Vorodin's Lair is out

“Crimson flags borne on horses of white, see them ride, ye children of light." – The Ballad of Eldwal

Vorodin's Lair, Book Two of J.V. Hilliard's Warminster Series is out! As some may recall, I wrote an Official Review on Book One, The Last Keeper, and loved it, so I am greatly looking forward to jumping back into that marvelous and unpredictable realm. After I finish the Nine Realms series by Sarah Kozloff, of course. In the meantime, I have a soft spot for book trailers (which is why I made one for my own), so here is something fit to get one netted and hooked on J.V. Hilliard's most excellent work.

The Dragon Is Withered

I have, to put it mildly, spoken extensively regarding the Spirit of Tolkien that birthed and continues to run through the best of modern High Fantasy, as well as its conspicuous lack in the Grimdark genre founded by George R. R. Martin in what I name the Treason of the Intellectuals and Isengard. But I am not here to further litigate Fantasy literature today. Rather I shall post a musical rendition of the song "The Dragon Is Withered" which the Elves of Rivendell sing as Bilbo and Gandalf return to the Shire from Erebor at the end of The Hobbit, for I feel that it conveys so well that bright morality of Fantasy's Forefather.

Third Editorial Review of The Last War (The Cynnahu Saga Book 1)

Another (5 Star!) editorial review for my book, this one by Literary Titan and blessedly without spoilers so feel free to read it. Here are the key parts, though:

"Adler created a rich and imaginative world populated with interesting and well-developed characters encompassing the depth of their history and mythology. Fans of the fantasy genre will be enthralled by the level of detail and visual delights that bring this story to life, pulling the reader right into the action. It’s a satisfying read that focuses not only on war and action but the wisdom and strategy the young characters, Emrys and Sakura, must face when solving puzzles and challenges.

The author invests much of the narration with dialogue, creating a colorful plot and development throughout the book. This technique gives the characters more dimension so that we understand their motives, while the storyline never falters and will keep you turning one page after the next. While this action-packed, strategic tale follows what many readers may find to be a familiar fantasy storyline, it’s a rich, vibrant tale with unique characters and a fantastic world will keep you looking forward to the next installment."

I just started A Queen in Hiding by Sarah Kozloff, volume one of her Nine Realms series

What talent hides unseen within each breast?
Begrimed, bejeweled, and all the rest,
Till soothing sun calls forth a sleeping bud,
Or rain reveals the gold beneath the mud.

I just started A Queen in Hiding by Sarah Kozloff, volume one of her Nine Realms series.

My quest for unique Fantasy has led me to here, to a realm threatened not by a Dark Lord (at least, not as far as I can tell) but by a corrupt aristocracy. To one princella Cerulia of Weirandale who must win back her mother's throne as a rebel guerilla fighter. But first she must recruit an army, ally will spirits, and discover her own secret magic because nothing is ever as simple as it appears. Especially not the complex things. Oh, and did I mention Fire-worshiping religious maniacs from an ancient militaristic realm?

I just finished Lumatere Chronicles by Melina Marchetta

I just finished Quintana of Charyn by Melina Marchetta, the third and final book of her Lumatere Chronicles.

When I first began this series I had grimdark suspicions of it, yet not only was I wrong, it turned out to be one of the most memorable series I have ever read. A harrowing yet amazing Fantasy that is unquestionably unique in its own way and to the point that I do not think I have ever read such a tangle of love, pain, and politics. Filled with a heartrending magic in its curses, prophesies, and gods' blessed dreams, woven together with such emotion and complexity both political and arcane that it was at times surreal and always unpredictable, it was a joy, after so much death, sorrow, and regret, to watch love, peace, and forgiveness triumph as a new generation is born to Charyn and Lumatere.

A toast to Finnikin of the Rock & Isaboe of Lumatere, Lucian of the Monts & Phaedra of Alonso, Froi of the Exiles & Quintana of Charyn, Gargarin of Abroi & Lirah of Serker, Arjuro of Abroi & De Lancey of Paladozza (and his children), Trevanion of the River & Beatriss of the Flatlands, Perri the Savage & Tesadora of the Forest Dwellers, Sir Topher, Rafuel of Sebastabol, and of course Vestie of the Flatlands and Tariq of the Citavita and Jasmina of the River. You broke the curses and will beyond doubt bring peace to Charyn and Lumatere.

My father and I just finished The Murder at the Vicarage by Dame Agatha Christie

My father and I just finished The Murder at the Vicarage by Dame Agatha Christie, the first of her Miss Marple books.

With both Holmes and Christie's Poirot under our belts, we entered this ready to try and solve the crime ourselves if possible. Yet more interesting was observing Miss Marple's own style of detective work. Poirot likes to differentiate himself from Holmes by saying that, rather than hunting for footprints and clues, he uses his little grey cells and just sits and thinks to solve cases. However, while not as physically active as Mr. Holmes, M. Poirot does his share of clue-finding in addition to thinking. Miss Marple, however, is pure greys cells – making her in truth what Poirot claims to be, solving by watching and thinking in the epitome of the detective style Poirot lauds. Natural enough since Miss Marple is a little old lady.

 

Point of order, the actual difference between Christie's detectives and Mr. Holmes is not that Holmes does not sit and think; indeed, he spends whole nights doing nothing else. Rather the difference is that Sherlock Holmes also gets down and dirty, a master of disguise and expert boxer ready to physically grapple with criminals if he can catch them in addition to being a chemist plus much more. I am of the firm opinion that Dame Agatha Christie developed her style of detective to properly differentiate from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Holmes. A differentiation she mastered in the character of Miss Jane Marple.

Amazon's Rings of Power is out!

Well, the time has come at last. Amazon's Rings of Power TV show is out and can be watched on Prime. Now at last we can determine whether they did justice to, and the show is worthy of, J.R.R. Tolkien. Initial reviews appear mixed, but I have a feeling it will end up like their The Wheel of Time adaption – i.e. you either love it or hate it.