M.L.S. Weech's Blog, page 51

Examples of Good Book Qualities

Whenever I do a review, those familiar with my blog know that I have a very consistent approach because I know what I like in stories, and I evaluate stories by what I like. I think the more someone works to understand what they like, they’re more likely to find books they enjoy and (if they aspire to be an author) write books they will enjoy.

What I decided to do today is provide examples on what books did particularly well in various categories.

[image error]Image of this book’s cover was taken from its Amazon buy page for review purposes under Fair Use doctrine.

Character:  The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. I chose this specifically because of how divisive this book is in my opinion. I love it. I know people who hate it.  The love and hate of this book is based entirely on how people feel about Kvothe. I think Kvothe is a brilliant character. He’s sympathetic, proactive, and highly competent. Now this is actually why a lot of people don’t like the book. He’s too perfect. I don’t think he’s a Mary Sue, but some do. Still the point is, this book hangs it hat on the main character.

Exposition: Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson.  Every book needs exposition. Sooner or later, the author has to just tell the reader what’s going on. The trick is to make sure that writers show everything they can and lace the exposition through the story. Mistborn has an incredibly complex magic system, and the world it happens in has a deep history. This book never once beats up the reader with complicated blocks of exposition. There is one “education” scene, where Vin learns the basics of allomancy, but other than that, the book weaves what we need throughout the action.

Worldbuilding: The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan. If you’re wondering, yes, it was very hard to not include Sanderson here as well, but Eye of the World is another example. Great stories typically have worlds that feel real. Eye of the World establishes so much with culture, the magic system, the mythos, and the setting. It’s truly masterful worldbuilding, but it’s not just worldbuilding for the sake of worldbuilding. There are books I feel that take worldbuilding too far. I don’t want to spend my life reading about the economic value of a whosit. This book balances intricate worldbuilding with the story to make the scene and universe believable.

Dialogue: Brother Odd by Dean Koontz.  I’ve always been a fan of the dialogue in Koontz’s books, but I think this book is a text book for how dialogue is done. The conversations in this book are crisp and relevant, and each character has a distinct voice. Also, it’s a pretty amazing book.

[image error]Image of the book’s cover was taken from the book’s Amazon buy page for review purposes under Fair Use doctrine.

Description: Betrayer’s Bane by Michael G. Manning. Honestly, I’m so finicky with description, this is hard for me. I think Timothy Zahn should also get some credit here, but Manning came to mind first, so here it is. This book has a lot of action and a lot of dramatic scenes. Manning artfully places strategic adjectives that bring a story to life without beating the reader to death with huge paragraphs of description.

There are many books that do many of these well. I don’t know that I can truly place a book here that does all of them well. I think a good book only has to do a majority of these well. I’ll even go so far as to say that, for me personally, I just need good character and low exposition, and I’ll probably like it. The point is, the more of these a writer pays attention to, the better the book will be.

Thanks for reading,

Matt

 

 

Book Review: A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab

[image error]Spoiler Free Summary:  A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab is the first book in the Shades of Magic series.  Kell is one of the few people alive who can travel across dimensions, which in this story revolve around alternative versions of London. As an adopted son of the royal family in Red London, he’s a messenger from one king to another. Since Black London was sealed off, strict rules exist about transferring objects from one London to another. That doesn’t stop Kell from doing it. When he accepts something that truly brings danger on not only himself, but also the world, he ends up in Grey London, where is’ promptly robbed by Delilah Bard. Can they work together to not only escape those who are after them, but put right what Kell’s impulsive actions set wrong?

Character:  For me, Delilah steals the show. I didn’t see Kell’s relationships enough to understand his motivations. I also don’t understand his motivation very well. I’m not saying it isn’t explained, but I don’t necessarily feel that connection. Delilah, however, experiences situations that help me connect with her better, and this might be why the book didn’t quite grab me the way it did pretty much the rest of the world.

Exposition: Any time you have a first book in a magic series, you’re going to be a bit heavy on the exposition. The reader needs to learn the magic system, get to know the characters, and understand the world. This book has essentially three worlds to refine. Then there is the culture. Fans who like broad, varied settings will love this (see below). However, all the (pardon the unintended pun) dimensions required explanation. This is the second of two (see above) reasons why I think this book didn’t really hit the home wrong.  If I’m keeping the baseball metaphor,  I’d say this was (for me) a double. But it was hard to get into the story and follow the characters amid the three Londons and magic system and history lesson crammed right in the middle of the plot.

[image error]Image of V.E. Schwab taken from her website for review purposes under fair use doctrine.

Worldbuilding:  This is where Schwab simply shines. The meticulous detail she put into this concept is obvious. It’s fascinating to see a magical twist on parallel realities. Then she went so far as to establish histories and cultures for each London. I think this is one reason why this book has received so much acclaim. This just goes to show you what works for one doesn’t always work for others. All the greatest worldbuilding doesn’t really sell me if I can’t get behind the character. Delilah kept me moving through the book, and this spectacular worldbuilding made the story more interesting.

Dialogue: While there’s still a certain amount of thinly veiled exposition in this dialog (normal in any book, especially fantasy), Schwab actually does use dialogue to advance and reveal the character. It’s not as snappy as a Sanderson or Rothfuss, but it’s absolutely  more than spoken lines to progress the plot.

Description:  This book has great description for settings, fight scenes, and even clothes, but I couldn’t tell you what color hair Delilah has or what skin color any of them are. Now, I’m not a very attentive reader to details of that sort, so please understand I’m not making the assertion that character description is absent; I’m simply saying that there weren’t enough descriptive beats to create a clear mental picture of the characters.  The settings were the best. Each time we saw a new London, we were immersed in senses that made each location feel real.

Overall:  This book has a creative magic system with great locations and worldbuilding. It was satisfying and fun to read, but the main character didn’t really grab me. Fans of deep worldbulding and mystery plots will probably love this series. No, I don’t think this holds up against any of my favorites, but I can see why some people love it.

Thanks for reading

Matt

Sonnets For My Savior 46

What You Seek

Cry for those who turn from God to seek wealth.

Lament for those who prefer the respect of man over the Son’s sacrifice.

Mourn over those who think the things of this world lead to health.

Wail for those who cast aside God for the sake of any vice.

Listen for God’s call.

Respond when it comes.

Christ’s sacrifice is sufficient for all.

But it is to Him you must run.

God may grant an unrepentant child his earthly desires,

but those rewards are all the child will obtain.

When death comes, all that waits is a lake of fire.

The child has traded a moment of pleasure for an eternity of pain.

Think carefully about thing things you look for.

All the worldly things are filthy rags; God’s love is more.

 

 

Keep It

When the moon is gone, and the sky is black,

let me keep my faith in You.

When enemies surround me, and they are ready to attack,

let me keep my faith in You.

Should death be near, I shall not be afraid,

for I only pass through death to life unending.

Let me look upon Your grace having not strayed.

Help me hold to You with a trust unbending.

You created the Earth.

What could it do that You can’t control?

You power is the only power that holds worth.

Your grace is the only thing that can make a broken man whole.

When trials come to test our faith in You.

Let us endure the trail, keep our faith, and glorify You.

 

 

The Servant

He toils away through the night,

unsure of when his master will return.

He does as he knows is good and right,

and the master’s joy is what he will earn.

The manager is wise and faithful.

He’s determined to be ready.

The plates are clean as is the table.

His actions are trustworthy and steady.

When the master returns, the servant will be blessed,

for the servant was loyal and steadfast.

The humble servant passed the test,

so his gift is sure to last.

Christ will return when we least expect.

Display for Him how well His house has been kept.

 

 

Courage

The Lord our God is with me.

I shall be strong and of good courage.

Though enemies may surround me,

I shall not be discouraged. 

Wherever I may go,

He is my strength and my shield.

I stand firm because I know

none can match the power He wields.

What can the created do

against the might of the creator?

No matter the trials I go through,

I seek wisdom if I seek His favor.

I never have reason to fear

if I have faith in my God and keep Him near. 

 

 

Neighbor

Bleeding on the side of the road,

he’s beaten and broken.

They pass by as if they don’t know.

They pass by as if he hadn’t spoken.

Self-occupied and distracted,

they ignore others even when they have the means to assist.

Uncaring of how they have acted,

they’ve blinded themselves to the opportunity they’ve missed.

Love your neighbor as you love yourself.

Have compassion on them and offer them care.

Follow Christ and let go of yourself.

If you would receive, why do you refuse to share?

Treat your neighbors with love and kindness.

This is the fruit of a life of righteousness.

 

 

Trials

Let us face our trials with you on our minds.

Let us turn to you for strength.

Let us praise you all the more in trying times.

Let us hold fast to you no matter the trial’s length.

For you are our refuge.

You are our foundation.

You are our relief from aches many or few.

Glorifying you is appropriate in any situation.

Let us keep our faith in You.

You are our rock and our salvation.

Let our trust in Your will and glorify You.

Let us hold tight to You and resist temptation. 

We can not know how many trials may come;

May each cup pass, but regardless, Your will be done.

 

 

Weeds

They climb up from the soil,

choking the flowers that should bloom.

Though the sower did toil,

the weeds gave the seeds no room.

How the sower is saddened to see his seeds whither and die.

What wonderful things they could have been!

From the sower’s hands, the weeds did pry,

the life of the seeds and the plants within.

Be not the weed that chokes the seeds.

Let the flowers grow.

If you would be one who leads,

lead them to the sun and its eternal glow.

Seeds grow and become the sower’s crops and harvests earned,

but all that can be done with weeds is to be collected and burned.

A 5-Star Review for Repressed!

Greetings all,[image error]

These are my favorite blogs to post. I’m sharing this 5-star review for Repressed, which is part of the Oneiros Log. 

One of my goals with Repressed was to stay true to the character without limiting who can enjoy the story. I didn’t want the fact that Kaitlyn is a teenager to mean older readers wouldn’t enjoy her story or her struggle.

This review is evidence that I was successful in that. I certainly hope more people feel that way. Reviews have been far and few between lately. (I’d really appreciate one if you’ve read some of my work. Even if it’s bad.) So getting a review that is positive was big boost.

I’m hard at work editing Betrayed right now (10 chapters into the review), and I’m pretty happy with how the story looks so far. I’m glad Kaitlyn’s adventure is helping pass the time.

Thanks for reading,

Matt

Book Review: 9 Common Lies Christians Believe by Shane Pruitt

[image error]The cover of this book was taken from its Amazon buy page for review purposes under Fair Use doctrine.

9 Common Lies Christians Believe and Why God’s Truth Is Infinitely Better is a book that takes nine phrases and explains why they are misperceptions. However, this book doesn’t stop there. Like the title, if you  just say, “9 Common Lies Christians Believe,” the reader doesn’t really understand the purpose of the book. The book takes those lies and shows how the truth is indeed better.

This book really had an impact on me. You see, some of these phrases are ones I’ve used and even sought for comfort, and they weren’t effective. Many of them (in my opinion) are just to the left or right of the truth, but to seek these things and not scripture can leave a person unfulfilled and even disenfranchised because they have only a partial understanding on what it is to be Christian, and the lack of a complete truth becomes an effective lie that works against the faith.

Shane Pruitt does an amazing job of breaking down each phrase and clarifying it with solid theological information if not direct Biblical reference, which might be the only gripe I have on this book.  It’s been about three months since I finished the book, so I can’t be sure, but I don’t recall any scriptural reference, which I think would have multiplied the effectiveness of the premise.

I don’t want to take from Pruitt’s book, so I’ll only tease a few phrases he looks into:  Follow your heart. God just wants me to be happy. God doesn’t give more than you can handle.

[image error]This image of Mr. Pruitt was taken from his website for review purposes under Fair Use doctrine. 

I’ve used almost all nine of the phrases in the book (I think). And this book helped me see in a different light. Some of these things I have come to learn through my own walk in life, but this book validated a lot of those evolved ideas. Others I realize what I meant, but what I meant (connotation) was vastly different than what I said (denotation).

I think this book is something I’d recommend to anyone new in the faith or someone who is interested in becoming a Christian.  Obviously, the best book to read is The Bible. This book does provide some pretty good context to a lot of things many Christians say or even think.

Thanks for reading,

Matt

Sonnets For My Savior 45

Faith, Not Fear

Grant in me a heart that is bold.

Let my faith in You never waiver.

When You speak, let me have the faith to do as I’m told,

for obedience to Your will comes before Your favor.

Your will, LORD, not my own.

Let me walk your path always, straight and true.

When You call, let me answer without a grumble or moan.

Guide me to put myself aside for You.

Let my thoughts be on Your wisdom, not my fear.

Let my heart be filled by Your spirit, not my desires.

Let obedience to You fill my heart with cheer.

Let Your will reign and my own expire.

Let my faith and trust be ever with You.

Place in me a heart that is willing to do whatever You ask me to.

 

 

To Him Be True

Action behind speech.

Deeds to support every claim.

If you would gather others and teach,

do not practice sin, lest you lie against His name.

Stand in the light.

Avoid standing in darkness.

Seek to do what His word says is right.

Live as He lived, and testify as a witness.

To be true to thine own self,

places one’s self on the throne.

Instead set aside yourself.

Make your heart His and His alone.

Practice righteousness and avoid practicing sin.

This is the way to be true to Him.

 

 

Every Day

Let Your word reside within me.

Let Your commandments delight me.

Let Your peace be upon me.

Let Your grace be with me.

Let me contemplate Your word every day.

Let me pray for Your wisdom every day.

Let me seek to serve You every day.

Let me be pleasing to You every day.

For Your word is my path.

Your Light is my salvation.

Your grace is all that saves me from Your wrath.

Your Son died for my redemption.

Regardless of whatever I may go through,

let my mind, heart, and soul always belong completely to You.

 

 

His Freedom

Even if every sin were as a feather,

the weight of mine was as a mountain.

My sins became a gripping tether;

they formed a cage I was trapped within.

So numerous, they overwhelmed me.

So vile, they disgusted me.

So deep, they comprised me.

So convincing, they deceived me.

Jesus Christ set me free.

Jesus Christ made me clean.

Jesus Christ helped me see.

Sin was the disease; Christ is the vaccine.

There is no chain He can’t break.

There is no person he can’t remake.

 

 

It Cleanses

His blood cleanses it all.

It cleansed a thief on the cross.

It redeemed the apostle Paul.

It purifies all transgression regardless of the severity or cost.

Repent, all you killers, and you will be clean.

Repent, all you adulterers, and you will be clean.

Repent, all you liars, and you will be clean.

Repent, and trust in His blood, and you will be clean.

Do not hold back for fear of how severe your crimes were.

Do not hold back for fear that you can’t be redeemed.

Seek Him, and He will give you succor.

Seek Him, and you will find more than you’ve ever dreamed.

The filth you carry can be washed away.

All you need do is call on Him, so do it now; do it today.

 

 

The Sick

Oh LORD, be with the ill.

Heal  them, and they will be healed.

Their bodies can be cleansed if you will.

For our trust is in you and the great power you wield.

Let them seek your face

and turn from their wicked ways.

Then offer them your mercy and grace.

Let your peace be with them for the rest of their days.

You created the body, and you can make it whole.

You created the heart, and you can let its beat continue.

You created man and breathed into them him a soul.

You made all things, and you can make all things new.

If it is Your will, let this cup pass from the afflicted.

Let their bodies become whole and their hearts be uplifted.

 

 

Remember

You were redeemed,

but you are not perfect.

You were never as good as you may have seemed,

nor are you as holy as you may project.

Beware the desire to call out the sins of others.

Public shame is not fellowship.

We are called to judge our brothers,

but don’t pretend righteous judgment while committing self worship.

There is no one who is good.

Not even one.

Your redemption doesn’t permit you to do as you would;

It is a commission to do as Christ has done.

Do not publicly scoff at the sins of others to elevate yourself.

It is written, “he who reproves a wicked man gets insults for himself.”

  

Hazel Is Getting Published!

Greetings all,

[image error]I’m happy to announce that Hazel has been signed to Antarctic Press. That means a dream Collin Fogel and I had back when we were 13(ish) is coming true. He created the character and overall background. He also did all the art. The pencils, the inks, the colors.

I was lucky enough to have the chance to write the story.  The link above will take you to general information about Hazel. You can also see some of the awesome artwork Collin has done.

Antarctic was one of two companies I’m aware of that were interested in Hazel. We’re glad someone was as excited about the project as Collin and I were.

I’ve seen a few ideas for release dates, but I know things still aren’t’ finalized in that regard. Issue 1 is all finished, and Issue 2 is pretty close to being done. This arc (which I call Ruthless Allies) is a three-issue mini-series. I’ll update you when an official release date is posted. It’s so cool to know I’ll have yet another title available at my tables. I hope you guys will start calling up your local comic book shops to get them to carry the title.

Thanks for reading

Matt

Book Review: The Severed Realm by Michael G. Manning

The Severed Realm is the second book of The Riven Gates series, which is the fourth series in the Mageborn saga. My review for book one of this series is here. My review for the first the last book in the previous series is here. My review for the earliest series (Embers of Illeniel) is here.  My review for the central series (Mageborn) is here.

[image error]Cover image for this book was taken from its Amazon buy page for review purposes under fair use doctrine.

Spoiler Free Summary:  Mordecai is still reeling from the events of the previous books, and his enemies only press their advantage. When Mordecai missteps, his decisions get him imprisoned, and Rose Thornbear must risk everything and do anything to save him.

Character:  It would be fair to say Rose shines in this book. I probably would have liked for the sub-plot (obvious if you’ve been reading the whole series) had another book to develop, but Manning does make a reasonable effort to make it plausible if not believable. Mordecai doesn’t get much screen time, but the next generation of heroes really brought a smile to my face. They didn’t get as much screen time as I’d have wished, but they’re really coming into their own. I’m not actually a fan of political intrigue stories, so the fact that this held my attention is a testament to the characters and an example of why I love Manning’s work so much.

Exposition: This might have been a bit heavier than the last book, but that’s because this book is dominantly a political intrigue and mystery novel. You can’t have a novel of that sort without a higher-than-average amount of exposition. Someone may disagree with me on that, but when you’re talking about a mystery, eventually someone (Holmes) has to explain to someone (Watson) what the clues mean. So while there was more exposition than an average Manning story, I’d say this is actually better given the type of story he’s telling. The story never drags or gets bogged down.

[image error]Worldbuilding:  This disappointed me a bit here. My frustration with this book is that I wanted a story that deepens this universe and gets back to the action I love, and I got a political intrigue/mystery novel. It wasn’t a bad story. It might even be better than the first book in a number of ways, but it just wasn’t what I wanted, and that fantastic wordlbuilding of Manning’s isn’t here because the book’s events take place in an area that’s already familiar.

Dialogue: Still Manning’s weakest area, Manning leans on this pretty hard to get his exposition across.  There’s one particularly lengthy discussion between Rose and another character that doesn’t work for me (spoilers). This weak area doesn’t bother me so much, but if when I groaned while reading this book, it was while reading dialogue.

Description:  This book carries on Manning’s typical amazing visuals and visceral settings. Honestly if you like worldbuilding and description, I’d recommend any of Manning’s books just to study these characteristics of a book.

Overall:  This book is a great addition to the series, and I think I like it even more than I did when I finished reading it three months ago. It’s exciting, and it has great drama. it sets up a lot of conflict. I will say that some of this is based on my optimistic belief that the next book will be much more action oriented. If the conflict teased in the first two books pays off in the next, I’ll be thrilled. As a stand-alone story, it’s a very good drama.

Thanks for reading

Matt

Sonnets For My Savior 44

Suddenly

I prayed night after night,

asking God why he turned His ear from me.

I thought myself just and right,

blind to the need I had to be set free.

I prayed for myself,

unconcerned with God’s will.

I treated God like a tool to be placed on a shelf,

seeking happiness in an accomplishment or cheap thrill.

Suddenly, I saw my life was empty.

Suddenly, I realized I was not my own master.

Of material things, I had plenty,

but my spirit only fell faster and faster.

Suddenly, I saw my desperate need,

so I turned from myself, and dedicated my life to Thee.

 

 

Forgive

Turn the other cheek,

though their actions are cruel and sinful.

Be humble and meek,

though the world wants you to be full of pride and boastful.

Treat others as you would be treated.

Respect, even if you’re disrespected.

Be giving, even if you feel cheated.

Maintain a loving heart, even when you feel dejected.

Be like Christ, who walked in peace.

Be like Christ, who walked in love.

Be like Him, and receive a grace that will never cease.

Be like Him, and know your treasures are stored above.

Put yourself away;

pick up your cross, and follow him every day.

 

 

My Shield

Protect me from whom I fear most.

Guard me agains his clever schemes.

Do not give the enemy a reason to boast.

His plans haunt my thoughts, and his evil haunts my dreams.

Defend me, LORD,  for my trust is in You.

Change my enemy’s heart to your will.

You are my shield for every trial I go through.

No matter what comes, you are with me still.

Save me, please, from this foe face.

He plagues me night and day.

Fill his heart with your loving grace,

and help him, LORD, to change his ways.

I confess when I ask for protection from him,

I speak of the prideful sinner who lives within.

 

 

To Glorify God

Words of praise are only the product of wind and thought.

They only require the time and energy of a moment.

Do men measure other men by what they say or what they’ve wrought?

How many men spend moments to praise God but cast Him aside for enjoyment?

Commitment isn’t shown by talk, but by action.

What a man says is worthless compared to how he lives.

Let God be the whole, and not a fraction.

He who would receive must be the one who gives.

Glorify Him by reflecting His character.

Glorify Him by obeying His commands.

Glorify Him now and hereafter.

Glorify Him through all the work you do with your hands.

Rather than talk of how you love Him,

simply live a life that honors Him.

 

 

You

Let my heart, mind, and eyes be on You,

for Your kingdom and righteousness should be what I seek.

Let the praise of your name be the reason for all that I do.

Let my heart, mind, eyes, and soul be Yours to keep.

When thunder crashes around me,

and enemies surround me,

Your mercy comforts me.

You grace encourages me.

You are the creator of everything.

All things belong to You.

There is no comparison to the joy You bring.

Against every trial, You will never fail to bring me through.

Let Your will be in my heart for all time.

In joy or suffering, be always on my mind.

 

 

Answers

I was confused,

frustrated by people who said they knew the way.

Rather than teach, they only ranted and accused.

Their pride in their opinions led me astray.

Then I sought His Word,

knowing that was the true source.

It was only then that my faith was stirred.

The more I read, the more confident I was in my course.

Wise teachers lead students to resources.

Wise travelers look for directions.

For questions on religion, the Word is the first recourse.

The Word shows the way and provides correction.

I sought the Bible for all the questions I had to bare.

Low and behold, all the answers were there.

 

 

Answer

Many are called; answer.

Few are chosen; listen for for the call.

Blessed are those who heard and answered,

but those who didn’t hear or answer will fall.

If you hear, seek, and you will find.

The Word will lead you to the right place.

He can bring sight to the blind.

Run to him; run to finish the race.

If you’ve answered, remembered you were chosen.

You did not choose Him; He chose you.

It doesn’t matter your level of devotion;

if He hadn’t called you, there would have been nothing you could do.

If you hear the call, you are already blessed.

Answer, and you will receive more than you ever could have guessed.

Book Review: Until Nothing Remains by C.A. Rudolph

[image error]Image taken from the book’s Amazon buy page for review purposes under Fair Use doctrine.

Spoiler Free Summary:  Until Nothing Remains by C.A. Rudolph is the first volume in the Gunplay series. After married duo assassinates someone they thought was a terrorist, the U.S. experiences a number of terrorist attacks that brings the country to its knees. Two families strive to survive in a world gone mad.

Character:  The characters are fairly proactive, but I’m not sure how sympathetic or competent they are. To be honest, I think these characters are pretty cool, but another issue (see below) really dragged away from these characters.

Exposition: There was simply far too much of this. There isn’t a lot of gunplay (or any sort of action) in this book. We’re told a lot happened. We’re told it was epic and scary. However, we don’t see but a few snippets of any of these incredible events. It almost felt like the author pointedly cut away from the action just as it was starting. Every time I thought I was going to see a fight scene, the author cut to a different character or simply jumped forward in time. At one point, one of the main characters is injured and bleeding, and we only get a summary of how the injury happened, and we’re given that in a summary of exposition. This book at far too much tell and not nearly enough show. What should have been a great action book full of evasion, espionage, carnage, and action was instead full of monologues about guy laws and life histories that were also interesting, but we only get to hear about it rather than see (let alone experience).

[image error]Image of Rudolph was taken from is Amazon author page for review purposes under Fair Use doctrine.

Dialogue: This wasn’t too bad. There were a lot of “let me explain how this happened” conversations, which admittedly happens in most books, but there were also solid character driven conversations. Honestly, with all the exposition, it just dragged everything else down. If you try to filter through that exposition, the character and dialogue starts to stand out.

Description:  I will say this, when we do get to see things, they’re well-described. Rudolph does a great job of dropping in descriptive beats that really give depth to an environment and fill out the characters in my mind.

World Building: Given that this is based in the modern U.S. and (so far) doesn’t have a ton of fantasy elements or large scifi aspects, this category doesn’t really apply.  If I were going to read more from the series (which I won’t), I’d expect this world to evolve as society and other parts of the world change given the events in this story.

Overall: This book is based on a really cool concept, but the story is dragged down in exposition of what happened rather than showing the events. It didn’t have the action I expected, and that left me a bit disappointed. 

Thanks for reading

Matt