Duplicity of Power (S. Lynn Helton)

 

Personally, there are two things that I am wary of in fantasy books: One, stories that are difficult to follow, and second, over-the-top language, especially early in the book when readers haven't had good impressions or attachments to the plot or characters.

That is why I like this book. The story follows a female protagonist who is thrown into a quest. The plot weaves easily when it introduces the characters. The world setting unveils layer by layer, and with everything new, explanations are given without them feeling like exposition.

The book starts strong with solid middle; however, to me, it goes down slightly on the climax because, for some reason, there are some scenes that I find pretty repetitive and requires my suspension of disbelief regarding the villain's action and character's luck in order to get the plot going.

Having said that, overall, it's a solid and enjoyable story. There are many distinguishable and root-able characters, and the world is full of imagination and creativity. Revelations of the character backgrounds are done well without them being stretched out for too long or dumped.

4 stars out of 5

The Darkness That Slept (Tristen Kozinsky & Keegan Konzinsky)

I needed a very long time to get on this book, and I devoured all the available series of The Song of Ice and Fire in a small fragment of that time.

Too many things and different parts are happening from the beginning that I have difficulty following what is happening. This wouldn't be much of a problem if I was reading something I am familiar with. But in fantasy settings, they are wholly different animals with their own rules and words. What are the tasks, what is going on, why is the background of this event, what worlds and eras are we focusing on this page now, etc.

The elaborate writing style adds up to the pages, some readers enjoy the world buildings, and they are done well, but it's a bit too much for me. It takes me out of focus and diminishes my curiosity to find the connection between stories and their purposes. It may not be accurate to compare it with the chicken and egg situation about which part is more important at the beginning of a book. In books, I prefer to feel connections with the characters as a priority so that their quests are easier to root for because when the book prioritizes the intricate world-building at the beginning when readers barely understand anything and anyone, there is an avalanche of words before I care about the characters and how they will cross paths. At some point, it would be too late for me to get the connections. It's easier to be visual in a movie, but that is me. I am sorry I didn't enjoy the book for those reasons.

Having said that, I believe fans of Fantasy books would like this. The writing is rich, entertaining, and imaginative. The writers set little boundaries to uncomfortable plots but do so in a style that I can appreciate. Set aside a good chunk of time and an adventurous fantasy mood and enjoy the ride.

3 out of 5 stars

Rise of the AI

With the rise of AI in the creative world (no Skynet yet, sorry to disappoint you), there are discussions about how AI will affect artists, writers, and other creative fields in the near future. The majority is worried that AI will replace them because it is fast, has unlimited sources, and is most likely more manageable and cheaper. No author block and no books in series that take longer than a decade (I am looking at you, George!)

Personally, am I worried? Strangely, no. Not always for good reasons, though.

I am very aware of the struggles in the writing world. Even without the threat of AI, it's extremely difficult to make it; that is what I have learned so far. Everybody can write, but not everyone can market or has a plethora of connections to throw their works out there. I am already at the extreme end. I don't write in my first language, but in the language I'm more comfortable expressing myself with, which obviously comes with very significant challenges. I'm not too fond of social media, barely have friends, and can't market to save my life. So, another threat? It's not to say that I don't see it as a threat, but when you have to fight against a vast amount of odds, another one doesn't feel as bad. I think.

On another better reason, somehow, I believe there are still genuine readers out there who seek out original works. Hopefully, they will never go extinct. To me, writing is very personal and very intimate. Most writers pour their hearts and souls into their characters and plots. For some, writing helps with personal journeys and struggles. Writing actually helps make me feel better when real life is getting shitty. It's probably some kind of powerful therapy. Mostly, it's a labor of love. Can AI ever replace something that personal? It's possible. At that time, competing with AI to write books should be the last thing one would worry about, I guess, in between fighting the liquid terminator that tries to fool me by morphing into—gaps—my dog! Maybe I wouldn't be this relaxed then. Die, AI, die!

P.S. After hearing all the fuss, I tried ChatGPT, not for writing, because I will never contaminate my imperfect writing away, but I tried to converse with it about anything. Nerdy things that my friends are running away from. But that is the story for another day because I have rambled enough today.

As always, thanks for being here. And as readers, it's your choice, don't feel pressured by anything. If you enjoy works done by AI, there is nothing wrong with it. Reading is subjective and should be fun.

Another Zombie Apocalypse: Volume 1 (Joshua Grant)

 

What can I say about this Zombie Apocalypse comic?

I am pleasantly surprised about how much I like it. I have watched my fair share of zombie and apocalyptic shows, but this is my first time reading a zombie comic book.

There are five chapters in the comic. The book is very well-illustrated; for some reason, it gives me the classic feeling of comic books I loved as a child. I can't remember which comic, something that came in two colors only, orange and white. I am not even sure if it exists somewhere else. The illustration style reminds me of those; they are simple but high quality and expressive.

When I watch a zombie movie, I don't really care about how many times those infected appear, the jump scares, or how gross they look (but it's a bonus point). They are there, which they should be if it's a zombie movie or show, but I don't need them excessively. I am more interested in the stories; how did it start, what the impacts are, what does it bring to humanity, how people react to them, and what the apocalyptic world is like. In short, I'm more interested in the biggest mystery of all: the human elements.

And this is a comic with depth; there are more thought-provoking stories here than many books out there. There are depth and humanity, the good and the bad. There are sad stories, desperations, twists, rootable characters, and awesome zombies. Warning, it's gory, but if you are wary about gore in zombie stories, there is something weird in your art choice.

5 gross zombies out of 5 apocalypse