Saturday, December 17, 2011

Free Book: Abide With Me by Ian Ayris

To anybody in the crime fiction world, it's no surprise that Ian Ayris is moving up to bigger and better things. His short fiction was all over the internet in 2010 -- raw, powerful stories told in a voice that you will never mistake for anyone else.

So I was pleased to see that his debut novel, Abide With Me, plays to all of Ayris' many strengths. The story is told from the perspective of John, a kid from London's East End. John is one of the most likable characters you'll ever meet -- thoughtful, funny, and very loyal to his friends and family, even through a lot of painful times. The thread that runs through the whole novel is John's friendship with Kenny, a kid who was just dealt a shit hand in life. At its core, Abide With Me is about people's fucked up relationships and how they try to deal with them.

And it crackles with energy. As Eric Beetner put it, Ayris' voice transports you -- and it is one amazing journey. He takes the time to develop even minor characters and each scene is crafted perfectly. I read the second half in one sitting -- something I almost never do -- it was that enthralling. Part family drama, part coming-of-age tale, part crime story, this is one of the most memorable books I've read in a long time.

And now I have the pleasure of giving one of you lucky shits a copy of this fine book. (The rest of you will have to wait until it's released in the spring.)

So here's how the contest works: name your favorite Ian Ayris short story in the comments section. I'll put all your names in a hat (or whatever) and pick the winner.
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18 comments:

  1. Groovydaz40December 17, 2011 at 6:39 AM

    Tough choice but Surf Rider at the moment.

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  2. Kevin R. TippleDecember 17, 2011 at 7:06 AM

    I have to admit I have never read this guy. No doubt I am now considered garbage and disqualified. But, is is the truth.

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  3. AnonymousDecember 17, 2011 at 8:06 AM

    Argument Bunny for me. Don't put my name in the hat though. I'm gonna make the Blue Yorky send me an autographed one. Nah, not garbage, Tripple. Just you missed a real deal good writer. Go here:

    http://a-twist-of-noir.blogspot.com/search/label/Ian%20Ayris

    If you want a fast look at his stuff.

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  4. PeteDecember 17, 2011 at 9:01 AM

    'Ten' is my favorite. :)

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  5. Tim MayerDecember 17, 2011 at 9:56 AM

    Amazing how many good writers are out there. At least we have the Net to read them.

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  6. Luca VesteDecember 17, 2011 at 10:29 AM

    The Argument Bunny for me. One of the best short stories I've ever read.

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  7. Nigel BirdDecember 17, 2011 at 10:50 AM

    I'm going for Surf Rider from Pulp Ink, too. Absolutely class. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy however that occurs.

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  8. AnonymousDecember 17, 2011 at 12:34 PM

    I double down with you there. Though it's a lot of work, I know. I need a copy to go on my brag shelf.

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  9. Ian AyrisDecember 17, 2011 at 12:41 PM

    Cheers for the support, everyone.

    And thanks so much, Chris. You're a diamond, mate.

    If anyone wants to take a look at the first couple of chapters of ABIDE WITH ME, they can be downloaded here:

    http://www.caffeine-nights.com/uploads/5/0/9/6/5096295/abide_with_me_-_free_sample.pdf

    ReplyDelete
  10. MysDawgDecember 17, 2011 at 2:10 PM

    I like this one: THERE IS A LAKE IN A WOOD. Here is the URL: http://www.powderburnflash.com/?q=node/475

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  11. NickiDecember 17, 2011 at 8:52 PM

    Snowflakes in the Dark

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  12. Kate Pilarcik ~ absolutelyDecember 17, 2011 at 11:39 PM

    THEN YOU'LL ALL LOVE WHAT IAN HAS PLANNED FOR HIS AT THE BIJOU DEBUT AS NOIR NOELS ... come a Tuesday in your world.

    Look for links ... we'll make 'em prolific. (Kinda like Ian - a wordsmith of the tough tapestry)

    ~ Absolutely*Kate ... watchin' that son-of-a-gun shoot and soar

    I too, as my trusted colleague Atticus John Hayes (aka AJ under the fast fedora) shall seek the personally inscribed copy for my Authors! Authors! Bookshelves. Happy*Christmas*zing everyone!

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  13. Alan GriffithsDecember 18, 2011 at 1:47 AM

    Ian's a terrific writer and if I had to pick one story, which is a tough call, it would be Surf Rider from Pulp Ink.

    Best, Alan.

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  14. UnknownDecember 20, 2011 at 4:22 AM

    No-brainer for me - STARS...

    http://thrillskillsnchills.blogspot.com/2010/10/stars-by-ian-ayris.html#comment-form

    I'll defo be reading Abide With Me regardless...

    Best,
    Col

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  15. Ian AyrisDecember 20, 2011 at 5:52 AM

    Just want to thank everyone, once again, and Chris, for all your kind comments.

    Me? I'm with Col on this one. Have to say Stars is the one that holds a special place.

    And it seems the lucky winner was . . . Mr Alan Griffiths. Well done, mate. The book is flying through the ether as we speak :)

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  16. ryan jamesDecember 25, 2013 at 1:05 PM

    story, which is a tough call, it would be Surf Rider from Pulp Ink.

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  17. ryan jamesDecember 25, 2013 at 1:05 PM

    Ian's a terrific writer and if I had to pick one story, which is a tough call, it would be Surf Rider from Pulp Ink.

    ReplyDelete
  18. ryan jamesDecember 25, 2013 at 1:05 PM

    which is a tough

    ReplyDelete

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