by Jason Joyner | Oct 21, 2009 | Blog, CSFF, Eric Wilson, Jerusalem Undead, reviews, speculative fiction, vampires
So the payoff day for my part in the blog tour – what did I think of the book Haunt of Jackals by Eric Wilson?
The book starts off with a rush of action in Romania as Gina Lazarescu is fleeing from a battle with some Collectors, the Undead freed from an ancient Jerusalem cemetery. Having struck their leader a fatal blow, she has to survive the wrath of his follower.
The mysterious Cal Nichols and teen orphan Dov Amit are also engaged in a conflict with a Collector who has taken on a bear as a temporary host. Cal has to protect Dov as he is one of the Nistarim, 36 hidden ones who bear the burdens of the world. If he were to fall without someone to take his place, it could usher in the Final Vengeance.
As Gina, Cal, and Dov face their foes, other Collectors are on the move, doing their part to try and bring down the human race, in order to inflict some revenge on the Almighty who banished them into the Separation from physical sense, the reason they take on human hosts.
If Gina survives, will she be able to fulfill her destiny? How will she heal from her years of wounds. Could there really be power in Nazarene blood, as Cal has claimed?
As Cal maneuvers to protect Gina and Dov, what will happen as his greatest adversary seeks to complete his work in bringing about the destruction of the Nistarim?
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There are things that Eric Wilson gets right. When the heroes are in conflict, there is real danger. He keeps the suspense high on whether they will survive or fall. Not every sympathetic character makes it. Gina is a strong protagonist with a complex background. She’s not perfect. She is strong but has doubts. She tries to do what is right but struggles. She continues to be the strongest part of the novel. Cal Nichols is also a very good character, and there are interesting insights about him after being so mysterious in the first book, Field of Blood.
Eric does a lot of research for his novels, and his settings are usually rich with detail and vivid description. The deserts of Israel contrast with the wooded wildness of Transylvania and tranquil small-town Oregon. He throws in some intriguing plot points that intersect with history. Some of them pay off, while others are too much of a stretch with the complex interaction of mythology he has created for this series.
There’s also a lot of spiritual themes weaved into the story that speak poignantly into today’s world. The way anger, bitterness, or lust can intwine us in thorns that bind us may not be literal as in Jackals, but it is a powerful revelation nonetheless. Many people may be taken aback by the idea of “Christian vampires.” One thing Wilson does is not make them sympathetic. The creatures are evil, and he never shows them in a light that plays down their terrible ways. The battle of good and evil is portrayed in vivid terms in the book, but this battle is a good metaphor for the spiritual and emotional battles of life today.
Unfortunately, the book is almost too ambitious to hold up everything he tries. The plot is exciting and driving in the first third or half, but the last section of the book is an underwhelming build-up for the third book, with some minor drama at the end to try and keep the suspense factor continuing. The classic “second act” in a trilogy is The Empire Strikes Back, where there are major obstacles for the heroes to overcome for the third, while being dealt blows that leave them very vunerable. Haunt has the bad guys joining forces in the end and the good guys hiding out. The third book (Valley of Bones, coming in 2010) should have a good climax, but this book was left wanting in the process.
Another drawback is the description being overdone at times. Wilson can paint some visual word images, but he can overdo the narrative. There is too much “thinking” by both good and bad guys that slows things down and makes the book too dense. Sometimes it seems all the research and knowledge he has pours out in excess. The plot becomes uneven at times due to TMI.
Overall, Eric Wilson is attempting an ambitious speculative story tied into Biblical themes and settings. There are strong elements that make the story an interesting read, but other aspects bog it down and keep it from its full potential. As far as the whole premise – I am usually pretty accepting from a theological standpoint with what the author is presenting to see if it can work. I am willing to allow some leeway in how things are interpreted. Some may find the mixing of demons (the Collectors) with a legend of Jewish mysticism being applied to verses in the Gospels too far to go for a story. I think it provides an interesting platform to share some profound truths regarding the battle we all face. I hope Eric can hit the home run with the third book.
Bottom line: Make sure you read Field of Blood first because there was too much established there to step into Haunt of Jackals. I still got lost at times due to reading Blood last year. It is an interesting premise with some definite points of suspense and near-horror that get the blood pumping, with some overly dense plotting and description that slows down other areas. If the premise makes you curious, I recommend it. If you’re not into vampires or are sensitive to some blood and gore, it would be a book to pass one.
The whole idea of vampires and other supernatural archtypes in Christian fiction is an interesting point of discussion. I welcome thought on this book or the subject, and we can keep the dialogue going after the tour. Let me know what you think, and check out the other posts that are listed at Becky Miller’s opening post of the tour.
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by Jason Joyner | Oct 1, 2009 | Blog, books, Brandilyn Collins, reviews, suspense
Oh no, she didn’t!
Brandilyn Collins did it again. Her trademark is “Seatbelt Suspense” because she takes the reader for a ride, and that’s not a lie with her latest book, Exposure.
In small town Wilmore, Kentucky, Kaycee Raye is known as the town paranoid. She plies her fears into a successful syndicated column, but she still battles demons at home. Is she being watched, or is it just her imagination. The local police force may think she plays it for her writing.
But what about the photo of a dead man on her camera?
When the bloody image appears on her computer and TV, she knows someone is really stalking her. However, the images vanish, leaving her no evidence to take to the police. When a tragedy strikes, she doesn’t want to distract the police from her concerns, even though frightening events keep happening. Is she succumbing to her fears, or is there a real danger lurking?
I’ve been reading Brandilyn’s books for a few years now, and I can expect some things: she has a unique vocabulary, she’s going to put you in the protagonist’s point of view so strongly you’ll start to sweat, and she’s going for the unexpected. When you’re prepared for the unexpected, you won’t be surprised, right?
She got me good this time.
I was actually getting a little frustrated with the book as it seemed to be moving along a few seemingly unconnected lines. The payoff was well worth it though, and I really enjoyed the “Aha” moment. I don’t want to give away too much, because you have to read it for yourself.
Her strengths in characterization and keeping the suspense building are front and center as usual. I’ve noticed she has a few odd words she likes for certain situations, words I’m affectionately calling “Brandilynisms,” and I guess they’re losing a little of their uniqueness when I see them a few times a book. That is probably nit-picking, but that’s the only thing I can really think of as a negative. The confusion of the plot lines early on was my negative point, but by the end I saw why it was done that way, and all my frustration melted when I got to the reveal.
She didn’t really sucker me that much, did she?
Yes, she did.
Recommended highly for fans of suspense. There’s a little blood and guts and a lot of peril for the faint at heart, but it serves the story and isn’t there to shock. This book ought to win her new fans, and reward her stalwart ones.
Just watch behind you…
by Jason Joyner | Oct 1, 2009 | Blog, books, Brandilyn Collins, reviews, suspense
Oh no, she didn’t!
Brandilyn Collins did it again. Her trademark is “Seatbelt Suspense” because she takes the reader for a ride, and that’s not a lie with her latest book, Exposure.
In small town Wilmore, Kentucky, Kaycee Raye is known as the town paranoid. She plies her fears into a successful syndicated column, but she still battles demons at home. Is she being watched, or is it just her imagination. The local police force may think she plays it for her writing.
But what about the photo of a dead man on her camera?
When the bloody image appears on her computer and TV, she knows someone is really stalking her. However, the images vanish, leaving her no evidence to take to the police. When a tragedy strikes, she doesn’t want to distract the police from her concerns, even though frightening events keep happening. Is she succumbing to her fears, or is there a real danger lurking?
I’ve been reading Brandilyn’s books for a few years now, and I can expect some things: she has a unique vocabulary, she’s going to put you in the protagonist’s point of view so strongly you’ll start to sweat, and she’s going for the unexpected. When you’re prepared for the unexpected, you won’t be surprised, right?
She got me good this time.
I was actually getting a little frustrated with the book as it seemed to be moving along a few seemingly unconnected lines. The payoff was well worth it though, and I really enjoyed the “Aha” moment. I don’t want to give away too much, because you have to read it for yourself.
Her strengths in characterization and keeping the suspense building are front and center as usual. I’ve noticed she has a few odd words she likes for certain situations, words I’m affectionately calling “Brandilynisms,” and I guess they’re losing a little of their uniqueness when I see them a few times a book. That is probably nit-picking, but that’s the only thing I can really think of as a negative. The confusion of the plot lines early on was my negative point, but by the end I saw why it was done that way, and all my frustration melted when I got to the reveal.
She didn’t really sucker me that much, did she?
Yes, she did.
Recommended highly for fans of suspense. There’s a little blood and guts and a lot of peril for the faint at heart, but it serves the story and isn’t there to shock. This book ought to win her new fans, and reward her stalwart ones.
Just watch behind you…
by Jason Joyner | Sep 17, 2009 | Blog, books, reviews, Shawn Grady
A Hot Debut
Through The Fire is the debut novel by Shawn Grady. It was featured by the CFBA in June, but I didn’t get it in time to review. It tells the story of Aidan O’Neill, a firefighter in Reno, Nevada, driven by a tragic past.
Coincidentally, Shawn Grady was a firefighter/paramedic in Reno. What are the odds?
Aidan O’Neill comes from a long line of firefighters, and he continues the family tradition even as he deals with the death of his father in the line of duty. The fire speaks to him, and he challenges the dangers past the point of confidence into recklessness. When a rookie fireman is severely injured, he is forced to take a break from the department.
He runs to Mexico, avoiding the introspection the break intended, but his suspension is cut short when an arsonist starts targeting Reno. Clues suggest a connection to his father’s death, but his gift of reading fires has left him, leaving him with doubt about his livelihood and his life.
The new fire investigator Julieanne Caldwell comes to him with new information and a past connection. His attraction to her is matched by the way the flames seem to be seeking him out. The heat rises to a fiery conclusion as Aidan wrestles with his foundation as well as a danger that shows no mercy.
This is an impressive debut for Grady. The old adage is “write what you know,” and in this case, he knows his stuff. I work at times with a fire department, and from my perspective, the gritty details of the fire and a fireman’s life puts me on the scene, coughing and squinting due to the smoke. He does a very good job keeping description fresh, even as he has numerous fire-related scenes. It never gets old, and he even stretched my vocabulary. I like an author who makes me reach for the dictionary occasionally.
The suspense is palpable as well, and the twists and menance kept me off balance on who was the bad guy. He weaves a battle of faith into the the mix as well in a very fresh, organic way. There was one stretch where the pacing got a little bogged down, but overall he keeps the temperature rising throughout the book.
He writes believable characters, guys you’d want to go against a fire with, as well as crusty bosses and jilted love. The main characters Aidan and Julieanne are conflicted and imperfect, making mistakes along the way even as you’re rooting for them.
In his bio it says he was named “Most Promising Writer” at a prominent writers conference. Through the Fire delivers on this promise. I really enjoyed the world of the firefighter, as you feel like you’re in their boots. This book jumps into my favorites of the year list, and I’ll be looking forward to more from Shawn Grady.
by Jason Joyner | Sep 17, 2009 | Blog, books, reviews, Shawn Grady
A Hot Debut
Through The Fire is the debut novel by Shawn Grady. It was featured by the CFBA in June, but I didn’t get it in time to review. It tells the story of Aidan O’Neill, a firefighter in Reno, Nevada, driven by a tragic past.
Coincidentally, Shawn Grady was a firefighter/paramedic in Reno. What are the odds?
Aidan O’Neill comes from a long line of firefighters, and he continues the family tradition even as he deals with the death of his father in the line of duty. The fire speaks to him, and he challenges the dangers past the point of confidence into recklessness. When a rookie fireman is severely injured, he is forced to take a break from the department.
He runs to Mexico, avoiding the introspection the break intended, but his suspension is cut short when an arsonist starts targeting Reno. Clues suggest a connection to his father’s death, but his gift of reading fires has left him, leaving him with doubt about his livelihood and his life.
The new fire investigator Julieanne Caldwell comes to him with new information and a past connection. His attraction to her is matched by the way the flames seem to be seeking him out. The heat rises to a fiery conclusion as Aidan wrestles with his foundation as well as a danger that shows no mercy.
This is an impressive debut for Grady. The old adage is “write what you know,” and in this case, he knows his stuff. I work at times with a fire department, and from my perspective, the gritty details of the fire and a fireman’s life puts me on the scene, coughing and squinting due to the smoke. He does a very good job keeping description fresh, even as he has numerous fire-related scenes. It never gets old, and he even stretched my vocabulary. I like an author who makes me reach for the dictionary occasionally.
The suspense is palpable as well, and the twists and menance kept me off balance on who was the bad guy. He weaves a battle of faith into the the mix as well in a very fresh, organic way. There was one stretch where the pacing got a little bogged down, but overall he keeps the temperature rising throughout the book.
He writes believable characters, guys you’d want to go against a fire with, as well as crusty bosses and jilted love. The main characters Aidan and Julieanne are conflicted and imperfect, making mistakes along the way even as you’re rooting for them.
In his bio it says he was named “Most Promising Writer” at a prominent writers conference. Through the Fire delivers on this promise. I really enjoyed the world of the firefighter, as you feel like you’re in their boots. This book jumps into my favorites of the year list, and I’ll be looking forward to more from Shawn Grady.
by Jason Joyner | Aug 27, 2009 | Blog, fiction, pirates, reviews, Tom Morrisey
If I weren’t a chicken in many ways, I’d love to be Tom Morrisey. Look at his biography: mountaineer, aviator, shipwreck diver, and explorer, who holds a Full Cave certification from the National Speleological Society – Cave Diving Section. Plus he is a great writer. He has won awards for his adventure-travel writing in magazines, and now he has become an accomplished novelist.
His first few books were a little more standard suspense fare, mixing his experiences into the stories. However, starting with
In High Places two years ago and
Wind River last year, he moved into more heartfelt dramatic stories, and the impact of this change is remarkable.
A few weeks ago the CFBA featured his latest book,
Pirate Hunter, but I didn’t get it in time to review it. It was worth the wait though.
ABOUT THE BOOK
High Seas Adventure Meets a High-Tech Quest for Pirate Gold
West Indies, 18th century Young Ted Bascombe is rescued by notorious pirate Captain Henry Thatch, finding himself caught up in a world of crime, adventure, and a daily fight for freedom….
Key West, 21st century Marine archaeologist Greg Rhode embarks on a treasure-hunting expedition in the turquoise waters of the Florida Keys, but he’s as beguiled by a beautiful diver with different-colored eyes as by the lure of pirate gold…
The Hunt Is On!
Interweaving these two stories, pro deep-sea diver Tom Morrisey spins a multilayered tale of two young men’s quests to escape their past by losing themselves to adventure on the high seas. Romantic and thrilling, this unique novel explores the timeless truth that “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Tom Morrisey has become very good at combining complex, wounded characters with exotic locations and enough gritty detail of the setting that you feel you are living the adventure. Here, his experience in diving on shipwrecks gives deep authenticity to the settings in modern times. He’s done enough research, and his knowledge carries over enough, that his 1700s pirate sections ring true as well.
He has done a masterful job of weaving the two threads together. Most times that he switches from past to modern, he uses the phrasing or imagery from the section he’s just leaving to start the new segment. Maybe a regular reader wouldn’t pick up on this, but it is such a clever touch and shows his thoroughness in his writing. He builds suspense throughout the book, and whenever something is crescendoing in one time period, you can bet there will be a flip to the other!
I think Tom Morrisey is the best writer I’m reading currently for getting into the hearts of men and showing the internal conflict and dealing with past hurts in such a realistic way. The protagonists may be heroic, but they are not bombastic. You can see yourself knowing them in your day to day life. My only complaint is that his pirate, Henry Thatch, seems a little too genteel for his time, but he is an engaging character and I liked him too much to really complain.
As this blog has a quirky affinity for things of a pirate nature, it probably isn’t a surpise that I heartily enjoy this book. Still, Morrisey is one of the best writers out there, even though I don’t think his name is well-known. Pirate Hunter is his best book yet in my opinion, and if you want modern drama, swashbuckling suspense, and deep characters, then this is a great book to dive into.
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If you would like to read the first chapter of Pirate Hunter, go HERE
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