J.B. Garner's Blog, page 23

Starving Review: Novelty by Shann Hurst

Novelty by Shann Hurst (Amazon, Goodreads)

There are times when a dish comes into the pantry that dances around conventional cuisine classifications. They aren’t quite what has been termed ‘fusion’ dishes, but they certainly don’t conform to simple genre conventions. Novelty certainly fits this nebulous category of not really having a category and that, on the surface, certainly intrigued me with the potential of originality. Did Novelty live up that potential and, more importantly, was it tasty?

Before the taste test is finished, let us recite the Starving Review Creed:

I attempt to rate every book from the perspective of a fan of the genre
I attempt to make every review as spoiler-free as possible’

I think it did. I suppose the best way to define Novelty by taste test is that it combines elements of mystery, small-town drama, historical fiction, 80’s nostalgia, a dash of the supernatural thriller, and a strong dash of character-focused drama. The chef blends the entire contents of his spice rack together with surprising smoothness, creating a unique blend that permeates the entire dish. Certainly, for original flavors that still tempt the taste buds, Novelty is, well, novel!

With that out of the way, how does Novelty stack up in the meal quality department? Again, that same steady hand that blended all those spices has also done a good job at balancing the core elements of the literary meal. As one might expect from a book that uses elements of character-focused dramas, the characters, a rather large cast, represents a real strong point in this recipe. Even characters that look to be purposefully cardboard archetypes turn out to have surprising depths and the meal excels when it lets these characters do their thing.

The plot likewise is well-crafted but is deeper on theme than on the mystery plotline. This may be on-purpose, as every character involved in each element of the mystery has a hand as a point-of-view character, but it is an element that doesn’t quite rise in the baking. Still, the pace is spot-on, especially balancing such a sizable cast, and this criticism is a fairly minor one.

Where this recipe truly excels is in exploring its thematic elements. One of the primary themes is in the title itself, and there are several other related thematic elements that I would wish to avoid speaking of due to SPOILERS. What I will say is that Novelty explores these things with a subtle touch, but not one so light that the themes are lost in the other spices and flavors. I especially enjoyed the use of the place and time, including historical events of the time, to highlight and add to these themes. Clever touch that again highlights the power of research in writing.

So, in the end, where does Novelty sit on the dining room table? Well, Novelty is quite a novel dish, mixing a wide variety of spices and genres to form a rather delightful meal with surprisingly deep themes! I would definitely recommend this particular dish to someone looking for something a bit unique, or especially enjoys books with large casts and character-focused narratives. Also, I think someone with a lot of 80s nostalgia might get a kick just out of some of the references to that decade, especially when they become plot important.

FINAL VERDICT: ***** (A truly novel dish, mixing a wide variety of spices and genres to form a meal with surprisingly deep themes!)

Writing Is A Bad Habit: Don’t Talk Down To Anyone! a.k.a. Respecting the Reader

You might notice, my literary foodies, that so much of what we do as authors revolves around the reader.  I don’t think I need to outright state why that is.  Well, no, I believe I should, because I’d hate to start a discussion without being clear about the most critical core concept of said discussion.  We cater to the reader because the key, core, primary purpose of any work of fiction is to entertain the reader.

Yes, there are often many other purposes, meanings, and deeper concepts behind our craft, but it doesn’t change this primary purpose.  No matter what we wish to teach, what themes we explore, or what other agendas we may be pursuing, the baseline criteria of success remains entertainment.  So, to that end, we strive to keep the readers happy and engaged with our works.  One key element of this eternal quest that is sometimes left by the wayside is the concept of ‘respecting the reader’.

While I want to avoid a recursive definition, in the end, respecting the reader means just what it says.  We, as authors, must always remember that our readers are independent minds and are often as smart, possibly smarter, than ourselves.  We must treat the reader as a guest in our fictional worlds, not as an intruder and not as a child.

In the simplest examples I can think of, we can look at your typical fantasy world.  In such a construct of imagination, we may feel that we have to minutely explain every new concept that exists.  Part of this feeling is justified and necessary, hence the need for smart exposition.  At the same time, though, we must have faith in and respect the imaginations of our readers.  Not every minute aspect and detail must be told to them.  They’re smart, they can fill in blanks, and they can apply their real-world experiences to smooth over gaps.  Don’t treat your reader as a fool and you will earn their respect.

This also plays along with reader engagement as well.  Treating them as idiots and wasting time with needless minutae bores them, while making them think and use their imaginations engages them and stimulates them on a mental level deeper than simple info-dumps.  This is a vital a concept to more down-to-earth genres like mysteries and contemporary dramas as it is to the far-flung realms of fantasy and sci-fi.

This also applies to the flip-side of such scenarios.  Expecting the readers to be able to figure out things they simply could not, such as presenting a mystery whose clues are never revealed, is equally insulting.  It is akin to inviting a guest into your home for a party, then brushing them off after confining them to a small corner room.  They can hear the party-goers enjoying themselves in the other room, but are kept out of the fun.

This only scratches the surface of reader respect.  There are many ways to earn their respect and each carries with it the opposite way to throw that respect away.  Judging your level of reader respect may be very hard to do on your own, being so close to your own work, so this is one of the many areas where having a wide range of beta readers can help you with.

At the end of the day, remember, like with all other forms of respect, a good rule of thumb is to treat your readers in a way you would expect to be treated reading your favorite author.  Between that, common sense, and following the guidance of your beta readers, you can be an author who welcomes the rest of the world to share their vision!

Until next time, good reading, good writing, and good luck!

Monday Musings: You Deserve a Sneak Peek Today!

Yes, things have been rough lately.  Holidays, work, more work, large objects to my face (glasses go boom!), and more!

Still, though, the words have continued to pour from my pen.  My latest novel WiP,  the fantasy mystery romance post-magical-apocalypse film noire tale with some cyberpunk influences that I did a first sneak peek of HERE, is rapidly winding to the conclusion of the first draft.  I’ve had some wonderful alpha readers urging me on and calling me out when they need to, and I feel really good about this.  So, with that said, how about we get a little bit more, something to wet your appetite for what’s to come.  Remember, this is still the rough first draft with only minimal editing.  Still, I think you might enjoy it!

From A Visitor’s Guide to the Walled City by Eve Torrent, wind tour guide:

The City Watchtower is perhaps one of the best landmarks one can use in the City, as it is the only structure that runs through all five layers of the City. However, considering the stern stonework and terse nature of the Watch itself, it is something best viewed from a distance as opposed to a tour of its interior.

From a Watch missive from Inspector Hors Blackfoot to Magistrate Kennin Tsu:

While I understand that a Watchperson’s personal affairs are not the business of the Watch, assuming there is no unlawful behavior, I still express to you that a further investigation of Junior Inspector Redmane is in order. I have no evidence of illegal actions, but there are multiple accounts of personal affairs that would tarnish the Watch’s sterling reputation with the populace. Please allow me an audience at your earliest convenience to present said accounts to you.

From the journal of Inspector Vela Redmane, 14 Octavian 736 PC:

A cup of hot tea and a cigarillo hadn’t been enough to completely quiet my nerves and the wait in the Chief Inspector’s office wasn’t helping. Instead of sleeping in a soft, feather mattress warmed by a beautiful man or maiden (or perhaps both), I had gotten what sleep I could on the lumpy cot in the Tower’s alchemy lab, in between tests on the crystal from the crime scene. I needed a perfect piece of evidence to show that I had what it took to take this case.

This was, after all, my first chance at a murder investigation, one I had personally been on the scene for, and my fate was in the hands of a new Chief Inspector (Verdigan Feathers, previously of the Fifth Ward) and my own personal infamy. If that wasn’t all, Feathers, a broad chested wing-folk of maybe fifty years, walked into the office alongside Inspector Blackfoot, my old ‘friend’. My nerves came back with a vengeance.

“Redmane,” the Chief offered as way of greeting. “I don’t think we’ve had the pleasure.”

I choked down my nerves and stood up straight at attention. “No, sir, Chief. It is an honor to have a chance to serve under you.” In hindsight, the proper stance did put some of my best physical assets forward.

Blackfoot, his usual smug look plastered on his muzzle, fell into line next to me. “Vela, glad to see you awake this early, especially after an off day.”

“Duty never stops, no matter how much we might crave a rest, Hors.” I didn’t turn to face him, instead focusing on Chief Verdigan. I had seen him from a far a few times this past week, but I never had the chance before then to notice how handsome his beaked face was or the glossy brown of his feathers. Remarkable for a man of his years. “You wanted to see me, Chief?”

The Chief made no remark about our little exchange, focusing instead on business. “Indeed. I understand you were at the establishment in question when our murder happened.”

“Yes, Chief,” I nodded and took that as leave to enter into a recounting of the events of the previous evening, leaving out only some particular bits of inner commentary. I didn’t need to reinforce any slander Hors may have barked into Verdigan’s ear holes.

I’ll grant Hors this much: when it came to the actual case, he was all business. Certainly, a few of his questions in regards to my recollections seemed focused more towards my own reasons for being at the Scale as opposed to the case, but none of them were out-and-out off-topic. Again, our new Chief didn’t call down Hors for his insinuations, but he also didn’t give them any attention, simply bulling through to continue with the meat of the matter.

“The corpse is already in the custody of the Watch surgeons, Chief Inspector,” I concluded. “With any luck, we can confirm the cause of death and perhaps identify the man within a day or two.”

“Very good, Junior Inspector,” Hors offered, emphasizing the ‘junior’. Many had expected him to take over for the old Chief when he retired and Blackfoot certainly acted as if that had been the case. “I should be able to -”

“Quiet, Blackfoot,” the Chief snapped. The look I caught on Hors’ face out of the corner of my eye was priceless. “Redmane, I know this is a non-standard affair, but there’s nothing better than a strange case to cut your teeth on.”

“Chief Inspector, I would be -”

“Verdigan, you can’t be serious!” Hors’ lips were curled up in controlled anger, so much so that I could see his canines. “With such an affluent victim, no doubt a noble, we can’t let an untested rookie make a mockery of the Watch.”

I fought the temptation to punch Hors in the muzzle, not that it would do much to that craggy jaw, but still turned on my heels towards the bastard. Before I could get a stinging tirade out, Verdigan had gotten to his taloned feet and slammed his palms onto the desk.

“You’re out of line, Hors,” he screeched, loud enough to send my ears flat against my skull. “You’re not Chief Inspector, I am.”

Hors is quite the stickler for the rules and a reminder of his place in the system was all it took to put the Wallmaker devoted down. Lowering his gaze, Hors muttered a brief apology and forced himself back into attention.

“No matter what I hear around the Watchtower about Redmane here, I only see the records. An exemplary conviction record, top marks at the bow range, and an extensive background in alchemy. No ethics violations, no time spent in the Gaols, nothing to hold this young woman back.” The Chief sat back down as I tried not to swell too much with pride. “Give me one good reason, one solid bit of evidence why Vela shouldn’t be put on this case.”

Hors shifted from foot to foot before relenting, his ears drooping along with his tail. “I apologize, Chief Inspector, I have nothing. I was only concerned about the Junior Inspector’s lack of experience with being in charge of a full-blown investigation.”

“I respect your concerns, Inspector,” I said, deciding on a diplomatic course. “Believe me, though, in that I have been preparing for this moment for moons now.” That was the moment I chose to present the facts I had uncovered this morning in the lab. “In fact, I spent this morn analyzing the crystal found at the crime scene. Perhaps my insights might put the Inspector’s mind at ease with your decision, Chief.”

“Go ahead, Redmane,” Verdigan said with a wave of his taloned fingers.

Digging the purple crystal out of my pocket, I held it up so it would catch the light of the Celestial Sphere shining through the narrow windows of the office. “This crystal, found in the fireplace, still held a lingering essence of magic inside of it. Alchemical analysis showed that the essence was tuned to a very specific type of evocation magic.”

Magic wasn’t Hors’ field of expertise, so it was no surprise when he looked a bit lost. “What does that mean precisely?”

“Evocation is a field of magic that focuses on the spontaneous creation of forces, such as heat, cold, or raw force,” the Chief rattled off as if by rote, a testament to his experience. “Most direct combat spells are evocations.”

“Exactly,” I nodded. “As I said, though, this crystal was very finely tuned to transmit an evocation of sound. If I were to hazard a guess – which I will – this crystal more specifically transmitted a magical song or maybe even a single musical note.”

“I’ve heard of magical music before,” Hors said, scratching under an ear, “but I can hardly believe a song or a note of music to kill a man, especially like that.”

“Don’t be so quick to judge, Inspector.” Verdigan spread his hands wide. “There are plenty of creatures in the Wilds that can do all manner of evil with their songs. Think back to your Dangerous Monsters classes in the academy.”

To add to the Chief Inspector’s point and twist Hors’ nose, I added examples. “Sirens, harpies, banshees, those are just the start of the list. Sorcery could duplicate any of those songs and many more. That alone is a lead, as magical music isn’t a common pursuit. Add to that the fact this was a sympathetic link to the sorcerer or beast responsible, something that can be tracked with the right divinations, and we have a potential major break in the case out of the gate.”

Hors let out a sharp breath, signaling a capitulation in this particular struggle. “I see. And I suppose I also have had my concerns put to rest. For now.”

“You honor me with your vote of confidence, Inspector.” I offered Hors a proper salute. From the strangled look on his face, you would have thought I had taken him to the ground in a scandalous embrace. While tempting, Hors, no matter his rugged looks, was not my type. As it says in The Song of Myrien, beauty goes far deeper than the skin.

“Good,” Verdigan said. “With this settled, the case is all yours, Redmane. Let me or Inspector Blackfoot know of any and all additional resources you may need.” The problem sometimes with winds was reading their expression. It’s not like a beak can smile. Yet I hoped I properly heard the satisfaction in Chief Inspector Feathers’ voice when he finished with, “Make the Watch proud, Inspector.”

Book News: A Sale Ends But Life Goes On!

Unfortunately, with the end of the Black Friday weekend, the Amazon.com sale on The Opening Bell is over, including the reduced 99 cent price tag.  It moves up to its full price of $6.99 and, as any other offers or promotions crop up, I’ll let you know!  However, with this, you can now read The Opening Bell as part of the Kindle Unlimited program, so check it out!

Also, the Goodreads giveaway entries end tonight at midnight, so this is your last chance to get yourself a free copy if you missed the Black Friday sale!

Now, on to your regularly scheduled Monday Musings!

Starving Review: A Fairy Extraordinary Christmas Story by A. J. York

A Fairy Extraordinary Christmas Story by A. J. York (Amazon, Goodreads)

Good morning, my literary foodies!  No doubt you stagger to your computer or tablet, gorged on Thanksgiving turkey (if you’re a United Statesian that is), eager to get another slice of literary pie.  Fortunately, I have just the perfect little tidbit of holiday joy, just enough to fill you up but not leave you bloated!

Before we get to it, let’s sing the Starving Review Canto:

I attempt to rate every book from the perspective of a fan of the genre
I attempt to make every review as spoiler-free as possible

AFECS is a short treat, but it’s a delightful one.  Just as the tale is a brief one, my review will be equally so, but in this case it is a good thing.  Sometimes short and sweet is the best way to go!

Aimed at middle-grade children, AFECS manages first and foremost to touch on something that is hard to capture in a meal for kids, and that is a true sense of wonder.  I know that isn’t a very concrete element, but it’s an important one to help a dish transcend its normal boundaries.  What I mean to say is that, despite its intentions, the story managed to resonate strongly with me, despite my nearly forty years on the planet.

What we essentially have here is a modern Christmas fairy tale in the old sense of the term.  It doesn’t talk down to the children who may be reading it, but it doesn’t try to position itself as something more urbane or worldly.  This gives it a feeling of timelessness and that is crucial for this kind of tale to be more than just a momentary distraction for any reader, young or old.

If you’re a parent looking to add a new holiday treat to your childrens’ literary world, I can say no more than A Fairy Extraordinary Christmas Story is a delightful Christmas cookie, festooned in timeless wonder!  Even if you have no children of your own but have an interest in fairy tales or simply still keep your child-at-heart well-fed, you can do no better than to add this to your holiday reading plate.  Bravo!

FINAL VERDICT: ***** (A delightful Christmas cookie, festooned in timeless wonder!)

Book News: Thanksgiving Freebies! a.k.a. Get Them While You Can!

So I do have a little time this happy Thanksgiving to not only wish all of you who celebrate (and those who don’t) a joyful and loving day!  Also to tell you that you can get two of my books for free right now!

 

Get The Opening Bell, my premiere book with California Times Publishing, for FREE on Amazon.com!

Also, you can get Indomitable, the first book of The Push Chronicles for FREE on Smashwords!

Grab them while you can, because you can never know when things change!

 

General News: Happy Thanksgiving!

With the press of the holiday this week, I must preempt this week’s Writing Is A Bad Habit.  Never fear though!  There will be a fresh Starving Review on Friday with things returning to normal next week!

Until then, good reading, good writing,  and good luck!

What Day Is It Musings?: Jessica Jones Is Awesome!

Ugh.  My schedule is so disrupted that my Monday Musings are still not quite being so Monday-ish.  Still, we soldier on!

First a quick little bit of news.  Expect convention news to start popping up.  Things are finally being finalized for at least two con stops next year.  When I have the last details, I’ll let you know!

Second, Jessica Jones is a truly amazing television show, quite possibly even better than Daredevil was earlier this year.  It’s a compelling story about abuse, superheroics at the street level, and relationships.  Watch it now, if you have Netflix!  You won’t be disappointed!

Review: Dalliance by K. Morris

jbgarner58:

Here’s an early morning review reblog from Books and Messy Buns. Enjoy!

Originally posted on Books and Messy Buns:

Book Rate: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

Review:

I consider every review to be very subjective but the experience of reading poetry, for some reason, seems to be even more related to each individual reader rather than an “audience” of readers. It is probably for this reason that my review of Dalliance will differ quite a bit from the excellent reviews it received on goodreads.

I read Dalliance in two different afternoons while enjoying a cup of tea. That’s also what I suggest you to do if you decide to read this book.

Dalliance was a little surprise box, I never knew if the next poem or flash prose would have any meaning at all to me. Some of them had the same effect on me as reading an instruction manual, others made me smile and others blew my mind (in a good way, no doubt about that)!

My only conclusion about K. Morris’…

View original 147 more words

Book News: GIVEAWAY! a.k.a. There’s Still Time!

Just to remind you good people (or tell you for the first time, it’s hard to remember today), my publisher is running a giveaway for The Opening Bell through Goodreads.  You still have 9 days to enter for a chance to win a brand-spanking new copy!

Head on over to throw your name in the hat!