Category Archives: merlin

Wow, a great review for the Shadow series.

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I just saw this on Amazon.co.uk and am busy doing my happy dance. Reviews are lifeblood to authors and a huge boost when someone has obviously enjoyed a series. I hope the reader enjoys the fourth book, Staff of Shadows, which is currently 99c on pre-order until publication on October 1st, when it reverts to full price. It is available on all the Amazons, Kobo, Nook and other places. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H9LNSR1/ .

L L reviewed Shadow Over Avalon
Keys to the kingdom 19 September 2018
I am actually loving this story so much that I am hard pushed to find the right words of praise for this series. As a silly mistake on my behalf when I first found the books) I read the first 3 in reverse, so now I really loved learning how it all started. I was not disappointed! Arthur’s snooping into Shadow’s past via the Archive made me want to read on past the point where I really should be putting down the book and it flows in such a lovely way, that the reference to all the alien tech does not clog up the understanding with over-techinical definitions or super sci-fy information. It’s imaginative and unique. It is simply a joy to have discovered a new fabulous author and I cannot wait for the next book to be released! If you are thinking ‘maybe’ – just don’t! Buy it and read it! You won’t be sorry!

A Wonderful review to cheer up a frozen day!

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shadow-over-avalon-twitter-page1Seriously Good Read!
February 5, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
Shadow Over Avalon had everything that I look for when I read a fantasy novel. There were so many layers to this story that I had a hard time pulling myself away from it. Without giving too much away, the story of Arthur and Shadow really drove this book. Watching how the timelines of these two unraveled is really what captivated me. Not to mention the world of Avalon itself was marvelous.
This book builds a world without being too into the world itself. You can see yourself in Avalon with its people, as well as with the Terrans on the surface. Shadow Over Avalon is incredibly detailed without there being too much fluff. I would say this is one of the best fantasy novels I have read in a long time. The ever-looming presence of The Archive gives you the feeling that there is much more to the story than is written. I highly recommend this book and honestly cannot wait to read the rest of the series.

The Magic Number

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This morning I woke up to see Shadow Over Avalon had received review # 100, which is a big deal. Not only that, the review called for an instant happy dance. Here it is and thank you to ‘Angie’ whoever you are.

5.0 out of 5 starsRichly woven and very visual
By Angie on November 11, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
This was captivating from page one. I’d give it more than 5* if I could!

This is a richly woven tale that is extremely visual. The world building is tremendous. Sometimes in fantasy I find myself wishing the author would just get on with it, but not with this book. The author knows how to paint a truly three dimensional world without falling foul of information dumping. They are also amazing at presenting realistic fully formed characters from page one. This is a book to get lost in. Although I am not an Arthurian legend buff, and I no doubt missed out with my lack of knowledge there, the fine weaving of the complex threads kept me entertained from start to finish. The author certainly took a bold step in se

King Arthur

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I was disappointed that the new movie is not successful, although having watched the trailer, I can also see that it wasn’t my kind of thing, which is weird, as I write Arthur stories. What put me off is the movie seemed somehow camp and disrespectful to a wonderful legend. I suppose one also has to wonder if the market is now over-saturated with endless retellings of the same story? Everyone knows what happened and who did what to whom in advance, so the only different things are how it is presented. This is what got me motivated to write about King Arthur in the first place as it was not another retelling of the same story I was interested in exploring but rather the concept of what happened next?  The king is supposed to return to save his people in their time of greatest need, so I fast-forwarded.

Shadow Over Avalon opens in the far distant future and is most definitely not a retelling of the original legend. Instead, it is a chance to see what happens when the fighting spirit of the king is returned to face an enemy out of nightmares. Aliens? Nope, nothing so trite. This is something humanity has done to itself and paid an unimaginable price as a consequence. Interested? Here is a link to the first chapter of the first book.

First book? Well yes, it is a series and the fourth book, Staff of Shadows is in the final preparation stage prior to publication. The series is available via the Amazons, Kobo, Nook, iTunes and various other platforms. Of course, if you want to buy a signed paperback, then find me on Facebook right here and leave a message. The first book, Shadow Over Avalon, is currently 99c in ebook form. Probably less than a cup of coffee.

https://www.facebook.com/C.N.Lesley/

A great review for St Paddy’s day.

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Shadow Over Avalon 2-page1

Kindle Customer reviewed Shadow Over Avalon
A great read! March 15, 2017
I love books set around old legends and myths and this book didn’t disappoint. The story is imaginative and we’ll thought out, which is also unquie compared to other books I have read about Arthur. A great read! Would definitely recommend

A Five star review for Chalice of Shadows

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Woo Hoo! Does happy dance. Oh and yes, there will be a post with another new story snippet later. I need to write it. LOL.

5.0 out of 5 starsChalice of Shadows
ByQwertyon February 26, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition
Chalice of Shadows is book three in C.N. Lesley’s Arthurian-Science Fantasy series. The book can be read as a stand-alone, but for maximum enjoyment I suggest that you read all three. In Chalice of Shadows the writing and storytelling are excellent, and the author draws you easily into her world. And what a rich and varied world it is. Based on the traditional tales of Morgan and Mordred, two of the most fascinating characters in Arthurian legend, the author adds her own, unique spin to create a wonderful, original story.

Chalice of Shadows should appeal to lovers of Arthurian literature and lovers of fantasy in general. Within the book the author displays a vivid imagination and a sympathetic understanding of human relationships. These qualities lift this series well above others in the genre.

I urge you to read Chalice of Shadows for I’m sure that C.N. Lesley’s ‘Shadows’ series will soon be regarded as a landmark series in Arthurian literature.

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New Toy

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Once upon a time, before the latest Microsoft edition, I used to have a decent picture tool. I don’t know why this wasn’t included, but it wasn’t, just what what described as a new paint shop. Right. I will jump all over that. NOT. It was about one percent better than the old paint, which isn’t saying a lot. Now I have a new toy and it is very comparable to publisher, only better. Here is my latest effort and all the books are on Amazons, Kobo, Nook, iTunes and a few more.shadow-over-avalon-twitter-page1

Wonderful 5* review for Chalice of the Shadows.

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chalice-of-the-shadows-hi-res-largeIt must be my day to receive all things delightful and heartwarming. Here is the latest review for Chalice of the Shadows. To say I was ecstatic would be an understatement. Does very happy dance.

5.0 out of 5 starsBravo!
January 4, 2017
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
What can I say? The author has not only met my expectations but exceeded them. Chalice of Shadows expands on this science fiction telling of the Arthurian legend while bringing new depths to the story along with new layers to explore. I am usually jarred or put off by follow-up novels in series that begin with new characters, but Elizabeth introduces these characters in such a way that it feels seamless and natural. And just as I was wondering what can happen if the Nestines are dying out as what seems to be inevitable, Ms. Hull introduced a twist that is both chilling and deadly. Will the Submariners be able to fulfill their mission, even with the new technology revealed, in the face of the new threat? This story is not winding down and promises much adventure and heartache for the future. Emrys still has tricks up his sleeve and appears to be staying a few steps ahead of Shadow, Arthur and company. There is only one negative thing I can say about this book: It ended. Elizabeth! I want more!

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My year in review.

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Looking back, it has been a very busy year. On the writing front, I have two new books published. The first, in spring, was Serpent of the Shangrove, book two in the Darkspires series and yes, I am planning a book three.Serpent-of-the-Shangrove-Digital-Cover-1-641x1024

What is this one about? Here is the trailer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMwPuG0FEys

The second book came out just before Christmas and is the third book in the Shadow series, entitled Chalice of the Shadows. Yes, there is a fourth book in the series and I have just finished writing it, so now need to do some editing. That one will be called Staff of the Shadows.

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Here is the trailer for Chalice. I haven’t made one for the Staff as of yet.

 

On a personal level we welcomed our first granddaughter, who is a joy after three dear little boys. It is amazing to watch them all develop into tiny people as time passes.

Looking forward to next year, I have a story in a dragon anthology coming out at Easter and I have a Paranormal Fantasy, entitled ‘Shift’ that has been with the Publishers since the earlier part of this year so I hope that will come out, too, along with Staff of Shadows. I guess the latter is dependent on if there is room in the schedule.

What I plan to get finished next year are a Science Fiction book, entitled ‘Death Angel’ and an Urban Fantasy, entitled for the moment as ‘Wildenwold’ although I think that is going to alter. I also have a story to finish for another anthology prospect and that must be done very soon if it is to stand a chance.

It is nice to be able to look forward to the New Year and be fairly confident there isn’t going to be a third world war started by cranky people, who are fortunately no longer going to have any influence. Hopefully, people will lighten up and start being nice to each other again.