FANTASY REVIEW: Warhammer Fantasy: Time of Legends: Blood of Nagash 1: Neferata - Josh Reynolds

Release Date: 06/12/12

SYNOPSIS:

Neferata is a queen without a kingdom. Lahmia has fallen, her vampire children have scattered and she is reduced to draining blood from the beasts of the mountains. After a chance encounter with a party of dwarfs, she sets her sights on a capital for her new empire – the stronghold of Silver Pinnacle. She calls her allies to battle – but can she truly trust Ushoran, Lord of Masks, and his bestial Strigoi vampires?

REVIEW:

The Queen of the Vampires comes into her own in this, her part of the Time of Legends Series that is not only wonderfully written but also delightfully complex as she plays a game of cat and mouse with the infamous Nagash. It’s full of horror, bloody combat and of course a whole section on her discoveries during the years when the Great Sorcerer slumbered.

Throw into the mix some cracking sleight of hand, personal goals alongside defiance and all in fans of the Vampires will more than enjoy spending their time within the pages. Finally back it all up with a wonderful storytelling style, solid prose and a lead character that’s deliciously complex and all round it’s a great addition to the growing series.

THRILLER REVIEW: Origin - JT Brannan

Release Date: 25/10/12

SYNOPSIS:

For millennia it has lain there undiscovered. Now the time has come... Research scientist Evelyn Edwards always knew the Antarctic held deep secrets but the discovery of a 40,000 year old body buried under the ice caps surpasses even her wildest expectations. But just as her team begins extracting the body the dream turns into a horrific nightmare as they are targeted for death by someone who wants to keep this secret buried. Evelyn barely escapes with her life... On the run, alone and desperate, she turns to her ex-husband Matt Adams, a former member of an elite government unit, for help. Soon, they find themselves caught up in a frantic race against time, which takes them from Area 51 to the Large Hadron Collider in Geneva, as they try to uncover the biggest conspiracy of all time before it's too late for everyone... If mankind thought it knew its origins, the time has come to think again because its every belief is about to be challenged...


REVIEW:

I love a thriller that gives me a story that takes me on a high octane adventure and whilst some of the elements stretch belief hugely, it is definitely a book that delivers on what it promises on the cover. It’s well written, it has solid high action prose and when backed with a pace that is hard to put down generates a read that really is a ton of fun.

Throw into the mix a huge conspiracy which when backed with an author who obviously enjoys taking the reader on a journey of imagination and all round it was a book that I was pleased I took the time to read. Great stuff.

SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW: Warhammer 40K: The Infantryman's Handbook - Graham McNeill and Matthew Ralphs

Release Date: 22/11/12

SYNOPSIS:

You there, soldier! Don't know a las-cutter from a lascannon? Not sure which prayer to the God-Emperor will protect you from enemy artillery fire? Need to know how to survive an explosive decompression on your drop ship, or set up a crossfire ambush in a death world jungle? Better consult the handbook. The Munitorum adepts give us these things for a reason, you know...

Collected for the first time in a single kitbag volume, the Imperial Infantryman's Uplifting Primer and the Imperial Munitorum Manual provide a wealth of background on the history, tactics and ethos of the Imperial Guard.


REVIEW:

If you’re a fan of the Warhammer 40k Universe Grunt Troops (yes the Imperial Guards) then this is an absolute must own title to help you not only get to grips with your troopers but also to grasp the knowledge of the Imperium as handed down to every soldier in their own personal Handbook.

Its definitely something quirky, has something for all fans of the guards and when backed with not only tactics but the Emperor’s Litanies to safeguard against not only the Xeno’s Threat but also that posed by the Ruinous Powers generates something that’s a lot of fun to go through. Finally throw into the mix a whole set of instructions for their equipment and all round this is a must own for all 40K fans.

MUSIC REVIEW: Windblown - Jamie Smith's Mabon

Release Date: 29/10/12

SYNOPSIS:

Original InterCeltic music from Jamie Smith's Mabon: 'Windblown' is the dynamic new album featuring their well-loved instrumental arrangements alongside new and beautifully crafted vocal tracks. 'Windblown', the crisp new 10-track studio album from Jamie Smith's Mabon, sees Wales' finest purveyors of original, InterCeltic music celebrate the autumn equinox after which the band is named. Following on from Mabon's award-winning Live at the Grand Pavilion, 'Windblown' is a coming of age album from a young band of virtuoso musicians spearheaded by composer and accordion maestro Jamie Smith. Already established as "a mighty instrumental force" (The Independent), the band also unveils songs for the first time, including the aptly named Yes We Sing Now and the haunting Welsh-language track Caru Pum Merch (Loving Five Girls). These songs take the band's well-loved sound into new dimensions, but stay in the same ethos - reaching into contemporary soundscapes but still firmly rooted in their Celtic heritage. From slick songs to joyful jigs, graceful mazurka to ecstatic muiñera, 'Windblown' is an emotional journey, an expression of joyful musicality: an autumn storm of youthful energy balanced by a mature restraint - taking Jamie Smith's Mabon on to a brand new page of their ever developing story.


REVIEW:

OK, I’m going to be blunt here, I cannot stand to listen to Christmas music. Why? Well after working in a restaurant for years from the age of 13 to 18, I had to listen to the damn stuff from October throughout January, so when we hit this time of year I’m always on the lookout for something not only different but something that I can substitute that not only pleases the ear but gives you a wonderful emotional background.

This is why I was more than happy to discover this talented group. Each of the instruments adds another layer of emotion upon the slower tracks making it more an album of the soul than a lot of the mass produced music, it makes up a place within you and is something that you’ll want to listen to time and again. Add to this some uplifting numbers that give you a sense of euphoria and it really was an album that I loved listening to.

Add to the mix (from the sound of it) a group that clearly loves what they’re doing, highly polished and carefully selected tracks and all round this album is something that I’d advise a lot of people to at the very least check out, plus if they sound as good live as they do on here, that’s going to guarantee at least a very good night out.

FUN THINGS: Reachers Rules: Life Lessons from Jack Reacher - Lee Child

Release Date: 08/11/12

SYNOPSIS:

My name is Jack Reacher. No middle name, no address. I've got a rule. People mess with me at their own risk. Rule 1: if in doubt drink coffee. Rule 2: never volunteer for anything. Soldier's basic rule. Rule 3: don't break the furniture. Rule 4: only have one woman at a time. Rule 5: be on your feet and ready. Rule 6: show them what they're messing with: hand-to-hand combat; travelling light; cracking codes; handling weapons; conquering your deepest fears; and understanding women.


REVIEW:

Well my Grandad is a huge fan of Reacher so this book has been on my radar for quite some time, especially when you get to sit back and enjoy the rules that have helped shape the character through his myriad of adventures. It’s fun, it has a lot of useful tips and if you’re a fan of the hard man image it’s something that will hit the spot.

Throw into the equation a forward by Lee Child, some quirky additions like Man Toy’s and all round it is something that is going to give a lot of fun to the recipient.

FACTUAL REVIEW: The Wisdom of the Shire: A Short Guide to a Long and Happy Life - Noble Smith

Release Date: 08/11/12

SYNOPSIS:

Coinciding with the release of the first of Peter Jackson's Hobbit trilogy, his follow-up to the huge Lord of the Rings success, The Wisdom of the Shire is a practical and fun guide - for Tolkien fans everywhere - showing us how to apply the wisdom of The Hobbit to our everyday lives. Hobbits are those small but brave little people, whose courage, integrity and loyalty allow them to triumph against odds that might appear overwhelming to the rest of us. Noble Smith has long believed there is much we can learn from Frodo's determination, Bilbo's sense of homeliness, Sam's fierce allegiance, and Merry and Pippin's love of food and fun. Like The Tao of Pooh, The Wisdom of the Shire is the first book to show Tolkien fans just how much there is to learn from those small but brave little people - the Hobbits. Packed with amusing insights and fascinating trivia, this fun and insightful guide is all you need to complete your quest in life, and cast your cares into the fires of Mordor. Visit Noble Smith's blog for more on Hobbits, The Lord of the Rings and all things Tolkien at www.shirewisdom.com.


REVIEW:

This is a book that lets the reader bring out their inner hobbit and like Noble’s Dad, it seems the older mine gets the more like a Hobbit he’s becoming (he’d had the hairy feet for years. LOL) Within is a book that not only pokes fun at our own lives but brings out things that whilst they appeal to halflings, also really seem to strike a note within all of us (such as a Second Breakfast.)

In addition to this the reader will find ways to utilise Ent Shui for their own homes as well as bringing all the fun of middle earth to life and all round it’s a book that will entertain any Lord of the Rings or Hobbit fan during the forthcoming Christmas Domination.

FICTION REVIEW: The Christmas Spirits - Whitley Strieber

Release Date: 11/10/12

SYNOPSIS:

A modern retelling of the Charles Dicken's classic A Christmas Carol, by the author who inspired the film The Day After Tomorrow.George Moore is a modern day Scrooge, a futures trader who drives his staff hard, and won't let his assistant go home to look after her autistic son on Christmas Eve.Like Scrooge he is mean with money, but he is also mean with his sympathies and his time. He has to swerve to avoid putting money in a charity box and also crosses the road to avoid a family he thinks are probably gypsies on his way to dinner at a cheap cafeteria. An old man sitting nearby looks as if he might be looking for the warmth of some human contact. George refuses to meet his eye and hurries home.Various slightly odd, even disconcerting things happen. He encounters a nun who looks like an elderly child. He sees a Santa in the window of a department store, who seems to emerge from his Grotto, look confused, and is then surrounded by small elf-like figures who drag him back behind the curtains. Finally, when he arrives back in his apartment the old man from the cafeteria suddenly appears and reveals himself as George's old mentor in trading and in greed. Bill Hill reveals that he is dead and that he has come to give George a warning. He warns George he will have three visitors that night, and then in a flash he disappears.So it comes about that, as Bill Hill said, George receives three visitors that Christmas Eve, just as Scrooge was visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. But these are not the ghosties and sprites that frightened Dickens's readers. George's visitors are more ambiguous, more frightening to a modern sensibility. They are visitors that will give even today's reader goose bumps.They take George on an emotional journey that like Scrooge's journey - and the journey in another Christmas story, It's a Wonderful Life - teaches him the true value of Christmas, the true meaning of life and finally ...how to love. This new classic is both very scary and very Christmassy.


REVIEW:

At this time of year, thoughts always turn to old classics that have become entrenched with the memories of Christmas past as well as having earned a place in your heart for their messages. Here in this book by Whitley Strieber Dicken’s epic Christmas Carol is brought up to date with the added bonus of humour. Its definitely quirky, something to make you think and when added to an authorly style that feels like that warm mug of mulled wine in your hand, is a book that I was more than happy to spend time with. Great stuff all round.

CHRISTMAS RECOMMENDATION: Rocksmith - Ubisoft

Hail Mighty Readers and Followers of the Calloused Thumbs,
OK, so you're getting ready for Christmas, you've got that Electric Guitar on order and have just thought how you're going to teach your Young Clapton/Hendrix.  

Have you considered Rocksmith (available on Playstation 3, Xbox 360 and PC) by Ubisoft which gives tons of tracks to play that takes it from a never picked up a guitar before to an inspired player?

Well we just wanted to give you a little reminder that if you pick up this game from HMV, that Ubisoft (as well as HMV) will donated £5 to Teenage Cancer Trust.  We think that its a great way to give you support so its a gift that gives twice this year.

All the best and have a great one,



Gareth and Lady Eleanor.

NEWS: Deja Review

Hail Mighty Readers,
Here is our monthly summation of titles that we've revieved previously that have now been released as Paperbacks with links back to their original reviews.  Whilst the covers may differ please rest assured that they are the same title.

For this month we have:
08/11/12 - ZITO, VM - The Return Man 
22/11/12 - RUTHERFORD, Alex - The Tainted Throne
22/11/12 - TREADWELL, James - Advent
27/11/12 - KING, William - Blood of Aenarion

 We hope you enjoy them,



Gareth and Lady Eleanor

VIDEO GAME NEWS: Metro Last LIght Second Live Trailer: The Model - THQ

Hail Mighty Readers and Followers of the Calloused Thumbs,

Our friends  at THQ, have sent us their second mini live action movie for forthcoming game Metro Last Light

As you'll see its a Game that will grab you and you'll find it hard to not end up salivating over.  Shot for that apocalyptic look its not only slick, but very atmospheric and for us, is going to be a game that will be hard to beat next year.

Currently scheduled for release on 13th Jan 2013, for the following consoles:

PC

Playstation 3

Xbox 360

it will bring hours of nerve intensive action to your home.

Here's what the game blurb:

It is the year 2034. Beneath the ruins of post-apocalyptic Moscow, in the tunnels of the Metro, the remnants of mankind are besieged by deadly threats from outside – and within. Mutants stalk the catacombs beneath the desolate surface, and hunt amidst the poisoned skies above. But rather than stand united, the station-cities of the Metro are locked in a struggle for the ultimate power, a doomsday device from the military vaults of D6. A civil war is stirring that could wipe humanity from the face of the earth forever. As Artyom, burdened by guilt but driven by hope, you hold the key to our survival – the last light in our darkest hour… Key Features:     A gripping, story-driven first person shooter, Metro: Last Light is the hugely anticipated sequel to 2010’s critically acclaimed classic Metro 2033.

    Experience thrilling combat with an exotic arsenal of hand-made weaponry against deadly foes – both human and mutant – and use stealth to launch attacks under the cover of darkness.

    Explore the post-apocalyptic world of the Moscow Metro, one of the most immersive, atmospheric game worlds ever created.

    Fight for every bullet and every last breath in a claustrophobic blend of survival horror and FPS gameplay.

    Next generation technology boasting stunning lighting and physics sets a new graphical benchmark on both console and PC.

    Wage post-apocalyptic warfare online, as Last Light delivers an intense multiplayer experience amongst the dark Russian ruins. We look forward to fighting by your side in the dark future.  Ваше здоровье!   (Vashee zda-ró-vye!)

URBAN FANTASY REVIEW: The Dresden Files 14: Cold Days - Jim Butcher

Release Date: 29/11/12

SYNOPSIS:

You can't keep a good wizard down - even when he wants to stay that way. For years, Harry Dresden has been Chicago's only professional wizard, but a bargain made in desperation with the Queen of Air and Darkness has forced him into a new job: professional killer. Mab, the mother of wicked faeries, has restored the mostly-dead wizard to health, and dispatches him upon his first mission - to bring death to an immortal. Even as he grapples with the impossible task, Dresden learns of a looming danger to Demonreach, the living island hidden upon Lake Michigan, a place whose true purpose and dark potential have the potential to destroy billions and to land Dresden in the deepest trouble he has ever known - even deeper than being dead. How messed up is that? Beset by his new enemies and hounded by the old, Dresden has only twenty four hours to reconnect with his old allies, prevent a cataclysm and do the impossible - all while the power he bargained to get - but never meant to keep - lays siege to his very soul. Magic. It can get a guy killed.


REVIEW:

To be honest here, I had hoped to save this book to pick me up at a time when I was at my lowest, yet there’s something about Jim Butcher that is like Chocolate to the readers soul, its addictive, it brings characters who’ve become friends to life and when added to a kick ass plot where anything can happen (and usually does) really gives the reader a hell of a ride for their money.

As with each of the books, the challenges that Harry faces have been increasing in difficulty as his powers have grown which when added to the difficulty of his personal life really makes this something unique. Throw into the mix a really annoyed Fae Queen, a war about to explode and Demonreach on the edge of a Mount St Helen’s Eruption and this tale makes a fine addition to that collection. An ideal Christmas gift for anyone who loves Urban Fantasy, so good in fact, I suspect that Santa will be delivering a few extra presents to many households during the festive period.

DVD NEWS: Amazing Spiderman Peter Parkour hits London - Sony Home Entertainment

Hail Mighty Readers,
Our friends at Sony Home Pictures have teamed up with camera experts GoPro and free-running experts Parkour Generations to take Spidey out of the Big Apple and onto the streets of London!

Here we have the resulting VBlog and boy does it look good:

So Excelsior dear readers and enjoy the DVD, plus don't forget that a Spiderman is not just for Christmas its all year round. LOL

(The Amazing Spiderman was released on Monday 26th November from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and stars Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Martin Sheen, Sally Field.)


Gareth and Lady Eleanor

FANTASY REVIEW: Aralorn (Compendium with Masques and Wolfsbane) - Patricia Briggs

Release Date: 04/10/12

SYNOPSIS:

After an upbringing of proper behaviour and oppressive expectations, Aralorn fled her noble birthright for a life of adventure as a mercenary spy. But her latest mission involves more peril than she ever imagined. Agents of Sianim have asked her to gather intelligence on the increasingly popular and powerful sorcerer Geoffrey ae'Magi. Soon Aralorn comes to see past the man's striking charisma - and into a soul as corrupt and black as endless night. And few have the will to resist the sinister might of the ae'Magi and his minions. So Aralorn, aided by her enigmatic companion, Wolf, joins the rebellion against the ae'Magi. But in a war against a foe armed with the power of illusion, how do you know who the true enemy is - or where he will strike next? This omnibus edition contains the two titles MASQUES and WOLFSBANE.


REVIEW:

This is a bit of a strange book for me as it started with the authors first outing (Masques) which personally I found full of flaws such as the magic system as well as being perhaps a little naïve in what it was out to achieve, yet through all this I was still charmed by one of the principle heroes of the piece, Wolf (I found Aralorn a bit weak for my liking).

That tale takes you on a traditional fantasy route and when added to the authors writing style it manages to hold your interest as it wends its merry way to its conclusion. Whilst I haven’t been a fan of all the authors writing, I do have to admit to loving her Mercy Thompson series and there were touches of that within this text, yet when you came to the second part (Wolfsbane) the author really does seem to have learned a few lessons and whilst the relationship between Wolf and Aralorn has moved on it does feel a little forced.

All in it’s a book that will appeal to fans however please be aware that it is the authors earliest work and as such won’t be as polished as you’ve come to expect.

SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW: Warhammer 40K: Horus Heresy 1-3: Horus Rising, False Gods, Galaxy in Flames - Dan Abnett, Graham McNeil, Ben Counter

Release Date: 25/10/12

SYNOPSIS:

It is the 31st millennium. Under the benevolent leadership of the Immortal Emperor, the Imperium of Man has stretched out across the galaxy. It is a golden age of discovery and conquest. But now, on the eve of victory, the Emperor leaves the front lines, entrusting the great crusade to his favourite son, Horus. Promoted to Warmaster, can the idealistic Horus carry out the Emperor’s grand plan, or will this promotion sow the seeds of heresy amongst his brothers? Horus Rising is the first chapter in the epic tale of the Horus Heresy, a galactic civil war that threatened to bring about the extinction of humanity.


REVIEW:

The first book of the Horus Heresy rereleased as a Hardback in time and whilst the cynical out there may think that its just an excuse to cash in I’d have to disagree. Firstly you have the hugely talented Dan Abnett writing it and secondly because, if like me you like to reread books prior to starting the next in the series, your original copy might be looking a little bit worse for wear by now.

All in the writing is crisp, the story wonderfully told and if you have to start on something this epic, you need perhaps your top man up there to help direct the readers into the struggle of an immensely complex and game changing war in mankind’s fate. Back that up with some wonderful phrases, cracking combat alongside a wonderfully imagined story and all in you’re in for a treat. Great stuff.

Release Date: 25/10/12

SYNOPSIS:

The Great Crusade that has taken humanity into the stars continues. The Emperor of mankind has handed the reins of command to his favoured son, the Warmaster Horus. Yet all is not well in the armies of the Imperium. Horus is still battling against the jealousy and resentment of his brother primarchs and, when he is injured in combat on the planet Davin, he must also battle his inner daemons. With all the temptations that Chaos has to offer, can the weakened Horus resist?


REVIEW:

The Second Horus Heresy novel and whilst I truly loved the first, it was this that really announced the explosion onto the scene of a series that will be a firm fan favourite for a number of years. As with the Horus Rising reprint, this too is another hard back and all in really gives the reader the full meat and bones of the events that led to the split of mankind’s legions. It’s dark, it has some cracking twists and when added to the authors writing style that not only keeps you glued but finds way to make the changes understandable, it’s quite easy to see what a slippery slope good intentions can be. All in a cracking title and one that I loved rereading.

Release Date: 25/10/12

SYNOPSIS:

Having recovered from his grievous injuries, Warmaster Horus leads the triumphant Imperial forces against the rebel world of Isstvan III. Though the rebels are swiftly crushed, Horus's treachery is finally revealed when the planet is razed by virus bombs and Space Marines turn on their battle-brothers in the most bitter struggle imaginable.


REVIEW:

As with the other two rereleases this is the third (and for the moment) last book to be reprinted as a Hard Backed copy. It’s a fitting place to leave the series and when added to the readers will to return to the beginnings of the struggle, its definitely a book that will see a lot of hand time as you eek over every choice made alongside the authors lavishly created tale of the struggle.

As with the others the pace is quickening, the action is hard and fast which when added to the authors own unique voice really allows the reader to get to the heart of the story. Back that up with some great visual viscera and all round the reader is in for something spectacular.

URBAN FANTASY STEAMPUNK REVIEW: Boneshaker - Cherie Priest

Release Date: 08/11/12

SYNOPSIS:

Ezekiel Blue's father committed a crime, unleashing a deadly menace into steampowered Seattle. And his bereaved family has paid the price. Now, Ezekiel is determined to clear his father's name, risking death and the undead in the attempt. Sixteen years ago, as the American Civil War dawned, gold brought hordes to the frozen Klondike. Fanatical in their greed, Russian prospectors commissioned Dr Leviticus Blue to create a great machine, to mine through Alaska's ice. Thus the Incredible Bone-Shaking Drill Engine was born. But the Boneshaker went awry, destroying downtown Seattle and unearthing a subterranean vein of blight gas. Anyone who breathed its fumes turning into the living dead. The devastated city is now walled in to contain the blight. But unknown to Briar, his widowed mother, Ezekiel is going in. His quest will take him into a city teeming with ravenous undead, air pirates, criminal overlords, and heavily armed refugees. And only Briar can bring him out alive.


REVIEW:

To be honest with you this is a book that left me confused and I feel that the book was in part an experiment as to what could be achieved within a title without having to do too much. Yes it has a great concept, yes I love the fact that its Steampunk with Zombies but some of the characters telling the story left me not only annoyed but had me wishing that they’d turn into a Happy meal on legs (yes Zeke I mean you.)

Whilst the other protagonist Briar really brought it across, the whole thing seemed to be more of an extensive set up for future outings rather than a real story for the reader to get behind. It lacked pace in places, the characters felt a little flat and whilst the imagery within was wonderfully imaginable all round it felt like it really didn’t take me anywhere.

All in if you want to read Cherie Priest I would advise starting with her Four and Twenty Blackbirds, that really is top notch value for money otherwise you may be put off an author that really does hit the spot on quite a few occasions.

FANTASY REVIEW: Warhammer Fantasy: Tyrion and Teclis 2: Sword of Caledor - William King

Release Date: 22/11/12

SYNOPSIS:

Tyrion – Unparalleled swordsman and tactician.

Teclis – Greatest natural sorcerer of the age, his power rivalling that of fabled Caledor.

Together these twins are the greatest high elf heroes to still walk the earth. Tyrion and Teclis venture into the deadly jungles of Lustria on a desperate hunt for the lost sword of Caledor Dragontamer, the fabled Sunfang. While they search for this ancient artefact, the dark elves continue their assault on Ulthuan, sending the deadly assassin Urian Poisonblade to kill the Everqueen. And in the Realm of Chaos, the Witch King Malekith makes a pact with another enemy of Tyrion and Teclis – the sinister daemon N’Kari.


REVIEW:

Bill King has always been an author that I’ve enjoyed spending time with whether it was rereads of Felix and Gotrek or amusing myself with Beasts in Green Velvet, there has always been something that kept me glued to the pages (and whilst I’m on the subject can we please have a new Filthy Harold novel?) Yet whilst I absolutely loved Blood of Aenarion, this title not only left me wondering what had happened but how can you fail to bring over the magnificence of Tyrion and Teclis with so much available material to work from?

Don’t get me wrong here; I expect a second book to lull a little (as they’re usually planned in trilogies) but this felt more like filler rather than trying to further the heroes’ goals. Add to this lack of any furtherance of the overall plot, rather poor interaction between the characters, lacklustre requirements for action and back that up with what feels like a personality swap and all in I was left really disappointed with this story. I will read the final instalment as I really am hoping for something magnificent to finish it off but at the moment I’d suggest hanging on to your money and waiting for the compendium.

FANTASY REVIEW: Magister 3: Legacy of Kings - Celia Friedman

Release Date: 04/10/12

SYNOPSIS:

THE WORLD PREPARES FOR WAR - AND THE END OF DAYS DRAWS NEAR An ancient enemy has returned to the human kingdoms. These creatures prey on the souls of men - and if both magic and might fail to defeat them, the Second Age of Kings will fall into darkness. Magisters are marshalling their sorcerous powers to form a war alliance, but treachery is already eroding its ranks. Magister Colivar is withholding a deadly secret that links sorcerors to the Souleaters themselves. In this time of change, Kamala may finally win acceptance as the only female sorceror. If she can locate the Souleaters' stronghold, the Magisters might lift her death sentence. Yet to do that she will have to embrace an alien and terrifying birthright - and all the souls of men will be tested in the aftermath.


REVIEW:

The concluding novel in the Magister Trilogy and whilst what has gone before has set this one up quite nicely, there were quite a few problems that more than made me pause. The writing felt a little lacklustre, the characters sadly flat and as a reader I was expecting quite a lot more than I received.

Don’t get me wrong are some solid action sequences and the author does takes the reader on a journey but it feels that this could have been cut more to a novella length and retained its integrity rather than overextended with what felt like padding with no real explanation as to some of the characters actions that didn’t feel right within me as a reader.

All in it was OK but having had such a huge build up, I felt that this ending was more of a damp squib than a real bang for me.

CUISINE REVIEW: Home Cooking: A Writer in the Kitchen - Laurie Colwin

Release Date: 04/10/12

SYNOPSIS:

Published for the first time in the UK, Laurie Colwin's much loved kitchen essays are perfect for fans of Nigella Lawson and Nigel Slater. Weaving together memories, recipes, and wild tales of years spent in the kitchen, "Home Cooking" is Laurie Colwin's manifesto on the joys of sharing food and entertaining. From the humble hot-plate of her one-room apartment to the crowded kitchens of bustling parties, Colwin regales us with tales of meals gone both magnificently well and disastrously wrong. Never before published in the UK, this is hilarious, personal and full of Colwin's hard-won expertise. "Home Cooking" will speak to the heart (and stomach) of any amateur cook, professional chef, or food lover. Praise for Laurie Colwin: 'Everything food writing should be: funny, profound, inspiring and unaffected' Nigella Lawson 'I have in my kitchen a book called "Home Cooking". And, in between following the recipes for Extremely Easy Old-Fashioned Beef Stew or Estelle Colwin Snellenberg's Potato Pancakes, I would frequently sit down on a little stool in my kitchen and read through one of the essays in that book. I never read through Joy of Cooking, and I can read "The Silver Palate Cookbook" standing up, but I always sat down to read these' Anna Quindlen Laurie Colwin is the author of five novels - "Happy All the Time", "Family Happiness", "Goodbye Without Leaving", "A Big Storm Knocked It Over" and "Shine On, Bright and Dangerous Object" - three collections of short stories - "Passion and Affect", "The Lone Pilgrim" and "Another Marvellous Thing" - and two collections of essays, "Home Cooking" and "More Home Cooking". Laurie Colwin died in 1992.


REVIEW:

Whilst I wasn’t familiar with Laurie, over in the US she is a household legend on the cooking circuit with columns in food magazines and an approachable way that each of the dishes within this book can be accomplished by cooks of all ages. It has some wonderful ways to take what you know and adapt it to a new level and when added to personal insights and a witty chat style makes this a book that is something out of the norm for many fans of the cuisine world.

Sadly Laurie passed back in 1992 but her cooking lives on and with a wonderful British adaptation here it really will give you something new to try that you may not have thought of. There’s quite a few recipes’ I’ll be making and when you’re at an odd end, you’ll be surprised at what you can whip up. Great stuff.

VIDEO GAME NEWS: Metro Last Light Live Action Short Film - THQ

Hail Mighty Readers and Followers of the Calloused Thumbs,

Our friends  at THQ, have sent us their mini live action movie for forthcoming game Metro Last Light

As you'll see its a Game that will grab you and you'll find it hard to let go, especially after seeing what happened prior to gameplay.  Shot for that apocalyptic look its not only slick, but very atmospheric and for us, is going to be a game that will be hard to beat next year.

Currently scheduled for release on 13th Jan 2013, for the following consoles:

PC

Playstation 3

Xbox 360

it will bring hours of nerve intensive action to your home.

Here's what the game blurb:

It is the year 2034. Beneath the ruins of post-apocalyptic Moscow, in the tunnels of the Metro, the remnants of mankind are besieged by deadly threats from outside – and within. Mutants stalk the catacombs beneath the desolate surface, and hunt amidst the poisoned skies above. But rather than stand united, the station-cities of the Metro are locked in a struggle for the ultimate power, a doomsday device from the military vaults of D6. A civil war is stirring that could wipe humanity from the face of the earth forever. As Artyom, burdened by guilt but driven by hope, you hold the key to our survival – the last light in our darkest hour… Key Features:     A gripping, story-driven first person shooter, Metro: Last Light is the hugely anticipated sequel to 2010’s critically acclaimed classic Metro 2033.

    Experience thrilling combat with an exotic arsenal of hand-made weaponry against deadly foes – both human and mutant – and use stealth to launch attacks under the cover of darkness.

    Explore the post-apocalyptic world of the Moscow Metro, one of the most immersive, atmospheric game worlds ever created.

    Fight for every bullet and every last breath in a claustrophobic blend of survival horror and FPS gameplay.

    Next generation technology boasting stunning lighting and physics sets a new graphical benchmark on both console and PC.

    Wage post-apocalyptic warfare online, as Last Light delivers an intense multiplayer experience amongst the dark Russian ruins. We look forward to fighting by your side in the dark future.  Ваше здоровье!   (Vashee zda-ró-vye!)

NEWS: Hodder's James Treadwell Advent Treasure Hunt

Hail Mighty Readers,
Well as you can see we've got a Golden Ticket, well the fifth and final flyer for Hodder's James Treadwell's Advent Treaure Hunt. Advent is released in paperback today and was reviewed here by us.

But to help you find the other flyers and enter this magnificent competition to win a selection of Fantasy novels from them here's the blurb:

There are five ‘e-flyers’ – featuring beautifully designed quotes from the book - hidden on blogs across the web (one flyer on each blog). The challenge: find all five! And to be in with a chance of winning a selection of fantasy novels from Hodder*, send a message to facebook.com/hodderscape containing the names of the five blogs.

The prizes?:
Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor, 
Advent by James Treadwell
The Straight Razor Cure by Daniel Polansky,
The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde,
The Gunslinger by Stephen King

For more information and to keep up with Hodder, please visit either of the two sites:

Facebook: Hodderscape
Twitter: Hodderscape

We wish you the best of luck finding them,


Gareth and Lady Eleanor

FANTASY REVIEW: A Blink of the Screen: Collected Short Fiction - Terry Pratchett

Release Date: 11/10/12

SYNOPSIS:
In the four decades since his first book appeared in print, Terry Pratchett has become one of the world's best-selling and best-loved authors. Here for the first time are his short stories and other short form fiction collected into one volume. A Blink of the Screen charts the course of Pratchett's long writing career: from his schooldays through to his first writing job on the Bucks Free Press,; to the origins of his debut novel, The Carpet People; and on again to the dizzy mastery of the phenomenally successful Discworld series.

Here are characters both familiar and yet to be discovered; abandoned worlds and others still expanding; adventure, chickens, death, disco and, actually, some quite disturbing ideas about Christmas,all of it shot through with his inimitable brand of humour.

With an introduction by Booker Prize-winning author A.S. Byatt, illustrations by the late Josh Kirby and drawings by the author himself, this is a book to treasure.



REVIEW:

To be honest I wasn’t sure what I was expecting from this book, but when opening it, I discovered a whole set of short stories from various points in Terry’s writing career (including his first story that he wrote at 13 that sold.) It was definitely interesting to read a lot of his none Discworld short tales but to be honest the main reason people will buy this is for these. They’re funny, they’ll hit the itch that readers have and to be honest with the inclusion of the artwork, its definitely something that will be very popular.

Add to this some great asides, that Discworld magic breathing down your neck (as if its been laced with Octarine) and all in is definitely something that will more than please any fan if they were to wake up and find this in their Christmas stocking. (although you might need to borrow Nanny Ogg’s to get it in there.)

All in a solid enough book and one that I had fun with but personally I’d have preferred it to be 100% Discworld without any others added.

NEWS: Toy Trust Charity Auction

Hail Mighty Readers,
Our friends at the Toy Trust (a Charity that raises money for Childrens Causes and Charitys) has let us know about thier EBAY Auction where they have some wonderful items up for you to bid on these items including:

• An exclusive Nerf Sports Firevision Range (Item currently not available in the UK)
• The ultimate personalised ‘My Monopoly’ Game
• Transformers Optimus Prime Truck – Yours for a Day!
• Furby - THE Toy for Christmas – Six Furbys (1 in every colour)
• Sindy® collector items - 2 Denim Dazzle/Fantastic Jeans ‘My First Sindy’ dolls
• A Plasticine model making workshop with an Aardman model maker.
• Your chance to win a LEGO® mosaic of you and your family
• Signed set of ‘One Direction’ dolls
• Signed set of ‘The Wanted’ dolls  
• Signed Set of ‘Little Mix’ dolls
• Signed Set of ‘JLS’ dolls
• A ‘Moshi Day’ with Moshi Founder Michael Acton Smith at Moshi Towers
• A limited edition Barbie® Collector William & Catherine Royal Wedding™ gift set
• A fantastic family day out at the brand new Thomas Land - The World of Thomas & Friends 
• A magical Barbie® visit to your home or school
• Two Limited Edition sets of Character Building Super Rare Doctor Who Figures (Series 1&2)
• The first ever solid sterling silver ‘Lalaloopsy Jewels Sparkles’
• Disney Pocahontas “Just Around the River Bend” Limited Edition print
• A Disney Store Private Shopping Spree with £200 to spend and a personal shopper

All you have to do to is bid on thier Ebay Auction Page for the item(s) ( from 9am on Wednesday 21 November 2012 for ten days, concluding at 9am Friday 30 November.) that take your fancy, some of these are really a once in a lifetime opportunity and don't forget all monies raised go to childrens charities.

Best of luck to you all,


Gareth and Lady Eleanor

DVD News: The Watch DVD, Blu Ray Release Date - 20th Century Fox

Hail Mighty Readers and Film Fans,
Our friends at 20th Century Fox, have let us know about the forthcoming release of RUDER, CRUDER; LEWDER - The Watch ON BLU-RAY; DVD FROM 26TH DECEMBER) starring Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Jonah Hill, Richard Ayoade, Rosemarie DeWitt.


Its set for some belly laughs and lets face it after having had the family all round for Christmas Lunch, you probably could do with a rest and the chance to recharge your laughter batteries.

DVD Blurb:
The kings of comedy unite in this hilarious tale of middle suburban America where all is not as it seems. Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Jonah Hill and Richard Ayoade are the unlikely leaders of the “The Watch” in this hilarious and outrageous comedy about a group of guys who must finally take control and find their inner heroes when their quiet suburban lives are threatened.

Special Features:

• Deleted scenes x 12
• Gag reel
• Alien Invasions and You
• Casting the Alien
• Theatrical trailer

FANTASY REVIEW: The Chatbrand Voyage 4: The Night of the Swarm - Robert VS Redick

Release Date: 25/10/12

SYNOPSIS:

The struggle to prevent the sorcerer Arunis from destroying the world with the Nilstone reaches its thunderous conclusion. Robert V.S. Redick's stunning and original fantasy series combines the invention of Scott Lynch with the power of Philip Pullman.


REVIEW:

As a huge fan of fantasy, this series of Robert Redick’s has been a constant companion for a few years now. So it was with great sadness when I learned that this was to be the concluding part as the characters have gone on to feel like friends and with the final part, all bets are off.

What unfurled within is a story that has a lot of impact as the tale wends its way to its finale, it has great prose, some wonderful dialogue and when added to the authors creative mind alongside writing really makes this a cracking conclusion. Thank you Robert.

URBAN FANTASY ROMANCE REVIEW: Lords of Deliverance 4: Rogue Rider - Larissa Ione

Release Date: 20/11/12

SYNOPSIS:

The prophecies were there but no one listened. Until now. They are the Lords of Deliverance and they have the power to ward off Doomsday ...or let it ride. Jillian Cardiff came to this remote mountain town to forget the demon attack that almost killed her. Instead, she rescues - and falls for - a gorgeous stranger who has no memory of anything other than his name. Handsome, charming and protective, Reseph seems like the kind of man that Jillian can trust. But with hints of a troubling history of his own, he's also the kind of man that can be very dangerous ...Reseph may not know his background, or why he mysteriously appeared in Jillian's life, but he knows he wants to stay. Yet when Jillian's neighbours are killed and demon hunters arrive on the scene, Reseph fears that he's putting Jillian in danger. And once it's revealed that Reseph is also Pestilence, the Horseman responsible for ravaging the world with death and destruction, he and Jillian must face the greatest challenge of all: can they forget the horrors of a chilling past to save the future they both desire?


REVIEW:

If there’s one thing that tends to get on my nerves in Urban Fantasy Romance its characters that either are uniquely powered with no weaknesses or the other end of the spectrum where they’re all marshmallow with no backbone. So how do you find a happy medium?

Well for me, that’s what Larissa has managed to achieve in this tale, the latest in her Lords of Deliverance series as she brings hot, fan required sex scenes together with action and revelations discovered by the principle players Jillian Cardiff and Reseph who not only bond but make this a hard to put down book. Whilst not everything is solved within this outing with questions left requiring answers, it is a book that really delivers what readers of the series have been demanding with the only real complaint being the long wait for the next title. All in a cracking book and if you want something hot to slip between the sheets with for Christmas then give this book a go.

URBAN FANTASY REVIEW: House of Comarre 4: Out for Blood - Kristen Painter

Release Date: 01/11/12

SYNOPSIS:

After nearly dying Chrysabelle finds new determination to move beyond life as a Comarre and grasp hold of some normality. Until a new task is brought to her doorstep: rescue the child kidnapped by her rival Tatiana, or her vampire boyfriend, Mal, becomes enemy number one. But before Chrysabelle can begin that mission, the mayor declares a curfew in Paradise City to control its othernatural population. A close friend gets caught and when Mal gets in over his head, Chrysabelle runs to his rescue and unwittingly unleashes a power that's lain dormant in him for centuries ...


REVIEW:

OK, you want an Urban Fantasy series that brings lovingly created characters, great dialogue and a series that has a huge scope to allow the otherworld in. So what are you going to do?

Well for me, I’d suggest trying this cracking series from Kristen. The characters are fully rounded, they breath and have their own agenda’s which when added to the success of what has gone before really allows the reader to really live within the authors world.

Add to this some wonderful prose, great twists which when added to the authors ability to bring you in, really makes this her best book to date. Great stuff.

FACTUAL REVIEW: The Bumper Book for the Loo - Mitchell Symons

Release Date: 08/11/12

SYNOPSIS:

When Mitchell Symons wrote his extraordinary bestsellers "This Book, That Book and The Other Book" - all neatly combined in one sensational volume, "The Ultimate Loo Book" - he was judged by many to be the King of Trivia. Now, in "The Bumper Book for the Loo", this supremo of weird and wonderful, astonishing and inexplicable facts, figures, stats and stories returns with a super selection of trivialistic treats - each one more remarkable and, yes, even more trivial than anything he's compiled before. For example, did you know that...The first alarm clock could only ring at 4 a.m...There was once an internet rumour that Belgium doesn't exist...In 1830, King Louis XIX ruled France for just 15 minutes...All mammals have jaws but only humans have chins...Peru has more pyramids than Egypt...Packed to the rafters with all manner of useful and useless information, lists of the biggest, the smallest, the best and the worst, "The Bumper Book" for the Loo is a hilarious compendium of endless delights - and a hugely entertaining, unputdownable feat of nonsense!


REVIEW:

There are books you like to read on the road, there a story’s that you love to read before bed, but when you’re caught short and a little preoccupied, there are times when you want a book to distract you whilst you go about your business within the bathroom. This is where the new Mitchell Symon’s books comes to hand quite well. (No not to use as Loo Roll.)

It’s full of weird and unusual facts, has some fun illustrations and when you add the way that these weird little bits of information stick in your brain will allow you to be the toast of the mundane at any celebration you attend. All in a good bit of fun for all to read and a wonderful way to pass the time. Great stuff.

THRILLER REVIEW: The Panther - Nelson Demille

Release Date: 08/11/12

SYNOPSIS:

It's one of the most dangerous and volatile countries in the world: Yemen. A Middle Eastern hotbed of corruption and insurgency and the perfect training ground for Islamic terrorists. When FBI agents John Corey and Kate Mayfield are assigned to overseas posts in Sana'a, Yemen's capital city, they are tasked with hunting down a high-ranking Al Qaeda operative. This man, known as The Panther, is wanted for terrorist acts and multiple murders and the US government is determined to bring him down, no matter the cost. As latecomers to a deadly game, John and Kate don't know the rules, the players or the score. What they do know is that there is more to their assignment than meets the eye - and that the hunters are about to become the hunted. In an action-packed and terrifying race to take down one of the most ruthless men alive, Nelson DeMille reunites readers with his charismatic hero John Corey.


REVIEW:

If you love hard action thrillers then you really have to read Nelson Demille who hits back with his latest refusing to take prisoners as John Corey and Kate Mayfield take the lead in their latest outing. Its hard hitting, there’s plenty of twists and when you add the magical way that the author manages to weave his own brand of sleight of hand into the plot, really delivers what readers want.

Back that up with great dialogue some wonderful character interaction and a good few heart in mouth moments and all in you really can’t afford to pass this story up. Thanks Nelson for a sleepless night due to being unable to put the book down.

CUISINE REVIEW: Beginners Get Sorted - The Sorted Crew

Release Date: 30/08/12

SYNOPSIS:

The Sorted crew are a bunch of childhood friends who decided to help each other with their cooking dilemmas when they all left home to go to university. Now they are 24-year-old graduates and are broadcasting their recipes to thousands of viewers and subscribers to their Sorted food channel on YouTube - the most popular cookery channel on the site. With 800,000 views a month, the Sorted recipe demonstrations help you knock up meal after meal of cracking food, seasoned with a healthy dose of fun. Whether a complete recipe rookie, a busy parent in need of inspiration, or a student faced with a small food budget, the Sorted For Beginners book will help sort all of your own kitchen dilemmas. A perfect cookbook for those in need of some cooking confidence and inspiration.


REVIEW:

OK, so you’ve a young person in the house that wants to cook but doesn’t have a clue where to start? They want to make all sorts of fancy things but need to get a grip on basics first? Well try this title by the Sorted Crew. It’s a book that’s based on their successful V-Blog on You Tube and will more than help guide you through everything from making soups to proper mash. From using cheap cuts of meat to preparing fish and of course bringing everything together to make full three course meals that are not only tasty but filling and nutritious.

Add to this wonderful bright colour images, easy to follow steps and back it up with a selection of something for everyone and all in this book will soon become a household must have for any young chef learning the basics. My only complaint is that I feel that it should have been ring-bound and laminated to make keeping it clean easier. After all, we’re all messy even when we’re trying to be neat. LOL

INTERVIEW: Miles Cameron

Miles, you are a new Fantasy writer.  Why fantasy?

Hi Gareth, thanks for having me.  Why fantasy?  It’s the genre I read.  It is also the genre that many, many people read, and it is fun to write for an interactive audience—one that writes comments on blogs, for example, and complains when their favorite character doesn’t get enough word count.  But really—it’s just that I’ve always wanted to write a fantasy novel—the sort of novel I like to read!
 
What do you like?
I like Tolkien, and I like a lot of ‘old school’ fantasy writers, some still popular (like Tolkien) and some almost forgotten, like E.R. Eddison and William Morris.  I got to know Celia Friedman as an adolescent, and she probably had a major influence on my fantasy thinking—certainly on how I design a magic system.  I loved Glen Cook’s Black Company when it came out, and I was, and still am, rocked by Steven Erikson’s gigantic Malazan series.  I love his characters, and I love his plotlines, and I love how at some level it is very Canadian, or at least North American.  I am a huge fan of C.J. Cheryh.  I think her Foreigner universe appeals to me almost atavistically—the meeting with the Alien—and liking it…  I mentioned elsewhere that I’m a huge Ian M. Banks fan.
You write about knights and chivalry.  This is mainstream fantasy, isn’t it?
All that said, when I think fantasy, I like chivalry—knights, clerics, and mages.  I love the Middle Ages—I love how it really worked, and warts and all, and I like to tinker with how things like magic might have altered our world.  Or some other world.  I wanted to write in the major ‘theme’ – is that the right word? Of chivalric literature—King Arthur and Gawain and Lancelot and Merlin.  But I wanted to do with it what Erikson and Glen Cook have done with military fantasy—I wanted to answer the question ‘What would it be like to actually fight a dragon?’  I wanted to push some ideas (like heroism!) and play with some others—just for example, I have a heroic sixty-five year old woman and a sexy fifty-year old and faeries who can suck your soul away—all a little outside fantasy’s norm.  I hope I haven’t out-subtled myself, but one of the themes I’m after is that of public order—if you have all these killer knights and mages, how do normal people manage to till the ground and children and/or have lives free of the tyranny of violence?  What keeps the knights and the Wild and all these powers from making a desert? It was a central question of the real Middle Ages, without magic powers or the Wild.

Is the Wild Evil?
Far from it.  I love the wilderness, and I hope that I have come up with some interesting riffs on the common AD+D bestiary, but I’ve tried to create an ecology of ‘higher powers’ (dragons, wyverns, boggles and the like) who balance each other and have niches.  And I’ve tried hard to suggest that most of them are animals—with no moral vector—and others are fully sentient, and as complicated as humans—or more so.  As the series progresses, I hope to demonstrate to the reader that the perception of the Wild versus Humanity is, like many wars, an artifact of misunderstanding.  But also a good vehicle for a lot of fight scenes.

You like to write fight scenes?
I love fly fishing, I sometimes write poetry, and I truly enjoy making things, especially sewing.  But—really—I love all the combat arts, and I do all this stuff.  I fight Italian long sword—Guy Windsor, who I view as the best scholar and the best teacher of swordsmanship in the world, was kind enough to write a piece on my website.  I fight in armour—I have a set of plate armour that has taken me twenty years to collect and perfect; I fight poleaxe and ghiavarina and sword and buckler and some rapier; spear, spear and rotella, axe; two handed axe; dagger, and unarmed. I’m just learning to joust, and I’m just improving my wrestling and unarmed combat.  Knights were expert at all of these, which is why they were amazingly fearsome as individual fighters. I suspect that a late 14th century knight was more like the popular image of a samurai than a 14th century samurai—in terms of overall martial prowess.  And in the real world, that was just to fight other people.  I love to write about these things—I usually leave my sword school afire to write about whatever I learned that night.  I’ve been doing all this for thirty years and I’m still learning, so I guess I won’t get bored.

And I’m guessing you love to camp?
I do.  I love to go as far into the wilderness as I can, and just sit and drink it in—watch it function, if that makes sense.  I love to fish, and I’d do more hunting if I had time and less of a drive to reach it—but I don’t have to kill the Wild to love it.  I try and go with my friends every year—sometimes twice a year—into the deep wilderness with minimal gear.  I hope that my Wild seems authentic.

Is the Red Knight set in England?
Well—yes and no.  It’s my fantasy world and it is quite old; but constantly updated.  So Lissen Carak is very like a number of places in upstate New York, but the towns and sheep came from the Lake District in the UK; the Green Hills are Vermont, but also the Island of Mull; there’s Greece and France and Arizona and the Canadian Shield all mixed together..  It’s fantasy—right?  I’m allowed to do that?  Anyway, hope you enjoy it.

Thanks, Miles.