Magic has always fascinated human beings throughout history. From ancient civilizations to modern times, people have been drawn to the idea of unseen powers and mysterious forces. Whether it's the illusion of a skilled magician or the belief in supernatural abilities, magic continues to captivate our imaginations. In recent years, the internet has become a hub for sharing and experiencing magic. Websites and platforms now offer a myriad of resources, allowing people to indulge in the wonder of magic from the comfort of their own homes. One such aspect of magic that has gained popularity online is practical magic.
I suppose some authors do spend a lot of time reading. It’s just that since I began writing novels my reading patterns have changed. My confession is that I used to read more fantasy for fun.
My style When I began writing, I decided two things, I wanted to find my own style not just steal someone else s way of doing things, and I wanted to learn the ropes from authors that knew more than me. My style When I began writing, I decided two things, I wanted to find my own style not just steal someone else s way of doing things, and I wanted to learn the ropes from authors that knew more than me.
One such aspect of magic that has gained popularity online is practical magic. Practical magic refers to the practice of using magic in a practical, everyday sense. It involves performing spells, rituals, and techniques to manifest desired outcomes in various aspects of life.
Review: The Art of War (First Contact)
I chuckled with excitement several times during the read, and that's always a good sign that I'm invested in the plot and the fate of the characters. There were some utterly brilliant scenes here and there, but I'll refrain from going into details and try to keep this review mostly spoiler-free.
The story is solid and visual, and I found myself thinking on several occasions how easy it would be to turn this into a movie or streaming series.
If it helps, you can think of this book as a modern and much more realistic version of the Independence Day movie. Or at least they share the theme and setting (war and first contact) and we encounter military personnel as characters. Less so in the sense that this is an action blockbuster script…or well, give it to Peter Jackson, and just watch! Don’t get me wrong, though, there’s action in this book, too. It’s just that what drives most of the story is the day-to-day lives of the main characters in a time of extraordinary events shaping their lives and the world. It’s a story about people…and about the art of war.
Overall, it’s a well-written story. Enjoyable and engaging. And unless you specifically do not like sci-fi books about people in the military and/or astronauts, I think you’ll enjoy reading it.
If you'd like to know more about the SPSFC competition and my role as a judge watch this video.
A broader perspective
If you love to read books about Americans, then several of the main characters are Americans, and parts take place on US soil. But likely due to the author being an Australian, born in New Zealand, the characters have a broad view of the world. It was refreshing to see important parts of the book take place in Asia and Europe and to get realistic descriptions of life and people in these places, like mentioning the noise level found in the big cities of India. Still, to this day, the sheer power of the street noises combined with especially the multitude of cars constantly honking their horns was a unique experience for me. and sure made it very difficult to sleep at night.
I think the world could use more sci-fi that's not afraid of showing the reader that the world is quite large and that people in other countries have much value, too. Not to mention different perspectives that might one day help us fight a war against a superior enemy. like hostile aliens.
My reasons for choosing this book to judge
I was lucky that I was given a say in which books I got to judge (thanks, Matt!) When I picked this book as one of mine, I did so because I like military sci-fi and aliens (and I was provoked by the title!)
“It better be good!”
I guess some will think it is in poor taste to re-use the title of a famous and ancient book (you’re allowed to do this legally, though.) At least, I remember thinking something like, “This book better be really good, or I'll give the author a hard time!”
I read the ancient work of military philosophy, The Art of War by Sun Tzu long ago (he’s the “statue guy” on the cover of Peter Cawdron’s book.) And to this day, the original still has much to offer I'd recommend reading it (don’t worry, it's quite short and easy to read.)
After reading this version of The Art of War, I don't have an issue with the "title abuse" and if the new version becomes a hit, it could open the eyes of a new generation to the ancient wisdom of Sun Tzu. Perhaps get someone to read both a modern and an ancient text about…The Art of War.
The stuff I’d do differently
Being an author myself, you might wonder if I noticed a lot of mistakes or found the story lacking here and there. Not so much, no.
The only part that bored me was a section at the back (an appendix about scientific stuff and military tech.) Some might think this is the best part. I could have done without. Still, no harm done, and it's nice to know that the author spent time on research and getting this stuff right.
Had I been the editor, I’d have asked Peter Cawdron to leave certain meta-plane references out. Since his story is engaging, why not keep me reading and engaged the whole way?
I would not have given one of the astronauts a last name that is known to everyone who knows anything about astronauts. It drew me out of the story. Nor would I have made references to films like Independence Day. I get the meta-plane sort of joke with the characters feeling like they are in a movie. A feeling I’ve experienced in real life, too. But the difference between real life and fiction is that I’m still in my real life even if I have a meta-plane thought. Whereas in a story, meta-plane references often draw me out of the fun parts. I’ll think, “Is this book inspired by this or that reference? Is that why the author feels a need to mention it? Or, Don’t they take their own story seriously?”
Whatever the case, I’ll stop reading. I’d rather stay immersed.
I’m not in love with the title either. From a marketing perspective, I do see an argument for some of the coolness of the original work rubbing off. It sure makes it really easy to remember the title. But it has downsides. Some will be provoked or get confused. “I’m looking for Sun Tzu’s book. What is this?” And if a reader searches for the new version, it’s difficult to find. A search on Amazon (even including the author’s name) begins with a great many editions of the ancient book. You’ll have to scroll quite a bit to find the new version.
Still, I've made worse mistakes as an author and the important part is that I had a great time in the company of Peter Cawdron's words.
Now, I have two more books to judge! They'll have to be really good to beat this one.
Practical magic encompasses everything from love spells to money rituals, divination to healing ceremonies. For those who believe in the power of magic, practicing practical magic can be a way to bring positive changes and improve their lives. The internet has made it possible to enjoy the wonders of practical magic online at no cost. Numerous websites offer free resources and information on different practices, allowing beginners to explore and learn about various aspects of practical magic. These websites often provide step-by-step guides, free spell books, and forums where practitioners can connect and share their experiences. Another way to experience practical magic online at no cost is through YouTube. Many skilled practitioners and magicians upload tutorial videos, offering guidance on performing spells, rituals, and techniques. This allows individuals to learn from the comfort of their own homes and at their own pace. Additionally, YouTube also provides a platform for individuals to share their own magical experiences and connect with others who have a shared interest in practical magic. Furthermore, social media platforms have become a treasure trove of practical magic resources. Numerous accounts dedicated to sharing magical knowledge and experiences exist on platforms such as Instagram and Facebook. These accounts often offer daily or weekly doses of magical content, including spells, rituals, and tips for incorporating practical magic into everyday life. Following these accounts can provide a steady stream of inspiration and guidance to those interested in the world of practical magic. It's important to approach practical magic with an open mind and a responsible mindset. While the internet provides a wealth of information, it is essential to exercise caution and skepticism. Remember to research and verify the sources of information before engaging in any practices. Additionally, it's crucial to respect and honor the origins and cultural significance of different magical practices. In conclusion, the internet has made it possible for anyone interested in practical magic to enjoy it online at no cost. Websites, YouTube videos, and social media platforms offer a range of resources and community interactions, allowing individuals to explore and learn about practical magic from the comfort of their own homes. However, it's important to approach practical magic with responsibility, respect, and a critical mindset..
Reviews for "Immerse Yourself in Free Online Magic Virtual Reality Games and Experiences"
1. John - 1/5: I was really excited to watch "Practical Magic" online for free, but what I got was a terrible experience. The website was full of pop-up ads and viruses that started infecting my computer. It took forever to find a working link to the movie, and even then, the quality was so poor that I could barely make out the scenes. Save yourself the headache and pay for a legitimate streaming service instead.
2. Sarah - 2/5: I was hoping to enjoy "Practical Magic" without having to pay for it, but the online version I found was a big letdown. The audio was out of sync, and it kept buffering every few minutes, which disrupted the flow of the movie. The website was also cluttered with annoying ads that kept popping up during the film. I would recommend finding a better, more reliable source to watch this movie.
3. David - 2/5: The idea of watching "Practical Magic" online for free was tempting, but the reality was disappointing. The video quality was incredibly low, and the movie constantly froze and buffered. It ruined the whole viewing experience, and I couldn't fully immerse myself in the story. I would advise against trying to find this movie for free online and opt for a paid streaming service instead.
4. Emma - 1/5: I tried to watch "Practical Magic" online for free, but it turned out to be a complete waste of time. The website claimed to have the movie available, but all they had was a looped clip of the trailer. Every time I clicked on a different link, I was bombarded with aggressive ads and redirected to suspicious websites. It was a frustrating and futile attempt to find the movie, and I ended up giving up and renting it from a legitimate source. Don't bother with these unreliable, free streaming sites.