Split Decision By: Andrew Harding

Split Decision

 By: Andrew Harding
(Book 1 of the Hybrid Series) 

As you may, or may not already know, I ready the book “Wet Daddy" first, which is book one to this series titled: “The Hybrid Series.” That book was book 4 of the series, and now here I am reading book one, obviously out of order. Therefore, if that gives you a heads up about these books, and if they are capable of being read as a stand-alone, I think it can be done. However, if you do that, as I have done, maybe an after thought might be to re-read them afterwards in order, if you feel you need to.

I want to start off as I always do, by stating that I truly find the cover of ‘Split Decision’ appealing to the eye. It makes a call to you to open it, and claim it as your own, and desire to read it, one of those eerie kinds of books that give you the concern to want to know what’s in store for you.

Then I want to tell you, as always, Mr. Harding did not fail my desires with this book. As usual, I had to keep turning the pages, and keep reading until the book was done. This man truly knows how to keep you drawn in, and not wanting to put a book down. And the way I picture his books, as I think anyone would agree with me, his writings would make the most thrilling movies of all time! I can honestly see this as an excellent, on the edge of your seat kind of movie, that I think people would enjoy. That is why, once again, I give another one of Mr. Harding’s books five stars. The writing, the story lines, the characters are just truly irresistible!

The character of Alli, (Alison Grey) is helping Harvey Burgess hunt down a deranged killer. Although, their meeting was by accident, the two are now working together to find and rid the world of this insanity before it is too late. While in the process of doing so, Alli’s own psychic abilities start to awaken. Alli hadn’t planned for this, nor had she even wanted it. But the thing is, what she see’s and feels, are all too shocking, and even revealing.

This man is murdering while at large, trying to erase his own memories of his childhood, by actually thinking that killing others will resolve his own issues.

This book is written for adults, purely not intended for children. There is adult content throughout this book. So, read with caution. If you yourself do not like this kind of read, then this book is not for you. Please be advised.

Again, as I stated, this book is a definite five star read. I found it to be very realistic. I am a Criminal Justice Major, and I love horror and gore, and this book truly was my cup of tea. I loved every page and will proudly go onto my next book written by Mr. Harding! I hope you will check out his work too!

My questions for Mr. Harding:

1. What made you write this book and how long did it take you?

Just before I finished Parity, Bk3 in The Spirit Trilogy, my sister said I should write a book with more grit to it. She was surprised when she read Split Decision, Bk1 in The Hybrid Series, saying she didn’t think I’d go that far and well done for crossing a hurdle of boundaries. It took three weeks to lay down the first draft.


2. Do you have any photos or descriptions of the characters?

No, I don’t really describe my characters, letting the reader picture them in their own mind.

As they’re fictional characters I don’t have photos, although I do see them in my head like a film as I write.


3. What motivates you to write?

It has to be the joy of being pain free for a few hours at a stretch. When my mind is focused on something beyond my first round of meds, they work faster, transporting me to the world I’m writing in, and not locked into the extra little treat MS has thrown at me. For the last two months I haven’t been able to take a step, or lift either hand above my shoulders, without severe pain down my left side and that’s after two rounds of steroids. I probably caused it, doing something in the garden 6 months ago, which of course I’ve forgotten about, so it’s pointless trying to work out what the hell it was. It’ll slowly settle down and move onto something else, as that’s the nature of the beast I’ve dealt with for the past twenty years. So, writing is my drug of preference that takes the edge off for me – works better than weed any day of my week!

4. Did you ever plan on becoming a writer when you were younger?

I had little chance when I was younger. I was just ten when I sat the 11+ exam (my August birthday, sitting in the middle of the school summer break denoted as much), a stipulation then in the UK for every pupil in the land, to see who could gain entrance to higher education.

I was made aware much later, the man who’d sat with us as our invigilator for that exam, read my finished English paper, while we started on the Maths.  He’d told my Head Master, if I didn’t get in, it wouldn’t be because of my English, it was brilliant. I’m going back to 1960 here, and if I planned on anything it was to get out alive from very dysfunctional parents. Writing a book’s crossed my mind throughout my life, but earning a crust always took preference as my order book was always full, months in advance.  

5. What are your hobbies?

Painting, drawing, craftwork and making things with my hands. Gardening and growing most of what I eat gives me a good diet with as little added chemicals as possible, essential for anyone living with MS. I’m just fortunate to have a large garden, but after doing something that started all this pain, I’ll get someone in to help with any heavy work in the summer. I’m not chancing this route again...


6. What all education have you had?

Nothing special like a university education; offered to our older sibling, and because they declined it like the plague, the rest of us were written off.

Stored in my bedroom, when I was growing up, was an old Singer treadle sewing machine. Any time I couldn’t go out, I played with it and got it working again. When I finished school, and knowing I could work a sewing machine, I bought a large bag of scrap leather and suede. I hired an industrial sewing machine, on a similar treadle base, cutting down on noise in my attic flat, and over next few days I turned that bag of scrap into a wearable garment that sold the next day.

From that first small scale venture, and after a few years of hard work, I was the proprietor of 5 leather shops, in and around Bournemouth, manufacturing and making to measure anything customers wanted to wear as well as supplying a few department stores. That’s how I knew the lay of the land, writing The Spirit Trilogy, although the council that run things down there now have really trashed the centre of the town. My sister and I returned a few years back and I truly wish I hadn’t.
When the bottom dropped out of the leather market, in the mid 70’s, I turned my hand to upholstery overnight, using the same methods they’ve used for centuries, not staples and foam, like today.

7. What are you working on now?

I’ve copied this from my last interview, Deneale, as I’m no further along with any of it. Hopefully, over the next couple of weeks, this pain will dwindle and I can concentrate properly again.

I’m nearing the end of ‘Oedema’, the sequel to the Spirit Trilogy. I always felt the story was unfinished and the characters have been screaming to be heard since it was published. I’m writing it to shut them up, once and for all – I hope!

The Dint Finder, Bk1 Vault, is my first dystopian thriller and will be published very soon. I’ve also written the first chapter of a new detective book ‘Cain’. Is he insane? Who the hell knows? Not me, yet.

8. What is your favorite thing about being a writer?

Apart from everything I mention in question 3, there is so much more. Not only the fact I can spin a yarn with conviction that people enjoy reading, but I’ve learned a great deal about the writing craft itself. The most important thing for me is bringing characters to life on the page with words that show every flaw, passion, sadness and most of all what makes them tick. No, they’re not all human but that makes no difference to me – they all have their odd little quirks. Their differing skilled assets blend perfectly in each team, foreseeing pitfalls on their mission to catching the worst criminals imaginable. That tonnage of research I apply to every book, I find fascinating – never begrudged.


9. Have you yourself met any other authors?

No, only on social media and have had more help than I thought possible from other authors.

10. Have you ever met any of your fans?

Yes, the ones who live locally.

11. Who is your favorite writer of all time?

Steven King, although I have a very strange choice in reading matter. The weirder the better, for me.

12. Please share with us your social media and book links:

I have 2 accounts on Twitter: @AndrewHarding4 and @HybridSeries

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andrew.harding.5059

My UK author page on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Andrew-Harding/e/B0097OEGD2/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

My USA author page on Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Andrew-Harding/e/B0097OEGD2/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Smashwords : https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/474231

My Website: http://www.ahardingbooks.co.uk/

13. Anything you’d like to add: Thank you so much for reading Split Decision and giving me this opportunity of a review and interview, Deneale. It’s much appreciated.

Split Decision by Andrew Harding
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As you may, or may not already know, I ready the book “Wet Daddy’ first, which is book one to this series titled: “The Hybrid Series.” That book was book 4 of the series, and now here I am reading book one, obviously out of order. Therefore, if that gives you a heads up about these books, and if they are capable of being read as a stand-alone, I think it can be done. However, if you do that, as I have done, maybe an after thought might be to re-read them afterwards in order, if you feel you need to.

I want to start off as I always do, by stating that I truly find the cover of ‘Split Decision’ appealing to the eye. It makes a call to you to open it, and claim it as your own, and desire to read it, one of those eerie kinds of books that give you the concern to want to know what’s in store for you.

Then I want to tell you, as always, Mr. Harding did not fail my desires with this book. As usual, I had to keep turning the pages, and keep reading until the book was done. This man truly knows how to keep you drawn in, and not wanting to put a book down. And the way I picture his books, as I think anyone would agree with me, his writings would make the most thrilling movies of all time! I can honestly see this as an excellent, on the edge of your seat kind of movie, that I think people would enjoy. That is why, once again, I give another one of Mr. Harding’s books five stars. The writing, the story lines, the characters are just truly irresistible!

The character of Alli, (Alison Grey) is helping Harvey Burgess hunt down a deranged killer. Although, their meeting was by accident, the two are now working together to find and rid the world of this insanity before it is too late. While in the process of doing so, Alli’s own psychic abilities start to awaken. Alli hadn’t planned for this, nor had she even wanted it. But the thing is, what she see’s and feels, are all too shocking, and even revealing.

This man is murdering while at large, trying to erase his own memories of his childhood, by actually thinking that killing others will resolve his own issues.

This book is written for adults, purely not intended for children. There is adult content throughout this book. So, read with caution. If you yourself do not like this kind of read, then this book is not for you. Please be advised.

Again, as I stated, this book is a definite five star read. I found it to be very realistic. I am a Criminal Justice Major, and I love horror and gore, and this book truly was my cup of tea. I loved every page and will proudly go onto my next book written by Mr. Harding! I hope you will check out his work too!

View all my reviews

 

Grace (Book 1: The Revelations Series) by: Leeanne Rathbone

Grace

(Book 1: The Revelations Series)

By: Leeanne Rathbone

When I had seen the Author post the details about this book, I decided to look into it. Therefore, I looked at the cover, and was pulled in even more so. The cover is truly designed beautifully, and it makes you desire to read the book even more so then hearing about it.

As the story begins, you realize you are in London, England. As I opened up the book, I knew we were beginning where I hated to start, where almost everyone does actually. In the hospital. This however, does not stop me from reading. 

Then as I kept reading I get to the best part: “Congratulations! It’s a girl!” A yes, the best time to be at hospital, isn’t it? Childbirth. 

But my dears, this was just the prologue! 

Grace had nightmares, or were they even nightmares? Nightmares about the cemetery and the grave stones. The nightmares were nothing knew, and she kept them from her mother. She has had them ever since they had moved the last time. She didn’t want to move again, but then again, maybe moving away from that cemetery might be a good idea after all.  

These odd things that kept happening to Grace, happened all of her life, at different peculiar stages and times. Feelings, things she just couldn’t quite get a grip on. But this very night, it had been different. 

What makes the situation worse this time, is when her mother says, “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” A shiver went through Graces body. 

There was something about those gravestones, that cemetery, and what made it worse, that sometimes at night when Grace would look out of her window after a nightmare, the gravestones would be covered in ghoulish fog. Like it truly needed to look more eerie.

Grace starts noticing that her dreams are stuck on repeat, and begins researching them. The consistencies in her dreams are: 

Angels, leaves, headstones, and trees. At the library, she managed to find a meaning in a book, which she didn’t seem shocked by the results.

Eventually Grace meets a guy named Nate who is intrigued by her, and even her interest in dreams, and what is happening to her. 

Grace is only seventeen, but finds that she is experiencing things within herself to be changing, and with that, she is also learning things about herself, and the world around her that she just didn’t ever plan to believe to even be true. 

Through her life changing adventures, Grace is learning a new way to look at good and evil, different from what we are all taught as Children. Grace is now seeing things through an enlightened an insightful mindful type vision, and learning how to understand and cope with them.

The story of Grace will show you love, and friendship. It will also show enlighten and heighten your own sense to what is and could be around you. The story of Grace will show you that your fate, can shape the existence, and then how one’s lust for power, can destroy it all. 

This story played with so many of my emotions. I was just to the point that I could not put it down, especially as a person who does believe that our dreams do in fact guide us. I was just in awe as to how well this was written, and I enjoyed this book immensely. This was truly an enjoyable book. I give it five stars, and cannot wait to read the next book!

Here are my questions for Leeanne:

1. What made you write this book and how long did it take you?

The idea for the book actually came to me in 2009 while I was pregnant with my son.  I fell in love with the whole young adult phenomenon that seemed to be sparked by Twilight, and I had this idea about a girl who falls in love with an angel that had been sent to kill her.  I had most of it planned out but then when I went into hospital in labour my husband brought me Lauren Kate's Fallen and it completely destroyed my idea.  Even though my story was completely different I felt like people would just say I was jumping on her bandwagon so it sat in my little notebooks and inside my head for all those years until 2015.  I can't remember what it was that made me want to write it out but I did, and once I started, the characters demanded to be heard.  I finished book one and two in a matter of months, rough drafts of course, they were still just the bare bones of a story and needed the next edit to actually put some meat onto it, but I was so proud of myself for getting the story down and evolving it into what it is today...which is NOT about an angel that has been sent to kill Grace...just so you know, it went in a completely different direction so no spoilers here hahaha!


2. Do you have any photos or descriptions of Grace or Nate?

I've always struggled to find the right picture of an actress/model that encapsulates Grace and Nate for me.  The way I picture them in my head is probably different to a lot of other people. 

Grace has red hair, and I know for most people this would bring forth an image of a light, ginger type red but when I wrote her, I imagined like pillar box red.  She's medium height, medium build, nothing really special about her.  She has a few freckles smattered across her nose and green eyes, the colour of laurel green, so sort of light and almost greyish.  Her style is that akin to what I liked as a teenager, comfy jeans, band/logo t-shirts and boots or trainers.

Nate I always picture as being tall, certainly taller than Grace.  He has defined muscles but isn't big like a bodybuilder, he's strong and sturdy.  His hair is as black as coal and it has a natural wave to it that, when it gets long, it curls around the nape of his neck.  I always imagine it to look stylishly messy, like he's constantly running his hands through it.  His eyes are a beautiful emerald green colour, captivating to look in to and his face is mostly stern and unreadable.  Unless he smiles, and then it lights up his whole face, lights up the whole room and it goes all the way to his eyes, which crinkle in the corners.  I always imagined him to have an air of authority about him, like a "don't mess with me" kind of attitude and he is fiercely protective of those he loves.  Just wait until book two...you'll see


3. Do you ever put yourself into your characters?

Yes, all the time.  I've been married for almost ten years now but I've actually been with my husband since we were teenagers, thirteen to be exact, and he still make's me feel all gooey and stupid, just like he did back then so I always try and put myself into their shoes and just feel out a situation, try and think about how I would have reacted as a teenager and I think that's what helps me get across my emotional scenes and the tension...well I hope I do anyway!  And it's different for each character, like Mia for instance, she is funny, she is sarcastic and a little bit sassy (you see more of this in book two too) so I try and step into her shoes and imagine how I would react if I was a little mouthy and argumentative.


4. Did you do any special research for this amazing book?

Yes...the way this story progresses actually uses stories as old as time and I had to do research to check out future characters and make sure I got them historically correct.  I would hate for someone to read the next books and their take away to be that I'd got the details wrong.

5. Who designed the cover?

I did, along with a good friend of mine.  We've known each other years, he's the partner of my sister from another mister and one of my closest friends.  He is an amazing photographer so I asked him whether he would help me with a redesign of the cover.  He agreed, came along with us to a local cemetery and we did a little mini shoot out there.  It's actually my daughter on the front of the cover.  He did some of his wizardry on photoshop and voila...sent me the cover.  I do love the cover too, my only issue is that even though we followed guidelines (that were extensively googled!) it still comes out dark when printed.  So I've bitten the bullet and contacted an actual cover design to speak about future covers and a possible do over of the first, not because there is anything wrong with it, but because it would have to match the next two.  Her name is Molly Phipps from WeGotYouCovered.com.  She is amazing and I've followed her for a while now so fingers crossed, we can come up with something awesome.

6. What are you working on now?

I have a few things on the go at the moment.  I have some minor re-edits to do in the final book of The Revelations Series and I've also started two other books, both of which are adult romance and will be standalones.  I have another paranormal romance screaming at me to be written, though this one won't be aimed at young adults, it will be for the more mature reader.  I have some notes on this one but I haven't actually started the writing process yet.  I'm also hoping a little further down the line to do a spin off of The Revelations Series where the focus shifts to different characters.

7. What are your hobbies?

Reading mostly and writing.  When I'm not in full on, focused author mode I tend to read a book every two days.  Kindle Unlimited has become my friend for this because unfortunately I can't afford to keep up with my addiction to stories.  Other than that I enjoy going to the gym with my bestie, spending time with my husband, my three beautiful tiddlers and one very furry husky.  We like to walk a lot and explore different places.  Our outdoor adventures are what inspired a lot of the countryside scenes in my story.  Oh, and I also bake...a lot.  I'm the family cake maker, anything from wedding cakes to minions, to Jurassic park cakes.  I've done quite a few.

8. Have you ever had writers block? Whether or not you have had- what would you suggest for those who get it?

Yes I have and it's an awful thing because you start to think you're completely worthless and can't write a damn, but it's simply not true.  Every author experiences it, whether it's minor and lasts an hour, or lasts weeks but it's just one of those things.  When I start to feel like that, I tend to write down other things, as stupid as it sounds, from anything like the shopping list, to what meals I will cook this week and how I will do them, anything to just get those synapses firing and the creative juices flowing again.  It tends to work and I always try and write through it because I think the worst thing you can do is to just stop point blank.  Even if when you come to edit it later you think "what the hell was I thinking?!" it's always best to have something than nothing.

9. What made you want to become a writer when you 'grew up'?

Well I wanted to be a Hollywood actress.  My drama teacher always said I was destined for big things but then life got in the way...things change but I wouldn't go back and change it for the world because it meant I got my amazing husband and my beautiful first born...who just so happens to be taught by that same drama teacher today!  My english teacher was also someone who pushed me constantly, she told me I could be poet laureate one day (I used to write a TON of poetry in school) and then she actually sent off one of my short stories to a competition and it was shortlisted and came in the top ten.  So I always knew that if I didn't "make it" I would write, it's something I've done all my life, from diary entries, to poems, to songs...anything and everything you could think of.

10. What do you suggest for aspiring writers?

Never ever give up and never ever let someone tell you that you can't.  You are the only one that can tell your story, there is no one else like you so although what you write will most certainly not be everyone's cup of tea, don't let that discourage you and write it anyway because there will be someone out there that will love it and it just might make their day.

11. Please share with us your social media and book links:

www.twitter.com/leandy182

www.facebook.com/leannerathboneauthor

www.instagram.com/leabie182

www.leannerathbone.com  (Although this is currently under construction)

Grace: Book One of The Revelations Series.

Amazon UK: http://amzn.eu/j6A0CdF

Amazon US: http://a.co/5YugRvb

Amazon CAN: http://a.co/bqJLM4d

Amazon AUS: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01DEAS9D2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ep_dp_4-z0ybXQY668H

12. Anything to add::  

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has enjoyed my book and who took part in the free promotion.  I'd also like to share with you my upcoming release date...you heard it here first... Divine: Book Two of The Revelations Series will be coming out May 20th 2017!!  Thank you everyone and thank you Deneale for having me here!!!

About the Author:

Leanne Rathbone was born and raised in Sheffield, England and lives with her husband, 3 young children and 1 Husky. Having spent many years as an avid reader she turned her hand to writing, recently publishing her first novel Grace as part of a 3 book series called Revelations. Leanne hopes she can share her stories with as wide an audience as possible bringing as much joy to those who read as she has enjoyed writing.

Grace by Leanne Rathbone
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I had seen the Author post the details about this book, I decided to look into it. Therefore, I looked at the cover, and was pulled in even more so. The cover is truly designed beautifully, and it makes you desire to read the book even more so then hearing about it.

As the story begins, you realize you are in London, England. As I opened up the book, I knew we were beginning where I hated to start, where almost everyone does actually. In the hospital. This however, does not stop me from reading.

Then as I kept reading I get to the best part: “Congratulations! It’s a girl!” A yes, the best time to be at hospital, isn’t it? Childbirth.

But my dears, this was just the prologue!

Grace had nightmares, or were they even nightmares? Nightmares about the cemetery and the grave stones. The nightmares were nothing knew, and she kept them from her mother. She has had them ever since they had moved the last time. She didn’t want to move again, but then again, maybe moving away from that cemetery might be a good idea after all.

These odd things that kept happening to Grace, happened all of her life, at different peculiar stages and times. Feelings, things she just couldn’t quite get a grip on. But this very night, it had been different.

What makes the situation worse this time, is when her mother says, “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” A shiver went through Graces body.

There was something about those gravestones, that cemetery, and what made it worse, that sometimes at night when Grace would look out of her window after a nightmare, the gravestones would be covered in ghoulish fog. Like it truly needed to look more eerie.

Grace starts noticing that her dreams are stuck on repeat, and begins researching them. The consistencies in her dreams are: Angels, leaves, headstones, and trees. At the library, she managed to find a meaning in a book, which she didn’t seem shocked by the results.

Eventually Grace meets a guy named Nate who is intrigued by her, and even her interest in dreams, and what is happening to her.

Grace is only seventeen, but finds that she is experiencing things within herself to be changing, and with that, she is also learning things about herself, and the world around her that she just didn’t ever plan to believe to even be true.

Through her life changing adventures, Grace is learning a new way to look at good and evil, different from what we are all taught as Children. Grace is now seeing things through an enlightened an insightful mindful type vision, and learning how to understand and cope with them.

The story of Grace will show you love, and friendship. It will also show enlighten and heighten your own sense to what is and could be around you. The story of Grace will show you that your fate, can shape the existence, and then how one’s lust for power, can destroy it all.

This story played with so many of my emotions. I was just to the point that I could not put it down, especially as a person who does believe that our dreams do in fact guide us. I was just in awe as to how well this was written, and I enjoyed this book immensely. This was truly an enjoyable book. I give it five stars, and cannot wait to read the next book!



View all my reviews