Does anyone read this?
Seriously, does anyone read author blogs?
Just in case ... then this is for you!
Unfortunately, life gets in the way of writing and I am only now gradually getting back into writing.
So news:-
The Bat. The Bat
Had a super review from James Terry -
"The Bat is a thought-provoking and atmospheric coming-of-age novel that delves deep into the nature of truth, belief, and the unsettling intersections of faith and doubt. With a blend of the philosophical, the speculative, and the supernatural, the story follows Thomas, a young skeptic, as he navigates a school term filled with eerie occurrences, existential questions, and a bat that refuses to stay put.
At the heart of the novel is Thomas' struggle to make sense of a series of bizarre events—the arrival of a charismatic new teacher, the donation of lifelike taxidermied animals that appear to be more than just stuffed specimens, and an exorcism gone wrong. As the situation spirals from the peculiar to the genuinely sinister, Thomas embarks on a journey of intellectual and spiritual discovery, immersing himself in readings on Black Magic, Satanism, early Christianity, and the nature of evil. However, the more he learns, the less clarity he finds. Even his conversation with a priest fails to provide the definitive answers he seeks. Through his eyes, we witness the labyrinthine complexity of human belief and the difficulty of discerning what is truly real.
The novel does not shy away from tackling weighty themes. Using the framework of a modern-day folktale, it asks urgent and universal questions: What is truth? Is belief a matter of faith or reason? Why do religious convictions—often held as moral pillars—serve as justification for violence and conflict? These musings feel especially relevant in a time when the world grapples with "fake news," religious extremism, and the distortion of facts for ideological purposes.
Despite its deep themes, The Bat remains an engaging read, thanks to its richly drawn characters. Thomas, as a young narrator, is perfectly positioned to explore these profound issues with a mixture of innocence and skepticism. His intellectual curiosity and naivety make him an accessible guide through the novel’s philosophical terrain. Alongside him, we meet Bobby Thompson, the rational-minded counterpart; Felicity, the warm-hearted believer; and Reverend Money, the steady voice of faith. Their contrasting perspectives ensure that the novel does not take a didactic stance but instead presents a balanced and nuanced discussion.
Symbolism abounds throughout the novel, particularly with its references to the Garden of Eden and the notion of "gaining knowledge"—both in the biblical and in the more, corporeal sense of coming of age. The presence of the bat itself is a clever and unsettling metaphor, hovering between the realms of science and superstition, fear and fascination.
In terms of style, the novel is both intellectually stimulating and deeply atmospheric. The blending of realism with subtle supernatural elements creates an unsettling effect, making readers question the boundaries between reality and belief. The prose is thoughtful yet accessible, encouraging introspection while maintaining a compelling narrative drive.
While The Bat may not offer a conclusive answer to its central question—what is truth?—it provides an intriguing exploration of the topic, leaving readers to wrestle with the ambiguity themselves. Those who enjoy philosophical fiction, speculative narratives, and stories that challenge their perceptions will find this a rewarding and memorable read. Ultimately, The Bat is more than just a tale of a school term gone awry; it is an invitation to question, to doubt, and perhaps, to believe."
The Ghost Moth. The Ghost Moth
Was awarded 5 stars by Readers Favorite; high praise indeed!
and received a fabulous 5 star review from author, Freya Pickard -
"This story defies genre definition
Unusual and fascinating, this story defies genre definition. It has Christian themes and the main story is set in a monastic community in the 1500s just before the Dissolution of the monasteries. Part of the story is also set in the present and much of the tale discusses the Christian teachings about chastity versus marriage. It is in no way “preachy” or condemning. The Author skilfully argues all points; the gospels, St Paul, the Founding Fathers, the misinterpretation of parts of the Bible by misogynists as well as comparing the latter’s hypocrisy to modern day misandrists. It is very cleverly and skilfully written and this is a book I will definitely re-read. It’s not a comfortable tale and deals with the horrors of monastery discipline, torture and burning at the stake, as well as suicide. It is, however, a compelling read that will stimulate anyone’s thinking!"
The Red Grouse Tales, The Red Grouse Tales
Gained 5 stars from the OnlineBookClub
and a 5 star review from H.M. Holten;-
"Four Short Stories About Humanity
The Little Dog – of good, evil, and retribution.
The Golden Tup – of paradise lost.
The Crow – of misunderstanding, dying, bitterness, and blame.
The White Hart – of ghosts and Romance.
In the Red Grouse Inn, a group of friends meet every Thursday for a pint and for exchanging tall tales, memories, or perhaps a ghost story.
Leslie Garland is the confident and imaginative author of four short stories that will make you think. He touches on philosophical matters, on human behaviour, and on the fight between good and evil.
It is hard to say which story will remain in your thoughts for the longest, as all four are poignant and absorbing. Highly recommended."
I am hoping to put some books on offer this summer. However, right at the moment Facebook is blocking all avenues of publicity, which is downright annoying, because of course, there is no point in putting a book on offer if no one gets to learn of it! Hopefully, this will get resolved in the next week or so.
Don't forget, some of my stories are only $0.99 and are free on Kindle Unlimited. So if you want a taster .....
Just in case ... then this is for you!
Unfortunately, life gets in the way of writing and I am only now gradually getting back into writing.
So news:-
The Bat. The Bat
Had a super review from James Terry -
"The Bat is a thought-provoking and atmospheric coming-of-age novel that delves deep into the nature of truth, belief, and the unsettling intersections of faith and doubt. With a blend of the philosophical, the speculative, and the supernatural, the story follows Thomas, a young skeptic, as he navigates a school term filled with eerie occurrences, existential questions, and a bat that refuses to stay put.
At the heart of the novel is Thomas' struggle to make sense of a series of bizarre events—the arrival of a charismatic new teacher, the donation of lifelike taxidermied animals that appear to be more than just stuffed specimens, and an exorcism gone wrong. As the situation spirals from the peculiar to the genuinely sinister, Thomas embarks on a journey of intellectual and spiritual discovery, immersing himself in readings on Black Magic, Satanism, early Christianity, and the nature of evil. However, the more he learns, the less clarity he finds. Even his conversation with a priest fails to provide the definitive answers he seeks. Through his eyes, we witness the labyrinthine complexity of human belief and the difficulty of discerning what is truly real.
The novel does not shy away from tackling weighty themes. Using the framework of a modern-day folktale, it asks urgent and universal questions: What is truth? Is belief a matter of faith or reason? Why do religious convictions—often held as moral pillars—serve as justification for violence and conflict? These musings feel especially relevant in a time when the world grapples with "fake news," religious extremism, and the distortion of facts for ideological purposes.
Despite its deep themes, The Bat remains an engaging read, thanks to its richly drawn characters. Thomas, as a young narrator, is perfectly positioned to explore these profound issues with a mixture of innocence and skepticism. His intellectual curiosity and naivety make him an accessible guide through the novel’s philosophical terrain. Alongside him, we meet Bobby Thompson, the rational-minded counterpart; Felicity, the warm-hearted believer; and Reverend Money, the steady voice of faith. Their contrasting perspectives ensure that the novel does not take a didactic stance but instead presents a balanced and nuanced discussion.
Symbolism abounds throughout the novel, particularly with its references to the Garden of Eden and the notion of "gaining knowledge"—both in the biblical and in the more, corporeal sense of coming of age. The presence of the bat itself is a clever and unsettling metaphor, hovering between the realms of science and superstition, fear and fascination.
In terms of style, the novel is both intellectually stimulating and deeply atmospheric. The blending of realism with subtle supernatural elements creates an unsettling effect, making readers question the boundaries between reality and belief. The prose is thoughtful yet accessible, encouraging introspection while maintaining a compelling narrative drive.
While The Bat may not offer a conclusive answer to its central question—what is truth?—it provides an intriguing exploration of the topic, leaving readers to wrestle with the ambiguity themselves. Those who enjoy philosophical fiction, speculative narratives, and stories that challenge their perceptions will find this a rewarding and memorable read. Ultimately, The Bat is more than just a tale of a school term gone awry; it is an invitation to question, to doubt, and perhaps, to believe."
The Ghost Moth. The Ghost Moth
Was awarded 5 stars by Readers Favorite; high praise indeed!
and received a fabulous 5 star review from author, Freya Pickard -
"This story defies genre definition
Unusual and fascinating, this story defies genre definition. It has Christian themes and the main story is set in a monastic community in the 1500s just before the Dissolution of the monasteries. Part of the story is also set in the present and much of the tale discusses the Christian teachings about chastity versus marriage. It is in no way “preachy” or condemning. The Author skilfully argues all points; the gospels, St Paul, the Founding Fathers, the misinterpretation of parts of the Bible by misogynists as well as comparing the latter’s hypocrisy to modern day misandrists. It is very cleverly and skilfully written and this is a book I will definitely re-read. It’s not a comfortable tale and deals with the horrors of monastery discipline, torture and burning at the stake, as well as suicide. It is, however, a compelling read that will stimulate anyone’s thinking!"
The Red Grouse Tales, The Red Grouse Tales
Gained 5 stars from the OnlineBookClub
and a 5 star review from H.M. Holten;-
"Four Short Stories About Humanity
The Little Dog – of good, evil, and retribution.
The Golden Tup – of paradise lost.
The Crow – of misunderstanding, dying, bitterness, and blame.
The White Hart – of ghosts and Romance.
In the Red Grouse Inn, a group of friends meet every Thursday for a pint and for exchanging tall tales, memories, or perhaps a ghost story.
Leslie Garland is the confident and imaginative author of four short stories that will make you think. He touches on philosophical matters, on human behaviour, and on the fight between good and evil.
It is hard to say which story will remain in your thoughts for the longest, as all four are poignant and absorbing. Highly recommended."
I am hoping to put some books on offer this summer. However, right at the moment Facebook is blocking all avenues of publicity, which is downright annoying, because of course, there is no point in putting a book on offer if no one gets to learn of it! Hopefully, this will get resolved in the next week or so.
Don't forget, some of my stories are only $0.99 and are free on Kindle Unlimited. So if you want a taster .....
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