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Published Books

Book Reviews 

guardian - rise of the gods  

Date: December 2023 (Mina - Published on LinkedIn)

“Guardian - Rise of the Gods” by Ben Kesp is a captivating fantasy novel that transports readers to a world where gods, mythical creatures, and mortals coexist. With excellent world building, rich characters, and thought provoking themes, this book is a must read for fans of the genre. Kesp’s fluid and immersive storytelling, coupled with his attention to detail, creates an engaging experience. The characters are well developed and have depth, and the balance between action and introspection is perfect. Additionally, the exploration of themes such as power and friendship adds an additional level of emotional resonance. In summary, “Guardian - Rise of the Gods” is a captivating and well crafted novel that promises an exciting adventure in the realm of gods. 

The Portrait of Isabella Simmons 

Date: 2020 (Nora - Published on LinkedIn)

This book is ultimately the story of the depth of a mother's love for her son and how far a mother will go to protect her child.  The story is a page turner with every page bringing suspense, grief, sadness, and mystery.  The imagery brings the story to life, you can visualise the portrait that Francesco has painted. You can see the houses along the streets in Dublin.  You can smell the fresh bread at the market in Galway.  I was Johanna, I felt her pain and fear.  I was Francesco and felt his passion for art and life. A must-read, but be careful, you are warned, you will not be able to put it down until you finish.  I didn't. Excellent storyline.  Very well written. Most enjoyable. 

Date: Sep 10 2018 (Moira - Published on Goodreads)

Typical of Ben Kesp, his keen eye for minute detail is also prevalent in this fascinating novel. This thriller enthrals the reader from beginning to end as the characters' individual histories begin to unfold, with a mysterious backdrop that amplifies interest and arouses much curiosity. As always, Ben Kesp's exquisite use of diction and imagery, and the inclusion of a few twists surely contribute to this. Indeed, this work is testimony to his versatility as a writer. I thoroughly like Johanna Cahill, a strong and calculating woman who lets nothing stand in her way. Her character evolves throughout the novel, and towards the end, the reader is to expect a few surprises. I recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys reading good fiction. Well done Ben Kesp! Another excellent piece under your belt!  

Landed Estate 

Date: 2020 (Victoria Libby - Personal Review)

I finished reading Landed Estate, today, a book by Ben Kesp. I totally loved it. It’s fabulous. Ben has a very formal, old world way of writing, at least with the last two of his novels that I have read. I have found myself loving the formal style more with each page I read. It's so different from the way most historical romances are written by most female writers that am used to reading but I found myself totally caught up in the storyline. I felt a pull on my heart, a connection to Susanna, through time and space. A connection to situations, that felt so similar but different at the same time. Oh course in Landed Estate, Susanna is from the wealthy aristocratic family, as for me, I do not share her life from that aspect. 

I don't think it matters what side one is on, we can all have challenging struggles in our lives and issues within our families that we have to learn to deal with and get through. I find myself drawn to Susanna and seeing and comparing some of my issues/situations with hers and those few fleeting moments of happiness come and go so quickly. I found myself starting to cry several times. 

I was surprised by the last chapter, but a nice surprise, as the story jumped two hundred years to our present. I was glad that Samuel found the letters but I did wish more of the letters could have been shared in the novel.  At first I thought maybe Edgar’s forbidden book about the family was buried among them. I really enjoyed reading Landed Estate that I did not want it to end and kept wanting to know more. 

Katherine Villiers was character within Landed Estate, whom I thought seemed to have a cruelness and self centeredness about her but as time passes I think she has many regrets and sees the error of her ways but I don't think she can totally change. I believe there is a part of her in all of us. The difference between Katherine and Susanna is that Susanna seems to be working for the good of the family, whereas Katherine is being cruel, hurtful/hateful and not acting on love and for the best for family. I felt very sorry for her at the end.  

I also loved Harriet Westby for being so feisty but love the fact that she has foresight and is smart and understood how things work within the family and that she can see the wisdom in Susanna’s words. Harriet was lucky to have a good teacher in Susanna.   

It was sad that only the West House survived in the end, however it is reflective of the period and the changes that occurred within rural Ireland. I thoroughly enjoyed Landed Estate, its story and its characters.  Susanna Westby is a woman I can really relate and connect with. Thank you Ben.

Date: Dec 2016 (Imelda - Published on Mondays Book Talk - Literature & Culture Corner)

A gripping and enthralling read by an author who is really making his mark. The Landed Estate is an eloquently written tale of the landed aristocracy in Ireland. It is an insightful and critically informed view from the Anglo-Irish perspective that demonstrates the land struggles that took place within families. The characters are wholesome and identifiable, passionate and alive - not restricted by stiff upper class clichés and conformities. The prose could sometimes fall victim to this and let the characters down at times but overall this is a thoroughly enjoyable read. The Irish countryside comes alive in a new and refreshing way for contemporary tales of this time and the paradox of peace and tranquillity is wonderfully created against the backdrop of uncertainty, threat and doom for an era almost at an end. Kesp has the ability to enthral the reader. He has a clear and unique understanding of family values steeped in tradition and often incomprehensible values. Susanna Westby shines brightly as a much loved character in a world that submerges the female voice. In the same manner, Katherine Villiers triumphs as the love-to-hate villain. Kesp engages in a unique narrative that places the female characters to the fore in a natural and unassuming way. The last 6 chapters of the second part of the book, gain a rich momentum as the reader races ahead to seek their own satisfaction. 

This story is fast-paced, structurally sound with fully developed characters. It transports the reader to another era, swept up in the social norms and fashion of the time. Susanna is a true heroine, worthy of her role. A thoroughly enjoyable read.


Date: May 22 2015 (Moira - Published on Goodreads)

This book takes us on Susanna's journey as she struggles incessantly with matters of the heart and those of family and estate. I love Susanna's character immensely as she is a fully developed figure. I find myself relating to her very easily, albeit in a different setting both in time and place. She is a strong-willed and resolute woman who experiences love, hatred, anxiety, desperation, and anguish; emotions which, as a reader, I share with her so effortlessly. Her antagonist, Catherine, is an equally credible character whom I love to hate with a passion! All these emotions are generated through Ben Kesp's exquisite diction and imagery, enabling the reader to visualise clearly the scenes as they unfold. The author's keen interest in very minute details gives life to the story and the characters spring right before our very eyes, unsettling us from our comfort zone, thus becoming highly captivated, but most importantly, ignited with that same passion emitted by the protagonist throughout this book. Despite a fictional character, she experiences trials and tribulations with which we can associate. Her failure to maintain the family name and estate at the end of the story only serves as a constant reminder that time brings about forced change which we cannot control. Nonetheless, Susanna remains resolute until her last breath. She is a character to reckon with, especially when considering that she is set during a time when the female voice was relegated and suppressed by male supremacy. She is envied and admired even by women of the 21st century in spite of the quantum leaps which have been witnessed during the last decades. Similarly to its preceding instalments, this final part is presented exquisitely by the author whose diction is ever so rich and captivating. 

Date: Nov 18 2014 (Lynda - Published on Goodreads)

The arranged marriage of Susanna Villiers and Eyre Westby benefitted both families and shielded a secretive deal unknown to most. Eyre’s unexpected death and Susanna’s grief was ripe for a take-over of Susanna’s properties and rights by her brother. Cold, calculating Sam Villiers bombarded his sister with such force and devious assaults Susanna had to find the strength and courage to match Sam’s aggressive stance.

This historical romance set in Ireland was nicely written with believable characters, a good pace and the right amount of details to hold my interest. The strain within the family and the emotional rollercoaster ride of the main female character created a connection, the frustration and pain telegraphed through the pages. 

The Witch of Ballyvale  

Date: June 16 2016 (Gabriel Woods - Published on Smashwords)

The Witch Of Ballyvale is a very thought provoking book. Ben explores the issues of individuality through his characters, how being considered different can have disastrous implications. It is also a fast paced book and the action begins at page one. A book well worthy of five stars. 

Date: 2016 (MikeH - Published on Barnes & Noble)

Very exciting story. Mystery, the unknown, determination, strong ideals, all the perfect elements to have your mind going. Strongly recommended. 

Date: 2016 (Anonymous - Published on Barnes & Noble)

Interesting story about strong individual. 

The Letter  

Date: 2015 (Anonymous - Published on Barnes & Noble)

Compelling Read. 

Date: 2015 (Anonymous - Published on Barnes & Noble)

Good Story 

Features/Performances/Other

Features/Posts

Irish Central New York: Irish Ancient Royal Capitals [2016] 

MoonProject, UK: Mdina, the Jewel of Malta [2016]

MoonProject, UK: Ancient Festivals of Fire [2016]

No.2 Labini, Malta, Blog Feature: Taste the Pleasures of the Maltese Isles [2015]

Founder & Contributor of the Literature & Culture Corner Blog (2012) 

Performances

"Cirilla" postponed due to Covid - to have been performed at the Inspired Voices Concert, Tri-County Mental Health Services, Maine, U.S. [2020]

"Memory" Stage performance by Victoria Libby, Inspired Voices Concert, Tri-County Mental Health Services, Maine, U.S. [2019]

"Battle of Mag Tuired" Stage performance by Victoria Libby, Inspired Voices Concert, Tri-County Mental Health Services, Maine, U.S. [2016]

Pen of Kesp

Monthly private subscribed newsletter from April 2014 to October 2017 with sample covers below.

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