Reviews

Here's what those in the know have to say about The Lonely Winds...

Honest Review
Reviewed by Eric Moore "Walker Boh" (5/15/2005)

The author takes the reader a ride in a world where a supernatural shadow war threatens everything the people of Ylelon know and love. With the vast majority unaware, a small group of clandestine fighters live and die in a struggle to keep the rest unawares, secure in their blissful ignorance. Realistic dialogue and real life problems serve to illustrate the overall strangeness of the situation, and create an empathy for the characters like that in classic literature. The imagery is vivid, breathing life into the scene with descriptions written as a person would notice things. The characters are unique and imperfect, keeping them on the level of "good people" rather than elevating them to the level of a certain big blue Boy Scout. The characters are believable, with each one having personality and convictions that can bring them into conflict with the others without destroying their relationship, like any close band of friends. The story is engrossing, with an expressive form and stylistic presence that speaks for the author's love of his creation. In summary, that love is well deserved. The book will be taking it's place of honor beside my other favorites on my bookshelf and in my heart.

A Masterpiece!
Reviewed by Adam Beutel "ametuer musician" (Mt. Vernon, OH) (6/1/2005)

"The Lonely Winds" takes a very unique and exciting look into the world and pysche of the old "monster hunter" schema. The world created by B.I. Flight, Ylelon, has a vivid picture painted in the minds of the readers, making them feel as though this world is one they have always known. The book's pages can hardly reign in the sheer magnitude of tallent exhibited by Flight as he deftly shows his ability to not only write action, but to open the minds and hearts of the characters, giving the reader a great sense of empathy for each of them. There are no two-dimensional characters in "The Lonely Winds." Not only does this modern day epic fully grip the reader and captivte their mind and heart, but the book has a vein of witty humor that shows where the author can take the risk of letting the story "not take itself too seriously." It is the "Pincess Bride" of monster hunter books. It is truly woven of the very threads of tallent that Flight exhibits in his excellent story telling technique.

Bob Reviews The Lonely Winds
Reviewed by "Lord Bob" (5/15/2005)

The Lonely winds is the first novel by B. I. Flight about a group of monster hunters on the fictional world of Rond. I must admit that I went into this book a bit skeptical. Fantasy novels tend to either stick too close to the overused “D&D” style, or fall too far out of reality’s bounds for my taste. But in a pleasant surprise, B. I. Flight delivers a comfortably familiar setting, but one that is still fresh enough not to be too familiar. Though Flight uses many staples of the horror and fantasy genres - vampires, gremlins, dragons, and more - it feels fresh. I didn’t get the feeling that it had been done before, but at the same time, it didn’t feel like I was trapped on a strange, foreign world.

The book's title comes from the team itself, a collection of “monster hunters” slightly reminiscent of Buffy: the Vampire Slayer‘s gang. In fact, the dialog feels much like Buffy, though in this case, that’s a good thing. The characters here are believable, well developed individuals rather than cookie cutter names with no personality. The jovial banter between teammates even served to break up the constant threat of mortal danger with a dash of wit and humor, keeping the story dynamic and the book itself hard to put down.

A quick warning to overly fickle readers: The Lonely Winds isn’t filled with metaphors for the ills of modern society or the meaning of life, doesn’t really stand for anything, and doesn‘t contain hidden meanings or maxims. It’s not “deep.” If you are looking for the next great work that defines the social climate of the modern age, you can opt out. What you will find here is a hell of a good ride that leaves you craving more and doesn‘t pretend to be anything that it isn‘t. The plot is solid, the characters are memorable, and the setting is immersive, and that‘s really all this book needs to be great. For a first novel, B. I. Flight has succeeded on many levels, and I can’t wait to see where the team goes in the future.

Wonderfully written, with just the right touch of humor
Reviewed by: “Ominous Presence”(9/5/2005)

I must say, I haven't read anything that good in quite a while. Wonderfully written, with just the right touch of humor. Ylelon has just enough similarity to Earth to make it almost feel as though I've passed through it once. The characters were well thought out and interacted and changed as human beings (or near humans) should. Ganage, you've earned yourself another fan.

Must-have!!
Reviewed by: Megan (8/5/2004)

This book is just amazing....If you're looking for a knock-your-socks-off adventure, with humor ingeniously woven throughout, this is IT!! Great characters, a fresh, original plot; and heart-thumping suspense...what more could a reader ask for? Look for great things coming from and for this amazing author!!

Loving it!
Reviewed by Chris Leland (8/18/2004)

I just wanted to say that I'm currently reading this book, and so far, I think its great! The story is pretty cool, and I'm digging the characters in it. So I say, if you want a good read about a group of Monster Hunters/Slayers, Give this a read!

Lonely Winds
Reviewed by Roxanne A. Bell "AllstarsAngel" (9/14/2004)

A very good book that held my attention to the end, leaving me wanting more. There were a few typos, but the storyline was good enough to let me overlook those. B. I. is a witty and unpredictable writer that has done a great job with this book. His humor is like a breath of fresh air. I'm looking forward to the next book!

The Lonely Winds
Reviewed by Micheal "Hoffa Fett" (9/14/2004)

B.I. Flight's The Lonely Winds is a thoroughly engrossing novel! I read this book in record time; I simply did NOT want to put it down! The characters are very highly developed with intricate, yet familiar personalities we all can relate to. The style of writing uses clichés to it's advantage, playing off the reader's anticipations and then, much to my delight, sends the reader reeling with spontaneous, well thought-out scenarios. Flight exercises his creativity by using an alien world as a setting, but does not follow the tired standard of using strange, unbelievable scenery and characters. It is truly difficult to believe that this is Flight's first novel, and I for one cannot wait much longer for the sequel to hit shelves. Please hurry!

The Lonely Winds
Reviewed by Sarah Avery (5/1/2005)

I am amazed that work of this quality is the authors freshman effort. I began reading The Lonely Winds expecting something akin to Buffy: The Vampire Slayer. I am thrilled to say that this book has proven me wholey incorrect. This collection of stories is compelling, witty, and wildly original. I'm looking forward to learning more about the world of Ylelon. Well done! Four Stars.

This summer's hottest book!
Reviewed by: Lady Onyxi (8/5/2004)

Congratulations to B.I. for coming out of the writing closet with this magnificent novel. It is a must for those searching for adventure. It's rare for me to find a book that keeps me up till all hours, but this is a definate page turner. The characters amaze me. Good luck to B.I. in the future...I hope to see more of the Lonely Winds soon!

Writer's Digest

This year, I entered Writer's Digest's annual self-published book awards contest. The following is the judge's commentary sheet, reproduced word for word, including grammatical errors and a failure to indent (just for the record ;) )

Writer's Digest 12th Annual International Self-Published Book Awards
Commentary Sheet
Author: B. I. Flight
Title: The Lonely Winds
Category: Genre Fiction

On a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 meaning “poor” and 5 meaning “excellent,” please evaluate the following:
Plot: 4
Grammar: 4
Character development: 4
Cover design: 3

Judge’s commentary:
1. What did you like best about this book?
The excitement in this story never quits! The author has created many interesting heroes and villains. Anyone who loves fantasy, science fiction, and thrillers should enjoy this book.

2. How can the author improve this book?
Frankly, I was a bit surprised when I started reading the book, neither the cover nor the title prepared me or (sic) what was inside. Because so many people judge a book by its cover and title, it might have been better to give at least a hint of what the book was about. I realize that the Lonely Winds does have significance, but with a purple cover I expected a romance-not a thriller/fantasy. Perhaps there were too many main characters-sometimes it was hard to keep the characters straight in my mind.

3. How can the author better market this book? Get onto all the science fiction and fantasy lists on the Net and talk about your book and how it can be purchased.

Want to submit your own review? You can submit your review on the bookseller's website here or Amazon's website here.