Abide With Me by Ian Ayris

Right from the start this novel was a delight to read. The author’s razor sharp perception sees all. He relays every little nuance in the lives of his characters and gets to the very core of family life. Ian’s writing is so grounded this could be a biography, it’s so believable and realistic. The novel is written in the East End dialect from the perspective of John Sissons as he grows up. We see how his attitude changes life gives him blow after blow. At times this can be a heartbreaking novel but also totally and utterly compelling, inspiring and hopeful. Alongside John’s own story there is Kenny who lives across the road. To John, and just about everyone else, Kenny is a strange alien creature that he cannot understand. When he finally discovers the truth behind Kenny it shakes him to the very core.


Within the first five chapters I had laughed out loud and come close to tears as the revelations tore at my heartstrings. A coming of age novel about friendship and everyday tragedies. The story is told in such an authentic voice that you feel you are right there with John Sissons. As a child of the seventies I found all the references from the period were absolutely spot on and brought my own nostalgia to the fore. I was reminded just what it was like going to school in the seventies. If you remember the Queen’s Silver Jubilee parties, Choppers, staying out all day, jumpers for goalposts or have ever had a special football away day then this novel is for you.

Ian Ayris puts the reader through the emotional blender with this novel but you’ll hang on his every word. Just when you think the novel can’t get any darker there are hints at redemption and hope. However, they seem impossibly far away and distant.  Anyone who has ever felt any passion for football or indeed life will be brushing tears from their eyes. A novel that would make a fantastic film or TV drama but frankly could any director do such a beautiful story justice? I doubt it.

Genre:  Literary
Publisher:  Caffeine Nights
Format:  E-Book Novel / Paperback
Rating: 5/5

Uncle Mildred And Other Stories By Ian Ayris

Ian Ayris is a supremely talented writer whose work I have followed for over a year now.  Uncle Mildred and Other Stories is a collection of his short stories that have been published all over the internet at some of the best online magazines and fiction sites. As with any collection this varied it’s tough to write an effective review, such is the range of stories on offer to the fortunate reader.

If you need further reason to buy this book I’d like to point out that this is also a charity collection. All proceeds from the sale will be donated to Cancer Research UK and The Breast Cancer Charities of America.

To whet your appetite I’ve said a little about each of the excellent stories:

Uncle Mildred:
The feel of a 70s coming of age story with a crazy psychedelic twist!

Surf Rider:
No one knows where the Surf Rider's mind is at but you don't mess with the board man. Never mess with the board.

Cold:
A fable like tale of betrayal, loneliness, isolation and especially of things left unsaid.

Chained:
A story about invisible chains that bind. Our cages of convention and the silent institutionalisation. Beautifully melancholic from start to finish.

Twenty-One Margoyles Street:
A chill like the breath of the reaper runs through this tale. Just desserts are served in many forms.

Small Print:
Always read it or there could be dire consequences...

There Is A Lake In A Wood:
A story of dreams unfulfilled with a surprising sting in the tale.

Secret:
This story hits you like a baseball bat to the head. Give it some thought and you come to realise just how much intelligent social commentary the author’s tales contain.

Hard Times:
Our loveable hitman Charlie Splinters is practically a public service, as we discover in this sad tale.

Unforgiven:
A dark tale that nicely highlights why it can dangerous to look down on others.

By The Dim And Flaring Lamps:
Both disturbing and at times beautifully descriptive. You feel his pain. A masterful juxtaposition of two themes.

Late:
A deliciously ironic tale. Had it been a tad lighter it could have been penned by the late great Douglas Adams.

The Argument Bunny:
So believable it's utterly chilling...

The Rising Of Len Munch:
A quick trip to a grey purgatory. The life and times of the Jonah known as Len Munch.

Stars:
Brutal. A trip to the heart of darkness with glimpses of nirvana on the other side.

Buy this collection not just for the charity aspect. It’s a hugely entertaining and frankly brilliant collection of Ian's short fiction. The strength of voice in Ian's characters brings them to life. You’ll fall in love with short stories all over again.

Genre: Crime Fiction
Publisher:  Indie
Format:  E-Book Short Story Collection
Price:  £1.53
Rating: 5/5

Ayris vs Ayris - A Battle Royale

Ever since the first primitive man crawled from his cave, with club in hand, and found something to bash man has contested. First we contested with nature and discovered fire in order to keep warm. We contested with beasts in order that we might eat and be clothed in their furs. Finally, we discovered how much fun it was to battle our fellow man for such things as territory, a mate or even just for fun.

If you have religious views you may believe in the story of Kane and Abel. Perhaps the ultimate contest is that between brothers. Sibling rivalry is one of the strongest forms of contest there is. This is the tale of two brothers. They don’t cross swords. They don’t swing battle axes. These brothers contest over words.

In the blood red corner we have Ian Ayris. Ian looks honed and focused and ready for battle. Ian’s first novel Abide With Me published by Caffeine Nights will be out on March the 19th. This novel is one of the most anticipated novels of the year. Ian is no rookie writer. He has a large fan base and has had over forty short stories published online. His distinctive, strong literary voice is one his readers don’t forget in a hurry.

You Can Pre-order Abide With Me HERE

In the hazy incense filled blue corner is Stuart Ayris twin brother of Ian. Stuart is having a massage and contemplating the meaning of life. Stuart has an interest in Buddhism and a fascination for the Amish lifestyle. He is listening to the Beatles on an old windup gramophone and reading a cricket biography. Author of A Cleansing of Souls and the just released Tollesbury Time Forever his musings on life differ from Ian’s stark tales.

You Can Download Tollesbury Time Forever HERE


In the ongoing battle for readers which sibling will triumph? Who will win on the intellectual battleground? Why not enter the fray by reading these books and making your own mind up?

Speaking for myself – I like Ian’s dark voice. However, I like Stuart’s contemplative musings. But which is better? There’s only one way to find out…

FIIIIGGGGGHHHHTTTTT!!!!!!!!!