Email: djosephziders@gmail.com
“A smile is eternal; it passes from one person to another as it makes its way toward God.”
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— D. Joseph Ziders, Author, from: A Halloween Requiem: The Hanna Snow Trilogy
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Jeremiah Revel: The Blackguards of Charlatan
Sarah L. - 5.0 out of 5 stars - Great foray into the world of fiction.
As someone who is as close to a non-fiction purist as one can be (with the exception of the classics), picking up this book was certainly a digression from my typical literary ventures. I typically read 2-3 books per week and have no qualms about abandoning a work that has not proven to be engaging. I was not quite sure what to expect from a piece of fiction written by a first-time author, but approached it with an open mind.
In terms of structure, it makes for a quick read. The chapters and sub-chapters keep things interesting and break up the reading frequently, preventing wandering thoughts or staleness. The book is not written in a straightforward chronological manner, diverting the reader to different timelines as the characters are developed. This style certainly lends itself to an element of suspense with no shortage of foreshadowing and character development.
While far from formulaic, the plot is not entirely unpredictable. The reader realizes the purpose of the novel is not to focus on the action or creating an unprecedented story line, but rather to focus on developing the characters and align their stories. The reader is greeted with an abundance of colorful detail, idiosyncratic characters, and thoughtful prose. For someone who truly enjoys exploring action packed scenes in lavish detail, the reader may find themselves wanting another 50 pages of just that; however, for those that are are more inclined to make intimate connections with the protagonists, villains, and supporting characters, this book provides those connections in spades.
As a first novel for the author, the book is far from perfectly polished, but it is an enjoyable read. The reader will embrace the gamut of human emotion, finding at least one character they identify with and others they will feel like they have known their entire lives.
If you are a fiction fan, support a new author and give this one a try.
Bri - 5.0 out of 5 stars - Worth reading!
This is a great book. No bull writing style, great imagery. The author has a gift in the way he can describe a moment. I don't read many books, but this one was worth it. Would recommend!
Michael Sage - 5.0 out of 5 stars - Must read!
This is a must read! Looking for a book to read -this is the one. Can’t wait for more books from this author.
Amazon Customer - 5.0 out of 5 stars - Good read
This was an enjoyable book. Fast moving and not boring in the least
Collin - 5.0 out of 5 stars - Amazing
Great book, fantastic story.
Amazon Customer - 5.0 out of 5 stars - Unlike any other book I have read!
The author pulls you into the lives of a misfit group of characters that proves that everyone belongs. Their journey is loathsome and their paths are difficult, but they have each other. Each subchapter is written in a such a way that they can be a standalone story within the novel itself. There is no lack of action; this story will not leave you bored. It is a quick read and in the end you might come to the conclusion that this might actually be a love story hidden with the unwritten lines. This author has a bright future!
A Halloween Requiem: The Hanna Snow Trilogy
Leo - 5.0 out of 5 stars - Buy this book.
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Mr. Ziders does a really nice job of tying three stories together. Although these stories are not directly related, there is a common theme. This is not a heavy, read however Mr. Ziders is quite eloquent in his writing style. By this book I believe you will enjoy it.
HorrorGirl85 - 5.0 out of 5 stars - The Mystery of Hanna Snow
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She is a mystery indeed. From the moment she first appears up until the final pages. It's a beautifully written haunting tale of young love that carries a man through war and keeps him going in hopes of seeing her again. It's a tale of love, war, and the mystery of a young girl named Hanna Snow.