The Fireside

Everybody knows someone who likes Tolkien. About 13 years ago, I saw The Fellowship of the Ring  in cinemas, and received The Lord of the Rings (single volume hardback edition) for Christmas that year. That, and other things have made me associate fall and winter with fantasy. Essentially, since then I have become a fan of Tolkien. That said, here are some suggestions worth checking out for gifts to others...or perhaps yourself. First of all, there's The Hobbit  and The Lord of the Rings . I definitely recommend starting with those if you (or person buying for) have never read Tolkien before.  But what if you (or the person you're buying for) has already those?? I also suggest picking up The Children of Hurin. Especially for those who have read and enjoyed  The Hobbit  and The Lord of the Rings . This Tolkien's equal to a Greek tragedy, and is set in the First Age - so hundreds of hundreds of years before The Hobbit . It is also quite darker than The Lor...

Yesterday's post got out of my hands. There are some tales and stories that I was interested in, and wanted to share with you, so I did.  Today, however, I would like to tell you about two collections (both by Penguin) that belong in that post. Since they are collections, I thought it best to give them their own spot here. THE SAGAS OF THE ICELANDERS In Iceland, the age of the Vikings is also known as the Saga Age. A unique body of medieval literature, the Sagas rank with the world’s great literary treasures – as epic as Homer, as deep in tragedy as Sophocles, as engagingly human as Shakespeare. Set around the turn of the last millennium, these stories depict with an astonishingly modern realism the lives and deeds of the Norse men and women who first settled in Iceland and of their descendants, who ventured farther west to Greenland and, ultimately, North America. Sailing as far from the archetypal heroic adventure as the long ships did from home, the Sagas are written...

It is neat how influence and inspiration work, and how an interest in one thing can lead to an interest in another.  As I said many times before (and will do so here again, although very briefly) I have Peter Jackson to thank for discovering, reading, and appreciate Tolkien and his works.  However, in doing so, I have to appreciate something else because of Tolkien: poems. 

There was a lot more to Professor J.R.R. Tolkien than just The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings , as evident in my most recent post which showcases The Children of Hurin . Even, there was a lot more to him than the realms he created. Tolkien was a great lover of poetry, and old myths (Anglo-Saxon, Old English, Norse, Icelandic, etc...)  This post I shall talk a bit about something different from his usual material : The Legend of Sigurd and Gudrun . 

I know I have been talking about Tolkien a little bit the past few posts, I am attempting to create an awareness of some of his underrated and overlooked works. I won't delve into too many or all of them, expect the next few posts to do that. This go-around, I shall give a little info about what could very well be the last piece of the Middle-earth canon ever released [I hope not, but one should assume so as not to get hopes up. That way, any new entries, aside from special or anniversary editions of existing works, will come as a surprise.] which is The Children of Hurin.

    Good news everyone!   Yes, I will start 'announcement' posts in that fashion from now on...anyway, I was browsing Chapters, a national bookstore / book seller up here in Canada, when I noticed that George R.R. Martin's Ice Dragon book is being republished (a new edition?) in October of this year. I know nothing of the release, other than ISBN and release date, which is on the 21st.   The Ice Dragon is a great story, and worthwhile 'companion' to A Song of Ice and Fire , much the same way that The Tales of Beedle the Bard is a great companion to the Harry Potter series (especially Deathly Hallows ); or Tales of the Perilous Realm to some of Tolkien's tales. Great as a bed time story for close to when children begin to move on from being read to before bed, to when they begin to read books on their own accord. Of course, the book isn't just for children. I did a review of it [last December??] and used that book as a g...

So you haven't picked up The Way of Kings yet, by Brandon Sanderson? That's OK! Because on March 4, 2014 there will be a new edition coming in trade paperback.  Here is the info....

This is the first in a series of posts of gift-giving suggestions, as we are close to (American) Thanksgiving, (and therefore, Black Friday ) as well as Christmas and other holidays in December. This post will look at books. I've suggested some ISBNs of ideal editions (cost, quality)

It's going to be a Barristan Selmy chapter. Don't know details beyond that at this point. It may be 'titled' ("The Queensguard" or something) rather than 'named' ('Barristan') If you want to get into the series, read past the jump for more.

The Tyrant's Law, the third of five books in Daniel Abraham's fantasy series, The Dagger and the Coin, is now out. I received my copy not last Friday, but the week before. George R.R. Martin's blurb on the first book, The Dragon's Path , reads "Everything I look for in a fantasy". If you're looking to pick up a new series, or waiting for a book to come out, give this one a shot.  The Tyrant's Law includes a preview of the fourth book, currently titled The Widow's House , and that is expected to be released next year. Read more for the prologue, posted by the publisher. Book 1 sample: http://www.orbitbooks.net/the-dragons-path/ Book 2 sample: http://www.orbitbooks.net/the-kings-blood/  

Now there is a terrific reason to check out Brandon Sanderson's first book in his newest series.

Stormlight book 2 finally has a title.

In just two  days the Final Book of The Wheel of Time , called A Memory of Light  is released. The series began in 1990 with this....

There appears to be quite a few fantasy books coming out this year. No, not The Winds of Winter (yet...I'm betting 2014 for that one though if it's this year, sweet). There is a host of other novels coming up throughout the year - as well as ones I hadn't heard of yet, or ones that may arrive sooner than later.

One month until The Wheel of Time  makes its final turn.... What was, what will be, and what is may yet fall under the Shadow.

I have a book I can recommend to readers of adventure / fantasy, which may double as a Christmas suggestion. If you liked Narnia , The Hobbit , or other tales as a kid (though not just for  kids...), read further for one to check out, that goes with the winter season.

On my reading list, I'm currently reading The Eye of the World , the first book in The Wheel of Time series. I am halfway through the book, and this is not a 'review' but more of my thoughts so far.

I imagine many of you will be setting out to see The Hunger Games film at some point. Some before you’ve read the book, some after. I first heard of the series upon launch of the final book in the series, Mockingjay . I had never heard of the series nor the author before that point, so the fact that it was the finale to something I hadn’t heard of put me off slightly from checking it out at that time.I know they say not to judge a book by the cover, but Mockingjay has a sweet cover. (ed note: I love it when good books that covers that look nice too. Not that it matters, really, it's all about the text..but who wants to hold something ugly?) I’ll be honest and say that it’s because of Harry Potter that led to my interest for The Hunger Games Trilogy . I’d heard of its quality through Potter fans on message boards etc. And with Deathly Hallows: Part 2 coming out, Harry’s end was in sight. No more Potter novels (though I wouldn’t be surprised if we get more ...

Previously (well, a few previouslies) I had mentioned some authors and series (mostly fantasy) to look into. Well, here are a few more distinguished names of the genre, who I am not that familiar with. I've never read any of their work, but heard of them by name / series. This compliments my other posts on books / fantasy series. Just putting that out there for anyone looking for something to read.... I'm not sure if any of these are 'good' (depends what you like) but here you go : Author:                                             Known For: Orscon Scott Card                        The Tales of Alvin Maker Robert Silverberg                          Majipoor Ursula K. Le Guin                     ...