Episode 1
As self-publishing with CreateSpace for Free Jimmy Clay
Image : http://www.flickr.com
CreateSpace.com Print On Demand is a company owned by Amazon. It is not known yet, but the service is easily accessible to authors read their books for a minimum amount of money to publish and get the advantage that Appear on Amazon - as well as to collect the money of customers shipping, ship books to customers and then send the author money each month.
Technology has radically changed the publishing world since I started writing.
Way backthe old days the only way most writers could be published, was to send his manuscript to the editor of a publishing house, almost all the biggest and best in Manhattan, and I hope that they were adopted. Gradually, it became almost impossible to sell a writer, a book to a publisher without an editor. The only exception was the science fiction / fantasy / horror field, in which the editors tried to maintain communications manuscript tradition of openness to direct(But it has taken a back seat to MSS. Submitted by agents recognized).
Some companies have used the people want, that books could not be accepted by a municipality or a publisher. They were called "vanity presses" known because it was generally accepted that the only reason that was used to print books on the matter by the author for publication was to see what. Since these companies had at least runs of 1000 pieces or more, usually the author went to his gravewith 992 copies in cardboard boxes in the basement, attic or garage.
Some entrepreneurs understand how to publish books for much less money, but had too much time on their marketing budget - selling across the room after the talk, mail order, through the show, local libraries and through ads. Some years ago, took place a print-on-demand revolution. A computer holding a book file to disk. If necessary, you can print a copy.
When I studiedprinting companies demand a few years ago, but the best and most cost nearly $ 600 - still a significant investment. With CreateSpace Amazon has removed all taxes, but a nominal amount of a few. The only catch is that the author must submit the book files.
Jimmy Clay's book recounts the technical details of how he wrote a novel product. If you use Microsoft Word is great. I do not know and could double some of the technical details with Open Office.But the viewer graphics program helped me change recommended stock images I have selected.
He goes into a lot of details of cover design. This is now a bit 'obsolete now that create space now offers a service cover-design templates, you can use. However, if you forgive me in graphic design or you want the job to someone else, his statements in the form of the contractor or give you the information needed to create the appropriate space.
Not extend to some ofImpact of distribution open space, and there are recent changes since he was writing this book. If you already know your way around Word, OpenOffice or cheese - even better, you probably do not need. Especially when you are ready to create an area of coverage for use templates.
You do not need this if an agent, and New York City publishers were offering contracts. However, if you want a book as a professional credential, or are a writer is not sure whether youProduce their own book, this book gives you confidence that you publish your book and sell it on Amazon.
The scourge of Heaven (Original 1980 PBS) Part 1 / 12
Science Fiction novels and scientists
Is there a connection between the world of scientists and science fiction and fantasy? E 'possible to say who can be a scientist to the nature of the books they enjoy reading more of his destiny? Many people might think that might be a possibility.
One of the reasons why some people think, it may be possible given the nature of human beings, scientists are. There are a lot of scientists can immerse themselves in a fictionBook or a fantasy novel. Perhaps this is the case, because they may think the reality of the outside world. His ability to think outside of the field was a luxury in this world so that it is now necessary in our lives.
There are many inventions that are technical in nature and are understood only by scientists kind of mind. Whether this type of talent in their genes, their circumstances and conditions, or onlypure random luck, is the fact that more social-minded, people tend to think the mainstream. Do not you see the same as the majority when given a situation or something else to study.
An example can be found in a small part that we use all the time. Thermometers of all types were used in our world every day. It 's a part called a thermocouple enter different metals and is in the process of being able to read and translate the warmthThe differences between the two to a unit of heat that we can all recognize.
Economic disasters with mobile phones - Too few frequencies may doom the phone reseller business?
For some, the signals are delivered to mobile phones, the introduction of science - fiction to life from the pages of their favorite fantasy novel. In fact, the cell phone signals is simply the use of modern technology to decipher the cellular frequencies. At the end of a phone, you must pick one of four signals that are used worldwide.
Yes, there are four principal frequencies in the world with two employeesespecially in the U.S. and the other two were more common in other parts of the world. What if those four bands? They are:
* 850 MHz
* 900 MHz
* 1800 MHz
* 1900 MHz
Some phones work in a specific frequency and are incompatible with other frequencies. That is, a phone that does not work in some of the world in another job. For those who love to travel, this can be a difficult dilemma. Seriously, you should buy a fullnew phone if you travel to a new region? Do not buy phones that are in the situation and work with masses of frequencies.
Remember, people always look to buy cheap mobile phones, because it is possible to get a great phone at an affordable price. They sift through auction sites like eBay for great deals, so you should always try to update your local business on eBay. Just be sure, a solid reputation as this remains to increase the business potentialenormous. These fall under the heading of the mobile phone quad-band mobile phone tri-band and dual-band. What are the differences between the three? Take a look:
* Dual Band Phone: Combines two different frequencies. City would be a dual band GSM 850/1900 for use in North, Central and South America for work, a GSM 900/1800, which can work in Africa, Asia and Europe, and a GSM 900/1900, they can potentially work anywhere in the world.
* Tri-band phone: This phone combinesused to be three out of four frequencies, which usually work on the globe, although there are some places blackouts, according to three specific frequencies means.
* Quad-band phone: Works with all four frequencies.
Sure, if you are a reseller of phone Dual-Band Tri-Band mobile and you in a bit 'of problems with customers, if their phone can do the work in their local region. But do not worry. You can always protective measureseven when the purchase and sale of mobile phones. The first step would be to certain frequencies of phones that register purchases. Then do the research on which regions of the globe will be working the phones in.
Usually your orders only from those areas will reach your targeted advertising. Contract for mobile match with the appropriate frequencies should go in the right way. If there are parts of the world does not know the phoneYou might want to list is not sold in these areas because of compatibility issues.
Adding a disclaimer that would be the frequency of a notice in the tolerability and a travel warning was recommended. Readers should conduct a little research on the frequencies of mobile phones so, fill out the right strategy, marketing and legal conditions.
You like people to buy cheap mobile phones to cut costs. They comb through online auction sites like eBay to find deals that opens manyOpportunities for retailers. Just make sure that you want to protect your reputation of the seller. Do you understand, have the spectrum and the provision of exemptions can increase your success in maintaining the reputation of your company.
Ender's Game - Orson Scott Card - Review
The science-fiction book is a must read. It occurs in a school fight in space, where students are kids. But not only normal children. Ender Wiggin is their leader has been for some special reasons, some of which are selected, it is not known.
His family remained behind. Mom, Dad, his beloved sister Valentine, he is very close and then Peter. His brother. Not a very nice brother. Exceptional in many ways, but also distorted andThe evil in another way.
In the battle school, you learn to fight in zero gravity. And I mean really fight. You learn more about the strategy and the strategy team as pit teachers' against a team almost sadistic.
And then there Bean. In short, seemingly harmless young boy. No description has dropped farther and farther from the truth. He is a survivor brilliant beyond imagination of the entire body!
Orson Scott Card brings incredible once in a page, you must not go to sleep late at night stillTravel, can not give, for the last sentence. He is an incredible author, engaging books that my family of three daughters, a son and my wife and I have taken, he writes.
One of the most important building blocks in the foundation of a great author, in my humble opinion, is his ability to finish the story. Whether you carry it for you in a continuation or leave it forever. I always have to judge whether the person was good at this or this method is: I was stillThinking about the book long after I finished and I was busy doing up or wondering what would happen with the characters, if they continued. When I painted scenarios for different characters long after the book or books shall be closed and on the shelf. This is how I personally judge a great author.
Orson Scott Card is all my test with flying colors!
The sequels are just as brilliant as Ender's Game.
Neal Stephenson on Sci-Fi / Fantasy Actors
SPELLFURY Episode 5
Flatland for $18.38
Cheap Flatland Discount Review Shop
The scripture and intelligence conveyed in this story is interesting; however,
I found it to be rather sexist towards women. Nevertheless, the book uses extreme examples of analogy to solidify concepts. I really enjoyed it!
Available at Amazon
Cheap "Flatland" Discount Review Shop
What is fiction?
Science-Fiction, as well as challenge damnation classification contains a large collection of disparate forms of fiction, including horror, futuristic, magic, imagination and a wealth of more than demonic monsters of the Middle Ages and the present in his work with the Fire.
The interest for the future is always a little 'fear-based-l'ignoto and the mysterious "thing-to come." HG Wells was deep, with the threat / promise of the technology in question. Foughtat the time to create a peaceful world community is deeply his death, humanity can transcend the limits of his time disappointed. So, of course, dreamed of traveling through time, the only alternative.
Forty years later, Aldous Huxley (Brave New World) and George Orwell (1984) wrote scathing denunciations dystopias, science, technology and its dehumanizing inventions. Orwell predicted Mind Control of fear and intimidation, while Huxley imaginedBioengineering of ignorant drones hedonistic pleasures of drugs.
At the beginning of the Cold War, Ray Bradbury, a romantic consumed, the Dandelion Wine, written on a beautiful summer idyllic happiness was still terrified of a nuclear holocaust, like him, both on the ground to destroy themselves and how advanced martian The Martian Chronicles submitted.
In the late 20th century to reflect Michael Crichton writes about medicine and computer viruses stories of Armageddonas Coma, Jurassic Park, Andromeda Strain, but then tries to convince us, there is nothing to worry about global warming in State of Fear.
By the end of 20th century science fiction has become almost synonymous with fantasy stories, magical Hobbit. You can not say if Neil Gaiman tells a mythical tale story, once as a children's story, or writing a story about adults. It seems to do, both in American Gods, which showsWhat happened to science fiction. It is made-are-not-go-in-the-universe writing fantasy, science fiction shots in cartoons and comics for adults. I think everyone in the fantasy. This is what is fiction.
But now, the realm of science fiction entered into, for example through the use of hypothetical models of the environment, weather and planetary scale, etc., to invent, two fictional planet, and the designscientific conclusions, what kind of life would develop it further.
We learn that science is the power of the model. This is all the different forms of mathematics are different Assemblies conceptual models from which to build. It 's the same strategy that Sherlock Holmes used, where all evidence must fit into a system of meaning. Although Sherlock provides that only a tangible final test his theory would be verified.
Meanwhile, scientists have found a way toTheory make it synonymous with action. You are the heroes of the 21st Century. Please. In the process they get seduced the experience, reputation, and to find their audience growing, part of writing and science fiction. It implies that only the vague hypothetical, they make grand claims that the Scientific Authorities Have really. You do not have a clear and simple exclusions. Seem to be the illusion that their models predict reality may havewith a probability high enough, the right to take Sun Indeed, pure science, they are doing some science fiction, claiming that they are really blurring the boundaries between models and reality.
Perhaps unconsciously, the reader of how we developed such an addiction to reality. We are eager to see the real real families with children, and the real perpetrators to commit real crimes. I can not get enough to do real peoplereal things ... as if we had lost touch with reality and the need to calm still there. Meanwhile, the fiction has become almost synonymous with lies, unless they just cartoons.
When a writer creates fiction, like Wells 'War of the Worlds by HG, as if it really happened, half the nation's terrible (Orson Wells' radio show), what he wanted, instead of fame is infamous. He is a Judas Goat. As the poor woman who wrote a history of his life, which weHe was loved charts, but later found not true. In a moral outrage, the excitement of publishing the book withdrawn from the market, and rushed out of the publication.
As always, the time everything changes. This, perhaps, that fiction is all the facts-even point? Finally, they're wrong ... replaced by new ones. Perhaps we have a lot of effort used to fiction that everything is relative, and partly true, in part, and there will always be those who know thatBut in the meantime, at least for now, we still make a decision.
It Ends Tonight 5 cm [AMV finite second !!!!]
Moon Child - Book Review
Moon Child by Simone Maroney is a writer, greatest adventure in size, fifty-five fantasy novel with chapters. The story involves complex relationships between six main characters that are finely balanced leaving room for intrigue.
Hanna, the protagonist, was chosen by the birth of the goddess, as special training and are equipped with "gifts" the elderly called "Memories." As Hanna goes through many adventures of travel, is respected and known as the 'One'a "player" and a "healer".
His father, a priest and a shaman of the village tries to protect itself and to learn they have on their stand. Manon, a dear friend and colleague, "healer", they will help you find a position in the same village who tried to kill. Raeren is his childhood friend, whose brain was injured accidentally taken during the game, a valuable tool for Hanna and her village. Janna, Hanna archenemy, keeps people's attention with their wicked and traitorous behavior. Un po 'Romance with Jio, also known as "cast MaiHem" that in fact the brother of Janna.
So much has happened in the book, readers will find it will continue to monitor a few pages. I enjoyed reading this novel and I found that reminds me a bit 'of the Cave Bear Clan - because of tribal differences, travel, and "gifts" to bear the main character. is sometimes chosen by the Gods brings a tumultuous life!
Readers who are interested in a copy of the book(ISBN # 1933157046) can easily find the publisher (Draumr Publishing) and author (Simone Maroney) with an Internet search. Or they can in Moon Child from retail outlets or order online library. Alternatively, their local library may be able to bring them.
Hermione Granger I Got Nerve
Top 10 Best Science Fiction Books
# 1: Dune (Frank Herbert)
Science fiction is not much better then. Dune is science fiction fans of any wet dream. Many people argue that science fiction Dune Response to "The Lord of the Rings" and I agree it is safe. There are many good books of fiction, but Dune is truly a giant among giants. It 'really a culmination of science fiction output. If you do notRead dunes, not much time. Read now!
# 2: Starship Troopers (Robert Heinlein)
War is beautiful, according to Robert Heinlein. This is a novel about the glorification of war. The premise: the evil Space Marine battle armor wearing special alien alien insects. This is a classic "old school" science fiction at its best. It's an adrenaline rush through the galaxy, do not want to miss.
# 3: Ender's Game (Orson ScottCard)
This is one of the cornerstones of science fiction and a novel that you should not miss. A critique on society, the story of a boy who refuses to abandon humanity, the fate of the battle to save one - the science fiction book combines everything into a compelling mix dependency and should not be missed.
# 4: The Foundation (Isaac Asimov)
This is undoubtedly the most beautiful works of fiction ever written. If youa fan-fiction epic and history of science with spectacular lines, you get your hands on the book.
A logical consequence: the foundation is a series for those who love big complex ideas. If you are looking for a thin book on action but heavy on concepts, this can not be the book for you. The power of ideas are central to this story, no characterization. Regardless, this is one of those books that you need only read fiction. They arenever think of science fiction in the same way after reading the Foundation series.
# 5: Snow Crash (Neal Stephenson)
Part-time and full-time pizza delivery boy and hackers fighter samurai sword, meet Hiro Protagonist. Snow Crash is the novel of breathtaking action and the pace is often enough to drown the new Snow Crash and rejuvenates the cyberpunk genre. If you have a novel with bucket loads of action, futuristic wing Matrix technologies, and the Gritty dystopian futuristic world of Blade Runner, Snow Crash is the perfect recommendation.
# 6: Forever War (Joe Haldeman)
The Forever War is just about the Vietnam War in space. And 'brutal and bloody, and is a major strong point that the war is really meaningless. Do not let the strong political message of the novel deterred, but this is science fiction at its best: a complex, disturbing novel that makes you think ... and feel. It 'a great science> History Fiction, not to be missed, a true masterpiece of the genre.
# 7: The Night's Dawn '(Peter Hamilton)
This is Space Opera Science Fiction Right: Massive space battles, a large cast of characters in a convincing way, political tensions between the planet and all the great adventure. There are a lot of space opera in the science fiction genre yet, but Peter Hamilton is one of the best characters of the genre and its authorsPlots are just so damn interesting. He knows how to write an adventure adrenaline that keeps you up late morning. Those in the mood for something big with lots of action, both within and outside the room, providing Night's Dawn trilogy.
# 8: Gap (Steven R. Donaldson)
This series is a scary dark ride hell do not want to lose. This is one of the more obscure series of books I've read lately. But the world that Stephen Donaldson drew is superb.Stephen Donaldson is a writer who cares about characterization, and he excels in the production of anti-hero. If you are looking for a dark space opera, I recommend the series of Gap.
# 9: Otherland (Tad William)
If you need to find something like the Matrix in writing not be happier. Otherland is the closest you get. Psycho Babble less trick and more realism makes a very compelling read Otherland. Otherland starts slowly, butwilling to give him a chance will be rewarded greatly.
# 10: Altered Carbon (Richard Morgan)
It is a dystopian cyberpunk style and punishing some serious action. I guarantee that once you start reading this novel, you will not put it down. Morgan is a man with visionary ideas, always has interesting characters, plot twisting action, and palpitations. Those, Blade Runner, Neuromancer and Snow Crash are love for treatment.
The Dreaming Void (The Void Trilogy) for $4.98
Cheap The Dreaming Void (The Void Trilogy) Discount Review Shop
The Commonwealth Universe, a place where humanity has prospered, evolved and expanded throughout the galaxy. As the Commonwealth has grown, colony ships have set out to found new human worlds far from the current occupied space, and the galaxy has been circumnavigated. Many new alien species have been encountered and the Void, an artificial universe at the centre of the galaxy protected by a deadly event horizon, has been discovered.
This is the setting for Peter F Hamilton's eagerly awaited new novel, The Dreaming Void, which is the first in the Void Trilogy. After the events in the Commonwealth Saga, where humanity were fighting for existence against the invading Prime aliens while trying to uncover mutiny from within from the deadly Starflyer alien, the human race has prospered and is now one of the most technologically advanced species in the galaxy.
A human has now started to dream of the existence within the Void and the paradise within. He shares these dreams in the Gaiafield for all to experience them. The Living Dream movement is born and its followers grow in number until it becomes the majority party in the planets parliament. When Inigo, the first dreamer, disappears from public life, the movement carries on much the way it has in the past, although many start growing restless and impatient for the pilgrimage to begin. However, a new chief cleric, Ethan, is elected and answers the hopes of millions by announcing the construction of starships to pilgrimage into the Void.
The Dreaming Void follows two main story plots - the implications following the announcement of the pilgrimage and the dreams experienced by Inigo that focus on Edeard, a youth living within the Void.
Peter once again delivers a hugely enjoyable story with plenty of action, adventure and surprises. Setting the story in the 36th century with the technology available gives such a large canvas to work on and he uses it to his advantage on so many different levels. The characters that we meet are alive on the pages, although some are more developed than others, especially when new characters are introduced late on in the story. This by no means detracts from the story, but as the first part of a trilogy it is to be expected that the growth of some characters will really take hold in the next instalment, if not the third.
Edeard is by far the most developed character, and with almost half the book telling his story it is to be expected. From meeting him as a young teenager in the Eggshaper's Guild through to his time as a junior constable in Makkathran, Edeard grows in many ways and Peter shows just how accomplished he is at creating believable, in depth characters. The same could be said for Aaron, although by having a character with no memory it is easy enough to mould our own view of him, whether that is right or wrong, we will surely find out before the end of the trilogy.
Peter's six month planning really does show this time around and the story and universe feels much tighter because of it. With clear ideas how he wants to take the story forward, he manages to drag you into his imagination and take you on a ride you won't forget. There are plenty of hints hidden within the pages and many will be guessing at various aspects of the story until the next instalment.
As the first part of the trilogy, this book does everything it needs to do - the characters are introduced and the stage set for the next part. With a cliff-hanger at the end of the book, many will be counting those months until the release of The Temporal Void, but the revelation that comes to light will encourage others to re-read it.
What may surprise some is the page count. Although many would be expecting a huge brick sized door-stopper, this is a much tighter book and more enjoyable because of it. Many people feel Judas Unchained (949 HB pages) was overlong, but this is a fine return to form and just what was needed. A fine example of space opera with all the right ingredients - a typical PFH novel.
Available at Amazon
Cheap "The Dreaming Void (The Void Trilogy)" Discount Review Shop
Doctor Who on DVD: a gift for Winning Science Fiction Fans
Image : http://www.flickr.com
Choose a gift for someone who has the taste of entertainment specifically for science fiction and fantasy genre can be difficult. There is a broad genre with a great selection, and often a mystery shopper so ignorant. What is good? What's junk? A good recommendation for the science fiction fan in your life who needs a gift from Doctor Who TV series on DVD.
The entire first season on DVD is available as a set of five discs containing 13Episodes. Doctor Who is a fascinating character, the UK produced series of commands. He is a Lord, time travel time and space, but tends to run in London, most of the time. But the plots are not common. Some terrible alien or supernatural threats always threaten humanity with annihilation or enslavement. Occasionally, even the existence of the universe in balance. exchanged Fierce, angry animals, robots threats like Cybermen and the Daleks routine addressThe doctor missed - e.
Courage, intelligence, humor and fast-talking slightly form the character of the doctor who has no known name next to the doctor. "Of course, his time machine, the Tardis is a very complex machinery of living, but most of the technological prowess of the late doctor rather than by its general-purpose sonic screwdriver, the nomination made an infomercial in the night looks to be performed .
The doctor shows the characteristics of a classic man. His reparteeand the continuing sense of their authority allows him to quickly assume it had to face any situation. Even if a prisoner often becomes clear to his captors, knowing that he outwit. His confidence game, but always for good. He is not an imposter. He is honest and brave defending and what is best and fair.
Doctor Who in one way or another on television has been around for decades, despite the recent series is theare first produced in 15 years. Christopher Eccelston doctor the 2005 season, currently available in DVD player, the actor was actually finished ninth in the role. Doctor Who has had enormous popularity in the United Kingdom and has a large following in the U.S. as well. The latest version of the show has remained true to creativity sci fi plots and cliffhanger episodes that made the original size when upgrading to a new generation of entertainment. The doctor is now a bit 'a flirt and his companion Rose (he always has a young, pretty and spunky female shoulder) can call his mother on a cell phone from any planet or time.
TV on DVD make a great gift. The movies are not the only product of your DVD drive sales. Buy episodes of TV shows, in whole or entire seasons of the series, has become very popular. With great frustration of advertisers, people are increasingly choosing their favorite TV shows on DVD and buyin their spare time. The producers of TV programs are happily supplying the market for DVD and make extra income.
viewing DVD offers incredible ease and comfort. All points can be avoided without using a TiVo DVR, and you can show any time you want to see. TV on DVD also have a good resale value. It is an active market for used DVD from Amazon and eBay.
The latest version of Doctor Who should have broad appeal and irresistibleall but the most hardcore and serious science-fiction fans, lightness are intolerant. Scripts creative and fun characters go on every episode, and special effects were improved substantially from the old days. Men and women enjoy Doctor Who, and for older children and adults, but a bit 'too scary for children.
Dangerous Games (Riley Jensen, Guardian, Book 4) for $3.74
Cheap Dangerous Games (Riley Jensen, Guardian, Book 4) Discount Review Shop
I love and hate these books. I am not really into the whole vampire/ware-wolf/shifter type stories but I cannot put this series down. It started with the first 3 and I was happy when it seemed like there were only 6. Now I am waiting on 8 and 9. I just have to know what happens to Riley Jensen!
Available at Amazon
Cheap "Dangerous Games (Riley Jensen, Guardian, Book 4)" Discount Review Shop
The Secret of the Island for $19.11
Cheap The Secret of the Island Discount Review Shop
The Secret of the Island by Jules Verne, translated by William Henry Giles Kingston. Complete Illustrated novel. Published by MobileReference (mobi).
A wonderful book for reading during a cold long winter weekend. The Secret of the Island unquestionably deserves a place on your reading list.
Available at Amazon
Cheap "The Secret of the Island" Discount Review Shop
Dead as a Doornail (Original MM Art): A Sookie Stackhouse Novel (Sookie Stackhouse/True Blood) for $6.84
Cheap Dead as a Doornail (Original MM Art): A Sookie Stackhouse Novel (Sookie Stackhouse/True Blood) Discount Review Shop
I love the Sookie books, and this one was cute though not as good as the first couple for me. I love the tension between the characters.
Available at Amazon
Cheap "Dead as a Doornail (Original MM Art): A Sookie Stackhouse Novel (Sookie Stackhouse/True Blood)" Discount Review Shop
The Dervish House for $13.94
Cheap The Dervish House Discount Review Shop
When I gave Guy Gavriel Kay's Under Heaven its perfect score a few weeks back, I was persuaded that no other speculative fiction work could possibly even come close to it in terms of quality. And yet, I knew full well that the ARC for Ian McDonald's The Dervish House was sitting on my desk, practically begging me to read it. And still I believed that Kay's latest would reign supreme as the best SFF book of 2010 -- at least in this house. The more fool me, I know. . .
Considering how much I loved River of Gods, Brasyl, and Cyberabad Days, I'm aware that I should have waited a bit longer before granting Under Heaven its crown. After all, every McDonald title I've read since the creation of the Hotlist ended up in my top reads of that year. Call it Canadian patriotism or whatever you like, but I really wanted Guy Gavriel Kay to finish in pole position at the end of 2010. Unfortunately, Ian McDonald had another think coming for me.
The Dervish House is without a doubt his best and most accessible science fiction novel to date. And to put it simply, it just blew my mind. Believe me, I did try to find some shortcomings and facets that left a little to be desired. All to no avail, of course. The Dervish House is about as good as it gets, folks. McDonald's past novels had already set the bar rather high, no question. But this one, at least for me, is as close to perfection as a book can get.
Here's the blurb:
It begins with an explosion. Another day, another bus bomb. Everyone it seems is after a piece of Turkey. But the shock waves from this random act of twenty-first-century pandemic terrorism will ripple further and resonate louder than just Enginsoy Square.
Welcome to the world of The Dervish House--the great, ancient, paradoxical city of Istanbul, divided like a human brain, in the great, ancient, equally paradoxical nation of Turkey. The year is 2027 and Turkey is about to celebrate the fifth anniversary of its accession to the European Union, a Europe that now runs from the Arran Islands to Ararat. Population pushing one hundred million, Istanbul swollen to fifteen million, Turkey is the largest, most populous, and most diverse nation in the EU, but also one of the poorest and most socially divided. It's a boom economy, the sweatshop of Europe, the bazaar of central Asia, the key to the immense gas wealth of Russia and central Asia. The Dervish House is seven days, six characters, three interconnected story strands, one central common core--the eponymous dervish house, a character in itself--that pins all these players together in a weave of intrigue, conflict, drama, and a ticking clock of a thriller.
Previous novels by McDonald took some time to get into, as the author used the early part of each of his work to build the groundwork for what was to come. Uncharacteristically, in The Dervish House McDonald's tale grabs hold of you from the get-go and won't let go till you reach the very end. I wasn't expecting the novel to make such a powerful impression right from the very first pages. But as soon as that woman detonates herself inside Tram 157 near Necatibey Cadessi, any hope I had of ever being able to put down this book evaporated immediately.
Seemingly effortlessly (don't know how he manages to do it, but McDonald's always makes this look easy), the author captured the essence of 21st century Turkey on countless levels. His evocative prose brings Istanbul to life in vivid fashion. His undeniable eye for details creates an imagery and an atmosphere that will delight and impress readers in myriad ways. As is the author's wont, the worldbuilding is superb. His depiction of a futuristic Turkey now part of the EU is even more memorable than his thrilling depictions of India and Brazil were. Whether its the country's political and social psyche, or mundane details such as what people are having for breakfast, McDonald's narrative makes you feel as though you're part of the action.
The Dervish House is not split into usual chapters. Instead, the story takes place during seven days, beginning with that fateful terrorist bus bombing. The tale unfolds through the eyes of six disparate characters, with the dervish house connecting these various plotlines together. I felt at first that the contrasting personalities would perhaps create a somewhat discordant whole, but Ian McDonald makes them all come together in a surprising manner. As was the case with River of Gods, when the multilayered storylines converge, the author's genius and his gift for well-crafted characterization shine through.
Though every character has his or her part to play in the overall story arc, Necdet, who was staring at the woman on the tram when she blew herself up, could be what one might consider the central character. Yet that's not entirely true, as the rest of the cast, even if they do so sometimes indirectly, plays as important a role in the greater scheme of things. The boy Can Durukan is particularly well-realized, and his relationship with Georgios Ferentinou showed that the author possesses a deft human touch. Still, Ayse Erkoç was, for me, probably the most interesting of the bunch. Another great aspect of The Dervish House is that every single character has a backstory, making them all three-dimensional protagonists. Hence, although the novel is a thought-provoking work of science fiction, it is nevertheless a character-driven read.
The pace, even though it is never a factor, is not always crisp. The narrative slows down considerably in the POV portions of both Adnan Sarioglu and Leyla Gültasli. And yet, when McDonald's reveals the true importance of each plotline and how it's connected to the overall story arc, that's when things get really interesting!
Perhaps because fundamentalist islamic terrorists and the emergence of Turkey and its possible accession to the European Union have made the news quite often these last few years, many of the themes found within the pages of The Dervish House feel more actual and better known and understood than those of McDonald's previous novels. Which is why I feel that The Dervish House, while showcasing Ian McDonald at his very best in terms of thought-provoking storytelling skills, just might be his most accessible work to date.
The Dervish House deserves the highest possible recommendation. If you only have money to buy a single scifi novel this year, this has to be it.
Available at Amazon
Cheap "The Dervish House" Discount Review Shop
Fiction for younger readers - Part Six - Medieval Medicine
Create Heretic's Tomb and the creation of a learning environment authentic meaning in 1349 on the types of medicine practiced in Europe during the Middle Ages. Once again played some online sources, but I also read books on the medieval street life, food, living conditions, doctors and their treatments the great role, superstition and the Church's position player have a 'idea of how their work on Lady Isabella might have as a healer and doctor awayPioneer during the devastating epidemic of black plague. The causes of the disease are well known, but in mid-fourteenth century, not only were people mostly ignore the source of the terrible disease, also had limited resources to treat or cure and their victims.
The Middle Ages are often dominated as a more primitive time in terms of medical knowledge, superstition, much of the medicine of the classical world survived until the Middle Ages.The Islamic cultures of Spain, had been in the Middle East and North Africa is also a source of medical knowledge of doctors and Europeans in general, with some of the medicinal properties of plants. However, treatments and cures were often to do with magic and folklore, as they had to do with the real medicine. It was fascinating to read some of the most bizarre concoction of medicines and medical use, in the medieval period, and the fact that the treatment was very strong in astrologysome cases. holy relics, amulets and charms were also part of the physician as their repertoire some drugs, but I was also fascinated, as the medieval doctors could perform surgery to learn how to do skin grafts, set broken bones and much more.
Richard Dreyfuss in "Always" 1989 Movie Trailer
Spell of the Highlander for $21.07
Cheap Spell of the Highlander Discount Review Shop
Karen Marie Moning may be better known for her Fever series, but her rich and occasionally rather purple, prose has been catering to romance readers' long before Mac and Barrons came into the spotlight. She was responsible for a good seven and half books of pure Highlander deliciousness, a series that ended with a bang, or should I say, multiple bangs.. Well a heck of a lot of banging, as featured in the last novel of the lot, Spell of the Highlander.
Now I generally suck at synopses, (what do you know, I got that word well spelled in the first try), so forgive me for merely relaying the gist. And what is it comprised of? Brainiac heroine, Jessica St. James, assistant to a university professor and virgin de rigueur, whose life is forever altered after reluctantly accepting a mysterious crate in said professor's name. And what does the crate contain, pray tell? Nothing but a man-sized looking glass with whole lotta ensorcelled Highlander inside. Why the hell do I only get junk mail and fast food coupons?
Needless to say, things get dangerous real quickly, as the baddie of the book, the powerful sorcerer responsible for Cian MacKeltar's sordid entrapment in the mirror wants him desperately back. His immortality is at stake if he doesn't get his hands back on his most prized possession and he's got a little over twenty days to do so. Of course he's willing to kill everyone and everything in sight to do so, including poor unfortunate Jessi.
Well, unfortunate might not be the best descriptor after all, not when Jessi decides to aid Cian in his struggle to get free from his enemy. The greedy arse mofo has kept him imprisoned within the glass for over 1000 years. Yes, Jessi's life is in jeopardy, but Cian agrees to protect her in return, and boy is he one formidable protector. He's sexy, he's huge (oh yeah... aren't they all), he's from the ninth century and his speech is peppered with the doonas and cannas any Highlander worth his salt is supposed to use. His ways may be slightly (or very) archaic, he might occasionally treat Jessi in a me-tarzan-you-jane way (and this is actually a line in the book) but who cares. Cian Mackeltar stays true to the tradition of the blindingly sensual MacKeltar men Moning already introduced us to in Kiss of the Highlander and The Dark Highlander, Books 4 and 5 respectively. True fans will be delighted to know Drustan and Dageus and their oh so lucky wives actually make an appearance in this installment.
Spell of the Highlander contains a heaping dose of all those things Karen Marie Moning enthusiast appreciate about her, an undercurrent of humor, and a larger than life alpha hero that scorches the pages with his kilted self, a slightly whiny but ultimately compelling heroine and an intricate, well thought out plot. The stakes are high in this last installment, and the battle between good and evil achieves apocalyptic proportions. And I just have to add, no one does sexual tension like this author, or at least very few excel the way she does. This may not be my favorite book in the series, as that title belongs to Kiss of the Highlander, but it's a solid four out of five read for me. Why did it loose a point? Perhaps because it just didn't affect me emotionally the same way as the aforementioned book, or Immortal Highlander (Adam Black's book) did. Nevertheless, there's still a rich, thick decadent serving of romance and action in this one. Yes, Jessi and Cian's inability to keep their hands off each other and their constant humping like energizer bunnies on any surface they could find was just a tad over the top, but hey, give me Cian and I might just turn into a Jessi myself. Like with any of Moning's Highlander books, it's made to enjoy, not to analyze. And it's quite a light, enjoyable page turner in fact.
Available at Amazon
Cheap "Spell of the Highlander" Discount Review Shop
Gothic Costumes Ideas - 10 Best Halloween Costume Picks
Halloween will be upon us before we know and feel your mind turned to some costume ideas gothic.
Luckily, there are old and new favorites that can be drawn this year for some costume ideas.
Here are the top 10 takes Halloween costume, which I recommend for this year:
First Pirate Costumes: always a favorite with adults and children every Halloween. Who would not want to be a pirate? The most popular costume of 2009The bold look. Inspired by the incredible popularity of the character of Johnny Depp in "Pirates of the Caribbean film series, this costume will be popular again in 2010?
According to Super Hero: Maybe the pirates are not your thing. This is ok. The number two of the 10 best Halloween costumes reinforces the idea that motion pictures influence was a bit 'everywhere, as the series of popular films like Batman. Death-defying disguises include Batman, Spider-Man, and otherGooders. May not be a movie Spider-Man this year, but he is still a popular super-heroes. There are to be new entries this year - Captain America? Wolverine? You can choose for yourself ...
Third Movie Heroes: list those superpowers are seen as normal characters in the film are not the third. People from the past include costume Joker, Indiana Jones and various individuals from Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and Shrek. It will be Iron Mana popular costume this year?
Fourth Costumes: from fear, sexy and everything else. Halloween is not just for children. There will be lots of Halloween parties, where adults can dress up every year.
And you can dress up any fantasy you can think and have your own private person. Over the years, Halloween has become immensely popular with adults.
Fifth Michael Jackson: A total of twelve months after his death, thisMoon Walker is still very popular. There is no doubt his influence on pop culture. Tribute to the King of Pop with their costume.
Sixth Harry Potter books are great, and the film are even larger than life. The end of the movie is coming ... Harry Potter is a popular choice for children and adults.
Seventh Vampire: get your teeth look that old age in popular during Halloween. Twilight Vampire can seem vicious and haveromantic all at the same time, but there is no doubt that the killing of fear when you see a vampire ... You can choose between Edward and Bella look like the classic Dracula.
It does not cost much to see evil - and you can shine in the sun! :-)
8th Costumes Star Trek: Series you've done more? Deep Space Nine, The Next Generation, Voyager, or the original series. What clothes to choose?
Whether you're at Comic Con, a leading Halloween costumeParty or a Science Fiction Convention, there are Star Trek costumes, just for you. Star Trek uniforms and dresses in many colors and sizes for you to choose from.
Ninth Zombie: What were you afraid of zombies as a child? The attraction is so strong, as happened 10 years ago today. Zombies are making a return and the many wonderful ideas gothic costume. You can use a mask to make false hair, or even broken bones look to your costume even morerealistic.
10th GI Joe Ninja: I ask this as a concession here on my childhood. You may not be your thing, but there is no doubt that rock Ninjas! Only a savage gothic costumes ideas proposed ... Costume features blue overalls with a belt connected and Ascot, elbow length gloves and boot blacks corresponding shell.
Interview with Simon Rose, Author of Fantasy Fiction for children
Carma: I liked the eretico's Tomb, and I liked the way Annie in the past and the walled-up room in the abbey. What was your inspiration for The Heretic's Tomb '?
Simon: I'm glad you enjoyed the book. It 'was inspired by my love of history and I always liked time travel stories. Many novels have medieval settings, but for me some historical periods, as the time of the Black Death or the mystery of the Princes inTower box, as shown in The Sorcerer's Letter ', for example, are the most fascinating and most appropriate settings for a good adventure story.
Carma: What are your writing habits? Do you work on a research before the real story?
Simon: Yes, I know. I work mostly on a structure that provision, all the intricacies of the plot, before the novel proper. This design is usually at least a paragraph for each chapter andUp to 5000 words.
Carma: What fantasy in the mind of its author?
Simon: All kinds of things - the ancient mysteries, the unexplained, paranormal, science fiction themes, ideas, time travel, parallel universes, alternate realities, strange and wonderful characters and a whole series of "what if" scenarios.
Carma: What advice would you give to aspiring fantasy writers who tried to violate theGenre?
to copy Simon Test as original as possible, and not something else, even if popular. Write what interests you about this particular genre instead of jumping on a moving train.
Carma: Who is Simon Rose Describe an ordinary day in your life.
Simon: I'm not sure it's a normal day. If I'm not traveling or in a local school or library, I spend most of the day working on current book project, as well as marketing,Correspondence, etc., but also have children to feed, to take the animals to feed, to clean and so on.
Carma: What type of books you read as a child?
Simon: I was in the midst of Science Fiction, as a boy and read a lot of science fiction novels and short stories as CS Lewis, Tolkien and other fantasy authors. In high school, I studied a lot of history and have preserved My interestthe issue today. I also read an enormous number of comics as a child. Escapist, perhaps, but the comics were great for the imagination. On television, the original Star Trek series springs immediately to mind, along with many other influences.
Carma: How do you put on promoting your novel? How many hours per week you spend on book promotion?
Simon: I know some kind of promotion every day, whether for books or for me, though typically onlinethe Web site, blog or e-mail to author visits, summer camps, writing services, festivals and other events.
Carma: What was your experience in finding a publisher? What advice would you offer to these authors, a newcomer to the search?
Carma: There are a lot of resources online and elsewhere, in terms of publications, but to make a good thing is to research, publishing houses are of the same type of material thatwriting. If you are aged fantasy writing for ten years to see who is doing, and then on their website to see if they accept applications, even if you write fiction, Teen, to see who is doing it, and be sure again, to check their policy of submission. There are also publishers, the only non-fiction, specializing in issues rather than regional, the only books or images that do to pound image, but those not accepted, animal stories, and soon. It can be a long process but worth it.
Carma: What type of book promotion seems to be the best job for you? Any special strategies you'd like to share?
Simon: All authors must be prepared as everything possible to promote their work. Get a website or blog, or both, even before your first book published forge a good relationship with your local library for book signing events, certain knowledge in order to talk about your workFestivals, events and in particular to schools and libraries. You can be the greatest book ever written. However, nobody wants to see if your book has not lost to potential readers.
Simon is available for presentations, workshops, programs, writer-in-residence in Canada and the United States. Simon's next book in the spring of 2009 Doomsday Mask.
Thanks for this interview Simon.
Auctions Elder Art Contest
The greatest Sci-Fi Fantasy TV Series No One Ever Saw - "The Collector" About Satan & His Souls
"The Collector" is one of the largest Fi-Fa ntasy Cross T-V shows that many people have never seen the United States, much less knew of its existence. The collector is a Canadian television series that ran for three years, from 2004 to 2006, apparently in SU Syndication available only in a few places, I do not know why. What made "The Collector" great was the writing excellent, varied and totally unpredictable stories, the great spectacle of the stars shows Chris Kramer and weekly guest stars, great directing,Gritty photography and excellent production quality. Why this show was not taken on the Sci-Fi channel is beyond imagination. Chris Kramer as seems to be the next big action movie or TV star. His presence seemed to illuminate the screen, and probably remember him from his brief section on "24" as the brother of Milo in the last episode of 2007.
"The Collector," about a man named Morgan Pym played by Chris Kramer, who did a hundred years before a pact with the devil for a further10 years with his lover's death and should be avoided in a bid to become a hell for the Devil Soul Collector. Before you say that "Reaper" may or "Brimstone", what makes this show different is that Pym finally got the devil that can be played by different actors each week, 48 hours, up to any human being, try to redeem before hell. If they are freed, avoiding hell. The show was Action Drama Sci-Fi as opposed to religious. Morgan then soughtTo prevent people entering their souls to hell in contrast with the previous exhibition in which the hero tries to sell people return to hell. The stories were incredibly interesting, including episodes of a serial killer, AIDS, comedians and more, and you can not say every week, the soul would be saved and how these people were always dissolved swept into hell fantastic until the end of the episode. In many episodes, people who have sold their soul was not as good or as bad astheir first appearance. In some episodes, can hurt people's real collector, who continues as evil trick allows long history.
I learned from this series with the miracle of the Internet and run the entire series when I visited a friend in Canada who had been recording each episode to watch. It 's a shame that the commercial DVD of this show is not as surprising as I know, has been published. I can only say it was a pleasure to see this series and people who do notseen, really missed something special.