I couldn't resist a couple of these, especially Ray Bradbury's short story below. As a science fiction fan and as a fan of great ideas in general, his passing is a great tragedy. At least he will live forever through his writings.
The Playground by Ray Bradbury (short story) [$0.99] - If you need a small fix of Ray Bradbury, this may be the perfect thing. The Exodus Gate (Rising Dawn Saga #1) by Stephen Zimmer [FREE] - Zimmer's done a great job around the blogging community, I really need to give this small press author a try. John Carter Barsoom Series (7 Novels) by Edgar Rice Burroughs [$0.99] - It looks like this is a pretty huge collection with illustrations, everything I read about it looks like it's really what it says it is. Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut [$3.99] - I know I've posted this before, but it's still such a good deal I just had to post it again. :)
One the one hand I stay in contact with Stephen Zimmer. He sent my a copy of The Exodus Gate and additional stuff. On the other hand these factors should not influence my own view. I tried to be honest and fair. I felt I must write these words before the real review.
The Exodus Gate is the first book in the Rising Dawn Saga. What is the book about? Let me quote the back of the book because it gives you a fair view: "Benedict Darwin, host of a popular late night radio show that deals with the paranormal, comes into possession of a virtual reality simulator that turns out to be something far greater and more powerful than he ever expected. Supernatural powers from the Abyss and their human allies are working tirelessly to bring about a One World Government, bridging the boundaries of time and space to bring back the Nephilim, the offspring of Fallen Avatars and humans, who were destroyed in a Great Flood that occurred long ages ago. On the verge of enslaving the entire world, the vast forces within the Abyss under their proud and defiant ruler Diabolos are more powerful than ever before, and they hunger to shake the foundations of Heaven itself. A Convergence of unprecedented proportions is underway, as meticulously designed plans from malevolent otherworldly powers, set into motion at the foundation of the world, begin to unfold. In the face of this rising storm, other powers begin to come together to resist. A most unlikely group begins to form, including high school student Seth Engel and his friends, who witness pony-sized wolves during a hike in a forest where wolves have not been seen in decades, to Benedict, his niece Arianna, and even souls existing within the afterworld. The Exodus Gate sets in motion many new forces and unexpected allies that are not going to allow their world and those beyond to fall without a fight."
Rising Dawn Saga is Stephen's second series beside his The Fires of Eden series . Read my review of Crown of Vengeance. The setting of both series is totally different but there are some similarities in the structure of the story and the story telling. The story is told in seven sections. Each section is divided in several named chapters. Each chapter is told from a character's point of view. Like in Stephen Zimmer's Crown of Vengeance, The Exodus Gate shows interspersed chapters which are told by inhabitants from the different worlds and not only the "good" ones.
I read the first chapter - THE ABYSS - several times because I found it confusing. I sent a mail to Stephen and told him about my problem. He replied " I intended to set a tone for the scale and supernatural elements of the book, before zeroing in on introducing a principle character, Benedict." So don't get confused like I did. But Stephen hooked me with the next paragraph BENEDICT. The imagination of a seven foot height wolf on two legs just face to face made my skin crawl.
I liked especially every use of the virtual reality simulator. But I lost a bit the contact the more the story turned to the real world.
And I must admit that there is one thing I really could not cope with: I call it the religious trace. There are so many religious references: names like Satariel, Gamaliel, Thaumiel,the Abyss as a symbol of hell, Benedict and Arianna look like pawns in the preparation of Armageddon, not to forget the Great Flood. And there are more.
Don't get me wrong. Stephen Zimmer delivers a sufficient foundation for the following books. His mix of ideas is unconventional. But for me there is too much religion in the book. So we have one author with two series. And when I compare the Rising Dawn Saga with The Fires of Eden series, then I must say that my heart beats for The Fires of Eden.
Nobody can love every book. I'm sorry Stephen but The Exodus Gate is not my favorite kind of story.
Bona Fide's Book Oracle
What is Bona Fide's Book Oracle? To keep it short. It is a palaver about the reviewed book held by ediFanoB and his alter ego Bona Fide. And I am the keeper of the minutes. Now read my minutes..
Bona: "Hey Fide, last week urban steampunk romance. How would you categorize The Exodus Gate? Fide: "Hey Bona, you don't waste a second. Let's get down brass tacks! Let me enumerate: Adventure, history, science, fantasy and a trace of religion." Bona: "Not bad for a ninny-hammer like you. That means a scientific adventure?" Fide: "I'm a ninny-hammer. How should I know." Bona: "Hey, don't be in a snit. Lets come back to the trace of religion you mentioned. Any explanation for that?" Fide: "Well, for me the Abyss is a kind of hell. And Benedict and Arianna are pawns in the preparation of Armageddon." Bona: "That must not be bad." Fide: "Of course not. But you must like it. To be honest it is not exactly my taste." Bona: "You have a point here. One can't like/love any book." Fide: "Stephen put in a lot of efford to create a believable world." Bona: "He did a good job in this case. Fide: "But I can't cope with this resonant religious touch." Bona: "That's your opinion. I have had some connection with Benedict and Arianna. But I lost them somewhere in the middle of the book." Fide: "So what do we tell our readers?" Bona: "It is the groundtaking first book of an end of time - apocalypse - story." Fide: "With a lot of interesting creatures." Bona: "It seems we are more the Crown of Vengeance readers and lovers than The Fires of Eden followers." Fide: "Different books for different people. Stephen Zimmer is a versatile writer." Bona: "That's it for today." Fide: "Now it is your turn keeper of the minutes."
I'm the keeper of the minutes and this is my conclusion: The Exodus Gate is a solid start of an end of time story mixed of adventure, history, science, fantasy and an obvious trace of religion. If you like this kind of mix then read it.
Stephen Zimmer, the author of The Exodus Gate, has been so kind as to send me a signed copy of The Exodus Gate.
UPDATE: In the meantime I received a comment via mail from Stephen Zimmer. He told me that he unterstood what I tried to say. And he asked me whether I will give the sequel a chance or not. The next book will contain a lot more action including a massive battle. Stephen, of course I will read the sequel under that condition. Of course I'm aware that the action doesn't replace the religious traces. But I hope that they are less obvious.
Hello and welcome to issue #05 of my Weekly Roundup. The end of January is near. How fast the days passed by. Let's have a look what to expect next month. But before you enjoy reading let me tell you in Bona and Fide style that great news are ahead of you:
An awesome g...... A new c...... Three r...... And the w...... is
Friday, February 5th, Review: A Shadow in Summer (2006) [US] [UK], by Daniel Abraham Great start of an underestimated series.
Saturday, February 6th, Bona Fide: Weekly Roundup #06 Content unknown so far
Friday, February 12th, Review: The Bookman (2010) [US July] [UK] by Lavie Tidhar A debut novel with an interesting mix and the start of a series.
Saturday, February 13th, Bona Fide:Weekly Roundup #07 Content unknown so far
Friday, February 19th, Review: Seeds of Earth (2009) [US][UK], Michael Cobley I review science fiction.
Saturday, February 20th, Bona Fide: Weekly Roundup#08 Content unknown so far
Wednesday, February 24th, Review: The Exodus Gate (2009, 566 p.) [US][UK], Stephen Zimmer Second series by Stephen Zimmer
Friday, February 26th, Review: Spellwright (2010) [US March] [UK July], by Blake Charlton. Debut novel with expectations.
Saturday, February 27th, Bona Fide: Weekly Roundup#09 Contains Bona Fide's Forecast for March 2010; Reading Forecast and the Reality; rest unknown
Bona Fide's Butcher's Bill: January Reads
I read and reviewed following three books Drood (2009) [US] [UK] by Dan Simmons. Review A Shadow in Summer (2006) [US] [UK], by Daniel Abraham Review will be posted in February The Bookman (2010) [US July] [UK] by Lavie Tidhar Review will be posted in February
I read 1/5th of the book.Will continue to read in February The Gardens of the Moon (2009, 10th anniversary edtition) [US][UK], by Steven Erikson
Failed to read. The Dragonbone Chair (2009) [US][UK], by Tad Williams. I decided to postpone the reread of the Memory, Sorrow and Thorn series.
The Belly of the Bow (1999) [US][UK] , by K. J. Parker. I hope to read it in February
So I didn't reach my target. No real obvious reasons for that except I read a bit slower than usual. But I'm really happy with the books I read. I chose the right ones.
Stats
Average Pages Per Day: 53.55
Average Publication Date: 2008
Average Books Per Day: 0.09 Books settled in London: 2 Completely destroyed cities: 0
Train disasters: 1 Bona Fide's February Reading List You may think I'm crazy because last month I could not finish six books and now there are eight on the list. But there is one difference. In sum the number of pages is less. I look forward to read Spellwright and The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms because they belong to the circle of books which compete to be the debut novel of the year. And with Seeds of Earth I read my first science fiction book in 2010 and I promise you it won't be the last one.
The Gardens of the Moon (2009, 10th anniversary edtition) [US][UK], by Steven Erikson Deadhouse Gates (2001) [US][UK]by Steven Erikson Seeds of Earth (2009) [US][UK], Michael Cobley Spellwright (2010) [US March] [UK July], by Blake Charlton The Belly of the Bow (1999) [US][UK] , by K. J. Parker. The Exodus Gate (2009, 566 p.) [US][UK], Stephen Zimmer The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms (2010) [US] [UK], by J.K.Nemesin The Stolen Moon of Londor (2009) [US][UK] , by A.P. Stephen. (not sure when I receive my copy)
Bona Fide's Question of the Week
Answers to questions from Roundup 03 Not many answers to that question. Anyway I will continue to present book trailers.
Do you comment posts? Dear readers, when you follow several blogs like me you will recognize that the number of comments differ a lot. I would like to know whether you write comments or not and of course the reason for it.
Books
Surprise of the week 10 days ago I received a mail from Stephen Zimmer, author of Crown of Vengeance (2009, 612 p.) [US][UK].
"I just got back from the post office, and placed a package in the mail with your address on it. It should arrive by next week, but I'm going to let it just be a surprise for you. I think you'll like it!"
I received the package yesterday. And that is what I got: Stephen sent me a copy of The Exodus Gate (2009, 566 p.) [US][UK], which is the first book in his The Rising Dawn Saga!!! But that wasn't all. As you can see I also got art cards and bookmarks. And not to forget a poster.
What is the book about?
"Benedict Darwin, host of a popular late night radio show that deals with the paranormal, comes into possession of a virtual reality simulator that turns out to be something far greater and more powerful than he ever expected.
Supernatural powers from the Abyss and their human allies are working tirelessly to bring about a One World Government, bridging the boundaries of time and space to bring back the Nephilim, the offspring of Fallen Avatars and humans, who were destroyed in a Great Flood that occurred long ages ago.
On the verge of enslaving the entire world, the vast forces within the Abyss under their proud and defiant ruler Diabolos are more powerful than ever before, and they hunger to shake the foundations of Heaven itself. A Convergence of unprecedented proportions is underway, as meticulously designed plans from malevolent otherworldly powers, set into motion at the foundation of the world, begin to unfold.
In the face of this rising storm, other powers begin to come together to resist. A most unlikely group begins to form, including high school student Seth Engel and his friends, who witness pony-sized wolves during a hike in a forest where wolves have not been seen in decades, to Benedict, his niece Arianna, and even souls existing within the afterworld. The Exodus Gate sets in motion many new forces and unexpected allies that are not going to allow their world and those beyond to fall without a fight.
An epic tale of courage and adventure, with fantastical realms and exotic creatures, The Exodus Gate is the first adventure in the Rising Dawn Saga." [Source]
Of course I'm keen to read and review it!
Book Trailer Yesterday I posted my review of Drood by Dan Simmons. What I great read! . Now I'm keen to read his next book Black Hills (2010) [US Februaryl][UK April]. Just listen to the author himself:
Blogosphere
Last week I presented you the debut novel of Sam Sykes - Tome of the Undergates (2010) [US = no date] [UK]. When you look around there are some more debut novels which aroused some interest. Last night I ordered one of these books: The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms (2010) [US] [UK], by J.K.Nemesin. This is the first volume in The Inheritance Trilogy. I read the first chapter and was intrigued. I think you should read an excerpt because it is story told from first point of view. And in this case it depends a lot on the style and prose of the author. What is the book about beside it is a fantasy novel?
"Yeine Darr is an outcast from the barbarian north. But when her mother dies under mysterious circumstances, she is summoned to the majestic city of Sky, seat of the ruling Arameri family. There, to her shock, Yeine is named an heiress to the king. But the throne of the Hundred Thousand Kingdoms is not easily won, and Yeine is thrust into a vicious power struggle with a pair of cousins she never knew she had. As she fights for her life, she draws ever closer to the secrets of her mother’s death and her family’s bloody history. With the fate of the world hanging in the balance, Yeine will learn how perilous it can be when love and hate — and gods and mortals — are bound inseparably." [Source]
You to get some more information about the author and her book? Then I highly recommend to read her post Sexing up Gods.
If you want to meet interesting people, talk about fantasy books, share your opinions in a friendly fantasy atmosphere, support your favorite book and SIGN IN:
Once again I have to say thank to the great guys over at Steampunkopedia who discovered following video. It represents the genre of alternate history. Let me quote the director and writer Ryan Nagata:
"1945A is a presentation I made with George Edelman about an alternate timeline where the Nazi's unveil all sorts of futuristic sci-fi technology at the end of WWII, turning the tides in their favor. It's essentially what 5 minutes of the feature film could look like. It was made for a budget of less than $2000." [Source]
After watching videos like this I always breathe a sigh of relief being aware that Germany lost WWII.
Quotes The Exodus Gate inspired me to search for quotes related to gates........
" I believe the future is only the past again, entered through another gate. ” Arthur Wing Pinero, English dramatist (1855 - 1934)
"Still round the corner there may wait,A new road or a secret gate.” J. R. R. Tolkien, British scholar & fantasy novelist (1892 - 1973)
"Always be nice to secretaries. They are the real gatekeepers in the world.” Anthony J. D'Angelo, The College Blue Book
"The longest part of the journey is said to be the passing of the gate.” Marcus Terentius Varro, On Agriculture, Roman scholar (116 BC - 27 BC)
Hello and welcome to issue #02 of my Weekly Roundup. It is winter in our region (near Frankfurt in Germany) with snow an ice! That is unusual. Our cats don't like to walk in the snow on the balcony. And I also prefer to stay inside with a pot of tea and a good book. But those days are over because I had to return to work. I'm behind my reading schedule but on a good way with my reviews. And again you find something new in my post: Bona Fide's Question of the Week. There are always questions where I would like to get to know other opinions. That means I wait for you. We will see. Enjoy reading......
German proverbs, sayings and idioms Opportunities...
Bona Fide's Question of the Week
On Monday I read post by author John Marco with the header Facebook.It started with "So I did something today I never thought I'd do. I joined Facebook." I must admit I don't have a Facebook account. I asked myself from time to time do I need one. And the answer was always no. But times are changing. Authors like Cherie Priest have one. There are interesting groups like The Pax Britannia Appreciation Society. Am I old fashioned without? Do I fall behind without? Or is it too time consuming? Shall I spend the time instead for the blog or for reading more books?
So I would like to ask you two questions: Does Bona Fide (ediFanoB) need a Facebook account? Do you have a Facebook account?
Do you read (and review) POD books and books from small publisher? I think it is nearly impossible to have an overview of all these SFF books which have been released since end of World War II. And not to forget all the new books published every year. But how do we get information about new books? Advertising, book clubs, libraries, book blogs, book shops websites and more. When you are honest you will fess up that you read seldom POD (= print on demand) books and/or books from small publishers. So do I. This week I posted two reviews. Demon's Bane by David Douglas which is a POD and Crown of Vengeance by Stephen Zimmer which has been released by a small publisher. I stay in contact with both authors. They told me that it is very difficult for them to find reviewers for their books. From my point of view there are several reasons for this: The well known blogger get a lot of reviewer copies and if they would try to review they would have to stop their work and read and write 24 hours per day, seven days a week. And then they still would have a backlog. There are other blogger who have strict review rules which often say that they don't review PODs. That's OK. Like me most of the people in the blogosphere review books because we love books. Therefore we want to decide on our own which books we readand review. Why did I review th mentioned books? Because the authors promised my a reviewer copy? Because we exchange mails? Of course it is nice to get a reviewer copy. But I still buy 99% of my books. Of course it is great to stay in contact with authors. I reviewed these books because I wanted to read them! But in these cases it was me who tried to get in contactwith the authors. I started to post reviews in summer 2009. So I'm still a newcomer. In the meantime I receive also review requests. My time for reading and reviewing is limited. Therefore I have to decline requests either of limited time or I'm not interested in the book. I read mainly fantasy and therefore I will never review a paranormal romance.
So what's about you - reader and/or blogger? Do you read (and review) PODs and books from small publishers? If yes, where to you find these books?
Books
Sometime ago I posted about Sasha (2009) [US][UK], by Joel Shepherd which is the first book of the A Trial of Blood & Steel trilogy. Did you know that Joel Shepherd is also the author of the science fiction trilogy Cassandra Kressnov. And this is the first book of the series: Crossover (2009) [US][UK].
"This is the first novel in a series which follows the adventures of Cassandra Kresnov, an artificial person, or android, created by the League, one side of an interstellar war against the more powerful, conservative Federation. Cassandra is an experimental design - more intelligent, more creative, and far more dangerous than any that have preceded her. But with her intellect come questions, and a moral awakening. She deserts the League and heads incognito into the space of her former enemy, the Federation, in search of a new life. Her chosen world is Callay, and its enormous, decadent capital metropolis of Tanusha, where the concerns of the war are literally and figuratively so many light years away. But the war between the League and the Federation was ideological as much as political, with much of that ideological dispute regarding the very existence of artificial sentience and the rules that govern its creation. Cassandra discovers that even in Tanusha, the powerful entities of this bloody conflict have wound their tentacles. Many in the League and the Federation have cause to want her dead, and Cassandra's history, inevitably, catches up with her. Cassandra finds herself at the mercy of a society whose values preclude her own right even to exist. But her presence in Tanusha reveals other fault lines, and when Federal agents attempt to assassinate the Callayan president, she finds herself thrust into the service of her former enemies, using her lethal skills to attempt to protect her former enemies from forces beyond their ability to control. As she struggles for her place and survival in a new world, Cassandra must forge new friendships with old enemies, while attempting to confront the most disturbing and deadly realities of her own existence." [Source]
I will buy the book next month. I plan to read it in March because of a specific reason. But that I won't tell you before end of March....
Blogosphere
Left Hand of God graphic design competition A few days ago we received a mail from Don't Panic. Never heard of them before. To keep it short it is a free publication of art and culture. So what comes up in your mind when you read Left Hand of God? A title of a book was my first thought. And that's it: The Left Hand of God [US June 2010][UK January 2010], by Paul Hoffman. Read the blurb and watch the book trailer.
"'Listen. The Sanctuary of the Redeemers on Shotover Scarp is named after a damned lie for there is no redemption that goes on there and less sanctuary'. The Sanctuary of the Redeemers is a vast and desolate place - a place without joy or hope. Most of its occupants were taken there as boys and for years have endured the brutal regime of the Lord Redeemers whose cruelty and violence have one singular purpose - to serve in the name of the One True Faith. In one of the Sanctuary's vast and twisting maze of corridors stands a boy. He is perhaps fourteen or fifteen years old - he is not sure and neither is anyone else. He has long-forgotten his real name, but now they call him Thomas Cale. He is strange and secretive, witty and charming, violent and profoundly bloody-minded. He is so used to the cruelty that he seems immune, but soon he will open the wrong door at the wrong time and witness an act so terrible that he will have to leave this place, or die. His only hope of survival is to escape across the arid Scablands to Memphis, a city the opposite of the Sanctuary in every way: breathtakingly beautiful, infinitely Godless, and deeply corrupt. But the Redeemers want Cale back at any price...not because of the secret he now knows but because of a much more terrifying secret he does not."
And where is the connection between Don't Panic and The Left Hand of God? "Don’t Panic has teamed up with Penguin books for the chance to design artwork for their biggest fiction launch of the decade, The Left Hand of God by Paul Hoffman." [Source]
James Read from Don't Panic sent me following information:
"To celebrate the publication of this must-read book we have launched a visual design competition, the winner of which will have their artwork printed on the infamous Don’t Panic poster (that's 80,000 x A2) and also the chance to have their artwork included in The Left Hand Of God paperback release. What we are looking for is an artistic representation of the lead character Thomas Cale, who you can get to know through a selection of excerpts on our site. We want entrants to use any printable media they choose to create an interpretation of the young Cale using the text provided. The top ten entries submitted will be put into the winner’s shortlist to be judged by Penguin with the top three entries given the chance to win some fantastic prizes, including £350 worth of Penguin books and signed copies of The Left Hand of God, as well as of course the opportunity to have their design printed. Also, every shortlisted entrant will receive a copy of the book."
There is a competition site with all the details which you can visit here.
Anyway if you have talent for art - and I'm sure there many people out there with a lot more talent - enter the competition which is an international one. Two things which you should know before: All entries must be in 7th April 2010 and in order to take part you must sign up to Don't Panic. Sign up here. Good luck to all participants!
If you want to meet interesting people, talk about fantasy books, share your opinions in a friendly fantasy atmosphere, support your favorite book and SIGN IN:
I really appreciate the guys over at Steampunkopedia. They are incredible. I don't know how they manage to find all these awesome trailers and short movies.
The Marrionette Unit Before you watch the teaser trailer of this upcoming steampunk movie, read the synopsis:
"This film is set in an alternate Victorian England, a world where steam-punk technology has developed rapidly and in a world where all creativity, art and individual expression is state-controlled. The Marionette Unit is a theatre show where machine and human have been fused together. A musical machine that resembles a twisted tortured church organ, run with valves, steam and electricity, is connected by a mass of electrical cables to three ballet dancers, who have the wires fused into their bodies. The dancers are controlled by the machine much to the amazement of the Victorian audience. We follow the story of Smith, an enigmatic character connected to an underground society of artists, hunted by the police. He has come to watch the prize ballet dancer, Georgette try and escape the wired clutches of The Marionette Unit. Will she be able to wrestle free and escape with Smith, or will she succumb to the powerful forces that hold her captive? What follows is a stunning and imaginative display of the human spirit fighting to be set free."
When I wrote about POD and small publishers it came upto my mind to deliver you quotes about opportunities. Now you have the opportunity either to read them or not...........
"If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door.” by Milton Berle, US television actor & comedian (1908 - 2002)
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” by Sir Winston Churchill, British politician (1874 - 1965)
"The opportunity for brotherhood presents itself every time you meet a human being.” by Jane Wyman, US actress (1914 - )
"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” by Thomas A.Edison, US inventor (1847 - 1931)
Crown of Vengeance (2009, 612 p.) [US][UK], by Stephen Zimmer is the first book in The Fires of Eden series, the begin of an epic journey... The author has been very kind and sent me a copy of the book, a set of awesome art cards and well crafted bookmarks. For more details have a look at Weekly Roundup #50. The pictures of the art cards are also part of the novel.
Beside The Fires of Eden series. Stephen Zimmer has another iron in the fire: The Exodus Gate (2009, 612 p.) [US][UK] which is the first volume of The Rising Dawn Dawn Saga. But that is the topic of another post....
Crown of Vengeance is one of the four books I barely managed to read in December 2009. Now let us see whether it was worth reading or not.
The Setup
Imagine you go out for a walk. After a while a thick and strange mist comes down within minutes. Can happen. But to look in a unusual blue-greenish sky after the mist has disappeared is nothing you would expect. And that is what happens to eleven inhabitants - just people like you and me - of a midwestern town in United States. Janus Roland and the others have entered the world of Ave. A world on the edge of war. A mysterious being called The Unifier is on the way to gain the power over Ave for his more mysterious master. But the people of the Saxan Kingdom and the tribes in the Five Realms confederation are the last bastion and the last hope for the peoples of Ave.... And what is the role of the people from earth?
My Take in Brief
let start a bit formal. The story is told in a prologue and seven sections. Each section is divided in several named chapters. Each chapter is told from a character's point of view. To my pleasure Stephen Zimmer interspersed chapters which are told by inhabitants form Ave and not only the "good" ones. That makes the story more interesting. This leads me to my next point. Stephen has a knack for details. He describes the world and their in habitants very well. Let me give you an example. Logan, one of the guys from earth watches the passing by of a foreign army. The author spends six pages for the description of this event. I must say it was worth every word. And Stephen does the same with the characterization of the main characters. Of course that slows down the story a bit. But this is the basis for the whole series! The prologue contains a first sight of Ave from the point of you from being which you instinctively rank among the evil powers. So far nothing unusual. But then you start with section one and the chapter named Janus. Janus Roland is one of the main characters. You get to know him and his emotional state. Still nothing unusual. But that continues until section three. Which means Stephen offers you 80 pages to get in contact with Janus, Derek, Kent, Mershad, Erika, Erin, Lynn, Logan, Antonio, Ryan and Lee. At first I was not really convinced whether I should like it or not. But Let me tell you that you will appreciate it when you have finished the book. What is the secret of these people? Why they have been chosen? Is the thought of beginning a new life in another world so powerful? Questions like these come up while reading..... Beginning with section three the transfer from earth to Ave takes part. Stephen Zimmer manages to ratchet up suspense in a unagitated way. Fortunately the people from earth does not turn into super heroes. They follow their preferences which means that someone who like bow and arrow on earth will concentrate on this. That leads me to the world of Ave itself. There are human-like beings and a lot of other races and animals. Of course the peoples of Ave speak an other language. How do the earthlings communicate? I think it is no spoiler when I talk about the mysterious Wanderer. Please forgive me but this man reminds me of Gandalf. He is the first individual that the earthlings meet on Ave. He hands over amulets in form of necklaces to the group which are a kind of translator which we discover a bit later. And to my surprise the mysterious wanderer did not explain much. But I really liked it. The rest of the book contains the contact of the earthlings with the people from Ave, battles and more information about the world. At the end of the book you still don't know which role the earthlings will play in the upcoming war.
Not to forget all the allusions. I'm sure I didn't identify them all. One is very obvious:The Saxan Kingdom. Ever heard or read about the Saxons?
All in all a book with slow and unusual start which is necessary as the foundation of the story. Wonderful and detailed descriptions of the characters including their emotional state and the world of Ave and their inhabitants. The story gets more and more intriguing because you know something but you can not see how it fits in the big frame.
This is definitely a book for people who like character driven stories with gorgeous and detailed descriptions of a fantasy world and their inhabitants mixed with beings who follow devious plans who will face more resistance than expected.....
Bona Fide's Book Oracle
What is Bona Fide's Book Oracle? To keep it short. It is a palaver about the reviewed book held by ediFanoB and his alter ego Bona Fide. And I am the keeper of the minutes. Now read my minutes.
Bona: "I feel a bit stressed." Fide: "Why? Don't you like to talk a bout books?" Bona: "Two reviews in a short time. That is nearly too much for my mental activity." Fide: "Of course with only two brain cells." Bona: "Dimwit." Fide: "Not again this game with wrongs! What do your two cells think [*giggle] about this book?" Bona: "They are still discussing... No,no. You know the beginning has been a mixed back." Fide: "Without this beginning the book would not be the book we read." Bona: "That's true. It was really unusual compared to the books we read before." Fide: "What do you think about the Darroks?" Bona: "You mean these kin to dragon animals?" Fide: "Yes. The reminded me of WW I bombers." Bona: "If you say so. I like the mysterious Wanderer with his big beard and his blue eye. He keeps as much as possible secret." Fide: "Like you:!" Bona: "No, this time I don't shoot back. I'm a big fan of the Jaghun." Fide: "Shut up. The people should read on their own about these awesome creatures." Bona: "OK. But Ave is full of fascinating creatures." Fide: "Come on, get rid of this discussion. The next book is waiting. What is your conclusion?" Bona: Do you see the mist? It's getting thicker and thicker. I have to go....." Fide: "Boooooooooonaaaaaaa! Wait! Don't leave me alone! Ave I'm coming too...." Always the same. I'm just the keeper of the minutes but it is up to me to extricate these two lame-o platitudinarians. You want to know how people like you and me with same anxities, worries and dreams behave in a far away world full of interesting human beings, animals and other beings then read Crown of Vengeance which slowly but surely drags you into the The Fires of Eden series.....
Hope you will be back for the next review. In the meantime, when you read Crown of Vengeance, I will do my best to bring them (Bona and Fide) home. Ave, gimme back my debonair dorks.....
As any author Stephen Zimmer is keen to read comments and reviews of his book. So feel free to comment here or to contact the author by MAIL: stephen at stephenzimmer dot com, or at MYSPACE or at FACEBOOK.
UPDATE January 16th, 2010 Good news! The book trailer for Crown of Vengeance is now available und I thought it would be good idea to add the trailer to the review. So have a lokk before you readthe last word of the author.
Last word of the author
Maybe this is a bit unusual but I like to have the opportunity to compare my review with the thoughts of the author. So you can (but you must not) read now what Stephen Zimmer thinks Crown of Vengeance will offer to readers.
”Crown of Vengeance sets the ground for an incredible adventure for readers through the world of Ave (pronounced ah-vay). It involves some iconic fantasy elements that are familiar to those who love epic fantasy, and many things that might not be. Crown of Vengeance gives a great first taste of a journey that will take the reader across many exciting lands and introduce them to a host of fascinating and diverse characters. I have been working on this series for well over a decade, and I am dedicated to bringing my readers a very satisfying, unpredictable, and thrilling fantasy epic. I hope that fantasy readers give this book a try, and join me for the full ride. Crown of Vengeance is just the beginning…” [Source]
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