Saturday, October 22, 2011

First interview

    
     This is going to be a very short post. I just wanted to announce my first published interview (as an author). The Norman Transcript - based out of Norman, Oklahoma – has a two page feature interview with me in their latest magazine issue (dated October 21st, 2011). Here’s the link to the online version of the magazine:

Monday, October 10, 2011

Second review


Review of The Sword Of Magna in Midwest Book Review

The Sword Of Magna
Chris Hattingh
BookBaby
9781609849658         $9.99
The Sword Of Magna is a tale which takes place on Magnatus, an Earth-like planet in a distant solar system. The story begins on Axphalia, which is believed to be the only inhabited continent, and whose inhabitants shun boats and water alike. Large parts of their world thus remain unexplored - and it is here on Axphalia, in the treetop village of Oakfield, that a young dwelfling named Chryslan stumbles upon the tip of an ancient sword while searching for his incorrigible pet whipple, Barkly. Little does he know that his discovery will change his life forever...

Within days of Chryslan's find, two orchnid women discover the hilt of the sword in Alpenberg. A short time later, both pieces are mysteriously stolen in two separate incidents. Chryslan and his friends set off on four of his father's treadlings to try and find the stolen sword tip. Their quest leads them to Alpenberg, where they learn of the discovery and theft of the sword hilt. They are then joined by four of the orchnids in their quest to recover the stolen pieces.

Chryslan has no intention of leading a life of travel or danger, but when the tip and hilt of the golden sword are stolen, events are set in motion which lead him on an incredible journey through new, hitherto-unknown worlds.

He learns from the forest nymphs that his destiny as a hero has been foretold; but now he must locate the missing pieces and re-forge the sword to regain the power that will allow him to defeat the ruthless dagons, who would conquer Axphalia.

The Sword Of Magna could easily have been only about this struggle, but it adds spice by including romance that takes an unusual twist when the hero Chryslan is finally reunited with his love, only to discover fate has again taken a hand in changing their blossoming romance.

Dialogue and descriptions are powerful and poignant throughout this epic fantasy: "He was haunted by visions of two lovely, shining eyes gazing up at him, and the memory of a subtle, rose-sandalwood scent, and the warmth of a shapely little hand clasped gently in his. Inside himself he felt a vast emptiness, an aching yearning. What was happening to him? He had been fine yesterday at this time."

Exciting, fast-paced action and strong characterization are the draws keeping fantasy enthusiasts reading avidly to the novel's unpredictable conclusion. Not everybody wins, and not everyone wins easily. Heart's desires change, wax and wane, and the eventual heralding of the Third Age of Magnatus brings with it some unexpected results.

The Sword Of Magna is a lively, satisfying fantasy perfect for any reader who enjoys detailed sagas, strong characterization, ethereal descriptions of alien worlds and protagonists, and romance.

Without spoiling the conclusion, suffice it to say that having a definitive ending over a questionable conclusion makes this a satisfying single-volume novel that leaves nothing hanging!
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This review was written by Diane Donovan, eBook Reviewer, Midwest Book Review.
http://midwestbookreview.com/mbw/nov_11.htm#donovan

Friday, October 7, 2011

First review


Review of The Sword Of Magna - an epic fantasy tale by Chris Hattingh

3rd Oct 2011

Reviewer: Loraine Lotter

I am so glad that I had the chance to review Chris’ book, The Sword Of Magna. Not only did it fascinate me from page one, but it kept me interested till the very end. Chris has a very effective writing style that creates the perfect balance between traditional and modern story writing. His wording is brilliant as well, and you don’t need to read this book with a dictionary beside you.

The story begins with the discovery of two mysterious artifacts – the hilt and tip of a golden sword. When both pieces of the sword suddenly get stolen (in two separate incidents), it’s up to Chryslan and his friends to find them again. Their quest draws them unsuspectingly into a sinister plot by the ruthless dagons to seize Axphalia for their own.

The forest nymphs tell Chryslan of an ancient prophecy about a young dwelfling man who is supposed to wield the magical Sword Of Magna and defeat the treacherous dagons, but first he must find the two missing pieces and reforge the sword. Along the way he nearly drowns in the mighty Disappearing River, gets attacked by a fearsome sea serpent, gets taken captive by the brutal dagons and finally must face the terrifying Ildecor with the white-hot, freshly reforged sword burning his hand.

I have to add though, while this book had me enthralled in its fantasy, there are some indications of romance as well. The love story within this book unfolds during Chryslan’s journey when he meets Heidi, a beautiful young orchnid girl. She steals his heart from the start, but will he be able to express his feelings to her in time? Or does fate have something different in mind when it comes to love?

If you’re a fan of Lord of the Rings, this book will definitely be worth your time. It’s an epic fantasy with lots of surprises and unexpected twists. Packed with adventure, fun, suspense and unusual creatures, this book will take you to another world where fantasy has no boundaries and every day’s dull reality doesn’t exist.
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This review was written by up-and-coming South African author Loraine Lotter. Please visit her website at http://www.lorainelovestowrite.webs.com/ to read my review of her book "My Heart, His Soul".