Whilst I’m trying to attract new readers for my genre fiction with some FREEBIE ebook deals on Amazon this month, its also worth mentioning customer feedback as a kind of seal of approval for the quality my writing. I don’t just want to win readers by giving my writing away…
So anyway, my dark fiction novel Bully won’t be part of the FREEBIE deals, but continues to generate great reviews on Amazon. And I thought the time was right to revisit the book and capture some of the best comments.
If you’re interested in reading the book, it’s here.
And here’s a selection of reviewers’ comments:
Alison Littlewood, author of The Unquiet House and A Cold Season, said: “I really enjoyed reading Bully… It’s also a good chiller and keeps you turning the pages…”
Deano C from Manchester said: “A well written book that deserves to be up there with Ramsay Campbell and James Herbert.”
Foxexile said: ” I will certainly read more by this writer and I would say to anyone looking for a good read in the horror genre to pick up this book.
Heather R said: “This was a great read, and one that reaches far beyond the niche of traditional horror.”
Terry Gardiner of Gloucestershire said: “It is the only book I have deleted from my Kindle.”
John Johnson of Leeds said: “wonderful story”.
N. Button said: “I’d certainly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys dark fiction.”
LovingKindle said: “This novel gripped me from the start to finish – from the explosive opening in Afghanistan to the grisly climax in Newton Mills. Breathtaking stuff!”
Anna Stephens said: “Bully is a very accomplished second novel for A J Kirby. There are flashes of brilliance in this well-crafted horror tale and a sure forewarning of some more excellent fiction from this talented new writer.”
Jonathan Woolley said: “anyone who has lived in any Yorkshire town in the seventies and eighties will feel something for this book; the hopelessness of the job situation reflects the darkness of and aftermath of Thatchers regime.”
Holly Stacey of Essex said: “A a gripping read with an end that makes you want to sleep with the lights on.”
Lauren G (UK) said: “The tone of the novel is excellent.”
Joseph Stanley of London said: “This book stands head and shoulders above its genre. To label is as merely horror writing is to do it a grave disservice- this is a highly accomplished work of psychological fiction. Kirby’s writing draws you in from the first line – on many occasions I felt an idea or thought was planted in the readers mind only to be brutally played out later on in the narrative. The writing is impassioned, visceral, and shockingly powerful. The dialogue in particular stands out for how convincing it is, which only makes the impact of the novel harder as it reaches a conclusion. Be warned though – this book is a darker, grittier and more disturbing read than you might expect. Kirby’s writing leaves an imprint that remains long after the book has been closed…highly recommended.”
Vincent Rodriguez said: “Bully is a slow burning novel, which entertains, sickens, entrances and thoroughly entertains right up to the splendidly set up finale. I have to agree with other reviewers that this is so much more than a horror novel, and indeed it holds its own alongside the first class psychological thrillers of the Harris and King. Kirby has clearly studied the masters of this genre and as far as a second effort goes, this is right up in the first division. Through a meticulously woven narrative, he succeeds in making the reader feel uneasy, yet thoroughly enthralled as Gary Bull evolves from the perpetrator of childhood evils to the victim of the most harrowing psychological torture. In spite of his vileness in youth, Gary is a likeable character and you do find yourself rooting for him as he descends into terror. I know I should have felt that justice was being served, but sympathy for Gary was still hard to shake. This is the hallmark of a masterly creation, of which Kirby should be congratulated. The book is a real page-turner and can be read almost at one sitting. I would certainly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys dark fiction, and I for one, will be searching out Kirby’s other tales.”
paintthistownred 