Pulse by HJ Daly - 4/5 Stars
Up on the Blog today:
*Pulse by HJ Daly - 4/5 Stars*
(Review by Alex James)
Set in a post-apocalyptic Earth in the aftermath of the “Pulse”, the world is divided into two realms: the human realm and the … other realm. Ultimately, Pulse is a traditional magical fantasy centred on a powerful protagonist and delivered with potent writing. Expect a character-focused good-versus-evil adventure about the dangers of opening up to others and how this can impact on future relations.
Pulse begins from the post-apocalyptic backdrop in the human realm, where Esa is a survivor who lives by her wits and reflexes. She is highly defensive and distrustful of people and other species, having been abused in the past. But when she comes across Rootu, an injured Spinner, she finds herself mesmerised by his kind innocence and heedless awareness of danger. She saves his life from a goblin, and is suddenly on the run with him, strangely acquiescing to most of his demands and therefore acting against her better instincts.
Esa was obviously the major character being introduced, but I was impressed with the author’s ability to bring in new interesting characters, the most remarkable of which was the Spinner Rootu, whose simple happiness, harmless(?) pranks, and fascination with insects made him an imaginatively crafted inclusion. From there, Thomas comes in, who has a unique history of his own and a place in Esa’s heart. During much of Pulse I had the impression Esa was rather promiscuous. Also, the goblins read as believable extensions of reality, representing the worst traits inherent in people.
Criticism: Pulse takes a while to develop. Frustratingly, the plot found Esa, rather than the other way round. I think the first action scene was in Ch.21 and things really got going in ch.27. On a minor note, there were also a few homophone mistakes.
Overall, Pulse was a pleasure to read. Esa was an eye-opening character whose personality encompassed Pulse beautifully and consistently. The writing never dipped or flagged, and I found myself connected to the characters. The action scenes brought Pulse to an exciting and swift conclusion. Yes, impressed!
HJ Daly's website:
http://redribbonwrites.blogspot.co.uk/
*Pulse by HJ Daly - 4/5 Stars*
(Review by Alex James)
Set in a post-apocalyptic Earth in the aftermath of the “Pulse”, the world is divided into two realms: the human realm and the … other realm. Ultimately, Pulse is a traditional magical fantasy centred on a powerful protagonist and delivered with potent writing. Expect a character-focused good-versus-evil adventure about the dangers of opening up to others and how this can impact on future relations.
Pulse begins from the post-apocalyptic backdrop in the human realm, where Esa is a survivor who lives by her wits and reflexes. She is highly defensive and distrustful of people and other species, having been abused in the past. But when she comes across Rootu, an injured Spinner, she finds herself mesmerised by his kind innocence and heedless awareness of danger. She saves his life from a goblin, and is suddenly on the run with him, strangely acquiescing to most of his demands and therefore acting against her better instincts.
Esa was obviously the major character being introduced, but I was impressed with the author’s ability to bring in new interesting characters, the most remarkable of which was the Spinner Rootu, whose simple happiness, harmless(?) pranks, and fascination with insects made him an imaginatively crafted inclusion. From there, Thomas comes in, who has a unique history of his own and a place in Esa’s heart. During much of Pulse I had the impression Esa was rather promiscuous. Also, the goblins read as believable extensions of reality, representing the worst traits inherent in people.
Criticism: Pulse takes a while to develop. Frustratingly, the plot found Esa, rather than the other way round. I think the first action scene was in Ch.21 and things really got going in ch.27. On a minor note, there were also a few homophone mistakes.
Overall, Pulse was a pleasure to read. Esa was an eye-opening character whose personality encompassed Pulse beautifully and consistently. The writing never dipped or flagged, and I found myself connected to the characters. The action scenes brought Pulse to an exciting and swift conclusion. Yes, impressed!
HJ Daly's website:
http://redribbonwrites.blogspot.co.uk/
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