22 December, 2010

It's News To Me #38

Hope you're holiday season's going great. I have a short one this week, but in January, I'll be back in action with reviews and updates aplenty.

News

On behalf of Tor.com, Tor Books, Microsoft/343 Industries, and Halo Waypoint, I’m excited to present two exclusive chapter excerpts of HALO: Cryptum, the hugely anticipated first novel in a trilogy by Hugo and Nebula award-winning science fiction legend Greg Bear in the New York Times bestselling “Halo®” series. Chapter one will go live on Tor.com at *1 PM eastern today* while chapter two will simultaneously be available at halowaypoint.com, the official Halovideogames franchise web site. HALO: Cryptum will be available nationwide on January 4, 2011.


HALO: Cryptum takes place 100,000 years before the events of the Halo games and serves as a great entry point into what has become one of the most successful science fiction franchises of all time. These two exclusive excerpts will be the first place to begin this deep exploration into the time of the Forerunners, the creators and builders of the Halos. Almost nothing has been revealed about this ancient race. This new series will delve deep into the reign of these enigmatic beings, and tell the epic story behind one of the great mysteries of the “Halo”universe: the complete disappearance of the Forerunners from existence, while also revealing an amazing tale of human origins.


An icon in the science fiction community, Greg Bear has penned such critically celebrated international bestsellers as Eon and The Forge of God. His recent novel Hull Zero Three was published in November by Orbit Books and met widespread acclaim. Bear’s talent for taut narratives, intellectually rigorous themes, and realistic, appealing characters make him the most qualified author writing today to begin a new chapter in this blockbuster franchise.


Greg Bear will also be appearing with special guests from 343 Industries at University Books in Seattle for an exclusive signing and launch event on January 4th, 2010 at 7 PM.


Here's the first chapter for a preview.


Movies/TV/Videos



And that's the news...at least to me.

19 December, 2010

The 20 SF/F Book Giveaway

20 BOOKS - ONE WINNER TO RULE THEM ALL

Every year in an effort to reduce some of the strain on my poor shelves, I hold a large giveaway of some of the notable lit of that year, with a few random surprises thrown in. Might there be a Towers of Midnight signed by all of Team Joran, Leigh and Mr. Doherty himself? At the very least, I can guarantee a Tai'Shar Malkier sticker.
Giveaway Rules

Want just under two dozen books for free? Done. Just follow these simple giveaway instructions for your chance to win (giveaway runs till 1/10/10 @ 11:59 PM EST):

1) E-mail me [bloggeratf@gmail.com] your name and address, with 20 BOOKS, as the subject. Snarky comments increase your chances of winning and the snarkiest comment of the week gets free entries for future giveaways.
2) Sign up for site updates either in RSS or with Friend Connect on the side. This will also let you know about future giveaways!
3) Think happy thoughts.
4) (OPTIONAL) Share or link to any post on the blog--this earns you brownie points as well as increasing your (if you have made it this far) already significant odds.
5) There is no rule number five. I just like odd numbers.

17 December, 2010

CANCELLED: Stargate Universe (SGU)

I give up. By force of repeated cancellation of the few SyFy shows I enjoy watching, I now despair that any series I like on television will survive for more than two seasons.

Stargate Universe had everything going for it. A great cast, some awesome writers and consultants (Scalzi), some amazing CGI and a plot that was finally going somewhere. But no, now it is going nowhere. The cancellation of SGU is a real blow for every fan!

SGU Stargate Universe Cancelled
Stargate Univese (SGU) Cancelled

15 December, 2010

It's News To Me #37

I'll try really hard to keep some posts going through the holidays, but I'm making no promises. Once finals are over I'm headed home to California immediately and nice weather will ensue. :)

Cover Art

Lots of good stuff came out the other day:


This one just looks awesome, I'm glad it's gotten a bit of a face lift from the last. And a blurb:
Summer is the season of war in the Free Cities. Marcus wants to get out before the fighting starts. His hero days are behind him and simple caravan duty is better than getting pressed into service by the local gentry. Even a small war can get you killed. But a captain needs men to lead — and his have been summarily arrested and recruited for their swords.

Cithrin has a job to do — move the wealth of a nation across a war zone. An orphan raised by the bank, she is their last hope of keeping the bank’s wealth out of the hands of the invaders. But she’s just a girl and knows little of caravans, war, and danger. She knows money and she knows secrets, but will that be enough to save her in the coming months?

Geder, the only son of a noble house is more interested in philosophy than swordplay. He is a poor excuse for a soldier and little more than a pawn in these games of war. But not even he knows what he will become of the fires of battle. Hero or villain? Small men have achieved greater things and Geder is no small man.

Falling pebbles can start a landslide. What should have been a small summer spat between gentlemen is spiraling out of control. Dark forces are at work, fanning the flames that will sweep the entire region onto The Dragon’s Path — the path of war.

Then here's the next volume following the great debut, Shadow's Son. This artwork is done by Michael Komarck again for the US edition, and below you'll find Chris McGrath's work on the UK edition:


I'm torn as to which I like better. I think I had this same problem with Shadow's Son.

News

Lots of bloggers are getting gigs with Tor lately and I have to say I'm a bit jealous. :D

Fantasy - Aidan Moher (A Dribble of Ink)

Steampunk - Ay-Leen the Peacemaker (Beyond Victoriana)

Science Fiction - Mark Chitty (Walker of Worlds)


From Orbit, N.K. Jemisin's news two book series has been acquired and tentatively titled Reaper and Conqueror.
In the city-state of Gujaareh, peace is the only law. Along its ancient stone streets, where time is marked by the river’s floods, there is no crime or violence. Within the city’s colored shadows, priests of the dream-goddess harvest the wild power of the sleeping mind as magic, using it to heal, soothe… and kill.

Movies/TV/Video

A new interview with Alistair Reynolds is at First Tuesday Book Club.

Un:Bound Video Edition is up and running and I have to say I'm impressed:



And in movies, here's the newest Pirates of the Caribbean - On Stranger Tides (the title coming from Tim Powers' novel, which should be arriving at my doorstep any day now). Loved every one, so I don't think this will disappoint:



And that's the news...at least to me.

13 December, 2010

When science fiction becomes reality!

Military science fiction being one of my favorite niches, I am always fascinated by DARPA and all of their ingenious new ideas for weapons. The little guy below, a prototype rail-gun, brings us one step closer to the technology that permeates military sci-fi.

It is clear that the author of the rail-gun article clearly had a good time writing it. Enjoy:
Not only would a 64 MJ railgun permit a warship to pound targets far away below the horizon with unstoppable Mach 5 hypersonic hammerblows, lesser hypersonic cannon might also sweep the skies of pesky, merely-supersonic aircraft and missiles.

09 December, 2010

Review - Supernatural: The Unholy Cause by Joe Schreiber

I accepted this book a while back pretty much on a whim. I thought, Joe Schreiber seems to be a popular enough author and this might be interesting to check out him writing a tie-in novel.

The only problem is that I've never seen the show nor read a book in this series. But, while this is actually Supernatural book 5, I only missed a few references here and there and otherwise this was pretty stand-alone.

The cover itself probably should have turned me away from Supernatural: The Unholy Cause [US] [UK], but I'm glad I didn't stop there. As you can probably tell, I'm not a die hard fan of the series, I only just found out about it through the publishers, Titan books, but even with my limited knowledge, I was able to enjoy this book.

Because this is a tie-in novel for the show on The CW, I thought I'd do this review in the form of the only other show I've seen (due to my wife) on The CW... 90210.

"(Scene: The 90210ers are at school when the new kid shows up. He wants to fit in but doesn't quite know what to say and just happened to have read Supernatural: The Unholy Cause the night before.)

New kid (blurting out the first thing on his mind): So, have you ever heard of this Supernatural thing, it's kind of like the Dresden Files except the main people are much prettier...

Annie: Oh...um...I think I've like heard of the TV show like... Never heard of these Bresnan Files, is it like the X-Files?

Dixon: Yeah dude, that's like my favorite show and like I watch it all the time. It's about demons and ghosts and like all kinds of creepy cool stuff.

Naomi (the mean one): It's like the worst ever and you guys are all like dumb. Why would you like ever watch such trash?

New kid: Well, I technically didn't watch anything, I read the book by Joe Schreiber...um...like.

Annie, Dixon, Naomi (uncomprehending): A book? Sick... (all turn and walk away)"

You can now also tell that I don't know anything about 90210 either. :D

Like the "New kid" said, Supernatural: The Unholy Cause was a decent read that reminded me a lot of the Dresden Files, but with the pretty boys not getting beat up nearly as bad. It's fun and fast Urban Fantasy with religious themes of devils and angels and exorcisms running throughout.

I hadn't watched the show until after I read the book (not bad) or read a Supernatural book and I was able to keep up fine even though this is also technically book 5 in the series of tie-ins.

Recommended if you need something in between seasons or to hold you over until the next Dresden Files book comes out.

3.5 out of 5 Stars

08 December, 2010

It's News To Me #36

Finals are here and blogging has become difficult, hence these sorry excuses for a weekly wrap-up. I promise, once I'm done with law school I'll have plenty more excuses for slacking.

Cover Art


Not as big of a fan of the cover for Pyr's US edition of The Scarab Path (Shadows of the Apt 5) [US] [UK] as the earlier volumes, but at least I hear the book's pretty good. :)

News

Adventures in Reading has The Top Ten SF Novels of the Last Decade, Written by Women (and which I have read).

Movies/TV/Videos


This is a beautiful thing (HBO's Game of Thrones):



And that's the news...at least to me.

07 December, 2010

Giveaway: The Lost Gate, by Orson Scott Card

The Lost Gate [US ][UK] is a delightful tale filled with the trademark characterization and themes Mr. Card is known for. My full review will be up next week, but in way of a brief description, the novel can be summed up as Potter for adults, with a magic system that isn't plain silly. Failure to add this book to your reading pile for political/ideological reasons would be a real shame.

The blurb:
Danny North knew from early childhood that his family was different, and that he was different from them. While his cousins were learning how to create the things that commoners called fairies, ghosts, golems, trolls, werewolves, and other such miracles that were the heritage of the North family, Danny worried that he would never show a talent, never form an outself.
He grew up in the rambling old house, filled with dozens of cousins, and aunts and uncles, all ruled by his father. Their home was isolated in the mountains of western Virginia, far from town, far from schools, far from other people.
There are many secrets in the House, and many rules that Danny must follow. There is a secret library with only a few dozen books, and none of them in English — but Danny and his cousins are expected to become fluent in the language of the books. While Danny’s cousins are free to create magic whenever they like, they must never do it where outsiders might see.
Giveaway Rules

If you are interested in getting your hands on The Lost Gate, then follow the exceedingly simple instructions below. Giveaway runs until 12/31/10 @ 11:59 PM EST.

E-mail me your name and address at bloggeratf@[removethis]gmail.com, with "GATEMAGE" as the subject of the email. Snarky comments increase your chances of winning and win bonus entries for future giveaways. Open worldwide as long as delivery doesn't require the mounting of an expedition into remote wilderness.

05 December, 2010

Review: State of Decay, by James Knapp

State of Decay [US][UK], by James Knapp is the first installment in a near-future dystopian zombie trilogy aptly named Revivors. Darkly compelling and deviously plotted, State of decay is a mind bending zombie adventure that will please noir crime/thriller and genre fans alike.

My experience with zombie lit is sadly limited. My most notable (and only) foray into the genre was with Max Brooks in World War Z - the opus of zombie literature. All this to say that State of Decay is not your typical smash and bash zombie survival adventure. It aspires to, and achieves more than that. Dark and dystopian, the zombie aspect of the novel is secondary to the human controversy.

State of Decay takes place in an authoritarian future in which it seems that everyone is at war with, well, everyone. Technology, ever the friend of the military, is used to reanimate the dead and send them right back to the front line. Society is highly hierarchical; greater rights and privileges are accorded to those who 'donate' their bodies after death to become "revivors".

The novel is fairly unique in that it takes time to explore some of the murkier waters of the zombie sub-genre. Since becoming a revivor is generally a voluntary process, one in which you retain your memories and identity, the morality of act and its attendant consequences are given a front row seat. The first test-case that readers encounter is that of a black market female revivor sex slave, revived against her will. I wasn't kidding when I said the novel was dark...

Meet the four protagonists: the badass ex-military hero turned FBI superstar; the driven yet tormented cop; the gritty and down on her luck boxer with a personality that resembles a shot of whisky; and the young and frail junky who is more than she seems. All in all a well rounded cast of characters that keep the plot rolling along at a respectable clip.

The major plot arc, which I will not spoiler, is essentially the intersection of hero FBI agent's investigation and the tormented cop's case. Did I mention they have a romantic history? Of further uniqueness in the novel is the intersection of the zombie sub-genre and the psychic sub-genre, if it can even be termed such. The contrast between the purely scientific revivor and the more ephemeral powers of the psychic makes for some dazzling plot twists that are sure to surprise.

As the James Knapp has mentioned, the trilogy is divided into three distinct parts, which fits with my reading of the first book:
The book, and the trilogy as a whole, is what I intended it to be and I don’t think I could ask for anything more. Putting all the world-building and character development aside, it’s a three part tale: The first book uncovers an unpleasant truth, the second is about choosing sides, and the third is about fighting for what you believe in. I’m satisfied with the symmetry of it, I like where my characters ended up, and I feel now that the story has been told.
I enjoyed the fact that Mr. Knapp made the zombie theme his own and chose to make fun of some of the genres preconceptions. Insatiable thirst for human flesh? There's a chip for that - upgrade you zombie today! Well, the fun was a bit more subtle than that, but you get the idea.

State of Decay is recommended for the zombie naive, the noir obsessed, and the genre fan generally. It isn't a perfect book, but it was perfectly enjoyable - take the jump for a concisely precise review of State of Decay that is decidedly more balanced than mine. I am anxious to dig into The Silent Army [US][UK] and see what the fates have in store for our unlikely heroes.

03 December, 2010

New Durzo novella and Two New Novels from Brandon Sanderson

These bits of news were way too big to contain to the weekly It's News To Me and thus they're coming to you today.


Brent Weeks has announced on Twitter that there's a new novella involving Durzo Blint. I loved the Night Angel Trilogy so this is wonderful news (thanks Mad Hatter):
You ever wonder how Durzo became Durzo? Well, I just turned in a Durzo Blint novella that tells.
And in Sanderson news:

Tor announces acquisitions of two new novels by #1 New York Times bestselling fantasy author Brandon Sanderson

Sanderson to publish new Mistborn novel in late 2011
followed by The Rithmatist in 2012

New York, NY: Wednesday, December 1 2010

Tor Books is proud to announce the acquisition of two new novels by acclaimed fantasy author Brandon Sanderson, whose recent book Towers of Midnight, Book Thirteen in Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time®, recently debuted at #1 on the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Publishers Weekly, and ABA National Indiebound bestseller lists. Sanderson is also the author of New York Times bestselling novels The Way of Kings, The Gathering Storm, The Mistborn Trilogy, Warbreaker, Elantris, and the middle grade “Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians” series. He is currently working on A Memory of Light, the 14th and final volume in The Wheel of Time, and planning a sequel to The Way of Kings.

Sanderson’s first new project will be an original, standalone short novel set in the universe of his Mistborn trilogy (Mistborn, The Well of Ascension, and The Hero of Ages). Sanderson previously announced plans for a sequel trilogy set in the far future of that world, and the new novel, entitled Mistborn: The Alloy of Law, is set during a frontier era where “allomancy” meets gunplay. The Alloy of Law will be published in late 2011.

Sanderson’s second project, titled The Rithmatist, was first drafted in 2007 and perfected this year. Set in an alternate-history America where magic users (called “Rithmatists”) battle wild chalk creatures, The Rithmatist introduces Joel, a student at the Rithmatist academy with great interest in but no ability to use the magic. But when students start vanishing, it’s up to him to expose the sinister figure behind the disappearances. The Rithmatist will be published in 2012 after the publication of A Memory of Light.

This year and next will also see major publications in the Wheel of Time franchise, including the graphic novel adaptations of New Spring (January 2011) and The Eye of the World: Volume 1 (September 2011) before the landmark publication of A Memory of Light, the final volume in the series. The third annual JordanCon will take place April 15–17 2011 in Atlanta, GA. Pre-registration is currently ongoing at www.ageoflegends.net.

Fore more information visit www.brandonsanderson.com.

01 December, 2010

It's News To Me #35

It's that time again, finals start next week and I make no promises as to how many reviews I'll get out nor how many links will be included in the news segment. Because all of my classes are depending 100% on my final exams, I get a bit stressed at this time of year/semester. Just ask my wife, or better yet don't. :)

Cover Art

Covers like these make me want to read a book (Swanland is my hero):

Surrender to the Will of the Night (Instrumentalities of the Night Book 3) by Glen Cook [US] [UK]

Elfsorrow (Legends of the Raven Book 1) by James Barclay [US] [UK]

News

Brian Ruckley "Answers 8 Rad Questions" that aren't rad and can barely be considered questions. But he's a writer I guess, and of fantasy, so he's good at making things up. :D

The Nook Color is reviewed at Genre Reader. I probably won't get a reader for a while, but Jeff does a great job laying it down with his eReader reviews.

Sarah asks what was your "Gateway Drug" into Speculative Fiction - meaning that book that got you loving the genre, which you'll always love, but which in reality probably isn't the best book ever put to paper.

There's an exclusive excerpt of Orson Scott Card's new book (first in a trilogy), The Lost Gate. (thanks Yagiz).

I've been keeping up on Patrick Rothfuss's Worldbuilders project through donated, signed books and I think it's a great way to make this world a better place. If you have even a little to give, this is a great way to go.

On that note, Pat (Hotlist) is donating all proceeds from his links to Breast Cancer Research. You don't even have to do anything but buy your gifts through these links and you can help.

Oh, and he's not done...and others have things to say about that.

Movies/TV/Videos

I'm obsessed with Game of Thrones on HBO, I'm sure you can't tell, so here's a teaser trailer and if you follow this link, there are 9 other short clips to get you excited:

And that's the news...at least to me.

26 November, 2010

Funny Wheel of Time Review

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and to those who don't celebrate it, hope you've had a great week.

This review of Crossroads of Twilight really had me cracking up and since I'm on vacation right now and have no review of my own, I thought this might work in lieu.

(from sffworld.com)
Author - Tom E.

"Those who can appreciate great setup will really love this book. Personally, I thought the setup in books 8 and 9 were good ... but this was absolutely stupendous. Fans of total plot inertia will be in heaven.

I've grown to hate the character of Rand because whenever he makes an appearance the plot is in danger of moving incrementally forward. Thankfully, Mr. Jordan saves us from any threatening plot developments by keeping Rand almost totally absent from this book. And when he is introduced - briefly - towards the very end, Mr. Jordan quickly whisks him off to the sidelines before anything interesting can happen. Whew! I'm wiping the sweat off my brow because that was a close one.

Have you ever wondered how many stripes should be on the dublet of an important dignitary from Illian? How many shawl twitches are appropriate when Aes Sedai negotiate momentous agreements? What kind of stool the general of an Aes Sedai army sits on, and how stable said stool might be? Well buckle up for a wild ride, amigo, because you're going to learn all that (and more!) by the time you've tediously slogged to the conclusion of this book.

Part of what really makes Mr. Jordan's worlds so unique are the wonderful characters which populate them. I like nothing more than to scratch my head in befuddlement as yet another Aes Sedai is reintroduced into the plot whom I can no longer recall. It gives me an excuse to page to the back of the book and open up the 'Robert Jordan Appendix of Useless and Irrelevant Characters' which is always such a joy. I've created my own drinking game based on this called, [...]
For anyone who wants to play along the rules are simple:

1.) Is the character you're looking up totally irrelevent? Take a drink.
2.) Do you have reason to suspect said character will remain totally irrelevent? Take a drink.
3.) Does the character twitch her shawl? Take two drinks.
4.) Is she looking "cross-eyed" at someone? Take a drink.
5.) Do you know the exact design of the embroidery on the fringe of her shawl? Of course you do - take a drink. For your own sanity, consider taking another.

23 November, 2010

It's News To Me #34

I'm excited to have today and the rest of the week off in a much needed Thanksgiving break. Even though we'll be visiting family, I have soooo much to do to get ready for finals. Bargh.

Cover Art

I don't know why I haven't yet read anything by Mark Hodder, but these covers just keep getting better:


...and the still cool, but not quite as awesome UK version:

(thanks Edi's Book Lighthouse)

News

Brandon Sanderson will have a new Mistborn novel coming out next year (it's the secret project he's been working on). That also means I will be reading the original trilogy next year. :)

Entertainment Weekly has some awesome stills of HBO's Game of Thrones. Pretty much, I need this to start now. Maybe I should start reading the series again. You know, "if you read it, the next volume will come".


PRESS RELEASE
22nd November 2010 ~ For Immediate Release

ANGRY ROBOT ANNOUNCES DIGITAL SHORT STORY STORE

On December 1st 2010, Angry Robot will be launching “Nano Editions”. Exclusive to the publisher’s own webstore at angryrobotstore.com, Nanos are digital short stories by Angry Robot novelists, sold at sensible prices in ePub format, ready to load onto the world’s most popular eBook readers.

Most Nanos will be in the 5,000 – 15,000 word range. Shorter works than that will be automatically bundled with another story to ensure value for money.

Talking of which – stories will cost just 59p each (approximately US $0.95). Readers can bundle a collection of any 10 by any combination of authors, for only £3.49 (US$5.59). The files will be DRM-free and available worldwide. If demand for the stories takes off, AR plan to also sell them via eBook retailers.

Angry Robot Editor Lee Harris said, “Publishing is changing, but our role as publishers remains the same – to find cool stories and bring them to readers. This is another step in Angry Robot’s ongoing plan to embrace the new opportunities digital formats provide – and an excellent way for readers to sample unfamiliar authors, without breaking the bank.”

Authors included in the Nanos series include multi-million-selling novelist Dan Abnett and award-winning short fiction authors Kaaron Warren and Aliette de Bodard, along with many others. We will have at least 30 Nanos available for the December 1st launch, with more added at regular intervals.

Lee Harris
Editor, Angry Robot

Here's another Press Release from Seventh Star Press (Full release here):
Now available for pre-order in a specially priced limited edition hardcover and trade paperback, DREAM OF LEGENDS continues the adventures begun in CROWN OF VENGEANCE, when it was released in fall of 2009.

DREAM OF LEGENDS journeys forward with several characters from the modern world, who discover that finding themselves in the fantastical lands of Ave was just the beginning. The assault upon the Kingdom of Saxany and the tribes of the Five Realms ignites, as the eyes of The Unifier turn southward, across the seas towards faraway Midragard. Within this maelstrom, some find themselves on a path of discovery, to uncover powers that lie within, while others must brave perilous journeys, to seek out
the things said to exist only in the faded mists of myth and legend. Epic battles, plot twists, and new environments abound in DREAM OF LEGENDS.

In other news, Happy Thanksgiving!

And that's the news...at least to me.

19 November, 2010

(Audiobook) Review - Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins


Young Katniss Everdeen has survived the dreaded Hunger Games not once, but twice, but even now she can find no relief. In fact, the dangers seem to be escalating: President Snow has declared an all-out war on Kattnis, her family, her friends, and all the oppressed people of District 12. The thrill-packed final installment of Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games trilogy will keep young hearts pounding.

Mockingjay
[US] [UK] is the conclusion to The Hunger Games trilogy and actually my favorite of the three.

There's definitely a split of opinion when it comes to this book. I know lots of people that hated the ending, but I thought it not only worked, but was so unexpected for me that it really made the entire series that much better.

Lots of people wanted Katniss to really exact her revenge, to blow the Capitol away and really take it to President Snow. I admit, coming into this book, I was expecting much the same. Yet, what we get is something quite different, but which in retrospect is much more fitting for the characters.

This is a warning, there will probably be spoilers if you haven't read the first two (The Hunger Games and Catching Fire), so continue if you dare. :)

Katniss is now a resident of the once thought to be desolate District 13, which is actually the center for the resistance against the Capitol. In the conclusion to Catching Fire, Katniss is whisked away while the resistance leaves Peeta to an uncertain demise at the hands of President Snow.

District 13 is quite the place. With restrictions on food intake, bans on saving food, and other constraints, the resistance is looking about as fascist as the Capitol - only lacking in the whole send your kids off to kill each other aspect.

The resistance, however, seems to be taking some steps in the right direction because some of the other districts are following suit. The Capitol has its ways and means to subvert the populace, however; most especially with the use of its broadcasts...where Peeta makes his first appearance in the book. The only problem is that Peeta is supporting the Capitol...or is he?

I don't want to go too far into this. Let it be said that the conclusion was well done, but heartbreaking, throwing in some twists that I didn't expect, but that fit perfectly with the characters and the events.

The only thing I thought wasn't done that well, and I'll spoiler alert this, was the love triangle between Peeta, Katniss, and Gale. Gale was the stalwart presence while Peeta was almost immediately taken out of the equation. With things lining up at the end of Catching Fire, especially with people drawing the Twilight line between Team Peeta and Team Gale, more should have been done to keep this going or at least keep it at play.

Audio Commentary

While at first I had a hard time with Carolyn McCormick's reading of The Hunger Games (the first in the trilogy), I grew to like her by Mockingjay. She's a bit monotone, but the more I listened, the more I realized it fits the setting and situations quite well.

Why Should You Read The Hunger Games?

Well, if you read speculative fiction at all, you've probably already read this series and moved on. If you are one of the few who haven't, it's not a bad series. The characters are likable, the situations are made realistic, the story is straight-forward and fast-paced, and it's even thought-provoking at times. It is told in first person, of which I know some aren't the biggest of fans, but overall Recommended.

3.5 out of 5 Stars

17 November, 2010

It's News To Me #33

I think last week's update was a little unruly, so I'm trying something different this week and a bit simpler. Let me know if this works better for you if you even notice a difference (as opposed to this one).

Cover Art

This cover isn't quite finalized as alluded to by the author, Stephen Deas, but I think it's looking pretty good nonetheless. The Warlock's Shadow is the second in Deas' YA series starting with The Thief-Taker's Apprentice [US] [UK]. I guess you can't go wrong with a hooded figure and a "shadow" in the title.

Blurbs

  • China Mieville's next book, Embassytown [US] [UK], has a blurb. This one seems to be getting lots of push now that he won so many awards for The City and The City.
Embassytown: a city of contradictions on the outskirts of the universe.

Avice is an immerser, a traveller on the immer, the sea of space and time below the everyday, now returned to her birth planet. Here on Arieka, humans are not the only intelligent life, and Avice has a rare bond with the natives, the enigmatic Hosts - who cannot lie.

Only a tiny cadre of unique human Ambassadors can speak Language, and connect the two communities. But an unimaginable new arrival has come to Embassytown. And when this Ambassador speaks, everything changes.

Catastrophe looms. Avice knows the only hope is for her to speak directly to the alien Hosts.
  • Number 2 in the Aspect Emperor series, The White-Luck Warrior [US] [UK], jumped on the blurb-wagon too:
As Anasûrimbor Kellhus and his Great Ordeal march ever farther into the perilous wastes of the Ancient North, Esmenet finds herself at war with not only the Gods, but her own family as well. Achamian, meanwhile, leads his own ragtag expedition to the legendary ruins of Sauglish, and to a truth he can scarce survive, let alone comprehend. Into this tumult walks the White-Luck Warrior, assassin and messiah both, executing a mission as old as the World’s making …

The White-Luck Warrior is a story filled with heart-stopping action, devious treachery, grand passion and meticulous detail. It is both a classic quest tale and a high fantasy war story.
  • Blake Charlton's sequel (lots of sequels this week), Spellbound [US] [UK], has a synopsis as well:
In a world where one’s magical prowess is determined by one’s skill with words and ability to spell, Nicodemus is a wizardly apprentice afflicted by a curse that causes him to misspell magical texts. Now, the demon who cursed him has hatched a conspiracy to force Nicodemus to change language and ultimately use it to destroy all human life. As Nico tries to thwart the demon’s plan, he faces challenges from all sides. But his biggest challenge is his own disability, which causes him to create chaos wherever he goes. And the chaos surrounding Nico is affecting the world so profoundly that the kingdom to which he has fled to gather strength is on the brink of civil war, and he suspects that his closest allies—even Francesca, whom he loves more than life itself—may be subject to the demon’s vast powers. As Nico tries to forestall the apocalypse, he realizes that he doesn’t know if he can fully trust anyone, not even the woman he loves. And if he makes one wrong move, not only will his life be forfeit, he may end up destroying all mortal life as well.

Introducing new twists to the unique magical system of Spellwright, and exploring issues that will bring readers a deeper appreciation of a fascinating world, Spellbound is sure to please Blake Charlton’s fans and increase their number.
Blogs

  • I haven't read a ton of comics, but I've enjoyed everything I have read. Ryan, at Battle Hymns, has a great segment called Comic Quickies where he quickly overviews four or five comics - giving someone like me, who has no clue where to start, a starting point.

  • A new blog jumped into my line of site and it's all about audiobooks - Audiobook Jukebox. You know I have a penchant for them...plus it helps they featured one of my reviews. :)

Book Trailers

This should be good news for some. I haven't read any of the Immortals series, but here's some blurbage and a Book Trailer:
Available November 16th from St. Martin's Press is Alyson Noël's latest release in her widely loved 'Immortals' series, 'Night Star'.

"Night Star continues the epic love story that has enchanted readers across the world. In this installment, Ever and Damen face down bitter rivals, jealous friends and their own worst fears—all in the hope of being together forever. Night Star is guaranteed to mesmerize fans and leave them breathlessly awaiting the sixth and final book!"


And that's the news...at least to me.

12 November, 2010

(Audiobook) Review - Ender's Shadow by Orson Scott Card

While still a proponent that Card should have left it at Ender's Game and been done with this saga, Ender's Shadow [US] [UK] is not only good, it's definitely worth reading.

As a parallel novel to Orson Scott Card's classic Ender's Game, Ender's Shadow follows Bean, the kid Ender treats like the teachers treated him.

While hesitant to pick this up, I had heard that the Shadow series is better than the original quartet, but I couldn't get away from the feeling that it would pretty much be the same book. I'm glad I was wrong.

The first quarter or so of the book takes us from Beans upbringing in the slums of Rotterdam as he barely survives on the streets through the child gangs and bullying to his discovery and entry into Battle School.

Already, Ender's Shadow is completely different from Ender's Game. Bean has obviously survived because of his immense intelligence, which not only rivals Ender's, but far surpasses it. The only problem is there is one other person on the streets who happens to have it out for Bean because of what Bean's done to him. Achilles (pronounced Asheel) holds grudges like no one else, but also knows how to work the system, especially adults.

Card is a master storyteller, even turning what is essentially the same story in Ender's Game into something new and unique. Characterization is flawless and while Bean is a super-intelligent kid, he is in every way relatable to the reader. Let's be honest, kids can be brutal and Card understands this perfectly.

Bean is able to out-think everyone at flight school from the kid commanders to the teachers and officers. He knows what will get him in trouble whether it's bullies or teachers, but he also knows most everything else that is going on in Battle School even those things the teachers don't want him to know. Those things that make him a risk and have the teachers wondering whether he belongs.

Audio Commentary


There is a full cast for this one and Scott Brick, playing Bean, does an amazing job. In fact there's not one bad performance and even the great Stefan Rudnicki plays a minor role (Worth it just to listen to him).

At the end of the book, Card gives an afterword that mainly discusses the movie Ender's Game that he says will be a combination of Ender's Game and Ender's Shadow. This wasn't the original decision, but actually helped to cut down the script being able to play from both point of views.

Card also mentions that once someone writes a book everyone starts asking when it's going to be made into a movie, to which he replies, it's already in it's perfect form, it's a book. Too true!

Sadly, this movie will probably never come to pass - I don't know how long these talks have been going on, but it's been a while.

Why Should You Read Ender's Shadow?

This is a great follow up (or beginning) to the classic, Ender's Game. It puts you right into the setting and mind of the main character and everything becomes real. Coupled with Card's writing, you can't go wrong - this is a great book. Highly Recommended.

4.5 out of 5 Stars

10 November, 2010

It's News To Me #32

The local library had one of their annual sales this week and I realized I pretty much live for these. :)

Picked up some great stuff, but I'm most proud of a Moorcock omnibus I found that has the first three books of the Eternal Champion, Elric, including Elric of Melniboné, The Sailor on the Seas of Fate, and The Weird of the White Wolf. It's usually pretty expensive, but only a buck at the library sale. May not be able to resist reading this ASAP.

Cover Art

This is a really cool cover for Book 2 in The Aeon's Gate, Black Halo [US] [UK]. It's vibrant, it's action-packed, and maybe I'm getting used to realistic personages on covers. It appears they're not going anywhere.

News
Wise Man's Fear [US] [UK] is done right? That's the word on the street at least. Gollancz has a picture of the manuscript and has let the excitement ensue. The March 1st, 2011 release date is holding strong although there are still copy edits, etc., etc. to do, this is happy news indeed.


Not only are pirates causing Global Warming, but they they're abusing the publishing market.The Speculative Scotsman, The Wertzone, as well as author, Celine Kiernan speak on the subject. (I think I got out enough stupid pirate spam for one day)

Pat has a list for authors to follow who don't want their work to be derivative junk. There are actually 75 questions, but here's a little taste:
- Is your main character a young farmhand with mysterious parentage?

- Is your main character the heir to the throne but doesn't know it?
Seventh Star Press has some more good news with their soon-to-be-released novel, Thrall (as seen above). Here's a tidbit (full press release here):
Seventh Star Press is proud to announce the release of THRALL, the new
heroic fantasy novel from author Steven L. Shrewsbury.

Now available for pre-order in limited edition hardcover and trade
paperback, THRALL is the first published adventure of a brand new hero in
fantasy literature, Gorias La Gaul.

Set in an ancient world, Thrall is gritty, dark-edged heroic fantasy in
the vein of Robert E. Howard and David Gemmell. It tells the story of
Gorias La Gaul, an aging warrior who has lived for centuries battling the
monstrosities of legend and lore. It is an age when the Nephilum walk the
earth, and dragons still soar through the air … living or undead. On a
journey to find one of his own blood, Gorias' path crosses with familiar
enemies ... some of whom not even death can hold bound.
...

Updates and additional information can be obtained at the official site
for Seventh Star Press, at www.seventhstarpress.com , or at the author's
site at www.stevenshrewsbury.com

Lastly, there's The Great Steampunk Kerfluffle of ought '10 that The Mad Hatter nicely summarizes.

And that's the news...at least to me.

04 November, 2010

Review - The Price of Spring by Daniel Abraham

The Long Price Quartet has officially moved Daniel Abraham onto my list of authors whose works I buy immediately upon publication.

The first half of this series, A Shadow in Summer and A Betrayal in Winter, dealt more individually with themes and characters yet gave us a world all its own, epic in every sense of the word. They displayed the author's proficiency with plotting and character development and gave us the tragic tone of the series.

In the latter half, An Autumn War and The Price of Spring [US] [UK books 3 & 4], Abraham takes us to a whole new level in this uniquely crafted world of the Khaiem.

While the first two books also involve decisions made by the main characters that could effect the entire world, the latter two involve decisions that effect the world in an enormous way and change the way people live out their lives.

Set years after the events of An Autumn War, the people of the Khaiem and the Galts, still not on the best of terms, attempt to work something out for both cultures to survive their ill fates.

Otah Machi attempts to deal with the hand that is dealt to him, negotiating with the Galts to ship their women to the Khaiem so that both countries aren't ruined or picked apart by other countries for their lack of offspring.

Some call it whoring the women out, some call it saving the races, but mostly there is a deep sadness as the current generation of women feel betrayed and useless for their inability to have children.

Otah sees this as his chance to get rid of the old practices of the Khaiem where the sons kill each other off to become the next ruler, or Khai.

Maati Vaupathi, once Emperor Otah Machi's friend, once his enemy, has found himself again opposing Otah's wishes. Exiled for creating the andat Seedless, who all but ruined both the Khaiem and the Galts, taking away their ability to reproduce separately, Maati is resentful towards his old friend who had just as much of a part to play in the disaster that fell on both countries.

But, he has found a way to redeem himself and the name of all poets everywhere as he attempts to right the wrong he has done. Doesn't he deserve a chance to make things better and save those women the heartbreak that a generation of half-breeds will provide?

With a steady and inventive plot that continually has you guessing just off the mark, The Price of Spring is epic in consequences and as tragic as its predecessors, perhaps even more so.

I enjoyed the fact that we got to see these characters throughout their lives. By the end of The Price of Spring, Maati and Otah are well into their later years.

I enjoyed the physical language of the Khaiem and thought it brought a wonderful atmosphere to the books even though I think I pictured ever pose, whether "thank you" or "good by", as someone putting both arms up walking like an Egyptian. Couldn't get that out of my head.

I did, however, have one slight problem with the behavior of Maati and Otah and I couldn't quite enjoy the book as much as I wanted to (and hence the slightly lower rating). While I understand the animosity between them, I thought it was stretched a bit. I know they both had different views of the situation, but I felt like they really should have understood each other better than they gave off, especially when they started acting like two brawling children.

I know I always harp on language, and I will stop, but I think too many authors are siding with reality over originality when it comes to some of the more colorful language. What else can you use in a maddening situation when you've already used everything in the book? This book hardly if ever uses any foul language, but the one time it did, it took me back a step.

Why Should You Read The Long Price Quartet?

I've mentioned this before and I'll say it again. This series is a great read. It's slower paced, but packs a punch with plot and characterization and the world is something all its own.

4 out of 5 Stars

03 November, 2010

It's News To Me #31

I just got a new Mac and I have to say, I don't make many good decisions, but this is one of the better ones. Even blogger works better with a Mac. Who'd've thunk?

News

I don't usually put news first, but I felt this was deserved:

Science Fiction and Fantasy comes to Leeds

On Saturday March 12th 2011, Leeds will be hosting its first Science Fiction and Fantasy event in many years - ConJour.

The one day event is being sponsored by Tor UK and SFF fans will have the opportunity to attend guest talks and panels, and meet some of their favourite authors at signing sessions taking place throughout the day.

Confirmed guests attending the event are Mike Carey, Kate Griffin, Mark Charan Newton, Justina Robson, Adrian Tchaikovsky and Freda Warrington.

The venue is the Leeds Park Plaza hotel which is set in the heart of Leeds city centre, with nearby bus and train transport links, and it is very close to a host of shops, bars and places to eat.

“I’ve been to many conventions and events over the years,” said Stephen Aryan, one of the event organisers. “But the majority of them tend to be in the south, which is a long way to travel for some people. So I’m hoping that by setting ConJour in Yorkshire it will attract fans from all over the country.

“I also appreciate that full weekend events can be a bit intimidating, especially if it’s your first time or you’re attending on your own. This way, by running a one day convention fans can enjoy the event, maybe make some new friends, and they won’t miss out on anything.”


For more information about ConJour visit the website www.conjureevents.co.uk or email conjour@hotmail.co.uk or follow on twitter conjour1

Cover ArtI love Daniel Abraham (no matter what his pen-name) and this, Leviathan Wakes, is high on my list for 2011. I hope Orbit gives him the marketing he deserves, and right now they have a cool wallpaper to tide us over for the release.

Blogs

You have probably already noticed that I'm a big fan of The Wertzone. Adam does a great job with thought-provoking articles and I wanted to mention a few that I've been forgetting the last few weeks:

Power in Epic Fantasy

Does Science fiction need faster-than-light travel?


What I'm reading

I've finished a few books lately, but like I mentioned last week I just haven't had the time to write up reviews. You'd be surprised how long these actually take given how bad they are. :)

I finished The Ten Thousand [US] [UK] by Paul Kearney most recently and I agree that he's almost criminally underrated (not necessarily so by the blog-o-sphere) and I just picked up the sequel, Corvus [US] [UK], which I will be reading shortly.

In the past few weeks I've finished The Price of Spring by Daniel Abraham (review will be up this week), Ender's Shadow [US] [UK] by Orson Scott Card on audiobook, Mockingjay [US] [UK] by Suzanne Collins on audiobook, and I'm currently listening to Tigana [US] [UK] by Guy Gavriel Kay.

Boy am I late to the game with Kay and I still regret that. I'll be catching up soon enough though.

And that's the news...at least to me.

29 October, 2010

Press Release from Seventh Star Press

Sorry, no review this week. It's been that kind of week and I'm being like that. I promise to get one if not two up next week. I've finished a few books, I just haven't had much time to sit down and write them out while I've been trying to catch up with school after the trial competition zapped all time from my last few weeks.

In lieu of this, here's a Press release I just received in my inbox from Seventh Star Press:
For Immediate Release
October 27, 2010

Seventh Star Press Proudly Announces the Acquisition of Award-Winning
Author Jackie Gamber’s Leland Dragon Series

Seventh Star Press is proud to announce the addition of award winning
author Jackie Gamber to its family of writers, with the acquisition of her
YA Fantasy saga, The Leland Dragon Series.

The first book of the series, Redheart, was originally released by
Meadowhawk Press, an exceptional small press publisher based in Memphis,
TN, one of only four indie presses to ever win a Philip K. Dick Memorial
Award (for the David Walton novel, Terminal Mind). When Meadowhawk Press
decided to close its business operations, Seventh Star Press was thrilled
to have the opportunity to sign Jackie Gamber, and commit to the entire
Leland Dragon Series.

“I'll always have a heart for indy press, and Seventh Star is the epitome
of what it's about: dedication to a vision and enthusiasm for writers.
Seventh Star Press is an exciting ride, and I'm thrilled they offered me a
seat,” commented Jackie about coming aboard with the Lexington,
Kentucky-based publisher.

A wondrous coming of age tale, Redheart tells the stories of village girl
Riza Diantus, and the dragon Kallon Redheart. Both are outcasts,
struggling with the conventions of their respective societies, during an
age in which tensions are high between dragons and humans. The Leland
Province teeters on the edge of war, as the Dragon Council Leader, Fordon
Blackclaw, seeks to drive humans into submission, or outright destruction.
Under a blackening cloud of danger, the friendship grows between Riza and
Kallon, as both face their respective destinies, embracing a host of
challenges and threats, not the least of which includes regaining hope,
and confronting the difficult things of one’s past.

Jackie Gamber is a versatile and prolific writer, whose work has appeared
in an array of anthologies and magazines, in addition to published novels.
Among her accolades, Jackie was the winner of the 2009 Mary
Wollstonecraft Shelley Award for Imaginative Fiction, was named honorable
mention in L. Ron Hubbard's Writers of the Future Award, and has been
selected as the Editor Guest of Honor for the 2011 MidSouthCon, one of the
southern United States’ premiere genre conventions.

“Jackie truly embodies the spirit of the growing family at Seventh Star
Press,” fellow Seventh Star Press author Stephen Zimmer said. “Her talent
as a writer is well established, and she is a very popular, well-loved
guest at conventions and events, in addition to being a dedicated
educator. She will be a fantastic ambassador for Seventh Star Press, and
I know that everyone here, from our editors like Amanda Debord, to our art
director Matthew Perry, to authors like myself and Steven Shrewsbury, will
be fully committed to raising awareness of Jackie and her exceptional
work.”

The Seventh Star Press edition will feature cover art and additional
illustrations from fantasy artist Matthew Perry, whose work has been
rapidly gaining attention on the convention circuit. The projected
release date window for the new edition of Redheart is late February/March
of 2011, in hardcover, trade paperback, and several eBook formats,
covering owners of the Kindle, the iPad, the Nook, Sony eReaders, and
other electronic reading devices.

Sela, Book Two of the series, is targeted for a mid-late summer release in
2011, with Book Three scheduled for mid-2012 release in all of the
aforementioned formats.

An extensive series of special events and signings in support of the
novels are in the planning stages, slated to begin in early 2011.

Updates and additional information can be obtained at the official site
for Seventh Star Press, at www.seventhstarpress.com , or at the author's
site at www.jackiegamber.com

Sounds exciting. Seventh Star Press also publishes epic fantasy author Stephen Zimmer of whom I've yet to read a bad review. I've already requested a copy of Jackie Gamber's.

Happy Halloween weekend!

27 October, 2010

It's News To Me #30

Life's a bit back to normal and yet I still can't find a spare moment. Although I have been able to find more reading time for The Ten Thousand by Paul Kearney, especially after the last book that was admittedly difficult to get through. Good books are like that.

Cover Art

Count me in as a fan of the US cover art for The Quantum Thief [UK] by Hannu Rajaniemi. This picture blazes right out at you.


Not to say that the UK art is bad. Also works for me, it's just completely different as seen here:


News

NethSpace put together a bunch of links for Towers of Midnight [US] [UK]. I mean, there's a ton of stuff in one nice little place.

Temple Library Reviews talks Guilty Pleasure reads. Don't worry, Twilight made it. :)

IO9 gives us a "Chart that groups science fiction fans by political affiliation". Not too surprising, but interesting nonetheless.

The 50 most hated literary characters can be found here, and yet again Twilight made the list.

Movies/Videos/TV

The more I hear/see about this the more I can't wait for Sunday's premiere. Check out the Trailer for The Walking Dead on AMC:



And that's the news...at least to me.