30 June, 2010

It's News To Me #13

I have to apologize for being so reticent lately, but getting ready for the baby is wearing me out...and he's not even here yet. I'll have a review up in the next few days I promise, but in the mean time, here's the news.

Cover Art

I just recently bought Paul Kearney's The Ten Thousand [US] [UK], which I'm duly excited to read, and continuing along the same cover art theme is his new (3rd book in the Macht series), The Kings of the Morning. While creepy, I'm definitely a fan of the art in this series. Maybe I'll soon be a fan of the actual novels. :)

The second book, Corvus, should be coming out in October this year and The Kings of the Morning is due out in July 2011.

R. Scott Bakker's newest in the Aspect-Emperor trilogy, The White Luck Warrior, has been making the rounds lately as far as cover art goes. I'm not the biggest fan of the cover, but this book's due out in March 2011, published by Overlook Press in the US and Orbit in the UK.

News

SFX Magazine is offering UK readers a voucher for a free copy of Alistair Reynolds' House of Sons in it's latest issue, coming out today. I'll let Werthead tell you the rest:
SFX has a RRP of £3.99, so even if you just get the magazine to pick up a copy of the book, you're effectively saving 50% off the cover price of the novel and getting the magazine free. Great news, particularly for me since I get SFX every month anyway, am a huge Reynolds fan, and hadn't previously gotten round to picking up House of Suns :-)
Speculative Book Review has posted another project they've been working on. It's a round table discussion of JC Marino's Dante's Journey (my review). Edi (from Edi's Book Lighthouse) and I did something similar (here) and I think it's a great idea. One of the ways I buy books is to search out enough reviews that I finally feel like I'll really enjoy a book. This just makes my work that much easier. :) (Can we say "obsessed with links"?)

A collaboration project is underway for extensive reviewing of the SF Masterwork series. Of Blog of the Fallen posted about this yesterday and it seems Larry will be a big part of it as well as a nice list of great reviewers. Check out the new site here although you won't find any posts yet. July 3rd is the big date for going live.

Movies/Videos/TV

My new favorite show to watch while whiling away the time at work is called InfoMania. It's like The Soup (another fave), but covers all types of media like magazines and the internet as well as TV. My favorite segment of my new favorite show is called Sergio's Music Intervention.

Here he asks Snoop Dogg to just be Gangsta again. Love it.


Please, stop saying "yes" to everything!

Oh, and Harry Potter and The Deathly Hollows is coming out soon, but I'm not excited at all. :D:D:D:D:D



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

27 June, 2010

My Life in Boxes

Or just about two thirds of it. Moving day is approaching, depressingly quick, and I can't help but lament once again that I can fit my life into about half a dozen or so boxes. Picture below.

This has been a yearly ritual for me for as long as I can remember. Pack, move, unpack, and repeat. Old endings and older beginnings shake hands like friends long lost - the rhythm of my life.

All the above to say that your Way of Kings review will be out tomorrow even if I have to forego sleep tonight. It has probably been one of the most difficult reviews I have written to date. Like moving, like all new beginnings, it is filled with challenge and promise - the hope of things to come and the fear of mistakes past.

Till tomorrow.  

23 June, 2010

It's News To Me #12

Some good stuff in the news for you this week, plus we're giving away some pretty cool stuff right now. Alec is nice enough to part with his ARC of The Way of Kings. I really just think it's because he can't even fit the book into his tiny apartment. :D

Also check out the upper right corner of the blog to see how to win Pleasure Model and Black Blade Blues.

Cover Art

I'm really enjoying these covers for Pierre Pevel's series beginning with The Cardinal's Blades. This artwork is for the second in the series, The Alchemist in the Shadows.
Welcome to Paris, in 1633, where dragons menace the realm.

Cardinal Richelieu, the most powerful and most feared man in France, is on his guard. He knows France is under threat, and that a secret society known as the Black Claw is conspiring against him from the heart of the greatest courts in Europe. They will strike from the shadows, and when they do the blow will be both terrible and deadly.

To counter the threat, Richelieu has put his most trusted men into play: the Cardinal's Blades, led by Captain la Fargue. Six men and a woman, all of exceptional abilities and all ready to risk their lives on his command. They have saved France before, and the Cardinal is relying on them to do it again.

So when la Fargue hears from a beautiful, infamous, deadly Italian spy claiming to have valuable information, he has to listen . . . and when La Donna demands Cardinal Richelieu's protection before she will talk, la Fargue is even prepared to consider it. Because La Donna can name their enemy. It's a man as elusive as he is manipulative, as subtle as Richelieu himself, an exceptionally dangerous adversary: the Alchemist in the shadows . . .

Superb swashbuckling fun - with dragons!

News

R. Scott Bakker (Prince of Nothing and Aspect Emperor series') has his own blog, with the first post titled "Why does Blogging feel so...loserish?" Ouch, but can't really deny it. ;D


Ser Loras Tyrell and Hodor have been cast on HBO's Game of Thrones. I can't even contain my excitement. (Thanks Wertzone)

The David Gemmell Legend Awards have announced some winners:

Legend:

This award goes to the surprise candidate, Graham McNeill, for Empire [US] [UK]. Although, if you think about it, it does mention the word "Legend" twice on the cover. Not too surprising. Possibly forcing the issue a bit???










Ravenheart:

Love this cover for Joe Abercrombie's Best Served Cold [US] [UK]. (Plus I voted for this one)










Morningstar:

Pierre Pevel for The Cardinal's Blades [US] [UK]. Sounds oddly familiar, doesn't it? Also was up for the Ravenheart award (for cover art).









Movies/Videos/TV

The Wertzone also announced the unofficial new director for The Hobbit movie. Neill Blomkamp, of District 9 fame, may not only be working on The Hobbit in the near future, but also a new Dune movie.


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

20 June, 2010

Giveaway: The Way of Kings, by Brandon Sanderson


Brice wrote about it in his roundup, Tor had a special newsletter about it, and pretty much the whole blogosphere has been going gaga over it. The blurb even goes so far as to suggest that the Way of Kings is the next Wheel of Time. There is even a wave of fake Twitter reviews for the Way of Kings. The series already has its own Wiki page with over five references... All in all, props go out to the marketing department at Tor for getting everyone's panties in a twist for this highly anticipated novel. And to Brandon, of course, for releasing this behemoth of a book in between WoT installments... a prolific feat if I have ever seen one.

At this point, I am halfway through The Way of Kings [US][UK], volume one of the Stormlight Archive, and hope to have a review posted on Thursday. Things are moving along steadily so far and the tapestry is taking shape nicely. This is a big world you will be visiting when the book releases in August, so my suggestions is to read slowly and savor the experience. I don't want to give a detailed review here as I obviously haven't finished yet, but as I have already hinted things are going great. Brandon has gained in confidence and experience working on concluding a certain other epic, and it shows clearly in the sure prose and complex interaction of perspectives.

Giveaway Rules

Enough! My fingers escape me... So, if you are interested in getting your hands on my copy (after I am done with it) just follow these exceedingly simple instructions below. Giveaway runs until 6/30/10 @ 11:59 PM EST.

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

16 June, 2010

It's News To Me #11

Hope you're enjoying the week so far. I had a fun time putting together the combined review with our good friend, EdiFanoB and his unique bunch that reside inside his skull. Nice to have him back, if only for a bit.

Cover Art
I've never read anything (or watched for that matter) in the Doctor Who universe, but this piqued my interest, especially since there are possible ties to Moorcock's Eternal Champion series. Here's the blurb: (Thanks Wertzone)
Miggea - a world on the very edge of reality. The cusp between this universe and the next. A point where space-time has worn thin, and is in danger of collapsing. And the venue for the grand finals of the competition to win the fabled Arrow of Law. The Doctor and Amy have joined the Terraphiles - a group obsessed with all aspects of Earth's history, and dedicated to re-enacting ancient sporting events. They are determined to win the Arrow. But just getting to Miggea proves tricky. Reality is collapsing, ships are disappearing, and Captain Cornelius and his pirates are looking for easy pickings. Even when they arrive, the Doctor and Amy's troubles won't be over. They have to find out who is so desperate to get the Arrow of Law that they will kill for it. And uncover the traitor on their own team. And win the contest fair and square. And, of course, they need to save the universe from total destruction.

Cherie Priest has a new cover to her newest novella, Clementine [US] [UK], another steampunky addition to the Clockwork Century series. I'm really diggin' the minigun.

In addition (and as mentioned yesterday), Priest has also announced there will be two more in the Clockwork Century series, Ganymede and Inexplicable, coming in 2011 and 2012 respectively. (Thanks to Mad Hatter's)

News

JC Marino, author of Dante's Journey (review), just started his own website. It's still a work in process, but it has some great quotes on the home page I must say. Check it out and check out his debut novel. I had a great time.



Brandon Sanderson's new epic, The Way of Kings, book one in The Stormlight Archives, is coming out this summer and Tor's gifted us with the first 50 pages to read for free. (Also in pdf)

I thought Stomping on Yeti had the most unique way of introducing this news and definitely worth checking out: Everything You Need To Know About The Way of Kings


Interviews


Maja (not Larry as I said earlier) at Of Blog of the Fallen interviews debut author Todd Newton. I'm almost halfway through The Ninth Avatar [US] [UK] and so far so good. Still lovin' the cover.

There's also another interview of Tad Williams over at Fantasy Book Critic for your reading pleasure.

Movies/Videos/TV



This is great. A Game of Thrones on the small screen. Sean Bean as Ned Stark. What could be better than this?

Looking Ahead

Here are some plans I've got in the works for the next couple weeks or so...hopefully. When it comes to reading you can count on me to be extremely fickle and yet I still like to make plans. Don't ask me why. Just don't. I don't get it either.

Okay, so this part isn't some tentative, fickle thing. I already finished reading The Left Hand of God [US] [UK] by Paul Hoffman and I'll have a review up shortly. Promise.











After finishing Warbreaker [US] [UK] last year I've been dying to get back to Brandon Sanderson and I think I'm finally gonna do it and possibly even this month starting with Mistborn: The Final Empire.











Jon Sprunk's Shadow's Son [US] [UK] came in the mail recently and it's been calling my name ever since. May get to this in the month of June as well.

You can take a look at an exclusive excerpt of Shadow's Son at Tor.com.











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

15 June, 2010

Out of Context

Terry Goodkind's new Richard and Kahlan novel will be called The Omen Machine (2011), according to the Fan Forum admin, who is actually Terry himself, sort of. Other relvelant facts about the forthcoming Sword of Truth book:

  • The official book's title is THE OMEN MACHINE
  • The novel will be released simultaneously in all ebook formats, including iBooks, Kindle and Nook.
  • The novel takes place immediately following the end of CONFESSOR.
  • It is a Richard and Kahlan novel in the truest sense of the word.
  • The cover artwork will be revealed soon. It was designed by Terry Goodkind and Rob Anderson.

GRRM reminds fans that he is not their bitch, sort of, when discussing how famous he is going to become thanks to his new HBO mini-series:

Therefore, as of today, NO REVEALS WILL BE ALLOWED in any comments here. No, not even to things that happen in book one. A GAME OF THRONES may have been published in 1996, but if you haven't read it yet, it will be all new to you. I don't want new readers to have their first experience of the story spoiled by someone's offhand comment.

Tobias Buckell discusses that ever hot topic, eReaders:

As a cockroach-writer-interested-in-survival, I’m happy to see the expanded ecosystem, and the viable eBook market segment spring up.

Cherie Priest proudly announces two more Clockwork Century books!

Tentatively they shall be Ganymede (2011) and Inexplicable (2012), and I shall be over here doing the happy book sale bootydance! (Not such a dignified display, really, but a very enthusiastic one all the same.)

Joe Abercrombie colors in some of the reasons for the change in the publication date of The Heroes.

So it is with great regret I have to inform you that, following a meeting with my editor and various whip-and-sword-wielding figures at Orion made from fire and shadow, we have decided, reluctantly, that we have to move the publication date of The Heroes.

When asked what he was reading, Pat Rothfuss author of the Name of the Wind replied:

Sorry. I’m just reading my own book these days. Over and Over. And over.

Then, when asked why movies like Alien vs Predator make it to the big screen he had this charming comment:

They make those moves because witless fucking sheep go to them. Since people go to them, they make money. Since the movies make money, they keep making them despite the fact that it takes a huge shit in the the collective consciousness of all humankind.

Giveaway: Pleasure Model

Pleasure
Pleasure Model, by Christopher Rowley sprang forth into this world from the loins of the combined Tor and Heavy Metal magazine amalgamation. Ludicrously pulpy and lavishly sexy, the Netherworld series promises to keep happy that niche of virgin readers enchanted by pictures of pretty things... very pretty things. The story that unfolds in Pleasure Model, book one of the series, is also pretty good.

The book, contrary to pretty much everything else you see here, is illustrated, sprinkled if you will with things drawn on paper. It straddles both the graphic novel and science fiction genres and does so in a pretty unique way. Highly encouraged for those whose imagination can use that little extra push...

Giveaway Rules

You enjoy naked people, a little softcore action and great science fiction? Done. Just follow these simple giveaway instructions for your chance to win Pleasure Model (giveaway runs till 6/30/10 @ 11:59 PM EST):

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

14 June, 2010

(Combined) Review - The Burning Skies by David J. Williams


Seak's Intro -
This combined review has been in the works for some time now, actually since before EdifanoB started his own blog, Edi's Book Lighthouse, so without further ado, here's Edi's intro:

Edi
's Intro -
This is nothing new under the sun. Two guys decide to write a combined review. This is something new ..... for us. It is our debut. For the first time ever Seak and ediFanoB went into a huddle – virtually. Mails made it possible.
Enough chitchat! Before we go into details we proudly present our "victim.
Science fiction - 22nd century - Settlements on the moon - Space stations - Cyber space - Terrorism - Second book in the Autumn Rain series ...... This is (drum roll):

Burning Skies (2009) [US] [UK] by David J. Williams
Life as U.S. counterintelligence agent Clair Haskell once knew it is in tatters - her mission betrayed, her lover dead, and her memories of the past suspect. Worse, the defeat of the mysterious insurgent group known as Autumn Rain was not as complete as many believed.

It is quickly becoming clear that the group's ultimate goal is not simply to destroy the tenuous global alliances of the 22nd century - but to rule all of humanity. And they're starting with the violent destruction of the Net and the assassination of the U.S. President. Now it's up to Claire, with her ability to jack her brain into the systems of the enemy, to win this impossible war.
Battling ferociously across the Earth-Moon system, and navigating a complex world willed with both steadfast loyalists and ruthless traitors, Claire must be ready for the Rain's next move. But the true enemy may already be one step ahead of her."
Neither of us is either as talented as David J.Williams nor we are literary critics.
That means we can deliver only a whiff of the BURNING SKIES pace and atmosphere.
But we deliver you our honest impression of the book. We talk about things the three W's.
Come on you should know what does this means:
What = the story, Where = the world, Who = the characters
Finally we round off the picture with additional thoughts and er, er, er, a recommendation.

And now lift the curtain. and read the two two cents from Seak and ediFanoB:

What -The Story

Edi
BURNING SKIES continues where THE MIRRORED HEAVENS (Seak's review) ended. And David J. Williams is getting better which is a surprise because BURNING SKIES has been a great read. There is more action, more intrigues, more fights, more character insights. It is a gripping mix of brawn and brain. The twists and turns forced me to read several passages again. Who is friend or fiend? Who follows which plans? There is no time to stop and think about it because you have permanently fight for you live. You even don't know if your memories are real or just hacked by someone else. The story is told in present tense which intensify the story. The point of view changes often which can be a bit confusing at times. All in all it is an extraordinary good "middle" book of a series. It is even possible to read BURNING SKIES without know THE MIRRORED HEAVENS! But I highly, highly recommend to start with THE MIRRORED HEAVENS because it makes it easier to understand the story and it is an awesome read. Anyway I like to use pictures.

BURNING SKIES is like a roller coaster ride where you wear a helmet with no visor and you get permanently conflicting information of your surrounding and yourself. And during the ride you have to hit the bull's eye with darts. ATTENTION: Don't forget to breathe!

Seak
Loved the story especially the twists and turns that come out of nowhere. You're convinced that a character is on one side and suddenly he's on the other, but is he really? Who knows. The Burning Skies kept me guessing the whole time while surprising me constantly. I think Edi explains it best with the roller coaster simile...I forgot to breathe plenty of times.

The Characters

Edi

The paperback copy contains a page titled Dramatis Personae which shows the names and the aka of the main characters. I think you need it because David J Williams uses sometimes the first name or the last name or the aka for his persons. That makes it difficult to identify them during the faced paced action. Each of the main characters has his own background story and personality which makes them believable. I must say I have been fascinated by Claire Haskell aka Manilishi. Used by different parties, never sure about her own memories but intelligent. She is a highly skilled super-razor. what will be her fate?You never know who will survive. Survive as a human being or as a peace of software.

Seak
I really like Spencer for some reason. Maybe I relate to him the most. I love a story where the little is expected of a character, but he blows you away and overcomes the odds. I also can't get the scene out of my head of Linehan jumping through space without a suit on. That was just plain awesome and he's just plain crazy.

What's great is that you're going back and forth between each of the characters so quickly that although it's harder to get to know them, the sense of mystery about each of them is kept up. The power-team of 3 (who came together in the first book) is also just cool. What can't they blow their way through?

The World


Seak
The world is a very real not-to-distant future. The idea behind the Zone is completely realistic, I mean, everything's already connected digitally and it's almost like the hackers (razers) have realistic magical powers to be able to quickly hack an attack before it comes at them.

The world building in general was a bit confusing for me because of the fast-paced nature of the story. I had a hard time visualizing the Europa platform especially during the huge fight scene that goes on for half the book.

Edi
I agree with Seak in this case. My paperback copy contains a picture of the EUROPA PLATFORM with explanations which is helpful. The interesting thing is that David J. Williams took a lot of things directly from NASA papers. Anyway I highly recommend to read his guest posts over at Mentatjack where the author explains parts of the technology.

David J Williams Guest Post1 - Space-elevator
David J Williams Guest Post 2 - O'Neill-cylinders
David J Williams Guest Post 3 - Project Orion
And of course you should not miss a visit of the Autumn Rain Trilogy site.

Additional thoughts

Edi

The whole concept of the series is great. From beginning to end BURNING SKIES (and also THE MIRRORED HEAVENS) is an unbelievable good mix of continuously action, technology and physics on a high level which catapults you though the story. Can't wait to read the conclusion of the series: THE MACHINERY. And this mix This perfect mix of physics, technology, and action continuously propels the action in Burning Skies, from start to finish.

Seak
I still think the razer/mech pairing is awesome and creates some interesting twists because of how much the razer knows that the mech just has to accept. I liked the idea of programmed memories and objectives. You have to start the mission before you even know what you're supposed to do. That was really interesting especially the way Williams worked that to further the plot.

Recommendation

Seak
Definitely recommended. I liked Burning Skies even more than The Mirrored Heavens. We got to see more of the characters' point of view and there was even more non-stop action... and it was really cool too. :) Note: the author mentions at the end of The Burning Skies that this book can be read without reading The Mirrored Heavens first.

4.5 out of 5 Stars

Edi
I don't have a rating system. I thought it would be a good idea to give word to one of the characters. And this is the message I received from Strom Carson (aka the Operative): "What the f*ck you want from me? You shouldn't trust Seak and ediFanoB. They are definitely members of Rain. Why the f*ck you hesitate to buy and read BURNING SKIES. We deliver you a hell of a ride. I promise you non-stop, breath taking action. We f*ck your brain until you no more longer know if you are male or female. Do you really exist? Or are you just a peace shit of software which easily can be deleted? There is only one way to find out: Read the AUTUMN RAIN trilogy!!!" I'm sorry for the rude remarks. You will understand when you read the books.

A copy of this book was provided by the publisher

12 June, 2010

To all you English bloggers...

Suck it.

A game you should have won hands down against the USA ends in a draw. Blame your most generous goalie. And when you go up against Germany in the 1/8 finals because you are second in your group... well, just admit that the USA is better than you.


Cheers mate!

11 June, 2010

Review - The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle

I'll get straight to the point on this, read it, read it now. The Last Unicorn (1968) [US] [UK] is a classic and not without reason.
The third-person narrative centers on a unicorn who, believing she is the last of her kind in the world, sets off on a journey to discover what has happened to the others. She encounters a host of diverse characters as her journey progresses, each of them bringing her closer to her goal. (from wikipedia)
I thought I'd do this review a bit different than my normal routine and just list the reasons for reading it. I don't have any grand delusions of thinking that I can actually do the book justice. :)

Why You Should Read The Last Unicorn...

-The prose flows beautifully, keeping the plot moving and your imagination enriched.

-Along the same vein, the metaphors used are amazing and perfectly describe the situation giving it that quality that stays with you.

-This is not your typical journey tale.

-The characters are magical and can be hilarious at times, especially Schmendrick the Magician and Molly Grue.

-Ever want to live in a fairy tale for at least a few minutes. The Last Unicorn immerses you in a world of unicorns, harpies, witches, and magic.

-This is a story of hope or maybe more accurately of no hope. I once heard that if you don't just accept that life sucks you're not an optimist, you're an idiot. One theme in The Last Unicorn reminded me exactly of this quote that I think is ridiculous. Life will throw things at you all the time no matter what you do. If you don't learn to enjoy life through those hard times you'll always be miserable. This is exactly the mistake that is commented upon in The Last Unicorn.

-It's only 294 pages with large font. You can hammer that out in a few hours right?

-Did I mention The Last Unicorn is a classic?

-If you don't like cats, The Last Unicorn has the answer for you:
...there is no such thing as a cat-it is just a shape that all manner of imps, hobs, and devilkins like to put on, to gain easy entrance into the homes of men...

-If you don't read The Last Unicorn, the red bull will come get you.

Why You Shouldn't Read The Last Unicorn...


-I do have to warn that there are plenty of poems and songs interspersed throughout. I know lots of people get turned off by that sort of thing, but I thought it only added to the fairy tale atmosphere. But again, I realize that's not for everyone.

-I guess if you're not a true fantasy fan (tsk tsk)...do you really want me to go there? Did I mention everybody's doing it? Peer pressure usually works on me.

5 out of 5 Stars

09 June, 2010

It's News To Me #10

Happy Wednesday everyone. I just got back a few days ago from my wife's sister's wedding (that's sister-in-law for most people) in Breckenridge, Colorado (beautiful place) and although it was great, wonderful, happy, fun, fanciful, etc, I'm happy it's over. I was only a groomsman and I got worn out. Gosh.

Cover Art


A Fantasy Reader brought these covers to my attention. This is Brian Ruckley's Bloodheir in Czech. This definitely falls into the category of covers-that-make-me-want-to-read-the-book. I think I need a new name for that...maybe ctmmwtrtb. Ok, that's even worse.

News

Victoria at Speculative Book Review will be starting her own A Song of Ice and Fire reread project where she only reads the POV's she likes best. June 11 will be the first post starting with A Game of Thrones.


As announced by Pat at the Hotlist, Ian C. Esslemont's newest in his Malazan Empire series, Stonewielder, has got a blurb. I'm really looking forward to learning more about the continent of Korel. Here ya go:
Greymane believed he'd outrun his past. He now ran a school for swordsmanship in Falar and was looking forward to becoming fat and lazy. With him was Kyle, though the plains youth was not quite so contented with civilian life outside the mercenary company the Crimson Guard. Yet it is not so easy to disappear when you are an ex-Fist of the Malazan Empire, especially one denounced and under a death-sentence from that very Empire. For there is a new Emperor on the throne of Malaz, and his thoughts turn to the lingering drain of blood and treasure that is the failed invasion of the Korel subcontinent. In the record vaults beneath Unta, the Imperial capital, lie the answers to that disaster. And out of this buried history surfaces the name Stonewielder. In Korel, Lord Protector Hiam, commander of the Stormguard, faces the potential annihilation of all that he loves as with the blood of his few remaining men and a crumbling stone wall that has seen better days, he labours to stave off the sea-borne Stormriders who would destroy his lands. Meanwhile, religious war has broken out all across these lands as the local cult of the Blessed Lady, who has stood firm for millennia against the assaults of the Stormriders, seeks to stamp out all rivals; a champion refuses to stand against the alien 'Riders' and takes up arms in rebellion; and a local magistrate innocently pursuing the mystery of a series of murders is brought to the very heart of a far larger and far more terrifying ancient crime that has stained the entire subcontinent.

I've been checking over and over for the past couple months to see when Daniel Abraham's The Price of Spring will come out in mass market paperback (I'm a poor college student and I plan on making a bigger contribution when I actually have money). Little did I know that "when" wasn't an issue, but rather "if". Sadly, we'll not be seeing the final volume in The Long Price Quartet coming out in mmpb. (source A Dribble of Ink)

Giveaways!

Temple Library Reviews is giving away a "stylish" black bookshelf to hold at least a small portion of your "To Read" pile. Now that's handy.

Oh, and we've got some books we're giving away to help you fill up such a bookshelf. Just check the upper right hand corner.

Movies/Videos/TV

Steampunk Panel - SLJ Day of Dialog, BEA 2010 from School Library Journal on Vimeo.

Cory Doctorow, Scott Westerfeld, and Cherie Priest talk steampunk at this year's Book Expo. (source Mad Hatter's)

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