American Gods by Neil Gaiman: A Review

Honestly, I should have written this post forever ago, and in truth I should probably read the book again if this review is going to do any real justice to the novel, but that's not going to happen. My overall consensus: I'm glad I read it. I will probably never read it again.

Let's remember that American Gods was published fifteen years ago and has probably been reviewed God knows how many times since then, by reviewers much more qualified than myself. But when I initially posted the reading list on my blog, I told myself that when I finished one listed, I would review it here, even if it was just for myself.

In all fairness, I was warned by multiple peers that American Gods was not the way to go as my first foray into the world of Neil Gaiman. But I was aware the TV series by Starz was in the works and as I had every intention of watching it, I wanted to get the book under my belt. I also had a peer reference American Gods in a review they gave of one of my short stories; not having read it, I knew it was a compliment, but desired more context. So I ordered a cheap copy off Abebooks.com and got to reading.

(Coming to Starz 2017)

I was disappointed, as many warned me I might be.

Now, perhaps part of my disappointment lay in my lack of world religions and myths. Obviously I recognized the main characters/gods: Mr. Wednesday is Odin, Mr. Nancy is Anansi (thank you, Wishbone), Mr. Jaquel is Anubis. But a number of the smaller characters--the Zorya sisters, Easter, Whiskey Jack--those I had no reference for. It makes sense that much of the book's deeper meaning might be lost given that lack of reference.

But even as a story itself, I was disappointed. The pacing was slow, the plot a bit disjointed, the characters underdeveloped. Honestly, I can't pinpoint what exactly kept me reading. There was something. I'm not one of those people who feels compelled to finish a book just because I started it. If it doesn't hook me in some way, I put it down, and I don't feel guilty. So there was something about American Gods that hooked me, because I did finish it, and rather quickly too. But I didn't feel anything when I got to the end, except maybe relief. I didn't gain anything from the reading. There was no sense of resolution, no sense of finality. It just ended.

I think my main issue with American Gods, other than not relating to it, was that I didn't find it memorable. The part that left the biggest impression (warning: spoiler ahead if you haven't read it!) was the revelation that Hinzelmann was burying dead kids in the trunks of cars that ended up on the bottom of the lake. That's what I remember about the book. And there was a battle at the end, I think. I don't remember which side, if any, actually won. As both a reader and an author, that admission makes me sad.

The good news is my lack of love for American Gods hasn't put me off Neil Gaiman. I still have a number of his novels on my list of things I want to read. Thinking I'm going to give Neverwhere a go pretty soon. It, unlike American Gods, has been highly recommended.

So, if you've read American Gods, what are your thoughts? What am I missing? Does it deserve another read? Or did you not care for it either? Let me know. Because if there's anything better than reading a book, it's discussing said book with the rest of the world.

Special Edition--Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice Review

**Note: Thank you to a good friend for pointing out that I mislabeled Alfred as Albert. **headdesk** For the record, yes, I know his name is Alfred, not sure where the Albert came from today. The situation has been rectified.**

Yup. I saw it early. Thanks to our local gaming store owner, we got tickets to an early screening. How was it? Well, let's establish first and foremost that I'm more of a Marvel girl than a DC chick. That doesn't mean I'm not willing to expand my fandom--it just means I'm not an expert on either Batman or Superman. So perhaps my opinion won't mean much. Let's also point out, for those who may not know, that the story line of this particular movie apparently has little to nothing to do with any Batman or Superman comic plot that currently exists. So if you're a dedicated comic fan, this may not be your cup of tea.

For me? An uneducated nerd with little background knowledge and no expectations? It was perfectly adequate.

It was a long and fairly disjointed film with just enough entertaining and humorous moments to keep it from being completely dull. This is especially true of the first half of the film, which is composed of short scenes that jump from character to character to character with no real continuity or sense of momentum. A number of scenes also lack any real sense of relevance, which is only exacerbated by their being "out of order;" while technically in chronological order, there is no flow to the "plot." Let's put it this way: at one point I leaned over to ask my husband what time it was. I had to suppress my groan when I realized we were only an hour in to the two and a half hour film.

The battle scenes that compose the second half of the film are definitely more entertaining and pass the time much more quickly. Watching the level of hatred Batman feels for Superman come to life in combat lets the viewer truly experience his emotions. And for a new fan like me, seeing the seemingly invincible Superman brought low by a superhero with no real "superpowers" was interesting to watch. It was a bit like cheering for the underdog, which I tend to do. As to Doomsday, brought to life by Lex Luthor and LOTR cave troll look-alike, I missed the point altogether. That may indeed be due to my lack of DC world background knowledge, but I couldn't tell you much about Doomsday other than he's a Kryptonian. I'm not sure why Lex created him, why he's so indestructible, or why he's out to destroy the world. The battle is pretty, I'll give it that. The explosions, Superman's X-ray vision, the flipping and turning and dodging of Batman and Wonder Woman--they flow in gorgeous sequences the rest of the film would have benefited greatly from. 

As for the characters themselves? Honestly, I think the best performance was given by the one person the majority of the public seemed to dread most. Ben Affleck plays an exceptional Bruce Wayne, if a not-so-exceptional Batman. He leaves Christian Bale in the dust, that's for sure. Jeremy Irons is no Michael Caine, but his portrayal of Alfred is enjoyable. I personally was disappointed in the lack of relationship portrayed between Bruce and Alfred; it seemed to me as if Alfred was promoted down to nothing more than tech-savvy buddy rather than deeply caring and involved father-figure and mentor. I'm used to Alfred being Batman's conscience of a sort; that aspect of his character didn't exist in this film. They tried to insert it in one major scene; they failed. Alfred warns Bruce of taking his brand of justice too far, of becoming a criminal, to which Bruce replies they've always been criminals. It's a brush-off, both in that singular scene, and in their relationship as a whole.

I haven't seen the other Superman movies in which Henry Cavill stars, so I can't rate his performance in this film against those. I can say that it felt as if Superman continually acted under the duress of others' expectations, rather than his own conscience. Cavill broods through most of the movie, giving the viewer the feeling that Superman isn't happy about the way things are going, yet he does nothing to change his course of action. 

Personally, I enjoyed Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor, but remember, I have absolutely no true concept of how Lex Luthor is meant to be portrayed. I got a kick out of Lex's little quirks and obvious hints at lunacy, though his motivations weren't clear outside of the fact that he was obviously cuckoo. While he did feel a bit Joker-esque, I think Eisenberg's performance left a lot of room for the villain's maturation in future films, should he reappear. 

While the film was lacking in a number of ways, it was not lacking in cameos. I think there might have been more people listed in the credits as themselves than DC characters. Appearances by Neil deGrasse Tyson, Charlie Rose, Anderson Cooper, and more did give the film a sense of realism, though the resources spent on such big names might have been better spent in other aspects of the film.

The score and cinematography were both exceptional, in my humble opinion. The film looked and sounded pretty. Unfortunately, those weren't quite enough to make up for the lack of depth in character and plot development. 

Overall, I give it 3 out of 5 stars. An average score for a perfectly average film. The one thing I can say with absolute certainty? I'm glad I had the chance to see it for free. 

Teaser Tuesday...kind of...

So awhile back (a good while back, I know) I mentioned that I'd been hired to write for The Ed Greenwood Group. At that point, that was all I could say. I couldn't release any details because of these wonderful little things known as non-disclosure forms. However, after many months of much hard work by a massive group of people, Onder Librum is officially live to the public and I can let you all know what you can be expecting from me over the next couple of years!

The first setting I'm working within is "In So Deep," and yes, you read that right. It does contain mature themes and is for adult audiences only. In other words, it's erotica. There will be sex in the novels released in this setting. Including mine. Just giving you fair warning. But it's not just sex, let's be clear on that. Ed Greenwood has developed a complex setting full of complex characters with a more than intriguing world order. And each novel is going to give its readers a dynamic and enveloping plot and story arc; the sex is just the window dressing.

So, as to what I'm doing specifically?

My novel is entitled "A Long Ride" and is set to be released in August 2017. Here's the teaser:

Despite the recent ravages of the Gulgular, the Earl and Countess of Sevormender are experiencing a shaky sense of peace. That sense is abruptly shattered when the Countess receives news her family in the neighboring country has disappeared without a trace. 

Determined to find them, the Earl sets out on a dangerous journey across lands overridden with lingering bands of the flesh-eating toadmen. In order to survive, the introverted Earl will be forced to make use of moon magic, a magic powered by acute arousal and sexual satisfaction.

Meanwhile, left to care for the estate, the Countess will find herself assaulted not only by enemies without, but by those within. Will she be able to defend herself and her home while awaiting her husband's return? And will the Earl find it in himself to do what is necessary to succeed? Or will his love and fidelity for his wife be both their undoings?

The second setting I'm currently involved with is "Death Helm," a setting in which certain dead are brought back to life with nothing but a burning need to fulfill their own personal missions. Avenging a loved one, thwarting crime, serving their own personal brand of justice--the Risen will stop at nothing to see it done. 

"The Hand of Justice," my Death Helm novel, will release in December 2020. What's it about? Take a look:

Avyleine awakens from death with no knowledge of her past life. She knows only one thing: an undeniable pull drawing her from her crypt and her inability to resist it. Following the inexplicable urge, she comes upon an alley echoing with female screams. Moments later, Avyleine is covered in blood, the garish pulp of a man before her. A young girl, her skirts lifted, bodice ripped, stares at her in shock.

Avyleine is a Risen, a "hero" brought back to life with a driving mission she doesn't understand, but cannot deny. As she pursues her purpose, she will form a tenuous alliance with a priest of the Destroyer, torn between her simultaneous allurement and repulsion for him. But as memories of her life before death emerge, will she continue to trust this new friend, or will her purpose demand his destruction...as well as her own?

So there you have it. A brief look at what is taking up most of my time these days. If I'm lucky, you're intrigued. And if neither of these settings sounds like your cup of tea, no worries. There are 13 other ones to choose from--just check out Onder Librum and find what fits your fancy. 

In The News: Hellmaw, Engagement Rings, and More

Welcome to Hellmaw!

In case you missed it, Ed Greenwood, the writer of the Forgotten Realms and hundreds of other fantasy novels, has launched his own publishing company, Onder Librum. Within Onder Librum, Ed has developed 15 new worlds, in which authors, new and old, are creating hundreds of new works. As you know, I am one of those authors. But I'm not in the news. Hellmaw is.

Hellmaw is the first of Ed's new worlds to be released to the public; it is a world of daemons who live among us, and now, in a time of urgency, may have plans for us. There are currently six Hellmaw novels available to the public, with the seventh releasing next month, and over 20 more coming over the next year or two. So take a look and maybe give one a read.

_______________________

RPG player? Fan of Lord of the Rings? Then be sure to check out the news on Geek and Sundry regarding the coming LOTR setting compatible with D&D. Yes, you read that right. Lord of the Rings and Dungeons and Dragons. What could be better?

______________________

As if Ed Greenwood didn't have enough going on, he's also writing the story line for upcoming game, Mages of Mystralia, set to release in 2017. Here's the trailer:

______________________

Lover of epic fantasy novels? Take a gander at this interview with author Brian Stavely about his trilogy, Chronicle of the Unhewn Throne, fantasy tropes, surprises in the writing process, and more. Once you're done, go check out his debut novel, the first of his trilogy, The Emperor's Blades.

______________________

Looking to get engaged, ladies? Drop a hint to your guy by leaving this site  of geeky engagement rings up on his laptop. As to which one he should get you? Well, if he's not familiar with your fandoms....I'll let you draw your own conclusions.

______________________

In case you're curious about which of your favorite genre shows are coming back for another season, ScienceFiction has you covered.

______________________

Finally, if you're a Bloodborne fan as well as a table-top gamer, you're in luck. The popular PS4 game is getting a table-top spin-off. 

______________________

And that, my friends, is a taste of what's new in the world of nerdom this week. See you all next Thursday!

Nom-nom-nom....Zombies

Zombies have never really been my thing. Neither has horror, for that matter. But over the past few months, I've found myself itching to delve into their world. Maybe it's because I've recently been exposed to a number of board games like Rise of the Zombies and Pandemic. Or perhaps it's because in order to catch up on the two seasons I've missed, I'm re-watching The Walking Dead from the beginning. Or it could be that I've realized I seem to have a penchant for writing horror--not something I ever expected of myself.

Whatever the reason, I find myself trying to figure out a spin--not a new one, necessarily, but mine--on zombies. What caused the condition initially? Is it, like in so many stories, some sort of highly contagious virus? Or is it something else? Are the zombies completely mindless, knowing only their need to feed? Or does some small spark of life still exist, buried deep within them? Are the zombies the characters of the story? Or rather, just the setting?

I'm looking forward to finding out.

Not sure when I'm going to get around to it, as the deadlines for other projects keep creeping ever so slowly closer, but that's not a problem. Gives me plenty of time to let the ideas percolate.

So tell me: what's your favorite zombie tale? Book, story, movie, TV show, whatever--which ones do you like best, and why?

Stitched Smile Publications

The schedule's been off for months now, I know. I apologize for the long and unexplained sabbatical. Suffice it to say, I'm back now, and I come with an exciting announcement:

My short story, Cutting Lies, has been accepted for publication in an anthology entitled, The Voices Within, by Stitched Smile Publications! Stitched Smile Publications is an independent publishing company specialized in assisting authors of all experience levels. They are focused on offering support to the small business aspect of the writing industry. I was thrilled at the prospect of submitting to them, and am honored that a small piece of my writing will be promoted by them.

As to the story itself? Well, I'll leave you with this tad bit of a tagline: Nothing is greater than the love of a mother for her child. Except perhaps a voice within...

I've been hired.

It's gone public, so I can finally announce it: I am officially a Creative, a member of the TEGG Sessorium. 

What is the TEGG Sessorium? Well, TEGG is The Ed Greenwood Group, and the Sessorium is a list of everybody working within it. I am now one of those people.

And in case you don't know who Ed Greenwood is, he is the author and creator of the Forgotten Realms, which became a world for Dungeons and Dragons. He has written countless novels, articles, and gaming supplement books.

And now, he's created his own publishing group, TEGG. He has created several new worlds, and is hiring Creatives to write and work within them.

He hired me.

What will I be doing for him, for TEGG? Well, I can't say yet. So mark your calendars for October 19th, when the majority of TEGG's super-secrets go live. You'll want to check out Onder Librum for all the details, and then keep your eyes open for an special blog post from me, detailing what I'll be producing over the next few years.

Just as a side-note, this is a HUGE deal; TEGG is massive, including over a dozen brand new worlds created by Ed Greenwood. This is going to be the biggest deal avid readers, gamers, etc., have seen in a long time. And I'm going to be one of many making it happen.

I cannot wait to get started!