BOTB2

12/31 - So the holidays are busy. Hard to find time to write my book, let a lone my blog. I didn't realize my last post was on the first, though I appreciate the symmetry.

Another chapter under my belt. Turned out better than I hoped. I'm nearing the end of this book - at least, the first draft. Then it's on to peer editing, second guessing, and a torrent of rewrites. And the cover, but that should go smooth.

I promised a series review in my last post. Not only am I am man of words, but a man of my word, so here goes.

The Legend of Drizzt by R. A. Salvatore - it's awesome.

And that's why they pay me the big bucks!

But seriously, it was a wonderful series to grow up with, partially because I read slower than a turtle and it takes me a year to read a book, so by the time I finished one volume, the next was available. It was like a nonstop adventure.

The more important aspect of the series is how Salvatore takes the reader along for the journey by developing endearing friendships between the Companions of the Hall. He enables the reader to see the world through Drizzt's eyes, which causes one to consider the same themes and issues in our own world. Salvatore tackles issues like racism, politics, and religion without being biased or preachy. It was thought provoking, which I believe is or should be one of the main goals of sci-fi/fantasy novels.

Also, Drizzt is the greatest swordsman ever, which you might think would be an eye-rolling, over-the-top stereotype, but since Drizzt never saw himself that way, and shunned the very notion of such fame, it made him endearing. I especially loved the ongoing respect/hate rivalry between him and his nemesis Artemis Entreri.

I'm not claiming that it's the greatest series ever written - mostly because it would be impossible to make that kind of claim about anything that's based on subjectivity and opinion - but it will always be one of my favorites, no matter what. If you're looking for something new, or can read at light speed and want to slip something into your hectic schedule, I highly recommend it. And if you end up being disappointed, well just hunt me down and take a lead pipe to my knees.

I'll share some of my other favorite books/series going forward.

2016 should see the release of volume 2, which is exciting, at least for me. And if you'd like to ask me questions about volume 1 or offer any constructive criticism, feel free to email me at: worldofcyfandir@gmail.com. Go on; I dare you.

Saw The Force Awakens on the 26th. It was good, bad, satisfying, disappointing, relieving, and 30 years too late all at the same time. That being said, J. J. Abrams is pretty amazing, even if he's struggling to succeed in a post-apocalyptic world where there's no more Firefly.

On the bright side, I'm still holding out hope for the three-hour epic masterpiece, Star Wars Episode X: The Capture, Torture, and Slow Dismemberment of Jar-Jar Binks. It's sure to be a box office record breaker for all time.