Weaver’s Lament has the same elements to recommend it as did its predecessor Brother’s Ruin, but it also has the weaknesses too. The premise is interesting, the world has promise, but nothing is really developed enough for the ideas to really come together. Part of what annoys me is that I’ve read some of Emma Newman’s full novels, so I know she’s capable of good world- and character building, and even if it is YA and a novella, there’s so much that left out that […]
Getting on the Saga Bandwagon
I’ve seen friends and others rave about the amazingness of the Saga series for some time now. After finally getting around to reading volume 1, I can now say I get it, I finally understand what the fuss is about. The world of the story is interesting and makes you want to know and understand more of the history and various races and planets involved, the characters are unique and engaging, and the different plot threads being set up all each intriguing but clearly somehow […]
Grammar Fixing Magic
Imagine fantasy and historical fiction are fused into a mystery, like what you’d get with a mash-up of Umberto Eco’s Name of the Rose, anything by Terry Brooks, and Harry Potter. The result, if it’s decently done, would be Ironfoot (Book 1 of the Enchanter General). There’s a touch of historical reality in the social divisions between the native Saxons and the ruling Normans, which is probably accurate given the setting in 1164 England. The brief cameos by Eleanor of Aquitaine, Henry II, and a […]
Maybe J. K. Rowling should, I don’t know, write a new story?
First, I want to say J. K. Rowling seems like a lovely person. Despite creating one of the most popular – and lucrative – fantasy series in the world, she has never glossed over her experiences with poverty and depression. She founded a neurology clinic in honor of her mother and is a champion of disadvantaged children and single parents. She dropped off the Forbes billionaire list partly because she donated so much to charity, and until lately, her Twitter game has been killer. Unfortunately, […]