A Fantasy Reader

AFR Top List - Fantasy Cities

2012-01-25T20:22:00.001-05:00

It is time again for a little list! Fantasy authors spend a great deal of time building the original worlds in which they set their story and characters. Among the list of elements of importance in this world building is the cities themselves. For some writers, it actually becomes alive, almost like a character. Moreover, I noticed that the name of the city has a lot to do with it. Picking from all the novels I have read so far, a couple of them came easily to my mind for obvious reasons, as you will see. Some of them do not come as a surprise but they remain fabulous.

Without more rambling, I present to you the list of cities in Fantasy that captivated my imagination the most (in no particular order...)! What would be yours?

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Darujhistan
Malazan Book of the Fallen series - Steven Erikson

From the Encyclopedia Malazica:

Darujhistan is located in central Genebackis, on the southern coast of Lake Azur near to where the River Maiten meets the lake. To the east are the Gadrobi Hills and to the south is the Dwelling Plain. It is a city of roughly 300 000 people, mainly of Daru or Gadrobi heritage.
Beneath Darujhistan are caverns containing natural gas. The city is known for using the gas for public lighting, leading to its title as the City of Blue Fire. The gas is also used in industrial applications, such as blacksmithery. The gas is monitored and controlled by a secretive group called the Grayfaces. Publicly, the Grayfaces can be seen wandering the streets to light and douse the street lamps, though they are always covered by grey robes and do not speak.
Darujhistan is relatively remote from most of Genebackis. The closest cities are Saltoan, to the east beyond the Gadrobi Hills, and Pale, north of Lake Azur. Since this remoteness has kept Darujhistan peaceful, the city does not have a standing army and usually expresses neutrality in most international affairs.

Darujhistan is not simply the location where some extraordinary events occur; it is also the home of several interesting locales where mighty figures discuss the latest gossip beside the invasion of their city as if nothing could really affect it. The city, mostly notorious for its blue flames is the host of many memorable moments in the Malazan saga, predominantly taking place at K'rul's Bar or the Phoenix Inn. While much of the action of several of Erikson's novels use Darujhistan as a setting, it's made even more intriguing because of the way the illustrious mage Kruppe describe her as a character.

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Minas Tirith
Lord of the Rings - J.R.R. Tolkien

Minas Anor - the Tower of the Sun - was established as a stronghold by Anarion, son of Elendil, and over time it became the greatest city in Gondor. As the threat from Mordor increased, the City was renamed Minas Tirith - the Tower of Guard. During the War of the Ring, Sauron's forces besieged Minas Tirith and the Battle of the Pelennor Fields was fought outside its walls. After the downfall of Sauron, Aragorn was crowned before the gates of Minas Tirith and the banner of the Kings of Gondor flew over the City once more.

This one needs no presentation and you could even say that it is an easy choice. However, even after reading so many Fantasy novels since LOTR, I still marvel at the city. Standing proud in the face of Mordor, it looks like the ultimate defensible fortress you could wish for with several layers of walls going up the mountain. Wouldn't it be great to walk past the White Tree of Gondor toward the lookout to behold the Pelennor Fields!

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Menzoberranzan
Forgotten Realms world (R.A Salvatore's Drizzt novels)

In the darkness of the Underdark lies Menzoberranzan. A swift and certain death awaits those foolish enough to enter the dreaded city of the drow. Menzoberranzan is chaos, death, torture, vengeance and endless lust for power and illusionary respect based on fear. Menzoberranzan is a drow city in all its might and terror.

There is only one reason for Menzoberranzan's foul existence: Lolth, a malevolent goddess of chaos. The whole of the chaotic city obeys the will of Lolth, often treacherous, always evil. The drow's hearts are as black as their pitch-black skin.

There is no place for love, compassion or trust in drow-vocabulary. They are perceived as weaknesses untolerated by their unmerciful goddess. Friendship in drow-society is based on mutual benefits, on common cause. Still, whenever and however a drow is granted with a potential opportunity to murder, a drow rarely lets it pass unused. It is all about the pleasure of Lolth, which grants a status, an illusionary ranking taken away by the power-hungry drow at the first sight of potential weakness. There is no place for the weak in Menzoberranzan.

Few have entered the mirage of beauty that is Menzoberranzan, and fewer still have ever escaped the horror of it. Still, the illusionary beauty of the city and its wicked citizens is breathtaking, many have been betrayed by the magnificent lights and statues that form Menzoberranzan's facade, and all of them have been slain without mercy and without hope. The cold beauty of Menzoberranzan is far too inadequate to fill the hollow and empty hearts of drow-elves, one of the most feared races in all the world.

However, there are some sole survivors that have emerged from the dark depths of Menzoberranzan to oppose the cold might of Lolth, and have prevailed. Many of them are trapped in the drow-city, gnawed by their cruel cousins' malevolence, but strong in their hearts, nonetheless. But there are some true victors that have escaped the clutches of Lolth and her minions, have abandoned their crooked ways and run, run from the darkness that is Menzoberranzan, forever.

One of those brave hearts is Drizzt Do'Urden, son of Zaknafein Do'Urden, who ran away toward the light of the day, toward happiness and love, never looking back. And he found light, happiness and love, something that the drow are too blind to see. They see only wrath, despair and hatred.

Such is Menzoberranzan, The City of Chaos.

The drow are one of the most mythic races in the D&D universe. Their homeland capital city of Menzoberranzan is actively involved in the creation of their legend. I have experienced this Underdark city through the eyes of Drizzt and it left a dreadful but astonishing impressions. Its originality is almost unmatched.

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Villjamur
Legends of the Red Sun - Mark Charan Newton

The ancient city of Villjamur is the capital of the Jamur Empire at the heart of the Boreal Archipelago.

In my review of Nights of Villjamur, I mentioned that the author was trying too much to make us love the city by the way of his characters. After reading the Book of Transformation, I have to reassert this sentiment. At the start of the book, I realized that I missed the city. It is not due simply to its grand Gothic-like architecture but rather to the feelings that the streets of Villjamur evoke, the plazas, bridges and different agglomerations that are part of the city or under-city. Villjamur is literally at the heart of the realistic and picturesque noir atmosphere Newton created.

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Tar Valon / White Tower
A Wheel of Time - Robert Jordan

Tar Valon (pronounced: TAHR VAH-lon) is a city located on an island on the River Erinin, within sight of Dragonmount. It is the center of Aes Sedai power and is also the second largest, most populous city in the Westlands. Tar Valon also controls a small amount of territory directly adjacent to it, although it does not have as much land as it did before the War of the Hundred Years. Tar Valon is ruled by the Amyrlin Seat, although the day-to-day bureaucracy is handled by a council of Aes Sedai sisters and civil administrators. The city is notable as the only place where Aes Sedai have wielded officialized administrative power since the War of the Hundred Years. The population of the city in 1000 NE is roughly 500,000. It has remained independent of outside control for its entire existence, although it has suffered several major sieges and even direct assaults.

Simply by being the seat of the White Tower, the city status becomes legendary for the readers. Following Rand's quest, you cannot say that you do not feel some wonderment when thinking about the fabled White Tower. I know that in this case, most of the action concerning Tar Valon is concentrated about the White Tower itself but overall, standing on the edge of Dragonmount, it would be quite a sight to behold.

New poll - Anthologies

2012-01-17T07:44:00.000-05:00

In my concise review of Goats of Glory by Steven Erikson, I mentioned that it was the first time I read a short story from a Fantasy anthology (Swords and Dark Magic...). I found it interesting but not enough to make me go through the whole book without going back to the novel I was reading (at least so far). I received one comment stating that I should read it in its entirety and threat myself. I will probably do so if I find another story more compelling but in the meantime, I would ask your opinion to assert whether I'm alone in feeling a certain reserve toward this particular type of book.

There are many differences between full-length Fantasy novels and a short story but a book that contains a collection of original tales from a crowd of authors from the same genre should be interesting simply by its definition. At least, I think that is why I bought this anthology. However, buying a book simply for that fact may not be enough, I am not sure that short fiction is for everyone and that every author is apt enough to write a good one.

If you have read an anthology recently, I would like to have your input on it and for the poll, the question is quite simple:

Do you read anthologies?

-Yes
-No

Updates - Lynch, GoT, Fultz, Williams & Sprunk

2012-01-15T19:27:00.004-05:00

Some interesting tidbits surfaced this last week or so. Here's a wrap-up :

Republic of Thieves status update

Courtesy of Neth, at his space, there is now more information about the release of the highly awaited third novel in the Gentleman Bastards Sequence, The Republic of Thieves. Even though Scott is still coping with his problems, it seems that the book will see the light of day this Autumn. Great!

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Game of Thrones Season 2 air date confirmed

HBO confirmed that the first episode of the second season of Game of Thrones will be airing on Sunday April 1st. Bring on the clash of kings!!!

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Jon Sprunk's Shadow's Master final cover art

Lou Anders from Pyr posted on my blog that the previous cover art (posted below) unveiled for Jon Sprunk third novel, Shadow's Master was not the final art. I believe that the final result is much better. Still the infamous hooded figure but with Michael Komarck doing the work, you can't get it wrong!

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John R. Fultz - Seven Princes excerpt

Seven Princes seems to be one of the novels to look for in January of 2012 and it received good reviews so far in addition to the nice vibe coming from the community. I looked online and found that there is an excerpt available on the publisher's website, here you go.

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Mazarkis Williams - The Emperor's Knife excerpt

I did the same search for The Emperor's Knife by Mazarkis Williams, another Fantasy debut that looks promising and I found this excerpt posted by SF Signal. Good reading!

Have a nice week!

Goats of Glory - Short review

2012-01-12T21:56:00.003-05:00

The shortest Sci-Fi story ever written is probably Knock by Frederic Brown:

The last man on Earth sat alone in a room. There was a knock on the door...

Recently, it came to my mind after reading one of the first short stories I have read since a long time. Last year, I picked up the anthology Swords & Dark Magic edited by Jonathan Strahan and Lou Anders, homage to the sword and sorcery sub-genre. With several Fantasy authors of note, I was intrigued. Lately I told myself that I could read them from time to time instead of going through the whole book in one read and write a short review. Moreover, I'm still not sure if I'll read them all. Then, I can't really review short fiction like a full-length novel.

Not being accustomed to shorts, I asked myself whether I knew what is making up a great short story. From what I remember of my student era (without enumerating all the elements), generally speaking, a short story should be the psychological evolution of a central character who's living a significant change with an unexpected ending (or denouement), a new development. That's all good but in the end, it should be a fun and surprising read. It really takes different skills for an author to bring up a good short story. Now, to the review itself, a tale of swords and dark magic by Steven Erikson:

Goats of Glory is the story of several soldiers coming up from the front who are spending the night is an almost abandoned town with an old keep and only enough citizens to fill a common room. On the recommendation of the innkeeper, they venture into the demon haunted keep, where the unexpected awaits them. Although there's a reference at some point to a piece of world building from the Malazan world, the knowledge of the author's work is not necessary.

Erikson was able to create a great atmosphere in so few pages. The town, the inn, the keep and most especially the underkeep where demons wait all feel picturesque. There's a good deal of magic involved and swords are at the rendezvous. However, the action revolves simply around the fighting of demons by the soldiers, which is still kind of 'glorious'. Their relationship is characteristic to the Malazan marines and some other characters are interesting but the climax falls flat.

I think that Goats of Glory could have been a nice chapter in one of Erikson's novel. Therefore, as a short in itself, I was not impressed, surprised or stunned by the originality of the story. This is still an interesting read, atmospheric (great setting) and engrossing enough to be worth mentioning. Ultimately, it was a faithful piece of sword and sorcery.

When I've read more of the tales, I'll be able to recommend the anthology or not.

Goats of Glory review score: 7 / 10

Enjoy!

The Fantasy reader definition and last poll

2012-01-12T19:15:00.001-05:00

So, are you asking yourself where do we stand now with the statistically non significant definition of the Fantasy reader roaming about the blog who answered my polls? Sure you are! Do you fit in? Here you go:

The Fantasy readers :

like to read epigraphs at the start of a chapter
are a minority who also listen to audiobooks
were introduced to the genre by Tolkien's work
prefer series over stand alone novels
like to have maps included in their books
have bought at least one book for the cover alone
do not finish all the books they pick up
don't read extract before reading a novel
have a backlog of at least 25 to 50 books
read 25 to 40 books a year
like completely original but simple names for their characters
read only one novel at a time
don't think they should diversify their reading habits from the usual genre
already read e-books and if they don't it's because of the loss of physical book feeling
are not influenced by author quotes when buying a book
would like to see their favorite author write a sequel instead of a new idea
read the same novel more than once on occasions
would mostly like to see The First Law series by Joe Abercrombie made for TV
don't wait for a series to be completed to start reading it
don't watch book trailers
are not embarrassed of reading Fantasy publicly
are also reading YA novels
think that the prodigal youngsters in Fantasy are too young

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As you can see from the last poll, 62% of the respondents think that the prodigal youngsters in Fantasy are too young. Is is a trend? I don't think so but it's common enough. Maybe the authors ought to give their characters a little more time to grow hair on their face before making them mighty fighters, thinkers and strategists. Anyway, as I said when I asked the question, it depends on the author's skills and the particular situations these youngsters are put in.

New maps - Esslemont & Fultz

2012-01-10T22:12:00.005-05:00

New maps! They have been added to the index.

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For the Malazan world, coming from Ian C. Esslemont next novel, Orb, Sceptre, Throne, comes South Genabackis.

Thanks to Adam at the Wertzone, the Genabackis continent map is now complete.

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This month, Seven Princes by John R. Fultz will be released. Here's the map for the world created by the author :

Weeks' Night Angel omnibus cover

2012-01-10T17:57:00.004-05:00

Orbit Books unveiled the cover art for the new trade paperback omnibus of the Night Angel trilogy by Brent Weeks. I also posted the cover for the previous omnibus edition in hardcover by SFBC. The cover with Kylar was evocative enough but the simplicity of the new one is nice. Which one do you prefer?

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Best of 2011

2012-01-09T21:30:00.000-05:00

For a third year, I will share with you my best moments in the year in several categories. I have mentioned a couple of times that 2011 was a great year in Fantasy so I will leave it at that. Some might be surprised by the lack of A Dance with Dragons but if you read my review, you'll understand that even though I liked the book, I was also a bit disappointed. Here's to 2011!

Best from the past ...(2010 / 2009)

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Best novel

The Heroes

Joe Abercrombie

Review

2011 was an amazing year in term of big names releases. One of them, even if it wasn't the most awaited of them all (with the dance of dragons making an appearance), was ahead of the crowd for me. The Heroes is the best you can get in one of the new trends of Fantasy that is usually labelled with term like grittiness, violence, black humour and even brutality. Why is it so? Simply put, aside from the style, it's a well-woven character driven story (with an amazing cast) set in a condensed period of time, in the midst of a battle where unlikely heroes become the legends of the day. Moreover, the author is stepping up his game when the pressure to deliver again and again must be a concern. Here's an extract of my review :

In conclusion, don't forget that it's a novel by Joe Abercrombie. If you don't like realistic descriptions of bloody warfare creating a lot of gore, dirty talk and moral ambiguity in a fascinating tale about a dubiously necessary battle fought by would-be heroes who come short of their goals, don't pick the book but realize that you're missing something. In this unforgiving story, you're not only getting juicy meat on the bone but also a nice layer of tasty fat!

Runners-up for best novel

The Wise Man's Fear

Patrick Rothfuss

Review

Even though I really liked The Name of the Wind, I wasn't totally mesmerized by it. Some portions of the book were dragging the pace down. However, The Wise Man's Fear is almost everything I expected and more from Rothfuss (I remember that I couldn't put it down). Kvothe is more interesting than ever. The world built by the author is vivid, the credit going to his writing skills. Here's a glimpse of my review:

Taking all this into consideration, something came to my mind in trying to resume why I like this novel so much. I think that it's mostly because it shows through the author's writing that he had fun writing it. And so did I, reading it. This novel was polished and the time to write it was worth it.

The Crippled God

Steven Erikson

Review

The Malazan Book of the Fallen is probably one of the biggest projects undertaken in Fantasy. The decalogy is over and although I'm glad that it's actually complete, I yearn for more from Erikson's and Esslemont's world. The final novel was not the best of the series (Memories of Ice will remain my favorite) but it was close enough. The conclusion for the dearest sappers the Fantasy world has ever seen is a delight. After that much pages, story arcs and characters, I'm still amazed at what Erikson pulled off with this ultimate book. From my review:

If you're into intelligent, sometimes philosophical, often war centered, surprising and complex series that gets completed in due time, where you will find a score of great characters among a huge cast, one of the most amazing magic system and a large scale world, you really have to pick up the Malazan Book of the Fallen. And even though you might struggle in some passages, you'll probably end up being quite satisfied that you went through the ten books.

***

Best new author / Fantasy debut

Douglas Hulick

Among Thieves

Among Thieves came as a surprise this year. With so many great new voices in Fantasy these days, I think that Hulick was the one who was really able to stand out. With a book set in an empire controlled dark world with godlike intrigues where a thief/spy tries to make a difference, to emerge from the crowd you need to have something special. Aside from the very interesting cant, the fabulously written first person perspective of Drothe, combined with a great story is testament enough of Hulick's talent. An extract from my review? Sure :

Among Thieves' story is a blast; it's a furious ride from an ordinary day job for a thief of Drothe's experience to becoming a key player in schemes endangering the whole Kin and the empire itself. The whole book plays out in only a couple of days for the hero or I should say the heroic anti-hero. The only interludes or slowing in pace are when he gets knocked out, which is still kind of often.

Drothe's a funny realist and cunning swindler and the chosen perspective by the author, the first person, is what the character deserves. He may not be as cynical as Croaker or making as much witty remarks as Eddie LaCrosse but he is his own star and makes the tale more than entertaining.

Runner-up for best new author / debut

Mark Lawrence

Prince of Thorns

Mark Lawrence's novel, Prince of Thorns, generated a lot of talk simply because of the age of his main character and the violence he perpetrates. I found that these elements were actually well integrated in a twisted and intense tale, creating a page turner without mercy. I expect great things to come from Lawrence. Here's a bit of what I have observed about his writing :

The narrative Mark composed for his book is furious, sometimes frenetic, sometimes resolute. The action is fast and constant, without having a break-neck pace but with a satisfying dose of flashbacks to explain the coming of this harbinger of death seeking power. The plot is moving at a stupendously perfect rhythm, without being too descriptive and skipping the going from point A to point B when it's not essential, this being actually an achievement since it could be seen as carelessness toward the 'complete' telling of the story to the reader but it's not. Jorg being the way he is, he deserves a writer who can get into the action and synthesize.

***

Most beautiful map

Mir'aj

In the Shadow of Swords by Val Gunn

created by Chris Gonzalez

Index of maps

Runner-up for most beautiful map

The City of Avel

Spellbound by Blake Charlton

created by Rhys Davies

Index of maps

***

Most beautiful cover

The Scar

Sergey and Marina Dyachenko

Cover art by Unkown

Runners-up for most beautiful cover

The Winds of Khalakovo

Bradley P. Beaulieu

Cover art by Adam Paquette

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Kick ass moment of the year

Even though my list of kick ass moments is not in great expansion, I still have a favorite this year.

Kick ass moment #11

Steven Erikson

The Crippled God

***

Best genre blog
(in my humble opinion)

In 2011 again, two new bloggers caught my eyes, Civilian Reader and Staffer's Musings. The two guys behind these blogs are doing quite a good work, you should give them a try if don't already follow them. They are also very talkative on Twitter!

Civilian Reader

Stefan

http://civilian-reader.blogspot.com/

Staffer's Musings

Justin Landon

http://staffersmusings.blogspot.com/

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Bonus time!

Best cover art with an infamous hooded assassin

Perfect Shadow (Sub Press limited edition)

Brent Weeks

Cover art by Raymond Swanland

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Best audiobook narration

The Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss

Narrated by Nick Podehl

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Best novel I read this year that came out before 2011

Red Seas Under Red Skies

Scott Lynch

Since The Republic of Thieves was rumored to be released in 2011 (when the year started), I wanted to be able to pick it up as soon as possible. So, I had to read Red Seas Under Red Skies, the follow-up to the great debut of Scott Lynch, The Lies of Locke Lamora. I enjoyed the ride and I was glad to confirm that Lynch still delivered after a debut so special. An extract from my review:

If you have a knack for pirates, fell in love with Locke and Jean in Lynch first novel and look forward to a Sword and Sorcery (should say Sword and Deception since there's not much sorcery) tale, you will get a blast again with Red Seas Under Red Skies. I felt various emotions while reading and was glad for several grins, some heartfelt scenes and a good dose of action. For the newcomers, I would strongly recommend to start with The Lies of Locke Lamora. It may not be a stupendous evolution for the author versus his debut but it's engaging enough to keep the appetite up for the Gentlemen Bastard sequence.

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Coming up in 2012

2012-01-05T11:00:00.000-05:00

2011 will be a hard year to beat in Fantasy, at least in the release of big titles. However, looking at the list of novels I'm looking forward to in 2012, I will admit that we're in for another great year (and we will add more and more titles to the to-read pile). Here's my spotlight for 2012. More books will be added each month as part of my releases posts.

Enjoy!

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JANUARY

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Seven Princes
John R. Fulz

It is an Age of Legends. Under the watchful eye of the Giants, the kingdoms of Men rose to power. Now, the Giant-King has slain the last of the Serpents and ushered in an era of untold peace and prosperity. Where a fire-blackened desert once stood, golden cities flourish in verdant fields. It is an Age of Heroes. But the realms of Man face a new threat-- an ancient sorcerer slaughters the rightful King of Yaskatha before the unbelieving eyes of his son, young Prince D'zan. With the Giant-King lost to a mysterious doom, it seems that no one has the power to stop the coming storm. It is an Age of War. The fugitive Prince seeks allies across the realms of Men and Giants to liberate his father's stolen kingdom. Six foreign Princes are tied to his fate. Only one thing is certain: War is coming. SEVEN PRINCES. Some will seek glory. Some will seek vengeance. All will be legends.

***

Orb, Sceptre, Throne
Ian C. Esslemont

Darujhistan, city of dreams, city of blue flames, is peaceful at last; its citizens free to return to politicking, bickering, trading and, above all, enjoying the good things in life. Yet there are those who will not allow the past to remain buried. A scholar digging in the plains stumbles across an ancient sealed vault. The merchant Humble Measure schemes to drive out the remaining Malazan invaders. And the surviving agents of a long-lost power are stirring, for they sense change and so, opportunity. While, as ever at the centre of everything, a thief in a red waistcoat and of rotund proportions walks the streets, juggling in one hand custard pastries, and in the other the fate of the city itself.
Far to the south, fragments of the titanic Moon's Spawn have crashed into the Rivan Sea creating a series of isles... and a fortune hunter's dream. A Malazan veteran calling himself 'Red' ventures out to try his luck -- and perhaps say goodbye to old friends. But there he finds far more than he'd bargained for as the rush to claim the Spawn's treasures descends into a mad scramble of chaos and bloodshed. For powers from across the world have gathered here, searching for the legendary Throne of Night. The impact of these events are far reaching, it seems. On an unremarkable island off the coast of Genabackis, a people who had turned their backs upon all such strivings now lift their masked faces towards the mainland and recall the ancient prophesy of a return.
And what about the ex-Claw of the Malazan Empire who now walks the uttermost edge of creation? His mission -- the success or failure of which the Queen of Dreams saw long ago -- is destined to shape far more than anyone could have ever imagined.

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Heir of Novron
Michael J. Sullivan

The New Empire intends to mark its victory over the Nationalists with a bloody celebration. On the high holiday of Wintertide, the Witch of Melengar will be burned and the Heir of Novron executed. On that same day the Empress faces a forced marriage, with a fatal accident soon follow. The New Empire is confident in the totality of its triumph but there's just one problem-Royce and Hadrian have finally found the true Heir of Novron---and they have their own holiday plans. When author Michael J. Sullivan self-published the first books of his Riyria Revelations series online, they rapidly became ebook bestsellers. Now, Orbit is pleased to present the complete series for the first time in bookstores everywhere. Heir of Novron is the final volume of The Riyria Revelations and includes "Wintertide" and ---available for the first time--- the final volume, "Percepliquis." BOOKS IN THE RIYRIA REVELATIONS Theft of Swords (The Crown Conspiracy & Avempartha) Rise of Empire (Nyphron Rising & The Emerald Storm) Heir of Novron (Wintertide & Percepliquis)

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Giant Thief
David Tallerman

Meet Easie Demasco, rogue, thieving swine and total charmer.

He's a sneak thief and a con man, but even the wicked cannot rest when their land is invaded by an army of mercenaries commanding an unstoppable weapon, magically-enslaved giants.

Only, well, he's somehow managed to make off not only with the warlord's treasure, but also the special stone that controls the giants. Which means he now has an entire army on his tail.

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February

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The Scar
Sergey and Marina Dyachenko

Reaching far beyond sword and sorcery, The Scar is a story of two people torn by disaster, their descent into despair, and their reemergence through love and courage. Sergey and Marina Dyachenko mix dramatic scenes with romance, action and wit, in a style both direct and lyrical. Written with a sure artistic hand, The Scar is the story of a man driven by his own feverish demons to find redemption and the woman who just might save him.

Egert is a brash, confident member of the elite guards and an egotistical philanderer. But after he kills an innocent student in a duel, a mysterious man known as “The Wanderer” challenges Egert and slashes his face with his sword, leaving Egert with a scar that comes to symbolize his cowardice. Unable to end his suffering by his own hand, Egert embarks on an odyssey to undo the curse and the horrible damage he has caused, which can only be repaired by a painful journey down a long and harrowing path. Toria, the woman whose fiancé Egert killed, hates Egert, and is saddened and numb, but comes to forgive the drastically changed Egert.

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Throne of the Crescent Moon
Saladin Ahmed

The Crescent Moon Kingdoms, home to djenn and ghuls, holy warriors and heretics, are at the boiling point of a power struggle between the iron- fisted Khalif and the mysterious master thief known as the Falcon Prince. In the midst of this brewing rebellion a series of brutal supernatural murders strikes at the heart of the Kingdoms. It is up to a handful of heroes to learn the truth behind these killings. Doctor Adoulla Makhslood, "the last real ghul hunter in the great city of Dhamsawaat," just wants a quiet cup of tea. Three score and more years old, he has grown weary of hunting monsters and saving lives, and is more than ready to retire from his dangerous and demanding vocation. But when an old flame's family is murdered, Adoulla is drawn back to the hunter's path. Raseed bas Raseed, Adoulla's young assistant, is a hidebound holy warrior whose prowess is matched only by his piety. But even as Raseed's sword is tested by ghuls and manjackals, his soul is tested when he and Adoulla cross paths with the tribeswoman Zamia. Zamia Badawi, Protector of the Band, has been gifted with the near- mythical power of the lion-shape, but shunned by her people for daring to take up a man's title. She lives only to avenge her father's death. Until she learns that Adoulla and his allies also hunt her father's killer. Until she meets Raseed. When they learn that the murders and the Falcon Prince's brewing revolution are connected, the companions must race against time-and struggle against their own misgivings-to save the life of a vicious despot. In so doing they discover a plot for the Throne of the Crescent Moon that threatens to turn Dhamsawaat, and the world itself, into a blood-soaked ruin.

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March

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Shadow's Master

Jon Sprunk

The northern wastes. . . .

A land of death and shadow where only the strongest survive. Yet that is where Caim must go to follow the mystery at the heart of his life. Armed only with his knives and his companions, he plunges into a world of eternal night where the sun is never seen and every hand is turned against him.

Caim has buried his father’s sword and found some measure of peace, but deep in the north an unfathomable power lays waiting. To succeed on this mission, Caim will have to more than just survive. He must face the Shadow’s Master.

***

April

***

Straits of Galahesh
Bradley P. Beaulieu

West of the Grand Duchy of Anuskaya lies the Empire of Yrstanla, the Motherland. The Empire has lived at peace with Anuskaya for generations, but with political turmoil brewing and the wasting disease still rampant, opportunists from the mainland have begun to set their sights on the Grand Duchy, seeking to expand their empire. Five years have passed since Prince Nikandr, heir to the scepter of Khalakovo, was tasked with finding Nasim, the child prodigy behind a deadly summoning that led to a grand clash between the armies of man and elder elemental spirits. Today, that boy has grown into a young man driven to understand his past - and the darkness from which Nikandr awakened him. Nikandr's lover, Atiana, has become a Matra, casting her spirit forth to explore, influence, and protect the Grand Duchy. But when the Al-Aqim, long thought lost to the past, return to the islands and threaten to bring about indaraqiram - a change that means certain destruction for both the Landed and the Landless - bitter enemies must become allies and stand against their horrific plans.

***

May

***

The King's Blood
Daniel Abraham

War casts its shadow over the lands that the dragons once ruled. Only the courage of a young woman with the mind of a gambler and loyalty to no one stands between hope and universal darkness.
The high and powerful will fall, the despised and broken shall rise up, and everything will be remade. And quietly, almost beneath the notice of anyone, an old, broken-hearted warrior and an apostate priest will begin a terrible journey with an impossible goal: destroy a Goddess before she eats the world.

***

The Black Mausoleum
Stephen Deas

Two years have passed since the events of the Order of the Scales. Across the realms, dragons are still hatching. Hatching, and hatching free. Skorl is an Ember, a soldier trained from birth to fight dragons. He is a living weapon, one-shot only, saturated with enough dragon-poison to bring down a monster all on his own. Misanthrope, violent and a drunk, to fulfil his purpose and slay a dragon, means to be eaten. Now Skorl has a choice: he can hang for his crimes, or he can go with the last of the Adamantine Men, fighting against an enemy he was born to face. Rat is an Outsider. He's on the run and he's stumbled onto something that's going to make him rich beyond all his dreams. It's just a shame that the end of the world has started without him. Kataros is an alchemist, one of the order responsible for keeping the dragons in check. One of the order that has just failed, and disastrously so. Two men, one woman. One chance to save the world from a storm of dragons ...

***

The Killing Moon
N.K. Jemisin

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.
But when corruption blooms at the heart of Gujaareh’s great temple, Ehiru — most famous of the city’s Gatherers — cannot defeat it alone. With the aid of his cold-eyed apprentice and a beautiful foreign spy, he must thwart a conspiracy whose roots lie in his own past. And to prevent the unleashing of deadly forbidden magic, he must somehow defeat a Gatherer’s most terrifying nemesis: the Reaper

***

June

***

The Republic of Thieves
Scott Lynch

Having pulled off the greatest heist of their career, Locke and his trusted partner in thievery, Jean, have escaped with a tidy fortune. But Locke's body is paying the price. Poisoned by an enemy from his past, he is slowly dying. And no physiker or alchemist can help him. Yet just as the end is near, a mysterious Bondsmagi offers Locke an opportunity that will either save him - or finish him off once and for all.

Magi political elections are imminent, and the factions are in need of a pawn. If Locke agrees to play the role, sorcery will be used to purge the venom from his body - though the process will be so excruciating he may well wish for death. Locke is opposed, but two factors cause his will to crumble: Jean's imploring - and the Bondsmagi's mention of a woman from Locke's past . . . Sabetha. The love of his life. His equal in skill and wit. And now his greatest rival.

Locke was smitten with Sabetha from his first glimpse of her as a young fellow-orphan and thief-in-training. But after a tumultuous courtship, Sabetha broke away. Now they will reunite in yet another clash of wills. For faced with his one and only match in both love and trickery, Locke must choose whether to fight Sabetha - or to woo her. It is a decision on which both their lives may depend.

***

The Skybound Sea
Sam Sykes

After the misadventures of the first two books Lenk and his companions must finally turn away from fighting each other and for their own survival and look to saving the entire human race. A terrible demon has risen from beneath the sea and where it came from thousands could follow. And all the while an alien race is planning the extinction of humanity.

***

Sworn in Steel
Douglas Hulick

It’s been three months since Drothe killed a legend, burned down a portion of the imperial capital, and unexpectedly elevated himself into the ranks of the criminal elite. Now, as the newest Gray Prince in the underworld, he’s learning just how good he used to have it.

With barely the beginnings of an organization to his name, Drothe is already being called out by other Gray Princes. And to make matters worse, when one dies, all signs point to Drothe as wielding the knife. As members of the Kin begin choosing sides – mostly against him – for what looks to be another impending war, Drothe is approached by a man who not only has the solution to Drothe’s most pressing problem, but an offer of redemption. The only problem is the offer isn’t for him.

Now Drothe finds himself on the way to the Despotate of Djan, the empire’s long-standing enemy, with an offer to make and a price on his head. And the grains of sand in the hour glass are running out, fast . . .

***

The Shadowed Sun
N.K. Jemisin

Gujaareh, the city of dreams, suffers under the imperial rule of the Kisuati Protectorate. A city where the only law was peace now knows violence and oppression. And nightmares: a mysterious and deadly plague haunts the citizens of Gujaareh, dooming the infected to die screaming in their sleep. Trapped between dark dreams and cruel overlords, the people yearn to rise up -- but Gujaareh has known peace for too long.

Someone must show them the way.

Hope lies with two outcasts: the first woman ever allowed to join the dream goddess'' priesthood, and an exiled prince who longs to reclaim his birthright. Together, they must resist the Kisuati occupation and uncover the source of the killing dreams... before Gujaareh is lost forever

***

(cover is a work in progress)

The Black Captain
Miles Cameron

The Traitor’s Son is the story of a mercenary knight and his men in a world full of trials, battles and danger. Accepting a commission to protect a small community against the savage creatures besieging them, the knight is quick to realise he and his men need help.

The King is the only one who can provide it. But why should the King answer the call, when he has his own battles to fight? And why is the wayward knight so reluctant to request his aid in the first place?

***

July

***

Dusk Watchman
Tom Lloyd

The final reckoning has come. The future of the Land will be decided now, written in the blood of men.

After his pyrrhic victory at Moorview, King Emin learns the truth about the child Ruhen. Powerless to act, he must mourn his friends and watch his enemy promise a new age of peace to the beleaguered peoples of the Land. While the remaining Menin troops seek revenge, daemons freely walk the Land, and Ruhen’s power grows, a glimmer of hope remains.

One final, desperate chance for victory remains and failure has become unimaginable. The fanatical rulers of Vanach hide a secret at the heart of their nation; a weapon so terrible only a dead man could wield it and only a madman would try, but without it Narkang will be obliterated. The past year has taken a grave toll and Ruhen’s millennia-old plans are about to bear terrible fruit. There can be only one outcome if he continues unchecked: total dominion over the Gods themselves.

***

Shaprs
K.J. Parker

For the first time in nearly forty years, an uneasy truce has been called between two neighboring kingdoms. The war has been long and brutal, fought over the usual things: resources, land, money...

Now, there is a chance for peace. Diplomatic talks have begun and with them, the games of skill and chance. Two teams of fencers represent their nations at this pivotal moment.

When the future of the world lies balanced on the point of a rapier, one misstep could mean ruin for all.

***

The Unholy Consult
R. Scott Bakker

The gripping conclusion to the majestic Aspect-Emperor series.

***

Wake of the Bloody Angel
Alex Bledsoe

Twenty years ago, a barmaid in a harbor town fell for a young sailor who turned pirate to make his fortune. But what truly became of Black Edward Tew remains a mystery, one that just has fallen into the lap of freelance sword jockey Eddie LaCrosse.

For years, Eddie has kept his office above Angelina’s tavern, so when Angelina herself asks him to find out what happened to the dashing pirate who stole her heart years ago, he can hardly say no–even though the trail is two decades old. Some say Black Edward and his ship, the Bloody Angel, went to bottom of the sea, taking with it a king’s fortune in treasure. Others say he rules a wealthy, secret pirate kingdom. And a few believe he still sails under a ghostly flag, with a crew of the damned.

To find the truth, and earn his twenty-five gold pieces a day, Eddie must take to sea in the company of a sexy former pirate queen in search of the infamous Black Edward Tew . . . and his even more legendary treasure.

***

August

***

Forge of Darkness
Steven Erikson

The first novel in a series set in Kharkanas, starring Anomander Rake.

***

King of Thorns
Mark Lawrence

The Broken Empire burns with the fires of a hundred battles as lords and petty kings battle for the all-throne. The long road to avenge the slaughter of his mother and brother has shown Prince Honorous Jorg Ancrath the hidden hands behind this endless war. He saw the game and vowed to sweep the board. First though he must gather his own pieces, learn the rules of play, and discover how to break them.

A six nation army, twenty thousand strong, marches toward Jorg's gates, led by a champion beloved of the people. Every decent man prays this shining hero will unite the empire and heal its wounds. Every omen says he will. Every good king knows to bend the knee in the face of overwhelming odds, if only to save their people and their lands. But King Jorg is not a good king.

Faced by an enemy many times his strength Jorg knows that he cannot win a fair fight. But playing fair was never part of Jorg’s game plan.

***

Black Bottle
Anthony Huso

Tabloids sold in the Duchy of Stonehold claim that the High King, Caliph Howl, has been raised from the dead. His consort, Sena Iilool, both blamed and celebrated for this act, finds that a macabre cult has sprung up around her.

As the news spreads, Stonehold—long considered unimportant—comes to the attention of the emperors in the southern countries. They have learned that the seed of Sena’s immense power lies in an occult book, and they are eager to claim it for their own.

Desperate to protect his people from the southern threat, Caliph is drawn into a summit of the world’s leaders despite the knowledge that it is a trap. As Sena’s bizarre actions threaten to unravel the summit, Caliph watches her slip through his fingers into madness.

But is it really madness? Sena is playing a dangerous game of strategy and deceit as she attempts to outwit a force that has spent millennia preparing for this day. Caliph is the only connection left to her former life, but it’s his blood that Sena needs to see her plans through to their explosive finish.

Dark and rich, epic in scope, Anthony Huso has crafted a fantasy like no other, teeming with unthinkable horrors and stylish wonders.

***

The Time of Contempt
Andrzej Sapkoski

A coup in the Mages Guild ends with the Guild being weakened, and Geralt being badly wounded. Ciri is teleported to a remote desert in Nilfgaard dominion. The war between Nilfgaard and the Northern Kingdoms begins, resulting in a series of quick and stunning victories for Nilfgaard. Within weeks, Aedirn, Rivia and Lyria all fall to Nilfgaard, the Redanian king Visimir is killed, which removes Redania from the battlefield and Temeria and Kaedwen agree to an armistice with Nilfgaard.

***

The Night of the Swarm
Robert V.S. Redick

The struggle to prevent the sorcerer Arunis from destroying the world with the Nilstone reaches its thunderous conclusion.

***

A Guile of Dragons
James Enge

It's dwarves versus dragons in this origin story for Enge's signature character, Morlock Ambrosius!

Before history began, the dwarves of Thrymhaiam fought against the dragons as the Longest War raged in the deep roads beneath the Northhold. Now the dragons have returned, allied with the dead kings of Cor and backed by the masked gods of Fate and Chaos.

The dwarves are cut off from the Graith of Guardians in the south. Their defenders are taken prisoner or corrupted by dragonspells. The weight of guarding the Northhold now rests on the crooked shoulders of a traitor's son, Morlock syr Theorn (also called Ambrosius).

But his wounded mind has learned a dark secret in the hidden ways under the mountains. Regin and Fafnir were brothers, and the Longest War can never be over. . . .

***

A Memory of Light
Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson
November (tentative)

Conclusion to the Wheel of Time series

***

Legend of the Red Sun book 4
Mark Charan Newton
Summer 2012

***

The Air War
Adrian Tchaikovsky
Summer 2012

***

The Blinding Knife
Brent Weeks
Fall 2012

***

A Red Country
Joe Abercrombie
Summer/Fall 2012

***

The Daylight War
Peter V. Brett

Pushed back to 2013

Wake of the Bloody Angel cover art

2012-01-01T13:25:00.000-05:00

If you haven't read Alex Bledsoe so far, you really should pick up The Sword-Edged Blone, his first fantasy novel about the adventures/investigations of freelance sword jockey Eddie LaCrosse. The fourth novel starring Eddie is just around the corner (Summer 2012) and is titled Wake of the Bloody Angel. Alex posted the cover for the book (which is illustrated by Larry Rostant, as was the latest novel) :

Twenty years ago, a barmaid in a harbor town fell for a young sailor who turned pirate to make his fortune. But what truly became of Black Edward Tew remains a mystery, one that just has fallen into the lap of freelance sword jockey Eddie LaCrosse.

For years, Eddie has kept his office above Angelina’s tavern, so when Angelina herself asks him to find out what happened to the dashing pirate who stole her heart years ago, he can hardly say no–even though the trail is two decades old. Some say Black Edward and his ship, the Bloody Angel, went to bottom of the sea, taking with it a king’s fortune in treasure. Others say he rules a wealthy, secret pirate kingdom. And a few believe he still sails under a ghostly flag, with a crew of the damned.

To find the truth, and earn his twenty-five gold pieces a day, Eddie must take to sea in the company of a sexy former pirate queen in search of the infamous Black Edward Tew . . . and his even more legendary treasure.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T13:20:00.004-05:00

The holidays have been quite busy for your host but my best of 2011 and the books I'm looking for in 2012 are coming. I hope 2012 will be as good in reading as was 2011. Cheers everyone, best wishes!

Merry Christmas!!!!!!

2011-12-24T10:44:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas everyone!

Deadhouse Gates Sub Press Art

2011-12-19T22:07:00.001-05:00

Back in August, I posted the cover art for the Subterranean Press limited edition of Deadhouse Gates by Steven Erikson (the second novel in the Malazan Book of the Fallen series).

The publisher presented a couple of illustrations by artist J.K. Drummond (this limited edition of the book will be out in Spring 2012). As I said before : "Anyway, Drummond's watercolor works seem to be mostly in the same tones and style..." and it seems that it will be reflected in all his artwork. I'm not sure I like the Icarium/Mappo (or other Jaghuts if I'm mistaken) depiction and I still don't know who's the girl with the knife but the bloodfly D'ivers is interesting... Here you go :

A round of covers

2011-12-14T18:44:00.004-05:00

A couple of new art before the end of the year, why not?

Mark Charan Newton, author of the Legends of the Red Sun series posted the cover art for the German edition of Nights of Villjamur, the first novel in the series. Once again, it's a take at the wondrous city of Villjamur. Here's the pick with all his counterparts so far. My favorite you ask? The original UK hardcover cover art (the second one) with the close up of the city.

***

Aidan at A Dribble of Ink posted the "tentative" illustration for the cover of the third novel by Sam Sykes, titled The Skybound Sea (not final art from the comment of Sykes himself on Twitter). Lenk is back with an attitude!

***

Pyr unveiled the cover art of Shadow's Master, the third novel by Jon Sprunk. The work is still by the very talented Michael Komarck.

***

Mad Hatter unveiled the cover art for James Enge's A Guile of Dragons, from a new trilogy named A Tournament of Shadows. Here you go :

***

Finally for this round, Ari Marmell's second Widdershins Adventure, False Covenant. Like for the first book, the cover art is by Jason Chan.

New poll - Youngsters

2011-12-08T19:06:00.001-05:00

Drawing by Eric Lerner

First off, the last poll. My topic of interest was YA reading (young adult for the non initiated). When I realized that I wasn't reading much of it, I asked myself if I was alone in doing so. Remember that it's not that I have a distaste for it, it's simply a kind of novel that didn't catch my eye.

The results are in and 75% of the readers/respondents are reading YA Fantasy. It seems that in this reading habit, I won't fit into the average Fantasy reader definition.

***

What now?

This year, Mark Lawrence released Prince of Thorns, a novel with a main protagonist of roughly 13 years old; last year it was Paul Hoffman with The Left Hand of God with a character of 14-15 years old. Add to the list well known characters like Kvothe from Patrick Rothfuss or Arlen from Peter V. Brett whose's story also starts pretty young and we have a bunch of interesting youngsters. I know that for both last ones, they eventually grow in the first novel so I think that they don't really qualify in the discussion I want to bring up. Let's also forget about Rand or Jon Snow who are not really that much juvenile (though in aSoIaF's case, Arya and Bran would qualify).

I think you probably guessed my subject by now. I, for one, was not distracted by these blossoming teenagers in the reads that I mentioned (age-wise speaking). I know that for Prince of Thorns, the topic was much discussed on the blogs and forums. Sarah at Bookworm Blues in her review wasn't too convinced by the young man's act at his age while for Bryce at Only the Best Sci-fi/Fantasy, he felt that it was more natural.

When I questioned myself on the presence of these prodigal youngsters, I realized that my feelings were determined by the skill of the author. A young man or woman in his early teens can be a believable prodigy if it's done right. It all comes down to the portrayal of the person and mostly to the context in which he exist. Usually, there's also good reasons behind their skills at such a young age. However, I may have a problem when a protagonist is simply way too intelligent for his experience without any help whatsoever. Anyway, isn't it mostly from experience that everything I pointed out comes from? I'll admit that magic or exceptional circumstances which are often present in Fantasy are also good factors.

Moreover, when you think about it, age isn't the only factor in this. I think that when I read Fantasy, I want to read about a mix of extraordinary and common people, from all the spectrum of personalities, skills, achievements and potentials. With that being said, whether the protagonist is a youngster or an old man, I'll find my enjoyment anyway, given that the author do it right.

The other aspect of the question that got my attention is simply: 'Why?'. No matter if you find that the age of the character is too young or not, can you tell me why do the authors tend to create them so young? They don't really need to, aside from trying to make an impression. Why not simply add a couple of years to their age or never mention a specific number? But then, I think they really want to make an impression! :)

So, "Do you think the prodigal youngsters in Fantasy are too young?"

- Yes

- No

2011 Goodreads Choice Awards - Fantasy winner

2011-12-06T19:42:00.001-05:00

Goodreads announced the winner for each category earlier today for the 2011 Goodreads Choice Awards.

In Fantasy, the winner is : A Dance with Dragons by George R.R. Martin. Not a huge surprise since the book was awaited for so long and in the end it delivered enough quality. My pick was Rothfuss and he ended up in third place. Dance was also in third position in the overall favorite book of 2011.

Here's the link to all the categories.

The Fantasy list :

A Dance with Dragons by George R.R. Martin
The Night Circus - Erin Morgenstern
The Wise Man's Fear - Patrick Rothfuss
Snuff - Terry Pratchett
Don't Breathe a Word - Jennifer McMahon
The Magician King - Lev Grossman
One of our Thrusdays is Missing - Jasper Fforde
Twilight's Dawn - Anne Bishop
Naamah's Blessing - Jacqueline Carey
Prince of Thorns - Mark Lawrence
The Rogue - Trudi Caravan
Among Others - Jo Walton
The Alloy of Law - Brandon Sanderson
Cast in Ruin - Michelle Sagara
Deathless - Catherynne M. Valente
The Heroes - Joe Abercrombie
Blackveil - Kristen Britain
The Kingdom of Gods - N.K. Jemisin
Legends of Shannara - Terry Brooks

The Omen Machine - Terry Goodkind

The Winds of Khalakovo review

2011-12-01T12:06:00.000-05:00

The Winds of Khalakovo is the first novel in the series titled The Lays of Anuskaya by author Bradley P. Beaulieu. The series is planned as a trilogy and is the first foray for Beaulieu into full-length Fantasy novels. He has written several stories published in diverse publications before Winds.

Among inhospitable and unforgiving seas stands Khalakovo, a mountainous archipelago of seven islands, its prominent eyrie stretching a thousand feet into the sky. Serviced by windships bearing goods and dignitaries, Khalakovo's eyrie stands at the crossroads of world trade. But all is not well in Khalakovo. Conflict has erupted between the ruling Landed, the indigenous Aramahn, and the fanatical Maharraht, and a wasting disease has grown rampant over the past decade. Now, Khalakovo is to play host to the Nine Dukes, a meeting which will weigh heavily upon Khalakovo's future. When an elemental spirit attacks an incoming windship, murdering the Grand Duke and his retinue, Prince Nikandr, heir to the scepter of Khalakovo, is tasked with finding the child prodigy believed to be behind the summoning. However, Nikandr discovers that the boy is an autistic savant who may hold the key to lifting the blight that has been sweeping the islands. Can the Dukes, thirsty for revenge, be held at bay? Can Khalakovo be saved? The elusive answer drifts upon the "Winds of Khalakovo"...

As you can figure out from the blurb, there's a definitive influence from Russian names and lore in Winds of Khalakovo, the latter making the book quite distinctive. That presence is not simply felt in the names of the inhabitants of Anuskaya or the locations but also in the definition of clothing or choice of beverage (vodka) and in denominating some concepts, like the kind of 'elementals' from a parallel world, which I'll get to later. Russian names are not part of the easiest anthroponomy to follow. Even more when they are applied to various specimens of hezhans (hava, dhosha, suura, etc...). On the other hand, the names of the characters become familiar easily enough since there's a nice diversity in them.

The only aspect of this choice of "language" that I didn't like is the use of "Da" and "Nyet" in place of yes and no. That's the only element of the Russian language that is actually applied and it feels weird (more so in italic) or out of place.

I could speak further of the names but what is capital is the protagonists to which they are applied. We mostly follow Nikandr, the young Prince of the archipelago of Khalakovo, his lover, Rehada, who is an Aramahn part of a terrorist group and Atiana, the daughter of the duke of Vostroma, his betrothed. Nikandr is a dedicated man, conscientious and adventurous with a strange illness in link with the state of the world trying desperately to find a cure and in love with flying on his airship. His role takes more importance as the story slowly unfolds and aside from a couple of dubious moments when his actions are driven by god knows what, he usually stay true to himself. But then, I think I would have liked him better if he eventually had blown a fuse or two.

Concerning the two other PoV, the feminine ones, I was fascinated by their decisions and path of action in the face of what they have to live through. Nikandr is straightforward, an exemplary heroic human being, while some of his male counterparts from other duchies are dumb, spoiled and mischievous. The women in Winds of Khalakovo are more subtle. Rehada is haunted by her past, in search of retribution she thinks will permit her to feel better but not at any cost. When you're part of a group of hidden extremists, you have to manage truth is many cunning ways. Her part is what makes the story more profound. The conflict between the whole duchies and the Landed (the 'free people') is one of the main theme and she make's it more captivating.

As for Atiana, she feels both fragile, frustrating and tenacious. She's the character through which we can glimpse the experience of touching the aether, another concept at the heart of one of the book threads, 'world-endingly so'. However, as for Nikandr, the author sometime chose to make her perform some extraordinary tasks without the knowledge of them, it felt fortuitous or astounding depending on which occasion. By the way, the three of them have special talents inherent to the magical or fantastical elements of Beaulieu's book.

Other elements in the book catch the eye rapidly, right off when you look at the cover. The windships are a great idea, formed from windwood, piloted by Aramahns connected to wind spirits and driven in aether 'currents'. Their complexity was probably not easy to put to words and above all, they create mythic battle scenes, which were somewhat hard to imagine. Recreating fighting in the air with ships was risky, potentially entertaining but mostly confounding.

The battles involving the 'elementals' (hezhan), are less evasive. Although the hezhan have difficult names to follow and are based on the usual elements (air, fire, water, earth, spirit), they bring more dimension to the tale. Along with a couple of more magical concepts like the kind of soul-stones, it all makes up for many fantastical features. The world feels richer for it but the story is also encumbered. This approach makes me think of Brandon Sanderson or Brent Weeks. Some portions of the book are defined by this instead of being enriched by it.

The author's writing is smooth, slightly polished with a slow cadence. Usually, the chapters are short, creating a great rhythm. Sadly, there's a weird presence of PoV switches in the middle of the action that make the prose more complicated for nothing. To his credit, I think he wrote an intricate story with several storylines that may not always fit perfectly well together but that are essentially compelling. Dukes are fighting for power, the world in on the verge of complete destruction, love is blossoming and everyone wants to play his part in it. I'll definitely read the follow-up, The Straits of Galahesh.

Technically, I really love the cover chosen for the Night Shade Books edition of the novel. The "four-side-masted" ships are such a good concept for his world that seeing it represented on the cover is wholly justified. Two maps are included along a nice Dramatis Personae. The paperback edition of the book stands at 354 pages.

The Winds of Khalakovo review score :

Characterization............. 7.5 /10
World building............... 9 / 10
Magic system................. 8.5 / 10
Story.............................. 7.5 / 10
Writing........................... 7.5 / 10

Overall (not an average) 7.5 / 10

Enjoy!

Bradley P. Beaulieu's page

December releases

2011-11-30T21:19:00.001-05:00

Only two picks that I would spotlight for the last month of 2011. This has been a great year so far and I'm eager to make a retrospective. Maybe The Emperor's Knife can be a contender for debut of the year. As for Sullivan, I have already read his first self-published novel but since I got the Theft of Swords omnibus waiting, I think I'll start it over again.

***

The Emperor'ss Knife

Mazarkis Williams

December 6th

There is a cancer at the heart of the mighty Cerani Empire: a plague that attacks young and old, rich and poor alike. Geometric patterns spread across the skin, until you die in agony, or become a Carrier, doing the bidding of an evil intelligence, the Pattern Master. Anyone showing the tell-tale marks is put to death; that is Emperor Beyon's law...but now the pattern is running over his arms. His body servants have been executed, he ignores his wives, but he is doomed, for soon the pattern will reach his face. While Beyon's agents scour the land for a cure, Sarmin, the Emperor's only surviving brother, awaits his bride, Mesema, a windreader from the northern plains. Unused to the Imperial Court's stifling protocols and deadly intrigues, Mesema has no one to turn to but an ageing imperial assassin, the Emperor's Knife. When Beyon's patterns are revealed and the Grand Vizier seizes the throne, the Knife spirits her to safety. As long-planned conspiracies boil over into open violence, the invincible Pattern Master appears from the deep desert. Now only three people stand in his way: a lost prince, a world-weary killer, and a young girl from the steppes who saw a path in a pattern once, among the waving grasses - a path that just might save them all.

***

Rise of Empire

(omnibus for Nyphron Rising & The Emerald Storm)

Michael J. Sullivan

December 14th

A PUPPET IS CROWNED. THE TRUE HEIR REMAINS HIDDEN. A ROGUE'S SECRET COULD CHANGE EVERYTHING.

War has come to Melengar and once more Royce and Hadrian are hired to make a desperate gamble and form an alliance with the Nationalists whom are fighting the Imperialists in the south. As the power of the Nyphron Empire grows, so does Royce's suspicion that the wizard Esrahaddon is using the thieves as pawns in his own grab for power. To find the truth, he must unravel the secret of Hadrian's past--what he discovers may end their friendship and break Riyria in two.

The Left Hand of God review

2011-11-23T21:21:00.001-05:00

Paul Hoffman is the author of The Wisdom of Crocodiles, which is a thriller that was made into a movie in 1998. The Left Hand of God is the first novel in a Fantasy series (trilogy) starring Thomas Cale. Early last year, the publishers pushed Hoffman and his book as the next big voice in Fantasy. The hype was blown down eventually and in some cases, as with the review by Niall at The Speculative Scotsman, the comments led to some interesting discussions about how "bad" reviews can influence us. I was among the people who commented, stating that by reading the review, I chose to put the book off my reading list. The dust has settled and with the release of the second novel, The Last Four Things a couple of months ago, I thought that I should give it try. Admittedly, my expectations were quite low but I hope that it didn't disturb my feelings.

'Listen. The Sanctuary of the Redeemers is named after a damned lie for there is no redemption that goes on there and less sanctuary'. The Sanctuary of the Redeemers: vast, desolate, hopeless. Where children endure brutal cruelty and violence in the name of the One True Faith. Lost in the Sanctuary's huge maze of corridors is a boy: his age uncertain, his real name unknown. They call him Cale. He is strange and secretive, witty and charming - and violent. But when he opens the wrong door at the wrong time he witnesses an act so horrible he must flee, or die. The Redeemers will go to any lengths to get Cale back. Not because of the secret he has discovered. But because of a more terrifying secret that lies undiscovered in himself.

The Left Hand of God is the story of young Thomas Cale, a Redeemer apprentice. The novel starts with his life at the Sanctuary where in the name of the Holy Hanged Redeemer, the novices are treated like shit. Cale is different for a couple of reasons, his fighting skills for one and the seemingly untouchable nature of his resolve. In fact, he feels like an empty shell. That was a problem for me for a considerable portion of the book. It's hard to feel some empathy toward that kind of character. The lack of emotion, even when the situation is far from emotionless, is awkward. This aspect seems to be inherent to the jarringly rough raising of the boy which ought to make him more interesting and, assuredly, he becomes more so eventually when affected by the events taking place around him. Who wouldn't?

The whole Redeemer idea fetched my curiosity more attentively. A group of questionable religious zealots training an army like the world has never seen, through harsh methods and extreme discipline with a profusion of doctrinal sermons, fighting in the far east against the unholy Antagonist is not the newest idea but its twisted differently enough and makes a great villainous entity. With the right characters representing them (Bosco, one of the main protagonists among their group being one) and a good motivation to back up their motives, the essence of their existence is justified.

However, there's one aspect of the world of Hoffman that I didn't grasp. At first, I was surprised by the name of the city of Memphis. I thought that the author could have chosen a better name than a real world famous city. But then, a reference to 'Norwegian' and 'Spanish' people appears and the name of Jesus of Nazareth is mentioned. So it seems that his world is an alternate version of history set in some future. Sadly, this is never explained nor is it hinted at, aside from insinuations. Maybe the next book will shed some light.

The author's writing style is out of the ordinary. The conceptual barrier between the reader and the storyteller is almost breached. I mean that Hoffman sometimes seems to explain to the reader, sort of trying to speak to him instead of writing a story. Alongside a prose reminiscent of a scholar or analyst writing a descriptive essay about the formations fighting in a legendary battle, the book is a mix of third person perspective and secondary source material recounting. The switches between the two break the focus.

With a slow pace where the protagonists are never quite sure what to do and often end up in long reflexions and where some battles are summarized simply by numbers, it's easy to feel disconnected. Nonetheless, Hoffman vocabulary and phrasing are adequate and Cale oftentimes lives the actual events instead of witnessing them and then the book becomes more appealing.

The story in itself has its charms. An ominous struggle between the Materazzi Empire and the Redeemers is looming and the three boys stand at the heart of it. Their intrusion in the life of the leaders and elite of the Empire, clashing the Redeemer outlandish ideas with their good old orderly 'nobility-based' political lifestyle is entertaining.

To give them an edge, the author chose to give the Redeemers an advancement in science and warfare. They have mastered medicine way better than their Materazzi counterparts, have developed a primitive form of sign language and their military technology is way ahead of the steel covered soldiers fighting only with swords. These elements are incorporated into several brief storylines and even though they seem interesting at first, they eventually feel like thin topics to thread upon.

In retrospect, I think that the novel is not so bad. The hype probably hurt it bad since it's not as stellar as it was advertised but still, it should not be ignored by everyone. I have many complaints about it but as for the writing style, it could be of interest to some while it sometimes irritated me. Let's hope the second novel in the trilogy will improve.

Technically, the infamous hooded man cover strikes again! It looks better in the first cover I posted, the Penguin Group original edition. On the other one, Cale looks like Anakin with a hooded priest robe... The hardback edition stands at 372 pages and the book includes a nice map. The audiobook is narrated in 12 hours and 33 minutes and is performed by Steve West. I was not charmed by his performance but is it his fault?

The Left Hand of God review score :

Characterization............. 7 /10
World building............... 6.5 / 10
Magic system................. N / A
Story.............................. 7.5 / 10
Writing........................... 6 / 10

Overall (not an average) 6.5 / 10

Paul Hoffman page

Mark C. Newton new book deal

2011-11-21T21:36:00.001-05:00

Great news announced today by Mark Charan Newton, author of the Legends of the Red Sun series. While he's actually working of the last novel of his quartet of noir detective semi-epic weird fantasy, he also wrote a couple of times that he's full of ideas for his next project. Here's what he posted :

PRESS RELEASE:

Bella Pagan, Senior Commissioning Editor at Tor UK, an imprint of Pan Macmillan, has acquired world rights to the first two volumes of a fantasy series by Mark Charan Newton. The agent was John Jarrold.

The first book in a series provisionally titled DRAKENFELD introduces the eponymous hero, an investigator. The series is set in a fantasy world, but will appeal to fans of historical mysteries. In this opening volume, Lucan Drakenfeld is called home after the death of his father – but is immediately thrown into the investigation of a royal death. He also finds that his father’s demise is not as clear-cut as it at first appears…

Pagan said ‘Mark writes compulsive adventures set in utterly convincing new worlds – he’s a terrific writer. I couldn’t ask for a better start to my new position at Tor UK than this first deal’.

Tor UK have successfully published three fantasy novels by Mark in the Legends of the Red Sun series since 2009, with a fourth to appear in the summer of 2012. They have been strongly acclaimed by China Miéville, Peter F Hamilton and reviewers on both sides of the Atlantic.

The first book in the new series will be published in 2014.

If the author can also master historical-like-world-fantasy non weird crime tales, I'm definitely in!

Mark Charan Newton page

Nights of Villjamur review

City of Ruin review

The Books of Transformation review

The Name of the Wind recap

2011-11-21T18:07:00.001-05:00

Back in July, I posted the link for the superb Song of Ice and Fire recap from Adam at the Wertzone. Since it seems that many people are looking up at recaps, I remembered the one I read for The Name of the Wind before the release of The Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss.

Patrick himself, with the help of Nathan Taylor posted this recap in comic strip form in February. It not actually exhaustive but it's funny and brings up the most important things. Anyway, I simply want to spread the word. Here's a glimpse of a few strips and here's the link for the full stuff!

New poll - YA Fantasy

2011-11-16T21:09:00.001-05:00

My last poll was about the embarrassment felt by some readers when reading fantasy in public. The results are in and hopefully, 90% of the readers actually embrace the genre publicly. However, the specific reader that brought up the idea of this interrogation to me wrote a comment that ought to have made me reconsider the question from another perspective :

It's not so much as I don't want people to see me reading fantasy, I couldn't care less about that, it's when the cover is so Ugly, even I don't want to see it. People come at you and say, hey whatcha reading? I kinda have to show them the cover. I tell them the book is way better than it looks but it's always harder to keep them interested.

So... alright Dom, the cover itself, not actually the genre is probably the cause, I will stop teasing you with that! :)

***

Now, on to the next question.

It's been a while since I read a YA Fantasy novel. I think it was Harry Potter and I picked it up mostly because of the stellar hype. I'm not sure why, but it seems that I'm avoiding this kind of novel without coherent reasons. I think that in the future I will try not to turn my eyes from books identified as YA novels. Someday, I hope to take the time to look at Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials, C.S. Lewis' Narnia series or Christopher Paolini's Inheritance. Should bring back some good memories of my early readings.

I have to be careful when speaking about YA novels since the term is slightly misused, maybe even by me. From my perspective, Spellwright by Blake Charlton or The Ways of Shadows by Brent Weeks are not YA Fantasy books. Even the Thief-Taker's Apprentice by Stephen Deas which is advertised as YA is more often than not reviewed as a non-YA novel. It looks like if you main character is a young adult and that your story is not too "harsh", your book will be categorized as such.

But then, that's not really a problem. I'm a hundred percent positive on the fact that I probably have missed very good titles more directed toward young adults (or the whole family) than simply adults. An epithet for a book should not be a justification whether or not to pick it up. I would like to have your input on this and if it's possible, take the Harry Potter phenomenon out of the equation.

Do you read YA Fantasy?
- Yes
- No

Cover for Beaulieu's The Straits of Galahesh

2011-11-15T18:15:00.001-05:00

This is the illustration by Todd Lockwood that will be used on the cover of the second novel by Bradley P. Beaulieu, The Straits of Galahesh. The book is the follow-up to The Winds of Khalakovo, part of theThe Lays of Anuskaya series.

I'm a big fan of Todd and I like the background of this illustration and I wasn't sure about Nikandr's face... but taking into account what I'm currently reading in Winds of Khalakovo, that's a nice fit.

Here's a glimpse of what the author had to say :

I actually get a bit of vertigo if I stare at Nikandr for too long. He’s got such a great sense of motion to him. And there are wonderful details all around. The ship, the wheeling birds, the perch with its branch system, the walrus tusk bandolier. I love that Todd chose to portray one of the two men on the perch as hunkered over, like he’d been punched in the throat. And that’s because, well, he’d just been punched in the throat by Nikandr. One of my favorite parts, oddly enough, is how Nikandr’s right boot is almost photo-realistic and how it’s sharp against the slightly out-of-focus background. The ship is great with it’s windborne (as opposed to waterborne) hull. The billowing sails. The masts and shrouds and lines. I could go on and on. I love it. As far as I’m concerned, this is wonderful, and I can’t wait to see what Night Shade does with the cover design.

2011 Goodreads Choice Awards - Fantasy

2011-11-14T17:31:00.001-05:00

Goodreads is taking your votes for the 2011 Goodreads Choice Awards. The semifinal round is on with three rounds of voting. In Fantasy, the winner for 2010 was Towers of Midnight by Brandon Sanderson and Robert Jordan and for 2009, it was Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris.

I'm thorn between The Heroes by Joe Abercrombie and The Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss. While they really aren't in the same style, both were nearly perfect in my opinion. Being forced to choose, I would probably go for The Heroes.

The nominees are :

2011 Goodreads Choice Awards: Best Fantasy

Vote now for your favorite books!

Legends of Shannara - Terry Brooks
A Dance with Dragons - George R.R. Martin
Prince of Thorns - Mark Lawrence
Twilight's Dawn - Anne Bishop
The Rogue - Trudi Caravan
Among Others - Jo Walton
One of our Thrusdays is Missing - Jasper Fforde
Snuff - Terry Pratchett
Blackveil - Kristen Britain
The Omen Machine - Terry Goodkind
The Kingdom of Gods - N.K. Jemisin
Don't Breathe a Word - Jennifer McMahon
The Night Circus - Erin Morgenstern
Naamah's Blessing - Jacqueline Carey
The Heroes - Joe Abercrombie
Deathless - Catherynne M. Valente
The Magician King - Lev Grossman
Cast in Ruin - Michelle Sagara
The Alloy of Law - Brandon Sanderson
The Wise Man's Fear - Patrick Rothfuss

Red Wolf Conspiracy review

2011-11-10T09:51:00.000-05:00

The Red Wolf Conspiracy is Robert V.S. Redick first epic fantasy novel. It was released in February 2008 and is the start of a series named The Chathrand Voyage. The series is a quartet and the final volume will be out in May 2012 (the book is followed by The Ruling Sea, The River of Shadows and The Night of the Swarm).

The Chathrand - The Great Ship, The Wind-Palace, His Supremacy's First Fancy - is the last of her kind - built 600 years ago she dwarves all the ships around her. The secrets of her construction are long lost. She was the pride of the Empire. The natural choice for the great diplomatic voyage to seal the peace with the last of the Emperor's last enemies. 700 souls boarded her. Her sadistic Captain Nilus Rose, the Emperor's Ambassador and Thasha, the daughter he plans to marry off to seal the treaty, a spy master and six assassins, one hundred imperial marines, Pazel the tarboy gifted and cursed by his mother's spell and a small band of Ixchel. The Ixchel sneaked aboard and now hide below decks amongst the rats. Intent on their own mission. But there is treachery afoot. Behind the plans for peace lies the shadow of war and the fear that a dead king might live again. And now the Chathrand, having survived countless battles and centuries of typhoons has gone missing. This is her story.

Ships are not for everyone. I'm acquainted with a few people who would turn down a novel because of their presence. However, in the case of The Red Wolf Conspiracy, even though the ship aspect is almost adamant or inherent to the tale, it's mostly used by the author as a setting for an epic fantasy story. That story is full of collusion, scheming, spiritual fervor, prophecies, magical artifacts and special races. So, even if you're not into nautical horizons, you can get you share of enjoyment.

Admittedly, I was slightly skeptical at the idea too. I think that Red Seas Under Red Skies by Scott Lynch reconciled me with seafaring life in fantasy. Moreover, the idea of the last of the great ships, a transport that can accommodate 700 souls and is the sole embarkation capable of crossing the Ruling Sea is quite compelling. The magnitude of the vessel is felt form start to finish. Now that you know in what waters we're standing, let's get on with the characters.

The Red Wolf Conspiracy is essentially the experiences of Pazel and Thasha. There are additional third person perspective points of view and a score of important sidekicks and significant counterparts, but it's them who drive the plot. Aside from his directness, the young tarboy is unique in the fact that a spell was performed on him, making him understand every possible language in the world, learning it forever instantly. There's a drawback to this but it's actually quite a good idea. Elements like these are woven throughout the story, via fantastical occurrences and magical powers.

However, this is a double-edged sword, mostly so in the way Redick chose to take advantage of it. In extremist survival is a nice twist in a story when the unexpected is at the rendez-vous. In the novel, the protagonists are saved by Ixchels (people the height of rats), by Murths (a mix between a mermaid and a sea snake) or by a special spell or text. These secondary characters are great but, as I said, using fantastical phenomenon to save day again and again can eventually seem like evasiveness in term of denouement.

Coming back to the characters, to which Redick affixed great names overall, they come in a large variety. Along a meta storyline encompassing a complex but comprehensive scheme forty years in the making, the multiple conspiracies created and breaking up in the mix of that diversity of social classes, age, genre and race is simply astonishing. Creative, the story is not arduous to follow, thanks to the author clearness and conventional writing (excessively at times). Since we are given glimpses of the tale from each of the factions, we are aware of the whole plot but the heroes don't feel dumb by discovering the intrigue at their pace.

Speaking of pace, since a voyage that long on a ship could be boring at times, Redick inserted a couple of catching ups in the form of journal extracts from the diaries of the Captain of the ship or the quartermaster. Nice idea, moreover in a seafaring setting where you want to get to the tumultuous parts.

The woken animals, Pazel himself and his fellow tarboy Neeps also incorporate a small dose of humor. When I think about it, the book is combination exciting, funny or earnest situations with a mix of colorful or cliché characters (sadly) in a world inhabited by strange races and ordinary human beings. Completed by plenty of fantasy touches (countless), Robert succeeded in creating an enthralling plot of epic proportion where the life of simple but dedicated characters becomes gripping more often than not. On the counterpart, it's too bad that some aspect of this are over exploited.

Technically, the Gollancz edition of the book offers a nice illustration of the great ship standing beside 'normal' vessels (though I'm not sure I like the style). The other cover feels more like classic fantasy art but looks sharp. The paperback edition stands at 462 pages and the book includes an appendix and a map of Alifros. The audiobook is narrated in 19 hours and 16 minutes and is performed by Michael Page, still with a gorgeous tone.

The Red Wolf Conspiracy review score :

Characterization............. 8 /10
World building............... 8.5 / 10
Magic system................. 7 / 10
Story.............................. 8.5 / 10
Writing........................... 7.5 / 10

Overall (not an average) 8 / 10

Enjoy!

Robert V.S. Redick page
The Chathrand Voyage page

Updates

2011-11-08T22:02:00.002-05:00

Just a quick post to talk about some updates I did on the blog.

First of all, at the end of the Reviews index, I added a list of scores for novels for which I can't write a full review right now. Those are the books I read too long ago. Since it's not everyone who is on Goodreads and can take a look at the score I would have given those books, I thought that it was a good place to put them. It can give you some insight on my taste. I hope to complete it later.

Secondly, the Maps index has been change to show the links directly on the name of the maps. The full link were displayed before, which was looking kind of weird.

Then, I removed Walker of Worlds from the Blog list since Mark isn't blogging anymore, that's sad but understandable. To refresh the list, I added Floor to Ceiling, Civilian Reader and The Fantasy Bookshelf.

The Share buttons are now visible on the posts! Happy sharing!

Finally, I added a"spoiler alert" to one of my Kick ass moments. Because... it may contain spoilers :)

New on the shelves

2011-11-06T21:27:00.003-05:00

In addition to these printed copies, I also got The Cold Commands by Richard Morgan and Theft of Swords by Michael Sullivan on e-books and in audiobooks, I'll soon be able to listen to The Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson, The Ruling Sea by Robert V.S. Redick, The Left Hand of God by Paul Hoffman and The Sacred Band by David Anthony Durham.

Quite a nice autumn in the offing!

November releases

2011-11-02T21:10:00.001-04:00

We're slowly going toward the end of a spectacular year in term of fantasy releases and November won't let us down. Here's my spotlight for the month :

***

The Alloy of Law

Brandon Sanderson

November 8th

Three hundred years after the events of the Mistborn trilogy, Scadrial is on the verge of modernity, with railroads to supplement the canals, electric lighting in the streets and the homes of the wealthy, and the first steel-framed skyscrapers racing for the clouds.

Kelsier, Vin, Elend, Sazed, Spook, and the rest are now part of history—or religion. Yet even as science and technology are reaching new heights, the old magics of Allomancy and Feruchemy continue to play a role in this reborn world. Out in the frontier lands known as the Roughs, they are crucial tools for the brave men and women attempting to establish order and justice.

One such is Waxillium Ladrian, a rare Twinborn who can Push on metals with his Allomancy and use Feruchemy to become lighter or heavier at will. After twenty years in the Roughs, Wax has been forced by family tragedy to return to the metropolis of Elendel. Now he must reluctantly put away his guns and assume the duties and dignity incumbent upon the head of a noble house. Or so he thinks, until he learns the hard way that the mansions and elegant tree-lined streets of the city can be even more dangerous than the dusty plains of the Roughs.

***

Stands a Shadow
Col Buchanan
Nomveber 8th

Still grieving the death of her son, the Holy Matriarch of Mann has ordered her troops to embark on a mission to the Mercian Free Ports. Riding at the head of her army she plans to finally conquer the city of Bar-Khos, whose walls have kept them at bay for ten long years. Ash has other plans for her. The old R shun warrior is determined that he will have vengeance for the crimes she has committed. But such a course of retribution is in direct opposition to everything he has lived for - this isn't a R shun vendetta - it's personal. While Ash battles with his conscience, Che, the Matriarch's personal Diplomat and assassin, is questioning his own path. Watching as the Mannian army slaughters their way across the world, he wonders whether he believes any of the doctrine he has been taught to follow. As the battle for Bar-Khos intensifies, more and more lives are affected: Bahn who leaves all he loves in the city to try to protect it from the ravening Mannian empire, Bull the murderer who senses a chance to make things right, and Curl, the young prostitute who is determined to seek her own retribution on the field of battle. When the two armies clash - all looks set to be decided. But it's not sheer force that will win this battle. But the tormented determination of one man seeking redemption...

***

Theft of Swords

Micheal J. Sullivan

November 23rd

Royce Melborn, a skilled thief, and his mercenary partner, Hadrian Blackwater, make a profitable living carrying out dangerous assignments for conspiring nobles-until they are hired to pilfer a famed sword. What appears to be just a simple job finds them framed for the murder of the king and trapped in a conspiracy that uncovers a plot far greater than the mere overthrow of a tiny kingdom.

Can a self-serving thief and an idealistic swordsman survive long enough to unravel the first part of an ancient mystery that has toppled kings and destroyed empires?

And so begins the first tale of treachery and adventure, sword fighting and magic, myth and legend.

***

Honor Among Thieves

David Chandler

November 29th

When allies become enemies, to whom can a clever thief turn?

Armed with one of seven Ancient Blades, Malden was chosen by Fate to act as savior . . . and failed dismally. And now there is no stopping the barbarian hordes from invading and pillaging the kingdom of Skrae. Suddenly friends and former supporters alike covet the young hero’s magic while seeking his destruction—from the treacherous King and leaders of the City of Ness to the rogue knight Croy, who owes Malden his life.

It will take more than Malden’s makeshift army of harlots and cutpurses to preserve a realm. Luckily the sorceress Cythera fights at his side, along with the ingenious, irascible dwarf Slag. And the wily thief still has a desperate and daring plan or two up his larcenous sleeve . . .

The Order of the Scales review

2011-11-01T14:38:00.006-04:00

The Order of the Scales is Stephen Deas' last novel in his dragon trilogy, which is also called Memory of Flames (in the US at least). The book was released in May 2011 (in the UK, US should follow in February 2012); the series being completed with a novel released each year since 2009. A follow-up to the series is being written (it should be out in March 2012) and is called The Black Mausoleum.

As the various factions fight for control of the Adamantine Palace, mankind's nemesis approaches. The realms dragons are awakening from their alchemical sedation and returning to their native fury. They can remember why they were created and they now know what mankind has done to them. And their revenge will be brutal. As hundreds of dragons threaten a fiery apocalypse only the Adamantine Guard stand between humanity and extinction. Can Prince Jehal fight off the people who want him dead and unite their armies in one final battle for survival?

Reading a book from a series that is coming to an end or close to, I expect some things to happen or at least I had time to envisage possible outcomes. The result may not always match my expectations (in fact it almost never does) but that's for the better since I want to be surprised. In that aspect, The Order of the Scales succeeded and failed. There's no middle ground for me, some of it is amazing and some of it is somewhat disappointing. Hopefully, the good parts are more striking.

I felt that Deas' writing improved in his second Dragon novel, The King of the Crags. Generally speaking, the 'harsh and biting' prose he offered previously is still giving his narrative some edge, an enthralling quality. When a gruesome action takes place or when rough speeches need to find a voice, the author isn't beating around the bush. It's not gruesome or provocative, it's simply natural. Alongside the raging pace he has chosen for his story of apocalyptic proportions and considering a negative aspect I perceived in Crags, I have to make amends for The Order of the Scales. The 'felt forced' descriptions of the surrounding countryside found in the previous book are now seamlessly integrated into the protagonists' ramblings.

In this last opus, we usually follow Snow, Kemir, Jehal, Vale, Meteroa and Jeiros and some other characters get a small PoV chapter. Judging by this list, the author granted us a gift by choosing the cast to put up front, those who I wanted to see fighting to the end. On the downside, one of the problems that was crippling The Adamantine Palace to some degree has resurfaced. Overall, the sequence of PoV doesn't feel right. I think that the problem has something to do with timing. The author tried to direct the storylines toward some key moments where characters collide but the result is not effective. Kemir can get too much chapters in a row, breaking the pace, while Jehal is completely forgotten. However, when he is present, this 'new' speaker of the realms viciously charismatic personality (composition wise) outshines his peers.

Another drawback of this is the forsaking of some characters when the culmination of the tale begins. Snow is given merely some glimpses but mostly, I was dismayed, even dumbfounded to read (or not) about the death of one the main protagonists. Not because he actually dies, but because a significant part of his agonizing trip is narrated in detail and the crucial moments of his death are told almost in retrospective and from somewhat too far away in term of perspective.

The final chapters however are bliss. In the interview I did with the author, he mentioned this about his motivations for writing about dragons :

[...] I think the story is very much about the impact that dragons have on the people around them, although perhaps not in the most obvious ways. Yes, they can burn cities and eat villages and still be hungry, but I'm thinking more about what it's like to live in a world where you have these monsters at your beck and call – and to always know they're only a few un-drugged weeks away from razing your entire world to the ground.

Taking that into account, I would have to admit the achievement is completed. The story itself has much more to do about the dragon factor than the political warfare, but only so in the fact that the humans are now living the consequences of the kings and queens pitiful scheming by facing the dragons they cannot control anymore. Things are not completely unbalanced though, some artefacts from the fabled tamers of the dragons are still around to be found and blood mages and elemental men are roaming. The fight is not over.

That being said, the heart of the story for the players in this game of ruse and machination resides in the individuals themselves. A tale about dragons breaking the world wouldn't be captivating without the witnesses to reveal the sheer magnitude of the cataclysm on their life. I would not have feared for The Night Watchman or the sell-sword life if my interest in them hadn't been appropriately built. Guessing who will stay alive in the end makes the saga worthwhile. Moreover, a battle with several hundred dragons can only be cool, no?

The epigraphs are back, though not at the start of every chapter but every section. They give us details about key persona of the world. Nice touch. The world by the way is meticulously expanded. The author actually created a strong groundwork for the books to come. History doesn't feel hollow.

In conclusion, was the dragon themed apocalyptic fiction set on a tableau of power struggle a good bet for Stephen Deas? Yes it was. Even though the last novel had some dichotomy in term of effective structure, the characters, both dragons and humans, redeemed the slight missteps. I'm glad to have picked it up and I think you should give it a try.

Technically, the Gollancz UK cover and the previous installments make a great looking trilogy on a shelve. The map of the Dragon Realms is still present and still pointing East... weird but nice to have. The paperback edition of the book stands at 340 pages.

The Order of the Scales review score :

Characterization............. 8 /10
World building............... 8 / 10
Magic system................. 7.5 / 10
Story.............................. 7.5 / 10
Writing........................... 7.5 / 10

Overall (not an average) 8 / 10

Enjoy!

Stephen Deas page

The Adamantine Palace review

The King of the Crags review

Covers - Weeks and Brett

2011-10-27T21:41:00.003-04:00

It seems like I missed this one last week. The Subterranean Press limited edition illustration for the cover of the novella prequel Perfect Shadow by Brent Weeks is a beautiful piece by the always amazing artist Raymond Swanland (you know, all the new Glen Cook covers!). Way better than the cover for the original edition.

***

The second one is the Bragelonne cover art for the French paperback edition of The Warded Man (L'homme rune) by Peter V. Brett. Not a big fan of the portrayal of Arlen but the overall look is nice.

New poll - Embarrassed of reading genre?

2011-10-26T21:51:00.000-04:00

***

First let's return to the last poll. The questions was "Do you watch book trailers?". The results were as follows:

- 75% No

- 25% Yes

There you have it, like myself (you can return here for my opinion), not many fantasy readers are actually interested in book trailers. To go even farther, when I look at the comments, it seems that its not simply a factor of indifference but a question of existence. I'm not sure that with this kind of reaction toward book trailers, the publishers ought to keep investing money in this particular type of marketing. Enough said anyway...

***

On to the next subject, in a completely light tone. When I posted the french cover for the latest novel of David Anthony Durham (The Sacred Band), at the start of the month, someone commented that he would be embarrassed to read this novel due to the cover art (and I have to add that his reasons in his case are totally legitimate and understandable).

I'm not here to criticize and I also have a good friend who is having the same kind of feelings, though less justified this time, no harm intended Dom :). He is actually quite happy when I bring him an hardcover book with a dust jacket. Then, he can read everywhere without feeling 'guilty' or embarrassed.

That situation is worse when you pick up a novel with a cover like the infamous Gathering Storm illustration by Darrell K. Sweet. However, for me, that has never been the case. I don't think I ever tried to hide the cover of a book I was reading or felt ashamed of reading one in public.

So, simply for the sake of curiosity, where do you stand? Do you know of others who are like this?

"Are you embarrassed of reading fantasy publicly?"

-Yes

-No

The Book of Transformation review

2011-10-20T21:33:00.000-04:00

The Book of Transformation is Mark Charan Newton third novel in the Legends of the Red Sun saga. One more novel will complete the series but hopefully, the author will return to this world or start a new concept full of weirdness and originality.

A new and corrupt Emperor seeks to rebuild the ancient structures of Villjamur to give the people of the city hope in the face of great upheaval and an oppressing ice age. But when a stranger called Shalev arrives, empowering a militant underground movement, crime and terror becomes rampant. The Inquisition is always one step behind, and military resources are spread thinly across the Empire. So Emperor Urtica calls upon cultists to help construct a group to eliminate those involved with the uprising, and calm the populace. But there’s more to The Villjamur Knights than just phenomenal skills and abilities – each have a secret that, if exposed, could destroy everything they represent.
Investigator Fulcrom of the Villjamur Inquisition is given the unenviable task of managing the Knights’, but his own skills are tested when a mysterious priest, who has travelled from beyond the fringes of the Empire, seeks his help. The priest’s existence threatens the church, and his quest promises to unweave the fabric of the world. And in a distant corner of the Empire, the enigmatic cultist Dartun Súr steps back into this world, having witnessed horrors beyond his imagination. Broken, altered, he and the remnants of his cultist order are heading back to Villjamur. And all eyes turn to the Sanctuary City, for Villjamur’s ancient legends are about to be shattered…

The series started with a 'Noir Fantasy' novel set in an elegant, daunting and weird architectural amalgam of a city covered in snow that became my favorite debut of 2009. Nights of Villjamur is an atmospheric book with great characters and small plots that are even more interesting than the meta story. Then came City of Ruin, where that larger story arc took flight and where weirdness found its home. Newton imagination flourished in the second opus and he remarkably created a unique atmosphere and setting.

In The Book of Transformation, the author is still on target where his writing is concerned, taking into account the elements that made his first two novels such a success for me. Moreover, he eliminates all the little details that could have affected his prose previously. The ethereal feeling of his world blends smoothly and expertly with the references or parallels with our world. In that aspect, the third novel is still a charm, a demarcation from the crowd. As such, the character of Lan's transsexual situation, the exploration of superhero lore and the moral dilemma created by the service to a power of dubious honesty and ethics are demonstration enough.

Where I think the penultimate novel felt less accomplished than City of Ruin is in some of the individual storylines of the protagonists. The cast is grounded on solid basis but their evolution through their ordeals is not always executed as well as in the previous novel. Investigator Fulcrom is the exception. If I take Tane and Vuldon for example, one a spoiled rich aide wanting to make a better world and the other a fallen legend, who both get the mandate to become superheroes for the city's sake; I would have though and in fact expected that they would challenge the authority they faced, more so after their secrets are unveiled. Only Lan, the sweet ex-acrobat who wasn't born in the right body remains true to herself in that aspect.

Fulcrom may be an exception but he is not Jeryd, although he comes close, maybe too much at first. He has his own demons and after a couple of chapters he becomes intriguing and unique. Newton really has a knack for writing great detectives. I think that this protagonist ought to be one of the ideal persona for Mark. Being in his head and hearing his concerns even feels like reading about a part of ourselves thrown in a mysterious world.

The presence of Ulryk, an outcast priest of the cult of Jorsalir looking to summon a god and the come back of Dartun Sur and his cultists from Nights complement the element of weirdness witnessed in City of Ruin. For the first one, he brings to the table a good opportunity for the author to tackle religion and creation. As for Dartun, his actions are seen through the eyes of her lover which is great since too much would probably have been revealed about his agenda if he had been the PoV. However, knowing what we know from the story so far, his motivations seemed thin. A double edged sword...

The conflicts in Villjamur itself give us a glimpse at some new territory of the city that makes her even more intriguing. The city is not a character in itself but there's something with the setting bringing her to life. In the first novel, I was already charmed even though I felt that it was a bit pushed down our throats by the protagonists. This time it's more subtle. It felt good to be back but with the plot taking such a big leap, that particular ambiance will never be the same.

In the end, The Book of Transformation is not an improvement from the level of its predecessor but it's still a satisfying and captivating novel, just slightly lacking in creative expression versus City of Ruin. The themes approached are explored somewhat in a black and white manner, seen from both side of the coin with to a certain degree some twisted notions of each, while the prequels felt 'greyish'. Still, I'm really eager to re-join the characters missing from this book and read about the great conflagration of worlds, ideas and people that is to come.

Technically, the Tor UK cover art starring Villjamur is looking good. Thankfully, Lan was removed from the cover (look here). The hardcover edition of the novel is 417 pages and features the map of the Western end of the Boreal Archipelago. Nice!

The Book of Transformation's review score :

Characterization............. 7.5 /10
World building............... 8.5 / 10
Magic system................. 8 / 10
Story.............................. 7.5 / 10
Writing........................... 9 / 10

Overall (not an average) 8 / 10

Enjoy!

Mark Charan Newton page
Nights of Villjamur review
City of Ruin review

Rating my reviews

2011-10-18T20:40:00.002-04:00

Something has been nagging at me for some time. To score or not to score, that is the question (hum... not really... but how to do it)! When I first started reviewing on the blog, the rating system I decided to go with came to me naturally, without much second thoughts. After several reviews, I started to like it, probably because it was the kind of thing I looked for when reading other reviews. Then, on some occasions, I started to have problems with the 10 points review scores, more so when putting half points. I don't mean to say that I don't like it anymore but I'm thinking that maybe I ought to make some changes.

First of all, let me say that I really like to put a number on a review. I won't stop scoring or rating them (I even caught myself on some hasty browsing looking down at the score before deciding to read the full review...). However, I think that a five star (or something like that, it doesn't have to really be stars...) system could be a better fit and I would like your input on this. Judging a book by an 8.5 vs an 8 is not always a hundred percent fair. I mean, is there really a big deal between the two or is it only used for sorting them out from best to worst?

I found on some instances that a couple of months after giving a score to a review and reading many more novels, the score that I gave earlier became problematic in comparison with a score I would like to give a new review. Both books could have been 4 or 5 stars novels but since I gave the first one a 9 and the other book was not near perfection, I struggled to put an 9.5. Maybe they both deserve to be five stars and I should say that both were "Highly recommended" and the actual review will clear things out...

A five stars rating system could come out with a better expression of my feelings. But then, you could argue for the contrary... All of this may not be of much importance but if you could give me your insight on the subject, it would be appreciated. So, is a scoring system on 5 more interesting with "Amazingly brilliant", Highly recommended", "Nice read", "Put it at the bottom of the pile", "My god what was that" or "Touch this novel only at your greatest peril" (ok... that would not be the real labels I would use but I'm sure you grasp the meaning).

Another question would be the 5 categories of rating I usually put up (Characterization, World building, Magic system, Story and Writing)... still of interest? Maybe it would be more meaningful to "score" these aspects when they are more significant in both ways...

Here's some examples of what it would mean for a couple of my reviews :

5 "stars"
The Heroes by Joe Abercrombie (9.5/10)
The Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss (9.5/10)
The Crippled God by Steven Erikson (9/10)
City of Ruin by Mark Charan Newton (9/10)

4 "stars"
The Steel Remains by Richard Morgan (8/10)
The Way of Shadows by Brent Weeks (8/10)
The Broken Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin (7.5/10)
The Warded Man by Peter V. Brett (7.5/10)

3 "stars"
The Unremembered by Peter Orullian (7.5/10)
The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sarnderson (7/10)
The Dragonbone Chair by Tad Williams (7/10)

2 "stars"
A Darkness Forged in Fire by Chris Evans (6.5/10)
Imager by L.E. Modesitt Jr. (6.5/10)
Midwinter by Matthew Sturges (6.5/10)

1 "star"
Lord Foul's Bane by Stephen R. Donaldson - (4/10)

0 "stars"
Confessor by Terry Goodkind (2.5/10)

Thanks!

Mark Lawrence's King of Thorns cover

2011-10-17T17:37:00.001-04:00

It was posted by Mark himself earlier today. Still by Jason Chan I think. The continuity from the cover art for the first book is nice and it looks good but the color choice for the lettering... not sure. What do you think?

Prince of Thorns review

Anthony Huso's Black Bottle cover art

2011-10-16T19:57:00.003-04:00

I'm not sure if it's official/final but Anthony Huso posted this pic on Twitter on September 21. It didn't make much noise but it's the cover for his second novel, the book following the amazing (at least to my taste, my review here) The Last Page, a nice mix of steampunk and fantasy. The novel is titled Black Bottle and should be out in Spring 2012. That cover is really different in style over the previous book. There's still no synopsis I could find... the only hint being in this interview by Mad Hatter :

MH: Zeppelins are most definitely a helluva a lot of fun. After the amazing events of The Last Page what can we expect out of Black Bottle? Will we get to see more of the south? And is there a confirmed release date?

HUSO: In fact, a huge chunk of Black Bottle does, in fact, take place in the south. As for what you can expect, it's really just the other half of the story. You could lump both books together in a significantly fatter volume and have one novel. At least, that's the idea.

The Wise Man's Fear review

2011-10-13T20:43:00.002-04:00

The Wise Man's Fear is... a novel. Sorry easy joke. This book is the follow-up in the Kingkiller Chronicles series to The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss, one of the most talked about fantasy debut in the last few years and interestingly, it's among the few fantasy novels that know no boundary from the genre. This title has been waited upon for four year and it's been delivered, wonderfully so!

Day Two of The Kingkiller Chronicle, an escalating rivalry with a powerful member of the nobility forces Kvothe to leave the University and seek his fortune abroad. Adrift, penniless, and alone, he travels to Vintas, where he quickly becomes entangled in the politics of courtly society. While attempting to curry favor with a powerful noble, Kvothe uncovers an assassination attempt, comes into conflict with a rival arcanist, and leads a group of mercenaries into the wild, in an attempt to solve the mystery of who (or what) is waylaying travelers on the King's road.

All the while, Kvothe searches for answers, attempting to uncover the truth about the mysterious Amyr, the Chandrian, and the death of his parents. Along the way, Kvothe is put on trial by the legendary Adem mercenaries, is forced to reclaim the honor of the Edema Ruh, and travels into the Fae realm. There he meets Felurian, the faerie woman no man can resist, and who no man has ever survived...until Kvothe.

In The Wise Man's Fear, Kvothe takes his first steps on the path of the hero and learns how difficult life can be when a man becomes a legend in his own time.

In my review of The Name of the Wind, I mentioned that I expected The Wise Man's Fear to be quite different in tone. This idea came to me since most of the first novel is concentrated around Kvothe learning years at the University and that if he is going to become a "Kingkiller", he ought to grow out of this young boy life before the end of the first trilogy. After about a third of this second book, I was starting to fear that the novel would be set around the same period of his life with costly admissions coming again and again and the usual trouble the young red-hair is so skilled in getting into with his teachers. Even though I should have guessed differently since the first novel isn't only about his life when he tries to join the arcanum...

Hopefully, Kvothe finally gets out of the University for a ride through the country. He's chasing the wind as Elodin's put it (always a pleasure to read about this delirious character). At this point, the story really starts to shine. I enjoyed his adventures at school, but there's only so much originality and marvel that can happen there for the guy to become the legend he ought to be. However, I can't just swipe that part away without mentioning some really great moments, the plum bob poisoning (rendering him morally blank) being at the top of the list. The whole tale is full of imaginative happenings.

One of the things I like about Patrick's writing is the ease with which he is able to wove mundane moments into his story and makes them feel cherished. For instance, when he is at the University, coming back from a drinking night with his buddies Sim and Wilem, they eventually take a break near a way stone and Kvothe tells them a somewhat banal story about the Edemah Ruh. The whole scene is a masterpiece of storytelling for such a sensitive episode. Rothfuss found his voice more strongly than in The Name of the Wind's case and it shows in every little detail, from these conversations to the more-complex-than-it-seems world building.

That world is taking expansion but Rothfuss is not revealing its inner workings in whole. He keeps his options open. With a future so grandiose hinted at for his protagonist, that's a wise choice. Nevertheless, the 'meta' story of his life, the search for the Chandrian is still popping up from times to times and it feels more and more connected with the Four Corners of Civilization. I'm still not sure how much the author has already in mind for Kvothe, but everything feels at the place.

There are funny moments, sad moments, a couple of dragging moments, but all in all, the prose of the author has momentum while remaining slow going. That suits the tale fine, rushing it wouldn't fit with Kvothe style of recounting his life. Then again, the bard is still a dumbass recurrently. In several occasions, you would think that the 'young seemingly grown-up' arcanist will finally do and say the right thing with Denna, Ambrose, in the Maer's presence or in the company of the Ademre mercenaries, but he stays true to his nature and reacts with heartfelt conviction but sometimes too powerfully. I found myself mentally saying "No.. no.. no don't do that!!!" in a couple of occasions...

This time again, he's not alone in all this. The scenes with Denna tend to be repetitive (quite so...) but the addition of the Maer, Puppet, Tempi and Vashet in Ademre, Felurian in the Fae world and many more creates for him a varied surrounding cast with a lot of novelty. Even Bast opens up; god but I think he's gonna turn out interesting. The interludes with him are refreshing breaks from Kvothe first person narrative.

Furthermore, there's a scene which I included in my kick ass moments. Go check it out, even if you haven't read the book, it won't spoil it.

Taking all this into consideration, something came to my mind in trying to resume why I like this novel so much. I think that it's mostly because it shows through the author's writing that he had fun writing it. And so did I, reading it. This novel was polished and the time to write it was worth it. What is best about what is still to come? Simply read Kvothe's blurb and it seems were in for more goodness, if the man speaks true :

I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I have talked to gods, loved women, and written songs that make the minstrels weep. You may have hear of me.

Technically, the Daw cover art is nice enough (first one) and the UK cover art looks stylish. The hardcover edition of the novel is 994 pages and features the same map of the Four Corners of Civilization as for the first book. The audiobook edition is 42 hours and 59 minutes long and is narrated masterfully by Nick Podehl.

The Wise Man Fear's review score :

Characterization............. 9 /10
World building............... 8.5 / 10
Magic system................. 8 / 10
Story.............................. 9.5 / 10
Writing........................... 9.5 / 10

Overall (not an average) 9.5 / 10

Enjoy!

Patrick Rothfuss page

The Name of the Wind review

A round of covers

2011-10-10T16:04:00.001-04:00

Once more, this past week, many covers for Fantasy novels surfaced. The main source this time is Orbit books spring and summer 2012 early looks. Here's the link for the full list but I put a couple of them in this post. Aside from Orbit, HarperCollins decided to release new editions of the mass-market edition of A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin, the 'final' cover with the title for Stephen Deas' Black Mausoleum was added to Risingshadow and the same can be said for Tom Lloyd's The Dusk Watchman. For this lastest, I also discovered on Todd Lockwood's page that the US art is also done. Here you go :

***

Daniel Abraham

The King's Blood

The Dagger and the Coin Book 2

War casts its shadow over the lands that the dragons once ruled. Only the courage of a young woman with the mind of a gambler and loyalty to no one stands between hope and universal darkness.

The high and powerful will fall, the despised and broken shall rise up, and everything will be remade. And quietly, almost beneath the notice of anyone, an old, broken-hearted warrior and an apostate priest will begin a terrible journey with an impossible goal: destroy a Goddess before she eats the world.

***

N.K. Jemisin

New series - The Dreamblood

The Killing Moon

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.

But when corruption blooms at the heart of Gujaareh’s great temple, Ehiru — most famous of the city’s Gatherers — cannot defeat it alone. With the aid of his cold-eyed apprentice and a beautiful foreign spy, he must thwart a conspiracy whose roots lie in his own past. And to prevent the unleashing of deadly forbidden magic, he must somehow defeat a Gatherer’s most terrifying nemesis: the Reaper

The Shadowed Sun

***

Stephen Deas

The Black Mausoleum

The Memory of Flames book 4

Two years have passed since the events of the Order of the Scales. Across the realms, dragons are still hatching. Hatching, and hatching free. Skorl is an Ember, a soldier trained from birth to fight dragons. He is a living weapon, one-shot only, saturated with enough dragon-poison to bring down a monster all on his own. Misanthrope, violent and a drunk, to fulfil his purpose and slay a dragon, means to be eaten. Now Skorl has a choice: he can hang for his crimes, or he can go with the last of the Adamantine Men, fighting against an enemy he was born to face. Rat is an Outsider. He's on the run and he's stumbled onto something that's going to make him rich beyond all his dreams. It's just a shame that the end of the world has started without him. Kataros is an alchemist, one of the order responsible for keeping the dragons in check. One of the order that has just failed, and disastrously so. Two men, one woman. One chance to save the world from a storm of dragons ...

***

Tom Lloyd

The Dusk Watchman

The Twilight Reign book 5

***

K.J. Parker

Sharps

***

George R.R. Martin

A Song of Ice and Fire

First four books

Winner - Giveaway - A Thief in the Night

2011-10-10T15:32:00.002-04:00

The winner of the giveaway for A Thief in the Night by David Chandler is :

Sabrina Osborn from Shoreline, Washington

Reminder - Giveaway - A Thief in the Night

2011-10-06T13:50:00.002-04:00

The giveaway for David Chandler's A Thief in the Night, book 2 of the Ancient Blades trilogy will be over soon. Don't miss the chance!

You only have to send me a mail (contact on the right) with your name and address and "Chandler" as the subject. The giveaway is open only for the US. I'll pick up the winner on October 7th.

Here's the link to the previous post...

Brandon Sanderson's Infinity Blade novella

2011-10-04T17:59:00.003-04:00

You have an iPod/iPhone/iPad? Then you probably know the graphically amazing game Infinity Blade. If so, and even more if you've played it, you know that the story is quite simple. You have to slay the God King. However, at first you'll not be powerful enough so you'll die and your son will try to avenge you by trying to slay the God King, 20 years later. The same happens to him and so on....

That being said, the follow-up, Infinity Blade 2, is a work-in-progress and to bridge the storyline between the two games, Brandon Sanderson wrote a novella. The ebook is available now and is named Infinity Blade : Awakening. I may have made it sound a bit frivolous but I'm still interested in a novella written by Sanderson, even if the initial thread is thin. Brandon's announcement is available on his blog. Here's the cover of the ebook and the blurb :

Trained from birth in swordplay and combat, a young knight named Siris has journeyed to the Dark Citadel with a single purpose: fight through the army of Titans to face the tyrannical God King in one-on-one combat. This was his father’s sacred mission, and his father’s before him, going back countless generations in an effort to free their people from enslavement. But when Siris somehow succeeds where all those from his bloodline previously have failed, he finds himself cast into a much larger world, filled with warriors and thieves, ancient feuds and shifting alliances, Deathless immortals and would-be kings. His quest for freedom will take him on an epic journey in search of the mythical figure known as the Worker of Secrets – the one being in the world who can unravel the secrets of the Infinity Blade.

Durham's The Sacred Band french cover

2011-10-03T19:18:00.006-04:00

David Anthony Durham posted the cover art for the French edition of his latest novel, The Sacred Band, L'alliance sacré in french. The illustration is by Didier Graffet. I think I would choose that cover over the US one (posted below). There's too much stuff printed on the US edition and I have to say that Elya (and the other black beast of the same race) looks great!

New map - Shadows of the Apt

2011-10-03T17:39:00.003-04:00

Adrian Tchaikovsky, author of the seven novels of the Shadows of the Apt series (with more to come), posted the combined map of his world. I added the map to the index. Nice work. Here's what he had to say about it :

Now, to far more important business. As previously promised, Roderick Easton, occasional poster here, has taken Hemesh Alles' maps and put them together for a complete picture of the world of the Insect-kinden (or at least those parts of it we've seen in the series), which, with great thanks to Mr Easton, I hereby present:

October releases

2011-10-02T11:20:00.000-04:00

October 2011 is a busy month in a busy year in Fantasy. The Acacia trilogy is ending (sadly, I totally forgot to review the second book, The Other Lands, a book that I really enjoyed but listened to in audiobook too long ago to write a deserving review...), I will be seven book late in reading Tchaikovsky's Shadows of the Apt series (with Sephiroth on the cover), Nightshade books is releasing a another Dread Empire novel from Glen Cook with a splendid cover art by Raymond Swanland, Chris Evans finishes the Iron Elves trilogy and N.K. Jemisin is doing the same with her Inheritance series. However, my number one pick this month is without hesitation The Cold Commands by Richard Morgan. Can't wait!

***

The Sacred Band

David Anthony Durham

October 4th

With the first two books in the Acacia Trilogy, Acacia and The Other Lands, David Anthony Durham has created a vast and engrossing canvas of a world in turmoil, where the surviving children of a royal dynasty are on a quest to realize their fates—and perhaps right ancient wrongs once and for all. As The Sacred Band begins, one of them, Queen Corinn, bestrides the world as a result of her mastery of spells found in the ancient Book of Elenet. Her younger brother, Dariel, has been sent on a perilous mission to the Other Lands, while her sister, Mena, travels to the far north to confront an invasion of the feared race of the Auldek. Their separate trajectories will converge in a series of world-shaping, earth-shattering battles, all rendered with vividly imagined detail and in heroic scale.

***

Heirs of the Blade

Adrian Tchaikovsky

October 7th

She remembered how it felt to lose Salma, first to the wiles of the Butterfly-kinden girl, then to hear the news of his death, abandoned and alone in the midst of the enemy.

She remembered how it felt to see her father hacked to death before her eyes.

But of her murder of Achaeos, of the bite of her blade into his unsuspecting flesh, the wound that had sapped him and ruined him until he died, she remembered nothing, felt nothing. In such a vacuum, how could she possibly atone?

Tynisa is running, but she cannot escape the demons of her own mind. Amidst the fragmenting provinces of the Dragonfly Commonweal her past will at last catch up with her. Her father’s ghost is hunting her down.

At the same time, the Wasp Empress, Seda, is on the move, her eyes on the city of Khanaphes, the fallen jewel of the ancient world. Whilst her soldiers seek only conquest, she sees herself as the heir to all the old powers of history, and has her eyes on a far greater prize.

***

The Cold Commands
Richard Morgan
October 11th

Ringil Eskiath, scarred wielder of the kiriath-forged broadsword Ravensfriend, is a man on the run - from his past and the family who have disowned him, from the slave trade magnates of Trelayne who want him dead, and apparently from the dark gods themselves, who are taking an interest but making no more sense than they ever have. Outlawed and exiled from his ancestral home in the north, Ringil has only one place left to turn - Yhelteth, city heart of the southern Empire, where perhaps he can seek asylum with the kiriath half-breed Archeth Indamaninarmal, former war comrade and now high-up advisor to the Emperor Jhiral Khimran II. But Archeth Indamaninarmal has problems of her own to contend with, as does her house guest, bodyguard and one time steppe nomad Egar the Dragonbane. And far from gaining the respite he is seeks, Ringil will instead find himself implicated in fresh schemes and doubtful allegiances no safer than those he has left behind. Old enemies are stirring, the old order is rotted through and crumbling, and though no-one yet knows it, the city of Yhelteth is about to explode ...

***

Reap the East Wind
Glen Cook
October 11th

It has ended. It begins again. In Kavelin, Lady Nepanthe''s new life with the wizard Varthlokkur is disturbed by visions of her lost son, while King Bragi Ragnarson and Michael Trebilcock scheme to help the exiled Princess Mist re-usurp her throne - under their thumb. In Shinsan, a pig-farmer''s son takes command of Eastern Army, while Lord Kuo faces plots in his council and a suicide attack of two million Matayangans on his border. But in the desert beyond the Dread Empire, a young victim of the Great War becomes the Deliverer of an eons-forgotten god, chosen to lead the legions of the dead. And the power of his vengeance will make a world''s schemes as petty as dust, blown wild in the horror that rides the east wind.

***

Ashes of a Black Frost
Chris Evans
October 18th

Amidst a scene of carnage on a desert battlefield blanketed in metallic snow, Major Konowa Swift Dragon sees his future, and it is one drenched in shadow and blood. Never mind that he has won a grand victory for the Calahrian Empire. He came here in search of his lost regiment of elves, while the Imperial Prince came looking for the treasures of a mystical library, and both ventures have failed. But Konowa knows, as do the Iron Elves—both living and dead—that another, far more important battle now looms before them. The campaign in the desert was only the latest obstacle on the twisted, darkening path leading inexorably to the Hyntaland, and the final confrontation with the dreaded Shadow Monarch.

In this third novel of musket and magic in Chris Evans’s Iron Elves saga, Konowa’s ultimate journey is fraught with escalating danger. A vast, black forest finds a new source of dark power, spawning creatures even more monstrous than the blood trees from which they evolve. The maniacally unstable former emissary of the Shadow Monarch hungers for revenge, leading an army of ravenous beasts bent on utterly destroying the Iron Elves. A reluctant hero, Private Alwyn Renwar, struggles to maintain his connection to this world and that of the loyalty of the shades of the dead. And in a maze of underground tunnels, Visyna Tekoy, whom Konowa counts among those he has loved and lost, fights for her life against the very elves he so desperately wants to find.

And so Konowa sets off from this Canyon of Bones, pursuing his freedom from a curse that has cast his life in darkness. For though his long, violent trek may indeed lead him to his destiny, he is ill prepared for the discovery he will make . . . with the fate of the Iron Elves, and the world, hinging on the courage of one wrathful elf.

***

The Kingdom of Gods
N.K. Jemisin
October 27th

For two thousand years the Arameri family has ruled the world by enslaving the very gods that created mortalkind. Now the gods are free, and the Arameri’s ruthless grip is slipping. Yet they are all that stands between peace and world-spanning, unending war.

Shahar, last scion of the family, must choose her loyalties. She yearns to trust Sieh, the godling she loves. Yet her duty as Arameri heir is to uphold the family’s interests, even if that means using and destroying everyone she cares for.

As long-suppressed rage and terrible new magics consume the world, the Maelstrom — which even gods fear — is summoned forth. Shahar and Sieh: mortal and god, lovers and enemies. Can they stand together against the chaos that threatens the Kingdom of the Gods?

Giveaway - David Chandler's A Thief in the Night

2011-09-29T18:28:00.000-04:00

I still haven't read the first fantasy novel by David Chandler, Den of Thieves, but it's on my to-read pile. The novels of his trilogy, named The Ancient Blades, will all be out in a quick succession, with the first book released on July 26th, the second (A Thief in the Night) on September 27th and the last one, Honor Among Thieves will be out on November 29th.

This is indeed David Chandler's first fantasy foray since he is also known as David Wellington, an author of 'adventurous fiction' (horror...). Thanks to Harper Voyager (HarperCollinsPublishers), you could win a mass market paperback edition of his second book, A Thief in the Night. You only have to send me a mail (contact on the right) with your name and address and "Chandler" as the subject. The giveaway is open only for the US. I'll pick up the winner on October 7th.

Here's the blurb by the way :

Circumstance made him a criminal. Destiny may make him a hero.

As a thief, Malden is unparalleled in the Free City of Ness, and happy there. But by saving the life of the knight Croy, Malden has bound himself to an ancient, noble brotherhood . . . and he now possesses one of only seven Ancient Blades capable of destroying demons.

Malden fears accompanying Croy and the barbarian Mörget on their quest to dispatch a foul creature of nightmare . . . nor does he want to disturb the vengeful dead. But with an assassin on his heels, the young cutpurse is left with no choice. And there is the comely sorceress, Cythera, to consider— promised to Croy but in love with Malden—not to mention the fabulous treasure rumored to be hidden in the depths of the demon’s lair . . .

A round of covers

2011-09-27T18:09:00.001-04:00

Four new covers for our viewing pleasure.. or displeasure. Here comes Tchaikovsky, Dyachenko and Fultz.

***

To follow up on three weeks ago when the cover art unveiling of the first two novels of the Shadows of the Apt series by Adrian Tchaikovsky in paperback edition took place, here comes the next two novels, Blood of the Mantis and Salute the dark. The artist behind the work is Alan Brooks again and I included the previous UKand US covers.

***

Next up is The Scar by Sergey and Marina Dyachenko from Ukraine. The novel will be on February 2012 and is the second novel in a series called "Wanderers Cycle" who is said by the authors to stands strong for itself. It won an award for best original fantasy novel published in Russia in 1997. Here's the beautiful cover art and the blurb :

Reaching far beyond sword and sorcery, The Scar is a story of two people torn by disaster, their descent into despair, and their reemergence through love and courage. Sergey and Marina Dyachenko mix dramatic scenes with romance, action and wit, in a style both direct and lyrical. Written with a sure artistic hand, The Scar is the story of a man driven by his own feverish demons to find redemption and the woman who just might save him.
Egert is a brash, confident member of the elite guards and an egotistical philanderer. But after he kills an innocent student in a duel, a mysterious man known as “The Wanderer” challenges Egert and slashes his face with his sword, leaving Egert with a scar that comes to symbolize his cowardice. Unable to end his suffering by his own hand, Egert embarks on an odyssey to undo the curse and the horrible damage he has caused, which can only be repaired by a painful journey down a long and harrowing path. Toria, the woman whose fiancé Egert killed, hates Egert, and is saddened and numb, but comes to forgive the drastically changed Egert.

***

Finally, Orbit launched the cover art for Seven Princes by John R. Fultz. This is the first novel in an epic fantasy trilogy (the author's debut) named Books of the Shaper. The illustration was done by Richard Anderson. Here it is with the blurb :

An ancient sorcerer slaughters the King of Yaskatha and his court before the unbelieving eyes of the young Prince D’zan. From that moment the fugitive Prince is driven by one thought – he must regain his father’s stolen throne. The lives of six foreign Princes are tied to D’zan’s fate as he seeks allies for his cause.
In a land where Men and Giants battle side by side against ancient monsters and terrifying sorcery, only one thing is certain – war is coming.

Prince of Thorns Review

2011-09-26T21:35:00.001-04:00

Prince of Thorns is the debut novel of Mark Lawrence. The author's project is a trilogy named The Broken Empire. The book was released at the beginning of August and the follow-up will be called King of Thorns.

Before the thorns taught me their sharp lessons and bled weakness from me I had but one brother, and I loved him well. But those days are gone and what is left of them lies in my mother's tomb. Now I have many brothers, quick with knife and sword, and as evil as you please. We ride this broken empire and loot its corpse. They say these are violent times, the end of days when the dead roam and monsters haunt the night. All that's true enough, but there's something worse out there, in the dark. Much worse. From being a privileged royal child, raised by a loving mother, Jorg Ancrath has become the Prince of Thorns, a charming, immoral boy leading a grim band of outlaws in a series of raids and atrocities. The world is in chaos: violence is rife, nightmares everywhere. Jorg has the ability to master the living and the dead, but there is still one thing that puts a chill in him. Returning to his father's castle Jorg must confront horrors from his childhood and carve himself a future with all hands turned against him.

Prince of Thorns is a first person perspective novel with a protagonist quite unusual, the young prince being genuinely sick in his mind and being clearly aware of it. You may have read Best Served Cold by Joe Abercrombie and if it's the case, you are accustomed (or at least you experienced it) to a main character smashing his way through the country in a quest for vengeance, or plainly said, lethal retribution. In Prince Honorous Jorg Ancrath's case, it's not simply brutal justice that is the source of his disturbed and disoriented vendetta, but mixed up within the drama, is the goal to become King in his own right or even Emperor (I think I guessed the title of book 3), at any human cost.

The boy genius is thirteen, skilled in many ways through experience on the road with his band of brothers or even from some kind of unknown source. This type of 'hero' would be hard to follow or feel empathy for but with a harsh cruel past behind him already, his actions seem more legitimate even though they cannot be condoned It's undoubtedly interesting to read about a protagonist like that, going on that road with a twisted perspective; it doesn't come to life very often. However, I have to admit it can be perturbing.

So, Brother Jorg is unforgiving. That statement alone couldn't be representative enough without some context. I know you probably have already read about a villain in a story who decides to talk about his schemes to his victim before killing him. Jorg Ancrath is the complete opposite. The young ruthless and impulsive mercenary reacts, act and think after. To his credit, it's what keeps him alive and gives him an edge from more typical characters. He even manages to generate sympathy toward the protagonist 'friends' or should I say 'brothers'. That feat has to be credited to the author's writing.

The narrative Mark composed for his book is furious, sometimes frenetic, sometimes resolute. The action is fast and constant, without having a break-neck pace but with a satisfying dose of flashbacks to explain the coming of this harbinger of death seeking power. The plot is moving at a stupendously perfect rhythm, without being too descriptive and skipping the going from point A to point B when it's not essential, this being actually an achievement since it could be seen as carelessness toward the 'complete' telling of the story to the reader but it's not. Jorg being the way he is, he deserves a writer who can get into the action and synthesize.

An example you ask?

“So . . .” I looked around them, real slow-like. “So, the Baron knows where bandits such as ourselves will be going, and he knows the way we’ve got to go.” I let that sink in. “And I just lit a bloody big fire that tells him and his what a bad idea it’d be to follow.”
I stuck Gemt with my knife then. I didn’t need to, but I wanted it. He danced pretty enough too, bubble bubble on his blood, and fell off his horse. His red face went pale quick enough.
“Maical,” I said. “Take his head.”
And he did.
Gemt just chose a bad moment.

The world building and history of the society depicted in the novel was a kind of mystery to me. After a few paragraphs I stumbled into the word 'Jesu' and several chapters after 'Plato' and 'Roma'... I was dumbfounded. My question were answered soon enough as Mark's world is a deviation or an extrapolation from a nuclear crushed version of our world. That aspect is skillfully used in the book with some funny discoveries of ancient technology and a couple of plot twist-bending elements. There's magic too.

The 'epigraphs' at the end of each chapter with insights on the brothers of Jorg's company are also a nice touch. To resume or illustrate by opinion, if I would have to make a quote for the book, it would probably read like this : "Prince of Thorns will blow your eyes out of your socket. This is not a tale for the soft of heart. The hero is the villain everyone with a dedicated vengeance in mind wants to be.".

Technically, the Ace cover is cool looking, maybe too much 'fantasy-hooded-like' but nice anyway. However I would have preferred a more gory cover art. A good looking map of the world is present in the book and here. The hardcover edition of the book stands at 336 pages.

Prince of Thorns review score :

Characterization............. 8.5 /10
World building............... 8.5 / 10
Magic system................. 7.5 / 10
Story.............................. 8.5 / 10
Writing........................... 9 / 10

Overall (not an average) 8.5 / 10

Enjoy!

Mark Lawrence page

Covers for Deas and Redick

2011-09-22T22:08:00.003-04:00

Two new covert art, or maybe artwork since it's not the final result yet, surfaced recently, the UK art for the next dragon novel by Stephen Deas, The Black Mausoleum and the fourth novel in Robert V.S. Redick series, the Chathrand Voyage, The Night of the Swarm. Both novels should be out by Spring 2012.

From Stephen Youll who also made the covers for Deas' US novels :

From Edward Miller, who painted the illustration and also worked on previous covers for Redick books in the UK. I hope they will change the font of the title...

A Dance with Dragons review

2011-09-21T22:02:00.003-04:00

It finally saw the light of day back in July 2011. After six years in the making, A Dance with Dragons, the fifth volume in A Song of Ice and Fire is out. The road to completion for George R.R. Martin was not an easy one and it's now time to analyse the result. I was so eager to read about all the character I grew to love and the games they are playing for power.

The future of the Seven Kingdoms hangs in the balance. In the east, Daenerys, last scion of House Targaryen, her dragons grown to terrifying maturity, rules as queen of a city built on dust and death, beset by enemies. Now that her whereabouts are known many are seeking Daenerys and her dragons. Among them the dwarf, Tyrion Lannister, who has escaped King's Landing with a price on his head, wrongfully condemned to death for the murder of his nephew, King Joffrey. But not before killing his hated father, Lord Tywin. To the north lies the great Wall of ice and stone -- a structure only as strong as those guarding it. Eddard Stark's bastard son Jon Snow has been elected the 998th Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, but he has enemies both in the Watch and beyond the Wall, where the wildling armies are massing for an assault. On all sides bitter conflicts are reigniting, played out by a grand cast of outlaws and priests, soldiers and skinchangers, nobles and slaves.

First of all, I have to say that I did enjoy A Feast for Crows even though only half of the PoV from the previous books were present. Some storylines like Brienne's 'trek' were mostly boring but in the end, the Iron islanders, the Dornish Prince family, Jaime and Arya were still compelling enough to keep the book entertaining, bringing worthy new pieces to the set and making the story advance though in a less flaunting way. At any rate, Mr. Martin writing was still first-class. But the potential problem creeping up in Feast is also daunting Dance and all the future books, maybe George is spreading the tale too large, adding to many players in the game of thrones.

At the beginning of Dance, I was mostly eager to read about Jon, Davos, Barristan Selmy and mostly, Tyrion. But in the end, curiously, that's not really where the most interesting chapters come from. Let's look at the PoVs.

Tyrion. The Imp's speech is still full of crude and sarcastic comments I was craving for but his moods are not at the highest. His storyline is a long trek where he encounters many inspired characters, from new unexpected players to a good old acquaintance. On the other hand, if I would transpose his narrative to a less interesting character, I'm not sure I would have been satisfied with it. In the same line of thoughts, Jon doesn't have the most thrilling adventures, he sees less action in the physical sense of the term. However in his case, I understand pretty well all he has to go through and even though he wants to keep out of the way when the affairs of the southern kingdoms reach him, at least he tries to remain true to himself and be a good Lord-Commander. The same could be said for Daenerys. Both of them are learning to rule in their own ways and that doesn't always create suspenseful moments but there are never out of character.

Besides Dany, the old Kingsguard, Ser Barristan Selmy finally gets his time on stage and it felt good to be behind his eyes, George knows who to pick up as the right perspective for a thread. Too bad he is surrounded by so many hard to remember names. Bran story is not getting any clearer in my opinion but his couple of chapters serve to bring him up to pace with the rest of the cast. Furthermore, one of the best parts of the author narrative is Theon's comeback. You'll understand why I'm using the comeback term when you read the book but let's just say that I never thought that I could feel pity and even almost cheer for the guy anymore but in Dance, he's the one that bring the most emotions for me aside from the ending.

Taking all of this into perspective, the book is not a complete success for me but a satisfying novel nonetheless. I'm truly happy to have the chance to read again about all these great characters and I know that the pace of George books is often very slow, that the descriptions are rich and in abundance, that every time the author gets the opportunity, he will describe all the food they are eating but I would have thought that more would happen throughout all those pages. Maybe that's a collateral damage caused by hype... or the result of the split novels.

Moreover, I didn't remember reading so often about recaps (I'll explain) from the characters. I won't name them in fear of spoiling something but in the case of several protagonists, we follow them wandering the countryside or on the sea for several chapters but then, when something interesting happens, we are told about it in reminiscence from the implicated character perspective instead of experiencing it 'live'. I think the novel would have benefited from more chapters about those important events instead of the road to get there with a swift recap... Hopefully, many of these proceedings are meant to put the pieces in place and they are in the end great plots with enough twists.

Near the three quarters of the book, some PoVs from Feast make a couple of 'cameos' or even have their storyline resumed for a couple of chapters. This feel a bit weird at first since the characters from the start the book are pushed aside for several chapters in a row but when reaching the end, a feeling of fulfillment comes to the surface. The overall tale then feels more focused and tightly structured. Add to that the events happening in these last chapters and I felt like the Song of Ice and Fire resumed in all its pending glory.

Feast and Dance could be seen as bridging novels. In both of them, there's less clashing of armies and less epic battles but the war aftermath of Storm of Swords can't really get back to speed faster. I understand why the book is written this way and the sense of dragging I've explained doesn't eclipse the masterful storytelling I experienced.

I don't think I really have to talk about world building after five books. The world created by Martin is simply amazing and in Dance, the history behind the alliances and betrayals of old is expanded, the religion of R'hllor is making more noise and the Free cities/Valyria parts of the continent are explored further, Westeros feels less isolated.

Winter has finally come and even though the road to reach it was not a perfectly scribbled endeavor, I think that it was worth the wait. The scope of things to come is mesmerizing.

Technically, the Bantam Spectra cover, the one at the start of the review is good looking and almost all of the alternative covers are generic but nice enough. All the maps necessary, from beyond the wall to the Dothraki Sea are present, which is really really appreciated. The hardcover edition of the book stands at 1040 pages with obviously, all the family trees.

A Dance with Dragons review score :

Characterization............. 8 /10
World building............... 9.5 / 10
Magic system................. 8 / 10
Story.............................. 8 / 10
Writing........................... 8.5 / 10

Overall (not an average) 8 / 10

Enjoy!

George R.R. Martin page

New poll - Book trailers

2011-09-19T20:47:00.002-04:00

My previous poll asked a simple question : "Do you wait for series to be completed before starting one?"

Seems like this one was a no-brainer, 80% of the respondents answered with a No. It looks like most of us love series and we are not afraid to start a new one even if the end is not in sight, which is often the case in epic fantasy.

***

Now for my next question... this time, I find the object of the topic to be kind of overrated (or not if we're on the same page, we'll know better after the poll). What I mean is that I'm not really sure if it's something meant to exist and whether or not its actually useful. Are we really interested in book trailers?

A book trailer is quite simply a promotional tool. These days, they are mostly transmitted via the social networks, blogs and aggregator websites. I could understand their existence a bit more if indeed, they were seen more often than not on TV but I'm not certain that's actually the case. I may be mistaken here since I don't live in the US or the UK, correct me if I'm wrong.

For the sake of comparison, if we look at the statistics for the big brother of book trailers, movie trailers, Wikipedia indicates that "Of some 10-billion videos watched online annually, movie trailers rank #3, after news and user-created video." However, in the case of movie trailers they exist on the same medium, so it's easier to understand their relevance. With this in mind, book trailers should be a compendium of extracts... maybe I stretch too far... an extra long blurb?

From one of the previous polls, most readers don't even read extracts of upcoming novels. Will they look at the trailer? The choice to pick up a novel would then come from the reviews, blurbs, recommendations or even the covert art itself. So the decision to invest money into a book trailer could be a dubious venture for an editor.

But then, they could still be an amazing work of art, worthy of living on their own. Great but I'm still not sure it's pertinent. At any rate, I don't think I've ever been swayed to buy a novel after watching a trailer... and I don't really look at them...

Here's some examples :

So there it is : "Do you watch book trailers?"

- Yes
- No

Kick ass moment #12

2011-09-15T22:25:00.003-04:00

That one I found so funny. This small extract is from The Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss. It's no spoiler but since you may want to keep the last bit for the actual reading of the book if you've not yet picked up the novel, I put the text of the last sentence in white on white. Highlight to read it. It's a story Kvothe is telling around a fire:

"Once upon a time," I began. "There was a little boy born in a little town. He was perfect, or so his mother thought. But one thing was different about him. He had a gold screw in his belly button. Just the head of it peeping out.
  "Now his mother was simply glad he had all his fingers and toes to count with. But as the boy grew up he realized not everyone had screws in their belly buttons, let alone gold ones. He asked his mother what i was for, but she didn't know. Next he asked his father, but his father didn't know. He asked his grandparents, but they didn't know either.
  "That settled it for a while, but it kept nagging him. Finally, when he was old enough, he packed a bag and set out, hoping he could find someone who knew the truth of it.
  "He went from place to place, asking everyone who claimed to know something about anything. He asked midwives and physickers, but they couldn't make heads of tails of it. The boy asked arcanists, tinkers, and old hermits living in the woods, but no one had ever seen anything like it.
  "He went to ask the Cealdim merchants, thinking if anyone would know about gold, it would be them. But the Cealdim merchants didn't know. He went to the arcanists at the University, thinking if anyone would know about screws and their workings, they would. But the arcanists didn't know. The boy followed the road over the Stormwal to ask the witch women of Tahl, but none of them could give him an answer.
  "Eventually, he went to the King of Vint, the richest king in the world. But the king didn't know. He went to the Emperor of Atur, but even with all his power, the emperor didn't know. He went to each of the small kingdoms, one by one, but no one could tell him anything.
  "Finally, the boy went to the High King of Modeg, the wisest of all the kings in the world. The high king looked closely at the head of the golden screw peeping from the boy's belly button. Then the high king made as gesture, and his seneschal brought out a pillow of golden silk. On that pillow was a golden box. The high king took a golden key from his neck, opened the box, and inside was a golden screwdriver.
  "The high king took the screwdriver and motioned the boy to come closer. Trembling with excitement, the boy did. Then the high king took the golden screwdriver and put it in the boy's belly button.
(HIGHLIGHT)
  I paused to take a long drink of water. I could feel my small audience leaning toward me. "Then the high king carefully turned the golden screw. Once: Nothing. Twice: Nothing. Then he turned it the third time, and the boy's ass fell off."

Man... if I would have been there, I surely would have had the same reaction as Tempi!

Kick ass moment #11
Index

AFR Top List - First person narrative

2011-09-12T21:40:00.000-04:00

First off, you may wonder what is AFR? Well... it's simply yours truly! I know that everybody loves lists, as I do, so I thought that I could come up with some of my own from time to time, just for fun and mostly for the sake of discussion.

When I posted earlier the new blurb for an Eddie LaCrosse novel, what went to my mind was the fact that it's one of the series with a first person narrative that I find the most attractive.

This kind of narrative choice by an author is a dangerous one. Your character will have to be more than compelling and has to have his own voice to be fresh enough to last the entirety of the book as the sole hero. Your character has to be at the center of the action without exception and you can't alternate his PoV with another to bring perspective to the story.

I have to mention that for some of these protagonists, I listened to their books instead of reading them. So, in the case of audiobooks, I have to admit that the liking for a character narrated in this perspective can be influenced by the voice of the narrator himself...

Here's my top three:

Croaker from the Black Company novels by Glen Cook

From my review : "[...] Cook skillfully created in Croaker a character I understood and cheered for, the perfect standard bearer for the company from which I would have liked to hear the tale.". The cynical physician could recount the tale of the Black Company for a long time before I grew tired of his delivery.

Kvothe from The Name of the Wind and The Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss

Even if the interludes are in the third person, the main story retelling Kvothe's past is in the first person. There's no denying it, we all love the red haired lute singer. His story is entertaining enough but it's in his attitude, the fact that he never betrays himself and in his honest way of giving us his tale that he really shines.

Eddie LaCrosse from The Sword-Edge Blonde, Burn Me Deadly and Dark Jenny by Alex Bledsoe

The 'James-Bondish' sword for hire, full of humanity, witty remarks and head traumas is a blast. I'll let my reviews speak for themselves : "Under the harshness of his profession, there's a vulnerable and insecure man with a tendency toward the 'princess and orphan saving knight'. Eddie wants to help and he gets easily into trouble but luckily he gets by still alive." or "[...] the narrative is fully his own and he delivers. The guy is genuine, every one of his actions, his skepticism, gruffness, loyalty and altruism felt right. With a character this much believable, one can only care about his hardship and preoccupations. He will unluckily get into a lot of trouble but that's the way I like to find him."

Special mentions

Drothe from Among Thieves by Douglas Hulick

I put him in the special mentions mostly because it's a new voice but a promising one at that.

Takeshi Kovacs from Altered Carbon, Broken Angels and Woken Furies by Richard Morgan

Wow, that character was awesome but I put him out of the list because it's Sci-fi and I wanted to talk about Fantasy novels but hey, he would have been at the top of my list.

So what's yours?

Synopsis for next Eddie LaCrosse novel

2011-09-12T19:48:00.001-04:00

Alex Bledsoe, the author of the Eddie LaCrosse mysteries novels unveiled his new website/blog today. Among the additions, in the book section of his page, I found out the name of the fourth novel starring the sword jockey, Wake of the Bloody Angel. More interestingly, Eddie will take to sea... here's the synopsis :

Twenty years ago, a barmaid in a harbor town fell for a young sailor who turned pirate to make his fortune. But what truly became of Black Edward Tew remains a mystery, one that just has fallen into the lap of freelance sword jockey Eddie LaCrosse.

For years, Eddie has kept his office above Angelina’s tavern, so when Angelina herself asks him to find out what happened to the dashing pirate who stole her heart years ago, he can hardly say no–even though the trail is two decades old. Some say Black Edward and his ship, The Bloody Angel, went to bottom of the sea, taking with it a king’s fortune in treasure. Others say he rules a wealthy, secret pirate kingdom. And a few believe he still sails under a ghostly flag, with a crew of the damned.

To find the truth, and earn his twenty-five gold pieces a day, Eddie must take to sea in the company of a sexy former pirate queen in search of the infamous Black Edward Tew . . . and his even more legendary treasure.

The book will be out in Spring 2012, with a tentative April speculated by Alex.

The Sword-Edge Blonde
Burn Me Deadly
Dark Jenny

Cover week - Esslemont and Hulick

2011-09-08T19:25:00.002-04:00

The cover week continues!

The first two covers are from the upcoming follow-up to Among Thieves by Douglas Hulick (my review here), titled Sworn in Steel. The first one is the UK cover art which is way better than its US counterpart even though it's not stellar. The last one is the cover art for the fourth Malazan novel by Ian C. Esslemont, Orb, Sceptre, Throne (kind of a weird title). The artist behind the work is Steve Stone who is behind illustrations used for covers for books by Raymond E. Feist, Chris Evans, Stephen King and Steven Erikson.

***

New maps

2011-09-07T22:09:00.001-04:00

I added a couple of new maps to the index. Blake Charlton posted the map for the city of Avel from his new novel Spellbound, with all his interior illustrations posted on his blog, Brandon Sanderson is showing us all of Roshar where The Way of Kings is taking place and more particularly Alethkar and all the maps from A Dance with Dragons are now in a better quality format.

Moreover, since the links for some of the maps are not working anymore (like the map for the world of the Kingdom of Thorn and Bone by Greg Keyes), I'll post all the maps I can on the blog and link them directly.

Enjoy!

***

The Seven Kingdoms, Free cities and Valyria from A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin in all it's glory :

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The city of Avel from Spellbound by Blake Charlton :

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Roshar\Alethkar from The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson

New Shadows of the Apt trade covers

2011-09-05T14:20:00.002-04:00

Empire in Black and Gold and Dragonfly Falling, the first two novels of the Shadows of the Apt saga by Adrian Tchaikovsky will be out in March 2012 as a trade paperback editions. The two books received a new cover art, by artist Alan Brooks.

Again, for the sake of comparison, I posted the US and UK covers of both novels. I think the new illustration for Empire is much better than the two previous covers but I prefer the UK art for Dragonfly... What do you think?

The Way of Kings interior illustrations

2011-09-05T09:23:00.003-04:00

When I read The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson last year (review), it was an ARC copy provided by Tor. While most of the illustrations in the book were not present, I thought that this visual support was a very good idea. Even though Einstein said that imagination is more important than knowledge (I may be stretching that idea too far in this case...), to have all these references about the wildlife and geography of Roshar only help build the world in my head. So, Brandon decided to post all the interior illustration on his blog.

Here are some samples, for all the rest, head on to his page.

Weeks' The Black Prism french cover

2011-09-03T10:23:00.003-04:00

Brent Weeks posted the french cover art for his latest novel, The Black Prism. The illustration for "Le Prisme Noir" is the work of Miguel Coimbra (his page here). For the sake of comparison, I also posted the US and UK cover art.

Chesley Award Winners

2011-09-01T18:06:00.001-04:00

The 2011 Chesley Award Winners were announced in August. These awards are presented by the Association of Science Fiction and Fantasy Artists. Here's what's its about :

ASFA annually gives out the Chesley Awards, which were established in 1985 as ASFA's peer awards to recognize individual works and achievements not otherwise recognized by the Hugo Awards, during a given year.

Three winners attracted my attention as a fantasy reader :

Best Cover Illustration – Hardback Book
Michael Whelan for :

Best Cover Illustration – Paperback Book
Jason Chan for :

Best product Illustration
Sam Weber for :

September releases

2011-08-31T19:17:00.002-04:00

The follow-up to one of the great debut of last year is coming out this month, Spellbound by Blake Charlton. I noticed that the book reading level on Amazon is Young Adult... I admit that it can be justified, maybe as "for all the family" but as I said in my review of Spellwright : "Judging by this, the book could almost be considered a YA novel, but I would tag it as for all ages instead, i.e. not specifically targeted towards the YA audience."

David Chandler's second book in a couple of months will also be out, fellow Canadian K.V. Johansen's novel will be released and if you wondered what Greg Keyes was up to, he has written a second novel set in the Elder Scrolls universe.

From the list of the 2011 releases I posted back in January, one novel set for release initially in September was pushed back to October, The Kingdom of Gods by N.K. Jemisin.

***

Spellbound
Blake Charlton
September 13

Francesca DeVega is a successful healer in the city of Avel, wielding magical text to close wounds and disspell curses, but her life is thrown into chaos when a dead patient suddenly sits up and tells her to run. Now Francesca is in the middle of a game she doesn’t understand, one that ties her to the notorious rogue wizard, Nicodemus Weal, and brings her face to face with demons, demigods, and a man she thought she’d never see again.
It has been ten years since Nicodemus Weal escaped the Starhaven Academy, where he was considered disabled and useless, where he battled the demon who stole his birthright and killed his friends. Unable to use the magical languages of his own people, Nico has honed his skills in the dark language of the kobolds, readying himself for his next encounter with the demon. But there are complications: his mentor suffers from an incurable curse, his half-sister’s agents are hunting him, and he’s still not sure what part Francesca DeVega will play. He certainly doesn’t know what to make of Francesca herself….

***

Lord of Souls
Greg Keyes
September 17

Reeling from a devastating discovery, Prince Attrebus continues on his seemingly doomed quest to obtain a magic sword that holds the key to destroying the deadly invaders. Meanwhile, in the Imperial City, the spy Colin finds evidence of betrayal at the heart of the empire - if his own heart doesn't betray him first. And Annaig, trapped in Umbriel itself, has become a slave to its dark lord.

***

Blackdog

K.V. Johansen

September 20

Long ago, in the days of the first kings in the north, there were seven devils...
In a land where gods walk on the hills and goddesses rise from river, lake, and spring, the caravan-guard Holla-Sayan, escaping a bloodily-conquered lakeside town, stops to help an abandoned child and a dying dog. The girl, though, is the incarnation of Attalissa, goddess of Lissavakail, and the dog a shape-changing guardian spirit whose origins have been forgotten. Possessed and nearly driven mad by the Blackdog, he flees to the desert road, taking the powerless avatar with him.
And long ago, after the days of the first kings in the north, the seven devils, who had deceived and possessed seven of the greatest wizards of the world, were defeated and bound with the help of the Old Great Gods...
Moth was once Ulfhild the King’s Sword, wizard and warrior of the north. And she was once Vartu Kingsbane, one of the seven devils of legend. Moth cares little for the fate of a minor goddess of the earth like Attalissa, but at the command of the Old Great Gods she is hunting down her former comrades, though how her enemies have compelled her obedience is a mystery even to her lover, the bear-demon Mikki.
And perhaps some of the devils are free in the world, and perhaps some are working to free themselves still. Necromancy, treachery, massacres and rebellions, gods dead or lost or mad, follow hard on the devils’ heels. But it is Attalissa herself who may be the Blackdog’s -- and Holla-Sayan’s -- doom.

***

A Thief in the Night

David Chandler

September 27

Circumstance made him a criminal. Destiny may make him a hero.
As a thief, Malden is unparalleled in the Free City of Ness, and happy there. But by saving the life of the knight Croy, Malden has bound himself to an ancient, noble brotherhood . . . and he now possesses one of only seven Ancient Blades capable of destroying demons.
Malden fears accompanying Croy and the barbarian Mörget on their quest to dispatch a foul creature of nightmare . . . nor does he want to disturb the vengeful dead. But with an assassin on his heels, the young cutpurse is left with no choice. And there is the comely sorceress, Cythera, to consider— promised to Croy but in love with Malden—not to mention the fabulous treasure rumored to be hidden in the depths of the demon’s lair . . .

The Well of Ascension review

2011-08-25T21:59:00.000-04:00

The Well of Ascension is Brandon Sanderson second novel in the Mistborn trilogy. It was originally released in August 2007 and was Sanderson first sequel in one of his Fantasy worlds, the third 'non-YA' novel he wrote. Sadly, it's now his best work.

The Lord Ruler is no more. The city of Luthadel and the central dominance are now in the hands of the newly crowned King Elend Venture. With the help of the crew and under the protection of the now named Lady Heir, the mistborn Vin, the young charismatic noble who dreamed of a utopian society is trying to create a kingdom with fair laws for everyone. However, for the nobles in the other dominances, this new regime is not to their taste. Upon the rumors of the cache of atium, the ultimate allomantic metal, residing under the city, it's not long before Elend and his people find themselves surrounded by enemies. As the stalemate between the armies and the besieged begins, Vin is now hearing a thrumming sound more and more loudly. Could it be the power of the Well of Ascension coming back after the departure of the Lord Ruler?

If you haven't read the first Mistborn novel before plunging into Well of Ascension, you won't remain lost for too long since in many occurrences, Vin thoughts are directed at the past (mostly hers but other protagonists do it too). This 'slow-going' recap of the first book was slightly annoying. Maybe it could come as a plus if you had read it a long time ago but if that's not the case that's just unnecessary filling.

Speaking of thoughts… I don't remember being aware of that aspect of Sanderson's writing in the first volume but there's quite a lot of introspection done by the protagonists. They actually have long reflections about every bit of information or events happening around them and it even affects the discussions they have. This creates a crushingly slow pace with barely a trace of action for several consecutive pages or even chapters. And in action, I'm not simply implying battle sequence but actual progress in the plot. At least, the main arc of the Mistborn trilogy remains original and captivating.

Also, I think that this is even worse when you realize that these writing "defects" are applied to the story itself. You see, Well of Ascension storyline is concentrated on the military stalemate going on between two or eventually three armies and the city of Luthadel where our heroes from the first volume are currently struggling with power. This whole situation could be seen as an interesting puzzle but for me it not only created a deadlock in term of warfare but also in term of narrative. The events are dragging.

Enough negative elements, let's counterbalance this with what I actually enjoyed while reading the book, because from what I've said it may look as if this middle book is borderline with a catastrophe but it's not. Vin, mostly so since she's an allomancer/mistborn, is a very compelling character with great potential and some flaws to make her appear more human. With her former companion/mentor out of the way, someone else with the same kind of "power" ought to step up to the plate, some balance is needed. That individual is Zane, another mistborn and the son of a high noble. His madness and skills and the relationship he develops with Vin bring a refreshing breath to the lethargic tale. However, I could ask myself if it's normal to cheer for a relationship that you know is wrong or at least you think it is when taking into account all the info and feelings the author injected into it….

Another shining star in this covered sky is Sazed and the epigraphs telling the story of the world builder Kwaan, who followed the first supposed Hero of Ages. The recounting itself and the way Sazed is looking into it add an extra layer to the whole mystery at the heart of the second book who was indeed in need of more (for at least a good portion of the tale). Moreover, since Sazed is now the only ferruchemist using his skills in original ways, he hopefully got enough page time. The last character that I would compliment is Oreseur, the kandra. Again, he's revolving around Vin and creating with an entertaining set of exchanges.

The ending can be seen as redeeming for some of the more negative sides of the book. It's not transforming a decent book into a splendid one but at least it creates a more interesting setting for the final book of the trilogy. I still enjoyed enough parts of the ride to eventually pick up the last novel and not simply because I started it or want to witness the resolution but because many elements are in place to produce something great.

As such, the one thing I truly remember from the first novel was its originality in its magic system, plot and world-building. While in a bridging novel some of these aspects can fade out a bit, as it does in this instance with the story, it still remains strong enough in Well of Ascension to help in making me continue to read Sanderson's work in this universe. The upcoming book set in the same world centuries later, The Allow of Law could be the icing on an uneven cake but a good cake nonetheless.

Technically, the Tor books covers are not amazing (the first one posted is the one for the mass market paperback edition and the second one for the hardcover) but the UK art as its charms. The map is still present as is the glossary with the allomantic metals. The hardcover edition of the novel stands at 592 pages. As for the audiobook edition I listened to, it was read by the always agreeable Michael Kramer, who I enjoyed several times in the past in the Wheel of Time and Acacia series audiobooks. The duration of the narration is 29 hours and 1 minute.

The Well of Ascension review score :

Characterization............. 7.5 /10
World building............... 8.5 / 10
Magic system................. 9 / 10
Story.............................. 6.5 / 10
Writing........................... 7 / 10

Overall (not an average) 7 / 10

Enjoy!

Mistborn review
Brandon Sanderson page

New poll - Completed series

2011-08-24T20:28:00.001-04:00

A couple of weeks ago, I finished reading The Crippled God by Steven Erikson, the final volume of his lengthy series. I remember saying "After 3 million 300 thousand words, I can't actually believe that it's over but I'm also glad for it." and "And even though you might struggle in some passages, you'll probably end up being quite satisfied that you went through the ten books.". So, as you can observe, as sporadic as it may seems for series (long lasting, not trilogies), I actually found at least one occurrence where the ending was satisfying enough for my taste. I know that many (and I should probably say quite a lot) of threads where not present at the ending but not all of them were necessary and few of them ended in cliffhangers. Though I would probably like some side stories with a couple of the characters from the books.

But, the Malazan book of the Fallen is one of those huge Fantasy series that is actually finished. Moreover, it was planned from almost the beginning as a 'decalogy' (I could not confirm this 100%, any help on this?), while many other long running series were planned as trilogy or something close to it and ended up being much more (lets chose as examples... hum... the obvious? the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan and a Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin).

For these two titles however, the tale is a continuous thread (with a clear ending more often than not in each novel) instead of a series of adventures with a "meta" thread in the background, a la Gentlemen Bastard sequence by Scott Lynch. This last example won't open too many sidestories to eventually get somewhat out of control, at least I hope so.

As for myself, if your a regular of the blog, you may know that I kind of love starting new series. Some time ago I posted the list of series I was actually reading and since then, the list is always increasing. And also, it seems that I'm not alone in being a 'series lover' (I hope that doesn't sound weird) if we take a look back at this poll where I asked you readers whether you prefer a stand-alone or series (92% of the answers went that way...). However, in that case, the difference between a trilogy and a ten novels series was not evident. Moreover, you're also more tempted by sequels than new ideas.... in a 44% vs 13 % proportion (even though 41% of the respondents didn't care...).

Why am I talking about this? Because it's one of the subject I stumbled upon a couple of times since the release of A Dance with Dragons (and maybe the Game of Thrones TV series). Readers are asking themselves whether or not they will pick up the series depending on the finished status of it. Another side of the question is influenced by the time factor. I know that many readers will wait because they don't want to read a sequel when the previous book was read too long ago and it's not fresh in your memory.

An interesting article about these long lasting, several volume spanning sagas is available at the A.V. Club. It's titled "The perils and pleasures of long-running fantasy series". Different aspects of this reality are analysed in the post, for example the authors obligation to deliver and the difficulty of putting all the threads together toward a grandiose conclusion that was planned form the start. As for that part, I'm actually thinking in pretty much the same lines as the author of the piece but with some nuances. However, I'll stick with one subject for now and keep the rest for later polls/discussions.

So my question is simple : "Do you wait for series to be completed before starting one?"

- Yes
- No

NPR Top 100 Science-Fiction, Fantasy Books

2011-08-22T20:01:00.003-04:00

Two weeks ago, NPR (books) posted the results for their list of the Top 100 Science-Fiction, Fantasy books. As they mention on their site, more than 5000 series/books were nominated (in June) and 60 000 people voted (from August 2nd to August 11).

If you don't know anything about NPR (as I did...) it seems that in addition to radio broadcast, NPR.org presents constantly updated news and alerts, timely news blogs, streaming audio, downloadable multimedia content, exclusive multimedia features (video and photojournalism), and free access to more than 10 years of archived coverage and transcripts to web users through NPR.org. Enough of free publicity :)

My first reflex, was to check whether or not I had read most of these books (the same as many other bloggers I think, who I will plagiarize and highlight the ones I have read). Since I'm mostly a Fantasy reader with some background and several excursions in Sci-Fi, I can't say that I've read much of the titles the people voted for. Ok... so that list has to be taken lightly as with every list voted by readers but then, even when critics or influential people in the domain produce this kind of work, there's always someone to complain .At least, the voters were not afraid to vote for some recent works. Usually, we find more titles that have proven their worth over a longer period of time but it's fun to have a glimpse of what people cherish in the genre these days.

I was really surprised by the presence of some titles like Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey... (it was not bad... but a Top 100???) but some of the series that became really popular are indeed in the list even though I think (don't forget, it's a personal opinion) they may not deserve to be in a top 100 or wouldn't be in mine... for example, The Sword of Truth by Terry Goodking (the second half of the series was... so disappointing but I know, the first book at least had its charms...) , Donaldson work (I couldn't even finish the first book), the Shannara Trilogy (felt too much like a ripoff of LOTR for me) or The Belgariad by David Eddings would be more fitting in a Top 100 YA Fantasy/Sci-Fi list...

Anyway, we would all have removed some books from that list and added some of our own. No Abercrombie, Richard Morgan, Tad Williams, Scott Lynch or Mark Charan Newton is a crime!!! :)

So what do you think? Interesting anyway? Have you read much of these?

1. The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy, by J.R.R. Tolkien

2. The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy, by Douglas Adams

3. Ender's Game, by Orson Scott Card

4. The Dune Chronicles, by Frank Herbert

5. A Song Of Ice And Fire Series, by George R. R. Martin

6. 1984, by George Orwell

7. Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury

8. The Foundation Trilogy, by Isaac Asimov

9. Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley

10. American Gods, by Neil Gaiman

11. The Princess Bride, by William Goldman

12. The Wheel Of Time Series, by Robert Jordan

13. Animal Farm, by George Orwell

14. Neuromancer, by William Gibson

15. Watchmen, by Alan Moore

16. I, Robot, by Isaac Asimov

17. Stranger In A Strange Land, by Robert Heinlein

18. The Kingkiller Chronicles, by Patrick Rothfuss

19. Slaughterhouse-Five, by Kurt Vonnegut

20. Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley

21. Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep?, by Philip K. Dick

22. The Handmaid's Tale, by Margaret Atwood

23. The Dark Tower Series, by Stephen King

24. 2001: A Space Odyssey, by Arthur C. Clarke

25. The Stand, by Stephen King

26. Snow Crash, by Neal Stephenson

27. The Martian Chronicles, by Ray Bradbury

28. Cat's Cradle, by Kurt Vonnegut

29. The Sandman Series, by Neil Gaiman

30. A Clockwork Orange, by Anthony Burgess

31. Starship Troopers, by Robert Heinlein

32. Watership Down, by Richard Adams

33. Dragonflight, by Anne McCaffrey

34. The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress, by Robert Heinlein

35. A Canticle For Leibowitz, by Walter M. Miller

36. The Time Machine, by H.G. Wells

37. 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea, by Jules Verne

38. Flowers For Algernon, by Daniel Keys

39. The War Of The Worlds, by H.G. Wells

40. The Chronicles Of Amber, by Roger Zelazny

41. The Belgariad, by David Eddings

42. The Mists Of Avalon, by Marion Zimmer Bradley

43. The Mistborn Series, by Brandon Sanderson

44. Ringworld, by Larry Niven

45. The Left Hand Of Darkness, by Ursula K. LeGuin

46. The Silmarillion, by J.R.R. Tolkien

47. The Once And Future King, by T.H. White

48. Neverwhere, by Neil Gaiman

49. Childhood's End, by Arthur C. Clarke

50. Contact, by Carl Sagan

51. The Hyperion Cantos, by Dan Simmons

52. Stardust, by Neil Gaiman

53. Cryptonomicon, by Neal Stephenson

54. World War Z, by Max Brooks

55. The Last Unicorn, by Peter S. Beagle

56. The Forever War, by Joe Haldeman

57. Small Gods, by Terry Pratchett

58. The Chronicles Of Thomas Covenant, The Unbeliever, by Stephen R. Donaldson

59. The Vorkosigan Saga, by Lois McMaster Bujold

60. Going Postal, by Terry Pratchett

61. The Mote In God's Eye, by Larry Niven & Jerry Pournelle

62. The Sword Of Truth, by Terry Goodkind

63. The Road, by Cormac McCarthy

64. Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, by Susanna Clarke

65. I Am Legend, by Richard Matheson

66. The Riftwar Saga, by Raymond E. Feist

67. The Shannara Trilogy, by Terry Brooks

68. The Conan The Barbarian Series, by R.E. Howard

69. The Farseer Trilogy, by Robin Hobb

70. The Time Traveler's Wife, by Audrey Niffenegger

71. The Way Of Kings, by Brandon Sanderson

72. A Journey To The Center Of The Earth, by Jules Verne

73. The Legend Of Drizzt Series, by R.A. Salvatore

74. Old Man's War, by John Scalzi

75. The Diamond Age, by Neil Stephenson

76. Rendezvous With Rama, by Arthur C. Clarke

77. The Kushiel's Legacy Series, by Jacqueline Carey

78. The Dispossessed, by Ursula K. LeGuin

79. Something Wicked This Way Comes, by Ray Bradbury

80. Wicked, by Gregory Maguire

81. The Malazan Book Of The Fallen Series, by Steven Erikson

82. The Eyre Affair, by Jasper Fforde

83. The Culture Series, by Iain M. Banks

84. The Crystal Cave, by Mary Stewart

85. Anathem, by Neal Stephenson

86. The Codex Alera Series, by Jim Butcher

87. The Book Of The New Sun, by Gene Wolfe

88. The Thrawn Trilogy, by Timothy Zahn

89. The Outlander Series, by Diana Gabaldan

90. The Elric Saga, by Michael Moorcock

91. The Illustrated Man, by Ray Bradbury

92. Sunshine, by Robin McKinley

93. A Fire Upon The Deep, by Vernor Vinge

94. The Caves Of Steel, by Isaac Asimov

95. The Mars Trilogy, by Kim Stanley Robinson

96. Lucifer's Hammer, by Larry Niven & Jerry Pournelle

97. Doomsday Book, by Connie Willis

98. Perdido Street Station, by China Mieville

99. The Xanth Series, by Piers Anthony

100. The Space Trilogy, by C.S. Lewis

Updates - Weeks, Jemisin and Abercrombie

2011-08-16T20:23:00.000-04:00

Some interesting tidbits surfaced in the last two days concerning Brent Weeks, N.K. Jemisin and Joe Abercrombie.

***

First, if you have a Facebook account (hum... who doesn't anyway...) you can take a peak at the first three chapters of The Binding Knife, book two of the Lightbringer series by Brent Weeks. The author posted the chapters on The Black Prism Facebook page. The novel is set for release in Fall 2012.

The Binding Knife excerpt.

***

Lauren Panepinto posted another nice cover art this week for the Orbit release of the third novel in the Inheritance trilogy by N.K. Jemisin, The Kingdoms of Gods. The cover was drawn again by Cliff Nielsen with the same kind of city art with a face on the background.

Here for the Orbit page.

***

Finally, Joe Abercrombie posted an update on his next project (another stand alone in the same universe), for now titled (working name) Red Country (maybe with an 'A' before...). Here's a glimpse of what he's talking about :

So I’ve finished the first draft of the second part of my latest masterwork, workingly titled, ‘A Red Country,’ or possibly just, ‘Red Country,’ we will see on that score. For those who have failed to follow this blog religiously for the past few months (shame on you faithless scum), it is another semi-standalone set in the world of The First Law, and fusing fantasy elements with western elements, in the same way that The Heroes was a fantasy/war story and Best Served Cold fantasy/thriller-ish. That puts me about 40% of the way through a first draft, though I suspect there’ll be a fair bit of work to do once the first draft is complete. Isn’t there always? Now the terrifying wait for feedback from my editor and readers while I try and sort out what exactly I’m going to do with my next part. I guess one could say that if Part I was a little bit Searchers then Part II rolled into Lonesome Dove territory and Part III has something of a Deadwood/Fistful of Dollars motif.

Poll results

2011-08-15T21:31:00.000-04:00

As the latest post closed, we get our results for this question :

"Which fantasy series should come to TV?"

- The First Law by Joe Abercrombie - 17%
- The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan - 16%
- The Gentlemen Bastard Sequence by Scott Lynch - 8%
- Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson - 7%
- The Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson - 7%
- The Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb - 6%
- Chronicles of Amber by Roger Zelazny - 4%
- The Kingkiller Chronicles by Patrick Rothfuss - 3%
- The Psalm of Isaak by Ken Scholes - 3%
- The Night Angel Trilogy by Brent Weeks - 3%
- The Riftwar Saga, by Raymond E. Feist - 3%

And with 2% or less : The Black Company by Glen Cook, The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant by Stephen Donaldson, The Prince of Nothing by R. Scott Bakker, Shannara by Terry Brooks, Memory, Sorrow and Thorn by Tad Williams, Eddie LaCrosse by Alex Bledsoe, Codex Alera by Jim Butcher, The Dragon Trilogy by Stephen Deas, Acacia by David Anthony Durham, Godless World by Brian Ruckley, The Kingdoms of Thorn and Bone by Greg Keyes, Legend of the Red Sun by Mark Charan Newton, The Long Price Quartet by Daniel Abraham, The Coldfire Trilogy, C.S. Friedman, The Warded Man by Peter V. Brett, Shadows of the Apt by Adrian Tchaikovsky

I have to agree with some of the comments on the original post that many of these series would offer a problem of scope. As Grant said, action, more specifically battle scenes would come as a challenge... However, many of the series listed wouldn't have that much epic battle scenes with huge armies.

Anyway, let's dream that we could see Glokta slowly making his way toward an interrogation room, doing his click, tap, pain...