Lord Samper's Library

Every so often, I remember that amongst all the books (in my tiny flat) there is a Kindle with loads more books on it. I grab that Kindle, come across a whole load of books that I barely remember buying (I have a bad habit of buying books during long meetings at work...), pick one and get reading. This time round, 'Hellmouth' was that book and I'm really glad that it was. Watching 'Nightmare Cinema', last night, left me feeling more than a little disappointed and in need of some decent horror to make up for it. 'Hellmouth' delivered on that score. Bohemia,1370. A lost soul named Galien leads a band of hardened mercenaries on a mission for Mother Church. But in the dark forests of central Europe, a darker secret awaits. I love a big, thick read as much as the next person but I am constantly in awe of writers who can strip it all right back and still tell a compelling tale in no time at all. It's a very different kind of control that they have over their...

I've never really been a big fan of historical fiction as, well... I don't know really. Actually, yes I do... As a kid, I was constantly being pushed not to read fantasy and having certain historical fiction held up as being a better read as it was about stuff that actually happened. I'm as stubborn as you like so, of course, not only did I carry right on reading what I wanted but I also stayed away from reading any historical fiction at all, just on principle really. Also, it felt like a lot of the 'swords and sandals' historical fiction was just fantasy for people who didn't want to be seen reading a fantasy book. You know, a little bit of history for context but the same old sword fights, quests and high adventure. Look, I'm not saying I was right; just that it was the way I felt at the time ;o) So why is today all about a review for 'The Last Kingdom'? Well, loads of reasons really, most of them to do with the fact that I wanted to read somethin...