The Fireside

Today is a big day for fans of fantasy - Oathbringer , the third book in Brandon Sanderson's 10-book Stormlight series is published today. Sanderson is one of the best new(er) authors in fantasy, proving himself with a strong debut ( Elantris ) the Mistborn series, and now with Stormlight. The first two books, The Way of Kings and Words of Radiance , have both been well-received. The Stormlight series is a different type of fantasy, with immense world-building and lore. It is the spiritual successor to The Wheel of Time series. They are both apples and oranges, however Stormlight follows down the path that The Wheel of Time began. They are not related by any means, I mean to say that the vein of fantasy is close. Please note that you can't (and shouldn't) compare Sanderson with Martin, or Stormlight with Ice and Fire / Game of Thrones. So whether or not you've read The Wheel of time, if you like fantasy period, be sure not to miss the Stormlight series. Book...

Well, I promised you all an update, so here it is! My lady and I took a one-week trip to Nova Scotia and Quebec City mid to late October. We drove from Ottawa to Quebec City, then Quebec City to Nova Scotia. We enjoy taking trips, and thought we were due for one. Also, my uncle had a wedding during then. So, the purpose of the trip was for the wedding, although we greatly elaborated on it by doing more sight-seeing and vacationing. Needless to say, we both want to retire to Cape Breton Island [seriously – hop on google images. Or rather…don’t….the less people there the better!] It was great, great fun – the entire trip. Our Escape performed admirably and kept us going along the way. As did McDonald’s – their coffee, muffins and other things for ‘road travel’ were definitely welcome. Plus, they also have the Monopoly going on, as well. So there’s that. That aside, “life” has been happening! Hard to believe we already into November. Winter, and Christmas, are coming. On th...

I owe you a general update, but first up, is the info about the new illustrated editions of  Fantastic Beasts . The newly illustrated edition is now available in both hardback, and a special edition (hardback with slipcase). “This glorious new edition of Newt Scamander's  Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them  (considered a classic throughout the wizarding world) features an extraordinary array of magical creatures, from Acromantula to Yeti via ten different breeds of dragon - all beautifully illustrated in full colour by the brilliantly inventive, Greenaway Medal shortlisted Olivia Lomenech Gill. Famed Magizoologist Newt Scamander's years of adventure and exploration have yielded a work of unparalleled importance, admired by scholars, devoured by young witches and wizards, and even made available to Muggles in the early years of this century. With this dazzling illustrated edition, readers can explore the magical fauna of five continents from the comfort of their ow...