Science Fiction & Fantasy Book Club

Book clubs can be tons of fun. They can expose you to new books, authors, and subjects. Unfortunately, they can also be a drag. Especially if you're into science fiction and fantasy. It's a rare book club that chooses DUNE or FOUNDATION or even THE HOBBIT (and frankly, more should try it :) ).

But sci fi/fantasy fans, there's now a book club solution for you TOO!

The Sword and Laser is a book club for fans of ... well, swords and lasers. Lately, they've read ENDER'S GAME (O.S. Card), DUNE (F. Herbert), and GAME OF THRONES (G.Martin). And the best part is, you don't even have to leave your couch.

This book club is all on-line. The hosts, Tom and Veronica, record podcasts of their discussions and take questions from readers. All you have to do is go to www.swordandlaser.com and click on the podcast you want to hear. You can click on the current podcast, or an older one. You can even go to the forums (www.swordandlaser.ning.com) and chat with others and join in the debate on topics like...will the new Wheel of Time book be any good? are there any good sci-fi audiobook recordings?

 It's EASY, GEEKY, and TOTALLY FUN :)

They do a new book every month. This month we're reading Marion Zimmer Bradley's amazing book, THE MISTS OF AVALON. I read it years ago...several times, in fact...and it's the King Arthur legend told from the perspective of Gueneviere, Morgause, and Morgan Le Fay. I'm rereading it again now, just to make sure that it's fresh in my mind :)

The new podcast should be up in early November, so get reading!

Slobbers,
Sarah and Finn

PS FROM SARAH: My favorite Arthurian legend series is THE CRYSTAL CAVES (M. Stewart), which tells the story from Merlin's perspective, but MISTS is fantastic, too ;)

Book Review: Pawn of Prophecy

Funny, sarcastic, and fast-paced. This is a must-read for fantasy readers; middle school-aged through adult.

THE PAWN OF PROPHECY is the first book in David Eddings' BELGARIAD series (five books). Late one night, Garion is woken by his Aunt Pol and they run away with evil (and unknown) forces hot on their trail. Soon they hook up with a band of older and wiser adventurers who might be more than they seem..

I can't recommend this series enough. The tone is funny and sarcastic and the characters have unexpected depth. Best of all, the action moves fast and doesn't get bogged down following side-characters.

For fans of Terry Goodkind (THOMAS COVENANT), John Flanagan (RANGER'S APPRENTICE), and Robin Hobb (MAD SHIPS) -- check it out right away.

To read an excerpt, click on the title of this post.

Enjoy!
Sarah

Adult's Halloween Pick! Faerie Tale

Want a scare this Halloween? Check out Faerie Tale by Raymond Feist.

I reread Faerie Tale every October to put me in the mood for my favorite holiday. It's packed with suspense, terror, and a Bad Thing that I really never want to meet.

Mr. Feist is the author of another of my favorite series, The Riftwar Saga (Magician: Apprentice is book #1), but this is something different.

Faerie Tale is the story of a family that moves into the mountains of upstate New York. It is a beautiful place that is just coming alive with the colors of autumn. Unfortunately, something else is stirring as well. At first, only the kids notice it. Then...well, read and find out.

BOO!

Click on the title of this post for a Q&A with Raymond Feist about this book.

Enjoy!
Sarah

NOTE: Finn thinks this one might be too scary for him.

Two NEW Sci-Fi Gems

I LOVE it when the store reopens and I have an excuse to read all kinds of new stuff! But I love it even more when everything I pick up seems to be incredible -- 2009 is shaping up to be a great year for new books!


"PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AND ZOMBIES"
(by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith)
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a zombie in possession of brains must be in want of more brains.

What's this about? Just what it sounds like. Mr. Grahame-Smith has reworked the classic "Pride and Prejudice" into classic zombie mayhem. Pemberly is under attack by zombies and Mr. Bennett is trying to keep his family alive. Can Elizabeth vanquish the spawn of Satan and still win Mr. Darcy?

This book is a RIOT. It's beautifully written and masterfully blends a comedy of manners with zombie gore. A MUST READ for those with a twisted sense of fun :)



"DAEMON"
(by Daniel Suarez)
I've just started this (courtesy of The Sword and Laser podcast - www.swordandlaser.com) and it's quite a tech-manifesto.

Here's the Amazon review: "Originally self-published, Suarez's riveting debut would be a perfect gift for a favorite computer geek or anyone who appreciates thrills, chills and cyber suspense. Gaming genius Matthew Sobol, the 34-year-old head of CyberStorm Entertainment, has just died of brain cancer, but death doesn't stop him from initiating an all-out Internet war against humanity. Sobol's weapon is a daemon, a kind of computer process that not only has taken over many of the world's computer systems but also enlists the help of superintelligent human henchmen willing to carry out his diabolical plan."

Happy Spring!
Sarah

Pick of the Week!

OK...look up everyone and wave....BYE MICHAEL!

Michael worked with us here at the store this summer and did a great job. This week he's headed back to Russia. Thanks again for your great work this summer and say "Hi!" to your family :)

PICKS OF THE WEEK: Focus on Fantasy
In honor of Michael's favorite genre, here are a few of his (and our!) fantasy favorites...

Myth Adventures Series (Robert Asprin):
When an apprentice wizard meets a demon, it's hate as first sight. Unfortunately (or fortunately for us!) they need each other and learn to work together to defeat armies, kings, and even medieval mobs. These books are FUNNY, FUNNY, FUNNY! (Ages: Young Adult through Adult)

Magic Kingdom for Sale--Sold! (Terry Brooks):
The first in the Kingdom of Landover series, this follows the adventures of reluctant lawyer, Ben Holiday who tries to make a positive change in his life by buying a magic kingdom. Then all hell breaks loose. :) Humorous fantasy. (Ages: Teen through Adult)

Magician: Apprentice (Raymond Feist):
The first book in the Riftwar Saga, this fantastic series features some of Mr. Feist's best work. It follows the development of a young magician and his warrior friend as their homeworld is invaded by alien intruders. Exciting fantasy adventure. (Ages: Teen through Adult)

Hood (Stephen Lawhead):
This new take on the story of Robin Hood takes place in 13th century Wales and is filled with political intrigue and great battles. Excellent, excellent, excellent. The second book in the series, "Scarlett" was released in late August. Fantasy adventure. (Ages: Teen through Adult)