The Eloquent Page sprung into life way back in 2010. I had posted a couple of reviews on my personal blog and my other half suggested I should have a bash at doing something a bit more structured. I was forever bemoaning the fact that I had nothing to occupy my spare time. Since then, I’ve spent the last decade sitting about engrossed in one book or another. Time well spent, I’m sure you’ll agree. So here we are, 772 posts later (I know I can’t believe it either), and I am still waffling about books on a regular basis. The last ten years has seen some flattering comments and the occasional weird moment. Here are just a few, in no particular order – I was described as ‘a genre authority’ at one point. I pondered it for a while, and think that just means I’m old and have been around long enough that people consider me part of the furniture. That’s ok. I’ll happily be that shabby looking credenza in the corner of the room. One weird incident was when an author accused me of encroaching on their social media presence because I linked to and shared one of…

After much tinkering, copious amount of swearing, lying down in a darkened room for a bit and then large quantities of coffee, the latest iteration of The Eloquent Page is now live. The site hasn’t changed much since it’s inception back in 2010, so it was high time for an upgrade. The content remains much the same as before, lots of book related waffle, but now everything is more responsive. I’ve been told that having a more responsive website is a good thing. The important thing is I can keep writing reviews and I like that. Everything else is secondary. For the interested amongst you there is now some more up-to-date information available on the following pages Curious about what is eligible for review? Check our the site’s review policy If you are an author or publisher and need to know my availability for a potential review? You’ll be needing the review calendar  Do you have a burning desire to receive e-mails from me on a regular basis? I recommend an email subscription. Interested in all that there legal type mumbo-jumbo? Cast your glance towards our privacy policy So now that we’re all clear and everything is all new and…

Time for a much needed break so The Eloquent Page won’t be getting updated this week. I don’t want you all to panic though. In the words of the accomplished stage and screen actor Arnold Schwarzenegger “I’ll be back“. Whilst I’m away could I suggest hunting out a great book, supporting an author, and doing a spot of reading? It’s what I’m planning to do 🙂 I shall return before you know it. See you soon.

I apologise for the post title, I couldn’t resist. Look here’s some flame haired, beat poetry related book news. Orion signs up STORM – a dazzling book of illustrated beat-poetry from the magical mind of Tim Minchin Tim Minchin is the award-winning Australian musician, songwriter, actor and comedian with worldwide sell-out arena tours under his belt as well as scores of awards. Now, Orion is delighted to announce the publication of his first ever book. Alan Samson, Publisher of Non-Fiction at the Orion Publishing Group, has bought World Rights from Caroline Chignell at PBJ Management. Tim Minchin said: “I’m so glad this poem has been made into a book: now I can literally hit people over the head with my opinions.” Alan Samson said: “Orion is thrilled to be bringing this internet phenomenon to another medium. Tracy and Dan’s artwork and design values are a perfect complement to Tim’s sparkling text, and we expect his book to go down a storm this autumn.” STORM is an illustrated book born from the hit YouTube animation of Tim Minchin’s sublime beat-poem of the same name. With over three million views STORM has won support from high-profile experts in science and scepticism, becoming…

Announcing a Brand New Annual Anthology! THE SPECTRAL BOOK OF HORROR STORIES Release date: September 2014 Published by Spectral Press, edited by acclaimed, award-winning novelist Mark Morris (Toady, Stitch, The Immaculate, Fiddleback and the forthcoming Obsidian Heart trilogy) and inspired by the Pan and Fontana books of horror and ghost stories, which were hugely popular in the 1960s and 1970s, The Spectral Book of Horror Stories will be the first volume of a non-themed annual horror anthology, showcasing all-original stories by the very best writers in the genre. Each yearly volume will contain around fifteen to twenty stories, and will be available in paperback and e-book format across all platforms. The cover for each volume will be a new and original work by multi-award-winning artist Vincent Chong. The Spectral Book of Horror Stories will be launched with a mass signing session at the 2014 British Fantasy Convention in York (September 5-7, 2014), though the book can be pre-ordered direct from Spectral Press at http://spectralpress.wordpress.com/2014/06/10/the-spectral-book-of-horror-stories-table-of-contents/ The final Table of Contents for volume one is:   ON THE TOUR – RAMSEY CAMPBELL THE DOG’S HOME – ALISON LITTLEWOOD FUNERAL RITES – HELEN MARSHALL SLAPE – TOM FLETCHER THE NIGHT DOCTOR – STEVE RASNIC TEM DULL FIRE – GARY McMAHON THE BOOK AND THE RING –…

Tomorrow has been designated International Sir Terry Pratchett Day at London Book Fair – THE INTERNATIONAL AUTHORS FORUM LAUNCHES INTERNATIONAL SIR TERRY PRATCHETT DAY AT LBF  Authors and readers across the world invited to vote and tweet their favourite Sir Terry Pratchett characters   NEWS FOR RELEASE, LONDON, Monday 7 April 2014:   To celebrate Sir Terry Pratchett as The London Book Fair’s (LBF) Author of the Day on Tuesday 8 April, the International Authors Forum, in association with LBF, has designated Tuesday 8 April International Sir Terry Pratchett Day, to mark his phenomenal international publishing success.   To launch the day, authors from around the world will be asked to vote for their favourite character from one of his books – choosing froma list of Sir Terry’s Official Top 10 Favourites, which are: 1.            Commander Vimes 2.            Death 3.            Granny Weatherwax 4.            Tiffany Aching 5.            Lord Vetinari 6.            The Librarian 7.            Nanny Ogg 8.            Rincewind 9.            The Nac Mac Feegle 10.          Willikins   The London Book Fair is also encouraging Sir Terry’s fans around the world to vote and tweet. Katie Webb, International Authors Forum, said: “Sir Terry Pratchett is a huge source of pride amongst the…

An interesting press release arrived this lunch time and I thought it might be worthwhile sharing. Certainly sounds like a fine plan if you’re willing to take a chance on a new author. Gollancz announce strategy to reduce the price of eBook editions of its 2014 debuts to £1.99 for the week of publication. The science fiction and fantasy imprint of the Orion Publishing Group has decided to reduce the price of the eBook editions of six stunning debut novels to £1.99 for the week of publication. All pre-orders and purchases for these titles, made up to a week after publication, will cost the reader less than a cup of coffee. Gollancz has a tradition of discovering new writers in the science-fiction and fantasy genre. Over the years they have been proud to launch the careers of authors including Ben Aaronovitch, Joe Abercrombie, Elspeth Cooper, Elizabeth May, Suzanne McLeod, Hannu Rajaniemi and Alastair Reynolds, and of course the adult fantasy debut of Joanne M. Harris. Gollancz are confident that all of their 2014 debuts are equally exceptional new talents and want to share these remarkable novels with as many readers as possible. Darren Nash, Digital Publisher at Gollancz, writes: “When…

Cast of Wonders, a young adult audio fiction podcast, invites you to the magical world of Camp Myth, where centaurs, kitsune, dryads, cyclops, mermaids and other mythical youngsters spend their summers adventuring and earning merit badges. Starting September 25th, Cast of Wonders will debut Phoenix Watching, the first Camp Myth novel by Chris Lewis Carter. This longer story unfolds over fifteen chapters, and will air one chapter a week every Wednesday. This is in addition to the weekly stories and Little Wonders every Sundays. Even better, Phoenix Watching will be a full cast production, featuring the voice talents of Kate Baker, Adam Black, Tina Connolly, Christiana Ellis, Alethea Kontis, Alasdair Stuart, Ian Stuart, and the Cast of Wonders creative team of Graeme Dunlop, Barry J. Northern and Marguerite Kenner. The project will have a special page on the Cast of Wonders website where fans can see artwork from Phoenix Watching, and find links to all the episodes after they air as well as links to purchase their own copy of Phoenix Watching or the Camp Myth roleplaying game. There might even be a few surprises that crop up as the story progresses, so be sure to check back for the…

Best known as the author of the Parasol Protectorate series of steampunk novels, New York Times Bestselling author Gail Carriger is renowned the world over for her stories filled with wit, humour, horror and excellent dress sense. But Gail’s versatility stretches farther, and Dan Sawyer aims to prove just how far. Just before The Parasol Protectorate series hit it big, Gail created the first-rate YA science fiction adventure Crudrat. When her steampunk books made immaculately dressed history, Gail sensibly focused her efforts on their sequels–but she did not forget Crudrat. Last year, she shared the manuscript with Sawyer, who made a deal for the audio rights. “It’s not steampunk,” he said, “it’s not romance, and it’s not comedy, and yet it is every inch a Gail Carriger novel. It’s Gail at her dramatic best. I couldn’t turn down the chance to produce something of this caliber.” Carriger was eager to see if her audience would embrace her dramatic writing as well as her comedic. As a veteran audio producer with fourteen years experience under his belt, Sawyer has long worked toward expanding the audiobook segment of his business, and jumped at the chance to work with his longtime friend, Ms….

Any Other Name is the second novel in the Split Worlds series, following on directly after the events in Between Two Thorns. Cathy is secretly seeking a way out of Nether Society by helping Max and the gargoyle to investigate the murders in the Bath Chapter. When she learns more about the mysterious Agency which oils the wheels of life in the Nether it becomes clear that the privileged few are enjoying their existence at a price far higher than they realised. It’s time to change Nether society, but with assassins, Fae lords and revengeful fallen Rosas to deal with, can Cathy survive long enough to make a difference? Author of Any Other Name, Emma Newman, has asked me to share with you a link to a hidden object, buried deep within the depths of the Split Worlds website. There are 12 links in total, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled for other links appearing on other blogs.   Release date: 28th May US/Canada paperback, audio and e-book worldwide, 6th June 2013 UK paperback Signed copies will be available from Toppings Books, Bath and Forbidden Planet. Pre-order options UK Print & Ebook Amazon.co.uk | Book Depository | Waterstones…

I’ve got some more review shininess scheduled for later on today. While you’re waiting might I suggest you pop over to Jo Fletcher’s blog where I wrote a little article about the delights of Stephen King, boutique hotels and relocating The House on Haunted Hill to a semi-detached in Bolton. Location, Location, Location

I don’t do a massive amount of news posts on The Eloquent Page but when I do I like to guarantee that they will make any reader go Wwwwhhhaaaattt? in the style of Moe the bartender from The Simpsons. Today, it appears, is no exception. Press Release – Andy Remic, Orbit, Angry Robot & Solaris Books author writes his first children’s novel… That’s right! Andy Remic, sword champion, chainsaw warrior, bunny ninja, often described as“The Rock Hard Nutter of SF” and “The Tarantino of Fantasy” and author of 14 novels, has written a loveable fluffy cuddly children’s book entitled ROCKET CAT, about, surprisingly, a cat with a rocket pack. Out 1st July 2012 from Anarchy Books in paperback, EPUB and KINDLE formats. ROCKET CAT Tiger Puk the ginger tomcat meets his new true love, the gorgeous kitten Libby Twinkleye. But when evil Redcap Goblin Katcats – Sooty Tailbite, Fang Whiskertwist and the terrifying killer, Claw Pawtangle – steal her away for their master, Chimera of Niffle Heim, Tiger must make a choice… To lie in the sun purring and washing his fur, or… to dismantle a sports car and build a rocket pack? Tiger breaks out the spanners, and in a…

What better way than some news to dispel the grey nastiness of a dismal British afternoon. The following just popped into my inbox and I felt compelled to share.   Strange Chemistry Signs Julianna Scott and Laura Lam for Two Books Apiece Strange Chemistry, the YA imprint of Angry Robot Books, is delighted to announce the signing of two more fantastic YA authors for 2013: Julianna Scottand Laura Lam. Julianna Scott has been signed for a two-book deal – negotiated by Strange Chemistry’s Amanda Rutter and Carly Watters of the P.S. Literary Agency – starting with The Holders. Laura Lam has also signed a two-book deal – negotiated by Amanda Rutter and Juliet Mushens of Peters Fraser and Dunlop – starting with Pantomime. Both titles will be published in the Spring of 2013. About The Holders 17-year-old Becca has spent her whole life protecting her brother – from their father leaving and from the people who say the voices in his head are unnatural. When two strangers appear with apparent answers to Ryland’s “problem” and details about a school in Ireland where Ryland will not only fit in, but prosper, Becca is up in arms. She reluctantly agrees to join Ryland…