Nov 29

Review | The Book of Joby by Mark J. Ferrari

Reviews
10 Comments »

The Book of Joby by Mark J. Ferrari

The Book of Joby

Author – Mark J. Ferrari

Trade Paperback
Pages: 640 pages
Publisher: Tor Books
Release Date: August 21st, 2007
ISBN-10: 0765317532
ISBN-13: 978-0765317537

Interview: HERE
Excerpts: HERE

In the past, I’ve been pretty vocal in naming Patrick Rothfuss’ The Name of the Wind (REVIEW) as not only the Fantasy Debut of the year but also the Fantasy Book of the year. I was sure, even when I read it several months ago, that nothing would come along to supplant it from that lofty height.

I was wrong.
Read More »

Nov 26

An Aside | The Wise Man’s Fear Release Info

Asides
4 Comments »

The Wise Man's Fear by Patrick RothfussPat, from Pat’s Fantasy Hotlist, recently contacted Betsy Wollheim at DAW Books in regards to the release of Patrick Rothfuss’s second novel, The Wise Man’s Fear.

Most of you will remember that Rothfuss actually wrote his first trilogy as a novel before having it split up into three volumes after being picked up by Matt Bailer (SF/F Agent extraordinaire). This was a good thing, it meant that Rothfuss had at least a rough draft of the final two novels in the trilogy completed. One would think this would result in a quick release schedule of the three novels.

Not so much, I guess. Here’s Betsy’s reply to Pat:

Pat will not be delivering the complete first draft until March, and I’ve only read a few tantalizing sections. We’re hoping to publish in April ‘09. We’re planning at least two rewrites.

It’s disappointing that we’ll have to wait so long. But, like Pat mentioned, it’s also nice to know that DAW isn’t screwing around with what is sure to be their most successful trilogy since Tad William’s Memory, Sorrow and Thorn. Rothfuss has a good thing going on and I want it to be the best damn trilogy it can be.

Meanwhile, I’ll just keep cracking away at all the other terrific novels out there…

Nov 24

Mini-review | In Between Dreams by Christopher Barzak

Reviews
3 Comments »

The Solaris Book of New Fantasy edited by George MannIn Between Dreams
by Christopher Barzak

If there’s a story within The Solaris Book of New Fantasy that I enjoy more than Christopher Barzak’s In Between Dreams I’ll be mighty surprised (and mighty pleased, for that matter). Like the words and actions of many of its characters, In Between Dreams is a surreal, mysterious but ultimately powerful and rewarding riddle.
Read More »

Nov 22

Interview | Shawn C. Speakman

Interviews
15 Comments »

Shawn Speakman, author of Song of the Fell HammerShawn Speakman is a good friend of mine. I recently wrote a testimonial about him (HERE) and since it proved so popular, I thought a terrific way to complement it would be to interview him. Speakman’s a hard working author-to-be who’s been around the publishing industry for a long time and has rubbed shoulders with some of the genre’s biggest names (Richard Morgan, Terry Brooks, R.A. Salvatore, Robin Hobb, Steven Erikson and Patrick Rothfuss, to name a few).

It may seem strange for me to interview an as-yet-unpublished author, but once you read what Speakman has to say, you’ll see he has a lot of knowledge about the industry, a strong philosophy when it comes to writing and an interesting story with regards to how he became web master, and friend, to Terry Brooks, one of the heavyweights of the Fantasy World.

Enjoy!
Read More »

Nov 20

Mini-review | King Tales by Jeff VanderMeer

Reviews
2 Comments »

The Solaris Book of New Fantasy edited by George MannKing Tales
by Jeff VanderMeer

Jeff VanderMeer’s offering to The Solaris Book of New Fantasy is about as opposite from the previous story (Hal Duncan’s The Prince of End Times) as can be. VanderMeer takes a refreshing approach to Fantasy, setting himself apart from the other stories included in the anthology. Though perhaps refreshing is the wrong word, because VanderMeer, essentially brings back the essence of Fantasy, serving us a trio of thoughtful, accessible and charming Fables.
Read More »

Nov 19

Interview | Bloggers! [Part Two]

Interviews
6 Comments »

Alright, everyone! As promised, here’s the second part in my interview with several of the prominent SF/F bloggers! I hope you all enjoy it as much as you seem to have enjoyed the first part!

Included in the review are Chris, the Book Swede, Graeme’s Fantasy Book Review, The Fantasy Review, Neth Space, Pat’s Fantasy Hotlist, Rob’s Blog o’ Stuff, SciFiChick, Fantasy Book Critic and La Gringa from The Swivet.

You can find the first part HERE.

Enjoy!
Read More »

Nov 18

Mini-review | The Prince of End Times by Hal Duncan

Reviews
4 Comments »

The Solaris Book of New Fantasy edited by George MannThe Prince of End Times
by Hal Duncan

It’s easier to quote poets than to read them.
– Allison Barrows, Preteena, 09-30-06

This quote, in many ways, sums up the journey I took through Hal Duncan’s magical, but almost impenetrable, short story, The Prince of End Times. Duncan is less a prosaist and more a poet playfully pandering to an internal desire to write a novel. The result of this is a story that makes you work, but ultimately rewards you dearly for your efforts.
Read More »

Nov 16

Mini-review | Grander than the Sea by T.A. Pratt

Reviews
No Comments »

The Solaris Book of New Fantasy edited by George MannGrander than the Sea
by T.A. Pratt

T.A. Pratt’s offering in The Solaris Book of New Fantasy is a charming, sarcastic romp of an Urban Fantasy. Chief sorcerer of the city of Felport, Marla Mason, and her partner Rondeau take an interesting and humourous approach to overcoming a loony, fatalistic sorcerer’s attempt to resurrect a non-existent God of the Sea who’s hellbent on destroying the world.
Read More »

Nov 16

Interview | Bloggers! [Part One]

Interviews
19 Comments »

If you ask me, A Dribble of Ink is a mighty fine blog. But, as you may have noticed, I’m not the only blogger out there. In fact, I’m not even the only great blogger out there!

I know. I know. It’s hard to beleive, but it’s true.

In fact, I went ahead and gathered several of my favourites, tied them up in a room, and picked their brains. Us bloggers spend so much time putting the minds of authors under the knife and I thought it would be interesting to take a look at another side of the industry that doesn’t get examined. It also gives you (and me) a good chance to get to know some of these great bloggers just a little better.

Ever wondered what makes your favourite blogger tick? Well, you’re about to find out.

The bloggers taking part are: Chris, the Book Swede, Graeme’s Fantasy Book Review, The Fantasy Review, Neth Space, Pat’s Fantasy Hotlist, Rob’s Blog o’ Stuff, SciFiChick, Fantasy Book Critic and La Gringa from The Swivet. I tried to put together a nice, broad demographic of rookie and veteran blogs. They didn’t disappoint.

Being blogger, they like to talk… a lot. To that effect, I’ve split the interview up into two parts, the second of which will be published sometime in the next couple of days.

Break out the popcorn, set aside some time and enjoy!
Read More »

Nov 16

An Aside | Miss Snark

Asides
2 Comments »

Have you heard of Miss Snark? If not, you should check it out sooner rather than later.

Miss Snark – a pseudonym for a mysterious, high ranking agent – ran a terrific blog for over three years where she gave us a cynical, sarcastic, but ultimately honest inside look at the publishing industry. She answered countless questions from her readers and in the process created an intelligent, funny and useful well of knowledge for anyone interested in the publishing industry.

It might seem odd for a little blog like A Dribble of Ink to be promoting a blog that:

  • Had a huge readership, far beyond that of this blog
  • Is no longer being updated.

But one look at the site will show you just how terrific a resource it is. Go back through and read the wealth of information provided by Miss Snark. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!

Check it out HERE.

Nov 15

Mini-review | Tornado of Sparks by James Maxey

Reviews
4 Comments »

The Solaris Book of New Fantasy edited by George MannTornado of Sparks
by James Maxey

I originally became aware of James Maxey through his novel, Bitterwood. I haven’t read the novel, but it has dragons and, well… dragon’s are pretty neat. If they’re handled correctly. And that’s where both the strength and the weaknesses of Maxey’s curiously named short story, Tornado of Sparks lie.
Read More »

Nov 15

An Aside | Cover Art for Iron Angel

Asides, Cover Art
4 Comments »

I thought this was pretty cool. The cover art for Alan Campbell’s latest novel, Iron Angel was just released. The art was done by Steven Youll, who’s done about a million other SF/F covers!

The cover art for Iron Angel by Alan Campbell

Alan Campbell, who’s first novel is Scar Night, is someone I’ve wanted to check out for a while now and was strongly considered for each of my Changing of the Guard articles (One, Two, Three). In any case, my friend passed this along and I thought some of you Campbell fans might be interested!

Nov 14

Mini-review | Reins of Destiny by Janny Wurts

Reviews
6 Comments »

The Solaris Book of New Fantasy edited by George MannReins of Destiny
by Janny Wurts

The second story in The Solaris Book of New Fantasy, Reins of Destiny, is an offering by Janny Wurts, a well known and prolific Fantasy author. Despite the fact that’s she’s written/co-written over a dozen novels, this short story was the first chance that I had to actually read any of her work. I’m sorry to say, however, that it will probably also be the last.
Read More »

Nov 14

An Aside | Dabel Bros. Team Up with Del Rey

Asides
No Comments »

Jim Butcher's The Dresden FilesThe Dabel Brothers, quite possibly my favourite team in the comic world, have just announced that they are partnering up with Fantasy heavyweight publisher Del Rey. Dabel Brother Publishing won my heart by beautifully adapting stories by some of my favourite authors including Tad Williams, Raymond E. Feist, and George R.R. Martin.

If you’re a fan of comics and graphic novels, or just a fan of Fantasy Literature in general, you should do yourself a favour and check out any of the projects put together by Dabel Brothers Publishing. You won’t be disappointed.
Read More »

Nov 13

Mini-review | Who Slays the Gyant, Wounds the Beast by Mark Chadbourn

Reviews
6 Comments »

The Solaris Book of New Fantasy edited by George MannWho Slays the Gyant, Wounds the Beast
by Mark Chadbourn

The lead story in The Solaris Book of New Fantasy is a rolicking, fast paced riff off the classic Sherlock-Holmes-style mystery… only with a cadre of evil Faeries and straw men to spice things up. True to the style of story, super-spy William Swyfte (think James Bond, circa 1598) and sidekick Nataniel Colt get wrapped up in a hairy situation on Christmas Eve and have to keep themselves, along with a houseful of guests, safe until sunrise.
Read More »

Previous Entries
Based on a template by:  SadhWeb Directory  &  WP Theme