly keep improvising. Failures are good. Embrace them and then work on yourself to improve. And, if you can’t then at least you know this is not for you and you can do something else. Take each life experiences as a lesson and not as a remorseful event. This will help you make a better person out of yourself which in turn will help you write better.
‘What you seek is seeking you’ This is a quote by Rumi. Each time I feel disheartened by the comments and judgements that people pass on me, my mind and my abilities, I remind myself of this quote. Always believing the fact that I need to work towards my quest, rather than only thinking about it. In doing so it will always bring me near to the answer/solution or just understanding of the whole quest. So the whole purpose of knowing something when you deep dive into it is actually waiting for you to be known.
Thanks again, for joining me in. I wish a very good luck for your future and your next project. We will be waiting for your next book.
Was I reading a fairy tale or a collection of 18 short stories? I’m still confused! There are plenty of reasons that readers will pick up the book if it is widely reviewed!
Through her short stories I got to know how author’s true inner self, how genuine and sincere the person is. Amidst all the hardship, anxiety and tension I’m really happy that I have got a chance to experience a perdurable peace and moments of joy as a reader through this book. There is something magical in it. It brings a positive vibes instantly and I found everything to be very natural here.
The most important aspect is that every story is unique to every readers. Every story has something special to speak about. Most of the characters are very emotional and close to me. I can relate to them already. Apart from the storyline, it’s a wonderful concept that you never know what will happen in next stories! Eventually it throws up many surprises to the readers and ends with a largely satisfying pay-off. But I think cover could have been more attractive!
⏩My favourites⏪ ☑ ONE WINE DAY ☑ HAPPILY EVER AFTER ☑ THE ONLY ESCAPE ☑ THE SILVER GOWN ☑ THE FOOD TRUCK GUY
⏩ Writing style⏪ Author’s writing style is simple and easy to understand but it’s heart-warming. Narration is so gripping that gives rise to one emotionally over-wrought moment after another, resulting in a book that does tug at the heartstrings in parts.
⏩Recommendation⏪ The book is absolutely perfect for anyone and everyone! It keeps you invested in all of the stories. Highly highly recommended from my side.
“So you want to be a beauty queen, fly a plane or sell ice cream, a dancer, a painter, an actor in a play, well… it’s OK to dream. But after all, everybody wants to find a happy place, everybody wants to see a smiling face… Don’t we all?” . 💮If your dream is to be a singer someday then this book is for you, inspired by dream and reality of author’s own life, that would enlighten the fire of achieving your goals that resides in you.
💮 It’s a memoir of the author who wanted to become a popstar from her young age because she was good at singing and then suddenly one day she got her lucky break. But after few years things were not going exactly what author had expected to. Though she is hardworking and keeps faith in her abilities, slowly but steadily things are turning up to the transformation from freckled schoolgirl to musical diva. Now the question is what will happen next?
💮What I liked: ⏺ Look at the cover first! It’s really unique and attractive. And the title is also catchy. ⏺ Each chapter is beautifully penned down. I wanted to know more about musical world and I think this book took me to a different world that fascinates me always. ⏺This book is charming yet moving fast, giving us people and places, scenes and situations that are instantly relatable. ⏺ The way author survives in this musical industry with all her ups and downs is highly appreciable. ⏺At the core of this book, author has successfully expressed the unspoken emotions that will tug at your heartstrings.
To be honest, I felt slightly uneasy as it has a few plot holes that confused me somehow. What had happened actually with the manager and what he had done with the author ―those questions are not clear to me.
Language is simple, subtle and easy to understand. Author’s writing style is compelling and creative. And the narration is also good. Lyrics are well presented here in between the storyline. It’s innovating and different from other books.
In a nutshell, its a nice read and you can finish it in a few sittings. So I would recommend it to everyone who likes quick yet significant reads.
💮Our protagonist is a detective in the town he lives in, a military veteran, and a loving husband. He can now add murderer to that list when he catches and kills a young man who tries to break into his car during the night. His neighbor helps him hide the body. When his Detective Sergeant assigns him to a missing person case, the young man whom he killed, he thinks he has gotten away with it. Things complicate further when his neighbor passes away and a very determined fellow detective shows up to look into the death.Can it be succeed in resolving the puzzle of this murder?
💮What I liked: ✔ Each chapter is very short and crisp. This book is charming yet moving fast, giving us people and places, scenes and situations that are instantly relatable and you can finish it in one go. ✔I personally felt that the climax is more interesting in terms of quality content than the beginning. ✔At the core of this book, there is a well crafted plot written in a way that injected some rich colour and complicated emotions into the chronicles of domination and rebellion. ✔ Also, it gives us some hilarious moments sometimes in between this dark and edgy storyline.
To be honest, it lacks detailed efficiency for gripping and impactful plot and premise to present something to the readers which would add spice in their reading. So it needs little efforts and modifications.
Language is simple and easy to understand. Author’s writing style is also good. But I felt narration could have been much better.
In a nutshell, its a nice read but I don’t say everyone will enjoy it. Though I would recommend it to the mystery lovers.
Author: Marion Hill Genre: fantasy. . Starting from the cover, it’s pretty amazing and the title is catchy too.
Diondray’s Discovery is the first book of The Diondray’s Chronicles that will transport you to the world of Kammbia, an imaginative place in which Diondray discovers his inner hero. But how? What will happen next? To know more, you just need to pick this book up.
Author really did a great job while portraying the plot skillfully and sensitively to highlight how a teenage boy Diondray sacrificed his life to unravel the truth and undergoes a lot of hurdles and troubles in his life with the help Of his aunt Maxina and few others for affording deep insights into the different versions of life, though the future is always blur to him.
And the concept of young adult fantasy actually makes you feel happy and enduring.On the other hand, the theme is quite fresh and intense and the ending was good too. Author plays out an significant depiction of eternal truth among all the characters in a skillful and sensitive manner. Characterisation is really good.
It has been quite a joy ride for me! The risk of getting trapped is always there with Diondray but it’s thrilling and sometimes it feels like everything happened in a jiffy! The storyline itself holds the attention of the readers. ― Writing Style ― I really loved author’s writing style and the way author has elaborated everything from the roots―powered by its emotional core. Also its brisk pace and the narration make this book an entertaining and relevant read. Something that we really need in the times we are living in.
It’s pretty engaging to grasp from the very beginning and it’s worth your time. I’m eagerly waiting to read the next book of this series.
Overall, the book is ideal for beginners but everybody can enjoy this.
Q1.Would you like to introduce yourself to your readers? I’m Marion Hill and I live in San Antonio, Texas USA. I’m the author of 5 books: The Diondray’s Chronicles series (Diondray’s Discovery, Diondray’s Journey, & Diondray’s Roundabout) and my book review anthology series, Marion’s 25 Volume 1 & 2. I’m a husband, father of two (17 year old son and 11 year old daughter), music lover (Jazz, Latin Music, Brazilian Music, and R&B), and a wine lover that I post about regularly on my Instagram page. Malbec is my favorite type of wine.
Q2. Congratulations for this book! What’s the significance of the title “Diondray’s Discovery”? Thank you so much. This novel was originally titled The Descendant of Destiny when I published it in June 2014. However, I felt that title did not reflect the story I wrote. I changed it to Diondray’s Discovery in 2016. The new title reflected the story I was telling and Diondray’s discovery of the Book of Kammbi started his journey in Kammbia.
Q3. What do you hope your readers take away from this book? My hope for readers is the Kammbia can be a place of escape. Something the readers will enjoy a fantasy world that is multicultural and tries to a bridge for people with different beliefs and cultures.
Q4. Who is your favourite author and why? Good question. I don’t have one favorite author but several favorite authors. Charles de Lint is probably the one author I would consider a favorite author. He is a Canadian fantasy author and his stories set in the city of Newford are excellent. Memory & Dream, Trader, Dreams Underfoot are good books to try out from him. Octavia Butler, Jorge Amado, Ralph Ellison, Robert Silverberg, and Guy Gavriel Kay are favorites as well.
Q5. What was the first thought which came to your mind that actually persuaded you to write your own book? I’ve had this story and the fictional world of Kammbia in mind since my early 20’s. I’m 48. I always wanted to create a fictional world where I could write stories that explore the things that were interesting to me.
Q6. Which character inspired you the most and how? Diondray Azur and Diakono Malcolm Copperwith are the two characters that inspired me the most. Diondray is because I’m telling the story (and the entire series) through his viewpoint. Diakono Malcolm Copperwith because he makes the one of the biggest transformation throughout the series. Diakono Malcolm Copperwith is deeply religious and he learns in Diondray’s Roundabout, Book 3 how one’s faith can be tested.
Q7. What did you learn while writing this book? I learned that I can write a novel from start to finish. It took me 5 years to write Diondray’s Discovery.
Q8. What were the difficulties you faced while writing this book? The difficulties come from juggling a day job, being a husband & father while trying to find time to write the story burning inside of me.
Q9. Which is the one thing that writing changed in you? I don’t have one thing in particular that has changed me. It has been a process and evolution with writing. The more you write, the more you want to do it as often as you can.
Q10. Any message for your readers? I write to connect with my readers. I believe the writer-reader connection is special and sacred. When a reader connects with your story that is a powerful bond. I want to continue to grow in my craft as a storyteller and connect with readers from around the world. I see myself as a global writer (even though I’m American) and want readers from all over the world to read stories set in Kammbia.
Thanks a ton, for sparing time from your busy schedule.
Author: Brian Sieteski Genre: sci fiction . Starting from the cover, it’s pretty cool and the title is catchy too. This is the first book of the author but honestly speaking, it has eyeball grabbing potential. Humanity is under siege, simultaneous attacks of unknown origin against government leaders around the world have shaken society to its core. This story follows America on its path to take on this never-before-seen global calamity. The task may be insurmountable as the responsible party possesses unheard of technology, implying the events are otherworldly. And here, Dante and other four leaders came to save humans and humanity but the question is how? To know everything you have to pick it up. Anybody with some interest in technology or planning to read a science fiction with the touch of politics and thriller should not miss this book. There is a fair amount of work the author has done to bring a new theme for the readers who want to get a great experience in this genre. Even I have discovered I am capable of reading sci fictions as I wasn’t a big fan of this earlier! As the story is quite dark and edgy, and also it stashes many secrets in its well crafted plot, author plays out an significant depiction of eternal impingement among all the characters in a skilful and sensitive manner. Characterisation is really good. _ Writing Style ― I just loved author’s writing style. The storyline itself holds the attention of the readers. Also its brisk pace and the narration make this book an entertaining and relevant read. But I think the burden of carrying lots of characters and unnecessary details disappointed me somehow. Still, it’s worth your time. I would love to see this book series as a web series someday. Overall, I loved reading it and it’s definitely recommended for sci-fiction lovers.
Q1. Would you like to introduce yourself to your readers?
Absolutely, thank you for the offer. My name is Brian Sieteski, and I am a 33 year old former active duty US Army soldier. I am a loving father to my young daughter. I am a dog lover as I have three large dogs of my own. I am currently engaged.
Q2. Congratulations for your debut book sir. What’s the significance of the title “Humanity’s Gauntlet”?
Humanity’s Gauntlet would be the title of the series. The book title being the Archons Rise. The series title is significant in the sense that the story is impactful to humanity and the trials faced throughout the storyline.
Q3. What do you hope your readers take away from this book?
I hope that readers of the book take away the complexity of the world today and even in fictional worlds. I also hope the readers enjoy the story itself.
Q4. Who is your favourite author and why?
My favorite author would likely be Orson Scott Card. He is the author of the book/series Ender’s game. To me this was one of the most inspirational science fiction novels and series I ever read.
Q5. What was the first thought which came to your mind that actually persuaded you to write your own book?
That is a great question, and difficult for me to answer. What I can say is that writing a book is something I always wanted to do, and I found an interesting concept that I wanted to create my own story and world around.
Q6. Which character inspired you the most and how?
The main character Dante Light is the focus of the story. His character is designed to show how overwhelming, but also human government can be in times of crisis.
Q7. What did you learn while writing this book?
More things than I can count! If I had to provide a general answer it would be that it is easy to start a story, however the most difficult part is putting in the time and effort to complete the story and maintain a cohesive storyline throughout the book.
Q8. What were the difficulties you faced while writing this book?
The most difficult challenge I faced when writing this book was honestly just getting the beginning started. I wanted the story to seem as plausible as possible given the fictional world the events are taking place in.
Q9.Which is the one thing that writing changed in you?
While I learned a great deal from writing, I wouldn’t want to say it changed me as a person. I would want to say that my personality and writing style was shown throughout the story I wrote.
Q10. Any message for your readers?
Thank you so much for reading my story! I really hope you enjoy the setting it was placed in as well as the fast paced plot.
Thanks a lot, wishing you good luck sir! Thanks for sparing time from your busy schedule.
#bookreview Author: Ruqayya Shaheed. Genre:poetry . “They were both mortal beings With warm flesh, and beating hearts.
They only differed in their perspective. Not because they were different, But because, they were never meant to be Together.”
The book is an emotional piece of work contained three significant parts to dive into the thoughts and feelings of a woman, leaving you with plenty of ideas to be imaginative with. The rhythmic sections give you its experimental edge.
Hauntingly beautiful, it’s one of those poetry books that give out a lasting first impression as it grabs your attention right from the moment you start reading. This poems tell a story about being a women in between life and death, and how fickle and fractured, barely recognisable the entire womanhood existence is in itself.
Also, the book delivers emotions in massive amounts and speaks so much about lack of self-belief, inability to combat dejection, failed relationships and heartaches in a woman life. Many thoughts haunt you as a woman everyday, so it’s a battle going on in the mind. And author did a great job while penning down all bittersweet rarity to give us a refreshing change in our perspectives.
Poems are delicate, tender and rhythmic. Language is simple but effective, it packs quite a respectable punch with a distinct vibe of its own. I think “Nocturnal Hours” is no longer just a book… It’s a women’s self-introspection.
Actually its main focus is only women but to be honest repetition of theme/content turned off the mood totally. Nevertheless, it’s a very light impactful book and one can finish in a no time. Highly recommended for everyone!
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