Tim Reed's Blog
August 19, 2017
What Glimmers in the Wood Released in Paperback and Ebook!
So, my new novel ‘What Glimmers in the Wood’ has been published by Sinister Grin Press!
It is a dark fantasy/horror ode to The Magic Faraway Tree series of books, full of bullied teens, white willow trees, Mandrakes, and perhaps bullied Mandrakes or willowy teens…actually scrap the last two. But yes, for those interested in this labour of esoteric love, please read the synopsis below and check out the Amazon links! Thank you very much.
Click below to buy on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/What-Glimmer...
‘Jared has never set foot in the eerie wood that haunts the edge of his parent’s land. It is small, overgrown, and there is something about it that makes him squirm. However, an argument with his mom leads to a sudden trip inside. There, he loses his phone, hears strange noises, and sees a pair of lemon-shaped eyes.
His world will never be the same again.
Josey has also never been in the wood on her neighbor’s land. But one fateful night, she sees Jared creeping into the trees. She follows. And as she steps beyond a ring of bluebells, everything changes.
The normal melts away.
What Glimmers in the Wood is a dark, contemporary ode to Enid Blyton’s Magic Faraway Tree. It is a tale of teenage friendship and tragedy, of domestic abuse and bullying, and of a magical forest that houses three great trees – trees that contain mysteries and lands beyond comprehension. There, Jared and Josey learn about the fickleness of the faerie. They dive deeper into its lore. But what starts as an escape from the harshness of the real world turns into something more sinister. The three magic trees have agendas. And the appearance of humans in their realm heralds a sea of change. All are at risk… Jared and Josey most of all.’
It is a dark fantasy/horror ode to The Magic Faraway Tree series of books, full of bullied teens, white willow trees, Mandrakes, and perhaps bullied Mandrakes or willowy teens…actually scrap the last two. But yes, for those interested in this labour of esoteric love, please read the synopsis below and check out the Amazon links! Thank you very much.
Click below to buy on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/What-Glimmer...
‘Jared has never set foot in the eerie wood that haunts the edge of his parent’s land. It is small, overgrown, and there is something about it that makes him squirm. However, an argument with his mom leads to a sudden trip inside. There, he loses his phone, hears strange noises, and sees a pair of lemon-shaped eyes.
His world will never be the same again.
Josey has also never been in the wood on her neighbor’s land. But one fateful night, she sees Jared creeping into the trees. She follows. And as she steps beyond a ring of bluebells, everything changes.
The normal melts away.
What Glimmers in the Wood is a dark, contemporary ode to Enid Blyton’s Magic Faraway Tree. It is a tale of teenage friendship and tragedy, of domestic abuse and bullying, and of a magical forest that houses three great trees – trees that contain mysteries and lands beyond comprehension. There, Jared and Josey learn about the fickleness of the faerie. They dive deeper into its lore. But what starts as an escape from the harshness of the real world turns into something more sinister. The three magic trees have agendas. And the appearance of humans in their realm heralds a sea of change. All are at risk… Jared and Josey most of all.’
July 31, 2017
Locked Doors Lead Underground - Chapter 7 WIP Extract
The boy shrugged out of the grip. He growled irritably. “Get off. I haven’t done anything. Leave me alone.” Finally, the boy faced his accusers and his whole demeanour changed. Startlingly blue eyes wavered on the edge of rage. His hands balled into fists and an ugly, mean frown cut his face. “Go and bother some other idiotic kid.”
Kevin Mitchell stayed where he was, unfazed. “This chump flicked ink all over my shirt in maths.” He re-grabbed the boy’s shoulder and easily hauled him to his feet. The accused did not resist. In fact, he whirled around, so that he stood toe-to-toe – or rather chin to neck – with the bully. Kevin Mitchell chuckled. He hazarded a glance at Jared once more. “He also snuck into class before the teacher, grabbed all of the girls’ textbooks and wrote…some nasty things in them.”
The boy snarled. He quivered, perhaps on the edge of violence. “Did not. Lies!”
One of the Kevin Mitchell’s cronies stepped forwards. “I saw you doing it, you moron. As did Gary Bailey. Some of the girls showed us what you wrote.”
The accused’s shoulders sagged, but he continued to shake like a jelly. “You are the moron.”
“Guilty, guilty,” muttered Kevin Mitchell. He sighed, almost as if he were some executioner just doing his job. “You are coming outside, where I am going to teach you a lesson.” He shook his head. “Some of that stuff in the textbooks was nasty. So wrong. You are messed up.” A dangerous scowl briefly creased his forehead. “It’s pummelling time.”
Kevin Mitchell stayed where he was, unfazed. “This chump flicked ink all over my shirt in maths.” He re-grabbed the boy’s shoulder and easily hauled him to his feet. The accused did not resist. In fact, he whirled around, so that he stood toe-to-toe – or rather chin to neck – with the bully. Kevin Mitchell chuckled. He hazarded a glance at Jared once more. “He also snuck into class before the teacher, grabbed all of the girls’ textbooks and wrote…some nasty things in them.”
The boy snarled. He quivered, perhaps on the edge of violence. “Did not. Lies!”
One of the Kevin Mitchell’s cronies stepped forwards. “I saw you doing it, you moron. As did Gary Bailey. Some of the girls showed us what you wrote.”
The accused’s shoulders sagged, but he continued to shake like a jelly. “You are the moron.”
“Guilty, guilty,” muttered Kevin Mitchell. He sighed, almost as if he were some executioner just doing his job. “You are coming outside, where I am going to teach you a lesson.” He shook his head. “Some of that stuff in the textbooks was nasty. So wrong. You are messed up.” A dangerous scowl briefly creased his forehead. “It’s pummelling time.”
July 10, 2017
Locked Doors Lead Underground - Chapter 5 WIP Extract
Jaraflix ignored the question. The restless light in his eyes had settled into a jet, swirling galaxy. A brief, pheromonic scent oozed from his body. His movements grew jerkier; his legs stiffened. But he still dragged Jared unerringly onto a long marble table. Dark patches spotted the stone. A huge notch striped the bottom half – as if an almighty blade had attempted to hack through.
“Now, now. On we go.” Jaraflix pushed Jared’s body hard against the table. He found four thick rope straps and set about tying his arms and legs. Job done, he tugged them to make sure they were secure. “Excellent.” He straightened and folded his arms. “Hmm…you are going nowhere.” A white spark crackled through his irises. He whistled softly – an instinctual concentration aid. “Should I…should I?”
Jared forced his body to remain still. The restraints had some give, which could mean Jaraflix had grown overconfident. But it could also be to allow Jared room to safely writhe in pain. “Should you what?”
Jaraflix tapped the side of the table and grinned. “The night is still alive for a while. I may display some patience for once.” He cocked his head. “How would you like a torture mate?” Jared paled. “It has been a long time since I exercised my sadism. Torture always works best with two.” He spun away, full of feverish movement. “Yes, I think I will sniff for a second.” He reached the doorway and glanced back. The grin turned lopsided. “Maybe I will luck out and find one of your ‘friends’.” He nodded conspiratorially. “I will be back soon.”
“Now, now. On we go.” Jaraflix pushed Jared’s body hard against the table. He found four thick rope straps and set about tying his arms and legs. Job done, he tugged them to make sure they were secure. “Excellent.” He straightened and folded his arms. “Hmm…you are going nowhere.” A white spark crackled through his irises. He whistled softly – an instinctual concentration aid. “Should I…should I?”
Jared forced his body to remain still. The restraints had some give, which could mean Jaraflix had grown overconfident. But it could also be to allow Jared room to safely writhe in pain. “Should you what?”
Jaraflix tapped the side of the table and grinned. “The night is still alive for a while. I may display some patience for once.” He cocked his head. “How would you like a torture mate?” Jared paled. “It has been a long time since I exercised my sadism. Torture always works best with two.” He spun away, full of feverish movement. “Yes, I think I will sniff for a second.” He reached the doorway and glanced back. The grin turned lopsided. “Maybe I will luck out and find one of your ‘friends’.” He nodded conspiratorially. “I will be back soon.”
April 21, 2017
Passage To Celestial Glory - Chapter 20 Extract
After all this time, had I just stumbled on a portal to the creator? Did that mean that Paradise lay through the globe? Could I abandon the search for fifty Summons, reach out my hand and touch heaven?
With shaking hand, I moved up to the table. My feet floated, more weightless with every step, but I persevered, driven by desire. The shape in the globe suddenly stopped its aimless, lazy wandering. I froze. Time seemed to stop as I stared at an unknowable thing. Then the form roared towards me.
The force of silent movement shocked me to my core. I staggered backwards. I tripped over my feet as I moved and fell heavily near the crystal door. My head slammed against cold stone; the force rattled my skull, sending the desire to see Paradise scuttling away into the recesses of my mind. I took a moment to clear my head. Pain lanced through my cheek.
When I looked up, all had changed. I glared, confused and scared by the scene that unfolded.
With shaking hand, I moved up to the table. My feet floated, more weightless with every step, but I persevered, driven by desire. The shape in the globe suddenly stopped its aimless, lazy wandering. I froze. Time seemed to stop as I stared at an unknowable thing. Then the form roared towards me.
The force of silent movement shocked me to my core. I staggered backwards. I tripped over my feet as I moved and fell heavily near the crystal door. My head slammed against cold stone; the force rattled my skull, sending the desire to see Paradise scuttling away into the recesses of my mind. I took a moment to clear my head. Pain lanced through my cheek.
When I looked up, all had changed. I glared, confused and scared by the scene that unfolded.
March 29, 2017
Passage To Celestial Glory - Chapter 19 Extract
I shrank into the pillar. I became a spot of dust on its jet surface, joining a million others in an ever-moving river. They jostled and pushed in a swiftly moving current. Where did I go? Where would the ocean belch me out? I pictured me toppling over the edge of the world in a paper boat. The unknown waited below, full of cloaking spray and suggestive eyes. I would fall…and the world would forget me.
“No…not without a fight.”
As I spoke, I felt myself lifting off the pillar, growing in mind and body as I did so. I was no longer a dust mote. The river receded, fading into obscurity as fresh surroundings melted into view. I briefly walked a shining snake upwards. Space surrounded me, but the Darknova path had vanished. It had done its job. The Murk was grounded. The moon could be dismissed.
“Or can it?”
Ground suddenly pushed up my feet. A cool breeze stroked fine hairs on my arms.
I stood on the moon.
“No…not without a fight.”
As I spoke, I felt myself lifting off the pillar, growing in mind and body as I did so. I was no longer a dust mote. The river receded, fading into obscurity as fresh surroundings melted into view. I briefly walked a shining snake upwards. Space surrounded me, but the Darknova path had vanished. It had done its job. The Murk was grounded. The moon could be dismissed.
“Or can it?”
Ground suddenly pushed up my feet. A cool breeze stroked fine hairs on my arms.
I stood on the moon.
January 26, 2017
Passage To Celestial Glory - Chapter 14 Extract
At first glance, the gate seemed deceptively normal. But as I approached, I noticed a subtle visual disturbance on the metal bars. Tiny yellow sparks danced from top to bottom. Beyond, all was mist – aside from the nearby purple tower.
“My hair is standing on end,” said Tetrax. His voice made me jump. No-one had spoken for over an hour. “My moustache tickles. That gate is infused with lightning.”
I moved closer to the fence and immediately felt the hair on my neck rise. A soft hum emanated from the metal bars, blending with the rumbling to create a humourless discord. I felt an inexplicable desire to reach out and touch the sparkling yellow snakes.
Tetrax caught my hand mid-move. “Careful, farmboy. There is subtle magic on top of the lightning, I wager.”
I let my hand drop and hardened my mind. The thief was right. Now that I concentrated, I sensed wisps of magic in the air. It took me back to the Fractious Nebula and the power there. However, here I felt no peace. The incessant rumbling saw to that.
“I wear a protective suit of armour,” said Rash. “I could try to force the gates open before the lightning finds its way inside.”
I grimaced. “I don’t like the sound of that idea.”
Rash bowed his head. “As you wish.”
“My hair is standing on end,” said Tetrax. His voice made me jump. No-one had spoken for over an hour. “My moustache tickles. That gate is infused with lightning.”
I moved closer to the fence and immediately felt the hair on my neck rise. A soft hum emanated from the metal bars, blending with the rumbling to create a humourless discord. I felt an inexplicable desire to reach out and touch the sparkling yellow snakes.
Tetrax caught my hand mid-move. “Careful, farmboy. There is subtle magic on top of the lightning, I wager.”
I let my hand drop and hardened my mind. The thief was right. Now that I concentrated, I sensed wisps of magic in the air. It took me back to the Fractious Nebula and the power there. However, here I felt no peace. The incessant rumbling saw to that.
“I wear a protective suit of armour,” said Rash. “I could try to force the gates open before the lightning finds its way inside.”
I grimaced. “I don’t like the sound of that idea.”
Rash bowed his head. “As you wish.”
December 15, 2016
Today is the Day! Summons Online Book Launch!
Today is the day of the online book launch for my fantasy novel Summons of the Majestic. For those interested in attending, please see the below link to the hosting page.
There will be giveaways, author questions, special guest authors (F G Cottam!) and general celebration. I hope to see all of you fellow book lovers there!
https://www.facebook.com/events/17833...
There will be giveaways, author questions, special guest authors (F G Cottam!) and general celebration. I hope to see all of you fellow book lovers there!
https://www.facebook.com/events/17833...
December 12, 2016
Summons of the Majestic Online Book Launch - 15th December 2016!
There are four days until the online book launch for my debut fantasy novel, Summons of the Majestic. I will be answering author questions, nattering, sharing giveaways and introducing guest authors. So to all interested, there is still time to witness the below, come along and share with/invite any and all people you know with an interest in fantasy and the written word. Thank you - and hope to see you there!
https://www.facebook.com/events/17833...
https://www.facebook.com/events/17833...
December 4, 2016
Summons Book Trailer and Chance of Book Giveaway!
Check out the brand-spanking new book trailer for my new debut fantasy novel, Summons of the Majestic. Not only is it a slice of mysterious tease, but there is a chance to engage your creativity at the end for a chance of a giveaway. Check it out!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXtbW...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXtbW...
December 1, 2016
Summons of the Majestic Fantasy Novel Released!
The day has arrived - my debut fantasy novel Summons of the Majestic is released! Available as ebook and paperback via Amazon. I am extremely excited about the start of this dark trilogy. Please pick it up, share, and choose your favourite Summon...and then let me know why!
Links to purchase below:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Eight-Island...
https://www.amazon.com/Eight-Islands-...
Links to purchase below:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Eight-Island...
https://www.amazon.com/Eight-Islands-...
