George Raymond Richard Martin (aka George R. R. Martin)
07 Monday Sep 2015
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Stephen King, The Master of Horror fiction, is one of the most acclaimed writers still alive today. He has cranked out more books than I can name at the present time, and is still cranking them out. And we hope he will continue until they nail his coffin shut.
He was born in Portland, Maine on September 21, 1947. He is married to the novelist Tabitha King. They have three children. Two of their children, Joe Hill and Owen King, are novelists in their own rights.
Many of Mr. King’s novels have been adapted into feature films, mini-series, television shows, and even graphic novels. Stephen King’s writing has crossed over many genres with great success.
23 Thursday Jul 2015
Posted Writer Highlights
inRobert Louis Stevenson, a literary giant during his lifetime, was a Scottish novelist, poet, essayist, as well as a travel writer. Among his most famous novels are Treasure Island, The Strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (novella) and Kidnapped.
Robert Louis Stevenson was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. Throughout his life Stevenson travelled extensively in search for an environment that was well suited for his poor health. These travels proved to be a source of inspiration for his fiction. Stevenson published his first novel at the age of 28. He later bought 400 acres in Samoa were he died at the age of 44.
Robert Lewis Balfour Stevenson
Born: November 13, 1850 (Edinburgh, Scotland)
Died: December 3, 1894 (Vailima, Samoan Islands)
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
Age: 44
Cause: Cerebral Hemorrhage
Buried: Stevenson Family Estate Grounds (Vailima, Tuamasaga, Samoa)
Spouse: Frances Matilda Vandergrift (1880-1894)
30 Tuesday Jun 2015
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authors, blogs, book review, book reviews, books, Epic Fantasy, Fantasy, James Oliver Rigney Jr., James Oliver Rigney Jr. Wheel of Time, Literature, Robert Jordan, Short Stories, Short Story, The Strike at Shayol Ghul, Wheel of Time, Wheel of Time series, Words, Writer, writers
The Strike at Shayol Ghul is a rare find from the writer Robert Jordan. In essence it is a short story from the Wheel of Time series. As many know that Jordan was not typically a writer who wrote short fiction. So that makes this story a interesting part of the series.
The story is approached from the perspective of a historian who has come across a manuscript dated from the Age of Legends. Within this manuscript it describes the events leading up to the sealing of the bore. It describes the war between the Shadow and the Light. It reports that there was years of battle between the Light and the Shadow with neither side making any reasonable advances.
During this time Lews Therin’s plan to seal up the bore is rejected by the Hall due to its risk of setting the Dark One free. Unperturbed, Lews Therin proceeds with a group of male Aes Sedai called the Hundred Companions. It was all male Aes Sedai who sealed up the bore. All women Aes Sedai refused to help. Due to the divide between the Aes Sedai Lews Therin proceeds with his plan along side the Hundred Companions. He is able to raise up an army of ten thousand soldiers unknown to the Hall.
Lews Therin, the Hundred Companions, and ten thousand strong with soldiers, the plan to seal the bore is in motion. The plan is successful in sealing off the Dark One, as well as all the Forsaken, who so happen to be there at the same time. All of this was done without ripping the fabric of time, and setting the Dark One free, which the female Aes Sedai did not believe was possible. However, complete victory would not be sweet without bitter, and deadly consequences. Just as the bore was sealed, a last counter strike from the Dark One was thrust forth tainting the male part of the One Power.
Now as the Dark One is sealed up with all of the Forsaken. The world is ripped to shreds by the male Aes Sedai who are now driven by madness due to the taint of Saidin caused by the Dark Ones counter strike. The world is completely destroyed as they know it, even whole continents re-arranged. The world is put into a state of madness as a result.
So reads, and describes the events of the sealing of the bore in The Strike at Shayol Ghul. It is a good and informative read, and I suggest any fan of the Wheel of Time to read it. It is a must. It can be found on the Dragonmount webpage here.
Rating: 3 of 5 stars
02 Tuesday Jun 2015
Posted Book Reviews, Fantasy
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authors, blogs, book review, book reviews, books, Brandon Sanderson, Epic Fantasy, Fantasy, James Oliver Rigney Jr., James Oliver Rigney Jr. Wheel of Time, Literature, Towers of Midnight, Wheel of Time, Wheel of Time series, Words, Writer, writers
Towers of Midnight, the thirteenth book of the series is a wonderful installment of the Wheel of Time. Within in this book a great mystery is revealed that has been lingering since the fifth book. Below is the video that reveals that mystery. It gives me that tingling sensation from the top of my head to the soles of my feet.
(Every time I watch this video I get the chills…remembering when Moiraine disappeared earlier in the series. I must say that I shed some tears reading the letter she left Rand before she disappeared. It was so unexpected.)
It is well known that I am a huge fan of the Wheel of Time series. And I want to state publicly that I think Brandon Sanderson has done a wonderful job of fulfilling Jordan’s vision of the series. I can certainly tell the difference between Jordan and Sanderson’s writing. They are similar, but different as well. But overall I believe he done a great job, and this series was saved in spite of Jordan’s death.
With the other reviews of the series I didn’t do what some would say is a traditional review of the books. I’m not exactly a professional, and I’m not trying to be either. I gave more of a summary of the books instead of relating my personal feelings, etc.
I will conclude with this…the Wheel of Time is definitely worth the time with investment it takes in reading it. It includes love, pain, death, heroics, and adventures. You will find these things through each book of the series, and Towers of Midnight is no exception, and I’m sure the next book, which is the last book will not be any different.
My mind is blown! All I can say is Whoa! I’m finally nearing the end of this series, and what a mix of emotions that is. IN this book we see the plot advance more, and the Last Battle is now FINALLY gonna begin. This is a great read, and I encourage others to read it, and finish the series. It is worth it I believe.
Prophecies of the book:
1. It soon became obvious, even within the stedding, that the Pattern was growing fail. The sky darkened. Our dead appeared, standing in rings outside the borders of the stedding, looking in. Most troublingly, trees fell ill, and no song would heal them.
It was in this time of sorrows that I stepped up to the Great Stump. At first, I was forbidden, but my mother, Covril, demanded I have my chance. I do not know what sparked her change of heart, as she herself had argued quite decisively for the opposing side. My hands shook. I would be the last speaker, and most seemed to have already made up their minds to open the Book of Translation. They considered me an afterthought.
And I knew that unless I spoke true, humanity would be left alone to face the Shadow. In that moment, my nervousness fled. I felt only a stillness, a calm sense of purpose. I opened my mouth, and I began to speak.
-from The Dragon Reborn, by Loial,
son of Arent son of Halan, of Stedding Shangtai
2. Lo, it shall come upon the world that the prison of the Greatest One shall grow weak, like the limbs of those who crafted it. Once again, His glorious cloak shall smother the Pattern of all things, and the Great Lord shall stretch forth His hand to claim what is His. The rebellious nations shall be laid barren, their children caused to weep. There shall be none but Him, and those who have turned their eyes to His majesty.
In that day, when the One-Eyed Fool travels the halls of mourning, and the First Among Vermin lifts his hand to bring freedom to Him who will Destroy, the last days of the Fallen Blacksmith’s pride shall come. Yea, and the Broken Wolf, the one whom Death has known, shall fall and be consumed by the Midnight Towers. And his destruction shall bring fear and sorrow to the hearts of men, and shall shake their very will itself.
And then, shall the Lord of the Evening come. And He shall take our eyes, for our souls shall bow before Him, and He shall take our skin, for our flesh shall serve Him, and He shall take our lips, for only Him will we praise. And the Lord of the Evening shall face the Broken Champion, and shall spill his blood and bring us the Darkness so beautiful. Let the screams begin, O followers of the Shadow. Beg for your destruction!
-from The Prophecies of the Shadow
Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Publication Date: November 2, 2010
Publisher: Tor
Genre: Fantasy
Pov: Third Person, Multiple Views
Pages: 861 (includes dictionary) hardcover
Best Lines: “When change comes, you can scream and try to force things to stay the same. But you’ll usually end up getting trampled. However, if you can direct the changes, they can serve you.”
23 Saturday May 2015
Posted Fantasy, Writer Highlights
inTags
authors, blogs, book review, book reviews, books, Brandon Sanderson, Epic Fantasy, Fantasy, James Oliver Rigney Jr., James Oliver Rigney Jr. Wheel of Time, Literature, Robert Jordan, The Gathering Storm, Wheel of Time, Wheel of Time series, Words, Writer, writers
After Robert Jordans passing in September of 2007, the fate of the Wheel of Time was in question. And many fans wondered, and worried if the story would ever be told, or remain unfinished and forgotten. It had been well reported that Mr. Jordan famously said that he would destroy anyone who tried to work in his universe. However, at the end of his life he told his wife that after his passing, for her to find someone to finish the story for the fans. He believed they deserved the ending that he’d always told them was coming. In the last moments of his life he formulated the plots, made notes, and recordings of what he wished for the Wheel of Time series, and its characters.
After the death of Jordan, Brandon Sanderson left a eulogy on his site that was read by Jordan’s widow. She read some of Sanderson’s work, and chose him to be Jordan’s successor. And I must admit, even though at first, I was doubtful that picking Sanderson was a good choice.
Brandon Sanderson was born in Lincoln Nebraska in 1975. After a semester as a biochem major, he realized his true vocation was to be a writer. He graduated from Brigham Young University with a master in creative writing. During that time he wrote thirteen novels. In 2005, Sanderson published the sixth novel, Elantris,
Since then he has released novels for both young and old audiences. And is now known as one of the best fantasy writers alive.
You can visit his site at www.brandonsanderson.com
Sanderson worked from the notes, outlines, and recordings of Jordan, as well as the already written scenes Jordan left behind to complete the final books of the series. The last book was tentatively titled “A Memory of Light.” However, it was found that the sources of material would be to much to contain in one volume (which is what Jordan had wanted) and was decided to be broken up in three volumes. Each one being an installment of A Memory of Light.
22 Friday May 2015
Posted Book Reviews, Fantasy
inTags
authors, blogs, book review, book reviews, books, Epic Fantasy, Fantasy, James Oliver Rigney Jr., James Oliver Rigney Jr. Wheel of Time, Literature, New Spring, New Spring The Novel, New Spring The Novel The Wheel of Time In the Beginning, Robert Jordan, Wheel of Time, Wheel of Time series, Words, Writer, writers
New Spring, a prequel to the Wheel of Time, was first published as a novella in a anthology entitled, “Legends: Short Novels by the Masters of Modern Fantasy.” The anthology was published by Tor on September 15, 1999 in between book eight, and book nine of the series. Later, it was adapted into a full novel by Jordan, and published in between book ten, and book eleven of the series.
New Spring is the first book of the series to be later presented as a graphic novel. And was the first book of an intended trilogy of prequels. The second book of the prequels was to focus on Rand’s “father” Tam, and to elaborate on his time in the army of Illian, and lead up to the moment that he found Rand on Dragonmount. The third book of the prequels was to focus on Moiraine and Lan in their journeys, and lead up to the last moments before the events that open up The Eye of the World, the first book of the series.
I really wish that these books could have been completed before Robert Jordan’s passing.
New Spring describes the events twenty years before the events of The Eye of the World. The story describes the Aiel war, and the battle of The Shining Walls. It is mainly set in the city of Tar Valon, and the Borderlands.
It follows the story of Moiraine Damodred and Siune Sanche, two young ladies newly raised to Aes Sedai. Those familiar with the stories will recognize the importance of these characters in the later novels. The story involves the tale of how Moiraine and Lan met, and how he became her warder. It also follows the story of Moiraine and Siuan, how they both become involved for the hunt of the Dragon Reborn, after hearing a foretelling of his birth. Together they decide that this would be there pursuit in life. Both of them agreeing to accomplish this by two different means. Siuan would stay in the White Tower, and later being raised to power and great authority as the Amrylin Seat. And Moiraine would stay out in the world searching for the Dragon Reborn. With Lan by her side she visits city to city, town to town, and village to village, until she reaches the place we pick up in The Eye of the World.
Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Publication Date: January 6, 2004
Publisher: Tor
Genre: Fantasy
Pov: Third Person, Multiple Views
Pages: 334
Best Lines: “Change what you can if it needs changing, but learn to live with what you can’t change.
22 Friday May 2015
Posted Book Reviews, Fantasy
inTags
authors, blogs, book review, book reviews, books, Crossroads of Twilight, Epic Fantasy, Fantasy, James Oliver Rigney Jr., James Oliver Rigney Jr. Wheel of Time, Literature, Robert Jordan, Wheel of Time, Wheel of Time series, Words, Writer, writers
Crossroads of Twilight, the tenth book of the series , is a darker entry in the Wheel of Time, foreshadowing the ending of the series. It is widely proclaimed as the least favorite of the Wheel of Time. And that I must admit myself, although it is still good, and I enjoy all of the Wheel of Time books- It did lack the “power house” punch compared to the earlier books in the series. Particularly the plot which did not seem to advance the storyline much.
Mat has escaped Ebou Dar having kidnapped the “Daughter of the Nine Moons”. This is a key point in the story, a fulfillment of a prophecy found in the earlier books.
Perrin is still after the Shaido Aiel, he is ever more determined to find his wife.
Elayne is still vying for power to claim the Lion Throne which is hers by right.
Egwene, has now laid siege to the White Tower to topple Elaida, the false Amrylin.
Rand Al’Thor recuperates from the events that took place at Shadar Logoth, and prepares to lay down his next plans. He must find peace with the Seanchan Empire if the nations intend to be present at the Last Battle.
Prophecies of the book:
1. And it shall come to pass, in the days when the Dark Hunt rides, when the right hand falters and the left hand strays, that mankind shall come to the Crossroads of Twilight and all that is, all that was, and all that will be shall balance on the point of a sword, while the winds of the Shadow grow.
-from The Prophecies of the Dragon
translation believed done by Jain
Charin, known as Jain Farstrider,
shortly before his disappearance.
2. We rode on the winds of the rising storm,
We ran to the sounds of the thunder.
We danced among the lightning bolts,
and tore the world asunder.
-Anonymous fragment of a poem believed
written near the end of the previous Age,
known by some as the Third Age.
Sometime attributed to the Dragon Reborn.
Rating: 3.5 stars of 5
Publication Date: January 7, 2003
Publisher: Tor
Genre: Fantasy
Pace: Moderate
Pov: Third Person, Multiple Views
Pages: 700 (includes dictionary) Hardcover
Best Lines: “Sometimes, pain is all that lets you know you’re alive.”
18 Monday May 2015
Posted Book Reviews, Fantasy
inTags
authors, blogs, book review, book reviews, Epic Fantasy, Fantasy, James Oliver Rigney Jr., James Oliver Rigney Jr. Wheel of Time, Robert Jordan, Winter's Heart, Words, Writer, writers
A marvelous turn of events happens in this book that blew me away. That event is related to the One Power, and men. I can’t give you the spoiler. I am sorry. You must read the book, or rather THE BOOKS, to understand, and fully appreciate that momentous event. But let’s just say that it turns the whole series on its head…in a good way. But still it is yet to be seen what that will produce in the later novels.
Rand Al’Thor is now “bonded” to Elayne, Aviendha, and Min. Yeah, I know that is not a surprise considering that they are all his lovers. He goes on a hunting expedition to kill personally every traitor of the Ash’amon ranks. And succeeds in doing so. At the end of this book is the momentous event I mention earlier which is achieved with the help of Nynaeve. While they are attempting to accomplish that cause. There is war on all sides of them, and the Forsaken out to kill them all. It is a really high tense situation.
Perrin is tracking the Shaido Aiel who have kidnapped his wife Faile.
Elayne attempts to secure her rightfuly place upon the throne of Andor, and suppress rebellious nobles.
Mat is “captured” still in Altara, and is the plaything of the Queen. But Mat plans to make an escape, and in doing so adds kidnapping charges to his “resume.”
Prophecies of the book:
1. The seals that hold back night shall weaken,
and in the heart of winter shall winter’s heart be born
amid the wailing of lamentations and the gnashing of teeth,
for winter’s heart shall ride a black horse,
and the name of it is Death.
-from The Karaethon Cycle:
The Prophecies of the Dragon
Rating: 4 of 5 Stars
Publication Date: November 7, 2000
Publisher: Tor
Genre: Fantasy
Pace: Moderate
Pov: Third Person, Multiple Views
Pages: 668 (includes dictionary) Hardcover
Best Lines: “You can never know everything, and part of what you know is always wrong. Perhaps even the most important part. A portion of wisdom lies in knowing that. A portion of courage lies in going on anyway.”
18 Monday May 2015
Posted Book Reviews, Fantasy
inTags
blogs, book review, book reviews, books, Epic Fantasy, Fantasy, James Oliver Rigney Jr., James Oliver Rigney Jr. Wheel of Time, Literature, Robert Jordan, The Path of Daggers, Wheel of Time, Wheel of Time series, Words, Writer, writers
The Path of Daggers is the shortest mainline novel of the series. And the first book to hit the New York Times Bestsellers list.
Rand Al’Thor and his troops attempt to push back a group of mysterious invaders that have reached the mainland. Although he has had some success in earlier skirmishes, and seems to have the upper hand. He in fact finds out that he is not as much in control of matters as he had thought, or wished. In addition he must face traitors in his own camp who seek to assassinate him. Although nations are succumbing to his forces, and plead allegiance to him quickly. And power is at his fingertips…Rand may learn that even in his victories there is also defeat.
Nynaeve and Elayne have come across a great store of ter’angreal, and seek to find a safe haven for them. The use of the Bowl of Winds has proven satisfactory, and the unnatural weather is reversed. Even amidst these events plots from the shadowspawn, and the black ajah, as well as political opponents are at work, and may soon come to fruition. Nynaeve and Elayne, and several other types of women who can coincidently channel as well must flee from the invasion that has hit the mainlands, or run the risk of being held captive for life.
Perrin seeks a madman who is a self proclaimed Prophet of the Dragon who has left heartache and destruction in his path all in the name of the Dragon. Rand has ordered him to capture him, and bring him to him. But along the way many obstacles arise to prevent this mission. Will Perrin capture the Prophet in time before more destruction happens?
The Amrylin of the rebel Aes Sedai, Egwene Al’vere, is dealing with her own issues. An opposing army stands against her denying her entrance into Andor. There is much fear of a conflict if she is allowed into the city, due to opposing sides of the Aes Sedai matter. Rumors circulate of a possible war between Aes Sedai, on both sides of the fence, who are gathering in Andor. On top of this there is tension within the Black Tower (Rands school for training men who can channel) with the increase of Aes Sedai in the city.
Egwene declares a declaration of war upon Elaida, the false Amrylin.
Prophecies in the book:
1. Who would sup with the mighty must climb the path of daggers.
-Anonymous notation found inked in
the margin of a manuscript history
(believed to date to the time of Arthur
Hawkwing) of the last days of the
Tovan Conclaves
*On the heights, all paths are paved with daggers.
-Old Seanchan saying
Rating: 4 of 5 Stars
Publication Date: October 20, 1998
Publisher: Tor
Genre: Fantasy
Pace: Moderate
Pov: Third Person, Multiple Views
Pages: 604 (includes dictionary) Hardcover
Best Lines: “A secret spoken finds wings”
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