|
Michael R. Hicks
|
 |
« on: January 17, 2009, 08:23:12 AM » |
|
I thought I'd take a minute or two and start setting the stage for In Her Name so those who haven't read it yet have a better idea of what to expect (and hopefully whet the appetite of any other folks who might want to check it out). No spoilers, of course!  First of all, and perhaps most important, while the story is set in the future several centuries from now and has a number of science fiction elements, it's not at all a typical sci-fi tale. It doesn't fit neatly into any single genre, although it's actually probably closest to epic fantasy. As one reviewer noted: "[In Her Name] can best be described as an "epic space fantasy". It has all the elements of an epic or high fantasy (the young hero coming of age, the war against an alien people, and the diabolical villain/traitor of our own race) save only that rather than being set deep into a medieval setting, it is set into a military science fiction novel." But most of all, it's a love story that explores the bonds of love between the two central characters, and the love between friends who together must face some incredible hardships in a violent and unforgiving universe. Love is what binds the story together, regardless of the other elements that may come into play as the plot progresses, and it is this facet of the book that gives the story an emotional depth that is much more typical of romance novels. Be forewarned that there are a few scenes in the book that are sexually graphic, and there is quite a bit of violence: remember, you are being plunged into a universe where a savage war has been raging for nearly a century between humankind and an alien warrior race whose goal - on the surface - appears to be nothing more than to simply wage war, to fight, to kill, and to die. And just as we see today and in our history past, the extremes of war tends to bring out the very best - and the very worst - in us as human beings. These scenes aren't part of the story as mere gratuitous sex and violence, but are integral and gritty portrayals of what the characters are experiencing. I tried to write the story so you would not only know what was happening to the characters, but that you would experience it with them. Speaking of characters, by the time you finish the book you'll have encountered quite a few! While there are only about half a dozen "core" characters that you truly have to keep track of, a lot of supporting characters come and go through the course of the story. This is generally typical of epic fantasy novels, and if you're not used to reading that type of book, just let me know if your head starts swimming and I'll give you a "cheat sheet" of the key characters.  Finally, be prepared for some major plot twists! This book doesn't have an easily predictable story progression: the plot will keep you guessing (I hope - otherwise it's no fun!). Also be prepared for some transitions that some readers have found rather jarring, usually because the transitions in question covered a span of years between a few of the chapters. And in one case, about a third of the way through, the transition is unusual because the perspective of the story takes a radical change. So, that's a bit of a taste of what's to come in a mere *14* days! For those who've read the story already, hopefully what I tapped in here is close to being accurate (if not, just remember the Robin Rule)! Cheers, Mike |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Anne
|
|
« Reply #1 on: January 17, 2009, 09:22:16 AM » |
|
Wow Mike the book sounds so good. I have it on my Kindle and I cannot wait to start it. I am in school online and I work fulltime so I am not sure how much I will be able to take part in the discussions. I will be able to keep up with the reading and checking what others say about the book. Sometimes I get lazy answering the questions because I have homework I have to get in for school.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Michael R. Hicks
|
|
« Reply #2 on: January 18, 2009, 03:22:54 PM » |
|
Wow Mike the book sounds so good. I have it on my Kindle and I cannot wait to start it. I am in school online and I work fulltime so I am not sure how much I will be able to take part in the discussions. I will be able to keep up with the reading and checking what others say about the book. Sometimes I get lazy answering the questions because I have homework I have to get in for school.
Anne - No worries! I know what you mean about having a full plate! But that's the thing - it's all just for fun and enjoyment (especially the parts about plotting to get Gertie's Kool Atomic Hat!). And after reviewing the chapters again and taking into account folks (including me!) who are in more than one Klub at a time, I've pushed the schedule out to 8 weeks so the weekly reading will be more manageable. And heck, bring your homework in - we'll help you answer your questions (but heaven only knows what kind of grade you'll get)! LOL! |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Gertie Kindle 'a/k/a Margaret Lake'
|
|
« Reply #3 on: January 18, 2009, 03:37:53 PM » |
|
Anne - No worries! I know what you mean about having a full plate! But that's the thing - it's all just for fun and enjoyment (especially the parts about plotting to get Gertie's Kool Atomic Hat!). Hah! I've got your number, Mike. I've been through Atomic Wars before.  |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
Betsy the Quilter
Woman in Charge
Global Moderator
Status: Shakespeare
 Online
Gender: 
Alexandria, VA
Posts: 30829
I'm here to help. Really.
|
|
« Reply #4 on: January 18, 2009, 03:41:28 PM » |
|
Hah! I've got your number, Mike. I've been through Atomic Wars before. Wow, Gertie, is that you on the cover! Betsy |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." -Eleanor Roosevelt
"Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing." -Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird
"Oh come on! Stake through the heart. A little sunlight. It's like falling off a log" -Buffy, the Vampire Slayer |
|
|
|
|
|
Anne
|
|
« Reply #6 on: January 18, 2009, 05:08:00 PM » |
|
And heck, bring your homework in - we'll help you answer your questions (but heaven only knows what kind of grade you'll get)! LOL! Thanks Mike I wish you all could help with my homework. I am taking Basic Diagnosis Coding this term and it is driving me crazy.  |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Michael R. Hicks
|
|
« Reply #7 on: January 18, 2009, 05:28:36 PM » |
|
Hah! I've got your number, Mike. I've been through Atomic Wars before.
Dang, this is gonna be tough! How susceptible are you to chocolate bribes?? |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Michael R. Hicks
|
|
« Reply #8 on: January 18, 2009, 05:29:35 PM » |
|
Thanks Mike I wish you all could help with my homework. I am taking Basic Diagnosis Coding this term and it is driving me crazy. Okay, I'll bite: what in heaven's name is Basic Diagnosis Coding?? |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Gertie Kindle 'a/k/a Margaret Lake'
|
|
« Reply #9 on: January 18, 2009, 06:07:58 PM » |
|
Dang, this is gonna be tough! How susceptible are you to chocolate bribes??
I used to work for Willy Wonka's father. I'm immune.  Really, I did. |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Anne
|
|
« Reply #10 on: January 18, 2009, 06:40:02 PM » |
|
Okay, I'll bite: what in heaven's name is Basic Diagnosis Coding??
I am taking a course in Medical Billing and Insurance Coding. Basic Diagnosis Coding is the first coding course I am taking. You learn how to find the Code (number) so medical Procedures you have done when you go to the Doctor can be billed.Coding is the transformation of verbal descriptions. Specfic codes describe diseases, injuries and procedures. |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Michael R. Hicks
|
|
« Reply #11 on: January 18, 2009, 06:51:48 PM » |
|
I used to work for Willy Wonka's father. I'm immune.
<mutter, mutter, mutter...> |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Michael R. Hicks
|
|
« Reply #12 on: January 18, 2009, 06:53:57 PM » |
|
I am taking a course in Medical Billing and Insurance Coding. Basic Diagnosis Coding is the first coding course I am taking. You learn how to find the Code (number) so medical Procedures you have done when you go to the Doctor can be billed.Coding is the transformation of verbal descriptions. Specfic codes describe diseases, injuries and procedures.
Holy cow! I thought it was going to be some sort of computer coding - but it's worse! Sounds like one of the first candidates for health care reform! |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
Betsy the Quilter
Woman in Charge
Global Moderator
Status: Shakespeare
Online
Gender:
Alexandria, VA
Posts: 30829
I'm here to help. Really.
|
|
« Reply #13 on: January 19, 2009, 06:46:12 AM » |
|
No, no, no...THIS is Willy Wonka:  Betsy |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." -Eleanor Roosevelt
"Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing." -Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird
"Oh come on! Stake through the heart. A little sunlight. It's like falling off a log" -Buffy, the Vampire Slayer |
|
|
|
Michael R. Hicks
|
|
« Reply #14 on: January 19, 2009, 07:24:47 AM » |
|
No, no, no...THIS is Willy Wonka...
Indeed! And one more post and you'll have 4,000!! |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
Betsy the Quilter
Woman in Charge
Global Moderator
Status: Shakespeare
Online
Gender:
Alexandria, VA
Posts: 30829
I'm here to help. Really.
|
|
« Reply #15 on: January 19, 2009, 07:54:41 AM » |
|
Well, here it is!
In one more post, you'll have 500!!!! Woohoo!
Party, party!
Betsy
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." -Eleanor Roosevelt
"Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing." -Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird
"Oh come on! Stake through the heart. A little sunlight. It's like falling off a log" -Buffy, the Vampire Slayer |
|
|
|
Chad Winters
|
|
« Reply #16 on: January 19, 2009, 08:12:53 AM » |
|
I am taking a course in Medical Billing and Insurance Coding. Basic Diagnosis Coding is the first coding course I am taking. You learn how to find the Code (number) so medical Procedures you have done when you go to the Doctor can be billed.Coding is the transformation of verbal descriptions. Specfic codes describe diseases, injuries and procedures.
Basically its a way to keep from paying the doctor. Designed by insurance companies and the government to be like the tax code. So complex that 50% of the time you can't do it right so they don't have to pay you. Then when you do figure it out....they change the rules every 4 years or so you're doing it wrong again. That's why specialist billers and coders are needed to try to capture those charges for the doctor. Which drives up the overhead....... |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
Now Reading: Star Trek Destiny: Mere Mortals; Battlestations; Walking in the Feet of Rabbi Jesus, Starpilot's Grave
Just Finished: The Price of the Stars, A Wizard Abroad
Diane Duane, Lost Fleet: Beyond the Frontier
|
|
|
|
intinst
|
|
« Reply #17 on: January 19, 2009, 09:09:54 AM » |
|
Basically its a way to keep from paying the doctor. Designed by insurance companies and the government to be like the tax code. So complex that 50% of the time you can't do it right so they don't have to pay you. Then when you do figure it out....they change the rules every 4 years or so you're doing it wrong again.
That's why specialist billers and coders are needed to try to capture those charges for the doctor. Which drives up the overhead.......
My wife worked in Medicare before she retired early. In respose to what you wrote she said AMEN. |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
A great many people now reading and writing would be better employed keeping rabbits. Edith Sitwell  Located just outside Little Rock, Arkansas Goal for 2012 = 100 books read, read so far = 60 Now reading = Maggie Get Your Gun - Kate Danley |
|
|
|
Michael R. Hicks
|
|
« Reply #18 on: January 19, 2009, 09:45:28 AM » |
|
Basically its a way to keep from paying the doctor. Designed by insurance companies and the government to be like the tax code. So complex that 50% of the time you can't do it right so they don't have to pay you. Then when you do figure it out....they change the rules every 4 years or so you're doing it wrong again.
That's why specialist billers and coders are needed to try to capture those charges for the doctor. Which drives up the overhead.......
Oy! Isn't that typical? Well, they don't have problems like that in the Kreelan Empire! |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Gertie Kindle 'a/k/a Margaret Lake'
|
|
« Reply #19 on: January 19, 2009, 10:01:58 AM » |
|
No, no, no...THIS is Willy Wonka: Betsy Yes, I have to agree. Gene Wilder will always be Willy Wonka. But Gene can't give me immunity from Mike's chocolate bribery like Johnny. |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Michael R. Hicks
|
|
« Reply #20 on: January 19, 2009, 02:13:52 PM » |
|
Yes, I have to agree. Gene Wilder will always be Willy Wonka. But Gene can't give me immunity from Mike's chocolate bribery like Johnny.
Perhaps so, but everyone has their price! BUWAHHAHAAA!! |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
chynared21
|
|
« Reply #21 on: January 19, 2009, 04:13:00 PM » |
|
I am taking a course in Medical Billing and Insurance Coding. Basic Diagnosis Coding is the first coding course I am taking. You learn how to find the Code (number) so medical Procedures you have done when you go to the Doctor can be billed.Coding is the transformation of verbal descriptions. Specfic codes describe diseases, injuries and procedures.
Lots of luck to you Anne...mom took it 3 years ago and I remember the many hours she put into studying. |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Anne
|
|
« Reply #22 on: January 19, 2009, 07:43:11 PM » |
|
Lots of luck to you Anne...mom took it 3 years ago and I remember the many hours she put into studying.
Thanks it does take up a lot of my free time. It will be worth it in the end. Is your mom doing medcial coding and Insurance Coding now? |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Jesslyn
|
|
« Reply #23 on: January 23, 2009, 11:58:33 AM » |
|
I am starting this now--before I get distracted. I hope to post a review alongside your page on my site! Be prepared! If I really love it, I'll be adding you to my 'lets bug the author for a sequel' list |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
bkworm8it
|
|
« Reply #24 on: January 23, 2009, 12:36:39 PM » |
|
Do we have a reading assignement before Feb 1st? I don't want to start out being behind LOL.
Theresam
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
So many good books, so little time!  |
|
|
|
|
|
Dilber MC Theme by HarzeM
