It gives me great pleasure to be part of the launch celebrations of Beyond the Surf by H W Neild, published on 11th March by HNL. Beyond the Surf is available to purchase in e-book and paperback from online retailers including Amazon UK and Amazon US and to order from all good bookstores.

Beyond the Surf

A young woman’s dream.
A mercenary tycoon seizing the opportunity.
Islands ripe with potential.
…. All in the throes of coming of age through political unrest …….

Kayte King lives to kitesurf. Financially broke in her windless hometown, Kayte’s spirits sink to all new levels. When an all-expenses paid invite to The Martinez Islands presents itself, to promote tourism with the potential to break her current world record — a once in lifetime opportunity — Kayte grabs it.

Accompanied by her boyfriend, Steve, she travels to the islands with high hopes and expectations. They link up with their American counterparts and form the kitesurfing group that will attract tourism the islands desperately need.

Mercenary leader, Roger MacGill, brought in to eliminate anarchy, is tasked with the formation and training of a local police force. Stability temporarily subdued, MacGill has capitalised on the island’s beauty and invests in its modernisation. But, MacGill is now dangerously low on funds and desperate to see returns on his investment.

The kitesurfing contingency’s arrival rocks local interest. Fascinated by the kites, yet wary of foreigners, their apprehension bubbles to the surface. Storm clouds gather. The political unrest that follows, threatens to shatter all their dreams.

An extract from Beyond the Surf

The letter, typed on official-headed paper, read:

Dear Ms King, 12th February 2003

On behalf of our esteemed and honoured Life President, Prince Jaffa, I am writing to you, as the current female kite surfing speed record holder, to invite you to improve your record on The Martinez Islands, our nation State on 14th March 2003.

We are delighted that Mr Chuck Schneider, the men’s record holder from America, will also be attending.

As soon as you accept Prince Jaffa’s invitation in writing, I will send you two airline tickets and a cheque for $5,000.00 to attend. If you break your record whilst here on The Martinez Islands the Prince will be delighted to present you with another cheque for $15,000.00.

This will be an all expenses paid one week trip. The Prince will pay for all yours and a kite caddy’s travel costs, including taxis to the airport, excess baggage and all accommodation and expenses for both of you during your stay.

I very much look forward to hearing from you, at your earliest convenience, to confirm your attendance. My office will be in touch immediately afterwards regarding all the travel arrangements.

If there is anything else you would like to know please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely,

Signed Jon Mabenge Director of Tourism.

And here she was, exactly three weeks after receiving the letter, coming into land on The Martinez Islands, two tiny full stops and a comma in the middle of nowhere – five hundred miles off the east coast of Africa. She hadn’t really believed the invitation was 100% genuine until the moment she’d seen the islands clearly come to focus.

About H W Neild

Henry Neild divides his time living  in a small village outside Winchester and a coastal retreat in southern France. Leaving school age 16 Henry worked in the film industry as a freelance location manager and later turned his hand to music videos for bands including; Oasis, Moby and Pulp. Returning to college he studied Agricultural Business and Finance which took him to work in Africa. He went on to become a rural property developer and wine exporter before setting up web-based conduit for commercial property owners and filmmakers in the UK. He has previously written scripts for Sky Travel and Fierce Vision as well as articles for magazines including; Hampshire Life, Flybe and Society. Henry’s interests include walking with his Patterdale terrier, Mister Bonaparte, gardening, cooking and horse racing, he is also a keen tennis player and ocean swimmer.

For more information please visit Henry Neild’s web site or follow him on Twitter.