a first advance review for Leaving Fortusa . . .

[realthog]

. . . and very much in advance it is, bearing in mind the book's not due until October 1. I have nearly two full months in which I can bombard the unwary with repeated quotes from it.

The review is on the site Someone's Read It Already, and concludes with this (slightly trimmed-down, as indicated by ellipses, etc.) paragraph:

. . . I loved this book. There was much to chew on, and some amazing writing. Mr. Grant had a different voice and a different tone in every story, and he caught each of them perfectly. Based on my review of [Cory Doctorow's] Little Brother, one might guess that I’m not a fan of the policies of this current administration. Mr. Grant seems to be a lot more pessimistic than I am, though . . . I do not necessarily agree with all his projections; in some ways, it’s like a horror novel — a delightful thrill down my spine. . . . [A] very thought-provoking and frightening book. I’d definitely recommend it with caveats — it’s not for the faint of heart (or youngsters), what with the amount of violence, gore, sex, and horrible language. 5/5 stars for sheerly amazing writing, and a big kudos to Norilana Books for publishing it.

For the whole piece, go here.

Elsewhere in the review, the writer singles out one of the book's ten episodes for special praise, and remarks curiously upon the fact that it's among those that haven't seen prior publication as a standalone. I had to grin, because I'm very fond of that particular story as well; yet, a year or two ago when I sent it out to a bunch of magazine editors, they all rejected it with cries of singular venom. It may well be that it's one of those things that works best in its proper context, or . . .

 

Comments

[pds-lit.livejournal.com]

Wonderful review my Dearest!

[realthog.livejournal.com]

Glad you approve, Babe!

[pds-lit.livejournal.com]

As you know, I entirely agree with Vera's comment, "gobsmacking" to describe this book. And, I'll have everyone know that it is just not a prejudiced wife saying this about her husband's work.

[sarcobatus.livejournal.com]

Wonderful review, Paul!

[realthog.livejournal.com]

Many thanks, ma'am!

[al-zorra.livejournal.com]

Wowseeeeee!

This must make you, so rightly, happy!

Love, C.

[realthog.livejournal.com]

It makes me very happy indeed, you bet! Many thanks for that poignant "Wowseeeeee".

[time-shark.livejournal.com]

That's an excellent review. May there be many more!

[realthog.livejournal.com]

I'm kind of hoping, as you suggest, that there'll be many more reviews of the book. Many thanks for the good wishes -- much appreciated.

PS: Your blog is mesmerizing.

[charlesatan.livejournal.com]

Your wish is my command. You'll have to wait 'til Monday though (or Sunday evening on your end).

[realthog.livejournal.com]

Much looking forward to that -- hope you're enjoying the book!

[charlesatan.livejournal.com]

Yup, done with it. I did enjoy it much.

[realthog.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

[norilanabooks.livejournal.com]

*beaming*

[fledgist.livejournal.com]

That's a very decent review, Thy Thogness.

[realthog.livejournal.com]

Many thanks, Fragano!

[charlesatan.livejournal.com]

Congrats!

P.S. I love the easter egg in the first story...

[realthog.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the congrats, Charles, but, er, there isn't an easter egg in the first story!

[charlesatan.livejournal.com]

Or rather the Lochi reference =)

[realthog.livejournal.com]

Yes! Well spotted!

[quilterbear.livejournal.com]

Yay! Congrats on a terrific review! And many more to come, I'm sure!

[realthog.livejournal.com]

I'm hoping so! Many thanks for the kind words.