Hollow City (Song of Karma Book 1) (Heroes Unleashed) Review

Hollow City (Song of Karma Book 1)

By Kai Wai Cheah

Next up after Morgon Newquist's Heroes Fall: Serenity City (which I reviewed here) was Kai Wai Cheah's entry, Hollow City. After the first book in the Heroes Unleashed series was released the bar was set high for future offerings, so was this lofty goal reached?

That would be a resounding 'yes'.

Hollow City is set in the same universe as the first, but in a different city. This time we follow the life of Prime, Adam Song, a police officer whose life is turned upside down after he takes out the son of a powerful cartel boss. A hit is then called in on Adam, the higher-ups in the police force play politics, and things proceed to get out of hand from there.

Much like the first Heroes Unleashed novel, the world feels real without being bland. Although we see super-powered individuals on both sides of the law, it remains grounded in reality without losing the more 'magical' aspects. The attention to detail was also fantastic with guns, and all the attachments Adam has customized them with, shown to great effect.

Adam Song is a great character, with an interesting background. His sense of justice, and background in the military combine to make a character that, while restrained by his morals, could just as easily remove every target he chose if he so wished. The way that he wrangles with the dilemma this creates I found great, and when he finally decides to handle the situation he is handed, it was really satisfying. In fact it was so satisfying that when the book finished, I was itching for more.

The book was a real page-turner, and much like the first Heroes Unleashed novel, I blazed through it and loved every moment. Now I can't wait for the next installment.

If you like superhero fiction, or action-packed thrill-rides, this is the book for you. Get it now. You won't regret it.

Star Knight Saga, Book One: Reavers of the Void Review

Star Knight Saga, Book One: Reavers of the Void
By Bradford C. Walker

Some time last year, a few folks were discussing the decline in the quality of mech-focused sci-fi from Japan, and the disappointment that was most of western sci-fi. From these discussions sprung the #AGundamn4Us movement, led by authors Brian Niemeier, Bradford Walker, and Rawle Nyanzi. Each author set to work on their own answer to this gap in the market, hoping to remedy the lack of quality that had been seen so far.

Personally, I was not that big of a fan of Mecha sci-fi, I don't generally watch anime, and the sci-fi I read does not exactly focus on big stompy robots. But as I have enjoyed the work of the authors mentioned previously, I was interested to see what they came up with.

Both Brian and Bradford crowdfunded their entries on Indiegogo, and I have backed both of them.

As far as I know, Rawle Nyanzi's foray launches later this year. However, Brian Niemeier's fantastic Combat Frame XSEED has already launched successfully and was an excellent start which I thoroughly enjoyed. So, does Bradford's attempt succeed?

In a word? Yes.

Reading the first entry in Star Knight Saga, I couldn't help but feel both the anime and western influences that obviously inspired Bradford's work. The cast is colourful, with valiant heroes, graceful ladies, scheming nobles, and so on. But don't let that fool you. There is intrigue, and high stakes, plenty of action-packed battles and thrilling fights, and the characters are varied and interesting.

There wasn't a moment that passed where I felt that the story dragged, and in fact, the pace steamed along so much so that I was saddened when I reached the end, and realised that I now have to wait for the next entry.

If you are in the market for sci-fi, with a slice of mecha-combat, and a good helping of intrigue and action then you may just want to check out Star Knight Saga: Reavers of the Void. I certainly enjoyed it, and I think you might too.

First Draft Complete! (And some thoughts on my writing journey so far)

Yesterday I finally managed to complete the first draft of the book I've been working on, and I wanted to make some notes of how I got here, before I decide to pretend it didn't happen.

The book in question is something I actually wrote over 9 to 10 years or so ago, handwritten in notebooks, during university, and later unemployment. Unfortunately, I went through a long period of despairing over everything, decided it was trash (the usual writer's angst nonsense), and put it aside. I then spent the next several (read: too many) years wallowing in depression.

Stop me if you've heard this story before.

About a year ago, I reached the breaking point, as some do during depression, and decided I was sick of it. I sought to get better, and put the effort in to overcome depression and anxiety. I actually went on a course for the anxiety issue, and due to it, I managed to overcome the anxiety that had plagued me for years.

I've seen many of the self-improvement type folks that I follow on Twitter over the years mention that when you decide to improve, after that initial issue that you choose to fix is dealt with, you notice various other problems that afflict you. I was no different in this regard. Some fall here as it can be a bit overwhelming to realize how many issues you have built up over the years, but luckily I persevered. Mostly for myself, but also in a way, for my parents, and my brother and sister. I mean, who wants a miserable sod for a relative, right?

Fast forward a year, and now I'm working on my health by getting in shape to be better able to deal with the Arthritis that I suffer from. I've a long way to go on that regard, but small steps and all that.

So what has all this nonsense to do with completing my first draft, you might ask?

Simple. In January, I decided that I wanted to finally get around to becoming a published author finally (something I've wanted to do since I was a child), and that to get there I needed to actually write something. This had the bonus of improving my discipline, and to form a positive habit. It's been a rocky start, as it has taken a span of three months to write what was technically a months worth of work, but I think I have the hang of it now. Hopefully, from now on, I should be writing or editing something of mine each day (barring unforeseen circumstances).

Now that I have finished the first draft of the book, and I can begin editing the thing, it feels like the progress I sought is finally starting to show, and I have to admit, it's a bit of a thrill.

Here's hoping it doesn't take as long to edit it to a state I'm somewhat satisfied with!

-----

For future reference, and just in case I lose my Twitter, I have included the log I kept of the number of words I wrote, and on what day:

Day 1 = 1897 = Jan 8
Day 2 = 1986 = Jan 9
Day 3 = 3028 = Jan 10
Day 4 = 1870 = Jan 11
Day 5 = 2148 = Jan 14
Day 6 = 1038 = Jan 15
Day 7 = 3004 = Jan 16
Day 8 = 1569 = Jan 18
Day 9 = 2991 = Jan 21
Day 10 = 1362 = Jan 22
Day 11 = 2176 = Jan 26
Day 12 = 3566 = Feb 4
Day 13 = 1899 = Feb 11
Day 14 = 1683 = Feb 14
Day 15 = 1389 = Feb 27
Day 16 = 2361 = Mar 5
Day 17 = 3305 = Mar 8
Day 18 = 4382 = Mar 11
Day 19 = 4411 = Mar 13
Day 20 = 5245 = Mar 16
Day 21 = 4726 = Mar 17
Day 22 = 4451 = Mar 18
Day 23 = 4687 = Mar 19
Day 24 = 6199 = Mar 22
Day 25 = 3708 = Mar 23
Day 26 = 5962 = Mar 24 (1st draft complete)

Other stats:

Overall words (During writing spree): 81,043
Overall words (Includes some editing that I forgot to keep a note of): 82,270
Overall characters: 455,058
Overall pages: 140
Overall Chapters: 40
Coffee drunk: Just enough
Tea Drunk: Not enough

All subject to change after editing is complete.

Maxwell Cain: Burrito Avenger Review

Maxwell Cain: Burrito Avenger
By Adam Lane Smith

I remember when I first saw the original idea for Burrito Avenger being discussed (or Burrito John Wick as it was code-named back then) and I thought the idea was hilarious, insane, but most importantly, brilliant. Usually when someone bandies an idea like this around, they laugh, but ultimately move on to more 'serious business'. I thought it would, at most, be a short story, and that would be it. But Adam, bless his soul, was all for this idea, and ran with it. And run with it he did, because half-measures are not in Adam's dictionary apparently, as we can clearly see being demonstrated during the course of this book's journey from concept to finished product.

I was excited when he announced his intention to set up a Kickstarter to help fund this madcap idea, and I happily threw money at the screen immediately. The book was basically described as John Wick meets Demolition Man and Die Hard. A winning formula if ever there was one.

The story follows Maxwell Cain, a city cop, dedicated to Justice, unfairly fired by the corrupt system for doing his job just a tad too well. While trying to enjoy a burrito, he is interrupted, his meal spoiled, and soon chaos ensues.

It quickly escalates from there, and never lets up. It was an action-packed thrill-ride from start to finish. I was knackered by the end, and I was just reading it! I'd hate to know how Maxwell Cain felt considering all that happens to him. His one-liners and no-nonsense approach was fantastic, and more than once I found myself laughing at things he utters, or smiling with nostalgia at little nods to inspirations for this book.

Maxwell Cain quickly became one of my favourite characters, but the story wouldn't be what it was without other great characters. Love interest Kate Valentine, a baker, with a keen aim, was a refreshing change from the usual action heroines. She simultaneously manages to be a bad-ass without being bitchy, kicking ass alongside our intrepid hero, while retaining her feminine charm. This all adds up to a personality that you can't help but like; a far cry from the usual vapid, or angry female characters action blockbusters feel the need to force on us. The dynamic between the two was great as well, with great interactions, and some hilarious moments.

Hunter and Nick, Maxwell's colleagues in the force, were great too. Although they didn't get as much time in the spotlight, they didn't feel like throwaway characters either. The camaraderie between the friends was evident, even from the little time they were present.

Finally, what would an action story be without it's villains? The main bad guy is a mafia boss, who is as sleazy as he is criminal, but the real standout villain was Johnny Legion. Cool and professional, he is a great rival to Maxwell Cain, contrasting perfectly with the main character's more fiery personality.

In conclusion, this book is a roller-coaster ride of gunfights, burritos, car chases, burritos, explosions, and burritos. Did I mention burritos? Get this book, you won't regret it!

I right fancy a burrito right about now. This is your fault Adam!

Heroes Fall: Serenity City Book 1 (Heroes Unleashed) Review

Heroes Fall: Serenity City Book 1
By Morgon Newquist

I will be honest, I'm not usually the biggest of superhero fiction fanatics. I like the occasional Batman film, The Shadow is my favourite superhero of them all but he's been ruined in recent years, and all the rest of the malarkey going off in the superhero comics/film/etc industry? Miss me with that nonsense. So you can understand my usual lack of interest in the genre.

Vox Day re-ignited my interest in comic superheroes with the Alt-Hero comics, but beyond that, there has been only one or two superhero-focused products that I was mildly interested in, such as Flying Sparks and so on.

Then Silver Empire's Russell and Morgon Newquist launched their Kickstarter for their Heroes Unleashed project. Featuring Kai Wai Cheah, Jon Mollison, J. D. Cowan, Richard Watts, and the initial book by Morgon Newquist, I decided I'd give the series a chance to make up for the lack of superhero goodness. That it was novels rather than comics, which were what every man and his dog were crowdfunding at the time, pleasantly surprised me. I'm much happier with books than comics, so that alleviated some initial indecisiveness on my willingness to jump in. So I backed the project with the thought that even if I didn't personally enjoy the finished product, at least it would help out some good folks in some small way. I would have been able to make a better dent in my 'to-be-read' list, so that would have been a bonus in that outcome.

Instead Morgon delivered a top-notch book. Curses.

I just finished reading this book yesterday, and it was good. Really good. I was beyond pleasantly surprised, I was hyped for more. No simple Marvel/DC knock-off, this was an original universe, with a unique cast of characters, and a frankly better approach to superhero morality than anything the current crop of superhero universes provide. Heroes that were in it for themselves, for fame, for fortune, or the simple wish to do good, there was a nice mix. There was kind of less focus on the villains, but to be honest, there was plenty of villainy done, and adding more villains in would have crowded the scene somewhat.

I'd like to make special mention of the main villain who was a nice change of pace too. The usual approach with villains these days is a split between "I'm insane" and "I like being evil." The main villain in Serenity City is so good at his job he doesn't even make a true physical appearance until nearer the end the book. Morgon does a great job of painting the picture of this almost omnipresent evil master puppeteer. His reasons for what he does, why he does it, and how he goes about it are great as well.

The main plot is riveting, just so you know, keeping you turning pages, with that 'I'll just see what happens next' feeling that is all too common in good books. So you'll probably not want to start reading late at night if you have somewhere to be in the morning in a coherent state.

All in all, this was a great book, that I fully enjoyed, and I would heartily recommend it to anybody who enjoys superhero fiction, or good stories in general. Now I can't wait to see what is in store in the future for the Heroes Unleashed project.

The Beginning of Things

I have decided to start a blog, as you can clearly see. It will contain thoughts and musings, reviews and rants, and links to other, more clever, bloggers.

I will generally blog after I have finished writing for the day, so as to remember any thoughts I have while writing that I may want to jot down. I will hopefully have completed the book by the end of June, with editing to take place after that. Perhaps I'll finally have published something by the year's end, which would be nice. A man can dream. This is more of a note to myself so I can see later on how close to the mark I was. As I said, it'd be nice to have completed something for a change.

This is a short post, but as it is an introductory post, I wanted to keep it to a minimum.

You can find me on Twitter, where I will post a link whenever I post a blog.

https://mobile.twitter.com/Xayveir