Date: August 2024 (Unknown Customer Rating on Amazon, UK - 5 STAR)

Date: July 2024 (Unknown Customer Rating on Amazon, UK - 5 STAR)

Date: July 2024 (Huri Huerta - Published on Amazon, UK - 5 STAR)

"Guardian: Rise of the Gods" is an absolute gem in the realms of fantasy and sci-fi literature. From the moment you dive into its pages, you are captivated by Ben Kesp's clear and engaging writing style. Every word seems meticulously chosen to paint vivid images in the reader's mind, making it incredibly easy to visualize the richly described characters and settings.

The characters are brought to life with such depth and clarity that you feel as though you are walking alongside them, experiencing their adventures firsthand. Each personality is distinct, and their development throughout the story is both believable and compelling.

The plot itself is a thrilling blend of fantasy and science fiction, weaving together elements of mythology, magic, and futuristic technology in a way that feels fresh and exciting. The pacing is perfect, keeping you on the edge of your seat without ever feeling rushed.

For any fan of fantasy and sci-fi, "Guardian: Rise of the Gods" is a must-read. Its immersive world-building, well-crafted characters, and gripping storyline make it a standout addition to any bookshelf. I highly recommend it and eagerly await the next instalment in the Gods of Uis-Valla series. 

Date: June 2024 (Josef - Personal Review)

"Guardian - Rise of the Gods" is an exciting journey into a richly crafted fantasy universe. Set in the Kuboran Galaxy, this book explores many themes through the eyes of its diverse characters.

The story is centred around the Korninti, the esteemed gatekeepers of the Kuboran Galaxy, whose origins and beliefs are brought into question. This internal conflict is contrasted with the rise of the Armonte, militant sorcerers, who have been unleashed to conquer realms. The Armonte pose a significant threat to the cosmic balance, prompting the reawakening of an ancient race tasked with protecting the cosmic pathway. I enjoy Ben's world-building, creating a galaxy that feels both vast and lived-in. Even though we only get to experience a few of the realms, the Kuboran Galaxy is filled with unique cultures, species, and political dynamics, making the universe feel rich. 

The characters are well-developed and compelling. The Korninti, grappling with doubts about their origins and purpose, are portrayed with loss and conflicting emotions. The Armonte sorcerers, on the other hand, are depicted with a mix of menace and complexity. The reawakened ancient race serves as a fascinating introduction, in comparison to the other factions, their presence bringing an element of mystery and ancient wisdom to the story. The story feels like it just the foundation of what is to come, with so much more to be explored. 

One of the standout aspects of the novel is the exploration of belief and doubt. The Korninti's crisis of faith is a central in asking questions about of power, duty, and destiny. We certainly see this through the character of Mika. This is contrasted by the Armonte's quest for dominance, which challenges the established order. 

I found Ben's writing to be descriptive and evocative, bringing the galaxy and its inhabitants to life with vivid imagery and detail. The pacing is good, although there are moments when it could benefit from a tighter focus.  "Guardian - Rise of the Gods" is a captivating addition to the fantasy genre, offering a well-crafted universe filled with complex characters and intriguing themes. Ben Kesp has created a story that is both epic in scope and intimate in its exploration of belief and power. Overall, "Guardian - Rise of the Gods" is a compelling read that promises an exciting journey through the Kuboran Galaxy.

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. 

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 - 5 STAR)

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!  

Date 2024 (Margaret Payne - Personal Review)

"Landed Estate" is a blend of historical mystery and romance, set against the lush backdrop of 18th and 19th century Ireland. This novel weaves family values, tradition, and love through the compelling story of Susanna Westby, who battles hidden family secrets, unresolved disputes, and the darkness of deceit and murder.

The story transports us to Point Pleasant, the Westby family's ancestral home and estate. Ben's portrayal of this setting is vivid and immersive, capturing the essence of Ireland’s aristocratic class and the societal norms. The plot is driven by Susanna Westby's struggle to navigate the complex web of her family's past. Susanna Westby is a well developed character, embodying strength, resilience, and a deep sense of duty to her family and land. Her journey is both emotional and gripping.

Ben explores the clash between tradition and change. Susanna’s battle to uphold family values while contending with the realities of her situation highlights the often conflicting demands of honour and survival. Love is portrayed in many forms, be it romantic love, or love, for family or land.

Ben’s writing is elegant, capturing the historical period with meticulous attention to detail. His prose is both lyrical and accessible, drawing readers into the world of Point Pleasant. 

"Landed Estate" is a compelling read that offers a perfect mix of historical detail, mystery, and romance. Ben Kesp has created a story that is rich in atmosphere and emotion, with characters who are complex and memorable. This novel, I believe will appeal to fans of historical fiction, mystery, and romance alike. 

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 - 4 STAR)

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 - 4 STAR)

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. 

Date: June 16 2016 (Gabriel Woods - Published on Smashwords - 5 STAR)

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 - 5 STAR)

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 - 5 STAR)

Interesting story about strong individual. 

Date: 2015 (Anonymous - Published on Barnes & Noble - 4 STAR)

Compelling Read. 

Date: 2015 (Anonymous - Published on Barnes & Noble - 3 STAR)

Good Story