We here at Men of the West are a pretty close group. All of the regular authors, editors, admins, and even many of the commenters, are actually good friends in real life. However, like any group, there are few things that we all agree upon. Over the years, we have had some epic “in-house” debates/arguments over various topics.
One thing about which every single one of us agrees is that Rolf Nelson’s books are fantastic.
His The Stars Came Back is one of the finest stories ever written. Yes, it is written in screenplay format, but that does not matter. It takes a couple of pages to get used to it, and then – BOOM. You are whisked away into one of the most intriguing sci-fi stories penned in the past 50 years.
He followed that up with a prequel of sorts, The Heretics of St. Possenti, which is less sci-fi, and more foundational to the overall world that these stories inhabit. Though not really a sci-fi book, it is fantastic, and should be read by everyone.
You can read my review of Heretics, with some thoughts on The Stars, as well, here.
You can read Lector’s interview with Rolf here.
So imagine our joy when we found that he has recently put up the true sequel to The Stars Came Back at Amazon. Yes, we are happy to fully endorse Nelson’s latest: Insanity’s Children.
This is the next adventure of everyone’s favorite starship, captain and crew – and well, the whole group of folks from the original story. Some readers (ok, most readers) will be happy to know that this new book is written as a traditional novel, rather than a screenplay, but it picks right up where The Stars Came Back stopped.
We do not want to give anything away, but know that the book is worth your time and money. Trust me. This is a fantastic story that takes the original narrative and carries it forward. You will not be disappointed.
BTW, he has another novel, set in the same universe, that provides some back story for one of the other important characters in these works. Note: I have not yet read this one, but it is next on the list. While you are picking up Insanity’s Children, go ahead and get Komenagen: Slog while you are at it.
Rolf Nelson is one of the best sci-fi minds out there these days. If you have not read his books, then you are missing out on some of the best story-telling this side of Faulkner. Seriously, go get Insanity’s Children, and any of these others that you are lacking. We have never met anyone who was disappointed in being drawn into this world.
You can also see Rolf’s Announcement at his own site, regarding the book release and some explanation of the others. Also, he discusses the group being formed, based upon The Heretics of St. Possenti. That might be of interest to some of you.
New Book: Insanity's Children By Rolf Nelson
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Komenagen: Slog is aimed more at a YA audience, boys 10-18, but I’m pretty sure that any man reading this blog would appreciate it. If nothing else, check out the intro blurb that you can preview for free on the “Look Inside” part of it on Amazon.
Sorry for the double post, but a thought occurred to me. Two quick questions, by way of a reader poll:
How much more likely are you to listen to an audio book than read an ebook or paper book? That is, how much demand is there really? In a recent conversation with a publisher he said that he saw several times more audio book sales for a title than ebook, and physical was nearly nonexistent. I don’t do audio books beyond lectures from The Learning Company’s “Great Courses” series.
Secondly: How important would illustrations for a YA title like Komenagen: Slog be? Illustrations are expensive, but they definitely add to the charm of a physical book, particularly ones aimed at a younger market segment. Would it be enough to chip in a few bucks ahead of time to get it done?
Let me know in the comments section below, or at the comment section at http://www.thestarscameback.com/2019/11/30/komenagen-and-general-book-question/.
I seldom listen to audiobooks myself, but as I understand it, they are very popular amongst most folks. It would be worth looking into.
For the YA books, I would think some carefully placed images would be good. If you do go that route, let me know. I have an inside connection on an artist…
I’ve more or less promised the cover artist the opportunity to do some interior illustrations if the business case for it makes sense, though there is not a formal agreement. That said, there is nothing that says there cannot be more than one illustrator if the right person / deal comes along. I’m thinking more sketches, somewhat better than those in “how to train your dragon,” but below full graphic novel level of detail. A simple style for impressions, along the lines of the work in Ernest Thompson Seton’s books – marginal and small details to give it a flavor.
No prob. That was mostly tongue-in-cheek, unless you really wanted them (the art work, I mean). I can always send you some samples. I am not the artist, but am related to her. She is pretty darn good, as any of these folks that know us can attest.
Nothing says there can’t be more than one artist illustrating a story. If she likes the story and a scene calls to her, I’d certainly consider it. Rates and conditions negotiable. You know how to contact me 🙂
That’s great news, I will go get the ebooks in a minute here.
Rolf for your questions, I don’t do ebooks myself, but my kids do riding around with my wife and on road trips. So the ya titles would be more important for us.
I think illustrations definitely add to the appeal, and I would support that on a crowd funding campaign if you decide to do it.
Thanks for the awesome books!
Reading Insanity’s Children now and enjoying it. Good timing too, because I was looking for a good science fiction at the library and couldn’t find anything.
I prefer paper books. Don’t like audio.
Illustrations are nice.
Thanks for writing, Rolf!
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[…] Review (Men of the West): One thing about which every single one of us agrees is that Rolf Nelson’s books are fantastic. […]