Review: Stylish Writing, Curious Characters
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 01 15, 2012
Well, the first thing that jumped out at me was that the author used the term "res" to refer to a Native American reservation when the correct and widely used word is "rez", at least by natives or those who know them anyway. If the character were really an Indian, they would have used "rez". So as a Native American myself, that just seemed odd as well as the need to detail some ceremonies not generally offered to others, especially not ones like the Battle Brothers, but I'm getting ahead of myself.Though some descriptions were repetitive at points, the writing style was great, in that I didn't feel like I was actually reading most of the times: I was merely observing a story in my head. It just flowed, yet I found the characters problematic. When I don't like the characters, and have to question over and over again why are or why aren't they doing something that would be more believable, it can become laborious. Just the same, the characterization was detailed, and very likely designed to elicit strong reactions in readers.The main character was a strong-minded, take action, "thinking" type of woman, admirable for that, but contrasted dramatically with the pathetic excuse for humanity brothers Edgar and Mallory Battle. I had no sympathy or regard or understanding of how she could fall for Edgar, so there were a definitely "versus" aspects of Brightwing, and I didn't get the "love" part of it at all though there was plenty of adventure.The author took great care in editing and gave an interesting, stylish format to their manuscript, and should really be commended and I personally know how much skill, time and determination that can take. The cover image was eyecatching, too. Overall "Brightwing" is an outstanding effort, with a unique voice and perspective that will appeal to readers wanting a different and far beyond average read. Even if I found some of the creative interpretation in the details and descriptions related to Native Americans off-putting with stereotyping, I realize others may like that "exotic" aspect of a work.Originally posted at the review/interview site Flying With Red Haircrow [...]