News

Free Readin’, “A Spell of Vengeance”, a Thieftaker short story by D.B. Jackson

By Aidan Moher July 4th, 2012

A Spell of Vengeance by D.B. JacksonHot off of yesterday’s review of Thieftaker, I thought I’d point you to a fun short story written by D.B. Jackson and published on Tor.com that ties into the series and introduces readers to Ethan Kaille, the titular protagonist of the series.

Ethan Kaille is a thieftaker in Colonial Boston, scratching out a living by restoring stolen property to its rightful owners. But unlike others in his profession, Ethan relies on magical spells as well as his wits to track down thieves. Being a conjurer doesn’t make him popular with the law in Boston, so Ethan is taken aback when the sheriff seeks his help in settling a dispute between a pair of wealthy merchants and a ship’s captain who has threatened their lives. Ethan knows the captain can back up his threats with magic of his own. But there is more to this matter than the merchants have let on, and Ethan soon discovers that what he doesn’t know might actually kill him.

You can read D.B. Jackson’s “A Spell of Vengeance” on Tor.com. If you’re interested in more from Jackson, he recently wrote a great guest post here on A Dribble of Ink, What Do Authors of Historical Fiction Owe to History?

Review

Review of Thieftaker by D.B. Jackson

By Justin Landon July 3rd, 2012
Thieftaker by D.B. Jackson

Thieftaker

By D.B. Jackson
Hardcover
Pages: 336 pages
Publisher: Tor Books
Release Date: 07/03/12
ISBN: 0765327619

EXCERPT

Prior to reading D.B. Jackson’s (aka: David B. Coe) most recent novel, my only exposure to the idea of a thieftaker, or a private individual hired to capture criminals, was Julian Sandar from Robert Jordan’s iconic Wheel of Time. Interestingly, my only experience with pre-Revolution America in genre fiction also came by way of Robert Jordan in his Fallon Blood series written under the pseudonym Reagan O’Neal. Jackson’s Thieftaker lifts both limitations, deftly blending historical fiction and urban fantasy to create a who-dun-it dressed up with tricorn hats and blood magic.

Set in 1765 in Boston, Massachusetts, during The Stamp Act riots, Thieftaker follows the exploits of Ethan Kaille, Jackson’s protagonist and only point of view character. Making his living finding stolen goods, Ethan is also a speller, capable of turning organic material into magical energy. When he’s asked to recover a necklace worn by the murdered daughter of a prominent royalist, he finds himself in the middle of a conspiracy to upset the delicate balance between Britain and her colonies.

As that summation suggest, Ethan is the narrative impetus, and the vehicle that Jackson uses to snare the reader. His history, power, and moral center held my interest despite a standard crime fiction plot structure that won’t overwhelm anyone with its inventiveness. In particular, it’s Ethan’s back story and how conjurers interact in a world that reviles their existence which gives Thieftaker its unique flavor. Read More »

News

PSA: The Prisoner of Heaven by Carlos Ruiz Zafon on the lam, hits bookshelves early

By Aidan Moher July 2nd, 2012
The Prisoner of Heaven by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

If, like me, you’re dying to get your hands on The Prisoner of Heaven, the sequel to Carlos Ruiz Zafon’s critically-acclaimed The Shadow of the Wind, you might be in luck. I wandered down to my local bookstore and saw copies of the novel sitting there on the shelf, over two weeks before the official release date. I’ve heard from other folk that they’ve also seen copies in the wild. So, if you’re waiting, it’s worth checking your bookstore to see if they have copies available now. I’ve got one, and just in time for a nice camping trip. Woo-ha!

If you’re not familiar with Zafon’s work, you might be interested in my review of The Shadow of the Wind. I consider it my favourite novel. Ever.

News

These noir portraits of Mario characters freak me out.

By Aidan Moher June 28th, 2012
Noir Mario Portraits by Anthony Jones Noir Mario Portraits by Anthony Jones Noir Mario Portraits by Anthony Jones

Anthony Jones, a concept artist and faculty member at Red Engine Studios, is the man behind these creepy (awesome) noir-ish portraits of that classic Mario characters we all know and love (well, I dunno whether I love Wario, but, yeah…)

Jones explains the project:

I’m developing a story for a spin off of Super Mario Bros! So far I’m calling it “Mario”

Mario – Is a beat down Plumber and leads a lonely but modest life. He can barely pay his rent and is coming off a drug called “Star.” little does he know that he is destined for great things

Peach – She is a successful actress/model and is working her way to the top! unfortunately most of her fame has been due to the help of mob boss Bowser, which leads her into some trouble later on down the road.

Luigi – Is the brother of Mario. They used to work together until something took a hold of Luigi. Although Mario was able to control his addiction to “Star” Luigi couldn’t. Now living in the streets lost and confused he has forgotten who he is and where he comes from! Always finding the next fix Luigi slowly deteriorates.

Mario Portraits by Anthony JonesMario Portraits by Anthony Jones

More of Jones’ artwork, including more Mario portraits and a lot of tremendous concept art (some of which is inspired by John Harris, one of my favourite Science Fiction painters), is available on Robot Pencil, his official website.