Book Review: The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin

 

This book sat on my shelf for quite a while and I was planning on letting it sit. My aunt gave it to me and I figured it was a book that was more suited to a 60-year-old woman. I thought it was some kind of spiritual journey biography or some kind of allegory for the ills of modern capitalism. I don't know why I thought this and I was very wrong. It is one of the most engaging fantasies I have ever read. It was a surprise to find out that it takes place in a fictional future where the earth has turned on its inhabitants by way of violent tectonic activities. Volcanoes, lava flows, earthquakes, and tsunamis are the real enemies to humanity and can take out an entire city with hundred's of thousands of inhabitants in a moment and every once in a while the earth becomes completely covered in ash forcing humans to hide and survive in the ancient ways outlined by rules called stonelore. 

The story follows three female protagonists, Damaya, Syenite, and Essun but before I explain who these characters are I need to explain what they are. They are all orogenes, or, the less polite term roggas. Orogenes are born with the ability to manipulate minerals. They are trained and employed to soothe the earth, stop earthquakes, prevent tsunamis, and help with engineering projects. They are feared and hated by normal people as the most powerful roggas can destroy cities and activate volcanoes. The only thing that can stop a rogga is a guardian, who is a person that can track down, nullify, and, if needed, kill a rogga. 

We meet a young girl named Damaya in a cold and damp barn where she has been imprisoned by her family who fears her newly discovered powers. She is then taken to Fulcrum, the orogene college, by a guardian. At Fulcrum, she learns how devious other children can be and how to harness her powers. She also meets a girl who introduces her to a secret that will be the key to fixing everything or destroying it all. 

We also follow Syenite, who is a Fulcrum Trained four-ringer orogene that is partnered with a ten-ring orogene named Alabaster for the purpose of learning, fulfilling Fulcrum contracts, and reproduction. Alabaster is the most powerful oregene in history and he is very likely insane. He and Syenite engage in unsatisfying coitus and getting on each other's nerves. On their travels, Syenite has to challenge her ideas of what an orogene is and what Fulcrum is really doing. As she learns of the harshness of the real world she also learns how powerful she can be and how Alabaster probably went crazy. 

Essun is you and you are Essun. At least the book says this. She is the main, main character and the book uses the term you to make sure that the narrator knows who they are.  She is also the mother of two rogga children, one who has been killed by her husband. He has taken the second child and disappeared. She is determined to find her child and kill her husband. Essun leaves her small village just as the world is ending due to a massive volcano that is covering the earth with ash starting the next season of death.  

I was so pleased to find what I found when I opened this book and started to read it. It is the only example of geology-based fantasy I have ever heard of. The tone is conversational and unpretentious making it very accessible. The story is both mature and playful. The chapters are long as shit. I usually try to finish a chapter if I start it but I often would stop mid-chapter just to go to bed or do something else. The Fifth Season offers a charming and suspenseful adventure in a world that is both relatable and foreign. I enjoyed the ride very much and recommend it to anyone interested in a world that is unique and dynamic. 

Book Review: Children of Dune by Frank Herbert

 

I think I just keep reading these books because they offer my mind an exercise. The writing is so poetic and ethereal that it takes me to another world. Frank Herbert's unique voice and one of a kind tone are hypnotizing. The whole experience is like grasping at a dream. Every step gets you closer and yet every step takes you farther away. Toward what? The Golden Path maybe?  

In this, the third in the epic Dune series, we follow the story of Paul Atreides' twin children Ghanima and Leto Jr. These are not average children. They were conscious inside the womb and have the memories of thousands of people including their mother, father, and grandmother. The key to this is a combination of genetic manipulation from thousands of years of breeding programs and a high dose of melange, the addictive substance that in the right circumstance can unlock the secrets of consciousness and time. Ghanima and Leto are the heirs to the Empire that their father left behind, possibly dead but maybe not. 

Before Ghanima and Leto can take the throne they have to contend with everyone thinking they are the age they look, as well as their aunt Alia who is the regent in control of the empire and doesn't want to give it up, as well as a growing plot from the Corrino Family who was displaced by Paul Atreides when he took over Arrakis in the first book. To make matters worse the Preacher is running around sowing doubt about the moral authority of Alia and the path that the government is taking the people down. 

As the fight for the Empire rages on a new threat emerges from the sand. A threat that is destroying the infrastructure that has brought water to the desert planet and is creating a new mythology. Is it a god or just another passing contender? 

If you like epic sci-fi worlds with fantasy elements and can handle diving into a world with its culture and language then I recommend reading the Dune books. Obviously, you have to start with the first one but once you get into this epic story it does not disappoint. It continues to intrigue and mystify. The series is like the additive melange. While it might be confusing at times its allure is undeniable.  

Read my reviews of the previous books:

Book Review: Dune by Frank Herbert

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Book Review: Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert

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Book Review: Dune by Frank Herbert

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"There would be tricks within tricks within tricks."

My friend recommended this book to me several times and I am very glad that I decided to take the suggestion. This book was a non-stop rollercoaster of intrigue, action, and suspense. From the very first chapter, the reader is thrown into a mysterious world where pieces to a massive puzzle are introduced through context while eluding simultaneously to a known future and an unknown present. The author introduces such puzzle pieces in a myriad of forms such as excerpts from unknown tomes that refer to unknown events, words that can only be contextualized to determine, and the names of people, cultures, and religions that will only make sense once the reader has delved deeper.

It is impossible to overstate the intricacy that exists in the text of Dune and it is difficult to explain the story without giving away what makes it so entertaining. Above and below the surface layer of the story there are layers of macro and micro examination and the interplay between layers as well. Everything in the universe of Dune is connected through thousands of years of interconnected human endeavors. Just like in real life the humans of Dune are in a constant race to manipulate the environments they occupy including both the ecology of planets and social dynamics of competing sects. Frank Herbert navigates these intricacies with a rigorous methodology that at no point takes away from the fun that the reader experiences in discovering the world through its players. 

We learn about Dune from its newest royal inhabitants and overlords led by Duke Leto Atreides. He is joined by his precocious teenage son Paul and his enchanting concubine Jessica. While these names may appear mundane I assure you Paul and Jessica are not to be trifled with. Paul's quick reflexes and Jessica's intelligence and cunning prove to be powerful assets. With political turmoil all around them and betrayal lurking around the next corner, Duke Leto is charged by his Emporer to take over the planet Dune and extract all the spice he can and the spice is nice. Mmmm spice!

Dune is an exercise in keen observation. As the book continues the reader sees into the mind of the highly trained Mentat assassins, seductively selective sorceresses and more. You notice every vocal tonal change indicating to you that someone is afraid or hiding something or straight-up lying. Words become codes and a couple of hand gestures can communicate an entire conversation. These are just some of the mysteries that exist in the cut-throat world of Dune.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in an epic adventure that explores both the internal world of the characters' thoughts as well as an in-depth external sci-fi world with a healthy dose of fantasy to round out the excitement. The only negative thing I could come up with is that while the vast majority of the story is unpredictable the ending was mostly expected, which doesn't take away from the enjoyment in the least. If anything it allows for a satisfying resolution that entices the reader to continue the saga with the next book which could be Dune Messiah although there are so many Dune stories one can get wrapped up the world forever. I will certainly be reading more of these novels and I hope that any movies or shows based on the Dune world do the story justice. 

30 Days of Fiction: Day 23

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The Giant

A soldier stood in line like all the rest. He wore the same green uniform as all the rest. He had the same rifle, slung around the same right shoulder and the same haircut under his hat like all the rest. Everything was the same save one thing. This soldier's head towered above the rest by at least 2 feet.

"Big Fuck!" a deep voice came booming from behind the group. Big Fuck looked up at his drill instructor who gestured that it was alright for him to turn around and address the origin of the voice. He turned around to see General Marshall Jackson walking through the crowd with men on all sides saluting him as they noticed who he was. The General was well respected at Camp Fortnite as he was a veteran of both the Western Continental War of 2035 and the South American War of 2045. Both wars had lasted years and General Marshall had led men to victory many times. He always made it a point to deliver important messages in person. 

He walked up to Big Fuck, looked up, and said, "Private Gigantic As Shit, I presume?" the general asked sarcastically. 

Still saluting his general, Private Gigantic As Shit responded in his deep voice, "Yes, Sir." 

The General let out a, "HA!" and said, "No shit. I've got a message from DC that you're to be reassigned. Come with me." The General turned suddenly and started walking back the way he came. Private Gigantic As Shit stood stunned for a moment and then rushed along behind the man barreling toward the main building. 

The General sat behind a large marble desk staring up at the private for a moment before he spoke. 

"How long have you been in the army private," The General asked. 

"6 weeks, sir," the private answered. 

"What's our mission," The General said with a serious look. 

"To protect the Realm, maintain peace, and end global instability," the private said confidently. 

"Good. You pay attention," The General said with a smile and continued, "That will keep you alive. Now, it seems that you might be able to offer a strategic advantage in our battles in Spain. So you are skipping the end of your training and going straight over to help our effort over there." 

"Yes, Sir," The private said confused. 

"Well, gather up your gear, and head to hanger three. Your plane takes off in 30," The General said as he stood up and saluted the very tall soldier. "Good luck," he said as the private saluted back. 

"Thank you, sir," the private said and turned to leave the office. When he got to the door he turned around and shyly asked the general, "Why me, sir?"

"Because you're big as fuck and they need that particular characteristic in Spain. You'll see!" The General said with glee in his voice. 

Private Gigantic As Fuck rushed to his bunk, gathered his things as fast as possible and ran out to meet the plane that would take him to Spain. When he arrived at hanger three a transport jet awaited him with its pilot standing by. As the giant private approached the plane the pilot saluted him and said, "You must be Private Edward Johnston. I'm Airman Jordan Watersmith. I'll be taking you to our Spain headquarters." 

"Thank you, sir," Edward said incredulously. He couldn't believe that the pilot knew his name and that he actually used it! Edward hadn't heard his name in months. He almost didn't recognize it. They had been calling him names like Big Fuck, Huge as Shit, The Biggest Private, and the general's Gigantic as Shit since the first day of basic training but it never really bothered him. He was used to it as the boys at the orphanage had called him worse names and treated him much worse. Edward was happy to be in the military even if it meant being called names.

The two boarded the jet and with Edward sitting quietly in the copilot's seat they made their way to Spain. On the flight, the two soldiers sat in the cockpit guessing at what Edward's "secret mission" might be.

Edward guessed, "I've heard they have mammoths in Spain. They use them in the hills. I bet they need me to ride one."

"I don't think so," Jordan replied confidently. "They had mammoths in Russia a few years ago but the whole mission failed as the genetics were still in beta. The mammoths grew too quick and never stopped growing. They died within months of birth." Jordan stopped and thought for a moment before adding, "I hope you're not going there to fight in the pits."

"Pits?" Edward asked staring at Airman Jordan wide-eyed.

"Yes. I overheard some sergeants talking about how instead of having a battle the generals of each army sometimes decide to have a hero", at this Jordan took his hands off the steering wheel and made quote fingers in the air and as the small cargo plane began to drift off course he put his hands back down and continued,  "represent each side's force and the two heroes fight to death to determine the outcome of the battle."

"I can fight," Edward said confidently.

"I'm sure you can and being so big you would probably do well. But I also heard that the leaders don't like losing and sometimes", Jordan mimed air quotes again, "they just have the battle anyway and the heroes, being in a pit, get killed first."

"Well, fuck that!" Edward shouted in Jordan's ear causing him to cringe.

"Jesus! Don't yell in my ear! You asshole," he yelled and pushed Edward back.

"Sorry," Edward said trying to shrink into his side of the cockpit, which wasn't big enough for him not to be right next to Jordan's ear. Edward continued but quietly, "why did you put sometimes in air quotes?"

Jordan just turned to him and laughed. The rest of the trip went without incident and the two said their goodbyes on the tarmac of the American embassy in Spain, which had turned into the HQ for America's forces fighting there. Spain had been a long time ally of America and recently there had been violent resource disputes with neighboring Morocco and Algeria so America came in to defend its ally. The fighting had made its way into many major cities and was creeping up on the embassy slowly by the time Edward arrived.

When Edward walked out of the large bay doors at the rear of the plane he was greeted by a chipper female soldier.

"You must be Private Edward Johnston," she said hovering around him like a frantic butterfly. "I'm very excited to meet you. We're all excited really. I mean a real life giant," she continued but paused when she said giant to see his reaction, which was none. She kept going, "Oh, I'm sorry, that's rude, isn't it? I just mean, well, you are a giant, aren't you?"

"Uh...," Edwards started but was immediately cut off.

"Well, anyway", the butterfly interrupted. "I'm here to take you straight to your quarters and then straight to Master Sergeant Rory Bullworth's office for a briefing." At this, she started walking, taking a million steps to Edwards one and turning around every few seconds to stare and smile back at him.

They made their way around the building to a courtyard that had been turned into a makeshift barracks with large tents placed in neat succession with soldiers buzzing around. They all stopped what they were doing as Edward came into view. This was not a new phenomenon for Edward but this time it felt different. The people staring at him this time looked glad to see him and not afraid or disgusted as was the case almost every other time. He wasn't sure what to think about these faces but he was hopeful.

After making their way past many tents the butterfly caught his attention, "Here is your tent," she said happily pointing to the last tent in the line. "You only have time to drop your rucksack off on your cot and then we have got to go see the Master Sergeant. He is very excited to see you. He keeps talking about how you will be a game changer for our campaign here and how he can't wait to see such a big fucker", she said using dramatic quotation gestures.

At the entrance of the aforementioned tent, they both stopped and the butterfly pointed inside. He had to slightly duck to not hit his head and when he was inside the tent he was shocked to see that there was only one cot sitting right in the middle of the floor by itself. One very large cot, a small bookshelf, and a large footlocker were the only furnishings in the entire tent. 'Why did he need his own tent?' Edward thought to himself. He put his rucksack on the cot but before he could do anything else he heard his name from outside.

"Edward! We have to go," the high pitched butterfly soldier belted at him prompting him to rush to her.

Outside the tent, a crowd had gathered. About 25 soldiers of varying ages, sexes, and ethnicities stared at the giant as he made his way to the main building, all of whom possessed slack jaws and wide smiles.

Inside the main building, the butterfly suddenly became more like a professional caterpillar. She walked with purpose, her shoulders back, head high and boots in step with the usual right, left style Edward knew from boot camp. He started shadowing her moves as he walked behind her simply out of habit. Although he had to modify the timing a bit not to trample her. After a turn or two down the immaculately furnished embassy halls, the butterfly stopped in front of a door and turned to Edward.

"It was nice to meet you, Private Edward Johnston," she said with a professional and genuine tone. "I'm Private First Class, Beverly Finn," she continued and raised her hand.

"Nice to meet you," Edward said taking her hand, which disappeared inside his.

Beverly smiled, right-faced and knocked on the door.

"Come in," a calm voice called from the other side.

The two entered the office and stood to salute the Master Sergeant who stood up to greet them. He saluted them and said, "At ease privates. Thank you, Private Finn. You may go." She nodded, about-faced and closed the door on her way out. The Master Sergeant stood in front of Edward and stared up at his huge face.

The Master Sergeant broke the silence saying, "Well, I'm gonna get straight to it. You're here because you're bigger, faster and stronger than most anyone around and we need someone here who can rally the troops and strike fear into the heart of the enemy. What do you say to that?"

Confusion crept over Edward. His hands began to tighten and his face gave him away.

"I don't know," Edward said slowly.

"What don't you know?" Rory Bullworth pressed him to continue.

Edward responded, "What do you need me to do sir?"

"Good," Rory Bullworth said smiling and then sat behind his desk.

The next morning Edward woke to loud trumpets. He had stayed up most of the night with nervous anticipation and when 5am came around he was already dressed and ready to go. He made his way to the mess hall where no one seemed to notice him at all. No staring or attention whatsoever. Edward was once again confused.

He got his food and sat down at an empty table. After eating a few bites Beverly came buzzing over and sat down looking at Edward with a huge smile. Edward looked up to see her smile and smiled in return. This time he spoke first. "Good morning."

Beverly replied, "Good morning Edward. How was your night? What did the Master Sergeant tell you?"

"He said I would be here to rally the troops and strike fear into the enemy," Edward said sarcastically. "Whatever that means."

"Ohhh! That's great. He must mean you'll be in the parade tomorrow", she said with excitement. "We're having a parade to show our alliance with Spain and to show that we are winning to the public here. You'll be the star of the show."

Edward smiled but then quickly frowned and looked down at his peas and mashed potatoes.

"What's wrong," Beverly asked.

"Nothing. I'm happy to help," Edward said without looking up.

"Come on. What's wrong?" Beverly prodded.

"I'm just not used to that kind of attention," Edward answered softly, as soft as a giant man with a deep voice can muster. "I'm used to people staring but it's never been for anything good."

Beverly's sympathetic gaze just made him feel even more awkward. She grabbed his left hand from the table and pulled it to her and said, "Don't worry. We are all happy you are here. No one will look at you like that or I'll kick their ass." With this Edward couldn't help but blush.

The rest of the day Beverly Finn's job was to prepare Edward for the parade. She took him to see the float that he would be on. It was the biggest float in the parade and looked like a small sailboat with tall sides and a deep platform. American and Spanish flags surrounded the edge of the stage and it had a platform at the front where he would stand holding a huge medieval sword representing the strength of America. Next to him would be the President of Spain, Sebastion de Silva Devereux, who would have a shield representing his defense of his people.

The two spent the entire day together, eating lunch and then dinner back at the embassy mess hall. They parted ways at the opening of Edward's tent and wished each other farewell. Again Edward couldn't sleep. This time he couldn't stop thinking about Beverly Finn. Regardless of his musing about his new companion and circumstances, the morning came with the sounding of trumpets.

Edward got his gear and made his way to the showers where he could barely get low enough to clean himself. He got dressed in the uniform that they gave him for the parade. It was a gaudy, over the top version of a dress uniform with oversized shoulder pads, unearned medals, and a ridiculous beret with a long feather coming out of it. He looked at himself in the mirror and managed to muster a half smile while waving to himself in the mirror.

The Parade

Edward made his way to the mess hall where again no one seemed to pay particular attention to him. Minutes went by as he looked around the hall but Beverly wasn't there. Edward's stomach started to fill with butterflies and he couldn't get any food down. He felt all alone again. The same feeling he had when he would eat alone in the orphanage. The same way he felt at school and during boot camp. Just then the Master Sergeant came into the room holding a massive broadsword in his hand. Everyone in the room stopped what they were doing, stood up and saluted. Edward did the same.

The Master Sergeant walked briskly and stood in front of Edward, saluted in return and said, "At ease." Edward put his hands behind his back as the Master Sergeant eyed him up and down. "Look at you. You look goddamn great son."

Edward knew what he looked like and couldn't agree but smiled anyway and said, "Thank you, sir. I'm ready."

"You look it," he said handing Edward the massive sword. Edward took the sword and put it to his side and saluted again. "Let's do this!" The Master Sergeant saluted and they both walked out of the mess hall. Only after they left did the others drop their salutes and go back to their mess hall business.

The drive to the parade starting ground was silent and the butterflies in Edward's stomach grew in intensity with every mile. Waiting for them at near the main float were five black SUVs and Spanish military personnel all around. The two American soldiers got out of their jeep where the Master Sergeant confidently walked up to the SUV in the middle of the group. He looked into the back driver side window and knocked hard on it.

"I see you," he said with the excitement of a schoolyard bully. "Let's get this show on the road President," he continued while stepping away from the door. Edward noticed that none of the Spanish military personnel made any movements toward Rory Bullworth. They must have known him or at least not been particularly concerned with the President's safety. A few moments later the door opened along with all the other doors to all the other SUVs. President Sebastion stepped out along with a dozen black-suited armed guards.

"Good morning President," Rory said with a quick salute. The president did not return the salute nor imply that he even noticed the Master Sergeant. Rory walked up to the president but before he got too close one of the guards stepped in between the two and stopped him. Rory looked up at the large man, smiled and said, "If I wanted to hurt the president son, you standing there wouldn't stop me. Now move aside."

The president set his hand on the guard's shoulder gesturing him to move aside. The two leaders looked at each other for a second and then the president spoke in a thick Spanish accent, "I don't think this is a good idea. It is too dangerous Master Sergeant Bullworth."

"Nah, don't worry about it," Rory responded in a chipper tone. "You'll be fine. It will be good for morale. The people need to know we are winning this thing and that you are not afraid of anything. Also, you agreed to do this and you don't want me going back to General Jackson telling him you pussied out."

The president winced at the word pussied and nodded his head in agreement. "You are right. I will show my people that we are not afraid of anything and that with the United State's help we will take back our country," the president said confidently. He looked over at one of his guards and said, "Give me a flack jacket."

A guard came rushing over and put a bulletproof vest on the president. Over that the president put on his military dress shirt. He also put on a historical dress hat with a long felt mohawk and a huge red feather sticking out the top. His attire was only slightly less ostentatious than Edwards.

"Edward!" The Master Sergeant yelled.

Edward got out of the jeep and ran over to Rory and saluted him.

"Don't salute me you big fuck!" he said. "Salute the president dummy."

Edward turned and saluted the president who looked up at the giant in his odd attire and saluted back.

"Nice to meet you, Edward," he said while continuing to salute Edward. "I am glad that you will be there to protect me on this stupid float."

"Yes, sir!" Edward replied, happy to hear himself called by his real name by such a powerful person.

Edward and President Sebastion took their places on the float. One holding a massive sword, the other holding a large shield. Side by side it looked like the president was Edward's squire holding his shield before an ancient competition. Two of the president's guards stepped onto the float and the Master Sergeant stepped on as well to give Edward some last minute advice.

He gestured for Edward to bend down and spoke quietly into his ear, "live for something rather than die for nothing." Rory looked up at him, slapped him on the shoulder and walked off the float leaving Edward as confused as ever.

Soon the float was moving and the president and the giant were smiling and waving to the thousands of Spanish citizens that lined the streets. They screamed, cheered and some even cried as their president went by. Everyone from the city had come out to see the president in person and when they saw an American giant standing next to him it was almost too much to believe. 'How could they lose with such an ally as the mighty USA,' many of them thought.

45 minutes went by and the crowd surrounding the procession was as energetic as ever. If anything it was growing in excitement. Fireworks and gunshots could be heard more and more and closer and closer to the float. Some of the classic American food carts, hot dog stands, and cotton candy stations that lined the streets were being overturned to make room for all the people following and surrounding the main float. Soon the floats behind the main float were forced to slow down as so many people stood in between them on the road and eventually each float was separated and obscured by raucous crowds.

The guards were beginning to become uneasy and they called the driver below them to drive faster and get away from the chaos but it was too late. There were too many people in front of the float to move any more than at a snail's speed. The noises of the crowd turned from cheers to chants and what was once a controlled parade was turning into a ravenous riot. People began breaking car windows and store windows along the road and the sound of loud bangs and pops grew more frequent and louder.

It wasn't long before the float had to stop fully. The president's guards were frantically calling on their radios for help but it didn't seem to do any good. Edward gestured for the president to get down just in time as a group of men dressed in Spanish military attire could be seen in a side alley making their way through the crowd toward the float. There were about twenty of them shooting into the air and hitting people that got in their way.

"They are here to get us out, president," said one of the guards.

As the military men got closer Edward could see that they were all wearing bandanas hiding their faces. That didn't seem right to him but before he could warn the guards a flurry of bullets began to whizz by his head. He fell to the floor but the two guards didn't get out of the way in time and were ripped apart by the bullets. Edward used his body to cover the president as more bullets whizzed past them and into the float narrowly missing them. The good news was that the crowd was dispersing but the bad news was that the militants were just a few yards away.  Edward crouched holding the large sword and waited for them to try to board the float, his heart pounding.

The top of an aluminum ladder thudded against the side of the float right in front of Edward. He quickly pushed it back over the side. Bullets rang out again above his head as another two ladders thwacked against the side of the float behind him. He turned and was able to push one over but before he could get to the other one a man in green fatigues jumped onto the float but before he could fix his sights on his target Edward swung the sword at his legs immediately cutting them both in half. The man screamed and hit the floor.

Edward tried for the machine gun the man had dropped but before he could get it another soldier dropped into the float. Edward spun around with the sword, this time swiping into the midsection of the soldier cutting him in half. Once again he tried for a machine gun and this time he was able to get a hold of the bloody one in front of him. He stood up to look over the side of the float but shots went out as soon as he did so he could only return fire without looking, barely clearing the top of the float.

Just then another two men jumped onto the float but Edward was able to turn and shoot. He made quick work of them with the machine gun but just as his gun clicked indicating it was out of ammo another man jumped onto his back. The man tried to choke him but his neck was too thick to get much of a purchase. Edward grabbed him by the head and slammed him down onto the floor. Before the man could get up Edwards used the butt of the machine gun to smash in his head.

Just then another man climbed over the walls but before he could jump off the ladder Edward threw the machine gun at him hitting him so hard in the face that the man flew backward with blood shooting out of him in multiple directions. Edward grabbed the sword again and rushed over to the president who was crouched in a ball in the corner.

"Are you alright?" Edward asked but the president didn't respond. The president was in shock and weeping. Just then another thud hit the float. When Edward looked it was a flashbang that went off right in his eyes. Blinded, Edward covered the president as best he could. More men came aboard the float and began beating him. He was able to push them and take the blows until all of a sudden he felt the sting of a metal baton hit the top of his head and the lights went out.

The Pit

Sometime later Edward woke to complete darkness. He could hear a crowd murmuring some distance away and there was a taste of coppery blood in his mouth, which complimented the pounding in his ears. A familiar voice could be heard close and as its owner came to mind Edward's heart jumped. It was Beverly! He couldn't believe his luck. She must have been there to negotiate his return or maybe she was there to rescue him, he thought. He tried to listen in but couldn't make out what she was saying or who she was talking to.

"I think he's awake." Someone said to Edward's right side.

"Take that thing off his head then," Another voice said. This one Edward instantly recognized as Master Sergeant Rory Bullworth.

The black cloth was pulled off his head revealing that he was in a large warehouse. Edward's eyes adjusted to the bright lights to find that looking at him where Beverly and Rory. Behind them were about a two dozen well-dressed men and women sitting around a large square pit in the center of the room.

"Hello Edward," said the Master Sergeant as he and Beverly walked up to him. "Good to see you again. Aren't you glad to see us?"

Edward said nothing.

"He looks a bit confused," Beverly said. "Are you confused Edward?" She smiled at Rory who smiled back at her.

"I think he is," he said. "Well, it will all be clear in a few minutes." He turned and walked over to a microphone near the pit where he spoke to the crowd.

"Ladies and Gentlemen. Officers and Senators. Kings and Queens. I have a great treat for you this evening!" At this, the crowd stood and started clapping excitedly. " I give you a bought that will determine whether Spain belongs to the United State of America. As it should." The crowd began to boo. "Or if it belongs to Africa," Rory said, playing to the crowd whom all cheered.

Rory walked over to Edward, pointed at him and said, "This giant motherfucker here represents America's interest." Then he walked over to the opposite side of the room where a large black sheet covered something large. Rory pulled the sheet off to reveal another giant. This giant was an older black man who was also chained up and badly beaten. Rory pointed at the man and said, "And this giant motherfucker fight for Africa!" The crowd began to cheer even louder at this.

The older giant man continued to look down and it was obvious that he had done this before. Edward had heard of other giants but had never seen any and he felt sorry for the other man. Hoping for some sign of hope he looked over at Beverly who just smiled at him with a psychotic grin. Realizing her betrayal his mind began to fill with rage and his thoughts raced.

Rory Bullworth then walked over to a small door, opened it and dragged someone out by their feet. The man was wearing military attire and as the light hit his face Edward recognized him as President Sebastion. He was beaten badly and pleading, "No, please. No. No!"

Rory dragged him to the edge of the put and made him kneel facing him with his back to the pit. He pulled out his revolver, pointed it at the president's face and said, "Let's start this off right." Then he pulled the trigger shattering the kneeling man's face into pieces before the lifeless body slumped onto the floor. Rory walked over and kicked the body into the pit. He raised his hand to the sky and just then Edward's chair began to move forward toward the pit. He looked over and the same was happening with the other giant.

He tried to stop the chair from moving but it was on tracks and was too strong for him. At the edge of the pit, the rear of the chair lifted him forward and his chains fell away. Just as he was about to fall face first into the 15-feet deep pit he managed to twist his body around in time to grab the arms of the chair. There were gasps from the crowd as Edward began to pull himself up. A shot hit the concrete an inch from his face but he managed to pull himself up and over the chair as more bullets hit all around him.

He grabbed the chains that were behind the chair now and pulled on them hard enough to wrench them free from the mechanism securing them to the ground and hid behind the metal chair. The sound of screams and people running the other direction could be heard along with the sound of an empty pistol's clicking. Edward stood up from behind the chair, leaped over it and ran toward Rory with the massive chain in his hand. Rory turned to run but Edward whipped the chain catching his legs and flinging him to ground.

Rory's face hit the floor with a thud. Edward walked over to him but before he could get very far he felt the sting of a large knife in his right back shoulder. He spun around to find Beverly on the ground in front of him scrambling to get up. Enraged by this he grabbed her by one ankle and picked her up so that they faced each other.

"WHY!" He screamed in her face but she didn't respond. She didn't cower or cry. She just stared at him a fierce hatred. With no response, he dropped her on her head knocking her out cold. Spinning around quickly he found Rory attempting to release his legs from the chain but before he could Edward grabbed the end of the chain and pulled Rory toward him. Just before he was within striking distance Rory pulled himself free, jumped up and started to run but Edward was close enough and fast enough to grab him with both hands like a father restraining a bad child.

Edward picked him up and walked him over to the edge of the pit where the other giant man was looking up at them.

"Please, No. I'll do anything! I can give you anything!" Rory Bullworth pleaded but it was of no use. Edward dropped him into the pit with a crunch as his legs broke on the hard floor below. The giant man slowly walked over to him and with one swift motion stomped on his head splattering it like watermelon. Then he looked up at Edward.

"I'll get you out of there," Edward said and tied the chain around a large beam and tossed the other side into the pit. When the giant man got close to the edge Edward lowered his hand to help him out. Once out of the pit the two stood face to face not fully knowing what the other might do.

"What's your name," Edward asked.

With a deep guttural voice, the giant said, "Brute," and hit his chest.

"Ok Brute. Do you know how to get out of here?" Edward asked looking around the warehouse.

"Brute knows," Brute said gesturing towards a large door.

The door was locked but Brute slammed his shoulder into it and it snapped open. Bright sunlight broke into the room and attacked their eyes for a moment. They made their way out of the warehouse where outside was a small airstrip and several helicopter landing pads. Edward looked around the area and far to the right, he saw one helicopter and it was beginning to start up. Edward and Brute began to run toward the helicopter when they noticed it's pilot get out and start running toward them.

Assuming it was an enemy of some kind the two giants stopped and braced for a fight but as the figure got closer Edward could make out what the pilot was saying.

"Edward Johnston!" the pilot said waving his arms in the air. "It's me, Jordan Watersmith!"

Edward smiled.

30 Days of Fiction: 20

After a few more tries George made it past the bevy of undead villagers and more white wolves. He had taken a wrong right turn once where he was immediately murdered by a twenty-foot long lizard that pulverized him with its jagged blue crystals. He decided that that one would have to wait. After the lizard, the world had opened up for him revealing an expanse of snowy mountains and castles off in the distance. It was a beautiful site but not as beautiful as the softly smoldering bonfire at the top of the hill and when he touched the hilt of a rusted sword sticking into bonfire he was filled with tranquility and peace. He was renewed and the fire was renewed for with his touch, it blazed hotter and brighter as if it had been waiting for him a very long time.

George sat at the fire for a moment and took stock of his inventory and found that his two glowing flasks were full again. When he was done resting he stood up and as soon as he had made the first turn down the path he was accosted by more villagers in tattered clothes wielding short swords and jagged daggers. He was getting better at blocking their attacks and with some effort and only drinking twice from his golden flask he found himself staring into a round and ruined courtyard. In the center of the courtyard, a giant in ornate silver armor knelt with its head to the floor motionless. Just beyond the statued knight were a set of doors. 

"That must be where I need to go," George said and headed toward the large doors at the far end of the yard making sure to give a wide berth to the giant as George had learned that this world was full of deadly surprises. 

The door was locked. 

"Hmm," George murmured and then began running around the courtyard for a clue as to what he had to do next. 

After frantically running the diameter of the area a few times he walked slowing up to the kneeling knight. Up close he noticed that there was a strange black mass undulating in and around the knight's back. Then he noticed that a long coiled sword was plunged halfway through the knight's chest. With apprehension, he began to pull the sword from the statue's chest. As it came free mists and spurts of blood began to fly from the sword and as it fell to the ground the giant raised its head and stood up. 

George backed away but in no time the giant was picking up his large halberd and moving swiftly toward him. George turned and as he began to run back toward the safety of the beautiful bonfire he saw before him a wall of fog blocking his way. He tried running through the fog but just as he found that he couldn't and turned, the sharp end of the giant's halberd was slamming down on his head. He attempted to drink from his flask but just as he pulled it out of his pocket another blow was raining down on him and he found himself in a haze of mist and death. 

He arose at the previous bonfire and was not surprised to find that all the enemies he had dispensed with earlier were back to torment him. He checked his flasks and the two were full but his jar of white smoke was empty. This time with a little more rage and resolved to regain that which he had lost he made his way toward the courtyard once more. 

The villagers were a difficult obstacle but he found a way to minimize how many he had to interact with and when he found himself in front of the giant the second time he was only down one drink of life juice. He felt confident as he passed through the threshold toward his foe but this time the giant was already up and making his way toward him. George pulled up his shield and walked forward. The giant struck him hard in the shield and he was hurt but alive. He swung his ax striking the knight once for decent damage but just as he went for another he was struck by the giant's side stomp and stunned for a moment. The giant swung again hitting him square in the side of his body staining the ground with his dark red blood. 

His life nearly gone, he rolled back until he couldn't roll anymore and took a drink from his flask, giving him back the majority of his health. He pulled his shield up just in time as the halberd slammed against it again. George made his way around the giant's side and began to slash it his flank as fast as he could doing more and more damage but with another stomp and slash the giant was on him causing his health to dwindle. George tried rolling back again but after the second roll, he found himself without any ground to roll onto and as he plummeted down an endless abyss he thought to himself, YOU DIED!

With even more rage in his heart George crossed the threshold of the courtyard but this time he ran at the giant full speed and started swinging blindly until he found himself being slammed to the ground by the massive halberd. He got up and started swinging blindly again only the have the giant lunge forward slamming the halberd down and up again launching him into the air and as he hit the ground he thought to himself again, YOU DIED. 

"FUCK!," he exclaimed as he was resurrected at the bonfire. This time he ran past all the villagers and headed straight into the fight. Instead of striking the giant face-on George remembered that the knight's flank was exposed after it attacked so this time he maneuvered around to the right at each opportunity and struck as much as he could. He took a halberd to the face a few times but was making progress. After each strike, he would try to flank him and strike until exhausted but still the giant was too fast and too powerful. His life dwindling he rolled to the right, then to the left and when he had just a moment to act he struck the knight and something different happened. 

All of a sudden the knight stopped and a mass of writhing black tar burst out of his back and head and a new head with burning red eyes and a long snout arose out of his body. A pale long arm stretched out from the knight's side and with a screech, the knight was now a hideous monstrosity. Not knowing what to make of this George made his way to what he thought was the creature's flank and began to strike as fast as he could taking chunks out of its flesh. The creature turned and struck down with its long face slamming George to the ground. With just a sliver of life left and the creature gearing up for another attack he rolled to the right just in time to miss being hit and took a drink from his golden flask. 

With vigor, George rolled toward the half-knight-half-black-tar-creature and struck it again and again. The creature was nearly dead when it leaped into the sky and in an attempt to miss the incoming strike George rolled backward but he rolled too soon and the creature landed with its full weight on his body killing him once more. 

"NOOOOOO!!!!! I fucking had him! Goddamnit! Fuck! FUck! FUCK!" George spewed out of his mouth as he was being resurrected. 

George decided to take a break. He was so angry that he knew that if he continued he would just die again exacerbating his rage. Instead, he decided to look around the area and practice killing the villagers. He tried taking each one individually and found them much easier to deal with one on one. Around one bend in the path, he had found some dark black orbs and found that if he threw them they burst into flames like a bomb from a Mario Brothers game. He only had 4 after the initial test throw so he decided to save them for when he really needed them.

After a few more practice sessions in the area and with his jar filling up nicely with white smoke he decided to take on the giant again. He crossed the threshold and ran up to the giant and waited for it to strike. When it did he moved to his right and struck a few times and then waited for the next strike. He was beginning to read the giant's patterns and concentrated on what he was doing in a way he hadn't before. George was in the "zone" this time and in no time the knight was again transforming into a blackened creature. The fight became more intense but George kept his witts and drank from his flask only twice thus far.

The creature's health was nearly gone and in his haste, George swung too many times and as he became exhausted the creature smashed him into the ground taking most of his health away. He got up, rolled to the right and drank from the flask just in time to miss another strike. He rolled toward the back of the creature but just as he went to swing his ax the creature jumped into the air. George waited for a half second and then rolled away from the creature as it struck the ground missing him entirely. The creature was too far away to strike but George remembered the black bombs.

"Fuck it!" he said to himself as he flung a black bomb at the creature's blackface.

The creature screeched and writhed in pain as the bomb exploded, setting it aflame. That did it and it was over as it began to fade away from the world in a haze of smoke and blood.

"YES!!!!!" George exclaimed pumping his fist into the air and he began to dance a little. When he was done celebrating he noticed a small bonfire appeared in the center of the yard and when he touched the sword sticking out of it the bonfire blazed with delight and they were both at peace. After resting, George took out his jar and found it full of wonderful white smoke. He walked over to the large doors and with all his strength he pulled them open. 

Book Review: Neil Gaiman's "The Graveyard Book"

I decided to buy Neil Gaiman's book entitled "The Graveyard Book" on the recommendation of Tim Ferris, a noted author, and podcaster. I had no idea what the book was about but I thought if Tim Ferris loved it so much it must be worth reading. The book sat in a drawer for quite some time before I got to it and I'm really glad I did. It is a wonderfully written and thoroughly engaging book.

The book is about a boy that grows up in and around a graveyard in what, I surmise, is a normal, modern-day English town. It is nearly impossible to talk about the book without giving something of the magic of the book away so I will try to describe it without revealing too much. Neil Gaiman masterfully blends supernatural elements in with a grounded tale of a young boy learning about the world and where he fits into it. With his parents gone he is taken in by an unlikely duo of dead do-gooders and a rugged but fair guardian.

In each chapter we learn more and more about the world the boy finds himself and about the dangers that await him outside the graveyard as well as some that lie within its gates. He meets historical figures and mythical creatures and all the while learns about the power of friendship and how complicated growing up can be. In the end, he finds himself taking on death itself and discovering the price one pays to do the right thing.

This book is a very fun read and has many great life lessons told in a way that a wide range of readers can enjoy. It creates subtle intrigue and exudes imagination that saturates the reader in a fantasy that is both unreal and instantly familiar. Neil Gaiman takes a fresh look at how boys become men and take the reader on an adventure through all the joys and pains that go along with that transition. I highly recommend this book, especially to young readers who have the courage to discover the world on their terms.

Try it out! Click here to buy it using my affiliate link.