Book review by Mary Crocco
Hal (Kindle)
It’s a mad world on Gloth as experienced through the eyes of Halbert Hoop, Hal to the reader. Hal is a well-developed character who gets himself into unusual and kooky situations. It’s great fun for the reader to share Hal’s strategies in unraveling and solving these situations.
Hal’s adventures arriving and living on Gloth are unpredictable and fun to read. The characters he meets are as unique as the menu items he consumed in order to survive. Hal’s quest to return to Erde, better known as Earth is driven by . . .
There is no way I will spoil the story, the unpredictability is the best part of the book!
I recommend Hal for readers who enjoy whacky characters and crazy places. It’s an enjoyable story and once again, Derek Haines strength in developing his characters is terrific.
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Review by LilyFields Entertainment - Sharon T. Rose
Review of February The Fifth (Kindle)
February the Fifth by Derek Haines is another fun read. Feb is a junior prince of a galaxy-spanning empire whose father and older brother's unexpected deaths catapult him into a job he never thought he'd have to take. For an indolent young man who never thought much of anyone other than himself, this was a bit of a change. Fortunately, the Royal Family has hard-wired help; otherwise, Feb would have had far fewer troubles and we would not have a story to read. This adventure takes Feb and friends all over the universe, and we get to ride along.
This is a great story with some technical issues. I really enjoy Derek's turn of phrase and crafting technique. The formatting of the ePub I purchased, however, made it hard to read.
Story gets 5 for originality and sheer fun. Formatting gets 1 for being puny.
HOWEVER, some stories are so good that I don't care how badly they're presented. Feb5 is one of those. Read it.
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k
Thought provoking
Review by By Tracytid
Review of Dead Men (Kindle)
Dead Men tells the story of three men, each from different backgrounds, who are thrown together when each of them experiences a relationship breakdown. We follow them as they deal with the aftermath of adultery and divorce which in turn leads to them losing their homes, their jobs, contact with their children and which for one of the men, ends with a prison term.
I didn't expect to like this book and at times it's not an easy read. We see the men turn bitter as they feel society turn against them but I think it's a testament to the quality of Derek Haines's writing that I ended up caring about the characters, each of whom were pretty disagreeable at times. This book challenges the idea of the neanderthal Aussie bloke as each of the men are forced, by their circumstances, to confront their feelings, maybe for the first time in their lives. We see their struggle to reconcile their inner Alpha Male with the kind of behaviour that modern society expects from them. As a woman I found it offered a different perspective on the breakdown of the modern family. It's a book that certainly makes you think.
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Reviewed by Caroline Gerardo
Vandalism of Words (Kindle)
My Friday night read, Derek Haines Vandalism of Words.
The writing is witty, poetic and true.
Derek says, "When asked to describe my writing style, I would think carefully, wait a few seconds, and then answer, I have no idea!"
I recommend this book.
I'm not a whiskey drinker on ice, but his bittersweet view might need a belt when you are done.
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Review by Jack Eason
HAL (Kindle)
Have you ever pondered the exact meaning of the words human and god?
Well in the whacky world of Gloth, human stands for - Hybridised Uniform Manipulation And Naturalisation, while god simply means - Glothic Oversight Detachment. What did you think it meant?
While this may come as a deep shock to those Erdeans- sorry Earthlings, of a naturally delicate disposition, take it from me, you ain’t seen anything yet!
I feel sorry for the illustrious members of the Camera Stellata, especially when poor Lord Ashtoke meets the real power behind Erde (Earth). Is it any wonder the man dies of a heart attack?
I think not!
And now we come to the subject of this book, Halbert Hoop - HAL for short.
Yikes Derek, have you completely lost your senses man! Hal becomes a member of the Camera Stellata? Surely you jest! Never was there a more unlikely candidate for great things than the bumbling, gangly, accident prone Halbert Hoop.
To console myself from the shock of this ghastly revelation, I turn your attention and mine to the extremely important subject of Glothic cuisine.
Turdling Hurdles for breakfast – simply delicious
Onglets of Tirdd and Yuretha Jus – pure heaven on a plate
Begrogrol fillets – totally divine
Whole poached Winkie Flyers, stuffed with fresh Krinquelain Faeces and a salad of Viddiam Lymph Glands – oh be still my beating heart
All of the above served with a glass or two of Fozzoxly, the Glothic equivalent of pure nectar.
Sadly the contents of the menu above are simply too good for the likes of common Erdeans such as you and I.
Before you think I have totally gone mad, why not read “HAL” for yourself. This hilarious sequel to “February the Fifth” shows Derek Haines at his absolute best.
Simply brilliant Derek, well done...
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