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Nick the Lolt
Everyone remembers the mass evacuations, deciding through tears what to bring and what to leave in their homes. The one-armed Marsh King is coming. Everyone remembers falling to their knees at the sight of the desolation they found awaiting their return after he had passed
But few remember what you are about to read. How at sixteen he was just an outcast who had never left his village. How in those days he wanted nothing more than to become a master painter and to win back the heart of his childhood friend, who didn't fit in any better than he did.
And none remember the single, sly act, or the hope behind it, that ultimately made him what he became. Until this volume was compiled, the connections were never drawn. And the identity of the one responsible was nearly lost to history.
Prepare yourself, for you are about to witness the trials, triumphs and trickery of the boy who will grow up to become the most dreaded man to ever walk the Lands of Yod.
But few remember what you are about to read. How at sixteen he was just an outcast who had never left his village. How in those days he wanted nothing more than to become a master painter and to win back the heart of his childhood friend, who didn't fit in any better than he did.
And none remember the single, sly act, or the hope behind it, that ultimately made him what he became. Until this volume was compiled, the connections were never drawn. And the identity of the one responsible was nearly lost to history.
Prepare yourself, for you are about to witness the trials, triumphs and trickery of the boy who will grow up to become the most dreaded man to ever walk the Lands of Yod.
- GenresFantasyYoung AdultEbooks
356 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 23, 2012
About the author
Anthony M. Briggs Jr.
2 books9 followersAnthony M. Briggs, Jr. is an author of middle grade, young adult and short story fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 23, 2015
I received this book from LibraryThing's Member Giveaways in exchange for an honest review. And I am going to be honest.
There's something not bad buried deep in this mess. However, the mess includes wildly eccentric similes, amazingly awkward sentences, a great many words that – with a nod to Inigo Montoya – don't quite mean what the author thinks they mean, distractingly odd colloquialisms, dismayingly haphazard worldbuilding, irritatingly erratic punctuation … (Examples of most of this are in my updates. Lots of examples.) I normally would have made an unladylike sound of disgust and DNF'd this pretty quickly. But I was curious.
The storytelling is a muddle: it's supposed to be a history sent by someone named Iggy to an unknown patron; she is sending the story in pieces (packets) because she must be on the move for some reason known to the two of them but not the reader. She mentions that she has narrowed down her subjects to five historical figures whose stories she will tell, therefore indicating a series of five books, I assume. The first is Nick, a sixteen-year-old art prodigy who will become "the Marsh King", a figure of terror.
Okay, now, the art. My first impulse is to mutter mutinously: the folk in this book esteem art highly (that can't be bad, right?) and hold competitions. But … the first competition described is a speed-painting relay race. I don't even know what to think about that. Speed is one of the most highly praised abilities in an artist in this story – if you can't knock off a still life in a couple of minutes, you're nothing. I was trained by a man who painted trompe l'oiels into which he put a bare minimum of eighty hours, and he taught a class which spent a full semester on one painting. Speed-painting relay races hurt my brain.
Nick is estranged from his parents, famous artists themselves; if this rift is explained at all, I missed it. He's in great need of psychological help – or help of some kind, at least, because he's constantly talking to himself, or to voices no one else can hear, and he's constantly being bullied and beaten up by other kids. (And in the book they're never "other boys" or anything like that: they're "kids". There's one of the intrusive colloquialisms I mentioned, others being "Awesome!" and the constant exclamations "Woa" [sic] and "Ya" [also, sic]. A man is never a man, but a "guy"; "could have" and "would have" and "might have"are often "could've" and "would've" and …you get it. I'm not talking about dialogue – this is the narrator's voice.) The reason no one – kid or adult – likes him is that he apparently brings bad luck wherever he goes. Sometimes. Maybe. Is it his fault, really? If so, why? He gets the blame for broken brushes and accidents and attacks of nerves that happen in his vicinity, at least, although from his point of view there is no mention of trying to do any such thing, or even being aware of it.
And, see, there's one of my problems with this thing. The story is being told, we are informed right off the bat, by Iggy. Yet within each packet – constituting what seems to be a random chunk of story (the chunks are not distinct sections of the story in any other way, just in the fact that they are divided by interruptions from Iggy) - there are moments from the characters' points of view which would have to be pure conjecture, pure fiction, on Iggy's part. The reader "hears" Nick's thoughts – and his friends', at times, and his enemies', and random bystanders'. In other words, this is a fantasy novel which seems to have been written in the form of a omniscient-narrator historical novel presented as history … I think.
Despite all of this, I kept going. Skimming, for the most part, but going. The revelation of the setting did not improve – if anything, as more stray details were piled on, it became worse and worse, more and more muddy. I wanted to reach the end because this … kid (*twitch*) is supposed to become something terrible, and there are a few "had he but known" foreshadowing moments which indicate calamity to those around him. I have to give this tale this much: it's a unique story. But it's such a mish-mash of everyday YA bits (being bullied, and liking a girl, and thinking parents are disappointed, and having annoying younger siblings) and not-everyday but still mundane bits (painting contests, and a village in the middle of a forest/jungle, and exotic plants and animals like coconuts and marmosets and such, and a people who know what horses and soldiers are but have never seen any), along with a hefty dose of completely invented bits (plants that grow from their seeds in hours or minutes, and newly invented animals (what's a badillo when it's at home? I don't know, but they talk about them a lot), and paintbrushes that change their shape on command, and so on)… It might make sense, after a huge amount of work was put into making it do so. As it stands, the mish-mash is just a mesh. Mess.
Again, there's something there, like one of those strange seeds the main character keeps planting to grow strange plants (at lightning speed). It needs a disinterested party to sit down and dissect it and stitch it back together again, with all the plot and setting holes mended and the style and grammar errors and eccentricities tamed. This is one of the great shames of self-publishing: however much confidence he has in his own work, a writer is always going to be too close to it to be able to tell whether what he wants to say is what he's actually saying. Or to see typos or other errors that spellcheck isn't going to catch ("wooden statute" instead of "wooden statue").
... … … … ... … … … ... … … … ... … … …
I wrote most of the above as I was skimming along from about the 40% mark; I couldn't make myself read it with any depth, but I was still willing to work through the whole thing and see what happened with the story. But then I hit about 66%, and this sentence:
"...his eyes narrowed and a small wave of veins sprouted through his muscles."
And I literally (at least in jpeg form) raised the white flag. I just couldn't continue after that. Up to that point I was giving a lot of benefits of a lot of doubts: most of the mistakes I was coming across were of the sort that are usually defended with "You know what I meant!" But this …? I have no idea. It's incomprehensible – and kind of gross. And to be perfectly honest now I'm a little angry. I'm writing a book (who isn't?). I would be beyond ashamed of myself if I allowed my manuscript out of my hands in even remotely the condition this one is in.
I would be ashamed to let a Goodreads status update post if it looked like most of this writing.
How dare anyone wanting to call themselves an author wrap up their brainchild with a title and a cover painting (which is not bad at all, sadly) and release it out into the world without troubling to have it read through by someone capable of an intelligent, unbiased opinion. I'm deeply irritated that I was guilted – that I let myself be guilted – into spending as much time on this thing as I have. I'm annoyed that this thing is yet another example of Why To Avoid Self-Published Authors – that's not fair, because I know from some of my friends here on Goodreads that there is some wonderful stuff being self-published. But (to wax Scarlett) as God is my witness, this has the general look of a last nail in a coffin. I am going to be so unbelievably careful about the self-published novels I let myself get sucked into from now on. I have literally thousands of books which have undergone editing and proofreading which I could be reading instead.
I read or skimmed to 60%, so I feel fully justified in both rating and reviewing this book. I was foreseeing a two star rating, the second one being a nod to the fact that the idea is unique and might have amounted to something. I can't do it. I want back the time I spent trying to read it.
There's something not bad buried deep in this mess. However, the mess includes wildly eccentric similes, amazingly awkward sentences, a great many words that – with a nod to Inigo Montoya – don't quite mean what the author thinks they mean, distractingly odd colloquialisms, dismayingly haphazard worldbuilding, irritatingly erratic punctuation … (Examples of most of this are in my updates. Lots of examples.) I normally would have made an unladylike sound of disgust and DNF'd this pretty quickly. But I was curious.
The storytelling is a muddle: it's supposed to be a history sent by someone named Iggy to an unknown patron; she is sending the story in pieces (packets) because she must be on the move for some reason known to the two of them but not the reader. She mentions that she has narrowed down her subjects to five historical figures whose stories she will tell, therefore indicating a series of five books, I assume. The first is Nick, a sixteen-year-old art prodigy who will become "the Marsh King", a figure of terror.
Okay, now, the art. My first impulse is to mutter mutinously: the folk in this book esteem art highly (that can't be bad, right?) and hold competitions. But … the first competition described is a speed-painting relay race. I don't even know what to think about that. Speed is one of the most highly praised abilities in an artist in this story – if you can't knock off a still life in a couple of minutes, you're nothing. I was trained by a man who painted trompe l'oiels into which he put a bare minimum of eighty hours, and he taught a class which spent a full semester on one painting. Speed-painting relay races hurt my brain.
Nick is estranged from his parents, famous artists themselves; if this rift is explained at all, I missed it. He's in great need of psychological help – or help of some kind, at least, because he's constantly talking to himself, or to voices no one else can hear, and he's constantly being bullied and beaten up by other kids. (And in the book they're never "other boys" or anything like that: they're "kids". There's one of the intrusive colloquialisms I mentioned, others being "Awesome!" and the constant exclamations "Woa" [sic] and "Ya" [also, sic]. A man is never a man, but a "guy"; "could have" and "would have" and "might have"are often "could've" and "would've" and …you get it. I'm not talking about dialogue – this is the narrator's voice.) The reason no one – kid or adult – likes him is that he apparently brings bad luck wherever he goes. Sometimes. Maybe. Is it his fault, really? If so, why? He gets the blame for broken brushes and accidents and attacks of nerves that happen in his vicinity, at least, although from his point of view there is no mention of trying to do any such thing, or even being aware of it.
And, see, there's one of my problems with this thing. The story is being told, we are informed right off the bat, by Iggy. Yet within each packet – constituting what seems to be a random chunk of story (the chunks are not distinct sections of the story in any other way, just in the fact that they are divided by interruptions from Iggy) - there are moments from the characters' points of view which would have to be pure conjecture, pure fiction, on Iggy's part. The reader "hears" Nick's thoughts – and his friends', at times, and his enemies', and random bystanders'. In other words, this is a fantasy novel which seems to have been written in the form of a omniscient-narrator historical novel presented as history … I think.
Despite all of this, I kept going. Skimming, for the most part, but going. The revelation of the setting did not improve – if anything, as more stray details were piled on, it became worse and worse, more and more muddy. I wanted to reach the end because this … kid (*twitch*) is supposed to become something terrible, and there are a few "had he but known" foreshadowing moments which indicate calamity to those around him. I have to give this tale this much: it's a unique story. But it's such a mish-mash of everyday YA bits (being bullied, and liking a girl, and thinking parents are disappointed, and having annoying younger siblings) and not-everyday but still mundane bits (painting contests, and a village in the middle of a forest/jungle, and exotic plants and animals like coconuts and marmosets and such, and a people who know what horses and soldiers are but have never seen any), along with a hefty dose of completely invented bits (plants that grow from their seeds in hours or minutes, and newly invented animals (what's a badillo when it's at home? I don't know, but they talk about them a lot), and paintbrushes that change their shape on command, and so on)… It might make sense, after a huge amount of work was put into making it do so. As it stands, the mish-mash is just a mesh. Mess.
Again, there's something there, like one of those strange seeds the main character keeps planting to grow strange plants (at lightning speed). It needs a disinterested party to sit down and dissect it and stitch it back together again, with all the plot and setting holes mended and the style and grammar errors and eccentricities tamed. This is one of the great shames of self-publishing: however much confidence he has in his own work, a writer is always going to be too close to it to be able to tell whether what he wants to say is what he's actually saying. Or to see typos or other errors that spellcheck isn't going to catch ("wooden statute" instead of "wooden statue").
... … … … ... … … … ... … … … ... … … …
I wrote most of the above as I was skimming along from about the 40% mark; I couldn't make myself read it with any depth, but I was still willing to work through the whole thing and see what happened with the story. But then I hit about 66%, and this sentence:
"...his eyes narrowed and a small wave of veins sprouted through his muscles."
And I literally (at least in jpeg form) raised the white flag. I just couldn't continue after that. Up to that point I was giving a lot of benefits of a lot of doubts: most of the mistakes I was coming across were of the sort that are usually defended with "You know what I meant!" But this …? I have no idea. It's incomprehensible – and kind of gross. And to be perfectly honest now I'm a little angry. I'm writing a book (who isn't?). I would be beyond ashamed of myself if I allowed my manuscript out of my hands in even remotely the condition this one is in.
I would be ashamed to let a Goodreads status update post if it looked like most of this writing.
How dare anyone wanting to call themselves an author wrap up their brainchild with a title and a cover painting (which is not bad at all, sadly) and release it out into the world without troubling to have it read through by someone capable of an intelligent, unbiased opinion. I'm deeply irritated that I was guilted – that I let myself be guilted – into spending as much time on this thing as I have. I'm annoyed that this thing is yet another example of Why To Avoid Self-Published Authors – that's not fair, because I know from some of my friends here on Goodreads that there is some wonderful stuff being self-published. But (to wax Scarlett) as God is my witness, this has the general look of a last nail in a coffin. I am going to be so unbelievably careful about the self-published novels I let myself get sucked into from now on. I have literally thousands of books which have undergone editing and proofreading which I could be reading instead.
I read or skimmed to 60%, so I feel fully justified in both rating and reviewing this book. I was foreseeing a two star rating, the second one being a nod to the fact that the idea is unique and might have amounted to something. I can't do it. I want back the time I spent trying to read it.
December 12, 2012
I received this book via Read to Review in trade for an honest opinion. Thank you, Mr. Briggs, for the opportunity to read this book!
I will start with what I didn't like. I did not particularly like the letters from Iggy. For me, it was an irritating interruption to the story, and while I know this was Iggy relaying facts about Nick the Lolt, I did not like it. At times, I almost skipped them altogether.
Now, for the good stuff. I really liked Nick. Nick is a guy who lives in a community that hates him, thinks he is rotten luck, peers constantly pick on him and the community would much rather he just disappear. He has a remarkable talent in the arts...painting and drawing to be exact. This is a tale about Nick trying to achieve his life-long dream of being the grand champion in the most famous painting competition in all the lands. With the help of his adoptive family and one or two friends (the only ones he has), Nick sets out to enter the competition and win with all in his power. Will talent and will-power be enough? Will his friends be able to help?
I had a little trouble getting into the story at first. However, as the book progressed and I started to really connect with Nick and his friends, I really devoured the book. Lots of fantastical creatures, plants and people. The imagery was terrific...I could picture the story and could not wait to see what happened next.
If you want to escape to another world, this is the book for you. Thank you again, Mr. Briggs, for allowing me to read and review!!
I will start with what I didn't like. I did not particularly like the letters from Iggy. For me, it was an irritating interruption to the story, and while I know this was Iggy relaying facts about Nick the Lolt, I did not like it. At times, I almost skipped them altogether.
Now, for the good stuff. I really liked Nick. Nick is a guy who lives in a community that hates him, thinks he is rotten luck, peers constantly pick on him and the community would much rather he just disappear. He has a remarkable talent in the arts...painting and drawing to be exact. This is a tale about Nick trying to achieve his life-long dream of being the grand champion in the most famous painting competition in all the lands. With the help of his adoptive family and one or two friends (the only ones he has), Nick sets out to enter the competition and win with all in his power. Will talent and will-power be enough? Will his friends be able to help?
I had a little trouble getting into the story at first. However, as the book progressed and I started to really connect with Nick and his friends, I really devoured the book. Lots of fantastical creatures, plants and people. The imagery was terrific...I could picture the story and could not wait to see what happened next.
If you want to escape to another world, this is the book for you. Thank you again, Mr. Briggs, for allowing me to read and review!!
December 11, 2012
I don't normally write reviews so apologies if I don't word this in the most helpful manner, but I just had to write a review about this book, because it would be a travesty to not get the word out about it.
This book is about an extremely likeable painter in the fantasy land of Yod. The land is so well-developed and realistic that you'll feel transported to it, seeing, smelling, tasting all the amazing gifts it has to offer. The author's prose and word choice feel almost perfect at times and leave you wanting to keep reading. I NEVER thought I would fall in love with a book about a painting competition, but let me tell you, the main character Nick is so utterly heartwarming that you can't help but to root for him, get angry when he suffers and cheer when he succeeds.
If you like well-written fantasy novels like Graceling by Kristin Cashore (honestly, for me this was the closest comparison in terms of style), you'll love this book. Certainly there will be more to come from Mr. Briggs and I can't wait until it does.
This book is about an extremely likeable painter in the fantasy land of Yod. The land is so well-developed and realistic that you'll feel transported to it, seeing, smelling, tasting all the amazing gifts it has to offer. The author's prose and word choice feel almost perfect at times and leave you wanting to keep reading. I NEVER thought I would fall in love with a book about a painting competition, but let me tell you, the main character Nick is so utterly heartwarming that you can't help but to root for him, get angry when he suffers and cheer when he succeeds.
If you like well-written fantasy novels like Graceling by Kristin Cashore (honestly, for me this was the closest comparison in terms of style), you'll love this book. Certainly there will be more to come from Mr. Briggs and I can't wait until it does.
December 6, 2012
I was a bit apprehensive in reading this book simply because I never read books like these...
The first few chapters I was a bit confused, trying to get myself into the fantasy world so to say...
I couldn't understand what was happening until I realized it was actually a painting contest.
Everyone was against Nick-poor guy I felt sorry for him when he got blamed a lot for things beyond his control. It seems people were so jealous of him because of He was so good. Throwing the poor guy with eggs. Shame!!!!
I had a hard time understanding what the letters were about from Iggy. I finally realized that these letters were To explain or narrate Nicks younger years.
I liked the details of the book and how I could picture it through what was written.
It definitely had moments where you need to know what happens next!
My ONLY problem was the ending. He had a curse and was a slime ball and then you left hanging??? Really?! Ok ok I know this is because it builds up to the next book but it really leaves u needing more...
Thank you Anthony for this book, I'm glad I got out of my 'zone' of comfort reading and I'll definitely be open to reading more in the future :)
The first few chapters I was a bit confused, trying to get myself into the fantasy world so to say...
I couldn't understand what was happening until I realized it was actually a painting contest.
Everyone was against Nick-poor guy I felt sorry for him when he got blamed a lot for things beyond his control. It seems people were so jealous of him because of He was so good. Throwing the poor guy with eggs. Shame!!!!
I had a hard time understanding what the letters were about from Iggy. I finally realized that these letters were To explain or narrate Nicks younger years.
I liked the details of the book and how I could picture it through what was written.
It definitely had moments where you need to know what happens next!
My ONLY problem was the ending. He had a curse and was a slime ball and then you left hanging??? Really?! Ok ok I know this is because it builds up to the next book but it really leaves u needing more...
Thank you Anthony for this book, I'm glad I got out of my 'zone' of comfort reading and I'll definitely be open to reading more in the future :)
December 5, 2012
From Amazon:
I had a hard time rating this. I haven't written many reviews, but I mentally rate every book I read and movie that I see -- and rarely do I say "five." On top of that, much like the title character I am something of a perfectionist and my own harshest critic. There are some scenes in "Nick the Lolt" that have remained unchanged word-for-word through countless edits and rewrites. Scenes that when I read them I get caught up in the moment of the story and when it's over I think, "Wow. I don't think I could write that any better." But I must confess, the entire book doesn't feel that way to me. There is nothing in it that I don't like, but in a work this long it seems like every time I do a re-read I eventually find *something*. I'll think, eh, there's probably a better word for that. Or, that sentence could be written better.
The Amazon rating system describes 4-star as "like it" and "5-star" as love it. Although I do like this book a lot and enjoy going into its story-world, I think love is a strong word. I love my family. I love my friends. For something inanimate to enter that circle, it must be phenomenal.
Aside from that problem, I would personally define 5-star as: "reaching a level as close to perfection as humanly possible, or so astounding that any imperfection is completely overwhelmed into silence."
Given the Amazon standard and my own, under neither could I say "Nick the Lolt" is one of those rare, 5-star works. I would give it a 4.5; it comes close in both regards. But the perfectionist in me says no, you cannot give this a five. Your first completed book? You will get better. You will write better. The 5-star is still before you.
That said, I do believe this is a great book. Many readers out there have similar peeves and appreciations as I do -- you all will have a seriously good time reading it. Let me tell you three things about stories that I can't stand, three that make me nod my head in satisfaction, and three things about my writing style so you'll have an idea of what to expect in my stories.
I can't stand when:
--- a villain is created so strong that at the end of the story I think, "Well all he had to do was ... and the main character would've been sent to the presence of God for judgment."
--- enormous flashbacks intrude in the middle of a story. Thanks largely to Naruto, flashbacks in general have become eye-roll inducing; I prefer to see the history woven in through comments and behavior.
--- the story includes too many one-dimensional characters. Using them in main roles takes me out of the story.
I appreciate when:
--- the main character gets in a difficult situation with stacked odds -- but not through unbelievable stupidity -- and I am genuinely impressed/amazed/surprised by how she gets out.
--- the world is clearly much bigger than what is being shown, full of interesting things and places that never get center stage in the present story.
--- secondary characters are also thinking characters, with their own issues and motivations and off-screen actions.
My own work impresses me most when I:
--- write scenes with just enough description to put the reader in the scene without slowing down. I've read a few books lately heavy on action and dialogue, going at a pace that allowed me to only watch but never be there with the characters. I try to write in way that the reader feels like he or she is standing right there as it all happens.
--- write myself into a corner -- then figure a sweet way out. The corner is the place where the characters are in a situation that looks impossible to get out without using some gimmick. When I get there, instead of backing up to fix, I sit there for days until I figure a way out without breaking any rules.
--- write characters who answer questions with actions instead of words. I like both subtle and overt actions. I like when a character never explains himself or herself in some Q&A dialogue, but just does things and the reader has to figure out what the character is about. Because of this, there are clues and hints that might be missed on a first read-through, and there are answerable questions raised that no character is going to sit down and vocally explain.
That's about it, more a review of how I think as an author than the actual book. If you have similar ideals for stories, there are plenty of treats waiting for you in "Nick the Lolt". Enjoy! ;-)
I had a hard time rating this. I haven't written many reviews, but I mentally rate every book I read and movie that I see -- and rarely do I say "five." On top of that, much like the title character I am something of a perfectionist and my own harshest critic. There are some scenes in "Nick the Lolt" that have remained unchanged word-for-word through countless edits and rewrites. Scenes that when I read them I get caught up in the moment of the story and when it's over I think, "Wow. I don't think I could write that any better." But I must confess, the entire book doesn't feel that way to me. There is nothing in it that I don't like, but in a work this long it seems like every time I do a re-read I eventually find *something*. I'll think, eh, there's probably a better word for that. Or, that sentence could be written better.
The Amazon rating system describes 4-star as "like it" and "5-star" as love it. Although I do like this book a lot and enjoy going into its story-world, I think love is a strong word. I love my family. I love my friends. For something inanimate to enter that circle, it must be phenomenal.
Aside from that problem, I would personally define 5-star as: "reaching a level as close to perfection as humanly possible, or so astounding that any imperfection is completely overwhelmed into silence."
Given the Amazon standard and my own, under neither could I say "Nick the Lolt" is one of those rare, 5-star works. I would give it a 4.5; it comes close in both regards. But the perfectionist in me says no, you cannot give this a five. Your first completed book? You will get better. You will write better. The 5-star is still before you.
That said, I do believe this is a great book. Many readers out there have similar peeves and appreciations as I do -- you all will have a seriously good time reading it. Let me tell you three things about stories that I can't stand, three that make me nod my head in satisfaction, and three things about my writing style so you'll have an idea of what to expect in my stories.
I can't stand when:
--- a villain is created so strong that at the end of the story I think, "Well all he had to do was ... and the main character would've been sent to the presence of God for judgment."
--- enormous flashbacks intrude in the middle of a story. Thanks largely to Naruto, flashbacks in general have become eye-roll inducing; I prefer to see the history woven in through comments and behavior.
--- the story includes too many one-dimensional characters. Using them in main roles takes me out of the story.
I appreciate when:
--- the main character gets in a difficult situation with stacked odds -- but not through unbelievable stupidity -- and I am genuinely impressed/amazed/surprised by how she gets out.
--- the world is clearly much bigger than what is being shown, full of interesting things and places that never get center stage in the present story.
--- secondary characters are also thinking characters, with their own issues and motivations and off-screen actions.
My own work impresses me most when I:
--- write scenes with just enough description to put the reader in the scene without slowing down. I've read a few books lately heavy on action and dialogue, going at a pace that allowed me to only watch but never be there with the characters. I try to write in way that the reader feels like he or she is standing right there as it all happens.
--- write myself into a corner -- then figure a sweet way out. The corner is the place where the characters are in a situation that looks impossible to get out without using some gimmick. When I get there, instead of backing up to fix, I sit there for days until I figure a way out without breaking any rules.
--- write characters who answer questions with actions instead of words. I like both subtle and overt actions. I like when a character never explains himself or herself in some Q&A dialogue, but just does things and the reader has to figure out what the character is about. Because of this, there are clues and hints that might be missed on a first read-through, and there are answerable questions raised that no character is going to sit down and vocally explain.
That's about it, more a review of how I think as an author than the actual book. If you have similar ideals for stories, there are plenty of treats waiting for you in "Nick the Lolt". Enjoy! ;-)
December 20, 2012
There are times in this young adult novel where the prose soars and the reader is swept away into Nick's world. Then there are places where the reader slogs through a marsh. Nick The Lolt is clearly the first book in a series because the story is unresolved, so unresolved that it would require a very astute YA reader to figure out which plots have concluded and which have not. One of the problems that I had with this book is that there although it is referred to, no clear evidence is ever really given for the claim that Nick brought bad luck to others.
I was very pleased, however with the way that Nick's character was written. Here is a boy who is not one dimensional. There are times when the reader's heart can really bleed for Nick and, other times when the reader wants nothing more to do with him because his behavior is less than stellar. Nick is a fully developed, rich, multi-faceted character who can by turns be kind and venial, just like any of us.
Nick's world is an interesting one, in which creatures have a degree of self awareness not usually rendered in the YA fiction I have read. I was especially intrigued by Nick's turtle and hope he'll have a larger role in future episodes in this series, because I have the sneaking suspicion that he's much more than he seems.
Overall, I'd like to see this book tightened up a little and have the reason for Nick's status in the community fleshed out a little more, beyond the motive given, it I would recommend this book to my YA patrons who'd like to read their first fantasy book.
I was very pleased, however with the way that Nick's character was written. Here is a boy who is not one dimensional. There are times when the reader's heart can really bleed for Nick and, other times when the reader wants nothing more to do with him because his behavior is less than stellar. Nick is a fully developed, rich, multi-faceted character who can by turns be kind and venial, just like any of us.
Nick's world is an interesting one, in which creatures have a degree of self awareness not usually rendered in the YA fiction I have read. I was especially intrigued by Nick's turtle and hope he'll have a larger role in future episodes in this series, because I have the sneaking suspicion that he's much more than he seems.
Overall, I'd like to see this book tightened up a little and have the reason for Nick's status in the community fleshed out a little more, beyond the motive given, it I would recommend this book to my YA patrons who'd like to read their first fantasy book.
December 20, 2012
Nick the Lolt is a very unique fantasy book unlike anything I have read. For starters, it is very art-focused and actually makes painting exciting. It follows the main character Nick as he enters an art contest to gain fame for his area. However, nobody there appreciates him and actively tries to stop him from succeeding at every step. But that is not all the book covers and it takes a very different turn in the end (which I didn't expect) which will no doubt set it up for the next book. I found the world to be very interesting and different. There is a lot of magical and mysterious things going on and some very unique takes on plants and animals, as well as spirits. The prose in the book is extremely descriptive and immersive and it shows that the author spent a lot of time and effort to try to pull the reader into the world. I am really looking forward to reading the next book and seeing where the story goes. This one was very enjoyable for me.
See my reviews at http://www.michaelscifan.us
See my reviews at http://www.michaelscifan.us
February 12, 2013
Kind of enjoyed the refreshing originality of this book, the tight narrative and editing, the descriptive language... But then, there were also a few negatives; occasional sections which seemed superfluous and did nothing to move the story along, the central theme of painting (which I'm sorry does nothing for me), and the land of Yod? (sorry, but it sounds like something from a cheap sci-fi/B movie).
First off, the idea of a letter as an intro was excellent. But then the first chapter or so became confusing, with too many names and dialogue which only added to my bewilderment. The story picked up however from there and I found myself appreciating the author's style, far more than I did the storyline unfortunately.
However, I would say that this book has plenty going for it and the writer is clearly talented. The series will hopefully be successful for him, it just was not my thing.
First off, the idea of a letter as an intro was excellent. But then the first chapter or so became confusing, with too many names and dialogue which only added to my bewilderment. The story picked up however from there and I found myself appreciating the author's style, far more than I did the storyline unfortunately.
However, I would say that this book has plenty going for it and the writer is clearly talented. The series will hopefully be successful for him, it just was not my thing.
September 29, 2012
**I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.**
I had no idea what this was about going into it... I don't think I read the synopsis until I finished it. Therefore, I was a little apprehensive. But I shouldn't have been.
The storytelling is excellent: it's descriptive and interesting. The characters are easy to relate to, and it's easy to understand their motivations and their behaviors. Not once did I doubt what the characters did.
There is quite a bit of back story that is left unsaid, so I'm hoping to see more of it in the coming books. Hopefully we can learn the histories of Nick, Cha, Tin, Gayle, and the others.
I absolutely recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy or fiction. Or, really just anyone who likes to read.
I had no idea what this was about going into it... I don't think I read the synopsis until I finished it. Therefore, I was a little apprehensive. But I shouldn't have been.
The storytelling is excellent: it's descriptive and interesting. The characters are easy to relate to, and it's easy to understand their motivations and their behaviors. Not once did I doubt what the characters did.
There is quite a bit of back story that is left unsaid, so I'm hoping to see more of it in the coming books. Hopefully we can learn the histories of Nick, Cha, Tin, Gayle, and the others.
I absolutely recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy or fiction. Or, really just anyone who likes to read.
October 18, 2012
I really enjoyed Nick the Lolt: Tales of Yod by Anthony M. Briggs Jr. First I want to mention that the cover is Super and I wish I had my own personal copy for my shelves~ (I read Nick the Lolt on my kindle) This is a fantastic story with superb characters and an awesome plot. I look forward to the second installment to this series.... Character are likable and the story ensures you keep turning the pages. A well written story that brings these characters to life*** I would recommend this book to all- This is a favorite of mine for 2012- The Land of Yod is worth the money to put on your book shelf :) Thanks! Reesa***
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July 1, 2012
Reading this book was the perfect escape in between my school studies. It did not take me long to get into the world of Yod. I quickly found myself trying to predict all that would happen to the young protagonist, Nick. The plot kept me guessing. The unpredictable twists and turns are captivating for any adult or child. The authors descriptive writing made me feel as if I was in the Land of Yod and all of Nick’s hopes and dreams became my own.
The story is well written. The author has brilliantly managed to develop the Land of Yod while keeping the reader entertained with contemporary humor and valuable life lessons. At times I found myself laughing at Nick—a classic prankster. Other times I was enthralled by his daring personality, hoping that Nick would make the right decision. Like any great character, there were moments of triumph and defeat.
The characters around Nick also made the story intriguing. Each one of them plays a special role in shaping the way Nick approaches the biggest event of his life – the Briturant. He seems to have all the odds against him, and at no point did I know how their roles may or may not lead to his success or demise.
It is a great read. Prepare yourself for the cliffhanger...I can’t wait to read the second volume.
The story is well written. The author has brilliantly managed to develop the Land of Yod while keeping the reader entertained with contemporary humor and valuable life lessons. At times I found myself laughing at Nick—a classic prankster. Other times I was enthralled by his daring personality, hoping that Nick would make the right decision. Like any great character, there were moments of triumph and defeat.
The characters around Nick also made the story intriguing. Each one of them plays a special role in shaping the way Nick approaches the biggest event of his life – the Briturant. He seems to have all the odds against him, and at no point did I know how their roles may or may not lead to his success or demise.
It is a great read. Prepare yourself for the cliffhanger...I can’t wait to read the second volume.
October 15, 2012
Although i generally don't read this genre, i enjoyed this book alot. it was well written and had great humor interwoven thruout as well as excitement ,and some nail biting moments the book.
the main characters an eclectic bunch and all have great personalities that i had no trouble identifing with. the plot was also very good as it was not one of those that you had figured out 5 minutes into the book but it kept me guessing right up to the last pages. i would highly recommend this book to anyone that likes a fantasy genre or even someone looking for something different from their everday reads. they won't be disappointed.
the main characters an eclectic bunch and all have great personalities that i had no trouble identifing with. the plot was also very good as it was not one of those that you had figured out 5 minutes into the book but it kept me guessing right up to the last pages. i would highly recommend this book to anyone that likes a fantasy genre or even someone looking for something different from their everday reads. they won't be disappointed.
December 13, 2012
I received this book for an honest review from the author.
This book was completely out of my normal genre. Truth be told, I will read anything, but still am leery when I start reading the first couple of pages of any book.
The author is an amazing writer and story teller. At about 6%, I was hooked. The characters were easy to relate to and the story was truly interesting. I was in the mood from my normal genre which is romance. I do love a good YA book and am always looking for something different and that is what I got when I read this. I do not want to give anything away so I am making it short and sweet.
This book was completely out of my normal genre. Truth be told, I will read anything, but still am leery when I start reading the first couple of pages of any book.
The author is an amazing writer and story teller. At about 6%, I was hooked. The characters were easy to relate to and the story was truly interesting. I was in the mood from my normal genre which is romance. I do love a good YA book and am always looking for something different and that is what I got when I read this. I do not want to give anything away so I am making it short and sweet.
February 20, 2013
I want to thank the author for giving me this book for my honest review. At first I didn't think I was going to like this book because it was pretty slow in the beginning in my opinion. About a quarter of the way through I really started to get into the the story and feel in love with the characters and the world. The way the author wrote about the land of Yod I could really picture it and felt like I was there. I'm really looking forward to the next adventure. I do have to say that the ending was quite strange and unexpected but I really like that in books. Another thing, did I miss why nobody likes Nick because I felt like that wasn't explained very well? Overall, really good book!
June 24, 2014
This novel was slow to start and I put it down a few times. But the lore and atmosphere made me come back and I'm glad I did. When the book did pick up I found myself completely immersed in it. I loved the characters, the world, the plot. Overall I really fell in love with the developed cultures of the world around them. By the time I reached about 90% finished with the story I was weighing out what I wanted to see with how many pages were left and I knew I was going to be left wanting more. I will definitely be checking out more!
August 17, 2017
An interesting book, the descriptions were great, I felt like I could truly see this amazing world. The ending left me wanting more, I really felt that I knew the characters and wanted to know what happened next.
Briggs was kind enough to give me this book for a review and I'm glad I took him up on the offer. The characters were very easy to relate to and it was fun getting to know them.
Briggs was kind enough to give me this book for a review and I'm glad I took him up on the offer. The characters were very easy to relate to and it was fun getting to know them.
September 20, 2012
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was hard to put down because I wanted to know what Nick was up to at all times. When I got to the end of it I wanted to know more of what happens and I can't wait to see what Anthony writes next.
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