There is a huge difference between a passable (bordering on abysmal) book and a wonderful book. One of the biggest to me is the latter being 30 pages longer, and not notice them. To say it clearer, I didn't begrudge every page, I swallowed it hole and with it complete, beg for more.
I just finished reading The Lost Gate by Orson Scott Card. And he's a pretty fantastic writer. And the book is fantasy. Which is why it took me less than a fourth of the time to complete it as compared to The Secret of Lost Things. (I now I have just realized they both have lost in the title, and I feel like it says something about my subconscious feeling about this summer...)Back to the book. Well-written. Witty, interesting characters with interesting things happening! And solid world-building skills (I do love good mythopoeia!). Really no comparison to the prior book I read. A nice palate-cleanse. And more than a welcome relief to be back in the world of good writing.
And my minimal Wikipedia research has told me this is the first in a trilogy. CAN'T WAIT for the next ones!
Ooph. I feel like I should go through in detail what was right in this book (more or less compared to the other one). But, it's funny, I almost feel like I don't need to. The whole thing just clicked. I guess some writers are just better at getting the important things right. Maybe they are better storytellers. Maybe they've worked harder on it. Maybe they have a better editor.
Really, one of the most prominent things was that I liked the main character. Not just that I was supposed to, but I actually did. I wanted to know more about his magical abilities, about his world. I was interested. I know that I am predisposed to like fantasy, it's one of my favorite genres. But I still feel like Card made me interested as a reader because of his skill as a writer.
And the other characters were compelling and developed. Not flat pieces of furniture.
There is more (it's just better on every level). And if you want me to I can discuss more deeply anything you want me to. But it's nearly 5:00 and I'm gonna jet work like now. :)
It's amazing how well-written books just get you through their worlds without effort. I'm currently reading "The Swan Thieves" and it's so easy to get lost in. (Ha, that word has been turning up a lot lately, hasn't it?)
ReplyDeleteHope one day I can be one of those writers. I know that we all will, actually. :)
That sounds awesome. Maybe I'll have to pick it up when I'm done with my Harry Potter-o-thon.
ReplyDeleteOrson Scott Card is one of my favorite writers. It's interesting what a difference likeable characters make. And I'm not saying that to be sarcastic either. I'm not sure what makes one character likeable and another not, but when you care about the characters it makes you much more engaged in the book.
Also, the thing about how both the titles have "lost" in them . . . sadness Shannon! Yeah, that's how I feel about my summer too, but it'll get better.
There was one more thing I had to say to you, what was it . . . oh yeah-
GO READ ENDER'S GAME RIGHT NOW! WHY AREN'T YOU ALL READY READING IT! READ IT! READ IT! READ IT!
I command you.
I AM READING IT!!! And AHHAHAH! This book seems much more political than the one I read before. But AHHHHH POOR ENDER! Why does the world suck for him??? And VALENTINE! Oh, poor baby! with that crazy brother!! TERRIFYING!
ReplyDeleteI like this book too, I think Card is a pretty good author.