avg_rating: 4.92
name: P.J.  O'Brien
about: O'Brien, a somewhat optimistic rurally-raised resident of a northeastern US city infamous for its gritty hopelessness, is primarily a reader. She was challenged to write a genre-bending mystery after losing an argument with ducks about the inevitability of violence. She dreamed up a country founded upon the ideals of fairness and peace, and then added characters that had to abide by the framework of their culture. They were given the traditional provocations to fighting (e.g. limited resources, invasions, religious &amp; ideological differences) as well as some natural horrors that plague people. The characters were allowed to evolve on their own and respond to crises as they saw fit. They had only to be true to their culture, retain essential O'Brien, a somewhat optimistic rurally-raised resident of a northeastern US city infamous for its gritty hopelessness, is primarily a reader. She was challenged to write a genre-bending mystery after losing an argument with ducks about the inevitability of violence. She dreamed up a country founded upon the ideals of fairness and peace, and then added characters that had to abide by the framework of their culture. They were given the traditional provocations to fighting (e.g. limited resources, invasions, religious &amp; ideological differences) as well as some natural horrors that plague people. The characters were allowed to evolve on their own and respond to crises as they saw fit. They had only to be true to their culture, retain essential elements of modern humanity, and be charming when not dealing with threats that could potentially end the world as they knew it.After four books, they felt they had fully addressed the most essential questions of suffering, violence, love, and happiness, and still retain their sense of humor. And did they? That’s for you and the ducks to decide. The author has turned back to reading, which is what she’s happiest doing.You can find the books at any digital bookstore that supports the standard epub format, e.g. Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes &amp; Nobles, Smashwords, etc. (You can download a free 70% excerpt of each book from Smashwords.) Because of some philosophical differences with 'Zon, they're not sold via Kindle but they could be read on one if gotten from booksellers that offer a compatible mobi format version. ...more