I’ve mentioned FutureLearn before, as an excellent resource for no-stress, free-time further education. I’ve had the chance to do some more courses over the past few months, and thought I’d share my experience. Classics The first course I’ve done at FutureLearn was about a complete virtual model of ancient Rome (see here). It was an […]
News / Blog
Book Review: Over a God’s Dead Body, by Joel Spriggs
I was in the mood for some humorous fantasy, and this novel fitted the bill perfectly. If you’re a fan of American Gods and College Humour, this is for you. What to expect A crazy tale of cluey and clueless humans and far-less-than-perfect gods, struggling over a small college town in Indiana. Old gods and […]
Cost of Living (in Ancient Rome)
I recently received the map on the left from my fellow author Eric Klein (click to enlarge it — it’s beautiful). This is a classic configuration for a Roman-era house, at least for those who could afford it. It’s quite similar to what I have in mind when I describe Felix’s own house (the only […]
Book Review: Kings of the Wyld, by Nicholas Eames
I saw this book praised repeatedly on many an online source, and was in the mood for some classic, light fantasy. I wasn’t disappointed. Kings of the Wyld is tremendous fantasy, touching all the important aspects and with plenty of humour, that is sure to delight anyone who ever played D&D. What to expect If […]
We’re giving away $75 in Amazon gift cards!
My publisher is holding a raffle for Amazon gift cards, totalling US $75! Head here for details on how to enter (and win 😉 https://purpletoga.com/2019/04/30/were-giving-away-75-in-amazon-gift-cards-to-celebrate-the-latest-rave-reviews/
Conversations in My Head: Things I’ve Learnt from Reading
Whenever I’m reading a book, I have this silent conversation with the author in my head. This is particularly true for indie authors I’m reviewing, but most authors are ‘targeted’. Sometimes, there are more people in my head. So if you’re feeling like someone is walking on your grave, it might be me, reading your […]
Book Review: The Society of Two Houses, by William C. Tracy
Good things lie off the beaten path, and this book is one of them. It’s a short, twisty mystery set in a fantastical, unique world. What to expect This is a standalone novella in an ongoing series. Tracy does an amazing job of creating a unique world, with different alien species, a rich psychic-like magic […]
History, Fantasy, and Food
Take one of the greatest empires the world has ever seen. At its peak it controlled vast swathes of land and many different cultures – including their associated cuisines. But what happens when you add a fantastical element to the mix? As anyone who read my short stories or novels knows, though they’re set in […]
Secrets of Ancient Egypt
In a twist of my ancient history section of the blog, some news from ancient Egypt rather than Rome. I came across a few articles recently, which just make me itch to send Felix on a long road-trip… I think you’d agree they’re just delicious 😉
Book Review: Reasons to Kill God, by I.V. Olokita
Having grown up in Israel, I was drawn to this book by the subject matter of Nazi war criminals, especially considering the author and unique point-of-view used. What to expect The story is told by a Nazi war criminal, Klaus Holland, hiding in Brazil post WW2. When he’s found out and sent to trial, he’s […]
FELIX THE FOX MYSTERIES 