However, Meyers and Pedas do not have that problem. Having been following them for a while, I know that their first person stories have not gotten stuck using the same voice over and over again. They do not have their characters tell us what every other character is thinking and feeling. They do not tell us things that their characters wouldn't know. [Yeah, just to say it: Your first person POVs should never be omniscient. Unless it's God.]
I'm also not a fan of present tense, but that might just be because it is so often used clumsily and that it rarely adds anything to the story. Putting your stuff in present tense does not automatically give it an added boost of tension.
All of that said, first person present is quite enjoyable when written by someone(s) who knows how to do it. Meyers and Pedas are those people. In the case of "Empirical Evidence," the present tense is used to show us the protagonist unraveling the confusion of what he is discovering his life to be rather than the orderly routine that he thought it was.
"Empirical Evidence" is a great little story, basically, showing us a day in the life of the protagonist. The day his life comes undone. In fact, the worst thing you can say about the story is that it's short. There is so much room for more, here, but, then, that would ruin the one-day snapshot of the character. Okay, actually, it's two days, but you need the first day so that you understand what's happening on the second. It's a basis for comparison.
I do love the portrayal of the protagonist. His enthusiasm and blind loyalty. It's really great.
And that's about all I can say without sliding into spoiler territory. At least than $1.00, though, that should be all you need to convince you to go pick it up.
What are you waiting for?
I really liked that one. You're right that it could be a longer story.
ReplyDeleteAlex: But it would have to be a different story. It's an interesting setting they've developed, and I would really like to see more of it.
ReplyDeleteOkay, you've piqued my interest. I'm going to go check it out :)
ReplyDeleteJeanne: Tell them I sent you.
DeleteThat's a great review. :) I may have to pick it up... Also, Pedas sounds familiar... did he contribute a short story to one of your releases?
ReplyDeleteAlex H: Yeah, he wrote that story you really like, "Like an Axe Through Bone."
DeleteNot read this blog yet. Just writing to let you know I have read the story by Thomas (Harry's brother) and I didn't find the voice all that similar to Harry. Not enough to spoil it even though I had expected it to be spoilt.
ReplyDeleteOK now I've read it and I guess, like others, I should go investigate this story.
ReplyDeleteJo: Let me put it in context:
ReplyDeleteI read Changes and went right into Side Jobs, so I had a lot of Harry in my head by the time I made it to Thomas' story. There was no discernible difference to me, at that point, which there should have been. If you take out the stuff where he points out that he's Thomas and the stuff where he talks about Harry, the voice is exactly the same. Basically, that stuff is in there to remind us that it's not Harry talking.
And, yes, you should investigate "Empirical Evidence."
I just went to get Empirical Evidence and be damned if I didn't buy it a year ago. Guess it's on my Kindle and I haven't got round to reading it. I have so much on there.
DeleteOK, I see where you are coming from Andrew but in a few short stories it certainly doesn't matter to me. Maybe in a complete book it would. I have got Changes now and will see if I have read it before. I kind of think I need to go back to the beginning and re-read them all. Have you read Butcher's other stuff. The Codex Alera, I enjoyed that series.
Jo: I have the first two of Codex, but I haven't started it, yet. I'll get to it eventually.
DeleteAren't you glad that Amazon tells you when you've already purchased something!
I have just finished Empirical Evidence. I didn't realise the authors were the Beer for the Shower Guys. I enjoyed it but I did so want them to escape. Clever little story.
DeleteI loved the Codex stories but you will read them with a more critical eye.
Jo: It is a clever little story. A little too little, which says a lot when a reader wants more.
DeleteThanks again for the review! So... I really didn't know what was a thing, writing first person and dictating what other people thought. I don't read a lot of first person, though, so maybe in this case ignorance is bliss.
ReplyDeleteABftS: It happens a lot. The author wants you to know what other characters are thinking so just has the protagonist know... without reason. I find it extremely annoying.
DeleteAndrew, thanks! I thought it was familiar, but I am terrible with names. :) I'll definitely be adding this to my wishlist then. Loved it!
ReplyDeleteAlex H: No problem.
DeleteYou should pick up his book Demetri and the Banana Flavored Rocketship.
I remember your review of that one, too... Will do! Thanks :) Also, I did actually go ahead and buy this one. 88 cents!
DeleteAlex: Awesome!
DeleteMaybe I should ask for a commission!
DeleteHahaha, maybe! ;)
DeleteA writer can be forgiven for strange choices like present tense if the overall quality is strong. Too often, though, it feels gimmicky.
ReplyDeleteTAS: Present tense is no longer a "strange choice;" it's almost a default setting, especially in books aimed at younger audiences. Not that that is what was going on here; I'm just saying.
DeleteI for give a bunch re: POV, and tense, perhaps because my fave is 1st person present, when done well.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I love it best when I finish a book and want more of it... sounds like this was that sort of book! Yay!
Veronica
Veronica: Yeah, there is definitely more story here.
Delete