Bitter Truths - (Vol. 1/3) The Samurai Revival Trilogy

You have a good premise for the story and the writing is very strong and descriptive. I couldn't see any nits which is unusual for me!

Wishing you every success with it.

Melxx
UNICORN (crime/thriller)

Hi Rheagan,
here for our reading swap.
This is incredibly polished work. I particularly liked Chp1, usually I don't like slow builds but this one was very well done.
Chp 2 felt like there was too much being shoehorned into their conversation. It felt like too much detailed information too soon, and it didn't feel entirely believable coming from a conversation between two friends. Perhaps you need to put some of this information later on (in another chp) or to make the conversation flow in a more informal way around these subject matters.
But these are slight niggles, the first two chps had polish and style and some wonderful ideas.
All the best, 6 stars for now.
Sharda,
Please take a look at mine when you get the chance.
http://www.authonomy.com/books/42835/mr-unusually-s-circus-of-dreams/

Very thrilling!
There is so much originality to this book. You put such an thrill through your book. Keeps the reader coming back for more.
I like the cover you have for this and also the title.
Very Good!

Shelby Z./Driving Winds

P.S. Please take a look at my pirate adventure Driving Winds.

Hi Rheagan, this is so absorbing I just ran through the first three chapters, well written and action packed, I did have trouble keeping up! Fast paced and a very usual idea for a story, where did you get the inspiration from?
This is a wonderfully descriptive piece and I could easily form a picture in my mind of the Characters. I have highly stared you put you on my W/L and will put you on my bookshelf soon. With best wishes to you Karen. Faking it in France.

Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner Rheagan, an oversight on my behalf, please forgive me. I have now read and rated your book. You have great writing skills and tell the story really well. I wish I had the time to read more of it, but you know what life is all about,rushing here and there. You are on my WL, sorry I can't shelf it just yet, as I have a few others I have promised before you.
Wishing you all the best with it, and sorry about the delay.
Brian.

Have read ch 1.
Backed.
Hope you'll read ch 2 of mine, I can use some feedback.

An enticing read. I was really drawn into the characters and their situations. After the first four chapters I was sitting on the edge of my seat. One niggling point: though it is excellent for dramatic effect, it has been demonstrated that it is impossible for a human being to generate enough energy to cut a sword in half, particularly a katana. Bend, yes; cut in half, no. Having her sword rendered useless by being bent would be just as effective and more believable. I will be placing Bitter Truths on my shelf in the hopes I can find time to finish it. - Gao Zuojia

Kailai and the Dragon Prince

Rheagan,
I have read the first three chapters.
I think that the first chapter has absolutely beautiful descriptions and place setting. I was captivated by the beauty of the scene you describe, and by the obvious pride of the sword maker as she finished her handiwork. The very concept of a woman sword maker was appealing. It is a good beginning and a good hook.
However, I felt that you lost the gains that you had made in chapter one by what you do in chapters two and three. First, your background is much too thickly laid for me. I don't feel I need to know all of this so soon. Even if there are holes in my understanding of the universe you are working in, I can fill them out later. Squeezing so much background so early in the book halts the plot development and makes the book less compelling. I would rather have the plot hook driven more deeply into my consciousness first before I am told all this background information.
Second, the long sections and descriptions of Tessa and Penny are not very interesting at this point. I understand that you want to establish a background before Tessa goes off and saves the universe, but this really slows down the pace. I would be much more inclined to read all about their relatively dull, though accomplished, lives if I were at the edge of my seat because I had just read about rival gangs cutting themselves apart with swords.
Lastly, as a consequence of giving too much background too early, you have given me wish fulfillment and untenable universe before I was able to suspend my disbelief. The premise is very good- although a bit hard to swallow. But when you lay it out so early it is easy to reject. Again, if I become involved emotionally with a character or a situation, I can accept many things about their universe.
So, I would suggest that after your fabulous first chapter, you consider bringing in some action before going to the ladies and their very professional (and dull) lives.
I hope you find this critique constructive. It is obvious that you can write very well, and you have a good concept here, but I think that by making the beginning more exciting you will hook more readers.
Best,
Maeve

I like the reflection of the sword-maker’s smile. The juxtaposition of mobile phones and swords is clever. I like the astonishing image of a man, a Peacekeeper, boarding a plane carrying a sword. Imagine. Anyway, it made me think about the power of internet petitions and what could happen.

S&M. Very funny. Penny and her acronyms are fun too, PCC, OCL, RCL. Beauchamp isn’t fun. I like Penny and Tessa’s conversation though. At the beginning of four I sensed someone was going to die. I thought it was going to be Penny. The synopsis did say her best friend is murdered. I’m not sure. Maybe I missed something.

Anyway, Bitter Truths is very good. An interesting and unusual idea. I like novels that make me think about the future. Well done. Good luck with this. Best wishes - Ian

What an interesting concept for a novel. Very unusual.
The writing is confident, and you handle description very well.

I'll star this now and will give it a spin on my shelf when there's room.

Good luck!
Diana
Pascual's Birthday

I agree with Melcom, you do have a very good premise for the story! You are a very good writer and that is why this book is so good.
Thanks,
Scott

I don’t read a lot of fantasy, Rheagan but I enjoyed this. The prose feels very polished with very few typos/grammatical slips etc. Some of the visual imagery is sublime and cleverly helps to root the reader in the narrative. I do think, however, that it’s slightly overwritten in parts and would benefit from a judicious edit. An easy fix, though. The sense of place is particularly good. It’s subtly done but all the more effective for being so. It would be so easy to overdo the cultural detail but you seem to have cleverly resisted temptation. Nicely done.

The dialogue feels real and helps both to flesh out the various characters and add good energy to the scenes. The plot feels well thought out and multi-layered and, with its blend of action, adventure and intrigue, should appeal to a broad cross-section of readers. I can genuinely see this being a commercial proposition.

In short, a stylishly written, reassuringly confident opening. Highly starred. I’ll read on when I get a chance. Thanks and best of luck.


I made some notes on the opening chapter as I went along. Please feel free to ignore!!

‘Japan, September 2021’ - 2021 doesn’t feel like very far into the future for the type of revolutionary changes that seem to have taken place?? I think you could add another forty, fifty years and still preserve the air of the novel being set in the near future but give more credence to the strange new world order. Just a thought. Also, simply saying ‘Japan’ feels a bit vague?? Maybe include the name of the island as well??

I don’t think you need ‘burning sun’ and ‘clear blue sky’?? I think one implies the other?? As a general point, although the prose is very smooth and full of lots of impressively evocative imagery, it does feel slightly overwritten in parts. I think, if you edit out a few of the adjectives/adverbs - and some of the more ornate stylistic flourishes - the text would flow even more smoothly and have a more involving, original feel??

‘remnants from the town’s distinguished past’ – not sure what ‘remnants’ you are referring to?? a ruined castle?? a poet’s legacy?? maybe rephrase??

I don’t think valleys have plateaus?? aren’t plateaus large, flat upland areas?? maybe ‘valley floor’??

Love the image of the waterwheel dipping into the stream. Very evocative.

‘For a thousand years, Amakuni swords…etc’ – I know what you mean but I don’t think this quite works. A thousand years ago, I doubt the world was sufficiently ‘known’ for anything to be commonly considered a world leader. Maybe just ‘the best in the land’ or something similar??

‘not shiny’ – a bit weak?? maybe ‘matt’, ‘unpolished’??

the sword-maker/mother metaphor feels a bit clichéd??

I really like the way you drop in cultural details like the tatami mats and the kimono’s obi and leave them unexplained. Helps to build up a believable, immersive sense of place.

‘It is done,’ she said [full-stop] ‘The sword…’ Ditto line beginning ‘Yes, I promise…’

Bitter Truths. I have found time to take a quick look at yours, in return for your generous backing.
Your pitches promise a very original story -but I'm puzzled by the mention of 'Unwelcome Reflections' at the end of the long pitch. Was that a previous title for the book?

I take notes as I read, but dont pretend to be an expert.

Ch.1. What a wonderful description: 'Deep within the inhospitable mountains ... craqggy hillsides come together to leave a narrow gully...'
Your prose is rich and poetic, a bit heavy on theadjectives, perhaps, for the racey modern reader. (You have no less than six adnectives describing the lacquer table!)

Ch.2. An interesting concept. And impeccable prose.
Ch.3. I almost hesitate to point this out, your writing is so polished - but you say that unnecessary word slightly twice, while describing Penny and Tessa. I guess it is one of my foibles.
Another unnecessary word - almost.
Instead of saying Tessa tried to interrupt, perhaps you could actually have her interrupting?

Ch.4. Maybe there's a tad too much of back-story in this conversation? I confess I only skimmed through those first paragraphs.

Ch.5. Nor do you need that word eventually.

My eyes and mind are riveted to the computer screen. You are some story-teller. Masterful. This is a compelling tale. Six stars without question.

Jane (Breath of Africa)

Review//Unwelcome Reflections (1/3) by Rheagan Greene



Typically, I'm not a huge fan of long in depth descriptions (as it evidenced in my writing) but your opening chapter almost did it with poetry. About four paragraphs in I couldn't help but read it out loud just to see how it felt and sounded on my tongue. It's a testament that your writing did this for me. There were two instances where it switched to what was actually happening where it could have benefitted from a double space only to add more of a transition. Other than that, chapter one was flawless and through your careful descriptions, I'm practically in the building making these swords too. Chapter opens with some good dialogue and a complete 180 on the story tone--a realistic one I might add--but after a while the dialogue trails on to be a little less conversational. I understand that the story is set in the future as you've established that, but be careful when scripting dialogue. It's best to remember that we don't always speak so matter of factly and hardly do we say what we mean. Later on down the page you go back into a long description of what lead to the state of this world over the years. Yes, it is very informative and painted a picture but at a certain point (and sometimes in the first chapter) I had to remind myself that this was a novel and not a history book. It is fine to present your story this way, but it is best to make sure the presentation fits within the story a little smoother. The paragraph I'm talking about is the one that leads up to "Five minutes later, Penny whispered to Tessa." Ending chapter two, I have a general sense of what is going on, but I feel disconnected from the action. Your skill with the written word is evident, but make sure your readers are immersed at all times. I liked the chemistry of your two characters in Authonomy chapter three, but once again was a little iffy on the dialogue. Once again, it isn't bad dialogue...it just needs to be a little more convincing.

Please don't take my comments to mean I didn't like your story. I loved it enough to keep reading and if I didn't have to go to work in ten minutes I would've kept reading. You have a great story filled with fantasy while being grounded in reality and some really good characters. As far as typos and grammatical errors, I didn't see many which made for a smooth read. I'm devoted to my top 5 in a "backed till they make the desk" capacity or I certainly would have given you a spot. Great prose. Six Stars.

P.S. Not sure how I felt about your cover and book title.

I've made a start (finished the first chapter) this looks to be VERY promising.
Wonderfully readable Rhegan.

A portion of Para. 4 gave me pause. I do not know of any bamboo variety having limbs from which a tiger could crouch upon.

Another was around the 15th para, (or so) '...the quietly spoken man'
Should it not be quiet spoken or perhaps soft spoken..??

Over all this has great promise.
Ron Kirkland

Creating a world where guns are not the choice weaponary anymore was both unimaginable and brilliant. I loved the inclusion of the Samurai swords and the idea that Japanese culture, which is fascinating, could simply walk down your street. Your descriptions are very well detailed and at no point boring which tends to happen alot when the author needs to explain his/her created world. This wasn't the case with your novel. Everything about is seemed believable and intruiging, especially the inclusion of Samurai weilding gangs.

I liked Tessa, she's the kind of person all women want to be; strong, loyal and independent. The inclusion of memories from her childhood was interesting and added a new dimension to her which kept me wanting to read on. The dialogue between her and Penny is great and whilst they're not the 'girly-girl' type pals I could see the strength of the realtionship between them through your writing.

Though I think this was a little slow to start, I really enjoyed it. It's not the kind of book I would usualy read but I'm glad I did. I wish you the best of luck with it :)

Yasmin
- Guileless

I read your first two chapters. I enjoyed that they were small and concise though. There wasn't any burdensome language that made the reading heavy or slow. I enjoyed that the first chapter had a strong foundation and I could tell that it was well researched or you had first hand experience with the Japanese culture. My favorite line in the second chapter is when you say "But we are only at the beginning..." It hooks the reader and makes you want to read onward. I like the exchange between Tessa and Penny, it seemed genuine and well thought out. I wish you the best of luck with this and I hope to see this do well. 5 stars and on my watch list(on my computer because Autho doesn't give me enough spots!)

Best,

Ashley
"Maddy Hatfield and the Magic Locket"

...And here it is, almost immediately after Penny's first appearance; the plot steps up. Very nice timing. Slight crunch of gears though; "the best protection is still traditional Samurai armour..." apart from this bit of dialogue being just a bit too expository (I mean, both the characters already know all this, so why are they reiterating it to each other?), there are some technical issues about this idea that are probably better discussed by messaging, if you're interested.

I'm liking the premise more and, though; a good sci-fi opening with a single future change: the dominant political system of the 21st century will be Kungfutopia. Cool. Martial Arts instructors worldwide would rejoice in the sudden boom of their niche market.

Interesting premise. Just reading the blurb, I was very curious how you'd hand the sword-fighting and the socio-political issues with the setting.

The first paragraph paints a lovely establishing shot that zooms in nicely in the subsequent passages, but it wants for that essential sparkle to hook the reader fully. Just a polish needed, maybe as little as checking the punctuation.

The whole chapter unfolds nicely, though, setting us up with the mystic sword in the far east before the second chapter skips to the far west. This is the first time, I think, that we realise the events of the first chapter are contemporary; bit of a temporal disconnect there, needs a few words earlier in to let us know when we are.

Into chapter two we have "Penny was another confident, attractive young woman..." I really think you need to drop "another" and just have "a".

I'm liking the suspense, it's drawing me on nicely, but by the mid-point of chapter two I'm getting a bit antsy for the action to begin.

The setting itself is evidently well researched and evocatively detailed, too; very nice.

I really dig the modern samurai, total steampunk!

Rheagan,

I started reading your Opus and thought I would give you my cent and half:

Your narrative is a moment by moment perception where every moment is a dangling act promising the next to have the same urgency....

..... and that you deliver.

Then there are several devices working for you here:

First, what is Scy fy is called the landscape shot. There is a reason why 30% of a scy fy movie's budget goes out the window in the first 3 minutes and that is the landscape shot. The ability of the narrator to paint an alternative universe the reader has never seen before, one that is sufficiently enticing for him to say....

.......come..... this you have never seen before......

....... and yet...

......this you will like enough to stay for the 2 hours or so

.......and that you deliver....

......painstakingly painting an enticing world at the beginning of your narrative

then you have the use of body language descriptions to support the dialogue...

....that works too....

....finally a dialogue that is neither punchy or naturalistic, instead it has an otherworldly quality, as Borges would say.....

..... something that giving the setting of your narrative works wonderfully well.

....so by the time we get to the reality of chap 2, we have already taken a full glimpse at the world you are promising

and that is what makes your narrative worth reading

Some Minor/Minorest/Minormost points:

"burning sun" "sublimely peaceful" "serene solitude" "supreme craftsmanship" "beautifully finished" "elegant contours"
I would also cut a bit on the modifiers
why?
because as Updike said: "the modern reader can fill in the blanks"

for ex chap 2: "dressed immaculately"
then you go and describe his wardrobe
why not let the description speak for itself, without the label (immaculately)
don't you trust your power of description?

Let me know if that helps,

Overall, wonderful

david

Rheagan -
Unwelcome Reflections - I know you don't want this reviewed, and I'll look at your second book. This just to catch up with rating, and an earlier comment from months ago.
Decisive changes in society accompanied by a challenging transformation of identity in your characters make this a fascinating story. With Japanes-style attention you introduce a place, a sword, and a sword-maker who is a woman, Kimi-san. In the chapter where you introduce Trevor you plant some hints, but it still comes as a sharp surprise what Trevor and Peter have in store for themselves. The background story you weave in earlier, where the men are on the plane, could be shortened (and you may have done that by now). This is just my take on it. I know you're sculpting, like we do here. Very occasionally you state things that are implied in the next speechline, easy to spot and take out. Intriguing read, with tense conflicts of conscience in store. Best success. I enjoyed the read and rate this well :)

Pia (Course of Mirrors)

You create the imagery of the scene beautifully. I say with conviction you are one of the better writers on this site. You have a knack for painting a canvas of the scenes you lay out and weave them into a story-line. You are able to do so without it becoming the least bit cumbersome or laborious to the reader. I am proud to back your book.

Well established setting. Good premise for a story. Backed with pleasure. Lisa

hello RHEAGAN 'UNWELCOME REFLECTIONS'

A COVER that reflects whats to come and a pitch that compliments;
never in Japan but feel that i am as i read your wonderful descriptive picture of IGA NENO.
could feel myself walking up the path and looking at the craggy hills for the source of the swordmaking
yes you writing gives a feel of envolvement and the prose is delightful
backed with pleasure
TOM BYE ' FROM HUGS TO KISSES'
please back mine only; if you think it deserves backing oh nearly forgot keep at the CELLO good luck

Ms Greene, your first chapter starts off well, a smooth and entertaining beginning. Nothing to nitpick in that section. Good job.

Happy to back your work.

Joffrey (The Silver Spoon Effect)

Nice first chapter. Some of the dialogue is a little weak but the story line unfolds well. I did note a couple of grammar glitches but editing will take care of those (who doesn't have them?). Well written. Backed.

backed with pleasure

alison

Unwelcome Reflections is a blazing good read, with heaps of intrigue and a strong lead character in Tessa.. I like the premise which promises something miles ahead of the ordinary - keep up the good work - Backed!
Diane
Good Blood

To Rheagan (Unwelcome Reflections,

This is a good story, well built and well told. God luck. I'm BACKING it.

Frank James (The Contractor)

Usually when I'm in a bookstore, I'm there to purchase something specific; however, on the rare occasion that I have time to browse and discover, my method is usually to pick up a book, open to a random page, and sample the prose. If I opened your book with this method, I'd probably leave the store with it. Such a joy to discover well-crafted writing, the type of writing that is so polished, with such a pleasing rhythm, that it doesn't really matter what the story is. Luckily, the story is intriguing as well. Great description, wonderful use of language. Really a book to savor--my type of read. Excellent.

---Mary
The Qualities of Wood

Hello Rheagan,

Good premise, opening and well written piece. I love this legendry tale of sword making. I read only two chapters and they look promising. The first chapter has authencity to keep one reading, very descriptive. This book worth attention. Goodluck.

The first thing that I noticed about this story is the the prose. I would think this is ideally suited to this remote part of Japan.Your research is brilliant - your sound as if you know a great deal about the subject matter eg the detail about the swords. A strong piece of writing, covering many subjects.What I've read so far contains great flair and promises a great story as indicative of the first three beautifully written chapters. I think your
writting is intriguing and attractive. Backed with pleasure and best wishes,
Faith
The Assassins Village

Unwelcome reflections
Backed
Eveleen
(Turning a new leaf)

I do like what I have read to date. You have crafted a most interesting and fast paced storyline and your character development of Tessa is well done. Your descriptive writing coupled with action and the Samuria influence makes your thriller a pleasure to read. Backed.

Andrew Burans
The Reluctant Warrior: The Beginning

What a well paced and interesting thriller. You really do write the genre exceptionally well. Lots of great historical research and in the best tradition, you have set out a complex set of scenes with simplicity which allows the reader to focus upon the characterisation. I especially enjoyed the idea of the peacekeepers, not just the description, but thinking about them in the real world .. I mean, who would dare ?
You are an intelligent writer ( even if your professional profile isn't that impressive - lol ) and this shines through in the prose. My only criticism is this... In the very opening sentence, you say that Iga Ueno is a non-descript town and then go on to fluently DESCRIBE how beautiful it is. Were you just hiding your light in that first tentative and all important sentence. Come on .. you know you can do better than that. Excellent work. Regards, Lewis Andrew, 'Manganese'

Beautiful, well researched setting in your opening chapter. The history behind the area, and the history of the sword itself are well documented. You have an excellent literary style!

I might have introduced dialogue sooner, or had the sword put through its paces i.e. slicing through thick stalks of bamboo, but all in all this is a great read! Backed with pleasure!

Craig Ellis
The Sun and the Saber

The first chapter had an authenticity that worked to keep me there. I was disappoint to discover the second chapter moved locations. Not that there was any fault in the second chapter. Then we get to Trevor and his super powers and the whole thing is set up with anticipation.

Thanks for the read,
Benjamin Dancer

The segment of Unwelcome Reflections posted, developed from an interesting pitch, is sufficient to display the literary talents and background of its author. Well researched, as evidenced by the gems of authenticity and nuggets of knowledge salted throughout, the plot develops at an optimum pace for this type of action/adventure genre. The prose is graphic and confident with international locales providing credibility and allure to the reading.

The stage may be a little crowded with characters too early for my taste but that is admittedly purely subjective and did not detract from my overall enjoyment. 'Closet violence' a jewel of a phrase! BACKED. Robert Davidson. The Tuzla Run

A very deserved backing
Helen
The Last Dream

Very descriptive passages and eases the reader into the story gently. I have only read three chapters so far but I will continue through the week. Backed.

The first thing that strikes me about this story is the lyricism of the prose, which seems ideally suited to this remote Japanese countryside, its ancient architecture and the exquisite Amakuni swords, 'Rejoicing at being released, the blade glistened and hummed with anticipation'. The second thing is the depth of knowledge, as the detailed structure of the sword is revealed. Then two incongruities, the swordsmith is a woman, and she has a mobile phone. On to Trevor waking up to 'Farming Today'. What's his problem with his appearance? And what's this with the phenomenal reactions? 'Their surgery was booked', intriguing ... and I think I know now, and that's where the promised protagonist of the pitch is hiding, Tessa.

You've bitten off a big chunk, Rheagan, covering so many subjects and such a broad scope, but you've done it so far with flair and a knack for sinking hooks into the reader. I do think it would help to trim some incidental info from the early chapters (see below) so we can stay absorbed in the more personal side of the story, but that's a minor point. I'm more than happy to back Unwelcome Reflections.

Possible nits: 'young man arrived ... Don't you ever arrive...'. 'just boarded the plane with a Samurai sword', omit 'the plane' to avoid a repeat. There's quite a lot of background info in 2, including in the conversation between Trevor and Peter and the narration. Do we have to know all this now and in detail, or can it be trimmed with bits fed in later?

Very enjoyable read. Thanks for your hard work and dedication. Backed. Marianne (Saint Paddy and the Sundial)

I have read three beautifully written chapters. Indeed, most interesting premise!
Writting is intriguing and the style is very attractive with lots of detail about exotic places.
Exactly my cup of tea. Cheers. Backed with pleasure and best wishes,
M
- Weekend Chimney Sweep
- Sarajevo Walls of Fate

Wonderful pitch and an excellently painted Japanese rural scene. You have shown fantastic research and understanding of the background of the samurai sword and its importance.

This has a mark of high value.

BACKED. Good luck and cheers

I agree with Melcom. You have a very compelling premise. It is strong and descriptive and has the power to involve the reader long enough to make it come real in the mind. I'd work on the pitch. I wasn't that drawn by it the way this first chapter does.
Good Luck.

Emma Philips
The dark Intruder

A very clever and original premise that is feasible in today's climate. The use of the sword is a clever one as the sword is usually a symbol for justice and that good will prevail. Your writing is sharp, laced with raw emotion evoked by layered characters and Tessa's pain and dilemma is well played, making us sympathetic to her plight. Love vengeance stories anyway and this is a fresh take with your wonderful premise and almost future.

Crisp chapter time span presentations with balanced amounts of dialogue give an engineering sense to an excellent storyline development. A suggestion is to include a very brief prologue centered on the "Samuari Sword" in relation to the prominent place of that weapon in the culture of the country. Backed. Chuck (Paperboy Adventures) (Literary Agent Blues)

Interesting and well written.

Philip John (Dead Reckoning/The Ambassador's Last Post)

Dear Rheagan Greene,

I read the first chapter of Unwelcome Relections and your "me" page. I don't know if that qualifies for a return read, but it matters not. I like reading about others and never before corresponded with an Oxford gal. I am a great big Anglophile and when I imagine Oxford or Cambridge visions of CS Lewis or Charles and Sebastian dance in my romantic American head.

Now, about you and your interesting and complicated book, perhaps it's somewhat out of my scope, but it is filled with all kinds of wonderous places and ideas. International law and New Crime, gangs, and something as ancient as the Saurai sword, hmmmm, and then a sensless murder...certainly intriguing and creative.

Wishing you all the best with this action-packed adventure. Audiences will love it. Backed for all your ideas.

GK Stritch
CBGB Was My High School

Unwelcome Reflections:

This first chapter wets my appetite for unusual, exotic times and places, and piques my curiousity, which is what a first page should do. It raises interest without resorting to the cheap gimmicks of most literature: Kill somebody, start with a sex scene and so-on. Instead, this simply begins with darned good writing, a very concrete and specific, tightly written first chapter. In short, it is what I hope for when I open a book. I will back it.

F. Ellsworth Lockwood
"The Final Cruise"