| Esteemed Scholar: | Jacob Knudsen |
| Total Posts in Michael A. Stackpole |
24 |
| 1. Favorite book and why? |
Talion: Revenant is my favorite book by Mike Stackpole because of how the characters are very real and you feel a great deal of sadness when something bad happens and very excited when something goes right.
In this book, you see Nolan as a Justice in odd-numbered chapters but as a youth in training in even-numbered ones.
While this may seem confusing at first, all of the chapters link up in subtle ways and adds to the expierence.
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| 2. Least favorite book and why? |
Eyes of Silver is my least favorite book, I guess because of how there is so much politics and not enough action. Usually he blends political intrigue with incredible action sequences as well a a bit of a love story to make a book an expierence and not just a way to pass the time. However, in Eyes of Silver, there was too much politics and romance and not enough action and character developement.
On the other hand, I read this book a while ago, and didn't fully understand it, but I know if I re-read it, I would probably like it better.
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| 3. Favorite scene in favorite book and why? |
My favorite part in Talion: Revenant would have to be the "Winter Games" in chapter Ten. The reason being is that it is a major transition point for Nolan while he is growing up. He and his partner in the Games, Marana, are assigned to a survival excercise in the winter mountains where on top of surviving, they have to avoid being captured by the 'enemy' team. In this chapter there are some very enjoyable scenes since Nolan and Marana are 'killing' their opponents through the use of clever strategies and insane ambushes. Also, that is the chapter where Nolan and Marana fall in love, so on top of being a sort of carefree chapter it is also a bit of an emotional one.
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| 4. Favorite character and why? |
Nolan, of course, is my favorite character because you really fell like you know him. He lost his family and wants revenge, so he does what is needed which is become a Talion Justice. After he becomes a Justice, he is assigned to protect the king whose soldiers killed his family, from a creatured that can't be killed. You physically feel his inner turmoil at the horrible prospect and while he would love to take his revenge out of anger, you sympathise with him and also hope that he will make a better choice.
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| 5. Which character do you identify most with and why? |
I think I identify most with Morai. He is a bandit that Nolan is constantly chasing but can never seem to catch. While he is a bandit, he has a good heart and has even saved Nolan's life before. He is also kind of funny in the fact that he knows Nolan won't catch him rather than can't, because while they are enemy's, they are also friends in a strange way and make a very good team when they work together.
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| 6. If you could see a sequel to one of the author's books, which would it
be and what would it be about? |
I would love to see a long overdue sequel to Talion: Revenant. I don't care what it is about, just as long as it involves the Talions.
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| 7. What do you like about author's writing style? |
He has a way of writing that is interesting, informative, descriptive without being too wordy, and addictive all at the same time. His characters are always very real; characters that you can relate to. They are put through trials that seem impossible but they usually come out alive, but sometimes injured both physically and/or mentally. (read about Leigh in 'The Dark Glory War')
The plots are always original and believeable and he avoids most cliches like 'misunderstood dragon befriends misunderstood boy.'
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| 8. What are your favorite themes of this author? |
I have read almost all of his books, Star Wars and Fantasy, and out of all of them, I like the Fantasy ones the best. He is the best Star Wars author around, but his Fantasy books are stellar. He is currently writing the Dragoncrown War series which is a four book cycle. He only has the first book out currently - The Dark Glory War - and I've already read it twice and will soon do a third time. He ended this book on such a cliffhanger that I and everyone else that's read it, can scarcely wait for the next volume.
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| 9. What could be most improved about this authors books? |
Michael A. Stackpole is probably the only author that I can say needs no improvement.
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| Reviews |
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Dark Tide I: Onslaught - Star Wars, The New Jedi Order 2
Talion: Revenant
The Dark Glory War - DragonCrown War Cycle prelude
Rogue Squadron - Star Wars, X-Wing 1
Wedge's Gamble - Star Wars, X-Wing 2
The Krytos Trap - Star Wars, X-Wing 3
The Bacta War - Star Wars, X-Wing 4
Isard's Revenge - Star Wars, X-Wing 8
Once a Hero
A Gathering Evil
Fortress Draconis - DragonCrown War Cycle 1
I, Jedi
When Dragons Rage - DragonCrown War Cycle 2
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Other great reviews I've written
(click on a link below) |
Science Fiction
Troy Denning
Dean Wesley Smith
Kristine Kathryn Rusch and Dean Wesley Smith
Science Fiction
X-Men
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