The Skin Map is my first book review for the Christian Science Fiction & Fantasy Blog Tour, and I would like to say thank you to the hard working people over a CSFF blog for allowing me to take part. I would also like to thank Thomas Nelson Publishing for sending me a copy to review.
The Skin Map: day TWO of the three day blog tour.
To explain how Lawhead's novel is like my wife's corn muffins, I'll have to show you a video first. Remember to come back when you're done.
Click HERE.
That was pretty impressive right? After watching that trailer, you would expect this book to be an edge of your seat thriller that grabs you by the eyeballs and doesn't let go till you say UNCLE, right? You're thinking this book is going to be the culmination of all your hopes and dreams from now till the end of eternity, and the perfect blend of everything that is cool in the universe, right! You're expecting it to be a cupcake! But it's not! It's a CORN MUFFIN ....... BUT WAIT!!! Don't spit it out!!!
If you start reading this book, knowing what you're getting into, you'll find this to be one delectable corn muffin. Believe me when I say, you'll want to slap some butter on this bad boy, and sit back with a nice cup of Kaffee-- that's coffee in German (as it is rendered in the book). You see, this book is not what the video or the reviews on Amazon have made it out to be. It is not a fast paced thriller mystery with a supernatural twist-- at least not yet. It's more of an unrushed historical romp with a flair for cultural nuances. And, if I had known this going in, I would have enjoyed this book much more.
Lawhead enjoys writing narrative, and he's good at it. If you like to slip on your imagination goggles, and take a peek into historical landscapes, this is the book for you. The vistas come alive through Lawheads unique writing style, and you will find yourself enjoying the many unique cultural insights he has painstakingly added to the story.
The main story was interesting, but it was all too clear that this is the first book in a series. If you are hoping for any ends to be tied up when you turn the last page, think again. Lawhead is only priming the pump. You will be left wanting the answers to a number of things, but thankfully, the second book is coming soon.
What I enjoyed most in this book was the story of Mina. I loved following along as she transformed from a modern emo London city dweller, to a business savvy entrepreneur in 16th century Prague. This is where the meat of this story was for me. It was in the character development and historical descriptions. I'll explain more tomorrow, as I wrap up this blog tour with my closing thoughts.
Remember to add a comment if you want to win a copy of The Skin Map.
Grace and Peace
John Hileman
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Find more information about Stephen Lawhead at his webpage HERE.
Or pick up a copy at Amazon: The Skin Map (Bright Empires)
Other stops on the Stephen Lawhead blog tour:
1 comment:
Count me in on this week's giveaway
Miriam Allen
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