Simon Scarrow

[liadnan]

See, I figured that at 99p in an Ottakar's promotional giveaway, I didn't really have anything to lose in picking up Simon Scarrow's Something or Other About The Eagle I Forget The Actual Title (number 1 in an ongoing series I assume from the similar titles), set in Legio II Augusta about to participate in Claudius' invasion of Britain and with a blurb from Bernard Cornwell along the lines of "I don't need this kind of competition", which should indicate fairly well the sub-genre.

That's almost an entire cup of coffee that I'll never be able to buy now. I feel resentful. Dull, dull, and a risible plot. I'd always assumed Cornwell was good, though I hadn't tried any of his stuff. Now I'm doubtful I'll bother, if this is what he considers worrying competition. Hah: see, oh authors so willing to puff others' works: there can be a downside for you.

Comments

[clanwilliam.livejournal.com]

Also, Scarrow got into trouble for stealing characters from Lindsey Davis...

[liadnan]

Really? Am intrigued now.

The writing and characterisation is nowhere near as good as her.

[gmh.livejournal.com]

See http://www.lindseydavis.co.uk/lindseyspage.htm (http://www.lindseydavis.co.uk/lindseyspage.htm)

- specifically the bit labelled 'copyright issues'.

G.

[etherealfionna.livejournal.com]

I quite like Cornwell's books, for what it's worth. Which isn't your point, I know, but in case you sneakily choose to read one anyway, I think his latest few are his best.

[liadnan]

The Harlequin etc ones. Yes: those had struck me as possibly worth a look. Sharpe never struck me as something I'd really be that into.

[gonecaving.livejournal.com]

That's timely! I'd just come across Scarrow when browsing through Amazon and was considering buying one. Sadly they don't offer coffee as an alternative :-)

[liadnan]

Lawks: I've just had a miniscule effect on a writer's market.

You could always make up your own mind...

[(Anonymous)]

It's very funny how some people react to books. But it's a personal thing and I have to respect that not all tastes coincide. Of coruse the trick of it is to have good taste in the first place.

Simon

Re: You could always make up your own mind...

[frankie-ecap.livejournal.com]

My boyfriend adores them, if that helps. Almost the only thing he will buy in hardback.

Re: You could always make up your own mind...

[f4f3.livejournal.com]

Hmm. That is high praise - unless he's intending to stun a burglar...