Film News

Rolling Back the Grey Rain-Curtain

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(Christopher Lee and Andrew Lesnie, Photo Credit)

“PIPPIN: I didn’t think it would end this way.

GANDALF: End? No, the journey doesn’t end here. Death is just another path, one that we all must take. The grey rain-curtain of this world rolls back, and all turns to silver glass, and then you see it.

PIPPIN: What? Gandalf? See what?

GANDALF: White shores, and beyond, a far green country under a swift sunrise.

PIPPIN: Well, that isn’t so bad.

GANDALF: No. No, it isn’t.”

― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings

Two of our friends have taken “another path” in a little less than a month. Cinematographer Andrew Lesnie, who won the Academy Award for his work on The Fellowship of the Ring, passed away on April 27th and we lost Christopher Lee, famous for many roles in addition to his unforgettable portrayal of Saruman, on June 7th.

For most of us, Andrew and Christopher were not “friends” in the truest sense of the word. We did not share even the most passing of acquaintances. However, Peter Jackson gave us such unprecedented access to the filming of the six film adaptations of J.R.R. Tolkien’s work, that it is difficult to not feel that our dear friends have journeyed on.

And thus we grieve with those family and friends who knew and loved Christopher Lee and Andrew Lesnie.

And we remember.

Continue reading Rolling Back the Grey Rain-Curtain →

Book Reviews, Fantasy, Young Adult

Thrones and Bones: Frostborn ~Lou Anders

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Karn is a young Norrongard boy whose desire to see the wide world, and devotion to the board game Thrones and Bones, clash with his familial obligation to one day take his father’s role as leader of the farm.

Thianna is a misfit in the world of frost giants, her half-human lineage making her stand out as different from the rest of her people. She wants nothing more than to stay on the top of her mountain and gain the acceptance of her neighbors and kin.

When a scheming relative wakes the dead and a long-lost horn calls forth old enemies, Karn and Thianna find themselves thrust together in an adventure that will take them far out of their comfort zones, and far from home.

Former Editor Lou Anders’ debut young adult novel is an entertaining joyride through a fantastical realm informed by his research of Norse mythology. Anders expertly weaves mythological detail with contemporary styling to create an intriguing world that he populates with characters that should appeal to young female and male readers…as well as those of us who remain young at heart.

With the next book in the series due out this July, it was well past time for me to check out the work of an editor I have admired for many years. On one hand I am sorry that I waited, but on the other I am happy to know that I have a return trip booked for Lou Anders’ world in just a few short weeks.

Continue reading Thrones and Bones: Frostborn ~Lou Anders →

Art/Photography

SFAL 4 Memories: Scott Gustafson

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(Scott and Patty Gustafson, photo credit Tara Larsen Chang)

Prior to Spectrum Fantastic Art Live 4 I didn’t know much about Scott Gustafson, other than the obvious–he is one incredible painter. His annual presence in volumes of Spectrum: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art meant that I was very familiar with his work, particularly since his pieces are so often filled with detail that rewards multiple viewings, and are often such joy-filled works that you cannot help but be arrested by them.

I started to learn a little more about the man behind the magic when Scott Gustafson was announced as one of the Special Guests at our show, particularly in preparation for moderating the Special Guest panel that would happen that Saturday morning. I, and all the SFAL4 attendees who took the time to stop by Scott’s booth, got more than we bargained for as we also had the pleasure of meeting and conversing with his wife Patty. Scott and Patty Gustafson were two of the sweetest, most genuine people I met that weekend and the pleasure of those brief moments with them remains a treasured memory.

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Book Reviews, Science Fiction

Ghost Ship ~Sharon Lee and Steve Miller

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Ghost Ship

“‘Discovery’ is an integral part of the reading process. We pick up a book based upon some signpost, or a series of them, which promise to lead us on a path of discovery. We settle down with a book, turn the page, take that first step, and we discover…”

I wrote those words at the start of 2014, in the breathless glow of satisfaction that follows the completion of a reading experience in which book and reader have a tangible connection. It was my first experience with the ongoing, prolific output of husband and wife writing team Sharon Lee and Steve Miller and their Liaden Universe. I went on to read two more Liaden books in 2014, both focused on a young female protagonist named Theo Waitley.

Theo’s story, and that of the characters in Theo’s orbit, came to a rather abrupt cliff hanger ending in Saltation, a book I enjoyed in audio format. I immediately downloaded and started listening to its sequel, Ghost Ship, finishing nearly half of the audio book before getting distracted by other things.

Earlier this week I felt the urge to return to the doings of Clan Korval, and between work-related driving and mindless Saturday chores, I had the pleasure of completing Ghost Ship.

And a pleasure it was.

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Home

The Interview

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gotcarl

Recently I sat down [or perhaps I went running] with fellow SFF blogger S.C. Flynn to answer a series of interview questions. Flynn has been interviewing a number of interesting individuals with passion for all things genre and I am honored to be a small part of that amazing group of people.

I’d be further honored if you would head over there and check out the interview. And if you feel so inclined, please leave your comments there. Both Flynn and I would be happy to hear your answers to any of the questions asked and/or your responses to my opinions.

Thanks again S.C. Flynn for including me on your site, it was fun!

Eclectic Musings of a Renaissance Geek