Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Books 1-4 Review

Four months ago, I knew it was time for me to catch up on the market for children’s books. The second book in the Eldohr Adventures series was nearing completion so it was time to go back and review the competition for Eldohr. I’ll be honest. I wasn’t thrilled about the thought of going back and reading children’s books, as it made me put 11/22/63 on hold until I did my research on the competition.
. . . because I think they’re going to make a HUGE impact in the industry!
Day after day, year after year, the publishing industry has marched to the same beating drum, unwilling to adapt, unwilling to change. This industry resisted change for years, until something happened: The Indie Press emerged.
I was excited when I heard my friends Robert S. Wilson and Mark C. Scioneaux decided to open a publishing company. Teaming up with Jennifer Wilson, the trio has a long road ahead of them, and I believe they’re going to do some amazing things!
Nightscape Press was established this year, and intend to publish horror novels, novellas and short stories. Their first signed title, A Requiem for Dead Flies, looks to be promising.
I am particularly excited about Nightscape Press. I’ve been following Mark Scioneaux and Robert S. Wilson for awhile now. I was originally impressed with their writing, their professionalism, their energy, and I’m equally impressed with the leap they’ve made into the world of publishing books.
This wonderful group of professionals will no doubt have success in this changing industry. I’m proud of them for making this decision, for it takes courage to put yourself out there. Congrats again to the trio, and welcome to the industry. I hope you’re ready to function on 4 hours of sleep!
Be sure to check out their website to learn more:
http://www.nightscapepress.com/
Jairus Reddy
Hobbes End Publishing, LLC
#1 Rule of Social Media
I have noticed a trend lately on social media sites, where authors and other professionals are posting their opinions on politics, religion and other delicate subjects. THIS IS DANGEROUS. I understand we live in a country where we have the right to free speech, but isolating a demographic based on your personal opinions is not only unprofessional, but it WILL affect your book sales. And not in a positive way.
Dune
I wouldn’t call myself the biggest book critic out there, as I am typically a little generous with ranking books on places like Amazon and Goodreads. Usually when I write a review, I love the story and want everyone to know it. I won’t review books I don’t like because I think it’s ridiculous to rip apart an author without offering anything constructive. That being said, I was going through some of my reviews and found one little paragraph about a novel I read a few years back. I was disturbed because it was one of my favorite books ever, but I never reviewed the book. So here is my review of Dune.
There is one word to describe my feelings about Dune: Epic. It is the Epic of epics. I was forced to read this by one of my authors, as he was disgusted that I had never read the story. I am not going to lie. I am not a huge fan of science fiction, and was a little doubtful that I would enjoy the read.
The Past, Present and Future
Hobbes End Publishing, LLC was founded in 2005 by author Vincent Hobbes. That year, he made his way publishing a variety of annual reports, business plans, and whatever else he could to pay the bills. Later, that same year, he published Feeling Your Way To Happiness by Chris Norton. In two years Hobbes and Norton sold thousands of copies, but something was still missing. The problem was simple, Mr. Hobbes was spending more time running a business instead of fulfilling his passion for writing.
The Psyche of Authors
Everyone has his/her own mental image of the prototypical author. What one looks like. How one acts; personality. Usually, authors are portrayed as reclusive individuals who lack social skills, wear thick glasses, and sit in front of their computer creating their masterpiece for days on end. Someone who writes thousands of words per day so he/she does not only hit deadlines, but overproduces as creative juices flow. A person with so much confidence in one’s writing, he/she risks his/her own livelihood to write for a living.
My one and only warning
My frustrations with some “authors” in the industry have lead me to reach my boiling point. The great thing is that I can share my frustrations with you, rational human beings. What led me to this overwhelming feeling of disgust and straight up frustration will be revealed over the course of this article, but let me just say to all “authors” out there, “Either be supportive of your colleagues or I hope the wrath of industry prevents you from ever creating a story again.”
The Long Road to Success
I am an avid sports fan and recent events have made me appreciate the struggles of entrepreneurship. I watched the Dallas Mavericks win an NBA championship last night, after years of underachieving and failure. They did so through persistence, inconceivable work ethic, and the belief they would one day reach the pinnacle of success.
Get a Grip!
How have we as a society become so lazy over the past thirty years—a country that proclaimed through hard work and loyalty one can live the “American Dream”? Now we are a country that relies on quick fixes, instant gratification, and government handouts. How did we become so pathetic that we really believe our government owes us anything? Pure and unadulterated laziness.