Terry Tyler

An absolutely chilling tale of what could yet come to pass, whether in the UK or here in the US. It's so easy these days to shut out the real world and experience everything through the lens of social media. To cocoon ourselves. What happens when the real world comes knocking and it's something you never thought could happen? For Nick and Lita reality is about to hit very hard - and they're forced to call upon inner reserves they didn't know they had. If you've been following politics in the show more US this dystopian tale might seem a little more close to reality than before. show less

This gem of a novella is an unsettling glimpse into the stressful world of contemporary Amazon authors: cheerful on the surface but ever aware of those seemingly more talented or more successful. But life, like your Amazon ranking, can be fleeting.

Three novelists, intertwined by friendship and jealousy, find success, failure, and scandal. Each makes decisions out of desire or desperation, and all lead to unexpected consequences.

I found this book both entertaining and disturbing, posing show more ethical questions that seem simple enough until you scratch the surface. In the world of writing, as with life, it’s the lies we tell ourselves that come back to haunt us. show less

Despite having already discovered that Terry Tyler is an excellent novelist I had a slight resistance to reading “Kings and Queens.” The idea of a contemporary parallel to the life of Tudor King Henry VIII was superb, but could it be achieved without too much awkwardly contrived plotting? Yes!

All the significant players in the life of Henry VIII feature in Terry’s story but she adapts the circumstances of each marriage to the context of its late 20th century era. Children are born, show more there are divorces but nobody has their head chopped off!

“Kings and Queens,” can be read from two viewpoints. With no knowledge of Tudor history you can enjoy this family saga as it is revealed, meeting male chauvinism, passion, addiction, power politics etc., just as you might watching a compulsive TV series such as “Howards Way” or “Dallas.” If you expect Harry Lanchester to behave like his alter ego Henry VIII you can thoroughly enjoy the twists and nuances in which his story differs from that of the King.

Inevitably you will identify with one or more of Harry’s partners and you will have encountered someone like his other wives. Each of the six women is a narrator and their biased viewpoint is counterpointed by the testimony of Will, Harry’s best friend and employee. There is tragedy, a dysfunctional family, love and dishonesty. A recipe for a rollicking good read.

If, like me, you are “of a certain age,” you will particularly enjoy the period details of fashion and social mores especially during the 1980s and the accurate reflection of the ups and downs of the housing market add credibility to events that are described.

I can thoroughly recommend this fascinating book and I am anxious to know more about the continuation of Harry’s dynasty. show less

I was initially drawn to this book because of the plot's focus on music. My two addictions in life are books and music, and I'm happiest when I can combine the two. While Dream On definitely fulfilled its promise of taking readers on a journey into the world of rock bands and music, the story was so much more than that. The characters have tremendous depth. They lead the way here, as we watch them mature and pursue their dreams.

Terry Tyler's writing style is honest and easy to get lost in. show more At the end, when I read the last page, I felt like I was saying goodbye to friends. This is one of those books you experience rather than just read. show less