R.E. Klinzing's Blog, page 2
June 1, 2023
How to Know if Your Writing is Improving
Hello friends!
Sorry I missed a post last month, but let’s jump right back into it.
This month we are going to focus on how you can tell if your own writing is improving.
We are always going to be our biggest critics. No matter your job, hobbies, or interests, no one is going to know how far you’ve come or how far you are still going except YOU. As writers, we can be very hard on ourselves. Trust me, I know. It’s easy to compare our work or our progress to the successes of others. As we read stories it’s easy to say “I wish my writing felt like this.”
When we begin to think like this, our writing starts to feel like a chore. WE DO NOT WANT THIS. There are ways to find improvement in your writing, and keeping an eye out for these will not only help you get your writing voice where you want it to be, but it will also boost your confidence and your enjoyment of your own work.
I remember one of the very first meetings I had with my editor for the third book in the T.S.O. series, Recruited. My editor told me “This is some of the best writing I’ve seen you do, but this one part of the story needs to be completely changed.” Her words stick with me even now. Despite the heavy amount of work this book still needs, which is what I’m currently working on, she was still able to notice the level of improvement from book one to book three. This conversation I had with her helped me learn how to look at my own work and recognize where I’ve gotten better in my craft and where I can grow.
I started writing my first book for the Teen Spy Organization with I was thirteen. It’s been years since then, and I’m still working on the same series with the same characters, but my writing is better.
As you read through this list for ways to recognize and work on your own improvement, keep this in mind. You can always work on the technical part of the craft, the grammar, and the structure. But the biggest improvement will come when you feel confident in your own work and can recognize your own accomplishments.
[image error]Pexels.com" data-medium-file="https://reklinzing.files.wordpress.co..." data-large-file="https://reklinzing.files.wordpress.co..." src="https://reklinzing.files.wordpress.co..." alt="" class="wp-image-4262" width="608" height="456" srcset="https://reklinzing.files.wordpress.co... 608w, https://reklinzing.files.wordpress.co... 1216w, https://reklinzing.files.wordpress.co... 150w, https://reklinzing.files.wordpress.co... 300w, https://reklinzing.files.wordpress.co... 768w, https://reklinzing.files.wordpress.co... 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 608px) 100vw, 608px" />Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.comHow to Know if Your Writing is Improving
Your sentence structure and length vary. When your sentences become more fluid and diverse, you are definitely getting better in your writing. I love to think of the Hunger Games for this example. The author does a wonderful job of varying sentence structure. All your sentences can’t sound the same. Some can be really long. Others are very short.No overwriting!I still do this one a lot, and it’s a hard habit to break out of.Overexplaining is a sign that you still have room to grow. Trust that your readers will understand what you’re trying to say the first time you say it.You don’t use THAT unless you have toBy THAT I mean the literal word. That. My editor taught me this trick. If you don’t need to put the word THAT in a sentence, don’t.In fact, if you don’t need to put any word in a sentence, DON’T. This goes back to the concept of not overwriting.Your vocabulary fits your storySynonyms are your best friends here. You will be improving greatly if your vocabulary choices match your story genre and age level. You also want to make sure you avoid using the same word multiple times in a sentence or paragraph. Doing so will make your reading redundant and will lose your reader’s attention.Your writing feels naturalIt can take a long time to find your writer’s voice, and that’s okay.When you get to the point where your words start to feel like your own and not like the latest book you read, you are absolutely on your way to being a great writer.These are just a few ways to analyze your own writing to tell if you’re improving. I’m still working on a few of these myself, and things like finding your writer’s voice is a process that will last as long as your writing career. Don’t let it overwhelm you.
The most important thing to keep in mind is knowing yourself. Don’t get caught up on the need to get better, or to improve your writing or your craft. Focus on your story. Have fun with it. The improvement in your skills will come naturally with practice.
The best way to improve your writing is to write.
With that being said, it’s time for me to get back to editing! Until next month, happy writing!
-R.E. Klinzing
April 1, 2023
3 Summer Books Series for Kids
Hello friends!
We’re getting close to the end of the school year. Is anyone looking forward to summer as much as I am? With summer comes lots of time to read. Or not to read. I rely on summers to fly through a good book series and catch up on my To-Be-Read list while I continuously add more books to it.
Here are three book series, all for different ages and genres. If you’re looking for something new, or old, to pick up this summer, these might help you out.
1: Magic Tree House
These books are probably known in every school library and in many homes. The Magic Tree House has tons of books, too many for me to list.
In this series, you follow brother and sister Jack and Annie on their adventures. These siblings find a magic treehouse filled with books. Each book can take them into the story, taking them on wild adventures. They will make new friends, solve problems, and learn lots of things in each story.
These books are very short, with small chapters and large print for new readers. My little sister is eight years old and learning to read, and she loves these books! I remember reading them when I was little, and I loved them. These books are classics when it comes to beginner’s chapter books. Perfect for new readers or story time, these books will make reading fun and easy for kids.


2: Keeper of the Lost Cities
Keeper of the Lost Cities is a book series for middle schoolers and elementary. These are big books, but you get through them fast. A favorite of my sister, this is a fantasy series, following Sofie Foster and her friends. Sofie has never been a normal girl, but her world goes crazy when she learns she’s really an elf. Follow Sofie as she makes new friends, learns about her new magical world, and fights to save those she loves the most.
These books are fun, lighthearted, and full of adventure. With the characters’ young spirits and personalities, there will never be a dull moment. The books are written in a way that is easy to read, perfect for kids looking for a book that will really interest them and speak to their age range. Anyone who loves a fun adventure or fantasy will love these.

3: Nancy Drew Mystery Stories
Nancy Drew Mystery Stories is the series and franchise for all the Nancy Drew books. Nancy Drew is a teenage girl who loves to solve mysteries. Along with the help of her friends, Nancy solves a different mystery in each book. There are tons of adventures to choose from including ghosts, crimes, and phantoms.
These were my favorite books in fifth grade, and I could never get enough of them. If you’re looking for a similar series with a male lead character, The Hardy Boys will hit the spot. Both of these series are for middle school and up and are perfect for people looking for a mystery or suspense. Even high schoolers should enjoy these.
If you like movies, you can also find different movies on some of the Nancy Drew stories. I suggest you read the book that the movie is based on first to see the differences!
Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys series both helped inspire my ideas for the T.S.O. series, so be sure to check them out!

Well folks, there you have it! Here are three book series to check out. Let me know if you’re ready for any of them! What are some of your favorite series to binge-read?
-R.E. Klinzing
Interested in reading Finding Doom? Check it out here!
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T.S.O. Bk 3: Recruited Book Synopsis
Hello readers!
Here you have it, the book synopsis for the third book the T.S.O. series, Recruited.
Agent Z and Agent Mills have been working away at discovering what’s happening inside the Teen Spy Organization. They’ve discovered moles and traitors, people they thought they could trust who are working towards an unknown goal inside the agency. But they can’t figure it out on their own. They’re gathering a team, joining forces to defeat this unknown threat against the T.S.O. Now it’s time for a new member to join the team.
Tony Anderson never thought he was good for anything other than pulling pranks and disappointing his father. That is until he was recruited by the Teen Spy Organization to fight for something greater than himself. He heads to the T.S.O. training camp for his first year of secret agent training and finds his entire world turned upside down. He thought camp would be fun, a place to make new friends and maybe learn some new tricks. But the T.S.O. is in danger, and Agent Alexis Mills, the craziest teacher he’s ever met, insists they need his help to uncover the threats before them and to save the lives of his friends and the future of the Teen Spy Organization.
We have a returning character telling the story in this third book of the series! I’m still working on some major editing aspects of the book, but enjoy the book blurb!
Don’t forget to check out books one and two if you haven’t read them already!

T.S.O. Bk# 1 Finding Doom
Amelia Zegro wakes up in the hospital with no memory of her tragic accident. She knows it has something to do with her secret life as a teen spy. Known as Agent Z, Amelia works for the Teen Spy Organization (T. S. O). As she tries to work out the sorted details of her lost memory, she is assigned a new and dangerous case, a case that brings her on a collision course with Doom, a notorious criminal with whom she has an ominous connection. As Agent Z uncovers clues about her past, she realizes she has been looking in the wrong direction. She must decide who she can trust and uncover the truth before it’s too late. Can Amelia piece together the details in time to rewrite a wrong and stop Doom from succeeding in his plan?
Buy NowAny thoughts about what will happen next in the Teen Spy Organization? Leave your thoughts and comments below!
Until next month my friends, happy reading!
-R.E. Klinzing
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T.S.O. Bk 3 Book Blurb Coming Next Month
Hello agents!
In the past couple of weeks, editing for the third book in the T.S.O. series, Recruited, has been underway. I had a very inciteful meeting with my fantastic editor, and I’ve been working on more rewrites.
The book blurb for Recruited is almost ready!
Don’t know what a book blurb is? Any time you look up a book online, in a library, or pick one up, there will be a book blurb. This is the description that tells you what the story is about. You can find them on the back cover of a book, or for hardbacks on the inside fold.
Next month, on March 1st, I will be sending out the book blurb right here! Make sure you’re on the email list so you don’t miss it!
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Any ideas about what will happen in Recruited?
Here’s a little hint:
We have a new character, and he’s going to take the T.S.O. world by storm. You’ve met him before, and it’s time for his special debut! We’ll learn more about the Teen Spy Organization as problems arise and our heroes prepare to face them.
If you haven’t read Finding Doom or The Bayshire yet, don’t worry! Click on the links below or head to the books tab up top to learn more about the first two books in the series. (You can read either one first, but you’ve got to read both before book three comes out!)
Until next month my friends…happy reading!
-R.E. Klinzing
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T.S.O. Bk# 1 Finding Doom
Amelia Zegro wakes up in the hospital with no memory of her tragic accident. She knows it has something to do with her secret life as a teen spy. Known as Agent Z, Amelia works for the Teen Spy Organization (T. S. O). As she tries to work out the sorted details of her lost memory, she is assigned a new and dangerous case, a case that brings her on a collision course with Doom, a notorious criminal with whom she has an ominous connection. As Agent Z uncovers clues about her past, she realizes she has been looking in the wrong direction. She must decide who she can trust and uncover the truth before it’s too late. Can Amelia piece together the details in time to rewrite a wrong and stop Doom from succeeding in his plan?
Buy Now
T.S.O. Bk. #2 The Bayshire
The adventure for the agents of the Teen Spy Organization continues.
Agent Alexis Mills, stationed in Ohio, is a top agent that carries out her missions with her impressive combat skills and teaching abilities. After failing to retrieve an artifact known as the Bayshire Stone, Alexis is taken off the case, and her goal of being the Defense Tactics Instructor at the T.S.O. Training Camp might as well be thrown out the window.
To learn what went wrong and reclaim her position as instructor, Agent Mills ignores her orders and travels across the country to finish the mission on her own. But bad memories and mysterious enemies keep her on her feet as startling secrets are uncovered. Alexis must seek help in some old friends and an archenemy. Now she wonders if the T.S.O. is in danger. Several questions remain. Can Agent Mills retrieve the Bayshire Stone, be reinstated as an instructor, and finish the mission before she gets caught? Or will she lose everything?
Buy NowJanuary 1, 2023
2022 Wrap Up
Happy New Year!
2022 has come to a close, and it’s time to ring in the new year!
This past year has definitely come with challenges and heartaches, but it’s also been filled with new places, new friends, and new adventures.
Whatever 2022 looked like for you, let’s look forward to this new year with excitement. There are many opportunities in store for us, so many books to read and adventures to be had. There are stories to be written and milestones to reach.
Happy New Year, everyone!
Most popular post of 2022:
Book Review: A Writer’s Guide to Character Traits
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T.S.O. Bk# 1 Finding Doom
Amelia Zegro wakes up in the hospital with no memory of her tragic accident. She knows it has something to do with her secret life as a teen spy. Known as Agent Z, Amelia works for the Teen Spy Organization (T. S. O). As she tries to work out the sorted details of her lost memory, she is assigned a new and dangerous case, a case that brings her on a collision course with Doom, a notorious criminal with whom she has an ominous connection. As Agent Z uncovers clues about her past, she realizes she has been looking in the wrong direction. She must decide who she can trust and uncover the truth before it’s too late. Can Amelia piece together the details in time to rewrite a wrong and stop Doom from succeeding in his plan?
Buy NowDecember 1, 2022
Book Review: A Writer’s Guide to Character Traits
“What are the elements of believable characters?”
A Writer’s Guide to Character Traits, Linda N. Edelstein, PH.D.
Hello, my friends!
Ready for Christmas break? Or at least ready for finals to be over and out of the way? I know I am! Let’s start with this beautiful book and amazing writing tool everyone should have!

A Writer’s Guide to Character Traits was written by Linda N. Edelstein, PH.D. This review is for the second edition.
This book is very different from any other writing book I’ve read. It doesn’t talk about story arcs, grammar, or genres. In fact, this book has nothing to do with writing styles, but about the people in your stories. In this book, you will find answers to all of your questions about character traits, behaviors, and what influences people to do certain things. Linda Edelstein covers everything from why kids have imaginary friends to what makes someone commit a crime. This book is designed to be a quick reference when you need some inspiration or clarification for your characters and their oh-so-troubled lives.
The book is broken down into sections based on personality types, relationships, disorders, criminal types, family dynamics, and so much more.
I have never read this book cover to cover, but I’ve used it on a number of occasions. Have you read The Bayshire yet? I used this book to check the accuracy of my character’s behaviors based on their personalities and experiences. When working out the family dynamics in the mermaid trilogy I’m working on, I’ve used this book as a clutch.
One of my favorite things about this book is that it isn’t just facts and tips you can use for research, but it’s fascinating! I start looking something up in it for a story and end up just reading random sections that intrigue me.
If you’ve been reading along each month with my posts, you know I LOVE to talk about research and interesting facts I find for my books. A Writer’s Guide to Character Traits is a lifesaver! It’s a must if you love getting into the psychology of why people behave the way they do, and how you can actually apply that information to your characters. (Christmas is right around the corner…)
If you want to check out the book more, or get it for a friend, use this link here.
Happy writing, my friends, and have a wonderful winter break!
-R.E. Klinzing
Interested in reading Finding Doom? Check it out here!
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3 Reasons to Use Your School Library as a Writer
Welcome to the chilly cold air of fall! At school here in Tennessee, the air is already frosty and the grass is frozen when you wake up. Time to layer up! Coming from California, I was NOT prepared for it to get this cold so fast.
Here on campus, I’ve spent most of my time outside my dorm trying to get warm in the school library. As a writer and lover of anything that smells like an old story, the library has become one of my favorite places to relax, study, and work. I’ve used my school and public libraries as study spaces for a long time.
There is something different about school libraries though. As you know, most of their books are probably non-fiction. There is usually a research assistant on call to help you out at all times, and there are plenty of study places.
In this post, we’ll talk about how you can utilize your library as a writer and a student.
1) Research
Whether it’s for a school assignment or your latest story, research is always something you will have to do. I’ve discussed the importance of research before. Check that post out here.
School libraries will have a larger non-fiction selection available to you. As easy as it is to just Google something these days and have your answers in seconds, sometimes a physical copy of a book and some hands-on reading is what you’re going to need. School libraries are designed to help you answer those questions and research effectively.
Most libraries will also be organized by sections or topics. Once you find the general area you’re looking for, it will be easier to find tons of information relating to what you need without scanning shelves aimlessly or Googling for hours to find the crest of an ancient royal bloodline. (You never know.)
In my own writing and research, I’ve used libraries not so much to find specific answers but to familiarize myself with a topic or time period. When I’m going to write about something unfamiliar to me that I want to be able to write about better, I need to read books within the topics or genres that I’m aiming towards. (I’ve even done this for my mermaid fantasy trilogy, reading books about myth and other fictional stories to see what others have done.) Sometimes simply understanding a topic or being familiar with an era or subject is what you really need to write a certain perspective or describe a special setting. Reading books about these times, places, and people can help you create a better idea in your head of what you want to create. Doing so will also make your story more believable and more enjoyable for your readers.
2) Librarians
One of the best perks of school libraries is the librarians. Most school libraries will have research assistants, librarians, and student library assistants there to help you. I am working in my school library as a student assistant, and I love helping other students find the books they need and answering their questions. I also enjoy talking to the librarians and answering their questions about my writing.
Librarians are there to help you find the exact book you’re looking for or some books related to whatever topic you require. Some libraries will even have research assistants available to help guide you through the process of researching and finding credible sources. As a writer, help like this can always come in handy.
3) Atmosphere
Any bibliophile knows how magical a library can be. A real lover of stories doesn’t walk through the stacks and see old books. They see stories and history, and characters waiting to tell you about their lives and go on adventures with you if only you would open them up and take a look.
School libraries are built around research and learning. Because of this, you will find more group study areas for tutoring, study groups, etc. This type of environment sometimes makes it easier to focus than in your bedroom or the cafeteria. Most people in the library mind their own business and do their own thing. Study rooms are great if you need that extra level of privacy.
If you venture into the book stacks, you might even find a little spot all of your own. In my school library, I love sitting against the wall between the book stacks where people can’t see me as easily. The only people around to notice you are the characters in the books surrounding you. Whether you’re just there to read, study, or write, finding those little places in your school library will help you focus on your work uninterrupted.
Last year, I spent a lot of time in public libraries to do homework, practice my interpreting, and breathe. When I was living in the trailer with the whole family and the campus was closed because of Covid-19, and I didn’t have great internet access, I needed that safe place to study.
The public library, although often noisy and crowded with the insanity and ruckus noise of middle schoolers, was a place with good reception where I could spend some time away from the tiny trailer and get some writing and homework done. (This is when those study rooms come in handy.)
If you’re like me, it’s difficult to write and immerse yourself in your story with others around to watch you and interrupt. This is why finding those other places to work is crucial.
If you have a library nearby, and you can’t focus at home or wherever it is you write, try it out. If you’ve never used a library for research before, give it a shot. Find that place that works for you, because most of us young writers and college students don’t have our own home offices. Yet. But until then…
Happy writing!
-R.E. Klinzing
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Pexels.com" data-medium-file="https://reklinzing.files.wordpress.co..." data-large-file="https://reklinzing.files.wordpress.co..." /> 10 Horror Writers to Read this Halloween!
by R.E. Klinzing October 1, 2022
Book Review: Scythe
by R.E. Klinzing September 2, 2022
Pexels.com" data-medium-file="https://reklinzing.files.wordpress.co..." data-large-file="https://reklinzing.files.wordpress.co..." /> Welcome Back to School!
by R.E. Klinzing August 12, 2022
October 1, 2022
10 Horror Writers to Read this Halloween!
Hello readers!
Welcome to the month of October, where everyone dresses up like who they aren’t, takes candy from strangers, and celebrates with all things spooky!!! Does anyone here like a good horror story with their Reese’s and makeup?
I can’t say I’m the type of reader that always has their nose in a good scary story, but I appreciate the masterful art that comes with scaring your readers with thrills and chills that jump off the page and into your nightmares! In honor of Halloween, here is a list of ten amazing horror writers. Some of them are classics, some gear their stories towards kids and others towards adults. All ten of these authors are known for their contributions to the horror genre and the nightmares that follow their captivating thrillers.
I encourage you to click on the links to each author’s website to learn more about them and find some of their books. Some are personal websites and others are not, but all hold amazing information about the lives of these writers. Without further ado, let’s start off with a VERY famous author…
Stephen King Before Stephen King became the successful author he is today, he worked as a high school English teacher. His first novel, Carrie, was published in 1973, followed by over 50 books. Since his career as an author, he has become one of the most successful authors today.He has written dozens of novels, short stories, anthologies, screenplays, and more.One of Stephen King’s latest novels is Fairy Tale Dean Koontz Dean Koontz is known as the International Bestselling Author of Suspense. His books are published in 38 different languages, and he has sold over 500 million copies.The New York Times says his writing is “psychologically complex, masterly and satisfying.”Some of Dean’s works include the Frankenstein series, Odd Thomas, his manga/comics, and many standalone novels. H.P. Lovecraft H. P. Lovecraft is greatly known for his “weird fiction”. He past away in 1937, but his stories still live on.After growing up in a somewhat lonely and troubled life, he took to letter writing, kicking off his career as a writer.Lovecraft never actually had an actual story of his published during his lifetime other than his articles scattered through magazines and letters. After his death, they edited his work to be complete stories.Some of his fiction writings include The Alchemist, The Rats in the Walls, and Winged Death. Edgar Allan Poe Edgar Allan Poe, born in 1809, is widely known for his poems and stories of thrilling suspense. He published his first book of poems, Tamerlane and Other Poems, when he was 17. His very first horror story, Metzengerstein, was first published as a short story in the magazine he worked for, where many of his writings received complaints for being too graphic and terrifying.Edgar Allan Poe has a rich history entwined with the history of the United States and the writing profession. The Murders in the Rue Morgue is one of his most important works because it was the very first “detective story” ever written. He has written in many genres, but his contributions to the horror genre through stories and poems are what made him famous.Poe died a mysterious and dramatic death in 1849, the unfortunate yet fitting ending to the life of such a dark storyteller. John Bellairs John Bellairs (1938-1991) is the author of 15 gothic novels. One of his most well-known works is The House With a Clock in its Walls. John Bellairs wrote horror stories for kids, as he once said, “because I have the imagination of a ten-year-old.” R.L. Stine R.L. Stine is one of the most well-known horror writers today, especially when it comes to children’s fiction. He released his very first horror story, Blind Date, in 1986. He loves to scare people!One of his most famous series is Goosebumps, which he first started publishing in 1992. Goosebumps soon became a number one TV show for kids across America.His very first picture book, inspired by the birth of his grandson, is Little Shop of Monsters.Over the years, R.L. Stine has written many different children’s horror stories, and has even won 3 Emmy awards for the TV series The Haunting Hour, based on the series. Anne Rice Anne Rice has written over 30 novels, her first being Interview With a Vampire in 1976. Since her first book, she has become one of the bestselling authors of all time.Many of Anne’s works, like the Vampire Lestat saga and Feast of all Saints, have become hit movies and even led to cults!Her latest book is The Reign Osiris. Victor LaValle Victor LaValle is the author of many novels and a few comics including Slapboxing with Jesus, The Devil in Silver, and DESTROYER.His writing has received many awards including the World Fantasy Award.Victor resides in Queens, New York Neil Gaiman Neil Gaiman first started his writing career as a journalist in England. His first book was a Duran Duran biography.He is known for being one of the creators of modern comics. His works cover many genres geared towards many ages. His work as a writer has also led him down the path of writing screenplays like the TV series Neverwhere. Bram Stoker Bram Stoker is a legacy in the world of horror writing, seeing as he wrote the original Dracula.He grew up a rather sickly child, always being told horror stories by his mother when he was sick in bed.His very first book, The Duties of Clerks of Petty Sessions in Ireland, was published in 1879. His first work of fiction was Under the Sunset.Before his death at the age of 64 in 1912, Bram Stoker wrote 18 books.Well, there you have it, folks! Ten authors of mystery and suspense from Edgar Allan Poe to R.L. Stine. I can’t say I’ve read works from all of them, but their contributions to the writing world are tremendous! It takes great skills and a certain type of mind to write truly scary horror, and these authors are masters.
Share if you like to read horror or suspense, and what books are your favorite! Maybe it’s time I read one myself again.
Until next time, happy reading!
-R.E. Klinzing
Interested in reading Finding Doom? Check it out here!
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Book Review: Scythe
Hello wonderful people!
Welcome to the month of September! Let’s start this new month off with a book review!
Neal Shusterman published Scythe in 2016. It is the first book in his trilogy, Arc of a Scythe. The story is set in a distant future, completely different from today’s reality. In Scythe, everything such as disease, government, and even mortality has been abolished. Humans have figured out a way to live in a society where no one really dies, no one is ever sick, and no one lives in poverty.
Despite how dreamy a world like this sounds, not everything is perfect. Because no one dies, the Scythedom was created; a society of modern-day scythes, people tasked with the responsibility and the honor of taking lives to control the population. No one can interfere with a Scythe, and no one can really die unless a Scythe lets it be so.
The story starts when two young teens, Citra and Rowan, are taken on as Scythe apprentices under Honorable Scythe Faraday. They must learn the ways of a Scythe, how to kill (or glean) and how to live this new life. Soon after they are taken on, a new problem emerges. At the end of their apprenticeship, only one may become a Scythe, and their first order of business will be to glean the other. Despite Citra and Rowan’s worries, there is more unrest and more conflict within the Scythedom, and living in this perfect world will always come at a price.
This was a book I had on my to-be-read list for a while, even though I never knew what it was about. One day while thrift shopping, I found a copy of Scythe at an amazing price, so I bought it! It was one of the best purchases ever! I love the feeling you have when you find a new, completely captivating story unlike anything you’ve ever read. I just finished the book yesterday and knew I had to write a review about it.
Let’s take a look at the writing.
Neal Shusterman has a way of writing that puts you beside the characters. You’re in their heads without reading in a first-person perspective. The “choppy” feeling of breaks between scenes and chapters makes the story move faster than it is, adding another layer of thrill to the story without disrupting the flow of the plot.
People say there is no longer such as a thing as an original story idea, only a fresh idea. If that’s the case, this story is FRESH! I have never read a book that vividly describes a reality so similar to our own, yet so different at the same time. It makes you connect with the characters without having to know their every thought and emotion. The story almost gives you sci-fi novel vibes, but it doesn’t really feel like I can place it in that genre.
Overall, Scythe is captivating and enticing. It’s a thriller like none I have read before. It makes you stop and really think about what life would be like if we lived in a world where death was no more, and the worldly depiction of such a society is so believable it’s scary. I can’t wait to read the second book.
I would recommend this book for teens and anyone above. This read is definitely worth it!
As always, happy reading!
If you’ve read the book, put your thoughts in the comments! If not, comment anyway! I always love to know what other readers and writers think.
-R.E. Klinzing
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Welcome Back to School!
Hi readers!
Like myself, I’m guessing you’re preparing to head back to school! Whether you’re in fourth grade, eighth grade, high school, or college; attend a private school, public school, or homeschool, heading back to school is always an exciting thing.
I start school in a couple weeks myself! I’m transferring to a four-year college in Tennessee where I will continue studying American Sign Language/English Interpreting. I’ve been busy with moving across the country, packing for school, and spending as much time with the family as possible.
It’s time to gather your pens and pencils, find all your empty notebooks, and fill your backpacks! School is in session! As we go back to the books and the classes, let’s keep an open mind to the endless possibilities knowledge provides, and the infinite ideas our imaginations will conjure up.
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Happy back to school, everyone!
-R.E. Klinzing
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T.S.O. Bk# 1 Finding Doom
Amelia Zegro wakes up in the hospital with no memory of her tragic accident. She knows it has something to do with her secret life as a teen spy. Known as Agent Z, Amelia works for the Teen Spy Organization (T. S. O). As she tries to work out the sorted details of her lost memory, she is assigned a new and dangerous case, a case that brings her on a collision course with Doom, a notorious criminal with whom she has an ominous connection. As Agent Z uncovers clues about her past, she realizes she has been looking in the wrong direction. She must decide who she can trust and uncover the truth before it’s too late. Can Amelia piece together the details in time to rewrite a wrong and stop Doom from succeeding in his plan?
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