LibraryThing Author:
John B. Olson
John B. Olson is a LibraryThing Author, an author who lists their personal library on LibraryThing.
Random books from JohnBOlson's library
The Scarlet Pimpernel (Book 1 of The Scarlet Pimpernel Series) (The Scarlet Pimpernel Series) by Baroness Orczy
Cordelia's Honor by Lois McMaster Bujold
Blink by Ted Dekker
The Fifth Man (Sequel to Oxygen) by John B. Olson
Oxygen by Randall Ingermanson
Adrenaline by John B. Olson
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Member: JohnBOlson
CollectionsYour library (9)
Reviews1 review
Tagsintense (4), action-packed (4), Christian fiction (3), Christian (2), NASA (2), creepy (2), romantic adventure (2), San Francisco (1), Christian horror (1), gothic romance (1) — see all tags
GroupsNone
About meJohn Olson is an award-winning novelist and speaker who lives with his wife Amy and two children in San Leandro, CA. John earned a Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin at Madison, and did postdoctoral research at the University of California at San Francisco. After eight years as a director and principal scientist at a major scientific software company, John has quit his day job to devote himself to his writing. His books have won several awards, including a Christy Award, a Christy finalist, a Silver Angel award, and placement on the New York Public Library’s Books for the Teen Age.
About my libraryI'm finally writing again after being away for several years. My first book after being away is Fossil Hunter, a fast-paced Indiana-Jones-style scientific thriller that explores the clash between science and faith. My second book is Shade, the infamous "vampireless vampire book" you've been hearing rumors about.
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Homepagehttp://www.litany.com
Real nameJohn B. Olson
LocationSan Leandro, CA
Favorite authorsNone
Account typepublic, free
Connection NewsConnection News
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http://www.librarything.com/profile/JohnBOlson (profile)
http://www.librarything.com/catalog/JohnBOlson (library)
Common KnowledgeSeries (3), Awards (4), Characters (41), Places (14)
Member sinceApr 7, 2008
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I've been unexpectedly out of town for most of August, but I wanted to let you know that I read and really enjoyed Shade. It's one of the most intelligent Christian fiction books I've read in quite some time. I really liked how you wrote the suspense in such a way that as a reader I was questioning Hailey's reality versus hallucination right along with her. And of course, I always appreciate a smart and well-educated heroine. I also really like your choices of names for characters - I might be over-analyzing but Mechizedek, especially, was quite a revealing moniker.
Since I promised honesty, a small complaint is that the final scene between Melchi and Sabazious seemed a little bit cliche (mostly the dialog bringing up Melchi's parents). I did really like Hailey's part in grounding Melchi to their faith though, and Athena stepping in was a good twist. The gateway could maybe have been explained a bit more but the fact that it remained mysterious added to some of the suspense. I was also left wanting some answers about Mark's character. He always seemed to disappear when the Mulo arrived so I partly assumed he was a bad guy, but his concern for Hailey seemed genuine as did her trust in him. I thought maybe it would end with Mark hooking up with Boggs but that's the Austen-lover in me that wants a sappy-happy ending. ;) These are pretty small issues in light of a really great book. I'm not sure if any of that will be changed or resolved in a published edition (my copy also had a page out of order and the wrong title/author on the top of a few pages) but even as-is I really enjoyed it.
To end with another positive, I was most impressed with your handling of the Gospel. Sincerity and truth without coming across as preachy is a difficult thing and I think you wrote in such a way that seekers can read it without rolling their eyes and believers will nod with an agreeing amen. I'm still gathering my thoughts before writing my review, but I definitely liked the book. Sorry to get so wordy here, but thanks for sharing Shade. Best of luck with it's publication and I look forward to seeking out your previous and future works!
lisa :)
posted by elbakerone at 12:05 pm (EST) on Aug 26, 2008
Thanks for the kind note. I think my new favorite part of LibraryThing is interacting with authors and realizing the the voices behind the books I read really are "Real People". I'll certainly let you know when I'm reading Shade and you will be assured of my honest opinion. Best wishes for your writing and book release!
lisa :)
posted by elbakerone at 11:38 am (EST) on Jul 29, 2008