Blog dedicated to the supernatural thriller - "The Vril Codex" Book 1 in The Vril Chronicles...featuring, Ghosts, the paranormal, The Codex Gigas - The Devils Bible, UFO's, Nazi occult beliefs in the Norse myths, The Thule mythical land and the esoteric power of vril . It is the first and only novel ever written about the Nazi occult beliefs in "Vril". So begins the Vril saga...Psych Reich!
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Monday, 30 December 2013
Thursday, 26 December 2013
Tuesday, 17 December 2013
Haunted After Dark Magazine...and PRINT EDITION
The PRINT edition of vril codex is available as is my interview for haunted after dark magazine...
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Vril-Codex-Ben-Manning/dp/1771151439/ref=sr_1_1_bnp_1_pap?ie=UTF8&qid=1387322014&sr=8-1&keywords=vril+codex
http://www.amazon.com/The-Vril-Codex-Ben-Manning/dp/1771151439/ref=tmm_pap_title_0
and from http://www.hauntedafterdark.com the print edition with my interview...
http://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/671448?__r=294265
Saturday, 7 December 2013
Featured in "THE EXAMINER"
My new Science Fiction novel UTOPIATE COMPLEX -
featured on huge newspaper site "The examiner"...
http://www.examiner.com/list/jukepop-s-fave-five-on-friday/the-utopiate-complex
Wednesday, 4 December 2013
Out Now my interview...in Haunted After Dark Magazine!
Out now is the long interview I have given to Haunted After Dark Magazine...the official "Most Haunted" TV show mag. I talk extensively about The Vril Codex in the interview...
https://www.facebook.com/HauntedAfterDark
Monday, 18 November 2013
Wednesday, 30 October 2013
Thursday, 10 October 2013
new amazon review...4 out of 5
http://www.amazon.com/review/R167XY5L3M7JNA/ref=cm_cr_dp_title?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B00EPQT0GA&channel=detail-glance&nodeID=133140011&store=digital-text
"
Dameon M. Keller
This review is from: The Vril Codex (Paperback)
Disclaimer, I don't read much fiction, and when I do, it's not usually fantasy.
I do read a lot of non-fiction about Vril, the real history and works of Keely, Leedskalnin, Schauberger, and Schumann.
However once I started reading Manning's dark and mysterious story, I was drawn in by the characters. He has a great way of creating an immediate interest in them.
When we get to the thick of the story, we are taken to a dark underworld (literally in part) of a group of Nazis who have (somehow) flourished in Berlin all these years. Vril itself plays a relatively small role in the story, other than that it is of course the source of power for the vampiric and nefarious Nazis, plotting their return.
For me personally it's a bit hard to stay "into" a fictional book about real things, and without spoilers, I'll just say Manning does draw his inspiration from information such as that in the History Channels' "Dark Fellowships" documentary. In this, one "historian" throws out damning speculations with no evidence whatsoever, while the other, with 25 years of research, tells us a few facts, which were to be revealed in his book that somehow never was published, despite having an ISBN issued, cover designed, etc.
So one can't blame Manning for his one-sided view of Vril and it's definitions, and though it's in the title, the bigger mystery to me is why he's had such a difficult struggle with publishing. The only reason I can see is the over-saturation of the fantasy market, and I'm pretty sure the words "Vampire" and "Zombie" only appear once each in the book, and only descriptively, which I would think makes his book a unique breath of fresh air to the genre. I hope that wider distribution opens up for it in the near future, it's a great read for a chilly night under a blanket. "
Tuesday, 8 October 2013
Ben Manning: The Vril Codex (via http://www.christophfischerbooks.com)Vril is a force which to its believers can heal or destroy.’ For famous journalist Jane Wilkinson, a peaceful architectural assignment in Berlin is a chance for some much needed relaxation. Until she notices that something very sinister is happening…
Monday, 30 September 2013
print edition available
now available from double dragon is a print edition...
http://www.lulu.com/shop/ben-manning/the-vril-codex/paperback/product-21231404.html
http://www.lulu.com/shop/ben-manning/the-vril-codex/paperback/product-21231404.html
Tuesday, 24 September 2013
My Poetry reading...
A reading of my poem which is on display at the Roald Dahl museum. It is also featured in “The Vril Codex II – The Dresden Benefactor” which will be properly published next year.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlDzIRh-H9g
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlDzIRh-H9g
Brief reading excerpt...
Here is a brief excerpt from my vril codex reading at the big green bookshop in London. Sadly the organizers camera died so only a short clip...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WN8QTfg_Yw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WN8QTfg_Yw
Friday, 20 September 2013
UKAuthors event...
On Saturday the 21st (tomorrow night) I shall be doing a reading of the Vril Codex which shall be being filmed for the UKAuthors UKA Press youtube channel. The Event at the big green bookshop, wood green, London. starts at 7pm so do come along! http://www.ukauthors.com/
Sunday, 15 September 2013
Thursday, 5 September 2013
Interview and vril feature in "Haunted after Dark" magazine - sponsors of the BRITISH HORROR FILM FESTIVAL 2013
Fantastic news! Next month I will be interviewed in a major horror magazine and sponsor of the "British Horror film festival 2013" (at Leicester square, London) - "Haunted after Dark" magazine...this will include a feature on "The Vril Codex" http://www.hauntedafterdark.com/
Monday, 2 September 2013
TWO 5 Star reviews in 2 days!!! this is another really nice one for the vril codex...
""The Vril Codex" by Ben Manning is an unusual and to me a highly original
read.
While the main protagonist is a widower and tries to overcome his grief with a work trip to Berlin, the plot edges into paranormal area and sheds light on some supernatural cult around Hitler and his hardcore followers.
I have read quite a few stories and articles about it, all handled as rumours, but their existence is so persistent that the plot - speculative conspiracy as it may be - sounds very plausible to me.
The book is well written and held my interest throughout.
The most pleasant aspects of the book are that the characters are so real and believable, more dimensional and that the storyline is far from flat, as I find so often with books in the genre.
I found it a compelling and fascinating read. "
http://www.amazon.com/review/R3CHA2KTBRG7PF/ref=cm_cr_dp_title?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B00EPQT0GA&channel=detail-glance&nodeID=133140011&store=digital-text
While the main protagonist is a widower and tries to overcome his grief with a work trip to Berlin, the plot edges into paranormal area and sheds light on some supernatural cult around Hitler and his hardcore followers.
I have read quite a few stories and articles about it, all handled as rumours, but their existence is so persistent that the plot - speculative conspiracy as it may be - sounds very plausible to me.
The book is well written and held my interest throughout.
The most pleasant aspects of the book are that the characters are so real and believable, more dimensional and that the storyline is far from flat, as I find so often with books in the genre.
I found it a compelling and fascinating read. "
http://www.amazon.com/review/R3CHA2KTBRG7PF/ref=cm_cr_dp_title?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B00EPQT0GA&channel=detail-glance&nodeID=133140011&store=digital-text
Sunday, 1 September 2013
New five star review on amazon!
http://www.amazon.com/review/R19LH3ZH04GB6K/ref=cm_cr_dp_title?ie=UTF8&ASIN=1456089404&nodeID=283155&store=books
"
Ben Manning wrote a story with a tightly knitted plot!
With a touch of romance, tragedy and loss the story takes the reader to Berlin.
Modern Berlin is a hubbub of the arts with a progressive youth that is in stark contrast with the Berlin of Nazi German. The contrast should be stark and in certain aspects it is though the true ethos of the book lies in the fact that we as a people have not learned our lesson.
Conspiracy theory and secret societies abound this book is reminiscent of Dan Brown. Detail and a workable hypothesis adds a level to the plot while psychic abilities and curses overlies the detail to add ever more to the story.
This is a book that I would not have passed by in a bookshop. And I would not have been disappointed.
What I loved the most about this book is the fact that the author includes several plot lines interwoven and make it work expertly in one continuing page turner. The fact that the author did all this whilst building up characters shifting from modern to gothic is a testimony of his research and his surety of the subject of the book.
A 5* rating hardly seems fair for a 10* read.
"
"
Ben Manning wrote a story with a tightly knitted plot!
With a touch of romance, tragedy and loss the story takes the reader to Berlin.
Modern Berlin is a hubbub of the arts with a progressive youth that is in stark contrast with the Berlin of Nazi German. The contrast should be stark and in certain aspects it is though the true ethos of the book lies in the fact that we as a people have not learned our lesson.
Conspiracy theory and secret societies abound this book is reminiscent of Dan Brown. Detail and a workable hypothesis adds a level to the plot while psychic abilities and curses overlies the detail to add ever more to the story.
This is a book that I would not have passed by in a bookshop. And I would not have been disappointed.
What I loved the most about this book is the fact that the author includes several plot lines interwoven and make it work expertly in one continuing page turner. The fact that the author did all this whilst building up characters shifting from modern to gothic is a testimony of his research and his surety of the subject of the book.
A 5* rating hardly seems fair for a 10* read.
"
Monday, 26 August 2013
new five star amazon review !
Looks like Double Dragon publishing have brought some good luck! best new review in a long time...
http://www.amazon.com/review/R2CFSK9DHH6AC1/ref=cm_cr_dp_title?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B00EPQT0GA&nodeID=133140011&store=digital-text
http://www.amazon.com/review/R2CFSK9DHH6AC1/ref=cm_cr_dp_title?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B00EPQT0GA&nodeID=133140011&store=digital-text
Saturday, 24 August 2013
available on amazon!
you can click to buy for £3 here from double dragon...the new 2013 edition!
http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Vril-Codex-ebook/dp/B00EPQT0GA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377353570&sr=8-1&keywords=vril+codex
http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Vril-Codex-ebook/dp/B00EPQT0GA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377353570&sr=8-1&keywords=vril+codex
Friday, 23 August 2013
Thursday, 22 August 2013
Deal Signed with Double Dragon Publishing!
Fantastic news! This week The Vril Codex will be published by the number one ebook publisher in the world - the multiple award winning "Double Dragon" Press. New York Times bestselling author Piers Anthony described them as the "best" in the business. Double Dragon Publishing have renowned writers on their books and I am honoured to be represented by DD Books. Their authors include Gail Z. Martin, Danny Birt, J.M Frey, Danny Birt, Geoff Nelder, Simon Drake, Dan DeBono, Tony Teora, E. Rose Sabin, David Conway (founder of cult band "My Bloody Valentine"), Steve Lazarowitz and the late Nick Pollotta. Print versions will follow next year or sooner...ENJOY! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_Dragon_Publishing
Saturday, 13 July 2013
Nice new authonomy harper collins review...
nice review...
"I have read your first three chapters and find your story definitely intriguing. Jane is an interesting mix of restless passion and curious naiveté. I really like Bob. You have drawn the characters in a realistic way. The plot is thickening well as the chapters unfold. The important things are the plot and structure and layers. I think you have done great with them from what I have read so far - best ofluck on this. Definitely highly starred! Mona (Facing The Truth - Bee Joy)"
http://authonomy.com/books/53862/the-vril-codex/#comment_981692
"I have read your first three chapters and find your story definitely intriguing. Jane is an interesting mix of restless passion and curious naiveté. I really like Bob. You have drawn the characters in a realistic way. The plot is thickening well as the chapters unfold. The important things are the plot and structure and layers. I think you have done great with them from what I have read so far - best of
http://authonomy.com/books/53862/the-vril-codex/#comment_981692
Monday, 8 July 2013
Dont buy this novel...WHAT?! I hear you say...(well at least not YET!)
Yes dear reader I must have gone completely insane i hear you think. As a long suffering trawler of various authors blogs/magazines/adverts or whatever you like to call them you have probably got used to the mantra of "buy the novel/read the book" ect ect...so this entry will make a change! Its a long story...
Back in 2010 I was a bit of an inexperienced novelist when it comes to the whole business of publishing. This led to being featured on BBC Radio 4's "You and Yours" programme exposing the immoral actions of a certain publisher that had offered me a wonderful publishing deal but had until the contract was sent - somehow forgotten to mention the finances required from my end. Yes in some ways the internet with amazon self publishing has opened a few doors but this is only because never was there a time when publishers were so unopen to the idea of direct submissions. In the past you could submit. not so now. Instead online literary workshops such as authonomy seem a good way to get your work out there and improve and of course you must get a literary agent - not that they are anything more than business middlemen - there was a time when a successful author didnt need an agent. To be honest if your lucky enough to find a good small press that can still be the case. For some a good agent is a good idea but there is no rule of thumb in my view.
Anyway to cut a long story short in 2011 i signed up with publish america. Suffice to say that was a huge mistake. Believe me a bad publisher doesnt equal bad authors. I am bound to say that but they have managed to persuade everyone to sign up from sandor stern who wrote the screenplay to amityville horror to even the writers of a recent hollywood film. Their success was despite rather than because of pa. Well, just youtube publish america and you will find enough proof. Despite monthly proof that VC is selling on amazon i have never receieved and will never receive any royalties.
Then after paying hundreds of pounds to be released from contract in 2012 i signed with a small online publisher called vamptasy who were it seemed much better but my book was not in keeping with their vampire type erotic fiction (though there are some elements of both styles in vril codex) so that never really made sense and we parted ways unpleasantly in May 2013 after i made an understandable complaint that no marketing /feedback ect of any kind had been offered. I was unceremoniously dumped.
This hasnt been written to read as a moan - but i do think artists and writers need to look out for one another. If you have got published smoothly dont gloat and laugh and jeer at others lack of success -it doesnt mean they arent any good. More than likely you are talented but also LUCKY. many a successful/talented author has been the victim of immoral or unprofessional publishers - we all need to start somewhere. As for me it is for the readers to decide whether i am a good or bad writer. Try to be sympathetic and make sure the swindles dont continue...
So why dont I want you to buy the vril codex yet? Well I have high hopes for Taylor Street publishing - they have incorporated "night publishing" and seem an improvement on the two publishers i have mentioned. They seem to operate like a proper publisher rather than a self publisher masquarading as a trad publisher as was the case with PA and they have more distribution and have more in print than vamptasy. If you decide you simply must have Vril Codex and will forget about it by the end of the year then please buy it at the expensive price it is listed at on amazon. If, however you want a better edited cheaper alternative then do wait until the end of the year for the new release.
HOWEVER - if finances are not a problem then do buy the self published editions of vril codex and review them if you like. Many a famous novel (spartacus ect..) started that way. it all gets me out there.
But if you want to read it that much - and i hope you do - then wait until the new version it will save you money and i might get something for it.
Back in 2010 I was a bit of an inexperienced novelist when it comes to the whole business of publishing. This led to being featured on BBC Radio 4's "You and Yours" programme exposing the immoral actions of a certain publisher that had offered me a wonderful publishing deal but had until the contract was sent - somehow forgotten to mention the finances required from my end. Yes in some ways the internet with amazon self publishing has opened a few doors but this is only because never was there a time when publishers were so unopen to the idea of direct submissions. In the past you could submit. not so now. Instead online literary workshops such as authonomy seem a good way to get your work out there and improve and of course you must get a literary agent - not that they are anything more than business middlemen - there was a time when a successful author didnt need an agent. To be honest if your lucky enough to find a good small press that can still be the case. For some a good agent is a good idea but there is no rule of thumb in my view.
Anyway to cut a long story short in 2011 i signed up with publish america. Suffice to say that was a huge mistake. Believe me a bad publisher doesnt equal bad authors. I am bound to say that but they have managed to persuade everyone to sign up from sandor stern who wrote the screenplay to amityville horror to even the writers of a recent hollywood film. Their success was despite rather than because of pa. Well, just youtube publish america and you will find enough proof. Despite monthly proof that VC is selling on amazon i have never receieved and will never receive any royalties.
Then after paying hundreds of pounds to be released from contract in 2012 i signed with a small online publisher called vamptasy who were it seemed much better but my book was not in keeping with their vampire type erotic fiction (though there are some elements of both styles in vril codex) so that never really made sense and we parted ways unpleasantly in May 2013 after i made an understandable complaint that no marketing /feedback ect of any kind had been offered. I was unceremoniously dumped.
This hasnt been written to read as a moan - but i do think artists and writers need to look out for one another. If you have got published smoothly dont gloat and laugh and jeer at others lack of success -it doesnt mean they arent any good. More than likely you are talented but also LUCKY. many a successful/talented author has been the victim of immoral or unprofessional publishers - we all need to start somewhere. As for me it is for the readers to decide whether i am a good or bad writer. Try to be sympathetic and make sure the swindles dont continue...
So why dont I want you to buy the vril codex yet? Well I have high hopes for Taylor Street publishing - they have incorporated "night publishing" and seem an improvement on the two publishers i have mentioned. They seem to operate like a proper publisher rather than a self publisher masquarading as a trad publisher as was the case with PA and they have more distribution and have more in print than vamptasy. If you decide you simply must have Vril Codex and will forget about it by the end of the year then please buy it at the expensive price it is listed at on amazon. If, however you want a better edited cheaper alternative then do wait until the end of the year for the new release.
HOWEVER - if finances are not a problem then do buy the self published editions of vril codex and review them if you like. Many a famous novel (spartacus ect..) started that way. it all gets me out there.
But if you want to read it that much - and i hope you do - then wait until the new version it will save you money and i might get something for it.
Saturday, 29 June 2013
wikipedia
great to have vril codex mentioned on wikipedia..i am aware of two other novels featuring vril coming out this year which is all good competition. At its time of writing and the first albeit self published publication of vril codex in 2011... it was/is the first book ever written on vril and the nazi's - though as mentioned on wikipedia -VC develops its own mythology and figures independant of those in conspiracy theories , albeit some might be based on real individuals...find under the literature section...
Sunday, 23 June 2013
Further to yesterdays post...
Here is a lovely blog magazine by a promising writer with an interesting review of vril codex...http://daysofrain.me/2013/06/22/ben-mannings-the-vril-codex-worth-a-look/
Ben Manning’s “The Vril Codex” – worth a look!
Just this quick note:
A while back, my pal Ben Manning published his debut novel, The Vril Codex, through an independent publisher. I have had the honor to review the book twice already,, one time for my Coleridge website, and another one today, for Amazon.
Now, people who know my way of reviewing stuff might know that I value my own integrity over being flattering, or a good fellow, or whatever – so, I didn’t give those “five stars” for nothing.
While The Vril Codex is certainly genre literature, and if you’re looking for heavy medititations on the human condition, that’s not the book for you to read, but it is a thoroughly entertaining tale in the tradition of Indiana Jones, and it doesn’t vex people with the sensationalism that, say, modern mystery writers like Dan Brown use to inflate their stories.
Ben Manning’s book is an entertaining, and rewarding read, and while I probably wouldn’t have picked it up if he hadn’t asked me to, I am very glad I did.
From what I understand, Ben has a sequel planned as well, and I am going to grab myself that next one, too.
So, if you’re in for a light-hearted, escapist read for the summer , and are into conspiracies, and adventurous chases, please consider: The Vril Codex
And please honor that I wrote this quick review without either inserting a single spoiler, or without engaging in a page-long diatribe about the writings of Edward Bulwer-Lytton.
Saturday, 22 June 2013
Full Coleridge blog Vril Codex Review
Here is the complete recent Your Coleridge Magazine Review...
"Ben had mentioned to me that he had published a novel some time ago.
A supernatural mystery story. With nazis. And a cover I didn’t like.
Yeah, I thought, where have I seen THIS before?
And, yeah, it would have a connection to Coleridge.
- Of cooooooourse, buddy. Nevermind, I’ll read your thing anyway. Because I am the nicest guy in the world, and the best of pals, all over. Friendly neighborhood’s Nick Carraway, you know.
And then, after fighting down some more resistance, I actually cared to read the book, at night, on the screen, via Kindle for PC…
…And I had a BLAST!
This is a great book, and one that likely will fall under the radar due to the dynamics of modern mass market publishing – which is why I decided to link permantently to Ben’s page.
I won’t spoil anything right now, though. Let’s just say that the Coleridge references in the text are very well placed, not in the rather absurd way that Tim Powers used them in THE GATES OF ANUBIS. THE VRIL CODEX is a well-researched “Indiana Jones”-type story that, while perhaps not sporting the particularly most originally structured plot, never becomes too sensational or too cheap to believe its action.
I’d say “it’s better than the stuff that Dan Brown writes”, but really, Dan Brown is such a no-writer, I don’t think that I’d be particularly complimenting Ben with such a statement.
Let’s put it like this:
I don’t particularly like nazi conspiracy books or movies, the tropes being old even when Spielberg picked them up.but But I liked this one, and I am as snobbish about books as they come. So, this should say a lot about how good it really is.
I recommend this book to you. "
"Ben had mentioned to me that he had published a novel some time ago.
A supernatural mystery story. With nazis. And a cover I didn’t like.
Yeah, I thought, where have I seen THIS before?
And, yeah, it would have a connection to Coleridge.
- Of cooooooourse, buddy. Nevermind, I’ll read your thing anyway. Because I am the nicest guy in the world, and the best of pals, all over. Friendly neighborhood’s Nick Carraway, you know.
And then, after fighting down some more resistance, I actually cared to read the book, at night, on the screen, via Kindle for PC…
…And I had a BLAST!
This is a great book, and one that likely will fall under the radar due to the dynamics of modern mass market publishing – which is why I decided to link permantently to Ben’s page.
I won’t spoil anything right now, though. Let’s just say that the Coleridge references in the text are very well placed, not in the rather absurd way that Tim Powers used them in THE GATES OF ANUBIS. THE VRIL CODEX is a well-researched “Indiana Jones”-type story that, while perhaps not sporting the particularly most originally structured plot, never becomes too sensational or too cheap to believe its action.
I’d say “it’s better than the stuff that Dan Brown writes”, but really, Dan Brown is such a no-writer, I don’t think that I’d be particularly complimenting Ben with such a statement.
Let’s put it like this:
I don’t particularly like nazi conspiracy books or movies, the tropes being old even when Spielberg picked them up.but But I liked this one, and I am as snobbish about books as they come. So, this should say a lot about how good it really is.
I recommend this book to you.
"
New AMAZON Germany Review - 4 out of 5
To peak your interest in preparation for the new edition later this year read on...
http://www.amazon.de/review/R3HFNTY6CABEEF/ref=cm_cr_dp_title?ie=UTF8&ASIN=1456089404&channel=detail-glance&nodeID=52044011&store=books-intl-de
Indiana Jones-y, good natured fun, of the kind that one doesn't really
find any more., 22. Juni 2013
and I was initially very sceptical, because, you know, oh the annoyance if the review isn't pleasing, but...
Hell yeah, I enjoyed this one, and big time!
Now, granted, it's not, whatever, Marcel Proust, but it's a beautiful, and thoroughly entertainingadventure novel,
very much in the style of the old "Indiana Jones" tales, and, quite frankly, aeons ahead of Dan Brown's literary outings.
"The Vril Codex" deserves a bigger readership, and,in general, more recognition.
Let's put it like this:
I have little time to read these days. I have to handpick the books I read for leisure, or I get all messy with my free time.
And I didn't regret this one. And, more than that, I think Ben is planning a sequel.
I will read that one, too.
And I never read sequels. Except when I do!
So, go, and read this one! :)
http://www.amazon.de/review/R3HFNTY6CABEEF/ref=cm_cr_dp_title?ie=UTF8&ASIN=1456089404&channel=detail-glance&nodeID=52044011&store=books-intl-de
Indiana Jones-y, good natured fun, of the
Von Amazon bestätigter
Kauf(Was ist das?)
Rezension bezieht sich auf: The Vril Codex (Kindle
Edition)
Ben asked me to review the book for [...] earlier this
year,and I was initially very sceptical, because, you know, oh the annoyance if the review isn't pleasing, but...
Hell yeah, I enjoyed this one, and big time!
Now, granted, it's not, whatever, Marcel Proust, but it's a beautiful, and thoroughly entertaining
very much in the style of the old "Indiana Jones" tales, and, quite frankly, aeons ahead of Dan Brown's literary outings.
"The Vril Codex" deserves a bigger readership, and,in general, more recognition.
Let's put it like this:
I have little time to read these days. I have to handpick the books I read for leisure, or I get all messy with my free time.
And I didn't regret this one. And, more than that, I think Ben is planning a sequel.
I will read that one, too.
And I never read sequels. Except when I do!
So, go, and read this one! :)
Wednesday, 19 June 2013
Updated Final edition due for publication late 2013
Good news! Having had some discussions with my new publisher - San Francisco's "Taylor Street Books" I am pleased to say that editing for a final edition will take place in September and publication will follow. Interest in Vril is picking up...I even got a message from another author writing a "Vril" novel. Vril Codex was at time of forst publication in 2011 the first novel ever written about Vril and the Nazi's...(with many mentions of Bulwer Lytton of course!!)
Tuesday, 7 May 2013
new publishing deal on the way...
Great News! Currently in talks with Taylor St books - a boutique book publisher in North America. The are not an ebook only indie, vanity/self, or p.o.d press. They are a good publisher. These last two years have been a bumpy ride for this project and thank you to everyone who has supported it through problematic periods. To be out there in print and ebook with a decent publisher will be great. will keep you posted!
Sunday, 21 April 2013
"Your Coleridge" blog magazine
For readers of "The Vril Codex 2" this poem might be familar as it is included during the novel. Here is a nice feature on it in the "Your Coleridge" blog magazine which covers all things coleridge related and influenced across the arts. http://samueltaylorcoleridge.me/2013/04/21/the-ancient-turtle-and-the-boy-who-loved-him-by-ben-manning/#respond
Tuesday, 9 April 2013
Now seeking a new publisher
as of the end of last month vril codex is no longer available as an ebook. this may change later in the year if i publish direct to amazon and/or i self publish in print via you write on as i have with vril 2. at the moment i am submitting to new agents and publishers for a bigger deal and will keep you posted! As of now the print version of vril one on amazon is a 1st edition from 2011 that shouldnt really be available as i cancelled my contract with the publisher and even paid to do so. still thats modern publishing for you! it is at least probably a good thing that vril 1 is still out there in some form....
Wednesday, 20 February 2013
Vril codex featured in novels on the run...
Nice piece in novels on the run magazine on vril codex...http://novelsontherun.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/author-spotlight-with-ben-manning.html
Tuesday, 12 February 2013
VRILLIANT!
Some interesting new VRIL inspired music...like Kraftwerk meets Propaganda...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBPw92NpAG0&feature=youtu.be
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBPw92NpAG0&feature=youtu.be
Monday, 11 February 2013
Exclusive review on Coleridge online magazine...
Here is a lovely piece written on what i consider to be the best blog/magazine out there in terms of the great poet samuel taylor coleridge. coleridge is mentioned often in the vril codex...
http://samueltaylorcoleridge.me/2013/02/11/blog-roll-the-third-lets-talk-about-ben-manning/?blogsub=confirming#subscribe-blog
http://samueltaylorcoleridge.me/2013/02/11/blog-roll-the-third-lets-talk-about-ben-manning/?blogsub=confirming#subscribe-blog
Monday, 4 February 2013
Amazing new five star review for vril codex!!!
http://www.amazon.com/review/R303OJHZ4OM0WJ/ref=cm_cr_dp_title?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B009QMNO0G&nodeID=133140011&store=digital-text
I have really enjoyed the Vril Codex. It is a good play on secret societies of Nazi culture and is full of suspense. I felt myself waiting at the turn of every page for what was to come next. There is something for everyone in this book, with some thrill, romance, mystery, and action. Jane and Bob Wilkerson are an interesting couple with an interesting story. When Jane goes to Berlin to start a piece on architecture in the city she stumbles into a series of events that will forever change her life and that of her loving husband, Bob...pick up a copy of The Vril Codex to find out how.
I promise you will enjoy The Vril Codex...I certainly did.
I have really enjoyed the Vril Codex. It is a good play on secret societies of Nazi culture and is full of suspense. I felt myself waiting at the turn of every page for what was to come next. There is something for everyone in this book, with some thrill, romance, mystery, and action. Jane and Bob Wilkerson are an interesting couple with an interesting story. When Jane goes to Berlin to start a piece on architecture in the city she stumbles into a series of events that will forever change her life and that of her loving husband, Bob...pick up a copy of The Vril Codex to find out how.
I promise you will enjoy The Vril Codex...I certainly did.
Sunday, 3 February 2013
Thursday, 31 January 2013
Wednesday, 30 January 2013
New Five Star review for the Vril Codex...captivating read...
"I really enjoyed reading the Vril Codex-it has a finely crafted plot and grabbed my attention right from the start.The story is set in Berlin and is very gothic in style. Vivid descriptive prose with occasional references to music and poetry really made the story come alive. There is plenty of action, romance and intrigue involving Nazi conspiracies and the paranormal. A very well researched book-I couldn't put it down. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series!"
http://www.amazon.com/review/R1UD6SOZ7OBKFT/ref=cm_cr_dp_title?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B009QMNO0G&channel=detail-glance&nodeID=133140011&store=digital-text
http://www.amazon.com/review/R1UD6SOZ7OBKFT/ref=cm_cr_dp_title?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B009QMNO0G&channel=detail-glance&nodeID=133140011&store=digital-text
Saturday, 26 January 2013
Thursday, 24 January 2013
Blog Hop Promotion!!!
A writer of esoteric mystery along the lines of the doomsday prophesies,
terrorism and spiritual fields is one Jerry Robb who kindly, sent me a copy of
his fine tome recently. We are participating - at his suggestion - in a blog
hop / interview promo so here goes...
1: What is the working title of your book(s)?
I am writing The Vril chronicles book Series and have completed Part One and Part Two of the series.
Part Two is subtitled: The Vril Codex 2 - “The Dresden Benefactor" and is a mystery.
I am working on ideas for a Part Three, for completion in 2013. Originally I did not plan any more than two books but am changing my mind on this as there is so much potential in the Vril mythology. I have just completed a science fiction novel written in the last year called "The Utopiate Complex"
2: Where did the idea come from for the book?
I read “The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail” as a child and it stayed with me all my life so I was astonished at the success of the Da Vinci Code which has so many of the ideas from that book so what I did was create a character – in Warwick Blake – that’s was based on one of the writers of Holy Blood called Henry Lincoln. After reading various conspiracy accounts of the Nazi’s and the occult as well as seeing a documentary I decided that it would be a fun idea to make up my own mythology based on the Norse background to a lot of Nazi imagery which in itself was harmless. I was also inspired by the belief in Vril and the ancient land of Thule which the composer Charles Gounod had written a piece of music for within his opera “Faust”. I also have met conspiracy theorists on UFO’s and the Nazi’s as well as the paranormal.
3: What genre does your book come under?
Thriller- Supernatural Horror -Science fiction.
4: Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
Bob Wilkinson - Rufus Sewell. Jane Wilkinson - Rachael Stirling. Warwick Blake - Michael Gambon.
Helena Hister - ?
5: What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
“The Vril codex” is the story of the Nazi' occult beliefs in ancient Norse myth,
satanic practises and alien technology and is the first novel to mythologise and build a story around real life conspiracy theories.
6: Is your book self-published, published by an independent publisher, or represented by an agency?
The Vril Codex is published by Vamptasy Publishing – an independent publisher.
7: How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
Part One took about 6 months – then I rewrote and changed it over a year period, adding and revising, so all in all just over 18 months. Part Two took about 12 months.
8: What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
Frederick Forsyth’s work or James Herbert’s have been compared but I tried to do something different with this though some have compared it to the Da Vinci Code, which as a book I can take or leave though I like its concepts.
9: Who or what inspired you to write this book?
I was inspired to write in after reading conspiracy books on the subject and realizing there had never been a fictional novel on the subject as such. Holy grail, Knights Templar, the spear and various others have been done endlessly.
I searched obscure libraries and spoke to experts on "Vril" power and made sure I did not read the 19th century Bulwer Lytton novel - "vril - the coming race" as I wanted to produce the first novel to ever tackle the Nazi links with the supernatural and alien life. Vril was a religion to the Nazi's as occultists and I decided to look at books like "Morning of the Magicians" to really get background on the subject.
10: What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
The vril codex is the first book ever written to mythologize the ancient norse myths, vril power and thule ancient land myths as well as UFO'S and the Nazi connection. I did not want to do the "obvious" thing and have the novel feature Hitler etc...that would be boring so I created my own characters and mythologies inspired by figures from history as well as conspiracy figures such as Maria Orsic.
My audience would range from teenagers to the elderly. It took me two years to write and involved painstaking research and effort. I learned how to improve my art as a process. The cover was a collaboration of ideas between me and my publisher Vamptasy - Nicola Ormerod. I am very happy with it as it focuses on aliens rather than the rather obvious swastika of the previous release. I want to introduce a whole mythology and possible series to readers and open minds to the possibility of alien life and the supernatural.
I have written a full sequel and have enjoyed being interviewed on the BBC on national and local radio on my writing.
please like here...https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Vril-Codex/151342004886833?fref=...ts
the blog -
http://vrilcodex.blogspot.com/
http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Vril-Codex-ebook/dp/B009QMNO0G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1355012289&sr=8-1
http://www.amazon.com/The-Vril-Codex-ebook/dp/B009QMNO0G/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1355012337&sr=8-2&keywords=the+vril+codex
on KOBO...
http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/The-Vril-Codex/book-lBsXvmWFBE-lGL8XZet8_A/page1.html?s=wOEdiVllOk-PrhhiNjJv4A&r=1
Below you will find authors who I highly recommend for further reading with books and blogs. Please be sure to bookmark and add them to your calendars for updates on works in progress and new releases! Happy Writing and Reading!
1. Jerry Robb - A writer of esoteric mystery along the lines of the doomsday prophesies, terrorism and spiritual fields
http://jlrobb.tumblr.com/
2. Robert Craven: Irish Author and Speaker, author of “Get lenin” and “Zinnman” imagine John Le Carre meets “Secret Army” or “Colditz” and you have two cracking espionage thrillers.
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/GET-Lenin/201022183270225?fref=ts
3. Carmilla Voiez - A stunning writer with real talent and a wonderful descriptive style within erotica and horror.
http://carmilla-voiez.tumblr.com/
4. Terry Ravenscroft – I have never met Terry but discovered him when The Vril Codex 2 was with Youwriteon/feedaread publishing and I was astonished at the man’s long pedigree in comedy spanning 35 years. Strangely most won’t have heard of him but his characters “Cissie and Ada” are known to everyone in the UK who ever watched the Les Dawson show – which Terry wrote for. “Stairlift to Heaven” and “I’m in Heaven” had me laughing endlessly….
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Terry-Ravenscroft/e/B002P8R1WK
1: What is the working title of your book(s)?
I am writing The Vril chronicles book Series and have completed Part One and Part Two of the series.
Part Two is subtitled: The Vril Codex 2 - “The Dresden Benefactor" and is a mystery.
I am working on ideas for a Part Three, for completion in 2013. Originally I did not plan any more than two books but am changing my mind on this as there is so much potential in the Vril mythology. I have just completed a science fiction novel written in the last year called "The Utopiate Complex"
2: Where did the idea come from for the book?
I read “The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail” as a child and it stayed with me all my life so I was astonished at the success of the Da Vinci Code which has so many of the ideas from that book so what I did was create a character – in Warwick Blake – that’s was based on one of the writers of Holy Blood called Henry Lincoln. After reading various conspiracy accounts of the Nazi’s and the occult as well as seeing a documentary I decided that it would be a fun idea to make up my own mythology based on the Norse background to a lot of Nazi imagery which in itself was harmless. I was also inspired by the belief in Vril and the ancient land of Thule which the composer Charles Gounod had written a piece of music for within his opera “Faust”. I also have met conspiracy theorists on UFO’s and the Nazi’s as well as the paranormal.
3: What genre does your book come under?
Thriller- Supernatural Horror -Science fiction.
4: Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
Bob Wilkinson - Rufus Sewell. Jane Wilkinson - Rachael Stirling. Warwick Blake - Michael Gambon.
Helena Hister - ?
5: What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
“The Vril codex” is the story of the Nazi' occult beliefs in ancient Norse myth,
satanic practises and alien technology and is the first novel to mythologise and build a story around real life conspiracy theories.
6: Is your book self-published, published by an independent publisher, or represented by an agency?
The Vril Codex is published by Vamptasy Publishing – an independent publisher.
7: How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
Part One took about 6 months – then I rewrote and changed it over a year period, adding and revising, so all in all just over 18 months. Part Two took about 12 months.
8: What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
Frederick Forsyth’s work or James Herbert’s have been compared but I tried to do something different with this though some have compared it to the Da Vinci Code, which as a book I can take or leave though I like its concepts.
9: Who or what inspired you to write this book?
I was inspired to write in after reading conspiracy books on the subject and realizing there had never been a fictional novel on the subject as such. Holy grail, Knights Templar, the spear and various others have been done endlessly.
I searched obscure libraries and spoke to experts on "Vril" power and made sure I did not read the 19th century Bulwer Lytton novel - "vril - the coming race" as I wanted to produce the first novel to ever tackle the Nazi links with the supernatural and alien life. Vril was a religion to the Nazi's as occultists and I decided to look at books like "Morning of the Magicians" to really get background on the subject.
10: What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
The vril codex is the first book ever written to mythologize the ancient norse myths, vril power and thule ancient land myths as well as UFO'S and the Nazi connection. I did not want to do the "obvious" thing and have the novel feature Hitler etc...that would be boring so I created my own characters and mythologies inspired by figures from history as well as conspiracy figures such as Maria Orsic.
My audience would range from teenagers to the elderly. It took me two years to write and involved painstaking research and effort. I learned how to improve my art as a process. The cover was a collaboration of ideas between me and my publisher Vamptasy - Nicola Ormerod. I am very happy with it as it focuses on aliens rather than the rather obvious swastika of the previous release. I want to introduce a whole mythology and possible series to readers and open minds to the possibility of alien life and the supernatural.
I have written a full sequel and have enjoyed being interviewed on the BBC on national and local radio on my writing.
The vril codex is
the first book to mythologize the ancient norse myths...the vril power...the
thule ancient land myths..UFO'S and the Nazi connection...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYsp5_MV9wc
please like here...https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Vril-Codex/151342004886833?fref=...ts
the blog -
http://vrilcodex.blogspot.com/
http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Vril-Codex-ebook/dp/B009QMNO0G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1355012289&sr=8-1
http://www.amazon.com/The-Vril-Codex-ebook/dp/B009QMNO0G/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1355012337&sr=8-2&keywords=the+vril+codex
on KOBO...
http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/The-Vril-Codex/book-lBsXvmWFBE-lGL8XZet8_A/page1.html?s=wOEdiVllOk-PrhhiNjJv4A&r=1
Below you will find authors who I highly recommend for further reading with books and blogs. Please be sure to bookmark and add them to your calendars for updates on works in progress and new releases! Happy Writing and Reading!
1. Jerry Robb - A writer of esoteric mystery along the lines of the doomsday prophesies, terrorism and spiritual fields
http://jlrobb.tumblr.com/
2. Robert Craven: Irish Author and Speaker, author of “Get lenin” and “Zinnman” imagine John Le Carre meets “Secret Army” or “Colditz” and you have two cracking espionage thrillers.
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/GET-Lenin/201022183270225?fref=ts
3. Carmilla Voiez - A stunning writer with real talent and a wonderful descriptive style within erotica and horror.
http://carmilla-voiez.tumblr.com/
4. Terry Ravenscroft – I have never met Terry but discovered him when The Vril Codex 2 was with Youwriteon/feedaread publishing and I was astonished at the man’s long pedigree in comedy spanning 35 years. Strangely most won’t have heard of him but his characters “Cissie and Ada” are known to everyone in the UK who ever watched the Les Dawson show – which Terry wrote for. “Stairlift to Heaven” and “I’m in Heaven” had me laughing endlessly….
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Terry-Ravenscroft/e/B002P8R1WK
Monday, 14 January 2013
NEW AMAZON REVIEW!
Today I received a good 4 star review on Amazon comparing to Frederick Forsyth, James Herbert and Dennis Spooner... so here it is...
http://www.amazon.com/review/R2Z0M4HX1V83K1/ref=cm_cr_dp_title?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B009QMNO0G&channel=detail-glance&nodeID=133140011&store=digital-text
http://www.amazon.com/review/R2Z0M4HX1V83K1/ref=cm_cr_dp_title?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B009QMNO0G&channel=detail-glance&nodeID=133140011&store=digital-text
Saturday, 12 January 2013
the HIDDEN HISTORY behind The Vril Codex...
http://mythicmysteriesmiscellany.devhub.com/blog/654534-tibet-nazi-connection/
Tuesday, 8 January 2013
Hitler lived? Gerrard Williams on the escape of Hitler- Various articles behind Thule and the science of VRIL
Read all these fascinating articles for insights into the inspiration for my novels.
Two more interesting articles on the science behind the Vril -again featured heavilly in my books...
http://mindcontrolblackassassins.com/2012/09/28/spaceships-and-knights-of-the-black-sun-they-make-monsters-and-slaves-of-men-the-making-of-yusuf-bey-iv/
http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/sociopolitica/sociopol_vril04.htm
Article on the Thule Society which is featured heavilly in vril codex...
http://hollowearthexpedition.pbworks.com/w/page/18795130/Secret%20Societies
These kind of reports are elluded to in the vril codex - if you have read Vril codex you will recognise this as there is only a mention of hitler -many of the characters are pseudonym's for certain well known figures as is their immortality...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHulkmPMInE
Two more interesting articles on the science behind the Vril -again featured heavilly in my books...
http://mindcontrolblackassassins.com/2012/09/28/spaceships-and-knights-of-the-black-sun-they-make-monsters-and-slaves-of-men-the-making-of-yusuf-bey-iv/
http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/sociopolitica/sociopol_vril04.htm
Article on the Thule Society which is featured heavilly in vril codex...
http://hollowearthexpedition.pbworks.com/w/page/18795130/Secret%20Societies
These kind of reports are elluded to in the vril codex - if you have read Vril codex you will recognise this as there is only a mention of hitler -many of the characters are pseudonym's for certain well known figures as is their immortality...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHulkmPMInE
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