A Review of The Charnel Throne by DL Goddard

The Charnel Throne by DL Goddard is a wonderful example of epic fantasy, while maintaining a style that is easy to digest and follow. The intelligent use of prologues sets the stage for a tale of an elf finding himself, among many other things. There are no signs of tired cliques, but instead a new and thought provoking narrative. Nothing is too heavy handed or vague and instead gracefully tells the story for readers who are quite used to fantasy, as well as those new readers who may not be so aware of the genre. 

 

Compelling and pulling dialogue throughout almost each scene guides the reader along the side of the interesting and well developed characters on their respective journeys. The vast and detailed statements of scenery map out rich visuals for the audience without forgetting about the characters within that landscape.

DL Goddard's The Charnel Throne is a complete epic fantasy any avid reader can enjoy. 

A Review of Snake Skin: A Lucy Guardino FBI Thriller

For any fan of thrillers there is CJ Lyons' Snake Skin: A Lucy Guardino FBI Thriller. This is the start of a series, and this is wonderful, as it does leave one wanting more books. Right from the cover, the reader gets a feel for the kind of tale beyond that coiled snake and stark, red lettering. A good choice. As an artist, I fully appreciate the choices made behind that cover.

Lyon's sense of character is dramatic. From the very first sentence until the very last page, we know these characters as complex individuals. With biting nails and slouching bodies, we quickly delve into the characters and how they interact with one another. Even the bits of characterization one would lump into flaws or turn into a trait only a villain or a victim could have become instead decidedly human. Neither good nor bad, these traits are simply other aspects to well rounded characters. Characters, for me, are the most important part of any story. If I don't feel personally connected to a character, why would I care what happens to him or her?

As much as this is a character driven piece, the story itself is a spell, pulling us without a physical touch through this dramatic rush of a tale. The writing itself has a lot to do with that. For example, we are shown setting right away each time, which allows the reader to sit right in the scene without question. The descriptions used highlight, but do not dwell on each crack or breath. We know what the room looks like at any given point by other little details tucked within the story, as though we are noticing things around us as the characters do themselves. The style of writing allows the story to flow naturally while cramming in a lot of information. We know how everyone holds themselves and what it may mean, both outwardly and deeply into each person. Lucy Guardino herself is a strong personality, but obviously, she is not the only person or concept moving this story along.

Lastly, the use of archetypes, even religious ones, and then tearing them down again creates a moving and surprising piece of literature. I am all for delving into topics that may be considered more taboo, and this was done effortlessly throughout this book. I'm trying not to give anything away with this review, but I will say one more thing. This is a perfect introduction to the character of Lucy Guardino for those who do not know her. Realistic dialogue, a pounding plot, beautiful, vivid descriptions and deep, complicated characters make Snake Skin worth a read... Or several reads.

This review is also available on Yahoo Voices.

A Sampling of the Lich War Series: A Review

Cassandra of Cr'Mere by K. D. Nielson is actually the second book in a wonderful set of tales called The Lich War Series. However, this book also stands on it's own as a solid piece of literature,

regardless of being the second book, and that is impressive. The dialogue is smooth and rich and allows a new reader to become quickly familiar with the characters and who they each are. Readers coming back into this series will recognize the area around them with ease.

From the descriptions of a character's bare feet touching the ground to descriptions of corridors and other, more spacious yet still highly detailed spaces, the reader can instantly feel a part of this story. This book is well thought out. Because of this, the stage is set for a beautifully written tale. The prose itself is eloquent while remaining easy to digest for all readers.

The second book of The Lich War Series, Cassandra of Cr'Mere by K. D. Nielson is a gorgeously vivid fantasy.

Note for author: The tenses (past and present) often get muddled, and
some minor grammatical errors and spelling errors are a bit
distracting.

Kilimanjaro and Beyond (A Life-Changing Journey) a Review

Certainly, Kilimanjaro and Beyond (A Life-Changing Journey) by Chris Finlay and Barry Finlay is not only just a book about a physical climb, but an emotional and spiritual climb as well. This is a tale about finding oneself and moving forward through one's own self doubt to self actualization.

The introduction is well used to give those with less knowledge of climbing more background on the subject. The authors talk about the seven summits and give the reader a general idea of the importance and meaning of the journey that will unfold later on in the book. Like all goals in life, few people truly make it to "the top" and in that sense, the entire journey presented in Kilimanjaro and Beyond (A Life-Changing Journey) can be read as a metaphor, as well as the beautiful and honest story that it is.
Like the title of the book itself, each chapter has its own title written in two languages. This is perfect for what this piece is, because the overall meaning and the story itself transcends beyond borders. It is a wonderful read for any person of any area or creed.

The pace of the story is easy to follow and flows. The reader can delve right into what is going on as though he or she is right there with the authors. This makes for a very personal feel and something that is easy to connect with when reading.

Lastly, Kilimanjaro and Beyond (A Life-Changing Journey) is a learning tool. It teaches the audience about various places and cultures while giving the story a sense of destination and presence. The whole thing almost reads as though the viewer had stumbled upon a secret diary. The reader is allowed to view a fairly intimate piece of the lives of others.

Kilimanjaro and Beyond (A Life-Changing Journey) by Chris Finlay and Barry Finlay is a beautifully written tale about a spiritual journey, a physical embarking, and so much more.

This review can also be found on Yahoo Voices.  

A. Mohit's Never Had a Chance to Say Goodbye- a Review

Mohit's writing is wonderfully relentless as the reader is immediately thrown into the story without useless exhibition or prologue. Mohit shows exactly where the story takes place and who the reader is following with no second guesses. The sense of place is astounding. Each detail is effortlessly placed and incorporated among the interaction of the characters. Perhaps because the characters are based in reality, they jump from the page as real people within the tale. As such, this is a story rich with probing questions and a real, heart opening tale steeped in real emotion.

The dialogue is also realistic, believable and quotable. This is partly because it never strays from fitting each character. It is not forced by any means, and therefore comes easily to the reader. Because this tale involves traveling, it works for people all over the world. The subjects presented here work beyond culture or creed and instead touch the human heart at the core.

This book tells the tale of a spiritual journey, and so it carries the reader through some very powerful concepts. However, it does not offend or bombard with over-the-head preaching. Instead, this book gently guides while still carrying a strong sense of presence. The reader can take form the story what he or she wants, and do so comfortably, yet it is still thought provoking. Intelligently written and well paced, A. Mohit's Never Had A Chance To Say Goodbye is a solid choice for the avid reader.

A. Mohit's Never Had A Chance To Say Goodbye is a thought provoking look into a personal life and all the twists and turns that come with it.

This review can also be found on Yahoo Voices.

Book Review: I Love Life: Illeisms and About a Girl

Some of the pieces contained within I Love Life: illesims and about a girl are like slam poetry, demanding to be read aloud in coffee shops in heavy tones. Others are soft notes of love for tender moments between lovers. Every poem keeps so perfectly within itself and it's own context, never bleeding off or confusing the point.

The ebb and flow of the prose keeps the beat easily, without effort from the audience to pick apart or figure out how to read them. The writing does the work for the reader in the comprehension aspect, while leaving very deep concepts for the audience to take with them. Therefore, there are no distractions in this book, because the author writes so fluidly and so well.

The only over arching theme in this tome is that of life itself. These poems are a tribute to all aspects, even heartbreak. The author finds beauty in every crack and finds purpose in every statement. A few of the poems are more political or bring big questions into play for the reader to ponder. "Tomorrow" and "21^st Century" are both examples of hard hitting and truthful sentiments. Intelligent and thought provoking, these and other works about society as a whole sit side by side very sparse, simple pieces which aim and succeed at touching the soul, regardless of gender or background. Those more personal poems are specific and yet universal.

Some tell whole stories, while others tell snippets, an all convey an understanding of complex emotions. The poem "Show Me" is a wonderful example of the latter. "Say Ladies", which sits on the same page, is an example of the author's way of showing a complete scene with all the important characters involved, in a small space. Nothing is crammed, and yet everything fits.

This review can also be found on Yahoo Voices.

On A Poetic Life: A Review

    Arnold Abbott's book, On A Poetic Life: Biographic Essays in Rhyme features almost episodic short stories within the artfully written poems presented.  Eloquent and extremely profound, the author often uses more light hearted imagery to push forth what he is trying to say, yet at other times pulls no punches and instead tells the concept quite bluntly.  On a Poetic Life is a very personal work, yet it speaks to generations of readers.  Those interested in politics, current events, human rights activists, history and civil rights should pick this book up for a read. 

    Sincere, intelligent, thought provoking and unapologetic, Abbott still manages to delicately put some of the harsher concepts of the world onto paper.  Poetry is being used here in a brilliant way, for as a medium, it is not so overbearing or droning a read as the average book on the same material might be.  It keeps the concepts easy to digest and flowing, while allowing the reader plenty of space to put in a bookmark without feeling disjointed upon picking it up again later. 

    As much as the author speaks of the darker aspects of this country and the misery these things have wrought, it is a hopeful and positive work.  The author gives a thoughtful look at ways to better the life of anyone who reads it, and gives suggestions to better the lives those people will then affect.  This work will make an excellent conversation starter and guide on even the most difficult of political subjects.  Teachers, both of History and English may think of having this in their personal libraries or on shelves at school.  Arnold P. Abbott's On A Poetic Life: Biographic Essays in Rhyme features stories and general life advice, as well as articulately voicing a well versed frustration on the current state of the world, and how to fix it. 

IMAGINE: A Perfect Utopia- A Review

IMAGINE: A Perfect Utopia by “Sir Thomas More X” delves deeply into many concepts surrounding the idea of a utopia. Along these lines, the author also explains just how quickly a utopia could become a dystopia. Many topics and arguments are covered in ways that most readers may have never even considered. In this way, it is a very powerful and thought provoking work, without heavy preaching. It simply states the case in a thoughtful and intelligent way.

Fans of political science, history, science fiction with an emphasis on the concept of perfect worlds going wrong, fans of Phillip K. Dick, and many more will greatly enjoy this book. The author speaks of human nature, and makes a point to explain that what one person deems to be perfect may not fit into any such category for another person. The idea of a utopia is that everyone is content, but by nature this contradicts itself by the idea of free will and free thinking, which for many are considered a necessary component to enjoying such a reality to begin with. How then, could one find the exquisite balance required for such a world? The author also tactfully points out the differences in interpretation among various cultures when it comes to significant symbols all over the world. Different meanings, all important, can lead to a vastly different view of the world. 

The ideas of distribution of wealth and resources and the problems therein are brought up with great skill. These ideas are also combined with the that of struggle often interceding or prompting great change and growth within a society. Many concepts brought up within this book are not things the average reader would normally think about or consider, but they are presented in an easy to digest way. This itself is impressive.

Grounded in both harsh reality and whimsical imagination, IMAGINE: A Perfect Utopia by “Sir Thomas More X” is a compelling, interesting and all around smart read.

Bending the Boyne by J.S. Dunn: A Review

Part fantasy, part historical fiction, J.S. Dunn's Bending the Boyne is a tale of twisted Ireland myths, a unique take on archeology and new legends that is sure to entertain readers of a wide spectrum of ages and interests. Maps presented at the beginning of the book are quite useful in allowing the reader to follow along with the physical journey of the characters. What follows is elegant prose and detailed, flowing descriptions to set the stage for the intricate, meticulously thought out story ahead.

The story itself is one of invading forces versus those people who had built their lives, homes and history on Ireland far before even the Celts were present. Even though the story takes place so long ago in a historical context, the feeling of the story will still resonate within the hearts of the people of today's world. Whether one has a rich knowledge of Irish folklore or not, this will still be an entertaining and thought provoking read.
 

 The language the author uses is gorgeous, such that the prose of it all is perfect for articulating this particular tale, and the words chosen eloquently fit the tone and pacing of Bending the Boyne. The way in which history and fantasy are interwoven is astounding and will keep a readers attention throughout the story. When Boann runs, the reader is not merely reading along, but running beside her. Her desperation is felt in vivid detail as the audience is thrust head first into the action right at the beginning of the involved plot. What is unique about this character of Boann is that even in a moment of sheer panic, she is strong willed and a force to be reckoned with. In this sense, she is a fitting heroine to follow in this tale of ancient Ireland, wrought with real history as well as legend.

Well researched historical fiction at its best, J.S. Dunn delivers an intelligent and fantastical read in Bending the Boyne.