Raw Nerve by Tim Rees

I am a Cardiff born novelist and have now released my novel Raw Nerve on Kindle.

(link at the end of the article to buy now from Amazon)

Set in the 90's, Raw Nerve delivers a powerful moral message by painting an alternative scenario to, what is now ,a famous event. America have now elected their first black president, but Raw nerve was written before the emergence of Barack Obama.

The novel asks the question: What happens if a pharmaceutical or cosmetics corporation attempt to target specific social and/or ethnic groups by infecting a product with a genetically programmed virus and only they have the antidote?

Thsi is a dangerous question. This is a dangerous book. A chilling book! But it was only after I had finished the novel I realised the horrendous truth about what I had written as fiction. Whilst listening to the South African truth commission inquiry I learned the apartheid government in South Africa had actually attempted to achieve the results suggested in this fictitious story - to genetically obliterate the black population!

This fictional story should be seen as a warning: what if that was to occur in the United States of America?

The story involves the Ku Klux Klan, the Afrikaner resistance movement and a genetic virus about to annihilate African-Americans. But the plot is essentially about one man against all odds who makes the difference. Gideon is a character with whom every reader with a heart and soul will want to identify. Like a surgeon he’s about to cut the cancer from society.

I connect the Ku Klux Klan with the Afrikaner resistance movement and add into the equation a white South African geneticist. Gideon infiltrates the Klan as a covert operative for a black four star general, Lon Travers, who is also the presidential military adviser. What he discovers is a genetic obscenity about to be unleashed! In short, this story is America’s worst nightmare!

The plot is fast paced, very intense and an irresistible page-turner: is the world is about to bear witness to yet another holocaust?

The emotional complexity of the characters punctuates the mood, often adding idiosyncratic colour as well as many sub-plot threads and story twists that will surprise and shock!

Gideon is the man who makes the difference when he tears the dark veil from the face of white supremacy!
Buy Raw Nerve Now!

Cardiff Castle

With a history going back two thousand years, the first keep with its own motte sits in the centre of the spacious and beautifully re-constructed grounds of Cardiff Castle, grounds that were landscaped by Capability Brown in the 1770's at the behest of the 1st Marquess of Bute. The 2nd Marquess of Bute, considered by many the creator of modern Cardiff, began restoration of the castle in the 1820's and the work was carried on by the 3rd Marquess, widely regarded one of the greatest private patrons of architecture this country has seen, continued the work with passion and dedication. The 4th Marquess finished the mammoth task and the 5th Marquess of Bute gave the castle to the people of Cardiff in 1947.

Cardiff Castle was a home to the Marquess of Butes' until 1947.

The building where the Lords of Bute lived are a study in grand style and detail. It strikes me as a wonderful palace within the castle built by people marinated in incredible wealth. Situated at the very heart beat of central Cardiff, I imagined arriving after a long journey by horsedrawn coach and turning into the castle portcullis entrance that faces the main street in Cardiff and suddenly seeing revealed beyond the great, towering castle walls this sumptious mansion house with sweeping drive to the main door. It must have been truly spectacular!

Inside, the Great Hall is lavish in intricate carvings and craftsmenship from ceiling to floor.

Opulence and priviledge is evident in the fire places and walls throughout the recontructed castle mansion house.

On a personal note, my sister had her wedding reception in the Great Hall in 1981 and I think my father paid around £200. When I was visiting this summer with my girlfriend from America, I enquired about the price now and was told a wedding reception in the Great hall would cost £9,000!! Talk about inflation!

To read more about the history of Cardiff Castle I recommend visiting the official Cardiff castle website: The History of Cardiff Castle

A Proper Cardiff Blog At Last!

Welcome. At long last a blog about all things Cardiff and more besides! Where to go? What to see? Maybe, even, who to see it with ;) Afterall, no harm in organising a few blind dates for Cardiff's lonely hearted if the opportunity presents itself!

First I want to give a shout out for O'Neill's on St. Mary street where I regularly enjoy a pint of Cardiff's own Brains Black, the one true Guinness ;)The staff are excellent, the atmosphere is robust and the food is genuine value for money... And did I mention they pour a serious pint of Brains Black? On Thursday's and Friday's there is usually a great band or solo artist playing a gig and on any match day, football or rugby, there is no better place to watch the game. I have even sat there and watched Gaelic Footy, but mostly with a bemused, confused expression :)

A live gig at O'Neill's

O'Neill's is a big bar. A large room that can get too full, especially when international rugby is being played. Also, the steps to the basement toilets could be a problem if you have difficulty with stairs, although there are disabled facilities directly accessed via the main bar room. One thing I can guarantee at O'Neill's Cardiff is a very hearty welcome!

Tim Rees
Changing perspective will change your mind.