A.F. Stewart's Blog, page 104
March 26, 2012
Paranormal Adventures: A Review of Bitten by K. Drollinger
My Book Review of Bitten by K. Drollinger:
Bitten by K. Drollinger is a reasonably entertaining and charming paranormal novel. It is freely sprinkled with vampires, werewolves and their friends, all traipsing through harrowing escapades and a bit of romance.
Bitten is the sequel to Enthralled and while it can be read on its own as I did, it's probably best for the books to be read in sequence. I felt like I started reading in the middle of a story, although the author does a reasonable job of providing enough back-story to make events comprehensible. The book continues the story of Annette and the werewolves Flynn and Conrad as they deal with aftermath of events in Enthralled, and an old vampire menace still looms.
I found the supernatural background of the novel nicely fashioned and well blended into "normal reality"; there was a valid sense of the two worlds interacting and reacting. Plus, the book's characters come off as genuine as they deal with problems both mundane and paranormal and I found the interpersonal relationships especially intriguing. It was this engaging setting and its appealing denizens that easily captured my attention for the first half of the book.
Unfortunately, I did find my interest waned somewhat as the novel progressed. I thought the plot setup and denouement a bit predictable (the end sequence was telegraphed earlier in the novel) with a surprising lack of tension for my taste. And I felt the concluding twist, while interesting, seemed inevitable and unsurprising.
Overall though, I did enjoy reading Bitten and it would probably appeal to fans of the paranormal genre. It gets a minor recommend.
Bitten is available through Smashwords, B&N Nook, Kobo and Amazon[image error]
Bitten by K. Drollinger is a reasonably entertaining and charming paranormal novel. It is freely sprinkled with vampires, werewolves and their friends, all traipsing through harrowing escapades and a bit of romance.Bitten is the sequel to Enthralled and while it can be read on its own as I did, it's probably best for the books to be read in sequence. I felt like I started reading in the middle of a story, although the author does a reasonable job of providing enough back-story to make events comprehensible. The book continues the story of Annette and the werewolves Flynn and Conrad as they deal with aftermath of events in Enthralled, and an old vampire menace still looms.
I found the supernatural background of the novel nicely fashioned and well blended into "normal reality"; there was a valid sense of the two worlds interacting and reacting. Plus, the book's characters come off as genuine as they deal with problems both mundane and paranormal and I found the interpersonal relationships especially intriguing. It was this engaging setting and its appealing denizens that easily captured my attention for the first half of the book.
Unfortunately, I did find my interest waned somewhat as the novel progressed. I thought the plot setup and denouement a bit predictable (the end sequence was telegraphed earlier in the novel) with a surprising lack of tension for my taste. And I felt the concluding twist, while interesting, seemed inevitable and unsurprising.
Overall though, I did enjoy reading Bitten and it would probably appeal to fans of the paranormal genre. It gets a minor recommend.
Bitten is available through Smashwords, B&N Nook, Kobo and Amazon[image error]
March 24, 2012
An Interview, Prizes and D.W. Hawkins' Blog Tour
Welcome, Dear Readers, author D.W. Hawkins as he stops by for an interview as part of his blog tour. He talks about his book The Sentient Fire (the first novel in his series, The Seven Signs), fantasy and writing. And for three lucky people who leave comments, he is giving away one free Smashwords coupon for his book and two 50% discount Smashwords coupons.
Also you get the chance to win a 25$ Amazon gift card by using the Rafflecopter widget thingie found at the bottom of the post. Apparently (if I understand it correctly) you get entry points if you "like" D.W. Hawkins & this blog post (as well as the other blog stops) on Facebook, and follow him on Twitter. You also get 2 points for tweeting the blog posts on the tour, which you can do once per day. And the points leader at the end of the tour is the winner.
The winner of the Amazon gift card will be announced on April 12th at D.W. Hawkins' blog and website, so if you enter be certain to check those sites on that date to see if you are a winner.
Okay, now that explanation are done, on with the interview:
Interview with D. W. Hawkins
1. Why don't you begin by sharing a little about yourself.
Well, I guess you could say that I'm one of those people that have treaded many different paths in life, trying to decide which was best for me. As a younger child, my first love was drawing, and for the longest time I wanted to be a comic book artist. As I got older, I tried guitar, and up until about four or five years ago I wanted to be a rock star. I even left computer networking school to go to music school. Then, because music didn't pay the bills, I joined the Army. I've spent the last nine years or so of my life in the military, at home and in combat. I started writing in college to pass the time and because I found that I enjoyed it very much. It took me ten years to finish my first novel, and I wrote it through tumultuous times in my life, taking it with me on deployments and through major life changes. Finally, I polished it, had it edited, and decided that the writer's path was for me. I haven't looked back since.
2. Can you tell us about your book series, The Seven Signs and the first book, The Sentient Fire?
The Seven Signs is the story of a few people who are thrust together by chance, and end up having to discover the mystery of a secret artifact of great power. That sentence doesn't sum it up completely, though – it is also a love story, a story of redemption, a story of revenge, and an adventure that will span the breadth of an entire world. The Sentient Fire sets up the series, and follows a young wizard named Dormael and his friends as they are hounded across two continents while trying to discover the purpose of an artifact, and what exactly it is. It is a heavily character-driven story, but is also packed with action, magic, and excitement. It is set in a world of my own creation, which I painstakingly built over the course of ten years. I even wrote over one thousand years of history for the setting to stand upon.
3. What drew you to write in the fantasy genre?
I write fantasy because I love to read fantasy. I believe that many people discount a lot of speculative fiction as respectable literature because of its many otherworldly elements, but I heartily disagree. When I read, I love to escape the world we live in – to me, that is the entire point. I am currently writing projects in other genres, but The Seven Signs is my favorite, and would love for it to be considered my defining work. With The Seven Signs, I wanted to write a story that emphasized the things that I think make a good story, and change the things that I don't enjoy.
4. Is there any part of today's fantasy fiction that you think has been overused or turned into a cliché?
There are a few, in my opinion. I hate the "black and white" morality that many books portray in their storytelling. There's no such thing as pure evil and pure good, in my opinion, and so my writing reflects that. I'm also incredibly tired of the battle scenes where the hero cuts down hordes of useless enemies while laughing or doing something else completely ridiculous. Battles are hard. They're bloody, adrenaline-drenched struggles to stay alive, and they should be reflected as such. To tell the truth, I'm also tired of elves, dwarves, dragons, and such things. That last is a simple matter of taste, but there have been so many stories out there that are based on the same template of races that were created years and years ago. Lately, if I pick up a book that has any of those races or creatures in them, I usually put it right back down. That isn't to say that there are no good stories containing elves or dragons; it's just my own taste.
5. Did anything surprise you about the process of writing your book?
Almost everything! When I sat down and typed the very first sentence of my novel, I had no idea what I was getting into. It has been a labor of love ever since and there is a new surprise around almost every corner in the publishing world, and I'm still learning. On the whole, I think the thing that surprised me the most, though, was how easy it is to self-publish these days, and how many writers are doing it. Until I did it myself, I had no idea. I've met and talked to some wonderful people since, and I hope to keep right on meeting them.
6. What do find the most challenging aspect of being a writer?
The mental discipline required to keep writing instead of spending all your time marketing on social media sites, and keeping your delusions of grandeur to a minimum. It takes time, patience, and perseverance to make it, especially for indie authors.
7. What sort of research did you do for your book series?
I researched many different things, from the movement of the earth and why we have solstices and equinoxes to ancient ships and how fast they actually sailed. I read about horses, and I read about swords. I even read a bit about quantum physics and the universe itself. There were many times that I came to a point in the book where I needed a better understanding of a subject before I could portray what I was trying to write as accurately as possible, and so I stopped and went into research mode.
8. Who has inspired you as an author?
There are many authors that I love and who have inspired me. I think the largest inspirations have been Jim Butcher, Joe Abercrombie, Patrick Rothfuss, and Robert Jordan. I could go on forever, but I'll stop there.
9. What's next for you?
Well, my first priority is to finish The Seven Signs. Book Two, The Awakening Storm, should be on the market this November. After I finish The Seven Signs, I'm going to publish a sci-fi novel I've been working on, and then work my way into the urban fantasy genre with a series that I'm tentatively calling The Outriders. It's about a motorcycle club that hunts demons. I'm also working on something a bit tamer, called Lainey's War, which is an alternate history set in a modern-day fascist America, and it's a love story more than anything else. So, my plate is pretty full, as you can see. I just hope that I can continue to provide people with great books to read, and that everyone enjoys all my work. I can't ask for anything more than that.
Author Bio:
D.W. Hawkins is a three time combat veteran, a guitar player, and a biker. He's a lover of all literature, but the Fantasy genre is his favorite. He has a son on the way, and Pit Bull who thinks she's a fifty-pound lapdog. He lives in Savannah, GA, and at any given time you can find him writing, riding his Harley, or spending time with friends and family.
Where you can find D.W. Hawkins:
Website: www.dwhawkins.comBlog: www.dwhawkins.blogspot.comSmashwords Author Profile: www.smashwords.com/profile/view/DWHawkinsAmazon Author Profile: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B006CAZGWEGoodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/dwhawkins
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/DWHawkins/115177268592019Twitter: @authordwhawkins
The Sentient Fire: The Seven Signs- Book One
In one short night, Dormael Harlun's life was changed forever.Tired and half drunk, Dormael stumbled upon Shawna Llewan, a beautiful young woman, wounded and near death. What he didn't realize was that his decision to come to her aid would be only the beginning of his unwitting role in a labyrinthine and perilous game.Suddenly, Dormael and Shawna find themselves surrounded by enemies bent on their destruction. All avenues to safety are closing rapidly, and their only hope is to find the key to a dangerous secret lost to antiquity. With every ally a potential foe, they can rely only on Dormael's brother Allen and his cousin D'Jenn to escape the will of a tyrant, the designs of a traitor, and the attention of powers beyond their imagining. Dormael has never been much for games, but destiny has rolled the dice for him and irrevocably placed him in the middle of a deadly game he must desperately play for keeps. Should he lose, he will forfeit not only his own life, but the lives of the ones he loves.
The Sentient Fire is available at the following places:
KindleAmazon (print)SmashwordsNook
Sony eReader
Kobo
Tour Stops on D.W. Hawkins' Blog Tour:
March 12th - Interview with Greg @ The World Writ Small: http://worldwritsmall.wordpress.com
March 14th - Guest Post: "Writing Believable Characters" @ The World Writ Small: http://worldwritsmall.wordpress.com
March 16th - Greg Pellechi's review of The Sentient Fire @ The World Writ Small: http://worldwritsmall.wordpress.com
March 24th - Interview with A.F. Stewart @ A.F. Stewart's Blog: http://afstewartblog.blogspot.com
March 30th - Claire Frith's review of The Sentient Fire at "Claire Reads": http://clairelouisereads.blogspot.com.au/
April 1st - Guest Post: "Action Scene Writing" @ Indie Book Blog: http://indiebookblogger.blogspot.com
April 6th - Interview with Heather Powers @ Earth's Book Nook: http://earthsbooknook.blogspot.com
April 9th - Guest Post: "My Favorite Fantasy Books" @ Hopelessly Devoted Bibliophile: http://hopelessbibliophile.com
April 11th - Edi's Review of The Sentient Fire @ Edi's Book Lighthouse: http://edisbooklighthouse.blogspot.com
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Also you get the chance to win a 25$ Amazon gift card by using the Rafflecopter widget thingie found at the bottom of the post. Apparently (if I understand it correctly) you get entry points if you "like" D.W. Hawkins & this blog post (as well as the other blog stops) on Facebook, and follow him on Twitter. You also get 2 points for tweeting the blog posts on the tour, which you can do once per day. And the points leader at the end of the tour is the winner.
The winner of the Amazon gift card will be announced on April 12th at D.W. Hawkins' blog and website, so if you enter be certain to check those sites on that date to see if you are a winner.
Okay, now that explanation are done, on with the interview:
Interview with D. W. Hawkins
1. Why don't you begin by sharing a little about yourself.Well, I guess you could say that I'm one of those people that have treaded many different paths in life, trying to decide which was best for me. As a younger child, my first love was drawing, and for the longest time I wanted to be a comic book artist. As I got older, I tried guitar, and up until about four or five years ago I wanted to be a rock star. I even left computer networking school to go to music school. Then, because music didn't pay the bills, I joined the Army. I've spent the last nine years or so of my life in the military, at home and in combat. I started writing in college to pass the time and because I found that I enjoyed it very much. It took me ten years to finish my first novel, and I wrote it through tumultuous times in my life, taking it with me on deployments and through major life changes. Finally, I polished it, had it edited, and decided that the writer's path was for me. I haven't looked back since.
2. Can you tell us about your book series, The Seven Signs and the first book, The Sentient Fire?
The Seven Signs is the story of a few people who are thrust together by chance, and end up having to discover the mystery of a secret artifact of great power. That sentence doesn't sum it up completely, though – it is also a love story, a story of redemption, a story of revenge, and an adventure that will span the breadth of an entire world. The Sentient Fire sets up the series, and follows a young wizard named Dormael and his friends as they are hounded across two continents while trying to discover the purpose of an artifact, and what exactly it is. It is a heavily character-driven story, but is also packed with action, magic, and excitement. It is set in a world of my own creation, which I painstakingly built over the course of ten years. I even wrote over one thousand years of history for the setting to stand upon.
3. What drew you to write in the fantasy genre?
I write fantasy because I love to read fantasy. I believe that many people discount a lot of speculative fiction as respectable literature because of its many otherworldly elements, but I heartily disagree. When I read, I love to escape the world we live in – to me, that is the entire point. I am currently writing projects in other genres, but The Seven Signs is my favorite, and would love for it to be considered my defining work. With The Seven Signs, I wanted to write a story that emphasized the things that I think make a good story, and change the things that I don't enjoy.
4. Is there any part of today's fantasy fiction that you think has been overused or turned into a cliché?
There are a few, in my opinion. I hate the "black and white" morality that many books portray in their storytelling. There's no such thing as pure evil and pure good, in my opinion, and so my writing reflects that. I'm also incredibly tired of the battle scenes where the hero cuts down hordes of useless enemies while laughing or doing something else completely ridiculous. Battles are hard. They're bloody, adrenaline-drenched struggles to stay alive, and they should be reflected as such. To tell the truth, I'm also tired of elves, dwarves, dragons, and such things. That last is a simple matter of taste, but there have been so many stories out there that are based on the same template of races that were created years and years ago. Lately, if I pick up a book that has any of those races or creatures in them, I usually put it right back down. That isn't to say that there are no good stories containing elves or dragons; it's just my own taste.
5. Did anything surprise you about the process of writing your book?
Almost everything! When I sat down and typed the very first sentence of my novel, I had no idea what I was getting into. It has been a labor of love ever since and there is a new surprise around almost every corner in the publishing world, and I'm still learning. On the whole, I think the thing that surprised me the most, though, was how easy it is to self-publish these days, and how many writers are doing it. Until I did it myself, I had no idea. I've met and talked to some wonderful people since, and I hope to keep right on meeting them.
6. What do find the most challenging aspect of being a writer?
The mental discipline required to keep writing instead of spending all your time marketing on social media sites, and keeping your delusions of grandeur to a minimum. It takes time, patience, and perseverance to make it, especially for indie authors.
7. What sort of research did you do for your book series?
I researched many different things, from the movement of the earth and why we have solstices and equinoxes to ancient ships and how fast they actually sailed. I read about horses, and I read about swords. I even read a bit about quantum physics and the universe itself. There were many times that I came to a point in the book where I needed a better understanding of a subject before I could portray what I was trying to write as accurately as possible, and so I stopped and went into research mode.
8. Who has inspired you as an author?
There are many authors that I love and who have inspired me. I think the largest inspirations have been Jim Butcher, Joe Abercrombie, Patrick Rothfuss, and Robert Jordan. I could go on forever, but I'll stop there.
9. What's next for you?
Well, my first priority is to finish The Seven Signs. Book Two, The Awakening Storm, should be on the market this November. After I finish The Seven Signs, I'm going to publish a sci-fi novel I've been working on, and then work my way into the urban fantasy genre with a series that I'm tentatively calling The Outriders. It's about a motorcycle club that hunts demons. I'm also working on something a bit tamer, called Lainey's War, which is an alternate history set in a modern-day fascist America, and it's a love story more than anything else. So, my plate is pretty full, as you can see. I just hope that I can continue to provide people with great books to read, and that everyone enjoys all my work. I can't ask for anything more than that.
Author Bio:
D.W. Hawkins is a three time combat veteran, a guitar player, and a biker. He's a lover of all literature, but the Fantasy genre is his favorite. He has a son on the way, and Pit Bull who thinks she's a fifty-pound lapdog. He lives in Savannah, GA, and at any given time you can find him writing, riding his Harley, or spending time with friends and family.
Where you can find D.W. Hawkins:
Website: www.dwhawkins.comBlog: www.dwhawkins.blogspot.comSmashwords Author Profile: www.smashwords.com/profile/view/DWHawkinsAmazon Author Profile: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B006CAZGWEGoodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/dwhawkins
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/DWHawkins/115177268592019Twitter: @authordwhawkins
The Sentient Fire: The Seven Signs- Book One
In one short night, Dormael Harlun's life was changed forever.Tired and half drunk, Dormael stumbled upon Shawna Llewan, a beautiful young woman, wounded and near death. What he didn't realize was that his decision to come to her aid would be only the beginning of his unwitting role in a labyrinthine and perilous game.Suddenly, Dormael and Shawna find themselves surrounded by enemies bent on their destruction. All avenues to safety are closing rapidly, and their only hope is to find the key to a dangerous secret lost to antiquity. With every ally a potential foe, they can rely only on Dormael's brother Allen and his cousin D'Jenn to escape the will of a tyrant, the designs of a traitor, and the attention of powers beyond their imagining. Dormael has never been much for games, but destiny has rolled the dice for him and irrevocably placed him in the middle of a deadly game he must desperately play for keeps. Should he lose, he will forfeit not only his own life, but the lives of the ones he loves.The Sentient Fire is available at the following places:
KindleAmazon (print)SmashwordsNook
Sony eReader
Kobo
Tour Stops on D.W. Hawkins' Blog Tour:
March 12th - Interview with Greg @ The World Writ Small: http://worldwritsmall.wordpress.com
March 14th - Guest Post: "Writing Believable Characters" @ The World Writ Small: http://worldwritsmall.wordpress.com
March 16th - Greg Pellechi's review of The Sentient Fire @ The World Writ Small: http://worldwritsmall.wordpress.com
March 24th - Interview with A.F. Stewart @ A.F. Stewart's Blog: http://afstewartblog.blogspot.com
March 30th - Claire Frith's review of The Sentient Fire at "Claire Reads": http://clairelouisereads.blogspot.com.au/
April 1st - Guest Post: "Action Scene Writing" @ Indie Book Blog: http://indiebookblogger.blogspot.com
April 6th - Interview with Heather Powers @ Earth's Book Nook: http://earthsbooknook.blogspot.com
April 9th - Guest Post: "My Favorite Fantasy Books" @ Hopelessly Devoted Bibliophile: http://hopelessbibliophile.com
April 11th - Edi's Review of The Sentient Fire @ Edi's Book Lighthouse: http://edisbooklighthouse.blogspot.com
a Rafflecopter giveaway
March 8, 2012
Celebrate "Be Nasty Day" with The Union of Dead Characters and Potential Victims
In honour of "Be Nasty Day" I'm posting a little story from the point of view of my characters, as they share what they really think about their writer (note: for anyone unfamiliar with my books there are one or two minor plot spoilers in the following story):
The Union of Dead Characters and Potential Victims
Charlotte Harrington stood and addressed the assembled group. "I call this first meeting of the characters of A. F. Stewart to order. The floor is now open to grievances against our creator, Ms. Stewart." She returned to her seat and smoothed the folds of her skirt.
Detective Piper cleared his throat. "What are we going to do about her? She's on a freaking killing spree."
"I know. Take that book Kilers and Demons. Seven dead, more if you count the nameless ones murdered off page." Edmund banged his fist on the table.
Nimue sighed. "It wasn't too bad when she was just killing the villains, now everyone's a potential casualty."
"Too true. The body count is getting a bit unpredictable." Balthazar the demon smirked. "Even for me."
Eldren scowled. "At least you're not in her book, Ruined City. I got ripped apart in an actual massacre."
"Well, I just got disappeared." The small voice of Danny piped up. "I got hunted by evil toys and then nothing. I was gone. Nobody knows what happened to me. And then she went after my Mom."
Flora rolled her eyes. "I got murdered by a vampire and my own father, so don't complain."
"See, no one's safe, she'll even kill off kids." Christopher frowned. "I still have nightmares about Harry."
"Or main characters. She got a couple of us too." Art rubbed his chest.
Joan grinned. "Sometimes we get lucky and come back as ghosts."
"Oh don't talk to me about ghosts." Sarah snorted. "She had a homicidal ghost witch come after me and all my friends. She's a menace."
"I agree." Douglas cast a look at Joan. "Look what she did to poor Elly. She got eaten just because she was perky. And that artist, he didn't even get a name before fairies shredded him and he ended in a stew pot."
"What about the marriages she's ruined." All eyes turned to Steve. "How many domestic murders has she written about? I killed my Kimberly, Jack got shot by his spouse, there was John and his wife, and poor Nancy and David, and the list goes on."
Charlotte held her hand up for silence. "Well it is obvious things are far too bloody. But what exactly can we do? She is the one in control."
They looked at each other, but no one had a clue...
I stared at them through the unseen observation window and then turned to the representative from the Office of the Ombudsman for Fictional Characters.
"What am I supposed to do about these gripes? I write dark fantasy and horror stories! Characters have to die!"
"I'm just doing my job. We have to investigate all complaints."
"Well, nuts to them. You tell them to be quiet or I'll write a story and kill off everyone."
The Union of Dead Characters and Potential Victims
Charlotte Harrington stood and addressed the assembled group. "I call this first meeting of the characters of A. F. Stewart to order. The floor is now open to grievances against our creator, Ms. Stewart." She returned to her seat and smoothed the folds of her skirt.
Detective Piper cleared his throat. "What are we going to do about her? She's on a freaking killing spree."
"I know. Take that book Kilers and Demons. Seven dead, more if you count the nameless ones murdered off page." Edmund banged his fist on the table.
Nimue sighed. "It wasn't too bad when she was just killing the villains, now everyone's a potential casualty."
"Too true. The body count is getting a bit unpredictable." Balthazar the demon smirked. "Even for me."
Eldren scowled. "At least you're not in her book, Ruined City. I got ripped apart in an actual massacre."
"Well, I just got disappeared." The small voice of Danny piped up. "I got hunted by evil toys and then nothing. I was gone. Nobody knows what happened to me. And then she went after my Mom."
Flora rolled her eyes. "I got murdered by a vampire and my own father, so don't complain."
"See, no one's safe, she'll even kill off kids." Christopher frowned. "I still have nightmares about Harry."
"Or main characters. She got a couple of us too." Art rubbed his chest.
Joan grinned. "Sometimes we get lucky and come back as ghosts."
"Oh don't talk to me about ghosts." Sarah snorted. "She had a homicidal ghost witch come after me and all my friends. She's a menace."
"I agree." Douglas cast a look at Joan. "Look what she did to poor Elly. She got eaten just because she was perky. And that artist, he didn't even get a name before fairies shredded him and he ended in a stew pot."
"What about the marriages she's ruined." All eyes turned to Steve. "How many domestic murders has she written about? I killed my Kimberly, Jack got shot by his spouse, there was John and his wife, and poor Nancy and David, and the list goes on."
Charlotte held her hand up for silence. "Well it is obvious things are far too bloody. But what exactly can we do? She is the one in control."
They looked at each other, but no one had a clue...
I stared at them through the unseen observation window and then turned to the representative from the Office of the Ombudsman for Fictional Characters.
"What am I supposed to do about these gripes? I write dark fantasy and horror stories! Characters have to die!"
"I'm just doing my job. We have to investigate all complaints."
"Well, nuts to them. You tell them to be quiet or I'll write a story and kill off everyone."
March 4, 2012
Cyber Style: A Review of The Beauty of Our Weapons
My Book Review of The Beauty of Our Weapons by M. Darusha Wehm:
The Beauty of Our Weapons by M. Darusha Wehm is the third novel in the author's Andersson Dexter series and proved to be as an enjoyable read as the previous two books. And once again, this book overflows in a fascinating futuristic world mix that blurs the line between the virtual and real.
This time around, the author switches it about a bit with a plot centering on the crime of cyber hacking/vandalism instead of murder. Our intrepid detective, Dex, investigates a case of a mysterious hacker, who has inexplicably altered the in-world virtual meeting space of a religious group. The ensuing investigation uncovers more acts of cyber-vandalism and a disturbing trend that could mean trouble for Dex and his friends.
I found The Beauty of Our Weapons a bit quieter than the first two books, though no less satisfying a read. The focus on character development shines stronger in this book, with introductions of new intriguing people and the bringing back of old familiar faces. It also had a surprising, but pleasant, return to one of the subplots from the first book, which I thought closed; this creative twist opened up a fresh dynamic that hopefully will explored further in more books. I also liked the plot evolution at the end of storyline that promises to shift the characters out of their accustomed world and into a new adventure.
As usual Ms. Wehm has created a story you can jump into and characters to embrace, with interesting insights on society; her books reflect on today's current state and probe any possible future. The Beauty of Our Weapons is an easy recommend, as is the entire series.
The Beauty of Our Weapons is available at Smashwords and Amazon
Note: The Beauty of Our Weapons is the third book in a series and does read best as such, but it does work as a standalone book as well.
The Beauty of Our Weapons by M. Darusha Wehm is the third novel in the author's Andersson Dexter series and proved to be as an enjoyable read as the previous two books. And once again, this book overflows in a fascinating futuristic world mix that blurs the line between the virtual and real.This time around, the author switches it about a bit with a plot centering on the crime of cyber hacking/vandalism instead of murder. Our intrepid detective, Dex, investigates a case of a mysterious hacker, who has inexplicably altered the in-world virtual meeting space of a religious group. The ensuing investigation uncovers more acts of cyber-vandalism and a disturbing trend that could mean trouble for Dex and his friends.
I found The Beauty of Our Weapons a bit quieter than the first two books, though no less satisfying a read. The focus on character development shines stronger in this book, with introductions of new intriguing people and the bringing back of old familiar faces. It also had a surprising, but pleasant, return to one of the subplots from the first book, which I thought closed; this creative twist opened up a fresh dynamic that hopefully will explored further in more books. I also liked the plot evolution at the end of storyline that promises to shift the characters out of their accustomed world and into a new adventure.
As usual Ms. Wehm has created a story you can jump into and characters to embrace, with interesting insights on society; her books reflect on today's current state and probe any possible future. The Beauty of Our Weapons is an easy recommend, as is the entire series.
The Beauty of Our Weapons is available at Smashwords and Amazon
Note: The Beauty of Our Weapons is the third book in a series and does read best as such, but it does work as a standalone book as well.
February 28, 2012
An Intense Literary Apocalyptic Novel: A Review of Since Tomorrow
My Book Review of Since Tomorrow by Morgan Nyberg:
Since Tomorrow by Morgan Nyberg is an unsettling novel, in the way only a powerful, well-crafted book can be, using its words to twist into your mind and make you think. It's the type of book that resonates right into the back of your mind and curls around your soul.
The book is set in a post-apocalyptic future, where excess and dissipation have finally caught up with the world and where society has self-destructed. The novel unfolds within the city of Vancouver, Canada, where a small population survives, eking out a meagre existence by farming and scavenging.
This is a magnificent book that lays out an exquisitely formed vision of a broken world that has lost the trappings of civilisation as we know it, but none of its emotional underpinning. In this new society we still find people trying to form communities, people trying to take advantage, some who have given up, and some who want to make it better. No punches are pulled here in the pages; characters die, both victories and tragedies happen and life goes on despite everything. The author gives you characters you can love and hate, all living in an amazingly realistic future world.
In so many ways this book just works effortlessly, giving the reader different levels of enjoyment or reflection in its words. I highly recommend this book; it is worth your time to read it.
Since Tomorrow is available at:
Amazon
Since Tomorrow by Morgan Nyberg is an unsettling novel, in the way only a powerful, well-crafted book can be, using its words to twist into your mind and make you think. It's the type of book that resonates right into the back of your mind and curls around your soul.The book is set in a post-apocalyptic future, where excess and dissipation have finally caught up with the world and where society has self-destructed. The novel unfolds within the city of Vancouver, Canada, where a small population survives, eking out a meagre existence by farming and scavenging.
This is a magnificent book that lays out an exquisitely formed vision of a broken world that has lost the trappings of civilisation as we know it, but none of its emotional underpinning. In this new society we still find people trying to form communities, people trying to take advantage, some who have given up, and some who want to make it better. No punches are pulled here in the pages; characters die, both victories and tragedies happen and life goes on despite everything. The author gives you characters you can love and hate, all living in an amazingly realistic future world.
In so many ways this book just works effortlessly, giving the reader different levels of enjoyment or reflection in its words. I highly recommend this book; it is worth your time to read it.
Since Tomorrow is available at:
Amazon
February 25, 2012
Troubles and Thrills: A Review of Chill Run by Russell Brooks
My Book Review of Chill Run by Russell Brooks:
Chill Run by Russell Brooks is a reasonably entertaining and breezy crime thriller, with a nice fast pace and some engaging characters.
The book begins with struggling writer Eddie, who cooks up a publicity scheme with his friends Corey and Jordyn only to have it go horribly wrong, landing them in the middle of murder. The three go on the run as fugitives while trying to figure a way out of their predicament.
The novel's strength lies in its well depicted main characters, still full of youthful dreams and plans, even if a bit world weary around the edges. The author does a fine job of letting the reader empathize with Eddie, Corey and Jordyn, by presenting them not only as normal, capable people, but also as rash, impulsive, moody and desperate as the situation warrants. Eddie's family situation especially came off as genuine and honest. You connect with the protagonists and their difficulties carry you through the story.
I did have a few problems with the book, however. I thought the plot catalyst a bit on the weak side for my taste, although not too improbable (and I did relate to the motivation behind the scheme) so I was willing to mostly buy into it. Also, I felt some of the secondary character reactions came too easily, without enough inner conflict, especially the wife's acceptance of Eddie's story and the scene with the Governor. I think a bit more build-up and character tension would have served the story better in those instances. And personally, the minor plot point using the program Canadian Idol bugged me due to fact it the show hasn't aired on Canadian TV since 2008; to me this detail either dates, or seemingly contradicts with, the timeline of the book.
Despite some of my quibbles though, I enjoyed reading this novel.
Chill Run is available on Amazon.com
Chill Run by Russell Brooks is a reasonably entertaining and breezy crime thriller, with a nice fast pace and some engaging characters.The book begins with struggling writer Eddie, who cooks up a publicity scheme with his friends Corey and Jordyn only to have it go horribly wrong, landing them in the middle of murder. The three go on the run as fugitives while trying to figure a way out of their predicament.
The novel's strength lies in its well depicted main characters, still full of youthful dreams and plans, even if a bit world weary around the edges. The author does a fine job of letting the reader empathize with Eddie, Corey and Jordyn, by presenting them not only as normal, capable people, but also as rash, impulsive, moody and desperate as the situation warrants. Eddie's family situation especially came off as genuine and honest. You connect with the protagonists and their difficulties carry you through the story.
I did have a few problems with the book, however. I thought the plot catalyst a bit on the weak side for my taste, although not too improbable (and I did relate to the motivation behind the scheme) so I was willing to mostly buy into it. Also, I felt some of the secondary character reactions came too easily, without enough inner conflict, especially the wife's acceptance of Eddie's story and the scene with the Governor. I think a bit more build-up and character tension would have served the story better in those instances. And personally, the minor plot point using the program Canadian Idol bugged me due to fact it the show hasn't aired on Canadian TV since 2008; to me this detail either dates, or seemingly contradicts with, the timeline of the book.
Despite some of my quibbles though, I enjoyed reading this novel.
Chill Run is available on Amazon.com
February 14, 2012
Poems for Valentine's Day
Two poems with edge.For a not quite sweet celebration of Valentine's Day:
Love
Sometime it lingers for just a summer...Sometimes it stays until the end of winter...
Passion, ardour, tenderness.It is plump with caprice and surprise,often gentle, warm, in understanding.It can explode like one thousand sunsradiating through your every porewith such fiery intensity and fusion.Or it can die, a sharp excruciating pain,ripped from your cold, shattered heart.A metamorphosis of miracle, changingits face from intimate to envy to passion,a silver spider web of diamonds and lace.
Heartbreak
Smashed, like glass across the floorbroken bits ground into nothing.Once whole, now destroyed.There is no repair, no glue,no mending the parts back together.It's gone.
Love
Sometime it lingers for just a summer...Sometimes it stays until the end of winter...
Passion, ardour, tenderness.It is plump with caprice and surprise,often gentle, warm, in understanding.It can explode like one thousand sunsradiating through your every porewith such fiery intensity and fusion.Or it can die, a sharp excruciating pain,ripped from your cold, shattered heart.A metamorphosis of miracle, changingits face from intimate to envy to passion,a silver spider web of diamonds and lace.
Heartbreak
Smashed, like glass across the floorbroken bits ground into nothing.Once whole, now destroyed.There is no repair, no glue,no mending the parts back together.It's gone.
February 13, 2012
Guest Post: Lin Sten Reviews The Ballad of Young Tam Lin by Patricia A. Leslie
Today I'm presenting a guest book review, by author Lin Sten (regular readers may recall, I recently reviewed his science fiction novel Mine):
A Review by Lin Sten of Patricia A. Leslie's novel, The Ballad of Young Tam Lin
While writing several historical novels set in the ancient Mediterranean, I did some research on the Greek gods and goddesses, nymphs, satyrs, and such; however, since childhood I had never read a story about faeries. Thus, Tinkerbell was my only faery encounter as an adult. Having decided that it was time to expand my horizons, I sought a novel of the fae, with the main restriction being that it fit my limited attention span—meaning that it should be no more than three hundred pages. Of my first random selection, I got through only the first several chapters before I put that book aside, because I cared for none of the characters despite an interesting story premise.
Then, mostly by chance, I came upon Patricia A. Leslie's novel, The Ballad of Young Tam Lin, which, despite its prohibitive (to me) 460 pages, has a beautifully designed cover, and an interesting blurb on the back suggesting mysterious doings between our mortal world and Summerland. So I began reading with no background in the myth, mystique, and lore of faeries and elves.
Through Ms. Leslie's trusty plume, Carterhaugh Wood, March Castle, the glade, Summerland, and all other places come alive as much as the human, faery, elf, etc., characters. The story is interesting enough and interwoven so well with the character development that with each new character I promptly began to wonder what his or her fate might be. And the horse Blanchard I would definitely like to ride as much as I would like to meet Daniú, the elf-queen, and visit her Bower.
As good an example of any regarding Ms. Leslie's faery touch, beyond simply managing something as fundamental as the logic and story structure of this deep tale, which she also successfully managed as far as the left side of my brain could comprehend it, is her evocation of the Black Rose, of which I will say no more so as not to spoil anything. The associated glade, wherein rests Daniú's Bower, and its magical proximity to the veil between our mortal world and Summerland, was also beautifully presented; I felt that I might as easily as Janet or John (Tam Lin) pass through the glimmer there.
The use of eighteenth-century Scottish dialect made an excellent addition to one's sense of time and place. Ms. Leslie's prodigious knowledge of the physical world was matched by her skillful description of it. Editorial errors were infrequent enough to not be a distraction.
Given my initial lack of interest in this type of story—having taken it up by conscious choice rather than by emotional urge, psychological force, or the need to read—at every page I was not surprised at my lack of urgent need to know what would happen next. (I must admit that I had similar experiences in reading some of the classics.) On the other hand, at no time was I bored as I continued to read; indeed, my attention never flagged; the reading, mostly aloud to my mate, was effortless. Ms. Leslie has thus succeeded marvelously in her art.
Being a complete neophyte to the genre, I am loathe to rate this novel, whether for its entertainment or literary value, believing that what I have written above must suffice for my response to this high quality work; however, it I were given no choice other than to summarize my response in a number or to take a bullet in the head—my ignorance be dammed—I surely would give this novel four stars (out of a possible five).
P. S. Without wanting to drift too far from the core of this review, I could not help but be reminded that any good book about humans, and some not, will always be relevant to the human condition today: beyond Janet's pregnancy itself, how apropos of our current global situation is Jessie's comment, "I think that most folks try tae tell themselves that things arena' what they seem tae be, when the truth isna' very pleasant, Miss Janet." This truth is why our political, financial, industrial, and religious leaders can 'get away with murder.' Also, I appreciated the inclusion of a glossary of Scottish dialect, though I dinna' need it.
P.S.S. My favorite chapters were 1, 2, 21, 22, and 23, though there were many others that I enjoyed almost as much as these.
You can find The Ballad of Young Tam Lin at:
Amazon.com
Amazon.ca
A Review by Lin Sten of Patricia A. Leslie's novel, The Ballad of Young Tam Lin
While writing several historical novels set in the ancient Mediterranean, I did some research on the Greek gods and goddesses, nymphs, satyrs, and such; however, since childhood I had never read a story about faeries. Thus, Tinkerbell was my only faery encounter as an adult. Having decided that it was time to expand my horizons, I sought a novel of the fae, with the main restriction being that it fit my limited attention span—meaning that it should be no more than three hundred pages. Of my first random selection, I got through only the first several chapters before I put that book aside, because I cared for none of the characters despite an interesting story premise.
Then, mostly by chance, I came upon Patricia A. Leslie's novel, The Ballad of Young Tam Lin, which, despite its prohibitive (to me) 460 pages, has a beautifully designed cover, and an interesting blurb on the back suggesting mysterious doings between our mortal world and Summerland. So I began reading with no background in the myth, mystique, and lore of faeries and elves.
Through Ms. Leslie's trusty plume, Carterhaugh Wood, March Castle, the glade, Summerland, and all other places come alive as much as the human, faery, elf, etc., characters. The story is interesting enough and interwoven so well with the character development that with each new character I promptly began to wonder what his or her fate might be. And the horse Blanchard I would definitely like to ride as much as I would like to meet Daniú, the elf-queen, and visit her Bower.
As good an example of any regarding Ms. Leslie's faery touch, beyond simply managing something as fundamental as the logic and story structure of this deep tale, which she also successfully managed as far as the left side of my brain could comprehend it, is her evocation of the Black Rose, of which I will say no more so as not to spoil anything. The associated glade, wherein rests Daniú's Bower, and its magical proximity to the veil between our mortal world and Summerland, was also beautifully presented; I felt that I might as easily as Janet or John (Tam Lin) pass through the glimmer there.
The use of eighteenth-century Scottish dialect made an excellent addition to one's sense of time and place. Ms. Leslie's prodigious knowledge of the physical world was matched by her skillful description of it. Editorial errors were infrequent enough to not be a distraction.
Given my initial lack of interest in this type of story—having taken it up by conscious choice rather than by emotional urge, psychological force, or the need to read—at every page I was not surprised at my lack of urgent need to know what would happen next. (I must admit that I had similar experiences in reading some of the classics.) On the other hand, at no time was I bored as I continued to read; indeed, my attention never flagged; the reading, mostly aloud to my mate, was effortless. Ms. Leslie has thus succeeded marvelously in her art.
Being a complete neophyte to the genre, I am loathe to rate this novel, whether for its entertainment or literary value, believing that what I have written above must suffice for my response to this high quality work; however, it I were given no choice other than to summarize my response in a number or to take a bullet in the head—my ignorance be dammed—I surely would give this novel four stars (out of a possible five).
P. S. Without wanting to drift too far from the core of this review, I could not help but be reminded that any good book about humans, and some not, will always be relevant to the human condition today: beyond Janet's pregnancy itself, how apropos of our current global situation is Jessie's comment, "I think that most folks try tae tell themselves that things arena' what they seem tae be, when the truth isna' very pleasant, Miss Janet." This truth is why our political, financial, industrial, and religious leaders can 'get away with murder.' Also, I appreciated the inclusion of a glossary of Scottish dialect, though I dinna' need it.
P.S.S. My favorite chapters were 1, 2, 21, 22, and 23, though there were many others that I enjoyed almost as much as these.
You can find The Ballad of Young Tam Lin at:
Amazon.com
Amazon.ca
February 11, 2012
Why Do Book Lovers Support Piracy?
I was Googling myself today (not as kinky as it sounds) and I ran across one of those nasty pirate sites, Fiction Books Bay. Now luckily, I wasn't on it, but I was shocked at the amount of flagrant copyright violation on that site. Big name authors and smaller indie writers are being violated without consideration of their feelings or hard work. I think it is such a disgrace that people are so disrespectful of authors in this way.
What really prompted this post is that I found books on this site by authors I know from online social sites.
Here's a partial list of writers who have had their rights violated by Fiction Books Bay:
First books by the people I know.
Riyria Revelations Series - Michael J. Sullivan
Touch of Power - Maria V. Snyder
Oh. My. Gods. Series - Tera Lynn Childs
Second, big name authors.
Jim Butcher
Margaret Atwood
Harry Turtledove
Mercedes Lackey
Patricia A. McKillip
Piers Anthony
Christopher Paolini
Sherrilyn Kenyon
Amanda Hocking
Dean Koontz
Guillermo Del Toro
Cassandra Clare
Julie Kagawa
The self-centered people that upload and download these pirated books never think. They never consider the actual human being, the person behind the book, the one who wrote the words they are stealing (and yes it is stealing, because they have no right to distribute the books). Authors (plus musicians and artists as well) should be allowed to earn their living in peace, without fear of being ripped off.
Pirates and supporters of pirates should be ashamed of themselves. You are all bottom-feeders.
What really prompted this post is that I found books on this site by authors I know from online social sites.
Here's a partial list of writers who have had their rights violated by Fiction Books Bay:
First books by the people I know.
Riyria Revelations Series - Michael J. Sullivan
Touch of Power - Maria V. Snyder
Oh. My. Gods. Series - Tera Lynn Childs
Second, big name authors.
Jim Butcher
Margaret Atwood
Harry Turtledove
Mercedes Lackey
Patricia A. McKillip
Piers Anthony
Christopher Paolini
Sherrilyn Kenyon
Amanda Hocking
Dean Koontz
Guillermo Del Toro
Cassandra Clare
Julie Kagawa
The self-centered people that upload and download these pirated books never think. They never consider the actual human being, the person behind the book, the one who wrote the words they are stealing (and yes it is stealing, because they have no right to distribute the books). Authors (plus musicians and artists as well) should be allowed to earn their living in peace, without fear of being ripped off.
Pirates and supporters of pirates should be ashamed of themselves. You are all bottom-feeders.
February 8, 2012
Sophisticated Science Fiction: A Review of Mine
My Book Review of Mine by Lin Sten:
I believe the book Mine by Lin Sten can best be described as literary science fiction. It is a contemplative, sometimes challenging, book of intriguing concepts and scientific theories, draped with the idea of aliens visiting earth.
Mine tells the story of Selena, a sudden celebrity who claims she is an extraterrestrial, and how her life becomes connected to two scientists and the fate of the Earth, perhaps even the universe.
This is an erudite novel, written to explore issues. I enjoyed the converging undertones and themes in this book with their weighty and interesting views on science, life and the nature of the universe. The author examines aspects of cultural values, precepts and science from both human and alien outlooks, creating fascinating subplots. Another highlight was the solid characterization and the mature outlook the author took on relationships. There are many appealing layers unfolding in the book, swirling about in socially relevant, well-written stew.
I did find the book's prose a bit dry at times, due more perhaps to the scientific and somewhat academic nature of the characters and the storyline than the author's style. Because of this, I feel the book may appeal more to hard-core science fiction fans as opposed to the action oriented sci-fi types. But I think this novel is worth reading, and I can happily recommend it.
You can find Mine on:
Amazon.com
Amazon.ca
I believe the book Mine by Lin Sten can best be described as literary science fiction. It is a contemplative, sometimes challenging, book of intriguing concepts and scientific theories, draped with the idea of aliens visiting earth.Mine tells the story of Selena, a sudden celebrity who claims she is an extraterrestrial, and how her life becomes connected to two scientists and the fate of the Earth, perhaps even the universe.
This is an erudite novel, written to explore issues. I enjoyed the converging undertones and themes in this book with their weighty and interesting views on science, life and the nature of the universe. The author examines aspects of cultural values, precepts and science from both human and alien outlooks, creating fascinating subplots. Another highlight was the solid characterization and the mature outlook the author took on relationships. There are many appealing layers unfolding in the book, swirling about in socially relevant, well-written stew.
I did find the book's prose a bit dry at times, due more perhaps to the scientific and somewhat academic nature of the characters and the storyline than the author's style. Because of this, I feel the book may appeal more to hard-core science fiction fans as opposed to the action oriented sci-fi types. But I think this novel is worth reading, and I can happily recommend it.
You can find Mine on:
Amazon.com
Amazon.ca
