Hi guys,
Just wanted to let you know that the Index of Reviews and Interviews has been updated. You can now check out every single book review and Q&A I've posted since January 2005!
Click on the link you'll find in the upper left corner of your screen, and you'll be taken to a plethora of interesting stuff!;-)
Enjoy!:-)
Win an Advance Reading Copy of Chris Evans' A DARKNESS FORGED IN FIRE
Simon & Schuster have high hopes of Chris Evans' fantasy debut, and they are really pushing the first volume of The Iron Elves, A Darkness Forged in Fire. For more info about this title: Canada, USA, Europe.
When I received a second ARC, I contacted the author to see if he would mind if the copy was turned into a prize for a giveaway. When Chris told me that he'd be happy to see this happen, it was just a question of making things happen. To learn more about Chris Evans and his work, visit http://www.ironelves.com/.
A Darkness Forged in Fire will be published in July in North America, and next fall in Europe. So one of you will get an early read! Will Chris Evans be the next Patrick Rothfuss, or will he just be next!?! The winner can let us know!:-)
The rules are the same as usual. You need to send an email at reviews@(no-spam)gryphonwood.net with the header "FIRE." Remember to remove the "no spam" thingy.
Second, your email must contain your full mailing address (that's snail mail!), otherwise your message will be deleted.
Lastly, multiple entries will disqualify whoever sends them. And please include your screen name and the message boards that you frequent using it, if you do hang out on a particular MB.
Good luck to all the participants!;-)
The Man Who Turned Into Himself
If you are looking for the book to bring with you on the beach or the plane this summer, David Ambrose's The Man Who Turned Into Himself could well be it. Indeed, the novel is the first selection of Picador's "The Best Book You've Never Read" list. The imprint hopes to introduce new readers to some of the best titles in their extensive backlist.
Weighing in at only 197 pages, the book is a relatively quick read. A blend of mystery, psycho-thriller, and a bit of science fiction, The Man Who Turned Into Himself is perfect as a summer read. Engrossing without going too deep, the novel is based on the many worlds theory of quantum physics, the one that posits the existence of parallel universes.
Right in the middle of an important business meeting, Rick Hamilton is assailed by the horrible premonition that his wife is about to die. Running away, his car is later blocked by heavy traffic. Fearing the worse, he discovers that the gridlock is caused by an accident. He finds his wife drawing her last breath, her car crushed by a truck. As she dies before his eyes, despair overwhelms him. In the blink of an eye, Rick suddenly finds his wife alive, begging for his help. Soon, Rick discovers that he's no longer himself. He inhabits the mind of Richard Hamilton, another man with another story and another life. Rick must now find a way to return to his own reality without driving the man whose mind he shares completely insane.
I liked the way Ambrose depicted the relationship between Rick and Richard. It was a bit tricky, but I feel the author played the "identity" card rather well.
All in all, The Man Who Turned Into Himself is a light but intelligent read. It won't blow your mind, but if you're looking for an entertaining book to keep you occupied on the beach, the train, or the plane, then you might want to give this one a shot!
The final verdict: 7.5/10
This week's New York Times Bestsellers
In hardcover:Stephenie Meyer's The Host retains its number 1 spot for a second week in a row. For more info about this title: Canada, USA, Europe.
Troy Denning's Star Wars: Legacy of the Force: Invincible debuts at number 5. For more info about this title: Canada, USA, Europe.
Charlaine Harris' From Dead to Worse is down seven positions, ending its second week on the charts at number 13. For more info about this title: Canada, USA, Europe.
On the children's list, Cory Doctorow's Little Brother holds on to the number 9 spot for a second week. For more info about this title: Canada, USA, Europe.
In paperback:
Michael Chabon's The Yiddish Policemen's Union is down three positions, ending its third week on the prestigious list at number 9. For more info about this title: Canada, USA, Europe.
Laurell K. Hamilton's The Harlequin is down one spot, finishing its third week on the bestseller list at number 20. For more info about this title: Canada, USA, Europe.
Win an autographed copy of Steven Erikson's TOLL THE HOUNDS
I have five signed copies of Steven Erikson's Toll the Hounds (Canada, USA, Europe) up for grabs, courtesy of the cool folks at Transworld. I figure you need no more encouragements!:p
The rules are the same as usual. You need to send an email at reviews@(no-spam)gryphonwood.net with the header "HOUNDS." Remember to remove the "no spam" thingy.
Second, your email must contain your full mailing address (that's snail mail!), otherwise your message will be deleted.
Lastly, multiple entries will disqualify whoever sends them. And please include your screen name and the message boards that you frequent using it, if you do hang out on a particular MB.
Good luck to all the participants!;-)
Robin Hobb's The Farseer graphic adaptation
Though it's not definitive just yet, here's the cover art for the French graphic adaptation.
Looks good. . .:-)
Thanks to the folks at elbakin.net and rivages-maudits.com for the info!
Win Todd Lockwood's cover art for the US edition of Steven Erikson's TOLL THE HOUNDS
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Look at this print and tell me you wouldn't want it hanging on your wall. . .;-)
With Steven Erikson's Toll the Hounds (Canada, USA, Europe) coming out in a few short weeks, I'm proud to team up with artist Todd Lockwood once more, this time to give you a chance to win this splendid cover art. For more Malazan and SFF art prints, please visit http://www.toddlockwood.com/.
The rules are the same as usual. You need to send an email at reviews@(no-spam)gryphonwood.net with the header "TOLL." Remember to remove the "no spam" thingy.
Second, your email must contain your full mailing address (that's snail mail!), otherwise your message will be deleted.
Lastly, multiple entries will disqualify whoever sends them. And please include your screen name and the message boards that you frequent using it, if you do hang out on a particular MB.
Good luck to all the participants!;-)
Star Wars contest winner!
Well, the name of our winner has been drawn! This lucky Canuck will receive my review copy of Star Wars: Legacy of the Force: Invincible (Canada, USA, Europe), courtesy of Yours Truly. I was hoping for a North American winner, as shipping books to Oz can be expensive!The winner is:
- Rory Procknow, from Surrey, British Columbia, Canada (Megaleafs on malazanempire.com)
Thanks to all the participants!
Win a copy of Cory Doctorow's LITTLE BROTHER
Thanks to the generosity of the folks at Tor Books, I have a copy of Cory Doctorow's highly anticipated YA novel, Little Brother, for you guys to win. The book has already garnered some praise, and a positive buzz surrounds it as it picks up momentum. For more info about this title: Canada, USA, Europe.The rules are the same as usual. You need to send an email at reviews@(no-spam)gryphonwood.net with the header "BROTHER." Remember to remove the "no spam" thingy.
Second, your email must contain your full mailing address (that's snail mail!), otherwise your message will be deleted.
Lastly, multiple entries will disqualify whoever sends them. And please include your screen name and the message boards that you frequent using it, if you do hang out on a particular MB.
Good luck to all the participants!;-)
Ah fuck. . .
Just saw this on sfsignal.com:Simon & Schuster has paid two "good" six-figure sums for UK and Commonwealth rights in two new series by science fiction authors Brian Herbert and Kevin J Anderson.
The first series is a new trilogy in the long-running science fiction series Dune. The first volume in the series, Jessica of Dune, is scheduled for an autumn 2009 release in trade paperback. The other books in the series are Irulan of Dune and Leto of Dune for releases in 2011 and 2013 respectively.
The authors are also working on the first three volumes of another series, Hellhole. The first book in the series will be published in autumn 2010 and the next volumes in the series will be published on alternate years.
The rights were sold by Claire Roberts at Trident Media Group on behalf of John Silbersack and Robert Gottlieb to Simon & Schuster senior fiction editor Kate Lyall-Grant. The books will be published by Tor Books in the US. S&S publishes Anderson's Saga of the Seven Suns series.
The entire article can be found here.
Either a new safe-deposit box was unearthed, or they have no qualms about mutilating Herbert's legacy. . .
Poor Frank Herbert, he must be turning in his grave.:-(
Ekaterina Sedia contest winners!
Thanks to the author herself and Prime Books, our five winners will each receive a signed copy of Ekaterina Sedia's excellent The Secret History of Moscow, which is one of my favorite reads of the year thus far. For more info about this title: Canada, USA, Europe.I highly recommend this one to any person who enjoyed Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere.
The winners are:
- Barbara Barnett-Stewart, from Cherry Hill, New Jersey, USA
- Jordan Gibler, from Lancaster, California, USA (thornofcamorr on sffworld.com)
- Tim Bland, from Valdosta, Georgia, USA
- Cassandra Yorgey, from Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA
- Paulette Lashley, from Shenandoah Junction, West Virginia, USA
Thanks to all the participants!
Dragonlance news
Matt Bialer let me know that negotitations with Wizards of the Coast came through, and NYT bestselling authors Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman will have their latest Dragonlance novel published.If all goes according to plan, Dragons of the Hourglass Mage will be released in the summer of 2009.
It's nice to be the bearer of good news. . .;-)
Win a copy of SUBTERRANEAN: TALES OF DARK FANTASY
I have a copy of Subterranean: Tales of Dark Fantasy up for grabs, courtesy of the folks at Subterranean Press. Even better, this one comes with a chapbook of Joe Hill's Thumbprint. For more info about this title: Canada, USA, Europe, and http://www.subterraneanpress.com/.
Here's the Table of Contents:
-- “Caverns of Mystery” by Kage Baker
-- “The Gulf” by Poppy Z. Brite
-- “Face” by Mike Carey
-- “Thumbprint” by Joe Hill (a separate chapbook)
-- "The Steam Dancer" by Caitlin R. Kiernan
-- “It Washed Up” by Joe R. Lansdale
-- “The Hour of Babel” by Tim Powers
-- “Alastair Baffles Emporium of Wonders” by Mike Resnick
-- “The Road to Levinshir” by Patrick Rothfuss
-- “The Lunatic Miss Teak” by Darren Speegle
-- “Penguins of the Apocalypse” by William Browning Spencer
-- “Monstrous Embrace” by Rachel Swirsky
As I mentioned in a previous post, for those of you who can't wait for Patrick Rothfuss' The Wise Man's Fear, this one includes a novella-length piece of events that will occur in the sequel to The Name of the Wind.
The rules are the same as usual. You need to send an email at reviews@(no-spam)gryphonwood.net with the header "DARK FANTASY." Remember to remove the "no spam" thingy.
Second, your email must contain your full mailing address (that's snail mail!), otherwise your message will be deleted.
Lastly, multiple entries will disqualify whoever sends them. And please include your screen name and the message boards that you frequent using it, if you do hang out on a particular MB.
Good luck to all the participants!;-)
Jacqueline Carey contest winners!
Three lucky ladies will get their hands on some Jacqueline Carey novels, compliments of Warner Books! Two of them will receive a copy of Carey's latest, Kushiel's Mercy (Canada, USA, Europe), while one winner will get the entire trilogy (Kushiel's Scion, Kushiel's Justice, and Kushiel's Mercy). I was told that some would be signed, so keep an eye out for that special treat!;-)The winners are:
For the whole trilogy:
- Holli Thompson, from Franklin, North Carolina, USA
For Kushiel's Mercy:
- Melissa Tabon, from Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Kiera Blankenstein, from Glenmoore, Pennsylvania, USA
Thanks to all the participants!
New Q&A with Ian Cameron Esslemont
Jay Tomio posted an interesting interview with Malazan co-creator and author of Night of Knives and Return of the Crimson Guard.The focus is more or less on Esslemont's debut and some general background on the Malazan universe, but there are some bits regarding Return of the Crimson Guard and what comes next.
If you are a Malazan fan, head on to this link.
Enjoy!:-)
Last minute details. . .
At this time three weeks from now, I'll be sitting at my gate in JFK airport in NYC, awaiting the boarding call for my Finnair flight to Warsaw, Poland, via Helsinki. I'll post dates and details soon, so that I might have the opportunity to meet some of you along the way! As you can expect, I have a lot of shit to put together before then. Not only in my personal life, but also on this little blog of mine. So here's what's coming up in the next few weeks. . .
Book Reviews
My set of page proofs for Steven Erikson's Toll the Hounds (Canada, USA, Europe) is still in transit somewhere between London and Montreal and, unless I get the package this week, I may not be able to read and review it prior to my departure. This would really suck. . .
With Toll the Hounds not showing up in my mailbox, I began Richard Morgan's The Steel Remains (Canada, USA, Europe). Not too far into it, but I'm a bit underwhelmed. Maybe I'm just jaded or I was expecting too much, but insofar as I've read, while a good read it's nothing special -- yet. Still, I have a ways to go, so there is time enough!
At work, I've been reading David Ambrose's The Man Who Turned Into Himself (Canada, USA, Europe), and it's been an interesting read thus far.
Depending on my schedule till my departure on June 14th, and depending on whether or not I'll receive Erikson's latest on time, my next reads would likely be Ekaterina Sedia's The Alchemy of Stone (Canada, USA, Europe), and/or David Louis Edelman's Multireal (Canada, USA, Europe). Stay tuned, for both Larry and Robert will have Sedia's newest up for grabs in the near future.
I mentioned in a previous post that due to dead weight issues, I would only bring three books with me for the duration of my month-long trip. As a matter of course, they have to be lengthy paperbacks. Two selections remain the same: Neal Stephenson's Cryptonomicon and Susanna Clarke' Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell. As things stand, the third would be Carlos Ruiz Zafon's The Shadow of the Wind.
Afraid that there won't be any action on the Hotlist while I'm gone, think again! First of all, instead of using a Yahoo Group to keep my friends posted about what I'm doing, I'll use the blog instead. Of course, due to the fact that thousand of "strangers" visit these parts, I might not post some of the "juicy" stuff, but what the heck!?!
Also, I have already read and reviewed two Subterranean Press novellas which will be released this fall: Jim Butcher's Backup (Canada, USA, Europe, and http://www.subterraneanpress.com/), which is set in the Dresden Files series, and Orson Scott Card's Stonefather (Canada, USA, Europe, and http://www.subterraneanpress.com/). Both of which will see their review posted while I'm overseas. As for the three books I'm bringing with me, well it will all depend on my schedule and internet access. But I reckon that you should see at least one or two of them reviewed before I fly back home.
At least on the review front, the habitual pace will be maintained on the Hotlist. As far as news and articles are concerned, well you should easily understand that I'll have much better things to do in Europe! And yet, a rainy day or two might permit me to stay up to date with what is going on by visiting a few blogs and message boards. . .
Interviews
Unless those Jack Whyte and Terry Brooks interviews materialize out of left field before I leave, I don't think there will be a new Q&A posted on the Hotlist.
I'm still awaiting Adam's questions for our interview with Joe Abercrombie, so perhaps this one has a chance of seeing the light before my flight to NYC. . . In addition, if I find the time to fire off the questions and if he has time to respond rapidly, you might see a new Ian Cameron Esslemont interview as well.
Later this summer, you might see interviews with Steven Erikson (I'll get in touch with him when I'm done with Toll the Hounds), Richard Morgan (to promote The Steel Remains), and David Louis Edelman (if I enjoy Multireal as much as Infoquake).
Giveaways
The fact that I'm leaving for over a month and thus can't oversee the registration process for all the giveaways I host on the Hotlist, I'm now forced to make announcements for a few that should have taken place a couple of weeks later. The current Naomi Novik contest is a good example of that. . .
If all goes according to plan, I'll make the announcement for signed copies of Steven Erikson's Toll the Hounds this week.
I mentioned a new Todd Lockwood contest last week, and it should also be announced in the next few days. A hint, you ask? I'll give you one word: Malazan. . .
Can't wait for Patrick Rothfuss' The Wise Man's Fear, then you'll get a chance to read a novella-length portion that will appear in the book in the forthcoming Subterranean: Tales of Dark Fantasy (Canada, USA, Europe, and http://www.subterraneanpress.com/). I'll have this Subterranean Press limited edition up for grabs soon.
Just awaiting confirmation from the artist, but there will also be a giveaway for a signed copy of Stephan Martiniere's Quantum Dreams (Canada, USA, Europe) or Quantumscapes (Canada, USA, Europe).
Having received an extra ARC of Chris Evans' A Darkness Forged in Fire (Canada, USA, Europe), I'll give away that copy to a lucky reader who'll get an early read of what Simon & Schuster hopes will be the fantasy debut of the year.
I have a few contests in the pipeline with Tor Books, but unless they get back to me soon, they might not see the light. . .
The first two weeks of June will see giveaways for Ian Cameron Esslemont's Return of the Crimson Guard (Canada, USA, Europe, and PS Publishing), the UK edition of Jacqueline Carey's Kushiel's Scion, and David Louis Edelman's Multireal. The winners for these three contests will be randomly selected upon my return, however.
Well, that's about it. As you can see, I'll be quite busy in the coming weeks, with the blog and everything else. At least such a state of affairs, though stressful, keeps things interesting!;-)
This Week's New York Times Bestsellers (May 20th)
In hardcover:Stephenie Meyer's The Host debuts impressively at number 1. For more info about this title: Canada, USA, Europe.
Charlaine Harris' From Dead to Worse debuts at number 6. For more info about this title: Canada, USA, Europe.
Cory Doctorow's YA novel, Little Brother, debuts at number 9 on the Children's list. For more info about this title: Canada, USA, Europe.
In paperback:
Michael Chabon's The Yiddish Policemen's Union is up one position, ending its second week on the charts at number 6. For more info about this title: Canada, USA, Europe.
Keri Arthur's The Darkest Kiss is up one spot, finishing its second week on the NYT list at number 15. For more info about this title: Canada, USA, Europe.
Naomi Novik Giveaway!
If you've been hanging around these parts for a while, you know that I'm a big fan of Laurence and Temeraire! Now, to promote the release of Naomi Novik's latest, I have two contests for you guys, courtesy of Del Rey Books!
Firstly, I have three sets of the series' first four volumes, His Majesty's Dragon, Throne of Jade, Black Powder War, and Empire of Ivory. If you have yet to discover the adventures of the dragon Temeraire, then this one's for you!
In addition, I have a copy of the newest volume in the series, Victory of Eagles. For more info about this title: Canada, USA, Europe.
The rules are the same as usual. You need to send an email at reviews@(no-spam)gryphonwood.net with the header "LAURENCE" if you wish to try your luck for the 4-volume set. The header should be "EAGLES" if you're gunning for the new book. You CANNOT register for both giveaways. Remember to remove the "no spam" thingy.
Second, your email must contain your full mailing address (that's snail mail!), otherwise your message will be deleted.
Lastly, multiple entries will disqualify whoever sends them. And please include your screen name and the message boards that you frequent using it, if you do hang out on a particular MB.
Good luck to all the participants!;-)
David Louis Edelman contest winners!
Each of our five winners will get their hands on a copy of David Louis Edelman's excellent scifi debut, Infoquake, compliments of the folks at Solaris. For more info about this title: Canada, USA, Europe.The winners are:
- Sami Airola, from Kotka, Finland (seregil_of_rhiminee on en.risingshadow.net)
- Yedida Lubin, from Jerusalem, Israel
- Dejan Skoric, from Guelph, Ontario, Canada
- Hans Bolvinkel, from Copenhagen, Denmark
- Alexey Romanov, from Moscow, Russia
New Malazan artwork from the Subterranean Press limited edition
As if you needed an extra reason to consider getting what is shaping up to be an absolutely gorgeous limited edition of Steven Erikson's Gardens of the Moon, here is yet another sketch of the Bridgeburners standing over the body of Hairlock.
The denizens of malazanempire.com have already pointed out that both Quick Ben and Kalam's skin should be darker, with Kalam being the darker of the two black men. Also, Kalam doesn't wear a cloak. Sorry is in the background, but Tattersail is absent, though this scene is from her own POV.
Feel free to offer your own comment, as Michael Komarck will keep all that info in mind when the time comes to put together the final version of each print. The other two sketches which were submitted to Bill were of the rising of Tool, and the scene in which Quick Ben and Kalam spy on the Tiste Andii from the rooftops. Pretty cool stuff!;-)
Ian Cameron Esslemont contest winners!
Thanks to the kind folks at Transworld, our five winners will each get their hands on a complimentary copy of Ian Cameron Esslemont's Malazan debut, Night of Knives. For more info about this title: Canada, USA, Europe.The winners are:
- Benjamin Yang, from Singapore, Singapore(ben1xy on sffworld.com and sffchronicles.co.uk)
- Amit Doshi, from Mumbai, India (oosquaiaddict on dragonmount.com)
- Alexandre Poloni, from Paris, France
- Maurice Engel, from Badorf, Germany
- John Walker, from Glasgow, Scotland (uzusan on sffworld.com)
Thanks to all the participants!;-)
Gaiman/Reaves contest winners!
Our five winners will get the limited edition of Neil Gaiman and Michael Reaves' Interworld, courtesy of the folks at Subterranean Press. For more info about this title: http://www.subterraneanpress.com/.The winners are:
- Brian Albus, from Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Guillaume Bergeron, from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Simon Hedley, from Thousand Oaks, California, USA
- Elaine Brennan, from Naugatuck, Connecticut, USA
- Kevin Crampton, from Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
Thanks to all the participants!;-)
Return of the Crimson Guard
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I was extremely eager to sink my teeth into this book! Regardless of what some people might say, Night of Knives was more novella than novel, and as such it prevented us from fully evaluating Ian Cameron Esslemont's potential and talent and how it compared to Steven Erikson's.Weighing in at more than 250,000 words, Return of the Crimson Guard would allow us to test the mettle of the co-creator of the Malazan universe. And although this novel suffers from a few shortcomings, let me tell you that Esslemont passed the test with flying colors!
Habitually, I endeavor to judge every book I read on its own merit. That proved to be impossible where Return of the Crimson Guard is concerned. Indeed, since to all ends and purposes the novel is an integral part of Erikson's body of work (adding as much as it borrows to the what has already been established in past volumes), one can do nothing but judge it from the overall Malazan perspective. And as a thread in the ever-growing and far-reaching The Malazan Book of the Fallen tapestry, Return of the Crimson Guard can stand tall and proud beside any of Steven Erikson's Malazan installment.
As far as the timeline is concerned, Return of the Crimson Guard takes place roughly at the same time as The Bonehunters,or shortly thereafter Hence, I recommend that you read up until that point before giving this one a shot. Better yet, since there are a few scenes that have repercussions in Esslemont's latest, you should read up to Reaper's Gale to avoid any spoilers, minor though they may be.
Things are not going well for the Malazan Empire. Military campaigns on various continents have taken a turn for the worst. This incessant warfare has drained the Empire of men and resources. As Empress Laseen's grip seemingly continues to weaken, conquered kingdoms and principalities across Quon Tali seek to reclaim their independence.
When Malazan soldiers fail to kidnap her, a young girl named Ghelel is rescued by an unlikely group of men. To her dismay, she'll learn that she is the third generation in hiding of the old Tayliin family, the family which ruled the last Hegemony of Quon Tali before it was destroyed by Kellanved and Dancer. Used as a figurehead by the Talian League as they marche toward Li Heng to challenge the Empress' rule, Ghelel will come to understand that many of the men surrounding her and those who are gradually joining her army are from the Emperor's Old Guard. Moreover, the man who saved her used to be in charge of Dancer's elite coterie of assassins. Soon, it appears that the entire continent is on the brink of civil war.
Prince K'azz's Vow was for the Crimson Guard's eternal opposition enduring until the Malazan Empire should fall. For nearly a century, the Guardsmen have opposed the Empire on every front. When they were forced to flee Quon Tali, the Crimson Guard settled in Stratem. But their hiding place was ultimately discovered, and Kellanved tried to wipe them out once and for all. Against all odds, Skinner fought Dassem Ultor to a standstill, and the Diaspora was ordered to preserve the Crimson Guard for the future. But now, after years spent traveling around the globe, bidding their time and recruiting, the Brethren have summoned the Guardsmen. They are to make their way to Fortress Haven, where Skinner claimed he would await their return and where all forces would reunite under his command. The time has come to set sail for Quon Tali, back to their homeland, and to fulfill K'azz's Vow. But the Diaspora has spawned rivalries within the ranks of the Crimson Guard. Shimmer and a number of Avowed will soon realize that Skinner and Cowl, High Mage and leader of the Veils, once rival to Dancer himself, appear to follow an agenda of their own. Greymane, now a deserter with a price on his head both in Korelri and the Empire, tries to make Shimmer see the truth before it's to late.
Having escaped from the dreaded Stormwall, Traveller and his giant friend Ereko embark on strange journey that will take each of them to meet their destinies. On the shores of Jacurucku, their lives will change forever, and Traveller will set foot on a path that will lead him to a confrontation which has been in the making for years.
As Laseen prepares to face the insurrectionists, Mallick Rel manipulates events to take control of the Assembly and is poised to make his move. But the unexpected appearance of the Crimson Guard which lays waste to Unta, and the even more surprising news of the Wickan uprising after being decimated by bloody pogroms and now riding south toward the capital, could well throw all of Rel's plans into jeopardy.
Meanwhile, two new prisoners are brought to Otataral Isle. Considered Malazan spies at first, the prisoner mages working in the otataral mines will soon discover that the two strangers come with an offer which is too good to be true. Little do they know that one of the prisoners harbors a profound hatred and will stop at nothing to strike back at the Empire that sent him to the Pit.
And in Li Heng, as the city must face the combined forces of the Talian League and a Seti army led by a Malazan office presumed dead, a mage will unleash a curse that could change the course of the entire war.
As Empress Laseen takes the field, everything hangs in the balance and will be determined under the walls of Li Heng.
The worldbuilding is, as always, of the first order. Esslemont builds on a panoply of plotlines introduced by Erikson. Thankfully, Return of the Crimson Guard answers quite a few questions. And yet, in true Malazan fashion, it raises its fair share of questions as well. If you believe that things were bad in Seven Cities, buckle up for Quon Tali is fast becoming a boiling kettle that's about to explode. Return of the Crimson Guard echoes with as much depth as any of Erikson's volumes, and its convoluted plot should please all fans of the series.
Still, Esslemont's prose is not as fluid as Erikson's. Also, some of the dialogues are at times a bit uneven. Now, that doesn't take much away from the overall reading experience. Nevertheless, I felt that some scenes lacked the necessary emotional impact because of that shortcoming.
I think that Esslemont handled the characterization aspect rather well. I particularly enjoyed the sequences showcasing Traveller and Ereko. On the other hand, Ghelel's character was a bit annoying. Which is too bad, considering that her storyline includes most of the assembled "Old Hands" of Emperor Kellanved, which I totally enjoyed. Two characters remain complete enigmas, however: Mallick Rel and Laseen. As was the case with Erikson, though I can see it occurring as I read along, I can't quite get how Rel can manipulate everything the way he does. I guess I'm not buying what he's selling, and I can't figure out why people in the books are. As for Laseen, it's incredible how such an important power player in the series managed to remain so mysterious during the course of all those novels. As you reach the end of Return of the Crimson Guard, you can't exactly say whether she is the stupidest dumbass ever for running the Malazan Empire into the ground, or one of the most brilliant strategists out there. We do see a few signs of what made Surly, the Mistress of the Claw, such a fearsome figure in Kellanved's time. And the dissension among the Crimson Guard was interesting to follow, no question.
I think the book's biggest shortcoming would have to be the pace. Following the Malazan tradition, Return of the Crimson Guard starts slowly. Yet as the story progresses, the novel picks up a lot of momentum. Unfortunately, the climax is preceded by about 300 pages' worth of battle scenes. Which, in the end, sort of blunts the impact of the finale. Action scene lovers will not be disappointed. There are more Moranth munitions blowing up in this one than in all of Erikson's books combined! I suspect that Esslemont could have been "coached" by James Barclay, whose motto is "When in doubt, throw in another big battle!" But fear not, for Ian Cameron Esslemont knows how to close the show in style.
Although Esslemont's prose might not be as fluid as Erikson's, in terms of depth and storylines Return of the Crimson Guard delivers on all fronts and is a worthy addition to the Malazan canon. No longer will Ian Cameron Esslemont be seen as "the other guy" or simply the Malazan universe's co-creator. With Return of the Crimson Guard, Esslemont establishes once and for all that he is for real! Roll on Stonewielder!
You can safely pre-order this one! By the way, in case you didn't know, the prologue and the first chapter are available on http://www.malazanempire.com/. Finally, many thanks to Pete at PS Publishing for the ARC of this limited edition.:-)
The final verdict: 8.5/10
New website dedicated to Neil Gaiman's upcoming THE GRAVEYARD BOOK
This from http://www.subterraneanpress.com/:
We’ve created a special site to promote all of the editions (HarperCollins, Bloomsbury, Subterranean) of Neil Gaiman’s forthcoming stunner, The Graveyard Book. New features will be posted over there regularly, but to start with, you’ll find an interview with Neil on the main page, details on the various editions (Subterranean and Bloomsbury, thus far) sprinkled throughout the site, as well as some samples of Dave McKean’s illustrations for the book. Head over and have a look.
Check it out here!
ARCs will be available in a few weeks' time, and I'm curious to read this one. . .:-)
Quote of the Day
Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone.
- PABLO PICASSO
- PABLO PICASSO
New Todd Lockwood giveaway coming up!
Todd and I are cooking up a scheme that will be unveiled in the next couple of days, so stay tuned for that! Meanwhile, here's one of his latest covers, this one for the US edition of Tom Lloyd's Stormcaller, to be published by Pyr.
Feel free to check out Todd's website at http://www.toddlockwood.com/.
L. E. Modesitt, jr. contest winner!
Thanks to the generosity of Tor Books, our winner will get his hands on the entire Recluce saga: The Magic of Recluce, The Towers of the Sunset, The Magic Engineer, The Order War, The Death of Chaos, Fall of Angels, The Chaos Balance, The White Order, Colors of Chaos, Magi'i of Cyador, Scion of Cyador, Wellspring of Chaos, Ordermaster, and Natural Ordermage.This was our biggest giveaway to date, and you guys responded in kind. Indeed, the Recluce contest was more popular than the other three giveaways part of the "Free Books Galore" event. Since there is definite interest in L. E. Modesitt, jr.'s Recluce saga, I encourage everyone to pick up The Magic of Recluce (Canada, USA, Europe). You can get it for pennies through these amazon links. . .
The winner is:
- Mike Ponting, from South Windsor, Connecticut, USA (Pallol One Eye on malazanempire.com)
Thanks to all the participants!;-)
Win a copy of the limited edition of Robert E. Howard's KULL: EXILE OF ATLANTIS
Thanks once again to Bill and the rest of the Subterranean Press crew, I have a copy of the limited edition of Robert E. Howard's Kull: Exile of Atlantis up for grabs! Illustrated by Justin Sweet, this prize is worth a cool 150$! For more info about this title: Canada, USA, Europe, and http://www.subterraneanpress.com/.
The rules are the same as usual. You need to send an email at reviews@(no-spam)gryphonwood.net with the header "KULL." Remember to remove the "no spam" thingy.
Second, your email must contain your full mailing address (that's snail mail!), otherwise your message will be deleted.
Lastly, multiple entries will disqualify whoever sends them. And please include your screen name and the message boards that you frequent using it, if you do hang out on a particular MB.
Good luck to all the participants!;-)
Stephen R. Donaldson contest winner!
Our winner will receive the first two Chronicles of Thomas Covenant by Stephen R. Donaldson, which are comprised of Lord Foul's Bane, The Illearth War, The Power That Preserves, The Wounded Land, The One Tree, and White Gold Wielder, compliments of the folks at Del Rey Books.The winner is:
Sam Caldwell, from Kingwood, Texas, USA (Apollo2113 on asoiaf.westeros.org)
Thanks to all the participants!:-)
This week's New York Times Bestsellers (May 13th)
In hardcover:Jim Butcher's Small Favor is down seven positions, ending its fifth week on the charts at number 24. For more info about this title: Canada, USA, Europe.
In paperback:
Michael Chabon's The Yiddish Policemen's Union debuts at number 7. For more info about this title: Canada, USA, Europe.
Laurell K. Hamilton's The Harlequin debuts at number 15. For more info about this title: Canada, USA, Europe.
Keri Arthur's The Darkest Kiss debuts at number 16. For more info about this title: Canada, USA, Europe.
Karen Traviss' Star Wars: Legacy of the Force: Sacrifice debuts at number 20. For more info about this title: Canada, USA, Europe.
Patrick Rothfuss' The Name of the Wind is down twenty-one spots, finishing its fifth week on the NYT list at number 31. For more info about this title: Canada, USA, Europe.
