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The Riddler’s Gift
As darkness descends, a light flickers to life ... Find out moreSecond Sight
Can one voice save the world from chaos? ... Find out moreBuy the books
David Armstrong
July 1, 2010 at 2:55 pm
Just to say how much I enjoy your writing, films and flying. You show many elements of an old soul.
Dr. David Armstrong
Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire, UK
desiree reilly
July 20, 2010 at 10:34 pm
i have not read the book yet bout i have enterd the contest at good read and id o read a lot of book and would like to read yours
Sharanya
October 1, 2010 at 10:38 am
I am so happy right now! I just got an email from Goodreads saying that I won the Second Sight Giveaway! I can’t wait to read it! Moreover, I can’t believe I won! I’m definately going ot review your book after i’m done reading! This is amazing! Thank you so much for listing it as a giveaway!
Priyank Shah
December 2, 2010 at 7:53 pm
‘The Riddler’s Gift’ is a book which I did find slightly tedious when I started reading it.
However, after getting into the book, I began to view the book as one which consisted of an incredible plot, bursting with fresh, new ideas- each page filled with magic both metaphorically and literally!
I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and cannot wait to delve into the sequel. Thank you.
greghamerton
December 3, 2010 at 11:53 am
Thanks Priyank
The beginning of a fantasy novel is tricky to write, because people come to the first page with wildly different frames of mind depending on what they’re used to, or what they’ve just finished reading. Once you’ve been in the world of The Riddler’s Gift for a while, you begin to understand the relevance of the opening details, but as a newcomer it can seem overwhelming – a new world full of new ideas. My strategy was to drop readers into Eyri and let them explore for themselves – part of what I love about fantasy is that sense of discovery. I’m glad you warmed to the story!
Regards
Greg
Cristy
May 19, 2011 at 9:15 am
Hi Greg,
What a wonder to find a South African who is writing this genre and being published! Congratulations!
I haven’t yet read your book but I would LOVE to do an interview with you for my website (www.cristyzinn.com) so that you can give some insights into the journey you’ve had to take into the world of publishing.
all my contact details are on the website if you’re interested. If not, don’t stress…
All the best with future products – keep writing!
Savera
October 10, 2011 at 12:30 pm
Hi Greg
I’ve just completed an urban fantasy novel and am thinking of sending it to Penguin SA and Random House Struik.
I’m not happy with publishing under my own name, and was wondering what you think about pseudonyms. I’m an Indian female, and don’t tend to read books by Indian authors myself, so I thought the chances of someone else picking up a book with my name on it might be slim.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Regards
Savera Ramphal
greghamerton
October 10, 2011 at 2:15 pm
Hey Savera, firstly, well done on completing your novel! I haven’t used a pseudonym, but would recommend it. Why?
1. It offers you freedom of expression (you know, you can write that sex scene without worrying about your mum reading it and thinking it was you)
2. It prevents overlap with your personal online presence/user accounts
3. It helps when you’re trying to promote ‘this great new book by …’ When that’s your own name, it always seems vain. But as ‘Savera Ramphal, Publicist for …’ there may be a few more opportunities available.
I wouldn’t bother using a male name, because the first radio/live interview will give the game away. I don’t see being male as an advantage/disadvantage in this genre any more. If you want to disguise your sex use an androgenous Chris or Sandy or Robin, stay away from ‘fantasist’ surnames like Wolfbane or Moondancer or such new-age nonsense, but whatever you choose it’s got to be memorable. As a fantasy reader, I can’t say I have any racial prejudice regarding author surnames: I think I’m just as likely to pick up a book by ‘Ratekoshi’, ‘Minkin’ or ‘Smith’ – I’m looking for a new experience, after all. As you and your pseudonym will be equally unknown, I don’t believe you need to agonise over the choice, because your book will sell by the cover art, title and basic premise of the book.
Good luck finding a publisher
Pete Lehmann
November 10, 2011 at 11:12 pm
Hi Greg,
I am considering going to Namibia with the intention of attempting long hang glider flights. To that end I am trying to track down a copy of your Fresh Air Sites Guide. How might I find one? And I do read German, if that’s the only edition available.
Regards,
Pete
ps please reply to my email
greghamerton
November 11, 2011 at 9:21 am
Hey Pete, all my paragliding and hanggliding stuff is on http://www.eternitypress.com
Abi
November 26, 2011 at 3:23 am
How many Lifesong books will there be? If there’s more will it be another three years for the next book?
greghamerton
November 27, 2011 at 12:33 pm
Hi Abi, the plan is for three books in the Tale of the Lifesong. There’s been a sudden interest for Riddler’s Gift on Amazon Kindle this month, so there’s hope for sufficient demand. I have many ideas for other stories/series set in Oldenworld, but I won’t write pulp fiction at mass-produced speed. It takes me at least one year to write the first draft of each novel and usually another year to edit and refine it. I like to ‘tend and grow’ the story to completion, instead of outline>plot>filling in the blanks. This style takes a long time to develop but I believe I can create a richer and deeper story that way. So if I write The Third Tale of the Lifesong, it’s likely to be released late in 2013. (I would love to, but it’s a massive investment in time so I haven’t committed to it at present). I hope you can be patient with me … I’d rather create books of lasting impact than rush a story out.
Mike
January 11, 2012 at 2:43 am
Hi Greg! Stumbled upon this site and I’m excited to try out some of these fantasy books, I’ve read a few but almost all sound good. I just wanted to recommend Stephen Erikson’s Malazan book of the fallen series to you. Based on the books I’ve seen here it sounds like you would really enjoy it. Dark, extremely complex world, a bit of mystery and humor. Its long but every book is amazing.
Dave Wagner
January 12, 2012 at 11:17 pm
Another new fan here. According to my Kindle, I’m 45% into Riddler’s Gift as I type this, and am quite thoroughly hooked. I love finding a book where I manipulate my time during the day so I can get a few minutes more in with the story.
I don’t even recall where I heard about the book at… ever since getting into digital reading, I’ve been downloading free samples and inexpensive books like a madman… I bought yours and filed it away in my huge TBR pile, and picked it at random on Jan 1 to begin the new year. Glad I did. Very well done. I predict a stellar review of it will be appearing on my blog in the very near future. Gotta share the wealth, you know…
Better go read some more. Adios.
Dave Wagner
San Diego
greghamerton
January 13, 2012 at 9:47 am
Thanks Mike, I tried the Malazan series but couldn’t get into it. Too disconnected, complex and unlikely to sustain my interest. It’s hard to put my finger on why it didn’t work, the story just didn’t excite me.
greghamerton
January 13, 2012 at 10:02 am
Thanks Dave, it’s hard to know if these free days and promotional pricing gambits actually increase readership or just become kindle-stuffing. Good to hear someone is reading The Riddler’s Gift! After 2000 downloads and sales in December, you’re the first voice from the wilderness. As an author it’s hard to get used to mass marketing thinking – it still feels like an individual thing, you know, I wrote the book for YOU to read, I think of my readers one at a time, not in thousands.
Dave Wagner
January 18, 2012 at 3:22 am
Just finished Riddler’s Gift minutes ago, and wanted to hop back on here and applaud your book. Magnificent. I don’t claim to be the most well-read person in my circle, though I did read about 2 dozen fantasy books in the past year… other than Abercrombie’s “The Heroes”, I can’t think of a book I’ve enjoyed reading more – that includes my re-read of GRRM’s and Rothfuss’ latest, as well as other names/books that jostle for my attention.
Very good book. I am now a cheerleader. I’ll do what I can to get folks within my sway to read it as well.
Moving on to Second Sight. Keep up the good work. Excellent.
greghamerton
January 18, 2012 at 9:12 am
Wow, thanks Dave, that’s high praise indeed! Riddler’s was written to seduce people into the fantasy genre; Second Sight is definitely deeper and more expansive, so enjoy the journey.
I’m still one of the ‘little guys’ so any cheerleading you can do is greatly appreciated. Reviews on amazon.com and goodreads always help. You can like the books on Facebook too.
Good luck with your own writing!
Kind regards
Greg
Syndell Layton
January 26, 2012 at 5:55 am
Greg,
Just got a kindle and Riddler’s Gift was one of the books I randomly picked to try. I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I am and am barely halfway through. Wanted to know if there may be a date for book 3 yet, thanks.
greghamerton
January 27, 2012 at 6:24 pm
Thanks Syndell, book 3 is in early stages of development and I have no idea when it will be released. Hope you can be patient; this kind of story can’t be bashed out in a month! Book 2 leaves things fairly complete and I may write some shorter novels before returning to The Tale of the Lifesong.
Tiffany
February 21, 2012 at 10:38 pm
Just wanted to say I just finished The Riddler’s Gift. Simply amazing! It has been a long time that I’ve read a book so enthralling, that I just could not put down! I’ve already purchased your second book Second Sight, and I am going to start it today!
Amanda Hellman
February 27, 2012 at 4:28 pm
I just finished Second Sight and eagerly await any future releases in this series. Your writing is so unique and touching, creative and orderly, and touches every part of me. I appreciate it immensely as a guilty pleasure and monumental literature and commend you greatly for sharing your gift!
greghamerton
February 29, 2012 at 8:35 pm
Thanks Amanda, it’s great to know the Lifesong connected with you! Your support overwhelms the few Amazon naysayers who find the adult themes too unsettling. I write to explore the possibilities of the human spirit, not to make up a consoling fairy tale. I’m glad you found the darkness somewhat delicious and atmospheric, as it’s meant to be, to frame the light of the Lifesong that flickers through it.
greghamerton
February 29, 2012 at 8:39 pm
Hey Tiffany, I really look forward to hearing how you enjoy Second Sight then, because Riddler’s is very much the ‘introduction’ to entice everyone into Oldenworld in what seems to be a simple classic fantasy. So if Riddler’s is written for ‘everyone’, Second Sight is written specifically for those readers who ‘hear the Lifesong’. Enjoy the immersion.
Richard Mawby
March 7, 2012 at 12:41 pm
Hi Greg,
Thought I would drop a quick message here. I am a writer myself who loves to delve into fantasy and by reading some of the views on your website it seems we share a similar outlook, especially in the way that we live the book as we write.
Your series have drawn me deep into Eyri and Oldenworld so it is kind of sad that I wills oon be finishing Second Sight. An epic fantasy as amazing is this is something I would love to achieve one day, the imagination and creativity is out of this world.
My writing style also differs slightly where I tend to move the story a little faster pace than how this is written, something which I would like to attempt and slow down to lengthen the books and take bring the reader into as deep as you are able to achieve.
As a fellow writer, I’m sure you experience the same where being inside our world for so long you sometimes loose track of reality. I find it invaluable to keep in touch with authors who share a similar interest so please do feel free to get in touch.. I belive my email is saved on this form, though hidden to everyone else.
I will most certainly look forward to the third in the series!
Regards,
Richard
Jeni Law
March 21, 2012 at 9:24 am
I know this is really cheeky but could you please tell me a precis of The Riddler’s Gift. My son is doing it for an exam and has to know the themes and story, but has reading difficulties and is really struggling. I have also bought the audio disc but it needs a computer to work and doesn’t play in his CD player.
Please help because his speech teacher is starting to pick on him for not doing the reading and I am worried it will alienate him from books altogether.
He is doing the extract for a LAMDA exam. I realise that he should have selected something from a shorter book (!!!) but he really liked it until he saw the size of the book and now it is too late to change.
Very best regards
greghamerton
March 22, 2012 at 10:56 am
Hi Jeni, great to hear your son has selected the extract for his exam. What you’re asking me to do is compromise the LAMDA exam by providing the answers. Sorry I can’t help you there. Why not read the book with him – a great help to him, and you’ll have fun! A precis just drains any magic out of the story, so I don’t offer one, but some reviewers have written pretty detailed reviews which cover the plot and characters to a certain degree, like http://fantasybookcritic.blogspot.co.uk/2008/12/indie-spotlight-riddlers-gift-by-greg.html and http://gatadelafuentelibros.blogspot.co.uk/2011/02/riddlers-gift-by-greg-hamerton.html
LaShanta Holloway
March 26, 2012 at 4:27 pm
Hi, I sent an email, but am really hoping to get a quick response, so I’m also asking this question here: I would really like to know how many pages are in the book Second Sight. If anyone knows, could you please tell me? I have the Amazon Kindle Edition and it says “location 5593 of 12938″ and my rational mind is telling me that there is not 13000 pages in this book. I’m sure it’s rather large, but I’m just wondering how large. Thanks in advance! La-Shanta
greghamerton
March 29, 2012 at 3:29 pm
Haha! Hi La-Shanta, it’s not 13000 pages, that would take me a lifetime to write.
If you look on amazon when you buy the book, it usually shows the number of print pages. 657 pages for Riddler’s Gift, 640 for Second Sight.
So you’re somewhere around page 275.
‘Location 5593′ is a kindle thing, because you can change the font size there are no fixed ‘pages’ in a kindle book.
Ruth Berke
April 24, 2012 at 12:45 pm
I went to your web site to write a positive review of Second Sight which I just finished. I cannot locate where to leave a review. Can you help?
greghamerton
April 24, 2012 at 6:39 pm
Thanks Ruth. The most useful place you can leave a review is on the Amazon Kindle page (US|UK), or failing that, Goodreads.
Ricki McLaughlin
April 25, 2012 at 5:26 am
I just finished Second Sight after consuming The Riddler’s Gift. Both books were wonderful! The artistry you wove certainly spun its web and captivated! Thank you! I look forward to the Third Tale in the Lifesong!
greghamerton
April 28, 2012 at 8:45 am
Thanks Ricki, your enthusiasm is appreciated! There’ll be a short prequel before the third tale … busy exploring Zarost’s youth at the moment. Look out for it before the end of the year.
Steve Selby
April 30, 2012 at 11:45 am
Having got to an age when I’ve read lot’s n lots of Great, poor and indifferent material in the fantasy genre, It was refreshing to find something as original and well written, I found Riddlers Gift to be a page turner from the get go, thoroughly enjoyed it and am about halfway through Second Sight, excellent follow up and looking forward to more in the series presuming of course that there IS more to come. Keep up the good work Greg.
Jeni Law
May 4, 2012 at 8:46 pm
Thanks Greg! We did as you suggested and it worked out very well
lydia
May 6, 2012 at 12:33 pm
Dear mr Hamerton
After you left me two books signed by you for my birthday they have inspired me to write and get published on the web-so could you please give me some tips.
Thanks l xx
greghamerton
May 16, 2012 at 4:28 pm
Hi Lydia, great to hear the stories inspired you. Writing is a tricky business, but there are many helpful sites on the web. I’ve written quite a few posts about it here: On Writing. But that’s mostly after you’ve written the book. If you can, write the bit on the back of the book first (the strong character in a compelling situation, three sentences) then tell that story.
Michael Brown
July 6, 2012 at 6:32 am
I have to admit, I found The Riddler’s Gift by way of Pixel of Ink. The description looked interesting and the price could not be beat. Then I read it or more accurately devoured it. The word and the characters were so fun and engaging I could not stop.
When I saw you had published Second Sight, I gladly paid for and it was worth every penny! The system of magic you used and the explanations made the fantasy reader and the mathematician in me very happy (that is a great way to look at infinity).
I don’t know if I’m trying to impose too much order in the universe but it seems that there was a 2-year gap between the first two books and it’s been about 2 years since Second Sight. Any chance there is a 3rd book on the way? You took magic through 3-dimensions so well, why not add a challenge of higher dimensions (or I would love to see Tabitha and the Riddler react to imaginary spells/complex numbers)
Jay
July 6, 2012 at 11:55 pm
Picked up Riddler’s Gift today as a Kindle freebie, sounds great! Featured it on my blog as well (http://www.ebooksfreedaily.com). Hope you get a good post-free bump!
greghamerton
July 14, 2012 at 8:30 am
Hi Michael, I’m currently developing the prequel, set in Kaskanzr (in Oldenworld). This will be out before Christmas. It still seems crazy to give away a full length book for free but this seems to be the only surefire way at the moment to generate improved sales because of the way the Amazon system works. So I’m hoping a shorter prequel which will be somewhere between free and $2.99 will boost interest in the series. It’s intentionally low(er) magic, character-driven, humorous and begins the series with a bang.
After that’s released, I’ll look at developing book 3, providing there is enough support for the series. Please throw some stars at the books with an Amazon customer review – every little bit helps to raise awareness. (logarithmic progressions, compound interest, and all that.)
greghamerton
July 14, 2012 at 8:49 am
Thanks Jay. Yeah, Kindle freebie days still seem to work: three free days have increased July sales by 300%. Something to do with the Amazon algorithm. Hopefully I get some new fans from the promotion!
Pat Pitta
July 16, 2012 at 8:12 pm
I loved the Riddlers Gift. A little wordy at times. But it certainly held my attention Thanks
Nina
August 28, 2012 at 9:46 am
Hi Greg, I just read the Tale of the Lifesong books, and I think they are amazing! I read a lot of fantasy, and I love your books!
Can’t wait for the third one!
John W. Parchman
September 17, 2012 at 5:13 pm
Just finished Second Sight and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I can’t wait for the next book. Hope it comes out soon.
Cheryl McAtee-Thornton
February 10, 2013 at 1:48 pm
Greg,
Bravo on Riddlers Gift! Thank you for simply excellent story-telling!
You have gained another reader!
Ekari
February 12, 2013 at 10:32 am
Dear Greg,
I found you by Googling “African fantasy writer”, and truly expected to be told “the page you are looking for does not exist”. Here you are!
Your posts have been an incredible inspiration to me, and I can see you truly intend to give aspiring writers a leg up while being realistic with expectations.
Do you find that your readers are mainly from overseas, or are you seeing a growth in local interest with the fantasy genre? I’ve been a fan of fantasy from an early age, and as an adult, I find that there is a huge gap where African fantasy could be…possibly YA… [watch this space]
I’m a writer myself, though not exclusively in fantasy… I’m testing my strengths in as many types of storytelling as I can – stage theatre has taken up a warm place in my heart over the years.
Final question: Do you know anyone who needs a creative writer for a project? It doesn’t necessarily need to be fantasy, though it would be amazing if it is. I think a collaborative project would be a great way to enter the creative writing field, and to change the fact that I’m the only writer I personally know! Feel free to check out my blog in the link and refer it to anyone else.
Your books are on my wishlist, so I hope my friends are reading this…
Cheers,
Ekari
greghamerton
February 13, 2013 at 2:07 am
Hi Ekari
My sales are 99% digital now (Kindle) and 90% of my readers are from USA, 9% UK. The South African market does not feature. It doesn’t really matter, with digital your market is global.
Sorry I can’t offer any work leads as a creative writer, but write a novel and then you’ll be self-employed!
All the best
Greg Hamerton
Ekari
February 13, 2013 at 6:01 am
Fair enough, thanks! I will review your books on my blog once I get my hands on them.
Anthony
March 2, 2013 at 9:24 am
Hi Greg,
Congratulations on your published novels. I noticed you were interviewed by Orangeberry. I’m looking for a book tour company myself. After reviewing their site they seem to be a pretty good. How was your experience with Orangeberry, if you purchase a book tour deal through them?
Kat Campbell
May 14, 2013 at 7:01 am
Hi Greg,
Firstly, I love your writing style and visionary concepts. For many years I have been working away on a fantasy fiction novel and I am now concerned as the map of Eyri is so similar to one I painted for my book ,it concerns me greatly, as I have no wish to plagiarise in any way, shape or form.
As I have made many changes to my map over the years, to enable the plot to flow (ie; distance for characters to travel my biggest issue) and as my book is not yet published, I am able to alter the map of my world The Kingdom of Tor.
May I email it to you for your consideration? I am happy to change anything.
Kat
greghamerton
May 14, 2013 at 8:52 am
Sure Kat, send it over, it will be fun to compare. It might be a case of seeing the same place – I’m not entirely convinced that this is all fictional. We work on our worlds by correcting mistakes, taking out bits that are untrue, until we are left with something that closely resembles the vision. But where does that vision come from?