Mortal Coils by Eric Nylund Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Mortal Coils
Book Review: Engaging, intelligent...and just the right amount of creepy!
Summary: 5 Stars
I just finished reading Mortal Coils...once I started, I couldn't put it down! I have been looking for another good series to get into, and it looks like Eric Nylund's new series, about twins who must deal with somewhat...abnormal...heritage (what with their mother being a goddess and their father being Lucifer and all), will fill that void quite nicely.
I don't think there's anyone out there who won't be able to relate to the twins in this story--I mean, who hasn't felt like a complete loser with a crappy job and crazy family?--which is what makes this book so engaging. Despite the crazy adventures the twins get involved with, they are still relatable and human. (Well, maybe not ALL human...)
The pacing of the book perfectly mimics what's going on in the twins' lives. The earlier chapters reflect the twins' life prior to their trials, and as the story unfolds the chapters get more and more intense. Too many books involving kids skimp on the darker stuff, but I'm happy to report that this one didn't...there were some moments that actually had me creeped out. Awesome!
All in all, a great start to what promises to be an exciting series!
Book Review: Every page is a pleasure
Summary: 5 Stars
With the Harry Potter series ended, the reading world is ravenous for the next great fantasy series that can be enjoyed by (almost) all ages. That appetite will be sated, I predict, by Eric Nylund's new novel, "Mortal Coils."
Simply put, "Mortal Coils" rocks. I can't recommend this book too highly. Comparisons to Harry Potter are, of course, both unfair and inevitable. "Mortal Coils" is a fresh, original story that would stand in the world just fine if there had never been a Harry Potter. What it shares, though, is the classification of a book marketed for younger readers that will no doubt become the secret (or open) pleasure of millions of adults.
The premise of the book is amazing. Two fraternal twins (a boy and a girl) who have led an EXTREMELY sheltered life, learn that the sheltering is to protect them from a dangerous secret of their heritage: they are descended both from the classical gods and from demons, two kingdoms with a fragile truce that is now threatened. The combination of heroic quests and infernal trials they must endure chains together a series of extraordinary adventures that will keep you stuck to the page through the entire book, and leave you hungry for more when it's done.
I've long been a fan of Nylund's "Halo" novels, as well as his earlier science fiction, like "Signal to Noise." I can say, though, as an early reader of "Mortal Coils," this is his best work yet. I was having a great time on literally every page. It was a world so magnetic, so magical, that I didn't want to leave it at the end of the book. That's the best thing I can say about any novel.
Book Review: Excellent Modern Fantasy
Summary: 4 Stars
Eric Nylund has written his first non gaming-related novel in a few years, and it's well worth it. 15-year-old twin orphans Eliot and Fiona live a boring, rules-filled life with their overly strict grandmother. Things change rapidly, however, as they discover their father is Lucifer and their mother is a goddess... and both sides want to test them to see which side the two favor.
I could not put it down after the first few chapters. Lots of action, discovery and treachery, and some serious plot twists. Part of the fun is figuring out which characters are gods or Infernals. A non-spoiler is Perry Milhouse, a fire-obsessed serial killer - or Prometheus.
I can't wait for the next installment in 2010.
Book Review: For all the Halo fans out there, this review is for you
Summary: 5 Stars
Let me first say that I am a long time fan of Nylund's, so know that when I started reading this Mortal Coils I was rather biased. But I'm not writing this review for the people who have never heard of Nylund, but for the throngs of Halo fans out there that are afraid Mortal Coils sucks because it's not another Halo book. Let's dispel that lie right now; Mortal Coils is amazing.
To be honest, like most people, I was rather upset when I first found out that Mortal Coils was not another Halo novel. After all, that is what got me reading Nylund's work. But the action that Ghost of Onyx did, Coils does better. The origin story that the Fall of Reach did, Coils does better. Mortal Coils surpasses everything else in every way. Which is saying a lot considering Onyx is one of my all time favorite books.
I bought Coils when it first came out but it took me a while before I got around to reading it (even longer before I wrote its long overdue review). I have to say I absolutely loved it. The words captured me from the first page; it was as if every sentence dripped with Nylund's love for his story; from the descriptions to the twists to the dialog to the capturing of the awkward-yet-hilariousness of being a teenager. This is truly amazing stuff.
But what makes this tale ever greater, is it culmination of all mythologies. Now, I'm not mythology buff, but I am a fan. And the way Nylund ties so much popular lore together is astounding. Also, I was thoroughly impressed with Nylund's skill at not making anything too gratuitous or over-the-top; there's not much cussing and there's no sex. But the amazing part is, you don't miss any of that stuff because of how intense this story is and how artistically it is written.
This is by far my favorite book of the years and a great read/buy for anyone.
Here's to hoping the sequel, All That Lives Must Die, can live up to the awesome potential laid out by its predecessor.
Book Review: Great Young Adult Fantasy
Summary: 5 Stars
Eric Nylund's new novel is Mortal Coils is a young adult Urban Fantasy novel. His view of the genre is strangely lacking in werewolves and vampires, but that in no way impairs his work. Mortal Coils is a wonderful entry into the market without having to fall back on all things cliché.
Eliot and Fiona Post are twins being raised by a strict, controlling grandmother in a small town in Northern California. They don't get to do any of the normal things that their peers get to do. Their education is non-typical and Nylund goes to great lengths to demonstrate that it's well beyond the norm. His constant injection of highly intellectually challenging terms and the use of excellent vocabulary are real points in his favor. In this environment they are forced to live by a constantly growing list of rules that prohibit fun, imagination and music.
The reality of their lives is something else entirely. The Fantasy portion of the story involves the twins being caught up in a continuing struggle between two groups of super-powerful beings. They are the equivalent of Greek gods and Arch-demons. Again, Nylund does a great job of using obscure, but interesting mythical and religious ideas to create these characters.
The book does not immediately jump from the start, but takes probably 50 or so pages to get going. After that, it's challenge after plot revelation after character development clear to the end. A truly fast-paced thrill ride that is both rich in story-telling and intellectually fun to play with. This is not a weak romantic novel toned down to meet the requirements of a YA audience. There is romance, there is teen angst, there are conflicts as young people test their wings, but these events are part of the story and not the story itself.
I highly recommend Mortal Coils to audiences young and not so young. Eric Nylund's work is well-wrought and leaves you hoping for further installments.