The works of G.A. Henty formed a staple of my childhood literary diet, and When London Burned is one of my favorites. Although Henty’s works are strongly formulaic, there’s no denying his formula’s power to create engrossing, rollicking adventures with an undercurrent of history. Continue reading
“Dreamlander” by K. M. Weiland
Characters You Will Fight For
I liked it. Then I didn’t like it. Then I liked it again. I’ll explain.
Chris Redston grabs you from the very beginning. Ever since a fatal car crash in his immediate family left him virtually on his own, he’s done his best to move on and get over it. And as much as he regrets the way his deadbeat father buried his own pain in a bottle, he hasn’t completely written him off, repeatedly going downtown to bail his father out of jail for this or that minor thing. Continue reading
“Finding the Core of Your Story” by Jordan Smith
Of the writing of books there is no end, and of advice on writing there is (seemingly) no end. Finding the heart of your story is not a new quest, and yet Jordan Smith has crafted a new angle on the subject, and delivered it in such sparkling, quick-footed prose that his book is well worth the price of admission. Continue reading
Show, Don’t Show
Every writer on the planet is probably familiar with this adage of writing advice: “Show don’t tell.” The phrase boils down to the fact that people will find something much more compelling if they see it with their own eyes, as opposed to just being handed it as a fact. Would you rather go to Paris, or read the encyclopedia article about its history? (Airline fees and Muslim rioters notwithstanding.)
“Beneath a Steel Sky”
“Beneath a Steel Sky” is a science-fiction puzzle game created by Revolution Software and Virgin Interactive. On launching the game, a five-minute intro cinematic (played in a comic-book style) introduces us to our protagonist and the character whose persona we will be adopting: Robert Foster. Although I found the game absorbing and funny, I cannot offer a recommendation without certain caveats. I’ll cover those first, and move on to my take on the gameplay, before touching on the storyline. Continue reading
“Never” by J. Grace Pennington
Deep and Satisfying
Brothers Ross and Travis Hamilton are very different. Nevertheless, when quiet, sensitive, bookworm Travis is convicted of murder, hard-working, practical Ross is determined to prove him innocent; even though Travis himself isn’t sure he’s innocent. Continue reading