Richard Bunning Books and Reviews
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"In Two Hundred Squared Words" 

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This book has proved to be great fun to write, and I hope it is as much fun for everyone else to read. This is a book of 200 two hundred word stories, so 40,000 words in tiny bites. I hope that the paperback proves popular as a gift item, as the mixed grenre stories are designed so that everyone can find some appreciated tones-- some tiny 'tomes'. The electronic versions should be suitable for reading on even those smartphones with slightly smaller screens, and of course on every larger device. 
Some of you will have read a selection of these stories that have appeared on this site over the last couple of years. I thank you all immensly for your positive and helpful feedback. 
The stories are best read a few at a time, in those moments when concentration is possible for minutes rather than an hour. This is a read for those Suduko or device browsing moments when one wants something a bit different.



https://www.amazon.com/Two-Hundred-Squared-Words/dp/1539739724

This site is not just about my own books, although I'm not shy about giving them the main shout. Spiderworld is my latest speculative, science fiction, novel. I print many personal reviews of other authors equally brilliant works and in many cases these are supported by short copied extracts. I also have a page for occasional bloggins, mostly republished from other writers, when something to do with book stuff grabs my attention. Additionally, there is always a stock of my own free stories and other wordy doodles. 
Thank you so much for visiting my site, whether by accident or deliberate choice. If you visit again, then I'll be over the moon.
Reviewed Authors- In the following pages I have reviewed the books of many independent authors. Skip the material that self-advertises if you wish, and look for the author index. From there it is relatively easy to find the reviews. All the reviews end with links to Amazon.
Policy- I am open to the idea of reviewing for fiction authors in most genres, and do sometimes review non-fiction. My only strict policy is not to review unless I can be reasonably positive. My view is that books are too subjective and too difficult to quantify negatively without deep consideration for the permanent damage that such opinion inevitably generates. I only review about ten percent of books that I am asked to consider and never review without reading every word. I am extremely unlikely to review poetry or self-improvement doctrines, as the first is too difficult and the second almost always puts me to sleep. I am happy to show commitment and support by buying e books from those that I feel I am likely to review provided that in return the author grants me the courtesy of buying my work to equal value. That mutual buy is without any further obligation whatsoever. I never seek cross reviews because even though only a buffoon would risk reputation by endorsing rubbish there is a real, even if unjustified, degree of negativity about the practice. There is a great deal of cheating in the review business, but that is on a far deeper level than the mutual author, occasionally over generous,  pat on the back. I see nothing wrong with even a review from granny, if granny discloses her relationship.
Contact form and chat forum- at the bottom of this page.
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My Amazon Author Page

   My Free Stories (on header tabs.)

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The King of Koitata
(Dystopian SF)
My Senior School Days, 1915-1917.
(Biography)
An Appendix to Electric Hot Plates,
The working life of Arthur Callum 1918-1965. (Biography)
CC Short Stories- an ongoing series of 200 word stories.


         My Speculative Fiction

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This book, and the sequel are written as standalone. 



http://www.amazon.com/Another-Space-Time-Richard-Bunning-ebook/dp/B004VNQD9Y
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http://www.amazon.com/Another-Space-Returns-Richard-Bunning/dp/0956293786 
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There is more nonsense talked about writing than about anything else. Am I worth your time? I leave you the judge.  
I showed some early promise, in my own head, but that was more to do with the possibility of inventing a new language from my dyslexic spelling than any dexterity with English. 
My only notable qualification is a degree in International Relations from the University of Keele. This has helped me develop my interest in the large and small interactions of the seven thousand, million people on this planet, every one of which really do seem to be unique.
My background is one of relatively privileged, if rather Dickensian school education, not unlike that of my great-uncle, Arthur Callum. Like him I did best at pugilistic activities. His bottom drawer stories have been edited and published for free here. I then spent my best years making less and less money farming, working as a scientific research assistant, and making a very average job of looking after the family whilst my wife's work kept us all in modest luxury.
My fiddling with great classical works grew out of a naive attempts to help my children cope with education in foreign climes, and my speculative fiction out of my arrogant view that I have something interesting to say. 
I am English by birth, a citizen of New Zealand by adoption, and an inhabitant of Switzerland  (I have the privilege of residing there only as baggage of the multi-talented mother of our wonderful offspring). 
My interest in reviewing others' works is in the main driven by a determination to publicise independent writers. Some of us will one day be household names, possibly even through our books. Exactly who these individuals will be depends on the roll of the life's dice and on truckloads of support from readers like you. 

'Another Space in Time' and 'Another Space in Time, Returns' follow Rodwell Richard's journey through a second-life, after his re-birth as an adult in a different and quite possibly parallel world. 
Strictly speaking, his new existence is a resurrection into a different, alien, environment. I avoided the use of the word 'resurrection' throughout so as to do my best not to step on any religious toes. These are nothing but speculative fiction. 
These books have elements from thriller, police chase, crime, science fiction, fantasy and paranormal genres. No books are totally unique, however, these are written to be unusual. If having read you feel at least satisfied that for a change you have really read something a bit different, then I have achieved my main objective. 
I genuinely hope that you enjoy reading my work. That is all that matters to me. With this in mind I can almost always be persuaded to give free electronic copies to those that ask. You may get in touch with me through the comments box. This is under 'more' then 'author links +' tabs along the bar at the top of this page. 

Spiderworld

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Speculative science fiction story- with philosophical ruminations. And yes, action, love, humans as dinner, slavery, space travel, sentient competition, environmental decay, time-lords, gladiators- including a future Spartacus, passion, factory farming, hunting, weaving plots but no webs..... 


We are elsewhere in space time- but this isn't a sequel set in the parallel dimension of the planet Axa-Goranas - this book is set in our present future.    

Will this be the start of a new series?- I don't know, as that will depend on whether Orlando Oversight 'inspires' me to be his scribe once more.

Who is the book aimed at? Well, first at the self indulgences of Richard Bunning- beyond that- I cannot will you to read. I can only ask that you do.


As a Salvius 7 spaceship lands on Ungoliantis the future is already being written. The hunt has already begun. Well once Orlando Oversight gets around to letting the story flow.

Warning- Not everyone likes my books. 

http://www.amazon.com/Spiderworld-Richard-Bunning-ebook/dp/B00ZSPMG8G




Understanding Women: A Guide for Male Survival- Jennings, Bunning & Lebel

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This is a humorous gift book rather than anything in the remotest way serious. Both Jody Lebel and Michael Jennings have written romance genre books that have been reviewed on this site. We made a conscious effort to leave a lot of empty space in this joke book. This leaves the recipient of our gift item with plenty of notebook space, which can be utilised before the paper is recycled. I see it as a great place to store all those computer passwords or odd quotes and doodles that never quite find a home. Perhaps you could even use it to store your own funny jokes and observations.
If you are inclined to the view that this is a rather cynical way for three authors to make a load of money, then I tend to agree. However, we really believe there is a genuine demand for this type of book. The next time you are struggling to find a gift for that adolescent male friend or relative between the age of 15 and 105, just consider a copy of this excellently produced book. 

Have a look at our website 
http://understandingwomennot.weebly.com/
And at the useful Amazon look inside feature  
http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Women-Guide-Male-Survival/dp/0985541229





Fifty Egg Timer Short Stories

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     This is a collection of my 600-1000 word flash fiction stories. A wide variety of genres and topics are visited with the intention of most readers finding at least some stories that entertain them. Many of the stories were written in 'competition' and so constrained by topic and the need to include certain elements. As a reader this will not be apparent, though it is worth the mention as this is such an effective mechanism for expanding a writers thought process. I hope you find the diversity of stories is some proof of this pudding. None of these stories has been previously 'published' although some have appeared in places on the internet. All the stories are original to the single mass of strangely connected grey-matter that is my particular consequentiality.
ebook
http://www.amazon.com/Fifty-Timer-Stories-Richard-Bunningebook/dp/B00IBEFIKY

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/404016

Paperback
 http://www.amazon.com/Fifty-Egg-Timer-Short-Stories/dp/1495904938

Fifty More Egg Timer Short Stories

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Here are fifty flash fiction, short stories, of between 600 and 1,200 words. This collection leans towards speculative fiction, although I do try to be diverse.
My aim was, as with the first book in the series, to provide short reads for busy people, with idle minutes in which to refocus. They are not meant to be read one after another in quick succession, although, of course, some readers will be happy doing that.
I envisage this as a book for the short commute, or for other tedious minutes that are an unavoidably part of the routine of life. Time waiting for the egg to boil, for instance.
Currently, I'm working on a book of even shorter stories, for the ever expanding army of smartphone users that get fed up from time to time with the hustle of most vital modern apps. These are 200 word stories, which are fun to write as every word is so desperately vital. I like to think that they will also be fun to read. Well, I would wouldn't I.
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www.amazon.com/Fifty-More-Timer-Short-Stories-ebook/dp/B01GZOUWOS

The Future is Short (Science Fiction in a Flash)-  Edited by Russell, Friedman & Fix

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600-750 word stories with a Science Fiction/Fantasy/Speculative perspective. There are 57 stories in the book. These are flash fiction stories, idea bombs, that as are as varied as their writers. 
The contributing authors are: J.J. Alleson, Sam Bellotto Jr., Mike Boggia, Richard Bunning, Lars Carlson, Kalifar Deil, Carrol Fix, W.A. Fix, Paula Friedman, Andrew Gurcak, Ami L. Hart, Gene Hilgreen, Thaddeus Howze, S.M. Kraftchak, Helmuth Kump, Andy Lake, Joanna Lamprey, Jeremy Lichtman, Andy McKell, D.C. Mills, J.D Mitchell, Karl J. Morgan, J.R. O'Neil, Amos Parker, Marianne G. Petrino, Allan Quintana, Jon Ricson, Jot Russell, Tom Tinney, Nonen Títi, J.F. Williams.  



http://www.amazon.com/Future-Short-Science-Fiction-Flash-ebook/dp/B00KSY7WBS





The Consortium- Compiled by Russell, Edited by A.L. Scott

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Science Fiction Consortium is an anthology of short stories from nine authors, including the creator of the Science Fiction Microstory Contest, Jot Russell. 
“Temporal Shift” by Jot Russell is a time travel story based around 9/11. 
“The Watch Spring” by Allen H. Quintana - Where a man waits for no time. 
“A Shepherd No More” by Andy McKell follows one man's refusal to accept disaster in the depths of space. 
“Vampirecratic Menace - A Case Study?” by Richard Bunning describes a dark future medical science. 
“Luna-1” by James Newman is a space drama of human struggle. 
“The Destroyer of Syn” by Ami Hart paints a synthetic world of youth to maturity. 
“Cold New Planet” by Joy V. Smith - What mysteries will the colonists--and the consortium backing them--uncover on this slowly thawing planet? 
“Darklings in the Glow” by Sterren describes birth from the ashes. 
“Host” by A. L. Scott is a story of internal contact. 
“Consortium” by Jot Russell - The search for intelligent life has used the method of radio and light. But somewhere within the subatomic, a universal seed has been planted that is slowly working to control us all.

http://www.amazon.com/Science-Fiction-Consortium-Jot-Russell-ebook/dp/B00OT26XHO


Awesome Allshorts: Last Days, Lost Ways

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21 Awesome Indies Authors (Author), Tahlia Newland (Editor), Dixiane Hallaj (Editor), Richard Bunning (Editor)

Indulge your taste for good fiction with this short story anthology by authors with bold new voices. Though from diverse genres, the stories share a contemporary and contemplative feel that will linger long after the reader has read the last one. 

Awesome Allshorts showcases talented authors from around the globe, many whose novels have received multiple honors, including Awesome Indies approved status.



Authors:- Amy Spahn, Bill Kirton, Bruce Louis Dodson, C. Jay, Charles Ray, Colleen Grimes, D.L. Morrese, Dixiane Hallaj, G.J. Berger, Joan Kerr, Jonathan Gould, Kate Policani, Kathleen Jones, M.T. McGuire, Marsha Cornelius, Mary Maddox, Richard Bunning, Shauna Bickley, Simon J. Townley, Tahlia Newland, Thaddeus Howze.



http://www.amazon.com/Awesome-Allshorts-Last-Days-Lost-ebook/dp/B00OWP5PYU



Short & Happy (Or Not)- Edited by Dixiane Hallaj and Richard Bunning

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36 stories from 25 talented authors

SHORT & HAPPY (or not) brings together authors from English speaking countries around the globe and a sprinkling of others who enjoy life in non-English speaking countries. Their stories cover just as wide a spectrum of subjects. Humor (or humour), light romance, science fiction, fantasy, memoir, satire, reflection, exotic locales … it's all here in bite-sized pieces.



Short stories fit into the small spaces of today's busy world and add pep and a change of pace for any day. Short & Happy (or not) is a collection of 36 stories that do just that as they entertain and delight in small bites. The 25 writers hail from Canada, Italy, Greece, Switzerland, Colombia, the U.K., and across the United States from Washington State to Washington DC.
The contributors include multi-published award-winning authors as well as some who are having a first successful submission. The subject matter and style of the stories are as varied as the authors. Humor (or humour) abounds, but memoir, fantasy, science fiction, dramatic settings, and wildly different points of view provides something for almost all readers.

http://www.amazon.com/Short-Happy-not-Richard-Bunning-ebook/dp/B00OQZSWGY

 




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A dozen wonderfully varied stories from ten disparate minds, all variably related to the saints and heathens theme of the book. Many genres make a mark, from mythology, to fantasy, from historical fiction to contemporary fiction and humorous drama, and paranormal to detective. In short, this is a real variety pack. 












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www.amazon.com/Saints-Heathens-International-Dixiane-Hallaj-ebook/dp/B06X1DV3GV





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Esther and Athaliah are two plays based on biblical texts, which have strong principle female roles. They were considered very modern plays in their day, being written for performance by a female, rather than the traditional all male, cast. The plays were written for the girls of St. Cyr School, which had been set up by the  Marquise de Maintenon, the second wife of Louis XIV. 

Esther is about the Jewish "princess" Esther, and her rise from the pitiful serfdom of the Jews exiled in Persia. Her status, and that of all the Jews, is lifted when she eventually marry's King Ahaserrus. The main subplot is woven around the bitter rivalry between Haman & Mordecai.

Athaliah is the story of Queen Athaliah, who believes she has destroyed all the rival members of Judah's Royal family, and her plans to destroy the Jewish temple in Jerusalem. With the help of the High Priest of Baal she plans a final assault.

ISBN: 978-0-9562937-1-8 (Paperback)
ISBN: 978-0-9562937-6-3 (eBook version)


My versions of Jean Racine's neoclassical, alexandrine metred, French language, poetic plays are adaptations into plain English prose. Poetry is almost always clumsy in translation, or altered beyond the possibility of accurate interpretation. 
I aim for easy interpretations of the original plays, to facilitate reading for both pleasure and study and to provide good material for performance. Racine's beautiful plays lose their poetic craft, but accessibility and comprehension are greatly enhanced for the English reader. Whilst aiming for accuracy this isn't an academic translation.
http://www.amazon.com/Esther-Athaliah-plays-adapted-Racine-ebook/dp/B003Z0D1PS






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The classical play Wasps was written in the City-State of Athens in 422 BC. Plays in this period were generally highly political and satirical, providing a medium for communicating opinion. Aristophanes plays were harshly critical of his enemies, often cynical and sometimes crude. They were written in an atmosphere a million miles away from the 17th Century aristocratic French royal courts, in which Jean Racine wrote 2000 years later.
Despite the huge cultural gap neoclassical scholars were constantly referring back to classical writings, and none more so than Racine. He, having had his own private run-ins with the judiciary, was inspired by the Wasps to base his only "comedy" on that play. The result was "Les Plaideurs", which is often translated as "the Litigants", and which I call "Suitors".
Readers of all levels have, and will, often considered the connection between the plays to be weak. Yet they are constantly studied with reference to each other. This is in no small measure due to the fact that Racine felt indebted to Aristophanes for his plot. Everyone is free to make that judgment for themselves. 

ISBN: 978-09562937-2-5 (Paperback)
ISBN: 978-09562937-4-9 (eBook versions)
My versions of Jean Racine's neoclassical, alexandrine metred, French language, poetic plays are adaptations into plain English prose. Aristophanes Wasps is redone without reference to the original Greek, as I have never studied the language, nevertheless I believe I have read from enough translated sources to make my interpretation credible. 
I aim for easy interpretations of the original plays, to facilitate reading for both pleasure and study and to provide good material for performance. Racine's beautiful plays lose their poetic craft, but accessibility and comprehension are greatly enhanced. Whilst both plays strive for accuracy they are not academic translations.

http://www.amazon.com/Suitors-Wasps-adapted-Racine-Aristophanes-ebook/dp/B004089H52





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This play is set during Alexander's military campaign in the Punjab, in what in modern times is an area of Pakistan. 
The story is centred around relationships of love and hate between the kings Porus and Taxiles, Queen Axiana, Taxiles' sister Cleophila and Alexander himself. The action is set before and during the bloody battle of Hydaspes.
This is a week in the life of, reduced to a theatrical day in the life of, Alexander. Their is never any stage direction in any of Racine's plays, and I haven't added any here. This, arguably the simplest of his works, is suitable for adaptation to any level of performance.  

ISBN: 978-0-9562937-0-1 (Paperback)
ISBN: 978-0-9562937-5-6 (eBook version)


My versions of Jean Racine's neoclassical, alexandrine metred, French language, poetic plays are adaptations into plain English prose. Poetry is almost always clumsy in translation, or altered beyond the possibility of accurate interpretation. 
I aim for easy interpretations of the original plays, to facilitate reading for both pleasure and study and to provide good material for performance. Racine's beautiful plays lose their poetic craft, but accessibility and comprehension are greatly enhanced for the English reader. Whilst aiming for accuracy of meaning they are certainly not academic translations.





http://www.amazon.com/Alexander-Great--adapted-play-Racine-ebook/dp/B003YCPK74

Links:
Amazon Author page:-     http://www.amazon.com/Richard-Bunning/e/B003EJEKFK
Smashwords:-              https://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=Richard+Bunning
Twitter:-                    http://twitter.com/#!/RichardBunning
Facebook:-                 https://www.facebook.com/richard.bunning


Books are available from most suppliers, in most formats.

    If you wish to contact me then please feel free to use this form-
    I will only put you on my mailing list if you request that I do so.
    If you would like free copies of e books I am easily persuaded.
    I would far rather you read my books for free than didn't read them at all.
    Free can't be applied to anthologies- (other authors contributing) 

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