Hi Everyone
It has been a tremendous few days so I thought I would post an update on where we are, VIRO-wise.
1. VIRO Book One – Number One in the Amazon Charts
The Kindle version of VIRO Book One got to Number One in the Amazon charts. Currently available to download for FREE, this is really exciting so thank you very much to everyone who has joined the #VIROSWARM. If you haven’t downloaded Book One yet then don’t panic, you too can join the #VIROSWARM HERE and HERE.
2. VIRO Book Two – FIVE STAR REVIEW
VIRO Book Two has just received another tremendous five star review posted up on Goodreads – you can read it HERE.
‘Having Read Falcon Boy and Viro, it was with eager anticipation that I started to read Viro II. Barnaby Taylor has a daring and rich imagination that transports you to new adventures in a re-imagined world, that are vividly written with a fresh and vibrant use of language. The heroes of Barnaby’s books are children on the cusp of their teenage years. I would like to think that this isn’t a coincidence. There appears to be a deliberate opting out in relation to the current generation with Barnaby instead looking to a new, untainted generation to right the world’s wrongs in the guise of the courageous and idealistic young children that inhabit Viro I and II. Barnaby literally and metaphorically backs the right horse. The purity of the children in Viro II is evident throughout the book. Jake says ‘I hated violence. I hated violent people.’
In Viro II, we pick up with the viros (zombies) who are overrunning the world and the small band of children who are trying to survive in this world. The children’s separation from their parents also serves (as it did in Viro I) as a powerful dramatic device, providing the next generation with the stage and platform to figure out a way forward. Barnaby really understands the mind set of young children and evocatively and beautifully captures their innocence but also their determination and guts to persevere against the odds and you as the reader wants to be with them every step of the way, willing them forward. Barnaby also excels at capturing the petty jealousies and competitiveness that can pervade the group dynamic of young children but equally the intensity and tenderness of their relationships.
To say that this book is a page turner is an understatement. Barnaby can really write an action packed scene with fear inspiring characters such as the Tall Man. Baxter the dog who accompanies the children gives the story the delightful twist of feeling like an apocalyptic Famous Five. Genius. The story is essentially an allegory set in a far more perilous and shaky world and is therefore not only for children but also for adults. Potent messages are present throughout the book. Jake incisively says ‘The world was wrong now. It was bad and broken. I didn’t understand.’ That a new value system is required to fix today’s broken world is also indicated with even the Reverend stating that ‘in order to believe in the Bible, you have to stop asking so many questions and just accept what you are told. And I have always found that hard to do. The world created in seven days? Immaculate conception?’ By the end of the book it’s apparent that the new value systems lies with the children and their unselfish spirit of caring and cooperation, the perfect building blocks of a new world order which the author may reveal in further detail in future iterations of the book as possibly hinted at by the cliff hanger of the book’s ending.
The book is a must read. Barnaby is an exciting and passionate writer. There’s real depth of meaning behind his books. You emotionally engage with and care about the book’s characters. Barnaby’s books also have a strong visual sensibility. His stories particularly Viros I and II would translate superbly to television and cinema. I am a huge fan of all things zombie orientated and to see the zombie genre reinterpreted from the perspective of children is thrilling. I look forward to more books from Barnaby. He’s one to watch out for. Children, adults and I suspect the film and TV industry people will love this book. I highly recommend it.’
You can purchase VIRO Book Two in paperback and download.
3. VIRO Book Three – A Death in the Family?
Book Three is shaping up nicely. I am currently a third of the way through and everything is falling into place. Not everything has been decided but there is the very strong possibility that a significant death will take place. I haven’t fully made my mind but it looks like it will be happening.
Thanks for reading everyone.
Have a lovely day.
BARNABY TAYLOR: Curiosity is Currency 