*Just to continue on that point about apparent simplicity: I’m of the view that the best writing is the most transparent – writing that creates the illusion that an author doesn’t actually exist and that the words effortlessly lift of the page and insert their images and story straight into the reader’s brain. Struggling to read a book because some critical appraisal deems it ‘worthy’ is an exercise in pointlessness akin to flagellating yourself with a knotted rope to try and become more virtuous.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Blood and Iron -- Tony Ballantyne
*Just to continue on that point about apparent simplicity: I’m of the view that the best writing is the most transparent – writing that creates the illusion that an author doesn’t actually exist and that the words effortlessly lift of the page and insert their images and story straight into the reader’s brain. Struggling to read a book because some critical appraisal deems it ‘worthy’ is an exercise in pointlessness akin to flagellating yourself with a knotted rope to try and become more virtuous.
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Books,
Science Fiction
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3 comments:
Hi Neal,
Yeah. I am a big fan of Ballantyne's work, and I agree with your comments regarding Blood and Iron. Very well written story; deceptively simple and easy to read style; engaging, intriguing and enjoyable on multiple levels.
(BTW, I read my first Asher on the basis of a positive review by Tony Ballantyne!)
Regards,
Duracell.
Really? I didn't even know he read my books!
Actually, I was mistaken. My apologies.
I went looking for the review last night, and after I gave up, I noticed your review of Twisted Metal on the back of the dust cover of Blood and Iron. It was then that I realised that it was this positive review of his book by you (especially the bit about "rip-snorting robot total war") that motivated me to give Prador Moon a try! Somehow I got the whole thing mixed up in my head - memory can be a funny thing sometimes!
(If it is any consolation, I liked Prador Moon so much that I had ordered your entire back catalogue from Amazon before I finished it, and I now pre-order your books as soon as they become available to purchase, which reminds me: Amazon informed me 2 weeks ago that I would be getting my copy of The Departure on September 10th instead of October 19th - Yay!)
Duracell.
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