Fantasy Book Critic: Fantasy Book Critic’s 2008 Review/2009 Preview

2008 FAVORITES:

Probably the most monumental of my reads in 2008 was Tad Williams' Otherland series. Those books had been sitting on my shelf for a few years, looking magnificent but daunting. However, during the winter, I was having a very bad problem with asthma to the point that practically the only things I was able to do was read and sleep, so I cracked open Otherland and found myself transported and amazed. Sometime I'd like to thank Tad Williams for helping me forget the breathing difficulties for a time. I was so wrapped up in his world(s) that I was riveted, and when I finished each book I couldn't wait to get on to the next. I didn't know what to do with myself when I finished the final volume. From an author’s point of view, I think the Otherland series was definitely a great achievement. It was complex but held my attention, and made me care about the characters.

As 2008 ends, I find myself immersed in the biography of cartoonist Charles Schulz, by David Michaelis. When I was a kid I adored Snoopy and the Peanuts, and I still do. It's fascinating to find out about the life of my favorite cartoonist. There is a lot of delving into his psychology and I wonder about its accuracy, but the author's theories seem well founded and supported. Keeping in this vein, I'm also reading through one of a series of volumes with the collected strips called The Complete Peanuts. The volume I have is 1969-1970, and I hope to collect the others. It's an attractive hardcover put out by Fantagraphics Books.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kristen Britain is the author of the Green Rider fantasy series which includes “Green Rider”, “First Rider’s Call” and “The High King’s Tomb”. Kristen is currently working on the fourth installment in the series. For more information, please visit the author’s Official Website.

NOTE: For more author responses, please visit Fantasy Book Critic's 2008 Review/2009 Preview index HERE.

3:01 AM |

Posted by Robert |

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9 comments:

Booker said...: I am either a complete novice, or Britain says "NOTHING" about the fourth book on her site. Help?; December 20, 2008 at 2:17 PM
Anonymous said...: Hi Derrick,

I think I've mentioned on the site there will be a fourth book (I'm going to double-check!), but it's in the writing process, and thus far there is nothing to report that is reportable.

Kristen B.; December 22, 2008 at 5:11 PM
Robert said...: Well I don't remember seeing anything on her website either, but when I interviewed Kristen last year, she confirmed a fourth novel, which is where I got the info from :); December 22, 2008 at 8:41 PM
Anonymous said...: I just finished reading the High King's Tomb. I realize that it will take some time to write the next book. I wouldn't want to rush you since the first three books have been so good, but i am DYING to know what happens, so i couldn't help mentioning that any speed you could make would be greatly appreciated. Please keep writing these wonderful. stories.; January 11, 2009 at 4:21 AM
Anonymous said...: Agreed! I just read HKT for the second time, and I am DYING to know what happens next. I understand that writing takes time and that there is a process, but I really don't think I can wait 3 or 4 more years to know what happens in Sacoridia, and even more so, between Karigan and Zachary. (I guess I might have to but the suspense is killing me!)

Keep us updated please!; January 12, 2009 at 1:48 AM
Anonymous said...: Yep. I just finished the HKT as well....& am totally hoping the next book comes out SOON! I have been watching the high king/Karigan connection since book 1, just finished book 3, & they still haven't united. I HOPE THEY DO EVENTUALLY...hint hint.

Can't wait to see what happens!; April 16, 2009 at 3:53 AM
Booker said...: thanks. But I was hoping for some kind of timeline, kind of like Sanderson?; April 17, 2009 at 8:28 PM
Dustyn said...: Seriously this is one of the best Fantasy Series I have ever read. Kristen Brittan in my mind ranks up there with the greats like Robert Jordan, Tolkien, Terry Goodkind, E E Knight, and George R R Martin. I eagerly await her next book, although as with most writers the only way we will get a release date is when she finishes the book, then we will see it in stores 6 months to a year later depending on editing.; January 4, 2010 at 6:36 PM
Dustyn said...: Seriously this is one of the best Fantasy Series I have ever read. Kristen Brittan in my mind ranks up there with the greats like Robert Jordan, Tolkien, Terry Goodkind, E E Knight, and George R R Martin. I eagerly await her next book, although as with most writers the only way we will get a release date is when she finishes the book, then we will see it in stores 6 months to a year later depending on editing.; January 4, 2010 at 6:44 PM