Bookreview: A Game of Chess

The Dream Factory (book 2) - A Game of Chess

written by John Simes

Check also my review of the Dream Factory on this link. 

"A beautiful fantasy novel!"

Summary

A Game of Chess is the thrilling sequel to The Dream Factory. Peter Young
thought things couldn't get any worse after his parents were snatched from his
home. He was wrong.

With the help of a revolutionary ephone called Om, and his girlfriend Navinda,

Peter's desperate search for his parents takes him from a sleepy Devon village
to the chaos of London. 

However, Peter and Navinda are merely pawns in a deadly game of chess,
orchestrated by criminal mastermind Rosencrantz and the sinister Golden Hand. 

Who will play the final checkmate? 

My review

For me it was nice to 'meet' the characters from The Dream Factory again 

in this sequel: "A Game of Chess".

As always the author is a wonderful detailed story teller and before I 
knew, I was into the story. So it really is a page turner!

"A Game of Chess" is well written, clear and it read easily, which I 
like very much.

This is a dark and compelling tale with a beautiful love story. If you like
quirky fantasy novels, this is a must read book! I recommend it with a
5 * rating. 

The Author

After his career as a teacher and school leader, John Simes founded 
Collingwood Learning - a consultancy for school improvement. In 
2013 he established Collingwood Published Limited.

John lives with his family in South Devon, England, where he grapples 
with his addictions to cricket, poetry and the stunning local landscape
as well as his continuing enthusiasm for education. 

Booktasters

Thank you very much for the author and Booktasters! I received a free
copy in return for my honest review. 

Bookreview: Trekker Girl - Morocco Bound

"What a very nice memoir!"

Summary

Blood clot survivor, Dawne Archer (aka Trekker Girl) tells her story of 
family trauma, friendship rekindled and what seemed like 'a good idea 
at the time'. Was trekking the Sahara Desert a step too far in her efforts
to fundraise for Thrombosis UK?

"I suffer from Survivor Gilt, why did my Dad die from his blood clot
while I lived through mine? At the age of 26 I experienced two clots;
one in my leg and another in my lung.  People tell me "You're lucky
to be alive!" And they are right.

Having made it to my 50s, I now live a fuller and more active life than
ever before, although most people would say that trekking in the
Sahara Desert to raise money for charity was perhaps a step too far.

After being contacted by a friend I last saw 35 years before, I rashely
signed up for this trek which pushed me way beyond my normal limits
of endurance.

Join me on my journey through the trials and tribulation of this 
adventure. Laugh and cry with me. This is my story."

With blood clots, knowing what to look for might save your live or that
of someone close to you. Trombosis UK works hard to educate both the 
public and the health professionals to 'Spot the Clot'.

All profits from sales of this book will be donated to Thrombosis UK. 

My Review

First of all: I must admit - I'm a fan of deserts too, so the book cover really
attracted me. The walking part is something else. 

I liked the way the author talked about her life, her illness

and her amazing travel plan. She's very positive! 

She wrote honestly and the book read easily as I wanted to continue
reading. 

She described her travels detailled. It was chronological and
good structured. And I also did like the photographs and the comments
as well!

I'm really certain now. When we can travel again: Morocco is on
the wish list!

I would recommend Trekker Girl - Morocco Bound  to anyone who
loves fair travel memoirs. I like to give with lots of pleasure and support a
5* rating. 

The Author

I was pleasantly surprised that the author organises a fundraising for
Thrombosis UK. Fundraising on this link.

I would love to read more about your other adventures.  

We love memoirs

I received a free copy via the We love memoirs group, the friendliest group
on Facebook.