Tag Archives: book reviews

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Book Review Ramblings

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As part of the Worlds of Wonder blog hop, here is a collection of book review blurbs about The Brotherhood of Dwarves series:

“If you love intricate world-building, I’m sure you’ll enjoy this book. If you like action and adventure, swords and arrows and more, you’ll love it too. And if you’re eager to see those working-class dwarves take a stand, this has to be the series for you. It’s even got great illustrations that really do complement the story!” Sheila Deeth – 4 Star Amazon Review, December 5, 2012

“Loved the series , where is book 4 ? I need it !! One of the best reads I have read in awhile and I read a lot!” Vicki Scott – 5 Star Amazon Review, October 27, 2012

“The Brotherhood of Dwarves is the first fantasy I have read that is not from the more popular authors like Terry Brooks, Raymond Feist, Robert Jordan, and the list goes on and on. I picked this book after reading the reviews from others. Let me say, D. A. Adams writes a book that hooks you at the very beginning, and keeps you wanting more, all the way through. This book was a good length, giving you time to enjoy it, but leaving you wanting more when you arrived at the end. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and story line. I would highly recommend the book and the author. I will be looking at other books written by D. A. Adams.” Paul from LA – 5 Star Amazon Review, September 4, 2012

“The novel is short and sharp but always entertaining even if it does end rather abruptly. The main purpose of this entry seems to be in setting the scene: introducing characters as well as the history and geography that I am sure we will get to know much better. It’s a good opening effort and I will be looking out for the sequels and hope they will give us a little more depth to what is a promising start.” Daniel Cann, Fantasy Book Review

“The Brotherhood of Dwarves is good, old-fashioned fantasy. Strong character development and well written dialogue go a long way to help restore my faith in a genre that’s become full of cookie cutter characters and poorly written dialogue. Mr. Adams’ use of unique plot elements was refreshing and MUCH appreciated, after suffering through numerous rehashes of classic fantasy. In short, this was a well written, thoroughly enjoyable book and I look forward to further installments.” Steven – 4 Star Amazon Review, May 1, 2012

“I have to tell you, its been awhile since I’ve enjoyed books with so much character depth. Normally I enjoy the basic spy thriller or piece of historical fiction, but I haven’t read a fantasy novel as good as this since Lord of the Rings so many years ago.” Chad Johnstone – 5 star Amazon Review, August 11, 2012

“Brotherhood is a fast-paced, story driven adventure that avoids a lot of the pitfalls of fantasy writing. It’s done in the modern style, with contemporary-sounding dialogue that’s easy to read and flows well. Grabbed me by the end of the first chapter and wouldn’t let me go until I was done with it.” Jim Gavin, Hard Boiled Jim Book Review

“Truly a wonderful read! Adams cleverly introduces the physical features, customs, and locations of three clans of dwarves in the first two pages! Still leaving room to learn about the humans, elves, orcs, and ogres of his world, it is truly a remarkable achievement. Alot of action, so there is no drawing out of scenes. Once you pick it up, do not be surprised if you are several chapters in before you realize how much time has gone by. Definitely recommend for any action reader – fantasy or not.” Herika R. Raymer – 5 Star Amazon Review, April 24, 2009

To read all Amazon reviews, please visit: http://www.amazon.com/product-reviews/B0076OCAKG/

Worlds of Wonder

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Sunday Afternoon Ramblings

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My good friend, Stephen Zimmer, tells me all the time I’m too sensitive and need to grow a thicker skin, but negative reviews always bother me.  My rational, analytical side understands that as a writer I can’t expect to please everyone.  Some of the greatest books ever written have received terrible reviews through the years.  People’s tastes range across an infinite spectrum of likes and dislikes.  Rationally, I recognize that worry over a negative review is wasted time and energy.

However, it bothers me on an emotional level.  Each book I’ve written is nearly as special to me as my sons.  I work extremely hard to develop my skills and craft my stories.  Eight years removed from writing book one, I do recognize some of the flaws, especially in the first three to four pages.  However, I still believe it’s a good, solid book that sets the table for the larger series.  There’s foreshadowing in book one (Hell, in chapter one) that I’m still drawing on in book four.  Yes, if I were writing book one today, it would probably be a better book because I’ve improved as an author, but honestly, I wouldn’t make many substantive changes because it’s a good book.

I’m not going to waste my time refuting negative reviews or defending book one point by point.  Enough readers have enjoyed it that I don’t feel like the book needs defending.  I also recognize that most of the recent negative reviews, like the most recent from Allison’s Book Bag, have not been personal, and I don’t take them as an attack on me.  Two of them did feel personal, but I won’t give either of those individuals the attention they crave by responding to their personal embitterment from whatever shortcomings plague their lives.  All I’ll say is after eight years, three published books, and a new one on the way, I’m still here and still expanding my audience.

While negative reviews do sting and do bother me, I won’t allow them dissuade me from following my path and my style.  I will try to learn from them and improve myself as a writer because I do that even with the positive ones.  I’ll also recognize that negative reviews are a sign of reaching more and more people.  The wider the net, the more likely the series will land in the hands of people who don’t enjoy my style.  That’s just part of it.  I’m going to keep polishing book four, keep learning as a novelist, and keep reaching out to more and more readers.  And when the next negative review comes along, I’ll swallow the bitter pill, grit my teeth, and remain professional about it.

As we used to say in sales after getting a solid no, “Next!”

General Posts

Sunday Afternoon Ramblings

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It’s been an exciting couple of months on the writing front.  Ever since the relaunch of the series by Seventh Star Press, there has been a palpable upswing of momentum, and for the first time in a long time, I feel as if all of the hard work has been worth it.  From two strong convention showings to some solid reviews, the series finally seems to be garnering a little respect.  I’ve always believed in the quality of the work, but there’s no substitute for hearing positive feedback from others, especially people who read vast quantities of books.  As if all of that weren’t enough, this blog has seen a huge increase in readership and interaction.  I’ve grateful to all of you who stop by to read my Ramblings.

Here are links to two recent interviews, one with Daniel Cann and the other with Sean Taylor:

http://www.danielcann.com/index.php/blog/q-and-a-with-d.-a.-adams#.T29SsGE7X4u

http://seanhtaylor.blogspot.com/2012/03/d-adams-and-lot-more-than-seven-dwarves.html

And here are links to reviews of the first three books by Daniel Cann:

http://www.danielcann.com/index.php/books/the-brotherhood-of-dwarves#.T29TG2E7X4s

http://www.danielcann.com/index.php/books/red-sky-at-dawn#.T29TE2E7X4s

http://www.danielcann.com/index.php/books/the-fall-of-dorkhun#.T29Su2E7X4u

Thank you to everyone for all of the support and encouragement.  Whether you’ve been with me for years or just a couple of weeks, I appreciate your time, feedback, interaction, and friendship.  Without you, I couldn’t continue to share my writings, and I’m grateful for all that you give to me.