I just finished Gail Carriger's second novel, and I loved it as much as the first. (Carriger was a Number One Novels find last year.) I love how she pokes fun at Victorian society, the humor that weaves through action-filled plots, and the sheer imagery of the setting, but most of all, I love how well werewolves and vampires are integrated into history in her crossover steampunk, fantasy, and regency romances.
Unexpectedly, I found my vocabulary improved while I was reading Changeless. I was more articulate, both in my writing and speaking (and even in my thoughts). I think that's pretty high praise for an author. Not only was I entertained, I was reminded of the breadth of our language. She'd probably be a good author to read if you were prepping for SATs.
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Relaxed as I was, and as familiar as I am with the pacing of Krentz's story, it allowed me to enjoy the story as a reader and as a writer. Since I'm trying to craft my own novel right now, and focusing on making sure every word counts and improves the story, I was looking for this in Krentz's novel. She's a master. I think classes could be taught from just her first page: the introduction of characters, the hook, the dilemma, and the tone is all right there before you turn the first page. Not a single word is wasted. Each sentence advances the plot, the setting, or the character, if not all three. Backstory is woven in (and it's amazing how little backstory any given story needs to hold up the story told in the novel).
I'm in awe of both these authors. They're such a pleasure to read and learn from.
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