Blog Archives
Call of the Conjurer
Call of the Conjurer by Ryan Grimbly is a story about soldiers brought together to be initiated into combat, but not any type of combat; magical combat. These soldiers each have a special ability that makes them critical for an army. One particular soldier, Ace Mcdagger, is unaware of what his special power is, but clearly is able to survive situations that seem impossible. The ordered to train the soldiers is Captain Calbert Mason. He is forced to face his past while the soldiers battle their own challenges
One of the things that makes this book so interesting is that it seamlessly blends magic with science, romance with horror while also revealing the horrors of war. If you are thinking this will be a typical military strategy book, you are both right and wrong. There are elements that set this book apart such as the magical elements, but also things that make it very much like a military book such as the battle scenes along with some technical tactical jargon. Which I believe would be great for anyone who likes a good military fiction novel. But if your sensitive to profanity, be warned, there is a lot in this novel.
Grimbly excels at creating vivid scenes that draw the reader into the story. He paints a scene that readers are able to visualize and almost feel the effects of a war happening around them. Transition between scenes are done seamlessly which is the technical mark of a good writer. It is very evident that Grimbly did research on military tactics, maneuvers and formations which gives the book an air of realism, even among the magical and supernatural elements to the story. The idea of building an army based on different magical abilities is interesting and draws readers to a new genre such as a fantasy lover reading a military-based novel for the first time.
Overall this book was well written and an entertaining. It successfully blends two different genres for readers who enjoy military, war, and strategic novels, and those who like fantasy and magic. I would recommend this novel for people who are trying to branch out for their normal reading genres. You’ll find plenty to enjoy in this fantastic paranormal fantasy novel.
Pages: 340 | ASIN: B00IVUH43M
Behind the Gem
When entire buildings begin disappearing around earth, former Army Ranger Raymond knows that the end cannot be too far away for him and his fellow humans. A normal day at the office takes an unexpected turn, causing Raymond to make use of his training as everything around him begins to suddenly change. However, no amount of training could’ve prepared him for the Drassens—a species of aliens with a matriarchal society. After being saved from certain destruction, Raymond forms a bond with the High One, unleashing a series of events that will challenge everything he knows about the universe and himself.
Ken Hart’s Behind the Gem delves deep into a future where earth’s existence begins to unravel as entire buildings begin to disappear on by one. At the center of this story is Raymond, a former Army Ranger who lives with his wife, rides a motorcycle, and works a regular office job. Normalcy for him, as well as the reader, is forever changed with the introduction of the species of aliens called the Drassens.
Hart’s creation of an alien, matriarchal society comes naturally throughout the book. Where some writers rely on heavy descriptions to convey that the new world is vastly different from earth, Hart allows his characters, mannerisms, and short descriptive phrases to usher the reader into a world that is vastly different from earth. Though some parts of the book could use more exposition as to why certain things are happening or to help separate the travel from one location from a different one (such as the Most High One’s palace and the landing), there remains little to complain about when it comes to world building.
The electronic devices and healing mechanisms are very unique to this story and to this world that Hart created. It has a familiarity, but comes with variances that make it new and exciting without being overwhelming. Additionally, the alien species seems to round out the total uniqueness of the story. Hart’s description of the new aliens leaves nothing to be questioned, allowing the familiarity of the mammal-like species to ease Raymond’s trust in the creature while also showing the difference of the alien from humans.
Behind the Gem is well conceived but I felt that there were elements that could of been handled with greater care. The relationship between Raymond and Amber—though well-written and thought out—could be viewed as Stockholm Syndrome. Every element of their unconventional relationship, I felt, should have been handled with greater detail to give readers a better understanding of their connection.
As Raymond’s trust with the aliens develops, so does the writing style of the book. What begins as a journal written almost completely in stream of consciousness with strange introduction of characters develops into a more matured and skilled version of his story as he begins to become more and more educated like the Drassens who surround him. It is a nice touch that assists in capturing Raymond’s transformation. If you enjoy a good alien invasion story, then this book should be next on your list.
Pages: 286 | ISBN: 1629894206
Personal Side of the Great War
The Family that Went to War is both a family memoir and a history of the people of the state of New South Wales. Are you writing about your own family? What inspired you to write a story about your family’s life?
After starting to research my family tree I discovered for the first time that I had a great Uncle killed at the battle of Fromelles. Then to my amazement I gradually discovered the stories of the other 5 mentioned in the book. While I was discussing this with some of my cousins, I decided to see if I could write a book on their exploits.
This book is about World War 1. What research did you do to prepare to tell this story?
We had a guest speaker at a men’s dinner and he mentioned that he found a lot of information from public available war records. I applied for the service records of all six members and from there I researched the events shown in their records. Every time I came across a location that I was not familiar with I Googled the location to check on its spelling. Unfortunately army diaries were notorious for the inaccuracy of foreign names. The Google research also allowed me to see the relationship between the various locations. I also searched newspapers particularly after reading Georgina’s letters to the army. I realized that there was a lot more to learn. From the old newspapers I was able to put together the later histories of the Wright brothers (both of whom gained the rank of Inspector in the NSW police force).
This story gives a personal look into the lives of WWI veterans. Did you find anything in your research of this story that surprised you?
Everything surprised me as I (like so many of my generation) knew so little of the personal side of the Great War.
How do you think the return of these veterans from WWI helped to shape modern culture?
From those I have talked to, it seems that they were all effected long term. I got the feeling that the distance made it even harder on the families at home because it would be months after the event that their families would have any news. I think that many went to do their duty for the “Mother Country” only to be disappointed by the attitudes of the British Generals toward the Australians. From that time in history Australians ceased to feel they were British. They now were proud to be Australians.
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In1914 Australia joined England and declared war on Germany and it’s allies. In the small New South Wales town of Cootamundra 6 young Australians, all from the same family, individually joined the fight. This saga follows their journeys through Gallipoli and the Western Front. The saga also covers time in Egypt, England and France away from the fighting. This is a story of a family and how it was affected by a on the other side of the world. It tells of the battles, the wounding and sickness endured by these young men as well as the lighter moments. A readable history that shows some insights into what it was like during those dark times.
The Siege of Laronto
The Siege of Laronto by Neil Jopson is a fictional story of the destruction of a country called Laronto, and the events leading up to it. The city prepared for battle and would have to use their wits to prevent the overtaking of Laronto by the Slavodorians. Gathering all the resources and manpower they could, while hoping for assistance from Valecia, they made plans to thwart the efforts of the Slavodorians and consistently failed against the large army. Interlocked with a love story, the Siege of Laronto featured, the Baron Trosh, Mathilda, Sir Gwent, Sir Walter, Juan along with other brave souls who would fight to defend their city and lives against someone they would least expect.
A story of death, dishonor, war and survival is an accurate description of The Siege of Laronto. The destruction of Palmopelle, marked the beginning of dread for the people of Laronto. As they scampered about getting together an armed force, they went into overdrive producing weapons for war. From the beginning of the story themes of fear emerged, as well as that of survival. As the Baron of Laronto gave asylum to survivors of Palmopelle, his daughter Mathilda assisted their knight; Sir Walter, and finds herself being enlightened of his sense of loss; a theme identifiable throughout the entire book.
Surrounded by uncertainty and fear, families like those of Juan and Sarah found themselves being summoned from the town’s outskirts into the city. Everyone would gather there as they prepared to put up defenses against the Slavodorian army. All focus was on the impending war and how they could avert it and so Laronto faced much displacement. The city overflowed with people who had made their way into the town for refuge, but pride and jealousy would find its way into their preparations, and a fight for honor would be the distraction that would cost Laronto dearly.
The tirade began. No sooner had the honor duel started had the Slavodorians set up camp on the beach by the Gracian harbour. Sir Gwent rallied his men and took to the Gracian and that is where the war unfolded. Bulsvark was the enemy and he barked orders as did Sir Gwent, sending soldiers into a battle of epic proportions. However despite all their efforts, the Slavodorians were far greater prepared for this battle and Sir Gwent and his men were captured and are now at the mercy of Malksard, the Slavodorian general.
The days seemed to get shorter as the Slavodorians came closer to the city and Baron Trosh was running out of ideas. Lucian and Master Whirlwin navigated the seas on the Mermaid on a journey to Valecia for help. Sir Walter now tasked with leading the remaining soldiers and Laronto into safety as the Slavodorians drew even nearer. His love story faded as quickly as it started, it seemed rushed and not very engaging.
Their remaining journey would encompass conquer and defeat as they stood without the help of Valecia, yet they were persistent, even as the walls closed in. In what would seem like the final hour, many brave had fallen but what seemed like the end was only the beginning. Overall the Siege of Laronto is a story that describes just that, it was an interesting read that fell short of a love story.
Pages: 142 | ISBN: 1505342023
LITERARY TITAN 