"By Odin's empty eye socket!"

Growing up reading Fantasy and mythology coupled with having parents who raise one to genuinely despise profanity and other forms of crude language is a blessing. Why? Because in place of such base and/or simplistic words, one learns to be creative. I say "silence" and, in place of swear-words, oaths like "Thank the flame", "Gods and sacred Goddesses", "Fire and hemlock!" "Darkspawn", "Freya's tears", "By all the gods above and below the Earth", "Sacred flames!" and, when in physical pain, "Bones, body, and blood!". In other words, having one's manner of speech and style of writing forged by binge-reading Fantasy literature works out great! Even my mother says "Thank the flame" now, though her personal favorite is that time I swore "By Odin's empty eye socket!" (I was reading The Sea of Trolls trilogy by Nancy Farmer at the time, I believe, which is filled with oaths invoking the Norse gods. In fact, that is where the "Freya's tears" swear comes from.) As to the rest, the "Fire and hemlock!" oath came from the Diana Wynne Jones' book of the same name, and "Thank the Flame" from Tolkien in that, back in middle school, when happy I would say "Thank the Flame of Anor" and when upset "By the dark fire of Angmar!" Meaning "Thank the Flame" is a contraction of the former and, today when upset I am likely to say "By the Fire" in contraction of the latter. Of course, I also read lots of Peanuts and Charlie Brown leaves a marked impression, so when frustrated I am just as likely to say "Good Grief" or "I can't stand it."

Quote of the month

"The young must grow old,

Whilst old ones grow older,

And cowards will shrink,

As the bold grow bolder.

Courage may blossom in quiet hearts,

For who can tell where bravery starts?

Truth is a song, oft lying unsung,

Some mother bird, protecting her young,

Those who lay down their lives for friends,

The echo rolls onward, it seldom ends.

Who never turned and ran, but stayed?

This is a warrior born, not made!

Living in peace, aye many a season,

Calm in life and sound in reason,

'Til evil arrives, a wicked horde,

Driving a warrior to pick up his sword,

The challenger rings then, straight and fair,

Justice is with us, beware. Beware!"

- Brian Jacques

I have just started Firebrand, book 6 in the Green Rider series by Kristen Britain

clip clop clip clop clip clop....hoofbeats... 

I have just started Firebrand, book 6 in the Green Rider series by Kristen Britain. Of all my thousand friends of Fantasy, few have my heart quite so much as Rider Sir Karigan G'ladheon – making it an unrivaled joy to return to the land of the Sacor Clans. But the shadow of a terrible future looms large as the grasp of winter clenches, for Mornhavon the Black and those loyal to his legacy are determined to restart and win the Long War he lost long ago. Which might be why Eletians have come and want to search for an old ally in the north.

clip clop clip clop clip clop....hoofbeats...

I just finished The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm

I just finished The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm by Christopher Paolini, sequel to his The Inheritance Cycle.

Such a delight to see old and dear friends again while the mysteries of Alagaësia increase exponentially! From Murtagh to Angela to Urgal legends, Paolini never disappoints. Best yet, a new day has dawned for the dragons!

Until next time, Ebrithils Eragon and Saphira!

Atra esterní ono thelduin. Mor'ranr lífa unin hjarta onr. Un du evarínya ono varda.

I just submitted the Fantasy series I wrote!

I just submitted the first book of The Cynnahu Saga, the Fantasy series I wrote, to DAW Books!! Send good vibes, folks, and watch for the red ship on the horizon with its crimson-eyed captain!

I just started The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm by Christopher Paolini

My favorite authors did not stand idle while I read Robert Jordan, so now begins the delight of catching up.

I just started The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm by Christopher Paolini, sequel to his The Inheritance Cycle, international bestseller and the first great Fantasy series I read on my own in the 6th grade (my father having read The Lord of the Rings to me the year before).

Such a delight to see old and dear friends again! Eragon and Saphira, and others from the wondrous world of Alagaësia - land of the Dragon Riders and the Ancient Language. Honestly, I would say more to express my excitement as my love for this series is second to none save The Lord of the Rings itself, yet cannot without violating my Stars Uncounted law of never writing spoilers. 

Kvetha Fricai, sé onr sverdar sitja hvass!

I have once again finished The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

I have once again finished The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Once again I am amazed anew at the genius of the Father and Founder Modern Fantasy! Such a short book yet brimming with lovely characters, unforgettable places and adventures, all woven with timeless lessons old as the roots of the Lonely Mountain where the Arkenstone was found. How great wealth and the lust for it can poison even the noble-hearted but that, in the end, food and cheer and song and friendship are ever the keys in which victory, joy, freedom, and still greater friendships are unlocked; all girded of course with great courage, even when one's sword arm is small, in the face of overwhelming odds. Such is the nature of Tolkien, and the magic of this most extraordinary adventure of Mr. Bilbo Baggins cannot be overstated.

"The Road goes ever on and on

Down from the door where it began.

Now far ahead the Road has gone,

And I must follow, if I can,

Pursuing it with weary feet,

Until it joins some larger way,

Where many paths and errands meet.

And whither then? I cannot say.

 

Roads go ever ever on,

Over rock and under tree,

By caves where never sun has shone,

By streams that never find the sea;

Over snow by winter sown,

And through the merry flowers of June,

Over grass and over stone,

And under mountains in the moon.

 

Roads go ever ever on,

Under cloud and under star.

Yet feet that wandering have gone

Turn at last to home afar.

Eyes that fire and sword have seen,

And horror in the halls of stone

Look at last on meadows green,

And trees and hills they long have known."