by Jason Joyner | Apr 22, 2009 | Blaggard's Moon, Blog, pirates, reading, reviews, speculative fiction
Leave a comment to win the latest Ted Dekker hardback, BoneMan’s Daughters.
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Time to wrap up the CSFF tour for the month. I’ve been discussing the books of George Bryan Polivka with my new…uh, friend, Spinner Sleeve.
Ye mockin’ me boy?
No sir! He’s one of the stars of the pirate treasure of a novel Blaggard’s Moon. Over the last couple of posts, I’ve discussed the Trophy Chase trilogy by Polivka. The books, impressive to begin with, improved throughout the series. I wondered how he would follow it up.
Blaggard’s Moon is actually a prequel to the series, which is an interesting place to go, as it has the potential for disaster (see Lucas, George). It was advertised as the musings of Smith Delaney, one of the supporting characters from the trilogy, as he awaits his certain death. Which might not be so certain, since he appears in later books.
Don’t get cute here. What say ye about the story of Blaggard’s Moon?
Always interesting to blog with a sharp, pointy thing in your back. Anyway, as other blog tour members have noted, it has an interesting construction. Delaney is stuck on a pole over a pond from which the vicious mermonkeys (no really, these aren’t your old sea monkeys) will surface in the dead of night to munch on his bones. He thinks over his own story on how he ended up in this predicament, yet it interlaces with a story told by master story-teller Ham Drumbone on a pirate ship.
Ham’s story follows pirate king Conch Imbry, pirate hunter Damrick Fellows (boo!) and mysterious lady Jenta Smithmiller as intrigue, battle, and death weaves throughout. The reader is left guessing how this all ties together, which it does very nicely at the end.
Ye best be sayin’ that.
Actually, I mean it. Even without duress, I loved this book. The beginning is a little confusing as Polivka settles us into the structure of the story, but he soon had me hooked. The author is a gifted story teller in his own right, with a vivid imagination and great description. He must have done exhaustive research, as he sets the reader on the high seas feeling the salt air, or ducking the musket balls and choking on the gunpowder. I’m not a nautical person, but the authenticity shows through strongly.
It is almost as good as the characterization. I’ve not read another author who so clearly imbues each character with their unique way and feel. I knew the characters, and the myriad cast is very enjoyable without any confusion. From Lady Jenta to minor pirate captains to the businessman Runsford Ryland, each stands strong with their own voice. My only complaint is that Polivka doesn’t always stay in one character’s point of view in a segment, making it confusing sometimes knowing whose head you’re in. He’s spoken before on why he writes this way, but it still doesn’t change the confusion.
The story has a suspenseful plot with well-described action, heartfelt romance, wrenching tragedy, and a touching theme. I enjoyed it more than the Trophy Chase trilogy because his heroes are more heroic. In the trilogy, he used the main character Packer Throme to wrestle with theological issues (which were pretty much keeping in-character for Packer, being a former seminary student), but this wrestling, while poignant, slowed the action down. There’s a touch of that here, but the story blazes on overall.
Okay, yer point has been made. Ye love the book. Good answer, so I guess me n’the boys will be lookin’ fer some other bloggers to hassle.
You know, a “blogger” isn’t a “blaggard”.
It ain’t! Why, the lousy rat who sent me here will have a new blowhole when I’m a’done with him. Have ye anything else to say?
Blaggard’s Moon is a very enjoyable and highly recommended read for the casual fiction fan. For my writing friends, you should check Polivka out for his talented characterization and rich description and world-building. So far, this is my favorite book of the year. (Oh, and I don’t think Mr. Sleeve has read the end of the book. I actually don’t think he can read period.)
ADDENDUM: I’m a physician assistant, and I did a physical on a very nice gentleman who would have nonetheless been a perfect fit for one of Polivka’s characters. Missing front teeth, bandana on his head, somewhat scraggly beard, he fit the part to a tee. Made me a little nervous about REALLY having a visitor with me while I blog…
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by Jason Joyner | Apr 21, 2009 | Blaggard's Moon, Blog, CSFF, pirates, reviews
Leave a comment to win the latest Ted Dekker hardback, BoneMan’s Daughters.
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O-o-okay. We’re continuing the CSFF tour featuring George Bryan Polivka’s book Blaggard’s Moon. I’ve got a few special guests with me. Spinner Sleeve and his boys have, um, commandeered this blog and…OUCH. Hey!
Yak too much, and ye’ll be shorter than ye already are. Don’t be expectin’ any help soon. Jus’ do as we say, n’ this’ll be over n’ done. If ye want to be smack solid sure to end this here “bloggin'” career, then open yer yap some more.
Ye told us about The Legend of the Firefish and The Hand that Bears the Sword the day before. What do ye have fer us now?
Uh, just a second guys…
The Trophy Chase trilogy culminates in The Battle for Nearing Vast. Packer and Panna Throme are thrust into leadership to save their kingdom from the invading Drammune forces. As Panna tries to navigate the serpentine politics at home, Packer boards the Trophy Chase one more time to sail into the heart of the enemy. The Hezzan of Drammune, the ultimate leader of that warlike nation, wants the secret of the Firefish, but will Packer be able to give that secret away?
Get to the fights!
Straight away! As the climax of the first book ended in the waters of the Achawuk Islands, the feeding ground of the Firefish, so the third book winds its way to these fateful isles, where the final confrontation will occur and Packer has one more surprise in store.
The momentum that Polivka built with the first two books carries him full sails into the gripping finale. After enjoying the twists and turns of the second book, I couldn’t turn away from finishing, and it was a worthy tale for pub master and priest alike. The surprise wasn’t too much of one, but he did a good job of tying up the loose ends from the series in a satisfying way. The Epilogue may have been a little too “romantic,” but I’m a sucker for happy endings.
Overall, the Trophy Case trilogy starts a little slow, but rich and elegant in language and description. As the wind blows through the three books, the action and suspense builds into a wholly satisfying tale. If you like pirates or fantasy, these are books in the CBA realm that shouldn’t be missed.
Is that good, guys?
I suppose. Ye share the same annoyin’ flowry words with Ham Drumbone. But we reckon the point is made – this feller Polivka is a worthy pirate storyteller. Don’t think yer off the hook yet. Jes sit tight until tomorrow, and we’ll be seein’ if ye can wrap this up to our likin’. The lads here are gettin’ ready fer a little action.
There’s others in the tour. See here for a list of updated blogs. And I’ll wrap up tomorrow, if I can keep these fine fellows entertained. Cribbage anyone?
Yarrr!
by Jason Joyner | Apr 21, 2009 | Blaggard's Moon, Blog, CSFF, pirates, reviews
Leave a comment to win the latest Ted Dekker hardback, BoneMan’s Daughters.
—
O-o-okay. We’re continuing the CSFF tour featuring George Bryan Polivka’s book Blaggard’s Moon. I’ve got a few special guests with me. Spinner Sleeve and his boys have, um, commandeered this blog and…OUCH. Hey!
Yak too much, and ye’ll be shorter than ye already are. Don’t be expectin’ any help soon. Jus’ do as we say, n’ this’ll be over n’ done. If ye want to be smack solid sure to end this here “bloggin'” career, then open yer yap some more.
Ye told us about The Legend of the Firefish and The Hand that Bears the Sword the day before. What do ye have fer us now?
Uh, just a second guys…
The Trophy Chase trilogy culminates in The Battle for Nearing Vast. Packer and Panna Throme are thrust into leadership to save their kingdom from the invading Drammune forces. As Panna tries to navigate the serpentine politics at home, Packer boards the Trophy Chase one more time to sail into the heart of the enemy. The Hezzan of Drammune, the ultimate leader of that warlike nation, wants the secret of the Firefish, but will Packer be able to give that secret away?
Get to the fights!
Straight away! As the climax of the first book ended in the waters of the Achawuk Islands, the feeding ground of the Firefish, so the third book winds its way to these fateful isles, where the final confrontation will occur and Packer has one more surprise in store.
The momentum that Polivka built with the first two books carries him full sails into the gripping finale. After enjoying the twists and turns of the second book, I couldn’t turn away from finishing, and it was a worthy tale for pub master and priest alike. The surprise wasn’t too much of one, but he did a good job of tying up the loose ends from the series in a satisfying way. The Epilogue may have been a little too “romantic,” but I’m a sucker for happy endings.
Overall, the Trophy Case trilogy starts a little slow, but rich and elegant in language and description. As the wind blows through the three books, the action and suspense builds into a wholly satisfying tale. If you like pirates or fantasy, these are books in the CBA realm that shouldn’t be missed.
Is that good, guys?
I suppose. Ye share the same annoyin’ flowry words with Ham Drumbone. But we reckon the point is made – this feller Polivka is a worthy pirate storyteller. Don’t think yer off the hook yet. Jes sit tight until tomorrow, and we’ll be seein’ if ye can wrap this up to our likin’. The lads here are gettin’ ready fer a little action.
There’s others in the tour. See here for a list of updated blogs. And I’ll wrap up tomorrow, if I can keep these fine fellows entertained. Cribbage anyone?
Yarrr!
by Jason Joyner | Apr 20, 2009 | Blog, BoneMan's Daughters, books, reading, reviews, Ted Dekker
*Don’t forget to leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of BoneMan’s Daughters.*
I had a few scattered thoughts on the book that I didn’t work into my review.
Firstly, there is a lot of violent images in the book. The violence itself is “off-stage” for the most part, but a reader who is quite sensitive should be aware of this. Dekker addresses this in a post on his blog, and it is worth reading.
Second, Dekker also has a heartfelt story on his blog regarding the inspiration behind this book.
For what it’s worth, I was surprised by the editing mistakes I seemed to find throughout the book. They were mainly inconsistencies (six victims, then seven). For a “major” push, I would expect higher quality, because I don’t go looking for those type of things. I also tried, for the first time, to use Google maps to follow one path the protaganist takes. I remember Brandilyn Collins blogging about carefully charting whether the moon would be full or not on a certain date mentioned in her book, as obsessive fans who really watch details would be sure to notice. I was just curious, but the directions the book give don’t jive with the real life roads he uses. Interesting. Maybe Jason had too much time on his hands, but still…
Finally, a challenge. I found at least 5 times that a character is noted to be surprised or taken aback by a conversation by Dekker using the phrase, “He blinked.” Every author has their pet phrase. Some I’ve noticed is the coppery taste of blood, others sensations tingling/dancing/trippping down the spine. Blinking is a Dekker trademark. See how many times you can find this!
Enough rambling by me, so leave a comment already!
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by Jason Joyner | Apr 20, 2009 | Blog, BoneMan's Daughters, books, reading, reviews, Ted Dekker
*Don’t forget to leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of BoneMan’s Daughters.*
I had a few scattered thoughts on the book that I didn’t work into my review.
Firstly, there is a lot of violent images in the book. The violence itself is “off-stage” for the most part, but a reader who is quite sensitive should be aware of this. Dekker addresses this in a post on his blog, and it is worth reading.
Second, Dekker also has a heartfelt story on his blog regarding the inspiration behind this book.
For what it’s worth, I was surprised by the editing mistakes I seemed to find throughout the book. They were mainly inconsistencies (six victims, then seven). For a “major” push, I would expect higher quality, because I don’t go looking for those type of things. I also tried, for the first time, to use Google maps to follow one path the protaganist takes. I remember Brandilyn Collins blogging about carefully charting whether the moon would be full or not on a certain date mentioned in her book, as obsessive fans who really watch details would be sure to notice. I was just curious, but the directions the book give don’t jive with the real life roads he uses. Interesting. Maybe Jason had too much time on his hands, but still…
Finally, a challenge. I found at least 5 times that a character is noted to be surprised or taken aback by a conversation by Dekker using the phrase, “He blinked.” Every author has their pet phrase. Some I’ve noticed is the coppery taste of blood, others sensations tingling/dancing/trippping down the spine. Blinking is a Dekker trademark. See how many times you can find this!
Enough rambling by me, so leave a comment already!
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by Jason Joyner | Apr 18, 2009 | Biblical worldview, Blog, BoneMan's Daughters, books, reviews, Ted Dekker
BoneMan’s Daughters.
Ted Dekker.
For readers of CBA fiction, the name of the book coupled with the name of the author will not be a surprise. However, this book is considered Dekker’s first “mass market” novel. It is released by Center Street, a subsidiary of Hachette Book Group. This book is getting huge promotion, is a Barnes and Noble “Pick of the Week,” and in just a few days is number 53 on the whole site.
Synopsis:
A Texas serial killer called BoneMan is looking for the perfect daughter. Seven young women were apparently unable to meet his standards, and were found with their bones broken, but no open wounds. Two years ago a man was tried and convicted as BoneMan, but a problem with evidence is setting him free.
Ryan Evans is a Navy intelligent officer returning from a tour in Iraq. Traumatized by capture, he realizes he had let down his wife and daughter, and only wants to return and atone for his mistakes.
Only BoneMan is back, and has found a new daughter: Bethany Evans.
Ryan is desperate to rescue his daughter and engages BoneMan directly, even as the FBI wonders about his background and the suspicious timing of the kidnapping. Are Ryan and BoneMan one in the same?
BoneMan’s Daughters is unmistakably Dekker: suspenseful, intense, with puzzles and twists to keep you guessing until the end. Is Ryan BoneMan? Will Bethany survive? As a page-turner, Dekker doesn’t disappoint.
I was disappointed to a degree with the characterization though. In a Youtube interview, Dekker says that the primary character is meant to be an “everyman.” This makes sense, as I didn’t know much about Ryan. I cared about the plight of Bethany, but Ryan seemed pretty one-dimensional: a distraught father who acknowledges his previous failure. Bethany is a more compelling character, with a background and a lot of internal conflict as she stives to survive.
BoneMan is successful as a twisted outcast of a man, with unique traits that set him apart from the standard “psycho serial killer.” His allusions from the book of Proverbs were an interesting literary touch. Still, Dekker did a better job with his characters in Thr3e.
Overall, Dekker writes with a message. There’s always wrestling with truth in the context of the battle of good and evil. Questions of war, love, evil are all present. There are some touching themes that deserve deeper thought. I don’t want to prejudice, so see what you come up with on your own.
BoneMan’s Daughters is another solid suspense from the mind of Dekker, but I didn’t feel it was his best outing. It should please his longtime fans and win him new ones. If this is his major market splash, it definitely beats junk like James Patterson.
If you would like to read the first chapter of BoneMan’s Daughters, go HERE.
To win one of three free copies, leave a comment by 4/23, using the name of a Dekker novel creatively in a sentence. Good luck!
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