Les Bill Gates has reined the imagination

This is the third review on 'Windows on Our World, Part 1: Hope', the epic fantasy written by Les Bill Gates. This review was written by Joseph Kaval - Editor and publisher of the international literary journal Katha Kshetre.

Windows on Our World. Part I: Hope. By Les Bill Gates, pages 332, price $22.95, published by Lulu.com, ISBN 978-1-84753-515-3. www.lulu.com

Similar to the epics Mahabharata and Ramayana, the classics of Indian literature, Windows on Our World is a fantasy trilogy in the tradition of fantasy novels of recent era created by Les Bill Gates, the pen name of Leslie William Gates. Hope is the first part and the remaining parts, Faith and Love will eventually appear, so says the author. The story is told in twenty chapters. Squire, the legendary saviour and the expected one, arrives in Thorland. He helps the good wizard Tobin to find out the missing teeth of a golden skull that has magical powers to bring in peace and prosperity for the people of the land. Gordeve, the wicked wizard, sister of Tobin and the antagonist is also after the teeth. The fat and flesh of the book are the numerous adventures of Squire and his friends well equipped with suitable weapons of the time just as the characters of the American serial film 'A Team.’ After having encountered with evil forces the team redeems the teeth of upper jaw. The bone of the story is the eternal conflict between the good and the evil. The story ends happily and beautifully. But the readers may ask for: 'where are the teeth of lower jaw?' That is the magical effect of this volume and a pointer to author's craftsmanship. The book has all the elements of an interesting book such as an ideal theme, good story, beautiful sceneries, life-full characters, fantastic events, fighting and stunts, magical scenes, humorous dialogues, simple and common language studded with elegant phrases and idioms, route maps, happy ending etc. Careful and colourful crafting of those components makes the book wholesome and worthy of reading

While J.K.Rowling's Harry Potter series have unnatural and abnormal fantasies, Les Bill Gates has reined the imagination and has kept it within the boundaries of logic and reason. Les has made even an animal, mule the Faithful a lively character very unlike of JKR. The book is a pleasant reading for the readers - children, adults and the aged - having leisurely time at hand. While reading the saga of Squire and his company we are reminded of the films: 'Connan the Barbarian', 'Red Sonja', 'Ladies of Amazon', 'Death Stalker.' The book has the potential for being made unto film. We did not feel quite happy with the main title and the sub title. Title given to a book must be crisp, catchy of onlooker's eyes and compassing to the content of the book. Squire as a hero needed little more virility and vitality. The price of the book seemed little high - J.Kaval

Thank you, Mr. Kaval, for a great review.

“The clarity of unblemished prose”

This is the second review on 'Windows on Our World, Part 1: Hope', the epic fantasy written by Les Bill Gates. This review was written by C. Noël Rivera, a professional reviewer on Allbook Reviews http://www.allbookreviews.com and Space Dragon Reviews http://www.spacedragonreviews.com/

Title: WINDOWS ON OUR WORLD, PART 1: HOPE

Author: Les Bill Gates

The ancient prophecy of Thorland is about to be fulfilled as a man known only as the Squire arrives by way of a giant eagle. Though the man does not remember who he is or where he comes from, he accepts the explanation of Helge, the woman who has been tasked with helping him on an important quest. With the help of the wizard Tobin, his apprentices, an archer, and three Luchorpans, Helge and Squire must locate the teeth that belong to the golden skull in order to reinstate its magical powers and protect Thorland from the evil Gordeve.

Numerous obstacles stand in their way, for Gordeve has begun breeding a terrible cougar, which carries malicious intentions toward Squire and his friends. She has spies in even the safest of places, and she holds a secret capable of corrupting even the most loyal of men. But even beyond Gordeve's schemes there are dangers, for someone is stalking Squire and his band, and their travels take them into remote, sometimes unfriendly, lands where the threat of war overshadows their quest.

Windows on Our World enters into the familiar fantasy realm of quests and wizards and curious creatures. No time is wasted in getting the heroes underway, and by the second chapter, Squire and Helge have already set out to find the rest of their party. In some cases, the action almost seems to move a little too quickly, putting expediency above the development of situational tension or character evolution. Very little is known about the characters themselves other than their present occupation, and their feelings are sometimes lost within the shared point of view structure.

The style of writing might be a little spare for some readers, but others will be pleased by the clarity of unembellished prose. There is no need to search for meaning within the words, as the author's intention is made clear through his choice of phrasing. This helps drive the story forward and, though we reach the ending with many questions, we know that the story will be continued in the next volume, where Squire's party will continue searching for the golden teeth.

Les Bill Gates is a teacher, and former principal, at King George VI National Secondary School in the Solomon Islands. He holds a mathematics degree from Oxford University and a Certificate in Education from Exeter University. He has traveled extensively and plans to pursue a career as an author, continuing the Windows on Our World series with the second book, Faith.

Reviewer: C. Noël Rivera, Allbook Reviews.

Thank you once again, Noël, for your great review.

Lord of the Rings meets National Treasure

Today, I am posting the first of the reviews written on my epic fantasy novel 'Windows on Our World, Part 1: Hope'. This review was written by Yolande du Plessis, a student from South Africa.

In the first part of the fantasy trilogy, Windows on our World, Hope, is set in the fictitious Thorland. It is an easy read where Lord of the Rings meets National Treasure with vocabulary not above the average English reader.

Squire finds himself in Thorland after being summoned by the wizard Tobin to fulfil an ancient prophecy. Together with a company, selected by the prophecy, he set off in search for the teeth of the upper jaw which belong to the golden skull. The quest leads the company through beautiful descriptive scenes of the country by means of clues hidden with every tooth. But like all quests, there is a villain in the form of Gordeve, the evil wizard sister of Tobin, who does everything in her power to overthrow the company.

There is a strong universal theme of good and evil, camaraderie, and trust. At times the dialogue seems unnatural, but does not deflect attention from the story line. There is enough intrigue to keep you turning the pages.

The characters are interesting, although, except for Squire and Jippers, they do not have any body to them. Descriptions are done with precision, but they lack a certain humanity and you find it difficult to relate to them.

My final conclusion is that the first part of the trilogy, Windows on our World, is an entertaining read and I will recommend it to anyone who would like to sit back and relax for a few hours. I am waiting, with baited breath, the next book.

Yolande du Plessis

Thanks again, Yolande, for a very good and fair review.

Return to Tobin’s Castle

This is the twentieth and final chapter of 'Windows on Our World, Part 1: Hope'. As you would expect, events combine and lead to a dramatic conclusion to the book. Yet, at the same time, this is the first book of a trilogy, so some things are left 'hanging in the air' and there are many unanswered questions.

The chapter centres around a dramatic battle in the depths of the caves of Boggart. As you read, you will be entranced by the graphic description of the underground caverns and how they are used in the battle. It's not giving too much away to say that the good guys win. However, how they do it and who are the heroes, are things you will only learn by reading the chapter.

Meanwhile, the members of the company have successfully found the last tooth and are on their way back to Tobin's Castle.

As the title of the chapter suggests, all our main characters meet again at the wizard's castle. There they learn some shocking news about Jippers and some good news about a forthcoming marriage. To find out more about these pieces of news, you will need to read the chapter.

The chapter and book ends with Tobin instructing the members of the company to go to their homes for a three month rest and charging them to return again to his castle after three months to begin the second quest. The second quest is described in the second book of the trilogy 'Windows on Our World, Part 2: Faith', which is now 90% completed.

However, you will not want to read the second book until you have read and savoured all the exciting events of the first book, 'Hope'. Read a chapter and reviews from 'Hope' by visiting http://www.lesbillgates.com/hope.html                                                                      Go to http://www.lulu.com/content/722089 to purchase the book.

Sacumed

This is the 19th and penultimate chapter of 'Windows on Our World, Part 1: Hope', the epic fantasy trilogy by Les Bill Gates.

Who is Sacumed? He is a character who has appeared before in an earlier chapter, but we weren't told his name at the time. It will be a surprise to learn who Sacumed is and what his role is to be in the future of the story.

Sacumed is the one who brings news to Tobin about treachery and the stealing of something valuable to the company. Who is the traitor and what was stolen? How was the item recovered? And who is the other traitor who is exposed at Tobin's Castle? To answer these questions, you need to read this exciting chapter.

What are the Caves of Boggart and why are Sim and Squire approaching the caves? What happens when two wizards fight? All the answers are to be found in the chapter.

Read this chapter and be prepared for the thrilling ending to the book in the final chapter. Purchase your copy by visiting  http://www.lulu.com/content/722089

Strange Beings

Chapter 18 of 'Hope', the first part of the epic fantasy 'Windows on Our World' by Les Bill Gates,  opens with a description of the invasion of one of the Western states by Gordeve's navy and army. Which state is invaded, and what is the surprise outcome? Who was behind the plans that led to that outcome? Read the chapter and find out.

The remainder of the chapter, entitled 'Strange Beings', focuses on the company as they journey into the unfriendly and unpleasant marshlands at the delta of the Tee River. Who or what are the Ballybogs and who is the mysterious little old man known as Phynnodderee? How did he come to live among the Ballybogs? Will the Ballybogs and Phynnodderee prove to be friends or enemies? How will the members of the company manage to get past the bridge over the underground river that is guarded by the evil Water Woman? Where will they find the next tooth?

The biggest question of all comes in the last paragraph of the chapter. What has happened to Jippers' 'Hope'?

To answer these questions you will need to read this exciting chapter. You can find out more and purchase a copy of 'Windows on Our World, Part 1: Hope' at http://www.lulu.com/content/722089

Meetings at Southport

Southport is a town situated on the west side of the Moon River estuary and, as the title of Chapter 17 of 'Faith' suggests, there are to be some meetings at Southport. But to discover who meets whom and for what purpose, you will need to read the chapter.

The chapter begins with the five members of the company remaining on Gull Island seeking passage back to the mainland. Meanwhile, in the Central Kobold mountains, Gordeve is meeting with her spy and her generals. Two plans are hatched - one to steal a valuable possession from one member of the company and the other to launch an invasion of one of the countries of the alliance. What do they plan to steal, and which country will be invaded?

At the same time, Queen Sofee of Atmos sets off for West Thorland to lead a group to search Telemann's Wall for any secret openings or tunnels. Who is the handsome man who meets her at Southport and falls in love with her?

Who is the person who visits Sim late in the evening and what task will he be given?

The company have a problem in recovering the next tooth, but finally overcome the problem. Who or what are the mysterious Ballybogs and Phynnodderee mentioned in the next instructions? The company set off for the Tee River delta to find out.

The answers to all the questions above can be found in the chapter. Read the chapter and purchase the book at http://www.lulu.com/content/722089