High Places
By Nina Osier
ISBN: TBA
Paperback: $16.95
Ebook: $5.50

Hurling through the atmosphere straight towards a “dirt ball that didn’t even have a name” is exactly where Star Guard Captain Maisie Thurlow wanted to be even if trailing fire and hoping her ship held together long enough to make a crash landing weren’t part of the plan. But sometimes it happens when you’re searching for children and siblings that had been ripped from their families during a mutinous revolt twenty years prior. And it’s the only way Maisie will ever know the truth.

So accompanied by her First Officer (and lover), Jacques Quiero, and the only other surviving crewmember, Starman Recruit Felicia Cates, Maisie embarks on a journey of survival that forces her to not only confront the madness caused by an unfamiliar planet but the truth of what really happened to her family, why she’d been left with the mutinous crew, who should (or shouldn’t be) trusted, and whether or not any of them would ever be able to find happiness in “High Places.”

The first book of this new series starts with a whispered apology yet Ms. Osier has no need to apologize--not when it comes to a tale as exciting as this. With well-rounded characters and believable action, “High Places” snatches one’s interest from the very first line and holds on until the last with a story that never lets the reader know exactly what will happen until it does. A very impressive start to what promises to be an even better series!

Great job, Nina!

Suicidal Tendencies
Patrick M. Garry
1424159865
$19.95

"There was a story to this trial... Not the one about someone's death or someone else's guilt, but one about uncertainty: about not knowing what little steps would later have such monumental consequences."

In anticipation of the verdict, Luke Sellmer sits alone listening to the sounds filtering through the closed door and waits. And while he waits, the events leading up to this very moment come forth to weave a tale of how one man on the brink of finding ultimate happiness quickly discovers all is not as it seems. Of how simple actions can doom a person and innocent favors aren't always justified. And of how the rejection of one's past could be a most perilous thing.

A quick read, "Suicidal Tendencies" by Patrick M Garry, flows smoothly between the past and the present, walking the reader through the myriad of events leading up to what caused Luke's ultimate fall. With imagery which aptly sets the scene along with engaging dialogue to give the characters depth, the work paces along well, giving the reader plenty of moments of where they might think they have it figured out only to be surprised when they find they don't.

Good job, Patrick!

Ghost Road Blues
by Jonathan Maberry
ISBN 0786018151
$6.99 478 pp.

Thirty years after a serial killer wreaked havoc through the small peaceful town of Pine Deep, long past the time when a thin black man and a lone German fought by the light of the moon, the truth of what really happened still lay hidden deep within a forsaken swamp, waiting ... waiting for the chance to once again come forth ... stronger.

With a solid cast of characters, Maberry draws readers in with his well-written, rhythmical words that resonate a tale that is both mythical and often, all too real, with the ease of a master bluesman effortlessly plucking out a tune.

A compelling read, 'Ghost Road Blues' is speckled throughout with classic lyrics, evocative intention, and an ample supply of 'can't put it down' moments, and although I'm not typically a reader of this genre, the opening scene where a young man is being ripped from his seat on a hayride as the rest run for safety is what caught my interest--only to be followed by the phrase that kept it: "The Bone Man killed the devil with a guitar..."

Great job, Jonathan!

U-Publish.com 4.0
A 'Living Book' to Help you Compete with the Giants of Publishing
Fourth Edition - January 2007
by Dan Poynter & Danny O. Snow
ISBN: 9781588321756 68 pp.
$6.49 Lulu    $14.99 Amazon

Books about self-publishing that include web links; market strategies; lists for printers, designers, and other services; popular resources and more often find within only a few months, some of the leads have changed location, contact information, or even worse, closed completely--and it's exactly this kind of circumstance that calls for a resource such as Dan and Danny's new "Living Book."

By offering readers not only the necessary information to get them going in the right direction but also supplementing it with the most up-to-date resource data available via the web, they're providing both the new and established self-publishing author the means to readily compete in this ever-changing marketplace.

With this book, readers can learn about why they should self-publish, what to do before they start writing, how to think ahead, discover the difference between self- and vanity publishing, see the various printing methods, and be taken from manuscript to galley to book and beyond!

Just as with the previous editions, "U-Publish.com 4.0" is a valuable resource, yet the authors have topped themselves by making it more than just a book for with this newest edition they've revealed there can be much more "life" to self-publishing!

Well done, gentlemen!

The Well-Fed Self-Publisher
By Peter Bowerman
ISBN 0967059860
pp. 294 $19.95

The introduction speaks of "$11,000 in two months-for starters" and if that doesn't grab your attention then just hang on for it only gets better from there.

Written with an easy to read, friendly yet instructional approach, "The Well-Fed Self-Publisher" by Peter Bowerman, provides both new and experienced authors an ideal template that they can follow in order to achieve success with their own self-published work.

By going over a myriad of vital points such as why someone should self-publish, targeting the audience, building a book, ebooks, platforms, websites, distribution, print-on-demand, and more, Bowerman's book competently covers the bases of traditional self-publishing and provides a viable method for promising authors to use in order to hit that elusive 'home run' in publication.

But the book shouldn't be thought of as being just for 'traditional self-publishers' alone because authors who are considering publication via Independent Publishing (through fee-based POD services) could also gain an advantage from reading this book namely due to it's valuable information on various topics such as: titles and cover content, copyrighting, editing, reviews, bookstores, Amazon, media tactics, free publicity, and most importantly, sales and marketing in general.

Self-publishing is continually making positive gains in both acceptance and popularity and before any author decides to join the ranks of the 'newly self-published,' they would be very 'well-advised' to make sure they grab a copy of Peter Bowerman's "The Well-Fed Self-Publisher" before they do!

Great job, Peter!

So... You Want to Build a House
By J.M. Gore and William Null
ISBN 0071474935
$19.95 108 pgs.

With the seemingly endless upward trend of real estate pricing, potential homeowners are constantly on the lookout for cost-cutting tips and organizational ideas to help them make the right decisions during the construction of their "customized dream house."

And this title, "So... You Want to Build a House," by J. M. Gore and William Null does just that by providing readers with useful information about subjects such as: the "perfect house;" consulting with realtors, architects, and subs; controlling both hard and soft expenses; finding the value of an upgrade; learning how that "one little change" can impact the overall outcome; and more.

But the book also helps guide the reader through the complicated process of building by including over a dozen worksheets specifically designed to help with the planning, budgeting, and building process--covering most every stage from the purchase of the land all the way through to the closing.

With all of this workbook's tips and insight, this proves to be a helpful text for anyone who may be considering a home building project (even though the inclusion of an additional set of the planning sheets or duplicates would have been appreciated).

But overall, "So... You Want to Build a House" is still a solid workbook and a great reference for anyone who's even thinking about any kind of residential project (whether they're building by themselves or through a professional)!

Good Job!

The Well-Fed Writer: Back For Seconds
A Second Helping Of "How-To" For Any Writer Dreaming of Great Bucks and Exceptional Quality of Life
By Peter Bowerman
ISBN 0967059852
284 pp.

"Get Real. Get Honest. Get Smart. And get out there ... if you hate marketing, you'll love this book!"

In his newest work, "The Well-Fed Writer: Back For Seconds," author Peter Bowerman aims to arm professional commercial freelance writers with an assortment of tactics to help them improve their income, knowledge, and quality of life by giving them loads of very helpful marketing strategies, tips on how to get their attitude in line with their goals, building a portfolio, finding work in unexpected places, and more.

Add to this a wealth of real-life experience from people who are "out there, doing it," writing and marketing resources, start-up tips, and "golden wisdom," it essentially gives readers almost three-hundred pages of ideas, hints, and how-to's that they can use to become a very "Well-Fed Writer!"

It's designed to be a companion to the prior work and after reading this independently, I do have to recommend to those individuals who are considering or in the beginning stages of their commercial writing careers to make sure they also get a copy of "The Well-Fed Writer" either before or in conjunction with "TWFW: Back for Seconds" because although the book is very helpful and has loads of great ideas, if read as a standalone it lacks a tiny bit in regards to a few of the basic topics that "newbies" to the industry are probably most needing.

But even by itself, I have to emphasize that the chapters on marketing, sales, and cold-calling alone are very valuable to any writer because the points covered (although specific to the field) can be applied to much more than merely "commercial writing" since the premises themselves (meeting your readers needs, distinguishing yourself, networking, branding) can also in theory apply to other writing-oriented careers.

A great addition to any writer's bookshelf, this lengthy work has much to offer in helping those in the process actually become a more successful professional writer.

Great job, Peter!

Use Cash to Buy It!
by Karolina Linares
ISBN 0977683109
93 pp. $19.95

"Credit card debt is easy as 1, 2, 3…"

It's true. And as many are finding out--usually when it's too late--not only are they in debt but, because of the interest, the amount owed exceeds their initial purchases by much, much more.

But what are they to do when they suddenly wake up and realize they are in debt and need to find a way to pay it off? What steps should they take to lift the monthly burden of paying someone else and begin living again? How can they start to end the vicious cycle of owing before it gets any worse?

That's what this book if for. "Use Cash to Buy It!" by author Karolina V. Linares is a straightforward, practical get-out-of-debt guide written by someone who has not only been there and done that when it comes to getting into debt but by using the techniques explained in the text has successfully freed herself from the chains of debt.

A program designed for "people who fit the averages," "Use Cash to Buy It!" helps take the reader through understanding how easily credit card debt can happen, how much they really owe, how self-responsibility is the key to recovery, and most importantly gives them hope that they too can pull themselves up and out of credit card debt.

By covering topics such as No More Excuses, Changing Actions, Changing Thoughts, Cutting Expenses, Giftgiving, Shopping, and of course, Having Fun, the author Karolina V. Linares helps debt sufferers realize that breaking the credit card habit takes more than just knowing that they owe.

A quick read, in the right hands this work can be a benefit to those readers who (desperate for a realistic solution to their credit card debts) want to learn how to address and solve the problem using a simple, straightforward method that has been proven by the author to work.

Good job, Karolina!

The Right Way to Write, Publish, and Sell Your Book:
A Professional Approach to Getting Published
By Patricia Fry
ISBN 0977357600
307 pp. $19.95

"Throughout these pages, you will bathe in the wisdom of publishing experts ... those of you who will ultimately succeed in meeting your writing/publishing goals are those who can ... embrace the information within..."

By walking readers through the writing and publishing processes, with her newest release, author Patricia Fry again strives to help authors discover how to be the very best they can be by using prudent planning, intelligent research, and (most importantly) learning how to apply their newfound knowledge.

With her straightforward writing style, Patricia starts by telling readers how it is--not how they think it should be--then continues in her educational quest by dispersing a few myths while assisting authors in setting aside their too often unrealistic expectations.

But there's much more, for after providing the initial reality-check Fry then encourages authors to apply their talents wisely as she leads them through the maze of not only how to write their book but what to do with it once they get it written.

Comprising of several chapters on topics such as finding an agent, publisher or even self-publishing, as well as many more on how to organize, market and promote, readers will find a wealth of knowledge within along with great resources, links, leads, hints and ideas on how the authors themselves can be the deciding factor in their having a good or bad publishing experience.

There's over three-hundred pages of hard-earned wisdom from a veteran who "knows her stuff" packed into this work and any author who wants to not only publish but to increase their chances of succeeding while they do it would be wise to add this work to their collection.

Very Well Done, Patricia!

Writing Nonfiction: Turning Thoughts into Books
By Dan Poynter
ISBN 1568601107
144 pp. $14.95

Chapter One asks "What will your book do for you?" but a better question would be: "What can this book, "Writing Nonfiction" by self-publishing guru Dan Poynter, do for you?!"

When it comes to writing, nonfiction (like any genre) is it's own animal however authors shouldn't be deterred for with this simple but valuable text Dan provides the fundamentals of what they'll need to know in order to effectively select and research their topic, choose a title, establish a writing system, find a publisher or self-publish, layout a work, create a cover, and more.

By walking the reader through the "New Book Model" and enhancing the text with helpful tips, ideas, examples, references and resources, this book is a wealth of information designed to help authors learn how to succeed when "Writing Nonfiction."

A valuable resource for any author's bookshelf, this book (along with most of Poynter's works) can help an author successfully start their nonfiction publishing career then take it to the next level all while sharing what they already know.

Great job, Dan!

A Walk on the Cliffs
by Margo Reasner
ISBN 0595360475
146 pp. $11.95

It's crossed the minds of many: the desire to explore the "what-ifs" of life and wondering, but if one moment could be changed, which one would it be?

While in college, Mary Ann just misses the chance to be with Robert yet in its place finds happiness with his friend, Brad. Years later, the trio of now good friends embark upon their annual journey accompanied by Robert's newest girlfriend, Crystal.

Not one to act on her unspoken feelings for Robert for fear of hurting Brad, the questions remain deep within Mary Ann about how things might have been if only those few years sooner she'd made a different decision.

As Mary Ann goes out to explore the rugged cliffs of the California coast, she suddenly finds herself in the midst of an alternate reality--one that provides her the very opportunity she's always secretly wanted.

A Walk on the Cliffs was a quick yet interesting read that agreeably worked it's way through the dilemma of a woman loving one man while being "in love" with another.

Good job, Margo!

How to Write a Successful Book Proposal in 8 Days or Less
By Patricia Fry, SPAWN President
ISBN: 0961264292
66 pp. $12.99

"…remove those rose-colored glasses because it's time you understand that publishing is a business. Enter this field with any other mindset and you will fail…" says author Patricia Fry--and anyone who's been in the game for more than just a few months knows exactly what this statement means.

In many cases, writing a book isn't as simple as it sounds. Doing it right involves ample preparation, research, deliberation, and more--a process meant to ultimately provide a publisher a definitive reason why they should want your work.

And "How to Write a Successful Book Proposal in 8 Days or Less" is designed to help both novice and veteran authors alike learn how to do just this with only eight easy-to-follow lessons.

From actually writing the proposal to locating an appropriate publisher through selling yourself and promoting, Fry walks an author through this sometimes difficult process one step at a time.

But it's not just the lessons that are helpful. By including a sample query, synopsis, outline, biography, chapter outline, as well as market analysis and strategies, the author will be able to observe how the material should be assembled in order to present their own unique professional vision.

Originally an eight-week course which was transitioned into a "work at your own pace guide," this book is intended to help one craft a sound book proposal in less than one week--in other words, it's another rather handy item for any author's bookshelf.

Well Done, Patricia!

Monterey Shorts 2: More on the Line
By: Chris Kemp, Byron Merritt, Mike Tyrrel, Walter E. Gourlay, Ken Jones, Mark C. Angel, Lele Dahle, Frances J. Rossi, Linda Price, Shaheen Schmidt
ISBN: 0976009609
416 pages $15.95

Storytelling is an art--and not an easy one to master--however, the ten authors with the Fiction Writers of the Monterey Peninsula (FWOMP) have done well with their latest compilation and anyone looking for an interesting collection of tales should certainly consider this book.

With its superb presentation, detailed editing, and clever illustrations, Monterey Shorts 2 creatively interweaves the history, the flavor, and the nature of not only the colorful populace but of the California Central Coast itself.

Whether reading of the first woman lighthouse keeper to the flight of a spritely being to the sinister side of desire or of love and beyond, this anthology of more than twenty stories charms the reader and makes them want to turn the page to discover what new tale lies just ahead.

Could it be the vampire or the murderer? The artist or the diviner? An exotic beast or just a monkey? Will he come home to a house not there? Or find a friend is not all they seem?

A few noteworthy mentions include Finding Anna, Snakeskin Jacket, Charlotte's Light, Moving Day, Lavinia, and Framed but as a whole, I enjoyed reading each of these wonderful stories.

I also want to mention how the stories--some strong enough to stand on their own merit--did not overshadow the others too much and therefore imparted to the reader a genuine medley of works.

Kudos to these writers who believe that solid criticism served with sincerity is a dish well served. They've proven a gift, shaped with honest effort, will stand high above the rest.

Well done!

Book Marketing from A-Z
Francine Silverman
ISBN: 0741424312
400 pages $18.95 US

Many believe that getting published is the hardest thing about being an author-unfortunately it's not. Regardless of publication method, it seems the most difficult part is marketing and whether they're a new or experienced author, all face the same uphill battle: getting consumers familiar with both them and their book.

But authors by nature are writers--not marketeers--and this leaves many unsure of what to do, much less with any guidance on how to do it. This is where "Book Marketing from A-Z" can help.

I've always been a believer that it's useful to ask others what worked for them and to me Francine's compilation, a collection of excerpts from her wonderful "Book Promotion Newsletter," is almost like being able to connect with over three-hundred authors to get great tips and discover what actually works in the real world.

From advertising to book covers through-believe it or not-zero promotion, Francine touches on over seventy different aspects of the book-marketing field. And because it's alphabetically arranged, an author can either flip to the sections where they want more information or do as I did and read it from cover to cover.

I have to say that after reading this work, this would be a helpful addition to any author's bookshelf--especially if like so many they've found that the lion's share of the marketing is on their shoulders.

You've done well, Francine!

Blue Moon
Lori Handeland
ISBN: 0312991347
342 pp. $6.99 U.S.

Jessie McQuade, is a straightforward "shoot-first, ask questions later" kind of personality. Self-depreciating, she doesn't feel she's the best looking gal but knows in heart that in other ways she's definitely the best for the job.

I hadn't planned on picking up this book considering I haven't read "just for fun" in quite some time but since this one had attracted my attention when it first debuted I thought I'd go ahead and grab it - and I'm glad I did.

While tracking an assumed injured wolf after a collision on the highway, Jessie is shocked to find instead of her quarry a gorgeous naked man hidden within the moonlit trees. Drawing forth sensations she long believed couldn't exist within her, she returns to the accident scene where she stumbles across a small wolf shaped totem. The web unravels from that point on, making the reader wonder who or what could be the reason behind the rash of missing persons and random killings in the area. Could it be the hot professor, William Cadotte, who keeps her mind filled with lustful images? The strange Jager-Sucher from the DNR who forces her to confront her own beliefs? Or, could it be something much more sinister?

Blue Moon is an interesting work that puts an entirely new spin on a very old myth. By pitting a professed skeptic against a "woo-woo" believer and further supporting it by a clever secondary cast, it makes the reader want to believe in the unbelievable. And, although there were a few parts I felt could have been stronger, overall it was an entertaining read and I would recommend it to others.

Nice job, Lori!

U-Publish.com: How 'U' Can Effectively Compete with the Giants of Publishing
3rd Ed. - Pub. Date Jan 2005
Dan Poynter and Danny O. Snow
ISBN: 1588329887
108 pp. $14.99 ppb.

[This book will be not be released until Jan. 2005]

An education in itself.

In this digital age, there are many more options for publication available to authors and because of it many are choosing to go independent with their work. However, as great as this is, sadly they are not learning the business before they do and instead only struggle and fail because they weren't prepared enough to succeed.

This book can remedy that.

A brief but to the point work, Dan and Danny help walk the novice publisher/author through many of the necessary steps as they instruct them on how to write, produce, and economically present a marketable work to the public-moreover they also go into some of the options and give suggestions on where and how to sell it.

If an author truly wants to pursue this method of publication then it is imperative that they obtain the necessary tools and information to do it correctly--and adding this book to their library should be considered one of those necessities!

Well done, gentlemen!

Millard Fillmore, Mon Amour
John Blumenthal
St. Martin's Press
ISBN: 0312323689
309 pp. $12.95 U.S.

Plato Fussell isn't looking for love. He doesn't believe in the concept of finding that one true soul mate is even possible. If you were to ask, even he would reply of how the concept is nothing but "unmitigated hogwash." Yet, fate seems to enjoy playing with one's beliefs and Plato soon finds himself questioning the very truth of the thinking that has helped him for so many years.

I have to admit; I wasn't quite sure what I was in for when I began reading. Not much of a history buff, the idea of mulling over pages and pages of endless ramblings on the subject of our once famous but now seemingly forgotten President, Millard Fillmore, was intimidating to say the least - but I was so very wrong in thinking this, for with an effortless grace John Blumenthal instead has created a work not even close to my initial expectations.

In the first few chapters, we meet Plato Fussell, a dithering neurotic with a strong belief in the non-existence of true love. Through humorous recollection tainted with the reality of life-long repercussions, we find out about the man and the reasons behind not only his lack of belief but also the reasons of why he is as he is.

Upon the prodding of his psychiatrist, the amiable Dr. Wang, he is encouraged to initiate contact with the member of the opposite sex. Now for many this task would be effortless, however for the poor Plato, plagued with the innate ability to reverse words at the least provocation and engage in spoonerisms to protect himself, the very idea alone is enough to cause him to experience a bevy of reactionary emotional and physical responses.

However, as he attends the event where he is to complete the task put forth by Dr. Wang, Plato again falls short of the challenge and instead retreats to the safety of his notes by finding a secluded spot away from the main event. All seems as if it would remain as it is - at least until he is victimized by an errant light purple missile thrown by a woman who will in only a short time throw his life into upheaval and start a completely unexpected sequence of events that will change Plato forever.

"Millard Fillmore, Mon Amour" was an surprising diversion from the predictable, a humorous romp through the mind of a neurotic as he deals with the chaotic events that both precede and instigate the ever so unexpected conclusion of this wonderful work.

So very well done, John!

Heart of Stone
Michelle O'Leary
DLSIJ Press
E-Book ID: 1928973973C
21 pgs.

Since this work is part of "The Huntress" series, as I first began reading, I admit I expected to be somewhat "lost" since I haven't read the earlier stories - but boy was I pleasantly surprised! By the time I finished reading the first scene alone, I lost all further doubt and was able to get straight into the story.

But I'm not going to say much more for to delve any deeper into the plot would give away too much and I'm not going to be the one to ruin it for everyone else with "spoilers".

All I can say is: if you're wanting a great read - something that will entertain you and take you to another world with solid characters and wonderful story, I guess you better go get a copy for yourself.

Fantastic job, Michelle!!

Black Rosebud: Have No Mercy II
Bobby and Kam Ruble
Global Authors Publications
ISBN: 0972851313
561 pp.

In the farm country of Nebraska we meet Farm Girl, a young naïve mind kept from the wickedness of the world by a mother, Mama, who for her own reasons runs from a past filled with pain. They, in their search for enough to sustain their meager existence, meet a kindly older gentleman, Jefferson Welk, who although mostly distrustful of strangers, decides out of loneliness to take them in for the season.

Both Farm Girl and her mother settle in quite well on the Welk farm, dutifully performing their tasks as they build a friendship with Jefferson. And although the man doesn't wish to press his concerns as to not break the tentative bonds that grow, he does convince Mama that education of Farm Girl is necessary. So armed with a limited amount of allowed material, Farm Girl begins to learn of the world that exists beyond the wire fences.

Enter Frank Righter, an ex-marine, who after this parents death assumes the responsibility to raise his younger brother, Darin, the town prankster with a love of both money and alcohol. Fresh from college, Darin has no wish to remain on the farm that his family built and with a perfect opportunity laid before him in the Want Ads of the local paper, he knows this could be the very chance he's been waiting for in order to get out.

All looks peaceful in Cole County until the phone rings in the local police station and Chief Rusty Simmons, a longtime friend of Frank, becomes drawn into a cat and mouse game with a criminal reported in the papers as the "Neat Nick Thief".

With a plot that twists as unpredictably as the wild rose grows, Black Rosebud will entice readers with intricate characters whose veiled motivations can't be revealed until the very end. Surprising and entertaining, with both laugh-out-loud wit and emotionally gripping scenes, Black Rosebud is for anyone who enjoys a good mystery!

Suikoden III: The Successor of Fate Volume 1
by Aki Shimizu
ISBN: 1591827655
$9.99 US

"I'll call him Hugo..."

Based on a fantasy video game series, Suikoden III: The Successor of Fate Volume 1 takes place eighteen years after Suikoden I and opens with the birth of Hugo, the son of the Chief of the Karaya. Moving quickly into his childhood, while out hunting with a Karaya warrior, Hugo comes across a fallen gryphon shot down while leading it's chick away from danger. Hugo finds the orphaned babe, brings it home, and names it Fubar--however after living with him for a few months, Hugo's mother decides it's time to sell the growing animal with the reasoning it could kill someone since it is still a wild beast. Sneaking into the shadows of darkness to save it's life, Hugo sets Fubar free only to have a surprising experience change their relationship forever.

The second storyline is about Lady Chris Lightfellow, a girl orphaned by a father who is presumed deceased. After entering the Service Academy, Chris rose to the position of Secondary Knight in the Zexen Federation and this is where her story begins, with Chris on a battlefield accompanied by Sir Salome, a character of which we are introduced to through a flashback along with several other key players as the backstory continues. Jumping back to the present, Chris watches helplessly as the soldiers fall around her, mercilessly slaughtered until an unforeseen incident leads to her earning the title of "The Silver Maiden."

It is at this point where the two storylines converge and build the groundwork of why these two clans, and specifically Hugo and Chris, suddenly find themselves deep in conflict even though they both were trying to build towards peace.

The artwork effectively elaborates the storyline and generally speaking Suikoden III is drawn fairly well providing fine detail as needed, like with Chris's backstory, and offset enough with a heavier pen to show contrast in scenes of high action or when featuring masculine personas like Hugo.

The characters themselves, from Chris to Hugo to a varied assortment of usual archetypes came across as distinct personalities, although there's always that one that makes you wonder what the authors/artists were thinking.

In closing, Suikoden III: The Successor of Fate Volume 1 is good Manga that offers the beginning to a complex storyline and shows good promise of developing into an attention-holding, entertaining read.

Enjoy!