John Irvin, Author

by Howard Pyle

Published by Dover Publications

A review by John Irvin

CLICK HERE TO GO AND BUY MEN OF IRON!!!

“Then why doth he not stand forth like a man and befriend me and my father openly, even if it be to his own peril?” –Myles Falworth

            From the back cover blurb:

            The year 1400 opened with more than usual peacefulness in England. Only a few months before, Richard II—weak, wicked, and treacherous—had been dethroned, and Henry IV declared King in his stead.

            But it was only a seeming peacefulness, lasting but for a little while; for though King Henry proved himself a just and merciful man—as justice and mercy went with the men of iron of those days—and though he did not care to shed blood needlessly, there were many noble families who had been benefited by King Richard during his reign, and who had lost somewhat of their power and prestige from the coming in of the new King.

            Among these were a number of great lords—the Dukes of Albermarle, Surrey, and Exeter, the Marquis of Dorset, the Earl of Gloucester, and others—who had been degraded to their former titles and estates, from which King Richard had lifted them.

            These and others brewed a secret plot to take King Henry’s life, which plot might have succeeded had not one of their own number betrayed them.

            I read this book two or three times all the way through as a child and teenager. I’d always listed it as my favourite then and it’s still dear to me now.

            Today is my 100^th blog post! I thought it fitting to write something about an old favourite from long ago.

            Written in Old English style, this book is a historical fiction about a boy who becomes a man—knighted and vowed to take vengeance on his father’s enemy.

            If you like to read the classics—maybe Shakespeare or Milton—Pyle’s work in this tale of a knight, his lady, and the cause of justice for his family name is one you should enjoy.

            I’m planning to get this book for a Christmas present for my nephew when he’s old enough to read and grasp the character-driven plot behind the thee’s and thou’s. Don’t tell him that, it’s our little secret.

            So, take my recommendation and click this link to go buy it: MEN OF IRON.

As a side note, I am required to inform you that my links provided are affiliate links to the said products. Hey, I’ve got to pay the bills somehow. I hope this is understandable!

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I’m also a Patreon artist–the cool thing about Patreon is it allows people to support artists by monthly pledges which allow the artists to have more time to work on their own passions. Here is my account: PATREON.COM. If you’d like to support me, I would be eternally grateful!

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by Aine Greaney

Published by Writer’s Digest Books

A review by John Irvin

CLICK HERE TO GO AND BUY WRITER WITH A DAY JOB!!!

“As an artist, your goals are broad, visionary statements which will give your daily work direction and a larger context.”

            From the back cover blurb:

            You can work full time and still have a productive writing life. Many writers waste time waiting for the day they can finally quit their day jobs and live the so-called writing dream. Don’t wait. You can do both—and your writing will be the better for it.

            Balancing a full-time job with your writing goals is no easy feat, but author Aine Greaney provides the exercises, inspiration, and techniques you need to build creative expression into your daily life and establish the productive writing life you’ve always wanted.

• Make the most of your writing time early in the morning or late at night.
• Harness the power of your lunch hour for writing, editing, and revising.
• Use your commute—driving or riding—to power your writing.
• Plan the perfect writing getaway.
• Set goals, revise your work, and share your writing with coworkers.

You’ll also get quick, practical tutorials to help you master scenes, point of view, characters, settings, dialogue, and more.

            Writer With A Day Job gives you the strategies and motivation you need to work 40 hours a week (or more!) and still find the time to achieve writing success.

            When I bought this book, I was working an Emergency Room full-time job that drained my creative side’s energy. But reading this book helped me put things in perspective.

            No you don’t have much time to write when you’re working 40 hours plus at some job you probably hate—most people do. This inspirational book will show you how you can make that time.

            It definitely helped me in the last leg of my full-time job before I left it for a part-time job—this is how I gave myself even more writing time!

            But for most people, that’s not possible—you need that full-time paycheck. Well, this book is for you if you want to see success in your writing career.

            So, take my recommendation and click this link to go buy it: WRITER WITH A DAY JOB.

As a side note, I am required to inform you that my links provided are affiliate links to the said products. Hey, I’ve got to pay the bills somehow. I hope this is understandable!

If you enjoyed this review, you should sign up for my newsletter! I don’t spam and you can unsuscribe at any time. I only send out emails–usually just focused on whatever book review I’ve written that day–on Fridays. Sign up here: SIGN UP!

I’m also a Patreon artist–the cool thing about Patreon is it allows people to support artists by monthly pledges which allow the artists to have more time to work on their own passions. Here is my account: PATREON.COM. If you’d like to support me, I would be eternally grateful!

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by Rick Riordan

Published by Hyperion

A review by John Irvin

CLICK HERE TO GO AND BUY THE HIDDEN ORACLE!!!

“I will never understand how you mortals tolerate it. You live your entire life trapped in a sack of meat, unable to enjoy simple pleasures like changing into a hummingbird or dissolving into pure light.” –Apollo on the Human Body

            From the inside jacket flap:

            My father’s voice still rings in my ears.

            Can you believe Zeus blamed me for the gods’ battle with Gaea? Just because the earth goddess duped on of my progeny—Octavian—into plunging the Greek and Roman demigods into a civil war that nearly destroyed human civilization. I ask you, how was that my fault?

            Now I’m cast out of Olympus in the form of a sixteen-year-old mortal boy, acne and all! Sadly, I’ve been punished this way before. I know I will face many trials and hardships. I can only hope that if I suffer through them and prove myself worthy, Father will forgive me and allow me to become a god again.

            But this time my situation seems much more dangerous. One of my ancient adversaries knows I am here and is having me followed. The Oracle of Delphi remains dark, unable to issue prophecies. Most embarrassing of all, I am bound to serve a demigod street urchin who defends herself by throwing rotten fruit.

            Zeus could not possibly expect me to fix the Oracle problem by myself. Not in my present weak condition. It’s time for me to drop in on Camp Half-Blood, where I might find some talented fodder…er, I mean heroes to help. No doubt they will welcome me as a celebrity! They will bring me holy offerings, like peeled grapes, Oreos, and—oh, gods—perhaps even bacon!

            Mmm. Yes. If I survive this, I really must write an ode to the power of bacon…

            Even from the jacket blurb you can see just how hilariously egotistical this guy is! He’s got a lot to learn from his trials here on earth.

            I started reading this first installment in the third series based off of the Percy Jackson world and within the first couple of pages was already snickering.

            Honestly, if I met this teenage upstart, I would dislike him and his arrogance to the umpteenth degree—but in written character, he’s pretty comedic.

            If you’ve enjoyed the Percy Jackson series along with its sequel series, you must continue this young adult fantasy adventure or else you’re missing out on how the Half-Breeds restore the Oracle of Delphi and help Rachel Dare—as well as the god, Apollo—regain their powers.

            So, take my recommendation and click this link to go buy it: THE HIDDEN ORACLE.

As a side note, I am required to inform you that my links provided are affiliate links to the said products. Hey, I’ve got to pay the bills somehow. I hope this is understandable!

If you enjoyed this review, you should sign up for my newsletter! I don’t spam and you can unsuscribe at any time. I only send out emails–usually just focused on whatever book review I’ve written that day–on Fridays. Sign up here: SIGN UP!

I’m also a Patreon artist–the cool thing about Patreon is it allows people to support artists by monthly pledges which allow the artists to have more time to work on their own passions. Here is my account: PATREON.COM. If you’d like to support me, I would be eternally grateful!

Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Or email me at john@johnirvinauthor.com

by Suzanne Collins

Published by Scholastic Corporation

A review by John Irvin

CLICK HERE TO GO AND BUY MOCKINGJAY!!!

“It takes ten times as long to put yourself back together as it does to fall apart.”

            From the back book blurb:

            Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.

            It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 really does exist, and now it has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plans—except Katniss.

            The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss’s willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels’ Mockingjay—no matter what the personal cost.

            The finale, the third installment in the trilogy, brings us the tie up after Catching Fire’s cliffhanger. I tell you what—I think the theme for this trilogy was “Let’s make John cry, laugh, and fall in love with every single word!”

            This is still a favorite trilogy of mine. The movies are great too and did not disappoint me. But you must read the books whether before or after you’ve seen the films.

            This is my rule.

            The way this urban fantasy thriller—I guess you’d call it that—just yanks you in with all its political upheaval, tyrannical and murderous fiends, defiant rebels, and not to mention the strengthening romance, it is to buy for—or die for, although that’s a bit of an escalation if you ask me.

            So, take my recommendation and click this link to go buy it: MOCKINGJAY.

As a side note, I am required to inform you that my links provided are affiliate links to the said products. Hey, I’ve got to pay the bills somehow. I hope this is understandable!

If you enjoyed this review, you should sign up for my newsletter! I don’t spam and you can unsuscribe at any time. I only send out emails–usually just focused on whatever book review I’ve written that day–on Fridays. Sign up here: SIGN UP!

I’m also a Patreon artist–the cool thing about Patreon is it allows people to support artists by monthly pledges which allow the artists to have more time to work on their own passions. Here is my account: PATREON.COM. If you’d like to support me, I would be eternally grateful!

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by Suzanne Collins

Published by Scholastic Corporation

A review by John Irvin

CLICK HERE TO GO AND BUY CATCHING FIRE!!!

“Remember, girl on fire…I’m still betting on you.”

            From the back book blurb:

Against all odds, Katniss has won the Hunger Games. She and fellow District 12 tributes Peeta Mellark are miraculously still alive. Katniss should be relieved, happy even. After all, she has returned to her family and her longtime friend, Gale.

Yet nothing is the way Katniss wishes it to be. Gale holds her at an ice distance. Peeta has turned his back on her completely. And there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol—a rebellion that Katniss and Peeta may have helped create.

            Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled an unrest she’s afraid she cannot stop. And what scares her even more is that she’s not entirely convinced she should try. As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol’s cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever.

If they can’t prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying.

            The second installation in the Hunger Games trilogy lives up to its predecessor as expected. Carrying on the harrowing brushes with tyranny in all its malevolent actions and words, this futuristic thriller rocked my world.

            I found myself devouring the words, clinging to the pages—sometimes wondering what was around the corner.

            The intensity builds and builds until you feel like you can’t take anymore, but then, somehow you do.

            Just like I did with the first book, I gobbled up this one in a couple days while juggling college classes and work.

            So, take my recommendation and click this link to go buy it: CATCHING FIRE.

As a side note, I am required to inform you that my links provided are affiliate links to the said products. Hey, I’ve got to pay the bills somehow. I hope this is understandable!

If you enjoyed this review, you should sign up for my newsletter! I don’t spam and you can unsuscribe at any time. I only send out emails–usually just focused on whatever book review I’ve written that day–on Fridays. Sign up here: SIGN UP!

I’m also a Patreon artist–the cool thing about Patreon is it allows people to support artists by monthly pledges which allow the artists to have more time to work on their own passions. Here is my account: PATREON.COM. If you’d like to support me, I would be eternally grateful!

Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Or email me at john@johnirvinauthor.com

by John Irvin

A commentary by John Irvin

CLICK HERE TO GO AND BUY ALL THE REASONS WHY!!!

“Someone’s in a hurry,” the brown-eyed girl remarked.”

Book Description:

Do you enjoy Western-style romance? How about a horse rancher?

Hunter is a Montana-bred horse ranch with a shattered heart. Having just fallen out of love, he does not trust anyone. Then Lilah shows up and everything blows up in his face.

He tries to run, but something keeps shoving him back to her, pointing the way for his heart.

Will he finally realise that not everyone is sent to break your heart? Can love sometimes find a way? Are there enough reasons to move on with life and take a new risk?

            There’s a touch of my dream in this story—a dream of owning a ranch. Though in reality, I’m not exactly looking for that—I do want a hundred acres of land though! Living in Montana would be amazing, but I’m probably never moving from Florida—too many friends here who don’t want to move to Montana with me.

            But, this short—I mean, short—sweet romance fiction is set under the Montana sky, starring a heart-broken horse rancher who doesn’t want anything to do with another woman thanks to the last one.

            But Hunter Norwood can’t seem to stop running into Lilah Saffron, a brunette with the prettiest brown eyes he’s ever seen.

            There’s also the fact, she’s a mutual friend of Hunter’s longtime friends Trent and Annie.

            The holidays are filled with her trying to show him, she’s not like the last girl who shattered his heart.

            I think, one of the lessons I was subtly instilling into this short story was: you can’t judge the next person by the actions of the last one. Don’t let someone who didn’t love you keep you from someone who does.

            Either way, I loved writing this Montana romance. I may write another, but actually work that one into a full-length novel.

            I also ask, if you do enjoy it, please leave a great review on its Amazon page so others can enjoy it too!

Click this link to go check it out: ALL THE REASONS WHY.

As a side note, I am required to inform you that my links provided are affiliate links to the said products. Hey, I’ve got to pay the bills somehow. I hope this is understandable!

If you enjoyed this review, you should sign up for my newsletter! I don’t spam and you can unsuscribe at any time. I only send out emails–usually just focused on whatever book review I’ve written that day–on Fridays. Sign up here: SIGN UP!

I’m also a Patreon artist–the cool thing about Patreon is it allows people to support artists by monthly pledges which allow the artists to have more time to work on their own passions. Here is my account: PATREON.COM. If you’d like to support me, I would be eternally grateful!

Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Or email me at john@johnirvinauthor.com