Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction
Setting: On a shattered planet with unique geological properties.
First Sentence: I opened my leg and dug around inside, trying to figure out what was wrong with the blasted thing.
This novel is the first in a series of Driftmetal books which currently runs to four novels.
This is a very different novel. The author has created a unique world. Unfortunately, he has not, in my opinion, provided enough exposition for the reader to understand this world. It just seemed to me that the book needed some editing help to polish off the prose and improve the storytelling.
The plot seemed a little muddled. It was hard to understand at the beginning, but improved by the end of the book.
The story seemed to be about the main character, an augmented, synthetic human, helping some primies, actual real humans, to recover some stolen gravstone ore from some law lovers. There are some twists and turns along the way. And, in the end there is little plot resolution since this is the first in a series of four books.
I read the whole book. Fortunately it was short. I probably won't read any more books in the series.
Here's a cheat sheet for some of the vocabulary in this novel:
Driftmetal - a type of mineral that rises rather than falls when released.
Gravstone - a type of mineral that falls when released - very valuable.
Techsouls - synthetic, augmented humans.
Primatives - primies, actual real humans.
Civs - the Civil Regency Corps - law enforcement marshals.
Law Lovers - relatively honest, law abiding people.
The Churn - a place where gravstone and driftmetal circulates in a kind of maelstrom.
Floaters - islands in the sky not attached to the planet, the only real place to live on this planet.
Showing posts with label Fantasy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fantasy. Show all posts
Sunday, November 8, 2015
Sunday, June 7, 2015
The Golden Princess by S. M. Stirling
Genre: Fantasy
Setting: In a post apocalyptic version of Earth where the laws of physics have been altered. Some modern technology does not work, and some types of magic work.
First Sentence: Orlaith Arminger Mackenzie bore the first unlit torch forward to her father's pyre as the sun touched the low mountains to the West.
This novel is the fourteenth book in Stirling's Novels of the Change series. In this series something profound has altered the basic structure of Earth. Most modern technology, such as electricity, the internal combustion engine, and firearms no longer function. Most of humanity has died. Those that do survive must live in a manner reminiscent of the middle ages.
In the last seven novels of the series, Rudi Mackenzie and a group of mostly young adult knights and warriors travel across North America in search of a magic sword: The Sword of the Lady. Along the way they encounter the evil CUT sorcerers. Rudi uses the power of the sword to rally the kingdom to fight their evil enemy.
The last novel of the series, "The Given Sacrifice", looked to be the final grand battle between good and evil. Unfortunately, that book was a disappointment.
This novel is a reboot of the series. It's up to the next generation to go on a quest and fight evil. Rudi's daughter, Orlaith, is now the wielder of the Sword of the Lady. With her is Reiko, the young Empress of Japan.
Together, Orlaith and Reiko gather a group of mostly young adult knights and warriors to search for a magic sword. This is the fabled Grass-Cutting sword of Japan. Apparently, the sword is hidden somewhere in the desert east of the dead city of Los Angeles.
This book is mostly about the gathering of the members of the group. There is tons of exposition, and not so much plot. The novel ends right after the group sets off on their journey.
For me, this was an OK book.
As is usual for the author there is lots of description of clothes, food, weapons, houses and transportation systems.
I did like the fact that the author has widened the scope of the story. We learn about Japan after the change. And there is one chapter about events in Australia.
If you are interested in this series, I suggest that you read the books in order beginning with "Dies the Fire". This will help you better understand the social and political background of this novel.
Setting: In a post apocalyptic version of Earth where the laws of physics have been altered. Some modern technology does not work, and some types of magic work.
First Sentence: Orlaith Arminger Mackenzie bore the first unlit torch forward to her father's pyre as the sun touched the low mountains to the West.
This novel is the fourteenth book in Stirling's Novels of the Change series. In this series something profound has altered the basic structure of Earth. Most modern technology, such as electricity, the internal combustion engine, and firearms no longer function. Most of humanity has died. Those that do survive must live in a manner reminiscent of the middle ages.
In the last seven novels of the series, Rudi Mackenzie and a group of mostly young adult knights and warriors travel across North America in search of a magic sword: The Sword of the Lady. Along the way they encounter the evil CUT sorcerers. Rudi uses the power of the sword to rally the kingdom to fight their evil enemy.
The last novel of the series, "The Given Sacrifice", looked to be the final grand battle between good and evil. Unfortunately, that book was a disappointment.
This novel is a reboot of the series. It's up to the next generation to go on a quest and fight evil. Rudi's daughter, Orlaith, is now the wielder of the Sword of the Lady. With her is Reiko, the young Empress of Japan.
Together, Orlaith and Reiko gather a group of mostly young adult knights and warriors to search for a magic sword. This is the fabled Grass-Cutting sword of Japan. Apparently, the sword is hidden somewhere in the desert east of the dead city of Los Angeles.
This book is mostly about the gathering of the members of the group. There is tons of exposition, and not so much plot. The novel ends right after the group sets off on their journey.
For me, this was an OK book.
As is usual for the author there is lots of description of clothes, food, weapons, houses and transportation systems.
I did like the fact that the author has widened the scope of the story. We learn about Japan after the change. And there is one chapter about events in Australia.
If you are interested in this series, I suggest that you read the books in order beginning with "Dies the Fire". This will help you better understand the social and political background of this novel.
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Tears of the Dead: The Chronicles of Fu Xi, Book 2 by Brian L Braden
Genre: Fantasy
Setting: During a fantasy retelling of the Great Flood.
First Sentence: Head held high, chest puffed with pride, the Lion of Hur-ar marched to glory.
This novel is the second in Braden's fantasy series.
In the Bible, God employs a flood of forty days and forty nights to cleanse the world of evil. In this novel, Braden uses a flood of equal duration. In the author's flood innocent people die, evil people survive, and exactly which god caused the flood is an open question.
To tell his tale, Braden uses a large cast of characters. We have the Lo, a group of poor fisher folk who struggle against the waters for their very survival. Then there is Fu Xi, an immortal demigod and the son of a goddess. He too must find a way to survive the cataclysm which may destroy the Earth itself. We also have Leviathan, a son of the god Poseidon. He has plans to conquer the lands which belong to Fu Xi and his mother. Then there is Quexil, a minion of Leviathan and the leader of the Olmecs. Even Noah and his ark make a brief appearance.
The author weaves his somewhat confusing tale back and forth between several very different main plots:
The Lo are lost at sea in reed rafts which are slowly rotting away. Of course there is the usual problems of a group of people forced to live in close quarters.
Occasionally, Fu Xi relates the experiences he had with Leviathan and Quexil in the past.
We also follow Fu Xi's struggles in the present. He has to survive the flood, and find a mysterious woman.
Additionally, a minor character will pop up to drop an ominous hint.
And, since there will be a third book in this series, not much gets resolved.
For me, this was a long, rambling read. I found it difficult to keep track of the characters. Especially all of the different Lo characters with their uniquely spelled names.
I did enjoy the story of the Lo, but I don't understand what Fu Xi has to do with them.
In my opinion, not the best novel I've ever read, but then again, not the worst.
If this novel piques your interest, I strongly suggest that you start with the first book in the series.
Setting: During a fantasy retelling of the Great Flood.
First Sentence: Head held high, chest puffed with pride, the Lion of Hur-ar marched to glory.
This novel is the second in Braden's fantasy series.
In the Bible, God employs a flood of forty days and forty nights to cleanse the world of evil. In this novel, Braden uses a flood of equal duration. In the author's flood innocent people die, evil people survive, and exactly which god caused the flood is an open question.
To tell his tale, Braden uses a large cast of characters. We have the Lo, a group of poor fisher folk who struggle against the waters for their very survival. Then there is Fu Xi, an immortal demigod and the son of a goddess. He too must find a way to survive the cataclysm which may destroy the Earth itself. We also have Leviathan, a son of the god Poseidon. He has plans to conquer the lands which belong to Fu Xi and his mother. Then there is Quexil, a minion of Leviathan and the leader of the Olmecs. Even Noah and his ark make a brief appearance.
The author weaves his somewhat confusing tale back and forth between several very different main plots:
The Lo are lost at sea in reed rafts which are slowly rotting away. Of course there is the usual problems of a group of people forced to live in close quarters.
Occasionally, Fu Xi relates the experiences he had with Leviathan and Quexil in the past.
We also follow Fu Xi's struggles in the present. He has to survive the flood, and find a mysterious woman.
Additionally, a minor character will pop up to drop an ominous hint.
And, since there will be a third book in this series, not much gets resolved.
For me, this was a long, rambling read. I found it difficult to keep track of the characters. Especially all of the different Lo characters with their uniquely spelled names.
I did enjoy the story of the Lo, but I don't understand what Fu Xi has to do with them.
In my opinion, not the best novel I've ever read, but then again, not the worst.
If this novel piques your interest, I strongly suggest that you start with the first book in the series.
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
The Given Sacrifice by S. M. Stirling
Genre: Fantasy
Setting: In an alternate version of the early twenty-first century, years after and event which rendered modern technology useless.
First Sentence: I am so fucked, Pilot Officer Alyssa Larsson thought, as the glider hit a pocket of cold air, shocking and utterly unexpected.
This novel is the thirteenth novel in S. M. Stirling's Novels of the Change series.
In the previous nine novels in this series, we follow Rudi Mackenzie as he and a small group travel across North America. Along the way Rudi gains allies for his cause, obtains the magical Sword of the Lady, and comes to understand how incredibly evil the Prophet of the Cutters is. When the quest returns home, Rudi sets about forming a coalition of allies to battle the Cutters.
Like many fantasy tales, this series is an epic battle between good and evil. The arc of the plot seemed to point to this novel as the conclusion of the struggle. I expected to read about a grand battle. And, as the title warned, a character (probably Rudi) would give his life to save humanity.
Instead, there was a straight forward battle in which the evil prophet was killed too easily. Followed by almost a hundred pages of happily ever after.
In the end, with plenty of foreshadowing, Stirling redeems the series and gives the good guys some evil to fight in future novels.
Like most of Stirling's books, this novel is heavy on description. Although, there was some excitement at the beginning. The novel soon bogged down into tedious details. For me, the last half of the book was a long slow read. More than once, I was tempted to put the book down. In my opinion, the plot twist at the end was too little, too late.
I'm not sure I'll read any more novels in this series.
Setting: In an alternate version of the early twenty-first century, years after and event which rendered modern technology useless.
First Sentence: I am so fucked, Pilot Officer Alyssa Larsson thought, as the glider hit a pocket of cold air, shocking and utterly unexpected.
This novel is the thirteenth novel in S. M. Stirling's Novels of the Change series.
In the previous nine novels in this series, we follow Rudi Mackenzie as he and a small group travel across North America. Along the way Rudi gains allies for his cause, obtains the magical Sword of the Lady, and comes to understand how incredibly evil the Prophet of the Cutters is. When the quest returns home, Rudi sets about forming a coalition of allies to battle the Cutters.
Like many fantasy tales, this series is an epic battle between good and evil. The arc of the plot seemed to point to this novel as the conclusion of the struggle. I expected to read about a grand battle. And, as the title warned, a character (probably Rudi) would give his life to save humanity.
Instead, there was a straight forward battle in which the evil prophet was killed too easily. Followed by almost a hundred pages of happily ever after.
In the end, with plenty of foreshadowing, Stirling redeems the series and gives the good guys some evil to fight in future novels.
Like most of Stirling's books, this novel is heavy on description. Although, there was some excitement at the beginning. The novel soon bogged down into tedious details. For me, the last half of the book was a long slow read. More than once, I was tempted to put the book down. In my opinion, the plot twist at the end was too little, too late.
I'm not sure I'll read any more novels in this series.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Lord of Mountains by S. M. Stirling
Genre: Fantasy
Setting: In a post-apocalyptic version of North America in the year 2023AD, 25 years ofter the change.
First Sentence: He is coming!
This novel is the twelfth in Stirling's Change series.
When I started reading this novel, I was hoping for the big battle of good versus evil. As the novel opens, Rudi's followers, the army of Montival, are massing to fight a battle with the larger army of the Church Universal and Triumphant. Rudi, with the help of the magical Sword of the Lady, must plan the battle well in order to defeat a much larger foe.
Before we reach the battle scenes the novel plods along with Stirling's extensive descriptions of clothing, food, castles, and familial relationships. The pace picks up as the battle ensues. Yet the evil Prophet Sethaz only appears in one brief scene.
After the battle ends, it's time for Rudi to solidify his standing as High King for the newly created Kingdom of Montival. The kingdom is a confederation of several different groups. Some of which, most notably the Portland Protective Association and the Clan Mackenzie, have recently been sworn enemies. Rudi must find a way to stage a coronation that will satisfy all of the various religious and political groups of Montival.
Fortunately, the solution comes to Rudi in a dream. He must take the Sword of the Lady to the Lost Lake, and there commune with the spiritual powers of good.
The novel fades slowly to the end with a "they lived happily ever after feel." Yet the war versus the evil Prophet is not over. I was waiting for an unexpected attack from the prophet and his evil minions, but it never came.
I don't know if I'll read the next novel of the series. If you are interested in medieval clothing, food, and armaments you might enjoy this novel more than I did.
Check out my eBook!
Setting: In a post-apocalyptic version of North America in the year 2023AD, 25 years ofter the change.
First Sentence: He is coming!
This novel is the twelfth in Stirling's Change series.
When I started reading this novel, I was hoping for the big battle of good versus evil. As the novel opens, Rudi's followers, the army of Montival, are massing to fight a battle with the larger army of the Church Universal and Triumphant. Rudi, with the help of the magical Sword of the Lady, must plan the battle well in order to defeat a much larger foe.
Before we reach the battle scenes the novel plods along with Stirling's extensive descriptions of clothing, food, castles, and familial relationships. The pace picks up as the battle ensues. Yet the evil Prophet Sethaz only appears in one brief scene.
After the battle ends, it's time for Rudi to solidify his standing as High King for the newly created Kingdom of Montival. The kingdom is a confederation of several different groups. Some of which, most notably the Portland Protective Association and the Clan Mackenzie, have recently been sworn enemies. Rudi must find a way to stage a coronation that will satisfy all of the various religious and political groups of Montival.
Fortunately, the solution comes to Rudi in a dream. He must take the Sword of the Lady to the Lost Lake, and there commune with the spiritual powers of good.
The novel fades slowly to the end with a "they lived happily ever after feel." Yet the war versus the evil Prophet is not over. I was waiting for an unexpected attack from the prophet and his evil minions, but it never came.
I don't know if I'll read the next novel of the series. If you are interested in medieval clothing, food, and armaments you might enjoy this novel more than I did.
Check out my eBook!
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
The Tears of the Sun by S. M. Stirling
Genre: Fantasy, Alternate History
Setting: A fantasy version of Western North America
First Sentence: Rudi Mackenzie -
Artos the First, High King of Montival though yet to be formally crowned - finished the last crusty bite of the ham sandwich, savoring the smoky taste of the cured meat and sharp cheese, and washed it down with the last swallow in the clay crock of beer.
This novel is the eleventh in Stirling's Change series.
Twenty-five years ago and event occurred which changed life on Earth forever. The people living on or near the island of Nantucket were transported thousands of years into the past. Their struggles to survive formed the first three novels of Stirling's Change series.
For the rest of the planet, the laws of physics were drastically changed. Almost all technology created after the Industrial Revolution were rendered useless. The struggles of humans to survive and adapt to a new reality form the plot of the next three novels in the series.
In the ensuing four novels, the plot follows characters born after the change event. They trek across the North American continent to the island of Nantucket. There they encounter powerful supernatural forces. And Rudi acquires the magical Sword of the Lady. In these novels we learn that there is an evil which wishes to destroy the powers of good. As Rudi Mackenzie and his band return to Montival they gather warriors to join them in the fight.
In this novel, the focus of the plot has returned to the Kingdom of Montival. Rudi is now recognized as the High King. He possesses the powerful Sword of the Lady. It is believed that the sword will give Rudi and his followers an advantage in the decisive battle against the evil Church United and Triumphant (CUT) and its evil prophet. Montival is marshaling all of its forces to fight against the evil CUT. And even the most skeptical leaders of Montival have come to realize how truly evil and supernatural the CUT and its prophet are.
The first half of this novel was a struggle for me to get through. The novel is heavy on exposition as the author reintroduces us to a host of characters who have been waiting in the wings for the last four novels of the series. In the last half of the story, the action picks up, and the book becomes more enjoyable to read.
Stirling uses a third person omniscient point of view to relate the story. One of his devices is to reveal not only the thoughts of his characters but their inner self-talk. He uses this device to deliver much of the exposition. I found this device to be somewhat distracting.
The author moves back and forth between characters. He also has his characters relate in flashbacks action that occurred when the focus of the plot was on the quest for the sword. For me, the large cast of characters and the number of flashbacks made the plot a bit confusing at times.
Stirling can be heavy on detailed description. I found the detailed descriptions of entrees and side dishes at every meal, of each character's apparel, of the many heraldic coats of arms, and of the swept out and beflowered fireplaces (including a list of every bloom on display) in each baron's solar to be unnecessary.
I didn't dislike this book. For me this novel felt like a set up for the finale. The author is putting all his characters in place for the final battle. And, I will be reading the next book to find out what happens next.
If you are interested in this book, I suggest you go back to Dies the Fire and read the books in order.
Check out my eBook!
Setting: A fantasy version of Western North America
First Sentence: Rudi Mackenzie -
Artos the First, High King of Montival though yet to be formally crowned - finished the last crusty bite of the ham sandwich, savoring the smoky taste of the cured meat and sharp cheese, and washed it down with the last swallow in the clay crock of beer.
This novel is the eleventh in Stirling's Change series.
Twenty-five years ago and event occurred which changed life on Earth forever. The people living on or near the island of Nantucket were transported thousands of years into the past. Their struggles to survive formed the first three novels of Stirling's Change series.
For the rest of the planet, the laws of physics were drastically changed. Almost all technology created after the Industrial Revolution were rendered useless. The struggles of humans to survive and adapt to a new reality form the plot of the next three novels in the series.
In the ensuing four novels, the plot follows characters born after the change event. They trek across the North American continent to the island of Nantucket. There they encounter powerful supernatural forces. And Rudi acquires the magical Sword of the Lady. In these novels we learn that there is an evil which wishes to destroy the powers of good. As Rudi Mackenzie and his band return to Montival they gather warriors to join them in the fight.
In this novel, the focus of the plot has returned to the Kingdom of Montival. Rudi is now recognized as the High King. He possesses the powerful Sword of the Lady. It is believed that the sword will give Rudi and his followers an advantage in the decisive battle against the evil Church United and Triumphant (CUT) and its evil prophet. Montival is marshaling all of its forces to fight against the evil CUT. And even the most skeptical leaders of Montival have come to realize how truly evil and supernatural the CUT and its prophet are.
The first half of this novel was a struggle for me to get through. The novel is heavy on exposition as the author reintroduces us to a host of characters who have been waiting in the wings for the last four novels of the series. In the last half of the story, the action picks up, and the book becomes more enjoyable to read.
Stirling uses a third person omniscient point of view to relate the story. One of his devices is to reveal not only the thoughts of his characters but their inner self-talk. He uses this device to deliver much of the exposition. I found this device to be somewhat distracting.
The author moves back and forth between characters. He also has his characters relate in flashbacks action that occurred when the focus of the plot was on the quest for the sword. For me, the large cast of characters and the number of flashbacks made the plot a bit confusing at times.
Stirling can be heavy on detailed description. I found the detailed descriptions of entrees and side dishes at every meal, of each character's apparel, of the many heraldic coats of arms, and of the swept out and beflowered fireplaces (including a list of every bloom on display) in each baron's solar to be unnecessary.
I didn't dislike this book. For me this novel felt like a set up for the finale. The author is putting all his characters in place for the final battle. And, I will be reading the next book to find out what happens next.
If you are interested in this book, I suggest you go back to Dies the Fire and read the books in order.
Check out my eBook!
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Black Sea Gods, The Chronicle of Fu Xi Book One by Brian L Braden
Genre: Fantasy
Setting: A land similar to prehistoric Central Asia.
First Sentence: Over a thousand lifetimes had passed since her forehead touched the earth.
This novel is the first in Braden's Chronicle of Fu Xi fantasy series.
Black Sea Gods is a fantasy re-imagining of the biblical story of the great flood told from a unique point of view.
Our story begins with a small tribe of people: the Lo. They live by fishing and gathering along the coast of the Great Sea. They live in harmony with their environment. The Lo build their homes on stilts. They rarely venture far from the water, and fear the dangers of the steppe.
Then one day they notice a change in the ways of nature. The Lo discover that all of the animals, fish, birds and insects are migrating east. They fear that they have somehow angered their god. The Lo had a lore that there were god-like beings in the East who could help them determine the cause of this change.
A group of Lo leaders venture into the steppe and travel east. Along the way they encounter evil beings both human and supernatural. Eventually, they reach a city of evil men. Within the city is the black fortress of the Narim. These are the beings who have the power to save the Lo.
Throughout the novel, the author uses excerpts from the chronicles of Fu Xi to provide exposition. Through these excerpts, we discover that God is destroying the world due to the evil actions of both men and demigods.
Will the innocent Lo be destroyed along with the evil ones? Or will the Lo survive the deluge?
Over all I enjoyed this novel. I especially liked the beginning chapters about the peaceable Lo. Some of the longer excerpts of the chronicle in the middle of the book seemed a little out of place and confused me at first. The story is definitely not over, so I'll be looking for the next installment of the series.
Black Sea Gods
Check out my Ebook!
Setting: A land similar to prehistoric Central Asia.
First Sentence: Over a thousand lifetimes had passed since her forehead touched the earth.
This novel is the first in Braden's Chronicle of Fu Xi fantasy series.
Black Sea Gods is a fantasy re-imagining of the biblical story of the great flood told from a unique point of view.
Our story begins with a small tribe of people: the Lo. They live by fishing and gathering along the coast of the Great Sea. They live in harmony with their environment. The Lo build their homes on stilts. They rarely venture far from the water, and fear the dangers of the steppe.
Then one day they notice a change in the ways of nature. The Lo discover that all of the animals, fish, birds and insects are migrating east. They fear that they have somehow angered their god. The Lo had a lore that there were god-like beings in the East who could help them determine the cause of this change.
A group of Lo leaders venture into the steppe and travel east. Along the way they encounter evil beings both human and supernatural. Eventually, they reach a city of evil men. Within the city is the black fortress of the Narim. These are the beings who have the power to save the Lo.
Throughout the novel, the author uses excerpts from the chronicles of Fu Xi to provide exposition. Through these excerpts, we discover that God is destroying the world due to the evil actions of both men and demigods.
Will the innocent Lo be destroyed along with the evil ones? Or will the Lo survive the deluge?
Over all I enjoyed this novel. I especially liked the beginning chapters about the peaceable Lo. Some of the longer excerpts of the chronicle in the middle of the book seemed a little out of place and confused me at first. The story is definitely not over, so I'll be looking for the next installment of the series.
Black Sea Gods
Check out my Ebook!
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Tin Swift by Devon Monk
Genre: Steampunk, Science Fiction, Fantasy
Setting: The American Western Frontier after the Civil War
First Sentence: Cedar Hunt stared down at his blood covered hands.
This novel is the second in Monk's The Age of Steam series. In this series Monk transports the Steampunk genre to the Old West. There are incredible machines. There are people with mystical abilities. A mysterious substance called Glim floats high above the Earth.
An evil power called the Strange in infiltrating the world. The Strange can turn the dead into unstoppable zombie-like killers. A device called the Holder can focus and control the Strange. The Holder is divided into seven parts. If all of the Holder's parts are assembled it would bestow upon its possessor terrible evil power.
Fortunately, there are those who are working to prevent the Holder from falling into the wrong hands. Cedar Hunt has been cursed with the power to sense the Holder. He strives to control a wolf-like power which threatens to control him. His brother Wil has been transformed into a wolf. When the moon is full, he returns to his human form. Captain Hink is a federal marshal who has been sent by the president to discover the whereabouts of the Holder. The Madder brothers, who can devise unique machines and weapons, search for the Holder, but they need Cedar Hunt's senses to find it.
Unfortunately, there are those who wish to control the Strange with the Holder. Mr. Shunt is one of these. Mr. Shunt is part human and part machine. Almost impossible to kill, he craves the Holder to maintain his evil existence.
Will Cedar Hunt, and his companions, find the Holder and prevent Mr. Shunt from controlling its power?
This novel was a slow read for me. The first half of the plot had many episodes which added characters but did not seem to advance the plot. When the crucial battles finally arrive, the pace picks up and the plot resolves in an entertaining manner.
It was an OK second book of a series, but not as good as the first. Hopefully, the next book will be better.
Tin Swift
Check out my new e-book!
Setting: The American Western Frontier after the Civil War
First Sentence: Cedar Hunt stared down at his blood covered hands.
This novel is the second in Monk's The Age of Steam series. In this series Monk transports the Steampunk genre to the Old West. There are incredible machines. There are people with mystical abilities. A mysterious substance called Glim floats high above the Earth.
An evil power called the Strange in infiltrating the world. The Strange can turn the dead into unstoppable zombie-like killers. A device called the Holder can focus and control the Strange. The Holder is divided into seven parts. If all of the Holder's parts are assembled it would bestow upon its possessor terrible evil power.
Fortunately, there are those who are working to prevent the Holder from falling into the wrong hands. Cedar Hunt has been cursed with the power to sense the Holder. He strives to control a wolf-like power which threatens to control him. His brother Wil has been transformed into a wolf. When the moon is full, he returns to his human form. Captain Hink is a federal marshal who has been sent by the president to discover the whereabouts of the Holder. The Madder brothers, who can devise unique machines and weapons, search for the Holder, but they need Cedar Hunt's senses to find it.
Unfortunately, there are those who wish to control the Strange with the Holder. Mr. Shunt is one of these. Mr. Shunt is part human and part machine. Almost impossible to kill, he craves the Holder to maintain his evil existence.
Will Cedar Hunt, and his companions, find the Holder and prevent Mr. Shunt from controlling its power?
This novel was a slow read for me. The first half of the plot had many episodes which added characters but did not seem to advance the plot. When the crucial battles finally arrive, the pace picks up and the plot resolves in an entertaining manner.
It was an OK second book of a series, but not as good as the first. Hopefully, the next book will be better.
Tin Swift
Check out my new e-book!
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Every Inch a King by Harry Turtledove
Genre: Fantasy
Setting: A fantasy world where magic works, and fantastical creatures exist.
First Sentence: I'm Otto of Schlepsig.
Otto and his friend Max are performers in a third rate traveling circus. Max is a sword swallower with a cough. Otto is an acrobat and tight rope walker.
Then, one day the newspapers announce that Schlepsig, a small province in a faraway land, has asked Prince Halim Eddin to be their king. The prince looks exactly like Otto. Otto sees his chance to pull off an amazing con. On the upside, Otto could become a king with all those kingly perks: power, wealth, and a harem. On the down side, Otto and Max could lose their heads.
As Otto and Max travel to Schlepsig, Turtledove reveals the fantasy of this strange world. There are dragons and sea serpents. There are vampires and werewolves. And there is magic and witchcraft.
As Turtledove describes the people and cultures we can see parallels to our own world. There are cultures that remind us of German, French and Spanish cultures. There is a country far to the West called Vespucciland. And there is a nod to old Ma Bell - there is an efficient network of crystal ball readers who provide long distance communication.
Can Otto and Max pull off this grand charade, of will they be discovered?
And what about the real Prince Halim?
I liked this book. I am a fan of Turtledove's alternate history novels. This novel had a cute premise which attracted my interest. The novel drags when the author discusses the different countries and cultures, all of whom have invented names with exotic spellings. However, Turtledove liberally sprinkles the novel with esoteric puns and word plays which make the novel fun to read.
Overall, an OK book, but not one of Turtledove's best.
Every Inch a King
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Setting: A fantasy world where magic works, and fantastical creatures exist.
First Sentence: I'm Otto of Schlepsig.
Otto and his friend Max are performers in a third rate traveling circus. Max is a sword swallower with a cough. Otto is an acrobat and tight rope walker.
Then, one day the newspapers announce that Schlepsig, a small province in a faraway land, has asked Prince Halim Eddin to be their king. The prince looks exactly like Otto. Otto sees his chance to pull off an amazing con. On the upside, Otto could become a king with all those kingly perks: power, wealth, and a harem. On the down side, Otto and Max could lose their heads.
As Otto and Max travel to Schlepsig, Turtledove reveals the fantasy of this strange world. There are dragons and sea serpents. There are vampires and werewolves. And there is magic and witchcraft.
As Turtledove describes the people and cultures we can see parallels to our own world. There are cultures that remind us of German, French and Spanish cultures. There is a country far to the West called Vespucciland. And there is a nod to old Ma Bell - there is an efficient network of crystal ball readers who provide long distance communication.
Can Otto and Max pull off this grand charade, of will they be discovered?
And what about the real Prince Halim?
I liked this book. I am a fan of Turtledove's alternate history novels. This novel had a cute premise which attracted my interest. The novel drags when the author discusses the different countries and cultures, all of whom have invented names with exotic spellings. However, Turtledove liberally sprinkles the novel with esoteric puns and word plays which make the novel fun to read.
Overall, an OK book, but not one of Turtledove's best.
Every Inch a King
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Friday, May 4, 2012
Water Harvest by Eric Diehl
Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy
Setting: On an arid planet.
Kast'ar is a unique planet. Most of its water is found in the upper reaches of the atmosphere. Above the planet are two inhabited moons. Beneath the surface, there are large caverns. And emanating from the depths of these caverns is a mysterious energy.
For a thousand years, there has been strife between the governments of the planet and the lunar colonies. Water must be harvested from the atmosphere of Kast'ar. Like any commodity in short supply, there is legal harvesting and illegal harvesting.
Without warning, the Suaron, the rulers of the lunar colony attack Kast'ar. They want to gain control of the water harvest. This initiates a series of harsh battles. Along with their military might, the Suaron bring their mystical advisers. These Maesters use drugs to tap into the mysterious energy of the planet.
Our intrepid main character is Cairn. He is the prince of the greatest ruling house. He is in love with the princess of one of the lower houses. He is an active member of the military. Most of the plot involves following him through different adventures as he strives to defeat the off world attackers. And there is plenty of fighting. There are dogfights involving fighter vehicles, both in space and in the atmosphere. And there is plenty of sword fighting and head taking. Along the way, Cairn discovers the legendary creatures who live in the caverns below the surface. These beings assist Cairn in his quest.
I enjoyed this book. It is an action packed adventure. Diehl does a good job of moving the plot forward. The plot is a little convoluted, but so is real life. The prologue was a little confusing, and I would have liked more exposition at the beginning.
Over all, a fun Science Fiction Read.
Water Harvest
Check out my eBook
Setting: On an arid planet.
Kast'ar is a unique planet. Most of its water is found in the upper reaches of the atmosphere. Above the planet are two inhabited moons. Beneath the surface, there are large caverns. And emanating from the depths of these caverns is a mysterious energy.
For a thousand years, there has been strife between the governments of the planet and the lunar colonies. Water must be harvested from the atmosphere of Kast'ar. Like any commodity in short supply, there is legal harvesting and illegal harvesting.
Without warning, the Suaron, the rulers of the lunar colony attack Kast'ar. They want to gain control of the water harvest. This initiates a series of harsh battles. Along with their military might, the Suaron bring their mystical advisers. These Maesters use drugs to tap into the mysterious energy of the planet.
Our intrepid main character is Cairn. He is the prince of the greatest ruling house. He is in love with the princess of one of the lower houses. He is an active member of the military. Most of the plot involves following him through different adventures as he strives to defeat the off world attackers. And there is plenty of fighting. There are dogfights involving fighter vehicles, both in space and in the atmosphere. And there is plenty of sword fighting and head taking. Along the way, Cairn discovers the legendary creatures who live in the caverns below the surface. These beings assist Cairn in his quest.
I enjoyed this book. It is an action packed adventure. Diehl does a good job of moving the plot forward. The plot is a little convoluted, but so is real life. The prologue was a little confusing, and I would have liked more exposition at the beginning.
Over all, a fun Science Fiction Read.
Water Harvest
Check out my eBook
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
A Dance with Dragons by George R. R. Martin
A Dance with Dragons is George R. R. Martin's fifth volume in his A Song of Ice and Fire series.
It has been several years since Martin published the last volume: A Feast for Crows. For me, the time between books made the beginning of this book a little difficult. Martin's style of writing, jumping from character to character, made it hard to keep track of the characters. It was easier to remember the major characters: Tyrion, Jon, Bran, and Daenerys. But keeping track of the many minor character was difficult. And Martin uses a large cast of characters.
In the first four books, Martin titled each chapter with the name of the main character of that chapter. In this installment, Martin titled some chapters with phrases descriptive of the chapter's main character. This literary device challenges the reader to discern who Martin is writing about. Yet, it can be somewhat confusing when the reader is dealing with a large group of characters.
In his introduction, A Cavil on Chronology, Martin explains that the first part of this book parallels A Feast for Crows. Then, halfway through the book, the timelines come together and we read about some long forgotten main characters such as Cersei and Jaime.
So, what are the main characters up to? Jon Snow is learning how to be the leader of the Night Watch at the wall. His half-brother, Bran Stark, is north of the wall being called by some mysterious force. Arya Stark is in Braavos, across the narrow sea serving as a novice in a temple. Tyrion Lannister is across the narrow sea trying to get to Daenerys Targaryen. Daenerys is learning the difference between a conquering queen and a ruling queen. She has not yet learned how to use and control her dragons. Cersei Lannister is in prison, accused of treason and fornication. And Jaime Lannister is riding around Westeros settling disputes between local lords.
There are many others: Reek, Lady Melisandre, Quentyn Martel, and Asha Greyjoy, to name a few. And don't forget all the dead white walkers north of the wall.
I enjoyed this book. Once I got a handle on the characters the book was a joy to read. However, I still have absolutely no idea who will be left alive at the end.
Spoiler alert: Martin has absolutely no problem killing off a character. Be prepared.
This was the first book I read on my Kindle. Flipping to the back of the book to make use of the appendices, and using the maps at the front would be much easier in a regular book. On the whole, however, I felt more motivated to read on the Kindle.
A Dance with Dragons
If you'd like to read my blog posts from last year check out my Kindle ebook.
It has been several years since Martin published the last volume: A Feast for Crows. For me, the time between books made the beginning of this book a little difficult. Martin's style of writing, jumping from character to character, made it hard to keep track of the characters. It was easier to remember the major characters: Tyrion, Jon, Bran, and Daenerys. But keeping track of the many minor character was difficult. And Martin uses a large cast of characters.
In the first four books, Martin titled each chapter with the name of the main character of that chapter. In this installment, Martin titled some chapters with phrases descriptive of the chapter's main character. This literary device challenges the reader to discern who Martin is writing about. Yet, it can be somewhat confusing when the reader is dealing with a large group of characters.
In his introduction, A Cavil on Chronology, Martin explains that the first part of this book parallels A Feast for Crows. Then, halfway through the book, the timelines come together and we read about some long forgotten main characters such as Cersei and Jaime.
So, what are the main characters up to? Jon Snow is learning how to be the leader of the Night Watch at the wall. His half-brother, Bran Stark, is north of the wall being called by some mysterious force. Arya Stark is in Braavos, across the narrow sea serving as a novice in a temple. Tyrion Lannister is across the narrow sea trying to get to Daenerys Targaryen. Daenerys is learning the difference between a conquering queen and a ruling queen. She has not yet learned how to use and control her dragons. Cersei Lannister is in prison, accused of treason and fornication. And Jaime Lannister is riding around Westeros settling disputes between local lords.
There are many others: Reek, Lady Melisandre, Quentyn Martel, and Asha Greyjoy, to name a few. And don't forget all the dead white walkers north of the wall.
I enjoyed this book. Once I got a handle on the characters the book was a joy to read. However, I still have absolutely no idea who will be left alive at the end.
Spoiler alert: Martin has absolutely no problem killing off a character. Be prepared.
This was the first book I read on my Kindle. Flipping to the back of the book to make use of the appendices, and using the maps at the front would be much easier in a regular book. On the whole, however, I felt more motivated to read on the Kindle.
A Dance with Dragons
If you'd like to read my blog posts from last year check out my Kindle ebook.
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