Project and content management for Contemporary Authors volumes
WORK TITLE: Foretold by Thunder
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE: c. 1985
WEBSITE: http://emdavey.com/
CITY: London, England
STATE:
COUNTRY: United Kingdom
NATIONALITY: British
RESEARCHER NOTES:
Not Listed in the LOC Authorities.
PERSONAL
Male.
EDUCATION:Attended the London School of Economics.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Journalist. Islington Gazette, London, England, journalist; BBC, London, England, journalist.
AVOCATIONS:Traveling.
WRITINGS
SIDELIGHTS
E.M. Davey is a journalist based in London, England. He attended the London School of Economics. Davey began his career in journalism at the Islington Gazette. He went on to join the BBC, where he has served as a writer on the organization’s Web site, a producer for programs on his radio section and the World Service, and an investigative reporter.
Foretold by Thunder
In 2015, Davey released his first novel, Foretold by Thunder. In this volume, the first in a trilogy, he introduces the protagonist, Jake Wolsey. Jake is a journalist who uncovers a conspiracy involving Etruscan history, Winston Churchill, and MI6. After an article he writes about Churchill’s mentioning the ancient Etruscans in conversation with the leader of the MI6 runs in the newspaper, Jake receives a phone call from a college professor named Roger Britton. Roger tells Jake that the Etruscan matter involves important sacred texts that have disappeared. Jake dismisses Roger’s claims. However, when Roger dies unexpectedly, Jake contacts Roger’s graduate assistant, Florence. They two travel to Turkey in search of the texts. An MI6 spy follows them along their journey.
Foretold by Thunder received mixed reviews. A Publishers Weekly critic suggested: “Readers should be prepared for an over-the-top climax and some banal prose.” However, Betty Lytle, contributor to the News OK Web site, praised Davey’s use of elements from real historical documents, which, according to Lytle, “add[s] to the authenticity of the story. He connects them with the existing Etruscan Book of Omens and the adventures of his fictional characters, making for a compelling story.” Referring to the character of Jake, a writer on the Milo’s Rambles Web site commented: “He’s one of those characters you struggle to like or have a positive opinion on in the beginning, but the author does a fantastic job of making his personality as important as the story itself.”
The Napoleon Complex
Jake returns in the following book in the trilogy, The Napoleon Complex. When the volume begins, he is taking a break from all the excitement he experienced in the previous novel and has gone on vacation to Thailand. However, Jake’s relaxation is interrupted by a letter from an unknown sender.
The sender includes a quote from Napoleon. Soon after, Jake’s ex-girlfriend, Jenny, finds herself in a dangerous situation. Jake recognizes that there is someone out to cause him harm. Meanwhile, his research leads him to clue surrounding the so-called Napoleon Complex, an international conspiracy that both MI6 and the CIA want him to refrain from investigating.
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Publishers Weekly, June 20, 2016, review of Foretold by Thunder, p. 136.
ONLINE
Debbie Flint Blog, http://www.debbieflint.co.uk/ (July 2, 2015), review of Foretold by Thunder.
E.M. Davey Home Page, http://emdavey.com/ (March 13, 2017).
Milo’s Rambles, http://www.milorambles.com/ (October 5, 2015), review of Foretold by Thunder.
News OK, http://newsok.com/ (September 4, 2016), Betty Lytle, review of Foretold by Thunder.
E. M. Davey is a 32-year-old journalist at the BBC specialising in undercover investigative journalism. When not working he enjoys travel to far-flung and occasionally dangerous spots to research his fiction, and just for the heck of it. He has backpacked 47 countries (and counting), including somewhat hairy environs such as the Congo, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia and Burundi. Earlier this year he drove along the Afghan border with Tajikistan.
He grew up in Bristol and lives in south London. He studied history at the London School of Economics and cut his journalistic teeth at the Islington Gazette. At the BBC he has written for the national website, produced programmes on the World Service and is currently an investigative reporter/producer at BBC London.
History – particularly classical history –has been his lifelong passion.
QUOTED: "Readers should be prepared for an over-the-top climax and some banal prose."
Foretold by Thunder
Publishers Weekly.
263.25 (June 20, 2016): p136.
COPYRIGHT 2016 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
Foretold by Thunder
E.M. Davey. Overlook, $26.95 (320p) ISBN 9781-4683-1296-6
Early in BBC journalist Davey's first novel, a Da Vinci Code knockoff, historian Roger Britton, a professor at King's College London, phones
journalist Jake Wolsey after reading a brief newspaper article written by Jake reporting that Winston Churchill met in 1941 with the head of MI6
to discuss "the ancient Etruscan matter." Britton claims to know why Churchill was interested in the ancient Etruscans; Jake politely listens,
dismisses the man as a "nutter," and ends the call. After a bolt of lightning strikes Britton dead on the Embankment, Jake decides to learn more
about the academic's work. His conversations with Britton's stunningly attractive graduate assistant, Florence Chung, give him enough
information to persuade his boss to allow him to travel with her to Turkey in search of missing sacred 'Etruscan texts. Unbeknownst to Jake and
Florence, an MI6 operative is keeping tabs on them. Readers should be prepared for an over-the-top climax and some banal prose ("As Jenny sat
on the Heathrow Express that evening she had things on her mind"). Agent: Robin Wade, Wade & Co. (U.K.). (Aug.)
Source Citation (MLA 8th
Edition)
"Foretold by Thunder." Publishers Weekly, 20 June 2016, p. 136. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?
p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA456344731&it=r&asid=838772c6f8b1b3d1e1791533e1024e92. Accessed 19 Feb.
2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A456344731
QUOTED: "add to the authenticity of the story. He connects them with the existing Etruscan Book of Omens and the adventures of his fictional characters, making for a compelling story."
Book review: 'Foretold by Thunder' by E.M. Davey
BY BETTY LYTLE For The Oklahoman Published: September 4, 2016 12:00 AM CDT
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“Foretold By Thunder” by E.M. Davey (Overlook Press, 320 pages, in stores)
E.M. Davey's debut thriller, “Foretold by Thunder,” is the first book in a planned trilogy. Davey is a journalist at the BBC specializing in undercover investigative journalism. He enjoys travel and has visited 44 countries to research his fiction.
Comparable to Dan Brown's “The DaVinci Code,” Davey's thriller is a fascinating story filled with history's possibilities, if not historical accuracy.
When journalist Jake Wolsey discovers a declassified file that documents Churchill's meeting in 1941 with the head of M16 to discuss “the ancient Etruscan matter,” he's very curious and writes a brief newspaper article about it.
Shortly thereafter, he receives a call from historian Roger Britton, a professor at Kings College London. Britton claims to know why Churchill was interested in the ancient Etruscans. Jake listens but dismisses the man as a “nutter.” Shortly after, Britton is struck by lightning — but not before he mails Jake some ancient texts.
Jake is able to convince his boss that there is a real story here, and he joins forces with archaeologist Florence Chung, Britton's assistant. They travel across Europe and Africa searching for a sacred Etruscan text — the Disciplina Etrusca. The British secret intelligence services have agents following them, with orders to destroy any ancient papers they may find.
The Disciplina Etrusca is said to be responsible for the fall of Rome, the rise of Hitler and the rise and fall of civilizations throughout the ages. Whoever has it will be able to predict and control the future.
The author goes to the actual writings of Roman historian Eusebius of Caesarea to add to the authenticity of the story. He connects them with the existing Etruscan Book of Omens and the adventures of his fictional characters, making for a compelling story. I look forward to the next book in the trilogy.
— Betty Lytle, for The Oklahoman
Book of the Week - E.M. Davey, BBC Investigative Journalist - 'Foretold by Thunder'
2 JULY 2015
Foretold by Thunder - E.M. Davey
FORETOLD BY THUNDER - E.M. DAVEY
Well my QVC Hardback version of Till the Fat Lady Slims 2.0 sold out of the final stocks this week on air, and canny readers thwarted by the sell out found the paperback/eBook on Amazon and it zoomed up to the top ten in diet chart on Kindle once again. (Find it here.) It reminded me how it’s all about discoverability nowadays, right? If you’re a self-pub – or ‘independent’ author, it’s a changing landscape, that’s for sure, and the most on-the-ball are constantly re-inventing their marketing techniques amidst stiff competition from the Big Publishers and the many offshoots and smaller eBook only publishers.
Book of the Week – ‘Foretold by Thunder’ by E.M. Davey – so team up with a bigger publisher like 32 year old BBC journalist @EdDavey1 has done - with Duckworth who have got his debut novel into Waterstones, Smiths, Foyles, Daunt Books and of course Amazon here. If I make it to the launch party on 2nd at Daunt in Chelsea I’ll post more pics!
E.M. Davey is an investigative undercover journalist… bodes well for his hero, journalist Jake Wolsey who stumbles upon a declassified file showing Winston Churchill's interest in the ancient Etruscan civilisation, his curiosity bringing peril in its wake. Sounds just up my street having studied Archaeology at A'Level! He soon attracts the unlikely attention of sexy archaeologist Florence Chung - and that of MI6. As the two are pursued across Europe and Africa in search of the Etruscans' sacred text, danger closes in. I love the sound of this and hope it appears on Audible soon! Hot off the press, publishing day is today (2nd) and you can find it in shops, not just online. Good luck Jake, I mean Ed!
Other news –
- WOW! Fab inspiring scriptwriting video – inc Hollywood Royalty - Writer Roundtable: Chris Rock, Gillian Flynn on Their "Perfect Movies," 'Gone Girl' Backlash and Unhappy Endings click here to see it
- Lynda Renham, prolific self-published author, offers free book! *FREE* 'Rory's Proposal' for a period of seven days from 29th June. Get yours now!! Go here for free copy before 5th July. Highly reviewed!
It’s to celebrate her new novel 'Fifty Shades of Roxy Brown' now available for pre-order and available on the 14th August as an ebook. Get it here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fifty-Shades-.
- Ebooks aren’t selling? 10 actions you can take Very insightful tips for self-pubishers! Go here to read up on the useful tips.
- Why Authors Need to Step Away from the Internet er… #guiltyFace! Click here.
best wishes
debs
x
Beginners’ Guide And if you’re a complete beginner and want to self-publish, my basic guide can be found here - beginner's tips for self-publishing - a summary of info, sites and links to help you on your way. Including my guest blog on prestigious industry website, TheCreativePenn.com, Go here to read more.
Archives Don’t forget to check out the other archives (to the left) for even more fabulous hints, tips, links and blogs.
ps if you'd like to contact me, you can do so via email debbie@debbieflint.com or via @debbieflint on Twitter!#
My books - For the full list of my fiction and non fiction novels, novellas, short stories - info and links to buy them just go here. or see below.
As usual, here’s the round up of my own titles! I’d appreciate a review on Amazon (go here) and Goodreads (go here)! Enjoy! x
eBooks - all available on Amazon – paperback or eBook (kindle or kindle app or kindle on PC or Mac)
paperbacks – five fiction titles all available in paperback – via Amazon – see below.
FICTION
HAWAIIAN TRILOGY (2013/4) – romantic fiction in either steamy or PG options!
Book 1 Hawaiian Escape Steamy or Hawaiian Escape PG, the prequel to Hawaiian Affair - is now available on Amazon in eBook or paperback in both PG original and steamy (just released last week!).
Book 2 Hawaiian Affair Steamy - now called Take a Chance on Me, with Choc Lit publisher available on Amazon. Paperback coming to shops Dec 2015! yay!
Book 3 Hawaiian Retreat - Helen's Story - Just click this link to see steamy version. Paperback also available
DIARY OF A WANNABE SHOPPING CHANNEL PRESENTER – a stand alone story – Bridget Jones meets Alan Partridge meets Eddie Murphy in ‘Holy Man’ –click here to buy Ebook on amazon, and click here to buy paperback.
SHORT STORIES
‘When Dreams Return’ (2014) – spooky romantic short story – when Chelle’s pal Sara gets her to conjure up her ideal man with a full moon magic spell, she gets more than she bargained for… also appears in Hocus Pocus anthology.
The Valentine’s Surprise (2010) is a short story proving it’s never too late to find your Sir Galahad!
And Work in Progress, a compendium in paperback of Dairy of a Wannabe plus the two short stories in one volume.
Also – for Hallowe’en – an anthology of short spooky stories by 13 authors including many new shorts and my When Dreams Return in paperback! Hocus Pocus ’14 – ebook or paperback.
'Battle of the Exes', written for Valentine's Day 2015, features in 'Roses are Red' anthology of six short stories on Amazon ebook and paperback too.
NON-FICTION
Till the Fat Lady Slims 2.0 – the ‘When’ Diet - is my semi-autobiographical weight loss book – updated for 2014 to include the latest thinking about nutrition. Learn how to eat like slim people do, following freedom eating and the Food Freedom technique. As used and recommended on our Back to You QVC Facebook group! In paperback or eBook.
January 2015 - hardback signed with bonus content, Aqua cover, supplied exclusively to QVC, get it here whilst available.
NB the original, is included within version 2.0. The original on its own is also on Amazon (2002)
OTHER WORK IN PROGRESS (see Work In Progress tab for updates!)
‘The How to Find a Husband Manual’ – hehe. A spin off from the Hawaiian trilogy’s character Kate, Helen’s friend in New York.
‘French or Dutch’ – a cross between Mr Selfridge, Downton Abbey and Call the Midwife, following life-changing adventures around Britain of early pioneers of birth control.
QUOTED: "He’s one of those characters you struggle to like or have a positive opinion on in the beginning but the author does a fantastic job of making his personality as important as the story itself."
Foretold by Thunder by EM Davey – Book Review
On October 5, 2015, in Action, book review, Books, Thriller, by Milo
Foretold by Thunder by EM DaveyWhen journalist Jake Wolsey stumbles upon a declassified file showing Winston Churchill’s interest in the ancient Etruscan civilisation his curiosity brings peril in its wake. He soon attracts the unlikely attention of alluring archaeologist Florence Chung – and that of MI6. As the two are pursued across Europe and Africa in search of the Etruscans’ sacred text, danger closes in and more questions than answers arise. Are there powers in the sky modern science has yet to understand? Could the ancients predict the future? And what really explains the rise of Rome, that of Nazi Germany, the ebb and flow of history itself? In a thrilling race against time and enemies known and unknown, Wolsey fears the very survival of the West may depend on his ability to stay one step ahead of his adversaries.
An enjoyable and entertaining read, this satisfies on most levels. If you’re looking for a little adventure, some action and a little Dan Brown thrown in for good measure then look no further than Foretold by Thunder, EM Davey’s debut novel.
The book moves along at a decent pace but I did find some of the Etruscan history hard to follow, and there’s quite a lot of it to follow, but then I know nothing about the religion, not that it’s necessary at all to enjoy this tale.
Jake Wolsey is an intriguing character and the main protagonist. I have to admit I found him a little wet at the beginning but by the end he’d won me over with a change in personality and attitude that wasn’t there at the beginning. Quite clever in fact, most protagonists stay the same throughout a novel but Wolsey definitely changed. He grew stronger, more confident, cut down on his alcohol intake and became a force to be reckoned with. He imparts his knowledge as the story progresses and by the end of the first book he appears to be somewhat of an expert in things Etruscan.
Although an entertaining storyline Jake’s character building is my favourite part of the book. He’s one of those characters you struggle to like or have a positive opinion on in the beginning but the author does a fantastic job of making his personality as important as the story itself.
There are a few twists and turns along the way and enough baddies to balance good and evil. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing where this story goes next. Great characterisation, an entertaining storyline and a book that’s very easy to read. A great debut.
Paperback:320 pages
Publisher:Gerald Duckworth & Co Ltd (2 July 2015)
Language:English
ISBN-10:0715649930
ISBN-13:978-0715649930