The Muse by Fred Warren
A Book Review by T.W. Ambrose

Have you ever
found yourself with a nasty case of writer’s block? Have you ever got caught up in the details and failed to add the plot? Are you a great writer, but the publishing world just can’t see it? Then this book is for you.  Are you a diehard fantasy fan, a sucker for a good love story, or do you feel there just isn’t enough good Christian fiction?  Then this books for you too.   We are talking about the Muse, the newest and first novel by author Fred Warren, and the newest release by small press publisher Splashdown books.

When I was first asked to review this book, I was excited about the undertaking.  I truly enjoy the modern fantasy that is so big right now. I love first time authors, and I am a fan of the small press publishers who are able to bring us things that just aren’t main stream.  And that’s just what Fred brings us here: fantasy without elves, dwarves, vampires or werewolves.  There may be a small furry-footed burglar, but that just adds to the charm. 

I’ve heard it said that there’s no more difficult story to write, then that of a writer writing a story.  But someone forgot to tell Fred, because he took up the challenge masterfully. The Muse gives us the story of three writers:  Stan, a writer of fantasy;  Davos, a writer of classic science fiction; and Jilly, who writes vampire romance novels (move over Stefanie Meyers!).   The three writers form a small writer’s group that meets every week at the local coffee shop to discuss their writing.  Each writer is down on their luck, misery loving company, and thinking about giving up writing.  But one day, as they sit enjoying their half-Café double mocha lattés, a new member joins their group and luck begins to change.

Okay, to be honest, I don’t remember what kind of coffee they drank, but you get the point.  And where, you ask, is the fantasy, love story, and Christian elements I spoke of earlier?  Well, I have to leave something for you when you actually read the book. 

On the negative side, because I always like to give pros and cons, at just under 200 pages, this book is a little on the short side of things.   I would have liked to read a little more.  I also felt we could have explored some of the characters more.  It would have been interesting to dig a little deeper into the heads of Davos and Jilly, as well as Stan’s wife. 

So as we wrap it up, I give The Muse two thumbs up, with a gold star for family friendliness, a gold star for originality, a gold star for plot, and a silver star for characters.  Plus, a first place ribbon for Fred Warren’s first novel, and a shiny red apple for Splashdown books for taking a chance on a new writer.  Because the Muse truly does for writers, what Superman did for men in tights.  And as a writer myself, that’s just good to know. 

For more Information on The Muse and on Fred, check out these sites:
Fred Warren’s Website - http://frederation.wordpress.com/
Splashdown Books - http://www.splashdownbooks.com/

Also be watching for our December issue, where we will be featuring Fred’s newest story, and hopefully have an interview with him about The Muse, his short stories, and what’s in store in the future.

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