Christmas Presence - Daniel M Warloch
A few weeks ago I was handed a gift - the latest offering from author Daniel M Warloch, namely Christmas Presence.
Having read the amazing Leap Year a few months ago I knew I was in for a treat! This author has a habit of plucking you from your seat and transferring you into a whole new, magical world before you realise what has happened! By the time you reach the last page you are reluctant to return to the real world.
So a couple of days ago I shut myself away and prepared for the journey of a lifetime!
Having read his earlier book, about a trio of children who accidentally get trapped in an old ruin and need to escape - FAST! I thought I knew what to expect from this talented writer. I was in for a big surprise!
In fact, Christmas Presence pulls the reader like a magnet. There is no escape for them from the instant they read that first sentence.
The story is told from the point of view of a very frightened Barnaby Tinker Tailor (I love that name!) who is clearly trapped in a strange and frightening place.
Barnaby talks directly to the reader, imploring them not to put the book down. He is just out of sight but can be clearly heard. He obviously needs to tell his story, but has to be careful not to get caught ... He frequently has to stop to check he is safe - as a result the reader is looking and listening with him!
I was instantly hooked. I needed to know who he was hiding from and why! I was on the edge of my seat and even jumped when he said he had heard a noise! By the end of the first chapter, I genuinely cared about this lonely, frightened little boy. I had to hear his story!
Now, usually, when I read a book I do so over several days. But on this occasion I simply could not put it down. I started reading at 10 in the morning and finished it at 7 the same evening!
Daniel knows how to create "living images" - the reader can feel the pain Barnaby suffers when trying to remove a thorn which is embedded in his hand, to give just one example.
It would appear that Daniel is determined to find exactly the right word. He refuses, for example, to settle for saying something is red, he tells us it is ruby coloured. I think this is part of his secret in making the books come alive in his skilful hands.
Another thing that helps hook the reader is that he uses very short paragraphs and chapters, which move the plot forward at a rocketing pace. They may say they will read "just one more chapter" - but continue on for another 10 because it is such a quick read.
If there is any justice in this world, this book will be in Christmas stockings the world over this year.
So how would I describe Daniel? Talented, sure, and unique. To quote from one of my favourite songs, he's "A combo of the old and new, like nothing else that you've ever seen!"
Check out the interview with him on the author interview page: /michael-rowlanddaniel-m-warloch.html
Why not buy the book - it's out now! Simply follow the link! http://www.amazon.co.uk/Christmas-Presence-Daniel-M-Warloch/dp/1908509031/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1353426659&sr=1-1
Having read the amazing Leap Year a few months ago I knew I was in for a treat! This author has a habit of plucking you from your seat and transferring you into a whole new, magical world before you realise what has happened! By the time you reach the last page you are reluctant to return to the real world.
So a couple of days ago I shut myself away and prepared for the journey of a lifetime!
Having read his earlier book, about a trio of children who accidentally get trapped in an old ruin and need to escape - FAST! I thought I knew what to expect from this talented writer. I was in for a big surprise!
In fact, Christmas Presence pulls the reader like a magnet. There is no escape for them from the instant they read that first sentence.
The story is told from the point of view of a very frightened Barnaby Tinker Tailor (I love that name!) who is clearly trapped in a strange and frightening place.
Barnaby talks directly to the reader, imploring them not to put the book down. He is just out of sight but can be clearly heard. He obviously needs to tell his story, but has to be careful not to get caught ... He frequently has to stop to check he is safe - as a result the reader is looking and listening with him!
I was instantly hooked. I needed to know who he was hiding from and why! I was on the edge of my seat and even jumped when he said he had heard a noise! By the end of the first chapter, I genuinely cared about this lonely, frightened little boy. I had to hear his story!
Now, usually, when I read a book I do so over several days. But on this occasion I simply could not put it down. I started reading at 10 in the morning and finished it at 7 the same evening!
Daniel knows how to create "living images" - the reader can feel the pain Barnaby suffers when trying to remove a thorn which is embedded in his hand, to give just one example.
It would appear that Daniel is determined to find exactly the right word. He refuses, for example, to settle for saying something is red, he tells us it is ruby coloured. I think this is part of his secret in making the books come alive in his skilful hands.
Another thing that helps hook the reader is that he uses very short paragraphs and chapters, which move the plot forward at a rocketing pace. They may say they will read "just one more chapter" - but continue on for another 10 because it is such a quick read.
If there is any justice in this world, this book will be in Christmas stockings the world over this year.
So how would I describe Daniel? Talented, sure, and unique. To quote from one of my favourite songs, he's "A combo of the old and new, like nothing else that you've ever seen!"
Check out the interview with him on the author interview page: /michael-rowlanddaniel-m-warloch.html
Why not buy the book - it's out now! Simply follow the link! http://www.amazon.co.uk/Christmas-Presence-Daniel-M-Warloch/dp/1908509031/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1353426659&sr=1-1