Sci Fi Jungle

New Hobbit Trailer

The Hobbit is coming out December 14th.  To whet your appetite here is the latest trailer. Get your fireplace going in your cosy Hobbit hole and enjoy. Need a fireplace - here's www.electricfireplacesdirect.com. I am really excited about The Hobbit.  I am so taking my kids!

 

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Crimes Against Magic by Steve McHugh Review

This week I am reading an author new to  me.  His name is Steve McHugh and the book is called "Crimes Against Magic."  The hero is Nathan Garrett, who is a sorcerer.  He woke up 10 years ago with no memory and has made a career for himself as a thief.  He's a bit of a ladies man, with massive magical skills.  As he gets embroiled in a series of problem he realizes that his missing past is the key to what is happening today. 

At the same time that the book follows Nathan's adventures in modern day London, other chapters tell a story that happened to him in 14oo's France.

The book has a lot of violence and sex, and occasionally I shake my head at Nathan's improbably and rather dumb behaviour, but the writing is decent and the story has me hooked.  It's the first in the "Helliquin Chronicles."  No, not exactly the same as the musicians friend tc helicon but actually I haven't het figured out what the Hellequin part means. 

 

Computer Clean Up

I seem to have found myself unemployed, so one of the things I really want to do is clean up my computer and organize my photo files.  Ever since my PC got hit by lightning my photo system is a nightmare. I need to get everything off of my backup again and make sure everything is backed up and stored properly.

If you're not techy it can be hard to know how to clean out your computer.  The main thing that's important is to make sure your photos and personal files are backed up.  Trust me on this!

To Be Watched Pile? The Hunger Games!

If there is a to be read pile, there must also be a to be watched pile, right?  My next thing to be watched is going to be The Hunger Games movie.  I just checked Amazon streaming and I can rent it for $3.99.  That's AWESOME!  I will watch it through my Roku player, which streams Amazon stuff better than the Tivo.  I just love all this great technology - what a world we live in, eh. 

But Katniss is low tech.  She's happy in something like a carhartt coats for women with her bow and arrows.  Rock on tribute from District 12!

 

Next in My TBR Pile is Kitty Steals the Show

In case you aren't in the know on these fancy internet abberviations TBR means "To Be Read." I don't usually have a TBR pile because I am a voracious ready and usually am desperately looking for something new to read.  I go through books like a locust goes through wheat.

Right now though, I really do have a TBR - well not a pile, just one book.  Kitty Steals the Show by Carrie Vaughn.  As soon as I finish the freebie To Kill a Warlock I will dive into some Kitty the Werewolf.  Carrie Vaughn's books are always good so I know this is going to be a fun read.  I wonder if werewolves would have dog garden statues?  LOL.

 

Free Urban Fantasy from H.P. Mallory

H.P. Mallory has two paranormal freebies right now.  I started with "To Kill A Warlock ."   I am about a third of the way in - and surprisingly (considering the cartoon cover pic) it's actually quite good. It is a light, funny story with just enough mystery and gore to add that spice of life.  It's not kooky (which I hate - thus worrying about the cartoon cover.)  It just seems that a lot of times the cartoon cover means one of two things (and possibly both) - kooky madcap comedy or a really cheap budget.  While I don't mind a cheap budget it sometimes seems like the cheap budget also hit the editing department.  I can handle one or two typos but bad writing is just GACK.

Also please keep the kooky madcap witches away.  I also worry about the fae who it seems are usually just having a lot of non ethical sex and court politics.  Snore.

This one does feature a fairy but she seems pretty normal for a paranormal!  LOL.  Anyway - give it a try its free and pretty good so far.

New Ben Aaronovitch Peter Grant Novel is Out

I've had this on pre-order, but for some reason it didn't automatically send to my Kindle and I forgot about it until my mom reminded me.  Right now I am in the middle of Cursed by Benedict Jacka but when I am done - BOOM right into another setting of Magical London. 

I love Ben Aaronovich, who really can write.  These are not just light paranormal fluffs, but actually have literary value.  I can't wait to see what he weaves into this story, whether it be Jazz, Architecture, History, or a Fender Jaguar.  The main character is the son of a Jass musician, and his multicultural background adds a fun flair to the series.  So between talking to ghosts, learning to be a wizard's apprentice, and being a police detective, Peter Grant is bound to be up to something interesting.

 

 

 

Recommendation - Fated by Benedict Jacka

I just finished Fated by Benedict Jacka.  Another "Guys Urban Fantasy" these stories feature  Alex Verus, a Mage who can see into the near future, allowing him to see all the permutations of events that could happen.  This skill, while had on the nerves, can be quite useful.

Rocky Patel

Set in London, there is a affinity to Jim Butcher's Dresden Files books but there is enough unique style to set Alex Verus apart.  I like the character, I like the writing style, the only complaint I have is that sometimes for someone who can see events before they happen, Alex can be very naive and has a couple of moments of what they call in the Romance fan world of "Too Stupid to Live."  But I guess the plot needs a little dramatic irony or else Verus would solve everything before we get to read about it.

 

Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman

 I just finished Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman.  What a great book!  It was funny, suspenseful, clever, and well paced.  Just perfect.

I had previously read "American Gods" which I liked, but was too dark for me.  Anansi Boys is a lighter book, with a touch of Terry Pratchett to it.  It is the story of Fat Charlie Nancy, who has been trying to live a quiet life and get beyond the embarrasment of his father.

Well, it turns out his father is not just any guy, but the trickster god of West Africa and the Carribean. Of course it's pretty embarrassing having a Dad who loves to paly practical jokes of everyone, including you!  What could be worse, well, I don't want to spoil the story but suffice to say we have a Romance or two, a crime story, and some really really strange old ladies.

I am not sure how Neil conjures the inflections of his characters, but it's fantastic.  I totally recommend this book.  And, the Kindle version is on sale right now for $3.99. Cheaper than oil free lotions, and lots better entertainment.

 

5 Pieces of Sci Fi Music

Let's talk Sci Fi Music and share some tasty YouTube videos.  So get out your 1975 telecaster and get jamming.

 

Surfin' With the Alien by Joe Satriani - cause he plays the devil out of the guitar.

 

 

Katy Perry - ET  A great song - catchy as heck.  This version features Kanye West and a cool video.

 

The theme from Star Trek (The Original Series) A bit kitschy but fun.

 

 

David Bowie - Rocket Man

 

Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots Part 1 by The Flaming Lips.  Because it is AWESOME.