Saturday, November 28, 2015

Whispers of the Dead by James Litherland

By: Unknown on Saturday, November 28, 2015
Title:  Whispers of the Dead
Series:  Miraibanashi #1 
Author:  James Litherland
Publication Date:  November 17/15 by Outpost Stories
Length:  276pgs
Genre:  SciFi
Shelf:  review
Rating: ★★★★★

Back Cover Blurb:

IN THE SHADOW of Mt. Fuji, in a far future Japan, the oppressive Batsu government controls the rebuilding of the devastated country, bestowing boons on privileged citizens while leaving most to fend for themselves on the fringes. After a disastrous job ends with Batsu enforcers hunting him, reformed thief Roshike runs—right into the heart of their regime, the fortified Gaku complex, to take on an almost impossible task. And he just might stand a slim chance of success, if only he’ll accept the help of a few friends. But first he has to choose the right ones.

My Review:

Ok. Litherland definitely has me hooked on this new series. I found myself completely wrapped up in the story, trying to guess what would come next while also loving the intricate world that he’s created. The plot was intriguing. Litherland kept me on my toes throughout, always wanting to know more yet loving where the story was in the moment. The characters that he has created round out the story well. They were the type of people that I instinctively wanted to get to know on every level. I loved how Litherland develops them slowly, leaving more for me to get to know later as if I had truly met these individuals in person.

World building in this novel was complex but also easy to follow. All aspects of the world came to life in very unique manner that really allowed me to picture it. I enjoyed the way that many aspects are developed subtly, creating an even more poignant and loud development. At the same time, Litherland has also left room for further development in future novels in the series.

Litherland is a wildly imaginative and skilful author who draws readers into the new and complex worlds that he creates. This is a fantastic launch to his new series.

Book Links 

Be sure to enter this fantastic giveaway for Whispers of the Dead  by James Litherland.
Prizes include 1 paperback copy of Whispers of the Dead (Canada & US only)
& 4 ecopies of the novel (mobi or epub, International)
Contest is open internationally, where applicable by law. 
Entries close at 11:59pm December 11/15. 
Winners will be drawn December 12/15. 
Winners will be notified via email to the email provided to the giveaway and will have 72h to claim their prize or another winner will be drawn.

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23 comments:

  1. DiiNovember 29, 2015 at 11:43 AM

    I absolutely love the title and the cover! Best of luck! If Jonel gave it 5 stars, it was definitely earned!

    ReplyDelete
  2. patanneNovember 29, 2015 at 11:45 AM

    unfortunately I'm in the UK so not eligible for this one :(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. patanneNovember 29, 2015 at 11:46 AM

      ok so I've read it properly now and am off to do some clicking lolol

      Delete
  3. Linda RomerNovember 29, 2015 at 1:59 PM

    Whispers of the dead sound great ♡ Looking forward to reading this book. Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  4. Maari ~ Maari Loves Her IndiesNovember 29, 2015 at 2:51 PM

    Sounds great! & with a recommendation from Jonel, I'm definitely in!! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  5. fandomprincessNovember 29, 2015 at 3:18 PM

    I love a good dystopia, and I'll always take advantage of an opportunity for a free book, particularly if it comes so highly recommended! 😁

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sheila DeethNovember 29, 2015 at 9:46 PM

    The review definitely has me hooked. How did you decide to set the novel in Japan?

    ReplyDelete
  7. UnknownNovember 30, 2015 at 9:55 AM

    I love the title and the description sounds excellent. Thanks for the chance to win a copy!

    ReplyDelete
  8. James LitherlandNovember 30, 2015 at 3:56 PM

    Hi Sheila,

    I spent a lot of time in Japan many, many years ago, so the setting was a natural choice for me. My sisters are surprised it took me this long (my seventh novel) to get around to it.

    ReplyDelete
  9. James LitherlandNovember 30, 2015 at 3:58 PM

    Wow!
    Thanks to everyone for your enthusiastic responses.
    Good luck in the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  10. emhelms63@yahoo.comNovember 30, 2015 at 4:52 PM

    Took a quick glance on Amazon. Wow, you're prolific -- wishing you continued success with your writing!
    Question: Do you outline your books, and if so, to what extent? Or, are you a "panster" like me? Hope I win!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. emhelms63@yahoo.comNovember 30, 2015 at 4:54 PM

      Oh, forgot to say, "Hi, Jonel!" Thanks for hosting. :-)

      Delete
    2. James LitherlandDecember 1, 2015 at 6:24 AM

      Thanks! You look pretty prolific yourself.

      I'm definitely more of a 'pantser' - although the amount of prep I do for each book varies (with the first in a series requiring more) it never approaches anything like an outline. As soon as I have a good enough grasp on the idea and the main characters to know how the story should start, I write the beginning of the book. And then I keep writing to find out what happens next!

      Good luck! And I second the thanks to Jonel for hosting these giveaways - they're great for both writers and readers.

      Delete
  11. Christy BDecember 1, 2015 at 1:28 PM

    This book sounds great!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Claudette MelansonDecember 1, 2015 at 7:34 PM

    Looking forward to reading it. Sounds like an interesting plot!

    ReplyDelete
  13. UnknownDecember 4, 2015 at 10:33 PM

    Looking forward to winning a copy... sounds really interesting. Good luck on your new book and Good luck to all that enters!

    ReplyDelete
  14. LAWonderDecember 8, 2015 at 4:53 AM

    James, What is your next big project going to be?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. James LitherlandDecember 8, 2015 at 4:00 PM

      LAWonder,

      Between finishing the Miraibanashi trilogy and writing books 4 and 5 in both the Slowpocalypse and Watchbearers series, it’ll be a while before I get to a ‘new’ project, but I’ve got a cozy mystery and a space opera on the back burner for when I get the time. Both books could potentially be the start of new series, but it’s way too early to tell.

      Delete
  15. sherry fundinDecember 8, 2015 at 9:39 AM

    Love the cover. How much input do you have in the final product?

    sherry @ fundinmental

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. James LitherlandDecember 8, 2015 at 4:02 PM

      Hi Sherry,

      I do all my own covers - that way I get exactly what I want for the book (after a certain amount of blood, sweat, and tears.)

      Delete
  16. Amie Lambert-GaudetDecember 9, 2015 at 3:04 AM

    I noticed that your author bio states that you live "In the wilds of West Tennessee" and I was wondering about that. If you live in the wilds, does that mean you live off the grid? Or are you not quite that "wild"?
    If that is too nosey a question you do not have to answer.

    Also, if you are interested, I have a book review blog that You might be interested vin checking out.

    My blog is http://amiesbookreviews.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. James LitherlandDecember 9, 2015 at 4:27 PM

      Hi Amie,

      No, I’m not ‘off the grid’ :-) I guess ‘wilds’ is a relative term – after living most of my life in urban areas where anything and everything imaginable was near to hand (like Japanese grocery stores and bookstores that occupy an entire city block) now I’m fifteen or twenty miles from even the most basic necessities (like the library or ‘a’ grocery store.) So if it weren’t for the internet, I’d feel completely cut-off from civilization.

      Love your blog, by the way.

      Delete
  17. Sheila DeethDecember 16, 2015 at 5:36 PM

    Oh, thank you! So cool!

    ReplyDelete

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