Member Since:
Oct. 28, 2018
southernlegends
southernlegends' favorite authors on Smashwords
Smashwords book reviews by southernlegends
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Axira Episode One
on Dec. 16, 2022
So far I've read only Axira series by Odette C. Bell, although it may be assumed that other titles align more or less in terms of author's writing style, story pace and world-building scale. The writing style is concise and succinct, one that is neither wanting nor overstretched - without unnecessary fancifulness, striking the point quickly without bogging the reader down by superfluous and minute detail. As consequence of aforementioned style - story unfolds in consistent, but reserved (no easy guess on story twists) manner. Dangers befall swiftly, tensions build up gradually and horrors haunt forever - that's it. The scale of story (storyline branching, themes coverage) is one that deserves special remark and will, mosy likely, be that "final say" on your overall impressions after finishing the series. The story tenaciously follows mainline narrative, with main character or two in the focus and their feelings on top list - of author's attention. As it stands, some readers may perceive the writing been diluted by dash of melancholy and story held back by off-beat comments, time and again. The personal scale, therefore, the one that builds around one focal point (of main hero and his companions), with other elements (politics, science, philosophy and universe at large) planted into it as seeds or "snapshots" - presents distinguished vein to tell apart this author. Readers eager for grand scale of parties and their agendas, for "monumental" dash to leaders and societies and controversies of scientific progress and space exploration will find their expectations met half-way and hardly enough.
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The Sapphire Shadow
on Dec. 28, 2022
Interesting take on science fiction scene - the future is next to nere, but not within reach yet. Sort of liminal time - when social and scientific advances are not ripe enough to make palpable gains and untangle pressing problems, yet already capable of throwing in troubles and kicking off crises, if only looming ones. It's not about struggle of good versus evil - it's more like endless tug of war between dismay/escapism and fortitude/fatalism - only that, at the end of the day, it "ends" in endless loop of insanity. This vibe is easy to catch and retain in characters and events, throughout the entire story. Good stuff to tantalize your mind and stir up your feelings.
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Tropical Punch
on Dec. 28, 2022
I've truly enjoyed the author's usage of witty quips and smart comments as shortcuts and keys to the story (characters, events, items, situations). Usually, well - with most of books , you have to read through extensive and detailed descriptions, summaries, preludes, background story, setting overview, side notes, you name it...so boring and slow, and painful. Or, even if it's not extensive - disjointed, insufficient and irrelevant accounts and explanations. Here you get smart, swift and juicy comment, quip, curse, rant, tease or grunt - and you know whats going on here... It's like proverbs or fitting associations, wise afterthoughts or interesting hindsight, but more lively, vivid, thought provoking, mind stirring...Not the stuff you lecture from dusty pulpits before falling asleep! This makes story extremely immersive, breath-taking and unstoppable in terms of action, pace and suspense! On the side note, if you (like me) is not native speaker of English, you'll need to reference dictionaries once in a while, to figure out special or additional meaning of certain words or phrases (rare or uncommon usage, colloquial, urban, slang etc). But this just ramps up immersion and is so rewarding once you get it! Overall, the series have character, atmosphere and style, and I strongly recommend it.
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Empires of Bronze: Son of Ishtar (Empires of Bronze #1)
on Jan. 02, 2023
I have to say, that despite solid approach and sheer earnestness shown by the author, I've still ended up with feeling of loss - the longing for better presentation, yearning to get it right. Don't get me wrong - the effort been invested into story weighs and shines like real heavy chunk of bronze)). But, I'm sorry, - Peter Darman does it better in his "Parthian Chronicles". Maybe it's writing - it is done from the third person here. The "Parthian Chronicles" are told from first person, resulting in more coherent and immersive, consistent account - giving the reader quality experience, to put it from my perspective. Maybe its choice of words - here each chapter was like string of pearls - you get beautiful necklace in the end)), and you can add more beads or take away few if you like. In "Parthian Chronicles" each paragraph was like step in pyramid - you get it complete, the only of its kind, magnificient and stately, you just never dare to touch or change it))). Anyway, the book is great and, considering overall lack of coverage in the subject (ancient Near East) I will definitely consider buying further books in the series - once I collect enough gold...excuse me, bronze!))
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The Parthian
on Jan. 09, 2023
Well, the book itself sums up experience and feelings of everyone who have read it - "I know, for I fought beside him".
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Carrhae
on Nov. 08, 2023
Fine ending! The journey didn't quite ended, literally, by abrupt swing of events or hasty tying of loose ends, but, as befits historical novel, ebbed in quite waves back into the ocean of time, slowly faded into horizon, got swept over by the sands of time! That's exactly the impression I got! Great!
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Parthian Dawn
on Nov. 08, 2023
Action goes on! Young and hot-blooded prince shows his mettle and drive on every page! And beautiful description of different places throughout th lands to collect and rest yourself before next charge! Like it!
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Parthian Vengeance
on Nov. 08, 2023
I think what makes heroes of "The Parthian Chronicles" come alive as you delve into the world of Parthia, is the subtle and artful way in which their beliefs and convictions are weaved by Mr. Darman into their lives and deeds. There are gods and rituals, but no miracles or magic - you collect tidbits of each personality in witty proverbs, profane curses, sincere blessings, strange habits, special talismans, wedding challenges, sacred architecture and so on. This prevents the writing from turning into drab account of events - a sad fate that often befalls other works of this genre. The effect is that Agraci are wild and fierce, Romans cruel and efficient, Parthians are frivolous and reckless, men are determined and erect, women are cunning and tight! Great!
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Incredible Worlds - The Sci Fi Action Pack (5 Full Length Novels)
on Dec. 27, 2023
Battleground Mars and Last Life are best of action packed and drama filled stories. Thank you.
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Edifice Abandoned
on Jan. 20, 2024
This book is more symbolic than descriptive, employing signs, puzzles and sensual scenes to reach the reader. It's not that it is not interesting - it is somewhat difficult to read, buffling I'd say.
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Alien Mysteries Collection: The Complete Series
on Jan. 20, 2024
Glad You're Born is hard 5 stars! Unusual and beautiful places, dreamlike experiences and struggling characters - and all these without added complexity to bog down reader. It's like looking at beautiful picture! Drink the Water (4 stars) is interesting and sensual, but lacks drive and vitality, with ending somewhat making things more complicated - too messy and hasty. Edifice Abandoned (3 stars) is mysterious and sensual - interesting, but somewhat hard to read.
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Angel Face
on Feb. 24, 2024
Solid tale of human condition in world of tech. Many glimpses into philosophy, psychology, family etc. I would wish for romantic line to be brought to its completion, though)).