Waterstone Media

Stories Matter

Starsight

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I’ve seen a trend more often recently, and that’s the trend of blending science fiction and fantasy tropes in new and unique ways. I first saw the trend in the independent publishing space, but since then I’ve seen several examples from traditionally published authors. Starsight, I think, falls into that category.

Most of the story would be considered science fiction, but I can’t help but think that the ability to transport between two places is a magical one. There’s definitely room for disagreement here – it practice is given a science-fictiony explanation, but to me it feels magical.

In this second book in the series, Sanderson’s strengths are on full display. Vast and intricate worldbuilding, a plot that pulls you through the pages, and enough mysteries to make a reader hunger for more.

I enjoyed this story, but I don’t think I liked it as much as the first. In the first, I really enjoyed Spensa’s development as part of a team. That development is mirrored and expanded in this outing, but I found that it didn’t engage me quite as strongly. And although Spensa’s reactions to her new environment were completely understandable, I found them so laughably wrong as to be a bit annoying.

I’d still definitely recommend for fans of more young-adult focused science fiction. Sanderson builds compelling worlds and characters, and this book certainly sets the stage for more adventure.

Red Sister

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This is the second series of Mark Lawrence’s that I’ve tackled, and I’ll admit that I came away from this one with more mixed feelings than from the Red Queen’s War. That’s not to say this isn’t a well-written, fast-paced, and interesting book. It’s absolutely all that and more. But sometimes a book just doesn’t quite click with a reader, and I think that’s the case here.

In the Red Queen’s War, the characters were what hooked me. In Red Sister it was the world. Lawrence seems to have a distinct talent for writing in completely original worlds that blend science fiction and fantasy in ways that I’ve personally never seen done before. It is the mystery of the world that I find compelling in this particular story.

Along with the world comes an intriguing magic system. I won’t say much here except that it results in one of the more spectacular climaxes I’ve read recently.

I suspect that in my case I struggled to connect with the main character, Nona, in this story. Again, this is not through any flaw in execution. But Nona is a young girl who has had a pretty rough life. She’s angry, and naive, and suffers from the realistic flaws you would expect from a girl in that position.

Unfortunately that made it hard for me, personally, to connect.

I’ll absolutely be finishing the series. I’m invested in the mystery of the world and I’m intrigued to see what direction the stories take. We get to see hints of the nun Nona will become, and I’m very interested in that particular journey. And Mark Lawrence hasn’t let me down yet.

Stories Matter

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I’m not certain of much, but I do believe this: Stories Matter.

I think that in such uncertain times, our stories matter more than ever.

Right now, the stories circulating between friends and family and over the news and internet are having a profound effect on each of us. 

The world no longer has enough toilet paper, and it’s probably worth fighting over what little remains on shelves. Mother Nature is taking a deep breath thanks to the sudden and rapid decrease in human economic activity. The virus is nothing more than a common cold blown out of proportion by media outlets. We are facing the greatest challenge of our generation, a foe that will unite us and make us stronger.

All of these and more are stories I’ve come across in the past few weeks. Any could be backed up by no shortage of articles, opinions, facts, life coach gurus, and more.

I’m a firm believer that we need balance in our stories, just as we need balance in so many other aspects of our lives.

It’s never been easier to get sucked into a vicious whirlpool of negative stories. And I don’t think we should hide from them, either. It’s important to remember those who have lost their jobs, or worse, their loved ones. As inconsequential as it seems, I think it’s even important for us to tell stories of toilet paper shortages. Because even that story helps us understand ourselves and our world.

But it’s never been more important to remember the lights in our world. I think of the ER doctors, nurses, and staff reporting to work knowing the risks, not just to themselves but potentially to their loved ones. I think of my neighbors, checking in on one another to make sure everyone is safe and healthy. I think of my three year old daughter, who has no clue what is happening and is simply delighted that her mother is home more.

We also have the ability to write our own stories. Many of us are now having more family time than we are used to. While it comes with new stresses, it also brings opportunity. Today I enjoyed an hour of playing with play-dough with my daughter. I’ve met (at appropriate distances) more of my neighbors in the last week than I have in the last year.

Our stories matter.

The world is a terrible place.

And it’s a beautiful one.

Let’s not forget to tell stories that reflect both aspects.

The Gate Beyond Oblivion

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Top o’ the morning, all!

Just a quick note today – I’m really excited to announce my next release – The Gate Beyond Oblivion. It’s currently scheduled to release on Amazon on March 18th.

The Gate Beyond Oblivion is the first novel in a brand new world. In many ways, I consider it to be the culmination of quite a few of my efforts. It is one of the largest and most complex worlds I’ve built to date. It’s also far and away the most “magical” of my worlds.

I’ll be talking plenty more about it in the future, but I wanted to share it all with you today and reveal the cover.

Have a great weekend!

Marvel Comics Civil War

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It’s been a long time coming, but I’ve just completed reading the complete Marvel Civil War arc.

For those looking for more details, it was nearly a hundred separate comics, including the main Civil War story, tie-ins from Wolverine, Spiderman, Front Lines, Fantastic Four, and many more. The arc included some of the lead-up issues of Spiderman and Iron Man and ended with a handful of The Initiative storyline. In short, it was most, if not all, of the comics that dealt with the event.

Overall I was impressed, even if I was a little let down by the ending. I’ll avoid specific spoilers here, though.

I’ve already written quite a few pieces on comics, but the journey over the course of the past two years has been really interesting. I’ve had many misconceptions about comics shattered, and it’s been fun to read the comics that inspired the Hollywood juggernaut. I think that Civil War highlights what comics are capable of, while at the same time illustrating the limitations of these massive worlds.

First, a little background for those who haven’t read the comics. Civil War begins when a group of superheroes get in a fight near a school. In the course of the fight, there is an incredible explosion, killing over 600 students and teachers. In the wake of the tragedy, Tony Stark becomes the face of a movement to register all superheroes. Those who don’t register, led by Captain America, become fugitives who are sent out of our dimension when they are arrested. From that premise the whole situation develops into the eponymous Civil War.

What I loved most about Civil War is that it tackles a complex problem from dozens of different viewpoints. It deals with dark events and themes, and for the most part, it’s easy to see why superhero registration would be such a divisive issue in the Marvel world. It’s easy to sympathize with characters on both sides of the issue, and in the thousands of pages of illustrations that create the entire story, we see the registration act from all sides.

I think what makes Civil War particularly poignant is that the debate within these pages echoes a debate that I see in much of our civil discourse today. Those who register believe that while superhero registration may cost them some liberties, that sacrifice will help keep the communities they serve safer. Those who oppose registration have concerns about the erosion of their liberties, and whether or not any government or agency has the ability to manage superheroes well.

We see this debate pop up in our political discussions all the time. We struggle to find the balance between government oversight and liberty, and it’s a hard, hard question. I think our society’s answer to that question is a balance that will constantly shift as the years go on. I appreciate that Marvel doesn’t simplify the issue into something black or white. The heroes on both sides have fantastic reasons to believe in what they do.

Marvel created an enormous crossover event that mirrors the challenges we face in our daily life and gives us the opportunity to see the issue from so many different angles. The discussions and the actions they lead to (with life-altering consequences for many of our favorite Marvel heroes) ring with authenticity. It creates a powerful storytelling environment.

And I think to me, this is one of the reasons why the whole enterprise fell a little flat in its final act for me. For one, after so much buildup, it’s hard to create a satisfying conclusion. But it also shows the limitations of the medium. Marvel built a complex, challenging story, but the arc still ended with a fistfight and a surprisingly sudden conclusion.

In fairness, I’m not sure, had I been at the helm, I would have thought of anything better. It’s a nearly impossible story to close. But I know that I wanted more.

Still, I’m very glad that I read the series. It’s probably my favorite overall comics story.

The real question is, what Marvel comics event or series should I read next?

The Bonehunters

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Well, I think somebody needs to just take out my heart, wrap a bow around it, and mail it to Steven Erikson.

The Bonehunters is book six in Erikson’s acclaimed Malazan series. Chances are, if you’ve read the previous 5,000 pages in the story, you’ve got a pretty good idea of what you’re in for here.

Unparalleled worldbuilding. Marines. A complex story with way more layers than an onion. The usual.

But I still can’t help but be enthralled by these works. The Bonehunters clocks in at something like 1200 pages, but I still felt like it was a page turner. This book has some of the most intense set-pieces to date in the series, and by now, if you don’t have an emotional attachment to many of the characters, you’re in trouble.

And there’s something else worth mentioning: Erikson has a lot to say in these books. He presents varied viewpoints on war, betrayal, love, economics, and far more. I find myself highlighting little bits and pieces all over the place.

These books aren’t for everyone. They are dark, violent, and incredibly complex. But they’ve seized hold of me in a way no other series has. I’m excited to continue and see where this epic leads.