DEDICATED TO HIGHLIGHTING EXCELLENT WORK
Yes, this is a plug...
And an explanation of why the book is now available as one complete saga.
When I first wrote it, I wanted to make it seem as real as possible, which is what I try to do with all my books. This meant long hours researching technical information, reading over scientific papers and working out plot details. I needed to make a believable future if this was going to work, an attempt to emulate what the science fiction greats had done in the past. For this reason, the saga would take years to write and it would be BIG.
My original plan was three books - We've Seen the Enemy; The Council; and The Enemy Is US to highlight each primary story, but underneath this would run interesting and important parallel sub stories that developed not only a believable world, but believable three dimensional characters. When the reader finished, I wanted him to believe that this future was a possibility, that FTL travel, shields, transparent metals and invisible ships really could exist because science was there to explain it; that a cold hearted, efficient enemy could wipe out planets, and that humanity, though troubled by their own past and their present difficulties, could triumph. I wanted real characters, everyday people who would do what humans would do - put their life on the line for others. I wanted the reader, when he finished the final page of my book, to sit back quietly and be happy he spent a considerable portion of his time reading this, and perhaps even put it aside as a keeper for another future read.
After thinking deeply about it, I realized I couldn't pull it off with three books - they would break the continuity. It HAD to be available as one. On top of that, I didn't want to do what others had done to me, make me purchase three individual books! The goals were lofty of course, especially for a first book (and a saga at that), but here it is for your enjoyment and your inspection.
As you read it, let me know your thoughts...
And an explanation of why the book is now available as one complete saga.
When I first wrote it, I wanted to make it seem as real as possible, which is what I try to do with all my books. This meant long hours researching technical information, reading over scientific papers and working out plot details. I needed to make a believable future if this was going to work, an attempt to emulate what the science fiction greats had done in the past. For this reason, the saga would take years to write and it would be BIG.
My original plan was three books - We've Seen the Enemy; The Council; and The Enemy Is US to highlight each primary story, but underneath this would run interesting and important parallel sub stories that developed not only a believable world, but believable three dimensional characters. When the reader finished, I wanted him to believe that this future was a possibility, that FTL travel, shields, transparent metals and invisible ships really could exist because science was there to explain it; that a cold hearted, efficient enemy could wipe out planets, and that humanity, though troubled by their own past and their present difficulties, could triumph. I wanted real characters, everyday people who would do what humans would do - put their life on the line for others. I wanted the reader, when he finished the final page of my book, to sit back quietly and be happy he spent a considerable portion of his time reading this, and perhaps even put it aside as a keeper for another future read.
After thinking deeply about it, I realized I couldn't pull it off with three books - they would break the continuity. It HAD to be available as one. On top of that, I didn't want to do what others had done to me, make me purchase three individual books! The goals were lofty of course, especially for a first book (and a saga at that), but here it is for your enjoyment and your inspection.
As you read it, let me know your thoughts...
For the month of June, we're welcoming Diane Nelson's new fantasy/adventure
DRAGON ACADEMY
After having had a chance to read this through, I’m very happy to say I actually purchased this and would definitely recommend it - suitable for both adults and teenagers.
The writer jumps right into the story, and the action and quick paced dialogue keep this moving from the start. I am very happy to see that the usual editing shortfalls so common in all written material today, even among paperbacks and hardcovers, does not exist here – this is a polished piece of work from an obviously established writer. Diane knows her stuff, and it shows.
More importantly, I as a reader, like realism, especially when it comes to fantasy. It sounds like an oxymoron, but I really have to believe in what I’m reading, and if I don’t the author failed. The smart dialogue here, the descriptions of a very real environment we all know, such as this: “The atmosphere shimmered on broil, desert and rock and sand danced in sworls of muted tans and beige, indistinct,” helped me to immediately place myself, which made what was to happen next more believable.
The humour was perfectly applied and also believable, as when Berit’s hair was burned off, the rabbits were suffocating and BobbyRay had his little issue with his pants. Not overdone in any way, just entertaining. Diane Seamlessly blends genres that would normally be at odds with each other – fiction, science fiction, fantasy, comedy, thriller and spy stuff into something for everyone, and has done it successfully.
In short, the read is engrossing, funny, sometimes an edge of your seat thing that is ridiculously entertaining. At a time when every penny counts, I was more than happy to drop my 990 for this, and certainly recommend it to all those who also like a good read.
The writer jumps right into the story, and the action and quick paced dialogue keep this moving from the start. I am very happy to see that the usual editing shortfalls so common in all written material today, even among paperbacks and hardcovers, does not exist here – this is a polished piece of work from an obviously established writer. Diane knows her stuff, and it shows.
More importantly, I as a reader, like realism, especially when it comes to fantasy. It sounds like an oxymoron, but I really have to believe in what I’m reading, and if I don’t the author failed. The smart dialogue here, the descriptions of a very real environment we all know, such as this: “The atmosphere shimmered on broil, desert and rock and sand danced in sworls of muted tans and beige, indistinct,” helped me to immediately place myself, which made what was to happen next more believable.
The humour was perfectly applied and also believable, as when Berit’s hair was burned off, the rabbits were suffocating and BobbyRay had his little issue with his pants. Not overdone in any way, just entertaining. Diane Seamlessly blends genres that would normally be at odds with each other – fiction, science fiction, fantasy, comedy, thriller and spy stuff into something for everyone, and has done it successfully.
In short, the read is engrossing, funny, sometimes an edge of your seat thing that is ridiculously entertaining. At a time when every penny counts, I was more than happy to drop my 990 for this, and certainly recommend it to all those who also like a good read.
For this month, I have the pleasure of highlighting Roger’s astounding new book “Light of the Sun” (available soon - www.hkrogersfiction.blogspot.com ).
When it comes to Indie books, it’s rare to come across a work that strikes you to your core. Excellent writing and story is usually snapped up by trolling agents and publishing houses. Unfortunately for authors, the flood of manuscripts on slushpiles means that great work get’s missed. Fortunately, there are numerous websites where the work can be showcased, and the ease to which an author can list his or her work, successfully market it and have it available to the masses is now a reality, not a wish. Unfortunately, this also means that much of what is available, either in POD or ebook form, does belong to the G basket. Finding a gem seems to be getting harder and harder.
In this case, reading Roger’s work left me gasping for more. Her novel set in first century Palestine tells us the story of a crippled young man’s struggles against lost love. Having been born blind, Kenan’s daily existence as a Jewish man is a constant reminder of the things he can’t have and the one he’s not allowed to love. When he is finally thrust into living life on his own, Kenan is determined to confront God and find out what he has done to deserve such a life. Yet, nothing prepares Kenan for the truth he finds or the man who will alter his life forever.
With a pitch as intriguing as this, I couldn’t help but delve in.
I felt myself drawn immediately to Kenan’s plight. Nothing was overwritten, and the descriptions, dialogue and circumstances played out satisfyingly and realistically well. I felt Kenan’s pain, and knew I would have acted exactly the same. Progressing into the story, I felt that all the characters were real, as if Rogers were writing a true life historical account, not fiction. Although 2000 years after the time the story is set in, everything – the Jewish way of life and the treatment they received from the Roman army, the backdrop info and daily events sounded real. References to ancient Jerusalem are accurate, and the characters are set in their proper places. For example, the issue of atonement for sin was portrayed well, as was the contact between Kenan and Yeshua (Jesus). The tender moment is presented in a touching way, and by the time I finished this chapter, I realized I was holding my breath.
Although Rogers is in editing phase at the moment as she preps this for public sale, it is polished and ready to go. Hat’s off to her, and her ability to pull such a complex and emotional tale off.
RECOMMENDED 5/5
When it comes to Indie books, it’s rare to come across a work that strikes you to your core. Excellent writing and story is usually snapped up by trolling agents and publishing houses. Unfortunately for authors, the flood of manuscripts on slushpiles means that great work get’s missed. Fortunately, there are numerous websites where the work can be showcased, and the ease to which an author can list his or her work, successfully market it and have it available to the masses is now a reality, not a wish. Unfortunately, this also means that much of what is available, either in POD or ebook form, does belong to the G basket. Finding a gem seems to be getting harder and harder.
In this case, reading Roger’s work left me gasping for more. Her novel set in first century Palestine tells us the story of a crippled young man’s struggles against lost love. Having been born blind, Kenan’s daily existence as a Jewish man is a constant reminder of the things he can’t have and the one he’s not allowed to love. When he is finally thrust into living life on his own, Kenan is determined to confront God and find out what he has done to deserve such a life. Yet, nothing prepares Kenan for the truth he finds or the man who will alter his life forever.
With a pitch as intriguing as this, I couldn’t help but delve in.
I felt myself drawn immediately to Kenan’s plight. Nothing was overwritten, and the descriptions, dialogue and circumstances played out satisfyingly and realistically well. I felt Kenan’s pain, and knew I would have acted exactly the same. Progressing into the story, I felt that all the characters were real, as if Rogers were writing a true life historical account, not fiction. Although 2000 years after the time the story is set in, everything – the Jewish way of life and the treatment they received from the Roman army, the backdrop info and daily events sounded real. References to ancient Jerusalem are accurate, and the characters are set in their proper places. For example, the issue of atonement for sin was portrayed well, as was the contact between Kenan and Yeshua (Jesus). The tender moment is presented in a touching way, and by the time I finished this chapter, I realized I was holding my breath.
Although Rogers is in editing phase at the moment as she preps this for public sale, it is polished and ready to go. Hat’s off to her, and her ability to pull such a complex and emotional tale off.
RECOMMENDED 5/5
