Pagan family names refer to surnames that have their origins in pagan, pre-Christian traditions. These surnames are often derived from the names of ancient gods, goddesses, or other mythological figures. They can also be derived from nature, animals, or other elements of the natural world that were significant in pagan cultures. In many pagan cultures, gods and goddesses played a significant role in people's lives, and it was common for families to pass down names that paid homage to these deities. For example, the surname "Thorsson" is derived from the Norse god Thor, while "Dianova" is derived from the Roman goddess Diana. These names not only honored these gods and goddesses but also connected individuals to their ancestral lineage and cultural heritage.
I suppose some authors do spend a lot of time reading. It’s just that since I began writing novels my reading patterns have changed. My confession is that I used to read more fantasy for fun.
My style When I began writing, I decided two things, I wanted to find my own style not just steal someone else s way of doing things, and I wanted to learn the ropes from authors that knew more than me. My style When I began writing, I decided two things, I wanted to find my own style not just steal someone else s way of doing things, and I wanted to learn the ropes from authors that knew more than me.
These names not only honored these gods and goddesses but also connected individuals to their ancestral lineage and cultural heritage. Similarly, pagan family names can also be derived from nature or natural elements that held significance in pagan cultures. Names such as "Wolfe" or "Ravenwood" may have originated from the association of wolves and ravens with spiritual symbolism in pagan traditions.
Review: The Art of War (First Contact)
I chuckled with excitement several times during the read, and that's always a good sign that I'm invested in the plot and the fate of the characters. There were some utterly brilliant scenes here and there, but I'll refrain from going into details and try to keep this review mostly spoiler-free.
The story is solid and visual, and I found myself thinking on several occasions how easy it would be to turn this into a movie or streaming series.
If it helps, you can think of this book as a modern and much more realistic version of the Independence Day movie. Or at least they share the theme and setting (war and first contact) and we encounter military personnel as characters. Less so in the sense that this is an action blockbuster script…or well, give it to Peter Jackson, and just watch! Don’t get me wrong, though, there’s action in this book, too. It’s just that what drives most of the story is the day-to-day lives of the main characters in a time of extraordinary events shaping their lives and the world. It’s a story about people…and about the art of war.
Overall, it’s a well-written story. Enjoyable and engaging. And unless you specifically do not like sci-fi books about people in the military and/or astronauts, I think you’ll enjoy reading it.
If you'd like to know more about the SPSFC competition and my role as a judge watch this video.
A broader perspective
If you love to read books about Americans, then several of the main characters are Americans, and parts take place on US soil. But likely due to the author being an Australian, born in New Zealand, the characters have a broad view of the world. It was refreshing to see important parts of the book take place in Asia and Europe and to get realistic descriptions of life and people in these places, like mentioning the noise level found in the big cities of India. Still, to this day, the sheer power of the street noises combined with especially the multitude of cars constantly honking their horns was a unique experience for me. and sure made it very difficult to sleep at night.
I think the world could use more sci-fi that's not afraid of showing the reader that the world is quite large and that people in other countries have much value, too. Not to mention different perspectives that might one day help us fight a war against a superior enemy. like hostile aliens.
My reasons for choosing this book to judge
I was lucky that I was given a say in which books I got to judge (thanks, Matt!) When I picked this book as one of mine, I did so because I like military sci-fi and aliens (and I was provoked by the title!)
“It better be good!”
I guess some will think it is in poor taste to re-use the title of a famous and ancient book (you’re allowed to do this legally, though.) At least, I remember thinking something like, “This book better be really good, or I'll give the author a hard time!”
I read the ancient work of military philosophy, The Art of War by Sun Tzu long ago (he’s the “statue guy” on the cover of Peter Cawdron’s book.) And to this day, the original still has much to offer I'd recommend reading it (don’t worry, it's quite short and easy to read.)
After reading this version of The Art of War, I don't have an issue with the "title abuse" and if the new version becomes a hit, it could open the eyes of a new generation to the ancient wisdom of Sun Tzu. Perhaps get someone to read both a modern and an ancient text about…The Art of War.
The stuff I’d do differently
Being an author myself, you might wonder if I noticed a lot of mistakes or found the story lacking here and there. Not so much, no.
The only part that bored me was a section at the back (an appendix about scientific stuff and military tech.) Some might think this is the best part. I could have done without. Still, no harm done, and it's nice to know that the author spent time on research and getting this stuff right.
Had I been the editor, I’d have asked Peter Cawdron to leave certain meta-plane references out. Since his story is engaging, why not keep me reading and engaged the whole way?
I would not have given one of the astronauts a last name that is known to everyone who knows anything about astronauts. It drew me out of the story. Nor would I have made references to films like Independence Day. I get the meta-plane sort of joke with the characters feeling like they are in a movie. A feeling I’ve experienced in real life, too. But the difference between real life and fiction is that I’m still in my real life even if I have a meta-plane thought. Whereas in a story, meta-plane references often draw me out of the fun parts. I’ll think, “Is this book inspired by this or that reference? Is that why the author feels a need to mention it? Or, Don’t they take their own story seriously?”
Whatever the case, I’ll stop reading. I’d rather stay immersed.
I’m not in love with the title either. From a marketing perspective, I do see an argument for some of the coolness of the original work rubbing off. It sure makes it really easy to remember the title. But it has downsides. Some will be provoked or get confused. “I’m looking for Sun Tzu’s book. What is this?” And if a reader searches for the new version, it’s difficult to find. A search on Amazon (even including the author’s name) begins with a great many editions of the ancient book. You’ll have to scroll quite a bit to find the new version.
Still, I've made worse mistakes as an author and the important part is that I had a great time in the company of Peter Cawdron's words.
Now, I have two more books to judge! They'll have to be really good to beat this one.
These names were likely given to families who had a particular affinity or connection to these animals or natural elements. Pagan family names can be found in various cultures and regions around the world, including ancient Norse, Celtic, Roman, Slavic, and Germanic cultures. Throughout history, these surnames have evolved and been influenced by other cultures, religions, and languages, making them even more diverse and intriguing. While many pagan family names have endured through generations, it is worth noting that the rise of Christianity and other religious and cultural shifts often led to the adoption of new family names. As societies changed, people often sought to distance themselves from pagan traditions and embrace new religious or cultural practices, leading to the adoption of surnames that reflected these changes. Today, pagan family names continue to be a testament to the rich history and cultural diversity of different societies. They serve as a reminder of the ancient traditions and beliefs that once shaped our ancestors' lives. Additionally, for those who still practice pagan or alternative spiritual beliefs, these names can serve as a way to honor and connect with their heritage and ancestral roots. Overall, pagan family names hold a significant place in the study of genealogy, cultural history, and the evolution of surnames. They not only provide insight into the beliefs and traditions of our ancestors but also contribute to the richness and diversity of our modern-day society..
Reviews for "Exploring the Role of Pagan Names in Modern Society"
1. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I was really excited to find a book about pagan family names, but I was ultimately disappointed. The information provided was very basic and didn't offer anything new or unique. It felt like the author just did a quick Google search and compiled the names they found. Additionally, there were no explanations or meanings given for the names, which was a major letdown. Overall, I found the book to be lackluster and not worth the price.
2. James - 1/5 stars - I purchased "Pagan family names" hoping to delve into the rich history and meanings behind pagan names, but this book fell short. The information provided was shallow and seemed hastily put together. There were no references or sources cited, making it difficult to trust the accuracy of the content. I also found several typos and grammatical errors throughout, which further detracted from the reading experience. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for in-depth knowledge on pagan family names.
3. Emily - 2/5 stars - As someone who has always been interested in pagan culture, I was excited to come across a book on pagan family names. Unfortunately, "Pagan family names" didn't live up to my expectations. The book lacked depth and didn't provide any historical or cultural context for the names listed. It felt like a random compilation rather than a well-researched guide. Additionally, the book could benefit from better organization and structure, as it was difficult to navigate and find specific information. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would recommend seeking alternative resources for a more comprehensive exploration of pagan family names.
4. David - 2/5 stars - I found "Pagan family names" to be a very basic and surface-level book on the topic. The names listed were mostly common and well-known, offering no new insights or discoveries. I was hoping for a deeper exploration into lesser-known pagan family names and their meanings, but this book failed to deliver. The lack of historical context and explanation behind the names made it an underwhelming read overall. I would recommend looking for more comprehensive resources if you're genuinely interested in pagan family names.