I have been creating my own stories for as long as I can remember and writing them down pretty much as long as I’ve been able to hold a pencil. Storytelling and creating books brings me more joy than I can describe, so I’m excited to present the books of Andy Lickley (that’s me!).
I’ve recently combined my love of book writing with my love of entertaining and educating people, and created a “Not-So-Romantic” line of non-fiction books written
Each book has its little blurb and also contains a link to where you can buy them (hint, hint… wink, wink)
If you would like a sample of the audiobooks you can follow this link. For full audiobook versions head over to my Patreon page where you can get access to the whole audiobook library.
The Not-So-Romantic Railways
I started to realise that if you have an interest in railways you only really had two choices. First, read young children books such as Thomas the tank engine or picture books. Second, you can read technical and jargon heavy engineering books.
I present to you the third choice.
The Not-So-Romantic Railways choice.
This series of books serve as a perfect introduction to the Victorian railways in Britain (and beyond!) with a blend of social history, low level engineering and the stories that don’t always get spoken about- and best of all you don’t need an engineering qualification to understand it.
These books are suitable for everyone but are suitable for a reading level of ages 7 and above.
The Not-So-Romantic Railways
WARNING!
This book contains poo, crime, murder and absolutely no romance… well, maybe a little romance… but definitely not a lot!
Join me (Andy) as I take you on a journey through the unromantic side of the railways in Britain from 1830-1901.
Was George Stephenson a fraud? Why did the train crew sometimes throw potatoes at signalboxes? What did the fireman really do with the shovel?
Find the answers to these questions and more and pick up your copy today!
Crashes and accidents
In this instalment of the not-so-romantic railways, we travel around the world to look at some of the worst crashes and accidents in railway history.
The not-so-romantic Railways: Crashes and Accidents is available on Amazon in paperback and ebook formats.
The Railway King
In this instalment of the not-so-romantic railways, we explore the story of George Hudson also known as the “Railway King”. Learn how he rose from nothing to become one of the biggest players in the Victorian railway world before witnessing his downfall.
How a steam locomotive works
It’s time to get to the bottom of How a steam locomotive works in the only not-so-romantic way I know!
From the smallest bolt to the largest piston-from beginner to expert- this is the ultimate guide to how the mysterious steam locomotive works.
The Activity book
This activity book is a rebel in the world of mushy activity books.
Filled with colouring pages, word searches, railway jokes, not-so-romantic facts, games and some other things which shall remain nameless for dramatic effect- this activity book is filled with fun activities to keep everyone occupied.
Activity Book 2: That’s right another one!
The rebellion against mushy activity books returns!
The Not-So-Romantic Railways Activity Book returns for a second edition! Crammed even more full with activities including word searches, crosswords, sudoku puzzles, colouring and a big dollop of unromantic information! This book is the first Not-So-Romantic Railways book to be in full colour!
Activity Book 3: 90 pages of Not-So-Romantic goodness
The rebellion against mushy activity books returns… again!
The Not-So-Romantic Railways Activity Book returns for its third installment. I may never have scored a hat-trik in football, but now I can say it’s happened in activity books.
This Not-So-Romantic Railways is bigger (over 90 pages!), better (be bad marketing if it was worse!) and even less romantic (no dinner dates in this book!) than before.
The Phoenix Saga
The Phoenix saga was inspired by my nephew, Phoenix, who was also the inspiration behind the book’s title character. It all began with a simple question. “What would happen if a vampire bit a fairy?”
Book One: The Vampire Fairy
In a forest where daylight never comes, a vampire stalks the land. 10-year-old Phoenix is transported to a mysterious forest after falling through a hole while walking down his garden path. He’s tossed into a battle for survival as he hunts for a way to get home and avoid being found by the dreaded vampire.
The Vampire Fairy is available to buy on Amazon in paperback
Book Two: The Ghost Pirates
Trapped on board a pirate ship in the land of the 12 seas Phoenix is attacked by an invisible enemy.
The Ghost Pirates currently does not have a release date.
Book three: The Dragon Master
The third instalment of the Phoenix saga.
The Dragon Masters currently does not have a release date.
Universe story: Monsters of the 12 seas
As Auctor Scriptor walked the desolated, abandoned shoreline town of Portum, once the largest port in the land of the 12 seas- he came across a journal written by a crew hand called Mors Lambert who was on the final journey of Captain Amelia Rimor- the greatest explorer the land of the 12 seas had ever seen.
This is the journal which chronicles the events which took place in the lead-up to Amelia Rimor going missing and what led to an ancient sea creature being unleashed upon the land of the 12 seas.
In production: The not-so-romantic Romans
Ever since I was young I’ve had a full blown obsession with Ancient History, but in particular the Ancient Romans.
This two book series will bring to life the complete story of the Ancient Romans, from the mythical beginning, the fledgling empire and of course, how they used to wipe their bums! They’ll be battles, mistakes and plenty of not-so-romantic bits (and that’s just the writing process!)
Currently in production: The Not-So-Romantic Romans.
The first part
How did Rome come into being and become one of the largest empire the world has ever seen? The Not-So-Romantic Romans: The first part focuses on the beginning, how it all came to be, telling the story from Romulus and Remus to Julius Caesar.
The first part will be available on paperback and ebook.
Coming soon!
The second part
From humble beginnings the Ancient Romans became a huge empire thanks to the work of Augustus and that’s exactly where ‘the second part’ starts. But remember, part of the story is the end.
The second part will be available on paperback and ebook.
Coming soon!