Download Children of the Folded Valley FREE – for five days only!

Posted on May 7, 2018 by simondillon

Anyone who grew up in a cult, or amid a stifling religious atmosphere, may find my most successful novel, Children of the Folded Valley, resonates with their own experience. Certainly I’d be lying if I claimed my own rather peculiar past didn’t inform this story. Before I wrote it, I knew I would eventually have to confront certain demons when doing so, and for that reason put off the task for as long as possible. But eventually the voices in my head became too loud, so they had to go on paper.

Even if you don’t come from an oppressive religious background, multiple readers claim Children of the Folded Valley is a gripping, page-turning tale. Just check out the many five star reviews.

Download your copy of Children of the Folded Valley FREE from Amazon Kindle here, for the next five days only.

Book reviews: the good, the bad, and the ugly

Posted on May 4, 2018 by simondillon

Obviously it is gratifying to see my books being appreciated by reviewers on Amazon and in other places where they are sold. However, I get a similar, arguably masochistic pleasure from bad reviews. In that spirit, here are excerpts from my favourite good, bad, and ugly reader reviews on my most popular novel, Children of the Folded Valley.

Good (I’m pleased to report the overwhelming majority of reviews are positive)

“I don’t usually leave reviews but I felt so strongly about encouraging people to read this fantastic book. It had me captured from start to finish. At one stage in the book I actually thought it was a true story.” – Paul, Amazon.

“The use of re-written religious doctrine to control, govern and frighten is particularly chilling… Full marks to Simon Dillon for this creative and highly readable novel.” – Around Robin, Amazon.

“Really well written, well thought through, compassionate… Full of empathy.” – Over, Amazon.

“So well written, you could believe it was a memoir.” – Shelley, Amazon.

“A perturbing and very original story… The ending is magnificent.” – Joan, Goodreads.

Bad (Ouch…)

“I nearly gave up several times but skimmed the last few chapters so I could find out how it ended, which in retrospect was not worth it. Although there were a few plot holes, it could have been a good story if someone more talented had written it. Disappointing.” – Amazon Customer.

“The basic idea is great, with huge potential that is not fulfilled. The writing is anodyne, the characterisation and narrative unconvincing. Shame – it could have been really intriguing.” – Hard-marker, Amazon.

“An idea that could have been extremely interesting deep-sixed by incredibly dull writing… Sorry, but just being able to put sentences together grammatically isn’t enough for a novel.” – Catana, Amazon.

Ugly (I actually rather like these)

“Saying I enjoyed this book would be wrong. I found it disturbing, distasteful and fascinating all at the same time. This is the first book I have read about cults such as this and although it is a work of fiction the content is all too real. Read it if you will but to me there is enough sickness in the world without reading fictional tales of it.” – Valueformoney, Amazon.

“I generally review only the books that I really love or hate passionately. I neither hate nor love the book, it has its flaws, but the story has stuck with me. This is a good, original story. The concept and characters are engaging and appealing. There are places where the writing gets a little thin, but I hope to see many more books by this author. It has a happy ending, of sorts, and yet left me profoundly depressed. I think it was that the author hit it right on the head; even in a perfect paradise, people are going to be perfect s***s to each other, given half a chance. Even so I recommend it.” – David MacGuire, Amazon.

Check out Children of the Folded Valley for yourself here. And don’t forget to leave me a review – good, bad or ugly.

Download The Birds Began to Sing FREE – for five days only!

Posted on April 30, 2018 by simondillon

I love a good, satisfying, emotionally resonant twist ending in a thriller, especially one that you immediately realise ought to have been obvious all along, yet somehow you didn’t see it coming.

My mystery thriller The Birds Began to Sing has such an ending (don’t just take my word for it, check out the five star reviews here). It’s the story of Alice Darnell, an aspiring novelist who enters a mysterious writing competition at a remote mansion. She and other writers pen their own endings for an incomplete, unpublished manuscript written by a very famous deceased author. The winner of the competition will have their ending published, along with their own novel.

However, once Alice arrives at the mansion, weird stuff starts to happen…

Download your copy of The Birds Began to Sing FREE from Amazon Kindle here, for the next five days only.

Coming soon, later and perhaps never…

Posted on April 28, 2018 by simondillon

Here’s an update on all the unpublished novels I have written, and when you can expect to read them.

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The Spectre of Springwell Forest – This 1970s set ghostly and gothic nail-biter for grown-ups will be my next release, one way (mainstream publication) or the other (self-publishing). All I will say at this point is that it involves a sinister painting and an equally sinister abandoned railway tunnel. Expect an announcement soon.

The Faerie Gate – A long delayed “horror story for children” that will hopefully appear at the back end of this year. It’s the scariest novel I’ve written that is primarily aimed at children, and I really push the envelope in that respect. But this dark fairy tale is also a very compassionate story, about a young adolescent coming to terms with the separation of her parents.

The Deviant Prophet – Another dark fairy tale, but this time for adults. Fantasy and reality clash in a disturbing tale of religious oppression amid a vivid and surreal world parallel to our own. Incidentally, the initial inspiration for this came from a close friend’s extraordinary dreams. My projected release for this is early 2019.

Ravenseed – And the title is out of the bag… Yes, this is the Dark Ages set fantasy novel I have just finished (the first draft, at any rate). It’s a brooding, melancholy tale of knights, sorcerers and enchantment, simmering with love, lust, betrayal and revenge. Alongside the Dark Ages story is a parallel framing story set in the present. I think it’s rather good, and I hope to have it under your noses sometime in 2019.

The Irresistible Summons – Another spooky novel for grown-ups, this one set mostly in a haunted office building in London. Ghostly mystery meets digital horror as a shocking secret is uncovered by a television producer commissioned to make a corporate video for a software company. Projected release date? Late 2019 at the earliest.

The Wormcutter – I wrote this detective thriller/horror hybrid in 2007 (based on an idea I had researched and prepared on and off since 1996). What begins as an apparently open and shut murder investigation escalates into a humdinger of a conspiracy involving the Freemasons and much more… until it ends up in the most disturbing territory I have ever explored in a novel. Definitely 18 certificate stuff, if it ever gets made into a film. Projected release date? Possibly 2020, if not sooner.

The Balliol Conspiracy – This old fashioned, Hitchcockian romantic thriller is a conspiracy story of a different kind (much more PG territory, unlike The Wormcutter), and something of a change of pace for me when I wrote it. A strong, suspenseful central mystery results in an historic fact based treasure hunt, leading to a new lease of life for the bereaved protagonist. Projected release date? Depends if I think it’s any good when I re-read it, but possibly 2020.

Goldeweed – This is an epic, three volume fantasy saga I have been shaping on and off for almost eighteen years. Set in a vast imagined realm on many different planes of reality, it details three love stories that play out against an apocalyptic backdrop at the end of an era. Currently longer than War and Peace, it’s a tale I have rewritten and tinkered with for some time, and I’m still not entirely happy with. Projected release date? When I honestly think it can stand alongside The Lord of the Rings (so possibly never).

A Statement of Disbelief – A satirical novel set in the dubious world of Christian television fundraising. Projected release date? Probably never, but it was very fun and cathartic to write.

I’m presently working on my next novel, a dystopian tale set slightly in the future entitled… No, I’m hanging onto that title for now. Watch this space.

FREE Children’s Books Month: Echo and the White Howl

Posted on March 22, 2018 by simondillon

The final novel I am giving away for Free Children’s Books Month at Simon Dillon Books is my latest, Echo and the White Howl – available to download FREE from Amazon Kindle, between the 22^nd and 26^th of March.

Echo and the White Howl is an animal fiction story set amongst a wolf pack in Alaska, and a gripping and thrilling adventure for all ages.

Here is the blurb from the back of Echo and the White Howl:

When a wolf pack discovers humans lurking near their territory, Echo senses dark times ahead.

Despite the warnings and omens, Aatag, the pack Alpha, refuses to flee… leading to a cruel turn of events that forces Echo into exile, and a quest for revenge that will change the pack forever.

Echo and the White Howl is available to download FREE here.

FREE Children’s Books Month: George Hughes Trilogy

Posted on March 15, 2018 by simondillon

The George Hughes trilogy is a thrilling, action-packed space tale set just over a hundred years in the future. Each story is a stand-alone adventure, but I recommend reading the novels in order nonetheless, as they do follow on from one another.

All three can be downloaded FREE from Amazon Kindle during the next five days.

Also, I must emphasise, these books are not just for children. Adult readers have found plenty to enjoy too (especially those who have picked up on some of the subtexts).

Here is the blurb from the back of George goes to Mars:

When George Hughes discovers he has inherited the planet Mars, he goes from poverty to becoming the richest boy on Earth overnight.

Accompanied by his new guardian, a mysterious secret agent and a crew of astronauts, George voyages to Mars to sell land to celebrities wanting to build interplanetary holiday homes. But sabotage, assassination attempts and the possibility of an alien threat plunge him into a deadly adventure…

Here is the blurb from the back of George goes to Titan:

The thrilling sequel to George goes to Mars…

A year on from his adventures on Mars, George Hughes faces an even deadlier peril as he travels to Titan on an urgent rescue mission. The mysterious Giles returns to help him, but assassins are once again on his tail, and a new, far greater alien menace lurks in the shadows waiting to strike.

Here is the blurb from the back of George goes to Neptune:

In this spectacular sequel to George goes to Mars and George goes to Titan, George Hughes faces his most dangerous adventure yet.

Following the Titanian invasion, a deadly and very personal threat forces George to undertake a voyage to a top secret Martian research base on Neptune.

On this remote outpost, he uncovers a diabolical plot. But George is too late to prevent the catastrophe.

A catastrophe that will change his life forever…

Here are a couple of reviews from adults:

“A thoroughly enjoyable read” – Mark, Amazon.

“Reading like a cross between one of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ pulpy Mars adventures and a Robert Heinlein ‘juvenile’, this improbable yarn (just how many “saved in the nick of time” coincidences can one novel contain?) about a rags-to-riches-to-hero boy named George was nonetheless page-turningly entertaining. Perfect rainy day/sick day reading.” – Elizabeth Olson, Goodreads.

And here some thoughts from the target audience (at least I assume so, given the tone of their reviews):

“This was totally amazing! Involves space ships, aliens and more! A totally exciting adventure you’ll love!” – Anonymous, Barnes and Noble.

“Pure awesomeness! Packed with suspense and adventure, as well as LOTS of action!” – Anonymous, Barnes and Noble.

“Best book ever!” – Anonymous, Barnes and Noble.

The George Hughes trilogy can be downloaded FREE here (book 1), here (book 2), and here (book 3).

FREE Children’s Books Month: Dr Gribbles and the Beast of Blackthorn Lodge

Posted on March 8, 2018 by simondillon

This month is Free Children’s Books Month at Simon Dillon Books. Check back every Thursday for a new free novel. Each book will be available free between Thursday and Monday.

This week, Dr Gribbles and the Beast of Blackthorn Lodge is available to download FREE from Amazon Kindle, between the 8th and 12th of March.

A gripping and scary tale involving spies, monsters, haunted houses, mad scientists and lots more besides, with action and thrills to spare, this is fast-paced romp will delight young and old alike.

It was inspired by the nightmares of my youngest son (when he was about three), and the book is duly dedicated to him.

Here is the blurb from the back of Dr Gribbles and the Beast of Blackthorn Lodge:

September 1987.

Curiosity lands Tim Rawling in a world of secrets, spies and a desperate race against time.

The haunted house, the monster and the mad scientist are only the beginning of a terrifying adventure.

Dr Gribbles and the Beast of Blackthorn Lodge can be downloaded FREE here.

FREE Children’s Books Month: Uncle Flynn

Posted on March 1, 2018 by simondillon

This month is Free Children’s Books Month at Simon Dillon Books. Check back every Thursday for a new free novel. Each book will be available free between Thursday and Monday.

Kicking things off, for five days only, my debut novel Uncle Flynn is available to download FREE from Amazon Kindle, between the 1^st and 5^th of March.

Uncle Flynn was received very positively. On the surface it is an old-fashioned treasure hunt adventure, but it contains underlying themes about overcoming fear and the dangers of mollycoddling. The book is dedicated to my eldest son, and was largely inspired by our many excursions over Dartmoor, as well as a bit of local history.

Here is the blurb from the back of Uncle Flynn:

When timid eleven year old Max Bradley embarks on a hunt for buried treasure on Dartmoor with his mysterious Uncle Flynn, he discovers he is braver than he thought.

Together they decipher clues, find a hidden map and explore secret tunnels in their search. But with both police and rival treasure hunters on their tail, Max begins to wonder if his uncle is all he seems…

Here are a few reviews from various readers:

“Harking back to the wonderful adventure stories of Arthur Ransome, Uncle Flynn is a welcome return to the excitement of outdoor exploits in wild surroundings. Excitement, tension and peril combine in a well-written tale where The Goonies meets Swallows and Amazons. The evocative descriptions of treasure seeking on Dartmoor will have you longing to visit and explore for yourselves. Action-packed puzzle-solving pleasure for children and adults alike, with a neat twist in the tale to keep you guessing.”

Mrs Alice R Brewer, Amazon.co.uk

“A treasure for all ages. Kids and teenagers would love this fast-paced adventure story. Most adults would also find it a light and enjoyable read.”

B Fraley, Amazon.com

“Don’t pass this one by. I have been burning through the free NOOKbooks and this is the absolute BEST. Doesn’t matter what type of fiction you like to read, I can imagine this would capture just about anyone’s attention – and heart.”

willreadanything, Barnes and Noble.

“Could not put the book down, so enjoyed the journey. Recommended it to my 12 year old grandson who now wants me to be his book reading adviser. Loved by three generations.”

Brinney, Barnes and Noble.

“What a wonderful book for young readers and anyone else who loves a book with a great twist on an amazing story of courage over fear.”

Beansie47, Barnes and Noble.

“I’m an 83 year old woman. Your book was a joy to me. I felt I was having all the adventures myself at this ripe old age. Your book was like a cold drink of water on a hot day. Thank you.”

Joan McLaughlin, commenting on the Uncle Flynn blog.

“I downloaded the book for my boys to read, and thought I’d just read the first few lines… Needless to say I read to the end! Well written and most enjoyable – great adventure with life lessons woven into the story.”

Cecile Weyers, commenting on the Uncle Flynn blog.

Uncle Flynn is available to download FREE here.

Echo and the White Howl – Overview

Posted on February 23, 2018 by simondillon

Over the past several weeks, I have been promoting my latest novel, Echo and the White Howl. An animal fiction story set amongst a wolf pack in Alaska, this book is a gripping and thrilling adventure for all ages.

Here is a summary of essential information about the novel, as well as links to articles exploring its different aspects:

Blurb from the back of the book:

When a wolf pack discovers humans lurking near their territory, Echo senses dark times ahead.

Despite the warnings and omens, Aatag, the pack Alpha, refuses to flee… leading to a cruel turn of events that forces Echo into exile, and a quest for revenge that will change the pack forever.

Character introductions

Click here for introductions to some of the main characters.

Excerpts

Tasters of the novel can be read here and here.

Cover

More about the cover design here.

The Writing Process

Click here to read about my experience writing animal fiction.

Influences

Which key texts informed and inspired Echo and the White Howl? Click here for more.

Research

Click here to find out what most fascinated me as I researched wolves, Alaska and so forth.

Themes

What is Echo and the White Howl really about? Click here for more.

Echo and the White Howl is out now. Click here for your Kindle download or paperback copy.

Echo and the White Howl – Brexit allegory?

Posted on February 16, 2018 by simondillon

Echo and the White Howl Cover 10 (FINAL)

I have been asked on a number of occasions how my latest novel Echo and the White Howl should be interpreted. Is it an historic allegory? A contemporary political allegory? A spiritual allegory? Someone suggested the story alluded to Stalin’s Russia and the way he created famines. Someone else even suggested the story might be about the European Union and Brexit.

Quite honestly, the primary motivation for writing the novel was simply to create a gift for my youngest son, who asked for an adventure story about wolves. If readers want to interpret the book in any other way, they are most welcome to, but certainly there is no intentional message of any kind in the story. Indeed, I take that approach with all my books. I believe that the more one tries to put a message in one’s writing, the more preachy it will sound.

What I do believe, as I have often stated on this blog, is that when one writes purely to tell a story and not deliver a message, what is important to the author will be inherent in the text, and thus be far more palatable and persuasive. So yes, it is possible, perhaps even inevitable, that some of my political and spiritual views are lurking beneath the surface of Echo and the White Howl. I shan’t get into what they might be, as I prefer to leave that to readers to interpret (inaccurately or otherwise). However, some of the themes present in my other works – abuse of power and corruption for example, not to mention the metaphysical elements – appear again here.