A Fantasy Reader

In this epic novel, Robert Jordan's international bestselling series begins its dramatic conclusion. Rand al'Thor, the Dragon Reborn, struggles to unite a fractured network of kingdoms and alliances in preparation for the Last Battle. As he attempts to halt the Seanchan encroachment northward—wishing he could form at least a temporary truce with the invaders—his allies watch in terror the shadow that seems to be growing within the heart of the Dragon Reborn himself.

Egwene al'Vere, the Amyrlin Seat of the rebel Aes Sedai, is a captive of the White Tower and subject to the whims of their tyrannical leader. As days tick toward the Seanchan attack she knows is imminent, Egwene works to hold together the disparate factions of Aes Sedai while providing leadership in the face of increasing uncertainty and despair. Her fight will prove the mettle of the Aes Sedai, and her conflict will decide the future of the White Tower—and possibly the world itself.

The Wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and pass. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow.

Her nausea was fading. Mind slowly awakening - wandering like a hungover reveller, desultorily seeping aside the ashes - she thought back to her first meeting with High Mage Ben Adaephon Delat. She had been pathetic. It was bad enough fainting in a heap in front of Commander Brys Beddict; she had barely recovered from that before she was led into Quick Ben's presence.

And now, weeks later, only fragments of the conversation that followed remained with her. He had been a distracted man, but when he had seen the enlivened earth cupped in Aranict's hand, his dark eyes had sharpened, hardened as if transformed into onyx.

He had cursed, and she remembered that curse.

'Hood's frantic balls on the fire.'

Steven Erikson - Dust of Dreams

Kick ass moment #7
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On the eve of WoT big day, Tor books released the cover for The Eye of the World ebook. All WoT ebooks will be released in time with a different artist for each cover. The cover is not bad, not totally my style but a good effort by David Grove.

Any tools needed when you read books? For me there's some :

I wrote a post last week about my first fantasy introduction and in connection with it my latest poll question was to know if like me you were introduced by Tolkien (probably LOTR or The Hobbit).

Well I'm not the only talking about this. SF Signal asked this question to a list of panelists, i.e. a list of author including Bradon Sanderson, Ken Scholes, Patrick Rothfuss and David Anthony Durham to name of few and Pat from Pat Fantasy Hotlist.

Seems like Tolkien is among their first for a few of them but not always in a positive way. Interesting read.

Here's the link : SF Signal - MIND MELD: What Book Introduced You to Fantasy?

There was a moment's expectant pause whilst panels slowly came to
life on the front of the console. Lights flashed on and off experimentally
and settled down into a businesslike pattern. A soft low hum came from the
communication channel.
"Good morning," said Deep Thought at last.
"Er... Good morning, O Deep Thought," said Loonquawl nervously, "do
you have... er, that is..."
"An answer for you?" interrupted Deep Thought majestically. "Yes. I
have."
The two men shivered with expectancy. Their waiting had not been in
vain.
"There really is one?" breathed Phouchg.
"There really is one," confirmed Deep Thought.
"To Everything? To the great Question of Life, the Universe and
Everything?"
"Yes."
Both of the men had been trained for this moment, their lives had
been a preparation for it, they had been selected at birth as those who
would witness the answer, but even so they found themselves gasping and
squirming like excited children.
"And you're ready to give it to us?" urged Loonquawl.
"I am."
"Now?"
"Now," said Deep Thought.
They both licked their dry lips.
"Though I don't think," added Deep Thought, "that you're going to
like it."
"Doesn't matter!" said Phouchg. "We must know it! Now!"
"Now?" inquired Deep Thought.
"Yes! Now..."
"Alright," said the computer and settled into silence again. The two
men fidgeted. The tension was unbearable.
"You're really not going to like it," observed Deep Thought.
"Tell us!"
"Alright," said Deep Thought. "The Answer to the Great Question..."
"Yes!.."
"Of Life, the Universe and Everything..." said Deep Thought.
"Yes!.."
"Is..." said Deep Thought, and paused.
"Yes!.."
"Is..."
"Yes!!!?.."
"Forty-two," said Deep Thought, with infinite majesty and calm.

Douglas Adams - Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

Kick ass moment #6
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