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Rating: 
Summary: A Good of Fantasy
Review: As a genre, fantasy offers two basics options. At its most simple, it gives the reader an opportunity to escape the everyday, to leave behind the reality of his life and go "elsewhere." to a world where the rules are different and things are, by definition better. In its more complex form, it offers the reader the opportunity to re-evaluate his or her convictions and ideas. Williams Brunskill's "Symphony of Rai" does both well. Following a well established pattern of such works, Brunskill's protagonist is whisked from the difficult and painful real world to the land of Rai, where everything, except himself, is better. There he is burdened with task seemingly beyond his ability and must struggle to overcome obstacles to win the day, and, of course, the lovely lady. That part of the story is eminently satisfying for the escape reader, who seeks nothing more than a few hours away from his own humdrum existence. Brunskill, however, adds more. His protagonist is physically lamed, which is a manifestation of his emotional and mental wounds that must be healed to make him whole. The struggle to overcome his physical shortcomings, or course, prepare him for the emotional confrontation with the fantasy enemy, who is a part of himself. His victory here, however, is much more than a simple defeat of both an outer and inner enemy. It is also a self-empowerment that allows the final victory that gives a surprise ending that implies that we can make our fantasies our realities if we have the strength of will. The story is told as though to a musical score, with vivid descriptions to delight the mind's eye. All in all, it is a good read, whatever your fantasy tastes.
Rating:
Summary: A Good of Fantasy
Review: As a genre, fantasy offers two basics options. At its most simple, it gives the reader an opportunity to escape the everyday, to leave behind the reality of his life and go "elsewhere." to a world where the rules are different and things are, by definition better. In its more complex form, it offers the reader the opportunity to re-evaluate his or her convictions and ideas. Williams Brunskill's "Symphony of Rai" does both well. Following a well established pattern of such works, Brunskill's protagonist is whisked from the difficult and painful real world to the land of Rai, where everything, except himself, is better. There he is burdened with task seemingly beyond his ability and must struggle to overcome obstacles to win the day, and, of course, the lovely lady. That part of the story is eminently satisfying for the escape reader, who seeks nothing more than a few hours away from his own humdrum existence. Brunskill, however, adds more. His protagonist is physically lamed, which is a manifestation of his emotional and mental wounds that must be healed to make him whole. The struggle to overcome his physical shortcomings, or course, prepare him for the emotional confrontation with the fantasy enemy, who is a part of himself. His victory here, however, is much more than a simple defeat of both an outer and inner enemy. It is also a self-empowerment that allows the final victory that gives a surprise ending that implies that we can make our fantasies our realities if we have the strength of will. The story is told as though to a musical score, with vivid descriptions to delight the mind's eye. All in all, it is a good read, whatever your fantasy tastes.
Rating:
Summary: Imagination Unbounded
Review: Bill Brunskill's first attempt at writing fiction is a startling trip through the land of Rai as seen through his mind's eye. The first page introduction of Angus Johnson, the book's principal character, as a recently disabled U.S. Army veteran, offers but a peek at Brunskill's interesting but otherwise un-discussable exploits as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces. As the plot develops, the reader becomes increasingly aware of this military simile. The musical framework of "Rai" is scored with endless imaginative notes. The names of the characters--Loran,Hruda,Nayli, the Kolan, Vayko--are examples of pure creativity. From whence did Brunskill pluck them ? The orchestration of the plot from "Andante Effetuoso", through "Animosissimo" to the stirring climax of "Ardente" offers delight to any music lover. The vivid description of how people lived their daily lives in the day of, and time of "Rai", is a master's touch. The reader can almost feel the velvety coat of Angus' irasible equine savior, Tiik that noble and daring steed.In the current age which depicts "adult" love making as public sport, the author, so refreshingly, gently and entrancingly presents the relationship between Angus and the beautiful Nayli as love which, in its very essence, is truly adult. The raison d'etre of Bill Brunskill's book is that "war is hell". Whether in the imaginary land of "Rai" or in any of the countless war areas of the real world of 2001, he has made a memorable argument for the much cliched "make peace, not war".
Rating:
Summary: Imagination Unbounded
Review: Bill Brunskill's first attempt at writing fiction is a startling trip through the land of Rai as seen through his mind's eye. The first page introduction of Angus Johnson, the book's principal character, as a recently disabled U.S. Army veteran, offers but a peek at Brunskill's interesting but otherwise un-discussable exploits as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces. As the plot develops, the reader becomes increasingly aware of this military simile. The musical framework of "Rai" is scored with endless imaginative notes. The names of the characters--Loran,Hruda,Nayli, the Kolan, Vayko--are examples of pure creativity. From whence did Brunskill pluck them ? The orchestration of the plot from "Andante Effetuoso", through "Animosissimo" to the stirring climax of "Ardente" offers delight to any music lover. The vivid description of how people lived their daily lives in the day of, and time of "Rai", is a master's touch. The reader can almost feel the velvety coat of Angus' irasible equine savior, Tiik that noble and daring steed.In the current age which depicts "adult" love making as public sport, the author, so refreshingly, gently and entrancingly presents the relationship between Angus and the beautiful Nayli as love which, in its very essence, is truly adult. The raison d'etre of Bill Brunskill's book is that "war is hell". Whether in the imaginary land of "Rai" or in any of the countless war areas of the real world of 2001, he has made a memorable argument for the much cliched "make peace, not war".
Rating:
Summary: A right well-rounded and well-told
Review: In the grand tradition of the inspiring teacher, Dr. Brunskill submits an example of first-class storytelling. The provided synopsis provides a good plot summary, so I'll leave you to read that, as this is only intended to be a quick note of hearty endorsement. I read Symphony of Rai on a sunny afternoon in the Western New York Southtowns, and wound up with a rosy sunburned glow because I found myself so thoroughly immersed in the novel that I forgot the effect of ultraviolet radiation on my pasty winter-white complexion. I believe, however, that the most appropriate place to enjoy the story would actually be in front of a campfire with your closest pals and war buddies, preferably read aloud and in turns, and if possible, with a nice Celtic-traditional music album on in the background for ambiance. It even has a happy ending, and though I usually object to those, it serves the story well and leaves the reader full of warm fuzzies and a belief in the fundamental abiding goodness of humanity. Enjoy! -Kate PS A couple of end notes: it is semi-autobiographical-- the protagonist has red hair and blue eyes for a reason. And Dr. Brunskill is planning a sequel, full of new and wonderful creatures and characters, as foreshadowed.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Read!
Review: The Symphony of Rai by Dr. Brunskill is an interesting and spellbinding novel. Its unique storyline and the twists and turns of its plot will hold the reader's interest throughout. The application of musical movements to the tempo of the story is particularly creative. Although a fantasy, there are lessons for life that can be gleaned from its pages. I recommend this book to those who enjoy adventurous fantasies and encourage Dr. Brunskill to continue his writing career.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Read!
Review: The Symphony of Rai by Dr. Brunskill is an interesting and spellbinding novel. Its unique storyline and the twists and turns of its plot will hold the reader's interest throughout. The application of musical movements to the tempo of the story is particularly creative. Although a fantasy, there are lessons for life that can be gleaned from its pages. I recommend this book to those who enjoy adventurous fantasies and encourage Dr. Brunskill to continue his writing career.
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