Reviews: My Most Heart-Lifting & Most Comical – Linda Acaster

Author Linda Acaster reacts to her most heart-lifting and most comical reviews

"This book is tedious at best..."

So said a USA reader commenting on Linda's historical romance, Beneath The Shining Mountains. 

Linda reflects, "This sort of response is why many authors refuse to look at reviews of their own books, which I can quite understand.

"In truth, reviews aren’t for the author; they are reader-to-reader recommendations, part of the three-step pre-purchase ritual, at least when buying from one of the Amazon stores: skim through the product description, read part of the ‘Look Inside’, hit random 5*, 3* and 2* reviews. Followed, perhaps, by the Buy button."

Buy Beneath The Shining Mountains

Of course, not every reader does this. A surprising number buy on the look of the book cover alone, though it seems this reader didn’t even do that.

"This book is tedious at best. I guess my preference for books that relate details of Indian customs and actual historical accounts trump my enjoyment for this book, a coming of age style love story. A lot of drama between the characters in their love relationship. I had to force myself to get through this book."

"So, did the reader dismiss the conveying of customs because they were wrapped in a fictional story?" Linda wonders, adding, "What I didn’t understand then, and still can’t now, is why anyone would force themselves to finish a novel that didn’t resonate with them. The most comical aspect of this? Despite the tongue-lashing, the reader gave it a 3* review. Go figure."

"Book of the year so far!"

This came from a UK reader commenting on The Bull At The Gate, the second in the Torc of Moonlight trilogy of contemporary mythic fantasies. 

Buy The Bull At The Gate

Linda says, "What pulled me up short here was the fact that the review was uploaded mid-June. Had the reader only read one book in five and a half months?? Er, no. His reviewing was reasonably prolific."

"Mystery and multiple twists in a wonderfully written tale by a first rate author. Loved the fact there are some links to the old history (especially Roman!) of York as well. Book of the year so far!"

Linda's most cherished review happened to be for the same novel, but three years later and from Australia:

"This is the second book in the Torc of Moonlight trilogy. Every bit as captivating as the first. Linda Acaster's style of writing draws the reader in until nothing exists but the story."

Linda's reaction? “That - 'nothing exists but the story' - any novelist would take as a job well done."

Explore more from Linda Acaster’s multi-genre output

Read more about Linda Acaster HERE.

Hornsea Writer, Shellie Horst, On Writing

Give me a 3-word summary of what you will be doing, writing-wise, in the coming year.

Focusing on fiction.

Tell me more:

In the past year, I’ve had to diversify. The cost of living hasn’t gone away. Making writing work around family and caring needs won’t either. Yet somehow written more. It’s difficult to set aside time, but I’ve found that supporting others is a great way to ignite my creativity, and develop my writing.

At the beginning of the year, Femmes-Fae Tales: A Fantasy Anthology by FemaleAuthors was launched. This is another anthology from the team behind the award nominated Distaff: A Science Fiction Anthology by Female Authors. While I didn’t have a story in this volume, I loved creating the cover.

I had the honour of teaching Creative Writing in Adult Education across the East Yorkshire area. Opening the door for other writers to find their way to publication or develop their own writing for personal reasons is magical. 

I’ve been doing this with Humber Speculative Fiction too. Sharing my knowledge of the industry and my network, I’ve worked with the University of Hull Creative Writing Department to bring authors to the students there.

It was my HumberSFF role that brought me back to my writing. Inspired by the local science fiction and fantasy group meet ups, I attended The World Science Fiction Convention in Glasgow.  The event itself had over 9000 attendees, and like the publishing industry, very easy to be overwhelmed in. Hundreds of panels, the announcement of the Hugo Awards, plenty of book launches, readings, parties, and workshops over five days made it intense. Glasgow was fabulous, and even though there were thousands of complete strangers, it was incredibly friendly. Reconnecting with the speculative fiction world was the route back to my fiction. I have work due to be published in late 2025. Of course, Hornsea Writers will be the first to know more as the cover and release dates are finalised.

Tell me about a writing-related event from last year

It’s hard to pick just one! Despite the range of things I have been involved in, I’ve established that writing is what I love most.

I’ve just celebrated my one-year anniversary writing for the Holderness and HornseaGazette. “With great power comes great responsibility.” Yes, an over-used Spiderman phrase, but also true to the role we have as writers. It’s a privilege to capture important stories from the Hornsea area, and boosting awareness of people’s achievements. Every story is unique.

The people I get to meet are passionate, genuine and care. They are an inspiration. I am lucky enough to be able share that with a wider audience.

I’m sure there’s a story in that somewhere.

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Shellie Horst is a freelance journalist, author of Fantasy and Science Fiction, a Creative Writing Tutor, and Critic for leading genre publications. Follow Shellie on her website: Shelliehorst.com or on social media.

Learn more about Shellie here.