I’m phenomenally lucky to be in a critique group — The Southern Indiana Writers Group — with a buncha super writers. One of most recent additions is one who writes under the name of Eli Cobb.
Eli Cobb has been bringing in Book 4 of THE GUARDIANS series, and it’s so intriguing I went and bought — paid cash money for — the first three books.
Not sorry. Money well spent.
After binge-reading all three, I want Book 4 NOW. NOW, I want it!
There’s something to be said for beginning a series somewhere along the way, then backtracking, especially if the characters grow and change, as Cobb’s do. The series title evolves, too, as there are more than one set of Guardians of more than one set of things/places that need to be guarded.
Over the years, I’ve read books with demons, angels, and various Elder Gods in them. In almost every case (speaking only for the books I’ve read), those fighting for the Christian (or, if you prefer, universal) god are sanctimonious and/or too pure for words. Jim Butcher’s DRESDEN FILES is a notable exception, although he skates close.
Cobb’s books are different. Yes, the demons are quirky and fun, even when they’re scary as shit. But so are the non-demons. And they all also each have a distinct personality, and each have a personal motive (or personal motiveS, plural) for everything they do. They grow and change. They learn, sometimes moderating their positions.
As for the title of this post: I keep thinking I saw these stories. Well, of course, I did, in my head. But I mean I keep feeling as if I saw saw them, the characters and settings are so clear in my mind. Neptune, with his shirt perpetually unbuttoned. The Book Guardians’ dragon tattoos. Kira’s bar. Been there. Done that. Know what drink not to order. Safe to flirt with Max.
Not gonna lie: Shakespeare, these books are not. But they are at once speedy and solid, and that’s more rare than … well … Lucifer’s tears.
Visit Eli Cobb’s website and read its excellent blurb for the series.
Buy the books.
Hope you like them as much as I do, but I regret putting you in the same uncomfortable position I’m in. Write faster, Eli! Write like the wind!
A WRITING PROMPT BASED ON MY POST: Write about somebody guarding something.
MA
