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Powell's Staff:
Five Book Friday: In Memoriam
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Every year, the booksellers at Powell’s submit their Top Fives: their five favorite books that were released in 2023. It’s a list that, when put together, shows just how varied and interesting the book tastes of Powell’s booksellers are. I highly recommend digging into the recommendations — we would never lead you astray — but today...
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Brontez Purnell:
Powell’s Q&A: Brontez Purnell, author of ‘Ten Bridges I’ve Burnt’
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Rachael P.:
Starter Pack: Where to Begin with Ursula K. Le Guin
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Customer Comments
Noah Arsenault has commented on (12) products
Merlin's Blade
by
Robert Treskillard
Noah Arsenault
, June 01, 2013
Upon hearing of this book before publication, I was hoping it wouldn't be a simple retelling of the classic Arthurian tale. I am happy to report that it is not. Instead, Treskillard brings the perspective a few steps back, beginning with the humble Merlin and his story. The language differences don't just make an appearance to keep things in perspective, they occur often enough to make the reader uncomfortable enough to figure out what they mean. Also, he steeps the events that happen (not just the atmosphere) in the time period. Families, leadership, and professions all reflect the age, but at the same time deftly shape the course of the story. Considering the people, Treskillard often found ways of skirting the recent character norms and cliched views of the medieval setting. ::SPOILER:: The only weak point I found was Vortipor's engagement to Natalenya, which didn't amount to much. ::END SPOILER:: Merlin was crafted well, with carefully-chosen words, as were Owain, Garth, Uther, and Morganthu. Merlin's Blade doesn't drag at all. The pace is set very well, and a great deal happens. It's lengthy, honest, and a pleasure to read. As for the story elements that make up the Arthurian legend, Treskillard has included them soundly in the lore of this series. Many items/characters don't show up immediately, or are only hinted at, but I have little doubt they will come further to light soon. *This book was provided free by the publisher in conjunction with The CSFF Blog Tour. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.*
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The Ark
by
Ken Newman
Noah Arsenault
, December 13, 2012
In the past, I've been disappointed by many books delving into Noah's story, and had yet to find a great one. This time, I found one that needed fine-tuning, but otherwise turned out well. I found that at first it was hard to speed through, because of typos, wording errors, and confusing sentences. When I shut out these distractions, I was able to see the plot arc for what it was. While some of the characters could be a bit more unique, staying with the reader longer, Noah and Kira did just that. I appreciate the way he portrayed their strengths and stubborn natures, alike. Similarly, Newman put a unique view on the flood, using modern technology intermittently, but not in such a way to make a point of showing it off, and didn't distract from the story. The finale, which most people know, needed something extra, while not deviating from the original tale. I feel that Newman delivered this well, though some might be able to predict it, yet still enjoy it. In conclusion, the errors may be very distracting, and detract from the reader's enjoyment, but if you aren't fazed by that sort of thing, then you ought to enjoy The Ark's speculative view of the House of Seth and Noah's story.
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Souls Gate
by
James L Rubart
Noah Arsenault
, November 01, 2012
Soul's Gate surprised me! I wasn't expecting such a speculative novel from Thomas Nelson. I'd expect this book more from Realms (of Charisma House). Although, since this is my first time reading Rubart, I may have seen it coming if I'd read Rooms before. Speaking of reading Rubart, I'm absolutely sure this won't be my last time. His character development and scene progression are fantastic. By the time you've finished the author's note at the end, you'll find that what he points out is true: this book is primarily about healing and a restoration of a relationship with the Lord, not just supernatural speculative intrigue. I cannot avoid mentioning the visions, insight, and Spirit-given power that are frequently seen in the book. Because I consider this speculative fiction, I can easily accept these in the story. Rubart helps in this matter by stating in his author's note that he doesn't think "soul travelling" is a large possibility in our world. Like Peretti with his "Darkness" books, Rubart delves well into spiritual warfare with cunning villains and confrontation scenes. In conclusion, Soul's Gate is much deeper than the up-front spiritual warfare taglines. It's about restoration and seeking the Lord. If you're not afraid of some speculation, I think this is a good book for you.
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The Telling
by
Mike Duran
Noah Arsenault
, October 01, 2012
This is one of the best suspense books I've read in a long while. It is quite unique how Mr. Duran forms the story, driven by a curious merging of character and plot concept. The idea behind the story revolves around Zeph, the Prophet, yet uses his journey to push everything forward. Something I enjoy about Duran's writing is that he takes risks. Taking advantage of the speculative genre, he had previously ventured into the area of healing power, and now he gives us a volume concerning a prophet. With many risk-free books out there, it's good to see a different and better approach. A neat parallel in the story is the careful observation of people suspected of not being their own selves. Throughout the book, Zeph is running from who he was as a child, not looking back, not accepting his God-given station. He is fixated on the present, hoping to remain unnoticed, until he is sought out by his calling. The suspense portion of The Telling truly had me on edge. I never knew what the exact outcome would be, and that made it very enjoyable. **SPOILER ALERT** The fact that Zeph could not do anything on his own was surprising, but very accurate. He needed help, first from God, and second from Little Weaver. This accurately shows our human nature and the untold grace of our Lord in pulling us up over mountains. **END SPOILER** In conclusion, Duran's risky speculative writing has earned credit in my book, and his intense plot and character building are great reasons to look out for future releases! *This book was provided free by the publisher, in conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.*
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I Am Ocilla
by
Diane M. Graham
Noah Arsenault
, August 05, 2012
From the title to the illuminating eye on the cover, this book will intrigue nearly any type of reader. It boasts a fresh and effective approach to revealing this new fantasy world. Ocilla, trapped in a pitch-black stone cell, knows nothing about herself, save her name. She must re-learn the world she was born into. While many fantasies overload the reader with details, I Am Ocilla starts on a narrow path of discovery, but makes Ocilla the focus. Readers quickly associate with her, since her temporary confusion is theirs. Another fresh stance is taken in reference to fantasy races. She doesn't rely on previous details regarding Elves, Dwarves, Giants, Dragons, etc. She makes the races her own. Additionally, she includes talking creatures, which frequently show great character. They are a personal favorite of mine. Mrs. Graham's writing style is wonderful. I could try to justify her use of present tense throughout by referencing her amnesia, but I don't think it is enough. While I'm not a strict nay-sayer to present tense by any means, I don't like it used for just any book. It ought only be used in exclusive settings and micro-genres, if then at all. However, her well-tempered craft is quite enjoyable. Something that surprised me was Graham's derivative of reincarnation. Don't get me wrong. It's not (and not intended to resemble) reincarnation. It is set in a different world, even though it references ours. As such, it is speculative in the sense of living a story over and over again. I Am Ocilla intrigues, freshens, and pleases the mind with clever creatures and writing. I'll be watching for Diane Graham's work in the future!
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Hidden in Dreams
by
Davis Bunn
Noah Arsenault
, August 04, 2012
This being my second time reading Davis Bunn's work, I suppose I was expecting it to be quite similar to the previous installment, Book of Dreams. In this expectation, I was wrong, and that is a good thing. In the first, Bunn's focus was fixed closer to the characters' journey through trials, and used the dreams to keep the pace even and set the mysterious mood. In Hidden in Dreams, the dreams help bring about the final solution to the book, but I will say no more regarding that. The focus, as you'll see by the end, has been about the "thriller" aspect of the novel. The characters aren't the moral focus they had been previously, but are excellent examples of Bunn's talent nonetheless. His writing is one of the key features that will draw readers in. Despite frequenting the subjects of medical studies, business, the press, politics, and economics, the reader is never bored by these. There is never unnecessary detail; just enough relevant information is given for the reader to understand (and care about) what is happening. While the dreams are definitely the focus of this novel, they slow near the middle, and so does the reader. They recover, and bring the interest with them, and certainly never allow the thought of quitting the book, but spark some boredom once or twice. Hidden in Dreams is a novel abounding in wonderful writing and textured characters, and gives a good name to Christian thrillers, but didn't hold my attention firmly throughout.
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Paradise War Song Of Albion Book 1
by
Stephen R Lawhead
Noah Arsenault
, August 04, 2012
The Paradise War is a tough book to tackle, admittedly. Any book that comprises 464 pages is, but this one in particular was slow, despite being very interesting and intriguing. Though I haven't slogged through many of Lawhead's books, it seems that each of his series is quite unique from the rest. The first two novels in the Bright Empires series exhibited very good description (showing and not telling) but the characters were nowhere near as rich (and the writing style as a whole so captivating) as in this first volume of the Song of Albion. While many fantasy books go the way this seems to be going (telling the story of the fall and redemption), this is a fresh relief in the genre. Everything is steeped in Celtic myth and lore, becoming vivid reality in the reader's mind. While still telling the story, it is not predictable, and the reader doesn't worry that Lawhead will take them somewhere they've been before. No, this is new territory, and he lets us blaze the trail with him. The characters are wonderfully immature at first, showing us how much we are like them, and that we need to change. Then, Lawhead shows us the process of their maturing, either in good or in evil, as some characters choose. Some interesting persons show up near the beginning of the story, then disappear, when they could be great sub-characters during the war itself. However, they may appear in the next volumes, and that would be good to see. In conclusion, while the writing is superb, the Celtic research is apparent, and the characters are quite helpful, the story slows down often, and that tires the reader out. It took me over two months from start to finish.
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The Land of Darkness
by
C. S. Lakin
Noah Arsenault
, March 03, 2012
So far, Mrs. Lakin has made each of her stories different. After The Map Across Time, I was afraid the rest of the series would either run with that idea, or be meager in comparison. While The Land of Darkness isn't the best of the series, it passed my expectations. The allegory didn't come in thickly until the end, and it was hard to take in because I felt rushed to see how it ended. Be ready for a few "Huh?" moments, and give yourself time to re-read those parts. Lakin's characters were once again deep. They weren't quite as personal to me, though, as those from her previous books. That aside, lessons could be learned through their mistakes and triumphs. *This book was provided free by the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.*
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Book of Dreams
by
Davis Bunn
Noah Arsenault
, January 19, 2012
This isn't what I would call an action book. It was boring occasionally, but had an underlying tension that kept me going. The focus was more on dreams and government proceedings. Only a few characters were developed well, while many were simply plastic players. They didn't drag me in. Mr. Bunn still has great writing skill, however. That was key in the enjoyment of the book. I've never read a style like his, and it makes me curious about his other books. He knows how to craft a situation and a setting. *This book was provided free by the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.*
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Star Chosen
by
Joe Chiappetta
Noah Arsenault
, January 19, 2012
I must be frank. This book bored me to death. Firstly, the page layout made me work twice as hard to read it, and one page had two page's worth of words in it. Secondly, the writing was really underdeveloped. Dialogue, narration, and description all seemed starved of imagination and quality. I am sorry to say that I read half of it, but could not finish. In what I did struggle through, the Gospel message was put forth very boldly, if not cheesy at times. A large part of the book (from what I can tell) takes place in a church, its youth group, and its mission group. Thus, the reader is "preached at" often, which could put off potential secular readers. *This book was provided free by the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.*
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Hand of Vengeance
by
Douglas Bond
Noah Arsenault
, January 19, 2012
If you are looking for something a little different, fresh, and intriguing, this is a good book to try. Coming from an experienced author of historical fiction, Hand of Vengeance provides an interesting take on the Anglo-Saxon time period. Mixing in some Agatha Christie-like mystery, Douglas Bond explores the ideas of vengeance and justice well. His characters are, as usual, pitted with interesting traits and thought processes. This is a good book to get you thinking. *This ebook was provided free by the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.*
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Safely Home
by
Randy C Alcorn
Noah Arsenault
, January 01, 2012
To me, this book wasn't as eye-opening, since I've read memoirs about persecuted Chinese Christians, but because I did so, I can confirm this book is very accurate. To others, however, it may be very eye-opening, and I hope you read it, if you have not already. This is a book any and every Christian ought to read. Even non-believers may find it breaking down their arguments and arousing pity. It is a story of two worlds: America and China, yet at the same time, Heaven and Earth. My heart goes out to China. Tyndale has released a tenth anniversary edition, with a note from the author. Summarized, it says that persecution in China is still like it is described in the book. The book is still relevant in this matter, and we should continue to aid them in any way we can, including prayer.
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