Book Reviews - February The Fifth by Derek Haines

NYON, SWITZERLAND, January 23, 2011 (Press-News.org) Advance readers are praising the new book written by Derek Haines. February The Fifth is due for its official release on 5th February 2011.

4.0 out of 5 stars When in Rom..., January 19, 2011
By Bitsy Bling "Bitsy Bling Books" (Seattle, WA)
This review is from: February The Fifth (Paperback)

What happens when a privileged son too low in the royal family line to be important but nonetheless still a royal, finds himself thrust towards responsibility? He goes on an galactic journey to discover where he comes from, who he is, and what he must do to become the man to lead. You ask how does an acne-faced, body odor plagued, lazy-eyed kid manage this enormous task? With the help of lizard pilots, three wise sisters, and a few other misfits tossed in for good measure. Feb, as he is called by his friends, travels the galaxy to find his way back to the beginning, literally, his family's beginning.

Along the way there is lots of eating and time for three-handed Canasta with a small side of romance, but only for his sisters. Feb's got bigger things to worry about like governmental over-throws and civil unrest. This comedic sci-fi tale touches on themes of power, origins, privilege, morality and even cleverly makes use of historical details (a bonus in my department). It plays with language which establishes a unique tone and style. Moments remind me of what it might be like if Dr. Seuss wrote The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. I mean this as a compliment (in case you were wondering). It's simplicity makes it complex.

For example, the bluest of the blue and the blackest of the black. There are times when writers try too hard to describe something: a color, the weather or a feeling. Sometimes, it is just blue, deep blue, royal blue or the bluest of the blues. I laughed, had fun, remembered all the characters because of their crazy names and even thought about how the author invented them -- most importantly, I think I learned something! And by the way, if you ever find yourself visiting Erde, I recommend the salmon and when in Rom, well, eat the pasta!

5.0 out of 5 stars A great read., January 4, 2011

By Tracytid (UK)
This review is from: February The Fifth (Kindle Edition)

I wasn't sure what I'd make of Derek Haines' new book as I don't normally 'do' Sci-fi. This wasn't an issue though as Derek has the ability to tell a really good story that carries you along without the genre taking over. His main character, Feb, is a rather unsavoury, lazy young man with no enthusiasm for anything yet Derek still manages to make him endearing. He tells the story of his sudden and unexpected rise to power, and it consequences, with his usual easy style of writing that is both enjoyable and funny. A great read.

February The Fifth is in pre-release and is available from Amazon.com. Coming to other retailers soon.

Author contact details:
http://www.derekhaines.ch

Derek Haines is an author of fiction, historical fiction, essays and poetry. Born in Australia, but now living in Switzerland, his stories cross a wide geographical range but often draw from his life and experiences in the two countries he calls home.