Well, in just under four hours, the annual event of literary mayhem begins. National Novel Writing Month 2010 looks set to be the largest so far, and it's not too late to start now. Who needs a plan anyway? I still haven't decided which of the two ideas I have buzzing around pestering me to write. In fact, I haven't finished writing the story that I really ought to get finished before November begins yet...
So what, I hear you ask (or at least, I hypothetically pretend that you ask), is National Novel Writing Month? Well, it's basically a challenge to write 50,000 words on a new novel in the month of November. That works out at 1667 words per day, which is easily doable, trust me on that one. I've managed it three years running, and I hope to make this a fourth consecutive 'win' (all finishers who verify their wordcount before midnight, local time, on November 30th, are winners). The site is currently very slow, but that's because novellers all over the globe are checking in as they set off on the adventure of a lifetime. Or at least, the adventure of the year which doesn't even require leaving your chair.
If you have ever had any desire to write a novel, now's your chance. Don't miss out!
Sunday, 31 October 2010
Monday, 18 October 2010
Raising Atlantis
Yup. I've read another book involving the discovery of Atlantis as its central theme. And while you might think I'd be getting a little tired of that idea by now, I have to say this version is remarkably interesting. For one thing, the romance is a little more thought out than 'fit girl + fit guy + adventure = everyone chucks their clothes off', which is always encouraging. In fact, in the whole trilogy (what can I say, it was enjoyable, the library happened to have all three of them hanging about so I've now read them all...) there isn't any major throwing off of clothes. Which is quite exceptional for a thriller. Anyway, that minor digression aside, it's got a very interesting plot, and a fascinating main character (or main two characters in fact--Sister Serenghetti is a fantastic character and definitely more three dimensional than a lot of women in thrillers--or characters in general in thrillers). A different decision of locating Atlantis than any I've seen before, and an interesting location for it at that.
Lots of excitement, the sciency and historically stuff is plausible enough (I confess I'm no expert on ancient history or on science, but it certainly made sense), and... lots of excitement. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and there's an interesting twist on the archaeologist main character. He's a rather discredited bloke amongst the scientific community, a bit of an iconoclast, and also an astro-archaeologist. In other words, he looks at how the stars line up with ancient monuments, because although he doesn't believe in it the ancients did and so he uses star systems etc to get inside their heads. Also, having a nun as a second main character is fascinating, and she's a believable, realistic character to boot. Actually, she's not really a nun any more, but that's by the by.
I can thoroughly recommend this book as an intriguing and edge-of-the-seat addition to the multitudes (well, four or five at the very least) of other books using the legend of Atlantis as their basis. Brilliant.
Lots of excitement, the sciency and historically stuff is plausible enough (I confess I'm no expert on ancient history or on science, but it certainly made sense), and... lots of excitement. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and there's an interesting twist on the archaeologist main character. He's a rather discredited bloke amongst the scientific community, a bit of an iconoclast, and also an astro-archaeologist. In other words, he looks at how the stars line up with ancient monuments, because although he doesn't believe in it the ancients did and so he uses star systems etc to get inside their heads. Also, having a nun as a second main character is fascinating, and she's a believable, realistic character to boot. Actually, she's not really a nun any more, but that's by the by.
I can thoroughly recommend this book as an intriguing and edge-of-the-seat addition to the multitudes (well, four or five at the very least) of other books using the legend of Atlantis as their basis. Brilliant.
Sunday, 10 October 2010
The Sanctuary Seeker
I joined the Cambridge library yesterday. I think I need to go back again today to take some books back. It's quite a nice library actually, although I have yet to fully figure out their filing system... Anyway. I happened to spot this one in with the thrillers, and it looked pretty good so I brought it home and started reading.
The historical background feels realistic. The characters are mostly interesting. The plot is pretty good. In fact, if that was all I was assessing this on, it'd be doing pretty well. Unfortunately, the actual writing itself isn't great. I can't quite put my finger on what's wrong, but it just doesn't quite read as smoothly or as interestingly as it might. I think perhaps it's with the characters where the problem lies: they're great, interesting people, but the author appears to have broken the cardinal rule of 'show, don't tell'. However, this is the first in a series (or at least, it looked like it was the first, and there were plenty more), so there's every chance that the writing will improve further on in the series. I hope so.
As an idea, it's brilliant. Set in 1194, Sir John de Wolfe, retired soldier of the Crusades, is the first coroner for Devon. But where does his jurisdiction begin and that of his brother-in-law (whom, incidentally, he can't stand) end? So basically, a crime series set in a world without fingerprinting, DNA, cars, or any of the mod cons that detective novels today take for granted. Going out to investigate a murder in a village takes quite some effort on horse back, especially when the village is in the middle of nowhere. In short, it's a very interesting construct, the historical background certainly seems real enough (I confess I don't know a lot about the period, but what I do know seems to tally), and basically it'd be an excellent book if the quality of the writing were a little bit better. So I'm hopeful for the rest of the series.
The historical background feels realistic. The characters are mostly interesting. The plot is pretty good. In fact, if that was all I was assessing this on, it'd be doing pretty well. Unfortunately, the actual writing itself isn't great. I can't quite put my finger on what's wrong, but it just doesn't quite read as smoothly or as interestingly as it might. I think perhaps it's with the characters where the problem lies: they're great, interesting people, but the author appears to have broken the cardinal rule of 'show, don't tell'. However, this is the first in a series (or at least, it looked like it was the first, and there were plenty more), so there's every chance that the writing will improve further on in the series. I hope so.
As an idea, it's brilliant. Set in 1194, Sir John de Wolfe, retired soldier of the Crusades, is the first coroner for Devon. But where does his jurisdiction begin and that of his brother-in-law (whom, incidentally, he can't stand) end? So basically, a crime series set in a world without fingerprinting, DNA, cars, or any of the mod cons that detective novels today take for granted. Going out to investigate a murder in a village takes quite some effort on horse back, especially when the village is in the middle of nowhere. In short, it's a very interesting construct, the historical background certainly seems real enough (I confess I don't know a lot about the period, but what I do know seems to tally), and basically it'd be an excellent book if the quality of the writing were a little bit better. So I'm hopeful for the rest of the series.
Some Observations
Being a student has led me to make some observations on life. Most of them are probably pretty obvious for people who have ever moved away from home.
1. If I want milk, I have to buy it. Preferably before I want it to put on breakfast cereal, because the shops aren't open when I have breakfast.
2. Dry brown bread is really not all that delicious. I should probably get some margarine.
3. What Heinz alleges is macaroni cheese is disgusting slop which I wouldn't inflict on... well, on anything. At all. Ever.
4. On the other hand, Heinz raviolli is actually fairly tasty.
5. I need to get something to put on a sandwich for tomorrow, or I will have to buy a sandwich. Buying a sandwich is more expensive than buying a whole loaf of bread and a tin of spam. In fact, I think it's at least twice as expensive.
6. College food is okay, but the curry is spicy. Thankfully I had a feeling it might be and avoided it. Oh, and the onion rings are kinda weird.
7. I have to go fetch water from the kitchen. I currently have none. Hmm... Dry bread makes you thirsty. I should perhaps go get some water. Which means finding my keys, closing the door, getting the water, coming back, unlocking hte door...
8. At some point, I will end up forgetting my keys. Probably in the middle of the night. Which will mean going to visit the plodge in my pyjamas. I'm not convinced that's a great idea...
9. I am now running out of observations.
1. If I want milk, I have to buy it. Preferably before I want it to put on breakfast cereal, because the shops aren't open when I have breakfast.
2. Dry brown bread is really not all that delicious. I should probably get some margarine.
3. What Heinz alleges is macaroni cheese is disgusting slop which I wouldn't inflict on... well, on anything. At all. Ever.
4. On the other hand, Heinz raviolli is actually fairly tasty.
5. I need to get something to put on a sandwich for tomorrow, or I will have to buy a sandwich. Buying a sandwich is more expensive than buying a whole loaf of bread and a tin of spam. In fact, I think it's at least twice as expensive.
6. College food is okay, but the curry is spicy. Thankfully I had a feeling it might be and avoided it. Oh, and the onion rings are kinda weird.
7. I have to go fetch water from the kitchen. I currently have none. Hmm... Dry bread makes you thirsty. I should perhaps go get some water. Which means finding my keys, closing the door, getting the water, coming back, unlocking hte door...
8. At some point, I will end up forgetting my keys. Probably in the middle of the night. Which will mean going to visit the plodge in my pyjamas. I'm not convinced that's a great idea...
9. I am now running out of observations.
Friday, 8 October 2010
Very Surreal Walk...
Well, I think I've settled in. I say that because I was sat in the Seeley (history faculty library, see, I now know these things, and that you don't search for the history faculty, you search for the Seeley library when you're looking for books!) and I thought 'right, time to go home'. So I'm guessing that now I think of college as 'home', it's time to say I've settled in :). Really enjoying life here, it's absolutely awesome.
I have a regular walk to make to get to the History Faculty over at the Sidgewick site, and it's so awesome. First: through college, out the plodge--and that's impressive enough I would like to add, as Christ's is a pretty awesome college, then down past the market and onto King's Parade. Through King's College, which is spectacular, then through the King's College fields, complete with cows, squirrels and ducks. Over the bridge, where you could basically have gone back several hundred years in time, and then out of King's at the other side and across a main road. It just feels really bizarre to be making such a switch between centuries.
I had a wonderful dinner tonight with my college family, and then we did the most awesome thing ever, although it was slightly terrifying to get up there. We went up on the roof and we could see out over the college and the city. What a view! Well worth the fact that I really don't appreciate ladders.
Had six lectures so far. Met lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of people. Lectures have all been enjoyable, although the one earlier today on economics in Early Modern England was a little bit dull and in parts I thought the lecturer rather laboured the point. Still, I'm loving it. Part way through my first essay, due in on Tuesday morning (although I'll probably send it Monday night). Nearly the end of Fresher's week (ha, it's basically Fresher's couple of days, and then lectures start and we're still doing Fresher stuff). In some ways it's weird to think it's practically a week since I left Preston--sometimes it feels far longer, sometimes much more recent. I'll be glad when I've settled into a proper schedule though. I'm starting to get the hang of the whole 'I need to remember to eat, get milk, do stuff' thing, and getting to know the other people around. Good fun, rather exciting still.
Well, I can't think of anything much else to say and I'm really pretty knackered. Might do a little bit of writing, a little bit of reading, and go to bed. Night all :)
I have a regular walk to make to get to the History Faculty over at the Sidgewick site, and it's so awesome. First: through college, out the plodge--and that's impressive enough I would like to add, as Christ's is a pretty awesome college, then down past the market and onto King's Parade. Through King's College, which is spectacular, then through the King's College fields, complete with cows, squirrels and ducks. Over the bridge, where you could basically have gone back several hundred years in time, and then out of King's at the other side and across a main road. It just feels really bizarre to be making such a switch between centuries.
I had a wonderful dinner tonight with my college family, and then we did the most awesome thing ever, although it was slightly terrifying to get up there. We went up on the roof and we could see out over the college and the city. What a view! Well worth the fact that I really don't appreciate ladders.
Had six lectures so far. Met lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of people. Lectures have all been enjoyable, although the one earlier today on economics in Early Modern England was a little bit dull and in parts I thought the lecturer rather laboured the point. Still, I'm loving it. Part way through my first essay, due in on Tuesday morning (although I'll probably send it Monday night). Nearly the end of Fresher's week (ha, it's basically Fresher's couple of days, and then lectures start and we're still doing Fresher stuff). In some ways it's weird to think it's practically a week since I left Preston--sometimes it feels far longer, sometimes much more recent. I'll be glad when I've settled into a proper schedule though. I'm starting to get the hang of the whole 'I need to remember to eat, get milk, do stuff' thing, and getting to know the other people around. Good fun, rather exciting still.
Well, I can't think of anything much else to say and I'm really pretty knackered. Might do a little bit of writing, a little bit of reading, and go to bed. Night all :)
Tuesday, 5 October 2010
Fresher!
I am now a Fresher at the University of Cambridge! And my college is absolutely amazing. I couldn't get on the internet on my first night, but I wrote a post anyway. Here you go...
Had an awesome day. Everyone's very friendly. Met Tom and Tom who are my new next door neighbours. Both seem really nice. Met Kate--a NatSci (like half + of the college appears to be!), got on really well with her. Room is massive! Have a firendly tree which popped a branch in to say 'hi!' when I opened the window--had to push the branch out again when I wanted to close it. Room is all set up, though still seems a little bereft of posters--didn't realise how much space I'd have to stick tehm up. Bathroom is a fair trek, but at least it's same floor. Kitchen is diddy and smells a bit. Bed seems comfy enough--let you know about that tomorrow (NB: Bed is comfy, but didn't sleep on first night because of strange noises like tree tapping...). Though the way I'm beginning to feel, I could sleep on a broken park bench! Whole day is a whirl of names and faces. Good to have time to reflct though--went to Evensong in the Chapel, stunningly beautiful in all respects. And whilst it was pretty high church, I really felt that God was present with us. The choir! They were amazing.
Met my tutor, she was very nice, and (finally!) found some more history students. All seem friendly, can't wait to get to know them better. And to get started with proper college. Place (so far) seems to revolve around drinks and biscuits, orange juice being the alternative to both hot drinks and alcoholic drinks.
Dined in formal hall (though not in formal dress tonight). What a place! Half way through blurted out 'I want to live here,' realised abruptly that I do! The food was really good and all. Fruit salad, chicken with potatoes and peas, then delicious toffee cheesecake.
Then we were all herded into hte function room. Wow that place gets hot. Freshers Mingle, kinda fun but I'm knackered from mingling all day. I love my room, actually think being away from bathroom will be good in terms of noise. Night all!
Had an awesome day. Everyone's very friendly. Met Tom and Tom who are my new next door neighbours. Both seem really nice. Met Kate--a NatSci (like half + of the college appears to be!), got on really well with her. Room is massive! Have a firendly tree which popped a branch in to say 'hi!' when I opened the window--had to push the branch out again when I wanted to close it. Room is all set up, though still seems a little bereft of posters--didn't realise how much space I'd have to stick tehm up. Bathroom is a fair trek, but at least it's same floor. Kitchen is diddy and smells a bit. Bed seems comfy enough--let you know about that tomorrow (NB: Bed is comfy, but didn't sleep on first night because of strange noises like tree tapping...). Though the way I'm beginning to feel, I could sleep on a broken park bench! Whole day is a whirl of names and faces. Good to have time to reflct though--went to Evensong in the Chapel, stunningly beautiful in all respects. And whilst it was pretty high church, I really felt that God was present with us. The choir! They were amazing.
Met my tutor, she was very nice, and (finally!) found some more history students. All seem friendly, can't wait to get to know them better. And to get started with proper college. Place (so far) seems to revolve around drinks and biscuits, orange juice being the alternative to both hot drinks and alcoholic drinks.
Dined in formal hall (though not in formal dress tonight). What a place! Half way through blurted out 'I want to live here,' realised abruptly that I do! The food was really good and all. Fruit salad, chicken with potatoes and peas, then delicious toffee cheesecake.
Then we were all herded into hte function room. Wow that place gets hot. Freshers Mingle, kinda fun but I'm knackered from mingling all day. I love my room, actually think being away from bathroom will be good in terms of noise. Night all!
Wednesday, 29 September 2010
The Sword-Edged Blonde
An excellent fantasy novel. I was intrigued by the title (I'm still not entirely certain how it relates to the book), and discovered a fantastically realised world, and character within the world. An intriguing plot, involving goddesses, the main character's uneasy past, and a brilliant mass of sub-plots.
One of the things I particularly liked was the way the swords used by the mercenary problem solver Eddie LaCrosse had brand names, like guns. There were fantastic action scenes, intense emotional sections, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Can't wait to find the sequel.
One of the things I particularly liked was the way the swords used by the mercenary problem solver Eddie LaCrosse had brand names, like guns. There were fantastic action scenes, intense emotional sections, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Can't wait to find the sequel.
Redeeming Love
Wow. I read this book last night when I couldn't sleep (I'm nervous about going to uni, and no matter how much I logically know that there's no reason for me to be this nervous and there's not exactly much I can do about it, it doesn't seem to make any difference to the fact that I'm struggling to sleep), and I was seriously impressed. I don't often read romances (ie, almost never unless I have no other choice), but I got this one for my birthday so I thought I'd better read it. And wow. What a story. Powerful, moving, and intense, it's one of those books that will stick with you forever.
Set in Gold Rush California, it is, in effect, a modern retelling of the story of Hosea. For those of you not familiar with the story: God told Hosea to marry a prostitute and love her, because He loved Israel but Israel was acting like a prostitute, running off and being besotted with other gods instead of following God. But this story looks at the more personal consequences, for both the man, Michael Hosea, the prostitute, Angel, and others who interact with them. Stunningly well told, with gripping and intriguing characters, from the quiet strength--and sometimes angry passion--of Michael Hosea, to the bubbly Miriam, the initially aloof and scarred Angel, and the pimps, fellow prostitutes and a whole host of excellent supporting characters. Wow is about all I can say to sum it up. Even if you're not much into romances or historical novels, this is well worth a read. It's incredibly powerful, incredibly gripping, incredibly moving. I had tears in my eyes several times over, and am really glad I was given it--I doubt I would have read it otherwise.
I can't recommend this book enough. An excellent story from start to finish.
Set in Gold Rush California, it is, in effect, a modern retelling of the story of Hosea. For those of you not familiar with the story: God told Hosea to marry a prostitute and love her, because He loved Israel but Israel was acting like a prostitute, running off and being besotted with other gods instead of following God. But this story looks at the more personal consequences, for both the man, Michael Hosea, the prostitute, Angel, and others who interact with them. Stunningly well told, with gripping and intriguing characters, from the quiet strength--and sometimes angry passion--of Michael Hosea, to the bubbly Miriam, the initially aloof and scarred Angel, and the pimps, fellow prostitutes and a whole host of excellent supporting characters. Wow is about all I can say to sum it up. Even if you're not much into romances or historical novels, this is well worth a read. It's incredibly powerful, incredibly gripping, incredibly moving. I had tears in my eyes several times over, and am really glad I was given it--I doubt I would have read it otherwise.
I can't recommend this book enough. An excellent story from start to finish.
Tuesday, 28 September 2010
Red Alert
Another of the excellent UNACO series, written by Alastair MacNeill, based on the outlines for films (never filmed as far as I know) by Alastair MacLean. If it sounds like a somewhat improbable provenance, especially as Alastair MacNeill hasn't written anything outside this series, I gotta confess I felt the same until I started reading the series.
It's excellent. Great characters, particularly Sabrina and Mike. And yes, this is a thriller where there's a male and female character who don't fall hopelessly in love, and Sabrina is actually pretty independent and a great character in her own right! Amazing. And the plot is fantastic, lots of nice twists and turns, action, excitement. I reckon this is one of my favourites from the series. The Red Brigades in Italy have got hold of a deadly virus in a raid on a plant. They call it 'sleeping gas', and there's a power struggle amongst the leadership, meaning that nobody actually seems to know where the virus is--including the leaders of the Red Brigades, who decide to work alongside the police in order to get the virus back from the rogue cell. But all is not as it seems. Need I say more? All the excitement and plot twists you'd expect from an Alastair MacLean, but the characters are slightly more developed in this series and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
It's excellent. Great characters, particularly Sabrina and Mike. And yes, this is a thriller where there's a male and female character who don't fall hopelessly in love, and Sabrina is actually pretty independent and a great character in her own right! Amazing. And the plot is fantastic, lots of nice twists and turns, action, excitement. I reckon this is one of my favourites from the series. The Red Brigades in Italy have got hold of a deadly virus in a raid on a plant. They call it 'sleeping gas', and there's a power struggle amongst the leadership, meaning that nobody actually seems to know where the virus is--including the leaders of the Red Brigades, who decide to work alongside the police in order to get the virus back from the rogue cell. But all is not as it seems. Need I say more? All the excitement and plot twists you'd expect from an Alastair MacLean, but the characters are slightly more developed in this series and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Dust to Dust
I've rather enjoyed the Stephen Dunbar thrillers up til now. They've had interesting plots, and even if the romance element has followed exactly the same pattern throughout, they've shown good variety in terms of the main plot. And the science has always been fascinating. But this one, the latest (and given events in the book, presumably the last in the series) was really disappointing. The plot revolved around a cure for AIDS, which was kinda interesting and (apparently) a viable if somewhat risky bit of science. And also a murdered soldier. Well, not really murdered. But sorta murdered. But sorta just killed accidentally. But... Yeh, you get the picture. Fair enough to show that I guess, but the problem was that the mysterious 'patient x' who was getting the cure wasn't ever named, although was supposedly an important public figure. Member of the royal family I guess, but it never actually said. Which was annoying, because I was expecting there to be a bit of a scandal at the end. But no. Just a long drawn out plot, not as much excitement or interest as there usually is, a typically pathetic female character (seriously, I don't think it'd be such a problem that he has a dangerous job, I mean, let's face it, people do marry soldiers... But Ken McClure seems under the impression that every single woman would dump his main character in the end (as in, about the end of the book, so that he can introduce a new woman and do the same romance plot again) rather than stick with him...).
Yeh, wasn't impressed. Enjoyed the rest of the series, but this was a really feeble ending. Sorta spoilt the rest of the series for me too. Ah well. Don't bother reading it.
Yeh, wasn't impressed. Enjoyed the rest of the series, but this was a really feeble ending. Sorta spoilt the rest of the series for me too. Ah well. Don't bother reading it.
Packing...
I am packing, honest. I've packed my books (get the most important things sorted first...), I've got some other stuff packed or dumped in the spare room to be packed, and I'm starting a packing list. But honestly, when did it get so hard to work out what I need to take with me? How many books? Glasses case, must remember that. And pyjamas, given that I have a talent for forgetting pyjamas. Alarm clock, need one of them. Notebooks, pens... It feels like I'm going away for years almost--although it's only two months. And I want to take loads of books but my mum's persuaded me not to. Well, told me not to more like.
I'm guessing I'll take too much stuff this time and then next time I go I'll have a better idea of what I need. I'm just worried that I'll get there and realise I need my bike (which I've decided not to take this time), or I'll have forgotten something vital, like my timetable for fresher's week or something important like that. Hopefully I won't. We'll just have to see I guess. So next week, you get to find out whether I remembered everything or not (lucky you!)
I'm kinda excited, but also getting a bit nervous. At least I know a couple of people at the church I'll be going to in Cambridge. Well, know them vaguely. Don't know anyone who's going to be at Cambridge with me though. Never mind. I might get there and discover someone I know who I didn't know was going. Failing that, I guess I just have to make new friends. Not like I haven't done that before, what with moving to the States and back again... Well, I've had a lot of prayer, and I know people will be thinking of me in Cambridge, so I'll just have to trust that God shows me the right people to be friends with when I get there.
I'm guessing I'll take too much stuff this time and then next time I go I'll have a better idea of what I need. I'm just worried that I'll get there and realise I need my bike (which I've decided not to take this time), or I'll have forgotten something vital, like my timetable for fresher's week or something important like that. Hopefully I won't. We'll just have to see I guess. So next week, you get to find out whether I remembered everything or not (lucky you!)
I'm kinda excited, but also getting a bit nervous. At least I know a couple of people at the church I'll be going to in Cambridge. Well, know them vaguely. Don't know anyone who's going to be at Cambridge with me though. Never mind. I might get there and discover someone I know who I didn't know was going. Failing that, I guess I just have to make new friends. Not like I haven't done that before, what with moving to the States and back again... Well, I've had a lot of prayer, and I know people will be thinking of me in Cambridge, so I'll just have to trust that God shows me the right people to be friends with when I get there.
Monday, 27 September 2010
Born Again
I promised at the top of this blog that there would be music reviews. I think you'll find one or maybe two at most. Well, I'm doing a music review now.
The Newsboys Album Born Again features a new lead singer, Michael Tait (formerly DC Talk). It also includes a remix of the classic 'Jesus Freak', and the album has been, in my opinion, unfairly criticised for this. Okay, so it's perhaps not the same as the original, but actually, the words are clearer in parts on the new version. And while I do love the original, it's never been one of my favourites. At least part of the reason it's not been loved, I reckon, is simply because it's a bit different. The other cover version on the album (or at least on the download from Amazon one--it doesn't seem to be on the one on itunes), is a cover of Mighty To Save. Now this is one of my favourite songs, and I already have four other versions of it. It's a little bizarre in that it feels like it starts in the middle, but other than that I do love this version. It's a bit different, it's got great guitar in the background, and I particularly like the section (incidentally, it's playing right now), that goes 'My Saviour, you can move the mountains, you are mighty to save', addressing God directly rather than talking about Him in the third person.
Yes, it's not hugely similar to their previous album In the Hands of God, but I don't see why that's a bad thing. Isn't a vibrant, changing band much more interesting than one that stays pretty static? I don't know about you, but I like a bit of variety in the music I listen to. Someone was saying the other day that they reckoned the band should have a new name because nobody from the original line up is there. However, if you ever listen to some of Delirious' early stuff compared to their last album (well, last 'proper' album Kingdom of Comfort', I don't know about the Best Of album), there's a huge difference.
An excellent collection of music. I particularly love 'Build us Back' and 'When the Boys Light Up'. Great lyrics to all the songs, lyrics that you can sing along to without wondering 'what the heck am I singing about'. Very glad I decided to download this album after hearing one or two songs on CrossRhythms. Love it. 'Born Again' is also great, and I sincerely hope they come to this country on tour and I can see them live. The album has real 'live show' potential in my humble opinion (and I've not exactly been to many live shows... In fact, I've been to one--saw Delirious on the Kingdom of Comfort tour). Even if you're not enamoured with the two cover versions, the rest of the album is excellent, leaving you with 10 brilliant songs if you decide to delete the covers.
The Newsboys Album Born Again features a new lead singer, Michael Tait (formerly DC Talk). It also includes a remix of the classic 'Jesus Freak', and the album has been, in my opinion, unfairly criticised for this. Okay, so it's perhaps not the same as the original, but actually, the words are clearer in parts on the new version. And while I do love the original, it's never been one of my favourites. At least part of the reason it's not been loved, I reckon, is simply because it's a bit different. The other cover version on the album (or at least on the download from Amazon one--it doesn't seem to be on the one on itunes), is a cover of Mighty To Save. Now this is one of my favourite songs, and I already have four other versions of it. It's a little bizarre in that it feels like it starts in the middle, but other than that I do love this version. It's a bit different, it's got great guitar in the background, and I particularly like the section (incidentally, it's playing right now), that goes 'My Saviour, you can move the mountains, you are mighty to save', addressing God directly rather than talking about Him in the third person.
Yes, it's not hugely similar to their previous album In the Hands of God, but I don't see why that's a bad thing. Isn't a vibrant, changing band much more interesting than one that stays pretty static? I don't know about you, but I like a bit of variety in the music I listen to. Someone was saying the other day that they reckoned the band should have a new name because nobody from the original line up is there. However, if you ever listen to some of Delirious' early stuff compared to their last album (well, last 'proper' album Kingdom of Comfort', I don't know about the Best Of album), there's a huge difference.
An excellent collection of music. I particularly love 'Build us Back' and 'When the Boys Light Up'. Great lyrics to all the songs, lyrics that you can sing along to without wondering 'what the heck am I singing about'. Very glad I decided to download this album after hearing one or two songs on CrossRhythms. Love it. 'Born Again' is also great, and I sincerely hope they come to this country on tour and I can see them live. The album has real 'live show' potential in my humble opinion (and I've not exactly been to many live shows... In fact, I've been to one--saw Delirious on the Kingdom of Comfort tour). Even if you're not enamoured with the two cover versions, the rest of the album is excellent, leaving you with 10 brilliant songs if you decide to delete the covers.
Thursday, 23 September 2010
The Age of Zeus
An interesting concept for certain. The gods have moved down to earth, to sort out human behaviour for us because we can't seem to stop fighting with ourselves. Trouble is, these gods are a mite too powerful, and who watches the watchers? Well, maybe the Titans. Made powerful by incredible suits of armour, the titans are the only people who have a hope of taking on the new Greek Gods.
Although it was interesting, and mostly well written, I didn't quite finish it. It got a little bit tedious and felt somewhat drawn out, and the interest of finding out whether or not one of my favourite characters survived gradually waned. So I gave it up and took it back to the library.
There was an intersting twist in where the gods came from, yes, but it seemed to be somewhat laboured. In fact, the whole thing seemed to be drawn out far more than necessary. So although it could have been quite enjoyable, and a pretty powerful comment on genetics etc, it became a little tedious and started to feel more like a project to wade through than an interesting fiction read. If you've more patience than I have with slower paced novels then you'll probably enjoy it--like I said, it was an interesting concept. It just wasn't written in a particularly exciting manner.
Although it was interesting, and mostly well written, I didn't quite finish it. It got a little bit tedious and felt somewhat drawn out, and the interest of finding out whether or not one of my favourite characters survived gradually waned. So I gave it up and took it back to the library.
There was an intersting twist in where the gods came from, yes, but it seemed to be somewhat laboured. In fact, the whole thing seemed to be drawn out far more than necessary. So although it could have been quite enjoyable, and a pretty powerful comment on genetics etc, it became a little tedious and started to feel more like a project to wade through than an interesting fiction read. If you've more patience than I have with slower paced novels then you'll probably enjoy it--like I said, it was an interesting concept. It just wasn't written in a particularly exciting manner.
Sunborn
Pretty average sci-fi really. Well, maybe better than average actually. I enjoyed it. The one thing that did niggle at me was after Bandie gave the new alien characters names that were pronounceable, the author subsequently used the 'proper' name so although Deeeeeeeaaaaabbb (or some other number of ees, aas and bbs might have been used) was called Deep in dialogue with Bandie, it was spelt out fully all the rest of the time. Which was kinda annoying. And I wasn't entirely convinced by the use of little *s before sun names. Didn't seem necessary. Plus there was an additional plot on Saturn (or a moon of Saturn, it wasn't all that clear), involving Bandie's ex-girlfriend, which seemed kinda unnecessary. There was more than enough plot for the novel with the main plot involving a mysterious alien technology that was steadily murdering stars for purposes (initially) unknown.
The translater stones were pretty interesting, particularly as they were, in effect, an intelligent life form that took the form of a pair of stones embedded in all the main characters. Maybe a bit similar to the bable fish in Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy, although I don't think they ever couldn't translate anything, got infected, or had personalities. I've not read the whole series though. Anyway, this was a book four, so it's fair to assume that a bit of character development at least will have taken place in previous books rather than this one. As a result, the only characters who seemed more than two dimensional or plot enablers were Bandie, the female alien who he was in love with (and whose name escapes me--surely there's a case for writing a sci-fi with names that are actually memorable!), and the robots were reasonably well developed. But there were another two members to the 'team', and they seemed more there to fill up numbers than because they were all that interesting as characters.
However, it was a good story, and there was a reasonable amount of action. The plot was also (apart from the slightly dodgy subplot on earth, which might have made more of an impact if I'd read the first three?) pretty good. So I enjoyed it and I'll keep an eye out for the others, but I won't be rushing out to buy it.
The translater stones were pretty interesting, particularly as they were, in effect, an intelligent life form that took the form of a pair of stones embedded in all the main characters. Maybe a bit similar to the bable fish in Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy, although I don't think they ever couldn't translate anything, got infected, or had personalities. I've not read the whole series though. Anyway, this was a book four, so it's fair to assume that a bit of character development at least will have taken place in previous books rather than this one. As a result, the only characters who seemed more than two dimensional or plot enablers were Bandie, the female alien who he was in love with (and whose name escapes me--surely there's a case for writing a sci-fi with names that are actually memorable!), and the robots were reasonably well developed. But there were another two members to the 'team', and they seemed more there to fill up numbers than because they were all that interesting as characters.
However, it was a good story, and there was a reasonable amount of action. The plot was also (apart from the slightly dodgy subplot on earth, which might have made more of an impact if I'd read the first three?) pretty good. So I enjoyed it and I'll keep an eye out for the others, but I won't be rushing out to buy it.
Changeling: Dark Moon
Not overly memorable in terms of plot--I was half way through before I was definitely sure I hadn't read this one before--but still pretty interesting. Basically, it was a good book while I was reading it, but now it's finished I'm not sure I could tell you with any degree of certainty what went on in that one as opposed to in the other Changeling books.
Basically a teenage werewolf/vampire/sorcerer story. Not a romance, although there's a half hearted romance plot (half hearted in that it's got the potential to turn up but neither character is pushing it at the moment, not in that it's no good). An interesting bit of action, some teenagey angsty issues (is that the right way of putting it?). I mean, being a teenager isn't all that easy, but being a teenager who could potentially turn into a humongous werewolf that everyone's terrified of when you get a bit mad or on the night of the full moon has gotta make things more difficult.
Well, it was enjoyable enough to read. Not the best thing ever, and I actually think the first one in the series has a bit more of an interesting plot, but it's not bad. I've read worse.
Basically a teenage werewolf/vampire/sorcerer story. Not a romance, although there's a half hearted romance plot (half hearted in that it's got the potential to turn up but neither character is pushing it at the moment, not in that it's no good). An interesting bit of action, some teenagey angsty issues (is that the right way of putting it?). I mean, being a teenager isn't all that easy, but being a teenager who could potentially turn into a humongous werewolf that everyone's terrified of when you get a bit mad or on the night of the full moon has gotta make things more difficult.
Well, it was enjoyable enough to read. Not the best thing ever, and I actually think the first one in the series has a bit more of an interesting plot, but it's not bad. I've read worse.
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