Thursday, December 30, 2010

The Worst and the Best of 2010

Gathered from actual comments made about The Crown Conspiracy from people I’ve never met.

On CROWN
This was quite possibly the worst written book I have ever read and am absolutely amazed at the high ratings others have given this.

Although I have only read your first book I must say that it is probably one of the absolute best books I have ever read!

Do yourself a favor and avoid this atrocious book.

On it's own The Crown Conspiracy is good but as a series The Riyria Revelations is brilliant.

No serious fan of the fantasy genre will enjoy this book.

THE CROWN CONSPIRACY re-kindled my love of the Fantasy genre in a way I didn't even realize it needed re-kindling.

On WRITING

But worse, far worse than any of that, is the actual writing style. It is, quite simply, the worst I have any seen in any printed material in my entire life.

The writing is easy and flows with a voice that is decidedly deft. Sullivan has produced some great writing that is efficient and to the point.

These made me rethink my initial opinion but were short lived and again ruined by the poor writing.

The pacing is pitch-perfect. There is not a page unused or wasted in the whole book. In a less skilled author’s hands, this could have been a far longer and more tedious read, but again Sullivan leaves me in awe as there isn’t a sentence I’d say isn’t required.

The English language was absolutely butchered in an almost insulting way.

The man creates the world with a simple prose that brings to mind things like woodsmoke from a stone chimney, rain spattering a windowpane, snow gently falling outside while a candle burns silently away in a shop window, or a lazy river meandering its way through the lush countryside.

It's amazing that such a poorly written book could receive such high ratings.

Michael J. Sullivan has written a book I will read over and over again and it most definitely will always reside on my favorite’s shelf.


On CHARACTERS
The characters are like cardboard cutout stereotypes and entirely predictable. There is absolutely no subtlety at all and, if the characters are easy to understand, it's because they have so little depth.

Royce and Hadrian are two well-developed characters shrouded in mystery and written with a delightful dry wit that few veteran authors could emulate.

For me, the characters never evolved from simple, ordinary constructions found in any fantasy novel to somebody with life, reasoning skills, or emotion.

The characters are entertaining and evolving, without turning cheesy and predictable like they do in so many fantasy series.

They were as dead as paper. Honestly, I couldn't bring myself to care about a single one.

At first I wasn't sure if I was really going to bond with any of the characters, but to my delight I found myself loving Royce and Hadrian.

I felt the characters weren't as developed as I would have liked.

Royce and Hadrian, the two protagonists, are complex

I could not get behind the shallow characters and their motivations.

The characters were witty and likeable, and the story was very believable, something you could actually see happening.

For the most part, the prince was the same character all the way through and then just developed all of a sudden at the end.

That’s not to say the supporting cast aren’t equally impressive, as I think Alric’s personal transition is amazing.

Characters made in a completely stereotypical cookie cutter form. They are completely lacking in motivation and actually just downright stupidly unlikable.

One of the great things about the novel is its realness, the characters are alive in their own right whether it be the silent and snarky Royce or the warmer Hadrian, the sometime hindrance Prince Alric or the lovable and curious monk Myron; you'll fall in love with the characters as much as the action.

There is not one believable character who talks or thinks like a living being.

Your characters are intriguing, touching, and real: My heart ached for Hilfred when he was on the stand; I felt Myron's sorrow at not being able to become a part of the world in which he is now thrust; and Royce reminds so much of my best friend during high school that it is his face I see speaking Royce's lines.

I could not get behind the shallow characters and their motivations.

Perhaps it is simply that the characters’ presence in the here and now is so fully-realized that everything else is merely secondary; regardless I’m excited to learn more rather than disappointed that I learned so little.

On LANGUAGE
His portrayal of an ancient wizard, using what he thinks is archaic English, made me cringe from start to finish.

The wizard has been locked up for 900 years and the way he communicates with the heroes is realistic and funny.

On PREDICTABILITY
I almost never found myself being really blown away or surprised by the plot twists and turns it was rather predictable.

The plot was not straightforward and it kept me on my toes trying to figure out which characters were good guys and which were bad guys. It takes a great writer to weave a tale that surprises me, that keeps me in suspense.


On COMPARISONS
If you like new fantasists like Peter Brett and Robert Redick, or skilled world builders like George R.R. Martin, Patrick Rothfuss, Guy Gavriel Kay and Joe Abercrombie, there's a high likelihood that you will find this as unreadable as I did.

It reminds me of George R R Martin's "Song of fire and ice" except on a lighter, much less confusing and difficult to comprehend at times scale. Needless to say, if you just want a good fantasy novel, pick this one up.

I have always loved fantasy and I enjoyed this book as much as I did when I first read Tolkien.

It was like combining the styles of Neil Gaiman to that of George R. R. Martin, and it really worked for me.

On ORIGINALITY
The writing/imagery is basic, the characters are one-dimensional and undeveloped, and the dialogue is tired old cliche after tired old cliche.

It doesn't follow the regular rubric of so many fantasy books.

On Dialog
Characters banter painfully in modern American English

The characters are fresh and engaging, I absolutely loved the banter between the two main characters.

On Length
As this book stands, it's too darned short!

It may be shorter then some of the books I have read but it sure does pack quite the punch. I say “The smaller the package, the greater they are”.

What can an author take away from all this contradiction? I can take solace in the idea that this list consists of almost all the negative comments I have seen, but doesn't begin to scratch the surface of the positive ones.

One final note:
There are two emails I received this year that, in all honesty, make everything here appear so trivial it’s silly. They are private and very personal messages from fans that I refuse to tarnish by making public, but I am glad to say they were very positive and more than any other comments or money earned--made my year. Thanks Renee & Cort and thanks Major Hill.

51 comments:

  1. Man, am I glad I'm not an author. I couldn't handle all the negative...

    ReplyDelete
  2. I knew I wasn't going to be an author way back in high school. The creative writing teacher never seemed satisfied with my level of creativity and was always trying to get me to stretch further. Then again, I guess that's their job.

    I know now that I could never be a critic (as I'm sure that Michael could attest to, be honest). Well, at least not one with any credibility. I find that I get too wrapped up in the story to concern myself with the intricate details of pacing, world building or character development. I mean, I could probably tell the difference in a well written book versus a poorly written one. But it usually takes the obvious omissions/short-comings/deficiencies for me to take notice.

    Many of my own faults as a reviewer could be overcome with the proper training and mental approach. However, I already have one hobby that's been ruined by making it my profession. I wouldn't want to ruin another hobby by turning it into something more. I prefer to read a book to escape my current reality or to deepen my knowledge on a particular subject that I find interesting. If I were to become a critic, I'm afraid that I wouldn't be able to see the forest because I'm too consumed with looking at each individual tree.

    Truthfully, I've only read the published works through Avempartha even though I own copies of all that have been released and you can include me in the portion of the population that will finish the series. I'm anxiously awaiting the release of Percepliquis (sp?) so that I can start reading the series from Book 1, Chapter 1, Page 1 through the end of Book 6. That way, I can become totally enveloped by everything Riyria and not be distracted by the storytelling of other authors seeking to entertain me between releases.

    In conclusion, THANK YOU Michael, Robin and everyone else involved in putting this wonderful story into my hands. I'm sure I'm not the only one that's curious to see what you may come up with next, be it a short story, a single novel or another series.

    Wishing you continued success...

    Chris

    ReplyDelete
  3. So, let me get this straight. Your mother-in-law's comments are in italics, and you agent's are in normal print, right? Not the other way around? Of course!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Loved the post. And your theory on critics. Sounds like you've got your head, and your series on straight. ;)

    Best of luck,

    billi jean

    ReplyDelete
  5. It is so surprising to see the negative comments because I agree with all the positive ones. I haven't been this enthused about a fantasy series in a long time. I try to avoid paying for books on my kindle but of course when I read one of your books, I had to have them all. Can't wait for the 6th book! Please keep 'em coming!

    ReplyDelete
  6. People who criticize writing style are often people who haven't read enough. Styles of writing range from the traditionally poetic and descriptive, see: Tolkien, to the simple and conversational: The Hunger Games, Harry Potter, to the extremely pointed: Ursula K. Leguin, Arthur C. Clarke, to the absurd: Kurt Vonnegut and nearly incomprehensible: Joseph Heller. I personally find Michael's style accessible and humorous, which fit the story well, and (unlike many offenders today) is never pretentious or overbearing.

    ReplyDelete
  7. its component is still beyond sitey.me/ their ability and also know more as a result after converting a few of the Tutu Helper Download For Android, iOS, Windows & PC component is kept in the international Tutuapp Helper language just. Additionally know the best tutuapp ways to download tutu apk for android.

    ReplyDelete
  8. It lets you see media material from your bravesites.com/ storage space tool through your TELEVISION.check this site In addition, you can stream from the net A COMPLETE GUIDE – HOW TO INSTALL KODI ON IOS WITHOUT JAILBREAK web sites which provide streaming solutions Download Kodi.The Android system, which is the most pre-owned Kodi operating system for smart devices all over the world.

    ReplyDelete
  9. شركة تنظيف فلل في الشارقة | الفريدة 0564465224| اتصل حالا نصلك الآن
    شركة تنظيف فلل في الشارقة
    شركة تنظيف كنب بالبخار في عجمان | الفريدة 0564465224| اتصل حالا نصلك الآن
    شركة تنظيف كنب بالبخار في عجمان
    شركة جلى وتلميع الرخام في عجمان | الفريدة 0564465224| اتصل حالا نصلك الآن
    شركة جلى وتلميع الرخام في عجمان
    شركة تنظيف كنب بالبخار دبي | الفريدة 0564465224| اتصل حالا نصلك الآن
    شركة تنظيف كنب بالبخار دبي
    تنظيف سجاد بالبخار بالشارقة | الفريدة 0564465224| اتصل حالا نصلك الآن
    تنظيف سجاد بالبخار بالشارقة
    تنظيف كنب بالبخار في الشارقة | الفريدة 0564465224| اتصل الآن نصلك
    تنظيف كنب بالبخار في الشارقة
    تنظيف كنب بالبخار في عجمان | الفريدة0564465224| خصم 50 %
    تنظيف كنب بالبخار في عجمان
    شركة تنظيف سجاد بدبي 0564465224 ( خصم 25 % ) اتصل الآن بالفريدة للتنظيف
    شركة تنظيف سجاد بدبي
    شركة تنظيف كنب في دبي 0564465224الفريدة أفضل شركة تنظيف اتصل الآن ولاتتردد
    شركة تنظيف كنب في دبي

    ReplyDelete
  10. شركة تنظيف بالاحساء
    nmesalya.com/ahsa/شركة-تنظيف-بالاحساء/
    شركة مكافحة حشرات بالاحساء
    nmesalya.com/ahsa/مكافحة-حشرات-بالاحساء/
    شركة تسليك مجارى بالاحساء
    nmesalya.com/ahsa/تسليك-مجارى-بالاحساء/
    شركة عزل خزانات بالاحساء
    nmesalya.com/ahsa/عزل-خزانات-بالاحساء/
    شركة تنظيف موكيت في الاحساء 0530533665 نسيم المثالية
    nmesalya.com/شركة-تنظيف-موكيت-في-الاحساء/
    شركة تنظيف مجالس الاحساء 0530533665 نسيم المثالية
    nmesalya.com/شركة-تنظيف-مجالس-الاحساء/
    شركة تنظيف فلل بالاحساء 0530533665 نسيم المثالية ( خصم 25 % )
    nmesalya.com/شركة-تنظيف-فلل-بالاحساء/

    ReplyDelete
  11. Appvn isn't accessible in the Google Play Store or iTunes because of Policy infringement of those application stores. It is prescribed to download the Appvn APK document physically to introduce Appvn on your Android and iOS gadgets.
    https://www.appvn.one/
    Appvn
    Appvn Apk

    ReplyDelete
  12. GB WhatsApp APK is one of the best alternatives to WhatsApp. They have many features which are locked in the original WhatsApp and give freedom to people to use it as they want.
    https://gbwhatsappplus.com/
    https://gbwhatsappplus.com/gb-whatsapp-plus-apk-download/

    ReplyDelete
  13. https://gbwhatsappplus.com/
    https://gbwhatsappplus.com/gb-whatsapp-plus-apk-download/

    ReplyDelete
  14. Awesome blog, Visit Ogen Infosystem for the best Website Designing Service provider in Delhi, India. Here you will get SEO Service also to promote your website.
    SEO Service in Delhi

    ReplyDelete
  15. For those interested in tracing their ancestry and reading stories of others' genealogy,Techgara provides insightful experiences of others who've explored their family roots.

    ReplyDelete
  16. FB2Mate is an online website that lets you download any video of your choice no matter how private or protected the video may be. Using this website, you can get access to such videos from Facebook. It also has an extension called Video downloader for Facebook.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Excellent .. Amazing .. I’ll bookmark your blog and take the feeds also…I’m happy to find so many useful info here in the post. we need work out more techniques in this regard. thanks for sharing
    this

    ReplyDelete


  18. Excellent Blog! I would like to thank for the efforts you have made in writing this post. I am hoping the same best work from you in the future as well. I wanted to thank you for this websites! Thanks for sharing. Great websites!

    https://apkfasak.com/


    https://apkmoto.com/


    ReplyDelete
  19. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Get the amazing and quality Flex Board Printing and Play School Cartoon Painting at Kalakutir Pvt Ltd in Delhi, India.
    Play School Cartoon Painting Services

    ReplyDelete




  21. PSl 2020 is nearly to coming in pakistan in February 20. The most awaited and the Popuplar event that is gonna be start. So Get ready and enjoy all the pakistan super laegaue live streaming, schedule, fixture and the other teams details. You can watch all the match updates and the Online ball by ball updates.

    Psl live streaming 2020

    ReplyDelete


  22. شركة المستقبل لخدمات المقاولات بالمملكه العربيه السعوديه
    تعد شركة المستقبل من اهم الشركات الناشئة بالعديد والعديد من اهم مجالات المقاولات الصغيره بالمملكه العربيه السعودية فقد تم العمل لدينا علي العديد من الخدمات الجديد التي تم ادخالها علي الشركة مه اهم هي خدمات التنظيف بالرياض وخدمات كشف تسرب المياه بجدة
    اولا خدمات التنظيف
    شراء الاثاث المستعمل بالرياض
    فشركة المستقبل لديها العماله المدربه علي القيام باعمال النظافة العامة للمنازل والبيوت والفلل مع احدث الاجزة المتخصصة في هذه الاعمال وايضا استخدام افضل المواد والمساحيق والمنظفات التي تعطي اعلي جودة ممكنة في عملية التنظيف فان كنت تريد تنظيف فلتك او منزلك فلا تتردد بالتواصل معنا
    غرف نوم جديدة للبيع
    ثانيا خدمات كشف تسرب المياة بالرياض
    ايضا عملائنا الكرام تم تحديث خدمة كشف واصلاح تسرب المياه بمدينة الرياض
    لدينا افضل الاجهز المستخدمة فيمع افضل الايدي العاملة ذات الخبرة والمدربة جيدا علي اكتشاف اماكن تسرب المياة بمنازلكم مما يؤدي ذلك لتوفير الكثير من الوقت والجهد والتكلفه علي عملائنا الكرام فنحن نسعي دائما ان نكون
    شراء الاثاث المستعمل بجدة

    ReplyDelete
  23. For those who want Government Jobs Latest Update and news, this is the website to come. You can check here for the latest updates about govt job. On this website you can found All India Govt Jobs Employment News of Central and State Government Jobs, Govt Undertaking, Public Sector, Railway and Bank Jobs In India.
    Army Recruitment
    Railway Jobs in India
    Teaching Jobs
    Govt Engineering Jobs
    Bank Jobs in India
    State Government Jobs

    ReplyDelete
  24. Thank you for the valuable information.iam very much impressed with this one.
    Looking forward for the good posts.
    gbwhatsapp latest version

    ReplyDelete

  25. The company combating a bathroom with news, who among us does not feel annoyed and bored of the presence of pigeons in the house where he lives on the roofs and builds his nest on the edges of the houses and on the balconies, this is not only limited to homes but also houses schools..

    Pesticide spraying company in Al-Khobar

    Gulf Pesticide Spraying Company, Gulf Homes Company, the presence of insects in the home causes problems for the population and therefore housewives suffer from the presence of insects they have and are searching for a company that specializes in spraying pesticides.

    Pest control company in Qatif

    An insect control company in Qatif is one of the well-known companies in eliminating insects and disposing of them permanently, as insects are harmful to human life and harm and their presence at home because of the fear and inconvenience of the population.

    A bathroom repellent installation company in Qatif

    The bathroom repellent installation company in Qatif, it is sure that the pigeon is a beautiful bird, but it causes anxiety and inconvenience for all residents in Qatif, and that is by standing on the windows and on the surfaces and therefore it works on the presence of many insects and residues on the surfaces.

    Pesticide spraying company in Qatif

    A pesticide spraying company in Qatif, it is recognized that when the summer approaches, a lot of insects appear and also increases when there is moisture, and if there is no control and elimination as soon as the risks increase, this results in the presence of epidemics and serious diseases that affect our health and thus begin suffering .

    Gulf Homes Home Services Company in Saudi Arabia

    https://www.houses-gulf.com

    ReplyDelete
  26. Wonderful information, I love to read this https://openjsonfiles.com blog. Thanks for sharing with us.

    ReplyDelete
  27. نقل اثاث بالرياض

    والتي توفر لك فريق عمل متكاملًا وعلى أعلى مستوى لكل المهام المنزلية التي قد تخطر على بالك مثل:
    خدمات نقل عفش
    حيث تهتم شركة ضفاف الخليج للخدمات المنزلية
    شركة نقل اثاث بالرياض
    المنزل في أماكن مناسبة وعدم تعرضه للأتربة أو اتِّساخه بالبقع أو حتى تآكله مهما طالت مدة عملية التخزين عفش.. مع توفير شبكة نقل كاملة تعمل على مدار أربع وعشرين ساعة لنقل اثاث منزلك إلى أي مكان تريده وفي الوقت الذي تحدده.
    خدمات رش مبيدات

    مع مشارفة فصل الشتاء على الانتهاء واقتراب موعد فصلي الربيع يليه الصيف تبدأ الحشرات المنزلية في التوغل والانتشار داخل منزلك بحثًا عن طعام وذلك بعد انقضاء فترة البيات الشتوي التي تقوم بها؛ مما يؤثر بشكل سلبي على كافة أفراد المنزل ويضعهم في حيرة أمام سلسلة لا تنتهي من الخيارات المتاحة في الأسواق مكافحة الحشرات المنزلية والتخلص منها.. ولكن مع شركة ضفاف الخليج للخدمات المنزلية يُوجد قسم خاص شركة رش مبيدات بالرياض يقوم بحل تلك المشكلة تمامًا ودون أن يسبب أي إزعاج من أي نوع لأفراد الأسرة.
    خدمات خطوط المياه
    وفقًا لإحصاءات فريق الشركة فإن مشاكل كشف تسربات المياه من أنابيب النقل أو انسدادها هي من أكثر المشاكل التي يعاني منها سكان مدينة الرياض.. فالتعامل مع شبكات نقل المياه يجب أن يتم بحرص وبدقة شديدين، ولذلك تسعى شركة ضفاف الخليج للخدمات المنزلية

    شركة عزل مائي بالرياض

    شركة كشف تسربات المياه بالرياض

    ReplyDelete
  28. Open apk files and access your favorite android files and apps on several devices.

    https://openapkfile.xyz

    ReplyDelete
  29. The Pinoy Lambingan is a platform where you can avail Pinoy Flix TV Shows free online. Main moto of Pinoy Lambingan is to provide entertainment to the filipino people which are in Phillippine or outside the Phillippine for their work.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Stay connected with us to watch lambingan and pinoy flix

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.