D. A. Metrov

I got (and asked) for this for my birthday because I was looking for another steampunk series to start. All I have to say is...ugh, this was pretty bad. The illustrations are a bit creepy and very amateurish; poorly rendered 3D art that is dark and hard to see. I read the first 70 pages or so and then stopped. While the writing isn't completely awful but it is very choppy with a lot of short sentences. It didn't flow well at all and was hard to read.

The first couple chapters were okay, but the next few lost me completely. Tons of different types of creatures introduced in the middle of a war. It was hard to follow and impossible for me to stay engaged with. It just read like something that was self edited and self published, not very well done or professional.

Overall I was very disappointed because I was excited to read this highly rated steampunk fantasy. I had to write some sort of review despite not finishing this because I have absolutely no understanding of why this is rated so high. Ugh.… (mais)

I was sent this book free in return for a review.

It is a very short book which apparently refers to a novel by the same author called the “Saga of Nu” about a creature called Nu who, after undergoing all sorts of misfortunes, ends up teaching others how to live sustainable lives.

The book teaches us about sustainable living and instructs us, or reminds us, of its main principles.

Being sustainable means that we “continue to evolve toward our maximum potential, continue to enjoy good things and good lives while, at the same time, making sure we don’t harm the environments … of our mind, body, and world”.

Metrov is obviously a man of high consciousness, who reminds us that “since mind creates reality, a sick mind will produce a sick world”. Life in such a world is neither enjoyable nor sustainable.

He here presents us with ten basic principles of sustainability. Principle 1 is: Nurture healthy thoughts and beliefs. We must focus on solutions rather than problems. The more you think about the things you want, like good health, happiness and prosperity, the more you’ll get ideas for taking action to get them.

Principle 2 is: Live in the Now. We can only change things in the Now.

I won’t tell you all the principles, since Metrov will tell you, and expand on, them in the book. Although, in my view, these principles are things we should know, it is really important to be reminded of them, as we are in this book.

His “Grand Principle” is Principle 10: Have respect and gratitude for all life. I highly recommend that you read this little book. Following its principles is all you will need for success in life, and while you’re doing so you will contribute to saving the planet.… (mais)

Metrov's first novel of the Falcon Lord epic brings the reader into a fantasy, steampunk world like I've never experienced. He takes the liberty to create a unique hybrid of genres that gave me an experience like no other. While the world he'a created takes patience to understand, it is not so extravagant that it frustrates the reader. It is just enough ingenuity to intrigue the reader and let you escape. As a fan of fantasy novels and epics, I love the adventure of a new world but The Lost Isle really took me for a new ride as the steam powered machines brought elements of modernity and themes of industrialization. The story follows the lone sixteen year old, second assistant game warden, Brighton Aviamore who trains the giant falcons to serve and protect his country. And while it is a traditional hero's journey, the plot takes several turns I was not expecting, creating suspense and magnificent character development. The novel delves into modern themes of wars over fuel, protection of the environment, as well as traditional themes of a broken family and adolescence. Metov creates lovable characters in daring situations, tugging at your heartstrings and overall hoping for good to overcome evil.I absolutely loved the blend of traditional and modern themes, characters, and settings so I was able to be lost in the steampunk world while also analyzing my own world, reflecting the good and evil I experience daily and giving me hope that I might have some Brighton Aviamore in me.… (mais)