Hello, Internet! First off, I've got to say - I love my family. They know quite well that I'm a recluse by nature. This past weekend was a family reunion, and for me it's wonderful that they're willing to let me skulk in the corner with a book for large portions of the day. … Continue reading Weekly Update – 7/19/17
Hello, Internet! I'm very, very, very happy to say that I've got a second draft done of "act one" of The Rule of Iron! This currently works out to be the first five chapters, but I wouldn't be surprised if chapter divisions change up at some point in the future. Calling this segment "act one" isn't to … Continue reading Weekly Update – 5/18/17
James Islington's debut novel, The Shadow of What Was Lost, begins as a deceptively stereotypical coming-of-age fantasy. However, it doesn't take long for the story to develop, and breathe fresh life into well-used tropes of the genre. Even with a slightly unsatisfying climax, I deeply enjoyed this book as a whole. It's a good fantasy, and a great adventure. 8/10.
Trial of Intentions (Book Two of the Vault of Heaven) is a long, complicated novel. There is a lot to enjoy, but also may be a lot which frustrates some readers. The villains are very well written, and the setting is excellent, but I found that the heroes often felt lackluster. Trial of Intentions is a fantasy in the grand saga style, but which is likely to only interest readers of its own genre. 6/10.
Peter Orullian's debut novel is a gem in the rough. Marred by substantial structural similarities to The Eye of the World, the details of the world's lore and magic combined with a tight focus on the choices made lead this novel to life of its own. The Unremembered is a good book for anyone who enjoys Quest fantasy, but probably ought to be left aside by those who don't. 7/10
