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Wintres Woma by James Elkington
Wintres Woma by James Elkington
2017 | Alternative, Folk, Rock
(0 Ratings)
Album Favorite

"He used to be with a band called The Zincs and that was interesting in terms of being clever and beautiful and having all the right elements, but this album is beyond interesting and beyond clever and beyond beautiful. There is something that is clicking and being aligned, and all the years of work are finally getting you to this plateau that you've been looking for. I feel that he's got there. Sometimes there's nothing you can do but work hard at something for a long time before you get to where you want it to be, and I have that sense that there he is. This is an album that really talks to the listener in a very direct, open way. And it has all the elements. It is interesting; it is surprising; it is beautiful. It's very well-played, of course it is: James is a terrific guitar player. He introduced me some years ago to Davy Graham, and that was my introduction to folk music. That was where folk music started for me. Tim [Gane] hated folk music, or he always claimed he hated folk music, so there was no folk music at home. But James introduced me to Davy Graham and Shirley Collins, and you can't argue with music like that. It's pure; it's direct; it's transcendental. There are no curves or bends; it's just something that's received in its purest form. At least, that's how I feel it. And the songs are incredibly beautiful. I don't know how to explain what makes a good interesting song for me. It also has to do with the fact that it's not a cliché; it's forever whole, it has its own integrity, its own singularity. I feel like James might say he has nothing to do with this folk music stuff, but of course he does, you know, and certainly Davy Graham is in there. But he's lived in Chicago for many years now and he's worked with other people, including myself, who don't particularly come from a folk background, and it's true that, to honour this record, there are other interjections from other influences. It has to be seen as a whole thing that can't be reduced to just folk music. It is a strong root, but there are also some amazing string arrangements and a lot of surprises. There are connections to the past, but coming out of a spaceship, you know? It's really earthy, but connected to the universe."

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The Crystal Flame
The Crystal Flame
Shirley Ponthieu McCoy | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The Crystal Flame by Shirley Ponthieu McCoy
The Crystal Flame starts off as a tale about two opposites - fire and ice, or Finn and Lyssa as they are known in this book. For reasons unknown (at the time), Finn has travelled to find Lyssa. It turns out that he thinks that she could be his wife and partner. The one person who can help him control his flame, the same as he helps her control her ice. Working together, they both gain control over their powers, as well as fall in love. However, and it's quite a big however, Finn has left his own kingdom behind, in the care of his best friend and advisor, and his sick mother. And just what are they supposed to do when a coup takes place? Fight back of course, in any way they can!

This book held my interest from the very beginning, but it quickly became apparent that it wasn't 'just' a romance, but had action, adventure, subterfuge, betrayal, and all other wonderful things going on. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. The story itself flowed, with a smooth pace from one setting and situation to the next. All of the characters, whether you liked or loathed them, were well-rounded and fully believable.

This story was a delight to read, and I absolutely recommend it for all #Fantasy fans out there.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!