I'm going on holiday!

Actually, by the time you read this post I'll be on holiday (driving down to Plymouth for a week in a tent in the middle of Dartmoor). Not to worry though, I've loaded up the blog with some pretty cool stuff that should keep you going until I get back (I love the 'post scheduling thing' on this!). It's all about the competitions next week with the chance to win copies of Jacqueline Carey's 'Kushiel's Scion' and signed copies of Adrian Tchaikovsky's 'Empire in Black and Gold'. As well as these, I've also got another 'Mystery Book Giveaway' coming up...

Just because I'm away it doesn't mean that you should stop emailing me, I love getting emails! I've got pretty much no internet access for the next week though so you'll have to wait a little while for a reply (I will get back to you though, promise).

I'll see you the week after next with a review of Peter Brett's 'The Painted Man', a whole load of stuff by John Scalzi and whatever else I can jam into the car to take away with me...

The 'I met Steven Erikson today' link-up spectacular!

The title gives it all away doesn't it (there will be a photo once I can get it off my phone)? Ever since I first read 'Gardens of the Moon', I've always wanted to meet Steven Erikson and ask him loads of questions about his books. Well, I got to meet him today (and got several of my books signed)but the cool demeanour I was aiming for was mysteriously replaced by my 'slack-jawed fanboy' face, oh dear... He's a really nice guy though and has promised me that Iskaral Pust will be meeting Kruppe at some point during 'Toll the Hounds', a meeting that I've been looking forward to for a long time! If you're a fan of the Malazan books, and living in the UK then you really need to find the time to get to one of these signings!

Because of this I've been grinning like an idiot all day and haven't got anything sensible to say. Isn't it a good job then that there are loads of other bloggers whose blogs are brimming with cool content? Let's have a look...

James got to Meet Steven Erikson as well and is a lot more coherent about it than I... He got to go to a Question and Answer session as well as a signing. James also mentions a new Networking Site especially for fantasy fans. I'm a member, you should sign up too!

Tia has encountered two Difficult Reads. Have you read them? If you have then let Tia know how you got on with them...

If you're a fan of sci-fi or fantasy then Robert's Spotlight for books out this month is a resource you need to be checking out. He also reviews Empire in Balck and Gold...

Larry has a pretty cool post on Textual Misreadings and has reminded me that I really need to get round to finishing Ellen Datlow's latest anthology.

Adam has a review of Toll the Hounds that is worth a look.

I've never really got into R.A Salvatore's books but Dark Wolf has reminded me that the covers do look pretty Cool.

Jay's blog has Moved and so has Laurence's. I need to remember to change my blogroll...

Last but not least, Blindman reviews Galileo's Children over on Realms of Speculative Fiction.

What am I doing while all this great content is going on? I've got loads of cool books on the go and some DVDs to catch up on :o)
Have a great weekend!

Love is...

... something that won't be featuring heavily in my reading for some time to come! :o) Yes, it's time to bid a fond farewell to the 'Week of Love' and get back to the sci-fi/fantasy/horror that got me blogging in the first place (can you hear me breathe a sigh of relief?)
I've learned a few things about 'para-normal romance', and romance in urban fantasy/sci-fi, this week. I gave it a go but it's just not for me. Am I just a prude or do I think that certain authors could write a better story without resorting to graphic detail of you know what? A little bit of A and a little bit B I have to admit. I also learnt that...

A were-leopard never changes its spots.

The motel industry in America is built on the antics of amorous were-creatures that just cannot wait to get home.

Being under a witch's spell is a perfectly good reason for not calling your girlfriend.

Leprachauns smoke pot.

The term 'para-normal romance' is very misleading as far as I'm concerned!

And there you have it. Tomorrow should see a review of a tasty slice of horror fiction that I'm reading and I'll hopefully be setting up a couple of competitions as well. Before I go, I just want to say thanks to everyone who linked to the 'Blood Noir' review. It was really interesting to see some of the comments that came up (it's not just me who thinks this stuff). Cheers!
Hope the rest of your weekend is great!

I'm going on holiday!

The next seven days are going to see me kicking back and relaxing in the sunshine of Madeira :o) At least that's the plan, hopefully this holiday won't turn out the same way that Scotland did... I'll be doing as much reading as I normally do but am only planning on posting reviews etc if the weather is really bad and there's an internet cafe nearby. Stop by and check the blog anyway! ;o)
If you're one of those lovely people who send me emails I will reply eventually but it will be in a weeks time after I get back home!

See you all in a week!

The 'I've got a horrible feeling that I'm still hungover' link bonanza!

I've just got back from a great weekend in Sheffield with all my mates from the SFX forum; lightsaber fights, Chinese food and pretty much all the Star Trek films. Good times... :o)
I've hardly had any sleep and I'm wishing that I hadn't drunk quite so much! Here's some links for you, I'm going to bed after I've posted this...

The Book Swede has what may be the first review of Brian Ruckley's Bloodheir, he also introduces us to his Pile of Shame...

There's been a lot of talk about 'blog reviews' just recently. Jay Tomio has this to say...

Pat didn't think an awful lot of Andrzej Sapkowski's 'The Last Wish'

Over at Fantasy Debut it's time for a 'debut showcase' and it's Elizabeth C. Bunce's A Curse As Dark As Gold in the frame.

Tobias Buckell has a quick word to say about the Green Man Review's Best of 2007 List.

SQT has a guest review for Vikki Pettersson's Scent of Shadows

Last but not least, Thrinidir over at Realms of Speculative Fiction has a look at Ursula K. Le Guin's The Lathe of Heaven...

What am I doing while all this is going on? I've just finished Mark Charan Newton's debut novel, 'The Reef', and will be reviewing it soon. I'm now reading Gary Braunbeck's latest 'Cedar Hill' novel 'Coffin County', it's pretty damn good so far :o)

Going on a train ride...

... in the next hour or so which means I have to carry a lightsaber (don't ask!) across a London that is not so used to these things...
It's going to be a good journey though because not only am I reading Mark Charan Newton's 'The Reef' (very good so far) but I've just had copies of 'The Born Queen' (the book I've been looking forward to most this year!) and Gary Braunbeck's 'Coffin County' land on my doormat. I may just decide not to get off the train and keep on reading! ;o)

Have a great weekend!

The Saturday 'I hope my wife's parachute works tomorrow' link up spectacular!

This time tomorrow my wife will be doing her charity skydive and I'm getting attacks of vertigo just thinking about it. My wife seems to be taking it all in her stride though and acting very cool about the whole thing. Fingers crossed and all that!
In the meantime, here are some of the things I saw this week that made me think "ooh, cool..."

Fantasy Book Critic reviews one of the books that I'm looking forward to most in 2008.

This week saw the sad passing of sci-fi stalwart Arthur C. Clarke, the Wertzone is amongst those who paid their respects.

Sandstorm reviews looks at my Least favourite Terry Pratchett Book...

Larry looks at various award finalists and his review plans for them.

If there isn't enough links for you here then Neth Space has a few more for you...

Speculative Horizons has a few things to say about the earlier book covers for James Barclay's 'The Raven' series.

I've just discovered the Solaris Editor's Blog and it looks pretty cool, have a look over Here

There's a discussion on Pat's blog about the issue of 'voice' in blogging and Aidan has provided us with a handy link!

Last but not least, Grasping for the Wind looks at The Death of the Necromancer by Martha Wells.

What am I doing? Well, I've finally got around to reading 'The Name of the Wind' and am wondering why I didn't pick it up sooner. Look for a review in the next few days...

Have a great weekend everyone!

One year of blogging!

It was on this day, a year ago, that I was sat in front of the computer thinking 'what do I write in my first ever post?' One year on and inspiration has left me yet again...
All I can say is that I've had real fun telling you all what I think about the genre and meeting loads of cool folk at the same time. Hopefully there's another year left in this at least! ;o)
Happy Birthday to me!

The Saturday 'my internet is down so I'm doing this at my neighbour's' link-up bonanza!

Yes, I managed to break the internet at home so am doing this from my neighbour's house! If you haven't seen it already, these are the things I liked this week...

Gav reviews 'Un Lun Dun' over at Next Read

The Wertzone has a look at Steph Swainston's The Year of Our War and also points us in the direction of an early review of 'The Steel Remains'.

The Fantasy Hotlist has a great competition for anyone who's a Malazan fan...

The Book Swede has a few thoughts On Magic...

Fantasy Book Critic absolutely loved The Duma Key...

Aidan adds his voice to the list of people who love Last Argument of Kings

Talking of which, Joe Abercrombie has a few things to say about
Last Argument of Kings himself...

Joe Sherry has been reading Glen Cook's A Cruel Wind and has posted his thoughts...

And last but not least, Tia shines the debut spotlight on Mad Kestrel by Misty Massey (True Fact: My Deputy Head at primary school was called Mr Massey, coincidence or...)

What am I doing? Apart from waiting for the telephone connection to be fixed I've given up on 'The Oblivion Society' (Marcus Alexander Hart). It started off great but took a downturn when the author took too long recounting events leading up to the great beginning. I don't care about what happened before the great beginning, just get on with telling the story! I'm now having another crack at 'The Name of the Wind', I've got the week off work so should have plenty of time for reading :o)

Have a great weekend!

The 'I think your blog has a cool name' link-up spectacular!

These are the blogs that make me wish I'd taken a little longer coming up with a name for my own...

A Dribble of Ink points us at some pretty cool free reading...

A Slight Apocalypse reviews one of my favourite vampire books...

Blogorob shines his spotlight on a subgenre that doesn't have a specific name but does have loads a wizard detectives and vampire hunters...

Jumpdrives and Cantrips looks at the first contact novel 'A Small and Remarkable Life'.

Larry is Trying to grasp poor and muddled reviews over on OF Blog of the Fallen...

Sandstorm Reviews looks at 'The Hyperion Cantos', I really need to read 'The Terror' at some point...

Chris the Book Swede reviews Ken MacLeod's 'The Execution Channel'

The Deckled Edge tells us what's where in the New York Times bestseller list...

And finally, the Wertzone recommends that we track down a copy of Paul Kearney's Riding the Unicorn.

What am I doing? Well, I've just finished reading Matthew Sprange's 'Shadowmage' and I've still got Joel Shepherd's 'Crossover' on the go. Expect to see reviews in the next few days.
Have a great weekend!

The 'I am so unfit' Sunday Link-Up Spectacular!

I've just got back from Greenwich Park having spent an hour chasing after my wife who is difficult to keep up with when she is on roller blades... Any stupid dreams I harboured of just turning up on the day and completing the London Marathon have been consigned to the rubbish bin as I am still trying to get my breath back!
While I'm recovering, here's some great stuff that I've noticed while slacking off work during the week...

John has been eagerly waiting for Ian Graham to write anything since the 2002 release of 'Monument'. Just as John was about to give up all hope of any new stuff being published he found This...

There's a new blog in town, it's got a very cool name and lots of great content too. Check out Jumpdrives & Cantrips (which I really need to include on my blog-roll...)

Larry shares a quick thought on the Show Vs Tell Maxim, I wonder what book he's reading...

I love reading The Book Swede's Blog and he loved reading Sharp Teeth.

SQT isn't a fan of the new 'Knight Rider' show...

Gav is a big Mark Chadbourn fan and very much enjoyed Jack of Ravens.

"What about you though?" I hear you ask. Well, I can tell you that Nate Kenyon's 'Bloodstone' is an amazing read and I'll probably have a review up tomorrow. What I'm going to be reading after that though is anyone's guess...
Hope you all had a great weekend and don't work too hard this week ;o)

More free stuff to read on the 'net...

Part Two in a (very, very) sporadic attempt to give you guys free stuff to read :o)
If you're a fan of the Warhammer line of 'table top war-games', or if you like reading 'tie-in sci-fi/fantasy', then you're probably aware of the Black Library who publish books centred on the worlds of 'Warhammer', 'Warhammer 40,000' and 'Blood Bowl' (amongst others). Whilst I've heard of of the Black Library I didn't realise that they've included excerpts from all of their published works on their site for people to have a look at. No more of this 'picking up one of their books on the offchance that it might be good', have a browse Here and 'try before you buy' ;o)
Thanks go to my good friend James for pointing this one out to me!

Cool looking books being published this year (from Orbit Books)!

Yesterday saw Orbit Books buying me lunch and giving me advance review copies of some pretty interesting books they have coming out later on this year. Normally I'd wait until I'd read them and then post a review but I thought you guys might like some advance notice ;o) One book you will have already heard of, the other two maybe not...


Brian Ruckley's 'Winterbirth'was one of Orbit's big successes of 2006. It's one of those books that you either loved or hated, I loved it. 'Bloodheir' is the sequel and looks like it's going to push things up a gear! The Amazon synopsis reads...

As ever greater battles are fought between the Black Road and the True Bloods, so each side in the conflict becomes ever more riven by internal dissent and disunity. Amidst the mounting chaos, Aeglyss the na'kyrim gradually masters the remarkable powers that have been unleashed upon him by his crucifixion. Twisting everything and everyone around him to serve his own mad desires, he begins to exert a dangerous, insidious influence over the course of events both near and far. Orisian, lord of the ruined Lannis Blood, faces not only the consequences of that malign influence, but also the machinations of his supposed allies and the stirring of the long-dormant Anain, the most potent race the world has ever known.

I interviewed Brian a while ago and his ten word synopsis was, "Bigger battles, reversals, faltering alliances, assassination, Anain, Highfast. More snow".
Look out for this one in June 2008 and congratulations to Aidan ('A Dribble of Ink'), Robert ('Fantasy Book Critic') and Remy ('The Fantasy Review') whose comments made it into the 'Praise for Winterbirth' bit at the front!


Before 'Bloodheir' hits the shelves, it might be worth giving Pamela Freeman's 'Blood Ties' a go when it's published in April. At first glance it looks a little like your typical 'quest story' but I've been promised that it gets a lot darker. Here's the Amazon synopsis,

Bramble is impetuous, with a talent for attracting trouble, and she finds it when an accident brands her a criminal. But she can expect no mercy. Her dark colouring marks her as a Traveller, one of the despised original people of the domains. And the local gods are warning her to flee ...In Turvite, where ghosts drift along dark, cobbled streets, Ash must leave the Road to begin an apprenticeship with the only person who will accept a Traveller. His new mistress is devious yet irresistible, but the gods have other plans for Ash ...Death casts Bramble and Ash on separate journeys across valleys and mountains, deep into themselves and the dark history of their ancestors. The gods have not forgotten, and old blood is calling for vengeance.


Finally, I've never been a huge fan of historical fantasy (the way I see it, fiction is either 'historical' or it's 'fantasy' not both) but I'm always willing to give new stuff a go and Jo Graham's 'Black Ships' looks like it could be worth a read. It's set after the fall of Troy (so maybe it is fantasy...) and the synopsis is,

Gull is an oracle. Daughter of a slave taken from fallen Troy, chosen at the age of seven to be the voice of the Lady of the Dead, it is her destiny to counsel kings. When nine black ships appear, captained by an exiled Trojan prince, Gull must decide between the life she has been destined for and the most perilous adventure -- to join the remnant of her mother's people in their desperate flight. From the doomed bastions of the City of Pirates to the temples of Byblos, from the intrigues of the Egyptian court to the haunted caves beneath Mount Vesuvius, only Gull can guide Prince Aeneas on his quest, and only she can dare the gates of the Underworld itself to lead him to his destiny. (Thanks Amazon!)

Naomi Novik says great things about 'Black Ships', I say great things about Naomi Novik so I'm hoping for great things from 'Black Ships'! Look out for this one in July...

That's all for now folks, have a great weekend!

Being on holiday is much better than the alternative...

I am well qualified to comment as, after two blissful weeks away, I'm now back in the office... I didn't even have time to acclimatise, they just expected me to come straight back to work the second my holiday was over! Is that even legalin this enlightened day and age...?
So it's back to reading reports and emails, rather than reading things that I actually enjoy, but I've still got plenty on the go ;o) As well as finishing off 'Wasteland' (a collection of 'post apocalypse' stories, a review will probably go up tomorrow) I'm working on setting up a couple of interviews and I've still got some cool Christmas DVDs to work my way through. It's looking pretty good right now so don't be a stranger... ;o)

Happy Christmas Everyone!

Hope you all had a good one, I certainly did ;o) Good food, great company and a veritable stack of DVDs to get through before I go back to work. Life is good right now and I hope you all feel the same.
Happy Holidays everyone!

Just got back from Plymouth and I've been catching up on...

These amazing links from my favourite bloggers...

Pat has given us his top ten speculative fiction reads that were published in 2007. He also shows us the cover art for the PS Publishing edition of 'Return of the Crimson Guard'...

The Book Swede wraps up two of his competitions in a blaze of bribery and pictures of Will Smith...

Fantasy Book Critic is off on his holidays but has left a little message and promises to update when he can...

Adam also has an update but doesn't seem to be going on holiday anytime soon!

The Deckled Edge is in the middle of a house move but still finds time to tell us what's what on the New York Times bestsellers list.

Remy has the trailer for 'Lost' (Season 4). I still need to watch seasons 1-3...

Tia is reading one of my personal favourites from this year...

But what am I doing? Well, I've sworn a mighty oath that I must finish 'A Sword from Red Ice' before I read anything else. I'm just over halfway through at the moment... I've also got a pretty cool looking zombie film that will be blogged about in the next couple of days...
Have a great week guys!

Monday 'Linky' Extravaganza!

After having vented my spleen at 'The Charon Covenant', yesterday, I find myself with not an awful lot to talk about. However, these people have lots to say (and it's all good)...

Remy's back and has a few things to say about the
Malazan books. Welcome back Remy!

If you head on over to the Wertzone, you will see the first review of Joe Abercrombie's Last Argument of Kings to make it onto the net. Adam loved it, I'm spending a lot of time waiting for a copy to come through the letterbox...

Lawrence has already put 2007 behind him and is looking forward to his 14 most anticipated titles of 2008. I'm looking forward to these as well...

Alice didn't get her review up as fast as Adam but she loved Last Argument of Kings as well.

The Book Swede is giving away some of his favourite books of the last year...

Larry's got a Gene Wolfe thing going on and gives us his thoughts on The Sword of the Lictor

Pat enjoyed 'Acacia' but didn't think it was as good as the hype suggests...

Tia has Janet Lorimer's Master of Shadows as her featured debut.

I reckon that's enough linky goodness for you all to be going on with! ;o) If you still want more then click on the blogs at the side, they're great as well!

An Update

My 'proper' job is being a right pest at the moment and seems to expect me to actually work for the money that I'm being paid. To be honest I was shocked to hear this but then I looked at my contract and it appears that I can't wriggle out of this one... Next time I'll be sure to read what I'm signing or at the very least sign it with someone elses name!
I'm still reading lots though and will be looking to chip away at the 'Reading Pile', over the next few weeks, by reviewing these books amongst others...

'The Toyminator' - Robert Rankin (Reading this one at the moment, very funny book)
'The Name of the Wind' - Patrick Rothfuss (I will read this before the end of the year, I will!)
'The Long Price' - Daniel Abraham (I don't think I've heard a bad thing about this book and am looking forward to picking it up very soon)
'In the Eye of Heaven' - David Keck (La Gringa sent this to me with a glowing recommendation. she knows her stuff so I'll be checking this one out too)
'The Ivory and the Horn' - Charles de Lint (Another author that I've heard loads about but never picked up, the blurb on the back looks promising)

This is only a very small part of a large book pile that has escaped the study and has set up outposts in the living room and kitchen (!) so don't worry if I haven't mentioned a book that you've sent me. They all get read at some point... :o)

Your Sunday Update

Here I am, post 'Mike Carey interview' with the man himself! Just in case you're wondering, Mike is the one who looks like he poses for photos all the time and doesn't look like he's had too much to drink. If you're still not sure, Mike is the one without the beard...
We had a great chat about the new Felx Castor novel ('Dead Men's Boots') and also about comic book projects new and old. Expect to see the interview posted in the next few days.
Once I've posted this I'll be getting straight back into Jeff Somers' debut novel 'The Electric Church'. This is one of Orbit's debut novels for the US launch and from what I've read so far it's not hard to see why they've chosen it for their opening salvo on the US market. There will be a review posted very soon...
That's all for now, hope you're all having a great weekend! If not, you've only got five days to go until the next one!

Previously, on Graeme's Fantasy Book Review...

I was looking at my first post for August and realised, with some embarrassment, that I've read hardly any of the books that I said I was going to look at this month (stupid job, getting in the way!) So, when Chris asked what kind of things I've got coming up I really wasn't sure what to say...
I'm reading Nathalie Mallet's 'The Princes of the Golden Cage' right now and am will be posting a review tomorrow. All I'll say for now is, "it's a great book, get yourself a copy". After that, I'll be getting stuck into Terry Brooks' 'The Elves of Cintra' and Christopher Moore's 'Fluke' amongst others. 'The Name of the Wind' is giving me reproachful looks, every time I look at my bookshelf, so expect to see a review on that at some point.
"What else?" I hear you say, "will there be anything else?" As a matter of fact there will. I'll be talking to Mike Carey about his latest Felix Castor novel ('Dead Men's Boots') in the next couple of weeks so be sure to pop back here and see what he has to say. I'm also looking at possibly meeting up with Terry Brooks when he comes over to England in September.
There's going to be some great stuff happening here in the next few weeks so don't go away! (And if you do have to go away, make sure you come straight back afterwards...)