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jpjackson's review
4.0
Once again - I'M LATE! (Sorry, Dez.)
Alright, despite that, this novel brought out a couple of thoughts:
1.) Before you read something, look to see if it's part of a series. Now this book is entirely encapsulated within itself and it was a joy to read on its own, however, I think it would have been twice as much fun if I'd read the previous book, Roam. So, kids, look before you leap, and in this instance - know your book - and your series.
2.) What the hell is Dreampunk? I'm an old guy. I know my genres. APPARENTLY NOT. So here I've stumbled across something unique, and let me tell you, that doesn't happen very often anymore. This book reads/feels like Urban Fantasy, but not quite. I'm sure some of you are laughing at my naivety, but it was the author that told me why I felt the book wasn't quite Urban Fantasy. In her interview, which you can see here, Ms. Schwartz explained to me what Dreampunk was.
Dreampunk is defined as: "a literary subgenre descended from steampunk and cyberpunk that differs from them in its inclusion of elements of dream logic. At its best, dreampunk is surreal, edgy, beautiful, and terrible all at once. Hidden meanings, symbolism, and the prevalence of dream or fairy tale logic are common. Various examples include Twin Peaks, Carnivale, Gormenghast, Velvet Goldmine, Mulholland Drive, The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, Brazil, Company of Wolves, and of course, Alice in Wonderland." (source: http://dreampunk.me/blog/what-is-dreampunk/)
Okay, now that we have that all out of the way, let me tell you...this tale was mesmerizing. New concepts of magic, realms, alternate dimensions all strung together with dreamworld, vampires, and technomages. I mean, really, could you ask for anything more?
The writing is accessible, fun, and every now and then Schwartz wows you with incredibly beautiful lines that make you stop and reread them, absorbing them and delighting in making you see the story with fresh eyes.
I had an instant connection with Benny, the were-chihuahua, only because we have two of the little beasts ourselves, and now I'm wondering if they actually flip over to humans at night and raid the refrigerator - I'm quite sure that's what's going on.
There's also some created mythology woven into the storyline. I happen to love mythology and lore. So having this snippet of how Death came to be, and that he's actually Mercury was a wonderful twist on our current notions of those notable mythological creatures.
So, if you're up for something completely new, like your Urban Fantasy, but want something that chews differently and has exotic flavors, then check out Hunter, by Dez Schwartz - but first go read Roam.
Oh, I happen to know that there's a third book coming out soon too - so keep your eyes peeled for that. Now, please excuse me while I go get the first book and start reading that!
Alright, despite that, this novel brought out a couple of thoughts:
1.) Before you read something, look to see if it's part of a series. Now this book is entirely encapsulated within itself and it was a joy to read on its own, however, I think it would have been twice as much fun if I'd read the previous book, Roam. So, kids, look before you leap, and in this instance - know your book - and your series.
2.) What the hell is Dreampunk? I'm an old guy. I know my genres. APPARENTLY NOT. So here I've stumbled across something unique, and let me tell you, that doesn't happen very often anymore. This book reads/feels like Urban Fantasy, but not quite. I'm sure some of you are laughing at my naivety, but it was the author that told me why I felt the book wasn't quite Urban Fantasy. In her interview, which you can see here, Ms. Schwartz explained to me what Dreampunk was.
Dreampunk is defined as: "a literary subgenre descended from steampunk and cyberpunk that differs from them in its inclusion of elements of dream logic. At its best, dreampunk is surreal, edgy, beautiful, and terrible all at once. Hidden meanings, symbolism, and the prevalence of dream or fairy tale logic are common. Various examples include Twin Peaks, Carnivale, Gormenghast, Velvet Goldmine, Mulholland Drive, The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, Brazil, Company of Wolves, and of course, Alice in Wonderland." (source: http://dreampunk.me/blog/what-is-dreampunk/)
Okay, now that we have that all out of the way, let me tell you...this tale was mesmerizing. New concepts of magic, realms, alternate dimensions all strung together with dreamworld, vampires, and technomages. I mean, really, could you ask for anything more?
The writing is accessible, fun, and every now and then Schwartz wows you with incredibly beautiful lines that make you stop and reread them, absorbing them and delighting in making you see the story with fresh eyes.
I had an instant connection with Benny, the were-chihuahua, only because we have two of the little beasts ourselves, and now I'm wondering if they actually flip over to humans at night and raid the refrigerator - I'm quite sure that's what's going on.
There's also some created mythology woven into the storyline. I happen to love mythology and lore. So having this snippet of how Death came to be, and that he's actually Mercury was a wonderful twist on our current notions of those notable mythological creatures.
So, if you're up for something completely new, like your Urban Fantasy, but want something that chews differently and has exotic flavors, then check out Hunter, by Dez Schwartz - but first go read Roam.
Oh, I happen to know that there's a third book coming out soon too - so keep your eyes peeled for that. Now, please excuse me while I go get the first book and start reading that!
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