I got a couple of early Christmas gifts this week. First, the government shutdown ended so I am back to work in my regular full time job (yeah!) although I did take that time to really focus on my writing (more to come on that later). Second, Kirkus Reviews provided a top level book review of my steampunk historical fiction Corsair and the Sky Pirates. Kirkus Reviews is an American book review magazine founded in 1933 by Virginia Kirkus. The magazine’s publisher, Kirkus Media, is headquartered in New York City. Kirkus Reviews confers the annual Kirkus Prize to authors of fiction, nonfiction, and young readers’ literature.
I appreciate honest reviews that focuses on the story, not every little technical aspect that some reviewers nitpick at. It means they really took the time to read my book and understand what I was trying to convey in my story.
“The author envisions an epochal meeting in the late 19th century between visionary author Jules Verne and young inventor Nikola Tesla to pool their ideas and create mechanistic miracles made possible by an alien element (“Uriel”) found in fragments shed by a passing comet that provides a seemingly inexhaustible power source. Now, in 1907, a transformed Earth’s skies are crisscrossed by airships, and there are steam-power-armored warriors, cybernetic limbs, punch-card “Thinking Machines,” and other steam- and battery-based technological wonders. The ruthless and amoral Thomas Edison leads a cabal of industrial elites who want to rule the world absolutely—and possibly incite a global Great War between Germany, Britain, and France to bring this about. Opposing them are Tesla’s “Vernians,” among them a flying fleet of rogues tagged as “pirates” (though a Robin Hood comparison is more apt).”
Kirkus Review of Corsair and the Sky Pirates, Published November 17, 2026
I regularly talk about soaring to the skies with my steampunk historical fiction, Corsair and the Sky Pirates, but it’s different when it happens on its own. I met so many people at events in 2025, and Corsair was one of my best sellers. People were enthralled by the swashbuckling adventures of Corsair and his crew of sky pirates as they fight for Nikola Tesla’s dream against the corporate tyranny of Thomas Edison’s ERP Corporation.
The most significant boost came from Literary Titan, which published a phenomenal review of Corsair online. They dove into the depths of my steampunk novel and brought incredible fanfare that I was not expecting. I can honestly tell you, this was one of the most humbling book reviews I have ever received.
From the first page, Corsair and the Sky Pirates drops you straight into a swirl of history, imagination, and high-flying adventure. It starts with Jules Verne and Nikola Tesla in a café in France, dreaming up impossible machines and strange new power sources. That meeting sparks a chain of events that explodes into a world of airships, sky pirates, secret plots, and the dangerous lure of comet fragments with world-changing energy. At the center of it all is Corsair, a rogue pirate who’s as much a freedom fighter as he is a thief, and his diverse crew of outcasts who take on empires, corporations, and tyrants in an age where science blurs into fantasy.
I found myself grinning at how much fun the writing is. The prose is quick, like a stage play mixed with pulp adventure, and it leans hard into spectacle. The characters are bold and colorful, each with their quirks, backstories, and weapons that are almost as wild as their personalities. There were moments where I rolled my eyes at how dramatic some scenes were, but I also loved it. It felt like the book knew it was larger than life and leaned all the way into that spirit. I kept turning pages because I wanted to see what trick or twist would come next.
At the same time, the ideas underneath the adventure stuck with me. There’s a real push and pull between invention for progress and invention for profit. The way the story frames Edison, Tesla, and ERP as forces shaping the world gave me something to chew on between the swashbuckling fights. I felt frustrated at the greed and cruelty shown by the corporate powers, and I rooted for Corsair even when his choices were brutal. The story isn’t subtle, but sometimes that’s the point. It makes its villains nasty, its heroes daring, and its stakes almost absurdly high, and that gave me the freedom to just sink into the ride.
When I closed the book, I thought about who would enjoy it most. If you like steampunk worlds, if you enjoy a good pirate tale with a twist of history and a lot of flair, or if you just want to escape into something that’s fun, fast, and fearless, this book will be right up your alley. I’d recommend it to anyone who wants adventure with heart and a lot of imagination.
Thanks to Literary Titan for recognizing the heart and soul of Corsair and the Sky Pirates. Suppose you’re interested in obtaining a signed copy of my award-winning steampunk historical fiction. In that case, I will be at Barnes & Noble, located at One Loudoun in Ashburn, VA, on Saturday, October 12, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Additionally, don’t forget 2nd Sundays Williamsburg on Sunday, October 12, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on N. Boundary Street in historic Williamsburg, VA.
I am so excited about this! I met Heather Daniel on TikTok, and she offered to help Indie Authors like me with a marketing push by reading a section of a book. Heather is a professional voice artist narrating audiobooks. She has a fantastic voice and can bring any story to life. Please check out her website at heatherdanielvo.com and look for her audiobooks on Audible. She gave voice to this intense scene between the Scarlet Fox and Mata Hari.
A brilliant inventor . . . A prolific writer . . . A chance meeting between Nikola Tesla and Jules Verne created a world you could never imagine. A world powered by steam generated not from coal or fuel but from a meteor fragment. Tesla discovered that a comet named Uriel was raining pieces of these powerful meteorites across the globe whenever it passed near the Earth. That led to an Industrial Revolution years ahead of its time—a steampunk revolution—but even progress had a price. While the rich and powerful lived in luxury in this industrial new world, the everyday people groveled beneath the boot of their corporate masters.
While Tesla made his inventions to ease everyday people’s burdens, the Edison/Röntgen/Parsons Corporation, or ERP, used their power and influence to ensure people paid for their modern miracles. World governments bent over backward to appease Thomas Edison and ERP to ensure they got their hands on the best technology and the most potent weapons.
One man brought hope to the people as he pursued Tesla’s dream. His exploits were legendary, his crew infamous, and his airship a vision of the future. Corsair and his Sky Pirates flew across the globe, carrying out deeds that spurred the imagination. Known as modern-day Robin Hood bandits, they stole from the robber barons and returned the spoils to the oppressed. Corsair uncovers a startling secret on one such assignment. ERP was developing a way to break down Uriel’s fragments at the atomic level, creating an “atomic bomb” that could devastate cities in a single blast. With that kind of power, a world war would be imminent, giving ERP a chance to rake in the profits from the devastation.
The race is on for Corsair and his crew to uncover Uriel’s secret while preventing ERP from getting their hands on meteorites from the comet to make their weapons of mass destruction. It may be their only hope of preventing Edison from achieving his goal of a world utopia where the rich and powerful decide the fate of the human race.
Check out the first audio of my thrilling steampunk adventure, which hopefully will lead to my next audiobook. Check out my Buy My Books link to get your hands on Corsair and the Sky Pirates, or come out to one of my future Events to get a signed copy!
Check out Buy My Books to pick out your next binge read!
Mark Piggott is an award-winning independent author of several fantasy/steampunk novels and short stories. A 23-year U.S. Navy veteran, his stories will take you from the shores of eternal Avalon to a dystopian steampunk future and other fantastic worlds as he weaves through a myriad of flights of fancy in his tales.
Happy holidays to one and all! I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a Happy Kwanzaa this December! If you are looking for a gift for family or friends, I would like to recommend the gift of fantasy and steam!
The Last Magus saga takes you on a journey of self discovery and adventure in the world of Attlain. Left for dead at a crossroads, Marcus Gideon wakes up with a clockwork heart in his chest and no memory of his past. He becomes an apprentice to the Last Magus, an outlaw sect of magic casters capable of summoning magical weapons. He strives to unlock his lost memories while forging his own destiny. The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart takes you on a journey from his beginnings as an apprentice to the magical forest of Ponshu to completing his training at the Basilon Magical Academy. In The Last Magus: Dragonfire and Steel, Gideon travels to the far off city of Plodoro to complete a final task for his master before ending his journey in the capital of Celestrium to enter the prestigious Helios Arcanum Magical Arts Festival. However, the Ulbrecht Domo – The Shadow Lord of Ishtar – has other plans for the Last Magus.
These award-winning books take you into the clouds and across the stars. Corsair and the Sky Pirates imagines a world powered by steam through the genius of Nikola Tesla and the imagination of Jules Verne. Take to the skies with Corsair and his crew of sky pirates as they set out for adventure. Gwen Iver and Pendragon’s Puzzle is a YA fantasy where a young girl discover the secret of the Fae living within her small Michigan town. The descendants of King Arthur and Guinevere protect the magic through the power of the Pendragon. Journey across The River of Souls as one man’s death leads to rebirth in another world. It’s a story of love and redemption in a world fraught with war and racism.
Check out Buy My Books to pick out your next binge read!
Mark Piggott is an award-winning independent author of several fantasy/steampunk novels and short stories. A 23-year U.S. Navy veteran, his stories will take you from the shores of eternal Avalon to a dystopian steampunk future and other fantastic worlds as he weaves through a myriad of flights of fancy in his tales.
The Forever Avalon fantasy book series—including Forever Avalon, The Dark Tides, and The Outlander War—are available online at Amazonand otherbooksellers. His fantasy steampunk novel, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart, is available through Luluand otherbooksellers.
Poker is a game of chance, strategy, and sheer luck. Rick Warren said, “Life is like a game of poker; you have to play the hand you’re dealt. A wise player can play a weak hand and win the game.” That was the inspiration behind this new art for The Last Magus: Dragonfire & Steel. Thanks to Christine Forster (GfxChristine00 on “X”) for the incredible artwork depicting the heroes and villains of my award-winning steampunk and fantasy novel.
The Ace of Spades – Wilguens Jean-Pierre is both a necromancer and a Hogun, using dark magic in combination with his religious practices in mysterious ways. He is the defending champion of the Helios Arcanum Magical Arts Tournament and has his sights set on repeating as the top magic caster in Attlain. However, Marcus Gideon, the Last Magus of Attlain, is entered in the tournament and steadily moves up through the competition. His staff contains the stolen souls of his victims. Wilguens has a bad habit of gambling his winnings away before he even earned the coin.
The King of Hearts – Marcus Gideon is the Last Magus of Attlain, able to cast spells like any sorcerer and summon magical weapons from a cache known as the Armory of Attlain, wielding them like a seasoned warrior. The Magus were once the guardians of magic, now considered outcasts and traitors across the land. Gideon hopes to redeem the name of the Magus by winning the Helios Arcanum Magical Arts Tournament, but Gideon’s goal is two-fold. He also wants to win to prove his worth to the king in order to win the hand of his one true love, Princess Wren.
The Queen of Hearts – Princess Winifred “Wren” Levian, the First Princess of Attlain, also known as the “Inferno Princess” because of her incredible fire magic. She met and fell in love with Marcus Gideon while attending the Basilon Magical Academy. Now that she has returned home to Celestrium by the Sea, the capital of Attlain, Wren waits for Gideon. Her life at the palace is dull and boring. She wants more than the standard royal affairs. Wren wants to be with Gideon and will do anything to be with him, even if it means defying her parents.
The Jack of Clubs – Prince Rolf Csadar of Ishtar is an enigma to Attlain. He comes from an ancient enemy of Attlain, proclaiming the opportunity to build better relations between the two countries. Secretly, Csadar is the Ulbrecht Domo, the Shadow Lord of Ishtar. His secret police, the Blackguard, keep the people of Ishtar in line. They also infiltrate and gather intelligence on Attlain. His identity is unknown to the masses, lurking in the shadows to plot his schemes. Marcus Gideon has gotten in the way of his plans and needs to be eliminated in order for the Shadow Lord to succeed.
The Ten of Diamonds – Hoshi is a Mourne Wolf and the familiar of Marcus Gideon. Mourne Wolves are known as the “Travelers of the Stars,” always running as they follow the sun and stars around the world. They can change their size in order to break through any obstacle that lie in their path. Gideon saved the Mourne Wolf’s life on the precipice beneath the Castle of the Storm Giants, abandoned by his pack after a landslide. Hoshi owes his life to Gideon and now acts as his familiar, fighting side-by-side with the Magus.
The saga of Marcus Gideon, The Last Magus, continues on his journey, destined to restore the dignity of the Magus. After graduating from the Basilon Magical Academy, Gideon sets off for his master’s homeland. Plodoro is an isolated city in the far north of the Skjem-Tur mountains. Surrounded by giants and blanketed in an endless winter, Gideon travels to the far-flung region to fulfill a final request of his master and return a sacred weapon to his people. He must finish this task to return to his true love, Wren.
The First Princess of Attlain fell in love with Gideon during their time at Basilon. Now, to win her parents’ approval, Gideon must win the Helios Arcanum Magical Arts Festival. This celebration showcases the best magic casters in Attlain, and Gideon is the first Magus to compete in over a hundred years. As he fights for his life and reputation, a dark shadow looms over him as the Ulbrecht Domo―the Shadow Lord of Ishtar―has other plans for The Last Magus.
Check out Buy My Books to pick out your next binge read!
Mark Piggott is an award-winning independent author of several fantasy/steampunk novels and short stories. A 23-year U.S. Navy veteran, his stories will take you from the shores of eternal Avalon to a dystopian steampunk future and other fantastic worlds as he weaves through a myriad of flights of fancy in his tales.
The Forever Avalon fantasy book series—including Forever Avalon, The Dark Tides, and The Outlander War—are available online at Amazonand otherbooksellers. His fantasy steampunk novel, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart, is available through Luluand otherbooksellers.
Corsair and the Sky Pirates and The Last Magus: Dragonfire and Steel available from Curious Corvid Publishing.
I genuinely feel appreciated for the work I put into a book when I get peer reviews. These are people in my craft who understand what it means to be a writer and provides the necessary feedback that I want and need. Any independent author worth their salt will tell you how important it is to hear from both readers and peers.
“In the wake of an encounter between Tesla and Verne, meteor fragments from the celestial wanderer, Uriel, become the catalyst for a revolutionary energy source, replacing conventional combustion engines with the mesmerizing power of steam. Thus, a steampunk revolution is born, an industrial evolution propelled by the genius of these two visionaries. Yet, not all is utopian in this new age of progress. Thomas Edison’s ERP Corporation, fueled by ambition and influence, sought to capitalize on these advancements, ensuring that every marvel of modernity came at a price. While Tesla’s inventions were intended to alleviate the burdens of everyday life, Edison’s corporate juggernaut sought to exploit them for profit. Amidst this clash of ideals, one man emerged to represent the common folk. He took up the mantle of Tesla’s dream, dedicating his life to bringing the wonders of invention to the masses. His name echoed through the corridors of legend, his crew became synonymous with daring exploits, and his airship a breathtaking glimpse into the future.
“This is the tale of Corsair and the Sky Pirates, a gripping saga of adventure, rebellion, and the relentless pursuit of a brighter tomorrow. As the skies above echo with the whirring gears and billowing steam of magnificent airships, Corsair leads a daring crew against the oppressive forces of Edison’s corporate tyranny.
“Piggott’s spellbinding tale offers an action-packed plotline woven through with moral dilemmas that add interest and emotion to the book. At its heart, this is a story of good vs. evil with intricate world-building that features a diverse cast of characters sure to resonate with a wide range of readers. In addition, the book is packed with tension right from the start. Piggott’s concise writing creates powerful scenes, leading to an immersive reader experience. His creative use of real-world characters (Verne, Tesla, Edison, etc.) enhances the overall storyline to craft a compelling world readers won’t want to leave.
“A masterful book of steampunk fantasy perfect for any collector’s bookshelf, Corsair and the Sky Pirates explores the true meaning of how far one hero can go with the right friends at his side.”
The next review comes from a “brutally honest” book reviewer, Jennie Rosenblum. Jennie and I are from the same hometown of Phillipsburg, NJ, and have a mutual love for books—hers reading and mine writing. Jennie has always been honest in her reviews of my books and I always appreciate her support for the indie author community. She took the time over the Christmas holiday to read the next book in The Last Magus series, The Last Magus: Dragonfire and Steel.
“I could not wait to return to Gideon’s captivating world. It was pure delight as the familiar blend of adventure, magic, and vibrant characters filled the pages once more. In this installment of the series, Gideon starts by embarking on a compelling journey to the isolated city of Plodoro to fulfill his late master’s final wishes. And that’s just the beginning. He has to make it to the Helios competition and not only compete but win. Despite facing relentless moral dilemmas and external pressures, Gideon’s unwavering commitment to doing what’s right shines through.
“This series excels not only in its fantastical elements but also in its exploration of universal themes like duty, love, and the complexities of human (and sometimes non-human) nature. While each book stands on its own, offering a complete and immersive experience, the overarching narrative adds depth for returning readers. With its evocative storytelling and timeless moral resonance, Gideon’s saga continues to offer a captivating escape into a world of wonder and integrity.
“As always – the incredibly beautiful covers are the first draw!”
As always, I hope you will take the opportunity to dive into my fantastic imagination and read my carefully woven stories of fantasy and steampunk adventures. Head over to Buy My Books if you want to read more or visit my Events page to meet me at an upcoming festival or convention!
Mark Piggott is an award-winning independent author of several fantasy/steampunk novels and short stories. A 23-year U.S. Navy veteran, his stories will take you from the shores of eternal Avalon to a dystopian steampunk future and other fantastic worlds as he weaves through a myriad of flights of fancy in his tales.
The Forever Avalon fantasy book series—including Forever Avalon, The Dark Tides, and The Outlander War—are available online at Amazonand otherbooksellers. His fantasy steampunk novel, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart, is available through Luluand otherbooksellers.
It also includes a new piece of art done by artist and fantasy author Zenkiea Hjerpe of Gideon and the Naiads. It shows the moment when the Naiads were pulling Gideon underwater while trying to seduce him. The artwork conveys the terrifying feeling of drowning without being able to stop from being pulled under to your death.
I love seeing my words brought to life by these great artists. The vision of the fantasy world that swirls around in my head is visualized through the skill and imagination of these artists. I am truly humbled and amazed by the work they do.
In addition, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart received some great additional book reviews. Thanks to everyone for the kind words about my fantasy novel.
_sofiyaa_khan_ said, “The title of book is unique but has a true deep meaning and suits perfectly to the storyline. I fell into the world of Attlain, following the main character, Marcus Gideon, as he navigated his way through the story in a sort of ‘coming of age’ way. The story line keeps you hooked as Gideon strives to recover and to learn all that his mentor can teach him and his journey to follow his mentor’s instructions after his death.
“Piggott has created a rich world with strong characters, and an original magic system which is slowly revealed. Each of the characters were unique and had a fun banter as they engaged with one another — and who wouldn’t want to go to a school dedicated to magic! I look forward to reading more from this author.
“Gideon is a wonderful character, and adds a nice touch of mystery as we meet him regaining consciousness but not his memory, just in time to get stabbed though the heart. The armoury is pure magic, and I loved finding out about the ‘characters’ of the weapons that they call forth. The relationship between the wielder and the weapon was key for me, and I wish there was more of it!”
tanmeen_kaur_anand_sethi said, “The Last Magus is a fantasy filled story line which will make it readers indulge in a world full of magics, miracle, powers, and mystical creatures and their world. This is my first book from this author and after reading the book I am sure that I will continue to find some more good books by author Mark.
“About the story, it’s about a world called Attlain, where all the magicians live who are expert in magics only to an extent of the betterment, saving and protecting its own people rather than using it as a power to rule over others. The story is a combination of a creative world with amazing characters and full of adventure. When you have power, you should also have the ability and mentality to preserve it and ensure its optimum safety from falling into the wrong hands. Attlain being a land of magicians is threatened by some of its own men who decide to overpower the inbuilt abilities with the intent of ruling and proving supreme to the masses.
“The story has lead protagonist as Marcus Gideon who was stabbed and left half dead at the crossroads of Armandis. He is saved by a black smith who is himself a loyal guard of Attlain and a firm believer of how to use magic of the betterment of its people. When Marcus gets to know about this blacksmith and his good intentions of protecting the magical weapons to fall into the wrong hands, he wants to know more about him. But the black smith is getting old and he needs someone who can continue his legacy of protecting the magical armoury and weapons to fall into the wrong hands which will eventually led to the diminishing of its own clan which is to be protected.
“Author Mark Piggott has really penned down a fantasy which will take it readers to another dimension of the universe. A must have book full of imaginary fantasy which is marvelously mesmerizing!”
For anyone interested in reading The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart themselves, I have teamed up with Enchanted Rose Author Services to promote The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart on a book tour, August 30-Sept. 3. By participating in the book tour, you will get an opportunity to read my latest fantasy novel for FREE in exchange for an honest book review. To sign up to read The Last Magus go to bit.ly/LastMagus! Visit Enchanted Rose Author Services website for more information on their many author promotion services and make sure you follow Jennifer Rose and The Crafty Book Nook on Instagram!
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Mark Piggott is an independent author of the Forever Avalon fantasy book series and other fantasy novels and short stories. Forever Avalon is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook at Amazon and as an audiobook from Audible and iTunes. The Dark Tides: Book 2 of the Forever Avalon Series is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook from iUniverse Publishing and at Amazon, and other booksellers. The Outlander War, Book Three of the Forever Avalon series is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook from Austin Macauley Publishing, and at Amazon and other booksellers. His latest fantasy novel, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart is available through Lulu and other booksellers. Get ready for The Prometheus Engine: Book 4 of the Forever Avalon Series, coming soon, and the steampunk historical fiction, Corsair and the Sky Pirates.
Book reviews are something every author likes to see. Good or bad, it helps inform the author about what needs work in their writing and what they’re doing right. I received some great new reviews for The Outlander War and The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart. The first one comes from Booklife Publishers Weekly. They gave The Outlander War a 6.5 out of 10, and broke it down as follows:
Plot: Despite multiple factions working against one another and duplicitous characters at every turn, Mark Piggott’s plotting is tightly woven and flawlessly plotted. The pacing would benefit from being as even-footed.
Prose/Style: The third installment in the Forever Avalon series paints a vivid portrait of the mythical land of Avalon while still lending itself well to the quick pacing of the plot.
Originality: The Outlander War is a unique spin on the familiar legends of the mythical King Arthur and Avalon, combining elements of many iterations of the traditional tales familiar to readers while featuring new characters and mythological creatures. The appearance of Avalon in the modern world amid US Navy ships also provides fresh perspective on the complexities of international relations and the sometimes competing necessities which arise from globalism versus nationalism.
Character Development/Execution: The strong, self-sure Lord Bryan MoodDrake, the Gil-Gamesh, is sure to appeal to readers, even as he is torn between the life and legacy he’s built in Avalon and the career and friendships left behind in our own world. Secondary characters are well-realized and integral to the plot. Villains range from the understandably revenge-driven Mordred to the evil-for-evil’s-sake Secretary Barry.
The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart also received two new reviews to start things off! My first book in a new world, with new characters, got a pair of glowing reviews. Just as a reminder, you can pick up this fantasy novel at Lulu. First, from book reviewer/book blogger Diksha Malik (@book_riot006 on Instagram).
Recently I got my hands on the book The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart by Mark Piggott. This is my fourth read from the author and his creativity never fails to amaze me. His writing style is quite impressive and I always prefer to go with more works of him. This book is an assemblage of 13 chapters, I found this book quite a long read but the perfect narration made it easier for me to go through. I was completely hooked till the end. Cover of the book is fascinating and the title of the book goes perfect with the storyline. This makes a book a perfect one to be added to the “tbr” for each one of you. I would highly recommend this book to everyone out there, go and get your hands on this book as soon as possible. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to riffle through this masterpiece.
The second book review for The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart comes from fantasy author Helen Garraway of The Sentinals Series. It is always great to hear from your peers about the work you do as a writer.
The Last Magus is the first book I have read from Mark Piggott, and I’m sure it won’t be the last! Piggott has created a rich world with strong characters, and an original magic system which is slowly revealed. Gideon is a wonderful character, and adds a nice touch of mystery as we meet him regaining consciousness but not his memory, just in time to get stabbed though the heart. Fortunate for him he is rescued by an elderly man who is much more than he seems. The story line keeps you hooked as Gideon strives to recover and to learn all that his mentor can teach him and his journey to follow his mentor’s instructions after his death. The writer in me wishes Piggott showed us a bit more of the characters experiencing their emotions and reactions rather than telling us, but the reader in me can’t wait to read more. The armoury is pure magic, and I loved finding out about the ‘characters’ of the weapons that they call forth. The relationship between the wielder and the weapon was key for me, and I wish there was more of it! The story picks up once he reaches the Basilon Magical academy and the world and the characters expand. I loved Lady Jacqueline and Wren and Guilfoy who turns into a useful ally at the academy! Overall a wonderful tale and great characters that give us a very enjoyable read.
It is always great to get a review, good or bad, because (a) it tells me that people are reading my novels and (b) the feedback helps me, as a writer, to not only improve my writing style but helps me continue on this path as a writer. So please, remember to always leave a review for any author you read, whether it be an established writer to the independent author. We all need the love and support from our readers!
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Mark Piggott is an independent author of the Forever Avalon fantasy book series and other fantasy novels and short stories. Forever Avalon is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook at Amazon and as an audiobook from Audible and iTunes. The Dark Tides: Book 2 of the Forever Avalon Series is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook from iUniverse Publishing and at Amazon, and other booksellers. The Outlander War, Book Three of the Forever Avalon series is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook from Austin Macauley Publishing, and at Amazon and other booksellers. His latest fantasy novel, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart is available through Lulu and other booksellers. Get ready for The Prometheus Engine: Book 4 of the Forever Avalon Series, coming soon, and the steampunk historical fiction, Corsair and the Sky Pirates.
The Dark Tides has been out for nearly four years, and every time I read a review, it warms my heart that I made the right choice in writing this novel. As the publication of the third book in the Forever Avalon series, The Outlander War, fast approaches, I thought I should share some of the great reviews of my second novel.
“This is the second book in this series and I did not read the first. But this Science Fiction/Fantasy easily stands on its’ own as long as you read the summary too. It has all the things I love in a good book – great characters, even if there are some trolls (literally). A strong morally centered main character, who is loyal to his wife even when separated (just did a little swoon there!) and creative minor story accessories! Those are things like the crossover of the two worlds and conversations about fast food and SpongeBob!
“This is an intense read, long and detailed, but in all the positive ways. The author does a really nice job transferring between worlds and time periods. I would also say that I would be comfortable with high school or above reading this book. If you want to get lost in a book for a while – this is one to jump into.”
Not everything was perfect, and I love the constructive criticism I find in reviews. It makes me a better author.
“This is an epic fantasy adventure that can be read as a stand alone book, even though it is a follow on book. This book goes into full detail about everything that happens in book one. This story is like reading two different books at the same time. In part we learn about Bryan’s life in medieval Avalon when he was separated from his family. We also then have the modern day story about how Bryan’s family are now doing since joining him in Avalon.
“With a mixture of magic, fantasy and lots of imagination, we see the dark forces rising in Avalon to fulfill a prophecy. They want to bring back and resurrect Morgana le Fay, a very powerful sorceress from the past. If they succeed, she will be able to unleash the Dark Tides to cause destruction so big. It would change the whole of Avalon forever.”
I will admit, though… When you get a 5 STAR review, it does warm the heart and make me feel good about what I’ve written.
“What a brilliant and fresh idea, bringing the Bermuda Triangle into a land of fantasy! I love the characters, especially the Gil-Gamesh, The invention of this whole new world is just amazing, My only fault really is that it’s a bit too long, it would have been a bit better if it was in two parts. It’s a book for children and adults alike, anyone who enjoys fantasy, with goblins, elves and dwarve, etc…. especially if you like ‘Lord of the Rings’, you will love this!”
“The Dark Tides is the first fantasy book I have ever read, and I will certainly be reading more. The author sets out the scene for the upcoming conflict very well and creates a very rich and interesting lore filled with customs and traditions. It is fascinating to hear the history of Avalon and it’s characters, and each one is well developed with great personalities. I found this book immersive and exciting. Brilliant.”
So, my point of all of this is a shout out to people who read books, especially those by independent authors like myself. Leave a review and help up and coming authors like myself. Just writing a couple of sentences and clicking on a however many stars you want to leave helps. Good or bad, it’s the kind of feedback we need to help us in our journey as an author. Thanks for your support!
I saw this great meme on Instagram the other day. It said, “Other authors are not my competition! I stand with them, not against them!” Among the independent authors I have engaged with regularly on social media, that is absolutely true.
Believe it or not, we are a rather enlightened community. We give advice, like posts, share ideas and creative criticism to make us better writers. We might not be the most social bunch in public, which makes sense since most of us rarely see the light of day except for the soft glow of our laptop. But we are stronger together.
We all have the same problems… Writer’s block, manuscript editing (take 11), finding a publisher, getting reviews, book sales, etc. We share that common bond through our love of writing, and being a storyteller. And its through that bond that we reach out to one another for help, advice, and support.
I’ve edited manuscripts, swapped books for a review, promoted other authors books, all for free. Why? Because I know that someone will see what I’m doing and will maybe do the same for me. That’s what we do.
We all have the same goals and same aspirations. We want to achieve the same thing… Recognition for the thousands of hours of work, sleepless nights, and spending vacation money on marketing, publishing, and artwork.
Working together helps our community of independent authors grow, learn, and become a force to be reckoned with. We may not be signed up with a publisher, agent, or publicist, but we have each other. That’s what makes us unstoppable.
So let’s help each other out. If you need a book review, message me and we’ll do an exchange for reviews. I am here for my fellow authors.
Mark Piggott | Fantasy & Steampunk Author 