08-16-2012, 04:12 PM
Hmm Nathan I think you hit the nail on the head there actually regarding age, there seems to be an overflowing of these odd tween wonders which can get annoying in volume. I actually enjoy the prophetic, fantastic, elements actually and think it really adds to the atmosphere. I don't know, there's something evocative over the whole world despite the odd flaw here.
With Sidebottom I just like the characters, although I admit to smiling at M Clodius Ballista as an Angle! I think the problems there compared to Cameron is one of style. The prose doesn't flow as smoothly especially in sentences where he tediously gives a Latin term and then glosses it in English. I do enjoy some of the literary allusions and it is interesting spotting some of the scholarship I admit but it is rather a case of "academic trying hand at novel" rather than full on novelist. I'm sure the latter ones will be even better though.
I agree with what is being said about most female characters in fiction, unfortunately. I'm trying to think of a few stand outs. Erm...Lavinia in Le Guin's "Lavinia"?
With Sidebottom I just like the characters, although I admit to smiling at M Clodius Ballista as an Angle! I think the problems there compared to Cameron is one of style. The prose doesn't flow as smoothly especially in sentences where he tediously gives a Latin term and then glosses it in English. I do enjoy some of the literary allusions and it is interesting spotting some of the scholarship I admit but it is rather a case of "academic trying hand at novel" rather than full on novelist. I'm sure the latter ones will be even better though.
I agree with what is being said about most female characters in fiction, unfortunately. I'm trying to think of a few stand outs. Erm...Lavinia in Le Guin's "Lavinia"?
Jass
