I picked up Icefall at a book fair at the University of South Florida. I came as an alumnus to talk to my old professors and to showcase The Princess of Aenya. They accepted two autographed copies of my book and offered me one of their autographed titles in return, and since I love Norse... Continue Reading →
In case you didn't know, Kirkus is America's premier book critic magazine, which has been around since the 1930s. They reached out to me a few months back wanting to feature my book in their June issue, after selecting The Princess of Aenya for their . . . Now I'd like to thank Tatiana Arnold... Continue Reading →
Quick Blurb: John Connelly's The Book of Lost Things starts off strong, with an evocative hook that instantly draws you into the story. But the middle hundred pages or so felt like needless padding, and I started to lose interest. Much of what happens feels random and disconnected to the overall plot and the development... Continue Reading →
Hey, it's our FIRST EPISODE and we're excited!!! Story Matters is a podcast for book lovers. From literature, fantasy, and Sci-Fi, to every kind of fiction in-between. We review, we analyze, we critique . . . because we believe in the power of great storytelling, how it can affect our lives and the world we... Continue Reading →
Who wants to read when they can listen? While going to work in your car, or coming back from a long stressful day, you can sit back, relax, and listen to me ramble on about books! What could be better? Now, I am very excited to announce my official foray into sponsored podcasting using the... Continue Reading →
In Greek mythology, Charon is the name of the ferryman who crosses the River Styx, delivering the Dead from the land of the Living to the Underworld. In the case of Demacharon, his name could not be more fitting. I introduced Demacharon in Ages of Aenya, and became unexpectedly invested in his story. Intended as... Continue Reading →
Imagine if, in The Force Awakens, everyone was either cruel, evil, or a bumbling idiot, except for Rey. Then imagine a Star Wars sequel where Rey isn't just a Mary Sue, but doesn't actually do anything to move the story forward, where she just waits on her planet for people to show up and tell... Continue Reading →
I used to have a love/hate relationship with Amazon. I considered them a necessary evil. Sure, they have monopolized both the music and the literary industry, making it almost impossible for local music and book stores to survive, but on the other hand, they provides an outlet for independent creators who otherwise would not have... Continue Reading →
I delve deep into the themes of Jon Krakauer's Into the Wild, a nonfiction accounting of the life and death of Christopher J. McCandless, an idealistic college student who sought his life's purpose by escaping society, surviving alone for four months in the Alaskan wilderness until his untimely death. https://youtu.be/DZ5T-025N1Q
Charles Frazier's beautifully told Civil War drama deals with tragedy, hardship, and enduring love. It takes an unflinching look at the worst events in human history and people's worst inclinations in desperate times. More than a simple war story, Cold Mountain owes credit to The Odyssey, as Inman, the protagonist, spends years trying to get... Continue Reading →
