The amazing Eileen Gunn reading some of her scintillating prose at Readercon
Video courtesy of Scott Edelman
It’s worth your time to grab Peter V. Brett’s THE GREAT BAZAAR & BRAYAN’S GOLD
A quartet of reviews for Peter V. Brett’s intriguing THE GREAT BAZAAR & BRAYAN’S GOLD.
Photo: Karsten Moran
From SFCROWSNEST:
‘Brayan’s Gold’ being a novella, I don’t want to give any more of the story away. Suffice to say, it’s as a good a read, with plenty of action and adventure as well as another look at Arlen’s keen sense of justice.
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What makes [ The Great Bazaar] worth the read is the opportunity to spend more time with Abban, the merchant Arlen befriends in Fort Krasia. The scenes from his point of view offer a unique insight to a culture that obviously fascinates the author as much as it does Arlen. There is also plenty of excitement.
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While this collection of stories may serve as an introduction to ‘The Demon Cycle’, I do think they’ll be more appreciated by fans. For me, they bridge the gap nicely between the first and second books of the series, even if the stories are all set during the time period covered by ‘The Warded Man’. I hope Peter V. Brett is inspired to write more short adventures for Arlen and his companions.
THERE ARE INKSPOTS ON MY PAGE:
These two novellas were my introduction to Peter Brett and his Demon Cycle, and I must say, they were pretty great.
There are just enough references to the greater series for existing fans, and enough explanation for new readers to make it perfect for everyone, regardless of whether you’ve read the series or not. And really, if this is your first exposure and you don’t want to read more afterwards, you may be a little crazy.
My favourite of the two was The Great Bazaar, Arlen is a bit older than in Brayan’s Gold, and has settled into himself a bit more. Plus, it was just a good story.
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If you’ve read the series and want to know more about Arlen’s history: grab this book.
If you haven’t read the series and want to know whether it’s worth your time: grab this book.
It will be well worth your time.
Also included are a Krasian Dictionary and a Ward Grimoire. The dictionary seems superfluous, as any foreign terms were recognizable from context within dialogue or description. On the other hand, the Ward Grimoire is very useful. Not only does it provide a history of ward usage and the delineations of those wards — usefulness against which demons and whether it’s intended for offense or defense — but each ward’s entry is accompanied by a picture of the ward and a detailed description of the affected demon’s habitat and appearance. I was particularly glad that this was included because it’s further evidence of the care and thought which Brett has invested in these books.
The Great Bazaar & Brayan’s Gold is a good introduction to Brett’s style for new readers, as well as the larger world of his DEMON CYCLE series. Readers who are already familiar with that series should also enjoy the extra glimpses into the life of Arlen as he battles demons and wanders the world. I’m intrigued enough to add The Warded Man to my to-be-read list, but not enough so that it’s going to zoom straight to the top.
Defensive ward against: Snow Demons
First appeared: Brayan’s Gold
Ward by Lauren K. Cannon, copyright by Peter V. Brett.
If you are new to the Demon Cycle series like me, both Brayan’s Gold and The Great Bazaar make up for a very good an clear introduction/teaser for the bigger series, they can be easily read and understand as standalone books.
The strength for me in these two stories really are the protagonist Arlen, he is a cool guy, as I said a bit naive but when he has to do things he will make sure the job gets done, and most importantly he sticks to his guns, no matter how dire the situation is. Another thing is the part of the whole demon fighting and the bigger idea behind it. I am a big fan of cool fighting scenes and unique systems with advantages/disadvantages and limitations and this is precisely what Peter. V. Brett utilizes in these two stories. This short omnibus edition featuring Great Bazaar and Brayan’s Gold has definitely wet my appetite for more!
For more info about THE GREAT BAZAAR & BRAYAN’S GOLD, visit the Tachyon page.
Cover design by Elizabeth Story.
Tachyon invades Armadillocon!
Tachyon publisher Jacob Weisman and THE APES OF WRATH editor Richard Klaw (Photo: Jayme Lynn Blaschke)
Many Tachyon authors will join head honcho Jacob Weisman this coming weekend (July 24-26) for ArmadilloCon37 in Austin, TX.
ArmadilloCon is an annual literary convention sponsored by the Fandom Association of Central Texas, Inc.. The primary focus of ArmadilloCon is science fiction and fantasy, but we also pay attention to art, animation, science, media, and gaming. Every year, dozens of professional writers, artists and editors attend the convention. We invite you to attend the convention, especially if you are a fan of reading, writing, gaming, and generally having fun.
This year’s featured guests include:
- Guest of Honor – Ken Liu
- Special Guest – James Morrow
- Editor Guest – L. Timmel Duchamp
- Fan Guest – John DeNardo
- Toastmaster – Stina Leicht
- Artist Guest – Rocky Kelley
Tachyon creators scheduled to appear include Rick Klaw, Claude Lalumière, Joe R. Lansdale, James Morrow, and John Picacio.
Scott Cupp and Weisman (Photo: Jayme Lynn Blaschke)
ArmadilloCon offers a large selection of readings, signings, and panels. To find any of these authors, check out the entire schedule on their site. And be sure to visit the Tachyon table in the dealer’s room.
THE MONSTROUS proves man can be the greatest monster of them all
Ellen Datlow and her furry little friend
ERRANT DREAMS delivers the the first review of superstar editor Ellen Datlow’s forthcoming anthology THE MONSTROUS.
Pros: Excellent tales of monsters of all kinds
Cons: Some still confuse me
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
I rarely rate anthologies above a three–maybe a four at most. The thing is, it’s in the nature of anthologies to have some stories you’ll enjoy and some you won’t (the specific good and bad stories depend upon the individual reader of course). So it’s next to impossible to have a truly great anthology. Editor Ellen Datlow’s The Monstrous is one of the very few exceptions to this rule. There were a few high-concept pieces that confused me a bit (another reader-dependent issue), but by and large I loved these stories and the range of definitions of what comprises a ‘monster’. There are some good stories in which man proves to be the greatest monster of all–but there are plenty of other, more literal monsters to keep them company.
Whether you’re looking for old-fashioned or new-fashioned horror stories, I think you’ll enjoy The Monstrous. Some monsters are more literal than others; some monsters are very, very human. And sometimes, the monster isn’t quite who you think it is.
Read the rest of the review at ERRANT DREAMS.
THE MONSTROUS rises from the depths this October.
For more on THE MONSTROUS, visit the Tachyon page.
Illustrations by John Coulthart
Cover by Reiko Murakami
Cover design by Elizabeth Story
Trio of reviews featuring Hannu Rajaniemi, Kate Elliott, and Nancy Kress
Photo: Soppakanuuna (Hannu Rajaniemi), (Kate Elliott), Beth Gwinn (Nancy Kress)
FANTASY LITERATURE praises the sold out HANNU RAJANIEMI: COLLECTED FICTION.
In his Collected Fiction of nearly twenty stories ranging from the micro style of Twitter fiction to a more traditional length, Hannu Rajaniemi displays a generally hopeful, but cautionary, view of humanity’s future and the rapid onslaught of technology. Of primary importance is the need to recognize the value of others amid the increasing electronic noise in which we all seem to live. Rajaniemi is a physicist with the heart of a poet (and vice-versa) who takes data packets, social networks, saunas, and the sea, and weaves them all together into completely unique experiences.
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Rajaniemi’s inclusion of saunas, certain social cues and behaviors, names and occasional interjections of Finnish words help to ground these stories in specific places and cultural experiences which I haven’t seen represented often (if ever) in science fiction. It’s a very welcome change from Anglo/U.S.-centric plots and characters. If you’re new to Rajaniemi’s work, I highly recommend beginning with his Collected Fiction.
PAPER WANDERER recommends THE VERY BEST OF KATE ELLIOTT.
These tales showcase the willpower of heroines from different walks of life. Warriors, servants, mothers and/or daughters with their own sharp experiences, minds and abilities. They often stand by their own choices in the midst of unexpected and difficult circumstances to go forward in life.
I am drawn to heroines who develop an inner sense of strength/fortitude. I enjoyed many of the stories in this collection due to that realistic portrayal of diverse character strengths and opportunities for growth.
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Every reader and writer of SFF needs to read the intro and the outro of this collection. Brilliant and accessible Feminist essays which also support the spirit of this fantastic short story collection.
GUYS LIT WIRE lauds Nancy Kress’ Nebula award winning novella YESTERDAY’S KIN.
The best way to describe Nancy Kress’s writing is that she writes emotionally engaging sci-fi, like extended versions of Twilight Zone episodes that would make really cool movies, except you know Hollywood would really mess them up.
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The compelling story is helped along by clear scientific explanations with sudden bursts of emotion and action. What it lacks in character development is easily forgiven; it’s a novella to be consumed, not analyzed. At several points along the way – and I read in one sitting, a rarity for me – I paused not to consider the story but to try and imagine my reaction to the various situations. Would I participate in a mysterious program in an alien ship? If chosen, would I take trip across the universe with aliens whose societal structure feels almost hippie cult-ish? Would I really want to live on a post-alien Earth with people gearing up to fight each other after having their worldview turned upside down?
For more info on HANNU RAJANIEMI: COLLECTED FICTION, visit the Tachyon page.
Cover art by Lius Lasahido
Design by Elizabeth Story
For more info on THE VERY BEST OF KATE ELLIOTT, visit the Tachyon page.
Cover art by Julie Dillon
Design by Elizabeth Story
For more info on YESTERDAY’S KIN, visit the Tachyon page.
Cover by Thomas Canty
In celebration of the mysterious writer’s centenary comes LETTERS TO TIPTREE
Alice B. Sheldon (James Tiptree, Jr.)
Twelfth Planet Press has announced the forthcoming LETTERS TO TIPTREE.
In celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Alice Sheldon’s birth, and in recognition of the enormous influence of both Tiptree and Sheldon on the field, Twelfth Planet Press is publishing a selection of thoughtful letters written by science fiction and fantasy’s writers, editors, critics and fans to celebrate her, to recognise her work, and maybe in some cases to finish conversations set aside nearly thirty years ago.
Alice with husband Ting.
Includes letters from:
- Kathryn Allan
- Marleen Barr
- Stephanie Burgis
- Joyce Chng
- Aliette de Bodard
- Timmi Duchamp
- Amanda Fitzwater
- Lisa Goldstein
- Theodora Goss
- Nicola Griffiths – read online at LA Review of Books
- Valentin D Ivanov
- Gwyneth Jones
- Rose Lemberg
- Sylvia Kelso
- Alex Dally MacFarlane
- Brit Mandelo
- Sandra McDonald
- Seanan McGuire
- Karen Miller
- Judith Moffet
- Cheryl Morgan
- Pat Murphy
- Sarah Pinsker
- Cat Rambo
- Tansy Rayner Roberts
- Justina Robson
- Nisi Shawl
- Nike Sulway
- Lucy Sussex
- Rachel Swirsky
- Bogi Takács
- Lynne M. Thomas
- Elisabeth Vonarburg
- Jo Walton
- Tess Williams
For more info about LETTERS TO TIPTREE, visit the Twelfth Planet Press page.
First views of John Coulthart’s incredible and horrific illustrations for Ellen Datlow’s THE MONSTROUS
As with Ellen Datlow’s previous creature anthology LOVECRAFT’S MONSTERS, the sensational John Coulthart designed and supplied interior images for THE MONSTROUS. While we can’t share all the creepy pictures just yet, we just couldn’t keep it all under wraps. So here’s a pair of beauties to wet your appetite until THE MONSTROUS rises from the depths this October.
For more on THE MONSTROUS, visit the Tachyon page.
Cover by Reiko Murakami.
Cover design by Elizabeth Story.
The extraordinary Nalo Hopkinson reads and signs FALLING IN LOVE IN HUMANOIDS as part of the Clarion West summer reading series
(photo: Aurora Public Library)
Join Nalo Hopkinson on Tuesday, July 21 at 7:00 p.m. at the University Book Store (4326 University Way NE in Seattle) as she signs and reads from her new book FALLING IN LOVE WITH HOMINIDS.
One of the most significant voices in modern Caribbean and American fiction, Nalo Hopkinson’s imaginative works of speculative fiction and fantasy have won numerous awards—including the John W. Campbell Award, the Locus Award, and the World Fantasy Award. A mix of modern life and Afro-Caribbean folklore, FALLING IN LOVE WITH HOMINIDS, her highly anticipated new collection of previously uncollected fiction—featuring everything from chickens that breathe fire to adults who eat children—hits shelves this August. Joining us as the fifth speaker in the Clarion West Summer Reading series, Hopkinson will talk about her work as a speculative fiction writer and read from some of her most recent or current projects.
For more information on FALLING IN LOVE WITH HOMINIDS, visit the Tachyon page.
Cover art by Chuma Hill
Design by Elizabeth Story
Happy birthday to the pioneering Cory Doctorow
“Cory Doctorow @ eTech 2007” by Ed Schipul from Houston, TX, US – Cory Doctorow @ eTech 2007. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia
Influential blogger, journalist, and author Cory Doctorow co-edits the popular BOING BOING blog and is a vocal advocate of the Creative Commons, having published a majority of his works under that license.
His numerous acclaimed, award-winning works include DOWN AND OUT IN THE MAGIC KINGDOM (winner of Locus Award for Best First Novel), LITTLE BROTHER (winner of John W. Campbell Memorial Award, Prometheus Award, Sunburst Award, and White Pine Award), THE RAPTURE OF THE NERDS (with Charles Stross), HOMELAND (winner of Prometheus Award), A PLACE SO FOREIGN
AND EIGHT MORE (winner of Sunburst Award), CONTENT: SELECTED ESSAYS ON TECHNOLOGY, CREATIVITY, COPYRIGHT, AND THE FUTURE OF THE FUTURE, CONTEXT: FURTHER SELECTED ESSAYS ON PRODUCTIVITY, CREATIVITY, PARENTING, AND POLITICS IN THE 21ST CENTURY, INFORMATION DOESN’T WANT TO BE FREE: LAWS FOR THE INTERNET AGE, and IN REAL LIFE (with Jen Wang). Additionally, Cory has won the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer and The Electronic Frontier Foundation Pioneer Award.
All of us at Tachyon, wish the visionary Cory a happy birthday.
For more info on CONTENT: SELECTED ESSAYS ON TECHNOLOGY, CREATIVITY, COPYRIGHT, AND THE FUTURE OF THE FUTURE, visit the Tachyon page.
Cover design by Ann Monn
For more info on CONTEXT: FURTHER SELECTED ESSAYS ON PRODUCTIVITY, CREATIVITY, PARENTING, AND POLITICS IN THE 21ST CENTURY, visit the Tachyon page.
Cover design by Elizabeth Story
Help make BROWN GIRL IN THE RING prequel a reality
Right now at INDIEGOGO, writer/director Sharon Lewis is raising money to make a film prequel Nalo Hopkinson’s classic BROWN GIRL IN THE RING.
In an abandoned futuristic ghetto haunted by caribbean spirits and the posse, young Ti-Jeanne’s spirit demands she obey, or someone will die.
There is just under 39 hours left to help with this amazing project, so jump over to INDIEGOGO now.