I Am Alive book review.

Amazon’s Kindle reading device has enabled thousands of authors to self-publish and reach a wide audience.

I recently read I Am Alive written by Cameron Jace- He had me hooked as I wondered from chapter to chapter what was going to happen to Decca in the Playa.

Decca lives in a world where ever teenager is ranked on a scale of 1-10 those who score five and above are considered socially “acceptable,” if you score below five you become a monster.

The monsters are then rounded up and forced to fight in the battlefield to the death all in the name of The Burning Man.

16 year old Decca decides to volunteer herself into the battle to find her friend Woo who has alleged died trying to win the game and become ranked last year.

But, Decca finds herself in the midst of a love triangle as she is instantly attracted to celebrity contestant Leo- but she also loves Woo her best friend who she is risking everything to find.

Jace makes frequent reference to mankind’s past and present which is a clever reminder that the victors of war write our history. This enables the evil Hannibal Xitler to keep Faya under his control.

It is also perhaps a warning that as society develops through technological advancement that our over reliance on gadgets could lead to disaster.

Despite the circumstances that Decca finds herself in Jace enables his characters to have a sense humour and a sarcastic look at the world around them.

No one emphasises this point more than Leo, who learns the truth of this world and decides to fight Xitler head on.

He leaves Faya in exile but returns and is sent immediately into the Monster Show to fight for forgiveness.

However, throughout the show Leo’s sarcasm is cleverly used as he mocks the other characters for being unable to understand that the history they’ve been told of their world is a lie.

The American author also makes his novel action packed through the games the contestants are forced to go through just to survive which keeps people wondering about what happens next.

Xitler tells Decca that the more Faya believes in his ranking system the less humane they become. This is why the monsters and Breakfast Club are so important.

They are the embodiment of the human condition and they are the seeds of revolution that Xitler has fought for decades to prevent.

It is clear to see how repulsed these characters are by the monster show and that the majority of people in Faya have been brainwashed that they cannot comprehend that the games is murder.

Jace leaves the reader in suspense as he ends on a cliff-hanger that will have people demanding more from the author. It is a novel that I just couldn’t put down… and after you start to read you will feel ALIVE as you dig deeper into the world of Faya.

 

(Copyright belongs to Cameron Jace.)

“Book two of the I AM ALIVE series Incresecent will be released soon.”

 

Jace: “Writing has been my passion since I was 16.”

The advantages of self-publishing are numerous says author of the I Am Alive series Cameron Jace.

Amanda Hocking has sold over a million copies of her paranormal books through Amazon.

The American has written and published twelve books including The Grimm Diaries which is a young adult adventure that looks at the links between fairy tales and real life history.

Jace said: “There is a magic in the self-publishing world where authors can upload their books”

“You can then learn, study and rewrite the information you receive from reviewers which is priceless.”

Book one of the I Am Alive series has proved to be very popular with the novel reaching 30^th in the bestselling list online.

I Am Alive was originally released unedited which Jace confesses was an “unprofessional mistake,” but that despite the errors that people liked the story.

Jace admits “this was an important moment.” He said: “The success of the book lead to me having an audience demanding more of my work.”

Many reviewers have praised the book for being humorous and packed full of action.

The book is set in a world called Faya that is trapped under the rule of a brutal dictator called Hannibal Xitler. Every year teenagers are ranked on the scale of 1-10 to decide their place in society.

Jace said: “The ranking system is perhaps a reflection of modern civilization where people are judged on superficial details.”

If a person is ranked lower than the number five they become a social outcast a monster that is forced to fight for survival in a live televised show.

There are rumours amongst the contestants that they can escape the battlefield through an escape route called the Rabbit Hole. Many characters dismiss this idea as pure nonsense.

“The Rabbit Hole was right in front of Decca’s and the reader’s eyes, I can’t say much but one of the characters says something that explains where the Rabbit hole is.” Said Jace.

This is where the audience meet 16 year old Decca who has chosen to become a monster to search for her friend Woo.

In battle the teenager is caught between her feelings for Woo and rebellious heartthrob Leo.

“Leo is a famous teen prodigy who is ranked a 9 and has it all at a very young age” said Jace.

“His character will grow later in the series, but he is essential in showing contrast to the society of Faya.”

Woo is a “mystery.” Jace said. He adds: “He is an Anti-Hero which will surprise some of the readers.”

Decca’s feelings for Leo and Woo will be explored further in books two and three Jace promises.

History is often written by the victors and Xitler in his efforts to control the populace has changed the names of the digital age big hitters YouTube and Twitter.

Jace explains: “The use of the letter Z is illogical and allows Xitler to plant the wrong ideas into the people’s heads.”

Writing has been a passion for Jace since he was 16 years old, but he has a day job running a small online business.

“I’m just a regular guy that thinks of writing as a fun exciting world that I hope to break into soon.” He said.

 

(Copyright belongs to Cameron Jace)

 “Cameron Jace writes Romance, Science Fiction and young adult novels.”

We Are Open for Business!

Local representatives and distinguished guests witnessed the opening of a new Indian restaurant called The Silsila.

The restaurant is located in Rugeley on Horsefair which used to be known as the Old Ganges.

The Silsila is a non-licensed establishment which means customers will be able to bring their own alcohol.

Consumers who live within three miles of The Silsila will be able to have their food delivered for free.

Attendees were very impressed with the layout out of the restaurant and the friendly nature of the staff.

Rugeley Rugby club representative Martin Deridder said: “The restaurant was decorated really nicely and the atmosphere made the evening perfect.”

Guests received a three course meal starting with a baked cheese tomato salad with beef. The main course consisted of a chicken curry, as well as beef curry with a side portion of vegetables and for desert cake.

Pat Hancock a member of the Rugeley Traders described the evening as “wonderful.”

Hancock said: “I am sure we as Traders will look to help The Silsila in any way we can”

“I personally will be recommending this restaurant to my customers.”

Young artist Carrie Reynolds exhibited her own abstract pieces which provided added colour to the décor.

 Reynolds said it was a privilege to display her work at The Silsila and received good feedback from the guests.

Councillor Diane Todd who opened the restaurant said that the owner and staff had done a fantastic job in getting the restaurant ready.

She said: “The Silsila will become a huge asset to Rugeley and I hope many people will dine here for years to come.”

VIP guest Dan Statham said: “I will definitely be coming again the staff were friendly, the food was varied and plentiful.”

The staff were highly praised by the guests as being very friendly and helpful.

Staff member Shev Rahman described the opening of The Silsila as an “exciting new adventure.”

He said:  “The employees were on edge to begin with because we wanted to ensure everything was perfect”

“We have received excellent feedback from the guests and fingers crossed The Silsila will become a huge success.”

General Manager Zubair Ahamed said the evening was a great success and that everyone who attended had enjoyed themselves.

After the event Ahamed explained that the high standard of food and service should be a great incentive for attracting customers.

Members of the public who follow  @SilsilaRugeley via Twitter or like The Silsila on Facebook; http://www.facebook.com/SilsilaRestaurantRugeley will have the opportunity to receive discounted offers.

 

 

(Picture taken by Carrie Reynolds)

“The Silsila is officially declared open by Cannock Chase Councillor Diane Todd to the delight of guests and representatives.”