Shamera Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars from the Literary Titans
Shamera by T.S. James is an engaging fantasy novel that skillfully intertwines elements of magic, mystery, and adventure, offering a fresh perspective on the genre. The story begins with Shamera, a character driven by aspirations of becoming an apprentice, who finds himself in an unexpected situation when a menacing sorceress kidnaps the revered Great Verazslo. This event propels Shamera into a race against time, where he must swiftly master mystical arts to rescue the Elvenii during the fleeting Blood Moon.
The narrative's strength lies in its ability to weave a tapestry of intriguing facts and legends into the storyline, enriching the reader's experience. The author's skillful use of names adds a layer of mystery, encouraging readers to discover the nuances and subtleties hidden within the text. This careful construction of the world and its lore makes Shamera a compelling read, with each chapter increasing readers' anticipation. As the story unfolds, we see Shamera's emotional journey from grief and anger to forgiveness, a testament to the novel's depth beyond its fantastical elements. The introduction of Elithrin as a guiding figure in Shamera's journey adds a layer of thematic richness. The plot takes an intriguing turn with a time travel element that brings characters back to the era of King Arthur, blending historical and fantasy elements in a unique and captivating way.
T.S. James demonstrates remarkable storytelling ability in Shamera. The novel's intricate details, clever narrative twists, and the allure of hidden knowledge make it a compelling read for those interested in a world where magic and mystery coexist. As the first book in a trilogy, Shamera sets a high bar, leaving readers eager to continue this enchanting series.
5.0 out of 5 stars Verified Purchase
Prepare to be captivated by the brilliance of this debut novel from an exciting new author. As the first installment in a thrilling trilogy, this book took me on a journey that defied all my expectations. The plot twists are spectacular, keeping me on the edge of my seat until the very last page.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this book is the way the author cleverly weaves hidden facts and legends into the narrative. It's like uncovering a secret treasure trove of knowledge with each turn of the page. And speaking of treasures, there's something truly special about the names used throughout the story. I won't spoil it for you, but keep an eye out for the hidden gems that lie within them. It's a delightful puzzle to solve!
With each chapter, my anticipation for the second book in the series grew exponentially. The author has created a world so rich and captivating that I simply cannot wait to dive back into it. If you're a fan of immersive storytelling, unexpected surprises, and a touch of mystery, this book is an absolute must-read. Trust me, you won't be able to put it down!
David Wright.
I was given a copy as a present and I can honestly say I thoroughly loved reading it and can't wait for the next book in the trilogy to be published. Imagine Lord of The Rings meets King Arthur and Merlin with some Harry Potter thrown in and you have this book summed up. It's brilliant and for a relatively unknown author I'm looking forwards for the next adventures of Shamera.
Linda A.
Ravenswood
Literary Titan 4 Star review
Ravenswood plunges readers into the eerie world of a decaying asylum, where a team of paranormal investigators embarks on a chilling journey. At the centre of the story is Stephen, a sceptic dragged along to challenge his disbelief in the supernatural. As the tale unfolds, Stephen is faced with more than he bargained for, and by the end, the book hits all the familiar beats of a classic horror movie, for better or worse.
Right from the start, Ravenswood excels at what it sets out to do as a horror story. The pacing mirrors that of a well-crafted horror film, starting slow and steadily building toward heart-pounding intensity. As the tension mounts, so too does the fear, dread, and sheer terror. The true star of the story, though, is Ravenswood Asylum itself. It looms large as the perfect villain, its atmosphere thick with menace and mystery. The asylum is vividly described, its every creak and shadow brought to life in a way that avoids falling into overused horror tropes. It stands as a fully realized, terrifying setting that adds depth to the story and elevates the scares. Like many modern horror films, Ravenswood places its focus more on the concept and setting, which results in a strong atmospheric experience. Stephen, the protagonist, does undergo some character growth, which adds depth to his role, though the real emphasis of the story is on the paranormal intrigue. The supporting cast, while serving specific roles in the plot, effectively helps to keep the focus on the eerie atmosphere and the unfolding mystery. By the end, the introduction of new characters adds a fresh layer of excitement, helping to propel the narrative forward and offering dynamic ways to resolve the group’s dire situation. The process of summoning the primary antagonist, a demon, is deliberately simple, relying on a sceptic, a chant, and minimal ritual elements, which enhances the story’s accessibility and draws readers into the tension quickly. Dispelling the demon, in contrast, requires much more effort, emphasizing teamwork and belief from all involved. This shift in difficulty adds a layer of complexity that keeps readers engaged. Familiar with the horror genre, this structure creates anticipation and a sense of challenge, leaving readers invested in seeing how the characters will overcome the escalating stakes.
Ravenswood is an engaging and atmospheric horror novel that successfully captures the essence of classic supernatural thrillers. Its chilling setting, combined with a steadily building sense of dread, creates an immersive experience that horror fans will appreciate. While the focus leans more on the eerie concept and paranormal intrigue, the journey is filled with tension and suspense, keeping readers on edge from start to finish. With its blend of supernatural scares, intriguing twists, and a truly haunting setting, Ravenswood is a thrilling read that delivers plenty of excitement for fans of the genre.
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic read
Excellent from start to finish
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 October 2024
Confessions of a Male Nurse
5.0 out of 5 stars-A genuine honest and funny book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 22 March 2023
Found myself laughing out loud one minute and crying the next. A genuine honest account of working in healthcare. Some really touching moments. I enjoyed reading it so much and found it hard to put it down until I had finished it.
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 2 January 2023
I settled down on New Years Day to read a little of this book but could not put it down!
I laughed, I cried and then laughed some more.... almost wet myself at some of the real life experiences.
Congratulations Tony a very honest and sometimes hilarious peek into the lives of some of some of the most hardworking and dedicated people there are.
5.0 out of 5 stars It's Brilliant
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 1 August 2022
A laugh out loud read. Some sad bits, but thoroughly recommend this read.
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 4 November 2022
A great very well written book which gives insight into many areas of healthcare the author has worked in
A super read and found myself laughing out loud at some of the anecdotes.
5.0 out of 5 stars Comedic, open and honest insight into the trials and tribulations of Nursing
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 21 September 2022
This was a fascinating and heartfelt insight into what it takes to survive and thrive in the field of nursing.
Witty and fast paced, often you never expect the stories to take the course they do. Amazing how some people transform into patients when the gown goes on; and how students, nurses and other healthcare professionals manage each situation/drama; sometimes more successfully than others!
An entertaining read for everybody, as we'll all have first hand experience as a patient at some point.
5.0 out of 5 stars Worth a read !!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 24 July 2022
Often a laugh out loud book , with some very Humanist and touching moments . An interesting and funny insight relating to Hospital and Healthcare environment and its characters. Funny and very sad in parts. Good reading for anyone starting on the Healthcare ladder . Overall a good read .
5.0 out of 5 stars A funny easy read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 25 February 2023
A great book to take on a train journey!
An easy read, funny, a great insight into the trial’s & tribulations of being a male nurse in a female
5.0 out of 5 stars A seriously funny but insightful read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 1 September 2022
I received the book today. Settled down with the intention of reading a bit if it before going to sleep. Well I read it all, couldn't wait to turn the page, read the next chapter, follow his path in nursing with honest, sometimes challenging times with giggles thrown in to keep it a light hearted read. I just couldn't put it down. It may be only 89 pages but so much is packed it, just little snippets that you want to know more yet more isn't quite revealed. Hence finishing the book in a few hours or so. Would strongly recommend as a read as long as you dont expect blood, gore and more.
5.0 out of 5 stars Heartfelt and honest read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 30 August 2022
I was recommended this book as a holiday read by one of my friends. I can honestly say this was a really good read, honest and heartfelt, a small window into a very difficult but also rewarding job. I would recommend this book to everyone who wants an entertaining, brutally honest, at times an hilarious read.