OtakuDante's Gaming Inferno: "Birds of Lore" by Ryan Durney (Book, ebook, iOS, Tablet)

As a fan of mythology, and art I consider myself lucky to have stumbled across a retweet that one of my fellow Twitter followers had passed along. The message was about a book kickstarter that had actually made it through the crowd funding process. Ryan Durney the author of this magnificent tale of mythological birds, and the time traveler who traveled through the past, present, and future to learn all that he could of them created a story that is not unlike an H.G.Wells novella. Both the art included, and the words that followed all held an exquisite tone that was truly rich in nature. Parts of the story definitely reminded me of H.G.Wells' "The Time Machine" while other parts seemed like tales inspired by pages, and inscriptions of ancient world myths. All of it came together quite nicely, and looked impressive enough to warrant the $30 price tag.

"Birds of Lore" is the first book in the series, and documents the mysterious writings of "The Mythologist's" journal which was found amidst some Victorian antiques in an Austin Texas antique shop some time in the year 2012. In a tour like fashion the main man of mystery, and obvious time traveler documents his encounters with various birdlike beings. Some of the creatures he meets harken back to the prehistory era in elusive paradises never seen by man. Other encounters happen more recently, and with more seemingly familiar creatures of flight. Among the creatures you'll read about are feathered, and taloned ladies of royal decent known as Harpies as well as some she-birds of various religious backgrounds, namely that of Hindu, and Greek origins. Each encounter that is defined by the author's words is then made reality by accompanying Victorian inspired art created by Ryan Durney himself, and other contributing artists who saw this project through to it's end.

Most art comes in the form of oil, or acrylic paintings while other masterpieces reflect the more simple approach of pen & ink as well as that of digital art. All of the artwork is beautiful to gaze upon, and accents the intricately designed pages as well as the words contained therein. While the words are enough to paint the mental imagery of the story being told the paintings definitely help readers to gain a better understanding of the author's vision. The book which is divided into three sub-sections called "Tours" contains 100+ pages of literary expression graced by art. It will all more than make up for the purchase of the printed, or digital download versions of this fantasy storybook fable should you seek to entertain the offer.

Being the generous man that he is author Ryan Durney has included with my review a $2 off coupon for anyone interested in reading, or collecting his works. I for one can assure you that the going price for a printed copy of this book is on par with other art book offers of today. If I were to get a copy I'd definitely get the printed version, but for those of you who love the technology of the new age there's also various purchase/reading options available for you as well. As far as my opinions go I loved the tone of the book, and the story definitely read like something as great as that of H.G.Well's "The Time Machine". Both the author, and the artists did a great job with it, and I can see why the kickstarter turned out as well as it did.

If you are into mythology, and art as I am then I highly suggest getting at least one format of this amazing literary, and visual masterpiece. Keep in mind that if this book is successful in sales Ryan Durney will be able to bring more of the series to you in the same way. I for one can't wait to see what is contained in the next books, and hopefully I can get a printed copy for myself soon. I will leave with you some product links, a coupon code, and some images to give you a hint as to what the book actually looks like. Be sure not to pass this one up, as it is very rare to see such a great kickstarter project take form.

If you are interested in the full work, it can be purchased here (this works just like Amazon but more $ goes to the artists):
https://www.createspace.com/4386036
COUPON CODE: EZ3VRW9L - 2.00 off

Or PDF Edition (with all design intact):
http://www.drivethrufiction.com/product/118018/Birds-of-Lore

Or KINDLE EDITION:
http://www.amazon.com/Birds-Lore-Ryan-Durney-ebook/dp/B00GN6WSFA/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1385580361&sr=1-1&keywords=birds+of+lore

Or Various Tablet Editions (soon to be available on iTunes and other storefronts):
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/379383

Monday, December 9, 2013

"Birds of Lore" by Ryan Durney (Book, ebook, iOS, Tablet)

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