INSIDE STORY
Hero Risen by Andy Livingstone
Scots author Andy Livingstone finally achieved his dream of publication when he submitted to HarperVoyager during a two-week window for writers without representation.
His debut novel, Hero Born, was plucked from more than 5000 submissions and became the first book in The Seeds of Destiny series.
Andy’s latest offering, Hero Risen, provides the conclusion to the thrilling fantasy trilogy.
He explained: “The trilogy follows the story of Brann, an ordinary village boy who has no particularly outstanding properties other than a ready smile and a cheery disposition – until he is dragged from his peaceful world into a life of danger, death and terror.
“It’s an unashamed adventure story that has been described as ‘historical fiction in a world much like our own.’
“It was inspired by the heroes that leapt from books into my imagination as I grew up, from JRR Tolkien’s Aragorn and David Gemmell’s Waylander to Biggles, James Bond and The Saint.
“In their cases, however, they were ready-made heroes. I wanted to take one from the start and find out how he gets there.
“Brann’s name is inspired by the Celtic mythology I adored when I was young.
“I loved the stories of Finn McCool and, since I was a boy, I always told myself that if I wrote a book, I’d name my hero in honour of those tales.”
So, what can readers expect from the final instalment?
Andy added: “Hero Risen concludes the story of Brann’s evolution into the hero his world needs, and reveals the truth and the extent of the danger facing civilisation.
“Without giving away any spoilers, Brann and the band of companions that have gathered around him visit new lands and meet new people as they strive to understand the threat and race to desperately try to thwart it.
“I am writing the next book covering Brann’s escapades – it’s the start of a new trilogy with the plan being that it will all build up to three trilogies that form one overall story.”
REVIEW
Bloq by Alan Jones
A father waits at Glasgow Central Station on Christmas Eve for the arrival of his 20-something daughter from London for the holidays.
When she fails to appear, Bill Ingram makes a desperate dash to the capital to find her.
There, he quickly discovers her disappearance is linked to Bloq nightclub and its charismatic, but dangerous, owner.
And so begins a story that shows the extreme lengths a father is willing to go to.
Brutal, shocking and gripping, Bloq’s twists and turns will keep you turning the pages until you reach its unforgettable climax. Highly recommended.
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