Book Review: Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card

Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card. It’s now an assignment for high school. When did Sci Fi novels become assigned like those mind numbing books like Lord of the Flies? Seems pretty cool. Wonder when Percy Jackson or Harry Potter will become homework?

At any rate I decided to read this first book so I’m prepared for the movie. I’ve heard others rave about this series and Card as an author. Some even call him “Uncle Orson”. As a member of my church, he pioneered the Mormon Sci Fi or Fantasy author field. His books have been on the shelves for decades and he’s become an icon in the field.

But now that I’ve finished his first book what do I think of him? Card has a pleasing appeal as an author. I can relate with his writing. He tells a story in such a way as I’m not lost in heavy description and I can understand the characters.

Well, some of the characters. Peter is downright scary but that’s the point. I found Valentine sweet and caring, a joy to share time in her head. The main character is Ender Wiggin and I certainly could empathize with him right off the bat. I felt sorry for him and as the book continued I couldn’t help but feel sad for all that he endures.

Again that’s the point. Orson Scott Card paints a world where over population and war are handled differently. Children grow up incredibly fast. I read somewhere that the age of your protagonist determines whom your book is for. A main character who is 10 would have to be junior reader. A main character whom is 12 has to be Middle Grade. A main character whom is 16 has to be Young Adult. No young adult or adult would want to read about an 11 year old. Sure it happens but that’s an exception so tow the line and forget about. Please color within the lines and don’t rock the boat.

Yet in this book Ender is “Junior Reader Age” and yet everything he experiences is meant for adults. He even thinks like an adult right from the beginning before all the horrible things occur to him. Of course this is explained away as he and his two siblings are geniuses so they think older, but still this book stands out for its older thinking kids.

And I feel this doesn’t hurt the book one bit. It’s worthy of the decades of praise set upon it. It is rough and hard and full of shocks but certainly worth a read. If you like the rough future of Hunger Games, you’ll like Ender’s Game too. It’s completely different but still hard and full of tough questions and thoughts.

Personally I won’t be chasing down the other three books in the series too soon, nor will I begin reading the companion series about supporting character Bean called Ender’s Shadow. Apparently the Ender’s Game movie is a blend of this book and Ender’s Shadow. But I won’t visit Ender’s world for a bit. It’s a rough world and I personally need a break. I will return later though because it’s definitely worth it.

Busy

It's been crazy at work. See, I work as a CAD drafter for a contractor to the government. The work they do is finished so they're working on shutting everything down. Yes, I'll be out of a job but I knew things were temporary from the beginning.

Because things need to wrap up, I've been very busy with changing drawings to reflect the constantly changing conditions of the plant. This means I've been too busy for anything else and pretty tired at home so not a lot of writing time for Scott.

I'll try to do more and work on an improved schedule. Must do B.I.C. (Butt in chair).

Interview with the authors of The Beautiful Creatures

I do love a good paranormal adventure. Now I'm not as thrilled for teen girl paranormal romance, but we shouldn't judge books by their covers or what we think they're about. Actually this cover looks pretty cool, but I digress.

My wife and kids all want to see the movie. We'll be late for it cause it's not presently in the budget, but we'll try to see it. As for the book, I want to read it ASAP now that I've read a certain article.

Go here to read an interview with the two authors. It's on io9.com. Meredith Woerner has a great interview where we discover how and why authors Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl wrote this book.

Now as a struggling author, it is frustrating that they stumbled upon publication and already had an "in" by knowing someone who could pitch it to an agent. Things aren't that easy for the rest of us.

But I can't fault them for their luck or contacts. They didn't even plan on being published. It was just a dare they did with their teenager friends and family.

But the authors mention an interest in video games, Doctor Who and comics. Sheesh! That has to mean their story rocks. At least I hope so.

So it's on my must read list. I'm not sure if I'll get it from the library or just buy it.

Bite of Story Thursday

Night Children: Dark Birth

Chapter Twenty-Two: The Three Bite Rule

The jet-black carriage raced down the darkened road.  The horses pulled it with ease as two of its occupants watched the quickly moving scenery.  Eliza’s red eyes peered into the night and Annabelle mused at how strange the two of them must’ve looked. 

Thomas said, “I just want to thank you both, again.  Henry can be a pain, but he’s my brother.”

“Think nothing of it.  He’s a friend of ours.  The children were right.  We shouldn’t leave him to those monsters.”

“You’re amazing, Eliza.  If I was a vampire and someone said I didn’t have a soul I wouldn’t risk everything to save him... oops.”

Eliza’s head snapped towards Tom’s direction.  Annabelle’s mouth fell open as she asked in shock, “What?”

“I’m sorry.  I need to keep my mouth shut.”  Tom sighed.  “Henry thinks when you become a vampire you lose your soul to the devil.” 

Annabelle’s blood boiled. “How dare he?  My brother and I have always treated him with the utmost respect.  What have we ever done to him?” 

Eliza spoke up with her usual calm voice.  “Now, Ann, don’t be too upset with him.  This is the same paranoia we’ve heard throughout the ages.  Besides, I cannot say I blame the mortals for fearing us and making up stories.” 

“But Eliza, it’s wrong!”  She stood up and paced, moving her hands to emphasize her points.  The carriage rocked as it rumbled on its way over the gravely road, but Annabelle had no problem keeping her balance.  “Of course I have a soul!  I’m still the same person I was before I became a vampire.  How can you defend him for saying such lies?” 

Eliza wasn’t reproachful or angry when she replied, “You have known less than a handful of vampires in your short life.  Most are evil, or at least indifferent.  True, there are good ones out there, like my troupe of gypsies, but there are many more rotten ones as well.  The mortals have gained a deep fear because of the atrocities these bad vampires perform.” 

Calm followed by shame washed away the anger.  Annabelle promptly regained her seat.  “I’m sorry I was upset.  It really bothers me when people say things they know nothing about.  I can see what you mean about the bad vampires, but why say we have no souls?” 

“First of all, it’s ignorance.  See, most people do not even know what a soul is.”

“What is a soul?”  Thomas asked. 

“A soul is the combination of your body and your spirit.” 

“Spirit?” 

“Yes.  Here, let me show you.”  Eliza pulled out her white satin gloves from a pocket in her cloak and held one up.  “See my hand?  This represents my spirit.  Your spirit is the ‘you’ inside.  Your dreams, likes, dislikes, everything that makes you who you are.  See this empty glove?  This is my body.  This represents the physical part of you.  When we were born our spirit went into our body.”  She put the glove on and then moved her fingers inside it.  “When we die, and I mean really die for good, our spirit comes out of our body.”  She removed the glove and placed it down on her lap.

“Our body goes into the grave and our spirit goes to a sort of Spirit Realm.  Many religions teach one day our spirit and body will be reunited.  The soul is the name for your body and spirit when they are together.” 

“So vampires have spirits like everyone else.”  Tom reasoned. 

“Of course.”  Eliza sat back and put away her gloves.  “As for the devil, I’ve never met such a thing.  I do not believe vampires owe their existence to the devil.” 

---------------

For more check out Dark Birth at your local online store. Links to Dark Birth on the web can be found on the Store Page on this blog or you could just go here, Dark Birth on Amazon.

Who's Who in the Annabelle Universe? The Palmer Orphans

THE PALMER ORPHANS

No picture at this time. Hopefully that will change someday.


Known History:
In London, when the vampire Rake known as Ryan turned teacher Molly O' Connell, she was upset. She rejected him so he captured five of her students and turned them into vampires in thier sleep. Molly gathered them and escaped Ryan's clutches. She found an abandoned building in the heart of London where they could hide. She named their home the Palmer Orphanage after a famous vampire hunter. It was her way of rejecting their new life. Despite her feelings, Molly continued to teach the children what little she knew.

The American vampires Annabelle Foresight and Thomas Dunston were running from vampire hunter Hawke. They stumbled upon the orphanage and Molly gave them shelter. Annabelle and Thomas soon moved in with the orphans and eventually everyone relocated to Germany's Black Forest where they joined up with the Mullo vampire gypsy tribe.

Who they are:
Mary (Age 16)
Eric (Age 14)
Selina and Samuel (Age 10)
Charlotte (Age 7)

SIR THOMAS PALMER

A knight who fought in the 2^ndcrusades. Roxanna turned him and forced him to serve and defend her. He eventually rebelled and dedicated his life to hunting down the few vampires she turned after the Exodus War. He became one of the finest warriors of the Holy Order of the Vampyr. He fought valiantly but lost faith. He fought for England against Scotland in 1314 AD in the Battle of Bannockburn. He fell in love with a Scottish cleaning woman and retired in the hills of Scotland.

His legend impressed many vampires who wanted to be good but nevertheless served the vampire lord Domi out of fear. Molly O Connell used his name for her orphanage.

 

All about those Facebook ‘Like’ scam posts by Daylan Pearce

Here's an interesting post for you Facebook users. It's by Daylan Pearce on his site.

It would be nice not to see these kinds of posts. He mentions how this scam is used such as terrible circumstances or funny posts. It's also used for political and religious ideas too. They know you all too well and their right. Many will still do it even after reading this.

Movie Review: Hotel Transylvania

Hotel Transylvania is everything I want in an animated funny satire film of the classic monsters. It's got a full cast of creatures with only the Phantom and Hyde absent. The intro uses the classic Universal horror type music and all the trappings are there.

Of course I'm going to love this film not just because of it's monster tributes but also for the wonderful story.

 

Dracula is a single dad trying to keep his daughter safe so he creates a resort for all the monsters to hide out at and achieve peace. He tells everyone that the humans are scary and evil and want to cut open their heads and put candy in them.

 

 

A human guy happens along, Drac tries to hide him and then disguise him but of course his daughter Mavis falls for the human anyway. Hilarity ensues.

As if all of this wasn't good enough for me to enjoy this film, in the beginning we get a wonderful segment with Dracula trying to raise his child.

Now you know my obsession with vampire children brought on by Annabelle. Not only is it sweet and entertaining for anyone, but it has Drac teaching her to fly as a bat. Yes, you heard that right. Just like I did back in 2004 when I began the first draft of Dark Birth. Of course they do things differently and it's very sweet, but it only serve4s to make me love this film all the more.

Mavis trying to sew her own cape in her bat form.

 

So I give this film a huge thumbs up. I didn't get to see it in theatres but I knew about it for awhile and it's so worth the wait. I consider it the modern Mad Monster Party. Check it out!

 

Bite of Story Thursday

Night Children: Dark Threats

Chapter Seven: Present Day, Job Interview Part 4

“Wow.  Was Jack right?  Did you really work for President Roosevelt?”  Scott leaned forward with excitement.

“Yes.  A number of us were drafted into special service on December seventh of ’41 but that’s a story for another night.”

“What about all those people who saw you?  How come no one’s ever mentioned axis werewolves and allies vampires before?”

Annabelle smiled, “We mesmerized them.  Their memories were hazy.  They knew there was an attack from axis spies, but nothing more.”

He leaned back and gazed up at the sky.  “You’ve seen and done so much.  It’s a miracle you’ve survived it all.”

Annabelle calmly stroked the dog’s shaggy fur.  “That’s why it’s so important for you to write my story.  People must know what really happened in history, so they’re prepared for what’s coming.  Dominic has a powerful army at his disposal.”

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For more check out Dark Threats at your local online store. Links to Dark Threats on the web can be found on the Store Page on this blog or you could just go here, Dark Threats on Amazon.

Paperman: Disney's animated short

Really sweet. Enjoy!

Who's Who in the Annabelle Universe? Vanessa Kimball

VANESSA KIMBALL

No picture at this time. Hopefully that will change someday.

Name Origin:

Kimball (English; Derived from the Welsh first name Cynbel meaning "chief war" or the Old English first name Cynebald meaning "royal boldness".)
 

Physical characteristics:
Vanessa is blond and tall.

Personality:
Vanessa gives off an elegant air. She always behaves as if she is royalty. She liked to use people for her own desires and was not afraid to step on others to get what she wanted. This began to change after the vampire Reginald broke her heart. She secretly wanted to change her ways.

Known History:
Vanessa Kimball was of royal birth. She grew up with everything she wanted. The vampire lord Dominic Pratchet came into her life and wooed her. She became a vampire and willingly served him. Dominic named her Sovereign of the British Empire Covens. This means she became the head of the rich upper class vampires of London. Dominic did as he always does and left her.

After awhile she was bored, so she turned a group of spoiled upper class young men. They became known as the Rakes. Her personal servant and ghoul is named Chester.

Dominic constantly shifts from one empire to the next to keep an active eye on his subjects.  He returned and discovered the rowdy and frivolous Rakes and almost destroyed them but Vanessa made them swear an allegiance to him. They paid him many tributes of captured humans.

Vanessa fell in love with one of her Rakes, Reginald Worthing. He didn't feel the same way about her and used her to gain power among the Rakes and London's vampire society. Reginald fell in love with a call girl named Abigail Black and turned her. They ran away together and Vanessa's heart was broken.

She began to get second thoughts about her life and the corrupt things she did. When she met Annabelle Foresight and Thomas Dunston, two vampire children from America, she began to think on a major life change.

 

Scholastic Editors Forecast Top 10 Trends in Children's Books for 2013

Hey there gentle readers. Those folks at Media Room have posted Scholastic Editors Forecast Top 10 Trends in Children's Books for 2013.

I don't try to write to trends, but it's always good seeing what is going around in the reading world.

Percy Jackson will meet the Kanes!

Now I've already gobbled up and reviewed the final book in Rick Riordan's Kane Chronicles, The Serpent's Shadow. But I read yesterday a bit of shocking but expected news.

The soft cover version coming out this May will have a new short story included. The Son of Sobek.
In that story is the event I keep predicting will happen. Percy Jackson (from two sets of series involving Greek Gods and monsters) will meet the Carter and Sadie Kane (from a series involving

Egyptian Gods and monsters).

I read the preview page and not only does Carter create a giant fist (Ala Green Lantern) but the main point is that Cater and Percy meet, disagree, get mad and begin to fight in true super hero meeting (aka Marvel cause they did it first) fashion!

And ooooh is it going to be gooood!

I can't wait!

I'm telling you, I swear this confirms it! Riordan is a closet comic book fan. Come out and admit to it. I need to talk to this man! He is what I want to be!

Blog Tour featuring Mikey Brooks and Terron James!

Recently I was invited to join a blog tour where we get interview questions from the last person on the tour, answer them and then pass the baton onto the next blog.

I was tuned in to this by Author and artist extraordinaire Mikey Brooks. He's the author of Bean's Dragons and ABC Adventures: Magical Creatures. Check him out! These are wonderful books for every kid or even the kid at heart.

Here are his interview questions for me and my answers...

What is the working title of your next book?
NIGHT CHILDREN: DARK CHANGES

Where did the idea come from for the book?
When I was first creating the rough draft for book one (NIGHT CHILDREN: DARK BIRTH) I planned out the basic first ideas for this one as well. Later on I split the story in two.

What genre does your book fall under?
Middle Grade Historical Fiction Fantasy


What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?
No clue because by the time my books are popular for a movie, anyone around today would be too old to play them.

What is the one sentence synopsis of your book?
Vampire child Annabelle searches the London Underworld for her brother Roland whom is actually serving as a vampire pirate under the dreaded Captain Worthing and his crew of Bloody Buccaneers.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
Self published… for now.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?
3 years.

What other books would you compare this to within your genre?
The Harry Potter series, the Percy Jackson series, the Fableheaven series, the Circu Du Freak series, and the Janitors series.

Who or what inspired you to write this book?
I saw a scene from a movie about a frightened vampire child. It got me thinking about how I would do things differently. I decided to try my own and Annabelle, my main character, walked out of my head and onto the page.

What else about the book might pique the reader’s interest?
Famous Pirates! Vampire pirates! Shadow creatures! London blood suckers! Vampire orphans! A crazed mob! Natives! Sword fighting with super powers! A sea serpent!

Next up on this Blog Tour Relay is Author Terron James! He's a good friend, teacher of future generations and the author of his upcoming book Insight! Here is an intro to Terron penned by the man himself...

Terron is the author of the YA fantasy series, Beholders, and the Tooele Chapter president of the League of Utah Writers.

Born in the wrong age, Terron James continually fantasizes of shining steel, majestic stone architecture, thundering cavalry rushes, and opportunities to prove his honor. Under the direction of his queen, Terron labors diligently in his kingdom, striving to prepare an inheritance worthy of his four heirs.

When he finally graduated from the University of Utah with his English BA, Terron had become besties with most of the English department staff, as well as the employees of Brio, who make a wicked cup of hot chocolate.

Spaghetti sauce inevitably finds its way behind at least one of Terron’s ears at every meal.

Although he currently resides in Tooele, UT, Terron’s dream is to capture every sunset with his wife, fingers interlocked, the reflection of his soul in her brown eyes, and the ocean surf rolling over their bare feet.

Terron is the Tooele Chapter president of the League of Utah Writers and a member of Pikes Peak Writers.

To schedule a book signing, appearance, or interview with Terron James, please contact his publicist, Kirk Cunningham, at kirk@jollyfishpress.com.

 

Bite of Story Thursday

Here is a sneak peek at my current work in progress, Myths. This is from the rough draft so it does not reflect the final product. Enjoy!

-------

Myths
Chapter Ten :  Big House On The Prairie

Celeste joined him by the glass.  “They don’t teach us much about them in school.  They’re called the Nephilim but most races in Farnalla call them simply giants.  They always keep to themselves and remain neutral in the wars.  The Verbena Forest is the only place in Farnalla big enough to hide them.  Who knows what their correct size is or even how many kinds of giants there are?”

Eli spied a raggedy doll on the bed.  It resembled a girl but had to be at least eight feet tall.  As bedrooms go, the child’s room seemed simple.  She didn’t have a lot of toys or books.

He turned back to take in their prison.  A simple wooden box surrounded them.  Bits of torn up bushes and some tree limbs lay scattered around the box.  A few large rocks were strewn throughout, which some of his friends sat upon.  Tiny holes allowed for air but their circumference was much too small for Flitty to escape through.

His eyes caught on a few sinister objects.  A couple dead locusts were piled in a corner and a minotaur skeleton lay in the opposite corner with some leaves on top.

Celeste explained, “We figured that’s her last ‘toy’.  I covered it up out of respect.”

Heilgar’s primal scream startled everyone.  He charged the glass but when his body hit it, he simply bounced back into a bush. 

“Aw Heilgar,” Flitty said.  “That trick never works.”

The dwarf stood up and gave her a fiendish look, “I don’t care.  You’ll never catch me becoming a pile of bones in a child’s bug box.”

How to Respond to Negative Reviews by Author Beth Revis

Author Beth Revis posted this great article on her blog about how we as authors should respond to negative reviews.

As many of you know, I've had my fair share of down and depressed black moods all caused by negative reviews. Some of you were responsible! And thank the good Lord you were. If it weren't for you and many like you my 1st novel would still be unreadable.

So ultimately we need the negative to smack us out of our writer haze and force us to refine our work.

But sometimes our work is good and what is wrong is simply that it's not right for some people. Some love Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Twilight, Ender's Game and Hamlet. Some don't. No big deal.

When we're the most down on ourselves due to other's opinions, we must sift out what helps us, what we really need, and the rest we can throw away and consider just a different opinion.

It's not always easy though. Sometimes we need things to lift us up. Beth Revis' has the right idea.

Who's Who in the Annabelle Universe? Molly O' Connell

MOLLY O' CONNELL

No picture at this time. Hopefully that will change someday.

Physical characteristics:
Molly has brown hair and a thin build. Her eyes used to be green before she became a vampire. After her transformation they take on the normal red color.

Personality:
Molly is sweet and loving. She would give her life for her students. She's very cautious, afraid that her "orphanage" would be discovered.

Known History:
Molly moved to England from her native Ireland to find work as a teacher. She fell in love with a young nobleman named Ryan. She found a great job at a boarding school and became popular among the students.

Ryan began to hang out with the wrong sort, other young noblemen who liked to stir up trouble. He Always enjoyed that sort of lifestyle and Molly knew he wasn't right for her but she was too afraid to break it off. Ryan and his friends started to visit Vanessa Kimball, a member of royalty whom was secretly a vampire. She turned them.

Ryan turned Molly against her will. She rejected him so he captured five of her pupils (Mary, Eric, Selina, Samuel and Charlotte) and turned them in their sleep.

Molly took in each of them and found an abandoned building in the heart of London where they could hide. She named their home the Palmer Orphanage after a famous vampire hunter. It was her way of rejecting their new life. Despite her feelings, Molly continued to teach the children what little she knew.
 

Actually did some writing!

Last week I actually wrote 1.207 words! Sure that's not a lot and it was only on one afternoon but hey, when you're busy balancing family and work you take what you can get!

I worked on Myths. Last year I wrote a few chapters on Myths and then decided to reshape the books focus. So I changed a lot and then added a lot more story set in the world of Farnalla. I always planned for them to reach their destination of Stonehenge and travel to our world, but I simply delayed that trip.

Well thanks to my recent meager efforts they have reached their destination and finally have been sent to a mythical land called Earth!

Now to write the 2nd half of the book!

Good Advice about Goodreads

Check out this great article from Novel Publicity for great advice to authors on how to use Goodreads.

Now if I could just find the time to do these things!

I'm on local TV!

Check out this cool interview Doug Radunich of TooeleTV did with me during the children's Book Festival!

TooeleTV: "Night Children" by Scott Bryan:

Coming in March: Two more cool blog hops!

In the month of March I'll be participating in he Lunar Love Giveaway Hop and the Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop!

Both hops will give me the opportunity to giveaway Night Children: Dark Threats.

Keep watching this space!