Book Post: The Golden Acorn by Catherine Cooper

[wildcrow]

Title: The Golden Acorn (The Adventures of Jack Brenin)

Author: Catherine Cooper

Format: Kindle Edition

Print Length: 384 pages

 

Amazon Product Description:

When Jack Brenin finds a golden acorn lying in the grass, little does he know that it is the beginning of a thrilling and magical adventure. Just an ordinary boy, Jack has been chosen for a hugely important task, and enters a world he believed only existed in legend. Full of twists and turns, talking ravens and mischievous Spriggans, 'The Golden Acorn' is a hugely entertaining and exciting tale from a very talented new author. Your kids will love it, and so will you! This brilliant story deservedly won the Brit Writers' Awards 2010 for unpublished writers and has now been published by Infinite Ideas.

 

Review:
Although written for children, this is a story that can be enjoyed by adults who've retained their enjoyment of a simple but entertaining yarn. I admit I downloaded it because it was free, but also because the Amazon reviews (many from adult readers) were generally very positive. The 'chosen one' plotline was fairly cliché and the peril was pretty tame, but it was enlived by a cast of characters who were consistently engaging and well-drawn, even the minor ones.

 

I would have adored this book when I was a kid - especially the Night Guard rats and the trip back in time to Roman Britain! - and even as a cynical adult reader I still found it a charming and refreshing read. It makes a good opening novel for a series and I've already bought the sequel, Glasruhen Gate.

Book post: Terok Nor: Dawn of the Eagles by S.D. Perry

[catness]

Title: Star Trek: Deep Space Nine: Terok Nor: Dawn of the Eagles
Author: S.D. Perry
Number of pages: 448
Genre: sci-fi
Book Number/Goal: 10/50
My Rating: 4/5

Review: This is the final book in Terok Nor trilogy. It takes place during the last years of the occupation of Bajor. In comparison to the previous book (Night of the Wolves), the action picks up, there's more tension and dread, and also more familiar characters and canon scenes, which makes it more interesting and relevant.

Special notice goes to the portrayal of Dr. Crell Moset and to the unexpected development of the character of Kalisi Reyar (a Cardassian scientist introduced in the previous book). ( a quote (a mild spoiler) )

It was not extremely exciting, and some parts were still boring, but overall I've rather enjoyed it!

Book post: Writing the TV Drama Series by Pamela Douglas

[catness]

Title: Writing the TV Drama Series: How to Succeed as a Professional Writer in TV
Author: Pamela Douglas
Number of pages: 300
Genre: non-fiction
Book Number/Goal: 11/50
My Rating: 4/5

Review: The book explains the mechanics behind writing and producing TV series, and provides advice about getting into this business. There are a few interviews with successful TV writers (including Damon Lindelof, the creator of "Lost"), and two sample scripts with a detailed analysis.

It describes writing for TV series as a stressful and demanding but much more creative and satisfying occupation than writing scripts for films.

Strictly speaking, the book has no practical value for someone who lacks adequate writing skills, people skills, energy and motivation. But nevertheless, I found it interesting and encouraging. I can always pretend that what I'm writing is a TV show, and try to use the same rules, structure and techniques.