Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Fallen, but not forgotten, friends

Let us pause for a moment to remember all of the fictional characters we grew to know and love as dearest friends...and who died ere the journey ended.

This will sound foolish to anyone who is not a reading fanatic, anyone who does not throw their whole hearts into the story and view the characters as real people with souls...
 
But I want to say to you, my fallen friends of Fantasy, just how much I love and admire you. You efforts, your struggles, your desires for peace, and most of all your enormous and noble hearts. Even though I can see you again by simply picking up a book, your deaths still weigh upon my soul.

(I would list you all by name, but I have limited space and do not wish spoil the experiences of others in my own world who have yet to meet you all.)

Thursday, September 22, 2016

Expecto Patronum!!

Hail Harry Potter fans, "think of your happiest memory, because Pottermore has a very exciting announcement to make…"

Direct your eyes and click upon the above link and enter a dark forest where, after an enigmatic test, you may finally cast the famous Patronus Charm and discover what form your corporeal Patronus takes.

Mine is a Dolphin. Everyone who has finished J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series knows who the Silver Doe Patronus belongs to. Now it is time to learn yours!
Expecto Patronum!!

"The Patronus is a kind of positive force, a projection of the very things that the Dementor feeds upon – hope, happiness, the desire to survive." - Remus Lupin
 

Saturday, September 17, 2016

Pursuing arete

My father and I just finished The Philosopher Kings, book #2 of the Thessaly Trilogy, by Jo Walton - a series of that rarest of genres, Historical Fantasy.

Who needs one Plato's Republic when you can have thirteen? Who knows what happens when they quarrel, all having different interpretations of Plato and religion? How will their deeds fit inside Fate and Necessity?
(What can an incarnate Olympian learn of mortality?)

We learned the answers to the first two through pursuing arete (hehehe). Now we just have to see about the third.

Honestly I have seldom read a book that so confounded my ability to make predictions, despite my knowledge of Greek mythology (with one exception).

Friday, September 16, 2016

Mobile availibility

Forgive this non-Fantasy related post, but I feed obligated to say that Stars Uncounted is now available via mobile devices (hence iphones and whatnot).

 "The realm of fairy-story is wide and deep and high and filled with many things: all manner of beasts and birds are found there; shoreless seas and stars uncounted; beauty that is an enchantment, and an ever-present peril; both joy and sorrow as sharp as swords." - J.R.R. Tolkien

Saturday, September 10, 2016

A journey with your home

One never knows when a new journey may begin, for, as the Eastern sage Lao Tzu wisely said, "a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." As such, to avoid homesickness, it would be prudent to take heed of a certain Doctor Morgenes of the League of the Scroll:
"Never make your home in a place. Make a home for yourself inside your own head. You’ll find what you need to furnish it — memory, friends you can trust, love of learning, and other such things. That way it will go with you wherever you journey."

Friday, September 2, 2016

Ranger's Apprentice: The Early Years

Mark your calendars, for November 29, 2016 some very old friends are returning. 

John Flanagan, author of the bestselling Ranger's Apprentice fantasy adventure epic, delivers a second prequel to Ruins of Gorlan, the novel that started it all, with the beloved Rangers greybeard Halt and humorous Crowley preparing for war against the devious Morgarath, former Baron and Lord of the Mountains of Rain and Night.


The Battle of Hackham Heath draws nigh, and it is such a delight to see such dear friends again!