Bona Fide: Weekly Roundup #02

Hello and welcome to issue #02 of my Weekly Roundup. It is winter in our region (near Frankfurt in Germany) with snow an ice! That is unusual. Our cats don't like to walk in the snow on the balcony. And I also prefer to stay inside with a pot of tea and a good book. But those days are over because I had to return to work. I'm behind my reading schedule but on a good way with my reviews. And again you find something new in my post: Bona Fide's Question of the Week. There are always questions where I would like to get to know other opinions. That means I wait for you. We will see. Enjoy reading......


Bona Fide's Menu

Bona Fide's Question of the Week

1. Does Bona Fide need a Facebook account ?
2. Do you read POD books and books from small publisher?

Books

1. Joel Shepherd: Beyond fantasy

Blogosphere

1. Left Hand of God graphic design competition
   
2. I'm your pain in the neck: The David Gemmell Legend Award
   

Movies

1. An inception trailer: The Marionette Unit
   
2. A short movie: Water Brain
   

Quotes

1. German proverbs, sayings and idioms Opportunities...

Bona Fide's Question of the Week

On Monday I read post by author John Marco with the header Facebook.It started with "So I did something today I never thought I'd do. I joined Facebook."
I must admit I don't have a Facebook account. I asked myself from time to time do I need one. And the answer was always no. But times are changing. Authors like Cherie Priest have one. There are interesting groups like The Pax Britannia Appreciation Society.
Am I old fashioned without? Do I fall behind without? Or is it too time consuming? Shall I spend the time instead for the blog or for reading more books?

So I would like to ask you two questions:
Does Bona Fide (ediFanoB) need a Facebook account?
Do you have a Facebook account?

Do you read (and review) POD books and books from small publisher?
I think it is nearly impossible to have an overview of all these SFF books which have been released since end of World War II. And not to forget all the new books published every year. But how do we get information about new books? Advertising, book clubs, libraries, book blogs, book shops websites and more. When you are honest you will fess up that you read seldom POD (= print on demand) books and/or books from small publishers. So do I. This week I posted two reviews. Demon's Bane by David Douglas which is a POD and Crown of Vengeance by Stephen Zimmer which has been released by a small publisher. I stay in contact with both authors. They told me that it is very difficult for them to find reviewers for their books. From my point of view there are several reasons for this: The well known blogger get a lot of reviewer copies and if they would try to review they would have to stop their work and read and write 24 hours per day, seven days a week. And then they still would have a backlog. There are other blogger who have strict review rules which often say that they don't review PODs. That's OK. Like me most of the people in the blogosphere review books because we love books. Therefore we want to decide on our own which books we readand review.
Why did I review th mentioned books? Because the authors promised my a reviewer copy? Because we exchange mails? Of course it is nice to get a reviewer copy. But I still buy 99% of my books. Of course it is great to stay in contact with authors. I reviewed these books because I wanted to read them! But in these cases it was me who tried to get in contactwith the authors.
I started to post reviews in summer 2009. So I'm still a newcomer. In the meantime I receive also review requests. My time for reading and reviewing is limited. Therefore I have to decline requests either of limited time or I'm not interested in the book. I read mainly fantasy and therefore I will never review a paranormal romance.

So what's about you - reader and/or blogger? Do you read (and review) PODs and books from small publishers? If yes, where to you find these books?

Books

Sometime ago I posted about Sasha (2009) [US][UK], by Joel Shepherd which is the first book of the A Trial of Blood & Steel trilogy. Did you know that Joel Shepherd is also the author of the science fiction trilogy Cassandra Kressnov. And this is the first book of the series: Crossover (2009) [US][UK].

"This is the first novel in a series which follows the adventures of Cassandra Kresnov, an artificial person, or android, created by the League, one side of an interstellar war against the more powerful, conservative Federation. Cassandra is an experimental design - more intelligent, more creative, and far more dangerous than any that have preceded her. But with her intellect come questions, and a moral awakening. She deserts the League and heads incognito into the space of her former enemy, the Federation, in search of a new life. Her chosen world is Callay, and its enormous, decadent capital metropolis of Tanusha, where the concerns of the war are literally and figuratively so many light years away. But the war between the League and the Federation was ideological as much as political, with much of that ideological dispute regarding the very existence of artificial sentience and the rules that govern its creation. Cassandra discovers that even in Tanusha, the powerful entities of this bloody conflict have wound their tentacles. Many in the League and the Federation have cause to want her dead, and Cassandra's history, inevitably, catches up with her. Cassandra finds herself at the mercy of a society whose values preclude her own right even to exist. But her presence in Tanusha reveals other fault lines, and when Federal agents attempt to assassinate the Callayan president, she finds herself thrust into the service of her former enemies, using her lethal skills to attempt to protect her former enemies from forces beyond their ability to control. As she struggles for her place and survival in a new world, Cassandra must forge new friendships with old enemies, while attempting to confront the most disturbing and deadly realities of her own existence." [Source]

I will buy the book next month. I plan to read it in March because of a specific reason. But that I won't tell you before end of March....


Blogosphere

Left Hand of God graphic design competition
A few days ago we received a mail from Don't Panic. Never heard of them before. To keep it short it is a free publication of art and culture. So what comes up in your mind when you read Left Hand of God? A title of a book was my first thought. And that's it:
The Left Hand of God [US June 2010][UK January 2010], by Paul Hoffman.
Read the blurb and watch the book trailer.

"'Listen. The Sanctuary of the Redeemers on Shotover Scarp is named after a damned lie for there is no redemption that goes on there and less sanctuary'. The Sanctuary of the Redeemers is a vast and desolate place - a place without joy or hope. Most of its occupants were taken there as boys and for years have endured the brutal regime of the Lord Redeemers whose cruelty and violence have one singular purpose - to serve in the name of the One True Faith. In one of the Sanctuary's vast and twisting maze of corridors stands a boy. He is perhaps fourteen or fifteen years old - he is not sure and neither is anyone else. He has long-forgotten his real name, but now they call him Thomas Cale. He is strange and secretive, witty and charming, violent and profoundly bloody-minded. He is so used to the cruelty that he seems immune, but soon he will open the wrong door at the wrong time and witness an act so terrible that he will have to leave this place, or die. His only hope of survival is to escape across the arid Scablands to Memphis, a city the opposite of the Sanctuary in every way: breathtakingly beautiful, infinitely Godless, and deeply corrupt. But the Redeemers want Cale back at any price...not because of the secret he now knows but because of a much more terrifying secret he does not."

And where is the connection between Don't Panic and The Left Hand of God?
"Don’t Panic has teamed up with Penguin books for the chance to design artwork for their biggest fiction launch of the decade, The Left Hand of God by Paul Hoffman." [Source]

James Read from Don't Panic sent me following information:

"To celebrate the publication of this must-read book we have launched a visual design competition, the winner of which will have their artwork printed on the infamous Don’t Panic poster (that's 80,000 x A2) and also the chance to have their artwork included in The Left Hand Of God paperback release.
What we are looking for is an artistic representation of the lead character Thomas Cale, who you can get to know through a selection of excerpts on our site. We want entrants to use any printable media they choose to create an interpretation of the young Cale using the text provided.
The top ten entries submitted will be put into the winner’s shortlist to be judged by Penguin with the top three entries given the chance to win some fantastic prizes, including £350 worth of Penguin books and signed copies of The Left Hand of God, as well as of course the opportunity to have their design printed. Also, every shortlisted entrant will receive a copy of the book."

There is a competition site with all the details which you can visit here.

Anyway if you have talent for art - and I'm sure there many people out there with a lot more talent - enter the competition which is an international one. Two things which you should know before: All entries must be in 7th April 2010 and in order to take part you must sign up to Don't Panic. Sign up here.
Good luck to all participants!


I'm your pain in the neck


I posted about The David Gemmell Legend Award regularly in the past Roundups. So I keep it short this week

This is the Legend Arward nomination list. You can vote here.

This is the Morningstar Award nomination list. You can vote here.
I voted for Lamentation by Ken Scholes,ISBN: 0765360918, which I will review on January 15th.

If you want to meet interesting people, talk about fantasy books, share your opinions in a friendly fantasy atmosphere, support your favorite book and SIGN IN:

Visit The David Gemmell Legend Awards
Hope to meet you soon over at The David Gemmell Legend Award ...............

Movies

I really appreciate the guys over at Steampunkopedia. They are incredible. I don't know how they manage to find all these awesome trailers and short movies.

The Marrionette Unit
Before you watch the teaser trailer of this upcoming steampunk movie, read the synopsis:

"This film is set in an alternate Victorian England, a world where steam-punk technology has developed rapidly and in a world where all creativity, art and individual expression is state-controlled. The Marionette Unit is a theatre show where machine and human have been fused together. A musical machine that resembles a twisted tortured church organ, run with valves, steam and electricity, is connected by a mass of electrical cables to three ballet dancers, who have the wires fused into their bodies. The dancers are controlled by the machine much to the amazement of the Victorian audience.
We follow the story of Smith, an enigmatic character connected to an underground society of artists, hunted by the police. He has come to watch the prize ballet dancer, Georgette try and escape the wired clutches of The Marionette Unit. Will she be able to wrestle free and escape with Smith, or will she succumb to the powerful forces that hold her captive? What follows is a stunning and imaginative display of the human spirit fighting to be set free."

That sounds really promising.....

The Marionette Unit - Inception Trailer from Fun Size Studios on Vimeo.

And finally I show you a wonderful short movie. But be sure you have some time because Water Brain lasts 14 minutes!

Water Brain Complete Edition（16：9） from Johann.Poo on Vimeo.

Quotes

When I wrote about POD and small publishers it came upto my mind to deliver you quotes about opportunities.
Now you have the opportunity either to read them or not...........

"If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door.”
by Milton Berle, US television actor & comedian (1908 - 2002)

"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”
by Sir Winston Churchill, British politician (1874 - 1965)

"The opportunity for brotherhood presents itself every time you meet a human being.”
by Jane Wyman, US actress (1914 - )

"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”
by Thomas A.Edison, US inventor (1847 - 1931)

Review: Demon's Bane, by David Douglas

David Douglas, a man of many talents, has made his dream come through. His first book has been published. David has been so kind to send me a copy of Demon's Bane (2009, 278 p.) [DE] [US][UK]. You may ask why there are three sources. David's mother tongue is English but he lives in Germany.

As quid pro quo I promised the author to write a review. No encomium like "this is the rebirth of J. R.R. Tolkien" but to be fair and square.

Before I start with review let me bring up that the cover design of the book and the included map has been done by the author himself. And David did not forget to add an appendix with the cast of characters. The front cover illustration has been done by J. W. Parente.

A Cover Note

I' afraid the cover is a bit misleading. It reminded me more of a fairy tale than of an entertaining fantasy story. I would have preferred a cover in the style of the picture on the back of the book which is the same that you see on the website. Anyway never judge a book by its cover. So what is the book about?

The Setup

As the title reveals demons loom large.......
The story takes place on the continent of Kartus. Senn Morel is "little man" (he turns 15 during the story) and has more than talent for magic. His life changes completely when demons possess his mother and they butcher his clan. After days on the run with few remaining clan members Senn is focused on one goal: get his mother back and revenge for the clan. But the demons are powerful and they hunt him across the country. Senn needs allies to fit his goal. How will the confrontation end? And what is the final plan of the demons?

My Take in Brief

The story is told in 22 named chapters from a third person point of view by switching between characters and/or groups. And these are the ingredients: A young hero in development, friends, allies, family roots, medieval style weapons (axe, sword, bow, spear), fastest way to travel is by horse or ship, a well explained magic system, magic objects like orbs and demons. You may toss in that this is nothing new under the sun. I answer you it depends on what you do with it.
And I must say Dave used the ingredients well. Fortunately Senn is not the omnipotent hero. The author is not afraid to kill important persons. He does a great job of explaining his magic system. I don't want to go in detail but there are different types of magic like earth magic, heat magic, cold magic. And Senn has to learn them all. Dave didn't forget to flavor the story with a pinch of humor. Let me give an example. Senn gets the task to trap an animal. Which kind of magic should he use?

"Earth magic was too slow - what would he do, persuade a bush to grow around the animal and trap it?" [page 60]

And there are two more things I would like to emphasize: Compared to other authors like Richard Morgan in The Steel Remains[US][UK] , David use a flowery language to describe sex. I found it pleasant because it leaves it up to you to depict the scene and of course it is less offending. But for me the most remarkable thing is his splendid representation of the demons which are not pressed in this often used black and white scheme. I don't want to spoil but remember the Black Mamba and Xiuhcoatl when you read the book. For me the demons are the "spice" of the book.
And due to the appendix with the cast of the characters you don't get confused.
On 278 pages you don't geht so in depth philosophical thoughts but the more entertaining story which is as varied as the landscape. The travel takes you from large forests over plains to the sea. The story ends with the possibility for one or more sequels.
When you want to read a refreshing and really entertaining story in a non door stopper format with a plucky "little man", a good magic system and intriguing demons then I recommend to read Demon's Bane which is - I need to repeat it - David's debut novel.
Thank you David for some really entertaining hours. If your goal has been to "feed" readers with an entertaining book then you have hit the bullseye.

Bona Fide's Book Oracle

What is Bona Fide's Book Oracle? To keep it short. It is a palaver about the reviewed book held by ediFanoB and his alter ego Bona Fide. And I am the keeper of the minutes. Now read my minutes.
Bona: "Why should we talk about an old book?" Fide: "Why old?" Bona: "Because it is from December 2009!" Fide: "Pinhead! That means the book is just a few weeks on the market." Bona: "And did anyone review it?" Fide: "I found one at amazon.com. That means it is about time that we will take action." Bona: "Aaah, the reminds me of an old TV series...." [watch the video, the keeper of the minutes]

Fide: "I don't agree. This mission is NOT impossible! Maybe you read the wrong book." Bona: "I read something about demons." Fide: "OK. Then we read the same book. I think I would like to be come a demon in my next life." Bona: "You?? A demon in next life?? Not more than a protozoon!" Fide: "That's offending! Hey get out of my head!" Bona: "Why? That is what demons are doing. Takeover people." Fide: "Message understood. I won't become a demon." Bona: "I think it is sufficient to read about it." Fide: "You're right. Like this entertaining Demon's Bane." Bona: "Yes, yes. Xiuhcoatl is awesome. He alone is worth to read the book." Fide: "Don't forget Shyama." Bona: "Seems we both liked the story." Fide: "Yes. For me it was refreshing and entertaining." Bona: "But it passed so fast. Just 278 pages!" Fide: "That was quite relaxing after all these door stoppers. You know sometimes you need these books where you just jump in, stay and enjoy, feel comfortable and leave with a good feeling." Bona: "You steel my words and confuse me. I just forget to mention that I liked the magic system too. Fide: "Fortunately you don't have any magic abilities except to be boring." Bona: "Better a slowpoke than a twerp." Fide: "That's definitely going to far. You dsfefkiwqwd ddkmdfqer awdfreq!!!" [censored]
I'm the keeper of the minutes and I think the time has come to stop this chitchat. Now it is up to you to make up your mind about Demon's Bane.....
As a starter you can read the first chapters online or download in PDF format.

And finally let me say that David is keen to read comments and more reviews about his Demon's Bane.
So please leave a comment here or contact David.

More David Douglas

Dave's Photo & Travelblogue contains more information about the author. Visit David Douglas' website for more information about Demon's Bane and other news.

Bona Fide: Weekly Roundup #52

Hello and welcome to the last Roundup in 2009. You may think I'm crazy to write a post on December 25th. Maybe... Anyway I got the "permission" from my wife to do it. I need to do it. Otherwise I would feel incomplete.
But I restricted myself. It is not that long as usual. And now enjoy reading....


Bona Fide's Menu

Books

1. Delivery of the week: Demon's Bane by David Douglas

Blogosphere

1. The David Gemmell Legend Award
   
2. Temple Library Reviews: Comic Book Appreciation Month
3. Avatar
   

Movies

1. Les Aventures Extraordinaires d'Adèle Blanc-Sec
2. Robin Hood

Quotes

1. No German proverbs, sayings and idioms this week
   

Books

I stay in contact with David Douglas, a man of many talents. He made his dream come through. His first book has been published. David has been so kind to send me a copy of Demon's Bane (2009, 278 p.) [DE][US][UK]. You may ask why there are three sources. David's mother tongue is English but he lives in Germany. I read the first chapter and liked it. Therefore I promised David to review his book. I will read and review it after Christmas. So come back next week. Before I give you more information about the content let me bring up that the cover design of the book and the included map has been done by the author himself. And David did not forget to add an appendix with the cast of characters. The front cover illustration has been done by J. W. Parente. So what is the book about?

"Senn Morel livesin fear of demons. But when they butcher his clan and possess his mother, he vows to use his newfound magic to take vengeance on these demon spirits that have invaded his world.
Lieh Morel is along for the ride, possessed by a bloodthirsty killer. As Lieh's captor demons chase her son across the continent of Kartus, using her magic to wreak havoc along the way, she hopes to avoid a violent confrontation that could kill them both.
The demon Xiuhcoatl is an experienced kidnapper, working for the lord of demons - Senn's father. As he aids Lieh's possessors in tracking down Senn, he learns that not alldemons spirit think the same way about their return to the physical world.
Demon's Bane follow the Morels on the high seas, across rolling plains, and through thick forests in a thrilling tale filled with romance and betrayal. But the real question is, who will take control of Kartus... and who will end up dead?" [Source: Back of the book]

For more information about the author and the book check out the official site.


Blogosphere



I posted about The David Gemmell Legend Award in Roundup #45 and Roundup #50 and Roundup #51. Last week I talked about The Island (2009, 416 p.) [US][UK], by Tim Lebbon, which I will review for the DGLA. I read 110 pages so far and I like it. Expect my review within next week. Last week I wrote the poll will open on Boxing day. Please apologize. That was wrong. Poll will open on December 26th - which means today!!
Interested in fantasy books? Then take the opportunity to meet interesting people, talk about fantasy books, share your opinions in a friendly fantasy atmosphere, support your favorite book and SIGN IN:

Visit The David Gemmell Legend Awards

Hope to meet you soon over at The David Gemmell Legend Award ...............


Temple Library Reviews: Comic Book Appreciation Month
Harry Markov, the busy like an ant guy behind Temple Library Reviews, declared January 2010 for his Comic Book Appreciation Month!! Harry explained in detail the reasons for it. When you follow his blog regularly then you know you can expect a lot!! The Comic Book Appreciation Month will start on January 1st and will end on January 31st 2010. Don't miss it!! If you are interested in comics or you want to have a look then give it a go. Did you recognize the five logos? All done by Harry for his first appreciation month. He must love comics!!

Avatar
I mean Avatar the movie. I know a lot of people criticized that this kind of story has been told so often. But to be honest have you ever seen before an other world in pictures like these? The nice people of at Dark Roasted Blend did a fine job and collected 10 Possible Sources of "Avatar" in Classic Science Fiction and I think it is worth reading.


Movies

Les Aventures Extraordinaires d'Adèle Blanc-Sec
This is a French comic by artist Jacques Tardi which is settled in Paris around 1910. And Adèle Blanc-Sec is the tough heroine. Now French film Director Luc Besson is working on an Adèle Blanc-Sec movie. Have a look at the first teaser. It is in French but you don't nedd language skills for understanding. I hope the movie will find his way out of France.... For more information visitthe official site.


And not forget to say thank you to the good guys over at Steampunkopedia, who have knack for finding all these trailers.

Robin Hood
Yes, there is one more actor who wants to act as the famous hero of Sherwood Forest: Russell Crowe in a Ridley Scott movie. Watch the first trailer:


To be honest for me exist only one Robin Hood. Watch the following trailer. Still worth after all these years...



Quotes

This week no German proverbs, sayings and idioms. Bona is going traditional...: Christmas quotes

" Do give books - religious or otherwise - for Christmas. They're never fattening, seldom sinful, and permanently personal."
Lenore Hershey

" A turkey never voted for an early Christmas."
Irish proverb

" Christmas is forever, not for just one day,
for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away
like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf.
The good you do for others is good you do yourself..."
Norman Wesley Brooks, "Let Every Day Be Christmas," 1976

" At Christmas play and make good cheer,
For Christmas comes but once a year"
Thomas Tusser