With little time to blog today, I thought I’d pass on an interesting article in io9 titled “J.J. Abrams Told Us the Origin Story of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” I’m as excited as anyone for the new film (Episode VII in the Star Wars chronology). And, as a writer, I was fascinated to learn…
For months I’ve been meaning to post my review of Fin Gall by James L. Nelson. Guest reviewer Bill Brockman first reviewed the book here. My take follows this image of the book’s cover. Fin Gall turned out to be a wonderful surprise. I was expecting a book focused on Vikings, but Nelson’s novel is…
I’ve been away from the blog longer than usual this month because I’ve been working hard on the sequel to Enoch’s Device. But since it’s Thanksgiving eve, I’m re-posting my traditional piece on the first Thanksgiving. And I’ve included some menu items from this year’s feast after the post! Growing up, I never paid much attention…
Two months ago, I deemed The Einstein Prophecy by Robert Masello my favorite book of 2015. But after reading George R.R. Martin’s A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, I must say we have a new winner. In fact, this one may rank among my favorite books of all time. Here are a few reasons why. Unlike…
With a title like The Skin Map and a hellish-red cover with shadowy images of pyramids and glowing arcane symbols, I expected this novel by Stephen R. Lawhead to be dark, and even biblically apocalyptic in tone. Boy was I wrong! The Skin Map turned out to be one of the most whimsical novels by…
Last October, while participating in “Fright Fest” at Heroines of Fantasy, I published a work of flash fiction titled The Devil’s Bridge. It’s based on a Welsh legend about an old woman and her deal with the devil – on the eve of Samhain (Halloween). So, in honor of Saturday’s holiday, I’m republishing the story…
After a very long wait, the premier of Season 3 of Da Vinci’s Demons airs tomorrow. To me, it will be bittersweet because Starz has ended the series, making Season 3 the final season of one of my favorite shows. Even worse, the studio made the decision after filming wrapped, so it’s unlikely we’ll see…
Many of you may already know that this is out, but while we wait patiently for The Winds of Winter, George R.R. Martin has released a book comprised of three novellas he wrote some time ago about a hedge knight in Westeros and his diminutive squire. I picked up a copy last week and can’t…
This one snuck up on me, but thanks to friend of the blog Bill Brockman I’ve learned that the television adaptation of Bernard Cornwell’s The Last Kingdom will premier this Saturday on BBC America! Young Uhtred For those that follow this blog, you know that Bernard Cornwell is my all time favorite author of medieval…
Recently, my daughter and I caught The Maze Runner on HBO and liked the movie enough to see The Scorch Trials this weekend. What we found was a plot hole so big it literally swallowed the first film. And it left me wondering: what in the world went wrong with this franchise? Note, some *SPOILERS*…
Before my summer trip to Rome I re-read Angels & Demons by Dan Brown and it reminded me how well Brown crafts puzzle-like plots. I’ve always liked his thrillers because they involve history and religion. But the key for me is the puzzle at the heart of each story. Here’s what I mean. (Minor *SPOILERS*…