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A Slice of Quietude
The Quietude, a psychic realm accessible by only a select few, is Katriyana Pusabunthri’s secret for improving her deadly focus. It’s how she became a high level Midnight Slicer, an elite assassin. But when she meets Tristien Waef inside the Quietude, Kat knows she’s outmatched. Tristien, scarred from head to toe both physically and emotionally, displays unheard-of abilities inside the Quietude! In a rare move, Kat throws caution to the wind, and joins Tristien and her two friends: the battle-hardened Cela and the almost-famous bard Kinjara, in their travels. But will the Midnight Slicers allow Kat to shift allegiances? And can a budding relationship with Kat get Tristien to move beyond her traumatic past?
“Hey! This book ain’t about just that! That part’s only got you two,” interrupts Cela. “It’s about fightin’, drinkin’, and carousing’. You know, slicin’!” With one arm, the tall warrior slashes her two-handed sword through the air.”
Tristien sniffs, “Fighting and drinking isn’t going to sell the book. The more unique aspects will.”
“Presentation factors as well. A bard,” says Kinjara bowing. “The honor should thus drape across the bard’s shoulders.” Clearing her throat, she stands up, “Love and redemption,thrills with chills, devious deities along with myths of yore and lore build foundations upon which ‘A Slice of Quietude’ rises…”
Kat never looks up from sharpening her daggers.
“Hey! This book ain’t about just that! That part’s only got you two,” interrupts Cela. “It’s about fightin’, drinkin’, and carousing’. You know, slicin’!” With one arm, the tall warrior slashes her two-handed sword through the air.”
Tristien sniffs, “Fighting and drinking isn’t going to sell the book. The more unique aspects will.”
“Presentation factors as well. A bard,” says Kinjara bowing. “The honor should thus drape across the bard’s shoulders.” Clearing her throat, she stands up, “Love and redemption,thrills with chills, devious deities along with myths of yore and lore build foundations upon which ‘A Slice of Quietude’ rises…”
Kat never looks up from sharpening her daggers.
- GenresFantasy
368 pages, Paperback
First published May 11, 2015
4 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 14, 2017
I almost didn't finish this book and I should have quit while I was ahead. 'A Slice of Quietude' had the foundation of a good story but, ultimately, was a mess.
Warning, there are some spoilers below...
The story started out okay. Kat is an assassin assigned to assist an amateur raiding party lead by a cowardly, unscrupulous leader. When this thrill seeking party decides to attack an innocent family farm in the middle of nowhere, Kat, who is part of an assassin guild with a strict code, must decide between her loyalty to her assignment or to herself.
Who Kat meets on this family farm includes Tristien, an intriguing woman scarred on every inch of her body. When we meet her, her presence is palpable. She exudes a quiet strength that signals to Kat that she's not to be messed with.
Now add in this strange "quietude" layer, some kind of spiritual realm Kat doesn't fully understand but can harness to assist in her assassinations and we have something interesting, yeah?
So where does 'A Slice of Quietude" go wrong?
First off, the book ends on a cliff hanger without wrapping up the first book! This made me angry. Literally, the book ends mid sentence using an ellipses. What?! No, no, no, no, no! Cardinal rule, you *have* to wrap up the main conflicts introduced in that book or you'll be chased with pitchforks.
Secondly, this is an indie book that feels like one. I'm a big fan of indie as long as it's in a polished form i.e good formatting, minimal typos, easy reading style, etc. This one isn't. This could sometimes be due to awkward sentence structure, to repeatedly saying cumbersome full names or terms, to having to orient my head to what space I'm in, to being confused about a character's actions.
Somewhere between the first and second act of the story Tristien got a lobotomy because she was not the same person between the two acts at all. In the first act we're in Kat's head and the 2nd we're in Tristien's so of course we'd get a different perspective but a person shouldn't be *completely* different.
As the story unfolds, Kat becomes more wooden as a character instead of less and even, at times, is unlikable. For example, her assassin's guild recruits their members as children and rapes them to toughen them up. She was one of those children and now, as an adult, she's okay with carrying on this tradition though she only rapes people her own age. What?! The assassin's guild is more ruthless towards its own members than towards its assignments...and Tristien is at least as appalled as we are as readers but, F me, it's no cult I want to be part. Kat never questions her allegiance even as she's introduced to other ways of being...
And, at one point, for some odd reason Kat decides to question Tristien's past by saying that the gods Tristien supposedly met throughout her life were metaphors instead of real beings. What?! Kat is supposed to be completely in Tristien's thrall, she *sees* how vulnerable Tristien is due to her trauma, Kat herself constantly goes into a spiritual realm, Tristien's friends act as witnesses to these gods, and Tristien is in a physical state that only could have had supernatural intervention. Why is she questioning?! It's not as if she comes from a practical, science-based, non-spiritual viewpoint. I think she even has a god of assassin's of her own...I just forget by now.
Add to the odd, a strange foil is introduced in act 2 and he's NOT Tristien's arch nemesis...so in the 3rd act I'm expecting to finally meet the arch nemesis who inflicted Tristien's trauma but, no, this strange foil comes back as a final villain. Why?! She already rejected him. So strange.
For the romance...don't bother. Kat and Tristien are attracted to each other but except for Kat hanging around to pull Tristien out of her panic attacks, not a lot happens. In fact, nothing happens except for one kiss right before the final ellipses...
And, nope, none of the main arcs are wrapped up. We don't meet Tristien's perpetrator, we don't see Kat learn more about the quietude, we don't even get to the final destination of their journey!
Argh!
There are kernels of good in this story but the execution just didn't do it for me. Can't recommend.
Warning, there are some spoilers below...
The story started out okay. Kat is an assassin assigned to assist an amateur raiding party lead by a cowardly, unscrupulous leader. When this thrill seeking party decides to attack an innocent family farm in the middle of nowhere, Kat, who is part of an assassin guild with a strict code, must decide between her loyalty to her assignment or to herself.
Who Kat meets on this family farm includes Tristien, an intriguing woman scarred on every inch of her body. When we meet her, her presence is palpable. She exudes a quiet strength that signals to Kat that she's not to be messed with.
Now add in this strange "quietude" layer, some kind of spiritual realm Kat doesn't fully understand but can harness to assist in her assassinations and we have something interesting, yeah?
So where does 'A Slice of Quietude" go wrong?
First off, the book ends on a cliff hanger without wrapping up the first book! This made me angry. Literally, the book ends mid sentence using an ellipses. What?! No, no, no, no, no! Cardinal rule, you *have* to wrap up the main conflicts introduced in that book or you'll be chased with pitchforks.
Secondly, this is an indie book that feels like one. I'm a big fan of indie as long as it's in a polished form i.e good formatting, minimal typos, easy reading style, etc. This one isn't. This could sometimes be due to awkward sentence structure, to repeatedly saying cumbersome full names or terms, to having to orient my head to what space I'm in, to being confused about a character's actions.
Somewhere between the first and second act of the story Tristien got a lobotomy because she was not the same person between the two acts at all. In the first act we're in Kat's head and the 2nd we're in Tristien's so of course we'd get a different perspective but a person shouldn't be *completely* different.
As the story unfolds, Kat becomes more wooden as a character instead of less and even, at times, is unlikable. For example, her assassin's guild recruits their members as children and rapes them to toughen them up. She was one of those children and now, as an adult, she's okay with carrying on this tradition though she only rapes people her own age. What?! The assassin's guild is more ruthless towards its own members than towards its assignments...and Tristien is at least as appalled as we are as readers but, F me, it's no cult I want to be part. Kat never questions her allegiance even as she's introduced to other ways of being...
And, at one point, for some odd reason Kat decides to question Tristien's past by saying that the gods Tristien supposedly met throughout her life were metaphors instead of real beings. What?! Kat is supposed to be completely in Tristien's thrall, she *sees* how vulnerable Tristien is due to her trauma, Kat herself constantly goes into a spiritual realm, Tristien's friends act as witnesses to these gods, and Tristien is in a physical state that only could have had supernatural intervention. Why is she questioning?! It's not as if she comes from a practical, science-based, non-spiritual viewpoint. I think she even has a god of assassin's of her own...I just forget by now.
Add to the odd, a strange foil is introduced in act 2 and he's NOT Tristien's arch nemesis...so in the 3rd act I'm expecting to finally meet the arch nemesis who inflicted Tristien's trauma but, no, this strange foil comes back as a final villain. Why?! She already rejected him. So strange.
For the romance...don't bother. Kat and Tristien are attracted to each other but except for Kat hanging around to pull Tristien out of her panic attacks, not a lot happens. In fact, nothing happens except for one kiss right before the final ellipses...
And, nope, none of the main arcs are wrapped up. We don't meet Tristien's perpetrator, we don't see Kat learn more about the quietude, we don't even get to the final destination of their journey!
Argh!
There are kernels of good in this story but the execution just didn't do it for me. Can't recommend.
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September 21, 2015I really wanted to like this book. Lesbian assassin?! Sign me up! Yeah... sadly that aprt of the story wasn't enough for me. Don't get me wrong, the characters were well done - I especially liked how Tristien had scars on like everypart of her body, but wasn't the broody, human-hating woman like it is often done. Kinjara on the other hand... she has her quirks. But reading a sentence said by her was just exhausting to me (if you take a look at the description you can see what I mean. She's like that all the time).
The writing itself just couldn't hold my interest. And this story takes place in a whole new world, which is great, but there were so many unknown things, so I felt a lot of the time rather confused. Maybe a glossary would be helpful. ONe with information about titles and peoples and... everything? I always like it more if this information is explained in the story itself, but... there has to be some sort of explanation.
It stood out to me how often a character's full name was used. Usually it is used maybe once or twice (introductions aside), but in this book you have no chance of forgetting a character's full name. So a lot of the time - especially if used at the beginning of a chapter - this made me feel like I started a new story.
Anyway, you really should check this book out yourself, because like I said it was the writing that made me file it under dnf and that's really personal taste.
The author provided me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
The writing itself just couldn't hold my interest. And this story takes place in a whole new world, which is great, but there were so many unknown things, so I felt a lot of the time rather confused. Maybe a glossary would be helpful. ONe with information about titles and peoples and... everything? I always like it more if this information is explained in the story itself, but... there has to be some sort of explanation.
It stood out to me how often a character's full name was used. Usually it is used maybe once or twice (introductions aside), but in this book you have no chance of forgetting a character's full name. So a lot of the time - especially if used at the beginning of a chapter - this made me feel like I started a new story.
Anyway, you really should check this book out yourself, because like I said it was the writing that made me file it under dnf and that's really personal taste.
The author provided me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
May 12, 2015
A Slice of Quietude is a rich and satisfying tale that left me wanting more.
It is, first and foremost, a love story -- but it is much more than that. It is a cleverly woven fantasy in a strange world where guilds require strict allegiance and good friends and lovers provide resolute protection against many dangers.
This book offers the reader the chance to know intimately the bond between two women who have chosen a life of violence and warfare in a mythical environment set sometime (I would say) in the Middle Ages, if it were a Terran location.
While there is a jarring first chapter in which the reader must quickly interpret strange new words and terminology (minutes are "tichs" and hours are "chimes"), ensuing action scenes that are almost cinematic result in the humbling of one major character, Kat, and the emergence of the other three characters, Tristian, Cela, and Kinjara.
This is a tale where strong women warriors also show a much softer side, resulting in a story that carefully --and successfully -- walks the line between being an action tale and a romance. Indeed, the physical love scenes are so subtle, they are almost non-existent. But the underlying emotional passages show a deft handling of the main characters' inner motivations and depth.
The primary story revolves around Kat, The Midnight Slicer, whose chosen vocation is that of assassin. She encounters Tristian, a scarred and tortured (literally) woman, who falls deeply in love with Kat, who gradually shows a reflective unconditional love for Tristian.
I particularly enjoyed the verbal sparring and interplay between Tristian, Kinjara and Cela, who quickly put the much more reticent Kat at ease in their circle. In many ways, their camaraderie reminds me of the dialogue between Alexander Dumas' Three Musketeers, who often sparred good-naturedly between action scenes.
There are several good turns of phrase:
"Curiosity and Midnight Slicers had an uneasy truce."
"Darkness shrouded the other farmhouse. Occasional owls burst forth from the Darsprian Forest nearby, in search of retreating rodents in the field. With the night chill settling in, Kat once again tasted moisture in the air."
"Outside, darkness flooded the interior momentarily, then all fell silent, feeling the thunder rumble their bones. . ."
The title Quietude draws its name from an unusual device utilized well by the author to depict a telepathic realm that Kat and Tristian share to mutual advantage.
I give A Slice of Quietude five stars and look forward to this author's next book.
It is, first and foremost, a love story -- but it is much more than that. It is a cleverly woven fantasy in a strange world where guilds require strict allegiance and good friends and lovers provide resolute protection against many dangers.
This book offers the reader the chance to know intimately the bond between two women who have chosen a life of violence and warfare in a mythical environment set sometime (I would say) in the Middle Ages, if it were a Terran location.
While there is a jarring first chapter in which the reader must quickly interpret strange new words and terminology (minutes are "tichs" and hours are "chimes"), ensuing action scenes that are almost cinematic result in the humbling of one major character, Kat, and the emergence of the other three characters, Tristian, Cela, and Kinjara.
This is a tale where strong women warriors also show a much softer side, resulting in a story that carefully --and successfully -- walks the line between being an action tale and a romance. Indeed, the physical love scenes are so subtle, they are almost non-existent. But the underlying emotional passages show a deft handling of the main characters' inner motivations and depth.
The primary story revolves around Kat, The Midnight Slicer, whose chosen vocation is that of assassin. She encounters Tristian, a scarred and tortured (literally) woman, who falls deeply in love with Kat, who gradually shows a reflective unconditional love for Tristian.
I particularly enjoyed the verbal sparring and interplay between Tristian, Kinjara and Cela, who quickly put the much more reticent Kat at ease in their circle. In many ways, their camaraderie reminds me of the dialogue between Alexander Dumas' Three Musketeers, who often sparred good-naturedly between action scenes.
There are several good turns of phrase:
"Curiosity and Midnight Slicers had an uneasy truce."
"Darkness shrouded the other farmhouse. Occasional owls burst forth from the Darsprian Forest nearby, in search of retreating rodents in the field. With the night chill settling in, Kat once again tasted moisture in the air."
"Outside, darkness flooded the interior momentarily, then all fell silent, feeling the thunder rumble their bones. . ."
The title Quietude draws its name from an unusual device utilized well by the author to depict a telepathic realm that Kat and Tristian share to mutual advantage.
I give A Slice of Quietude five stars and look forward to this author's next book.
May 24, 2015
FourStars
A really unique book which I thoroughly enjoyed reading. The author weaves a tale of mystery and illusion. Throughout the novel the descriptive narrative allows the reader not only see what is happening but to almost smell the surroundings and the events taking place.
Not written as an easy read, the names of the characters and their positions in society are all new so the reader has to concentrate and remember where each one fits into this absorbing tale.
I particularly enjoyed the role of the story teller as this reinforced what had happened regarding the characters as well as understanding the roles of characters as yet unseen.
The individuality of each character was so vibrant yet so believable, making the horrors of deeds past and present understandable in a bizarre sort of way.
The one criticism I have is the conclusion, which left so many questions unanswered that I felt almost cheated. I would have preferred a more decisive end rather than the inconclusive one given. I will still be looking forward to the next instalment in this series.
FourStarsA really unique book which I thoroughly enjoyed reading. The author weaves a tale of mystery and illusion. Throughout the novel the descriptive narrative allows the reader not only see what is happening but to almost smell the surroundings and the events taking place.
Not written as an easy read, the names of the characters and their positions in society are all new so the reader has to concentrate and remember where each one fits into this absorbing tale.
I particularly enjoyed the role of the story teller as this reinforced what had happened regarding the characters as well as understanding the roles of characters as yet unseen.
The individuality of each character was so vibrant yet so believable, making the horrors of deeds past and present understandable in a bizarre sort of way.
The one criticism I have is the conclusion, which left so many questions unanswered that I felt almost cheated. I would have preferred a more decisive end rather than the inconclusive one given. I will still be looking forward to the next instalment in this series.
Chris
Chris
A really unique book which I thoroughly enjoyed reading. The author weaves a tale of mystery and illusion. Throughout the novel the descriptive narrative allows the reader not only see what is happening but to almost smell the surroundings and the events taking place.
Not written as an easy read, the names of the characters and their positions in society are all new so the reader has to concentrate and remember where each one fits into this absorbing tale.
I particularly enjoyed the role of the story teller as this reinforced what had happened regarding the characters as well as understanding the roles of characters as yet unseen.
The individuality of each character was so vibrant yet so believable, making the horrors of deeds past and present understandable in a bizarre sort of way.
The one criticism I have is the conclusion, which left so many questions unanswered that I felt almost cheated. I would have preferred a more decisive end rather than the inconclusive one given. I will still be looking forward to the next instalment in this series.
FourStarsA really unique book which I thoroughly enjoyed reading. The author weaves a tale of mystery and illusion. Throughout the novel the descriptive narrative allows the reader not only see what is happening but to almost smell the surroundings and the events taking place.
Not written as an easy read, the names of the characters and their positions in society are all new so the reader has to concentrate and remember where each one fits into this absorbing tale.
I particularly enjoyed the role of the story teller as this reinforced what had happened regarding the characters as well as understanding the roles of characters as yet unseen.
The individuality of each character was so vibrant yet so believable, making the horrors of deeds past and present understandable in a bizarre sort of way.
The one criticism I have is the conclusion, which left so many questions unanswered that I felt almost cheated. I would have preferred a more decisive end rather than the inconclusive one given. I will still be looking forward to the next instalment in this series.
Chris
Chris
September 2, 2015
If you are unwilling to open your mind to a lesbian protagonist, don’t bother reading this story. Really. It’s just too awesome for you.
However, if you are one of the enlightened masses…or have hopes to be…then you seriously need to read this. Take a high spirited fantasy romp and put a twist on it from our modern society. That’s what you’re going to get.
Slice of Quietude is written and paced well, with some spots that even blew my cynical hair back. There were a few things that really stuck out to me;
1- There is no such thing, and no need, for a LGBT community in the world of Sharon’s creation. Like one would expect, there are people that are fine with it and those that aren’t, but bigots are generally treated how bigots should be.
2- The antagonist isn’t a gay basher. As so often is the case in pro-human rights themes, the baddie isn’t some two-dimensional piece of trash. You understand the motivation and almost start to empathize with it until it invariably goes too far…then your left feeling a little thunderstruck.
There is a love story here under the surface that boils up every now and then, but it’s cleverly used to break up scenes rather than act as the driving force of the narrative.
My lone criticism surrounds editing and only because it did pull me out of the story a couple of times and that’s around tense. It’s always tough to tell a story where we go from inner monologue to what happened in the past, but there were a few times right at the height of action when it happened and it jarred me a bit. It definitely doesn’t ruin anything, just took me off guard.
Frankly, I love stories that thumb their nose at convention. First, there’s the LGBT thing and in most cases it’s done in a heavy-handed and preachy way and Quietude avoids this masterfully. Second, there’s a believable female protagonist that has some sass without being a bitch. Third, the antagonist isn’t a two-dimensional baddie with silly motives.
If you have an open mind (and frankly if you’re into fantasy I don’t see how you can’t), give this one a shot. It’s well worth the time.
However, if you are one of the enlightened masses…or have hopes to be…then you seriously need to read this. Take a high spirited fantasy romp and put a twist on it from our modern society. That’s what you’re going to get.
Slice of Quietude is written and paced well, with some spots that even blew my cynical hair back. There were a few things that really stuck out to me;
1- There is no such thing, and no need, for a LGBT community in the world of Sharon’s creation. Like one would expect, there are people that are fine with it and those that aren’t, but bigots are generally treated how bigots should be.
2- The antagonist isn’t a gay basher. As so often is the case in pro-human rights themes, the baddie isn’t some two-dimensional piece of trash. You understand the motivation and almost start to empathize with it until it invariably goes too far…then your left feeling a little thunderstruck.
There is a love story here under the surface that boils up every now and then, but it’s cleverly used to break up scenes rather than act as the driving force of the narrative.
My lone criticism surrounds editing and only because it did pull me out of the story a couple of times and that’s around tense. It’s always tough to tell a story where we go from inner monologue to what happened in the past, but there were a few times right at the height of action when it happened and it jarred me a bit. It definitely doesn’t ruin anything, just took me off guard.
Frankly, I love stories that thumb their nose at convention. First, there’s the LGBT thing and in most cases it’s done in a heavy-handed and preachy way and Quietude avoids this masterfully. Second, there’s a believable female protagonist that has some sass without being a bitch. Third, the antagonist isn’t a two-dimensional baddie with silly motives.
If you have an open mind (and frankly if you’re into fantasy I don’t see how you can’t), give this one a shot. It’s well worth the time.
June 26, 2015
'The Quietude, a psychic realm accessible by only a select few, is Katriyana Pusabunthri’s secret for improving her deadly focus. It’s how she became a high level Midnight Slicer, an elite assassin. But when she meets Tristien Waef inside the Quietude, Kat knows she’s outmatched. Tristien, scarred from head to toe both physically and emotionally, displays unheard-of abilities inside the Quietude! In a rare move, Kat throws caution to the wind, and joins Tristien and her two friends: the battle-hardened Cela and the almost-famous bard Kinjara, in their travels. But will the Midnight Slicers allow Kat to shift allegiances? And can a budding relationship with Kat get Tristien to move beyond her traumatic past?'
Sharon Cho's A Slice of Quietude, weaves a tale of mystery and illusion. It takes place in an strange and outlandish cosmos where the key tenets of classic literature, allegiance to established authority, true protection by loved ones, and the intrinsic violence of a modern society is known. Throughout the novel the descriptive narrative allows the reader not only see what is happening but to almost smell the surroundings and the events taking place. Not written as an easy read, with uncommon names and terms being used in the story, Sharon has skillfully set the various cultures that surface throughout the story. With this in mind, it is clear that this book requires your full attention (although at times I did find it hard to keep reading). The one criticism I have is with the conclusion, which left so many questions unanswered that has left me with mixed feelings. I would have preferred a more decisive end rather than the inconclusive one given. I will still be looking forward to the next novel in this series however.
Sharon Cho's A Slice of Quietude, weaves a tale of mystery and illusion. It takes place in an strange and outlandish cosmos where the key tenets of classic literature, allegiance to established authority, true protection by loved ones, and the intrinsic violence of a modern society is known. Throughout the novel the descriptive narrative allows the reader not only see what is happening but to almost smell the surroundings and the events taking place. Not written as an easy read, with uncommon names and terms being used in the story, Sharon has skillfully set the various cultures that surface throughout the story. With this in mind, it is clear that this book requires your full attention (although at times I did find it hard to keep reading). The one criticism I have is with the conclusion, which left so many questions unanswered that has left me with mixed feelings. I would have preferred a more decisive end rather than the inconclusive one given. I will still be looking forward to the next novel in this series however.
August 6, 2015
*Received in exchange for an honest review.*
At it's heart, this is a very fascinating book. The main characters, Tristien and Kat, are falling head-over-heels in love, but their past demons get in the way of their ability to commit and fully open up to one another. For Tristien, the past demons are physical; for Kat, they are mental. I would love to go into depth about their issues, but it may spoil the read.
For me, the story is foremost a love story and the battles/fights are secondary. I have always enjoyed stories where humans were the most important thing, and this novel delivers on that.
Alongside Tristien and Kat are two friends, Cela and Kinjara. Their pasts are not delved into greatly, but seeing as how they are secondary characters, this is not necessary. What they do have are unique characteristics that really help them leap off of the page and take on a life of their own.
While I did enjoy this book, there were some stylistic decisions that affected my read. For one, each character was referred to in a multitude of ways. For instance, Kat was referred to by nickname, full name, the olive woman, dark haired woman, the Slicer, the Midnight Slicer etc. (these names may not be exact). I was pulled from the story every time one of these was used, and this happened for every character.
Another issue that I had was the frequent use phrases at the beginning of a sentence. This would happen to a majority of the sentences in a paragraph, and it would create a rhythm in reading that would pull me from the story.
There were a few more issues that brought this to three stars.
Aside from all of those things, though, this was an engaging novel with some beautifully written sentences. I will definitely be reading the next book!
At it's heart, this is a very fascinating book. The main characters, Tristien and Kat, are falling head-over-heels in love, but their past demons get in the way of their ability to commit and fully open up to one another. For Tristien, the past demons are physical; for Kat, they are mental. I would love to go into depth about their issues, but it may spoil the read.
For me, the story is foremost a love story and the battles/fights are secondary. I have always enjoyed stories where humans were the most important thing, and this novel delivers on that.
Alongside Tristien and Kat are two friends, Cela and Kinjara. Their pasts are not delved into greatly, but seeing as how they are secondary characters, this is not necessary. What they do have are unique characteristics that really help them leap off of the page and take on a life of their own.
While I did enjoy this book, there were some stylistic decisions that affected my read. For one, each character was referred to in a multitude of ways. For instance, Kat was referred to by nickname, full name, the olive woman, dark haired woman, the Slicer, the Midnight Slicer etc. (these names may not be exact). I was pulled from the story every time one of these was used, and this happened for every character.
Another issue that I had was the frequent use phrases at the beginning of a sentence. This would happen to a majority of the sentences in a paragraph, and it would create a rhythm in reading that would pull me from the story.
There were a few more issues that brought this to three stars.
Aside from all of those things, though, this was an engaging novel with some beautifully written sentences. I will definitely be reading the next book!
June 7, 2015
Falling firmly within the fantasy/action adventure genre, Sharon Cho’s “A Slice of Quietude” is a refreshing and modern take on the standard supernatural love story. The novel itself takes place in an unusual and outlandish cosmos where the key tenets of classic literature: allegiance to established authority, true protection by loved ones, and the intrinsic violence of a modern society.
Though the book’s scenery and environment are reminiscent of the Middle Ages, “A Slice of Quietude” exists almost in its own timeless realm. Cho’s decision to depict two female heroes who actively choose a life of tumult and savagery acts as a welcome departure from today’s similarly bestsellers that only represent the ever-popular male point of view.
Replete with unique dialogue and terminology, the author is careful to tread lightly on making the story strictly love-centric or action-centric. There are many segments that delve into the myriad of emotions that are consuming the books heroines. With a steady momentum and clear talent at creating witty dialogue and descriptive situations, Sharon Cho’s “A Slice of Quietude” is a must read for those who especially adore a well-written, well-paced, and creative fantasy novel.
Though the book’s scenery and environment are reminiscent of the Middle Ages, “A Slice of Quietude” exists almost in its own timeless realm. Cho’s decision to depict two female heroes who actively choose a life of tumult and savagery acts as a welcome departure from today’s similarly bestsellers that only represent the ever-popular male point of view.
Replete with unique dialogue and terminology, the author is careful to tread lightly on making the story strictly love-centric or action-centric. There are many segments that delve into the myriad of emotions that are consuming the books heroines. With a steady momentum and clear talent at creating witty dialogue and descriptive situations, Sharon Cho’s “A Slice of Quietude” is a must read for those who especially adore a well-written, well-paced, and creative fantasy novel.
May 18, 2015
Four Stars: f/f myths
A really unique book which I thoroughly enjoyed reading. The author weaves a tale of mystery and illusion. Throughout the novel the descriptive narrative allows the reader not only see what is happening but to almost smell the surroundings and the events taking place.
Not written as an easy read, the names of the characters and their positions in society are all new so the reader has to concentrate and remember where each one fits into this absorbing tale.
I particularly enjoyed the role of the story teller as this reinforced what had happened regarding the characters as well as understanding the roles of characters as yet unseen.
The individuality of each character was so vibrant yet so believable, making the horrors of deeds past and present understandable in a bizarre sort of way.
The one criticism I have is the conclusion, which left so many questions unanswered that I felt almost cheated. I would have preferred a more decisive end rather than the inconclusive one given. I will still be looking forward to the next instalment in this series.
A really unique book which I thoroughly enjoyed reading. The author weaves a tale of mystery and illusion. Throughout the novel the descriptive narrative allows the reader not only see what is happening but to almost smell the surroundings and the events taking place.
Not written as an easy read, the names of the characters and their positions in society are all new so the reader has to concentrate and remember where each one fits into this absorbing tale.
I particularly enjoyed the role of the story teller as this reinforced what had happened regarding the characters as well as understanding the roles of characters as yet unseen.
The individuality of each character was so vibrant yet so believable, making the horrors of deeds past and present understandable in a bizarre sort of way.
The one criticism I have is the conclusion, which left so many questions unanswered that I felt almost cheated. I would have preferred a more decisive end rather than the inconclusive one given. I will still be looking forward to the next instalment in this series.
August 19, 2015
My son (22) picked this book up from my to-be-read pile on his way through my library, er, I mean, the living room. When he returned it he said, "You really should review this one before all those others. I loved it. It's really great." He then launched into a near-speech about the main character and her powers, the various other primary characters, the adventures they went on and how hilarious parts were. He then asked for the next book in the series. While this may not seem like a huge deal at first, once you understand that this is not someone who enjoys reading, it really is a big deal. 95% of books he picks up are quickly tossed to the side or returned to the pile with a groan about how awful it was. Clearly this is a very well written book with engaging characters and an intriguing plot. I skimmed the first chapters and actually found myself chuckling and almost didn't put it back down. So while I can't say I read and reviewed it myself, I can say that it earned very high marks from a very picky reader and that's enough for me to feel good about five stars. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influenced my opinion (or my son's).
July 3, 2015
*I want to thank the author for allowing me the opportunity to get introduced to her work. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
I enjoyed this book and am intrigued to find out what happens next. There are parts that I feel are unnecessary and detract from the pace of the book, but they aren't that prevalent. I really enjoy Kat and Tristien's characters - they are strong female characters doing their best to deal with traumatic pasts. I like their interactions and understanding of each other's needs. I also enjoyed the bickering between the three friends. All four of the main characters are strong female characters who do not take any crap - which is rare in this genre and I feel is a breath of fresh air. I, as a reader, love reading about strong females and definitely think more are needed in all genres, not just this one.
I would highly recommend this book to those who enjoy fantasy and romance books. I will definitely read the next book.
I enjoyed this book and am intrigued to find out what happens next. There are parts that I feel are unnecessary and detract from the pace of the book, but they aren't that prevalent. I really enjoy Kat and Tristien's characters - they are strong female characters doing their best to deal with traumatic pasts. I like their interactions and understanding of each other's needs. I also enjoyed the bickering between the three friends. All four of the main characters are strong female characters who do not take any crap - which is rare in this genre and I feel is a breath of fresh air. I, as a reader, love reading about strong females and definitely think more are needed in all genres, not just this one.
I would highly recommend this book to those who enjoy fantasy and romance books. I will definitely read the next book.
July 12, 2015
Kat is a Midnight Slicer, an assassin hired learn field fighting techniques. In the midst of battle she surrenders to a scarred woman whom she hopes will be able to teach her more of the quietude Kat employs in her slicing. Surrender is unimaginable for a slicer, but she is drawn to this woman who moves like the wind in spite of her impossible number of scars.
The book is as much romance as it is action. Tristien, the scarred woman, along with her companions set out to the city where she was a healer and student before being abducted and tortured for three years. Secrets are revealed and we hear stories of gods and demi-gods along the way.
I enjoyed reading the book even with its leisurely pace. The characters are very well drawn and while there isn't a great deal happening, there is enough action to keep the story moving.
I recommend the book to those who don't need constant action in their fantasy, but enjoy revelation of character and relationships.
The book is as much romance as it is action. Tristien, the scarred woman, along with her companions set out to the city where she was a healer and student before being abducted and tortured for three years. Secrets are revealed and we hear stories of gods and demi-gods along the way.
I enjoyed reading the book even with its leisurely pace. The characters are very well drawn and while there isn't a great deal happening, there is enough action to keep the story moving.
I recommend the book to those who don't need constant action in their fantasy, but enjoy revelation of character and relationships.
May 29, 2015
Fantastic!
Reading this book, I encountered a series of interesting and distinct characters with unique personalities. Following the travels of a group of friends, the reader becomes immersed in the fantasy world that the author has created.
With uncommon names and terms being used in the story, the writer has skillfully set the various cultures that surface throughout the story. With this in mind, it is clear that this book requires your full attention(something that really pays off in the end).
In conclusion, it was a great read and there is no reason why you shouldn't pick it up!
Reading this book, I encountered a series of interesting and distinct characters with unique personalities. Following the travels of a group of friends, the reader becomes immersed in the fantasy world that the author has created.
With uncommon names and terms being used in the story, the writer has skillfully set the various cultures that surface throughout the story. With this in mind, it is clear that this book requires your full attention(something that really pays off in the end).
In conclusion, it was a great read and there is no reason why you shouldn't pick it up!
November 15, 2015
A Slice of Quietude is the story of Kat, a guild assassin, as she struggles to transition from her old, solitary life as a ruthless, unquestioning killer to one filled with friends, love and myths come to life.
Along this journey Kat befriends a Bard, a Warrior, and Tristian – the Scarred Woman. Together the four women deal with their often, and quite literally, tortured pasts. They ready themselves to come to terms with their previous lives and embrace what fate and the gods have in store for them. In between, there is The Quietude, a sort of psychic realm, overlaid on reality that helps characters who use it focus. Not all can use the Quietude, those that can co-exist in both realms simultaneously; some better than others.
Sharon Cho has created a very deep, vibrant, mythical world and crammed it into 366 pages, which can be a bit much. Honestly, the first third of the novel is a bit hard to get through. It’s tough. There are a lot of new places, words, names to take in and Cho goes all in. There were times I found myself screaming “Ease up a bit”!
But Patience! Focus. Stick with it and you won’t be disappointed.
Kat’s journey is fascinating and thrilling. She is a strong character and a powerful personality. It’s fun to read a novel where you can’t predict where it will go next. But at times it seemed like events went too fast. For example, Kat is an assassin. Yet it seemed like I never really got to see the true, hardened, killer side of her before she started falling in love with Tristian. On the other hand, Tristian’s story is rich and mysterious. You will quickly lose yourself in her past. Cho did a great job here introducing us to this skilled hardened fighter, then slowly showing her vulnerable side and mysterious past.
I particularly liked the character of Kinjara, the almost famous (or famous in her own mind) bard. She weaves tall tales around campfires and in taverns. Are the stories Kinjara tells real or simply myths? They are expertly woven into the novel. As the story progresses, the line between myth and reality blurs, not unlike reality and The Quietude. This was a good technique. Cho does a fantastic job of laying clues throughout the novel, gently teasing the appearance of gods, jesters and mystical realms.
Cho has a fine eye for detail….Almost to a fault. She has some beautifully written passages that draw the reader into this world. Unfortunately at other times, she’s a bit verbose in description, whipping you back out. The fight scenes are well choreographed, but overdone. Some of the dialogue is repetitive and clunky. But as the novel moves forward, Cho quickly finds her own slice of quietude and her writing really starts to flow well.
I was pleasantly surprised by the time I finished the novel, even forgetting that this was “Woven Myths #1” and happy there would be more to the story.
A Slice of Quietude has humor, adventure, action, fantasy, comedy and romance. Overall I recommend this book. Sharon Cho is an author to keep an eye on. Get on over to AMAZON by clicking HERE and pick up a copy.
I received a copy of this book from the Author in exchange for a fair and honest review. A big Thank You! to Sharon Cho for the honor of letting me read her novel. I truly enjoyed it and look forward to her next novel.
Rating: 3 ½ stars out of 5.
Along this journey Kat befriends a Bard, a Warrior, and Tristian – the Scarred Woman. Together the four women deal with their often, and quite literally, tortured pasts. They ready themselves to come to terms with their previous lives and embrace what fate and the gods have in store for them. In between, there is The Quietude, a sort of psychic realm, overlaid on reality that helps characters who use it focus. Not all can use the Quietude, those that can co-exist in both realms simultaneously; some better than others.
Sharon Cho has created a very deep, vibrant, mythical world and crammed it into 366 pages, which can be a bit much. Honestly, the first third of the novel is a bit hard to get through. It’s tough. There are a lot of new places, words, names to take in and Cho goes all in. There were times I found myself screaming “Ease up a bit”!
But Patience! Focus. Stick with it and you won’t be disappointed.
Kat’s journey is fascinating and thrilling. She is a strong character and a powerful personality. It’s fun to read a novel where you can’t predict where it will go next. But at times it seemed like events went too fast. For example, Kat is an assassin. Yet it seemed like I never really got to see the true, hardened, killer side of her before she started falling in love with Tristian. On the other hand, Tristian’s story is rich and mysterious. You will quickly lose yourself in her past. Cho did a great job here introducing us to this skilled hardened fighter, then slowly showing her vulnerable side and mysterious past.
I particularly liked the character of Kinjara, the almost famous (or famous in her own mind) bard. She weaves tall tales around campfires and in taverns. Are the stories Kinjara tells real or simply myths? They are expertly woven into the novel. As the story progresses, the line between myth and reality blurs, not unlike reality and The Quietude. This was a good technique. Cho does a fantastic job of laying clues throughout the novel, gently teasing the appearance of gods, jesters and mystical realms.
Cho has a fine eye for detail….Almost to a fault. She has some beautifully written passages that draw the reader into this world. Unfortunately at other times, she’s a bit verbose in description, whipping you back out. The fight scenes are well choreographed, but overdone. Some of the dialogue is repetitive and clunky. But as the novel moves forward, Cho quickly finds her own slice of quietude and her writing really starts to flow well.
I was pleasantly surprised by the time I finished the novel, even forgetting that this was “Woven Myths #1” and happy there would be more to the story.
A Slice of Quietude has humor, adventure, action, fantasy, comedy and romance. Overall I recommend this book. Sharon Cho is an author to keep an eye on. Get on over to AMAZON by clicking HERE and pick up a copy.
I received a copy of this book from the Author in exchange for a fair and honest review. A big Thank You! to Sharon Cho for the honor of letting me read her novel. I truly enjoyed it and look forward to her next novel.
Rating: 3 ½ stars out of 5.
October 1, 2015
Woven Myths: A Slice of Quietude by Sharon Cho was offered to me for review.
I was intrigued when offered this book because it featured female lead characters and was an action oriented story.
It was very refreshing to read a story with strong female characters that didn't reduce male characters to inconsequential idiots led around by their genitalia.
Yes, I get it, the main characters were building a same-sex relationship, and according to the authors acknowledgements, the book is an attempt to support same-sex relationships. Fine by me. I'm not gay, I don't really care if anyone else is. It's none of my business. I don't support the abuse of any group of people based on their beliefs, The most I have the right to say is I agree or disagree with their beliefs.
I know this is not the place for discussing my personal beliefs on any topic, but since the author offers the topic as an important aspect of her work, I couldn't ignore it and feel I had adequately reviewed her story.
A Slice of Quietude was for me, a great way to present such relationships in a nonthreatening and nonjudgmental way. The reader is not bludgeoned into accepting the characters relationships or even focus on them.
The story, at least as I experienced it, was more of a "buddy" action/ adventure. As in any action story, each character brought their own strengths and weaknesses to the group. There was humor, fear, danger, selflessness, camaraderie, and yes, romance.
A side comment: most action/ adventure/ quest type stories I have read almost always present an odd number of characters undertaking the quest. Usually five or seven. It has been so prevalent that I considered it a convention. So I was surprised by this book having four adventurers in the group. Nothing bad, just different.
If I haven't made it clear yet, I really enjoyed A Slice of Quietude. It was an exciting, packed story. The story line was complex enough to hold my interest and keep me involved until the end. Author Sharon Cho does not spare her characters because of their gender. They experience, and inflict, terrible violence. Cho gets down to business in painting a mental picture of the combat sequences. She paints wonderful pictures of the people and places her characters encounter, She supplies explanations of the mythic beliefs which guide the storiy.
So, If you want to read a story which supports same sex relationships A Slice of Quietude works.
If you want to read an action filled adventure, A Slice of Quietude works. If you want to read a good escapist fantasy novel without having to dwell on heavy social issues, A Slice of Quietude works.
Any way you slice it (get it?), A Slice of Quietude is a good time. Enjoy!
Mike
I was intrigued when offered this book because it featured female lead characters and was an action oriented story.
It was very refreshing to read a story with strong female characters that didn't reduce male characters to inconsequential idiots led around by their genitalia.
Yes, I get it, the main characters were building a same-sex relationship, and according to the authors acknowledgements, the book is an attempt to support same-sex relationships. Fine by me. I'm not gay, I don't really care if anyone else is. It's none of my business. I don't support the abuse of any group of people based on their beliefs, The most I have the right to say is I agree or disagree with their beliefs.
I know this is not the place for discussing my personal beliefs on any topic, but since the author offers the topic as an important aspect of her work, I couldn't ignore it and feel I had adequately reviewed her story.
A Slice of Quietude was for me, a great way to present such relationships in a nonthreatening and nonjudgmental way. The reader is not bludgeoned into accepting the characters relationships or even focus on them.
The story, at least as I experienced it, was more of a "buddy" action/ adventure. As in any action story, each character brought their own strengths and weaknesses to the group. There was humor, fear, danger, selflessness, camaraderie, and yes, romance.
A side comment: most action/ adventure/ quest type stories I have read almost always present an odd number of characters undertaking the quest. Usually five or seven. It has been so prevalent that I considered it a convention. So I was surprised by this book having four adventurers in the group. Nothing bad, just different.
If I haven't made it clear yet, I really enjoyed A Slice of Quietude. It was an exciting, packed story. The story line was complex enough to hold my interest and keep me involved until the end. Author Sharon Cho does not spare her characters because of their gender. They experience, and inflict, terrible violence. Cho gets down to business in painting a mental picture of the combat sequences. She paints wonderful pictures of the people and places her characters encounter, She supplies explanations of the mythic beliefs which guide the storiy.
So, If you want to read a story which supports same sex relationships A Slice of Quietude works.
If you want to read an action filled adventure, A Slice of Quietude works. If you want to read a good escapist fantasy novel without having to dwell on heavy social issues, A Slice of Quietude works.
Any way you slice it (get it?), A Slice of Quietude is a good time. Enjoy!
Mike
September 10, 2015
I'm trying to be more conscientious with the high star reviews I give out and follow the convention of "liked it, really liked it, loved it" so don't take three stars to mean the book is bad and not worth reading. The story isn't especially deep, but it's a fun romp in this world nonetheless. The characters have conflicting motivations and loyalties and are overall interesting enough. Some characters, like Cela, may follow their tropes a bit too closely, but this is clearly and introductory book to a series. While I didn't find the prose to be tight, I thought it got better as the book went along. I haven't decided whether I will continue the series as I have a lot of other books on my plate, but I may return to the world of Tristien and Kat to see what happened to them.
September 21, 2015
I really, really liked this book. It's unique and fresh from the world that's created to the characters. There are a lot of familiar themes, but they are addressed in new ways. This book got me laughing, got my heart rate going, and got me teary eyed. I love it when that happens. I cannot wait for more in this series.
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