Comments and reviews from Splinters’ readers…
(Moderated)
‘A unique idea with a compelling theme, which will resonate with many who are concerned about morality and integrity in an ever increasingly materialistic world – or who just want a good read. The descriptions, like the one of the storm that felled the Great Oak, and the final battle, are brilliant, with great use of evocative words.’
- Sue Browning – Copy Editor and Lecturer at Birmingham University
‘A thought-provoking, yet erotic, thriller/fantasy, about how the memories of the dead affect the lives of the living, after being returned to earth via a bolt of lighting which strikes the great oak tree. Esther, the beautiful heroine, overcomes tragedy and adversity, to reach an unknown destiny. It’s Armageddon, The Ant and The Grasshopper and D H Lawrence all rolled into one, and can be read on many different levels. As readers, it leads us to question the hedonistic “live now, pay later” aspects of our lives, and to wonder about how events in Tony Sheppard’s own life have resulted in this compelling book with such true-to-life characters.’
Put everything on hold… this is a real page turner!
- Shirley Thompson, writer
‘A clever and startlingly original read. Imaginative and compulsive to the extent that one was unable to function normally until the last page was read. Totally absorbing. Loved it.’
- Anne
‘I want to know how a man could know so much about how a woman feels. Very sexy, but well written. Terrific read.’
- Olga
‘My secretary and I ended up fighting over it. Please send me another!’
- Mrs. Bhavana Hill
I had to miss Coronation Street to carry on reading it; it tells you how good it is. By the way, I happened to be listening to a CD of Wagner’s ‘Ride of the Valkyries’ on the headphones in the ‘Final Battle’ between good and evil. It made the hairs on the back of neck stand up. Cracking read.
- Joan
A very believable concept which captures the imagination: good characters and absolutely readable
- B.H. Hur
The CIA will be after you.
- Henry
This is a woman’s book
- Isobella Self ( Chairwoman of the Birmingham Writers Group)
Delightfully written. Better than some of the prize winning novels I have read.
- Irene Moss
A good storyline. I liked the idea of the great oak tree, and the splinters, and Tony Sheppard writes in such a way that I could actually visualise the different situations throughout.
- Jackie Scott
Please send another copy. I took mine on holiday to Cyprus on a visit to my son, and he would not give it back!
- Nigel Crane
I took it to bed thinking I would read a chapter or two, but I couldn’t stop reading the damn thing. It was 3.a.m. before I could put it down. So tired I just fell asleep. Please send a copy to my sister, Debbie, in Australia (address enclosed). Brilliant book!
- Chrissie
I found it a very good story. Some of it I know to be true. It brings to mind many things that are happening in the world today. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and my son is now reading it. Well done.
- Margaret Harper
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I think your style of writing is delightful, Tony. Much more enjoyable than some of the prize winning novels I have read lately. I do have one query; why did you chose Esther as your heroine? Thanks,
Ree-nee Moss
The characters in Splinters are based on people I know, or have known, Ree-nee. Ordinary people, who are my heroes in life. Sometimes, such as with Christ, they give their lives for others. Esther represents their indomitable spirit; their absolute refusal to give in, even when in danger of losing their lives. Eve could have been my main character; or Michael or even the bench the souls inhabit. Call me mischievous if you will, but I felt that my main character needed to be really up against it. That is why I cast her as beautiful, and took away her fame and fortune. Hope that answers your question,
regards,
Tony Sheppard
Splinters brings modern day characters into the ancient story theme of good battling evil, and adds its own great concept of the souls in the oak tree.
So the question is, Tony, how do follow this up?
I’m chuffed that you like the concept, Jan. There’s a story about how it came to me, too. Follow up? Well, I hanker to know how Carrie gets on in L.A, and Ricky has the contents of Margaret’s shoebox to sort through. And there’s Branston’s Will, of course. There’s a lot of money at stake, now he’s gone. Mrs Harvey won the leather-bound copy, by the way. Better luck next time. Happy Christmas everyone.
Tony S
Hi Tony, Thank you so much for your quick dispatch of my order, Re: THE APPLEJACKS, reunion concert DVD. I came across your web site just surfing internet for info on THE APPLEJACKS, as i do a lot. I am a big fan, play there music all the time, and DVD of them in the 60s. I am new at computers and internet so only found out about the concert 2 wks after they had done it. I was gutted that i had missed it, i would have been there. I Love the DVD,
Wonderful DVD, brings back so many memories of my younger days when i used to travel everywhere to see the group whom i knew so well, in particular AL JACKSON who I worked with in Olton as a hairdresser