Patrick W. Carr
Author of A Cast of Stones
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Works by Patrick W. Carr
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- Georgia Institute of Technology
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Synopsis (May contain slight spoilers for previous books in the trilogy): In this third, and final, book of the Staff and Sword trilogy, the war for Illustra begins. In order to maintain order within the Judica, Errol must retrieve The Book that was left behind in Merakh. Meanwhile, Adora and Liam must journey to the Shadowlands to make a pact with these newly discovered allies. A feeling of dread descends upon everyone, as the people of Illustra realize they are surrounded by vast armies of show more enemies and demon spawn. They must discover who their king and savior is - or else the barrier will never be restored and the demons will destroy Illustra.
My Thoughts: This book was every bit as good as the previous two - and it tied off most of the loose ends quite well. For fantasy fans, this book was packed with battles, intrigue, foreign lands, and ranging demon-spawn. I was also quite impressed with Carr's ability to write religious allegory. He deftly got his message across by showing it within the story instead of writing lectures into the dialog as many authors do. In fact, I bumped this book up an extra half a star (something I rarely do) because I admire how much finesse it takes to write a good allegory without sermonizing.
One of the allegorical issues presented is the fallibility of humans (as well as the organizations that we create). The church, in Carr's world, was composed of many good men (as well as a few villains) who often made mistakes and were suffering under misunderstandings of God which had accumulated after the loss of their religious book. This is the message that I originally interpreted as criticisms of the Catholic Church in my review of Hero's Lot, though after reading this book the criticism feels more forgiving. The message is: no one is perfect, we are all human, and we're going to make mistakes. We can't judge everyone in a group based upon the mistakes of some of its leaders. I'm not sure if this is the message that Carr intended, but it is how I felt when I read A Draw of Kings.
The other allegorical message that I felt was done tremendously well related to faith and doubt. There was a moment when Adora as climbing a cliff and Liam was behind her, and even though she knew Liam was there to catch her if she fell, she suddenly doubted that he was there at all - that he had ever been there. And then he carried her. I'm sorry if that is a spoiler, but I couldn't help but point out the beauty of that moment. Because it's so true, isn't it? It's so easy to lose faith - even though this loss of faith is irrational when viewed from the outside-the-moment.
My interpretation of this story has evolved so much while reading this third book, that I feel I ought to go back and revise some of the criticisms I made about the second book. Of course, I always have to include criticisms, but.... Which brings me around to my criticisms of A Draw of Kings. My first complaint is how violent it was. I felt that the good guys (Adora especially) were sometimes more violent than they ought to have been. Of course, this could simply be another way in which we are only human - and therefore fallible. So this is only a small criticism. The other criticism is that I felt threads were dropped in relation to the countries other than Merakh. There needed to be a little more tie-up after that much build-up. But that, too, is only a minor issue since the major threads were tied up wonderfully.
Overall I was greatly pleased with this book, and I will recommend it to all of my friends who read books of this genre. In fact, I'm hoping it wins some awards - it's well-deserving of the Christy Award for Young Adult literature.
See full review on my blog at: Resistance is Futile show less
My Thoughts: This book was every bit as good as the previous two - and it tied off most of the loose ends quite well. For fantasy fans, this book was packed with battles, intrigue, foreign lands, and ranging demon-spawn. I was also quite impressed with Carr's ability to write religious allegory. He deftly got his message across by showing it within the story instead of writing lectures into the dialog as many authors do. In fact, I bumped this book up an extra half a star (something I rarely do) because I admire how much finesse it takes to write a good allegory without sermonizing.
One of the allegorical issues presented is the fallibility of humans (as well as the organizations that we create). The church, in Carr's world, was composed of many good men (as well as a few villains) who often made mistakes and were suffering under misunderstandings of God which had accumulated after the loss of their religious book. This is the message that I originally interpreted as criticisms of the Catholic Church in my review of Hero's Lot, though after reading this book the criticism feels more forgiving. The message is: no one is perfect, we are all human, and we're going to make mistakes. We can't judge everyone in a group based upon the mistakes of some of its leaders. I'm not sure if this is the message that Carr intended, but it is how I felt when I read A Draw of Kings.
The other allegorical message that I felt was done tremendously well related to faith and doubt. There was a moment when Adora as climbing a cliff and Liam was behind her, and even though she knew Liam was there to catch her if she fell, she suddenly doubted that he was there at all - that he had ever been there. And then he carried her. I'm sorry if that is a spoiler, but I couldn't help but point out the beauty of that moment. Because it's so true, isn't it? It's so easy to lose faith - even though this loss of faith is irrational when viewed from the outside-the-moment.
My interpretation of this story has evolved so much while reading this third book, that I feel I ought to go back and revise some of the criticisms I made about the second book. Of course, I always have to include criticisms, but.... Which brings me around to my criticisms of A Draw of Kings. My first complaint is how violent it was. I felt that the good guys (Adora especially) were sometimes more violent than they ought to have been. Of course, this could simply be another way in which we are only human - and therefore fallible. So this is only a small criticism. The other criticism is that I felt threads were dropped in relation to the countries other than Merakh. There needed to be a little more tie-up after that much build-up. But that, too, is only a minor issue since the major threads were tied up wonderfully.
Overall I was greatly pleased with this book, and I will recommend it to all of my friends who read books of this genre. In fact, I'm hoping it wins some awards - it's well-deserving of the Christy Award for Young Adult literature.
See full review on my blog at: Resistance is Futile show less
Willett Dura is a member of the local constabulary while in personal service to the King. He’s compassionate to the poor, loyal in his duties, and out of place in the King’s court.
There’s a vault in his mind, a place even he can’t go, linked with his wartime trauma. He’s also a nightwalker, waking in the morning with no memory of leaving his room… but sometimes with bloodstains on his clothes. And always on the night of a murder.
Willett has investigated the killings, found some show more of the culprits, and he’s mostly sure his own hands haven’t done the deeds. He’s learning to live with the uncertainty, and with the discomfort of being made a minor lord, and anticipating his upcoming marriage.
An encounter with a dying man changes everything. Burdened with an unexpected – and rare – spiritual gift, Willett’s life is upended. He’s thrust into membership in an unseen group called the Vigil, and expected to trust their half-truths about a danger larger than he can imagine.
He didn’t want this gift, and it may cost him everything. But if it’s true that the gift came to him by God’s will, then he may be the Vigil’s best hope of succeeding – even with that vault in his mind.
Patrick W. Carr has imagined a richly-textured world and culture, with enough similarities to mediaeval towns and forests to allow readers to connect. These people’s faith resembles Christianity in the sense that there’s a trinity, one member of whom came to earth to bring salvation. Their worship began with a central church organization, which has split into four Divisions, each emphasizing a key point of doctrine.
Their spiritual gifts, unlike ours, are limited in number and given by God, to be passed down in the family. If someone dies unexpectedly, their gift will go free, and be directed to a new recipient. Killing a Gifted to steal a gift is a major crime.
The Shock of Night is an excellent read. I took a few chapters to be fully immersed, likely acclimatizing to the culture, but I’m happy to say the Darkwater Saga series is starting off every bit as strong as the author’s previous series, The Staff & the Sword. This is a book you can read and re-read, think about and discuss. It has enough meat to satisfy a literature class, while delivering a smoothly-flowing and enjoyable read for people who just want a really good tale.
Amid the action and intrigue, one subtle thread I appreciated was the illustration of how long-term mindsets of bitterness or complaining could destroy even the most outwardly-upright individuals. Willett’s surname, Dura, speaks of his strength and endurance. In a world of ease and suffering, he tries to make a difference.
I also appreciated the writing itself, and the occasional sparks of humour. Some of my favourite lines:
"His face had taken on the stillness men wear when they’ve no choice but to swallow their anger." [p. 47]
"The familiar ache of what I’d lost in the last war pulled at my insides like scar tissue covering a wound in my soul." [p. 55]
'The part of my brain where I kept my common sense rebelled at the idea. As usual it lost almost immediately." [p. 357]
The novel is mostly written in the first person, from Willett’s point of view. Other scenes in third person let readers learn what’s happening when he’s not in the room, and this is integral to the story. I didn’t find it jarring like I usually do.
This is a clean fantasy novel with elements of Christian allegory, suitable for believers and non-believers. At around 460 pages, it’s heavy, so an ebook version might be a plus despite the high price. (It’s my review, I can say it: pricing an ebook over $10 offends me, and only books of this high a calibre deserve the $10 price.)
Do take advantage of the free ebook novella prequel, By Divine Right (find it at your favourite online bookstore). Even if you don’t like ebooks, grab this one and read it on your computer, tablet or phone. The apps for Kindle, Kobo, Nook etc are all free. The prequel isn’t required reading for the series, but it gives helpful background, lets you get to know Willett, and it’s a good story in its own right.
Award-winning author Patrick W. Carr’s characters and worlds are nuanced and satisfying, and I highly recommend The Shock of Night and his first series, The Staff & the Sword. For more about the author and his books, visit patrickwcarr.com.
[Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.] show less
There’s a vault in his mind, a place even he can’t go, linked with his wartime trauma. He’s also a nightwalker, waking in the morning with no memory of leaving his room… but sometimes with bloodstains on his clothes. And always on the night of a murder.
Willett has investigated the killings, found some show more of the culprits, and he’s mostly sure his own hands haven’t done the deeds. He’s learning to live with the uncertainty, and with the discomfort of being made a minor lord, and anticipating his upcoming marriage.
An encounter with a dying man changes everything. Burdened with an unexpected – and rare – spiritual gift, Willett’s life is upended. He’s thrust into membership in an unseen group called the Vigil, and expected to trust their half-truths about a danger larger than he can imagine.
He didn’t want this gift, and it may cost him everything. But if it’s true that the gift came to him by God’s will, then he may be the Vigil’s best hope of succeeding – even with that vault in his mind.
Patrick W. Carr has imagined a richly-textured world and culture, with enough similarities to mediaeval towns and forests to allow readers to connect. These people’s faith resembles Christianity in the sense that there’s a trinity, one member of whom came to earth to bring salvation. Their worship began with a central church organization, which has split into four Divisions, each emphasizing a key point of doctrine.
Their spiritual gifts, unlike ours, are limited in number and given by God, to be passed down in the family. If someone dies unexpectedly, their gift will go free, and be directed to a new recipient. Killing a Gifted to steal a gift is a major crime.
The Shock of Night is an excellent read. I took a few chapters to be fully immersed, likely acclimatizing to the culture, but I’m happy to say the Darkwater Saga series is starting off every bit as strong as the author’s previous series, The Staff & the Sword. This is a book you can read and re-read, think about and discuss. It has enough meat to satisfy a literature class, while delivering a smoothly-flowing and enjoyable read for people who just want a really good tale.
Amid the action and intrigue, one subtle thread I appreciated was the illustration of how long-term mindsets of bitterness or complaining could destroy even the most outwardly-upright individuals. Willett’s surname, Dura, speaks of his strength and endurance. In a world of ease and suffering, he tries to make a difference.
I also appreciated the writing itself, and the occasional sparks of humour. Some of my favourite lines:
"His face had taken on the stillness men wear when they’ve no choice but to swallow their anger." [p. 47]
"The familiar ache of what I’d lost in the last war pulled at my insides like scar tissue covering a wound in my soul." [p. 55]
'The part of my brain where I kept my common sense rebelled at the idea. As usual it lost almost immediately." [p. 357]
The novel is mostly written in the first person, from Willett’s point of view. Other scenes in third person let readers learn what’s happening when he’s not in the room, and this is integral to the story. I didn’t find it jarring like I usually do.
This is a clean fantasy novel with elements of Christian allegory, suitable for believers and non-believers. At around 460 pages, it’s heavy, so an ebook version might be a plus despite the high price. (It’s my review, I can say it: pricing an ebook over $10 offends me, and only books of this high a calibre deserve the $10 price.)
Do take advantage of the free ebook novella prequel, By Divine Right (find it at your favourite online bookstore). Even if you don’t like ebooks, grab this one and read it on your computer, tablet or phone. The apps for Kindle, Kobo, Nook etc are all free. The prequel isn’t required reading for the series, but it gives helpful background, lets you get to know Willett, and it’s a good story in its own right.
Award-winning author Patrick W. Carr’s characters and worlds are nuanced and satisfying, and I highly recommend The Shock of Night and his first series, The Staff & the Sword. For more about the author and his books, visit patrickwcarr.com.
[Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.] show less
When I got this for free in a Kindle promotion, despite being intrigued by the premise (Christian fantasy with the town drunk as the protagonist?) and encouraged by reviews from often-sensible bloggers, I didn't expect much. But when I started reading it, I could scarcely put it down. The characters were not only unique, but engaging; the worldbuilding was not only fantastical, but novel and compelling, and the plot was satisfying yet left me wanting to buy the sequel as soon as I have some show more discretionary income to spend on myself. If I had remembered this book when I was buying Christmas presents last October, I would have bought a hard copy of it to give to a family member who, like me, prefers well-developed mythopoeic fantasy. show less
I've been in the mood to get lost in a fantasy novel for a long time. My last attempt consisted of reading 80% of one of Brandon Sanderson's 1000 page tomes before DNF-ing it. Pretty shameful, I know. I just realized that though I think Sanderson is a fantastic writer, it just wasn't the story I needed to read right now, I was dreading picking it up, and that's okay.
It's been a busy season. I homeschool a 5 year old. I have a 5 month old baby. I wouldn't trade my homemaker life for anything, show more but the reality is that reading certain books is a lot harder than it used to be. On top of that, the political situation and the Covid-related situation is a lot to deal with.
I needed a book that could re-orient me into the story world every time I picked it up, and I needed it to happen quickly!
Sometimes I have ten minutes to read. If I'm spending 9 of those minutes trying to remember which of 5 character POV's I'm on and which of 2404930 fantasy lands they're in, it kind of takes the escapism out of it.
A Cast of Stones is not a wordy, giant, LOTR/Game of Thrones epic sort of fantasy book.
It's the kind of story I would fall into when I was 11 years old, diving into a new book from the library, devouring every word at a rapid clip. It's the kind of book I wanted to read under the covers with a flashlight (I didn't, since my daughter probably would have heard me in her crib and started flailing about, but still). It's the kind of book that made me sort of maybe want to pick up a stick and pretend I'm a master staff fighter like the main character.
I'm 29 years old, and that's the kind of book I needed desperately.
I heard about this book on some blog post about good Christian fantasy. I don't read many specifically Christian fiction books, but I'm always hopeful I'll find a super-good one that will reclaim the genre for me.
Well, I did. Thank you, Patrick W. Carr.
Our main character is genuinely flawed. There's no corny "tee-hee I'm perfect but sometimes I doubt the Lord" sort of thing here, that's for sure. Errol is an alcoholic, he's envious of others, he thinks he's a failure, and he's really had a tough time of it. Because of that, I fell in love with Errol Stone. By the end, I was pretty much fist-pumping the air with joy at how much he overcame.
I wonder if the author is Catholic, Anglican, Orthodox, or Lutheran. There's a lot of sacramental elements to the fantasy faith of this story world, and as a Catholic it was pretty refreshing. That said, this was one of those rare books I think that fantasy fans of any stripe could enjoy. It wasn't preachy, or pushy, or corny.
As a writer, I would love to balance clean content and an exciting, realistic story as masterfully as Patrick W. Carr does.
Seriously, the writing is fantastic. It's simple, but not childish. Dialogue was great, setting was great, action was great, but let me reiterate: the characters were wonderful and I loved them to pieces.
A caveat: there is magic (of a sort) and there is violence. It's not overly gory, but it's not fully "black screen" either. It didn't bother me at all, but it's there. The (light, so far) romantic elements are clean with a couple of slight suggestive comments. Again, nothing I found very troublesome.
I bought book two already. I cannot wait to tear into it. I rarely buy books full price (thrifting books is way too much fun...), but I will happily pay for this series new. I feel like I've found a gem that I will read over and over, just like I used to do when I was younger and life was simpler.
5 of out of 5 stars. This is my favorite book of 2021 so far.
Read my full review over on my blog: https://smlozinski.blogspot.com/2021/09/a-cast-of-stones-by-patrick-w-carr.html show less
It's been a busy season. I homeschool a 5 year old. I have a 5 month old baby. I wouldn't trade my homemaker life for anything, show more but the reality is that reading certain books is a lot harder than it used to be. On top of that, the political situation and the Covid-related situation is a lot to deal with.
I needed a book that could re-orient me into the story world every time I picked it up, and I needed it to happen quickly!
Sometimes I have ten minutes to read. If I'm spending 9 of those minutes trying to remember which of 5 character POV's I'm on and which of 2404930 fantasy lands they're in, it kind of takes the escapism out of it.
A Cast of Stones is not a wordy, giant, LOTR/Game of Thrones epic sort of fantasy book.
It's the kind of story I would fall into when I was 11 years old, diving into a new book from the library, devouring every word at a rapid clip. It's the kind of book I wanted to read under the covers with a flashlight (I didn't, since my daughter probably would have heard me in her crib and started flailing about, but still). It's the kind of book that made me sort of maybe want to pick up a stick and pretend I'm a master staff fighter like the main character.
I'm 29 years old, and that's the kind of book I needed desperately.
I heard about this book on some blog post about good Christian fantasy. I don't read many specifically Christian fiction books, but I'm always hopeful I'll find a super-good one that will reclaim the genre for me.
Well, I did. Thank you, Patrick W. Carr.
Our main character is genuinely flawed. There's no corny "tee-hee I'm perfect but sometimes I doubt the Lord" sort of thing here, that's for sure. Errol is an alcoholic, he's envious of others, he thinks he's a failure, and he's really had a tough time of it. Because of that, I fell in love with Errol Stone. By the end, I was pretty much fist-pumping the air with joy at how much he overcame.
I wonder if the author is Catholic, Anglican, Orthodox, or Lutheran. There's a lot of sacramental elements to the fantasy faith of this story world, and as a Catholic it was pretty refreshing. That said, this was one of those rare books I think that fantasy fans of any stripe could enjoy. It wasn't preachy, or pushy, or corny.
As a writer, I would love to balance clean content and an exciting, realistic story as masterfully as Patrick W. Carr does.
Seriously, the writing is fantastic. It's simple, but not childish. Dialogue was great, setting was great, action was great, but let me reiterate: the characters were wonderful and I loved them to pieces.
A caveat: there is magic (of a sort) and there is violence. It's not overly gory, but it's not fully "black screen" either. It didn't bother me at all, but it's there. The (light, so far) romantic elements are clean with a couple of slight suggestive comments. Again, nothing I found very troublesome.
I bought book two already. I cannot wait to tear into it. I rarely buy books full price (thrifting books is way too much fun...), but I will happily pay for this series new. I feel like I've found a gem that I will read over and over, just like I used to do when I was younger and life was simpler.
5 of out of 5 stars. This is my favorite book of 2021 so far.
Read my full review over on my blog: https://smlozinski.blogspot.com/2021/09/a-cast-of-stones-by-patrick-w-carr.html show less
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