The Supernatural Enhancements by Edgar Cantero
11 August 2014
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Edgar Cantero, The Supernatural Enhancements
Just finished reading The Supernatural Enhancements by Edgar Cantero. This is a very intriguing story that starts off as a gothic ghost story with a young man inheriting a fortune and a creepy haunted house and then twists into something else resembling a treasure hunt, a mystery and a race against time. I really enjoyed this I have to admit. It’s a read that grips you and takes you down a certain path only to turn off at the most unexpected juncture and go down another route completely.
Told through the use of notebooks (written by Niamh who is mute and records all her conversations in this way), journals, video footage and other pieces such as research articles and book extracts. You might think that this style wouldn’t work but in actual fact it really does. I actually enjoy this method of storytelling. The story starts as the young man of the piece, known only as ‘A’ becomes the owner of a three storey mansion left to him by his recently deceased second cousin twice removed (Ambrose). Axton House is located in Virginia and so A and his companion, Niamh set off to explore their new found wealth.
The house and estate is huge and feels like a throw back in time. Once through the doors the house feels literally like the land that time forgot. This is also perfectly matched by A’s style of notetaking and his manuals which have a very old fashioned style of writing. The feeling created at the start of the book is definitely that of a gothic and spooky tale. The house has a menacing past and actually has it’s own resident ghost. On top of this there is a huge library, long sweeping hallways that seem to swallow the light and hidden rooms to be discovered.
At the beginning of the story A and N are faced with a couple of mysteries, not least of which is why the late Ambrose (the previous owner) committed suicide at exactly the same age and in exactly the same way as his father. On top of this the butler has gone missing and it appears that the late cousin may have been involved in some strange, maybe occult, activity that results in an annual gathering at the house every solstice – and this is what all events are building towards.
It’s difficult to go too much into plot because I don’t want to give away anything. Fairly early on A seems to be affected by the house while Niamh seems oblivious and goes around the place fixing up cameras and other recording equipment, computers and gadgetry. A starts by encountering the ghost in the bathroom and from there begins to have quite horrible and puzzling dreams which result in him becoming excessively tired and out of character. Strangely this part of the story put me in mind of The Shining and the slow descent into madness that Jack Torrance suffered whilst caretaking the Overlook Hotel. The fact that Axton House has it’s very own maze which also sits at the heart of the mystery helps to encourage that impression. I don’t in any way mean that in a negative way, this is certainly not in any shape mimicking the work of Stephen King – it was just a reflection as I was reading this part of the story. Things fairly swiftly move forwards however and take a completely different turn. And that’s where I’ll stop about the plot.
In terms of the characters – they almost read like the cast from an Agatha Christie novel. There are the friendly neighbours who hesitate to tell you things about the history of the place and owners, the old lawyer, family retainer, brief appearances from a few residents in town who also seem to suffer from a heightened fear about Axon and an old acquaintance of Ambrose who seems to have something at stake, but nobody knows exactly what. You end up suspecting everyone of foul deeds! With regard to A and N they definitely work their charm on you – enough so that when things take a drastic turn at the end of the story I was definitely concerned for both of them.
This is probably more plot led than anything else and things move quickly forward as the two main characters struggle to follow the trail of crumbs that will lead them to the heart of the mystery. The ending is dark, twisted and unexpected.
Regarding criticisms, personally I probably could have done with a little less explanation about the codebreaking but I have no doubt that some people will love the explanations and even go and try a few messages out themselves using the theory contained here. I felt that element was a little too descriptive and for me it took me out of the story a little – but, once the key messages have been deciphered that element of the story moves forward.
Overall I found this quite a compelling story. I enjoyed the narrative style and the way the novel twists from one thing to the next keeping the reader on their toes. Nothing here is as it first appears. On top of that, having finished and with the knowledge that the ending brings I now find myself reflecting back to certain elements of the story and thinking ‘ah hah!’ I like it when a story keeps me coming back to it even days after I’ve finished. In fact, to be honest, I think this is probably one story that would definitely benefit from a reread, I think it would read completely differently the second time around.
Check out the two covers – totally different in style and yet I like both for different reasons. I think the orange and black cover is very eye catching and I love the pattern of the sky. The other cover has a very strange appearance but on investigation is overflowing with different elements of the story.
I received a copy courtesy of the publishers through Netgalley for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
Moon’s Artifice by Tom Lloyd
Just finished reading Moon’s Artifice by Tom Lloyd and will start by saying what a great start to a fantasy trilogy. Thanks to Lisa at Tenacious Reader for this recommendation and I also agree completely that this book is greatly underrated. Given the plot, the characters and the world building I really don’t understand why there hasn’t been more of a commotion about it.
Anyway, moving on. To the story. At the start of the book our main protagonist, Narin, is given a task to complete by Lord Shield. Lord Shield is a God and therefore not somebody readily turned down. In his quest for information Narin will uncover a plot that threatens the lives of many of the people that, as would-be Lawbringer, he is sworn to protect He will join with three unlikely companions in a race to find the truth and during this search will encounter assassins, gods and demons alike. As the story moves forward a dastardly plot will be uncovered and the four will face a massive task in order to save thousands of lives.
Lloyd has written a really interesting world here with magic, assassins, gods and demons. The setting is the Imperial City which is divided into segments, each ruled by a particular noble house and then further sub divided into castes. This is a city embroiled with court politics and a grim reflection of extremes with poverty stricken neighbourhoods rife with crime on one hand whilst huge palaces with exotic gardens nestle in the other. The world building is very well done and easy to imagine. The Houses all believe themselves superior and rivalry exists between them all although it seems to be universally acknowledged that House Dragon and their warriors are superior and not to be toyed with – in fact better to keep them out of things as much as possible if it can be managed as they will wade in and kick major ass.
At the start of the story we make the acquaintance of Narin – as he unwittingly becomes the focus of Lord Shield. Narin is an investigator, currently operating under the wing and tutelage of Rye – the most respected Lawbringer in the city. At the start of the story you could probably say that Narin is hopelessly naive to a certain extent but this is something that he will eventually lose as he develops sharper edges. Narin is definitely a flawed character and you need only read the start of the story to find out why. He has secrets and frankly he isn’t perfect – you could almost be forgiven for wondering why his mentor Rye isn’t the main focus as he certainly seems more astute and far more capable in a tough spot. But I kind of like that Narin isn’t perfect. He isn’t totally ninja, he gets exhausted running up a large flight of stairs and his indiscretion has undoubtedly led him into a whole heap of trouble.
On top of this he is accompanied by his friend Enchei – an older man and supposedly a tattooist (responsible for tattooing people’s caste’s onto their shoulders) although he has many secrets of his own. Initially he comes over as a grouchy guy who refuses to bend the knee to his so called superiors and balks at everyday convention. Enchei is a great character and definitely one to pay attention to. I would have welcomed a little bit more information about exactly why he has befriended Narin but it’s possible this may be more forthcoming in future instalments. His other companions are Irato – one of the assassins’ order known as the Goshe who has mysteriously lost his memory following his clandestine rooftop adventure at the start of the story, and Kine, a fisherman’s daughter living in the poorer district and helping, alongside her sister, to keep her mother’s boarding house.
What I particularly liked about the story, including the magical elements and the slightly out of sync with the time inclusion of gunpowder weapons and other strange gadgets, was the way the Gods and Demons seem to interfere with everyday life. They’re all playing their own little games in an almost parallel way to the regular mortals. Each vying for supremacy. I liked that they simply appear amongst people and everyone is completely unphased by this! In a similar way, the demons take control of certain animals who become their eyes around the city. It is possible to call a demon and ask for help if you know the incantation. Not something to be tried at home though! The casual inclusion of deities and magic and the personalities of the four main characters are definitely the winning elements to this story.
In terms of criticisms. I didn’t really have anything major. I think the writing is very descriptive and that’s not to everyone’s taste as some prefer plot to prose but personally I enjoyed the detail. And, I would say this definitely has a quest type feel and in that respect there is the element of you fall into trouble, you get out of trouble, then you fall into trouble and get out of trouble. However, the pace is fast and the Lloyd definitely succeeds in building tension.
Overall I thought this was a very enjoyable read and I will certainly continue with the next book to see when Mr Lloyd takes us next.
Fan Art Up
Fan Art Up is a weekly feature hosted by Tabitha at Not Yet Read. Details here. Each week I see if I have a book doodle or just a random doodle to place here. This week I’m reading Moon’s Artifice. Just one quick sketch for this one. Check out Not Yet Read to see some real art!!
Anyways, you need people of intelligence on this sort of… mission… quest… thing.
Every Thursday Nathan hosts Tough Travelling over at the Fantasy Review Barn. This week we’re going tough travelling through the tropes of: Quest Objects
QUEST OBJECTS can be various, but are quite strictly defined by the Rules. They are:
1. Material Objects. Cups, jewels, orbs, rings, scepters, stones, and swords.
2. Places. Hidden Kingdomes, islands, old ruined cities, stones, temples, valleys and fountains.
3. Persons. Apprentices, hardship, princes.
4. Knowledge. Usually for birthright or magic or both.
Don’t forget to check everyone’s links out as it’s a really great way of finding new unknown books – and, join in yourself, that way you can add to our tbr!! All welcome.
Without further ado my choices this week are:
Mr Shivers by Robert Bennett. This is an unusual, dark and creepy book set during the time of the Great Depression. We follow the exploits of Marcus Connelley as he traverses the country in search of a mysterious scarred man who murdered his daughter. He is joined in this by a number of other people who have suffered similar losses at the hands of this strange character. A compelling gothic story, part horror, part thriller that explores the depths that a person will go to in order to catch a monster. Is the killer really a human?? Not sure if this entirely fits, although it does involve a band of characters in search of one person?
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline. A fantastic and imaginative tale set in the future where the inhabitants spend most of their lives in a virtual universe. The main protagonist is Wade Watts who is looking for the legendary golden egg and secret fortune of the now deceased creator of the Oasis that people now spend the majority of their lives playing inside. Many people have abandoned the search for the egg and accompanying fortune but a few gamers persist in direct competition with the suits from a huge corporation who are also searching for the loot!
Feast of Souls by Celia Friedman. The story focuses on magic and the price paid for it’s use. We are introduced to Khamal who wants to become the the first female magister ever. She is ambitious and due to her upbringing hard and stony. Her quest is for knowledge and in particular the greater knowledge of the magic open to her. Flawed characters and an interesting magic system that operates different between the sexes.
The Painted Man by Peter Brett. A fascinating fantasy world that comes alive with demons as the last rays of sunshine set for the evening. Kept at bay by wards, the nature of which is mostly lost to the people, these demons come in many forms such as rock demons. The main protagonist for the first book follows Arlen in his quest for knowledge of the lost wards and hopes to become a master in their use.
The Sandman, Dolls House, Vol 2 by Neil Gaiman – in which Dream, following his escape from captivity goes in search of his lost possessions. The recovery of these items takes more than one volume but this was a great addition – particularly the Serial Convention.
Honourable Mentions
Harry Potter – couldn’t resist the search for horcruxes
Lord of the Rings – the quest of all time.
The Hobbit – a double quest for the dwarves and Bilbo – search for the Arken stone and a quest to reclaim their lost home from Smaug
Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson – Jasnah’s search for the hidden city of the Shattered plains
Sanderson…
6 August 2014
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Book Events, Brandon Sanderson, Waterstone's Deansgate
That’s right – just one word – that’s all you need!!
Last night with my pal Jenny (Wondrous Reads) I attended a book event in Watersone’s (Manchester) where Brandon Sanderson was chatting, answering questions, providing readings and giving away upcoming teasers and spoilers. This was brilliant – plus we had chance for a book signing as well.
I must say that Brandon Sanderson is one enthusiastic guy about his books. You could be forgiven for thinking there might be a little chink in his armour, maybe he’s forgotten the odd thing – I mean, there are quite a LOT of books and they’re not exactly skimpy on the page count. But, nope, you’d be wrong – he is totally immersed, energetic and keen to talk about them. He could be a really great actor, in which case I would be wrong in thinking that here is a bloke who comes across as really liking his fans. Of course, we are buying his books so I don’t suppose he’s going to sit and sneer at us but he just seemed so genuine. Even after signing huge quantities of books he still chatted with every person who stood in line for the signing, asking each one if they had extra questions, taking time for pictures – even when he was signing sometimes 8 or more books at a time! PATIENCE!
I’m not going to make this verbatim as it could just become too wieldy. I apologise upfront if I misrepresent anything here – particularly if I have the future book releases muddled – feel free to correct me. And, be warned that there could be spoilers in the text below so read with caution (I don’t think there are but …).
We started off with Mr Sanderson telling how he still felt so surprised to find himself in his current position (with fans no less) when it seemed like only a short while ago he was practically trying to push his books on unsuspecting would be buyers as they entered a book shop where he’d set up a small station selling his books – apparently it took 12 books (13 if you count his high school one) before he actually got published.
There were a number of questions. I won’t recreate them here but give a quick synopsis.
In terms of writing processes and in particular putting characters through tough times he said that it’s difficult. You become attached to them. When you start it’s a bit like being a director casting a role. You outline your character and write them into a chapter to see how they work out. For that matter Vin from the Mistborn series started her story as a man, morphing into an Artful Dodger type character before winding up as the girl we all now love. Sometimes you like a character but maybe not for the particular book which you’re currently writing – so you put them to one side. And, sometimes you have a genuine ‘ah hah’ moment where your character develops more than you anticipated as you give them the freedom to grow. This of course can help the plot and also prevents the characters from becoming wooden. In terms of the tough times he sometimes puts his characters through – for example Bridge No.4 – well, he thinks of a situation which would maybe involve life and death (being interested in mediaeval siege warfare helps with that) and from there he goes to the emotions that such situations will create in the characters. It’s tough to write such scenes with character’s you have feelings for – but if it makes you as a writer have strong emotion then it will hopefully create strong emotions in your readers alike.
As you’ll know if you’ve read any Sanderson, Gods and spirituality usually play a role. In order for the religion in his books to work he has to embrace more than one viewpoint. Otherwise you don’t have the full picture. You have to see using ‘other’s eyes and use 5 or 6 different sets of feelings and thoughts in order to give a rounded feel. In terms of this Sanderson mentioned how one of his favourite books – (which I think was Dragonsbane) helped him to look at his own mum differently or more to the point see events through her viewpoint. He was given the book in high school. It contains a character who makes tough choices when she becomes a mum and eventually chooses to not pursue her fantastic magical abilities. His own mum, an accountant made a similar choice in terms of her career and he said it was when finally reading Dragonsbane that he realised the choices his own mother had faced. Right there – a different viewpoint.
In terms of magic systems – Mr Sanderson looks for something that makes him stretch, something that makes him really think – he looks at something and thinks if this happens, or if this changes, if I change one piece of physics how does that impact upon everything else. Sometimes that works and sometimes he just has to start writing and see how things pan out!
In terms of future books – he has a plan – to eventually write a book that will link them all together – in that respect, yes, they’re all set in the same universe, sometimes characters are referenced or flit in and out, and there are secrets and easter eggs buried within. Of course that ‘joiny’ up book is a long way off. In the meantime, in order not to face potential readers with an epic 25 book series – he writes other smaller novels such as The Emperor’s Soul (which, coincidentally is bloody awesome!) which give people a flavour of his style and writing. He has a cunning plan people and he’s not afraid to implement it.
On top of all this – and there were more Q&A – we had a reading from a short story where the magic system is based on bacteria. A person is infected and in order to keep the person alive to spread the disease the bacteria gives the host magical abilities. On top of this we were also treated to a reading from a potential novella about Jasnah! Exciting stuff to keep us WOR fans going in between books. I must admit that I SO WANTED a reading about Kaladin – I was still very happy though, I think Kaladin and Syl are my favourite characters in the story so far but I do love Jasnah as well!
I think I’m right in saying the next Stormlight archive book is due out 2016 with a Mistborn book next Autumn and a Steelheart book maybe Jan 2015. There was more info but I’ve waxed lyrical for long enough so if you want more info check out Mr Sanderson’s blog!
Books and travelling with Lynn 