Trey Stone's Blog, page 16

Approaching Opportunities

We’ve all heard the saying ‘when one door closes another one opens’, but does that mean that if you open a door, you’re shutting one behind you?

I’ll stop talking in riddles – and explain that I’m talking about myself. I find myself at a kind of crossroads professionally, where if I go one way, I might have to give up on the way I’m already headed (I’m talking in riddles again, aren’t I?)

I have an exciting possibility ahead of me – I hesitate to call it an opportunity yet, because it’s not set in stone, but whether or not it will happen for me, it means that I will have to make a choice.

I’m usually good at choices. I dive in head first, welcome challenges with open arms, and don’t normally spend a lot of time looking back or wondering what could have been. I try to focus on moving forward, and I like taking risks.

Except for this time. I’m unsure this time, and that’s a whole new type of risk to me.

That door behind me is a great door. A really nice and welcoming door. It’s safe and comfortable, yet not boring. But the new door is exciting and wondrous. Challenging, probably, but definitely worth it.

For a while I’ve been living in a weird liminal hallway between these doors – but now I can’t keep both of them open for much longer. So, where do I go?

I prefer opportunities I can pile on top of each other, instead of those where I have to chose between two options. Or, I would have wished for a more clear cut divide between the two. A worn out and wonky door versus a new exciting one would have been simple, no matter the risk or challenges.

I’m sorry for talking in riddles throughout this entire post. I suppose it’s a way for me to talk through my own thoughts, to settle things in my own head, and I’m thankful if you’ve stuck around to the end.

I wrote a draft of this post around a week or two ago, when I didn’t know what to do or think about these exciting opportunities. Then, in the space between then and now, one of those opportunities disappeared. It’s simple now, I don’t have to choose either way, because there’s no choice left to me made.

But now I wonder… Would I have chosen the right thing if I had to?

How do you deal with opportunities, following your dreams, and making difficult choices? Is there a secret out there that I need to learn? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

And as always, please check out my books!

Book Review: Storm of War by Bryan R. Saye

As an archaeologist I’m always fascinated by books and authors who dare play with history. Whether it is in fantastical worlds that only draw inspirations from our own, like Tolkien; historical mysteries and conspiracies like those woven by Dan Brown; or those incredible tales set in a more accurate past like Conn Iggulden. No matter what is is – I’ll devour it all, and I encourage any writer who finds themselves drawn to the genre to explore it as widely as they can, regardless of historical accuracy.

Saye has written an extraordinary piece about the Crusades. Though the period is not a personal favorite, I was intrigued by the plot and as soon as I started the book I was eager to read on. We follow Daniel, a thief and a nobody in the streets of Constantinople, who tries to prove himself and rise in the ranks among his fellow criminals. He is seeking a better life for himself and his brother, and he gets it – just not in a way he could ever imagine. Through accident and circumstance he finds himself becoming the page of a knight who is marching for Jerusalem, and Daniel has to learn how to live like a crusader. There’s love, loss, honor, war, and death coming his way – and all of it will shape him and the rest of his life.

Saye’s strengths lie in the incredible attention to detail. Be it the clothing, the food, the weapons, the care for the horses, the flowing descriptions of the landscape surrounding us – it’s all there. It’s one of the things that made me fall in love with George R.R. Martin’s writing ages ago, and it’s had the exact same effect on me here. It creates a very vivid world that sucks you in with ease. I also thoroughly enjoyed the character development of not just Daniel, but those around him. This story isn’t just an A to B trip to retake the Holy Land – it’s about who Daniel is, about his change and who he becomes.

“Brave men die just the same.”

I did occasionally struggle with the way the book is told, because Daniel – our protagonist – actually tells his story to someone else (which is briefly mentioned in the prologue and epilogue). During the book I kept forgetting this, and I felt like he broke the 4th wall and was addressing the reader directly, when he was in fact talking to a character I’d forgotten all about.

But this doesn’t detract from the fact that this is a brilliant, high quality historical fiction, that any reader of the genre will love. I can see these books becoming a long-lived and much-loved series. Hats off to Saye!

Book Review: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

I’ve got a new favorite type of science fiction, and it’s whatever Andy Weir writes!

I never read the Martian. I never read a lot of things, but I never read the Martian either. I saw the movie though, and I liked it enough to remember Andy Weir’s name when I saw Project Hail Mary pop up in my ‘recommended‘ section on Audible.

I didn’t really know what I was going to, but I expected sci-fi and I expected disaster. That kind of describes this whole book and OH MY!-it’s so good.

It’s difficult to say anything about the plot of this book without giving away too much, so I’ll just paraphrase the official blurb: Ryland Grace is Earth’s last hope – but he doesn’t know that. In fact, he doesn’t know anything about anything when he wakes up in some weird machine and finds two corpses in the bed next to him. With the use of his slowly returning memories and his skills as a elementary school science teacher, Ryland has to figure out everything, including how to save the planet.

This book was amazing. Like, truly, a-ma-zing! (Big emphasis on the zing!) It’s told through a first-person perspective, with a heavy use of flashbacks, and the whole book feels like a stream of consciousness from a person who’s slowly remembering who, where, and why, he is – (where he is). Which to me, sounds very, very interesting.

It’s hard science fiction, I guess. I had to Google around to figure that out, but it fits. It’s sooo sciency and if you’re that weird kind of nerd like me who loves science, but doesn’t really know (or remember) much about it, then you’re going to love this. (Bear in mind that if you actually do know science, there might be things in here that will annoy you – or so I’ve been told). But I liked it, and it felt like I actually learned something.

But yeah, to sum up, it’s really good. I like Weir’s style, I like his characters, and I like this book. If you like mysterious space mysteries with loads of science and… other things, you’ll love this.

Probably got to read other things by Andy Weir now. And more hard science fiction. Do you have any recommendations? Let me know in the comments!

Finishing a Book & Not Knowing What To Do With Yourself

Ever read a book and felt a wave of sadness wash over you as you realize it’s over and you can never relive that adventure in quite the same way again?

Apparently that happens when you write books too.

I just finished a novel I started in November. It was supposed to be last years NaNoWriMo project, but I started slow and didn’t write barely enough to stay on track, so when December came around I only had around 20k words. But I stuck with it, kept at it, and saw it through.

Yesterday, I wrote the last scene for the first draft.

I’ve written books before. I’ve finished first drafts and felt that surge of emotions as you realize it’s over, but I’m either not remembering correctly or I’m getting old, because I swear that used to be a good feeling.

Now, I don’t know what to do with myself.

Well, that’s not entirely true. Of course I know what I can do. I have another older first draft lying around that I can edit, and as soon as I hear back from my last beta reader, I can revise my third thriller and prep it for my editor.

But I feel like I don’t know what to do.

When I really think about it, I know what the problem is. Writing a first draft is safe, know what I mean? It keeps you focused and motivated, while at the same time making sure you’re too busy to do anything else.

“Can’t edit that other book right now, I’m busy with this first draft.”

Excuses. That’s what that first draft has been. A reason to put other things aside. A way to shove my other projects in front of me.

Now that it’s done, I have to stop pretending. I got to get back to my other responsibilities. In reality I know exactly what to do with myself. I just have to figure out where to start.

Ever feel overwhelmed with your art? That your projects take up all your time but you never get closer to the finish line? How do you deal with it? Got any secret ways to cope? Let me know in the comments!

As always, please check out my books. I appreciate it.

Read Indie – Find Gems! Book Review: IronBlood by C. H. Knyght

One of the best things about being an indie author is becoming a part of an indie author community. Not only do you meet like-minded souls, make friends for life, and learn to develop your craft and art, but occasionally you come across gems that other members of that community produce.

This is one of those gems.

IronBlood is set in a steampunk fantasy world were we follow Hezekiel, an orphan and mechanical prodigy, who works in his foster father’s workshop, repairing and tinkering with things. It’s hard, but honest work and his biggest ambition is that his own private project, a tunneling machine called ‘the Crawler‘ will be noticed by the city’s elite in the upcoming expo. Hezekiel is convinced it could revolutionize the local mining industry. But there’s a darkness descending over the city, skittering around in the streets, leaving the corpses of its victims in a horrifying state. Where is this evil coming from, and what can be done to stop it from spreading?

IronBlood gripped me from the beginning. The world is vivid and fascinating – it reminded me a lot of the video game series ‘Fable’, and I loved being wrapped up in it – and the thrilling mystery of the unknown dangers that spread through it kept me hooked until the very end.

The world building was excellent. Convincing, but never overwhelming; steady and with the promise of a bigger, wider world for future installments. It’s the kind of series I can imagine going on for book after book, and keeping readers enthralled for years. I am, unfortunately, notoriously bad with sticking with a series, mostly because I get distracted and want to move on to something new all the time. I tend to end up reading lots of ‘Book One’ of a thing, and then never returning. But this is truly a gem. I’ll try to remember to keep my eye out for the next book.

And the writing is fun. It doesn’t drone on for too long, doesn’t over-explain, but keeps a steady pace and delivers a powerful story. I like Knyght’s style.

If you’re into fantasy mysteries set in wondrous steampunk worlds, with intriguing magical races, terrible creatures, and histories of conflicts going on behind the scenes, then this is definitely a book for you. It’s like reading your next favorite video game.

Book Review: Night Chills by Dean Koontz

My first Koontz book – and what a book it is!

As with when I first started reading Stephen King a few years ago, I felt like I’d heard a lot about Koontz even though I knew nothing about him. I knew he was known for churning out books by the dozens, I knew they were often terrifying, and I knew people held him in high regard. At the same time, I probably couldn’t name a single book he’d written. (Still can’t, other than this).

So, when the day came a little while before Christmas last year, that I noticed a copy of this book lying beaten and well-read high up on a shelf in a hallway in my office – (I really need to look into who keeps putting books there, I’m just assuming they’re up for grabs) – I saw my chance and I took it. I knew I wanted to read Dean Koontz and I figured this might as well be the book that set me off.

Like I said at the start of this – what a book it is! It’s horror, and the plot is simply horrifying: Some scientist figure out a way to shape and control people’s minds – and of course someone sees the economic potential in this. But first, the method has to be thoroughly tested. Unfortunately for the unsuspecting inhabitants of a little logging town called Black River, they become the participants in this terrifying experiment.

Without spoiling anything, the book is terrifying. Vile at times, bordering on grotesque, yet at the same time brilliant and intriguing. A bit slow at first, but once I got into it I struggled to put it down.

Koontz writes short and concise, which is a trait I love in an author. If Stephen King is the rambling old grandfather of horror who tells amazing stories, but never gets to the point; Koontz is that mad uncle that you’re not sure if you’re allowed to be listening to because the stuff he’s shouting at you from down the basement stairs is terrifying and probably meant for much older ears.

I’m very intrigued by Koontz and I look forward to reading more. Have you read any of his books? Do you have any favorites? What would you recommend to a new fan? Let me know in the comments!

And as always, if you like thrillers, please check out my books here!

Book Review: Animal Farm by George Orwell

A definite must read — especially in this day and age.

A few years ago, the only thing I knew about George Orwell was that he’d written 1984, and that it was about the government surveilling its citizens or something. So when I came across a cheap paperback copy of it in Oslo airport a few years back, I bought it and read it.

I think I devoured it.

I liked the story, but what really gripped me was the messages between the lines and the political commentary — which I assume is why anyone likes 1984. I also really liked the way Orwell writes, his choice of words, his humor and his style.

So when someone recommended Animal Farm (and gave me a brief synopsis of what it was about, because honestly, I had never heard of it), I knew I had to read it.

Fast forward to three weeks ago and the book was part of an Audible sale so I got it. I listen to a lot of books when I either work out, walk, run, or work (which also includes walking a lot of the time), and Animal Farm being less than four hours long was perfect for a lazy Friday.

The plot is pretty straightforward: a bunch of animals on a small English farm rebel against their human owner. They imagine an animal utopia where they are free and enjoy a life much better than what they’ve known so far, but of course it quickly descend into something… familiar.

It’s such a great book. It’s thrilling and exciting at times, but also funny and thought provoking. Half of the time it feels like it’s a direct commentary to the way the world and our society works in this exact moment, though I guess it would feel that way whenever you read it, whether it was now or 20 years ago.

But you should read it – if you haven’t read Orwell yet, I’d suggest starting with this and then checking out 1984 later if you like this. It’s really going to make you think. Both of them.

I think I need to check out what else Orwell had written.

Have you read it? What did you think? Let me know in the comments!

As always, if you’re into thrillers you can check out my books here. Thank for the support!

Book Review: The Fall Of Babel

It’s suddenly over and now I don’t know what to do with myself.

Josiah Bancroft’s Books Of Babel series is fantastic. If you could only read one more series of books before the world ended and you’re into fantasy steampunk, then I’d give you this.

It’s the kind of book series that will be remembered as a classic of our time, I’m sure of it.

Tom Senlin’s ascent through the tower in search of his lost wife has finally ended, and what an amazing adventure it was. We’ve met so many incredible characters on our way, had a bunch of exciting adventures, and been privy to Bancroft’s excellent world building skills. I wish there was an animated series or a video game to accompany this, because I want to see this world.

But you really should read it, because it is absolutely exquisite writing. I think I’ve written in every one of my reviews so far, but I’m not above mentioning it again: Bancroft has an incredible way with words. His ability to spin a phrase, to describe a thing vividly in just a small handful of words, to create a simile so strong that it’s right there in your mind in an instant… It’s beyond anything I’ve read in ages.

Honestly, this series is some of the best writing I’ve read in my entire adult life.

Check out my reviews of Book 1, Book 2 and Book 3 here.

And yet, I didn’t feel like book 4 was the strongest. I can’t quite put my finger on it; maybe it was that the first three books were stronger, maybe it is that I know the world and the characters now, and it takes more to surprise me, or maybe it’s just that the chase is sweeter than the reward.

With the first three books we were always running after something, building toward an end, and… Well I guess I wish it would never come. I wanted this adventure to go on forever, because it’s just so damn entertaining. It was unique and exciting, and again, one of the best things I’d experienced in years.

The ending is good, it’s not that. I enjoyed it, and it surprised me and it felt rewarding. Yet, it just couldn’t compete with the incredible journey that came before.

I know I recommend a lot of the books that I read, because usually I like them and want others to experience them too. But this is truly unique. You’re not going to want to leave once the Tower of Babel sucks you in.

Have you read anything that just wouldn’t let go of you lately? Or maybe you’ve read this series? Let me know in the comments!

Everything Is Going Great – And That Scares Me

It’s when you’re at your highest that you have the farthest to fall.

I’m not good at recognizing wins or celebrating my victories—a fact I’ve been trying to make myself more aware of over the years, so I can rectify it. In fact, I’ve written about it here on my blog several times. Losses seem to hit so much harder and last so much longer, so it’s important to learn to cherish and remember your successes. I’d say it’s vital if you want to stay motivated to keep making art and being creative.

Now that I’m better at recognizing wins, I’ve realized I’m doing great at the moment. Amazing, actually. I’m drafting a book that I love, working on self publishing my third thriller, and my horror novel that’s being released this fall is being designed and formatted by my publisher (it looks totes amaze by the way). I’ve also just finished a story for a podcast, got a new exciting career opportunity for my day job this summer, and my strength training is progressing super well.

This is all great, and I’m super grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had and the successes I’m experiencing. I’m also not stupid enough to realize I’m getting to a point where my life can only turn one way: down.

I don’t mean that in a dramatic, life-threatening way. But it’s only natural that life oscillates. There’s a rhythm to things, a natural law, that states that you can’t have good things without bad. Good things wouldn’t be good, if there wasn’t an opposite to compare to.

So I’m kind of bracing myself these days. Wondering where my head will hit the wall first. I hope I manage to finish this first draft of the book I’m working on before I hit a road block. Maybe it will be my training that stagnates, or maybe things at work will become really busy and pull my attention away from everything I’m working on.

Whatever it is, I know to expect it. Things have been going great lately and I’m prepared for my next batch of bad. It’s only fair.

The difference this time though, is that I’ll be ready mentally. I’ll know to tell myself that it’s not my fault, nothing I can do about but work through it and let it pass. It’s just the way the pendulum swings.

Where are you in your life at the moment? How’s 2022 treating you so far? Do you have a special skill set you utilize to overcome the bad times? Let me know in the comments.

And don’t forget to check out my books! I appreciate it immensely.

Book Review: Dark Cure by Cameron K. Moore

Dark Cure is the jungle born love child of The Thing and Alien. Except the horrible creature that’s hunting you is human.

Set in a top secret research facility, I though Dark Cure was going to be a familiar story about people who wander off into a dangerous forest in search of some legendary font of magical powers – a tale I frankly thought had been told enough times.

To my pleasant surprise, it’s nothing like that. The Inn, as the research facility is called, has already found and developed the cure in question, a medical marvel that can save millions of lives.

Our protagonist Shepherd, an ex-ranger and not a regular part of the crew at The Inn, finds himself at the research facility in the middle of the South American jungle, hoping the cure can be used to treat is chronically ill daughter, Cassie, who’s left behind at home with her grandparents.

Shepherd receives a call from his parents saying Cassie has been suddenly hospitalized, and just as he fears her conditions is getting worse, a powerful storm cuts him and the rest of the crew of The Inn off from the rest of the world, and things start to unravel.

A dead body is discovered in the jungle not far from the facility, and it’s clear that this wasn’t an accident. Who is responsible? Someone isn’t who they say they are, but who are they and where did they come from? And how they know about the cure?

A thrilling mystery ensues as Shepherd must use his old skills to help the researchers protect the cure, both for his and their sake. But first, he has to figure out who he can trust.

This book was great, well-written and engaging all the way through and much more thrilling than I was expecting. I’m sure Cameron Moore will be a household name in the thriller category before long. Recommended!