A Review of Bentley Little's Dispatch

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Jason Hanford is an excellent writer and he often uses his ability in a deceitful manner. This deceitful way often gets Jason everything that he wants in life. All he has to do is write a simple letter. He sends letters to businesses, newspapers and anywhere else that he sees fit.

With a single letter, Jason can get free food, free passes and even a response from the government. Soon, someone takes notice of Jason's letter writing ability and offers him a job. The job offer is from someplace that Jason is not aware of and a place that he cannot even imagine.

At this point, his life is in shambles; he is divorced and without a job. With his life at a low-point, he accepts the mysterious job offer that requires him to only write letters. That is all, nothing more. The job almost seems too good to be true.

What Jason does not know is that this job will change his life in a way that he cannot even begin to fathom.

Bentley Little does an excellent job at turning something so simple as letter writing or even a store and turns it into something terrifying. Readers that are already familiar with Little's writing style know that he takes everyday mundane things and turns them into brutal nightmares.

Dispatch is not an exception, except that it is difficult to have any type of sympathy for the main character. He is a shady individual and it is hard to sympathize. However, the situation that he finds himself is horrific and bizarre, maybe even too bizarre.

Little is known for bizarre and far-fetched stories, but this one is out there. Sometimes it is laughably extreme. Dispatch is not one of the best Little books available, but it does deliver if you can get past certain bizarre points.

The first half of the book is certainly more enjoyable than the second half. The second half of the novel is where things start to fall apart. Some areas are not very coherent. The ending is not very strong, but the strange factor certainly matches the rest of the story.

Overall, Dispatch is an easy read that has some faults. It is a page-turner, but the reader will really have to accept some truly far-fetched scenarios, which is not necessarily a bad thing.

Some other recommended reads by Bentley Little are: The Association and The Store.

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Top Fantasy Books - A Fan Of Fantasy?

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What are your all time favourite top fantasy books? I bet many of you will have thought Lord Of The Rings immediately! With the recent success of Game Of Thrones on television and a second series possibly on the way as well as a movie version of The Hobbit coming our way next year it's probably fair to say that the fantasy genre is as strong as ever. For those of you who aren't fans of the genre or maybe just passive fans then hopefully we can convert you!

The fantasy genre really started way back in Victorian times with authors such as William Morris and George MacDonald. The success of fantasy books today though probably lays at the door of one man, J.R.R Tolkien, creator of some of the top fantasy books such as Lord Of The Rings, The Hobbit and The Silmarillion. It was Tolkien who was the first to really create an entire world to base his books in, his world as many already know was Middle-Earth.

It has been said that Tolkien came up with the idea of Middle-Earth when sat in his back garden looking over the hills and imagining wars between different races taking place across them. It was from this imagination that one of, if not the greatest book trilogy's of all time were created.

At the same time as Tolkien was creating Middle-Earth a good friend of his, C.S. Lewis, was also creating his own fantasy world known as Narnia, his books also went on to huge success with The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe becoming one of the top fantasy books of all time, not only that, it also has a few movie variations in the decades after, making the 1950's the true-birth of fantasy.

If we fast forward 60 years and walk into any decent book shop the fantasy genre is probably one of the largest sections, much of its success must be pointed towards it's founders but even today we have classic fantasy books coming out all the time. Fans of the television series Game Of Thrones may have since gone out and bought the book, maybe even the titles after in the A Song Of Ice And Fire series, one of the greatest fantasy series of all time. It's because of these current authors such as Martin and Hobb that the fantasy genre continues in such strong fashion and it's because of them we will never get bored of the fantasy genre.

Are you a fan of the fantasy genre? If so please visit our site at http://www.topfantasybooks.net/ for all the latest and greatest in fantasy literature and movies.

Book Review for: "A Clash of Kings"

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Book Review for: A Clash of Kings
Written by: George RR Martin
Bantam Books
ISBN: 0-553-10803-4
Avail: print & ebook
4 Stars

Martin pens a worthy follow up to his fantasy epic, "A Game of Thrones," with "A Clash of Kings." Mainly set on the land of Westros, several men fight for the crown of the seven kingdoms. Will there be a winner? In the east, Daenerys Targaryen, the mother of dragons, seeks to find a way to return to Westros.

The story opens with the main characters observing a comet in the sky. Each has their own personal interpretations of the comet - good and bad. What I liked about Martin's use of the comet was how he evoked "an impending sense" about what was going to occur and what was inevitable. This tone lingers in the reader's mind as the story enfolds.

Stannis, the previous king's rightful heir, has turned to sorcery and believes the time is right to attack Westros and secure his throne. With his backers and sorceress, he sets out to accomplish his inevitable mission.

In King's Landing, the 13-year-old king, Joffery, demonstrates cruel brutality and little concern for the subjects who follow him. It's up to his uncle, Tyrion Lannister, to defend the city and carry out justice. Tyrion has quite a challenge considering the obstacles in his path.

Tyrion's father, Tywin, fights north of King's Landing, but is unable to defeat Robb Stark's forces or secure his son, Jaime's, freedom.

Ayra Stark finds herself at Harrenhal, serving first the Lannisters, than Robb's man, Bolton, and she must rely on all her wits to stay alive. Will Syrio's lessons prove enough?

To the west, Balon Greyjoy, self-styled king of the iron islands, attacks the northern coast. His son, Theon, returns to a prodigal greetings and finds his sister holds much favor with their father. Wanting to earn prestige in his father's eyes, he attacks the Starks at Winterfell.

Bran and Rickon flee Winterfell and are presumed dead. North of Winterfell, Jon Snow and the Night's Watch explore beyond the wall in order to determine the nature of the impeding threat.

Catelyn Stark journeys to Storm's End and has an adventure before returning to Riverrun where she is determined to support her son, Robb. An explosive confrontation with Jaime Lannister towards the end of the story settles several issues for her.

In the south, Renly Barathron makes plans to attack King's Landing, but first he must deal with his brother, Stannis. In the far the far east, Daenerys leads her Khalhaser through barren land before finding hope in the city of Quarth.

Martin's story is told from several perspectives, giving the novel its epic fantasy feel. The writing is sharp and never lingers, moving from event to event at a crisp pace.

Martin's characters give the story its heart. For Daenerys, her character continues to grow in inner strength and resolve. Theon's deception is heartbreaking, while Tyrion's honest approach as the King's Hand had me rooting for him despite the darkness behind the Lannister's bright colors.

"A Clash of Kings" stirs a passion within the soul, making the reader feel as if they're a knight in Westros. The only drawback, while minor for me, were the open plot points at the end of the novel. While several ends were tied up, new ones developed. There's no feeling of satisfaction at the end just a restless anxiety that promises to continue with "A Storm of Swords." Martin, though, has me hooked, so I'll read to find out what happens next. Some, however, may find the unresolved ending frustrating.

Who will be the king of the 7 kingdoms? Joffery? Renly? Stannis? Balon Greyjoy? Robb Stark? "A Clash of Kings" promises surprises, fast-paced action, and will leave the reader anxious to read the next book in the series. Overall, "A Clash of Kings" will leave you breathless and wanting to know what happens next.

Reviewed by: S. Burkhart

Steph B is an author who likes to read many books and a variety of different genres. Steph B is an author at http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Creative Writing.

Plantaniums "Awakening", By: Joseph M. Armillas - Book Review

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With the first book of his trilogy, author Joseph M. Armillas has written a spiritual science fiction that captivates the reader for the most part. In later chapters the saga drags a bit with the history of the super intelligent Umhar and Tausenzauts. It takes off again when a new ship approaches Plantanimus. Written in third person narrative it's easy to fall in love with Kelem, the author's main character. While he is the richest and most intelligent man in the universe he is also a most kind and gentle young man who suffers just like the rest of us in matters of love and loss of love. He shuns politics and fake relationships opting for genuine friendships instead. For an evolved being from Mars you could say Kelem is very caring and well, "very down to Earth." He's the kind of protagonist you want to explore the universe with so don't miss Joseph M. Armillas's second and third books in the trilogy,Plantanimus "Return to Mars and Plantanimus "The Gulax War."

Plantanimus "Awakening," is the first book in the Plantanimus trilogy by author Joseph M. Armillas, describing the galactic adventures of Kelem Rogeston. Kelem is a gifted genius and Martian child prodigy of vast scientific intelligence. He graduated at nine years old and has become the red planet's greatest pilot. He also has powerful psychic abilities that he's only beginning to master. He faces many adversities as he transforms from a boy into a most respected Martian citizen. At twenty, Kelem invents an n'time generator and the planet's most advanced spacecraft; a spaceship that can disappear and reappear instantly at any desired location in the solar system. He will eventually play a major role in the interplanetary revolution that will attempt to liberate Mars from the evil Phalanx. The Phalanx is a fascist style Terran organization that has taken over Earth and plans to steal the n'time technology and enslave the inhabitants of Mars.

Centuries back the repressive Phalanx group promoted the War of Independence and Mother Earth lost Mars and the Moon as colonies. Then the Phalanx infiltrated every aspect of Earth's government and society. Now in the 27th century, leader Soltan Voltanieu has become the most dangerous man in the universe. He uses every deception and cruelty to control the Terran people and aspires to rule Mars with an iron fist. Meanwhile, Kelem is stranded on the alien planet Plantanimus and thinks he will have to live out his life there. He comes to accept this fate as his destiny. He befriends the Dreamers who live there. They help him develop his gifts and expand his consciousness. He visits the Quantum Tide and can see the past, the present, and the future all at once. Kelem is the first member of the Sixth Root Race-a race that is an evolution of mankind. He doesn't want to leave his new home, but he must because his people are in danger and the future of Mars depends on his return.

S. Marie Vernon, Pacific Book Review

http://www.pacificbookreview.com/

Book Review for: "The Emerald Dagger"

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World of Ryyah - Birth of the Half Elves, By HL Watson - Book Review

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In the history of Elves there was a time before remembering known as The Elder Days and it lasted for thousands of years. Then for an unknown reason their King suddenly died. How could this be? The Elders were immortal! In the confusion a great civil war ensued and the unrest caused their magical Rune stone to explode. Total darkness fell over the Elder kingdom to last for 100,000 years. The magical source stone had held their immortality. Now, all was lost. They no longer called themselves Elders as their immortality died during the time of darkness. The Elder Age ends and H.L. Watson's, epic story, The World of Ryyah, First Book in the Elven Age Saga-Birth of the Half Elves, begins.

The Elven factions begin to compete with each other and they have more contact with the human race. Humans behave like animals and are referred to as barbarians. If they wonder into the Elven Forest they will be killed or used as pawns. This protocol slowly changes with Alayna, a five-hundred year-old Elf. One day Alayna rescues Donovan and some orphaned human children from the clutches of Boric the Knife, a true barbarian. Human or not, Alayna takes Donovan and the other boys into the Wood Elven Forest and trains them to become human Elven Rangers. Alayna is mother, teacher and commanding officer to the boys. Her name is sacred to them. They become swift of foot and fast of hand and great protectors of the Elves and their lands. Alayna dies and Donovan becomes a man. He is the greatest warrior of the human Elven Rangers. He lives for one reason and one reason only; to avenge the cruel fate and death of the two mothers he has loved. Death to the barbarians is the thought that fuels his anger and keeps him willing to go on. As Donovan searches for the warlord Garock, he has an opportunity to rescue the Elven Princess Brandela, and it could help him in his quest.

Brandela is young and beautiful. Her life is protected and luxurious until Eldergate is raided. She finds freedom just beyond the Wood Elven Forest that was her home, but now she is living as an outcast. She uses the magic she knows for protection and healing. And, she finds love and happiness in the arms of her forbidden lover. She has never known such heaven and bliss! She wonders if the bonding spell has worked. And, dare she return to her life as a princess? What would happen to her love? If Donovan rescues her what will become of him and of her? Could a House of Donovan really evolve?

With The World of Ryyah-Birth of the Half Elves, H.L. Watson has created an extraordinary piece of Elven fiction. A book that is a must read for those who still believe in magic; the magic of love and romance, the magic of a loyal family, and the magic that can renew one's faith when all they hold dear is lost. This is the magic we find in myth and legend that leaves us spellbound. And, spellbound you will be anticipating Mr. Watson's second book in the Epic Saga of the Elven Age!

A few edit issues were found in this book.

Reviewed by: S. Marie Vernon, Pacific Book Review

http://www.pacificbookreview.com/

The Drawing of The Three: A Book Review, Part 2

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In the beginning of 'The Drawing of The Three,' the second novel in 'The Gunslinger' series by Stephen King, the gunslinger, Roland, finds himself struggling to stay alive. He has opened a door from his world, which is parallel to Earth. This door leads into the mind and life of a desperate man named Eddie, who is on a jet with cocaine taped on his chest.

Roland is able to bring Eddie into his world. Eddie goes into the latrine and hurriedly rips the bags of cocaine off and hides them in Roland's world. Meanwhile airline employees pound on the door to try to get him out of the latrine. They know if he's carrying drugs there's no way he can get rid of them in that small latrine. But he does.

Eddie, the addict, spends 4 hours detained, but ends up being released by the puzzled drug enforcement agents who just know he was carrying but can't prove it. Unfortunately for Roland, the addict refuses to help him until Roland helps him deliver the cocaine. He does give him a cola drink, which, to Roland's dying body on the other side of the gate seems wonderful.

The reason the addict wants to deliver the cocaine is because his brother is being held by a mobster who will kill him if the cocaine isn't delivered. Roland of Gilead uses this door into the addict's world to keep both of them alive. The addict tells the mobster after they do a body cavity search on him that he can walk right into that bathroom naked and come back out miraculously with the cocaine. They let him go into the bathroom, but when he comes out he doesn't come with the drugs and he doesn't come alone.

The suspense Stephen King generally builds in his books is kept up in 'The Drawing of The Three.' But added to the suspense is an irony that builds and builds. The gunslinger is a lean tough fighter bad to the last stringy muscle. He reaches out to a heroin addict centuries ahead of him in learning and technology. His body craves the sustenance of food and medication. The addict, on the other hand, has all the amenities of our highly developed world. He lacks the one thing Roland of Gilead does not, the instinct to survive. Eddie is killing himself with a substance that controls his very will to live. But in return for saving his life, Roland is willing to teach him the art of gun slinging. He'll give Eddie a sense of purpose. The two will head out in search of the Dark Tower.

Eddie, of course, is only one of the three Roland of Gilead must draw. The next I will discuss in my next article. I think the symbiosis here between Roland and Eddie, gunslinger and heroin addict, is interesting. Both men are involved with some of the most unsavory characters of their world and their time. Of course the mobsters Eddie's carrying the cocaine for on the flight turn out to be soft compared to Roland. They live in a world where they can afford to be slow on the draw. It's easy to order out for fine cuisine, which makes them fat and lazy. In most other circumstances these mobsters would dominate their surroundings. It is entertaining to see how they react to the surprises coming their way. Roland of Gilead is ready to bump heads with any man, magician or beast that comes his way.