Not recommended for everyone, but for fans of Game of Thrones/Song of Ice and Fire then this fictional history tome is an excellent read.
So much storNot recommended for everyone, but for fans of Game of Thrones/Song of Ice and Fire then this fictional history tome is an excellent read.
So much story packed in, no wonder only about a third of it is the inspiration for such an excellent adaption series now: House of Dragon.
I can understand how some people who expected a conventional model may have been disappointed by Fire & Blood, especially those not heavily invested in this world. But for readers who enjoy the immense world-building of R.R. Martin, this is a very satisfying read.
The only thing I can say, relating to the story of the Targaryens and their conquests and civil wars and political battles, is how extremely messed up it all gets. But I shall say no more spoilers than that... ...more
A charming fantasy webcomic that inspired the excellent Netflix film, the adaptation is quite different however so don't expect it to be the same. ThiA charming fantasy webcomic that inspired the excellent Netflix film, the adaptation is quite different however so don't expect it to be the same. This comic is actually kind of darker in some ways, but it works in the comics medium as more whimsical. Very original story ...more
Neil Gaiman is a master of the short story and of fantasy, yet unfortunately Norse Mythology is not among his best.
Vikings may be having a cultural mNeil Gaiman is a master of the short story and of fantasy, yet unfortunately Norse Mythology is not among his best.
Vikings may be having a cultural moment. This is a good primer on the tales of Odin and Thor and Loki etc. Written informally in the common vernacular, with a mix of Gaiman's own original take making for an authentic feel of reading the traditional mythology. It just still seems a bit too academic for me, it's not enough like modern fiction writing, and it doesn't always work.
Several of the short stories do stand out. And it is a good time to revisit these pagan gods. Note that this is nothing like Marvel's Thor movies, and far more similar in vein to Gaiman's Sandman graphic novel series that occasionally featured the Aesir...
It's short and doesn't take too much commitment, so a decent read for fantasy lovers and Gaiman fans in particular. Enjoy, but don't expect it to be among his best. ...more
Brilliant short story collection by Ted Chiang, who writes rarely but masters the form whenever he does.
Being familiar with the film Arrival, I enjoyBrilliant short story collection by Ted Chiang, who writes rarely but masters the form whenever he does.
Being familiar with the film Arrival, I enjoyed Story of Your Life about nonlinear linguistics and it's always fun to compare with source material. A pleasant surprise, however, was how many of these are kind of religious magical realism of the fantasy genre.
There are multiple stories that take Biblical concepts, from the tower of Babylon to golems and the chaotic amorality of angels, and take these ideas seriously to see how it would work in a real-world society. It's fascinating from my atheistic perspective, and I wonder what an actual believer would think.
My favorite is probably Understand, about super-intelligence. It's an impressive feat to write with so much detail about a mind that would basically be incomprehensible to us mere mortals.
I look forward to next reading his collection Exhalation....more
Delightful classic, the introduction to Bone. Now colorized, it's a great series for all-ages with great cartoony art and a whimsical fantasy storylinDelightful classic, the introduction to Bone. Now colorized, it's a great series for all-ages with great cartoony art and a whimsical fantasy storyline. Also pretty funny. ...more
The Midnight Library very interesting and heartfelt magical realism story, or maybe it counts as science fiction/speculative fiction though the genre The Midnight Library very interesting and heartfelt magical realism story, or maybe it counts as science fiction/speculative fiction though the genre is not the point.
A little hokey at times, but with such an original take on the 'It's a Wonderful Life'-type story...
(In fact, I might argue that stories about quantum consciousness are having a bit of a zeitgeist at the moment.)
But in any regard, the fantastical rationale for the how the multiple lives works isn't what makes it uniquely literary. The novel is really about infinite possibilities and why life is a gift, and that's all lives sad or successful, whether we know it or not.
The protagonist Nora doesn't want to live, and then goes on a strange journey from one alternate life to the next, lives as different as can be, discovering alternative versions of herself and learning a little more what existence is about each time. It's quite sweet actually.
Matt Haig is a solid storyteller, with prose reminiscent of Neil Gaiman. The premise may not be as explored as it could, too much just grazing the surface and not as much as a deep dive as could be, but it is a lovely little novel that will stick with you and maybe even make you think....more
Excellent adaptation, with beautiful art that captures Tolkien's fantasy world exceptionally.
And how weird that Chuck Dixon wrote this?
This versionExcellent adaptation, with beautiful art that captures Tolkien's fantasy world exceptionally.
And how weird that Chuck Dixon wrote this?
This version of the Hobbit is quite dense for a graphic novel, with a lot of narration. There are some interesting choices in what to include, as goes for any adaptations of prose novels to other mediums, and I probably would have cut some more of the endless descriptions of travels and stretched out some more adventures. But it still overall works.
The Hobbit is highly recommended for fans of all ages.
Also, I am left wondering why there has never been a proper Lord of the Rings comic...
I'm so pleased to be listening to the second act of Neil Gaiman's epic Sandman series, expertly reimagined as audio drama.
Adapting the medium of comiI'm so pleased to be listening to the second act of Neil Gaiman's epic Sandman series, expertly reimagined as audio drama.
Adapting the medium of comics to radio plays/podcasts is a surprisingly good fit, and I hope there are more of these in the future. Unlike the constraints of film, the pure imagination of visual comics can be explored without limit and oh so faithfully by acting out these amazing stories. Dirk Maggs is an experienced director who knows what he's doing, and the all-star acting cast is legendary.
Of course, I'm listening as someone who read Sandman as a teen (and reread many times before). The voices may not always conform to what I imagined, but it's always good to give another interpretation a chance.
Compared to Act I, it just keeps getting better. The Sandman series in fact always had a slow start, and definitely found itself in these volumes which just makes the audio series even more perfect and literary. Basically, less DC Universe and more Gaiman's own personal Vertigo world to explore at this point.
This one begins by adapting Season of Miss, which is very high-concept fantasy about the lord of dreams visiting Hell. It's not a horror story. In fact, the take on various different gods in modern times is a good prelude to Gaiman's later novels. Then there's A Game of You, which is the author's take on a more traditional fairy tale style, while still being a meta-commentary on storytelling itself--not to mention very ahead of its time with the trans character.
There are also many one-off short stories previously published as Fables and Reflections, taking place throughout history from ancient Rome to the French Revolution. It's wonderful how Gaiman is able to jump from cultural contexts, including for example an Arabic fable. Such impressive and enviable writing.
If there was another way to market this, sample podcasts of just these one shots would be an excellent way to introduce it to skeptical readers (that is, listeners)... But alas, the Audible business model is to release these big portions thirteen hours at a time every so often.
Can't wait until Act III, and by my count, the eventual melancholic conclusion with Act IV....more
A perfect little deconstruction of the Odyssey from the point of view of poor Penelope, narrated from the afterlife, as she regales and haunts over thA perfect little deconstruction of the Odyssey from the point of view of poor Penelope, narrated from the afterlife, as she regales and haunts over the tragedy of the twelve maids who were murdered for no reason. Let's face it, Odysseus is terrible. At least this shows another possible point of view for this mythological tale so crucial to the Western canon.
A fine slim fantasy, with just enough Greco references and clever modern anachronisms to feel authentic. Atwood as always knows her stuff and how to subvert the literary structures. Penelope, and all the women of the era, deserve to have a say.
And I realize I need to read still more Margaret Atwood......more
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