Community Reviews

Rating(3.8 / 5.0, 49 votes)
5 stars
13(27%)
4 stars
15(31%)
3 stars
21(43%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
49 reviews
July 14,2025
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A great and under-rated series that is truly worth returning to every few years. It's like a magical combination where Oasis, the Prodigy, and Joni Mitchell team up to take on the Establishment. They do this via the iconic Glastonbury, with the distinct shades of Britpop and the influence of Tony Blair in the background. It serves as comfort reading for these political times, providing a unique escape and a different perspective. Moreover, it can be argued that this is the best threesome ever. Their combined talents and the way they interact and create something special is truly remarkable. It's a series that has the power to transport you to another world, filled with music, politics, and a whole lot of excitement. Whether you're a fan of Britpop or just looking for something interesting to read, this series is definitely worth checking out.

July 14,2025
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Arthurian tales with rock music! What more could I ask for?


The combination of these two elements seems like a dream come true. Arthurian tales are filled with adventure, chivalry, and magic. They have captivated audiences for centuries. And now, with the addition of rock music, they take on a whole new dimension.


The powerful beats and electrifying sounds of rock music perfectly complement the heroic deeds and epic battles of the Arthurian legends. It adds an extra layer of excitement and energy to the stories.


I can just imagine sitting in a theater, completely immersed in the world of King Arthur and his knights, as the music blares and the action unfolds on stage. It would be an unforgettable experience.


This unique blend of Arthurian tales and rock music offers a fresh and exciting way to experience these classic stories. It appeals to both fans of literature and music, bringing together two different art forms in a truly remarkable way.


I can't wait to see what kind of creative interpretations and adaptations this combination will inspire. It has the potential to create something truly magical and unforgettable.

July 14,2025
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In an alternate very-recent-past or very-near future, Zaphod, Ford, and Trillian are all music stars. They form a sweetly complicated but stable threesome and have inherited a half-arsed kind of coup kicked off by the Sex Pistols or maybe Oasis.


"Bold as Love" was a strangely beautiful read, predominantly late at night. The premise and incidental ideas were interesting, while the details were often grim or downright nasty. The plot meandered, and the prose veered between elegaic and punchy. It was a little like reading an argument between Robert Holdstock and Jack Kerouac. I'm still not entirely sure what to make of it as a result, which does not seem to be an uncommon reaction among readers and reviewers. I liked it quite a lot, but I'm not sure what to actually think of it in the end. It is... itself. And more power to Gwyneth Jones for writing something that does that.


For me, the real strength was the relationship between the three main characters. I thought that Jones captured the complexity, irony, forbearance, and love between three messed-up people in a messed-up context really well. The true-but-ironic greetings between Sage and Ax, "Hi rock star." "Hi other rock star," rang true for me. It's the kind of humour I expect from and find in my own social circle, and the wry acknowledgement that people sometimes utilise with each other in crap situations. The shared history, care of each other's secrets, and sexual tensions (either acted on or not) also echoed my own experiences and were a pleasure to read. The dynamics and responses to new pressures also felt real and worked well for me.


If I've got a major gripe, it's with the pacing and conclusion. That last bit felt like a bit of a sell-out, Ms. Jones. It was a case of 'I'm not sure where this is going... Oh well, I'll just end it here and promise more in a sequel.' It was not unlike a badly placed ad break on commercial TV, sucking you into acquiring the next one (and the three after that I discover) in order to reach any kind of conclusion, let alone resolution.


Otherwise, a lot of what I could write has already been covered before, particularly in the SF Mistressworks review. The nods to Arthurian heritage and other English folklore are a standout and what was making me think of the aforementioned Holdstock. One of the reasons I think "Bold as Love" works is because it is standing on the shoulders of other giants and adding to the layered mish-mash of culture. It's valuable for that alone, and the other bollocks also have their worth.
July 14,2025
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For an in-depth discussion of Bold As Love, please listen to my podcast.

My podcast, http://writerandcritic.podbean.com/2011/03/17/episode-5-my-name-is-will-and-under-the-poppy-plus-bold-as-love/\\" rel=\\"nofollow noopener\\">The Writer and the Critic, episode 5, offers a detailed exploration of this captivating topic.

In this episode, I delve into the various aspects of Bold As Love, analyzing its themes, characters, and literary devices.

Listeners can expect to gain a deeper understanding of the work and its significance.

Whether you're a fan of the book or simply interested in a thought-provoking discussion, this podcast is sure to engage and enlighten.

So, tune in and join me as we explore the world of Bold As Love together.
July 14,2025
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I found this to be an extremely tedious and caricature-ridden piece of work. It seemed as if it was trying way too hard to break free from the typical stereotypes, but in doing so, it lost its charm and authenticity.

Every page felt like a never-ending slog, and I found myself constantly looking at the page numbers, eagerly waiting for it to come to an end. I simply could not engage with the characters or the situation presented in the story. There was no emotional connection for me.

It was quite evident that I never felt the magic that other readers seemed to experience. This lack of engagement left me with a very negative impression. In my opinion, it was a failed attempt, and I would give it two thumbs down without hesitation.

I truly hope that future works in this genre can learn from the mistakes of this one and offer a more engaging and enjoyable reading experience.
July 14,2025
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What a weird, oddly compelling book! It is truly different from anything I have ever read before.

However, it would have been a fantastic read with a good editor. There were many parts where I found myself frustrated, feeling completely lost in the dialogue.

The grammatical and printing errors also annoyed me to no end. It was as if the author had not taken the time to properly proofread and edit the manuscript before publication.

Despite these flaws, there was something about the book that kept me coming back for more. Maybe it was the unique storyline or the interesting characters.

Whatever it was, I couldn't quite put it down. I just wish that the author had taken more care with the editing process to make this a truly great book.
July 14,2025
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This was an extremely strange book.

The premise struck me as completely crazy. Indeed, I am able to believe in a societal breakdown resulting from climate change and computer viruses. However, I simply cannot envision how teenage and twenty-something musicians would ultimately end up as the leaders.

The writing was also highly inconsistent. Some parts were tightly written and engaging, while others were confusing and sloppy.

I remain uncertain as to whether I desire to read the next book in the series. I am left with a sense of ambivalence, as the strange premise and inconsistent writing have both intrigued and frustrated me.

On one hand, I am curious to see if the author will be able to further develop the story and clarify some of the more confusing aspects.

On the other hand, I am hesitant to invest more time in a series that has already shown such flaws.

Only time will tell if I will decide to continue reading.
July 14,2025
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Enjoyable. In the near future, the UK will be guided by rock musicians. This might seem like an unlikely scenario, but it could bring a whole new level of excitement and creativity to the country. Rock musicians are known for their passion, energy, and unique perspectives. With them at the helm, the UK could see a transformation in various aspects of society.


For example, the arts and culture scene might thrive as rock musicians bring their innovative ideas and styles to different mediums. Music festivals could become even more spectacular, attracting people from all over the world. The fashion industry might also be influenced, with new trends emerging inspired by the rockers' looks and attitudes.


Furthermore, the leadership of rock musicians could have a positive impact on the economy. Their popularity and influence could draw in more tourism, boosting local businesses. Additionally, their creativity and entrepreneurship could lead to the development of new industries and opportunities.


In conclusion, while it may sound far-fetched, the idea of the UK being guided by rock musicians in the near future has the potential to bring about a lot of enjoyable and positive changes. It would be a truly unique and exciting time for the country.

July 14,2025
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Traffic of cloud,
I am made the leader.
Over the sleeping valley,
White lies are laid.
Twenty to hold the search,
My forest womb dies in the night.
The arrangement is high,
Far to meet,
Like to find you.
Even from the wave of the sea,
The wave of wonder vision.
Even all of that,
Bold as love.



The clouds seem to be in a bustling traffic, and I am chosen as their leader. As we pass over the sleeping valley, falsehoods are spread like a white blanket. There are twenty of us, determined to hold the search. Sadly, my forest womb, which once gave life, withers away in the darkness of the night. The arrangement of this journey is at a high level, and the destination is far away, yet we are eager to meet. I long to find you, as if you were hidden within the waves of the sea or within the wonderful vision of those waves. Even with all that lies ahead, I remain bold as love, ready to face whatever comes our way.
July 14,2025
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The copy simply states: "Three extraordinary people in some most extraordinary times."

It's a concise yet thought-provoking statement. However, as I was reading it, I couldn't help but feel a sense of depression creeping in.

Maybe it was the idea of these extraordinary individuals navigating through such extraordinary circumstances that made me reflect on the challenges and hardships they must have faced.

It could also be that the brevity of the statement left me with a longing for more details, a desire to know the full story of these remarkable people and the times they lived in.

In any case, those few words had a profound impact on me, leaving me with a mix of emotions and a sense of curiosity about the untold tales that lie behind them.

July 14,2025
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I think I'm in love with Gwennyth Jones. She's like a bright star in my life, shining with an irresistible charm. But then there's Fiorinda. Oh, Fiorinda! The guitar slinging redhead who has captured my heart.

Every time I see her play the guitar, it's like a magical moment. The way her fingers dance on the strings, it's truly captivating. Jimi Hendrix would be so proud of his influence on her.

And I know I'm completely hooked. I can't get her out of my mind. Her music, her presence, it all just draws me in. I find myself constantly thinking about her, wondering what she's doing, if she's thinking of me too.

I'm in this strange state of being torn between two loves, but with Fiorinda, it's something special. Something that makes my heart race and my soul soar. I don't know what the future holds, but for now, I'm just going to enjoy this feeling of being in love with the guitar slinging redhead.
July 14,2025
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The story does have a not-bad idea lurking behind it. However, as several others have already commented, the characters seem to fall short of the mark. They don't truly engage the reader in a way that makes one feel anything except a sense of disconnection from their lives and problems. It's as if the characters are just going through the motions, and their experiences don't resonate with the reader on a deeper level.

Overall, it's a bit of a letdown. At least for me, it has now been removed from my to-read list. I was hoping for a more immersive and emotionally engaging experience, but unfortunately, this story failed to deliver on that front. It's a shame, really, because the underlying concept had potential. Maybe with some more development and refinement of the characters, it could have been a much better read.

But as it stands now, it just doesn't quite hit the mark. I'll have to look elsewhere for my next literary adventure.
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