Uncategorized – Adam Zomparelli https://adamzomparelli.com Wed, 11 Nov 2020 00:22:12 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.0.8 https://i0.wp.com/adamzomparelli.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/az_favicon.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Uncategorized – Adam Zomparelli https://adamzomparelli.com 32 32 191667826 5 BOOKS YOU SHOULD BE READING https://adamzomparelli.com/2020/11/11/5-books-you-should-be-reading/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=5-books-you-should-be-reading Wed, 11 Nov 2020 00:14:27 +0000 http://adamzomparelli.com/?p=167 Sometimes life throws you curveballs that you just can’t avoid and simply need to brace for.

Recently, I moved and haven’t had as much time to continue writing my stories or even to address my website or blog. But finally, after moving in and getting settled down I can get back on track to doing the thing I love doing the most, Write! With that being said, let’s get to it with this newest blog post I just finished.

Some outstanding books are called classics for a reason. They’ve not only been written by some of the greatest literary geniuses of their time, but their works also possess universal characters, themes, emotions, and experiences that are very much relevant till today. Some are, no doubt, the inspiration that sprouted modern genres of literary fiction that many have come to love. Here are 5 books you should be reading if you’ve never read them. They are worth a re-read if you’ve read them!

The Box Man, by Kobo Abe

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When I look at small things, I think I shall go on living: drops of rain, leather gloves shrunk by being wet…When I look at something too big, I want to die: the Diet Building, or a map of the world…

“The Box Man” is a fantastic read. It is very much an existential work that reveals several questions about the subject of identity and where man stands in society. The story creatively begins in a diary format, like a manual, as the narrator reveals the essential tools in building a boxlike outfit that features what can be described as an observation slit for vision – one that the Box Man wears all the time. Abe creatively makes use of characters in a fluid way, thus presenting an invariable perspective of life that is seen through the lens of a box man. If you’re a fan of conceptual novels that mix conventional story told with weirdness, you should read The Box Man. It is thought-provoking, memorable, witty and it is worth the time to wrap your head around.

Strangers, by David A. Robertson

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This is a brilliant work that combines solid and imaginatively crafted characters, an outstanding plot, excellent dialogue, and several mysteries that will no doubt influence how you perceive the world we all live in. Robertson creatively and brilliantly explores the themes of both identity as well as belonging, and he does so, using a classic narrative that makes the story deeper, darker, and compelling. Everything about how Robertson uses his storytelling gift is artful, and Strangers is one book you really should be reading.

My Abandonment, by Peter Rock

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Every problem I have comes from believing something to be true that is not true.

This story splendidly features the touching tale of a father and daughter who attempts to work out a life of independence while scarred against a society that is hostile to their eccentric and bizarre choices. It is like a weird kind of love story that makes the mind think deeply about questions like – what does it mean to be a responsible parent? Is their relationship toxic or empowering?  Are the lessons that children imbibe from their parents those that they truly intend to instill in them? These and more make the story not only compelling but also thought-provoking, one that readers will undoubtedly savor.

‘Good Morning, Midnight’ By Jean Rhys

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Today I must be very careful, today I have left my Armor at home.

This is the pinnacle of a fiery literary arc that very much makes Rhys a sharp-witted observer of the human tragedy. In Good Morning, Midnight, Sasha is made to confront both the loves and losses of her past which further create the world of the powerless, the disposed, those who are damaged, and the ones who cause the damages; it is nothing but a world of dilapidated, colorless rooms in hotels that no one would want to stay in if there are other options.

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien

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I don’t know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy is a fantastic book that houses “The fellowship of the Ring”, “The Two Towers” and “The Return of the King.” It is simply one that stands high amongst the several 20th-century fictions as one of the greatest, perhaps the greatest story produced in the English language. It is a story filled with intrigues – arguably the greatest work of fantasy with a history highly understandable such that it can be matched with the history of a real word. Every re-read reveals new insight into a character in a more enlightened light as well as more details of a situation. It is worth reading and great for every age.

In sum, amongst several benefits of reading these books, one thing for certain is that it will gift you the dependable joy of losing yourself in a fantastic book while learning a whole lot! They are very much worth reading at least once in your life.

Now until the next time, be sure to check out my other blog works and always keep trying to get lost in the next story.

Happy reading!

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5 ADULT FANTASY BOOKS TO READ https://adamzomparelli.com/2020/08/19/5-adult-fantasy-books-to-read/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=5-adult-fantasy-books-to-read Wed, 19 Aug 2020 20:48:34 +0000 http://adamzomparelli.com/?p=127 “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.” – George R. R. Martin, A Storm of Swords

Perhaps you are aware that fantasy books have great benefits. They not only help to stimulate the reader’s creativity, but they also encourage the reader to think out the box. Your horizon becomes widened, and your perspective about the world’s boundaries grows larger. Now, if you are looking to get some adult fantasy books to read, here are five great suggestions you can take on. 

A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin

“When you play the game of thrones you win or you die” – Cersei Lannister

A Game of Thrones is the first book in the series titled A Song of Fire and Ice by George R. R. Martin. It is an award-winning book that has taken on a life of its own even as a television series by HBO from 2011 to 2019. It features the story of the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos in a somewhat outplay of fantastic political events. The book focuses on the significant effect of the choices we make as humans, especially when we realize that we are too deep in such decision making to turn back. Ned Stark is invited by his childhood friend, Robert Baratheon, the king of King’s Landing to be his principal advisor, “hand of the king.” Ned obliges the invite at the expense of his family at Winterfell. And that singular choice spirals into what later becomes a deep succession of events that evolves the characters and the mood of the reader.

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

“With you my life has a beginning, a middle and an end. when your gone my life will be over” – Matthew Clairmont

This 2011 release is a unique bestseller. The historical fantasy book has gotten mainly positive reviews from literary critics for its perfect blend of history and fantasy. The plot circles around a Yale University professor, Diana bishop, who specializes in the history of science. In this book, she becomes opened up to the world of magic deposited inside her. And the ball of this series of events is set rolling by her reading of a manuscript, Ashmole 782, which has been missing for 150 years. At the first touch of the book in the Oxford University library, her witch powers come alive. The presence of a vampire, Matthew Clairmont, is also notable in the book, with whom she engages in a forbidden romantic relationship.

A Clash of Kings by George R. R. Martin

Power resides where men believe it resides. No more and no less” – Lord Varys

In the series, A Song of Ice and Fire, A Clash of Kings stands as the second novel. Just like its predecessor, it won several awards. It was adapted as the second season of the television series, A Game of Thrones. The story continues from the flow of thoughts in the previous debut novel, where King Robert Baratheon dies. With his death, the whole kingdom is thrown into turmoil, and what is known as the War of the Five Kings ensues. The major characters in this battle are Jeoffrey, Renly, Stannis, Robb Stark, Robert Baratheon, and Theon Greyjoy. They acclaim themselves as the rightful heirs to the iron throne in their rights. This war serves as the fulcrum on which other subplots and stories develop in this second novel of the series.

The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang

“War doesn’t determine who’s right. War determines who remains” – R.F. Kuang

Referred to by Publishers Weekly as “a strong and dramatic launch to Kuang’s career,” The Poppy War has arrested the heart of many fantasy novel lovers all around the world.  And it is a recent release debuting in 2018. The Poppy War is about the Sino-Chinese war, and Kuang was inspired to write it because books of the Chinese 20th century are not common on the bookshelves. The story is that of Rin, a lady who secretly trains to join the Sinegard army. She is called to the frontlines as the war ensues between the Kamari empire and her people, the Federation of Mugen. With the Shamanic powers she possesses, she has to choose between having to change the course of the war in her favor at the expense of her humanity.

The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson

“The best liars are those who tell the truths most of the time” – Brian Sanderson

This book stands as the second volume of the Mistborn trilogy. It was written in 2007 and has been regarded as a great fantasy book to read by lovers of sci-fi and fantasy novels. The Well of Ascension is a buildup on The Final Empire, the preceding novel in the trilogy. The story in the book circles around the remaining members of the Kelsiers crew who attempt to bring order to the Luthadel and the final empire at large. After the death of Lord Ruler, the realm has been thrown into turmoil. And Vin, who has grown to be the most powerful Mistborn in the land, and Elend Venture must work to build a better empire from scratch while escaping various attacks.

Rest assured, these fantasy and sci-fi books have gotten great reviews since their release, and they stand as a perfect read. Getting them would a great idea for you.

If you think you are ready to make a commitment and read some fantastic fantasy and look no further than these five novels. They’ll bring you into a world of magic and power which will have you keep the book glued to your eyes for days. Subscribe to my site for new news on my upcoming work and keep a look out for my latest blog posts and ideas!

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5 GREAT BOOK SERIES YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF https://adamzomparelli.com/2020/07/28/5-great-book-series-youve-never-heard-of/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=5-great-book-series-youve-never-heard-of Tue, 28 Jul 2020 02:12:03 +0000 http://adamzomparelli.com/?p=122

There are tons of books out there that we want to read but the problem for us is that we don’t always have time to read them.

There are so many cool series we may never even come across because of the sure amount of great books.

Now for the major bibliophile, especially ones in multi-genres, there’s a better chance…. probably a greater one, that you’ll come across more book series or that you’ve heard of these on the list.

But for the average book lover, hopefully, these can help to brighten your search. so, Let’s just get straight to the list and see if they’re right up your alley.

  • Chains of Honor.

The first book series was going to look at is the chains of honor fantasy series by Lindsay Buroker.

A favorite among sci-fi fans Lindsay Buroker has been able to carve out a following for her loved series.

It’s a thrilling and captivating story of magic and might that follow Yanko White fox into restoring honor to his family’s name while finding out why his mother left him to become a pirate.

This Magic wielding series will keep you entertained with its boastful storyline and in-depth character build of a book series.

  • The Queen of Tearling.

Second, on the list is The Queen of Tearling series which boasts a grand following of readers and fans.

Signed on by HarperCollins, the author Erika Johansen managed to create a great series that tells the story of a young princess named Kelsea Raleigh who becomes exiled but begins on a long journey to take back her throne which was rightfully hers.

Erika has been known to capture her fan’s love for the series by using superb storytelling with great means of exploiting meaningful parts of the story when it counts. 

  • Stormlight Archive.

Without giving to much away, Stormlight archive follows a myriad of characters that collide with one another through each fantasy enriched world.

In this epic fantasy, one distinct foundation is that each character has armor they are bound to which allows them to be ten times as strong and showcase each of the character’s strengths.

But what fans really seem to enjoy about the story is the prosperous and live world it is set in and the detailed lore following each character.

Brandon Sanderson seems to keep his fans satisfied with the whopping ten book series and has created a story within a universe for many to enjoy.

  • Demon Cycle.

The Demon Cycle series has been regarded as one of the SFF fan favorites.

In Peter V. Brett’s world, humans have been forced to be kept behind walled cities for their own sake to stay alive.

Demons rise up as soon as the sun sets, for them to look for and then feast on any living thing they can find.

They only thing stopping a demon from tearing you apart is a painted ward, either on a building, wall, or on a person.

Each main character gets thrust into the storyline early on showcasing their identities and giving a taste on what they will be having to personally face later on in the book.

The power of friends and company is what the entire series also brings forth to the reader.

but the complexity and depth of magic are what fans seem to really enjoy.

Be sure to add this series to your reading list.

  • The Cinder Spires.

This series has had many readers loving the story, even ones outside of the steampunk genre.

The series starts off with what is supposed to be a quick secret mission to route out enemy forces that hope to bring down the government of Spire Albion.  

A team is assembled but very soon they realize this is not just a small enemy operation they are to dismantle but soon blows open to the team trying to stop a full-scale war with their rival nation.

As the story opens further and unfolds you get swept into the militarism of the different factions and the lore behind each empire along with the characters in their story.

Jim Butcher has notably created a recognized cult masterpiece which bends the reality for steampunk story lovers.

I hope you found some of these brief descriptions for these series interesting enough to go and do further research on your own.

One thing to remember is that they are all in their own way beautifully written stories that anyone would love to spend their time indulging in.

But the real question isn’t now how much time it would take to finish each series but if you’ll be able to put the book down because of how interesting they are.

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