Because, if you don’t, who will?
I was always told, when I was growing up, never to be boastful or show off. My father used to tell me that if I did, nobody would like me.
I’ve always taken his advice to mean that I shouldn’t keep on about my achievements.
This has meant that I’ve often kept quiet and not shared the news whenever I get a good review or positive comment about my writing. Only recently have I been persuaded that repeating what other people have said about me, in moderation, is not really boasting.
After all, their remarks are unsolicited, and greatly appreciated. Not only that, they might well be useful in guiding others, or in helping me reach new readers, which is never a bad thing.
So, here are a few recent reviews that I’ve been very pleased to receive.
For my sci-fi adventure Ribbonworld,
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Science Fiction Lots of action, good science, realistic political struggles, all going to make up a story that reminds me of Heinlein at his peak. I could not put this book down until I finished it, so now I have a day’s work to catch up on.
For my Fantasy, The Syk’m,
5.0 out of 5 stars An action packed fantasy novel and page turner This is the first venture into fantasy by Richard Dee but I hope it won’t be his last. As an author he is known for his excellent world building and he has carried that across to The Syk’m, creating a number of different worlds that find themselves overlapping by design and sometimes by accident.
Although there are interesting differences physically between the races, there is also a meeting of minds and emotions that provides for some interesting interactions. There is an enemy intent on taking over the world of the Syk’m that have little intention of stopping their advance there. With connecting corridors to other planets the way lies open for a domination of the universe.
The band of young trainee warriors from Skander have a difficult quest ahead of them, filled with danger, far from family and a peaceful existence now enjoyed by their world. Much will be asked of them and the outcome is far from certain.
The characters are all well-crafted, each bringing something significant to the story. Although a fantasy world, there are parallels to be drawn with our own with power seekers, treachery and corruption. There are also heroes willing to sacrifice their lives to succeed in this mission to save this world and others at risk, and to fight shoulder to shoulder with new allies.
I recommend this to those who enjoy well-written fantasy with excellent characters, great world building and plenty of action.
For my Steampunk adventure, The Sensaurum and the Lexis
4.0 out of 5 stars Bio punk fantasy. Creative!
I believe this novel might share its steampunk subgenre with “biopunk.” The characters, dialog, and social norms seem Victorian in nature, but the story takes place in a world designed around one highly sophisticated technology—in this case, synthetic biotechnology, specifically biorobotics and prosthetics.
The story follows Jackson and Jessamine, two teenage orphans who work as spies for a secret agency determined to stop an evil mastermind from bio-engineering the brains of ordinary citizens in order to turn them into mindless slaves. Along with bio-tech, there are other forms of technological upgrades including gadgets that help the duo survive, gas guns, rail vehicles, and flying machines. Some of the bio-science is a big stretch, but with some suspension of disbelief, it’s consistent and enjoyable.
These two characters share the narration, though the story is told in an omnipresent pov. Dialog is formal and a bit stilted based on the era, but it felt natural in this altered world. I liked both characters, especially Jackson who is new to the spying game and learning the ropes. There’s some romance and tenderness, but the book is full of action, danger, and intrigue as the two heroes and their group try to discover what is going on and how to stop it.
Recommended to readers who enjoy steampunk worlds, plots around mind control, evil master minds, and the teens who foil them.
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Darlene Foster
Great reviews, well done! I believe our parents meant well. But this why so many people have a problem with marketing. it is not bragging, it’s about getting the word out. If we don’t talk about our accomplishments, how will people ever know about them. I have a friend who wrote and published a book. Writing a book is a huge accomplishment. But she never told anyone about it and therefore hasn’t made any sales. Such a shame.
Richard Dee
Thank you. I can still hear him, although it’s getting quieter as the years pass.