Trey Stone's Blog, page 24

Book Review: Metro 2035 by Dmitry Glukhovsky

Metro 2035 is the third book in the series, following Metro 2033 and 2034, and it’s the perfect ending to the trilogy.

Metro 2033 is a philosophical journey both physically through the Moscow Metro and mentally through Artyom’s mind and his experiences in this desolate future world. Metro 2034 is the polar opposite, an action-filled horror story where much more seems to be more doing and less thinking. Metro 2035 is the love-child of these two different kinds of novels and it’s amazing.

Again, we follow Artyom. Two years after the events of book one, Artyom has settled down in the metro. But though he has stopped wandering physically, his mind has not. He longs to understand what’s out there, to learn more about the world he inhabits, and when he happens to meet Homer (whom we know from Metro 2034), he sees his chance. The journey they undertake is fantastic, horrifying, gruesome, uplifting and wonderful.

I really feel like this is the perfect book to follow the two first ones. I was surprised at Glukhovsky’s change in tone and vibe when I read Metro 2034, because Metro 2033 has such a distinct philosophical atmosphere. In the last book, the two different styles merge together and Glukhovsky’s writing really shines. Oh how it shines.

Also – the plot, the ending, the… well, I’m not going to say it, but it surprised me. It surprised me SO MUCH. I would never have expected it. It’s the kind of thing that wants me to start from the beginning, with book one, and read through it all again while knowing… well, what I know.

I love reading post-apocalyptic, dystopian books. I love the worlds, the conflicts, the people. Justin Cronin’s The Passage series is one of my absolute favorites, but this one comes damn close. Recommended to everyone who’s fascinated by the end of the world.

A Collection of Writer’s Resources

Don’t you just love it when you come across a really helpful website? Or a cool program? An app that does all the things you need? Or a book a that finally explains that thing you’ve never understood?

Occasionally we come across stuff like that – and it’s awesome to share those resources with others. The only problem is that over the years these things keep piling up, and I forget who wrote which book or what software is used for what.

That’s why I created the Writer’s Resources page here on my site! A collection of helpful, useful, insightful and fun resources for any writer. (And for me personally – a way to keep track of all the stuff I come across.)

I’d love it if you would have a look around – and please comment and share things that you’ve found helpful!

Book Review: Monster (Monster of Earth #3) by Patrick F. Johnson

This is the third book in the series following Frank Ford and if you haven’t been keeping up Frank is a super-human badass.

Book 1 sees him be selected by a race of aliens to become their stalwart defender, their last hope, their salvation, and he completes the job with flying colors. Book 2 follows a similar narrative, but with a bigger, badder threat on the horizon.

Book 3 unfortunately missed the mark a little bit, for me. Carrying on directly from book two (as far as I can remember) we spend a lot of time following Frank doing… well, not much at all. It all seemed to be padding, waiting for something else to happen. There wasn’t any conflict on the rise, nothing that seemed to drive the characters. Maybe it’s just me and my love for fast-paced books that make me antsy for things to get a move on, but then I have read book 1 and 2 in the series and felt like maybe they had a little bit more to offer.

Johnson’s writing is cool though, always fun and engaging and often hilarious, and it makes the book easy and enjoyable to read. Also, by the halfway point the action picks up a lot and I felt much more engaged with and excited about the story. The second half of the book was much better in my opinion.

Looking forward to seeing what book 4 has in store for us!

All About That Pace

I’ve been running a lot this year. Never really done it before and I never knew how complex it is. One of my running friends is a writer as well – which got us talking about pacing.

All writers pace themselves differently. Some books are long and drawn out, going slow and steady. Some are rapid, quick on the push, drawing back and slowing down before they’re off again at blinding speed. Some go pedal to the metal all the way to the end. And some feel like they never even start (*cue big sigh from Trey).

Whatever way you choose to write – be aware of it. There’s no right or wrong (he says, fully expecting someone to slide in with an “Actually–“). But it will serve you well to know how you write and how to make it work to your advantage.

I write fast. Fast books I mean. (Though I have been known to tickle the keys with a degree of speed when I’m rushed. Meaning: Trey forgets deadlines). It’s what comes natural to me. I’m not one for grand openers, or drawn-out beginnings. If my book was a movie it wouldn’t start with one of those scenic helicopter shots with classical music in the background. It would be a guy chasing another through a crowded street. Constantly.

When you take up running, a lot of people go too fast in the beginning. I know I did. I would be full of energy, thinking I easily could go for an hour or two and then burn out pretty fast. I ruined a lot of sessions before I got the hang of it. It’s hard to find your pace when you’re a starter. But once you do, you can use it.

I’ve been told I do a negative split when I run. It’s not something I’d even heard about, or knew that I was doing before someone told me. As far as I understand, it means I go faster on the second half. I keep a steady pace and let myself burn out when I know I can reach the end.

In many ways, I do the same when I write. I let you know where we’re headed and when we’re halfway there, there’s no turning back. I floor it.

“What the hell’s your point, Trey?!” I hear you ask.

Find your pace. Learn to understand the way you write, your rhythm. A lot of good writing is ruined by bad pacing. Like I said to begin with – there’s loads of different ways to write. Fast, slow, gradual increase, pulling back and forth. That’s all up to you.

But make sure you know your start, your middle and end, and that you have a plan to get there. Those places aren’t necessarily the same for all of us.

Book Review: Metro 2034 by Dmitry Glukhovsky

As soon as I was made aware of the video games series based on these books I knew I had to read play them and as soon as I’d played them I wanted to read the books. Well, after reading book 1, Metro 2033, which I review here, I couldn’t wait to read this second installment.

This book doesn’t follow any of the same characters as in book 1 (though some are mentioned) and even though it’s set in the same universe, it feels very different. It doesn’t have that same philosophical, thought-evoking kind of prose that made Metro 2033 so special.

Instead, there’s more action. Much more. We follow Hunter and Homer on a journey through the Metro. Similar to Artyom’s adventure in book 1, but also very different. Hunter’s goal is to investigate rumors at one of the stations deep in the metro – Homer’s is to write a story about it. To write the histories of what has happened to the world after the fall of civilization. Watching them learn to trust and work with each other is what drives the whole book – and it’s really good!

In one sense, this completely change from book 1 makes this book simpler. It has another tone. It’s easier on the mind. It’s a more straight-forward and fast-paced Get-to-here-while-avoiding-the-bad-things adventure. At the same time, it’s more direct and you know what you’re getting. There’s not as much hidden meaning you have to worry you might not be understanding. There’s more real risk. More conflict. Also, a proper ending.

Compared to book 1, it’s both better and worse. If I hadn’t started with the first book, I probably wouldn’t have found this as interesting. If I’d never played the games, it would probably be even less so. But it did make me want to carry on and read the last book in the series, Metro 2035, which I’ve already started.

Oh, and I want to play the games again. If you’re into video games and like post-apocalyptic stuff I can highly recommend them! But maybe read the books first – I’ve never tried it that way around.

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People’s Opinions – The Motivation Killer

“You’re really spending a lot of time with that writing?”

I’ve wanted to write about this for a while now. It’s been on my mind for ages and though it usually never bothers me at all, these little comments keep gnawing at me. So I’m warning you, this might end up being a Rant©, but I suspect a lot of you share my frustration.

I try to do what I can to stay inspired and motivated. To learn, to get better and evolve. I want to succeed, to feel accomplished, not just when it comes to writing but in everything I do, all the time.

There are two things I’m particularly passionate about these days. One is writing stories – and though I play music, and go to work, and play video games and do a whole lot of other things – I am particularly invested in and put in a lot of effort in my stories these days.

“What if it never comes to anything?”

The other thing is training. I started a personal journey about 16 months ago now, trying to lose weight and get healthy, and it’s something that both takes a lot of time and something I decided to spend mine on. I already spent a lot of time in the gym before I made that choice, but at the same time I turned my whole life around. I made life style changes. I started saying no to things. I dedicated myself.

“You’re still doing all that training? Why?”

This blog post is partially inspired by a picture I posted of myself recently on Twitter where I showed off some of my training progress. It got a lot of attention and a lot of my Twitter friends cheered me on. I love that. I love it when that’s the case with my writing as well – when people encourage me to keep going, to keep writing, when they give me advice and feedback and critique. I can use that. I can find motivation in that and take inspiration from it. But it’s not always like that.

“Got to be careful that you don’t overdo it.”

Sometimes, people find it difficult to be happy for others. I understand that. Sometimes it gets difficult to see other people succeed. I’m sure absolutely everyone feels like that, occasionally. Especially if the thing in question is something oneself is also trying to accomplish. It stings. And it’s a completely normal emotion to feel sometimes, when other people appear to be successful and you feel like you are not.

But what I really don’t understand, is when people who make absolutely no effort themselves, still go out of the way to ruin it for others. When people who don’t write books, who don’t write music, who don’t go running, who don’t paint, who don’t do anything at all find the time to comment on other people’s efforts.

“Don’t you think you’re wasting your time?”

I wouldn’t care if it was an experienced writer making these comments. Or a health care professional. A well-renowned artist. Someone who’s been around the block a time or two and know what they’re talking about.

But if you don’t, I really don’t need your “insight.” I don’t think anyone does and I struggle to see your reason for sharing it. Have I written dozens of books or sold thousands? No. I’m aware of that and I don’t need your reminder. But at least I’m trying, at least I’m making an effort. Am I wasting my time chasing dreams that might never come to anything at all? Who knows. How’s that time spent on the couch every night treating you?

“Actually, I’ve heard running is bad for you.”

The problem of course arises when people who hear these things, day in and day out, become discouraged. When people listen, start thinking along the same lines themselves, and are convinced to quit. When their motivation dies.

I don’t think the people who say these things realize what kind of devastating effect it might have, when heard by the right (wrong) people.

“Maybe I am wasting my time?

And then the few times I confront people about these comments, those few occasions I get fed up and call it out, I’m usually met with: “I didn’t mean it like that,” or “You’re taking it the wrong way.”

Then what did you mean? And why did you feel the need to say it?

I – for one – think it’s admirable of anyone to spend their time doing things just for them. Without the promise of success, without knowing whether you’ll reach your goal. If you can do that, if you can sit down and devote your time to things that you are passionate about – I’m sure you’re going to do amazing things.

Book Review: Ruin by John Gwynne

Book 3 of 4 – and things are shaping up to be awesome!

Honestly, book 1 didn’t have me hoping for much, at least not to begin with. Like I wrote in my review, it was slow, confusing and there were far too many names. When I read this third book, I couldn’t finish it fast enough.

I love this story and the world it’s in. I love the mysteries, the prophecies and the intrigue. I can’t wait to see how it ends by the next book.

Like a lot of epic fantasy Gwynne paints a vast picture. If you’ve read any of my other reviews (and know a little bit about my tastes) it’s almost a bit too vast sometimes. It’s not particularly fast paced, and it’s looong. But at the same time, it’s so very good. Seeing the characters build and grow over time, following them as they rise to the occasion, as they fail and succeed, and overcome their challenges… It’s brilliant. Honestly, I’m going to be sad when it’s over.

Also, the one thing I really like about Gwynne’s writing is the action. The fight scenes. The swordplay. I often find action scenes to end up being these generic back and forths, lacking tension because you know (or expect) who’s going to come out the victor. And even if I still do that here sometimes, there’s still a beauty and brutally to it. A finesse. I love it.

Book 3 of course carries on the story directly from book 2. Ever since the kind of slow start of book 1 we’ve held a steady course, and book 3 has for the most part stayed true to that. But it also turns everything on it’s head toward the end. Not at all what I was expecting, and I definitely didn’t see it coming.

If you’re looking for some epic fantasy about warring kingdoms, magical prophecies, ancient giants, and a young boy who reluctantly grows up to be a hero – look no further. This series is amazing!

What I learned From Writing Short Stories – Rethinking My Approach to Fiction

Due to waiting for feedback on a novel, doing revisions and editing on others, and in general trying to hold off on starting too many big new projects (because I need to also publish them at some point), I’ve written a lot of short stories this year.

In fact, in the last 3 months I’ve written around 30 short stories. They range from as short as 300 words to over 4000 and total somewhere around 30,000 words.

It’s been fun – I’m not going to lie. There’s something “easy” about sitting down to write a short story, instead of trying to tackle a novel. That’s not to say that they are easier to write, by no means, but it’s not as daunting. It’s a simpler task to set oneself, to carve out time in a day to sit down and write some words on a short story.

At the same time, short stories are the devil. They are sly. They trick you. They force you to write your best stuff, and you better do it quick because before you know it your story is over.

This is where short stories can teach you to master your craft.

There’s a couple of overarching things you have to master to create a compelling story. You have to have drive, a conflict, a goal, something that motivates your characters and something that stops them from getting what they want. I’m talking in very broad terms here – and there’s many other things that make up a good story – but without these, you’re going to run into trouble.

It’s the same for short stories. They need the same material, the same building blocks to function properly. And they need it fast.

Playing around with how to do these things in short stories is brilliant fun. In a novel you have time, you have pages and chapters to spend to build on. You don’t in 300 words. Or in 2500 for that matter. You need to put forth your case, present your characters and their wants and needs and troubles and you need to resolve.

I’ve created a lot of weird stuff the last few months. Some stories are brilliant. Some I love. A few need some work, some rewriting to tell the story I intended. And some, well they out right suck.

But they all taught me some valuable things about how to develop my writing. I hope I get to share some of them with you soon.

If you haven’t already tried your hand at shorter writing, I recommend that you do! It’s a strange mix of being incredibly difficult while at the same time being freeing. You might surprise yourself!

Book Review: Metro 2033 by Dmitry Glukhovsky

As soon as I played the first video game, I knew I had to read the book. I have a thing for wanting to read the novels games are based on after I’ve played them, and Metro had me hooked from the start.

The story follows our protagonist Artyom, a teeanger who lives in the metro below Moscow – the world’s largest bomb shelter. The world above ground is gone, a toxic wasteland ruined in an apocalyptic war. A radiated desert where more resilient creatures than humans have begun carving out new homes for themselves.

Seeing as I’ve played the games I knew what to expect, but the book still surprised me. The writing paints a dark and depressive picture of future Moscow. It’s almost clinical at times, cold and horrifying. Probably not for everyone – monotonous is something I’ve seen other readers call it – but I think it adds a layer of reality to the world it tries to create.

The book is also very philosophical – or rather – Artyom is. He often wonders about the world, the now, the past, what has happened, what will happen. Sometimes it sounds pointless, because Artyom’s thoughts are often left unresolved before we’re onto a next part of his journey, but at the same time, this is what Artyom’s life is. An endless, unanswered existence.

When I finished the book, I asked myself what the hell the point of the plot was, because I felt it didn’t go anywhere. Mind you, this was only after the fact – it wasn’t until I was done that this thought struck me, and now that I look back on it, I kind of like the symbolism in it. I’ve seen other readers question this, but if you look at it from Artyom’s perspective I think it makes perfect sense.

If you like post-apocalyptic horror-thrillers and you’re ready for a philosophical journey through a terrifying wasteland, then I highly recommend this.

Book Review: The Shadow Rises by K S Marsden

Hunter Astely – witch hunter extraordinaire – is the best at what he does: hunting witches and keeping humanity safe. It’s not by choice however, it’s his heritage.

When he saves a young girl from a pack of witches in Italy, his life is turned upside down when she demands to be brought into the fray and trained to be a witch hunter herself – as his apprentice.

This book was surprisingly good. It’s fun, it’s easy, and it’s damn gripping. It reminds me a lot of Buffy and Angel, two shows that I both loved when I was younger and which I find myself really wanting to watch again now.

I felt like the book maybe fumbled a bit in the beginning, starting out on unsteady legs, but as soon as it found its footing it was awesome. Cool characters, great pace and a very intriguing plot. Also, Marsden does a great job at setting up the rest of the series. I’m intrigued!

If you want a fun, captivating witch-hunting mystery that isn’t too long, look no further than this! Chances are you’ll love the characters as well.