About the AuthorChuck Powell was born and raised in a small town in southern Illinois. His childhood was spent playing sports and dreaming of a future in baseball, either on the field or behind a microphone. His road hasn t led him into baseball, but he did find his way behind the mic. Powell had always been a storyteller, both on and off the air, but his interest in writing didn t develop until he was 10 years into a 20-year broadcasting career. Powell s first novel, Qintessa, and the other works he s completed aren t likely to be seen as perfect fits within any specific genre, but they do subscribe to a consistent theme. His unique exploration into the fine line that exists between good and evil introduces a multitude of complex characters whose individual stories reveal that before we judge we must take the time to understand the forest and not just see the trees. Other novels Powell is set to publish are The Incarnate, the story of a desperate man s unique run-in with the Devil, and The Tree King, which describes the land and history of Cradlevale through the telling of its greatest story the adventures of four men who set off on an impossible journey to save their home from a wizard s curse. Chuck Powell currently resides in Phoenix, Arizona. what is a book enthusiast Qintessa
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. confusingBy Robert McCainI have mixed feelings about this book. In the initial chapters I was trying to figure out the point and where the story might be leading to. The story line itself is confusing with the numerous characters, constantly jumping around from character to character and the different dates events take place throughout the book. Even with all the confusion, I really enjoyed reading the book. There were a few typos that threw me off now and then, but I honestly did not care for the end. If there is going to be a sequel or if it is going to turn into a trilogy, then I can deal with the ending, but I've read nothing that indicates that likelihood. So I felt like it was left to open. I also felt like the book lacked plot. Is it Mainly about Qintessa? If so, there was a lot of story line that didn't matter to her story. Is about the potential revolution? If so, shouldn't there be more of one? I'm very liberal about books and I generally give 5 stars, so for me to be this let down, I hope it's just my lack of imagination or ability to divulge deeper meaning out of the book, but I would not likely recommend the book to others.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. All over the placeBy Michael J PorterWhile I enjoyed the book I found it very confusing to follow timelines and characters. If I had a hardcover version it would be easier to look back to clarify people, places and dates. The back drop for the story line was definitely interesting, you could believe it could happen. If there is a sequel I would purchase that just to see if some of the plot lines can be fleshed out and finished because at the end you are left hanging!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Intriguing, entertaining and smart. Loved it.By Martha MaurerThe story-line is great. Original, meticulous, artistic, futuristic and enticing. I love the multiple story-lines. From the moment you start the book you're automatically intrigued as to who The Poet is. It is those poems/letters that give a nice break to the multitude of characters and story-lines intertwined in the book. Chuck's humor and witticism is evident throughout the book. (Nice touch by adding the Tent City reference, I had to chuckle out loud-- If you live in Arizona you'll get it. Hint: Sheriff Joe Arpaio). For many readers, the number of characters in Qintessa may be overwhelming, but the short chapters and overlapping timelines allow you to keep up just fine.As for the plot itself. I loved it. Qintessa is such an original concept. The idea of a female assassin is intriguing and waiting to read the next part of Violet's story keeps you on the edge of your seat. I have to admit the book had me fooled. I had the wrong person penned as the Peacekreepers' assassin. It was a good mystery to try to decipher from the beginning, another reason to keep you engaged. Even though a lot of the characters only stuck around for just a bit in order to fit into this murder puzzle, they all worked!Knowing Chuck Powell as a broadcaster before a writer allowed me to know his personality ahead of this publication. Like Chuck, this book is smart, interesting, full of big words only he would use, yet enticing. It's a good murder mystery turned technologically advanced yet socially doomed. His imagination goes wild looking at what life could be in 20-50 years, a society unable to survive the ever-changing and technology submerged times we live in, the political corruptness that leads into full-world war once again and the way only humans can rebuild, even if it's in a super controlled, socialistic way.Finally, I absolutely agree with another reviewer you described it as a mix of "Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" and "The Hunger Games."