Early Schoolday Memories

February 17, 2026 V.M.Sang 8 Comments

It’s been a while since I did a Memories post, so here’s another one.

They say you never forget your first day at school. Well I must be strange because I don’t remember the actual first day. What I do remember is general.

I entered a hallway with pegs on either side. Each peg had a picture of an animal next to it. I couldn’t read and neither could the other children, so we recognised our own pegs by the picture.

A motherly lady with white hair greeted us and told us her name was Mrs Rose and that she was our teacher.

I hung my coat on the peg Mrs Rose said was mine then followed her, along with everyone else, through a door on the left of the entrance.

In the classroom were double desks arranged in rows. The walls in this classroom were painted white, and there were windows at the left of the door. I couldn’t see out of them, though, as they were high in the wall.

The school was a Victorian brick building. The windows were pointed arches, a bit like church windows, but without the stained glass. As it was a Church school, that might have been the reason for making it look like a church.

I looked it up yesterday, and the school has apparently been converted to dwellings! At least it’s not been knocked down.

Although only little, 5 years old at the most, I walked the half mile to school with a girl just a couple of years older than me. No adults accompanied us. That sounds terrible in this day and age, but I don’t remember any parents waiting at the school gates. Certainly no cars.

One day, I came out of school and couldn’t see Margaret. I was frightened she’d gone without me and, ignoring the teacher who was seeing the children across the road, I ran out to try to catch her up and was knocked down by a cyclists. Everyone was most concerned. I didn’t get into trouble, though. They were more worried to see if I, or the cyclist, were hurt. We were both alright.

And Margaret hadn’t gone without me.

The reason I was so worried was walking up the hill home. There was a long, high wall with tall trees behind it, and a field with equally tall trees on the other side. This made this part of the walk quite gloomy even on bright days. I was afraid of passing this dark area on my own.

Attached to the wall, just outside the door, was an enamel plaque with a flaming torch depicted on it. It was the sign for a school in those days, mirrored in the road signs until they became international. The torch was the torch of learning.

We used to line up and jump to tap it as high as we could. The person who reached the highest was the winner, of course.

What do you remember about your first school?

Let me know in the comments.

book reviews, Uncategorized

Common Pronunciation Mistakes in Modern English

February 3, 2026 V.M.Sang 23 Comments

Image by christopher Walkey from Pixabay

This might only apply to people in the UK as pronunciation in the US for some words is different.

I’ve noticed in the last few years that pronunciation is not what it was.

Here are a few things I’ve noticed changing:

The word ‘ to’ is no longer pronounced as if it has an o after the t. In almost every case it’s now pronounced ‘te’. “I’m going te town.”
The combination of the letters, ‘th’ is rarely pronounced properly, but is pronounced as though it’s ‘v’ or ‘f’. “Are you coming wiv me?” This pronunciation was once only heard in less educated Londoners, but it’s spread throughout the country, and even university graduates pronounce ‘th’ in this way.
Recognise comes from the Latin ‘recognoscere’ It has a ‘g’ in the middle. It’s not a silent ‘g’. Or at least it shouldn’t be. People more often than not pronounce it ‘recernise’.
Another word that suffers from a silent letter which it shouldn’t is February, which is now pronounced Feb-yoo-ary instead of Feb-roo-ary.
Sky’s political reporter, whom I won’t name, drops the ‘g’ off every word that ends in that letter. She’ll say, “In a few moments, the Prime Minister will be comin’ through the door of Number 10 Downin’ Street and givin’ a speech about….”

I find these things irritating, but particularly the last one. The occasional mistake I can accept, but it’s not a mistake when it’s done every time.

Have you noticed any changes in the way people pronounce words? What is your feeling about it?

I’ve had a wonderful review of Vengeance of a Slave from Robbie Cheadle. Thank you Robbie.

You can read it on her blog. Click the button to read it.

Link to Roberta Writes

book reviews, novel

Surviving the Horror: The Woods Family’s Final Stand

January 27, 2026 V.M.Sang 11 Comments

Overview

This is the third and final part of The Misery House trilogy. This has given me a problem as I don’t want to give away anything from the first two books into case you’ve not yet read them.

The series is a horror series set in a small town in the US. Looming over the town is an abandoned house, which gives its name to the series as a whole. The story is told in the first person, but from several points of view.

Blurb

Everyone feels safe in their own house. Until it’s too late.

The Woods family is at peace, at last. With Allison now safe. Kaia is not afraid. But everything changes when Allison gets sick… and another child from New Haven goes missing.

Everything leads to the house on the hill. And this time, the whole town is at stake.

Cliff Woods petitions to demolish the house. In response, New Haven slowly turns against him, looking for any reason or way to burn him down, instead. And it’s not hard to find.

At the same time, Kaia simply needs to make it until Nate graduates. Less than a year. But Rhys has more to tell her… Secrets from a hundred years ago.

When the Woods family is no longer safe in their own home, they only have one choice: Fight until the end.

But in this town, there are no happy endings.

Story

This is where it gets difficult. In the first two books, mysterious things happen.

The main protagonists are the Woods family–Cliff, Naomi and their children, Kaia and Nate.

In the first two books, lights are seen in the house at night. Something chases Naomi Woods and her son, Nate, when they are on a bike ride.

Then Kaia’s best friend, Alison, disappears at the house, having gone there with her new husband, Malaki.

At the end of book 2 it seems everything has returned to normal after its terrifying ending, but it’s only just beginning. And a mysterious young boy called Rhys turns up and no one can find out his background or parentage. He appears to know little either, even of normal Iife. Cliff and Naomi decide to foster him.

In this third book, the town turns against Cliff, especially when he suggests demolishing the house.

We are taken back in time to learn something of the history of the house and how it came to be so horrific, and something of its current denizens.

Alison has been so traumatised by her experiences that she is undergoing therapy and her family has moved to the nearby city. The sheriff also has been so affected that he has to retire. And then his four year old son vanishes.

I don’t think I can say much more without spoilers.

Characters

Kaia Woods is a young woman who has just finished school and is trying to decide on her next move. She is struggling with her sexuality and her growing feelings for Alison. When her family is threatened, she finds courage and decides to go to the house to put an end to the dangers in spite of her fears.

Nate Woods is a young man just entering 8th grade at the beginning of the book. He is a keen baseball player who plays for his school team. As a typical teen, he spends much time playing on his X-box with Rhys. He is devastated when his team loses a match.

Like Kaia, he discovers he has more courage than he knew when his family is in danger.

Cliff Woods left New Haven to go to university where he met Naomi, a beautiful black girl. They married, and he brought her back to help run his father’s farm. He loves his wife deeply, and is an excellent father to Kaia and Nate. But his paternal feeling and desire to protect his family leads to his being ostracised by the towns folk.

He is willing to sacrifice anything, even his life, to keep them safe.

Naomi Woods is a strong woman with a good heart. She works tirelessly for the good of the town and the church. When she feels her children are threatened, she becomes like a lioness and will overcome her fears to protect them.

It appears that, as the only black woman in town, she has been accepted by everyone, but appearances can be deceptive.

Rhys appears towards the end of Book 2. He is a mystery. He is revealed at the end of Book 2 after the climax. He says he can remember nothing of his past, and is baffled by many modern things, even baseball. He tries very hard to fit in and seems to want to be adopted by the Woods family. They all grow to care for him.

There are other characters, such as the Sheriff, Jeremy, who is Cliff’s friend, and Naomi’s friend, Susan, amongst others, but I’ll leave these characters for now.

Writing

David Kummer writes well. There are a few typos in the work, and he hasn’t got the hang of the difference between ‘lay’ and ‘lie’, which he gets wrong every time.

Having said that, he does a good job of building the tension. I found it difficult to put down, and felt a connection with the Woods family.

One thing I wondered about was why he gave Cliff Woods two names. The townsfolk call him Cliff, but Naomi calls him Ben.

There were also, I felt, a few loose ends. Where did Silas, the antagonist, get his power from? for example. And was Alison’s I’ll health due to the

power of the house, and why? Also, why was the Woods family such a target from the beginning?

Still, apart from these things, it was a good read.

I give it 4*

My ranking of books.

In order to get a particular number of stars, it is not necessary to meet all the criteria. This is a guide only.

5* Exceptional. Wonderful story. Setting well drawn, and characters believable–not perfect, but with flaws. Will keep you up all night. No typos or grammatical errors.

4* A thoroughly enjoyable read. Great and original story. Believable setting and characters. Very few grammatical errors or typos.

3* I enjoyed it. Good story. Characters need some development. Some typos or grammatical errors.

2* Not for me. Story not very strong. Unbelievable and flat characters. Setting not clearly defined. Many typos or grammatical errors.

1* I hated it. Story almost non-existent. Setting poor. Possibly couldn’t finish it.

announcement, awards, Poetry

A Deserved Nomination

January 26, 2026 V.M.Sang 2 Comments

I suggest you go and read Michael Uttley’s poem for which he’s been nominated. It’s a powerful work and thoroughly deserves to win.

I’ve Been Nominated for Author of the Year for the Spillwords Press 2026 Awards

fantasy

A Post from Connie Jasperson’s blog.

January 20, 2026 V.M.Sang Leave a comment

I thought this post well worth sharing.

Plot Armor, Objective, and Risk #writing

book reviews, history, novel, romance

Review of Marguerite by Marina Montrose

January 6, 2026 V.M.Sang 3 Comments

Overview

This is an enemies to lovers story. The setting is the Regency period in the United Kingdom. I did wonder if it would be a take on Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice, but apart from the time period, I was wrong.

Blurb

Chemistry sizzles between Lady Marguerite and the Duke of Argyle. Will she be able to reconcile reason with passion?
When the arrogant Duke of Argyle makes an offer for her hand, Lady Marguerite Lennox is quick to refuse, thinking him arrogant and aloof.
Her parents are disappointed she has turned down the best catch in the matrimonial stakes. The duke himself is reeling from the insult to his ego. He decides to pursue her as he has never pursued anyone before. His aim is to conquer, to bend her to his will.
When the duke steals a burning kiss at a ball, sparks fly. Marguerite is struck by lightning, but is terrified of getting burned. If passion wanes, she fears her life will be bleak.
Marguerite is the story of a man who is obsessed with a feisty but kind woman—who loves him but does not much like him.

Story

Marguerite has an English father and a French mother. Her father, Lord Lennox, had been an envoy for the British Government in Paris, but had now returned to England with his wife and daughter.

Marguerite was introduced to Society on their return. The balls, house parties etc are quite simply a means of young people finding a suitable marriage partner.

Marguerite draws a lot of interest. She has been brought up to have a mind of her own, unlike most other young women of the time, who are expected to be meek and accomplished in such things as painting and music, but not anything that uses their intellect.

One person who is drawn to her is the Duke of Argyle. He is not very pleasant, and when he asks her parents for her hand in marriage, she adamantly refuses.

I don’t want to say any more as I don’t want to add a spoiler.

Characters

Marguerite: She is, as I said, a young woman who knows her own mind. She is determined to marry for love and not wealth or position. Her mother regrets her decision to turn down Argyle as he’s a wealthy man and a duke. Marrying him would make her a duchess. But Marguerite dislikes him, and refuses him, even though a part of her is drawn to him.

Marguerite is a kind person and she doesn’t restrict her kindness to those of her own class, as is shown when she helps a poor woman, and a young woman who is finding it difficult to fit in with the snobbish aristocrats as her father, although wealthy, is ‘in trade’.

Duke of Argyle: I did wonder if this story should have him as the protagonist as he has the biggest character arc. At the beginning he is a man who feels entitled to respect. But he doesn’t do much to earn it. He was orphaned early and came into his inheritance. Although his father had been somewhat profligate with his money, Argyle has a good brain and by judicious use, has gained a fortune. However, he is known as a ‘rake’, and keeps several mistresses, and gambles at cards. He is also somewhat disdainful about the society he finds himself in.

Until he meets Marguerite, he attends few balls.

However, his growing love for Marguerite encourages a change in attitudes.

Alice: Alice is Marguerite’s cousin. She helps Marguerite with her entry into society. However, she isn’t strong-minded like Marguerite, and fits into what a young woman of the Regency period should be.

Charles: This young man is in love with Marguerite, although he never declares it. He is a bit wishy-washy in my opinion. Not a suitable match for the firebrand Marguerite. If I met him, I think I’d probably quite like him, but consider him a bit meh!

Writing: On the whole the writing was quite good for a first book. No major grammatical or spelling errors.

The point of view in the story is from several viewpoints. We see Marguerite and Argyle, mainly, with occasional forays into Marguerite’s mother. Not a problem as it’s clear who we’re with.

I was a little confused at the beginning as the book opens with Argyll asking for Marguerite’s hand, then goes back to things that led up to it. It was quite a long way into the book before I realised that.

I would have liked to see more emotion shown by the characters, and how they felt inside, but it wasn’t really problem. I enjoyed reading it.

I give it 4*

My ranking of books.

In order to get a particular number of stars, it is not necessary to meet all the criteria. This is a guide only.

5* Exceptional. Wonderful story. Setting well drawn, and characters believable–not perfect, but with flaws. Will keep you up all night. No typos or grammatical errors.

4* A thoroughly enjoyable read. Great and original story. Believable setting and characters. Very few grammatical errors or typos.

3* I enjoyed it. Good story. Characters need some development. Some typos or grammatical errors.

2* Not for me. Story not very strong. Unbelievable and flat characters. Setting not clearly defined. Many typos or grammatical errors.

1* I hated it. Story almost non-existent. Setting poor. Possibly couldn’t finish it.

Uncategorized

Merry Christmas.

December 25, 2025 V.M.Sang 18 Comments

It’s been a hectic few days (weeks) and I’ve been a bit remiss on posting. I meant to post Christmas Greetings to go out this morning, but it didn’t happen!

I will be taking a break until after the New Year, when I’ll resume with my review of Marguerite.

Merry Christmas

To you

All.

announcement, book release, Guest Post, history, interview, novel, romance

Meet Marina Montrose: Author, Artist, and Horse Breeder

December 16, 2025 V.M.Sang 9 Comments

Marina has just released her first book. It is a historical novel set in the Regency Period. I’m looking forward to reading it as I enjoy that genre, and have written two historical fiction books, myself.

Marina has kindly agreed to come and be interviewed on Dragons Rule OK.

Welcome, Marina. It’s good to meet you. It’s always exciting when one publishes a new book, but especially so when it’s your first. Congratulations. You’ve arrived at a place many would like to be. I hope your book is a great success.

Now to the questions.

Who is your favourite author?

This is impossible to answer! There are so many I love—and admire. Also impossible to choose a favourite book.

If that book isn’t a ‘classic’, what is your favourite ‘classical’ book?

My favourite classic has to be Middlemarch, by George Eliot.

If you have a ‘proper’ job, what is it?

My husband and I breed racehorses on a farm in Normandy, France, where I enjoy riding on the beach.

Why do you write?

I have felt the need to write since early childhood, but I never took myself too seriously. I scribbled down stories and was editor of our high school magazine, Sunny Days. I write simply because I enjoy it—I don’t agonise over it and I don’t get writer’s block because I have to steal time to do it.

Many of us feel this compulsion to write. I think if we were prevented from writing, we’d tell stories, either to anyone who would listen, or even just to ourselves.

Why do you write historical romance?

I like to write in a wide range of genres. I have written a number of short stories, some poems, two mysteries (as yet unpublished) and am working on a family memoir. I also write a blog, Letters from Athens, about art, books and other things that interest me. I like to have a few things on the go at the same time. During lockdown, I started re-reading Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer (whom I hadn’t touched since my teens) and was inspired to write a series of Regency Romances, the first of which, Marguerite, was recently published.

Do you have any pets?

We have a huge ridgeback and a tiny dachshund. Guess who is alpha dog?

Haha! My aunt had a dachshund, so I know how feisty they can be!

If you could meet any 3 people, alive or dead, who would they be? Why?

I’ve always had a wish to meet Tom Stoppard, but this dream is over now, sadly. I adored his plays. Also Margaret Atwood, whom I’ve heard speak a few times—I just love her style and her sharpness of mind. Finally, Turkish writer Orhan Pamuk. He grew up in Istanbul at the same time as I did in Athens, and his description of life there (in his books ‘The Museum of Innocence’ and ‘Istanbul’) is eerily similar to my experience, only more ‘oriental’. I would love to have a chat with him a about it.

Yes, it’s a great loss . Like you, I enjoyed his plays.

Do you enjoy sport? Do you prefer to watch or take part?

I competed in show jumping for many years as an amateur at international level.

Wow! Impressive. I rode when I was younger, but never in any competitions.

Do you like art? Who is your favourite artist?

I am an artist as well as a writer. I love to draw and paint and I take part in a local workshop twice a week. I love to visit museums and exhibitions but I cannot name a single favourite artist—there are so many fantastic ones, in all styles and eras.

I, too, paint and draw. I love the Impressionists especially, but the Old Masters were amazing.

Can you swim?

I’m Greek, of course I can swim! I spent my childhood summers barefoot and half-naked on island beaches.

It sounds idyllic.

Do you do any voluntary work? If so, what?

During the lockdown, I started teaching Greek online to refugees— unaccompanied minors who were confined in a shelter in Athens. Later they went back to school, but two boys have stayed connected to me. They are now working adults and we still keep in close contact. I’m also mentoring a wonderful Persian girl who came to Greece at fifteen not speaking a word of Greek or English. She is now studying International Affairs on a full scholarship in America. Long stories but so rewarding.

What a rewarding thing to do. And it’s really nice that you keep in contact with some of your students. I was a teacher until I retired, and some of my ex-pupils keep in touch via Facebook. It’s really good to know how they are going on.

And now a biggy. What do you think is the biggest problem facing the world today?

As usual, the inability of humankind to stop repeating the same mistakes. Reading Herodotus’s Histories is an eye-opener. It is terrifying that human nature has not changed over the centuries.

Yes, it seems the human race is incapable of learning from its mistakes.

Thank you so much for taking the time to visit. I’m sure all your readers will enjoy knowing a bit more about you. I know I’ve enjoyed listening to your answers.

A bit more about Marina

Marina Montrose is based in Deauville, France, where she breeds horses with her husband. She is also an artist and writer. She writes Regency Romances, short stories and mysteries. ‘Marguerite’ is her debut novel—a stand-alone, but the first in a series.

Now about her new book:

Blurb

Chemistry sizzles between Lady Marguerite Lennox and Thomas, the Duke of Argyle — communication, less so.

Newly arrived from Paris and enjoying her first London season, Lady Marguerite Lennox has no wish to be married and exchange dancing and flirting for boring wifely duties in a crumbling mansion. So, when the handsome but supercilious Duke of Argyle makes her an offer, she promptly refuses, even though it is a brilliant match. Being a duchess holds no charms for her and what is more, she thinks him arrogant and unlikeable. She much prefers her entourage of charming and amusing swains.

Thomas, the Duke of Argyle, will not take no for an answer. Piqued by her refusal, he decides to pursue her as he has never pursued any woman before. He is obsessed with her, although he thinks her headstrong, obstinate, and rude. But even after a burning, stolen kiss, and a house party full of tender and erotic moments, Marguerite is still unwilling to marry him. This is driving him insane—she is so different from any other woman he has known, he has no idea how to deal with her.

The duke is tired of locking horns with Marguerite. But what will it take for him to win her heart?

I’ve started to read the book, but am less than halfway through, so it wouldn’t be fair for me to post a review yet. I will do so as soon as I’ve finished, both here, Amazon and Goodreads, as usual.

Here is a link to the book on Amazon.

Take me to Amazon to buy

announcement, book release, fantasy, novel

Immortal’s Death has Arrived

December 1, 2025 V.M.Sang 9 Comments

I’ve now been informed that Immortal’s Death is available on multiple platforms. The links are below.

UNIVERSAL BOOK LINK: https://books2read.com/u/b6AYN0

AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G33NG9GJ

APPLE BOOKS: https://books.apple.com/us/book/immortals-death/id6755531622

BARNES & NOBLE: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/immortals-death-vm-sang/1148784243?ean=2940182385084

GOOGLE BOOKS: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=I_uZEQAAQBAJ

RAKUTEN KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/ebook/immortal-s-death

A royal wedding. A missing duke. An empire on the brink of war.

Carthinal and his companions gather to celebrate Princess Randa’s wedding to Prince Almoro—until news arrives that Duke Larrin of Sendolina and his wife are missing, and their lands have fallen to enemy forces. With tension rising between Grosmer and Erian, the king dispatches a dragonet to uncover the truth.

As the Wolf mercenaries set out on a dangerous rescue mission, they are blown off course and forced into battles on land and sea. Meanwhile, rebellion brews in Hambara, and young Thadora—noble by blood but raised in the shadows—must uncover Erian’s next move.

Soon, loyalties will be tested, lives lost, and Carthinal will have to face a betrayal from someone he trusted the most.

A richly detailed epic fantasy adventure, IMMORTAL’S DEATH is the fourth book in the Wolves of Vimar series by V.M. Sang.

The first 3 books are available as a Collection. It says ‘The Complete Series’, but that was before Book 4 was published.

The Wolves of Vimar Collection: The Complete Series

by V.M. Sang | 18 Dec 2023

Kindle Edition £3.99

Paperback £21.99

Hardcover £37 54

All three books in V.M. Sang’s ‘The Wolves Of Vimar’ series of fantasy novels, now available in one volume!

The Wolf Pack: Carthinal is ready for his rite of passage to become a mage. What he doesn’t expect is ending up on a quest to find the long-lost sword of the legendary King Sauvern. Followed by Randa, the daughter of the Duke of Hambara, and the young thief Thad, Carthinal will need all the help he can get in order to complete his quest.

The Never-Dying Man: After straying into Erian, Carthinal and his friends find preparations for war. Carthinal will need to face unpleasant truths about himself; Is his desire to further his magical career more important than his friends, and his country?

Wolf Moon: An invasion is planned to Grosmer. As the heroes make their escape, they accidentally stumble upon an old Dwarven city. Facing enemies on all sides, the five must find where their loyalties lie, But can they save their homeland from certain destruction?

Although it is better to read the whole series, I believe that each book can be read on its own. There are some things that hang over, as it’s a series, but most things are settled in each book. There is an overarching quest of finding and killing the Never-Dying Man to save the land of Grosmer.

If you choose to read any or all of the books, I would be more than grateful for an honest review, and if you would like a free review copy of Immortal’s Death (or any of the other books), please let me know in the comments.

There is no obligation to review, but I would be greatly appreciative.