When in Rom...
Review by Bitsy Bling "Bitsy Bling Books"
This review is from: February The Fifth (Paperback)
What happens when a privileged son too low in the royal family line to be important but nonetheless still a royal, finds himself thrust towards responsibility? He goes on an galactic journey to discover where he comes from, who he is, and what he must do to become the man to lead. You ask how does an acne-faced, body odor plagued, lazy-eyed kid manage this enormous task?
With the help of lizard pilots, three wise sisters, and a few other misfits tossed in for good measure. Feb, as he is called by his friends, travels the galaxy to find his way back to the beginning, literally, his family's beginning. Along the way there is lots of eating and time for three-handed Canasta with a small side of romance, but only for his sisters. Feb's got bigger things to worry about like governmental over-throws and civil unrest. This comedic sci-fi tale touches on themes of power, origins, privilege, morality and even cleverly makes use of historical details (a bonus in my department). It plays with language which establishes a unique tone and style. Moments remind me of what it might be like if Dr. Seuss wrote The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
I mean this as a compliment (in case you were wondering). It's simplicity makes it complex. For example, the bluest of the blue and the blackest of the black. There are times when writers try too hard to describe something: a color, the weather or a feeling. Sometimes, it is just blue, deep blue, royal blue or the bluest of the blues. I laughed, had fun, remembered all the characters because of their crazy names and even thought about how the author invented them -- most importantly, I think I learned something!
And by the way, if you ever find yourself visiting Erde, I recommend the salmon and when in Rom, well, eat the pasta!
Something for everyone
Review by Tracytid
This review is from: Milo Moon (Paperback)
Milo Moon has something for everyone. There's a conspiracy theory, suspense, political intrigue, a little bit of romance and above all some really good story telling. The Swiss government are faced with a dilemma when a police officer unearths a shocking secret upon meeting Milo Moon and Mary Seaton.
Derek Haines carries you through the story with ease and has a great knack of building suspense, I found it quite hard to put the book down at times. He writes in a way that makes you care about what happens to his characters, even the not so nice ones and he describes Milo and Mary's child-like wonder at their new world with humour and a touch of sadness.
There are touches of George Orwell and Iain Banks in Derek Haines' writing and at times this book reminded me of films such as Logan's Run and more recently, The Island. A thoroughly recommended read.
Original Link
4th December 2010
Other links for Derek Haines
Derek's Vandal Blog
www.derekhaines.ch
Derek on Twitter
Derek on Facebook
Loss, Limbo, Life and Love (Paperback)
Reviewed by Cheri
I read this book twice since receiving it on Nov 28th. Four reasons: a.) The author is one of my favorite people on Twitter b.) I do love biographies and autobiographies c.) I love poetry. Even poetry that sometimes reads like it could be set to music...in this case, the Blues. d.) I read a teaser sample that made me tear up which I rarely do, so I had to have it.
The gist of this book actually can be described as many novels can be described: boy gets girl, boy marries girl, boy loses girl, boy kind of goes out of his head, but recovers to find happiness again. The thing that makes my eyes tear, it's not a novel.
An enjoyable read
Review by jenku
This review is for: Milo Moon (Paperback)
Not usually in the genre I use to read, this book was a pleasant surprise. The story starts a little science-fictionish, but soon develops into a political thriller that kept me hooked all the way through. It is well written in an easily flowing prose with lots of enjoyable dialogue.
An extra plus for naming someone Carruthers in an espionage context.
An enjoyable read
Reviewed by jenku
This review is from: Louis (Paperback)
"Louis" is the fascinating story about a man who had little choices in his life, yet lived a life many a young boy dreams of living. Raised from early childhood to become a spy, he is sent to places like Egypt, Switzerland, Palestine and South Africa. Still, his life is a lonely one, without the company of a woman or family. Whether it is all true or not doesn't really matter, it's a fascinating tale to read and Derek Haines' easy style of storytelling makes it a enjoyable read throughout.
A thought provoking read
Reviewed by Irish Eyes
This review is from: Nobody's Fault (Paperback) (Reissued as Dead Men)
This is a tale of three men all dealing with relationship breakdowns which in itself makes it very different. As a woman I found it fascinating to see things from the other side of the story and Haines gets across, in very raw, real, terms the anguish a man goes through when he has to relinquish his children. This is a book that you won't put down and forget but will mull over for sometime afterwards.....
The Blogger's Bible
Reviewed By Jack Eason (Beccles, Suffolk, England)
Amazon Verified Purchase
This review is from: Vandalism of Words (Kindle Edition)
I have just finished reading, crying tears of laughter, and agreeing with, the selection of Derek Haines' blogs.
If, like me, you contribute to the blogosphere in some small way, or if you are considering adding your two pennies worth, I urge you to read Derek Haines "Vandalism of Words". In collating this collection of his blog posts, Derek has unwittingly created the Blogger's Bible, or if you want to look at it another way, He show's how to blog. I thoroughly commend all who love the written word to get a copy.
Do as I have by starting your day reading three or four of the blog posts contained in "Vandalism of Words" pages. You won't regret it, and it will definitely put a smile on your face...
