#010 - The S&L Podcast: OMG Bunnies!

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[display_podcast] News Tales of Beetle the Bard to be published Dec. 4
She will donate all monies to the Children’s Voice campaign.  Amazon plans to produce 100 copies with the intention to duplicate the original look and feel of the book Amazon bought from her at auction for collectors that will go for $100 (recoup some of that money back) and the 157 page book will also have additional illustrations from the author. The standard edition will retail for $12.99

i09 debate: Magic vs. Science

Watership Down
First novel by Richard Adams
Published in 1972
Was rejected by 13 publishers but has never been out of print since first published.
Watership Down began as a story that Richard Adams told to his two children, Juliet and Rosamund, on a long car journey.
Based on he Private Life of the Rabbit (1964), by British naturalist Ronald Lockley
Anti-feminist?  Misogynistic?
Adapted into a film in 1978.
Also made into a TV series in the UK int he early 1990s and a theater production as well.

Ning Forum Reviews

Tayo - I just read "Feast of Souls" by C. S. Friedman and I cant recommend it highly enough. Fantastic. One of the most original new fantasies I have read since "Sabriel" by Garth Nix.

Simon - I have just finished reading the Terry Goodkind series 'Sword of Truth' and thought that I should tell you all that it was MEGA. Also if anyone has read this series then can you advise who to read next. I'm a bit stuck for ideas.

Giveaway! We're giving away a Logitech USB Headset! Want it? Get creative! Write us a ONE LINE CLOSING SENTENCE to a science fiction or fantasy novel. See our last contest for a sample of a good opening line! We'll put the top choices up for a vote! Check out Audible! Journey to a world beyond words with Audible Sci-Fi & Fantasy. Check out Audible for exclusive access to your favorite sci-fi and fantasy authors and exclusive commentary.  In addition, the new imprint, Audible Frontiers features new and sometimes previously unavailable audio books made available for the first time in audio.  Click here for a free trial offer and get your first audio book free.
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S&L Book 7: Watership Down

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Watership Down by Richard Adams is one of the first novels I remember reading (by myself, that is). I also remember being horrified, amazed, and entranced by it. It's definitely a classic, and I've always wanted to pick it up again and see how it affects me as an adult. No voting this time! In case you missed the podcast last time around, we're making it a dictatorship instead of a democracy for this cycle. If there are other books you'd rather read, please do and tell us all about them in the forums! Otherwise, I really hope you enjoy this selection. You can find it in our store, or your local library!
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#009 - The S&L Podcast: Unshapely Things

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We're back.  Expect us monthly or twice monthly for now! Sorry for the crappy headset sound, my external sound card is having problems! [display_podcast] Unshapely Things by Mark Del Franco As compared to Dresden Files? Let's turn to some forum comments from swordandlaser.ning.com! terpkristin wasn't really excited about this choice but got it anyway she says "dang, that was quite a happy surprise. I think I'm going to get the next book in the Connor Grey series. Did anybody else have any expectations going in? Were you surprised (in a good way or bad)?" Rick had the opposite reaction.  He was jazzed to read it but... "I read through it in three days, and while the read was quick and easy, it just struck me as a not very well done Dresden Files clone. I was so disappointed. I'm glad you enjoyed it, but for me, I won't be looking for any more del Franco books in the near future." Sam! said "As far as this one went, I enjoyed it quite a bit. Fun characters and a story that hooked me. I was particularly fond of Meryl. Actually, without saying too much, I found his female characterizations to be almost unanimously stronger than his male cast (aside from Joe, perhaps). Also, I was really satisfied with the ending, but there was still enough left unexplored and unanswered that I want to know what happens to Mr. Grey next." GeekDad_4WD - "I think he is setting up a whole series of books starting with this one. I did not think the characters were stiff or flat. I think del Franco is waiting for the next book or two to really develop them. And I enjoyed the allusions to a past planet/existence/world concept." Jimbo - "The only real issue I have with the novel is that it hints at past events, the convergence and fey conflict in WWII, that I find far more interesting than the main story. There are so many possibilities for interesting plots in the convergence. I also want to know what a fey war would be like. Would it be just magic or would they use human weapons also? I want to know!" Next Book? A dictatorship! Oh yes indeed. Also, Tom loves WoW.
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#008 - The S&L Podcast: Elf Noir? Seriously?

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We're just starting the new story, but somehow we found a ton to talk about anyway! [display_podcast] NEW BOOK!

Unshapely Things by Mark Del Franco
“In an alternate reality Boston where you are just as likely to see a troll or an elf walk down the street as you are to see a human, Fairy hustlers are winding up dead with their hearts cut out and replaced with stones. Druid Conner Grey uses his magical abilities to crack the case in this fun, interesting novel.”

Mark Del Franco takes an entirely straight-faced approach to the hard-boiled detective/police procedural template, keeping the snark to a minimum even when presenting us with dead fairy prostitutes.

Mark Del Franco spent several years in the publishing field in editorial and administrative roles and in the institutional finance field as a proposal writer. He currently is pursuing a freelance career in both these fields.
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=190541030
http://markdf.livejournal.com/

FROM THE FORUMS

Free eBooks

Favorite series CURRENTLY CHECKING OUT: Unholy Domain by Dan Ronco
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#007 - The S&L Podcast: Elfpunk FTW

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On today's show: [display_podcast] CONTEST WINNER!
Nick
As the shock wave raced across the planet, Jared’s final thought was
admitting to himself: “Those damn scientists were right all along“.

He wins... a copy of Mass Effect! WHAT WE'VE READ LATELY

V: Name of the Wind, Patrick Rothfuss

Tom: Roadside Picnic by Boris and Arkady Strugatsky. Film version is called Stalker.

ELFPUNK!

Vote for the next fantasy book, in the sub-genre of elfpunk!
(so far, Unshapely Things by Mark Del Franco is winning!)
Voting ends midnight, May 19th.

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Voting for S&L Book 6: Did someone say "elfpunk?"

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Actually, no one said elfpunk. But that's kind of way Tom and I are intrigued by this sub-genre. Yes, we've done cyberpunk before, but what about the gritty and enchanting synthesis of urban life and elves and fairies? Seeing as though I've never heard if the genre before, oh... today... we turned to the experts at Amazon to show us the light. Amazon user Luna Eclipse wrote up an amazing list of elfpunk novels, and here are the five I've selected for voting as well as the blurb written by Luna for context! Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr
"Reminiscent of Holly Black's Tithe, Wicked Lovely follows the exploits of Aislinn, a teenage girl with The Sight. Having spent her entire life trying to avoid the fairies, she suddenly finds herself being sought after by their king, who believes she may be the queen he's been searching for."
Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
"With no TV, no video games and no radio in sight, Kendra and Seth are prepared to be bored out of their minds while staying with their grandfather in his huge secluded manor while their parents enjoy themselves on a cruise...till they discover their grandfather is the guardian of Fablehaven, a sanctuary for all sorts of fairy tale creatures. A must have for all you fairy-lovers, young and old."
War for the Oaks: A Novel by Emma Bull
"If you are a fan of faeries, 80's music, and foppish attire, you will love this novel set in 1987 Minneapolis. This book was kind of slow at times but it was still pretty good. I absolutely adore the Phouka!
Ironside: A Modern Faery's Tale by Holly Black
"The final, decisive battle between the Night and Bright courts is about to take place, and all the characters from both Tithe and Valiant are in the mix. Black's best work yet."
Unshapely Things by Mark Del Franco
"In an alternate reality Boston where you are just as likely to see a troll or an elf walk down the street as you are to see a human, Fairy hustlers are winding up dead with their hearts cut out and replaced with stones. Druid Conner Grey uses his magical abilities to crack the case in this fun, interesting novel."
Voting closes at midnight on the 19th, so get those votes in! All books available on the S&L store either way. [poll=7]
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#006 - The S&L Podcast: Childhood's End (the end!)

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Thanks to Josh Lawrence for making us our awesome (and both sword-and-lasery) theme music! [display_podcast] On today's show: We finished Childhood's End! What was the final verdict?

 Forums

I think the most interesting sections of this part of the book are the implications that what the Overlords are doing is not for the benefit of mankind. Especially that last line, "the stars are not for man." This was mostly clearly spelled out to me at the end of chapter six, "If, indeed, it was altruism. For there were still some who wondered if the policies of the Overlords would always coincide with the true welfare of humanity."

In fact, I think it's almost ironic that Clarke titles this section, "The Golden Age." Although Earth is at peace and prosperous there's this continuous implication that the Overlords have transformed the planet into a giant playground. I think this is what's kept humanity from struggling to rebel or oppose the Overlords.

I think this is a really interesting theme in the book. There are other science fiction novels and movies that show humans encountering a hostile alien species and then struggling to match their level of technology. Here, Clarke shows humans encountering a mostly (or at least, apparently) benign species and this crushing our drive for progress.

Also, on a side note, did anyone else notice Clarke anticipating DNA paternity tests and the Pill and the effects this would have on sexual mores?

James from Pittsburgh

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It seemed like humanity was gently forced down a path that optimistically, I'd hope we would have travelled down eventually on are own. Perhaps, there was a time crunch and this needed to happen in 100 years instead of 200 or 300. The statements made in the book by Kallaren that the Overlords saved humans from 'certain nuclear anihalation' never did sit right with me. Perhaps in the 50's it was easier to belieive remarks like this, but I think the world is smarter now than it was then and don't feel that nuclear war is our destiny. Perhaps the Overlords are an insurance plan by the Overmind to ensure that the potential races don't destroy themselves. This again begs the big question...what gives them the right to do this?

I agree with many other statements made in the discussions, that it seems like we had to give up an aweful lot to move to the next state of being. As a human, I enjoy my individuality. As a parent, I would find it horrifying for my kids to eventually be taken away from me, first mentally and then physically, even if I knew it was the natural course of things.

One question I have, do you think any race ever decided NOT to join with the Overmind? If so, what happened?

Greg

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Old SciFi Movies and TV

As well as reading Sci-Fi I love to watch old Sci-Fi movies & t.v. shows. Movies such as Metropolis or The Day the Earth Stood Still. What good, bad or quirky shows do people out there like?
One really bad film I liked because it was so bad ( and it had my other favourite genre Christmas), starred Victor Mature & involved the Martians kidnapping Santa. Cannot think of its name, so if you know lets hear fom you.

Vir Cotto

Contest Winners - Top 3
Winner gets a copy of Mass Effect for the Xbox 360! Nick
As the shock wave raced across the planet, Jared's final thought was
admitting to himself: "Those damn scientists were right all along".

Jonathan
As Naomi Nakonis stared with a sinking stomach at her rented body's scaley protrusions and prehensile tail, she knew with absolute certainty how right her roommate's advice had been: never go on a blind date with a man who suggests getting to know each other over inter-species consciousness transfer.

Martin
Prior to December 13, 2008 many believed the world would be a better place with a few million fewer people; unfortunately for the survivors this turned out not to be the case.
[poll=6]
EMAIL

Hello,

After listening to your previous ramblings about the capcha crapsta, I decided to ask some blind friends about this situation and boy did I get a response. The biggest complaint I found was the fact that Sword and Laser is run on Ning which uses inaccessible capchas for registration. So much for Tom's building a community for the sci-fi readers. I guess that community is qualified by saying, no blind people allowed man! Queue the Molly, "Oh Snap!"

What say you Tom Merritt and the new co-host of Tekzilla, Veronica? What say you?

Keep up the somewhat good work.. *wink*

Thumbs up for Sean of Georgia! I'm not sure if that is technically possible but good thought.

--
Rodney EdgarT&V,

I'm not sure whether L.Neil would be your cup of tea. He currently has his first and most successful/famous novel, The Probability Broach, turned graphic and free to read on the web. (link below) Or you could buy it or borrow it (library?) either graphic or text. This is "libertarian" scifi. In the vein of Heinlein. I know you guys are really busy but it is pretty fast reading and I'm curious as to you younguns' take. As an author L. Neil is experimenting with a number of models to not only publish but get paid. Kind of interesting the "community" approach that is possible with the internet.

http://www.bigheadpress.com/tpbtgn?page=0

Roger
Palm Beach County, Florida

PS: I just received Boiling Point from Amazon. It's next on my stack.

Next Book

FANTASY!!!
Too many choices! 147 replies!
I'll come up with someone this week! Stay tuned!
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#005 - The S&L Podcast: Childhood's End (the beginning!)

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How convinient! The 5th episode of the podcast falls on the eve of our 5th book, Childhood's End! Here are the show notes for today's episode: [display_podcast] Arthur C. Clarke
Built first telescope at 13.
Great fan of "Astounding Stories"
Served in Air Force through World War II
Attended King's College London and took a degree in physics and mathematics
Prelude To Space was published in 1951 (First published novel)
Also published a short story called "The Sentinel" which inspired Stanley Kubrick to make 2001: A Space Odyssey.
May don't realize 2001 the book is a novelization of the movie.
Won the Hugo and Nebula awards for 1973 Rendezvous with Rama
He was Knighted in 1998 Comments from Childhood's End Group
http://swordandlaser.ning.com/group/childhoodsend

We are not Rocket Scientists
http://swordandlaser.ning.com/forum/topic/show?id=1288181%3ATopic%3A25745&page=2


New Neal Stephenson Novel out September 9, 2008.
Anathem
http://time-blog.com/nerd_world/2008/03/the_return_of_neal_stephenson.html

Side-reading
Books you might also be interested in.

Veronica's Pick
Belgariad and Mallorean:
by David Eddings

Tom's Pick
The Man in the High Castle - Philip K. Dick

Contest: Write us a great one-sentence opener to a sci-fi or fantasy book!!
Email us!!
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S&L Book 5: Childhood's End

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childhoodsendWe're back full-speed ahead into the science fiction genre with Arthur C. Clarke's Childhood's End. The book (as well as the other voting nominees) are now available in the S&L Store, or where ever you pick up your books! Here's a little bit of a review to whet your appetite: It sounds like a story you've heard before: great alien masters descend on Earth and take control of the world, ushering in a golden age that may be cleverly disguised creative slavery. But Clarke's legendary novel (equal to Rendezvous with Rama and 2001: A Space Odyssey in fame) isn't about a human rebellion against alien overlords, but the evolution of humanity into its next stage, and the ultimate dwarfing power of the unknowable order of the cosmos. I'm really looking forward to this one! Join the discussion group here. We'll be releasing another podcast episode in the next couple of days, intro-ing the book and discussing some other the themes (among other topics, of course). If you have anything you'd like us to talk about, email your suggestions to theswordandlaser [at] gmail [dot] com.
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#004 - The Sword and Laser Podcast: Neuromancer Wrap Up!

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We're finally back with the Sword and Laser podcast, after a long hiatus! Thanks for sticking with us. Listen in to find the new info about how we'll cover books in the future. Here are the shownotes for this episode: [display_podcast] Winner of the contest -- Xanar!! sword and laser graphic She wins a copy of Mass Effect! Passing of Arthur C. Clarke Next book will be one of his, voting goes up tonight: Rendezvous with Rama 2001: A Space Odyssey Childhood's End Songs of Distant Earth Pocket and the Pendant, by Mark Jeffery: Free audio book on Podiobooks
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The Sword and Laser Podcast: Neuromancer Ch. 5-13

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[display_podcast] The "lost" Episode 3 is gone forever, but we have an even better new Episode 3 covering the rest of Shopping Trip and Midnight in the Rue Jules Verne. Plus we unveil a special contest with your chance to win a prize. But you have to listen to find out the deets! (Or trawl the Ning group, I guess. But just listen anyway, it's fun.)
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Two new books to distract me

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Yes, I know I should be catching up with my Neuromancer, but two new books arrived at my doorstep this morning, and I'm dying to dig into them! The first is Renegade's Magic: Book 3 of The Soldier's Son Trilogy. Now, if you love fantasy and haven't read any Robin Hobb, I HIGHLY SUGGEST that you do so at your earliest convenience. Start with The Farseer Trilogy and work from there. Now, while I had a harder time getting into The Soldier's Son Trilogy a little more than her other works, I still really enjoy it. Here's a brief synopsis:
Loyal, privileged, and brave, Nevare Burvelle proudly embraced his preordained role as soldier in the service of the King of Gernia—unaware of the strange turns his life would ultimately take. Exposed to a plague of enemy sorcery that felled many of his compatriots, he prevailed, but at a terrible cost to his soul, body, and heart. Now he stands wrongly accused of unspeakable crimes—including murder, the most heinous of them all.
What I like most about this trilogy is how magic is both feared and condemned, yet you get a sense that the sides of good and evil aren't as clear as you may have thought. It's a very "man vs. nature" kind of book, and there's a lot of tension involved with the battles that Nevare is fighting inwardly and out. The second book (and the one I'll probably fall prey to first) is Shadowplay: Shawdowmarch Volume II. Tad Williams is probably my favorite author in the fantasy world, but he pulled a fast one over me with this series -- basically, because I didn't realize I was getting involved with more than one book! I started reading Shadowmarch (apparently, Volume I) and with about forty pages left I started wondering "Wow... there are a lot of loose ends to tie up in these last chapters! I wonder how it's all going to come together?" The joke was that they didn't. Abruptly, the book ended, and the remaining pages were Appendix. I realized then that I had been sucked into yet another series (and how many volumes, I have no idea...) but I'm pretty OK with that. Here's a blurb for the first volume:
Shadowmarch: Volume 1 introduces a world conquered by humans, who have driven the Qar, or fairy folk, into the far north. There, the Qar hide behind the "Shadowline," a mysterious veil of perpetual mist, which drives mad any human who dares enter it. Bordering that mist and named for it is Shadowmarch, the northernmost human kingdom.
Shadowmarch has lately fallen on hard times. Its king has been captured by a rival kingdom, the regent has been mysteriously slain, and the new regents are callow fifteen-year-olds. Moody, crippled Prince Barrick is uninterested in their responsibilities and haunted by eerie dreams. His twin, Princess Briony, takes their new duties seriously, but is hot-tempered and headstrong. How can they defeat the greatest threats in Shadowmarch history? Their nobles plot to overthrow them--and the plotters may include their pregnant stepmother, seeking the throne for her own child. The expanding empire of Xis has sent its agents into Shadowmarch. And, for the first time since it appeared centuries ago, the Shadowline has starting moving. As the maddening mist spreads south over Shadowmarch, it does not quite hide the powerful, uncanny, and vengeful Qar army of invasion...
There are several story lines in this book, and I'm really excited to see how they all relate to each other! As you can see, I've started a Goodreads account, and Tom has one too (which he's obviously spent a lot more time adding to than I have, I might point out). It's a great way to list the books and authors you're into, and also find new things to read! But don't get too distracted, we're still supposed to be working on S&L Book 4!
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The Sword and Laser Podcast: Neuromancer Ch. 3-4

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Episode 2 of the Sword and Laser podcast is here! We're having some funky audio issues, so stick with us. On today's show we talk about chapters three and four of Neuromancer, and we also touch on some other sci-fi/fantasy things that we've been reading and watching lately! As always, please leave questions and comments here, or in the forums!
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S&L Book 4: Neuromancer

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The votes have spoken, and William Gibson's cyberpunk epic Neuromancer has edged out the competition (beating Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep by a mere 3 votes!). From Amazon's review: Here is the novel that started it all, launching the cyberpunk generation, and the first novel to win the holy trinity of science fiction: the Hugo Award, the Nebula Award and the Philip K. Dick Award [Ed. - Oh, the irony!]. With Neuromancer, William Gibson introduced the world to cyberspace--and science fiction has never been the same. You can pick up the book in paperback form from the Sword and Laser Store (which helps to offset the costs of hosting), or at fine bookstores near you. Let's try to have the book by the the 1st of February so we can start the discussion!
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