Steven Preece's Portfolio

Not recommended.

Sorry, Steve. But I have to be honest. I didn't enjoy this one bit. The subject matter isn't of interest to me, which would be fine - not every book is going to appeal to everyone - but it's so clumsily executed. Case in point, you spelled "moral" wrong before the book had even begun. Also, you were a marine - we get it. But the reader would probably benefit from not knowing your background since, as it stands, it seems . . . I don't know. I don't want to say "pathetic", but . . . an ex-marine writing earnestly and unconvincingly about ex-marines, overloading the title pages with details about how marines often can't adjust to civvy street and trying to glorify his subsequent career with emotive words like "forging"? Forging a career in IT. No. Doesn't work. Forging a career in the marines; THAT works. In a similar fashion, letting us know you're a black belt - especially when contrasted with your career - just seems like bragging. It doesn't inform the novel in any way, except to l...Sorry, Steve. But I have to be honest. I didn't enjoy this one bit. The subject matter isn't of interest to me, which would be fine - not every book is going to appeal to everyone - but it's so clumsily executed. Case in point, you spelled "moral" wrong before the book had even begun. Also, you were a marine - we get it. But the reader would probably benefit from not knowing your background since, as it stands, it seems . . . I don't know. I don't want to say "pathetic", but . . . an ex-marine writing earnestly and unconvincingly about ex-marines, overloading the title pages with details about how marines often can't adjust to civvy street and trying to glorify his subsequent career with emotive words like "forging"? Forging a career in IT. No. Doesn't work. Forging a career in the marines; THAT works. In a similar fashion, letting us know you're a black belt - especially when contrasted with your career - just seems like bragging. It doesn't inform the novel in any way, except to let the reader know that you want the reader to know. But all that could work if the style wasn't so clumsy. Honestly, I'm not trolling. But this is the first book I read since I joined the site, and no "real" book is written this badly. I couldn't tell you exactly what's wrong with it, but . . . I can hear when a violin is played badly, and I can see when a book is written badly. Also, you say the book is your debut, but you also have a list of other books. So. . . not your debut? I genuinely wish you the best of luck, but it's not working for me. (more)
promising start to a novel with a great subject

Steven's book opens strongly with two ex-Marines meeting in a squalid alley in Liverpool. The reader only allowed the first 9 pages to be read, of which only just over half were text, so this review is based on those. Steven's style matches the subject matter--the delivery is punchy and matter of fact. The subject is one which i am sure will make an excellent novel, perhaps along the lines of action writers such as McNabb. As an ex-serviceman i am certain Steve will handle the topic expertly. i wondered if the fact these two are marines is revealed a touch early--it may help the suspense if that wasn't apparent, or if we find out via a flashback/PTSD sequence? Only a thought. The dialogue is also very matter of fact, and could perhaps use a slight tweak. All-in-all, a really good opening. Ross.
Good beginning - I feel the rain!

I enjoyed your opening description of the vagrants situation. I would have liked a little more detail on the approach of 'the thief' but this promises to be a pacy read.

Writers: Steven Preece

Not recommended.

promising start to a novel with a great subject

Good beginning - I feel the rain!

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