Review - Imperium by Nicholas Olivo

Imperium; A Caulborn Novel
by Nicholas Olivo
Publisher: Self-Published
Copyright: 2011
Format: e-reader

Hello Author/Stalker!  That’s right, I have another author I follow on Twitter now.  Nicholas Olivo found me via Rob Cornell (I believe) and used social networking brilliance to increase his readership.  He followed, then I followed, then I purchased and read his book.  I’m telling you, this is a wonderful marketing idea for up and coming and/or self-published authors.  Hook me up Twitter!

Imperium is a fun, fast read.  It is sort of like Men in Black meets Batman meets The Dresden Files; an interesting mix to say the least.  Of course if you like any one of those things it is probably safe to assume you like all three.  There is also quite an assortment of mythology and folklore thrown in; I noticed Classical, Celtic and American myths plus I am sure there are references I missed.  I did enjoy all the Firefly shout outs - shiny!  This book is a geeky reference lovers paradise which makes it hard for someone like myself not to enjoy the read.  The characters are fun-loving; the adventure is creative.  And just for the record - gremlins rock. ^_^

I have to give props on the self publishing.  With all the published trash I’ve read lately, these indie finds like Olivo and Cornell are a treasure.  I am glad there is another avenue for literature now since I don’t agree that good writing is measured by whether or not an agent can mass market the story.

Of course, being the obnoxious reader that I am I do have a few not so flattering opinions.  One of the things that makes this book so entertaining is also a downfall of the storyline - there is so much going on that at times there is too much going on.  I love the references but they made it hard to hone in on any one particular character or subplot driving the story.  It is also a little more fantasy than urban.  This is a personal preference only and in no way detracts from the book.  I just like my vamps, fae and wolves to have a little more street cred.  The only grammar irk I have with the writing is the constant jump in tense.  It’s a difficult rule to police; it pops up in my writing more often than not and I’ve read very famous authors who have the same struggle.  Chances are it’s not even noticeable and I only felt it because I am aware of the issue in my own work.

All in all, Imperium is a good Urban Fantasy read and is worth the time and the money.  I give it a B+ on the Brewed scale.

Happy Reading!