Since reporting the disastrous results as a consequence of Draft2Digital falling out with Amazon, and the subsequent removal of all D2D titles, it’s been an uphill battle to recover some momentum for The Prince’s Man.
Thankfully all reviews were finally re-instated, and since then it has gained a few new ones. The two things it couldn’t regain were its original ASIN (ID number), meaning that ALL previous links are redundant, and I’m still ploughing through six months of marketing work, begging site owners to delve back into their archives to update the links; and its Amazon ranking.
As a result, Prince’s Man is way down in the US rankings, but slowly recovering a little in the UK. Problem being that the higher a book’s ranking, the more Amazon pushes it to customers. And vice versa. Ho hum.
So right now, I’m focussing rather more on getting the second novel in the series written – which was becoming so large I’ve now split it into a novel and a novella, so I can get it out to you, my readers, sooner.
In the meantime, Amazon rankings are affected a little by every review a book receives, and below you will find the most recent – thanks Lucinda for the glowing report!
Unlike other fantasy books `The Prince’s Man’ is supremely singular, and a tale that’s so intricately woven you cannot help but get lost within it. I was so mesmerized by the detailed descriptions, tangible world-building and intricate narrative that I just did not want to put this book down. Deborah Jay has created a highly believable world in which you can loose yourself entirely within, as well as a cast of unforgettable characters and creatures.
Seamless storytelling and a perfect balance of in-depth prose and dramatic action, makes this assured novel a most enjoyable read. The suspenseful and gripping battle scenes are so vivid and authentic; you are able to clearly envisage the brutality and gore. This captivating fantasy is well written and incredibly convincing hence I have no hesitation in placing it alongside Hobb, Feist, Martin and Brooks upon my bookshelf. If you enjoy fantasy with a touch of reality then this outstanding debut is definitely worth reading! Without a doubt this book for me deserves no less than 5 stars.
Do you make a point of leaving a review after you’ve read a novel? What motivates you to do so, and if you don’t, why not? I’d love to know.
deborahjay 
Three to four out of five books get a review. My motivation is to support the author and the readers. If I do not review – this is often a time factor, sometimes there are way too many similar opinions regarding the book in question out there.
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That’s a good percentage Karen – authors are very grateful for reviewers, it’s one of the most helpful ways of gaining more readers. And when I’m looking at a book with a view to purchase, I always check out the reviews first – so helpful all round, indeed.
I know what you mean about not reviewing when all the opinions appear similar, and time is always a factor! However on a personal level, my main reason for not reviewing is when I don’t feel I can be positive about a book, even in a constructive way. I hate to be negative, but I’m grateful to those brave enough to do it when they save me from buying a book I know I’d hate – such as one that ends on a cliff-hanger – my pet hate!
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Thank you, Deborah. Committing to review a book is hard work. I read every book as if I was actually doing a review afterwards. Reviews can be misleading. I came across a really bad review – the only review – for a short story by an author I know. I read the story – and was impressed. It was very short, true. I was really touched. I didn’t provide four stars out of sympathy. The story deserved four stars. I guess that the first ‘reviewer’ had just expected something completely different. This didn’t justify a rude comment, however.
If I am not offered a book for review, I try to find reviews of reviewers I know. Some of them may rate books differently, true. In these cases I can still come to a decision ‘to read, or not to read – that is the question’.
If I do not really like a book, I contact the author, first.
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