Hi everyone,

I’m a relatively new author and would love to swap thoughts and opinions on what makes a compelling read. Obviously, some of my motivation is market research, but if I don't ask people who are interested in fantasy books who can I ask! With this in mind, what do you think attracts a potential reader? Would it be the front cover (you can find mine at the link below) or is it more likely to be on the strength of the synopsis? Just how important is the cover art and what really determines our decision to invest the time to actually sit down and read a book? As a new author, I feel these questions are very important, so any insights you can give will be greatly appreciated. It may help me not to make the same mistakes if I ever get around to writing another one!

For anyone interested you can read more about my book ‘The Magic Lands’ here:

www.freewebs.com/markhockley/

Hope you don't mind me sharing this new review from Amazon

'This book is the story of two fourteen year old boys who find themselves transported into a realm of magic and nightmare.
Reminiscent of the Chronicles of Narnia, the story quickly turns into a dark tale of nightmare, lust and cruelty as the two boys find themselves locked in a contest against the ultimate evil, with the stakes being not only their lives, but their souls as well.
Joining Tom Lewis and Jack Barton as they journey through the contantly changing dreamscape of The Magic Lands is like sitting down with Alice In Wonderland and Rob Zombie to drop some acid.
Loaded with iconic imagery, The Magic Lands is a tour de force into a surreal realm dominated by evil and insidious temptation.'

Dear Mark,

I think that the story sounds quite intruiging and I love the cover art as displayed in your link! The art gives the potential reader quite an idea about what types of characters are found in the story as well as a bit about the setting and villian. Wonderful concept! I wish you the best of luck with your book, congratulations on great reviews!

~Jennifer

- Merlyn's

Hi Jennifer,

Thanks for your encouraging message! I really apprdciate it Really hope you get a chance to read The Magic Lands. Let me know if you do as I'd love to hear what you think of it.