People of Aenya: Athalia, Niah, Liana

Athalia, Niah, and Liana are the daughters of Davos and Kiki, and the younger cousins of Ecthros. Oblivious to the turmoil surrounding the lands to the north (Tyrnael and Northendell) and south (Ilmarinen, Hedonia), the three girls live an idyllic life in the small trading town of Yefira, which is known for its rolling hills, windmill houses, and proximity to the Tectonic Chasm, a gorge that encircles the planet. Hazel, Niah's rabbit, is being cradled by four-year old Liana, the youngest of the three girls. 

ANIMAL FARM

I try to steer clear of politics at Thanksgiving dinner, because I can get pretty passionate, and because my brother happens to be a Trump supporter. But when the subject turned to taxes, Bernie Sanders, and the evils of socialism, I had to chime in. What my brother fails to understand, as I think most... Continue Reading →

People of Aenya: Ecthros

  Ecthros lives in Yefira with his younger brother, Tobias, his uncle, Davos, and his cousins, Athalia, Niah, and Liana. His father, Xenox, is a famous adventurer, and the greatest bowman in Aenya, or so his mother tells him. Ecthros's fondest memories involve watching his father at the bow, shooting fruits in the air, and... Continue Reading →

Slaughterhouse Five

I can't help but think about the publishing industry when I am reading. It is a bias that colors my view of every book I read. Then again, art is subjective for just this reason, because everyone is biased in some way, whether they care to admit it or not. So while reading Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse... Continue Reading →

People of Aenya: Xandr

Cast off from civilization, Xandr is without home or country or possessions of any kind, but for an ancient sword with a will of its own. Utterly naked in battle, he stands intrepid and shameless, as his people, the Ilmar, have stood for millions of years. But he is never defenseless, for his shield is... Continue Reading →

What Success Means to Me

OK, a little background here. I have a "pet troll," who's like a cockroach that lives under my floorboards and who shows up from time to time to ruin my metaphorical lunch. Recently, Mr. Troll thought it would be funny to send me some screenshots comparing the Amazon ranking of my books to that of,... Continue Reading →

People of Aenya: Emma

Emma by Alexey Lipatov (Major Spoilers!!!) Emma is born in Northendell, in the frigid Pewter Mountains, to Dak, a scholar of Zo history, and Ilsa, a singer and musician. At the behest of his wife, Dak gives up his pursuit of immortality, breaking ties with his friend and partner, Mathias. When King Frizzbeard's men-at-arms learn of Dak's golem... Continue Reading →

GRENDEL

Whenever I write these reviews, I make certain to consider my mental state at the time. So much of what we think about art is a reflection of our current thoughts and feelings, and like Kant's Noumena, impossible to divorce from our perception of it, a perception further prone to change as we age, gain new... Continue Reading →

Sorry, but, your book sucks …

TRIGGER WARNING: This article may piss you off, raise your anxiety level, or throw you into a depressive spiral. It might also make you a better writer, so there's that. You've been warned!  I don't want to come across like a jerk or anything, because I know how badly it hurts, getting a bad review.... Continue Reading →

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