Wednesday, May 20, 2009

BLOG TOUR - DAY 3

King Raven - Robin Hood with a Secret Identity



Tuck
by Stephen Lawhead

Stephen Lawhead's Web site - http://www.stephenlawhead.com/


(Click book for Amazon link) or


Amazon Link:


Rhiban Hud, or Bran, became King Raven earlier in the series after a comment by Angharad that Bran was indeed King Raven. He kept up the persona as a way to hid his identity and to strike fear in the hearts of his enemies. King Raven represented a dichotomy of sorts. To those he fought against, and who cheated the poor and weak, King Raven represented a dark spirit who struck swiftly and silently. To the poor and needy, King Raven represented someone who fought for them and brought aid to fill their need.

I liked the King Raven idea. Like superman's secret identity, King Raven was the mysterious persona Bran became when in costume. This is in stark contrast to the old Robin Hood versions where Robin and his Merry Men ran around in bright green tights. The black King Raven headdress blended well into the shadows of the Welsh countryside. Bright green leggings just don't strike me as very good camouflage, even in a tree filled forest. The black costume may have represented unvoiced fears of the opposition. Bran's costume allowed him to appear suddenly, as if from thin air. Bran's haunting call echoing through the forest must have struck fear in his enemies. The description reminded me of a trumpet of judgement from Revelation.

A king must have the wisdom to follow wise judgement. Thanks to the counsel of Tuck and Angharad, Rhibran made wise choices. Thanks to fervent prayer, Tuck and Angharad gave Bran wise advise. Robin follows this advice, and leads the group to many small victories. King Raven also represents the two sides of man's choice. He would follow God's word, but a wish for expediency tempers his action. Bran sees peace only after a great war is fought. Tuck sees the potential for peace through personal contact with the enemy. Even after failing more than once to reach a peaceful agreement, Tuck doesn't give up hope but continues in his attempts.


This encouragement to continue in what is right, though things don't work out, is a theme that runs through the story. Don't give up hope in following the right path, instead persevere for one day all will receive the reward they have earned.

*Participants’ Links:



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Tuesday, May 19, 2009

BLOG TOUR - DAY 2

Finding Faith in a Forest




Tuck
by Stephen Lawhead

Stephen Lawhead's Web site - http://www.stephenlawhead.com/


(Click book for Amazon link) or


Amazon Link:



Friar Tuck is a man of simple pleasures serving God, helping others, food, and drink - in that order. Tuck would have peace if at all possible, and tries to provide others with an out to this continual fighting; if they would but take it. Early on, Tuck attempts to craft a peace between Bran and the evil Abbot Hugh. Tuck sees the peace accord as an end to the fighting and loss of lives. The Abbott sees it as an attempt to wrest away control of his lands and goods.

Throughout Tuck, the good friar remains a firm believer in the power of prayer, even in their darkest times. Tuck's compassion extends to their enemies, the Ffreinc. Before going into battle, Tuck exhibits his concern for those who spitefully used him by offering to hear confessions before the battle begins.


When a cunning plan requires Tuck to pose as a high ranking official, he enjoys the food but misses his simple accommodations back home. Tuck enjoys the simple things in life and makes no pretense of show to become the center of attention, or gain man's praise. Even when working alone, Tuck occupies his mind by reciting the Psalms and dwelling upon the Gospels. Before each battle Tuck prayed frevantly for divine guidance and intercession that peace and truth might prevail.

One character of faith, Angharad, led the King Raven and his band in following the path of the Good Lord. Bran met Angharad earlier in the series when she healed both his body and soul. She was called the banfaith, and known as the last true Bard of Britain. Even Tuck deferred to Angharad's wise leadership and counsel as both sought to bring peace to the land once more by restoring Rhiban Hud to his rightful throne.


Tomorrow's Blog, Robin Hood ruled in Sherwood Forrest, but King Raven ruled in Wales. How King Raven expands the legend and deepens the character.


*Participants’ Links:



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Monday, May 18, 2009

BLOG TOUR - DAY 1
Major Twists on an old Tale.


Tuck
by Stephen Lawhead



Stephen Lawhead's Web site - http://www.stephenlawhead.com/

(Click book for Amazon link) or

Amazon Link:

I've never read a Stephen Lawhead book before, though I have Hood and other books in my 'to read' stack. Not finding time to read his books before now is my loss. Tuck, third in the King Raven series, follows the adventures of the good friar during the 11th century as he helps Rhiban Hud both politically and spiritually. Rhiban's lady love is Merian. Marshall Guy de Gysburne works along side the Sheriff de Glanville to serve the whims of Abbot Hugo. Names throughout the book sound almost familiar to the often heard tale of Robin Hood. Tuck even contains a couple of pronunciation pages. To get you in the spirit of the trilogy, on Lawhead's site, you can find actual audio links to hear the way certain words should sound.
http://www.stephenlawhead.com/extras/pronunciation.shtml

The careful eye to detail for the countryside and the period by Lawhead shows through as he weaves his tale around the characters. The tale of Bran and his followers' quest to recapture Caer Cardarn and Elfael sounds plausiable, even considering the odds stacked against them each step of the way. But as Tuck points out, "when God is with you, who may stand against you?"
One of the many things I enjoyed about Tuck, is how the characters play off each other in the story. Not everyone blindly follows Bran, or Rihiban, as he commands the freedom forces.

Unlike some of the Robin Hood movie characters, no battalion of merry men hide out in the deep forest without worry of capture. Rhiban Hud in Tuck is closest to the BBC Robin Hood version, from what the characters sound like online, than most other versions. Bran doesn't always know the right answer, but he is willing to take the steps needed to help his people and family. Bran's decisions aren't always popular, but through it all Tuck supports his friend and leader.


Tomorrow's Day 2 blog review discusses the issue of faith in the forrest.

*Participants’ Links:

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Tuesday, May 05, 2009


More Writing Software


Another good writing program is WordWeb. I am running version 5.51, and it's a great aid when you need a word, or think of a similar word, but it's not quite what you needed. There is a free version available: http://wordweb.info/free/

The free version WordWeb includes definitions, synonyms, related words, and even pronunciations.

After you use the program a while, you may consider moving up to WordWeb Pro for a small fee to gain multiple extra features like more words, editable database, add your own words.

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Monday, May 04, 2009

Some Helpful Writing Tools

I've mentioned some of these in the past, but it doesn't hurt to update the links for new versions and mention how these programs have helped my writing.

Writer's Workbench (WWB), by EMO Solutions, helps double check those pesky grammatical issues you may have missed. WWB doubles as a tutor for writers and those less sure of all the rules. You load the program, which launches Word, and then select the file you need reviewed. Multiple review areas each stress a part of grammar or punctuation. You must select and change any errors found in the original. Potential problem areas pop up in a separate document you can print out, if needed.

At first, changing each revision item manually seemed like a hassle compared to the auto-correct feature I had always used. I found out WWB's method is actually safer than auto-correction. A few times I liked the original wording better, or I wasn't sure what places the program had corrected. Manually changing the suggestions also helps you learn and improve your grammar.
Writer's Workbench installs from your CD to your local drive. This is important to me as our Internet has a way of going out, or slowing way down, at the worse times. If you use a web-based checking program, available internet is a necessity during the times you need to use the program.

The EMO support group are also friendly. If you have a question or an computer issue, give them a call or contact support by e-mail. I've found them ready to help, and never had to wait on hold for 20 minutes to speak to a human. Writer's Workbench costs $100, and shipping runs $15-$25 for the CD which contains the program and additional support files.

Writer's Workbench Home page:
http://www.emo.com/
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Thursday, April 30, 2009



BY DARKNESS HID
by Jill Williamson



Marcher Lod Press Store:
http://marcherlordpress.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=2_11&products_id=19
Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Darkness-Hid-Jill-Williamson/dp/0982104952/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1241130966&sr=8-2


Just finished reading this book. I wasn't quite sure where this book might go with the story. The Marcher Lord Press site listed this as a fantasy. The main characters will build a lot of sympathy with readers as the story progresses. It's amazing how problem after problem centers Cham and Vrell in its sights, yet the pair never give up hope completely. For the first few chapters most of the story occurs in the same spot. The story seemed to build slowly but, like the characters themselves, the readers needed to know where the characters had been before learning where they were going. Battle scenes seemed believable. Author Jill Williamson did her research and it showed in the many small details of life in the Middle Ages. When a book keeps me returning, and staying up late, it's a good read. By Darkness Hid is a very good read. I look forward to the sequel.

Learn more on her website about the book and series.
http://jillwilliamson.wordpress.com/
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Thursday, March 19, 2009


BLOG TOUR - DAY 3.1
Hunter Brown and the Secret of the Shadow
by The Miller Brother


The Miller Brothers’ Web site - http://www.codebearers.com/
the Miller Brothers’ blog - http://themillerbrothers.blogspot.com/
(Click book for Amazon link)


Check Out the CodeBearers Site

The blog tour for Hunter Brown and the Secret of the Shadow is over, but I didn't mention any details of the great website. There are videos, an online book version, loads of graphics , more graphics, and lots of background information. This is one nice book web site.

Overview Video:
http://www.codebearers.com/WATCHTHEVIDEOS/tabid/265/Default.aspx

Early players of The Codebearer Challenge competed for a $400 Best Buy gift card. Now another challenge may be under way.
http://www.codebearers.com/JOINTHERESISTANCE/PlaytheCodebearerChallenges/tabid/258/Default.aspx

The Miller Brothers offer the complete book online. They also offer a money back guarantee if for some reason you have bought the Hunter Brown book and don't enjoy the story.

Now that is standing behind your product!

Codebearer Main Page:
http://www.codebearers.com/WELCOME/tabid/353/Default.aspx

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Wednesday, March 18, 2009


BLOG TOUR - DAY 3
Hunter Brown and the Secret of the Shadow
by The Miller Brother


The Miller Brothers’ Web site - http://www.codebearers.com/
the Miller Brothers’ blog - http://themillerbrothers.blogspot.com/
(Click book for Amazon link)


Hunter Brown Bridges the Gap between Faith and Fiction for Middle Grade and Young Adult Readers


Hunter Brown and the Secret of the Shadow tells its story in a way that brings the story of Creation and the Creator's love to impressionable readers. I liked the way the story draws you in with the adventures of a nerdy kid and his friends who want acceptance for who they are, not who their parents are, or how much damage they can do to other students. They fight back in the only way they know, pulling pranks on the school bully and his gang. As the story progresses Hunter and Stretch learn there is more to life than their video club or even their town. As Hunter reads the Author's Writ, a book of teachings written by the World's Creator, the Author, he watches the vision of a newly created world broken apart by a curse as a young boy takes a bloodstone from a great tree.


Okay, I admit this is a not so subtle retelling of the Creation Story. Sometimes you have to pass on subtlety and present your story more directly to reach to some readers. Middle school boys are more concerned with action and maybe a few gross actions in a story than they are with subtle hints. Young readers live in the here and now, and don't always concern themselves with the distant future. Hunter Brown does a great job tapping this life view by the scrapes he gets himself into by acting before thinking things through. Pranking the school bully without an escape plan lands Hunter and his two friends in a locked school dumpster. Forgetting the book's key at home, Hunter and Stretch are forced to make quick decisions when dispirits corner them.

When Hunter and Stretch are separated in the new world on the other side of the portal, both must learn to depend on their self and the Author to make good decisions. Decisions have consequences and results aren't always good as expected. This is a lesson Hunter must learn throughout the book. He complains about unfair treatment especially when he does the right thing. But he learns to depend on the Author and comes to realize that everything has a purpose in happening. By the end of the book Hunter has grown in his learning and faith, and it's hope the reader has also. The mark of a good book is whether the reader continues to dwell on the story even after the pages are finished and the cover is closed. Hunter Brown and the Secret of the Shadow leaves you thinking about Hunter's journey and how you are faring along your own life's path.



*Participants’ Links:
Brandon Barr
Keanan Brand
Valerie Comer
Amy Cruson
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Shane Deal
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Marcus Goodyear
Todd Michael Greene
Katie Hart
Ryan Heart
Timothy Hicks
Jason Isbell
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Carol Keen
Mike Lynch
Magma
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Nissa
Wade Ogletree
John W. Otte
Steve Rice
Crista Richey
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Rachel Starr Thomson
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Fred Warren
Phyllis Wheeler
Jill Williamson

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Tuesday, March 17, 2009


BLOG TOUR - DAY 2
Hunter Brown and the Secret of the Shadow
by The Miller Brother

The Miller Brothers’ Web site - http://www.codebearers.com/
the Miller Brothers’ blog - http://themillerbrothers.blogspot.com/
(Click book for Amazon link)

The Journey of Hunter Brown, or How He Learned to Fight the Shadow with his Mind and Spirit.
Hunter Brown begins the story with a small serving of spunk and daring, and ends with a heaping dose of courage and resourcefulness. Along the way he learns about the Author and about the Author's Writ, a book Hunter receives at an old bookstore that disappears when he and his friends return. The Author's Writ contains teachings of the Author which it seems everyone but Hunter know. The book has another trait. Hunter receives odd visions of another world as he reads book passages. Hunter first learns about the origin of the world's curse as he watches a boy his age steal a stone from the trunk of a giant tree.

Hunter is thrown from the vision into another vision of a zombie version of his school. His friends walk around with black, glassy-eyed stares. Later a black-eyed version of himself glares back from a foggy bathroom mirror. Some scenes with black blood and evil monsters killing the good guys might be a bit intense for younger readers, while older middle-school readers will enjoy the gross factor of working as leech bait for a swamp troll.

This is a new part of Hunter's growth. He learned humbleness and how to wield his Veritas sword at the Codebearer training grounds. When captured by a huge swamp troll and thrown into his dungeon, Hunter must learn hope through faith even in hopeless circumstances. A chance message reminds Hunter of a verse from the Author's Writ. But when he finds the goal, it doesn't make sense and he must act purely on faith to escape a monster closing in on Hunter's location. Each choice made lays the groundwork for future actions.

Hunter loses Stretch early in the story after crossing the portal. Stretch changes too, but he acts as a contrast to Hunter's growth. Stretch, the eternal optimist, becomes moody and defeated after the trauma he survives. Stretch just wants to eat normal food again and return home no matter what the cost. Hunter attempts to convince Stretch that all he has heard is a combination of lies and false promises. But Stretch tunes out all but what he longs to hear, whether it harms him or not. These are all strong marking points along Hunter's character growth path. There are more as Hunter learns he must put others' needs before his own if he is ever to defeat the Shadow and return home. If he fails to lead as the Chosen then all hope is lost, for his return home, and for this new world he inhabits. No Pressure.
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Monday, March 16, 2009


BLOG TOUR - DAY 1
Hunter Brown and the Secret of the Shadow
by The Miller Brother

The Miller Brothers’ Web site - http://www.codebearers.com/
the Miller Brothers’ blog - http://themillerbrothers.blogspot.com/
(Click book for Amazon link)

The Miller Brothers, Christopher and Allan, combined their skills to create a great allegorical story about a boy who finds there is more to life than just escaping the school bully after pulling pranks, or playing video games. After the substitute janitor frees Hunter and his friends from the school dumpster, things run from bad to worse. Hunter picks up an old book at a bookstore that disappears. Then, while looking in the bathroom mirror and at the book, he sees things he knows aren't there. The scary thing is Hunter and his friend, Stretch, find out things do exist beyond what the eye may see. And much of the unseen works for our harm.

Once the eyes of Hunter and Stretch are opened, they find dispirits are chasing them, and they must find a way out of their trap to safety. The Miller Brothers have created an interesting world populated by creatures like the already mentioned dispirits, and gorewings, swamp trolls, a probe dragon, and a scrill. Of course the good guys aren't forgotten with their weapons like the veritas sword - these are like an energy saber that also has healing powers, or the amazing thunderbird named Faith.

Tomorrow, I'll mention Hunter's journey of both the physical kind, and his more important spiritual journey. Unless he learns some basic truths about the Author and his word, Hunter can never hope to defeat the Shadows.
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Sunday, February 22, 2009

A New, for Me, 30 Day Challenge - ScriptFrenzy


ScriptFrenzy is brought to you by those nice people at NaNoWriMo. In the ScriptFrenzy challenge your goal is to create 100 pages of script within 30 days. I've never written a script before, so this is really a challenge for me. FirstDraft is an industry standard script writing program, but the cost is a bit more than I want to pay for a first attempt. Instead, I'm using Celtx, a free open-source program, to write and format my first script. Celtx is available for Windows, OS X, Linux, and eeePC formats.

ScriptFrenzy begins Aprl 1st, and runs throughout the month.




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Thursday, February 19, 2009



What I'm reading now:

Hunter Brown and the Secret of the Shadow


http://www.amazon.com/Hunter-Brown-Secret-Shadow-Codebearers/dp/1593173288/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1235066554&sr=1-1





Just started this YA Christian fantasy book by the Miller Brothers. So far it looks good. The pages are tinted to look like an old book, and each chapter includes a Miller Brothers illustration.
The 3-D style cover looks like a video game iamge, and is different from most other covers on the shelf. This should appeal to YA readers brought up on video games and 3-D graphic artists. The story starts out strong with a prank on the school bully, then pulls you in with a vision by the main character. The descriptive visions may get readers thinking about how actions really do influence you and others.

The blog tour, and more information about Hunter Brown, begins next month. I'm looking forward to more of this story. It's an enjoyable fantasy story with a strong lesson for readers of all ages. Seems like a good combination.
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Wednesday, February 18, 2009



BLOG TOUR - DAY 3

Cyndere's Midnight
by Jeffrey Overstreet

Web site - http://lookingcloser.org/

(Click book for Amazon link)


On this last blog day for Cyndere's Midnight I wanted to discuss the secrets brought to light by the book's end. Darkness hides secrets and title seems to hint at the secrets of the Midnight hour. One that was missing is found, but he is changed. One that was changed through contact with Auralia's colors, and Cyndere's help , helped the one feared lost. A true friend is murdered by one who had already betrayed a deep trust. Feared lost after the great battle with the beastmen, Cyndere returns to Bel Amica with a clearer mind for her purpose.
In the epilogue, it is mentioned again that the four great houses were once united but a great rift developed and each house went their separate way.

By the end of Cyndere's Midnight the loose ends are tied up, not all the way the reader had hoped, as more questions are asked and hinted at for answers in the next book. Book three of the series continue the golden strand of The Auralia Thread, entitled Cal-raven's ladder. Cyndere's Midnight weaves the blue strand of the tales. I wasn't quite sure what the author meant by the strand colors, unless the next strand is a strand of hope much like a golden sunrise.

Secrets are gradually revealed in Cyndere's Midnight, like a slowly woven fabric reveals the pattern over time. Some characters receive justice for their crimes, while others keep committing injustice so that you wonder when their crimes will be brought to light. By the end of Cyndere's Midnight it seems the common secret bond between Cyndere the future Queen, and Jordam the beastman, has formed and strengthened so that each helps the other. Both characters grow and learn to overcome their losses with each other's aid.
The book seems to end with a promise of hope that the characters will accomplish their goals. Things won't go perfectly, you will lose much along the way, but in the end things will come together and work for the best.
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Tuesday, February 17, 2009



BLOG TOUR - DAY 2

Cyndere's Midnight
by Jeffrey Overstreet

Web site - http://lookingcloser.org/

(Click book for Amazon link)

Cyndere's Midnight deals with change both inner and outer. The Ale Boy from Auralia's Colors has a mission to help people and has earned the name Rescue because he has saved so many lost souls and led them to safety at the new Abascar. In Abascar the new King, cal-Raven, has grown more mature of necessity. Fellow members of fallen Abascar now look to him for leadership, and to provide their basic needs. Cal-Raven has changed from a life of ease in the palace to a life of hardship and shortage, due in large part to choices made by his family.
Jordam the beastman feels the stirrings of change after his contact in Auralia's cave with the beautiful colors she merged and wove together. Now, his contact with Cyndere may change Jordam more than expected; a change into more humanity and less beastman. Cyndere has changed as her hopes and dreams for the future are replaced by the knowledge that Bel Amica is soon her responsibilty. Jordam and Cyndere are both changed from the outside-in by the healing waters of the forest well. At first the well water heals the beastman trap wounds, but over time the water seems to begin the healing process of their spirits.
Cyndere's Midnight characters seemed trapped in the dark before the dawn. Things spiral out of control with no save in sight. But the story seemed to point out that no matter where you are in life, even at your lowest point, there is a plan under way. Like the woven items of Auralia's Colors, you can't see how the final result's beauty until it is finished. Small seeds planted in the past may blossom into something better, like Jordam meeting Auralia and confusing Cyndere with her. Past actions may bloom into weeds too. Like the beastmens' addiction to Essence though it curses their body and soul. The dawn follows after the midnight. For some, like the beastmen, dawn continues in perpetual darkness. For others, like Cyndere and Jordam, dawn heralds a bright new day with new opportunities as the night changes into day.
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Monday, February 16, 2009



BLOG TOUR - DAY 1



Cyndere's Midnight
by Jeffrey Overstreet

Web site - http://lookingcloser.org/

(Click book for Amazon link)

Like the title, Cyndere's Midnight comes across with a darker tone than Auralia's Colors. In this book, the second in the series, many of the characters deal with loss of some type. Cyndere, the future heir to the kingdom of Bel Amica, planned to help the vicious beastmen with her husband Deuneroi. When a group of beastmen kill Deuneroi, Cyndere spirals down into a feeling of loss and questions of her future. What will she do now, and what difference will it really make?
Jordam is seperated from his brothers, the very ones who killed Deuneroi. His loss is a feeling of pack seperation at first, and then from a drink known as the Essence which provides the beastmen with superhuman strength and speed. The Essence also provides long life, but all of these benefits are at a cost, for each beastman has loss their humanity and taken on the curse of madness.


The people of Abascar, from Auralia's Colors, have lost their capitol and their identity. Now their young king must rebuild their country anew in the mountains where they hide from their attackers and the memory of great Abascar's fall. All have lost family, home, and friends, and now must strive to survive the harsh Winter.
Like his previous book in the series, Jeffrey Overstreet has created a foreign landscape rich in detail and texture. Maybe because of the tone, the story seems to delve deep into charcter's pain and emotion. Each faced loss and carries the pain inside. The strange beastman, Jordam, while vicious because of his life and the Essence, has moments of near humanity through his contact with Auralia. The story draws you in, and leaves you wondering how you might respond in the same circumstances.
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Sunday, February 15, 2009

A Business Software Collection that Works for Your Writing Expenses

http://www.softwareoutlet.com has a business software collection entitled PCWorks Suite Pro 2008 available for $30 plus shipping. I received the DVD five days after ordering. A few of the programs are very good for the price - the 2007 version of ACT! (a contact management program) and Peachtree First Accounting 2008. Five of the Serif software line are included - PagePlus X2, PhotoPlus 11, DrawPlus 8, PanaramaPlus 3, and WebPlus 10. OffiecReady included three programs - OfficeReady Professional, BusinessPlans, and MarketingPlans.

Some programs I wasn't sure about using at first like TurboProject Professional. I wanted software that would help track and plan my writing. TurboProject allows you to plan multiple projects, and this will work great for larger writing projects that require research and preplanning to finish on time. ACT! will help track manuscript submittals and the related contacts. It includes a calendar, and a timer that saves to your calendar. The timer is a handy addition for any one writing freelance that needs to track their time.

All in all there are 25 programs. Some are good, some are fair, and some are older programs you can update online like OpenOffice 2.2, Thunderbird, and Sunbird. Any documentation is available from program support or online. The DVD case contains a DVD full of programs and a license key card for programs that require a license key registration. I won't use all the progrmas on the disc, but many will be a helpful addition to my writing software needs.
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Wednesday, February 04, 2009


BLOG TOUR - DAY 3 (Belated)



(Click book for Amazon link)

In The Book of Names, Hadyn and Ewan Barlow learn each has a special and distinct gift.
Ewan can see the Fey Folk, or Fairies, and used a small flute pipe to open the portal. Hadyn
senses the true names of things, and is able to release their group when locked up. The book title, Book of Names, refers to a huge series of scrolls in which every person that existed or will exist is recorded. This struck me as similar to the Book in Revelation in which every believer's name is recorded. In the same manner, everyone is important.

The Book of Names has developed blank sections as the children are led away by Nemesia who would punish the world for her loss, by taking children away from their families and with them, their identities. Similar to modern society, the children are told they are worthless to all, and may only gain their freedom and gain worth by becoming part of the larger group Nemesia commands. The misled children lose their souls and their joy in their march to oblivion under Nemesia's control. Losing sight of their faith, and believing those who wish them harm, is a sure path to pain and suffering. I saw this aspect of the Book of Names as a reflection of how following the wrong leader in our culture might cause despair and sorrow.

Haydn and Ewan must overcome their own sorrow, and a bit of anger for their past, if they are to survive and help one another. Nemesia plays on this loss and feelings of anger to subdue Ewan and try to bring about the fall of her world into true darkness. The spirits of darkness, the Mismyri, would attack the light and the good of Aion, much like temptations would led us astray and bring us to misery. The brothers learn that only a faith in Aion will get them through the dangers encountered. It's up to them to save this world from Nemesia's plan if they ever hope to return.
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Tuesday, January 20, 2009


BLOG TOUR - DAY 2



(Click book for Amazon link)

In The Book of Names, D. Barley Briggs introduces the concept of three religious branches, Black, Gray, and White, that operate independently of each other. Each group stands for following and emphasising a different characteristic of their creator.


The Gray Abbey works to balance the other two branches, White and Black, in their actions and try to moderate and work in harmony. The White Abbey has two main purposes, to learn all of the Book of Law, and to keep and protect the Book of names. Studious, serious and unbending, the White Abbey members see themselves as Stewards of the Truth, and are quick to inform others of any wrongs. By contrast, The Black Abbey follows the Way of Mystery, and seek to learn the unknowable secrets of Aion, The Creator. Rather than focus on logic, and strict adherence to written Laws, the Black Abbey strives to peacefully use rituals and power to fight the darkness through mystical means.


This struck me as the way many people view religion - either caught up mysticism and symbology, or legalistic and unyielding. Both extremes began with good intentions, but devolved over time into thinking only their way contains the path to true enlightenment. The Grays strive for a happy median, seeing good in both views. In fact, it is the Grays who become the strongest allies of Haydn and Ewan, while the other two factions get caught up in petty squabbles over who is the most correct and so the most important.
D. Barkley Briggs illustrates this point in a non-condemning way. Much like the world of Korac Tor, the different religious factions of our world have lost sight of the fact that we're on the same side. By dividing the Black, White, and Gray Abbeys among themselves, their common foe weakened what should have been a strong, unified front.

D. Barkley Briggs seems to have woven a modern parable into this story of a far away land.
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Monday, January 19, 2009


BLOG TOUR - DAY 1




(Click book for Amazon link)

D. Barkley Briggs manages to weave a tale of Celtic, Norse, and a bit of Welsh legends into a story that begins innocently enough with clearing out brush at an old farm. The two oldest sons, Haydyn and Ewan Barlow, were recently transplanted here with their father and younger twin brothers after the death of their mother from a prolonged illness.
Questioning their faith at times after their painful loss, Haydyn and Ewan wonder why their father has moved their family out in the middle of nowhere, away from friends, school, and job. Clearing the mounds of brush in the field seems pointless to the brothers, and they begin creating tunnels and openings through the brambles to pass the time. One day, a side tunnel leads them to discover a carved stone arch deep inside the bramble pile.

Mr. Briggs story made me stop and think. In our complex world, sometimes a change of scenery is needed to start us down a different path. We often can't even glimpse the big picture, much like the Barlow brothers and their family, and question what has happened. In their case, the move brought them to where they needed to be so that great things might be worked through them.
The author does a nice job developing the feeling of desperation and frustration. A feeling echoed by children in the land Haydyn and Ewan must help by overcoming the feeling first in themselves, and later in the nameless ones.
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