Archive for the ‘News’ Category

Friday 13th

Posted: October 13, 2017 in News
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When it comes to Friday 13th in October, you can’t help but make parallels between Friday 13th and Halloween – and no we’re not talking about the movie series.

Many of you will have seen the ridiculous statement circling the internet that claims that Halloween falls on Friday 13th for the first time in 666 years – considering that Halloween is always 31st October, it’s an impossibility that there is any truth in the statement.

Most people believe that Friday 13th is a day that promises bad luck to any and all, but what are the origins of this?

There are many theories as to why the number 13 is considered unlucky and superstitions that assign importance to the combination of 13 and Friday.

However there are notable events that have taken place on Friday 13th that could provide some indication as to why we still consider the day unlucky any why it is frequently associated with Halloween.

On Friday 13th October in 1307 hundreds of Knights Templar were arrested by King Philip IV of France (not personally).  The charges against them were varied, but the real reason for their arrest was the king wanted the money that the knights had access to. Many of these Templars that were arrested were executed.

The bombing of Buckingham Palace during the Blitz took place on Friday 13th September 1940.

You may have heard the name Kitty Genovese, if you don’t recognise the name, you may have heard the story about the woman who was stabbed to death in the street outside her apartment in Kew Gardens. Not only was the young woman (28 years old) killed in the street, there were at least 37 witnesses who either saw or heard the attack and did nothing. No one attempted to save her or even called the police. This event is referenced in the movie, the Boondock Saints and used as an example of the adage by Edmund Burke “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” If you hadn’t already guessed it, the murder happened on Friday 13th March 1964 in Queens, New York. (It should be mentioned that in recent years evidence has been presented that the police were called and the number if witnesses were lower than reported, but as a piece of folklore it adds to the Friday 13th horror)

A cyclone hit Bangladesh on Friday 13th November 1970 that killed more than 300,000 people.

On Friday 13th October 1972 a Chilean Air Force place disappeared over the Andes.

Tupac Shakur, the influential rapper famous for the songs Changes, Hit em up, Only God can judge me, Hail Mary and Life Goes On died on Friday 13th September 1996. He had been shot in a drive by shooting on 7th September.

On Friday 13th January 2012, the Costa Concordia cruise ship crashed off the coast of Italy killing 30 people.

 

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Christmas is Coming!

Posted: October 10, 2017 in C.S. Woolley, News
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Yes, Christmas is coming and it’s coming fast. Only 11 Fridays remain between now and Christmas Day.

But though time is running out, never fear, we have a range of gift sets that are the perfect treat for those who are rushed off their feet with the festive season and they also make excellent gifts for all the family.

Stocking Fillers

Our range of stocking fillers for this year includes:

Postcards from Celadmore priced at £3.00 for 3

FATE A3 Poster priced at £5 each

WAR A3 Poster priced at £5 each

WIFRITH A3 Poster priced at £5 each

The Children of Ribe map priced at £5 each

The Chronicles of Celadmore Map priced at £5 each

The Rising Empire Trilogy Poster priced at £5 each

Nicolette Mace: the Raven Siren Poster priced at £5 each

In Exchange Poster priced at £5 each

Twisted Viking Arm Rings priced at £5 each

The £3.99 books

There are a few short books from Mightier Than the Sword UK that are all priced at £3.99. These are as follows:

Nicolette Mace: the Raven Siren – Medusa

Nicolette Mace: the Raven Siren – The Case of Mrs. Weldon

Nicolette Mace: the Raven Siren – Hunting the Priest Killer

Nicolette Mace: the Raven Siren – Filling the Afterlife from the Underworld: Volume 1 

Nicolette Mace: the Raven Siren – Filling the Afterlife from the Underworld: Volume 2

Nicolette Mace: the Raven Siren – Filling the Afterlife from the Underworld: Volume 3

Nicolette Mace: the Raven Siren – Filling the Afterlife from the Underworld: Volume 4

Nicolette Mace: the Raven Siren – Murder in the First

12 Days of Christmas in Stickleback Hollow

A Miracle of Grace

The £4.99+ books

The next step up in paperbacks is the £4.99 range which covers quite a few different series.

Nicolette Mace: the Raven Siren – Siren’s Call

Nicolette Mace: the Raven Siren – Shadow

Nicolette Mace: the Raven Siren – A Shot in the Dark

Nicolette Mace: the Raven Siren – From Out of the Ashes

Nicolette Mace: the Raven Siren -The Murder of Michael Hollingsworth

Nicolette Mace: the Raven Siren – Sabrina

The Children of Ribe: FATE

The Children of Ribe: WAR

The Children of Ribe: WIFRITH

The Children of Ribe: DOUBT

The Children of Ribe: SKANE

The Children of Ribe: SHIPWRECKED

The Children of Ribe: FEAR

The Children of Ribe: HOME

The Children of Snotingas: WYRD

A Thief in Stickleback Hollow

All Hallows’ Eve in Stickleback Hollow

Mr. Daniel Cooper of Stickleback Hollow

The Day the Circus Came to Stickleback Hollow

The Merchant of Venice

The £12.99+ books

From the price of £12.99 we have a range of books that are also available which include:

Rising Empire: Part 1

Rising Empire: Part 2

Rising Empire: Part 3

Shroud of Darkness

Lady of Fire

End of Days

Brothers

In Exchange

We Do Not Kill Children

The Collections

If you’re thinking about buying one or more books in the same series, then check out our collections first. Not only do they contain a number of books in a single volume, but they also are cheaper than buying each of the books separately.

The current collections are:

The Rising Empire Trilogy priced at £21.99

The Shroud of Darkness Trilogy priced at £21.99

The Arm Rings of Yngvar Collection priced at £33.99

Nicolette Mace: the Raven Siren – Beginnings priced at £16.99

Fate Map Gift Set

This gift set includes the paperback of FATE (normally £4.99), the digital download (normally £1.99) and the A3 poster of the Children of Ribe map (normally £7). The code for your digital download will be on a card included with the rest of your order. Please note that the colour of the tissue paper, the ribbon around the map, the illustration on the digital download card and the shape of the box vary from order to order.

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The Children of Ribe is a Viking Saga for children bringing the culture and mythology of the Danish Vikings to life. The book series has been influenced by Enid Blyton, Arthur Ransome, Susan Cooper, J R R Tolkien and C. S. Lewis.

Based in Denmark during the time of the Vikings, these books are tales of magic and danger that are suitable for children from the ages of seven and up to read on their own but also perfect for people to read to children from the age of 4.

The Children of Ribe is a modern fairy tale that brings elements of Danish folklore and mythology to life mixed with elements of Viking culture. These books have been designed to help children with dyslexia to read. You can watch author C.S. Woolley talking about dyslexia and reading from FATE, book 1 in the Children of Ribe series here: https://youtu.be/EcnKLKa5c98

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Welcome to Denmark, home of the Vikings

When fate knocks at the door, it doesn’t matter how old you are or whether you want to go on an adventure or not.

The town of Ribe is the home of four children whose lives are turned upside down when Dalla Ingeborgsdotter arrives in the town. The tales of the storyweavers are no longer just stories to be recited by the fireside and the long peace between the tribes of Denmark looks sure to be shattered.

Join Erland Kabelsen, Christian Andersen, Dalla Ingeborgsdotter, Eva Axeldatter, Riki Andersen and Wifrith the Wolf as they set out on a journey that will change their lives and save their people.

Fate & Wyrd Gift Set

Give the gift of reading with this Children’s book gift set. Get the first book in C.S. Woolley’s Viking series, the Children of Ribe, and the first book in C.S. Woolley’s Anglo-Saxon series, the Children of Snotingas, along with a Viking arm ring and an A3 map of the Danelands all in one gift set.

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Welcome to Denmark, home of the Vikings

When fate knocks at the door, it doesn’t matter how old you are or whether you want to go on an adventure or not.

Join Erland Kabelsen, Christian Andersen, Dalla Ingeborgsdotter, Eva Axeldatter, Riki Andersen and Wifrith the Wolf as they set out on a journey that will change their lives and save their people.

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Step back in time to the age of King Penda, when the kingdom of Mercia was born.

Life in Anglo-Saxon England is far from fair. There are strict classes that all people fall into. At the top there are the kings, then the thanes. After the thanes come the warriors, then the ceorls, and at the very bottom are the slaves. Women are not equal to men; and then there are the prisoners.

But all is not well in Snotingas. Kipp, Morven and Nyle are prisoners of Snot, captured sons of the Thane’s of Northumbria, and they are determined to cause as many problems as they can for their captors. Though the sons of Snotingas are preparing for battle, the sons of Northumbria still have to contend with the daughters of Snotingas.

Arm Rings of Yngvar Gift Set

The Children of Ribe is a Viking Saga for children bringing the culture and mythology of the Danish Vikings to life. The book series has been influenced by Enid Blyton, Arthur Ransome, Susan Cooper, J R R Tolkien and C. S. Lewis. Based in Denmark during the time of the Vikings, these books are tales of magic and danger that are suitable for children from the ages of seven and up to read on their own but also perfect for people to read to children from the age of 4.

The Children of Ribe is a modern fairy tale that brings elements of Danish folklore and mythology to life mixed with elements of Viking culture. These books have been designed to help children with dyslexia to read. You can watch author C.S. Woolley talking about dyslexia and reading from FATE, book 1 in the Children of Ribe series here: https://youtu.be/EcnKLKa5c98

Whether you are interested in Vikings, studying them at school, or are simply shopping for the perfect gift for your favourite bookworm, the Children of Ribe series is just what you are looking for.

This gift set contains the following:

1 x FATE paperback

1 x WAR paperback

1 x WIFRITH paperback

1 x DOUBT paperback

1 x SKÅNE paperback

1 x SHIPWRECKED paperback

1 x FEAR paperback

1 x HOME paperback

1 x map of the Danelands

Gift wrapping is available for free – please specify whether the gift is for a birthday, Christmas or other occasion to ensure appropriate wrapping paper is used.

Children of Ribe Arm Ring Gift Set

The Children of Ribe is a Viking Saga for children bringing the culture and mythology of the Danish Vikings to life. The book series has been influenced by Enid Blyton, Arthur Ransome, Susan Cooper, J R R Tolkien and C. S. Lewis. Based in Denmark during the time of the Vikings, these books are tales of magic and danger that are suitable for children from the ages of seven and up to read on their own but also perfect for people to read to children from the age of 4.

The Children of Ribe is a modern fairy tale that brings elements of Danish folklore and mythology to life mixed with elements of Viking culture. These books have been designed to help children with dyslexia to read. You can watch author C.S. Woolley talking about dyslexia and reading from FATE, book 1 in the Children of Ribe series here: https://youtu.be/EcnKLKa5c98

Whether you are interested in Vikings, studying them at school, or are simply shopping for the perfect gift for your favourite bookworm, the Children of Ribe series is just what you are looking for.

This gift set contains the following:

1 x FATE paperback

1 x WAR paperback

1 x WIFRITH paperback

1 x DOUBT paperback

1 x SKÅNE paperback

1 x SHIPWRECKED paperback

1 x FEAR paperback

1 x HOME paperback

1 x map of the Danelands

1 x Polymer Clay Bronze Twisted Arm Ring

Gift wrapping is available for free – please specify whether the gift is for a birthday, Christmas or other occasion to ensure appropriate wrapping paper is used.

Rising Empire: Part 2 Gift Set

The Chronicles of Celadmore is a fantasy series based in a fictional realm, written by C.S. Woolley. The Chronicles of Celadmore fall into the epic fantasy end of the fantasy genre with some influencing elements of gothic fiction and gritty realism that combine to create a fantasy series that is for those who like fantasy and those who don’t. Some of the more fantastical elements of magic and mythical beasts are missing from the series

Rising Empire: Part 1 Gift Set

The Chronicles of Celadmore is a fantasy series based in a fictional realm, written by C.S. Woolley. The Chronicles of Celadmore fall into the epic fantasy end of the fantasy genre with some influencing elements of gothic fiction and gritty realism that combine to create a fantasy series that is for those who like fantasy and those who don’t. Some of the more fantastical elements of magic and mythical beasts are missing from the series which makes them accessible to those who normally avoid the fantasy genre. The realm of Celadmore is one that is fully formed with lots of different kingdoms that each have their own cultures, languages and religions. They also have their own histories, intrigues and relationships with other kingdoms and there is even a coalition of Free Cities that do not bend the knee to any monarch. The Chronicles of Celadmore follow the royal line of Anagura and Queteria, the founders of the tribal people known as the Order. There are also plans for a spin off series of novels under the series title The Dragonian Wars.

Rising Empire: Part 1 is the first book in the Chronicles of Celadmore series and the first book in the Rising Empire trilogy.
This gift set comes with a copy of Rising Empire: Part 1 in paperback format, three Chronicles of Celadmore postcards and a copy of the A3 map of Celadmore.

Rising Empire: Part 2 Gift Set

The Chronicles of Celadmore is a fantasy series based in a fictional realm, written by C.S. Woolley. The Chronicles of Celadmore fall into the epic fantasy end of the fantasy genre with some influencing elements of gothic fiction and gritty realism that combine to create a fantasy series that is for those who like fantasy and those who don’t. Some of the more fantastical elements of magic and mythical beasts are missing from the series which makes them accessible to those who normally avoid the fantasy genre. The realm of Celadmore is one that is fully formed with lots of different kingdoms that each have their own cultures, languages and religions. They also have their own histories, intrigues and relationships with other kingdoms and there is even a coalition of Free Cities that do not bend the knee to any monarch. The Chronicles of Celadmore follow the royal line of Anagura and Queteria, the founders of the tribal people known as the Order. There are also plans for a spin off series of novels under the series title The Dragonian Wars.

Rising Empire: Part 2 is the second book in the Chronicles of Celadmore series and the first book in the Rising Empire trilogy.

This gift set comes with a copy of Rising Empire: Part 2 in paperback format, three Chronicles of Celadmore postcards and a copy of the A3 poster of the Rising Empire cover art.

Rising Empire: Part 3 Gift Set

The Chronicles of Celadmore is a fantasy series based in a fictional realm, written by C.S. Woolley. The Chronicles of Celadmore fall into the epic fantasy end of the fantasy genre with some influencing elements of gothic fiction and gritty realism that combine to create a fantasy series that is for those who like fantasy and those who don’t. Some of the more fantastical elements of magic and mythical beasts are missing from the series which makes them accessible to those who normally avoid the fantasy genre. The realm of Celadmore is one that is fully formed with lots of different kingdoms that each have their own cultures, languages and religions. They also have their own histories, intrigues and relationships with other kingdoms and there is even a coalition of Free Cities that do not bend the knee to any monarch. The Chronicles of Celadmore follow the royal line of Anagura and Queteria, the founders of the tribal people known as the Order. There are also plans for a spin off series of novels under the series title The Dragonian Wars.

Rising Empire: Part 3 is the third book in the Rising Empire Trilogy, and is chronologically the third book in the Chronicles of Celadmore series. This gift set includes a paperback copy of Rising Empire, three Celadmore postcards and an A3 poster of the Rising Empire cover art.

Shroud of Darkness Gift Set

The Chronicles of Celadmore is a fantasy series based in a fictional realm, written by C.S. Woolley. The Chronicles of Celadmore fall into the epic fantasy end of the fantasy genre with some influencing elements of gothic fiction and gritty realism that combine to create a fantasy series that is for those who like fantasy and those who don’t. Some of the more fantastical elements of magic and mythical beasts are missing from the series which makes them accessible to those who normally avoid the fantasy genre. The realm of Celadmore is one that is fully formed with lots of different kingdoms that each have their own cultures, languages and religions. They also have their own histories, intrigues and relationships with other kingdoms and there is even a coalition of Free Cities that do not bend the knee to any monarch. The Chronicles of Celadmore follow the royal line of Anagura and Queteria, the founders of the tribal people known as the Order. There are also plans for a spin off series of novels under the series title The Dragonian Wars.

This gift set comes with a copy of Shroud of Darkness in paperback format, three Chronicles of Celadmore postcards and a copy of the A3 poster of the map of Celadmore.

Shroud of Darkness is the first book in the Shroud of Darkness Trilogy in the Chronicles of Celadmore series.

Chronologically it is the fourth book the series and begins a new story arc approximately 400 years after the events of Rising Empire: Parts 1, 2 & 3.

Lady of Fire Gift Set

The Chronicles of Celadmore is a fantasy series based in a fictional realm, written by C.S. Woolley. The Chronicles of Celadmore fall into the epic fantasy end of the fantasy genre with some influencing elements of gothic fiction and gritty realism that combine to create a fantasy series that is for those who like fantasy and those who don’t. Some of the more fantastical elements of magic and mythical beasts are missing from the series which makes them accessible to those who normally avoid the fantasy genre. The realm of Celadmore is one that is fully formed with lots of different kingdoms that each have their own cultures, languages and religions. They also have their own histories, intrigues and relationships with other kingdoms and there is even a coalition of Free Cities that do not bend the knee to any monarch. The Chronicles of Celadmore follow the royal line of Anagura and Queteria, the founders of the tribal people known as the Order. There are also plans for a spin off series of novels under the series title The Dragonian Wars.

This gift set comes with a copy of Lady of Fire in paperback format, three Chronicles of Celadmore postcards and a copy of the A3 poster of the map of Celadmore.

End of Days Gift Set

The Chronicles of Celadmore is a fantasy series based in a fictional realm, written by C.S. Woolley. The Chronicles of Celadmore fall into the epic fantasy end of the fantasy genre with some influencing elements of gothic fiction and gritty realism that combine to create a fantasy series that is for those who like fantasy and those who don’t. Some of the more fantastical elements of magic and mythical beasts are missing from the series which makes them accessible to those who normally avoid the fantasy genre. The realm of Celadmore is one that is fully formed with lots of different kingdoms that each have their own cultures, languages and religions. They also have their own histories, intrigues and relationships with other kingdoms and there is even a coalition of Free Cities that do not bend the knee to any monarch. The Chronicles of Celadmore follow the royal line of Anagura and Queteria, the founders of the tribal people known as the Order. There are also plans for a spin off series of novels under the series title The Dragonian Wars.

This gift set comes with a copy of End of Days in paperback format, three Chronicles of Celadmore postcards and a copy of the A3 poster of the map of Celadmore.

Stickleback Hollow Gift Set

When her parents die from fever, Lady Sarah Montgomery Baird Watson-Wentworth has to leave India, a land she was born and raised in, and travel to England for the first time.

Finding it almost impossible to adjust to London society, Sarah flees to the county of Cheshire and the country estate of Grangeback that borders the village of Stickleback Hollow.

A place filled with oddballs, eccentrics and more suspicious characters than you can shake a stick at, Sarah feels more at home in the sleepy little village than she ever did in the big city, however, even sleepy little villages have mysteries that must be solved.

Gift set contains the first four titles in the Mysteries of Stickleback Hollow series – A Thief in Stickleback Hollow, All Hallow Eve in Stickleback Hollow, Mr. Daniel Cooper of Stickleback Hollow & The Day the Circus came to Stickleback Hollow. Save 18% on buying each title separately.

The Sci-fi Gift Set

Coming to the store on 31st October, the Sci-fi gift set will contain the paperback books of Brothers and In Exchange making it the perfect gift for all fans of the sci-fi genre. Price TBA 

The Fantasy Gift Set

Coming to the store on 31st October, the Fantasy gift set will contain the paperback books of We Do Not Kill Children and Rising Empire: Part 1 making it the perfect gift for all fans of the fantasy genre. Price TBA

 

What’s coming in 2017/2018

Posted: October 5, 2017 in C.S. Woolley, children of snotingas, Chronicles of Celadmore, Mysteries of Stickleback Hollow, News, Nicolette Mace: the Raven Siren, Penelope Wallace, Tales of Ragaris
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As this year has gone on, the originally publishing schedule we had for the year has changed somewhat. But with so many books, it’s only to be expected!

But as we’re growing closer to the end of this year, we thought we’d give you all a peek at the release dates for the books that we’ve got lined up to publish over the next 7 months. All dates are provisional and subject to change.

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October 2017

16th – Hild, Book 2 in the Children of Snotingas series by C.S. Woolley

20th – When Darkness Falls, Book 7 in the Chronicles of Celadmore series by C.S. Woolley (re-release)

23rd – A Bonfire Surprise in Stickleback Hollow, Book 5 in the Mysteries of Stickleback Hollow series by C.S. Woolley

31st – Brea, Book 3 in the Children of Snotingas series by C.S. Woolley

WDF Coming

November 2017

2nd – The Merchant of Venice Key Stage 3 Workbook

7th – What Became of Henry Cartwright, Book 6 in the Mysteries of Stickleback Hollow series by C.S. Woolley

16th – A Friend in Need, Nicolette Mace: the Raven Siren by C.S. Woolley

16th – Manhunt, Nicolette Mace: the Raven Siren by C.S. Woolley

21st – Much Ado About Nothing, Shakespeare Simplified by C.S. Woolley

23rd – The Thrys , Book 4 in the Children of Snotingas series by C.S. Woolley

28th – Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Die, Book 7 in the Mysteries of Stickleback Hollow series by C.S. Woolley

30th – Hwicce, Book 5 in the Children of Snotingas series by C.S. Woolley

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December 2017

5th – The March of the Berry Pickers, Book 8 in the Mysteries of Stickleback Hollow series by C.S. Woolley

7th – Gangster’s Paradise, Nicolette Mace: the Raven Siren by C.S. Woolley

12th – 10th Province of Jaryar, Book 2 in the Tales from Ragaris series by Penelope Wallace

12th – Return of McGregor, Nicolette Mace: the Raven Siren by C.S. Woolley

14th – The Draca, Book 6 in the Children of Snotingas series by C.S. Woolley

19th – Last Train Home, Nicolette Mace: the Raven Siren by C.S. Woolley

21st – Til Death do us part, Nicolette Mace: the Raven Siren by C.S. Woolley

28th – Alpha Sigma 1, Book 1 in the Alpha Sigma series by C.S. Woolley

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January 2018

4th – How do you solve a problem like Siren?, Nicolette Mace: the Raven Siren by C.S. Woolley

9th – The Etins, Book 7 in the Children of Snotingas series by C.S. Woolley

11th – The Siren, Fred & Harry Saga, Nicolette Mace: the Raven Siren by C.S. Woolley

16th – Torn Allegiance, Book 8 in the Chronicles of Celadmore series by C.S. Woolley

23rd – The Aefles, Book 8 in the Children of Snotingas series by C.S. Woolley

30th – Urd, Book 1 in the Children of Danelaw series by C.S. Woolley

Inexchange

February 2018

6th – Fading Dawn, Book 9 in the Chronicles of Celadmore series by C.S. Woolley

8th – Fading Dawn Trilogy, Books 7 to 9 in the Chronicles of Celadmre series by C.S. Woolley

13th – Alpha Sigma 2, Book 2 in the Alpha Sigma series by C.S. Woolley

20th – Pestilence, Wave 1 in the Invasion series by C.S. Woolley

27th – When Three Become Two, Nicolette Mace: the Raven Siren by C.S. Woolley

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March 2018

6th – Invasion, Book 2 in the Children of Danelaw series by C.S. Woolley

13th – Ailing Light, Book 10 in the Chronicles of Celadmore by C.S. Woolley

20th – Alpha Sigma 3, Book 3 in the Alpha Sigma series by C.S. Woolley

27th – Ill Blowing Wind, Book 11 in the Chronicles of Celadmore series by C.S. Woolley

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April 2018

10th – Conquest, Book 3 in the Children of Danelaw series by C.S. Woolley

12th – Shadow of the South, Book 12 in the Chronicles of Celadmore series by C.S. Woolley

24th – Ailing Light Trilogy, Books 10 to 12 in the Chronicles of Celadmore series by C.S. Woolley

26th – Audacity, Book 4 in the Children of Danelaw series by C.S. Woolley

 

 

 

12 Days of Christmas in Stickleback Hollow

Posted: September 24, 2017 in C.S. Woolley, Charity, Mysteries of Stickleback Hollow, News
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It’s only 7 days until the charity book for the year is released, yes, the 12 Days of Stickleback Hollow is coming out on 30th September and all the royalties are going to charity!

12 Days of Christmas promo 1“The whole concept of the book started out as simply being 12 blogs that I could do in the run up to Christmas,” said C.S. Woolley, “I got through 8 of the 12 days and ran out of time with all the other Christmas stories I was doing for the other book series. So when it came to deciding what I was going to do as my charity book for the year, finishing this collection off seemed the logical choice.”

If you haven’t read any of the Mysteries of Stickleback Hollow yet (or even if you have), you might not know that most of the characters in the series are named after cricketers.

“I love cricket and as well as following the national side, I am also a member of Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club. Trent Bridge really is my Disneyland and I spend as much time as I can there. I’ve done some fundraising over the last year for their charity, the Trent Bridge Community Sports Trust, and I thought it was only fitting that the book benefit them in some way.”

But then why the Broad Appeal?

“The Broad Appeal is a charity that was set up by Chris Broad (former cricketer), Stuart Broad (current cricketer and publican) and Gemma Broad (who used to work for the England Cricket Board). As I was fundraising for the TBCST it seemed a good idea to include the Broad Appeal as well – especially considering how much time I spend writing in Stuart’s pub.”

Stickleback HollowTitlesThe 12 Days of Christmas in Stickleback Hollow is based on the song, the 12 Days of Christmas and features 12 short stories that are each set around the 12 verses of the song in some way, shape or form. There are different characters followed in the different stories, it doesn’t keep to a strict timeline and the stories slot in at different points in the series narrative but you don’t need to have read the series to enjoy them. C.S. Woolley has also written them so that they avoid as many spoilers as possible, so you can read them without worrying that you’re going to discover any major plot points.

The 12 Days of Christmas in Stickleback Hollow is currently available for pre-order for £1.99 from Amazon, Smashwords, iBooks, Kobo and Nook in digital format and will be available in paperback from 30th September.

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Below is some more information about the two charities that the book is supporting. To find out more, please follow the links.

The Trent Bridge Community Sports Trust:

Chaired by Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club Chief Executive Lisa Pursehouse, the Trent Bridge Community Trust delivers projects that have a profound and meaningful impact on communities across our county.

This impact is highlighted by statistics, but equally by the personal stories of young people who have prospered having been given the one thing they need, a sporting chance.

The Trust is the charitable arm of Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club and our fortunes are intrinsically linked. All Trust staff are directly employed by the Club, allowing commercial partners and grant aiding bodies to have confidence that every penny they provide has an impact on frontline community initiatives.

The Broad Appeal for the MND Association:

Few disorders are as devastating as motor neurone disease (MND). Imagine a healthy and alert mind trapped inside a body that can’t move, that’s the devastating reality of MND.

MND attacks the nerve cells (motor neurones) that send messages from the brain to the muscles. As these motor neurones gradually die, the muscles stop working. If affects people in different ways, so no two people will have exactly the same symptoms or experience of MND.

In the majority of cases MND is a rapidly progressive, fatal disease that can affect any adult at any time. The cause of MND is unknown and with NO cure half die within 14 months of diagnosis.

It is impossible to convey in words the overwhelming and devastating nature of a disease which in as little as a year can turn a potent, able parent, partner and employee into someone totally dependent on others for the simplest and most private actions we all take for granted.

 

New Release: The Murder of Michael Hollingsworth

Posted: September 19, 2017 in Books, C.S. Woolley, News, Nicolette Mace: the Raven Siren
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With the relaunch and reworking of the Nicolette Mace: the Raven Siren series there are now even more stories set to come through to flesh out the world. The sixth story in the Siren series in the Murder of Michael Hollingsworth and it’s out now!

MoMH Book Card

The Nicolette Mace: the Raven Siren series is a film noir, hard-boiled satire that is filled with sarcasm, gun play, biting wit and a trio that specialises in crime solving in between drinking, falling in love and running from the shadows of their past.

65. Murder of Michael Hollingsworth 1 of 75

The Murder of Michael Hollingsworth is the 65th book by C.S. Woolley, is part of the Beginnings Saga (and can be found in Beginnings) and is dedicated to her friends that Hollingsworth is named after.

Get your copy of the Murder of Michael Hollingsworth in paperback or digital today from Amazon, kindle, Barnes & Noble, our Coriandr store, iBooks, Kobo, Nook, Smashwords and other good retailers.

14 Fridays until Christmas

Posted: September 17, 2017 in C.S. Woolley, Children of Ribe, News, Sales
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With just 14 Fridays to go until Christmas, you may be thinking that it’s too early to be thinking about your Christmas shopping. But for those of you who are organised and like to get things done before the mad rush and dispatch and delivery times on items get longer due to high demand, we’ve already set up our Christmas deals.

We’ll be featuring different deals as Christmas gets closer as well as promotional videos, new releases and flash sales. Today we are starting with the Children of Ribe Arm Ring Gift Set
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Back to School with the Arm Rings of Yngvar

Posted: September 13, 2017 in C.S. Woolley, Children of Ribe, News, Sales
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If you follow C.S. Woolley or Mightier Than the Sword UK on any of our social media channels, then you will know about the back to school offer that is currently running. If not, then you’ll find all the details below.

20447422_10159024620095024_298263206_oThe Arm Rings of Yngvar Collection refers to the first eight books in the Children of Ribe series, which see the Children of Ribe searching for the arm rings of Yngvar. The Arm Rings of Yngvar gift set is an opportunity for readers to buy all eight paperbacks in a single bundle with the added bonus of an A3 map of the Danelands for 25% less than they would pay for buying each item separately.

Normally retailing at £56.99, the gift set is on offer at just £45 with £2.90 p&p for UK orders until 14th September 2017. On 15th September, the gift set will go back to being £56.99.

Claim your gift set now!

However this isn’t the only offer that is running right now.

bt_bronze_braceletsIf you are a regular visitor to the site, you may have seen the gorgeous bronze arm rings that have been crafted for us on display. These are currently out of stock, but we did have a request made for cheaper arm rings that children could play with. Thus the highly creative C.S. Woolley went to her drawing board, dredged up her costuming knowledge from days gone by and came up with a line of arm rings that are handmade to order out of polymer clay and retail for just £5 each plus p&p.

21729975_10159259171270024_933749259_oAs the arm rings are made out of polymer clay they are suitable for children and adults alike and as they are made to the specified size and number of each order without the use of moulds, each arm ring is unique.

So to celebrate the release of these little marvels, we’ve put together a second Arm Rings of Yngvar gift set that features all eight of the books in the Children of Ribe series, the A3 map of the Danelands and one of the polymer clay arm rings for just £56.99 until 21st September 2017. On 22nd September this gift set will be priced at £59.99.

So don’t miss out on your chance to take advantage of these great deals; claim your gift set now!

Welcome to Denmark, home of the Vikings

When fate knocks at the door, it doesn’t matter how old you are or whether you want to go on an adventure or not.

21744800_10159258246595024_240944598_oThe town of Ribe is the home of four children whose lives are turned upside down when Dalla Ingeborgsdotter arrives in the town. The tales of the storyweavers are no longer just stories to be recited by the fireside and the long peace between the tribes of Denmark looks sure to be shattered.

Join Erland Kabelsen, Christian Andersen, Dalla Ingeborgsdotter, Eva Axeldatter, Riki Andersen and Wifrith the Wolf as they set out on a journey that will change their lives and save their people.

21706459_10159259911355024_1310935111_oThe Children of Ribe is a Viking Saga for children bringing the culture and mythology of the Danish Vikings to life. The book series has been influenced by Enid Blyton, Arthur Ransome, Susan Cooper, J R R Tolkien and C. S. Lewis.

Based in Denmark during the time of the Vikings, these books are tales of magic and danger that are suitable for children from the ages of seven and up to read on their own but also perfect for people to read to children from the age of 4.

The Children of Ribe is a modern fairy tale that brings elements of Danish folklore and mythology to life mixed with elements of Viking culture. These books have been designed to help children with dyslexia to read. You can watch author C.S. Woolley talking about dyslexia and reading from FATE, book 1 in the Children of Ribe series here: https://youtu.be/EcnKLKa5c98

21585456_10159240303370024_1718988376_oWhether you are interested in Vikings, studying them at school, or are simply shopping for the perfect gift for your favourite bookworm, the Children of Ribe series is just what you are looking for.

 

FATE, Book 1 in the Children of Ribe series has been used by Marton Primary School in Cheshire to help teach the Viking part of the National Curriculum to their year 3 and 4 pupils.

Blogging Resumed

Posted: September 10, 2017 in News

It’s been a while since we released a blog because it’s been so busy in the Mightier Than the Sword UK Publication offices. However, we are back to posting our weekly blog and we have a lot to catch you up on.

Our next post will be about what to expect in terms of releases over the next few months (the publishing calendar has changed dramatically in the last few months) and then there is news about each of our books that have been published and those that are still to come – along with merchandise news, store updates, events, author appearances, and the launch of our Christmas campaigns. All of this is set to follow in the next few weeks as we get back on track and there will be a few updates and changes to the website over the next few months.

Whilst we get everything in order, feel free to check out the new webstore on Coriandr and check back to find out what surprises we have in store!

 

Big News Day

Posted: May 26, 2017 in Books, C.S. Woolley, News
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Well it’s a big news day for all of us here at Mightier Than the Sword UK. Whilst most of the population of the UK is dying in the heat, we’re celebrating some wonderful events!

The first is the launch party for Penelope Wallace, it takes place tonight, 26th May 2017, at the Middle Street Resource Centre in Beeston. Penelope will be on hand to talk about her book We Do Not Kill Children and the upcoming sequel! It’s a free event, so if you are in the area, feel free to come along and meet with Penelope!

Penny Release Party Poster

We’re also celebrating a week of school workshops that C.S. Woolley has just completed. Running a variety of different sessions including Viking myths and storytelling, Developing character backstory, how to build a book world and writing your own fairy tale, C.S. visited Sherwood Junior School in Nottinghamshire, Mottram Academy in  Cheshire and Marton and District C of E Primary School in Cheshire.

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C.S. Woolley opening the library at Mottram St. Andrew Academy in Cheshire. Photo Credit: Mottram Academy. 

C.S. Woolley grew up in Cheshire and attended Mottram St. Andrew Academy, so the visit to open the library and run workshops with the pupils in year 3, 4, 5 and 6 was an extra special experience.

“It’s been an absolute honour and privilege to spend so much time with all the children in the schools this week. They were all so excited and had such creative ideas, it was really wonderful to be able to talk to them an answer so many questions.”

If you are interested in booking C.S. Woolley for a school or library visit please contact office@mightierthanthesworduk.com for more details.

However, that’s not all that’s happened this week for C.S. Woolley has also had 20 titles released. These are not titles that she did under the banner of Mightier Than the Sword UK but for a different publisher.

Foxton Books contracted C.S. Woolley to write a series of 20 books for them. These were rewrites of 20 literary classics that have been designed to help people learn English- whether they are children or adults.

The books include comprehension tests that she devised and Foxton Books found a stunningly talented illustrator to bring some of the moments from the books to life.

The titles so far are:

Level 1

  • The Wizard of Oz
  • Huckleberry Finn
  • The Adventure of the Speckled Band (Sherlock Holmes)
  • Anne of Green Gables
  • Dracula
  • The Prisoner of Zenda
  • The Lost World

Level 2

  • Moby Dick
  • Gulliver’s Travels
  • Alice in Wonderland
  • Sleepy Hollow
  • Treasure Island
  • Around the World in Eighty Days
  • Robinson Crusoe

Level 3

  • The Three Musketeers (one of C.S. Woolley’s favourite books)
  • Pocahontas
  • Oliver Twist
  • Frankenstein
  • Journey to the Centre of the Earth
  • Call of the Wild

You can find all of the books direct at Foxton Books or at Amazon, Foyles, Blackwell’s, the Book Depository, Wordery and Waterstones.

This takes the total of published books in C.S. Woolley‘s catalogue up to 58!

 

 

All Hallows’ Eve in Stickleback Hollow

Posted: May 22, 2017 in C.S. Woolley, Mysteries of Stickleback Hollow, News
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All Hallows' Eve Mock UpAll Hallows’ Eve in Stickleback Hollow is the sequel to A Thief in Stickleback Hollow and, like its predecessor, contains lots of things you might have missed.

The historical note contains lots of information that is relevant to the plot and events of the book, but there are also lots of other things that have been woven into the story that you might find interesting.

As before, a number of the characters are named after cricketers, but there are a few other things thrown in as well.

The dedication is much longer than in previous titles that C.S. Woolley has written. Those named in the dedication are the staff and owners of the Three Crowns in Wymeswold. The pub (@catandwickets) is one of the places that C.S. Woolley goes to write and reportedly loves the food there.

Sarah – Sarah Taylor is a current women’s cricketer for England. She is a wicketkeeper-batsman and is well-known for her free flowing stroke play. She can be seen opening the batting in one day matches and batting in the middle order during Test matches. She plays domestic cricket for Sussex.

Montgomery – Robbie Montgomery was a right-arm fast-medium bowler for Gloucestershire until the end of 2015 season, when he was released.He previously played for the Gloucestershire and Somerset Second XI.

Baird – Sam Baird was born in Perth, Australia,and played for the Derbyshire Second XI.

Watson – Shane “Watto” Watson is now retired, but the Australian all-rounder only retired in 2016 when he was considered the No.1 T20 all-rounder.

Wentworth – Wentworth “Tom” Wills was a Victorian cricketer and one of the founders of Australian rules football. He was seen as the first cricketer of significance to be born in Australia. He sadly committed suicide at the age of 44 after he had become “a complete and dangerous and apparently incurable alcoholic” – David Frith.

George – George Mann CBE, DSO, MC was a cricketer for England, Cambridge University and Middlesex. He captained England during his career. His father, Frank Mann, also captained England, which made them the first father and son to both captain England.

Webb – Jonathon Webb is a right-arm medium bowler who played for Warwickshire until the end of the 2016 cricket season, when he was released.

Cooky – Alistair Cook is the former captain of the England Test side who also plays for

Alex – Alex Hales is one of the Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club players that has played for England in the Test, ODI and T20 formats.

Hunter – Jack Hunter is a New Zealand cricketer that has played for New Zealand Under-19s, New Zealand XI,Otago, Otago A and Otago Under-19s.

Henry – Matt Henry is another New Zealand cricketer who plays for Worcestershire and New Zealand International team.

Cartwright – Hilton Cartwright is an Australian All-Rounder who made his Test debut for the national Australian side in January of this year.He plays for the Perth Scorchers and Western Australia.

Baker – Thomas Baker played for Yorkshire and Northamptonshire between 2001 and 2005.

Evans – Laurie Evans is a cricketer currently contracted to Sussex County Cricket Club who has also played for Warwickshire, MCC and Northamptonshire.

Jack – Jack Russell was an eccentric wicketkeeper who played for England and Gloucestershire.

Hales – Also a reference to Alex Hales.

Mary – Mary Duggan was a rught-handed batsman and an incredible bowler for England and took 7 for 6 against Australia, which remain the best test figures in English women’s test history.

May – Peter May played for Surry, Cambridge University and England as a batsman. He was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2009, 15 years after his death.

Margaret – Margaret Rutherford was a cricketer who played four test matches for England in 1960/61.

Cooper – Britney Cooper is a West Indian cricketer who has played both the ODI and T20 formats at the international level.

Harry – Like all of C.S. Woolley’s books series, there is a character called Harry in the Mysteries of Stickleback Hollow. Most of these Harrys are named after Prince Harry, however the Harry in Stickleback Hollow is named after Harry Gurney. Harry Gurney is a Nottinghamshire bowler who has also played for England.

Taylor – James Taylor is a former England and Nottinghamshire cricketer, who was forced to retire in 2016.

Ruth – Ruth is named not after a cricketer, but after baseball player, Babe Ruth, who reportedly broke a cricket bat the first time he tried his hand at the game in 1935 when he met Don Bradman.

Wessex – Wessex isn’t named for a person but rather for a handmade cricket bat.

Stuart – Stuart Broad is a Nottinghamshire and England bowler who is pretty well known for taking some superb wickets.

Moore – Pete Moores is the head coach of the Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club and his son Tom also plays for the team.

Gregory – Greg Smith is a Nottinghamshire batsman.

Kitts – Ben Kitt plays for Nottinghamshire as a fast bowler and lower order batsman. (You may also notice that C.S. Woolley took the S off Moores and put it on Kitt)

Samuel – Sam Wood was a Nottinghamshire bowler until the end of 2016 season.

Daniel – Dan Christian is the captain of the Nottinghamshire T20 side and hails from Australia.

Jones – Aaron Jones is a Barbadian cricketer.

Jake – Jake Ball is a Nottinghamshire bowler who also plays for England.

Walker – Walker Wainwright was a Yorkshire slow left-arm orthodox bowler who went on to be an umpire.

Annabel – Annabel Sutherland is an upcoming Australian cricketer. She currently plays for Melbourne Renegades Women.

Turner – Ashton Turner is an Australian cricket who made his International T20 debut for Australia against Sri Lanka in February 2017.

Pattinson – James Pattinson is an Australian cricketer who also bowls for Nottinghamshire.

Other than these cricketing names, there are few other reference that have been crammed into the story. The surname de Mandeville comes from Geoffrey & William de Mandeville from the 1100s, Constable Arwyn Evans is named for a Welsh policeman by the name of Arywn Phillips who once served in the Cheshire Police force and now lives in Llandudno.

Richard and Gordon, the sons of Doctor Hales are the first and second name of C.S. Woolley’s father. Countess Szjona is named after the same Szonja included in the dedication and Lord Joshua St. Vincent is named after the Josh in the dedication. Elizabeth is named after C.S. Woolley’s sisters.

Harald the horse is named after Harald that fought against Harold at the battle of Stamford Bridge. Bosworth and Mrs. Bosworth are named after the battle of Bosworth field. Black Guy the horse is named after one of C.S. Woolley’s favourite characters from Raymond E. Feist’s Magician series. Kneelingroach is a reference to the West Wing and the use of John Smith and his pocket watch are both references to Doctor Who.

 

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