A First: Book Talk

I wonder, how many of you read both comics as well as novels?

Previously, I did mention albeit briefly, that the concept for YForce isn't for just a webcomic, but I am actually also intending to write an actual novel on it. Reading and writing have been a major part of my life and for those of you who enjoy reading, I believe that you actually enjoy the smell of freshly printed books, the crisp pages and the sound they make when you flip through the book, and the feel of the entire cover as you hold it with your hands (sorry, geek talk here).

I read many books, though a little more selectively than I should. But for every book that I read, I read it again and again countless times.

Today, I would like to introduce you to a series, one that I wish you would read and enjoy if you have yet to. It is called The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel by Michael Scott.

This series is a brilliant combination of both ancient mythology and modern times, something which is what YForce is trying to do as well. There are no modern superheroes in this series, but they do have heroes, and they appear in the form of amazing protagonists such as:

- 2 human youths

- Mythological Gods

- Historical figures

It is said that many historical figures such as Nicholas Flamel, Joan of Arc and even Shakespeare the Bard, are immortals. The mythological Gods are not Gods as portrayed by mythological beliefs, but rather, Elders who have amazing powers, that the immortals have learnt to wield and utilise as well. Not only that, the Gods come from many, if not all, mythologies and some of them are overlapped, such as Mars, who is also Horus, who is also Huitzilopochtli.

The reason why I love this series must be clear to you. Firstly, there is a lot of, and very detailed, information on mythology. Secondly, even though there are no superheroes, the characters are made into heroes who traverse through time that spans across millenia. Thirdly, the mention of elements is present, though restricted to the four main elements we know of - fire, earth, water and air. The writing and the plot are both intriguing, with subtle dashes of creativity that make you want to find out more with each tantalising new page.

Most importantly however, is what I think is the main discussion of this series - destiny.

Previously, I have had readers emailing me on the topic of how it seems that YForce characters are having their fates laid out for them. Some people do not like the topic of predestination. This book brings a different light to this topic.

In this series, we learnt that some individuals are constantly looking at Time, which consists of many threads of events that happen concurrently across various worlds (they call it Shadowrealms) at the same time, but each thread has a different outcome. This then branches out into more threads. So, these individuals pick out a thread, one in many, which stands out to be a good thread, in order to save the world.

In the later part of the series, the main protagonists, the two youths, wonder if their lives have been made just for this purpose. They felt like puppets, that they have no choice in the matter. But a few characters constantly reminded them that they do have a choice. It is precisely their choice that leads to the different threads in Time. The guardians simply picked this thread which has the highest chance of the world being saved, to act on. But ultimately, the choice lies with the 2 youths - One to save the world, one to destroy the world.

So, what am I trying to say of this series and maybe even YForce?

Yes, the topic of predestination may make many uncomfortable, knowing that characters seem to be playing a role that has been dictated or presented to them. They are simply following what was meant to be. But the deeper meaning of predestination is that nothing can be really predestined. No one can make the choice for you but you yourself. There are many choices to make, and even if you decide on the choice which you see as "your fate having picked it for you", isn't that still your choice ultimately? That you actually chose to act on what you know you are supposed to do?

It is all very sophisticated talk here and there can be much debate on the topic. What I really want to bring out is...the Matriarch may have seen certain things in the future. Things are happening as planned. But will things really go as smoothly as what both the good and evil sides aim for? How will the choices of the 12 heroes, the 12 Elements, affect the story?

But YForce aside, The Secrets of the Immortal Flamel is indeed a very interesting and engaging read. When I first read it, I had totally no idea what was going on. The interest in wanting to know "What?" kept me going and it left me more confused the more I read.

However, as I read it again and again (I just finished the last book yesterday, and that was the 7th time I've read this entire series), understanding on the series slowly dawned upon me. It's as if the more I read, the clearer the picture becomes. More pieces of the puzzle are found and I am starting to see the entire picture with clarity.

I would also say that this series played a minor role in how I would portray the mythological figures in YForce.

So, if you have the time, go check this series out! I also hope that my discussion on predestination has not irked anyone. If you are uncomfortable with this topic, don't read it. If you are willing to give it a chance, go read it! Also, reread YForce if you want to and feel free to share with me your thoughts on the issue of predestination in YForce and maybe, even share with me how you think this topic would be handled in this webcomic!

I will try to do more book discussions in the near future, or maybe a even more detailed exploration of this series, delving into specific plots and even specific characters!

Thank you for your time reading through this, and I hope you will continue to enjoy reading YForce! :)

#bookreview #mythology #heroes