- J R Bolaky

In the heart of a snow-blanketed London, as the festive season dawns, Detective Inspector Arthur Stowe is entangled in a case of missing children, a baffling mystery that has stymied him for over a year. When a possible lead ties a potential murder victim to the heart of the Yuletide legend, St. Nicholas, the case spirals into the realm of the unbelievable. Enter Chris Demer, an ordinary man ensnared in a destiny beyond imagination. He meets Winter, St. Nicholas’s enigmatic, battle-axe wielding daughter, who is on a mission to resurrect her fallen father. With the malevolent Krampus casting a shadow over the festivities and a government clouding the spirit of the season, the stakes have never been higher. As Chris discovers his latent powers, and with Stowe’s detective acumen, a dramatic race against time ensues. Guided by a sleigh, whimsical sausage dogs, and the shimmering London skyline, can this unlikely trio salvage the essence of Christmas from impending doom?

Magdalena

2023-11-19

Right choice It is a very interesting book, I highly recommend!

Brian Mouseliver

2023-11-16

Warriors of Winter by JR Bolaky So you order the book and you read it in a day.The next day you phone for a taxi and a bowl of custard arrives driving a candy-striped 1964 MkIII Zodiac, takes you where you want to go, and only charges you a fiver. You are not surprised.An outstanding first novel, a page-turner of bizarre originality. Jay shapes mind-bending fantasies in mundane settings; a cheery mythical figure serves tea and biscuits in front of her telly, a magical dog cocks his leg against an ancient monument and a blue whale flies over a dystopian London in a topical tale with more than a hint of disturbing reality.

Saffinator5000

2023-11-09

Warriors of Winter is no ordinary Christmas tale… Warriors of Winter was an absolute delight to read, and I’m going to convince you that you need to experience this tale of love, loss and adventure.Without giving too much away, this debut story from J R Bolaky was one of the most fun books I’ve read in a long while. With sprinkles of political and social commentary and a diverse representation of people within the characters, Bolaky is able to present an interesting adventure that captured my attention from the offset. This may be based around Christmas, but don’t let that fool you in to thinking it’s just for the festive period. Warriors of Winter is for life, not just for Christmas!This book is joyous, contemplative and witty, which caught me with many a hearty chuckle in parts. It is evident that the author expressed their personality through the way in which this book is written.I’m looking forward to reading the next book from J R Bolaky, whether it be a sequel or a totally new story altogether and I’ll be the first one in line for my copy!

Joanne

2023-11-08

More than a Christmas bauble The book has genuine substance, and is a well worth a read. The author's personality shines through, and the skill shown in writing this, his first novel? I can't wait to see what he comes up with next!

Kazaa

2023-11-08

Fantastic First Novel This was a great read, I couldn’t put it down. A great mix of fantasy and Christmas spirit. I loved Rosie and Ottie they were full of that fiesty little dog character.

2023-11-08

A must to read… Family, love, power, loss, hope, fear, courage, strength and staying true..this book has it all and more! A Christmas journey of true escapism into an imaginative world. Loved it.

drewgriffiths123

2023-11-03

Exciting, magical and wondrous....Warriors of Winter ROCKS! Everything about this book is awesome, it kept me devouring each page with excitement and anticipation. There are so many stores within stories that each character brings to life, all wonderfully depicted with great skill, believable weaknesses and strengths, and attention to detail that grips the reader from start to finish. London scenes are expertly visualized and Ottie and Rosie, were adorable and quirky.Buying this book for Christmas Pressies for all my friends, young and old will adore.

Mrs L Mitson

2023-10-28

Amazing and gripping Excellent book, I’m not a big reader and get bored easy. This kept me gripped and I read it in 3 days which is unheard of for me. Do hope there will be another one in the pipeline.Highly recommended

Amazon Customer

2023-10-26

Wildly Imaginative with a style all of its own I'lI start this review by saying I don’t often enjoy Christmas themed novels and that sometimes the Fantasy genre,if poorly executed can leave me cold.However....From the start I loved the imagination and ideas that poured out of this book which showed a creativity that is rarely seen in a debut author.There’s plenty here for anyone who doesn’t usually read this genre as the storytelling and inventiveness will keep you entertained throughout.The relationship that develops between Winter and Chris is particularly well executed,as is the introduction of various characters. I particularly enjoyed the way that Deidra was introduced to the proceedings and the interactions between Ottie and Rosie (who doesn't like a sausage dog)I felt that as the story developed the author found their form,and relaxed into their writing,which then started to flow,captivating me and drawing me into the storyThe author should also be applauded for highlighting our current political climate,and including a few digs at just how out of touch our politicians are with the less fortunate in society,especially as this book could also be read by a younger audience.With a nod towards Terry Pratchett and a hint of Eoin Colfer’s Artemis Fowl series and a style all of its own,I'm sure this will lead to subsequent books which will develop into something special.Like strictly you can’t hit full marks across the board on your first dance but as the author has done here you can give it a good go.8 out of 10

jack

2023-10-26

Brilliant What a great book. Really enjoyed every bit. Will appeal to all ages and can’t wait for this author to write another one.

Meet Jay R. Bolaky, the man with more lives than a cat! Hailing from the quirky City of Colchester, Jay shares his humble abode with his dynamic duo of sausage dogs, Ottie and Rosie. But Jay’s journey is anything but ordinary.

But wait, there’s more! Jay now dons his NHS cape, working tirelessly to keep the good folks of the UK safely staffed healthy and happy. Along the way, he’s bumped into a kaleidoscope of colourful characters who’ve left their mark on his life.

From sailing the high seas with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary to navigating the tumultuous waters of the Balkans conflict, Jay’s life story reads like an action-packed thriller. He even dabbled in the funeral business, making sure folks had a dignified final voyage. And when the pandemic hit, Jay rolled up his sleeves (well, not literally, he’s got those sausage dogs to think about) to support Colchester’s waste services team.

Jay’s a man of simple pleasures, with a heart as big as Santa’s sack. He’s convinced the world needs a little more kindness, and he’s here to spread it one witty remark at a time. Oh, and did we mention? He’s the ultimate Christmas enthusiast. Santa himself might just be jealous of Jay’s holiday spirit.

So, stick around, because with Jay, every day is an adventure, and every story is a riot. Welcome to his world, where laughter, sausage dogs, and goodwill abound!”