Sunday, September 28, 2008

REVIEW :: A Game of Ice and Fire

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A Game of Ice and Fire

By David Munger

In October, Green Ronin Publishing plans to release a new pen-and-paper fantasy roleplaying product, A Song of Ice and Fire Roleplaying. Based on George R.R. Martin's popular epic fantasy series, A Song of Ice and Fire, it brings the densely populated world of Westeros to life, complete with the knightly combat and courtly intrigue that fans of the books have come to know and love.

Dave Munger recently steered a group of players through the game's quick-start rules and preview adventure released earlier this year by Green Ronin.Read the review and find out all about this unique rule system, and how it played out on a test drive.

Robert Jordan´s "Armour" for sale on ebay

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he following letter is from Greg Kitchens, the “Armorer” who is facilitating the auction of Robert Jordan’s weapon collection on ebay.

The first of Robert Jordan’s personal collection of blades are now available on ebay.

I have been planning these auctions for a couple of months now and have some thoughts to share.

  • First of all, these are the first of over 100 knives, swords, and various other weaponry owned by RJ. There are plenty more to come so it would be foolish for fans to bid these first blades at astronomical prices. Please, do not go crazy. Also, keep in mind that when Jim Rigney liked something he often bought at least two. Some of his favorites, such as the Nepalese Kukuri, the scimitar, or the traditional Japanese Katana, were highly represented in his collection with multiple variations and examples. If you see something on auction you like, there may be more opportunities to buy something similar. In the listings it will always say that “This is from the personal collection of the late author Robert Jordan whose bestselling Wheel of Time series of books is hugely popular throughout the world”. If one goes to ebay and searches “COLLECTION LATE AUTHOR ROBERT JORDAN” and checks the block for “search titles AND descriptions” you will be directed to the blade collection while filtering out the plethora of books and other items out there. Once you find one of the actual listings you may then view the seller’s other auctions. One may also subscribe to ebay to get emails when items are newly posted or bid upon. I will make comments on this site and keep you updated.
  • Jim Rigney was a friend of mine. For some of us sentimental types it is a great honor to own a personal item that meant something to a friend who passed. When the family so graciously made the offer, I selected a Cold Steel Magnum Tanto and an Applegate-Fairbairn fighter from Jim’s collection to go with me to Iraq next year (I likely will need neither for any more than cutting open an MRE, but a good knife does inspire confidence). Later, Wilson later gave me a modernly made katana cane sword that I found in Jim’s bucket of staffs. These are now 3 very special blades to me because they were Jim’s. The family decided to allow me to auction off these remaining items so that fans and collectors, the VERY people who will appreciate and take care of them, will have a chance to own them. That is really what this blade auction is all about.
  • Some of the blades are antiques or highly desirable custom items. I have done thorough research on these blades and will not sell anything unless I am confident that it is what we say it is. There is a “horsehead” saber from the 1830s, a couple of Randall knives, some nice antique Chinese swords, and several others. These items will have value to collectors. If one is a fan AND interested in the particular genre of blade, all the better. ALL items will start at a price that is lower, in some cases MUCH lower, that the flat retail value of the item.
  • RJ owned over a dozen Japanese swords, although most were either modern reproductions or Chinese “fakes”. The Chinese swords were made to appear to be old, which they are not. There were two authentic Japanese swords (besides a few military and police swords) and they will both stay in the family. There are also a few newly made, high quality katanas and wakizashis by CAS Iberia/Paul Chen Hanwei. These are fully functional warrior quality blades and are worth significantly more than the Chinese reproductions. Japanese swords, Nihon-to, are classic and legendary weapons and certainly interested RJ. Fans will undoubtedly recognize the influence these blades had on the RJ’s design of the Heron marked swords. I have spent a great deal of time studying and researching these historic weapons to make sure they are represented accurately.
  • Many have asked about charities. These blades were left to some close relatives of RJ and each will get a percentage of the net profit and are, thus, free to do with it what they see fit. I do know that at least one recipient plans to donate a portion of the money to the Mayo Clinic and another has mentioned looking after The Citadel (RJ’s school, and mine), but the particulars are not yet decided. Please do not rationalize your decision to bid by telling yourself that “it’s for a good cause”. Again, our primary objective is to ensure that RJ’s collection finds its way into the hands of those who appreciate them. We hope that nobody buys something that they cannot realistically afford. We have also put some items off to the side to be charity auctioned or otherwise given away at the upcoming JordanCon. [Editor Note: Dragonmount.com will be raffling off at least one of these items. More info will be posted in our News section when it gets closer to happening.]
  • We have no way of enforcing it but would appreciate it if no one would buy more than two or three blades in total. We hope that several fans get the opportunity to own one of RJ’s personal collectibles.
  • I just hate to limit the sales to US only but made the decision to do just that. My apologies to our overseas friends but shipping blades internationally can get legally complicated and we just do not have an international lawyer on retainer. A knife or sword that one country may view as a harmless tool yet another country sees as a national threat! Customs and unvested carriers add another dimension of risk in ensuring that these items safely get to the buyers. I am new to ebay. If I did this for a living I’d likely be experienced enough to know the ropes for shipping and customs for any given country. There just is not adequate time to properly work it all out. I decided that I do not want to learn the hard lessons the hard way and, in the process, allow something to happen to one of RJ’s blades. If you are overseas and want to bid, perhaps you have a friend in the US to whom we can ship? You would then have the time to thoroughly work out the details in getting it into your particular country. Of course, all buyers are responsible for knowing and complying with their local laws. Again, our international friends have my personal apologies as it was with a heavy heart that I made this difficult decision.
  • The letter of authenticity will be sent with each item and I will retain a copy. The letter will include a description of the blade and name the recipient. No copy of these letters will be sent electronically. We ask all buyers to disallow copies or scannings as we do not want these to ever be faked should they fall into the hands of the unscrupulous. I am personally invested in making sure you are satisfied with this sale. Please contact me with any questions or concerns. All sales are guaranteed.

Sincerely,
Col G.H. Kitchens
The Armorer

ABC buys TV rights to Robert J. Sawyer's novel Flashforward

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TV rights to Robert J. Sawyer's science-fiction novelFlashforward have sold to ABC in a handsome deal negotiated by Vince Gerardis of Created By. David S. Goyer (Batman Begins) and Brannon Braga (Star Trek Voyager24) have scripted the pilot episode, which is now in pre-production. David Goyer will direct the pilot, and Jessika Borsiczky Goyer and Brannon Braga are among the Executive Producers.

Sawyer will serve as consultant on the pilot, and on each episode of any subsequent series; he will also write a first-season episode. Flashforward tells the story of a mysterious event that causes everyone on Earth to get a brief glimpse of their future lives. The novel, first published in 1999 by Tor Books and continuously in print since, won Canada's Aurora Award for Best Novel of the Year as well as Spain's Premio UPC de Ciencia Ficción, the world's largest cash prize for SF writing.

Monday, July 28, 2008

Alternative Social Networking - Open Your Mind!

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Nice social networking for the alternative minds. This site, based on the ning platform, allows you to network with interesting people who share the taste for alternative music, culture, and art.... you can make friends, promote yourslef and your events, start groups and foruns...post your pics and videos etc.

read more | digg story

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Dragon's Legacy by Morgana Starr

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"Dragon's Legacy is a multi-faceted gem which enchants and captivates the imagination of the reader, while presenting timeless truths in a beautiful new way."

By Amber

Flaming fire spews forth from an enraged dragon battling evil men, as the earth splits open devouring those that seek to escape. Returning to her cave home Mary, the dragon, transforms to her female human form and greets her human friend, Charlie.

During their many adventures, narrow escapes and rescue attempts they wonder if prejudice and fear can ever be overcome in order to bring healing and unconditional love to their land. Evil dragons battle humans as Maalock, the Dragon of War tries to protect them. Will the dragons be able to protect humans from their evil counterparts? Who will finally fulfill the Ancient Dragon Prophesy?

“Blood of the dragons flows in him strong,

Knowing to Creator, he always belongs,

Son of the King rescued from the tower,

Seventh generation will come into power,

He will bring to our land justice and peace,

Then all wars and turmoil at last will cease.”

Excerpt from Dragons Legacy, Chapter Two

“Mary lifted her. hands to the sky. Immediately the wind started blowing, as she murmured softly in an ancient language. The air around her shimmered and a misty haze lifted from the ground, as her hair streamed out behind her in the wind. Straining his eyes, Charlie struggled to make out Mary’s form. He saw her shape grow and expand until his sight was filled with a dragon more beautiful than he could have imagined even in his wildest dreams. Her multicolored scales glinted in the sun, scattering rainbows all around.”

For more information see: http://www.booklocker.com/books/3240.html

Or email Morgana at dragonslegacy@insightbb.com to purchase a signed copy.

Morgana was raised in Africa as the daughter of missionaries. Her two children, Ben and Sara Neumann are her great friends and artists in their own rights. Morgana lives in Indiana with her husband, Phil Klem.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Galaxiki! - Own the Galaxy :D

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Galaxiki is the science fiction & fantasy galaxy that anyone can edit. Join the community, get your own solar system & help to build a new online world. A fantastic place for science fiction and fantasy lovers.


Try it :)

The Popular Fiction Report by WD

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Wriders Digest has reaveled its The Popular Fiction Report. Here is small excert relating to Fantasy Literature :

"Science Fiction/Fantasy
Perhaps it’s the nature of the beast, but science fiction and fantasy are tough to pin down. Among the many distinct sub-genres, however, the most prevalent trend is the return of “urban fantasy,” which Harper Collins Voyager Publishing Director Jane Johnson describes as “the supernatural erupting into the everyday—sexy, tongue-in-cheek, post-modern.” The best example of this resurging genre, says Johnson (aka Jude Fisher), is the work of Kim Harrison.

Crawford Kilian, author of Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy, puts in a strong vote for the alternate history genre, typified by Michael Chabon’s The Yiddish Policemen’s Union, and the books of Harry Turtledove. The genre is also marked by the prevalence of long series with recurring characters. “It’s established authors like Turtledove who sell most consistently,” Kilian says. “That’s because they’ve now got large readerships impatient for the next volume in the latest interminable saga.”

Read the entire report

The Pisstown Chaos Book is off for grabbers!

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Wowio is once again honering its moto: Free Bokks for Free Minds" and offering a free e-version of the book "The Pisstown Chaos " by David Ohle
This book is due out in July, this year, but you can start by grabing your free copy ;)
Enjoy!

Friday, February 22, 2008

2007 Nebula Award Nominees Announced

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2007 Nebula Award Nominees Announced

The final line-up of the 2007 Nebula Awards ballot has been announced today. The 2007 Nebulas will be awarded at the Nebula Awards Banquet in Austin, Texas on Saturday, April 26.

Novels
Ragamuffin by Tobias Buckell (Tor, Jun07)
The Yiddish Policemen's Union by Michael Chabon (HarperCollins, May07)
The Accidental Time Machine by Joe Haldeman (Ace, Aug07)
The New Moon's Arms by Nalo Hopkinson (Warner Books, Feb07)
Odyssey by Jack McDevitt (Ace, Nov06)

Novellas
"Awakening" by Judith Berman (Black Gate 10, Spr07)
"The Helper and His Hero" by Matt Hughes (F&SF, Feb07 & Mar07)
"Fountain of Age" by Nancy Kress (Asimov's, Jul07)
"Stars Seen Through Stone" by Lucius Shepard (F&SF, Jul07)
"Kiosk" by Bruce Sterling (F&SF, Jan07)
"Memorare" by Gene Wolfe (F&SF, Apr07)

Novelettes
"The Children's Crusade" by Robin Wayne Bailey (Heroes in Training, Martin H. Greenberg and Jim C. Hines, ed., DAW, Sep07)
"Child, Maiden, Mother, Crone" by Terry Bramlett (Jim Baen's Universe 7, June 2007)
"The Merchant and the Alchemist's Gate" by Ted Chiang, Ted (F&SF, Sep07)
"The Evolution of Trickster Stories Among the Dogs Of North Park After the Change" by Kij Johnson (Coyote Road, Trickster Tales, Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling, ed., Viking Juvenile, Jul07)
"Safeguard" by Nancy Kress (Asimov's, Jan07)
"Pol Pot's Beautiful Daughter" by Geoff Ryman (F&SF, Nov06)
"The Fiddler of Bayou Teche" by Delia Sherman (Coyote Road, Trickster Tales, Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling, ed., Viking Juvenile, Jul07)

See Full Line-up !

Thursday, February 21, 2008

A Guide to the Best Free Fantasy Books in the Public Domain

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The genre of fantasy has a long history and one of the benefits of this is that there are now lots of great fantasy books available in the public domain. Here is a guide to some of these books both famous and not so famous.

Read it all ;)

Friday, February 15, 2008

A Song Of Ice And Fire: A Game Of Thrones

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Advantages: Complex characters, plot told from different viewpoints, realistic morality Disadvantages: Depressing The first book of the Song of Ice and Fire series is my first foray into George R.R. Martin's world.

Read Complete Review!

The Path of Daggers Audio Book - Fantasy at Its Finest

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"Robert Jordan certainly should be given credit for the amazing energy he has infused into the fantasy genre. This audio book is not a dry or boorish reading of the material, instead, it is an invigorating read that can completely captivate the listener in the same manner that the novel can captivate a reader."

Read the Review!

A Look at Heroines in Epic Fantasy

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" In the early days of epic fantasy women were often characterized as damsels in distress and nothing more than window dressing for heroes to rescue. This didn’t last long as a host of writers created memorable female characters that were skilled swordswomen, capable world conquerers, and adventurers in their own right – yet still alluring. This article introduces you to some of the best heroines that have appeared in epic fantasy over the past several decades."

Read Complete Article

Send Us Your Reviews!

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We are a community based blog and as such we wellcome submissions from all fantasy literature fans.
Juts follow some simple guidelines and we promise to consider your reviews for publication with gratitude.

Use the contact information on your right to reach us.
Thank you!

Review My Fantasy!

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Review My Fantasy! aims to provide fantasy literature aficionados a place t gather and review the latest and the oldest Fantasy masterpieces available. We are up to all kinds of fantasy literature, including Graphic Fantasy Novels.

Send us in your reviews and we will gladly post them. This is a community blog and anyone with an honest voice is welcome to share his/her thoughts.