by Jason Joyner | May 20, 2009 | Blog, reviews, speculative fiction, Stephen Lawhead, Tuck
After limping through this tour by pulling up old content of mine, I finally have something original to offer: my review of Stephen Lawhead’s latest book, Tuck.
*The final book of the King Raven trilogy picks the action up right after the ending betrayal in Scarlet. Bran and his followers, the Grellon, are returning to the wild and dark forest known as the Marsh when Norman knights ride up on them for an ambush.
After the battle, Bran attempts a peace accord with the usurping lord of his kingdom, Abbot Hugo and his marshal Guy Gysburne. The overture is grossly spurned, and Bran is determined to fight for their rightful freedom. He travels to the northern Welsh to enlist his mother’s kin to help him, while Lady Merian considers the help her own family might be able to offer.
As Bran attempts a daring rescue for a northen Welsh king, his foes bring in the armies of King William Rufus. A climatic battle looms for the woodland fugitives, whether the help is available or not…*
Tuck brings out all the things we love about the Robin Hood legend – arrows flying, daring escapes, cunning impersonations, and a friar who raps the bad guys on the head with a stout staff.
I’ve noted in my last two posts on the first books, Hood and Scarlet, that Lawhead is a great writer but somewhat streaky. Tuck falls into the pattern of the first book, with multiple third person points of view, although mainly following the jolly fat friar we all know and love. Scarlet was mainly from Will Scarlet’s point of view, differing from the other books. Changing point of view is a Lawhead trademark, and I think this sometimes is his undoing.
Thankfully, he avoids the letdown trap in Tuck. Lawhead really found an authentic voice and characterization for all of his major characters. Bran (Robin Hood), Tuck, King William, and others have distinct personalities and act believably throughout. The forest is a tangible danger for the Ffreinc knights who try to defeat the Grellon, but the overwhelming numbers provide equally real suspense whether Bran will succeed or not.
There is a good balance of action and rest in between conflict, without any real dragging parts. As the third in the series, there is a pretty good introduction to all the characters without slowing down the plot. I read the first two long enough ago I couldn’t remember all the events that are mentioned, so that was my only complaint in this area.
Overall Tuck is a highly enjoyable and satisfying finish to a very strong series. I think Scarlet was the best book of the series, but Lawhead did a very good job of making each book stand up on its own.
If you’re a fan of historical fiction, alternate stories, or speculative fiction, then this series is for you. There is enough Celtic lore to make it speculative, even though it mostly rests in the historical realm. However, any fan of Christian speculative fiction would do well to read liberally from Lawhead’s collection of books.
—
by Jason Joyner | May 20, 2009 | Blog, reviews, speculative fiction, Stephen Lawhead, Tuck
After limping through this tour by pulling up old content of mine, I finally have something original to offer: my review of Stephen Lawhead’s latest book, Tuck.
*The final book of the King Raven trilogy picks the action up right after the ending betrayal in Scarlet. Bran and his followers, the Grellon, are returning to the wild and dark forest known as the Marsh when Norman knights ride up on them for an ambush.
After the battle, Bran attempts a peace accord with the usurping lord of his kingdom, Abbot Hugo and his marshal Guy Gysburne. The overture is grossly spurned, and Bran is determined to fight for their rightful freedom. He travels to the northern Welsh to enlist his mother’s kin to help him, while Lady Merian considers the help her own family might be able to offer.
As Bran attempts a daring rescue for a northen Welsh king, his foes bring in the armies of King William Rufus. A climatic battle looms for the woodland fugitives, whether the help is available or not…*
Tuck brings out all the things we love about the Robin Hood legend – arrows flying, daring escapes, cunning impersonations, and a friar who raps the bad guys on the head with a stout staff.
I’ve noted in my last two posts on the first books, Hood and Scarlet, that Lawhead is a great writer but somewhat streaky. Tuck falls into the pattern of the first book, with multiple third person points of view, although mainly following the jolly fat friar we all know and love. Scarlet was mainly from Will Scarlet’s point of view, differing from the other books. Changing point of view is a Lawhead trademark, and I think this sometimes is his undoing.
Thankfully, he avoids the letdown trap in Tuck. Lawhead really found an authentic voice and characterization for all of his major characters. Bran (Robin Hood), Tuck, King William, and others have distinct personalities and act believably throughout. The forest is a tangible danger for the Ffreinc knights who try to defeat the Grellon, but the overwhelming numbers provide equally real suspense whether Bran will succeed or not.
There is a good balance of action and rest in between conflict, without any real dragging parts. As the third in the series, there is a pretty good introduction to all the characters without slowing down the plot. I read the first two long enough ago I couldn’t remember all the events that are mentioned, so that was my only complaint in this area.
Overall Tuck is a highly enjoyable and satisfying finish to a very strong series. I think Scarlet was the best book of the series, but Lawhead did a very good job of making each book stand up on its own.
If you’re a fan of historical fiction, alternate stories, or speculative fiction, then this series is for you. There is enough Celtic lore to make it speculative, even though it mostly rests in the historical realm. However, any fan of Christian speculative fiction would do well to read liberally from Lawhead’s collection of books.
—
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.
—
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…
—
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.
—
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…
—
by Jason Joyner | Apr 20, 2009 | Blaggard's Moon, Blog, CSFF, pirates, speculative fiction
First thing, don’t forget to leave a comment to win the latest Ted Dekker hardback.
—
Whew, time for another blog tour! My favorite tour is the Christian Sci-fi/Fantasy tour, and this month we’re featuring the pirate-y musings of George Bryan Polivka in…
Hey, who are you?
What are you doing? Let me gooooooo
Quit yer yakkin’, ye landlubber weasel. I just wanta be borrowin’ yer lousy blog. If’n I get fed up with ye, I may be borrowin’ yer liver as well.
I’m Spinner Sleeve, and yer probably wonderin’ what’s going on. It seems this here tour is talkin’ about my fellow pirate Smith Delaney and the story told in Blaggard’s Moon. ‘Ol Delaney spins a good yarn, retelling the story of pirate hunter Damrick Fellows n’ the beauty Jenta Smithmiller, while Delaney waits fer his death at the claws of mermonkeys.
Before this here blogger tells ya what he thinks of Delaney’s tale, the boys n’ me want his opinion of t’other pirate yarns by the gent Polivka. So speak up, or my sword will help yer memory.
R-r-right.
I’ve blogged about the first book in the Trophy Chase series, The Legend of the Firefish, before. The second book is The Hand that Bears the Sword. The hero of Nearing Vast, Packer Throme, has married his love Panna but is torn from her yet again as a new threat rises from the kingdom of Drammune. Packer is sent off on the Trophy Chase, the former ship of pirate Scat Wilkins, even as the wily rascal plots to take back his ship and get revenge on Packer. As Packer and the crew, including Smith Delaney, face impossible odds, Panna is brought under the “protection” of Prince Mather. She has to face her own conflicts to ward off the advances of the amorous royalty.
When Nearing Vast is invaded, there is another great challenge for the couple, and the future of the whole kingdom is at stake.
Polivka introduces some delightful surprises in this middle book. Characters thought dead return to drive events. Panna battles with her wits as well as her fists, as Packer wrestles with his vow to not pick up his sword again in battle, even as the whole kingdom calls for it.
Any introduction to a series is a challenge, and there is a lot to assimilate in Firefish. The second book allows the reader to soak and enjoy more, even as the stakes are raised even higher.
Is that all ye got?
Um, all I’ve got time for today?
You’d best be workin’ hard fer tomorrow then, ’cause me n’ the boys will be back.
Sooo, I guess there will be more pirates tomorrow. If you be needin’ (now I’m talking like them) more buccaneer blarney, visit Nearing Vast or see the other tourmates below.
*Participants’ Links:
Brandon Barr
Jennifer Bogart
Keanan Brand
Amy Cruson
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Alex Field
Marcus Goodyear
Todd Michael Greene
Ryan Heart
Timothy Hicks
Cris Jesse
Kait
Carol Keen
Mike Lynch
Magma
Margaret
Melissa Meeks
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Nissa
John W. Otte
Steve Rice
Crista Richey
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Rachel Starr Thomson
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Jason Waguespack
Fred Warren
Phyllis Wheeler
Jill Williamson
by Jason Joyner | Apr 20, 2009 | Blaggard's Moon, Blog, CSFF, pirates, speculative fiction
First thing, don’t forget to leave a comment to win the latest Ted Dekker hardback.
—
Whew, time for another blog tour! My favorite tour is the Christian Sci-fi/Fantasy tour, and this month we’re featuring the pirate-y musings of George Bryan Polivka in…
Hey, who are you?
What are you doing? Let me gooooooo
Quit yer yakkin’, ye landlubber weasel. I just wanta be borrowin’ yer lousy blog. If’n I get fed up with ye, I may be borrowin’ yer liver as well.
I’m Spinner Sleeve, and yer probably wonderin’ what’s going on. It seems this here tour is talkin’ about my fellow pirate Smith Delaney and the story told in Blaggard’s Moon. ‘Ol Delaney spins a good yarn, retelling the story of pirate hunter Damrick Fellows n’ the beauty Jenta Smithmiller, while Delaney waits fer his death at the claws of mermonkeys.
Before this here blogger tells ya what he thinks of Delaney’s tale, the boys n’ me want his opinion of t’other pirate yarns by the gent Polivka. So speak up, or my sword will help yer memory.
R-r-right.
I’ve blogged about the first book in the Trophy Chase series, The Legend of the Firefish, before. The second book is The Hand that Bears the Sword. The hero of Nearing Vast, Packer Throme, has married his love Panna but is torn from her yet again as a new threat rises from the kingdom of Drammune. Packer is sent off on the Trophy Chase, the former ship of pirate Scat Wilkins, even as the wily rascal plots to take back his ship and get revenge on Packer. As Packer and the crew, including Smith Delaney, face impossible odds, Panna is brought under the “protection” of Prince Mather. She has to face her own conflicts to ward off the advances of the amorous royalty.
When Nearing Vast is invaded, there is another great challenge for the couple, and the future of the whole kingdom is at stake.
Polivka introduces some delightful surprises in this middle book. Characters thought dead return to drive events. Panna battles with her wits as well as her fists, as Packer wrestles with his vow to not pick up his sword again in battle, even as the whole kingdom calls for it.
Any introduction to a series is a challenge, and there is a lot to assimilate in Firefish. The second book allows the reader to soak and enjoy more, even as the stakes are raised even higher.
Is that all ye got?
Um, all I’ve got time for today?
You’d best be workin’ hard fer tomorrow then, ’cause me n’ the boys will be back.
Sooo, I guess there will be more pirates tomorrow. If you be needin’ (now I’m talking like them) more buccaneer blarney, visit Nearing Vast or see the other tourmates below.
*Participants’ Links:
Brandon Barr
Jennifer Bogart
Keanan Brand
Amy Cruson
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Alex Field
Marcus Goodyear
Todd Michael Greene
Ryan Heart
Timothy Hicks
Cris Jesse
Kait
Carol Keen
Mike Lynch
Magma
Margaret
Melissa Meeks
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Nissa
John W. Otte
Steve Rice
Crista Richey
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Rachel Starr Thomson
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Jason Waguespack
Fred Warren
Phyllis Wheeler
Jill Williamson
