The Good and Bad

The Good and the Bad has been recognized as one of the favorite Authonomy books of Brian Bandell, author of science fiction thriller Mute from Silver Leaf Books.

Here are my thoughts on The Good and the Bad and the other elite level books by emerging authors.

http://brianbandell.blogspot.com/2012/06/my-favorite-books-from-emerging-authors.html

Brian Bandell
Mute

Hi Marshall,
I’m here for our read swap. So sorry it’s taken me this long to get here. Below are my findings/comments. They are of course my humblest opinions, so please take them for whatever they’re worth and feel free to disregard what you disagree with.
Chapter One
Great opening-line hook.
“still tender” should be hyphenated
Wait, is the last note a C or B-sharp?
This is great stuff. Very unique narrative voice that might be well-suited for a graphic novel, but I think works very well for a novel, too. I’m not sure it would work for everyone, but it’s pulled off well and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Clean, too. Many times when an author uses an edgy style like this, it quickly becomes choppy and difficult to figure out what’s going on. However, you keep the story moving, while not losing the readers with vague details and references. This is well-crafted. Highly starred for now and I’ll keep it on my WL until there’s space available on my shelf.
Best of luck. A great read.
Phil
(Deshay of the Woods)

Marshall, one word, excellent.

Now not to be lazy I better give you a few more words as to why. First off, you had my attention so much I read all posted and was cursing when there was no more to read. Honestly, first time I've had that happen on here. Secondly, it's well written. Third, there's a nice few new twists in well trod areas.
There are a few typos, spectre for one, and I also have a feeling that as a place Hell should have a capital H. However, minor stuff sorted by editing etc etc etc. contents what counts and you've got that in spades. The voice you've used for your MC also works perfectly with a level of cockiness that's just right.
The only criticism is that like Dean I found the reference to fighting the werewolf a bit confusing when we had been witness to a fight with a demon but again, easily sorted.
Final point; you've read 10 chapters of mine, so you'd best get some more of yours posted up so I can keep things fair.

Hi Marshall,
I read the first four chapters. Excellent work. Tight, easily digestible prose, authentic hard-boiled characters and dialogue. Maximum starring.
Some edits, comments and questions for your consideration:
Chapter 1:
Where you say "the only thing they're good for" -- what are you referring to?
"Hardon" shoud be spelled "hard-on" even in dialogue.
Chapter 2:
It was confusing as to whether this scene is a flashback to present or not. I am leaning toward thinking your main character has just awakened after being killed or nearly killed by the demon, but then you start talking about werewolves (a werewolf having punched him) which confused me.
You mention that the hilt of the sword was "strewn" across the chair. This is probably not the best verb to use if you reference its dictionary definition. Consider "laid" (<--check spelling), "propped" or terms like these.
Chapter 3:
"I cross passed an alley" should probably say "I cross past an alley" or better yet, "I passed an alley." In this type of fiction, simplicity rules.
Where you say "I can only assume the Heaven's edge" I was wondering if you intended to deviate from the treatment of the sword name which you consistently spelled "Heaven's Edge," with the E initial-capped.
In this chapter, I assume your main character is now defeating the same demon from Chapter 1 based on some of the clues you provided, but wasn't entirely sure. Giving this low-level demon a name would help, and there are other ways to achieve this absolute clarity.
The term "exercise(d)" appears twice in Chapter 3 and I think you mean "exorcise(d)" as in casting out demons and evil spirits.
Please don't let these helpful nitpicks lead you to believe that I did not thoroughly enjoy your story, characters, action scenes, and writing style. I did. So much so that I have another reader in mind to send your way.
Dean Lombardo
"Space Games"

Greetings!!

I have read through the end of the 4th chapter and have watchlisted it to come back to it later. So far, I've really enjoyed this read. There were sections where I thought the word choices could be better, or that a reoeated phrase was overused, but on a whole, I found it was fast paced, blended exposition with action well, and was otherwise a light and enjoyable read.

I like how your introduction to the character and the dynamic between him and his more... interesting... possessions. I like how you bring magical weapons and instruments into the story. You present a pretty good mix of the supernatural to the real world.

Something I thnk could use a little improvement was explaining / exposing how the first and second scenes link together. I think, perhaps, a little too much was left to the imagination in this regard. Beyond that, I found your plot entertaining and your world building quite interesting.

There were a few spelling mistakes and grammar errors I noticed as I was reading. At one point, I noticed asks was written was aks, and I forgot to write down the others I saw. I was highly amused by your use of biblical names in the story, as well as biblical concenpts. Well done easter eggs!

Good luck with this story, I hope I get time to come back and read more of it.

~RJ
The Eye of God

Ohhh gosh, I absolutely loved this! I love the premise, which has a feel of Constantine to it, one of my favourite movies ever. Your writing is exceptional, you draw the reader in immediately. The pace is perfect, lots of action and nice subtle humor. Witty and compelling, I can't wait to read more! Six stars for sure. This has a ton of potential and will climb the ranks very quickly! Best of luck with it. Will comment again when I read more! (:

Bre
Memoria

Marshall,

I took a read through chapters one and two, the only thing I can see that might need a little improvement is a few missing commas. Other than that, it flowed brilliantly! I love your style, it's direct, to the point and gritty!

I love your cocky style of writing, I likened your MC to someone like Blade but a lot cooler. I love that he knows he's good looking and the touch about his hair being perfect, made me grin. Very highly starred, will be back for more and will save a spot on my shelf for you sometime in May!

Ashley - The Vedeine Saga: Deception

I've read the first few chapters and althought it's not my preferred genre, I was enthalled enough to keep reading. Your MC is strong and interesting and I love the tone of your narrative which flows nicely. The opening was well-written and made a fab start to the book, setting up the story and revealling elements of the MC.
All good stuff and I hope it does well.
Melissa,
Lessons in the Dark

Just had a read of the 1st 2 chapters. I liked it very much, but right from the start (in fact, right from when i saw the cover) i kept wondering if this might be better suited to the graphic novel format? Don't get me wrong,it works fine as a novel, but i just think it's got a certain Frank Miller/Garth Ennis feel to it.
If you're not an artist yourself, then this would obviously be a big endertaking as you'd have to find an illustrator to work with, but i think it's something you should bear in mind.
High stars for now, staying on my WL.

This is really cool. You open with action. You've got demons, rock stars, sword play, just so much for fans of this genre to love. It's all about the characters, and you've created a strong lead character here.

I'm impressed. I'll back it.

Brian Bandell
Mute

Lovely written. I love it. I love how you started it.

Marshall,
This gritty book grabbed me and kept me transfixed right from the get go, your protagnist using the .first person POV to feep his/her perspective real. Your easy,conersational style and feisty dialogue combine to convey the inpression that everything's taking place in the nere and now. i can't wait till he takes on his next ghost. Thank you for the captivating read.

Kenneth Edward Lim
The North Korean

I think this is brilliant. I doubt if I'm your target audience but I love it. I don't mind a bit of gore as long as it's funny and subtle and this is both. I like the demons being slaves to the seven deadlies. It's the way you put it. Love the respiratory problems, the ego and the demonic jibber jabber and the werewolf fuzzball. It's got a lot of layers this, the sword is an old legend but you give it an interesting twist. Like the Fight Club reference too. Very well written and clever. Six stars and staying on my watchlist to read more.

i didn´t know how you were gonna tie all these things together credibly, but you did... well done. def a boys book in the likes of what fatema says below!
j

Hi, written well for certain type, i can say its more like jachey chan, night riider james bond sort of in 80s, style for these types of adulescents.
it was bit shocking for a lady like me at times, not usually my type of reading, a lady is a lady though. Guns!
will make a good action movie and comic.
You do know your audianc i can tell.

I really like this . i could see it working as a comic well. I think this will do well and hard to fault .

yes, fasinating story; brilliant set out, style and message...
backed...
read SEASONS...

Very thrilling opener.
You keep it moving. I like the action of it.
Though this isn't my type of book but you do write it very well.
Your title is original for this type of book.
Your pitch and cover are well chosen.
Good work.

Shelby Z./Driving Winds

P.S. Please take a look at my pirate adventure Driving Winds.