All posts by Machine Trooper

SON OF THE BLACK SWORD by Larry Correia

January 29, 2025 Machine Trooper Leave a comment

SON OF THE BLACK SWORD by Larry Correia

A review by INFAMOUS🦀

Larry Correia’s Son of the Black Sword is a book that has been on my radar for quite some time. When the author himself offered me a copy for review, needles to say I pushed this title to the top of my TBR list and frankly, thank you Larry for such a kind gesture. Much appreciated!

Having said that, we must keep it honest and we must keep it transparent when it comes to reviewing a book objectively and fairly, so here is my breakdown of what I overall believe to be a good fantasy/action book. Is it perfect? No. Are there things I feel could have done better? Absolutely.

ANOTHER ONE-DIMENSIONAL CHARACTER?

Had I read only the opening chapter I would have quickly misjudged the overall quality of this book because the main character, Ashok, is as interesting to read as a plank of wood. He is the epitome of a ‘Marty Stu’, an overly idealized character with little to no realistic limitations.

Whenever a Marty Stu is at the center of the narrative only one of two things can develop:

The book will end up being a snooze fest of boring action scenes on top of action scenes with the hero mowing down bad guys after bad guys until we fall asleep
The narrative will take an unexpected turn, becoming more story-driven than character-driven

When number 2 occurs, interesting things can develop because now it’s no longer about the unlimited power of the main character but it’s about the situations he is put in and how those situations will move the narrative in ways we, the readers, can thoroughly enjoy. I’m glad to say that this is exactly what takes place in this book.

PLOT:

Ashok Vadal is presented as a Protector of the Law, whose duty is to safeguard the law in a society divided in castes. The ‘casteless’ are part of the bottom of the barrel and they are not even considered human by the higher castes. This is an era in which the demon beasts have been casted out into the sea, but at times some of them will reemerge to claim blood. The Protectors make sure, among other things, that these demons are always pushed back into the waters of the sea.

Things take an abrupt turn when Ashok finds out that his mother was a casteless and therefore, he too is a casteless. All of a sudden everything he held true falls apart. In a very ingenious plan by the Inquisitors, he is forced to withdraw his status and alone with his black sword Angruvadal, ends up joining some rebels and fulfilling the prophecy of the Forgotten, a divine being many still believe in, who gives hope to the hearts of the casteless. But no longer being a Protector is a great disadvantage and all of a sudden Ashok finds himself hunted; every move he makes, terrible foes are ready to take his head off for he is wanted, along with his coveted sword.

FIGHT SCENES:

The fight scenes in this book are massive, and I’m talking ‘John Wick’ massive if you know what I mean! Ashok is a one-man army and can take down a lot of armed men before even getting a scratch! The choreography is neat and the vivid descriptions of each fight is very captivating.

MY ISSUES:

Some modern euphemisms in my opinion could have been avoided. For example lines like:

“I expected wanted posters for you at some point.”

‘Posters’ to me doesn’t sound very evocative and doesn’t gel well with this pre-industrialization fantasy world. What’s next? The casteless kids asking Ashok for his ‘autograph’?

I understand this book might want to appeal to a younger male audience but why assume that a younger male audience can only feel engaged when the language is modern and relatable? We live in a country where the rate of illiteracy is up, and most young people can’t even write a well-structured letter without the Internet. I think fiction should not fuel this trend but counter it by writing in more articulated English and clean up all the modern euphemisms that really do not belong in these stories.

CONCLUSIONS:

Overall, I like the book and I enjoyed the fact that the STORY to me was the real main draw rather than the main character. It goes to show that dull, one-dimensional characters CAN work when they are inserted in a good story with a solid plot. The action was great; the black sword kinda reminded me of Stormbringer, the sword in Michael Moorcock’s Elric of Melnibone. This is more than a sword, it kind of has a mind of its own and Ashok, just like Elric, has an actual ‘connection’ with it that goes beyond the physical realm.

Other than the modern euphemisms I already mentioned, this is a well-written, well-edited book that can offer a great alternative to some of the atrocious fantasy content that is available out there currently.

Let us know what you think in the comment section below!

🦀

Interview

Katelynsam Interviewed by INFAMOUS

January 23, 2025 Machine Trooper Leave a comment

Q&A with Katelynsam

Author of Last Masquerade at the Carousel House

🦀 What authors, people, or stories inspired you to start writing?

Growing up, I stayed up far too many late nights reading fantasy authors, such as Cassandra Clare, Roshani Chokshi, and Sarah J. Maas among others. I loved how the stories transported me to other worlds and other lives, and so I began to write stories of my own that I hoped would do the same for my readers someday.

🦀 What does your creative process consist of? Do ideas for a story just come to you or is there anything specific that you have to do in order to create a story and its characters?

Ideas for my stories often arrive at the most random of times. Sometimes, I will see a beautiful piece of art, a scene from a movie or TV show, or something in my own life that will inspire the kernel of a story that takes days or weeks to fully develop into a story idea. When the story idea at last arrives, it does like a flash of lightning, sizzling with promise and potential. I’m usually in the middle of another project when it does, so I keep a list of future story ideas that I’m always adding to.

🦀 You submitted a story to a traditional publisher and it was rejected. What story was it? Do you feel like going independent is the way to go moving forward?

I wrote my first book at 12 and started querying agents (for another story) when I was 15. It took me 10 years, 6 books, and hundreds of agency rejections to finally find my first agent.

For 4 years, I worked with my first and second agent (both from big well-known agencies) to publish my debut fantasy novel THE FATED, which I’m releasing next month. I worked with my first agent when the novel was classified as Young Adult. When we ultimately weren’t able to sell, I revised the novel to be adult and worked with my second agent to go on several rounds of more submissions. The feedback from the publishers on all the submission rounds was kind and flattering, but each publisher and editor had different reasons for why they felt they couldn’t take on the project. To give you an idea, one editor said they enjoyed the story, but that it fit too much between the area of fantasy and magic realism for the publishing house to be able to market. Another editor adored the book, but her colleagues didn’t share the same enthusiasm, so the book never made it any further in the acquisition process.

Unsurprisingly, facing so much repeated rejection for over a decade was very disheartening. I spent months of my life waiting for my “big break” to come, and when it didn’t, I would tell myself that the next book would do it, and then the next one after that. When it became clear THE FATED would never be traditionally published, I was heartbroken. For the hundredth time, I considered giving up writing altogether, but of course, like always when this thought had crossed my mind, I kept going. I’ve written for so many years that it has become a part of me, and to sever myself from it would be like losing my voice and my anchor in an already chaotic and confusing world.

So instead of locking THE FATED away in a drawer, I decided to self-publish it. The book was already polished since I had revised it at least 6 times with my previous agents over the last 4 years. It would be as ready now as it would ever be–and I was tired of relying on anyone else to fulfill my lifelong dream of being published. Looking back, I’m grateful to my agents because they took a chance on an unknown writer and spent many hours giving me editing notes. I learned a lot from them about how to tell a story. I also am deeply thankful for the prior experience I gained about the publishing industry through both the agents that represented me as well as several agencies I interned for in college.

I am, however, also grateful for all the amazing tools now available for authors to publish their works themselves. As the marketing and other budgets for even the biggest publishers continue to shrink, I believe self-publishing will play an even greater role in the industry moving forward. With the rise of booktok and self-published authors landing hybrid or traditional book deals after they made tons of sales on their own, we’ve already seen a lot of the stigma that previously surrounded self-publishing dissipate in the winds of change.

🦀 Where did the concept of this carousel house originate from?

To be honest, I’m not really sure. I just knew I wanted the setting to be luxurious and magical–a characteristic that my debut novel THE FATED also shares. I also think that the concept of a lavish mansion that can spin like a carousel reinforces how powerful of a sorcerer the owner (Raidenn) is, which plays an integral role in setting up the stakes for the story.

🦀 Are you Yuina, the main character of this short story?

What a fun question! No, I would definitely say Yuina is a bit edgier than me. She’s also quite as glamorous as she is bitter, which are both traits with which I don’t particularly resonate. I do strive to make every main character I write relatable though in some way. So I would say I relate to Yuina’s desperation to change the circumstances around her and take her power back.

🦀 In the story there is this line:

“The jazz music and opulent surroundings washed over our senses like the most intoxicating plume of opium smoke”

Is that suggesting that Yuina smokes opium, therefore she is familiar with its effects?

I didn’t intend it that way, but readers are welcome to interpret those words for themselves. With this line, I was striving to solidify how intoxicatingly luxurious and carefree the setting of the Carousel House was. I also think it hints or at least might question how much Raidenn’s magic might be enhancing the already lavish decorations of the mansion in order to further dazzle and disarm his guests.

🦀 I know you have a full novel coming out soon. Can you tell us what it’s about and what in your mind will make it worth it for readers to buy it and read it?

Sure, would love to! Here is the pitch:

Every sixteen years a luxurious ocean liner known as The Fated appears at the docks of Abeon City to carry a few lucky passengers to paradise. Yet when people onboard begin disappearing, one woman soon discovers their destination might not be paradise after all.

Amarra Obrel never expects to receive a ticket in the mail. Ever since failing her chance at becoming a concert pianist three years ago, she has spent her days as an elevator operator, resigned to the uninteresting future that seems set before her. When given the opportunity to embark on The Fated, however, she boards with the hope of starting a new life. Yet she soon senses something dark and sinister lurks beneath the ship’s decadent halls, ornate ballrooms, and opulent jazz clubs. When people close to her begin disappearing, she is left with no other choice than to set out and uncover the vessel’s secrets along with fellow passenger Kye-Shin Hura. But instead of providing answers, every discovery leads to more questions—questions about why they were selected for this voyage in the first place and more disturbingly: If not to paradise, then where exactly is The Fated taking them?

With cinematic and haunting prose, The Fated is the perfect suspenseful and atmospheric read for fans of The Night Circus, Titanic, The Great Gatsby, and The Midnight Library.

This novel is for anyone who is looking for a luxurious and magical setting infused with mystery, romance, and suspense. While I am marketing it as a fantasy since it takes place in an alternative world, it has elements of magic realism as well as historical fantasy given the world of THE FATED resembles the glamor and undercurrent of tension in the 1920s-30s.

🦀 I always see you posting on Substack and you always come off as a very driven and motivated writer. Where do you find that motivation in an industry where it seems so hard to make your books known to the general audience?

I believe every rejection I’ve received has made my resolve and determination to share my work with the world even stronger, so I’m willing to put in more hours and work than I likely would have had I never faced any obstacles. Writing is also just a part of my way of life, so while it can be difficult and frustrating at times, it never feels like the kind of work that is draining. In fact, writing and the purpose and love I infuse behind it is what motivates so much of my life.

🦀 Your favorite writer today? Your least favorite one?

I can’t think of a least favorite writer, but I have so many I enjoy reading. In addition to the writers that I mentioned earlier who inspired me, I love reading Danielle L. Jensen, Donna Tartt, Kelly Link, and Leigh Bardugo among others.

🦀 Does eating chocolate help write better books? If so, any specific type of chocolate you would recommend that writers should eat more often? I personally enjoy drinking hot cocoa before I go to bed. It gives me weird dreams.

I firmly believe eating chocolate helps with writing books along with many other things in life! I love milk chocolate truffles with the raspberry or strawberry filling, you know, the kind that you have to hunt for in the holiday chocolate boxes (which sometimes results in a disastrous mis-selection). Also I agree that eating sugar right before bed can induce the strangest dreams. I should know as I’ve been guilty of this multiple times.

🦀 Thank you for taking this time to give us an insight on yourself and your passion for storytelling. Look forward to great things coming up!

Thank you for reaching out as well as taking the time to read my work and speak with me!

For anyone who is interested in following my writing journey further, I regularly give behind-the-scenes looks at my writing, publishing, and cover design process through my Dear Writing Diary series on Substack: katelynsam.substack.com.

I also regularly post on Instagram @_katelynsam_, and my website is katelynsam.com

Reviews

Last Masquerade at the Carousel House

January 22, 2025 Machine Trooper Leave a comment

Last Masquerade at the Carousel House By Katelynsam

An interview by INFAMOUS🦀

I admit it, sometimes I find books and short stories that instantly grab my attention and I would move them in my queue ahead of other TBR titles and break my own rules! Sometimes it’s because of the title, sometimes because of the cover, other times it might be the blurb (though the latter is very rare).

Such was the case with Last Masquerade at the Carousel House By Katelynsam, a short story with a long title.

I really didn’t know much about the author until I read a note on Substack where she was promoting the publication of this short story. I immediately loved both the title, the cover, and the premise of the story so I decided to not only buy and read the story but also contact Katelynsam to ask her more about her writing and its origins. Stay tuned for an upcoming Q&A with the author after this review.

PLOT:

Since this is a short story that I want to encourage all to buy and read, I will keep the synopsis to a bare minimum.

Basically this all takes place one evening at a social gathering where selected guests-including our protagonist Yuina, her uncle, and her fiance-have been invited to attend.

It’s a mysterious ball thrown by an even more mysterious host known for honing very powerful magic skills, which he uses here for his guests’ own amusement.

As you read on, you will find out more about the ‘fragile’ relationship Yuina has with uncle and fiance, and how meeting the host of this most extravagant party will change the course of her life and theirs.

MYSTERY + OPULENCE:

I’ve always been a fan of mystery stories that take place in opulent settings. The film masterpiece Last Year in Marienbad is a good example of this, where the dark, mysterious elements intertwine with the beauty and opulence of the environment. Usually that consists of a hotel, or a house, or even a cruise ship. In this story the author did spectacularly well at really taking us into this 4-story building (which by the way swivels on its own axis!) and we immediately feel pulled in. This setting MUST work in this type of story for everything else to work as well. If you have good characters but their surroundings lack that aura of beauty and mystery the readers won’t be able to fully commit to the narrative. So special attention must be paid to how the environment is described.

Katelynsam, fortunately for us, managed to meet those expectations and recreated a carousel house that feels beautiful but eerie, as both the outside and inside of it are so well defined that I have to admit, I wish this was more than just a short story.

TITLE + COVER:

Special credit also goes to the author for coming up with such a catchy and intriguing title, certainly a massive hook for me, and for designing the cover concept. Look at that cover, it is gorgeous! That is the type of book cover I particularly love because it creates mystery around the book but it also compliments the aesthetics of a personal library or studio like a piece of decoration. I know many of our readers do not necessarily go crazy for that cover style but nevertheless, major credit to Katelynsam for creating it.

JUST A FEW ISSUES:

Perhaps because this is a short story, I felt like the author could have used more exposition at times. How did the main character, fiance, and uncle get the invitation to this event? How was the host Raidenn casually wearing the magic talisman around his neck where anyone could easily snatch it?

Also a few lines to me that sounded awkward, like:

“The jazz music and opulent surroundings washed over our senses like the most intoxicating plume of opium smoke.”

Does that imply that Yuima is an opium smoker? Don’t know, nor does the author ever explain.

CONCLUSIONS:

Is this short story with a long name a perfect five star read? No.

Do I highly recommend it? Yes! And I say this because the positives far outweigh the (minor) negatives and I feel that perhaps the short story format is to blame for its shortcomings more so than the writer’s own skills.

Stay tuned for a Q&A with the author coming up soon!

Let us know what you think in the comments below!

🦀

Action, Crime, Reviews

Homecoming by Jake Widmer – a Review

January 15, 2025 Machine Trooper 2 Comments

Homecoming: The First Chris Folly Thriller (Chris Folly Series Book 1)

Trying to spark a resurgence of men’s fiction has been a lonely (and Quixotic) quest for the last 15 years. But the desired renaissance might be imminent, judging by the recent interest in the masculine genres of yesteryear. In fact, there’s a burgeoning community of literate men who not only enjoy reading it, but are now writing new men’s adventure fiction themselves.

Jake Widmer is part of that community, and has created an heir to the legendary characters like Mack Bolan and Nick Carter.

PLOT:

Chris Folly returns from overseas to his hometown of Pittsburgh, discovering that he and his erstwhile stomping grounds have traveled opposite trajectories. It is implied that he was a bit of a hellraiser as a kid, but has straightened out and calmed down considerably. Meanwhile, the old neighborhood has gone down the toilet.

There’s a new (?) drug on the streets that is turning everything worse as it makes the rounds. I don’t know if the drug is real or fictional, but is plausible enough for me.

The local police department is corrupt from top to bottom, locked in a sort of clandestine struggle against County Law Enforcement, which fortunately has some honest deputies. Even more fortunate is that an old platonic female friend of Chris Folly’s is one such deputy.

Not so fortunate is the fact that Folly’s single mother is in a relationship with the drug kingpin who owns the metro police and is turning the city into his own dirty, violent kingdom. This is a wrinkle I don’t believe I’ve come across before.

Folly’s old friend introduces him to an honest cop who runs the LEO for the sheriff and has considerable pull. Folly is unofficially offered to work off-the-books for the Sheriff’s Department and bust heads, if necessary, cleaning up the syndicate and the network of drug trafficking.

Perfect setup for a well-armed vigilante with a particular set of skills. What follows is fun and satisfying.

CHARACTERS:

I appreciate that the military background Widmer chose for Folly is off the beaten path. Also, the boss villain is not a stereotype at all. He is so understated as to seem harmless–whereas his amoral nephew is quite obviously dangerous.

Folly’s mother is another refreshing departure from the typical supporting cast. Not someone whose behavior will make you feel warm and fuzzy; but someone painfully real.

CRAFT:

Homecoming is a well-written book. Not mistake-free, but well worth your time and a nice launch of a character who may have plenty of literary mileage ahead of him.

Interview, Non-Fiction/Documentary

An Interview with INFAMOUS

January 9, 2025 Machine Trooper 2 Comments

A Q & A with the Infamous Reviewer, Gio🦀

Gio 🦀 has been reviewing on Virtual Pulp for a little over a year now. He’s a prolific reviewer with a strong work ethic and sometimes eclectic tastes. He’s got his own fiction project in the works right now. Maybe this is overdue, but I think it’s a good idea to help his audience get to know him better, and find out about what he’s up to lately.

MACHINE TROOPER: First of all, you are a blessing to the writers of the world. I wish there were more readers like you out there and I probably speak for most of the authors you have reviewed. Seeing as how you’re not just a prolific reader but a prolific reviewer, and an honest one at that (so honest, you won’t even accept free review copies), I’m obligated to try figuring out what makes such a rare and selfless reader tick.

So what set you on this mission?

🦀 Honestly, it comes down to upbringing and my predisposition to listening to a good story being told. From a very young age my mother would often drop me off at my grandparents’ to go to work while my father was out at sea in the Navy, and my grandma would read me books that ranged from Homer to the Brothers Grimm. Those afternoons exposed me for the first time to the magic of storytelling. As I grew up, my hunger for discovering books that would capture my imagination just grew exponentially. When we studied Homer in school I already knew about The Iliad and The Odyssey as much as our teacher did.

Now with social media and a platform my purpose really is kinda the same: find that next book, that next story that stirs up my imagination.

MACHINE TROOPER: Again, glad to have you here.

Since you started reviewing on Virtual Pulp, the fantasy category has exploded in weight. Is that a favorite genre that you seek out more than others? Is it that most of the authors who contact you for reviews write in that genre? Or something else?

🦀 Fantasy is obviously what I read most but also perhaps the most popular genre in fiction literature currently. Most of my review requests I receive are for fantasy novels. Of course I have other reading interests (Jane Austen; Agatha Christie, to name a couple), but for the most part fantasy is obviously my main thing.

MACHINE TROOPER: It kinda’ looked that way to me.

You’ve read fiction from some of the legends in literature, as well as plenty of newish indie fiction. Have you noticed any general trends in the newer fiction–common strengths, weaknesses? Common or overused tropes?

🦀 I think a lot of new authors get stuck in a rut due to the bombardment from social media’s not-so-subliminal messages. It used to be that an author would draw inspiration from dreams, from traveling, from first hand experiences (or from those of others). Now the process is to pick up what’s already been written, take a few elements from this book and that book, blend them all together, and hope people will like the end result.

One of the most common overused tropes is that of having some kind of powerful trinket (amulet, stone, gem, sword, crown) and making it all about who can get their hands on it first. This trope has been used and abused to no end.

The strength in modern writing is the obvious instant access to information that writers have available, however that technical advantage is also partially responsible for the lack of original content. Writers used to draw inspiration from real-life experiences, from traveling, from having to stay at old motels in the middle of nowhere. They didn’t go online to see what was trending that day before writing their stories, if you catch my drift.

MACHINE TROOPER: Yup. There’s so much hopelessly derivative drivel out there now. Most of my creative efforts were derivative when I was a kid; but as you mature, you notice real life has so much inspiring experience–as you pointed out.

How do you decide what to review next?

🦀 I try to go in order of request placed, but truthfully sometimes I make exceptions depending on some factors. There are writers who request a review but in addition to that they want to speak to me about their books and depending on what they say I might take their books and move them up the queue because again, it goes back to me first and foremost searching for that story that is unapologetically original and written in such a manner that is unique in its own way.

MACHINE TROOPER: If you were to guesstimate, what proportion of books do you read because the author requested a review, versus how many you choose all on your own?

🦀50/50

MACHINE TROOPER: Do you still read any tradpub fiction? If so, who?

🦀 Not current tradpud fiction. I read a lot of classic Agatha Christie, Jane Austen, Lord Dunsany, Poe, and Lovecraft for the most part, when I’m not reviewing indie books.

MACHINE TROOPER: What are some of your favorite things to experience when reading a book or watching a movie? How have authors or directors managed to really ramp up your enjoyment of a story? Examples?

🦀 I like to expect the unexpected and unexpect the expected. What I mean by that is that I want to read stories and watch films that feel organic in their plot development and not just an amalgamation of previous existing stories and tropes blended together. I want to see writers disassociate their minds from how we communicate on social media and write in ways that are unique to their work (unless of course the story is about this world in present time).

Writing should be an art form not unlike singing, for example. Do singers sing like they talk? No. Same with writing. Don’t write like you post on Instagram or X. Make it an art form.

A good example of this is the last book I reviewed by Robert Mortell: Tales & Treasure. Though the book is not perfect in some aspects, Mortell seems to get that it’s time to move on in the fantasy genre and experiment with new concepts. The hunt for the crown in his story is just a facade, and even the characters in it know it. So the story is no longer about “Who shall find the crown shall have infinite power” but the hunt for this trinket becomes crucial for the characters/plot developing in ways that are fresh, compelling, and fascinating.

MACHINE TROOPER: Simply put, then: fresh narratives not built around a formula.

Do you read blurbs? I ask because they can be challenging to write and so many of them are bad. Can you generalize for us what elements in a blurb make you want to read a book (and conversely, what turns you off or makes it fall short, if you like)?

🦀 I do read blurbs and then I regret it! LOL! Honestly most blurbs today only make me feel like I should probably skip that book. I know it is hard to write blurbs that are effective without giving away too much of the story, but (sorry, have to mention him again) Rob Mortell proved that you can write blurbs that make you go like: “I gotta read this book now!” So Rob ,to me, also sets an example that there can be ways to write blurbs that are effective and intriguing. Is it an easy task? Absolutely not, but it’s doable.

MACHINE TROOPER: Remember that proposal you made to Iron Age Media? Could you reproduce it here for the blog followers?

🦀 Basically I DM’ed ‘The King’ with a proposal of featuring my book reviews on his zine but never got a response. I know he read it, but that’s water under the bridge.

MACHINE TROOPER: Now tell us if you’re ever going to do that. If not, why not?

🦀 Michael has a new book coming out soon. I’ll wait for that to release and do an interview with him.

MACHINE TROOPER: Thanks for answering those questions. Now let’s discuss your own current fiction project.

First of all: how and why were you motivated to tackle this subject matter in your first foray into fiction writing?

🦀 I was initially (and only partially) inspired by the modern feminist movement. But eventually the concept evolved into the creation of super Amazonian warriors rather than just a bunch of women who want to be like men. As more defined characters began to form in my mind I let the concept stir whichever direction it chose, organically.

MACHINE TROOPER: Most work that turns out to be worthwhile does take some surprising turns from what the writer originally envisioned.

Does the setting of this story take place on some version or alternate of Earth?

A: The setting is 100% pure fantasy world from my imagination, taking inspiration from The Iliad by Homer to Solomon Kane by R. E. Howard and everything in between. I think you may also find traces of E. R. Burroughs and H. P. Lovecraft here and there.

Oh and there will be mystical beaches, too. The most mysterious, enchanting beaches populated by not-too-friendly crustaceans!

MACHINE TROOPER: Nothing against Tolkien, but it’s always nice to discover people who understand that good literature existed before he came along.

Are you planning to eventually publish this story?

🦀 First of all I want to reiterate that everything that you read in Jerimath and Varian (and in the upcoming novel Scars) is simply the result of my ‘therapy program’. These characters and their stories have been living rent-free in my head for almost a year now, and I needed to find a way to let them out. This is therapy for me. So I decided to write down everything my imagination was creating in my sleep. I really don’t care what the ‘critics’ may think of it nor am I trying to be a ‘writer’ in the sense that I’ll be constantly thinking of what to write next. I’m writing these stories and characters simply because they came to existence through my imagination in my dreams and I really needed an outlet for my own mental health’s sake.

Having said all that, a long-format novel is also in the works, in cooperation with another writer, Jerimath and Varian providing just a glimpse into this fantastic world. With professional editing/proof-reading I would like to perhaps first make this short story available for free and then add it as a bonus to the long-format novel that is currently under construction.

MACHINE TROOPER: So this part is just you; but the full-length novel will be co-written with Fredo McBoxhead.

How did you come up with the term “Agogex”?

🦀 The term was inspired by Agoge, a military program/training system in ancient Sparta. It was kinda fitting, given the military nature of this caste of women. Partial credit goes to Scars co-writer James for coming up with that idea.

MACHINE TROOPER: Who are the “Aratex”?

🦀 The Aratex are the ‘mind’ of the nation of Carriala (whereas the Agogex are the ‘arm’ of Carriala). Aratex is a caste of men picked at birth to basically become eunuchs and fulfill vital roles as statesmen, lawmakers, scientists, architects. They will make an appearance in Scars, the long-format story I mentioned earlier, which will be mostly written by co-writer James.

MACHINE TROOPER: Jeez, you make it hard not to draw parallels between this and Current Year geopolitics.

You’ve been borderline-obsessed with crabs since you reviewed that one RVM story. Your characters even refer to “the Holy Crab” in this book. What is the deal with you and crabs?

🦀 I wouldn’t say just borderline obsessed (LOL), but yes, ever since I read R. V. Miller’s short story The Isle of the Shrine of the Sick’ning Scarab (I know, long title!) I became infatuated with mystical islands and red crabs to the point that I was having dreams (or nightmares? Your pick) about not just red crabs but walking on these otherworldly ‘Lovecraftian’ sandy beaches with more red crabs than one can count. Those were the same dreams by which these characters and stories I’m writing originated from.

At the time I discussed this with Mills and he even suggested using the ‘mystical red crab’ as my brand logo. And so I did.

Scars: an INFAMOUS Legend will zero in on the whole red crab legend more in depth once Agogex Master Megax takes the leading role in that storyline.

MACHINE TROOPER: Henceforth shall I remember this origin every time I dine at Red Lobster.

It seems Larizza (and now Megax, in this draft) is pretty brutish–if not retarded. Is this a result of the sorcery that altered her hormones and DNA to make her ripped and hyper-masculine? Or was she this way from birth?

🦀 All Agogex speak in the same ‘strange tongue’ which baffles even the men of Greater Valley. Again this particular mystery will be revealed in the long novel in due time, but for now I can only say that their speech is not due to a mental disorder or birth defect, or because they are foreigners (they’re not), or because they are just meatheads, even.

Agogex are very smart and cunning. Not only do they possess superhuman strength and endurance but they are also very apt for military strategy development and leadership on the battlefield. Agogex never end up being common soldiers. There are not a whole lot of them, they’re an elite, and they are all raised and trained to make it to the ranks of captain and general.

MACHINE TROOPER: Okay, I’ll be patient to find out.

In the duel between Jerimath and Larizza, the High Knight is full of bluster (or braggadocio?) beforehand, then refuses to make any offensive effort. Even as he tires from evading the attacks of the Agogex (who has nigh-unlimited stamina), he still refuses to counterattack. Regardless of the effectiveness of the fighting discipline, or the skill of its practicioner, an attack–especially a failed one, opens you up for a counterstrike. (This is how Max Schmelling beat Joe Louis in their first bout, for instance, and how Ken Shamrock beat Dan Severn.) Yet Jerimath limits himself to defense after, presumably, many such openings. Is he a white knight deep down, despite the bluster? Is he mesmerized by her eyes? Can he not overcome his conditioning to not hit a girl? I am a bit perplexed and, to be honest, this reminds me too much of the Homowood trope of the trash-talking 220 pound tough guy who gets his ass kicked by the five-foot-nothing Amazon superninja.

🦀 Jerimath at this point is only aware of the unnatural strength of Larizza, but he doesn’t suspect that Agogex have almost infinite endurance as well. His plan was to let her swing at him long enough to tire her out, then disarm her. Notice how he tells Varian:

“Let me teach this silly child a lesson”

He obviously has no intentions to seriously hurt her. Also notice what he says to Larizza after he is hit and gets back on his feet:

“Larizza, I do not want to harm you. I am just seeking justice. If you lay down your weapons now no harm shall come to you or your men. The Tower is as just as it is merciful. I give you my word as a High Knight and Paladin of The Tower.”

Jerimath is doing two things here:

Giving Larizza a genuine chance to surrender.

Gaining precious minutes to regain some gas, would he not be given any other chance but to strike her. He is speaking to her while in the back of his head he is also calculating his next move now that he is within striking range. Larizza is being fooled into thinking he is done at this point.

You also have to keep in mind two factors:

High Knights are raised to respect women, all women

There is something going on when Jerimath looks into Larizza’s eyes but he is not even fully aware of it at a conscious level. Attraction? Agogex sorcery? Something else? Gotta keep reading part 2 to find out.

MACHINE TROOPER: If Jerimath is truly concerned with justice, why does he choose to let the Carrealans off scott-free rather than see Larizza punished?

🦀 Jerimath wants to see justice being served, but not the Agogex version of it , with unsolicited torture. His decision to pardon Larizza of her crimes is made in the spur of the moment because he only has seconds to do something that would prevent the flogging to take place. As a Captain of The Tower he has power to pardon a criminal in certain circumstances and so he uses that power.

Oh and of course the ‘EYES’ thingy I’m sure has something to do with it also!

MACHINE TROOPER: I appreciate you taking the time to “chat” with me about your reviews and your work-in-progress.

Follow Gio and watch for his collaborative fantasy project, Scars, to come out in the future, of which this tale of Jerimath and Varian will be a part.

Fantasy, Reviews

TALES & TREASURES by Rob Mortell

January 7, 2025 Machine Trooper Leave a comment

A review by INFAMOUS🦀

I remember the very first time I watched ‘French New Wave’ movie Last Year in Marienbad and instantly feeling so aware that I was witnessing something original and unprecedented in film-making. That same feeling I got when I first read Lord Dunsany’s The King of Elfland’s Daughter (link); I knew then this was ground-breaking content. That was years ago…

Fast-forward to today, and the same phenomenon occurred to me as I read Tales & Treasures, the fantasy novel debut by Rob Mortell.

It’s not the norm in this day and age to grab a fantasy-based novel and be surprised by its originality or uniqueness. In an over-saturated marketplace of Tolkien’s ripoffs, finding fiction writing like that found in Tales & Treasure is a rarity, and this goes as a massive credit to the author R. Mortell.

AMBIENCE :

As Mortell says:

“Like many fantasy authors it started with Tolkien, but my more modern influences are Patrick Rothfus and Scott Lynch. The way they blend interesting characters with high-quality prose is unmatched.”

The way this story unfolds, the way the characters behave and interact all contributes to create an exclusive ambience, and it is ‘unmatched’. It is fantasy but you’re not going to see fire-spitting dragons or wizards shooting lightning from their hands. Instead, it is subtle, refined, at times corky, and it very much reminds me of the French cinema of the late ‘60s with characters that feel ‘ordinary-but-not-really’; characters that make us laugh even in situations which are not laughable at all.

PLOT:

Instead of the story building around a king, or a knight, or a mage, it builds around a bard, which is a brilliant idea and instantly sets up the tone for a different kind of fantasy ride. Vatis is our bard, and he has a ‘dark past’. His fate entangles with that of a treasure hunter, Vidmar, former member of the royal army, also with a dark past of his own. The two of them are subsequently joined by 12-year-old orphan girl Mia, and Kamet, former army pal of Vidmar.

Why would a bard tag along with a treasure hunter? Simple: Vatis feels that Vidmar’s current task of recovering the crown of Slavanes Greco, the crown of the true king of Emre, will provide all the content necessary to write his next big story, which would make him the most prominent bard in all of Emre. But what transpires is a fate that none of the players could possibly predict. Both Vatis and Vidmar are in for a very unexpected adventure, as they follow the vague clues to find the coveted crown.

CHARACTERS:

This is for me the high point of this book, but also the low point of it. Let me explain:

These are some of the most lively, ‘3D’ characters I’ve read about in most new fantasy literature. The way Vatis, Vidmar, and even supporting characters like Mia come to life is truly something that must be experienced firsthand! We feel engaged with them from the first to the last page. Their large spectrum of emotions, their sense of humor, even their sense of hopelessness at times is so well timed by Mortell that several times I had to pause, breathe, and think about what I’d just read! Just fantastic characters all around!

THE NEGATIVES:

As always we gotta mention the good of course, but also the bad and the ugly as well. Fortunately this book does not contain any ‘ugly’ to speak of but it does contain some ‘bad’:

Language: there is an extreme amount of profanity and crude language that was not needed for these characters. They already shine as they are, there was no need to have them drop so many F words and say so many crude ‘mamma’s jokes’. Virtually every character except for young Mia cusses like a sailor without adding one iota of richness to their established personalities. Not sure why Mortell wanted to go that route but this hardly works in fiction except in some sci-fi and detective novels for example. All that does here is cheapen the finished work in my opinion.
The bard’s performances: bards are supposed to be performers even when they are simply telling a story to an audience. If they narrate their stories in standard prose you no longer feel like you’re listening to a performance. I’m not saying that our bard Vatis should be more like Shakespeare but even a simple meter tweak to the writing could create that difference between ‘Vatis speaking’ and ‘Vatis performing’.

CONCLUSIONS:

All in all, despite the negative aspects I just mentioned, this story and characters are too original to give the book less than 5 stars. As a reviewer sometimes I find myself torn between giving a book 4/5 stars and 5/5 stars. If a book is not ‘perfect’ in certain aspects but it oozes with originality and ‘3D’ characters I might still give it 5/5 because I want to encourage the author to keep pursuing this and to encourage readers to buy and read the book.

I hope my advice is taken as constructive criticism but also I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy most aspects of this fantastic debut novel!

🦀

Crime, Reviews, Sci-Fi

Murder on the Stellar Schooner

December 31, 2024 Machine Trooper Leave a comment

Illustrated Detective Sci-Fi

by Brian Heming

I’ve read some of these genre mash-ups written in the heyday of pulpy paperbacks. Whether written for laughs or not, it was obvious that the authors had a good time taking a hardboiled P.I. character and giving him a case to solve on an extraterrestrial planet or a futuristic Earth. Bladerunner is the most popular such mash-up (based on Phillip K. Dick’s Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?), and was not played for laughs.

Murder on the Stellar Schooner is not exactly played for laughs. That is: no jokes are cracked by the narrator. The humor is there for the eye of the beholder, spawned simply by the scenario of a hardboiled detective from 1930s Los Angeles solving a murder on a space ship.

The attitude, lingo, and illustrations are lifted from a Depression-era noire milieu–only the technology is different.

A freshly-minted widow hires our hero to solve the murder of her erstwhile boyfriend. He was snuffed shortly after winning big in a card game. There’s a short list of suspects and it doesn’t take long for the murderer to be identified.

Honestly, that’s my only complaint: I wish there had been more. I didn’t check the word count beforehand, and was expecting a novella. That length would have served this story well. The “facts of the case” wouldn’t even need to change much, if at all. Simply fleshing out the characters and action would have done the trick. Nevertheless, an enjoyable read.

Speaking of mash-ups, check out my Paradox Series, which blends time travel with conspiracy thriller, sports fiction, a little coming-of-age, and a whole lot of men’s adventure!

Adventure, Reviews

Quest for the Lost Sword by Andy Flattery

December 24, 2024 Machine Trooper Leave a comment

As a boy, I was a voracious reader. I don’t know how many Hardy Boys books were published by the time I outgrew them, but I had probably read most. (But in a public library I frequently haunted, I discovered The Three Investigators, which I liked even better.) Tom Swift and His Rocket Ship is a book I have managed to hang onto over the decades, and sits on my shelf today.

As a poster child for Generation X, I would trade childhoods with a dude from pretty much any other generation. However, one advantage my cohort had over the Millennials and Homelanders was that masculinity wasn’t considered “toxic” in the mainstream back then. You could still find literature for boys and men on store shelves. Boys today are mostly outa’ luck.

Mostly, but not completely outa’ luck, because small publishers like Raconteur Press and authors like Andy Flattery are producing books specifically for boys. Flattery set out to create a sort of pastiche of the Hardy Boys, Tom Swift, and young Indiana Jones. I’ve heard that imitation is the most sincere form of…wait for it…Flattery.

Couldn’t resist.

Quest for the Lost Sword is a lightning-quick read for an adult. The author does not take much time at all setting up the mystery. It’s all bang, bang, boom, done. Which may be perfect for the preteen and early teen demographic (which Leo and Henry, the two young protagonists, fit). The more I ponder it, the more I believe a story of this length and pace might be the perfect gateway to literature for boys.

Our two young heroes are growing up in a stable, traditional Catholic family. Their father is a globetrotting antiquarian, while their mother seems to be a stay-at-home mom. Their house is an historic building with a secret hideout underneath. The parents are a bit indulgent–trusting the boys to behave as responsibly as adults most of the time. In other words, the Kelly boys have a nearly ideal childhood.

Their priest comes to visit one day while Mr. Kelly is away on business. A family heirloom–the titular sword–has been stolen, after being in the priest’s family for centuries. The sword (and some other items) are spiritually charged objects–so there is a touch of the supernatural to the story.

Don’t ask me how the boys are able to book and pay for an international flight, but after dredging up a clue from an old Latin book, they are off to Europe to find and recover the sword. Their bravery and resourcefulness will be put to the test there, because there are people who don’t want the boys to succeed.

This story is simple, yet fantastical. As such, it’s a good one for boys. If you know a young boy, particularly one who doesn’t voluntarily read yet, buy him this book. It could just repair some of the damage public education has wreaked on the male of the species.

And speaking of all that, my Paradox series had a similar purpose, though the target audience is more young men than boys, after the first book.

Reviews, Speculative

A Song of Bones by Isaac Anderson

December 17, 2024 Machine Trooper 2 Comments

A Song of Bones by Isaac Anderson

A review by INFAMOUS🦀

“When the rats come, you run. If you can’t run, you hide. If you can’t hide, you bow. You can always bow.”

A Song of Bones is a high-octane, action-packed rollercoaster ride featuring some not-so-adorable rats and some ‘oppressed’ mice as main characters. As the author Isaac Anderson tells us:

“I was a big fan of the Redwall books as a kid and I wanted to write something that a younger me would have enjoyed discovering on the library shelves.”

This is book one of a series. Anderson wrote the whole thing over the course of several years but quickly realized it was too big to fit into just one book. The ‘ending at the window’ (read the book for more on that scene) was the cleanest break between parts.

The next book will be released in the summer/fall of 2025, according to Anderson.

PLOT:

Naturally, when we think of a story with talking animals who act and behave very human-like, we immediately think of some of the most popular Disney or WB characters and their general features: cute, clumsy, light-hearted, and fun-loving…

Not these fellas!

The rats and mice featured in A Song of Bones are very jaded, stoic, and at times very bitter characters overall.

Basically the story can be summarized as a ‘mice prison outbreak’ by a group of our little furry friends.

Several mice have been kidnapped and put to slave labor in the caves of Dorgue’s Tree, an infernal system of caves and caverns where a group of mean rats lead by rat Dorgue are forcing these mice to dig, dig, and dig some more for reasons that are slowly revealed as we keep reading further.

Our main character, Richard, finds himself at the head of a small group of insurgents and slowly a plan forms to escape and regain their freedom.

JADED:

I think the approach (talking animals that act human, use tools, wear clothes, and build equipment) can work, but in this case I felt like even the backstories of these rats at times felt too grim and death-filled. Even when Richard recalls his childhood there’s very little joy to speak of, overall. Death is the main theme no matter which way we look.

It was a bit awkward to visualize these talking mice but to also see them being so jaded and really not having a good time overall.

I think there could have been a little more of a balancing act, but they are mostly doing hard labor in deep caves and in horrendous conditions so this aspect is not a deal breaker. I just felt like at least their memories of the outside world would have been more filled with joy and cheerfulness.

WHERE THE STORY SHINES:

When we look past the talking rats, the breath-taking action scenes, the claustrophobia of the deep caves:

“Ultimately this is a story about singing over your loved one’s bones. About remembering them.”

as Anderson puts it.

This driving concept is present from the very opening scene all the way to the closing scene, and it is delivered efficiently through the intense action that will keep you on the edge.

Also credit to the author for succeeding at ingraining the images of the characters as rats and mice in the reader’s mind even when they act and behave very human-like. At no point was I picturing humans trapped in dark caves. All I envisioned was RATS!

CONCLUSIONS:

If you want one reason to pick up this book here it is: the story is a rich example of honoring our loved ones who are gone. As Richard recalls the passing of his mother first, then his father, and now some of his newly acquired friends, we can feel the sense of loss along with him.

I’d say Book 1–though not perfect–can be the beginning of fantastic things to come, the door to a fascinating world similar to what former Disney animator Don Bluth did with some of his animated characters. I would certainly recommend the book to both children and adults alike and hope you’ll pick up a copy and discover this new and exciting universe of rats!

🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀

Adventure, Fantasy, Reviews

Relentless Blades by Russell Carroll

December 3, 2024 Machine Trooper 3 Comments

Relentless Blades – Volume 1 of The Prophecies of Zarune by Russell Carroll (and a word from the author)

A review by INFAMOUS🦀

If there was one thing author R. Carroll wanted to accomplish with Relentless Blades that would be to present a story that even though might not be everyone’s ‘favorite cup of tea’, that it would at least come across as an undeniably well-written, professional, and competent work of fantasy literature.

Russell wrote Relentless Blades because of his love of ‘everything fantasy’ and Dungeons & Dragons in particular. It’s no exaggeration to say that the book was twenty-years in the making and a ‘love letter to his teenage-self’. In Russell’s own words:

“Remember, you’re never too old to pursue your dream!”

As for an author who inspired Russell? R. A. Salvatore and his Legends of Drizzt series is at the top of his list, and it clearly shows all throughout this first and exciting debut publication.

IN A NUTSHELL/CHARACTERS:

What is this book really about? And why should we be excited to read it?

Russell shares that:

“I determined to tell a fairly linear, character-driven story, that hints at a bigger picture and world, but without focusing on trying to explore the intricacies of multiple kingdoms.

As a debut author I was aware not to bite off too much.”

This is in fact part of the charm of RB. It’s easy to follow and because it is so well written we can quickly start to identify various relatable characters who don’t come across as dull or forgettable in the least. For example Grimlock, a skron halfbreed (skrons are kinda like blue-skinned orcs with orange hair), immediately becomes one of our favorite characters because although he is this apparently selfish hunter-for-hire, mountain of a humanoid, he has a conscience, and deep inside he values life and is resentful when a life is lost on his watch.

We have brothers Mathias and Val Braunstone, who on the surface couldn’t be any more different, the former being an esteemed Valadian Knight-Lieutenant while the latter choosing to put his abilities at the service of local crime lord Henshawe.

These are not your typical one-dimensional characters and the reader will feel easily drawn to the story thanks mostly to them.

PLOT:

When some ancient artifacts are found while mining near the Fractured Crags, a dispute for possessions of such items ensues between the Valedians, who claim such artifacts belong to them as they were found within their territory, and the Vragoths, who claim that the artifacts found are clearly of Vragothian origins.

We will quickly learn that the Mazzinoth’s Eggs are more than meets the eye, and they can become potentially a most devastating weapon in the wrong hands. If the Vragoths acquire the recently discovered scepter, they will unlock the way to awaken the dragons within the eggs.

A seemingly unorthodox group of heroes led by Grim and Vig are the only chance to stop the unleashing of dragons by the Vragoths. Find the enchanted scepter and stop the ritual before it’s too late. This is their mission.

A FRESH OUTLOOK:

Beyond the very well-written action scenes and suspenseful fights, where this book really stands out is in tackling noble virtues like altruism, courage, and kindness but in ways that feel very organic within the story and not forced into the narrative.

When Vig, who has dealt with dyslexia all his life, finds the compassion and the support of Everleign all he can say is:

“My whole life, I’ve felt ashamed of my problem, but you didn’t make me feel bad about it.”

To which Everleigh replies:

“Why would I do that? Acknowledging your limitations and seeking help to overcome them shows bravery. I’d never mock someone for that.”

And THAT is where this story really shines and becomes more than just another forgettable fantasy/action trope. In showing strength but also vulnerability in his characters, Russell manages to hit a home run with this debut publication.

CONCLUSIONS:

I always felt that fantasy literature had gotten more nihilistic in the last decade. The YA books are literally polluting the market and the ‘Game of Thrones’ types of books are a bit too much for my taste with their grey areas of morality.

Relentless Blades reminds me of the Dragonlance books and Salvatore’s D&D books we used to read decades ago. This is a story ‘with soul’: friendship, courage, honesty and perseverance in the face of adversities is what makes this relevant and it leaves an impression on the readers.

Russell communicates with vivid images that life is precious and fighting for others is a just and righteous cause.

The prose is snappy and concise without giving in to the insufferable modern-day euphemisms that pollute our everyday social media. A smart choice that always pays off in the long run.

It is exciting to see how this new fantasy realm will further unfold and I sure look forward to it!

🦀

SON OF THE BLACK SWORD by Larry Correia

A review by INFAMOUS🦀

ANOTHER ONE-DIMENSIONAL CHARACTER?

PLOT:

FIGHT SCENES:

MY ISSUES:

CONCLUSIONS:

Q&A with Katelynsam

Author of Last Masquerade at the Carousel House

Last Masquerade at the Carousel House By Katelynsam

An interview by INFAMOUS🦀

PLOT:

MYSTERY + OPULENCE:

TITLE + COVER:

CONCLUSIONS:

Homecoming: The First Chris Folly Thriller (Chris Folly Series Book 1)

PLOT:

CHARACTERS:

CRAFT:

A Q & A with the Infamous Reviewer, Gio🦀

A review by INFAMOUS🦀

AMBIENCE :

PLOT:

CHARACTERS:

THE NEGATIVES:

CONCLUSIONS:

Illustrated Detective Sci-Fi

by Brian Heming

A Song of Bones by Isaac Anderson

A review by INFAMOUS🦀

PLOT:

JADED:

WHERE THE STORY SHINES:

CONCLUSIONS:

Relentless Blades – Volume 1 of The Prophecies of Zarune by Russell Carroll (and a word from the author)

A review by INFAMOUS🦀

IN A NUTSHELL/CHARACTERS:

PLOT:

A FRESH OUTLOOK:

CONCLUSIONS:

Red-Blooded American Men Examine Pop-Culture and the World