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Spell/Sword #1
Spell/Sword
Rime is a wild mage. She can bend the very fabric of reality, but at a cost – a cost to her health and her sanity. Her power is unstoppable but it leaves her empty, weak, and often unconscious. Jonas is a squire on the run – running away from the shadow of murder. They travel together to find the one person that can save Rime from the wild magic, from the inexorable madness and death that comes to those who are born to ignore the rules of the universe. The Gray Witch of the Wheelbrake Marsh, a creature out of a fairy tale.
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First published April 2, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
April 3, 2018
In honor of this book being out for 5 years - I'm going to attempt to leave an honest review.
I really like it once they get to the cave! The introductions of each character are strong, but it makes the first third of the novel feel spare and windy - not enough plot weight to really get the machine moving. Peppering in the villain introduction chapters sort of works? But knowing that I wrote them when I got stuck on the main plot, then sort of jammed them in at random where the plot sagged its easy to see the cracks now. Rime's introduction is waaaay better than Jonas' - it's interesting at the time I viewed them as co-leads, but over time in the series he slowly drifted to more of a second banana. The intro is pretty good, but then the plot just sort of wanders for a while - and as hilarious as I still think it is for them to fight a dinosaur (and also meta-textually appropriate for my Whole Thing), it kind of falls flat now. It's just a really short bit? I still chuckle that the dinosaur is really digging that violin music, though.
But yes! Once they get to the cave, that's where the book feels like it really begins - the two travellers, down and out, forced to work together and rely on each other. Something about the cave and their conversations there just feel right. I really love how abstract Rime's morning thoughts are and how Jonas manifests as a stupid brown blur interrupting her geometrically intricate mind -- I meant to call back to that at some point downstream, and have not yet. Probably should do that!
I still think the dance-lock section is dope. Please no one ever tell me there is some glaring logistical problem with it as I worked on that a lot. Fun fact! The dwarven song is to the tune of Elton John's 'Saturday'.
I like Jericho, and especially Canteen and Larabell. Larabell's tale is still one of the best things I've written. The fight on the bridge is oooookay? I mean, I like how it starts with Jonas and Rime being sweaty and angsty with each other - but the actual fight feels a bit, hmm, rushed? Like don't check my math, they get away audience, okay??
Ah, I love the bit on the wyvern with Jonas. I also solemnly swear to never tell you what happened to the wyvern.
The Wheelbrake section is good - the fight with the turtle, Rime just burning herself up from inside her mind library, dig it. Fun fact! The whole library idea didn't appear until this part of the book - almost the end! - in original draft, but then I went and added it way earlier so people wouldn't hate Rime so dang much.
The Gray Witch chapters. Fuck you, they good. I mean, she wrote most of them, but still. If you're reading the series beyond this - I'm calling a very long shot in this section. The Gray Witch does not lie.
The fight on the beach with the hunt is...fine. It's rushed and doesn't really feel satisfying, but it essentially works. Sort of.
Overall - it's okay! Some cool ideas, some fun characters, some good moments - but structurally it is all over the place, and the frantic need to jump on to the next chapter or scene robs a lot of the weight from the plot machinery. The later books are better - but you kiiiiiinda need to start here if you want to know what's going on in the other two.
Nope - I will not rewrite it or put out an 'improved' version. This work of art is what I made at that moment, it is true if imperfect.
Three stars seems fair as I do like it, but it is hampered by some dodgy writing and weak structure.
I really like it once they get to the cave! The introductions of each character are strong, but it makes the first third of the novel feel spare and windy - not enough plot weight to really get the machine moving. Peppering in the villain introduction chapters sort of works? But knowing that I wrote them when I got stuck on the main plot, then sort of jammed them in at random where the plot sagged its easy to see the cracks now. Rime's introduction is waaaay better than Jonas' - it's interesting at the time I viewed them as co-leads, but over time in the series he slowly drifted to more of a second banana. The intro is pretty good, but then the plot just sort of wanders for a while - and as hilarious as I still think it is for them to fight a dinosaur (and also meta-textually appropriate for my Whole Thing), it kind of falls flat now. It's just a really short bit? I still chuckle that the dinosaur is really digging that violin music, though.
But yes! Once they get to the cave, that's where the book feels like it really begins - the two travellers, down and out, forced to work together and rely on each other. Something about the cave and their conversations there just feel right. I really love how abstract Rime's morning thoughts are and how Jonas manifests as a stupid brown blur interrupting her geometrically intricate mind -- I meant to call back to that at some point downstream, and have not yet. Probably should do that!
I still think the dance-lock section is dope. Please no one ever tell me there is some glaring logistical problem with it as I worked on that a lot. Fun fact! The dwarven song is to the tune of Elton John's 'Saturday'.
I like Jericho, and especially Canteen and Larabell. Larabell's tale is still one of the best things I've written. The fight on the bridge is oooookay? I mean, I like how it starts with Jonas and Rime being sweaty and angsty with each other - but the actual fight feels a bit, hmm, rushed? Like don't check my math, they get away audience, okay??
Ah, I love the bit on the wyvern with Jonas. I also solemnly swear to never tell you what happened to the wyvern.
The Wheelbrake section is good - the fight with the turtle, Rime just burning herself up from inside her mind library, dig it. Fun fact! The whole library idea didn't appear until this part of the book - almost the end! - in original draft, but then I went and added it way earlier so people wouldn't hate Rime so dang much.
The Gray Witch chapters. Fuck you, they good. I mean, she wrote most of them, but still. If you're reading the series beyond this - I'm calling a very long shot in this section. The Gray Witch does not lie.
The fight on the beach with the hunt is...fine. It's rushed and doesn't really feel satisfying, but it essentially works. Sort of.
Overall - it's okay! Some cool ideas, some fun characters, some good moments - but structurally it is all over the place, and the frantic need to jump on to the next chapter or scene robs a lot of the weight from the plot machinery. The later books are better - but you kiiiiiinda need to start here if you want to know what's going on in the other two.
Nope - I will not rewrite it or put out an 'improved' version. This work of art is what I made at that moment, it is true if imperfect.
Three stars seems fair as I do like it, but it is hampered by some dodgy writing and weak structure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
book-boner
August 5, 2014I LOVE this cover! The snark alone is worth the price as it is. And humor is always a plus in fantasy.
January 17, 2015
This review originally appeared on my blog, Books Without Any Pictures:
http://bookswithoutanypictures.com/20...
Jonas is good with a sword, but he has no common sense (or other talents, for that matter). After getting arrested for a brawl outside of a tavern, he ends up being sentenced to help guard a woman named Rime on her travels. Rime is secretly a wild mage, and wild mages aren’t supposed to be allowed to live. Rime is on her way to chase a legendary witch who she thinks can help her contain her powers before she loses control and unleashes apocalyptic chaos upon the world.
Spell/Sword reads a little bit like a Dungeons and Dragons campaign. This is neither good nor bad, it just is. Many DND campaigns are imaginative and engaging, which is, in fact, the entire point of playing the game. It’s just that as you’re reading, you can tell that the story follows a bit of a pattern where there are scenes dedicated to conversations (roleplay), scenes where the characters fight (encounters), and scenes where the characters have to use their wits to get out of a tricky situation (skill challenge). There was a particular encounter involving frogs that reminded me nostalgically of my first DND campaign, so props for that. Scary frogs ftw!
G. Derek Adams has a fantastic imagination. Jonas and Rime encounter a vivid cast of characters ranging from your typical enemies on wyverns to less conventional frogs on roller skates. I enjoyed the fact that it was impossible to predict what challenges our heroes would encounter. I also enjoyed seeing the workings of Rime’s mind, especially her mental library where she stores the knowledge from all of the books she’s read in her life.
Spell/Sword is intended to be a funny book, but a lot of the humor didn’t work for me. This is nothing to do with the book itself. As I mentioned in my review of Alice Will, I have a rather warped sense of humor that doesn’t appreciate things that the rest of the world finds funny, such as the book Good Omens, which most people think is hilarious.
The thing that bothered me the most about Spell/Sword is that the worldbuilding seemed haphazard. There were important bits of information that we didn’t learn until far too late in the story, i.e. what a wild mage is and why Rime is a danger, which wasn’t revealed until something like 2/3 of the way through the book. Seeing descriptions of the basic way the world works so late into the story didn’t work well for me; I prefer the worldbuilding to be more seamless and to be integrated into the story early enough to keep me grounded.
Overall thought – Spell/Sword was not quite as polished as I’d like, but the author has potential. The book could have used a bit more editing, especially to adjust worldbuilding and pacing issues, but there were elements of the story that I enjoyed and would have liked to see fleshed out.
http://bookswithoutanypictures.com/20...
Jonas is good with a sword, but he has no common sense (or other talents, for that matter). After getting arrested for a brawl outside of a tavern, he ends up being sentenced to help guard a woman named Rime on her travels. Rime is secretly a wild mage, and wild mages aren’t supposed to be allowed to live. Rime is on her way to chase a legendary witch who she thinks can help her contain her powers before she loses control and unleashes apocalyptic chaos upon the world.
Spell/Sword reads a little bit like a Dungeons and Dragons campaign. This is neither good nor bad, it just is. Many DND campaigns are imaginative and engaging, which is, in fact, the entire point of playing the game. It’s just that as you’re reading, you can tell that the story follows a bit of a pattern where there are scenes dedicated to conversations (roleplay), scenes where the characters fight (encounters), and scenes where the characters have to use their wits to get out of a tricky situation (skill challenge). There was a particular encounter involving frogs that reminded me nostalgically of my first DND campaign, so props for that. Scary frogs ftw!
G. Derek Adams has a fantastic imagination. Jonas and Rime encounter a vivid cast of characters ranging from your typical enemies on wyverns to less conventional frogs on roller skates. I enjoyed the fact that it was impossible to predict what challenges our heroes would encounter. I also enjoyed seeing the workings of Rime’s mind, especially her mental library where she stores the knowledge from all of the books she’s read in her life.
Spell/Sword is intended to be a funny book, but a lot of the humor didn’t work for me. This is nothing to do with the book itself. As I mentioned in my review of Alice Will, I have a rather warped sense of humor that doesn’t appreciate things that the rest of the world finds funny, such as the book Good Omens, which most people think is hilarious.
The thing that bothered me the most about Spell/Sword is that the worldbuilding seemed haphazard. There were important bits of information that we didn’t learn until far too late in the story, i.e. what a wild mage is and why Rime is a danger, which wasn’t revealed until something like 2/3 of the way through the book. Seeing descriptions of the basic way the world works so late into the story didn’t work well for me; I prefer the worldbuilding to be more seamless and to be integrated into the story early enough to keep me grounded.
Overall thought – Spell/Sword was not quite as polished as I’d like, but the author has potential. The book could have used a bit more editing, especially to adjust worldbuilding and pacing issues, but there were elements of the story that I enjoyed and would have liked to see fleshed out.
May 13, 2013
What a wonderfully original story! I am a READER...as in, I read a great number of books all the time, and as a result can oftentimes see the plot coming from a mile away. No so here! Not only did the "world" of the story surprise me at every turn, but the characters and action are like nothing else I have ever read. I had no idea what was going to happen in any given moment! I can't even say " well, if you liked such-and-such...then this is kind of like that", because it isn't. This stands alone. I can't wait for the next one. Hurry up.
May 9, 2018
I loved this book. A breezy and fun fantasy read that scratches the surface of a realm of myth and magic that I can't wait to learn more about. A foolhardy squire that is 1000% heart, and a wild mage who hates relying on others. Looking forward to more of this duo!
August 10, 2013
I've read a good amount of fantasy and sci-fi novels in my life, often at the expense of not reading supposed "important" novels. I tend to enjoy escaping into new worlds more, places and times I would obviously never see, and just be immersed in them. Many of these are in established universes (like Star Wars), others in entirely new worlds that the author has created. Some authors can fall into a habit of trying to over-explain their newly created world, bombarding the reader with the rules of their universe, geography, races, or supposed histories. You come away feeling like you're reading a textbook or tour guide of their world. It usually takes me out of their tale, and the book is quickly abandoned. The better authors just get into their story, and let the reader discover things as they go along, as the characters naturally encounter them. They make the reader want to know more about a battle that was casually mentioned as an aside, or why a certain race no longer exists.
Fortunately, G. Derek Adams falls into the latter camp.
Adams' debut novel is a quick read, but in that time you are given glimpses of a much larger world. What seems to start out as an almost typical sword-and-sorcery fantasy slowly reveals elements you wouldn't find in a George R.R. Martin book, the best part being that enormous attention isn't even given to them by the characters: they've dealt with these things before, it's not new to them (I'm being intentionally vague so as not to spoil any surprises).
There were also several times throughout where I got the feeling, "Hey, this would make a pretty good game". The trio of characters known as The Hunt (easily my favorite in the book) felt like they would be at home in an old-school Squaresoft RPG, and the quest of the two young heroes could easily be a tabletop campaign.
I'll admit I raised an eyebrow when I first read the back-cover copy describing this as "swordpunk", but I get it now, and it definitely earned it.
Fortunately, G. Derek Adams falls into the latter camp.
Adams' debut novel is a quick read, but in that time you are given glimpses of a much larger world. What seems to start out as an almost typical sword-and-sorcery fantasy slowly reveals elements you wouldn't find in a George R.R. Martin book, the best part being that enormous attention isn't even given to them by the characters: they've dealt with these things before, it's not new to them (I'm being intentionally vague so as not to spoil any surprises).
There were also several times throughout where I got the feeling, "Hey, this would make a pretty good game". The trio of characters known as The Hunt (easily my favorite in the book) felt like they would be at home in an old-school Squaresoft RPG, and the quest of the two young heroes could easily be a tabletop campaign.
I'll admit I raised an eyebrow when I first read the back-cover copy describing this as "swordpunk", but I get it now, and it definitely earned it.
May 23, 2015
I read this book in one sitting while enjoying some beautiful weather in a lawn chair in the middle of my complex's courtyard. I tell you this not because I think you care about how I conduct my reading, but because I want to impress upon you that I spent several hours sunburning for the simple reason that I couldn't put the book down. It isn't a traditional page-turner in the "WHOA, THINGS ARE CONSTANTLY HAPPENING" sense; rather, it is just plain fun and easy to read. The prose is not bogged down by Tolkien-esque descriptions, and what is described with greater detail is done thoughtfully, with a keen eye for metaphor. The fight scenes -- which I often have trouble reading in many sci-fi/fantasy books because I find many authors have a hard time describing complicated action sequences in a way that I can follow -- were very clearly described, and I had no trouble following along. These are some things that make the book good. What makes it GREAT is the world-building. Adams places the reader in a world where swords, magic, DINOSAURS, elves, dwarves, FROGS ON STEAM-POWERED ROLLERSKATES, and long-dead, mysteriously advanced civilizations coexist side-by-side like it ain't no thang. And it isn't: somehow Adams manages to write all of these various anachronistic bits in in a way that leaves you saying "Well yeah, of course there's a jukebox in this medieval tavern, how else would the patrons have music to drink to?" rather than "What the actual heck is going on here?" Fear not, dear readers, Mr. Adams is very much in control. And that is a very wonderful thing.
May 7, 2013
I am an action/adventure/scifi buff. I use to say I was a fantasy person, till I met real fantasy peeps. Not really sure why I never got into (or understood) the fantasy side of things. There have been times when I've tried to insert myself, but to no avail. So, it was with excitement and trepidation that I opened Spell/Sword. Would I get it, would it get me, would there be names and places and ‘history’ I’d know nothing about? Would I be confused, lost, would I give up in frustration…
My fears were swept away within the first page and from the Ogre’s white liquid oozing eye to the roller skating frogs; from the dinosaur to the enormous swamp snapping turtle I was engrossed. Not only did Adams create minor characters in such a way that you knew exactly who they were, what they looked like, how they would act, he created a damsel in distress who’s wild magic can level an enemy with the wave of a finger and an young man who is the epitome of loyalty with the wave of his sword. As you grow to know and love Rime and Jonas, you hope their adventures never end.
This book grabs you from moment one and takes you on a ride you never want to get off of. Maybe Adams should have waited to release this book when he had already written number 2 and 3 and 4 and more! Because when you are done with Spell/Sword you will immediately want to read the next G. Derek Adams book.
This new movement he has created, SWORDPUNK, is one I want to be a part of. It’s one I know I can be a part of. I've already been planning my costumes…
My fears were swept away within the first page and from the Ogre’s white liquid oozing eye to the roller skating frogs; from the dinosaur to the enormous swamp snapping turtle I was engrossed. Not only did Adams create minor characters in such a way that you knew exactly who they were, what they looked like, how they would act, he created a damsel in distress who’s wild magic can level an enemy with the wave of a finger and an young man who is the epitome of loyalty with the wave of his sword. As you grow to know and love Rime and Jonas, you hope their adventures never end.
This book grabs you from moment one and takes you on a ride you never want to get off of. Maybe Adams should have waited to release this book when he had already written number 2 and 3 and 4 and more! Because when you are done with Spell/Sword you will immediately want to read the next G. Derek Adams book.
This new movement he has created, SWORDPUNK, is one I want to be a part of. It’s one I know I can be a part of. I've already been planning my costumes…
May 29, 2013
I received this book for free from Goodreads First Reads.
In the beginning I loved this book. It was creative, witty and adventurous. Magic, swordfights, fantasy, dragons, you name it this book had it. However I discovered about halfway through the story started to really drag for me and keep my interest long enough to finish. I can't exactly place what went wrong. It felt like too many villians started to be introduced and even though the story was starting to pull together by around page 160 I had already lost interest in the other characters. I really only continued reading because Adams had done such an excellent job on main characters Rime and Jonas.
Rime is a mage (has magic). She has this power but when she uses it there is a rather unfortunate side effect: unconsciousness. She will pass out for minutes, hours, days, and be helpless to anyone and anything around her. She's fearless and determine despite this huge drawback.
She enlists the help of squire Jonas (well he's really forced into it but that's a whole other explaination). He ends up being loyal to her and her mission despite learning she doesn't have the money to pay for his help. Jonas is a bit of a lovable screw up. He seems to be always getting drunk to often hilarious and disastorous results. Yet he's also a smart and brave protector.
I didn't love this book but I didn't dislike it either and I would be willing to read more about Jonas and Rime in the next book of the series.
In the beginning I loved this book. It was creative, witty and adventurous. Magic, swordfights, fantasy, dragons, you name it this book had it. However I discovered about halfway through the story started to really drag for me and keep my interest long enough to finish. I can't exactly place what went wrong. It felt like too many villians started to be introduced and even though the story was starting to pull together by around page 160 I had already lost interest in the other characters. I really only continued reading because Adams had done such an excellent job on main characters Rime and Jonas.
Rime is a mage (has magic). She has this power but when she uses it there is a rather unfortunate side effect: unconsciousness. She will pass out for minutes, hours, days, and be helpless to anyone and anything around her. She's fearless and determine despite this huge drawback.
She enlists the help of squire Jonas (well he's really forced into it but that's a whole other explaination). He ends up being loyal to her and her mission despite learning she doesn't have the money to pay for his help. Jonas is a bit of a lovable screw up. He seems to be always getting drunk to often hilarious and disastorous results. Yet he's also a smart and brave protector.
I didn't love this book but I didn't dislike it either and I would be willing to read more about Jonas and Rime in the next book of the series.
December 19, 2018
I first stumbled upon G. Derek Adams when I read 'Asteroids Made of Dragons'. Who doesn't want to read a book with a title like that?
Well, nothing has changed about my opinion of his writing. He is a silly writer, interspersing very serious moments with true life events, like "how the hell did that potato get there?" in the middle of a sword fight; The dialogue feels like actual dialog, not spellchecked-grammarchecked-stuffy talk.
Spell/Sword is a great story, reminding me of some Dungeons and Dragons games I've made up. A mage is looking to travel across the world and needs some help. Read the synopsis if you want more! The beauty of this book is that it doesn't go into too much detail with the main characters pasts. It doesn't matter to the book, because you learn about them 'here' and 'now' and discern their personalities that way. It makes the book much more fun to read in my opinion. Most of the side characters are easy introductions as well. Even the main 'villain' is given a brief background.
The story itself is very grabbing. I think I read it in 2 days, minus a few hours of sleep. It really wants you to read it, weaving itself into your thoughts easily.
Very good read, and much recommended.
Well, nothing has changed about my opinion of his writing. He is a silly writer, interspersing very serious moments with true life events, like "how the hell did that potato get there?" in the middle of a sword fight; The dialogue feels like actual dialog, not spellchecked-grammarchecked-stuffy talk.
Spell/Sword is a great story, reminding me of some Dungeons and Dragons games I've made up. A mage is looking to travel across the world and needs some help. Read the synopsis if you want more! The beauty of this book is that it doesn't go into too much detail with the main characters pasts. It doesn't matter to the book, because you learn about them 'here' and 'now' and discern their personalities that way. It makes the book much more fun to read in my opinion. Most of the side characters are easy introductions as well. Even the main 'villain' is given a brief background.
The story itself is very grabbing. I think I read it in 2 days, minus a few hours of sleep. It really wants you to read it, weaving itself into your thoughts easily.
Very good read, and much recommended.
March 27, 2019
This review has kinda vague plot spoilers, but no specifics.
The overall plot of this book is very simple, and the book suffers for it. It has very little intrigue, beyond learning the lore of the world itself. It does have a very strong sense of style, however. The user of language does keep the book interesting enough to get through, and there are some good parts, particularly when the members of the Hunt get involved.
Adams knows how to write a good fight scene, and Rime's use of her powers makes for a very entertaining response to many of the troubles Jonas and Rime encounter. The stakes of Rime's magic usage is also ever-present, leading to some dramatic moments near the end of the book.
The character dynamic between Jonas and Rime really begins to shine near the end of the book, as well, showing genuine growth from both sides. I simply wish the book had gotten to the good stuff sooner.
Out of 5, I'd give this book a 3. It's certainly a good start, and it has decent characters with enough in the book to keep you somewhat entertained, but the plot very much feels straight out of a D&D campaign rather than a book.
(That said, the later books in this series are great, and definitely worth reading through this first one to get to.)
The overall plot of this book is very simple, and the book suffers for it. It has very little intrigue, beyond learning the lore of the world itself. It does have a very strong sense of style, however. The user of language does keep the book interesting enough to get through, and there are some good parts, particularly when the members of the Hunt get involved.
Adams knows how to write a good fight scene, and Rime's use of her powers makes for a very entertaining response to many of the troubles Jonas and Rime encounter. The stakes of Rime's magic usage is also ever-present, leading to some dramatic moments near the end of the book.
The character dynamic between Jonas and Rime really begins to shine near the end of the book, as well, showing genuine growth from both sides. I simply wish the book had gotten to the good stuff sooner.
Out of 5, I'd give this book a 3. It's certainly a good start, and it has decent characters with enough in the book to keep you somewhat entertained, but the plot very much feels straight out of a D&D campaign rather than a book.
(That said, the later books in this series are great, and definitely worth reading through this first one to get to.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2017
Wonderful, light-hearted adventure story. Easily left me wanting more (so I read the rest of them).
There's certainly a heavy D&D influence in the setting, but more importantly in the writing, since there's the understanding of the need to balance a character's strengths and weaknesses.
Particularly, he does a great job at one of my favourite things: Having antagonists who, rather than being villainous caricatures, have their own personalities and motivations. Instead of a reductionist good-vs-evil, they are painted sympathetically enough that you understand exactly where they're coming from; yet still root for the main characters.
(This last bit stands even more so for the later books in this series).
There's certainly a heavy D&D influence in the setting, but more importantly in the writing, since there's the understanding of the need to balance a character's strengths and weaknesses.
Particularly, he does a great job at one of my favourite things: Having antagonists who, rather than being villainous caricatures, have their own personalities and motivations. Instead of a reductionist good-vs-evil, they are painted sympathetically enough that you understand exactly where they're coming from; yet still root for the main characters.
(This last bit stands even more so for the later books in this series).
March 19, 2017
It had potential. There is a lot of good material here, but it isn't tied together well. This needed some serious review before it was released, because things like an entire major scene ending without resolution and the characters saying, "oh, let's not talk about it," instead of explaining what happened. even a lime or two would have helped. The issue with that scene is compounded by the actions of the characters not matching what little they say about it after the fact.
It isn't a bad start, but I feel as though I am back in college in a creative writing course reading the draft of someone's novel with this. As with many of my classmates' work from back then, it feels as though the author is so taken with his cleverness and brilliant writing skills that any feedback would be ignored or derided. Flesh out characters? Explain what exactly is going on with the backstory and opening? Finish scenes and transition between them logically? Work on pacing? No, no, this is my grand artwork and you simply don't understand!
I wanted to enjoy this, and I see potential, but the debut of this series has fallen seriously flat. I am hopeful that future installments will build upon the premise without continuing the problems that made this book a tedious if short read.
It isn't a bad start, but I feel as though I am back in college in a creative writing course reading the draft of someone's novel with this. As with many of my classmates' work from back then, it feels as though the author is so taken with his cleverness and brilliant writing skills that any feedback would be ignored or derided. Flesh out characters? Explain what exactly is going on with the backstory and opening? Finish scenes and transition between them logically? Work on pacing? No, no, this is my grand artwork and you simply don't understand!
I wanted to enjoy this, and I see potential, but the debut of this series has fallen seriously flat. I am hopeful that future installments will build upon the premise without continuing the problems that made this book a tedious if short read.
August 19, 2013
It Hasn’t Left Me---
The above line was uttered by the character Linus in “Spell/Sword”, a first-time novel by Derek Adams. For me, it has the feel of a classic line, the extra piece of limestone/cement in the foundation of a stellarly written yarn of swords, sorcery, demons, enchantresses, minotaurs, bounties, road trips, but most of all, a timeless tale of two initially reluctant companions, who through no fault of their own rely on (and possibly befriend) each other in the opening phase of a grand adventure. The book introduces a fresh new genre of storytelling, known as Sword-Punk.
The companions that lead off this story are Jonas, a rookie swordsman, and Rime, a wild mage. A wild night’s tomfoolery and the morning’s consequence suddenly thrust Jonas into Rime’s world. Rime is a gifted practitioner of magic, and she has some shadowy parties after her. Not holding a horse’s breath of trust in individuals who generally are---well, not her---she and Jonas eventually go on a sojourn of her determined design. As you read on, you learn more of the quest, and form a picture of why she’s being followed, and what patience (or lack thereof) she has with Jonas (and vice versa). To tell you more would cheat you of what marvelous gems our good bard Mr. Adams has threaded in this introduction to a series of tales (book two currently in progress). You’ll thank me for my restraint, but also for my analysis of the principal players in these next assortments of lines.
From this writer’s perspective, what lies at the core of this book is Rime and Jonas, and what is embedded in the cores of their respective personas is potential. Each character has a capability of taking something about themselves to a different level.
Rime’s analytical mind and humorous impatience with people are not simply the results of a survival based scenario---she's seemingly "beyond" many folks around her with her talents and intellect. She has a soaring potential for the magicks, but it comes at the dear price of shortening the potential of her staunch temperance and ending the potential to have many years beyond her young life. She deals with the capability of madness poisoning her mind and the connection to the few individuals in her life. Such madness has claimed the sanity of parties seeking her out. Her magic takes a great toll of her well being, and she becomes something which the reader is led to discern she ultimately dreads in her arcane logic---vulnerable.
Jonas is a rough hewn warrior who has the potential to become a masterful swordsman, but it is realized in the real life tussles with superior fighters and marksmen who lend him scrapes, wounds, and reminders of his vast inexperience. He is innocent to a degree of the full extent of mortal combat (death), and he has to contend with his moral disposition (kill or be killed, which Rime hammers to his attention) before he can advance his skills. He protects Rime, and fights for her, but to what lengths will he allow himself to go to carry out this duty?
Contributing to the wonder of the book are captivating characters like Linus (who for the mundane insidiousness of his rather mercenary tasks, possesses an arcane sense of charm), splendid battles (especially in how unevenly matched they are at times), pristine moments of contemplation, high stakes risk taking, and perhaps what are the strongest suits in Mr. Adams literary card: sharp dashes of tickling humor and the pathos of emotion nestled beneath the furrowed inconveniences (or charms) of the here and now.
I have an advantage in the story, in that I’ve spent some time talking with Derek about the creative process behind the book, as well as his initial leap into self-publishing. Much like Jonas, he takes the challenges, demands, and occasional hardships with a sweat-doused smile, making his way towards success beyond his wildest literary dreams via the undeniable and nearly endless struggle of getting off the ground. Here is a link to two interviews both before and after the completion of the book:
Movers & Shakers Project Interview w/ Derek Adams: https://www.facebook.com/notes/sean-p...
Official Spell-Sword Interview w/ Derek Adams:
http://scpolite.podomatic.com/entry/2...
It’s a fast, engaging read, and Derek can use all the help that can be provided. The book is available for purchase on Amazon.com in physical and e-book form. But much like the skills of the sparring denizens of "Spell/Sword", he takes his reward in the acknowledged need for edits and refinement. He welcomes criticism (both positive and negative), as it is attention that his fine project dearly needs beyond simply having been read. Let him know how you feel about it, and the true wealth is paid in word of mouth----tell folks you think will be into the book about it-- in person, online, by phone, trebuchet, magic incantation, whatever works.
In short, the story will never leave you, the characters will never leave you, the mystery will never leave you, the questions will never leave you......
Pick up "Spell/Sword" at your fastest juncture, and give Mr. Adams word about your thoughts on it at an even faster juncture.
S. C. Polite
The above line was uttered by the character Linus in “Spell/Sword”, a first-time novel by Derek Adams. For me, it has the feel of a classic line, the extra piece of limestone/cement in the foundation of a stellarly written yarn of swords, sorcery, demons, enchantresses, minotaurs, bounties, road trips, but most of all, a timeless tale of two initially reluctant companions, who through no fault of their own rely on (and possibly befriend) each other in the opening phase of a grand adventure. The book introduces a fresh new genre of storytelling, known as Sword-Punk.
The companions that lead off this story are Jonas, a rookie swordsman, and Rime, a wild mage. A wild night’s tomfoolery and the morning’s consequence suddenly thrust Jonas into Rime’s world. Rime is a gifted practitioner of magic, and she has some shadowy parties after her. Not holding a horse’s breath of trust in individuals who generally are---well, not her---she and Jonas eventually go on a sojourn of her determined design. As you read on, you learn more of the quest, and form a picture of why she’s being followed, and what patience (or lack thereof) she has with Jonas (and vice versa). To tell you more would cheat you of what marvelous gems our good bard Mr. Adams has threaded in this introduction to a series of tales (book two currently in progress). You’ll thank me for my restraint, but also for my analysis of the principal players in these next assortments of lines.
From this writer’s perspective, what lies at the core of this book is Rime and Jonas, and what is embedded in the cores of their respective personas is potential. Each character has a capability of taking something about themselves to a different level.
Rime’s analytical mind and humorous impatience with people are not simply the results of a survival based scenario---she's seemingly "beyond" many folks around her with her talents and intellect. She has a soaring potential for the magicks, but it comes at the dear price of shortening the potential of her staunch temperance and ending the potential to have many years beyond her young life. She deals with the capability of madness poisoning her mind and the connection to the few individuals in her life. Such madness has claimed the sanity of parties seeking her out. Her magic takes a great toll of her well being, and she becomes something which the reader is led to discern she ultimately dreads in her arcane logic---vulnerable.
Jonas is a rough hewn warrior who has the potential to become a masterful swordsman, but it is realized in the real life tussles with superior fighters and marksmen who lend him scrapes, wounds, and reminders of his vast inexperience. He is innocent to a degree of the full extent of mortal combat (death), and he has to contend with his moral disposition (kill or be killed, which Rime hammers to his attention) before he can advance his skills. He protects Rime, and fights for her, but to what lengths will he allow himself to go to carry out this duty?
Contributing to the wonder of the book are captivating characters like Linus (who for the mundane insidiousness of his rather mercenary tasks, possesses an arcane sense of charm), splendid battles (especially in how unevenly matched they are at times), pristine moments of contemplation, high stakes risk taking, and perhaps what are the strongest suits in Mr. Adams literary card: sharp dashes of tickling humor and the pathos of emotion nestled beneath the furrowed inconveniences (or charms) of the here and now.
I have an advantage in the story, in that I’ve spent some time talking with Derek about the creative process behind the book, as well as his initial leap into self-publishing. Much like Jonas, he takes the challenges, demands, and occasional hardships with a sweat-doused smile, making his way towards success beyond his wildest literary dreams via the undeniable and nearly endless struggle of getting off the ground. Here is a link to two interviews both before and after the completion of the book:
Movers & Shakers Project Interview w/ Derek Adams: https://www.facebook.com/notes/sean-p...
Official Spell-Sword Interview w/ Derek Adams:
http://scpolite.podomatic.com/entry/2...
It’s a fast, engaging read, and Derek can use all the help that can be provided. The book is available for purchase on Amazon.com in physical and e-book form. But much like the skills of the sparring denizens of "Spell/Sword", he takes his reward in the acknowledged need for edits and refinement. He welcomes criticism (both positive and negative), as it is attention that his fine project dearly needs beyond simply having been read. Let him know how you feel about it, and the true wealth is paid in word of mouth----tell folks you think will be into the book about it-- in person, online, by phone, trebuchet, magic incantation, whatever works.
In short, the story will never leave you, the characters will never leave you, the mystery will never leave you, the questions will never leave you......
Pick up "Spell/Sword" at your fastest juncture, and give Mr. Adams word about your thoughts on it at an even faster juncture.
S. C. Polite
March 18, 2018
3.5 - Fun and original. I read book 3 first and then looked for the 2 earlier books. The writing in Spell/Sword is a bit less polished than the later books, but it is good fun. It is always lovely to find something that is different and unpredictable and all 3 books in this series so far fit the bill. I hope that more people give this series a read.
May 19, 2017
This is a quick read, but entertaining with good characters and some creative twists. I liked the glimpses into Rime's thought processes. My only complaints are that it had a random F-bomb and the ending leaves a lot unresolved. Still, good effort.
August 5, 2017
First meeting between Rime & Jonas
Interesting world with great imagery
Really enjoying this series
Interesting world with great imagery
Really enjoying this series
December 14, 2014
First let me say, I rarely give 5 star ratings; I reserve those for books that I could read again and again. This means that, for me, 3 stars falls in the "It was good, I'd recommend it to others who like this genre, but one reading was enough." Though in this case my recommendation is dependent on what I think of book 2, The Riddle Box. (Side note: finished book 2 and I really loved it. See my review of The Riddle Box.)
Overall, I liked this book. The characters are interesting, though not well and fully developed. There just wasn't enough background provided for them. As readers we also aren't given a full view of their feelings, motivations and interests. I was left feeling they were somewhat shallow, which is disappointing because it's clear that there's a lot going on underneath the surface, especially for Rime, the wild mage and presumably the main character. I feel the author could add a lot to the story with more character development.
The story itself has sooo much potential. Again however, I was disappointed overall. The beginning was disjointed and hard to follow. Moving back and forth between characters is okay, but it just wasn't done smoothly enough to follow the story well.
We, as readers, don't really understand the characters purpose or goals until the end of the book. It's was like reading with part of the book missing, so I had to kinda guess as to why I wanted to keep reading. Let me say, I DID want to keep reading, so despite the frustrations, the author did manage to garner enough curiosity / sympathy from me, as the reader, to continue the book to the end.
Now the end of the book just plain pissed me off.
The cliffhanger was too big and left too many questions open. I would not have come back to this series if the next book hadn't been immediately available to me. I haven't finished the second book yet (The Riddle Box), but I hope that some of the questions are answered in the second book (which, so far, seems to be a completely different type of story--filling me with doubts that my questions will be answered).
Overall, I want to know about Rime and Jonas' story, I'm curious. If I'm not given more in the book 2,The Riddle Box, I'm gonna stop caring. As a reader I want to know more about the people who came before (the Arkanic) that are mentioned many times but never in depth. I want to know more about Rime and Jonas' history. What makes them tick? What is Jonas running from? Why was Rime so ready to leave the protection of her home? Did something happen - why go searching for answers now? Why was the Hunt disbanded? (Again we are given a surface view, but not an in depth glance into this deadly group). Why are there so many weird creatures (like giant frogs on roller blades)? Were these creatures always in existence? What formed the crystals in the caves since they weren't part of the original cave system? Grrr.... Soooo, I'm successfully sucked in to the story, now what?
Overall, I liked this book. The characters are interesting, though not well and fully developed. There just wasn't enough background provided for them. As readers we also aren't given a full view of their feelings, motivations and interests. I was left feeling they were somewhat shallow, which is disappointing because it's clear that there's a lot going on underneath the surface, especially for Rime, the wild mage and presumably the main character. I feel the author could add a lot to the story with more character development.
The story itself has sooo much potential. Again however, I was disappointed overall. The beginning was disjointed and hard to follow. Moving back and forth between characters is okay, but it just wasn't done smoothly enough to follow the story well.
We, as readers, don't really understand the characters purpose or goals until the end of the book. It's was like reading with part of the book missing, so I had to kinda guess as to why I wanted to keep reading. Let me say, I DID want to keep reading, so despite the frustrations, the author did manage to garner enough curiosity / sympathy from me, as the reader, to continue the book to the end.
Now the end of the book just plain pissed me off.
The cliffhanger was too big and left too many questions open. I would not have come back to this series if the next book hadn't been immediately available to me. I haven't finished the second book yet (The Riddle Box), but I hope that some of the questions are answered in the second book (which, so far, seems to be a completely different type of story--filling me with doubts that my questions will be answered).
Overall, I want to know about Rime and Jonas' story, I'm curious. If I'm not given more in the book 2,The Riddle Box, I'm gonna stop caring. As a reader I want to know more about the people who came before (the Arkanic) that are mentioned many times but never in depth. I want to know more about Rime and Jonas' history. What makes them tick? What is Jonas running from? Why was Rime so ready to leave the protection of her home? Did something happen - why go searching for answers now? Why was the Hunt disbanded? (Again we are given a surface view, but not an in depth glance into this deadly group). Why are there so many weird creatures (like giant frogs on roller blades)? Were these creatures always in existence? What formed the crystals in the caves since they weren't part of the original cave system? Grrr.... Soooo, I'm successfully sucked in to the story, now what?
April 26, 2013
One word describes the excellent read that is Spell/Sword: "fresh." Why "fresh" and not "supercalifragilisticexpialidocious," you say? Well, let me turn to my friends at Merriam and Webster to help me explain.
"Fresh: having its original qualities unimpaired: as (1) : full of or renewed in vigor : refreshed (2) : not stale, sour, or decayed"
Adams' words leap off the page, briskly grab your hand, and pull you along as our protagonists, Jonas and Rime, embark on their exciting journey. Gone are the stale quagmires of unfortunately-typical passages about feasts, clothes, and lineages that dominant most fantasy novels. In its place, we get swash-buckling/spell-flinging vignettes of well-written action mixed with welcome islands of humor and character development. Adams presents all of this with a mischievous wink - he knows that he's giving his readers something they desperately wanted even if the fantasy genre as a whole refused to let audiences know such things were possible.
"Fresh: experienced, made, or received newly or anew"
Adams heralds this book as the birth of the "Swordpunk" movement and I have no qualms with this assertion. Spell/Sword is unlike anything you can find on store shelves. It is in touch with the great trends of fantasy literature but never subservient to them. The experience of reading Spell/Sword is a new one, yet it tastes vaguely of the best bits of "what's come before." Adams is breaking new ground while also gently tipping his hat to the miles of road behind him.
"Fresh: disposed to take liberties"
Why are some mythical creatures considered appropriate for fantasy literature (i.e. direwolves, dragons, ogres) while others are taboo (dinosaurs) or aren't even thought of (frogs on roller skates)? Spell/Sword doesn't give you an answer to this question, but it does give you whatever outlandish yet refreshing twist Adams can conjure as his heroes make their journey. Swordpunk thumbs its metaphorical nose at many of the unjustified rules and constrictions of traditional fantasy literature. While Adams is certainly thinking outside the box, he's also putting new toys in the box for future novels to play with, and that is a refreshing feeling. As a writer, Adams doesn't serve the canon of "great" fantasy writers; he serves you the reader and he serves the story, a basic concept that has gotten lost over the years.
Overall, Spell/Sword is an excellent read with engaging characters, unique humor, and clever action. Do yourself a favor and get in on the ground-floor of the Swordpunk movement, because this puppy's only going up and up.
"Fresh: having its original qualities unimpaired: as (1) : full of or renewed in vigor : refreshed (2) : not stale, sour, or decayed"
Adams' words leap off the page, briskly grab your hand, and pull you along as our protagonists, Jonas and Rime, embark on their exciting journey. Gone are the stale quagmires of unfortunately-typical passages about feasts, clothes, and lineages that dominant most fantasy novels. In its place, we get swash-buckling/spell-flinging vignettes of well-written action mixed with welcome islands of humor and character development. Adams presents all of this with a mischievous wink - he knows that he's giving his readers something they desperately wanted even if the fantasy genre as a whole refused to let audiences know such things were possible.
"Fresh: experienced, made, or received newly or anew"
Adams heralds this book as the birth of the "Swordpunk" movement and I have no qualms with this assertion. Spell/Sword is unlike anything you can find on store shelves. It is in touch with the great trends of fantasy literature but never subservient to them. The experience of reading Spell/Sword is a new one, yet it tastes vaguely of the best bits of "what's come before." Adams is breaking new ground while also gently tipping his hat to the miles of road behind him.
"Fresh: disposed to take liberties"
Why are some mythical creatures considered appropriate for fantasy literature (i.e. direwolves, dragons, ogres) while others are taboo (dinosaurs) or aren't even thought of (frogs on roller skates)? Spell/Sword doesn't give you an answer to this question, but it does give you whatever outlandish yet refreshing twist Adams can conjure as his heroes make their journey. Swordpunk thumbs its metaphorical nose at many of the unjustified rules and constrictions of traditional fantasy literature. While Adams is certainly thinking outside the box, he's also putting new toys in the box for future novels to play with, and that is a refreshing feeling. As a writer, Adams doesn't serve the canon of "great" fantasy writers; he serves you the reader and he serves the story, a basic concept that has gotten lost over the years.
Overall, Spell/Sword is an excellent read with engaging characters, unique humor, and clever action. Do yourself a favor and get in on the ground-floor of the Swordpunk movement, because this puppy's only going up and up.
September 2, 2013
So, I will start off by telling those of you who don't make it past the first paragraph of text, due to the Attention Deficit administered by the internet, by saying that I liked the book.
The book being Spell/Sword by G. Derek Adams.
Now I will tell you why.
It is hard to call the book "Traditional Fantasy" as that of Dragonlance or Forgotten Realms. It is also hard to call it "Non-Traditional Fantasy" as that of The Legends of Eli Monpress or Robert Aspirins Myth-Adventures. So I will call it by the name it gives itself. Swordpunk. Yup. The author seems to believe in the idea that adding punk to the end of a word makes something new and interesting. In all honesty he does well to give us something new and interesting. If I had to put it somewhere I think it leans more towards the "Traditional Fantasy" courtyard. That puts me ranking it up to Dragonlance and Forgotten Realms. Though I feel it still deserves to be put up against other great "Non-Traditional" fantasies.
Looking at the book against other fantasy books it really does shine. It does well in the sections where the characters interact, with the small amount of dialogue that there is not feeling awkward and as if the author was just trying to make up something for them to say. In fact I found my self laughing at several instances of dialogue and even those where they characters were just in their own mind. The author did well in making me care for the characters on a certain level and making me want to continue through the book.
The characters were well rounded and didn't deviate from their intended personality's. Bla, bla, bla...
All in all, I loved this book. It was charming, clever, and kept my attention. I'm sad to be at the end of it and hope to purchase a physical copy to keep on my shelf next to my other noteworthy fantasy novels. I also hope to read the next installments of this written piece of awesome. The whole book just screams "Oh! You're a nerd? Good! Have I got something for you!" It is silly in a very nice way that tells you that it wants you to not take it so seriously. Then it will jerk you right back and ask why you weren't taking it so seriously. On top of that, look at that cover art! It just screams to everyone watching you read it "Look at me! I'm a nerd and not embarrassed to show it. Also don't talk to me."
Would I recommend it?
Yes.
Would I recommend it to someone who doesn't normally read fantasy?
Eh.... umm... Maybe.
Would I post this entire thing on good reads as a review?
Of course.
Would I also post the author's Wordpress blog\ Website?
I HAVE TO!
Spell/Sword.com
Though, he does it himself in the last few pages.
The book being Spell/Sword by G. Derek Adams.
Now I will tell you why.
It is hard to call the book "Traditional Fantasy" as that of Dragonlance or Forgotten Realms. It is also hard to call it "Non-Traditional Fantasy" as that of The Legends of Eli Monpress or Robert Aspirins Myth-Adventures. So I will call it by the name it gives itself. Swordpunk. Yup. The author seems to believe in the idea that adding punk to the end of a word makes something new and interesting. In all honesty he does well to give us something new and interesting. If I had to put it somewhere I think it leans more towards the "Traditional Fantasy" courtyard. That puts me ranking it up to Dragonlance and Forgotten Realms. Though I feel it still deserves to be put up against other great "Non-Traditional" fantasies.
Looking at the book against other fantasy books it really does shine. It does well in the sections where the characters interact, with the small amount of dialogue that there is not feeling awkward and as if the author was just trying to make up something for them to say. In fact I found my self laughing at several instances of dialogue and even those where they characters were just in their own mind. The author did well in making me care for the characters on a certain level and making me want to continue through the book.
The characters were well rounded and didn't deviate from their intended personality's. Bla, bla, bla...
All in all, I loved this book. It was charming, clever, and kept my attention. I'm sad to be at the end of it and hope to purchase a physical copy to keep on my shelf next to my other noteworthy fantasy novels. I also hope to read the next installments of this written piece of awesome. The whole book just screams "Oh! You're a nerd? Good! Have I got something for you!" It is silly in a very nice way that tells you that it wants you to not take it so seriously. Then it will jerk you right back and ask why you weren't taking it so seriously. On top of that, look at that cover art! It just screams to everyone watching you read it "Look at me! I'm a nerd and not embarrassed to show it. Also don't talk to me."
Would I recommend it?
Yes.
Would I recommend it to someone who doesn't normally read fantasy?
Eh.... umm... Maybe.
Would I post this entire thing on good reads as a review?
Of course.
Would I also post the author's Wordpress blog\ Website?
I HAVE TO!
Spell/Sword.com
Though, he does it himself in the last few pages.
June 4, 2013
After reading the first few pages of Spell/Sword, I knew I was in for a wild ride so I better buckle in. After proper buckling in, I realized that one must also drink the proverbial Kool-Aid to properly enjoy Spell/Sword in all of it’s absurd glory... And it is indeed absurd and glorious. Whether it be candy-coated ogres or frogs on steam-powered roller skates, the colorful cast of characters is certainly imaginative and wacky, and if you can’t handle an excess of silliness thrown at you with little or no explanation, this story will not be for you.
That said, the story itself has it’s serious and rather violent moments, and these can seem a bit jarring sometimes when sandwiched between aforesaid silliness. Overall though, it was a roller-coaster ride of fun fantasy action, and once I got past the introductory part of the book and took a big swig ol’ of the Kool-Aid, I became absorbed and read the rest straight through in one sitting.
Some other reviewers have complained about the side characters / villains of the story being too numerous, but I didn’t take any issue with that at all. In fact I was sad to see some of them go, and I hope some will appear in sequels... We never properly met Chet, after all!
I think perhaps my only niggling complaints about the book are that there are quite a few sentence fragments and punctuation errors that unfortunately marked this book as self-published and a first novel. I think with a little more spit and polish it could have felt more professional. Also, I also was a little disappointed that (possible spoilers ahead) most of the female characters and side characters get killed or die by the end.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book once I got into the meat of it and I loved the fun, vivid imagery and Adams very distinctive writing voice. My favorite parts of the book were the dwarven dance-lock door, Rime’s mind library, and The Grey Witch.
I am looking forward to the next roller-coaster Spell/Sword adventure from Adams!
That said, the story itself has it’s serious and rather violent moments, and these can seem a bit jarring sometimes when sandwiched between aforesaid silliness. Overall though, it was a roller-coaster ride of fun fantasy action, and once I got past the introductory part of the book and took a big swig ol’ of the Kool-Aid, I became absorbed and read the rest straight through in one sitting.
Some other reviewers have complained about the side characters / villains of the story being too numerous, but I didn’t take any issue with that at all. In fact I was sad to see some of them go, and I hope some will appear in sequels... We never properly met Chet, after all!
I think perhaps my only niggling complaints about the book are that there are quite a few sentence fragments and punctuation errors that unfortunately marked this book as self-published and a first novel. I think with a little more spit and polish it could have felt more professional. Also, I also was a little disappointed that (possible spoilers ahead) most of the female characters and side characters get killed or die by the end.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book once I got into the meat of it and I loved the fun, vivid imagery and Adams very distinctive writing voice. My favorite parts of the book were the dwarven dance-lock door, Rime’s mind library, and The Grey Witch.
I am looking forward to the next roller-coaster Spell/Sword adventure from Adams!
December 25, 2017
Oh man this book was good. Full review later, after I finish the sequel (and get some sleep).
*Full review edit*
The cover of this book does NOT do it justice.
I am a chronic Judger Of A Book By Its Cover, and so when I came across this a few months ago, I sort of skimmed over it. The characters on the front look like a petulant 8 year old and her brother who likes to play soldier.
G. Derek Adams has recently published the third novel in this series, and so I was inclined to read the first and second books in order to prepare.
Good lord.
This story is amazing, and I have to say I might be biased because I just read the second book and it's even more amazing. The two main characters, Jonas and Rime are extremely interesting to read about because they both periodically show glimpses of hidden depths, which grabs your attention and moves the book forward. Although this is the first book in a series it tells a complete story, leaving me both satisfied at the end and interested in the further adventures of our two heroes.
I respect the relationship between Jonas and Rime, not only because it is nuanced and complex, but because there is no hint of a romantic spin to it, at least not in this installment . It's hard to find separately sexed characters who don't eventually develop feelings for each other, so this is a nice surprise.
For a first novel, the writing quality is amazing. Descriptions of the characters leap into your minds eye, and dialog feels natural, and fits the personality of the speaker. I know those sound like fairly basic writing skills, but I've read a good few first novels in the past few months and they can be sorely missed when absent.
Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy and expansive worlds. Although on the cover it might seem like a teen fantasy book, it actually presents a deep, varied world with potential to become so much more.
5/5 stars.
(it's also free on amazon until April 9th, 2016, so grab it if you can!)
*Full review edit*
The cover of this book does NOT do it justice.
I am a chronic Judger Of A Book By Its Cover, and so when I came across this a few months ago, I sort of skimmed over it. The characters on the front look like a petulant 8 year old and her brother who likes to play soldier.
G. Derek Adams has recently published the third novel in this series, and so I was inclined to read the first and second books in order to prepare.
Good lord.
This story is amazing, and I have to say I might be biased because I just read the second book and it's even more amazing. The two main characters, Jonas and Rime are extremely interesting to read about because they both periodically show glimpses of hidden depths, which grabs your attention and moves the book forward. Although this is the first book in a series it tells a complete story, leaving me both satisfied at the end and interested in the further adventures of our two heroes.
I respect the relationship between Jonas and Rime, not only because it is nuanced and complex, but because there is no hint of a romantic spin to it, at least not in this installment . It's hard to find separately sexed characters who don't eventually develop feelings for each other, so this is a nice surprise.
For a first novel, the writing quality is amazing. Descriptions of the characters leap into your minds eye, and dialog feels natural, and fits the personality of the speaker. I know those sound like fairly basic writing skills, but I've read a good few first novels in the past few months and they can be sorely missed when absent.
Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy and expansive worlds. Although on the cover it might seem like a teen fantasy book, it actually presents a deep, varied world with potential to become so much more.
5/5 stars.
(it's also free on amazon until April 9th, 2016, so grab it if you can!)
June 29, 2025
•••I listened to the Audible Audio Edition of this book•••
This is the first performance by Rachel Ahrens I have ever listened to but I look forward to listening to many more by this talented voice actor! She portrays all the characters with depth and irreverence just as they are obviously written. I can't imagine either Rime or Jonas voiced by anyone else. I think I would cry. I fervently hope she continues on with this unique series so we can continue to enjoy it to its full potential :)
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Rime Beyond Reason?
This series must be listened to (or read) in order. This is the first book. I can't wait to listen to Riddle Box!
Rime is a wlid mage. Her kind has been searched out and eradicated because of their madness and incredible power. Lucky for her, her father loved her and hid her, all the while educating her and shielding her from her true nature. Too bad she knows she will now be hunted... If only she can get to the Gray Witch and learn the secrets of controlling her magic! She does not want to die or go mad. Does the Gray Witch truly exist? Or is she the false of of a Faerie tale? Will she be able to find her? Can she convince her to help?
Jonas is still at heart a Squire. He loved his Master and took his teachings to heart. No matter what anyone says or does, he will stay true to the Code. So what if he is a bit of a slow learner... At least when he learns something he learns it fully! He longs for a purpose now that he can no longer be a true Squire. Will he ever find anything to give his life meaning? Will the mistakes of his past catch up with him? Can he continue to be true to himself and his Master's teachings when noone else plays fair? Should he quit drinking?
***This series is suitable for middlegrade through adult readers who enjoy irreverent, snarky fantasy filled with comical characters and indomitable antiheroes who eventually learn that they need friends or life is not worth living or even survivable :)
This is the first performance by Rachel Ahrens I have ever listened to but I look forward to listening to many more by this talented voice actor! She portrays all the characters with depth and irreverence just as they are obviously written. I can't imagine either Rime or Jonas voiced by anyone else. I think I would cry. I fervently hope she continues on with this unique series so we can continue to enjoy it to its full potential :)
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Rime Beyond Reason?
This series must be listened to (or read) in order. This is the first book. I can't wait to listen to Riddle Box!
Rime is a wlid mage. Her kind has been searched out and eradicated because of their madness and incredible power. Lucky for her, her father loved her and hid her, all the while educating her and shielding her from her true nature. Too bad she knows she will now be hunted... If only she can get to the Gray Witch and learn the secrets of controlling her magic! She does not want to die or go mad. Does the Gray Witch truly exist? Or is she the false of of a Faerie tale? Will she be able to find her? Can she convince her to help?
Jonas is still at heart a Squire. He loved his Master and took his teachings to heart. No matter what anyone says or does, he will stay true to the Code. So what if he is a bit of a slow learner... At least when he learns something he learns it fully! He longs for a purpose now that he can no longer be a true Squire. Will he ever find anything to give his life meaning? Will the mistakes of his past catch up with him? Can he continue to be true to himself and his Master's teachings when noone else plays fair? Should he quit drinking?
***This series is suitable for middlegrade through adult readers who enjoy irreverent, snarky fantasy filled with comical characters and indomitable antiheroes who eventually learn that they need friends or life is not worth living or even survivable :)
August 1, 2016
Asteroid Made of Dragons was G. Derek Adams’s first (semi-)traditionally published work, but the man was no stranger to releasing books. As you may (or may not) recall from my review of AMoD, Adams had self-published two prequels prior to winning the Sword and Laser contest on Inkshares.
The first of those books is Spell/Sword, wherein we meet the protagonist duo of Rime and Jonas and go careening through glowing canyons and flying on wyverns with them on their first adventure.
Adams was kind enough to provide me with a copy of Spell/Sword in audiobook form, which is currently available on Audible, and is wonderfully narrated by Rachel Ahrens, who brings a voice and character to Rime so close to what my mind created when I read AMoD that I was a bit surprised, to be honest. She really did a fantastic job.
The thing about Adams’s writing is that, when you read it, you can tell how much fun he had writing it. His settings and scenes frequently border on the absurd, and as you laugh along with the characters at the situation, you are convinced of the imminent threats to them and deeply invested in their wellbeing. And curious about how the hell they intend to escape rocket-powered-electro-toads.
AMoD had the benefit of an editorial team, and is therefore more polished than Spell/Sword, but the nice thing about reading (or listening to) his self-published work is that it serves as proof of Adams’s skill as an author. He’s got what it takes to “go pro,” in my opinion.
Spell/Sword is a great read; it’s paced well, action-packed, and does an excellent job of setting high stakes and wrapping up neatly while leaving enough threads unraveled to spawn a torrent of sequels. For my part, I’m glad to know Derek. That means I can pester him about when the next book is coming out.
Until then, I can read Riddle Box, the next book in the series.
The first of those books is Spell/Sword, wherein we meet the protagonist duo of Rime and Jonas and go careening through glowing canyons and flying on wyverns with them on their first adventure.
Adams was kind enough to provide me with a copy of Spell/Sword in audiobook form, which is currently available on Audible, and is wonderfully narrated by Rachel Ahrens, who brings a voice and character to Rime so close to what my mind created when I read AMoD that I was a bit surprised, to be honest. She really did a fantastic job.
The thing about Adams’s writing is that, when you read it, you can tell how much fun he had writing it. His settings and scenes frequently border on the absurd, and as you laugh along with the characters at the situation, you are convinced of the imminent threats to them and deeply invested in their wellbeing. And curious about how the hell they intend to escape rocket-powered-electro-toads.
AMoD had the benefit of an editorial team, and is therefore more polished than Spell/Sword, but the nice thing about reading (or listening to) his self-published work is that it serves as proof of Adams’s skill as an author. He’s got what it takes to “go pro,” in my opinion.
Spell/Sword is a great read; it’s paced well, action-packed, and does an excellent job of setting high stakes and wrapping up neatly while leaving enough threads unraveled to spawn a torrent of sequels. For my part, I’m glad to know Derek. That means I can pester him about when the next book is coming out.
Until then, I can read Riddle Box, the next book in the series.
June 30, 2016
Absolutely fascinating book.
I'm saying it is a 4 star book because it is a bit of a 3 star book and a lot of a 5 star book. Any reader will see it as both as well. It's a 5 star book because, well, imagine a line, now add a bunch of acute angles to it. Now take that zig zag line and turn it into a tornado drawing like from grade school. Got that visualization? That's how tropes are treated by Adams. Fascinating right? Subverted tropes, inverted tropes, they're all there. Not sure a single one was played straight.
You have a ruthless, self-absorbed girl named Rime who will walk over or sacrifice anyone to get to a swamp with a wicked witch. All so she can be saved from her own power and then live as a more normal girl. Huh, I now seriously question her motivations, I think she has them backward somehow.
Then There is Jonas a (former?) squire that is more than a bit slow. He was hired-ish to guard Rime from some very bad people chasing her. He takes it incredibly seriously, even if it's against his own best interests.
Beyond that you will have Snapping-Turtle Men, Frogs on rocket roller skates, and a grey witch. It's all a bit of a black comedy. And frankly I find it absolutely hilarious that this is classifieded as a children's book on Amazon. It really isn't...I mean Rime is introduced as she burns a traitor alive. So adults, don't let that categorization scare you away.
The 3 star points are really only because Rime isn't the most likable and given it's short page nature, the pacing seems off somehow.
I recommend this to anyone who has just read way too much fantasy. I also recommend it to people who like Sabriel by Garth Nix.
I'm saying it is a 4 star book because it is a bit of a 3 star book and a lot of a 5 star book. Any reader will see it as both as well. It's a 5 star book because, well, imagine a line, now add a bunch of acute angles to it. Now take that zig zag line and turn it into a tornado drawing like from grade school. Got that visualization? That's how tropes are treated by Adams. Fascinating right? Subverted tropes, inverted tropes, they're all there. Not sure a single one was played straight.
You have a ruthless, self-absorbed girl named Rime who will walk over or sacrifice anyone to get to a swamp with a wicked witch. All so she can be saved from her own power and then live as a more normal girl. Huh, I now seriously question her motivations, I think she has them backward somehow.
Then There is Jonas a (former?) squire that is more than a bit slow. He was hired-ish to guard Rime from some very bad people chasing her. He takes it incredibly seriously, even if it's against his own best interests.
Beyond that you will have Snapping-Turtle Men, Frogs on rocket roller skates, and a grey witch. It's all a bit of a black comedy. And frankly I find it absolutely hilarious that this is classifieded as a children's book on Amazon. It really isn't...I mean Rime is introduced as she burns a traitor alive. So adults, don't let that categorization scare you away.
The 3 star points are really only because Rime isn't the most likable and given it's short page nature, the pacing seems off somehow.
I recommend this to anyone who has just read way too much fantasy. I also recommend it to people who like Sabriel by Garth Nix.
December 21, 2015
Fresh, interesting, serious where it needs to be serious, light when it needs to be light, and full of snark the rest of the time. The characterization is the strength here. Rime and Jonas are both a treat, both of them complex and well-drawn characters with their own strengths, weaknesses, and degrees of self-awareness. They are both smart in their own ways, and their discovery that they work together as a team is a joy: characters actually being smart and not letting their egos get in the way of sense. Though both Jonas and Rime are teenagers, they act appropriate for the life experience they've had and thus can deal handily with what's thrown at them. Even the villains and side characters make utter sense and have their characters deftly drawn out so that they're not just Interchangeable Guard #3. The author isn't afraid to delve into the dark side, either, as a few of those entertaining side characters end up meeting unpleasant ends. (The book contains brief scenes of torture and death, for those that need the warning.)
The plot itself is fairly simple but is made fun and interesting by the bits of worldbuilding (deadly rocket-powered rollerskating frogmen, the key to a dwarven mine being a steampunk sort of Dance Dance Revolution routine to a drinking song, etc.) that, though they make you smile at their improbability, are still treated as challenges and dealt with in sensible ways.
Loved it so much I dove right into the next in the series.
The plot itself is fairly simple but is made fun and interesting by the bits of worldbuilding (deadly rocket-powered rollerskating frogmen, the key to a dwarven mine being a steampunk sort of Dance Dance Revolution routine to a drinking song, etc.) that, though they make you smile at their improbability, are still treated as challenges and dealt with in sensible ways.
Loved it so much I dove right into the next in the series.
July 26, 2016
A SIMPLE MAN'S REVIEW:
This was a fun book to read. The two main characters had distinct personalities that, while often clashing, strangely complimented each other. There is also a mythological backstory built in along the way that added another level of depth that made me want to know more. In fact, at times I wondered if I had missed a book before because much of the mythology was casually mentioned like I should have known more about it.
The only reason I didn't give this book more stars was because if felt like the whole adventure was merely leading up to something. And the something hasn't happened yet. Yes, you get the dramatic showdown at the end, but it didn't feel like it answered or solved the big question. But I liked the book enough to immediately download the second book, so I guess it did its job!
If you like elves, dragons, and witches - but not in the usual sense - I'd give this book a read.
This was a fun book to read. The two main characters had distinct personalities that, while often clashing, strangely complimented each other. There is also a mythological backstory built in along the way that added another level of depth that made me want to know more. In fact, at times I wondered if I had missed a book before because much of the mythology was casually mentioned like I should have known more about it.
The only reason I didn't give this book more stars was because if felt like the whole adventure was merely leading up to something. And the something hasn't happened yet. Yes, you get the dramatic showdown at the end, but it didn't feel like it answered or solved the big question. But I liked the book enough to immediately download the second book, so I guess it did its job!
If you like elves, dragons, and witches - but not in the usual sense - I'd give this book a read.
July 31, 2016
So there's this book called Asteroid Made of Dragons, which sounds deeply cool (I mean, it's called Asteroid Made of Dragons...need I say more?) but it's book three of a series, which means I'm called to go back to the first book and start there.
There's a lot of solid stuff here, particularly the character of Rime, but there are two main issues with the story as a whole: the tone, and the pacing. The tone whiplashes between light humour and serious bleakness, and I'm absolutely a fan of dark humour but this isn't that, it's juxtaposing slapstick against relentless child murder. The pacing doesn't lead itself to a satisfying climax, partly because the journey is so episodic, and partly because it's not complete--an enemy is defeated, but nothing is resolved.
Editors are not the enemy. None of these things are insurmountable when you have a solid foundation, and I believe that this story does.
And I have to admit, I loved the table of contents.
There's a lot of solid stuff here, particularly the character of Rime, but there are two main issues with the story as a whole: the tone, and the pacing. The tone whiplashes between light humour and serious bleakness, and I'm absolutely a fan of dark humour but this isn't that, it's juxtaposing slapstick against relentless child murder. The pacing doesn't lead itself to a satisfying climax, partly because the journey is so episodic, and partly because it's not complete--an enemy is defeated, but nothing is resolved.
Editors are not the enemy. None of these things are insurmountable when you have a solid foundation, and I believe that this story does.
And I have to admit, I loved the table of contents.
December 8, 2014
I read this book in about three days, and ultimately, really did enjoy it. I found the first third of the book to be a little slow/disjointed, but things picked up and I finished the final two thirds in a single day. I think my initial slowness was due to what I perceived as a slight overuse of epithets (a personal preference, no doubt) before I really knew the characters enough to be able to better apply them or maybe ignore them?
This book is clearly the first book of a series, and felt very much like set up for the series, and I'm glad I had the second book, The Riddle Box, available to me immediately to read. I would recommend reading the two together, for sure. Overall, an enjoyable read. I had a lot of questions when I finished and I did care enough to want to read more to have them answered. Looking forward to the rest of the series!
This book is clearly the first book of a series, and felt very much like set up for the series, and I'm glad I had the second book, The Riddle Box, available to me immediately to read. I would recommend reading the two together, for sure. Overall, an enjoyable read. I had a lot of questions when I finished and I did care enough to want to read more to have them answered. Looking forward to the rest of the series!
December 25, 2015
The first in a series, this book has a great story to tell. The self-publishing makes it less polished than I would have liked - a solid line-edit would work miracles on this, and hopefully Derek will get a chance to do that at some point. With cleaner writing this is an easy 5 star novel.
I've already bought the sequel and will get to reading it post-haste. I'll post a review of it as soon as I'm done.
I'm also really looking forward to his Inkshares-published novel that's part of the Sword and Laser collection, Asteroid Made of Dragons (https://www.inkshares.com/projects/as...). This will have gotten the full editing treatment, and I can't wait to see what his mind has dreamed up for us there.
Well done, Derek. Rime and Jonas are a great team.
I've already bought the sequel and will get to reading it post-haste. I'll post a review of it as soon as I'm done.
I'm also really looking forward to his Inkshares-published novel that's part of the Sword and Laser collection, Asteroid Made of Dragons (https://www.inkshares.com/projects/as...). This will have gotten the full editing treatment, and I can't wait to see what his mind has dreamed up for us there.
Well done, Derek. Rime and Jonas are a great team.
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