Review of The Shade of Highfall
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- Latest Review: The Shade of Highfall by Mark O'Dell
Review of The Shade of Highfall
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Shade of Highfall" by Mark O'Dell.]
The Shade of Highfall The Tale of Shrew by Mark O'Dell is a science fiction novel. It foretells a story of a girl named "Shrew" who lived up to her namesake. That is, Shrew is a poor, orphaned teenage girl that often scavenges through the village, the Duns, plotting and scheming for food. People would often scream "Shrew" as she would steal food from vendors. She would eventually adopt this name for herself. Also rummaging through the Duns are two bullies, Cutter and Boil, whom Shrew often competes for and receives the better end of these same assets. Unfortunately, Shrew was captured by a few guards during her get away from stealing a hot red purse and is thrown into an "orphanage". While completing one of her designated chores within the orphanage, Shrew was allowed to escape. Shrew returned to the Duns but was advised by a guard named Waylan to leave the Duns with the fear of being recaptured. This story foretells the many obstacles Shrew faces while living within the orphanage, the Duns, and other nearby lands, villages and cities.
There is a clear indication of character growth within the story. You would see Shrew grow from being an independent and tough girl to later being within a controlled setting where she was taken aback by the experiences of each setting. As you read further into the story, you will get a glimpse of Shrew's subconscious thoughts regarding her upbringing and thoughts regarding the past events within the story. Shrew undergoes a coming of age period where she has to abandon old habits to be in favor of inheriting new habits from the people that she would meet in the different places she would visit.
You can see where the influence of the author's love for gaming comes into play during the story's more action-packed and thrilling chapters. For instance, the characters would descriptively exchange instructions to Shrew and Shrew would have to complete the tasks or else a more dreadful outcome will come about. Shrew would also conveniently find tools with special powers that would also aide her along her journey. It felt as if it was a game but was strictly put on story mode where all of the correct choices were being made as each chapter progressed.
It can be a tricky read due to the different terminology that is only exclusive to the setting and plot of the story. However, Mark defines the terms, concepts and gods within the text of the story to further prevent confusion. There's a glossary towards the back of the book that also defines each term and concept. With regards to the organization of the book, there are some chapters in the story that detours from the main plotline to provide a background story for the character with which Shrew would eventually come into contact. The story is also separated into different sections where the headings display the major themes of that point in Shrew's journey.
I would give this book a 4 out of 4 rating. I would give this score because it is very innovative with its approach to storytelling. The reading flows easily and the story doesn't feel rushed. Mark provides very vivid descriptions of the setting of the story as well as the character's actions and thought processes. I would recommend this story to anyone that loves science fiction and fantasy novels.
******
The Shade of Highfall
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The Shade of Highfall The Tale of Shrew by Mark O'Dell is a science fiction novel. It foretells a story of a girl named "Shrew" who lived up to her namesake. That is, Shrew is a poor, orphaned teenage girl that often scavenges through the village, the Duns, plotting and scheming for food. People would often scream "Shrew" as she would steal food from vendors. She would eventually adopt this name for herself. Also rummaging through the Duns are two bullies, Cutter and Boil, whom Shrew often competes for and receives the better end of these same assets. Unfortunately, Shrew was captured by a few guards during her get away from stealing a hot red purse and is thrown into an "orphanage". While completing one of her designated chores within the orphanage, Shrew was allowed to escape. Shrew returned to the Duns but was advised by a guard named Waylan to leave the Duns with the fear of being recaptured. This story foretells the many obstacles Shrew faces while living within the orphanage, the Duns, and other nearby lands, villages and cities.
There is a clear indication of character growth within the story. You would see Shrew grow from being an independent and tough girl to later being within a controlled setting where she was taken aback by the experiences of each setting. As you read further into the story, you will get a glimpse of Shrew's subconscious thoughts regarding her upbringing and thoughts regarding the past events within the story. Shrew undergoes a coming of age period where she has to abandon old habits to be in favor of inheriting new habits from the people that she would meet in the different places she would visit.
You can see where the influence of the author's love for gaming comes into play during the story's more action-packed and thrilling chapters. For instance, the characters would descriptively exchange instructions to Shrew and Shrew would have to complete the tasks or else a more dreadful outcome will come about. Shrew would also conveniently find tools with special powers that would also aide her along her journey. It felt as if it was a game but was strictly put on story mode where all of the correct choices were being made as each chapter progressed.
It can be a tricky read due to the different terminology that is only exclusive to the setting and plot of the story. However, Mark defines the terms, concepts and gods within the text of the story to further prevent confusion. There's a glossary towards the back of the book that also defines each term and concept. With regards to the organization of the book, there are some chapters in the story that detours from the main plotline to provide a background story for the character with which Shrew would eventually come into contact. The story is also separated into different sections where the headings display the major themes of that point in Shrew's journey.
I would give this book a 4 out of 4 rating. I would give this score because it is very innovative with its approach to storytelling. The reading flows easily and the story doesn't feel rushed. Mark provides very vivid descriptions of the setting of the story as well as the character's actions and thought processes. I would recommend this story to anyone that loves science fiction and fantasy novels.
******
The Shade of Highfall
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: The Shade of Highfall by Mark O'Dell
