About the Book:
This novella tells of a time when Bernie was twelve years old, and a young goddess was lost.
The gods searched everywhere for her – except the woods. Readers familiar with Bernie’s world know the gods are terribly afraid to venture there.
Bernie alone was willing to make that search, and, naturally, he sought the help of his two friends, Suzie and Lenny. So, with no more pre-planning than any other 12-year-olds, they set off on the adventure of their lives.
About the Author:
How best to describe an author who writes humorous fantasy?
Do we tell of bookshelves full of fantasy, science fiction, and paranormal books, his love of mythology, or the years he spent as dungeon master? Or is it more important to know his favorite player-character was a chaotic-good elven fighter-mage? And what about that stack of old comic books he never seems to get rid of?
There’s a serious side, too. The other half of his bookshelf bulges with titles on management, marketing, computer programming, and financial analysis. What about his years as a hospital president, the many businesses he created, or the time he spent in board rooms? What about his early years counseling drug addicts, or his years as a stock trader?
Is there a pattern to his travels around the world? Why choose places like King Arthur’s Camelot, the Temple of Delphi, Buddha’s Tree of Enlightenment, China’s Forbidden City, or the Great Pyramids of Egypt? What is he seeking?
And what does this have to do with writing good fantasy?
Perhaps it’s this dichotomy within Steve that makes The Universe Builders such a delightful story with such serious undertones.
Book Site: www.TheUniverseBuilders.com
Email: Steve@TheUniverseBuilders.com
Facebook Fan Page: www.facebook.com/SteveLeBel.Author
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SteveLeBel.Author2
Amazon Follow: www.amazon.com/author/stevelebel
Twitter: @SteveLeBel
My Thoughts:
This novella is set in the time before The Universe Builders. In this story, Bernie, our famous and most loved god (those who have previously read The Universe Builders may understand my sentiments) is but a 12 year old boy, still in God school. When a young goddess goes missing, it’s left to Bernie to find and save her.
The story is short and to the point. However, it serves to give us an insight into the world and characters, making it easier to understand how Bernie, Suzie and Lenny end up as friends. A lot of the character and people dynamics is well explained. Those who have already read the main story will know that the woods are a place where no Gods dare venture. Bernie has spent many a days exploring some of it and thus knows that area better than most. When he offers to help, it is turned down and a dejected Bernie decides to take matters into his own hands. Accompanied by his soon to be best friends, he sets out on a mini adventure, all the time trying to control his mischievous cloud.
This is a wonderful short story and can be read before or after The Universe Builders. The order will not matter much, but this novella does lend some clarity to the world and people Steve has created. As usual Bernie’s adventure and the trials the face on the journey are fun to read about.
redpillows 