Catching Up

Bad blogger! Bad! Over a week since my last update. Not entirely without reason though. First, my mature, responsible alterego has been hard at work on mundane matters which will support my fantasy consumption habit. Second, I’ve simply been reading too many things concurrently, and therefore have finished none of them. Several books are nearing completion though, with reviews soon to follow. I’m also returning to the original intention of this blog to cover science fiction and fantasy in all facets of media, so I’ve been watching some TV shows which I hope to cover as well.

As a taste of things to come, here’s a list of what I’m reading, watching, and otherwise devouring.

The Last Light of the Sun
By Guy Gavriel Kay; Read by Holter Graham
Audible Download –  17 hours 40 mins [UNABRIDGED]
Publisher: Penguin Audiobooks
Published: 2009

While studying Classics and early Medieval history, I discovered Kay’s Sarantine Mosaic, an alternate history set in a world much like our own, with names of people and places changed to protect the innocent, and more importantly to allow the author to play around with the world without fearing the condemnation of historical purists. He’s written many novels set in this same pseudo-historical world, the latest of which is Last Light of the Sun, which explores the complex interrelations of Saxons, Vikings, and Welsh in ninth-century England. I’m nearly through the book, and while it plods along at times, it’s a worthy addition to Kay’s catalogue. It’s of special interest to me since I recently completed a Masters degree analyzing magical practices in the Scandinavian world.

The Strain
By Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan; Read by Ron Perlman
Audible Download – 13 hours 36 mins [UNABRIDGED]
Publisher: Harper Audio
Published: 2009

I’ve taken an interest in Guillermo del Toro ever since I learned he’d be directing the film adaptation of The Hobbit, so I was curious how his creative genius would translate to the written page. Two-thirds through The Strain, his biologically-grounded vampire thriller which serves as book one of The Strain Trilogy, I’m entertained but underwhelmed. It’s hard to know whether to lay the blame at the feet of del Toro or his co-author Chuck Hogan, who, while undoubtedly the better writer in a technical sense, probably lacks the former’s sensitivity to archetypal and mythological themes.

True Blood
Season One
Created by Alan Ball
Starring Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer, Sam Trammell

Based on Charlaine Harris’s ever-evolving Sookie Stackhouse Southern Vampire Mysteries, the show tells the story of Sookie Stackhouse, a bartender in the fictional town of Bon Temps, Louisiana, with the ability to read minds. Far from an asset, her gift actually alienates her from the other townsfolk, so her quick mind and fiery personality is often draped under a veil of distant reserve. As far as I’m concerned, Sookie herself, portrayed brilliantly by Anna Paquin, is the show’s main draw.

Dark Lord
By Ed Greenwood; Read by Christopher Lane
11 CDs – 13 hours 30 mins [UNABRIDGED]
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Published: 2007

I’m not familiar with Ed Greenwood, but evidently he’s a prominent figure in the world of RPGs who’s now turned his attention to creating his own fictional universe. His background in gaming reveals itself in Dark Lord, book one of the Falconfar Saga, in the formulaic plot and characters. I’ve been reading this book for weeks and haven’t been able to bring myself to finish it–always a bad sign. Worse still, I’ve got the second book in the series sitting on my shelf for review when I finish this one. But I’m always willing to be surprised.

Avatar The Last Airbender
Season One

On the surface, it’s yet another Nickelodeon cartoon for kids. Yet it’s also an intriguing fantasy incorporating elements from Eastern mythology. The world of Avatar once enjoyed a balance among the four elements, until the uppity Fire Nation exerted its dominance. Only the mythical Avatar can restore peace and balance to the world. Could the young Ang, blessed with the power of airbending and trapped in an iceberg for over a century, really be the one? The show’s title certainly suggests so. I’ve only watched one episode, but I’m looking forward to more. Director M. Night Shyamalan, of Sixth Sense fame, is also heading up a live-action adaptation.

I think it’s also about time to close polls on the second Twitter book club.

So anyhow, that’s what I’m up to, and what you can expect coming down the pike.