Okay, let's write a story. We'll start out with a little steampunk. Then we'll toss in just a bit of a classic Science Fiction feel. Then, just for shits and giggles, we'll throw in a HUGE dose of comic book style superhero action. And of course, we're going to need a super villain. And maybe a conflict for our hero. Oh, and we can't forget a sexy lady or two. We could do all of that. It sounds like a good story. Or, since I'm feeling lazy, maybe I'll just let R.J. Batla do it for us. He did a good job with it too. Seriously. Fire Eyes Awakened is a romping good time.
I'll get to our main character in a minute, but first let me say that I can't believe how much Batla managed to get into this book. I mean, not only does he have everything I mentioned above, but the themes in Fire Eyes Awakened are amazeballs. There's morality. There's a Christian theme. You've got good versus evil. You've got selflessness. You see the value of thrift and hard work. You get a look at the value of charity. There is really a lot here and not a single bit of it is preached at the audience. Batla just writes it in and away you go.
Our main character, our hero, is one Jayton Baird, also known as Jay. This is a guy who worked and saved money his entire life to become Awakened and gain superpowers. You'd think a guy like that would be out for power, but he basically just wants a good paying job. He's hoping that through thrift and hard work he can overcome his poor upbringing and earn a decent living by putting his life on the line to defend the East Side (more about this in a minute) from the depredations of the evil monsters of the West Side. He's basically a really good guy who just wants what's best for himself and his parents and is willing to serve to do it. I like him.
I don't want to give too much away, but you can't get a feel for this book without knowing that he gains huge powers in like the first ten pages of the story. A lot of the book centers around Jay learning to use his powers. He also gains one power that makes him a threat to all around him. He spends the majority of the book under suspicion. All he wants to do is his duty. This kid is amazing.
The world of Fire Eyes Awakened is a dangerous place. On one said we have humanity and it's allies. Superpowers are common among the no-human populace but are rare and expensive to acquire for humans. The good guys live on the East Side of the Break, a range of mountains with a huge wall across them. One the East Side are the monsters and they're pissed. They've been locked out. Granted, it's because their ancestors were tearing things up and hurting people but they're convinced that they've been done dirty and the other side has it better. There is a war coming.
Our antagonist is named Malstrak. He has the same power that causes Jay to come under suspicion – and he embraces it. Malstrak commands the armies of the West Side and he's on his way to cause havoc, if he can make it. He has been cast out from the East Side and is not at all happy about it. At some point, he's going to find a way to get revenge. He's got all the creatures of the West Side happy to help him do it. I seriously want to slap this guy. He's coming though.
There are several subplots and challenges contained within the pages of Fire Eyes Awakened. I don't do spoilers and I'm not going to try to go over them all here. The main focus though is on Jay and his training. The vast majority of the book is dedicated to his character arc. We get a really good feel for how Jay learns what his powers are and how to use them. We see Jay fight to control his dark side. We see Jay dealing with normal emotions as well. Batla did a really good job constructing this character and his travails.
That's not to say that the other characters are not well developed as well. Jay's friends and enemies are well thought out and live in the pages. We really do get a good idea of what makes the rest of the cast tick. They all go through their own arcs and we get a feel for what the good guys actually are: A family. Jay is a member of the Senturian Corps, a group that combines the responsibilities of army, law enforcement, fire department and often EMT and doctors all rolled into one group. They're responsible for just about everything regarding the safety of their people. They kind of have a military feel to them and the kind of don't. It's a weird middle ground, but it makes sense in context. Batla did a great job making the Senturian Corps his own instead of creating just another military SF organization.
My only complaint about Fire Eyes Awakened is that it is too short. I really wanted this book to give me an ending to a particular storyline, but it kind of ends right at the good part. I really shouldn't panic. I already have a copy of Tempus, the sequel so it's not like I'll never know what happens, but still you can feel the lack at the end of this one. It's like ending Star Wars Episode Four just when the Rebel fleet finds the Death Star. I mean, it's like ahhhhhH!!!!!!!! I want more! I'm SO TOTALLY gonna tell my MOM!!!!!
Then again, I'm not totally certain that it's as bad as I'm making it out to be. At the end of the day, if the audience wants more, then the author has done his job. I definitely can't wait to see what happens next. Except that I'm going to, because I never review the same author twice in a row. Stay tuned though. I'll get there soon.
Bottom Line: 4.5 out of 5 Train Whistles
Fire Eyes Awakened
R.J. Batla
Self Published, 2017
Fire Eyes Awakened is available for purchase at the following link:
Tuesday, July 31, 2018
Sunday, July 29, 2018
Jon Del Arroz's Knight Training
I don't usually read anything in a series out of order. I had a bad experience with that in the Nineties with L. Ron Hubbard's Mission Earth series. (Shut up. I was twelve.) I started at book six, not realizing it was book six and then had to start over and then re-read the sixth one. It made much more sense the second time. But, I figured I'd pick up Jon Del Arroz's latest novella anyway. I had hear it worked well as a standalone and it does. I still do plan on going back to pick upFor Steam and Country but Knight Training worked just fine without it. I had a good time.
Our hero is a young apprentice Knight named James. (I approve. I find all guys named James to be both awesome and humble. Yes, that is my name. What does that have to do with anything?) He has a problem: He's good at what he does and he has the favor of the royal family. Why is that a problem? Because the other apprentices hate him. They basically see him as a teacher's pet. His life is hell.
I found myself identifying with this kid. I was the guy in high school whose teacher gave him a pet name (I spent my freshman year answering to “Scribble” in my biology class. Yes, my handwriting is that bad.) and check tests. A lot of people hated me as well. The difference is that this James can't just go home at the end of the day to get away from the crap. He spends his nights in a dorm with the people who are tormenting him. I couldn't help but to feel bad for the kid.
The fact remains that this not some “Woe is me. My life sucks. I'm being bullied.” story. James's solution to being tormented is to work harder and make his fellow apprentices eat their words. And, put bluntly, he really is that good. His instructors love him because of his talent and work ethic. He puts in the time. A competition is announced. It's just when that happens that James stumbles onto something...
I don't want to give too much away here, so I won't say what it is or where it leads, but James ends up doing even more than I expected him to when I picked this Knight Training up. I really like this kid. He's the kind of person I wish I had been at his age. He has been through a lot but he keeps persevering. What didn't kill him really did make him stronger. James is a real dynamo.
James and friends do not have it as bad as the characters in a George R.R. Martin novel, but they don't have it easy either. In a way, James himself almost has a Harry Dresden feeling to him. Either that, or he's a Timex watch. Regardless of how you view it, he takes a beating and keeps on fighting. This kid can absorb more punishment than a quarterback for the Detroit Lions. If he were any tougher, he'd be your mama's pot roast. The lost thing I saw get beaten like that was my...
Uhh...
Nevermind.
The thing is, he's not that super competent, Honor Harrington type, ominpotently awesome dynamo that some other characters are. He's willing. He's able. He wants to do what he needs to do. The problem is that James is an apprentice. He knows that he doesn't know everything but that knowledge, in and of itself, is not enough to save him. He has to get some help from his friends sometimes and is not always smart enough to seek it. There is a bit of Harry Potter in this kid and it's not because he has a lightning shaped scar or gets treated like The Chosen One. No, James wants to do it all but can't always get 'er done. The thing is, he never stops trying.
I hear a lot of people complain about the boarding school cliché in Young Adult literature but it works here. Knight Training starts at the knight training academy. James states (the book is in first person) early on that he has the goal of becoming the youngest Journeyman knight in history. I find myself wondering if that's because of flat out ambition or if he's just trying to escape all of the assholes. It may actually be a little bit of both. Either way, the reason the boarding school has become so common in these types of stories is because they provide a big enough place to tell a story and a place small enough to keep things from getting out of control, especially in a novella where the author may not have room to introduce an entire planet full of people.
You know, I keep telling myself I'm going to read more Steampunk and then not doing it. That's sad because this really is a great genre and I am looking forward to reading more Steampunk by Jon Del Arroz soon. I love this setting and others like it. I confess to being more of a fan of the “electronic stuff hasn't been invented yet” thing than the “all the electronics have failed” gimmick but the former is what Del Arroz uses here. It really does work. Because electronics haven't been invented yet, Knight Training is able to focus on the future instead of constantly pining for a lost past.
Del Arroz also avoids the trap that some Steampunk works fall into. Any good story focuses on the people in it. Don't get me wrong. Any Steampunk novel needs to have Steampunk tech in it, but the author needs to keep in mind that the tech is part of the setting and not the whole story. The 1999 version of Wild Wild West fell into this trap, but Knight Training didn't. You might read about horseless carriages in the background or a special gun but the tech is kept in its place. Kudos to him for getting the balance right.
Bottom Line: 4.75 out of 5 Wooden Swords.
Knight Training
Jon Del Arroz
Superversive Press, 2018
Knight Training is available for purchase at the following link:
Our hero is a young apprentice Knight named James. (I approve. I find all guys named James to be both awesome and humble. Yes, that is my name. What does that have to do with anything?) He has a problem: He's good at what he does and he has the favor of the royal family. Why is that a problem? Because the other apprentices hate him. They basically see him as a teacher's pet. His life is hell.
I found myself identifying with this kid. I was the guy in high school whose teacher gave him a pet name (I spent my freshman year answering to “Scribble” in my biology class. Yes, my handwriting is that bad.) and check tests. A lot of people hated me as well. The difference is that this James can't just go home at the end of the day to get away from the crap. He spends his nights in a dorm with the people who are tormenting him. I couldn't help but to feel bad for the kid.
The fact remains that this not some “Woe is me. My life sucks. I'm being bullied.” story. James's solution to being tormented is to work harder and make his fellow apprentices eat their words. And, put bluntly, he really is that good. His instructors love him because of his talent and work ethic. He puts in the time. A competition is announced. It's just when that happens that James stumbles onto something...
I don't want to give too much away here, so I won't say what it is or where it leads, but James ends up doing even more than I expected him to when I picked this Knight Training up. I really like this kid. He's the kind of person I wish I had been at his age. He has been through a lot but he keeps persevering. What didn't kill him really did make him stronger. James is a real dynamo.
James and friends do not have it as bad as the characters in a George R.R. Martin novel, but they don't have it easy either. In a way, James himself almost has a Harry Dresden feeling to him. Either that, or he's a Timex watch. Regardless of how you view it, he takes a beating and keeps on fighting. This kid can absorb more punishment than a quarterback for the Detroit Lions. If he were any tougher, he'd be your mama's pot roast. The lost thing I saw get beaten like that was my...
Uhh...
Nevermind.
The thing is, he's not that super competent, Honor Harrington type, ominpotently awesome dynamo that some other characters are. He's willing. He's able. He wants to do what he needs to do. The problem is that James is an apprentice. He knows that he doesn't know everything but that knowledge, in and of itself, is not enough to save him. He has to get some help from his friends sometimes and is not always smart enough to seek it. There is a bit of Harry Potter in this kid and it's not because he has a lightning shaped scar or gets treated like The Chosen One. No, James wants to do it all but can't always get 'er done. The thing is, he never stops trying.
I hear a lot of people complain about the boarding school cliché in Young Adult literature but it works here. Knight Training starts at the knight training academy. James states (the book is in first person) early on that he has the goal of becoming the youngest Journeyman knight in history. I find myself wondering if that's because of flat out ambition or if he's just trying to escape all of the assholes. It may actually be a little bit of both. Either way, the reason the boarding school has become so common in these types of stories is because they provide a big enough place to tell a story and a place small enough to keep things from getting out of control, especially in a novella where the author may not have room to introduce an entire planet full of people.
You know, I keep telling myself I'm going to read more Steampunk and then not doing it. That's sad because this really is a great genre and I am looking forward to reading more Steampunk by Jon Del Arroz soon. I love this setting and others like it. I confess to being more of a fan of the “electronic stuff hasn't been invented yet” thing than the “all the electronics have failed” gimmick but the former is what Del Arroz uses here. It really does work. Because electronics haven't been invented yet, Knight Training is able to focus on the future instead of constantly pining for a lost past.
Del Arroz also avoids the trap that some Steampunk works fall into. Any good story focuses on the people in it. Don't get me wrong. Any Steampunk novel needs to have Steampunk tech in it, but the author needs to keep in mind that the tech is part of the setting and not the whole story. The 1999 version of Wild Wild West fell into this trap, but Knight Training didn't. You might read about horseless carriages in the background or a special gun but the tech is kept in its place. Kudos to him for getting the balance right.
Bottom Line: 4.75 out of 5 Wooden Swords.
Knight Training
Jon Del Arroz
Superversive Press, 2018
Knight Training is available for purchase at the following link:
Friday, July 27, 2018
Guest post by Riley McCoy: The Silver Eyes by Kira Breed-Wisley and Scott Cawthon
(Editor's Note:This is a giest post by my oldest daughter Riley. I'm a proud papa right now. Good job Riley!)
WARNING MINOR SPOILERS FOR THE BOOK AND FNAF FRANCHISE!
This book was based on the popular game franchise Five nights at Freddy's by Scott Cawthon. The book was unexpected. I wasn't sure what to expect. I had been watching theories on FNAF and wanted to read the book.
The book takes place in a small town, there used to be a Freddy Fazzbears pizzeria, the POV starts in third person limited to a girl named Charlotte AKA Charlie. Then transitions to her friends. Her father had created the animatronics and the restaurant. Along with William Afton. Well her father is never directly named you can infer he father is Henry (no last name given).
They are all back in the small town because of one reason: to commemorate their childhood friends death. He had died at Freddy's.
The book goes on and you find out that Freddy's was sealed in a mall that had become abandoned. They then go to the pizzeria. Charlie and her friends go to the place they once loved in their childhood and now fear. Will they make it out alive find out in
Five Nights at Freddy's: Silver eyes
The Silver Eyes
Kira Breed-Wisley and Scott Cawthon
Scholastic, 2016
The Silver Eyes is available for purchase at the following link:
WARNING MINOR SPOILERS FOR THE BOOK AND FNAF FRANCHISE!
This book was based on the popular game franchise Five nights at Freddy's by Scott Cawthon. The book was unexpected. I wasn't sure what to expect. I had been watching theories on FNAF and wanted to read the book.
The book takes place in a small town, there used to be a Freddy Fazzbears pizzeria, the POV starts in third person limited to a girl named Charlotte AKA Charlie. Then transitions to her friends. Her father had created the animatronics and the restaurant. Along with William Afton. Well her father is never directly named you can infer he father is Henry (no last name given).
They are all back in the small town because of one reason: to commemorate their childhood friends death. He had died at Freddy's.
The book goes on and you find out that Freddy's was sealed in a mall that had become abandoned. They then go to the pizzeria. Charlie and her friends go to the place they once loved in their childhood and now fear. Will they make it out alive find out in
Five Nights at Freddy's: Silver eyes
The Silver Eyes
Kira Breed-Wisley and Scott Cawthon
Scholastic, 2016
The Silver Eyes is available for purchase at the following link:
Thursday, July 26, 2018
The Best of Abyss and Apex: Volume 2 Wendy Delmater Ed.
Being younger that some other readers of Science Fiction and Fantasy, I came to the love of the short story as an art form late. I mean that seriously. I am aware of the heyday of the pulp magazines. It must have been a great time. For me, and many others my age, that is not, however, how we fell in love with SF/F. My first real exposure to SF/F was Star Trek: The Original Series. Once I got old enough to make use of both the public library and the one at school, I expanded my axis of SF/F exploration to include novels. Then I got my first job at fourteen and hit the bookstore! I could get books I didn't have to get back! The closest thing I read to an anthology would have been the old Star Trek Log novels, but those only kinda, sorta count. Of course, we read some shorts in school but that almost put me off of the art form forever. The stuff they make you read in school sucks.
Even when I got older, I routinely bought the monthly bundles put out by Baen Books and didn't read the anthologies that came with them. But eventually, I stumbled into one on accident. And when I get a new one to review it's always bittersweet. Sweet because I get to read some really good stories that way. Bitter because I now know what I was missing. But when I received a copy of The Best of Abyss and Apex, Volume Two I was excited because I can now get further into something that I find myself enjoying more and more every time I read them: Actual quality short stories. This anthology definitely has a bunch of them. This anthology was a good time. And, if I write the occasional piece of fiction and have a recently conceived dream of seeing myself on these pages that doesn't hurt in the slightest. I couldn't wait to crack this thing open (metaphorically, I got the ebook) and read it. I was quite happy with what I found there.
Oh, and even though it's in the introduction and not one of the stories, I'd like to announce that I'm stealing the concept of a “word well.” Uhh... Hold on. I changed my mind. Nope, I have no clue why your world well disappeared or where it went. Whaddaya mean my back yard? I'm innocent. Innocent I tell ya!
A quick note: Something I've always done when I review anthologies is to go through one story at a time and give a quick impression. It gives credit to each author and also gives the reader a good idea of what's in the tome. This is going to be fun! I've got roughly thirty works to go write about. And...go!
Up first is “The Last Tower” by C.J. Cherryh. I've got some of her stuff piled up as part of Mount TBR but I have yet to read it. It sounds like I'd better get a move on though, because this is a good short. An old man in a tower wants to defend his home. He has a little magic. Will he succeed?
Up next is a poem, entitled “How Strange the Starship's Shudder.” Good poem.
That is followed by “Socorro” by S.L. Knapp. I really liked this one. It's a story about an attack on a planet that has sentient, breeding starships and the reaction of one of the people who live there. I missed a call at work because of this story. I don't regret losing the money.
After that comes Thesaurus (Not A Prehistoric Animal) by Robert Borski. Another poem. I gave a little chuckle at the end.
“Emmett, Joey and the Beelz,” by Ralph Servush is a story about a long-lived golem. There is a bit of personal sacrifice and a lesson to be learned here. I enjoyed it.
“Snatch Me Another” by Mercurio D. Rivera is deep. It's a story about people living in a time and place where they can reach into a magic hole and grab familiar things from an alternate universe. What they steal might surprise you. It sure did surprise me. There is the potential for a full novel with this short expanded into the first chapter or two. As it sits, it's an amazing short.
“Name Calling” by Celeste Rita Baker is a story written in dialect about a hotel maid who has recently gotten a name. I have to admit to having a bit of trouble in following the dialect in this one. It's got a definite Creole feeling to it but I've never been to the appropriate part of the country.
“Oblivion” is a poen by Yilin Wang. It's pretty deep and thoughtful.
“Anything Chocolate” by Caren Gusoff Sumpiton is a story about a man whose father is about to die. The twist is that it's set in a future where death is no longer an issue for the majority of the population. Only people who were born too early still die of death and disease. It's touching and wonderful, even if I did have a sense of frustration for both the main character and his father and the predicament they faced.
“Sunlight” by Kelly Dwyer is a story about a young boy who goes to speak to an old man who, rumor has it, has testicles that are literally made of steel. The twist here is pretty predictable but it's still a really good story and something I have to find a way to get my kids to read, because I think there's a lesson here.
Linda Neuer's “Humboldt Squid” is a poem about space mollusks. I enjoyed it.
“Dreadnought Under Ice” by George S. Walker is a short that could easily be translated into an entire series. There is political intrigue and underwater action aplenty in this one. More please!
Alexandra Seidel's “New Worlds” is a poem. Actually, it's more of a dream in poem form.
“Stone Eater” by Brent Knowles is a good one. Our hero is trapped and imprisoned by an evil witch. What might happen if he escapes? My first love is epic fantasy and this has that feeling to it.
“The Wizard and the Sorceress” by Christopher Vera is a poem about an arguing couple with magical powers. Remind me not to mess with these two.
“The Dwarf Femme and the Dragon” by Charie' Craig is a story about a woman involving herself in a man's world illicitly. She's really hardcore. This is another one with an epic fantasy feel and I really loved it.
“Letter Found In A Chest Belonging To The Marquis de Monsteraille, Following The Death OF That Worthy Individual” by Marie Brennan has a premise that is fairly obvious from the title. The letter itself details a war in a fantasy setting. Good story.
“Mirror Girl” by Paul Carlson is a story about a little girl who may or may not have an invisible limb. She has a high IQ and an inquisitive nature. Very few of the people who read SF/F would have any problems at all identifying with her. It might surprise you to find out why her limb is missing.
“Coupling” by Ken Poyer is a poem about a love affair between two machines. Interesting.
“Bots d'Amor” by Cat Rambo is a story about an interstellar trader in a very bad spot. I loved the humor here. Good story.
“The Coin Whisperer” is a story about a woman who can read the past of objects. She ends up with more questions than she started out with, but it's a good time.
“Bumbershoot” by Howard V. Vendrix is a poem. I find it a bit confusing.
“All the Wonder in the World,” by Lavie Tidhar is a story about a lonely man searching through a building. I didn't expect him to find what he did, but it makes sense. I enjoyed the story and I like Tidhar's take on the media.
“The Specialist” by Andrew Kaye is a story about trying to survive an invasion of the fae in a hospital. What do you do if you find out that your baby is a faerie and might turn on you when they get older? Haunting, but good.
“Prayer Causes Stars” by Greg Beatty is a really short poem, but it's got me thinking.
Lael Salaets “The Halo Wave” is a story about a drug addicted soldier who gets kindapped by smugglers. He's got a lot to do if he wants to get paid and survive. I liked it.
“In the Bag,' by Tabitha St. Germain is a story about a young boy who inherits what basically amounts to a Bag of Holding. What he puts in it can influence his future.
“In the End, Basking in Love” is a poem by A.B.S. Dudevant. It's frightening for something so short.
“At the End of Days” by Robert Silverberg is a story about a man in the last few days of the Earth's existence. Then there's a twist. Now I need to go re-read Lord Valentine's Castle.
Bottom Line: 4.5 out of 5 Talented Scribes
The Best of Abyss and Apex: Volume 2
Wendy S. Delmater, Ed.
Abyss & Apex Publishing, 2016
The Best of Abyss and Apex: Volume 2 is available for purchase at the following link:
Even when I got older, I routinely bought the monthly bundles put out by Baen Books and didn't read the anthologies that came with them. But eventually, I stumbled into one on accident. And when I get a new one to review it's always bittersweet. Sweet because I get to read some really good stories that way. Bitter because I now know what I was missing. But when I received a copy of The Best of Abyss and Apex, Volume Two I was excited because I can now get further into something that I find myself enjoying more and more every time I read them: Actual quality short stories. This anthology definitely has a bunch of them. This anthology was a good time. And, if I write the occasional piece of fiction and have a recently conceived dream of seeing myself on these pages that doesn't hurt in the slightest. I couldn't wait to crack this thing open (metaphorically, I got the ebook) and read it. I was quite happy with what I found there.
Oh, and even though it's in the introduction and not one of the stories, I'd like to announce that I'm stealing the concept of a “word well.” Uhh... Hold on. I changed my mind. Nope, I have no clue why your world well disappeared or where it went. Whaddaya mean my back yard? I'm innocent. Innocent I tell ya!
A quick note: Something I've always done when I review anthologies is to go through one story at a time and give a quick impression. It gives credit to each author and also gives the reader a good idea of what's in the tome. This is going to be fun! I've got roughly thirty works to go write about. And...go!
Up first is “The Last Tower” by C.J. Cherryh. I've got some of her stuff piled up as part of Mount TBR but I have yet to read it. It sounds like I'd better get a move on though, because this is a good short. An old man in a tower wants to defend his home. He has a little magic. Will he succeed?
Up next is a poem, entitled “How Strange the Starship's Shudder.” Good poem.
That is followed by “Socorro” by S.L. Knapp. I really liked this one. It's a story about an attack on a planet that has sentient, breeding starships and the reaction of one of the people who live there. I missed a call at work because of this story. I don't regret losing the money.
After that comes Thesaurus (Not A Prehistoric Animal) by Robert Borski. Another poem. I gave a little chuckle at the end.
“Emmett, Joey and the Beelz,” by Ralph Servush is a story about a long-lived golem. There is a bit of personal sacrifice and a lesson to be learned here. I enjoyed it.
“Snatch Me Another” by Mercurio D. Rivera is deep. It's a story about people living in a time and place where they can reach into a magic hole and grab familiar things from an alternate universe. What they steal might surprise you. It sure did surprise me. There is the potential for a full novel with this short expanded into the first chapter or two. As it sits, it's an amazing short.
“Name Calling” by Celeste Rita Baker is a story written in dialect about a hotel maid who has recently gotten a name. I have to admit to having a bit of trouble in following the dialect in this one. It's got a definite Creole feeling to it but I've never been to the appropriate part of the country.
“Oblivion” is a poen by Yilin Wang. It's pretty deep and thoughtful.
“Anything Chocolate” by Caren Gusoff Sumpiton is a story about a man whose father is about to die. The twist is that it's set in a future where death is no longer an issue for the majority of the population. Only people who were born too early still die of death and disease. It's touching and wonderful, even if I did have a sense of frustration for both the main character and his father and the predicament they faced.
“Sunlight” by Kelly Dwyer is a story about a young boy who goes to speak to an old man who, rumor has it, has testicles that are literally made of steel. The twist here is pretty predictable but it's still a really good story and something I have to find a way to get my kids to read, because I think there's a lesson here.
Linda Neuer's “Humboldt Squid” is a poem about space mollusks. I enjoyed it.
“Dreadnought Under Ice” by George S. Walker is a short that could easily be translated into an entire series. There is political intrigue and underwater action aplenty in this one. More please!
Alexandra Seidel's “New Worlds” is a poem. Actually, it's more of a dream in poem form.
“Stone Eater” by Brent Knowles is a good one. Our hero is trapped and imprisoned by an evil witch. What might happen if he escapes? My first love is epic fantasy and this has that feeling to it.
“The Wizard and the Sorceress” by Christopher Vera is a poem about an arguing couple with magical powers. Remind me not to mess with these two.
“The Dwarf Femme and the Dragon” by Charie' Craig is a story about a woman involving herself in a man's world illicitly. She's really hardcore. This is another one with an epic fantasy feel and I really loved it.
“Letter Found In A Chest Belonging To The Marquis de Monsteraille, Following The Death OF That Worthy Individual” by Marie Brennan has a premise that is fairly obvious from the title. The letter itself details a war in a fantasy setting. Good story.
“Mirror Girl” by Paul Carlson is a story about a little girl who may or may not have an invisible limb. She has a high IQ and an inquisitive nature. Very few of the people who read SF/F would have any problems at all identifying with her. It might surprise you to find out why her limb is missing.
“Coupling” by Ken Poyer is a poem about a love affair between two machines. Interesting.
“Bots d'Amor” by Cat Rambo is a story about an interstellar trader in a very bad spot. I loved the humor here. Good story.
“The Coin Whisperer” is a story about a woman who can read the past of objects. She ends up with more questions than she started out with, but it's a good time.
“Bumbershoot” by Howard V. Vendrix is a poem. I find it a bit confusing.
“All the Wonder in the World,” by Lavie Tidhar is a story about a lonely man searching through a building. I didn't expect him to find what he did, but it makes sense. I enjoyed the story and I like Tidhar's take on the media.
“The Specialist” by Andrew Kaye is a story about trying to survive an invasion of the fae in a hospital. What do you do if you find out that your baby is a faerie and might turn on you when they get older? Haunting, but good.
“Prayer Causes Stars” by Greg Beatty is a really short poem, but it's got me thinking.
Lael Salaets “The Halo Wave” is a story about a drug addicted soldier who gets kindapped by smugglers. He's got a lot to do if he wants to get paid and survive. I liked it.
“In the Bag,' by Tabitha St. Germain is a story about a young boy who inherits what basically amounts to a Bag of Holding. What he puts in it can influence his future.
“In the End, Basking in Love” is a poem by A.B.S. Dudevant. It's frightening for something so short.
“At the End of Days” by Robert Silverberg is a story about a man in the last few days of the Earth's existence. Then there's a twist. Now I need to go re-read Lord Valentine's Castle.
Bottom Line: 4.5 out of 5 Talented Scribes
The Best of Abyss and Apex: Volume 2
Wendy S. Delmater, Ed.
Abyss & Apex Publishing, 2016
The Best of Abyss and Apex: Volume 2 is available for purchase at the following link:
Wednesday, July 25, 2018
WorldCon Follies
Someday, I want to be able to write a fiction story about something this incredibly jacked up and have someone actually find what I wrote about to be believable. One magical evening I want to look into my crystal ball and pull something out of it that even comes close to the level of stupidity I have recently witnessed. On that fateful day, I'll know that I've reached the pinnacle of the writing world and published something that will sell more copies than The Bible. Today is not that day, but here's hoping, right?
In a recent post about the Dragon Awards, I mentioned the irrelevance of the Hugo Awards. I wrote about how authors were being nominated not for the quality of their work or the size of their following but for the correct politics and for being “diverse.” I lamented the fact that good stories were no longer being featured and pointed out the worthlessness of the awards in a commercial sense. I knew what I was saying was true, but at no point did I expect WorldCon, the Science Fiction convention where the Hugo Awards are given out, to agree with me publicly. And then, Oh God this is good, they did, at least indirectly.
The WorldCon schedule came out this past weekend and people lost their mind. There were professional authors in attendance that weren't being asked to speak on panels. Many of those same authors were members of the LGBTQ+ .(I can't remember the whole acronym and I'm too lazy to look it up and try to determine which one is the most current.) Here's the kicker: Many of those same LGBTQ+ authors were former Hugo nominees. The Convention committee knew they were going to be in attendance and didn't feel that they were relevant enough to be given spots. This at the same convention where the awards they were nominated for was handed out.
Think about that for a minute. The people that give out the award didn't include the nominees in their programming. Why? They weren't relevant and weren't going to attract fans. The business of any con, whether it's WorldCon, or the San Diego Comic Con or a freaking smaller, local con like Penguicon here in the Detroit Area is to entertain and engage the fans. Any guest invited is there to interact with their fans face to face, whether in panels or just in passing in the hallway. Seriously. I once had a conversation with Brandon Sanderson in a stairwell while climbing. (For the record: He's a nice guy and, based on the way he handled the stairs, in better shape than me.)
This is what happens when you nominate people for the wrong reasons. Look, I'm not saying that trans persons (I can call them that, right? Even if they're like otherkin or some shit?) should be locked out of anything. I'm just saying that if you want to win an award that has the prestige that the Hugos claim to have, you should have to write a story that is entertaining and attracts an actual fanbase. Why else would someone (gay, straight, trans, cis, whatever and throw in race, religion and whatever else you like) actually deserve a nomination, let alone an award? Seriously, if the best reason you can come up with to nominate someone for an award is to make yourself feel good about casting a vote for them because of race/class/orientation/etc, they don't deserve it. The only criterion that should count for a writing award is writing and the Hugos are a literary award.
So I'd like to take this time to thank both WorldCon and the Hugos for proving my point for me. I mean, failing to invite your own nominees to your panels does more to show how little you matter more than anything I could ever say or do. I mean that seriously. There is literally (and I mean literally literally not literally figuratively) nothing that any of your detractors, myself included, could have done to show the world why you don't matter. So thank you for your support.
Of course, it doesn't end there. WorldCon also managed to misgender one of its trans guests. Bogi Takacs has taken offense at the fact that e (no, that is not a typo) was referred to as “he” in e's biographical entry in the program and has decided that he is “honestly not sure if I [sic] can safely attend.” Others are withdrawing in support of e's predicament and also of the plight shared by others like Takacs who feel that they have been marginalized because of their gender beliefs. N.K. Jemison has withdrawn from her spot on a couple of panels to make more room for the slighted.
And actually, that's kind of sad. I have no personal opinion of Ms. Jemison's work. I haven't read it. I am aware that she won a Nebula award the year that the Nebula's went to all female persons of color, but that is not really a mark of quality. What I will say about her is this: She's got a following. I've actually seen her on television. Don't get me wrong. I don't claim to be a fan of someone I haven't read. Having said that much, the woman has a following. She is the type of author that fans go to see at cons. Her fans have now been deprived of a chance to see and interact with her on a panel where they may have been able to greet her and ask her question about her work so that Takacs, and other like him who most of the attendees have never heard of, can get onto a panel to show the world their specialness because they insist on having some made up “gender-identity.”
Not only is that wrong all on its own, but hey guess what? N.K. Jemison is both black and female. Takacs is white and appears to have been born with a penis. If you're into intersectionalism (and I personally think it's an evil, hateful philosophy that denigrates some and keeps others from striving to achieve because they think they'll be prevented from success) that's someone at the intersection of being black and female giving up a spot for a person who is not instersectional and is instead merely trans. Even by your standards that's bullshit.
It gets better. WorldCon pulled its schedule and is reworking it to suit the whiners. They've thrown everything out with less than a month left. They're scrambling thinking they've got a chance to this right.
I'm not going to deny a certain amount of schadenfreude here. I haven't seen a meltdown this epic since Chernobyl. Seeing your enemies shoot themselves in the foot is a good feeling. The fact remains that they failed to see this coming and I see that as laughable. Evil eats its own. That's always been a fact.. When you submit to the SJWs in any setting you have to keep submitting to them. When things push past the point where you're willing to submit you become problematic and get purged.
Keep moving in this direction WorldCon. It only gets worse from here. Don't say we didn't tell you it was coming. The rest of us will be off in the corner laughing at you. You're never going to be sufficiently woke to make everyone happy. Seriously. At this point you might as well fold and stop handing out your pointless awards. You should have let the Sad Puppies make your awards relevant again. Instead you've moved further away from the mainstream and out of the lives of the people who love what you claim to. Your time is over, now go away.
In a recent post about the Dragon Awards, I mentioned the irrelevance of the Hugo Awards. I wrote about how authors were being nominated not for the quality of their work or the size of their following but for the correct politics and for being “diverse.” I lamented the fact that good stories were no longer being featured and pointed out the worthlessness of the awards in a commercial sense. I knew what I was saying was true, but at no point did I expect WorldCon, the Science Fiction convention where the Hugo Awards are given out, to agree with me publicly. And then, Oh God this is good, they did, at least indirectly.
The WorldCon schedule came out this past weekend and people lost their mind. There were professional authors in attendance that weren't being asked to speak on panels. Many of those same authors were members of the LGBTQ+ .(I can't remember the whole acronym and I'm too lazy to look it up and try to determine which one is the most current.) Here's the kicker: Many of those same LGBTQ+ authors were former Hugo nominees. The Convention committee knew they were going to be in attendance and didn't feel that they were relevant enough to be given spots. This at the same convention where the awards they were nominated for was handed out.
Think about that for a minute. The people that give out the award didn't include the nominees in their programming. Why? They weren't relevant and weren't going to attract fans. The business of any con, whether it's WorldCon, or the San Diego Comic Con or a freaking smaller, local con like Penguicon here in the Detroit Area is to entertain and engage the fans. Any guest invited is there to interact with their fans face to face, whether in panels or just in passing in the hallway. Seriously. I once had a conversation with Brandon Sanderson in a stairwell while climbing. (For the record: He's a nice guy and, based on the way he handled the stairs, in better shape than me.)
This is what happens when you nominate people for the wrong reasons. Look, I'm not saying that trans persons (I can call them that, right? Even if they're like otherkin or some shit?) should be locked out of anything. I'm just saying that if you want to win an award that has the prestige that the Hugos claim to have, you should have to write a story that is entertaining and attracts an actual fanbase. Why else would someone (gay, straight, trans, cis, whatever and throw in race, religion and whatever else you like) actually deserve a nomination, let alone an award? Seriously, if the best reason you can come up with to nominate someone for an award is to make yourself feel good about casting a vote for them because of race/class/orientation/etc, they don't deserve it. The only criterion that should count for a writing award is writing and the Hugos are a literary award.
So I'd like to take this time to thank both WorldCon and the Hugos for proving my point for me. I mean, failing to invite your own nominees to your panels does more to show how little you matter more than anything I could ever say or do. I mean that seriously. There is literally (and I mean literally literally not literally figuratively) nothing that any of your detractors, myself included, could have done to show the world why you don't matter. So thank you for your support.
Of course, it doesn't end there. WorldCon also managed to misgender one of its trans guests. Bogi Takacs has taken offense at the fact that e (no, that is not a typo) was referred to as “he” in e's biographical entry in the program and has decided that he is “honestly not sure if I [sic] can safely attend.” Others are withdrawing in support of e's predicament and also of the plight shared by others like Takacs who feel that they have been marginalized because of their gender beliefs. N.K. Jemison has withdrawn from her spot on a couple of panels to make more room for the slighted.
And actually, that's kind of sad. I have no personal opinion of Ms. Jemison's work. I haven't read it. I am aware that she won a Nebula award the year that the Nebula's went to all female persons of color, but that is not really a mark of quality. What I will say about her is this: She's got a following. I've actually seen her on television. Don't get me wrong. I don't claim to be a fan of someone I haven't read. Having said that much, the woman has a following. She is the type of author that fans go to see at cons. Her fans have now been deprived of a chance to see and interact with her on a panel where they may have been able to greet her and ask her question about her work so that Takacs, and other like him who most of the attendees have never heard of, can get onto a panel to show the world their specialness because they insist on having some made up “gender-identity.”
Not only is that wrong all on its own, but hey guess what? N.K. Jemison is both black and female. Takacs is white and appears to have been born with a penis. If you're into intersectionalism (and I personally think it's an evil, hateful philosophy that denigrates some and keeps others from striving to achieve because they think they'll be prevented from success) that's someone at the intersection of being black and female giving up a spot for a person who is not instersectional and is instead merely trans. Even by your standards that's bullshit.
It gets better. WorldCon pulled its schedule and is reworking it to suit the whiners. They've thrown everything out with less than a month left. They're scrambling thinking they've got a chance to this right.
I'm not going to deny a certain amount of schadenfreude here. I haven't seen a meltdown this epic since Chernobyl. Seeing your enemies shoot themselves in the foot is a good feeling. The fact remains that they failed to see this coming and I see that as laughable. Evil eats its own. That's always been a fact.. When you submit to the SJWs in any setting you have to keep submitting to them. When things push past the point where you're willing to submit you become problematic and get purged.
Keep moving in this direction WorldCon. It only gets worse from here. Don't say we didn't tell you it was coming. The rest of us will be off in the corner laughing at you. You're never going to be sufficiently woke to make everyone happy. Seriously. At this point you might as well fold and stop handing out your pointless awards. You should have let the Sad Puppies make your awards relevant again. Instead you've moved further away from the mainstream and out of the lives of the people who love what you claim to. Your time is over, now go away.
Wednesday, July 18, 2018
Leatherneck Reconnect Does Important Work
Yes, this is a Science Fiction and Fantasy blog. Yes, that's normally what I do. Sometimes though, there are other things that deserve the space. Other things that
*GASP*
might just be more important than a hobby. Sometimes, there are things that transcend the world of fiction. Sometimes there are people who deserve some recognition and it's up to those of us who know how to write effectively to get it for them. With great power comes great responsibility. Well, I'm not saying I'm great but I guess with pretty decent power comes a pretty decent amount of responsibility. So, here comes my chance to do something decent with my power.
Anyone who follows this blog knows that I support the US Military here. I do an annual Memorial Day event where I feature a book (this year, three books and a bonus one later) written by a member (or former member) of the US Military and featuring it in action. This country has been at war for sixteen years now. Even during peacetime they sacrifice every day to keep us safe. How many of our troops are deployed on any given day? How many of them aren't deployed but are stationed far from home? How much time do they miss with their families because they're keeping us safe? Do you know why we have a Veteran's Administration in this country? No, it's not just because the troops have earned lifelong care through their sacrifice, although they have. It's because a lot of them are broken physically. Jumping out of planes, running with a rucksack full of rocks, marching for miles carrying heavy loads and more leave them with medical problems that will follow them for the rest of their lives. Let's not forget how many have been effected by Agent Orange and Gulf War Syndrome.
So today, I'm going to do something I should have done a long time ago. I'm actually a bit embarrassed that it's taken me this long. It's time to talk about an old friend, a veteran and a man who is doing important work, even if I'm not entirely certain he realizes how important it is. Matt Dudley is a guy I went to high school with. After graduation, he went off and joined the Marine Corps, serving as a mortarman. Matt learned how to use and fire a weapon to destroy an enemy and protect his brother Marines. He served his time with honor.
But I have lots of veteran friends. I'm not here just to praise him for that. Granted, all vets deserve recognition, but I don't have that kind of time. What Matt has done is to go on tour with his buddy Mike Lose to visit his old Marine buddies and just say hi. He has documented these visits and put them online under the name Leatherneck Reconnect. What we see is a bunch of guys talking, having a good time and just being normal guys. (The Marines didn't allow women in combat roles until well after Matt finished his hitch.)
And that's why it's incredibly important. It today's world there is a movement against veterans. There are people out there who will tell you that all vets suffer from PTSD. That they can't fit in with normal society and are dangerous. Listen, I'm not here to belittle anyone who has been through something that I can't even imagine that they're not suffering. I'm just saying that it's not all of them. The majority of the members of the military are able to reintegrate into society really well.
People need to see veterans who are normal dudes. They need to see guys who have finished their hitch successfully and who are not murderous nutcases. They need to see Marines functioning in a civilian world. They need to see Leatherneck Reconnect.
I have no idea if that's what they intended. It's my interpretation of events, but it's my blog. So props to Matt and Mike for doing the right thing, whether they meant to or not. This is a seriously awesome project done at just the right time. I'm really excited to be sharing this with you because I believe in it.
I know that some of the people who read my blog are vets. This should bring back some good memories for you too. I have a sneaking suspicion that if some of you were to watch this you might end up wanting to get in touch with your old buddies as well. I hope you do. My understanding is that Matt and Mike want to get other Marines involved in their project but you'd have to contact him to make sure I'm not goofy and to find out how.
A question I've heard asked on more than one occasion is "Would you let your kid join the military?" Well, guess what, Matt did. His nephew joined too. He has done documentaries involving both his son and his nephew and their journey through enlistment and training and then through a reunion later. I don't want to spoil anything, but it does kind of hit you in the feels a couple of times. Matt did a terrific job with these.
I, being me, sent some questions to Matt about some things I wanted to add to this article and didn't give him enough time to respond before I wrote this post. As a result, he hasn't responded. Go figure. I'm hoping to get some information that I can add later, but for now this is what I have. Check back for edits once I hear back from him. My bad.
This is where to find the Facebook Page.
This is where to find the Youtube Channel.
There was an Indiegogo but it closed.
There is some information about a shirt that they're selling on the Facebook page but if they have an actual storefront somewhere, I couldn't find it. Click on the Shop Now link at the top of the page. Help these guys out. Buy their merch and keep this thing moving forward.
*GASP*
might just be more important than a hobby. Sometimes, there are things that transcend the world of fiction. Sometimes there are people who deserve some recognition and it's up to those of us who know how to write effectively to get it for them. With great power comes great responsibility. Well, I'm not saying I'm great but I guess with pretty decent power comes a pretty decent amount of responsibility. So, here comes my chance to do something decent with my power.
Anyone who follows this blog knows that I support the US Military here. I do an annual Memorial Day event where I feature a book (this year, three books and a bonus one later) written by a member (or former member) of the US Military and featuring it in action. This country has been at war for sixteen years now. Even during peacetime they sacrifice every day to keep us safe. How many of our troops are deployed on any given day? How many of them aren't deployed but are stationed far from home? How much time do they miss with their families because they're keeping us safe? Do you know why we have a Veteran's Administration in this country? No, it's not just because the troops have earned lifelong care through their sacrifice, although they have. It's because a lot of them are broken physically. Jumping out of planes, running with a rucksack full of rocks, marching for miles carrying heavy loads and more leave them with medical problems that will follow them for the rest of their lives. Let's not forget how many have been effected by Agent Orange and Gulf War Syndrome.
So today, I'm going to do something I should have done a long time ago. I'm actually a bit embarrassed that it's taken me this long. It's time to talk about an old friend, a veteran and a man who is doing important work, even if I'm not entirely certain he realizes how important it is. Matt Dudley is a guy I went to high school with. After graduation, he went off and joined the Marine Corps, serving as a mortarman. Matt learned how to use and fire a weapon to destroy an enemy and protect his brother Marines. He served his time with honor.
But I have lots of veteran friends. I'm not here just to praise him for that. Granted, all vets deserve recognition, but I don't have that kind of time. What Matt has done is to go on tour with his buddy Mike Lose to visit his old Marine buddies and just say hi. He has documented these visits and put them online under the name Leatherneck Reconnect. What we see is a bunch of guys talking, having a good time and just being normal guys. (The Marines didn't allow women in combat roles until well after Matt finished his hitch.)
And that's why it's incredibly important. It today's world there is a movement against veterans. There are people out there who will tell you that all vets suffer from PTSD. That they can't fit in with normal society and are dangerous. Listen, I'm not here to belittle anyone who has been through something that I can't even imagine that they're not suffering. I'm just saying that it's not all of them. The majority of the members of the military are able to reintegrate into society really well.
People need to see veterans who are normal dudes. They need to see guys who have finished their hitch successfully and who are not murderous nutcases. They need to see Marines functioning in a civilian world. They need to see Leatherneck Reconnect.
I have no idea if that's what they intended. It's my interpretation of events, but it's my blog. So props to Matt and Mike for doing the right thing, whether they meant to or not. This is a seriously awesome project done at just the right time. I'm really excited to be sharing this with you because I believe in it.
I know that some of the people who read my blog are vets. This should bring back some good memories for you too. I have a sneaking suspicion that if some of you were to watch this you might end up wanting to get in touch with your old buddies as well. I hope you do. My understanding is that Matt and Mike want to get other Marines involved in their project but you'd have to contact him to make sure I'm not goofy and to find out how.
A question I've heard asked on more than one occasion is "Would you let your kid join the military?" Well, guess what, Matt did. His nephew joined too. He has done documentaries involving both his son and his nephew and their journey through enlistment and training and then through a reunion later. I don't want to spoil anything, but it does kind of hit you in the feels a couple of times. Matt did a terrific job with these.
I, being me, sent some questions to Matt about some things I wanted to add to this article and didn't give him enough time to respond before I wrote this post. As a result, he hasn't responded. Go figure. I'm hoping to get some information that I can add later, but for now this is what I have. Check back for edits once I hear back from him. My bad.
This is where to find the Facebook Page.
This is where to find the Youtube Channel.
There was an Indiegogo but it closed.
There is some information about a shirt that they're selling on the Facebook page but if they have an actual storefront somewhere, I couldn't find it. Click on the Shop Now link at the top of the page. Help these guys out. Buy their merch and keep this thing moving forward.
Tuesday, July 17, 2018
Vote! Matter! Be a Dragon!
For decades, the fans of Science Fiction and Fantasy have deserved to have their own version of the Peoples' Choice Awards. SF/F fans are some of the most passionate fans on the planet. We love our favorites. We hate the stuff that annoys us. Very rarely is there a happy medium to us. Something either rocks or it sucks. Seriously. Have you ever met a hardcore SF fan who liked Avatar? Think Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. It's supposed to be everybody's favorite. It's not my favorite. I've always preferred Return of the Jedi. How many of you just lost your shit? I didn't. I think the rest of you are goofy. It's only fair that we should be able to show support for our favorites by giving them a trophy. Now we can. They're called the Dragon Awards and it's time to nominate.
Certainly, there have been awards in the past. The Science Fiction Writers Association has presented the Nebula Awards for decades. But only members of the SFWA are eligible to nominate or vote. It used to be a mark of excellence. Nowadays, it's more an award that you win for the proper politics, race or genitalia. Either way though, it was never up to the people who gave their money to support the genre. The Nebulas are SF/F's answer to Hollywood's Academy Awards aka The Oscars: An insider award give to other insiders. They're not a sign of excellence or awesomeness. They're not even a measure of pretty-goodness. They're pointless in a modern sense.
Worldcon has given its Hugo Awards since 1953. Once again, this is an award that has been given by a group of elitists. Only people who paid for a Worldcon membership, either Attending or Supporting, are allowed to nominate and/or vote. They have always billed themselves as being given by the fans but that is a flat out lie. The Hugos are given out by people who attend the con and/or have the money for a supporting membership. Once a mark of excellence, Hugo Awards are also given out for the wrong reasons. Politics and being one of the cool kids mean more than writing a story worth reading. The Hugos have frozen out anyone who is not part of the ruling clique and are now effectively worthless. Seriously. When I was a kid, seeing a Hugo logo on a book meant something. Now, the houses don't bother because they know the award holds no value.
So what's a fan to do? The vast majority of us aren't members of the SFWA and some can't afford even a Supporting Membership to Worldcon. I'm not too sure I'd give my money to them anyway. So, what to do now? Vote in the Dragon Awards! Well nominate for now, since final voting hasn't started yet. All you need is an email account. You're on the internet reading this, so you probably already have one. If not, you can get one free at Yahoo, Hotmail or Gmail. Seriously. Go to the site, sign up, nominate, and they'll send you a ballot when it's ready. That's all there is to it.
And get this: You don't have to be in a clique to matter. You don't have to nominate according to politics, although you can if you choose to. You can nominate for whatever you want, as long as it was released between July 1, 2017 and June 30, 2018. And, since I've been putting writing this off, you only have until Friday to nominate. Sorry. Here is the link.
Oh, and you can only nominate a particular work in one category. It sucks, I know. How do you decide whether to nominate that totally awesome Mil SF work for Best Mil Sf and Best SF? Well, that's up to you, but honestly your favorite probably has a better chance at winning in its own subgenre. Oh, and just to prove that I never follow my own advice, here are my picks:
Best Science Fiction Novel: The Stars Entwined, Jon Del Arroz
I wanna dress up like an alien and infiltrate someone else's society! Take me with you!
Best Fantasy Novel: Redcaps Rising: A Walter Bailey Misadventure, P.A. Piatt
Funny. Entertaining. Sequel worth. Boosh farts!
Best Young Adult/Middle Grade Novel Battletech: The Nellus Academy Incident, Jennifer Brozek
Ok, I'm a BT fanboi and have been for like twenty-five years now. Yeah, that probably effects my judgment here. Oh well. It's my list and I thought this book rocked.
Best Military Science Fiction or Fantasy Novel: A Fiery Sunset, Chris Kennedy and Mark Wandrey
I'm in love with the Four Horsemen Universe! It's all their fault!
Best Alternate History: Minds of Men, Kacey Ezell
Looking over the past year's worth of reviews on my blog, there is precisely one five-star review. It's a work of Alternate History. Why would I nominate someone else, when this is already perfect?
Best Media Tie-In Novel: Left blank, Budget Issues
Did you write one? Will it release over the next year? Send it to me. You might get nominated next year.
Best Horror Novel: Good to the Last Drop, Delcan Finn
Declan Finn. Vampires. Uhh... What was the question again?
Best Comic Book: The Prince of Artemis V Jennifer Brozek and Elizabeth Guizetti
The art was beautiful. The story was moving. I want more.
Best Graphic Novel:Left Blank, Budget Issues
Best Science Fiction or Fantasy TV Series, TV or Internet: Stranger Things, Netflix
OMG I love this show. It occurs to me that I never got around to reviewing it. I suck. It doesn't. I love the whole nostalgia thing. Eleven is a badass. The other kids are awesome. And they play D+D!
Best Science Fiction or Fantasy Movie: Black Panther
I've heard way too many people state that this movie sucks because the tech wouldn't be possible without a manufacturing base. BLOW IT OUT YOUR ASS! This movie rocks and you have no proof that the manufacturing base doesn't exist. Who wants to watch some guy work the line when there is ass to be kicked?
Best Science Fiction or Fantasy PC/Console Game:Left Blank
About the only PC game I play is World of Warcraft. The latest expansion came out the year before last and isn't eligible. So, I haven't played anything and don't have a nominee.
Best Science Fiction or Fantasy Mobile Game: Marvel Future Fight, Netmarble
I keep meaning to review this, but it's a romping good time. Collect heroes. Beat bosses. Follow storylines based on specific characters. I love it.
Best Science Fiction or Fantasy Board Game: Left Blank. Budget Issues
Best Science Fiction or Fantasy Miniatures/Collectible Card/Role-Playing Game:Left Blank. Budget Issues
I want to play an RPG. Anybody running a game? I can't do Tuesday, Friday or Saturday nights. Other than that, I'm open. I have the D+D 5e Rules PHB, DMG and MM but I haven't had a chance to play at all. Somebody hook your boy up!
So got get nominating! You've only got three days left!
Certainly, there have been awards in the past. The Science Fiction Writers Association has presented the Nebula Awards for decades. But only members of the SFWA are eligible to nominate or vote. It used to be a mark of excellence. Nowadays, it's more an award that you win for the proper politics, race or genitalia. Either way though, it was never up to the people who gave their money to support the genre. The Nebulas are SF/F's answer to Hollywood's Academy Awards aka The Oscars: An insider award give to other insiders. They're not a sign of excellence or awesomeness. They're not even a measure of pretty-goodness. They're pointless in a modern sense.
Worldcon has given its Hugo Awards since 1953. Once again, this is an award that has been given by a group of elitists. Only people who paid for a Worldcon membership, either Attending or Supporting, are allowed to nominate and/or vote. They have always billed themselves as being given by the fans but that is a flat out lie. The Hugos are given out by people who attend the con and/or have the money for a supporting membership. Once a mark of excellence, Hugo Awards are also given out for the wrong reasons. Politics and being one of the cool kids mean more than writing a story worth reading. The Hugos have frozen out anyone who is not part of the ruling clique and are now effectively worthless. Seriously. When I was a kid, seeing a Hugo logo on a book meant something. Now, the houses don't bother because they know the award holds no value.
So what's a fan to do? The vast majority of us aren't members of the SFWA and some can't afford even a Supporting Membership to Worldcon. I'm not too sure I'd give my money to them anyway. So, what to do now? Vote in the Dragon Awards! Well nominate for now, since final voting hasn't started yet. All you need is an email account. You're on the internet reading this, so you probably already have one. If not, you can get one free at Yahoo, Hotmail or Gmail. Seriously. Go to the site, sign up, nominate, and they'll send you a ballot when it's ready. That's all there is to it.
And get this: You don't have to be in a clique to matter. You don't have to nominate according to politics, although you can if you choose to. You can nominate for whatever you want, as long as it was released between July 1, 2017 and June 30, 2018. And, since I've been putting writing this off, you only have until Friday to nominate. Sorry. Here is the link.
Oh, and you can only nominate a particular work in one category. It sucks, I know. How do you decide whether to nominate that totally awesome Mil SF work for Best Mil Sf and Best SF? Well, that's up to you, but honestly your favorite probably has a better chance at winning in its own subgenre. Oh, and just to prove that I never follow my own advice, here are my picks:
Best Science Fiction Novel: The Stars Entwined, Jon Del Arroz
I wanna dress up like an alien and infiltrate someone else's society! Take me with you!
Best Fantasy Novel: Redcaps Rising: A Walter Bailey Misadventure, P.A. Piatt
Funny. Entertaining. Sequel worth. Boosh farts!
Best Young Adult/Middle Grade Novel Battletech: The Nellus Academy Incident, Jennifer Brozek
Ok, I'm a BT fanboi and have been for like twenty-five years now. Yeah, that probably effects my judgment here. Oh well. It's my list and I thought this book rocked.
Best Military Science Fiction or Fantasy Novel: A Fiery Sunset, Chris Kennedy and Mark Wandrey
I'm in love with the Four Horsemen Universe! It's all their fault!
Best Alternate History: Minds of Men, Kacey Ezell
Looking over the past year's worth of reviews on my blog, there is precisely one five-star review. It's a work of Alternate History. Why would I nominate someone else, when this is already perfect?
Best Media Tie-In Novel: Left blank, Budget Issues
Did you write one? Will it release over the next year? Send it to me. You might get nominated next year.
Best Horror Novel: Good to the Last Drop, Delcan Finn
Declan Finn. Vampires. Uhh... What was the question again?
Best Comic Book: The Prince of Artemis V Jennifer Brozek and Elizabeth Guizetti
The art was beautiful. The story was moving. I want more.
Best Graphic Novel:Left Blank, Budget Issues
Best Science Fiction or Fantasy TV Series, TV or Internet: Stranger Things, Netflix
OMG I love this show. It occurs to me that I never got around to reviewing it. I suck. It doesn't. I love the whole nostalgia thing. Eleven is a badass. The other kids are awesome. And they play D+D!
Best Science Fiction or Fantasy Movie: Black Panther
I've heard way too many people state that this movie sucks because the tech wouldn't be possible without a manufacturing base. BLOW IT OUT YOUR ASS! This movie rocks and you have no proof that the manufacturing base doesn't exist. Who wants to watch some guy work the line when there is ass to be kicked?
Best Science Fiction or Fantasy PC/Console Game:Left Blank
About the only PC game I play is World of Warcraft. The latest expansion came out the year before last and isn't eligible. So, I haven't played anything and don't have a nominee.
Best Science Fiction or Fantasy Mobile Game: Marvel Future Fight, Netmarble
I keep meaning to review this, but it's a romping good time. Collect heroes. Beat bosses. Follow storylines based on specific characters. I love it.
Best Science Fiction or Fantasy Board Game: Left Blank. Budget Issues
Best Science Fiction or Fantasy Miniatures/Collectible Card/Role-Playing Game:Left Blank. Budget Issues
I want to play an RPG. Anybody running a game? I can't do Tuesday, Friday or Saturday nights. Other than that, I'm open. I have the D+D 5e Rules PHB, DMG and MM but I haven't had a chance to play at all. Somebody hook your boy up!
So got get nominating! You've only got three days left!
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