Fantasy Books

Tim Waggoner's Nekropolis

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:33:46 +0100

For those of you enjoying a good book about zombies and perhaps a good mystery as well, here's a two-in-one treat! Tim Waggoner's Nekropolis is just that, a detective story, where the main protagonist is dead... well, undead. :-)

Meet Matt Richter. Private Eye. Zombie. His mean streets are the city of the dead, the shadowy realm known as Nekropolis. This place has always been ruled by the vampire lords. Now they're planning to destroy the city. Over his dead body. More pulp than Pulp Fiction, more butt-kicking than Buffy, Nekropolis is the first in a deathly new series.

If you want to get a free taste of the book, head on to the Realms & Galaxies blog, where Dave Brendon posted first three chapters of the book.

Nekropolis is going to be published by Angry Robot and is scheduled for release on June 29, 2010.

More free fantasy eBooks

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:55:08 +0100

Suvudu free library has some new fantasy titles available for free download! This time you will be able to read "The Best of Robert E. Howard, Volume 1: Crimson Shadows", "A Kiss of Shadows" by Laurell K. Hamilton and "Trading in Danger" by Elizabeth Moon. I'd like to focus your attention on the first of the three titles.

Even if there is a fantasy fan who don't recall who Robert E. Howard was I don't think that we'll be able to find one who would not know Conan the Barbarian. While Conan was indeed Howard's greatest accomplishment it would be a mistake to think that it's the only thing he has created. Much like Martin, Robert was a very versatile writer. Take a look at his "The Best Of", you won't regret it.

The Best of Robert E. Howard

Robert E. Howard is one of the most famous and influential pulp authors of the twentieth century. Though largely known as the man who invented the sword-and-sorcery genre�and for his iconic hero Conan the Cimmerian�Howard also wrote horror tales, desert adventures, detective yarns, epic poetry, and more. This spectacular volume, gorgeously illustrated by Jim and Ruth Keegan, includes some of his best and most popular works.

Inside, readers will discover (or rediscover) such gems as �The Shadow Kingdom,� featuring Kull of Atlantis and considered by many to be the first sword-and-sorcery story; �The Fightin�est Pair,� part of one of Howard�s most successful series, chronicling the travails of Steve Costigan, a merchant seaman with fists of steel and a head of wood; �The Grey God Passes,� a haunting tale about the passing of an age, told against the backdrop of Irish history and legend; �Worms of the Earth,� a brooding narrative featuring Bran Mak Morn, about which H. P. Lovecraft said, �Few readers will ever forget the hideous and compelling power of [this] macabre masterpiece�; a historical poem relating a momentous battle between Cimbri and the legions of Rome; and �Sharp�s Gun Serenade,� one of the last and funniest of the Breckinridge Elkins tales.

These thrilling, eerie, compelling, swashbuckling stories and poems have been restored to their original form, presented just as the author intended. There is little doubt that after more than seven decades the voice of Robert E. Howard continues to resonate with readers around the world.

You can download "The Best of Robert E. Howard" for free from Suvudu free library.

Eragon review

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:37:52 +0100

Kevin Gerard, the author of Conor and the Crossworlds, a fantasy series for young adults, from time to time makes a guest appearance on Fantasy Fan. His first article here was about becoming a sci-fi / fantasy writer. Today he's bringing the review of Eragon by Christopher Paolini.

Eragon Review

Upon hearing about this book and its generalized plot, I honestly thought it would be another Lord of the Rings knockoff. After all, there was an evil wizard, elves, urgals (re: trolls) and a dragon. Oh yes, and a boy to tie all of the corners together.

Prince of Persia Movie Trailer

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:07:54 +0100

This is not exactly elves-and-dragons, but it's definitely fantasy. Prince of Persia, the title that was associated with a great series of video games is coming to the big screen and it's coming with a bang! Just take a look at the trailer, it will knock your socks off! :-)

Set in medieval Persia, the story of an adventurous prince who teams up with a rival princess to stop an angry ruler from unleashing a sandstorm that could destroy the world. Which is why after the prince was tricked by a dying Vizier to unleash the Sands of Time that turns out to destroy a kingdom and transforms its populace into ferocious demons. In his effort to save his own kingdom and redeem his fatal mistake, it's up to the prince and the princess to return the sands to the hourglass by using the Dagger of Time, which also gives him a limited control over the flow of time.

Full title of the movie is "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time". You can find out more about it by visiting it's IMDB page.

Laodamia giveaway

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:35:33 +0100

To celebrate three thousand fans of fantasy on our Facebook page we're announcing another giveaway! This time it's a bit different, because we're giving away an ebook. Maia Jacomus, the author of fantasy novel "Laodamia" has kindly provided Fantasy Fan with 5 copies of her debut.

The rules of a giveaway are simple, all you need to do is send email to giveaway [at] fantasy-fan.org with the subject "Laodamia". Remember to replace [at] with @ sign. This time shipping address will not be required. :-) We will announce the winner on Monday, November 16th.

Take a look at synopsis of Laodamia:
Kayin's hometown of Shantiglen is destroyed when the king of a mage realm receives a prophecy-and grossly misinterprets it. Ten years later, Kayin is the only remaining citizen, determined to have the town restored to its former glory, despite the impending return of the mage-king's army. Her hope for a future is assured by the arrival of the Cavalry, former citizens of Shantiglen who share the goal of defending the land against the mage-king. Kayin combines her prophetic abilities to the Cavalry's battle tactics to prepare for the mage-king's return, discovering along the way the truth of friend, foe, and fate.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince DVD release date

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:02:16 +0100

It seems like only last week "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" was looking on the rest of movies from the top of box office. Sixth movie about a young wizard earned just over $300,000,000 in US alone and more than twice as much abroad making it second most successful movie in HP saga (first being Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone).

DVD with the movie is almost ready. It will be available first in Australia (November 18th), then in United Kingdom (December 7th) and finally in United States (December 8th). You can preorder it on Amazon.com: Blu-Ray | Two-Disc Special Edition | Single-Disc Edition

GRRM Dublin signing

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 02:05:57 +0100

I just wanted to let you know that Dublin signing was a blast. There was a lot of people, great many books were bought and photos were taken. For over three hours Eason was overrun by Song of Ice and Fire fans. I bought there my copy of Songs of the Dying Earth and George received a copy of Last Wish, a gift from Fantasy Fan members.

After the signing we went not to Oval like it was originally planned (yay for double booking Oval!) but to a nearby hotel, where we sat with GRRM and talked, talked, talked. It was an amazing experience, which I will describe in more detail later. Tonight I will only say, thanks for coming George!

Anne Bishop: The Black Jewels Trilogy

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:59:46 +0100

Anne Bishop's critically-acclaimed Black Jewels Trilogy is the saga of a young but still-innocent Queen more powerful than even the High Lord of Hell-and the three sworn enemies determined to win her and gain a prize that could be terrible beyond imagining... The review of The Black Jewels Trilogy was kindly provided by Akinoru, who's fantasy blog can be found here.

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Usually, I do not like long fantasy series. It is a big task to read all 10 or 15 books of a series just to be able to enjoy the newest volume. Moreover, authors tend to repeat themselves because they lack new ideas, or � worse � they lack the necessary details and character development to make the plot credible.

Eragon's Guide to Alagaesia released

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:02:45 +0100

All Eragon fans anxiously waiting for the fourth book of the Inheritance series will be happy to know that they can focus attention for a moment on something else. Eragon's Guide to Alagaesia released, a guide written by Eragon himself (with a little help of Christopher Paolini and folks at Random House!) was released today. The book contains 15 spreads full of spectacular artwork of elves, dwarves, Urgals, humans, and dragons as well as lots of interesting information about the world of Alaga�sia. You can buy the book here.

Here is the book description:
From the creators of the bestselling books Dragonology, Egyptology, Piratelogy, and others, this is a never-before-seen glimpse into the world of Christopher Paolini�s Inheritance cycle. Alaga�sia comes alive in a lush and detailed look at an unforgettable magical land. From elves, dwarves, Urgals, humans, and dragons, to the natural landscape and the magic it contains, Eragon himself offers the reader an unsurpassed tour. This oversized, full-color book provides 15 spreads chock full of spectacular artwork, engaging novelty elements, and fascinating insights into Eragon�s home. With gorgeous jewels adorning the cover and pages filled with envelopes, gatefolds, samples of dragon skin, and more, Eragon�s Guide to Alaga�sia is sure to appeal to the legions of fans of Christopher Paolini�s bestselling Inheritance cycle.

Changes release date

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:38:01 +0100

Before you ask: no one is changing the release date. It's Jim Butcher's new book in New York Times bestselling Dresden Files series that I want to share the release date with you. "Changes" (that's the title of the book) will be released in US on April 6, 2010. You can preorder it today on Amazon.com.

Here's the book blurb:
Long ago, Susan Rodriguez was Harry Dresden's lover-until she was attacked by his enemies, leaving her torn between her own humanity and the bloodlust of the vampiric Red Court. Susan then disappeared to South America, where she could fight both her savage gift and those who cursed her with it.

Now Arianna Ortega, Duchess of the Red Court, has discovered a secret Susan has long kept, and she plans to use it-against Harry. To prevail this time, he may have no choice but to embrace the raging fury of his own untapped dark power. Because Harry's not fighting to save the world...

He's fighting to save his child.