By Gregory Meyer
May 27, 2016
At last, after what feels like an eternity, the latest chapter in the Bron & Calea saga is available for your eReader of choice. Having worked on the book since the initial planning stages in February 2014, I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished and hope you enjoy reading about the latest adventures of Bron, Calea, and Nyasha. (more…)
As I mentioned in a previous blog, I have a number of book shelves filled with books. (Everyone does, right?) While either my wife or I have read the majority of them, there are those lonely volumes that wait for the day for someone to pick them up and read them.
My reading since Baby Hayden #3 arrived on the scene has consisted of 1.5 Star Wars novels, a SAO light novel, and a Brandon Sanderson YA novel. As I adjust to the new life-as-I-know-it, I began to hanker for something a bit denser. I know, I’m weird like that. I nearly started a Russian novel but I ended up pulling an old Harvard Classics collection off the shelf, which I’d received from somewhere but never read. It contains some works by Plato as well as other classic writers.
I’ve never read any Plato–or, in this case, any Socrates as recorded by Plato. But after finishing Apology of Socrates (Socrates’ defense before the Athenians who were accusing him), I plan on reading more. Certainly, the language and rhetoric is enjoyable, but what hooked me was the focus and discussion of virtue.
I won’t pretend to be a philosophy buff or an expert on anything Greek, but it seems to me that part of Socrates’ appeal is that he places such an unrelenting emphasis on the development of the soul. (more…)
By Nick Hayden
October 22, 2015
About two weeks ago, I moved for the first time in 12 years. With two small kids and another on the way, we had plenty of boxes filled to the brim. The heaviest of these were filled with books. Lots of books. My wife has numerous Advanced Reading Copies of YA novels, and I have a good selection of fantasy tomes, Russian novels, and sundry classics. So, after the kitchen was in working order and our beds were reassembled, the next question was “Where do we put the bookcases?”
In a perfect world, we’d have more bookcases than we do. I mean, we only have seven at the moment, only one of those dedicated to DVDs and photo albums, and one half bookcase that will probably be used for knick-knacks. Seriously, who can get by with only seven bookcases? (more…)
By Greg Meyer
July 24, 2015
As promised in my last blog, I completed The Return of the King earlier this week. The last three chapters were something special and brought the whole series full circle in a way most series can only dream of attaining. Most people I talk to can’t believe this was my first time reading through the series, considering its renown as a classic, beloved by millions. Why would a fantasy fan such as myself wait so long to get around to reading one of the greatest fantasy series ever written? Time for another confessional blog, though this time it’s a little less soul-baring.
The truth is back in my younger years I was a terrible reader. Oh, I could read, mind you, from a very early age. Just ask my Grandmother, and she’ll tell you the story. Back in grade school through middle school, I’d often check books out of the library and devour them. But once I reached eighth grade, I left public school for homeschooling and lost my daily access to a school library. Sure, I could go to my town’s public library and check out books, but I didn’t have a driver’s license and it was far enough that I didn’t want to walk there just to check out books. When I did go, I had too many choices to pick from but no guides to tell me what I should read. (more…)
Let’s keep this short and sweet:
Oh, I suppose I could give you a little more. How about the cool cover?
And maybe the back cover copy, even though it’s at the link above as well?
Once, Jaysynn Kyzer traced the skyline of Thyrion in the guise of the Watchman, aiding those oppressed by the Thyrian regime. Now, witnessing the abuses of the popular uprising known as the Defiant, the Watchman returns to convince people there is a third choice besides an old tyrant or a new one. But does a small band of idealists stand a chance against the brutality of the Defiant? And what can a new magic based on trust do against the remnants of a world based on power? Jaysynn and his companions don’t know, but they’re about to find out.
There it is. Download it now.
by Nathan Marchand
March 24, 2015
My apologies, dear readers, for this late blog. There are a couple reasons for this. First, my family has been dealing with the death one of my uncles. This, among other things, aggravated the second reason: it delayed my reading of the book I wanted to write about for this good reads blog. I very much wanted to discuss this particular book because 1) it’d been sitting unread on my shelf for too long, 2) it’s an amazing piece of literature, and 3) it keeps things in the Children of the Wells family.
That book is The Isle of Gold by none other than our very own Nick Hayden.
The tagline for this book says, “He sailed into unknown seas to discover wonders, women, and wealth. Now all he wants is a drink of water.” Some may think they’ll be getting a Pirates of the Caribbean-esque adventure story or perhaps a fantastical take on Robinson Crusoe. In truth, it’s a bit of both. It begins with a shipwrecked sailor—who has a silver arm—awaking on the beach. He explores the island to quench his extreme thirst only to discover a beautiful living statue of a woman whose curse he tries to lift.
While it’s full of fantastic creatures and characters, this story is more about philosophy than plot. The narrator, much like Nick himself, is always espousing and evaluating ideas. He asks questions, but he doesn’t always answer them. In the hands of most writers (perhaps even me) this might’ve been a simple, straight-forward, though creative, adventure story, but Nick elevates it to what is arguably literary fantasy. Many plot points, characters, and settings are rife with symbolism. Someone could easily re-read this book just to mine the plethora of multilayered ideas. Like most classic literature, these ideas are understated and must be discovered through careful reading.
The style reminded me of C. S. Lewis and to a lesser extent J.R.R. Tolkien. Lewis because of the densely layered philosophies and ideas injected throughout. The story itself is very Lewis-ian. Perhaps equal parts Perelandra and The Great Divorce with some Narnia sprinkled on top. Actually, it might be more accurate to say it draws from Till We Have Faces. The prose itself is beautiful and articulate. However, there aren’t many big and/or obscure words to daunt some readers. Like Tolkien, Nick in this book takes small words and fills them with meaning. The protagonist speaks frequently of “the Sea,” often comparing it to a woman, and the wonders he’s seen traveling it. A simple word—“Sea”—is given a greater significance than any polysyllabic word. Only great writers can accomplish such feats.
What’s more impressive is he does this in only 60 pages. You read that right. I didn’t forget a “0.” This book is a breezy read that can be finished in one sitting.
Yes, I’m fanboy-ing Nick writing this. Nick is also a friend. More people should read his stuff. Nick is a gifted writer, but he’s a terrible promotor. So, I’m doing him a favor by endorsing this book. I’m an admitted shameless self-promotor, but often I use my powers for the good of others. 😛 (This isn’t the first time I’ve done this for him.)
So, when you finish reading Nick’s next Children of the Wells novella, go buy this book! You’ll enjoy the journey.
By Greg Meyer
March 14, 2014
When I found out that this month’s theme was Good Reads, I decided to take a look back at one of my most cherished fiction worlds: the late Brian Jacques’ Redwall series. When Brian sadly passed away a little over four years ago, he left readers with a whopping twenty-two books in his beloved series, a true testament to his deft skills as a teller of tales.
The books tell the tales of a world full of talking animals going on fantastic and dangerous adventures, singing humorous ditties and barrack room ballads, and devouring delicious and mouthwatering feasts. Every story in the Redwall series focuses on the events concerning Redwall Abbey, a sanctuary for beasts that live around Mossflower Country. Mice, squirrels, otters, hedgehogs, hares, shrews, and badgers live in harmony together and stand up against the injustice performed by vermin such as crafty foxes, rotten rats, and sneaky stoats and ferrets. Heroes are born, villains lay siege, weapons clash, and good beasts fall, all in the name to protect the Abbey from the clutches of evil.
Whenever people talk about the Redwall series, they usually talk about the first book—Redwall. Now, Redwall is a great book. In fact, if you’ve never tried Redwall, but would like to get into the series, I’d recommend you read it first. But when all discussion focuses on the first two or three tales on the series, the rest languish in the shadows. Well, not today!
Here’s a secret: you can jump into almost any of the books without worry about losing the overall story. Many of the books are self-contained, with only a few that have suggested prerequisites. While my choice does have a preceding book that you should probably read (Mossflower), I’m still going through with my recommendation. That book is The Outcast of Redwall the eighth Tale of Redwall, and one of my personal favorites.
Sunflash & Skarlath photo from Redwall.wikia.com
“Each of us is born to follow a star, be it bright and shining or dark and fated. Sometimes the paths of these stars will cross, bringing love or hatred.” – Rillbrook the Wanderer, in the opening to The Outcast of Redwall.
Thus begins the epic tale of The Outcast of Redwall. Just as the narrator intones, the paths of a young badger with a golden stripe and a cruel six-clawed ferret named Swartt Sixclaw cross and entwined until one can defeat the other. Swartt has cruelly bound and enslaved the badger, whom he calls Scumtripe, for as long as the badger remembers. He once had a different name, a home, and loving parents, but they’re just a dream at this point. The badger isn’t an amnesiac, but like us, we forget who we are sometimes in terrible trials.
But not is all lost, for a wayward young hawk named Skarlath crashes near Swartt’s camp, half frozen to death from a snowstorm. The ferret has Scumtripe guard the hawk for his morning breakfast, but the desperate badger has other plans. Scumtripe revives Skarlath from his frozen condition and Skarlath in turn frees the badger from his long constraining bonds. Taking a massive limb from a tree, the badger fashions it into a mighty mace and seeks his revenge upon the camp of his mocking captors, slaying some and ruining the left paw of Swartt Sixclaw. The badger and ferret swear oaths to one day kill each other before the badger and Skarlath make their escape. Skarlath and the badger become the dearest of friends, with Skarlath christening the badger with a new name— Sunflash the Mace!
Sunflash and Skarlath spend the next few seasons gaining a name for themselves, defending the weak beasts of Mossflower country and scattering vermin wherever they go. After a near-death experience, Sunflash dreams of his family and accepts his destiny to rule the mighty mountain fortress of Salamandastron. But Swartt Sixclaw isn’t twiddling his claws waiting for Sunflash; he’s busy gathering an army of vermin and becoming a powerful warlord. Sunflash and Swartt haven’t forgotten each other, and the day will come when the two meet for the final time in the field of battle and blood.
Caught in the middle of this conflict are two beasts at Redwall Abbey. Swartt’s infant son Veil was lost in a failed battle in the woods of Mossflower and taken to Redwall to be raised by the peaceful beasts of the Abbey. There, the young mousemaid Bryony decides to adopt the infant as her son, loving him as if he was her own. But as the lad grows, Veil becomes more and more like his father, stealing and lying to others, despite Bryony’s attempts to steer him in the right direction.
When Veil is caught trying to poison one of the Abbey beasts, the brothers and sisters of Redwall choose to banish Veil, making him the titular “Outcast of Redwall.” But a mother’s love is not easily broken, and Bryony follows after her son, and the two head straight towards the final deadly conflict between Sunflash the Mace and Swartt Sixclaw.
Veil Sixclaw photo from Redwall.wikia.com
What makes Outcast of Redwall one of my favorite books in the series is that the story follows Sunflash’s journey from his life as a slave to him taking his rightful place as Badger Lord of Salamandastron. Almost all of the Redwall books take place over a season or two, giving the reader only a small window of time for the book’s cast. However, The Outcast of Redwall acts more like a chronicle of the lives of Sunflash and Swartt Sixclaw, detailing their differing rise in power. Normally, Redwall villains are at the height of their power when they first appear. Instead, Swartt experiences a type of villain’s journey, going from a small time rover to the leader of a vermin army.
Sunflash makes for an interesting hero as well. The badger is headstrong, almost single-minded in his quest for vengeance against the ferret. This leads to moments where Sunflash makes poor decisions, endangering himself and causing others to come to his rescue. The young badger has a lot to learn, and we experience Sunflash’s triumphs and failures, his joys and his deep sorrow. Sunflash’s journey from Scumtripe to Badger Lord is an exciting and dramatic read, making it one of the very best tales in a series well known for its high adventure.
I first read Outcast back in 2010, already having read quite a few Redwall books during my first trip through the series. While I enjoyed all the books I had read up to that point, Outcast stuck with me, mainly due to Sunflash himself. Watching Sunflash rediscover who he is and travel headlong to his destiny struck a chord with me as I worked through discovering who I was as a writer. Likewise, Sunflash’s close friendship with Skarlath reminded me of the unbreakable friendships I had forged in my life, and the sacrifices we’ve made in helping each other. Though the roads of life can take us in opposite directions, those bonds remain strong through the mire and trials this life brings.
If you’re looking for a book to read during a stormy spring day, I can’t think of a better book than The Outcast of Redwall. So come with me to the land of fearless Badger Lords, bloodthirsty warlords, and tranquil Redwall Abbey and dive into the adventure today!
Eulalia!
By Natasha Hayden
March 5, 2015
This month we are blogging about some of the latest and best of what we’ve been reading, which is right up my alley. I review just about everything I read on my blog natashasshelf.blogspot.com, though I am behind by about three books. Of the last five books I’ve read, I’ve rated four of them four or five stars. They’ve been so good lately I’ve just kept reading without reviewing, so some of these reviews are making their first appearance here before my blog. I think my reading thus far this year has been varied enough (though, admittedly, still mostly young adult fiction) that there ought to be something below that appeals to you. (more…)
By Nathan Marchand
August 7, 2014
Have I ever mentioned I love conventions? Particularly the nerdy variety? They’re what I imagine Heaven will be like. Well, at least my little corner of Heaven will be like that.
Anyway, I’ll be returning to Gen-Con this month. I went there last year with some promotional materials for Children of the Wells—which were all gone by day three of the four-day con! That was back when we were only posting stories online. Now with print books available, I’ll have something tangible to share with would-be fans of our audacious saga. (more…)
By Nick Hayden
June 13, 2014
As you may have noticed, the site has been a little, shall we say, “dead,” because on the Internet, if you aren’t posting articles and tweets and tumblr thingies faster than the government spends money, you’re not truly alive.
Of course, on the back end, there’s quite a bit happening. The first draft sequel to The Rules Change is nearly complete, and the sequel to The Well’s Orphan is on its way. (Have you read Destinies Entwined yet?)
And, plus, it’s summer! It’s warm! Who wants to be on the Internet all day?
I just recently convinced my sister to read Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury, which is the most wonderfully nostalgic book I’ve ever read. It chronicles the summer of 12-year-old Doug Spaulding–it captures all those moments of being alive and young and full of endless days of sunlight. Days of running for no reason, nights of porches and ice cream. If you haven’t read it, you really should. (more…)
