The LEGO Ninjago Movie

Posted on September 22, 2017 by Matthew Bowman

The_Lego_Ninjago_Movie.jpgAs we all know, I’m a self-professed Lego fanboy. I’m also involved with an RLUG (an official club recognized by Lego, with some access to certain perks), and got an invite to see all three Lego franchise films before they were open to the general public. I reviewed The LEGO Movie and The LEGO Batman Movie over on my other site, Novel Ninja. I’m sticking this one up here because, well, I can’t exactly ignore the CG fanbase, now can I?

Unlike the others, though, it’s pretty short and to the point. The LEGO Movie was an excellent film about Lego figures in a Lego world that worked according to Lego rules (unlike pretty much every bit of Lego-brand films I’d seen before then, where it didn’t really matter if the characters were Lego or not). It was a great, well-constructed film that blended reality and fantasy to the point where you effectively had a parallel world going on.

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Dragon Award Bundle

Posted on August 14, 2017 by Declan Finn

The Dragon Awards are still open.

To vote now, go to the Dragon Awards website, register to vote, and your ballot will end up in your email. Feel free to vote for me, while I’m there.

HOWEVER….

To celebrate the Dragon Award nominations, a group of friends and I have put together deals, most of them running the length of August.

These Deals include

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Writing for Astounding Frontiers #1

Posted on August 10, 2017 by Declan Finn
At least one review of Astounding Frontiers #1: Give Us Ten Minutes, And We’ll Give You a World, has noticed that I stole elements of my short, “According to Culture,” from a historical incident. This shouldn’t surprise anyone, I’m a historian.

As Jeffro Johnson, leader of the Pulp Revolution, noted, there are elements of the film Taken in there. It should shock no one, but the Taken element was the #1 thing I thought of when I sat down to write my short story. After all, how do you do Pulp, aside from action, and insane goodness? Kidnapping is an easy way to do it. The very nature of the crimes comes with an automatic clock, and if there’s one thing I learned growing up with Jack Bauer, is that a ticking clock makes everything better. Though I guess I could have killed someone’s puppy.

One of the first characters I had created in my writing career was Sean Patrick Ryan. For the lack of a better term, he is a space ranger. There’s a lot of background to my Rangers, but the short version is that they are much like those of Texas: their jurisdiction is wherever they are.

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The Catholic Geek Radio Show: War of the Dragons 08/13

Posted on August 9, 2017 by Declan Finn

The Catholic Geek: War of the Dragons 08/13 by We Built That Network | Books Podcasts:

//percolate.blogtalkradio.com/offsiteplayer?hostId=533877&episodeId=10201891

 

The August 13th podcast will be live at 7:00PM Eastern and include eight Dragon Award nominated authors for 2017, including
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Why Vatican Ninjas?

Posted on August 8, 2017 by Declan Finn
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I think the first time I came up with the concept of Vatican ninjas was as a joke during a Dan Brown review. The protagonist stated that he, personally, knew the current pope, and therefore he was certain that the Catholic church couldn’t be behind the plot of The Da Vinci Code, because “the Church didn’t do such things anymore.”

My response was: “Anymore? You mean, the church used to have Ninjas? I WANT MY VATICAN NINJAS.”

And thus, a running joke was born, and, like everything else in my writing worlds, it quickly spiraled out of control.

When I bounced the concept of Vatican Ninjas off of a Catholic Facebook group as a force for fighting the legions of darkness, the first, almost reflex question by a lot of the group was: “Why does the Vatican have to fight the forces of darkness?”

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Bricktonshire at BrickFair

Posted on August 7, 2017 by Matthew Bowman

I just got through with BrickFair VA 2017, which was fun as always. I didn’t have much time to go enjoy other displays, though, so I didn’t get a lot of picture-taking done. The last time I had all the photos I wanted to get was in 2015, and even then I was at the convention until the doors closed at 2am Sunday morning. I was very tired when I came back for the last day only a few hours later!

What’s BrickFair? I described it in my article on why Lego is awesome, but here’s the gist. It’s an art convention built around one medium, namely the same plastic bricks you find in the toy aisle at your local department store. The creativity, ingenuity, artistry, and storytelling capabilities of both that humble brick and the people who build with it are staggering. I’m one of the volunteers who run one of the largest Lego conventions in the world, namely BrickFair Virginia, which just finished its 10th anniversary show yesterday. My section is Castle, which includes medieval and fantasy displays.

Lego Bricktonshire 2015 1

This was my display two years ago, and I put a picture of it in the above-linked article, promising further looks at it in the future as I expanded the display. Well, Catholic Geeks fans, I keep my promises.

Bricktonshire 2017 (1)

This is Brickton in Bricktonshire, a small town in a medieval England that never was. This town has the occasional monster, ghost, assassin, wizard, anachronistic playwright, and time-traveling police box.

This display was a rush. I had pretty much the same thing last year; the only true difference is the terrain. Even that was below what I wanted, and the only reason I got it done in time for the show was through the kind assistance of two young ladies named Annika and Kat. Additional assistance posing minifigures came from Cat, also known as Intern #1 over at Novel Ninja.

But last year was even more of a rush, and I never got detailed photos for the CG audience, so here I am and here you go. In fact, I’ve got video for you (if you don’t mind the occasional autofocus issue). And for all of you who haven’t seen it in person or looked at my Facebook feed, there’s a surprise at the end!

Yes, that last bit is a small detail that took a lot of effort. But someone came along who appreciated it in a rather gratifying manner (and appropriately dressed, as well!).

Bricktonshire 2017 TARDIS dress

Rather than subject you to a long article with inane and potentially self-aggrandizing commentary on each and every photo, here’s a slideshow of the display.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Hopefully, next year I’ll be up to what I had planned for this year. I immediately started drawing up a new plan based on ideas I’d had this year as well as problems I’d encountered. Here’s a sneak peek . . . and yes, it’s on the back of an IHOP placemat. Hey, we got peckish after it was all over!

Bricktonshire 2018 plan 1

What’s that? You can’t read my handwriting? That’s because you can’t read Brickian runes. 😉

Eventually, I want this display to expand to show the countryside, and actually show the “shire” part of Bricktonshire. My upper limit will likely be based less on cost and more on how long it takes me to construct it at the con, and how much room I have in my car.

I hope you enjoyed that look, and perhaps I’ll have an update or two before BrickFair 2018!

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The Epic Conclusion to the Dragon Award Nominated series

Posted on August 6, 2017 by Declan Finn

Live and Let Bite is the second book of the Love at First Bite Series to be nominated for a Dragon Award.

Yes, when half of my quartet is nominated for an award, it’s “the award nominated series.”

So what does this Dragon Award nomination mean?

It means business as usual.

Book four, Good to the Last Drop, is almost here.

Yes, it’s the last book. Marco and Amanda are going to have one last ride, and when I say that the armies of darkness are coming for them, I’m not exaggerating.

Of course, you know what it means when it’s the end of a series, don’t you?

That’s right! It’s time to up the body count!

For the Whedon fans out there, let’s just say that it’s time to …. Wash the cast.

The final war is about to begin, in this conclusion to the Dragon Award Nominated series

Merle Kraft, Marco Catalano and Amanda Colt have battled against the mythical Council, a supernatural conspiracy that monsters fear. This war has brought them up against vampires, minions, and demons from Hell.. Along the way, they have accumulated allies among the police, the military, the mafia, college students, lowly street gangs, and even other vampires.

Marco and Amanda have overcome their biggest terror — their passion for each other.

But now, they face the final threat, one that is the culmination of every threat before them. This creature from Hell has powers beyond anything they’ve ever seen before, and has allies of his own: including SpecOps minions, an army of vampires, and packs of werewolves.

And that was before Marco got bit.

 

This ending is going to be epic.

Pre order TODAY

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The 2017 Dragon Award Ballot Is In!

Posted on August 4, 2017 by Declan Finn
Vote early, vote often ….
Sorry, some Chicago humor.

Let’s take a look, see if we know any names.

Best Science Fiction Novel

YES! Richard got nominated! Richard got nominated! YES.

Anyway, I’m a fan of Paolinelli’s work. I’m happy to claim him as a Catholic. If you haven’t read his work yet, do so.

Hmm… On the other hand, Brian Niemeier, who is a good author, and a Catholic Catholic, says he’ll give his award to L Jagi Lamplighter, and that’s another complication, to be discussed below.

Hmm, who else is there? Let’s see. I know Scalzi; wouldn’t vote for him on a bet. And Cixin Liu looks familiar. And that’s … it. Huh. Where’s Zhan’s Thrawn?  Hmm. I guess it came out too late for most fans to read and vote for it — otherwise, Zahn didn’t want it.

I suppose this year it’s between Brian and Richard.

Best Fantasy Novel 
(Including Paranormal)

Okay. I know who Vox Day is.

Okay. I liked both Sinners and Grunge … crap. Larry said he didn’t want an award. But hey, let’s see if Ringo wants one.

I don’t even know everyone else here. It’s between Vox and Ringo, really. And even Vox Day doubts his odds here, so my money is on Ringo to win. If Ringo isn’t back with the church yet, Grunge is actually the one I looked at and said, “Come home to Rome, John.”

Best Young Adult / Middle Grade Novel

Yup, it’s a Wright double header! Jagi is Mrs John C Wright. And my goal this year was to see if they could have a his and hers set of Dragons… Except Jagi has mentioned she wants John to win for Swan Knight’s Son…But I think she deserves an award for Rachel Griffin…

Yes, Brian will literally give his award to Jagi. But I want Richard to win that one….

So many choices…

My bet? JCW will win. Vox is throwing his people behind Mr. Wright, and so is Jagi. So is Happy Frogs.

Has Jagi told Dragon Con she’d like to withdraw her nomination?

Best Military Science Fiction 
or Fantasy Novel

Starship Liberator is a Vox Day pick, and he has a small army, so I’m not surprised.

Wait, they misspelled Jon’s name in the list? Oy. It should be del Arroz.

Mark Wandrey and John Holmes are good people. Charles Gannon is friendly as all heck, and smart as a whip.

I think I’m going to vote for Jon. I wanted John Ringo’s Monster Hunter spin off to have been in this category. So, who knows who’ll actually win. Especially since Gannon has the Baen vote, but I know that Wandrey, Holmes, and Jon will all campaign.

Boy, am I glad I’m not going to be in this middle of this shootout.

Best Alternate History Novel

Oh gee. Flint and Turtledove have gotten nominations. Who ever could have imagined…

I did. Several times. That was the easy part.

Kai Wai Cheah was a Vox pick, so no surprise there. I’m actually surprised that more of his picks weren’t on the list.

LOU ANTONELLI GOT NOMINATED!!!!! LOU GOT NOMINATED!!!!!! YES!

Yes, Lou’s cool. His book was awesome. Read it. That’s my vote.

My bet? Turtledove and Flint will split the vote, leaving it as a fight between Lou and Vox’s pick. And Happy Frogs is backing Lou.

Best Apocalyptic Novel
Dan Humphreys got in. Good for him. He’s good people. I don’t know Akkad. I don’t know Heinz. I dislike Jemisin’s work as a rule. I know that Doctorow exists.  Oh, look, John Holmes again! Good for him.
Codename: UnSub. By me. Huh. Had you asked me to place money one what I’d be nominated for, this … would not be it.
On the one hand, we’re up against Doctorow, so Allan and I should be screwed. Then again, I don’t know if Doctorow will campaign. So who knows? Common sense says Doctorow, but if I had any, I’d be a plumber. It’s steady work.
Best Horror Novel
  • The Hidden People by Alison Littlewood
  • A God in the Shed by J-F Dubeau
  • Blood of Invidia by Tom Tinney and Morgen Batten
  • Donn’s Hill by Caryn Larrinaga
  • Nothing Left to Lose by Dan Wells
  • The Bleak December by Kevin G. Summers
  • The Changeling by Victor LaValle
  • Live and Let Bite by Declan Finn

Littlewood is a Vox pick. No surprise there, even though I don’t know her. Tom Tinney’s been a guest on the podcast a few times. Dubeau? Larrinaga? Summers, LaValle…. Yikes. Do I know these people? Answer, of course not, I don’t actually read horror.

Technically, I don’t even write horror, I write paranormal romance or Urban Fantasy, depending on who you ask. But the Dragons don’t have this pick.

Tom is up against Dan Wells.  Well, that’ll suck. I’ve heard of Wells, he’s supposed to be Catholic Stephen King, only he writes well. Tom’s win will depend on whether or not

…. Live and Let Bite.

I got two nominations? Huh. To my rabid fan base, thank you. Yes. Really. Thank you. I’m … wow. Well. That’s … wow.

Best Comic Book
  • Monstress by Marjorie Liu, Sana Takeda
  • Buffy The Vampire Slayer Season Eleven by Christos Gage, Rebekah Isaacs
  • Motor Girl by Terry Moore
  • Ms. Marvel by G. Willow Wilson, Takeshi Miyazawa
  • Saga by Brian K Vaughan, Fiona Staples
  • Wynonna Earp Legends by Beau Smith, Tim Rozon, Melanie Scrofano, Chris Evenhuis
  • The Dresden Files: Dog Men by Jim Butcher, Mark Powers, Diego Galindo

Okay. I know of Liu, I’ve heard she’s good. I know of Buffy, obviously. And I’ve heard of Brian K Vaughn….

Nevermind. Jim Butcher is nominated. We know who’s winning.

Best Graphic Novel
  • Clive Barker Nightbreed #3 by Marc Andreyko, Clive Barker, Emmanuel Xerx Javier
  • Girl Genius: the Second Journey of Agatha Heterodyne, Book 2: The City of Lightning by Phil and Kaja Foglio
  • Jim Butcher’s The Dresden Files: Wild Card by Jim Butcher, Carlos Gomez
  • Love is Love by Marc Andreyko, Sarah Gaydos, James S. Rich
  • March Book 3 by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin
  • My Favorite Thing is Monsters by Emil Ferris
  • Stuck in My Head by J.R. Mounts

Hey, I like Girl Genius. It’s a fun series and … Butcher is here, too. I guess it depends on which ones he wants. Assuming he’s not going to give all the comic awards away to his artists.

Best Science Fiction or Fantasy TV Series
  • Doctor Who, BBC
  • Lucifer, Fox
  • Marvel’s Agents of Shield, ABC
  • Stan Lee’s Lucky Man, Sky1
  • Stranger Things, Netflix
  • The Expanse, Syfy
  • Westworld, HBO
  • Wynonna Earp, Syfy

I’m generally apathetic about these picks.

Best Science Fiction or Fantasy Movie
  • Arrival directed by Denis Villeneuve
  • Doctor Strange directed by Scott Derrickson
  • Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 directed by James Gunn
  • Logan directed by James Mangold
  • Passengers directed by Morten Tyldum
  • Rogue One: A Star Wars Story directed by Gareth Edwards
  • Wonder Woman directed by Patty Jenkins

My pick was Doctor Strange: Because Cumbersmaug, Sorcerer Supreme. Guardians isn’t a surprise. Or Wonder Woman. Several people I know like Passengers. Logan was a Vox pick….

No bet on who wins this one.

Best Science Fiction or Fantasy PC / Console Game
  • Dishonored 2 by Arkane Studios
  • Final Fantasy XV by Square Enix
  • Mass Effect: Andromeda by Bioware
  • NieR: Automata by PlatinumGames
  • The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild by Nintendo
  • Titanfall 2 by Respawn Entertainment

Of these picks, Dishonored 2, Titanfall 2, Zelda, FF15 are not surprises. I guessed at least two would be there. But no Warhammer? Even Vox picked that one out.

My bet is between those three. I wouldn’t vote Bioware if you paid me.

Best Science Fiction or Fantasy Mobile Game
  • Con Man: The Game by Monkey Strength Productions
  • Fire Emblem Heroes by Nintendo
  • Monument Valley 2 by Ustwogames
  • Pokemon GO by Niantic
  • Sky Dancer by Pine Entertainment
  • Super Mario Run by Nintendo

Pokemon GO. No bet. We’re done. It was so addictive and so popular last year, it’s not even funny.

Best Science Fiction or Fantasy Board Game
  • Betrayal at House on the Hill: Widow’s Walk by Avalon Hill
  • Gloomhaven by Cephalofair Games
  • Hero Realms by White Wizard Games
  • Mansions of Madness (Second Edition) by Fantasy Flight Games
  • Scythe by Stonemaier Games
  • Terraforming Mars by Stronghold Games

Vox is behind Gloomhaven. So … bet on that? I don’t know. I haven’t played any. I may not vote for them.

Best Science Fiction or Fantasy Miniatures / Collectible Card / Role-Playing Game
  • A Shadow Across the Galaxy X-Wing Wave X by Fantasy Flight Games
  • Bloodborne: The Card Game by CMON Limited
  • Dark Souls: The Board Game by Steamforged Games
  • Magic the Gathering: Eldritch Moon by Wizards of the Coast
  • Pulp Cthulhu by Chaosium
  • Star Wars: Destiny by Fantasy Flight Games

Again, not my scene.

Once again, I’d like to thank all of you folks in the fan base for chipping in in the first place, and coming out to vote. If you look at my two nominations with thoughts of “If I vote for him twice, will that be a problem?” No. If I get both wins, I’ll give one to my co-author on UnSub. Assuming I get either.

If you don’t want to try reading every single book on the list, you can vote below.

Remember, you may register to receive a ballot until Sunday, August 28th at 11:59PM. You must be submit your ballot by Tuesday, August 29th, 11:59 EDT

But if you want to vote NOW, vote here.

320x320_Nominee_Click
Posted in Analysis, Commentary, Fantasy, Fiction, Gaming, Horror, News, Romance, Science Fiction | Tagged | 1 Comment

Podcast: Attack of the Silver Empire

Posted on July 30, 2017 by Declan Finn
The Catholic Geek: Attack of the Silver Empire 07/30 by We Built That Network | Books Podcasts://percolate.blogtalkradio.com/offsiteplayer?hostId=533877&episodeId=10161751

AT 7PM, EASTERN, Russell Newquist of Silver Empire publishing joins host Declan Finn, discussing the launch of his novel War Demons, his Lyonesse short fiction subscription service, the publishing industry and Superversive fiction.


 Russell is a high school dropout who somehow still graduated from the University of Alabama in Huntsville in 2000 with a BA in Philosophy. At one point he had to explain to a professor why he had to miss class to take the GED exam. Naturally, he began a career as a computer programmer. Later, he went on to earn a MS in Computer Science. Somewhere along the way he earned a black belt, and then added a few stripes to it and opened his own dojo. Because he never does anything the easy way, he started publishing company Silver Empire and has written some stories and even a novel or two. People seem to like them, so he’ll probably write some more. He lives in north Alabama with his wife Morgon, four kids and two dogs. They share a house that still manages to have more computing devices than living beings. 

 He attends a Roman Catholic church, continues to run his dojo, and works for a small software company.

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Bump In The Night Book Bundle

Posted on July 27, 2017 by Declan Finn

Some of the brightest luminaries of writing — including L. Jagi Lamplighter, Dean Wesley Smith, and Kevin J Anderson — unite to bring you an unprecedented deal on books.

As Kevin J. Anderson (author and publisher of Wordfire Press), has to say about the Bump In The Night book bundle:

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Marvel at #SDCC 2017: Captain Marvel, Thor, and Infinity War

Posted on July 26, 2017 by Declan Finn

This probably qualifies as being geeky enough for our readership: a quick look at some of what the Marvel Cinematic Universe had at San Diego Comic Con this year. This is “some,” in part, because they dropped an Infinity War trailer during SDCC … and not to the public. It was leaked and taken down in short order.

To start with, it seems to have been confirmed that the Punisher will be in The Defenders. Meaning there will be a four character I’ll care about (Stick, Daredevil, and possibly Luke Cage are the other three).

Though if the Punisher isn’t in Defenders, then they’ve got some explaining to do. (At the 60 second mark).

Continue reading →

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Music Blog: Vater Unser

Posted on July 25, 2017 by Declan Finn

This is a particular piece of music I was first exposed to from John Ringo, listed in the back of one of his novels as part of a musical playlist.

The funny thing is that it’s only the Our Father, in German.

For added benefit, all visuals are from the Kingdom Hearts video games.

Enjoy.

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Posted in Video Games | Tagged | 1 Comment

A Pius Man, Chapter 3: A Pious Visitor

Posted on July 25, 2017 by Declan Finn
Yup. Here we go again. I’ve done Chapter 1 and was chapter 2, and now we continue with your look at the new edition of chapter 3 for  A Pius Man: A Holy Thriller.

By now, you’re probably well aware my yanking this from the shelves when I signed with Silver Empire Publishing.

But right now, it’s back.

And if you’re new and have no idea what A Pius Man is … It ate up ten years of my life, and the best use I have ever gotten out of my Masters in History outside of writing biographies of older vampires.

But here you go, here’s the next chapter. When you’re hooked, order it. 

Today’s chapter introduces a man from down the street — or from across the Med, if you’ll pardon the expression. The Pope has got a tour planned to go to Egypt, and they need to coordinate security.

Enter, Hashim Abasi.

For the record, no, this will not have a critique of Pope Francis and his security measures — or lack thereof–for his trip to Egypt. Not intentionally. Remember, the first draft is from 2004. I hadn’t even heard of Pope Francis until he was elected Pope.

Anyway, there will be more to come on A Pius Man. You have been warned.

Continue reading →

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Life is Strange: Butterflies in the Vortex

Posted on July 3, 2017 by Andy

Life is Strange Max

“Do your powers include mind reading? Or did you just rewind because I tried to steal the cozy chair?”

Some of you might remember my Walking Dead review, where I talked quite glowingly about Telltale Games’ feels trip masquerading as interactive adventure with zombies. This time, I’m covering something that’s basically the same, sans zombies and plus the Pacific Northwest. Also, sort-of time travel. Is it as good as The Walking Dead? Is it, dare I say, better? Find out what Life is Strange has in store for you…

This review will be spoiler-free, containing no plot details beyond the basic premise that I mentioned above.

Continue reading →

Posted in Gaming, Mystery, Reviews, Science Fiction, Thriller, Video Games | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

TONIGHT, on the Catholic Geek: A Rambling Wreck, with Hans Schantz

Posted on June 25, 2017 by Declan Finn
The Catholic Geek: A Rambling Wreck, with Hans Schantz 06/25 by We Built That Network | Books Podcasts://percolate.blogtalkradio.com/offsiteplayer?hostId=533877&episodeId=10103181

Hans Schantz joins host Declan Finn to discuss Social Justice in Science, and how it relates to his books ‘The Hidden Truth’ and ‘A Rembling Wreck’ 

Dr. Hans G. Schantz is a physicist, an inventor, and a co-founder and CTO of Q-Track Corporation, a supplier of indoor location systems. He wrote the science fiction thriller, The Hidden Truth, a textbook, The Art and Science of Ultrawideband Antennas, and a short history on The Biographies of John Charles Fremont. Hans will be launching A Rambling Wreck, the sequel to The Hidden Truth, at LibertyCon next weekend. Hans lives in Huntsville, Alabama with his wife, and two sets of twins.

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Review: Lou Antonelli’s Another Girl, Another Planet

Posted on June 20, 2017 by Declan Finn
Let’s keep this one short:  Buy Lou Antonelli’s Another Girl, Another Planet.

Thanks.

No, that’s it, go out, buy this book.
You don’t like or read alternate history? Neither do I. Too bad, you’ll like it anyway. Really.
…. Sigh. Okay. Fine. Be that way.

Dave Shuster has been confronted over a photo taken by a Mars lander of a graveyard complete with crosses on Mars. Shuster was a low-level bureaucrat in the administration of a joint U.S. – Soviet Mars colony when he was caught up in a murder mystery involving the illegal use of robot technology.

In this timeline, the Cold War took a very different turn – largely influenced by Admiral Robert Heinlein, who was allowed to return to Naval service following World War II.ic
When Shuster is thrown into a power vacuum immediately upon his arrival on the Mars Colony in 1985, he finds himself fighting a rogue industrialist using his wits with some help from unlikely sources in a society infiltrated by the pervasive presence of realistic androids.


Yes, we’re going to do an alternate history with Blade Runner as a subplot.

Lou Antonelli has more than enough historical references to make any history nerd happy — which politicians rose to power, or fell sooner rather than later, what happened to some of the others. What would have happened if Isaac Asimov and Robert Heinlein never went into creative fields, but stayed creative in the “real world,” like MIT professor Asimov. And this shows a solid grasp of US local political history so deep, that I’ve got a master’s degree, and I read history for fun, and I”m certain I missed some references.

All of the historical changes and references are easy and casual. Nothing is forced in this book. Especially when they refer to music and SF authors who had different lives.

And this book is laugh out loud funny. There is, at minimum, a chuckle a page.  Up to and including Mormons …..INNNN  SSSPPPPAAACCCEEE.

I’m not sure if he wanted to deliberately make a reference to Andy Weir when our hero discusses Martian potatoes, but that helps. As does having a philosophical conversation with androids about theology without being preachy about it. Yay.

The writing is brilliant. Like with some Nero Wolfe novels, Antonelli gives you relevant parts of the plot before you even know what questions are being asked, and what mysteries are coming at you.

Another Girl, Another Planet is both a closed, self contained SF mystery, as well as the best sequel bait ever. It’s a murder mystery, a missing persons, alternate history, and ends on a fun and innovative hook for round two…

There will be a round two, right Lou?

Anyway, just buy Another Girl, Another Planet already, will ya?

Posted in Comedy, Commentary, Fiction, Reviews, Thriller | Tagged | 2 Comments

Catholic Dragon Award Suggestions

Posted on June 20, 2017 by Declan Finn
Since we have not mentioned this since February, It’s occurred to me that the first post was probably a little too cavalier in that Dragon Award post. We should spell out what the bleep is going on a little bit better.

To start with, Dragon Con is one of the biggest SFF conventions in the United States, if not on the face of the Earth. Held in Atlanta each year, Dragon Con hosts a minimum of 60,000 people each year — and we will probably never know how much they really host, lest they get in trouble with the fire marshal (I’m not even kidding).

And, of course, Dragon Con has created its own award — the Dragon Award, pictured left.

Aren’t they shiny?

Unlike a certain other set of awards that shall never be named, the Dragon Awards give out awards by genre. The Dragon Awards are also unique in that they do not go by calendar year, but from the start of July to the end of June.

I’ve done this list a few times already. Once was done over on the Superversive SF blog, using a list of Superversive books from last year that fit their standards. That was a bit of a problem with several of the books, since not all of them were SFF: Set to Kill was one of the books on the list, but not eligible — since it’s a murder mystery that takes place in Atlanta, at a place called WyvernCon, in the middle of a political war about Tearful or Hydrophobic Puppies versus Puppy Punters from traditional Big Publishing.

Obviously, Set to Kill has no similarities to real events.

Continue reading →

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A Pius Man, Chapter 2, A Pious Mercenary

Posted on June 19, 2017 by Declan Finn

Yup. Here we go again. Last week was chapter 1, and now we continue with your look at the new edition of chapter 2 for  A Pius Man: A Holy Thriller.

By now, you’re probably well aware my yanking this from the shelves when I signed with Silver Empire Publishing.

But right now, it’s back, and up for preorder, here, direct from the publisher, currently being sold with deep discounts. You can buy them cheap when you can. Because this deal will only last until July 1. So, hurry.

And if you’re new here, and have no idea what A Pius Man is … It ate up ten years of my life, and the best use I have ever gotten out of my Masters in History outside of writing biographies of older vampires.

But here you go, here’s the next chapter. When you’re hooked, order it. Or preorder it. Or something.

You’ll note this one is a little shorter than usual. Sorry about that. But a little Sean goes a long way.

Anyway, there will be more to come on A Pius Man. You have been warned.

Continue reading →

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Review of Jon del Arroz’s For Steam and Country

Posted on June 15, 2017 by Declan Finn
For Steam and Country, by Jon del Arroz… yeah.
This one is going to be a little strange.
But it’s steam punk. Aren’t they all?
Not to mention it’s in a field that might only have two other competitors — The Aeronaught’s Windlass, by Jim Butcher, and the web comic Agatha Heterodyne, Girl Genius.
This is, of course, if you don’t count early games of Final Fantasy.
I have just listed all of my credits in the field of steampunk. I generally find it a quirky little genre, but it takes a lot to get me into it.

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A Pius Man, Chapter 1: A Pious Cop

Posted on June 14, 2017 by Declan Finn
Yes, you’re reading this right. You’re about to get a look at the first, redone chapter of A Pius Man: A Holy Thriller. Imagine if every thriller that had “history” of the Catholic church were both well-written and historically accurate. Basically, a Catholic James Rollins.

As mentioned yesterday, I pulled this one from the shelves when I signed with Silver Empire Publishing.

And right now, it’s up for preorder, here, direct from the publisher, currently being sold with deep discounts. You can buy them cheap when you can.

And if you have no idea what A Pius Man is … wow, you have to be new here. It ate up ten years of my life, and the best use I have ever gotten out of my Masters in History…. okay, that, and writing the biographies of older vampires.

But here you go, here’s the first chapter. When you’re hooked, order it. Or preorder it. Or something.

Anyway, there will be more to come on A Pius Man in the coming days. You have been warned.

Continue reading →

Posted in Fiction, Historical, Mystery, Thriller, Writing | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment