Review of DIE EMPTY by Todd Henry

I loved Todd Henry's ACCIDENTAL CREATIVE, and it's a book I return to again and again. His latest book DIE EMPTY is about living the kind of life that, when we finally leave this world, we'll know we poured out our best. It's about getting the ideas we have out of our heads and make them a reality.  Dying empty is about not hanging onto our ideas and waiting for perfection before we execute.

Henry's book is great because he seems to genuinely live out the principles he lays out in the book. He talks about the three kinds of work we should be doing to be continually productice, and he gives practical tips for overcoming the natural tendency toward procrastination that many creatives experience.

Like THE ACCIDENTAL CREATIVE, DIE EMPTY is designed to encourage productivity, and it does a great job.

Review copy provided by Portfolio Hardcover

Photo Credit: Portfolio Hardcover

Review of THE HERO'S LOT by Patrick Carr

A HERO'S LOT by Patrick Carr is the continuing journey of Errol Stone and a kingdom that hangs in the balance over immenent death of its king. Errol is convicted for a crime that he did not commit, and he begins a mission to find an evil man named Sarin Valon. Errol's fate seems wrapped up in the fate of the kingdom. Who is he and why is he so important? Errol continues to grow as a character and in his relationships with other people.

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed A CAST OF STONES, and I was equally excited about the sequel to the story. A HERO'S LOT has a great epic fantasy feel. Errol's character grew so much in the first book, it's interesting to see where the story takes him next. The circumstances and the whole story world that Patrick Carr has created really adds to the story and envelops me as a reader.

As this book is the second in a trilogy, it sets up for a final act that I'm very excited about. Patrick Carr has proven himself to be a really good writer who knows how to tell a great story.

Review copy provided by Bethany House

Photo Credit: Bethany House