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Showing posts with label Neil Gaiman. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Neil Gaiman. Show all posts

Sunday, June 30, 2019

TV Series Review: Good Omens (2019)

Good Omens (2019)
TV mini-series
May 31
Amazon Prime
Creators: Neil Gaiman, Terry Pratchett
Series Directed by Douglas Mackinnon
Stars: David Tennant, Michael Sheen, Frances McDormand 
A tale of the bungling of Armageddon features an angel, a demon, an eleven-year-old Antichrist, and a doom-saying witch.

Having a book you love turned into a movie or show can be nerve-wracking. Let's face it: fans love things for different reasons and not everyone is going to be happy. Sometimes people helming the ship somehow don't get or ignore why people love a thing so much and miss every opportunity to do something amazing.

And sometimes, things go right.

I should say here and now that it's been a while since I've read Good Omens, but I think that also helped me detach from my love of the book and watch the show as its own entity. I know there are differences, but I can't speak to specifics and obviously I'm not that hung up on them.

You guys, this is so good. For me, it *feels* like the book. It has the same energy, momentum, humor, and quirkiness. All of the characters are given time to be introduced and grow, and I never felt like the plot or world building runs away with anything or any of the cast was in over their heads. Everything felt committed to the story, which is what you really need with anything by Pratchett and Gaiman. If anything, this makes me want to reread the book right now.

The casting is excellent - David Tennant and Michael Sheen are magic, but truly everyone is fantastic in their roles. I love a lot of the background casting and how characters actually fit their time periods and regions in the flashback bits. The horseman are fun, John Hamm is a great choice for Gabriel, the kids are realistic. I don't think there was a single casting choice or actor that felt wrong to me.

The effects fit the vibe of the story, and the script rings true to the book. And yes, there is Queen. So much Queen, and used in the best ways. Be warned, that joke is never explained in the show, so if you're going in blind, there are still things worth reading the book for.

My only issue was occasionally the pacing seemed to drag - I mostly noticed it in the cuts back to Adam and his friends in the woods. Those scenes were so similar after the first few, but I get the point of trying to break up other action.

If the more tongue in cheek and quirky bits aren't for you, well that's what this is. It's funny and insightful and unnerving in turn.

If this book is your Bible, I'm sure there's something I'm not catching that may set you off. If you go in with the idea that this is an adaptation (and a very good one), I think you'll love it. If you haven't read the book, you will absolutely enjoy it if you love the authors and know their styles.

In short, it's a lot of fun.

4.75 sheep of the apocalypse







About the Author:
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Selah Janel is a writer who is trying to start doing that again instead of reading manga all the time.

Saturday, November 19, 2016

Spotlight: Stardust by Neil Gaiman + giveaway

William Morrow is giving away a (5) sets of American Gods, Anansi Boys, Neverwhere and Stardust!


by Neil Gaiman
September 27, 2016
Publisher: William Morrow
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Format: Ebook/Paperback/Hardcover
Now a major motion picture—this charming fairy tale by the #1 New York Timesbestselling author, weaves a magical story set long ago in the tiny English village of Wall, a place where things are not quite what they seem.

Go and catch a falling star . . .

Tristran Thorn promises to bring back a fallen star for his beloved, the hauntingly beautiful Victoria Forester—and crosses the wall that divides his English country town from another, more dangerous world of lords and witches, all of them in search of the star. Rich with adventure and magic, Stardust is one of master storyteller Neil Gaiman’s most beloved tales.

“Eminently readable—a charming piece of work.”
—Washington Post Book World“Beautiful, memorable . . . A book full of marvels.”
—Milwaukee Journal Sentinel



About the Author:
website-FB-Twitter
Neil Gaiman is the New York Times bestselling author of the novels Neverwhere, Stardust, American Gods, Coraline, Anansi Boys, The Graveyard Book, Good Omens (with Terry Pratchett), The Ocean at the End of the Lane, and The Truth Is a Cave in the Black Mountains; the Sandman series of graphic novels; and the story collections Smoke and Mirrors, Fragile Things, and Trigger Warning. He is the winner of numerous literary honors, including the Hugo, Bram Stoker, and World Fantasy awards, and the Newbery and Carnegie Medals. Originally from England, he now lives in the United States. He is Professor in the Arts at Bard College.




Tour Schedule

Monday, November 7 – American Gods reviewed at The Toibox of Words
Tuesday, November 8 – Stardust featured at Zach’s YA Reviews
Wednesday, November 9 – American Gods reviewed at Bound 4 Escape
Anansi Boys featured at Mello and June
Thursday, November 10 – Neverwhere reviewed at BookStopCorner
Neverwhere featured at Mello and June
Friday, November 11 – Neverwhere reviewed at Dreaming Big
________

Monday, November 14 – American Gods featured at Waiting on Sunday to Drown
American Gods featured at I Smell Sheep
Stardust reviewed at Reading Reality
Neverwhere reviewed at 100 Pages a Day
Neverwhere reviewed at Svetlana Reads and Views
American Gods featured at Mello and June
Tuesday, November 15 – American Gods reviewed at Hopelessly Devoted Bibiophile
Anansi Boys reviewed at Dreaming Big
Wednesday, November 16 – American Gods reviewed at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers
Stardust reviewed at Bound 4 Escape
Neverwhere reviewed at Alexia’s Books and Such
Thursday, November 17 – American Gods reviewed at Fascinating Quest
Friday, November 18 – American Gods reviewed at ABookGeek
________

Monday, November 21 – Stardust reviewed at Laura’s Interests
Stardust featured at I Smell Sheep
Anansi Boys reviewed at Chapter by Chapter
Neverwhere reviewed at Cover2Cover
Neverwhere reviewed at RhiReading
Tuesday, November 22 – American Gods reviewed at Zach’s YA Reviews
Anansi Boys reviewed at Bound 4 Escape
Anansi Boys reviewed at Svetlana Reads and Views
Wednesday, November 23 – Stardust reviewed at Dreaming Big
Neverwhere reviewed at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers
Thursday, November 24 – Stardust reviewed at Fascinating Quest
Neverwhere reviewed at Laura’s Interests
Friday, November 25 – Stardust reviewed at RhiReading
Neverwhere reviewed at Mina’s Bookshelf
________

Monday, November 28 – American Gods reviewed at Bookish Things and More
Stardust reviewed at Cover2Cover
Anansi Boys reviewed at Deal Sharing Aunt
Tuesday, November 29 – Stardust reviewed at 100 Pages a Day
Stardust reviewed at Freda’s Voice
Stardust reviewed at Svetlana’s Reads and Views
Neverwhere reviewed at A Room Without Books is Empty
Neverwhere reviewed at Live Love Books Blog
Neverwhere reviewed at Deal Sharing Aunt
Wednesday, November 30 – American Gods reviewed at Dreaming Big
American Gods reviewed at RhiReading
Stardust reviewed at A Room Without Books is Empty
Anansi Boys reviewed at Fascinating Quest
Neverwhere reviewed at Bound 4 Escape
Anansi Boys reviewed at Live Love Books Blog
Thursday, December 1 – American Gods reviewed at Live Love Books Blog
American Gods reviewed at A Room Without Books is Empty
Anansi Boys reviewed at Cheryl’s Book Nook
Anansi Boys featured at RhiReading
Neverwhere reviewed at Worth Getting In Bed For
American Gods reviewed at Deal Sharing Aunt
Stardust reviewed at Live Love Books
Friday, December 2 – American Gods reviewed at Cover to Cover
American Gods reviewed at Svetlana’s Reads and Views
Stardust featured at Romantic Reads and Such
Neverwhere reviewed at Fascinating Quest


GIVEAWAY

William Morrow is giving away a (5) sets of American Gods, Anansi Boys, Neverwhere and Stardust! 

Terms & Conditions: 
By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old. 
Five winners will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one set of all 4 books 
This giveaway ends midnight December 2. 
Winner will be contacted via email on December 3. 
Winner has 48 hours to reply. 
Good luck everyone! 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday, November 12, 2016

Re-release: American Gods by Neil Gaiman + giveaway

William Morrow is giving away a (5) sets of American Gods, Anansi Boys, Neverwhere and Stardust

American Gods
by Neil Gaiman
August 16, 2016
Publisher: William Morrow
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Format: Ebook/Paperback/Hardcover
Newly updated and expanded with the author’s preferred text. A modern masterpiece from the multiple-award-winning master of innovative fiction, Neil Gaiman.

First published in 2001, American Gods became an instant classic, lauded for its brilliant synthesis of “mystery, satire, sex, horror, and poetic prose” (Washington Post) and as a modern phantasmagoria that “distills the essence of America” (Seattle Post-Intelligencer). It is the story of Shadow—released from prison just days after his wife and best friend are killed in an accident—who gets recruited to be bodyguard, driver, and errand boy for the enigmatic trickster, Mr. Wednesday. So begins Shadow’s dark and strange road trip, one that introduces him to a host of eccentric characters whose fates are mysteriously intertwined with his own. For, beneath the placid surface of everyday life, a storm is brewing—an epic war for the very soul of America—and Shadow is standing squarely in its path.

“Pointed, occasionally comic, often scary, consistently moving and provocative….American Gods is strewn with secrets and magical visions.”—USA Today“Original, engrossing, and endlessly inventive.”—George R. R
. Martin



About the Author:
website-FB-Twitter
Neil Gaiman is the New York Times bestselling author of the novels Neverwhere, Stardust, American Gods, Coraline, Anansi Boys, The Graveyard Book, Good Omens (with Terry Pratchett), The Ocean at the End of the Lane, and The Truth Is a Cave in the Black Mountains; the Sandman series of graphic novels; and the story collections Smoke and Mirrors, Fragile Things, and Trigger Warning. He is the winner of numerous literary honors, including the Hugo, Bram Stoker, and World Fantasy awards, and the Newbery and Carnegie Medals. Originally from England, he now lives in the United States. He is Professor in the Arts at Bard College.

Tour Schedule
Monday, November 7 – American Gods reviewed at The Toibox of Words
Tuesday, November 8 – Stardust featured at Zach’s YA Reviews
Wednesday, November 9 – American Gods reviewed at Bound 4 Escape
Anansi Boys featured at Mello and June
Thursday, November 10 – Neverwhere reviewed at BookStopCorner
Neverwhere featured at Mello and June
Friday, November 11 – Neverwhere reviewed at Dreaming Big
________

Monday, November 14 – American Gods featured at Waiting on Sunday to Drown
American Gods featured at I Smell Sheep
Stardust reviewed at Reading Reality
Neverwhere reviewed at 100 Pages a Day
Neverwhere reviewed at Svetlana Reads and Views
American Gods featured at Mello and June
Tuesday, November 15 – American Gods reviewed at Hopelessly Devoted Bibiophile
Anansi Boys reviewed at Dreaming Big
Wednesday, November 16 – American Gods reviewed at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers
Stardust reviewed at Bound 4 Escape
Neverwhere reviewed at Alexia’s Books and Such
Thursday, November 17 – American Gods reviewed at Fascinating Quest
Friday, November 18 – American Gods reviewed at ABookGeek
________

Monday, November 21 – Stardust reviewed at Laura’s Interests
Stardust featured at I Smell Sheep
Anansi Boys reviewed at Chapter by Chapter
Neverwhere reviewed at Cover2Cover
Neverwhere reviewed at RhiReading
Tuesday, November 22 – American Gods reviewed at Zach’s YA Reviews
Anansi Boys reviewed at Bound 4 Escape
Anansi Boys reviewed at Svetlana Reads and Views
Wednesday, November 23 – Stardust reviewed at Dreaming Big
Neverwhere reviewed at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers
Thursday, November 24 – Stardust reviewed at Fascinating Quest
Neverwhere reviewed at Laura’s Interests
Friday, November 25 – Stardust reviewed at RhiReading
Neverwhere reviewed at Mina’s Bookshelf
________

Monday, November 28 – American Gods reviewed at Bookish Things and More
Stardust reviewed at Cover2Cover
Anansi Boys reviewed at Deal Sharing Aunt
Tuesday, November 29 – Stardust reviewed at 100 Pages a Day
Stardust reviewed at Freda’s Voice
Stardust reviewed at Svetlana’s Reads and Views
Neverwhere reviewed at A Room Without Books is Empty
Neverwhere reviewed at Live Love Books Blog
Neverwhere reviewed at Deal Sharing Aunt
Wednesday, November 30 – American Gods reviewed at Dreaming Big
American Gods reviewed at RhiReading
Stardust reviewed at A Room Without Books is Empty
Anansi Boys reviewed at Fascinating Quest
Neverwhere reviewed at Bound 4 Escape
Anansi Boys reviewed at Live Love Books Blog
Thursday, December 1 – American Gods reviewed at Live Love Books Blog
American Gods reviewed at A Room Without Books is Empty
Anansi Boys reviewed at Cheryl’s Book Nook
Anansi Boys featured at RhiReading
Neverwhere reviewed at Worth Getting In Bed For
American Gods reviewed at Deal Sharing Aunt
Stardust reviewed at Live Love Books
Friday, December 2 – American Gods reviewed at Cover to Cover
American Gods reviewed at Svetlana’s Reads and Views
Stardust featured at Romantic Reads and Such
Neverwhere reviewed at Fascinating Quest

GIVEAWAY
William Morrow is giving away a (5) sets of American Gods, Anansi Boys, Neverwhere and Stardust! 
Terms & Conditions: 
By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old. 
Five winners will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one set of all 4 books 
This giveaway ends midnight December 2. 
Winner will be contacted via email on December 3. 
Winner has 48 hours to reply. 
Good luck everyone! 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, September 30, 2016

Comic Review: Neil Gaiman's Troll Bridge HC from Dark Horse Comics

NEIL GAIMAN’S TROLL BRIDGE HC
Writer: Neil Gaiman, Colleen Doran
Artist: Colleen Doran
Cover Artist: Colleen Doran
Genre: Horror, Fantasy
October 05, 2016
Dark Horse Comics

Format: FC, 64 pages; HC, 6.5” x 10”
Price: $14.99
Age range: 16

PREVIEW
From the mind of master storyteller Neil Gaiman!

Young Jack’s world was full of ghosts and ghouls, but one monster—a ravenous and hideous troll—would haunt him long into manhood. As the beast sups upon a lifetime of Jack’s fear and regret, Jack must find the courage within himself to face the fiend once and for all!

* Beautifully adapted by Colleen Doran (The Sandman, Stan Lee’sAmazing Fantastic Incredible: A Marvelous Memoir)!

* A gorgeous new addition to your Gaiman library!

Colleen Doran's artwork brings Gaiman's poignant fairy tale, Troll Bridge, to life.

Troll Bridge is a short story that appeared in Gaiman's short story collection Smoke and Mirrors: Short Fictions and Illusions. You can find the whole story online on some sites. It is the story of a young boy, Jack, with a big imagination and a lot of fear. He meets the troll and begs to live longer. He ends up coming back to the troll at different stages of his life. Asking for more time before the troll "eats his life."

There are different interpretations when it comes to what the troll is or represents. Is he real or just a manifestation of Jack's fear. It is a poignant tale and gives the reader much to think about.

Dark Horse Comics brings Troll Bridge to life in a hardcover graphic novel with artwork by Colleen Doran. The artist created beautiful illustrations and turned it into the fairy tale it was meant to be...I mean, the main character's name is Jack...


5 "trip-trapping" Sheep




SharonS

Friday, July 29, 2016

Comic Reviews: Neil Gaiman's How to Talk to Girls at Parties from Dark Horse Comics

Neil Gaiman's How to Talk to Girls at Parties
Writer: Neil Gaiman
Artist: Gabriel Ba, Fabio Moon
Cover Artist: Gabriel Ba, Fabio Moon
Genre: Graphic Literature, Fantasy
June 22, 2016
Dark Horse Comics
Format: FC, 64 pages; HC, 7'' x 10''
Price: $17.99
Age range: 16
Preview
Neil Gaiman! Fábio Moon! Gabriel Bá!
Two teenage boys are in for a tremendous shock when they crash a party where the girls are far more than they appear!

From Neil Gaiman—one of the most celebrated authors of our time—and award-winning artists Fábio Moon and Gabriel Bá, this sumptuous graphic novel is not to be missed!
* Moon and Bá adapt the Gaiman story they were born to draw!



I freely admit I am a fan of Neil Gaiman's writing. When I saw there was a comic coming based on one of his short stories, I knew I had to read it. This adaptation does not disappoint.
It's a tale of two young gentlemen getting lost looking for a party. Vic is a confident jock trying to give advice to his less-confident friend, and our narrator, Enn. During the tale, Enn is convinced to engage with several of the young women at the party. Without spoiling it, the story gets interesting in a very Gaiman way from there.
The art from Moon and Ba is beautiful with a flowing almost watercolor aesthetic throughout. The expressions they draw on the faces conveys all of the complex emotions going on throughout the comic. Whether it's the joy of a girl dancing, sadness of loss, or just annoyance at being interrupted, it draws you in and could almost tell a story on its own.

This book is well worth tracking down. I highly recommend it.

4.5 Sheep




Guest Reviewer: Wes Smith

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Cover Reveal: Writers Workshop of Science Fiction and Fantasy

Writers Workshop of Science Fiction and Fantasy 
Cover Revealed



Seventh Star Press is proud to reveal the new cover created by award-winning artist Matthew Perry for the upcoming release of the Writers Workshop of Science Fiction and Fantasy.

Developed by Bram Stoker Award-winning editor Michael Knost, the Writers Workshop of Science Fiction and Fantasy is a treasure trove for writers of all levels looking to develop their craft in the speculative fiction genres. Featuring contributions from several of the best speculative fiction authors in the world such as Neil Gaiman, Orson Scott Card, Harry Turtledove, James Gunn, Alan Dean Foster, Ursula K. Le Guin, Joe Haldeman, Kevin J. Anderson, Tim Powers, Mike Resnick, and many, many more, the book features a wealth of essays and interviews focusing on the writing craft as it pertains to the genres of fantasy and science fiction.

Slated for a late February release in eBook and a trade paperback release following soon after, the Writers Workshop of Science Fiction and Fantasy will be an important contribution to the speculative fiction literary community. Whether just beginning a writing journey or extensively published, writers of all degrees of experience are certain to find this book to be an invaluable reference source.



For further information on the Seventh Star Press and its titles such as the Writers Workshop of Science Fiction and Fantasy, please visit www.seventhstarpress.com

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

The Writers' Workshop of Science Fiction and Fantasy edited by Michael Knost

UPDATE: 10/12/12
A quick note to thank everyone who helped spread the word or supported out Kickstarter project for The Writers Workshop of Science Fiction and Fantasy. We had a goal of $6,000 and the campaign raised $14,251, which means that we can really do some wonderful things to support this book's release, AND it will have an additional chapter now featuring an interview with top-line editors, AND it will have interior artwork from BOTH Bonnie Wasson and Matt Perry! Thank you, this was a VERY important project for us, I know Jackie Gamber can comment on what this means for us, and I thank those of you who stepped up and helped in any way very, very much!
UPDATE: 9/24/2012
As things stand now, if we reach the $12,500 level on pledges, we will be able to bring in the talents of BOTH of SSP's award-winning artists, Matthew Perry and Bonnie Wasson. Art and literature go together wonderfully, especially in the genres covered in this book and it would be great to have some original artwork created for this project.

Both Bonnie and Matt would create two full page illustrations for the book, for a total of four full-page illustrations (with genre-appropriate themes) being added to all editions of the book (eBook, softcover, and limited edition hardcover). info here

The Writers' Workshop of Science Fiction and Fantasy is a collection of essays and interviews with some of most influential names in the industry; each article covering a specific element of the craft of writing science fiction and fantasy. The collaborators in this wonderful anthology include:



Neil Gaiman -- “Where Do You Get Your Ideas?”

Orson Scott Card -- “On Rhetoric and Style.”

Lou Anders -- “Nebulous Matters, or Speculations on Subgenre.”

Lucy Snyder -- “Ursula K. LeGuin Talks About A Lifetime in the Craft.”

James Gunn -- “Beginnings.”

George Zebrowski -- “Middles.”

Jay Lake -- “Endings.”

Nayad Monroe -- “Tim Powers Talks About Writing Supernatural Awe and More.”

Pam Sargent -- “Talking Too Much, or Not Enough: Dialogue in Science Fiction and Fantasy.”

G. Cameron Fuller -- “How Alien the Alien: A Primer on Viewpoint.”

Nancy Kress -- “The Green-Skinned Zorn Laughed With Grief: Character and Emotion in Science Fiction and Fantasy.”

Harry Turtledove -- “Alternate History: the How-To of What Might Have Been.”

Jude-Marie Green -- “Larry Niven Talks About the Collaborative Process.”

Joe Haldeman -- “Hemingway Talks About Writing.”

Nisi Shawl -- “Unbending Gender.”

Alan Dean Foster -- “Reverse Engineering: Writing Novelizations.”

Alethea Kontis -- “Kevin J. Anderson Talks About Spin-off Novels and Prequels.”

Elizabeth Bear -- “Tactics of Worldbuilding.”

Jackie Gamber--"Ann and Jeff Vandermeer Talk About Weird Fiction"

Michael Knost -- Short fiction editors Ellen Datlow, Stanley Schmidt, Gordon Van Gelder, James Patrick Kelly, Mike Resnick, and John Joseph Adams discuss what they are looking for when reading submissions.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

In seeking publication for his newest workshop project, Bram Stoker award-winning editor Michael Knost sought a small press, for the care and enthusiasm a good one harbors for the genre and its fellow writers. Seventh Star Press is that kind of publisher, bringing its own love for science fiction and fantasy to the project, and its "got your back" attitude for genre writers and other small and independent presses.

Seventh Star Press is very excited about the opportunity to release this project, but as it is one outside of our originally projected 2012 publishing schedule, a little help from outside is needed to bring this project to fruition.

Perhaps the first question that comes to your mind, if encountering us for the first time, is: Who is Seventh Star Press?
Formed in the fall of 2008, Seventh Star Press is a respected speculative fiction publisher based in Lexington, KY, boasting works from such authors as Jackie Gamber, Michael West, D.A. Adams, Steven Shrewsbury, David Blalock, R.J. Sullivan, J.L. Mulvihill, and Stephen Zimmer. The press also features two highly-acclaimed, award-winning artists, Matthew Perry and Bonnie Wasson, whose creative work is featured on the covers and interiors of all SSP releases.
~~~~~~~~~~~
How you can help!
To raise money SSP has set up a Kickstarter project. You can donate as little as $2, and the more you donate the more incentives you will receive. The $10 level will get you an ecopy of the book, $30 will get you a softcover copy + an ecopy...and so on. Please pass this along to any writers and lovers of science fiction and fantasy.

Friday, February 17, 2012

Sheep Book Review: Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman

My first introduction to Neil Gaiman was in the book he co-wrote with Terry Pratchett, Good Omens, which while it's not my favorite book ever it is definitely a book I enjoyed and would recommend to other people. As a result I was curious about Neil Gaiman's writings and made a note to try and pick up one of his books as Borders went out of business. (I know, I know, I keep going back to my going-out-of-business pile. I got caught up in projects and so on.) Anyway, point being the book I picked up was Neverwhere.

Before I get into the actual book itself I want to talk a little bit about Gaiman's writing style, especially compared to Pratchett. I consider both of them fine authors but I have to admit that Gaiman is far darker in tone than Pratchett. Even in his darkest books, like Night Watch, there are still elements of light hearted comedy with Pratchett. Gaiman's books, (granted I'm making this assessment off of Neverwhere and American Gods) have a more sombre tone. So I would have to say if you're looking for a good story and a laugh, go with Pratchett, but if you're looking for a good story with a more serious tone then Gaiman's your man. I also feel that sexuality is more present in Gaiman's novels than in Pratchett's. This isn't to say that it's anything like the smut those crazy people over at I Smell Sheep read of course, it's much more subtle than that. But in the case of Pratchett sex, if it comes up at all, is referenced for some jokes or coyly slipped in, it's not there in your face. Gaiman is more direct about it but I feel like it's more presenting it as one thing out of the many many things which make up the human experience of life rather than the end-all-be-all of existence. Finally, part of what I feel makes Gaiman's books more serious is that he incorporates horror elements. I still get the heebie-jeebies thinking about some of the stuff Mr. Croup and Mr. Vandemar ate. *shudder*

Neverwhere is set in London and we very quickly discover that there are two Londons: London Above and London Below. London Above is the London with which we are most familiar, the world of those who possess: red buses, black taxis, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, so on and so forth. London Below, the world of the dispossessed, is a world of shadows and magic. The story follows a number of characters, but perhaps most central is Richard Mayhew. Originally from Scotland, Richard moved to London for a job and has been an unassuming businessman and is engaged to Jessica, a social climber. Richard's boring life becomes utterly changed when he helps a wounded girl from London Below named Door. Richard soon discovers that the people of London Above can't see him and don't think he exists and is thrust into Door's adventure through London Below.

Door is the last surviving member of her family, all of whom had the unique ability to open doors and locks where they need to. Door is attempting to find out who ordered Mr. Croup and Mr. Vandemar to kill her family, while being pursued by the very same gentlemen. It seems that the plotter behind her family's deaths has far bigger plans and must be stopped before they can threaten not only London Below, but London Above as well.

Since we're thrust into this wonderful world of Gaiman's creation Richard is a really helpful as a character because he knows as much as we do and often needs a lot of information explained to him. To be fair there are still a lot of things that aren't fully explored in the book and a lot of loose ends but I'm not as mad about it as I am with other books. Sure I could complain that I never really find out what the Golden or the Seven Sisters are. I can infer from information presented, but there's no real explanation. BUT, that being said the story isn't about them. The story is about Door's quest and Richard's growth as a character. Yeah, I had a lot of questions afterward but I read that Gaiman's considering writing a sequel so I feel less irritated with the loose ends. Also, in the end the loose ends are secondary concerns at best. Door's quest is completed and the plot is resolved, and Richard grows into a new and better person.

I do have to warn you, the book has some pretty gross elements so either be prepared or don't be squeamish. I found the book really easy to read and the pages just sort of flew by so it's definitely worth a look if you're interested in a more serious Urban Fantasy novel. (Also a little less melodramatic than the traditional fantasy novels.) Definitely not for kids but I think teenagers would enjoy it. If I have any teenage readers or readers that are parents with teenagers. I wouldn't know.

Next week I look at The God King which is a big high fantasy novel and uses "bemused" a lot. Also, I think there's a giveaway.

- Kalpar

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

January Swagday Give Away!!

ovaries - explosion.
So much sexy swag your ovaries will explode!
(insert testicles here if you are a guy)
Welcome to January Swagday where we will celebrate
FIRSTS
It is time to try some new authors and win some swag!

Featured authors:
Neil Gaiman, Terri Garey, Larissa Ione,
Skhye Moncrief, Laura Kaye

What you win:


First Place:
1. your pick of three of the author's books
2. ovary exploding amount of swag (both pictures)
3. books sent to a soldier in your name

Second Place:
1. the two books left over
2. small swag pack

How you win:
1. play the matching game and leave answers in comments (ex. 1.a, 2.b, 3.c...)
2. leave your email
3. tell me a first for you (first kiss, first teacher, first kid, first time you tried something...)
*DOUBLE entries for followers - tell me if you do

Onto the game!
Match the first line from the book to the author
Answers:
a. "Arik Wagner had to hand it to the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse; they threw one hell of a party."
b. "the human male standing near the San Diego pier never ceased to amaze Kindrist Trekaar after seven hundred and twenty-one days of observation."
c. "There was a hand in the darkness, and it held a knife."
d. "Whoever said 'Dead men tell no tales,' obviously wasn't listening very hard."
e. "The cold scorched Megan Snow's throat, making it hard to breath."

**as always there are clues in the choices. Blurbs for all 5 books are at the bottom of this post**

1. Laura Kaye is offering an ecopy of her latest release award winning fantasy romance North of Need. Want to read about Owen Winters, a snow god? Yes, yes I do! You need to figure out which first line comes from this sexy book that will make even the coldest heart melt.
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2. Neil Gaiman I have a hardback copy of his haunting adventure Y.A. The Graveyard Book. I loved this story of Nobody Owen who was raised by ghosts in a graveyard. He is hiding from the mysterious Jack who murdered his family. Which first line is from this tale of death.
twitter-facebook-blog
*Neil Gaiman has offered a limited edition poster called "How to talk to girls at parties" there were only 1200 made and they are sold out!
based on his short story you can read here
isn't this fabulous?

3. Skhye Moncrief is offering a copy of Feral Fascinations the first book in her Sci-Fi series Feral. Can you say werewolf Sci-Fi! Action packed and just the right amount of smexy as alien Red Trekkar meets her mate. Which line comes from this alien meets shifter story.
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4. Larissa Ione I have a copy of Immortal Rider the second book from her super smexy Lords of Deliverance series. Who wouldn't want to bed down with one of these horsemen ;) Which first line comes from this story of apocalyptic love!
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5. Terri Garey I have a copy of Dead Girls Are Easy, the first book in Terri's fabulous PNR/mystery series about a woman, Nicki Styx, who can talk to ghosts. This series is where you first meet that smexy devil, Sammy Divine who has his own series now called The Devils Bargain. The second book of this series, A Devil Named Desire comes out this month! Which first line comes from Dead Girls Are Easy.

There is no Blog Shout out this month, but it will return!

Remember to leave an email, answers to the game, and tell me a first for you in the comments!
contest ends: January 17th at midnight

Feral Fascinations
Beyond rebels and rogues, the ultimate insurgents, psychic mercenaries, fight for your freedom of thought and hunt earth mates for one purpose--to defeat the universe's psychic emperor wanting to control all sentient beings through mind control. And you have no idea this war rages beyond the planet... Failure is not an option for the free-thinking universe. The free thinking's universe's prized psychic mercenary, Red Trekaar, seduces an ex-mercenary from earth, a Violet Child of heightened psychic ability, who she feels can hold his own as a were-assassin, i.e. her psychic soul mate. But she's running out of time. A legend claims she will give birth to a child that will end the war. But gaining her mate's respect just might prove her greatest challenge of all. A sexy Goth babe crosses Jake Straightarrow's path, and he wakes up in an alien-abduction nightmare with a chronic hard-on, powerless, labeled a blood fucker. She shanghaied him using some force's magnetic attraction. But a guy has self-respect. She should have earned his trust, then spread her legs. Especially after he learns sacred soul mates shape shift into uncontrollable werewolves trapped in a frenzied blood lust for their mate's blood. Self-control is what kept him alive so long. Now, the unshakable countdown to the moment he will shape shift ticks inside his head. His gut shouts escape stud service. Yet, humanity needs a hero. Colliding in a world of mind-reading games where one's best friend is the equivalent to one's worst enemy, each knows trusting the other is as dangerous as buying into their FERAL FASCINATIONS. Rating: Carnal Genre: Paranormal/Futuristic Romance.

North of Need
While attempting to escape the agonizing memories she associates with Christmas, twenty-nine-year-old widow Megan Snow builds a snow family outside the mountain cabin she once shared with her husband and collapses in tears against the snowman at the sight of what she'll never have.
Called to life by the power of Megan's tears, snow god Owen Winters appears unconscious on her doorstep in the midst of a raging blizzard. As she nurses him to health, Owen finds unexpected solace in her company and unimagined pleasure in the warmth of her body, and vows to win her heart for a chance at humanity.
Megan is drawn to Owen's mismatched eyes, otherworldly masculinity, and enthusiasm for the littlest things, and her heart opens enough to believe he's a Christmas miracle. But this miracle comes with an expiration before the snow melts and the temperature rises, Megan must let go of her widow's grief and learn to trust love again, or she'll lose Owen forever.
Immortal Rider
The signs are everywhere...disastrous world events. Evil rising up, unleashed upon the innocent. The prophecies were there...but no one listened. Until now. The time has come for those who can either usher in Doomsday...or prevent it. They are here. They ride. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

Arik Wagner, a soldier with the U.S. Army's paranormal unit, the R-XR, kissed a girl and liked it. And then he went to hell as punishment. Where he's spent weeks being tortured...and plotting revenge.

Limos, Horsewoman of the Apocalypse, isn't your average girl. She's immortal, dangerous, and her fiancé is Satan himself. In a moment of weakness, she gave in to her desire and kissed Arik, triggering her fiancé's wrath - and his claim on her. In order to save Arik, and theworld, Limos must make a dangerous pact with her recently turned evil brother, Pestilence. A deal that might just cost her her soul...and her heart
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Dead Girls Are Easy
There's something about almost dying that makes a girl rethink her priorities. Take Nicki Styx—she was strictly goth and vintage, until a brush with the afterlife leaves her with the ability to see dead people.
Before you can say boo, Atlanta's ghosts are knocking at Nicki's door. Now her days consist of reluctantly cleaning up messes left by the dearly departed, leading ghouls to the Light . . . and one-on-one anatomy lessons with Dr. Joe Bascombe, the dreamy surgeon who saved her life. All this catering to the deceased is a real drag, especially for a girl who'd rather be playing hanky-panky with her hunky new boyfriend . . . who's beginning to think she's totally nuts.
But things get even more complicated when a friend foolishly sells her soul to the devil, and Nicki's new gift lands her in some deep voodoo.
As it turns out for Nicki Styx, death was just the beginning.
The Graveyard Book
After the grisly murder of his entire family, a toddler wanders into a graveyard where the ghosts and other supernatural residents agree to raise him as one of their own.

Nobody Owens, known to his friends as Bod, is a normal boy. He would be completely normal if he didn't live in a sprawling graveyard, being raised and educated by ghosts, with a solitary guardian who belongs to neither the world of the living nor of the dead. There are dangers and adventures in the graveyard for a boy. But if Bod leaves the graveyard, then he will come under attack from the man Jack—who has already killed Bod's family . . .

Beloved master storyteller Neil Gaiman returns with a luminous new novel for the audience that embraced his New York Times bestselling modern classic Coraline. Magical, terrifying, and filled with breathtaking adventures, The Graveyard Book is sure to enthrall readers of all ages