Fans of the Pirates of the Caribbean Franchise will love this superbly written fantasy sea-faring adventure. Each character is extremely likeable, bringing an added dimension to the story. I simply loved them all! With their different attributes and personalities brought together onboard, Queenie’s crew, led by the hilarious and charismatic Captain Zale, make for a highly entertaining read. I therefore commend the author for his characterisation and the work and commitment he has invested in each one to make them larger than life. This is no easy task for an author to accomplish, especially in their first novel. The dialogue itself is extremely well written and compliments the story well, with plenty of action, excitement, laugh out loud, and feel good moments, the author makes it simple for a reader to visualise each scene as it happens and to build an emotional connection with the cast. A born story teller, Wayne Kramer, does not disappoint, and I am thrilled that I don’t have to wait to read its sequel, Murdoch’s Shadow, as it is now available at The Book Dragon. (Book Tour Reviewer Kirsty McKay)
This is a great yarn that I would say does not take itself too seriously. The story starts with what appears to be a young romance, which isn’t entirely my cup of tea, I admit, but it soon moved into the more interesting world of quests and pirates and treasure. I loved Zale. He absolutely carries the plot and his verbal shenanigans makes this book great. None of the other characters can hold a torch to him, including in my opinion, his daughter Starlina or her hapless suitor. The pace is fast. It gallops along at a rate of knots, and the conclusion hits fast. Could it have meandered a little more? Maybe. Is it the worse for it? I don’t think so. It’s fun, it’s a little irreverent and it’s piratey. (Book Tour Reviewer Eryn McConnell)
With intriguing lore, a unique magic system, and some rather engaging characters, Murdoch’s Choice was an entertaining read in an interesting world that leaves you wanting more. (Book Tour Reviewer Lucas Walker)
Making a story that is both epic and relatable is a difficult balance to strike, but I think one that has been struck wonderfully here. Wayne has a cinematic storytelling style, with wit, warmth and drama, which I felt really transported me to the world of Eliorin. I love fantasy settings, but I often feel that fantasy novels can risk either having the pace bogged down in explanation of the world’s workings or lack immersion for lack of explanation. Murdoch’s Choice suffers from neither of those pitfalls, and I enjoyed both the narrative and worldbuilding. The extra elements of the preface, maps, artwork and appendices all help to make the setting feel even more alive. I look forward to reading more of the Heroes of Time: Legends series! (Book Tour Reviewer Tim Marshall)
A beautifully written book. Wayne’s writing has a rhythmic quality and I found myself delighted to partake in the dance. The characters are vivid and wonderfully described, with both their physicality and traits easy to visualise. The book contains a lot of love and passion. I don’t just mean in the romantic, familial and friendship relationships demonstrated by the characters, but also that you can tell that Wayne cares about the world he has created. The story is full of fun, but it also has moments that moved me and made me think. I loved the mythology explored around the Grimstone and Shadow Age. Wayne has cleverly managed to capture a stirring sense of adventure, whilst simultaneously creating a cosy feel within the confines of life on the ship. I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fun fantasy novels with a sense of heart. It’s witty, warm and a real winner. (Book Tour Reviewer Michelle Marshall)
This is the second book that I’ve read meant for a younger audience (teenage) but can be equally enjoyed by adults. I absolutely loved it. I’m a huge Sir Terry Pratchett fan, and it is extremely difficult to find something similar. Wayne has written a story that engaged me in the same manner, smooth and fast paced action – dangerous adventures – memorable and very vividly real characters – I haven’t been this excited by a book for ages! At first, I wasn’t quite sure what to make of Captain Zale, seen through his estranged daughter’s eyes he seems almost irresponsible and an overachieving entertainer for the crowds that draw around him. As the story progresses into Zale’s last minute decision to go after the supposedly mythical Grimstone on a journey of undoubted peril, my thoughts changed. If it is real, the bounty Zale and his team will earn is hugely plentiful – and it would earn him the almost unobtainable guild Grandmaster status that he craves. Nobody can blame him for trying it, especially when we learn that his ancestors from generations ago were involved and it seems only he is the one for this mission. We learn more about his family, and the man himself. As Captain, he has a responsibility for his crew and his craft – naming his ship Queenie after his beloved cat gives us an insight into his true nature. I would never hesitate to recommend this book, even if the reader didn’t choose the fantasy genre as their two top favourites. It is worth reading by everyone, high praise indeed! (Book Tour Yvonne Marrs)
Murdoch’s Choice is a seafaring adventure with a difference. It is set in in an entirely new world not too dissimilar to our own but with some subtle differences. Following Captain Zale “The Gale” Murdoch and his crew of dogged misfits the adventure follows several key characters on their search for the Grimstone. Against the backdrop of competition and the more important factor of saving the world, Murdoch is seemingly manoeuvred into chasing the artefact (albeit not being his first choice). Wayne has produced a rare gem of a story here. Characters are bold and distinctive and you can’t help but engage with them. The story is well edited, fast paced with just enough time to take breath before the next exciting event and keeps you hooked from cover to cover. Dialogue is natural and really helps to add depth to each character. The twists and turns keep you guessing as to what will happen next and the intricate relationships developed over the course of the story also add great appeal. I cannot wait to sink my teeth into the next adventure. A great start to what will no doubt be a hugely popular “Heroes of Time” series. (Book Tour Reviewer Niall McKay)
We award 5 stars.
