Go Set a Watchman By Harper Lee - Book Review

The background to the release of Go Set a Watchman, the second novel from acclaimed author Harper Lee, is almost as fascinating as the book itself. The book was completed in 1955 and is essentially the first draft for To Kill a Mockingbird. Harper Lee's editor didn't believe it to be a complete novel but the found the flashback segments depicting Scout and Jems childhood to be the strongest aspects of the book and requested the author concentrate on these elements, so Harper Lee went away and did what was requested and To Kill a Mockingbird was the result.

Go Set a Watchman follows a twenty six year old Scout as she returns to Maycomb after several years in New York City. She finds many things have changed during her absence, including her beloved father Atticus.If this is a first draft then its a very impressive one, although the frequent use of the word 'Nigger' is often jarring and feels slightly unnecessary. The theme of the book though resonates and that is of course the disillusionment Scout feels when she discovers her father is a segregationist, and therefore is the opposite of everything she believes in. In other words a fallen heroe. For many children their father is the first Super Hero they find themselves idolizing. The man who knows the right thing to say and always has good advise to impart. When we late discover that our hero is just an oridinary man, with the same flaws and faults as the rest of us and, well it comes as a bit of a shock. It's this very human experience that drives the book and while the transition from To Kill a Mockingbird to Go Set a Watchman is not what you might have wished for, within the time period the novel is set in it makes perfect sense.

This isn't a perfect novel, not by a long way but the question that must be asked is whether it's an important novel and the answer is yes. One last question: Am I glad that this book was published after all those years? You're damn straight I am. It was worth the wait.

Yours in writing,
Jez Cartner

Reality Tv (A Poem)

Reality TV is everywhere at the moment, so much so I've written a poem about it. If you've watched these shows yourself I'm sure you'll find something to enjoy.

How real is reality TV?
It's a question I feel compelled to ask.
As a genre it doesn't exactly fill me with glee,
Because all too often watching is a difficult task.
Are these shows a reflection of how we behave?
If the answer is yes then I'm afraid the situation is grave.

We watch agape as the Bachelor decides which girl to choose,
And marvel as Housewives model busty plastic.
And watch as wight loss shows muddy the concept of win or lose.
And I have to ask; Is cooking meant to be that drastic?
Is reality TV an exaggeration of our daily lives?
It's little wonder I'm relieved when regular programming arrives.

We're meant to laugh as ageing rockers attempt everyday tasks,
And watch in awe as strangers deal with the might of Big Brother.
"How bad do you want this? The host inevitably asks,
Leaving the contestants to ponder why they bother.
It seems we all have issues with reality TV, but still we watch.
Accompanied by a reassuring botle of scotch.

So again I ask how real is reality TV?
A question with no real answer I fear.
A warped version of the reality inabited by you and me,
They are not privy to the criticism we see and hear.
But like any disease it continues to thrive and grow,
It's simply the result of non scripted people appearing on a scripted show!

- Jeremy Cartner (15/03/2015)

(This is a work of fiction and copyright the author)

Young Bond: Shoot to Kill By Steve Cole Book Review

I read the first two novels in the Young Bond series by Charlie Higson and sort of lost interest but when I heard Steve Cole was taking over the series I decided to give Young Bond one last chance. I'm very glad I did because this was a very entertaining read. The story line was rather clichéd in that it depicts gangsters furthering their goals via motion pictures, but the characterization of Bond was spot on and the seeds of his future career are planted here.

For a novel targeted towards a younger audience there is a fair amount of violence on display here but I feel it is well handled by the author and not at all gratuitous. The Bond of this novel speaks only when it's necessary and prefers action, so I was definitely picturing a young Daniel Craig in the role which only served to strengthen the reading experience. Steve Cole has definitely proved he has what it takes to carry the Young Bond series and I look forward to further entries in this re-vamped series. Great stuff.

Yours in writing,
Jez Cartner

The Great Zoo of China By Matthew Reilly - Book Review

It's very rare that I award a novel five stars but the latest novel from the pen of Matthew Reilly deserves nothing less. On the face of it this is simply Jurassic Park with Dragons, and although the two stories do share similar themes (in the interview at the end Matthew even acknowledges Michael Crichtons famous novel to be one of his favourites) they are very different.

The main difference of course is the pacing. I had a few issues with the pacing in Jurassic Park; there was too much scientific explaination which only served to slow the action. This is definitely not the case here and after a fairly slow start the novel quickly shifts into gear and the action doesn't let up until the final page.
As with any Matthew Reilly novel the characterization is spot on, although the main villain is pretty generic and therefore forgettable.

Matthew Reilly has often stated in interviews that he writes action blockbusters and it's definitely the case here. I can only imagine the research that went into this book but it pays off because the dragons are described in such detail you can almost hear the flapping of the wings as these great beasts take to the airs. A novel that deserves multiple re - reads.

A Real Page Turner - A Modern Fairy Tale

An Anniversary Poem that I wrote for my wife.

Everyone loves a fairy tale,
Of which there are a few.
Tales of beautiful princesses and handsome princes,
And the standard witch with her brew.
As children we listened intently to the stories being told,
Secure in the knowledge a happy ending would unfold.

Our modern fairy tale began on the day we met.
You were destined to be my princess,
Only you didn't realize it yet.
The supporting characters played their part,
Which was to love and provide a guiding light,
Totally oblivious to the story that they'd helped to start.

I didn't find you in a locked tower,
Strange but true;
And along the way I didn't fight a dragon breathing fire,
Compared to the classics our obstacles were few.
But regardless we fought them together, side by side,
It became worthwhile on the day you became my bride.

We made our vows,
And the stories beginning came to a close.
But I hear you ask 'Were they happy in the end?'
A very good question I suppose.
It's true I've taken the vow for better or worse a tad too far,
But our family has now grown, a legacy ensured.
And as far as I'm concerned as long as your by my side a happy ending is assured.

Doctor Who: Engines of War By George Mann Book Review

Classic Who meets new series. That's the best way to describe this epic novel from the pen of George Mann. When we were first introduced to the war Doctor in the 50th anniversary special The Day of the Doctor he was very much a bridge between old and new Who. He was the unknown Doctor who fought in the Time War and very little was known about him, and truth be told this is still the case.  This novel tells the story of the events leading to the War Doctor's decision to use the moment and thus end the war. Some people have said that it would be better off if we left the Time War safe in our imaginations,  but I disagree and remain very glad that we've been given this unique glance into a period that the Doctor himself would rather forget. The novel reads like a cross between the five Doctors and one or two entries in the Virgin New Adventures range, specifically Blood Harvest and Damaged goods. If you've ever been fascinated by the Time War this novel is probably what you've been waiting for.

Yours in Writing
Jez Cartner

Troll Mountain Episode Three By Matthew Reilly - Ebook Review

Sorry for the delay in posting the review for the final installment in the Troll Mountain series but unfortunately life got in the way. So the important question that needs to be answered about Troll Mountain Episode three is does it live up to the previous two installments, and the answer is a resounding yes. The action never lets up and we finally learn the secret of the famed elixir that has led our hero to Troll Mountain in the first place. While the story is a fitting conclusion to an epic story, the most interesting thing about the third part is obviously the comparisons between the trolls of troll mountain and the elders of Rafs villiage, especially the cowardly Bader. This was fascinating to see and certainly illustrates the dark side of humanity that is present in us all. Raf remains the hero because he isn't out for himself but rather he is risking everything for the most important person in his life. This is why he's the hero and why we ultimately cheer at his final stand against the villiage at the story's climax.

In all this has been a fascinating serial from the pen of Matthew Reilly and one that has been a joy to read.  look forward to his future endeavours with well deserved anticipation. I absolutely recommend Troll Mountain to anyone who loves fantasy and serialized fiction.

Yours in writing
Jez Cartner

https://www.amazon.com/author/jeremycartner