INSIDE OUT (by:Maria V. Snyder) REVIEW

Synopsis:
Keep Your Head Down. Don't Get Noticed. Or Else.

I'm Trella. I'm a scrub. One of thousands who work in the lower levels, keeping Inside clean for the Uppers. I do my job and try to avoid the Pop Cops. The Trava family who rules our world from their spacious Upper levels wants us to be docile and obedient, like sheep. To insure we behave, they send the Pop Cops to police us.

So what if I occasionally use the pipes to sneak around the Upper levels? Not like it's all that

Until a lower level prophet claims a Gateway to Outside exists. And guess who he wants to steal into the Upper levels to get the proof? You’re right. Me. I alone know every single duct, pipe, corridor, shortcut, hole and ladder of Inside. It’s suicide plain and simple. But guess who can’t let a challenge like that go unanswered? Right again. Me. dangerous--the only neck at risk is my own.

Review:
"Disclaimer: I lend caution to any prospective readers of this particular Maria V. Snyder book because it is insanely addictive and criminally exciting. Though what's the purpose of offering you a review if the purpose were to deter you from reading rather than convince you. Well, I decided to remain honest and offer you a disclaimer before being swept up by my review and having the same happen to a greater degree when reading the book."

In the past, Maria V. Snyder has evidently become one of the most trusted novelists in the trade. With other writers, there are always certain novels in their repertoire of works that pales in great comparison to their best novel. Certainly, Maria V. Snyder's best novel continues to be "Poison Study," in terms of expert plotting and character analysis. Though she always undoubtedly writes novels that maintain the same degree of excellence. Truthfully, there were several trouble spots in "Storm Glass," and "Fire Study." Even though they were ameliorated through improving other spots that allowed for readers to overlook these errors.

"Inside Out," unlike Maria V. Snyder's preceding novels cannot rightfully be compared in style or mechanics to any of the Study or Glass Novels. Because the style of writing and plot elements deviate greatly from any of her past works. With this, I applaud Maria V. Snyder for allowing her novels to evolve and take up a new shape. Similarly to Opal's glass, she weaves an innovative shape and imbues it with an entirely different feel. Different from the Study or Glass novels, the omnipresent ambiance of "Inside Out," is a feeling of being confined. Furthermore, there's a sense of impending danger that the reader senses in the form of irreducible anxiety. We've seen this tactfully represented in many of the action scenes in Maria's other series. Yet, in this story, this mood's manipulated and extended to last the duration of the novel. Being an aspiring writer with two novels in the works, I find the maintenance of this mood to be a very difficult feat to master. For Maria V. Snyder to be able to have this alacrity earns my highest respect.

In terms of character, Maria V. Snyder again introdouces us to a cast of characters with identifiable personalities. With our adrenaline already bursting at the seams, we begin to intensely nervous due to developing deep feelings for the characters involved in her stories. From the onset, the readers can imprint themselves in the body of Trella and fast process of empathising ups the ante of our excitment or dread to reach the resolution of the story.

Whether unconsciously or consciously, Maria V. Snyder developed the structure of the story to mirror Trella's own internal struggle. Being introverted and naturally detached from the world, her psyche would defintely be represented by a network of various air ducts. Deftly, Maria V. Snyder has the surface story reflect Trella's own personal struggle of earning a sense of reality by forging friendships with others besides herself. I begin to suspect Maria V. Snyder may be aware of the metaphors of the physical elements of her stories. Take for example, the myriad of comparisons drawn between Opal and various tools and forces prominent in the story. Perhaps, this first novel exists as her journey to improve her outer world and the second novel involves seeking out more truths about herself by delving deep into herself. More than likely, these extrapolations are wrong though I suspect that the next entry in the series could very well involve the equivalent of this same story concept.

In conclusion, I wholeheartdly reccomend this book. Additionally, I strongly urge male readers to attempt to read this book as every single one of Maria V. Snyder's are action adventure stories at their core with sprinklings of romance to increase the believability factor of this story. And for those who reside in Pennslyvania, New Jersey, Delaware, or elsewhere; please consider attending the "Inside Out Release Party," at the Borders Express at the Exton, PA mall. (Frighteningly, you run a high risk of happening into me dressed in Valek's infamous green tights.. NOT!)More information can be found at Maria V. Snyder's website. This information will appear immediatley when clicking upon the tab on the side bar entitled "Appearences." And thanks to Maria V. Snyder and Harlequin for charitably offering me a copy of this book!! Even if my review comes a little after the release date of the book.

I certainly forward my thanks to Sourcebooks for graciously offering copies of two new releases in their developing line of Young Adult novels. Being someone who remains encamped in the young adult section, I am positively overexcited by the eagerness for publishers to expand their catalog to include this niche in publishing. Even with that, I cannot simply overlook this book's glaring errors all because of respect for a company's willingness to include more young adult books amongst their releases. Peering at the premise, I became stoked for what appeared to be a novel about justice, vengeance, and love in Gothic wrapping.

Instead, I procured a book that expressed promise of a well woven tale with these elements subtly expressed. Yet, the writing itself did not reveal this promise even after fifty or so pages. Consequently, the book's weak, ineffective prose left me feeling detached and uninterested in the fates of the main characters. More concerning was the repetition of certain words or images. Can you not see my predicament? Some minute part of me fervently wished to be completely invested in the novel's story. A major part of me wanted to empathize with the characters and be emotionally affected by their plights. Being as the greatest stories cause their readers to be affected by the troubles that befall beloved characters or identify with the pain wrought by certain tragedies that happen to some of the characters.

It pains me to express such negative feelings about this particular work since the novel itself has a very attractive cover. Additionally, Sourcebook's marketing strategies have allowed a bridge to connect readers and publishers. This bridge has effectively caused readers to feel a potency of power over the types of books they wish to see released through this publisher. Certainly, many readers will enjoy this work and may even find Eden Maguire's story to be edifying.

Again, this opinion remains only one solitary opinion among a breadth of differing opinions, ranging from negative to positive. As with most reviews, I allow room for the reader to ultimately decide upon their opinion of a specific work. I encourage everyone to at least check out this work and not feel discouraged in any manner by this review. Since everyone will hold different opinions, based on different expectations and tastes.

Interview with the Vampire Review

Note:
Normally, I restrict myself to reviewing recently released books or books that were offered charitably to me for review. But because of my recent Anne Rice obsession, due to being inspirited by her fascinating conversion story, I have decided to review the first of the Vampire Chronicle books. This book has remained the epitome of vampire novels and in my opinion, nothing marginally compares to it.
The Review:
Anyone has been focusing on Anne Rice for the last two or three years with her recent conversion to Catholicism. In my own words, I love to term it the return to her sanctum. Nearly every Christian news outlet have been overflowing with discussion about her newly released religious novels or the honest, emotive testimony that has caused even me to reanalyze my own personal creed. Typically some Christians, from what I've encountered, see to it that any of Anne Rice's publications never be read by any evangelist. More specifically, they denounce her works, hoping other Christians will follow suite. Because reading anything with creatures of darkness, in their opinion, could greatly besmirch one's religious beliefs.

Personally, I've seen the film and read the book in high school and never felt drawn to becoming a vampire or having a belief in their existence. Similarly to Harry Potter and other fantasy stories, Anne Rice's "Interview with the Vampire," has an interior story about alienation and loss of spirit or faith in the solid world. The interior story of melancholia is the ignition for people's love for these books. Anne Rice's carefully crafted first person perspective provides us with an outlet to express the inexpressible feelings we develop in the real world. Out of fear of being accosted for our feelings of disillusionment, we mentally place ourselves in Louis's head. From his perspective, we see ourselves mirrored back in stark detail. In typical Anne Rice fashion, we see the potential monster in ourselves that seeks to manifest itself. Additionally, we resonate with Louis's futile attempts to understand the oftentimes meaningless elements of our mortal lives.

Symbolically represented through insatiable blood lust, we covet other people's happiness and seek to sap them of their happiness in order to abate ours. Even more apparent is the metaphor of blood lust as the representation for our base desires that wish to be sated. Because, doing so prevents us from thinking upon the truth of our existences our at least the truth of the darkness. According to Anne Rice's "Called Out of Darkness," she has mentioned that she had difficulty wit reading books all throughout her life. Her writing style is derived instead from the images that were implanted in her mind rather than a style crafted completely by the large number of different texts she read.

Personally, I feel that this appreciation for the images in our world helps her own writing to be a sumptuous detailing of the physical and abstract elements of our world. Without this ardor of images, her writing would definitely not be as intoxicating as it is. Identically to many modernist poets, her images allows for her stories to be nonlinear and to allow for readers to shape their own meaning. If Anne Rice were a technical writing, I honestly believe her books would not nearly be as popular. Due to the ability for people to become enraptured by Anne's descriptive prose, people remain loyal readers and continue to read all her works in order to piece together the tapestry of the human psyche that the books of the Vampire Chronicles vividly paint. Also, just as most of the images of the Catholic Church remains in her mind, a number of the images from her stories are unconsciously embedded into our minds as well. For example, though I am unable to recite certain quotes from her books, I can remember the desperate need Louis has for companionship because of the number of images in Anne's books that subtly present this.

For any Christians, such as myself, please bear in mind I am not proclaiming these books to be definite Christian novels. But I cannot say that they are not Christian in spirit. "Interview with the Vampire" portrays disillusionment with God far better than many other novels. For that reason, I truly believe the need for God that Anne Rice had helped her to write a number of novels that intelligently describe this need in some shape or form. To others, please read these books especially if you have read any of the Twilight books. Since these books exceed Twilight in all areas, especially in terms of substance.

Now, it's official, I'll be attending Book Expo America on May 24th of this year. Be sure to be on the lookout for pictures and a full report of the happenings of that day and any other pertinent details.

Instead of writing a full review today of one said novel. I have decided to include a five small snippets of reviews of five novels I've read in the past that I highly recommend. Due to being dependent on old memories and feelings, the review shall be terse and reflect the limited nature of the brain's limited storage. And instead of including all five books here, I will post an individual review each day of this week, beginning today.

First Recommendation:
The Door Within Trilogy:
Even though it's been an estimated three or four years since reading these books, I still remember key elements, characters, and events. That alone attests to the quality of the book since most books only offer fleeting experiences. Wayne Batson's writing style suits the epic nature of the story and helps lead the reader excitedly through a story filled with ingenious allegory. Most readers will overlook the fact the book's defined as being a part of the Christian Fantasy genre. And the reason for this lies with the subtle allegory that imbues the story with spirituality that empowers.

Expect action sequences, an eclectic band of characters, underlying Christian themes, and a detailed map. Remembering this book causes me to have a great need to reread it. Even if the exact points of my opinion changes after reading through the book again, I'm fairly confident the story will be as riveting as it was during my first read through. I highly recommend this book for persons of any age and any reader with varying interests.

What I'm Reading This Week? Along with Important Updates

What I'm Reading?

The Great Hunt of the Horn(Wheel of Time No.2) Continuing with my read through of the entire Wheel of Time series, I'm about to finish this hefty, but very engrossing entry in this series. My goal,as of now, is to read approximately one Wheel of Time book per month

Sandman (Issues 1-20) After having heard only mentions of the brilliance and genius if these comics, I've finally decided to read through them. Thanks to the interlibrary loan system in my county's library's for saving me money!!

Secrets of Eden (Chris Bohjahlian) I'm reading this, in part because of an impending signing happening at a local Barnes and Knobles. Though the greatest reason for reading this is due to my book discussion group at the library (the one I work at!) earning VIP spots in the autographing line.

Update 1: It's been quite a difficult task to delete every single spam comment that lies existent on this blog. In order to further prevent these from coming onto my blog, I've set my comments to moderation and also word verification will be used for any comments made on this blog. Yes these can create an inconvenience but it's well worth it to keep certain raunchy messages from appearing again on this blog.

Update 2: For any who live in Pennsylvania and have been closely following my reviews of Maria V. Snyder's books. I'm planning a release party for her April release of "Inside Out." Since she lives in Pennsylvania, the actual party is scheduled to take place at Exton Square Mall's Borders Express. More information can be found on her webpage. Though I'm planning for a costume contest with prizes, along with a debate about why we think Valek's superior to Edward Cullen or why Yelena's a better female protagonist than Bella Swan. Ignore the latter, I wish not to offend any Twilight fans with any such festivities. But a costume contest will exist and any costume is welcome as long as it does not become too inappropriate.

Storm Glass Review (And Announcement, directly below the review)

Notice: Please be aware that there are a number of invasive spammers on my blog. Hopefully in a week's time, every unimportant comment contribute by these people will be appropriately be deleted. Know that I had no involvement with these spammer's tactics. There exists in a cyber world Gaga Zombies, inspired by Lady Gaga, who spew out their intelligible drivel in computer hieroglyphics or fragments of terrible Gaga lyrics. Thanks for your understanding of this grave and annoying situation!!

Sypnosis (Taken from Maria V. Snyder's site)
As a glassmaker and a magician-in-training, Opal Cowen understands trial by fire. Now it’s time to test her mettle. Someone has sabotaged the Stormdancer clan’s glass orbs, killing their most powerful magicians. The Stormdancers—particularly the mysterious and mercurial Kade—require Opal’s unique talents to prevent it happening again. But when the mission goes awry, Opal must tap into a new kind of magic as stunningly potent as it is frightening. And the further she delves into the intrigue behind the glass and magic, the more distorted things appear. With lives hanging in the balance—including her own—Opal must control powers she never knew she possessed... powers that might lead to disaster beyond anything she’s ever known.





Review: Instead of seeing the story from Yelena's eyes, Maria V. Snyder creates a new series, from the eyes of Opal. While the first series of books that introduced the fantastical worlds of "Ixia," and "Sitia," reflected Yelena's character growth through the use the different modes of subduing or overcoming foes such as the stealthier means of using poison or magic dependent activated by one's mind. (Oddly enough the last book seemed to represent a place of death rather than a tool of death.) With respects to Yelena's character growth though, Poison Study detailed the restructuring of the ability to trust others by probing their minds for certain venomous qualities which could pose danger. Magic Study involved the rediscovery of her origins and finding familial love, after being redeemed from the toxic past that crippled her ability to trust others. Fire Study is where the fate of both countries she loves deeply are dependent on her ability to defeat the malevolent force that threatens the lives of countless people. Basically, she's forced to find some technique to extinguish the fires that vie to obliterate everything she's become deeply in love with. Interestingly, I only came upon this theory by thinking again upon the first trilogy of books as a one huge story, rather than three separate parts. In another post, I hope to post something that explains my theory that these books hold deeper meaning.

Anyways, I'm straying from my review of Storm Glass. Before this series of books, we were acquainted with Opal in "Magic Study," who showed some depth and intrigue towards the end of the book. For that reason, I have been aching for a series that focuses on her character rather than "Yelena." And surprisingly, I found myself impressed by the first book of this separate series. One of the best elements of this book is a new writing style that reflects the change of perespective. Additionally, instead of one love interest, we are given two love interests who compete for Opal's attention. While I did find Yelena and Valek's relationship to be well developed and oftentimes very interesting, I hoped to see some discordance in their relationship. The best relationships seem to directly result from problems that arise and are overcome in a positive manner. If Yelena and Valek were to experience jealousy in the form of another love interest, threatening their formerly stable relationship. Then the readers would have flipped the pages at a faster pace and if a positive result were wrought from this discord, their relationship could have developed into an even stronger, more believable relationship. Ulrick and Kade, refreshingly, have very different personalities that aid in forming Opal Cowen into a more interesting character. This element alone, without the necessity of having it dominate the novel, really convinced me that "Storm Glass," is a far stronger novel than either "Magic Study," and "Fire Study." (Poison Study is unrivaled at the top position mostly because it was a strong debut and the plot itself was fairly complicated right from the onset.)

Not only is there a love triangle, but also there are some very well written passages that describe the glass making in sumptuous detail. By the end of some of the descriptions, I felt some perspiration coat my hands. Because I believe I was vicariously experiencing the physical exhaustion from glassmaking. Along with the glass making, we are given a layered plot involving a mystery of whose destroying the Stormdancer's clans glass orbs, and also the story of Opal's discovery of her powers. Without revealing too many details surrounding the latter subplot, similarly to the "Study Series," the Glass series's titles also offer us a glimpse into the deeper story existent within this book. Cleverly, Kade's comparison of storms to human feelings, reflects Opal's own internal conflict occurring throughout the story. Essentially, Opal's life is unpredictable and interminably turbulent as are weather patterns. Being the skilled writer she is, Maria V. Snyder uses some of her meteorological expertise to help paint Opal's feelings in a metaphoric way. (Hopefully after finishing Sea Glass, I hope to extend my discussion of the link between the titles and the deeper themes of the story)

One flaw I noticed in this book involved certain parts of the story which offered no development in any form. Because of my strict policy, involving spoilers within my reviews, I wish not to provide too many details. Simply put though, there are some instances within this novel that seemed to lack the author's usual finesse with prose. Overall, I really have taken a liking to Opal's character and am very grateful for Maria's courage in writing a series that does not revolve around either "Yelena," or "Valek," Many Buffy and Angel fans know though that these characters do have appropriate cameos which are imperative to the structuring of the story. Now, please give me some time to quell my own personal storms in order to give myself some peace of mind to write. (Meaning, the next book review will take about five or six days.)


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Announcement:


According to my trusty Dr. Horrible Sing Along Blog Calender, the date's the 21st of February. In comparison to my last post, it's been about a month since I've submitted any reviews. Instead of elaborating on this by use of nearly three convoluted paragraphs. I'll sum it up with one sentence: I've finally set plans to begin writing a young adult science fiction series called "Death Seer." Yes, additionally, the level of difficulty of most of my classes have been much higher, creating an increased amount of work. Besides that though, I have taken advantage of every spare minute to dutifully outline the necessary details for each separate novel within this planned series. Please understand the amount of energy needed, both mental and physical, to create an entirely separate world from the perespective of a fabricated character or host of characters (In the case with my stylistics, there's a host of different character perspectives. I'll hint that omniscient third person will be used in a highly creative way.) Here's the basic synopsis of the first book in the series, sharing the title of the series, "Death Seer." The other titles will not divulged as their titles offer some details of the story. Sypnosis:

Death's usually an element of our lives that becomes a reality at the ending point. For Sam, though that ending point's an imminent point within his life as he's gift or cursed with the ability to see death. His affliction entreats him with the ability to see into the minds of humans and know the intimate details of the last page of their lives.

With a government seeking to abduct him , a complex mystery surrounding his mother's life and death, and a disorienting struggle over love; Sam finds that he cannot allow death's malevolence to stall him.

Because at this juncture, there are things far worse than death, existing in life.

The Glass Trilogy

Many Christians know the main tenet of Christian belief lies in having faith within the inexplicable and indescribable. We are taught to have faith that our God is merciful and understanding of the human condition. This simple answer seems to be voiced in a condescending voice when some followers are approached with the hard questions. If heaven's supposedly blissful,then where's our free will? How can we have blind euphoria if we know our loved ones are in hell?

A myriad of other difficult questions sprout from my mind, similar to a faucet which continually allows minute drops of water to fall within the sink's basin below. These difficult questions similarly infiltrate the frontal lobe of my mind and demand to be answered. With my OCD mind though, those numerous questions are refuted by a number of contradictions or hypothetical situations. In effect, more questions stem from a lower quantity of questions. These questions when voiced to fellow followers is met with antipathy and disapproval of being inquisitive and the unorthodox nature of even trying to understand the nature of my belief within God.

Why do we as Christians fear the questions and readily distill them? Why are we so ready to detonate our faith or another person's due to these doubts. Ironically, are we not limiting the limitless bounds of our intricate mind by eschewing these questions. Personally, I believe faith can be bolstered by doubts and in actuality, true faith is formed through our questions and the innumerable clauses attached to those questions. Interestingly, our questions themselves lend to the image of an incomprehensible, wondrous God.

When some Christians meet doubts with ire, are they not squeezing God within a prim, tightly packed box? Unconsciously they are telling believers that God may have a grand visage but at his core, he is easily definable through a human lens. Basically, God can be described in superficial terms as being absolute authority whose supposed to be followed blindly without any question.

Brandon Sanderson's "Warbreaker" intelligently details the erroneous elements of blind faith. Within the book's imaginary kingdom of Halladren, populated by Gods fabricated through human means. We are shown the shortcomings of blind faith with a pretense of majesty. Though externally, the city and Gods themselves boast grandness, internally they are being fueled by stoical denizens who wish to subject to authority in a soulless manner.

As with these humans, doesn't blind faith basically satirize or disrespect God's gift of free will? When we bleach our faith of it's depth, are we not rebelling against God's gift of intellectual freedom? Without thinking through things, do we not become mindless zombies? Sure, God has paradoxes and contradictions. Then again, is it not that our minds are limited to a certain extent that we can not entirely understand eternal things? Instead, we can only postulate and continuously wonder. Confusing works of art with an array of layers certainly presents the true nature of God, someone who we can only speculate about. But it's that very speculation and wonderment that opens our eyes to God and substitutes ignorance and blindness with eyes filled with hope and curiosity.