Posted: Wed May 20, 2009 7:40 pm Post subject: Aletheia: Tales of the Seven Dogs Society
The Seven Dogs Society explores the weirdness at reality's fringe. In this collection of three novellas, the Society investigates Spontaneous Human Combustion, alien abduction, and more.
TOTSD is three novellas featuring three "possible" versions of the Society's third incarnation. The three tales are unconnected to one another and each has a unique vibe from the other two. Monica Valentinelli, who has worked on every Abstract Nova product except the H&E stuff penned, one of the three tales, and Jim Johnson and Matt McElroy are the writers for the other two. Everyone did a great job and I think you'll like the product.
It arrived! It is a very substantial book for the price. Unfortunately the copy I received was faded, dented, torn, with a bent cover. It also had quite a bit of bubbling along the spine. None of these directly affects the ability to read and enjoy it. The way IPR had things packed in my first order with them was a little shocking - but everything arrived.
I've contacted them about the order so we'll see what they do.
Anyhow, the cover art is great, and as I said the book itself is very substantial. I'll have more to say once I've read some of it. It is a fantastic project - and I wish more RPGs had something similar. I'm anxious to get some time to sit and read it. _________________ Vegetarian: An Indian word for 'lousy hunter.'
They were quick in responding and have offered me either a refund or replacements. They've requested pictures of the damage (which seems quite justified) so I'll borrow a camera and take some snaps and send it back to them.
Of course, I don't consider it resolved until I get the replacements or refund - but it sounds very promising. Either option will mean I'll order from them again. This is good since they are one of a dwindling number of companies who offer fair shipping prices and have an excellent web site & cart system. Even better since I may snag more AN products from them
Once resolved I'll post my experience in Company Compliments & Gripes. _________________ Vegetarian: An Indian word for 'lousy hunter.'
I finished the first story - "Time To Burn" by Matt McElroy.
The good:
It was a great length for a short story and easy to read. There were very few typos and it had an excellent story concept that generates interest. The characters were highly developed for a short story. It also seems like the launching pad for a longer story - while being fun in it's own right. Ultimately, it was well written.
The bad:
It doesn't really jump out as a selling point for the RPG. The end could come across as very unfulfilled to some.
Conclusion:
I enjoyed it. It almost seemed to have a bright shiny Noir feel to it (yeah I know that 'seems' like a contradiction). It does leave questions, but with time to consider it as a whole, I find it a solid short story that entertained me.
There was a great quote talking about people who will NOT open their minds at all despite evidence to the contrary and their counterparts that are TOO open to try and make everything something (ghosts, aliens, etc.). _________________ Vegetarian: An Indian word for 'lousy hunter.'
I just finished the second novella - "Lifting the Gingham Veil" by Jim Johnson.
The good: Perfectly paced and exciting. The author is a master of transitioning from one viewpoint to another. It's hard to do anything but read this in one sitting. This story is also a terrific selling point for the RPG. It feels out various aspects of the Aletheia gameworld (an alteration of our own). The white space and layout is also incredibly easy on the eyes.
The bad: A few typos, but nothing that impedes reading.
Conclusion: A terrific read. I would pick up another book from this author without any prior knowledge of the work. He showed himself to be an author of excellent quality. Truly it was the pace and the smooth and focused transitions that stood out to me as parts of excellent writing. In fact, the way he grabbed and focused you throughout the story was truly indescribable. This story alone was worth the price of the book.
_________________ Vegetarian: An Indian word for 'lousy hunter.'
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Join! (free) 
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
Posted: Wed May 20, 2009 7:40 pm Post subject: Aletheia: Tales of the Seven Dogs Society
