Tag: I Wrote This

Book Review: Storykiller

Published on by The Musings of a BlerdLeave a comment

Storykiller

I was a Kickstarter backer (I didn’t get The Girl Who Be King) and received the limited edition illustrated hardcover book with was numbered and signed. I really loved all the illustrations especially those of which were scenes from the book. Very beautiful.

Storykiller is an excellent novel. The short description author Kelly Thompson gave for the book “It’s classic Fiction meets Buffy The Vampire Slayer for a new generation.” is absolutely correct. I also loved the tagline “Fight your fiction.” which has an important role in the story.

Tessa is a great character who continues to develop throughout the story. You can feel her struggle with the burden of being the Last of the Scions-those who have the power to kill stories.
The complex world of the novel is explained very well by the author. She also does an excellent job of giving readers her spin on classic story characters such as the Snow Queen and Robin Hood both in their description and character development. Also Micah and Brand were great characters and they had great moments humorous and serious.

There were a few scenes in the book which were unclear or irrelevant to what was going on. I also felt that the pace was a little too fast. We didn’t have time in a few instances to dwell on what was going on.

Overall the story was great and I am curious as to what lies in store for Tessa, Micah, Brand, and their allies, frenemies, and enemies alike.

 

Anthology Review: Tales From A Lonely Planet

Published on by The Musings of a Blerd2 Comments

TFALP

I enjoy reading anthologies and it’s always awesome to see comics and charity coming together. In the past, I’ve had the opportunity to be part of the comic anthology Womanthology: Heroic where all the proceeds from purchased copies have gone to a number of charities.  So when writer Stu Perrins told me about a project that he had collaborated on with other comic creators in order to raise money for cancer research in the UK,  I was enthused to read it. Fast forward to three weeks later (l had a few busy weeks) and I’m very happy to say that I was not disappointed in the least.

Titled Tales From A Lonely Planet, the e-book comic is forty-three page science fiction anthology with eight diverse stories and art styles from creators Stu Perrins, Nick Gonzo, Niall Doonan, Trystan Mitchell, Marc Jackson, Luke James Halsall, Tim Bird, Dr Mike Cooper, Vince Hunt, Liam Kavanagh, Mike Gallagher, D. S. Georg, Daryl Gilliam, Blas Bigatti and José Buenabad.

To start the book off, Perrins-who also had editorial duties on the anthology-brings readers another new adventurous chapter from Harvey Spigg (read my review of the first chapter here) in which our Superspy supreme faces off with a new foe the dastardly Erasmus Jones and his killing machine.  Needless to say, more action and laughs ensue and Gonzo’s (Execution Day) cartoonish colorful artwork is just amazing.

One of the stories that caught my eye was The Terrible Truth About Mimes by writer Luke James Halsall (I-hero) and artist Tim Bird. The story is an interesting take on mimes and it was very enjoyable. I really dug Bird’s artwork and the inks were marvelous. Another favorite of mine was writer Stu Perrins and artist Victor Hunt’s (The Red Mask From Mars) The Visitor.  It was a cute and humorous story and Hunt’s inks shine.

Overall, the color in this anthology is bright, vivid, and really cool! The inking on the black and white stories is excellent. The lettering is definitely on a high level. Visually, this book is great! However, each story is unique not only in its artwork but also in its plot.  Whether the story is about life on Mars, a hero who wants to be perfect, a man from space, or a group of four guys about to eat lunch who talk about  vegetarians Reservoir Dogs style,  there’s a story here for everyone.

The creators brought their A game to the book and put their heart and soul into it. Tales From A Lonely Planet is definitely a humorous and an enjoyable read.  I know readers will enjoy this anthology and will enjoy it even more knowing that the profits are going to a great cause. To purchase a copy for yourself, friends, family, etc. click here.

Book Review: Schrödinger’s Gat

Published on by The Musings of a BlerdLeave a comment

Author: Robert Kroese

Image

Premise: 

Paul Bayes has begun to feel like all of his actions are dictated by forces beyond his control. But when his suicide attempt is foiled by a mysterious young woman named Tali, Paul begins to wonder if the future is really as bleak as it seems. Tali possesses a strange power: the ability to predict tragedies and prevent them from happening. The possibility of breaking free from the grip of fate gives Paul hope. But when Tali disappears, Paul begins to realize that altering the future isn’t as easy as it seems: you can fight the future, but the future fights back.

This quantum physics noir thriller takes readers on an adventure from beginning to end. It all begins with a suicide attempt by the main character Paul Bayes. Just as he’s about to step out in front of the oncoming train, a female voice-belonging to a young lady named Tali-cries out to him and Paul’s life was never the same afterwards.  

Excitement, mystery, and action is what the story is about and there’s never a dull moment as Paul unwillingly becomes a scientific detective in order to solve the mystery of Tali’s disappearance. 

Each character is  well-developed, realistic, and relatable. Their interactions with each other are well written, witty, and intriguing.  A dark humor is found throughout the story and it plays out well with the themes in the book. 

The science in the story may at first appear to fly over readers heads who aren’t well acquainted the terms and theories. Kroese however, writes the science in a way that it is easy to understand and readers won’t be overwhelmed. 

Overall the story moves at a balanced pace and it will keep readers involved in the story and invested in the characters. This is an excellent book and I look for more works from Kroese in the future.