Cyber (Shadow) Monday Giveaway: CONTROL POINT by Myke Cole

A super-special giveaway from the post-Thanksgiving, pre-Christmas season

So, it’s that time of year again: people are finally get over their tryptophan poisoning, and are getting ready for celebrating the giving of presents. (That doesn’t sound quite right, but it’ll do for now…)

In honour of this festive time, and thanks to a snafu at the Penguin post department, I present Civilian-Reader’s Cyber Shadow Monday giveaway: TWO advance reader copies of Myke Cole’s new guns-‘n’-sorcery novel, Control Point.

Want to know more? Keep reading…

Because this is a pretty special giveaway – or, at least, I think it is, having already read and loved the novel – I will require you to do a little more than just submit your name for consideration.

A couple weeks back, Alyssa and I had the pleasure of having a drink with Myke here in New York, and we discussed what to do with the couple of spare copies I had of Control Point. At one point during the evening, we talked about Patrick Rothfuss’s The Name of the Wind and The Wise Man’s Fear – specifically, the fact that we have different opinions as to which one is better. So, we’re taking the debate to you readers.

In order to win one of the two copies of Myke’s book, tell me which of Rothfuss’s two books you think is best, and why.

Submissions in the comments or via email – civilian.reader[at]hotmail.co.uk

Haven’t read both? Tell my what you did or did not like about the one you have read. Haven’t read either? Um… tell me why not? I’ll be looking at argument and also style, so feel free to be creative.

The contest is open until midnight (EST) December 5th, and I’ll announce winners shortly after.

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As mentioned above, I’ve already read Control Point. I’ll be posting the review early next year. Needless to say, I loved it – it’s a great premise, the writing is superb, and the action scenes are intense and engrossing. It’s awesome, and everyone needs to read it. It’s already generating a good deal of buzz, so entering this contest is a good way for you to get your hands on a copy earlier than most other people.

 

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UPDATE (December 7th):

I wanted to add and share something a reader sent in while this giveaway was running. It’s an amazing little poem, by Mia C:

 

The things a person will do for a book...

You are wicked, dear sir, for making me choose,

With Book 1 or Book 2, you really can’t lose.

As I’m forced I must say that the first has my vote -

The first moment is priceless when first I met Kvothe.

My surprise and my wonder at the silence of parts,

An unrivaled great start that captured my heart.

And though I’d never question Sir Rothfuss’ genius

A long stretch in Book 2 I did find quite tedious.

 

To be fair, it is rare to eclipse a great first

Where no expectations serve to color the thirst.

Quite unlike how it is for the next book in line

Readers can’t help but entertain some plot design.

But regardless of which one it is you prefer

What cannot be denied is - the writing’s superb.

It’s a stylized and beautiful lyrical prose,

An eloquent song – joyous, hopeful, morose.

 

Oh wait! In the interests of truth and honesty,

I disclose of Control Point I already have a copy.

One that's just oh so white, in addition it’s signed,

And to risk its corruption I’m not so inclined.

But I loved it enough to wish I could share

To a few special friends and make them aware

That this book is indeed full of action and spice

One they’ll read at least once, maybe twice, even thrice.

 

So c’mon, let’s be real, what do you say?

Go ahead, make your choice without further delay.

Haven’t I been amusing enough to be worthy?

If not, let me know and I’ll work on your pity.

From all this, it’s clear, it cannot be denied

I’m a lover of fantasy – not the Fabio kind!

Now did that little bit elicit some laughter?

Fingers crossed, I do hope it makes me a winner!

 

Thank you for your indulgence.  - Mia