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Eulogy
Evolved Publishing presents the Epic Fantasy, Eulogy: 'They'll stand amongst the corpses of the beloved.' That's what he said at the end, though I never considered myself one of the beloved, not at the beginning. I was simply a terrified woman then, but now... now I understand. Maybe I wish I didn't. Void take me, this is so demon-damned hard. In the beginning, he loved me. Irony, it twists and twirls like a lover's song, but this is hardly a lover's tale. It's one of blades and blood. I wish I could've seen it sooner, but that would've been too easy. I wouldn't have learned to love him.
368 pages, Paperback
First published February 26, 2012
9 people are currently reading
474 people want to read
About the author
D.T. Conklin
5 books51 followersD.T. Conklin is a writer, and he uses words. Some days, he likes to think he uses them well. Other days, he cries. For the past year he's worked on a novel, and in December of 2010 he finished the first rough--very rough--draft. Now he's rewriting it. The poor guy loves fantasy, and he's rigorously dreamed of being published, recommended, and perhaps even worshipped. He’d also be very content to clean Patrick Rothfuss’s shoes. Lofty goals. Maybe. You can visit his website. Find him on Facebook or Twitter. Become a minion, and he can raise his minion count to 17. He’d like that.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 26, 2012
Conklin manages to write a book that is at once recognizable as fantasy but at the same time wholly his own. There are the escapists conventions: swords, battles, beautiful women, and magic, but it's this last one, magic, where the genre is subverted in the best way possible. In the world of Eulogy, the system of magic is reality-bending, and as such functions on a philosophical and psychological level, posing existential questions while swords flash in the foreground. I don't want to scare away readers who are in it for the adventure. There is always that, too, from personal quests to wars that sweep across the whole landscape. I just want to point out that there is something beyond the surface, and for readers like myself, who come to the fantasy genre only rarely, it's pleasant to find a book that successfully explores the deeper side of things while remaining thoroughly entertaining.
July 6, 2012
This book took me a while to get through. My recent work schedule is to blame for some of that, but the book's complexity slowed me down, too. It's not that that's a bad thing, but this isn't the kind of book you just zip through. (Not for me, anyway. I wanted to think about it a times.)
All in all, I liked it quite a bit, though it wasn't exactly what I was expecting. Eulogy is a different kind of fantasy, to be sure. I might classify it more as horror, but maybe that's just me. There are certainly fantasy elements in the story.
My advice to people considering this book is to set aside plenty of time to read, becasue it's long and complex. Also, because of that complexity, you'll need to be someone who likes a good challenge, who likes to think, to ponder, to examine.
All that said, I absolutely loved some of Conklin's characters, the rich duality throughout the book, and the great writing. Conklin did a super job with the writing, which didn't really surprise me since I'm a fan of Evolved Publishing, and they always seem to put out strong writing.
I suspect that if you love J.R.R. Tolkien, you may or may not love Conklin's book. If you love Stephen King or Dean Koontz or Raymond Feist, you may or may not love Conklin's book. Eulogy is so dang hard for me to explain. You'll just need to read it yourself.
I'm pretty sure you won't hate it. I'm not sure if you'll love it, though. That's the tricky part. Maybe that's the sign of a true work of genius, as some other reviews have suggested. It seems clear to me that Conklin set out to create something unique with Eulogy. He succeeded.
All in all, I liked it quite a bit, though it wasn't exactly what I was expecting. Eulogy is a different kind of fantasy, to be sure. I might classify it more as horror, but maybe that's just me. There are certainly fantasy elements in the story.
My advice to people considering this book is to set aside plenty of time to read, becasue it's long and complex. Also, because of that complexity, you'll need to be someone who likes a good challenge, who likes to think, to ponder, to examine.
All that said, I absolutely loved some of Conklin's characters, the rich duality throughout the book, and the great writing. Conklin did a super job with the writing, which didn't really surprise me since I'm a fan of Evolved Publishing, and they always seem to put out strong writing.
I suspect that if you love J.R.R. Tolkien, you may or may not love Conklin's book. If you love Stephen King or Dean Koontz or Raymond Feist, you may or may not love Conklin's book. Eulogy is so dang hard for me to explain. You'll just need to read it yourself.
I'm pretty sure you won't hate it. I'm not sure if you'll love it, though. That's the tricky part. Maybe that's the sign of a true work of genius, as some other reviews have suggested. It seems clear to me that Conklin set out to create something unique with Eulogy. He succeeded.
March 17, 2012
Sometimes, you find a book that you know--just know--you have to finish. You know it after the first page. After the first question is asked. At times, after the first sentence is read. Because the ending taunts you with its secrets. The story tightens like a net around you. When you find Eulogy, you'll know it's such a book.
The cover draws you in. When I first saw it, it brought horror to my mind more than fantasy, but in retrospect, it's appropriate. This isn't a clear cut tale of good against evil. There's real characters here, with darkness in their hearts, demons clawing at their souls.
There's a mad king, a guard, a spitfire. There's others too. With such a vast cast of characters, it's remarkable that I found something to like in each of them. And in a few, something to love.
Irreor Ark lies at the center of the tale. He's the guard, the nice guy, forced to fight for the ones he loves. At the beginning, some may call him the farm-boy. Reminiscent of Luke Skywalker and Rand Al'Thor, he starts out the Archetypical Hero. But, oh, how he changes. The overwhelming circumstances Irreor is put in, the horrible, twisted things he is made to do, made me feel sorry for him. They made me care for him.
I loved Irreor. Rooted for him throughout the entire book--so important in such a long book. And yet, Conklin did something near impossible. He made me love another character even more.
Kipra. The spitfire. The perfect blend of fire and ice.
Her sister followed in their mother's footsteps. And their mother was a whore. But Kipra is different. She will not be used. Right from the start, she's a complex character, and I loved picking away at her thoughts. See, Conklin throws you into a character's head, submerges you in their personality. His skill level in that aspect is almost on par with Robert Jordan. Simply, he's one of the best.
And though I could compare his plotting to Brandon Sanderson, and his prose to another writer or two, there isn't much need. Conklin has a unique voice and a fresh story to tell.
You haven't read anything like Eulogy before.
I wish I could talk more about what happens in the novel, but giving away even a few details may spoil the plot. There's so much mystery. So many important events. That's why you'll have to finish this book. You'll have to know the end. Expect many long nights of reading, as you strive to reach it.
The complex story takes a while to build up--common in epic fantasy. And though I may have preferred the first half of the book to move along faster, I understand why Conklin did what he did. He took his time, piling brick upon brick, building my expectations, so that he could bring them crashing down on me at the end. Squeezing my heart. Making me fight for every breath as I read the last page.
Eulogy closes with a bang. And it has stuck with me for days after.
Congratulations, Mr. Conklin, you've written a tale that I'll remember forever.
The cover draws you in. When I first saw it, it brought horror to my mind more than fantasy, but in retrospect, it's appropriate. This isn't a clear cut tale of good against evil. There's real characters here, with darkness in their hearts, demons clawing at their souls.
There's a mad king, a guard, a spitfire. There's others too. With such a vast cast of characters, it's remarkable that I found something to like in each of them. And in a few, something to love.
Irreor Ark lies at the center of the tale. He's the guard, the nice guy, forced to fight for the ones he loves. At the beginning, some may call him the farm-boy. Reminiscent of Luke Skywalker and Rand Al'Thor, he starts out the Archetypical Hero. But, oh, how he changes. The overwhelming circumstances Irreor is put in, the horrible, twisted things he is made to do, made me feel sorry for him. They made me care for him.
I loved Irreor. Rooted for him throughout the entire book--so important in such a long book. And yet, Conklin did something near impossible. He made me love another character even more.
Kipra. The spitfire. The perfect blend of fire and ice.
Her sister followed in their mother's footsteps. And their mother was a whore. But Kipra is different. She will not be used. Right from the start, she's a complex character, and I loved picking away at her thoughts. See, Conklin throws you into a character's head, submerges you in their personality. His skill level in that aspect is almost on par with Robert Jordan. Simply, he's one of the best.
And though I could compare his plotting to Brandon Sanderson, and his prose to another writer or two, there isn't much need. Conklin has a unique voice and a fresh story to tell.
You haven't read anything like Eulogy before.
I wish I could talk more about what happens in the novel, but giving away even a few details may spoil the plot. There's so much mystery. So many important events. That's why you'll have to finish this book. You'll have to know the end. Expect many long nights of reading, as you strive to reach it.
The complex story takes a while to build up--common in epic fantasy. And though I may have preferred the first half of the book to move along faster, I understand why Conklin did what he did. He took his time, piling brick upon brick, building my expectations, so that he could bring them crashing down on me at the end. Squeezing my heart. Making me fight for every breath as I read the last page.
Eulogy closes with a bang. And it has stuck with me for days after.
Congratulations, Mr. Conklin, you've written a tale that I'll remember forever.
March 30, 2012
I wroted this all by my little self, therefore I think it's pretty awesome. But then, I suppose I'm a little biased. Can I... can I even write a review of my own book?
I feel dirty.
I feel dirty.
March 13, 2012
This is a hard book to put down once you start. The emotion of the characters is so real it's tangible. The potential for game changing twists and turns exist with every flip of the page, you will devour this book the first time through. The second time through you will truly appreciate the brilliance of the story and be surprised at how deep into life this book delves.
January 8, 2014
This book belongs in the top ten best books I've ever read.
December 17, 2018
An interesting reimagining of standard fantasy arcs (in both the adversarial and romantic relationships) through the lens of insane characters, but the unremitting (and often illogical) darkness of the plot makes it an unpleasant read, and the resolution of the mystery is ultimately self-loathing of the fantasy genre (with everything being the creation of an abused boy trying to recreate another fantasy).
April 27, 2013
check out other reviews on my blog.
I’m… not sure.
Provided free by Evolved Press.
It’s well written enough, though Conklin relies overmuch on short, choppy sentences, and sometimes the prose goes into overwritten self parody. Mostly, though, the prose is effective and appropriate, forcing you along the path of the story. No matter how little you want to go.
The story itself is, from the start, almost soaked in dread. It’s good, it grabs, it’s tight and has no major plot holes. It starts slow but speeds up fast and drops you in at the point where everything starts, as its should. It’s wonderfully crafted. But it’s dark. If you like dark, you’ll be fine.
Though of COURSE there is violence and threats of sexual violence against a woman in the first few pages. Of COURSE that woman is described as strong and firey and tough.
Look, I understand the urge for ‘realism’ in novels like this. In our own history (and modern world) women are the subjects of violence, rape, trauma and brutalisation. But, as a woman, a feminist and a previous sufferer of this, I get really fed up of it being used as a way to motivate the main male character. Sure, it happens. But here’s the thing.
If you can create your own world, if you can imagine a world of magic and wonders, why can’t you imagine a world where women are not perpetual victims whose suffering serves only to get the plot moving/motivate a man?
Phew, ok, that rant is done. It probably doesn’t bother other readers as much as it does me, but I can’t let it go unchallenged. If you are a writer, next time you are writing a scene like that, consider what the purpose is, please? And remember that sexual violence isn’t just a thing that happens that makes men angry, it is something that 1 in 4 women suffer in their lifetimes, and that perhaps, just perhaps, those 1 in 4 women may be a little sick of seeing their own pain and suffering used in entertainment as a way to get men active.
I’ve given this seemingly small issue a lot of space in this review because it is something that bothers me, personally, and as a reviewer I feel it is important for me to point out what I take away from passages like this. However, you should not assume it means I dislike the book – on the contrary. (if I stop reading and liking books that did shit like this I’d be able to read about five books in the whole world).
Ultimately, its good. There are twists you don’t expect and if the epilogue is over-explainy, who can blame it? This books needs a little explanation (though I dislike being told what to feel and what message to take from a book by the characters).
This is a book that troubles me. The writing, the themes, the story itself, all are brilliant. But I felt… unsafe, reading it. I guess that’s in its favour, that it can create such a strong reaction in me. I remain troubled and thinking of it now, some 2 hours after finishing it. I guess that means I have to review it quite highly. I feel like the real message of the book – what I take away from it – is much more ambigious and open to interpretation than the characters claim it is in the epilogue.
4 out 5, with a caveat: a number of the themes and things that happen within may disturb and upset more sensitive readers. Caution, caution, practice caution.
I’m… not sure.
Provided free by Evolved Press.
It’s well written enough, though Conklin relies overmuch on short, choppy sentences, and sometimes the prose goes into overwritten self parody. Mostly, though, the prose is effective and appropriate, forcing you along the path of the story. No matter how little you want to go.
The story itself is, from the start, almost soaked in dread. It’s good, it grabs, it’s tight and has no major plot holes. It starts slow but speeds up fast and drops you in at the point where everything starts, as its should. It’s wonderfully crafted. But it’s dark. If you like dark, you’ll be fine.
Though of COURSE there is violence and threats of sexual violence against a woman in the first few pages. Of COURSE that woman is described as strong and firey and tough.
Look, I understand the urge for ‘realism’ in novels like this. In our own history (and modern world) women are the subjects of violence, rape, trauma and brutalisation. But, as a woman, a feminist and a previous sufferer of this, I get really fed up of it being used as a way to motivate the main male character. Sure, it happens. But here’s the thing.
If you can create your own world, if you can imagine a world of magic and wonders, why can’t you imagine a world where women are not perpetual victims whose suffering serves only to get the plot moving/motivate a man?
Phew, ok, that rant is done. It probably doesn’t bother other readers as much as it does me, but I can’t let it go unchallenged. If you are a writer, next time you are writing a scene like that, consider what the purpose is, please? And remember that sexual violence isn’t just a thing that happens that makes men angry, it is something that 1 in 4 women suffer in their lifetimes, and that perhaps, just perhaps, those 1 in 4 women may be a little sick of seeing their own pain and suffering used in entertainment as a way to get men active.
I’ve given this seemingly small issue a lot of space in this review because it is something that bothers me, personally, and as a reviewer I feel it is important for me to point out what I take away from passages like this. However, you should not assume it means I dislike the book – on the contrary. (if I stop reading and liking books that did shit like this I’d be able to read about five books in the whole world).
Ultimately, its good. There are twists you don’t expect and if the epilogue is over-explainy, who can blame it? This books needs a little explanation (though I dislike being told what to feel and what message to take from a book by the characters).
This is a book that troubles me. The writing, the themes, the story itself, all are brilliant. But I felt… unsafe, reading it. I guess that’s in its favour, that it can create such a strong reaction in me. I remain troubled and thinking of it now, some 2 hours after finishing it. I guess that means I have to review it quite highly. I feel like the real message of the book – what I take away from it – is much more ambigious and open to interpretation than the characters claim it is in the epilogue.
4 out 5, with a caveat: a number of the themes and things that happen within may disturb and upset more sensitive readers. Caution, caution, practice caution.
January 15, 2013
I don't know how to even begin to explain how much this book touched me. It was beautiful and complex, often painful. There was no silver lining in this cloud. So many awful things happen to these characters, but the awful things are necessary and I think that was the worst thing of all. Everything they went through and every evil, twisted thing they did was necessary in the greater scheme of things. The men who did the most evil were the ones that counted the most.
It's no use trying to keep your distance and understand every bit of the intricate plot..just let it happen. This story forces you to feel the terror, the madness, and the desperation of characters stuck in a situation that seems full of choices but is always fated to fail.
It's no use trying to keep your distance and understand every bit of the intricate plot..just let it happen. This story forces you to feel the terror, the madness, and the desperation of characters stuck in a situation that seems full of choices but is always fated to fail.
June 5, 2012
Oh the madness of it all. This was not an easy read. It is full of madness and trials and gore. Ark remined me somewhat of a Byronic Hero. A quest that must be acomplished at all cost. "That man of loneliness and mystery, scarce seen to smile, and seldom heard to sigh—" (I, VIII)The Corsair (1814)It drove me mad reading this book. I wanted to put it down yet I had to know what was coming next. There were times I was not sure exactly what was happening; yet I knew that moment may be important to the story.It was a long journey through this epic fantasy. I was glad when it ended. But this story will stay with me for a while. Perhaps I will read it again with more understanding.
April 26, 2012
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my review. This was a difficult read for me; lots of confusion and "I'm lost" moments. I do agree with what another reviewer wrote, "The minute you think you know which way the story turns and where it's going, this book will take your predictions and turn all your assumptions into dust. Or should I say parchment?" As soon as I thought I knew what the book was about it changed! I'm still not sure what it was about really. It seems like the author was trying to get you into the heads of the insane characters (there were a couple) or something. Maybe I need to reread it, but I don't think I really want to even try. Not impressed!
January 5, 2013
I read Eulogy after it was recommended by Patrick Rothfuss on the Worldbuilders blog. I first found it confusing, but still grew into the story pretty rapidly. I loved the intriguing characters that each exhibited their own set of emotions. This turned out to be one of the most important keys to the whole story. There were a few parts in the story that I found frustrating. The mad king for one, his actions were a little too strange at times, in such a way that it really didn't contribute to the story line.
Be careful with this book if you have trouble reading gruesome things. This book contains some very graphic descriptions of very gruesome acts.
Be careful with this book if you have trouble reading gruesome things. This book contains some very graphic descriptions of very gruesome acts.
April 13, 2012
This was an interesting book and while I enjoyed it, I had a hard time finishing it. Not that it was bad, but it just didn't grab me, if that makes sense?
The plot line was very unique and different (though there was a voice in the back of my head saying, "There is no spoon...")
If you're looking for a different kind of fantasy novel, check this one out...
The plot line was very unique and different (though there was a voice in the back of my head saying, "There is no spoon...")
If you're looking for a different kind of fantasy novel, check this one out...
May 23, 2012
I'm only about 1/2 way through, but this is a very well written book. Was a bit confused at first since it starts with Vil and then goes to Ark, but just started where V comes back in. Looking forward to finishing this book.
May 15, 2014
It was a little slow to start but I can't believe there is a better examination of a crazy mind. The book is hard to explain without ruining the story so I will say this: Eulogy is original, it does not apologize nor does it coddle, it is beautiful.
May 1, 2012
Wow. Blew me away.
May 18, 2012
This was a good book, but it was at times very dark, and it was a complex read. It wasn't a book to start if you want something light or quick to get through.
March 16, 2013
Amazing book.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews