Patricia Hamill's Blog: I read too much!, page 6

Epic Fantasy Review: Path of Daggers (Wheel of Time #8) by Robert Jordan

The Path of Daggers by Robert Jordan

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Ok, this one was good, but it took me forever to get through it. Longer than normal, even for one in this series. And, I have decided I don't like this one quite as much as I remembered liking it.

What I like is that we get more of Egwene being awesome. The story still tries to take on way too many subplots, but that's just part of the experience. There are some great battles, lots of danger and a good deal of Rand. As for Rand, he's kind of a mess in this one. Cadsuane is stalking him, just enough to keep him on edge, and he's trying to deal with politics and with the invasion. All of this while trying to deal with the power gone strange and a growing difficulty catching it. He cannot show weakness because his so called allies are waiting for any opportunity to take him out of the picture.

I wish there was more time spent with the Aiel, but we mostly get Shaido in this book, not much of the good Aiel with their funny ideas and interactions. Still, it's interesting.

As for things I don't like, I don't particularly care for Perrin in this story, or Faile. We get too much of them, but I acknowledge that this building of their story is a necessary set up for the next book, which features their plight quite a lot. I also don't care for how Matt's story is essentially dropped. I know he'll be back, but not in this book.

Overall, I love this series and really like this installment. People who liked previous books in this series will like this one. Readers who haven't gotten into the series by now probably won't suddenly find themselves liking this book.



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Finished with another book, or am I?

Yesterday I wrapped up a very promising 3rd draft of last year's NaNoWriMo story, The Freeze. I had that feeling, that I'm done feeling. A rush of emotions. Happiness, relief, but then doubt and weariness.

Why?

Because one thing I've learned since I started self-publishing is that when you think you're finished, you're usually wrong. No, take that back, you're definitely wrong, particularly if you are celebrating finishing your final draft.

So, you might ask, what's left to do? Continue reading...

YA Dystopian Review: The Sending by Jandy Salguero

The Sending by Jandy Salguero

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Great story.

The Sending is a YA Dystopian featuring a bit of romance and some sci-fi mixed with magic. Daneel is new to the city, attending school as is required for all citizens of Senitha, though his greatest aspiration in life is to raise a family and run a farm. Mara is a young assassin raised with just one goal in mind, to destroy the one man who threatens what little civilization remains after the great war.

The thing I like most about this story is how Mara and Daneel come together despite their backgrounds. I enjoy stories like this where people have to look past what society tells them they must do and make their own decisions. This wasn't so applicable to Daneel, but it was central to Mara's development. She was raised to be an assassin, brainwashed, but still not so far gone that she isn't open to new information. What makes it interesting is that she feels guilty about letting her conscience intervene.

I also like how easy it is to read this story, though we are kind of dropped right in the action up front. The plot is straightforward, though not everything is explained. I'm not sure about the ending. It's kind of a mix between cliffhanger and fully resolved story. It all depends on how you look at it. There's room for more, but if the assumptions made by the characters are true, then perhaps that's a wrap. Going by the fact this story is labeled Volume 1, I'm assuming that there's more and that things are going to get dicey in Volume 2.

I didn't quite buy into the romance, mostly because it's fueled by something Mara and Daneel cannot explain. The bond between them is incredibly strong, but it isn't based on deeper things like mutual respect, knowing each other, or even liking each other. Love seems to be tossed into the mix, at least from one of them, but I was left wondering how such a thing can really have developed? The deep connection they share could lead to love, but love is more than attraction, particularly under the strain of fighting for survival. The romance isn't really resolved at the end of this book, though it might seem like it is without considering what we are left with.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story. The pacing is good, there's plenty of action, and there are just enough open-ended questions at the end to lead into the next volume without leaving the reader unsatisfied at the end of the first one. I would recommend The Sending to those who like YA Dystopian with a touch of romance, sci-fi, and magic. The story could probably be read as a standalone, but personally I'd like to read more.

I found this book on Amazon during a free promotion.



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PNDS: Post NaNoWriMo Depression Syndrome

Yeah, I made that up. But, here's the thing, maybe it should be a real thing. Every time I finish a story, particularly for NaNoWriMo, there's this huge surge of euphoric accomplishment. Yay, I did it! Look, I made it!

And then PNDS hits. A void has formed where once the story lived, not just were the story held my attention, but where it lived. The characters, the setting, the trials, now nothing but a vacuum in my heart. I miss them, and I find myself trying to fill that space with other things: trying to read all the books I set aside, writing blog posts (or mostly just looking at a blank page trying to recapture the magic that created an entire novel, and failing), watching movies. Anything to fill that void.

The effect seems worse after NaNoWriMo, probably because of the tight deadline, the all consuming trial of compressing what normally takes months into just days. The creative abandon, the rush of seeing a story come to life so quickly. So much energy put in, and then it's just gone. The energy is still there, the urge to write, but the story is finished.

It's odd and pervasive. How can finishing a story be such a downer? And really, the only thing I can do about it, the only thing that really works, is to start another. Maybe that's why I have a backlog of drafts that need editing. Editing is great, but it's not the same as writing. It doesn't fill that void.

Luckily, though, the effect seems short lived. The result is another story started or long put off editing kicked into overdrive. I just have to push through a rough week or so after the story wraps while I ask myself, "What now?"

So, I'm curious. How do you feel after finishing a story, or any big project, really? Let me know in the comments.

Woot, 2014 NaNoWriMo Target Hit!

I am thrilled, to say the least. Finished with eight days to spare and two thousand more words than I'd estimated. Whew!  Now, to rest for a little while and think up an nice ending for the story. Final battle and narrow escape, all good. Now to draw the conclusion.



No idea when I'll publish this...

NaNoWrimo 2014: Day 21

Who all's playing along for NaNoWriMo this year? How are you doing?

Me? Well, I'm not too shabby. I've taken a few days off writing for my story, but I'm at 39k words, so I figure I can afford it.

That being said, my plans for this weekend pretty much revolve over at least hitting the 50k mark if not actually writing THE END.

I think my book has somehow transformed from a fantasy girl vs. dragon book to something a little more romancy. Is that a word? Nevermind.

Anyway, still having fun and I've actually jotted down some notes to use this weekend. *gasp*

That is rare for me. I prefer to just write and then let the story brew in my mind when I'm not writing.

Ok, so I think this proves my 1am blog posts aren't the most brilliant. I'm off to bed and hopefully I'll knock out 5 or 6k words tomorrow.

And, for those of you writing a book this month, keep it up and good luck!

Martial Arts Fantasy Review: Clash of the Clans: Shinobi 7 Companion Book #1 by L. Benitez

Clash of the Clans: Shinobi 7 Companion Book #1 by L. Benitez

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Lighthearted and funny...Highly recommended

This companion story for Shinobi 7 is a quick jump over to an alternate timeline where war never erupts, but Sector 7 still forms and the characters are essentially the same. With the war out of the picture, the story focuses on another kind of conflict, a tournament of the clans. Having read Shinobi 7, I loved being back in the world and experiencing it in such a purely enjoyable fashion.

As someone who practices Karate, I found both the tournament and the crazy way things play out delightful. Not only is the event entertaining, it's also a rather accurate representation of a martial arts tournament. I also enjoyed picking out the Japanese terms that are worked into the story. There's just enough context to make them easy to work out, but not enough to make them seem instructional.

As for the characters, I love, absolutely love, Luna. So cute and hyper, her childish logic is infallible even under the stern watch of the judges. And Kuroi, as gruff as ever, yet still facing a challenge that makes him doubt himself. These two are my favorite, but each point of view is interesting. I also liked some of the main villains of Shinobi 7 make an appearance as judges.

I honestly can't think of anything I didn't like, though I did wonder what might have motivated everyone to join the Kitsune Clan without the tragedies spawned by the war. Some of it matches up to Shinobi 7, but the split in the timeline is mostly vague. Still, I didn't worry much about it. In fact, as a standalone, the back story is fine.

Overall, I loved this story. The characters are wonderful and the story kept me smiling and, at times, outright laughing. I so wish I could write about my favorite part, but that would spoil it. I highly recommend Clash of the Clans to anyone who likes martial arts, youthful exuberance, and a bit of fantasy. This is a quick read and won't spoil Shinobi 7 if you haven't read it yet.

I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.




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Political Thriller Review: The Zero Game by Brad Meltzer

The Zero Game by Brad Meltzer

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The Zero Game is an action-packed, yet disturbing, political thriller. Matthew and Harris have been playing a game, one that seems harmless. Place your bids, sneak a bit of trivial legislation onto a bill, and collect your winnings. A victimless crime, until one of the players ends up dead. Soon one of the players finds himself playing a new game. One of life and death.

I must say I really liked this book. I found the pace quick and the story intriguing. Twists and surprises, chases and narrow escapes, all move the story forward and keep the reader engaged. I also enjoyed learning about day to day life in the government. The author has definitely done his homework.

I also liked that the story isn't burdened with an unnecessary love connection. The main character and the young page who finds herself on the run with him are focused on surviving. All in all, the relationship between them is realistic for the situation they find themselves in. The story is good enough on its own merits without cluttering it with romance.

I'm not one to seek out political thrillers, preferring fantasy, sci-fi or the occasional dystopian. But, this was a present from my dad. He's been telling me about it for some time, wanting to talk about it but not wanting to spoil it. I look forward to a long spoiler-filled discussion with him the next time we talk.

I highly recommend The Zero Game to fans of political thrillers. It's well-written, insightful and exciting.






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Epic Fantasy Review: A Crown of Swords (The Wheel of Time #7) by Robert Jordan

A Crown of Swords by Robert Jordan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


A quick read, compared to some of the others in the series. I think it's still in the realm of the middle books where folks tend to lose interest in the series and stop reading, but I had no such trouble. Much of the action in this book occurs in Cairhien and Ebou Dar, following the divergent paths of Rand, Min, Nynaeve, Elayne and Avienda.

As always, my favorite character is Matt, mostly because he's the wild card. I also like that he finds himself both the victim and master of chance. It works out in interesting ways. Fate is fickle when Matt's around, and the swings are often surprising. My second favorite character in this book is Nynaeve. She is a complex woman, both mature and petty, strong and vulnerable, and I always enjoy getting glimpses into her head and watching her through the eyes of her closest companions. This book provides an important stepping stone in her growth and development.

The bad guys are also cool, and a new one seems to have entered the mix. A bad guy worse than the Forsaken. It makes for a good story, but then again, another character? It's one of the infuriating things about the Wheel of Time books. More characters than you can absorb and remember in one reading.

Rand on the other hand is less likeable in this one. He's uber mistrustful, arrogant, and careless. Just not all that nice of a guy, which is a shame because he started off as my favorite in the early books and the overarching plot hinges on him. Still, he's not completely lost. There are glimmers, but they are being buried by his growing madness, and it isn't pretty while that's going down.

Overall, I love the series and this book ranks high for me. Not as high as The Eye of the World (#1 and always my favorite), but good. I recommend this book to fans of epic fantasy, but I caution, as always, that if you didn't like the first few books in the series, you probably won't find this one any more likable. People tend to gather in the extremes for these books, and having read them over and over again, I fall into the pile of those who love it.



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Epic Fantasy Review: Lord of Chaos (The Wheel of Time #6) by Robert Jordan

Lord of Chaos by Robert Jordan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Alright, somehow I almost forgot to review this one properly. This isn't my most favorite of the Wheel of Time books, but I still love it, though while reading I tend to swap between liking and disliking it. For example, I particularly dislike what happens to Rand in this one, but I love the way Jordan handles his descent into madness. I dislike what the Aes Sedai do to Egwene (or at least why), but I love how she handles it. I think the bickering is a bit over the top, but it's also amusing to me.

Lots of folks seem to dislike how the women in this story behave, and they're right to do so. They are egotistical; they are disrespectful to each other and particularly to men; and they are petty. They are also strong. They persevere. They grow and try to be better. In other words, they are human, and that's interesting.

Just like in previous installments, this is a massive book. I am glad I have it in paperback because it helps to be able to see how much is left. I got to a point where I thought I was done and still had 200 pages left. That's normal for Wheel of Time books.

Overall, I love this book and this series. I recommend the series to folks who love epic fantasy, including all the detail and description the genre tends to have. However, if you haven't enjoyed the series up to this point, I don't think there's much chance you'll like this book. Then again, if you've made it this far, why not finish?




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