Edward Lorn's Blog, page 56

Duma Key Review

Review:

Wrap Pet Sematary in a Bag of Bones and you’ll have Duma Key. Revenants, creepy dolls, paintings that fix the broken, and enough tragedy to fill a swimming pool with tears is what you’ll find within these pages. The scene at the end with [name deleted because spoilers] is one of the creepiest heart-rending scenes I’ve read. The descriptions are so well written. It truly is masterful. The sand coming off her fingers… Well, I guess you had to have been there. Those of you who have read Duma Key will know of what I speak.

This book also has one of my favorite secondary characters ever to show up in a King novel. Wireman beats out Trashcan Man for the top honor. I like Wireman. He’s a cool dude. Moreover, I could read banter between him and Edgar all day and never get bored of it.

If you are one of those who have not felt the draw to read this book, or have never been able to finish it, I really wish you would. The level of imagination on display here is impressive. King wrote over 50 novels before this one. Keep that in mind. To still give this much of a shit about his craft after writing that many doorstops… Dude, it’s just mindboggling.

Finally, there are far too many tie-ins to the Dark Tower universe to name here (especially where the number 19 is concerned) but I feel the most important are the obvious ones. Roses pop up in a lot of Edgars paintings, and Edgar shares the same gift as Patrick, The Artist from the final book. At one point in the book, Edgar thinks of life as a wheel, and there’s mention of his daughter hearing a woman talking inside a sink drain.

For those of you hardcore Tower junkies, you can go to King’s website (link below) and check out all the times 19 shows up, or you can read the bit I copied and pasted below. Your choice.

Link: http://stephenking.com/darktower/conn…

Submitted by Zack: “There are several references to the Dark Tower Series. Edgar refers to himself as a “gunslinger” (pg 433). One of Edgar’s major works is “Roses Grow from Shells.” His ex-wife tattoos a rose onto her breast. Roses are also mentioned several times in the novel. The main antagonist wears a red robe similar to that of the Crimson King. His daughter’s name ( Ilse Marie Freemantle) has 19 letters in it. Edgar’s E-mail is EFree19 and his real estate agent’s is SmithReality9505, both of which have numbers the amount to 19, which constant readers will recognize. Along with these other “19’s”, the first big storm (or “Alice”) occurred in 1927, which when added together makes 19; and the flight he takes to Florida is flight 559. Pam’s room number is 847 which added together is 19. Edgar’s artistic abilities seem to parallel those of Patrick Danville, especially the ability to remove things from reality by drawing and then erasing them. Nan Melda loses two fingers on her right hand on a beach, which also happens to Roland Deschain at the beginning of the Drawing of the Three. Charley the Lawn Jockey (pg 568) shares the name of Charlie the Choo Choo, and the root “char,” meaning death, also echoed when Edgar thinks about having people sit in the “char” when he has to think sideways to mean “chair”. In one passage of the book, Edgar compares life to a wheel, in the sense of always coming around to the beginning, one of the main philosophies of the Dark Tower. The idea that drawings or paintings can change reality is another recurring motive.”

In summation: This book is packed with the magic of storytelling. It always surprises me when I hear King fans saying the didn’t like this one. I honestly believe it is one of his best.

Final Judgement: Art.

Original post:

edwardlorn.booklikes.com/post/1226104/duma-key-review

eRadio 8102015 Happy Monday. Smile, dammit. “Dreams ...

eRadio 8102015 

 

Happy Monday. Smile, dammit.

 

“Dreams really do come true.” ~ IZ

Original post:

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The Redbreast Review

Review:

There might be spoilers in the comments because this is one of those books you’ll want to talk about with friends.

I have it on good authority (*waves at Thomas*) that Harry Hole’s last name doesn’t rhyme with “goal”. But who are we kidding. We’re gonna laugh and snicker every time I mention Harry Hole in this review so go ahead and get it out of your systems. Harry Hole… BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Sorry to anybody I may have offended by being a dumb American. Speaking of being a dumb American, some of you might remember that, last time on E. Reviews, I said Herman Koch was Norwegian, but homedude is actually Dutch. Well, I did my research this time and I’m pretty sure that Jo Nesbø is… not Dutch. Pretty sure he’s Australian.

(I just pissed off a fuckload of people lol)

Anyballs, before we get started with this review, I’mma drop some knowledge on you. Did you know that holding your ALT key and typing 0248 will get you that nifty O with the slash through it? Here, look…

*holds ALT and types 0248*

SELF DESTRUCT INITIATED.

Well, fuck…

Okay. Balls. Um. On with the review, I guess.

There’s a damn good reason Jo Nesbø’s The Redbreast was chosen by the Gods of Literature for translation into English (Not Americanese, but actual English, as witnessed by the ‘single quotation mark’ and not the “double”. Also, there’s a bunch of U’s in places there shouldn’t be: honour, colour; and a few S’s instead of Z’s: realise and such. Have I upset enough people yet?). Yes, there are two books before this one in the Harry Hole series and they have since been translated as well, but The Redbreast was the first to be translated. No, I have not read the first two books, and from what I’ve heard you don’t have to start with them. A little birdie told me (*waves at Tigus*) that I should start with The Redbreast, because it begins a loose trilogy. And that’s what I did. I did not feel like I had missed anything. It felt like I was reading a first in a series. So how do I know that there’s a good reason The Redbreast was translated. Well, because it rocks. That’s why.

The Redbreast has multiple timelines and a large cast, so if that kind of thing dries up your nu-nu, maybe pass on this book. But if that sort of shizzle turns your underdrawers into a splash pad, well I suggest you read this motherfucker. I dig all that shit. Hopping back and forth between past and present? Mm-hm. Jumping to a different POV almost every chapter? Oh yeah, baby. Plot twists? Somebody get me a towel.

I will say that, close to the end, maybe the last fifty pages or so, I was as confused as a panda with a mirror. (Am I white? Am I black? Am I asian? Does it matter? What is life? I’m hungry, yo. Where the leaves at?) But everything became clear. I’m not going to spoil anything for you because the explanation for how the twist works is ingenious. If you read this book (or if you already have) we’ll talk in the comments. Now you know why I started the review off the way I did.

The last ten pages are grade-A thriller material. A race to the finish that had me hanging off the bed in my anxiety. But, overall, this entire book is a lot of fun. I’d definitely recommend this one to anybody who loves a well-told story.

In summation: Harry Hole is a damn fun character to run around after. I can’t wait to jump into more of his adventures. Oh, and in case you’re wondering, I gave this four instead of five because I’m leaving room for improvement. Not quite fanboying, but I can see myself leaning in that direction.

Final Judgment: This book is the bomb.

Shit, I forgot about the SELF DEST-

Hehehe… I’m so fucking cheesy. Later, guys and gals.

Original post:

edwardlorn.booklikes.com/post/1225236/the-redbreast-review

eRadio 892015 “Because a vision softly creepingLeft its...

eRadio 892015

 

“Because a vision softly creeping
Left its seeds while I was sleeping.” ~ S&G

Original post:

edwardlorn.booklikes.com/post/1223439/post

Who wants an ARC of OTHERS & ODDITIES?

My new short story collection drops soon and I’m going to need reviews. Who’s up for a copy? All I’m asking for in return is an honest review. You can comment on this post or email me at edwardlorn@gmail.com. 

 

This release will be available in ebook, trade paperback, and limited edition hardcover. The offered ARC is for the ebook version. 

 

In his first collection, WHAT THE DARK BRINGS, Edward Lorn shared stories of hope, heartache, and horror.

 

Now, Lorn returns with tales of terror, temptation, and treachery.

 

Water monsters, werewolves, leprechauns, and killer toilets are but a few of the OTHERS & ODDITIES you will find here.

 

Meet you on the other side.

 

 

Table of Contents

 

No Such Thing

Now I’ve Seen Everything

Cinder Block

Blah-Doop

The Morning Dew

The Red Door on Market Street

Full Moon Over Cedar Hill

Got Your Goat

The Scare Rows

On The Rails

Trailer

Just Short of Paradise

What Comes Around Goes Around

Crawl

Original post:

edwardlorn.booklikes.com/post/1224388/who-wants-an-arc-of-others-oddities

Reading progress update: I’ve read 379 out of 521 pages.

This damn book is gonna give me a panic attack. Nesbø makes it hard to put this book down. I hope all the books in this series are this good.

Original post:

edwardlorn.booklikes.com/post/1224373/reading-progress-update-i-ve-read-379-out-of-521-pages

Massive Book Haul From the Past Week

I got some really cool gifts and found some terrific bargains over the past week and I thought I’d share them with you guys.

 

In the category Free Swag From Friends and Publishers:

 

The Moorcocks are from Evans Light. The Fold is from my book fairy. And Armada is from Crown Publishing for review.

 

 

In the category of Less Than Fifty Cents a Piece:

 

Awesome finds at Goodwill and my new favorite thrift shop, Cherry Pickers.

 

 

In the category of Paid Full Price Because Sexy:

 

 

Okay, so the Cronin book wasn’t full price. I found it on the clearance rack at BAM. Cool part? It’s a signed first edition. Scored it for $6. Dig it.

 

In the category Bought to Sell:

 

 

 

In the category of Didn’t Get What I Paid For:

 

The seller on ebay that I purchased this from said this was in “Good” condition. Since when does “Good” condition include being held together with packing tape, cigarette burns, price-sticker residue, and missing pages?

 

 

In the category Not Book Related in the Least:

 

Never leave a ten year old and a three year old alone with the dog while you take a shower.

 

 

 

And finally, in the category of My Friends are Hilarious:

 

If you know Kelly (and the Book Boar) on Goodreads, it should come as no surprise to you that she’s the one who sent me this little gem. (Side note: I collect bookmarks, especially the weird shit people leave in their books when then trade them in to used book stores.) Thanks, Kells, I’ll cherish him forever.

 

*hugs and high fives*

 

E.

 

 

 

 

Original post:

edwardlorn.booklikes.com/post/1224241/massive-book-haul-from-the-past-week

eRadio 882015 “Come senators, congressmenPlease heed th...

eRadio 882015

 

“Come senators, congressmen
Please heed the call
Don’t stand in the doorway
Don’t block up the hall.” ~Bob Dylan

Original post:

edwardlorn.booklikes.com/post/1223437/post

The Library at Mount Char Review

Review:

The Library at Mount Char is one of the more original books I’ve read. It’s been compared to the works of Joe Hill and Neil Gaiman. Content wise, I would agree. With that being said, it’s nowhere near as well written as Hill’s books, and vastly better written than Gaiman. Love Gaiman, don’t get me wrong, but he’ll be the first to tell you that he takes minimalism to a whole new level. And Hill? Well, Hill is just the man. If you don’t fan-swoon over either of the aforementioned scribes, you’ll likely hate this book like a trip to the dentist. If you don’t like weird shit in general, you’re apt to drain your UTI onto its pages and keep right on steppin’ without a fuck shown or given.

Scott Hawkins has some fantastic ideas showcased herein. Dude has an imagination on par with Gerald Brom (The Child Thief, Krampus). Maybe a little Lovecraft thrown in because reasons. I don’t read Lovecraft but I am familiar with his mythos and there was quite a bit of that on display here. There’s even a mention of The Deep Ones (Lovecraft was… what? The Old Ones?). So, if you like Lovecraft you will probably like this far-out book. (Please don’t try and convince me that Lovecraft is fantabulous and I should consume his literature ASAP. I don’t like the guy or his writing, and that’s all I need say on the subject.)

One major complaint I had was the lack of character development. There is some tacked onto the ass end of the novel, but it felt like an afterthought. It’s as if Hawkins said, “Oh, well, we’ve come this far with these characters, I guess it’s about time to learn something meaningful about them.” What we learn is good. The problem lies in the timing. At the point the character dev drops, it really doesn’t matter if you love or loathe the characters. The meat of the book is gone and all that’s left is the juice. This last-minute character dev seemed to be the optional slice of bread with which to sop up said juice. It’s filling. It’ll hit the spot. But it’s not the same thing asmore steak.

Which brings me to the meat. Hot-fucking-damn is this book gory. If they ever manage to put to film the contents of this story we’re talking a very hard R-rating. Guts on the ceiling, testicles removed, and a metric-fuck-tonne of blood are only a few things you’ll come across. The horror fiend in me was giddier than a redneck at a Larry the Cable Guy show. You will also run into nuclear explosions and time travel. I’m telling you, sports fans, this book is fucking out there.

In summation: I know I haven’t told you shit about the plot, and I’m not going to. If you want a rundown, read the goddamn synopsis. I’m here to tell you what I liked or didn’t like about the book. Will you like and dislike the same things? Fuck if I know. Should you spend your hard-earned coin to buy this book? I don’t know. Can you afford it? Is your rent paid? Are your kids fed? Have you completed all your adult responsibilities for the month? Can you read it and return it within the seven-day grace period? Book buying like every other life choice is your decision to make as a discerning adult. I can hold your hand through the process but I can’t make you like the book. All I know, padawan, is that the force was strong with this one, and I have no idea why I just went all Star Wars on your ass. Until next time, this is Harry Potter coming at you from Narnia with some timey-wimey supernatural bullshit. Holla!

Final Judgment: If I were an adult with an income, I would buy this book.

Original post:

edwardlorn.booklikes.com/post/1223718/the-library-at-mount-char-review

Randomized Randomocity #172

I’ve come to realize that everyone who starred in the original Lethal Weapon has either died, gone crazy, or suffered career death due to stupid choices. It’s as if they were all child stars and Lethal Weapon was a Disney movie.

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edwardlorn.booklikes.com/post/1223522/randomized-randomocity-172