First Review on Amazon for “A Lesser Talisman”

Showing 1-1 of 1 reviews(4 star)show all reviews
4A very solid 4 stars
ByE. A. Adamson August 27, 2015
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
A very solid 4 stars

The author “weaves” a most interesting tale while building a complex universe that encompasses not just humans but also “magical” beings from another dimension (or plane of existence) with varying powers, motives and emotions. While these beings can interact with the human world they are not all powerful but have limits, flaws and weakness. Even a hierarchy, much like those found in Greek, Roman, Norse Egyptian and the mythology of other ancient civilizations.

The blending of multiple characters’ point of view is handled very well, with clearly (for the most part) marked transitions. The author is thus able to give the reader a touch of humor and romance, along with the sense of adventure as mysteries unfold.
Why not five stars? It seemed to me that there was little character development. We do learn how some individuals were guided (perhaps manipulated might be a better choice of words) by outside circumstances and powers into fateful actions. However actual growth and changing world view seems to take place only in minor supporting characters such as the Imps and Dis.

True while the main human characters are at somewhat mature stages in life, when we encountered them. However there seem to be a lot of stereotypes. The humble solider who advances through the ranks to gain the attention of a princess. The seasoned veteran whose advice proves crucial. The princess who learns of the royal background of the “common” merchant / craftsmen allowing her to act on her feelings of attraction. The “mage” who uses an imprisoned magic being only to give credence to the saying “Be careful of what you wish for”
I was impressed by the various battles that take place, as strategy and tactics are highlighted as much as skill at arms and courage.

Overall I found the book entertaining, exciting, engaging and even educational, well worth the price and time.

I found this as a comment to an Amazon review (of someone else’s novel)

From a person who logs into Amazon as panopticon7:

It’s not science fiction if the technology described is merely listed–to be science fiction, there needs to be an element of explanation; without explanation of any kind, whether through descriptions of use all the way through full expositions of actual or imagined physics, it is merely the panoply of science fiction, not actual science fiction. simply slapping labels on stuff–Gates, beings with many bodies, space stations, AI, sentient ships, guns that can shoot through anything–is imaginative fiction, no doubt, but without any aspect of explanation of the science behind it, remains only that and not science fiction. the test is pretty easy–if the plot works just fine without ever understanding anything about how anything works, it ain’t science fiction. if the plot can’t work without knowing the actual or imagined science, then it’s science fiction. and notice i say “science” and not just “rules.” rules are for fantasy. cause and effect relationships, whether speculated or actual, are the essence of science. magic (which is inherently fictional) only needs arbitrary rules at most–consistency is optional. conversely, science–even if fictional–absolutely requires internally consistent direct relationships within the described environment that is not contingent on anything in the story. in short, science fiction is not happening if what is offered is indistinguishable from magic. (yes, this is a Clarke corollary.)

Haiku

The house is quiet,
A hollow shell without joy
Since our orange cat’s death

From soon to be published “The Lesser Talisman”

The Minstrel’s Song

Come, fill your cup and listen to my tale,
About a world long lost beyond the Veil,
Where three moons hurry across the sky,
And lives are ruled by bronze, and horse, and sail.

A world where magic beasts, both great and small,
Bring woe to him on whom their wrath befall;
Though neither sword nor spear can do them harm,
Those bound to talisman are held in thrall.

My story starts as men ride forth to war
Before the walls between the rivers’ shore,
While Jann and Demon bet upon the end,
And count which men will fall to rise no more.

rapidfire postcard septemberI’ll be reading a brief selection from “A Larger Universe.” I had hoped to be finished with “The Lesser Talisman” but alas….