Watching Swifts – Myth Rating 5 Stars

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Jan 062014
 

Myth 8

Watching Swifts by RJ Askew

Lucy’s Review

watching swifts cover

This book is one of those that keeps popping back in your mind. Prose and verse, or verse written as prose entwined with verse.

I was drawn into the mind and world of the swift man. This author has the rare ability to capture his reader with a form of prose which keeps you wanting more. I had to know what happened with him, his antagonist (the female photographer he’s talking to) and the swifts. Yes, the swifts, those lovely birds, the harbingers of summer and hope for better times. When things ended different from any ‘regular’ novel would I was actually glad. I felt happy for the swift man, the swift, and the gardener, I felt sorry for the photographer who inadvertently lost her chance of life anew. Or had she?

The form this novel is written in allows for a play in the head of the reader. It is narration and little dialogue and yet, you can imagine the dialogue that is there nonetheless. A monologue and yet it is not, for he isn’t’t there alone on stage, on the pages, the other characters are there too. Flesh and bone, you care for them, you loath and turn to feel sorry for them. Or even cheer them on.

The language this author uses has a rhyme and a rhythm to it which almost at times feels archaic, yet very now.

It is a book that touched me. It shows feelings, inner turmoil and resolution to be more than one thinks one can ever be. This book is isn’t one to read swift, but to cherish and reread passages, sentences, for they seem to be unlocking emotions and thoughts on a level not many modern day novels do.

I give this book a solid five star classification and recommend it to all readers ready for something literary for a change instead of the usual summer fluff read.

Myth Lucy

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Center Point – Myth Rating 5 Stars

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Jan 052014
 

Myth 8

Center Point by R.M. Clark

 

Danielle’s Review

CenterPoint_cover

R. M. Clark’s debut adult novel, Center Point, is a captivating mystery embroiled in history. Dennis Kozma is a charming young man, given a quest by his dead father to clear his name. Soon, it becomes apparent that there is more to the story than just his father’s good name.The secondary characters are both engaging and diabolical. Dennis’ stepfather, Stan, particularly, is a piece of work.

Clark’s voice is wonderful and make the story a very fast read. If I had one complaint, it was that in areas there seemed to be a little too much Dennis telling us about things when the reader would rather be in the middle of the action.

This is a story not to be ignored though. Full of charm and wit, Dennis is a lovable character.

 

myht danielle
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Jan 032014
 

Myth 8

The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap by Paulette Mahurin

 

Christoph’s Review

 

Persecution cover
“The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap” uses two well-known scandals of 1895 to start off and move along the plot of our protagonists. It is an interesting and skilfully executed set-up, followed by an equally brilliant illustration of how the imprisonment of Oscar Wilde and the anti-Semitism shown in the Dreyfus Affair in France could have been received in a remote and isolated location such as a small town in Nevada. Each chapter is accompanied by a quotation from Oscar Wilde’s work. I am not usually a fan of poetry and themes used as headings, but the author has chosen them appropriately and very well. The description of the setting succeeds effortlessly with just enough detail to make it easy for us to imagine we are there with the heroes, but without overloading us with description that gets in the way of the plot. The portrayal of the times seems also very authentic and the dialogue is also very realistic and flows easily. The way the characters interact with each other is simply brilliantly done and gives the book a lively feeling. The story is much more complex and involved than the beginning and the book title seemed to imply to me – which made this an unpredictable and compulsive reading experience. The book is an illustration of hate, intolerance and gossip in a small community and is kind and politically correct in its message. At a time when Gay Marriage proposals are being voted on all over the world and homophobia comes back into the spotlight of media attention this story is reminiscent of many of our current arguments. At first I found it unbelievable and off-putting that some of the characters would – at that time in history – have the understanding and tolerance as the author attributes to them. Then I realised that the same ancient prejudiced views that haunt our Mildred in the book are still around in 2012. The book is a great piece of work on human nature and I will be recommending it to my friends.

 

Myth Chris
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The Aylesford Skull – Myth Rating 5 Stars

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Jan 022014
 

Myth 8

The Aylesford Skull by James P. Blaylock

Aylesford skull

 

I love steampunk. It’s fun, has that historical element that I enjoy and yet is firmly grounded in fantasy. Who better to highlight as my first review on this site, than one of the grandfathers of steampunk, James P. Blaylock. We had the pleasure of interviewing Jim on the podcast back on Episode 6 and what a great guy, in addition to  being an awesome author. I had just finished The Aylesford Skull and thoroughly enjoyed it. In fact, it’s one of my fave books of 2013, so it’s the perfect choice for my review here.

 

Maer’s Review

What an absolutely delightful book from one of the founding fathers of the steampunk genre! With appropriately steampunkish props, St. Ives is back with a new mystery to solve. One that becomes more personal than he’d like. And that’s all I’m saying about the plot, so as not to invoke spoilers.

Blaylock’s writing is elegant. It is reminiscent of the Victorian era, but appeals to modern readers and never becomes stuffy. With touches of humor that actually made me laugh out loud, he has created characters that are rich, complex and easy to fall in love with. Even his supporting cast soon has you rooting for them. The story is fast-paced and the mystery elements work well. Indeed the book itself is a very fast read, which kept me turning those pages.

Overall, the novel is excellent and entertaining and I highly recommend it!

Myth Maer

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