Archive for the ‘Book Reviews’ Category

Once in a while you’re faced with the rare oppurtunity to meet one of the people who inspire you; whether it be a sports figure, actor, author, or comic book creator.  These moments are what fuel you to want to go on and make something great, to be something bigger, to achieve your long dormant goals.  These are the people who, when given a face, when shaking your hand, make all these dreams that much more real; that much more attainable.  Hearing their struggles, learning of the long road they took to finally be worthy of your admiration, seeing that they have acne too; these are the things that are, hopefully, the proverbial kick in the butt(and if nothing else, at least make us feel that anything is possible because we are all humans).  But, of course, sadly, these moments come few and far in between.  Maybe at the yearly convention (if you can make it), or straggling at a baseball game, or the ever popular chain-bookstore signing, where you get a passing glimpse and a cliche’ adage written on your book jacket.  And albeit  run-of-the-mill for the over-stimulated artist, or the sweaty and exhausted baseball player, and the disillusioned, jetlagged, black-frame wearing, “What city am I in again?”, bestselling author; that one moment can be a milestone for any of us fans. 

Well, some of us get one better; some of us are good friends with those who they admire(those who push them to accomplish dreams they’ve been putting off).  I’ve known Dave Mammina for at least half of my life, and he has changed little.  He has always been not only a force unto himself, but a person of great character.  He is one of the funniest people I have ever met and it seems to come from such a natural and confident place.  Those fortunate enough to know him can attest to this.  Dave, among other things, is also a dedicated writer.  He published his first book in 2005 and it’s sequel the following year; the Angels of Resistance saga.  It’s a story about an evil force that invades the planet, and the group of heroes and heroines  that band together to stop it and uncover the truth behind its arrival.  Being that he started writing his first around the end of his highschool career, between working and a college education, he has since gone back and combined the two into a more concise, trimmed down, and better editted Epic Collection of the two.  I know he would suggest people who wanted to get the most out of it to try that on for size.  In 2008 he published Protector of Children: Assassin’s Dreams.  This story was a bit of a departure from his previous projects.  It centers around a secret society of assassins called C.A.S.T.  that are charged with silencing countless deadly threats before the public even knows they ever existed, and furthermore, a rogue agent who is cursed with a mental illness and isn’t sure whether he is being given orders by God to fulfil a righteous mission, or if he is merely going insane.  This richly thought out thriller takes place a great deal on Long Island, New York.  Within the last month David has released his latest work; Paltronis.  It is his first illustrated novella, and, like C.S.Lewis, celebrates a more fairytale format.  You get a glimpse into the author’s heart and mind when you realize his themes constantly convey the classic battle between good and evil.  Namely, the power of good prevailing.  You can tell how strongly he feels on the matter. It is refreshing to still see that in a world where we aren’t sure who the heroes are anymore; a world of flip-flopping sides; a world where we sometimes find ourselves routing for charasmatic villains more and more; in short, a world that thrives in the grey area.  

Mr. Mammina is a steadfast writer, but, due to modesty, hasn’t always been the best self promoter, so please check out his site http://mamminabooks.com/ for more information about the author, and ways to purchase his books.  His new one will be in both soft and hardcover formats, and they should be wherever books are sold online soon enough. Please support your independent artists and writers, they’ll remember you for it.  Below are descriptions of his work thus far.  

 The Angels of Resistance (The Epic Collection) 2005, 2006,2009
When an unfathomable evil force known as the Demon Plague mysteriously invades the planet, bands of heroes and heroines must unite with each other in order to survive.  A unique fighting force lead by a noble sage apprentice, Michael Miuriell, fights for their lives to repel the demons and uncover the truth behind their arrival.

Dark Fantasy/Drama

Paltronis 2010
In Mammina’s first fairy tale novel, the theories of justice and corruption are tested. This tale is about a ghostly knight named Spirit Warrior who dared to defend his own people against an assortment of villains, including that of an evil corrupt king and a vengeful sorcerer. In a quest to secure justice and peace, Spirit Warrior selflessly challenges all obstacles at once–giving rise to this classic saga.

Dark Fantasy

Fiction thriller/Fantasy

Not often does hype live up to the expectations of those that are cheering from the side lines. And more often than not that we make ourselves believe that something is going to be great when we really have no clue what to expect. Today all that I’d hope for and longed to see fulfilled has come to fruition.

Robert Jordan passed away leaving the greatest fantasy series ever written unfinished. A stand in was chosen to collect all of the notes that Jordan left behind and finish the series. Who on this planet would be capable to take what Robert Jordan created an weave in to the tapestry to end the awesome work that we all thought would remain undone.

A fellow by the name of Brandon Sanderson was selected. By none other the Harriet, Jordan’s wife. Any fan would immediately look at this with pure skepticism. Who is this guy? Where did he come from? What makes him so special? I myself was surprised that such a young writer had been picked. But, hey he was chosen by Jordan’s wife. How bad could he be? Right?! Well I for one needed some proof.  I read the first two books of the Mistborn Trilogy. Which is written by Brandon Sanderson. These books were pure gold. A well crafted world, with compelling characters and a form of magic that I have never seen done, ever. Surly this was the right man for the job. But we remained a bit hesitant. Until we read the prologue. There seems to be none of Sanderson in the pages I’ve read. It was flawless.

Now that I’ve finished the book. I can see that Brandon Sanderson knows the Wheel of Time quite well. I don’t know how he did it. I don’t care. Just let it be known that he did succeed. As the Wheel turns this book did exactly what it was meant to do. Keep that Wheel turning.

The Gathering Storm is the first book of A Memory of Light. Which was intended to be the last book of the Wheel of Time. It happened to be the size of 3 novels. And thus broken down into 3 parts.

Taking all of the main characters and showing quite a bit from all sides of this amazing world. Sanderson was able to give us Mat Cauthon in his hunt to save Moraine. This character I love the best. He reminds me of Gambit from the X-Men. Just so much more cooler. With a Scarf tied around his neck to hide the scare from the hangman’s noose. To his hat and One Power forge spear. Sanderson made us think he sat next to Jordan and wrote as he dictated. Perrin Aybara, the Golden eyed Wolf King is moving to a place that will define him as exactly what he must become to fight in the Last Battle. Ever tormented that he will lose himself to beast that dwells inside him.

Two of the Forsaken are killed. And that was very surprising. Especially how swiftly it was done. Not going to say exactly who bit the dust. But Rand Al’Thor is a wreaking ball. The peace that The Dragon Reborn seeks with Seanchan is shattered. And the battle that comes from that is one to shake the fabric of the series.  Egwene, the captured Amyrlin Seat becomes a legend among the Aes Sedai and reforges the White Tower.No one can do anything to help or stop Rand Al’Thor the Dragon Reborn from falling deeper into darkness. The icy emotionless state he has put himself in will destroy the world he struggles to save.

Sanderson brings Jordan’s book to life with such a wonder and a vast amount of emotion. This book is like a child that you hold in your arms after it’s first born. It’s enough to make you cry. I know Harriet is happy. Nothing can really explain what Brandon Sanderson has done for this series. Love and Hope stood out among everything. All the despair and anger all the characters feel. These two great and powerful emotion were able break through it all. Chapter 50 made me cry. You can feel what the characters are going through. You know the inevitable is at hand. We just don’t know how dark it will get before the end. But Light shown in a dark place. Truly, at one point I could see nothing but a downward slope the Dragon Reborn. A savior that really didn’t want to care. Duty was all that mattered. And Brandon Sanderson surprised me. That taste and feeling of Hope is too big to really put into words. Now I know why this is called a Memory of Light. Everything doesn’t have to remain in Darkness. This was a very engaging and wonderful read.

10/10: *****

I can’t wait for the next two books. And now matter how dark the story gets. Because at many points it will. I know a Light will shine in a Dark place. Towers of Midnight, book 2 of  Memory of Light will be out in 2010. No exact release date has been given.

In Memory Of James Rigney Jr./Robert Jordan.

In all my reading I have never come across a writer that has the sheer power of Brent Weeks. To me he will become something akin to the next Robert Jordan. The Night Angel Trilogy was the greatest surprise that I have had in some time. Ath0ugh this book is not connected to that series I know it will be qiute the read. Stay tuned for more. Oh. and this book will be in hard cover.

The Wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and pass leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myths is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth comes again. In one Age, called the third Age by some, an Age yet to come, an Age long past, a wind rose in the Mountains of Mist. The wind was not the beginning. There are neither beginnings nor endings to the turning of the Wheel of Time. But it was a Beginning.

In my life I have read many books by many authors. Books that have made me laugh and cry. Some of these books have even made me think about life in so many different ways. But Nothing has ever affected me as Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series. A fantasy series that is unlike any other that has come before it. Dare I say It will be better than anything that comes after it.

And it came to pass in those days, as it had before and would again, the the Dark lay heavy on the land and weighed down the hearts of men, and green things failed, and hope died. And men cried out to the Creator, saying, O Light of the Heavens, Light of the World, let the Promised One be born of the mountain, according to the prophecies, as he was in ages past and will be in ages to come. Let the Prince of the Morning sing to that green things should grow and the valleys give forth lambs. Let the arm of the :ord of the Dawn shelter us from the Dark, and the great sword of justice defend us. Let the Dragon ride again on the winds of time.

The world that Robert Jordan created is so vast and rich, that you will come to love his characters as you never have any other. This series dwarfs Tolkien in every way. No writer that I have read has brought to life anything near in scope as The Wheel of Time. The various bonds of love and friendship. The depth of hate the Forsaken and Padin Fain have for Lews Therin. The magnified sense of duty his heroes posses. The world itself. And the many eras we visit, recounting the ages that have come before. There is a strong feeling of doom at the inevitable fate of Rand Al’Thor. But also hope is ever present. Mysteries that pull you in and make you thirst with anticipation. Nothing can compare with this series.

And it shall come to pass that what men made shall be shattered, and the Shadow shall lie across the Pattern of the Age, and the Dark One shall once more lay his hand upon the world of man. Women shall weep and men quail as the nations of the earth are rent like rotting cloth. Neither shall anything stand nor abide…

Yet one shall be born to face the Shadow, born once as he was born before and shall be born again, time without end. The Dragon shall be Reborn, and there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth at his rebirth. In sackcloth and ashes shall he clothe the people, and he shall break the world again at his coming, tearing apart all ties that bind. Like the unfettered dawn shall he blind us, and burn us, yet shall the Dragon Reborn confront the Shadow at the Last Battle, and his blood shall give us the Light. Let tears flow, O ye people of the world. Weep for your salvation.

Many a author weave stories of prophecy. But never have I witnessed an author really write the prophecy for his entire world. Not just the main protagonist. Jordan crafted lives that were intertwined. Characters that thrived from the agony that they went through. He really brought meaning to the term “What doesn’t kill me makes me stronger”. And more often than not, the characters really had to die first.

And his path shall be many, and who shall know his name, for he shall be born among us many times, in many guises, as he has been and ever will be, time without end. His coming shall be like the sharp edge of the plow, turning our lives in furrows from out of the places where we lie in our silence. The breaker of bonds; the forger of chains. The maker of futures; the unshaper of destiny.

There is no mistake that there seems to be a very strong religious undertone to the series. Right away some people would get offended and just drill into me for even implying such a thing. But, I can only speak what I know. And I know the Bible. As you read these Prophecies you’ll also see many parallels to content in the Bible. Much more than you usually find in fantasy novels. Many writers us the Christ figure for their heroes. Although I have never seen it to this extent. Needless to say you don’t have to know ANYTHING about religion to enjoy the series. it is not about that at all. The story just relates particular similarities, that’s all. I love anyway though.

The Shadow shall rise across the world, and darken every land, even to the smallest corner, and there shall be neither Light nor safety. And he who shall be born of the Dawn, born of the Maidens, according to Prophecy, he shall stretch forth his hands to catch the Shadow, and the world shall scream in the pain of salvation. All Glory be to the Creator, and to the Light, and to he who shall be born again. May the Light save us from him.

And when the blood was sprinkled on the ground where nothing could grow, thw Children of the Dragon did spring up, the People of the Dragon, armed to dance with death. And he did call them forth from the wasted lands, and they did shake the world with battle.

Join me as the end of this great series starts on it’s way to the end. Robert Jordan was not able to finish this great work. He passed away before that final job was complete. But he always said he knew the ending. “The last paragraph of the last page”. Yes that’s what he said. He knew it. At a book signing Jordan began to quote. Just out of the blue. It shames me that I can’t remember what he said. But I have a feeling that when I read it, I’ll remember. Because I believe he may have been quoting the ending of The Wheel of Time. Brandon Sanderson has been blessed with finishing Robert Jordan’s Legacy. He is a great writer. Don’t believe me? Check out the Mistborn Trilogy. Fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Join us on October 27 as we star down the path that will lead to Tarmon Gaidon, “The Last Battle”. Book 1 of Memory of Light. The Gathering Storm.

With his coming are the dread fires born again. The hills burn, and the land turns sere. The tides of men run out, and the hours dwindle. The wall is pierced, and the veil of parting raised. Storms rumble beyond the horizon and the fires of heaven purge the earth. There is no salvation without destruction, no hope this side of death.

The lions sing and the hills take flight. The moon by day, and the sun by night. Blind woman, deaf man, jasckdaw fool. Let the Lord of Chaos rule.

The unstained tower breaks and bend knee to the forgotten sign. The seas rage, and stormclouds gather unseen. Beyond the horizon, hidden fires swell, and serpents nestle in the bosom. What was exalted is cast down; what was cast down is raised up. Order burns to clear his path.

There can be no health in us, nor any good thing grow, for the land is one with the Dragon Reborn, and he one with the land. Soul of fire, heart of stone, in pride he conquers, forcing the proud to yield. He calls upon the mountains to knell, and the seas to give way, and the very skies to bow. Pray that the heart of stone remembers tears, and the soul if fire, love.

Master of lightnings, rider of storms, wearer of a crown of swords, spinner-out of fate. Who thinks he turns the Wheel if Time, may learn the truth too late.

Who would sup with the mighty must climb the path of daggers.

On the heights, all paths are paved with daggers.

The seals that hold back night shall weaken, and in the heart of winter shall winter’s heart be born amid the wailing of lamentations and the gnashing of teeth, for winter’s heart shall ride a black horse and the name of it is Death

And it shall come to pass in the days when the Dark Hunt rides. when the right hand falters and the left hand strays, that mankind shall come to the Crossroads of Twilight and all that is, all that was, and all that will be shall balance on the point of a sword, while the winds of the Shadow grow.

And he rode the winds of the rising storm, We ran to the sounds of the thunder, We danced among the lightning bolts, and tore the world asunder.

The sweetness of victory and the bitterness of defeat are alike a knife of dreams.

What man can truly take the place of another man? Who would find themselves worthy to finish a great mans legacy? Every man is a nation unto himself. Having his own dreams. His own desires. His own beliefs. What man can lay aside himself to abide in the dreams of another? Ask yourself these things. But don’t answer. All we can do is follow Mat Cauthon and take a chance.

“Dovie’ andi se tovya sagain”, “It’s time to toss the dice.”

Good luck Brandon Sanderson

God of War 3 is headed to the PS3 in March 2010. Sony has teamed up with DC comics to bring us the God of War comic. Being published through DC/Wildstorm, the first issue ships this October. Written by Marv Wolfman, interior art by Kevin Sharp, and covers by Andy Park. IGN interviewed Marv Wolfman. here it is.

IGN Comics: Marv, how did you come to work on this project? How much exposure to the God of War franchise did you have prior to working on this mini-series?

Marv Wolfman: There have been very few times in my career when I’ve asked to do a comic. This is one of them.

When I heard a rumor that DC/Wildstorm might be doing God of War, I put in my name right away and kept pushing for it. God of War has been my favorite video game to play, both #1 and #2. Also, I’ve always loved greek mythology - I brought the Greek Titans into my old Teen Titans comic. Coincidentally, I was in Athens just a few months back for a convention and toured all the old Greek temples.

What I love about the game is it’s not just a button masher, but that you go from really imaginative fight scenarios to strong strategy play. I also love the basic concept that the very first image we see in the original game is Kratos trying to commit suicide but the Gods won’t let him. We’re immediately drawn into his story, so the game is about a character and a mystery rather than just - go fight him.

IGN Comics: In preparing for this, how much of the games have you seen and/or played? Was this a case where you could get the concept down through researching the existing franchise lore, designs and characters? Did seeing the game in action give you a definite sense of where you wanted to head with this project?

Wolfman: I had already played both numbers 1 & 2 before I asked to get the comic so I didn’t have to do any research. It’s because I loved the game that I wanted to do the comic. I obviously knew what the game was about and, as I say, I loved it. But I was sent copies of the scripts for all the GoW games so I could make sure what I did was as accurate as possible.

When you’re playing you’re concerned about not dying - at least I am - and I often miss story details. Having the scripts really helps. It also enabled me to read the PSP game as not owning a PSP that’s the only GoW game I hadn’t played. For gamers out there I have a PS2, PS3, X-Box 360 and a Wii and regularly play games on all of them.

IGN Comics: God of War is a series that is heavily based on action, to put it lightly. When working within a franchise under those parameters, is it difficult to find the core character beats that comic books often need?

Wolfman: As I say the thing that made me a fan of the game is that it’s more than just action, although my thumb still hasn’t recovered from the end of game 2. GoW is a story about Kratos and other humans being manipulated by the Gods. It’s about him and what happens to his wife and daughter and the nightmares that result from that. It’s about redemption as well as revenge.

It’s high drama and the stuff the Greek myths are made of. That’s what I center on in my story, although of course the action is constant. But the core of the story is pure character.

IGN Comics: It’s our understanding that the mini-series operates within two time lines, the first of which takes place between the first two games. What can fans expect to see in these segments? Is Kratos largely struggling to be free from his nightmares and be accepted by the Greek gods?

Wolfman: The present day story is firmly set between God of War 1 and 2. The flashback story starts when Kratos is 7 and is brought into the Spartan army, as Spartan children were, and continues to when he is over 30, married, and has to go on a mission to save the life of Calliope, his daughter. Events in the past completely inform the present day story.

As far as Kratos’ nightmares go, without giving away too much, the entire present day story is his reaction to what happened in the first game. We don’t show the nightmares but they are the reason he’s after what he’s after. We also get strongly involved with the Barbarian King, seen in games 1 & 2. Kratos’ battle with the Barbarian is what causes him to pledge his allegiance to Ares in the first place.

IGN Comics: With God of War III right around the corner, will we be seeing hints and clues to the plot and events in that game?

Wolfman: If I told you, I’d have to have Kratos kill you. Or he’d kill me.

IGN Comics: God of War is well-known for its monsters and vicious battles with gods. Can you give us some hints as to some of the obstacles Kratos will face?

Wolfman: We start with some creatures you’ve seen before and also introduce some brand new monsters, all based on Greek myths, of course, and move up to man-eating islands, which, once you see it, also ties into Greek mythology, but in a very surprising way. So there’s many new characters and creatures as well as some familiar ones.

IGN Comics: Is there anything else you’d like to add about the God of War mini-series at this point?

Wolfman: I’ve been working very closely with the GoW people at Sony who are directly responsible for the game and we’re using the comic to tie in directly to the story they created. This isn’t like the standard tie-in comic where we’re off in a corner; they are making sure everything works to keep the greater mythology consistent while introducing readers to many brand new ideas. Working with them, we’re fleshing out Kratos’ story, playing very closely with Kratos’ past and filling in a lot of new information along the way.

The Night Angel Trilogy by Brent Weeks

As a blacksmith shapes metal. A sculptor crafts stone. A backer creates delicacies. And painters beauty from empty canvass. So too has Brent weeks rendered a masterpiece of great art with The Night Angel Trilogy. From an author who to my knowledge has not published anything before this. has written a book to stand with the masters. Piers Anthony, Stephen King, Terry Brooks, and Terry Goodkind Brent Weeks stands as an equal with these great writers. This is Fantasy at it’s best.
There is so much that I can not say. For to express the true nature of this book would be to spoil it. Brent Weeks has created a world of passionate characters, wondrous magic, and a history that should have a series of it’s own.As you read through it, the world becomes alive. And you have no doubt that this is a story you would ache to see on film. It is a jewel waiting at the book store to plucked up by an unsuspecting reader. Everyone who reads this, will know that they had no idea what was in their hands. The Night Angel Trilogy is a trilogy in the true sense, that you can’t read just one of them. Book one will leave reaching for book two. And book two will have you clamoring in the wee hours of the night for book three. it has been some time since I have enjoyed myself the way I have with these three books. Each book is like an act of a play. I say this because of how the books end. A magnificent piece of writing that was.

The Way of Shadows
Azoth is a boy in the worst of situations. A street urchin who steals whatever little money and food he can get his hands on. His only friends, the mute Doll girl and Jarl who is much smarter than any would know are all he has. They are beaten and driven to the streets to pay for the meager food and protection given by a Rat. Azoth can only dream of becoming like the legendary assassin Durzo Blint. Be careful what you ask for. Life has a cruel way of giving us exactly what we want. Durzo is not an assassin. But a Wetboy. They use magic and never miss a target who are called “deaders”. Because once they take the contract it’s only a matter of time before they’re dead. Azoth gets his wish to apprentice under Durzo. And the price is great. A new life. New friends. And a very strange Master.
So mush has changed in the life of Azoth. A new world opens to him. A world of killing. A world of magic. And the fear of the powerful Godking coming to destroy his it all. What is the sword Retribution that his Master wields? What is the Ka’kari? Who are Dorian, Solon, Feir, and Logan Gyre? What is their connection to Azoth? And what will happen when the Godkings wraith falls on Cenaria? Azoth….Kyler….Kage….What is the name of the Night Angel?

Shadows Edge

There are seven known Ka’kari. And the Godking wants one. The Night Angel has a destiny he does not want. And the fallen King lies in the bowels of the Hole. This continuation of the Night Angel Trilogy gives us a deeper look into this legendary world. The magic that once saved it. And the legends that are men that brought peace to it. Ezra the Mad. Jorsin Alkestes. And Acaelus Thorne.  More , more, more. Beyond the Shadows shows the transformation of  nations and people. The search for the magical sword Curoch. The intervention of the Sisters of the Chantry. And the power of Kali. Can the Night Angel embrace what he is without knowing exactly what that is.  And save the man he who is left he can call friend. Nothing can stand in the way of the Godkings might. And with Kali all of Midcyru may fall. Shadows Edge has the greatest ending I have ever read.

Beyond the Shadows

The last book of The Night Angel Trilogy is a vast history lesson. And filled with character changes. A new Godking. A great war. Lantano Garuwashi fights for his honor and his life. The legend of the High King is fulfilled. Two of the most powerful magical artifacts are unearthed, Curoch and Iures the Staff of Law. Great beasts out of legend are brought to life as the Night Angel, the king of Cenaria, Vi and the sisters of the Chantry and Lantano Garuwashi fight against the new Godking. Azoth….Kyler…..will finally lay hold to his destiny. And be named among the legends himself. The Night Angel, Azoth, Kyler Stern, The Nameless One has just begun his journey.

If you enjoy Fanasy on any level, this series will give you a love and a better appreciation for the genre. Brent Weeks is a compelling writer. I can not wait to see him publish another book. It will no doubt be as engaging as The Night Angel Trilogy.

Books are one of my favorite hobbies and pass times. This is just a small sample of what I’ve been reading. Sci Fi Fantasy is some of the best stuff out there…if you know what authors to pick up and which ones not to.

The Sword of Truth by Terry Goodkind. Eleven books in the series. Book one is Wizards First Rule.

Dragonlance Chronicles by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman. The trilogy can be found bound together in one volume.

Star Wars Legacy of the Force by Aaron Allston, Karen Traviss, and Troy Denning. The series is nine books. Book one is Betrayal.

Robert Jordan is my favorite writer. I enjoy quite a few but he is hands down the BEST. He makes Tolkien look like second string. No lie. Robert Jordan has passed away and was unable to finish his series The Wheel of Time. At the time he had been working on the last book: A Memory of Light. Unable to finish the novel, his wife Harriet has hired Brandon Sanderson to complete it. And wow this guy is awesome. Every fan of Jordan was speculative, and we all had a right. I met Robert Jordan in Huntington Long Island at the Book Revue. The man was astounding. But Sanderson is a good stand in. I’m almost done with his first book of the Mistborn. And it’s great. Any how,the novel was deemed TOO BIG. And thus had to be broken down into three more books. AMAZING!!!!!! The first book of Memory of Light will hit book stores on November 3rd 2009. Titled The Gathering Storm