Nick Kyme

Straight from the blogosphere, two reviews: My Favourite Books has written a lovely piece about Firedrake and Mr Digressius reviews Salamander (I think – it doesn’t specify, but again it’s very nice).

Thanks to both for the kind words. I’d also like to extend that to all the folks who’ve been getting in touch via Facebook about Firedrake and Grimblades. Much appreciate the support.

Finally, a shout out to Dan Sharp for his review of Firedrake in the Lincolnshire Echo. Loving your words, man.

I’m normally one that tries to shy away from books reviews. Sometimes you read something in there that puts you off your stride, but I have to say that this is a very nice one from Heresy Online by Lord of the Night.

Glad you liked it and, yes, Nocturne will be EPIC…

For Xisor’s thoughts on the book hop on over to the Black Library Bolthole where I’ve now got an ‘Ask Nick Kyme’ section. I check it periodically, so if there’s something you’d like to know or you just want to read what some of the other forumites have asked then this is the place to go.

Nice to see my Warhammer Fantasy Empire novel is getting some much-needed love and attention.

Thanks to Badmojoe78 for this very nice review.

The book’s also had some good press in the Lincolnshire Echo, so thanks to Dan Sharp for that one. Oddly, the biggest criticism of the novel is that it’s too much like a big Warhammer battle in places…

Er… that was the idea, folks.

Anyways, I’m proud of the book and like the fact that reviewers have latched onto the fact (and liked) that there are very human, fallible characters in it. These guys aren’t heroes per se (though, I guess they are in their own way), they’re just a bunch of soldiers – pretty bottom of the pecking order soldiers too.

That was the plan – write a book about the ordinary Empire soldier, halberdiers no less and put them in a war they really don’t want to be part of. It’s grim up at the front with only a sharp stick and a bucket-helmet to protect you.

Remember that.

These have been knocking around for a few weeks now, but here’s a quick round up of some very nice reviews for both Fireborn and Salamander.

First up, from Graeme’s Fantasy Book Review on Fireborn…

then from My Battalion for Salamander…

and lastly, but not leastly (ha, ha), here’s one for Salamander that featured in the Edinburgh Waterstones’ Geekzine, which also takes the form of a rather natty interview. Enjoy!

It’s been a week or two now since most people have been able to get their hands on a copy of Salamander. Some have done it by fair means, others by foul (well, cheeky – foul is a little harsh).

What has been extremely gratifying is the positive response the book has been getting and all the requests I’ve received already for the sequel (Firedrake is the next book I’m writing after Grimblades – it’s all planned out – as much as these things can be – and will tie up some lose ends but loosen others…).

Must say, I only occasionally browse forums (I tend to find them slightly harsh and volatile places with a pretty black and white outlook, but it tends to be the exception rather than the rule) but I’ve been pleasantly surprised and delighted by the comments Salamander has been getting.

So, just wanted to say ‘thank you’ really for all the constructive feedback and praise the book has received. It makes the effort and the late nights drinking coffee a little more worthwhile.

And while we’re in the reviewing vein, here’s another nice one from Graeme’s Fantasy Book Review!

(PS Dan, I’ve not forgotten about the one you posted on Bolter & Chainsword but it’s so laden with plot eviscerating spoilers I dare not link to it! Thanks though… )