Ben Galley - Emaneska

[Reece Bridger]

Okay, since my last thread regarding Ben Galley was locked, through no fault of my own... Here's another discussion thread. Please be nice and don't let it get locked again!

Ben Galley is an English author, aged in his mid-20's, who has currently self-published two novels, (both of which are AWESOME!) and is currently preparing his two-part finale for a joint release in May. He's also preparing his first book, 'The Written', to become a graphic novel; at this time, he's just under £1000 away from his goal on KickStarter! He's also a self-publishing aficionado and consultant, whose consultancy business, 'Shelf-Help', aids prospective self-publishing authors to go for their goals and become the authors they dreamed of becoming. He's actually helped me a tonne! He's a good friend of mine, awesome dude in person, and just generally awesome!

His writing style is epic fantasy set in the fictional country of Emaneska, a land of dragons, wyrms, vampyres and lycans. The story of Emaneska centres around Farden, a powerful mage, and his troubles with Sirens and Daemons alike. His first two books, 'The Written' and 'Pale Kings', are already available and are simply amazing! I wholeheartedly recommend him to others interested in dark, slightly gruesome fantasy, with magical drugs, talking cats, lots of blood, and an entirely new look at badasses with magic tattoos. His works have been described as "'Lord of the Rings' meets 'Sin City'"!

Also, I used to use the word 'gritty' to describe it, but apparently that word wasn't as agreeable with other people... It's called an OPINION.

[Caroline Bott]

I'm always up for trying a new author.  Just read the first page of The Written on Amazon and I'm afraid I found it rather melodramatic.  Also a bit too detailed on the description - as in the exact position of the old men around the table.  Not to my taste, I'm afraid.

[jefGoelz]

This is my Amazon review of the first book (which I downloaded for free)
http://www.amazon.com/review/RIX4CPJQT5DXG/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent first book, September 9, 2012
By
Jeff Goelz
   
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Written (Emaneska Series) (Kindle Edition)
Galley's first book shows great promise, and he achieves much. He seemed to be trying too hard at the beginning of the book, but then settled into prose that was easy and enjoyable to read. The protagonist is well-drawn and complex. Some of the plot points were predictable, but no more so than typical fantasy books. Regarding editing, I would say it is on a par with most successful indie-published fantasy. There are two reasons to get this book: 1) read an entertaining book set in an interesting fantasy setting; 2) experience the first work of an author that has the potential to greatness.

[Reece Bridger]

The first part is a little bit off for the first time reading it, but who can say they instantly love a brand spanking new book after the first page? Take it from me, it gets better once you get to the true story.

Also, Jeff: Awesome review I completely agree with most of it, and I find the Emaneska books to be just astoundingly well-thought. I've seen your review on his amazon before, actually; thought it looked familiar xDDD Dead Stars looks to be pretty good; what did you think of Pale Kings?

[the_hound]

I heard he is quite gritty in his writing style.

[Jian]

I heard he is quite gritty in his writing style.

Grittier than the bottom of a boot, even.

But in all seriousness, he's a pretty cool guy and the Written is pretty awesome. I especially like the first scene with Farden where he takes down a dragon. That's all I can mention without going into spoiler territory.

[jefGoelz]

I heard he is quite gritty in his writing style.

Grittier than the bottom of a boot, even.

But in all seriousness, he's a pretty cool guy and the Written is pretty awesome. I especially like the first scene with Farden where he takes down a dragon. That's all I can mention without going into spoiler territory.

Arrgh.  This must be Fantasy Faction.

[the_hound]

His works have been described as "'Lord of the Rings' meets 'Sin City'"!

What an interesting comparison.  By that do you mean that it's as if Sin City was populated by Tolkien fantasy races, or that his writing is reminiscent of Frank Miller and JRR Tolkien?

[Lor]

His works have been described as "'Lord of the Rings' meets 'Sin City'"!

What an interesting comparison.  By that do you mean that it's as if Sin City was populated by Tolkien fantasy races, or that his writing is reminiscent of Frank Miller and JRR Tolkien?

I kept this in the back of my mind whilst reading, and I took from it that it is a big, epic world, which it certainly is, but the characters were less your traditional fantasy tropes and more like the sort you would expect in something like Sin City. It definitely works; Farden is a badass, but you can't help but like him. And the scope of the world makes you feel tiny as you read.

[Lor]

I heard he is quite gritty in his writing style.

Grittier than the bottom of a boot, even.

But in all seriousness, he's a pretty cool guy and the Written is pretty awesome. I especially like the first scene with Farden where he takes down a dragon. That's all I can mention without going into spoiler territory.

Arrgh.  This must be Fantasy Faction.

What do you mean by that? That we won't give spoilers, which is annoying to you?

[the_hound]

I heard he is quite gritty in his writing style.

Grittier than the bottom of a boot, even.

But in all seriousness, he's a pretty cool guy and the Written is pretty awesome. I especially like the first scene with Farden where he takes down a dragon. That's all I can mention without going into spoiler territory.

Arrgh.  This must be Fantasy Faction.

What do you mean by that? That we won't give spoilers, which is annoying to you?

I assumed that he posts on a few fantasy/ sf forums and just remembered that this was the forum that he made the silly post about his gritty boots.

[Lor]

I heard he is quite gritty in his writing style.

Grittier than the bottom of a boot, even.

But in all seriousness, he's a pretty cool guy and the Written is pretty awesome. I especially like the first scene with Farden where he takes down a dragon. That's all I can mention without going into spoiler territory.

Arrgh.  This must be Fantasy Faction.

What do you mean by that? That we won't give spoilers, which is annoying to you?

I assumed that he posts on a few fantasy/ sf forums and just remembered that this was the forum that he made the silly post about his gritty boots.

I was just wondering, because it was entirely out of context.

[Jaedia]

Also, I used to use the word 'gritty' to describe it, but apparently that word wasn't as agreeable with other people... It's called an OPINION.

Well, on topic, I bought a copy of The Written for my Kindle little over a year ago. I haven't had a chance to read it yet as there are a lot of gaps in my fantasy reading but I'm looking forward to giving it a read! I follow Ben on Twitter and he's a very funny guy which bodes well and his books are affordably priced which is fantastic. When you say the first "part" can be hard to follow but improves after a little bit, how much of the book would you say this "part" is? Useful to know for a first time reader to avoid putting it down before its prime.

[the_hound]

I heard he is quite gritty in his writing style.

Grittier than the bottom of a boot, even.

But in all seriousness, he's a pretty cool guy and the Written is pretty awesome. I especially like the first scene with Farden where he takes down a dragon. That's all I can mention without going into spoiler territory.

Arrgh.  This must be Fantasy Faction.

What do you mean by that? That we won't give spoilers, which is annoying to you?

I assumed that he posts on a few fantasy/ sf forums and just remembered that this was the forum that he made the silly post about his gritty boots.

I was just wondering, because it was entirely out of context.

Or it could be that he is having a snide dig at us for having long memories and still digging at him. 

Any how Ben Galley seems like an agreeable and proactive guy, so will add him to the list of things I will check out during my long summer break.

[Arry]

[MOD VOICE]
OK, just a friendly reminder to keep this thread on track and allow there to be an open Ben Galley discussion without rehashing the one that is locked. If you have an issue with another user or their posts, please report it to  a moderator.
[END MOD VOICE]

Back on topic: Emanska has been on my TBR list for a while. Definitely need to find time to read it.

When you say the first "part" can be hard to follow but improves after a little bit, how much of the book would you say this "part" is? Useful to know for a first time reader to avoid putting it down before its prime.

I'd be interested to know this too. I'm quicker to put books down than I used to be. Hopefully someone who has read it can pipe in and help us out.