Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Progress Report: 11/22/63 and Destroyermen: Firestorm


My life has been in upheaval as of late.  I moved halfway across the continent from Victoria BC, where I have lived and worked for the past three years, back to Ottawa, Ontario, where I am now sharing a house with an old friend.  The move – which sort of feels like being expelled from paradise – was not my idea, but due to the economic situation – read: lack of job – I found myself in. (If you’re looking for an experienced marketing communications guy, do me a favor and have a look here. Thanks.)

So life sometimes sucks.

However, in many ways, the recent sucky events in my life have been compensated by the excellent books that have fallen into my hands: Stephen King’s masterful 11/22/63 and the latest entry in Taylor Anderson's long-running Destroyermen series: Firestorm. I’m reading both books at the same time and am very pleased by what I am finding.  I won’t spoil either novel but clearly in 11/22/63, King as at the top of his game. Characterization, plot, as well as background details are all expertly handled and I wouldn’t expect it any other way.



As for Firestorm, Anderson picks up where he left off from the previous novel in the series. (If you’ve read last month’s entry, you’ll know how much I like both the author and the series.) Action and details continue to be fast and furious, with Anderson keeping up the pace in a highly satisfying way that neither sacrifices character or plot points.

I recommend both books heartily as they have proven excellent and welcome diversions into my favorite genre.

In the meantime, you can help out a poor unemployed writer by purchasing both Elvis Saves JFK! for just 99 cents and War Plan Crimson, A Novel of Alternate History, for $2.99 (both are free to preview). Both books are also available through such fine on-line retailers such as Chapters Indigo, Barnes & Noble and Apple's iTunes Store.